Problems with 2003 Ford Taurus POWER TRAIN

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. *tr

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. *tr

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.

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. *ln

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 *js

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. *tr

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 nhtsa 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. *tr

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.

Tl* the contact owns a 2003 ford taurus. the contact stated that while driving 20 mph, the vehicle suddenly stalled. in addition, the power train malfunctioned and caused the vehicle to roll downhill. the contact stated that the vehicle would not function in any gear other than park. the contact took the vehicle to a local mechanic for a diagnostic test. the mechanic stated that the transmission was defective. the contact did not have the transmission replaced. the failure mileage was 120,000.

2003 ford taurus. consumer writes in regards to transmission problems. *smd consumer sent additional correspondence. *smd the consumer stated the vehicle stopped forward movement, in the middle of the highway, and it felt as though the vehicle was in neutral. the engine continued to idle, and the vehicle had to be towed. the consumer stated the torque converter was defective. updated 11/20/13

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 *js

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. *tr

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. *tr

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? *js

Our ford taurus was driving just fine. we stopped at a stop sign and when we started to go and hit the gas pedal the car didn't go...the rpm's went to a high rate and then the car kicked into gear and drove but the rpms remained running high. a light on the dash lit up. it was a " ! " with a wrench type circle around lit up on the dash. we pulled into an autoparts store and they checked the car and they said it was a transmission issue. we have taken it to three different repair shops and they all say it needs a new transmission and they have seen several '03 tauruses with transmission issues and to check with ford to see if there has been a recall yet. as far as ford has told us they were unaware of the issue. *tr

Tl* the contact owns a 2003 ford taurus. the contact stated that while driving approximately 20 mph, the transmission failed to operate without warning. the vehicle was towed to an independent mechanic for diagnosis and they informed the contact that the transmission would need to be replaced. the vehicle had not been repaired. the manufacturer was notified of the malfunction. the approximate failure mileage was 110,000.

Transmission completely failed without warning. suddenly lost power to axles though rpms were up, as if car was in neutral. *tr

Tl* the contact owns a 2003 ford taurus. the contact stated that the vehicle would not respond to acceleration while in drive. the contact took the vehicle to a local mechanic and was advised that the torque converter was defective and needed to be replaced. the contact did not have the torque converter replaced. the contact called the manufacturer but the manufacturer did not provide any assistance to the contact. the failure mileage was 83,000.

Tl* the contact owns a 2003 ford taurus. the contact stated that while driving 45 mph uphill, the transmission failed. the vehicle was taken to the dealer for inspection and they stated that the transmission needed to be replaced. the vehicle was not repaired. the manufacturer was not notified. the failure mileage was 100,000. the vin was unavailable.

Tl* the contact owns a 2003 ford taurus. the contact stated that while driving approximately 70 mph, the transmission suddenly failed to operate. the vehicle was maneuvered to the side of the road and then towed to the contact's residence. the vehicle was repaired. the manufacturer was notified of the problem and was unable to provide assistance. the approximate failure mileage was 38,000. ...updated 05/29/13 *bf the consumer stated the torque converter was replaced. updated 06/04/2013 *js

I was driving to work going approximately 10 mph and my car just stopped moving, the engine continued to run, but i could not get the car to move in any gear. i also noticed transmission fluid leaking onto the road. i had the car towed to a service garage to have it checked out. the mechanic called me later that day and told me my transmission was shot. i was given 2 options, have a new transmission put into the car or have mine rebuilt. this would include replacing the torque converter and a chain in the transmission shaft that was showing signs of excessive wear. i choose to have it rebuilt. the mechanic informed me that there was a recall on ford windstar's for similar problems involving the transmission and the torque converter. he told me that the same transmission and torque converter were also in my ford taurus. i have owned and operated several vehicles produced by the ford motor co. with more than 100,000 miles on them and never experienced any problems with the transmission. the mechanic told me i should file a complaint with the national highway transportation safety board. *tr

Tl* the contact owns a 2003 ford taurus. the contact stated that while driving 5 mph, the vehicle stalled without warning. the vehicle was taken to the dealer. the technician diagnosed that the transmission was defective and needed to be replaced. the manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. the vehicle was repaired. the failure mileage was 96,866 and the current mileage was 97,000. *tr

Tl* the contact owns a 2003 ford taurus. the contact stated that while driving 35 mph, the transmission failed without warning. the vehicle was towed back to the contact's home. after searching the internet he surmised that the torque converter was the cause of the failure. the vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic for diagnosis. the contact was advised that the splines inside the torque converter were the cause of the failure. the entire transmission was overhauled. the manufacturer was notified but offered no assistance. the failure and current mileage was 113,000.

