2013-2019 Ford Taurus Hood: Diagnosing Corrosion, Damage, and Replacement
This guide covers the common aluminum corrosion issue, how to inspect a used hood for hidden damage, and what's involved in a proper replacement for your 2013-2019 Taurus.
- The primary known issue is aluminum corrosion causing paint to bubble on the hood's front edge; panel replacement is the recommended fix.
- When buying a used hood, meticulously inspect the front and side seams for any sign of swelling or corrosion before purchase.
- The hood panel is the same for all 2013-2019 Taurus models, including the SHO, making used parts easier to source.
- Replacement is a two-person job due to the hood's size, but is mechanically simple and requires basic tools.
Symptoms of a Damaged or Failing Hood
While a hood doesn't 'fail' like a mechanical part, it can suffer from damage that requires replacement. Here’s what to look for:
- Visible Dents, Dings, and Creases: The most obvious sign of a problem is physical damage from impacts, hail, or falling objects. Even minor dents can break the paint and lead to corrosion.
- Paint Bubbling or Peeling: On the 2013-2019 Taurus, this is a critical symptom, especially on the front leading edge. It almost always indicates underlying aluminum corrosion.
- Poor Alignment and Uneven Gaps: If the gaps between the hood and the fenders or front bumper are uneven, it can indicate that the hood is bent, the hinges are damaged, or the vehicle has been in a previous accident.
- Hood Flutter at High Speeds: A hood that seems to lift or vibrate excessively at highway speeds can be a sign of a failing latch, loose hinges, or structural weakness in the hood panel itself.
- Difficulty Opening or Closing: While often caused by a faulty latch or need for adjustment, a bent or twisted hood can also prevent the latch mechanism from aligning and operating correctly.
Known Issues: Aluminum Corrosion
The most significant known issue for the aluminum hood on the 2013-2019 Ford Taurus is corrosion. This problem affects many Ford vehicles from this era with aluminum body panels. It typically appears as bubbling or blistering paint, often starting on the leading edge of the hood where the outer skin is folded over the inner frame.
This corrosion is caused by iron contamination of the aluminum panel during manufacturing, which creates a chemical reaction when exposed to moisture and road salt. Ford issued several Technical Service Bulletins (TSBs) regarding this issue, with the eventual recommendation being to replace the entire affected panel rather than attempting to sand and repaint it, as the corrosion would likely return.
Warning: A simple repaint will not fix aluminum corrosion. The oxidation must be completely removed, and the panel properly treated, or the bubbling will reappear. For this reason, replacing the panel is often the most effective long-term solution.
Buying a Used Hood: What to Check
A used OEM hood is often the best value, providing superior fit compared to aftermarket options. However, a thorough inspection is crucial, especially with the known corrosion issue.
- Inspect the Front Edge Seam: This is the most important check. Run your fingers along the underside of the hood's front lip. Feel for any swelling, flaking, or bubbling under the paint. Look for any white, dusty residue, which is a sign of aluminum oxide.
- Check for Hidden Bodywork: Look at the underside of the hood for any signs of repair. Check for non-factory seam sealer, overspray, or ripples in the support structure that indicate it has been bent and straightened.
- Verify Hinge and Latch Points: Ensure the mounting areas for the hinges and the striker loop for the latch are not cracked, bent, or have elongated bolt holes. Damage here can make alignment impossible.
- Sight Down the Surface: Look across the hood's surface from multiple angles in good light. This will help you spot minor waves, low spots, or subtle creases that are hard to see straight-on.
- Ask About the Donor Vehicle: If possible, find out the history of the vehicle the hood came from. A hood from a low-mileage, garage-kept car from a dry climate is always a better bet.
Pro Tip: An original equipment (OEM) used hood will almost always fit better than a new aftermarket one. Aftermarket hoods often require extra work like re-drilling holes or shimming hinges to achieve proper panel gaps.
