2009 Ford Taurus x problems

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The Ford Freestyle is a crossover utility vehicle that was sold by Ford from 2005 to 2009. Largely marketed as the successor to the Ford Taurus station wagon, the Freestyle was the CUV counterpart of the Ford Five Hundred and Mercury Montego four-door sedans. Sharing the Ford D3 platform with the Five Hundred and Montego, the Freestyle was produced with both front-wheel drive and all-wheel drive configurations and six- or seven-passenger seating.

Following the return of the Ford Taurus for the 2008 model year, the Freestyle underwent a mid-cycle revision and was renamed the Ford Taurus X, marketed in the United States and Canada, as well as South Korea and the U.S. territories of Puerto Rico, U.S. Virgin Islands, and Guam. Following the 2009 model year, the Taurus X was withdrawn. From the 2009 model year, the larger Ford Flex has served as the three-row Ford CUV/wagon.

From 2005 to 2009, the Freestyle/Taurus X was assembled at Chicago Assembly (Chicago, Illinois); the final vehicle was produced on February 27, 2009.

2009 Ford Taurus x

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Common 2009 Ford Taurus x problems

The 2009 Ford Taurus X has several common problems based on complaints from owners, which can be categorized into engine, transmission, and body issues.

  • Airbag failure: A few complaints have been filed regarding airbag failure, with drivers reporting that the airbags did not deploy during accidents. This can be a critical safety issue, and any problems with airbags should be addressed immediately.
  • Transmission problems: Some drivers have reported issues with erratic shifting, hard shifting, and stalled shifting when engaging the transmission. This can be accompanied by clunking and banging noises. These issues can be a significant inconvenience and can affect the overall driving experience.
  • Body issues: The 2009 Ford Taurus X has also had complaints about body issues, including paint blistering and peeling, which can be a cosmetic concern and may affect the resale value of the vehicle.
  • Transmission control module failure: Some owners have reported issues with the transmission control module, which can cause symptoms such as misfiring and thump-thump-thump sounds, especially under load or when going uphill. This issue can be resolved by replacing the transmission control module and tuning the transmission.
  • Transmission cooler and AC condenser failure: Some 2009 Ford Taurus X owners have reported issues with the transmission cooler and AC condenser, which can cause the transmission to overheat and fail. This issue can be resolved by replacing the transmission cooler and AC condenser.
  • Plug fouling: Some drivers have reported issues with plug fouling, which can cause misfiring and other engine problems. This issue can be resolved by replacing the plugs with a higher quality brand, such as AutoLite XP iridiums.

In summary, the 2009 Ford Taurus X has several common problems, including engine cooling issues, airbag failure, transmission problems, body issues, transmission control module failure, transmission cooler and AC condenser failure, and plug fouling. These issues can affect the safety, reliability, and overall driving experience of the vehicle. It is essential to address these issues promptly to ensure the safe and reliable operation of the vehicle.

2009 Ford Taurus x engine

How many miles will a 2009 Ford Taurus last?

The Ford Taurus is one of the longest lasting American-made sedans, with drivers regularly lasting more than 250,000 miles. 300,000 isn't unrealistic, but bet on 250,000 when deciding whether it's worth your money, as you can't be sure how well the previous owner maintained the car.

What is the most common problem with Ford Taurus?

Some of the top Ford Taurus problems include a cracked windshield, gasket leaks, and engine problems. The Ford Taurus has an average annual repair cost of $697 with a lower frequency of unscheduled repairs, an average of 0.2 times a year, compared to its competitors.

Is the Ford Taurus a good reliable car?

The Ford Taurus Reliability Rating is 4.0 out of 5.0, which ranks it 6th out of 12 for fullsize cars. The average annual repair cost is $697 which means it has average ownership costs. The severity and frequency of repairs are lower than other vehicles, so the Taurus is one of the more reliable vehicles on the road.

How long do Ford Taurus engines last?

The range for a Ford Taurus is typically 180,000-200,000 miles. Based on those numbers, anything above 150,000 would be considered high mileage for a Ford Taurus.

What is the most common problem with Ford Taurus?

Some of the top Ford Taurus problems include a cracked windshield, gasket leaks, and engine problems. The Ford Taurus has an average annual repair cost of $697 with a lower frequency of unscheduled repairs, an average of 0.2 times a year, compared to its competitors.

