2014 Ford Taurus

Here’s a comprehensive breakdown of common issues and complaints for the 2014 Ford Taurus, organized by category and engine/transmission configuration.

The 2014 Ford Taurus is a full-size sedan known for its spacious interior, comfortable ride, and available all-wheel drive. Engine options include a 3.5L V6 producing 288 horsepower and 254 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 engines are paired with a 6-speed automatic transmission. People often like the Taurus’s roomy cabin and smooth highway cruising, while common dislikes include its large size making it difficult to park, and its relatively poor fuel economy compared to smaller cars.

Engine

3.5L V6 (Non-EcoBoost)

• Water Pump Failure
  • Description/Symptoms: Coolant leaking from the front of the engine, overheating, low coolant level warning light. The internal water pump is driven by the timing chain, and when it fails it can leak coolant into the engine oil.
  • Solution: Replacement of the water pump, timing chain, and potentially other related components (seals, tensioners). In severe cases, engine damage may require more extensive repairs.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $1500 - $2500+
  • Recalls: None Found
• Evaporator Core Leak
  • Description/Symptoms: A/C not blowing cold, musty/moldy smell, oily film on windows.
  • Solution: Replacement of the evaporator core.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $1000 - $2000+
  • Recalls: None Found

2.0L EcoBoost I4

• Coolant Intrusion
  • Description/Symptoms: Coolant leaks into the engine cylinders, resulting in white smoke from the exhaust, rough running, and potential engine damage.
  • Solution: Replacement of the engine block, or potentially a complete engine replacement.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $4000 - $7000+
  • Recalls: None Found

3.5L EcoBoost V6

• Turbocharger Failure
  • Description/Symptoms: Loss of power, excessive turbocharger noise (whining or hissing), check engine light.
  • Solution: Replacement of the faulty turbocharger(s).
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $1500 - $3000+ (per turbocharger)
  • Recalls: None Found

Transmission

6-Speed Automatic (All Engine Options)

• Torque Converter Failure
  • Description/Symptoms: Shuddering or vibrations during acceleration, especially at low speeds. Difficulty shifting gears, stalling.
  • Solution: Replacement of the torque converter.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $800 - $1500+
  • Recalls: None Found
• Shifting Problems
  • Description/Symptoms: Harsh or delayed shifting, transmission slipping, failure to shift into certain gears.
  • Solution: Often requires valve body replacement or a complete transmission rebuild/replacement.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $1500 - $4000+
  • Recalls: None Found

Suspension

• Front Strut Failure
  • Description/Symptoms: Clunking or knocking noises from the front suspension, especially when going over bumps. Excessive bouncing, uneven tire wear.
  • Solution: Replacement of the front struts (often done in pairs).
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $400 - $800+ (per pair)
  • Recalls: None Found
• Rear Wheel Bearing Failure
  • Description/Symptoms: Grinding or humming noise from the rear of the vehicle, noise increases with speed.
  • Solution: Replacement of the rear wheel bearing(s).
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $300 - $600+ (per wheel bearing)
  • Recalls: None Found

Electrical

• Door Ajar Issues
  • Description/Symptoms: The “door ajar” warning light stays on even when all doors are closed properly. Interior lights may stay on.
  • Solution: Replacement of the door latch assembly containing the door ajar sensor.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $200 - $400+ (per door)
  • Recalls: None Found
• SYNC System Malfunctions
  • Description/Symptoms: Freezing, crashing, failure to connect to Bluetooth devices, unresponsive touchscreen.
  • Solution: Software updates, module replacement.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $0 (for software updates) to $500+ (for module replacement)
  • Recalls: None Found
• Blend Door Actuator Failure
  • Description/Symptoms: HVAC system only blows hot or cold air, or air only comes from one side. Clicking or tapping noises from behind the dashboard.
  • Solution: Replacement of the blend door actuator.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $200-$500+
  • Recalls: None Found

Exterior

• Power Mirror Failure
  • Description/Symptoms: Power mirrors stop adjusting.
  • Solution: Power mirror replacement.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $300 - $700+
  • Recalls: None Found

Interior

• Seat Heater Malfunction
  • Description/Symptoms: Seat heaters fail to turn on or overheat.
  • Solution: Replacement of the heating element or control module.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $200 - $500+
  • Recalls: None Found
• Sunroof Issues
  • Description/Symptoms: Sunroof gets stuck, won’t open or close, or leaks when closed.
  • Solution: Repair or replacement of the sunroof motor, track, or seals.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $200-$800+
  • Recalls: None Found

Summary

The 2014 Ford Taurus can be a comfortable and spacious vehicle, but potential buyers should be aware of the common issues. Engine problems, particularly with the water pump on the 3.5L V6 and coolant intrusion on the 2.0L EcoBoost, can be costly to repair. Transmission issues are also a concern across all engine options. Electrical gremlins with the SYNC system and door ajar sensors can be frustrating. Overall, while many Tauruses are reliable, it’s wise to have any prospective purchase inspected by a mechanic to check for these potential problems and factor in potential repair costs.