What year to avoid Ford Taurus?
The Ford Taurus is a popular mid-size sedan that has been on the market for decades. However, there are certain years of the Taurus that are best avoided due to various issues and problems. In this article, we'll explore the reasons why you should steer clear of the Ford Taurus in specific years.
The Problematic Years for the Ford Taurus
Based on extensive research and user reviews, the Ford Taurus models from the late 1990s and early 2000s are generally considered the years to avoid. Specifically, the 1996-2000 and 2001-2003 model years of the Taurus have been plagued with a variety of issues that make them less desirable choices for potential buyers.
Common Issues with the Problematic Taurus Models
- Transmission Problems: The automatic transmissions in the 1996-2000 and 2001-2003 Taurus models were prone to premature failure, leading to costly repairs and frustration for owners.
- Engine Reliability Concerns: These Taurus models were also known to have issues with their engines, including problems with the spark plugs, ignition coils, and other components that could lead to reduced performance and reliability.
- Electrical Gremlins: Electrical problems, such as malfunctioning sensors, faulty wiring, and issues with the car's computer systems, were common complaints among Taurus owners during this period.
- Suspension and Steering Woes: Some Taurus models experienced problems with their suspension and steering systems, leading to handling issues and a less-than-smooth ride.
These widespread issues with the Ford Taurus in the late 1990s and early 2000s have led many experts and consumers to recommend avoiding these model years when shopping for a used Taurus or considering a new purchase.
Improved Taurus Models to Consider
Fortunately, the Ford Taurus has undergone significant improvements in later model years, with the 2010-2019 models generally considered more reliable and well-built. If you're in the market for a Taurus, it's best to focus your search on these later model years, which have addressed many of the problems that plagued the earlier versions of this popular sedan.
What year of Ford Taurus to avoid?
Avoid: 2003 Ford Taurus
The 2003 Ford Taurus is easily the most unreliable model year of this sedan and must be avoided at all costs. CarComplaints declared the 2003 Taurus as the worst model year, no thanks to its severe transmission issues.
What is the life expectancy of a Ford Taurus?
180,000-200,000 miles
The range for a Ford Taurus is typically 180,000-200,000 miles. Based on those numbers, anything above 150,000 would be considered high mileage for a Ford Taurus.
What are the cons of the Ford Taurus?
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 many miles is a Ford Taurus good for?
MotorAsk also listed it as one of the top passenger cars that can last for over 200,000 miles. Unfortunately, even a model as dependable as the Taurus can have damaged or worn-out parts that could affect its drivability and ride comfort.
Why did Ford discontinue Taurus?
The announcement was part of a plan by Ford Motor Company to cut costs and increase profits. This was in response to a shift in perceived consumer demand towards SUVs and pickup trucks, and away from sedans.
Do Ford Taurus have transmission problems?
Several factors may contribute to transmission failure, such as low transmission fluid levels, contaminated fluids due to poor maintenance, internal wear and tear of transmission parts, and worn clutches. As reliable as the Ford Taurus is, issues are bound to arise and affect its performance over time.
What Ford lasts the longest?
In 2023, the Ford F-350 Super Duty claimed the throne as the most durable model, with a 49.1% chance of crossing the 250,000-mile mark and beyond.
Is the Ford Taurus 3.5 L V6 reliable?
3.5L Cyclone V6's are probably the most reliable engine Ford has ever built and SHOULD last 300,000 miles. But there is one fatal flaw to an otherwise completely stellar engine. The water pump. It is an internally timing chain driven water pump, built right over the oil pump and pan.
Is a 2010 Ford Taurus a good car to buy?
As a whole, consumers found the vehicle's comfort and performance to be its strongest features and value to be its weakest. 298 out of 404 of owners (74% of them) rank the 2010 Taurus five out of five stars. Overall, consumers seem aligned in their opinions of the 2010 Ford Taurus.
Is a Ford Taurus a reliable car?
Ford Taurus Reliability Rating Breakdown. The Ford Taurus Reliability Rating is 4.0 out of 5.0, which ranks it 6th out of 12 for fullsize cars. The average annual repair cost is $697 which means it has average ownership costs.
