2012 Ford Taurus: Is It Reliable?
Problems, Recalls & Buyer Verdict
Shopping for a used 2012 Ford Taurus? This page highlights owner-reported complaint patterns and recall history so you can inspect the right systems before buying. Current data includes 78 complaints, with Steering Defects as the top reported area.
2012 Ford Taurus Fuel Economy
✓ EPA Official DataEPA-rated fuel economy across 4 2012 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.
2012 Ford Taurus Safety Ratings
NHTSA 5-Star Program2 variants tested — showing 2012 Ford Taurus 4 DR AWDOfficial crash test results from the NHTSA 5-Star Safety Ratings program. Stars reflect government-conducted tests; higher is safer.
Overall
11.3% rollover risk
Frontal Crash
Side Crash
Rollover
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 2012 Ford Taurus has 78 owner complaints, 1 crash-related complaints, and 5 recall campaigns on record. The most frequently reported component is Steering Defects. NHTSA reliability signal: Minor Issues.
- Make
- Ford
- Model
- Taurus
- Model year
- 2012
- NHTSA owner complaints
- 78
- Crash-related complaints
- 1
- Safety recall campaigns
- 5
- Top reported component
- Steering Defects
- Reliability signal
- Minor Issues
- EPA MPG combined
- 21
- EPA MPG city / highway
- 18 / 27
- Fuel type
- Regular Gasoline
- NHTSA overall safety rating
- 4/5 stars
- NHTSA frontal crash rating
- 4/5 stars
- NHTSA side crash rating
- 5/5 stars
- NHTSA rollover rating
- 4/5 stars
- Electronic stability control
- Standard
Most Common 2012 Ford Taurus Problems
Top owner-reported complaint areas and where they often appear.
Steering Defects
Structural Problems
Electrical Faults
Complaint patterns center on Steering Defects, Structural Problems, Electrical Faults. Use these as a pre-purchase inspection guide, then verify recall and damage history on the specific VIN.
Should You Buy a Used 2012 Ford Taurus?
The 2012 Ford Taurus looks comparatively lower-risk based on complaint volume, but model-year averages do not confirm the condition of any specific used car.
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 2012 Ford Taurus
Inspection Focus
- Inspect steering components for any signs of wear or malfunction.
- Verify all open recalls at nhtsa.gov/recalls.
- Request service records for steering, structural, and electrical repairs.
- Have a mechanic inspect the vehicle's structural integrity and electrical systems before purchase.
Before You Close the Deal
- Inspect steering components for any signs of wear or malfunction.
- Verify all open recalls at nhtsa.gov/recalls.
- Request service records for steering, structural, and electrical repairs.
- Have a mechanic inspect the vehicle's structural integrity and electrical systems before purchase.
Shortlist with model-year data. Decide with the exact VIN.
Before buying a used 2012 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 2012 Ford Taurus are concentrated in steering, structural, and electrical systems, with 78 total reports. A recurring theme appears to be steering defects and structural problems, each with 16 complaints. The data suggests potential issues in these areas, but confidence is low due to limited sample size.
- Steering defects and structural problems each account for 16 complaints, the highest among components.
- Electrical faults are reported 15 times, closely following the top two concerns.
- Only 1 crash-related complaint was reported out of 78 total.
- Steering Defects
- Structural Problems
- Electrical Faults
All 2012 Ford Taurus Complaints by Category
Every owner-reported complaint category filed with NHTSA for the 2012 Ford Taurus. Use this as a pre-purchase inspection checklist.
