Bulletins


BulletinBulletin dateReplacement BulletinItem no.SummaryAdded
POWER TRAIN
529012/01/1998615396Some vehicles may exhibit a speedometer pointer wiver concern. *tt01/16/2001
1220912/01/1998615471Some vehicles may exhibit a speedometer pointer waiver concern. *tt01/16/2001
1217811/01/1998613234Information regarding tsb 98-5a-12 (transaxle/transmission/transfer case-vehicles towed behind recreational vehicles-recommended guidelines) does not list towing information for certain model vehicles. *mjs06/19/2000
1296711/01/1998613037Vehicles may exhibit speedometer pointer waver. *mjs06/16/2000
98502711/01/1998613061Vehicles may experience speedometer pointer waver. *tt06/16/2000
9711109723711/10/199753663Concerns with harsh engagements and harsh shifts with diagnostic trouble codes (dtcs) 628, p0741 and/or p1744. *yc03/30/1998
POWER TRAIN - AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION
9915207/26/1999608431Information on the new flush and fill tool available through rotunda. *tt01/05/2001
1209911/01/1998613084Vehicles with the ax4s transaxle have an inline transmission cooler bypass valve located in the cooler line near the radiator cooler. *mjs06/16/2000
001501/10/2000612203Information regarding the new transmission cooler flusher- service tip. *mjs06/06/2000
988804/27/1998601238Information on a new transmission fluid usage chart. *yc07/10/1998
9751103/03/199751945Fluid- transmission fluid usage charts. *jd07/17/1997
BC10120970201/02/199751184Verify the transaxle installed in the vehicle is the correct model and model year for the vehicle. *jd06/27/1997
BC968396100110/01/199650542Procedure for updating the calibration from r-11 to r-12 for stalling on decel & misfire codes on 3.0l vehicles. *tt05/27/1997
9424711/01/199437759The forward clutch piston may crack on its outside diameter. *tw01/06/1995
POWER TRAIN - AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION - COOLING UNIT AND LINES
0314807/21/200310003748New transmission cooler flusher - service tips. 2003 escort and super duty f series included. *tt10/29/2003
POWER TRAIN - AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION - LEVER AND LINKAGE - COLUMN SHIFT
1481104/01/2001619293Information on additional parts required when replacing transfer case on vehicles equippped with ax4s transaxle. *tt05/23/2001
1261603/01/1999605338Information on transaxle service case replacement with oss (output shaft speed sensor) hole. *tt06/08/1999
POWER TRAIN - AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION - PARK/NEUTRAL START SWITCH
0118109/17/2001625715Brake shift interlock.*jb11/30/2001
POWER TRAIN - AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION - TORQUE CONVERTER
9671303/25/1996613334Some customers may experience overdrive not engaging which is related to no torque converter clutch engagement in cold weather. *tt06/21/2000
96261212/16/199650997Transaxle - torque converter replacement guidelines and torque converter/transaxle cooling system cleaning procedures - service tip. *tw06/17/1997
9624911/18/199650908Torque converter - leak test procedure - service tip. *tw06/17/1997
9515707/01/199545937The torque converter identification codes have been revised as of 3/1/95. *sd04/25/1996
POWER TRAIN - AXLE ASSEMBLY
011701/22/2001618077Subject regarding remanufactured ax4s sho transaxles built with a unique triple clutch pack assembly and driven sprocket support. *tt04/03/2001
9517708/01/199545965Transaxle-revised clutch clearances-axode/ax4s. *sd04/25/1996
POWER TRAIN - AXLE ASSEMBLY - AXLE SHAFT - SEAL
98267504/01/1998603573A revised forward clutch inner seal for the axod, axode, ax4s & ax4n transaxle is available with improved sealing and reduced chance of the seal rolling during installation. *yc02/25/1999
POWER TRAIN - CLUTCH ASSEMBLY - PEDAL/LINKAGE
1255903/01/1999605294Concerns with reverse clutch that could become sheared or torn in extremely cold temperatures. *tt06/07/1999
BC723596110111/01/199650849Vehicle may exhibit a chatter when releasing the clutch in reverse gear. *tw06/17/1997
POWER TRAIN - MANUAL TRANSMISSION
980216983805/27/1998600591Transaxles use a new transmission fluid. *yc05/27/1998
BC067896102510/25/199650356Information on aode/4r7w transmission main control & case replacement. *tt04/24/1997

Consumer Complaints


Fail datemilesoccurencesPurchase date
POWER TRAIN
03/15/2003159000
 Car will drive when transmission fluid gets hot & jump out of drive into neutral.
12/18/2000106/01/1993
 Transmission pan gasket leaking. nlm
01/01/1998208/10/1993
 While driving above 40-50 mph and hitting any kind of bumps speedometer needle will jump to a higher speed, and then driver won't know at what speed he was driving. contacted dealer, and the dealer said they are willing to fix it but at consumer's expense. *ak the speedometer has failed twice and is defective even though the manufactrurer of the vehicle has not issued recall notice yet. *yh
10/01/1993
 1st repair was under warranty, new part lasted under 2 years, next replacement was just under $ 400 and it was wobbly, but couldn't be adjusted any better. new cables were put in, the 2nd time, the third time, a used cable worked better than a new one. also we had our mech. install a used speedometer, as the cost was prohibitive, and the dealer wasn't able to fully correct the problem anyway. how can a car eat speedometers anyway? the ticking sound was so irritating, and the needle waverd so much you couldn't tell your speed. that is unsafe, and unreasonable.
