Ford Taurus - TOP PROBLEMS & ISSUES 2013 - 2019 (common fixes, repairs, defects)

In this video I am talking about most top common issues and problems with latest generation of Ford Taurus. So if you are planning to buy a Ford Taurus sedan or already own one, this video might be useful to you. This video can serve as a buying guide as well. ( 2013 | 2014 | 2015 | 2016 | 2017 | 2018 | 2019 | SE | SEL | LIMITED | AWD | 3.5L ).
Give me your support and join the channel:
/ @quitealright
Main problems from my experience are:
1. Transfer Case
Failed transfer case is not reported as a major complaint by consumers, but in my experience it is the biggest problem with this vehicles. This obviously applies on to All Wheel Drive models. I had PTU failed 4 times on 4 different Tauruses.
2. Strut Mounts
Bearings in the strut mounts gets worn and start making clunking / banging noise when turning steering wheel. Even if replaced with OEM parts, they get worn again quite soon. This is something you will have to be replacing quite often on Ford Taurus, depending how much you drive.
3. Automatic Lights
Auto Lights switch goes bad and you might end up driving without lights in the night. Cheap and easy fix, switch usually has to be replaced.
4. Oil Leaks
Nothing Major here. Oil Pan gasket sometimes leaks and oil sips around the sensors on the top of the engine. See video for exact location.
5. Blend Door Actuators
Passenger Side Blend Door actuator will fail on Ford Taurus. This is something you can't avoid. It is just low quality part. You can replace it by yourself if you like DIY projects. Here is link to my video on how to replace it:
• Ford Taurus - PASSENGE...
Thanks for watching.
I hope this video was at least a bit helpful, if it was Like it and consider SUBSCRIBING and/or JOINING the channel!
⚠ DISCLAIMER:
While QuiteAlright strives to make the information provided in this video as accurate as possible, it makes no claims, promises, or guarantees about the accuracy, completeness or applicability of the content. The videos are intended for information only. Follow the manufactures repair procedure and use appropriate safety procedures. No information contained in this video shall create any expressed or implied warranty or guarantee of any particular result. All do-it-yourself projects entail some risk. It is the sole responsibility of the viewer to assume this risk. QuiteAlright is not responsible or liable for any loss damage (including, but not limited to, actual, consequential, or punitive), liability, claim, or any other injury or cause related to or resulting from any information posted in this video.

[@skeetermcswagger0U812]

One thing that will help a lot of people with cost of parts and sometimes availability, is that Mazda and Ford collaborated with these engines so if you are to get an expensive part for the Ford version you can check on the same part for a Mazda (whether you have to go to an actual Mazda dealer or not) and usually that component is significantly cheaper even though it's the exact same component.

[@tracemiller1519]

I appreciate this tip!

[@Sohayb_1s]

What part you talking about it please!?

[@steveburge4321]

I've got 2012 sel it has been running flawlessly, has only 158000 klms. 3.5 non turbocharged, change oil regularly and Coolant to avoid water pump casket failure! Just maintain it and it'll take you where you need to get!

[@ChrisLee66]

So glad I found your video and I will step way back from a deal that came across my path! Thank You!

[@QuiteAlright]

Glad it was helpful!

[@Chieftain357]

I have a 2010 and it is rock solid. The only thing under the hood I had to replace was the high-pressure hose for power steering at 130k. Purrs like a kitten at 145k. 3.5 V6 is a rock-solid engine, make sure to change oil every 5k. You see an old Edge, Taurus, or an explorer you know it's got that 3.5 in it.

