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).

- Indianapolis, IN, USA

A/C compressor seized causing drivebelt failure and loss of steering, alternator, and power brakes.

- Pensacola, FL, USA

This problem is with Taurus, Sable & Windstar, it can not be repaired...now what? no safety defect listed. Tsb 98-9-4 was issued regarding this problem, the corrective action being to replaced the front end accessory drive belt.

- Indio, CA, USA

While driving either in rain or over a puddle of water and making a right hand turn, water will get into the serpentine belt, causing loss of power steering for about 30-60 seconds. There is no guard or shield to protect belts from getting wet. Ford claims they cannot fix defect.

- Plano, TX, USA

The ignition tension pully froze up and caused the belt to come off and the motor to overheat. The motor overheated this one time that I know of and cause all the alluminum in the moter to warp, basicly ruinning the motor. The car was shut down with in 3 min I did not know what was wrong. The extended warranty that I purchased from the dealership would not cover the parts damaged due to overheating, eventhough a covered part caused motor to over heat. Thank you.

- Wynnewood, OK, USA

Alternator failed, serpentine belt failed.

- Wethersfie, CT, USA