RoadVitals

2016 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.
79
Latest Aug 10, 2026
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.
5

What this page shows

Everything below is an owner-reported complaint submitted to NHTSA about the 2016 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

  • Engine1415.9%
  • Steering910.2%
  • Fuel system78.0%
  • Body & structure66.8%
  • Electrical66.8%
  • Suspension55.7%
  • Brakes44.5%
  • Airbags44.5%
  • Powertrain (other)33.4%
  • Seat belts33.4%
  • Interior & seats11.1%
  • Exterior lighting11.1%

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

Driver assistance

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

25
reports

From owner reports, verbatim

The contact owns a 2016 Ford Taurus. The contact received notifications of NHTSA Campaign Numbers: 25V611000 (Structure) and 25V695000 (Back Over Prevention); however, the parts to do the recall repairs were not yet available. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repairs. The dealer was contacted, and an appointment was scheduled with the understanding that parts had been ordered; however, while contacting the dealer a second time, it was confirmed that parts were not yet available. The manufacturer was not made aware of the issues. The contact had not experienced a failure.

NHTSA ID 11750232 · filed Jul 14, 2026

The contact's wife owns a 2016 Ford Taurus. The contact's wife was notified of NHTSA Campaign Number: 25V695000 (Back Over Prevention); however, the part to do the recall repair was not yet available. The contact stated that while in reverse(R) on several occasions, the rearview camera displayed a blank image intermittently and eventually became inoperable. The vehicle was taken to a dealer, where it was diagnosed that the rearview camera had failed and needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 60,000.

NHTSA ID 11748795 · filed Jul 7, 2026
All 25 reports naming driver assistance

Engine

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

14
reports

From owner reports, verbatim

water pump stopped working and car over heated

NHTSA ID 11700194 · filed Nov 18, 2025

Engine coolant over temperature

NHTSA ID 11664766 · filed Jun 4, 2025
All 14 reports naming engine

Steering

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

9
reports

From owner reports, verbatim

The contact owns a 2016 Ford Taurus. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the vehicle experienced a loss of power steering assist. No warning light was illuminated. The vehicle was taken to the dealer, who determined that there was a loose steering bolt. The dealer performed an undisclosed repair, but the failure persisted. The vehicle was not repaired. The contact's son diagnosed the vehicle using a code reader and retrieved a diagnostic trouble code for the power steering control module. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 56,000.

NHTSA ID 11669222 · filed Jun 25, 2025

The contact owns a 2016 Ford Taurus. The contact stated that the vehicle failed to start after several attempts, and the battery was replaced by an independent mechanic. The contact stated that soon after the battery replacement, while attempting to make a U-turn, the steering wheel seized with the “Power Steering Assist" message displayed on the instrument panel. The contact used excessive force to steer the vehicle into a parking lot. The contact stated that a Mobile mechanic arrived at the scene and the contact was informed that the vehicle needed to be reset after the battery was replaced. The contact stated that five days after the vehicle was reset, the failure recurred. The contact called the same Mobile mechanic who had performed the reset and was informed that the rack and pinion needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure and a case was filed, and the contact was referred to the NHTSA Hotline to report the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 63,000.

NHTSA ID 11665084 · filed Jun 5, 2025
All 9 reports naming steering

Fuel system

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

7
reports

From owner reports, verbatim

Occasionally engine surges when in gear when brake is pressed.Car must be put in neutral and key turned iff. This happens only on occasionaly.I understand Ford has extended Throttle body warranty on this part to ten years on my ModelI visited local dealer who ran my VIN and advised there was no information on an extended warranty in his system.He said take it up with Ford.Ford customer service refered me back to the dealer.Can you assist in confirming Ford has extended the coverage to 10 years and if so how to proceed as Ford has denied any knowledge.