[@QuiteAlright]

Thanks for sharing. I agree 3.5L is an excellent engine, much better than small turbo charged engines they are using nowadays

[@joemiller2057]

I replaced the front Struts on my 2018 taurus at 72,000 miles took it to Midas they did a great job it rides better than it did when it was new

[@QuiteAlright]

That's good. It is a good idea replacing complete strut assemblies. I usually do only strut mounts because they don't last too long. They start banging no matter which brand or oem

[@bradleysteeves3291]

I have 2014 police AWD 3.7 non turbo. with 160,000 miles (200,000 kms Canada). i have had it for 4 years i had to replace the waterpump, slight leak, coolant going low, it was $3,000 to replace it, i did tune up, replaced all gaskets, plugs, oil pump, timing chain. My PTU fluid was changed, it was still in good condition. Both rear axle seals were leaking at the rear differencial, had to drop the exhaust and rear axle. Dealer replaced both cat. vconverters under extended warranty. car runs great, great in canadian snow. love the car.

[@QuiteAlright]

Thanks for sharing. It is a great car, sorry to hear you had some bigger expenses. Lots of people lately comment about water pump issues. And now finally I got a 14 Taurus Limited which also had a water pump leak. It is a quite big job and also replaced chain and all components. Now it should be good for quite some time. Car had 220,000km. So I guess water pump goes around 200k mark

[@muhanadk2910]

Very informative .. Many thanks

[@QuiteAlright]

My pleasure

[@1-Smiley]

You exactly right with the PTU. You can change the oil to help extend the life.

[@QuiteAlright]

I just had one replaced at Explorer. Same thing, same part #. This time I got aftermarket PTU with drain plug, we'll see how long it lasts

[@PeteG-zq5vj]

Thanks for your advice Mr Count Dracula (grandson?).

[@skeetermcswagger0U812]

The guy from 'Despicable me'(I don't remember his name)who has all the minions working for him is the very informative when coming to automobile. 👍

[@Bootinn]

Gru

[@skeetermcswagger0U812]

@@Bootinn THANK YOU!!!!😉

[@davenelson8187]

With 95k on my 2014 SHO, the only serious issue I’ve had was the HVAC blower motor failing. As a smoker I usually have it on the highest speed all the time and directed to the floor. Replaced it myself for less than $75 bucks. Another item is a circuit card gremlin (FPIM?). It causes the HVAC to turn off and doesn’t allow control using the push buttons below the in dash touchscreen. Fortunately, it still works fine using the touchscreen when this happens. Dealer stated it was a $1200 fix! I’ve heard and learned a lot about the AWD PTU and may have a mechanic replace the (lifetime) lube in it for good measure. I’ve used the paddle shifters a lot for slowing down especially in winters, but not so much any more. As a result, I’m still running with the original factory brake pads 😊 I love the car…

[@QuiteAlright]

Thanks for sharing your story. SHO is really fun to drive and I'm glad it is serving you good. My wife recently crashed her Taurus and it got written off by insurance. I bought it back through the salvage auction and will fix it. Just love that car

[@davenelson8187]

@@QuiteAlright my M5 only had 129k, but with the damage dhe would never be the same 😪

[@QuiteAlright]

@@davenelson8187 My Taurus just needs new left sided doors + hinges. No frame or structural damage

[@cedarhillfarmllc292]

I have a 2015 Ford Taurus SEL since new no problems whatsoever, knock on wood. 85000 miles and routine service. Love the car.

[@QuiteAlright]

I'm glad to hear you are happy with your Taurus. They are excellent cars and have much less problems than most of other makes and models

[@user-lv6vk5jn7h]

لدي برج الثور الخاص بي لديه رائحه غريبه كالحريق

[@user-lv6vk5jn7h]

هل يكون رائحه العادم

[@thechampion9525]

Great video very good explained I like your English accent looks like you are from Europe 🇪🇺

[@QuiteAlright]

Thanks! 😃

[@brandonsturgeon5377]

Only thing for my 2014 limited is the blended door actuator. I have almost 200k and I love it.

[@QuiteAlright]

Thanks for sharing. I just got 1 more 2013 limited and like all the extra options compared to SEL. Speakers are sooo much better

[@habebs7345]

Not even a water pump failure??

[@brandonsturgeon5377]

@@habebs7345 No, but I think the o2 sensor or cat is going out. It will cause the engine light to come on. Then it goes off, then a month later it will come on for a bit.

