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.
What the fix does
Dealers will inspect and replace the rearview camera at no cost.
This page covers 4 recalls, 43 owner complaints, NHTSA crash-test ratings and EPA fuel economy for the 2018 Ford Taurus.
19–21 mpg combined
11.2–12.4 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 3 tested variants for this model year.
5/5 Overall
NHTSA 5-Star Safety Rating
The 2018 Ford Taurus complaint set is led by back-over prevention issues, where owners most commonly describe the rearview camera failing to display a clear or usable image while reversing. Some owners also report the vehicle rolling backward on inclines without the electronic parking brake engaged, which they note requires manually activating the parking brake each time. Suspension complaints make up the second-largest named category, though the representative narratives don't detail specific symptoms beyond general concerns. A smaller cluster of structure complaints centers on interior trim, particularly B-pillar trim panels that owners report becoming loose or detaching from the vehicle entirely.
43
Total Complaints
3
Crash-Related
1
Fire-Related
2
With Injuries
By System
The 2018 Ford Taurus has 4 recalls, the most serious involving rear suspension toe links on Police Interceptor and SHO Performance Pack models that can fracture and cause a sudden, unpredictable shift in how the vehicle handles, raising the risk of a crash.
The ignition system also carries a safety concern: on models with a mechanical key, the key can be pulled from the ignition while the transmission is still in Drive or Reverse. If that happens without the parking brake set, the vehicle can roll away unattended. On the visibility side, the rearview camera can display a distorted, flickering, or completely blank image when backing up, leaving the driver without a reliable view of what is behind the vehicle. There is also a structural issue: the B-pillar door trim on the driver and front passenger sides can detach while the vehicle is moving and land in the road, creating a hazard for other drivers.
At a glance
What can fail
The rearview camera may show a distorted, intermittent, or blank image when you put the vehicle in reverse.
What the fix does
Dealers will inspect and replace the rearview camera at no cost.
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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 →
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 ignition key can be removed even when the transmission is not in PARK, which creates a theft risk and violates federal safety standards.
What the fix does
Dealers will replace the shifter assembly at no cost to restore proper key removal safety.
Summarized — see the official notice for exact wording, dates, and contacts.