RoadVitals

2013 Ford Taurus Engine Problems

Owner-reported complaints naming the engine system, filed with NHTSA

Data refreshed

Engine reportsComplaints 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.
74
Latest Oct 26, 2025
Share of all reportsThis category as a share of every owner report on file for this model year. One report can name more than one component, so the categories overlap.
13%
of 581 total
Crash or fire reportedReports in this category whose submitter recorded that a crash or a fire occurred. The reporter's own answer on the NHTSA form, not a verified finding.
3
Injuries or deaths reportedTotals the submitters entered on their own reports in this category. Not verified by NHTSA and not a casualty statistic.
2

What this page shows

Reports naming the engine itself — including stalling, misfires, oil consumption, cooling and internal engine components. Every record below is an owner-reported complaint about the 2013 Ford Taurus submitted to NHTSA — not a confirmed defect, not a recall and not a manufacturer bulletin. 74 reports on file name it.

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

Owner reports naming engine

The 25 most recent of 74, in the owner's own words

ElectricalEngineExterior lighting
Filed Oct 26, 2025

No heat gauge, oil pressure gauge on vehicle. Blend door issue, one side blows hot, other cold. Radio not working. Weird noise in dash by ignition. Ignition sticks when trying to start car, keeps turning over. Dimmer switch doesn't work. Car can be tracked by unknown people, without permission.

NHTSA ID
11695650
Incident
Oct 17, 2013
EngineSteering
Filed Nov 18, 2024

The contact owns a 2013 Ford Taurus. The contact stated that while driving at various speeds, there was white-colored smoke coming from the engine compartment. The contact replenished the coolant fluid soon after noticing the smoke. The following day, the contact stated that while driving at various speeds, the steering wheel became firm, and excessive force was needed to turn the steering wheel. The “Power Steering Assist” message was displayed on the instrument panel. Two unknown dealers were notified of the failure and the contact was informed that there were no recalls on the vehicle. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. Upon investigation, the contact discovered NHTSA Campaign Number: 15V340000 (Steering); and linked the failure to the recall. The manufacturer was notified of the failure and referred the contact to the NHTSA Hotline for assistance. The failure mileage was approximately 139,000.

NHTSA ID
11625873
Incident
Aug 1, 2024
Mileage
139,000 mi
Engine
Filed May 23, 2024

The contact owns a 2013 Ford Taurus. The contact stated that while the vehicle was parked, he observed condensation underneath the front of the vehicle. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic where it was diagnosed that the water pump needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 85,000.

NHTSA ID
11590450
Incident
May 20, 2024
Mileage
85,000 mi
EngineFuel systemSteering
Filed Jan 31, 2024

There is a defeat in my Ford catalytic converter. I would like I sent the part to the NHTSA.DOT.GOV for research. I am attaching pictures of the defective product.

NHTSA ID
11569128
Incident
Jan 31, 2024
Engine
Filed Jan 22, 2024

The contact owns a 2013 Ford Taurus. The contact stated while driving approximately 45 MPH, the vehicle shutoff without warning. The vehicle was towed to an independent mechanic and was informed that water was leaking, the water pump had failed, and the timing chain was fractured. The local dealer was not contacted. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was contacted and referred the contact to the NHTSA Hotline for assistance. The failure mileage was approximately 70,000.

NHTSA ID
11567032
Incident
Jan 17, 2024
Mileage
70,000 mi
BrakesEngineFuel system
Filed Jan 15, 2024

I’m not having any success with my local Ford Dealership or with Ford Customer Service getting my car covered under the Customer Satisfaction Program. I have fuel system issues, I need to replace both cats and 2 bad sensors, halfshaft, fuel system, and braking issues. The dealership said to contact Ford and Ford says it’s the dealership’s problem. If they don’t fix it, I’m done with Ford. If they can’t stand behind their products and their dealerships won’t help the customers, then my loyalty is done. I’ve already had to replace a poorly designed PTU at my expense and now this, buyer beware on Interceptors. Let’s hope I don’t have any other issues. No one seems to be willing to help and I’m beyond frustrated with this experience.

