While driving on the expressway, pressed the gas pedal and the RPM's increased dramatically while the speed decreased. The engine power was not being transmitted to the wheels. I needed to cross traffic and get off of the road. Luckily, the traffic was light and my cross was uneventful. Had this happened earlier, I would have most likely been involved in a serious accident. The incident happened with no warning. The vehicle operated absolutely normally, up to that last second.
2003 Ford Taurus transmission complaints
Page 3 of 12: complaints 41 to 70 of 316, newest first, as owners wrote them.
Tl* the contact owns a 2003 ford taurus. The contact stated that while driving at approximately 5 MPH after making a u-turn, the vehicle suddenly failed to accelerate. The vehicle was towed to an independent mechanic, who diagnosed that the transmission fluid bump needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The VIN was not available. The failure mileage was 90,002.
Sitting at a stop light. Car would rev when light turned green but no acceleration. Pushed it to the side of the road. No warning lights, no slipping of gears, no fluid leaking no sounds or jerky feelings. Called ford and got a case number, but they are no help. Contacted [xxx] , consumer advocate and he advised me to contact ford. Found 299 complaints of the same problem on carcomplaints.com and same problems on autosafety.org. I was told by ford that the transmission is out of warranty. I said I would help with cost but feel ford should take responsibility. Are they waiting for a fatality? Information redacted pursuant to the freedom of information act (foia), 5 u.s.c. 552(b)(6).
I was driving and all of a sudden my car would not go anywhere even though the engine was running. I took it to my mechanic who had the car towed to a reputable transmission shop in town. When I went to talk to the mechanic he said he already knew what it was. He said that he had a multitude of this make and model that had the same exact problem. He said it was a design flaw in the transmission that allows the torque convertor to "strip" without any warning. After taking the transmission apart he called and told me that it was the torque convertor and what it would cost to replace it including labor so I had the torque convertor replaced. All was going well with the transmission/torque convertor until august 30, 2014 when out of no where it happened again. So once again I will have it repaired. The car doesn't even have 80,000 miles on it. I am extremely grateful that I was not in an accident because of it. What is it going to take for someone to seriously address this issue so no one is killed? This is a dangerous car and many complaints have been made in regards to this issue as early as approximately 2007 so it is not the age of the vehicle but the design flaw. No telling how many people had this happen without reporting it. This is a serious issue that needs to be addressed for all who have owned or still own the 2003 ford taurus.
Tl* the contact owns a 2003 ford taurus. The contact stated that while driving at an unknown speed up an incline, the accelerator pedal was depressed and failed to respond. The contact was able to restart vehicle but the failure persisted. The vehicle was towed but was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer had been notified. The approximate failure mileage was 98,322.
The 2003 taurus was being driven on a secondary road on 7/7/14 when it quite moving forward as it was in drive, upon acceleration and the car was steered to the right of the roadway and drifted to make a right turn off a busy roadway . Although it was not in that roadway it was still obstructing the alternate road right lane traveled by dump trucks , until towed 2 hours later , vehicle fails to shift or otherwise go into any gear , the car is in front of our house, parked since that day,as obviously the transmission has failed and needs repair or rebuilding. I can not afford a transmission repair right now costing $3000.
Went to cross a very busy intersection in our city (and intersection where there have been multiple fatalities), and the vehicle would not go. Engine was running; transmission acted as if it were in neutral. I was stuck in the middle of the busiest road in desoto county. My friends and I had to get out of the vehicle and push it across the road to a safe place. It appears the transmission has failed and the local transmission shops want close to $1800.00 to replace. I have read numerous complaints of this same issue affecting others. Why hasn't ford placed a recall on this issue and fix it? I am surprised someone has not been killed.
Tl* the contact owns a 2003 ford taurus. The contact stated that the vehicle jerked forward intermittently and the transmission failed to engage. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic. The technician diagnosed that the filter and the transmission needed to be flushed. The vehicle was repaired and the failure recurred. The vehicle was taken to an authorized dealer who diagnosed that the pumps needed to be replaced. The vehicle was schedule to be inspected and repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 82,000.
We were stopped at a stop light when the light turned green car would not go. It acted like it was in neutral. Doesn't matter if it is in reverse,overdrive ,drive or 1st gear acts just like it is neutral. No warning of any issues.
Stopped at stop sign and car wouldn't accelerate or go into any gear. Trouble shot problem as being the torque converter.
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!
Car has/had been driving and shifting perfectly,(no slipping, no hesitation, nothing). After driving approximately 4 miles, turning car off for roughly 10 minutes, restarting and driving about 1 mile transmission acted as if it was shifted into neutral. After stopping, attempted shifting through all gears including reverse, same result. After further inspection found fluid level right at full mark, and fluid was as clean as the day it was new,(not burnt at all). Was told by the local ford dealer that this was a common problem with this year taurus and that there is no service bulletins or recalls, (customer pay only). Car has been parked since it broke down because we are waiting to see if ford may/will get forced to address this obvious issue. Thank you.
