The 2014 Taurus on the D4 platform pairs solid ergonomics with troublesome powertrains—particularly the 3.5L EcoBoost which grenades internals when carbon buildup meets poor maintenance, and a chronic transmission cooler leak that can destroy the 6F transmission if ignored.
Symptoms: Transmission slipping or shuddering, Milky pink transmission fluid, Coolant in trans or trans fluid in coolant, Overheating transmission, Check engine light with transmission codes
Fix: The internal trans cooler in the radiator corrodes and cross-contaminates coolant with ATF, destroying clutch packs. Requires radiator replacement, full transmission flush (sometimes twice), and fluid/filter service. If caught late, full transmission rebuild or replacement needed. Labor 3-6 hours for cooler/flush, 12-18 hours if transmission damaged.
Estimated cost: $800-1,200 if caught early; $3,500-5,500 with transmission rebuild
3.5L EcoBoost Carbon Buildup and Piston Ring Failure
Occasional · high severity
Typical onset: 80,000-130,000 mi
Symptoms: Excessive oil consumption (quart every 500-1,000 mi), Misfires on multiple cylinders, Blue smoke from exhaust on startup, Loss of power under boost, Fuel smell in oil
Fix: Direct injection creates carbon on intake valves; combined with short trips or poor oil change intervals, piston rings stick or fail. Often requires short block replacement or full engine rebuild with new pistons, rings, and machine work on cylinders. Walnut blasting valves adds $500-800 if rebuilding. Labor 18-25 hours for short block swap.
Estimated cost: $5,500-8,500
2.0L EcoBoost Head Gasket and Block Porosity
Occasional · high severity
Typical onset: 70,000-110,000 mi
Symptoms: Coolant loss with no visible leaks, White smoke from exhaust, Overheating especially under load, Rough idle when cold, Coolant in cylinders 1 or 4
Fix: The 2.0L suffers from porous blocks allowing coolant intrusion and head gasket failure between cylinders and coolant passages. Requires cylinder head removal, resurfacing, new gasket, and block inspection. If block is porous, needs replacement or engine swap. Labor 12-16 hours for head gasket; 18-22 hours if block replacement needed.
Estimated cost: $2,200-3,500 for head gasket; $4,500-6,500 with block issues
Power Transfer Unit (PTU) Leak and Failure (AWD models)
Common · medium severity
Typical onset: 50,000-90,000 mi
Symptoms: Fluid leak at front of transmission, Whining or grinding noise during acceleration, Vibration at highway speeds, Binding feeling in tight turns, AWD malfunction warning
Fix: PTU seals leak, owners ignore it, unit runs dry and destroys itself. Ford maintenance schedule has no PTU service interval which accelerates failure. Requires PTU replacement or rebuild, plus rear differential service if metal contamination spread. Labor 4-6 hours.
Estimated cost: $1,200-2,000
Water Pump Failure (3.5L EcoBoost)
Occasional · high severity
Typical onset: 60,000-100,000 mi
Symptoms: Coolant leak from timing cover area, Grinding or rattling from front of engine, Overheating, Sweet coolant smell, Steam from engine bay
Fix: Internal water pump driven by timing chain fails—either seal leak or bearing failure. Requires timing cover removal, new water pump, timing chain inspection, and cooling system flush. If bearing grenades, metal contaminates cooling system requiring full flush and possible radiator replacement. Labor 6-8 hours.
Estimated cost: $1,400-2,200
Rear Axle Shaft Seal and Bearing Failure (recalled but not comprehensive)
Occasional · medium severity
Typical onset: 40,000-80,000 mi
Symptoms: Clunking from rear on acceleration or deceleration, Humming or growling that changes with speed, Gear oil leak at wheel hub, Vibration at highway speed, Axle play when wheels jacked up
Fix: Axle shaft bearings fail prematurely; NHTSA recall 14V340 covered some but not all cases. Requires axle shaft removal, new bearing, seal, and sometimes hub assembly. Both sides should be done simultaneously. Labor 3-5 hours for both sides.
