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2018 Ford Taurus Owner Complaints

Updated May 30, 2026
Ethan Miller
2018 Ford Taurus Owner Complaints

Complaint Summary

The 2018 Ford Taurus has 50 reported complaints.

  • Top issues involve unknown or other and power train.

Reliability Score

Reliability Score

7.9/ 10

Based on 50 complaints

Most Frequent Issues

UNKNOWN OR OTHER

8 16%

POWER TRAIN

5 10%

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM

5 10%

BACK OVER PREVENTION

5 10%

ENGINE

3 6%

Quick Insights

  • The top category is UNKNOWN OR OTHER, accounting for 16% of all complaints.

  • Owners have reported issues across 20 distinct vehicle systems.

  • Note: Complaint data reflects owner reports and may not always indicate a verified defect. Compare with Recalls and TSBs for a complete picture.

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Complaint Summary

What owners keep reporting on the 2018 Ford Taurus

The 2018 Ford Taurus has 50 owner complaints in this dataset. UNKNOWN OR OTHER is the most common complaint category, representing about 16% of the reports shown here.

Most common complaint categories

The top complaint groups for the 2018 Ford Taurus are UNKNOWN OR OTHER (8), POWER TRAIN (5), ELECTRICAL SYSTEM (5).

Are these complaints a serious red flag?

Potentially. 20 complaint reports involve higher-attention systems like brakes, steering, engine, powertrain, fuel, suspension, airbags, or electrical components, which is enough to justify a focused inspection.

What should buyers inspect on a used 2018 Ford Taurus?

Start with the top complaint systems, compare them against the recall report, then inspect service records for evidence that those same areas were already repaired or monitored.

Read the full buyer guideRecall report and remedy notesMaintenance costs and intervals2017 Taurus complaints2019 Taurus complaints2016 Taurus complaints

Detailed Complaint Log

Showing 20 of 20 systems

UNKNOWN OR OTHER

8 Reports16% of total

Previewing the first 2 complaint summaries.

EVERY TIME I TURN ON THE CAR, IT MAKES AN INTERMITTENT ELECTRICAL HUMMING/BUZZING SOUND. THE CAR MAKES THE SOUND WHETHER ITS SITTING IN IDLE OR WHEN IM DRIVING. IT IS COMING FROM THE REAR OF THE CAR AND SOMETIMES SOUNDS LIKE A STATIC IN/OUT BUZZING/HUMMING SOUND. IVE HAD A COUPLE OF MECHANICS LISTEN TO IT AND THEY SAID ITS COMING FROM UNDERNEATH. ONE MECHANIC TOLD ME ITS SOMETHING WITH THE ELECTRICAL POWER STEERING AND NOTHING CAN BE DONE. YOU HEAR THE SOUND MORE IN THE MIDDLE OF THE BACK SEAT ON THE FLOOR. IT IS AGGRAVATING. THIS IS A BRAND NEW CAR AND I KNOW THIS IS NOT NORMAL. I AM TAKING IT TO FORD TODAY B/C I KNOW THIS HAS TO BE A FACTORY DEFECT......A CAR SHOULD NOT BE HUMMING/BUZZING AND SOUNDING LIKE A STATIC NOISE.............THAT IS NOT NORMAL...IT'S A BRAND NEW CAR!

8/25/2018

B PILLAR TRIM CAME OFF WHILE DRIVING AT FREEWAY SPEEDS, LEAVING SHARP UNFINISHED TRIM EXPOSED.

10/22/2019

6 more complaints are available in this category.

POWER TRAIN

5 Reports10% of total

Previewing the first 2 complaint summaries.

TURNED OFF ENGINE BUTTON W/O PUTTING IN PARK AND CAR ROLLED BACK ON MY DRIVEWAY

1/8/2019

The contact owns a 2018 Ford Taurus. The contact stated while reversing from a parking spot, the vehicle began to jerk and hesitate. The contact stated no warning light was illuminated. The contact was able to drive to her destination. The contact continued to experience the failure. The contact took the vehicle to the local dealer and made them aware of the failure. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer had been informed of the failure and associated the failure with NHTSA Campaign Number: 22V413000 (Power Train) however, the VIN was not covered under recall or warranty. The failure mileage was unknown.

10/3/2022

3 more complaints are available in this category.

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM

5 Reports10% of total

Previewing the first 2 complaint summaries.

B PILLAR TRIM CAME OFF WHILE DRIVING AT FREEWAY SPEEDS, LEAVING SHARP UNFINISHED TRIM EXPOSED.

10/22/2019

The apim has failed on my car. The dealer has confirmed that. The media console that controls heat/air, radio, rearview camera and car settings has failed. I can not use my rear view camera. It just seemed to fail randomly. One day the screen just shut off while driving.

6/1/2023

3 more complaints are available in this category.

