Independent · Not affiliated with NHTSA or any automaker MethodologyData sourcesData refreshed Oct 6, 2026

2013 Ford Taurus: Problems, Recalls and MPG

What this means

NHTSA lists 9 recall campaigns for the 2013 Ford Taurus, most recently filed February 2020. Owners have filed 584 complaints with NHTSA, most often about the steering. In NHTSA crash tests it earned 5 stars overall.

Data summary generated from official records. Methodology Data: NHTSA, DOT, EPA · Refreshed Oct 6, 2026
Recalls 9campaigns 2 fuel system · 1 suspension · 1 fuel pump Source: NHTSA Complaints 584filed Owner reports, 2009–2018 shown Source: NHTSA ODI Crash tests 5★overall ★★★★★ Frontal 5★ · Side 5★ · Rollover 4★ Source: NHTSA NCAP Fuel economy 25mpg combined $2,612/yr at this week's prices Source: EPA · EIA Specs 2 L 4-cyl· 6-speed automatic 6 engine and transmission configurations Source: NHTSA vPIC
Compare

Recalls (9)

NHTSA lists 9 recall campaigns for the 2013 Ford Taurus. Check whether yours was repaired with NHTSA's free VIN lookup ↗

Only NHTSA and your automaker know whether your specific car was repaired. PlainVIN shows every recall campaign listed for a model year, with the official text and how many cars have been fixed so far.

Check on NHTSA ↗
Listed for 2013 Ford Taurus. Not checked against your VIN.
Recall 20V072000 Filed Feb 10, 2020

Rear Suspension Toe Links May Fracture

Suspension · rear
Official NHTSA text
Summary
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.
Consequence
A fractured rear toe link will cause a sudden change in vehicle handling and increase the risk of a crash.
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. A second notice will be mailed when remedy parts become available, which is currently expected to be the end of September 2020. The recall began October 28, 2020. Owners may contact Ford customer service at 1-866-436-7332 or Lincoln customer service at 1-800-521-4140. Ford's number for this recall is 20S04.
69.5% repairedof 211,207 vehicles
Manufacturer report to NHTSA · Source: US DOT recall completion data, retrieved Oct 6, 2026
Check your VIN on NHTSA or ask a dealer to check campaign 20V072000
Listed for 2013 Ford Taurus. Not checked against your VIN.
Recall 16V621000 Filed Aug 25, 2016

Fuel Pump Malfunction may Cause Engine Stall

Fuel system, gasoline · delivery · fuel pump
Official NHTSA text
Summary
Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain model year 2013-2015 Ford Taurus, Ford Flex, Lincoln MKS and Lincoln MKT vehicles equipped with 3.5L GTDI Ecoboost engines and 2013-2015 Ford Taurus Police Interceptor vehicles. A component within the fuel pump electric module (PEM) may overheat causing a loss of electrical power to the fuel pump.
Consequence
A loss of power to the fuel pump will cause the engine to stall or prevent the vehicle from starting, increasing the risk of a crash.
Remedy
Ford will notify owners, and dealers will inspect the fuel PEM part number and replace the fuel PEM, as necessary, free of charge. The recall began on December 1, 2016. Owners may contact Ford customer service at 1-866-436-7332. Ford's number for this recall is 16S31.
81.2% repairedof 77,502 vehicles
Manufacturer report to NHTSA · Source: US DOT recall completion data, retrieved Oct 6, 2026
Check your VIN on NHTSA or ask a dealer to check campaign 16V621000
Listed for 2013 Ford Taurus. Not checked against your VIN.
Recall 15V812000 Filed Dec 2, 2015

Fuel Delivery Module may Crack and Leak

Fuel system, gasoline
Official NHTSA text
Summary
Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain model year 2013 Explorer, Explorer Police Utility, Taurus, Taurus Police Interceptor, Flex, Lincoln MKS, and Lincoln MKT vehicles. In the affected vehicles, the fuel delivery module may crack, allowing fuel to leak.
Consequence
A fuel leak in the presence of an ignition source may result in a fire.
Remedy
Ford will notify owners, and dealers will replace the fuel delivery module, free of charge. The recall began on December 21, 2015. Owners may contact Ford customer service at 1-866-436-7332. Ford's number for this recall is 13S04-S1.
80.2% repairedof 868 vehicles
Manufacturer report to NHTSA · Source: US DOT recall completion data, retrieved Oct 6, 2026
Check your VIN on NHTSA or ask a dealer to check campaign 15V812000
Listed for 2013 Ford Taurus. Not checked against your VIN.
Recall 15V340000 Filed Jun 2, 2015

