2012 Ford Taurus Oil Type & Capacity
The 2012 Ford Taurus oil type depends on the engine: the Limited, AWD takes 5W-20 (5.5 quarts qt with filter); the Limited, FWD takes 5W-20 (5.5 quarts qt with filter); the SE takes 5W-20 (5.5 quarts qt with filter); the SEL, AWD takes 5W-20 (5.5 quarts qt with filter); the SEL, FWD takes 5W-20 (5.5 quarts qt with filter); the SHO takes 5W-30 (5.5 quarts qt with filter), per the factory service manual.
Factory-spec answer
It depends on the engine:
- Limited, AWD: 5W-20, 5.5 quarts with filter
- Limited, FWD: 5W-20, 5.5 quarts with filter
- SE: 5W-20, 5.5 quarts with filter
- SEL, AWD: 5W-20, 5.5 quarts with filter
- SEL, FWD: 5W-20, 5.5 quarts with filter
- SHO: 5W-30, 5.5 quarts with filter
Oil capacity by engine
| Engine | Oil Type (viscosity) | Capacity w/ Filter | Capacity w/o Filter | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Limited, AWD — Normally Aspirated | MOTORCRAFT SAE 5W-20 Premium Synthetic Blend or Full Synthetic Motor Oil, or equivalent | 5.50 QTS. | — | — |
| Limited, FWD — Normally Aspirated | MOTORCRAFT SAE 5W-20 Premium Synthetic Blend or Full Synthetic Motor Oil, or equivalent | 5.50 QTS. | — | — |
| SE — Normally Aspirated | MOTORCRAFT SAE 5W-20 Premium Synthetic Blend or Full Synthetic Motor Oil, or equivalent | 5.50 QTS. | — | — |
| SEL, AWD — Normally Aspirated | MOTORCRAFT SAE 5W-20 Premium Synthetic Blend or Full Synthetic Motor Oil, or equivalent | 5.50 QTS. | — | — |
| SEL, FWD — Normally Aspirated | MOTORCRAFT SAE 5W-20 Premium Synthetic Blend or Full Synthetic Motor Oil, or equivalent | 5.50 QTS. | — | — |
| SHO — Twin Turbocharger | MOTORCRAFT SAE 5W-30 Premium Synthetic Blend or Full Synthetic Motor Oil, or equivalent | 5.50 QTS. | — | — |
More factory specs & repair guides for your Taurus
🛞 2012 Ford Taurus Tire Size & Pressure →🌧️ 2012 Ford Taurus Wiper Blade Sizes →💡 2012 Ford Taurus Light Bulb Sizes →📖 2012 Ford Taurus Factory Service Manual →All fluid capacities (transmission, coolant, brakes)Powered by factory manual data from our partner network AllOEMManuals.com.
Coolant capacity
11.1 quarts (10.5 L) — MOTORCRAFT Specialty Green (dark green-colored) or MOTORCRAFT Specialty Orange Engine Coolant. Add the coolant type originally equipped in the vehicle.
Frequently asked questions
What type of oil does a 2012 Ford Taurus take?
It depends on the engine: Limited, AWD uses 5W-20; Limited, FWD uses 5W-20; SE uses 5W-20; SEL, AWD uses 5W-20; SEL, FWD uses 5W-20; SHO uses 5W-30.
What is the oil capacity of a 2012 Ford Taurus?
Oil capacity depends on the engine: Limited, AWD holds 5.5 quarts with filter; Limited, FWD holds 5.5 quarts with filter; SE holds 5.5 quarts with filter; SEL, AWD holds 5.5 quarts with filter; SEL, FWD holds 5.5 quarts with filter; SHO holds 5.5 quarts with filter.
How often should I change the oil in my 2012 Ford Taurus?
Most 2012 Ford Taurus owners follow a 5,000–7,500 mile interval with conventional oil, or up to 10,000 miles with full synthetic. Always check the oil life monitor if equipped, and consult your owner's manual — Ford recommends intervals based on driving conditions, not just mileage.
Can I use synthetic oil in my 2012 Ford Taurus?
Yes. 5W-20 is widely available as a full synthetic, and synthetic is safe (often recommended) for the 2012 Ford Taurus. What matters most is matching the factory viscosity and specification, then changing the oil and filter on schedule.