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CarComplaints.com Notes: Most people need a car where the coil springs don't puncture or shred tires while driving. The Taurus fails in that respect.

The 1999-2003 Ford Taurus has a huge problem with coil springs breaking, which can puncture or even shred tires while driving.

The US government spent THREE YEARS (2008-2011) investigating the 2002-2003 Taurus coil springs. Although Taurus/Sable from earlier years were recalled, ultimately the NHTSA did not force a recall. They determined that because there had been no deaths & very few bad crashes & injuries, the broken coil springs defect was no big deal & not a safety defect. Tell that to all the owners who had close calls...

9.0

really awful
Typical Repair Cost:
$1,720
Average Mileage:
114,800 miles
Total Complaints:
25 complaints

Most Common Solutions:

  1. replaced transmission (11 reports)
  2. not sure (10 reports)
  3. transmission rebuild (2 reports)
  4. replaced spline in torque converter (1 reports)
  5. sell car (1 reports)
2002 Ford Taurus transmission problems

transmission problem

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2002 Ford Taurus Owner Comments (Page 1 of 2)

problem #25

Nov 022023

Taurus SES 3.0L

  • Automatic transmission
  • 86,000 miles

A D V E R T I S E M E N T S

I am the 3rd owner on this car. I bought it to drive back a forth to work… I drive around 60 miles round trip to work 5 days a week. I had read about transmission problems with the Taurus’s. This is the second one we’ve owned. The 1st one had 140000 miles on it when we bought it but the transmission had been replaced before we bought it. It had 258000 miles on it when we sold it our nephew. Was till running strong was just concerned on the mileage on it. So I drove my Honda for a few months then bought this other Taurus. It only had 83000 on it when I bought it. Now it sitting in my driveway with a blown transmission. From what I gather it’s gonna cost about double what I paid for the car. Give me no sign or notice that it was going out!! Not happy about! I have to agree with all the other post on her Ford knew the problem with these transmissions and they should’ve made it right along time ago!! ?????

- dlcloy , Collinsville, US

problem #24

Feb 172017

Taurus SES 3.0L

  • Automatic transmission
  • 103,156 miles

Bought this car New in 2002. Of course everything happens after the factory warranty. That being said, now at about 103,000 miles and car won't move. Engine runs great, transmission NOT. No forward or reverse, occasionally after giving some gas it would lurch forward or backwards, now doing nothing. Used to like Fords but now I'm done. Not spending the money to fix the trans so will sell it as is. Rented a car dolly from U-Haul for $40.00 and had it brought down from sons campus at Hazleton to home in Coatesville Pa. Will sell it as is from here as title is in me and wife's name. No more Fords for this guy.

- Jack P., Coatesville, US

problem #23

Dec 072016

Taurus SES 3.0L V6

  • Automatic transmission
  • 65,000 miles

I have had this car from 2004. I had to repair the transmission on 3 occasions. I had it first done at the Ford Dealership at Gleenwood Brooklyn. I then took this car to Trinidad, where since October 2008, I have had to repair this transmission on 6 occasions so far. It is note worthy to mention that this transmission has always gone without any warning. It works fine and goes without any warning. Can any advise be given other than get rid of this lemon?

- Oliver M., Couva, Trinidad and Tobago

problem #22

Jul 302010

Taurus SE 3.0L V6

  • Automatic transmission
  • 40,000 miles

A D V E R T I S E M E N T S

Ford Taurus transmission failed at 40,000 miles at which point it was fixed by a Ford dealership. Transmission failed again at 80,000 miles. The transmission in these cars is a poor design, I would not recommend buying one. I cut my losses after the second failure and got rid of the car.

- Keith E., Aurora, CO, US

problem #21

May 012015

Taurus EX 3.0L V6

  • Automatic transmission
  • 156,000 miles

This was my only transportation and due to the illness of my wife, it really left us put out. I was unable to get her to her doctors appointment. She was admitted to the hospital where she stayed for several months I had no way of getting back and forth. I feared I wouldn't be able to get back to her if I was called.

I should have read all the reviews and complaint before I bought this car, I would never have spent my money on it. I'm still bumming rides. My wife has since passed away and I'm unable to afford car repairs or buy another at this time. The car has no movement in any gear. It shut down without any warning and that was it. There is no noise in the tranny when it's running, but won't move either.