NHTSA ID
11565530
Incident
Sep 29, 2023
Mileage
103,250 mi
EngineFuel systemPowertrain (other)
Filed Jan 13, 2024

I have a check engine light on my dash. I have several codes. I have problems with the car like the fuel pump, catalytic converter not functioning efficiently, steering, etc. I know Ford has problems with its cars.

NHTSA ID
11565376
Incident
Sep 19, 2023
Engine
Filed Jan 12, 2024

The contact owns a 2013 Ford Taurus. The contact stated that while operating the vehicle, the check engine warning light remained illuminated, and the vehicle would not properly accelerate while depressing the accelerator pedal. The vehicle was taken to the local dealer who was unable to determine the cause of the failure. After retrieving the vehicle, the failure immediately reoccurred. The vehicle was returned to the dealer who determined that the catalytic converter was faulty and needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not yet repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure, but no assistance was provided. The failure mileage was 77,880.

NHTSA ID
11565187
Incident
Dec 16, 2023
Mileage
77,880 mi
Engine
Filed Jan 9, 2024

Please investigate this matter. I have reason to believe my car has a defeat, just like most 2013 police interceptor the were recalled due to code p0420. I went to AutoNation Ford Miami they said they have seen defects on my catalytic converter and I would like an investigation completed. I went to AutoNation Ford on Saturday, 12/16/2023 for the GSM IOLM System Service - 80,000 Miles Repair. The dealer believes it is a defeat, I would have to contact Ford. Therefore I am contacting NHTSA to investigate this matter. I get a service repair done on 12/16/2023 - 80,000 Miles Package Service. I brought the car to AutoNation Ford in good shape. I never had the engine light on, and the car drove great.Sunday,12/17/2023 in the morning, I wanted to go to the park, so I get in the car and unbelievably the car engine light turns on. The engine light is on for P0420 Code - Catalyst System Low Efficiency. I scheduled the appointment and drop off the car on Saturday, 12/23/2023. I spoke with the representative and told him my concerns which are the recalls and defeats on the car, And he said I would have to pay $200 for the diagnostic for the catalytic, however I told him “But I just paid to inspect the complete exhaust system and heat shields last Saturday [12/16/2023].” I went to pick up the car on Thursday 12/28/2023 in the morning, the Ford representative said the car is fine, and there is nothing wrong with the car. I say thank you and drive off. So, I am driving the car for about 5 minutes, the engine light comes on, I make a U turn and return the car to AutoNation Ford for service. The dealer say it is a defeat, I would have to contact Ford. Therefore I am contacting NHTSA to investigate this matter. Please see recall notice: Customer Satisfaction Program 19M01 Certain 2013-2018 Model Year Police Interceptor Utility Vehicles Equipped with a 3.7L Engine Catalytic Converter Extended Coverage REF: NEW VEHICLE DELIVERY HOLD - Emission Recall 19E02 Certain 2013-2018 Model

NHTSA ID
11564510
Incident
Dec 16, 2023
Driver assistanceEngine
Filed Dec 12, 2023

My ford's water pump broken first time in 2020 since and then now i'm on my 5th time to change this water pump and the mechanicians were unable to explain what happened exactly. now the water pump broken and need replacement again.

NHTSA ID
11559810
Incident
Nov 30, 2023
Engine
Filed Nov 2, 2023

UNKNOWN, the vehicle comes to a sudden stop regardless of how fast your going , error comes up says see manual , engine overheating comes on after driving less than 5 miles

NHTSA ID
11553318
Incident
Feb 1, 2021
EnginePowertrain (other)
Filed Sep 9, 2023

2 different PTU's have burned up, waterpump blew up

NHTSA ID
11543527
Incident
Sep 7, 2021
Mileage
209,840 mi
Engine
Filed Jul 15, 2023

My water pump started to leak at 114398 miles. The crankshaft oil seal had to be replaced. This repair because of the flawed design cost 3,245.78. I would like ford to refund the cost of the repair.