How many miles can a 2009 Ford Taurus last?

It's always an excellent idea to consider how long the Ford Taurus lasts to determine how far the car should be able to go before it experiences serious issues. Most Ford Tauruses should be able to hit at least 150,000 miles before it begins experiencing serious issues.

Is the Ford Taurus a good reliable car?

The Ford Taurus Reliability Rating is 4.0 out of 5.0, which ranks it 6th out of 12 for fullsize cars. The average annual repair cost is $697 which means it has average ownership costs. The severity and frequency of repairs are lower than other vehicles, so the Taurus is one of the more reliable vehicles on the road.

How many miles will a 2008 Ford Taurus X last?

As the new owner of a 2008 Ford Taurus, You may be curious how many years this vehicle is supposed to last. The Taurus has a total life expectancy of around 175,000 to 200,000 miles. With proper care and regular maintenance, You will be able to extend the years of Your vehicle for as long as possible.

2009 Ford Taurus x car problems categorized by type of issue

After analyzing all complaints sent to the NHTSA and researching popular Ford Taurus x problems, we found that the most common problems with these 2023 model year vehicles are:

  • Power train problems
  • Structure problems
  • Steering problems
  • Trailer hitches problems
  • Air bags problems

The graph below shows statistics for all 2009 Ford Taurus x vehicle components and the number of complaints received.

2009 Ford Taurus x complaints

The NHTSA has received 10 complaints about various vehicle components related to the 2009 Ford Taurus x.

2023-05-01

STRUCTURE,TRAILER HITCHES PROBLEM

  • Date Of Incident: 2023-02-01
  • VIN: 1FMDK02W29G
  • Components: STRUCTURE,TRAILER HITCHES
  • Summary: 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
2019-07-05

POWER TRAIN PROBLEM

  • Date Of Incident: 2019-06-19
  • VIN: 1FMDK06W79G
  • Components: POWER TRAIN
  • Summary: 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.
2018-06-23

STEERING PROBLEM

  • Date Of Incident: 2018-06-20
  • VIN: 1FMDK08W09G
  • Components: STEERING
  • Summary: 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.
2016-03-11

AIR BAGS PROBLEM

  • Date Of Incident: 2016-03-07
  • Crash: 1
  • VIN: 1FMDK02W19G
  • Components: AIR BAGS
  • Summary: TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2009 FORD TAURUS X. WHILE DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 40 MPH, THE CONTACT'S WIFE STRUCK A DEER. THE FRONT END OF THE VEHICLE WAS DAMAGED. THE AIR BAGS DID NOT DEPLOY. THERE WERE NO INJURIES AND A POLICE REPORT WAS NOT FILED. THE CONTACT DROVE THE VEHICLE HOME AND CONTACTED THE INSURANCE COMPANY. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE INSURANCE COMPANY ASSESSED THE DAMAGE AND DISCOVERED THAT THE AIR BAG SENSOR WAS DESTROYED BY THE CRASH. BASED ON THAT FINDING, THE INSURANCE COMPANY DENIED COVERAGE. THE MANUFACTURER WAS MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE, BUT REFUSED TO TAKE RESPONSIBILITY. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 190,000.
2015-11-06

TIRES PROBLEM

  • Date Of Incident: 2015-09-23
  • Components: TIRES
  • Summary: ON SEPT 23, 2015 WE PURCHASED A SET OF DEFINITY TIRES FROM PEP BOYS. WE WERE TOLD THEY WERE MADE BY COOPER TIRES. WE TRIED TO REGISTER THE TIRES IN ORDER TO GET A RECALL NOTICE AND THEY ARE UNABLE TO BE REGISTERED AS THEY WERE MADE IN TAIWAN. WE HAVE CONTACTED PEP BOYS AND THEY WILL NOT CHANGE THE TIRES FOR AMERICAN MADE ONES. THEY SAID THAT THEY HAVE THE INFORMATION TO LET US KNOW IF THERE IS A RECALL AND THAT WE DO NOT NEED TO REGISTER THE TIRES. WE THINK THIS IS WRONG AND FRAUDULENT. PLEASE ADVISE US AS TO WHAT TO DO. THEY CLAIM THEY ARE IN COMPLIANCE WITH FEDERAL LAW WHICH WE THINK IS WRONG.
2014-08-05

