2015 Ford Taurus Safety Report

2015 Ford Taurus: Excellent Crash Ratings Mask Significant Recall and Rearview Camera Issues

236Complaints
6Recalls
★★★★★Safety Rating
65/100Reliability Score
10Crash Reports
1Fire Reports
6Injuries
Most reported components: Steering (37)Fuel/Propulsion System (35)Unknown Or Other (25)Back Over Prevention (24)Fuel System, Gasoline (14)Engine (9)Power Train (8)Suspension (6)Engine,Fuel/Propulsion System (6)Electrical System (5)

AI Safety Analysis for the 2015 Ford Taurus

The 2015 Ford Taurus presents a mixed safety picture. While it boasts excellent crash test performance with 5-star overall, frontal, and side ratings from NHTSA, and a 4-star rollover rating, its recall history and complaint data reveal several significant concerns. There are 236 total complaints, including 10 crashes, 1 fire, and 6 injuries, indicating real-world safety incidents. A major pattern in complaints revolves around the 'BACK OVER PREVENTION' system, specifically the rearview camera, which is also the subject of a recall (NHTSA Campaign Number: 25V695000). Many complaints detail the camera displaying inverted, distorted, or black images, or failing entirely, directly increasing crash risk as noted in the recall consequence. Beyond the rearview camera, other prominent complaint areas include 'STEERING' (37 complaints) and 'FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM' (35 complaints), suggesting potential issues with power steering or engine performance. The vehicle has been subject to 6 recalls, addressing critical components such as the rearview camera, front axle support bracket (loss of motive power/park function), rear suspension toe links (sudden handling change), fuel pump (engine stall), fuel tank attachment (fire risk), and parking brake (rollaway risk). The recall for the fuel pump specifically affects 3.5L GTDI Ecoboost engines, which could lead to engine stalling and increased crash risk. The sheer number and nature of these recalls, coupled with the complaint data, suggest that while the vehicle performs well in controlled crash tests, it has experienced several reliability and component failures that could compromise safety in everyday driving.

Reliability Score

The 2015 Ford Taurus receives a reliability score of 65 out of 100 based on analysis of NHTSA complaint data, recall history, crash reports, and safety ratings. This indicates average reliability — some notable concerns exist that prospective buyers should be aware of.

Known Issues for the 2015 Ford Taurus

The following issues have been identified from NHTSA complaint data and owner reports for the 2015 Ford Taurus:

IssueSeverityFrequencyTypical Mileage
Rearview Camera Failure/Malfunction
Rearview camera displays inverted, distorted, black, or no image, increasing crash risk when backing up. Subject of NHTSA recall 25V695000.
High Common N/A (recall related) miles
Steering System Issues
Complaints related to steering, including stiff steering and 'electronic power steering fault' messages.
Medium Occasional N/A miles
Fuel Pump Failure
Loss of power to the fuel pump can cause engine stalling, increasing crash risk. Affects 3.5L GTDI Ecoboost engines (recall).
High Occasional N/A (recall related) miles
Rear Suspension Toe Link Fracture
Fractured rear toe link causes sudden change in vehicle handling, increasing crash risk (recall for Police Interceptor/SHO Performance Pack).
High Rare N/A (recall related) miles
Front Axle Support Bracket Failure
Failed bracket can lead to loss of park function or motive power while driving, increasing crash risk (recall for 2.0L/2.3L FWD engines).
High Rare N/A (recall related) miles

Common Problems Reported by Owners

Based on NHTSA complaint data, the following components account for the majority of reported issues with the 2015 Ford Taurus:

Steering 15% of complaints

37 complaints related to steering, including power steering faults and stiffness.

Fuel/Propulsion System 14% of complaints

35 complaints regarding the fuel or propulsion system, indicating potential engine or fuel delivery issues.

Back Over Prevention 10% of complaints

24 complaints specifically about the rearview camera system, often detailing malfunctions like inverted or blank images.

Fuel System, Gasoline 5% of complaints

14 complaints related to the gasoline fuel system, separate from general fuel/propulsion issues.

Engine 3% of complaints

9 complaints directly referencing the engine.

Frequently Asked Questions About the 2015 Ford Taurus

Is the 2015 Ford Taurus safe?

Based on NHTSA data, the 2015 Ford Taurus received excellent 5-star ratings for overall, frontal, and side crash tests, and a 4-star rollover rating. However, it has 236 total complaints, including 10 crashes and 6 injuries, and has been subject to 6 safety recalls addressing critical issues like rearview camera failure, fuel pump issues, and suspension problems. While crash protection is strong, component reliability and recall compliance are significant concerns.

What are common problems with the 2015 Ford Taurus?

The most reported issues for the 2015 Ford Taurus are related to the STEERING system (37 complaints), FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM (35 complaints), and BACK OVER PREVENTION (24 complaints), primarily concerning the rearview camera. There are also notable complaints about the FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE (14 complaints) and ENGINE (9 complaints).

Are there any recalls for the 2015 Ford Taurus?

Yes, the 2015 Ford Taurus has 6 safety recalls. These include issues with the rearview camera (NHTSA Campaign Number: 25V695000), front axle support bracket, rear suspension toe links, fuel pump (for 3.5L GTDI Ecoboost engines), fuel tank attachment, and parking brake.

How does the 2015 Ford Taurus perform in crash tests?

The 2015 Ford Taurus performed very well in NHTSA crash tests, achieving a 5-star Overall Safety Rating, 5 stars for Frontal Crash, 5 stars for Side Crash, and 4 stars for Rollover.

What should I know about the rearview camera issue?

The rearview camera is a significant concern, with 24 complaints and a dedicated recall (NHTSA Campaign Number: 25V695000). Owners report the camera displaying inverted, distorted, black, or no images, which can increase the risk of a crash when backing up. Many complaints also mention delays in recall part availability.

Buyer Advice

Our recommendation: Given the excellent crash test scores but numerous recalls and common complaints, particularly regarding the rearview camera and steering, prioritize a pre-purchase inspection and ensure all 6 recalls have been addressed before buying a 2015 Ford Taurus.

NHTSA Data Summary for 2015 Ford Taurus

This safety report is based on a comprehensive analysis of data from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) for the 2015 Ford Taurus. The data includes 236 consumer complaints filed by vehicle owners, 6 manufacturer-initiated safety recalls, 10 reported crashes, 1 fire incidents, 6 reported injuries, and safety rating assessments associated with this vehicle.

The NHTSA has assigned the 2015 Ford Taurus an overall safety rating of 5 out of 5 stars, with a frontal crash rating of 5 stars, a side crash rating of 5 stars, and a rollover rating of 4 stars. These ratings are determined through controlled crash testing conducted by the NHTSA.

All data presented in this report is sourced from public NHTSA databases. Our AI analysis identifies patterns across complaint narratives, correlates them with recall history, and produces the safety assessment above. This analysis is updated as new complaints and recalls are filed with the NHTSA.

Consumers are encouraged to report vehicle safety problems to the NHTSA at nhtsa.gov. If your vehicle is subject to a recall, contact your dealer to schedule the free repair.