Ford Taurus 5th generation (2007–2009)
Generation-specific owner insights from 73+ substantive owner discussions, with US complaint and recall records.
Should I buy a 2007–2009 Taurus?
388
US owner complaints (NHTSA), 2007–2009
2
recall campaigns
vehicle speed control
most-complained area
What owners say about this generation
Our take, from owner reports
Owners view this generation as a dependable, spacious, and comfortable used car that offers strong value for the money, particularly for first-time buyers or budget-conscious shoppers.
10 problems reported (1 very frequent, 4 recurrent, 5 isolated) · high confidence
Problems owners report
- Very frequentTransmission failure or slipping, particularly loss of 4th gear and OD clutch pack issues
- RecurrentWater pump failure on the 3.5L engine, internally driven and can destroy the engine
- RecurrentPower Transfer Unit (PTU) issues on AWD models
+ 7 more issuesShow fewer
- RecurrentElectronic throttle body problems causing stalling or unresponsive pedal
- RecurrentBrake lines rusting out, particularly in salt-belt regions
- IsolatedABS system bypassed due to rusted lines
- IsolatedHead gasket failure around 150k miles
- IsolatedVibration in reverse caused by heat shield
- IsolatedClimate control and radio head unit failures
- IsolatedTransmission vent tube missing cap
The version owners recommend
The SEL trim with the 3.5L V6 appears to be the most commonly recommended configuration. Owners specifically praise the 3.5L engine as reliable and note the SEL's six-speed automatic is solid, with one owner stating "The six speed in the SEL was pretty good." The Limited trim is also mentioned favorably for its features, though no single model year within 2007-2009 emerges as a clear consensus winner.
Competitors to consider
Owners compare it most often with the Toyota Camry, Honda Accord, Crown Victoria, Mercury Grand Marquis and Buick LeSabre.
Is a 2007–2009 Taurus right for you?
Get an answer for your year, mileage and budget.
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Overall sentiment
Owners view this generation as a dependable, spacious, and comfortable used car that offers strong value for the money, particularly for first-time buyers or budget-conscious shoppers. The 3.5L V6 is generally praised for its power and reliability, while the transmission is the most frequently cited weak point, with several owners reporting failures or warning of their inevitability. Many owners describe the car as unexciting and note limited aftermarket support, but those who maintain them report high mileage and long service life.
Positioning vs competitors
Owners frequently cross-shop this Taurus against Japanese sedans like the Camry and Accord, with many recommending the Japanese options for superior long-term reliability. However, several owners note the Taurus offers more space, comfort, and power for less money, making it a sensible budget pick. Compared to the Crown Victoria and Grand Marquis, owners acknowledge those cars as more reliable but point out the Taurus has better fuel economy and a more modern design. Against the Mitsubishi Outlander, owners favored the Taurus for its lower mileage and perceived better reliability.
Recommended configurations
Owners recommend the 2008-2009 models with the 3.5L V6 over the 2007 model, which uses the older 3.0L Vulcan engine. The 3.5L is described as having "decent power" and being more reliable than the earlier engine. The SEL trim with front-wheel drive is the most frequently recommended setup, as the AWD system adds the Power Transfer Unit which owners identify as a potential failure point. Owners advise avoiding examples with the CVT if present, though this appears to be a minor concern for this generation.
General recommendations
This generation suits first-time car buyers, budget shoppers, and anyone needing a large, comfortable sedan with a cavernous trunk: owners note it has the largest trunk of any sedan sold in America in 2009. Tall drivers and passengers receive specific praise for the high roofline and generous legroom. Owners strongly advise having the transmission inspected before purchase, as failures are the most commonly reported major issue and replacement costs run around $3,000. The 2008-2009 models are preferred over the 2007 due to the improved 3.5L engine. Buyers should also check for coolant leaks around the water pump, which is internally driven and can catastrophically fail. Owners recommend budgeting for maintenance rather than being swayed by low mileage alone, as older cars with low miles often need deferred service work.
Remarks
Owners consistently describe this generation as a "good first car" that is comfortable, spacious, and reliable if maintained, but they are equally consistent in warning that cosmetic modifications are wasted money on a car with limited aftermarket support and modest resale value. The 2007 model year is sometimes confused with the earlier fourth-generation Taurus, and owners note it was primarily a fleet vehicle. Several owners report exceeding 200,000 miles with proper care, and one reported 280,000 km before the car "kicked the bucket." The car's interior is described as typical late-2000s Ford parts-bin quality, and the sound system is criticized as weak. Analysis based on approximately 73 substantive owner discussions about this generation.
Complaints and recalls by model year
| Year | Complaints | Recalls | Most-reported area |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2009 | 64 | 0 | engine and engine cooling |
| 2008 | 175 | 1 | power train |
| 2007 | 149 | 1 | vehicle speed control |
Source: US National Highway Traffic Safety Administration. Higher-selling years naturally accumulate more complaints.
Recall notices for this generation
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."
2007 · service brakes, hydraulic:foundation components:disc:padscampaign 16E026000
Bosch Brake Components LLC (Bosch) is recalling certain aftermarket replacement front brake pads, models Bosch QuietCast BC598 and BP765, Bosch Blue BE598 and BE598H, Prostop PD598 and PD765M, Duralast Gold DG598, Duralast MKD598, Stop Master ST598, UltraStop ULT598, UltraLife MX598 and MX765, BrakeBest MKD765, and Prostop Platinum PGD598. These brake pads, manufactured October 1, 2014, to October 31, 2015 are intended for use on 2001-2007 Ford Taurus, 2001-2005 Mercury Sable, 1995-1999 Ford Taurus SHO, 1995-2002 Lincoln Continental, and 1993-1998 Lincoln Mark VIII vehicles. The brake pad shim may shift out of position causing the shim to contact the brake disc resulting in damage to the disc.
Owner insights summarize real ownership discussions for this generation only. Complaint and recall data is public NHTSA (US) information. Always verify recalls against your VIN at nhtsa.gov.