09/16/200009/01/2000
 Speedometer on taurus and windstar models of ford are bad. why aren't they being recalled? isn't knowing your correct speed a safety concern.*ak
02/11/1997108/19/1993
 Transmission started failing
05/01/1995
 I went to trade in the car and the dealership found out that the odometer was rooled back before it was sold to me. please advise. *ak
 While driving odometer dropped from 94,000 to 15,000. dealer says something was burned out on the odometer.
11/01/1997
 Speedometer system malfunctioned, causing a clicking noise and when vehicle is operated above 50 mph. speedometer needle will move up and down, and occupant cannot tell how fast the vehicle is going. dealer replaced speedometer once. needs to replace it again. also, problems with head gasket which was part of improvement campaign of 1994 & 1995's. please provide further information.
102/01/1993
 Speedometer not working properly.
04/01/1996103/01/1996
 Transmission failed.
POWER TRAIN - AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION
06/04/2008429881
 There are alot of recalls on my car and no one will help me. *tr
01/14/200594000102/10/2003
 The car started stalling. the car just stopped working. it has also almost caused us to get hit when it stalls out and when it was about to go out we alomost caused some accidents. we haft to replace the transmission because it is cracked. everyone has transmission problems out of taurus.*ak
11/01/2000203/01/1993
 Nar 03/03/2003. the consumer had problems with the automatic transmission which eventually had to be replaced, also the brakes wore out prematurely due to lack of a second gear. the engine went out in nov 1997 which was likely head gasket failure. jan 9, 2003 the engine overheated which was diagnosed as a defective head gasket in the replacement engine. *jb
08/25/20041
 While driving 25 mph vehicle stalled. vehicle was taken to the dealer for inspection, and mechanic determined that transmission needed to be replaced. *ak
10/21/20031023
 Vehicle was pulled into the carport from consumer's home. the gear was put in park and vehicle surged forward. this problem happened three times. dealer claimed that there was no recall for this vehicle.*ak
05/30/200385000107/01/2003
 Vehicle experienced transmission failure when accelerating from a complete stop. it was later determined that a piston failed within the transmission. the transmission was rebuilt. *ak *nlm
12/15/2002811014
 The transmission failed while driving and without warning. *nlm *dt the transmission failed while at an intersection. the first occurrence happened while going down a hill. the check engine light had come on, and the transmission jerked when shifted. the air mass flow sensor and idle air control was replaced, along with the mlp transmission sensor, and found the lever bolt broken where it passed through the sensor. *scc
04/03/19989675002/24/2000
 Tranny and engine needed to be replace at 96,000 miles
01/01/2002
 Major problems with transmission., vehicle won't downshift or accelerate past 2nd gear.*ak
05/15/200109/01/2000
 The transmission shifts into neutral whenever i let up on the accelerator, then shifts back into gear hard when the accelerator is applied again. the only thing that slows the car is to use the brakes, it does'nt deccelerate at all just by letting off of the gas pedal (unless going uphill). this is especially problematic when driving down steep hills, because the engine will not hold the car no matter what position the gear selector is in, in fact it will actually increase in speed. the operators manual recomends shifting to a lower gear when traveling down a particularly long or steep incline, but in this car that particular strategy is totally useless because the transmission automatically shifts into neutral if the engine is not pulling. even when using the cruise control, if the car goes downhill, the car will just pick up speed by gravity and the transmission then shifts into neutral. *ak
06/01/2000106/01/2000
 Transmission failure and slippage make driving the car on a highway unpredictable and dangerous, while speeding up on an on-ramp to a highway, i was almost hit by a tractor trailor because my car could not shift gears correctly. *ak
10/21/20010
 Consumer was traveling about 60mph on highway and vehicle had hard jerking, and shut off without prior warning. dealership was aware of problem. *ak
05/15/1998309/01/1993
 I have replaced the transmission 3 times in this car. i am 57 and do not hotrod it. *ak
12/12/1995509/01/1994
 The rack & pinion pulls apart and causes the front end to become out of alignment and also causes the vehicle to steer terribly. the right front motor mount burst because it is hydraulic this always happens when the rack and pinion goes out. the transmission also has a defect in the fourth gear ratio and shows on the diagnostic computer when serviced.
