8.5

pretty bad
Typical Repair Cost:
$1,500
Average Mileage:
98,050 miles
Total Complaints:
11 complaints

Most common solutions:

  1. replaced torque converter (9 reports)
  2. not sure (2 reports)
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problem #11

Mar 212017

Taurus SES

  • Automatic transmission
  • 79,000 miles

From what I have been told the torque convertors on these cars are known for going out. Seems like Ford would fix that problem.

- Kristi Q., Otwell, US

problem #10

Feb 122009

Taurus SE 3.0L V6

  • Automatic transmission
  • 165,000 miles

The odd thing is that this car was performing well. I truly liked the Ford Taurus, because as other cars were shedding their interior space to be like a cockpit, the Taurus allowed me to get in an out without wrenching a knee or back, and front-seat occupants didn't have to fight over the center console space.

The other annoying this is that Ford fixed this on my wife's van (2004 Ford Freestar) even after the warrantly period had expired, but I had to pay!

Am I angry, you betcha!!

- Jerome L., State College, PA, US

problem #9

Mar 072015

Taurus

  • Automatic transmission
  • 106,000 miles

I love my used Taurus, but a needing a new transmission just slightly after 100,000 miles? I have been reading that this is a trend and makes me think it was an inferior product. I desperately hope, replacing the transmission was a good decision and that I get many, many more miles from my car.

- riverlady241, Brick, NJ, US

problem #8

Aug 132013

Taurus SES 3.0L

  • Automatic transmission
  • 89,000 miles

225 miles away from home when the Torque Converter failed. They knew that this year had a problem with the heat treating on the Torque Converter Spline. If I did not know what the problem was several garages tried to quote me $ 3500.00 but I knew what the problem was and took it to a Transmission shop and told them what was wrong so I got by with $ 1,025.00, BUT THAT IS LIFE CHANGING TO TRY TO COME UP WITH THAT MUCH MONEY

- kjmead, Ludington, MI, US

problem #7

Sep 072012

Taurus SES 3.0L V6

  • Automatic transmission
  • 110,250 miles

Obviously I am not the only one who has a '04 Taurus trans problem. I was driving home Friday night during a heavy rain when the CHECK TRANSMISSION message came on. the engine did not rev or stop driving but when I stopped at a stop sign and started again it wold not shift out of second gear. I nursed it home, pulled into the driveway and turned it off. When I turned it back on, it took 15 seconds before the CHECK TRANSMISSION came back on. My cousin is a mechanic at a dealership and was able to get a diagnostic scanner to read the computer codes. He said his friend said they were notorious for torque converter issues and the codes said it was the torque converter was the problem. My family has been longtime die-hard Ford lovers but have this Taurus issue and a 2004 F150 (bought new $28k) sitting waiting to be parted out with engine, trans and rear end bad. FORD SAID I HAD TO WORK WITH THE DEALERSHIP TO RESOLVE BAD DESIGN ISSUES! The dealership went bankrupt. When is Ford going to wake up and take care of those dedicated customers?

- mitchs, Okeana, OH, US

problem #6

Nov 172012

Taurus 3.0L V6

  • Automatic transmission
  • 72,436 miles

The wife and I were driving down the highway and suddenly there was no forward gears and the tac went up to 4,000,and there was no reverse either. We had to have the car towed. Turns out the splines in the torque converter that drive the transmission oil pump stripped out. In my opinion the splines are obviously too thin from the factory since every taurus from that year has this problem. Ford should have fixed ths issue with a recall since they are aware of the problem. In my opinion it comes down to this they care more about their wallets than their customers.

