Mileage when the problem started
Owner reports
Selected complaints filed with NHTSA by 2008 Ford Taurus X owners, lightly cleaned up (personal details are redacted by NHTSA).
I bought this vehicle used from a lot. It had 2 previous owners and came with all the service history. I first noticed the vehicle seemed like it didn't want to go into overdrive . It would get to about 70 mph which would have the rpm's at 3k! The 2nd time or so that we got it to these speeds (on interstate) the vehicle suddenly clunked , steering wheel jerked , vehicle lost power - I had my 2 children in the vehicle and I was pregnant. We had to pull over immediately . After sitting side the road for a few , it crunk up and we rode out . Only for it to happen 2 more times. And this is not the only thing effected by this . Not long after I got it , I started noticing a hard shift / clunk / slam when going into gear and especially when the vehicle has just tried to downshift and I pressed the gas again . Due to this , I'm unable to tell when and if we can pull out into traffic and such. …
Tl* the contact owns a 2008 Ford Taurus x. While driving 65 MPH merging into traffic, the vehicle accelerated independently without warning. The contact stated that the brake pedal was depressed, but failed to stop the vehicle. The contact also stated that there was an abnormal burning odor coming from the front of the vehicle. The contact placed the vehicle in the neutral position and was able to slow down. The contact was able to stop the vehicle; however, the engine revved to an excessive RPM. The vehicle was towed to the dealer, but was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 155,000.
Tl contact owns a 2008 Ford Taurus x. The contact stated that while driving 10 MPH in reverse, the vehicle accelerated independently and crashed into the neighbors house. The air bags failed to deploy. The driver did not sustain any injuries and no medical attention was required. A police report was filed. The vehicle was destroyed. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 108,000.
Tl* the contact owns a 2008 Ford Taurus x. While the vehicle was idling at a red light, it independently accelerated without warning. The contact stated that the brake pedal was depressed, but the vehicle failed to stop. The contact placed the gear shifter in neutral to stop the vehicle. There were no warning indicators illuminated. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic, but no diagnostic failure codes were found and the failure could not be duplicated. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was notified and advised the contact to take the vehicle to a Ford dealer. The vehicle was taken to Ford Lincoln of cookeville (1600 interstate dr., cookeville, tn 38501, [phone]), but no diagnostic failure codes were found. The failure could not be duplicated, but the battery was replaced. The approximate failure mileage was 94,000.
Problem 1, paint peeling off hood and rough metal under problem 2, transmission began failing while under warrenty, dealership could not get any codes to show problem this, has continued to present. Was notifed this week by dealer that transmission needs replaced, but because every time you turn off the car the codes reset. Ford motor company and the dealer do not want to assist in the repairs of over $4500.00. Bought extended warranty to 75,000 miles and problem first documented on there forms was at 60,000 miles. While driving the car would down shift and jerk. Happened several time and each time took to dealer they could not find a problem. On several occasions the car would not go in reverse but after turning car off and restarting it would.
The Ford Taurus x has 57,945 miles on it. Two times while driving the vehicle on the interstate highway the dash showed all zeros and the car lost power. The check engine light came on. The car exhibited slow acceleration and unusual shifting. I took it and had the OBD code read. The code indicated that it was a speed sensor in the transmission (p720). The code was reset and the car is currently being driven. It happened twice within a two-week period. I own two 2008 Ford Taurus and it happened on the same day to both of them. I will be filing incident information on the other vehicle too.
While at a stop sign or traffic light withmy foot on the brake the vehicle accelerated independently without warning. I have almost been thrown into traffic due to the independent accelerated. After this happening sevral times and phone calls to the dealer and then taking the car into the dealer.the Ford dealer stated they have seen this alot and the problem was in the throddel body. However, I had to still pay $700.00 to have their known problem fixed. Car mileage 113,000.
When pulling up to a stop sign and applying the brake, the car unexpectedly accelerated instead of stopping. This has happened 2 times in the last 2 months. The car was in straight forward motion on a street pulling up to a stop sign, the brake applied, and instead of stopping the vehicle suddenly accelerated. We were able to go through the stop sign and immediately turn to the right and avoided any accident.
When vehicle gets between 40-45 MPH, will not gear up properly and will not run correctly. Only does this intermittently, and you have to stop the car, unhook battery cable, give it a minute, hook it back up and it will run fine until the next time it does it- which could be days, weeks, even months.
Dangerous design of relation of brake pedal and accelerator (gas) pedal. The gas pedal is located within approximately/4 of an inch of the brake pedal. And the gas pedal is on a 15deg.angle from the top to the bottom leaning towards the brake pedal. When brake is applied there is insufficient space to avoid the gas pedal causing acceleration and braking at the same time. Stopping is dangerous!!!! I called the factory and told them about it and asked if it could provide more space between gas pedal and brake pedal and was told no because is was a design feature and must remain so or loose the warranty on the vehicle. No crash or injury yet but close shaves have occurred. I feel on edge when ever stopping at a red light behind another car afraid my car jumping into the one in front of me. …
Acceleration complaints in other Taurus X years
Frequently asked questions
How common are acceleration problems on the 2008 Ford Taurus X?
NHTSA has 26 complaints about the speed control & acceleration of the 2008 Ford Taurus X, 17% of the model year's 153 complaints.
Is there a recall for 2008 Ford Taurus X acceleration problems?
No. NHTSA lists no speed control & acceleration recall for the 2008 Ford Taurus X, though it has 1 recall for other components. If the problem is widespread, a repair may still be covered by an extended warranty or a manufacturer service bulletin — ask a dealer.
At what mileage do 2008 Ford Taurus X acceleration problems start?
Half of the complaints with a recorded mileage happened before about 61,000 miles, and 17% before 25,000 miles.
Is it dangerous?
Owners linked 1 crash, 1 fire and 0 injuries to speed control & acceleration problems on this model year. If you notice symptoms, have the car checked before driving further.
Source: U.S. National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) — owner complaints through October 20, 2026, recalls and defect investigations; fuel economy from the EPA. Complaints are unverified reports and are not proof of a defect. How we rate model years.