99 taurus trans trouble i think

It all started when my car would crank but not fire(seperate issue i think). I believe it is the fuel pump. When the car wouldn't fire I did not hear the fuel pump engage. After letting it sit for a while i tried to start it again and I heard the fuel pump engage and the car started right up. Admist my delight when I went to take off I shifted the car into gear and got nothing. I did not try to push the car so Im not sure if every gear was like being in neutral or park. I had the car towed and I am being told I need a complete transmission rebuild and new torque converter. I am confused because up until this point there had been no signs of any trans issues(no slipping, grinding, or even rough shifting). The guy at the shop I took it to told me he had a couple of past customers that had similar issues with their taurus'. I am still having trouble accepting that the trans would go just like that. My main concern right now is the tranny. I'm facing $1800 in repairs and i don't want to get screwed. Any ideas or past experiences would be appreciated PLEASE

thanks

Sorry 3.0L SE with 108,000 on it

thanks

When was the last time the transmission fluid and filter were changed? Were there many filings or metal fragments on the magnet?

-Rod