AIR BAGS:FRONTAL
2011 Ford Taurus
Recalls, owner-reported complaints, investigations and safety data
Data refreshed
Overview
Our database contains 187 NHTSA owner-reported complaints for the 2011 Ford Taurus, most frequently naming the electrical, engine and steering categories. 4 safety recalls have been issued covering this model year; and 49 manufacturer communications are on file.
Complaints are reports submitted by owners and drivers to NHTSA. They are not verified and do not establish that a defect exists.
Complaint activity over time
When owners filed reports about this model year
View as table
| Month | Complaints filed | Cumulative |
|---|---|---|
| Jan 2017 | 1 | 101 |
| Feb 2017 | 3 | 104 |
| Mar 2017 | 1 | 105 |
| Apr 2017 | 4 | 109 |
| Aug 2017 | 1 | 110 |
| Sep 2017 | 1 | 111 |
| Oct 2017 | 1 | 112 |
| Nov 2017 | 1 | 113 |
| Feb 2018 | 1 | 114 |
| Mar 2018 | 1 | 115 |
| Apr 2018 | 2 | 117 |
| May 2018 | 2 | 119 |
| Jun 2018 | 2 | 121 |
| Jul 2018 | 2 | 123 |
| Aug 2018 | 1 | 124 |
| Sep 2018 | 1 | 125 |
| Oct 2018 | 1 | 126 |
| Nov 2018 | 3 | 129 |
| Dec 2018 | 1 | 130 |
| Jan 2019 | 1 | 131 |
| Apr 2019 | 2 | 133 |
| Nov 2019 | 1 | 134 |
| Dec 2019 | 1 | 135 |
| Jan 2020 | 1 | 136 |
| Feb 2020 | 2 | 138 |
| Jun 2020 | 1 | 139 |
| Aug 2020 | 1 | 140 |
| Oct 2020 | 1 | 141 |
| Nov 2020 | 1 | 142 |
| Dec 2020 | 1 | 143 |
| Jan 2021 | 3 | 146 |
| Apr 2021 | 1 | 147 |
| Jul 2021 | 1 | 148 |
| Aug 2021 | 1 | 149 |
| Sep 2021 | 1 | 150 |
| Oct 2021 | 1 | 151 |
| Dec 2021 | 1 | 152 |
| Feb 2022 | 1 | 153 |
| Mar 2022 | 2 | 155 |
| Sep 2022 | 1 | 156 |
| Oct 2022 | 1 | 157 |
| Nov 2022 | 1 | 158 |
| Feb 2023 | 1 | 159 |
| Mar 2023 | 2 | 161 |
| May 2023 | 3 | 164 |
| Oct 2023 | 1 | 165 |
| Nov 2023 | 1 | 166 |
| Dec 2023 | 1 | 167 |
| Jan 2024 | 2 | 169 |
| Mar 2024 | 1 | 170 |
| Jul 2024 | 1 | 171 |
| Sep 2024 | 1 | 172 |
| Jan 2025 | 1 | 173 |
| Mar 2025 | 1 | 174 |
| May 2025 | 3 | 177 |
| Jun 2025 | 2 | 179 |
| Jul 2025 | 1 | 180 |
| Sep 2025 | 5 | 185 |
| Oct 2025 | 1 | 186 |
| Dec 2025 | 1 | 187 |
What owners report
Complaints grouped by the component NHTSA recorded
- Electrical4720.4%
- Engine4720.4%
- Steering2510.9%
- Driver assistance198.3%
- Powertrain (other)167.0%
- Exterior lighting146.1%
- Brakes135.7%
- Body & structure125.2%
Percentages are of component mentions. A single complaint can name more than one component, so these do not sum to the total complaint count.
Safety recalls
4 campaigns cover this model year
Recalls apply to specific vehicles, not to every vehicle of a model year. Check your VIN with NHTSA or your manufacturer's dealer to confirm whether a recall affects your vehicle.
