1992 Ford Taurus: fire, smoke or burning smell

Filed Mar 18, 2003 · Electrical · 146,000 miles · IN · fire

I own a 92 ford taurus, and recently it caught on fire under the dash board...I have been doing research on defects for ford ignition switches...I have found many documents about class action law suits for other owners of ford vehicles from 1983-1995...I was not notified of this being a defect in my car and believe that ford is responsible for the fire in my dashboard...I would like to know what is still possible for recalls/defects and what can be done about this.

Filed Mar 11, 2002 · Electrical · TN · fire

While parked vehicle caught on fire. Fire dept indicated it was an electrical fire. Contact dealer.

Filed Mar 1, 2001 · Engine · MO

Vehicle experienced overheating and white smoke coming from tail pipe. Taken to a independent repair shop, and informed consumer that 3.8l v6 engine had blown another head gasket, first one occurred at 47,700 miles. *ak consumer is requesting a refund.

Filed Jul 20, 2000 · Engine · OH

Engine 3.8 head gasket blewout. There were no prior warning. Consumer was traveling on the highway, and she was looking though her side mirror and noticed white smoke coming from underneath vehicle.

Filed May 25, 2000 · Electrical · NV · fire

Vehicle caught on fire while the consumer was driving, the consumer would like someone to inspect the vehicle (possible electrical failure).

Filed May 4, 2000 · Acceleration, Engine · CA · fire

While driving stepped on the accelerator and vehicle lost stopping power. Also, smoke was coming from the front, and vehicle caught on fire after stopping (just before losing power the engine check light flashed on and off). *ak.et.

Filed Jan 28, 2000 · Electrical, Steering · NV · fire

I have owned the car for less than one month. I bought it from an as-is dealer with one-year warranty on the transmission. We found smoke came from under the hood on january 21, and had my car checked by a mechanic. The reported problem was power steering leaking and then the related pressure and return hoses were replaced. It seemed ok. But on january 26, my car was suddenly on fire when we were driving with our teacher. We had to call 911 to smother the fire. Many wirings were damaged, thus the car cannot be driven anymore. And later we still found the power steering leaking. In both cases, the instrument panel demonstrated everything was ok even when three persons were on fire! Is the auto safe? Could you please tell me how to find an authorized office in reno, nv to inspect the cause of the vehicle fire? Thank you.

Filed Jan 27, 2000 · Electrical · CA · fire

While driving smoke started coming from the windshield area. After driver pulled into the driveway, sparkes started coming from around the steering column area, and the vehicle caught on fire. Driver was able to get out of vehicle safely. The whole interior was burned, and vehicle was totalled. Please provide any further information.

Filed Sep 19, 1999 · Brakes · IL

Midas muffler and brake company has taken care of my brakes for years. The taurus seems to eat brakes. The emergency brake, once set, does not release when you pull the lever. Last month I parked on a hill and set the emergency brake, hoping that it would truly release when I pulled the lever. It did not. After a mile or so of driving, I saw smoke and smelled burning plastic. My left rear wheel cover melted from the friction of the un-released emergency brake. Midas disabled the emergency brake for me when I got back to my neighborhood. I am now driving without an emergency brake. The emergency brake sticks quite consistently and I always end up going to midas to get it released. This past august was the worst episode.

Filed Oct 8, 1998 · Suspension · OH · crash

Mcpherson strut or other part of right wheel broke, causing the vehicle to go out of control, which resulted in accident. No indictation or warning of defect. 2 hours prior consumer had smelled burning hydraulic oil.

Filed Jul 7, 1998 · Engine · PA

Engine gaskets failed causing engine to run hot and heavy white smoke came from the rear of vehicle. This premature failure should not have happened; vehicle has been properly maintained since purchased new.

Filed May 15, 1998 · Engine · CA · fire

While driving the vehicle caught fire under the hood. The fire investigator determined that the engine was the cause of the fire. The vehicle was totaled. The manufacturer has not been notofied.