2010 Ford Taurus: Is It Reliable?
Problems, Recalls & Buyer Verdict
Shopping for a used 2010 Ford Taurus? This page highlights owner-reported complaint patterns and recall history so you can inspect the right systems before buying. Current data includes 202 complaints, with Engine Problems as the top reported area.
2010 Ford Taurus Fuel Economy
✓ EPA Official DataEPA-rated fuel economy across 4 2010 Ford Taurus trim configurations. The median figure is shown; range reflects all available trims.
Source: EPA FuelEconomy.gov. Figures reflect EPA lab testing; real-world results vary by driving style, load, and conditions. 4 trims analysed.
2010 Ford Taurus Safety Ratings
NHTSA 5-Star ProgramOfficial crash test results from the NHTSA 5-Star Safety Ratings program. Stars reflect government-conducted tests; higher is safer.
Overall
Not Rated11.3% rollover risk
Frontal Crash
Not RatedSide Crash
Not RatedRollover
11.3% probability
Source: NHTSA 5-Star Safety Ratings. Ratings are based on government crash tests and may not reflect all trim levels.
Based on NHTSA complaint data, the 2010 Ford Taurus has 202 owner complaints, 17 crash-related complaints, and 3 recall campaigns on record. The most frequently reported component is Engine Problems. NHTSA reliability signal: Severe Issues.
- Make
- Ford
- Model
- Taurus
- Model year
- 2010
- NHTSA owner complaints
- 202
- Crash-related complaints
- 17
- Safety recall campaigns
- 3
- Top reported component
- Engine Problems
- Reliability signal
- Severe Issues
- EPA MPG combined
- 21
- EPA MPG city / highway
- 18 / 27
- Fuel type
- Regular Gasoline
- NHTSA rollover rating
- 4/5 stars
- Electronic stability control
- Standard
Most Common 2010 Ford Taurus Problems
Top owner-reported complaint areas and where they often appear.
Engine Problems
Steering Defects
Transmission / Drivetrain
Complaint patterns center on Engine Problems, Steering Defects, Transmission / Drivetrain. Use these as a pre-purchase inspection guide, then verify recall and damage history on the specific VIN.
Should You Buy a Used 2010 Ford Taurus?
The 2010 Ford Taurus shows higher complaint activity for its model-year profile, so buyers should inspect known problem areas carefully before purchase.
Use the model-year trend to shortlist candidates, then confirm the exact vehicle condition with service records, recall status, and a VIN history report.
What to Check Before Buying a Used 2010 Ford Taurus
Inspection Focus
- Inspect the engine for known issues such as stalling or loss of power.
- Check steering components for excessive play or noise.
- Verify all open recalls at nhtsa.gov/recalls.
- Request service records for transmission and brake repairs.
Before You Close the Deal
- Inspect the engine for known issues such as stalling or loss of power.
- Check steering components for excessive play or noise.
- Verify all open recalls at nhtsa.gov/recalls.
- Request service records for transmission and brake repairs.
- Have a mechanic inspect the vehicle before purchase.
Shortlist with model-year data. Decide with the exact VIN.
Before buying a used 2010 Ford Taurus, run a VIN history report to verify accidents, title brands, odometer records, theft checks, and open recalls for the exact vehicle.
What the Complaint Data Suggests
Editorial interpretation of NHTSA public complaint data. Source: nhtsa.gov. Complaints are owner-submitted and do not confirm a defect. Methodology
Complaints for the 2010 Ford Taurus are concentrated in engine, steering, and transmission issues, with a notable number of brake and unintended acceleration reports. The data suggests potential problem areas, but the low confidence level and limited model year range caution against strong conclusions.
- Engine Problems account for the highest number of complaints at 47.
- Steering Defects are the second most reported issue with 40 complaints.
- There are 22 complaints related to Unintended Acceleration.
