2013 Ford Taurus

2013 Ford Taurus

Overview

The 2013 Ford Taurus is a full-size sedan known for its comfortable ride and spacious interior. It offered a range of powertrain options, including a standard V6, a more fuel-efficient turbocharged four-cylinder, and a powerful SHO variant. While generally considered a solid vehicle, like any model, it has specific areas where owners have reported issues. This analysis focuses on documented technical reliability concerns beyond routine maintenance, providing insights into potential problem areas for the 2013 model year across its various configurations.

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Engine

3.5L V6

Coolant Leaks

• Symptoms: Visible coolant puddles under the vehicle, low coolant level warning light, engine overheating.
• Solution: Replacement of leaking hoses, water pump, or intake manifold gaskets.
• Cost: $300 - $700

Intake Manifold Runner Control (IMRC) Issues

• Symptoms: Check engine light, rough idle, poor engine performance, especially at lower RPMs.
• Solution: Replacement of the IMRC actuator or linkage.
• Cost: $250 - $500

2.0L EcoBoost Turbocharged I4

Turbocharger Issues

• Symptoms: Loss of power, whistling noises from the engine bay, check engine light.
• Solution: Repair or replacement of the turbocharger assembly.
• Cost: $800 - $1500

Cooling System Leaks

• Symptoms: Similar to 3.5L V6: visible coolant leaks, overheating, low coolant warnings.
• Solution: Inspection and replacement of faulty hoses, thermostat housing, or water pump.
• Cost: $300 - $700

3.5L V6 EcoBoost (SHO)

Timing Chain Issues

• Symptoms: Rattling noise from the front of the engine, especially on startup; check engine light.
• Solution: Replacement of timing chain, tensioners, and guides.
• Cost: $1200 - $2000

Turbocharger Failure

• Symptoms: Significant loss of power, exhaust smoke, turbo warning light.
• Solution: Replacement of turbocharger units.
• Cost: $1500 - $2500

Transmission

6F50/6F55 6-Speed Automatic

Harsh Shifting / Hesitation

• Symptoms: Jerky gear changes, delayed engagement, shuddering during acceleration.
• Solution: Transmission fluid flush and filter replacement, software update, or internal transmission repair.
• Cost: $400 - $1500

Transmission Fluid Leaks

• Symptoms: Puddles of reddish fluid under the vehicle, burning smell, slipping gears.
• Solution: Replacement of seals, transmission lines, or pan gasket.
• Cost: $200 - $500

Suspension

Standard Chassis

Worn Struts/Shocks

• Symptoms: Bouncy ride, excessive body roll, clunking noises over bumps.
• Solution: Replacement of front or rear struts/shocks.
• Cost: $500 - $900

Control Arm Bushing Wear

• Symptoms: Clunking or rattling noises from the front end, vague steering feel.
• Solution: Replacement of worn control arm bushings or the entire control arm assembly.
• Cost: $400 - $700

Adaptive Suspension (SHO)

Electronic Shock Absorber Failure

• Symptoms: Harsh ride, warning lights on the dashboard related to suspension system, uneven ride height.
• Solution: Replacement of faulty adaptive shock absorbers.
• Cost: $800 - $1500 per corner

Electrical

General Electrical System

Infotainment System Glitches

• Symptoms: Touchscreen unresponsiveness, freezing, audio issues, Bluetooth connectivity problems.
• Solution: Software updates, system resets, or replacement of the infotainment module.
• Cost: $300 - $800

Battery Drain Issues

• Symptoms: Dead battery after sitting for a short period, electrical components malfunctioning intermittently.
• Solution: Diagnosis of parasitic draw, replacement of faulty modules or wiring.
• Cost: $200 - $600

Exterior

General Exterior

No Major Issues

• Symptoms: No widespread reported issues beyond typical wear and tear.
• Solution: N/A
• Cost: N/A

Interior

General Interior

No Major Issues

• Symptoms: No widespread reported issues beyond typical wear and tear.
• Solution: N/A
• Cost: N/A

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Summary Verdict

The 2013 Ford Taurus presents a generally reliable package, particularly with its standard V6 and the EcoBoost four-cylinder engines. The most common reported issues tend to revolve around the cooling system (leaks, particularly around the intake manifold on V6 models) and the automatic transmission, which can exhibit harsh shifting or hesitation. The SHO model, while powerful, carries a higher risk of more significant engine and suspension component failures, such as timing chains and adaptive suspension parts. Electrical gremlins, primarily related to the infotainment system, are also noted. Overall, addressing potential cooling and transmission concerns proactively can contribute to a positive ownership experience.