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2013 Ford Taurus Report

Known issues, recalls, running costs, and what to check before you buy.

Updated May 30, 2026·Ethan Miller·4 Critical Recalls
2013 Ford Taurus Report

Overall Score

6.5/ 10
Our Verdict
Proceed with caution

Key Takeaways

  • The steering system is the most critical area for inspection, with numerous complaints and recalls related to power assist loss.
  • Fuel system issues, including leaks and stalling, are a significant concern and warrant careful examination.
  • While safety ratings are high, the prevalence of mechanical complaints suggests potential for costly repairs.
  • Consider the high number of complaints and recalls when evaluating the long-term value and ownership risk.
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OverviewWho This Car Is ForReliability & ProblemsVehicle SpecsUnlock Full ReportFAQ
Overview

2013 Ford Taurus

The 2013 Ford Taurus offers a comfortable ride and respectable fuel economy for its class, achieving an EPA-estimated 20 MPG combined. However, used car shoppers should be aware of its below-average reliability rating. With 9 recalls and 741 complaints logged with NHTSA, potential buyers must prioritize thorough inspections, especially concerning the steering and fuel systems. The vehicle boasts a 5-star overall safety rating from NHTSA, indicating strong performance in crash tests. Given the number of recalls, potential repair costs for underlying issues may be a concern for long-term ownership.

Critical Failure Risk

Owners report increased effort to steer, or the steering wheel feeling locked or unresponsive.

Early detection can help you avoid a $1,000-$1,500 repair.

Open Maintenance Analysis →

Safety & Bulletins

Open Recalls9
Service Bulletins0
Full Recall History →

Owner Complaints

741
Steering279
Detailed Issue Breakdown →

Performance & Efficiency

Fuel Efficiency
Combined
20
MPG
City
17
MPG
Highway
25
MPG
Full Vehicle Specifications ↓

Reliability

7.1/ 10

Practicality

5.0/ 10

The score is mainly limited by high fuel consumption.

Buyer Fit

Who This Car Is For

Best for

Budget-conscious buyers prioritizing safety ratings and ride comfort over long-term mechanical dependability.

+1 more buyer-fit notes in the full report

Avoid if

Shoppers seeking a trouble-free ownership experience.

+1 more buyer-fit warnings in the full report

2013 Ford Taurus Reliability Analysis

Explore comprehensive reliability data including official safety recalls, consumer complaints, and common mechanical failures for the 2013 Ford Taurus.

  • Recall TimelineOfficial safety notices
  • Owner ComplaintsReal driver reports
  • Failure AnalysisKnown part defects
Specs

Vehicle Specs

Fuel Type
Regular
Transmission
Automatic (S6)
Drivetrain
All-Wheel Drive
Body Style
Sedan
EPA Combined MPG
20

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Unlock the complete checklist, maintenance outlook, and buyer verdict in one place.

Most Common Issues

1. Steering

Most reported

Usage: 279 reports

2. Fuel System

Usage: 95 reports

See all common issues in the maintenance guide

First Service Interval

- Oil Change (5W-30 Synthetic) (Parts: 5W-30 Synthetic Motor Oil, Oil Filter) - Tire Rotation and Inspection

Est. shop cost: $75 - $100

7,500 mi

Unlock the full maintenance guide for every scheduled service interval and cost forecast.

Full pre-purchase inspection checklist
Complete maintenance schedule (4 service intervals)
Repair forecasts with mileage and cost context
Full buyer-fit guidance and who should avoid it
Full specs and trim-level context
9 recall campaign details & remedy notes
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FAQ

FAQ

Is the 2013 Ford Taurus reliable?▾

The CarFocal Reliability Score for the 2013 Ford Taurus is 7.1/10. Reliability score is 7.1/10. NHTSA recalls: 9. Owner complaints: 741.

How practical is the 2013 Ford Taurus for daily use?▾

Practicality score is 5.0/10. The score is mainly limited by high fuel consumption. EPA combined economy is 20 MPG.

What is the overall score for the 2013 Ford Taurus?▾

The CarFocal Overall Score for the 2013 Ford Taurus is 6.5/10. Overall score is 6.5/10 (Good). Confidence 85%. Maintenance 7.2/10. Tuning 2.0/10. Practicality 5.0/10.

What does it cost to own and maintain a 2013 Ford Taurus?▾

Based on Carfocal's data, First listed service: - Oil Change (5W-30 Synthetic) (Parts: 5W-30 Synthetic Motor Oil, Oil Filter) - Tire Rotation and Inspection at 7,500 miles. Estimated first-year maintenance: $1,000 - $1,500. Repair prediction highlight: Electric Power Steering (EPS) Rack and Motor Assembly (typical at 70,000 miles, estimated cost Min: $1000 • Max: $1500).

What engine is in the 2013 Ford Taurus?▾

Engine specs list 6 • 3.5.

What transmission does the 2013 Ford Taurus use?▾

According to CarFocal's specs for the 2013 Ford Taurus, transmission is Automatic (S6). The paired drivetrain is All-Wheel Drive.

What is the combined EPA MPG for the 2013 Ford Taurus?▾

EPA combined estimate is 20 MPG.

What driver assistance and safety features are available on the 2013 Ford Taurus?▾

1 standard driver assistance features. Key features include Tire Pressure Monitoring System.

What body style is the 2013 Ford Taurus?▾

According to CarFocal's specs for the 2013 Ford Taurus, body style is sedan.

What drivetrain does the 2013 Ford Taurus use?▾

According to CarFocal's specs for the 2013 Ford Taurus, drivetrain is All-Wheel Drive. Transmission is Automatic (S6).

What are the NHTSA safety ratings for the 2013 Ford Taurus?▾

NHTSA ratings: Overall 5/5 • Frontal 5/5 • Side 5/5 • Rollover 4/5.

Is the 2013 Ford Taurus good for tuning?▾

Tuning potential is rated 2/10. This guide details tuning and modification options for the 2013 Ford Taurus (US market).

What are the most common steering problems on the 2013 Ford Taurus?▾

Top complaint category: steering (279 reports, 37.7% of complaints).

Are there open safety recalls on the 2013 Ford Taurus?▾

This model year has 9 official safety campaigns listed.

Start Here

Maintenance guide

Costs + intervals

Recall report

Campaigns + remedy notes

Owner complaints

Issue volume + categories

Tuning guide

Potential + upgrade path

In this guide

  1. 01Overview
  2. 02Who This Car Is For
  3. 03Reliability & Problems
  4. 04Vehicle Specs
  5. 05Unlock Full Report
  6. 06FAQ

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