2007 Ford Taurus
The 2007 Ford Taurus marked a return of the nameplate after a brief hiatus, representing a significant refresh from previous generations. It was available with two engine options: a 3.5L Duratec 35 V6 producing around 263 horsepower and 249 lb-ft of torque and a 3.0L Duratec 30 V6 producing around 203 horsepower and 207 lb-ft of torque. Both engines were paired with the Ford/GM 6F50 6-speed automatic transmission. Owners generally appreciated the Taurus for its comfortable ride, spacious interior, and reliability (compared to some competitors), but some disliked its somewhat bland styling and less-than-stellar fuel economy.
Engine
3.0L Duratec 30 V6
- Failed Coil Packs
- Description/Symptoms: Engine misfires, rough running, check engine light illumination. Often occurs at higher mileage.
- Solution: Replace the faulty coil pack(s).
- Estimated Cost to Fix: $50 - $150+ per coil pack (parts and labor)
- Recalls: None Found
- Camshaft Synchronizer Failure
- Description/Symptoms: Squealing or chirping noise from the engine, particularly at idle. May eventually lead to stalling or rough running.
- Solution: Replace the camshaft synchronizer assembly.
- Estimated Cost to Fix: $200 - $400+
- Recalls: None Found
3.5L Duratec 35 V6
- Failed Throttle Body
- Description/Symptoms: Erratic idling, stalling, hesitation during acceleration, check engine light illumination.
- Solution: Replacement of the throttle body assembly. Cleaning may temporarily alleviate the issue, but replacement is usually necessary.
- Estimated Cost to Fix: $250 - $450+
- Recalls: None Found
- Water Pump Failure
- Description/Symptoms: Coolant leak, overheating, engine damage if not addressed promptly. The water pump is internal to the engine.
- Solution: Replacement of the water pump, often requiring significant engine disassembly.
- Estimated Cost to Fix: $800 - $1500+
- Recalls: None Found
Transmission
Ford/GM 6F50 6-Speed Automatic Transmission (Both 3.0L & 3.5L Engines)
- Torque Converter Failure
- Description/Symptoms: Shuddering, slipping, or harsh shifting, especially at lower speeds. Check engine light may illuminate.
- Solution: Replacement of the torque converter, potentially along with a transmission fluid flush and filter change.
- Estimated Cost to Fix: $800 - $1500+
- Recalls: None Found
- Valve Body Issues
- Description/Symptoms: Hard or erratic shifting, delayed engagement, or complete loss of gear.
- Solution: Replacement or rebuild of the valve body. May require transmission removal.
- Estimated Cost to Fix: $500 - $1200+
- Recalls: None Found
Suspension
- Worn Struts and Shocks
- Description/Symptoms: Bouncy ride, excessive body roll during turns, poor handling, uneven tire wear.
- Solution: Replacement of worn struts and/or shocks.
- Estimated Cost to Fix: $300 - $800+ per axle (depending on parts and labor)
- Recalls: None Found
- Failed Wheel Hub Assemblies
- Description/Symptoms: Grinding or humming noise coming from the wheel area, especially when turning.
- Solution: Replacement of the affected wheel hub assembly.
- Estimated Cost to Fix: $200 - $500+ per wheel
- Recalls: None Found
Electrical
- Instrument Cluster Issues
- Description/Symptoms: Intermittent or complete failure of the instrument cluster, including gauges and displays.
- Solution: Repair or replacement of the instrument cluster.
- Estimated Cost to Fix: $200 - $600+
- Recalls: None Found
- Door Lock Actuator Failure
- Description/Symptoms: Door locks failing to lock or unlock electronically, requiring manual operation.
- Solution: Replacement of the faulty door lock actuator.
- Estimated Cost to Fix: $150 - $350+ per door
- Recalls: None Found
Exterior
- Rust (Especially in areas with road salt)
- Description/Symptoms: Rust forming on body panels, particularly around wheel wells, rocker panels, and door edges.
- Solution: Rust repair, panel replacement, and repainting.
- Estimated Cost to Fix: $300+ per affected area (can vary greatly depending on severity)
- Recalls: None Found
Interior
- Airbag Clockspring Failure
- Description/Symptoms: Airbag light illumination, loss of steering wheel-mounted controls (horn, audio controls), and potential issues with airbag deployment.
- Solution: Replacement of the airbag clockspring.
- Estimated Cost to Fix: $200 - $400+
- Recalls: None Found
- Broken Blend Door Actuator
- Description/Symptoms: Clicking noise from dashboard area and inability to adjust temperature of the air from the vents.
- Solution: Replacement of blend door actuator.
- Estimated Cost to Fix: $200 - $500+
- Recalls: None Found
Summary
The 2007 Ford Taurus, while generally considered a reliable vehicle, does have some common issues that potential buyers should be aware of. Engine issues, particularly with the throttle body on the 3.5L and coil packs/camshaft synchronizer on the 3.0L, can lead to drivability problems and moderate repair costs. Transmission problems, especially torque converter and valve body issues on the 6F50 transmission, can be more expensive to address. Suspension issues are typical for a vehicle of this age, and electrical glitches can be annoying. Rust can also be a concern in certain climates. Overall, the severity and cost of these potential problems vary, but a thorough inspection before purchase is recommended.