Check a VIN on NHTSA.govSTEERING:ELECTRIC POWER ASSIST SYSTEM
STRUCTURE:BODY:DOOR
Recent owner complaints
Reports submitted to NHTSA, shown in the owner's own words
I hit a dirt embankment the seatbelts did not lock and I ended up smashing my head off of my steering wheel and my passenger ended up smashing their head off of my dashboard.
- NHTSA ID
- 11704995
- Incident
- Dec 3, 2025
The rear view backup camera visual is located in my rearview mirror it is just a blue screen whenever I put the car in reverse it just one day stopped working I've been waiting for it to be on the recall list and for some reason this year a 2011 is not on the recall list but it should be
- NHTSA ID
- 11695639
- Incident
- Jan 3, 2025
Last June I noticed the car constantly shaking. Took it to Goodyear plaza tire in Alexandria mn and they said they didn't find anything wrong and it's normal to have tires feel like they are shaking while driving. The tires are 255/45R19 Then in July of 2025, I wanted a tire rotation and wheels balanced. The mechanic says they can't because the tread is almost gone and I'd have 5000 left before I could get new tires. About 2000 miles later I noticed the tread separating from the wires on 3 of the 4 tires. They have been kept properly inflated and rotated every 5000 to 6000 miles. Usually every other oil change. Again I was told it's normal since the tires mostly last 30,000 miles and is rated for 40,000. I don't think it's right.
- NHTSA ID
- 11689907
- Incident
- Jun 25, 2024
Driving on access rd. Car stalled in middle of traffic. Glad I was not driving on highway. Lucky several drivers helped push car into a gas station. Saw water leak under car. There were no codes or indicators of over heating. Let car cool off. Noticed water in coolant reservoir. still was able to add 1 gal and half of water. Car turned on, drove it home which is about 3 miles. Water leak near the oil pan and block. After a long cooling period, noticed 3 hairline cracks on the bottom part of block. Cracked block Checked oil and noticed the oil was real thin and milky. Signs of water pump failure. Car is sitting on driveway. Only option is to replace the 156k miles engine. Cost is very expensive. Don't have money to fix. There should be a recall for this issue. Very dangerous.
- NHTSA ID
- 11688951
- Incident
- Sep 1, 2025
2011 Ford Taurus Limited 37'000 miles Original owner Like New Condition. Engine and all systems working perfectly no check engine or other lights showing. I was driving on city street about 25mph and with no warning engine and dash all shut down I had no crank and no dash lights at all. while I waited for tow truck dash lights did come on and anti theft light was flashing very fast. If I had been driving on Interstate 80 I may have been killed with all the Semi's that are always there. This happened August 7th 2025 It has been at the FORD dealership by my house for 25 work days and all they have done is checked the computer and said no power so replaced comp with rebuilt one and still no power so that is where I'm at. If you have seen this before please tell me ,they have no clue THANKS
- NHTSA ID
- 11687134
- Incident
- Aug 7, 2025
The inside rear view mirror camera only works on occasion.
- NHTSA ID
- 11686333
- Incident
- Jul 15, 2025
The water pump failed on my Taurus, leaking coolant my into the engine, causing irrepairable damage
- NHTSA ID
- 11685997
- Incident
- Sep 8, 2025
The contact owns a 2011 Ford Taurus. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the electronic power steering was not functioning properly, requiring an increased effort to maneuver the vehicle. No warning lights were illuminated. The vehicle was not taken to the dealer or an independent mechanic. The vehicle was not repaired. After investigating the failure, the contact related the failure to NHTSA Campaign Number: 15V340000 (Steering), but the VIN was not included. The manufacturer was notified of the failure, a case was opened, and the contact was referred to the NHTSA Hotline for assistance. The failure mileage was 199,000.
- NHTSA ID
- 11675109
- Incident
- Jul 21, 2025
- Mileage
- 199,000 mi
Manufacturer communications
A bulletin sent by a manufacturer to its dealers. Not a recall, and repairs are not necessarily free.
