Taurus (5th)
Data covers 2 NHTSA model names
Reliability Score
Complaints by Engine Code
3.5-V6-Gas
3.5L 6-cyl / 263 hpView details
Complaint Breakdown
Ford Taurus Unidentified Engine
View details
Complaint Breakdown
Show 1 additional engine variant with limited data
3.0-V6-Gas
3.0L 6-cyl / 145 hpView details
Complaint Breakdown
Owner Complaints by System
Complaints owners filed with NHTSA about the Ford Taurus, counted across every engine. A complaint can name more than one system.
What to check on a used 2008-2009 Ford Taurus
On a used 2008-2009 Ford Taurus, the systems with the most NHTSA owner complaints are the transmission and drivetrain (94), the steering (80) and the engine (67). Each one has an inspection step below, with counts as of 2026-10-12. A complaint is an owner report, not a confirmed defect, and counts rise with sales.
- Accelerate gently through every gear, then once at full throttle. Shift into Reverse and back to Drive.Costly repair. NHTSA has 94 owner complaints on the 2008-2009 Ford Taurus about the transmission and drivetrain.
- Turn the wheel from lock to lock while parked, then drive straight on a level road with a light grip.Safety. NHTSA has 80 owner complaints on the 2008-2009 Ford Taurus about the steering.
- Start the engine cold and listen for the first 30 seconds, then again at idle once it is warm.Costly repair. NHTSA has 67 owner complaints on the 2008-2009 Ford Taurus about the engine.
- Switch on every electrical item in turn: lights, windows, locks, wipers, climate fan, screen and power outlets.Costly repair. NHTSA has 38 owner complaints on the 2008-2009 Ford Taurus about the electrical system.
- On an empty road, brake firmly from 40 mph with a light grip on the wheel.Safety. NHTSA has 35 owner complaints on the 2008-2009 Ford Taurus about the brakes.
Recalls (1)
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."
NHTSA Safety Ratings About NHTSA ratings
All Generations
Alternatives in Full-Size Sedan
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the most common 2008-2009 Ford Taurus complaints?
Owners have filed 403 complaints with NHTSA about the 2008-2009 Ford Taurus. The systems they name most often are the transmission, the steering and the engine.
Is the 2008-2009 Ford Taurus a good used car?
That depends on the model year, the mileage and the maintenance history of the car in front of you. Owners have filed 403 complaints with NHTSA about the 2008-2009 Ford Taurus. Check which systems they name most often and whether a recall is still open on that car.
How many NHTSA complaints does the 2008-2009 Ford Taurus have?
NHTSA has 403 owner complaints on file for the 2008-2009 Ford Taurus as of the latest data pull. A complaint is an owner's report, not a confirmed defect, and counts rise with sales.
What recalls affect the 2008-2009 Ford Taurus?
NHTSA lists 1 recall covering some 2008-2009 Ford Taurus vehicles. Which ones apply depends on the VIN: enter it at nhtsa.gov/recalls to see the open campaigns on a specific car.
What should I check before buying a used Ford Taurus?
Run the VIN through NHTSA's recall lookup and confirm every open recall has been done. Look hardest at the transmission, the steering and the engine, the systems owners complain about most. Ask for maintenance records, have an independent mechanic inspect the car and run a vehicle history report for prior accidents and title issues.
What are the NHTSA crash test ratings for the Taurus?
The 2009 Ford Taurus received an overall N/A-star safety rating from NHTSA. Frontal crash: N/A stars. Side crash: N/A stars. Rollover: 4 stars (11.3% rollover probability). Electronic Stability Control: Standard. Forward Collision Warning: No. Lane Departure Warning: No. These ratings are based on standardized crash tests conducted by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration.
Data from NHTSA federal complaints database. 403 complaints analyzed. Data confidence: high. Last updated: 2026-10-12.