NHTSA ID 11631938 · filed Dec 21, 2024

my vehicle's oil lines to the turbo charger failed and caused a huge oil leak and my car was smoking all over the highway. I had the vehicle towed to a nearby service station recommended by AAA. After discovering the issue, the repairman indicated there was a recall on this exact issue. However, I was never notified by Ford of the recall. When I called Ford I was informed that the recall only applied to vehicles built between Oct and Nov 2016. My vehicle was built in April. I feel that this issue couldn't have been limited to that small window of time, obviously Ford is not sharing the appropriate information with NHSTA. I had to pay $3000 to fix my vehicle for a problem that Ford is well aware this vehicle is still having. I'm deeply disappointed in Ford.

NHTSA ID 11556641 · filed Nov 24, 2023

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

Body & structure

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

6
reports

From owner reports, verbatim

The contact owns a 2016 Ford Taurus. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 25V611000 (Structure); however, the part to do the recall repair was not yet available. The contact stated that while driving at various speeds, the passenger’s side B-Pillar trim became loosened. The failure progressed and, upon further inspection, the passenger’s side B-Pillar trim detached, and the driver’s side B-Pillar trim became loosened. The local dealer was contacted, and the vehicle was repaired out-of-pocket. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 156,000.

NHTSA ID 11753126 · filed Jul 27, 2026

The contact owns a 2016 Ford Taurus. The contact received notifications of NHTSA Campaign Numbers: 25V611000 (Structure) and 25V695000 (Back Over Prevention); however, the parts to do the recall repairs were not yet available. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repairs. The dealer was contacted, and an appointment was scheduled with the understanding that parts had been ordered; however, while contacting the dealer a second time, it was confirmed that parts were not yet available. The manufacturer was not made aware of the issues. The contact had not experienced a failure.

NHTSA ID 11750232 · filed Jul 14, 2026

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

Electrical

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

6
reports

From owner reports, verbatim

I am writing to report an unresolved safety recall for my vehicle. I received Safety Recall Notice 25V695 in October 2025, and as of today, the recall has not been resolved because the required repair parts remain unavailable. This recall involves a safety-related defect, and the extended delay in providing a remedy raises serious safety concerns. I have contacted authorized dealerships, and I have been informed that parts are still on backorder with no estimated availability date. Given the amount of time that has passed since the recall notice was issued, I do not believe this recall has been addressed within a reasonable timeframe. The ongoing lack of an available repair increases the risk associated with operating the vehicle under normal conditions. I am requesting that this issue be reviewed to ensure the manufacturer complies with its obligation to provide a timely and effective remedy for this safety recall. Thank you for your attention to this matter.

NHTSA ID 11713605 · filed Jan 27, 2026

The auxillary for hands free phone calls stopped working the same time the back up camera went out. The camera comes and goes. It works sometimes when it is really cold out. Not sure if this is the wiring.

NHTSA ID 11666528 · filed Jun 12, 2025

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

Suspension

Reports naming suspension components — springs, struts, shocks, control arms and related hardware.

5
reports

From owner reports, verbatim

Bushing of the driver side rear toe link (aka lateral link, toe arm, etc.) separated, causing the rest of the toe link to disconnect from the tire. Images are available but the original part has been taken by the mechanic. Bushing likely failed from corrosion, though this vehicle only spent 4 of its 10 years in a heavily salted environment. The toe link is also intended to last the life of the vehicle and is not mentioned in the recommended maintenance per the vehicle manual. After the toe link separated control of the vehicle was lost. This occurred at a low speed (~25 mph) in a residential area so there were no injuries or property damaged. Service center has confirmed toe link failure. The vehicle and component have not been inspected by any other party. There were no signs of issue prior to the failure. A previous mechanic had indicated that the toe link was seized and could not be adjusted for an alignment but did not recommend replacement. There was no abnormal tire wear or handling of the vehicle prior to the failure. Though this could have been prevented through maintenance, there were no indicators of a failure besides the seized bolt mentioned by the mechanic. May indicate a wider issue similar to Ford's previous toe link problems.

NHTSA ID 11732495 · filed Apr 20, 2026

The contact owns a 2016 Ford Taurus. The contact stated while driving at an undisclosed speed over a dip in the roadway, there was an abnormally loud sound coming from the rear of the vehicle. Upon inspection, the contact discovered that the rear passenger’s side wheel had shifted inward. The vehicle was towed to the local dealer who diagnosed that the rear passenger’s side suspension toe link had fractured, and the rear driver's side suspension toe link was also failing, and both needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not yet repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The contact was informed that the VIN was not included in NHTSA Campaign Number: 20V072000 (Suspension). The contact stated that the vehicle had experienced the failure listed in the recall. The failure mileage was 102,000.

