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2013 Ford Taurus

Trims, performance, features, fuel economy, safety and known problems — with the pros and cons against similar 2013 models.

Ford Taurus
Pictured: 2010 Ford Taurus Limited 2 -- 10-31-2009. Photo: IFCAR, Public domain, via Wikimedia Commons
Class
Large Cars
Body styles
Se/Sel 4dr Sedan FWD, Sel/Limited/Sho 4dr Sedan AWD
Engines
2.0L 4-cyl turbo, 3.5L 6-cyl, 3.5L 6-cyl turbo
Drivetrain
Front-Wheel Drive, All-Wheel Drive
Fuel
Regular Gasoline, FFV
MPG (best)
25 combined · 22 city / 31 hwy
Length
203.1 in
Curb weight
4,017–4,229 lb
NHTSA rating
Not rated
Recalls
9 campaigns

Pros & cons

What's good

  • Excellent fuel economyUp to 25 MPG combined — 24% better than the average 2013 large car (20.2 MPG).
  • AWD / 4WD available

Watch out for

  • Many owner complaints564 complaints filed with NHTSA versus about 116 for similar models — most often about the steering.
  • 9 recallsMore than similar models (about 4). Confirm repairs with the VIN.

Calculated from EPA, NHTSA and vPIC data against 9 similar 2013 models — not a review. How we calculate this →

Overview

The 2013 Ford Taurus is a large car offered with 3 engines (2.0L 4-cyl turbo, 3.5L 6-cyl and 3.5L 6-cyl turbo) and front-wheel drive and all-wheel drive.

It measures about 203 inches long and 76 inches wide on a 113-inch wheelbase, with a curb weight of roughly 4,017 lb (Se/Sel 4dr Sedan FWD).

EPA rates its most efficient version at 25 MPG combined (22 city / 31 highway), 24% better than the 2013 large car average of 20.2 MPG, for an estimated $2,700 a year in fuel.

NHTSA has not published a 5-Star overall rating for this model year.

It has 9 recall campaigns on file and owners have filed 564 complaints with NHTSA since 2015, most often about the steering.

What changed for 2013

  • Engine added: 2.0L 4-cyl turbo
  • Best combined MPG up from 22 to 25

Compared with 2012; trim, feature and price changes aren't covered. See the 2012 Taurus →

Dimensions & weight

BodyLengthWidthHeightWheelbaseTrack F / RCurb weightWeight F/R
Se/Sel 4dr Sedan FWD203.1 in76.4 in60.6 in113 in66.1 / 66.1 in4,017 lb60/40
Sel/Limited/Sho 4dr Sedan AWD203.1 in76.4 in60.6 in113 in66.1 / 66.1 in4,229 lb60/40

Transport Canada CVS (Open Government Licence – Canada), Canadian-market figures.

Will it fit your garage? Check with your measurements →

Engines, MPG & running costs

VersionEngineTransmissionDriveCity / Hwy / Combvs. classFuel / yrCO₂ g/mi
Taurus FWD2.0L 4-cyl turboAutomatic (S6)Front-Wheel Drive22 / 31 / 25+24%$2,700350
Taurus FWD3.5L 6-cylAutomatic (S6)Front-Wheel Drive19 / 28 / 22+9%$3,050395
Taurus FWD FFV FFV3.5L 6-cylAutomatic (S6)Front-Wheel Drive19 / 28 / 22+9%$3,050396
Taurus AWD3.5L 6-cylAutomatic (S6)All-Wheel Drive18 / 26 / 21+4%$3,200426
Taurus AWD FFV FFV3.5L 6-cylAutomatic (S6)All-Wheel Drive18 / 26 / 21+4%$3,200426
Taurus AWD3.5L 6-cyl turboAutomatic (S6)All-Wheel Drive17 / 25 / 20-1%$3,350446
7/10EPA fuel economy score (best version)
7/10EPA greenhouse gas score
Spend $1,500Fuel over 5 years vs. average new car
20.2 MPG2013 Large Cars average

EPA estimates; "vs. class" is combined MPG against the 2013 EPA class average. How we calculate this →

Safety ratings & technology

NHTSA has not published 5-Star ratings for the 2013 Ford Taurus.

