RoadVitals

2012 Ford Taurus Problems

Owner-reported complaints filed with NHTSA, grouped by component

Data refreshed

Owner complaintsComplaints are reports submitted to NHTSA by owners and drivers. NHTSA does not verify most reports before publishing them, and a complaint does not establish that a defect exists. Volume is influenced by how many of a vehicle were sold, how long it has been on the road, and how much attention an issue has received.
78
Latest Apr 19, 2025
Components namedHow many of our component categories appear on at least one report for this model year. One report can name several.
13
Crash or fire reportedComplaints whose submitter recorded that a crash or a fire occurred. These are the reporter's own answers on the NHTSA form, not verified findings.
4

What this page shows

Everything below is an owner-reported complaint submitted to NHTSA about the 2012 Ford Taurus, grouped by the component NHTSA recorded on the report. These are not confirmed defects, and they are not recalls. NHTSA does not verify most reports before publishing them, and a category with more reports in it is not evidence that a part is defective.

Complaints are reports submitted by owners and drivers to NHTSA. They are not verified and do not establish that a defect exists.

Reports by component

Ranked by how many owner reports name each component category

Percentages are of component mentions. A single complaint can name more than one component, so these do not sum to the total complaint count.

Each component in detail

What the reports in each category say, in the owners' own words

Body & structure

Reports naming the vehicle structure, frame, body panels, doors, hood and trim.

16
reports

From owner reports, verbatim

THE DRIVER'S SIDE INSIDE DOOR HANDLE FAILED TO OPEN THE DOOR TO ALLOW EGRESS. IT HANGS OUT LIMPLY ON ITS HINGES NOT ENGAGING THE DOOR LATCH. TO OPEN THE DOOR, THE WINDOW HAS TO BE ROLLED DOWN AND THE OUTSIDE DOOR HANDLE PULLED UP AS THOUGH ENTERING THE VEHICLE. THIS PROBLEM WAS THE SUBJECT OF A PRIOR RECALL SEVERAL YEARS AGO AND THIS VERY SAME INSIDE DOOR HANDLE WAS REPAIRED BY A FORD DEALER.

NHTSA ID 11228997 · filed Jul 2, 2019

AFTER RECEIVING THE RECALL LETTER , I TOOK THE CAR BACK ON 2015, DEALER HAD IT FOR ABOUT THREE DAYS AND THEY NEVER FIX THE PROBLEM NOW THEY NOT HELPING ME GET THIS MATTER RESOLVED. THE DEALER IS WAYWEST FORD AT IRVING.

NHTSA ID 11010711 · filed Jul 26, 2017
All 16 reports naming body & structure

Steering

Reports naming the steering system — racks, columns, power-steering assist and steering linkage.

16
reports

From owner reports, verbatim

My steering all of a sudden was stiff and I can barely turn at low speeds. Not safe due to uncontrolled steering. I replaced the pump thinking that would fix it, and it did not. I’m taking it to a dealer after the holiday weekend. No warnings at all.

NHTSA ID 11655569 · filed Apr 19, 2025

The steering shut down and I could not steer the vehicle in a Holiday parking lot and I almost hit a pedestrian. My engine and oil light came on. I had to shut the car off and turn it back on and it worked again. This is the second time this has happened to me!

NHTSA ID 11569997 · filed Feb 5, 2024
All 16 reports naming steering

Electrical

Reports naming the electrical system — wiring, battery, charging, control modules, infotainment and electrical accessories.

15
reports

From owner reports, verbatim

The contact owns a 2012 Ford Taurus. The contact stated that while driving at various speeds, several different warning lights were intermittently flashing on the instrument panel. The vehicle was taken to a dealer where she was informed that there were no recalls on the vehicle. The manufacturer was also notified of the failure, and the contact was provided the same information as the dealer. The vehicle was not repaired. The failure mileage was approximately 200,000.

NHTSA ID 11514144 · filed Mar 28, 2023

Driving on the highway, when the car lights, radio, air conditioner, steering wheel, speed all goes out. The car wouldn’t crank back up and theft system keep coming on.

NHTSA ID 11508801 · filed Feb 23, 2023
All 15 reports naming electrical

Engine

Reports naming the engine itself — including stalling, misfires, oil consumption, cooling and internal engine components.

