I was driving down the interstate when the car started running real choppy and misfiring. I got the car to a safe destination. After restarting the vehicle, there was a tremendous amount of white smoke coming from the exhaust. I was able to get it to our nearest Ford dealership. Prior to this incident there were no check engine lights, no problems passing emissions, just no signs that anything…
2010 Ford Taurus engine problems
severe 32 complaints filed with NHTSA · avg repair $3,100 · see engine across all vehicles →
Failure mileage
Complaints
32
Recalls
0
Avg fix
$3,100
2fires
When does it fail?
Of the 32 engine complaints filed for the 2010 Ford Taurus, here's the actual mileage breakdown — failures cluster heaviest at 50,000-75,000 mi.
0-25k
25-50k
50-75k
75-100k
100-125k
125-150k
150k+
Each bar shows the share of total complaints filed at that mileage range. Peak failure window highlighted. Some owners report problems earlier; some make it well past 150,000 miles symptom-free. Maintenance habits and driving conditions shift the curve as much as mileage alone.
What stands out
Owners have filed 32 engine complaints with NHTSA against this vehicle, but no formal recall covers the issue — the federal record reflects what manufacturers have admitted, not everything owners are reporting.
No new NHTSA engine complaint has been filed on this vehicle in over 13 years — the issue may be aging out of the active population.
The failure pattern owners describe
Buyer takeaway: A used 2010 Ford Taurus faces widespread engine problems: sudden stalling on the highway (power-steering loss), internal water pump failures that destroy the engine silently, fuel injector malfunctions, and fire hazards on turbocharged models—most without warning lights or dealer-detectable codes. Repair costs hit $5,000–$7,300 for engine replacement; many dealerships cannot diagnose intermittent failures, and Ford typically refuses recalls or financial help after warranty expiration.
The 2010 Taurus engine shows a pattern of sudden, dangerous power loss on highways and city streets, sometimes at speeds over 65 mph. Drivers describe the engine cutting out completely—power steering and electrical systems fail, forcing manual steering to the shoulder while the engine is dead. The vehicle typically restarts fine, but the same stall can recur months or years later. Dealerships frequently run diagnostics and find nothing, unable to duplicate the failure.
A second critical failure is internal water pump collapse on 3.5L DuRatec engines. The pump leaks coolant directly into the crankcase, mixing oil and coolant invisibly. No external leak appears, so owners miss the warning until the engine overheats and suffers catastrophic internal damage. One owner-supervisor from a fleet operation reports five Taurus engine failures in four months on 2010–2012 models at 100,000–150,000 miles, all traced to water pump failure. Engine replacement costs $5,000–$7,300.
Fuel injectors malfunction on some vehicles, sticking open and dumping raw gasoline into cylinders, causing violent misfiring and white-smoke discharge. Multiple separate injector failures on the same vehicle are documented, with dealers unable to find root cause.
EcoBoost turbocharged SHO models develop severe oil leaks from turbo return-line gaskets. Oil accumulates on the turbo near 700°C exhaust temperatures, creating a fire hazard (motor oil flash point is 435°C). Owners report fires on these vehicles; a TSB exists but reportedly fails to stop leaks for many owners.
Two additional catastrophic failures appear: an engine block with two holes as if parts shot out, and a complete engine fire. Owners consistently report Ford refusing recalls, declining financial assistance after warranty expiration, and dealerships unable to diagnose intermittent stalling despite multiple service visits.
Same Ford Taurus engine reports on nearby years: 2007 · 2008 · 2009 · 2011 · 2013
Failure modes owners describe
Sudden Loss of Power / Engine Stalling
Engine cuts power without warning at highway and city speeds (15–70 mph), often requiring the driver to shift to Park and restart. Occurs intermittently over months or years. Vehicle loses power steering and electrical systems (lights, cruise control, center stack). Some incidents happen while using cruise control. Owners report dealerships cannot duplicate the problem.
When: As early as under 1,000 miles; recurs over years of ownership (incidents recorded up to 150,000 miles)
Symptoms owners cite: Engine shuts off completely without warning; Loss of power steering; Electrical systems deactivate (cruise control, center stack, dashboard displays); Message center instructs driver to shift to Park while vehicle is moving; Engine restarts normally after shifting to Park; Intermittent recurrence—may not happen for months
Codes mentioned: No diagnostic codes found by dealers
Repairs/costs cited: Throttle body assembly replacement reported; dealerships often find nothing wrong and cannot replicate failure. TSBs referenced by owner regarding 'intermittent lack of power.'
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Ford declines recalls; states no defect found. Refuses loaner vehicles or replacement. Ford customer care initially refused NHTSA reporting.
Water Pump Internal Failure (3.5L DuRatec)
Internal water pump fails, leaking coolant into the crankcase and mixing with engine oil. No external leak visible. Coolant loss causes overheating; oil-coolant mixture internally damages engine before overheating warning triggers. Coolant degrades oil, preventing early warning of the failure. Results in complete engine failure and catastrophic damage. Reported across multiple 2010–2012 fleet vehicles at 100,000–150,000 miles.
