Automatic Transmission Torque Converter problems of the 2003 Ford Taurus - part 1

Had to replace my torque converter for $1,300 which is ridiculous considering there is only 87,000 miles. There has been thousands of complaints. Ford needs to fix this! wouldn't leave park, had it towed out of my driveway.

I was driving on the freeway at posted speeds when my car began to slow with the accelerator still pressed, almost getting rear ended I was able to get to the shoulder of the freeway. I realized the car was running but would not go forward or reverse. I had to call a tow truck. I waited three hours for the tow truck to show up and then had it towed 80 miles to my house. I did some research and found that the torque converter splines would fail with no warning. I also did some test to confirm it was the torque converter. There are so many complaints with the same issue and Ford motor company has done nothing to recall and fix the problem. Does it take someone getting killed first? Ford needs to step up and recall to fix this problem before people are killed.

While getting off the freeway on the drive home from work (at 6:40pm on Dec 1st, 2016) the transmission no longer engaged. I had to coast over to a field and park while avoiding on-going traffic. I lost all engagement with the gears (rd21), and it is like being in perpetual neutral. The splines of the torque converter are stripped. Ford made them too small, so they strip. The car has 126,000 miles on it, and is only used to go to and from work. Thousands upon thousands of people have had this exact problem, yet Ford has done nothing to correct the situation.

The contact owns a 2003 Ford Taurus. While driving approximately 60 mph, the speed suddenly declined when the accelerator pedal was depressed. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic who diagnosed that the torque converter was faulty and needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was 76,000.

The contact owns a 2003 Ford Taurus. While driving 20 mph, the transmission failed without warning. The vehicle felt as if it were in neutral. The accelerator pedal was depressed, but the vehicle failed to respond. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic to be diagnosed. The contact was informed that the torque converter in the transmission failed and needed to be replaced. The vehicle was repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 53,000.

The contact owns a 2003 Ford Taurus. While driving approximately 35 mph, the vehicle suddenly felt as if it were in neutral and would not engage in any gear. There were no warning indicators illuminated. An independent mechanic stated that the torque converter may have failed. The vehicle was towed to the independent mechanic who diagnosed and confirmed that the torque converter failed and needed to be replaced. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure and stated that there was no recall. The failure mileage was 132,400.

Transmission torque converter - stripped splines. Just 49,334 miles. This car has very low mileage and is in immaculate condition. Definitely a proven bad part that Ford should cover. The car quit moving at my workplace parking lot. Im grateful it wasn't in an intersection. Had to replace converter.

Tl- the contact owns a 2003 Ford Taurus. The contact stated that while driving at 30 mph the vehicle stalled without warning. The vehicle was towed to an independent mechanic where it was diagnosed that the torque converter in the vehicle had failed and needed to be replaced. The vehicle was repaired. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was 90,000. Wh.

My car randomly stopped moving when I was on the highway it was a major scene almost got rear ended by 5 cars had to veer off to the side to avoid a accident these transmissions/torque converters need to be recalled they were recalled in the Ford winstar with the same tranny parts but not the Ford Taurus 2003 I was told the transmission and the torque converter went out and this is a more than common problem for this year of Tauruses this is redicilious come on Ford recall these trannys!!! I cant afford $1500.

I was departing from parking lot and the car suddenly had some noise in the hood then lost all the power. After starting engine again, I can shift the gear into d or r, engine works ok but the car won't move at all. Before it happened, the transmission works fine, no delayed engagement, no slips, no jolts, smooth gear-changing. . . The transmission just stopped with no warning signs at all. The car is regularly and well maintained. No check engine light on when it happened. Later it turned out to be the stripped torque converter splines. It is a very common problem among Ford early 2000's vehicles, the splines are only 0. 16" thick by Ford's defect designs, which can be easily stripped.

While driving 70 mph on interstate 35 my daughter completely lost power. The engine would rev but no power. In traffic, she had to coast to pull over. There was no warning prior to this incident and the car is otherwise in excellent condition. The car had to be towed and the local Ford dealership diagnosed and are replacing the torque converter.

The contact owns a 2003 Ford Taurus. The contact stated that while driving at 30 mph, the accelerator pedal was depressed but the vehicle did not accelerate. In addition, the vehicle failed to move forward or in reverse but increased in rpm¿s. The vehicle was towed to an independent mechanic. The mechanic diagnosed that the torque converter needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was unknown. The VIN was unavailable.

On 1-23-2015 a friend was driving the car on a 4 land divided highway when the transmission quit pulling. He pulled over to the side of the road but could not get the car to move in any gear. He went on to a job interview and called me and I had the vehicle towed back to my residence. I checked and this is a common problem for this make, model and year car, as the torque converter goes out without any warning.

The car was driving down the street and stopped. When I pressed to accel the transmission did'nt pull over 15 feet and stopped pulling. It was the torque converter that had gon out. And then I get a letter in the mail about other recalls but not on the transmissions. I worked for Ford for 27 years as an engineer and built transmissions under recalls. I have no idea about these paople! but the 2004 has that recall.

