Ford

Taurus (5th)

2008-2009 · Full-Size Sedan · 2 engines
Best Engine ⚠️ Caution (2.1)
403 NHTSA Complaints
1 Recalls
12 Fire Reports
35 Crash Reports
Includes data from: TAURUSTAURUS X
View all 3 generations of the Ford Taurus → 📋 Inspection checklist

NHTSA Safety Ratings About NHTSA ratings

Overall Not Rated
Frontal Crash
Side Crash
Rollover
4/5 (11.3% risk)
ESC: Standard FCW: No LDW: No
Overall Not Rated
Frontal Crash
Side Crash
Rollover
4/5 (13.3% risk)
ESC: Standard FCW: No LDW: No
Overall Not Rated
Frontal Crash
Side Crash
Rollover
4/5 (11.3% risk)
ESC: Optional FCW: No LDW: No
Overall Not Rated
Frontal Crash
Side Crash
Rollover
4/5 (13.3% risk)
ESC: Standard FCW: No LDW: No

Engine Reliability Ratings

Ford Taurus Unidentified Engine

⚠️ Caution (2.1)
61 complaints 30.5 per year
1 fire report
View details

Complaint Breakdown

engine
13
steering
10
transmission
10
other
7
wheels tires
6

Known Issues

Engine Issues (13 complaints)
Steering Issues (10 complaints)
Transmission Issues (10 complaints)

3.5-V6-Gas

3.5L 6-cyl / 263 hp
Avoid (1.0)
336 complaints 168.0 per year Gasoline
11 fire reports
View details

Complaint Breakdown

transmission
84
steering
70
engine
53
other
38
electrical
34

Known Issues

Transmission Issues (84 complaints)
Steering Issues (70 complaints)
Engine Issues (53 complaints)

Same engine used in

+71 more
CHRYSLER LHS (2000-2001)TOYOTA Avalon (2013-2018)CHRYSLER Concorde (2000-2004)KIA Amanti (2004-2009)FORD Fusion (2006-2012)MERCEDES-BENZ R-Class (2006-2013)LEXUS IS (2014-2025)FORD F-150 (2004-2008)MITSUBISHI Montero Sport (2000-2004)NISSAN Murano (2009-2014)LINCOLN MKX (2007-2015)MERCEDES-BENZ CLA-Class (2014-2019)FORD Transit (2015-2025)LINCOLN MKZ (2007-2012)FORD Edge (2007-2014)CHRYSLER Town & Country (2008-2016)FORD Taurus (2010-2019)MERCEDES-BENZ GLA-Class (2015-2019)CHRYSLER Sebring (2007-2010)DODGE Ram (2000-2001)FORD F-150 (2015-2020)FORD Edge (2015-2024)JEEP Grand Cherokee (2000-2004)FORD Taurus (2000-2007)FORD Flex (2009-2019)INFINITI QX50 (2008-2017)INFINITI Q70 (2006-2010)JEEP Grand Cherokee (2005-2010)INFINITI QX60 (2013-2020)FORD F-150 (2009-2014)DODGE Journey (2009-2020)CHRYSLER Sebring (2001-2006)MERCEDES-BENZ GLE-Class (2012-2019)HYUNDAI Santa Fe (2001-2006)KIA Sorento (2011-2015)DODGE Charger (2006-2010)CHRYSLER Pacifica (2004-2008)NISSAN Altima (2013-2018)INFINITI QX4 (2000-2003)MITSUBISHI Eclipse (2000-2005)HYUNDAI Santa Fe (2007-2012)NISSAN Maxima (2004-2008)NISSAN Pathfinder (2013-2020)MERCEDES-BENZ C-Class (2001-2007)DODGE Stratus (2001-2006)LINCOLN MKT (2010-2019)NISSAN Murano (2015-2025)NISSAN Pathfinder (2005-2012)DODGE Neon (2000-2005)LINCOLN MKZ (2013-2020)FORD Expedition (2007-2017)MERCEDES-BENZ C-Class (2008-2014)DODGE Intrepid (2000-2004)FORD F-150 (2021-2025)MERCEDES-BENZ GLS-Class (2013-2019)CHRYSLER 300 (2005-2010)HYUNDAI XG350 (2001-2005)NISSAN Maxima (2009-2014)DODGE Magnum (2005-2008)NISSAN Altima (2007-2012)MERCEDES-BENZ E-Class (2010-2016)HYUNDAI Santa Fe (2013-2018)MERCEDES-BENZ E-Class (2024-2026)RAM 2500 (2010-2018)MERCEDES-BENZ S-Class (2014-2020)KIA Sorento (2003-2009)MITSUBISHI Lancer (2002-2007)MERCEDES-BENZ C-Class (2015-2021)DODGE Avenger (2008-2014)LEXUS RX (2016-2022)FORD F-150 (2000-2003)
Show 1 additional engine variant with limited data
These engines appear in fewer than 10 owner complaints and aren't included in the main ratings above. Low counts can mean a genuinely clean record, but they can also reflect VIN-decode anomalies in NHTSA data. Treat as informational, not as a confident rating.

3.0-V6-Gas

3.0L 6-cyl / 145 hp
Recommended (4.1)
6 complaints 3.0 per year Gasoline
View details

Complaint Breakdown

suspension
3
other
2
engine
1
cooling
1

Known Issues

Suspension Issues (3 complaints)
Engine Issues (1 complaints)
Cooling System Issues (1 complaints)

Same engine used in

+91 more
BMW 5 Series (2024-2026)BMW X3 (2011-2017)MAZDA Mazda6 (2003-2008)FORD Ranger (2019-2025)AUDI A6 (2019-2025)AUDI Q7 (2017-2025)BMW X6 (2015-2019)FORD Focus (2000-2007)AUDI A5 (2008-2016)FORD Fusion (2006-2012)FORD Escape (2001-2007)MAZDA B-Series (2000-2009)LINCOLN Town Car (2000-2011)BMW X5 (2014-2018)BMW X7 (2019-2025)AUDI A8 (2019-2025)MITSUBISHI Montero Sport (2000-2004)FORD Five Hundred (2005-2007)BMW 3 Series (2012-2018)BMW 4 Series (2014-2020)BMW X3 (2025-2026)BMW 2 Series (2022-2025)JEEP Cherokee (2014-2023)AUDI A7 (2019-2025)AUDI A6 (2000-2004)FORD Windstar (2000-2003)BMW X6 (2020-2025)BMW 5 Series (2011-2016)FORD Taurus (2010-2019)PORSCHE Macan (2015-2024)AUDI A6 (2012-2018)MERCEDES-BENZ CLS-Class (2006-2011)BMW X5 (2019-2025)MERCEDES-BENZ SL-Class (2013-2020)DODGE Ram (2000-2001)BMW X4 (2015-2018)DODGE Grand Caravan (2001-2007)MERCEDES-BENZ E-Class (2017-2023)JEEP Grand Cherokee (2000-2004)FORD Taurus (2000-2007)FORD Escape (2008-2012)AUDI A4 (2009-2016)FORD Flex (2009-2019)BMW 2 Series (2014-2021)BMW X4 (2019-2025)AUDI A7 (2012-2018)SUBARU Legacy (2000-2004)BMW 3 Series (2019-2025)JEEP Patriot (2007-2017)FORD E-Series (2000-2025)AUDI A4 (2006-2008)FORD Escape (2013-2019)BMW 4 Series (2021-2025)LINCOLN LS (2000-2006)BMW 5 Series (2017-2023)FORD Focus (2012-2018)CHRYSLER Pacifica (2004-2008)MITSUBISHI Eclipse (2000-2005)BMW 3 Series (2006-2011)AUDI Q5 (2009-2017)LINCOLN Aviator (2003-2005)MERCEDES-BENZ C-Class (2001-2007)BMW Z4 (2019-2025)AUDI A4 (2017-2025)FORD Freestyle (2005-2007)MAZDA Tribute (2001-2011)BMW 7 Series (2023-2025)LINCOLN MKZ (2013-2020)MERCEDES-BENZ C-Class (2008-2014)AUDI A8 (2011-2018)MERCEDES-BENZ GLS-Class (2013-2019)FORD Escort (2000-2003)PORSCHE 911 (2020-2025)FORD Ranger (2000-2011)AUDI Q8 (2019-2025)BMW 7 Series (2016-2022)MERCEDES-BENZ E-Class (2010-2016)BMW 8 Series (2019-2025)FORD Fusion (2013-2020)FORD Super Duty (2000-2007)MITSUBISHI Lancer (2002-2007)MERCEDES-BENZ CLS-Class (2012-2018)MERCEDES-BENZ C-Class (2015-2021)BMW 6 Series (2012-2018)PORSCHE 911 (2012-2019)FORD Mustang (2000-2004)PORSCHE Cayenne (2019-2025)FORD F-150 (2000-2003)AUDI A4 (2002-2005)AUDI Q5 (2018-2025)AUDI Q7 (2007-2015)

Vehicle-Level Issues

These issues affect the Ford Taurus regardless of engine variant.

Transmission Issues (94 complaints)
transmission critical
Steering Issues (80 complaints)
steering critical
Engine Issues (67 complaints)
engine critical
Electrical System Issues (34 complaints)
electrical critical
Brakes Issues (32 complaints)
brakes critical

Recalls (1)

16V247000Apr 25, 2016serious
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. 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."

Alternatives in Full-Size Sedan

Frequently Asked Questions

What are the most common 2008-2009 Ford Taurus problems?

The 2008-2009 Ford Taurus has accumulated 403 NHTSA complaints. The most frequently reported problem areas are Transmission, Steering, Engine. As with any used vehicle, an inspection before buying and a vehicle history report are recommended.

Which Ford Taurus engine is most reliable?

The 2008-2009 Ford Taurus was offered with 3 engine options. Based on NHTSA complaint data, the 3.5L 6-cyl has the lowest complaint density and is considered the most reliable choice for buyers.

Is the 2008-2009 Ford Taurus a good used car?

The 2008-2009 Ford Taurus can be a sound used car depending on trim, mileage, and maintenance history. With 403 total NHTSA complaints on record, prospective buyers should review the known problem areas and check for open recalls before buying.

How many NHTSA complaints does the 2008-2009 Ford Taurus have?

The 2008-2009 Ford Taurus has 403 complaints filed with NHTSA as of our latest data pull. Complaint counts reflect owner-reported issues and do not necessarily indicate defects or safety risks on their own.

What recalls affect the 2008-2009 Ford Taurus?

There is 1 NHTSA recall affecting some 2008-2009 Ford Taurus vehicles. Recall status varies by VIN — check the NHTSA recall database at recalls.nhtsa.dot.gov with your specific VIN to confirm which campaigns apply.

What should I check before buying a used Ford Taurus?

Before buying a used Ford Taurus, verify all open recalls are completed via the NHTSA VIN lookup tool. Pay particular attention to Transmission, Steering, Engine, which are the most commonly reported problem areas. Request maintenance records, have an independent mechanic inspect the vehicle, and run a vehicle history report to check for prior accidents or 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: 2026-05-23.

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