Loss of Electric Power Steering Assist

Steering · electric power assist system
Official NHTSA text
Summary
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 vehicles equipped with a 3.5L GTDI engine and 2013 Ford Taurus, Ford Flex, Lincoln MKS, and Lincoln MKT vehicles equipped with any available engine. The affected vehicles have electric power steering assist systems that may shut down as a result of a steering motor sensor fault.
Consequence
If the vehicle experiences a loss of power steering assist, extra steering effort will be required at lower speeds, increasing the risk of a vehicle crash.
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. If, no codes are found during the PSCM inspection, the PSCM software will be updated, free of charge. The recall began on July 21, 2015. Owners may contact Ford customer service at 1-866-436-7332. Ford's number for this recall is 15S18.
69.4% repairedof 393,623 vehicles
Manufacturer report to NHTSA · Source: US DOT recall completion data, retrieved Oct 6, 2026
Check your VIN on NHTSA or ask a dealer to check campaign 15V340000
Listed for 2013 Ford Taurus. Not checked against your VIN.
Recall 15V040000 Filed Jan 28, 2015

Interior Door Handle Return Spring may Unseat

Structure · body · door
Official NHTSA text
Summary
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. In the affected vehicles, the interior door handle return spring may unseat, resulting in interior door handle that does not return to the fully stowed position after actuation.
Consequence
If the interior door handle return spring is unseated, the door may unlatch in the event of a side impact crash, increasing the risk of personal injury.
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. Ford's number for this recall is 15S02.
52.2% repairedof 194,889 vehicles
Manufacturer report to NHTSA · Source: US DOT recall completion data, retrieved Oct 6, 2026
Check your VIN on NHTSA or ask a dealer to check campaign 15V040000
Listed for 2013 Ford Taurus. Not checked against your VIN.
Recall 14V393000 Filed Jul 2, 2014

Halfshaft Disengagement/Loss of Drive/Roll Away

Power train · axle assembly · axle shaft
Official NHTSA text
Summary
Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain model year 2012-2014 Ford Edge and Lincoln MKX vehicles manufactured September 2, 2010, to November 30, 2013; 2013-2014 Ford Taurus and Lincoln MKS vehicles manufactured August 25, 2011, to November 30, 2013; and 2013-2014 Ford Flex and Lincoln MKT vehicles manufactured September 12, 2011, to November 30, 2013. In the affected vehicles, the halfshaft retention circlip may not have been properly installed, and as a result, the halfshaft may move outward and disengage from the linkshaft while driving and without prior warning.
Consequence
If the halfshaft and linkshaft become disengaged while driving, power will no longer be transmitted to the wheels, increasing the risk of a vehicle crash. Additionally, if the parking brake is not applied before exiting the vehicle, the vehicle may roll away despite the transmission being placed in 'Park', increasing the risk of injury to exiting occupants and bystanders.
Remedy
Ford will notify owners, and dealers will inspect the vehicles to make sure that the halfshaft is properly retained. If it is not, dealers will replace the linkshaft and also replace the halfshaft if it shows evidence of spline damage, free of charge. The recall began on August 4, 2014. Owners may contact Ford customer service at 1-800-392-3673. Ford's number for this recall is 14S10.
90.4% repairedof 83,250 vehicles
Manufacturer report to NHTSA · Source: US DOT recall completion data, retrieved Oct 6, 2026
Check your VIN on NHTSA or ask a dealer to check campaign 14V393000
Listed for 2013 Ford Taurus. Not checked against your VIN.
Recall 14V285000 Filed May 29, 2014

