NHTSA lists 1 safety recall and 11 owner complaints for the 2009 Ford Taurus X. Most complaints involve power train (4) and structure (3). The EPA rates it 18–19 mpg combined.
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."
Complaints are unverified owner reports to NHTSA and are not normalized for sales volume. One complaint can cite several components.
“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 WHEN PARKED.”
“The contact owns a 2009 Ford Taurus X. The contact stated while driving 70 MPH and hauling a trailer, the tow hitch detached from the vehicle, causing the passenger’s side of the trailer to collapse. No one was injured. The contact was able pull over on the side of the roadway with the driver’s side of the trailer still attached to the vehicle. The contact detached the trailer from the vehicle and had the trailer hauled by another vehicle. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic and the mechanic stated that the rear sub frame was rusted. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was not contacted. The failure mileage was 190,000”
“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. IT'S A VERY DANGEROUS SITUATION WHEN IT SUDDENLY CANNOT BE CONTROLLED. THE FIRST TIME, I WAS AT AN INTERSECTION MAKING A LEFT TURN GOING 15 MPH WHEN I WAS COMPLETING THE TURN, THE STEERING WHEEL BECAME EXTREMELY DIFFICULT TO STRAIGHTEN OUT DIRECTION OF TRAVEL FORCING ME BRAKE HARD TO PREVENT GOING INTO HEAD-ON TRAFFIC UNTIL I COULD FORCE THE WHEEL BACK. NOW, IT HAS LIMITED INTERMITTENT POWER ASSIST GOING THROUGH THE FULL STEERING RANGE.”
Towing, payload and dimensions aren’t in the EPA or NHTSA data, so we don’t list them.
| Version | City | Hwy | Comb. | Fuel / yr | CO₂ g/mi |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Taurus X FWD Auto 6-spd, 6 cyl, 3.5 L · Front-Wheel Drive | 17 | 24 | 19 | $3,300 | 468 |
| Taurus X AWD Auto 6-spd, 6 cyl, 3.5 L · 4-Wheel or All-Wheel Drive | 15 | 22 | 18 | $3,450 | 494 |
| Item | Miles | Time | Note |
|---|---|---|---|
| Engine oil & filter | 5,000–10,000 mi | 6–12 months | Follow the oil-life monitor if fitted |
| Tire rotation | 5,000–7,500 mi | Every oil change | Check pressure monthly |
| Engine air filter | 15,000–30,000 mi | 1–2 years | Sooner in dusty areas |
| Cabin air filter | 15,000–25,000 mi | 1–2 years | |
| Brake fluid | — | 2–3 years | Absorbs moisture over time |
| Coolant | 60,000–100,000 mi | 5–10 years | Long-life coolants last longer |
| Spark plugs | 60,000–100,000 mi | — | Iridium/platinum plugs at the long end |
| 12V battery | — | 3–5 years | Heat shortens battery life |
1 safety recall as of Nov 10, 2026, according to NHTSA. Recall repairs are free at a dealer. Check your VIN to see whether your car is included and whether the repair was done.
Owners filed 11 complaints with NHTSA. The most-cited components are power train (4), structure (3), steering (2). Complaints are unverified owner reports and aren't adjusted for how many cars were sold.
The EPA rates the 2009 Ford Taurus X at 18–19 mpg combined, depending on engine and drivetrain (2 versions rated).