Which Ford Taurus X year should I avoid?

NHTSA data does not assign an Avoid verdict to either the 2008 or 2009 Taurus X. The 2008 model year has far more complaints (153 vs. 11) and a complaint index of 100, so it draws more owner reports overall.

Is the 2008 Ford Taurus X reliable?

NHTSA lists 153 complaints for the 2008 Taurus X, the highest of the two model years, with steering as the top problem area (27% of all complaints across both years relate to steering). It also has 4 reported crashes and 4 fires.

What is the top problem area for the Ford Taurus X?

Across both model years, Transmission & Powertrain and Steering each account for 27% of complaints (45 and 44 complaints respectively), followed by Engine at 23%.

How many recalls does the Ford Taurus X have?

NHTSA records one recall campaign covering the Taurus X, and it is not a do-not-drive recall for either model year.

Is the 2009 Ford Taurus X better than the 2008?

The 2009 model has a complaint index of 0 and only 11 complaints, compared to the 2008's index of 100 and 153 complaints, so 2009 shows fewer reported issues in NHTSA data.

Ford Taurus X Best and Worst Years (2008–2009)

Neither Ford Taurus X year earns a Good, Best, Caution, or Avoid verdict in NHTSA data. The 2008 model year carries a complaint index of 100 with 153 complaints, mostly steering-related, versus just 11 complaints and an index of 0 for 2009.

Based on NHTSA owner complaints and recalls per model-year, ranked within this model — not a reliability rating. Methodology.

Model years: 2; 2008–2009
NHTSA complaints: 164
Recall campaigns: 1
Crashes reported: 7
Fires reported: 4
Top problem area: Transmission & Powertrain

Taurus X Complaint Index by year

Higher = more complaints, crashes, fires, injuries, deaths and Do-Not-Drive recalls per year on the road, relative to other years of this model.

Complaint Index: 0 = fewest issues, 100 = most, relative to other years of this model. Avoid Caution Good Best

Ford Taurus X problems and recalls by year

Year	Verdict	Index	Complaints	Crashes	Fires	Recalls	Top issue	MPG	NCAP
2008	No verdict	100	153	4	4	1	Steering	18.5	—
2009	No verdict	0	11	3	0	1	Transmission & Powertrain	18.5	—

Most common Ford Taurus X problems (all years)

Share of NHTSA complaints by component group across all model years.

Transmission & Powertrain45 (27%)
Steering44 (27%)
Engine37 (23%)
Structure & Body23 (14%)
Brakes19 (12%)
Suspension, Wheels & Tires16 (10%)
Other11 (7%)
Electrical System10 (6%)
Fuel System7 (4%)
Airbags3 (2%)

A complaint can list more than one component, so shares add up to more than 100%. Shares are % of complaints.

Frequently asked questions

Which Ford Taurus X year should I avoid?: NHTSA data does not assign an Avoid verdict to either the 2008 or 2009 Taurus X. The 2008 model year has far more complaints (153 vs. 11) and a complaint index of 100, so it draws more owner reports overall.
Is the 2008 Ford Taurus X reliable?: NHTSA lists 153 complaints for the 2008 Taurus X, the highest of the two model years, with steering as the top problem area (27% of all complaints across both years relate to steering). It also has 4 reported crashes and 4 fires.
What is the top problem area for the Ford Taurus X?: Across both model years, Transmission & Powertrain and Steering each account for 27% of complaints (45 and 44 complaints respectively), followed by Engine at 23%.
How many recalls does the Ford Taurus X have?: NHTSA records one recall campaign covering the Taurus X, and it is not a do-not-drive recall for either model year.
Is the 2009 Ford Taurus X better than the 2008?: The 2009 model has a complaint index of 0 and only 11 complaints, compared to the 2008's index of 100 and 153 complaints, so 2009 shows fewer reported issues in NHTSA data.