2016 Ford Taurus Reliability ReportCommon Problems, Repair Costs & Expert Verdict
Quick Facts · 2016 Ford Taurus
- Has 4 NHTSA recalls on record — the most notable involves the engine and engine cooling:engine:gasoline:turbo/supercharger.
- Scores 6 points below the strongest nearby year — the 2017 Ford Taurus earns a 78.
- The system most likely to surface first: transmission (6f50/6f55) (major severity).
Should You Buy the 2016 Ford Taurus?
The 2016 Ford Taurus offers a spacious and comfortable ride, but it's crucial to understand its notable mechanical vulnerabilities, particularly in the powertrain. While generally a safe and solid vehicle, prospective owners must be prepared for potential high-cost repairs if specific maintenance or known issues are overlooked. It's a car that demands informed ownership.
The 2016 Ford Taurus can be a great value for those seeking a large, comfortable sedan, but it's not a 'set it and forget it' vehicle. Critical known issues with the transmission, AWD PTU, and 3.5L water pump demand diligent pre-purchase inspection and proactive, informed maintenance to avoid very expensive repairs.…
Best Model Years
2016-2019 (later models refined issues, but core powertrain concerns remain)
Years to Avoid
2010-2012 (earlier models of this generation had more widespread complaints)
Biggest Strengths
- Robust overall structure and crashworthiness
- Comfortable, quiet highway cruising
- Spacious interior and cavernous trunk
Top Risk Areas
The systems that tend to fail first on the 2016 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.
Prone to rough shifts, delayed engagement, and in some cases, premature failure due to internal clutch pack wear or solenoid issues. This is especially true if fluid changes are neglected.
The PTU, especially on AWD models, is a significant weak point. It runs very hot, uses a small volume of heavy fluid, and often experiences leaks or complete failure due to lack of a factory-recommended fluid change interval. Replacement…
The water pump for the 3.5L V6 is internally mounted, meaning a failure can lead to coolant mixing with the engine oil, causing severe engine damage. Replacement is labor-intensive.
2016 Ford Taurus Mileage Danger Zones
The mileage windows when the 2016 Ford Taurus most commonly needs attention. Plan ahead, budget accordingly, and inspect before you cross each threshold.
Low Risk Zone
At this mileage, the Taurus should be in prime condition. Focus on ensuring all scheduled maintenance, like oil changes and tire rotations, has been diligently completed. Early signs of MyFord Touch glitches may appear.
Maintenance Zone
This mileage brings critical maintenance items into play, like spark plugs (EcoBoost) and transmission fluid changes. It's also where the 6F-transmission can start to show early signs of shift quality degradation if not serviced.
Elevated Risk Zone
Major components like the AWD PTU and the 3.5L V6 water pump become significant concerns. Neglecting PTU fluid service could lead to very costly failure here. Suspension components will likely need attention.
High Risk Zone
Beyond this point, the likelihood of major powertrain failures significantly increases, especially if preventative maintenance was skipped. Expect to budget for significant repairs or component replacements.
2016 Ford Taurus Ownership Cost Outlook
What it typically costs to keep the 2016 Ford Taurus on the road. Full 5-year cost-of-ownership projection and major-failure-risk forecast are in the report.
Annual Maintenance
$500-700
Moderate Repairs
$500-1,500 occasionally (e.g., control arms, electrical diagnosis)
How Long Does the 2016 Ford Taurus Last?
Focus on low-mileage examples (under 75,000 miles) with impeccable service records, especially for the transmission and, if AWD, the PTU. For higher mileage vehicles, factor in the cost of anticipated major repairs.
What 2016 Ford Taurus Owners Actually Say
What Owners Love
- Extremely comfortable seats and quiet cabin for long drives
- Massive trunk space, ideal for families or travel
- Powerful engine options (especially SHO) provide strong acceleration
- Solid, planted feel on the highway, handles well for its size
Common Frustrations
- Frustrating and glitchy MyFord Touch/SYNC 2 infotainment system
- Poor rear visibility due to high beltline and small rear window
- Mediocre fuel economy, particularly with the 3.5L V6 and AWD
- Large turning radius makes parking and maneuvering in tight spaces difficult
Who Should Buy the 2016 Ford Taurus?
Best For
- Budget-conscious buyers seeking a large, comfortable used sedan
- Highway commuters who appreciate a quiet, stable ride
- Families needing abundant trunk and passenger space
Not Ideal For
- Buyers seeking absolute, worry-free reliability (e.g., Toyota Avalon owners)
- Those who prioritize nimble handling and easy city parking
How the 2016 Ford Taurus Compares to Rivals
The Taurus offers a solid, if somewhat dated, large American sedan experience. It generally outpaces some domestic rivals in initial build quality but falls short of top-tier Japanese or Korean competitors in long-term powertrain reliability without meticulous maintenance.
More Reliable Than
- Dodge Charger (base models)
- Nissan Maxima (CVT longevity)
Comparable To
- Chevrolet Impala (previous generation)
- Chrysler 300
NHTSA Recalls
4 recalls on record from NHTSA. Check your VIN atnhtsa.gov to see if the repair was performed.
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING:ENGINE:GASOLINE:TURBO/SUPERCHARGER
Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain model year 2016 Ford Taurus, 2016-2017 Ford Flex, Lincoln MKT, 2017 Ford Explorer and Ford Explorer Police Interceptor Utility vehicles equipped with 3.5L GTDI engines. Improperly brazed turbocharger oil supply tubes may leak oil on engine components.
SUSPENSION:REAR
Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2013-2018 Lincoln MKT and Ford Flex and Taurus vehicles with the Police Interceptor or SHO Performance Pack. The rear suspension toe links may fracture due to stress on the rear suspension.
What breaks on the 2016 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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Frequently Asked Questions
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