2013 Ford Taurus Reliability ReportCommon Problems, Repair Costs & Expert Verdict
Quick Facts · 2013 Ford Taurus
- Has 9 NHTSA recalls on record — the most notable involves the structure:body:door.
- Scores 6 points below the strongest nearby year — the 2012 Ford Taurus earns a 78.
- The system most likely to surface first: engine cooling system (3.5l v6) (critical severity).
Should You Buy the 2013 Ford Taurus?
The 2013 Ford Taurus offers a comfortable, spacious, and often powerful sedan experience, but it comes with a few significant reliability caveats. While the core mechanicals can be durable with proper care, potential major issues like the internal water pump on V6 engines and the AWD Power Transfer Unit demand vigilant pre-purchase inspection and ongoing maintenance. Proceed with caution, focusing on models with documented service history and thorough inspection of known weak points.
The 2013 Ford Taurus can be a comfortable and appealing large sedan for those seeking space and a solid ride. However, the critical internal water pump issue on V6 models and the high failure rate of the AWD PTU on all-wheel-drive versions demand a cautious approach. It's a reasonable buy if you can verify these pot…
Best Model Years
2015-2019 (later models had MyFord Touch refinements, some improvements though core mechanical issues persisted)
Years to Avoid
None outright avoid, but pre-2013 models had less refined interiors and earlier MyFord Touch versions. The 2013 model is right in the thick of the water pump/PTU issue window.
Biggest Strengths
- Robust frame and solid crash test performance
- Comfortable and quiet cabin ride
- Generally durable 6-speed automatic transmission (FWD)
Top Risk Areas
The systems that tend to fail first on the 2013 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 water pump on the 3.5L Duratec V6 is internally mounted, meaning its failure can lead to coolant leaking directly into the engine oil, causing catastrophic engine damage if not caught immediately. This is a significant design flaw.
On AWD models, the PTU is prone to premature failure due to inadequate cooling and non-serviceable fluid. It can overheat, leak, and eventually seize, leading to loss of AWD or complete drivetrain failure. Repair or replacement is costly.
This system is notorious for freezing, lagging, restarting unexpectedly, and general unresponsiveness. While not a mechanical failure, it significantly degrades the ownership experience and can be costly to replace the APIM (Accessory Pr…
2013 Ford Taurus Mileage Danger Zones
The mileage windows when the 2013 Ford Taurus most commonly needs attention. Plan ahead, budget accordingly, and inspect before you cross each threshold.
Low Risk Zone
At this mileage, most vehicles are still under factory powertrain warranty. Focus on routine fluid changes and tire rotations. Brake wear may become noticeable.
Maintenance Zone
Key maintenance items like transmission fluid, coolant, and spark plugs (on some engines) should be addressed. This is often when the water pump on the 3.5L V6 begins to show signs of trouble or fail.
Elevated Risk Zone
Wear items throughout the suspension and drivetrain may become more pronounced. AWD PTU issues are more likely to surface. Be vigilant for any engine noise or coolant loss.
High Risk Zone
Beyond this point, major component failures are more probable without meticulous maintenance. Expect to address more significant repairs as wear accumulates across all systems.
2013 Ford Taurus Ownership Cost Outlook
What it typically costs to keep the 2013 Ford Taurus on the road. Full 5-year cost-of-ownership projection and major-failure-risk forecast are in the report.
Annual Maintenance
$450-700
Moderate Repairs
$600-1,800 occasionally (e.g., control arms, minor electrical, turbo replacement)
How Long Does the 2013 Ford Taurus Last?
Focus on vehicles with comprehensive service records. If considering a V6, assume the water pump will need attention unless proven otherwise. For AWD, budget for PTU service or replacement.
What 2013 Ford Taurus Owners Actually Say
What Owners Love
- Spacious and comfortable interior, especially for rear passengers
- Quiet and smooth ride quality, great for highway cruising
- Strong acceleration with the 3.5L V6 and excellent with the SHO EcoBoost
- Handsome and assertive exterior styling
Common Frustrations
- Frustrating and glitchy MyFord Touch infotainment system
- Poor rear visibility due to high beltline and thick pillars
- Fuel economy is below average for its class, especially with the V6
- Large turning radius makes parking and maneuvering cumbersome
Who Should Buy the 2013 Ford Taurus?
Best For
- Families needing a spacious, affordable sedan
- Commuters desiring a quiet, comfortable highway ride
- Buyers prioritizing interior room over fuel economy
Not Ideal For
- Reliability-first buyers seeking absolute peace of mind
- Drivers in tight urban environments due to its large size and poor visibility
How the 2013 Ford Taurus Compares to Rivals
The Taurus generally offers a more engaging drive than an Avalon or Impala, but falls short in long-term reliability and low cost of ownership compared to Japanese competitors. It's a solid American large sedan, but its known issues make it a riskier proposition than top-tier…
More Reliable Than
- Nissan Maxima (CVT reliability concerns)
- Chrysler 300/Dodge Charger (some early V8 HEMI issues, interior quality)
Comparable To
- Chevrolet Impala (similar comfort, some transmission/electrical quirks)
NHTSA Recalls
9 recalls on record from NHTSA. Check your VIN atnhtsa.gov to see if the repair was performed.
STRUCTURE:BODY:DOOR
Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain model year 2010-2013 Ford Taurus vehicles manufactured December 1, 2009, to July 31, 2010, and 2011-2013 Lincoln MKS vehicles manufactured June 1, 2011, to October 31, 2011. In the affected vehicles, the interior door handle return spring may unseat, resulting in interior door handle that does not return to the fully stowed position after actuation.
FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE:DELIVERY:FUEL PUMP
Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain model year 2013-2015 Ford Taurus, Ford Flex, Lincoln MKS and Lincoln MKT vehicles equipped with 3.5L GTDI Ecoboost engines and 2013-2015 Ford Taurus Police Interceptor vehicles. A component within the fuel pump electric module (PEM) may overheat causing a loss of electrical power to the fuel pump.
What breaks on the 2013 Ford Taurus?
Full reliability breakdown — engine, transmission, rust, electrical. With repair costs and mileage danger zones.
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Ford Taurus by Year
Compare KeepScores across nearby years of the Ford Taurus. Click any year for its full report.
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