On vehicles equipped with an automatic transmission it is imperative that the converter pilot hub be greased with Motorcraft Multi-Purpose Grease Spray XL-5-A even if grease was not applied from the factory. Also verify that the engine/transmission alignment dowel pins are present as well as the engine crankshaft dowel pin, if equipped, when installing the transmission. Failure to adequately lubricate the converter hub greatly increases the likelihood of the flexplate cracking in the future. Missing dowels may cause a misalignment issue also resulting in a premature failure. Refer to Workshop Manual (WSM), Section 307-01.
full bulletin at NHTSA ↗2014 Ford Taurus powertrain problems
severe Owners of the 2014 Ford Taurus have filed 11 NHTSA complaints about the powertrain at roughly $2,500 to repair (U.S. federal records, as of August 2026). Source: NHTSA Office of Defects Investigation. See powertrain across all vehicles →
Complaints
11
Recalls
0
Avg fix
$2,500
| Model year | powertrain complaints |
|---|---|
| 2010 Taurus | 31 |
| 2011 Taurus | 17 |
| 2013 Taurus | 36 |
| 2014 Taurus (this page) | 11 |
| 2015 Taurus | 14 |
| 2016 Taurus | 3 |
| 2018 Taurus | 5 |
1crash
Is there a fix? Manufacturer service bulletins
The manufacturer has issued service bulletins covering powertrain on this vehicle — documented repair instructions, service campaigns, or warranty extensions sent to dealers. A TSB isn't a recall (it's not a free safety remedy), but it's the manufacturer acknowledging the issue and how to fix it.
Some 2013-2019 Police Interceptor Sedan and Utility vehicles may exhibit a reduced top speed after a transmission fluid service with unapproved fluid. The use of unapproved fluid or improper transmission fluid level can lead to reduced vehicle performance and transmission damage that is not covered under warranty. Use only Mercon LV Automatic Transmission Fluid, XT-10-QLVC (US), CXT-10-LV12 (Canada). Use only the Transmission Fluid Exchanger process when performing service intervals. Check and adjust transmission fluid level only at normal operating temperatures of 82?C-93?C (180?F-200?F). The fluid adjustment procedure requires using the appropriate Ford scan tool or equivalent to verify fl
full bulletin at NHTSA ↗6F35 TRANSMISSION - FLUID LEAK AT LEFT SIDE HALFSHAFT SEAL BUILT ON OR BEFORE 10/14/2013 ISSUE Some 2009-2014 Escape, 2009-2011 Mariner, 2010-2014 Fusion, 2010-2011 Milan, 2012-2014 Edge/Explorer, and 2013-2014 Taurus/MKT/MKZ vehicles built on or before 10/14/2013 and equipped with a 6F35 automatic transmission may exhibit a fluid leak from the left hand (LH) transmission halfshaft seal due to wear on the transmission case bushing.
full bulletin at NHTSA ↗49 CFR Part 579.5 Monthly Communications - January 2016
full bulletin at NHTSA ↗49 CFR Part 579.5 Monthly Communications - March 2016 Air bag warning light illuminated with diagnostic trouble code (DTC) B141B and/or B141C
full bulletin at NHTSA ↗Source: NHTSA manufacturer communications. Bring the bulletin number to your dealer or shop.
The failure pattern owners describe
Owners of this Taurus report a cluster of powertrain failures that leave dealers and shops guessing. The most common complaint: transmission shuddering or jerking during gear shifts, especially in 3rd and 4th, or at low-to-moderate speeds. One owner spent $145 on sensor replacement and a diagnostic fee, then watched the same jerking continue. Another took the car to AAMCO, had the transmission fluid changed, and the shudder came right back. Owners suspect a solenoid or internal valve body issue, not the torque converter that one dealership blamed.
Beyond shifting problems, owners report sudden loss of motive power while driving—one vehicle locked up repeatedly due to a blown fuse that the dealer couldn't permanently fix, telling the owner to just carry spares. Another Taurus dropped to 10 mph on the highway with zero throttle response. A parked vehicle on a slope rolled downhill despite being in park and ignition off.
Less common but notable: a front driver-side axle observed detaching at 120,000 miles, a PTU (power transfer unit) that failed at 93,000 miles with a $1,500 repair bill, and one engine stall on a highway. No single pattern jumps out, which is why dealers struggle to nail these down.
Same Ford Taurus powertrain reports on nearby years: 2011 · 2013 · 2015
Failure modes owners describe
Transmission shudder/jerking during shifts
Vehicle shudders or jerks during 3rd/4th gear shifts or at low-to-moderate speeds. Owners report hesitation and jerking that persists after transmission fluid changes and sensor replacement. Suspected internal transmission defects—solenoid or body valve issues—rather than torque converter.
