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2015 Ford Taurus Recalls, Issues & Maintenance

The 2015 Ford Taurus carries 6 open NHTSA recalls — most recently covering fuel pump and mounting. Owners report 6 recurring issue clusters, led by “Electric power steering assist failure or lockup.” 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.

6 Open Recalls

Source: NHTSA

FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE:DELIVERY:FUEL PUMP

Campaign #16V621000 · Aug 25, 2016

Issue: Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain model year 2013-2015 Ford Taurus, Ford Flex, Lincoln MKS and Lincoln MKT vehicles equipped with 3.5L GTDI Ecoboost engines and 2013-2015 Ford Taurus Police Interceptor vehicles. A component within the fuel pump electric module (PEM) may overheat causing a loss of electrical power to the fuel pump.

Risk: A loss of power to the fuel pump will cause the engine to stall or prevent the vehicle from starting, increasing the risk of a crash.

Fix: Ford will notify owners, and dealers will inspect the fuel PEM part number and replace the fuel PEM, as necessary, free of charge. The recall began on December 1, 2016. Owners may contact Ford customer service at 1-866-436-7332. Ford's number for this recall is 16S31.

FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE:STORAGE:TANK ASSEMBLY:MOUNTING

Campaign #15V605000 · Sep 28, 2015

Issue: Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain model year 2015 Ford Taurus, Lincoln MKS, and 2016 Ford Explorer vehicles manufactured on July 24, 2015. During vehicle production, the fuel tank attachment bolts may not have been properly tightened. As a result, the fuel tank straps may fracture and the fuel tank could separate from the vehicle.

Risk: If the fuel tank separates from the vehicle, a fuel leak may occur, increasing the risk of a fire.

Fix: Ford will notify owners, and dealers will tighten the fuel tank attachment bolts, as necessary, free of charge. The recall began on October 19, 2015. Owners may contact Ford customer service at 1-866-436-7332. Ford's number for this recall is 15S26.

PARKING BRAKE

Campaign #15V464000 · Jul 24, 2015

Issue: Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain model year 2015 Ford Taurus, Ford Flex, and Lincoln MKS vehicles manufactured May 4, 2015, to May 23, 2015, Lincoln MKT vehicles manufactured May 4, 2015, to May 21, 2015, and 2015-2016 Ford Explorer vehicles manufactured May 4, 2015, to May 23, 2015. The affected vehicles have a parking brake that may not fully engage when applied. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard (FMVSS) number 135, "Light Vehicle Brake Systems."

Risk: If the parking brake does not fully engage and the transmission is left in a gear other than 'Park' while on a slope, the vehicle may roll away, increasing the risk of a crash.

Fix: Ford will notify owners, and dealers will test the operation of the parking brake system, and if necessary, replace the parking brake control assembly, free of charge. The recall began on September 4, 2015. Owners may contact Ford customer service at 1-866-436-7332. Ford's number for this recall is 15C07.

SUSPENSION:REAR

Campaign #20V072000 · Oct 2, 2020

Issue: Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2013-2018 Lincoln MKT and Ford Flex and Taurus vehicles with the Police Interceptor or SHO Performance Pack. The rear suspension toe links may fracture due to stress on the rear suspension.

Risk: A fractured rear toe link will cause a sudden change in vehicle handling and increase the risk of a crash.

Fix: Ford will notify owners, and dealers will replace the rear suspension toe links, free of charge. Remedy parts are not currently available. Owners were notified about the recall on March 3, 2020. A second notice will be mailed when remedy parts become available, which is currently expected to be the end of September 2020. The recall began October 28, 2020. Owners may contact Ford customer service at 1-866-436-7332 or Lincoln customer service at 1-800-521-4140. Ford's number for this recall is 20S04.

POWER TRAIN:AXLE ASSEMBLY:AXLE SHAFT

Campaign #20V692000 · Oct 11, 2020

Issue: Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2014-2016 Explorer, 2014-2015 Taurus and 2014 Edge vehicles equipped with 2.0L or 2.3L engines and front wheel drive. The support bracket for the front drive axle halfshaft may fail.

Risk: The failed bracket could result in a loss of park function which can cause unintended vehicle movement, and loss of motive power while driving which increases the risk of a crash.

Fix: Ford will notify owners, and dealers will replace the link shaft bracket, free of charge. Parts are not currently available. Owners received an interim notification detailing safety risk December 8, 2020. A second letter will be mailed when parts become available in January 2021. The recall began February 2, 2021. Owners may contact Ford customer service at 1-866-436-7332. Ford's number for this recall is 20S63.

BACK OVER PREVENTION: SENSING SYSTEM: CAMERA

Campaign #25V695000 · Oct 13, 2025

Issue: Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2015-2019 Flex, 2015 Explorer, Lincoln MKT, Lincoln MKZ, 2015-2016 C-Max, Escape, Taurus, 2016 Fusion, 2018-2019 Taurus, 2019 Lincoln MKT, Fiesta, and 2020 Mustang vehicles. The rearview camera may display a distorted, intermittent, or blank image when the vehicle is in reverse.

Risk: A rearview camera that fails to properly display an image can reduce the driver’s view behind the vehicle, increasing the risk of a crash.

Fix: Dealers will inspect and replace the rearview camera as necessary, free of charge. This will be a phased campaign, with the remedy becoming available in different phases based on model and model years. Interim letters notifying owners of the safety risk were mailed on October 25, 2025. Additional letters will be mailed once the final remedy is available on each phase. Mustang owner notification letters were mailed January 2, 2026. Owners may contact Ford customer service at 1-866-436-7332. Ford's number for this recall is 25SA9. Vehicle Identification Numbers (VINs) involved in this recall became searchable on NHTSA.gov on October 14, 2025.