Tl* the contact owns a 2003 ford taurus. the contact stated that the driver was traveling approximately 30 mph when the vehicle stalled without warning. the contact was able to coast to the road shoulder where the vehicle was towed to the contact's residence. the vehicle was not taken to the dealer to have a diagnostic or repairs performed. the manufacturer was made aware of the failure. the approximate failure and current mileage was 100,000. updated 01/29/13*lj the consumer stated the vehicle was repaired. the torque converter failed. updated 1/30/2013 *js

Brake light switch failed, at first the car wouldn't go out of park, after several tries it finally did. at that point it was noticed that the brake lights wouldn't turn off. i found an old recall that appeared to match the vehicle (04s12) but the ford dealer stated my car was not part of that recall and they would not state whether the car had already had it done or not. *tr

As i was driving on the exit ramp at approximately 65 mph december 14, 2012 my 2003 ford taurus began to decelerate at a fast rate. when i pushed down on the accelerator there was no power. as i pulled off to the side of the road and dropped it into a different gear there was no change in condition. after idling in park and moving the gear into drive again the rpms increased, but there was no acceleration. *tr

Tl* the contact owns a 2003 ford taurus wagon. the contact stated that while driving 35 mph, the vehicle stalled without warning. the vehicle was towed to the contact's residence and was inspected by a personal mechanic. the mechanic advised the contact that the failure could have been caused by the transmission or the torque converter. the manufacturer was notified who advised the contact that there were no recalls for the failure. the vehicle was not repaired. the failure mileage was 103,000.

Went to my mothers for thanksgiving dinner. on the way home going 55 mile an hour the car stared excelling in speed. my husband was driving and knew to put the car in neutral to get the car to stop. he had to constantly stay on the brakes to slow it down. we got the car home, i looked on line and saw the complaints on your website. my husband then took the car to the local for dealership. he took a copy of the complaint with him. ford service dept. said they didn't want to see that article and wanted $80 to even look at the car. the car is not fixed, we plan on trying to get it fixed in the near future. if you would like to see what it is doing, that should take place in the next few weeks. *tr

As i was driving on the highway on cruise control, the rpms suddenly increased and the car quickly slowed down (even though it was on cruise control!). luckily, there wasn't a ton of traffic, but i was forced to slowly exit from the left lane. the car just stopped on the service road, right in an area that i could have easily been hit. i've read a ton of complaints exactly like this, and this is pretty unsafe in my opinion. *tr

While driving on speed control, my car started to accelerate like crazy. luckily, i was able to slam on the brakes, but this was a very scary issue! *tr

After driving approximately 3-miles without incident stopped for a red-light. when light changed, stepped on accelerator but car would no move in an gear selected. no prior noises or fluid leakage; just a dead transmission. appears to be a common (well documented) problem with vehicles of this year, make and model. *tr

The transmission failed as the contact attempted to accelerated uphill in heavy traffic area. i was able to coast to a stop and put the car in park. started the ignition and attempted to shift into reverse but the vehicle would not respond. the vehicle would not operate in any gear which was selected. the vehicle was towed back to the mechanic where the transmission was replaced/repaired 18 months ago. the manufacturer was notified of the defect. total cost of repair was $710.00. *tr

