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2018 Ford Taurus

Trims, performance, features, fuel economy, safety and known problems — with the pros and cons against similar 2018 models.

Ford Taurus
Pictured: 2010 Ford Taurus Limited 2 -- 10-31-2009. Photo: IFCAR, Public domain, via Wikimedia Commons
Class
Large Cars
Body styles
4dr Sedan AWD, 4dr Sedan FWD
Engines
3.5L 6-cyl, 3.5L 6-cyl turbo
Horsepower
288 hp
Transmission
6-speed automatic
Drivetrain
Front-Wheel Drive, All-Wheel Drive
Seats
5
Fuel
Regular Gasoline, FFV
MPG (best)
21 combined · 18 city / 27 hwy
Length
203.1 in
Curb weight
4,017–4,229 lb
NHTSA rating
★★★★★
Recalls
4 campaigns

Pros & cons

What's good

  • AWD / 4WD available
  • 5-star NHTSA safety ratingTop overall score in federal crash tests.

Watch out for

  • Modest powerUp to 288 hp, versus about 485 hp for similar 2018 models.

Calculated from EPA, NHTSA and vPIC data against 9 similar 2018 models — not a review. How we calculate this →

Overview

The 2018 Ford Taurus is a large car offered with 2 engines (3.5L 6-cyl and 3.5L 6-cyl turbo) and front-wheel drive and all-wheel drive.

It measures about 203 inches long and 76 inches wide on a 113-inch wheelbase, with a curb weight of roughly 4,229 lb (4dr Sedan AWD).

EPA rates its most efficient version at 21 MPG combined (18 city / 27 highway), 9% worse than the 2018 large car average of 23.1 MPG, for an estimated $3,200 a year in fuel.

In NHTSA crash testing it earned the top 5-star overall rating.

It has 4 recall campaigns on file and owners have filed 52 complaints with NHTSA since 2015, most often about the back over prevention.

What changed for 2018

  • Engine dropped: 2.0L 4-cyl turbo
  • Best combined MPG down from 23 to 21

Compared with 2017; trim, feature and price changes aren't covered. See the 2017 Taurus →

Trims, performance & features

Engine288 hp3.5L 6-cyl
Transmission6-speed automatic
DriveFWD · AWD/4WD
Seating5 seats · 2 rows

Trims

SEL FWDLimited FWDSEL AWDSE FWDPolice FWD

Safety & driver-assist features

Automatic emergency brakingOptional
Forward collision warningOptional
Blind-spot monitoringStandard
Lane departure warningOptional
Lane keeping assistOptional
Adaptive cruise controlOptional
Parking assistOptional
Backup cameraStandard
Automatic high beamsStandard
Adaptive driving beamStandard
Keyless startSome trims

Built in: Chicago, Illinois

NHTSA vPIC, as reported by the manufacturer for 5 2018 Taurus configurations; may not list every trim. How we calculate this →

Dimensions & weight

BodyLengthWidthHeightWheelbaseTrack F / RCurb weightWeight F/R
4dr Sedan AWD203.1 in76.4 in60.6 in113 in66.1 / 66.1 in4,229 lb60/40
4dr Sedan FWD203.1 in76.4 in60.6 in113 in66.1 / 66.1 in4,017 lb60/40

Transport Canada CVS (Open Government Licence – Canada), Canadian-market figures.

