Is the 2012 Ford TAURUS reliable?

The 2012 Ford TAURUS has 100 complaints filed with NHTSA (0.4x the segment average). Our reliability verdict: average. Most common issue: BODY/STRUCTURE problems.

What are common problems with the 2012 Ford TAURUS?

Top problems: BODY/STRUCTURE (16 complaints, avg repair $500); STEERING (16 complaints, avg repair $500); ELECTRICAL (15 complaints, avg repair $500). Issues typically appear around 50K miles.

Are there any recalls on the 2012 Ford TAURUS?

Yes, there are 5 recall(s): STRUCTURE:BODY:DOOR, EXTERIOR LIGHTING, STEERING:ELECTRIC POWER ASSIST SYSTEM, AIR BAGS:FRONTAL, FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE:STORAGE:TANK ASSEMBLY. Contact any Ford dealer to verify if recalls have been completed on your specific vehicle.

How much does it cost to fuel a 2012 Ford TAURUS?

The 2012 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 2012 Ford TAURUS?

Estimated US average full-coverage insurance for the 2012 Ford TAURUS is approximately $1,449/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.

2012 Ford TAURUS

Problems, Recalls & Reliability Report

Average

Quick Summary

The 2012 Ford TAURUS has 100 owner complaints filed with NHTSA — that's 0.4x the segment average of 251. The most common issue is body/structure problems (16% of all complaints), specifically: after about 6,000 miles we began to notice that the right hand side blis sensor and signal light indicating a vehicle is in the blind spot when no vehicle or other object are within the area. often the light will remain on for several minutes. additionally, occasionally started to give false warn. There are 5 recalls issued for this model year. ⚠️ 1 fire report filed.

1 fire report 1 crash report

100

Total Complaints

Recalls Issued

4/5

Safety Stars

0.4x

vs Segment Avg

Known Problems(top 5 of 8)

BODY/STRUCTURE

16 complaints

16%

• AFTER ABOUT 6,000 MILES WE BEGAN TO NOTICE THAT THE RIGHT HAND SIDE BLIS SENSOR AND SIGNAL LIGHT INDICATING A VEHICLE IS IN THE BLIND SPOT WHEN NO VEHICLE OR OTHER OBJECT ARE WITHIN THE AREA. OFTEN THE LIGHT WILL REMAIN ON FOR SEVERAL MINUTES. ADDITIONALLY, OCCASIONALLY STARTED TO GIVE FALSE WARN
• TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2012 FORD TAURUS. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE HYDRAULICS FAILED ON THE HOOD AND THE TRUNK OF THE VEHICLE. THE REAR TRUNK ALMOST FELL DOWN ON THE CONTACT WHILE RETRIEVING ITEMS FROM THE TRUNK. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT TAKEN TO THE DEALER FOR INSPECTION OR REPAIRS. THE FAILURE MILEA
• TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2012 FORD TAURUS. THE CONTACT RECEIVED NOTIFICATION OF A MANUFACTURER RECALL ON THE STRUCTURE OF THE VEHICLE AND THE PART WAS NOT AVAILABLE FOR SEVERAL MONTHS. THE DEALER DID NOT GIVE A SPECIFIC DATE FOR WHEN THE PART WOULD BECOME AVAILABLE. THE MANUFACTURER WAS CONTACTED AND

Typical onset: 50K miles Est. repair: $500

“AFTER ABOUT 6,000 MILES WE BEGAN TO NOTICE THAT THE RIGHT HAND SIDE BLIS SENSOR AND SIGNAL LIGHT INDICATING A VEHICLE IS IN THE BLIND SPOT WHEN NO VEHICLE OR OTHER OBJECT ARE WITHIN THE AREA. OFTEN THE LIGHT WILL REMAIN ON FOR SEVERAL MINUTES. ADDITIONALLY, OCCASIONALLY STARTED TO GIVE FALSE WARN”