12/01/1999411/01/1997
 No summary listed forabove vehicle. *ak
05/04/2001
 While driving 65 mph on highway vehicle began to jerk and downshift. vehicle started stalling as consumer was attempting to pull over. also, power steering failed.*ak
12/24/2000101/01/1999
 Bought the car from estate of deceased uncle who bought the car new from tragresser, car had 30,000 miles. in january, 2001 gave the car to my daughter jessica hopkins, trans went out in february. car is sitting in my drive.no safety defect. *ak
06/01/19962
 Vehicle stalling intermittently, at any speed/any time. dealer stated this was due to a faulty ignition device. *ak vehicle will not start whether it is in park or neutral. starter, sparkplugs, and battery have been replaced, door chime would sound when keys were not in ignition. transmission slipping and experiences erratic shifting. faulty front struts cause vehicle to oversteer, tires were rotated and front was aligned to help problem, however did not remedy. dashboard rattles, however dealer can not remedy this problem. driver side door does not close properly and there is wind noise when driven over 20 mph, left door was not aligned properly. keyless entry failed, passenger side rear door lock inoperable. emergency brake was never installed. there is a consisent wind sound in vehicle. front end experienced shaking. excessive fuel consumption. difficult and noisy steering occurred, dealer replaced power steering line. front brake pads replaced. exhaust replaced. fuel pump replaced. windshield wiper switch was replaced. vehicle currently has only 47114 miles on. *slc
09/06/1998212/01/1993
 No summary listed for above vehicle. *ak
08/14/1999108/01/1993
 While driving home from co to il, hot lite came on. engine turned off and pulled to side of road (int76).2yr old, 10yr old, 2 adults on side of hiway - cars passing @70mph & above. fortunately had a cell phone - still sat on side for 2+hours. new engine, trans, water pump installed 9/99. head gasket leak detected 12/2000 after blowing radiator. radiator replaced by a non-ford garage. dealer said it was a bad radiator (new radiator had been installed 2 weeks prior-seams burst not rusted). packey webb now repairing head gasket & water pump (failure probably caused by gasket leak same as the radiator). ford will cover the parts but not the labor and will not cover the radiator. vehicle had been in to a different dealer (joe madden - downers grove, il) several times for rough running problems during the full warranty period (of the replacement engine) and charged $115 each time for diagnosis. couldn't duplicate customer's concern ford has acknowledged a problem with this engine in '94 and '95 taurus' but refuses to accept responsibility for the '93. we were fortunate to not be on the highway in dangerously cold weather with the current head gasket problem
02/15/2000108/01/1995
 3.8 lt. engines w/ automatic transmission are very failure prone, ford has a real problem and should make it right with all the people that got screwed by these cars. *ak
01/01/2000
 When vehicle is started or moved from drive or reverse it makes a very loud noise also, steering alignment goes out alot. no other signs of problem. no accident or injuries have occurred. *ak
11/07/199811001/15/1993
 While traveling at any speed vehicle will hesitate like it wants to switch gears. also, surges forward. took to vehicle personal mechanic. he cleaned connections, and vehicle ran fine for year. currently, problem is happening again. *ak
09/21/2000407/01/1996
 Car has been into holms-tuttle ford on four separate occasions for the same identical problem. the car is a safety hazard waiting to have a accident. the original problem surfaced in dec. 1997. ford mtr. refuses to help. i can supply full documentation. thank you. ronald b. borgquist. *ak
06/12/2000205/01/2000
 Car was bought from original owner. the condition was excellent, only 69,000 miles on engine. it started to fall apart within 3 weeks, first steering, then transmission, now the engine. according to lemonaidcars.com the 1993 taurus is full of problems. ford said its not there problem and ref'd to green valley ford this dealership we do not trust. they always add on things to a cars 'problem'. we are not buyin a ford ever again!
06/12/2000205/01/2000
 Car was bought from original owner. the condition was excellent, only 69,000 miles on engine. it started to fall apart within 3 weeks, first steering, then transmission, now the engine. according to lemonaidcars.com the 1993 taurus is full of problems. ford said its not there problem and ref'd to green valley ford this dealership we do not trust. they always add on things to a cars 'problem'. we are not buyin a ford ever again! *ak
05/10/1999205/01/1994
 On 2 separate trips, transmission suddenly, without warning, downshifted 2 gears. transmission would not shift up again, until car was stopped, engine shut down, and then restarted.. *ak
100
 Vehicle will keep stalling when stopping, turning left or in reverse and bucks when driving . vehicle stalls due tfi module that is placed too close engine which is causing it to overheat. *ak when the vehicle stall, power brakes fail too. the customer took the vehicle to several dealership but the problem could not be fixed. the transmission also failed prematurely. *yh
04/01/199801/01/1995
 No summary
03/01/19991
 Transmission failed. *et
06/20/2000109/01/1996
 Trans. shifts down hard when slowing and now wont up shift
09/01/199804/01/1993
 Dealer made me pay 1000 dollars to make repairs,transmission failed. *ak
06/20/2000109/01/1996
 Trans. shifts down hard when slowing and now wont up shift
09/01/199804/01/1993
 Dealer made me pay 1000 dollars to make repairs,transmission failed. *ak
06/15/200005/01/1994
 We experienced numerous recalls for safety issues, all of which we had checked at laird noller. the car experienced several other repairs (airconditioner) early in its mileage. at 78,000 the transmission went out completely and totally, leaving our daughter (age 20) stranded 110 miles from home on i-70. we had the transmission replaced at green ford in abilene, ks. costing us about $1900.ten months later the head gasket blew, leaving my husband stranded on i-70. we had that replaced for $900.
03/01/2000707/01/1999
 I have taken my car to a transmission dealer in mesa, az, 7 times and they can't find the problem. the car does not shift right in second gear when it is warmed up. it seems to shift okay when it is cold. they have replaced a shift kit, taken apart the transmission several times, replaced a coolant part, valves and other various parts and they don't seem to remedy the problem. has there been a problem with the 1993 ford taurus sho?
