The Lemon Index2006 Ford Taurus.
The 2006 Ford Taurus is one of the most reliable years by owner complaints: 47 complaints in its first 3 years and a Lemon Index of 38, where 100 is the average car. Owners complain most about body structure, it has 3 recalls, and it gets 20 mpg combined. The best Ford Taurus year is 2004.
Before you buy. What matters most for this car.
How serious. Out of 318 owner complaints, owners reported:
Older model year: fewer owners filed complaints back then, so treat the score as rough.
Every Ford Taurus year. 2006 is highlighted. Lower is better.
What owners complain about most. From owner complaints to the government.
Share of this year's owner complaints filed with NHTSA, not the share of cars that break. One complaint can name more than one area.
When owners reported problems. From owner complaints to the government.
Most owners who filed a complaint with NHTSA had 66K to 120K miles on the car (272 complaints listed the miles). This shows when people who had a problem reported it, not the odds that your car will have it.
- speed control complaints mostly came at 73K–124K miles
- transmission & drivetrain complaints mostly came at 66K–118K miles
- electrical complaints mostly came at 53K–119K miles
Recalls 3
- brakes 2016
A damaged or broken brake disc may reduce a vehicle's braking power, increasing the risk of a crash.
- electrical 2006
CERTAIN PASSENGER VEHICLES BUILT FOR ONE SPECIFIC FLEET CUSTOMER WERE MODIFIED FOR OPTIONAL HANDS-FREE CELLULAR PHONE OPERATING CAPABILITY.
- visibility 2005
ON CERTAIN TRUCKS, PASSENGER CARS AND SPORT UTILITY VEHICLES, THE WINDSHIELD WIPER MOTOR MAY HAVE BEEN PRODUCED WITHOUT GREASE BEING APPLIED TO THE OUTPUT SHAFT GEAR.
Recall repairs are free at any dealer. A recall only matters if it's still open on that exact car, so check its VIN.
Problems Ford told dealers about
Ford sent dealers 13 repair notes for this car. The ones about its biggest problems:
- No start/hard start/rough running during cold weather - incorrect seasonal fuel blend
- Spark knock, hesitation above 3000 rpm, loss of power, misfire, and possible engine damage due…
- The Powertrain Control/Emissions Diagnosis (PC/ED) manual has been revised for diagnosing…
Ask a seller or mechanic if these were done. Some are free under warranty or a special program.
Government investigations
- ClosedStuck throttle2012
NHTSA looks into a problem when enough owners report it. Many end in a recall.
Safety
Crash stars (older test): front ★★★★☆ · side ★★★☆☆ · rollover ★★★★☆
Fuel cost and engines
About $3200 a year in fuel (EPA estimate). Engines: 3.0L 6-cyl.
In owners' words
The front airbag sensor on my 2006 Ford Taurus has failed and is outside the vehicle warranty. The dealership refuses to replace the failed sensor at Ford's cost. The airbags have never deployed on the vehicle.
2006 Ford Taurus owner · NHTSA complaint 10228284
More owner reports
Cowling problem. After rainstorm the prior evening I discovered approxamately 1-2 inches on standing water on passenger side of 2006 Taurus.
NHTSA complaint 10259195
Water leaks into passenger floorboard when it rains. Seems to be a common event in Ford Taurus cars. Needs to be recalled and fixed.
NHTSA complaint 10260418
Quick answers
Is the 2006 Ford Taurus reliable?
Yes, it is one of the most reliable by government complaints. It drew 2.6× fewer complaints than average filed with NHTSA in its first 3 years, per car sold (Lemon Index 38; 100 is average, lower is better). The best Ford Taurus year by this measure since 2010 is 2018.
What are the most common 2006 Ford Taurus problems?
In owner complaints to the government, the parts named most are body structure (19%), airbags (13%) and speed control (13%). That is the share of complaints, not the share of cars that break.
How many recalls does the 2006 Ford Taurus have?
3 safety recalls (latest: brakes). Recall repairs are free at any dealer; check a specific car's VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls.
What gas mileage does the 2006 Ford Taurus get?
20 mpg combined, depending on the engine (EPA estimate).
At what mileage do 2006 Ford Taurus problems start?
Half of the owners who gave a mileage reported the problem between 66,000 and 120,000 miles. The middle report was at 86,000 miles, from 272 complaints.
Does the 2006 Ford Taurus have transmission problems?
Transmission and drivetrain issues make up 11% of its owner complaints.
How much does the 2006 Ford Taurus cost in fuel a year?
About $3200 a year, by the EPA's current estimate.
What engines does the 2006 Ford Taurus have?
3.0L 6-cyl.
What Ford Taurus year is better than the 2006?
By owner complaints per car sold, the best recent years are 2018, 2016 and 2017.
Lemon Index = safety complaints filed with the U.S. government (NHTSA) in a car's first 3 years, per car sold, against the average car of the same model year. 100 is average; lower is better. A complaint is an owner's report, not a confirmed defect. How it works