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2012 Ford Taurus engine problems

severe 8 complaints filed with NHTSA · avg repair $3,100 · see engine across all vehicles →

Failure mileage
Complaints
8
Recalls
0
Avg fix
$3,100
1fire

When does it fail?

Of the 8 engine complaints filed for the 2012 Ford Taurus, here's the actual mileage breakdown — failures cluster heaviest at 0-25,000 mi.

0-25k
1 (33.3%)
25-50k
1 (33.3%)
50-75k
1 (33.3%)
75-100k
0 (0%)
100-125k
0 (0%)
125-150k
0 (0%)
150k+
0 (0%)

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

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.

What owners are reporting 3 most recent

engine · 3,700 mi · filed 12/28/2012

Tl* the contact owns a 2012 Ford taurus. While driving approximately 70 MPH, the engine stalled without warning. The vehicle was coasted to the side of the road and then towed to an authorized dealer. A diagnostic test was performed which detected no trouble codes. The failure recurred on two separate occasion and the vehicle was taken back to the dealer. The technician was unable to neither…

engine · 29,699 mi · filed 11/17/2015

While driving in traffic the engine suddenly shut off and all systems shut off. The vehicle was in motion on a highway going straight. Had to coast to the shoulder of the highway and after a few minutes the engine started.

engine · 50,000 mi · filed 09/29/2017

Car stalled compltly shut down on the highway while traveling at 115 klm an hour in hot humid weather.

Had engine trouble with your 2012 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 2012 Ford Taurus?

It's a meaningful issue. 8 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 8 complaints that reported odometer mileage, most engine failures cluster between 21,000 and 78,000 miles, with the median around 30,000. A quarter of owners report trouble before 21,000; a quarter make it past 78,000. 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/2012/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.
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