The contact owns a 2008 Ford Taurus. The contact stated while driving approximately 45 MPH, the vehicle stalled however, she was able to pull over and stop the vehicle. The contact stated that she noticed that the check engine warning light was illuminated. Additionally, the engine temperature gauge was indicating that the engine was overheating. The contact observed that white smoke was coming out from under the hood. The contact was unable to restart the vehicle and had the vehicle towed to her residence. An independent mechanic went to the residence to diagnose the vehicle. The independent mechanic determined that the head gasket had blown and the water pump needed to be replaced. The vehicle had not been repaired. The manufacturer had been informed of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 170,000.

- Goldsboro, NC, USA

At highway speed, vehicle suddenly, without any warning lights, stops running, resulting in loss of all power assist to maneuver vehicle to safety. Unable to restart vehicle. Towed to repair shop. Problem determined to be failure of "coil on plug" ignition coils, which shorted out PCM/processor assembly (main computer). Additionally, this mis-firing resulted in partial low effiency in catalytic converter, which will eventually impair vehicle's ability to meet emission standards. Total repair costs: Ignition coils (6), spark plugs (6), and PCM replacement - $2,314.14, catalytic converter replacement - $1,589.95, for a total of $3,904.09 Ford Motor Company has been aware of this problem since at least 2010, and has issued two technical service bulletins regarding this problem.

- Norwalk, OH, USA

The contact owns a 2008 Ford Taurus. While the contact was driving approximately 5 mph, the engine stalled without prior warning. Upon restarting, the vehicle resumed as normal. The similar failure occurred three different times. The vehicle was taken to an authorized dealer who was unable to duplicate the failure. The manufacturer was not notified of the problem. The approximate failure mileage was 46,000. The VIN was unavailable.

- Lynn , MA, USA

It began with only the wrench light going on and the RPM would go up and the car would lurch forward. I would reset it with a code checker and I would not have the problem. The problem and the light would eventually return. It was recommended to change the air filter, the air filter was changed and the problem went away for approximately 3 weeks. Now not only my wrench light but my engine light also goes on and it returns every day after resetting it. After I looked up the problem on the internet I found that the problems seems to appear in other Ford models. I am very surprised that this is not a recall. This is a safety hazard and eventually someone will get hurt or killed before anything is done about this issue.

- Kirkland, IL, USA

2008 Ford Taurus, engine dies unexpectedly. Died three different times while making a left turn. Almost got hit with on-coming traffic two times, also dies at stop signs and waiting for light to change. It is very dangerious because difficult to steer with engine dead. Had in shop 2 times but no help.

- Sterling, AK, USA

I was approaching a stop light, decelerating at approximately 5 to 8 with my foot on the brake when the accelerator sped up significantly pushing the car forward. Even though I applied heavy force to the brake pedal, the engine and RPM gauge kept increasing to between 1800 and 2400 RPM's, far from the avg of 800 when coming to a stop. I put the car in neutral and the RPM and engine speed kept increasing just as if the accelerator was stuck. I put it in park and the same thing happened. I pulled the handbreak and immediately turned the key off. Upon restarting the car, the idle was normal. This is the 3rd time it has happened.

- Kissimmee, FL, USA

While driving my 2008 Ford Taurus with 80K miles on 01-21-11 the car started missing. Drove the vehicle directly to my mechanic. Diagnosis was a badly burnt coil on the #2 cylinder. In order to get to the #2 cylinder and spark plugs my mechanic made me aware that the air intake manifold needs to be removed and while that is taking place I should have a tuneup since one is recommended at 90K anyway. Coil in the #2 cylinder was replaced and tuneup completed and car was still missing. Further diagnosis showed that the computer that runs the engine and transmission was ruined when the coil burnt out and for the car to run as it is supposed to it will also need this computer. So I am going to incur a $1000 or more in expense because my excellent condition 08', 80,0000 mile car is missing. It would seem to me that a system that allows this much possible damage and expense to happen when a coil goes bad is a flawed system.

- Holland, MI, USA

I was entering I 70 East in columbus Ohio off the james road exit, while attempting to merge into the outside lane. I sped up to adjust my speed, as a vehicle was in the same lane. When I accelerated, the car automatically took over and suddenly accelerated and revved up high and fast. My first reaction was to hit the brakes, I did, but the brakes would not depress or brake. I was trying to think of everything to do and monitor the cars around me, as well. I tried holding down the brakes hard and taking off while the car went flying by two exits, I knew I would not be able to exit because I couldn't stop. I continued with trying to locate the flasher and thinking about hitting the emergency brake but, I didn't because I was unsure whether it would come to a quick stop. I kept pushing down and up on the brake pedal. Suddenly, the revving began to settle down (a fast downward revving sound) and I was able to brake the car. I was unsure whether to pull over so I decided to continue to my destination which was only 3 exits away. I parked and looked at the car and especially the area near my feet, there was nothing interfering with the brakes or the accelerator. I panicked all the way home, not knowing what would happen so I stayed off the freeway, believing the freeway speed would cause a similar issue. As soon as I got home, I researched the issue and found some similar instances with the same make and model. I will call the dealer tomorrow. I had a previous experience with the transmission stopping on the freeway and disengaging while driving and when I stopped. When I would pull over and switch the gears, the car would make a loud dropping sound. And it would be difficulty to switch gears. The car shifts at times and kicks back. The dealer replaced a sensor but, it has not resolved the issue completely. I've taken it back and they found nothing. I hope they will find something, as I am afraid to drive this car after tonights experience.

- Columbus, OH, USA