Similar 2013 large cars

ModelBest MPG / rangeNHTSA overallRecalls
2013 Ford Taurus (this car)25 MPGNot rated9
2013 Chevrolet Impala22 MPGNot rated1
2013 Dodge Charger23 MPGNot rated9
2013 Dodge Challenger21 MPGNot rated5
2013 Chrysler 30023 MPGNot rated6
2013 Toyota Avalon40 MPGNot rated4
2013 Buick LaCrosse29 MPGNot rated5

Recalls (9)

Suspension › Rear · Feb 10, 2020

NHTSA campaign 20V072000 · 211,207 vehicles

Problem
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.
Risk
A fractured rear toe link will cause a sudden change in vehicle handling and increase the risk of a crash.
Fix
Ford will notify owners, and dealers will replace the rear suspension toe links, free of charge. Remedy parts are not currently available. Owners were notified about the recall on March 3, 2020. A second notice will be mailed when remedy parts become available, which is currently expected to be the end of September 2020. The recall began October 28, 2020. Owners may contact Ford customer service at 1-866-436-7332 or Lincoln customer service at 1-800-521-4140. Ford's number for this recall is 20S04.
Fuel System, Gasoline › Delivery › Fuel Pump · Aug 25, 2016

NHTSA campaign 16V621000 · 77,502 vehicles

Problem
Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain model year 2013-2015 Ford Taurus, Ford Flex, Lincoln MKS and Lincoln MKT vehicles equipped with 3.5L GTDI Ecoboost engines and 2013-2015 Ford Taurus Police Interceptor vehicles. A component within the fuel pump electric module (PEM) may overheat causing a loss of electrical power to the fuel pump.
Risk
A loss of power to the fuel pump will cause the engine to stall or prevent the vehicle from starting, increasing the risk of a crash.
Fix
Ford will notify owners, and dealers will inspect the fuel PEM part number and replace the fuel PEM, as necessary, free of charge. The recall began on December 1, 2016. Owners may contact Ford customer service at 1-866-436-7332. Ford's number for this recall is 16S31.
Fuel System, Gasoline · Dec 2, 2015

NHTSA campaign 15V812000 · 868 vehicles

Problem
Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain model year 2013 Explorer, Explorer Police Utility, Taurus, Taurus Police Interceptor, Flex, Lincoln MKS, and Lincoln MKT vehicles. In the affected vehicles, the fuel delivery module may crack, allowing fuel to leak.
Risk
A fuel leak in the presence of an ignition source may result in a fire.
Fix
Ford will notify owners, and dealers will replace the fuel delivery module, free of charge. The recall began on December 21, 2015. Owners may contact Ford customer service at 1-866-436-7332. Ford's number for this recall is 13S04-S1.
Steering › Electric Power Assist System · Jun 2, 2015

NHTSA campaign 15V340000 · 393,623 vehicles

Problem
Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain model year 2011-2012 Ford Fusion vehicles without a 3.5L engine and Lincoln MKZ hybrid electric vehicles, 2011 Mercury Milan vehicles, 2011-2012 Ford Taurus, Ford Flex, Lincoln MKS, and Lincoln MKT vehicles equipped with a 3.5L GTDI engine and 2013 Ford Taurus, Ford Flex, Lincoln MKS, and Lincoln MKT vehicles equipped with any available engine. The affected vehicles have electric power steering assist systems that may shut down as a result of a steering motor sensor fault.
Risk
If the vehicle experiences a loss of power steering assist, extra steering effort will be required at lower speeds, increasing the risk of a vehicle crash.
Fix
Ford will notify owners, and dealers will check the Power Steering Control Module (PSCM) for Diagnostic Trouble Codes (DTC). If dealers find any loss of steering assist DTCs, the steering gear will be replaced, free of charge. If, no codes are found during the PSCM inspection, the PSCM software will be updated, free of charge. The recall began on July 21, 2015. Owners may contact Ford customer service at 1-866-436-7332. Ford's number for this recall is 15S18.
Structure › Body › Door · Jan 28, 2015

