2008 Ford Taurus X: what breaks, and at what mileage
What breaks on the 2008 Ford Taurus X
On the 2008 Ford Taurus X, the failure owners report most often is other powertrain problem, and the reports cluster around 65,000 miles. The earliest to appear is other brake problem, reported by a median of 30,000 miles. Overall it scores 73 out of 100, high risk for a 2008.
High risk for a 2008 — 55th riskiest of the 356 2008 vehicles we can rate. 210 owner reports; fleet size estimated from this year's own recall paperwork.
What owners report breaking
Owners have reported 34 named failure modes on the 2008 Ford Taurus X, and the three most-reported carry 32% of everything filed, which is an unusually even spread for one model year.
Other powertrain problem leads with 27 reports, about 509 per 1,000 vehicles and with the middle half of reports between 36k to 95,000 miles.
Steering rack, gear or tie rod failure follows with 22 reports, usually reported between 55k to 105,000 miles.
Other speed control problem follows with 19 reports, usually reported between 31k to 110,000 miles. 1 of those report mention a fire.
By system, the reports fall mostly into steering (45), transmission (35) and adas (31).
The mileage the reports cluster at
187 of the reports on the 2008 Ford Taurus X came with an odometer reading, and half of those were filed before 61,000 miles.
Cumulatively, 38% by 50,000 miles, 75% by 100,000 miles and 90% by 150,000 miles of the dated reports had been filed, with 2 filed above the top of the chart.
The busiest stretch is between 0 and 10,000 miles, which alone holds 11% of the dated reports.
26% of the dated reports were filed below 36,000 miles.
In the order they tend to show up: other brake problem around 30k, cruise control failure around 51k, other engine problem around 57k and other powertrain problem around 63k.
Tick median reported mileage Solid middle half of reports Faint 10th to 90th percentile Colour how bad the failure is when it happens
Showing the 12 most-reported failure modes of 34. The full list is in the table below.
How reports accumulate
Every report with an odometer reading, cumulative, from 0 to 200,000 miles. A further 2 reports came in above that, which is why the line stops short of the top. A curve that climbs early is a car with early problems, whatever its total.
- Line share of reports filed by that mileage
- Dashed the median reported mileage
Severity, and what it costs
Across the named modes, 6 mention a crash, 6 a fire and 1 an injury. Those are the words owners used in their own complaints, and NHTSA does not verify them, but they are the closest thing in this data to a measure of what a failure actually did.
The average severity weight across every report on this year is 4.35, where a stalled engine or a failed airbag weighs many times more than a rattling trim panel, and a figure this high means the reports are dominated by failures with safety consequences rather than annoyances. The weighting is set out in full on the methodology page.
What the top failures cost to put right, as editorial estimates for an independent US shop rather than figures from NHTSA: other powertrain problem at $400–$4,500, steering rack, gear or tie rod failure at $700–$2,600, other speed control problem at $250–$2,000 and other steering problem at $350–$2,400. Dealer labour, a seized bolt or a part that is no longer made can push any of these past the top of its range.
24% of the reports on this year sit in the engine, transmission, drivetrain or cooling systems — the four where a repair bill is usually four figures.