13
reports

From owner reports, verbatim

AFTER RESEARCHING, FORD HAS INSTALLED FAULTY WATER PUMPS IN THIS CAR ALONG WITH OTHERS THAT HAVE THE 3.5 ECOBOOST ENGINE. WATER PUMP FAILED ON ME AND SINCE THE WATER PUMP IS INSIDE THE ENGINE YOU DONT REALLY KNOW WHEN IT IS GOING TO GIVE OUT. LEAKING OF THE COOLANT ON THE HIGHWAY. MY MECHANIC WARNED ME THAT THIS FAILURE COULD LEAD TO COOLANT LEAKING INTO THE ENGINE WHICH WOULD RESULT IN THE NEED OF A NEW ENGINE. FORD NEEDS TO RECALL THIS!

NHTSA ID 11363751 · filed Oct 11, 2020

ENGINE TEMPERATURE STARTED TO RISE VERY HIGH WHILE MY SON WAS DRIVING ON THE ROAD CITY STREET AND HAD TO PULL OVER. ALL THE ENGINE COOLANT HAD LEAKED OUT BECAUSE OF A FAULTY WATERPUMP THAT FORD MOTOR COMPANY HAS FAILED TO RECALL ON ALL THE ENGINES. AS I CAN TELL THE COOLANT DID NOT ENTER THE ENGINE OIL AND DESTROY THE ENTIRE ENGINE TO MY KNOWLEDGE. HOW CAN THE STATE OR THE GOVERNMENT ALLOW THIS TO NOT BE A RECALL AND HAVE FORD REPAIR ALL VEHICLES WHEN THEY FAIL OR BEFORE THEY FAIL TO AVOID PEOPLE LOSING THERE LIFES BECAUSE OF IMMEDIATE ENGINE FAILURE.

NHTSA ID 11309748 · filed Feb 17, 2020
All 13 reports naming engine

Exterior lighting

Reports naming headlights, tail lights, turn signals and other exterior lighting.

12
reports

From owner reports, verbatim

The contact owns a 2012 Ford Taurus. The contact stated that while the vehicle was parked and the vehicle was turned off, the exterior lights remained operational and the battery was drained the following day. The contact stated that the failure happened over several days. The contact stated that the check engine warning light was illuminated. The contact had not taken the vehicle to a local dealer or an independent mechanic. The vehicle was not repaired but was pending repairs. The manufacturer had not been informed of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 177,000.

NHTSA ID 11451923 · filed Feb 14, 2022

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2012 FORD TAURUS. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE DRIVING AT NIGHT, THE HEADLIGHTS FAILED TO ILLUMINATE. THE VEHICLE WAS DRIVEN TO THE RESIDENCE USING THE HIGH BEAM HEADLIGHTS. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC HOWEVER, THE VEHICLE WAS NOT DIAGNOSED NOR REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE HOWEVER, NO ASSISTANCE WAS PROVIDED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 118,136.

NHTSA ID 11329588 · filed Jun 18, 2020
All 12 reports naming exterior lighting

Driver assistance

Reports naming forward-collision avoidance, lane keeping, back-over prevention, cruise control and related electronic driver-assistance systems.

5
reports

From owner reports, verbatim

Driving on the highway, when the car lights, radio, air conditioner, steering wheel, speed all goes out. The car wouldn’t crank back up and theft system keep coming on.

NHTSA ID 11508801 · filed Feb 23, 2023

The rear backup camera is showing upside down. It is very difficult to see the blind spot area just to the rear of the vehicle when backing without the camera on this 2012 Ford Taurus. I consider it a safety issue in which I have had several close calls backing since the camera shows pointing upward toward the sky more than it did and upside down. I decided to report this problem when I missed seeing a kid behind me at a Wal-mart parking lot. This problem started in mid September 2022. I have researched this issue on line and there are many complaints about this problem from other people about the 2012 Taurus and other types of Ford automobiles and trucks.

NHTSA ID 11487510 · filed Oct 2, 2022

Too few reports in this category for a page of its own — they appear in the full complaint list.

Brakes

Reports naming service brakes, the antilock braking system, brake hoses, master cylinders or the parking brake.

