2013 Ford Taurus: Is It Reliable?
Problems, Recalls & Buyer Verdict
Shopping for a used 2013 Ford Taurus? This page highlights owner-reported complaint patterns and recall history so you can inspect the right systems before buying. Current data includes 500 complaints, with Steering Defects as the top reported area.
2013 Ford Taurus Fuel Economy
✓ EPA Official DataEPA-rated fuel economy across 6 2013 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. 6 trims analysed.
2013 Ford Taurus Safety Ratings
NHTSA 5-Star Program2 variants tested — showing 2013 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 2013 Ford Taurus has 500 owner complaints, 17 crash-related complaints, and 9 recall campaigns on record. The most frequently reported component is Steering Defects. NHTSA reliability signal: Severe Issues.
- Make
- Ford
- Model
- Taurus
- Model year
- 2013
- NHTSA owner complaints
- 500
- Crash-related complaints
- 17
- Safety recall campaigns
- 9
- Top reported component
- Steering Defects
- Reliability signal
- Severe Issues
- EPA MPG combined
- 22
- EPA MPG city / highway
- 19 / 28
- Fuel type
- Regular Gasoline
- NHTSA overall safety rating
- 5/5 stars
- NHTSA frontal crash rating
- 5/5 stars
- NHTSA side crash rating
- 5/5 stars
- NHTSA rollover rating
- 4/5 stars
- Electronic stability control
- Standard
Most Common 2013 Ford Taurus Problems
Top owner-reported complaint areas and where they often appear.
Steering Defects
Fuel/Propulsion System
Engine Problems
Complaint patterns center on Steering Defects, Fuel/Propulsion System, Engine Problems. Use these as a pre-purchase inspection guide, then verify recall and damage history on the specific VIN.
Should You Buy a Used 2013 Ford Taurus?
The 2013 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 2013 Ford Taurus
Inspection Focus
- Inspect the steering system thoroughly, including power steering components and steering column.
- Verify all open recalls at nhtsa.gov/recalls.
- Request service records for fuel system, engine, and electrical repairs.
- Have a mechanic inspect the vehicle before purchase, focusing on reported components.
Before You Close the Deal
- Inspect the steering system thoroughly, including power steering components and steering column.
- Verify all open recalls at nhtsa.gov/recalls.
- Request service records for fuel system, engine, and electrical repairs.
- Have a mechanic inspect the vehicle before purchase, focusing on reported components.
Shortlist with model-year data. Decide with the exact VIN.
Before buying a used 2013 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
Based on 500 NHTSA complaints for the 2013 Ford Taurus, the data suggests that steering defects are the most frequently reported issue, accounting for over half of all complaints. Other notable areas include fuel/propulsion system problems and engine issues. However, with low confidence and only one model year analyzed, these patterns should be interpreted cautiously.
- Steering defects represent the largest share of complaints for the 2013 model year.
- Fuel/propulsion system and engine problems are the next most common complaint categories.
- Crash-related complaints are relatively low at 17 out of 500 total complaints.
- Steering Defects: 280 complaints, indicating a potential area of concern for buyers.
- Fuel/Propulsion System: 81 complaints, suggesting possible issues with fuel delivery or related components.
- Engine Problems: 65 complaints, pointing to possible engine performance or reliability issues.
All 2013 Ford Taurus Complaints by Category
Every owner-reported complaint category filed with NHTSA for the 2013 Ford Taurus. Use this as a pre-purchase inspection checklist.
| Component | Complaints | Crashes | Fires | Avg Mileage | Volume |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Steering Defects | 280 | 7 | 1 | — | |
| Fuel/Propulsion System | 81 | — | 2 | — | |
| Engine Problems | 65 | 1 | — | — | |
| Electrical Faults | 43 | 1 | 1 | — | |
| Transmission / Drivetrain | 34 | 1 | — | — | |
| Uncategorized Issues | 29 | — | — | — | |
| Suspension Failures | 22 | 2 | — | — | |
| Electronic Stability Control (Esc) | 17 | 2 | — | — | |
| Fuel System | 10 | — | — | — | |
| Gasoline | 10 | — | — | — | |
| Airbag Malfunctions | 10 | 5 | — | — | |
| Back Over Prevention | 9 | 1 | — | — | |
| Unintended Acceleration | 9 | 1 | — | — | |
| Seat Belt Issues | 7 | 1 | — | — | |
| Structural Problems | 6 | — | — | — | |
| Brake System | 6 | 1 | 1 | — | |
| Headlight/Taillight Failures | 5 | — | — | — | |
| Visibility/Wiper | 4 | — | — | — | |
| Traction Control System | 3 | — | — | — | |
| Wheel Issues | 3 | — | — | — | |
| Seat-Related Issues | 2 | — | — | — | |
| Door Lock Issues | 1 | — | — | — | |
| Tire 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 2013 Ford Taurus. Type a keyword (e.g. “transmission”, “stalling”, “brakes”) to filter.
