1993 Ford Taurus: sudden loss of power

Filed May 24, 2001 · Engine, Suspension · PA

Bought vehicle used. While driving 35mph vehicle it started to vibrate. Vibration would stop, then start over again. Had lost power going uphill.*ak

Filed May 24, 2001 · Engine, Suspension · PA

While driving 35mph vehicle started to vibrate. Then vibration would stop, and later start over again. Would lose power while going up hill.*ak radiator leaked and was replaced, dealer also replaced head gaskets.

Filed Dec 11, 2000 · Engine · MN

While driving about 20 MPH noticed vibration coming from engine and vehicle lost power. Then, took vehicle to a repair shop, and they said it was a blown out head gasket.

Filed Oct 10, 2000 · Engine · KY

Problem was that the car lost all power while driving. We were very lucky not to have caused a serious accident

Filed Sep 14, 2000 · Engine · WA

While driving about 60 MPH vehicle lost all power. After vehicle was checked for trouble, engine had blown head gaskets.

Filed Aug 3, 2000 · Engine · CA

Engine started to run hot and lose power with steamy, white smoke coming from exhaust pipe, and within five minutes the vehicle broke down on calif rte 30 (late at night), and had to be towed off the freeway. After examination of the motor, my mechanic advised me that the entire motor would have to be overhauled due to extensive internal damage resulting from a blown head gasket. The vehicle was tied-up in his repair shop for over three weeks. The work required to place my vehicle back in proper running condition was $3,500- out of my pocket. I still own the vehicle. Ford motor company should be liable for the entire amount of this expense because it is well-documented within the federal safety agency (odi) data base that this type of mechanical defect has been an on-going occurrance in their ford taurus products for years. When is the federal government or someone going to do something definitive about this problem? I have a paid mechanic's work order for the previously described motor overhaul, and I hereby demand that ford motor company reimburse me immediately.

Filed Jul 17, 2000 · Engine · OH

While driving with children on freeway engine shut off, and consumer lost power steering, and couldn't steer car. Took to mechanic. Mechanic indicated that a bad head gasket allowed water to get into engine and into oil, causing engine to shutdown, and ruined the engine, ford was aware of the problem, but was not addressing the issue properly.

Filed Jul 16, 2000 · Electrical · VA

While driving at 55mph car suddenly lost power. Vehicle was towed to mechanic where it was determined the10 amp accessory feed fuse had blown. A replacement fuse was put it and immediately blew again. A second fuse was used and the car ran for 6 weeks with no failures. Car again suddently stopped while traveling at approximately 10mph. Again the same fuse was blown. Replacement fuse blew after driving the car approximately 2 miles. Third replacement fuse lasted for approximately 50 miles before blowing again - while the car was traveling at 55mph. As first stated, when fuse blows the engine is immediately shut down. Note that car will not restart until replacement fuse is put in.

Filed Jul 12, 2000 · Engine · AR

Car suddenly slowed, and immediate loss of engine power. Exhaust started omitting white "smoke". I was able to get off the road with no incident. Coolant and fluids leaked into the main engine compartment I found out later, resulting from blown head gaskets. My car was in the garage at this same dealer several times before the gaskets blew. Ford was aware of defective gaskets inthis engine and at no time did this ford certified dealer advise me to have the gaskets replaced. They owed the public a responsibility to warn them of the potential failure. In heavy traffic and in hot weather it could have frozen or locked up the engine. I drove the car afterwards trying to determine what the engine failures was and could not get it in until after christmas. I do not not what resididual damage there has been to the engine since the patient was sewn back up in this case. Undoubtedly, the engine life has been shortned as a result of driving the car with collant and foreign fluids in the engine. I also owned a 1990 lincoln continental with the same engine. It froze. I was told by ford it would cost me $3800 to put a new engine in it.

Filed Jun 22, 2000 · Fuel system · WA

While driving vehicle in hot weather,it would start to lose power without any warning. Vehicle would be turned off for 1/2 hour & then restarted. Took to dealership. Mechanic placed on diagnostic machine & found nothing. Gave indication it was fuel pump & that the air flow sensor needed replacing.

Filed Jan 1, 2000 · Acceleration · PA

The vehicle lost power while driving and would not start until 10 minutes later because of irc module failure. Yh

Filed Dec 21, 1999 · Engine · IL

While driving on highway engine died/ lost power steering and brakes. Puts car in neutral, it allowed it to restart. This has happened several times a day. Contacted dealer. Has been very cooperative, but not able to find the cause of the problem.