4
reports

From owner reports, verbatim

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2012 FORD TAURUS. WHILE DRIVING 30 MPH, ALL THE ELECTRICAL SYSTEMS FAILED. THE CONTACT HAD TO COAST THE VEHICLE TO THE SIDE OF THE ROAD, WAIT TEN MINUTES, AND RESUME DRIVING. IN ADDITION, WHILE DRIVING AND DEPRESSING THE BRAKE PEDAL, THE BRAKES FAILED. THE FAILURE RECURRED NUMEROUS TIMES. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALER WHERE IT WAS DIAGNOSED, BUT THE CAUSE OF THE FAILURE COULD NOT BE DETERMINED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 80,000.

NHTSA ID 10906726 · filed Sep 14, 2016

I BOUGHT THE CAR IN 2013 FROM A DEALER IN SOUTH JERSEY WITH 10000 MILES . AFTER A FEW MONTH'S OF DRIVING I STARTED TO NOTICE A SHAKING IN THE STEERING WHEEL WHEN I APPLIED THE BRAKES . ABOUT A MONTH LATER AT ABOUT 23000 MILES THERE WERE GRINDING AS WELL. I WENT TO THE DEALER AND THEY SAID THE WOULD GRIND THE ROTERS. THIS WAS GOOD FOR 3 MONTHS. I WENT BACK AND THEY REPLACED ALL 4 ROTERS AND PADS FOR FREE AS I HAVE BOUGHT MANY CARS FROM THEM. THE CAR NOW HAS 50000 MILES AND THE HOLE BROBLEM IS STARTING AGAIN. A CAR THAT HAS 50000 MILES SHOUL NOT GO IN FOR BRAKES THREE TIMES. THIS LOOKS LIKE A DISIGN PROBLE AND NEEDS MORE ATTETION.

NHTSA ID 10723970 · filed Jun 8, 2015

Too few reports in this category for a page of its own — they appear in the full complaint list.

Airbags

Reports naming the air-bag system — deployment behaviour, inflators, sensors and warning lights.

3
reports

From owner reports, verbatim

I HAVE BEEN DEALING WITH THE SERVICE MANAGER MIKE WHO IS AT THE SCOTTSDALE, AZ LOCATION AT AUTONATION. I HAD MY VEHICLE WORKED ON THERE A LITTLE OVER A MONTH AGO. I PAID $1600 FOR REPAIRS; I WAS INFORMED AT THAT TIME THAT THE AIR BAG SENSOR LIGHT WAS NOT OPERATING PROPERTY. I KNEW THE LIGHT WAS ON FOR A WHILE, BUT I DID NOT REALIZE THAT THE AIRBAGS DID NOT WORK. I ASKED WHEN I PICKED THE VEHICLE UP AFTER THE REPAIRS WERE COMPLETED, WHEN THE SENSOR WILL BE IN. MIKE INFORMED ME THAT THEY WOULD CALL ME. EVER SINCE I LEFT THERE, NO ONE HAS CALLED TO GIVE ME AN UPDATES ON THE PARTS BEING ORDER. I CALLED 5 TIMES, INCLUDING CALLING MARSHALL WHO WAS MY SERVICE ASSOCIATE WHO PROVIDED NO RESPONSE. I TOLD HIM THAT I WAS GOING TO WRITE A BAD REVIEW BECAUSE I HAVE BEEN CALLING FOR WEEKS AND NO ONE WAS PROVIDING ME ANY ANSWERS, AND HIS RESPONSE WAS RESPONSE WAS, 'I'LL LOOK FORWARD TO THE BAD REVIEW.' THIS CLEARING SHOWS THAT MIKE DOES NOT CARE ABOUT MY SAFETY OR ANYONE ELSE WHO IN IN MY VEHICLE, INCLUDING MY CHILD. I HAVE BROUGHT SEVERAL FORD VEHICLES AND FEEL THAT I TRUST THE MECHANICS AND FEEL THAT I HAVE BEEN LET DOWN DUE TO THE UNCARING DEMEANOR THAT MIKE AND MARSHALL NOT RESPONDING TIMELY TO ADDRESS SAFETY CONCERNS. I FEEL THAT AT THIS POINT, MY FAMILY AND I ARE NOT PROTECTED WITH A VEHICLE THAT WE ENTRUSTED IN FORD TO PROVIDE US SAFETY WHICH WE ARE DRIVING ON THE ROAD. ADDITIONALLY, I TRULY FEEL THAT I'M GETTING TREATED THIS WAY BECAUSE I'M AN AFRICAN-AMERICAN WOMAN LIVING IN SCOTTSDALE, AZ IN THE YEAR OF 2020 AND I STILL FEEL THAT RACISM IS STILL ALIVE AND TRULY HAVE ENCOUNTERED HERE AT AUTONATION. THIS IS A SAFETY ISSUE AND I FEEL THAT FORD HAS A LOT OF EMPLOYEES WHO VALUE CUSTOMER'S LIVES, BUT THIS PARTICULAR LOCATION HAS SHOWN THEIR TRUE COLORS AS TO HOW THEY STAND FOR CUSTOMER SATISFACTION AND SAFETY.

