Problems · by component

2013 Ford Taurus power train problems

44 owner complaints to NHTSA about the 2013 Ford Taurus cite power train, 7% of all 591 complaints for this model year. NHTSA also lists 1 recall on this component.

Complaints
44
7% of all complaints
Crashes
1
Reported by owners
Fires
0
Reported by owners
Injuries
4
Reported by owners
01 —Owner reports

What owners say about the power train

Verbatim from NHTSA complaints, newest first
“The contact's mother owns a 2013 Ford Taurus. The contact stated that while the vehicle was parked, several unknown warning lights illuminated when turning off the vehicle. The contact stated that there was an abnormal clicking sound coming from the dashboard. In addition, the gear shifter had seized in park(P). The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired by an independent mechanic or dealer. In addition, the contact stated that the vehicle had several previous ongoing failures. The contact stated that the failure started shortly after the vehicle was purchased in 2013. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 5,000.”
Owner complaint to NHTSAFiled Dec 22, 2025Power train, Electrical systemODI 11706565
“Just recently, my power steering started to fail when it’s in ‘S’ gear (I just started using it a few weeks ago). The steering wheel gets catchy and can be difficult to control, especially going around corners. It’s intermittent and it didn’t start until I started to use the ‘S’ gear. I had the power steering checked by a mechanic and they said it’s functioning properly. I do believe my car should be included in this recall before the steering goes out and something catastrophic happens. By the way, now that I’ve stopped using the ‘S’ gear, the glitchy steering issue has subsided.”
Owner complaint to NHTSAFiled Aug 1, 2025Steering, Power trainODI 11677833
“Please allow submission of additional information regarding issues with my 2013 Ford Taurus Police Interceptor. As stated on the previous complaint filed on 1/9/2024, I got my car service at AutoNation Ford Service Center on 12/16/2023, and I brought it back to the service center on Saturday, 12/23/2023 because of the car’s poor performance and engine had laminated on 12/17/2023. I went to pick up the car on Thursday 12/28/2023 in the morning, the Ford representative said the car is fine, and there is nothing wrong with the car. I say thank you and drive off. So, I am driving the car for about 5 minutes, it feels sluggish. Then the engine light comes on, I make a U turn and return the car to AutoNation Ford for service. As things stand now, my car is still AutoNation Ford service center, due to the defects which are causing poor performance while driving the 2013 Ford Taurus Police Interceptor, issues such as: Rough Steering, Bad Ignition Switch, and braking issue. Per my previous statement, I drove the car for about on 12/28/2023, it felt extremely sluggish. The hard shifting in vehicle, and steering wheel was rough . The brakes have more issues than normal.…”
Owner complaint to NHTSAFiled Jan 14, 2024Steering, Power train, Service brakesODI 11565399
“I have a check engine light on my dash. I have several codes. I have problems with the car like the fuel pump, catalytic converter not functioning efficiently, steering, etc. I know Ford has problems with its cars.”
Owner complaint to NHTSAFiled Jan 13, 2024Power train, Engine, Fuel/propulsion systemODI 11565376
“On 7/31/2022, and also about a month ago, my 2013 Ford Taurus Limited stalled out while driving and the wrench light came on. The car limped along until I could pull it over, but this could have been serious as I was on the highway doing 65mph just 2 minutes prior to it. It stalled coming up the upramp here in Phoenix. I got it into the parking lot, and gave it gas and nothing at all, the engine just sputtered as the wrench light was on. I turned it off for 2 minutes, and restarted and able to get home 4 minutes away. This is the 2nd time this has now happened, and this is a huge safety concern. Ford Taurus had recalls on the Powertrain Control Module for other years of the Taurus, but I do not want to pay for this fix as this is a Ford safety issue for my model year 2013. I could have caused an accident on the highway if this stalled like this. Who do I contact to get this looked at. I can almost guarantee it is the powertrain control module as I see it online recalled and exact same issues. This car onl has 70k miles on it and in great condition, serviced all the time. Please let me know whom I may contact to resolve this safety issue? Should I call my local…”
Owner complaint to NHTSAFiled Jul 31, 2022Power train, Engine, Fuel/propulsion systemODI 11476787
“Car keeps throwing wrench light on and looses all power while driving. Car has been back to dealership and they can not find any issues. Researching it seems to be a big on going issue with the 13 ford vehicles. I’m going to be in a major accident with this car and I’m still paying on it.”
Owner complaint to NHTSAFiled Jul 25, 2022Power trainODI 11475626

Showing 6 of 44 reports. Read every report on NHTSA.gov.

Data from NHTSA Complaints API (owner reports, unverified) · synced Nov 8, 2026NHTSA vehicle page
02 —Related recalls

1 recall on this component

Power train: axle shaft

Free remedy

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.

Power trainReported Jul 2, 2014NHTSA 14V393000
Data from NHTSA Recalls API · synced Nov 8, 2026

Complaints are unverified owner reports to NHTSA and are not normalized for sales volume. One complaint can cite several components.