Vehicle Guide

2014 Ford Taurus Problems, Reliability & Owner's Guide

Common problems with the 2014 Ford Taurus, reliability ratings, maintenance tips, and owner reviews. Get your complete owner's guide.

Overview

The 2014 Ford Taurus is a full-size sedan designed for buyers who want a roomy cabin, a stable highway ride, and available all-wheel drive in a traditional four-door layout. It sits near the top of Ford’s sedan lineup for its era, offering more space and power than a Fusion while competing with other large sedans on comfort and features. The 2014 model is part of the sixth-generation Taurus (introduced for 2010), and by this point the platform was well-established with strong safety tech availability. It’s ideal for commuters, families needing a large back seat, and drivers who want a confident, quiet long-distance car.

Key Features

1) Engine choices for different priorities: a standard 3.5L V6 for smooth daily driving, an available 2.0L EcoBoost 4-cylinder for better fuel economy, and a 3.5L EcoBoost V6 in the SHO for performance-oriented shoppers. 2) Available all-wheel drive (AWD) on select trims, adding traction in snow and rain and giving the Taurus a planted feel at speed. 3) Spacious interior and large trunk for the class, with a wide rear seat that works well for adults and child seats alike. 4) Strong safety and driver-assist availability depending on trim and packages, including advanced features like blind-spot monitoring and rear cross-traffic alert on many equipped models. 5) Comfortable, quiet highway tuning with a heavy, stable ride that favors long trips and daily commuting over sporty handling.

Common Issues & Reliability

Shoppers searching “2014 Ford Taurus reliability” will find it’s generally a solid full-size sedan, but there are several common complaints worth knowing before purchase. Overall reliability tends to be average to above-average when maintained, with the biggest differences coming down to engine choice, service history, and how quickly small issues are addressed. 1) Water pump failure (3.5L V6 and 3.5L EcoBoost): One of the most discussed 2014 Ford Taurus problems is the internal water pump design on the 3.5L engines. When it fails, it can leak coolant into the engine oil and lead to overheating or engine damage if not caught early. Reports often show failures appearing anywhere from around 70,000 to 120,000 miles, though timing varies widely. 2) Transmission concerns (6-speed automatic): Some owners report harsh shifting, delayed engagement, or shuddering, sometimes beginning in the 60,000–100,000-mile range. Fluid condition and previous service matter, and in some cases software updates, fluid service, or more significant repair may be needed. 3) Electrical and infotainment glitches: Intermittent issues with the SYNC system, touchscreen responsiveness (if equipped), Bluetooth pairing, or random warning lights are common “2014 Ford Taurus common issues” discussions. These are often nuisance problems rather than drivability failures, but they can be frustrating. 4) Suspension and steering wear items: Front end clunks, worn sway bar links, control arm bushings, or wheel bearing noise can show up as mileage climbs past roughly 80,000–120,000 miles, especially on heavier vehicles like the Taurus and on rough roads.

Frequently Asked Questions

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