NHTSA Defect Investigation #DP06005 On October 11, 2006, public citizen petitioned ODI to investigate reports of engine stalls caused by E85 fuel in certain model year (MY) 2003 - 2005 Ford Taurus flex-fuel vehicles (FFV). ODI's review of the petition and other available data found a low stall rate attributable to E-85 fueling and that the main concerns,prolonged engine start and rough idle during cold engine startup at winter temperatures, were resolved by an engine software update.to ensure that all subject vehicles receive this update, Ford initiated a notification campaign to offer free engine computer recalibration.based on this information, this defect petition is denied. This denial should not be construed as a finding that no safety defect exists.ODI reserves the right to reconsider this issue if future data warrant.additional details can be found in the federal register notice posted in the DP06-005 public file.

Fuel System, Gasoline:Storage:Auxillary Tank**

** This defect investigation is filed under 23 related vehicle components.
2004 FORD TAURUS -- Public citizen has petitioned NHTSA to investigate the effect of alleged engine stalling while using "E85" ethanol fuel in model year 2003-2005 Ford Taurus and Mercury Sable vehicles equipped with the flex-fuel engine option. This engine is capable of operating on either gasoline or E85. ODI has received one consumer complaint and several early warning reporting (ewr) field reports concerning drivability issues in these vehicles while using E85. Investigation was initiated on December 04 2006. Closed on December 28 2007. For detailed information & supporting documents, see the official NHTSA page concerning investigation #DP06005 »