Water Intrusion may cause License Plate Lamp Fire

Exterior lighting
Official NHTSA text
Summary
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, Maryland, Massachusetts, Michigan, Minnesota, Missouri, New Hampshire, New Jersey, New York, Ohio, Pennsylvania, Rhode Island, Vermont, West Virginia, Wisconsin and the District of Columbia. When used in areas that use road salt, the license plate lamp assembly may experience an electro-chemical reaction and corrosion as a result of water intrusion.
Consequence
This corrosion may result in a short circuit, increasing the risk of a fire.
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. Note: Under program 14R01, Ford will notify owners in non-corrosion states, and, at the customer's request, dealers will replace the license plate lamp assembly.
72.6% repairedof 183,425 vehicles
Manufacturer report to NHTSA · Source: US DOT recall completion data, retrieved Oct 6, 2026
Check your VIN on NHTSA or ask a dealer to check campaign 14V285000
Listed for 2013 Ford Taurus. Not checked against your VIN.
Recall 13V270000 Filed Jun 26, 2013

Child Safety Lock may become Deactivated

Latches/locks/linkages
Official NHTSA text
Summary
Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain model year 2013 Ford Explorer, Taurus, and Lincoln MKS vehicles manufactured November 29, 2012, through December 12, 2012. In the affected vehicles, with sufficient door openings and closings, the child safety locks may change from an activated position to a deactivated position without notice.
Consequence
If the child lock is deactivated, the door could be unlocked and opened from the inside which could lead to personal injury to an unrestrained child.
Remedy
Ford will notify owners, and dealers will test the safety locks. If necessary, the locks will be replaced free of charge. The recall began on August 2, 2013. Ford's recall number is 13S07. Owners may contact the Ford customer relationship center at 1-866-436-7332.
Repair progress not yet reported12,569 vehicles potentially affected
Manufacturer report to NHTSA · Source: US DOT recall completion data, retrieved Oct 6, 2026
Check your VIN on NHTSA or ask a dealer to check campaign 13V270000
Listed for 2013 Ford Taurus. Not checked against your VIN.
Recall 13V227000 Filed May 31, 2013

Fuel Delivery Module may Crack And Leak

Fuel system, gasoline
Official NHTSA text
Summary
Ford is recalling certain model year 2013 Explorer, Taurus, Flex, Fusion, Police Interceptor Sedan and Police Interceptor Utility vehicles; and certain model year 2013 Lincoln MKS, MKT, and MKZ vehicles. In the affected vehicles, the fuel delivery module may develop a crack, allowing fuel to leak.
Consequence
A fuel leak in the presence of an ignition source may result in a fire.
Remedy
Ford will notify owners, and dealers will replace the fuel delivery module, free of charge. The recall began on July 20, 2013. Owners may contact Ford Motor Company Customer Relationship Center at 1-866-436-7332. Ford's recall campaign number is 13S04.
Repair progress not yet reported390,783 vehicles potentially affected
Manufacturer report to NHTSA · Source: US DOT recall completion data, retrieved Oct 6, 2026
Check your VIN on NHTSA or ask a dealer to check campaign 13V227000

PlainVIN shows public government records for education. It isn't a vehicle inspection or legal advice. Check your own VIN with NHTSA or your dealer.

Which Taurus years had the most recalls?Best & worst years →Every recall for the Ford TaurusAll model years →Where is the VIN on my car?VIN location guide →

Owner complaints (584)

584 complaints filed with NHTSA (owner reports, not verified findings). The steering is mentioned most often.

20involved a crash
6involved a fire
25injuries reported
0deaths reported

As reported by owners in their complaints. These are reports, not NHTSA findings.

Most-reported components

Complaints filed with NHTSA for the 2013 Ford Taurus, by component (top 10). One complaint can list several components, so these add up to more than 584.Source: NHTSA ODI owner complaints · Retrieved Oct 6, 2026 · Report a data error

How 2013 compares with other Taurus years

Best and worst Taurus years →
64 204 187 79 584 229 276 81 44 49
2009201020112012201320142015201620172018
This year (2013)Other yearsStill collecting reports

Counts are owner reports, not failure rates. Higher sales years tend to draw more reports. Owners are still filing reports for recent model years, so these counts will grow. Source: NHTSA ODI, retrieved Oct 6, 2026.

Crash tests: 5 stars overall

Overall★★★★★
Frontal crashDriver 5★ · Passenger 5★★★★★★
Side crashDriver 5★ · Passenger 5★★★★★★
Side pole★★★★★
RolloverRollover risk 11.3%★★★★☆
Front seat of a modern car with the seat belt buckled across the passenger seat
Compare fairly. Compare stars only between vehicles of similar size and weight. Ratings apply to the tested configuration.

