2011 Ford Taurus
This year had at least 30% fewer complaints than this model's typical year.
This verdict reflects complaint volume compared to this model's typical year. Recalls and safety issues below apply regardless of the verdict — always check them.
COMPLAINTS PER YEAR
View as data table
| Year | Complaints |
|---|---|
| 1981 | 2 |
| 1983 | 1 |
| 1984 | 4 |
| 1985 | 2 |
| 1986 | 104 |
| 1987 | 259 |
| 1988 | 341 |
| 1989 | 570 |
| 1990 | 392 |
| 1991 | 659 |
| 1992 | 694 |
| 1993 | 1565 |
| 1994 | 931 |
| 1995 | 1208 |
| 1996 | 825 |
| 1997 | 770 |
| 1998 | 545 |
| 1999 | 874 |
| 2000 | 1195 |
| 2001 | 1037 |
| 2002 | 1426 |
| 2003 | 1223 |
| 2004 | 375 |
| 2005 | 774 |
| 2006 | 318 |
| 2007 | 149 |
| 2008 | 175 |
| 2009 | 64 |
| 2010 | 204 |
| 2011 | 187 |
| 2012 | 78 |
| 2013 | 583 |
| 2014 | 229 |
| 2015 | 269 |
| 2016 | 79 |
| 2017 | 44 |
| 2018 | 47 |
| 2019 | 15 |
KNOWN PROBLEM AREAS
Percentages can add to more than 100% -- a complaint can name more than one system.
26% of complaints: electrical system — 48 distinct reports on file, most commonly citing control module and ignition.
CRASH INJURYShow complaint excerpts
WAS ON THE WAY TO A LOCAL TOWN ABOUT 15 MILES FROM HOME,WHEN MY 2011 FORD TAURUS JUST CUT OFF. LIGHT CAME ON TO PRESS BRAKE PEDAL TO START CAR. PUT CAR IN NEUTRAL PRESSED BUTTON AND CAR STARTED BACK UP. DIDN'T HAVE ANYMORE TROUBLE SO FAR. *TR
NHTSA ODI report, 20110106
21% of complaints: engine — 40 distinct reports on file.
CRASH FIREShow complaint excerpts
THERE WAS AN OIL LEAK TO THE TURBO CHARGER WHILE DRIVING CAR. CAR BURNED TO THE GROUND. *TR
NHTSA ODI report, 20120901
13% of complaints: steering — 25 distinct reports on file.
CRASHShow complaint excerpts
Hello I just bought this car and started experiencing steering problems, it gets very stiff while driving and trying to turn.
NHTSA ODI report, 20231005
10% of complaints: power train — 18 distinct reports on file, most commonly citing automatic transmission and driveline.
CRASHShow complaint excerpts
The contact owns a 2011 Ford Taurus. The contact stated that on three separate occasions, the vehicle had independently surged forward without warning. In all three incidents, the contact either hit another vehicle or an object due to the failure.
NHTSA ODI report, 20221116
8% of complaints: vehicle speed control — 15 distinct reports on file, most commonly citing throttle and accelerator pedal.
CRASHShow complaint excerpts
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2011 FORD TAURUS. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE VEHICLE UNEXPECTEDLY ACCELERATED WHILE SHIFTING FROM PARK INTO DRIVE.
NHTSA ODI report, 20120626
SAFETY TIMELINE
Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain model year 2010-2014 Taurus vehicles manufactured November 24, 2008, through February 28, 2014, originally sold in, or currently registered in, Connecticut, Delaware, Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Maine,...
Remedy: Ford will notify owners, and dealers will replace the license plate lamp assemblies, free of charge. The recall began on July 26, 2014. Owners may contact Ford customer service at 1-800-392-3673. Ford's number for this recall is 14S08.
Campaign 14V285000 — check if this car was fixed
Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain model year 2010-2013 Ford Taurus vehicles manufactured December 1, 2009, to July 31, 2010, and 2011-2013 Lincoln MKS vehicles manufactured June 1, 2011, to October 31, 2011.
Remedy: Ford will notify owners, and dealers will inspect all four of the interior door handles and either repair or replace them, free of charge. The recall began March 23, 2015. Owners may contact Ford customer service at 1-866-436-7332.
Campaign 15V040000 — check if this car was fixed
Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain model year 2011-2012 Ford Fusion vehicles without a 3.5L engine and Lincoln MKZ hybrid electric vehicles, 2011 Mercury Milan vehicles, 2011-2012 Ford Taurus, Ford Flex, Lincoln MKS, and Lincoln MKT...
Remedy: Ford will notify owners, and dealers will check the Power Steering Control Module (PSCM) for Diagnostic Trouble Codes (DTC). If dealers find any loss of steering assist DTCs, the steering gear will be replaced, free of charge.
Campaign 15V340000 — check if this car was fixed
Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain model year 2009-2012 Ford Flex, 2008 and 2010-2012 Ford Taurus, 2008-2009 Ford Taurus X, 2008 Mercury Sable, 2009 and 2011 Lincoln MKS vehicles.
Remedy: Ford will notify owners, and dealers will inspect and replace the driver's frontal air bag module, as necessary, free of charge. The recall is expected to begin on June 13, 2016. Owners may contact Ford customer service at 1-866-436-7332.
Campaign 16V247000 — check if this car was fixed
BUY-SMART CHECKLIST
2011 Ford Taurus — pre-purchase inspection
- Test/inspect for electrical system issues (48 reports on file for this year).
- Test/inspect for engine issues (40 reports on file for this year).
- Test/inspect for steering issues (25 reports on file for this year).
- Verify recall 14V285000 (exterior lighting) has been completed.
- Verify recall 15V040000 (structure) has been completed.
- Verify recall 15V340000 (steering) has been completed.
- Verify recall 16V247000 (air bags) has been completed.
OTHER YEARS OF THIS MODEL
BEST YEARS
WORST YEARS
FAQ
Is the 2011 Ford Taurus reliable?
Based on NHTSA complaint volume compared to this model's typical year, the 2011 Ford Taurus is rated "better than typical".
What are the most common problems with the 2011 Ford Taurus?
The most-reported component is electrical system, accounting for 26% of complaints on file.
How many recalls does the 2011 Ford Taurus have?
4 recalls on file for this model year.
Data updated 2026-09-16 · Complaints are unverified owner reports filed with NHTSA, not independently verified defects. Methodology.