2003 Ford Taurus: check engine light

Filed Dec 21, 2018 · Engine · 123,000 miles · VA

I purchased the car 11/17/2018 from earls credit auto sales in portsmouth on airline blvd ; it rode well until 11/30/2018 when I drove to the barbershop in the greenbrier area of chesapeake va. I went to pull out the parking lot and my car started to shake real heavy and sloppy so I parked it and turnt it off , when I tried to start it up it would not start it kept stalling I called the dealerships auto shop they took the car and held it and claim they were working on it , I picked the car up when it was ready 12/04/2018. It rode fine until 12/14/2018 I went to the barbershop again and as I was leaving backing out my car started to shake heavily again than before I could put the car in drive to pull back in to the parking spot the car just cut off in the middle of the parking lot while a car was to the left of me trying to pull out . I had to get out and push the car in the spot and hurry and rush to push on the break and put the car in park. When I got a tow to the dealerships auto shop I explained this is my second time here under the same circumstances , I also called the dealership pleading to give the car back and to be refunded I barley got to enjoy or use the beguile without it being a problem . I was told they don't allow refunds and there auto shop will fix the car , so when they said the car was ready on 12/15/2018 it drove well but it the check engine light came on I went to auto zone for a free test and I got a po430 code , I called the auto shop before they closed because they told me on the 14th all what was wrong was a fuel pump and they replaced it but it has something to do with the catalyst system I been smelling a buring smell coming through my vents for a while but never really knew what it was . The rep on the phone told me it was fine for me to still drive the car and I also I won't be able to get my car worked on till 12/26/2018 . I need help!

Filed May 30, 2017 · Acceleration · 104,000 miles · OH

Driving in intermittent rain showers at 60-70mph I had the engine cut out and dropped out of cruise control. Speedometer and tachometer bouncing up and down. Theft and engine light were flashing on and off at the same time as engine was stalling. Then the engine reengaged at 50-55 MPH and continued on now responsive to gas pedal and acceleration. This repeated 5 - 8x in the span of 15 miles and several times pulling over. Weather cleared and drove another 100 miles with no events. Next morning driving kids to school after 10 minutes of running 25-40mph the same problem recurred but engine did not recover and completely stalled 3x in 1 mile. Restarted immediately each time. Reading through potential causes there were no less than 30 other individuals describing the exact same issue. Theft light on and engine stalling while driving. Various solutions proposed from electrical grounds, battery, alternator, fuse. Mega fuse, dpfe (differential pressure fuel exhaust?) sensor, egr (exhaust gas recirculation) system, PCM, icr, and several others. Not sure which it might be. Given there are so many and that it occurs in potentially dangerous situations - at high speed and no warning - this seems to be worthy of an investigation or recall.

Filed Jul 24, 2016 · Transmission · 113,000 miles · IN

While my vehicle was in cruise control at 68 MPH on a 3 lane highway, the vehicle without any warning began to quickly loose speed and the ability to keep pace with surrounding traffic. The transmission became unresponsive and the vehicle lost the ability to accelerate and function in a safe manner. I quickly and unknowingly dropped below the safe driving speed for the highway and posed a safety risk to myself and of the drivers on the road around me. In the course of rapid deceleration I was almost struck in the rear by a vehicle that was not made aware of my loss of speed, as I did not apply the brakes. As soon as possible and as to not further endanger those around me; I turned on my hazard lights and relied on evasive driving to coast the vehicle to the safety of the shoulder. Once off the highway, motor responded but none of the gears (reverse, overdrive, 1st, or 2nd) would engage. The car had no warning lights, service lights, or check engine signals illuminate on the instrument panel and there are no fluid leaks or outward appearance of any broken components. This sudden malfunction has rendered my vehicle barely functional and not safely maneuverable.

