2016 Ford Taurus Safety Report

2016 Ford Taurus: Excellent Crash Ratings, but Persistent Rearview Camera and Suspension Recalls Raise Real-World Safety Concerns

71Complaints
4Recalls
★★★★★Safety Rating
65/100Reliability Score
4Crash Reports
1Fire Reports
3Injuries
Most reported components: Back Over Prevention (17)Unknown Or Other (7)Engine (6)Steering (5)Fuel/Propulsion System (4)Suspension (4)Electrical System (3)Structure,Back Over Prevention (2)Engine And Engine Cooling (2)Engine,Fuel/Propulsion System (2)

AI Safety Analysis for the 2016 Ford Taurus

The 2016 Ford Taurus presents a mixed safety profile, achieving excellent crash test ratings from NHTSA but showing concerning patterns in owner complaints and recall history. The vehicle received a perfect 5-star overall safety rating, with 5 stars in frontal and side crash tests, and a respectable 4 stars in rollover. This indicates strong performance in protecting occupants during a collision. However, the vehicle has accumulated 71 total complaints, including 4 crashes, 1 fire, and 3 injuries, which suggests some real-world safety issues. A significant portion of the complaints, 17 out of 71, are related to 'BACK OVER PREVENTION,' primarily concerning the rearview camera system. This aligns with a major recall (NHTSA Campaign Number: 25V695000) addressing rearview camera failures that can reduce the driver's view and increase crash risk. Many complaints detail distorted images, black screens, or complete inoperability of the camera, with several owners reporting delays in obtaining parts for the recall repair. Other notable complaint areas include 'ENGINE' (6 complaints) and 'STEERING' (5 complaints), with specific mentions of engine overheating and loss of power steering assist. Beyond the rearview camera, the 2016 Taurus has three other recalls. One addresses potential detachment of the 'STRUCTURE:EXTERIOR TRIM' (B-Pillar door trim), which could create a road hazard. Another critical recall involves the 'SUSPENSION:REAR' toe links, which may fracture, leading to a sudden loss of vehicle control and increased crash risk. Finally, an 'ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING:ENGINE:GASOLINE:TURBO/SUPERCHARGER' recall highlights a potential oil leak that could increase fire risk. The combination of high crash test scores with multiple safety-related recalls and a pattern of specific complaints, particularly around the rearview camera and suspension, suggests that while the vehicle performs well in controlled crash scenarios, certain components have demonstrated reliability and safety deficiencies.

Reliability Score

The 2016 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 2016 Ford Taurus

The following issues have been identified from NHTSA complaint data and owner reports for the 2016 Ford Taurus:

IssueSeverityFrequencyTypical Mileage
Rearview Camera Malfunction
The rearview camera frequently displays distorted images, black screens, or becomes inoperable, significantly reducing the driver's rear visibility and increasing crash risk. This is covered by NHTSA Recall 25V695000.		 High Common unknown miles
Rear Suspension Toe Link Fracture
Rear suspension toe links may fracture, leading to a sudden change in vehicle handling and increasing the risk of a crash. This is covered by a recall for certain Taurus vehicles with Police Interceptor or SHO Performance Pack.		 High Occasional unknown miles
B-Pillar Door Trim Detachment
The driver and front passenger B-Pillar door trim may detach while driving, creating a road hazard and increasing the risk of a crash. This is covered by a recall.		 Medium Occasional unknown miles
Engine Oil Leak (Turbo/Supercharger)
An oil leak from the 3.5L engine (turbo/supercharger equipped) in the presence of an ignition source increases the risk of a fire. This is covered by a recall.		 High Rare unknown miles
Engine Overheating
Multiple complaints describe the engine overheating, sometimes due to water pump failure, requiring the driver to pull over and add coolant.		 Medium Occasional unknown miles
Loss Of Power Steering Assist
Drivers have reported sudden loss of power steering assist, making the vehicle difficult to control and increasing crash risk, with one complaint linking it to a loose steering bolt.		 High Occasional unknown miles

Common Problems Reported by Owners

Based on NHTSA complaint data, the following components account for the majority of reported issues with the 2016 Ford Taurus:

Back Over Prevention 23% of complaints

The most frequent complaint category, with 17 reports, primarily involves the rearview camera system failing to display an image or showing distorted views, directly correlating with a major safety recall (25V695000).

Engine 8% of complaints

6 complaints relate to the engine, including issues like overheating and water pump failure, indicating potential reliability concerns with the powertrain.

Steering 7% of complaints

5 complaints mention steering issues, including loss of power steering assist and steering wheel seizure, which are critical safety concerns.

Fuel/Propulsion System 5% of complaints

4 complaints are related to the fuel/propulsion system, though specific patterns are less clear from the provided data.

Suspension 5% of complaints

4 complaints are about the suspension, which aligns with a recall concerning fracturing rear toe links (NHTSA Campaign Number: 25V572000).

Frequently Asked Questions About the 2016 Ford Taurus

Is the 2016 Ford Taurus safe?

Based on NHTSA data, the 2016 Ford Taurus achieved excellent crash test ratings with a 5-star overall safety rating. However, it has 4 recalls and 71 owner complaints, including 4 crashes and 3 injuries. Key safety concerns revolve around a widespread rearview camera malfunction recall and potential rear suspension toe link fractures, which could compromise real-world safety despite strong crash performance.

What are common problems with the 2016 Ford Taurus?

The most reported issues for the 2016 Ford Taurus are related to 'BACK OVER PREVENTION' (17 complaints), primarily concerning the rearview camera system's malfunction, which is also subject to a recall (25V695000). Other common problems include engine issues (6 complaints) like overheating, and steering problems (5 complaints) such as loss of power assist.

Are there any recalls for the 2016 Ford Taurus?

Yes, the 2016 Ford Taurus has 4 recalls. These include recalls for rearview camera failure (25V695000), potential detachment of B-Pillar door trim (25V611000), fracturing rear suspension toe links (25V572000), and an oil leak from the 3.5L engine that increases fire risk (25V572000).

How does the 2016 Ford Taurus perform in crash tests?

The 2016 Ford Taurus performs exceptionally well in NHTSA crash tests, earning a 5-star overall safety rating. It received 5 stars for both frontal and side crash tests, and a 4-star rating for rollover resistance, indicating strong occupant protection in collisions.

What should I know about the rearview camera issues?

The rearview camera is a significant concern for the 2016 Ford Taurus, with 17 complaints and a major recall (25V695000). Owners frequently report the camera displaying distorted images, a black screen, or being completely inoperable. Many complaints highlight delays in obtaining parts for the recall repair, leaving drivers without a fully functional rearview camera.

Buyer Advice

Our recommendation: While the 2016 Ford Taurus boasts excellent crash test ratings, potential buyers should be aware of the multiple safety recalls, especially concerning the rearview camera and rear suspension, and verify that all recall repairs have been completed before purchase.

NHTSA Data Summary for 2016 Ford Taurus

This safety report is based on a comprehensive analysis of data from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) for the 2016 Ford Taurus. The data includes 71 consumer complaints filed by vehicle owners, 4 manufacturer-initiated safety recalls, 4 reported crashes, 1 fire incidents, 3 reported injuries, and safety rating assessments associated with this vehicle.

The NHTSA has assigned the 2016 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.