2002 Ford Taurus Transmission and drivetrain Problems
- Complaints
- 39about this part
- Share
- 3%of 1,426 total for the year
- Median mileage
- 79,000miles
- Trend
- RisingComplaints filed in the last 3 full calendar years are at least 25% higher than in the 3 years before.
NHTSA recorded 39 complaints about the transmission and drivetrain of the 2002 Ford Taurus, 3% of the 1,426 complaints for this model year. Where a mileage was given, the median is 79,000 miles. 3 of these say a crash was involved, according to the filers.
Example complaints
Selected from NHTSA records; personal details are removed. They are consumer reports, not findings.
“While driving to work my transmission failed. After having the car towed to the mechanic, I was told the transmission needed to be replaced. It only has 45,000 miles on it. After researching this issue online, I have found numerous issues with the torque converter failing due to a manufacturers defect. I have not had it repaired as of yet.”
NHTSA complaint #10403775, filed 2011-05, 44,790 miles“While driving at 65 MPH, transmission warning light came on. Vehicle downshifted automatically, decreasing speed and increasing RPM's significantly. For remainder of trip, vehicle could not accelerate consistently and could not hold a constant speed. The following day I took it to a dealer who informed me that a solenoid had failed and replacement cost ~$700.”
NHTSA complaint #10061900, filed 2004-03, 59,800 miles“Without notice, the transmission failed to respond in any gear and the engine just revved. I was on a road that was not busy and able to coast off of the road to a safe location. Had this happened on my way home on the interstate during rush hour instead, I may have been seriously injured in an accident since the car just slowed down without any warning or indication that it was about to quit. I was told by mechanic that stripped torque converter is common issue with this vehicle.”
NHTSA complaint #10396941, filed 2011-04, 101,000 miles“I was in the middle of driving on the highway when my car just stopped accelerating and would not go back into gear. This left me in the middle of an off ramp. I took it to a transmission specialist and the mechanic says I need a new transmission.”
NHTSA complaint #10286105, filed 2009-10, 112,000 miles“Driving out of town the vehicle showed no signs of any problems including no dashboard lights or warnings displaying any need of maintanance. While turning onto another street at a low rate of speed then pressing accelerator to go, the drivetrain suddenly stopped pulling and the car stopped . The engine was still running at idle speed but the rpms were fluctuating up and down then stabilized at about 1,200 rpms. There were no sighns of any fluid leaks or pinched lines. Just a sudden stop, leaving me and my family stranded in the middle of nowhere. …”
NHTSA complaint #10749151, filed 2015-08, 245,000 milesRelated service bulletins
- 10016808Oct 11, 2005Erratic fluid level reading on transaxle dipstick-leaks-4f50n, ax4n, ax4s transaxle.
- 10014086Dec 13, 2004General (pcm) power train control module programming procedures.
Transmission and drivetrain: other model years
| Year | Complaints | Share of year |
|---|---|---|
| 2018 | 7 | 13% |
| 2017 | 1 | 2% |
| 2016 | 3 | 3% |
| 2015 | 18 | 6% |
| 2014 | 12 | 5% |
| 2013 | 44 | 8% |
| 2012 | 2 | 3% |
| 2011 | 18 | 10% |
| 2010 | 36 | 18% |
| 2009 | 5 | 8% |
| 2008 | 44 | 25% |
| 2007 | 16 | 11% |
| 2006 | 32 | 10% |
| 2005 | 123 | 16% |
| 2004 | 72 | 19% |
| 2003 | 316 | 26% |
| 2002 | 39 | 3% |
| 2001 | 58 | 6% |
| 2000 | 99 | 8% |
| 1999 | 91 | 10% |
| 1998 | 69 | 13% |
| 1997 | 214 | 28% |
| 1996 | 182 | 22% |
| 1995 | 394 | 33% |
| 1994 | 269 | 29% |
| 1993 | 174 | 11% |
| 1992 | 105 | 15% |
| 1991 | 260 | 40% |
| 1990 | 42 | 11% |
| 1989 | 52 | 9% |
| 1988 | 37 | 11% |
| 1987 | 29 | 11% |
| 1986 | 19 | 19% |
Other parts of the 2002 Ford Taurus
962 complaintsVisibility (wipers, defrost, mirrors)
100 complaintsVehicle speed control
76 complaintsBody and structure
54 complaintsEngine cooling
53 complaintsAir bags
47 complaintsBrakes
46 complaintsElectrical system
42 complaintsTires
38 complaintsFuel system
27 complaintsEquipment
26 complaintsExterior lighting
24 complaints
← All problems reported for the 2002 Ford Taurus
About this data. Data from NHTSA (ODI) complaints, recalls, TSBs and investigations, updated Oct 29, 2026. Complaints are unverified consumer reports and may be duplicated or inaccurate.
To check a specific vehicle for open recalls, use its VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls. Methodology