Engine Cooling System problems of the 1996 Ford Taurus - part 1

Coolant system failure of all types all part prone to extreme chemical corrosion very aggravating problem and now the coolant bypass hose has failed with the same corrosive symptoms as the other components.

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?.

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.

We had purchased our 1996 Ford Taurus in July of 1999 with 30,000 on the odometer (VIN #1falp52u7tg299574). Not long after this I had the cooling system flushed and, at about 40,000 miles the heater core goes out. At a cost of $600 we had it replaced. Since then the heater core has been replaced 7 times; the last time being January 9, 2004 with 75,000 miles on the odometer. The first time the heater core had been replaced it was done by our local Ford dealer and was repaired with a Ford part. We were told that the part would have a 12 month, 12,000 mile warranty, so if the part fails again it would be covered by Ford. This was a good thing. The part always failed before the 12k miles or 12 months (note: we also had the radiator replaced last summer 2003 at a cost of $850). After this last time it was suggested by the dealer that they will no longer replace it, nor will Ford. Since this car was made it seems, from what I have read and researched that Ford had used a different coolant which as caused these premature failures and refuses to do anything about it. Ford blames it on electrolysis; saying that if the coolant system contains more than . 4 volts that it can cause premature failure of any part of the coolant system. I have checked this voltage each and every time before having the heater core replaced and it has always been below . 2 volts. I did not check it this time and was told by the dealer that they measured . 7 volts!? I personally do not believe that electrolysis is or has ever been the problem. Ford refuses to do any thing about this problem regardless of the cause. It was suggested that we buy another car; this was not in our plans because the car will be paid off in July of 2004; my wife was looking forward to not having any more car payments. So much for quality is job one! please note: the Ford dealer has been very helpful in trying to resolve this problem thanks to no help from Ford.

Previously to this on 1/99, recall 98b23 was completed dealing with the rusty, corrosive coolant condition which develops in the 1996 Taurus. Now the coolant reservoir has developed numerous stress cracks causing antifreeze to pour out. This car only has 60,000 miles on it. After further inspectioin it appears the radiator has also developed a leak.

Rusted out freeze plugs a know problem orginating with Ford. Nlm.

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?.

When starting vehicle, the engine check light would remain on, followed by shaking and vibration. Also intermittent stalling would occur when coming to a stop or applying accelerator pedal from a stop position, vehicle was taken to dealer shop, and had some severe repairs done, problem concerning engine is still occurring, also rear brakes were replaced, the coolant overflow bottle contained a leak.

Engine and coolant system failed. Head gasket blew. Koons Ford of annapplis, MD said I need a replacement engine for $4,500. Called Ford service rep. He said the problem is not a product defect and Ford will not help with repairs.

Heat gauge went up and down. Took vehicle to dealer who flushed coolant and found coolant had broken down and damaged engine. Vehicle still at dealer at this time. Blown head gasket.

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.

I brought my car to my local mechanic when I noticed antifreeze leaking from the car in my driveway. Due to complete corrosion of coolant system, this resulted in the replacement of freeze plugs, water pump, radiator, head gaskets, thermostat and heater core. I will have to bring it back in April for another radiator flushing. I later learned from a radio talk show that there had been a recall on the coolant system for this auto. When I contacted Ford, they told me there was an owner notification sent, but I never received it and it expired August 1999. Ford or the dealer refuse to do anything so I don't know if the recall has been fixed by my repairs or not and will this happen again. Ford has also refused to reimburse me for any of the costs. I would appreciate any assistance.

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Consumer noticed a slight odor after driving, the coolant system was checked and the container was brown and mushy so the fluids were replaced, a few months later, the coolant system was mushy and smelly again, a Ford representative stated that there had been a recall, but it had expired, the consumer never received a recall and is requesting that the recall work be complete, Ford would not repair or be responsible since the recall has expired.

