1997 Ford Taurus: sudden loss of power

Filed Mar 28, 2016 · Acceleration, Engine · NJ · fire

Tl* the contact owns a 1997 ford taurus. The contact stated that while driving at 40 MPH, the vehicle lost power. In addition, the accelerator pedal was depressed but the vehicle failed to accelerate. The failure recurred on numerous occasions. The contact also noticed smoke coming from the engine compartment of the vehicle. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was unknown.

Filed Feb 16, 2005 · Transmission · 3,800 miles · KY

When driving the transmission failed and the consumer lost power. The consumer pulled over and had the vehicle towed. Please provide more information. *jb *er

Filed Feb 10, 2005 · Brakes, Steering · NC

I have experience the same lost of power steering and brakes,I have also notice that when I turn my wheel it makes a squeaking sound.had the car checked was told it needed to be lubed.had it lubed car is still doing the same thing.a coworker has a 1997 ford taurus like my car and they are experencing the same noises. Please advise if this problem is common.

Filed Dec 13, 2004 · Brakes, Steering · 90,000 miles · IA

Vehicle moving down a hill. Power brakes and steering lost power,engine still running, but no power to brakes or steering. Finally stopped vehicle with no incident. Turned off vehicle and restarted, power to brakes and steering restored.*ak took to service.replacement was made to camshaft sensor. Problem seemed to have been corrected, but returned about 6 mos. Later...same circumstances,only in first incident, check engine light had been appearing intermittently.

Filed Jun 30, 2003 · Transmission · NY

Consumer states engine lost all power due transmission fluid leaking. Vehicle is now on third transmission repair.

Filed Jun 4, 2003 · Fuel system · 36,193 miles · VA

1997 ford taurus wagon. Over the past two months, the vehicle stopped dead in traffic 5 times at various speeds with no advance warning. It would not restart. The fuse to the fuel pump repeatedly blew, but no other problems were evident each time the car was towed to the garage. The engine would run roughly, stall, and surge, but the problem was intermittent, and gradually became worse. The mechanic suspected a problem with the fuel system. An investigation revealed that a wire to the fuel pump inside the fuel tank had its insulation worn off down to the bare wire, and had shorted out. Other wires also show signs of wear, but are not yet worn through. I have digital pictures of the wires. The wires were damaged due to the way the fuel pump was assembled within the gas tank. This is an obvious manufacturing defect and is not limited to only our car. Ford has issued 3 tsb's relating to this problem (98251, 5226, and 12189) and I have also found several related complaints in the federal safety agency database (odi id 549996, 707889, 713208, 807546, 838030, 853283, 879245, 10018293, and 8012733). I am concerned that this problem could not only cause complete vehicle failure (loss of power steering and brakes) at any speed, but also that the possibility of a spark inside the gas tank is not out of the question. This wiring problem should be investigated as a possible cause for any ford taurus fires, or accidents involving loss of power. We are convinced that this is a manufacturing defect and that the possibility of more related accidents increases as current vehicles age. Ford evidently is aware of this problem, or they would not have revised the wiring harness and given special installation instructions to their technicians.

Filed Oct 28, 2002 · Engine · MI

Cam failure; apparently rotated relative to camshaft. Occured at light tip in under 45mph, under 3200 RPM. Engine started missing, (running on 4 cylinders) and loss of power brakes. Engine started overheating while driven 1/2 mile to find parking lot. Dealer estimated costs at $3000 - $9000. Dt

Filed Oct 25, 2002 · Engine · WA

We were driving on the freeway when the car began to lose power. We were close to an off ramp, and exited. At that time, the temperature gauge started to climb, and the engine stopped. We had the car towed to a garage near our home. An engine core plug had failed, the resultant lose caused the engine to overheat, and damage the head gasket. We had to replace the engine for $3900. I have contacted ford motor company, but they state that there is no recall for this engine problem, so I am sueing them in small claims court. Dt

Filed Aug 18, 2002 · Engine · MI

Cam gear failure, car stalled at 40 MPH in traffic, lost all power, ford motor company has been notified, unwilling to admit any problem with camshaft gear, and will not help with repair bills. 100 documented cases of cam gear failure can be found at www.v8sho.com.

Filed Mar 1, 2002 · Electrical, Steering · NY

While driving and without warning lost power steering. Only warning that was received by consumer was a short in electrical components.

Filed Dec 27, 2001 · Fuel system · MN

While driving 55 MPH vehicle began to lose power. Shortly afterwards, vehicle completely shutdown. Problem occurred due to the fuel pump. Please give any further details.

Filed Dec 5, 2001 · Engine · WI

While driving at approximately 70 MPH engine lost all power, and there was a "ticking" noise coming from engine compartment. Dealership examined vehicle, and determined that camshaft failed, and the engine had to be replaced. Please provide any additional information / documentation.