Every reported failure mode
| Failure mode | System | Reports | With reading | 25th | Median | 75th | Per 1,000 | Typical repair | Severity |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Other powertrain problem | transmission | 27 | 24 | 36k | 63k | 95k | 509.4 | $400–$4,500 | High |
| Steering rack, gear or tie rod failure | steering | 22 | 20 | 55k | 69k | 103k | 415.1 | $700–$2,600 | High |
| Other speed control problem | adas | 19 | 18 | 31k | 70k | 110k | 358.5 | $250–$2,000 | Critical |
| Other steering problem | steering | 14 | 14 | 41k | 66k | 84k | 264.2 | $350–$2,400 | High |
| Other body or interior problem | body | 14 | 13 | 36k | 79k | 80k | 264.2 | $200–$2,000 | Moderate |
| Other engine problem | engine | 10 | 8 | 35k | 57k | 93k | 188.7 | $300–$4,000 | High |
| Other brake problem | brakes | 10 | 10 | 25k | 30k | 94k | 188.7 | $300–$1,800 | High |
| Cruise control failure | adas | 9 | 8 | 26k | 51k | 54k | 169.8 | $200–$1,400 | High |
| Parking brake failure | brakes | 7 | 6 | — | 49k | — | 132.1 | $250–$1,300 | Moderate |
| Other fuel system problem | fuel | 7 | 6 | — | 51k | — | 132.1 | $300–$2,200 | High |
| Other suspension problem | suspension | 6 | 5 | — | 105k | — | 113.2 | $350–$2,000 | Moderate |
| Steering column or shaft failure | steering | 5 | 5 | — | 98k | — | 94.3 | $600–$2,500 | Critical |
| Other electrical problem | electrical | 5 | 4 | — | 124k | — | 94.3 | $250–$2,000 | Moderate |
| Other wheel or tire problem | wheels | 5 | 4 | — | 10k | — | 94.3 | $200–$1,500 | High |
| Complete transmission failure | transmission | 4 | 4 | — | 34k | — | 75.5 | $2,800–$8,000 | Critical |
| Loss of power steering | steering | 4 | 4 | — | 108k | — | 75.5 | $600–$2,800 | Critical |
| Control arm, ball joint or bushing failure | suspension | 4 | 3 | — | 100k | — | 75.5 | $400–$2,200 | High |
| Paint peeling or clear coat failure | body | 4 | 3 | — | 61k | — | 75.5 | $600–$6,000 | Low |
| Stalling while driving | engine | 3 | 3 | — | 45k | — | 56.6 | $300–$2,500 | Critical |
| Harsh or jerky shifting | transmission | 3 | 0 | — | — | — | 56.6 | $600–$4,000 | Moderate |
| Other driver assistance problem | adas | 3 | 3 | — | 110k | — | 56.6 | $250–$1,800 | High |
| Other visibility problem | glass | 3 | 2 | — | 95k | — | 56.6 | $150–$1,400 | Moderate |
| ABS module or sensor failure | brakes | 2 | 2 | — | 9k | — | 37.7 | $500–$2,400 | High |
| Rust or structural corrosion | body | 2 | 1 | — | 10k | — | 37.7 | $500–$6,000 | High |
| Radiator or coolant leak | cooling | 1 | 1 | — | 109k | — | 18.9 | $350–$1,900 | High |
| Transmission slipping | transmission | 1 | 1 | — | 1 | — | 18.9 | $1,200–$5,500 | High |
| CV axle or driveshaft failure | drivetrain | 1 | 1 | — | 42k | — | 18.9 | $450–$2,200 | High |
| Control module (ECM/PCM/BCM) failure | electrical | 1 | 1 | — | 86k | — | 18.9 | $700–$3,000 | High |
| Infotainment screen failure | infotainment | 1 | 0 | — | — | — | 18.9 | $400–$2,600 | Low |
| Premature brake pad or rotor wear | brakes | 1 | 1 | — | 25k | — | 18.9 | $300–$1,400 | Moderate |
| Seat belt or retractor failure | airbag | 1 | 1 | — | 3 | — | 18.9 | $200–$900 | High |
| Liftgate, tailgate or trunk failure | body | 1 | 1 | — | 39k | — | 18.9 | $250–$1,500 | Moderate |
| Tail light, brake light or signal failure | lighting | 1 | 1 | — | 14k | — | 18.9 | $100–$900 | Moderate |
| Windshield cracking | glass | 1 | 1 | — | 88k | — | 18.9 | $300–$1,600 | Moderate |
| Unclassified problem | other | 8 | 8 | 95k | 106k | 141k | 150.9 | — | Moderate |
Rate per 1,000 uses a fleet-size estimate derived from recall paperwork for this exact model year. It is a lower bound. Repair costs are typical independent-shop ranges for the failure, not figures from these reports.
How often, against how many were built
Scaled by an estimate of how many of these cars exist, the 2008 Ford Taurus X draws about 3,962 per 1,000 vehicles, which puts it in the 100th percentile of complaint rates among 2008 vehicles we can rate.
That denominator is the weakest number on the page and it is fair to say so plainly. Rate per 1,000 uses a fleet-size estimate derived from recall paperwork for this exact model year. It is a lower bound.
The working figure is 53 vehicles. If the true number is twice that, every rate on this page is half what it says; the ranking against other 2008 vehicles, which is what the risk score uses, is far more robust than the rate itself.
What owners wrote
Verbatim from NHTSA complaint narratives, trimmed for length. The odometer reading is the one the owner gave.
