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⚑ NHTSA Official DataUpdated: May 2026How we calculate this
Severe Issues

2016 Ford Taurus: Is It Reliable?
Problems, Recalls & Buyer Verdict

Shopping for a used 2016 Ford Taurus? This page highlights owner-reported complaint patterns and recall history so you can inspect the right systems before buying. Current data includes 73 complaints, with Back Over Prevention as the top reported area.

73
Complaints
4
Crashes
1
Fires
3
Injuries
β€”
Deaths
4
Recalls

2016 Ford Taurus Fuel Economy

βœ“ EPA Official Data

EPA-rated fuel economy across 6 2016 Ford Taurus trim configurations. The median figure is shown; range reflects all available trims.

18
MPG City
16–20 range
27
MPG Hwy
24–29 range
21
MPG Combined
19–23 range
423
g COβ‚‚/mile
Regular Gasoline
⚠️Costs $4,000 more than avg vehicle over 5 years

Source: EPA FuelEconomy.gov. Figures reflect EPA lab testing; real-world results vary by driving style, load, and conditions. 6 trims analysed.

2016 Ford Taurus Safety Ratings

NHTSA 5-Star Program2 variants tested β€” showing 2016 Ford Taurus 4 DR AWD

Official crash test results from the NHTSA 5-Star Safety Ratings program. Stars reflect government-conducted tests; higher is safer.

Overall

5/5

11.3% rollover risk

Frontal Crash

5/5

Side Crash

5/5

Rollover

4/5

11.3% probability

βœ“Stability Control: Standardβ—‹Forward Collision Warning: Optionalβ—‹Lane Departure Warning: Optional

Source: NHTSA 5-Star Safety Ratings. Ratings are based on government crash tests and may not reflect all trim levels.

Quick Answer

Based on NHTSA complaint data, the 2016 Ford Taurus has 73 owner complaints, 4 crash-related complaints, and 4 recall campaigns on record. The most frequently reported component is Back Over Prevention. NHTSA reliability signal: Severe Issues.

2016 Ford Taurus β€” key reliability facts
Make
Ford
Model
Taurus
Model year
2016
NHTSA owner complaints
73
Crash-related complaints
4
Safety recall campaigns
4
Top reported component
Back Over Prevention
Reliability signal
Severe Issues
EPA MPG combined
21
EPA MPG city / highway
18 / 27
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 2016 Ford Taurus Problems

Top owner-reported complaint areas and where they often appear.

#1
21
complaints

Back Over Prevention

#2
14
complaints

Engine Problems

Crash-related:1
Injuries:1
#3
12
complaints

Uncategorized Issues

Fires:1

Complaint patterns center on Back Over Prevention, Engine Problems, Uncategorized Issues. Use these as a pre-purchase inspection guide, then verify recall and damage history on the specific VIN.

Should You Buy a Used 2016 Ford Taurus?

The 2016 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 2016 Ford Taurus

Inspection Focus

  • Inspect the Back Over Prevention system for proper operation.
  • Verify all open recalls at nhtsa.gov/recalls.
  • Request service records for engine and steering components.
  • Have a mechanic inspect the vehicle before purchase.

Before You Close the Deal

  • Inspect the Back Over Prevention system for proper operation.
  • Verify all open recalls at nhtsa.gov/recalls.
  • Request service records for engine and steering components.
  • Have a mechanic inspect the vehicle before purchase.

Shortlist with model-year data. Decide with the exact VIN.

Before buying a used 2016 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 73 NHTSA complaints for the 2016 Ford Taurus, issues are concentrated in the Back Over Prevention system, which accounts for the largest share of reports. Engine problems and steering defects also appear frequently. With only 4 crash-related complaints and a low confidence level, these patterns should be interpreted cautiously.

Key Findings
  • Back Over Prevention received the highest number of complaints (21) among all components.
  • Engine problems were reported 14 times, making it the second most common issue.
  • Steering defects accounted for 9 complaints, indicating a potential area of concern.
Top Concerns
  • Back Over Prevention system malfunctions or failures.
  • Engine problems, including stalling or performance issues.
  • Steering defects, such as loss of control or unusual noises.
Data note: NHTSA complaints are consumer-submitted and do not confirm a manufacturing defect. The low confidence level (73 complaints for one model year) limits the reliability of any conclusions.