ELECTRONIC STABILITY CONTROL (ESC),ENGINE PROBLEM

  • Date Of Incident: 2012-08-01
  • VIN: 1FMDK06W29G
  • Components: ELECTRONIC STABILITY CONTROL (ESC),ENGINE
  • Summary: THE INCIDENT DATE, VEHICLE MILEAGE AND VEHICLE SPEED ARE ALL GUESSES AS I AM NOT SURE OF THAT INFORMATION. WHEN I AM DRIVING THE CAR, IT WILL JUST STOP WORKING AND SLOWS DOWN TO A SNAILS PACE AND THE LIGHTS ON THE DASHBOARD COME ON THE WAY THEY WOULD IF YOU DIDN'T TURN YOUR CAR ON ALL THE WAY. THE SHORT TERM SOLUTION EACH TIME HAS BEEN TO TURN OFF THE CAR AND RESTART IT BUT IT IS VERY SCARY AS I AM IN THE MIDDLE OF THE STREET WHERE I SHOULDN'T BE STOPPED. THIS HAPPENS EVERY MONTH OR SO (EXAMPLES INCLUDE: AFTER I STOPPED AT A STOP SIGN AND I FOUND MYSELF IN THE MIDDLE OF A STREET WITH A CAR THAT WOULDN'T DRIVE; WHILE I WAS ABOUT TO TURN LEFT TO GO DOWN A HILL; WHEN WAS DRIVING OUT OF A PARKING LOT.) I HAVE BROUGHT IT TO THE DEALERSHIP MULTIPLE TIMES AND THEY HAVE TRIED SEVERAL DIFFERENT THINGS TO FIX THE PROBLEM BUT I CONTINUE TO HAVE IT. I HAVE COMPLAINED TO FORD BUT FORD'S POSITION IS THAT I CAN KEEP DRIVING IT. *TR
2014-03-29

POWER TRAIN,STRUCTURE PROBLEM

  • Date Of Incident: 2014-03-22
  • Crash: 1
  • VIN: 1FMDK02W79G
  • Components: POWER TRAIN,STRUCTURE
  • Summary: WHILE PULLING INTO PARKING SPACE AT VERY LOW SPEED WITH RIGHT FOOT ON BRAKE PETAL, CAR ACCELERATED UP AND LURCHED FORWARD HITTING PARKED VEHICLE IN FRONT. HAD TO APPLY BRAKE HARDER TO GET VEHICLE IN PARK TO STOP ACCELERATION. *TR
2014-03-22

POWER TRAIN,SERVICE BRAKES PROBLEM

  • Date Of Incident: 2011-03-23
  • VIN: 1FMDK02W19G
  • Components: POWER TRAIN,SERVICE BRAKES
  • Summary: WHILE TURNING INTO TRAFFIC, THE CAR SUDDENLY DECELERATES AS IF SOMEONE IS PUTTING ON THE BRAKES, OR MORE LIKE THE CAR IS DROPPED INTO THE LOWEST GEAR POSSIBLE. AFTER THE CAR IS BROUGHT TO A COMPLETE STOP IT RESUMES NORMAL OPERATIONS. THIS HAPPENED THREE OR FOUR TIMES. THE DEALER COULDN'T FIND THE PROBLEM. I POINTED OUT A SERVICE BULLETIN IN REFERENCE TO THIS PROBLEM BUT SINCE PERFORMING THE SOFTWARE UPDATE IT HAS HAPPENED AGAIN. THE CAR LITERALLY GRINDS TO A STOP, OR ONE OUT TWO MILES AN HOUR, IN THE MIDDLE OF TRAFFIC ALMOST CAUSING AN ACCIDENT OR SERIOUS INJURY. *TR
2013-12-16

STEERING PROBLEM

  • Date Of Incident: 2013-11-30
  • Number Of Injuries: 1
  • VIN: 1FMDK03W88G
  • Components: STEERING
  • Summary: 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 OF THE INTERSECTION. *TR
2013-08-06

POWER TRAIN,STRUCTURE PROBLEM

  • Date Of Incident: 2013-07-23
  • Crash: 1
  • VIN: 1FMDK02WX9G
  • Components: POWER TRAIN,STRUCTURE
  • Summary: PUT CAR IN DRIVE WENT FORWARD LIKE A JET HIT BASKETBALL HOOP WAS CEMENTED IN GROUND. *TR

2009 Ford Taurus x recalls

The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) has issued 1 recalls for different components of the 2009 Ford Taurus x.