| Component | Complaints | Crashes | Fires | Avg Mileage | Volume |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Steering Defects | 16 | 1 | — | — | |
| Structural Problems | 16 | — | — | — | |
| Electrical Faults | 15 | — | — | — | |
| Engine Problems | 13 | — | 1 | — | |
| Headlight/Taillight Failures | 12 | — | — | — | |
| Uncategorized Issues | 6 | — | — | — | |
| Unintended Acceleration | 4 | — | — | — | |
| Brake System | 4 | — | — | — | |
| Airbag Malfunctions | 3 | — | — | — | |
| Transmission / Drivetrain | 2 | — | — | — | |
| Seat-Related Issues | 2 | — | 2 | — | |
| Fuel/Propulsion System | 2 | — | — | — | |
| Lane Departure | 1 | — | — | — | |
| Back Over Prevention | 1 | — | — | — | |
| Visibility/Wiper | 1 | — | — | — | |
| Traction Control System | 1 | — | — | — | |
| Visibility | 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 2012 Ford Taurus. Type a keyword (e.g. “transmission”, “stalling”, “brakes”) to filter.
My steering all of a sudden was stiff and I can barely turn at low speeds. Not safe due to uncontrolled steering. I replaced the pump thinking that would fix it, and it did not. I’m taking it to a dealer after the holiday weekend. No warnings at all.
UNKNOWN
The steering shut down and I could not steer the vehicle in a Holiday parking lot and I almost hit a pedestrian. My engine and oil light came on. I had to shut the car off and turn it back on and it worked again. This is the second time this has happened to me!
The contact owns a 2012 Ford Taurus. The contact stated that while driving at a slow speed, the vehicle was extremely difficult to steer. No warning lights were illuminated prior to the failure. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic, who found that the power steering p…
The contact owns a 2012 Ford Taurus. The contact stated that while driving at various speeds, several different warning lights were intermittently flashing on the instrument panel. The vehicle was taken to a dealer where she was informed that there were no recalls on the vehicle.…
Driving on the highway, when the car lights, radio, air conditioner, steering wheel, speed all goes out. The car wouldn’t crank back up and theft system keep coming on.
The contact owns a 2012 Ford Taurus. The contact stated while driving approximately 15 MPH and slowing to make a turn at a traffic signal, the vehicle lost power steering functionality. The contact stated that the steering fault, power steering assists off, and the stability trac…
Started car and power steering assist fault light came on making the wheel hard to steer. Turned off the car and restarted it and the same issue, power steering assist fault light has been on for 2 days now
The rear backup camera is showing upside down. It is very difficult to see the blind spot area just to the rear of the vehicle when backing without the camera on this 2012 Ford Taurus. I consider it a safety issue in which I have had several close calls backing since the camera s…
The contact owns a 2012 Ford Taurus. The contact stated that after starting the vehicle, the power steering malfunctioned and the steering wheel was very difficult to turn in either direction. During the failure, the power steering assist fault and service tire mobility kit messa…
The contact owns a 2012 Ford Taurus. The contact stated that while the vehicle was parked and the vehicle was turned off, the exterior lights remained operational and the battery was drained the following day. The contact stated that the failure happened over several days. The co…
In 2016 we had a recall fixed for power steering assist failure after I lost power steering going 55 mph down the highway and approaching a corner. Once again the power steering assist failure happened thank goodness I was not driving but started the car remotely and then when we…