[@dwsherm1]

I have same car but 33k on it. Is yours AWD? If so have you had to replace PTU? If not do you change the fluid regularly? Did you switch to the newer yellow coolant which they say better protects the water pump.

[@brandonsturgeon5377]

Mine is FWD. I dont have a PTU, but Honestly, The only other issue now is the water pump is going out, its leaking coolent. That will be the first major repair on it. But its a good car and is reliable. @@dwsherm1

[@iamcurlsnj]

ty ! just had new TCU installed. 🤯 😜🤪

[@QuiteAlright]

You're welcome :) Unfortunately they often fail

[@Txcowboy80]

Water pump replacement cost is a BIG issue I have with this car, other than that it is a solid ride.

[@PaulBruinFan]

I'm looking at a used one on offer. What does the pump cost to replace?

[@Txcowboy80]

@@PaulBruinFan Depending on location and shop you choose $1200-$2500 (local shops) $3k + (stealership). Ford built the water pump with the timing chain inside the engine. 11 mechainic book hours for the job.

[@QuiteAlright]

Thanks for sharing. I never had personally problems with water pump, but heard multiple people complaining

[@NickJones-cf6jm]

Mine total was 2000:( ha

[@Txcowboy80]

@@NickJones-cf6jm just prices mine locally & received the same quote. Hopefully mine lasts another year without failure. How many miles did you get before changing it out?

[@7Abbeydownton]

I have a 2013 Limited. I’m having a problem with my touch screen. I’m unable to change the radio or use the controls for heated /cool seats or adjust the vents. Please help.

[@QuiteAlright]

First try to disconnect battery for 10 min and see if it helps. Then do a soft sync reset through the settings menu. If that doesn't help then do a hard sync reset by removing the ford sync fuse. If that doesn't help go to ford website and download newest sync update to usb stick and update the software. If that doesn't do it go to ford dealer to have the system scanned as it is a separate module and probably some codes are stored. If you have limited trim and Sony FCIM they very often fail causing this problems. Hope this helps

[@micaelasmith9960]

I have 2013 ford Taurus limited my system has shut off it says in battery saver mode and it will not come on have you experience that ?

[@QuiteAlright]

Yes. Ford vehicles will do that in case your battery is not fully charged to save power. To reset battery saver mode I would suggest disconnecting the battery and then fully charge it and then connect it back. That should reset it. Now the question is why the battery got depleted. It could happen because you listened to the radio for some time while vehicle was not running or even had doors opened for some time while vehicle not running. If there is a mechanical issue something could be draining the battery and the battery drain test would have to be performed. Or there could be a problem with the alternator which is not charging the battery while the car is running. Or just the battery could be slowly failing and needs to be replaced, it can be tested. If everything is good and car is still in battery saver mode, then it will have to be reset using higher end scanner which can access the module. Hope this helps

[@aaaaaabe3320]

Do you have any advice on leaking moonroof/ water coming in from drivers side door? My current issues ..

[@QuiteAlright]

You probably have to clean / unplug drainage tubes and that will fix the problem. That is the most common issue with sunroofs. Tubes get clogged up

[@AceplayerXxX]

Could be the drivers side weather stripping too. Thats where my leaking problem was coming from

[@callenjohnson81]

My 2015 has the same sunroof leak

[@MikeLewis778]

I have a 2013 ford taurus that has a head gasket leak is it safe for me to use head gasket seal

[@QuiteAlright]

Those are just temporary solutions and usually don't really work too good. I know it's quite expensive, but I would advise to fix it

[@itzzknown9444]

i have a 2013 limited and my car wont start. when i push start it all my power comes on but no crank. also the check charging system message came on. know anything that i can do to get it running?

[@QuiteAlright]

Sounds like a weak battery or a starter problem. First test the battery and try boosting it. If battery is good then test the starter

[@Flyonthewall777]

Probably too late for you, but incase anyone else reads this, there's a few videos on this on youtube. It saved me a huge headache. Mine did same thing. There's an actuator or maybe a relay behind the passenger rear seat. Costs 30/40 bux i replaced it and it cranked right up.

