FORD Taurus X Reliability by YearBest & worst years, problems & recalls β NHTSA data
Comparing used FORD Taurus X options? We analyzed 2 model years (2008β2009) using real NHTSA complaint and recall data so you can spot stronger years, avoid riskier ones, and know what to inspect before buying.
Free VIN check
Found a FORD Taurus X? Check that exact car.
Model-year trends show patterns β they can't tell you whether this car was crashed, flooded, or rolled back. A VIN check can.
- Accident & damage history
- Odometer rollback records
- Open recalls & title brands
Based on NHTSA complaint data, the FORD Taurus X has 164 owner complaints and 2 safety recalls across model years 2008β2009. The most reported issue area is POWER TRAIN. 2008 drew the most complaints; 2009 drew the fewest.
- Make
- FORD
- Model
- Taurus X
- Model years analyzed
- 2008β2009 (2 years)
- Total NHTSA complaints
- 164
- Safety recall campaigns
- 2
- Crash-related complaints
- 7
- Fire-related complaints
- 4
- Worst model year (by complaints)
- 2008 (153 complaints)
- Best model year (fewest complaints)
- 2009 (11 complaints)
- Top reported issue area
- POWER TRAIN
- Reliability signal
- Poor
By model year
FORD Taurus X: which years to avoid & which to buy
Based on total NHTSA owner complaints per model year. Higher complaint counts indicate a riskier year to buy used β lower counts suggest a cleaner reliability record.
These years have the most owner complaints. Inspect carefully and always run a VIN check.
These years have the fewest owner complaints on record β lower risk starting points.
Crash test ratings
NHTSA NCAP crash test ratings
New Car Assessment ProgramNCAP crash tests measure how well a vehicle protects occupants in controlled frontal crash, side crash, and rollover scenarios. Stars are awarded per category (5 = safest). These laboratory results are independent of owner complaints and are performed by NHTSA engineers on new production vehicles.
Source: nhtsa.gov/ratings
What the complaint data suggests
PoorThe FORD TAURUS X has 164 NHTSA complaints and 2 recalls on record. 7 complaints involve crash-related incidents. This data reflects owner-reported issues submitted to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration.
- 164 total complaints filed with NHTSA
- 2 federal recall campaigns
- 7 crash-related complaints on record
- Review NHTSA complaint history for the most-reported components
- Check recall completion status at nhtsa.gov/recalls
- Verify service records for frequently complained components
Consult the by-year breakdown to identify model years with elevated complaint rates.
Consult the by-year breakdown to identify model years with fewer reported issues.
- Run a VIN check on the specific vehicle you are considering
- Verify all open recalls are completed at nhtsa.gov/recalls
- Request service records for the most-reported complaint components
- Have a certified mechanic inspect the vehicle before purchase
Problems by model year (best vs. worst)
Source: NHTSA public complaints database. Updated: Sep 2026
Safety recalls
NHTSA safety recalls
2 recalls foundSafety recalls are mandatory repair campaigns ordered by NHTSA when a vehicle defect poses an unreasonable risk to safety. Manufacturers are required to fix recalled vehicles free of charge. Always verify open recalls before buying a used car.
AIR BAGS:FRONTAL
AIR BAGS:FRONTAL
Source: NHTSA Recalls Database. Data covers model years 2008β2009. Always run a VIN-specific check below for the most up-to-date open recall status.
Common problems
What goes wrong most often
The vehicle systems owners complain about most, ranked from all 164 NHTSA complaints β these are the areas to inspect first on a used car.
Owner complaints
NHTSA complaint reports
164 totalThese are consumer-submitted safety complaints filed directly with NHTSA. Each complaint describes a real owner's experience. Complaints flagged as crash-related or fire-related are highlighted.
Front subframe (also referred to as K-frame, engine cradle, crossmember) rusted through forming large holes in two locations which could cause failure of the front subframe during operation. Locations mirror each other, are at the forward-facing side of the cross member just in from the point where the crossmember connects to the side beams of the K-Frame. Holes formed at ~100,000 miles. The subframe overall has moderate rust and metal is fully intact. Rest of the vehicle has minimal corrosion. Ford discontinued the part and has no remaining inventory. No aftermarket part exists. Part number is: 9F9Z-5C145-A Prior part numbers: 8A4Z-5C145-B, 8A4Z-5C145-D
The contact owns a 2009 Ford Taurus X. The contact stated while driving 70 MPH and hauling a trailer, the tow hitch detached from the vehicle, causing the passengerβs side of the trailer to collapse. No one was injured. The contact was able pull over on the side of the roadway with the driverβs side of the trailer still attached to the vehicle. The contact detached the trailer from the vehicle and had the trailer hauled by another vehicle. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic and the mechanic stated that the rear sub frame was rusted. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was not contacted. The failure mileage was 190,000
HAVE A SMALL POWER STEERING LEAK THAT TURNED OUT TO BE A RACKET PINION ISSUE. I'VE TALKED TO A FEW PEOPLE WITH THE SAME CAR AND THEY HAVE ALSO HAD THE SAME ISSUE. SMALL LEAK IN THE SAME AREA THAT TURNED OUT TO BE THE RACKET PINION NEEDING REPLACED. YOU CAN REALLY SEE THE LEAK WHEN PARKED.