Filed May 13, 2015 · Fuel system, Transmission · 68,000 miles · CA

I was departing from parking lot and the car suddenly had some noise in the hood then lost all the power. After starting engine again, I can shift the gear into d or r, engine works ok but the car won't move at all. Before it happened, the transmission works fine, no delayed engagement, no slips, no jolts, smooth gear-changing...the transmission just stopped with no warning signs at all. The car is regularly and well maintained. No check engine light on when it happened. Later it turned out to be the stripped torque converter splines. It is a very common problem among ford early 2000's vehicles, the splines are only 0.16" thick by ford's defect designs, which can be easily stripped.

Filed Feb 12, 2015 · Engine, Transmission · IL

Tl* the contact owns a 2003 ford taurus. The contact stated that after igniting the vehicle, smoke was coming from the outside of the vehicle. In addition, the engine warning light illuminated. The vehicle was taken to the dealer where it was diagnosed that the transmission needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was unknown. Updated 04/14/15*lj updated 7/20/15*cn updated 7/29/15*cn updated 9/21/2017

Filed Jul 13, 2013 · Acceleration, Brakes · 105,497 miles · FL

Ford taurus 2003 ses, engine 3.0l car was purchased on may 28, 2011. Left side electrical along with components of the turn signal snap back when attempting to use this safety feature made for vehicles. On 06/15/2011 the front right brakes of the vehicle went out and required the vehicle to be towed to a local repair shop. During the drive home which was from a distance of about 20 miles I experienced uncontrollable steering and almost lost control of the vehicle. The replaced brake caliper bolt came loose and was lost along the highway. On 07/19/2011 after the vehicle was towed back to the repair shop the A/C compressor had failed again along with the transmission as the transmission was slipping roughly during normal driving conditions. The vehicle was towed and was blowing hot, brakes grinding, transmission flare shifting 2-3 shift. Repair shop stated slipping at 30mph and stated rebuilt transmission. During a week period around 07/22/2011 the brakes were grinding again and the lower ball joints were installed. Transmission slipping around 30mph and AC was still blowing hot. Transmission was rebuilt during this time frame due to flare shift 2-3 shift. Vehicle was towed back to the shop each time. 08/17/2011 check engine light on, transmission does not shift, grinding noise when accelerate and brake, A/C blows hot. On 08/31/2011 the transmission would not shift, stated need to replace all electronics in transmission, one or more solenoids are defect. 09/12/2011 odometer 112377 out o. On 09/20/2012 mil 140,768. Balanced 55 series and above rear right wheels balanced parts for flat with plug. Vehicle was inspected for power steering fluid and it was normal. The vehicle jumps when put in reverse and into gear and seems to want to stay on cruise control. I will post further comments to my complaint as there is not enough space for facts.

Filed Jul 13, 2013 · Brakes, Steering · FL

Calipers front right f reb caliper remove and inspect and overhaul caliper front one side. Brakes were grinding again which required that inspection which I find out that the same area in the brake system needs replaced. Recomd, tie rod inner remove and replace tie rod end one side inner, ball joints lower front left remove and replace f ball joint one side, 2 brake hoses front. Brake rotors front both needed replaced. Suggested tires due to mileage also rubber valve stem. System failure- required. Recd, brake fluid exchange with ABS, and bleed brakes. Ceramic disc brake pads pd598 both front. 03/02/2013 mil 151213. 3rd repair shop, replaced all four tires with warranty brakes and pads along with discs needed replaced for the 4th time. Transmission flush due to leaking fluid. Qt dex 3 proline. Brake drums and shoes replaced. Replaced brake fluid, tie rod end one side inner along with replace of the shaft seal remove and install f axle shaft assembly one side. Tran's seal cr. Cv axle replacement. Ball joint replacement along with wheel cylinder rear both, brake service with rear brake drum. Engine light off/ runs poor diagnostic, replacement of pcv valve assembly, replaced upper and lower intake manifold gasket remove and replaced pcv valve along with tune up package. Relearn engine idle, rear brakes basic pc pkg, dorman rear right wheel and left cylinders. During these 3-4 repair shops cannot fix the cruise control to get the car to stop driving it self when above 30mph along with acceleration, back tail light right side shorts out continually. It is very difficult and very unsafe to control a vehicle that has had more than three or four repair shops try their hardest to fix a problem that apparently has some of these problems. I am with the belief that the brake system along the electrical system within the 2003 ford taurus ses dohc is unsafe for street use in the u.s. Due to our standards here of motor safety. When put into gear the transmission jumps loud.

