2018 Ford Taurus

Components Involved: Engine Block Mounting Boss, Intermediate Shaft Bracket (Service Part # DB5Z-3K305-CA), Factory Bolt (OEM # W500131-S437) Incident Overview: During a low-speed (about 5mph) lateral impact to the front-right wheel against a curb, expected sacrificial suspension damage occurred (snapped CV axle, separated lower ball joint). However, lateral force transferred through the passenger-side intermediate shaft directly into its carrier bearing mounting bracket. Instead of the cast mounting bracket (DB5Z-3K305-B) absorbing the force or breaking, the lateral stress sheared the cast mounting boss entirely off the engine block. Engineering Flaw & Dimensions: This design presents a critical flaw in the crash load path and failure hierarchy: Improper Leverage: The 84mm thick cast bracket acts as a rigid lever against a small, brittle ~17mm cast engine block boss. Inverted Material Sacrificing: The over-engineered bracket survives the impact, transferring fatal structural damage to the non-replaceable engine block instead of acting as a sacrificial fuse. Inadequate Thread Engagement: The factory 95mm flange bolt (W500131-S437) only utilizes 11mm of thread inside the raised boss, completely ignoring 1 to 2 inches of threading available deeper within the engine block casting. This shallow engagement concentrates all shearing stress directly at the weakest protrusion. Consumer Burden: This localized failure condemns the engine block, requiring a full engine replacement under standard dealership repair procedures. This creates a severe and disproportionate financial burden for what should be a straightforward suspension and driveline collision repair. Conclusion: I request an investigation into this structural vulnerability. The intermediate shaft bracket mounting location acts as a critical weak point, actively transferring lateral impact energy into the block and causing premature, catastrophic structural engine failure.

Rear toe links have a lot of slack resulting in rear drifting on uneven/slippery ground. This results in poor handling and fishtailing making it significantly harder to maintain control of the vehicle. Extreme caution required during slippery road conditions as the car will start to fishtail on it's own and requires constant corrective steering.

The contact owns a 2018 Ford Taurus. The contact stated while driving at an undisclosed speed, the rear end of the vehicle shifted while depressing the brake pedal hard. No warning light was illuminated. The vehicle was taken to a local mechanic who informed the contact there was a recall for the failure. The contact called the dealer however, the dealer informed the contact that the vehicle was not part of the recall. The vehicle was not repaired due to cost. The contact referenced NHTSA Campaign Number: 20V072000 (Suspension) as a possible solution however, the VIN was not included in the recall. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 100,000.

The contact owns a 2018 Ford Taurus. The contact stated that while having a routine oil change at the local dealer, she was informed that the driver’s and passenger’s side rear toe links needed to be replaced. There were no warning lights illuminated. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was contacted, and a case was filed. The manufacturer referred her to the NHTSA Hotline for assistance. The contact stated that the failure was related to NHTSA Campaign Number: 20V072000 (Suspension). The approximate failure mileage was 17,500.

Rear adjustable lataral arm and ball joint (RH) on rear wheel broke, while driving spun car in the road. Had to replace part and take vehicle to Ford dealership to get car allined and have car inspected for other damage. Purchased from Oreilly Auto Parts. Part number 2CB40582 $103.99. Precision Lateral Arm and Joint. Took vehicle to Vallery Ford Waverly Ohio. for allinment $90.04 on 08/18/2022. 2018 Ford Taurus SEL. 72715 miles.

The contact owns a 2018 Ford Taurus. The contact stated that while driving at various speeds, the contact lost control of the vehicle upon depression of the brake pedal without warning. The contact had taken the vehicle to an independent mechanic who informed him that the failure was caused by a fractured rear suspension toe link. Upon investigation, the contact discovered NHTSA Campaign Number: 20V072000 (Suspension) which he linked to the failure however, his vehicle was not included in the recall. The dealer nor the manufacturer had yet to be notified of the failure. The vehicle had yet to be repaired. The failure mileage was approximately 44,000.

The contact owns a 2018 Ford Taurus. The contact stated that while the vehicle was at the dealer for routine oil service, the dealer noticed that a tow link was worn and advised the contact that the rear tow links needed to be replaced. The manufacturer was contacted and informed the contact that the vehicle was not included in NHTSA campaign number: 20V072000 (Suspension). The vehicle was not repaired. The failure mileage was 40,158.