2007 Ford Taurus Reliability ReportKeepScore 68/100 · top failure points · buy or avoid
Quick Facts · 2007 Ford Taurus
- Scores 10 points below the strongest nearby year — the 2008 Ford Taurus earns a 78.
- The system most likely to surface first: transmission (cvt) (critical severity).
- Has 1 NHTSA recall on record — the most notable involves the service brakes, hydraulic:foundation components:disc:pads.
2007 Ford Taurus: Buy or Avoid?
The 2007 Ford Taurus, specifically the rebadged Five Hundred, can be a decent value proposition, but its reliability is significantly hampered by the notorious ZF-Batavia CVT transmission. While the Duratec V6 is generally robust, the potential for a catastrophic and costly CVT failure makes this a vehicle to approach with significant caution. Proceeding with due diligence and avoiding CVT-equipped models is crucial for a positive ownership experience.
This vehicle can be a serviceable, comfortable, and spacious family sedan if you absolutely, positively avoid the ZF-Batavia CVT transmission. Its generous interior space and decent ride quality make it attractive for budget buyers, but the risk of major transmission failure or severe rust necessitates extreme vigil…
Best Model Years
2008-2009 (when the 3.5L Duratec and 6F50 6-speed auto became standard, resolving the CVT issue and offering more power)
Years to Avoid
2005-2007 (specifically models equipped with the ZF-Batavia CVT)
Biggest Strengths
- Robust Duratec 3.0L V6 engine (when paired with conventional auto)
- Spacious and comfortable interior for its class
- Generally good ride quality and handling (Volvo P2 platform influence)
2007 Ford Taurus — Known Trouble Spots
The systems that tend to fail first on the 2007 Ford Taurus, with the typical mileage window when each becomes a concern. Detailed repair-cost ranges and exact what-to-check inspection notes are in the full report.
The ZF-Batavia CVT, optional on the 2007 Taurus, is prone to internal bearing and belt wear, leading to complete failure. Symptoms include loss of power, shuddering, or complete loss of drive. Repairs or replacement are extremely expensive.
In areas with road salt, the subframe, rocker panels, and wheel arches are highly susceptible to significant rust and corrosion. This can compromise structural integrity and make repairs difficult.
Common issues include failing power window regulators, faulty blend door actuators for the HVAC system, and intermittent dash lights. These are typically nuisance failures but can be costly to diagnose and fix.
2007 Ford Taurus Mileage Danger Zones
The mileage windows when the 2007 Ford Taurus most commonly needs attention. Plan ahead, budget accordingly, and inspect before you cross each threshold.
Low Risk Zone
At this mileage, the vehicle should still be in excellent condition, primarily requiring routine maintenance like oil changes and tire rotations. Any significant issues here point to neglect or a lemon.
Maintenance Zone
This mileage often marks the need for major service, including transmission fluid change (crucial for conventional auto, less so for CVT but still important), spark plugs, and potential suspension component inspection. CVT models *begin*…
Elevated Risk Zone
Wear items throughout the chassis and engine bay will likely need attention. Electrical issues and the onset of significant rust will become more apparent, especially if the vehicle hasn't been well-maintained. CVT failures become increa…
High Risk Zone
At this point, you're primarily dealing with an aging vehicle where major components like the transmission (if CVT) or significant rust repairs become very real possibilities. Careful pre-purchase inspection and a solid maintenance histo…
2007 Ford Taurus Ownership Cost Outlook
What it typically costs to keep the 2007 Ford Taurus on the road. Full 5-year cost-of-ownership projection and major-failure-risk forecast are in the report.
Annual Maintenance
$400-600
Moderate Repairs
$500-1,500 occasionally
How Long Does the 2007 Ford Taurus Last?
For conventional automatic models, I would comfortably consider examples up to 120,000 miles with a strong service history. For CVT models, I would strictly advise against anything over 60,000 miles unless the transmission has been very recently replaced or rebuilt with documentation.
What 2007 Ford Taurus Owners Actually Say
What Owners Love
- Incredibly spacious cabin and trunk, excellent for families or cargo.
- Comfortable and quiet ride, making long trips enjoyable.
- Affordable to purchase used, offering good value for space.
- Robust 3.0L Duratec engine provides adequate power when not burdened by a failing CVT.
Common Frustrations
- CVT transmission failure is a constant worry and massive expense.
- Significant rust issues can be a major structural and aesthetic concern.
- Interior materials, while durable, are not particularly upscale or exciting.
- Fuel economy is only average for its size, especially with the CVT.
Who Should Buy the 2007 Ford Taurus?
Best For
- Budget-conscious families needing maximum interior space.
- Drivers prioritizing a comfortable ride over dynamic performance.
- Individuals looking for an inexpensive, older sedan with robust engine (Aisin 6-speed models only).
Not Ideal For
- Buyers seeking absolute long-term reliability and low maintenance.
- Anyone who cannot afford a potential $3,000-$5,000 transmission repair.
How the 2007 Ford Taurus Compares to Rivals
The 2007 Taurus (Five Hundred rebadge) offers a larger interior than many rivals, but its Achilles' heel CVT places it below the Asian competitors in terms of overall reliability, even while it surpasses some domestic alternatives.
More Reliable Than
- Nissan Altima (2007-2012, due to CVT issues that are almost as bad)
- Chrysler Sebring (2007-2010, due to overall build quality and engine issues)
Comparable To
- Chevrolet Malibu (2004-2007, similar age-related issues)
- Pontiac G6 (2005-2010, similar mid-grade reliability with some common flaws)
Safety Recalls on the 2007 Ford Taurus
1 recall on record from NHTSA. Check your VIN atnhtsa.gov to see if the repair was performed.
SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC:FOUNDATION COMPONENTS:DISC:PADS
Bosch Brake Components LLC (Bosch) is recalling certain aftermarket replacement front brake pads, models Bosch QuietCast BC598 and BP765, Bosch Blue BE598 and BE598H, Prostop PD598 and PD765M, Duralast Gold DG598, Duralast MKD598, Stop Master ST598, UltraStop ULT598, UltraLife MX598 and MX765, BrakeBest MKD765, and Prostop Platinum PGD598. These brake pads, manufactured October 1, 2014, to October 31, 2015 are intended for use on 2001-2007 Ford Taurus, 2001-2005 Mercury Sable, 1995-1999 Ford Taurus SHO, 1995-2002 Lincoln Continental, and 1993-1998 Lincoln Mark VIII vehicles. The brake pad shim may shift out of position causing the shim to contact the brake disc resulting in damage to the disc.
What breaks on the 2007 Ford Taurus?
Full reliability breakdown — engine, transmission, rust, electrical. With repair costs and mileage danger zones.
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Ford Taurus — Year-by-Year Comparison
Compare KeepScores across nearby years of the Ford Taurus. Click any year for its full report.
Competing 2007s Worth a Look
Similar class, similar year range — ranked by KeepScore.
Relevant Products for Your 2007 Ford Taurus
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Frequently Asked Questions
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