My newly licensed 16 year old son was driving home from school and suddenly the car stopped pulling. It stayed running and he was able to barely coast to the side of the road. It would not go forward or backward and there was no noise or prior indication that there was a problem. After investigating the problem on the internet this is a very common problem. Recall this vehicle immediately before someone gets killed. A class action lawsuit is warranted due to the danger of this problem. I am hoping taking this route will get results. If not I will take other routes to get the attention this matter desperately needs. Local news media as well as bbb and other avenues.
2004 Ford Taurus transmission complaints
Page 3 of 4: complaints 41 to 70 of 72, newest first, as owners wrote them.
Tl* the contact owns a 2004 ford taurus. The contact stated that the vehicle stalled without warning. A local mechanic diagnosed that the transmission would need replacing. The manufacturer was notified of the failure, but denied any assistance with repairs to the vehicle. The vehicle was not repaired. The failure and the current mileage was 146,000.
2004 ford taurus with approx 101k miles. Turning left at a traffic light, the transmission disengaged without warning. The engine runs fine, but the transmission will not engage in any gear. The dealer says there is zero line pressure and the pump shaft and torque converter needs to be replaced. $1700.00 or basically a total rebuild. This is dangerous!!!
Transmission total failure with no advance warning. Just lucky that was not rear ended or worse.
I have a 2004 ford taurus ses with a 24v duratec 3.0l dohc engine and 4f50n transmission. My wife was pulling out of a parking lot on july 19, 2011 around mid-day, when the transmission lost all forward power. She stopped the car and tried the other gears with no result. No movement in any gear, forward or reverse.
Tl* the contact owns a 2004 ford taurus. While driving on a decline, the contact depressed the pedal to accelerate, but the vehicle would not respond and rolled down hill. A local mechanic diagnosed that the trans-axle needed to be replaced. The dealer was notified, but did not assist the contact with the failure. The manufacturer was not notified. The failure and current mileage was 113,500. Updated 8/30/11
Tl* the contact owns a 2004 ford taurus. The contact stated that while reversing and attempting to shift the gear into drive, the gear would not release from the neutral position. The vehicle was towed to a local transmission specialist, where the contact was informed that the torque converter failed. The manufacturer denied assistance with the repair. The vehicle was repaired. The failure mileage was 64,105 and the current mileage was 65,000.
I have a 2004 taurus and on my way home from work my car stopped dead in the road and had to be towed. There was no prior warning or issues just my transmission stopped dead in the middle of a busy road. Mechanic told me I need a new transmission. I see this is a common issue but also a serious safety concern.
Tl* the contact owns a 2004 ford taurus. The contact was driving 60 MPH when the vehicle stalled and the transmission failed. The contact stated that the failure was the second occurrence and the vehicle had been taken to the dealer several times for repairs. The transmission was previously replaced yet the failure recurred. The failure mileage was 83,000.
I bought my 2004 ford taurus new and have had no major repair problems. It currently has just over 140,000 miles on it. Yesterday my wife was traveling on the interstate, when the vehicle suddenly lost power at 70 miles per hour and began making a loud "whining" noise in the engine compartment. She was fortunately able to coast to the shoulder, where she put the gear selector in "park" and turned the ignition off. After letting the vehicle sit for a few minutes she restarted the car and put the gear selector in "drive". The loud "whining" noise continued, and each time that she depressed the accelerator the RPM's increased as the engine revved, but the car would not move. I had it towed to a transmission repair facility where the electronic components of the transmission were tested. There were no malfunctions detected in the electronic components. I was informed that the transmission would have to be removed, as the malfunction was due to a failure of either the torque converter, the transmission, or possibly both. The repair estimates were quoted to be about $850.00 if the failure was due to a faulty torque converter, which the technician informed me was a quite common problem with that model, as the splines often stripped out. The second quote was for about $1500.00 if metal shavings are found in the transmission pan, which would indicate that the failure was a result of a faulty component in the transmission, which would require a transmission overhaul. I searched yahoo for "2004 ford taurus transmission problems" and discovered an overwhelming amount of consumer complaints involving the same manufacturer defect. Many of the consumers filed complaints with ford motor company, but ford refuses to admit that there is a defect in the parts, materials, or design. Ironically I found that the defective transmission components were used in the 2002 to 2006 models. Prior to my 2004 model, I owned a 2000 model taurus with over 100,000 miles and never had any problems.
After executing a right turn onto a side street, the vehicle lost power to the wheels and coasted to a stop. There was no shoulder to pull over to, and state patrol arrived to push vehicle to a safe location.
After reading all of the complaints, I can definitely relate to what I'm reading. Unlike most of the people on here I actually had the transmission light come on before a drastic failure occurred. However my cars symptoms are exactly the same. It has started pulsing slightly while at freeway speeds. I'd like to keep operating it to see if it goes away, but after reading all the reviews I'm too afraid to try. Ford has finally started to develop a strong reputation for themselves, and if they want to keep things that way they better get a hold of this one before its too late. I can imagine that they aren't interested in becoming the next "toyota" in the car industry. Come on ford, make this right!