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM; STRUCTURE:BODY
Ford and Lincoln vehicles equipped with wired keyless entry keypad systems and accessory wireless keyless entry keypad systems may or may not come with a wallet card containing the master code. Unlike the integrated wired keypad, the accessory wireless keypad master code cannot be retrieved from the vehicle using a diagnostic scan tool or from the label printed on the body control module (BCM). The Factory Keyless Entry Code application within the diagnostic scan tool will not provide an applicable master code for the accessory wireless keypad. If the wallet card for an accessory keypad is not available, the "Wireless RF Keypad Diagnosis Guide" can be referenced and provides direction on how to retrieve the master code. This guide is located under the Workshop Manual tab > Accessories > Installation > Wireless RF Keypad Diagnosis Guide > PPT C > Step C2.<br /><br /> Note: The only available keypad for some vehicles from the assembly plant is the accessory wireless keyless entry keypad. The integrated wired keypad cannot be installed on vehicles not equipped from the factory with a wired keyless entry k
EQUIPMENT
All accessory stick-on keyless entry keypads come with a wallet card containing the master code. If the accessory keypad was factory installed, this card will be placed in the glove box and should be handed to the vehicles owner during initial delivery. Unlike the integrated (wired) factory keypad, the accessory keypad master code cannot be retrieved from the vehicle using a diagnostic scan tool. If the wallet card for an accessory keypad is lost, follow these steps to recover the code. Dealer Key Code access is granted through the Dealer Program Enrollment System (DPES); dealership management can authorize users. The authorized user must go to FMCDealer.com > Parts and Service > Parts Product Line Information > Keys/Entry Devices > Aftermarket Keyless Entry Keypad Code Access. Follow the instructions on the screen to obtain the master code for the accessory keypad.
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING
Some 2009-2020 Ford and Lincoln vehicles equipped with turbochargers may exhibit an oil leak from the turbocharger oil supply or return tubes, O-rings or 6.7L pedestal gasket. Although oil may collect on the turbocharger, it is very rare for a turbocharger to leak oil. To isolate the source of the leak, refer to Workshop Manual (WSM), Section 303-00 General Information > Diagnosis and Testing > Engine > Engine Oil Leaks - Fluorescent Oil Additive Method procedure. When an oil leak is present at a turbocharger oil supply or drain tube, remove the affected oil tube and inspect for damage, and replace the O-ring seals, pedestal gasket or oil tube as required. Refer to WSM, Section 303-04. For claiming, use the affected oil tube or pedestal gasket as the causal part and applicable labor operations in Sections 6 and 9 of the Service Labor Time Standards (SLTS) Manual.
VISIBILITY; VISIBILITY:GLASS, SIDE/REAR
Some 2010-2020 vehicles may exhibit distorted glass with a subtle orange peel pattern or streaking etched into the surface. This is caused by hydrofluoric acid which is used in some car wash solutions as a cleaning agent. Hydrofluoric acid can attack the glass and cause visual distortion and/or discoloration on the outer surface which cannot be removed by further cleaning. If this type of distortion is found, inspect the area of the glass that is covered by the cowl and/or molding. The portion of glass that is covered by the cowl or molding will not be affected by the acid. Hydrofluoric acid damage is not a defect in material or workmanship and is not a warrantable condition.
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM; EQUIPMENT:APPLIANCE:AIR CONDITIONER
Some 2009-2017 Expedition/Navigator, 2009-2014 F-150/Mustang, 2008-2009 Sable, 2008-2019 Taurus/Flex/MKT, 2013-2019 Police Interceptor Sedan/Utility, and 2011-2019 Explorer vehicles may exhibit inoperative or intermittent HVAC blower motor function at various fan speed settings. This may be due to a poor electrical connection at the blower motor speed control. If the blower motor speed control is determined to be the causal part, replacement of the electrical connector pigtail harness (14S411) to the blower motor speed control is also recommended to avoid repeat repairs. Use pigtail harness service part numbers 3U2Z-14S411-ZEA or CU2Z-14S411-FA, as both parts are interchangeable. Refer to Wiring Diagram, Cell 5 for recommended splicing procedures.