When: 100,000–150,000 miles; owner fleet reports five failures in four months on 2010–2012 vehicles
Symptoms owners cite: Engine overheating warning light illuminates; Engine loses power; Puff of steam or smoke from under hood (right front passenger side reported); Radiator reservoir low on fluid; Chocolate-milky substance on oil dipstick (oil–coolant mixture); White smoke from exhaust; Engine shaking and misfiring
Codes mentioned: Check engine light (context-dependent)
Repairs/costs cited: Requires complete engine replacement. Estimated cost $5,000–$7,300. No water pump replacement alone sufficient—internal damage already occurred. Owner fleet supervisor states water pump replacement should be recommended by Ford before 100,000 miles.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: No recall issued. No proactive TSB or maintenance interval change published. No financial assistance offered for catastrophic failure.
Fuel Injector Failure
Fuel injectors stick open or fail, dumping raw gasoline into cylinders and exhaust. Engine misfires, shakes, and loses power. Check engine light blinks. Occurs on multiple cylinders across different occasions (cylinders #6, #4, #2 reported). Dealers initially misdiagnose as contaminated fuel or alcohol in gasoline; root cause investigation inconclusive.
When: 2014–2015 period; three separate injector failures over approximately nine months
Symptoms owners cite: Engine shaking and misfiring; Sudden loss of power and acceleration; Check engine light blinks; Loud noise from engine; Raw gasoline smell and visible fuel dumps into exhaust
Codes mentioned: Check engine light (specific codes not stated in narratives)
Repairs/costs cited: Fuel injector replacement; dealership investigated for contaminated fuel and high alcohol content but found nothing. No root cause identified. Owner states dealership eventually 'just fixed it' without determining underlying cause.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: No recall or TSB mentioned. Dealership performed repairs under warranty or at owner expense; no statement from Ford on systemic issue.
Turbo Oil Leak / Fire Hazard (EcoBoost)
Left-hand turbo (front turbo) on SHO models covered in oil from failed gasket on oil return line. Oil leaks near high-temperature exhaust (700°C+), creating severe fire hazard (5W-30 oil flash point 435°C). Reports of fires on these vehicles. TSB exists but does not resolve issue for some owners. No current recall despite documented fire risk.
When: Varies; owner references lawsuits filed in 2013; ongoing reports on forums
Symptoms owners cite: Turbo covered in oil; Oil leak from return line gasket; Risk of fire near exhaust system; Fire reported on vehicle
Repairs/costs cited: TSB available but reportedly ineffective for some owners. Owners expected to pay for updated design installation despite manufacturing defect.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: TSB issued but ineffective. No recall. Lawsuit filed 2013 against Ford for defective EcoBoost; no resolution stated.
Engine Misfire and Compression Loss
Engine misfires, runs rough, produces white smoke from exhaust at startup after incident. Diagnostic testing shows zero compression in one cylinder. No check engine light prior to failure. Two-year-old vehicle with low mileage. Requires complete engine replacement.
When: Two years after purchase; approximately 30,000–40,000 miles (unconfirmed exact mileage)
Symptoms owners cite: Choppy, rough running (real choppy misfiring); White smoke from exhaust; No check engine light before failure; No prior emission test failures
Codes mentioned: Zero compression detected in one cylinder
Repairs/costs cited: Complete engine replacement. Original dealer quoted $6,800; Ford offered partial financial assistance after service records provided. Owner paid approximately $5,000 out of pocket.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Ford offered cost assistance (partial) after owner complaint. Engine sent to Ford for examination; findings not disclosed in narrative.
Cruise Control / Collision Avoidance System Malfunction
Cruise control and collision avoidance system malfunction, causing stalling. 'Collision Warning' and 'Driver Intervention' symbols illuminate on instrument panel before vehicle stalls. Occurs while using cruise control at highway speeds. Dealership cannot duplicate failure.
When: Early ownership; under 2,500 miles
Symptoms owners cite: Collision Warning symbol illuminates; Driver Intervention symbol illuminates; Vehicle stalls within one-half mile of warning symbols; Occurs while using cruise control
Repairs/costs cited: Dealership installed recording device to capture failure; no repairs made initially.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: No recall or TSB mentioned.
Engine Overheat and Coolant Loss
Engine overheating warning light illuminates during driving; engine loses most power. Coolant tank empty or extremely low. Water pump failure confirmed by dealer (in context of other complaints, internal leak into crankcase). No visible external leak.
When: Varies; one report at approximately 150,000 miles
Symptoms owners cite: Overheating warning light; Loss of power; Coolant reservoir empty; No visible external leaks; Exhaust gases visible in coolant
Repairs/costs cited: Dealer suspects water pump failure; recommends engine replacement due to high mileage and internal damage.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: No recall or proactive maintenance interval issued.
