Engine Cooling System Problems of Ford Taurus - part 1

The plastic overflow bottle from the radiator keeps failing. I have replaced it 3 times in the past 4 years,was told at parts store they sell about 5 a month between the Ford Taurus and Mercury sable,it is getting costly and Ford has no answer.

See all problems of the 1997 Ford Taurus 🔎.

I was driving on the freeway when the car started to overheat. I exited the freeway, when I came to a complete stop the oil light came on. I drove the car slowly and I started to smell burning oil and the engine started to make a knocking sound when I accelerated. I stopped the car and oil smoke was coming out of the hood.

See all problems of the 2003 Ford Taurus 🔎.

Driving the car for about 10 minutes when the ac shut off and the overheated and suddenly the engine died in the middle of the street. Every time I tried to start it, it made a knocking sound. The car was towed to a Ford dealership. They could not find out why it overheated.

The contact owns a 2003 Ford Taurus. The contact stated that the rpms suddenly increased and the transmission surged violently. The contact referenced a related TSB (TSB 018746, engine and engine cooling) but no related recalls. The contact called the manufacturer who stated that repairs would have to be repaired at the owner's expense. The vehicle had not been repaired as the parts were on back order. The current and failure mileages were approximately 68,100.

Ac fan only blows on high. Was driving home in pouring down rain, and ac blower quit working on 2nd notch. When contacting Ford, they told me I didn't have a warranty and just the diagnostic test would be 70 dollars. I'm a single mom of three and from searching the internet I see I'm not the only one with this problem. As you know you need either heat or air to defrost the windshield while driving in the rain. This is very much a safety hazard, especially if Ford knows about it and does nothing to correct the problem.

Once in April 2008 and again in February 2009, I have had to change the heater blower/motor in my 2003 Ford Taurus. Both times, I had a puddle of water form on the floor on the passenger side of my car before the motor went out. Both times the blower/motor was replaced with a used part.

I had no heat from my 02 Taurus this past September and after 2 flushes it is now a clogged heater core. I noticed that I am not alone with this condition since I was told by an on-line blogger that there is a known defect in the Taurus' coolant systems having particles in them when they left the manufacturer, Ford.

See all problems of the 2002 Ford Taurus 🔎.

Ford Taurus 1998 engine coolant reservoir (plastic container) sprung a leak on the bottom side. No indication of any rubbing against anything. I ordered a replacement from an on-line internet parts wholesaler and they said they had many orders for replacement Ford Taurus engine coolant reservoir bottles. I never had such a problem on any previous car that I have owed before.

See all problems of the 1998 Ford Taurus 🔎.

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.

See all problems of the 1996 Ford Taurus 🔎.

Blower motor stopped working - once removed I found rusty water in the motor assembly - once put back in only high works. I will have to replace the motor and resister but until the leak is fixed stopping the water from entering this area I will need to replace again in the future.

The fan blower motor on my dad's 2003 Ford Taurus se with only 33,000 miles and on my 2002 Ford Taurus ses with 82,000 miles both failed recently. My dad passed away July 7th and I was attempting to seal the car when a prospective buyer mentioned that the fan wasn't working. I checked it out and it work sporadically. I ended up taking it to hiller Ford in franklin WI after talking to Ford - they wanted it diagnosed. The dealer replaced the blower motor, resistor and rain hat which cost $520. The day of my dad's funeral, the blower motor on my car began to work sporadically. I took my car to hiller Ford and authorized the repairs today. The estimate is $429 to replace the blower motor, resistor and a seal. The dealer service manager stated that it appears there is a leak in the post for the windshield and water was getting behind the dash soaking the blower motor unit. When I contacted Ford on August 22, 2008, they claim neither car was subject to the 2003 windshield replacement recall (NHTSA campaign id # 03v087000). I find it hard to believe that Ford is offering no relief because they claim the cars weren't subject to the recall and the windshield leak isn't related to the blower motor going bad. I'm out almost $1000 in repair costs and I've seen many comments from other owners who have had issues with the blower motor and leaks into the passenger compartment.

The contact owns a 2003 Ford Taurus. The contact stated that the blower motor failed when she attempted to drive the vehicle. There is no recall regarding the issue. The current mileage was 82,000 and failure mileage was 81,500. Updated 09/10/08 updated 09/15/08.

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?.

The contact owns a 1997 Ford Taurus. The contact noticed a strong gasoline smell and noticed gasoline on the ground under the vehicle. The mechanic stated that three failures were present: the fuel tank, a coolant leak, and brake line corrosion. There were no warning indicators prior to the failures. The vehicle was repaired. The contact would like Ford to reimburse him for the cost of the repairs, but they refused. The failure mileage was 123,100 and current mileage was 123,900. Updated 04/02/08.

After getting the car out of the body shop because of an accident, I was driving home and the temp gauge immediately went from normal to past hot. Once cooled, I added coolant and noticed the coolant jug had cracked. As a result, the head/head gasket had cracked due to the overheating from loss of coolant. As a result of the cracked head, exhaust is now entering into the coolant system, and causing coolant to boil out, and pump exhaust fumes into the cabin. I took it back to the shop, and was told that it was not their problem, and that the blown engine was not a result of the accident. I have made it a point to talk to every Taurus owner I can, and many have the same exhaust odor in the cabin. The stress of driving, or an accident, causes the coolant jug to crack and leak out coolant. I personally have replaced 5 of these jugs since the purchase of the car because of cracking on the bottom and coolant would leak out. Once this starts, the car overheats without warning because the temperature sensor does not have coolant running across it to get the proper coolant temperature.

See all problems of the 2000 Ford Taurus 🔎.

