Vehicle Guide

2013 Ford Taurus Problems, Reliability & Owner's Guide

Common problems with the 2013 Ford Taurus, reliability ratings, maintenance tips, and owner reviews. Get your complete owner's guide.

Overview

The 2013 Ford Taurus is a full-size sedan designed for drivers who want a roomy cabin, a smooth highway ride, and available all-wheel drive for year-round confidence. It sits in the sixth-generation Taurus lineup (introduced for 2010) and offers a more modern, tech-forward feel than many older large sedans. This model is ideal for commuters, families needing rear-seat space, and buyers who want near-luxury comfort without stepping into a premium badge. In the used-car market, it’s often valued for its strong safety ratings, quiet ride, and generous standard features.

Key Features

1) Engine choices to fit different needs: a standard 3.5L V6 (around 288 hp) for balanced performance, an available 2.0L EcoBoost turbo four-cylinder (around 240 hp) aimed at better fuel economy, and the high-performance SHO with a 3.5L twin-turbo EcoBoost V6 (around 365 hp). 2) Available all-wheel drive (AWD) on select trims for improved traction in rain and snow, especially helpful for northern climates. 3) Spacious interior with a large trunk and a wide rear seat, making it one of the more comfortable options in the full-size sedan class for long trips. 4) Tech and convenience features depending on trim, including Ford SYNC voice controls, available navigation, premium audio, push-button start, and remote start on certain packages. 5) Strong safety equipment and crash performance for its era, with features such as stability control and available driver-assist options on higher trims.

Common Issues & Reliability

Many shoppers search “2013 Ford Taurus reliability” and “2013 Ford Taurus problems” because, while the Taurus can be a solid long-term car, it does have a few repeat complaint areas to understand before buying. 1) Water pump failure on the 3.5L V6 (including SHO): On some Taurus models, the internal water pump design can fail and leak coolant, sometimes showing up around 80,000–120,000 miles. If coolant mixes with oil or the engine overheats, repairs can become expensive because the pump is labor-intensive to access. Watch for unexplained coolant loss, overheating, or milky oil. 2) Power steering issues (EPAS): Some owners report intermittent heavy steering or “Power Steering Assist Fault” warnings, which can appear in mid-to-higher mileage vehicles (often 60,000–120,000 miles). Causes can include steering rack or related electronic assist components. Not every car is affected, but it’s an important test-drive check. 3) Transmission behavior (6-speed automatic): Complaints often involve harsh shifts, delayed engagement, or shuddering, sometimes starting around 70,000–120,000 miles. Maintenance history matters here—cars with regular fluid service tend to do better, and a smooth, consistent shift pattern on a long test drive is a good sign. 4) Electrical/infotainment glitches: SYNC connectivity issues, random screen behavior, or battery drain complaints can appear as the car ages. These issues are usually more annoying than catastrophic, but they can affect daily usability if not addressed.

Frequently Asked Questions

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