2008 Ford Taurus

▲ Better than typical

2008 Ford Taurus
RENDERED 2026-08-02T12:37:44.734Z

This year had at least 30% fewer complaints than this model's typical year.

This verdict reflects complaint volume compared to this model's typical year. Recalls and safety issues below apply regardless of the verdict — always check them.

How is this computed?

COMPLAINTS PER YEAR

2008: 175 complaints

View as data table

Year	Complaints
1981	2
1983	1
1984	4
1985	2
1986	101
1987	255
1988	333
1989	562
1990	381
1991	649
1992	681
1993	1557
1994	923
1995	1205
1996	825
1997	770
1998	545
1999	874
2000	1195
2001	1037
2002	1426
2003	1223
2004	375
2005	774
2006	318
2007	149
2008	175
2009	64
2010	202
2011	187
2012	78
2013	579
2014	227
2015	253
2016	75
2017	43
2018	45
2019	11

KNOWN PROBLEM AREAS

POWER TRAIN 20%

20% of complaints: power train — 35 distinct reports on file.

CRASH

Show complaint excerpts

CAR WOULD SUDDENLY JOLT FORWARD EVEN THOUGH I WAS SECURELY STOPPED AT A LIGHT OR STOP SIGN. SOMETIMES, IT FELT LIKE IT JOLTED FORWARD AS MUCH AS 4 FEET - EVEN THOUGH MY FOOT WAS FIRMLY ON THE BRAKE AT ALL TIMES.

NHTSA ODI report, 20180706

VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL 18%

18% of complaints: vehicle speed control — 32 distinct reports on file.

CRASH INJURY

Show complaint excerpts

NHTSA ODI report, 20180706

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2008 FORD TAURUS. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE STOP AT TRAFFIC LIGHT THE VEHICLE SUDDENLY ACCELERATED AND CRASHED INTO THE PROCEEDING VEHICLE REAR END.

NHTSA ODI report, 20120905

STEERING 18%

18% of complaints: steering — 31 distinct reports on file.

ENGINE 11%

11% of complaints: engine — 20 distinct reports on file.

CRASH FIRE

AIR BAGS 8%

8% of complaints: air bags — 14 distinct reports on file.

CRASH INJURY

Show complaint excerpts

The contact owns a 2008 Ford Taurus. The contact stated that the front driver's side seat belt had failed to unbuckle and was previously repaired. Additionally, the contact stated that the air bag warning light was illuminated.

NHTSA ODI report, 20260130

My son was in an accident to where the whole front end was smashed and neither airbag deployed

NHTSA ODI report, 20231210

DRIVING 2 LANE ROAD HEADING EAST, SAW A CAR ON THE OUR RIGHT TRYING TO COME OUT OF DRIVE, KEPT GOING BACK AND FORTH FINALLY GAVE UP, BY THE TIME WE TURNED TO LOOK STRAIGHT A TRUCK HAD STOPPED WITH HIS DIRECTIONALS WANTING TO GO LEFT INTO HIS DRIVE,...

NHTSA ODI report, 20110821

SAFETY TIMELINE

I 20081014 — PE (closed 20090409)

TIRE VALVE CRACKING

R 20160609 — air bags

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.

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.

Campaign 16V247000 — check if this car was fixed

BUY-SMART CHECKLIST

2008 Ford Taurus — pre-purchase inspection

Test/inspect for power train issues (35 reports on file for this year).
Test/inspect for vehicle speed control issues (32 reports on file for this year).
Test/inspect for steering issues (31 reports on file for this year).
Verify recall 16V247000 (air bags) has been completed.

OTHER YEARS OF THIS MODEL

BEST YEARS

▲ 2017 ▲ 2018 ▲ 2009

WORST YEARS

■ 1993 ■ 2002 ■ 2003

See all years ranked →

FAQ

Is the 2008 Ford Taurus reliable?

Based on NHTSA complaint volume compared to this model's typical year, the 2008 Ford Taurus is rated "better than typical".

What are the most common problems with the 2008 Ford Taurus?

The most-reported component is power train, accounting for 20% of complaints on file.

How many recalls does the 2008 Ford Taurus have?

1 recall on file for this model year.

Data updated 2026-07-11 · Complaints are unverified owner reports filed with NHTSA, not independently verified defects. Methodology.