1991 Ford Taurus: complete transmission failure

Filed Mar 5, 2004 · Transmission · 81,434 miles · NY

Oem automatic transmission failed, requiring installation of re-manufactured transmission at cost of $2,862.51.

Filed Oct 17, 2003 · Transmission · 30,000 miles · CA

My 1991 ford taurus wagon has always had major transaxle problems! On two separate occasions the transmission pan bolts loossened on their own. This has caused premature transmission damage, and now the wagon runs misserably! Though we tightened up the bolts (for the third time) enough damage occured to the transmission and now the whole transmission needs replacement. I put a new one in when I bought it. I will never buy another ford again, and several people who I am aquainted with will know my little ford ordeal as well (I'll make it a point that they know). How could a company that has been making cars for so long go so damm astray? Some one told me that ford spelled in reverse stands for: "driver returns on foot."...drof

Filed Apr 7, 2003 · Transmission · 125,000 miles · MI

My transmission went out even after driving my car with the up most care...and I am not the only one who has complained of this...the taurus is infamous for there transmission failures.

Filed Sep 25, 2002 · Transmission · PA

While driving 50mph the transmission failed nearly causing an accident.

Filed Sep 25, 2002 · Transmission · PA

Consumer states while driving 50mph the transmission went out causing a near accident.

Filed Feb 9, 2001 · Transmission · VA

Transmission failed. Grinding sound coming from transmission when coasting. Diagnosed as planetary gear failure by dealer after installing new oil distribution tubes per ford tsb (02/08/2001). Dealer unwilling to discuss repair under "owner notification program". Dealer will not contact zone manager.

Filed Nov 8, 2000 · Transmission · VA

In april 1998, our 1991 ford taurus station wagon's transmission failed despite having only 61,518 miles on it at the time. We incurred over $2,100 in expenses repairing the transmission, which was then out of warranty. Our transmission shop told us that this car suffered from a design defect, in that the transmission did not have a sufficient cooling system, and that if the transmission became hot it could fail upon having to shift gears at slower speeds. This was exactly what happened to our car; my wife had completed a long, highway trip, and the transmission simply failed and locked up after she exited the interstate and began stop and go driving. She was actually pulling away from a stop light when the failure occurred. In august 1999, I discovered that ford had actually sent out a letter in 1995 advising of an extension of its warranty on these transmissions due to repeated failures. I sent a letter asking for reimbursement at that time, since our car had been only 1,518 miles over the 60,000 limit at the time of the failure, but I received a reply from ford refusing to provide any reimbursement whatsoever. I took no action at that time, but recently, the transmission on this car failed again, this time with only 79,400 miles (about 18,300 miles since previous failure) and we have incurred another $2,300 in repair expense, despite our having taken more than adequate care of this car. We would like to know if there is any recourse for these extraordinary expenses, given that ford apparently was aware of a defect in its transmissions for this model of car, yet failed to offer a recall or replacement and failed to reimburse us adequately in the past. This car has too few miles, and has been cared for too well, simply to junk it, but with the ongoing transmission problems it has become a car we can neither use nor sell.

Filed Jul 5, 2000 · Transmission · IA

While driving on highway went to pull up to a stop light or sign coming to a complete stop it pops out of gear to neutral. Have to reverse the engine in order to put it back in gear. Contacted dealer, and dealer stated that the piston is bad in the transmission, and that the transmission needs to be replaced. Not under warranty.

Filed Dec 9, 1999 · Transmission · AZ

I took car to local ford dealer jim click 520‑747‑2000 6420 east 22nd st tucson az. 85710 for leaking transmission. Service tech found 6 missing case bolts from prev repair when transmission was replaced by ford under mandatory recall. Ford not willing to compensate me for repairs of $600 for their faulty workmanship. I have paperwork confirming it was ford's mistake for not installing the 6 case bolts signed by service manager jason davis. I need help resolving matter . Thx merle.

Filed Oct 15, 1999 · Transmission · KS

Grinding sound was noticed while driving. Stopped vehicle to inspect, unable to shift gear. Repairman inspected and informed consume rthat transmission failed and needed to be replaced. Consumer learned of a manufacturer's extended service warranty of 6 years and 60,000 mile. Dealer / mfr. Refused to accept. Asking the federal safety agency for help in this matter.

Filed Aug 5, 1999 · Brakes, Engine · WA

I have always maintained this vehicle in accordance with manufacturers specifications and retained receipts to substantiate this claim. The vehicle has proven to be unreliable and a risk to operate even when maintained within manufacturers specifications. Considering the scope and frequency of major component failure with this vehicle, the manufacturers recommended maintenance schedule has no relationship to the subject vehicles operational characteristics. Based on my experiences and other reports in print on this particular make and model, ford produced a vehicle (thousands of them) that present an obvious safety hazard to the occupants of the vehicle and to the general public. This vehicle was designed as a 8 passenger family car. The opportunity to significantly injury the occupants due to a major component failure or combination of major component failure must be above acceptable risk standards established by the federal safety agency. I have been fortunate that all of the major component failures have occurred at reduced speeds and not in conjested seattle/tacoma freeway traffic situations. The last transmission failure occurred one day after my family traveled to seattle to enjoy seafair and if it had occurred on I-5, it could have resulted in serious injury to my entire family of 5. At what point does the federal safety agency take action against a manufacturer for producing a vehicle that is a known lemon that has serious safety concerns.

Filed Jul 19, 1999 · Transmission · NV

While driving on highway, all of a sudden vehicle stopped accelerating. Dealer sais vehicle needed new transmission.