"service engine soon" light came on (2nd time) first time Ford dealership did full transmission flush($125) to see if corrected problem. Two months later (on long drive), warning came on again. Took to dealership and said it was a transmission code that needed the transmission dropped to determine cause ($300). They told me that (even though the transmission was working ok) that the transmission was having a complete and total failure. All parts and components were either scorched or failed when tested and recommended a total rebuild ($2862) or purchase a Ford rebuilt one ($2756). I said this was unacceptable for a car with 39,400 miles on it. They said they could do nothing and I contacted Ford Motor Company. They sounded interested but would not back up their product due to being out of warranty. (so much for the quality one - customer care moto). Reading other complaints this is a very common problem in the Ford Taurus over the years. We had a 1994 Taurus that had transmission problems to the tune of $1,100. Needless to say this is my last Ford product and they wonder why people by foreign vehicles!. when I told the dealership to put the car back together that I can get a rebuilt transmission from 2 other transmission sources (used parts for $1400) or new rebuilt parts for $2030), they then said "let me see if there is any last thing my management will do" of course when put on the spot to lose business and respectability they lowered their price to $2281 for a Ford rebuilt one. I am still concerned since a lot of others say they had failures with their 2nd one too! it comes with a 3/36,000 warranty. I cannot believe that this day and age that the consumer should be responsible for the total repair costs when known defects occur. A safety recall should be looked into as some transmissions have separated and locked up causing immediate stoppage of vehicle like slamming on brakes.

- Davidsville, PA, USA

Have been leaking transmission fluid. Had the fittings replaced. Corrected problem for 1 day. Mechanic stated the transmission lines are leaking and will need replaced. We have been having difficulty locating the lines due to the fact that the part has been corrected several times and there is still a problem with the lines. Now I'm having problems with the transmission and shifting. The transmission is banging into gear. Bought the car used in 2000. When I changed the transmission fluid and filter discovered that the transmission is not the original. My car was manufacturedin September 1996 and the transmission, according to the numbers on it, was manufactured in 1998. Had a 1994 Taurus and the transmission completely went out of it and I traded in for this 1997. I will definitely not buy another Taurus or Ford product.

- Blairsville, PA, USA

The pump that is attached to the transmission is aluminum and is causing the part to fail and overheat. While the vehicle is in drive it will not move at all and will accelerate without prior warning.

- Carthage, MO, USA

Transmission failure, keeps slipping and shifting up and down while drivingat 65mph. It will shift down to second gear.

- Decatur, IL, USA

The transmission leaked a liquid substance which caused the vehicle to jerk and made the gears difficult to switch.

- Raleigh, NC, USA

1997 Taurus with 75000 miles, bought new. Transmission began slipping into neutral when coming to a stop. Then would either bang into gear when accelerating, or would have to place the car in park, turn off the engine, restart the engine, and place it in drive. Often all would be fine for 2-3 weeks, then the transmission would act up again. After three or four months of this the transmission began slipping when accelerating from a dead stop. There are no unusual noises, the transmission fluid is clean and full, and the transmission appears to shift fine once I get going. I called Ford Motor Company and they have no recalls or known defects (of course). The dealer urged me not drive the car and bring it into the shop right away. He said it would likely cost between $1300 and $2600 to repair.

- Jeffersonville, PA, USA

The forward clutch metal band gave out causing the transmission not to move or shift into gear. Please fill in additional information. Dealer is aware of the problem.

- Forest Pk, IL, USA

"service engine soon" light came on, then transmission failed. Dealer replaced transmission under service plan.

- Ocala, FL, USA

While traveling on the highway without prior warning the vehicle transmission slips the dealership is aware of the problem.,

- Mesa, AZ, USA

Transmission would intermittently slip from drive to neutral while driving. Dealer was notified, and unable to duplicate the problem.

- Springfield, IL, USA

Transmission was replaced on two separate occasions within 5 years. Transmission failed while driving at highway speed, and the problem reoccurred. Dealer and manufacturer were notified. Feel free to provide any further information.

- Hawthrone, CA, USA

The car slams into 1st gear from 2nd when slowing down, also when you put the car in reverse from the parked position, and sometimes from park to drive. The coolant resevior looks as though someone filled it with mud.

- Newalla, OK, USA

Consumer states vehicle is experiencing problems with the ax4N transmission. Dealer replaced transmission.

- Monte Vista, CO, USA

Without any indication vehicle jumped into neutral at highway speed. Dealer has been contacted.

- Dearborn, MI, USA

Would like to know the number of reported failures on this automatic transmission component for this model year vehicle.

- Elizabeth, NJ, USA

On 4 different occasions, when pulling out into traffic, or starting up from a red light in hot weather, while we were traveling on vacation, as I tried to accelerate, the RPM shot up to approximately to 4,200 RPM, the car would not accelerate. I had to let up on the accelerator and let the RPM drop down to about 2400 RPM, when I applied throttle slowly and the car slowly accelerated up to 55 miles per hour. This also happened when making a U turn and the car repeated the same action even while moving at slow speed. I took the car to the dealer and they road tested and put the car on the computer system and said they could not find any thing wrong with the car or transmission and that they contacted Ford motor and were told that they have no record of any serious problems with the transmission of the 1997 Taurus. I am very concerned for the safety of my wife and myself, as I was almost rear ended by a truck and a car on two occasions when the problem arose.

- Bluffton, SC, USA

While driving at highway speed, the transmission gear shifted and became stuck in first gear, vehicle would not go more than 10 mph. Dealer has been contacted. Transmission needs to be rebuilt. Consumer would like to know how many 1997 Ford tauruses have had this problem. (according to Ford dealer, there have been many)

- Elizabeth, NJ, USA

Consumer states vehicle is experiencing problems with the automatic transmission.

- Potomac Falls, VA, USA

4th gear would not engage. O/D off light flashed repeatedly. Though car was serviced one month previously and the transmission fluid was not burned, transmission disintegrated planetary gears. Metal chunks and burned fluid found when examined at the local Ford dealership. Obviously another 3.8L/Ford transmission defect failure as is well documented. Ford has been contacted about reimbursement of the repair costs but thus far has refused. When is anyone going to finally hold them accountable for this ongoing problem in tauruses throughout the 90's?.

- Redding, CA, USA

Upon acceleration automatic transmission will fail, resulting in vehicle slowly responding to accelerator application.

- Dallas, TX, USA