NHTSA (USA)High Risk
At a glance
What can fail
The driver's front air bag may inflate too forcefully during the second stage of deployment in a high-speed crash, potentially causing injury.
What the fix does
This page covers 4 recalls, 187 owner complaints, NHTSA crash-test ratings and EPA fuel economy for the 2011 Ford Taurus.
20–22 mpg combined
10.7–11.8 L/100km
Large Cars
Fuel economy data from fueleconomy.gov (EPA / U.S. Dept. of Energy). Annual cost based on 15,000 mi/yr at 55% city driving and current fuel prices. MPG is U.S. gallons; L/100km converted. Ranges reflect the 4 tested variants for this model year.
4/5 Overall
NHTSA 5-Star Safety Rating
For the 2011 Ford Taurus, electrical system complaints make up the largest share of what owners report, followed closely by engine issues. On the electrical side, owners frequently describe sudden, complete power loss while driving, dash lights going dark, the engine shutting off without warning, and sometimes a rapid-flashing security light afterward. A few owners note the system intermittently recovers on its own. Engine complaints center on stalling, often in traffic, sometimes accompanied by coolant loss and overheating with no warning lights or fault codes preceding the event. Steering complaints form the third notable cluster, though the specifics in this complaint set are less detailed. The electrical shutdown pattern is the most consistent thread across multiple reports, with owners describing the car going fully dead mid-drive before occasionally restoring power on its own.
187
Total Complaints
14
Crash-Related
2
Fire-Related
10
With Injuries
By System
The 2011 Ford Taurus has 4 recalls, the most serious being exterior lighting corrosion that can cause a short circuit and start a fire.
The lighting recall affects vehicles registered in certain northern and midwestern states where road salt accelerates corrosion. On the occupant safety side, the front airbag can inflate improperly during the second stage of deployment in a high-speed crash, which raises the injury risk at the moment the bag is supposed to protect the driver. The interior door handle return spring can unseat and leave the handle partially extended rather than returning to its stowed position; in a side impact, this can cause the door to unlatch and open during the collision. The electric power steering system can lose its assist function without warning, requiring noticeably more physical effort to steer, particularly at low speeds or during parking maneuvers where steering loads are highest, and that sudden change in steering feel raises the risk of losing control. The power steering recall applies only to vehicles equipped with the 3.5L turbocharged engine.
At a glance
What can fail
The driver's front air bag may inflate too forcefully during the second stage of deployment in a high-speed crash, potentially causing injury.
What the fix does
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Ratings from NHTSA's New Car Assessment Program (NCAP). Based on 2 tested variants; worst-case ratings shown.
Complaints are owner-reported and reflect individual experiences, not confirmed defects. They are distinct from recalls. Data sourced from the national vehicle safety complaint database. See trending complaints →
Dealers will inspect and replace the driver's front air bag module as needed at no cost.
Summarized — see the official notice for exact wording, dates, and contacts.
At a glance
What can fail
The electric power steering assist system may shut down due to a steering motor sensor fault, potentially eliminating power steering.
What the fix does
Dealers will check the steering control module for fault codes. If found, the steering gear is replaced. If none are found, the steering control module software is updated.
Summarized — see the official notice for exact wording, dates, and contacts.
At a glance
What can fail
The spring inside the interior door handle may come loose, causing the handle to not snap back to its resting position after you pull it.
What the fix does
Dealers will inspect all four door handles and repair or replace them as needed at no cost to you.
Summarized — see the official notice for exact wording, dates, and contacts.
At a glance
What can fail
Water enters the license plate lamp assembly, causing corrosion and electrical failure in road-salt areas.
What the fix does
Dealers will replace the license plate lamp assembly at no cost.
Summarized — see the official notice for exact wording, dates, and contacts.