2011 Ford Taurus

The 2011 Ford Taurus is a full-size sedan known for its spacious interior, comfortable ride, and distinctive styling. Engine options included a 3.5L Duratec V6 producing 263 horsepower and 249 lb-ft of torque, and a 3.5L EcoBoost V6 producing 365 horsepower and 350 lb-ft of torque. Both engines were paired with a 6F50 6-speed automatic transmission. Owners often appreciate the Taurus’s roomy cabin and smooth highway performance. Common dislikes include its large size making it difficult to park in tight spaces and its relatively low fuel economy for a sedan.

Engine

3.5L Duratec V6

• Water Pump Failure
  • Description/Symptoms: The internal water pump on the 3.5L Duratec V6 can fail, leaking coolant into the engine oil. Symptoms include coolant loss, overheating, white smoke from the exhaust, and engine knocking.
  • Solution: Replace the water pump, timing chain, and potentially other engine components if coolant contamination is severe.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $1,500 - $3,000+
  • Recalls: None Found

3.5L EcoBoost V6

• Turbocharger Failure
  • Description/Symptoms: The turbochargers on the 3.5L EcoBoost engine can fail due to oil starvation or excessive heat. Symptoms include loss of power, excessive smoke from the exhaust, and turbocharger noise.
  • Solution: Replace the failed turbocharger. Inspect the oil supply lines and intercooler for any blockages or leaks.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $1,500 - $3,000+ per turbocharger
  • Recalls: None Found
• Wastegate Actuator Failure
  • Description/Symptoms: The wastegate actuator can fail, causing overboost or underboost conditions. Symptoms include loss of power, erratic engine performance, and a check engine light.
  • Solution: Replace the wastegate actuator.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $300 - $600
  • Recalls: None Found

Transmission

6F50 6-Speed Automatic

• Torque Converter Failure
  • Description/Symptoms: The torque converter can fail, causing shuddering, slipping, and harsh shifting.
  • Solution: Replace the torque converter and flush the transmission fluid.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $800 - $1,500
  • Recalls: None Found
• Valve Body Issues
  • Description/Symptoms: The valve body can experience wear and tear, leading to erratic shifting, delayed engagement, and transmission slipping.
  • Solution: Replace or rebuild the valve body.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $500 - $1,200
  • Recalls: None Found

Suspension

• Front Strut Mount Failure
  • Description/Symptoms: The front strut mounts can wear out or fail, causing clunking noises, especially when turning or going over bumps.
  • Solution: Replace the front strut mounts.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $300 - $600
  • Recalls: None Found
• Rear Wheel Bearing Failure
  • Description/Symptoms: Rear wheel bearings wear out causing a roaring sound that increases with vehicle speed.
  • Solution: Replace the rear wheel bearing.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $250 - $500
  • Recalls: None Found

Electrical

• Power Window Motor Failure
  • Description/Symptoms: Power window motor stops working. The window will not move up or down.
  • Solution: Replace the power window motor.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $200 - $400
  • Recalls: None Found
• Alternator Failure
  • Description/Symptoms: Battery won’t stay charged or car won’t start. The battery light may be on.
  • Solution: Replace the alternator.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $300 - $600
  • Recalls: None Found

Exterior

• Door Handle Failure
  • Description/Symptoms: Exterior door handles breaking or becoming difficult to use.
  • Solution: Replace the affected door handle.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $100 - $300
  • Recalls: None Found

Interior

• Sunroof Issues
  • Description/Symptoms: Sunroof malfunctioning, getting stuck, or leaking.
  • Solution: Repair or replace the sunroof motor, track, or seals.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $200 - $800+
  • Recalls: None Found

Summary:

The 2011 Ford Taurus can experience various issues, with the most significant being related to the engine (especially the water pump on the 3.5L Duratec V6 and turbochargers on the 3.5L EcoBoost V6) and transmission. These issues can be costly to repair. Other issues include suspension, electrical, and interior components. While not all vehicles will experience these problems, potential buyers should be aware of these common complaints and factor them into their purchase decision.