Electric power steering assist failure
STEERING
39 NHTSA complaints · 2011-01 → 2024-09
“THE VEHICLE STEERING SEIZED UP AND THE VEHICLE BECOMES UNSAFE”
“POWER STEERING GAVE OUT SAME PROBLEMS AS OTHER MODELS FORD HAD RECALL ON”
2010 Ford Taurus Recalls, Issues & Maintenance
The 2010 Ford Taurus carries 3 open NHTSA recalls — most recently covering door and exterior lighting. Owners report 7 recurring issue clusters, led by “Electric power steering assist failure.” Ford uses the Intelligent Oil-Life Monitor (IOLM) to determine when oil changes are due based on actual driving load — not just mileage. Ford's published cap is 10,000 miles or 1 year, whichever comes first. The schedule below reflects Ford's Normal service intervals; F-Series trucks and Super Duty have additional towing-specific items.
3 Open Recalls
Source: NHTSASTRUCTURE:BODY:DOOR
Campaign #15V040000 · Jan 28, 2015
STRUCTURE:BODY:DOOR
Campaign #15V040000 · Jan 28, 2015
Issue: 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.
EXTERIOR LIGHTING
Campaign #14V285000 · May 29, 2014
EXTERIOR LIGHTING
Campaign #14V285000 · May 29, 2014
Issue: 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.
AIR BAGS:FRONTAL
Campaign #16V247000 · Apr 26, 2016
AIR BAGS:FRONTAL
Campaign #16V247000 · Apr 26, 2016
Issue: Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain model year 2009-2012 Ford Flex, 2008 and 2010-2012 Ford Taurus, 2008-2009 Ford Taurus X, 2008 Mercury Sable, 2009 and 2011 Lincoln MKS vehicles. The driver frontal air bag may improperly inflate during second-stage deployment in the event of a high speed crash. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard (FMVSS) number 208, "Occupant Crash Protection."
Risk: An improperly inflated air bag increases the risk of injury in the event of a crash.
Fix: Ford will notify owners, and dealers will inspect and replace the driver's frontal air bag module, as necessary, free of charge. The recall is expected to begin on June 13, 2016. Owners may contact Ford customer service at 1-866-436-7332. Ford's number for this recall is 16C06.
Recall data refreshed Sep 13, 2026.
Known issues for this vehicle
What drivers and federal regulators have officially reported about the 2010 Ford Taurus.
Reported to NHTSA
Front and rear brake grinding noise
SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC
14 NHTSA complaints · 2010-07 → 2014-09
“GRINDING FRONT BRAKES NOT RELATED TO WORN PADS. *TR”
“2010 FORD TAURUS SHO- WHEN BRAKES ARE APPLIED GRINDING NOISE IS HEARD. HAPPENED AFTER ABOUT 1000 MI., DEALER REPLACED PADS..MOST PREVALENT WHEN WEATHER IS COLDER. WAS GOOD FOR AWHILE BUT STARTED AGAIN AFTER 9000 MI.!”
