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Ford Taurus Reliability Grade

BOverall

Above-average reliability

EngineB-
TransmissionB+

Grade a specific Ford Taurus

Reliability changes from year to year. Pick a model year to see its grade, then add mileage and price to get a deal score and estimated miles remaining.

The Ford Taurus earns a B overall reliability grade from GradeMyCar, with a B- for its engine and a B+ for its transmission. It ranks 3rd of 4 full-size cars we grade. The engine (B-) is the weaker of its two major components, so ask for oil-change records and have a mechanic check for leaks and oil consumption. Grades are based on 1,312 owner complaints filed with NHTSA for the 2013-2019 model years, adjusted for how many were sold.

Ford Taurus reliability by year

Overall grade for each model year, from owner complaints filed with NHTSA. Tap a year to see its full grade.

2000B-2001B+2002B+2003C2004B+2005C2006B+2007C2008C2009B-2010C-2011C+2012A-2013D2014C2015C-2016B+2017A2018B2019A-

Best years: 2012, 2017 and 2019

Years to avoid: 2013 (stalling / loss of power)

How long does the Ford Taurus last?

160,000Estimated lifespan (miles)

A rough estimate for the model across all years, not measured for each model year.

Known Ford Taurus problems

We track 2 known problem areas for the Ford Taurus, including which model years they affect. They're in the full report, along with miles remaining and a deal score for the car you're looking at.

See Taurus problems

Ford Taurus vs. other full-size cars

ModelEngineTrans.Overall
Toyota Avalon A- A A
Chevrolet Impala B+ B- B+
Ford Taurus B- B+ B
Chrysler 300 A- B- B

Most reliable full-size cars →

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Ford Taurus reliability FAQ

Is the Ford Taurus reliable?

Above-average reliability. The Ford Taurus earns a B overall reliability grade from GradeMyCar, with a B- for its engine and a B+ for its transmission. It ranks 3rd of 4 full-size cars we grade. The engine (B-) is the weaker of its two major components, so ask for oil-change records and have a mechanic check for leaks and oil consumption. Grades are based on 1,312 owner complaints filed with NHTSA for the 2013-2019 model years, adjusted for how many were sold.

How many miles will a Ford Taurus last?

We estimate a well-maintained Ford Taurus lasts around 160,000 miles. That's a rough figure for the model across all years, not measured for each model year, so check the grade for the year you're looking at.

What are the best years for the Ford Taurus?

Based on NHTSA owner complaints, the most reliable Ford Taurus model years are 2012, 2017 and 2019.

What Ford Taurus years should I avoid?

Based on NHTSA owner complaints, the Ford Taurus years to be most careful with are 2013. The 2013 grades a D overall (engine C-, transmission C), and its top engine/transmission problem is stalling / loss of power, which a recall covers.

Is the Ford Taurus transmission reliable?

GradeMyCar grades the Ford Taurus transmission a B+ (above-average reliability). Reliability varies by model year, so grade the specific year you're looking at.

Is the Ford Taurus engine reliable?

GradeMyCar grades the Ford Taurus engine a B- (average reliability).