Automatic Transmission Torque Converter problems of the 2003 Ford Taurus - part 2

The contact owns a 2003 Ford Taurus. The contact was driving approximately 15 mph in a parking lot and upon depressing the accelerator pedal, the transmission unexpectedly failed to respond. The vehicle was being towed to an independent mechanic for diagnosis. The contact stated the failure was related to the torque converter which was a common issue. The manufacturer was not made aware of the defect. The approximate failure mileage was 55,000. The VIN was unavailable.

Driving 2003 Ford Taurus in heavy traffic on overpass champaign illinois. Rpm's soared and drivetrain completely stopped moving car forward. We coasted to safe parking. Had car towed to transmission mechanic and he stated that Ford should be ashamed of themselves and to keep the receipt of what I had paid in excess of $1200 for new torque converter. I have exact dates in September 2011 to include full receipts in storage at this time. Had I not been as skilled a driver, many could have died in such abrupt drivetrain failure, no warning!!!!!! we want a full refund for want we had to pay, to include towing. We have moved from illinois to florida, I am on disability and would appreciate some attention to such a large amount we had to pay for such a dangerous condition. Please contact me if you need additional information and copies of our receipts from the reputable mechanic. Thank you.

Tl-the contact owns a 2003 Ford Taurus. The contact was driving 60 mph when the vehicle stalled. The contact merged the vehicle to the shoulder. The engine was still running but the vehicle would not shift into gear. The vehicle was towed and a mechanic informed the contact that the torque converter would need replacing. The dealer was not contacted and the manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was 70,000. Kmj.

Driving along on my way to work, on major highway (rt. 95, ewing, NJ) slightly over 65 mph speed limit and all of a sudden engine starts racing. No bang, clang or boom sounds. I reduced pressure on gas pedal to stop racing engine. Tried to press again to resume speed, but no reaction but racing engine again. Pulled over to right shoulder through 2 lanes of traffic in morning rush hour and stopped. Tried car in all gears (including reverse), only reaction was like car was in neutral, no gears worked. Called for a tow. Mechanic said it was major transmission failure (torque converter broke and a pump?) in my 2003 Ford Taurus with 102k miles. I was lucky I had enough speed to maneuver my way across the highway to the shoulder.

While accelerating from a stop at a red light, vehicle shuddered a little as if transmission shifter was bumped out of gear. Vehicle coasted to a stop through the intersection. No motion was found by selecting other gears. Vehicle was towed to transmission shop and trans failure confirmed. Torque converter failure, tc bearing failure, boost pump failing and check valves out of specification. $1,800 in repair costs. I know of many people with failed Ford transaxle failures before 75k miles. . . .

On the above date the transaxle in this car quit working. The torque converter broke a gear. It is my understanding this is prevalent in the 2003 Ford Taurus and the 2003 windstar vans. Ford recalled the windstars but not the Taurus'. I had it ,the transaxle,rebuilt and put only 3000 to 3200 miles from the date of this repair. About 5 weeks ago the same thing happened. It is my understanding this is a prevalent problem with these vehicles. Now in regards to the lighting, the manufacturers should take the responsibility of replacing those damned "yellowed" out headlight lense on just about 99% of the cars that have them. This should be a major recall due to the hazard they can cause while driving at night. We the american people cannot afford the cost to replace this dangerous unsafe features on almost all vehicles produced by all auto manufacturers since the 90's.

On the date above and then again on Feb,2015 the transaxle quit working, it would not go anywhere. Had it rollbacked to my house both times at a cost of $50 per tow. The cost to repair and or replace the transaxle was :2011: $1,400; 2015: $1,700. The car at the 2nd. Rework/exchange (the trans shop replaced rather than rebuild mine) had only 125,000 miles. It is my understanding the transaxles in these generation Ford Tauruses were prone to transaxle failure, as were the Ford windstars as both vehicles used the same transaxle. Upon studying up on these problems it seems Ford motor CO. Recalled the windstar and called it a bad torque converter causing the problems. Why did they not recall the Tauruses also, answer: amount of vehicles produced of each model and their feet were not "held to the fire" by ya'll and our gov. . Now to get to the lighting problem: the most safety hazardous item which has been installed on vehicles in the last 15-20 years is those damned "plastic lensed headlights" that within 3 years will "fog over" to the extent they do not produce enough light to be usefull at night. Oh they say you can clean them, of which I have tried on my Taurus, to not much avail. I believe the auto manufacturers should be ordered thru a recall from you to replace them at no cost to us owners. If you will check, you will see a replacement of those "wunderfull" invention , known as bullcrap, lens will set an owner of the vehicles around $500 to $700 per pair installed. And must be adjusted by a dealers only equipment. I my self do not believe in todays world 125,000 - 129,000 miles is a lot. If the truth were known the "yellowed out" headlights have been the cause of a lot of nite time accidents. Do your job and go after them and make them replace with new transaxles and torque converters and at the same time make them replace the yellowed out headlight lenses.

