I was driving my 2000 Ford Taurus SE home. At the intersection of columbia and meridian roads South of meridian, Idaho I pulled out from columbia and turned North onto a busy meridian road. I heard a clunk and I thought the car had popped out of gear. I coasted to the side of the road and found the car would not go in any gear except reverse. I felt fortunate that I was not rear ended because of the amount of traffic that day. I had the Taurus towed to aamco transmission. Their diagnosis was transmission failure and I had them repair the transmission which included a rebuilt torque converter, new bands, sprag clutch/low clutch, rear sun gear & drum, boost valve, pressure control solenoid, assembly set, filter and fluids. The mileage at the time of the failure was 61,841 and the bill came to $2,162.90 less $100 because I had a coupon. My car has the axod type transmission. Ford has a 36,000 mile warranty so this was not covered however I think this was much to soon for a transmission to fail. I had the transmission serviced before the recommended specifications. Thank you, [xxx]. information redacted pursuant to the Freedom Of Information Act (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6).

- Boise, ID, USA

Vehicle is having problems with the transmission. The vehicle failed to move forward, except while in 1st gear. Provide further details.

- Detroit, MI, USA

Transmission and torque converter had to be replaced at 53K miles.

- Rochester, NY, USA

While driving the vehicle's fuel pump failed. As a result the engine stalled and the vehicle was almost hit by passing 18 wheeler. The vehicle's transmission valve body failed while the vehicle was still under a 32000 mile warranty.

- Boyertown, PA, USA

Brake light and shift interlock failure had been recalled once and 'fixed' in 2002; switch failed again and replaced again.

- Charlottesville, VA, USA

My 2000 Ford Taurus was out of warranty (53,000 miles) when the transmission and torque converter had to be replaced. I wrote to william clay Ford, jr. Office and was told in a nice way "too bad so sad" it's out of warranty. And people wonder why its so difficult to stay loyal to american products" the foreign vehicles are warranted 5-10 years, we must know ours are only good for 3 years and only warranty them for 3 years. I had hoped to get at least 1/2 of my $2,000 bill reimbursed. No chance of that. Between what I owe and just put into the car, I'm in a no win situation. In one year this new transmission will be out of warranty. Do I dare keep the junker Ford"

- Rochester, NY, USA

The consumer was unable to turn the key in the ignition switch, and to shift the transmission out of the park position. The brake light had become inoperative. The brake lights had come on and stayed on after wiggling the brake switch, it started to work (for 6 months), then on another occasion, the consumer's wife attempted to start the ignition switch and it locked after many attempts and was able to start, but the transmission was locked in park.

- Tequesta, FL, USA

Purchased a 2000 Ford Taurus in 2001 with 22,479 miles, now has approximately 43,000 miles. On Sept. 27th, when wife of the I was backing up out of a parking space the steering wheel began to vibrate and stopped backing up. It took about three attempts for the car to reverse successfully. I took the car to the dealer and concluded that the damage was caused by the O-ring seal when inspected; in addition, the dealer found damage on rear piston, torque converter, and four other parts of the vehicle. I am seeking reimbursement from Ford Motor Company for the replacement and/or repairs of the damaged components of the vehicle.

- Pinellas Park, FL, USA

While driving the driver noticed smoke coming from the rear of vehicle. The driver stopped and saw smoke coming from the tail pipe and fluid dripping under the vehicle. An independent mechanic informed the consumer that the transmission case cracked and replaced it.

- Crystal, MN, USA

While driving the automatic transmission went out of gear in the middle of an intersection. The transmission would only go into reverse. This failure was caused due to inadequate lubrication of the transmission when manufactured.

- Kernersville, NC, USA

Vehicle wouldn't shift out of gear. Dealer provided the consumer with a new wiring harness. Brake lights don't work, and vehicle still won't shift out of gear.

- Wauwatosa, WI, USA

While traveling on the highway and without prior warning applied the gear in drive and vehicle went into reverse, causing an accident.

- Loudon, TN, USA

The transmission made a whinning noise. The vehicle was transported to a dealership, and the consumer was told a new transmission was needed.

- Home, PA, USA

My 2000 Taurus required a major repair before it was 2 yrs. Old. The trans. Had to be overhauled. The torque converter could not stand the heat per the repair person. Ford co. Was contacted but refused to reimburse me for $1,985. Their reason was because I did not choose to have the work done at a Ford shop. The Ford quote was $1,000 higher than a non-Ford shop. Since when should a customer be punished for mitigating damages" I did have a Ford shop analyze the problem initially, but at that time had no assurance that Ford would reimburse me, so why should I sign up to pay Ford's high repair costs" the aluminum parts being used in the trans. Can't stand heat and therefore fail. Ford needs to admit poor quality and recall them. ***dimsii IVOQ entry posted after 12/12/02 cut-over to artemis****770821***

- San Juan Bautista, CA, USA

The transmission shut down while crossing a busy intersection. The transmission now works only in the reverse gear.

- Robbinsville, NJ, USA

The transmission failed to shift properly. While the vehicle was under warranty, the dealer stated there was no problem, however after the warranty expired, the dealer stated the transmission needed to be replaced.

- Croydon, PA, USA

Tires: Reported vibration, shimmy and pulling to the left. Took to dealer 6/24/2000 (1829) miles, balanced tires. On 11/14/2000 (9061)miles, 04/23/2001 (12871) balanced tires. Finally, 5/25/2001 (14518) replaced two front tires. Vibration and shimmy stopped but kept pulling to the left. On 10/10/2001 (23876) miles, charged me for alignment, car stopped pulling. Transmission: At approximately 40800 miles car had a noticeable shudder while going in reverse. Took to the dealer and was told it was a cracked casing as noted in tsb 15559 NHTSA number (630095) caused by miss manufacture of a part. Was informed dealer or Ford Motor Co. Would not assist with repair cost to exceed $1495. Brakes: Reported brake problem on 5/25/2001 and 10/10/2001 when it was server, shaking and control problems when stopping. Dealer cut front rotors which was out of spec.- problem is back. Fuel: Have smelled gas in my car many times. Bought to dealers attention and of course could not find anything. Car is to have 18 gal. Tank but runs out of gas before that. Gas gauge reads empty at 12 gal. And was told it was built to be that way. Several complaints filed with you also describe my problems. ODI numbers 760669, 896396, 897642 and 862471 are some. **dimsii IVOQ entry posted after 12/12/02 cut over to artemis**769760

- Pittsford, NY, USA

The steering wheel vibrated at speeds of 40-50 mph. Also the automatic transmission did not seem to engage in the correct gear.

- Baton Rouge, LA, USA

The car jerks and hesitates continuously.

- Eliot, ME, USA

Transaxle warning light came on so I took the car to local Ford service. They said the torque converter was "locked up and wouldn't turn" (even though I was able to drive the car in just fine!). they said the transmission had to be rebuilt. I got their estimate along with estimates from 2 other auto repair shops in town. I choose a transmission shop and had the car towed there. Their estimate was $1000 less than Ford service. The new mechanic said the problem is due to poor design using aluminum parts that can't take the heat. Ford refuses to reimburse me claiming the denial is due to my having the repair done by an independent trans. Shop and not at Ford service which would have cost me $1000 more. I'm denied reimbursement because I mitigated the damages. What ever happened to fairness and common sense?

- San Juan Bautista, CA, USA