Needle in oil pump was defective. It kept going up and down. Oil pump has not been replaced. The dealer was aware of problem. Dealer refused to replace the multifunction switch that was included in a recall.

- Camp Hill, AL, USA

These head gasket failures are common on the late 1998 and early 1999 5.4L engines. Many have been repaired under the 36,000 mile warranty. How ever, it appears that this defect can occur at any mileage. Ford has refused to repair my vehicle since it occurred after the warranty and no recall has been issued. From the number of documented failures of this component, I feel Ford should extend the eingine warranty or just recall the engines in question. There are two tsbs on file (8093-122 &13846-124) that detail the dates of manufacture and the engines involved. There are dozens (if not hundreds) of this gasket failure noted on various internet sites, most that I can find have been covered under the 36,000 mile warranty, others under extended warranty. In any event, this gasket/head is a defective component that will fail and should be corrected by Ford Motor Company.

- Beaverdam, VA, USA

This is the second time that this vehicle has been back to the dealer in a 6 month period for engine troubles due to a defective engine block. The dealer has stated that Ford Motor Co. Is aware of this defect, however they have not notified consumers that purchased affected vehicles. This dealer has made repairs using a "rebuilt, remanufactured" engine block. This repair is not satisfactory as I purchased anew vehicle and expect the repairs to be done with brand new not refurbished parts. Had I not taken my vehicle to the selling Ford dealer for routine maintenance, I would not have known about this problem unitl my engine failed and possibly after my warranty expired. I believe that other consumers may be charged for work that is a result of this same type of engine defect that Ford is aware of and has sent technical memo's to the dealers about this problem. The dealer stated that Ford Motor Co. Won't allow the dealers to notify consumers about this defect as it could cost significant amounts for Ford warranty work. This is a serious defect and a safety issue as engine failure can result if not repaired. The first time my vehicle was leaking oil, and the second time it was leaking engine coolant due to the defective engine block. I feel as though Ford Motor Co. And it's dealers are keeping this information from consumers that have a right to know their vehicles may be defective before they have an accident or incident due to engine failure.

- Charlotte, NC, USA

The vehicle experienced an oil leak around the head gasket, the consumer is not pleased with the dealer because they replaced the engine with a remanufactured one. Nlm

- Bloomingto, MN, USA

Piston knocking and vehicle is losing power, and it stalls. Could be dangerous if on a highway. Consumer states at 50 mph cars starts to vibrate.

- Milwaukee, WI, USA

Oil leak around the head gasket-had car serviced 4 times replacing plugs, wires, gaskets and the whole head assembly. Finally they agreed to put a new engine in. We keep telling something was wrong with the block. They put in a remanufactured engine. Truck was in the shop over 35 days when they could of just drop a new engine the second time..not happy with apple valley Ford for jerking me around. Now I do not trust this car. I bought new and now I have a used engine in my truck.

- Bloomington, MN, USA

Right head gasket has cracked, causing oil to leak onto starter motor. Dealer has been contacted. Consumer states that after repairs were completed, 2 weeks later the head gasket started leaking again, consumer is requesting reimbursement.

- Steel Water, MN, USA

Engine hesitates. Dealer was not able to locate problem or provide remedy. Also, vehicle had an oil leak, and knocking noise. Dealer replaced head gasket, but problem is reoccurring.

- Chino, CA, USA

Consumer noticed drops of oil on garage floor. Dealer stated that head gasket may be leaking. The consumer states that the dealer was aware of head gasket problem and waited until warranty expierd for fixing it. Therefore, the dealer should fix the head gasket at no charge.

- Marietta, GA, USA

Vehicle is leaking oil at right side of engine, bottom of cylinder head. In at dealer's shop for repairs. Also, when vehicle is started there is a loud tapping noise coming from engine for about 5 minuted, then it stops.

- Oakcreek, WI, USA

Vehicle leaking oil due to head gasket failure.

- Kenosha, WI, USA

This vehicle has been back to dealership seven times since purchase for warranty service problems and recalls. In may of 99 there was a recall on the wheel lugs: Nuts. In September 99, November 99, and March 2000 it was in for windshield wiper problems; moulding replacement; twice for front end alignments (steers to right); and trailer hitch recall. The constant smelll of burning oil has just been diagnosed on latest visit to dealership 5/15/00 as needing a new cylinder head. Vehicle has been in on three other occasions for this same problem, but they could never find it. Now parts are on order---will take 3-4 days to obtain parts before they can repair it. Regarding the "windnoise" dealer says its "normal" yet service bulletins have been issued on this problem (996780 & tsb 99-6-5). In November of 1999, the left "tie rod" broke off while we were in phoenix. A phoenix dealership did a same day repair for us.

- Prescott, AZ, USA

Consumer took vehicle to dealer for engine gasket repair, and dealer said it would be 3 to 4 months before parts would be available. This is not a recall part.

- Royal Oak, MI, USA

Second right side head gasket failure in first year of life.

- Russellville, AR, USA

4.6 liter, V8 engine. Engine came with defective design which has a piston slap, causing vehicle to run and idle rough.tsb has been issued.

- Cape Coral, FL, USA