When: Occurs during gear shifts and low-speed driving; one case ongoing since March 2023
Symptoms owners cite: Shuddering during 3rd and 4th gear shifts; Jerking at low-to-moderate speeds; Vehicle hesitates when accelerating; Shuddering persists after transmission fluid change
Codes mentioned: Check Engine Light, Transmission-related codes (cleared by technician)
Repairs/costs cited: One owner paid $145 for sensor replacement and transmission diagnostic fee; another had transmission fluid changed at AAMCO; Ford dealership charged diagnostic fees but no permanent repair achieved
Loss of motive power with transmission warning light
Vehicle loses engine power while driving with 'transmission not in park' warning illuminated. Dealer attributed to blown fuse; fuse was replaced twice, but failure recurred. Owner advised to carry spare fuses for roadside replacement.
When: Failure mileage reported as 9 miles (likely low mileage at time of first failure)
Symptoms owners cite: Complete loss of motive power while driving; Transmission not in park warning light illuminated; Intermittent fuse failure
Codes mentioned: Transmission not in park warning
Repairs/costs cited: Fuse replacement temporary fix; owner instructed to carry spare fuses and replace as needed
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Manufacturer made aware but vehicle was not repaired
Front driver-side axle detachment
Front driver-side axle observed detaching during routine oil change inspection at 120,000 miles. Dealer determined VIN not included in NHTSA Campaign 14V393000 (Power Train). Vehicle not diagnosed or repaired.
When: Discovered at approximately 120,000 miles
Symptoms owners cite: Axle detaching from vehicle
Repairs/costs cited: No repair performed; not covered under existing recall
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Referred to NHTSA Hotline; not covered by Campaign 14V393000
Vehicle rolling downhill while parked with ignition off and in park
Fleet vehicle rolled down embankment and struck roadway shoulder while parked on a slope with ignition off and transmission in park. Owner attributes to known prior ignition switch problems.
When: While vehicle parked and turned off
Symptoms owners cite: Vehicle rolled downhill despite being in park; Ignition switch in off position
Repairs/costs cited: Resulted in severe vehicle damage
Jerking/shuddering at highway speeds without warning light
Vehicle jerks at 30–50 mph with no check engine light or diagnostic code present. Owner parked vehicle after symptom onset. Dealer did not diagnose or repair.
When: At approximately 34,720 miles
Symptoms owners cite: Jerking at 30–50 mph; No warning light illuminated
Repairs/costs cited: No diagnosis or repair performed
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Referred to NHTSA Hotline
Hard starting and power inconsistency after refueling
Vehicle struggles to start after refueling with hiccuping sensation. Inconsistent power delivery under acceleration, varying from sluggish to responsive on different days.
When: Occurs after refueling
Symptoms owners cite: Hard starting after refueling; Hiccuping sensation at startup; Inconsistent power delivery under acceleration; Varying performance day to day
Sudden loss of power and acceleration while driving
Vehicle abruptly limited to 10 mph and would not accelerate even at full throttle. Owner forced to return to workplace to park before reaching main road.
When: <UNKNOWN>
Symptoms owners cite: Sudden loss of power; Vehicle limited to ~10 mph; No acceleration response to throttle input
Power Transfer Unit (PTU) seal leakage
PTU seals leaking transmission and gear oil onto hot exhaust components, creating smoke that enters the cabin via HVAC. Owner reports this is a long-standing common problem on Ford 4WD vehicles and poses a safety hazard.
When: Failure reported at 93,000 miles
Symptoms owners cite: Oil leaking from PTU seals; Smoke entering cabin through HVAC; Initial noise described as tin cans crunching from front
Repairs/costs cited: PTU replacement cost $1,500
Engine stall while driving
Vehicle sputtered and stopped abruptly in the middle of a highway.
When: <UNKNOWN>
Symptoms owners cite: Engine sputtered; Complete engine stall on highway
Synthesized from 11 NHTSA owner complaints — unverified consumer allegations, summarized for patterns. The verbatim filings appear below.
What owners are reporting 0 most recent
Had powertrain trouble with your 2014 Ford Taurus?
File a complaint with NHTSA → It's free, official, and how every report above got here — owner filings are the federal safety record this page is built on.
Common questions
How serious is the powertrain problem on the 2014 Ford Taurus?
It's a meaningful issue. 11 complaints have been filed and the failure mode causes operational problems for owners. Repairs average $2,500.
At what mileage does the powertrain typically fail?
Based on the 11 complaints filed, powertrain issues most often appear around 91,018 miles. Some report problems earlier; some make it well past 150,000 with no symptoms. Maintenance habits matter — vehicles that received timely fluid services and were not regularly overworked tend to last longer.
What does it cost to fix?
Independent shops typically charge around $2,500 for powertrain repairs on this vehicle. Dealer pricing tends to run 20-40% higher. The exact figure depends on the specific failure mode, parts availability, and your local labor rates. If you're outside factory warranty, an extended service contract often covers this category.
Are there any recalls related to powertrain?
No active recalls currently cover powertrain issues on this vehicle. The complaints filed represent owner-reported failures that haven't risen to the level of a manufacturer-issued recall — but they're still worth knowing about before you buy or budget for repairs.
Related
Complaint and recall data sourced from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA)
public records database. Verify the raw federal record at
nhtsa.gov/vehicle/2014/Ford/Taurus.
Severity ratings are derived from reported crashes, fires, injuries, and fatalities. Repair cost estimates are
independent-shop national averages and may differ in your area. Some links on this page are affiliate links.