2018 Ford Special Service Police Sedan

The 2018 Ford Special Service Police Sedan, based on the Taurus platform, offered a reliable and utilitarian option for law enforcement. Engine choices included a 3.5L V6, producing 288 horsepower and 254 lb-ft of torque, as well as a 3.5L EcoBoost V6, which generated 365 horsepower and 350 lb-ft of torque. All engine options were paired with a 6-speed automatic transmission. Owners often praised the vehicle’s spacious interior and comfortable ride, while common dislikes included its fuel economy and perceived bulkiness compared to more modern police vehicles.

Engine

3.5L V6

• Water Pump Failure
  • Description/Symptoms: Coolant leak, overheating, engine misfire, white smoke from exhaust.
  • Solution: Replace the water pump and potentially related components like the thermostat and hoses.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $800 - $1,200+
  • Recalls: None Found
• Variable Valve Timing (VVT) Solenoid Failure
  • Description/Symptoms: Rough idling, reduced fuel economy, check engine light, engine stalling.
  • Solution: Replace the faulty VVT solenoid.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $200 - $500+
  • Recalls: None Found

3.5L EcoBoost V6

• Turbocharger Failure
  • Description/Symptoms: Loss of power, whistling noise from the engine, excessive smoke from exhaust, check engine light.
  • Solution: Replace the failed turbocharger(s) and inspect/replace related lines and hoses.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $2,000 - $4,000+
  • Recalls: None Found
• Coolant Intrusion (Into Cylinders)
  • Description/Symptoms: Misfires, white smoke from exhaust, coolant loss without external leaks, check engine light. This can be caused by a cracked cylinder head or head gasket failure.
  • Solution: Diagnose the cause of the coolant intrusion (cylinder head or head gasket), and replace the faulty component. In severe cases, engine replacement may be necessary.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $3,000 - $8,000+ depending on the extent of the damage.
  • Recalls: None Found

Transmission

6-Speed Automatic (6F50)

• Torque Converter Failure
  • Description/Symptoms: Shuddering during acceleration, slipping between gears, abnormal transmission noises, harsh shifting.
  • Solution: Replace the torque converter.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $1,500 - $3,000+
  • Recalls: None Found
• Valve Body Issues
  • Description/Symptoms: Erratic shifting, harsh engagement, delayed shifting, failure to shift into certain gears.
  • Solution: Replace or rebuild the valve body.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $800 - $2,000+
  • Recalls: None Found

Suspension

• Front Control Arm Bushing Failure
  • Description/Symptoms: Clunking noises from the front end, especially over bumps, uneven tire wear, vague steering.
  • Solution: Replace the worn control arm bushings or the entire control arm assembly.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $300 - $800+ per side.
  • Recalls: None Found
• Rear Shock Absorber Failure
  • Description/Symptoms: Bouncy ride, excessive body roll during cornering, bottoming out over bumps.
  • Solution: Replace the rear shock absorbers.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $200 - $500+ for a pair.
  • Recalls: None Found

Electrical

• Battery Drain Issues
  • Description/Symptoms: Vehicle fails to start, battery needs frequent charging, parasitic draw on the battery.
  • Solution: Diagnose and repair the source of the parasitic draw (e.g., faulty module, aftermarket accessories, wiring issues).
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $100 - $500+ (depending on the complexity of the issue).
  • Recalls: None Found
• Alternator Failure
  • Description/Symptoms: Dimming headlights, warning lights on the dashboard, vehicle stalling, battery not charging.
  • Solution: Replace the alternator.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $300 - $700+
  • Recalls: None Found

Exterior

• Door Handle Failure
  • Description/Symptoms: Door handle breaks or becomes difficult to use, either internal mechanism fails or the handle itself breaks.
  • Solution: Replace the door handle assembly.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $150 - $400+ per handle
  • Recalls: None Found

Interior

• Blend Door Actuator Failure
  • Description/Symptoms: Inconsistent or incorrect temperature from the vents, clicking noises behind the dashboard.
  • Solution: Replace the faulty blend door actuator.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $200 - $600+ (depending on location and accessibility).
  • Recalls: None Found
• Seat Track Issues
  • Description/Symptoms: Difficulty adjusting the seat, seat track jamming or becoming loose.
  • Solution: Repair or replace the seat track assembly.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $200 - $800+
  • Recalls: None Found

Summary

The 2018 Ford Special Service Police Sedan can experience various issues across its engine, transmission, suspension, electrical, exterior, and interior components. Engine issues range from relatively minor problems like VVT solenoid failure on the 3.5L to more serious concerns like turbocharger failures and coolant intrusion on the 3.5L EcoBoost. Transmission problems, specifically with the 6F50, can involve torque converter failures and valve body issues. Suspension issues typically revolve around worn bushings and shocks, while electrical concerns include battery drain and alternator failures. Exterior issues can involve broken door handles, and interior problems may include faulty blend door actuators and seat track malfunctions. The severity and cost of these repairs can vary widely, from a few hundred dollars to several thousand, depending on the specific issue and the extent of the damage.