1995 Ford Taurus: harsh or hard shifting

Filed Jul 24, 2009 · Body · 130,000 miles · NY

Tl*the contact owns a 1995 ford taurus. While driving approximately 30 MPH, the contact experienced extreme difficulty steering the vehicle. Suddenly, the steering wheel locked up without warning. The day before the failure occurred, the driver heard a loud clunking noise outside of the vehicle. Roadside assistance was called to the scene and the vehicle was towed to his residence. The driver inspected the vehicle and stated that the rear subframe mount attachments failed. The vehicle is currently inoperable and has not been repaired. The VIN was not included in the federal safety agency campaign id number 98v323000 (structure:frame and members), although the failures were identical. The VIN was unknown. The failure and current mileages were 130,000.

Filed Jul 18, 2008 · Engine · 103,013 miles · NY

Tl*the contact owns a 1995 ford taurus. While driving 15-20 MPH, the contact heard a loud clunking noise underneath the hood and a loss of steering. The engine fell and landed on the steering rods, which made it extremely impossible to maneuver the vehicle. The vehicle was taken to an independent dealer and they confirmed that the damage was not worth the repair, and would not recommend investing money into the vehicle. A week prior to the failure, the independent mechanic at a local midas installed a new muffler. There were several recalls listed for that year, make, and model vehicle and ford was notified. The contact was informed that there was only one recall for the year, make, and model vehicle, but in reality, there were six. Ford also stated that the vehicle was previously repaired under recall on october 6, 1999. The contact stated that he did not receive a recall notice or have any repairs performed at the location they claimed. The current and failure mileages were 103,013. Updated 08/04/08 *bf updated 08/07/08

Filed Jan 15, 2004 · Engine, Transmission · 80,000 miles · GA

1. The engine problem was a blown head gasket 2. The transmission problem was a planetary gear meltdown. I replaced the planetary gearset and the fiber parts, plates and seals. I also installed an axod dam kit made by shift technology products to increase the lubrication to the planetaries. Unfortunately, the transmission still has the same delayed shifts from second to third and third to fourth and a delayed and harsh third to second downshift that it always had (it was my wifes car when I met her and it had 30000 miles on it at that time). 3. Runs on the hot side even after the head gasket change. I've replaced the thermostat seeveral times and the water pump once and the radiator once. I finally removed the thermostat and let it run without one and the gage will still run in the middle. Also, the cooling fan works.

Filed Nov 25, 2000 · Transmission · IL

After stopping, the transmission acts as if it's in neutral, then slams into gear. This occurs primarily at stop lights and signs at intersections and puts driver in fear of not being able to get out of way of on-coming traffic. This slamming/slipping can also occur at low speed, without a prior stop, such as when entering a driveway or turning a corner at an intersection with a yield sign. We have noted several potential tech. Service bulletins, which may apply to this problem, however the dealer we are using for service has been uncooperative and charged us for repairs that have not addressed the problem. (we recognize this last part of the complaint is more of a consumer's affairs problem, however, it is also leaving us driving an unsafe vehicle.).

Filed Aug 15, 2000 · Electrical, Transmission · TX

Transmission exhibited a 'clunking' noise while cruising on interstate, then white smoke seen coming from back and underside of car as engine starts to whine. Pulled over to check problem as soon as noted since no warning lamps lighted inside vehicle. Once pulled onto shoulder, burnt transmission fluid burst under car. All other fluid levels were checked and found acceptable. When cooled down, car would not engage any gear. Needed to be towed to nearest ford garage and told transmission needed replacing due to internal failure. No external trauma noted. Transmission cost over $2000 and ford customer assistance would not offer any reimbursement. Routine transmission maintenance performed at 42300 miles. Personally, I feel that a well-maintained transmission should last longer than 49000 miles.

Filed Jul 7, 1999 · Transmission · NC · crash

The transmission drops out of gear at stop lights/signs. You do not know this has happened until you try to move forward and the car will not move. The transmission will engaged several seconds after you apply the throttle, resulting in a hard shift into gear. Ford knows about this problem, and issued a tsb 98-3-7. This has resulted in one incident at a stop light where the car to the rear hit of our car, at less than 5mph, because we could not get the car to move forward. The car is currently at capital ford, in raleigh nc, and they are rebuilding the transmission at this time. The service manager feels that the tsb is only part of the problem.

Filed Apr 20, 1999 · Brakes, Suspension · CT

Whenever vehicle is warm or hot it bucks or jerks. Have taken to repair shop & the transmission was replaced. Also, front end made clicking sounds. Rear brakes made hissing noises & then whenever applied, would make clunking noises. Will be taking vehicle to dealer.

Filed Sep 10, 1998 · Transmission · WI

This is an intermittent problem that occurs when the vehicle is shifting into second gear, it feels like the transmission is slipping and makes a clunking noise. Took to the dealer, and they said the couldn't fix the problem.