My 2014 Ford Taurus SEL transmission when driving and when the shifting begins, the car shudders in 3rd and 4th gear, when it passes the 4 gears, then the vehicle runs smooth. I would like to report this because this is not normal for a transmission to do this. I do not believe it is a Torque converter. Ford Dealership said it was a Torque Converter. I took it to Aamco Transmission and had it looked at and the person that worked on it, he did not believe it was a Torque Converter. I had Aamco to check this and all they did was changed my Transmission Fluid. The problem came back. I believe this is a defect in the Transmission. I did some research and come to believe it is the body valves inside the Transmission causing this problem. I am sure this could be a safety hazard to me while driving. I believe the Transmission could lock up and cause a crash. I will upload the work order. This has been going on since March 2023 and I have no solution to this problem. I wanted to see if you can help with this problem and get it recalled.
Ford Taurus shudder problems
33 of the 16,903 owner complaints about the Ford Taurus describe shudder or vibration when accelerating, most of them for the 1993 model year.
- owner complaints
- 33
- worst model year
- 1993
- typical repair cost reported
- $1,800
- typical mileage
- 87,886
By model year
- 20152
- 20142
- 20131
- 20113
- 20051
- 20043
- 20033
- 20023
- 20003
- 19993
- 19971
- 19952
- 19933
- 19921
- 19912
Often reported together
Stalling 4Fuel pump 4Transmission failure 3Pulling 2Misfire 2Loss of power 2Harsh shifting 2Engine failure 2
Trouble codes mentioned
P0627 1P0306 1P0302 1P0300 1
What owners say
The contact owns a 2011 Ford Taurus. The contact stated that while his grandson was driving at an undisclosed speed, the vehicle shuddered. The check engine warning light intermittently illuminated. The vehicle was towed to the dealer, where it was diagnosed with a faulty water pump causing coolant intrusion into the engine. The dealer replaced the engine; however, the failure recurred. The vehicle was towed back to the dealer twice, and the engine was replaced for the second and third time. The failure persisted. The vehicle was then towed to Colorado Auto Finders (12351 E Arapahoe Rd, Centennial, CO 80112), where the ignition coils and spark plugs were replaced. The failure recurred. The vehicle was towed to two separate independent mechanics, who diagnosed the vehicle with DTC Codes: P0300, P0302 (Cylinder 2 Misfire Detected), and P0306 (Cylinder 6 Misfire Detected). The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure and advised the contact to file a complaint with the federal safety agency Hotline. The failure mileage was 105,213.
Tl* the contact owns a 2015 ford taurus. Contact stated that after parking the vehicle, they attempted to restart the vehicle however, the vehicle shuddered and stalled. The vehicle failed to restart. The vehicle was towed to the residence where an independent mechanic diagnosed the vehicle. The dtc code was p0627 (fuel pump failure). The vehicle was not repaired. The contact stated that the failure was related to the federal safety agency campaign number: 16v621000 (fuel system, gasoline), however, the VIN was not included. The contact manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 100,000.
While driving my vehicle home from work the engine began shuddering, surging, and finally died leaving me stranded on the side of the road causing potential hazard for myself as well as other drivers. I towed the vehicle to my mechanic who told me it could be either the high pressure fuel pump or the fuel pump control module. The vehicle only has 61,000 miles on it making it just outside the manufacturer's 60,000 mile warranty. Ford refused to extend any kind of warranty when the mechanic called. When I checked the issue online I learned of a 2016 ford recall regarding the fuel pump control module for 2013-2015 ford vehicles which apparently does not cover my car. Both the mechanic and I are baffled that a fuel pump could suddenly fail with only 61,000 miles on the vehicle and he was very surprised that ford would not do anything to even assist with the cost of the repair. As far as the fuel pump control module, I am still in the process of talking with ford about it.
Tl* the contact owns a 2014 ford taurus. While driving 20 MPH, the fuel module failed, the engine began to shudder, and the vehicle stalled. The contact was able to pull the vehicle into a parking lot. There were no warning indicators illuminated. The vehicle was towed to a local mechanic where it was diagnosed that a new fuel pump module needed to be installed. The vehicle was currently being repaired. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure and did not assist. The dealer was not contacted. The failure mileage was 96,000.
