Transmission Fluid Leaking problems of the 2003 Ford Taurus

While my vehicle was in cruise control at 68 mph on a 3 lane highway, the vehicle without any warning began to quickly loose speed and the ability to keep pace with surrounding traffic. The transmission became unresponsive and the vehicle lost the ability to accelerate and function in a safe manner. I quickly and unknowingly dropped below the safe driving speed for the highway and posed a safety risk to myself and of the drivers on the road around me. In the course of rapid deceleration I was almost struck in the rear by a vehicle that was not made aware of my loss of speed, as I did not apply the brakes. As soon as possible and as to not further endanger those around me; I turned on my hazard lights and relied on evasive driving to coast the vehicle to the safety of the shoulder. Once off the highway, motor responded but none of the gears (reverse, overdrive, 1st, or 2nd) would engage. The car had no warning lights, service lights, or check engine signals illuminate on the instrument panel and there are no fluid leaks or outward appearance of any broken components. This sudden malfunction has rendered my vehicle barely functional and not safely maneuverable.

My wife was driving the car with one of our grandkids in the back seat. She pulled off a main road to a side street, she went about 50 yards and the car stopped going forward. The engine was running fine, but there was no drive from the transmission no mater which gear she put it into. Evidently the transmission failed without any prior indication such as leaked transmission fluid, a trouble light indication and no sound. This is indeed a safety issue because if it had failed in the intersection there was a possibility of an accident. I am extremely upset and disappointed with Ford's handling of this failure of there product.

Sitting at a stop light. Car would rev when light turned green but no acceleration. Pushed it to the side of the road. No warning lights, no slipping of gears, no fluid leaking no sounds or jerky feelings. Called Ford and got a case number, but they are no help. Contacted clark howard, consumer advocate and he advised me to contact Ford. Found 299 complaints of the same problem on carcomplaints. Com and same problems on autosafety. Org. I was told by Ford that the transmission is out of warranty. I said I would help with cost but feel Ford should take responsibility. Are they waiting for a fatality?.

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 tranmission 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 torq 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 torq converter. He told me that the same transmission and torq 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.

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.

Driving down the highway on Nov. 24, 2011 and all of a sudden car lost driving power. Coasted to the side of the road and can not drive car. Will not drive, reverse, nothing. Car turns on but will not drive. Transmission fluid is red and does not appear to be leaking.

Car had a large leak of transmission fluid on the driveway. There was not any trouble with shifting gears but a whine, at times. Tried to take it to the dealer this past Monday at 10am. They were closed due to storm damage and electricity outages starting Sunday afternoon. Was referred to transmission company. Told it is a known problem at about 60,000 miles (I'm at little more than 58,000). The pressure inside changes and computer makes changes that then causes the fluid to rise through the vent. I'm been told it is going to be $1,816. 96 repair and three days without a vehicle. The repair shop is rebuilding the existing transmission. Technician stated unsure why Ford has not had a recall on this.