Other than that, everything else works. I read where many other people had the same problem. Why has there been no recall? It's obvious it was a defect in the car when made. What has been done to date about this? What is the fix? How much are these people out for repairs. GM has stood behind their products. How come Ford won't? I would think the loss of business would be more substantial with a greater loss in revenue. I don't have respect for a company that won't stand behind what they sell. "We The People Of The United States, In Order To Form A More Perfect Union, Establish Justice and Insure Domestic Tranquility, DON'T BUY A FORD!" There is No American Pride in driving a FORD! You FORD should be ashamed!

- Marcus M., Arlington, TX, US

problem #20

Oct 132014

Taurus 3.2L V6

  • Automatic transmission
  • 130,000 miles

I don't even know where to start?? I bought the car in 2013 for $3500. 6 months later I'm driving on the Frwy and one of the Pistons breaks in half, I'm not kidding...in half. It went into the engine a blew a big hole in it. All the water flooded the engine. I replaced the engine. About 6 months later the tranny went out. This happened 2 weeks ago Oct/2014. Had to pay 1300 for that. And before the tranny problem I kept getting codes for the Cat converter (Bank 2) which is the hardest and most difficult to replace. I went to the muffler shop & they want 800 for the job. I have never in my life have had so many problems with a car. The Taurus is the biggest piece of crap car. I'm selling the piece of crap. Because of the Cat the car is running sh*tty right now & struggles going up hills. I think there's other problems with it as well. I don't even want to know...I'm selling it. This is the WORST car I have ever had in my life. Next time I'm gonna get a dependable car that lasts over 120k like a Nissan or Honda. Ford sucks.

- Ana M., San Pedro, CA, US

problem #19

Jul 042014

Taurus SE 3.0L

  • Automatic transmission
  • 94,248 miles

A D V E R T I S E M E N T S

what is the point of fixing my car if im only getting another 094.248 out of it? that means every year and a half it will need a new one. That is bullshit. I am a band mom - all over with my girls. It was 99 degrees when it left me and girls on side of the road. My 15 year old was bitching my ear off and my 6 year old was crying, "I'm hot, I want to go home." I was ready to blow my car up and I love to drive. Why doesn't ford do something about this? My car is still broke down because I am a single mom and can't afford to fix it, which is a shame because me and my girls loved my little car. It looks good and rides very comfortable and good on gas. If you have any tips on what to do please email me. I was going to junk yard and found two with 50.00 miles so that would give me 45.000 before it goes out again. That's maybe 5 or 6 months for me-not worth it. Thinking about scrapping it and getting something else. Thank you for listening. I really should be saying this to the ceo of ford company, and a few choice other words.

- musmeci, Denham Springs, LA, US

problem #18

Aug 242014

Taurus ES 3.2L V6

  • Automatic transmission
  • 80,000 miles

Last night I am driving home from work (some 42 miles one way) and all of a sudden I notice my RPM's going up and the car slowing down not responding to my foot on the pedal. Luckily I was on the highway doing 75 mph and the exit was just ahead. I was able to steer (more like glide) towards the exit and the gas station next to it. Once at the gas station, I placed the car on drive, neutral, second, first gear and reverse and the car did not respond. Needless to say I had to place THAT call and had the car towed to a service station 4 miles away.

The transmission never gave me a sign of trouble, and now I am just awaiting for the bad news of much is going to cost to get the darn thing repaired. I am the second owner, the car has 80,000 miles and it has never given me trouble and just like that the fricking leaves me some 40 minutes away from the crib.

And now looking for possible answers to the tranny issue I realize the history of trouble that Ford has had regarding transmissions, some bs.....

- torresnj, Washington, NJ, US

problem #17

May 312013

Taurus LX 3.0L

  • Automatic transmission
  • 123,000 miles

I have a 2002 Taurus, was driving home and without any warning trans just stopped working. Park works but all others are like neutral. And last year the a/c compressor went out. This must be a common problem, from all I have read. Is Ford ever going to step up and take care of this known problem with trans. and the a/c compressor?

- Mike B., Waynesville, OH, US

problem #16

Aug 122012

Taurus SES 3.0L V6

  • Automatic transmission
  • 134,000 miles

Spline in torque converter failed just around 130k miles. The transmission guy who replaced it said this is a common problem between 130k - 140k miles on the Taurus model years 2002-2006.

