The contact owns a 2007 Ford Taurus. While driving 25 mph the flange for the catalytic converter fractured off. He made an interim repair to resume normal vehicle operation. The vehicle was taken to the dealer and a repair kit installed at an expense of $200. The manufacturer designed a repair kit because the flange for the catalytic converter was welded improperly. When the exhaust manifold fails as in this condition, the risk for fire hazard was increased. The failure and current mileages were 51,000. Updated 03/04/10 the consumer stated the flange separated from the catalytic converter pipe which allowed it to drop to the ground. Updated 06/18/10.

- Austin, MN, USA

The contact owns a 2007 Ford Taurus. While driving in reverse at approximately 2 mph, the contact heard a loud noise coming from the rear of the vehicle. He stopped the vehicle and noticed that the exhaust pipe was on the ground. He had the vehicle towed to a local dealer and they stated that the lower part of the fledge weld caused the catalytic converter to detach. The dealer replaced the catalytic converter. The current and failure mileages were 24,872. Updated 12/12/07 updated

- Highlands, TX, USA