Pre-purchase inspection checklist — 2013 Ford Taurus
The 2013 Ford Taurus has a notable frequency of steering issues and multiple recalls, particularly concerning suspension, fuel system, and steering components. The high number of owner complaints regarding steering and fuel systems indicates potential vulnerabilities in these areas. Buyers should approach with caution and verify previous recall compliance. Documentation is essential for verifying the service history and any major repairs, ensuring that the recalled issues have been addressed.
NHTSA data on file today
The 2013 Ford Taurus has 9 NHTSA recall campaigns and 585 owner complaints on file as of . Recall data is refreshed daily from NHTSA.
NCAP overall rating: 5.0 out of 5 stars, averaged across 2 NHTSA-tested trims.
Recall campaigns on file
- NHTSA #20V072000 Rear Suspension Toe Links May Fracture NHTSA notice
- NHTSA #16V621000 Fuel Pump Malfunction may Cause Engine Stall NHTSA notice
- NHTSA #15V812000 Fuel Delivery Module may Crack and Leak NHTSA notice
- NHTSA #15V340000 Loss of Electric Power Steering Assist NHTSA notice
- NHTSA #15V040000 Interior Door Handle Return Spring may Unseat NHTSA notice
- NHTSA #14V393000 Halfshaft Disengagement/Loss of Drive/Roll Away NHTSA notice
- NHTSA #14V285000 Water Intrusion may cause License Plate Lamp Fire NHTSA notice
- NHTSA #13V270000 Child Safety Lock may become Deactivated NHTSA notice
- NHTSA #13V227000 Fuel Delivery Module may Crack And Leak NHTSA notice
Most-cited components in owner complaints
- Steering 295 complaints
- Fuel/Propulsion System 96 complaints
- Engine 70 complaints
- Electrical System 59 complaints
- Power Train 44 complaints
- Unknown or Other 38 complaints
Of the 585 complaints on file, 20 report a crash and 6 a fire; across all 585 complaints, owners report 25 injuries (owner-reported, not verified by NHTSA).
Known issues to inspect
Electric power assist failure
How to check: Turn the steering wheel at slow speeds for stiffness or resistance.
Rear toe links may fracture
How to check: Inspect rear suspension for visible damage or wear marks.
Fuel pump power loss
How to check: Listen for unusual noises during engine start and idle.
Door handle return spring failure
How to check: Check door handles for proper return after use.
Test-drive walkthrough
- 01
Cold start
What to check: Listen for abnormal engine noises or vibrations.
Red flag: Loud knocking or rough idle
- 02
First minute idling
What to check: Check for steering resistance or unusual noise.
Red flag: Steering is stiff or noisy
- 03
Parking lot maneuvers
What to check: Test doors for proper latch functionality.
Red flag: Doors do not latch securely
- 04
City driving
What to check: Monitor fuel gauge for sudden drops.
Red flag: Fuel level falls unexpectedly
- 05
Highway acceleration
What to check: Ensure vehicle accelerates smoothly without hesitation.
Red flag: Hesitation or loss of power
- 06
Braking test
What to check: Apply brakes firmly to check stopping power and noises.
Red flag: Brakes feel spongy or noisy
- 07
Steering at highway speed
What to check: Confirm vehicle tracks straight and stable.
Red flag: Vehicle pulls to one side
- 08
Low-speed turns
What to check: Feel for unusual vibrations or noises.
Red flag: Vibrations or clunks during turns
Questions for the seller
Use this exact phrasing.
- Has the fuel pump module been recalled?
- Were suspension toe links checked or replaced?
- Have there been any steering system repairs?
- Is there a record of previous recalls addressed?
- What is the vehicle's service history like?
Documents to request
Don't sign anything until you have these.
- Vehicle service history
- Recall repair documentation
- Title and registration papers
- Accident history report
- Warranty information
Generated by gpt-4o on from the NHTSA recall campaigns and owner-complaint counts on file for the 2013 Ford Taurus at the time. AI output can be wrong; confirm anything you find with a mechanic.
Next step
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