03/15/199801/01/1994
 I would be glad to e-mail copies of letters in which i contacted ford motor co. their 2/00 recall regarding the head gasket design flaw in the 1.8l v-6 engine doesn't include the 1993 - the same engine design. ford won't even give me a written response to my written letters; they have the local ford dealer call me. i didn't begin to tell you all the other things that have gone wrong monthly (the latest? it's august and i have no air conditioning). i had taken the transmission in while under 75m extended warranty-it was already having problems, but there was no fix. the blown head gasket was about 5m miles past the extended warranty. please let me know if you require additional data. thanks. *ak
06/01/2000105/01/1995
 No summary listed for above vehicle. *ak
08/30/1996208/01/1993
 Repairman said problem with a/c due to inadequate clearance from ground. same with oil and transmission pans?
04/12/2000
 I think ford should reimburse me for the transm. replacement and that their should be a recall on all taurus's due to both the transmission and the peeling paint on the exterior, mine is cracked and ready to peel. all dealers do not act in good faith in order to protect their bonuses along with ford executives. if not, ford should have to advertise disposable cars that last up to 30,000 miles or less. any less expensive item the us gov. would go after without hesitating. these items are major and are the same as an aircraft quality control. isn't there any govt dept that can properly investigate the wrongdoing by ford? there are thousands of these cars withlike problems and nothing has been done to make usa auto makers accountable. if i had a small or large business and continually defrauded the public only for profit, where would you write to me--would i be taking millions home in bonuses or would some system make me accountable? please respond as quickly as possible.*ak
07/07/2000103/01/2000
 Complete transmission failure was due to failed lube tube. engine coolant leak was from the timing cover. right front spring in the suspension is broken. *ak
1
 Transmission experiences slippage, hesitation and erratic operation and noise. *mjs
06/21/200012/01/1999
 Downshifted into 2nd gear at highway speeds throwing occupants forward. also, transmission balks when accelerating. forward clutch piston suspected by dealer. dealer refuses to compensate owner for repair. numerous similar complaints from taurus owners exist. *ak
03/31/200001/01/1994
 I am filing this complaint on behalf of the original owner and myself. the original owner had numerous problems with the car (brakes, transmission) prior to selling the car to me. the car was in very good overall condition (except for the engine and transmission)and had been routinely maintained. in march the engine overheated on the original owner, he took the car to a mechanic who diagnosed the problem as a leaky head gasket and / or cracked cylinder head (based on his experience with the ford 3.8 engine). other mechanics, including ford mechanics, give him the same diagnosis over the phone. the original owner was fed up with repairing the car and did not want to sink any more money into the car. the original owner offered to give me the car - i made several recall inquiries with ford about the car and shared the information with the original owner. rather than hope for a future recall they sold me the car for $500 and wished me luck. they told me that they would never buy another ford product. i have not had good experience with ford products myself, but bought the car for my son who will pay for repairing the car. my son is keen on buying a ford and i hope to use this car as a lesson in not buying ford products. *ak
06/08/20003
 Vehicle keeps stalling when trying to start up. car rumbles when it finally does start. makes a loud clunking noise when shifting gears. after i start up after a stop sign or stop light, i barely touch the gas and its off in a flash. when i am on the freeway and take my foot off the accelarator, it continues at the same speed for 5 minutes. i checked the cruise control and it was off. the engine sounds like a diesel engine every once in a while.*ak
01/01/19991
 Engine head gasket blew out while driving on the highway. mechanic stated that the head gasket was defective. *ak transmission is going out of vehicle. *slc
10/01/19991
 Car was running rough. consumer took vehicle to mechanic, and he said it was a blown head gasket. also, transmission is slipping/ shimmying/ shaking, and popping in and out of gear. consumer said it sounded like engine was going to fall out. when running car for more than 20 minutes, it became very hard to steer and won't turn. consumer feared steering in traffic. headgasket and cooling replaced, but there is still transmission and steering trouble. *ak *ml
04/21/20000
 Vehcile stalls when putting in gear . also, it rides rough, has white smoke coming out, and is losing coolant. *ak
01/05/1999103/01/1995
 My ford taurus suffered an engine problem involving the head gaskets. i went to three different ford authorized repair centers and they each told me that the ford's 3.8 engines always suffer this problem at 90,000 miles like clockwork. i was not aware of this engine's potential for problems, ford never published the routine problems it was having with this type of engine, and i specifically bought this car because of the 3.8 engine. the total amount of work and expenses i had with the engine problem exceeded $2,500. within two weeks, my transmission went out, and the dealers informed me that the problems with the engine caused the problem with the transmission. i was forced to purchase a new transmission for $2,000.*ak
08/26/1996210/01/1993
 Warped rotors:after awhile the rotors became so warped we had to put new ones on. water pump:the car kept overheating and the water pump had failed. radiator: the original radiator started leaking out all of the fluid. head gaskets: the heater in the car would not work properly and car would not hold coolant for very long. fuel pump:the car would not run after driving about 45 minutes. transmission: it went out on us at the side of road when we were having problems with fuel pump. all of a sudden we smelled something very hot, and it went out on us when the car was running. *ak