Brake pedal travel to floorboard
SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC
11 NHTSA complaints · 2013-10 → 2022-06
“WITH THE CAR ON WHEN STOPPING THE BRAKES ARE FADING. WHEN DEPRESSING THE BRAKES THEY GO ALL THE WAY DOWN TO THE BOTTOM SLOWLY”
“The contact owns a 2010 Ford Taurus. The contact stated that the brake pedal would depress the floorboard without warning. The vehicle was taken to a dealer where a diagnostic test was performed”
Internal water pump failure damaging engine
ENGINE
8 NHTSA complaints · 2014-12 → 2022-04
“THE WATER PUMP DAMAGED THE ENGINE ON MY 2010 TAURUS BROUGHT IT TO A FORD DEALER NOW DEALER TOLD ME I NEED A NEW ENGINE WITH A COST OF $5000.00 PLUS LABOR ,WATER PUMP IS INSIDE THE ENGINE”
“WHILE DRIVING THE ENGINE OVERHEATING DISPLAY CAME ON AND THE ENGINE LOST MOST OF ITS POWER. UPON ISPECTION THE RADIATOR COOLANT TANK WAS EMPTY. FILLED THE TANK WITH WATER AND DROVE TO THE NEAREST FORD DEALER. THE DEALER SAID THE WATER PUMP HAD FAILED”
Transmission hesitation and delayed engagement
POWER TRAIN
27 NHTSA complaints · 2010-06 → 2022-12
“TRANSMISSION "CATCHES" WHILE DRIVING AT SPEED CAUSING THE CAR TO HESITATE. FEELS AS THOUGH THE VEHICLE WILL STALL AND CAUSE A REAR END TYPE OF ACCIDENT. *TR”
“POWER TRANSMISSION IS SLIPPING CAUSING VEHICLE TO NOT STAY IN PARK”
Engine stall while driving without warning
ENGINE
16 NHTSA complaints · 2010-07 → 2014-12
“MY 2010 TAURUS SEL V-6 3.5 SHUT OFF WHILE DRIVING AT 30 MPH. ABOUT 6 WEEKS LATER THE ENGINE TURNED ITSELF OFF AGAIN WHILE PARKED. *TR”
“TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2010 FORD TAURUS. AFTER MAKING A LEFT TURN, THE VEHICLE STALLED WITHOUT WARNING. THE VEHICLE WAS RESTARTED AND RESUMED NORMAL OPERATION. THE FAILURE OCCURRED ON THREE SEPARATE OCCASIONS. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT DIAGNOSED OR REPAIRED”
Unintended acceleration while braking
VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL
9 NHTSA complaints · 2011-03 → 2018-05
“TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2010 FORD TAURUS. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 10 MPH, THE BRAKE PEDAL WAS DEPRESSED AND THE VEHICLE BEGAN TO ACCELERATE RAPIDLY”
“PUSHED ON ACCELERATOR TO PASS.AND THE CAR KEPT ACCELERATING STOMP ON BRAKE AND IT STILL WOULDN'T SLOW DOWN. HAD TO SHIFT TO NEUTRAL.ENGINE RPM STAYED AT ABOUT 4500 RPM. TAPPED GAS PEDAL WITH FOOT A FEW TIMES BEFORE ENGINE RPM RETURNED TO NORMAL”
Note: NHTSA also opened 1 defect investigation(s) on this vehicle that closed without action.
Issues on other model years
Source: NHTSA Office of Defects Investigation (ODI). Complaint data refreshed Sep 13, 2026. Investigation data refreshed Sep 13, 2026.
We display NHTSA's record with attribution; we don't editorialize on what these complaints mean for any specific vehicle.
Essential maintenance
Critical for safety and preventing major damage
Engine Oil & Filter
Every 7,500 miReplace synthetic-blend or full-synthetic Motorcraft oil per the IOLM, or every 7,500-10,000 miles. EcoBoost engines require full synthetic; Coyote 5.0L V8 specifies SAE 5W-30.
Estimated cost — typical U.S. ranges
Dealer
~$120–$160
Shop
~$85–$115
DIY
~$25–$55
Full synthetic costs more than conventional. 5-quart 0W-20 + filter is the typical bill.
Tire Rotation
Every 10,000 miRotate tires every 10,000 miles, or with every other oil change. F-150 4x4 owners should rotate every 5,000-7,500 miles to even out drivetrain bias wear.
Estimated cost — typical U.S. ranges
Dealer
~$85
Shop
~$60
DIY
Free
Often free at the shop where you bought the tires — worth asking before paying.
Brake Inspection
Every 10,000 miInspect brake pads, rotors, and brake fluid level every 10,000 miles. Front pads on F-150 and Explorer typically last 40,000-60,000 miles.
Estimated cost — typical U.S. ranges
Dealer
~$85
Shop
~$60
DIY
Free
Most shops do this free as a courtesy with any service. Don't pay separately if you can avoid it.
Brake Fluid
Every 45,000 miFord specifies brake fluid replacement on an inspection basis, but moisture testing every 3 years is recommended. Replace if reading exceeds 3% water content.
Estimated cost — typical U.S. ranges
Dealer
~$180–$200
Shop
~$125–$140
DIY
~$10–$25
DOT 3 or 4 — match the cap. Vacuum bleeders make this a one-person DIY.