STEERING SUDDENLY BECOMES VERY DIFFICULT LIKE THE POWER STEERING FAILED. IT INTERMITTENTLY HAS POWER ASSIST AND THE FLUID LEVEL IS GOOD. I WAS TOLD THIS A WELL KNOWN PROBLEM THAT IS MORE COMMON IN THE 2008 MODEL. DIAGNOSIS INDICATED THE RACK AND PINION AND/OR GEARBOX IS BAD. IT'S A VERY DANGEROUS SITUATION WHEN IT SUDDENLY CANNOT BE CONTROLLED. THE FIRST TIME, I WAS AT AN INTERSECTION MAKING A LEFT TURN GOING 15 MPH WHEN I WAS COMPLETING THE TURN, THE STEERING WHEEL BECAME EXTREMELY DIFFICULT TO STRAIGHTEN OUT DIRECTION OF TRAVEL FORCING ME BRAKE HARD TO PREVENT GOING INTO HEAD-ON TRAFFIC UNTIL I COULD FORCE THE WHEEL BACK. NOW, IT HAS LIMITED INTERMITTENT POWER ASSIST GOING THROUGH THE FULL STEERING RANGE.
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2009 FORD TAURUS X. WHILE DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 40 MPH, THE CONTACT'S WIFE STRUCK A DEER. THE FRONT END OF THE VEHICLE WAS DAMAGED. THE AIR BAGS DID NOT DEPLOY. THERE WERE NO INJURIES AND A POLICE REPORT WAS NOT FILED. THE CONTACT DROVE THE VEHICLE HOME AND CONTACTED THE INSURANCE COMPANY. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE INSURANCE COMPANY ASSESSED THE DAMAGE AND DISCOVERED THAT THE AIR BAG SENSOR WAS DESTROYED BY THE CRASH. BASED ON THAT FINDING, THE INSURANCE COMPANY DENIED COVERAGE. THE MANUFACTURER WAS MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE, BUT REFUSED TO TAKE RESPONSIBILITY. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 190,000.
ON SEPT 23, 2015 WE PURCHASED A SET OF DEFINITY TIRES FROM PEP BOYS. WE WERE TOLD THEY WERE MADE BY COOPER TIRES. WE TRIED TO REGISTER THE TIRES IN ORDER TO GET A RECALL NOTICE AND THEY ARE UNABLE TO BE REGISTERED AS THEY WERE MADE IN TAIWAN. WE HAVE CONTACTED PEP BOYS AND THEY WILL NOT CHANGE THE TIRES FOR AMERICAN MADE ONES. THEY SAID THAT THEY HAVE THE INFORMATION TO LET US KNOW IF THERE IS A RECALL AND THAT WE DO NOT NEED TO REGISTER THE TIRES. WE THINK THIS IS WRONG AND FRAUDULENT. PLEASE ADVISE US AS TO WHAT TO DO. THEY CLAIM THEY ARE IN COMPLIANCE WITH FEDERAL LAW WHICH WE THINK IS WRONG.