Driving in traffic and without warning, vehicle loses power and shudders. Slows dramatically. Wrench indicator light comes on. It has happened twice now, luckily I was able to pull out of traffic and turn vehicle off. After a few moments it will start and the light is off. Both times speed was 50-60 MPH. Wife is now scared to drive it. It has 52,000 miles.
I was driving home from work, traveling uphill when my 2011 taurus sho sputtered and quickly lost power for more than 5 sec. While I was accelerating. This is not the first time something like this has happened to me. I am glad there wasn't anyone driving behind me because I'm sure they would have rear-ended me. Once I regained control of my vehicle, I noticed my check engine light came on. The car was shaking and sputtering as it was trying to make it up the rest of the hill. The check engine light started to blink. By the time I made it to the top of the hill the vehicle seemed better but I knew from experience it was in limp mode. I made it home safely driving as carefully as I could. I did notice the car shook much more when I slowed down to stop for stop-signs, almost like it was going to stall. I even ran a couple signs because I wanted to make it home, safely. I called the dealership gus johnson ford immediately to schedule an appointment. I took it in, my service advisor called me days later and said he advised I put a whole new engine in my car. Cylinder #4 misfiring, found leak that is causing low compression. He said they could tear apart the motor and inspect further but doing a complete engine assembly could cost upwards around $10,000. I was paralyzed! I found other stories and complaints just like mine when I came here to the federal safety agency. If ford was, or still is aware of any defects to the engine through manufacturing or bad design that may cause loss of power, shaking, shuddering, sputtering, stalling, loss-of-power during acceleration, they should be held responsible before someone is seriously injured.
When going from 1st to 2nd there was a loud and hard bump, transmission repaired now after having car back for 1 week when I put it in reverse it hardly moves and shudders and shakes.
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.
Left front coil spring snapped in two places - approx 3/4 of a coil at the top and approx 1/2 coil at the bottom. Sliced tire all the way through the inside sidewall - almost all the way around. Also damaged the top mount of the sway bar link. This is my daughter's car. Had this occurred at speed on a two-lane highway I shudder to think of the result - the drag would have sent the car immediately into oncoming traffic! As possible background, we had a cold snap recently where the temp got down to single digits. My daughter's taurus was parked beside our garage. There was a sudden loud, metallic bang in the area of her car - sounded almost as if a rock had been thrown at it - but even louder. I went outside to investigate but I couldn't see anything obvious. Next time my daughter attempted to drive the car she only got a few feet down the drive when she stopped to alert my wife of a 'horrible grinding noise'. My wife thought it was just rusty brakes due to non-use of the car while she was away at college. When my daughter put it back in gear and pulled out into the street the left front corner collapsed to the ground. I had the car repaired today but now I'm seeing evidence on the internet that these coil springs have been failing and continue to fail even beyond the 1999-2001 models previously recalled. I also have a 2004 sable and a 2007 taurus. How can I not be concerned about a possible spring defect on them as well?? Regardless, how can ford be allowed to trivialize our lives with such a glaring risk which can only be mitigated by proactive recall? (it sure would help to know the resolution of prior recall - was it better metal or thicker coil spring?) anyway, please help!
Related recalls
Power train: axle assembly: axle shaft
- What is wrong
- Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2014-2016 Explorer, 2014-2015 Taurus and 2014 Edge vehicles equipped with 2.0L or 2.3L engines and front wheel drive. The support bracket for the front drive axle halfshaft may fail.
- Risk
- The failed bracket could result in a loss of park function which can cause unintended vehicle movement, and loss of motive power while driving which increases the risk of a crash.
- Remedy
- Ford will notify owners, and dealers will replace the link shaft bracket, free of charge. Parts are not currently available. Owners received an interim notification detailing safety risk December 8, 2020. A second letter will be mailed when parts become available in January 2021. The recall began February 2, 2021. Owners may contact Ford customer service at 1‑866‑436‑7332. Ford's number for this recall is 20S63.
Recall number 20V692000 · Recall details
Power train: axle assembly: axle shaft
- What is wrong
- Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain model year 2012-2014 Ford Edge and Lincoln MKX vehicles manufactured September 2, 2010, to November 30, 2013; 2013-2014 Ford Taurus and Lincoln MKS vehicles manufactured August 25, 2011, to November 30, 2013; and 2013-2014 Ford Flex and Lincoln MKT vehicles manufactured September 12, 2011, to November 30, 2013. In the affected vehicles, the halfshaft retention circlip may not have been properly installed, and as a result, the halfshaft may move outward and disengage from the linkshaft while driving and without prior warning.
