2012 Ford Taurus

The water pump on the 3.5L V6 and 3.5L EcoBoost engines is internally mounted and driven by the timing chain. When it fails, coolant leaks internally into the engine oil, causing milky oil contamination and potential engine damage. This is one of the most expensive and common repairs on the 2010-2019 Taurus.

Replace the internal water pump, timing chain, and related gaskets. Because the pump is behind the timing cover, the repair is extremely labor-intensive. Inspect the engine oil for coolant contamination (milky appearance) regularly. If coolant has mixed with oil, the engine may need additional internal cleaning or replacement.

The 6F50 and 6F55 six-speed automatic transmissions develop shuddering during light acceleration and harsh shifting between gears. The torque converter lockup clutch wears prematurely, contaminating the transmission fluid with clutch material and causing the characteristic shudder.

Perform a complete transmission fluid flush with Ford-specified Mercon LV fluid. If the shudder returns within a few thousand miles, the torque converter needs replacement. In severe cases with internal damage, a full transmission rebuild or replacement is required.

The hydraulic power steering system on the Taurus develops leaks at the power steering rack, high-pressure line connections, or the power steering pump itself. Owners hear a whining noise when turning the steering wheel and notice fluid on the ground. Low fluid levels can cause the pump to fail.

Inspect the entire power steering system for leaks. Replace the leaking component, whether it is the rack-and-pinion assembly, high-pressure line, or pump. Top off with the specified Mercon LV power steering fluid. Do not drive with the fluid critically low, as it will destroy the pump.

The electronic throttle body can malfunction, causing a 'Reduced Power' or 'Throttle Body Fault' warning on the dashboard. The engine loses power and may go into limp mode, limiting speed to 25-30 mph. The issue is caused by the internal throttle position sensor failing.

Replace the electronic throttle body assembly. Clear the adaptive learning values after installation and perform a throttle body relearn procedure. Some aftermarket throttle bodies are available at lower cost than the OEM part.

The 2011-2015 Taurus is included in Ford's massive door latch recall. The latch pawl spring tab can break due to material fatigue, preventing the door from latching shut. Doors may fly open at highway speeds or fail to close properly, posing a serious safety risk.

Ford issued recalls 15S27 and 16S36 to replace all affected door latches. Contact your dealer to verify your VIN. Do not use cable ties or other temporary fixes to hold doors closed. The repair is free of charge.

Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain model year 2009-2012 Ford Flex, 2008 and 2010-2012 Ford Taurus, 2008-2009 Ford Taurus X, 2008 Mercury Sable, 2009 and 2011 Lincoln MKS vehicles. The driver frontal air bag may improperly inflate during second-stage deployment in the event of a high speed crash. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard (FMVSS) number 208, "Occupant Crash Protection."

An improperly inflated air bag increases the risk of injury in the event of a crash.

Ford will notify owners, and dealers will inspect and replace the driver's frontal air bag module, as necessary, free of charge. The recall is expected to begin on June 13, 2016. Owners may contact Ford customer service at 1-866-436-7332. Ford's number for this recall is 16C06.

Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain model year 2011-2012 Ford Fusion vehicles without a 3.5L engine and Lincoln MKZ hybrid electric vehicles, 2011 Mercury Milan vehicles, 2011-2012 Ford Taurus, Ford Flex, Lincoln MKS, and Lincoln MKT vehicles equipped with a 3.5L GTDI engine and 2013 Ford Taurus, Ford Flex, Lincoln MKS, and Lincoln MKT vehicles equipped with any available engine. The affected vehicles have electric power steering assist systems that may shut down as a result of a steering motor sensor fault.

If the vehicle experiences a loss of power steering assist, extra steering effort will be required at lower speeds, increasing the risk of a vehicle crash.

Ford will notify owners, and dealers will check the Power Steering Control Module (PSCM) for Diagnostic Trouble Codes (DTC). If dealers find any loss of steering assist DTCs, the steering gear will be replaced, free of charge. If, no codes are found during the PSCM inspection, the PSCM software will be updated, free of charge. The recall began on July 21, 2015. Owners may contact Ford customer service at 1-866-436-7332. Ford's number for this recall is 15S18.

Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain model year 2010-2013 Ford Taurus vehicles manufactured December 1, 2009, to July 31, 2010, and 2011-2013 Lincoln MKS vehicles manufactured June 1, 2011, to October 31, 2011. In the affected vehicles, the interior door handle return spring may unseat, resulting in interior door handle that does not return to the fully stowed position after actuation.

If the interior door handle return spring is unseated, the door may unlatch in the event of a side impact crash, increasing the risk of personal injury.

Ford will notify owners, and dealers will inspect all four of the interior door handles and either repair or replace them, free of charge. The recall began March 23, 2015. Owners may contact Ford customer service at 1-866-436-7332. Ford's number for this recall is 15S02.

Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain model year 2010-2014 Taurus vehicles manufactured November 24, 2008, through February 28, 2014, originally sold in, or currently registered in, Connecticut, Delaware, Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Maine, Maryland, Massachusetts, Michigan, Minnesota, Missouri, New Hampshire, New Jersey, New York, Ohio, Pennsylvania, Rhode Island, Vermont, West Virginia, Wisconsin and the District of Columbia. When used in areas that use road salt, the license plate lamp assembly may experience an electro-chemical reaction and corrosion as a result of water intrusion.

This corrosion may result in a short circuit, increasing the risk of a fire.

Ford will notify owners, and dealers will replace the license plate lamp assemblies, free of charge. The recall began on July 26, 2014. Owners may contact Ford customer service at 1-800-392-3673. Ford's number for this recall is 14S08. Note: Under program 14R01, Ford will notify owners in non-corrosion states, and, at the customer's request, dealers will replace the license plate lamp assembly.

Ford is recalling certain model year 2012 Taurus, Lincoln MKS, and model year 2013 Explorer vehicles manufactured July 19, 2011, through March 15, 2012. In the affected vehicles, the fuel tanks may have a marginally sealed seam in the side of the tank. As a result, the fuel tanks may not provide the expected strength in the event of an impact. The tanks may also leak.

A fuel leak in the presence of an ignition source may result in a fire.

Ford will notify owners, and dealers will inspect the fuel tanks and replace them as necessary, free of charge. The recall began on May 9, 2013. Ford's recall campaign number is 13S03. Owners may contact Ford Motor Company Customer Relationship Center at 1-866-436-7332.