The Lemon Index2018 Ford Taurus.
The 2018 Ford Taurus is one of the most reliable years by owner complaints: 9 complaints in its first 3 years and a Lemon Index of 29, where 100 is the average car. Owners complain most about suspension, it has 4 recalls, and it gets 19 to 21 mpg combined. The best Ford Taurus year is 2004.
Before you buy. What matters most for this car.
How serious. Out of 50 owner complaints, owners reported:
Every Ford Taurus year. 2018 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 28K to 99K miles on the car (32 complaints listed the miles). This shows when people who had a problem reported it, not the odds that your car will have it.
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
- electrical 2018
The keys for these vehicles may be able to be removed from the ignition when transmission is not in the PARK position.
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 75 repair notes for this car. The ones about its biggest problems:
- 2017-2018 Explorer/Taurus vehicles equipped with 3.5L gasoline turbocharged direct injection…
- Some 2016-1018 Police Interceptor Sedan vehicles equipped with a 3.5L/3.7L Twin independent…
- For 2010-2019 vehicles equipped with turbocharged engines, when diagnosing and/or replacing…
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 $3050–3400 a year in fuel (EPA estimate). Engines: 3.5L 6-cyl.
In owners' words
The lower anchors for child safety seats in the rear seat caused significant bruising to the rear seat occupants after a rear-end collision. The vehicle was stopped in traffic when a car struck it from behind.
2018 Ford Taurus owner · NHTSA complaint 11090470
Quick answers
Is the 2018 Ford Taurus reliable?
Yes, it is one of the most reliable by government complaints. It drew 3.4× fewer complaints than average filed with NHTSA in its first 3 years, per car sold (Lemon Index 29; 100 is average, lower is better).
What are the most common 2018 Ford Taurus problems?
In owner complaints to the government, the parts named most are suspension (22%), child seat (11%) and seat belts (11%). That is the share of complaints, not the share of cars that break.
How many recalls does the 2018 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 2018 Ford Taurus get?
19 to 21 mpg combined, depending on the engine (EPA estimate).
Is the 2018 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 2018 Ford Taurus problems start?
Half of the owners who gave a mileage reported the problem between 28,200 and 99,900 miles. The middle report was at 56,000 miles, from 32 complaints.
Does the 2018 Ford Taurus have transmission problems?
Transmission and drivetrain issues make up 11% of its owner complaints.
How much does the 2018 Ford Taurus cost in fuel a year?
About $3050 to $3400 a year, by the EPA's current estimate.
What engines does the 2018 Ford Taurus have?
3.5L 6-cyl.
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