- Risk
- If the halfshaft and linkshaft become disengaged while driving, power will no longer be transmitted to the wheels, increasing the risk of a vehicle crash. Additionally, if the parking brake is not applied before exiting the vehicle, the vehicle may roll away despite the transmission being placed in 'Park', increasing the risk of injury to exiting occupants and bystanders.
- Remedy
- Ford will notify owners, and dealers will inspect the vehicles to make sure that the halfshaft is properly retained. If it is not, dealers will replace the linkshaft and also replace the halfshaft if it shows evidence of spline damage, free of charge. The recall began on August 4, 2014. Owners may contact Ford customer service at 1‑800‑392‑3673. Ford's number for this recall is 14S10.
Recall number 14V393000 · Recall details
Power train: automatic transmission: cooling unit and lines
- What is wrong
- Vehicle description: passenger vehicles equpped with the "california" emissions package. An incorrect transmission oil cooler line was installed. The line contacts the anti-lock braking system module support bracket and over time, can wear and develop a leak.
- Risk
- Transmission fluid leakage onto the exhaust manifold or catalytic converter can result in a fire.
- Remedy
- Dealers will install the appropriate transmission oil cooler line.
Recall number 98V288000 · Recall details
Power train: automatic transmission
- What is wrong
- Vehicle description: passenger vehicles equipped with ax4s automatic transaxles. The low/intermediate servo cover can separate from the transaxle while the vehicle is being driven. If this occurs, transmission fluid will leak contacting the catalytic converter.
- Risk
- The catalytic converter temperature may be hot enough to ignite the transmission fluid and cause a vehicle fire.
- Remedy
- Dealers will inspect the transmission and replace these servo covers.
Recall number 97V097000 · Recall details
Power train: automatic transmission
- What is wrong
- The automatic transmission park pawl shaft may not be free to rotate as intended. If the park pawl shaft does not rotate, it would prevent the park pawl from engaging the park gear when the shift lever is in the park position.
- Risk
- This condition could result in the vehicle rolling as if in neutral with the shift lever in the park position.
- Remedy
- Dealers will inspect the park pawl shaft rotation and those shafts with restricted rotation will be replaced with a shorter shaft that will not restrict rotation.
Recall number 96V176000 · Recall details
Power train: automatic transmission: gear position indication (PRNDL)
- What is wrong
- The park pawl abutment bracket has a sharp edge which can cause the parking pawl to hang up and not engage the park gear. This would allow the vehicle to move even though the gear shift indicator shows that the vehicle is in park.
- Risk
- Unintended and unexpected vehicle movement can result in personal injury and property damage.
- Remedy
- Dealers will inspect and, if necessary, replace the park pawl abutment bracket.
Recall number 96V166000 · Recall details
Power train: automatic transmission
- What is wrong
- The park pawl shaft was improperly positioned when the roll pin that retains it was installed during transmission assembly. If the shaft was not properly positioned, the roll pin may not have lined up with the groove in the shaft and have been crushed at assembly. Also, a burr could have been raised on the shaft.
- Risk
- This could result in the park pawl occasionally not engaging when the transmission selector lever is placed in the park position. This could result in the vehicle rolling as if in neutral if the vehicle operator does not apply the parking brake.
- Remedy
- Dealers will inspect the park pawl shaft roll pin. If the roll pin is damaged, both the roll pin and the park pawl shaft will be replaced. In addition, owners will be reminded to fully apply the parking brake, in addition to placing the transmission in park.
Recall number 96V086000 · Recall details
Questions about the Ford Taurus shudder
Which Ford Taurus years have shudder or vibration when accelerating problems?
The model years with the most reports are 1993 (3 complaints), 1999 (3 complaints) and 2000 (3 complaints).
How much does it cost to fix shudder or vibration when accelerating on the Ford Taurus?
Owners who mentioned a price put the repair at about $1,800 (median of 7 complaints that include a dollar amount). Costs vary with mileage, warranty and where the work is done.
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