The contact owns a 1999 Ford Taurus. While driving 30 mph, the brake warning light illuminated and the stopping distance increased. The contact noticed rust on the rear brake line as well as brake fluid leaking. As of September 5, 2007, the dealer had not inspected the vehicle. The current and failure mileages were 119,000.

- Williamsburg, MA, USA

The contact owns a 1999 Ford Taurus. While driving 15 mph the consumers daughter depressed the brakes and the vehicle failed to stop. She had to use the emergency brake to stop the vehicle. The vehicle was towed to the mechanic and he stated that the brake lines were rusted. The failure and current mileages were 118,000. Updated 02-01-08. The consumer stated the brake lines had rusted. Updated

- Medford, NJ, USA

My 1999 Ford Taurus brake line corroded and fell into pieces. This metal line should not have had this problem. The metal alloy in this line is at fault and should be recalled or warranty due to the severely dangerous outcome. My 16 year old pulled the car into the driveway when the line literally blew and all of the fluid blew out. It was a miracle that this did not occur any other time while driving because there is no pedal braking at all!

- Columbus, OH, USA

We had a total brake failure on our 1999 Ford Taurus, we drove out of our drive way going to the mail box and when we hit the brakes the brake failure light came on as the brakes went to the floor and the car coasted to a stop. If we had been going faster it would have been very serious. The problem was that the brake line to the back brakes split and leaked all the fluid which led to the failure, are these cars supposed to have a back up systems?

- East Falmouth, MA, USA

My wife recently experienced a total brake failure on my 99 Taurus wagon (46K miles). She was starting out of her parking space so there was no collision. This should not have happened as this vehicle has a dual diagonal system for safety. Unfortunately the diagonal part is what did it in as the two lines running to the rear wheels were run together and both rotted out simultaneously.

- Bedford, NH, USA

My wife was pulling up to pick up for her prescription when she applied the brake it failed. Steel brake line failure. 18 foot of steel brake line was replaced.

- Geneva, OH, USA

Consumer felt a pop in the brakes on his 1999 Ford Taurus. Upon inspection mechanic determined that the brake line had failed due to corrosion and the passenger side also needed replacement.

- Glastonbury, CT, USA

The brake lines tubing rusted from the outside. The brake line failed and the consumer lost braking ability. Had to take a section out. Talked to dealer, they said nothing they could do. This happened on August 26, 2005. Was pulling it into the shed changed the oil and the brake pedal went all the way to the floor. The tube assembly was replaced (F8dz-2C287/aa, F6dz-2L568/aa, F8dz-26569/aa). The consumer had the factory parts replaced to prevent further failure. The consumer still has the old part in his possession.

- Spendale , NC, USA

Consumer was driving down a country road in a 1999 Ford Taurus station wagon when the brakes failed with no warning and the pedal went to the floor. Fortunately, consumer was able to coast to a stop with no damage and safely exit the vehicle. The following day the vehicle was driven (using the emergency brake) to the dealer who subsequently determined that the steel tubing of the brake line had rusted through, causing the failure. Having never heard of such a failure in three decades of being involved with automotive repair in a northern climate with salted roads, and in view of the fact that this vehicle spent only a few years in a northern climate prior to moving to a snow-free area, consumer requested and was given the failed brake lines as evidence (still available). Replacing the brake lines cost over $100 in parts and supplies and over $360 in labor, for a total bill of $471.18. A subsequent search of the NHTSA database revealed other complaints about this same problem with the Taurus (see ODI #10117988 and #10124628) with no investigation initiated by either Ford or NHTSA. Evidently investigations do not happen unless there is a fire, death, injury, etc., and these complaints involved: A Taurus that had already exited a highway; one in a mcdonald's drive-thru; and this one on an isolated road. It seems incredible that no action is taken on such an obvious material design defect that can result in a sudden loss of braking with absolutely no warning. What does it take to get the NHTSA's attention?

- Hilton Head, SC, USA

Upon examining my recently purchased 1999 Taurus, I discovered that the brake lines in the rear location near the left wheel are severely rusted repeat rusted. It appears that a brake line failure could occure at any time.

- Va Beach, VA, USA