VehicleVerdict

2006 Ford Taurus problems

Verdict · NHTSA data

A typical year for this model

The 2006 Ford Taurus sits mid-pack among Taurus years: 415 NHTSA complaints against a model median of roughly 415, with 3 recalls and one closed investigation. Reports tied to this model year include one death and 15 injuries, per the complaint records themselves.

The trouble concentrates in one system: speed control issues account for 44% of all reports (181 of 415), far ahead of engine at 43.

415

NHTSA complaints

3

Recalls

1

Investigations

29

Crash-involved

5

Fires reported

15

Injuries

1

Deaths

—

NCAP overall

How does 2006 compare to other Taurus years?

Taurus NHTSA complaints by model year, 2006 highlighted2,206 complaints1977: 2 complaints1981: 2 complaints1983: 1 complaints1984: 4 complaints1985: 2 complaints1986: 150 complaints1987: 355 complaints1988: 462 complaints1989: 762 complaints1990: 542 complaints1991: 946 complaints1992: 1,009 complaints1993: 2,206 complaints1994: 1,284 complaints1995: 1,597 complaints1996: 1,132 complaints1997: 1,003 complaints1998: 680 complaints1999: 1,100 complaints2000: 1,497 complaints2001: 1,264 complaints2002: 1,759 complaints2003: 1,524 complaints2004: 482 complaints2005: 1,005 complaints2006: 415 complaints2007: 196 complaints2008: 240 complaints2009: 77 complaints2010: 274 complaints2011: 251 complaints2012: 100 complaints2013: 749 complaints2014: 295 complaints2015: 333 complaints2016: 97 complaints2017: 52 complaints2018: 62 complaints2019: 15 complaints
Taurus NHTSA complaints by model year, 2006 highlighted. Red bars are years to avoid.

See all Taurus years to avoid →

What are the most common 2006 Ford Taurus problems?

ComponentComplaintsShare
Speed Control18144%
Engine4310%
Transmission338%
Electrical System307%
Brakes277%
Airbags215%
Fuel System184%
Body & Structure154%
Other123%
Visibility & Wipers92%
Tires & Wheels61%
Lighting61%
Steering51%
Seat Belts41%
Suspension31%
Seats10%
Latches & Locks10%

Does the 2006 Ford Taurus have recalls?

3 NHTSA recall campaigns on file. Recall repairs are free at franchised dealers.

16E026000BrakesApril 1, 2016 · 49,635 units

Defect

Bosch Brake Components LLC (Bosch) is recalling certain aftermarket replacement front brake pads, models Bosch QuietCast BC598 and BP765, Bosch Blue BE598 and BE598H, Prostop PD598 and PD765M, Duralast Gold DG598, Duralast MKD598, Stop Master ST598, UltraStop ULT598, UltraLife MX598 and MX765, BrakeBest MKD765, and Prostop Platinum PGD598. These brake pads, manufactured October 1, 2014, to October 31, 2015 are intended for use on 2001-2007 Ford Taurus, 2001-2005 Mercury Sable, 1995-1999 Ford Taurus SHO, 1995-2002 Lincoln Continental, and 1993-1998 Lincoln Mark VIII vehicles. The brake pad shim may shift out of position causing the shim to contact the brake disc resulting in damage to the disc.

Consequence

A damaged or broken brake disc may reduce a vehicle's braking power, increasing the risk of a crash.

Remedy

Bosch will instruct the owners how to have the affected brake pads replaced, free of charge. The recall began on May 26, 2016. Owners may contact Bosch customer service at 1-888-715-3616.

06V119000Electrical SystemApril 10, 2006 · 19 units

Defect

CERTAIN PASSENGER VEHICLES BUILT FOR ONE SPECIFIC FLEET CUSTOMER WERE MODIFIED FOR OPTIONAL HANDS-FREE CELLULAR PHONE OPERATING CAPABILITY. TO PROVIDE THIS FUNCTIONALITY, A SPECIAL OVERLAY WIRE HARNESS WAS INSTALLED THAT INADVERTENTLY DID NOT INCLUDE THE CIRCUITS FOR PASSENGER AIR BAG DEACTIVATION INDICATOR (PADI) LAMP FUNCTION. AS A RESULT, THESE VEHICLES DO NOT COMPLY WITH THE REQUIREMENTS OF FEDERAL MOTOR VEHICLE SAFETY STANDARD NO. 208, 'OCCUPANT CRASH PROTECTION.'

Consequence

THE PADI LAMP WILL FAIL TO ILLUMINATE AND THE AIR BAG WARNING LAMP IN THE CLUSTER WILL STAY ILLUMINATED.

Remedy

THE FLEET CUSTOMER WAS NOTIFIED AND ALL VEHICLES HAVE BEEN REPAIRED. THE RECALL BEGAN ON APRIL 28, 2006.