Started my 2003 ford taurus to go to work. My car was parked on a downward sloped driveway as it has been for several years. As I went to put it in reverse it rolled down the incline. Tried several times to put the car in reverse but each time it rolled down the incline. After almost hitting my backyard fence I cut the car off and called in late for work. I realize all cars have things that might have to be replaced or worked on but given the number of complaints of this same issue among this make/model/year with transmission problems ford should make this right with people who trusted the company enough to buy their product. Many complaints have caused near accidents. I could have ended up destroying my fence and entering the creek that runs along my backyard. My mechanic said this was a defect in the transmission involving the torque converter. Ford please pay for the defect in your product so I can trust you again.
My battery discharge light came on then the ABS light, the brake light and others. I have taken it to a repair shop and neither he nor I can find the battery drain. The computer doesn't show anything. At times if its raining the wipers go as does the heat or air blower. I have also noticed the transmission not shifting correctly. My main concern is the engine stopping or the brakes not working and I have had my wipers not work in a rain storm . Any advice?
Our daughter had planned to come home for a family gathering on easter sunday and indicated she was leaving dekalb, il and would be taking the interstate 88 toll way to dixon. Shortly after she had called, she phoned again to say that her car suddenly went out of gear as she was driving to get on the toll way. The car engine raced has the car started to slow down. Fortunately, she was able to coast off on to a side road and stop the car. According to the web site www.carcomplaint.com, 292 complaints have been submitted since 2012 for this same transmission failure. To my surprise, further research showed there has not been a recall. This appears to be a faulty transmission design issue which could easily result in personal injury or death. Thankfully our daughter's car had not lost the transmission while driving on the interstate. She could have easily been tail ended and seriously injured or killed. This transmission problem presents a serious safety problem and warrants a manufacturer recall. Our daughter fears that if the transmission is replaced or requires a major part, it will likely contain the same flaw as the original transmission. She says she does not feel she can ever feel safe driving the car on the interstate or chicago freeways where she visits her friend. Ford needs to furnish a reliable and safe replacement transmission by order of the national safety administration. The high potential for injury or death dictates immediate action.
Tl* the contact owns a 2003 ford taurus. The contact stated that when the vehicle was not warmed up he was unable to shift into any gear. The issue did not persist when the vehicle was running for a long period of time. The vehicle was not taken to a dealership or independent mechanic. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was 70,000 miles and the current mileage was 100,000 miles.
Put car in reverse to move the strut assembly broke the spring went thru the tire multiple times.a 90,000 mile tire that only had 1900 miles on them. I am the one owner of this car with reg maintenance with no warning or prevention of this happening.
I have a 2003 ford taurus, with 66k that my daughter was driving. She was headed for home with my grand kids when the engine acceleration increased and the car stopped moving forward. Lucky she wasn't on a busy highway and was able to coast to a wide spot in the road. The transmission quit working without warning which could have been disastrous had she been on the express way, in a major intersection or passing on a two lane road. The car had to be towed. After this happened I researched other complaints of this same year taurus and there have been many! I strongly feel this is a definite safety issue with this car and intend to report this to ford and the auto safety administration. I also intend to make a post on www.carcomplaints.com and suggest others with this problem do the same. This car should be recalled for this safety issue!
Tl* the contact owns a 2003 ford taurus. The contact stated that while driving approximately 30 MPH, the transmission failed to respond. The vehicle was coasted into a nearby parking lot. The vehicle had not been towed or repaired. The manufacturer was notified, who informed that there was not a recall related to the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 111,000.
Automatic transmission stopped working in the middle of traffic. Managed to get over to shoulder and car would nor move forward or in reverse.
