2016 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.
32% of complaints: back over prevention — 25 distinct reports on file, most commonly citing camera and warnings.
Show complaint excerpts
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.
NHTSA ODI report, 20260714
Also filed under STRUCTURE
15% of complaints: engine — 12 distinct reports on file.
CRASH INJURYShow complaint excerpts
I WAS APPROACHING A VERY BUSY INTERSECTION AND WHEN I APPLIED MY BRAKES THE CAR ACTUALLY ACCELERATED. I WAS ABLE TO STOP BEFORE HITTING THE VEHICLE IN FRONT OF ME.
NHTSA ODI report, 20191128
PROBLEMS OCCURRED 2X - 07/16TH AND 07/18/2016 - WHILE TRAVEL AT HIGHWAY SPEED, 70MPH, ACCELERATION CEASED - CHECK ENGINE, AIRBAG AND SERVICE LIGHTS CAME ON, HAVE TO PULL OVER, SHUT-OFF THE ENGINE, RESTART, DRIVE FOR 1 MORE PROBLEMS REOCCUR AGAIN.
NHTSA ODI report, 20160718
11% of complaints: steering — 9 distinct reports on file.
CRASH INJURYShow complaint excerpts
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.
NHTSA ODI report, 20250328
Also filed under SEAT BELTS and SERVICE BRAKES
9% of complaints: fuel/propulsion system — 7 distinct reports on file.
CRASHShow complaint excerpts
MY FUEL SYSTEM WENT OFF ALL KINDS OF ERROR COMING ON CAR STOPS WHILE RUNNING ON THE HIGHWAY
NHTSA ODI report, 20201207
Also filed under ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
8% of complaints: electrical system — 6 distinct reports on file.
CRASHSAFETY TIMELINE
Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain model year 2016 Ford Taurus, 2016-2017 Ford Flex, Lincoln MKT, 2017 Ford Explorer and Ford Explorer Police Interceptor Utility vehicles equipped with 3.5L GTDI engines.
Remedy: Ford will notify owners, and dealers will inspect, and if necessary, replace the turbocharger oil supply tubes, free of charge. The recall began on January 31, 2017. Owners may contact Ford customer service at 1-866-436-7332.
Campaign 16V925000 — check if this car was fixed
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.
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.
Campaign 20V072000 — check if this car was fixed
Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2015-2019 Flex, 2015 Explorer, Lincoln MKT, Lincoln MKZ, 2015-2016 C-Max, Escape, Taurus, 2016 Fusion, 2018-2019 Taurus, 2019 Lincoln MKT, Fiesta, and 2020 Mustang vehicles.
Remedy: Dealers will inspect and replace the rearview camera as necessary, free of charge. This will be a phased campaign, with the remedy becoming available in different phases based on model and model years.
Campaign 25V695000 — check if this car was fixed
Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2016-2019 Taurus vehicles. The driver and front passenger B-Pillar door trim may detach while driving.
Remedy: Dealers will repair or replace the B-pillar trim as necessary, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed February 20, 2026. Owners may contact Ford customer service at 1-866-436-7332. Ford's number for this recall is 25S91.
Campaign 25V611000 — check if this car was fixed
BUY-SMART CHECKLIST
2016 Ford Taurus — pre-purchase inspection
- Test/inspect for back over prevention issues (25 reports on file for this year).
- Test/inspect for engine issues (12 reports on file for this year).
- Test/inspect for steering issues (9 reports on file for this year).
- Verify recall 16V925000 (engine and engine cooling) has been completed.
- Verify recall 20V072000 (suspension) has been completed.
- Verify recall 25V695000 (back over prevention) has been completed.
- Verify recall 25V611000 (structure) has been completed.
OTHER YEARS OF THIS MODEL
BEST YEARS
WORST YEARS
FAQ
Is the 2016 Ford Taurus reliable?
Based on NHTSA complaint volume compared to this model's typical year, the 2016 Ford Taurus is rated "better than typical".
What are the most common problems with the 2016 Ford Taurus?
The most-reported component is back over prevention, accounting for 32% of complaints on file.
How many recalls does the 2016 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.