NHTSA ID
11532461
Incident
Jan 23, 2023
Engine
Filed Apr 12, 2023

The contact's daughter owns a 2013 Ford Taurus. The contact stated while driving approximately 55 MPH, the vehicle stalled. The vehicle was not able to be restarted and veered to the side of the road. The vehicle was towed to an independent mechanic where the contact was informed that the engine and valves needed to be replaced. The contact stated that the cause of the failure was due to the water pump not operating as needed, and that antifreeze had intruded into the engine oil. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 149,000.

NHTSA ID
11516662
Incident
Apr 3, 2023
Mileage
149,000 mi
Engine
Filed Sep 7, 2022
1 injury reported

Internal water pump failure caused large amounts of pressure on the the coolant system. When I opened the hood my coolant reservoir cracked and shot hot plastic and coolant at my face.

NHTSA ID
11483188
Incident
Aug 22, 2022
EngineFuel systemPowertrain (other)
Filed Jul 31, 2022

On 7/31/2022, and also about a month ago, my 2013 Ford Taurus Limited stalled out while driving and the wrench light came on. The car limped along until I could pull it over, but this could have been serious as I was on the highway doing 65mph just 2 minutes prior to it. It stalled coming up the upramp here in Phoenix. I got it into the parking lot, and gave it gas and nothing at all, the engine just sputtered as the wrench light was on. I turned it off for 2 minutes, and restarted and able to get home 4 minutes away. This is the 2nd time this has now happened, and this is a huge safety concern. Ford Taurus had recalls on the Powertrain Control Module for other years of the Taurus, but I do not want to pay for this fix as this is a Ford safety issue for my model year 2013. I could have caused an accident on the highway if this stalled like this. Who do I contact to get this looked at. I can almost guarantee it is the powertrain control module as I see it online recalled and exact same issues. This car onl has 70k miles on it and in great condition, serviced all the time. Please let me know whom I may contact to resolve this safety issue? Should I call my local Ford dealership, but I think they charge $200 for scan of the car. Thank yo for your time. Brian Maltese 480-577-1456

NHTSA ID
11476787
Incident
Jul 31, 2022
Engine
Filed Apr 21, 2022

I believe there is a an unissued recall for my Engine type. The cost to replace a water pump exceeds normal circumstances due to Ford engineers placing the water pump inside of the engine instead of outside making it a $2000 to $5000 job instead of a $200 job. Instead of a water pump simply leaking onto the ground while mounted outside of the Engine the way they have designed it it leaks into the engine and causes the engine to fail due to Engine coolant leaking into the engine through the water pump.

NHTSA ID
11461626
Incident
Apr 21, 2022
EngineFuel system
Filed Apr 10, 2021

ENGINE STALLING RUNNING AT 10 MILES A HOUR. IS THERE A RECALL NUMBER 20504?

NHTSA ID
11407395
Incident
Mar 29, 2021
Mileage
8,630 mi
ElectricalEngineSuspension
Filed Mar 2, 2021