05V520000Visibility & WipersNovember 9, 2005 · 199,942 units

Defect

ON CERTAIN TRUCKS, PASSENGER CARS AND SPORT UTILITY VEHICLES, THE WINDSHIELD WIPER MOTOR MAY HAVE BEEN PRODUCED WITHOUT GREASE BEING APPLIED TO THE OUTPUT SHAFT GEAR.

Consequence

AFTER A PERIOD OF CONTINUOUS USE ON THE HIGH SPEED SETTING, LACK OF GREASE ON THE OUTPUT SHAFT GEAR MAY CAUSE THE GEAR TO DISTORT OR FRACTURE DURING OPERATION RESULTING IN A LOSS OF WIPER FUNCTION. INOPERATIVE WIPERS UNDER INCLEMENT WEATHER CONDITIONS COULD CAUSE A CRASH DUE TO IMPAIRED VISIBILITY.

Remedy

DEALERS WILL INSPECT THE WIPER MOTOR FOR THE PRESENCE OF GREASE AND GREASE THE WIPER MOTOR GEARS IF NECESSARY. THE RECALL BEGAN ON NOVEMBER 22, 2005. OWNERS MAY CONTACT FORD AT 1-800-392-3673 OR LINCOLN/MERCURY AT 1-800-521-4140.

Consumer complaints filed with NHTSA

Representative excerpts, cleaned of personal information. These are consumer statements, not verified defects.

“MY HUSBAND WAS JUST INVOLVED IN A COLLISION TODAY IN OUR 2006 FORD TAURUS. HE NOTICED A VEHICLE STOPPING IN FRONT OF HIM SO HE BEGAN TO HIT THE BRAKE. AS HE COASTED ON HIS BRAKES TOWARDS THE STOP VEHICLE IN FRONT OF HIM, THE CAR BEGAN TO AUTOMATICALLY ACCELERATE CAUSING HIM TO REAR-END THE OTHER…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Speed Control · April 16, 2014 · crash

“TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2006 FORD TAURUS. WHILE PARKED AND UNOCCUPIED, THE VEHICLE BECAME ENGULFED IN FLAMES UNDERNEATH THE HOOD. THE CONTACT EXTINGUISHED THE FIRE WITH A GARDEN HOSE. A FIRE REPORT WAS NOT FILED. THE VEHICLE REMAINED AT THE CONTACT'S RESIDENCE. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT NOTIFIED OF…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Engine · March 5, 2016 · fire

“ AFTER COMPLAINT TO DEALER PRIOR TO THEIR INSPECTION, AND AFTER, TIE ROD BOLT AND ROD BROKE CAUSING LOSS OF STEERING CONTROL. NO FORMAL DATE OF SERVICE WAS MADE EXCEPT INSPECTION THE DAY OF PURCHASE. THREE TIMES DRIVEN AND THIS THEN HAPPENED. *NM”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Transmission · September 25, 2006 · crash

“TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2006 FORD TAURUS. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE VEHICLE WOULD SMOKE WHEN IT WAS TURNED ON. THE OIL, BATTERY, ENGINE WARNING LIGHT WOULD ILLUMINATE ON THE INSTRUMENT PANEL AND THE VEHICLE WOULD MAKE A LOUD NOISE. THE DEALER WAS NOTIFIED, BUT DID NOT ASSIST THE CONTACT WITH THE…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Electrical System · July 8, 2011 · fire

“TL* - THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE DRIVING ON THE ROAD HE HEARD A RELEASE OF AIR COMING FROM UNDER THE VEHICLE. THE VEHICLE DID NOT HAVE ANY BRAKE PRESSURE AND THE VEHICLE BEGAN TO ACCELERATE. THE CONTACT STATED VEHICLE WAS INVOLVED IN A COLLISION WITH ANOTHER VEHICLE. THE ROAD CONDITIONS WERE…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Brakes · December 21, 2006 · crash

2006 Ford Taurus — common questions

Is the 2006 Ford Taurus reliable?

It is close to typical for the Taurus: 415 NHTSA complaints, 3 recalls, and 1 investigation on file.

What are the most common 2006 Taurus problems?

According to NHTSA complaint data, the leading problem areas are speed control (181 complaints), engine (43 complaints), transmission (33 complaints).

Does the 2006 Ford Taurus have recalls?

Yes — NHTSA lists 3 recall campaigns affecting the 2006 Ford Taurus. Recall repairs are free at franchised dealers; check the VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls to confirm the work was done.

Is the 2006 Ford Taurus under NHTSA investigation?

NHTSA opened one investigation into this model year; all are now closed.

Which Ford Taurus years should you avoid?

Based on complaint rates and open investigations, the Taurus years to avoid are 1993, 2002, 1995, 2003, 2000, 1994, 2001, 1996, 1999, 1992, 2005, 1997, 1991, 1989, 2013, 1998, 1990. The cleanest record among Taurus years belongs to 1983.

Related

Based on NHTSA ODI data through June 2026. Complaints are consumer-reported and unverified. Updated July 5, 2026.

Compiled by Sharon Ben-Moshe, Founder.