[@marioiacolucci]

Thanks for the video I won a Taurus

[@QuiteAlright]

You're welcome

[@marioiacolucci]

@@QuiteAlright later dude

[@skeetermcswagger0U812]

Did you mean that you want a tourist or that you actually won a Taurus in some type of sweepstakes/giveaway?

[@999calirage]

I have a 2013 Sel awd and i think my blower motor went out im not getting any air coming out the vents :s hopefully thats the problem looks like a easy fix from the videos i seen

[@QuiteAlright]

Possibly yes the blower motor failed. first check fuses and relay: FUSE #18: Power to Front Blower Motor Relay (40A) FUSE #89: Power to Front Blower Relay Coil (5A) RELAY #34: Front Blower Motor Relay If good test if power is coming to the blower motor. If yes then it failed

[@wayneduchscherer4676]

Could you do a video on 2013 Taurus "2013 Taurus Console Door Will Not Shut".Several posts with this problem.Thanks.

[@QuiteAlright]

Hi, unfortunately I don't have a Ford Taurus atm, but once I get one I will research he problem and try to record a video

[@wayneduchscherer4676]

@@QuiteAlright Thanks really appreciated

[@The_Z_guy]

I just bought a 2017 with 55,000 miles and I was looking at the main issues but as it looks it’s nothing I can’t fix

[@QuiteAlright]

They are really good cars. One tip I can give you and not sure if I mentioned in the video is that Power Takeoff Unit is not serviceable (no drain plug) on this cars and that's why it fails. If you have a good mechanic he can make a drain plug and service that PTO regularly. That should prevent it from failing because it will fail otherwise. Once it starts overheating the oil will leak through the vent tube and then it is over

[@joemiller2057]

What year is your Taurus & how many miles are on your taurus

[@QuiteAlright]

Its a 2013 with 100,000 miles

[@lovelynaj3633]

@@QuiteAlright How many miles do you have now? & is it still driving well?

[@QuiteAlright]

@@lovelynaj3633 105,000 miles and still driving strong. Recently had to do some minor fixes, but all good

[@danielleolson3671]

Let’s not forget about the rear toe link recall. 🙈 took my SHO for an oil change and tire rotation only to end up going sideways down the road into oncoming traffic. Ford sent out a recall in October of 2020 and my car fell in l the guidelines to qualify for the recall BUT when I gave my vin to Ford they told me my car didn’t actually qualify for the recall. Had to report the issue to the state of transportation and safety. Also had issues with my actuator, sunroof leaking so to kinked drains, and back up camera doesn’t want to work. My 2016 SHO has only 55k miles on it currently.

[@QuiteAlright]

Thanks for sharing your story. Yes there was a rear toe link recall and I had it done on couple of tauruses. Didn't know things can get that bad if the recall is not completed and its crazy that your local dealership said recall does not apply to your car. They should easily see it just by typing the vin number

[@ShittyCut]

Very nice, how much!?

[@Hello-ro3gn]

My jeep had so many issues within the month and a half since I bought it. Just has my driveshaft replaced because it fell out while i was driving to work (broken u-joint i think). Considering selling it and picking up a taurus lol, gotta find something reliable.

[@QuiteAlright]

Taurus is quite reliable, but make sure to have the vehicle inspected by a licensed mechanic before you buy it. It will be worth it spending a bit more, but at least you know you are buying a decent and maintained vehicle. make sure to check suspension, brakes, oil leaks. Apparently water pump issue is quite common on Taurus once it gets to around 120,000 miles and it is located inside the engine. Big job to replace it. Good luck

[@coryvm74]

im literally about to do the same thing lol my 2014 cherokee has 230k and it feels like the rear driveshaft is about to fall out. ive replaced tires, wheels, cv-axles, ball joints, wheel bearings, struts, rear shocks, and it still just rattles out of control after 65 mph. i gave up.

