The contact owns a 1998 Ford Taurus. The vehicle would occasionally exhibit a no-start condition. She also noticed the check engine warning light illuminated on the instrument control panel. The vehicle has not been diagnosed by the dealership. The current and failure mileages were 167000. Updated 12/7/09 the consumer stated the engine would become excessively hot. Updated 12/08/09

- Lubbock, TX, USA

The contact owns a 1998 Ford Taurus. While driving approximately 25 mph on normal road conditions, the driver heard a gushing noise outside of the vehicle. The vehicle was pulled over to the side of the road and oil was observed leaking from underneath the vehicle. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic, who stated that the failure was contributed to the engine oil pan gasket. The oil pan gasket was replaced at that time. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic on two separate occasions for identical failures. Currently, the vehicle is in the process of being repaired. The failure mileage was between 42,000-44,000 and current mileage was 110,000.

- Chesapeake, VA, USA

Engine oil is leaking on exhaust system from back side of engine. Strong smell and oil on ground' 81,000 miles on vehicle. I purchased vehicle new. Replaced valve cover gaskets. Still leaking oil.

- Aurora, CO, USA

1998 Ford Taurus engine failed. The vehicles engine failed while on an exit ramp. As a result the vehicle ran off the left side of the road and struck four highway signs and poles. The vehicle left rear door, left rear quarter panel, left rear bumper and right side running panel were damaged.

- North Royalton, OH, USA

The car has been looked at the gears slipped off the cam, car completely died

- Clay, MI, USA

Vehicle purchased new, 2000 miles transmission quit working was rebuilt under warranty by Ford. Transmission is out again car will not move without increasing rpms to 2,500, transmission slips and car is not drivable. Makes loud knocking sound. Estimated $2,500 rebuild needed. Head gaskets went out at 80,000 miles and were replaced for $600, this is a common problem with Taurus.

- Tracy, CA, USA

While driving consumer heard a loud noise which was coming from the engine. Dealer notified.

- Walled Lake, MI, USA

1998 Ford Taurus; 78000+ miles: Recurring transmission problems. Owners manual indicates that the illumination of the check engine light may not be referring to a mechanical problem that will affect performance of the vehicle. Our light came on one month after we purchased the car. It would go off when we changed fluids or brand of gasoline. On June 28th there was a noticable change in drivability as the speedometer stopped working completely and the car would no longer shift from low gear. The engine would rev to 5000 rpms trying to shift but could not. I certainly believe this to be a dangerous situation while trying to maneuver in 55 to 65 mph traffic. Aamco now tells me that it will cost 1500 T0 2000 dollars to fix the problem. I ran a 1993 Ford van to 270,000 miles but I did not know that this model had a 12 year history of severe transmission problems.

- Millersburg, PA, USA

While the vehicle was being serviced, the technician heard a taping noise coming from engine. It was discovered the cam shaft sprocket failed.

- Kent, WA, USA

The vehicle stalled intermittently.

- Albany, OR, USA

The oil pan rusted.

- Saint Paul, MN, USA

I have not experienced this failure yet but we have 121 documented failures at www.V8sho.com. camshaft sprocket detaches from camshaft causing instant engine failure, possible engine fire as well. Ford will not address this problem.

- Ripon, WI, USA

Car was smoking from under and when taken to garage told it was an oil pan gasket that was a common Ford problem and could catch fire if driven too long cause it would get hot.

- Elizabethtown, KY, USA

Head gasket-car died, warning lights did not light.

- Waterville, OH, USA

There was a knocking noise coming from front of vehicle. When dealership examined vehicle, it was determined that main piston in engine was corroded and had to be 'cleaned'. please provide any additional information/attachments.

- Invergrove Heights, MN, USA

V6 engine head gasket cracked, causing an engine fire while vehicle was in use. Prior to this incident, consumer had complained about engine check light coming on. But, dealer did not detect a defect.

- Upper Marlboro, MD, USA

Vehicle does not decelerate normally when the accelerator is released due to a computer controlled design feature of the engine. The design flaw results in deceleration, and excesive acceleration if going down hill. Also causes cruise control to overshoot the set speed by 20-40 mph

- Ridge Crest, CA, USA