Tl* the contact owns a 2004 ford taurus. The contact was attempting to enter a highway with the overdrive activated. As he attempted to accelerate, the vehicle would not respond despite several attempts. The contact disengaged the overdrive as the vehicle resumed normal operation until the failure recurred. The vehicle was taken to the dealer where the contact was advised that the torque converter would need replacing. The vehicle was repaired yet the failure recurred. The vehicle was taken back to the dealer where the technician was unable to duplicate the failure. The vehicle was not further repaired. The failure mileage was 82,439 and the current mileage was 86,978. Updated 04/12/11*lj the transmisson cooler lines were flushed. Updated 07/11/11
I have a 2004 taurus which without warning just coasted while on the interstate. Problem identified as transmission problem. After searching web noted a web site autobeef.com in which there were other similar complaints. I have also discussed with anyone who I note to have a taurus during the years 2003-2005 and all of them have had to have transmissions replaced because they suddenly went out. Driving down an interstate and transmission go or in atlanta downtown traffic at quitting time is quite a danger. This would apply to all large cities. Seems the problem occurs between 60,000 and 90to 100 thousand miles. Had a 1996 that had over 200,000 miles never any transmission problems. I think this is very dangerous due to the way it just stops. Of course when contacting ford motor company they have denied a problem with the cars. I can actually identify personally 30 taurus drivers in my area that have had to replace transmissions prior to 100,000 miles. We expect as much as they cost for this to last longer. The autobeef is only a small portion of the folks this has happened to. Please consider this problem of danger to the public due to the nature of the auto just costing to a stop or even just not moving forward after stopping at a light esp in heavy traffic situations.
I was driving down route 4 south from forestville, md towards upper marlboro, md. I went to accelerate, when the RPM gauge began to climb about as high as it could go. At the same time, the MPH gauge began to decrease. I pulled my vehicle off of the road onto the shoulder and let it coast to a stop. I could shift from "drive" to "reverse" to "1st", but the car would not move forward or backwards. I had it towed for repairs.
I was driving my 2004 ford taurus and suddenly it jerked and made a noise. I was on my way home not far away and did manage to get to my house into my driveway but then it would not pull at all , the transmission went out completely. We are still making payments on this car that is even worse and it could have been dangerous if it had quit in traffic on the road.
Just another mid-2000s ford taurus with a major transmission failure with absolutely no warning prior to loss of drive power. This particular taurus is a 2004 and the transmission broke while traveling at a steady highway speed. I presume a fatality will have to occur before ford will address this pandemic transmission failure problem.
Driving down the road, made a left turn, tried to accelerate and the car acted as if someone had put the car in neutral. No warning lights, no sound, nothing to give any warning the transmission had any problems. At this time we have not repaired the vehicle but plan to in the next couple weeks, the cost will be around $1800 for parts and labor.
I have been a ford employee for 17 years and have followed all maintenance on my 2004 ford taurus se 3.0 liter vulcan 2-valve better than the dealer would. It has 138,000 very easy driven miles on it. I live about 35 mile from the plant one way. The transmission has been serviced by me with all ford parts, fluids, etc. No warning, no codes from snap-on scanner, no check engine light and to top it all off my wife was pulling across three lanes of oncoming traffic when the transaxle just let go. No forward or reverse gears at all. Car only had a slight vibration at 45-60mph on acceleration for about two weeks before this happened. It was very slight and you could only feel it in the seat of your pants. She was almost t-boned by a super-duty truck with my children in the car with her. I have seen all of the other complaints about these transmissions. I wonder how many people were not as lucky not to be hit because of the same problem. I have not drop the powertrain pod as ford calls them to check what broke. I would bet a months pay it was the torque converter because of all of the same issues I have read and been about this safety issue with them. I have talked with the quality rep here at our plant and he did contact ford but they tell me they haven't had enough of these go out to place a recall on them or enough people hurt or killed. That is the most unsafe failure I have ever seen in a car of any type. I am a product evaluator for ford and test drive new super-dutys everyday. I know this is a major design flaw in these transmissions and ford knows !!!! That is why ford only covers them under a 36,000 mile warranty unless you pay an extra 2500 for the extended warranty. I don't want people to have to get hurt or worse before this issue get resolved or recalled. They have known for awhile. I have talked with other workers at my plant from atlanta, ga where they did build them until the junk start pouring down the assembly line. 3500 for a new trans.
When I bought first bought my 2004 ford taurus it would shift with a jerk and make a brief noise. Ford serviced it and it was better. But it still would occasionally shift hard. About 2 years ago was the first time that when I put it in drive it did not engage in gear, I went back to park and then shifted to drive again and it did not go in gear again. So I shifted to low to finally get it go. Then it finally went to drive when I shifted again. It has been doing this off and on since then, only lately it has started to do it more and is shifting with a jerk sometimes also. I have been keeping up with the preventative maintenance, filters, fluids, belts, plugs, etc.
