Miami Herald

DETROIT - A pair of Taurus SHO owners say Ford Motor Co. concealed a defect with the car's V8 engine that causes extensive engine damage, according to a lawsuit filed in Chicago.

The lawsuit, filed this week, accuses Ford of fraud and breach of implied warranty, saying the automaker sold a vehicle not "fit for ordinary driving."

"We just want relief from Ford. We'd like to see them establish some sort of escrow account for those of us that repaired the engine before the problem (damaged the engine) or those that have had to spend anywhere from $2,000 to $20,000 after the fact," Larry Eck, of Wheaton, Ill., owner of a 1997 Taurus SHO, told the Detroit Free Press.

The lawsuit, which does not seek a specific damage amount, claims Ford has known about the alleged defect since 1996.

"We have not received the lawsuit, so (we) cannot comment on any of the specifics," Ford spokeswoman Kathleen Vokes in a statement. "We are aware of the concern on a small number of SHO engines. Our investigation indicates the condition is not widespread.

"Many vehicle repairs were covered under warranty, and we have been working with our supplier to reduce the repair costs for the small number of engines potentially affected by the condition."

About 19,730 SHOs were made from 1996 to 1999.

It was a limited-production, high-performance version of the Taurus family sedan, which is among the best-selling cars in the country.

The SHO - Super High Output - differed from the everyday Taurus, with a pricier interior, stiffer suspension, tighter handling and a powerful 3.4-liter V8 Yamaha engine that could zip up to 140 mph.