Problems with 2000 Ford Taurus ELECTRICAL SYSTEM

Tl* the contact owns a 2000 ford taurus. the contact stated that the headlights failed to shut off, which required the battery cable to be disconnected. the vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. the contact felt that the vehicle was unsafe to drive in the event that the day time running lamps, high beams, and fog lights short out. the dealer was not contacted. the manufacturer was notified of the failures. the vin was unknown. the approximate failure mileage was 100,000.

Part of the engine, top portion closest to the firewall on the passenger side of the vehicle, caught on fire while i was driving on a city street near my residence in lancaster, ca. i noticed the smoke emitting from under the hood when i came to a stop at the stop light.

My 2000 ford taurus ses is having a problem with the radio and windshield wipers.when i start the car in the morning the radio is playing and the windshield wipers are working.as i am driving the car the radio suddenly turns off and the windshield wipers won't work.the radio and windshield wipers won't work for the rest of the day.the next morning when i start the car to go somewhere the radio and windshield wipers are working again.as before,while i am driving the radio goes off and the windshield wipers stop working again and they won't work for the rest of the day.

The car burnt to the ground out of no where.

Started to smell burned wires in car. look under dash and smoke and wires where burned. brake lights dont work. reading online and other issue with this car and people where having same issue. when i called dealer they said theres nothing they can do because they are no more recalls on that. but i think this is a safety issue and can cause great danger.

Tl* the contact owns a 2000 ford taurus. the contact had to make several attempts to start the vehicle. the failure occurred on numerous occasions. the vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic who stated that the starter and solenoid failed. the vehicle was repaired, but the failure recurred. the manufacturer was not notified. the approximate failure mileage was 150,000.

The brake lights not actuate and not be able the shift out of park is. *tr

The car burst into flames 30 minutes after it was parked. no one was in the car. the car was not running. the fire was under the hood. when the fire was seen the fire department was called. they arrived shortly and put out the fire. everything under the hood, and up into the dash was burned and melted. the car was a total loss. *tr

I contacted ford in 2011 because my car caught fire while i was driving it and exploded. they wrote me a letter asking for receipts for oil changes at a ford dealership. i had bought it used from reynolds ford it had 1 owner. i did have it fixed by people not at ford and oil changes not at ford . i bougth a new car but the fire was scary and my liabilty does not pay for it. i recently saw another car on facebook it looked like my car ia sked what kind of car is that they said a 2000 ford taurus. i bleive that this should of been recalled when i told them what had happened to me. i was lucky i jumped out right away or i would have burned and thank god i had no children with me. i am reporting this to you. please let all other ford taurus owners know my car had just hit 200,000 miles. i hope no one gets hurt. ford should have the records of the pictures i sent to them. i was not going very fast on a local street when i noticed smoke coming out of the dash board i oulled over fast undid my seat belt and grab my purse as soon as i did that the motor exploded and was on fire. witness said that i was very lucky the fireman were there pretty fast and they believed it was an electrical problem. if i can help in any way please let me know at [xxx]. information redacted pursuant to the freedom of information act (foia), 5 u.s.c. 552(b)(6).

I have a 2000 ford taurus wagon that my spring snapped and sitting on top of my tire. read that there was a recall, however it is saying it would have had to happen before 2005. i feel it should still be covered by ford and i am a single mother of 3 and my income is limited. paying between $600 and $1500 to have repaired is not available to me. *tr

