MYRModel Year Report

2012 Ford Taurus

▲ Better than typical
2012 Ford Taurus
RENDERED 2026-11-01T12:44:21.793Z

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.

How is this computed?

Complaints
79
Recalls
5

Campaigns on file for 2012

Investigations
0

None on file

Top problem
Steering

22% of complaints

Complaints per year

1981: 2 complaints 1981 1983: 1 complaint 1984: 4 complaints 1985: 2 complaints 1986: 104 complaints 1987: 259 complaints 1987 1988: 341 complaints 1989: 570 complaints 1990: 392 complaints 1991: 659 complaints 1992: 694 complaints 1992 1993: 1,565 complaints 1994: 931 complaints 1995: 1,208 complaints 1996: 825 complaints 1997: 770 complaints 1997 1998: 545 complaints 1999: 874 complaints 2000: 1,195 complaints 2001: 1,037 complaints 2002: 1,426 complaints 2002 2003: 1,223 complaints 2004: 375 complaints 2005: 774 complaints 2006: 318 complaints 2007: 149 complaints 2007 2008: 175 complaints 2009: 64 complaints 2010: 204 complaints 2011: 187 complaints 2012: 79 complaints 2012 79 2013: 585 complaints 2014: 229 complaints 2015: 272 complaints 2016: 83 complaints 2017: 44 complaints 2017 2018: 47 complaints 2019: 16 complaints
1981: 2 complaints 1981 1983: 1 complaint 1984: 4 complaints 1985: 2 complaints 1985 1986: 104 complaints 1987: 259 complaints 1988: 341 complaints 1988 1989: 570 complaints 1990: 392 complaints 1991: 659 complaints 1991 1992: 694 complaints 1993: 1,565 complaints 1994: 931 complaints 1994 1995: 1,208 complaints 1996: 825 complaints 1997: 770 complaints 1997 1998: 545 complaints 1999: 874 complaints 2000: 1,195 complaints 2000 2001: 1,037 complaints 2002: 1,426 complaints 2003: 1,223 complaints 2003 2004: 375 complaints 2005: 774 complaints 2006: 318 complaints 2006 2007: 149 complaints 2008: 175 complaints 2009: 64 complaints 2009 2010: 204 complaints 2011: 187 complaints 2012: 79 complaints 2012 79 2013: 585 complaints 2014: 229 complaints 2015: 272 complaints 2015 2016: 83 complaints 2017: 44 complaints 2018: 47 complaints 2018 2019: 16 complaints
1981: 2 complaints 1981 1983: 1 complaint 1984: 4 complaints 1984 1985: 2 complaints 1986: 104 complaints 1986 1987: 259 complaints 1988: 341 complaints 1988 1989: 570 complaints 1990: 392 complaints 1990 1991: 659 complaints 1992: 694 complaints 1992 1993: 1,565 complaints 1994: 931 complaints 1994 1995: 1,208 complaints 1996: 825 complaints 1996 1997: 770 complaints 1998: 545 complaints 1998 1999: 874 complaints 2000: 1,195 complaints 2000 2001: 1,037 complaints 2002: 1,426 complaints 2002 2003: 1,223 complaints 2004: 375 complaints 2004 2005: 774 complaints 2006: 318 complaints 2006 2007: 149 complaints 2008: 175 complaints 2008 2009: 64 complaints 2010: 204 complaints 2010 2011: 187 complaints 2012: 79 complaints 2012 79 2013: 585 complaints 2014: 229 complaints 2014 2015: 272 complaints 2016: 83 complaints 2016 2017: 44 complaints 2018: 47 complaints 2018 2019: 16 complaints

2012: 79 complaints

View as data table
YearComplaints
19812
19831
19844
19852
1986104
1987259
1988341
1989570
1990392
1991659
1992694
19931,565
1994931
19951,208
1996825
1997770
1998545
1999874
20001,195
20011,037
20021,426
20031,223
2004375
2005774
2006318
2007149
2008175
200964
2010204
2011187
201279
2013585
2014229
2015272
201683
201744
201847
201916

Known problem areas

Percentages can add to more than 100% — a complaint can name more than one system.