02/13/20000
 While vehicle was in drive waiting for other vehicles to pass, it just died. vehicle would not move in any gear. total transmission failure. *ak
06/12/199509/01/1993
 At 55k miles transmission replaced as well as headgaskets. covered under warranty. at 103k miles headgaskets again an issue with recommended engine replacement by ford dealer. they would not cover any of the work. repeat problem. *ak
11/15/19991
 Aluminum drum piston cracked and caused forward gear clutches to burn resulting in transmission failure. nlm
12/20/199908/29/1997
 While driving 30-40 mph had a direct frontal impact, and driver's and passenger's airbags did not deploy, which did not protect the occupant who sustained injuries because of the crash. manufacturer nor insurance company have inspected vehicle. no prior problems with airbag system. *ak vehicle has experienced several engine related problems, the timing cover gasket was replaced and the engine was replaced, after the engine was replaced there were still continuous problems with the engine, the heater hose was replaced, the engine began to stall, and the tensioner pulley and belt were replaced. the transmission was replaced. the battery was replaced. the turbine shaft speed sensor was replaced. *slc
108/01/1997
 Where do i start, this car has been a money pit from day one! the brakes had to be completely replaced 3 days after we bought the car--signature ford claimed it was are fault after some argument they finally reimbursed us for the brakes. we discovered a small leak, we found it to be coming from the heater hose. we decided to trust signature ford, they claimed that we needed a new heater hose, water pump and radiator. we took are car back to the first mechanic who looked at it and he swore that those things were not leaking when they left his shop, no proof though so we haven't filed a complaint against signature ford. we have since replaced the heater hose and water pump. we are taking the radiator in to be checked out very soon. we had the starter replaced at signature ford, since it was fixed the keyless entry stopped working. we've had the brakes complely fixed, three times. we have had the oxygen sensors replaced. the airconditioner will not work, we were told that we need a new compressor and clutch. there is a short that causes a fuse to blow, resuliting in loss of gauges. one of the back windows will not work. the molding around said window does not fit properly. the power steering makes a strange noise and sometimes does not seem to be working; we took it in to signature while under warranty and were told that it was fine. when we first purchased the car the tires that were on it were too big resulting in excessive wear. the current tires show signs of excessive wear on the inside front passanger tire. the transmission has been totally rebuilt, the tech. who fixed it said that this is typical of sho's. the fog lights sometimes fail. the lamp out light comes on even when no lamp is out. the check engine light comes on sometimes during acceleration. the door ajar light comes on and goes off at various times. if we had known then what we know now we never would have purchased this vehicle. we cannot afford all of these costly repairs! *
02/24/1999110/01/1997
 Engine failure from headgasket failure at 116500 miles. transmission failure at 97000 miles broken clutch piston.
10/26/19990
 Car shutters and jerks while driving. sometimes vehicle will start smoking. took to dealer and they said it was an problem with the transmission. *ak
05/01/19981002/01/1998
 Transmission - shortly after we got the vehicle, at low speeds 10-15 mph, the vehicle started lurching when trying to shift. this progressed to when driving the vehicle at highway speeds 55-65 mph, the vehicle downshifted suddenly and violently, causing the vehicle to stop abruptly on a busy interstate, which almost caused a rear end multiple car collission. took the car to 2 different transmission people, and they said the taurus' transmission in all vehicles is defective in that it is made so that the transmission oil cannot get to all the parts causing breakdown. they both said i should get rid of the vehicle as even if i put a new tranmission in the vehicle, the new ones are made exactly the same and the same problem will happen. on nhtsa complaint division, i found numerous complaints about the transmission, yet there has been no recall. because i got the vehicle with 70000 miles on it, for all i know the vehicle could be on its 3rd or 4th transmission. i inquired about getting a used transmssion, and both repair men laughed and said good luck, every taurus still operating has had or needed a transmission replacement and thus there are no used transmissions available. the car bucks and jerks constantly and violently even at low speeds and because of the abrupt downshift at highway speeds, we no longer feel safe, and so do not drive it on the highway. the window shield wipers fail at the worst times - such as during a downpour when your're driving down the road at night, they will completely stop with no warning, making visibility impossible to even get to the side of the road and stop. i also found numerous complaints of this on the nhtsa complaint site, yet no recall has been made on this. although this vehicle has a lot of miles on it, the nhtsa complaint site indicates that numberous person had transmission complaints of the same type when the vehicle was new (back in 1993) and i feel ford should be responsible before someone is killed. *ak
05/10/1999305/01/1994
 At about 75 mph, on 3 occasions, the transmission downshifted 2 gears. the first time, the car was on cruise control. the last 2 times, it had been on cc. to fix, had to drive on road shoulder for a mile or so, at very low speed, then transmission would shift to d again.
 While driving on the highway and without warning transmission gears started to slip, and there was a loss of acceleration. transmission needs to be replaced. *ak
12/13/199809/01/1993
 I do not feel that either of these things should have occurred with this vehicle. i have driven cars with over 100,000 miles and did not spend this kind of money and time.
