I just got off the telephone with ford corp., ~ I have inherited a 1994 taurus from my grandmother, who took excellent care of it and it only has 88,000 original miles ~ the day after thanksgiving, the head gasket blew & the exhaust started pouring out thick smoke, I was able to get to a safe location immediately, but I look under the car and there were all different color fluids coming out. Back in 1999 there was a letter sent to mr. William clay ford relating to this issue ~ a vehicle that has been so well kept and not even have passed 100k miles... This malfunction of ford, should be fixed and honored at all costs and now I am looking at a bill of $2300.00 to get this fixed ~ when if it would have been built right from the beginning this issue would have never happened. I am asking for help of program 98m01 ~ this extension is mandatory for I am a single mother / driver of a ford vehicle ~ it's the american way...... Right???? Mr. William clay ford ~ get me back into a safe vehicle.
1994 Ford Taurus engine problems
291 complaints (32% of all complaints for this car). Typical mileage when it fails: 85,000. 2 crashes reported.
- owner complaints
- 291
- of this car's complaints
- 32%
- typical mileage
- 85,000
- crashes
- 2
- recalls
- 1
Which part fails
- Engine179
- Engine: gasoline60
- Cooling system32
- Cooling system: radiator assembly11
- Exhaust system: emission control6
- Engine: gasoline: belts and associated pulleys6
- Cooling system: fan5
- Exhaust system4
At what mileage
Complaints by mileage at the time of the problem.
Ford Taurus engine problems in other years
Specific symptoms reported on the 1994 Ford Taurus engine
Phrases found in the owners' own descriptions, so one complaint can mention several symptoms.
Stalling 62Overheating 40Engine failure 21Knocking 7Loss of power 7Check engine light 6Won't start 5
Related recalls
Engine and engine cooling: cooling system: fan
- What is wrong
- These vehicles are originally sold or currently registered in the following states: alaska, iowa, minnesota, nebraska, north dakota, and south dakota. The vehicles involved are 1992-1994 tempo/topaz vehicles with 3.0l engines; 1994 tempo/topaz with 2.3l engines; 1992-1995 taurus/sable with 3.8l engines; 1994-1995 taurus/sable with 3.0l engines and 1992-1994 lincoln continental vehicles with 3.8l engines. During high winds, heavy, blowing and drifting snow, and low temperatures, the engine cooling fan can become blocked or frozen with snow. The fan motor may not rotate and could overheat.
- Risk
- This condition can cause smoke or flames from the fan and/or shroud, the fan electrical wiring, or the fan motor resulting in a vehicle fire.
- Remedy
- Dealers will install an electrical jumper harness containing an automatic resetting circuit breaker to protect the fan motor low speed circuitry from overheating.
Recall number 97V019000 · Recall details
Related investigations
Engine cooling fan fires
There is no summary currently available
EA96024
Engine cooling fan fires
In december 1995, ford recalled 119,313 vehicles in canada to remedy the subject condition in certain 1992-95 taurus, sable, tempo, topaz and continental vehicles.ford is aware of similar incidents occurring in northern regions of the united states, but maintains that the frequencies do not warrant a finding of an unreasonable risk to motor vehicle safety.
PE96033
What 1994 Ford Taurus owners say
Most recent owner complaints, unedited.
Tl* the contact owns a 1994 ford taurus. The contact stated that the engine and transmission failed. The contact started the vehicle and both the engine and the transmission collapsed. The contact referenced the federal safety agency campaign id number: 93v106000 (structure:frame and members) and contacted the dealer. The dealer advised the contact that his VIN was not included in the recall campaign. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was notified and they filed a complaint on the contact's behalf. The failure mileage was 155,000.
Tl*the contact owns a 1994 ford taurus. While driving 30 MPH, the subframe on the vehicle dropped. The contact lost complete control of the steering. The vehicle is currently at an auto shop and the mechanic stated that the subframe dropped. The estimated repair cost was $1,000. The federal safety agency campaign id number 98v323000 (structure:frame and members) was referenced. The engine cooling fan failed two months ago, and caused the vehicle to overheat. The repair cost was $400. The federal safety agency campaign id number 97v019000 (engine and engine cooling) was referenced. The contact also had to replace the struts on his vehicle. The federal safety agency campaign id number 943036000 (suspension:front: shock absorber) was referenced. The repair cost was $300. The transmission had to be rebuilt, and the cost for the repair was $1,500. The current and failure mileages were 103,000.
Head gasket failure.
Dt: the contact stated ford had a voluntary recall for the engine head gaskets. There was a limitation on this recall, seven years or 100,000 miles. The contact stated on october 19, 2005 he noticed water coming from the tail pipe. Also, the vehicle leaked coolant. He took the vehicle to a mechanic, and he determined the head gaskets were blown.
Dt: the vehicle has had a problem with the engine dying. The engine blew a head gasket. A recall has been issued. The engine was replaced, and the new engine also blew out at 97,000 miles. The vehicle was having a fluctuation in temperature. Then , ford was contacted, and ford said they could not help. *ak
The vehicle was recalled because of overheating and head gasket failure. The same problem emerged again, less than four years since repaired. The manufacturer was contacted, and there was no response. *ak the vehicle continued losing antifreeze. *sc
While driving 55 MPH vehicle stalled and died. Vehicle was taken to the dealer, and technician determined head gasket failed.
1994 ford taurus 3.8 l ...head gasket failure at 69,000 miles, warranty recall and engine replaced approx june 2000. Now at 130,000 miles, 60,000 miles and 3-1/2 years on the new engine, I again have a cracked hg, this time with combustion gases in the coolant. Ford tells me the new engine had a 12 month, 12,000 mile warranty just like all ford parts. But this is not a starter or alternator, this is the entire engine, the bulk of the value of the car. I can't be sure if the replacement engine had the new improved gasket and longer bolts, or if it was off the shelf 3.8 with admittedly faulty gasket. Gases force coolant out the overflow. The car overheats very rapidly, the needle can move from "normal" to red line in 10 seconds and I have to pull over and shut it off. I spend more time looking at the temp gauge than the road in front of me, and often I have to pull over with very little notice, on the freeway in heavy traffic. I think you should be able to get more than 60,000 miles and 3-1/2 years on a ford motor company engine. I can't even sell or trade this car in, it's value has dropped to nothing.
Dealer replaced the intake manifold at 30,000 mile's, and once again it needed to be replaced, vehicle reached high temperatures due to intake manifold failure. *ak
Questions about the 1994 Ford Taurus engine
Does the 1994 Ford Taurus have engine problems?
Owners have filed 291 complaints about the engine of the 1994 Ford Taurus, 32% of all its complaints, more than any other problem.
At what mileage do 1994 Ford Taurus engine problems start?
The typical (median) mileage in owner complaints is 85,000 miles.
Is there a recall for the 1994 Ford Taurus engine?
Yes, 1 recall: 97V019000. Check your VIN to see if your car still needs the free repair.
Other 1994 Ford Taurus problems
Transmission 265Electrical 81Body 64Acceleration 61Brakes 55Lights 51Fuel system 50Suspension 44Airbags 38Visibility 29Steering 26Locks 13Seat belts 10Tires 10Seats 4Wheels 1
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