Transmission stopped working, it was replaced at my expense. *tr

Calipers front right f reb caliper remove and inspect and overhaul caliper front one side. brakes were grinding again which required that inspection which i find out that the same area in the brake system needs replaced. recomd, tie rod inner remove and replace tie rod end one side inner, ball joints lower front left remove and replace f ball joint one side, 2 brake hoses front. brake rotors front both needed replaced. suggested tires due to mileage also rubber valve stem. system failure- required. recd, brake fluid exchange with abs, and bleed brakes. ceramic disc brake pads pd598 both front. 03/02/2013 mil 151213. 3rd repair shop, replaced all four tires with warranty brakes and pads along with discs needed replaced for the 4th time. transmission flush due to leaking fluid. qt dex 3 proline. brake drums and shoes replaced. replaced brake fluid, tie rod end one side inner along with replace of the shaft seal remove and install f axle shaft assembly one side. tran's seal cr. cv axle replacement. ball joint replacement along with wheel cylinder rear both, brake service with rear brake drum. engine light off/ runs poor diagnostic, replacement of pcv valve assembly, replaced upper and lower intake manifold gasket remove and replaced pcv valve along with tune up package. relearn engine idle, rear brakes basic pc pkg, dorman rear right wheel and left cylinders. during these 3-4 repair shops cannot fix the cruise control to get the car to stop driving it self when above 30mph along with acceleration, back tail light right side shorts out continually. it is very difficult and very unsafe to control a vehicle that has had more than three or four repair shops try their hardest to fix a problem that apparently has some of these problems. i am with the belief that the brake system along the electrical system within the 2003 ford taurus ses dohc is unsafe for street use in the u.s. due to our standards here of motor safety. when put into gear the transmission jumps loud. *tr

I just picked my four year old sun from daycare and the car suddenly stalled without any warning, i was on the left lane and had to steer the car to the side of the road. no forward no reverse. neighbor said same thing happened to his taurus and he changed the torque converter and now it drives fine, seems like a common problem. this is a disaster waiting to happen, imagine what would have happened if i was on the highway driving 60? *tr

Tl* the contact owns a 2003 ford taurus. the contact was driving 50 mph when the vehicle stalled without warning. the contact had the vehicle towed to a dealer who performed a diagnostic test and the located the failure as a defective transmission. the dealer advised the contact that the transmission needed to be replaced. the contact did not have the transmission replaced. the failure mileage was 145,000.

The latest incident was today. vehicle was started, idling, put into reverse with foot on the brake. engine suddenly increased speed and vehicle lurched backwards. vehicle was put in drive with foot on the brake, engine would periodically increase speed and vehicle would lurch forward. on several other occasions while driving, notably at speeds 20-40 mph, vehicle speed would start increasing on it's own. on those occasions, the increase was not rapid or extreme, these were thought to be flukes, but now it's lurching after the vehicle is put in drive or reverse. the frequency of these incidents with this vehicle are increasing and i believe this is a serious safety issue. *tr

Tl* the contact owns a 2003 ford taurus. the contact stated that as the gear was shifted from park to drive, the gears slipped. the failure recurred intermittently. the vehicle was not taken to the dealer for inspection or repair. the manufacturer and the dealer were made aware of failure. the dealer stated that the diagnostic of the failure was difficult because the failure was not present constantly. the current mileage was 60,650 and the failure mileage was 60,600. updated 08/29/12*lj updated 09/05/12

Tl* the contact owns a 2003 ford taurus. the contact stated that while driving 55 mph, the vehicle lost power without warning and the transmission would not engage in drive or reverse. a local mechanic inspected the vehicle and advised that the transmission would need to be replaced. the vehicle was not repaired. the manufacturer was made aware of the failure. the failure and the current mileage was 119,869.

Tl* the contact owns a 2003 ford taurus. the contact stated that while stopped at a stop light, the vehicle would not accelerate. the vehicle was towed to the contact's home and was not taken to the dealer for a diagnostic test. the contact inspected the vehicle and noticed a transmission failure. the vehicle was not repaired. the vin was not available. the approximate failure mileage was 232,000.

Was driving down i-74 in the quad city area at approximately 50 mph, when my 2003 ford taurus quit moving - just stopped while driving down the interstate! would not move in either forward or reverse directions. i was very lucky i was not hit from behind. had it towed to my mechanic, and it was determined the pump drive splines inside the torque converter were defective. had to replace the torque converter at a cost to me of about $2,000. my mechanic said he's seen this exact same issue in about three dozen taurus' in his shop alone, in 2003 to 2007 models. he is wondering if all torque converters are made at same location and shipped to various plants for installation?? taurus' built at some plants are part of the recall, but mine isn't because it wasn't built at the "recall" plant. but my vehicle had the same problem as the other torque converter recalls! *tr

While attempting to pull through a very busy intersection in tulsa, oklahoma, my transmission started slipping without warning causing many (thankfully) alert drivers to take evasive action to miss me when my car wouldn't go. it has been brought to my attention that the transmissions, most notably 2003 model year, in the taurus' have a bad reputation for this yet ford refuses to recognize this. many just give out at highway speeds. i pray my children aren't with me if any such occurs again after i replace this transmission...no recall that i'm aware of. *tr