All 2016 Ford Taurus Complaints by Category

Every owner-reported complaint category filed with NHTSA for the 2016 Ford Taurus. Use this as a pre-purchase inspection checklist.

ComponentComplaintsCrashesFiresAvg MileageVolume
Back Over Prevention21β€”β€”β€”
Engine Problems141β€”β€”
Uncategorized Issues12β€”1β€”
Steering Defects92β€”β€”
Fuel/Propulsion System71β€”β€”
Electrical Faults61β€”β€”
Suspension Failures5β€”β€”β€”
Structural Problems4β€”β€”β€”
Airbag Malfunctions41β€”β€”
Brake System41β€”β€”
Seat Belt Issues32β€”β€”
Transmission / Drivetrain3β€”1β€”
Seat-Related Issues1β€”β€”β€”
Lane Departure11β€”β€”
Headlight/Taillight Failures1β€”β€”β€”

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 2016 Ford Taurus. Type a keyword (e.g. β€œtransmission”, β€œstalling”, β€œbrakes”) to filter.

Showing 73 most recent complaints

Back Over PreventionApr 23, 2026

The contact owns a 2016 Ford Taurus. The contact stated that while attempting to reverse, the rearview camera became inoperable. The contact stated that the rearview camera intermittently operated; however, the image was distorted, upside down, or completely blank. The contact re…

Suspension FailuresApr 20, 2026

Bushing of the driver side rear toe link (aka lateral link, toe arm, etc.) separated, causing the rest of the toe link to disconnect from the tire. Images are available but the original part has been taken by the mechanic. Bushing likely failed from corrosion, though this vehicle…

Back Over PreventionMar 24, 2026

The contact owns a 2016 Ford Taurus. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 25V695000 (BACK OVER PREVENTION); however, the part to do the recall repair was not yet available. The contact stated that the rear-view camera displayed a distorted image or a black …

Back Over PreventionFeb 18, 2026

The contact owns a 2016 Ford Taurus. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 25V695000 (Back Over Prevention); however, the part to do the recall repair was unavailable. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the …

Back Over PreventionFeb 6, 2026

The contact owns a 2016 Ford Taurus. The contact stated that while attempting to reverse, the rearview camera became inoperable. The rearview camera image was either distorted, upside down, or the image was frozen on the screen. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign…

Back Over PreventionJan 30, 2026

The contact owns a 2016 Ford Taurus. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 25V695000 (Back Over Prevention); however, the part to do the recall repair was not yet available. The local dealer was not contacted. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exc…

Electrical FaultsJan 27, 2026

I am writing to report an unresolved safety recall for my vehicle. I received Safety Recall Notice 25V695 in October 2025, and as of today, the recall has not been resolved because the required repair parts remain unavailable. This recall involves a safety-related defect, and th…

Seat-Related IssuesJan 22, 2026

Rearview Camara assist works then quits and the duel heat only works on the driver's side and blows cold air on the passenger side and it smells like it's getting exhaust in the car ?but the fan motor is working fine and so does the AC!

Structural ProblemsJan 14, 2026

The contact owns a 2016 Ford Taurus. The contact stated that the passenger's side door exterior B-Pillar trim was detaching. Additionally, while in reverse(R), the rearview camera displayed a blue image or the message "Camera Unavailable" was displayed on the screen. The contact …

Back Over PreventionJan 12, 2026

The contact owns a 2016 Ford Taurus. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 25V695000 (BACK OVER PREVENTION); however, the part to do the recall repair was not yet available. The contact stated that the rear-view camera displays a blank or distorted image whi…

Back Over PreventionJan 12, 2026

The contact owns a 2016 Ford Taurus. The contact stated that while attempting to reverse, the rearview camera became inoperable. The contact stated that the rearview camera image was unexpectedly turning on and off. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 25V6…

