What are the safety features of a Ford Taurus?
The Ford Taurus offers a solid set of safety features, with essential protections like airbags and stability control standard across many years, and additional driver-assistance technologies appearing on higher trims or later model years. Availability varies by year and trim.
Across its various generations, the Taurus has emphasized occupant protection and crash avoidance. Core safety items—such as multiple airbags, anti-lock brakes, electronic stability control, and tire pressure monitoring—are commonly present, while more advanced aids like blind-spot monitoring with cross-traffic alert and rearview cameras were added in later years or higher trims. Because features differ by year and option packages, buyers should verify the exact equipment for any specific vehicle’s model year and trim level.
Core safety features across Taurus generations
These are the passive and active safety components typically found on Taurus models, though availability varies by model year and trim.
- Airbags: front driver and passenger, side airbags, and roof-mounted curtain airbags (with some years including a driver knee airbag)
- Anti-lock Braking System (ABS) with electronic brake-force distribution
- Electronic Stability Control (ESC) / AdvanceTrac with Roll Stability Control
- Traction Control
- Tire Pressure Monitoring System (TPMS)
- Frontal and side-seat belt pretensioners with load limiters
- LATCH child-seat anchors on applicable rear seats
These foundations provide occupant protection and crash-avoidance capability across many Taurus variants, though exact equipment can vary by year and trim.
Active safety features and driver-assistance options
In addition to the core protections, some Taurus models offered more advanced driver-assistance technologies, primarily on higher trims or later-year updates.
- Rearview camera (standard or available on newer years)
- Rear parking sensors
- Blind Spot Information System (BLIS) with Cross-Traction Alert
- Pre-Collision Assist with Pedestrian Detection (availability varies by year/trim)
- Adaptive Cruise Control (availability varies by year/trim)
These features were introduced gradually and are not universal across all Taurus vehicles; buyers should verify year-by-year configurations and confirm operation if purchasing used.
Other safety-related systems and conveniences
Beyond active safety aids, several convenience-focused systems contribute to safety and driver awareness.
- SOS Post-Crash Alert System
- MyKey programmable keys that can limit speed and audio levels for secondary drivers
- Tire Pressure Monitoring System (TPMS) remains a core safety/maintenance feature
- Child-seat anchors (LATCH) on compatible rear seats
These elements add emergency notification capabilities, driver-management controls, and child-safety compliance across Taurus models where equipped.
Practical safety checklist when buying a used Ford Taurus
Before purchasing a used Taurus, it helps to verify the safety equipment and ensure it operates correctly. The following steps guide you through year/trim-specific features and system checks.
- Check the equipment list for the exact model year and trim to confirm which safety features were included. Compare to the dealer’s window sticker or the vehicle’s documentation.
- Test the rearview camera and parking sensors (if equipped) during a parking maneuver or in a controlled environment.
- Verify BLIS/Cross-Traffic Alert functionality by simulating blind spots and observing alert responses from other traffic in your test area.
- Confirm the presence and operation of Pre-Collision Assist and other advanced aids where available; note that some Taurus models may have had these features only as part of optional packages.
- Check for recalls and service campaigns related to safety equipment; review recall history via NHTSA Ford databases or the dealership.
- Inspect airbags and seatbelt pretensioners—request service records or conduct a professional inspection if possible.
- Have a qualified mechanic evaluate brakes, tires, suspension, and associated sensors that support safety systems.
Verifying these aspects helps ensure the Taurus you’re considering meets your safety expectations and that its systems are functioning properly.
Summary
Across its generations, the Ford Taurus provided a reliable baseline of safety with standard airbags, ABS, and stability control, complemented by features like TPMS and LATCH. Later years and higher trims added more advanced driver-assistance technologies such as BLIS with cross-traffic alerts and rearview cameras. Because the Taurus was discontinued after the 2019 model year, exact safety equipment depends on the specific year and trim. Prospective buyers should review the exact equipment list, test any active safety features, and check for recalls before purchase.
How safe is the Ford Taurus?
We estimate that the 2016 Ford Taurus has a vehicle lifetime fatality chance of 0.0441% and a vehicle lifetime injury chance of 5.0404%, meaning the average driver has a 0.0441% chance of dying in an accident if they drive the car under regular conditions for fifteen years, and a 5.0404% chance of being injured.
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.
Why did Ford discontinue the Taurus?
Ford discontinued the Taurus primarily due to declining consumer demand for sedans in North America and a company-wide strategic shift to focus on more profitable trucks and SUVs. Factors like a polarizing 1990s redesign, declining sales compared to rivals like the Camry and Accord, and the high cost of developing new sedan models in an evolving market also contributed to its downfall. The final U.S. Taurus was built in March 2019.
Key reasons for discontinuation
- Shifting consumer demand: The automotive market saw a major shift away from sedans and towards SUVs and trucks, which consumers increasingly preferred for their versatility and space.
- Strategic business decision: Ford made a strategic decision to cut costs and increase profits by phasing out sedans to focus resources on its more popular and profitable truck and SUV lineup.
- Declining sales and market share: While initially a best-seller, the Taurus's sales and market share declined significantly over the years, especially when compared to Japanese competitors like the Toyota Camry and Honda Accord, which continued to be updated and improved.
- Controversial redesigns: A radical and polarizing redesign in the mid-1990s alienated many loyal customers and is often cited as a key factor in the beginning of the Taurus's sales slump.
- Focus on future growth: The company decided not to invest in future generations of the Taurus for the North American market, instead channeling its efforts into popular vehicles and future technologies like electric and hybrid vehicles.
Which Fords have hands-free driving?
F-150®
- Mustang Mach-E® SUV. Available on: All trims of 2025, 2024 and 2023 Mustang Mach-E® SUVs. less.
- Expedition® Available on 2024 Ford Expedition Platinum® and Platinum MAX and on all 2025 Expedition models. less.
- F-150 Lightning® Available on: 2022-2024 Ford F-150® LARIAT® and Platinum® and 2024 Flash™. less.