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2012 FORD TAURUS. THE CONTACT STATED WHILE PULLING INTO A PARKING SPOT AND MAKING A RIGHT TURN, THE VEHICLE LOSS POWER STEERING ASSIST AND BECAME DIFFICULT TO STEER. THERE WAS NO WARNING LIGHT ILLUMINATED. THE FAILURE PERSISTED. THE CONTACT CALLED TOWNE FOR…
I HAVE BEEN DEALING WITH THE SERVICE MANAGER MIKE WHO IS AT THE SCOTTSDALE, AZ LOCATION AT AUTONATION. I HAD MY VEHICLE WORKED ON THERE A LITTLE OVER A MONTH AGO. I PAID $1600 FOR REPAIRS; I WAS INFORMED AT THAT TIME THAT THE AIR BAG SENSOR LIGHT WAS NOT OPERATING PROPERTY. I K…
2012 FORD TAURUS. WHEN YOU FIRST START THE CAR WHILE ITS STATIONARY, THE FCIM (FRONT CONTROL INTERFACE MODULE) MALFUNCTIONED WHICH CAUSED THE DEFROST TO HAVE ELECTRICAL ISSUES. AND THE RADIO DOES NOT WORK.DEALER STATED THAT THE DEFROSTER MALFUNCTIONED AND BLEW HOT AIR AT 90 DEGRE…
AFTER RESEARCHING, FORD HAS INSTALLED FAULTY WATER PUMPS IN THIS CAR ALONG WITH OTHERS THAT HAVE THE 3.5 ECOBOOST ENGINE. WATER PUMP FAILED ON ME AND SINCE THE WATER PUMP IS INSIDE THE ENGINE YOU DONT REALLY KNOW WHEN IT IS GOING TO GIVE OUT. LEAKING OF THE COOLANT ON THE HIGHWAY…
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2012 FORD TAURUS. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE DRIVING AT NIGHT, THE HEADLIGHTS FAILED TO ILLUMINATE. THE VEHICLE WAS DRIVEN TO THE RESIDENCE USING THE HIGH BEAM HEADLIGHTS. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC HOWEVER, THE VEHICLE WAS NOT DIAG…
ENGINE TEMPERATURE STARTED TO RISE VERY HIGH WHILE MY SON WAS DRIVING ON THE ROAD CITY STREET AND HAD TO PULL OVER. ALL THE ENGINE COOLANT HAD LEAKED OUT BECAUSE OF A FAULTY WATERPUMP THAT FORD MOTOR COMPANY HAS FAILED TO RECALL ON ALL THE ENGINES. AS I CAN TELL THE COOLANT DID N…
WHILE SITTING AT A STOP SIGN THE ENGINE COMPARTMENT CAUGHT FIRE BURNING THE TOP OF THE ENGINE COMPARTMENT AND HOOD. IT HAPPENED SO FAST I CAN ONLY ASSUME IT WAS FUEL RELATED.
WHILE DRIVING THE STEERING GOT SUPER TIGHT AND HARD TO STEER. DRIVING ON A STRAIGHT STRETCH OF ROAD. GOT AN ALIGNMENT IT HELPED BUT TWO DAYS LATER IT WENT BACK TO HARD TO STEER.
Source: NHTSA Complaints Database. Real owner reports for the 2012 Ford Taurus.
2012 Ford Taurus Recalls
5 campaignsNHTSA recall campaigns for the 2012 Ford Taurus. 5 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.
2012 Ford Taurus Buying FAQ
Buyer-focused answers based on real NHTSA complaint and recall data for this model year.
Is the 2012 Ford Taurus reliable?▾
Minor Issues. NHTSA currently shows 78 owner complaints, 1 crash-related complaints, and 5 recall campaigns for this model year. The 2012 Ford Taurus looks comparatively lower-risk based on complaint volume, but model-year averages do not confirm the condition of any specific used car. 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 2012 Ford Taurus?▾
#1: Steering Defects (16 complaints). #2: Structural Problems (16 complaints). #3: Electrical Faults (15 complaints)
At what mileage do problems start on the 2012 Ford Taurus?▾
Mileage data is not available or insufficient for this model year.
How safe is the 2012 Ford Taurus?▾
Complaint data is not the same as crash-test scoring, but it does highlight possible risk patterns. For the 2012 Ford Taurus, NHTSA complaints include 1 crash-related reports and 3 fire reports out of 78 total complaints. For controlled crash-test ratings, check nhtsa.gov/ratings.
Does the 2012 Ford Taurus have any recalls?▾
Yes. 5 NHTSA recall campaigns affect the 2012 Ford Taurus. A major recall area is STRUCTURE:BODY:DOOR. 5 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 2012 Ford Taurus?▾
The 2012 Ford Taurus looks comparatively lower-risk based on complaint volume, but model-year averages do not confirm the condition of any specific used car. 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 Steering Defects 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 2012 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.