Intermittent Power Loss with Electrical Failure
Intermittent total loss of engine power accompanied by dashboard light (D) going out and electrical accessories (cruise control, rear window shade, reverse lights) shutting down. Engine regains power within 30 seconds. Reverse lights reportedly illuminate while D light is off. Multiple dealership visits cannot resolve issue.
When: Intermittent across vehicle ownership
Symptoms owners cite: Complete loss of engine power; Dashboard D light goes out; Electrical accessories deactivate (cruise control, rear window shade); Reverse lights turn on and stay on during power loss; Power returns within 30 seconds; Issue appears resolved when accelerating hard or restarting vehicle
Repairs/costs cited: Five visits to two separate dealerships; engine periodically continues to do this despite repairs.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: No recall or TSB mentioned.
Engine Surge and Acceleration Control Failure
Vehicle surges unexpectedly while in cruise control, causing cruise control to disengage. On takeoff from stops, vehicle surges harshly. During downshifting while merging or passing, vehicle stalls for 3–6 seconds, causing traffic behind to take evasive action. Issue happens from 30–70 mph. Dealerships cannot diagnose root cause.
When: From beginning of ownership; ongoing
Symptoms owners cite: Sudden engine surge while cruising; Cruise control disengages automatically; Harsh bump on takeoff from stops; Stalling for 3–6 seconds during downshift merges/passing; Delayed acceleration on takoff (falls back one car length)
Repairs/costs cited: Dealership visits inconclusive; no repairs made.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Salesman dismissed issue as 'just a hot car.'
Engine Fire
Vehicle caught fire while owner was driving, forcing exit. Fire department responded and extinguished flames. Vehicle deemed total loss by insurance. No external cause identified before fire. Occurs at approximately 142,000 miles.
When: Approximately 142,000 miles
Symptoms owners cite: Smoke coming from under hood at 40 mph; Interior filled with smoke; Vehicle engulfed in flames; Owner forced to exit vehicle
Repairs/costs cited: Vehicle total loss; fire department and police reports filed.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Manufacturer not notified; no dealer contact made.
Engine Catastrophic Failure / Piston Blow-Out
Engine makes loud noise and produces smoke. Upon inspection, two holes visible in engine block as though something shot out of it. Manufacturing defect suspected by independent mechanic. Complete engine replacement required.
When: While driving; approximately 10 minutes from residence
Symptoms owners cite: Engine noise and smoke; Two holes in engine block; Evidence of internal part ejection
Repairs/costs cited: Complete engine replacement. Warranty expired a few months prior; owner paid full cost.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Ford refused to cover under warranty; stated nothing could be done after warranty expiration.
Engine Noise and Electrical Issues
Service engine sensor illuminates intermittently. Clicking noise heard when turning on A/C or heating, and upon starting vehicle. Vehicle stalls without warning when A/C control turned on while driving.
When: Approximately 60,000 miles
Symptoms owners cite: Service engine sensor light intermittent; Clicking noise from A/C or heating control activation; Clicking noise on startup; Vehicle stalls when A/C activated during driving
Repairs/costs cited: Vehicle not repaired or diagnosed by owner.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Manufacturer notified.
Synthesized from 32 NHTSA owner complaints — unverified consumer allegations, summarized for patterns. The verbatim filings appear below.
What owners are reporting 2 most recent
Tl* the contact owns a 2010 Ford taurus sho. The contact stated that intermittently, the vehicle would lose power abnormally. The vehicle would not stall but loose power for a few moments before independently regaining power. The dealer inspected the vehicle several times but was unable to locate or duplicate the failure. The failure mileage was 24 and the current mileage is 4, 819. Updated…
Had engine trouble with your 2010 Ford Taurus?
File a complaint with NHTSA → It's free, official, and how every report above got here — owner filings are the federal safety record this page is built on.
Common questions
How serious is the engine problem on the 2010 Ford Taurus?
It's a meaningful issue. 32 complaints have been filed and the failure mode causes operational problems for owners. Repairs average $3,100.
At what mileage does the engine typically fail?
Across the 28 complaints that reported odometer mileage, most engine failures cluster between 30,000 and 120,000 miles, with the median around 60,000. A quarter of owners report trouble before 30,000; a quarter make it past 120,000. Maintenance history matters more than the odometer alone — this is the reported failure window, not a guarantee.
What does it cost to fix?
Independent shops typically charge around $3,100 for engine repairs on this vehicle. Dealer pricing tends to run 20-40% higher. The exact figure depends on the specific failure mode, parts availability, and your local labor rates. If you're outside factory warranty, an extended service contract often covers this category.
Are there any recalls related to engine?
No active recalls currently cover engine issues on this vehicle. The complaints filed represent owner-reported failures that haven't risen to the level of a manufacturer-issued recall — but they're still worth knowing about before you buy or budget for repairs.
Related
Complaint and recall data sourced from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA)
public records database. Verify the raw federal record at
nhtsa.gov/vehicle/2010/Ford/Taurus.
Severity ratings are derived from reported crashes, fires, injuries, and fatalities. Repair cost estimates are
independent-shop national averages and may differ in your area. Some links on this page are affiliate links.