Ford Taurus X problems
Light NHTSA footprint — 11 owner complaints. Either a clean record or thin data; we'll show what's there.
Above-average reliability for the segment. Few systemic issues on file.
Buyable on the data — keep up the usual maintenance and inspect normally.
- No systemic severe-failure pattern in the complaint record
- Reliability score 8.8/10 — above the segment average
Our read of the federal NHTSA complaint and recall record for this exact year and model — not a substitute for a pre-purchase inspection. How we score.
Top trouble spots 1 category with 3+ complaints
What owners are saying recent NHTSA-filed complaints · verbatim
Suddenly wouldn't turn to the right when stopped, got increasing difficult from stopped position. The faster the vehicle would go the more the steering would loosen up. Makes intersections very dangerous and impossible to maneuver. Pulled shoulder muscle trying to steer out…
Put car in drive went forward like a jet hit basketball hoop was cemented in ground. *tr
Have a small power steering leak that turned out to be a racket pinion issue. I've talked to a few people with the same car and they have also had the same issue. Small leak in the same area that turned out to be the racket pinion needing replaced. You can really see the leak…
Steering suddenly becomes very difficult like the power steering failed. It intermittently has power assist and the fluid level is good. I was told this a well known problem that is more common in the 2008 model. Diagnosis indicated the rack and pinion and/or gearbox is bad.…
Estimate your repair exposure
Drag to your current mileage. Numbers are derived from this vehicle's complaint history.
Common questions
Is the 2009 Ford Taurus X reliable?
Mostly yes. With a reliability score of 8.8 out of 10 based on 11 owner complaints filed with NHTSA, the 2009 Ford Taurus X is generally a sound vehicle. The areas to watch are listed in the top problem section above — most are budget items, not deal-breakers.
Should you avoid the 2009 Ford Taurus X?
On the NHTSA data, the 2009 Ford Taurus X does not need avoiding. Buyable on the data — keep up the usual maintenance and inspect normally. The record behind that call: No systemic severe-failure pattern in the complaint record; Reliability score 8.8/10 — above the segment average. This is our read of the federal complaint and recall data — not a substitute for a pre-purchase inspection.
What's the most common problem on the 2009 Ford Taurus X?
Based on NHTSA records, the most-reported issue is powertrain, with 4 complaints filed. Typical failure occurs around 58,325 miles. Average repair cost runs about $2,500 at an independent shop.
What's the most expensive thing that goes wrong?
The powertrain is one of the costlier repair items. Average repair cost runs about $2,500 at an independent shop. Typical failure occurs around 58,325 miles. Catching early warning signs can sometimes extend life by 20–30,000 miles.
How do I check if my Ford Taurus X has open recalls?
Paste your VIN into the decoder at the top of this page. We pull live from NHTSA, so you'll see exactly which campaigns apply to your vehicle and whether the dealer has logged the fix. Recall repairs are always free regardless of mileage or warranty status.
Is an extended warranty worth it on a 2009 Ford Taurus X?
Math is straightforward: a quality service contract runs $1,800–3,500 over 3 years. With 11 complaints on file and the costliest repair averaging $2,500, one major failure more than pays for it. The catch is reading the contract — many providers exclude wear items and require pre-authorization, so cheaper plans are not always better value.