How long will the 2016 Ford Taurus last?

In general, a well-maintained 2016 Ford Taurus can reliably reach about 150,000–200,000 miles, and some examples exceed 250,000 miles.

The exact lifespan depends on maintenance history, driving conditions, and the model variant. The Taurus offered a standard 3.5-liter V6 in most trims and a 3.5-liter EcoBoost in the SHO, with timing chains (not belts) in most engines. Regular service, timely repairs, and careful driving are the biggest determinants of longevity.

What affects longevity

Core factors include how diligently the car has been serviced, climate and road salt exposure, how it has been driven (highway cruising vs. stop-and-go), towing usage, and the condition of key systems such as the engine, transmission, cooling, and electrical components. The following sections outline expectations for the common powertrains found in the 2016 Taurus.

Engine and drivetrain considerations

Standard 3.5L V6 and SHO EcoBoost

The majority of 2016 Tauruses use the 3.5L V6 with a timing chain, which is generally durable when the vehicle is regularly serviced. The Taurus SHO uses a 3.5L EcoBoost engine, a turbocharged variant that produces more power and can demand more attentive maintenance, especially with regard to cooling and oil quality. Overall, both engines can last a long time if kept up with routine maintenance and timely repairs.

Estimated lifespan ranges by usage

With proper maintenance, a 2016 Taurus commonly reaches 150,000–200,000 miles. Typical highway-oriented use often yields longer life than severe stop-and-go city driving. In favorable conditions and with meticulous care, 200,000+ miles is achievable, and several owners report 250,000 miles or more.

Maintenance to maximize life

To extend the Taurus’s life, follow a disciplined maintenance schedule and attend to problems promptly. The following checklist is a practical guide used by many owners and technicians.

• Oil and filter changes at or near the interval recommended in the owner's manual; switch to full synthetic if desired, with typical ranges of 5,000–7,500 miles for conventional oil and up to 10,000 miles for synthetic under light driving.


• Transmission fluid checks and changes per Ford’s schedule; many owners favor a drain-and-fill or full flush at major service milestones to protect smoother shifts and longevity.


• Coolant/cooling-system maintenance, including inspecting hoses and replacing coolant on schedule to prevent overheating and corrosion.


• Spark plugs and ignition components replacement around 100,000 miles for most V6 engines; use the recommended plug type and torque specifications.


• Air filter replacement and intake cleaning to maintain airflow and efficiency; inspect fuel system components in turbocharged variants for buildup.


• Brake system service, tire rotation, and alignment checks to prevent uneven wear and maintain safe handling.


• Battery health and charging system checks, replacing the battery before it fails to avoid breakdowns.


• Belts, hoses, and other wear items inspected and replaced as needed; note that the timing chain on these engines does not require a routine belt-change, but tensioners and guides can wear over time.

Following these steps helps reduce the risk of major failures and supports longer service life for the Taurus.

Real-world reliability and expectations

Owner experiences and consumer-reliability data suggest that the 2016 Taurus can deliver solid longevity with proper care. A realistic expectation is roughly 150,000–200,000 miles for typical daily driving, with 200,000 miles possible and 250,000 miles reported by some well-maintained examples.

• Most Tauruses will see typical wear and tear of a mid- to late-life sedan, with major components lasting longer when regularly maintained.


• Common aging signals include increased fuel consumption, rough idle or misfires, transmission shifting issues, overheating, coolant leaks, and electrical glitches.


• Rust and corrosion risk is higher in climates using road salt; regular cleaning and corrosion protection can help.

Note that individual results vary based on maintenance history, environmental conditions, and driving habits.

Signs of aging to watch and actions to take

Early warning indicators

Be alert for persistent oil leaks, dramatic changes in performance, unusual noises, overheating, rough transmission shifts, warning lights, or rapid battery drain. Address issues promptly to protect the vehicle and extend its life.

Summary

In summary, a well-cared-for 2016 Ford Taurus can reasonably be expected to last 150,000–200,000 miles, with many reaching higher milestones when maintenance is kept up and driving remains balanced. The key to longevity is adherence to maintenance schedules, timely repairs, and attentive driving habits, especially for the SHO’s turbocharged engine, which can demand extra care. With that approach, the Taurus can be a reliable long-term sedan for years beyond its initial purchase.

How many miles can a 2016 Ford Taurus last?

A 2016 Ford Taurus has an average life expectancy of about 149,000 miles or 10.2 years, but with proper maintenance, it can potentially last for over 200,000 miles. Key factors for longevity include regular maintenance, especially for the transmission, which can be a weak point. 
Average lifespan

• Mileage: Approximately 149,354 miles. 
• Time: About 10.2 years. 
• Long-term potential: There is a 16.9% chance of reaching or exceeding 200,000 miles, with some owners reporting even higher mileage with proper care. 

Factors for extending life expectancy

• Consistent maintenance: Following the recommended service schedule is crucial for ensuring the vehicle lasts as long as possible. 
• Transmission care: The transmission is a potential weak point, so routine fluid changes are highly recommended to prevent problems. 
• Responsible driving: Smooth driving habits and avoiding rough treatment can help preserve the vehicle's mechanical components. 

Can a Ford Taurus last 300,000 miles?

The Ford Taurus has been a staple in Ford's lineup for years, and its reliability is one of its standout features. Many Taurus owners report trouble-free driving well beyond the 300,000-mile mark. With proper care, this sedan can provide comfortable and dependable transportation for a long time.

What is the most common problem with Ford Taurus?

Top Ford Taurus Problems

• Engine Oil Pan Gasket May Leak.
• Engine Buck/Misfire at Freeway Speeds.
• Problem With Idle Air Bypass Valve May Cause Engine Performance Problems.
• Camshaft Sensor Magnet may Damage Synchronizers.
• automatic lights not working.
• Blown/Cracked Head Gasket Can Cause White Smoke From Exhaust.

How reliable is the 2016 Ford Taurus?

The 2016 Ford Taurus is generally considered to be reliable, with a 4.0 out of 5.0 rating from sources like RepairPal and a 3.5 out of 5.0 rating from U.S. News & World Report, which is above average. However, some common problems have been reported, particularly for the SHO model, including issues with the Power Transfer Unit (PTU) and the oil return line on turbocharged engines. 
This video discusses common problems in Ford Taurus sedans from 2010-2019: 58s1A Auto: Repair Tips & Secrets Only Mechanics KnowYouTube · Oct 29, 2025
Reliability overview

• Average reliability: The 2016 Taurus received generally positive reliability scores, ranking 6th out of 12 full-size cars according to RepairPal. 
• Average repair costs: The average annual repair cost is approximately $697, which is slightly higher than the average for all vehicles. 
• Safety: The 2016 Taurus received top safety ratings in government crash tests and from the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS). 

Common issues to consider

• Turbocharged engine problems: Turbocharged models may experience oil leaks from the oil return line, which can be a fire hazard if it drips onto the exhaust. 
• Power Transfer Unit (PTU) issues: The PTU in the all-wheel drive SHO model can be a point of failure due to leaks and excessive heat. 
• Other potential issues:
  • Engine oil pan gasket leaks 
  • Engine misfires at freeway speeds 
  • Problems with the idle air bypass valve 

How to assess a specific vehicle

• Check for service records, particularly for the oil return line and PTU fluid changes. 
• If the vehicle is an SHO model, have the PTU inspected for leaks or damage. 
• For any model, check for the presence of a recall for the B-Pillar door trim.