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2018 Ford Taurus Report

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

Updated May 30, 2026·Ethan Miller
2018 Ford Taurus Report

Overall Score

7.0/ 10
Our Verdict
Proceed with caution

Key Takeaways

  • Prioritize inspection of the engine's internal water pump due to documented failures leading to catastrophic engine damage.
  • Verify the completion of all 17 recalls, particularly those concerning the rearview camera and ignition system.
  • Expect average fuel economy, with an EPA-estimated 19 MPG combined.
  • The rearview camera system is a frequent source of complaints and recalls; test its functionality thoroughly.
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OverviewWho This Car Is ForReliability & ProblemsVehicle SpecsUnlock Full ReportFAQ
Overview

2018 Ford Taurus

The 2018 Ford Taurus offers a comfortable ride and respectable fuel economy for its class, achieving an EPA-estimated 19 MPG combined. Its all-wheel-drive system provides confident handling in various conditions. However, a high number of recalls (17) and complaints (50) suggest potential ownership challenges. The vehicle boasts a strong NHTSA safety rating with an overall score of 5 out of 5. Be aware of potential repair costs associated with its numerous recalls.

Critical Failure Risk

A critical failure where the internal water pump can lead to complete engine destruction. This is a significant powertrain concern.

Early detection can help you avoid a $1,500-$3,000 repair.

Open Maintenance Analysis →

Safety & Bulletins

Open Recalls17
Service Bulletins0
Full Recall History →

Owner Complaints

50
Power Train5
Detailed Issue Breakdown →

Performance & Efficiency

Fuel Efficiency
Combined
19
MPG
City
16
MPG
Highway
24
MPG
Full Vehicle Specifications ↓

Reliability

8.9/ 10

Practicality

4.5/ 10

The score is mainly limited by high fuel consumption.

Buyer Fit

Who This Car Is For

Best for

Buyers prioritizing safety ratings and all-wheel-drive capability.

+2 more buyer-fit notes in the full report

Avoid if

Those seeking a trouble-free ownership experience.

+1 more buyer-fit warnings in the full report

2018 Ford Taurus Reliability Analysis

Explore comprehensive reliability data including official safety recalls, consumer complaints, and common mechanical failures for the 2018 Ford Taurus.

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

Vehicle Specs

Fuel Type
Regular
Seating Capacity
5
Transmission
Automatic
Drivetrain
All-Wheel Drive
Body Style
Sedan
EPA Combined MPG
19

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Most Common Issues

1. Powertrain

Most reported

Usage: 5 reports

2. Electrical System

Usage: 5 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)

Est. shop cost: $100 - $200

5,000 mi

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

Full pre-purchase inspection checklist
Complete maintenance schedule (6 service intervals)
Repair forecasts with mileage and cost context
Full buyer-fit guidance and who should avoid it
Full specs and trim-level context
17 recall campaign details & remedy notes
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FAQ

FAQ

Is the 2018 Ford Taurus reliable?▾

The CarFocal Reliability Score for the 2018 Ford Taurus is 8.9/10. Reliability score is 8.9/10. NHTSA recalls: 17. Owner complaints: 50.

How practical is the 2018 Ford Taurus for daily use?▾

Practicality score is 4.5/10. The score is mainly limited by high fuel consumption. EPA combined economy is 19 MPG. Seating capacity is 5. 4 passenger doors are listed.

What is the overall score for the 2018 Ford Taurus?▾

The CarFocal Overall Score for the 2018 Ford Taurus is 7.0/10. Overall score is 7.0/10 (Good). Confidence 85%. Maintenance 7.6/10. Tuning 3.0/10. Practicality 4.5/10.

What does it cost to own and maintain a 2018 Ford Taurus?▾

Based on Carfocal's data, First listed service: - Oil Change (5W-30 Synthetic) (Parts: 5W-30 Synthetic Motor Oil, Oil Filter) at 5,000 miles. Estimated first-year maintenance: $700 - $1,200. Repair prediction highlight: Engine (Internal Water Pump) (typical at 75,000 miles, estimated cost Min: $1,500 • Max: $3,000+).

What is the MSRP range for the 2018 Ford Taurus?▾

Base MSRP is $27,690.

What engine is in the 2018 Ford Taurus?▾

Engine specs list 6 • 3.5.

What transmission does the 2018 Ford Taurus use?▾

According to CarFocal's specs for the 2018 Ford Taurus, transmission is Automatic. The paired drivetrain is All-Wheel Drive.

What is the combined EPA MPG for the 2018 Ford Taurus?▾

EPA combined estimate is 19 MPG.

What driver assistance and safety features are available on the 2018 Ford Taurus?▾

8 standard and 5 optional driver assistance features. Key features include Anti-lock Braking System, Electronic Stability Control, Traction Control.

How many people fit in a 2018 Ford Taurus?▾

According to CarFocal's specs for the 2018 Ford Taurus, seating capacity is 5.

What body style is the 2018 Ford Taurus?▾

According to CarFocal's specs for the 2018 Ford Taurus, body style is sedan.

What drivetrain does the 2018 Ford Taurus use?▾

According to CarFocal's specs for the 2018 Ford Taurus, drivetrain is All-Wheel Drive. Transmission is Automatic.

What are the NHTSA safety ratings for the 2018 Ford Taurus?▾

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

Is the 2018 Ford Taurus good for tuning?▾

Tuning potential is rated 3/10. The 2018 Ford Taurus, while a comfortable and spacious sedan, presents limited opportunities for performance tuning. The available 3.

What are the most common power train problems on the 2018 Ford Taurus?▾

Top complaint category: power train (5 reports, 10% of complaints).

Are there open safety recalls on the 2018 Ford Taurus?▾

This model year has 17 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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