Affected part: transmission i was accelerating after stopping at a light. the car lunged and made a pop sound then lost speed. i coasted to a shoulder and placed it in park. then tried reverse and drive and it would not move. it started but would not go anywhere. had it towed to a transmission shop for repair. *tr

I was driving my car to the store,came to a traffic light and accelerated and it shifted fine until i pressed the gas pedal and nothing besides high rpms... also it happened with no signs or warnings and transmission wasn't slipping or acting up...had it towed to a mechanic and he said it was my torque converter that ruined the splines that engage.! something needs to be done! *tr

The transmission went out and i had to replace it. i read about many other complaints about the transmission going out in a 2003 ford taurus, so i thought i would add this one. *tr

We were driving uphill on an interstate highway at the speed limit when all of a sudden the engine speed went up and the vehicle speed started falling. some smoke appeared in back of the car. we barely made it over to a very narrow shoulder (against a guard rail) before we stopped. the engine was running but the car would not move. traffic was very fast and heavy and only a foot or two from the driver's door. we were stuck there for over an hour. a mechanic who subsequently looked at it said that the transmission had burned out. repairs, now under way, are estimated at $2200. *tt

I had just pulled out from a stop sign when, without warning, the rpms suddenly went really high and the car stopped accelerating. i was in congested traffic. i tried to coast my car off the road but i didn't have enough speed. i was stuck half way in the road. thankfully, i broke down in front of a garage. i got out of the car and a mechanic pushed car to safety. the garage inspected my car and said the transmission went out and it needed to be replaced/rebuilt. i'm really glad i wasn't going fast or else i could have been seriously injured or killed! my mother had asked earlier if she could use my car to take my sick father out of state to a dr. appt.(bc the car's gas mileage is better than her suv). i'm glad i had class that day and couldn't let her take it. numerous people have reported having this same transmission problem. ford needs to issue a recall. this is a serious safety issue! *tr

The transmission is defective in this car. it has been flushed and is full of fluid. from the beginning i could actually put the column shift between gears. not what it's supposed to do. the salesman assured me that it was not a problem. the transmission overheats and shifts rough when hot. last month after driving on the highway for 1/2 hour to get to work, i got off the exit and had to wait at a light. the car refused to shift for several minutes after the light changed. i was almost rear-ended. two weeks ago the same thing happened. a car came around the corner and just missed me as i was stuck in the middle of the road. there have been numerous complaints about this transmission and it is so bad it even has its own facebook page. i work part-time and have a long commute. i now can only drive backroads at low speeds to make sure my car will shift. and i do not have money for a new transmission. i can't drive to other cities for job interviews. i understand ford was aware of the problems with this transmission and did nothing to rectify the problem. the car needs a recall. *js

i was driving down a side street when the car quit moving forward. i coasted to a stop and tried reverse, and it would not go in that direction either. the engine was running when this occurred. i had a baby in the car and a trunk full of groceries. i got out and checked all the fluids. they were full. the transmission fluid was clear. the maintenance book said not to change the transmission fluid until 100,000. my car has only 73,000 miles. this car is well maintained. i paid to have it towed to the nearest car repair shop. they determined it was a transmission problem and could not fix it. i then had to pay to tow it to another shop that informed me that this was a characteristic problem of a 2003 ford taurus. if this defect is known by ford's and they chose to ignore it and not fix our cars, i hope you will do the right thing and make ford's fix it without me having to pay a huge bill which is hard on a limited income. i saw this address on a facebook page. the address is: http://www.facebook.com/pages/fight-for-recall-of-2003-ford-taurus-transmission-problems/156915101017448. please check out this page. you will see the many people are having this happen. i just stumbled upon the page by accident. i wonder how many more there are out there not knowing that there are a lot of us driving ford's defective cars. please make them accountable. they did not hesitate to take car payments for years. they should not hesitate to fix a car that they built. i was from detroit and always believed in buying american, but my opinion has changed. that is a shame. thank you very much. i hope you can do something to help me. *tr

The car was being driven on a major highway between 40-50 mph and the transmission just dropped. had to coast to the side of the road to avoid an accident. no warnings, lights, winding, etc. the car was just in for a tune up and oil change the weekend prior and there was nothing detected. there are hundreds of complaints regarding the same issue with an average mileage under 100,000 miles. we called ford to explain that there was a systemic problem, they offered no assistance. *js