The contact owns a 2003 Ford Taurus. The contact stated that there was a water leak in the front seat on the passenger side of the vehicle. The dealer stated that the gallium was leaking and they replaced the ac motor and resister. The dealer charged her $700 for the repair and stated that it was not a safety issue. The contact was given recall # 03v087000 (visibility:windshield). The current and failure mileages were 47,117.

Repeated expensive repairs required to replace blower motor control and blower fan due to leak in rh cowling. Had to install brain hat.

See all problems of the 2001 Ford Taurus 🔎.

The contact owns a 1999 Ford Taurus. While driving 25 mph, the service engine light illuminated. The dealer stated that coolant was leaking from the head gasket and there was corrosion in the coolant. The dealer replaced the head gasket. There is service bulletin # 622646 for the cooling system. The current mileage is 90,000 and failure mileage was 84,000.

See all problems of the 1999 Ford Taurus 🔎.

While operating my 2001 Ford Taurus ses, the vehicle overheated with no warning (low coolant light did not illuminate). I was able to pull the vehicle off the interstate with much difficulty under no power. Upon inspecting the engine, found several cracks in the radiator overflow (plastic) reservoir. Was able to get the vehicle running again after adding coolant. I was able to get the car home, but overheated on the way 3 times. I ordered a new reservoir from Ford for $103. 00 and will install it myself once it arrives.

The "low coolant" sensor on my 2000 Taurus has failed a second time. The "low coolant" indicator light comes on every time the car is running even though the coolant level is correct (within the specified range). Previously, the first failure was under warranty. The second failure at 68,000 miles cost $120 to replace at the dealer. Replacement parts were only available through Ford dealers as no after-market parts stores could get these parts. The sensor itself is integrated into the coolant overflow tank, cost approximately $60.

Stuck thermostat caused a boil over. A few months later the integrated pressure/overflow bottle cracked and caused a major loss of coolant. This also lead to the heater core becoming blocked due to the loss of coolant. Updated 12/07/07.

I started hearing a noise in the engine, particularly when accelerating or idling. This started on wed. , 11/10 and I took it to the dealer 11/17. I was told that the air conditioner compressor had fallen apart, that the belts were barely holding it on, and since I am 10 months out of warranty, it will be $1200 to repair. After checking with a mechanic that we use to maintain other vehicles, we found that this was a reasonable price so we authorized the repair by the dealer. However, they were unable to tell me how this could happen to a 3+ year old car with 32000 miles on it. I was told that if I continued to drive the car, the compressor could fall out at any time and I would be unable to drive the vehicle.

My whole cooling system has become corroded by the coating inside of the hoses that is used. I have had my heater core replace 2 years ago and my radiator flushed. And now it is failing again. A service bulletin has been issued, so Ford knows about the problem. Why am I left holding the bag for repairs on defective parts.

Consumer took the vehicle to dealer because it stalled in the middle of the highway. The gas meter showed that there was gas in the tank. However, the tank was empty. Engine light came on later. Vehicle was taken to the dealer, and the manufacturer, who showed that the problem was repaired under a recall.

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.

Gradual loss of heater, defrost capability. Then total non function of either. Bad visibility from foggy windows, no defrost at all. Repeated flushing of cooling systems will help for a while. The heater core will eventual need to be replaced.

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.

Engine coolant reservoir sprang a leak on the bottom side. There is about a 1-inch gap between the bottom of the bottle and the fender so rubbing against something was not the cause. I called a parts house who said they had replaced 3 of them in the past 2 weeks. Seems like an odd coincidence the bottles leak. I've never seen one leak on any car I've ever owned.

My 200 Taurus overheated again, for the 2nds time in 3 months I was stranded alongside the road. I had just got my car out of the shop after paying 868. 00 to get it out for cracked heads at southern tire in erwin,TN 1205 jackson loce highway. On 9/4/03 my car jerked and then lost power slowing down causing me to quickly pull over tot he side of the road so the car behind me didn't hit me. My neck has been hurting since then and my family of 8 is missing it's transportation. I should not have cooling problems again this soon after getting it repaired and my family has no financial means of buying a new car at this time. We are making monthly payment on a car that is obviously a lemon and a dud. I have owned cars for 17 years and I have never had this much trouble with a car. This car also broke down on June 4th ,2003.

1997 Ford Taurus - 3. 0l v6 ohv type u tensioner puller seized up while driving on highway - result: serpentine belt sheared off the tension pulley assembly. Pulley and belt needed to be replaced, engine overheated due to water pump not running because no belt was operating the pump due to the tensioner pulley seizing. Mechanics stated that they have to replace this item on the 3. 0 l v6 engine and subsequent damage to other items within the engine compartment on 4 to 5 cars per week. (the brake shop - centerville, in).

When the vehicle a/c was on a rotten food smell emitted through the vents and into the cabin of the vehicle. While driving the vehicle suddenly stalled. The vehicle was towed to the dealer where it was determined that the engine leaked coolant which caused the engine to overheat and the engine to seize. The vehicles coolant light did not illuminate but the engine light did. The dealer could not explain the loss of coolant therefore the repairs were not made.

Smoke began coming out of vents when air conditioning was turned on. If I turned it off and waited a few minutes, the air conditioning would work again. This happened every time I tried to use the air conditioning. In September, when I tried using the heater, it did not work. I changed the thermostat and had engine cooling system flushed. However this still did not resolve my problem. I contacted my local Ford dealership,. They informed me that this a common problem with the 98 Taurus. The engine coolant Ford makes you use clogs the system and turns the coolant into sludge. The only thing you can do is to replace the heater core. They also stated that on average I will have to replace the heater core every other year. This is unacceptable.

The engine coolant reservoir over flowed.

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.

I have been reading about problems with the Taurus cooling system, and I am experiencing some issues. I would like all the information I could get on the situation. Dt.