Read 14 more owner reports
THE INCIDENT DATE, VEHICLE MILEAGE AND VEHICLE SPEED ARE ALL GUESSES AS I AM NOT SURE OF THAT INFORMATION. WHEN I AM DRIVING THE CAR, IT WILL JUST STOP WORKING AND SLOWS DOWN TO A SNAILS PACE AND THE LIGHTS ON THE DASHBOARD COME ON THE WAY THEY WOULD IF YOU DIDN'T TURN YOUR CAR ON ALL THE WAY. THE SHORT TERM SOLUTION EACH TIME HAS BEEN TO TURN OFF THE CAR AND RESTART IT BUT IT IS VERY SCARY AS I AM IN THE MIDDLE OF THE STREET WHERE I SHOULDN'T BE STOPPED. THIS HAPPENS EVERY MONTH OR SO (EXAMPLES INCLUDE: AFTER I STOPPED AT A STOP SIGN AND I FOUND MYSELF IN THE MIDDLE OF A STREET WITH A CAR THAT WOULDN'T DRIVE; WHILE I WAS ABOUT TO TURN LEFT TO GO DOWN A HILL; WHEN WAS DRIVING OUT OF A PARKING LOT.) I HAVE BROUGHT IT TO THE DEALERSHIP MULTIPLE TIMES AND THEY HAVE TRIED SEVERAL DIFFERENT THINGS TO FIX THE PROBLEM BUT I CONTINUE TO HAVE IT. I HAVE COMPLAINED TO FORD BUT FORD'S POSITION IS THAT I CAN KEEP DRIVING IT. *TR
WHILE PULLING INTO PARKING SPACE AT VERY LOW SPEED WITH RIGHT FOOT ON BRAKE PETAL, CAR ACCELERATED UP AND LURCHED FORWARD HITTING PARKED VEHICLE IN FRONT. HAD TO APPLY BRAKE HARDER TO GET VEHICLE IN PARK TO STOP ACCELERATION. *TR
WHILE TURNING INTO TRAFFIC, THE CAR SUDDENLY DECELERATES AS IF SOMEONE IS PUTTING ON THE BRAKES, OR MORE LIKE THE CAR IS DROPPED INTO THE LOWEST GEAR POSSIBLE. AFTER THE CAR IS BROUGHT TO A COMPLETE STOP IT RESUMES NORMAL OPERATIONS. THIS HAPPENED THREE OR FOUR TIMES. THE DEALER COULDN'T FIND THE PROBLEM. I POINTED OUT A SERVICE BULLETIN IN REFERENCE TO THIS PROBLEM BUT SINCE PERFORMING THE SOFTWARE UPDATE IT HAS HAPPENED AGAIN. THE CAR LITERALLY GRINDS TO A STOP, OR ONE OUT TWO MILES AN HOUR, IN THE MIDDLE OF TRAFFIC ALMOST CAUSING AN ACCIDENT OR SERIOUS INJURY. *TR
SUDDENLY WOULDN'T TURN TO THE RIGHT WHEN STOPPED, GOT INCREASING DIFFICULT FROM STOPPED POSITION. THE FASTER THE VEHICLE WOULD GO THE MORE THE STEERING WOULD LOOSEN UP. MAKES INTERSECTIONS VERY DANGEROUS AND IMPOSSIBLE TO MANEUVER. PULLED SHOULDER MUSCLE TRYING TO STEER OUT OF THE INTERSECTION. *TR
PUT CAR IN DRIVE WENT FORWARD LIKE A JET HIT BASKETBALL HOOP WAS CEMENTED IN GROUND. *TR
All 5 rear seatbelts have cracked plastic around the metal piece that buckles in.
This has happened since we purchased the car. when driving down the road out of the blue the wrench light on the dash turns on and the car loses all power!! Dangerous! So dangerous. i have spoken with other foes tauras x owners and they too have the same issue. When it happens i pull over and shut the car off and wait a bit.. I turn it back on and the wrench light is off BUT CAR WONT SHIFT INTO GEAR!! it's very hard to get the shifter to move. when it does move it's a loud CLUNK CLUNk sound like u just dropped the transmission on the ground!! This is happening more often then not now. Hundreds of thousands of people who own this vehicle have complaints about the same issue. NO one can figure out the issue! Some say a sensor, yet a sensor would not make my transmission clunk like that! A lot say it's the control arm and ford has had the wrong control arm installed in all there does tauras x"s 2007 and 2009. My car has 77,609 miles on it. it's been doing this for the past 40,000 miles! I'm truely scared to drive this car aspecially in the winter!! FORD YOU already have been told and are well aware of this issue ! Fix it or get sued by tens of thousands of us all petitioning to do so and all together as a group. so buckle up Ford!
The contact owns a 2008 Ford Taurus X. While the contactβs daughter was driving approximately 40 MPH, several unknown warning lights illuminated, the steering wheel became difficult to turn, and the vehicle lost motive power. The contact's daughter was able unable to pull over but was able to restart the vehicle and the vehicle returned to normal functionality. The vehicle was taken to a local mechanic where it was diagnosed with needing spark plugs, coolant, and radiator replaced. The failure persisted. The manufacturer was informed of the failure. The contact was informed that the vehicle was not included in a recall. The failure mileage was approximately 109,000.
