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2012 Ford Taurus

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By Research the Car 5 min read

The 2012 Ford Taurus is a full-size sedan known for its comfortable ride, spacious interior, and available advanced technology. The engine options for the 2012 Taurus included a 3.5L Duratec V6 producing 263 horsepower and 249 lb-ft of torque, a 2.0L EcoBoost I4 producing 240 horsepower and 270 lb-ft of torque, and a 3.5L EcoBoost V6 producing 365 horsepower and 350 lb-ft of torque. All engine options came standard with a 6F35 or 6F50 6-speed automatic transmission. Many owners praised the Taurus for its quiet cabin and smooth handling, while common complaints often revolved around its large size making it difficult to park and maneuver in tight spaces, as well as some concerns regarding fuel economy, especially with the V6 engines.

Engine

3.5L Duratec V6

  • Coolant Leaks
    • Description/Symptoms: Coolant leaks may develop at the water pump, thermostat housing, or radiator hoses. Symptoms include a low coolant level, overheating, and a sweet smell coming from the engine bay.
    • Solution: Replace the leaking component (water pump, thermostat housing, hose).
    • Estimated Cost to Fix: $200 - $800+ (depending on component and labor)
    • Recalls: None Found
  • Throttle Body Issues
    • Description/Symptoms: Rough idling, stalling, and hesitation upon acceleration. May also trigger the check engine light. This is caused by a dirty or malfunctioning electronic throttle body.
    • Solution: Clean the throttle body. In some cases, replacement of the throttle body may be necessary.
    • Estimated Cost to Fix: $100 - $500+
    • Recalls: None Found

2.0L EcoBoost I4

  • Turbocharger Issues
    • Description/Symptoms: Loss of power, whistling noises from the engine bay, and/or a check engine light. Can be caused by leaks in the turbocharger oil or coolant lines.
    • Solution: Inspect and replace damaged turbocharger components, including oil and coolant lines. If the turbo itself is failing, it will need to be replaced.
    • Estimated Cost to Fix: $500 - $2000+
    • Recalls: None Found
  • Coolant Intrusion
    • Description/Symptoms: This engine is known to develop coolant intrusion issues. Symptoms include white smoke from the exhaust, loss of coolant, and misfires. This is caused by cracks in the cylinder head which allows coolant to leak into the combustion chamber.
    • Solution: Replace the cylinder head, or potentially replace the engine.
    • Estimated Cost to Fix: $2000 - $6000+
    • Recalls: None Found

3.5L EcoBoost V6

  • Turbocharger Issues
    • Description/Symptoms: Similar to the 2.0L EcoBoost, the 3.5L EcoBoost can experience turbocharger issues, including loss of power, unusual noises, and potential turbo failure.
    • Solution: Inspect and replace damaged turbocharger components, including oil and coolant lines. If the turbo itself is failing, it will need to be replaced.
    • Estimated Cost to Fix: $500 - $2000+
    • Recalls: None Found
  • Water Pump Failure
    • Description/Symptoms: Overheating, coolant loss, and a warning light. The water pump is located internally and can leak coolant into the engine oil if it fails.
    • Solution: Replace the water pump, which often requires significant labor due to its location.
    • Estimated Cost to Fix: $1000 - $2500+
    • Recalls: None Found

Transmission

6F35/6F50 6-Speed Automatic

  • Harsh Shifting/Slipping
    • Description/Symptoms: Harsh or erratic shifting, slipping between gears, delayed engagement, or complete failure to shift. This can be caused by worn valve body components, damaged solenoids, or clutch wear.
    • Solution: Transmission fluid flush, valve body repair or replacement, or complete transmission rebuild or replacement.
    • Estimated Cost to Fix: $200 - $4000+
    • Recalls: None Found
  • Torque Converter Issues
    • Description/Symptoms: Shuddering or vibrations at certain speeds, especially during light acceleration. Can also cause stalling or difficulty shifting.
    • Solution: Replace the torque converter.
    • Estimated Cost to Fix: $800 - $2000+
    • Recalls: None Found

Suspension

  • Strut Mount Failure
    • Description/Symptoms: Clunking noises from the front suspension, particularly when going over bumps. Can also cause poor handling and uneven tire wear.
    • Solution: Replace the strut mounts.
    • Estimated Cost to Fix: $300 - $800+
    • Recalls: None Found
  • Rear Suspension Noise
    • Description/Symptoms: Creaking or groaning sounds from the rear suspension, especially when going over bumps or turning. Can be caused by worn bushings or damaged control arms.
    • Solution: Replace the worn bushings or control arms.
    • Estimated Cost to Fix: $200 - $1000+
    • Recalls: None Found

Electrical

  • MyFord Touch System Issues
    • Description/Symptoms: Freezing, slow response times, and other software glitches.
    • Solution: Software updates, replacement of the APIM (Accessory Protocol Interface Module).
    • Estimated Cost to Fix: $100 - $1000+ (depending on the severity and fix)
    • Recalls: None Found
  • Door Lock Actuator Failure
    • Description/Symptoms: Door locks that do not function properly, including failing to lock or unlock.
    • Solution: Replace the faulty door lock actuator.
    • Estimated Cost to Fix: $150 - $400+ per door
    • Recalls: None Found

Exterior

  • Water Leaks in Trunk
    • Description/Symptoms: Water accumulation in the trunk area after rain or washing the vehicle. Can be caused by deteriorated weather stripping around the trunk lid or taillights.
    • Solution: Replace the weather stripping around the trunk lid and taillights.
    • Estimated Cost to Fix: $50 - $300+
    • Recalls: None Found
  • Power Mirror Failure
    • Description/Symptoms: The power side mirrors do not adjust properly, or fail to operate.
    • Solution: Replace the faulty power mirror assembly.
    • Estimated Cost to Fix: $200 - $500+
    • Recalls: None Found

Interior

  • Sunroof Issues
    • Description/Symptoms: Sunroof may leak, get stuck, or make excessive noise during operation.
    • Solution: Clean the sunroof drain tubes. Repair or replace the sunroof motor or assembly if necessary.
    • Estimated Cost to Fix: $50 - $1000+
    • Recalls: None Found
  • Heated Seat Malfunction
    • Description/Symptoms: Heated seats do not heat up, or only heat up intermittently.
    • Solution: Replace the faulty heating element or control module.
    • Estimated Cost to Fix: $200 - $600+ per seat
    • Recalls: None Found

Summary

The 2012 Ford Taurus, while offering a comfortable and spacious ride, does have some common issues that potential buyers should be aware of. Engine problems range from coolant leaks and turbocharger issues to more serious problems like water pump failure in the EcoBoost V6 and coolant intrusion in the EcoBoost I4, potentially leading to significant repair costs. Transmission problems, such as harsh shifting, slipping, and torque converter issues, can also lead to expensive repairs. Suspension issues, such as strut mount failure, are relatively common and contribute to handling problems and noise. Electrical issues, like MyFord Touch system malfunctions and door lock actuator failures, can be frustrating. Exterior issues, such as water leaks in the trunk, and interior issues like sunroof and heated seat malfunctions, can further add to the cost of ownership. The severity of these issues ranges from minor inconveniences to major mechanical failures, with repair costs potentially exceeding several thousand dollars, depending on the problem.

Ford, Taurus
Ford Taurus 2012
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