2013 Ford Taurus Reliability Data: Problems & Recalls
Avoid The 2013 Ford Taurus ranks worst of 15 model years, with a complaint index of 100 and 584 NHTSA complaints, mostly steering-related (51%). It carries 9 recall campaigns, earning an Avoid verdict compared to other Taurus years.
Based on NHTSA complaints per model-year, not a reliability rating. Methodology
YearToAvoid Scorecard
- Complaint Index
- 100/100
- #1 of 15 Taurus years
- Verdict
- Avoid
- vs. other years of this model
- Complaints
- 584
- unique NHTSA reports
- Recalls
- 9
- distinct NHTSA campaigns
- Crashes
- 20
- reported in complaints
- Fires
- 6
- Injuries
- 25
- Top issue
- Steering
- NHTSA overall rating
- 5 / 5 ★
- EPA combined MPG
- 21.5
- 18.5 city / 27 hwy
- Injuries / deaths
- 25 / 0
Top 2013 Ford Taurus problems
Share of this year’s NHTSA complaints by component group. Groups with 15+ complaints have their own page.
- Steering295 (51%)
- Fuel System107 (18%)
- Engine87 (15%)
- Electrical System64 (11%)
- Transmission & Powertrain44 (8%)
- Other38 (7%)
- Brakes29 (5%)
- Suspension, Wheels & Tires28 (5%)
- Structure & Body15 (3%)
- Airbags11 (2%)
A complaint can list more than one component, so shares add up to more than 100%. Shares are % of complaints.
What owners report
- Owners report the power steering losing assist or failing, often tied to the Power Steering Control Module, sometimes leading to difficulty controlling the car.
- Several complaints describe rear tie rods or suspension components breaking or separating, causing loss of control at low to moderate speed.
- Multiple owners report fires starting near the license plate lamp assembly or trunk area, sometimes while the car was parked or remote-started.
- Some drivers report the engine losing power, stalling, or seizing while underway, in a few cases followed by a fire under the hood.
- A few owners describe the accelerator pedal sticking or the vehicle surging unexpectedly during low-speed maneuvers.
2013 Ford Taurus recalls
9 NHTSA recall campaigns list this model year.
- NHTSA 20V072000Feb 10, 2020Suspension, Wheels & Tires211,207 vehicles
Suspension:rear
Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2013-2018 Lincoln MKT and Ford Flex and Taurus vehicles with the Police Interceptor or SHO Performance Pack. The rear suspension toe links may fracture due to stress on the rear suspension.
Risk: A fractured rear toe link will cause a sudden change in vehicle handling and increase the risk of a crash.
Remedy: Ford will notify owners, and dealers will replace the rear suspension toe links, free of charge. Remedy parts are not currently available. Owners were notified about the recall on March 3, 2020. A second notice will be mailed when remedy parts become available, which is currently expected to be the end of September 2020. The recall began October 28, 2020. Owners may contact Ford customer service at 1-866-436-7332 or Lincoln customer service at 1-800-521-4140. Ford's number for this recall is 20S04.
- NHTSA 16V621000Aug 25, 2016Fuel System77,502 vehicles
Fuel system, gasoline:delivery:fuel pump
Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain model year 2013-2015 Ford Taurus, Ford Flex, Lincoln MKS and Lincoln MKT vehicles equipped with 3.5L GTDI Ecoboost engines and 2013-2015 Ford Taurus Police Interceptor vehicles. A component within the fuel pump electric module (PEM) may overheat causing a loss of electrical power to the fuel pump.
Risk: A loss of power to the fuel pump will cause the engine to stall or prevent the vehicle from starting, increasing the risk of a crash.
Remedy: Ford will notify owners, and dealers will inspect the fuel PEM part number and replace the fuel PEM, as necessary, free of charge. The recall began on December 1, 2016. Owners may contact Ford customer service at 1-866-436-7332. Ford's number for this recall is 16S31.
- NHTSA 15V812000Dec 2, 2015Fuel System868 vehicles
Fuel system, gasoline
Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain model year 2013 Explorer, Explorer Police Utility, Taurus, Taurus Police Interceptor, Flex, Lincoln MKS, and Lincoln MKT vehicles. In the affected vehicles, the fuel delivery module may crack, allowing fuel to leak.
Risk: A fuel leak in the presence of an ignition source may result in a fire.
Remedy: Ford will notify owners, and dealers will replace the fuel delivery module, free of charge. The recall began on December 21, 2015. Owners may contact Ford customer service at 1-866-436-7332. Ford's number for this recall is 13S04-S1.
2013 Ford Taurus fuel economy and fuel cost
- City
- 18.5 MPG
- Highway
- 27 MPG
- Combined
- 21.5 MPG
- Annual fuel cost (EPA)
- $3,025
- 15,000 mi/yr
- Fuel
- Regular
- Current regular gas
- $4.32/gal
- national avg.
EPA figures; median across configurations of this model year. Estimate your own cost with the fuel cost calculator.
2013 compared with other Taurus years
Frequently asked questions
- Is the 2013 Ford Taurus reliable?
- Based on NHTSA data, the 2013 Taurus has the highest complaint index (100) of any Taurus model year and ranks worst overall, with 584 complaints and 9 recall campaigns.
- What is the biggest problem with the 2013 Ford Taurus?
- Steering issues dominate, accounting for 51% of complaints (295 reports) and a median failure mileage of 95,000 miles, according to NHTSA.
- Does the 2013 Ford Taurus have recalls?
- Yes, NHTSA lists 9 recall campaigns for the 2013 Taurus, covering steering, fuel system, transmission, electrical, and structural components.
- What year Ford Taurus should I avoid?
- Among Taurus years with data, 2013 has the highest complaint index (100) and ranks worst, followed by 2005 (93) and 2010 (86), all rated Avoid.
- Are there fire risks with the 2013 Ford Taurus?
- NHTSA complaint data lists 6 fire incidents for the 2013 Taurus, with owners describing fires near the license plate lamp, trunk, and engine bay.