The cooling system failed while I was waiting in line at the bank, and threw out the freeze plugs, I surfed the internet to see if the car had a recall and found out that it did and that several people has had the same problem and was denied. They deny having a recall on the cooling system , which required a bypass kit to stop the car from running hot. I actually got this information on your web site, I showed the recall paper to the dealer and they still denied it, I had to pay for expensies out of my pocket and for the rental car. The recall was in 1997, I was told that if I did not have the original recall paper there was nothing they could do and denied me the claim. I had to take the car back because it still was not heating and was told that I would have to pay another $600. 00 to have a heater coil put in, in which I have never had any problems with heating or cooling before. They flushed the system again and I am still having heating problems and the car still runs hot, and still not heating proberly, even though they put the bypass kit on from the recall that never existed and charged me for it. They left parts aloose and you can hear it rattling. I did more research and found out that the car has 7 prior historys before I purchased the car. No one will acknowledge any of the research I have found, I have several documentation verifying all that I have told you, all I want is to be reimbursed for the repair and the car rental that cost me $591. 12 and my car fixed the way it should be before my engine blows like others with the 96 Taurus has. Can you please help me?.

I was denied the claim by Chrysler finacial. Because the rust colored coolant that the car was manufactured in came out when the freeze plugs came out and they denied the claim because they said I did not keep reciepts for the anitfreeze in which I purchased for the maintenance. , no one keeps those reciepts, I had to pay for the car repair and the rental car bill which was $668. 73 and $591. 12 I feel that I was denied wrongfully when I have paid on this warranty for 4yrs never used it and when I need it I got denied by both chrylser finacial and bob dunn and Ford motor company.

No summary listed for abov evehicle.

Consumer received manufacturer's recall notice in 1999 about engine cooling system. Consumer had repairs done which replaced reservoir and heater coil. Since then, problem still persists. Recall did not remedy the problem. Contacted dealer, and dealer stated nothing else they could do . Also, contacted Ford, and Ford stated warranty expired, and nothing they could do. Please add VIN.

Coolant system corroded out freeze plugs. Coolant ran out and engine stalled with no warning. Engine is having to be replaced, but Ford says this was not the cause. Reviewing the board here I see more than just me with the same problem. Just as with the firestone issue and Ford its always the other guys fault, not them. For once I would like see Ford take thier share of blame. Ford reps will not even respond to complaint.

No summary listed for above vehicle.

The Ford Taurus is 1996 and 1997 was used as a guinea pig for an expirimental coolant that rusted out the freeze plugs, water pump, thermostat and more. Mine was found to have this coolant. I have already lost one freeze plug and could loose others. Ford motor company wants me to pay for half of fixing their error. They now want to pay nothing because I did not meet their deadline. My car could be potentially dangerous, leaving me stranded in the middle of nowhere. Please help.

The vehicle had a continuing problem with overheating. I replaced the thermostat, radiator and the cooling system pressure cap to no avail. I then replaced the water pump. When I removed the original water pump I noticed that the impellor blades were badly deteriorated from corrosion. The blades were completely corroded away and unable to move water; this resulted in the engine continuing to overheat. I believe that the blades were unable to stand up to the coolant solution.

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.

Rust in coolant, water pump corroded, had to back flush all related hoses, performed at owner expense. Problem restarted after 2 months. Ford contacted and no related recall notices indicated, although numerous NHTSA customer complaints are available.

Repetative brown cooling system problems.

Vehicle was repaired under service recall # 98b27 in Dec of 98 for the cooling unit. While driving vehicle overheated and died because it was leaking anti freeze. Dealer and manufcturer have been notified.

The vehicle has history of temperature fluctuations. The dealer has flushed the cooling system on several occasions and a recall for the cooling system was performed. While driving on the interstate without warning the car began to run rough and lose power, I immediately pulled to the side of the road. Steam then began to billow from under the hood and into the passenger compartment. The vehicle was towed to a Ford dealer and I was informed the heads were cracked and the engine was full of water. The fix was to replace the engine. I have contacted Ford customer service by phone only to be told the car is out of warrenty and Ford has no obligation to to pay for any of the damages. Letters written to Ford have gone unanswered.

