CarComplaints.com Notes: Most people need a car that shifts gears & coil springs that don't shred tires. The Taurus fails in that respect.
The 2003 Ford Taurus has major issues with the transmission failing. Typically the 2003 Taurus transmission failure costs $2,000 to fix by about 90k-100k miles. Not good.
Adding insult to injury, the 1999-2003 Taurus also has a huge problem with coil springs breaking which can puncture or even shred tires while driving.
The US government spent THREE YEARS (2008-2011) investigating the 2002-2003 Taurus coil springs. Although Taurus/Sable from earlier years were recalled, ultimately the NHTSA did not force a recall. They determined that because there had been no deaths & very few bad crashes & injuries, the broken coil springs defect was no big deal & not a safety defect. Tell that to all the owners who had close calls...
10.0
really awful
Crashes / Fires:
2 / 0
Injuries / Deaths:
0 / 0
Average Mileage:
99,782 miles
About These NHTSA Complaints:
This data is from the NHTSA — the US gov't agency tasked with vehicle safety. Complaints are spread across multiple & redundant categories, & are not organized by problem.
So how do you find out what problems are occurring? For this NHTSA complaint data, the only way is to read through the comments below. Any duplicates or errors? It's not us.
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.
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.
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.
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 updated 10/24/2013
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.
- San Diego, CA, USA
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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
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.
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.
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.
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.
Ford Taurus 2003 ses, engine 3.0L car was purchased on May 28, 2011. Left side electrical along with components of the turn signal snap back when attempting to use this safety feature made for vehicles. On 06/15/2011 the front right brakes of the vehicle went out and required the vehicle to be towed to a local repair shop. During the drive home which was from a distance of about 20 miles I experienced uncontrollable steering and almost lost control of the vehicle. The replaced brake caliper bolt came loose and was lost along the highway. On 07/19/2011 after the vehicle was towed back to the repair shop the A/C compressor had failed again along with the transmission as the transmission was slipping roughly during normal driving conditions. The vehicle was towed and was blowing hot, brakes grinding, transmission flare shifting 2-3 shift. Repair shop stated slipping at 30mph and stated rebuilt transmission. During a week period around 07/22/2011 the brakes were grinding again and the lower ball joints were installed. Transmission slipping around 30mph and ac was still blowing hot. Transmission was rebuilt during this time frame due to flare shift 2-3 shift. Vehicle was towed back to the shop each time. 08/17/2011 check engine light on, transmission does not shift, grinding noise when accelerate and brake, A/C blows hot. On 08/31/2011 the transmission would not shift, stated need to replace all electronics in transmission, one or more solenoids are defect. 09/12/2011 odometer 112377 out O. on 09/20/2012 mil 140,768. Balanced 55 series and above rear right wheels balanced parts for flat with plug. Vehicle was inspected for power steering fluid and it was normal. The vehicle jumps when put in reverse and into gear and seems to want to stay on cruise control. I will post further comments to my complaint as there is not enough space for facts.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
While driving for about 40 miles turned off li expressway came to a light when I stepped on gas pedal to hear engine revving up but the car not moving. Had to call aaa to have it towed home and then had the Ford dealership come pick it up. They told me I needed a new transmission and it was no longer under warranty so with my choices being 1- fix it at my own expense or 2- buy a new car. I had to have the Ford dealership replace the transmission to the cost of $3066.24. This is usually when your just breaking in the engine on a car not replacing a transmission and at my cost. Now fast forward 7 yrs Dec 12 2012 with 18800 miles while driving on the li expressway I was driving 55 mph when all of a sudden the car speeds up tp 75 mph without warning I applied the brakes but could feel the engine fighting me all the way. The cars RPM needle starts to rise to 5500 to 6000 rpms this happened all the way home now its at the repair shop I can just imagine how much this is going to cost. Never again will I buy a Ford.
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.
A D V E R T I S E M E N T S
- Atlanta, GA, USA