- m&p9chick, Clayton, NC, US

problem #15

Apr 022012

Taurus SES 3.0L V6

  • Automatic transmission
  • 180,000 miles

A D V E R T I S E M E N T S

My mom had the car since 06.

transmission was replaced twice, this being the 3rd.

ford needs to recall asap! It's not right.

ford is better off selling bow ties...hmmmm! thinks of chevy camaro

- Perry W., Columbia, SC, US

problem #14

Aug 092012

Taurus

  • Automatic transmission
  • 84,000 miles

Had car for 38 days, warranty expired after 30 days.

POS - had 84k miles, put car in reverse and tx exploded, pieces on ground, All Fluids drained - nightmare!!!!

- Steven S., Woolwich Twp, NJ, US

problem #13

Jul 122012

Taurus SE 3.2L V6

  • Automatic transmission
  • 140,000 miles

car was working very good no problems at all except this one. parked the car, came back and from parking to drive or reverse does not do anything doesn't feel that it is shifting. I could move from parking to reverse or drive but does not engage.

- carmelopr, Guayanilla, PR, US

problem #12

May 292012

Taurus SE 3.0L

  • Automatic transmission
  • 139,443 miles

I bought my car from a private dealer in the beginning of March. I had previously owned a 2001 Buick Regal Olympic Edition. Driving a Taurus after that, I realized how much I love Buick and hate Ford. The pickup would hesitate every time I got on the Freeway, i felt a lot of thumping when i tried to pickup from 0 and up, and it sometimes felt like my car was trying to decelerate when i was going 60 or more. I discovered all of these problems after I purchased the vehicle. After about 2 months of driving it (replaced the idle pulley, coolant container, belt and engine coil pack in this time period) , I just got off the Expressway on my way home and as i tried to pass a car I accelerated and all i heard was the engine revving and the car rolling. I put the car the in neutral and pulled over to the side of the road PISSED! My car is still standing still because I'm trying to decide is it worth fixing?? I've owned nothing but Buicks and NEVER encountered this problem nor the headache of replacing one thing after another. NO WARNING LIGHTS?? I HATE FORD! I will NEVER buy another FORD AGAIN! They seriously need to RECALL this vehicle. I will do all I have to do to make sure of that and YOU should too

- jcjohnson, Chicago, IL, US

problem #11

Jun 092012

Taurus SE 3.0L

  • Automatic transmission
  • 154,000 miles

Driving on the Highway for 15 mins....Suddenly Getting a Gear symbol with "!" flashing...transmission problem. Try to get off the highway when car seems to lose power...Can'not get car to hit 50mph even at full throttle.

The car suddenly stalls and burnt transmission smell reached inside. Got it towed to Aamco and they said it needed a total rebuild of the transmission....They said it'll cost araound $2000 (costing more than what the car is worth)...Best just to have it scrapped and take my lost.

- renatom, Hayward, CA, US

problem #10

Mar 012012

Taurus LX

  • Automatic transmission
  • 92,000 miles

GOING TO WORK AT 7:15 AM, WHEN MY TRANSMISSION STOP PULLING, LIKE IF IT DROP OUT OF GEAR BUT THE MOTOR WAS STILL RUNNING. I COASTED TO THE SIDE OF THE HIGHWAY AND CALLED A FRIEND TO PICK ME UP. NO INDICATIONS THAT THE TRANSMISSION WAS GOING OUT.

I AM REALLY ANGRY WITH FORD, NOT BACKING UP THEIR PRODUCTS. SO MANY PEOPLE HAVE HAD PROBLEMS WITH THE TRANSMISSION. THERE SHOULD BE A RECALL ON THE TRANSMISSION IN THE FORD TAURUS.

FORD, YOU KNOW THAT IS THE RIGHT THING TO DO "RECALL" !!!!! I PURCHASE THE CAR USED 2008 AT 52000 MILES. WHAT HAVE I DONE, STILL PAYING ON THE CAR, LIVING FROM PAY CHECK TO PAY CHECK... WHAT AM I GOING TO DO?????? PLEASE RECALL, MAKE RIGHT WITH ALL THE PEOPLE!

EVERYONE CALL NHTSA (1888-327-4236 ) AND FORD (1800-392-3673) MAKE COMPLANTS. IF YOU ALREADY PAID FOR REPAIR KEEP YOUR RECEIPTS. HOPEFULLY FORD WILL DO THE RIGHT THING.