The contact owns a 2003 Ford Taurus. While the contact was driving approximately 15 mph, the transmission suddenly failed to respond. The vehicle was towed to an independent mechanic for diagnostic testing where the technician stated there was a faulty torque converter input shaft. The vehicle was in the process of being repaired. The manufacturer was made aware of the defect. The failure mileage was 58,000. Updated 07/20/lj.

The torque converter on my 2003 Taurus ses completely and immediately stopped working - the engine would rev but I was unable to engage any of the gears.

I was driving I-75n, got off at my exit and switched lanes as the light was turning from red to green. Just as I got under the light, my car would not accelerate. It was in gear, but the engine would only rev (as if it were in neutral). I put on my hazards, restarted the car to no avail. Called 911 and reported what had happened. A kind (and brave) stranger was able to push my car safely through the intersection and to the shoulder where I parked and waited for a tow-truck and friend to pick me up. Had it towed to pepboys (they don't work on transmissions) had it towed to aamco and subsequently cottman transmissions where it sits now. Parts and labor are estimated at $2331. Many, many other similar accounts from other 2003 Ford Taurus owners. Should be a recall on the failing torque converters. And the stickler is, I just had an oil change at my local Ford dealership and they told me my car was in great condition. There was nothing to worry about. You can only imagine how relieved I was hearing that from the manufacturer.

Tl- the contact owns a 2003 Ford Taurus. The contact stated that while driving 65 miles per hour, the vehicle would stall without warning at any time. The contact would have to restart the vehicle for the vehicle to perform normally. The dealer was not contacted. The manufacturer stated that the symptoms were similar to the NHTSA campaign id number: 12v006000 (power train:automatic transmission:torque converter) recall, but the VIN was not associated. The manufacturer denied any assistance with repair to the failure. The vehicle was not repaired. The failure mileage was 80,000 and the current mileage was 82,000. The VIN was unavailable. Nw.

Without any warning my gas pedal of my vehicle stopped working. I was driving down the road - the car jerked and then nothing. The car would not go into gear. I had to roll and then push my vehicle to the side of the road. Thank god there was no one behind me or I would of been hit - it was very scary. Turns out it was the torque converter. Had to wait for aaa and then get my car towed to transmission place. They replaced and it cost me $1,133. 58.

Coming into town at highway speeds, slowed down to 30 mph and then nothing the splines in the torque converter stripped out and I lost power to the wheels. Couldn't go forward or backward. Ford does have a recall for newer vehicles but not on my model. My Ford dealer says they have done a number of these repairs on older models as well.

Stopped at stop sign and car wouldn't accelerate or go into any gear. Trouble shot problem as being the torque converter.

I was driving 55 mgh down the highway, when without warning, the engine started to rev, but my car wound not go forward. Coasted to a stop and tried all gears but it just would not move. It was a very hot day, and I was in an area without cell service to call for a tow. It was the torque converter. $1400 to replace. My car only has 76354 miles on it. I have learned that this is a very common problem with 2003 Taurus'.

The contact owns a 2003 Ford Taurus. While merging onto the highway at 70 mph, the speedometer began rapidly decreasing. The vehicle stalled. The vehicle was towed to the contacts place of residence. The vehicle was inspected by the an independent mechanic who advised that the torque converter was defective. The manufacturer advised the contact that the vehicle was not under recall and did not provide any further assistance. The vehicle was not repaired. The failure and current mileages were 61,000.

My wife's 2003 Ford Taurus with 58,000 miles had the torque converter spline gear,that was not heat treated properly. Fail. Just out of nowhere. It happened at an intersection. No forward or reverse. This could have been deadly. This is a very common problem, and we feel a recall is in order. Thank you.

My wife turned right from a two lane county road onto a four lane us hwy. The car went into neutral as trucks and cars flew past her. She thankfully got off the road and walked back to the nearest store for help. The car was towed to a transmission shop where we were told it was the torque converter and input shaft. The estimate was $1800. The car has over 80k miles and the transmission fluid and filter had been changed at 30k and 60k miles as factory recommended. Due to the severity of the intersection where northbound us hwys 441 & 301 split, the speed where traffic changes lanes due to their inability to read signs and then a car stranded in the middle of traffic death easily could have been the outcome.

I was coming home from work and had just started up an incline after stopping at a stoplight at one of the busiest intersections in st. Louis (hwy 64 & lindbergh). As I tried to accelerate, I heard an awful noise and realized I didn't have any power. There were no warning signs. . . . Just gone! luckily, I was able to immediately pull off/coast into a nearby mall's parking lot (plaza frontenac). When I got to a stop, I put the car in park, then proceeded to try all the gears on the gearshift. No difference between them. . . . They all seemed like neutral. I kept the car running, checked the transmission fluid, and noticed some grey/black in with the pink (just on the edges). Once my husband got there, he verified he thought the grey was from metal shavings from the transmission. I had this happen to my 1997 Dodge avenger (transmission gave out at 37k on busy highway at rush hour), so I knew the signs. After having aaa tow my car to a transmission repair shop, we waited for the verdict. It will be at least $1600 to rebuild the transmission. This will include the torque converter. The shop says they will also replace some of the other weak parts the Taurus is known for in their transmissions. The car is a 2003 Ford Taurus ses with 115k on it. I've had it since brand new and can't believe all of the complaints online, especially in regards to the 2003 Taurus. Why hasn't there been a recall?!? I don't currently have the car or my insurance info. On me to supply the VIN number. . . .

