10.0

really awful
Crashes / Fires:
1 / 1
Injuries / Deaths:
0 / 0
Average Mileage:
65,084 miles

About These NHTSA Complaints:

The NHTSA is the US gov't agency tasked with vehicle safety. Complaints can be spread across multiple & redundant categories, & are not organized by problem. See the Back button — blue bar at the very top of the page — to explore more.

Get notified about new defects, investigations, recalls & lawsuits for the 2008 Ford Taurus X:

Unsubscribe any time. We don't sell/share your email.

problem #26

Apr 022021

Taurus X

  • miles
I bought this vehicle used from a lot. It had 2 previous owners and came with all the service history. I first noticed the vehicle seemed like it didn-??t want to go into overdrive. It would get to about 70 mph which would have the rpm-??s at 3k! The 2nd time or so that we got it to these speeds (on interstate) the vehicle suddenly clunked, steering wheel jerked, vehicle lost power - I had my 2 children in the vehicle and I was pregnant. We had to pull over immediately. After sitting side the road for a few, it crunk up and we rode out. Only for it to happen 2 more times. And this is not the only thing effected by this. Not long after I got it, I started noticing a hard shift / clunk / slam when going into gear and especially when the vehicle has just tried to downshift and I pressed the gas again. Due to this, I-??m unable to tell when and if we can pull out into traffic and such. I must time it good in order to not risk getting T boned etc. Also, with 3 kids in tow, a vehicle slamming their necks and heads is dangerous and scary. So, I-??ve had some work done on. Trying to help my issue. Apparently my issue is the same as a lot of others. Which is an intermittent issue. And apparently no matter if all the passed recalls were addressed. Or if the owners of the vehicle serviced it often and currant. Or if the pcm was reflashed, replaced etc - the Ford Taurus X will continue to have these issues. And these issues seem to be the same issues that were addressed in the ford recall in 2020 ( which didn-??t include the Taurus X) and previous recalls. This drivertrain transmission has been an issue for the Taurus X since forever. Please check into this. Last thing we need is whiplash or life flights from this.

- Titusville, FL, USA

problem #25

Dec 232020

Taurus X

  • 162,000 miles
Transmission stuck in high gear while in motion. Can't accelerate from stop to maintain speed. Power cycle fixed. Intermittent issue.

- Brookfield, WI, USA

problem #24

Feb 172019

Taurus X

  • 77,000 miles
When vehicle gets between 40-45 mph, will not gear up properly and will not run correctly. Only does this intermittently, and you have to stop the car, unhook battery cable, give it a minute, hook it back up and it will run fine until the next time it does it- which could be days, weeks, even months.

- Cadiz, KY, USA

problem #23

Dec 142018

Taurus X

  • 189,000 miles
When pulling up to a stop sign and applying the brake, the car unexpectedly accelerated instead of stopping. This has happened 2 times in the last 2 months. The car was in straight forward motion on a street pulling up to a stop sign, the brake applied, and instead of stopping the vehicle suddenly accelerated. We were able to go through the stop sign and immediately turn to the right and avoided any accident.

- Dutton, AL, USA

problem #22

Feb 032018

Taurus X

  • 94,000 miles
The contact owns a 2008 Ford Taurus X. while the vehicle was idling at a red light, it independently accelerated without warning. The contact stated that the brake pedal was depressed, but the vehicle failed to stop. The contact placed the gear shifter in neutral to stop the vehicle. There were no warning indicators illuminated. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic, but no diagnostic failure codes were found and the failure could not be duplicated. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was notified and advised the contact to take the vehicle to a Ford dealer. The vehicle was taken to Ford Lincoln of cookeville (1600 interstate dr., cookeville, tn 38501, (931) 284-4509), but no diagnostic failure codes were found. The failure could not be duplicated, but the battery was replaced. The approximate failure mileage was 94,000.

- Cookeville, TN, USA

problem #21

Aug 072017

Taurus X

  • 57,945 miles
The Ford Taurus X has 57,945 miles on it. Two times while driving the vehicle on the interstate highway the dash showed all zeros and the car lost power. The check engine light came on. The car exhibited slow acceleration and unusual shifting. I took it and had the obd code read. The code indicated that it was a speed sensor in the transmission (P720). The code was reset and the car is currently being driven. It happened twice within a two-week period. I own two 2008 Ford Taurus and it happened on the same day to both of them. I will be filing incident information on the other vehicle too.

- Zionsville, IN, USA

problem #20

Jul 052016

Taurus X

  • 110,000 miles
While at a stop sign or traffic light withmy foot on the brake the vehicle accelerated independently without warning. I have almost been thrown into traffic due to the independent accelerated. After this happening sevral times and phone calls to the dealer and then taking the car into the dealer.the Ford dealer stated they have seen this alot and the problem was in the throddel body. However, I had to still pay $700 to have their known problem fixed. Car mileage 113,000.