BACK OVER PREVENTION

5 Reports10% of total

Previewing the first 2 complaint summaries.

The contact owns a 2018 Ford Taurus. The contact stated that while in reverse(R), the back over prevention camera displayed an upside-down image or a blank image. The vehicle was taken to a dealer where the contact was provided an estimate for a diagnostic test. Upon investigation, the contact linked the failure to NHTSA Campaign Number: 25V315000 (Back Over Prevention); however, the vehicle was not included in the recall. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure but offered no assistance and referred the contact to the NHTSA Hotline to report the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 52,000.

6/4/2025

The contact owns a 2018 Ford Taurus. The contact stated that while reversing, the back-over prevention camera malfunctioned, causing a rear visibility hazard for the driver. The contact stated that the failure was intermittent. During the failure, there was a solid blue or black screen displayed, without an image displayed. The cause of the failure was not yet determined, and the vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure, but no assistance was offered. The failure mileage was 60,000.

8/26/2025

3 more complaints are available in this category.

ENGINE

3 Reports6% of total

Previewing the first 2 complaint summaries.

TURNED OFF ENGINE BUTTON W/O PUTTING IN PARK AND CAR ROLLED BACK ON MY DRIVEWAY

1/8/2019

After exiting thruway after driving 10-15 minutes, car shuts off at a stop sign/traffic light. notice on screen right hand side state transmission not in park. I put car into park then restart vehicle. This has happened three times in last 6 months. Taken to dealer and they cannot reproduce problem or when scanned, no problem shows up.

11/27/2023

1 more complaint is available in this category.

SUSPENSION

3 Reports6% of total

Previewing the first 2 complaint summaries.

Rear adjustable lataral arm and ball joint (RH) on rear wheel broke, while driving spun car in the road. Had to replace part and take vehicle to Ford dealership to get car allined and have car inspected for other damage. Purchased from Oreilly Auto Parts. Part number 2CB40582 $103.99. Precision Lateral Arm and Joint. Took vehicle to Vallery Ford Waverly Ohio. for allinment $90.04 on 08/18/2022. 2018 Ford Taurus SEL. 72715 miles.

10/14/2022

The contact owns a 2018 Ford Taurus. The contact stated that while having a routine oil change at the local dealer, she was informed that the driver’s and passenger’s side rear toe links needed to be replaced. There were no warning lights illuminated. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was contacted, and a case was filed. The manufacturer referred her to the NHTSA Hotline for assistance. The contact stated that the failure was related to NHTSA Campaign Number: 20V072000 (Suspension). The approximate failure mileage was 17,500.

1/4/2023

1 more complaint is available in this category.

ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING

3 Reports6% of total

Previewing the first 2 complaint summaries.

The contact owns a 2018 Ford Taurus. The contact stated upon approaching the vehicle, there was an excessive coolant leak underneath the vehicle. The contact stated that the coolant reservoir was draining abnormally fast. No warning lights were illuminated. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic, who determined that the water pump was leaking. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure, a case was opened, and the contact was referred to the NHTSA Hotline for assistance. The failure mileage was 99,500.

2/6/2025

The contact owns a 2018 Ford Taurus. The contact stated that while his wife was operating the vehicle, the check engine warning light illuminated and the message "Engine Overheated" was displayed. The contact inspected the vehicle and determined that the water pump had failed and needed to be replaced. The local dealer and manufacturer was notified of the failure, but no assistance was offered. The failure mileage was 108,000.

6/24/2025

1 more complaint is available in this category.

STRUCTURE

3 Reports6% of total

Previewing the first 2 complaint summaries.

The contact owns a 2018 Ford Taurus. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 25V611000 (Structure); however, the part to do the recall repair was not yet available. The dealer was contacted, and the contact was informed that parts were not yet available. In addition, the contact was informed that the parts might not be available for several months. The contact stated that with the unrepaired recall, the vehicle could not be registered at the Department of Motor Vehicles. The manufacturer was contacted, but provided no assistance. The contact was informed that the parts were not yet available. The contact was advised to contact the NHTSA Hotline to report the failure. The contact had not experienced a failure.

9/17/2025

The contact owns a 2018 Ford Taurus. The contact received notifications of NHTSA Campaign Numbers: 25V695000 (Back Over Prevention) and 25V611000 (Structure); however, the parts to complete the recall repairs were not yet available. The dealer was not contacted. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time to complete the recall repairs. The manufacturer was not made aware of the issue. The contact had not experienced a failure.

11/7/2025

1 more complaint is available in this category.

SUSPENSION:REAR

2 Reports4% of total

Previewing the first 2 complaint summaries.

