NHTSA (USA)Medium Risk
At a glance
What can fail
The rearview camera may show a distorted, intermittent, or blank image when you put the vehicle in reverse.
This page covers 5 recalls, 74 owner complaints, NHTSA crash-test ratings and EPA fuel economy for the 2016 Ford Taurus.
19–23 mpg combined
10.2–12.4 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
For the 2016 Ford Taurus, the dominant complaint pattern centers on the backup camera. Owners frequently report the rear camera failing to display a usable image while reversing, the screen goes black, shows a distorted picture, or flips the image upside down, and the problem often comes and goes intermittently. This is by far the most-reported issue across this model year, accounting for a large share of total complaints. Engine and steering each draw a smaller but roughly equal share of reports, though neither cluster is large enough to point to a single clear symptom pattern. A handful of suspension complaints mention rear toe link hardware separating, with at least one owner attributing it to corrosion, though that appears to be an isolated report rather than a widespread pattern.
74
Total Complaints
4
Crash-Related
1
Fire-Related
3
With Injuries
By System
The 2016 Ford Taurus has 5 recalls, the most serious being a fire risk from leaking engine oil and a rear suspension toe link that can fracture and cause sudden loss of vehicle control. These recalls only affect specific configurations: the suspension issue applies to Police Interceptor and SHO Performance Pack trims, and the fire risk applies to vehicles equipped with the 3.5L turbocharged engine. On the suspension side, a fractured toe link changes how the rear wheels are angled relative to the road without warning, leaving the driver with unpredictable handling. On the engine side, a turbocharger oil supply tube can leak onto hot engine components, and if the oil contacts an ignition source, the result is an engine fire.
The remaining concerns are less severe but still worth knowing about. The rearview camera can display a distorted, flickering, or completely blank image when the vehicle is in reverse, cutting off the driver's view of what is directly behind the car. There is also a structural issue: the door trim panels on the B-pillars, the vertical posts between the front and rear doors, can detach while driving and fall into the road, creating a hazard for other vehicles.
At a glance
What can fail
The rearview camera may show a distorted, intermittent, or blank image when you put the vehicle in reverse.
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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 →
What the fix does
Dealers will inspect and replace the rearview camera at no cost.
Summarized — see the official notice for exact wording, dates, and contacts.
At a glance
What can fail
The door trim panel on the B-pillar (the vertical support between front and rear doors) may detach from the vehicle while driving.
What the fix does
Dealers will repair or replace the B-pillar trim panel at no cost to you.
Summarized — see the official notice for exact wording, dates, and contacts.
At a glance
What can fail
The rear suspension toe links can crack under stress, potentially affecting rear suspension function.
What the fix does
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
The turbocharger oil supply tubes may be improperly brazed, causing them to leak oil onto engine components.
What the fix does
Dealers will inspect the turbocharger oil supply tubes and replace them if necessary, at no cost to you.
Summarized — see the official notice for exact wording, dates, and contacts.
At a glance
What can fail
The turbocharger oil supply tube may be improperly brazed, allowing engine oil to leak onto hot surfaces and potentially cause a fire.
What the fix does
Dealers will inspect the oil supply lines and replace them if needed.
Summarized — see the official notice for exact wording, dates, and contacts.