- Crawfordville, FL, USA

problem #19

May 152016

Taurus X

  • 155,000 miles
The contact owns a 2008 Ford Taurus X. while driving 65 mph merging into traffic, the vehicle accelerated independently without warning. The contact stated that the brake pedal was depressed, but failed to stop the vehicle. The contact also stated that there was an abnormal burning odor coming from the front of the vehicle. The contact placed the vehicle in the neutral position and was able to slow down. The contact was able to stop the vehicle; however, the engine revved to an excessive RPM. The vehicle was towed to the dealer, but was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 155,000.

- Spring Hill, KS, USA

problem #18

Jul 162013

Taurus X

  • 60,808 miles
Problem 1, paint peeling off hood and rough metal under problem 2, transmission began failing while under warrenty, dealership could not get any codes to show problem this, has continued to present. Was notifed this week by dealer that transmission needs replaced, but because every time you turn off the car the codes reset. Ford Motor Company and the dealer do not want to assist in the repairs of over $4500. Bought extended warranty to 75,000 miles and problem first documented on there forms was at 60,000 miles. While driving the car would down shift and jerk. Happened several time and each time took to dealer they could not find a problem. On several occasions the car would not go in reverse but after turning car off and restarting it would.

- Bethalto, IL, USA

problem #17

Jan 242015

Taurus X

  • 108,000 miles
The contact owns a 2008 Ford Taurus X. the contact stated that while driving 10 mph in reverse, the vehicle accelerated independently and crashed into the neighbors house. The air bags failed to deploy. The driver did not sustain any injuries and no medical attention was required. A police report was filed. The vehicle was destroyed. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 108,000.

- Luray, VA, USA

problem #16

Oct 122014

Taurus X 6-cyl

  • miles
I have a 2008 Ford Taurus X, it jerks intermittently, but there is never a specific speed - it jerks at take off, at low speeds, high speeds, there were 2 incidents and it was just for a moment that the vehicle seemed to have lost power no brake, no gas, no steering and I almost went out into traffic ( I was coming out of a parking lot). I called the dealer I bought it from because I thought it was the brakes and took it in they checked the brakes and found nothing wrong. The second "loss" of power was again in a parking lot at an incline I started rolling back and a couple of jerks the vehicle regained power, the check engine light would never come one, as the jerking kept happening and the 2 incidents of loss of power, I took it to a Ford dealer and they said they will charge me $100 but if the check engine light is has not on, they will not find anything because the computer records mishaps and will indicate a record by lighting up. Then my transmission clutch fell apart and had to have that replaced on 9/22/14. I thought that must have been the issue with the jerking but was going out of town yesterday 10/12/14 and accelerated to pass an 18 wheeler and my vehicle jerked really hard and continue a couple more times after that. I had to drive 65mph on a 75 mph, and not accelerate to much to fast.

- San Antonio, TX, USA

problem #15

Aug 152014

Taurus X 6-cyl

  • 94,095 miles
When U put the car in reverse or in drive it hesitates to move and it jerks.

- Philadelphia , PA, USA

problem #14

Feb 202013

Taurus X 6-cyl

  • 62,000 miles
(my wife) driving vehicle on highway, car violently jerked (jumped) and then dropped in speed dramatically. Coasted off interstate onto exit and waited for wrench light to go off and then made it home (car would not accelerate over 20mph). We called about having it checked but was informed that they needed to have the wrench light on in order to read anything on it. It has happened a few other times and most recent as today (7/29/14) with the car not wanting to accelerate. Prior to this, my son felt the jerk and thought a tire blew. It will not accelerate so you want to hit gas pedal more and it will suddenly jump (accident waiting to happen). This is obviously an issue with all the complaints I have read. I hope this issue is taken care of quickly before a horrific accident happens. God bless.

- Pooler, GA, USA

problem #13

Jul 052013

Taurus X 6-cyl

  • 29,500 miles
The gas pedal and brake pedal are able to be applied simultaneously causing near accidents. The cause seems to be because of the closeness of the brake and gas pedals both horizontally and vertically. Since ownership of this vehicle, this situation has occurred 4 times. This vehicle is equipped with electrically adjusted pedals which brings the pedals too close in proximity to each other causing these near accidents because the foot unintentionally is able to apply pressure to both brake and gas pedals.this situation I believe is caused through the engineering of the vehicle and the cost to correct this problem should be born by Ford Motor Company.

