2003 Ford Taurus: complete transmission failure

Filed Aug 15, 2016 · Transmission · 53,000 miles · NY

Tl* the contact owns a 2003 ford taurus. While driving 20 MPH, the transmission failed without warning. The vehicle felt as if it were in neutral. The accelerator pedal was depressed, but the vehicle failed to respond. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic to be diagnosed. The contact was informed that the torque converter in the transmission failed and needed to be replaced. The vehicle was repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 53,000.

Filed Aug 23, 2015 · Transmission · 126,445 miles · OH

Driving vehicle about 45mph when vehicle, without warning, slipped out of gear and would not reengage. Car engine continued to run however, transmission would not engage in any gear. Car was towed to mechanic where it was diagnosed as a failed transmission. Car transmission was repaired and it was stated by repair facility that this is a common occurrence for this make, model, and year. Transmission failed without any previous signs, symptoms, or warnings.

Filed Feb 10, 2015 · Transmission · 86,000 miles · PA

My wife was driving the car with one of our grandkids in the back seat. She pulled off a main road to a side street, she went about 50 yards and the car stopped going forward. The engine was running fine, but there was no drive from the transmission no mater which gear she put it into. Evidently the transmission failed without any prior indication such as leaked transmission fluid, a trouble light indication and no sound.this is indeed a safety issue because if it had failed in the intersection there was a possibility of an accident.I am extremely upset and disappointed with ford's handling of this failure of there product.

Filed Jan 1, 2015 · Transmission · 77,215 miles · SC

I was coming home the car just lost.power and thank goodness. There. Was no one behind me was able to.pull in middle lane and the car would.not.move it went into drive all gears but nothing I was terrified and once I gather myself I called for help.snd I had car towed to ford & they are saying I need new transmissions. Are you.kidding me no warning no noise nothing just stopped.while driving I have read many complaints on the ford 2003 taurus and was in shock again how.many have same.problem this car.belongs to my dad who is 89 years.old.thank goodness he was.not driving. He or I could be killed.how many more have to die or get hurt by something ford is awarw of. Please dp something. The ford place wants over $2800 for s transmissions ! This.is crazy I love ford.but not when they put lives in danger thank you

Filed Jun 3, 2014 · Transmission · 82,000 miles · MO

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.

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 Apr 26, 2014 · Transmission · 72,000 miles · IL

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.

Filed Feb 26, 2014 · Transmission · 111,000 miles · NY

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.

Filed Sep 29, 2013 · Transmission · 70,666 miles · NC

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.

Filed Aug 2, 2013 · Transmission · 61,000 miles · IN

Tl* the contact owns a 2003 ford taurus. The contact stated the transmission failed. While driving out of a parking lot the transmission made a loud noise and the vehicle stopped moving. The contact had the vehicle towed to a mechanic who determined that there was an internal problem with the transmission and it needed to be replaced. The VIN was not available. The failure and current mileage was 61,000.

Filed Jun 22, 2013 · Transmission · 135,518 miles · MN

Minnesota: transmission torque converter completely failed. Car would not move from standing position. Park is only gear that worked, all others were like neutral. No forward nor backward motion when in r or d. Replaced transmission with rebuilt. Cost: $2550.24.

Filed Jun 10, 2013 · Transmission · 87,000 miles · FL

Was driving 50 MPH when with no warning the car started slowing down and I almost crashed into a retention pond.cannot drive due to transmission failure! No money and still making payments on only s.s.