NHTSA ID 11543127 · filed Sep 7, 2023

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

Hhhghjonbb

NHTSA ID 11698309 · filed Nov 8, 2025

Steering didn't work correctly which led to brakes not doing what I needed which led to slamming into a cement edge at a freeway exit or entrance. Seat belts locked up. Air bags did not deploy. Front passenger tire flat. Car towed next day. Ford dealership did NOTHING even when it was discovered Ford sold us a car with a FLAT spare tire (donut). Dealership said no recalls, but coverup or fixed but not correctly previously? Car purchased used. Ford dealership said to go to body shop. Body shop couldn't do anything unless we paid $6,000.00 to get the seat belts replaced. That's 1/3 the price financed for the car!!!! Safety put at risk: flat spare tire & seat belts locked up. The dealership SAID nothing wrong with brakes & steering according to their electronic diagnosis. Didn't even LOOK at brakes & steering. 2 incidents total so far with brakes & steering. Didn't think anything significant the first time. seat belts locked up confirmed by certified body shop. No it has NOT been inspected by anybody else. No warning lights appeared. I unhooked wife's seat belt so she could exit the car as needed & it slammed into her left breast. See attached picture. It took a week for the bruise to go away. Bruise got worse before it disappeared. Hurt a lot.

NHTSA ID 11651282 · filed Mar 28, 2025

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.

4
reports

From owner reports, verbatim

Hhhghjonbb

NHTSA ID 11698309 · filed Nov 8, 2025

The front airbag light keeps coming on.

NHTSA ID 11510185 · filed Mar 5, 2023

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.

3
reports

From owner reports, verbatim

WATER PUMP FAILURE AT 56.965 MILES AND GEAR OIL LEAK

NHTSA ID 11397956 · filed Feb 25, 2021

I DON'T EVEN KNOW WHERE TO BEGIN. EVERY PROBLEM YOU COULD IMAGINE WITH THIS CAR ONLY AY 69K MILES AFTER FORDS PATHETIC POWERTRIAN WARRANTY EXPIRES. I BOUGHT THIS CAR AT 66K MILES SPENT 20 GRAND AFTER TAX AND ONLY MADE ONE PAYMENT BESIDES THE DOWN PAYMENT. FIRST OFF THE PTU FAILED ON THIS VEHICLE FAILED AFTER 2K MILES WITCH IS A REALLY COMMON PROBLEM ON THIS VEHICLE WITCH WAS A $900 PART THOUGH FORD. HAD THIS REPLACED AND NOT ONLY 7 DAYS LATER AND BARELY 1K MILES THE TRANSMISSION FAILED CAUSING THE MOTOR TO OVERHEAT DAMAGING THE MOTOR.. NOW I HAVE A $400+ PAYMENT ON A VEHICLE THAT NEEDS OVER $9000 IN REPAIRS BETWEEN THE MOTOR AND TRANSMISSION AND THE DEALER WONT FIX IT BECAUSE I DIDNT BUY AND EXTENDED WARRANTY AND ITS OUT OF THE FACTORY 60K WARRANTY. NOTE THIS IS A 2016 (PERFORMANCE SEDAN) (SHO) AND THIS HAS BEEN THE MOST UNRELIABLE CAR I HAVE EVER BOUGHT. I WOULD LIKE TO NOTE I ALWAYS BUY FORD AND HAVE HAD ISSUES HERE AND THERE BUT NOTHING LIKE THIS BETWEEN BREAK DOWNS I DIDN'T EVEN GET TO DRIVE THE CAR 30 DAYS AND NOW OWN 6 YEARS WORTH OF PAYMENTS... THKS CAR HAS LITERALLY BROKE ME AND FORD WON'T DO ANYTHING TO MAKE IT RIGHT THERE WAS CLEARLY SOME SORT OF MANUFACTURE DEFECT WITH THIS CAR AND IT SHOULD BE RECALLED I WOULD NEVER RECOMMEND BUY THIS CAR WITHOUT A SERIOUS WARRANTY BECAUSE I KNOW SOME PEOPLE THAT HAVE HAD BETTER LUCK WITH THIS CAR IN EARLIER MODELS WITH THE SAME DRIVETRAIN BUT MINE CAN'T BE THE ONLY 16 SHO THAT HAVE HAD THESE PROBLEMS AND IM SURE OTHER PEOPLE HAVE BEEN LEFT IN HARDSHIP ON NOW NOT HAVING A CAR AND HAVE 20K IN AUTO LOAN DEBT. ALL THIS HAPPENED UNDER NORMAL DRIVING CONDITIONS. THIS CAR WAS BUILT TO BE ABLE TO USE ON THE TRACK AND COMPLETELY FAILED UNDER NORMAL DRIVING CONDITIONS. VERY VERY DISAPPOINTED AND HOPE FORD WILL RECALL THIS MAJOR ISSUE IN THERE "PERFORMANCE VEHICLES"

