2008 FORD TAURUS X. CONSUMER WRITES IN REGARDS TO VEHICLE STEERING LOCKING UP. *SMD CONSUMER SENT ADDITIONAL CORRESPONDENCE. *SMD THE CONSUMER STATED THE STEERING WHEEL WOULD NOT TURN AT TIMES, WHEN MERGING INTO TRAFFIC OR PULLING OUT OF A PARKING SPACE. THE DEALER REPLACED THE STEERING PUMP AND RACK AND PINION. *JB
2008 Ford Taurus X steering problems
moderate 42 complaints filed with NHTSA · avg repair $700
Complaints
42
Recalls
0
Crashes
1
Avg fix
$700
What owners are reporting 5 most recent
THE STEERING EFFORT BECAME VERY GREAT IN MAKING TURNING RIGHT FROM A STANDSTILL. IT REQUIRES INTENSE EFFORT WHEN MOVING FROM A PARKED AREA. STEERING IS EFFECTED TO A DEGREE WHEN AT TRAVEL SPEED BUT LESS SO IN STRAIGHT OPERATION. ALL RIGHT TURNING IS EFFECTED AND REQUIRES TREMENDOUS EFFORT. THE SAME EFFECT IN EITHER FORWARD OR REVERSE MOTION. *TR
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2008 FORD TAURUS X. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE STEERING WOULD BECOME EXTREMELY DIFFICULT WHENEVER ATTEMPTING A RIGHT TURN. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALER OR A MECHANIC TO BE INSPECTED OR REPAIRED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 118,592 AND THE CURRENT MILEAGE IS 125,000. UPDATED 01/03/12*LJ THE RACK AND PINION WAS REPLACED. UPDATED 01/12/12
I WAS BACKING OUT OF A PARKING SPACE WHEN I LOST ALL POWER STEERING. TURNING THE WHEEL MADE A GRINDING NOISE AND ON THE DRIVE TO THE MECHANIC'S GARAGE SOME POWER CAME BACK, BUT IT WAS MUCH EASIER TO TURN LEFT THAN RIGHT. MY MECHANIC REPORTED THAT HE FOUND A TSB FROM FORD ON THIS ISSUE DETAILING THE EXACT PROBLEM I HAD AND HOW TO FIX IT (REPLACE RACK AND PINION UNIT, REPLACE STEERING PUMP, POWER S…
I WAS DRIVING HOME ON CITY STREETS WHEN THE POWER STEERING WENT OUT. CAR BECAME ALMOST IMPOSSIBLE TO TURN, EVEN USING ALL MY STRENGTH. I COULD NOT HAVE REACTED TO ANY OBSTACLE THAT SUDDENLY PRESENTED ITSELF, AND I COULD HARDLY MAKE TURNS, EVEN AT VERY LOW SPEEDS. IT WAS A DANGEROUS SITUATION.
Common questions
How serious is the steering problem on the 2008 Ford Taurus X?
It's a documented issue but not catastrophic. 42 complaints have been filed. Repairs average $700 and most owners catch it before it causes a breakdown.
At what mileage does the steering typically fail?
Mileage data is limited for this issue. Owners report failures across a wide range, suggesting cause is more about driving conditions and maintenance than mileage alone.
What does it cost to fix?
Independent shops typically charge around $700 for steering repairs on this vehicle. Dealer pricing tends to run 20-40% higher. The exact figure depends on the specific failure mode, parts availability, and your local labor rates. If you're outside factory warranty, an extended service contract often covers this category.
Are there any recalls related to steering?
No active recalls currently cover steering issues on this vehicle. The complaints filed represent owner-reported failures that haven't risen to the level of a manufacturer-issued recall — but they're still worth knowing about before you buy or budget for repairs.
Other problem areas on this vehicle
Complaint and recall data sourced from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA)
public records database. Severity ratings are derived from reported crashes, fires, injuries, and fatalities.
Repair cost estimates are independent-shop national averages and may differ in your area.
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