Called the dealer to schedule repairs, was informed that there was a recall on my vehicle for coolant system problems. Was told to just bring it in and they would fix it. Brought it to the dealer on 09/21/99 and was then informed they would not do the repair for free because the recall had expired on 08/31/99. Called Ford and was informed this was not a recall but an owner notification. I received no notification,but experienced mechanical problems directly related to defect in manufacture. Is this not a safety issue? shouldn't they have to repair this vehicle at no cost to me? I was not notified of this problem and am the original owner. If this was an owner notification program and not a recall why was I not notified?.

Car is always overheated and transmisson sliping and jumping.

Car was taken in for recall on cooling system on November 11, 1998. Failure in cooling system on December 27, 1998. Head gasket was blown VIN number is 1falp52u9ta315101.

Freeze plug malfunctioned, after it was fixed a smellof coolent was in car. It then went away, Dec 1999 all five freeze plugs malfunctioned at 57000. I was informed advisory went to all owners. Did not receive advisory now it is too late to fix.

Some questions, I was not sure about such as the drivetrain, etc. In most cases I said I did not notify the manufacturer, but, did notify the dealer. Most of the complaints regard manuf. Defects & may not be safety-related except for the 1 about the park pawl recall #96s51; in this case, I had done search of recalls on my car make & model thru certain internet web pages & found there were 5-6 recalls on my vehicle. I called Ford cust. Svc. & gave my VIN # to find out which ones applied to my car. I found 2 of them applied to my VIN #. I suspect that Ford is not notifying me of these recalls. One recall--not safety related, #98b23, I found out about from a svc. Mgr. @ a dealership. When I called Ford cst. Svc. & told them I hadn't been notified, rep said they had sent the letter 2 weeks prior. When I asked for a copy of the recall ltr, I got a big run-around about how fmc could not send me a dupe letter since there was still 1 floating around in the u. S. P. S. (even though the ltr was specific to my VIN #). I finally raised enough "cain" to get them to send me the ltr, but, it was 2 late, my car was already effected by the "heating & cooling" recall. The next recall, #96s51, which is safety-related;I was not notified of; Ford cst. Svc. Said this recall svc. Had been performed at boomershine Ford in duluth, GA on 3/15/97. When I told them this was not possible since I was not notified of the recall, cs said possibly I had taken the car in for another svc. & it was discovered by the service tech that there was an "open recall" & they performed the svc. @ that time. I do not have record of this nor does the dealer. In order for me to find out if the svc was performed, it would be @ my expense. Ford cs told me to have the dealer to contact the regional rep for them and have the work authorized, however, neither of them are willing to give me the name of the reg. Rep. I contacted both Ford cs and the svc. Mgr. @ the dealer. Each leaves it up to the other to.

Transmission, radiator, and water pump all replaced in first 66k. This car has been very expensive to maintain. I am forced to purchase my next car from japan or europe. So much for supporting the american economy.

The seal between engine and transmission failed causing engine coolant to drain completely out. Vehicle overheated and stalled.

Two to three gallons of water accumulated in the engine block apparently due to a cooling system failure involving the collapse of the head gasket. The engine was destroyed and had to be replaced. Ford motor company blew off my complaint, and the repair dealership (friendly Ford/north miami beach) said that it must have been raining. Unfortunately, the vehicle does not come equipped with a spare engine for rainy days. I spoke with the dealership that sold me the car (deel Ford/coral gables) which at first said that there had been a recall of certain 1996 Ford Taurus for precisely this problem, but when they checked my VIN, they claimed it fell outside the scope of that recall, and they refused to furnish an explaination. Subsequently, I discovered that the cooling system failure had also significantly degraded the transmission. The repair bills have been enormous. We find it inconceivable that the engine/cooling system was not defective since there is no other explaination in our view for the accumulation of two to three gallons of water in the engine block. Since this is a mass produced vehicle, if this happened to us it has probably happen to others.