Ford Taurus fire or smoke problems

Filed Mar 2, 2026 · Engine · TX · fire

The contact owns a 2018 Ford Taurus. The contact stated that the vehicle was left at the independent mechanic for the oil change. While riding the bus, on the way home they mechanic called the contact to inform them that the vehicle had caught fire and the engine had burned while in their parking lot. The fire possibly originated from the battery, per the mechanic center however the contact mentioned the battery was recently replaced with a new battery. The contact had not been able to retrieve the vehicle and was unsure if the vehicle was totaled. The dealer had been reaching out to the contact to offer a trade-in or buy-back option. The vehicle had not been repaired. The manufacturer was not informed of the failure. The failure mileage was unknown.

Filed May 9, 2025 · Electrical · TN

The contact owns a 2011 Ford Taurus. The contact stated that while turning off the vehicle, there was white smoke coming from under the hood. The check engine warning light was illuminated. Additionally, the contact stated there was a fuel burning odor coming from the interior and exterior of the vehicle. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic who diagnosed and determined that the electrical system had failed. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was unknown. The VIN was not available.

Filed Nov 18, 2024 · Engine, Steering · 139,000 miles · NJ

The contact owns a 2013 Ford Taurus. The contact stated that while driving at various speeds, there was white-colored smoke coming from the engine compartment. The contact replenished the coolant fluid soon after noticing the smoke. The following day, the contact stated that while driving at various speeds, the steering wheel became firm, and excessive force was needed to turn the steering wheel. The “Power Steering Assist” message was displayed on the instrument panel. Two unknown dealers were notified of the failure and the contact was informed that there were no recalls on the vehicle. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. Upon investigation, the contact discovered the federal safety agency Campaign Number: 15V340000 (Steering); and linked the failure to the recall. The manufacturer was notified of the failure and referred the contact to the federal safety agency Hotline for assistance. The failure mileage was approximately 139,000.

Filed May 22, 2023 · Engine · MA

Water pump failure causing a major leak. Because the vehicle is designed to have the water pump run on the timing chain and the oil pan right underneath the water pump, the coolant leaks right into the oil pan and coolant enters the engine. I was driving on a back road and had to abruptly pull over on the side of the road because the driver assist screen said “engine coolant overheating.” This was the first and only time this message appeared. There was smoke coming from under the hood. Numerous mechanics that I’ve spoken to said that if I drove it any longer, there’s a good chance the engine could blow. So now I’m looking at a $3,000+ repair for this. Realistically, any other make and model (that was designed with common sense) with a failed water pump should cost $500-1,000. And won’t run the risk of ruining your engine on top of it. I spoke to several Ford dealers and third party mechanics. Every one of them knew exactly what I was talking about like they had seen this many times before. The third party mechanics refused to fix it because it’s an 11+ hour labor None of them said there are any pro’s to having the water pump connected to the timing chain. But there are many con’s to this design. Sounds like negligence on behalf of the engineers who designed all the 3.5L and 3.7L V6’s in the Fords. Luckily, I was going between 20-30 mph on a backroad when this occurred. Otherwise, this could have ended very badly and I’d like to prevent this from happening to anyone else in the future.

Filed Sep 20, 2022 · Engine · MO

Engine/ Water pump. Started the car one day and a massive plume of smoke came out of the exhaust. So far we have caught it early enough to where the whole engine doesn't have to be replaced. But the repair is costly. Shame on Ford for building this model of engine that has water pump failures that leak coolant into the oil. Especially when a vehicle has been well taken care of and maintained. This is causing $$$ to be spent.

Filed Apr 16, 2022 · IN · fire

only regular maintenence < drove to desination and parked car and car set on fire , at first it was smoking so we called the fire department and by the time they got there the flames were 10 ft high and the whole front was burnt and melted my car ia junk now , before this all gauges worked jst fine and nothing un-ordinary stuff going on

Filed Apr 11, 2022 · Steering · 84,300 miles · LA

The contact owns a 2014 Ford Taurus. The contact stated while her daughter was driving 50 MPH, she started to smell a burning odor and shortly after the steering wheel seized. The contact stated no warning light was illuminated. The driver saw no flames nor smoke. The driver stated that the vehicle began to steer to the right but she was able to safely park in a nearby parking lot. The vehicle was not drivable. The contact took the vehicle to independent mechanic and made the mechanic aware of the failure. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. A dealer was not contacted. The manufacturer had been informed of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 84,300.

Filed Sep 27, 2021 · Electrical · MI

I went to start the car and it would not roll over, acted as the battery had no charge. Opened the hood to attach jumper cables and seen smoke coming from the positive. Peeled back the red cover and seen there was a thick layer of blue corrosion caked all over the positive. The car was last driven within two hours prior. Last service was performed within 6 months. The acid ate through the clamp for the positive. The corrosion was removed and the battery was taken out. There are three small holes at the base of the positive knob where the acid came out. I researched online and found this is a common problem among Ford vehicles, specifically Taurus vehicles.

Filed Jul 21, 2020 · Engine · 142,000 miles · OH · fire

Tl* the contact owned a 2010 ford taurus. The contact stated that while driving at 40 MPH, he noticed smoke coming from under the hood. The contact veered to the shoulder of the road. The interior filled up with smoke, the contact managed to get out the vehicle where in a few moments the vehicle went up in flames. The fire department was contacted and extinguished the flames. A police and fire department report was made. Progressive insurance was contacted, came out and deemed the vehicle a total loss. No dealer was contacted. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 142,000.

Filed Apr 14, 2020 · 50,598 miles · DC · fire

From driver ' ' I discovered the car either caught fire inside or the door panel exploded. I observed no visible damage upon my return to fletc on monday 9/9; today 9/12 was unable to open the driver's side door, responded to the passenger side of the vehicle and observed the driver's side airbags deployed, smell of burnt materials, and damage on the driver's side consistent with a fire/explosion. Exterior of the vehicle is still intact, car is not operable."