While i was driving with my 13 year old sister in the passenger seat, on the streets,on christmas eve, going about 40 mph, i started to smell something as if plastic was burning, i turned into a shopping center nearby, but with it being christmas eve, it was so many cars inside the small structured shopping center that when the car began to smoke, i was uncertain if it was my car smoking or someone next to me. i continued to drive to the next open parking space, this guy quickly ran up to my car and told me to and my sister to get out because as i was driving he saw fire balls coming from the under my car. at this point it was clear that it was my car smoking very badly, i turned off the ignition and the front of the car was quickly engulfed in flames with in seconds. we quickly jumped out leaving the keys in the ignition. we called the fire department and they were able to put out the fire but didn't determine a concrete cause besides an electrical problem. while i was driving no kind of warning lights came on. no check engine light, the thermostat did not read "overheat" or anything. i had liability on my car. it was a 2000 ford taurus, but the insurance company wouldn't pay for anything. if it wasn't for that guy that ran up to my car and told me and my sister to get out it could have been a lot worse because we didn't see any flames until i cut the car off. *ln

Tl*the contact owns a 2000 ford taurus. the contact walked to the back of his home where the vehicle was located and noticed that the vehicle was on fire. he was able to extinguish the fire, but no one was injured during the incident. the fire department was called, examined the vehicle, and stated that the fire originated from the dashboard. the contact did not notice any differences in the vehicle beforehand and has not been diagnosed by the dealer. the current and failure mileages were 100,000.

The ignition switch on my 2000 ford taurus failed. *tr

I pulled into my driveway after work and was going to park my car when i heard this crunch sound. i then noticed that the car was sitting lopsided on the rear passenger side and since then the car has been making crunching sounds. the dash lights also went out along w/the heater. it no longer blows cold air it is always hot air and the temperature is at its lowest. this all started w/a vacuum leak. the passenger side seat belt also retracted slow and now it doesn't even retract. this car seems to have one problem after another and all at once. i bought this car for my daughter cuz i wanted her to have a safe vehicle to drive for college, but it doesn't seem to be turning out that way. she is now driving my car because i don't want to have to worry about her on the road. *tr

1. wire to alternator burning since last repair-7-26-08 2. replace harness to correct concern,excessive voltage drop 3. replace engine compartment-complete wiring harness. *nm

I recently purchased a car in december of 2005 and have $6000 as a current balance. on 05/03/2006 i was cranking up my car when it ignited and caught fire and was completely destroyed before the fire department could get there. i called the ford customer relation department and explained the situation to them and requested that they replace my car because a 2000 ford taurus should not just ignite on fire from cranking it up, and they denied my request. i would very much like for your assistance on this matter or are companies allowed to sell customers defective cars and nothing be done about it. i only had liability insurance on it so the insurance company could not assist me. i informed the dealer from where i purchased it and they also said they could not help me. *jb

2000 ford taurus. vehicle has constant electrical problems. from january 9th until today 02/26/06, car has broken down 4 times. won't start. almost $1,000 later and 4 aaa tows, the car won't start again. *nm

September 5, 2005 my car started to smoke and when the hood was lifted there was a fire. within seconds my car was engulfed in flames. it was reported that there was some sort of electrical problem. *nm

2000 ford taurus. driving at night, headlights and all running-park lights failed. parked car and idled while trying different headlight switch positions. after about 15 minutes, lighting resumed normal operation. dealer (of course) could find no problems nor cause of the failure. factory customer support was contacted, and have yet to receive call-back. *nm

Dt: took 2000 ford taurus to the mechanic for service, and they said new spark plugs were needed. ford dealer replaced another part on the vehicle. currently, when it gets up to 40-50 mph it lurches 2 0r 3 times.*ak

Dt: the vehicle did not start. when the key was placed in the ignition and turned, there was no sound. if the car is driven for a long period of time, it will not start back up after being shut off. *jb

2000 ford taurus sel 24v v-6 continually dies while in high speed traffic. car has been well maintained per ford recommendations. ford dealership has serviced the car twice prior to current failure for same conditions. recent recommendation from ford service personnel was to 'use a different ignition key.' per recommendations and using a different key, car continues to stall/die while in traffic, rendering power steering, power brakes, and directional signals inoperative. in its current condition, i do not feel that this car is safe (by design or manufacturer's inability to repair) to operate on public motorways. please feel free to contact me via email at [email protected] or via phone at 908/310-4055 (leave voice mail message if i am unable to answer your call.) thank you.*ak wilmer f. johnson

