FORD TAURUS · model year

2006 FORD TAURUS

415 NHTSA complaints, 29 crash reports, and 3 active recalls for this specific cohort.

NHTSA overall rating

Not crash-tested

New Car Assessment Program

The 2006FORDTAURUS carries 415 consumer safety complaints in NHTSA's Office of Defects Investigation database for this specific model-year cohort. Within that volume, owners reported 29 crashes, 5 fires, 15 injuries, and 1 fatality. No NCAP 5-star crash-test rating is available for this model year in the federal database.

Component-level analysis is where model-year complaints become actionable: the top complaint category for the 2006 TAURUS is vehicle speed control with 171 filings, followed by electrical system (24) and engine (24). Concentration in one or two component groups is the classic signature of a systemic defect; a flat distribution usually reflects normal aging, warranty complaints, or isolated build-plant variability. This model year has 3 active recall campaigns, which means the manufacturer is obligated to remedy the covered defect at no charge for the life of the vehicle, the full NHTSA campaign numbers are listed below.

NHTSA currently has 6 investigation files overlapping the 2006 TAURUS. Owners comparing this cohort against neighboring years should pair the counters above with the complaint-by-year trend on the parent model page, a spike in a single year often tracks to a platform refresh, a new transmission supplier, or an updated ECU calibration. Use the related-complaint feed below to read raw owner narratives before deciding whether any pattern here affects your specific use case.

415
Complaints
29
Crashes
5
Fires
15
Injuries
1
Deaths

Total Complaints

415 filings

Crashes Reported

29 reports

Source

NHTSA ODI

Federal complaints database

Complaints vs. fleet median (215)

Above median complaint volume, review patterns below.

Complaints by Component

ComponentCount
VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL171
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM24
ENGINE24
POWER TRAIN20
AIR BAGS18
SERVICE BRAKES15
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING14
FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM12
POWER TRAIN:AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION11
UNKNOWN OR OTHER11
SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC9
STRUCTURE9
EXTERIOR LIGHTING5
FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE5
STEERING4

Recalls (3)

06V11900010/04/2006

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM: INSTRUMENT CLUSTER/PANEL

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

05V52000009/11/2005

VISIBILITY:WINDSHIELD WIPER/WASHER:MOTOR

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.

16E02600001/04/2016

SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC:FOUNDATION COMPONENTS:DISC:PADS

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, Brake

Recent Complaints

20240911FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM

Intermittent accelerator sticking. After lifting foot from accelerator to prepare for braking/stopping the car continues to accelerate. Safety is at risk in traffic and intersections. There is online documentation related to previous NHTSA investigations. Ford and the local dealership has stated that there is not a defined recall. Although there may not be a “recall” this is certainly a safety problem!!

20230614SERVICE BRAKES

The contact owns a 2006 Ford Taurus. The contact stated that while his daughter was driving at an undisclosed speed and attempting to make a left turn, the vehicle inadvertently lost motive power before stalling. The vehicle continued to roll forward before the driver was able to bring the vehicle to a complete stop. Upon restarting the vehicle, the vehicle returned to normal functionality; however, the contact stated that failure reoccurred three additional times. No warning lights were illuminated. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic, who diagnosed a failure with the braking system. The vehicle was not repaired. After investigating the failure, the contact related the failure to NHTSA Campaign Number: 22V413000 (Power Train). The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was 165,000.

Mileage: 165,000

20230614POWER TRAIN

The contact owns a 2006 Ford Taurus. The contact stated that while his daughter was driving at an undisclosed speed and attempting to make a left turn, the vehicle inadvertently lost motive power before stalling. The vehicle continued to roll forward before the driver was able to bring the vehicle to a complete stop. Upon restarting the vehicle, the vehicle returned to normal functionality; however, the contact stated that failure reoccurred three additional times. No warning lights were illuminated. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic, who diagnosed a failure with the braking system. The vehicle was not repaired. After investigating the failure, the contact related the failure to NHTSA Campaign Number: 22V413000 (Power Train). The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was 165,000.