RIVERTOWN FORD HAS CLAIMED TO INSPECT THE REAR TOELINK AND COULD NOT HAVE CONSIDERING I'VE FELT THE REAR END TRAILING FROM TIME TO TIME AND NOTICED UPON INSPECTION DEPLOYED BY MYSELF VISUALLY THAT THE DRIVER SIDE TOELINK HAD BEEN CRACKING. WHEN I NOTIFIED FORD BY PHONE THE DEALERSHIP AT THAT TIME BRUSHED ME OFF WHEN I FINALLY TALKED THEM INTO AT LEAST DOING A MULTI POINT INSPECTION THAT I PAID FOR THEY CLAIMED THEY HADN'T NOTICED ANYTHING. THEY THEN AND SINCE THEN REFUSE TO EVEN LOOK AT THE SUSPENSION WITHOUT A 300$ FEE. (2 THE OTHER INSTANCE IS AFTER RECEIVING DAMAGE TO MY PASSENGER SIDE FENDER AND OBTAINING A "SHORT" IN MY BCM I STARTED TO GET IMMOBERLIZER MESSAGES. P161-2A INCORRECT MESSAGE FROM IMMOBILIZER. I DIAGNOSED THE ISSUE WITH MY LAPTOP AND OBD2 PASSTHRU DEVICE AND AFTER SEEING THE ISSUE WAS FROM PATS WHICH BY THE WAY ISN'T EVEN PRESENT IN THE 2013-19 FORD POLICE INTERCEPTOR SEDANS FORD AGAIN WANTED 400$ TO"DIAGNOSE" THE VEHICLE IN WHICH I HAD COMMUNICATED WITH THE SUPERVISOR TRYING TO CONFIRM MY FEAR OF PAYING THE AMOUNT WILL THEY BE ABLE TO AT LEAST REPAIR OR BE FURTHER ALONG.THEY INFORMED ME THAT THEY COULDN'T EVEN FIX OR PROGRAM THE ISSUE IF THIS IS THE CASE. AFTER THEY INSTRUCTED ME TO TOW IT THERE AND HAVING MY VEHICLE FOR APPROXIMATELY 2 WEEKS THEY AGAIN TRYING TO RECEIVE MORE MONEY AND CLAIMS OF PROBABLY NOT GOING TO BE ABLE TO FIX IT BY THE SERVICE TECH I REFUSED TO PAY FOR ANY RIDICULOUS CLAIMS OF NOT BEING ABLE TO PROGRAM THEIR OWN FORD I THEN HAD TO GET THE VEHICLE TOWED BACK TO MY HOUSE AND AFTER 2 MONTHS I STILL HAVE THE SAME MESSAGE AFTER PCM AND BCM REPLACEMENT (2 SEPARATE INSTANCES) DATES ARE FOR TOELINK ISSUE PATS IS A CURRENT ISSUE

NHTSA ID
11398663
Incident
Apr 15, 2020
Mileage
90,000 mi
EngineSteering
Filed Feb 24, 2021

ENGINE STALLS WHEN COMING TO A STOP OR SLOWING DOWN.

NHTSA ID
11397796
Incident
Feb 15, 2021
Mileage
86,234 mi
Engine
Filed Nov 16, 2020

A WRENCH APPEARS IN THE DISPLAY AND CAR GOES INTO LIMP MODE. YOU CUT THE CAR OFF AND REMOVE THE KEY AND THEN IT START BACK UP WITH NO ALARM CODE LEFT ON THE VEHICLE. THIS IS VERY DANGEROUS IF DRIVING ON THE HWY.

NHTSA ID
11374863
Incident
Nov 16, 2020
Mileage
30,100 mi
Engine
Filed Sep 16, 2020

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2013 FORD TAURUS. THE CONTACT STATED WHILE DRIVING 50 MPH, THE VEHICLE LOSS MOTIVE POWER AND FAILED TO ACCELERATE. AN UNKNOWN WARNING LIGHT WAS ILLUMINATED. THE CONTACT DROVE TO HER RESIDENCE WITH THE VEHICLE UNABLE TO EXCEED 5 MPH. THE CONTACT CALLED WRAY FORD INC SALES & SERVICE AT (318) 686-7300, AND INFORMED THE DEALER OF THE FAILURE. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALER AND THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE DEALER ATTEMPTED TO SELL HER ANOTHER VEHICLE. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE FAILURE RECURRED SEVERAL TIMES. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT CONTACTED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 100,100.