Recall data refreshed Sep 13, 2026.

Known issues for this vehicle

What drivers and federal regulators have officially reported about the 2015 Ford Taurus.

Reported to NHTSA

Electric power steering assist failure or lockup

STEERING

30 NHTSA complaints · 2019-07 → 2025-11

“The contact owns a 2015 Ford Taurus. The contact stated while driving approximately 45 MPH, the steering wheel became very firm, with the vehicle independently jerking to the right. The contact had to use excessive force to return the vehicle to center lane”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11517130
“The contact's fiancé owns a 2015 Ford Taurus. The contact stated while his fiancé was driving approximately 35 MPH, the steering wheel seized. The contact stated that the power steering assist fault warning light was illuminated. The vehicle was not drivable”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11432941
“I WAS DRIVING TO BURLINGTON MA ON AUGUST 29, 2019 AND, WHILE MAKING A RIGHT TURN TO ENTER ONTO RTE 3 NORTHBOUND, I LOST ALL MY POWER STEERING. AT THE MOMENT OF FAILURE, THE STEERING WHEEL SNAPPED ABRUPTLY TO THE LEFT ALMOST CAUSING ME TO HIT THE GUARD RAIL”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11252548

Read all complaints on NHTSA →

Rear suspension toe link failure

SUSPENSION

6 NHTSA complaints · 2020-04 → 2024-11

“The contact owns a 2015 Ford Taurus. The contact stated while driving at undisclosed speeds, there was an abnormal sound coming from underneath the vehicle”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11624066
“The contact owns a 2015 Ford Taurus. The contact stated while driving at an undisclosed speed, the vehicle hit a pothole and started shaking while driving”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11458858
“THE CONTACT OWNS A 2015 FORD TAURUS. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE DRIVING AT VARIOUS SPEEDS, THE DRIVER'S SIDE REAR TOE LINK DETACHED WITHOUT WARNING. THE CONTACT VEERED TO THE SHOULDER OF THE ROADWAY FOR ASSISTANCE”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11321170

Read all complaints on NHTSA →

Water pump failure with no warning indicator

ENGINE

5 NHTSA complaints · 2019-08 → 2023-11

“Water pump is defective, leaks, and provides no warning in system. Replacing is unbelievably expensive ($5,000 for a water pump, but inside engine so extensive labor) and Ford needs to perform a recall as it can create major motor damage rendering the vehicle inoperable”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11556473
“My water pump went out with 0 warning. Not even a low coolant light came on. I checked the coolant noticed it was a little low, went to work and on my way home from work my car overheated; again with no low coolant light or warning”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11459439
“2015 FORD TAURUS UNDER 93,000 WATER PUMP FAILURE. NO WARNINGS WHILE DRIVING ON THE HIGHWAY. STARTED TO OVER HEAT AND COOLANT WAS PORING OUT UNDERNEATH”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11252474

Read all complaints on NHTSA →

Transmission and powertrain component failure

POWER TRAIN

6 NHTSA complaints · 2019-06 → 2023-09

“1. FAILURE ITEM: TRANSMISSION. REVERSE GEAR FAIL. AVAILABLE FOR INSPECTION. 2. UNABLE TO REVERSE VEHICLE IN AN EMERGENCY SITUAION”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11510264
“I WAS DRIVING AT 45 MILES AN HOUR THROUGH TOWN AND WITHOUT ANY WARNING THE CAR STOPPED ACCELERATING AND THEN A LOUD BANG. THE TRANSFER CASE DETACHED RIGHT OFF THE TRANSMISSION AND THE TRANSMISSION WAS DAMAGED IN THE PROCESS”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11218253
“The location of the vehicle's transmission valve body assembly subjects it to excessively high heat which subsequently causes it to fail. The vehicle was purchased used with 35,115 miles and the valve body assembly failed at 58,344 miles”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11532933

Read all complaints on NHTSA →

Rearview camera failure pending recall parts

BACK OVER PREVENTION

63 NHTSA complaints · 2021-07 → 2026-08

“The contact owns a 2015 Ford Taurus. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 25V695000 (Back Over Prevention); however, the part to do the recall repair was not yet available. The contact stated that while reversing, the rearview camera was intermittently…”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11756794
“The contact owns a 2015 Ford Taurus. The contact stated that while reversing, the rear-view camera went blank, and the vehicle crashed into a fence. The contact stated that the trunk was dented, and the rear-view camera was damaged”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11753702
“Backup camera of 2015 Ford Taurus. The screen will be blank or the picture may be upside down or it says report to the dealership immediately. Does not happen every time but most times. I backed into a UPS van because the camera did not work”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11689553

Read all complaints on NHTSA →

Fuel pump control module stall or no-start

FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM

43 NHTSA complaints · 2019-05 → 2024-02

“The contact owns a 2015 Ford Taurus. The contact stated while the vehicle was parked in the driveway, the vehicle would not start. The contact stated that after multiple attempts the vehicle failed to start up. The contact stated no warning light was illuminated”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11499973
“WHILE DRIVING AT 55 MPH ON BUSY ROAD, VEHICLE LOST POWER. ALMOST REAR-ENDED BEFORE BEING ABLE TO COAST INTO EMPTY PARKING LOT. WENT INTO LIMP MODE. COULD NOT ACCELERATE. VEHICLE MAINTENANCE INDICATOR WITH WRENCH CAME ON”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11268842
“WHILE DRIVING AT 65 MPH ON BUSY ROAD, VEHICLE LOST POWER. WAS ABLE TO COAST TO SIDE OF ROAD. VEHICLE WOULD NOT ACCELERATE. VERY DANGEROUS SITUATION”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11220834

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)

59 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.

12

complaints mentioning a crash

1

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 2015 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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