[@duroshebanja6810]

I hope you never have the catastrophic water pump failure , which is common on FWD Ford vehicles with Cyclone V6 engines. That WP is timing chain driven , & in inside the engine. When it goes out , it can destroy the engine. You have to take half the engine apart to get at it. Some charge over 2,O00$ to change it.

[@ShadowsTaken]

Dealer quoted me north of $3k for my SHO. It went out at 125k miles. I bought it less than a month ago!

[@Ryan..820]

@@ShadowsTaken Why the prices are so high in the US I changed my Water bump in Saudi arabia for 180 us Dollar

[@Jerone5740]

😆 I dont mean to laugh but yeah!!! I hope he dont cause I did and once you've experienced a 3.5L water pump failure.... EVERYTHING ELSE is no longer noticed! 😇 it cost me $2,600 in U.S.

[@tauriuspatton818]

I got a sel and mind was heading out finally broke at 125k after a cold front came got it fix for $1500

[@bryantanderson430]

My 2016 limited is under warranty so I got the water pump replaced for a $100 deductible👍

[@allanthomas6097]

I don't understand how you've had so many problem with transfer case. Ive had no problems

[@bleeke69]

Drivers side mirror is possibly shorting out and turning dark from the outside in. Mirror has the blind spot indicator, auto dimming and ground lamp. Have you ever whitnessed this issue?

[@QuiteAlright]

Sorry unfortunately never experienced something like that. But definitely sounds like it is the problem with the mirror itself or the wiring

[@ixthompson]

You can get replacement mirrors on ebay for less than $150, and the mirrors on these Tauruses are very easy to replace. They're held onto the door with like 3 bolts. All you'll need is a wrench set and you're good to go.

[@bleeke69]

@@QuiteAlright someone just told me that this specific mirror has an electromagnetic oil inside for the anti-dimming and that is what im seeing on the mirror thats turning black.

[@bleeke69]

@@ixthompson as a last resort i will replace but first trying to find a cheaper route.

[@Twan191]

Well I just change my power steering pump on my 2012 Taurus. Now I guess this shady mechanic mess my valve cover up now I got to replace that. Never had a engine oil leak to I replace that

[@TheChurchIsLikenUntoTheMoon]

how much miles do you have on it?

[@Twan191]

@@TheChurchIsLikenUntoTheMoon 137k miles

[@WhittyPics]

I haven't had any issues with my 2018 base SE model. Knock on wood but it has low miles

[@QuiteAlright]

They are good vehicles. I hope yours will serve you good

[@luciangray3791]

How's she been treating you so far? Recently got one same year and trim

[@ford4life069]

I can't hear the strut mount noise he's talking about but then YT is showing me a black screen with captions and that's it. 😡 I'm looking for information on what makes it crabwalk.

[@SirCavemaninthewest]

Trailing arms. my neighbor almost lost his rear wheels ignoring the problem.

[@ford4life069]

​@SirCavemaninthewest we had damaged something in the front from a big pot hole we didn't see in time. Hubs was able to replace it and the parts weren't that expensive for the 2015 SHO. Less than $200 and a cpl hrs is all.

[@robertgingerich5893]

My 2013 sel had thirty thousand kilometers on it when the motor grenaded fortunately was covered by warranty

[@QuiteAlright]

Thanks for sharing. That's interesting. Was it a 3.5L or 2.0L ecoboost? Usually 3.5L is considered bulletproof engine

[@robertgingerich5893]

Was 3.5 rod let go on the crankshaft

[@bub3593]

my transfer case went out at 127,000 miles & costed me $2500

[@QuiteAlright]

Sorry to hear that. Yes it does happen quite often

[@rayodeh8561]

When u say u have changed the PTU TRANSFER CASE ON YOUR FORD TAURUS 4 times in two years now it is because u buying it used parts not new from the actual company Because I just bought me a 2014 ford police interceptor sedan AWD 3.7 I have ordered it a few days ago it cost me for the full part $1,100 plus labor my guy $300

[@QuiteAlright]

First one was used from salvage. Second one new, third one new under warranty because second one failed. Fourth one salvage and still good

[@skeetermcswagger0U812]

He had to replace the PTO unit in 4 different cars...... all these failures weren't in just one vehicle.

