2013 Ford Taurus Problems
Owner-reported complaints filed with NHTSA, grouped by component
Data refreshed
What this page shows
Everything below is an owner-reported complaint submitted to NHTSA about the 2013 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
- Steering29341.2%
- Fuel system10715.0%
- Engine7410.4%
- Electrical578.0%
- Driver assistance456.3%
- Powertrain (other)436.0%
- Suspension253.5%
- Body & structure121.7%
- Airbags111.5%
- Exterior lighting91.3%
- Other / unspecified91.3%
- Brakes81.1%
- Seat belts71.0%
- Visibility71.0%
- Interior & seats30.4%
- Tires & wheels10.1%
- Transmission10.1%
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
Steering
Reports naming the steering system — racks, columns, power-steering assist and steering linkage.
From owner reports, verbatim
The contact owns a 2013 Ford Taurus. The contact stated that while driving at 60 MPH, the electric power steering suddenly failed without prior warning. The steering pulled sharply to the right, but the driver managed to maintain control and steered the vehicle safely into a soft dirt field on the side of the road. The contact related the failure to NHTSA Campaign Number: 15V340000 (Steering); however, the VIN was not included in the recall. The vehicle was towed back to the residence. The dealer was notified of the failure. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The failure mileage was 137,000.
The contact owns a 2013 Ford Taurus. The contact stated that while driving under normal conditions, the vehicle became extremely difficult to steer, and significant physical strength was needed to turn the steering wheel. The contact referenced NHTSA Campaign Number: 15V340000 (STEERING); and associated the failure with the recall; however, the VIN was not included in the recall. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic, and the failure was associated with the recall. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was 90,000.
Fuel system
Reports naming fuel storage or delivery — tanks, pumps, lines, injectors and fuel leaks.
From owner reports, verbatim
EVAP CONTROL SYSTEM FAULT UNABLE TO BLEED UP FUEL TANK VACUUM. POOR QUALITY PAINT AND INTERIOR.
I purchased this car April 1 2025 the car drove fine up until this past week I got in the car it had a very long crank but started and it acted as if it wasn't getting fuel. So I shut it off waited and started it back it seemed OK I went and purchased some fuel cleaner and gas it straightened out then today it done the exact same thing except it stalled on me 3 times and the last stall almost caused a wreck I was able to get it started and drove back home too scared to drove it so I started looking up problems online and seen several issues like mine that other people had and they were related to previous recalls.
Engine
Reports naming the engine itself — including stalling, misfires, oil consumption, cooling and internal engine components.
From owner reports, verbatim
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.
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.
Electrical
Reports naming the electrical system — wiring, battery, charging, control modules, infotainment and electrical accessories.
From owner reports, verbatim
The car regularly starts without pressing the brake down first. The car has they key but says no key detected and drives with or without it. This is a push start ignition car.
The contact's mother owns a 2013 Ford Taurus. The contact stated that while the vehicle was parked, several unknown warning lights illuminated when turning off the vehicle. The contact stated that there was an abnormal clicking sound coming from the dashboard. In addition, the gear shifter had seized in park(P). The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired by an independent mechanic or dealer. In addition, the contact stated that the vehicle had several previous ongoing failures. The contact stated that the failure started shortly after the vehicle was purchased in 2013. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 5,000.
Driver assistance
Reports naming forward-collision avoidance, lane keeping, back-over prevention, cruise control and related electronic driver-assistance systems.
From owner reports, verbatim
The reverse camera is integrated into the rear view mirror of my ‘13 POLICE INTERCEPTOR SEDAN and the camera has lighted up blue and then disappears leaving a dark tint to my rear view mirror when I’m in reverse making it ineligible to use either features to ensure backing up.
The contact owns a 2013 Ford Taurus. The contact stated that while shifted into reverse(R), the back over prevention camera image was upside down. The contact stated that the message to contact a dealer was displayed. The contact stated that the failure was intermittent however, recently the camera failed and there was no image displayed. The contact had not taken the vehicle to a dealer or independent mechanic to be diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was not informed of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 99,000.
Powertrain (other)
Powertrain reports that are not specifically the engine or transmission — driveshafts, axles, transfer cases and differentials.