Important maintenance
Keeps your vehicle running smoothly and efficiently
Engine Air Filter
Every 30,000 miReplace the engine air filter every 30,000 miles. EcoBoost turbocharged engines are sensitive to airflow restriction — don't extend.
Estimated cost — typical U.S. ranges
Dealer
~$60–$95
Shop
~$45–$70
DIY
~$15–$40
5-minute job on most cars; the airbox lid usually has clips, no tools needed.
Automatic Transmission Fluid
Every 150,000 miFord 6R80, 10R80, and 8F transmissions use Mercon LV fluid rated 150,000 miles under normal service. Severe service (towing, plowing) drops this to 60,000 miles.
Estimated cost — typical U.S. ranges
Dealer
~$330–$500
Shop
~$235–$355
DIY
~$60–$180
Some sealed transmissions have no dipstick — fill is precise and best left to a shop. Many drivers can still DIY drain-and-fill.
Transfer Case Fluid (4WD models)
Every 60,000 miF-150 4x4 and Bronco 4x4: replace transfer case fluid every 60,000 miles. Use Motorcraft XL-12 — do not substitute generic transfer case fluid.
Estimated cost — typical U.S. ranges
Dealer
~$105–$140
Shop
~$75–$100
DIY
~$15–$40
AWD/4WD vehicles only. Easy drain-and-fill on most platforms.
Rear Differential Fluid
Every 100,000 miF-Series and Expedition: replace rear axle fluid every 100,000 miles, or 50,000 miles if towing. Limited-slip rear ends require friction-modifier additive.
Estimated cost — typical U.S. ranges
Dealer
~$150–$195
Shop
~$105–$135
DIY
~$20–$50
Drain plug + fill plug — straightforward DIY. AWD vehicles have two; budget for both.
Spark Plugs
Every 100,000 miIridium spark plugs on Coyote 5.0L, EcoBoost 2.7L/3.5L, and 2.3L are rated 100,000 miles. EcoBoost engines: never exceed the interval — gap erosion causes coil failure.
Estimated cost — typical U.S. ranges
Dealer
~$285–$390
Shop
~$200–$275
DIY
~$25–$100
Iridium plugs cost more but last 100k+ miles. V6/V8 access varies wildly — some are tough.
Engine Coolant
Every 50,000 miMotorcraft Orange (Dex-Cool compatible) coolant: first change at 100,000 miles, then every 50,000. Older trucks with Yellow Motorcraft coolant: 50,000 miles throughout.
Estimated cost — typical U.S. ranges
Dealer
~$285–$330
Shop
~$200–$235
DIY
~$25–$60
Use the manufacturer-specified coolant — wrong color/chemistry can damage the cooling system.
Recommended maintenance
Extends the life of your vehicle and improves comfort
Cabin Air Filter
Every 20,000 miReplace the cabin air filter every 20,000 miles. On F-150, located behind the glove box; on Escape and Explorer, accessed from the passenger footwell.
Estimated cost — typical U.S. ranges
Dealer
~$60–$95
Shop
~$45–$70
DIY
~$15–$40
Usually behind the glovebox. Shops charge labor for a 10-minute job — easy DIY win.
Fatal crash history & reported problems
Occupant deaths in fatal crashes (FARS)
55 crashes 2010–2024
FARS counts every occupant death in a fatal crash, whatever the cause — it does not mean the vehicle was at fault or defective. Counts are not adjusted for how many of each vehicle are on the road. How to read this number
Owner-reported problem signals
Separate from the federal fatality data above: complaints owners filed with NHTSA about this year and model. These are reports of problems, unverified, and are counted here only as signals.
17
complaints mentioning a crash
5
complaints mentioning a fire
Reviewed known issues for this vehicle·Open recalls for this vehicle
Typical U.S. ranges. Actual quotes vary by shop, parts choice, and vehicle condition.
How we estimate: Dealer = OEM parts × 1.4 + labor × $165/hr. Shop = parts + labor × $115/hr. DIY = parts only.
This maintenance schedule for the 2010 Ford Taurus reflects Ford's published service intervals and the Intelligent Oil-Life Monitor system. Your actual service needs may vary based on driving conditions, climate, and vehicle usage. Always consult your owner's manual for model-specific recommendations.