2012 Ford Taurus Problems And Complaints

2012 Ford Taurus User Complaints and Problems

Mechanical Complaints

• Engine problems- Water pump failures and cam phasor issues are the most common issues seen on the 2012 Ford Taurus when equipped with the standard 3.5L V6 engine. While the rise in engine temperature or visible leaks(from the pump) are indications of a faulty coolant system, loss of power, random stalls, excessive knocking, and hiccups during acceleration are some symptoms of a faulty cam phasor system. Note that these issues are not inherent and are only seen on high lineage examples with over 100,000 miles on the dash. However, the performance SHO trims with the 3.5L Turbocharged V6 are known for timing chain issues, oil leaks, and head gasket failure at much lower mileages.

• Transmission Problems- Though NHTSA has limited reports on transmission issues on the 2012 Ford Taurus, it has been a rather discussed complaint among owners. Although cases of complete unit failures are low, rough shifts, delays, and slipping has been a few concerning issues. Failure of internal solenoids, mostly the one which operates the torque converter clutch, causes slips and shifting delays from ‘park’ to ‘drive’. In such cases, a complete transmission rebuild would become necessary and unofficial platforms have several reports suggesting the same.

 Electric System complaints

• Climate control problems- Trims of the 2012 Ford Taurus equipped with automatic climate control (dual zone) reportedly have a few issues. The most noted problems are the vents failing to blow air completely or passenger side vents blowing hot air even when the temperature is set low. As reported, the issue could arise from either a blend door actuator failure or a faulty condenser, both of which required replacement if diagnosed.

Structural Complaints

• Steering problems- Loss of power steering assistance has been a common problem on the 2012 Ford Taurus. Premature failure of a steering sensor would cause the control module to shut off the steering motor increasing the steering effort or completely locking the steering in some cases, with no warning lights whatsoever. This is a widespread issue and has come under the consideration of the manufacturer for a recall (ID-15V340000) during which all affected cars would be inspected and offered a steering gearbox replacement if necessary.

• Stuck Door handles- Though NHTSA has only a few complaints reported, faulty cabin door handles have been a common issue on the 2012 Ford Taurus. This problem has received a recall (15V040000) from the manufacturer considering the safety risk it poses during a crash. However, owners have complained about the delay in getting spares which have generally extended for months in some cases given the huge backorder.

2012 Ford Taurus Recalls

S. No	Date	NHTSA ID	Issues Noticed	Additional Remarks	Remedy
1	26th April 2016	16V247000	Airbag second stage may not inflate properly	The driver frontal air bag may improperly inflate during second-stage deployment in the event of a high-speed crash, increasing the risk of injury to the occupant.	The dealers will inspect and replace the driver's frontal airbag module, as necessary, free of charge. The recall began on June 13, 2016.
2	2nd June 2015	15V340000	Loss of electric power steering assist	Affected vehicles have electric power steering assist systems that may shut down as a result of a steering motor sensor fault, which may cause a loss of vehicle control and increase the risk of a crash.	The dealers will check the Power Steering Control Module (PSCM) for Diagnostic Trouble Codes (DTC). If dealers find any loss of steering assist DTCs, the steering gear will be replaced, free of charge. If no codes are found during the PSCM inspection, the PSCM software will be updated, free of charge. The recall began on July 21, 2015.
3	28th January 2015	15V040000	The Interior door handle return spring may unseat	The interior door handle return spring may unseat, resulting in the interior door handle that does not return to the fully stowed position after actuation, causing it to unlatch in the event of an impact and increasing the risk of occupant injury.	The dealers will inspect all four of the interior door handles and either repair or replace them, free of charge. The recall began on March 23, 2015.
4	29th March 2014	14V285000	Water intrusion may cause license plate lamp fire	The license plate lamp assembly may experience an electro-chemical reaction and corrosion as a result of water intrusion, resulting in a short circuit and increasing the risk of a fire.	The dealers will replace the license plate lamp assemblies, free of charge. The recall began on July 26, 2014.
5	27th March 2013	13V109000	The fuel tank may leak at the seam	The fuel tanks may have a marginally sealed seam in the side of the tank that may not provide the expected strength in the event of an impact which also may cause a leak, increasing the risk of a fire.	The dealers will inspect the fuel tanks and replace them as necessary, free of charge. The recall began on May 9, 2013.

Should you buy a used 2012 Ford Taurus?

Apart from the spritely 3.5L turbo V6 on the SHO trim, there is pretty much nothing that stands out on the Ford Taurus that makes it a must-buy midsized sedan. Given that it goes like a barge, all the performance does come in vain, making it a hard recommendation against options like the Dodge Charger or even the lovable benchmark that is the Toyota Avalon. However, the 2012 Ford Taurus still finds its footing by being the jack of all trades, with an average reliability record which should please a lot of buyers here. The deal breakers are few here and getting one is totally up to one requirements.