The Lemon Index
Transmission complaints owners filed with the U.S. government (NHTSA) for each model year, per 100,000 cars sold. A complaint counts when it's filed under the transmission, or under the power train and the owner describes the transmission (shifting, slipping, gears, CVT). It's an owner's report, not a confirmed defect, and older years have had longer to collect complaints.
What owners describe
Share of this model's transmission complaints that mention each symptom. One complaint can mention several.
Transmission and power train recalls
- 2015 2020
The support bracket for the front drive axle halfshaft may fail.
- 2014 2014
In the affected vehicles, the halfshaft retention circlip may not have been properly installed, and as a result, the halfshaft may move outward and disengage from the linkshaft while driving and without prior warning.
Recall repairs are free at any dealer. Check a specific car's VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls.
In owners' words
I was driving south on two lane highway. Car went out of gear as though it were in neutral. Would not go back into gear.
2003 Ford Taurus owner · NHTSA complaint
Cpsc# i1240221a. 2003 ford taurus. Consumer stated the transmission failed unexpectedly and without warning while driving.
2003 Ford Taurus owner · NHTSA complaint
Quick answers
Which Ford Taurus years have transmission problems?
By transmission complaints filed with NHTSA per car sold, the worst Ford Taurus years are 2003, 2008, 2005.
What are common Ford Taurus transmission problems?
Owners most often describe lost power while driving, transmission replaced, hard or jerky shifting.
Which Ford Taurus years have the fewest transmission complaints?
Since 2010, the Ford Taurus years with the fewest transmission complaints per car sold are 2017, 2016, 2014.
See every problem, not just the transmission: Ford Taurus reliability by year. How we count