2013 Ford Taurus cruise control problems
severe 10 complaints filed with NHTSA · avg repair $600 · see cruise control across all vehicles →
The failure pattern owners describe
Buyer takeaway: A 2013 Taurus with throttle or idle-control problems can lose power without warning while driving or surge forward unpredictably—both dangerous situations. Dealers have identified throttle body and sensor failures but Ford has not recalled this model, leaving owners to pay $400–$800 for repairs themselves.
Owners report two main failure patterns tied to throttle and idle control. Most common is sudden loss of engine power while driving, often accompanied by a wrench warning light and violent shaking. The power loss occurs unpredictably—during acceleration from stops, at highway speeds, in intersections—leaving drivers unable to control the vehicle. Restarting the engine typically restores function temporarily, but the failure recurs. One owner experienced this happen several times before the dealership diagnosed a throttle body speed sensor failure; another faced a $800 repair with the part on back order.
The second pattern is unintended acceleration: the engine revs hard without pedal input, the vehicle surges forward or backward, and pressing the brake doesn't fully stop it. One incident resulted in whiplash when a car reversed into a wall. Dealers have identified throttle body defects and throttle body control module failures as the cause. One owner's code reader flagged a throttle body control module replacement need. Ford has reportedly acknowledged throttle body issues on *some* models but denied coverage for this 2013 Taurus, leaving owners to cover $400–$800 repair costs out of pocket. No recall has been issued for this vehicle.
Same Ford Taurus cruise control reports on nearby years: 2010 · 2011
Failure modes owners describe
Throttle body loss of power / limp mode
Engine loses power while driving; vehicle decelerates, shakes violently, and becomes difficult or impossible to control. Wrench warning light illuminates. Function typically returns after turning the engine off and restarting, but the condition recurs intermittently, often during acceleration from stops or at highway speeds.
When: 40,000–67,000 miles; occurs repeatedly during normal driving
Symptoms owners cite: Sudden loss of engine power while driving; Violent shaking and deceleration; Wrench warning light on dashboard; No response to accelerator pedal; Vehicle difficult to maneuver or control
Codes mentioned: Throttle body defect, Throttle body speed sensor failure, Throttle body control module failure
Repairs/costs cited: $400–$800 repair cost; throttle body or throttle body control module replacement; parts reported on back order (1,562 units back-ordered per one complaint)
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Ford acknowledged throttle body issues on some models but denied coverage for 2013 Taurus; no recall issued; parts availability limited
Unintended acceleration / stuck accelerator
Engine revs rapidly without driver input; vehicle surges forward or backward with force. Brake pedal application does not reliably stop the vehicle. Occurs typically during low-speed maneuvering or after brief stops. One incident resulted in collision with wall and whiplash injury to occupants.
When: 4,000–42,000 miles; occurs during low-speed maneuvers, parking lot exits, driveway entry, or after traffic stops
Symptoms owners cite: Engine revs suddenly without accelerator pedal pressure; Vehicle lurches forward or backward uncontrollably; Brake pedal ineffective or delayed in stopping vehicle; High engine RPM; Loud engine noise
Codes mentioned: Accelerator pedal stuck, Throttle control malfunction
Repairs/costs cited: Dealer inspection and diagnostic testing performed on at least one vehicle; repair not detailed in narratives
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Manufacturer notified on at least one incident; no recall or warranty program mentioned
Synthesized from 10 NHTSA owner complaints — unverified consumer allegations, summarized for patterns. The verbatim filings appear below.
What owners are reporting 0 most recent
Common questions
How serious is the cruise control problem on the 2013 Ford Taurus?
It's a meaningful issue. 10 complaints have been filed and the failure mode causes operational problems for owners. Repairs average $600.
At what mileage does the cruise control typically fail?
Across the 10 complaints that reported odometer mileage, most cruise control failures cluster between 42,000 and 63,000 miles, with the median around 62,423. A quarter of owners report trouble before 42,000; a quarter make it past 63,000. 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 $600 for cruise control 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 cruise control?
No active recalls currently cover cruise control 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.