YearToAvoid

2008 Ford Taurus X Reliability Data: Problems & Recalls

No verdict The 2008 Ford Taurus X has 153 NHTSA complaints, the highest of the 2 model years with data, giving it a complaint index of 100 and rank 1 of 2 (worst first). Steering issues lead at 27% of complaints, followed closely by transmission and powertrain problems at 27% and engine problems at 24%.

Based on NHTSA complaints per model-year, not a reliability rating. Methodology

YearToAvoid Scorecard

Complaint Index
100/100
#1 of 2 Taurus X years
Verdict
No verdict
vs. other years of this model
Complaints
153
unique NHTSA reports
Recalls
1
distinct NHTSA campaigns
Crashes
4
reported in complaints
Fires
4
Injuries
2
Top issue
Steering
Best nearby year
—
no alternative with data
NHTSA overall rating
Not rated
EPA combined MPG
18.5
15.5 city / 23 hwy
Injuries / deaths
2 / 0

Top 2008 Ford Taurus X problems

Share of this year’s NHTSA complaints by component group. Groups with 15+ complaints have their own page.

  1. Steering42 (27%)
  2. Transmission & Powertrain41 (27%)
  3. Engine36 (24%)
  4. Structure & Body20 (13%)
  5. Brakes17 (11%)
  6. Suspension, Wheels & Tires14 (9%)
  7. Electrical System10 (7%)
  8. Other10 (7%)
  9. Fuel System7 (5%)
  10. Visibility & Wipers3 (2%)

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

What owners report

  • Owners report the front suspension bolts securing it to the body can loosen or fall out, causing loss of steering control.
  • Some owners describe the vehicle rolling backward on an incline when the foot is removed from the brake, even though it is in drive.
  • Ignition coils on multiple cylinders have reportedly melted, causing sudden loss of power while driving.
  • Owners report brake failure where pressing the pedal does not stop the vehicle, sometimes accompanied by a burning smell.
  • Electrical fires have been reported starting under the dashboard while the vehicle was parked and off.
  • A seat heater fuse reportedly overheated and caused a fire that burned through the seat.
2008 Ford Taurus X complaints: complaints filed per quarter72007 Q42009 Q42011 Q32013 Q22015 Q12016 Q42019 Q22021 Q4
153 complaints filed with NHTSA from 2007 Q4 to 2025 Q3; peak 2010 Q1 (7).

2008 Ford Taurus X recalls

1 NHTSA recall campaign list this model year.

  1. NHTSA 16V247000Apr 26, 2016Airbags695 vehicles

    Air bags:frontal

    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."

    Risk: 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.

2008 Ford Taurus X fuel economy and fuel cost

City
15.5 MPG
Highway
23 MPG
Combined
18.5 MPG
Annual fuel cost (EPA)
$3,500
15,000 mi/yr
Fuel
Regular
Current regular gas
$4.32/gal
national avg.

EPA figures; median across configurations of this model year. Estimate your own cost with the fuel cost calculator.

2008 compared with other Taurus X years

Complaint Index by model year (0 = fewest issues, 100 = most)025507510020082009
Complaint Index: 0 = fewest issues, 100 = most, relative to other years of this model. Avoid Caution Good Best
YearVerdictIndexComplaintsRecallsMPG
2008No verdict100153118.5
2009No verdict011118.5

All Ford Taurus X years: best and worst →

Frequently asked questions

Is the 2008 Ford Taurus X reliable?
Among the 2 Taurus X model years with data, 2008 has the most NHTSA complaints (153) and the highest complaint index (100), ranking it worst of the two years.
What are the most common problems with the 2008 Ford Taurus X?
Steering accounts for 27% of complaints, transmission and powertrain problems also 27%, and engine problems 24%, based on NHTSA complaint data.
Does the 2008 Ford Taurus X have any recalls?
NHTSA lists 1 recall for the 2008 Taurus X, covering airbags, where the driver frontal air bag module may need inspection and replacement.
At what mileage do steering problems typically show up in the 2008 Taurus X?
The median mileage at failure for steering complaints is 70,875 miles, according to NHTSA data.
Were there any fires reported in the 2008 Ford Taurus X?
NHTSA data shows 4 fire incidents reported for the 2008 Taurus X, including electrical fires under the dash and a seat heater fire.

Sources: NHTSA Office of Defects Investigation complaint and recall databases; U.S. EPA fuel economy data; NHTSA 5-Star Safety Ratings. Complaints are unverified owner reports.

Data updated Sep 24, 2026. Read the methodology and data sources. The Complaint Index is based on NHTSA owner complaints and recalls; it is not a reliability rating.