Ford Taurus Automatic Transmission Mount Guide (2010-2019)
Feeling a clunk or vibration in your Ford Taurus? It might be a bad transmission mount.
- Common failure symptoms are clunking noises on acceleration and excessive vibration at idle.
- No specific recalls exist for this part; failures are due to normal wear and tear.
- Aftermarket brands like Anchor and DEA are budget options, while Pioneer is a mid-grade choice.
- It is safe to drive short-term, but you should replace a bad mount soon to prevent damage to other parts like axles and hoses.
Is Your Taurus Shaking or Clunking? It Could Be a Bad Transmission Mount
If you're feeling more vibration than usual in your 2010-2019 Ford Taurus, a failing transmission mount is a likely cause. These parts hold your powertrain steady. When the rubber inside them wears out, cracks, or gets soaked with oil, it can't do its job anymore. This guide will help you spot the symptoms of a bad mount and choose the right aftermarket replacement.
Symptoms of a Failing Transmission Mount
A bad transmission mount on a Taurus will make its presence known in several ways. If you notice these signs, it's time to inspect your mounts.
- Clunking or Banging Noises: A loud clunk or thud when you accelerate, brake, or shift between Drive and Reverse is a classic sign. This noise is the sound of the transmission moving too much and hitting other parts.
- Increased Vibration: You may feel a new or excessive vibration through the steering wheel, floor, or seats. This is often most noticeable when the car is idling while in gear. This happens because the worn-out rubber can no longer absorb the powertrain's natural shaking.
- Rough Shifting: When a mount is bad, the transmission can move out of alignment. This can make shifts feel harsh or delayed.
- Visible Engine Movement: With the hood open, have a helper stand safely to the side. While you hold the brake pedal down firmly, shift the car from Park to Drive, then to Reverse. If the helper sees the engine lurch or jump more than an inch 🎬 Watch: How to spot the signs of a failed mount, a mount has likely failed.
Don't Ignore a Bad Mount
Continuing to drive with a failed mount can cause more problems. The extra movement puts stress on other parts like axles, CV joints, coolant hoses, and the exhaust system. This can lead to more expensive repairs down the road.
Known Issues, Recalls, and TSBs
For the 2010-2019 Ford Taurus, there are no specific recalls or Technical Service Bulletins (TSBs) from the NHTSA for the automatic transmission mounts themselves. Failures are typically due to normal wear and tear from age and mileage. Some other transmission-related recalls exist for this generation, like one for a shifter cable bushing, but they do not involve the mounts.
Choosing the Right Aftermarket Mount
When replacing a transmission mount, you have a choice between an original equipment (OEM) part from Ford and several aftermarket brands. For a common wear item like this, a quality aftermarket part can offer great value.
OEM vs. Aftermarket Quality
An OEM mount from Ford will be a perfect match, but it's the most expensive option. Aftermarket parts are cheaper, but the quality can vary. For a daily driver, a good quality aftermarket part is usually sufficient. However, for the high-torque SHO model or if you drive aggressively, a higher-quality aftermarket or OEM part is a better investment.
Brand Tiers for Your Taurus:
- Economy Brands (Anchor, DEA): These brands are widely available and very affordable. They are a budget-friendly choice for a quick fix. However, online forums show mixed reviews; some owners report these mounts fail more quickly or cause more vibration than the original part.
- Mid-Grade Brands (Pioneer Cable): Brands like Pioneer are often seen as a step up from the basic economy options. They provide a good balance of price and quality, often looking and feeling closer to the original factory mount.
Pro Tip: Inspect All Mounts
Your Taurus has 3 or 4 mounts holding the engine and transmission. If one has failed due to age, the others are likely worn as well. It's a good idea to inspect all of them and consider replacing them as a set to save on future labor costs.
🎬 Watch: A step-by-step guide to changing your Taurus mountReplacement Costs
The cost to replace a transmission mount depends on the part brand you choose and local shop labor rates. The lower transmission mount is more difficult to access than the upper torque struts, which affects labor time.
| Part/Service | Estimated Cost |
|---|---|
| New OEM Part | $85 - $160 |
| New Aftermarket Part | $65.99 - $148.51 |
| Shop Labor | $256 - $376 |
| Total Professional Replacement (Aftermarket Part) | $363 - $483 |
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
How many transmission mounts does a 2010-2019 Taurus have?
The Ford Taurus typically uses a system of three or four mounts to secure the entire powertrain (engine and transmission). This includes one or two main transmission mounts and additional torque struts or engine mounts that work together to control movement.
Can I replace a transmission mount myself?
It depends on the mount. The upper torque strut mount (often called a "dog bone") is very easy to replace with basic hand tools in under an hour. However, the main lower transmission mounts are more difficult and may require supporting the transmission with a jack and potentially loosening the subframe for access. This is a more advanced DIY job.
🎬 See this walkthrough for replacing the lower transmission mountWhat is the difference between an engine mount and a transmission mount?
They do similar jobs but are in different locations. Engine mounts secure the engine, while transmission mounts secure the transmission. They work together as a system to hold the entire powertrain. A failure in one can put extra stress on the others.
Will a new aftermarket mount feel different?
Sometimes. A new mount will almost always be an improvement over a failed one, reducing vibration and noise. However, some economy-level aftermarket mounts may use a harder rubber compound, which can transmit slightly more vibration into the cabin at idle compared to the original OEM part.
Helpful Videos
Technical Specifications
OEM Part Numbers: DG1Z-6068-A AA5Z-6038-D
The 2010-2019 Ford Taurus uses several powertrain mounts, including a primary left (driver's side) transmission mount, a rear torque strut mount (often called the lower transmission mount), and an upper torque strut mount. Some are made of solid rubber and aluminum, while others may be hydraulic (fluid-filled) to better dampen vibrations.
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The information in this article is provided for general reference and educational purposes only. Vehicle specifications, procedures, and part compatibility can vary by production date, trim level, and region. Always consult your vehicle's factory service manual and verify part numbers before purchasing or performing repairs. Safety-critical components such as airbags, seat belts, and braking systems should be installed by a qualified professional.
- Ford Taurus:
- 🎬 Helpful Videos
- 🛍️ Shop This Part
- Is Your Taurus Shaking or Clunking? It Could Be a Bad Transmission Mount
- Symptoms of a Failing Transmission Mount
- Don't Ignore a Bad Mount
- Known Issues, Recalls, and TSBs
- Choosing the Right Aftermarket Mount
- Pro Tip: Inspect All Mounts
- Replacement Costs
- Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
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