[@jayov4044]

New, used, its going out eventually #Ford

[@habebs7345]

@@skeetermcswagger0U812 is that accurate?

[@SHOtimeQ]

Fun boat but the problems will make you abandon ship 🚢 😢

[@onlyrog5]

Now you're making me question whether I should get a 2014 SEL 😪

[@QuiteAlright]

I's a very good car and a good buy. Every car has its own flaws and problems. Some more than others. Trust me, Taurus is quite reliable.

[@The_Z_guy]

My Taurus started to jerk a little when accelerating why

[@QuiteAlright]

Hi, it could probably be a dozen of different causes. You would have to connect it to higher end obd2 scanner and run diagnostics while idling and while driving. It could be as simple as a small evap leak somewhere, needing tune up or something more serious like transmission problems

[@SinisterShift]

As a 2014 sel owner it's great when mine works but I'll be fucked everytime it stops working. Bought the sucker for like $6k+/- roughly this time of year in 2020. And since have spent about almost 10k in repairs within the last year n a half ish. I'm sure it's just my luck and me suffering the consequences of the people who had it before doing dog shit in upkeep and basic maintenance. Bout the middle of last year completely obliterated the engine, timing system, all the pumps in one fell swoop. That cost me roughly $8k to fix, then just a month or so ago had the fuel pump go out again, costing like almost another 2k. It's a love hate relationship with this damn car lmao because it's 👌👍 when everything is working. But some as it ain't it's a cinder block to the face.

[@QuiteAlright]

Sorry to hear you are having constant major problems. Sometimes it is just about luck of getting a "good" one. My Taurus now has close to 200k and almost no problems. Had to do some suspension work recently, but nothing too bad. I expect water pump to start leaking soon just because of the mileage, but we'll see

[@SL-pg4dh]

For 10k I'd have just bought a new car. It doesn't make sense pouring that much money on a used car that will probably have something else wrong with it.

[@rayodeh8561]

I wouldn’t recommend to buy a used one at the junk yard at all new is better & call it a day

[@PeteG-zq5vj]

Follow your owners manual maintenance schedule and you won't have these major issues!!!

[@garylove2836]

What’s a transfer case?

[@QuiteAlright]

It is a part of awd system. On Ford vehicles it is actually called PTU - Power Transfer unit

[@garylove2836]

@@QuiteAlright oh I see.but my car is just a front wheel drive it’s not awd .so I don’t have a ptu on my car?

[@QuiteAlright]

@@garylove2836 No you don't

[@garylove2836]

@@QuiteAlright ok,thanks.

[@QuiteAlright]

@@garylove2836 You're welcome

[@dtowndurango]

Homeboy just yapping

[@lrodriguez9315]

This guy is replacing to much stuff I think he got a lemon

[@fredsebuliba671]

This is a problematic car, please stay away from it.Too much computer and sensor controls. You have to deal with dealerships prices.Just water pump replacement cost 3000 dollars because of 10 hrs of labor to open up the whole engine. Nothing is easier to fix on this car,Power steering replacement 2800 dollars(parts=2000+labor=800).Looks good but a trap for labor costs

[@maxforever26]

WOW! good advice. Thanks!

[@SHOtimeQ]

You’re spot on too 🤦🏾‍♂️

[@allanthomas6097]

I think you need a new mechanic bud

[@JasonSpitzMI50]

F. O. R. D FIX OR REPAIR DAILY 🙄.

[@jasonredepenning]

There no turbos on your car ... Not worth driving..

[@ironknightgaming5706]

This is the worst car i have ever owned. Every day it is a bew glitch or problem. Don't buy.