1996 Ford Taurus: engine failure

Filed Jul 10, 2008 · Engine · 213,000 miles · NC

Bought my 1996 taurus in jan 1999 from a dealer. Never received a recall notice for the engine & cooling system that was issued in 1999. I had to replace radiator, water pump, thermostat,hoses (whole cooling system) due to rust an sludge in system. Recently while driving 45 MPH for 12 miles engine overheated and cracked head. The thermostat never registered hot only noticed the over heating when the steam was billowing out, it was to late then as engine died. Off & on the thermostat would fluctuate anywhere from cold to up to 95 % hot and the engine temp would not be hot. Due to the problem I am now without a family car and cannot afford to fix this problem with a new engine or buy a new vehicle. Is ford doing anything about this problem as I have read alot of people have experienced this same problem? I know my warranty has long expired but what about a manufacturing problem and getting help with it?

Filed Jul 13, 2004 · Engine · 55,195 miles · NY

I bought a used 1996 ford taurus from a local ford dealer, brockport ford, in 1998. While driving the car in july of 2000, the temperature gauge indicated a high temperature. I pulled over to find the car leaking coolant. I took the car to vision ford and they replaced the engine's freeze plugs as a cost of $452. Recently I had the identical problem, only this time it the repairs cost me $907. I questioned two failures of this type on a relatively new car and located numerous websites devoted to this same problem in 1996 ford taurus vehicles. This problem is widespread. I have also replaced numerous thermostats and now my heater core is going. This is all due to a manufacturing/ engineering defect, which causes the antifreeze to turn acidic and attack the engine parts. There was a "customer satisfaction warranty extension" issued by ford for this known manufacturing defect, but it expired in august of 1999. As this is a manufacturing defect, which I feel is a safety concern, I feel ford should be made responsible for the repair costs. There should be a mandated recall of this vehicle. Also, when I bought the vehicle, the ford dealer should have been aware of the defect and should have applied the repair kit as should the dealer when I took it in for both repairs. A dealer's service department should be aware of common problems with their models and should communicate this with the owners.

Filed Sep 17, 2002 · Brakes, Engine · AZ

The check engine light stayed on. The engine overheated. Cam sensor, heater core, new hose from reservoir and upper radiator hose, radiator cap, radiator, water tube assembly, thermostat, oil pan gasket had to be replaced. The consumer found 1995 model has a recall relating to the same failures. *tt the consumer felt that the problem may be linked to the recall ford sent out in reference to the faulty head gaskets/engine failures and requested reimbursement for the monies spent on repairs.

Filed Aug 11, 2002 · Engine · UT

The head gasket leaked and eventually failed, there was rust in the valves causing me to purchase a new engine. I am trying to find out if the ford taurus is known for such problems and if there was a recall and if the manufacture covers this.

Filed Jul 24, 2002 · Engine · WY

Camshaft snapped, causing loss of vehicle control. Dealer has been notified. *ak consumer states that the sprocket on the camshaft came loose, causing the cam to quit turning, this caused the valves and pistons to hit each other, the engine died and vehicle lost power brakes and power steering.

Filed Mar 20, 2002 · Engine · MD

Based on info read from other ford taurus sho owners, camshaft problem is occurring in a high number of these vehicles. The ford dealership that did my cam replacement showed me the defective cam and the sprocket that was attached to it, that moved freely. It was not supposed to be a moveable part. Most complaint appear to be for the same type of camshaft engine failure. Problem is, I have begun hearing the same clicking noise again. There are 4 camshafts in this engine and only one was replaced for the $2200.00 fee. If another one goes, I will have a vehicle with payments, that will be of little value without the sho engine, it was purchase for. Your help please.

Filed Feb 18, 2002 · Engine · KS

This is the second time a camshaft sprocket has failed.the first time was under warranty so the engine was replaced at no cost to me.now my warranty is out and the estimated bill is over $3,000.this could be a very dangerous situation because the vehicle loses power all at once.this could cause a serious accident in traffic.I have seen many other complaints on this same problem(at least 20 other incidents).will it take someone being killed before something is done about this problem.

Filed Feb 6, 2002 · Acceleration, Engine · NV

My car broke down 10/21/2000. I lost all power on the freeway driving with my 2 year old son. I took my car to 3 ford dealerships and none of the mechanics could figure out what was wrong. Finally I found an independent machine shop who was competent enough to not only diagnose and fix my car properly, but they had to piece my engine (including the axles) together after a ford dealership refused to put my car back together. I had no vehicle for 7 months and had to pay $3171 for the repairs not to mention 4 tow trucks. Shortly after having my car fixed I noticed it would idle high when sitting at stop signs or lights. Eventually my check engine light appeared and recently discovered it is either the throttle position sensor or throttle body. Regarding the cam sprocket failure, I know of at least 69 people who have had the exact same problems with their taurus sho models. Ford refuses to help fix its defective product and hopefully no one will have to die from this sudden engine failure before action is taken. Thank you.

Filed Dec 7, 2001 · DE

Second camshaft failure within one year. Repairing dealer was requested to check valve tap in september. Original chamshaft repair was done however car continued to experience engine pressure and timing problems. Requested service dealer to check valve tap in september 2001. Dealer refused to do service, explained that the problem was above their heads. Complained numerous times to ford concerning repair and dealer's response. Dealer now believes car needs new engine. Initial repair was $3000 and took two months. Ford has been aware of the failure of the camshaft sprockets for at least 3 years. However, no action has been initiated to repair all problems at one time only to handle each camshaft after failure resulting in large repair bill.

Filed Nov 1, 2001 · Engine · NY

My 96 taurus sho had severe engine failure at 66,682 miles. The engine (camshaft) should not fail on well cared for vehicle with only 66,682 miles on it. There is a design flaw in the sho engine that is casuing hunderds of consumers to pay hunderds of thousands of dollars. Why isn't anyone causing ford to address this. There ought to be greater consumer protection against a manufacturer of a defective auto. Please assist. Thanks!

Filed Oct 30, 2001 · Engine · PA

The car began making a ticking sound from the valve train area. This noise became much louder over a period of weeks. I took it to the dealer who diagnosed it as a loose sprocket on the rear bank intake camshaft. As a member of the v8sho organization (www.v8sho.com), I am aware of this problem and it's many occurrences. There are now over 30 reports of this exact problem (with occurrences on any one of the 4 cams), and 14 reported failures in the month of october, 2001 alone! This is a design flaw as the sprocket is merely "pressed" onto the camshaft with no other means of attachment. Over time, the connection works loose causing the offending camshaft to spin freely, thus allowing the valves to come in contact with the pistons, causing complete engine failure. Fortunately, I was able to catch this on my engine prior to complete failure. Myself and numerous others have contacted ford directly with little success on their owning up to the problem. The dealer's fix is usually to replace the camshaft(s) at a cost of $1080 ea., for parts alone! That is a temporary solution as the owner is still left with a design flaw, regardless of the fact that it's a new camshaft. My bill will be in the neighborhood of $2000+ and that's without the sprocket actually coming loose! Ford needs to be held accountable for this grossly negligent design flaw!

Filed Oct 15, 2001 · Engine · MO

A ticking noise was heard in engine compartment. Took vehicle to ford dealer for diagnosis. While at dealer, cam gear sprocekt had complete failure, causing the valves to imapct head, resulting in complete engine failure.