NHTSA ID 11384214 · filed Dec 19, 2020

TOOK OUR 2012 FORD TAURUS IN FOR SERVICE & THEY ASK IF WE WOULD LIKE THEM 2 GO AHEAD & DO OUR STATE INSPECTION SO WE SAID THAT'S FINE! WE THEY LATER CAME IUT & SAID IT WOULD PASS INSPECTION BECAUSE OF AIR BAG & TAG LIGHT! WHEN WE PULLED IN TO THAT DEALERSHIP THE AIRBAG LIGHT WASN'T ON! WE TOLD THEM THIS!THE SAID THEY WOULD HAVE TO RUN A TEST 4 ANOTHER $100 OR MORE! WE LOOKED UP ONLINE & FOUND WHERE THERE WAS A RECALLS BACK IN APRIL 2016 FOR AIRBAGS ON THIS MODEL!THEY SAID NOT ON THERE RECORDS IN THEIR COMPUTER! WE ASK 4 FORD PHONE # & ON 09/16/2016 WE CALLED FORD & NO HELP THERE EITHER! I'M CONCERNED! FOR CAR HASN'T BEEN WRECKER & WE FEAR FOR OUR SAFETY AS WELL AS OUR FAMILIES SAFETY RIDING IN THIS CAR!PLEASE HELP CHECK CHECK 4 RECALLS & COMPLAINTS & GET TO THE BOTTOM OF THIS MATTER! THANK U SO MUCH!

NHTSA ID 10907159 · filed Sep 16, 2016

Too few reports in this category for a page of its own — they appear in the full complaint list.

Visibility

Reports naming windshields, glass, wipers, defrosters and mirrors.

2
reports

From owner reports, verbatim

TAKATA RECALL.: THE CAR POWER'S DOWN WHILE DRIVING, AIR CONDITION,LIGHTS, SIGNALS SHUTS DOWN, THEFT ALERT COMES ON ALSO. ALL THESE THINGS HAPPENING WHILE DRIVING ON THE HIGHWAY, IN THE CITY, AND WHILE PARK!!!!!

NHTSA ID 11243096 · filed Aug 11, 2019

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2012 FORD TAURUS. THE CONTACT STATED WHILE DRIVING 65 MPH, THE REAR WINDOW SUDDENLY EXPLODED. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALER REPLACED THE WINDOW. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT NOTIFIED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 8,000. UPDATED 05/31/12 *BF THE CONSUMER STATED WHEN THE WINDOW SHATTERED, GLASS SCATTERED THROUGHOUT THE VEHICLE, INCLUDING THE FRONT SEAT. UPDATED 06/06/12. *JB

NHTSA ID 10456982 · filed May 1, 2012

Too few reports in this category for a page of its own — they appear in the full complaint list.

Fuel system

Reports naming fuel storage or delivery — tanks, pumps, lines, injectors and fuel leaks.

2
reports

From owner reports, verbatim

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2012 FORD TAURUS. THE CONTACT STATED THAT AFTER REFUELING AND DRIVING AT 40 MPH, THE VEHICLE JERKED AND THEN STALLED. THE CHECK ENGINE WARNING LIGHT ILLUMINATED. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO A DEALER, WHO DIAGNOSED THAT THE SENSOR IN THE FUEL TANK NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE FAILURE RECURRED ON NUMEROUS OCCASIONS. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 78,000.

