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#BS-2018-FORTAU-336B2018 Ford TaurusProblems, Recalls & Reliability
Based on reports from 71 owners and 4 recalls for this exact model.
Data updated ·NHTSA complaints through October 19, 2026
Preliminary Verdict
Think Twice
Based on 71 complaints, 6 crashes, 1 fires, and 4 recalls.
Top reported problems
smelling coolant burning
1 complaints • Severity 6/10
buzzing humming sound
1 complaints • Severity 8/10
exhaust is loose
1 complaints • Severity 8/10
fuel overflows when filling tank
1 complaints • Severity 10/10
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Mechanic Inspection Checklist
12 owners reported back over prevention issues — failures commonly reported around 50K miles.
Failure Timeline by Mileage
Peak failure range: 0–30K miles (12 reports) • Median: 50K miles
30,000-Mile Cost Projection
Best Case
Most Likely
Worst Case
Top cost driver: Back Over Prevention (12 reports).
Also in your report
Owner Intelligence
AI-synthesized themes from real complaints
Buyer Lot Checklist
Questions, test drive checks, walk-away triggers
Negotiation Talking Points
Data-backed dollar deductions
Buy / Skip Verdict
Final recommendation with conditions
Where the complaints fall
2018 Ford Taurus: Known Issues & Problem Areas
Back Over Prevention Issues
Back Over Prevention complaints account for 17% of all reports filed for the 2018 Ford Taurus, with 12 owners filing complaints with NHTSA. The median mileage at time of complaint is 50,000 miles, suggesting issues tend to surface around the 50K-mile mark.
Structure Issues
Structure complaints account for 14% of all reports filed for the 2018 Ford Taurus, with 10 owners filing complaints with NHTSA. Owners should pay attention to structure-related symptoms during test drives and pre-purchase inspections.
Drivetrain Issues
Drivetrain complaints account for 10% of all reports filed for the 2018 Ford Taurus, with 7 owners filing complaints with NHTSA. Owners should pay attention to drivetrain-related symptoms during test drives and pre-purchase inspections.
Engine Issues
Engine complaints account for 10% of all reports filed for the 2018 Ford Taurus, with 7 owners filing complaints with NHTSA. Owners should pay attention to engine-related symptoms during test drives and pre-purchase inspections.
Data sourced from NHTSA owner complaints and community reports. The full report analyzes severity, repair costs, and failure patterns for each category.
Complaint trend by year
Complaints filed with NHTSA by year for the 2018 Ford Taurus. Recent trend: stable.
Don't negotiate blind — know what this car costs to own
Repair costs • Negotiation scripts • Mechanic checklist • Buy/skip verdict
Recall History (4 recalls)
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:IGNITION
Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2017-2018 Ford Taurus vehicles equipped with mechanical key ignition systems. The keys for these vehicles may be able to be removed from the ignition when transmission is not in the PARK position. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard (FMVSS) number 114, "Theft Protection."
SUSPENSION:REAR
Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2013-2018 Lincoln MKT and Ford Flex and Taurus vehicles with the Police Interceptor or SHO Performance Pack. The rear suspension toe links may fracture due to stress on the rear suspension.
STRUCTURE:EXTERIOR TRIM
Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2016-2019 Taurus vehicles. The driver and front passenger B-Pillar door trim may detach while driving.
BACK OVER PREVENTION: SENSING SYSTEM: CAMERA
Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2015-2019 Flex, 2015 Explorer, Lincoln MKT, Lincoln MKZ, 2015-2016 C-Max, Escape, Taurus, 2016 Fusion, 2018-2019 Taurus, 2019 Lincoln MKT, Fiesta, and 2020 Mustang vehicles. The rearview camera may display a distorted, intermittent, or blank image when the vehicle is in reverse.
Recall severity analysis & seller scripts
The full report rates each recall's severity and gives you scripts for asking the seller about recall completion.
2018 Ford Taurus NHTSA Safety Ratings
Overall
★★★★★5 of 5 stars
Frontal crash
★★★★★5 of 5 stars
Side crash
★★★★★5 of 5 stars
Rollover
★★★★★4 of 5 stars
From NHTSA's New Car Assessment Program (5-Star Safety Ratings). Where NHTSA tested more than one version of this vehicle, the lowest rating is shown.
The worst model year for the Ford Taurus is the 2003 — worth knowing if you're cross-shopping years. The biggest problem area is transmission.
2018 Ford Taurus vs. Class Average (Large Cars)
This vehicle
71
Class avg
138
Below the class average — fewer complaints than typical large cars vehicles. A good sign.
Complaint counts correlate with sales volume — popular vehicles naturally generate more reports. The full report normalizes for this.
About this data
NHTSA Complaints
Federal database of owner-filed safety complaints. 71 records for this vehicle.
NHTSA Recalls
Manufacturer-issued safety recalls. 4 recalls found for this vehicle.
Repair Cost Data
Real-world repair costs from owner reports and independent databases.
Last updated . NHTSA complaints received through October 19, 2026; safety ratings from NHTSA's 5-Star program.
Other Ford Taurus Model Years
2018 Ford Taurus: Frequently Asked Questions
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Get the Full 2018 Ford Taurus Report
10 sections of AI analysis based on 71 owner reports. Know before you buy.