The Lemon Index2013 Ford Taurus.
The 2013 Ford Taurus is worse than average by owner complaints: 99 complaints in its first 3 years and a Lemon Index of 117, where 100 is the average car. Owners complain most about fuel or ev drive system, it has 9 recalls, and it gets 20 to 25 mpg combined. The best Ford Taurus year is 2004.
Worse than average. 1.2× the average car's complaints.
Best year 2004
Before you buy. What matters most for this car.
How serious. Out of 585 owner complaints, owners reported:
Every Ford Taurus year. 2013 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 60K to 113K miles on the car (424 complaints listed the miles). This shows when people who had a problem reported it, not the odds that your car will have it.
- steering complaints mostly came at 68K–123K miles
- fuel or ev drive system complaints mostly came at 61K–100K miles
- engine complaints mostly came at 46K–88K miles
Recalls 9
- suspension 2020
The rear suspension toe links may fracture due to stress on the rear suspension.
- fuel system, gasoline 2016
A component within the fuel pump electric module (PEM) may overheat causing a loss of electrical power to the fuel pump.
- fuel system, gasoline 2015
In the affected vehicles, the fuel delivery module may crack, allowing fuel to leak.
Show all 9 recalls
- steering 2015
The affected vehicles have electric power steering assist systems that may shut down as a result of a steering motor sensor fault.
- body structure 2015
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.
- transmission & drivetrain 2014
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.
- lights 2014
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.
- latches/locks/linkages 2013
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.
- fuel system, gasoline 2013
In the affected vehicles, the fuel delivery module may develop a crack, allowing fuel to leak.
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 94 repair notes for this car. The ones about its biggest problems:
- Intermittent ikt
- Due to fuel vapor line not being connected properly (fully seated) to underside of fuel…
- Some vehicles and trucks are experiencing a malfunction with the heated steering wheel becoming
Ask a seller or mechanic if these were done. Some are free under warranty or a special program.
Safety
Crash test details
| Version | Overall | Front | Side | Rollover |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Ford Taurus 4 DR AWD | ★★★★★ | ★★★★★ | ★★★★★ | ★★★★☆ |
| Ford Taurus 4 DR FWD | ★★★★★ | ★★★★★ | ★★★★★ | ★★★★☆ |
Fuel cost and engines
About $2550–3200 a year in fuel (EPA estimate). Engines: 2.0L 4-cyl, 3.5L 6-cyl.
Quick answers
Is the 2013 Ford Taurus reliable?
No, it is worse than average by government complaints. It drew 1.2× the average car's complaints filed with NHTSA in its first 3 years, per car sold (Lemon Index 117; 100 is average, lower is better). The best Ford Taurus year by this measure since 2010 is 2018.
What are the most common 2013 Ford Taurus problems?
In owner complaints to the government, the parts named most are fuel or ev drive system (24%), steering (17%) and electrical (15%). That is the share of complaints, not the share of cars that break.
How many recalls does the 2013 Ford Taurus have?
9 safety recalls (latest: suspension). Recall repairs are free at any dealer; check a specific car's VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls.
What gas mileage does the 2013 Ford Taurus get?
20 to 25 mpg combined, depending on the engine (EPA estimate).
Is the 2013 Ford Taurus safe?
NHTSA gave it 5 out of 5 stars overall in its best tested version. Ratings differ by body style, and the full table is on the advanced page.
At what mileage do 2013 Ford Taurus problems start?
Half of the owners who gave a mileage reported the problem between 60,000 and 113,800 miles. The middle report was at 84,000 miles, from 424 complaints.
Does the 2013 Ford Taurus have transmission problems?
Transmission and drivetrain issues make up 10% of its owner complaints.
How much does the 2013 Ford Taurus cost in fuel a year?
About $2550 to $3200 a year, by the EPA's current estimate.
What engines does the 2013 Ford Taurus have?
2.0L 4-cyl, 3.5L 6-cyl.
What Ford Taurus year is better than the 2013?
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