NHTSA campaign 15V040000 · 194,889 vehicles

Problem
Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain model year 2010-2013 Ford Taurus vehicles manufactured December 1, 2009, to July 31, 2010, and 2011-2013 Lincoln MKS vehicles manufactured June 1, 2011, to October 31, 2011. In the affected vehicles, the interior door handle return spring may unseat, resulting in interior door handle that does not return to the fully stowed position after actuation.
Risk
If the interior door handle return spring is unseated, the door may unlatch in the event of a side impact crash, increasing the risk of personal injury.
Fix
Ford will notify owners, and dealers will inspect all four of the interior door handles and either repair or replace them, free of charge. The recall began March 23, 2015. Owners may contact Ford customer service at 1-866-436-7332. Ford's number for this recall is 15S02.
Power Train › Axle Assembly › Axle Shaft · Jul 2, 2014

NHTSA campaign 14V393000 · 83,250 vehicles

Problem
Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain model year 2012-2014 Ford Edge and Lincoln MKX vehicles manufactured September 2, 2010, to November 30, 2013; 2013-2014 Ford Taurus and Lincoln MKS vehicles manufactured August 25, 2011, to November 30, 2013; and 2013-2014 Ford Flex and Lincoln MKT vehicles manufactured September 12, 2011, to November 30, 2013. In the affected vehicles, the halfshaft retention circlip may not have been properly installed, and as a result, the halfshaft may move outward and disengage from the linkshaft while driving and without prior warning.
Risk
If the halfshaft and linkshaft become disengaged while driving, power will no longer be transmitted to the wheels, increasing the risk of a vehicle crash. Additionally, if the parking brake is not applied before exiting the vehicle, the vehicle may roll away despite the transmission being placed in 'Park', increasing the risk of injury to exiting occupants and bystanders.
Fix
Ford will notify owners, and dealers will inspect the vehicles to make sure that the halfshaft is properly retained. If it is not, dealers will replace the linkshaft and also replace the halfshaft if it shows evidence of spline damage, free of charge. The recall began on August 4, 2014. Owners may contact Ford customer service at 1-800-392-3673. Ford's number for this recall is 14S10.
Exterior Lighting · May 29, 2014

NHTSA campaign 14V285000 · 183,425 vehicles

Problem
Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain model year 2010-2014 Taurus vehicles manufactured November 24, 2008, through February 28, 2014, originally sold in, or currently registered in, Connecticut, Delaware, Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Maine, Maryland, Massachusetts, Michigan, Minnesota, Missouri, New Hampshire, New Jersey, New York, Ohio, Pennsylvania, Rhode Island, Vermont, West Virginia, Wisconsin and the District of Columbia. When used in areas that use road salt, the license plate lamp assembly may experience an electro-chemical reaction and corrosion as a result of water intrusion.
Risk
This corrosion may result in a short circuit, increasing the risk of a fire.
Fix
Ford will notify owners, and dealers will replace the license plate lamp assemblies, free of charge. The recall began on July 26, 2014. Owners may contact Ford customer service at 1-800-392-3673. Ford's number for this recall is 14S08. Note: Under program 14R01, Ford will notify owners in non-corrosion states, and, at the customer's request, dealers will replace the license plate lamp assembly.
Latches/Locks/Linkages · Jun 26, 2013