POWER TRAIN
On vehicles equipped with an automatic transmission it is imperative that the converter pilot hub be greased with Motorcraft Multi-Purpose Grease Spray XL-5-A even if grease was not applied from the factory. Also verify that the engine/transmission alignment dowel pins are present as well as the engine crankshaft dowel pin, if equipped, when installing the transmission. Failure to adequately lubricate the converter hub greatly increases the likelihood of the flexplate cracking in the future. Missing dowels may cause a misalignment issue also resulting in a premature failure. Refer to Workshop Manual (WSM), Section 307-01.
Manufacturers file copies of the bulletins they send to dealers with NHTSA. These often describe diagnostic or repair procedures for a known condition. They are not recalls: repairs described in a bulletin are usually only free if the vehicle is still under warranty or the manufacturer has extended coverage.
Compare model years
Complaint and recall counts across every year of this model
| Year | Complaints | Recalls | Investigations | Issue Index |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2019 | 12 | 2 | 0 | 59.5 |
| 2018 | 46 | 4 | 0 | 63.7 |
| 2017 | 44 | 4 | 0 | 58.8 |
| 2016 | 79 | 4 | 0 | 62.6 |
| 2015 | 262 | 6 | 0 | 62.6 |
| 2014 | 228 | 5 | 0 | 53.9 |
| 2013 | 581 | 9 | 0 | 53.4 |
| 2012 | 78 | 5 | 0 | 46.8 |
| 2011Viewing | 187 | 4 | 0 | 55.4 |
| 2010 | 204 | 3 | 0 | 53.0 |
| 2009 | 64 | 0 | 0 | 41.4 |
| 2008 | 175 | 1 | 1 | 50.1 |
| 2007 | 149 | 1 | 1 | 42.6 |
| 2006 | 318 | 3 | 1 | 53.4 |
| 2005 | 774 | 1 | 2 | 48.1 |
| 2004 | 375 | 2 | 2 | 58.0 |
| 2003 | 1,223 | 4 | 4 | 57.0 |
| 2002 | 1,426 | 4 | 4 | 60.8 |
| 2001 | 1,037 | 10 | 8 | 65.9 |
| 2000 | 1,195 | 8 | 9 | 64.6 |
| 1999 | 874 | 7 | 2 | 59.8 |
| 1998 | 545 | 4 | 0 | 55.2 |
| 1997 | 770 | 5 | 0 | 53.9 |
| 1996 | 825 | 8 | 0 | 53.7 |
| 1995 | 1,205 | 6 | 4 | 62.3 |
| 1994 | 923 | 5 | 4 | 61.2 |
| 1993 | 1,557 | 8 | 13 | 61.8 |
| 1992 | 681 | 6 | 14 | 64.9 |
| 1991 | 649 | 5 | 14 | 63.5 |
| 1990 | 381 | 8 | 15 | 66.2 |
| 1989 | 562 | 7 | 17 | 67.9 |
| 1988 | 333 | 6 | 23 | 67.9 |
| 1987 | 255 | 9 | 26 | 70.1 |
| 1986 | 101 | 9 | 22 | 61.1 |
| 1985 | 2 | 0 | 1 | — |
| 1984 | 4 | 0 | 0 | — |
| 1983 | 1 | 0 | 0 | — |
| 1981 | 2 | 0 | 1 | — |
| 1977 | 2 | 0 | 0 | — |
Higher-selling and older vehicles accumulate more reports. Counts are not failure rates and are not directly comparable between vehicles that sold in very different numbers. Older model years have had longer for reports to accumulate.