08/12/1999
 The vehicle would hesitate. took vehicle to have transmission fluid changed. mechanic checked vehicle & noticed the front motor mounts were broken. *ak
 When vehicle's gear is put into drive the vehicle jerks forward as if the rear end is lifting up. dlr has not seen vehicle. *ak
06/15/1999
 At a speed of 25-65 mph the car begins to jump and jerk when trying to change gear once settled into gears the problem stops.dealer was contacted and they stated they could not find the cause. *ak
06/02/1999108/01/1993
 Transmission hydraulics failed. yh
06/18/1999105/01/1999
 The first time it went out, i got it fixed for about$2000. then the day i picked it up, i got about 70 miles from the shop and it started doing the same thing. i checked the transmission fluid, and it was totally dry. apparently whoever built the transmission--brand new--ford, i guess, didn't seal the bolts properly to begin with, so all the fluid leaked out. i had to drive a total of about 150 miles, stopping every 10 to add fluid. the replacement transmission hasn't exactly failed yet, but i'm sure it got damaged from not having fluid in it.
04/01/1994
 Transmission -- the car had a crack in the aluminum piston. the car would rev when trying to move after stopping at a light, etc. it appeared it shifted into nuetral when the brake was applied. i have read numerous account of this same problem all over the internet. i read there was a recall in 1995 for 1991 models. but if they were still using the aluminum piston, why weren't later models recalled too? also, we still have the defective part. the mechanic said he had done about six of those trans. we live in a very rural area so that seems like a lot. since i have searched the net for this problem i have come across hundreds who have had the same problem. there is a lot of contradictory information out there. now with the air conditioner -- we just had that fixed and i didn't think too much about that problem until i came across several of the same, a leak in metal lines that shouldn't have, while looking for the transmission defect.
05/30/199902/01/1994
 Difficulty to shift into drive from park when car is parked on a slight incline. *ak
08/02/1995
 While driving at 45 mph and shifting gears, transmission slipped from first to second gear. *ak
 When driving the vehicle transmission jumps down into second gear and jerks. dealer has not seen vehicle. *ak
12/10/19982
 Transmission rebuilt on two occasions. mjs
 When increasing speed to get on highway, the transmission will sometimes cause the front end to vibrate until the transmission shifts into the next gear. this also occurs alot on inclines. *ak
 When increasing speed to get on highway, the transmission will sometimes cause the front end to vibrate until the transmission shifts into the next gear. this also occurs alot on inclines. *ak
06/04/1999105/01/1997
 Transmission failed while decelerating on interstate exit ramp. the cause, as determined by local ford dealership, was the failure of torque converter. *ak
03/03/19991
 Transmission was acting funny. did not shift smoothly into another gear. took to transmission shop for oil change. in the process of chaning oil, some metal shavings & other metal pieces were found in the oil pan. transmission was not repaired. *ak
03/29/1999106/01/1996
 Transmission: taken to aamco 8 to 10 times, told it needed to be rebuilt. it was rebuilt at least 5 times since then. other times they replaced electrical components and fixed leaks. just had another leak fixed two weeks ago at robke ford dealer in cov., ky. transmission still jerks when shifting. rear noise: sounds like coil spring. i have had nothing but dissapointment in this vehicle, will never buy a ford again!!!! thank you. *ak
02/19/1999
 Going into parking lot heard crunching sound, parked, caslled aaa, was towed to service station. transmission exploded. *ak
08/01/1996
 Transmission failed with no warning. stopped at intersection and could not proceed forward or backward. motor mounts have been replaced twice in the past two years. i suspect that the faulty motor mounts are also the cause for the transmission. *ak
12/05/1998306/01/1993
 While driving, a cracked piston caused the transmisison to suddenly drop out of gear into neutral and stop.
01/12/1999103/01/1998
 Found out transmission was recalled on some of the 1993 tauruses but told that ours was not recalled by quality ford in independece ks. *ak
06/01/1998104/01/1998
 No summary
01/12/19993
 Vehicle had 3 transmission replacments/two times by dealer, and third by independent repair shop. consumer believes this condition is not normal. can someone help consumer in this matter? *ak *ml
08/11/1997202/04/1994
 Transmission failed twice due to ruptured seal. also, while backing out of driveway, coil spring snapped in half, resulting in instability. *ak
06/01/1998102/01/1994
 Problem 1--engine light kept coming on; took to dealer and read codes--o2 sensor failing and transmission slippage. re transmission slippage, dealer advised that he witnessed slippage and was cracked piston in transmission; advised me that problem was common because piston was aluminum and are being replaced with steel pistons; now having severe problems with harsh engagements; was told to drive it till couldn't drive anymore before repair--if piston should be steel and not aluminum that piston is defective and that ford should repair at their costs. re: engine bolt, had to have engine mount repaired at cost of $350--info at this site suggests recalll which i never received. i should be reimbursed for cost of defective bolt.
01/01/1999
 When driving car and stops at light or stop sign, the vehicle does not want to move, seems as if it is in neutral. repair shop has vehicle and stated transmission problems. dealer is not aware of the problem. problem still exists. provide further information. *ak
12/29/1998203/01/1993
 The transmission in this vehicle has been replaced two times with less than 100,000 miles on the vehicle. the 2nd transmission has less than 30,000 miles on it but is out of warranty according to the dealer. all transmmissions have been replaced by a ford dealer 's service department. i do not believe that a vehicle should have to have three transmissions to get over 100,000 miles on the car!