I bought this vehicle used from a lot. It had 2 previous owners and came with all the service history. I first noticed the vehicle seemed like it didnβt want to go into overdrive . It would get to about 70 mph which would have the rpmβs at 3k! The 2nd time or so that we got it to these speeds (on interstate) the vehicle suddenly clunked , steering wheel jerked , vehicle lost power - I had my 2 children in the vehicle and I was pregnant. We had to pull over immediately . After sitting side the road for a few , it crunk up and we rode out . Only for it to happen 2 more times. And this is not the only thing effected by this . Not long after I got it , I started noticing a hard shift / clunk / slam when going into gear and especially when the vehicle has just tried to downshift and I pressed the gas again . Due to this , Iβm unable to tell when and if we can pull out into traffic and such. I must time it good in order to not risk getting T boned etc. Also, with 3 kids in tow , a vehicle slamming their necks and heads is dangerous and scary. So , Iβve had some work done on . Trying to help my issue. Apparently my issue is the same as a lot of others . Which is an intermittent issue . And apparently no matter if all the passed recalls were addressed. Or if the owners of the vehicle serviced it often and currant . Or if the pcm was reflashed , replaced etc - the Ford Taurus X will continue to have these issues . And these issues seem to be the same issues that were addressed in the ford recall in 2020 ( which didnβt include the Taurus X) and previous recalls . This drivertrain transmission has been an issue for the Taurus X since forever . Please check into this. Last thing we need is whiplash or life flights from this .
THE DASH WARNING LIGHTS ALL COME ON AND THE SPEEDOMETER AND GAS GAUGE GO TO ZERO. I HAVE HAD THE CAR SINCE SEPTEMBER 2017 AND IT ONLY HAD ONE PREVIOUS OWNER! THIS IS A SCARY PROBLEM BECAUSE THE CAR WILL NOT ACCELERATE WHEN THIS OCCURS. HAS ANYONE HAD THIS PROBLEM AND FIGURED OUT HOW TO FIX? ALSO THERE'S A LOUD KNOCKING NOISE SOMETIMES THAT SOUNDS LIKE IS COMING FROM UNDER THE DASHBOARD. THIS IS NOT THE FIRST OR EVEN TENTH TIME THIS HAS HAPPENED. TO MANY TO REMEMBER ALL THE DATES!
DRIVING DOWN THE ROAD STRAIGHT, OUR CAR MADE A POP SOUND AND SUDDENLY LURCHED AND STEERING WAS IMPAIRED. CAR WAS TAKEN TO THE NEAREST DEALERSHIP WHERE THEY FOUND THE ENGINE CRADLE/FRONT SUB FRAME HAD RUSTED THROUGH INTERNALLY CAUSING THE SWAY BAR TO BREAK AWAY AND IT HAD PERFORATED AROUND THE MOUNT FOR THE CONTROL ARM. WE WERE EXTREMELY FORTUNATE THE CONTROL ARM DIDN'T COMPLETELY DROP OUT CAUSING AN ACCIDENT. FAILURE IS ALMOST IDENTICAL TO THE FORD ESCAPE SUBFRAME RECALL. DEALER TECHNICIAN SAID HE HAS REPLACED A LOT OF THESE ENGINE CRADLES IN THE TAURUS X'S FOR THE SAME FAILURE (SOME WORSE THAN OURS, COMPLETELY RUSTED IN HALF ETC.). LACK OF SUFFICIENT PAINT INSIDE OF THE CRADLES CAUSING PREMATURE FAILURE IS A MAJOR SAFETY CONCERN. I WOULD NOT BE SURPRISED IF THERE ARE ACCIDENTS REPORTED FOR THIS CONCERN. I HAVE REQUESTED THE ENGINE CRADLE FROM THE DEALERSHIP AFTER IT IS REMOVED FOR PHOTOGRAPHIC EVIDENCE.
TRANSMISSION STUCK IN HIGH GEAR WHILE IN MOTION. CAN'T ACCELERATE FROM STOP TO MAINTAIN SPEED. POWER CYCLE FIXED. INTERMITTENT ISSUE.
WITHIN 24 HOURS, TWICE THE CAR SUDDENLY DISPLAYED "EMPY" FUEL GUAGE AND HAVING ZERO MILES ON THE RANGE ESTIMATOR DESPITE HAVING ROUGHLY HALF A TANK OF GAS. ONE TIME, SHORTLY AFTER DISPLAYING "EMPTY" DESPITE HAVING HALF A TANK, THE CAR CUT OFF AT HIGHWAY SPEEDS.
HAD TO SHELL OUT $528.06 TO REPLACE BOTH THE 'INPUT & OUTPUT SHIFT SENORS' IN THE VEHICLE. REPAIR INVOLVED REMOVING THE VALVE BODY ON THE TRANSMISSION FOR ACCESS. MAJORITY OF THE COST INVOLVE THE LABOR TO REACH THIS AREA ON TRANS. A MONTH EARLIER TRANS LOCKED UP IN LOW GEAR, DASH LIGHTS WERE FLASHING? SHUT OFF ENGINE & RESTARTED. RAN OK THEN. SAFETY ISSUE! RECALL IS IN ORDER!