- Estero , FL, USA

problem #12

Feb 112013

Taurus X 6-cyl

  • 98,000 miles
Backing out of driveway- I noticed that steering column was not locked prior to inserting key. Inserted key, turned to start and no response from ignition. Kept turning steering column and decided to engage transmission from park to drive several times. I returned to park-ing the car and removed the key. Initially, steering column was not locked, then I turned the steering wheel several times and then the column locked. Turned the key and the ignition hesitated- the dials were jumping. After several seconds the engine turned over and dials went to normal. I commenced to back out of driveway- the engine RPM jumped, far more then what I was applying acceleration for and the transmission was hesitant ( clunking was audible). The vehicle reversed too rapidly and I applied quite a bit of brake to stop- I shifted to drive and again I could hear the transmission. The car hesitated to go forward ( transmission was clunking), jerking forward and slowing down and the engine RPM was erratic. I pulled to the side and placed car in neutral; waited a minute which during this time, the vehicle RPM went to normal. Ok, I placed gear in drive and vehicle responded normally. Have had several instances of some of the above described events happening since original occurrence. At this moment, steering column is not locked with the key removed and when turning car to start the ignition is just turning over.

- San Antonio, TX, USA

problem #11

Dec 032010

Taurus X

  • 18,811 miles
Harsh transmission engagement and loss of power with higher RPM and a max speed of about 20 mph- replaced speed sensors tss & oss. Same problem occurred again 11,518 miles later replacing the same parts which Ford or dealer would not cover at a cost of $593. Tsb 07-21-11 replacing with parts aa5Z-7H103 and aa5Z-7M101 on both occasions of failure. Had to limp home both times for many miles. Wife now refuses to drive car. I can't believe Ford doesn't stand behind a problem like this when it has a tsb and a multitude of the same reported problem.

- Fort Myers, FL, USA

problem #10

Jul 162011

Taurus X 6-cyl

  • 54,000 miles
Driving on highway from milwaukee wi, to oshkosh, wi. After driving around an hour at freeway speed with cruise control set at 70, car suddenly accelerated on its own and RPM went up too. Took car off of cruise control and continued driving. The car did it again after a few minutes, accompanied by a loud 'thunk' noise. Immediately got off freeway, turned off car and waited till driving again. Problem did not reoccur then. But happened again next day on way home. Since then it has occurred numerous times. Generally only happens on long trips at freeway speeds after driving about an hour to hour and a half. We do not use cruise control any more, but it still happens on every long trip. Have taken to dealership and contacted Ford. They don't see any service codes so nothing has been fixed.

- Wauwatosa, WI, USA

problem #9

Jul 292011

Taurus X 6-cyl

  • 36,000 miles
I have had nothing but problems with this car since I purchased it in 2010 with 32,000 miles on it. I purchased it in April and by the end of the first summer of driving it began to lose all power when driving slowly I would not be able turn the wheel or anything. Luckily all times it happened I was in a parking lot or at a stop sign. Ford said it needed a computer update which was not covered under the warranty. I paid $66 for the update, it did not work my car still lose power sometimes when coasting. My car also accelerates without warning. This is very scary because this is my main vehicle and I have two small children. Ford says there they haven't witnessed the issue while driving it so they can't find the problem. Also with in that first year of owning this car my wrench light came on and remained on took it to the dealer and it now needed the throttle body replaced. It was still under warranty so I "only" needed to pay the $100 deductible. I did and it was replaced. Sometimes the car will also unexpectedly grind to a halt. No idea what that is but it doesn"?T happen frequently enough for them to witness it so they can't find the problem. To add to the list the passenger door is not sealed correctly and whenever it rains the inside of the door becomes filled with water, but that?"S not covered under warranty at all. And finally the paint on the hood is bubbling and chipping. The car is four years old now and no longer under the factory warranty so they won't cover it. I feel completely taken advantage of and I have no idea where to turn or what to do but I feel this car will not last the length of the loan. And I feel very unsafe driving my children in this vehicle. It makes me sick. I will never ever buy another Ford. Ford should step up and take responsibility before someone gets seriously injured.

- White Haven, PA, USA

problem #8

Feb 072012

Taurus X 6-cyl

  • 60,660 miles
A few times when accelerating, the engine revs and it seems like it gets "stuck". when it happens, I take my foot off the accelerator or pump the accelerator and then the brake to set it right.

- Baden, PA, USA

problem #7

Dec 232011

Taurus X 6-cyl

  • 50,506 miles
The vehicle was traveling at 70 mph with cruise control on, in heavy traffic. I tapped the brake pedal to release the cruise control and the vehicle lost all electrical power and stalled in the right hand lane of the interstate. Several commercial vehicles had to make a sudden stop to avoid a collision. The vehicle had to be pushed off the interstate. The local Ford dealership performed a standard computer diagnostic test and informed us that the computer was unable to locate a reason for this complete loss of power. We contacted the Ford customer service division and were advised to continue operating the vehicle until the problem recurred. In the event of another loss of power we were advised to have the vehicle towed to a dealership so the problem could be investigated.

- Jericho, VT, USA

Read the next 6 complaints »