- Lesia S., Lindale, TX, US

problem #9

Sep 052008

Taurus ES

  • Automatic transmission
  • 171,000 miles

We were returning home from a vacation in Colorado, heading south of Liman and north of Kit Carson, when the car quit moving. By putting the car in neutral, I was able to roll back down the slope and park on the roadside. Our phone could get no signal and the only number we could call was 911. Dispatch found a county sheriff and dispatched a deputy. A pilot car driver stopped and loaned me her satellite phone for me to call the tow company. My husband is a heart patient and a diabetic. Three hours later, the deputy found us and the tow truck drive arrived. We towed it to the shop and my husband sold the car to the tow truck driver for the amount of the tow and the storing of the vehicle. Our son arrived about the same time as the deputy and took over. When I bought another car in Denver, the salesman was surprised that there was 171, 000 miles on the transmission. The vehicle had been serviced according to the suggestions.our solution to the problem was we sold the car for the amount of the cost to tow me to a shop

- Lela C., Seminole, OK, US

problem #8

Nov 232011

Taurus LX 3.0L V6

  • Automatic transmission
  • 78,500 miles

ford is a piece of you know what. i bought the car from a private owner with 77000miles nov 2 2011. everything sounded good. i take it to new york, ran good on the way back home. nov 22, 36 miles from home transmission failed. called tow truck & I had to wait four hours for tow to arrive. never would buy ford again. too many problems. ford should recall those cars. they are not safe. thank god, for me it could of been worse. now it's going to cost me 3000 to fix. don't have that kind of money.

- Heston H., Lawrenceville, GA, US

problem #7

Jan 032011

Taurus SE 3.0L V6

  • Automatic transmission
  • 139,000 miles

EVERY BODY THAT IS A MECHANIC KEEPS TELLIN GME THIS IS DEFINITLY A RECALL ISSUE AND SOMEONE AT FORD KNOWS WHAT THE REAL PROBLEM IS AND IT SHOULD BE RECALLED ,BUT FORD WOULD HAVE TO PAY OUT TO MUCH MONEY FOR REPAIRS AND THEY WON'T DO IT !!

- scrapswife2, Liberty, NC, US

problem #6

Nov 042011

Taurus SES 3.0L V6

  • Automatic transmission
  • 97,356 miles

MY WIFE DROVE THE CAR TO WORK THIS MORNING. WHEN SHE TRIED TO LEAVE AT 6 PM THE CAR STARTED AND RUNS FINE BUT THE TRANSMISSION WILL NOT GO INTO ANY GEARS, PARK WORKS BUT THAT WONT GET HER TO WORK. WE HAVE HAD THE CAR SINCE 2007 WITH A LITTLE OVER 53,000 MILES. WE HAVE ONLY HAD PROBLEMS WITH THE IDLER PULLEY. BUT THIS IS NOT RIGHT THE CAR HAS DROVE PERFECTLY NO WARNINGS AT ALL THAT THERE WAS A PROBLEM WITH THE TRANSMISSION. I FOUND THIS PAGE ON THE INTERNET WHILE I HAVE BEEN TRYING TO FIND OUT WHAT THE PROBLEM IS. AFTER FINDING ALL THE OTHER OWNERS THAT HAVE THE SAME PROBLEM I DON'T UNDERSTAND WHY FORD DOESN'T MAKE A RECALL TO FIX THIS. IT IS NOT DIFFICULT TO FIGURE OUT THAT THIS IS NOT CAUSED BY THE OWNERS AND OR THE WAY WE HAVE TAKEN CARE OF OUR VEHICLE. THIS IS WITHOUT A DOUBT SOMETHING THAT FORD HAS DONE WRONG, AND THAT SHOULD MAKE THEM RESPONSIBLE FOR FIXING AND REIMBURSING (THE OWNERS THAT HAVE ALREADY PAID TO HAVE THE CAR REPAIRED ) THE COST OF THE REPAIR. I HAVE BEEN A FORD CUSTOMER FOR OVER 30 YEARS, BUT FINDING OUT THERE LACK OF CONCERN FOR THEIR CUSTOMERS HAS COMPLETELY CHANGED THIS.

- supertrouble15, Hollywood, FL, US

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