2016-04-26
  • Manufacturer: Ford Motor Company
  • Components: AIR BAGS:FRONTAL
  • Summary: 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."
  • Consequence: An improperly inflated air bag increases the risk of injury in the event of a crash.
  • Remedy: Ford will notify owners, and dealers will inspect and replace the driver's frontal air bag module, as necessary, free of charge. The recall is expected to begin on June 13, 2016. Owners may contact Ford customer service at 1-866-436-7332. Ford's number for this recall is 16C06.

Negative 2009 Ford Taurus x car reviews

  1. Amos Erdman 2025-01-05

    I am the original owner and I experienced a power steering failure at 38000 miles, shortly after the 3 year/36000 mile warranty had expired. I had it repaired by a Ford Dealer using OEM parts for $850. Unfortunately, the power steering failed again with the exact same problem just six months later. Based on my experience, I cannot recommend this product.

  2. Hadley McClure 2024-10-20

    Hi there! I've had this car for just over a year now. Unfortunately, it kept stalling at low speeds and the dealer kept saying it was a calibration issue. We took it in 3 times for it to be properly calibrated. Also, the Continental Touring tires that came OEM are bald at 14000 miles. They only come with a 12 month 12000 mile warranty and trust me...they won't last much longer than that. I was hoping that after paying this much for a car, I could get some better OEM tires that I wouldn't have to replace in one year. The transmission is also a bit unpredictable and jumps all over the place at the wrong times. Lastly, the front bumper is starting to come off and the dealer doesn't know why, but they will try to fix it. Overall, I would say the car is just okay. Thanks for listening!

  3. Grady Conroy 2024-09-15

    This little car is really impressive and I absolutely love it. Although the MPG is not great, it's a small trade-off for such a great vehicle. It would have been nice to have some storage space under the back seats, but unfortunately, there isn't any. The bench seats are not the most comfortable for long rides, but they get the job done. One of my other favorite things about this car is that it doesn't beep when you lock it - I really dislike that! I chose this car because I find the Flex to be one of the ugliest cars out there, and I prefer to sit up higher but don't like SUVs. The Taurus X provides excellent visibility all around. Although I will miss the rear heat controls of the Windstar, which I absolutely loved, I'm willing to adjust to the gear shifter's new position if it provides a much higher level of safety.

  4. Torrey Upton 2024-09-09

    It's a great looking car, but unfortunately, I experienced too many problems when buying it used without a warranty. The dealership covered up the issues and rushed me to make the purchase. However, the car has a great ride and awesome traction. I just think they made it too advanced without proper testing, and the maintenance costs a fortune. I'll definitely pray harder before buying my next car. It's a shame that this one doesn't hold its value well compared to other cars.

  5. Glen Hill 2024-08-15

    Overall, I found the car to be adequate, but there were a few glaring shortcomings that prevented me from rating it higher. Unfortunately, my experience was mostly associated with poor dealer service, which may not apply to those who have better dealers. I also found the SYNC system to be complicated and buggy, with certain iPods not interfacing well. Additionally, the phone feature had glitches, as I could receive calls but not place them. Despite contacting SYNC phone reps and the dealer, the issue could not be resolved. Therefore, I cannot recommend SYNC. Another issue I encountered was that halfway through the model year, Ford changed the oil filter size without notifying aftermarket publications. As a result, all books in auto parts stores will direct consumers to get the wrong filter if their car was made after 1/16/09.

Positive 2009 Ford Taurus x car reviews

  1. Lucious Glover 2025-01-05

    This car is amazing! I had the pleasure of driving the 2008 Ford Taurus X Limited for almost two years and put 59,000 miles on it. Despite requiring some maintenance and repairs, it remained a reliable car throughout. The CD player did break, but it was easy to replace the radio. The driver seat lost its heating function, but I think that was just due to its age. There were some minor transmission issues, but nothing that required a visit to the body shop. However, the most impressive thing about this car was its safety features. I was in a serious accident where the car flipped twice, but thanks to the airbags, seatbelt, and sturdy design, I walked away with only minor injuries. I am so grateful for this car and its ability to keep me safe.