Will it fit your garage? Check with your measurements →

Engines, MPG & running costs

VersionEngineTransmissionDriveCity / Hwy / Combvs. classFuel / yrCO₂ g/mi
Taurus FWD3.5L 6-cylAutomatic (S6)Front-Wheel Drive18 / 27 / 21-9%$3,200423
Taurus FWD FFV FFV3.5L 6-cylAutomatic (S6)Front-Wheel Drive18 / 27 / 21-9%$3,200423
Taurus AWD3.5L 6-cyl turboAutomatic (S6)All-Wheel Drive16 / 24 / 19-18%$3,550471
Taurus AWD3.5L 6-cylAutomatic (S6)All-Wheel Drive17 / 24 / 19-18%$3,550467
Taurus AWD FFV FFV3.5L 6-cylAutomatic (S6)All-Wheel Drive17 / 24 / 19-18%$3,550467
4/10EPA fuel economy score (best version)
4/10EPA greenhouse gas score
Spend $4,000Fuel over 5 years vs. average new car
23.1 MPG2018 Large Cars average

EPA estimates; "vs. class" is combined MPG against the 2018 EPA class average. How we calculate this →

Safety ratings & technology

VersionOverallFrontalDriver / passengerSideSide poleRolloverRollover risk
2018 Ford Taurus 4 DR AWD★★★★★★★★★★5★ / 5★★★★★★★★★★★★★★★★11.3%
2018 Ford Taurus 4 DR FWD★★★★★★★★★★5★ / 5★★★★★★★★★★★★★★★★11.3%
StandardElectronic stability control
OptionalForward collision warning
OptionalLane departure warning
Frontal crash test — 2018 Ford Taurus 4 DR AWD
Frontal crash test — 2018 Ford Taurus 4 DR AWD. Photo: NHTSA.
Side crash test — 2018 Ford Taurus 4 DR AWD
Side crash test — 2018 Ford Taurus 4 DR AWD. Photo: NHTSA.

Similar 2018 large cars

ModelBest MPG / rangeNHTSA overallRecalls
2018 Ford Taurus (this car)21 MPG★★★★★4
2018 Chevrolet Impala25 MPG★★★★★1
2018 Dodge Charger23 MPG★★★★★6
2018 Dodge Challenger23 MPG★★★★★3
2018 Chevrolet Malibu46 MPG★★★★★6
2018 Chrysler 30023 MPG★★★★★4
2018 Toyota Avalon40 MPG★★★★★2

Recalls (4)

Back Over Prevention › Sensing System › Camera · Oct 13, 2025

NHTSA campaign 25V695000 · 1,448,655 vehicles

Problem
Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2015-2019 Flex, 2015 Explorer, Lincoln MKT, Lincoln MKZ, 2015-2016 C-Max, Escape, Taurus, 2016 Fusion, 2018-2019 Taurus, 2019 Lincoln MKT, Fiesta, and 2020 Mustang vehicles. The rearview camera may display a distorted, intermittent, or blank image when the vehicle is in reverse.
Risk
A rearview camera that fails to properly display an image can reduce the driver’s view behind the vehicle, increasing the risk of a crash.
Fix
Dealers will inspect and replace the rearview camera as necessary, free of charge. This will be a phased campaign, with the remedy becoming available in different phases based on model and model years. Interim letters notifying owners of the safety risk were mailed on October 25, 2025. Additional letters will be mailed once the final remedy is available on each phase. Mustang owner notification letters were mailed January 2, 2026. Owners may contact Ford customer service at 1-866-436-7332. Ford's number for this recall is 25SA9. Vehicle Identification Numbers (VINs) involved in this recall became searchable on NHTSA.gov on October 14, 2025.
Structure › Exterior Trim · Sep 12, 2025

NHTSA campaign 25V611000 · 101,944 vehicles

Problem
Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2016-2019 Taurus vehicles. The driver and front passenger B-Pillar door trim may detach while driving.
Risk
Door trim that detaches while driving can create a road hazard, increasing the risk of a crash.
Fix
Dealers will repair or replace the B-pillar trim as necessary, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed February 20, 2026. Owners may contact Ford customer service at 1-866-436-7332. Ford's number for this recall is 25S91.
Suspension › Rear · Feb 10, 2020