From owner reports, verbatim
The contact's mother owns a 2013 Ford Taurus. The contact stated that while the vehicle was parked, several unknown warning lights illuminated when turning off the vehicle. The contact stated that there was an abnormal clicking sound coming from the dashboard. In addition, the gear shifter had seized in park(P). The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired by an independent mechanic or dealer. In addition, the contact stated that the vehicle had several previous ongoing failures. The contact stated that the failure started shortly after the vehicle was purchased in 2013. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 5,000.
Just recently, my power steering started to fail when it’s in ‘S’ gear (I just started using it a few weeks ago). The steering wheel gets catchy and can be difficult to control, especially going around corners. It’s intermittent and it didn’t start until I started to use the ‘S’ gear. I had the power steering checked by a mechanic and they said it’s functioning properly. I do believe my car should be included in this recall before the steering goes out and something catastrophic happens. By the way, now that I’ve stopped using the ‘S’ gear, the glitchy steering issue has subsided.
Suspension
Reports naming suspension components — springs, struts, shocks, control arms and related hardware.
From owner reports, verbatim
While driving to work in my 2013 Ford Taurus I went to take a left and the power steering was suddenly gone and the steering wheel was hard to turn. I nearly hit another car and had to brake hard to miss it. I parked at work and after work I started the car and it was fine until about a mile before I got home. Then it happened again and I could hear a scraping like sound when I turned. The steering became very jerky and resistant at lower speeds but I never got a warning light or message. I brought the vehicle in to an independent mechanic, where it was discovered that the power steering control module (PSCM) had failed and needed to be replaced as well as the rack and pinion. I looked into recalls for the 2013 steering issue and found one but was told my VIN wasn't included. WHY NOT?? I have seen over 600 complaints in regard to this! When are you going to do something about this? AFTER SOMEONE DIES???? How many complaints need to be made before something gets done????
The contact owns a 2013 Ford Taurus. The contact stated while driving at various speeds and turning the steering wheel to the left or the right, the contact heard an abnormal sound. The contact stated there was no warning light illuminated. The contact had taken the vehicle to an independent mechanic who diagnosed the vehicle and determined that the electric power steering assist had started to fail and needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. Additionally, the contact stated that the front suspension was bouncing every time the contact drove or any deformity in the road surface. The contact had taken the vehicle to another independent mechanic who diagnosed the vehicle and determined that the driver’s and passenger’s side shock absorbers needed to be replaced. The vehicle was repaired. The contact reported that the failure had reoccurred. The manufacturer was informed of the failure and referred the contact to the NHTSA Hotline to report the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 126,000.
Body & structure
Reports naming the vehicle structure, frame, body panels, doors, hood and trim.
From owner reports, verbatim
EVAP CONTROL SYSTEM FAULT UNABLE TO BLEED UP FUEL TANK VACUUM. POOR QUALITY PAINT AND INTERIOR.
Please allow submission of additional information regarding issues with my 2013 Ford Taurus Police Interceptor. As stated on the previous complaint filed on 1/9/2024, I got my car service at AutoNation Ford Service Center on 12/16/2023, and I brought it back to the service center on Saturday, 12/23/2023 because of the car’s poor performance and engine had laminated on 12/17/2023. Issues such as: exhaust system, fuel system, the driver exterior door handle is loose, and seat belt gets jammed.
Airbags
Reports naming the air-bag system — deployment behaviour, inflators, sensors and warning lights.
From owner reports, verbatim
The contact owned a 2013 Ford Taurus. The contact stated that while driving approximately 15 MPH making a left turn a vehicle collided with the front passenger side of the vehicle. The steering wheel air bag deployed violently. The contact sustained face and left arm inquiries from the air bag. A police report was filed. The vehicle was towed to a lot where it was determined destroyed. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 40,000.
The contact owned a 2013 Ford Taurus. The contact stated that while stopped at a traffic light, the vehicle was rear-ended by another vehicle and the air bags failed to deploy. The contact sustained injuries to his back and neck and received medical attention. A police report was filed. The insurance company deemed the vehicle totaled. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was unknown.
Exterior lighting
Reports naming headlights, tail lights, turn signals and other exterior lighting.
From owner reports, verbatim
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.