The contact owns a 2018 Ford Taurus. The contact stated that while the vehicle was at the dealer for routine oil service, the dealer noticed that a tow link was worn and advised the contact that the rear tow links needed to be replaced. The manufacturer was contacted and informed the contact that the vehicle was not included in NHTSA campaign number: 20V072000 (Suspension). The vehicle was not repaired. The failure mileage was 40,158.

6/9/2021

The contact owns a 2018 Ford Taurus. The contact stated that while driving at various speeds, the contact lost control of the vehicle upon depression of the brake pedal without warning. The contact had taken the vehicle to an independent mechanic who informed him that the failure was caused by a fractured rear suspension toe link. Upon investigation, the contact discovered NHTSA Campaign Number: 20V072000 (Suspension) which he linked to the failure however, his vehicle was not included in the recall. The dealer nor the manufacturer had yet to be notified of the failure. The vehicle had yet to be repaired. The failure mileage was approximately 44,000.

8/16/2021

VISIBILITY/WIPER

2 Reports4% of total

Previewing the first 2 complaint summaries.

The apim has failed on my car. The dealer has confirmed that. The media console that controls heat/air, radio, rearview camera and car settings has failed. I can not use my rear view camera. It just seemed to fail randomly. One day the screen just shut off while driving.

6/1/2023

When I reverse I get a blue screen and or an error message saying “camera is unavailable”. I know there are quite a few fords with a rear camera safety recall however the Taurus limited is not listed but is having the same issue. The fusion is listed which is a very similar car like the Taurus.

8/10/2025

BACK OVER PREVENTION: SENSING SYSTEM: CAMERA

2 Reports4% of total

Previewing the first 2 complaint summaries.

The apim has failed on my car. The dealer has confirmed that. The media console that controls heat/air, radio, rearview camera and car settings has failed. I can not use my rear view camera. It just seemed to fail randomly. One day the screen just shut off while driving.

6/1/2023

The contact owns a 2018 Ford Taurus. The contact stated that while reversing, the rearview camera displayed an upside down or blank image. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired by an independent mechanic or dealer. The contact related the failure to NHTSA Campaign Number: 25V315000 (Back Over Prevention); however, the model and VIN were not included in the recall. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 130,000.

6/2/2025

SEAT BELTS

1 Report2% of total

Previewing the first 1 complaint summaries.

THE LOWER ANCHORS FOR CHILD SAFETY SEATS IN THE REAR SEAT CAUSED SIGNIFICANT BRUISING TO THE REAR SEAT OCCUPANTS AFTER A REAR-END COLLISION. THE VEHICLE WAS STOPPED IN TRAFFIC WHEN A CAR STRUCK IT FROM BEHIND. *TT *TR

4/27/2018

CHILD SEAT

1 Report2% of total

Previewing the first 1 complaint summaries.

THE LOWER ANCHORS FOR CHILD SAFETY SEATS IN THE REAR SEAT CAUSED SIGNIFICANT BRUISING TO THE REAR SEAT OCCUPANTS AFTER A REAR-END COLLISION. THE VEHICLE WAS STOPPED IN TRAFFIC WHEN A CAR STRUCK IT FROM BEHIND. *TT *TR

4/27/2018

FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM

1 Report2% of total

Previewing the first 1 complaint summaries.

ENGINE STUMBLES ON LIGHT ACCELERATION LIKE IT IS STARVING FOR FUEL. I HIT THE GAS, THE ENGINE STARTS TO RESPOND, THEN STUMBLES. DOESN'T NATTER IF THE ENGINE IS HOT OR COLD. I HAVE THE SAME ISSUE WITH MY 2018 F-150. DEALER CAN'T FIND ANYTHING, AS IT DOESN'T PRODUCE A FAULT CODE AND IT DOESN'T ACT UP WHEN THEY TEST IT.

2/18/2019

STRUCTURE:BODY

1 Report2% of total

Previewing the first 1 complaint summaries.

B PILLAR TRIM CAME OFF WHILE DRIVING AT FREEWAY SPEEDS, LEAVING SHARP UNFINISHED TRIM EXPOSED.

10/22/2019

EXTERIOR LIGHTING:HEADLIGHTS

1 Report2% of total

Previewing the first 1 complaint summaries.

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2018 FORD TAURUS. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE DRIVING AT VARIOUS SPEEDS, THE HEADLIGHTS FAILED TO OPERATE PROPERLY AND ILLUMINATE THE ROADWAY AHEAD OF THE VEHICLE. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO GERMAIN FORD OF COLUMBUS (7250 SAWMILL RD, COLUMBUS, OH 43235) WHERE IT WAS DIAGNOSED HOWEVER, THE MECHANIC UNABLE TO DUPLICATE THE FAILURE. THE HEADLIGHTS WERE REPAIRED HOWEVER, THE FAILURE RECURRED MULTIPLE TIMES. THE MANUFACTURER WAS MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE BUT NO FURTHER ASSISTANCE WAS PROVIDED. THE CONTACT STATED THAT HE WAS ONLY ABLE TO SEE APPROXIMATELY 10 TO 15 FEET AHEAD OF THE VEHICLE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS APPROXIMATELY 35,000.

