Is the 2011 Ford TAURUS reliable?

The 2011 Ford TAURUS has 251 complaints filed with NHTSA (1.0x the segment average). Our reliability verdict: average. Most common issue: ENGINE problems.

What are common problems with the 2011 Ford TAURUS?

Top problems: ENGINE (49 complaints, avg repair $500); ELECTRICAL (48 complaints, avg repair $500); STEERING (25 complaints, avg repair $500). Issues typically appear around 50K miles.

Are there any recalls on the 2011 Ford TAURUS?

Yes, there are 4 recall(s): STRUCTURE:BODY:DOOR, STEERING:ELECTRIC POWER ASSIST SYSTEM, EXTERIOR LIGHTING, AIR BAGS:FRONTAL. Contact any Ford dealer to verify if recalls have been completed on your specific vehicle.

How much does it cost to fuel a 2011 Ford TAURUS?

The 2011 Ford TAURUS gets 20 MPG combined. At current US average gas prices, driving 12,000 miles per year costs roughly $2400. See the interactive fuel cost calculator on this page for state-specific pricing.

How much does it cost to insure a 2011 Ford TAURUS?

Estimated US average full-coverage insurance for the 2011 Ford TAURUS is approximately $1,339/year (sedan-midsize class). Actual quotes vary heavily by state, driver age, driving record, and credit — see the interactive insurance estimator on this page for state-specific pricing.

2011 Ford TAURUS

Problems, Recalls & Reliability Report

Average

Quick Summary

The 2011 Ford TAURUS has 251 owner complaints filed with NHTSA — that's 1.0x the segment average of 251. The most common issue is engine problems (20% of all complaints), specifically: tl*the contact owns a 2011 ford taurus. while driving approximately 40 mph, the vehicle stalled. the vehicle coasted to a stop and upon restart, the contact was able to continue driving. the failure occurred once again. the vehicle was taken to an authorized dealer but they were unable to diagnose t. There are 4 recalls issued for this model year. ⚠️ 1 fire report filed.

1 fire report 11 crash reports 4 injuries

251

Total Complaints

Recalls Issued

4/5

Safety Stars

1.0x

vs Segment Avg

Known Problems(top 5 of 8)

ENGINE

49 complaints

20%

• TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2011 FORD TAURUS. WHILE DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 40 MPH, THE VEHICLE STALLED. THE VEHICLE COASTED TO A STOP AND UPON RESTART, THE CONTACT WAS ABLE TO CONTINUE DRIVING. THE FAILURE OCCURRED ONCE AGAIN. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO AN AUTHORIZED DEALER BUT THEY WERE UNABLE TO DIAGNOSE T
• ON THREE DIFFERENT OCCASIONS, MY 2011 FORD TAURUS' ENGINE STOPPED WHILE I WAS DRIVING. THIS HAPPENED ONCE IN REVERSE WHILE BACKING UP WITH 3300 MILES ON THE VEHICLE, AND TWICE WHILE DRIVING BETWEEN 30-40 MPH. THE MOST RECENT STOPPAGES HAPPENED AFTER I WENT OVER A RAILROAD CROSSING; THUS RATTLING T
• THE START ENGINE BUTTON CUTS THE ENGINE OFF IF YOU ACCIDENTALLY HIT IT. IT IS RIGHT BESIDE THE RADIO ON/OFF BUTTON SO IS VERY EASY TO HIT BY MISTAKE. IF YOU ARE DRIVING 70 MPH ON THE INTERSTATE AND ACCIDENTALLY HIT IT YOU ARE LEFT WITH NO ENGINE POWER, NO POWER BRAKES AND NO POWER STEERING. SOMEO

Typical onset: 50K miles Est. repair: $500🔥 1 fire reports💥 1 crashes

“TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2011 FORD TAURUS. WHILE DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 40 MPH, THE VEHICLE STALLED. THE VEHICLE COASTED TO A STOP AND UPON RESTART, THE CONTACT WAS ABLE TO CONTINUE DRIVING. THE FAILURE OCCURRED ONCE AGAIN. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO AN AUTHORIZED DEALER BUT THEY WERE UNABLE TO DIAGNOSE T”

— NHTSA complaint filing

When Problems Appear on the 2011 Ford TAURUS

Based on 185 owner complaints that included an odometer reading. Median mileage at time of complaint: 61K miles. Most complaints cluster in the 0-30K miles range.

Overall complaint distribution by mileage

0-30K

30-60K

60-100K

100-150K

150-200K

200K+

ENGINE

In line with typicalmedian 72K mi · 38 reports

0-30K

30-60K

60-100K

100-150K

150-200K

200K+

ELECTRICAL

In line with typicalmedian 47K mi · 33 reports

0-30K

30-60K

60-100K

100-150K

150-200K

200K+

TRANSMISSION

In line with typicalmedian 46K mi · 13 reports

0-30K

30-60K

60-100K

100-150K

150-200K

200K+

SPEED CONTROL

In line with typicalmedian 31K mi · 12 reports

0-30K

30-60K

60-100K

100-150K

150-200K

200K+

BRAKES

In line with typicalmedian 65K mi · 10 reports

0-30K

30-60K

60-100K

100-150K

150-200K

200K+

LIGHTING

In line with typicalmedian 69K mi · 10 reports

0-30K

30-60K

60-100K

100-150K

150-200K

200K+

Mileage figures are self-reported by owners in NHTSA complaint filings. Peak bucket = the mileage range with the most complaints for that component; it reflects when owners noticed and reported problems, not necessarily when the fault first occurred.

Recalls (4)

STRUCTURE:BODY:DOOR28/01/2015

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.

