VehicleVerdict

2008 Ford Taurus X problems

Verdict · NHTSA data

One of the years to avoid

With 210 complaints filed to NHTSA — about 1.9 times the median Taurus X year — the 2008 model ranks #1 of 2 Taurus X years for complaint volume. It lands on the years-to-avoid list.

No single system dominates the record — complaints spread across steering (42), transmission (41), and speed control (26), which usually points to general build quality rather than one defect.

210

NHTSA complaints

1

Recalls

1

Investigations

8

Crash-involved

6

Fires reported

2

Injuries

0

Deaths

—

NCAP overall

How does 2008 compare to other Taurus X years?

Taurus X NHTSA complaints by model year, 2008 highlighted210 complaints2008: 210 complaints2009: 17 complaints
Taurus X NHTSA complaints by model year, 2008 highlighted. Red bars are years to avoid.

See all Taurus X years to avoid →

What are the most common 2008 Ford Taurus X problems?

ComponentComplaintsShare
Steering4220%
Transmission4120%
Speed Control2612%
Body & Structure157%
Brakes147%
Electrical System147%
Engine126%
Other105%
Suspension94%
Fuel System73%
Tires & Wheels63%
Visibility & Wipers42%
Seats42%
Seat Belts21%
Latches & Locks21%
Airbags21%

Does the 2008 Ford Taurus X have recalls?

1 NHTSA recall campaign on file. Recall repairs are free at franchised dealers.

16V247000AirbagsApril 26, 2016 · 695 units

Defect

Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain model year 2009-2012 Ford Flex, 2008 and 2010-2012 Ford Taurus, 2008-2009 Ford Taurus X, 2008 Mercury Sable, 2009 and 2011 Lincoln MKS vehicles. The driver frontal air bag may improperly inflate during second-stage deployment in the event of a high speed crash. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard (FMVSS) number 208, "Occupant Crash Protection."

Consequence

An improperly inflated air bag increases the risk of injury in the event of a crash.

Remedy

Ford will notify owners, and dealers will inspect and replace the driver's frontal air bag module, as necessary, free of charge. The recall is expected to begin on June 13, 2016. Owners may contact Ford customer service at 1-866-436-7332. Ford's number for this recall is 16C06.

Consumer complaints filed with NHTSA

Representative excerpts, cleaned of personal information. These are consumer statements, not verified defects.

“1. THE PROBLEM OCCURRED AT THE END OF A 1600 MILE DRIVE WHEN TURNING INTO RESIDENCE DRIVEWAY. THE PROBLEM THEN PERSISTED UNTIL REPAIRED. 2. LOSS OF POWER STEERING ASSIST, PRIMARILY FOR RIGHT TURNS. 3. DEALER REPLACED, AT MY COST, THE RACK AND PINION ASSEMBLY PER RELEASED TECHNICAL SERVICE BULLETIN…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Steering · November 1, 2009

“TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2008 FORD TAURUS X. THE CONTACT STATED WHILE AT A STOP SIGN THE VEHICLE WOULD NOT ACCELERATE. THE FAILURE OCCURRED INTERMITTENTLY. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALER FOR DIAGNOSTIC TESTING WHERE THE MECHANIC WAS UNABLE TO DIAGNOSE THE FAILURE. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED.…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Transmission · July 17, 2013

“TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2008 FORD TAURUS X. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE DRIVING 10 MPH IN REVERSE, THE VEHICLE ACCELERATED INDEPENDENTLY AND CRASHED INTO THE NEIGHBORS HOUSE. THE AIR BAGS FAILED TO DEPLOY. THE DRIVER DID NOT SUSTAIN ANY INJURIES AND NO MEDICAL ATTENTION WAS REQUIRED. A POLICE…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Speed Control · January 24, 2015 · crash

“WHEN DRIVING MY CAR I HAVE BEEN INVOLVED IN 2 WRECKS BECAUSE OF THIS PROBLEM WHEN TRYING TO STOP QUICKLY THE CAR DOES NOT STOP THE TRACTION LIGHT COMES ON AND THE CAR CONTINUES TO ROLL. I HAD A FRONT END COLLISION AND MY AIR BAGS NEVER DEPLOYED I WAS TRAVELING ABOUT 35-40 MPH. I BOUGHT THE CAR FROM…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Body & Structure · December 27, 2018 · crash

“WHEN DRIVING MY CAR I HAVE BEEN INVOLVED IN 2 WRECKS BECAUSE OF THIS PROBLEM WHEN TRYING TO STOP QUICKLY THE CAR DOES NOT STOP THE TRACTION LIGHT COMES ON AND THE CAR CONTINUES TO ROLL. I HAD A FRONT END COLLISION AND MY AIR BAGS NEVER DEPLOYED I WAS TRAVELING ABOUT 35-40 MPH. I BOUGHT THE CAR FROM…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Brakes · December 27, 2018 · crash

2008 Ford Taurus X — common questions

Is the 2008 Ford Taurus X reliable?

NHTSA data argues against it: 210 complaints put the 2008 model at #1 of 2 Taurus X years. It is one of the Taurus X years to avoid.

What are the most common 2008 Taurus X problems?

According to NHTSA complaint data, the leading problem areas are steering (42 complaints), transmission (41 complaints), speed control (26 complaints).

Does the 2008 Ford Taurus X have recalls?

Yes — NHTSA lists 1 recall campaign affecting the 2008 Ford Taurus X. Recall repairs are free at franchised dealers; check the VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls to confirm the work was done.

Is the 2008 Ford Taurus X under NHTSA investigation?

NHTSA opened one investigation into this model year; all are now closed.

Which Ford Taurus X years should you avoid?

Based on complaint rates and open investigations, the Taurus X years to avoid are 2008.

Related

Based on NHTSA ODI data through June 2026. Complaints are consumer-reported and unverified. Updated July 5, 2026.

Compiled by Sharon Ben-Moshe, Founder.