Cost Comparison for a 2013-2019 Ford Taurus Hood
Prices can vary based on your location and the part's condition. Painting is a significant additional cost for new hoods.
| Part Type | Estimated Cost (Part Only) | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| New OEM | $830 - $960 | Comes unpainted, requires professional painting and prep. Offers perfect factory fit. |
| New Aftermarket (Steel/Fiberglass) | $340 - $450 | May be made of steel or fiberglass instead of aluminum. Fitment can vary and may require adjustment. |
| Used OEM | $250 - $550 | Comes in the original vehicle color. Condition varies widely. Best value if you can find one in good shape and the right color. |
| Shop Labor (Installation) | $100 - $200 | Typically 1-2 hours of labor. Does not include painting. |
| Shop Labor (Painting) | $300 - $1,000+ | Cost to paint a new hood to match your vehicle. Price depends on paint color and shop rates. |
Replacement Overview & Difficulty
Replacing the hood on a 2013-2019 Taurus is a straightforward job, but it requires a helper due to the hood's size and awkwardness.
- Difficulty: 2/5 (Easy, but requires a second person)
- Estimated Time: 1 hour (not including painting)
- Tools Needed: Socket set (typically 13mm), painter's tape, a blanket or fender cover, a helper.
Step-by-Step Process:
- Prepare the Area: Place a blanket or fender cover over the engine bay and fenders to prevent scratches.
- Mark Hinge Alignment: With the hood open, use painter's tape or a scribe to mark the exact position of the hinges on the hood. This will make aligning the new hood much easier.
- Disconnect Washer Hose: Unplug the windshield washer fluid hose from the fitting on the underside of the hood.
- Support the Hood: Have a helper hold the hood securely. Do not rely on the hood struts to hold it while unbolting.
- Remove Hinge Bolts: While the helper supports the weight, remove the two bolts connecting each hinge to the hood.
- Lift Off Old Hood: Carefully lift the old hood off the car and set it aside.
- Install New Hood: With your helper, place the new hood onto the hinges. Loosely install the four hinge bolts.
- Align and Tighten: Close the hood slowly to check alignment. Adjust the hood's position using your reference marks until the panel gaps are even on both sides. Once aligned, carefully tighten the hinge bolts.
- Reconnect Washer Hose: Reattach the washer fluid hose and test the sprayers.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Is the hood on the Taurus SHO different from the SE, SEL, or Limited models?
For the 2013-2019 generation, the hood panel itself is the same across all trim levels, including the SE, SEL, Limited, and the high-performance SHO. Earlier generations of the SHO sometimes had unique hoods, but for this generation, the part is interchangeable.
Do I need to use hood pins for an aftermarket hood?
For many aftermarket fiberglass or carbon fiber hoods, the manufacturer requires the use of hood pins for safety. These hoods are often lighter and may not be as structurally rigid as the OEM aluminum hood, creating a risk of the latch failing at high speed. Always follow the manufacturer's instructions. OEM-style replacement hoods do not require hood pins.
Can I just replace the hood lift supports (struts)?
Yes, if your only problem is a hood that won't stay up, you only need to replace the two gas-charged hood lift supports (also called struts or shocks). This is a very common and easy repair that can be done in minutes with a small flathead screwdriver or pick tool.
Are there any recalls on the 2013-2019 Taurus hood?
There are no recalls issued by the NHTSA for the hood panel itself on the 2013-2019 Ford Taurus. There have been recalls for other components on the vehicle, but none pertain to the hood flying open or its structural integrity.
Technical Specifications
OEM Part Numbers: DG13-16612-AB DG1Z-16612-A DG1Z16612A
Material: Aluminum
The information in this article is provided for general reference and educational purposes only. Vehicle specifications, procedures, and part compatibility can vary by production date, trim level, and region. Always consult your vehicle's factory service manual and verify part numbers before purchasing or performing repairs. Safety-critical components such as airbags, seat belts, and braking systems should be installed by a qualified professional.
- Ford Taurus: