RoadVitals

2008 Ford Taurus Problems

Owner-reported complaints filed with NHTSA, grouped by component

Data refreshed

Owner complaintsComplaints are reports submitted to NHTSA by owners and drivers. NHTSA does not verify most reports before publishing them, and a complaint does not establish that a defect exists. Volume is influenced by how many of a vehicle were sold, how long it has been on the road, and how much attention an issue has received.
175
Latest Jan 30, 2026
Components namedHow many of our component categories appear on at least one report for this model year. One report can name several.
18
Crash or fire reportedComplaints whose submitter recorded that a crash or a fire occurred. These are the reporter's own answers on the NHTSA form, not verified findings.
26

What this page shows

Everything below is an owner-reported complaint submitted to NHTSA about the 2008 Ford Taurus, grouped by the component NHTSA recorded on the report. These are not confirmed defects, and they are not recalls. NHTSA does not verify most reports before publishing them, and a category with more reports in it is not evidence that a part is defective.

Complaints are reports submitted by owners and drivers to NHTSA. They are not verified and do not establish that a defect exists.

Reports by component

Ranked by how many owner reports name each component category

Percentages are of component mentions. A single complaint can name more than one component, so these do not sum to the total complaint count.

Each component in detail

What the reports in each category say, in the owners' own words

Powertrain (other)

Powertrain reports that are not specifically the engine or transmission — driveshafts, axles, transfer cases and differentials.

38
reports

From owner reports, verbatim

The contact owns a 2008 Ford Taurus. The contact stated while driving at an undisclosed speed and making a turn, the vehicle became inoperable. The contact shifted into park and restarted the vehicle. The contact stated while reversing, she heard an abnormal sound. The check engine and several other unknown warning lights illuminated. The vehicle had been diagnosed by an independent mechanic. The contact was informed that the failure was due to the power train not being connected to the solenoids. The vehicle had not been repaired. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was 85,367.

NHTSA ID 11555476 · filed Nov 16, 2023

THIS HAS HAPPENED ABOUT 3 TIMES IN THE LAST 2 YRS BUT WHILE SITTING AT A LIGHT MY CAR SUDDENLY WENT FORWARD. IT DIDN'T GO.TO FAR. MAYBE A FT OR 2 BUT WAS ENOUGH TO SCARE ME. MY FOOT WAS ON THE BRAKE. IT WILL ALSO GET STUCK IN GEARS AND LOSE POWER ON THE ROAD. NO CHECK ENGINE LIGHT IS ON AS OF NOW. ONE LIGHT DID COME ON TODAY WHILE SITTING AT A LIGHT AND WITHOUT NOTICE MY CAR WOULD NOT GO. IT WAS THE POWER THROTTLE/TRANSMISSION LIGHT. I TURNED THE CAR OFF AND THEN BACK ON AND IT DROVE FINE ALL THE WAY HOME. IT DID JERK ONCE. THE GEAR SHIFTING AND LOSS OF POWER HAPPENS WHEN I AM DRIVING ON THE HIGHWAY.

NHTSA ID 11364758 · filed Oct 16, 2020
All 38 reports naming powertrain (other)

Steering

Reports naming the steering system — racks, columns, power-steering assist and steering linkage.

35
reports

From owner reports, verbatim

2008 TAURUS, BOUGHT NEW 11/7/7, 33 MILES. 11/12/13 REPAIR ' 31,682 MILES ' RACK AND PINION STEERING STARTED TO FAIL WHILE DRIVING. REPLACED FOR $889.82, NOT UNDER WARRANTY; FORD COVERED NONE OF THE COST. 1/2/20 REPAIR ' 65,691 MILES ' RACK AND PINION STEERING FAILED AGAIN IMMEDIATELY AFTER A 30-MILE DRIVE. REPLACED FOR $954.87 PLUS TAX. FORD COVERED NONE OF THE COST.

NHTSA ID 11306326 · filed Jan 31, 2020

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2008 FORD TAURUS. WHILE DRIVING 20 MPH, THE STEERING WHEEL SEPARATED FROM THE STEERING SHAFT WITHOUT WARNING. RON LEWIS FORD BEAVER FALLS (201 7TH AVE, BEAVER FALLS, PA 15010, (724) 843-1000) WAS NOTIFIED AND THE VEHICLE WAS REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 108,000.

NHTSA ID 11122664 · filed Aug 27, 2018
All 35 reports naming steering

Driver assistance

Reports naming forward-collision avoidance, lane keeping, back-over prevention, cruise control and related electronic driver-assistance systems.

35
reports

From owner reports, verbatim

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. The contact stated that the vehicle was previously rear-ended on several occasions, and the air bags did not deploy. The contact had sustained severe back injuries that had become permanent. The contact had received medical assistance. A police report was filed. The vehicle was able to be driven from the scene on each occasion. Additionally, the contact stated that while driving at 5 MPH, the vehicle experienced sudden and unintended acceleration. The contact depressed the brake pedal, and the vehicle responded as intended. There was no warning light illuminated. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired by an independent mechanic or dealer. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 142,000.

NHTSA ID 11714414 · filed Jan 30, 2026

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

NHTSA ID 11559353 · filed Dec 10, 2023
All 35 reports naming driver assistance

Engine

Reports naming the engine itself — including stalling, misfires, oil consumption, cooling and internal engine components.

30
reports

From owner reports, verbatim

The contact owns a 2008 Ford Taurus. The contact stated that while the vehicle was at the dealer for an inspection, the dealer advised him to stop driving the vehicle due to corrosion of the subframe, caliper, steering arm, brakes, and a hole in the catalytic converter. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 36,000.

NHTSA ID 11489738 · filed Oct 18, 2022

The contact owns a 2008 Ford Taurus. The contact stated while driving approximately 45 MPH, the vehicle stalled however, she was able to pull over and stop the vehicle. The contact stated that she noticed that the check engine warning light was illuminated. Additionally, the engine temperature gauge was indicating that the engine was overheating. The contact observed that white smoke was coming out from under the hood. The contact was unable to restart the vehicle and had the vehicle towed to her residence. An independent mechanic went to the residence to diagnose the vehicle. The independent mechanic determined that the head gasket had blown and the water pump needed to be replaced. The vehicle had not been repaired. The manufacturer had been informed of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 170,000.

NHTSA ID 11482680 · filed Sep 2, 2022
All 30 reports naming engine

Brakes

Reports naming service brakes, the antilock braking system, brake hoses, master cylinders or the parking brake.

15
reports

From owner reports, verbatim

The contact owns a 2008 Ford Taurus. The contact stated that while the vehicle was at the dealer for an inspection, the dealer advised him to stop driving the vehicle due to corrosion of the subframe, caliper, steering arm, brakes, and a hole in the catalytic converter. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 36,000.

NHTSA ID 11489738 · filed Oct 18, 2022

TRANSMISSION CLUNKS INTO EACH GEAR WHEN DRIVING SLOW. WHEN BRAKE PEDAL IS PRESSED TO MOVE SHIFTER FROM PARK, THERE IS AN ALARM THAT IS FAIRLY LOUD COMING FROM THE DASH. THE BRAKES SEEM TO WORK WELL AND I HAVE MAINTAINED MY OWN VEHICLES, SO THERE IS NO REASON THIS SHOULD BE WRONG WITH THE CAR. IT HAS VERY LOW MILES FOR THE YEAR AND HAS MOSTLY HIGHWAY DRIVING. IT HAS BEEN THIS WAY FOR MONTHS, GETTING PROGRESSIVELY WORSE.

NHTSA ID 11185889 · filed Mar 11, 2019
All 15 reports naming brakes

Airbags

Reports naming the air-bag system — deployment behaviour, inflators, sensors and warning lights.

15
reports

From owner reports, verbatim

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. The contact stated that the vehicle was previously rear-ended on several occasions, and the air bags did not deploy. The contact had sustained severe back injuries that had become permanent. The contact had received medical assistance. A police report was filed. The vehicle was able to be driven from the scene on each occasion. Additionally, the contact stated that while driving at 5 MPH, the vehicle experienced sudden and unintended acceleration. The contact depressed the brake pedal, and the vehicle responded as intended. There was no warning light illuminated. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired by an independent mechanic or dealer. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 142,000.

NHTSA ID 11714414 · filed Jan 30, 2026

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

NHTSA ID 11559353 · filed Dec 10, 2023
All 15 reports naming airbags

Electrical

Reports naming the electrical system — wiring, battery, charging, control modules, infotainment and electrical accessories.

13
reports

From owner reports, verbatim

THE CAR LOOSES POWER. THE RPM GO UP BUT SPEEDOMETER DOESN'T MOVE. DASH SHOWS DASHES. WHEN YOU STOP AND CUT THE CAR OFF AND TURN IT BACK ON IT SLAMS INTO GEAR. AFTER WAITING A FEW MINUTES THE CAR DRIVES FINE. *TR

NHTSA ID 11321126 · filed Apr 14, 2020

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2008 FORD TAURUS. WHILE DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 60 MPH, ONE OF THE ENGINE CYLINDERS MISFIRED AND THE SPEED DRASTICALLY REDUCED TO 35 MPH. THE CONTACT COASTED THE VEHICLE TO THE SIDE OF THE ROAD AND NOTICED THE IGNITION COIL WAS MELTED UNDER THE HOOD. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO THE CONTACT'S RESIDENCE. THE DEALER STATED THAT IF THERE WAS NO MISFIRE ON THE COIL, IT WOULD NEED TO BE REPLACED. THE CONTACT REPLACED THE COIL BUT, MOMENTS LATER, THE NEW COIL OVERHEATED AND MELTED THE PCM. THE VEHICLE WAS REPAIRED, BUT THE FAILURE RECURRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE AND INFORMED THE CONTACT THAT THEY DID NOT THINK IT WAS A SAFETY CONCERN. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 174,000.

NHTSA ID 10984773 · filed May 10, 2017
All 13 reports naming electrical

Suspension

Reports naming suspension components — springs, struts, shocks, control arms and related hardware.

10
reports

From owner reports, verbatim

The contact owns a 2008 Ford Taurus. The contact stated that while the vehicle was at the dealer for an inspection, the dealer advised him to stop driving the vehicle due to corrosion of the subframe, caliper, steering arm, brakes, and a hole in the catalytic converter. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 36,000.

NHTSA ID 11489738 · filed Oct 18, 2022

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2008 FORD TAURUS. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 55 MPH, THE VEHICLE SWAYED. THERE WERE NO WARNING LIGHTS ILLUMINATED. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC WHERE THE CONTACT WAS INFORMED THAT THE RACK AND PINION NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE LOCAL DEALER WAS NOT CONTACTED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT DIAGNOSED NOR REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 110,000.

NHTSA ID 11404900 · filed Mar 25, 2021
All 10 reports naming suspension

Fuel system

Reports naming fuel storage or delivery — tanks, pumps, lines, injectors and fuel leaks.

8
reports

From owner reports, verbatim

ON 5/20/19 I FILLED UP MY FUEL TANK AND WHEN I RETURNED HOME I SMELLED GASOLINE. I LOOKED UNDER THE VEHICLE AND NOTICED THAT FUEL WAS LEAKING FROM THE TOP OF THE FUEL TANK ON TO THE GROUND. I IMMEDIATELY PUT DOWN ABSORBENT, PARKED THE VEHICLE ON A FLAT SURFACE OF MY DRIVEWAY AND PLACED A LARGE CATCH PAN UNDER THE VEHICLE WHERE THE FUEL WAS LEAKING. THE VEHICLE HAD PASSED EMISSIONS ABOUT 2 OR 3 MONTHS PRIOR THAT INCLUDES A TEST ON THE FUEL SYSTEM. THE AMOUNT THAT LEAKED OUT WAS APPROXIMATELY ONE HALF OF A LITER IN TOTAL THEN STOPPED. NO CHECK ENGINE LIGHT HAS EVER COME ON AND THE FUEL LEAK ONLY HAPPENS WHEN I FILL THE TANK UNTIL THE GAS PUMP STOPS, I HAVEN'T FILLED THE TANK FULL AGAIN UNTIL YESTERDAY 9/17/19 WHEN I FILLED THE TANK FULL. AFTER THE FIRST LEAK WAS NOTICED I BROUGHT THE VEHICLE TO A MECHANIC THAT PUT THE CAR ON A LIFT AND DROPPED THE FUEL TANK PRESSURIZED IT AND COULD NOT FIND OUT WHERE THE FUEL WAS LEAKING FROM. HE INSTALLED A NEW SENDING UNIT AND FUEL PUMP GASKETS AND REINSTALLED THE FUEL TANK, FILLED THE TANK FULL AND NO LEAK WAS NOTICED. TO BE SAFE AND EASE MY MIND I DIDN'T FILL THE TANK FULL UNTIL YESTERDAY 9/17/19 WHEN I NOTED THE LEAK AGAIN. THE MECHANIC SAID HE DIDN'T NOTICE ANY PREMATURE WEAR ON THE FUEL TANK OR ANY OF THE COMPONENTS WHEN I BROUGHT IT TO HIM. I SPOKE TO ANOTHER MECHANIC TODAY AND HE SAID IT COULD POSSIBLY BE A FAULTY EMISSIONS VALVE THAT IS LOCATED ON TOP OF THE TANK. I HAVE AN APPOINTMENT ON 9/20/19 TO HAVE THE VEHICLE CHECKED OUT AGAIN. I AM CHECKING HERE TO SEE IF OTHERS HAVE HAD THE SAME ISSUE AND IF A RECALL WAS EVER AVAILABLE AND IF NOT TOO ADD THIS TO COMPLAINTS.

NHTSA ID 11256317 · filed Sep 18, 2019

2008 FORD TAURUS. CONSUMER WRITES IN REGARDS TO VEHICLE POWER FOLDING EXTERIOR WINDOW SWITCH ISSUES. CONSUMER HAS PREVIOUS CORRESPONDENCE WITH 2 DIFFERENT VEHICLES WITH DIFFERENT ISSUES. *LD THE CONSUMER STATED ACCORDING THE VEHICLE'S DESCRIPTION THE VEHICLE SHOULD HAVE HAD A POWER FOLDING EXTERIOR MIRRORS, BUT THE VEHICLE WAS NOT EQUIPPED WITH THIS FEATURE. THE ENGINE KNOCKS AND SHIFTS HARD ON TAKE OFF AND SLOW DOWN. THE BREAK BOOSTER SQUEAKS WHEN DEPRESSING THE BRAKE PEDAL. THE FUEL INDICATOR DOES NOT WORK PROPERLY. LASTLY, DURING LONG PERIODS OF RAIN THE CEILING LIGHTS LEAK ONTO THE CONSOLE. *JS

NHTSA ID 10838420 · filed Jan 30, 2018
All 8 reports naming fuel system

Transmission

Reports naming the automatic or manual transmission, including shifting behaviour, shudder, slipping and transmission control modules.

6
reports

From owner reports, verbatim

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2008 FORD TAURUS. WHILE DRIVING 75 MPH, THE VEHICLE JERKED WITHOUT WARNING. THE CONTACT DROVE AND STOPPED AT THE INTERSTATE WHERE SHE NOTICED A STRONG BURNING ODOR COMING FROM THE VEHICLE, WHICH CAUSED BREATHING ISSUES. THE CONTACT HAD TO OPEN THE WINDOWS WHILE DRIVING. THE CONTACT ALSO STATED THAT THE ENGINE LIGHT FAILED TO TURN ON. ONCE THE CONTACT SHUT OFF AND RESTARTED THE VEHICLE, THE ENGINE LIGHT TURNED ON. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALER WHERE IT WAS DIAGNOSED THAT THE COIL PLUGS, PCM, AND COMPUTER BURNED OUT AND NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE VEHICLE WAS REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURES. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 85,197.

NHTSA ID 10971005 · filed Apr 6, 2017

ON TWO SEPARATE OCCASIONS, MY 2008 FORD TAURUS SEL AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION DROPPED OUT OF GEAR WHILE I WAS ACCELERATING SLOWLY AWAY FROM A STOP AND THEN SLAMMED INTO GEAR. THE FIRST TIME IT OCCURRED I WAS LEAVING MY DRIVEWAY. IT DROPPED OUT OF GEAR AT ABOUT 5 MPH AND MADE A GROWLING NOISE. I STOPPED THE CAR, THINKING SOMEHOW THE SHIFT LEVER WASN'T IN THE RIGHT POSITION, I PUT IT IN GEAR AND THE TRANSMISSION SLAMMED INTO FIRST. I HAD MY FOOT ON THE BRAKE, SO I JUST SHIFTED IT INTO NEUTRAL AND TURNED THE ENGINE OFF. WHEN I STARTED IT AGAIN EVERYTHING WORKED FINE. ABOUT A YEAR AND A HALF LATER I HAD A SIMILAR INCIDENT. I WAS LEAVING A PARKING LOT AND I HAD REACHED A SPEED OF 5-15 MPH WHEN THERE WAS NO LONGER ANY GEAR, THEN IT SLAMMED INTO GEAR FOR A MOMENT, WENT A FEW FEET, THEN DROPPED OUT AGAIN, THEN SLAMMED INTO GEAR AGAIN. I WAS ABLE TO COAST TO THE CURB IN A RESIDENTIAL AREA AND TURN THE ENGINE OFF. FORTUNATELY NO TRAFFIC WAS COMING. I STARTED THE ENGINE AGAIN AND HAD NO FURTHER TROUBLE, BUT THIS TIME I TOOK IT INTO THE FORD DEALER WHERE I HAD BOUGHT IT NEW. THEY CHECKED IT OUT KEEPING IT TWO DAYS BUT SAID THEY COULD FIND NOTHING WRONG WITH EITHER THE TRANSMISSION OR THE SOFTWARE CONTROLLING IT. I WAS TOLD THAT THERE WAS NO MEMORY ACCESS TO THE TRANSMISSION SO THAT THEY COULDN'T FIND OUT OR VERIFY THAT THERE WAS A PROBLEM. I WAS CHECKING OUT RECALLS AND SERVICE BULLETINS ON IT TODAY AND I FOUND THAT OTHER OWNERS REPORTED SIMILAR PROBLEMS. IF I HAD BEEN PULLING OUT INTO TRAFFIC AND MY TRANSMISSION FAILED THE WAY IT DID, THERE COULD EASILY HAVE BEEN AN ACCIDENT. *KB

NHTSA ID 10416769 · filed Aug 2, 2011

Too few reports in this category for a page of its own — they appear in the full complaint list.

Other / unspecified

Reports whose component NHTSA recorded as unknown, or that do not map to one of the categories above.

5
reports

From owner reports, verbatim

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2008 FORD TAURUS. WHILE DRIVING AT A LOW SPEED, THE TRACTION CONTROL WARNING LIGHT ILLUMINATED AND THE ANTI LOCK BRAKES ENGAGED. AS A RESULT, THE VEHICLE FAILED TO MOVE FORWARD. THE FAILURE RECURRED ON NUMEROUS OCCASIONS. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO A DEALER WHO WAS UNABLE TO DIAGNOSE OR REPAIR THE VEHICLE. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 80,000.

NHTSA ID 10778003 · filed Sep 28, 2015

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2008 FORD TAURUS. WHILE DRIVING AT A LOW SPEED, THE TRACTION CONTROL WARNING LIGHT ILLUMINATED AND THE ANTI LOCK BRAKES ENGAGED. AS A RESULT, THE VEHICLE FAILED TO MOVE FORWARD. THE FAILURE RECURRED ON NUMEROUS OCCASIONS. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO A DEALER WHO WAS UNABLE TO DIAGNOSE OR REPAIR THE VEHICLE. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 80,000.

NHTSA ID 10778001 · filed Sep 28, 2015

Too few reports in this category for a page of its own — they appear in the full complaint list.

Body & structure

Reports naming the vehicle structure, frame, body panels, doors, hood and trim.

5
reports

From owner reports, verbatim

The contact owns a 2008 Ford Taurus. The contact stated that the subframe was completely rusted through. The vehicle was towed and diagnosed but was not repaired. The manufacturer was not informed of the failure. The failure mileage was unavailable.

NHTSA ID 11424072 · filed Jul 9, 2021

ENGINE CRADLE ROTTING, MECHANICS SAID IT'S A COMMON PROBLEM FOR THE MAKE AND MODEL

NHTSA ID 11180586 · filed Feb 17, 2019

Too few reports in this category for a page of its own — they appear in the full complaint list.

Exterior lighting

Reports naming headlights, tail lights, turn signals and other exterior lighting.

4
reports

From owner reports, verbatim

A RIGHT SIDE LICENSE PLATE LIGHT BURNED OUT. THERE IS A LEFT LAMP, ALSO. I NOTICED IT WHEN I WALKED AROUND THE VEHICLE FOR A GASOLINE REFILL. THERE IS NO DASH BOARD PROMPT FOR THIS LAMP BURN OUT. WHEN I WENT TO REPLACE THE LAMP A COUPLE DAYS LATER, I NOTICED RUST SPOTS BETWEEN A PLASTIC TRIM PIECE AND THE TRUNK LID. I MONITOR THE LICENSE LAMPS NOW. I HAVE NOT HAD A LICENSE LAMP BURN OUT UNTIL I NOTICED THE RUST ON THE METAL PANEL. I QUESTION THE COINCIDENCE OF THE LAMP BURN OUT AND THE RUST. A POSSIBLE SHORT. *TR

NHTSA ID 10694352 · filed Mar 15, 2015

MY WIFE HAD A KOHL'S BAG IN THE TRUNK. SOME HOW THE CENTER STOP LIGHT WHICH IS A HIGH INTENSITY BULB CAME LOSE WHICH LET IT DROP DOWN ABOUT 8" CAUGHT THE BAG ON FIRE. IT SMOLDERED ALL NIGHT AND WAS NOT NOTICEABLE UNTIL THE NEXT MORNING. WE OPENED THE DETACHED GARAGE DOOR BUT DID NOT SUSPECT ANYTHING FOR AT LEAST AN HOUR AFTER I OPENED THE DOOR. MY WIFE WAS IN TRAFFIC ON THE WAY HOME THE DAY BEFORE WHEN THE STOP LIGHT MUST HAVE BEEN GOING OFF AND ON. SHE SAID SHE NEVER NOTICED THE BULB HANGING DOWN. THE CAR WAS NOT DAMAGED EXPECT FOR THE REAL THINK SMOKE DAMAGE TO THE WHOLE CAR. I BOUGHT THIS CAR USED SO I AM NOT SURE IF THE BULB WAS EVER REPLACED.THE LIGHT WORKS FINE AFTER FIRE BUT THE BULB PUTS OFF SO MUCH HEAT THAT YOU CAN NOT TOUCH IT WHEN YOU STEP ON THE BREAK. I COULD NOT FIND ANYTHING ON THE INTERNET WHERE THIS HAS HAPPENED BEFORE. *TR

NHTSA ID 10465690 · filed Jul 15, 2012

Too few reports in this category for a page of its own — they appear in the full complaint list.

Interior & seats

Reports naming seats, latches, locks, linkages and interior fittings.

3
reports

From owner reports, verbatim

I WAS DRIVING FROM WORK, ON MY WAY TO PICK UP MY DAUGHTER. WHEN SUDDENLY THE HEATED SEAT IN MY CAR BEGAN TO GET HOTTER THAN USUAL, THE SEAT HAD SOON MALFUNCTIONED AND DISBURSE IN TO FLAME! LUCKILY I WAS CARRYING A BOTTLE OF WATER FROM MY JOB THAT I WAS DRINKING ON AT THE TIME. I KNEW I WASN'T FIT TO DRIVE MYSELF, AND I WASN'T TO FAR AWAY FROM MY FATHER'S HOUSE, AND WAS DRIVEN BY MY STEP SISTER TO THE E.R.

NHTSA ID 10745585 · filed Aug 1, 2015

THE DRIVER SIDE SEAT HEATING MECHANISM FAILED, IT TURNS ON THEN CYCLES ITSELF OFF. PASSENGER SIDE IS STILL FUNCTIONAL. *TR

NHTSA ID 10498347 · filed Feb 16, 2013

Too few reports in this category for a page of its own — they appear in the full complaint list.

Seat belts

Reports naming seat belts, buckles, retractors and pretensioners.

2
reports

From owner reports, verbatim

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. The contact stated that the vehicle was previously rear-ended on several occasions, and the air bags did not deploy. The contact had sustained severe back injuries that had become permanent. The contact had received medical assistance. A police report was filed. The vehicle was able to be driven from the scene on each occasion. Additionally, the contact stated that while driving at 5 MPH, the vehicle experienced sudden and unintended acceleration. The contact depressed the brake pedal, and the vehicle responded as intended. There was no warning light illuminated. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired by an independent mechanic or dealer. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 142,000.

