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.

- Greenwwod, AR, USA

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.

- Groveland, CA, USA

Car is in shop having 2 cracked heads replaced. Mechanic was advised to keep all parts for further investigation. The Ford Taurus 3.8 engine has an extended warranty because of head gasket failure. The Ford company told me that the 3.0 engine was built in atlanta ga. And there were no recalls on it.the alldata service bulletin 97-24-16 issued 11-24-94 said to simply extrapolate the 3.8L engine for the warranty extension on the 3.0. we almost had a bad accident because the engine died with no warning on a busy freeway. If it is a ingition modular problem also I don't know at this time. I feel this veh engine should have lasted more than 91,334 miles. If Ford has a problem with the engine it should be acknowledged before anymore breakdowns occur.

- Groveland, CA, USA

Camshaft makes a ticking sound that is not at all normal.

- Maple Grove, MN, USA

Service engine light went on, engine over heated, no coolant left in resevoir. No leaks? let cool and filled with 5 quarts of coolant. Light stayed on. Drove to Ford dealer for diagnostic test. Report back was coolant contaminated with hydrocarbons (used gas). Dealer believes head gasget blown or cracked block. Recommend replace with long block. Approx $4800. Asked dealer about alldata service bullitan 97-24-16 and extrapolating to the 3.8L extended warranty. Dealer said no. Never recieved notice of coolant problem they said out of warranty. Need help.

- Alameda, CA, USA

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.

- Georgetown, KY, USA

I notices there are several complaints regarding a cooling system problem. I too have an issue with brown rusted coolent that caused the head gasket to fail. I was told today that it will cost aproximatly $5000 to repair. They want to replace the engin, radiator, heater core, water pump, etc. The service manger at the dealer said that this is caused by poor cooling system design that causes a rust build up and the eventual blown head gasket. Since this is an obvious design flaw with many accounts listed on the NHTSA, I would like an investigation and the possible recall by the manufacturer (Ford).

- Mansfield, MA, USA

There is a fuel smell in passenger's compartment due to oil leaking from oil pan. Consumer states the smell is so bad it makes her sick to her stomach.

- Gladstone, MO, USA

Head gasket blew out, leaving it inoperable. Please provide any additional information.

- Stockton, CA, USA

Midas repair shop found head gaskets had blown. Vehicle started heating up/ choking, and white smoke was coming out tailpipe. Manufacturer's reponse was that they weren't aware of problem, and no recall was issued.

- Barstow, CA, USA

Noticed brown coolant during maintenance. Had some problems with overheating about two weeks prior. Notified manufacturer, was told out of warranty, no recalls, not a wide spread problem. Took to non-dealer shop. Found leaking head gasket. Replaced head gaskets, thermostat, coolant overflow container, and anti-freeze. Resurfaced cylinder heads. Performed cooling system flush. During routine maintenance at ~50,000 miles noticed brown coolant again.

- Detroit, MI, USA

Engine head gaskets have blown. Dealer has been notified.

- Murrieta, CA, USA

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.

- New London, CT, USA

Bought 97 Ford Taurus used. Noticed brown coolant after purchase (Mar 00). Car began overheating in summer, resulting in blown head gasket requiring extensive engine work. Radiator was determined to be bad, required replacement to tune of $2300 for total repair. Have since learned that recall of product has been out (98B23) due to faulty cooling system and a cooling system bypass kit should have been installed (was not). After work was done, engine overheated again two weeks later (1 Aug 2000). I have seen many complaints about this, and Ford has not been any help at all; the dealership just wants my money and more costly repairs.

- Ocean Springs, MS, USA

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.

- Pheonix, AZ, USA

While freeway driving, the car died. No warning lightsor any other visable problems. Towed to nearest dealer and were told the engine was blown and could have another for $5,500. Towed the car home and found the cooling resivore was cracked and had empitied all coolent. We find from Ford motors that this was a recall item, and we were never notified.

- Paradise, CA, USA

The pulley that drives the belt froze and fell off causing the power steering, the alternator, water pump and battery failures.

- Woodridge, IL, USA

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.

- Natchitoches, LA, USA

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.

- Marion, OH, USA

Engine mounts broke, causing the engine to rise within the engine compartment.

- St Paul, MI, USA