2011 Ford Taurus: fire, smoke or burning smell

5 of the 187 complaints about the 2011 Ford Taurus describe fire, smoke or burning smell.

owner complaints: 5
of this car's complaints: 3%
recalls: 0

Is there a fix? 3 service bulletins cover this area of the car. See below

Fire, smoke or burning smell by model year

2018
1
2017
1
2016
1
2015
1
2014
6
2013
7
2012
1
2011
5
2010
5
2008
3
2006
4
2005
9
2004
10
2003
16
2002
15
2001
19
2000
21
1999
18
1998
11
1997
11
1996
11
1995
33
1994
24
1993
45
1992
19
1991
10
1990
14

What owners say

Filed May 9, 2025 · Electrical · TN

The contact owns a 2011 Ford Taurus. The contact stated that while turning off the vehicle, there was white smoke coming from under the hood. The check engine warning light was illuminated. Additionally, the contact stated there was a fuel burning odor coming from the interior and exterior of the vehicle. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic who diagnosed and determined that the electrical system had failed. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was unknown. The VIN was not available.

Filed Sep 20, 2022 · Engine · MO

Engine/ Water pump. Started the car one day and a massive plume of smoke came out of the exhaust. So far we have caught it early enough to where the whole engine doesn't have to be replaced. But the repair is costly. Shame on Ford for building this model of engine that has water pump failures that leak coolant into the oil. Especially when a vehicle has been well taken care of and maintained. This is causing $$$ to be spent.

Filed Aug 10, 2018 · Engine · 129,000 miles · NC

I have a 2011 ford taurus sel that has less than 130,000 miles on it that has experienced a total engine failure. It started with a coolant leak which caused the car to overheat. I noticed the smell of coolant. After a week or so, the vehicle began making some noises. At that time, I was driving the vehicle and the vehicle started making a very loud noise, the temperature gauge came on and the vehical was overheating and the oil light also came on, keeping in mind that I had just changed the oil. Also, when the oil was changed, it was noticed that there was some other fluid in the oil (now after seeing all the other issues, realizing it was the coolant that had leaked in the engine causing the engine failure) all of a sudden, I experienced total engine failure while driving. The car shut off, I lost power steering and the car began smoking very heavily. I believed the car was on fire. It seems as though this issue has not only happened to my car but also many other taurus's as well. This is a very dangerous situation, as my car stalled out in the middle of traffic with a loss of all maneuverability.

Filed May 7, 2015 · Airbags, Body · 80,000 miles · FL · crash · 1 injury

Some of the airbags did not deploy, the car has electrical issues as well a constant burning smell. The frame was bent as well!!! There are light that constantly appear for work to be done.

Filed Dec 2, 2013 · Electrical, Seats · 46,700 miles · NY · 1 injury

I own a 2011 ford taurus with heated leather seats. The heating mechanism began to get hotter in spots on the back of the seat on my drive into work. I begin to feel a burning sensation on my skin as well as a burning smell in the car. I originally thought it was in the heating vents, after turning off the car and stepping out I realized it was not. When I took off my coat, I realized that the seat had burned a hole in my jacket, my sweater and I had a burn on my skin. Looking at the drivers side seat you can see burn marks as well as a hole where the heating mechanism burned through the seat and burned out.