Tl* the contact owns a 2004 ford taurus. The contact stated that there was an unusual increase in engine rpms and the vehicle immediately began to lose power. The vehicle would not accelerate forward or in reverse. The vehicle was taken to an authorized dealer where the contact was informed that the converter and converter shaft had failed. The vehicle was repaired at the contact's expense. The manufacturer would not provide any assistance. The failure recurred and the vehicle was taken back to the dealer. The converter and converter shaft had failed again. The vehicle was repaired a second time at the contact's expense. The manufacturer was contacted and again, and would offer no assistance. The failure mileage was approximately 70,000 and the current mileage was 127,569.
Torque converter failed,driving on interstate highway torque converter went out,trouble getting it to side of road in traffic.
Was driving along missouri hwy 92 at about 35 MPH in my 2004 ford taurus when I turned off and the car seemed to slip out of gear. Depressed accelerator and the tachometer revved but car decelerated and began rolling backwards back into the highway (I was on an incline). No dashboard warning lights came on nor was there any unusual auto noises. Was able to stop the vehicle before it rolled completely into the highway. Shifted through all gears and it would not engage in any gear. The dealership gave me an estimate of $172.00 in which to run a 27 point inspection or I would have to remove the transmission for further evaluation at a cost of approximately $1500.00 saying it was likely the torque converter. In light of the recent toyota acceleration problems I find it amazing that another car dealership has no regard for their product! I purchased this car from a fleet dealer with less than 6,000 miles on it. I have had regular maintenance done on it for upkeep and never had any problems. Had my 16 year old daughter been driving this, I am certain it would have resulted in an accident with dire consequences. I have found a website with at least 80 complaints of the same nature, and several service stations which I have contacted which have informed me this happens frequently with the taurus's.
My transmission failed while on the highway in rush hour traffic. There were no lights, sounds or any indication that there was a problem with the transmission beforehand. Luckily, there was a slow in the flow of traffic so that I could safely move my car off the road, but it could have been worse. I have tried to contact ford to advise them that the transmission is faulty, but have not received a response yet. The transmissions in the 2004 taurus definitely should be recalled as this is a safety hazard.
Tl*the contact owns a 2004 ford taurus. While driving 30 MPH, the tail lights, instrument panel lights, and radio failed. The contact placed the vehicle into park without shutting off the engine. He attempted to place the vehicle into drive, but was unsuccessful. After several attempts, the contact managed to shift into drive. He is in the process of taking the vehicle to the dealer for further inspection. The manufacturer stated that no compensation would be provided because the VIN was excluded from the federal safety agency campaign id number 04v106000 (exterior lighting:brake lights:switch). The recall pertained to the 2003 models. The vehicle has not been repaired. The current and failure mileages were 70,000.
Nothing, no warning. That is the major issue. Read and review the many complaints ford is getting posted on transmissions all over the internet. It happens far to often, in many situations where people can be killed or injured. And with the ford design, you're going to spend a minimum of $3000 for parts labor and towing. Please do something to these noncaring people. All they want is to add to an ever slumping bottom-line. I have spent nearly $9000 in repairs on ford taurus' in the past 6 months. Many other people have spent more. Their warranty is for crap and so is their product. Call me anytime... I'll talk to anybody. If america is to become a power in industry again, we all need to take a stand against the continuing efforts of our major manufacturers to push out inferior products. Imports are better now. Look at the numbers. Let's make them shape up our we will all be shipping out! I was lucky, my incident happened close to home. But, read the others and note the results. These are unsafe, ongoing issues for many motorists. Someone higher up needs to do something.
Vehicle does not go all the way into park. Prndl indicates park, but vehicle still moves. Wife placed car in reverse, then realized a kids bike was behind her, pulled forward, placed vehicle in park , got out , and vehicle began rolling backward. She was dragged, and almost badly injured when the open door caught on another vehicle. Approximately 2 weeks later I parked vehicle , placed it in park at supermarket parking lot and vehicle began rolling backwards again.
Dt: the contact stated the transmission light on dashboard illuminated, also, when using cruise control the transmission will speed up. She took the vehicle to a local dealership; they told her it was the transmission. The repairs will be made at the consumer's expense.
I own a 2004 ford taurus still under factory warranty only 28,000 miles & I have had it into the ford dealership 2 times for the same transmission problem. It is slipping when put into drive. I put the car in drive and the car surges but then wont move. Like it is neutral. Ford dealer is telling me that there is nothing they can do for us unless they can replicate the problem. First incident they had the car for 1 week the second time 2 days.
I had rented a 2004 ford taurus from enterprise rent-a-car. I needed to get some things out of another car to put into the rental car. I put the taurus into drive and pulled forward to the other car. I placed the car in park, opened the door, took my foot off the brake and started to get out. After I had both feet on the ground and was standing up, the car began to roll backward. I fell to the ground while holding on to the door and was dragged a few feet. I managed to roll away from the car. The car rolled back to the original parking spot and hit a guard rail and another car.
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