1994 Ford Taurus: engine overheating

Filed Mar 17, 2008 · Body, Engine · 103,000 miles · SC

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.

Filed Aug 19, 2004 · Engine · 47,502 miles · IL

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

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 Feb 14, 2003 · Engine · NY

The head gasket failed, which caused the vehicle to overheat.

Filed Dec 20, 2002 · Engine · 8,500 miles · GA

Vehicle is overheating and constantly leaking anti-freeze and oil. Cause of leak unknown. The dealership replaced the radiator but the problem still occurs. Then the dealership replaced the head gasket and the over heating stopped. Please provide more details. Ts

Filed Aug 26, 2002 · Engine, Transmission · NM

1. 3.8l v6 head gaskets. Gasket(s) failed on vehicle at 80878 miles. Engine blows heavy ?!@#$% smoke from tailpipe, overheats and loses coolant. Vehicle is 8 yrs old and out of extended ford warranty program, (7yrs 100,000mi). Contacted both local ford dealership and ford customer service, both saying there is no assistance they could provide, even though it is a known defect with the head gaskets. 2. Transmission failed, at 79,392mi. When vehicle was warm, transmission would not engage 1st gear, leaving you stranded wherever you stopped. Contacted local ford dealership, who quoted $2500 + labor. Had transmission replaced at local transmission shop for $1800. This vehicle has been carefully maintained. All maintenance items performed at manufacturers recommended intervals for heavy duty use. (every 3000mi) oil changed every 3,000mi, transmission fluid changed per maintenance schedule, filters, tire rotation, spark plugs, everything. If ford won't stand behind their product, which has a known design / manufacturers defect. This was the last ford product I will ever buy. It may be anyway.

Filed Jul 15, 2002 · Lights · WI

Plug on back of headlight switch overheated, causing the switch to malfunction,resulting in loss of head lights.

Filed Nov 10, 2001 · Transmission · WA

Car overheats and transmission fails when starting out in first gear, resulting in the car stalling in traffic.

Filed Jun 4, 2001 · Engine · PA

While driving vehicle would make a chugging noise. Next day, had noticed white smoke coming from rear of vehicle. Then, vehicle overheated. Took it to dealership, and mechanic indicated engine's head gaskets had blown. *ak ford will not do anything due to expired warranty.

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 May 9, 2001 · Engine · CA

The engine began stalling in 1999 and the problem continues to this day...I suspect the engine control module as it was a common failure from what I have learned. I do not know of a recall however. I took the car in to the dealer here in fremont as it seemed to be overheating and he said it was probably a blown headgasket as it was a recall problem. My car was past the 7 year limit by two months however. At this time the air conditioner has also quit. Needless to say ford has lost my business forever. I couldn't believe the number of complaints I found on your sight . Many of them seemed to be the same problems I have been experiencing. Ford should monitor this list and they could see where the flaws were in this model if they cared. Excellent sight which I will scan before buying my next vehicle.*ak (tiresize: 205 60 15)( dot number: tire size: 205 60 15 )

Filed Feb 6, 2001 · Engine · VA

Vehicle has experienced several engine cooling problems, water pump replaced due to a coolant leak, vehicle was overheating, coolant contained 180/220 ppm of carbon monoxide, head gasket problem, thermostat leak, cracked serpentine belt, oil sensor leak, radiator leak, front cover gasket was leaking coolant, consumer feels these problems are caused by the failure of the head gasket and feels that all problems should have been covered under warranty.