There is a recall on my car, but my VIN was never entered and notice was ever sent out to recall the vehicle.I had problems with insurance because of the VIN, maybe the VIN should be [xxx]. Ford randall reed and reynolds ford in oklahoma city refused to do the recall repair. The ford customer service rep confirmed my car came from the plant that had the recall and that there was never a repair/notice because the VIN hadn't been entered. They gave another phone number, but that number only speaks to dealerships. My car will not shift out of park. My mechanic is [xxx]at midas on nw 23rd phone: [xxx]ford has been giving him the run-around, but he is trying to resolve the issue of my VIN not being reported. The recall went out in april 2004 the campaign # 04v106000. This defect can cause a crash. Recall id # 41871 - exterior lighting:brake lights:switch hide details recall date: mar 02, 2004 model affected: 2003 ford taurus summary: certain passenger vehicles are being recalled to correct a problem with a malfunctioning stop lamp switch and/or associated wiring. This malfunctioning could render the stop lamps inoperable or cause them to stay on all the time. This could cause confusion to a following driver, which could lead to a crash. Consequences: in addition, if the switch and/or associated wiring fail in the open position, the brake lights will not actuate and the driver will not be able to shift the vehicle out of "park" if they fail in the closed position, the brake lights will remain on, which will not allow the speed control to be activated. This could also cause the battery to discharge. Remedy: dealers will remove the stop lamp switch and associated wiring assembly and install a newly designed stop lamp switch and wire assembly. Owner notification is expected to begin on april 5, 2004. Information redacted pursuant to the freedom of information act (foia), 5 u.s.c. 552(b)(6),
There is a recall on my car, but my VIN was never entered. Therefore a notice was never sent out to recall the vehicle. Ford randall reed and reynolds ford in oklahoma city refused to do the recall repair. The ford customer service rep confirmed my car came from the plant that had the recall and that there was never a repair/notice because the VIN hadn't been entered. They gave another phone number, but that number only speaks to dealerships. My car will not shift out of park. My mechanic is [xxx]at midas on nw 23rd phone: [xxx] ford has been giving him the run-around, but he is trying to resolve the issue of my VIN not being reported. The recall went out in april 2004t he campaign # 04v106000. This defect can cause a crash. Recall id # 41871 - exterior lighting:brake lights:switch hide details recall date: mar 02, 2004 model affected: 2003 ford taurus summary: certain passenger vehicles are being recalled to correct a problem with a malfunctioning stop lamp switch and/or associated wiring. This malfunctioning could render the stop lamps inoperable or cause them to stay on all the time. This could cause confusion to a following driver, which could lead to a crash. Consequences: in addition, if the switch and/or associated wiring fail in the open position, the brake lights will not actuate and the driver will not be able to shift the vehicle out of "park" if they fail in the closed position, the brake lights will remain on, which will not allow the speed control to be activated. This could also cause the battery to discharge. Remedy: dealers will remove the stop lamp switch and associated wiring assembly and install a newly designed stop lamp switch and wire assembly. Owner notification is expected to begin on april 5, 2004. . Information redacted pursuant to the freedom of information act (foia), 5 u.s.c. 552(b)(6).
Tl* the contact owns a 2003 ford taurus. The contact stated that while stopped, the engine rpms abnormally increased and the vehicle would not accelerate as the engine roared loudly. The contact was able to coast onto the road shoulder. The vehicle was towed to the dealer where a diagnostic was performed and the failure was located at the torque converter. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure. The failure and current mileage was 107, 000. Updated 12/04/13*lj updated 12/6/2013
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.
Transmission failed while driving with no warning. Attempting to accelerate from a stop light there was a 'shudder' felt throughout the car and the car failed to accelerate. Park will work (no vehicle movement) but car will not move in any gear selection (r, od, d, d1). Mechanic states that it is probably stripped splines to torque converter. This an apparent known issue with this car. Had this occurred in heaver traffic or an intersection or interstate without the ability to pull over this is an accident (fatal) waiting to happen. Why this hasn't been recalled yet is unexplainable as there are several complaints on this and is known to mechanics.
Tl* the contact owns a 2003 ford taurus. The contact stated that while driving approximately 55 MPH, the engine rpms increased and the transmission responded as though the vehicle was engaged in neutral. The vehicle was towed to an independent mechanic where the contact was awaiting diagnosis of the failure. The mechanic informed the contact that the failure could possibly be related to the torque converter. The manufacturer was not notified of the problem. The approximate failure mileage was 71,000.
Tl* the contact owns a 2003 ford taurus. The contact stated that while attempting to accelerate from a stop sign, the vehicle failed to move forward. After several attempts to accelerate forward and in reverse, the vehicle still would not move. The vehicle was towed to the contact's residence and upon further investigation, the contact diagnosed that the torque converter would need to be replaced. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The vehicle had not been repaired. The failure and current mileage was 148,000..... Updated 10-17-13 *bf updated 10/24/2013
I was on my way to work and as made my turn the transmission would not engage. I was able to coast to a safe place, but was unable to move. I had no warning of any kind, the engine would just rev. Thankfully I was alone in the car and I was not on the highway. I had to have it towed and am waiting to hear what the damage is.
Tl* the contact owns a 2003 ford taurus. The contact stated that while driving approximately 45 MPH, there was a sudden loss of engine power without warning. The vehicle towed to the contact's residence and later taken to a private mechanic where it was diagnosed that the power transmission needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The approximate failure and current mileage was 97,000. Updated 10/30/2013
Tl* the contact owns a 2003 ford taurus. The contact stated that while parked, she attempted to shift the gear into reverse but she was unable to move the gear shifter out of park. The contact was able to place the vehicle in reverse after applying excessive force to the brake pedal. Additionally, the contact noticed the tail lights illuminated while the vehicle was shut off. There was a recall under the federal safety agency campaign number: 04v106000 (exterior lighting) that could have been related to the failure. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure and stated that the VIN was not included in the recall. The vehicle was not repaired. The approximate failure mileage was 46,000.
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