2018 Ford TAURUS
Problems, Recalls & Reliability Report
Quick Summary
The 2018 Ford TAURUS has 61 owner complaints filed with NHTSA — that's 0.2x the segment average of 251. The most common issue is driver assist/cameras problems (16% of all complaints), specifically: the apim has failed on my car. the dealer has confirmed that. the media console that controls heat/air, radio, rearview camera and car settings has failed. i can not use my rear view camera. it just seemed to fail randomly. one day the screen just shut off while driving.. There are 4 recalls issued for this model year. ⚠️ 1 fire report filed.
61
Total Complaints
4
Recalls Issued
5/5
Safety Stars
0.2x
vs Segment Avg
Known Problems(top 5 of 8)
DRIVER ASSIST/CAMERAS
10 complaints- • The apim has failed on my car. The dealer has confirmed that. The media console that controls heat/air, radio, rearview camera and car settings has failed. I can not use my rear view camera. It just seemed to fail randomly. One day the screen just shut off while driving.
- • The backup camera on my vehicle does not work. The screen is all white which prevents me from seeing behind the car. Ford had a recall for the same problem on other car models but not for the 2018 Taurus.
- • The contact owns a 2018 Ford Taurus. The contact stated that while reversing, the rearview camera displayed an upside down or blank image. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired by an independent mechanic or dealer. The contact related the failure to NHTSA Campaign Number: 25V315000 (Back Over Pr
“The apim has failed on my car. The dealer has confirmed that. The media console that controls heat/air, radio, rearview camera and car settings has failed. I can not use my rear view camera. It just seemed to fail randomly. One day the screen just shut off while driving.”
— NHTSA complaint filing
When Problems Appear on the 2018 Ford TAURUS
Based on 36 owner complaints that included an odometer reading. Median mileage at time of complaint: 50K miles. Most complaints cluster in the 0-30K miles range.
BODY/STRUCTURE
DRIVER ASSIST/CAMERAS
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)
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."
Risk: If the key is removed from the ignition while the vehicle is not in the PARK position and the parking brake is not applied, the vehicle may roll away, increasing the risk of a crash.
Fix: Ford will notify owners, and dealers will replace the shifter assembly, free of charge. The recall began May 11, 2018. Owners may contact Ford customer service at 1-866-436-7332. Ford's number for this recall is 18C02.
Fuel Cost Calculator for 2018 Ford TAURUS
Live EIA pricesBased 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 → todaySource: US Energy Information Administration weekly retail gasoline prices.
Estimated Insurance Cost for 2018 Ford TAURUS
How this estimate is calculated
Coverage assumed: 100/300/100 liability + comprehensive/collision, $500 deductibles. Data sources: NAIC 2024 + HLDI loss studies.
Maintenance & Warranty
Recommended Ford TAURUS Service Intervals
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
These are the terms for a new Ford. If you're buying a used 2018 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
Estimates based on average reported repair costs. Actual costs vary by location, shop, and severity.
🔍 Pre-Purchase Inspection Checklist
Based on 61 owner complaints for this specific year, here's what to check or ask about:
- ☐DRIVER ASSIST/CAMERAS: The apim has failed on my car. The dealer has confirmed that. The media console that controls heat/air, radio, rearview camera and car settings has failed. I can not use my rear view camera. It just seemed to fail randomly. One day the screen just shut off while driving.
Typically appears around 50K miles. Repair cost ~$500
- ☐OTHER: THE LOWER ANCHORS FOR CHILD SAFETY SEATS IN THE REAR SEAT CAUSED SIGNIFICANT BRUISING TO THE REAR SEAT OCCUPANTS AFTER A REAR-END COLLISION. THE VEHICLE WAS STOPPED IN TRAFFIC WHEN A CAR STRUCK IT FROM BEHIND. *TT *TR
Typically appears around 50K miles. Repair cost ~$500
- ☐BODY/STRUCTURE: B PILLAR TRIM CAME OFF WHILE DRIVING AT FREEWAY SPEEDS, LEAVING SHARP UNFINISHED TRIM EXPOSED.
Typically appears around 50K miles. Repair cost ~$500
- ☐ENGINE: TURNED OFF ENGINE BUTTON W/O PUTTING IN PARK AND CAR ROLLED BACK ON MY DRIVEWAY
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)
Ford TAURUS — Year Comparison
How does 2018 compare to other years? Fewer complaints = more reliable.
NHTSA Safety Rating
At a Glance
- Complaints
- 61
- Recalls
- 4
- Fire reports
- 1
- Crash reports
- 4
- Injury reports
- 10
- Segment avg
- 251
Check a Specific VIN
See recalls for YOUR 2018 Ford TAURUS