— NHTSA complaint filing

When Problems Appear on the 2012 Ford TAURUS

Based on 69 owner complaints that included an odometer reading. Median mileage at time of complaint: 41K 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 50K mi · 13 reports

0-30K

30-60K

60-100K

100-150K

150-200K

200K+

ELECTRICAL

In line with typicalmedian 32K mi · 12 reports

0-30K

30-60K

60-100K

100-150K

150-200K

200K+

LIGHTING

In line with typicalmedian 7K mi · 11 reports

0-30K

30-60K

60-100K

100-150K

150-200K

200K+

OTHER

High-mileage issuemedian 87K mi · 6 reports

0-30K

30-60K

60-100K

100-150K

150-200K

200K+

STEERING

High-mileage issuemedian 97K 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 (5)

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 2012 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 2012 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

$1,449

Full coverage / month

$121

Liability only / year

$598

vs US avg

-13%

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 age0.92x

= Full coverage estimate$1449

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 2012 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

BODY/STRUCTURE(~50K mi)

$500

STEERING(~50K mi)

$500

ELECTRICAL(~50K mi)

$500

ENGINE(~50K mi)

$500

LIGHTING(~50K mi)

$500

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

🔍 Pre-Purchase Inspection Checklist

Based on 100 owner complaints for this specific year, here's what to check or ask about:

☐
BODY/STRUCTURE: AFTER ABOUT 6,000 MILES WE BEGAN TO NOTICE THAT THE RIGHT HAND SIDE BLIS SENSOR AND SIGNAL LIGHT INDICATING A VEHICLE IS IN THE BLIND SPOT WHEN NO VEHICLE OR OTHER OBJECT ARE WITHIN THE AREA. OFTEN THE LIGHT WILL REMAIN ON FOR SEVERAL MINUTES. ADDITIONALLY, OCCASIONALLY STARTED TO GIVE FALSE WARN
Typically appears around 50K miles. Repair cost ~$500
☐
STEERING: I WAS DRIVING ON I279 AROUND 6:15AM ON JULY1, 2014. MY SPEED WAS APPROXIMATELY 60MPH. ALL OF A SUDDEN A MESSAGE APPEARED ON THE SCREEN SAYING THERE WAS A POWER STEERING SYSTEM FAILURE. AT THAT POINT I IMMEDIATELY LOST ALL POWER TO THE STEERING WHEEL. IT WAS VERY DIFFICULT TO MAINTAIN A STRAIGHT
Typically appears around 50K miles. Repair cost ~$500
☐
ELECTRICAL: 03/24/2012. 1ST FAILURE MILEAGE APPROX.1,450: DRIVING ON I-95S AT APPROX. 70 MPH, RAINING CONDITION, WIPERS IN USE, HEADLIGHTS ON. SUDDENLY THE INSTRUMENT PANEL LIGHTS WENT DARK, WIPERS STOPPED IN THE MIDDLE OF WINDSHIELD, ENGINE CUT OFF. WAS ABLE TO STEER CAR FROM MIDDLE LANE TO ROAD SIDE AND BRAK
Typically appears around 50K miles. Repair cost ~$500
☐
ENGINE: 03/24/2012. 1ST FAILURE MILEAGE APPROX.1,450: DRIVING ON I-95S AT APPROX. 70 MPH, RAINING CONDITION, WIPERS IN USE, HEADLIGHTS ON. SUDDENLY THE INSTRUMENT PANEL LIGHTS WENT DARK, WIPERS STOPPED IN THE MIDDLE OF WINDSHIELD, ENGINE CUT OFF. WAS ABLE TO STEER CAR FROM MIDDLE LANE TO ROAD SIDE AND BRAK
Typically appears around 50K miles. Repair cost ~$500
☐
RECALLS: Verify all 5 recalls have been completed — free at any Ford dealer
☐
General: Get a pre-purchase inspection from an independent mechanic ($100-$200)