Mileage: 165,000

20230111POWER TRAIN

Vehicle is now on 2nd transmission the original transmission failed around 60000 miles Ford originally put a brand new transmission in it for previous owner documentation was provided when we purchased the vehicle since move unknown where it's at now but this transmission has only 67000 miles on it experiencing same problems sometimes it will slip between 2nd and 3rd year other times it will slip between 1st and 2nd year sometimes they won't let it go over drive other times he gets stuck In overdrive no rhyme no reason for why it does what it does it just seems to do what it wants when it was but it really sucks when you're on the highway driving 75 mile an hour and decided to come out of overdrive and get stuck in 2nd gear so you have to slow down in front of everybody and it kind of forces you to do so that could easily get someone killed Going from 75 mile an hour to stuck in 2nd year limited speed very quickly with no brake lights Original transmission apparently has something to

20230111ELECTRICAL SYSTEM

Vehicle is now on 2nd transmission the original transmission failed around 60000 miles Ford originally put a brand new transmission in it for previous owner documentation was provided when we purchased the vehicle since move unknown where it's at now but this transmission has only 67000 miles on it experiencing same problems sometimes it will slip between 2nd and 3rd year other times it will slip between 1st and 2nd year sometimes they won't let it go over drive other times he gets stuck In overdrive no rhyme no reason for why it does what it does it just seems to do what it wants when it was but it really sucks when you're on the highway driving 75 mile an hour and decided to come out of overdrive and get stuck in 2nd gear so you have to slow down in front of everybody and it kind of forces you to do so that could easily get someone killed Going from 75 mile an hour to stuck in 2nd year limited speed very quickly with no brake lights Original transmission apparently has something to

20220712VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL

Throttle stuck and vehicle accelerated out of control. Had to brake hard and turn off engine to prevent crash. Speed Control Cable disconnected from cruise control. It has been repaired since the incident. Yes, was reproduced by the tow truck driver as well as at a service center. No warnings, only high engine revving noise as it happened, high RPMs and high speed noticeable on dashboard as my car's acceleration stuck. Case #FCAS37586176 reported to Ford company.

20220701POWER TRAIN

Splines on Torque converter stripped out causing vehicle to just rev up and slow down to a stop. Car never moved again, had I been going up a large hill or something this could have been VERY VERY bad, because it wasn't until I was stopped that I realized it was the transmission having problems. After a bit of research and $500 in parts. I did the work myself. I find that the material inside of the torque converter is way softer than that on the input shaft causing the torque converter to strip out? How do they not have to fix that? This has been going on for over a decade! Why does someone have to die before they are responsible for something they know has a problem!

20220627VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL:THROTTLE

The contact owns a 2006 Ford Taurus. The contact stated while driving approximately 55 MPH, the vehicle failed to slow down as needed while depressing the brake to make a left turn. The contact stopped the vehicle and shifted the gear shifter to park; however, while parked the RPM rose to 5,000 RPM. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 169,530.

Mileage: 169,530

20220627ENGINE

Car engine accelerate on own. Tac meter shows over 3,000 RPM when I put it in neutral. I have to tap the accelerator and it goes back to normal. This happens about once a week now. I was slowing down for a stoplight and it happened. Brakes were not enough. Almost hit a car. Only by throwing into neutral allowed me to gain control and stop. My mechanic couldn’t find anything. I cannot allow anyone else to drive this as I am the only one familiar to handle it. I’ll probably sell it on a trade. I’ve read dozens of reports of this but no recall. I am surprised. If I get into an accident I have a lawyer handle it Here are others https://www.carproblemzoo.com/ford/taurus/cruise-control-problems.php

20220627VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL

Car engine accelerate on own. Tac meter shows over 3,000 RPM when I put it in neutral. I have to tap the accelerator and it goes back to normal. This happens about once a week now. I was slowing down for a stoplight and it happened. Brakes were not enough. Almost hit a car. Only by throwing into neutral allowed me to gain control and stop. My mechanic couldn’t find anything. I cannot allow anyone else to drive this as I am the only one familiar to handle it. I’ll probably sell it on a trade. I’ve read dozens of reports of this but no recall. I am surprised. If I get into an accident I have a lawyer handle it Here are others https://www.carproblemzoo.com/ford/taurus/cruise-control-problems.php

20220227CrashFatalUNKNOWN OR OTHER

Fatal accident involving the Death of a loved one

20220222CrashAIR BAGS

I was in an accident on Nov12,2021 and the air bag did not deploy. My front end was completely damaged.