NHTSA ID 10714529 · filed May 4, 2015

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2012 FORD TAURUS. THE CONTACT RECEIVED NOTIFICATION OF NHTSA CAMPAIGN ID NUMBER: 13V109000 (FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE) AND TOOK THE VEHICLE TO THE DEALER. THE DEALER ADVISED THE CONTACT THAT THE VEHICLE WAS NOT EXHIBITING THE RECALL DEFECT OF A FUEL LEAK AND THAT THE FUEL TANK WOULD NOT NEED TO BE REPLACED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE DENIAL OF THE RECALL REPAIR. THE CONTACT HAD NOT EXPERIENCED A FAILURE.

NHTSA ID 10585732 · filed Apr 30, 2014

Too few reports in this category for a page of its own — they appear in the full complaint list.

Interior & seats

Reports naming seats, latches, locks, linkages and interior fittings.

2
reports

From owner reports, verbatim

DRIVER'S SIDE HEATED SEAT STOPPED WORKING A LITTLE OVER A YEAR AGO. THE LIGHT WOULD GO ON WHEN PRESSED FOR A SECOND THEN SHUT OFF. GOT AROUND TO GETTING IT FIXED. FOUND OUT IT WAS THE HEATING ELEMENT THAT WAS NOT WORKING PROPERLY. HAD IT REPLACED, AND FOUND OUT THE OLD ONE WAS BURNED OUT! SCARY!!

NHTSA ID 10993926 · filed Jun 8, 2017

HEATED SEAT ELEMENT SHORTED, SMOKED, SMOTHERED FIRE IN SEAT. DID NOT COME THROUGH LEATHER SEAT - SMOTHERED WITHIN SEAT. NO INJURIES. WAS DRIVING ON HIGHWAY AND SMELLED SMOKE AND THEN HEATED SEAT STOPPED WORKING. PHOTO OF HEATING ELEMENT AND BAR CODE OF SAME IS ATTACHED.

NHTSA ID 10954263 · filed Feb 13, 2017

Too few reports in this category for a page of its own — they appear in the full complaint list.

Powertrain (other)

Powertrain reports that are not specifically the engine or transmission — driveshafts, axles, transfer cases and differentials.

2
reports

From owner reports, verbatim

TAKATA RECALL.: THE CAR POWER'S DOWN WHILE DRIVING, AIR CONDITION,LIGHTS, SIGNALS SHUTS DOWN, THEFT ALERT COMES ON ALSO. ALL THESE THINGS HAPPENING WHILE DRIVING ON THE HIGHWAY, IN THE CITY, AND WHILE PARK!!!!!

NHTSA ID 11243096 · filed Aug 11, 2019

THIS CAR STOPPED WHILE DRIVING IT 3 TIMES SINCE I PURCHASED IT IN 2011. IT HAS ALWAYS BEEN IN THE SUMMER ON A WARM DAY WITH THE AIR CONDITIONING ON. IN ALL CASES IT HAPPENED WHILE DRIVING AROUND 40 MPH. IT HAPPENED 2 TIMES 2 YEARS AGO AND ONCE IN JUNE 2015. I TOOK THE CAR TO THE HINES PARK FORD ON 7/16/15 AND THEY COULD NOT DETERMINE THE CAUSE OF THIS CAR STOPPING. I PURCHASED THIS CAR NEW AT HINES PARK FORD.

NHTSA ID 10734937 · filed Jul 18, 2015

Too few reports in this category for a page of its own — they appear in the full complaint list.

Other / unspecified

Reports whose component NHTSA recorded as unknown, or that do not map to one of the categories above.

1
report

From owner reports, verbatim

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2013 FORD TAURUS. WHILE DRIVING AT VARIOUS SPEEDS, THE TRACTION ASSIST WARNING INDICATOR ILLUMINATED CONTINUOUSLY. THE FAILURE RECURRED NUMEROUS TIMES. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO A DEALER, WHERE IT DIAGNOSED THAT THE STEERING WHEEL ROTATION SENSOR FAILED AND NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE DRIVING AT APPROXIMATELY 15 MPH, THE VEHICLE INDEPENDENTLY ACCELERATED WITHOUT WARNING. THE BRAKE PEDAL WAS DEPRESSED IN ORDER TO STOP THE VEHICLE. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO A DEALER, WHERE IT WAS NOT DIAGNOSED OR REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS APPROXIMATELY 30,000.

NHTSA ID 10748090 · filed Aug 12, 2015

Too few reports in this category for a page of its own — they appear in the full complaint list.

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.

Elsewhere on this vehicle

Data sources

Data on this page last refreshed .