The 2016 Ford Taurus is a full-size sedan designed for drivers who want a comfortable, secure highway cruiser with a roomy cabin and a big-trunk layout. It sits near the top of Ford’s car lineup for size and road presence, offering available all-wheel drive and strong V6 power for confident passing. This model year is part of the sixth-generation Taurus (2010–2019), which focused on quiet comfort, safety tech, and a more upscale feel than many mainstream sedans. It’s ideal for commuters, families who prefer a sedan over an SUV, and buyers who want a used full-size car with available performance and AWD.

1) Engine choices for different needs: a 3.5L V6 (strong everyday power), an available 2.0L EcoBoost turbo four-cylinder (better fuel economy with good torque), and the performance-oriented 3.5L EcoBoost V6 in Taurus SHO trim for quick acceleration. 2) Available all-wheel drive (AWD) on select trims for improved traction in rain and snow, a key advantage over many front-wheel-drive-only competitors. 3) Comfortable, quiet ride quality with a solid, planted feel at highway speeds—one of the Taurus’ strongest selling points in daily driving. 4) Practical interior and cargo space for a sedan: supportive seating, wide-opening doors, and a large trunk that works well for luggage, strollers, or work gear. 5) Available driver-assist and safety tech depending on trim and options, often including features like blind-spot monitoring, rear cross-traffic alert, and a rearview camera.

When shoppers search “2016 Ford Taurus reliability” and “2016 Ford Taurus common issues,” the Taurus generally rates as average to above average for a large sedan, but there are a few repeat complaints to know before buying. 1) Water pump failure (3.5L V6 and 3.5L EcoBoost): This is one of the most discussed 2016 Ford Taurus problems because the water pump is internal on these engines. If it leaks, coolant can contaminate the oil. Symptoms can show up anywhere from around 60,000–120,000 miles. Watch for overheating, coolant loss with no obvious external leak, milky oil, or a sweet smell. 2) PTU (Power Transfer Unit) fluid breakdown on AWD models: AWD Tauruses can develop PTU overheating or wear, sometimes around 60,000–100,000 miles, especially with heavy use, high speeds, or infrequent fluid service. Signs include burning odor, whining, or seepage. 3) Turbocharger/boost-related issues on EcoBoost models (2.0L and SHO 3.5L): Some owners report hesitation, reduced power, or check-engine lights tied to sensors, boost leaks, intercooler moisture, or turbo wear over time—often more common as mileage climbs past 80,000–120,000 miles depending on maintenance. 4) Electrical and infotainment glitches: Intermittent issues can include battery drain, door-ajar warnings, camera/screen lag, or module communication faults. These can be simple (weak battery) or more involved (wiring/sensors), and they tend to appear sporadically rather than predictably.