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Does a 2013 Ford Taurus have spark plugs?

The answer is yes. The 2013 Ford Taurus, including both the standard 3.5-liter V6 and the SHO variant with EcoBoost, uses spark plugs—six in total, one for each cylinder.


Gasoline engines rely on spark plugs to ignite the air-fuel mixture, and the Taurus uses a per-cylinder ignition setup. In the 2013 lineup, both the naturally aspirated 3.5L V6 and the 3.5L EcoBoost V6 (SHO) are six-cylinder engines with a spark plug for every cylinder, typically paired with a coil-on-plug ignition system.


Spark plug details by Taurus engine


To summarize how many spark plugs and what kind of ignition arrangement you’ll find in each 2013 Taurus engine option:



  • 3.5L Ti-VCT V6 (non-SHO): six spark plugs total (one per cylinder); coil-on-plug ignition across the V6 banks.

  • 3.5L EcoBoost V6 (SHO): six spark plugs total (one per cylinder); coil-on-plug ignition, with the addition of turbocharged direct injection characteristics.


In both variants, the six-cylinder configuration means six spark plugs, and maintenance typically follows the manufacturer’s schedule for replacement and inspection. Actual replacement intervals can vary based on driving conditions and fuel quality.


Maintenance considerations and replacement intervals


Owners should refer to the official Ford maintenance schedule for their specific model year and engine variant. While many modern Ford engines aim for longer-life plugs (often around 100,000 miles under optimal conditions), actual intervals depend on use, climates, and fuel. If you notice symptoms such as rough idling, misfires, or reduced performance, it’s wise to inspect or replace spark plugs sooner regardless of the mileage.


Summary


Yes—every 2013 Ford Taurus engine option requires spark plugs. The standard 3.5L V6 and the SHO’s 3.5L EcoBoost both use six spark plugs in a per-cylinder ignition setup. For reliable performance, follow Ford’s maintenance guidelines and replace plugs at the recommended intervals, customized to your driving conditions.

How many spark plugs does a 2013 Ford Taurus have?


4
Notes: Iridium IX spark plug. Gap 0.032". Quantity per car: 4.



What are the symptoms of a bad spark plug?


Symptoms of using the wrong spark plug include engine misfires, rough idling, poor acceleration, decreased fuel economy, and difficulty starting the engine. A flashing or steady "Check Engine" light can also indicate a problem, as the engine's computer detects suboptimal combustion. 
Performance issues

  • Engine misfires: A sudden loss of power or a stuttering, jerking sensation, especially when accelerating. 
  • Rough idling: The engine shakes or vibrates when the car is stopped, instead of running smoothly. 
  • Poor acceleration: The car feels sluggish and doesn't respond quickly when you press the gas pedal. 
  • Engine knocking or pinging: Unusual sounds from the engine can indicate improper combustion. 

Fuel and starting problems
  • Decreased fuel economy: Your vehicle uses more gas than usual due to inefficient combustion. 
  • Difficulty starting: The engine cranks longer than normal or struggles to start, particularly in cold weather. 

Diagnostic indicators
  • "Check Engine" light: The light may come on, sometimes flashing, which signals that the engine control module has detected a problem with combustion. 



What are common problems with a 2013 Ford Taurus?


Transmission issues (very, very VERY hard shifting) water pump issues, coolant issues, door issues, key issues, cheap plastic interior that falls apart, malfunctioning wiper switch (wipers won't turn off), cruise control doesn't work, interior lights don't turn off even when you press the button etc etc.



How much does it cost to replace spark plugs in a Ford Taurus?


between $249 and $334
The average cost for a Ford Taurus Spark Plug Replacement is between $249 and $334. Labor costs are estimated between $183 and $269 while parts are typically priced around $65. This range does not include taxes and fees, and does not factor in your unique location. Related repairs may also be needed.


Kevin's Auto

Kevin Bennett

Company Owner

Kevin Bennet is the founder and owner of Kevin's Autos, a leading automotive service provider in Australia. With a deep commitment to customer satisfaction and years of industry expertise, Kevin uses his blog to answer the most common questions posed by his customers. From maintenance tips to troubleshooting advice, Kevin's articles are designed to empower drivers with the knowledge they need to keep their vehicles running smoothly and safely.