  2. Jennings Buckridge 2025-01-04

    This car was amazing! It was incredibly reliable and never once broke down on us. We made sure to service it regularly and always kept good tires on it. With its AWD, it was a lifesaver in bad weather. Did you know that Taurus X was built on the Volvo XC chassis? Two weeks ago, we were T-boned and did a 180-degree spin. Thankfully, my dog and I were both uninjured, which is the most important thing. This car was perfect for transporting our aging parents - it was low to the ground, making it easy for them to get in and out, and we could easily fit wheelchairs and walkers in the back. Our dog loved riding in it too - there was plenty of room for him to stretch out. It was also a fantastic vehicle for moving our kids to and from college - there was plenty of room for all their stuff, and it kept everything protected from the rain. We're really sad to see it go, but at least no one was hurt. Ford should definitely bring back the Taurus X - it was such a great car! I heard they replaced it with the Edge, but it's just not the same.

  3. Sid Cole 2024-11-22

    We're still new to this car, but we're absolutely loving it! We're impressed with its versatility and how comfortable the ride is. It accelerates very quickly, and you don't even feel how fast you're going!

  4. Leon Johnston 2024-10-10

    I routinely buy or lease a new car every three years; I have had a lot of cars over the years. However, the Ford Taurus X is my favorite so far. Its ride is incredibly smooth, the handling and braking exceed my expectations, and it is so comfortable.

  5. Easton Effertz 2024-10-07

    I never thought I would be a Minivan Mom, but this vehicle looks a bit like a station wagon, which is not really my style. However, the chrome accents do add a nice touch. I used to own a 2000 Ford Taurus sedan and was planning on buying another one until I saw the Taurus-X. Unfortunately, I have encountered a couple of issues with it. Firstly, there is a knocking sound coming from the engine, which I have been told is normal. Secondly, the manual latches on the seats have been causing me trouble, especially the 2nd row driver side. It is very difficult to release and does not operate properly. Despite bringing this to their attention, the seat has not been fixed or replaced yet. I am hoping that if enough people complain, it will prompt a recall.

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Additional sources

More sources of information about 2009 Ford Taurus x problems:

Taurus X owners with high miles speak up! :-) - Page 5 - My Ford ...
Taurus X owners with high miles speak up! :-) - Page 5 - My Ford ...
https://www.myfordfreestyle.com/forums/viewtopic.php?t=7438&start=60

Dec 10, 2017 ... I know this is super late but I was experiencing same issues. Swamped the spark plugs with NGK Platinums. Drove the car and the problem was ...

Q&A: 2008 Ford Taurus X Alternator Replacement & Common ...
Q&A: 2008 Ford Taurus X Alternator Replacement & Common ...
https://www.justanswer.com/ford/7d2g2-ford-taurus-x-weird-electrical-problem-2008.html

Nov 27, 2012 ... Weird electrical problem in 2008 taurus X while driving most dash lights come on and gauges go dead while the system - Answered by a ...

Fall 2021 opinions on Taurus X - My Ford Freestyle .com
Fall 2021 opinions on Taurus X - My Ford Freestyle .com
https://www.myfordfreestyle.com/forums/viewtopic.php?t=9531

Sep 28, 2021 ... The major issues i had were the rack and pinion (twice). Alternator, both rear coil springs and the left side fuel tank module assembly. The ...

Are 2005-2009 Ford Freestyles/Taurus X good cars? : r/Cartalk
Are 2005-2009 Ford Freestyles/Taurus X good cars? : r/Cartalk
https://www.reddit.com/r/Cartalk/comments/15msuhc/are_20052009_ford_freestylestaurus_x_good_cars/

Aug 9, 2023 ... Ford freestyles are akin to the escapes of their time. AWD models had transfer case issues if you didn't take meticulous care of them - but they ...

Common Problems with 2009 Ford Taurus X - Q&A on P0018 Code
Common Problems with 2009 Ford Taurus X - Q&A on P0018 Code
https://www.justanswer.com/ford/d1cs8-2009-taurus-sel-3-5l-giving-codes-p0018.html

Oct 17, 2019 ... The codes you have are indicating a problem with the varible valve timing on bank 2 of your vehicle. The vvt system is all dependent on oil ...

Other years of Ford Taurus x

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Taurus x 2008
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ford taurus x 2009 photo
Taurus x 2009
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