2012 Ford Taurus

▲ Better than typical

2012 Ford Taurus
RENDERED 2026-08-02T12:37:56.698Z

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 PER YEAR

2012: 78 complaints

View as data table

Year	Complaints
1981	2
1983	1
1984	4
1985	2
1986	101
1987	255
1988	333
1989	562
1990	381
1991	649
1992	681
1993	1557
1994	923
1995	1205
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	202
2011	187
2012	78
2013	579
2014	227
2015	253
2016	75
2017	43
2018	45
2019	11

KNOWN PROBLEM AREAS

STEERING 21%

21% of complaints: steering — 16 distinct reports on file.

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, 20190108

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. Iâm taking it to a dealer after the holiday weekend.

NHTSA ODI report, 20250419

The steering shut down and I could not steer the vehicle in a Holiday parking lot and I almost hit a pedestrian. My engine and oil light came on. I had to shut the car off and turn it back on and it worked again.

NHTSA ODI report, 20240205

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM 19%

19% of complaints: electrical system — 15 distinct reports on file.

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, 20171229

STRUCTURE 17%

17% of complaints: structure — 13 distinct reports on file.

EXTERIOR LIGHTING 14%

14% of complaints: exterior lighting — 11 distinct reports on file.

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, 20120130

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, 20120126

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, 20111125

ENGINE 14%

14% of complaints: engine — 11 distinct reports on file.

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, 20200121

SAFETY TIMELINE

R 20130509 — fuel system, gasoline

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 h

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 c

Campaign 13V109000 — check if this car was fixed

R 20140726 — exterior lighting

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

R 20150323 — structure

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

R 20150721 — steering

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

R 20160609 — air bags

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