Showing 20 of 164 total NHTSA complaints. Source: NHTSA Complaints Database
Check the exact car
Before you buy, check the exact FORD Taurus X
These pages show model-year patterns across 2 years. Enter a VIN to verify the exact vehicle's accident history, title brands, odometer records, and open recall status before purchase.
The basics
How to read this data
Complaints, recalls, investigations β hereβs what each number actually tells you about a used FORD Taurus X, in plain English.
What is an NHTSA Complaint?
An NHTSA safety complaint is a report filed directly by a vehicle owner or driver describing a safety-related issue. Anyone can submit a complaint at NHTSA.gov. The number of complaints is a signal of how common a problem is β but complaints per model-year matter more than raw totals, since popular vehicles naturally receive more reports. The FORD Taurus X has 164 complaints on record across 2 model years.
What is a Safety Recall?
A safety recall is a mandatory campaign issued by NHTSA when a vehicle component poses an unreasonable risk to safety or does not comply with federal motor vehicle safety standards. Unlike complaints (which are owner-reported), recalls are formally investigated and confirmed by regulators. Manufacturers must fix recalled vehicles free of charge. The FORD Taurus X has 2 recall campaigns in the NHTSA database.
What Are Crash Complaints?
Crash complaints are NHTSA filings where the owner indicates a crash occurred as part of the incident. 7 of the FORD Taurus X's 164 complaints involved a crash. This metric is particularly important because it indicates how often defects resulted in actual collisions β a key safety signal beyond general reliability.
How Is the Reliability Verdict Calculated?
The reliability verdict (Poor) is generated by analyzing the vehicle's total complaints, recall history, crash complaint ratio, fire complaint ratio, and top component failures relative to class averages. This verdict gives buyers a quick interpretation before they review year-level details and VIN-level history. It should be treated as one decision input, not a substitute for a VIN-specific report.
Why Do Newer Years Have Fewer Complaints?
Newer model years appear to have fewer complaints because there has been less time for owners to file them. Complaints accumulate over years of ownership. A 2020 model year vehicle will typically show fewer complaints than a 2015 model year even if it is less reliable β simply because fewer owners have had time to report issues. Focus on complaints per year of market presence when comparing across model years.
Fleet Data vs. Individual VIN
Everything on this page reflects aggregated data across all FORD Taurus X vehicles on the road β not any specific car. Two FORD Taurus X vehicles of the same year can have very different histories: one may have been in three accidents and have an open recall; another may be clean. A VIN check gives you the individual car's history: accidents, title brands, odometer records, service history, and real-time recall status.
What Are NHTSA Investigations?
When NHTSA receives a pattern of related safety complaints, it opens a formal investigation. A Preliminary Evaluation (PE) is the first stage β NHTSA determines if a safety defect may exist. If evidence is strong, it escalates to an Engineering Analysis (EA), which can result in a mandatory recall. The FORD Taurus X has 0 investigations on record (0 active). Investigations listed above may have already led to the recalls shown on this page.
Compare
Buyers also compare
How does the FORD Taurus X stack up? Compare complaint history with similar vehicles.
Explore
Other FORD models
By state
Check a FORD Taurus X by state
Title-branding rules, flood-damage exposure, and salvage laws vary by state. Run a free VIN check or explore state-specific vehicle history guidance before buying a used FORD Taurus X.
Research more
Keep researching before you buy
Compare brands and categories, then check the exact car's history by VIN.
FORD Taurus X reliability β frequently asked questions
Is the FORD Taurus X reliable?
Poor. The FORD Taurus X has 164 NHTSA owner complaints and 2 recall campaigns across model years. A commonly reported issue area is POWER TRAIN. Use year-level data as a pattern guide, then verify the exact car with a VIN check before purchase.
Which FORD Taurus X years to avoid?
Years with the most NHTSA complaints: 2008 (153 complaints), 2009 (11 complaints). Use these years as a shortlist for deeper inspection, and always run a VIN check on the exact vehicle before purchase.
What are the most common FORD Taurus X problems?
Top reported issues: POWER TRAIN (45 complaints); STEERING (44 complaints); VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL (26 complaints).
Does the FORD Taurus X have recalls?
Yes β 2 NHTSA recall campaigns have been issued for the FORD Taurus X. Check nhtsa.gov/recalls or run a VIN check to see if your specific vehicle has open recalls.