Which parts fail
Components named in complaints (power steering, steering column, rack and pinion).
Mileage when the problem started
Owner reports
Selected complaints filed with NHTSA by 2008 Ford Taurus owners, lightly cleaned up (personal details are redacted by NHTSA).
Tl* the contact owns a 2008 Ford Taurus. Upon backing out of the garage and the driveway, the steering wheel became extremely difficult to turn left and right without warning. The contact had to apply force to the steering wheel. The vehicle was taken to an authorized dealer who diagnosed that the steering gears needed to be replaced. The vehicle was repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 54,000. Updated 7/21/15 updated 9/22/2015
After having the vehicle for 5 months, the steering went out while tring to exit a driveway. Was told that due to my warranty drivetime would replace the power steering pump. After calling in to work on e occasions and waiting about 4 to 6 hours on each visit, just to be told that its my rack and pinion which drive time does not cover. Im not sure why they wouldnt cover the complete steering system. The mechanic said it will cost me 1000...5 months of having the vehicle
Car has around 87,000 miles. While leaving the driveway the wheel became very hard to turn, as if the power steering went out. The steering is on and off with the power steering. Took it to private mechanic and was told the power steering needs to be replaced at a cost of $1200. Really sucks because we just bought the car about 1000 miles ago. After looking on line I find this is a common problem, why isn't this a recall?
2008 Taurus, bought new 11/7/7, 33 miles. 11/12/13 repair ' 31,682 miles ' rack and pinion steering started to fail while driving. Replaced for $889.82, not under warranty; Ford covered none of the cost. 1/2/20 repair ' 65,691 miles ' rack and pinion steering failed again immediately after a 30-mile drive. Replaced for $954.87 plus tax. Ford covered none of the cost.
There are times when turning the steering wheel, I have a very hard time. I am over 6', and weigh 230 lbs. My wife is smaller, and she has one heck of a time turning the steering wheel. After reading problems other people have had, I decided to file a complaint. It is not safe. I believe a recall is in order for Ford to take care of this problem, not the owners of the vehicle.
Tl* the contact owns a 2008 Ford Taurus. While driving 20 MPH, the steering wheel separated from the steering shaft without warning. Ron lewis Ford beaver falls (201 7th ave, beaver falls, pa 15010, [phone]) was notified and the vehicle was repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 108,000.
Driving in city when power steering suddenly became extremely hard to move, drove straight to dealer left it there until diagnoses and repair could be done. Determined that it was power steering gear and pump were bad. No warning sign when gave out, have older Chevy that gave noticeable warning when things are going out.
Tl contact owns a 2008 Ford Taurus x. The contact stated that while driving approximately 50 MPH, there was an unusual increase in the engine rpms, the vehicle shifted into second gear and accelerated. The vehicle was taken to the dealer who stated that the engine needed to be recalibrated. The failure did not persist. The contact was making a right turn at a relatively low speeds and heard an abnormal clicking in the steering wheel. The dealer stated that the left front cv axle assembly was defective. The axle was replaced; however; the clicking noise continued when the contact made a left turn. The dealer was unable to duplicate the failure. The failure became progressively worse over time when the contact made a left or right turn. The vehicle was taken back to the dealer who stated that the failure could potentially be caused by the power steering. …
Travelling home from missouri to oklahoma with my son in rainy conditions I noticed that the steering on my Taurus was tight and difficult to steer to the right. The car became difficult to steer and it felt like the power steering had been lost. Without warning the car veered to the right and became unsafe. I slowed to about 45 MPH and was able to maintain control of the car. This is a safety problem that needs to be addressed by Ford. From what I've read, this steering problem seems to be common to this year Taurus. The cost of repairs, from what I've seen, averages above $1,000. What, if anything, is being done to correct this problem. I did read of one report that occurred while the car was under warranty. This should be a recall item because it is definitely a safety issue!
The rack pinion assembly needs replacing after only 29431 miles. The dealer also recommends replacing the sway bar assembly; however, no physical damage to the sway bar assembly is evident. The rack and pinion has not degraded to the point of binding or inhibiting steering at this time. But, it obviously will do so in the future and requires attention. I note that this is a frequent occurrence with this assembly based on other complaints at this site. I have written to Ford ([redacted]) but with no response to date. The failure was diagnosed on 1/25/2012 after my complaining about a pop in the steering assembly during turns. No other incident occurred.
Steering complaints in other Taurus years
Frequently asked questions
How common are steering problems on the 2008 Ford Taurus?
NHTSA has 35 complaints about the steering of the 2008 Ford Taurus, 20% of the model year's 175 complaints. The component named most often is rack and pinion (4 mentions).
Is there a recall for 2008 Ford Taurus steering problems?
No. NHTSA lists no steering recall for the 2008 Ford Taurus, 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 steering problems start?
Half of the complaints with a recorded mileage happened before about 47,000 miles, and 6% before 25,000 miles.
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.