- Jeff G., Lewistown, PA, US

problem #5

Jan 122011

Taurus V6

  • Automatic transmission
  • 80,000 miles

I was driving down I-55 just south of St. Louis, MO during evening rush hour. Traffic was moving at around 75-80 MPH when my car suddenly felt as if it had gone into neutral. I was in the passing lane, and there was no shoulder on that side of the interstate. I had to suddenly move across the right lane of traffic to get to the right-side shoulder -- with absolutely NO acceleration! I was incredibly lucky that there was a small opening in the otherwise very heavy and fast-moving traffic. This could easily have become a serious accident. I was 60 miles from home, had to wait for a ride as traffic flew past me (keep in mind that this was January in STL, and it was very cold outside) and have the car towed back to my hometown. Repair costs were $1950, not including towing.

- milli, Colorado Springs, CO, US

problem #4

Jul 062012

Taurus SE 3.0L V6

  • Automatic transmission
  • 61,127 miles

My wife was heading home from work on Friday when all of a sudden during acceleration from a stop light, the car felt like it shifted into neutral. She was able to coast onto a side street and called me to ask what to do. We had it towed to our very trustworthy Ford Dealer and they told us on the Monday morning that the torque converter needed to be replaced. Now I was ok with this until she told me what the cost was and then she said that this was a very common thing that happens in this vehicle. Now I have to say that since we have owned the car it has been great. Just minor issues that I would expect in any vehicle. In fact I have always been a Mopar guy. This is the very first Ford I have owned and felt that this would not be my last. But having this issue has made me think again about my selection of car company that I may use. I understand that every company has issues, but it is how they handle those issues that is important. If you have made a mistake, admit to it and offer some kind of fix to the problem. I am not saying you have to come to the plate with a 100% fix but at least offer to cover a portion, like paying for the part and having the customer pay for the labour.

I am not sure if I will buy another Ford but I can tell you that I am very happy with the service that I receive from our the local Ford dealer close to my work. I am in charge of a fleet of vehicles of which we have several Ford and Dodge trucks. Hands down the local Ford dealer is number one in service. Ford needs to come to the plate with at least admitting that there is a problem with these torque converters before someone gets stranded, hurt, or killed because what they felt was a car with no issues, has one that comes with no warnings!

- Jeff D., St. Thomas, Ontario, canada

problem #3

Jun 082011

Taurus SES 3.0L

  • Automatic transmission
  • 85,000 miles

My wife was driving with all 3 of my kids and (1) infant when the car lost all power in traffic close to my house. She was able to avoid getting hit by going off the road into a front yard. She said the loss of all power came unexpectedly and was a frightening experience knowing faster cars were behind her. The car will start, and the linkage can go through all of its travel (gears) but there is no power to wheels in any direction. This rules out several things and my assumption is the well documented torque converter failure. Have ordered a new one for $200 and will be repairing myself as this car is not worth investment and we feel this defect will persuade buyers from paying the expected market value. Very upset FORD is not backing this up similar to other vehicles. There is a video on Youtube from a transmission expert explaining this.

- David W., Levittown, NY, US

problem #2

Apr 222012

Taurus ES 3.0L

  • Automatic transmission
  • 111,225 miles

Like many other faithful Ford owners.Not my first,my (4th )...but will be my last. The best part before my torque converter failed. I took my car for a fall tune up. I spent $300.00 at a FORD DEALER SHIP, they gave me the wrong spark plugs and a new fuel filter. I had to pay for,and change my own spark plugs.This sad Ford dealership,only gave me a $56.00 refund...which did not even cover the cost of my new plugs.Placed a call to Ford Canada,guess how helpful they were...NOT? Thanks to Ford Canada for selling us all such good quality products.Change your logo.Quality and Ford should never be used in the same sentence.

- rhiannonalberta, Hanna, Alberta, Canada

problem #1

Dec 132011

Taurus SE 3.0L V6

  • Automatic transmission
  • 119,500 miles

Cruising on I35 @ 70 MPH and engine suppenly over revs, just like shifting to neutral. No previous problems. Fluid checked normal. Could no longer engage any gear. After towing to Ford Dealership, found torque converter had failed and was replaced. $1,400. After doing a little research, I find I have lots of company.

- Fred D., Lakeville, MN, US