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 2004 Ford Taurus owners, lightly cleaned up (personal details are redacted by NHTSA).
I was driving on the highway doing around 70 and, all of a sudden, the RPM's revved up really high (into the 7000's) and the car indicator said check transmission. I quickly changed lanes and got onto the shoulder and shut off my car. I let it sit for ten minutes while I checked for visible problems. Finding none, I then turned the car back on and put it in gear and it would not move. I tried it in every gear but the car still refused to move. I then had it towed to a mechanic that said that my transmission was bad. My regular mechanic and I had done some research over the phone while we were waiting to hear back from the mechanic and found that other people had the same problem. They said that it was the fault of a bad torque converter. …
Tl* the contact owns a 2004 Ford Taurus. The contact stated that when starting the vehicle and attempting to shift, the gear shifter locked in the park position. The contact had the vehicle towed to the dealer (deacon jones Ford-Lincoln located at 3301 mclain street, goldsboro, nc 27534 phone number [phone]) who confirmed their failure was related to NHTSA campaign number: 04V106000 (exterior lighting) however, their vehicle's VIN was not included in the recall. The vehicle had not been repaired. The manufacturer was made aware of the issue and confirmed that the VIN was not included in the recall. The contact was referred to NHTSA to file a complaint. The approximate failure mileage was 135,000.
Tl* the contact owns a 2004 Ford Taurus. The contact stated that the vehicle's brake lights remained illuminated without the brake pedal being depressed causing the battery to fail at times. The contact stated that the vehicle failed to shift from park to drive when depressing the vehicle's brake pedal properly. The brake lights were no longer operable. The contact had not taken the vehicle to the dealer. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure and informed the contact that the vehicle was not included in NHTSA campaign number: 16e026000 (service brakes, hydraulic). The approximate failure mileage was 130,000.
I had rented a 2004 Ford Taurus from enterprise rent-a-car. I needed to get some things out of another car to put into the rental car. I put the Taurus into drive and pulled forward to the other car. I placed the car in park, opened the door, took my foot off the brake and started to get out. After I had both feet on the ground and was standing up, the car began to roll backward. I fell to the ground while holding on to the door and was dragged a few feet. I managed to roll away from the car. The car rolled back to the original parking spot and hit a guard rail and another car.
My car has the same problem as NHTSA campaign number 04V106000 (Ford recall number 04s12-manufacturer's report date April 5, 2004). Yet, it's not flagging my VIN as part of the recall. The badge on the driver's door shows the car was built 02/2004. It's been doing it a long time off and on, I thought it was the tilt steering wheel. The gearshift will not come out of park with your foot on the brake pedal. I understand that it's a faulty brake light switch. My car should be covered by this recall. Thank you for any help with this matter!
Tl* the contact owns a 2004 Ford Taurus. The contact stated that the gear shifter would not move out of park. The contact had to depress the brake pedal multiple times for the gear shifter to move. The vehicle was not taken to a dealer or an independent mechanic for diagnostic testing or repairs. The contact believed that the failure was related to NHTSA campaign number: 04V106000 (exterior lighting). The manufacturer was made aware of the failure and informed the contact to call NHTSA. The failure mileage was 123,000.
Torque converter failed in transmission, which LED to total failure. On highway at 65 MPH when vehicle started to slow while driving. Got to shoulder, and had car towed. This is common problem with this car. Ford will not recall or help. Spline is to thin, and, out of spec. In regard to thickness.
Tl* the contact owns a 2004 Ford Taurus. The contact stated that the transmission failed to shift gears without warning. The vehicle was not taken to the dealer. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The vehicle was not repaired. The VIN was not available. The failure mileage was 172,666.
The throttle sticks when slowing down to a stop, it suddenly revs up. Must then stomp on the brakes and try to throw it into neutral. Usually can catch it however, 2 days ago ended up rear ending someone. The front end of my car is damaged. Ran into a truck which wasn't damaged.
Tl* the contact owns a 2004 Ford Taurus. After the vehicle was refueled, the gear shift failed to switch out of the park position. The vehicle was not diagnosed nor repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The failure mileage was 105,000.
Transmission complaints in other Taurus years
Frequently asked questions
How common are transmission problems on the 2004 Ford Taurus?
NHTSA has 72 complaints about the transmission & drivetrain of the 2004 Ford Taurus, 19% of the model year's 375 complaints. The component named most often is automatic transmission (26 mentions).
Is there a recall for 2004 Ford Taurus transmission problems?
No. NHTSA lists no transmission & drivetrain recall for the 2004 Ford Taurus, though it has 1 recall 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 2004 Ford Taurus transmission problems start?
Half of the complaints with a recorded mileage happened before about 105,000 miles, and 6% before 25,000 miles.
Is it dangerous?
Owners linked 4 crashes, 0 fires and 1 injury 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.