Source: NHTSA 5-Star Safety Ratings (NCAP), 2013 Ford Taurus 4 dr fwd, retrieved Oct 6, 2026.

Fuel economy: up to 25 mpg combined

25
mpg combined
22
city
31
highway
EPA annual fuel cost
$2,700
CO₂ tailpipe
350 g/mi
EPA class
Large Cars

What it costs you to run

$2,612per year
$218per month
600gallons a year

Miles ÷ 25 mpg × $4.354 (EIA US average regular, week of Oct 5, 2026, all taxes included). Source: EPA · EIA.

EPA label estimates from lab tests; your mileage will vary.

Specs by configuration

2013 Ford Taurus configurations with EPA data
Engine · transmissionDriveCity / Hwy / CombEPA $/yrCO₂ g/mi
2 L 4-cyl · 6-speed automaticFront-Wheel Drive22 / 31 / 25$2,700350
3.5 L 6-cyl · 6-speed automaticFront-Wheel Drive19 / 28 / 22$3,050395
3.5 L 6-cyl · 6-speed automaticFront-Wheel Drive19 / 28 / 22$3,050396
3.5 L 6-cyl · 6-speed automaticAll-Wheel Drive18 / 26 / 21$3,200426
3.5 L 6-cyl · 6-speed automaticAll-Wheel Drive18 / 26 / 21$3,200426
3.5 L 6-cyl · 6-speed automaticAll-Wheel Drive17 / 25 / 20$3,350446

Source: EPA fuel economy data, retrieved Oct 6, 2026. Configurations are listed when EPA and NHTSA records match.

Used blue SUV on a sunny dealer lot with its hood open and a clipboard on the fender

Looking at a 2013 Taurus for sale?

Print a one-page buyer's checklist: each recall campaign with a box to tick when the seller shows proof of repair, the top complaint areas to inspect, crash stars, MPG, and a link back to this page.

All Taurus years

Where to next

Which Taurus years drew the fewest complaints?Best & worst years →2014 Ford Taurus report229 complaints · 5 campaigns →2012 Ford Taurus report79 complaints · 5 campaigns →Have a VIN? Decode itVIN decoder →

2013 Ford Taurus FAQ

How many recalls does the 2013 Ford Taurus have?

NHTSA lists 9 recall campaigns: 20V072000 (suspension), 16V621000 (fuel pump), 15V812000 (fuel system), 15V340000 (steering), 15V040000 (structure), 14V393000 (power train), 14V285000 (lighting), 13V270000 (latch), 13V227000 (fuel system). Use NHTSA's VIN lookup to see whether a specific car was repaired.

What are the most common 2013 Ford Taurus problems?

Owners filed 584 complaints with NHTSA. Steering (295), Fuel/propulsion system (96), Engine (70) are mentioned most. These are owner reports, not verified findings.

What mpg does the 2013 Ford Taurus get?

EPA rates the 2 L 4-cyl · 6-speed automatic version at 22 city, 31 highway and 25 combined mpg. Other configurations are listed in the fuel economy section.

What safety rating did the 2013 Ford Taurus get?

NHTSA rated the 2013 Ford Taurus 4 dr fwd 5 stars overall, with 5 stars frontal, 5 stars side and 4 stars rollover (11.3% rollover risk).

How does the 2013 Taurus compare with other years?

Among the 2009–2018 Ford Taurus model years at least five years old, the 2017 drew the fewest complaints (44) and the 2013 the most (584). The 2013 drew 584. Counts are owner reports, not failure rates.

How this page was madeSources, processing, limits, review and changes

Processing

  • Complaints are counted per component. One complaint can list several, so component totals add up to more than the total.
  • Fuel cost = miles per year ÷ EPA combined mpg × EIA weekly price for your region.

Limitations

  • Complaint counts are owner reports, not verified findings or failure rates. There is no sales denominator.
  • Recall campaigns are listed for the model year. Only NHTSA and the automaker know whether a specific car was repaired.
  • Recent model years are still collecting reports.

Review

Data compiled automatically from the official files listed here.

Changelog

  • 2026-10-06 Data refreshed from the official files.
Report an errorMethodologyHow we use AI
Was this report useful?Report a data error
My Garage
Save this car and we'll flag new recall campaigns next time you visit.