THE HEADLIGHTS ON THIS VEHICLE PRESENT A HAZARD AS THEY PROVIDE LITTLE TO NO PERIPHERAL LIGHT. THE HEADLIGHTS ON THIS VEHICLE ARE EQUIPPED WITH ONLY ONE BULB PER SIDE WHICH PROVIDES LIGHT STRAIGHT AHEAD BUT VERY LITTLE LIGHT TO THE SIDE. THUS WHEN ONE MAKES A TURN ONTO ANOTHER ROAD ONE CANNOT SEE THE ROAD BEING TURNED ON PRIOR TO THE TURN. I AM PUTTING A DATE IN BELOW ONLY BECAUSE IT IS REQUIRED.
Other / unspecified
Reports whose component NHTSA recorded as unknown, or that do not map to one of the categories above.
From owner reports, verbatim
The contact owns a 2013 Ford Taurus. The contact stated while driving 70 MPH, the "Service Advance Trac" warning message was displayed. The vehicle then lost motive power. The failure occurred on three separate occasions. The vehicle was taken to the dealer. The dealer could not duplicate the failure. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure and referred the contact to take the vehicle to a dealer. The failure mileage was approximately 148,000.
THE REAR SUSPENSION TOE LINK FAILED ON MY VEHICLE WHILE I WAS DRIVING IN CITY TRAFFIC, GOING STRAIGHT. I COULD ONLY GO 5 MPH TO THE NEAREST REPAIR SHOP AS THE REAR WHEEL WAS NEAR FALLING OFF. THERE ARE SEVERAL RECALLS FOR THIS IDENTICAL PART, BUT NOT MY SPECIFIC VIN.....EVEN THOUGH IT'S THE IDENTICAL PART UNDER OTHER RECALLS. SAFETY RECALL 20S04, 20S62, 19S17, TO NAME A FEW.
Brakes
Reports naming service brakes, the antilock braking system, brake hoses, master cylinders or the parking brake.
From owner reports, verbatim
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.
Please allow submission of additional information regarding issues with my 2013 Ford Taurus Police Interceptor. As stated on the previous complaint filed on 1/9/2024, I got my car service at AutoNation Ford Service Center on 12/16/2023, and I brought it back to the service center on Saturday, 12/23/2023 because of the car’s poor performance and engine had laminated on 12/17/2023. 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, it feels sluggish. Then the engine light comes on, I make a U turn and return the car to AutoNation Ford for service. As things stand now, my car is still AutoNation Ford service center, due to the defects which are causing poor performance while driving the 2013 Ford Taurus Police Interceptor, issues such as: Rough Steering, Bad Ignition Switch, and braking issue. Per my previous statement, I drove the car for about on 12/28/2023, it felt extremely sluggish. The hard shifting in vehicle, and steering wheel was rough . The brakes have more issues than normal. The engine light came on.
Seat belts
Reports naming seat belts, buckles, retractors and pretensioners.
From owner reports, verbatim
Please allow submission of additional information regarding issues with my 2013 Ford Taurus Police Interceptor. As stated on the previous complaint filed on 1/9/2024, I got my car service at AutoNation Ford Service Center on 12/16/2023, and I brought it back to the service center on Saturday, 12/23/2023 because of the car’s poor performance and engine had laminated on 12/17/2023. Issues such as: exhaust system, fuel system, the driver exterior door handle is loose, and seat belt gets jammed.
I HAD PROBLEMS WITH MY FUEL INJECTION FOR ALMOST 2 YEARS LOOKED IT UP AND EVEN TOOK IT TO 3 DEALERSHIPS AND A FULL SERVICES PLACE ALL SAYING THE SAME THING. SO I LOOKED IT UP AND THERE WAS A RECALL FOR IT AND SEATBELTS AND AIRBAGS BUT MY VIN# WASN'T ON THE LIST. EVERYONE I KNOW WHO GOT A CAR LIKE MINES HAD THE RECALL AND WAS FIXED. I AM NOW PAYING OUT OF POCKET FOR THE AIRBAGS AND MY RADIO AND BACK CAM NOW IS ACTING CRAZY SHOW UPSIDE DOWN AND THE RADIO KEEP GOING OUT. I NEED SOME HELP CAN'T AFFORD ALL THESE ISSUES WITH MY CAR WHEN THEY ARE ON YOUR RECALL LIST .PLEASE IF YOU CAN RE-EVALUATE MY NUMBER THE BACK CAM ACTS UP WHEN BACKING UP EVERYTHING IS UPSIDE DOWN. THE FUEL INJECTION HAVE PROBLEMS WHEN STARTING AND WHILE DRIVING IT WILL SLOW DOWN THEN CAUGHT UP AND SPEED UP. THE AIRBAGS RECENTLY CAME OUT GETTING IT FIX BY A BODY SHOP AND PAYING OUT OF POCKET TO KEEP MY INSURANCE FROM TOTALING IT OUT. THE SEAT BELTS KEEP LOCKING UP AT TIMES. LOVE MY CAR PLEASE HELP IF POSSIBLE
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.