NHTSA ID 11714414 · filed Jan 30, 2026

APPROXIMATELY 3 MINUTES AFTER TURNING ON THE NAVIGATIONAL SYSTEM THE SEATBELT BEGAN TO TIGHTEN ON MY SON, THE DRIVER OF THE CAR. HE PULLED INTO A PARKING SPACE AND TRIED TO LOOSEN THE SEATBELT BUT WAS NOT SUCCESSFUL; THE CAR TURNED OFF AND RESTARTED TO TRY AND RESET THE SEATBELT BUT ALL ATTEMPTS FAILED. THE DRIVER'S SIDE SEATBELT WAS PERMANENTLY LOCKED.

NHTSA ID 11172418 · filed Jan 27, 2019

Too few reports in this category for a page of its own — they appear in the full complaint list.

Visibility

Reports naming windshields, glass, wipers, defrosters and mirrors.

2
reports

From owner reports, verbatim

2008 FORD TAURUS. CONSUMER WRITES IN REGARDS TO VEHICLE POWER FOLDING EXTERIOR WINDOW SWITCH ISSUES. CONSUMER HAS PREVIOUS CORRESPONDENCE WITH 2 DIFFERENT VEHICLES WITH DIFFERENT ISSUES. *LD THE CONSUMER STATED ACCORDING THE VEHICLE'S DESCRIPTION THE VEHICLE SHOULD HAVE HAD A POWER FOLDING EXTERIOR MIRRORS, BUT THE VEHICLE WAS NOT EQUIPPED WITH THIS FEATURE. THE ENGINE KNOCKS AND SHIFTS HARD ON TAKE OFF AND SLOW DOWN. THE BREAK BOOSTER SQUEAKS WHEN DEPRESSING THE BRAKE PEDAL. THE FUEL INDICATOR DOES NOT WORK PROPERLY. LASTLY, DURING LONG PERIODS OF RAIN THE CEILING LIGHTS LEAK ONTO THE CONSOLE. *JS

NHTSA ID 10838420 · filed Jan 30, 2018

THE TURN SIGNAL LEVER/WIPER CONTROL INTERMITTENTLY ACTIVATES THE WIPERS AND / OR THE WASHERS WHEN THE TURN SIGNAL IS USED. *TR

NHTSA ID 10369856 · filed Dec 10, 2010

Too few reports in this category for a page of its own — they appear in the full complaint list.

Tires & wheels

Reports naming tires, wheels, hubs, or the tire-pressure monitoring system.

1
report

From owner reports, verbatim

CPSC: X1540006A. 2008 FORD TAURUS. CONSUMER STATED PROBLEMS WITH THE WHEELS COLLAPSING. *LN THE CONSUMER STATED THE REAR WHEELS WERE REPLACED USING REFURBISHED FORD WHEELS, THAT WERE MADE IN CHINA. THE CONSUMER STRUCK AN EMBEDDED ROAD OBSTACLE AND DAMAGED THE REAR WHEELS, WHICH CAUSED THEM TO COLLAPSE. *JB

NHTSA ID 10750441 · filed Aug 18, 2015

Too few reports in this category for a page of its own — they appear in the full complaint list.

Heating & air conditioning

Reports naming the heating, ventilation and air-conditioning system.

1
report

From owner reports, verbatim

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2008 FORD TAURUS. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE VEHICLE JERKED ABNORMALLY WHILE ACCELERATING. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALER WHERE A DIAGNOSTIC WAS PERFORMED. THE FAILURE WAS LOCATED AT THE AIR CONDITIONING CONDENSER. THE AIR CONDITIONING CONDENSER WAS REPLACED HOWEVER, THE FAILURE WAS NOT CORRECTED. THE VEHICLE CONTINUED TO JERK WHEN ACCELERATING. THE MANUFACTURER WAS MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE VIN WAS NOT AVAILABLE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 13,000 AND THE CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 106,556.

NHTSA ID 10484536 · filed Nov 13, 2012

Too few reports in this category for a page of its own — they appear in the full complaint list.

Higher-selling and older vehicles accumulate more reports. Counts are not failure rates and are not directly comparable between vehicles that sold in very different numbers.

Elsewhere on this vehicle

Data sources

Data on this page last refreshed .