1994 Ford Taurus: engine failure

Filed Jun 27, 2005 · Engine · 9,524 miles · KS

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

Filed Mar 17, 2004 · Engine · 129,000 miles · MN

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.

Filed Mar 7, 2003 · Engine · 75,069 miles · IL

The engine failed.*dt

Filed Jul 18, 2001 · Electrical · CA

Engine died in traffic lane on a winding mountain road, luckily, we were not struck by another vehicle.

Filed May 23, 2001 · Engine · NJ

In august of 1997 dealership replaced engine head gasket because there was a head gasket leak. Then, on may 16th 2001, engine overheated which was from oil leaking into antifreeze. Dealership was examining vehicle and was going to replace head gasket again. Please provide any additional information/attachments.

Filed Jan 3, 2001 · Engine · VA

The engine failed resulting in rattling noise when the vehicle was first started and when accelerating past 20 MPH, june 2000 the engine began to run hot and the air conditioners effectiveness started to decline, upon inspection consumer found out that the head gasket was failing, dealer refused to fix the vehicle under extended warrenty 00m009 because the odometer read 101,800 when the engine itself only had 28,617 mile on it. Nlm

Filed Aug 15, 2000 · Engine · KS

Although car has never actually overheated, it runs very hot. It loses alot of water (overflow will be empty every 3 days or less) but there is no leak. Took it in for a tuneup and was told the head gaskets were blown. Called around and was told there was a recall on engine. Called dealer. They kept it for 3 days and told us it was not the engine, but the water pump. They refused to fix or replace engine even though under recall. Called ford motor customer service department. Was told "we stand behind our certified techs" and they will do nothing. Engine is under recall for another 1,000 miles, but ford is refusing to fix due to rusty's saying it is not the head gaskets. Had it looked at at a third place and they say the water pump is fine. They could not locate the problem, but car is still losing fluid and you can watch the temp guage rise very quickly as you are driving. Does a recall mean that they have to replace the engine, or is it only if I have problems? I was told by rusty's that if someone else says the head gaskets are blown, they will have to prove it. I have been told this is impossible without tearing the engine apart. Help!!!

Filed Jul 17, 2000 · Engine · OH

The vehicle developed overheating symptoms. I took it to the ford dealer for inspection and found out that the timing case gasket was leaking and it might damage the engine, which already had devloped knocking noises. I contacted the ford customer service and asked them for warranty coverage, since it was out of my reach to repair/install a new engine. Ford company which then was sending letters for free change of head gaskets which could produce the same problems as mine. But my request went in a vain. Now the vehicle has completely stopped operation since the water has mixed with the engine oil. This seems to be a manufacturing defect and hence I appeal that the federal safety agency should respond to this in a better manner. Thanking you.

Filed Jun 17, 2000 · Engine · CA

I purchased the vehicle may 13, 1999 from sanger ford in sanger california, 93657. On october 29,1999 the cars engine blew up due to a patched up water pump that came from sanger ford like this when I purchased it. The water pump was full of stop leak, which would explain why the car seemed to run a little warm. When the water pump went out on the car, it broke off inside for whatever reason and when this happened, it tore hell out of the engine. The engine did not blow due to it over heating, the engine blew due to the damage done by the water pump. I could not get any help from the dealer or the finance company. But I sure had to mail in that payment every month. It took all the money I had and could borrow and 5 and 1/2 months later to have my car repaired. I am a single mother of 4 children and a car is very much needed. I thought I had bought a car I could depend on and trust to transport my daughters in, but was wrong. I also during this down time received 2 or more recall notices for the vehicle that had been issued prior to the sell of the car to myself. So, the dealer sold me a car without doing the proper repairs brought on by the recalls. So, what else did they get away with???? I will continue to search for help in recovering my loses due to the of professionalism by this company. Any help you can give me on this matter I could really use. Thank you, brandee bridges 06-17-00.

Filed May 8, 2000 · Engine · NC

After contacting the manufacturer about this, and having received some compensation for the repairs I feel the compensation is inadaquete. It did not cover my out of pocket expenses. I had $3,416 in repair bills (replaced the engine) and was reimbursed $2,900. The difference was stated as being parts replaced which ford would not cover. The engine was replaced by a reputable shop and not through ford. I feel if I had done this through ford (which quoted me $3,900 for the repairs) they would have covered the repair costs.

Filed Mar 9, 2000 · Engine, Transmission · FL

While driving on highway engine check light came on. Pulled over and was towed to the dealer. They put in a new engine. Also, upon going down the street it felt like vehicle was not in gear and was coasting. Towed to a local mechanic, and he rebuilt the transmission.

Filed Feb 15, 2000 · Engine · NY

While traveling on a street at 15 MPH, smoke was noticed coming from the tail pipe. Vehicle was towed to an independent shop, and consumer was informed of a blown engine head gasket. Dealer was not notified at this time.