2008 Ford Taurus Reliability Data: Problems & Recalls
Caution The 2008 Ford Taurus ranks 8th worst out of 15 model years, with a complaint index of 50 and a Caution verdict. NHTSA lists 175 complaints, led by engine issues (56 complaints, 32% share), plus one airbag recall.
Based on NHTSA complaints per model-year, not a reliability rating. Methodology
YearToAvoid Scorecard
- Complaint Index
- 50/100
- #8 of 15 Taurus years
- Verdict
- Caution
- vs. other years of this model
- Complaints
- 175
- unique NHTSA reports
- Recalls
- 1
- distinct NHTSA campaigns
- Crashes
- 19
- reported in complaints
- Fires
- 7
- Injuries
- 13
- Top issue
- Engine
- NHTSA overall rating
- Not rated
- EPA combined MPG
- 20.5
- 17.5 city / 26 hwy
- Injuries / deaths
- 13 / 0
Top 2008 Ford Taurus problems
Share of this year’s NHTSA complaints by component group. Groups with 15+ complaints have their own page.
- Engine56 (32%)
- Transmission & Powertrain44 (25%)
- Steering35 (20%)
- Brakes18 (10%)
- Electrical System17 (10%)
- Airbags15 (9%)
- Suspension, Wheels & Tires11 (6%)
- Other9 (5%)
- Fuel System8 (5%)
- Structure & Body8 (5%)
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 sudden, uncontrollable engine surge or acceleration while braking or stopped at a light, sometimes leading to crashes.
- Some vehicles reportedly caught fire during normal operation, including one case tied to a loose center brake light bulb.
- Drivers describe the front airbags failing to deploy in frontal crashes, even at highway speeds, while side curtain airbags sometimes deployed.
- Several owners describe the accelerator and brake pedals sitting too close together, causing them to press both at once.
- One owner reported the vehicle shooting backward unexpectedly in reverse after a light touch of the gas pedal.
2008 Ford Taurus recalls
1 NHTSA recall campaign list this model year.
- 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 fuel economy and fuel cost
- City
- 17.5 MPG
- Highway
- 26 MPG
- Combined
- 20.5 MPG
- Annual fuel cost (EPA)
- $3,175
- 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 years
Frequently asked questions
- Is the 2008 Ford Taurus reliable?
- NHTSA data shows the 2008 Taurus has a complaint index of 50 and ranks 8th worst of 15 model years, earning a Caution verdict. Engine problems make up the largest share of complaints at 32%.
- What are the most common problems with the 2008 Ford Taurus?
- Engine issues account for 56 of 175 complaints (32%), followed by transmission and powertrain issues (44 complaints, 25%) and steering issues (35 complaints, 20%).
- Does the 2008 Ford Taurus have any recalls?
- Yes, NHTSA lists one recall (campaign 16V247000) covering the driver frontal airbag module, which Ford says will be inspected and replaced free of charge.
- How does the 2008 Taurus compare to other model years?
- The 2008 model's complaint index of 50 is better than 2005 (93), 2010 (86), and 2013 (100), all rated Avoid, but worse than 2007, 2009, 2012, 2016, 2017, 2018, and 2019, which rate Good or Best.
- At what mileage do 2008 Taurus problems typically show up?
- Across all problem areas, the median mileage at failure for this model year is 65,405.5 miles, with engine issues appearing around a median of 73,000 miles.