NHTSA ID
11355411
Incident
Sep 3, 2020
Mileage
100,100 mi
Engine
Filed Jun 23, 2020

CHECK ENGINE LIGHT CAME ON RECENTLY AND WON'T GO OFF BUT NOTHING ELSE IS A PROBLEM. I WAS TRAVELING TO WYOMING WHEN THIS HAPPENED. *TR

NHTSA ID
11330361
Incident
Jun 18, 2020
Mileage
63,500 mi
Driver assistanceElectricalEngine
Filed Mar 16, 2020

MY CAR HAD A HARD START AND ROUGH IDLE. 02 SENSORS WERE ORDERED BECAUSE IF THE CODE IT WAS GIVING OFF. DAYS LATER MY CAR THREW A WENCH SIGN, ONLY ONCE AFTER THE CAR TURNED OFF IT DIDN'T SHOW UP AGAIN. THE CAR STARTED JERKING, THE RPMS WERE JUMPING AND THE CAR ACTUALLY SHUT OFF ON ME WHILE DRIVING. AFTER LOOKING UP THESE CODES THIS WAS AN ISSUE MANY OTHERS WERE HAVING WITH THIS CAR AND OTHER FORD MODELS. IT HAS SINCE TURNED ON, RAN FOR SECONDS, AND TURN OFF SHORTLY AFTER. EACH TIME A CODE IS RAN IT SHOWS SOMETHING DIFFERENT THAN IT DID PREVIOUSLY.

NHTSA ID
11318315
Incident
Mar 14, 2020
Mileage
93,000 mi
Engine
Filed Dec 30, 2019

WHILE DRIVING ON HIGHWAY OVER 60 MPH, ON OCTOBER 18, 2019 AT APPROXIMATELY 19:30 CALIFORNIA TIME, WRENCH SYMBOL APPEARED, AND I LOST ACCELERATION. THERE COULD HAVE BEEN A TERRIBLE ACCIDENT, BUT I HAD DIFFICULT TIME TO PULL OVER. DIAGNOSIS SHOWN THAT THROTTLE ACTUATOR A CONTROL SYSTEM ' STUCK OPEN. ON OCTOBER 19, 2019 AT 13:39 CALIFORNIA TIME, I CALLED FORD AND ASKED THEM TO REPLACE THE DEFECTIVE PART AT THE EXPENSE OF THE COMPANY, REGARDLESS OF WARRANTY BECAUSE THIS PART IS SENSITIVE AND RELATED TO PUBLIC SAFETY AND SHOULD NOT BE MALFUNCTIONING UNDER ANY CIRCUMSTANCES. FORD REPRESENTATIVE ASKED ME TO GO TO THE NEAREST DEALERSHIP AND KEEP THE RECEIPT IN THE HOPE THAT I WILL BE REIMBURSED IN THE FUTURE IF THE SAME ISSUE HAPPENS WITH OTHERS, SO I DID THAT. ON OCTOBER 25 AT 08:44 CALIFORNIA TIME, I CALLED AGAIN FORD COMPANY AND ASKED THEM TO DELIVER MY MESSAGE TO THE EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR IN ORDER TO TAKE THE APPROPRIATE ACTION. FORD REPRESENTATIVE REPEATED WHAT WAS PREVIOUSLY SAID AND GAVE ME A CASE NUMBER: CAS/24590915. SO FAR, THERE IS NO RESPONSE. I FOUND, THROUGH MY ONLINE BROWSING, THAT THERE ARE A LOT OF COMPLAINTS ABOUT THIS SAME THROTTLE BODY PROBLEM. I RESPECTIVELY REQUEST YOU TAKE THIS ISSUE IN YOUR CONSIDERATION BEFORE SOMEONE GET HURT. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 34,900.

NHTSA ID
11292138
Incident
Oct 18, 2019
Mileage
34,900 mi

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.

Other components reported on this vehicle

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Elsewhere on this vehicle

Data sources

Data on this page last refreshed .