- Engine Problems
- Steering Defects
- Transmission / Drivetrain
All 2010 Ford Taurus Complaints by Category
Every owner-reported complaint category filed with NHTSA for the 2010 Ford Taurus. Use this as a pre-purchase inspection checklist.
| Component | Complaints | Crashes | Fires | Avg Mileage | Volume |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Engine Problems | 47 | — | 2 | — | |
| Steering Defects | 40 | 4 | — | — | |
| Transmission / Drivetrain | 36 | 4 | — | — | |
| Brake System | 33 | 4 | — | — | |
| Unintended Acceleration | 22 | 6 | — | — | |
| Hydraulic | 19 | 1 | — | — | |
| Electrical Faults | 19 | — | 1 | — | |
| Uncategorized Issues | 13 | — | — | — | |
| Airbag Malfunctions | 11 | 5 | — | — | |
| Structural Problems | 10 | — | — | — | |
| Seat-Related Issues | 7 | — | 2 | — | |
| Fuel/Propulsion System | 6 | — | — | — | |
| Visibility/Wiper | 4 | — | — | — | |
| Fuel System | 4 | — | — | — | |
| Gasoline | 4 | — | — | — | |
| Suspension Failures | 3 | — | — | — | |
| Electronic Stability Control (Esc) | 3 | — | — | — | |
| Equipment | 3 | — | — | — | |
| Traction Control System | 2 | — | — | — | |
| Tire Issues | 2 | — | — | — | |
| Wheel Issues | 2 | — | — | — | |
| Headlight/Taillight Failures | 2 | — | — | — | |
| Lane Departure | 1 | — | — | — | |
| Door Lock Issues | 1 | — | — | — | |
| Visibility | 1 | — | 1 | — | |
| Parking-Brake Issues | 1 | — | — | — |
Source: NHTSA Complaints Database. Complaint counts may exceed total complaints because one report can span multiple categories.
Real Owner Complaints
Read what owners actually reported to NHTSA for the 2010 Ford Taurus. Type a keyword (e.g. “transmission”, “stalling”, “brakes”) to filter.
UNKNOWN
Unknown. Car was going 100 mph. Driver, my son , was killed in this car accident. This year make AND model is known for throttle acceleration issues with brake afail override non existent until later models. Case number [XXX] sterling heights police department INFORMATION REDACT…
The contact owns a 2010 Ford Taurus. The contact stated while making a right turn, the steering wheel became stiff. The contact stated that the "Power Steering Assist Failure" message was displayed. The vehicle was towed to the residence. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired…
UNKNOWN
UNKNOWN
Upgrades allowed a low MPG.
O2 System failed. System checked. The service light is still on. Agents assisted with inspecting. Dealership had the vehicle non-recall. Seat belt light appeared and Agent was contacted. System is collected for revisiting my claim.
O2 System failed. System checked. The service light is still on. Agents assisted with inspecting.
O2 System failed. System checked. The service light is still on. Agents assisted with inspecting.
While driving on the hwy my moonroof exploded. Which cldve caused a accident due to the shock and fear it caused from the very loud gunshot like sound when exploding out of no where..for reason that was done by myself..
The contact owns a 2010 Ford Taurus. The contact stated while parking the vehicle, the vehicle accelerated on its own at high speed without any warning, causing the vehicle to airborne and struck his neighbor's home. The contact desperately pressed the brake pedal, but the vehicl…
The contact owns a 2010 Ford Taurus. The contact stated while driving approximately 30 MPH, there was an abnormal sound coming from the vehicle and the vehicle started shaking. The contact stated no warning light was illuminated. The contact was able to continue driving to her de…
The contact owns a 2010 Ford Taurus. The contact stated that the brake pedal would depress the floorboard without warning. The vehicle was taken to a dealer where a diagnostic test was performed. The diagnostic test determined that the brake module was defective and needed to be …
5 April 2022 my 2010 Taurus SEL 3.5L engine overheated unexpectedly and the temp warning light came on my way home. I let it cool down during a heavy rain before heading home. I left the vehicle at a gas station for a couple of hours and return to bring it home (3 miles). Temp…
The contact owns a 2010 Ford Taurus. The contact stated while driving approximately 45 MPH, the steering wheel became difficult to turn. The contact stated that the advanced traction warning light was illuminated. The contact pulled over and had the vehicle was towed to a local m…
airbag light is on
WITH THE CAR ON WHEN STOPPING THE BRAKES ARE FADING. WHEN DEPRESSING THE BRAKES THEY GO ALL THE WAY DOWN TO THE BOTTOM SLOWLY.
