Which parts fail
Components named in complaints (automatic and manual transmissions, CVT, axles, driveshaft, 4WD/AWD).
Mileage when the problem started
Owner reports
Selected complaints filed with NHTSA by 2001 Ford Taurus owners, lightly cleaned up (personal details are redacted by NHTSA).
The contact owns a 2001 Ford Taurus. The contact stated that there was a slight hesitation upon shifting the transmission into drive. The contact stated that the gear selector seized, and the vehicle was no longer able to shift out of park. Additionally, the brake lights were no longer operable. No warning lights were illuminated on the instrument panel. The local dealer was contacted; however, the vehicle was not diagnosed. The contact was informed that the VIN was not under recall. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 55,000.
Today, June 24, 2017 at about 1:00 pm, I was stopped at a red light on a city street, waiting for the light to turn green, to turn left onto the state highway. My foot was on the brake pedal, so I was not touching the gas pedal at all. Suddenly, and without any warning, my vehicle accelerated without any action on my part, and rapidly started into the busy intersection. Despite my vain attempts to stop my vehicle, by pushing as hard is possible on the brake pedal with both feet, it didn't decrease the acceleration at all. Because the steering wheel wouldn't turn, I wasn't able to avoid a collision. I collided with a van which was traveling on the highway and going about 40 miles per hour through the intersection on the green light. …
Tl* the contact owns a 2001 Ford Taurus. While attempting to place the vehicle in drive, the gears would not shift and the brake lights would not activate. There were no warning lights illuminated on the instrument panel. The contact was experiencing the same failure as listed in NHTSA campaign number: 04V106000 (exterior lighting). The contact, a mechanic, reached out to the dealer to purchase parts for the repair, but the dealer refused. The contact was informed that he would have to bring the vehicle in for the repair to be performed. The vehicle was not repaired. The failure mileage was 75,000.
Since I've owned the car the transmission on the dash has been off meaning ... To put it in drive it has to say 1 st. On the dash reverse is where drive is or d. ... Yesterday I came to a stop sign and there was a huge thunk and I could not drive the car had froze then after messing with the shift arm it went thunk again and I got it home but cant drive any farther ..I also have had electronic problems since I got it one dash lights inside wont work next day blinker next day radio next day head lights .... And the front end thunks when driving and is not connected to the road ...it feels
Tl* the contact owns a 2001 Ford Taurus. The contact stated that the vehicle would not shift out of park and was towed to the contact's home. John bleakley Ford inc (870 thorton rd, lithia springs, ga 30122) was contacted and stated that the vehicle was not included in NHTSA campaign number: 04V106000 (exterior lighting). The Ford manufacturer was also contacted and did not assist. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The approximate failure mileage was 45,000.
Tl* the contact owns a 2001 Ford Taurus. The contact stated that while driving at unknown speeds, the vehicle accelerated without warning while depressing the brake pedal. The failure recurred twice. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was 226,000.
Tl* the contact owns a 2001 Ford Taurus. The contact stated that the gears on the vehicle would not switch from park to reverse. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was made aware of the issue. The failure mileage was 150,000.
My daughter got to work and shut the car off and when she came out the car started but would not go in gear. No warning of any kind. We had the vehicle towed to inver grove Ford and found out the transmission went out with only 38,000 miles on the vehicle. Of course the warranty expired at 36,000. We talked with Ford and they stated that since we didn't buy the extended warranty there was nothing they could do. I helped my daughter buy this car so she would have a reliable car to drive my two grandchildren around in and get back and forth to work. I thank god everyday that the car was parked and she was not driving it let alone with my grandchildren in it. Inver grove Ford stated that a major component had gone out and it would be $3400 to fix the component or for $3500 we could get a new transmission put in it. Give me a break. A $100 difference. …
Car became increasingly difficult to shift out of park. At this time the brake lights were working. Found a work around on the internet that worked. Also found a recall (04s12) for same problem but my VIN was not covered and Ford will not fix. However, they do not sell the stop light switch (which is most likely the part I need) by itself anymore. You must buy a more expensive kit that includes the stop light switch and wiring on the brake pedal. Now my brake lights are completely out so we cannot drive the car. Seems if Ford won't sell just the switch then they are acknowledging that this is a safety issue and my car should be included in the recall. I found many other people with the same problem when I was looking for a solution to the shifting out of park problem. …
My Ford Taurus 1st broke down on the interstate. I was on my way taking my kids to chuck e. Cheese. It ran hot out of the blue. After that I got it towed, I did replace the motor, had the transmission worked on, replace many sensors, replaced the fuel filter, replaced the fuel pump, the sensor of the air condition. I have replaced almost everything on that car from the time I bought it in 07 until 2010. And its still not running. Its parked they are saying its something with the transmission again. I have spent so much money in that piece of junk Ford. I feel they should fix the transmission this time and give me some of money back for all the repairs. And for the record my dates are estimated because I just parked and it and stop keeping up with it. Just plain ole got tired. That car took me broke. I finally had to bow down and go get another 1 with payments as last resort. …
Transmission complaints in other Taurus years
Frequently asked questions
How common are transmission problems on the 2001 Ford Taurus?
NHTSA has 58 complaints about the transmission & drivetrain of the 2001 Ford Taurus, 6% of the model year's 1,037 complaints. The component named most often is automatic transmission (27 mentions).
Is there a recall for 2001 Ford Taurus transmission problems?
No. NHTSA lists no transmission & drivetrain recall for the 2001 Ford Taurus, though it has 9 recalls for other components. If the problem is widespread, a repair may still be covered by an extended warranty or a manufacturer service bulletin — ask a dealer.
At what mileage do 2001 Ford Taurus transmission problems start?
Half of the complaints with a recorded mileage happened before about 86,000 miles, and 3% before 25,000 miles.
Is it dangerous?
Owners linked 4 crashes, 0 fires and 0 injuries to transmission & drivetrain problems on this model year. If you notice symptoms, have the car checked before driving further.
Source: U.S. National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) — owner complaints through October 20, 2026, recalls and defect investigations; fuel economy from the EPA. Complaints are unverified reports and are not proof of a defect. How we rate model years.