The Lemon Index2016 Ford Taurus.
The 2016 Ford Taurus is one of the most reliable years by owner complaints: 14 complaints in its first 3 years and a Lemon Index of 39, where 100 is the average car. Owners complain most about engine, it has 4 recalls, and it gets 19 to 23 mpg combined. The best Ford Taurus year is 2004.
Before you buy. What matters most for this car.
How serious. Out of 83 owner complaints, owners reported:
Every Ford Taurus year. 2016 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 27K to 84K miles on the car (46 complaints listed the miles). This shows when people who had a problem reported it, not the odds that your car will have it.
- backup camera complaints mostly came at 48K–97K miles
Recalls 4
- back over prevention 2025
The rearview camera may display a distorted, intermittent, or blank image when the vehicle is in reverse.
- body structure 2025
The driver and front passenger B-Pillar door trim may detach while driving.
- suspension 2020
The rear suspension toe links may fracture due to stress on the rear suspension.
Show all 4 recalls
- engine 2016
Improperly brazed turbocharger oil supply tubes may leak oil on engine components.
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 111 repair notes for this car. The ones about its biggest problems:
- Some 2015-2016 f-150, c-max, edge, mks, taurus, and flex and 2016 expedition, explorer,…
- To help differentiate engine oil leaks from other possible sources, a new white-colored…
- Multiple 2014-2016 vehicles equipped with 6f35 transmission and built on 1-jan-2014 and…
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 $2800–3400 a year in fuel (EPA estimate). Engines: 2.0L 4-cyl, 3.5L 6-cyl.
In owners' words
During scheduled maintenance technician found cracked coolant tank. Consistent problem on 2016 Taurus and Explorer. Cracked coolant tank presents risk of fire, skin burns, electrical equipment shorts and premature engine failure.
2016 Ford Taurus owner · NHTSA complaint 11091157
Quick answers
Is the 2016 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 39; 100 is average, lower is better). The best Ford Taurus year by this measure since 2010 is 2018.
What are the most common 2016 Ford Taurus problems?
In owner complaints to the government, the parts named most are engine (36%), transmission & drivetrain (14%) and steering (14%). That is the share of complaints, not the share of cars that break.
How many recalls does the 2016 Ford Taurus have?
4 safety recalls (latest: back over prevention). Recall repairs are free at any dealer; check a specific car's VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls.
What gas mileage does the 2016 Ford Taurus get?
19 to 23 mpg combined, depending on the engine (EPA estimate).
Is the 2016 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 2016 Ford Taurus problems start?
Half of the owners who gave a mileage reported the problem between 27,800 and 84,200 miles. The middle report was at 56,500 miles, from 46 complaints.
Does the 2016 Ford Taurus have transmission problems?
Transmission and drivetrain issues make up 14% of its owner complaints.
How much does the 2016 Ford Taurus cost in fuel a year?
About $2800 to $3400 a year, by the EPA's current estimate.
What engines does the 2016 Ford Taurus have?
2.0L 4-cyl, 3.5L 6-cyl.
What Ford Taurus year is better than the 2016?
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