While driving engine gaskets blewout, causing vehicle to stall. Consumer has had number safety problems with vehicle since purchase. Has had to replace heater core/ radiator and thermostat.

- Goodyear, AZ, USA

Consumer called it a soft plug that when it blew water and anti freeze leaked out of vehicle. And vehicle can overheat. Consumer states that it cost 70 dollars to replace one soft plug.

- West Branch, MI, USA

I brought my car to my local mechanic when I noticed antifreeze leaking from the car in my driveway. Due to complete corrosion of coolant system, this resulted in the replacement of freeze plugs, water pump, radiator, head gaskets, thermostat and heater core. I will have to bring it back in April for another radiator flushing. I later learned from a radio talk show that there had been a recall on the coolant system for this auto. When I contacted Ford, they told me there was an owner notification sent, but I never received it and it expired August 1999. Ford or the dealer refuse to do anything so I don't know if the recall has been fixed by my repairs or not and will this happen again. Ford has also refused to reimburse me for any of the costs. I would appreciate any assistance

- Hillsdale, NJ, USA

My service station is advising me not to drive car because of clogged radiator. New thermostat did not help.

- Stamford, CT, USA

When driving consumer noticed vehicle overheated due to a leak within the engine compartment. Also, a problem with battery draining out, and headlights come off and on. Consumer have contacted the dealer. The thermostat failed.

- Waco, TX, USA

The vehicle had a continuing problem with overheating. I replaced the thermostat, radiator and the cooling system pressure cap to no avail. I then replaced the water pump. When I removed the original water pump I noticed that the impellor blades were badly deteriorated from corrosion. The blades were completely corroded away and unable to move water; this resulted in the engine continuing to overheat. I believe that the blades were unable to stand up to the coolant solution

- Ambridge, PA, USA

The problems with my Taurus dates back to a recall concerning the cooling system in 1997. Since then, I've continued to experience premature problems with varying parts of the cooling system including a failed thermostat, heater core, gasket, and radiator. I've contacted Ford, and they refuse to offer any additional assistance.

- Hixson, TN, USA

Transmission, radiator, and water pump all replaced in first 66K. This car has been very expensive to maintain. I am forced to purchase my next car from Japan or europe. So much for supporting the american economy.

- Waukesha, WI, USA

ABS brake failure. In addition, premature wear of brake pads/rotors, causing brakes to pulsate upon application. Also radiator is leaking brown fluid due to rust.

- Burnsville, MN, USA

Rusty water in radiator reservoir. Also, vehicle surges at all times; transmission shifts when going down incline, causing vehicle to runaway and brake vibration when driving at 40-45 mph.

- Defuniak Springs, FL, USA

Whenever driving vehicle, radiator cooling (anti-freeze) would overflow onto the fan serpentine belt due to slickness of coolant, would lose control of steering. Moved to side of road to let coolant dry on fan belt & then would proceed.

- Stratford, MO, USA

While driving, stop and go, an anti freeze like odor comes into interior of vehicle; causes dizziness and nausea; dealer replaced radiator expansion tank; did not solve problem.

- Windsor Locks, CT, USA