2010 FORD TAURUS SHO. POWER STEERING FAILURE WHILE DRIVING DOWN THE FREEWAY AT HIGH SPEEDS. VERY DANGEROUS. DISPLAY SAYS SERVIVE POWER STEERING NOW. ALL OTHER MODELS AFTER 2010 HAVE ALREADY BEEN RECALLED FOR THIS SAME ISSUE. THIS IS VERY DANGEROUS, VERY EXPENSIVE, AND VERY D…
POWER STEERING ASSIST FAILURE- THIS COULD LEAD TO A WRECK CAUSING DEATH. VERY UNSAFE WITH HOW QUICKLY THIS APPEARS. GOING 60- 70 MPH DOWN A CURVY HIGHWAY AND THIS KICKS ON LOSING THE ABILITY TO STEER YOUR VEHICLE! ALL IT DOES IS DING AND A MESSAGE APPEARS TELLING YOU THAT THERE W…
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2010 FORD TAURUS. THE CONTACT STATED WHILE DRIVING 68 MPH, THE SERVICE POWER STEERING ASSIST WARNING LIGHT ILLUMINATED AND THE STEERING WHEEL SEIZED IN THE MIDDLE OF TRAFFIC. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE ELECTRIC POWER ASSIST STEERING (EPAS) SYSTEM FAILED. T…
Source: NHTSA Complaints Database. Real owner reports for the 2010 Ford Taurus.
2010 Ford Taurus Recalls
3 campaignsNHTSA recall campaigns for the 2010 Ford Taurus. 3 recall campaigns are on record for this model year. Recalls are free to fix at authorized dealers, but completion status must be verified on the exact VIN.
2010 Ford Taurus Buying FAQ
Buyer-focused answers based on real NHTSA complaint and recall data for this model year.
Is the 2010 Ford Taurus reliable?▾
Severe Issues. NHTSA currently shows 202 owner complaints, 17 crash-related complaints, and 3 recall campaigns for this model year. The 2010 Ford Taurus shows higher complaint activity for its model-year profile, so buyers should inspect known problem areas carefully before purchase. Treat this as a model-year signal, then verify the exact vehicle's condition and history before purchase.
What are the most common problems with the 2010 Ford Taurus?▾
#1: Engine Problems (47 complaints). #2: Steering Defects (40 complaints). #3: Transmission / Drivetrain (36 complaints)
At what mileage do problems start on the 2010 Ford Taurus?▾
Mileage data is not available or insufficient for this model year.
How safe is the 2010 Ford Taurus?▾
Complaint data is not the same as crash-test scoring, but it does highlight possible risk patterns. For the 2010 Ford Taurus, NHTSA complaints include 17 crash-related reports and 5 fire reports out of 202 total complaints. 16 injury reports are also on file. For controlled crash-test ratings, check nhtsa.gov/ratings.
Does the 2010 Ford Taurus have any recalls?▾
Yes. 3 NHTSA recall campaigns affect the 2010 Ford Taurus. A major recall area is STRUCTURE:BODY:DOOR. 3 recall campaigns are on record for this model year. Always verify open recalls by VIN because completion status varies by vehicle.
Should I buy a 2010 Ford Taurus?▾
The 2010 Ford Taurus shows higher complaint activity for its model-year profile, so buyers should inspect known problem areas carefully before purchase. Use the model-year trend to shortlist candidates, then confirm the exact vehicle condition with service records, recall status, and a VIN history report. Pay extra attention to Engine Problems during inspection. Before committing, run a VIN history report to verify accidents, title brands, odometer records, and recall completion for the exact car.
Source: NHTSA (National Highway Traffic Safety Administration) complaint and recall databases, aggregated by VinSpector AI.
Wider context: See the full Ford Taurus reliability report with year-by-year comparison.
Owner Reliability Rating
Rate the 2010 Ford Taurus based on your ownership experience.
Add your rating:
Ratings are based on owner experience and are separate from NHTSA data shown above.
Check the Exact Vehicle History Before You Buy
Model-year complaints and recalls reveal patterns. A VIN report confirms whether the exact car has accident history, title brands, mileage issues, or open recalls.