20210313VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL

THE THROTTLE STICKS OPEN AND THE ENGINE REVS HIGH MAKING IT HARD TO SLOW DOWN AND STOP. THE CRUISE CONTROL CABLE IS HOLDING THE THROTTLE OPEN BECAUSE OF A FAULTY ATTACHMENT TO THE THROTTLE CONTROL. THIS IS A KNOWN AND WIDE PROBLEM. PEOPLE ARE BANDAGING THE PROBLEM WITH BACK YARD FIXES THAT CAN CAUSE ACCIDENTS. NOT FIRST TIME.

Mileage: 134,950

20210117AIR BAGS

PERIODICALLY THE PASSENGER SIDE AIRBAG OFF LIGHT COMES ON. ALSO, PASSENGER SIDE DOOR AJAR ON DASHBOARD ON ALL THE TIME WHICH MAKES DOME LIGHT STAY ON AND DRAIN BATTERY.

Mileage: 72,000

20210117EXTERIOR LIGHTING

PERIODICALLY THE PASSENGER SIDE AIRBAG OFF LIGHT COMES ON. ALSO, PASSENGER SIDE DOOR AJAR ON DASHBOARD ON ALL THE TIME WHICH MAKES DOME LIGHT STAY ON AND DRAIN BATTERY.

Mileage: 72,000

20201107ELECTRICAL SYSTEM

PROBLEM WITH WINDOWS GOING BACK UP I REPLACED THE MAIN SWITCH FOR ALL WINDOWS BUT STILL DID NOT WORK TOOK AGAIN TO ELECTRICIAN AND THEY SAID IT WAS THE MAIN FUSE BOX UNDER DRIVERS SEAT THAT NEEDED TO BE REPLACED .

20201012VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL

VEHICLE QUICKLY ACCELERATES ON ITS OWN WHEN OPERATING WHILE IN MOTION

Mileage: 120,000

20200805UNKNOWN OR OTHER

IN COLD WEATHER THE DOOR LATCHES FREEZE AND WILL NOT LATCH THIS IS THE SECOND 2006 FORD TAURUS I HAVE OWNED THAT HAS DONE THIS. HAS HAPPENED NUMEROUS TIMES ATLEAST 20

Mileage: 144,000

20190114VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL

VEHICLE ACCELERATES ON ITS OWN WITHOUT TOUCHING GAS IT INCREASES TO 40-60 MPH HIGH RPM IN NEUTRAL OR PARK WHILE DRIVING IT INCREASES SPEED ON ITS OWN. NEARLY REAR ENDED ANOTHER CAR AT LIGHT TODAY AS I TOOK FOOT OFF BRAKE IT JUMPED TO 20 MPH CAR HAS 68,000 MILES WELL MAINTAINED

20181024VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL

WHILE DRIVING OVER 45MPH THE ACCELERATOR STICKS. THIS HAS HAPPENED SEVERAL TIMES . IT ACCELERATED ON ITS OWN WHILE I WAS TRYING TO PARK AT WORK.

Mileage: 88,000

Compare 2006FORDTAURUS to Similar Vehicles

NHTSA Investigations

View all investigations

Frequently Asked Questions

How many complaints does the 2006 FORD TAURUS have?
The 2006 FORD TAURUS has 415 NHTSA complaints, 29 crashes, 5 fires, 15 injuries, and 1 deaths reported.
Are there any recalls for the 2006 FORD TAURUS?
Yes, the 2006 FORD TAURUS has 3 recall(s). The most common affected component is ELECTRICAL SYSTEM: INSTRUMENT CLUSTER/PANEL. Recalls are issued by NHTSA and manufacturers must provide a free remedy.
What are the most common problems with the 2006 FORD TAURUS?
The most-complained component for the 2006 FORD TAURUS is VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL with 171 complaints. Other frequently reported areas include ELECTRICAL SYSTEM and ENGINE.
Is the 2006 FORD TAURUS safe to buy?
Review the complaint history, crash and fire reports, safety ratings, and recall status on this page to make an informed decision. No NHTSA crash test rating is available for this model year. Compare with other model years using the links above.
Where does this data come from?
All complaint, recall, and safety rating data is sourced from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA). Complaints are filed by vehicle owners through NHTSA's Office of Defects Investigation.

Vehicle Safety Guides

Data as of 2025. Sources: NHTSA Office of Defects Investigation (ODI) complaints database, NHTSA recall campaign API, NHTSA NCAP crash-test ratings, and NHTSA FARS for fatality cross-reference.