NHTSA campaign 20V072000 · 211,207 vehicles

Problem
Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2013-2018 Lincoln MKT and Ford Flex and Taurus vehicles with the Police Interceptor or SHO Performance Pack. The rear suspension toe links may fracture due to stress on the rear suspension.
Risk
A fractured rear toe link will cause a sudden change in vehicle handling and increase the risk of a crash.
Fix
Ford will notify owners, and dealers will replace the rear suspension toe links, free of charge. Remedy parts are not currently available. Owners were notified about the recall on March 3, 2020. A second notice will be mailed when remedy parts become available, which is currently expected to be the end of September 2020. The recall began October 28, 2020. Owners may contact Ford customer service at 1-866-436-7332 or Lincoln customer service at 1-800-521-4140. Ford's number for this recall is 20S04.
Electrical System › Ignition · Mar 1, 2018

NHTSA campaign 18V141000 · 2,100 vehicles

Problem
Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2017-2018 Ford Taurus vehicles equipped with mechanical key ignition systems. The keys for these vehicles may be able to be removed from the ignition when transmission is not in the PARK position. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard (FMVSS) number 114, "Theft Protection."
Risk
If the key is removed from the ignition while the vehicle is not in the PARK position and the parking brake is not applied, the vehicle may roll away, increasing the risk of a crash.
Fix
Ford will notify owners, and dealers will replace the shifter assembly, free of charge. The recall began May 11, 2018. Owners may contact Ford customer service at 1-866-436-7332. Ford's number for this recall is 18C02.
Check your VIN for open recalls at NHTSA ↗

Not every 2018 Ford Taurus is affected — only a VIN check confirms your car.

Owner-reported problems

52Complaints to NHTSA since 2015
3Involved a crash
1Involved a fire
6Injuries reported
52,000 miTypical mileage at failure
Back Over Prevention12
Structure10
Unknown Or Other8
Power Train7
Electrical System6
Suspension5
Engine And Engine Cooling4
Engine3
Complaints received per month (last 24 months with reports)
21/08: 121/12: 122/10: 223/01: 123/06: 123/11: 224/02: 124/12: 125/01: 125/02: 225/06: 325/08: 225/09: 525/11: 426/01: 126/02: 226/03: 426/04: 126/05: 126/06: 226/07: 126/08: 226/09: 126/10: 321/0823/0124/0225/0225/0926/0226/0526/08max 5

Unverified owner reports; best-sellers collect more.

Used 2018 Ford Taurus buyer's checklist

  1. Run the VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls. 4 recalls this year — ask for proof of repairs.
  2. Back Over Prevention — 12 owner reports. Make sure driver-assist systems and the backup camera work without error messages.
  3. Structure — 10 owner reports. Open and close every door, the hood and tailgate; look for rust or misaligned panels.
  4. Power Train — 7 owner reports. Test-drive through all gears, including reverse; note slipping, harsh or delayed shifts.
  5. Mileage to watch. Owners typically reported problems around 52,000 miles; ask what was repaired near that point.
  6. Before you pay: service records, a history report and an independent inspection.

Generated by DecodedCars from NHTSA recalls and owner complaints for the 2018 Ford Taurus. Not a substitute for a professional inspection.

Other Taurus years

Compare all years →
YearMPG (best)LengthOverallRecallsComplaints
2019 Taurus21203.1 in★★★★★218
2017 Taurus23203.1 in★★★★★444
2016 Taurus23203.1 in★★★★★486
2015 Taurus26203.1 in★★★★★6281
2014 Taurus26203.1 in★★★★★5225
2013 Taurus25203.1 inNot rated9564
2012 Taurus22203.1 inNot rated561
2011 Taurus22203.1 inNot rated4133
2010 Taurus22203.1 inNot rated3110
2009 Taurus21202 inNot rated125
2008 Taurus22202 inNot rated1128
2007 Taurus20–Not rated046

Sources: EPA, NHTSA, Transport Canada, Wikimedia Commons. Not affiliated with NHTSA, the EPA or Ford. How we calculate this →