2016 Ford Taurus
2016 Ford Taurus
Overview
The 2016 Ford Taurus, a full-size sedan, offered a blend of comfort, performance, and technology. It was available with several powertrain options, including a fuel-efficient turbocharged four-cylinder and more powerful V6 engines, paired with a capable automatic transmission. 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, excluding routine maintenance and normal wear and tear, to provide a clear picture of potential long-term ownership considerations for the 2016 model year.
Engine
2.0L EcoBoost (Turbocharged I4)
Turbocharger Failure
- Symptoms: Loss of power, whistling noises, increased oil consumption.
- Solution: Replacement of the turbocharger assembly.
- Cost: $1,200 - $2,500
Coolant Leaks
- Symptoms: Overheating, visible coolant puddles under the vehicle, sweet smell.
- Solution: Repair or replacement of leaking hoses, gaskets, or the water pump.
- Cost: $300 - $800
3.5L V6 (Naturally Aspirated)
Timing Chain Issues
- Symptoms: Rattling noise from the front of the engine, especially on startup; check engine light.
- Solution: Replacement of the timing chain, tensioners, and guides.
- Cost: $1,500 - $3,000
3.5L EcoBoost (Twin-Turbocharged V6)
Turbocharger Failure
- Symptoms: Loss of power, whistling noises, increased oil consumption.
- Solution: Replacement of the turbocharger assembly.
- Cost: $1,200 - $2,500
Intake Manifold Leaks
- Symptoms: Rough idle, vacuum leaks, check engine light with lean codes.
- Solution: Replacement of the intake manifold gasket or the manifold itself.
- Cost: $400 - $900
Transmission
6F50/6F55 (6-Speed Automatic)
Harsh Shifting / Hesitation
- Symptoms: Jerky gear changes, delayed engagement, slipping between gears.
- Solution: Transmission fluid flush and filter replacement, or internal transmission repair/rebuild.
- Cost: $400 - $2,500
Torque Converter Issues
- Symptoms: Shuddering at low speeds, slipping, or failure to engage.
- Solution: Replacement of the torque converter.
- Cost: $800 - $1,800
Suspension
Standard Chassis
Worn Control Arm Bushings
- Symptoms: Clunking noises over bumps, vague steering feel, uneven tire wear.
- Solution: Replacement of control arms or individual bushings.
- Cost: $300 - $700
Strut Mount Bearing Failure
- Symptoms: Popping or creaking noise when turning the steering wheel, especially at low speeds.
- Solution: Replacement of the strut mount bearings.
- Cost: $200 - $500
Electrical
Infotainment System (SYNC)
System Freezing/Unresponsiveness
- Symptoms: Touchscreen becomes unresponsive, system reboots randomly, Bluetooth connectivity issues.
- Solution: Software update, or replacement of the infotainment module.
- Cost: $100 - $1,000
Battery Drain
No major issues reported for this configuration.
Exterior
Door Handle Actuators
Failure to Open/Close
- Symptoms: Exterior or interior door handles do not operate the locking mechanism, doors may not open.
- Solution: Replacement of the door handle actuator.
- Cost: $150 - $350 per door
Headlight Condensation
No major issues reported for this configuration.
Interior
Climate Control Actuators
Malfunctioning Blend Doors
- Symptoms: Airflow not directed correctly (e.g., only hot or cold air, air from wrong vents), clicking noises from dashboard.
- Solution: Replacement of the faulty climate control actuator(s).
- Cost: $200 - $500
Seat Heater Elements
Failure to Heat
- Symptoms: Driver or passenger seat heater no longer functions.
- Solution: Replacement of the seat heater element or wiring harness.
- Cost: $300 - $700
Summary Verdict
The 2016 Ford Taurus presents a mixed reliability profile. The EcoBoost engines, while offering good performance, have shown some susceptibility to turbocharger issues and coolant leaks. The naturally aspirated V6 can experience timing chain problems. Transmission issues, particularly harsh shifting and torque converter problems, are also noted. On the positive side, suspension components like bushings and strut mounts are generally durable, though wear is expected. Electrical gremlins, especially with the SYNC infotainment system and occasional battery drain, can be frustrating. Interior components like climate control actuators and seat heaters can also fail. Overall, the Taurus is a capable vehicle, but potential buyers should be aware of these common issues and factor in potential repair costs, especially for powertrain and electrical systems.