NHTSA (USA)Critical
At a glance
What can fail
The rear suspension toe links can crack under stress, potentially affecting rear suspension function.
What the fix does
This page covers 8 recalls, 578 owner complaints, NHTSA crash-test ratings and EPA fuel economy for the 2013 Ford Taurus.
20–25 mpg combined
9.4–11.8 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.
5/5 Overall
NHTSA 5-Star Safety Rating
Steering is the standout concern owners report for the 2013 Ford Taurus, accounting for nearly half of all complaints filed. The most common description is sudden, significant loss of power steering while driving, with the wheel becoming very heavy and requiring substantial effort to turn. Warning lights and dashboard messages often accompany the failure. The fuel and propulsion system draws the second-largest share of complaints, with owners describing issues such as difficulty starting or a no-start condition, hesitation under acceleration, and evaporative emission system faults that trigger warning lights. Engine complaints, while less frequent, follow a similar pattern of hesitation and performance loss. The power steering failure stands out because owners consistently report it occurring during normal driving with little or no warning.
578
Total Complaints
20
Crash-Related
6
Fire-Related
17
With Injuries
By System
The 2013 Ford Taurus has 8 recalls, the most serious being a combination of fire and crash risks: rear suspension toe links can fracture and cause sudden loss of vehicle control, and multiple fuel system defects can allow fuel to leak near ignition sources.
The fuel concerns come from three separate issues: the fuel delivery module can crack and leak fuel, the fuel pump's power module can overheat and cut power to the pump causing the engine to stall, and on some vehicles the fuel tank seam may not hold up in an impact and can also leak. There is also a corrosion issue affecting the exterior lighting on vehicles registered in certain northern and mid-Atlantic states, where corroded wiring can short circuit and start a fire. On the mechanical side, the electric power steering system can lose its assist, requiring significantly more effort to steer at low speeds. The interior door handles on some vehicles have a return spring that can unseat, leaving the handle partially extended and allowing the door to unlatch in a side impact crash. Note that some recalls only affect vehicles equipped with the SHO Performance Pack or Police Interceptor package, or the 3.5L EcoBoost engine.
At a glance
What can fail
The rear suspension toe links can crack under stress, potentially affecting rear suspension function.
What the fix does
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Driver Assistance
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 replace the rear suspension toe links at no cost to you.
Summarized — see the official notice for exact wording, dates, and contacts.
At a glance
What can fail
A component in the fuel pump's electrical module may overheat, cutting power to the fuel pump.
What the fix does
Dealers will inspect and replace the fuel pump electrical module at no cost.
Summarized — see the official notice for exact wording, dates, and contacts.
At a glance
What can fail
The fuel delivery module can crack, which may cause fuel to leak from the fuel system.
What the fix does
Dealers will replace the fuel delivery module at no cost to you.
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.
At a glance
What can fail
The fuel delivery module can crack, allowing fuel to leak. If fuel leaks near an ignition source, it could catch fire.
What the fix does
The fuel delivery module will be replaced.
Summarized — see the official notice for exact wording, dates, and contacts.
At a glance
What can fail
The fuel tank seam may not be properly sealed, reducing tank strength in a crash and potentially causing leaks.
What the fix does
Dealers will inspect your fuel tank and replace it if needed, at no cost to you.
Summarized — see the official notice for exact wording, dates, and contacts.