Started my 2003 Ford Taurus to go to work. My car was parked on a downward sloped driveway as it has been for several years. As I went to put it in reverse it rolled down the incline. Tried several times to put the car in reverse but each time it rolled down the incline. After almost hitting my backyard fence I cut the car off and called in late for work. I realize all cars have things that might have to be replaced or worked on but given the number of complaints of this same issue among this make/model/year with transmission problems Ford should make this right with people who trusted the company enough to buy their product. Many complaints have caused near accidents. I could have ended up destroying my fence and entering the creek that runs along my backyard. My mechanic said this was a defect in the transmission involving the torque converter. Ford please pay for the defect in your product so I can trust you again.

The contact owns a 2003 Ford Taurus. The contact stated that while stopped, the engine rpms abnormally increased and the vehicle would not accelerate as the engine roared loudly. The contact was able to coast onto the road shoulder. The vehicle was towed to the dealer where a diagnostic was performed and the failure was located at the torque converter. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure. The failure and current mileage was 107, 000. Updated 12/04/lj updated 12/6/2013.

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.

Tl-the contact owns a 2003 Ford Taurus. The contact stated while driving approximately 55 mph the engine began to rev and the transmission responded as though it were in the neutral position. There was no warning indicators illuminated on the instrument panel. The vehicle was maneuvered to the side of the road. The vehicle was towed to an independent mechanic and currently being diagnosed. The mechanic informed 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. Js.

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 146,000.

2003 Ford Taurus. Consumer writes in regards to transmission problems. Consumer sent additional correspondence. 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.

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.

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.

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 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. Kmj.

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?.

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!.

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!.

Car was slowly approaching red signal at major busy traffic intersection. While car was still moving, signal turned green. But, with neither unusual sounds nor other advance warnings, the engine lost all ability to transmit power to the transmission, creating an urgent emergency situation for safely transiting the intersection as well as bringing the car to a full controlled stop out of way of considerable fast moving traffic. Then had to deal with my visually-handicapped wife and significant foodstuffs just purchased, plus tow arrangements to our Ford dealer. Ford service determined cause clearly resulted from catastrophic failure of faulty torque converter because of stripped splines. Repairs cost over $1,300 just for torque converter replacement. However, transmission could still fail suddenly from undiscovered internal damage caused by broken torque converter, requiring significant additional cost for rebuilt transmission. Now, it's like a "russian roulette" experience each time we get in the car, something two elderly seniors really are not well-equipped to deal with!.

As I accelerated after stopping at a stop sign , there was a noise, the car coasted a short distance and stopped. I could not put the car in drive or reverse. I had no warning of this failure, no slippage or noises, and had I been in traffic, I would surely have been hit in the rear by any car behind me. I understand this is a common problem with the Taurus and shudder to think how many accidents may have been caused by similar failures. I am the original owner of this vehicle and have religiously followed Ford's recommendations for service. I realize this is a 2003 vehicle, but with only 52,000 miles I did not expect this failure. I received estimates up to $2600 to repair, but was told by one knowledgeable and honest mechanic, that the torque converter is usually the cause of transmission failure in a car with low mileage, dismantling proved the converter to be the problem. By rebuilding my transmission I saved a substantial sum, but this information is not easily available to consumers; leading many to spend more money than necessary to repair. Although well past any warranty, I do feel the transmission was inferior. This repair might have been covered if I were a high mileage driver.

The contact owns a 2003 Ford Taurus. The contact stated that the vehicle would lose power without warning. The vehicle was towed to a local mechanic and a diagnostic was performed. The failure was located as the transmission torque converted having failed due to defective material. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was not contacted. The VIN was not available. The approximate failure and current mileage was 69,000.

The contact owns a 2003 Ford Taurus station wagon. The contact was entering a parking space when the vehicle stalled on without warning. The vehicle was taken to a local mechanic who diagnosed that the torque converter and pump shaft failed. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The vehicle was in the process of being repaired. The failure and the current mileage was approximately 159,000. The VIN was unavailable.

The contact owns a 2003 Ford Taurus. The contact stated the transmission failed on the vehicle without warning. The contact stated there was no slippage or leaks coming from the transmission. The vehicle was inspected by the dealer and it was determined the torque converter failed and needed to be replaced. The contact stated the failure was a manufacturers defect. The failure and current mileage was 93,400.

My 2003 Ford Taurus has 39,464. I got in it to go to work, started it, put it in reverse and car would not move. I tried drive and nothing. I have been doing research on this problem, and find this issue is very common in the 03 Taurus, and other Ford vehicles with this transmission. I was lucky enough not to be driving when this happened, as a lot of the people I have read about. The problem being a defective torque converter. I understand that you opened an investigation in July of 2009, with aprrox. 3000 reports of this part failing. Ford needs to have a recall on these parts, before someone is killed. This is my first step in complaining about this matter, but it is not my last.

The contact owns a 2003 Ford Taurus. The contact was driving 20 mph when the vehicle became resistant to acceleration attempts. The vehicle was towed to an automotive shop where it was diagnosed that the torque converter failed. The vehicle was repaired with a new torque converter and input shaft. The failure mileage was 78,000 and the current mileage was 85,000. Updated 03/28/12 updated 04/09/12.