Engine problems of the 1997 Ford Taurus

"service engine soon" light came on (2nd time) first time Ford dealership did full transmission flush($125) to see if corrected problem. Two months later (on long drive), warning came on again. Took to dealership and said it was a transmission code that needed the transmission dropped to determine cause ($300). They told me that (even though the transmission was working ok) that the transmission was having a complete and total failure. All parts and components were either scorched or failed when tested and recommended a total rebuild ($2862) or purchase a Ford rebuilt one ($2756). I said this was unacceptable for a car with 39,400 miles on it. They said they could do nothing and I contacted Ford motor company. They sounded interested but would not back up their product due to being out of warranty. (so much for the quality one - customer care moto). Reading other complaints this is a very common problem in the Ford Taurus over the years. We had a 1994 Taurus that had transmission problems to the tune of $1,100. Needless to say this is my last Ford product and they wonder why people by foreign vehicles!. When I told the dealership to put the car back together that I can get a rebuilt transmission from 2 other transmission sources (used parts for $1400) or new rebuilt parts for $2030), they then said "let me see if there is any last thing my management will do" of course when put on the spot to lose business and respectability they lowered their price to $2281 for a Ford rebuilt one. I am still concerned since a lot of others say they had failures with their 2nd one too! it comes with a 3/36,000 warranty. I cannot believe that this day and age that the consumer should be responsible for the total repair costs when known defects occur. A safety recall should be looked into as some transmissions have separated and locked up causing immediate stoppage of vehicle like slamming on brakes.

Catastrophic failure of head gasket while traveling at highway speed. Caused total failure of electrical power systems inhibiting braking and steering making control of the car difficult and endangering driver, passengers and surrounding vehicles.

While driving heard a noise and vehicle cut off, which was as caused by cam failure.

Piston cracked, causing vehicle to have a late acceleration and could cause an accident. Cause unknown. Dealer will be contacted.

This is a failure of the secondary sprocket on the camshaft of my 1997 Taurus sho. This to me seems to be a manufacturing defect the camshaft is attached to the cam by splines which under the stress of the engine spin un the cam which throws off the timing and destroys the engine. Ford knows of this problem and asked the people of v8show. Com to send them some cams so they can test them. I am an owner that owes $6000 on a vehicle which is completly out of order sitting in my garage because I do not have the extra money anywhere between 5000 and 15000 to fix it. 5000 is for a used engine wth 50,000 miles on it. 15,000 is the cost of a new engine from Ford. Please help in anyway you can.

While driving, the vehicle stopped running. The sprocket on the camshaft had come loose which threw off the timing/pistons, hitting a valve, and destroyed the engine. Contacted dealer.

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.

Camshaft secondary sprocket failed, spinning on the camshaft tube causing the engine to stop instantly when the valve and pistons tried to occupy the same space in the combustian chamber. New replacement engines are not available for this vehicle, only salvage units. Rebuilds, if possible on this model exceed $4800 at the very least! I have been informed while performing some research on this problem that it is "a common problem for this motor" according to a local Ford dealership.

This is a known issue to the Ford motor company. They have known for a long time of the head gasket in their 3. 0 engine problem and refused to admit it. In researching the engine I found that there is a secret extended warranty to 100,000 miles for this problem if the engine has major damage which mine did.

The rear camshaft sprocket broke requiring the engine to be replaced. The cost of the used engine was $2000 and the cost to replace the engine was $2100. Ford was contacted and refused to repair or contribute to the repair cost. I understand this problem is becoming widespread.

While driving white smoke came out. Consumer took vehicle to dealer, and mechanic said that it would need a new engine, consumer felt it was too soon to have a new engine.

The front freeze plug between cylinder 4 and 5 blew or fell out caused by compression from the head gasket, new engine required, Ford unresponsive.

Engine heads cracked, causing sudden loss of power, scoring of engine cylinders requiring replacement of entire engine.

Rear motor mounts are worn out. But under warranty, and dealer will not replace mounts until they break. Owner would like to know if other vehicles of the same make or models have pemature breakdown of motor mounts.

Camshaft position sensor,I ordered a new one awhile back and 4 comp were out of them. I thought it was odd,so I assumed that maybe there would be a defect with them.

Engine mounts broke, causing the engine to rise within the engine compartment. Please give any further details.