If you have any advice or information that might help to rectify the situation below, i would appreciate it if you would contact me. i started my 2000 ford taurus with 56,000 miles to go to work on july 29th, and as soon as i turned the ignition key, a loud explosion under the hood occurred. it was like a bomb going off, the motor became loud and started revving. the plastic manifold had exploded due to the pcm (power train control module) having the wrong flash (a software problem programmed at the factory). the pcm caused a backfire out the top of the motor. ford dealers were suppose to correct this in april/ may of 2000 . i purchased my car in july 2000 after they were all suppose to be fixed. the ford dealer has come down from $500 to $250 to fix my car, but refuses to to fix it free. we are now at a stalemate unless i agree to pay for the manufacturer_x0019_s defect. as of today 8/4/04 the car is still not fixed. i also have digital pictures of the damage. *ak

While turning the turn signal failed to come on. the interior and exterior lights came on and off intermittently. consumer drove vehicle to the dealer for inspection, and mechanic determined that wiring harness needed to be replaced. *ak

Complaint received via e-mail. 2000 ,ford, taurus sel shut down while driving in high speed traffic. it has been to the local ford dealership twice regarding the issue. today after the third occurrence the service technician suggested that i use a different ignition key while operating the vehicle - i do not accept this as a viable solution to the trouble. when the engine dies while in traffic power steering/power brakes, and directional signals are lost. the car is a menace to the driving public. it is only a matter of time before its behavior causes an accident. my car is only 4 years old, and has only 33000 miles. all i wish is for ford to fix the car, so that it is reliable and no longer a danger to myself and the motoring public.*ak

The instrument panel lights were too dim, making it hard for the consumer to see the instrument panel ions. dealership was notified, but did not resolve the problem. *ak

While driving 55 mph, the vehicle stalled. the driver tried to restart the vehicle, but failed. the driver had the vehicle towed to the dealer for analysis. the mechanic was unable to duplicate the problem. *jb *mr

Suspension clips that hold the wires to the cruise control, airbag, and horn gave way resulting in malfunctioning cruise control. that then destroyed the clock spring in the cruise control. the service technician also noted that 'we were lucky the airbag didn't go off since the wires to that were also included in the bundle of wires held by those clips". as a result, the wires dangled down near the brake pedal and were eventually worn through.*ak

Vehicle was parked under the carport when the consumer heard a noise. consumer went to see what was going on, and discovered the vehicle on fire the vehicle was totaled.*ak

While traveling on the highway and without prior warning vehicle shuts down and will not restart. *ak

Tail light is on all the time just like some one is stepping on the brake. dealer notified. consumer stated there is no warranty for this vehicle. *ak

Car shuts down while driving it. have been back and forth to the dealership where car was purchased since the summer. car was in the shop a month ago and i was told that it was the relay switch to the starter. car has not been fixed properly because on 11/07/03 car shut down 3 times and a few more times over the weekend. car was taken back to the dealership on 11/10/03 service tech called and stated that it is the black box and that it will cost $1500.00 to get it fixed.*ak

Wire assembly to brake light switch snagged on to and then wrapped around the steering column several times. this resulted in a "noose effect" on the steering column that prevented hard right turns of the automobile and eventually broke off the brake light switch assembly from the brake pedal. this also resulted in brake light failure. spoke to ford road side assistance representative and informed them that they should not be giving drivers directions on how to start the car from a neutral gear position to bypass the interlock mechanism between brake and transmission shifter. i recommend that ford either look at securing the cables or cover the moving components of the steering column under the dashboard.*ak

After getting recall 01v075000 repairs done for pedal extenders consumer was unable to shift gears. also, brake lights have gone out due to this recall.contacted dealer, and dealer was not willing to do anything.*ak