Driving car to the store and came out our car would not move. Ran fine but would not go into gear. Mechanic said our torque converter went out. They see about 2-3 Taurus's a month with the same problem. Cost around $800. 00 to fix. Needs recalled considering all the complaints I've been reading with the same problem.

2003 Ford Taurus lx -without any warning the automatic transmission ceased to function. This car had 40,500 miles on it. I stepped on the gas and the car felt like it was in neutral. I have since found that this is a common problem with this car and that some people were traveling at 70 mph on a busy highway when this occured. This could have been a deadly accident on a busy highway or anywhere in heavy traffic. My mechanic told me that the torque converter splines were totally worn out. This at just over 40,000 miles! my car is in for oil change and safety check every 3,000 miles and this is something that cannot be detected. However, Ford motor company, from what I understand, is aware of this problem and there has been no recall or publicity regarding this. This was a $1300 fix.

Drove my car home from work , went out the next morning and started so it would be warmed up . . I was taking my son to school. We went out got in the car, I put in drive it would not move. . Put in reverse . . Nothing. I had to call someone to take my son to school, had my car towed to Ford dealer. They removed the transmission and told me the torque converter was bad . . Going to be at least 1,000 dollars to fix it . . . I bought the extended warranty but it ran out 10,000 miles prior to this happening. I had no signs or warnings anything was wrong with my car.

Ford Taurus, has many problems. My Ford has had to have the transmission rebuilt as well as problems with the blower motor on the heater/ac. Transmission rebuild job consisted of new torque converter as well as new clutch bands, the splines were striped. As far as the blower, the motor made a noise for about a week and then stopped. If ya'll would research these issues you will find that these problems are a recurring issues with the 03 models and the others with this tranny, and blower. Hope you do something on behalf of the consumer.

In October of 2008, my 2003 Ford Taurus ses suddenly lost the ability to move while I was driving in heavy traffic. The torque converter had to be replaced - the vehicle had 41,086 miles on it at the time. Cost of repair was $1260. 96.

While driving at 65 mph in busy early am traffic I heard a noise & the car was losing speed. I pushed on accelerator it would not move. Barely got off to the side. The car did not work in any gear. Only 59000 miles and had been serviced regularly. No abuse. Towed to Ford dealership in fort mill,SC. Told me the car was not under warranty and torque converter was bad plus transmission was likely damaged . Have to rebuild whole transmission. Called Ford motor customer service & asked for some help since the mileage was so low & the car not paid for. After 2 days said nothing they would do. The bill was $3500 plus $250 diagnostic and $80 towing. I am single, had 2 more years to pay on the car. I was just about to let the bank fight it out with Ford. I called amoco and they t will fix for approximately . $1650. So I am having it repaired. Ford had transmission problems in the cars and trucks for more than a decade. Many circulated on the internet with transmission stories. I will never buy another Ford. Could not believe they wouldn't at least pay for parts. I am going to file complaints against Ford everywhere I could . I was going to the local tv station and tell my story. Plus I will never miss a day telling everyone I meet or talk with folks countrywide at my job about this experience, and Fords lack of concern. I could have been killed . It would have been better for Ford to have helped with the cost, than have me as their worst advisory. I will never quit telling my story. I will make a big impact in their already sagging sales. It will take me years to pay this off & could happen again with this transmission type. If Ford wants to retain their honor& stop my telling the story, then they can do the honorable thing & help with their mess. I can cost them a lot more than a couple of thousand dollars.

Interstate driving at 65 mph the transmission suddenly failed on 2003 Taurus with 53,000 miles. All gears reacted like neutral. Towed to transmission shop, and was diagnosed t as torque converter and gasket failures. Rebuilt transmission installed at $1500.

2003 Ford Taurus sel. 78k miles in great overall condition and no history of serious problems. While driving on the highway at 60 mph the car's transmission suddenly disengaged like it was in neutral. I coasted towards the right shoulder and tried cycling the shifter from neutral to drive. No success. The transmission would shift through the gears but the gears were not engaging. This happened without warning. No noises, no bucking, no indication that anything was wrong. Was a very dangerous situation to have happen on a major highway. Had the car towed 80 miles to my house for a cost of 400. 00. The trans needs a new torque converter. Estimate at 1850. 00. Don't have old parts. Have hundreds of exactly the same issue with the same year and model car. Ford really needs to pony up and make this right.

2003 Ford Taurus has a bad torque converter and transmission. Consumer states that the transmission and torque converter needs to be replace and the vehicle has less than 60,000 miles on it but Ford will not do anything about it.