From owner reports, verbatim
The backup camera has failed. Sometimes it works, sometimes it does not. I have seen other reports on NHTSA here specifying the same problem. Visibility in this car is poor and is augmented by the backup camera. Car serviced by ford dealerships only. If left unrepaired, other drivers of this make and model 2013-2019 Taurus have an increased susceptibility to collisions.
The reverse camera is integrated into the rear view mirror of my ‘13 POLICE INTERCEPTOR SEDAN and the camera has lighted up blue and then disappears leaving a dark tint to my rear view mirror when I’m in reverse making it ineligible to use either features to ensure backing up.
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.
From owner reports, verbatim
The contact rented a 2013 Ford Taurus. The contact stated that the driver's side door failed to close as needed. There were no warning lights illuminated. The contact called the rental company regarding the failure. The local dealer was not contacted. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was not contacted. The failure mileage was approximately 225,000.
THERE IS A RECALL ON THIS ISSUE THAT I'M HAVING WHEN I WENT TO FORD THEY SAID THERE IS NO RECALL BUT I SEE A RECALL ONLINE FOR SAME ISSUE THE PROBLEM NEVER GOT TAKING CARE OF SO I WANTED TO GET IT TAKING CARE OF. CHECK ENGINE LIGHT ON I HAD IT LOOKED AT THE RECALL IS SAME ISSUE SHOWING ON MY CHECK ENGINE LIGHT. WHY IS FORD SAYING THERE IS NO RECALL WHEN I SEE THAT IT CLEARLY SHOWS RECALL AND NO WORK HAD BEEN DONE TO MY VEHICLE TO FIX THIS ISSUE?
Too few reports in this category for a page of its own — they appear in the full complaint list.
Tires & wheels
Reports naming tires, wheels, hubs, or the tire-pressure monitoring system.
From owner reports, verbatim
The contact owns a 2013 Ford Taurus. The contact stated while driving at various speeds, there was significant play and vibration in the steering wheel, and the vehicle was pulling to one side. The contact stated that the traction control warning light illuminated when the steering wheel was completely steered to the right or to the left. The contact also stated that The TPMS warning light remained illuminated even though the tires were fully inflated. Additionally, the contact stated that there was an abnormal clicking sound coming from the rear end of the vehicle. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic, where it was diagnosed that the steering gear had failed. The mechanic determined that both the steering gear and the ball joint needed to be replaced. The mechanic related the failure to NHTSA Campaign Number: 15V340000 (Steering). The vehicle was not repaired. The dealer was notified of the failure. The manufacturer was notified of the failure, but no assistance was provided. The failure mileage was approximately 100,000.
Too few reports in this category for a page of its own — they appear in the full complaint list.
Transmission
Reports naming the automatic or manual transmission, including shifting behaviour, shudder, slipping and transmission control modules.
From owner reports, verbatim
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2013 FORD TAURUS. WHILE DRIVING OVER 50 MPH, THE VEHICLE DECELERATED TO 2 MPH WITHOUT WARNING. IN ADDITION, THE CHECK ENGINE INDICATOR ILLUMINATED. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC WHO DIAGNOSED THAT THE THROTTLE BODY AND PCM WERE FAULTY AND NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER AND LOCAL DEALER WERE NOT NOTIFIED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 34,951.
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
- NHTSA Office of Defects Investigation — owner-reported complaints and the components recorded on them
Data on this page last refreshed .