Consumer states while vehicle was parked opened the driver side door saw couple of sparks suddenly the vehicle began to smoke and occurred a fire. nlm *jg

Vehicle stalls intermittently at any speed. vehicle has been taken to dealer 3 times, fuel pump and starter switch were replaced/computer was updated, and wiring harness was repaired, has not remedied the problem.*ak

Consumer states that the vehicle has been in the shop 7 times to get the ignition checked, the vehicle intermittently shuts down while driving at any speed. the dealer has been contacted but is unable to identify and correct the problem. nlm *tt

While driving vehicle just shuts off.*ak

Brake lights would continuously stay on, also, has affected cruise control contacted dealer. *ak

While traveling 40-60 mph on highway, theft light flashes on momentarily and vehicle stalls and shuts down. this has happened on at least 5 occasions. vehicle has been taken to dealer 4 times for this problem. on the first return to the dealership, dealer stated nothing showed up on diagnostic check, and they reprogrammed the computer. afterwards we began having problems with ignition switch. on the 2nd return to dealership, was told it was an intermittent problem and we would have to keep driving the vehicle until it became more regular. on the 3rd return to the dealership, they replaced the starter. car is now at dealer, has been there for 6 days without any information on status being provided by dealer. we feel car is too dangerous to drive. what help can we get?*ak

Vehicle keeps cutting off while driving it. in the mornings vehicle does not want to start. also, mechanic told him that it was an electrical problem, and they could not find the cause. *ak

When engine is turned off and the key is removed from ignition rear brake lights remain on. dealer has yet to be contacted. please provide further details. *ak

While starting vehicle engine would turn twice. consumer let off key, and engine exploded flowing by smoke coming from under the hood. when hood was opened, consumer noticed that engine manifold was blown to pieces. *ak

Loss of electrical power including dashboard, headlights,horn,signals,radio,a/c,windshield wipers,etc on four occasions. *ak

When attempting to shift vehicle out of gear, the gear shift malfunctioned preventing vehicle to go into gear. consumer has contacted dealer . dealer has to replace computer system and other parts. *ak consumer also stated the window trim has come apart leaving the windows scratched, engine light comes on, the engines emission control needs to be replaced, brake shift interlock is inoperative, the steering cloumn was replaced, front tire keeps losing air, rear brakes light need to be replaced. *jb

Anti-lock system brake light comes on, and brakes don't operate properly. dealership is aware of problem.*ak vehicle was stuck in park, dealer replaced the brake lamp switch, a few weeks later , the abs light illuminated, vehicle had no brake lights or signal lights, no window power, or radio and cd power, dealer replaced the brake lamp switch again, consumer states 3 days after purchase the alarm switch went off and locked vehicle, ignition switch has been replaced twice. *slc

This vehicle is in the shop on a pretty regular basis for one defect or another. especially eletrical defects. as of today, 05/21/2001 the "check engine light" is on and car is going back to the shop. i have contacted ford several times at diff. levels with no real help. i am paying too much money on a lease to be out a car once a month. i know lemon laws don't apply but can't i get some help here?*ak

Consumer states on 3 occasions the gear shift would not engage leaving the consumer stranded, when the vehicle was taken in for repair, the dealer repaired the brake wire, the second time the gear shift would not engage the dealer replaced the brake lamp switch which was a recall part, which had shorted out, the third ocassion the brake lamp switch was replaced again, however the dealer could not explain why this was happening. *jb

All electrical dash instruments were inoperative - windshield wipers were needed and were not operating for a period of 20 min., then suddenly power was restored for no apparent reason - problem has occurred at least 5 times for different periods of time on separate occasions. *ak

Consumer was traveling on highway and vehicle stalled without prior warning. had to avoid a truck and went into a ditch. dealership replaced iac valve) twice. on february 17 a mass air flow sensor was replaced. also, processor computer chip replaced, and steering wheel locked up. vehicle had earlier problems tha were still existing. *ak