Other powertrain problem
The new ford taurus x (front wheel drive) vehicle rolls back when you take your foot off the brake to move it to the accelerator when on an incline. It will keep rolling as far as you let it go. This is a safety concern to anyone owning one. I am not use to driving with two feet and should not have to. This vehicle is an accident waiting to happen. What are they going to do when some child runs behind a car and the car rolls back and hits them. We were told at the dealership it is because of the transmission ford put in it. I have written the ford company many times about the situation. The last email said ford was within their specifications for the vehicle. I am getting rid of this vehicle. The all wheel drive car gives you about 3 seconds to get your foot from the brake to the accelerator before it rolls back which is enough time but the front wheel drives do not. We were also told ford has this same transmission in most of their vehicles. I have not hit anyone yet, but have come close 3 times already and I have only had the vehicle since december. *tr
Tl* the contact owns a 2008 ford taurus x. The transmission will not down-shift properly. This condition causes her to increase her stopping distances. On one occasion the transmission shifted into a higher gear, but the vehicle would not accelerate. The vehicle was taken to the dealer multiple times for inspection. Since the technicians could not identify the cause of the failure, nor locate any error codes, they could not provide a remedy. The failure mileage was 28,000. Updated 11/10/09. *lj updated 11/10/09
Steering rack, gear or tie rod failure
Power steering , intermittent dis-engagement. This was noticed by my wife in early august 2010. She said it was getting harder and harder to turn. I drove the car for a week and it became worse, (power steering fluid levels were topped off). It would work some times and then completely fail leaving only manual steering without power assist. When I drove on the freeway I could feel the system coming in and our of power, this caused a very dangerous sensation as I never knew when power steering would be active and if I had to do an accident avoidance move at high speed I would not be able to due to the lack of power steering. I read that there is a service bulletin on this problem, I brought it to the dealer and he will gladly fix it at a cost of $1400. My car has 58,800 miles on it and is out of warranty. The dealer wants $562.37 for labor, $ 562.37 for a 8g1z-3504-d steering gear, $190.43 for 8g1z-3a674-a pump, and $69.95 for an alignment. *tr
Driving for work noticed with backing in and out of driveways that steering was tight. Checked power steering fluid level and it was fine thought it was just needing new tires. Driving home after picking my children up from daycare and went to turn right on a curve at about 35 MPH and steering very tight with "throbbing" felt in steering wheel. I did not have good control of the vehicle and needed to slam on the breaks to make the curve. Took car in and was told needed new rack and pinion. Car has 47,000 miles on it. Called ford and they said no problem reported and not covered under warranty. Now it is very hard to turn at all and raises some serious crash aversion issues as well as sometimes works fine and sometimes not at all. I am a visiting nurse and have two young boys and the cost to fix the problem is over $900 plus more if the p/s pump was also damaged. Ford has tsb out (which they denied) and supposedly the new part, that cost at least $200 more than an aftermarket, has to come from ford because they know that there is a manufacture defect. They have remedied the problem with an "improvement" to their rack and pinion…
Other speed control problem
Dangerous design of relation of brake pedal and accelerator (gas) pedal. The gas pedal is located within approximately/4 of an inch of the brake pedal. And the gas pedal is on a 15deg.angle from the top to the bottom leaning towards the brake pedal. When brake is applied there is insufficient space to avoid the gas pedal causing acceleration and braking at the same time. Stopping is dangerous!!!! I called the factory and told them about it and asked if it could provide more space between gas pedal and brake pedal and was told no because is was a design feature and must remain so or loose the warranty on the vehicle. No crash or injury yet but close shaves have occurred. I feel on edge when ever stopping at a red light behind another car afraid my car jumping into the one in front of me. Entering a busy intersection afraid the car will not stop because the gas is applied when the brake is also applied. The car is a 2008 model and costly for my pocket-book and cannot sustain damage due to a faulty design that could be correct very simply by the manufacturer by providing more space between pedals. I invested much of my savings and…
The vehicle was merging into a lane of bumper to bumper traffic with the air conditioner on and it lurched forward in such a way that the brake needed to be applied so the the vehicle would not hit another vehicle. The driver felt as if she was not in control & the vehicle quickly accelerated without the driver pressing the gas pedal.
Recalls on the 2008 model year
NHTSA has issued 1 recall campaign covering the 2008 Ford Taurus X, affecting an estimated 53 vehicles. A recall is a different kind of evidence from a complaint: it is the regulator and the manufacturer agreeing that something has to be fixed, and the fix is free for as long as the car exists.