8/19/2020

SERVICE BRAKES, AIR:DISC:PADS

1 Report2% of total

Previewing the first 1 complaint summaries.

The contact owns a 2018 Ford Taurus. Upon inspection of his vehicle, the contact was informed by a mechanic at the dealer that the passenger’s side rear brake pad had been severely worn and was close to making metal-to-metal contact with the rotor. Due to the failure, the contact had the brake pad replaced. The manufacturer was informed of the failure and they informed him that brake pads should be replaced every 12 months or 18,000 miles. The contact questioned the manufacturer's statement since none of his other brake pads needed replacement and had each remained in quality condition. The vehicle had been repaired. The failure mileage was approximately 24,000.

12/23/2021

SERVICE BRAKES

1 Report2% of total

Previewing the first 1 complaint summaries.

The contact owns a 2018 Ford Taurus. The contact stated that while driving up a ramp at 65 mph, the transmission, brakes, steering, and engine became inoperable, and the vehicle shut down and crashed into the side railing. The vehicle tipped on its side. There were no warning lights illuminated. The child passenger who was using a car seat positioned in the rear passenger seat sustained injuries that left the occupant in a coma, and medical attention was provided. The other occupants in the driver and passenger front seats and the occupant in the driver's rear seat sustained minor cuts but medical attention was not provided. There was no reported fire, police report, or air bag deployment. The vehicle was towed to a junkyard. The contact called the local dealer, but the vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was called but the contact was unable to notify them about the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 155,498.

11/24/2023

STEERING

1 Report2% of total

Previewing the first 1 complaint summaries.

The contact owns a 2018 Ford Taurus. The contact stated that while driving up a ramp at 65 mph, the transmission, brakes, steering, and engine became inoperable, and the vehicle shut down and crashed into the side railing. The vehicle tipped on its side. There were no warning lights illuminated. The child passenger who was using a car seat positioned in the rear passenger seat sustained injuries that left the occupant in a coma, and medical attention was provided. The other occupants in the driver and passenger front seats and the occupant in the driver's rear seat sustained minor cuts but medical attention was not provided. There was no reported fire, police report, or air bag deployment. The vehicle was towed to a junkyard. The contact called the local dealer, but the vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was called but the contact was unable to notify them about the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 155,498.

11/24/2023

BACK OVER PREVENTION: REARVIEW SYSTEM BRAKING

1 Report2% of total

Previewing the first 1 complaint summaries.

The backup camera on my vehicle does not work. The screen is all white which prevents me from seeing behind the car. Ford had a recall for the same problem on other car models but not for the 2018 Taurus.

1/4/2025

About This Data

Data and Methodology

MethodologyHow we score →

Scores are derived from NHTSA recalls and owner complaints, normalized by vehicle segment averages.

FAQ

What are the most common owner complaints for the 2018 Ford Taurus?

The most reported complaint category for the 2018 Ford Taurus is UNKNOWN OR OTHER, with 8 owner reports. That is about 16% of all complaints logged here. Other recurring themes include UNKNOWN OR OTHER, POWER TRAIN, ELECTRICAL SYSTEM.

Are complaints about the 2018 Ford Taurus a serious warning sign?

Potentially. 20 complaint reports fall into higher-attention systems such as brakes, steering, engine, powertrain, fuel, suspension, airbags, or electrical components. That does not prove every vehicle has a defect, but repeated complaints in those systems justify a more careful pre-purchase inspection.

How should buyers use complaint data for the 2018 Ford Taurus?

Use complaints as an early pattern to investigate, not a standalone verdict. Start with the top complaint categories, compare those themes against the recall report and maintenance guide, then inspect service records for evidence that the same problem areas were already addressed. If the same issue appears repeatedly across complaints and recalls, treat it as a real ownership-risk flag.

Are complaints about the 2018 Ford Taurus severe?

20 complaint reports involve higher-attention systems such as brakes, steering, engine, powertrain, fuel, suspension, airbags, or electrical components, which is enough to justify a focused inspection before purchase.

Complaint list entries are sourced from owner-submitted NHTSA ODI records.

Read complaint summaries

Ford Taurus: How should complaint data influence buying decisions?

Use complaint patterns together with recalls and maintenance guidance to estimate ownership risk and inspection priorities.

Carfocal links complaint data directly to recall and maintenance routes for the same model year.

Return to full vehicle report
Complaint entries
50
Top-topic view
5 grouped topics shown
Primary source
NHTSA ODI owner complaint records

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In this guide

  1. 01Overview
  2. 02Common Problems
  3. 03Owner Complaints
  4. 04Data and Methodology

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