NHTSA campaign 13V270000 · 12,569 vehicles

Problem
Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain model year 2013 Ford Explorer, Taurus, and Lincoln MKS vehicles manufactured November 29, 2012, through December 12, 2012. In the affected vehicles, with sufficient door openings and closings, the child safety locks may change from an activated position to a deactivated position without notice.
Risk
If the child lock is deactivated, the door could be unlocked and opened from the inside which could lead to personal injury to an unrestrained child.
Fix
Ford will notify owners, and dealers will test the safety locks. If necessary, the locks will be replaced free of charge. The recall began on August 2, 2013. Ford's recall number is 13S07. Owners may contact the Ford customer relationship center at 1-866-436-7332.
Fuel System, Gasoline · May 31, 2013

NHTSA campaign 13V227000 · 390,783 vehicles

Problem
Ford is recalling certain model year 2013 Explorer, Taurus, Flex, Fusion, Police Interceptor Sedan and Police Interceptor Utility vehicles; and certain model year 2013 Lincoln MKS, MKT, and MKZ vehicles. In the affected vehicles, the fuel delivery module may develop a crack, allowing fuel to leak.
Risk
A fuel leak in the presence of an ignition source may result in a fire.
Fix
Ford will notify owners, and dealers will replace the fuel delivery module, free of charge. The recall began on July 20, 2013. Owners may contact Ford Motor Company Customer Relationship Center at 1-866-436-7332. Ford's recall campaign number is 13S04.
Check your VIN for open recalls at NHTSA ↗

Not every 2013 Ford Taurus is affected — only a VIN check confirms your car.

Owner-reported problems

564Complaints to NHTSA since 2015
19Involved a crash
3Involved a fire
23Injuries reported
85,000 miTypical mileage at failure
Steering284
Fuel/Propulsion System93
Engine69
Electrical System51
Power Train42
Unknown Or Other37
Suspension22
Electronic Stability Control (Esc)18
Complaints received per month (last 24 months with reports)
24/06: 424/07: 324/08: 324/09: 524/10: 324/11: 324/12: 125/01: 225/03: 125/04: 525/06: 625/07: 525/08: 325/09: 225/10: 225/11: 225/12: 126/01: 326/03: 226/05: 126/07: 326/08: 226/09: 126/10: 124/0624/0924/1225/0425/0825/1126/0326/08max 6

Unverified owner reports; best-sellers collect more.

Used 2013 Ford Taurus buyer's checklist

  1. Run the VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls. 9 recalls this year — ask for proof of repairs.
  2. Steering — 284 owner reports. Turn lock-to-lock while parked and on the road; listen for noises and feel for heavy or loose steering.
  3. Fuel/Propulsion System — 93 owner reports. Smell for fuel around the car and in the cabin, check that it starts easily when warm, and look at the oil dipstick for a fuel smell or rising level.
  4. Engine — 69 owner reports. Cold-start the engine, listen for knocking, and watch for warning lights or hesitation on acceleration.
  5. Mileage to watch. Owners typically reported problems around 85,000 miles; ask what was repaired near that point.
  6. Before you pay: service records, a history report and an independent inspection.

Generated by DecodedCars from NHTSA recalls and owner complaints for the 2013 Ford Taurus. Not a substitute for a professional inspection.

Other Taurus years

Compare all years →
YearMPG (best)LengthOverallRecallsComplaints
2019 Taurus21203.1 in★★★★★218
2018 Taurus21203.1 in★★★★★452
2017 Taurus23203.1 in★★★★★444
2016 Taurus23203.1 inNot rated486
2015 Taurus26203.1 inNot rated6280
2014 Taurus26203.1 inNot rated5225
2012 Taurus22203.1 inNot rated561
2011 Taurus22203.1 inNot rated4133
2010 Taurus22203.1 inNot rated3110
2009 Taurus21202 inNot rated125
2008 Taurus22202 inNot rated1128
2007 Taurus20–Not rated046

Sources: EPA, NHTSA, Transport Canada, Wikimedia Commons. Not affiliated with NHTSA, the EPA or Ford. How we calculate this →