Fuel Cost Calculator for 2011 Ford TAURUS

Live EIA prices

Annual miles driven: 12,000

Your state (affects local gasoline price)

Per year

$2,401

Per month

$200

Per mile

20.0¢

MPG

City driving (worst-case MPG)

$2,824/yr

Highway driving (best-case MPG)

$1,920/yr

Based on EPA fuel-economy ratings and EIA weekly retail prices (2026-07-20). Real-world cost varies with driving style, trim/engine, terrain, and traffic.

5-Year Gas Price History

EIA weekly retail data · 2021 → today

Show:

Current

$4.00

5-year low

$2.78

5-year high

$5.01

Since 2021

+27%

Source: US Energy Information Administration weekly retail gasoline prices.

Estimated Insurance Cost for 2011 Ford TAURUS

Estimate only, not a quote. Modeled from NAIC + HLDI averages for a hypothetical 35-year-old driver with clean record + full coverage. Your actual quote depends heavily on your age, driving history, credit, ZIP code, and insurer.

Your state (affects local premium average)

Full coverage / year

$1,339

Full coverage / month

$112

Liability only / year

$598

vs US avg

-20%

How this estimate is calculated

US base full-coverage premium$1674

× state (US)1.00x

× vehicle class (sedan-midsize)0.96x

× theft risk1.00x

× safety rating0.98x

× vehicle age0.85x

= Full coverage estimate$1339

Coverage assumed: 100/300/100 liability + comprehensive/collision, $500 deductibles. Data sources: NAIC 2024 + HLDI loss studies.

Maintenance & Warranty

Recommended Ford TAURUS Service Intervals

Oil change

8K mi / 12 mo

Tire rotation

8K mi

Brake fluid

36 months

Transmission fluid

30K mi

Engine coolant

100K mi

Spark plugs

100K mi

Cabin air filter

20K mi

Engine air filter

30K mi

Differential (AWD/4WD)

30K mi

IOLM (Intelligent Oil Life Monitor) may signal earlier. Older 5.4L Triton engines have specific service needs — check the manual.

"Severe service" conditions (heavy towing, extreme temps, city stop-and-go) typically halve these intervals. Always consult your vehicle's owner's manual for the authoritative schedule.

Ford New-Vehicle Warranty Coverage

Bumper-to-bumper (basic)

3 yr / 36K mi

Powertrain

5 yr / 60K mi

Hybrid/EV battery

8 yr / 100K mi

Corrosion (rust perforation)

5 yr / unlimited mi

Roadside assistance

5 yr / 60K mi

These are the terms for a new Ford. If you're buying a used 2011 TAURUS, remaining coverage is usually pro-rated from the vehicle's original in-service date. Not all coverage transfers between owners — check with a Ford dealer for VIN-specific remaining warranty.

Estimated Repair Costs

ENGINE(~50K mi)

$500

ELECTRICAL(~50K mi)

$500

STEERING(~50K mi)

$500

TRANSMISSION(~50K mi)

$500

OTHER(~50K mi)

$500

Estimates based on average reported repair costs. Actual costs vary by location, shop, and severity.

🔍 Pre-Purchase Inspection Checklist

Based on 251 owner complaints for this specific year, here's what to check or ask about:

☐
ENGINE: TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2011 FORD TAURUS. WHILE DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 40 MPH, THE VEHICLE STALLED. THE VEHICLE COASTED TO A STOP AND UPON RESTART, THE CONTACT WAS ABLE TO CONTINUE DRIVING. THE FAILURE OCCURRED ONCE AGAIN. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO AN AUTHORIZED DEALER BUT THEY WERE UNABLE TO DIAGNOSE T
Typically appears around 50K miles. Repair cost ~$500
☐
ELECTRICAL: WAS ON THE WAY TO A LOCAL TOWN ABOUT 15 MILES FROM HOME,WHEN MY 2011 FORD TAURUS JUST CUT OFF. LIGHT CAME ON TO PRESS BRAKE PEDAL TO START CAR. PUT CAR IN NEUTRAL PRESSED BUTTON AND CAR STARTED BACK UP. DIDN'T HAVE ANYMORE TROUBLE SO FAR. *TR
Typically appears around 50K miles. Repair cost ~$500
☐
STEERING: CLEARWATER FLORIDA 2013 VEHICLE TRAVELING ON THE INTERSTATE AT 65 MPH.I WATCHED AS THE KEY TO THE VEHICLE TURNED INTO THE OFF POSITION. THE BRAKES DID NOT WORK THE STEERING COLUMN WOULD NOT STEER THE WHOLE ELECTRICAL SYSTEM IN THE VEHICLE SHUTDOWN. OCTOBER 8, 2014 AT APPROXIMATELY 5:30 PM WHILE
Typically appears around 50K miles. Repair cost ~$500
☐
TRANSMISSION: I WAS DRIVING ON THE N.J. TPKE. AT HIGHWAY SPEED. I ACCIDENTALLY HIT THE PUSH BUTTON START BUTTON. THE ENGINE SHUT OFF AND THE DASH SAID SHIFT INTO PARK. I COULD NOT RESTART THE CAR UNTIL I CAME TO A STOP, SHIFTED INTO PARK, BUT MY FOOT ON THE BRAKE AND PUSHED THE BUTTON. YOU CAN'T OPEN THE TRUNK WI
Typically appears around 50K miles. Repair cost ~$500
☐
RECALLS: Verify all 4 recalls have been completed — free at any Ford dealer
☐
General: Get a pre-purchase inspection from an independent mechanic ($100-$200)