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2011 Ford Taurus Recalls, Issues & Maintenance

The 2011 Ford Taurus carries 4 open NHTSA recalls — most recently covering door and electric power assist system. Owners report 5 recurring issue clusters, led by “Internal water pump failure and coolant intrusion.” 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.

4 Open Recalls

Source: NHTSA

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.

STEERING:ELECTRIC POWER ASSIST SYSTEM

Campaign #15V340000 · Feb 6, 2015

Issue: Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain model year 2011-2012 Ford Fusion vehicles without a 3.5L engine and Lincoln MKZ hybrid electric vehicles, 2011 Mercury Milan vehicles, 2011-2012 Ford Taurus, Ford Flex, Lincoln MKS, and Lincoln MKT vehicles equipped with a 3.5L GTDI engine and 2013 Ford Taurus, Ford Flex, Lincoln MKS, and Lincoln MKT vehicles equipped with any available engine. The affected vehicles have electric power steering assist systems that may shut down as a result of a steering motor sensor fault.

Risk: If the vehicle experiences a loss of power steering assist, extra steering effort will be required at lower speeds, increasing the risk of a vehicle crash.

Fix: Ford will notify owners, and dealers will check the Power Steering Control Module (PSCM) for Diagnostic Trouble Codes (DTC). If dealers find any loss of steering assist DTCs, the steering gear will be replaced, free of charge. If, no codes are found during the PSCM inspection, the PSCM software will be updated, free of charge. The recall began on July 21, 2015. Owners may contact Ford customer service at 1-866-436-7332. Ford's number for this recall is 15S18.

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

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 2011 Ford Taurus.

Reported to NHTSA

Internal water pump failure and coolant intrusion

ENGINE

16 NHTSA complaints · 2014-09 → 2025-09

“The water pump failed on my Taurus, leaking coolant my into the engine, causing irrepairable damage”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11685997
“TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2011 FORD TAURUS. WHILE OPERATING THE VEHICLE, A KNOCKING NOISE WAS PRESENT COMING FROM THE ENGINE COMPARTMENT”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11141179
“I HAD A INTERNAL WATER PUMP FAILURE FILLING THE ENGINE WITH COOLANT. THIS RESULTED IN A ENGINE HYDRO LOCK CONDITION (LUCKILY I WAS ABLE LIMP A VERY ROUGH RUNNING CAR IN THE EMERGENCY LANE AT 15MPH TO A NEARBY EXIT)”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #10949901

Read all complaints on NHTSA →

Electronic power steering assist loss or lockup

STEERING

25 NHTSA complaints · 2014-10 → 2025-07

“The contact owns a 2011 Ford Taurus. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the electronic power steering was not functioning properly, requiring an increased effort to maneuver the vehicle. No warning lights were illuminated”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11675109
“I BOUGHT MY CAR USED A FEW MONTHS AGO. DRIVING DOWN THE ROAD AND MY STEERING WHEEL LOCKED UP. I COULDN'T TURN THE WHEEL. I COULD HAVE BEEN IN A SERIOUS ACCIDENT. MY CHECK ENGINE LIGHT CAME O. IT DID THIS TWO OR THREE TIMES. I'M AFRAID TO DRIVE IT ANYMORE”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11386141
“TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2011 FORD TAURUS. WHILE DRIVING VARIOUS SPEEDS, THE STEERING WHEEL SEIZED WITHOUT WARNING”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11105396

Read all complaints on NHTSA →

Headlight low-beam visibility

EXTERIOR LIGHTING

7 NHTSA complaints · 2010-10 → 2013-11

“RENTED A 2011 FORD TAURUS IN MAUI; DRIVING BACK FROM HANA AFTER DARK, WE COULDN'T SEE THE RIGHT SIDE OF THE ROAD BECAUSE OF THE HEADLIGHTS, WHICH APPEARED TO BE SEVERELY OUT OF ADJUSTMENT --- THEY AIMED LEFT”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #10488647
“HEADLIGHTS DO NOT SHINE FAR ENOUGH AHEAD TO BE ABLE TO SEE ANYTHING THAT'S OVER 200 FEET AHEAD. ONLY WAY YOU CAN SEE FARTHER IS TO USE THE BRIGHT LIGHTS ALL THE TIME. YOU CANT SEE CURVES COMING UP OR DEER STANDING IN THE MIDDLE OF THE ROAD NOTHING”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #10393179
“TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2011 FORD TAURUS. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE DRIVING 25 MPH AT NIGHT, THE HEADLIGHTS ON LOW BEAM DID NOT PROVIDE ENOUGH LIGHT. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO AN AUTHORIZED DEALER BUT THE DEALER STATED THAT THERE WAS NOTHING WRONG”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #10360502

Read all complaints on NHTSA →

Sudden electrical shutdown and stall while driving

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM

14 NHTSA complaints · 2011-01 → 2025-09

“I WAS DRIVING ON A CITY STREET THE WEEK OF MAY 20, 2018 WHEN THE ENGINE SUDDENLY WENT DEAD. (LOSS OF POWERING STEERING AND BREAKS). I DRIFTED TO A STOP ALONG THE ROADSIDE. AFTER TURNING THE CAR OFF I CHECKED THE BREAKS AND STEERING AND THEN WAS ABLE TO RESTART THE CAR”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11099402
“MY CAR HAS SIMPLY SHUT DOWN 4 TIMES. FIST AT A STOP SIGN, THEN ON A HIGHWAY, AGAIN AT A STOP AND AGAIN ON A HIGHWAY. ALMOST WAS HIT ON THE HIGHWAY. I WAS ABLE TO PULL OVER JUST AS A SEMI SPED BY ME. EVERYTHING SHUTS DOWN AS IF THE KEY WAS TURNED OFF”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #10794725
“2011 FORD TAURUS STALLS OUT AT HIGH SPEEDS OR LOW SPEEDS, ANYTIME FOOT IS NOT ON ACCELERATOR PEDAL, AND ONCE EVEN WHILE BACKING UP. FORD SERVICE SAYS THAT IT'S BECAUSE OF A DEFECTIVE ELECTRONIC THROTTLE BODY, WHICH DOESN'T SET IDLE SPEED HIGH ENOUGH”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #10406054

Read all complaints on NHTSA →

Transmission shift shudder and unintended acceleration

POWER TRAIN

18 NHTSA complaints · 2011-05 → 2025-06

“THE TRANSMISSION WILL JUMP INTO THE NEXT GEAR WITH A SHUDDER AT ABOUT 35MPH. *TR”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #10457421
“TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2011 FORD TAURUS. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE VEHICLE WOULD SHIFT HARD WHEN SHIFTING GEARS. IN ADDITION, THE VEHICLE WOULD SHAKE VIOLENTLY WHEN ENGAGING IN GEAR AND ACCELERATING OVER 65 MPH”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #10487155
“I PURCHASED A NEW 2011 TAURUS SEL A COUPLE OF YEARS AGO. ONE DAY WHILE DRIVING INTO A PARKING LOT, THE CAR ACCELERATED FULL SPEED ON ITS OWN HEAD ON INTO A WALL AND WAS SEVERELY DAMAGED ($11,000+ IN DAMAGES - THE DRIVER AIRBAG DEPLOYED BUT I WAS NOT INJURED)”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #10521381

Read all complaints on NHTSA →

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 mi

Replace 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 mi

Rotate 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 mi

Inspect 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 mi

Ford 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 mi

Replace 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 mi

Ford 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 mi

F-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 mi

F-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 mi

Iridium 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 mi

Motorcraft 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 mi

Replace 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.

14

complaints mentioning a crash

2

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 2011 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.

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