Steering

22% · 17 reports
CRASH
Show complaint excerpts

I am unable to turn brought to a mechanic who said there's a recall 1 5V 340000. Set Ford would fix it for free call Ford customer service they agreed set the recall is on edmunds for the 2011 through 2013 Taurus.

NHTSA ODI report, 2019-01-08

Complete power steering failure p07ae:09-c8 after recall complete 6/29/26

NHTSA ODI report, 2026-09-24

Also filed under Electrical system

My steering all of a sudden was stiff and I can barely turn at low speeds. Not safe due to uncontrolled steering. I replaced the pump thinking that would fix it, and it did not. I’m taking it to a dealer after the holiday weekend.

NHTSA ODI report, 2025-04-19

Electrical system

20% · 16 reports
Show complaint excerpts

A complete failure of all dashboard controls occurred without warning. Controls such as radio, volumn , ac, heat, etc are all non responsive!

NHTSA ODI report, 2017-12-29

Structure

20% · 16 reports

Most commonly citing body.

Exterior lighting

15% · 12 reports

Most commonly citing headlights.

Show complaint excerpts

2012 Taurus the headlights on the 2012 Taurus have a very sharp short cutoff that limits visibility greatly.this can only be experienced on a highway or back road where there is no back lights or other vehicles present.the cutoff projects a black...

NHTSA ODI report, 2012-01-30

The headlights do not produce a complete and full light field in front of the vehicle. There are several distinct "Finger shadows" Present throughout the entire light field, resulting in very poor night vision.

NHTSA ODI report, 2012-01-26

2012 Taurus the headlights on the 2012 Taurus have a very sharp short cutoff that limits visibility greatly. This can only be experienced on a highway or back road where there is no back lights or other vehicles present.

NHTSA ODI report, 2011-11-25

Engine

14% · 11 reports
FIRE
Show complaint excerpts

While sitting at a stop sign the engine compartment caught fire burning the top of the engine compartment and hood. It happened so fast I can only assume it was fuel related.

NHTSA ODI report, 2020-01-21

Safety timeline

5 recalls · 0 investigations · oldest first

To check one car, enter its VIN on the NHTSA recall page. Check a VIN →

  1. R
    2013-05-09Fuel system, gasoline13V109000 Ford is recalling certain model year 2012 Taurus, Lincoln MKS, and model year 2013 Explorer vehicles manufactured July 19, 2011, through March 15, 2012. In the affected vehicles, the fuel tanks may…

    Remedy: Ford will notify owners, and dealers will inspect the fuel tanks and replace them as necessary, free of charge. The recall began on May 9, 2013. Ford's recall campaign number is 13S03. Owners may…

    Check if this car was fixed →

  2. R
    2014-07-26Exterior lighting14V285000 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.

    Check if this car was fixed →

  3. R
    2015-03-23Structure15V040000 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.

    Check if this car was fixed →

  4. R
    2015-07-21Steering15V340000 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.

    Check if this car was fixed →

  5. R
    2016-06-09Air bags16V247000 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.

    Check if this car was fixed →

Buy-smart checklist

2012 Ford Taurus — pre-purchase inspection

Inspect

  • Steering: 17 reports on file for this year.
  • Electrical system: 16 reports on file for this year.
  • Structure: 16 reports on file for this year.

Verify these recalls were completed

  • Recall 13V109000 · Fuel system, gasoline
  • Recall 14V285000 · Exterior lighting
  • Recall 15V040000 · Structure
  • Recall 15V340000 · Steering
  • Recall 16V247000 · Air bags
Inspected by ______________ Date ______________

Other years of this model

See all years ranked →

Best years3 years

Worst years3 years

FAQ

Is the 2012 Ford Taurus reliable?
Based on NHTSA complaint volume compared to this model's typical year, the 2012 Ford Taurus is rated "better than typical".
What are the most common problems with the 2012 Ford Taurus?
The most-reported component is steering, accounting for 22% of complaints on file.
How many recalls does the 2012 Ford Taurus have?
5 recalls on file for this model year.

Data updated 2026-11-01 · Complaints are unverified owner reports filed with NHTSA, not independently verified defects. Methodology.