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Ford Taurus: which year should you buy?

Across the 2011 to 2019 model years, the public record is strongest on the 2017 (84/100). Every year below is scored on its own NHTSA complaint and recall history. Pick the year, not just the nameplate.

Best years to target

2017 84 · 2018 80 · 2016 77 · 2014 68

Every model year, scored

Same math for every year (how we score). A neutral Unproven or Too New stamp means too few owner reports are on file to affirm the year, not that it’s clean.

201964/100
Unproven

11 complaints · 2 recalls

201880/100
Buy

45 complaints · 4 recalls

201784/100
Buybest year

43 complaints · 4 recalls

201677/100
Buy

77 complaints · 4 recalls

201562/100
Caution

258 complaints · 6 recalls

201468/100
Buy

234 complaints · 5 recalls

201350/100
Caution

587 complaints · 9 recalls

201264/100
Caution

78 complaints · 5 recalls

201164/100
Caution

187 complaints · 4 recalls

Zeroing in on the 2017?

The full year-by-year verdict is free. When you’re ready to inspect and negotiate one specific car, the Full Report turns the 2017 Ford Taurus’s complaint breakdown and recall list into an inspection-ready, shareable PDF.

Recalls, complaint breakdown & inspection checklist, all in a shareable PDF

Cross-shopping a different nameplate? Compare the 2019 Ford Taurus head-to-head →

The fine print: each year’s verdict is computed from public NHTSA complaint and recall records for the Ford Taurus as a model, not for any individual car. A well-kept example of a weaker year can outlast a neglected strong one. Informational only, so always get a professional pre-purchase inspection.