I was entering I 70 east in columbus ohio off the james road exit, while attempting to merge into the outside lane. I sped up to adjust my speed, as a vehicle was in the same lane. When I accelerated, the car automatically took over and suddenly accelerated and revved up high and fast. My first reaction was to hit the brakes, I did, but the brakes would not depress or brake. I was trying to think of everything to do and monitor the cars around me, as well. I tried holding down the brakes hard and taking off while the car went flying by two exits, I knew I would not be able to exit because I couldn't stop. I continued with trying to locate the flasher and thinking about hitting the emergency brake but, I didn't because I was unsure whether it would come to a quick stop. I kept pushing down and up on the brake pedal. Suddenly, the revving began to settle down (a fast downward revving sound) and I was able to brake the car. I was unsure whether to pull over so I decided to continue to my destination which was only 3 exits away. I parked and looked at the car and especially the area near my feet, there was nothing interfering with the brakes or the accelerator. I panicked all the way home, not knowing what would happen so I stayed off the freeway, believing the freeway speed would cause a similar issue. As soon as I got home, I researched the issue and found some similar instances with the same make and model. I will call the dealer tomorrow. I had a previous experience with the transmission stopping on the freeway and disengaging while driving and when I stopped. When I would pull over and switch the gears, the car would make a loud dropping sound. And it would be difficulty to switch gears. The car shifts at times and kicks back. The dealer replaced a sensor but, it has not resolved the issue completely. I've taken it back and they found nothing. I hope they will find something, as I am afraid to drive this car after tonights experience.
2008 Ford Taurus transmission complaints
Page 3 of 3: complaints 41 to 44 of 44, newest first, as owners wrote them.
On 8/10/2008 I was driving at highway speed on highway 41north within the city of green bay, wi. As she entered the passing lane and a truck was fast approaching from behind, she quickly accelerated to get into the right lane and the accelerator pedal appeared to be stuck with the car now accelerating uncontrollably and at a very fast rate. Slamming the brakes had little effect as the vehicle was now accelerating. She continued to depress the gas pedal numerous times for a few miles until it finally released itself. She then got off at the next exit and called her husband who called and made an appointment with broadway ford. On 8/11-14, 2008, the car was serviced at broadway ford. They indicated to us (as detailed on invoice # focs207273) that they could find no problem with the vehicle and had replaced the throttle pedal assembly to be on the safe side. Cindy has never felt safe in her car since, but was hopeful that it was an once-in-a-lifetime event. On 12/28/09, he was driving at highway speed on highway 41 north also within the city of green bay, wi. He was in the right lane and noticed a car was veering over to his lane from the right entering from waube lane to highway 41 northbound. He accelerated to move forward and out of the other car's way and again the accelerator stuck. Once again the brakes did little to slow the vehicle since it was accelerating again uncontrollably at a very fast rate. After gaining some composure, he put the out-of-control vehicle from drive into neutral and heard the engine race and then back into drive causing the vehicle to once again operate normally. We again brought the car into broadway on 1/5/10. Paul cavaiani (service advisor at broadway ford) called jim around noon on 1/5/10 to advise him that they were waiting on a call from ford.
While driving to work, my 2008 ford taurus' transmission slammed, then all the panel lights lit up and the speedometer reset to zero, staying that way until I was able to pull over. Because I was in the center lane of traffic, on interstate 75, in atlanta, I was not able to move to the far left or right. Though it was approximately 4:30 in the morning on a workday, the traffic was heavy and fast. I was afraid that the car would stop right there but was able to continue to work because I did not do any sudden braking or speed shifting. I kept driving until I got to work, which was the only safe stopping point for me at that time of day and on the path that I was driving. I was unable to drive it again and had to have it towed back to the dealership. The mechanic who worked on it stated that the vehicle was not drivable and had to order a replacement oss sensor. I have my car back but am very nervous about driving it. It still does the slamming(on a small scale) but everytime it does this, I worry. When the initial problem starting, I had ~500 miles left to my warranty. Now I am over the warranty and will have to take it back in for the same problem. This is a major problem and could possibly stall a car in heavy traffic, with no ability to move to a safer location.
I recently purchased a used 2008 limited taurus had 24000 miles and currently has 26,000. When the vehicle is idling in park a loud humming noise comes from the transmission about 95% of the time, brought back to the dealer and the couldn't duplicate the problem. But the car still does it. Ford has been notified.
VIN decoder
See the problems and recalls for an exact car
Buying a used 2008 Ford Taurus?
Check the exact car before you pay: accidents, salvage or flood titles, odometer readings and previous owners.
Check its history