Estimated cost: $600-1,000
Transmission Mounts Collapsing
Common · low severity
Typical onset: 50,000-90,000 mi
Symptoms: Clunk when shifting from Park to Drive/Reverse, Vibration at idle in gear, Excessive engine movement visible when accelerating, Transmission shifting feels harsher
Fix: Hydraulic transmission mounts collapse from age and fluid loss, allowing excessive powertrain movement. Requires mount replacement—usually the rear transmission mount fails first. Labor 1.5-2.5 hours.
Estimated cost: $250-450
Owner tips
If buying AWD, drop the PTU drain plug and inspect for metal shavings—then service it every 30k regardless of Ford's 'lifetime fill' claim
EcoBoost engines MUST use full synthetic oil with 5W-30 spec changed every 5,000 miles maximum—extended intervals kill these engines
Check transmission fluid color monthly; any pink tint in coolant or milky fluid means immediate radiator replacement before transmission dies
Walnut blast intake valves every 60k-80k on EcoBoost engines to prevent carbon buildup from choking airflow
Avoid the 3.5L EcoBoost if the maintenance history is unknown—stick with the naturally aspirated 3.5L V6 if available for better longevity
Pass unless you find a naturally-aspirated 3.5L V6 model with documented PTU services and a new radiator—the EcoBoost engines and transmission cooler issues make this a money pit after 80k miles.
AI-assisted summary drawn from NHTSA recall data, our labor-times database, and platform knowledge. Not a substitute for a pre-purchase inspection on a specific vehicle.
Fitment notes: EcoBoost engine requires AGM battery; higher CCA needed for turbocharged application
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Every control module on the 2010-2019 Ford Taurus — where it lives, replacement time, and what it takes to program a replacement. Modules marked dealer / factory tool won't work after a part swap alone — budget for programming.
Parking Aid Module (PAM)0.6 hr R&Rrelearn only +0.2 hrwith reverse sensing system▸ programming details
📍 Rear cargo area, right side panel behind trim
🔧 Ford IDS or self-calibrate
⚠️ Self-calibration by driving forward at 20+ mph for 30 seconds.
Rear View Camera Module (RVCM)0.5 hr R&Rrelearn only +0.2 hrwith rear view camera▸ programming details
📍 Integrated with rear camera assembly in liftgate handle
🔧 Ford IDS or self-calibrate
⚠️ Camera alignment guidelines may require calibration through ACM/SYNC module.
Solar Sensor Module (SSM)0.3 hr R&Rno codingwith automatic climate control
📍 Top of instrument panel, center near windshield
⚠️ Provides solar load input to HVAC module. No programming required.
Aftermarket tool coverage varies by software version and vehicle build — treat "aftermarket tool" rows as "usually possible" and verify against your tool maker's coverage list before promising a customer. Spot a wrong location or hour? Tell us — corrections ship fast here.
Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2014-2016 Explorer, 2014-2015 Taurus and 2014 Edge vehicles equipped with 2.0L or 2.3L engines and front wheel drive. The support bracket for the front drive axle halfshaft may fail.
Consequence: The failed bracket could result in a loss of park function which can cause unintended vehicle movement, and loss of motive power while driving which increases the risk of a crash.
Remedy: Ford will notify owners, and dealers will replace the link shaft bracket, free of charge. Parts are not currently available. Owners received an interim notification detailing safety risk December 8, 2020. A second letter will be mailed when parts become available in January 2021. The recall began February 2, 2021. Owners may contact Ford customer service at 1-866-436-7332. Ford's number for this recall is 20S63.
SUSPENSION:REAR · 20V072000
2020-02-10
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.
Consequence: A fractured rear toe link will cause a sudden change in vehicle handling and increase the risk of a crash.
Remedy: 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.
Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain model year 2013-2015 Ford Taurus, Ford Flex, Lincoln MKS and Lincoln MKT vehicles equipped with 3.5L GTDI Ecoboost engines and 2013-2015 Ford Taurus Police Interceptor vehicles. A component within the fuel pump electric module (PEM) may overheat causing a loss of electrical power to the fuel pump.
Consequence: A loss of power to the fuel pump will cause the engine to stall or prevent the vehicle from starting, increasing the risk of a crash.
Remedy: Ford will notify owners, and dealers will inspect the fuel PEM part number and replace the fuel PEM, as necessary, free of charge. The recall began on December 1, 2016. Owners may contact Ford customer service at 1-866-436-7332. Ford's number for this recall is 16S31.
POWER TRAIN:AXLE ASSEMBLY:AXLE SHAFT · 14V393000
2014-07-02
Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain model year 2012-2014 Ford Edge and Lincoln MKX vehicles manufactured September 2, 2010, to November 30, 2013; 2013-2014 Ford Taurus and Lincoln MKS vehicles manufactured August 25, 2011, to November 30, 2013; and 2013-2014 Ford Flex and Lincoln MKT vehicles manufactured September 12, 2011, to November 30, 2013. In the affected vehicles, the halfshaft retention circlip may not have been properly installed, and as a result, the halfshaft may move outward and disengage from the linkshaft while driving and without prior warning.
Consequence: If the halfshaft and linkshaft become disengaged while driving, power will no longer be transmitted to the wheels, increasing the risk of a vehicle crash. Additionally, if the parking brake is not applied before exiting the vehicle, the vehicle may roll away despite the transmission being placed in 'Park', increasing the risk of injury to exiting occupants and bystanders.
Remedy: Ford will notify owners, and dealers will inspect the vehicles to make sure that the halfshaft is properly retained. If it is not, dealers will replace the linkshaft and also replace the halfshaft if it shows evidence of spline damage, free of charge. The recall began on August 4, 2014. Owners may contact Ford customer service at 1-800-392-3673. Ford's number for this recall is 14S10.
EXTERIOR LIGHTING · 14V285000
2014-05-29
Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain model year 2010-2014 Taurus vehicles manufactured November 24, 2008, through February 28, 2014, originally sold in, or currently registered in, Connecticut, Delaware, Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Maine, Maryland, Massachusetts, Michigan, Minnesota, Missouri, New Hampshire, New Jersey, New York, Ohio, Pennsylvania, Rhode Island, Vermont, West Virginia, Wisconsin and the District of Columbia. When used in areas that use road salt, the license plate lamp assembly may experience an electro-chemical reaction and corrosion as a result of water intrusion.
Consequence: This corrosion may result in a short circuit, increasing the risk of a fire.
Remedy: Ford will notify owners, and dealers will replace the license plate lamp assemblies, free of charge. The recall began on July 26, 2014. Owners may contact Ford customer service at 1-800-392-3673. Ford's number for this recall is 14S08. Note: Under program 14R01, Ford will notify owners in non-corrosion states, and, at the customer's request, dealers will replace the license plate lamp assembly.
Performance
Horsepower
365hp
Torque
350lb-ft
0–60 mph
5.2sec
Quarter mile
13.8sec
Top speed
143mph
Fuel economy (EPA)
City
18mpg
Highway
26mpg
Combined
21mpg
Fuel
Regular Gasoline
Capability & size
Towing capacity
1,000lb
Payload
1,050lb
Curb weight
4,365lb
EPA class
Large Cars
Wiper blades
2010-2019 generation (D4). Uses symmetric 28-inch blades. Standard hook attachment.
Size-standard part numbers — verify your connector type before buying. Rear blades are model-specific; check the package's vehicle list.
Fuel economy figures are EPA data via fueleconomy.gov (median across matching trims). Performance figures are compiled estimates for the 2014 Ford Taurus 3.5L V6 EcoBoost and can vary by trim.
🔧 Database maintained under the daily editorial review of Chris Hackleman · Master Technician · 20+ years and Jeff Moore · Master Lexus & Toyota Mechanic · 20+ years.