The car wouldn't start or even turn over. The vehicle is available for inspection. My safety was put at risk as the car broke down in the middle of nowhere, on a curve and a hill, smack dab in the middle of the road, cellphone, internet service and 911 was spotty at best, it wa…
The contact owns a 2013 Ford Taurus. The contact stated that while driving under normal conditions, the vehicle became extremely difficult to steer, and significant physical strength was needed to turn the steering wheel. The contact referenced NHTSA Campaign Number: 15V340000 (S…
EVAP CONTROL SYSTEM FAULT UNABLE TO BLEED UP FUEL TANK VACUUM. POOR QUALITY PAINT AND INTERIOR.
loss of steering likely to wreck because of no power steering. My safety and my family was put at risk during this process. The problem has been reproduced at the car repair shop. Warning light activated and message on dash. 15S18 is the recall number for make and model. I was to…
The contact owns a 2013 Ford Taurus. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the vehicle lost power steering functionality. The contact used force to steer to the right or left. The message "Steering Assist Fault" was displayed. The contact stated that whil…
The contact's mother owns a 2013 Ford Taurus. The contact stated that while the vehicle was parked, several unknown warning lights illuminated when turning off the vehicle. The contact stated that there was an abnormal clicking sound coming from the dashboard. In addition, the ge…
The backup camera has failed. Sometimes it works, sometimes it does not. I have seen other reports on NHTSA here specifying the same problem. Visibility in this car is poor and is augmented by the backup camera. Car serviced by ford dealerships only. If left unrepaired, other dri…
The reverse camera is integrated into the rear view mirror of my ‘13 POLICE INTERCEPTOR SEDAN and the camera has lighted up blue and then disappears leaving a dark tint to my rear view mirror when I’m in reverse making it ineligible to use either features to ensure backing up.
No heat gauge, oil pressure gauge on vehicle. Blend door issue, one side blows hot, other cold. Radio not working. Weird noise in dash by ignition. Ignition sticks when trying to start car, keeps turning over. Dimmer switch doesn't work. Car can be tracked by unknown peopl…
My reverse screen camera doesn't work. The warning beeps do intermittently, but the view does not and hasn't for years. I just get a message. Sometimes if I turn the camera off and then on it resets it. I got this tip from someone at Ford. This year and make should be part of…
In March of 2025 my vehicles driver assist lights started blinking coming out of my apt complex and within 15 seconds I couldn't even turn the wheels at all. Ive had several mechanics run their computer to diagnose the issue and was told that this make model and year has a recall…
My electric power steering quit in August 2024 my car is not one of the recalls, but my steering went out automatically out and I could not steer the car. I had it replaced at a Ford company. I bought the part for O’Reillys had it put on in 2024 in August and turn around and had …
The contact owns a 2013 Ford Taurus. The contact stated that while driving at 60 MPH, the vehicle lost power steering functionality. There was no warning light illuminated. The vehicle was driven to the residence. The local dealer was contacted; however, the vehicle was not diagn…
While driving to work in my 2013 Ford Taurus I went to take a left and the power steering was suddenly gone and the steering wheel was hard to turn. I nearly hit another car and had to brake hard to miss it. I parked at work and after work I started the car and it was fine unti…
Just recently, my power steering started to fail when it’s in ‘S’ gear (I just started using it a few weeks ago). The steering wheel gets catchy and can be difficult to control, especially going around corners. It’s intermittent and it didn’t start until I started to use the ‘S’ …
The contact owns a 2013 Ford Taurus. The contact stated that the steering wheel was significantly difficult to steer and made an abnormal rubbing sound while turning. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic, where it was diagnosed that the power steering control module (…
The contact owns a 2013 Ford Taurus. The contact stated while driving at approximately 55 MPH and turning to the left following the road, the steering wheel was very hard to return to center. The contact stated that the steering wheel was pulling to the right. The contact stated …
Had gone shopping and the car suddenly had no steering. Managed to get it parked without causing a wreak, but without any warning a message appeared on the dash "Power Steering Fault". The car no longer has any steering, power steering fluid was good, no codes where shown. I have…
The contact rented a 2013 Ford Taurus. The contact stated that the driver's side door failed to close as needed. There were no warning lights illuminated. The contact called the rental company regarding the failure. The local dealer was not contacted. The vehicle was not diagnose…
The contact owns a 2013 Ford Taurus. The contact stated that while shifted into reverse(R), the back over prevention camera image was upside down. The contact stated that the message to contact a dealer was displayed. The contact stated that the failure was intermittent however, …
Source: NHTSA Complaints Database. Real owner reports for the 2013 Ford Taurus.
2013 Ford Taurus Recalls
9 campaignsNHTSA recall campaigns for the 2013 Ford Taurus. 9 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.
2013 Ford Taurus Buying FAQ
Buyer-focused answers based on real NHTSA complaint and recall data for this model year.
Is the 2013 Ford Taurus reliable?▾
Severe Issues. NHTSA currently shows 500 owner complaints, 17 crash-related complaints, and 9 recall campaigns for this model year. The 2013 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 2013 Ford Taurus?▾
#1: Steering Defects (280 complaints). #2: Fuel/Propulsion System (81 complaints). #3: Engine Problems (65 complaints)
At what mileage do problems start on the 2013 Ford Taurus?▾
Mileage data is not available or insufficient for this model year.
How safe is the 2013 Ford Taurus?▾
Complaint data is not the same as crash-test scoring, but it does highlight possible risk patterns. For the 2013 Ford Taurus, NHTSA complaints include 17 crash-related reports and 2 fire reports out of 500 total complaints. 17 injury reports are also on file. For controlled crash-test ratings, check nhtsa.gov/ratings.
Does the 2013 Ford Taurus have any recalls?▾
Yes. 9 NHTSA recall campaigns affect the 2013 Ford Taurus. A major recall area is STRUCTURE:BODY:DOOR. 9 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 2013 Ford Taurus?▾
The 2013 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 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 2013 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.