The campaigns cover air bags:frontal. Whether the work was actually done on the car in front of you is a question only the VIN can answer, and the manufacturer or NHTSA will answer it free.
Recalls also distort complaint counts. Publicity about a campaign reminds owners that complaining is possible, so reports for a recalled component often spike after the recall rather than before it.
AIR BAGS:FRONTAL
695 vehicles 2016-04-26- 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.
Recall work is free at a franchised dealer regardless of the car's age. Check the VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls before assuming it was done.
How it ranks in the 2008 field
The score at the top of the page, placed among its peers. The zones are the same thresholds the scorer applies, read out of the scorer itself, so the picture and the band word cannot disagree.
Scores are ranked within the model year, never across years, because an older car has had longer to accumulate reports.
- Left fewer and less serious reports
- Right more, or worse
- Marker this vehicle
Better and worse years of the same car
High risk for a 2008 — 55th riskiest of the 356 2008 vehicles we can rate. Every score on this site is a rank inside its own model year, which is what makes a 2004 and a 2019 comparable at all.
Within the 2008–2009 generation specifically, 2008 is the strongest year at 73 and 2009 the weakest at 75.
Scores compare each year against other cars of the same model year, so a low number on an older car is a real result and not an artefact of age.
Within the 2008-2009 generation, 2008 Ford Taurus X scores best at 73 and 2009 Ford Taurus X worst at 75.
Where to spend the inspection money
The mileages below are where the first quarter of reports for each mode had already been filed, which makes them the point at which a fault is worth looking for rather than the point at which it happens: other brake problem from about 25k, cruise control failure from about 26k, other speed control problem from about 31k and other engine problem from about 35k.
On a 2008 Ford Taurus X with more miles than that on it, the useful question to put to a seller or a mechanic is whether other brake problem has been dealt with, and if so with what parts and at whose expense. A car that has already had the repair is in a different position from one that has not.
None of this is a diagnosis. It is a list of what other owners of the same model year reported, ordered by when they reported it, which is a good place to point an inspection and a poor place to stop.
Where these figures stop being useful
210 owner reports; fleet size estimated from this year's own recall paperwork. Every count on this page is therefore a floor: it is the number of owners who went to the trouble of filing with a federal agency, which is a small and self-selected fraction of the owners who had the fault.
Of those 210 reports, 187 carried an odometer reading, so the mileages here describe 89% of the sample rather than all of it. Owners also round: readings pile up on multiples of ten thousand, which is why this site publishes "about 90,000 miles" and not "91,438".
Named failure modes come from matching phrases in the complaint text, so a badly worded complaint can land in the wrong bucket. The effect washes out across hundreds of reports and does not wash out across five.
And nothing here predicts what one car will do. These are other people's complaints, filed years apart, on cars maintained by strangers. Read the page as a map of where this model year has previously gone wrong, then have the specific car in front of you inspected.
Questions this page answers
What are the most common problems with the 2008 Ford Taurus X?
The most-reported failures are other powertrain problem (27 reports, median 65,000 miles), steering rack, gear or tie rod failure (22 reports, median 70,000 miles) and other speed control problem (19 reports, median 70,000 miles). Counts come from owner complaints filed with NHTSA, which are voluntary, so they show what owners bothered to report rather than every fault that occurred.
At what mileage do 2008 Ford Taurus X problems start?
Other brake problem is the earliest failure mode to show up, with a median reported mileage of 30,000 miles and a quarter of reports before 25,000 miles. Across all failure modes on this year, the median report sits at 61,000 miles.
Is the 2008 Ford Taurus X reliable?
It scores 73 out of 100 on our risk index, which is high — 55th riskiest of the 356 2008 vehicles we can rate. The score is a comparison against other 2008 vehicles, not a prediction about any individual car, and it is built from complaint rates, severity and how early failures appear.
Which year of the Ford Taurus X is best?
Within the 2008–2009 generation, 2008 scores best at 73 out of 100 and 2009 worst at 75. Same body, same engines, different luck.
Where this comes from. Every figure above is computed from NHTSA owner complaints and recall records for this exact make, model and year. Complaints are voluntary and self-selected, so treat counts as a floor. The methodology page writes out each formula, and the same numbers are available as JSON.
What breaks at my mileage Compare with another car
Source Owner complaints and recall records published by the US National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, model years 1996–2027 Figures rebuilt Published by AtWhatMileage How every figure is computed