1996 Ford Taurus: engine overheating

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 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 May 8, 2002 · Brakes · CA

Excessive braking & transmission gear use---brakes overheated causing rotor glaze

Filed Mar 27, 2002 · Engine, Visibility · LA

The consumer turned on the heater and defroster and cold air along with a mist that filled the inside of the vehicle and covered the windshield. The consumer had to use paper napkins to clear the windows. The heater core is an existing problem that reoccurs every 3 months since april 2001. The dealer was notified. Nlm coolant leak. Dealer replaced heater core 5 times. Right rear window inoperative. Dealer replaced right rear window motor. Switch on air conditioner control head falls off. Dealer rpelaced cracked center control knob. Sunglass compartment in center console lid broke off. Console compartment door, hinge pins and spring replaced. Squeak noise under hood. Replaced belt tensioner and idler pulley.

Filed Mar 24, 2002 · Engine, Transmission · TN

Car is always overheated and transmisson sliping and jumping.

Filed Dec 5, 2001 · Engine · GA

When purchased, this car was serviced, including a cooling system inspection. I also notified ford by telephone that I had purchased the car, providing the VIN. I was told that there were no recalls on the car at that time. The cooling system was checked 4 months ago, and was fine at that time. Several days ago, the car overheated, spewing coolant when the hood was lifted. I did not, at any time attempt removal of the coolant cap; the coolant was spewing from beneath the closed cap. My mechanic found that the cooling system is completely contaminated with rust and sludge. He also told me that ford had a recall on the situation. When I called ford, they told me that the recall was over, that they would no longer cover this problem, and that the recall was over in 1999. I was never informed of this recall. Ford did provide me with a tsb number- 972416. But, told me I would have to bear the cost of the repair. How is it possible that a manufacturer can decide to repair a serious defect for only a limited time, and only if the customer complains during that time? I was stranded in a very bad part of atlanta by this incident, and coolant was spewed all over me. This is a safety concern, in my view, not the 'customer satisfaction' issue ford termed it on the telephone when I spoke with them today. This situation was produced by a design defect that ford clearly has knowledge of as evidenced by the tsb. Ford has also produced a retrofit part to correct the situation- f7dz8522aa (coolant recovery kit). Why is ford not being required to take care of this situation on all affected vehicles?

Filed Jul 13, 2001 · Engine · MI

Consumer called it a soft plug that when it blew water and anti freeze leaked out of vehicle. And vehicle can overheat. *ak consumer states that it cost 70 dollars to replace one soft plug.

Filed Feb 28, 2001 · Engine · MA

Was driving approximately 40mph when it suddenly stopped. Was no warning. Vehicle towed to mechanic. Found engine damage due to lack of fluid. Freeze plugs ahd fallen out, and leaked fluid. Vehicle fuel had registered overheating.

Filed Feb 15, 2001 · Engine · GA

While sitting in traffic smelled engine coolant. 15 minutes after traffic broke lose, at 60 MPH, check engine soon, illuminated. Temperature showed normal. Then, the engine stalled. I barely got the car over to the side of the interstate in heavy traffic before it quit. Engine then overheated. The vehicle was towed to the dealership. I was told by service rep that the engine would have to be replaced. The damage was caused by heat. Repairs covered under tsb 97-24-16 have been performed on this car, although not by the dealer. Maurice at ford customer service said they would absolutely not do anything to help me out.

Filed Jan 4, 2001 · Engine · GA

Rusty coolant returned after flushing, coolant failed, coolant froze, radiator brken, engine overheated, needs head job or new engine. Ford balking at recall repair and responsibilty for subsequent damage.

Filed Nov 13, 2000 · Engine · MN

Vehicle would overheat while traveling. Notice coolant coming from left side of vehicle engine. Notified dealer / manufacturer, and both informed consumer that vehicle was not covered under recall or extended warranty. Please feel free to provide any further details on this matter.

Filed Oct 12, 2000 · Engine · MD · crash · 1 injury

In may of 2000 iwas driving my vehicle on md 695 when engine light came on I then lost power my car shut off and I was forced to pull over my car was stalled out I then had it towed to towson ford in towson md they told me it was my cooling system after telling a few friends of my ordeal one told me of a recall for the cooling system on the 96 taurus I then contacted the ford motor co in mich. Where I was treated very rudly over the phone I called several times to speak to a supervisor iwas told several diffrent times that one would contact me it wasnt until I refused to hang up the phone until I spoke to a supervisor that I talked to someone after all the trouble I went through they told me ford was not going to honor my request for financial help with my repairs after having repairs done myself my car continued to have problems it started to leak cooling fluid and overheat I imediatly had it taken back to towson ford they then told me I needed new head cylinders which my extended warranty would not cover after having these things done my car still loses power my engine light stays on and sometimes does not crank over I took it back to towson ford they put it on the anylizing machine they found other problems but could not tell me why engine light stays on why it wont crankover or why im losing power when im driving please help me find a solution I