Uncategorized IssuesJan 10, 2026

The manufacturer has failed or is unable to remedy this safety recall for your vehicle in a timely manner. I received a letter regarding a safety recall dated October, 2025. We are now in January of 2026. I am unable to see, safely, and,without the recalled backup camera feature…

Back Over PreventionJan 5, 2026

The contact owns a 2016 Ford Taurus. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 25V695000 (BACK OVER PREVENTION). However, the part to do the recall repair was not yet available. The contact stated that the rearview camera displayed a white screen while the vehic…

Back Over PreventionDec 30, 2025

The contact owns a 2016 Ford Taurus. The contact received a recall notification NHTSA Campaign Number: 25V6950000 (Back Over Prevention); however; the recall remedy parts were not available. The contact stated while reversing, the rearview camera displayed a blurry image, causing…

Uncategorized IssuesDec 26, 2025

I received a safety recall notice in October 2025 for my 2016 Ford Taurus SHO regarding a defect involving the rear backup camera system. As of today, there are still no parts available to correct this issue. I have contacted the manufacturer and authorized dealers multiple times…

Back Over PreventionDec 11, 2025

The contact owns a 2016 Ford Taurus. The contact stated that while the vehicle was parked, the rearview camera darkened, and the "Rearview Camera Malfunction" message was displayed on the instrument panel, and the rearview camera was inoperative. The contact read the Owner’s manu…

Back Over PreventionDec 10, 2025

The contact owns a 2016 Ford Taurus. The contact stated while reversing, the rear-view camera displayed a partial image. The contact stated that because of the failure while reversing, the contact had to keep turning around to see what was behind the vehicle. The vehicle was not …

Engine ProblemsNov 18, 2025

water pump stopped working and car over heated

Airbag MalfunctionsNov 8, 2025

Hhhghjonbb

Structural ProblemsNov 6, 2025

The contact owns a 2016 Ford Taurus. The contact received notifications of NHTSA Campaign Numbers: 25V611000 (Structure) and 25V695000 (Back Over Prevention); however, the parts to do the recall repairs were not yet available. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded…

Page 1 of 4

Source: NHTSA Complaints Database. Real owner reports for the 2016 Ford Taurus.

2016 Ford Taurus Recalls

4 campaigns

NHTSA recall campaigns for the 2016 Ford Taurus. 4 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.

16V92500022/12/2016
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING:ENGINE:GASOLINE:TURBO/SUPERCHARGER

20V072000Oct 2, 2020
SUSPENSION:REAR

25V611000Dec 9, 2025
STRUCTURE:EXTERIOR TRIM

25V69500013/10/2025
BACK OVER PREVENTION: SENSING SYSTEM: CAMERA

Compare Ford Taurus Model Years

Compare complaint and recall volume across years to see whether 2016 lands in a lower-risk or higher-risk part of the model timeline.

2019201820172016201520142013201220112010

2016 Ford Taurus Buying FAQ

Buyer-focused answers based on real NHTSA complaint and recall data for this model year.

Is the 2016 Ford Taurus reliable?β–Ύ

Severe Issues. NHTSA currently shows 73 owner complaints, 4 crash-related complaints, and 4 recall campaigns for this model year. The 2016 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 2016 Ford Taurus?β–Ύ

#1: Back Over Prevention (21 complaints). #2: Engine Problems (14 complaints). #3: Uncategorized Issues (12 complaints)

At what mileage do problems start on the 2016 Ford Taurus?β–Ύ

Mileage data is not available or insufficient for this model year.

How safe is the 2016 Ford Taurus?β–Ύ

Complaint data is not the same as crash-test scoring, but it does highlight possible risk patterns. For the 2016 Ford Taurus, NHTSA complaints include 4 crash-related reports and 1 fire reports out of 73 total complaints. 3 injury reports are also on file. For controlled crash-test ratings, check nhtsa.gov/ratings.

Does the 2016 Ford Taurus have any recalls?β–Ύ

Yes. 4 NHTSA recall campaigns affect the 2016 Ford Taurus. A major recall area is ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING:ENGINE:GASOLINE:TURBO/SUPERCHARGER. 4 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 2016 Ford Taurus?β–Ύ

The 2016 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 Back Over Prevention 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 2016 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.