Filed Oct 28, 2012 · Acceleration · 67,184 miles · FL

In addition to previous complaint..confirmation # 10482482...... The repair shop I took it to said that it was the cruise control cable that was causing the problem with my engine speeding up like that. I was in the car with my son at the time. Safe to say that me and him were scared out of our wits. I haven't had any problems with my engine speeding up since the repair shop replaced the cable. Nevertheless, I just heard a couple days ago about an investigation into my model/year vehicle again about engines revving up on abc news. I don't know if there is a recall or not. However, on my way from church today, my engine light came on for the very first time this year. I stopped by an autozone to get a free engine check and the results said that it detected a higher than normal engine speed due to a possible engine vacuum leak or failed iac valve. I will take it to ford dealership this wednesday to get it checked out officially (if my car will make it) because I have to work monday and tuesday. I'm a little anxious, scared, and wondering if my engine will rev up like that again or stall out somewhere :(

Filed Oct 24, 2010 · Transmission · 108,210 miles · VA

Driving a 2003 ford taurus sel down the interstate at about 65 MPH, the car just stops. Luckily, I was able to pull off the highway with no mishaps. I had no warning lights showing, no check engine light on, no engine noises or slippage. After my 300.00 tow back home, I had it checked out and was told the transmission was gone. The car has 108, 000 miles on it. After checking on the internet, it seems this is indicative of the 2003 taurus - the transmission just goes without warning. It could have very easily caused an accident, and seems that with the number of complaints I found, ford should have issued a recall.

Filed Aug 23, 2010 · Electrical · VA

Car was going approximately 45 miles per hour when the "check engine" light came on. Car was taken to the car repair shop and it was discovered that the entire computer had to be replaced. A remanufactured computer was installed into the car and the cost was still over $600. Mileage of the car was approximately 155,000.

Filed Jul 20, 2010 · Engine · 73,887 miles · OH

Tl*the contact owns a 2003 ford taurus. While driving approximately 55 MPH the engine began make a knocking noise and a check engine service light illuminated on the instrument panel. The vehicle was driven onto the emergency lane and would not restart. The vehicle was towed to an authorized dealer where the contact was informed that a valve spring head broke off inside of the engine causing engine failure. The authorized dealer replaced the engine with a remanufactured engine. Within a few days, the failure recurred and the vehicle was taken back to the authorized dealer who stated that they did not know what was wrong with the engine. The vehicle was not repaired and the failure continued to occur intermittently. The failure mileage was 73,887 and the current mileage was 80,000.

Filed Jun 29, 2010 · Engine, Suspension · 77,000 miles · MI

Tl*the contact owns a 2003 ford taurus. The contact stated that the check engine light illuminated on the dashboard.the vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic where the cam sensor was replaced. Approximately 5 months later the failure recurred and the vehicle was taken back to an independent mechanic where the cam sensor was again replaced. The failure recurred again and the vehicle was taken to an authorized dealer where the cam sensor was reset. The failure has not recurred. Approximately 1 year later while driving at approximately 20 MPH the front passenger side tire blew out. Upon examining the vehicle the contact noticed the coil spring was broken and pierced the tire. The vehicle was taken to an authorized dealer where the front passenger side coil spring was replaced. The contact also stated that approximately 2 months later while attempting to operate the vehicle it would not shift into gear and would not move. The vehicle was towed to an authorized dealer where it was in the process of being diagnosed. The failure mileage was 77,000 and the current mileage was 90,600.