12/15/1998
 When driving at 70 mph noticed vehicle stalling, and the engine shuts off. also, transmission goes into another gear. *ak
12/15/1998
 While driving at 30 mph and without prior warning the tranmission failed, causing the consumer to get someone to push the vehicle to the side of the road, and the cosnumer lost all power. dealer has to rebuilt the tranmission. *ak
11/10/1998
 Transmission failed to operate properly without warning. dealer notified and informed consumer that the transmission was not on a recall. the cost would go to consumer if repaired. *ak.
08/09/19981
 Transmission failed.
 While driving on the freeway the transmission went completely out with no warning. owner had to coast to safety. dealer has not seen. *ak
03/01/199503/01/1995
 Transmission- shifts erratically, violently shifts into low gear at highway speeds(this is not passing gear). seems to occur only when weather is very hot and have been in stop and go traffic. ford will not replace the mounts even though a safety recall was issued. reason - over 60,000 miles, according to the local dealer.
11/22/1995
 While driving approximately 35 to 45 mph and pressing on the brakes to stop at a stop light, then pressing on the gas pedal to go again, the vehicle does not pick up speed right away or sometimes the vehicle makes a loud revving noise then jerks and jumps into the correct gear. dealer and manufacturer have been notified. ak
05/26/19981
 Transmission failed due to aluminum pistons.
10008/20/1997
 Transmission shifts irratically and gives a harsh bump when slowing down.
09/20/1995102/01/1993
 Transmission pan gasket failed.
10/01/199809/12/1993
 Transmission / head gasket failure.
1
 Transmission grinding down to first gear.
09/28/199803/24/1998
 Vehicle gave no warning of transmission failure. driver stopped at traffic light and went to accelerate when the car started shaking and chattering; driver tried to shift gears and could not get any gear to work.
06/24/1998106/10/1994
 After placing the vehicle into park, the transmission made a grinding noise and began to leak. the gear shifter would move afterwards but the transmission would not engage.
208/20/1997
 Automatic transmission downshifts erratically. owner believes that the transmission reaches a certain heat level and starts downshifting to the point that the vehicle jerks the steering wheel right out of her hands.
07/30/1998
 Vehicle was skipping. mechanic states transmission had metal in it, and lack of lubrication caused the defect. dealer cannot duplicate the problem. *ak
07/30/19982
 On one incident, while drving the vehicle will intermittently slip out of gear and downshift hard while in overdrive. on another incident, while driving on slipper road conditions, vehicle was put into uncontrollable spin and landed in opposite lane. dealer replaced linkage sensor and problem was resolved. *ak *tt
07/01/1998
 Automatic transmission failure.
06/18/19980
 Consumer was driving about 70 mph when he almost lost control of the vehicle. after this happened, the transmission had broken down, leaving vehicle without power. *ak
11/21/19952
 Vehicle is unable to be shift into reverse or drive. transmission fails to work. took to dealer & was told by mechanic a new transmission is required. replaced it with a rebuilt one & that one failed also. the tsb in the rebuilt transmission is gone. *ak
04/30/1997
 Transmission/ torque converter locked up. transmission has been serviced approximately three times, and problem has been discussed, it cannot be duplicated. no warranty on vehicle. when starting and stopping, taking off the transmission feels as if it is trying to catch. *ak
103/01/1996
 Transmission failed.
03/14/199809/01/1993
 Transmission failure.
09/05/1997
 Transmission suffered a catastrophic internal failure of the plenetary gear due to a speed sensor failure. *ak
02/06/1996209/02/1995
 Vehicle is very difficult to shift from park. a clunking noise is heard and vehicle vibrates badly upon take off and hesitates when shifting gears. when applying brakes vehicle still tries to surge forward.
05/13/1993107/26/1993
 Transmission failed.
09/16/1997306/21/1996
 Automatic transmission failed three times. *ak
08/20/1996203/08/1995
 Vehicle occasionally will jerk as if hit in rear by another vehicle.
02/13/1997104/19/1993
 Transmission failed.
07/01/199703/29/1993
 Transmission failure.
10/15/199711/28/1996
 Automatic transmission failed, needs complete replacement. *ak
07/12/1997
 Consumer states that transmission slipped. *ak
102/01/1993
 The transmission failed.
09/08/1993
 Automatic transmission failure. *ak
1
 Transmission failed.
07/13/199702/06/1994
 Automatic transmission failure. *ak
06/20/1997
 Cracked engine motor mount; also transmission and air conditioner failed. *ak
1
 Transmission failed and replaced.
1
 The automatic transmission seems to hesitate and stutter when the gears change.
10/01/1996208/20/1995
 Put vehicle in park when driver exited vehicle, it jumped out of park into reverse, lost control and stroke the fence in driveway. *ak
07/20/1997104/07/1993
 Transmission problem due to defect in aluminum drum piston.
05/23/1997
 Transmission: could not get vehicle to change gears. vehicle would make a loud noise then it would change into a fast speed. at slow speed there was no reaction, just loss of power. *ak
01/01/1997109/01/1995
 Transmission failed twice.
11/09/1996110/01/1993
 Transmission slipped out of gear, causing rapid deceleration.
08/19/1996105/21/1995
 Transmission gear failed to shift due to inadequate lubrication.
06/01/1996109/01/1995
 Transmission slips.
