1997 Ford Taurus transmission problems

Filed Apr 5, 2015 · Electrical, Engine · 127,700 miles · ID · fire

On 4/3/2015 my mother in law pulled into the driveway after a 10 mile trip to town. Upon pulling in the driveway the car started on fire immediately, at first she thought the car was overheating (white smoke) then realized the car was actually on fire (black smoke). She had to be helped by an idaho power employee who was driving by. A total of two 15lb fire extinguishers and garden hose were used to keep the fire at bay until the fire department arrived. The car was destroyed from the dash panel forward. The fire department determined the fire started at the power distribution box located by the master cylinder on the firewall. The fire department determined the cause as an "electrical fire", up until the fire the car had no known electrical or major mechanical problems. The car had no modifications and was completely stock. No insurance claim was filed as I only carried liability coverage on the car.

Filed Nov 3, 2014 · Transmission · 130,000 miles · IL

Tl* the contact owns a 1997 ford taurus. While driving approximately 45 MPH, the vehicle failed to shift gears and stalled without warning. The vehicle failed to restart after several attempts. The vehicle was towed to the contact's residence and was jumpstarted. The failure recurred on multiple occasions. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 130,000.

Filed May 10, 2011 · Transmission · 136,000 miles · WV

Tl*the contact owns a 1997 ford taurus. The contact stated the transmission slipped and the rpms increased while driving at various speeds. The contact performed a diagnostic test and the failure was located within the transmission head gasket and filter. The transmission head gasket and filter were replaced. The failure was not corrected. The transmission continued to slip and the rpms increased. The vehicle was not repaired. The failure mileage was 136,000 and the current mileage was 137,777.

Filed Nov 21, 2009 · Transmission · 149,360 miles · PA

The gear won't go into park. When its placed in park the vehicle continues to move. I had to call road side assistance because I didn't know what to do. No injuries were cause or the police weren't called. This is dangerous and its a recall for my vehicle.

Filed Jun 28, 2009 · Transmission · 193,120 miles · ME · crash

Yesterday evening me and my family stopped at a gas station and my girlfriend went into the big apple in canton, maine. She was in there for awhile and I had been sitting in the car with the engine running. I went in the store to see what was taking so long and while I was in there I heard the children screaming. All three of them were in the back seat and the car backed up by itself and I ran out of the store after it. It ran into a telephone pole and I immediately demanded to know who touched the car. Nobody had, the car was still in park. It must of backed up about 10 to 15 MPH before hitting the pole. If the pole had not of been there the car would of crossed rt. 108 and could of been hit by traffic. My children were so scared they wouldn't get back in the car.

Filed Mar 20, 2009 · Transmission · IL

Automatic transmission going out torque converter seal is leaking smokes because of transmission fluid leaking.

Filed Apr 28, 2008 · Transmission · 50,000 miles · AZ

I purchased my taurus in dec. 2004 needing new heads for the engine. Before I could drive it in the cold weather I had to let it idle for about 20 mins or it would slip and I would only be able to go 15mph. Mechanic took to transmission shop but they found nothing wrong. I didn't drive the car for six months at a time (2xs) and the transmission is slipping even more now. Motor mounts also need repaired since my engine is jerking back and forth when I press on the pedal. The front passenger tire feels like it wants to fall off when driving 70mph on the freeway. My daughter and I are moving from phx.,az to ft. Hood,texas to be with my brothers wife while he is in afghanistan. Do you think I can at least make it to texas without it stranding us. Because with all things aside that car has been through a lot with me. I love my ford! Plus I can't afford to buy another one so hopefully this one is going to hang in there.

Filed Sep 11, 2006 · Transmission · 65,000 miles · CA

Dt*: the contact stated while traveling 35 MPH, the transmission failed. The vehicle was pushed to the side of the road then towed to the contact's residence. The vehicle was not inspected by a mechanic. There was a the federal safety agency recall, # 97v097000, regarding the automatic transmission. The vehicle was not included in the recall due to the VIN.

Filed Mar 3, 2006 · Transmission · 125,400 miles · AL

97 ford taurus when in park the car will still roll forward until you apply the brake,there is a recall on this #96s50 local ford dealer was helpful but said my [xxx] could not be found under this recall but the car is doing the same thing as recall states. They said they didn't really no what to do so that's when I called your number and they said I could file a complaint on line .no one has been injured by this yet,but I would really like to get this took care of,any help you could offer would be great. Thank you. *jb updated 07/17/2012 *js information redacted pursuant to the freedom of information act (foia), 5 u.s.c. 552(b)(6)

Filed Aug 5, 2005 · Transmission · 130,000 miles · NV

I have a 1997 ford taurus lx. I was on my way to las vegas when the transmission began to slip and sometimes not work at all. I had to turn around and head home(in order to not get stranded in vegas) and on the way the transmission started to not work at all. I was forced to drive about 45 MPH the whole 3 hours back to my home on the highway. This was very dangerous. I have made numerous calls and everyone I have talked to have said that year taurus has been known to have transmission problems...why does ford not recall the transmission?