NHTSA ID 11291507 · filed Dec 27, 2019

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

Seat belts

Reports naming seat belts, buckles, retractors and pretensioners.

3
reports

From owner reports, verbatim

Steering didn't work correctly which led to brakes not doing what I needed which led to slamming into a cement edge at a freeway exit or entrance. Seat belts locked up. Air bags did not deploy. Front passenger tire flat. Car towed next day. Ford dealership did NOTHING even when it was discovered Ford sold us a car with a FLAT spare tire (donut). Dealership said no recalls, but coverup or fixed but not correctly previously? Car purchased used. Ford dealership said to go to body shop. Body shop couldn't do anything unless we paid $6,000.00 to get the seat belts replaced. That's 1/3 the price financed for the car!!!! Safety put at risk: flat spare tire & seat belts locked up. The dealership SAID nothing wrong with brakes & steering according to their electronic diagnosis. Didn't even LOOK at brakes & steering. 2 incidents total so far with brakes & steering. Didn't think anything significant the first time. seat belts locked up confirmed by certified body shop. No it has NOT been inspected by anybody else. No warning lights appeared. I unhooked wife's seat belt so she could exit the car as needed & it slammed into her left breast. See attached picture. It took a week for the bruise to go away. Bruise got worse before it disappeared. Hurt a lot.

NHTSA ID 11651282 · filed Mar 28, 2025

The contact owns a 2016 Ford Taurus. The contact stated that the front passenger's seat belt was inoperable. The vehicle was taken to the dealer and diagnosed that the seat belt system needed to be replaced; however, the part was on backorder. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 80,000.

NHTSA ID 11455162 · filed Mar 4, 2022

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.

1
report

From owner reports, verbatim

Rearview Camara assist works then quits and the duel heat only works on the driver's side and blows cold air on the passenger side and it smells like it's getting exhaust in the car ?but the fan motor is working fine and so does the AC!

NHTSA ID 11712712 · filed Jan 22, 2026

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

Exterior lighting

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

1
report

From owner reports, verbatim

THE HEADLIGHTS ARE DESIGNED SUCH THAT YOU CANNOT SEE CORNERS WHEN MAKING TURNS. I BELIEVE THIS IS INCREDIBLY DANGEROUS. WHEN DRIVING ON DARK ROADS, YOU TRULY CANNOT SEE WHAT YOU ARE TURNING INTO UNTIL YOU MAKE THE TURN. THIS WAS DISCUSSED WITH THE DEALER AND IT APPEARS THE DEALER AND FORD ARE AWARE OF THE ISSUE AND HAVE REDESIGN HEADLIGHTS FOR SOME OF THE VEHICLES THAT HAVE THIS ISSUE. HOWEVER, IT IS MY UNDERSTANDING THAT THEY HAVE NO INTENTIONS OF CORRECT THIS ON CARS ALREADY ON THE ROAD. *TR

NHTSA ID 10928693 · filed Nov 30, 2016

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 .