2003 Ford Taurus: engine stalls while driving

Filed Dec 23, 2019 · Electrical · NY

Ford taurus 2003 car safety problem was reported on july 01, 2007.ford taurus 2003, manufactured by ford motor company had a problem with electrical system: ignition:anti-theft controller. Anti-theft system failing, causing vehicle to shut off while driving.

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 Jun 28, 2017 · Electrical, Engine · 95,423 miles · OK

After driving for awhile and the car is still in motion, the pressing on the brake to slow down, the engine stall's out.

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 11, 2016 · Engine · 36,000 miles · IN

Tl* the contact owns a 2003 ford taurus. While driving 30 MPH, the vehicle stalled without warning. The vehicle was towed. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was not made aware of the issue. The failure mileage was 36,000. The VIN was not available.

Filed Mar 18, 2016 · Electrical · 110,000 miles · NY

Tl* the contact owns a 2003 ford taurus. While driving at various speeds, the anti-theft warning light illuminated and the vehicle stalled without warning. The vehicle had to be jumpstarted. The contact took the vehicle to a certified mechanic who diagnosed that the alarm system failed; however, was unable to identify the exact cause of the failure due to no failure codes. The alternator and starter were replaced, but the failure recurred. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 110,000.

Filed Dec 22, 2015 · Electrical, Lights · 2 miles · PA

Driving 6am today both my headlights turned off while driving. They turned back on 5 second later but that is the second time it has happened within the last 30 days. Also dashboard lights turned off and on random times for the last year even this morning but different time then headlight issue.

Filed Oct 2, 2015 · Transmission · 90,000 miles · NC

Tl* the contact owns a 2003 ford taurus. While driving at 30 MPH, the vehicle stalled without warning. The vehicle was towed to an independent mechanic where it was diagnosed that the torque converter failed and needed to be replaced. The vehicle was repaired. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was 90,000.

Filed Sep 1, 2015 · Engine · 37,800 miles · CA

Vehicle stalls at traffic light several times. Strange sounds from engine.

Filed May 22, 2014 · Transmission · 111,345 miles · OH

I was driving down a main highway when my RPM's dropped (as if car was going to stall), there was a loss of power and then the car would not accelerate. As I was in a area where there was a lot of traffic I had to ease my way over to be able to get the vehicle off of the road. The engine was still running, but as I tried to accelerate there was no power. The shifter on the column just goes up and down and does not engage in any gear. Everyone that I have consulted seems to think that it is an issue with the transmission. I have since done research only to find out that this is a known problem with these cars. Had I known that I would never have purchased it. On one website alone there were 293 cases reported of the same transmission failure and ford has refused to do anything about this known problem. My dad worked for ford for almost 40 years before retiring. We have always driven fords and have never had an issue like this with any of our vehicles. I am sure that my dad is turning over in his grave right now at the poor quality of the taurus and the known issues which ford is aware of, but has never done anything to rectify it with taurus owners. Who can afford to go out and buy a brand new car in this day and age? Even worse yet, who would want to sink the amount of money it would cost for a repair job on a transmission into a car that isn't worth much more value wise. I am very disappointed with ford! I am a single female in her 60's that can't afford the repairs or to go out and buy another vehicle at this time. I am still working and also drive a half hour one way to go to college 4 days a week. Now what do I do? Shame on you ford for not standing behind your products!

Filed Nov 29, 2013 · Electrical · 98,000 miles · MI

Oct 2012 bought my ford taurus 2003. In november as I drove home at 3 am at 55 MPH the cars dashboard lights all flashed across my dash then the headlights went out as I pulled to the side of the road the car stalled. I sat for approx 15 restarted car and got it home. The next morn the battery was dead. Purchased battery. Car ran fine for a year then changed coils in october 2013. Ion november I was driving 55 MPH and all of a sudden dash and headlights went out. I was able to move the car into a driveway before gettin hit by 2 cars. Car was towed to my house I charged battery check the alternator. Next day car was started 3 times. The fourth time no go. Car towed to mechanic. Or shall I say dealership where car is under warranty. They called next day to tell me it was a dead battery they have charged it for an hour. I let the car sit there for a few days then called back, they then said my neg term to my battery wasn't connected.. And the car is now fixed, the car has sat at dealership for three weeks. Im scared to drive it and don't want my four kids in that death trap.

Filed Oct 11, 2013 · Transmission · 108,000 miles · GA

I was driving about 45 MPH after exiting the highway. It was about 6pm in heavy traffic. I made a left turn and engine revved as hit the gas and suddenly the car stalled. I coasted to the left turn median. The car would not move, I put in reverse then in drive and no response. I turn my hazards lights on. I was almost hit twice in the back by other turning cars who could see me until they completed their turn. I called the police and he pushed my car with his cruiser 4 lanes over to get to side the road. I had the car towed home. Two mechanics advised me of a new/rebuilt transmission. A third mechanic advised me that it is likely the torque converter, which is a common complaint.