2
 The transmission was replaced for the second time. *ak
09/23/1996108/24/1993
 While taking off from a stop light, vehicle slippwd out of gear/no 1st, 2nd, drive/reverse. *ak
02/15/1996110/01/1993
 The abs anti lock light keep come on when driving. *ak while driving, the abs light illuminated, consumer stopped in driveway and attempted to stop the engine by shifting into park, however a very loud grinding noise came from the transmission when the shift lever was placed in either neutral or park, power windows would not work either. *slc
11/27/19957
 Transmission failure. *dhz
07/01/19951
 Transmission failed. *sd
03/21/19961
 Pieces of transmission spider gear spacer found in fluid when transmission fluid drained. *dsh
08/30/19950
 Transmission failed. *dsh
 The consumer is having transmission problems. please describe. tt
10/30/1995
 While driving at high speeds the vehicle shifts into a lower gear automatically. please describe. tt
08/15/19945
 Loose screws in transmission shift indicator prevented transmission from shifting gears. *ak
 While driving, vehicle lurches and surges forward, cruise not engaged, dealer suspects transmission malfunction. tt
12/07/19941
 Noisy transmission. 8ak
POWER TRAIN - AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION - COOLING UNIT AND LINES
1
 Transmission leak. *mjs
05/14/1999
 There is a leakage within transmission. when consumer puts vehicle into drive, there is a very loud hard shift within vehicle, and when putting vehicle into reverse, vehicle shifts slowly. *ak
09/01/1996109/01/1995
 Transmission leak due to broken motor mounts.
POWER TRAIN - AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION - GEAR POSITION INDICATION (PRNDL)
12/05/199507/01/1994
 The engine is displaying the same sympyoms as the first head gasket problem. brake rotors are beginning to 'pluse' indicating the need for replacement. transmission indicator broken. ford had a program to repair the 3.8 engine but the 93 models were not included even though the engines are identical. this vehicle has been a real 'dog'. *ak
3
 When driving on freeway or at high speeds the vehicle downshifts or shuts off. this has happened 3 times. dealer has not seen. *ak
POWER TRAIN - AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION - LEVER AND LINKAGE - COLUMN SHIFT
01/27/1995
 The gear shift lever button corroded off. explain further. tt
01/30/19951
 Auto transmission shift indicator lever plastic button popped out and broke into two pieces, preventing vehicle from shifting gears. *ak
POWER TRAIN - AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION - PARK/NEUTRAL START SWITCH
04/01/20011
 Transmission inter lock system is not working properly. plastic case that holds wire cracked .contacted dealer. dealer said no campain on complaint. *ak
101/01/1993
 Transmission gear shift intermittently experiences difficulty engaging into reverse from park.
POWER TRAIN - AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION - TORQUE CONVERTER
101/01/1993
 Transmission shift at random on hills, the transmission was rebuilt and a new torque converter was installed, problem still exist. however while rebuilding the transmission both air conditioner lines were damaged, a motor mount and the sub-frame bushings needed to be replaced. *yc
06/04/1999105/01/1997
 Transmission failed while decelerating on interstate exit ramp. the cause, as determined by local ford dealership, was the failure of torque converter. *ak
04/30/1997
 Transmission/ torque converter locked up. transmission has been serviced approximately three times, and problem has been discussed, it cannot be duplicated. no warranty on vehicle. when starting and stopping, taking off the transmission feels as if it is trying to catch. *ak
POWER TRAIN - AXLE ASSEMBLY - AXLE SHAFT - SEAL
11/19/1999106/01/1993
 Consumer smelled antifreeze, the dealer replaced the head gasket, timing cover gasket, oxygen sensor and axle seals. nlm
102/01/1994
 Rear seal leaked oil requiring replacement .*ak
POWER TRAIN - CLUTCH ASSEMBLY
06/16/1998105/15/1993
 Forward clutch failure.
POWER TRAIN - CLUTCH ASSEMBLY - PEDAL/LINKAGE
 Clutch piston gives out while pulling from a stand still, vehicle feels like it's in neutral even when its in gear. *ak
POWER TRAIN - DRIVELINE - CONSTANT VELOCITY JOINT
11/04/1996107/01/1995
 Inner cv boots failed, causing lubricant to spill onto the catalytic converter/fire.
POWER TRAIN - DRIVELINE - DIFFERENTIAL UNIT
08/15/1999103/01/1999
 While traveling on the belt parkway in slow speeds, transmission acted normal. as i increased speed, i felt my overdrive gear drop off. diagnosis-failed differential gear(and new tranny). bought car with broken motor mount and was told it would be immediately replaced. 5 months later--still waiting. told it is on backorder, yet it is the motor mount!!
04/10/19991
 Broken gears in the automatic transmission. nlm
10/07/1998102/27/1993
 The differential blew up and bent the axle. *ak
POWER TRAIN - MANUAL TRANSMISSION
02/06/20011
 Transmission failed causing vehicle to jerk severely and would not shift. *slc
109/01/1993
 I had to replace 2 transmissions on this vehicle and one head gasket. i understand there is reimbursement available for 94 and later taurus's for the headgasket. however, 93's should also be covered.
 Transmission failing prematurely. nlm
2
 Transmission failed twice.
02/01/1996405/10/1994
 Transmission failure.
02/01/1998104/01/1995
 Piece of transmission blew from within blowing a hole through the side of the transmission case, ford will not stand behind the product. *slc
08/01/1995
 Difficulty engaging in first, and reverse gears. tt