Photo: Wikimedia Commons (CC)
Power
Combined, EPA 2009
What owners say
Our take, from owner reports
Owner sentiment is mixed, heavily dependent on the specific powertrain and maintenance history.
7 problems reported (5 recurrent, 2 isolated) · medium confidence
Problems owners report
- RecurrentInternal water pump failure
Design flaw where the water pump is located under the timing cover; failure leads to coolant leaking into the oil, potentially causing severe engine damage. A very expensive repair.
- RecurrentIntermittent long crank/no-start
Engine cranks for 5-8 seconds before starting inconsistently; may stop cranking midway. Not resolved by replacing fuel pump, battery, spark plugs, coils, starter, or crankshaft position sensor.
- RecurrentStalling under load
Vehicle jerks and stalls when attempting to pass or accelerate hard; restarts normally. Suspected fuel delivery or sensor issue.
+ 4 more issuesShow fewer
- RecurrentBrittle plastic/rubber components
Hoses (e.g., windshield washer lines), steering arm boots, and intake manifold gaskets become brittle with age and crack or break upon touch.
- RecurrentElectrical/electronic quirks
Various sensor failures, gauge issues, and accessory malfunctions common to vehicles of this era.
- IsolatedSteering issues
Intermittent loss of power steering assist, particularly when turning left, potentially linked to strut mount/bearing failure.
- IsolatedFront suspension wear
Lower control arms and other front-end components may require repeated replacement at high mileage.
The version owners recommend
Insufficient owner data available. No specific trim levels (e.g., SEL, Limited) are discussed with comparative praise or criticism.
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Overall sentiment
Owner sentiment is mixed, heavily dependent on the specific powertrain and maintenance history. The 2008-2009 Taurus X, which succeeded the Freestyle, receives praise from some owners for its robust 3.5L V6 Duratec engine and the elimination of the problematic CVT transmission found in its predecessor, replaced with a conventional 6-speed automatic. These owners report achieving very high mileage (200,000-300,000 miles) with basic maintenance, describing the vehicle as durable and refusing to die despite neglect. However, significant and recurrent criticism centers on a major design flaw with the water pump, which is located internally under the timing cover. Its failure can lead to catastrophic coolant contamination of the engine oil. Other frequent issues include persistent electrical gremlins, brittle aging plastic and rubber components (hoses, boots, gaskets), and intermittent mechanical problems like long cranks and stalling under acceleration. The vehicle is generally viewed as a practical, high-mileage beater with a critical, expensive Achilles' heel.
Positioning vs competitors
Insufficient owner data available.
Recommended configurations
Insufficient owner data available for specific configurations. Implicitly, the 2008-2009 model with the 3.5L V6 and 6-speed automatic is preferred over the preceding Freestyle with its CVT.
General recommendations
Suitable as a low-cost, high-utility beater vehicle for owners who are mechanically inclined or prepared for a major repair. Strongly recommended for a pre-purchase inspection focusing on the water pump's service history. Proactive replacement of the internal water pump is considered essential preventative maintenance, despite the high labor cost ($2,000+ USD). Buyers should be prepared for the failure of brittle plastic and rubber components due to age. Not recommended for owners who cannot perform their own repairs or absorb a significant repair bill. Thoroughly check all electrical functions and test drive under hard acceleration to check for stalling.
Remarks
The Taurus X is a minor refresh of the Ford Freestyle (2005-2007). The most significant improvement noted by owners is the replacement of the unreliable CVT with a conventional 6-speed automatic transmission for the 2008 model year. The durable 3.5L Duratec V6 engine is a positive point, but is overshadowed by the critical, expensive internal water pump design shared with other Ford transverse V6 engines of the period. Owner experiences are bifurcated: some report extreme longevity with minimal care, while others are plagued by the water pump and electrical issues. High parts availability in salvage yards is noted due to the high production volume of the Taurus platform. Analysis based on approximately 7 substantive owner discussions specifically referencing the Taurus X or its direct predecessor.
Generation by generation
Owner insights per generation and US complaint/recall records (NHTSA).
Complaints and recalls by model yearSource: NHTSA (US)Show table
Recall notices2 on record · Source: NHTSA (US)Show recalls
2009 · air bags:frontalcampaign 16V247000
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."
2008 · air bags:frontalcampaign 16V247000
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."
Specifications
3.5i V6
3.5L 6-cylinder · 260 hp · AWD · automatic
Built 2007–2009