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.
2016 Ford Taurus Fuel Economy
β EPA Official DataEPA-rated fuel economy across 6 2016 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.
2016 Ford Taurus Safety Ratings
NHTSA 5-Star Program2 variants tested β showing 2016 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 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.
- 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.
Back Over Prevention
Engine Problems
Uncategorized Issues
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.
- 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.
- Back Over Prevention system malfunctions or failures.
- Engine problems, including stalling or performance issues.
- Steering defects, such as loss of control or unusual noises.
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.
| Component | Complaints | Crashes | Fires | Avg Mileage | Volume |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Back Over Prevention | 21 | β | β | β | |
| Engine Problems | 14 | 1 | β | β | |
| Uncategorized Issues | 12 | β | 1 | β | |
| Steering Defects | 9 | 2 | β | β | |
| Fuel/Propulsion System | 7 | 1 | β | β | |
| Electrical Faults | 6 | 1 | β | β | |
| Suspension Failures | 5 | β | β | β | |
| Structural Problems | 4 | β | β | β | |
| Airbag Malfunctions | 4 | 1 | β | β | |
| Brake System | 4 | 1 | β | β | |
| Seat Belt Issues | 3 | 2 | β | β | |
| Transmission / Drivetrain | 3 | β | 1 | β | |
| Seat-Related Issues | 1 | β | β | β | |
| Lane Departure | 1 | 1 | β | β | |
| Headlight/Taillight Failures | 1 | β | 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. βtransmissionβ, βstallingβ, βbrakesβ) to filter.
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 reβ¦
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 vehicleβ¦
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 β¦
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 β¦
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 Campaignβ¦
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 excβ¦
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 thβ¦
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!
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 β¦
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 whiβ¦
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: 25V6β¦
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 featureβ¦
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 vehicβ¦
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, causingβ¦
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 timesβ¦
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 Ownerβs manuβ¦
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 β¦
water pump stopped working and car over heated
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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 exceededβ¦
Source: NHTSA Complaints Database. Real owner reports for the 2016 Ford Taurus.
2016 Ford Taurus Recalls
4 campaignsNHTSA 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.
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?βΎ
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?βΎ
#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?βΎ
Mileage data is not available or insufficient for this model year.
How safe is the 2016 Ford Taurus?βΎ
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?βΎ
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?βΎ
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.