I have a 97 Ford Taurus gl. The engine caught on fire and the burned rapidly. My family just made it out of the car. I managed to get it away from the house. The house suffered some heat damage.

- Pensacola, FL, USA

The contact owns a 1997 Ford Taurus. While driving 25 mph, the engine caught fire. The contact pulled over and exited the burning vehicle. The fire department was able to contain the fire. The vehicle was towed to the dealer, but they were unable to determine the cause of the failure. There was no sign of lost oil or other fluids. The engine was replaced. The insurance company's investigation concluded that the cause of the failure was due to human error. The contact recently became aware of Ford recall number 05S28 and she feels that this could be the cause of her engine fire. A police report was filed. The failure mileage was 97,000.

- Steubenville, OH, USA

1997 Ford Taurus with anti freeze leak. Consumer states she had the cooling system flushed and they replaced the thermostat. Dealer told her she needed the engine repaired and it would cost $300 or $400 dollars. The consumer stated when the vehicle was returned to her, it was overheating. The dealer informed the consumer a campaign had been issued for engine corrosion.

- West Salem, IL, USA

When consumer was exiting the freeway engine check light came on and vehicle stopped. Then, smoke started to come from under the hood, and vehicle started to make a noise. From that point on each time vehicle cut off, restarted, and moved a bit. Afterwards, vehicle cut off and consumer restarted it until he got home. Then, had it towed to a private mechanic, who told him that the sprocket came loose. Mechanic attempted to repair the vehicle, but could not because the labor and parts would cost about $6000 - $8000. Consumer told mechanic not to bother because he could not afford it. He had the vehicle towed back to his home. The cam shaft was broken, 2 cylinders went bad, the transmission was affected, the vehicle would stall possibly due to the coil packs and the struts went bad.

- Cleveland, OH, USA

1997 Ford Taurus. Car began rough idling at cold start. After warming up would run fine. Took to mechanic twice. They did not know problem said it was safe to drive. Car only had 80,000 miles on it at the time. Car eventually started losing anti-freeze (not leaking, just turning up low every couple of days), exhaust fumes heavy, white smoke from exhaust, gas mileage terrible. I took to my uncle, a mechanic in another city and he knew what it was immediately. As I suspected, head gasket. Will cost $800-1000 to repair. This is my second Ford. Other was a 1995 Ford escort. After two transmissions and a cracked engine it died two years ago for good. I'm a sigle mom and this is only transportation. Cannot afford a new car yet. But it will not be a Ford when I can. Ford has changed and is not the same as it used to be. Ford does not care about the consumer.

- Indianapolis, IN, USA

Bought 97 Taurus with 53,000 miles in 03-2001 at a Dodge dealership, with extended warranty [Chrysler 24/24]. took in for oil leak 3,000 miles after purchase. Oil pan gasket repair work was said to be done. Approx. 8,000 miles after that, I took car in again for oil leak and possible coolant leak. Again gasket repairs were suppossedly done; no report or repair on suspected coolant leak. Approximately 9,000 miles after that, car breaks down on fwy; will not crank/turn over. Had car towed to same dealership; reported findings were: No coolant in radiator, coolant in oil basket, no compression. Extended warranty expired 2 months prior to break down. They say the previous complaints aren't related to present problem. I feel the repair work each time I took the car in for service was incomplete, overlooked, or mis diagnosed.

- Riverside, CA, USA

Transmission going out at such a low mileage, serpentine belt failure, cam sensor & false distributor shaft, & multi-functional switch in steering column

- Jacksonville, FL, USA

Service engine light will not turn off...transmission has been replaced and repaired and is now needing repair again...tires from normal wear...brakes from normal wear...

- Elyria, OH, USA

While driving 15 mph consumer heard a noise coming from the engine compartment. Consumer took vehicle to an independent shop, who could not find the cause of the problem. Consumer checked the vehicle, and determined that the motor mount bolts sheared off.

- Colorado Springs, CO, USA

Premature engine and component failure due to faulty head gaskets. Engine and transmission failed at less than 55,000 miles.

- Denton, TX, USA

The vehicle shut down due to a hole inside of plug of the engine compartment causing fuel to leak. Please fill in additional information. Dealer is aware of the problem.

- La Habra Heights, CA, USA

Vehicle jerks heavily and the engine light comes on. Dealer has been notified.

- Lewisville, TX, USA

While traveling at about 65 mph vehicle made a funny noise, and temperature gauge went above high. Consumer pulled over, and had vehicle towed.

- Boerne, TX, USA

While traveling temperature gauge ran high, vehicle overheated. Gauge was replaced. Week later vehicle overheated again. Please provide further informaton.

- Fall River, MA, USA

Temperature gauge is going back and forward towards the hot section, and the vehicle is shifting very hard when driviing at any speed.

- Memphis, TN, USA

Vehicle never heats up. The temperature gauge never registers hot on the car. Also, engine head gaskets blew out withouty prior indication or warning. Incident occurred three times. Dealer notified and aware of the problem. Car with dealer and no information on diagnosis. Right front grinding noise and steering gear was replaced. Freeze plug lost. Provide further information.

- Orange, CA, USA