Vehicle has been sputtering when accelerating at about 40mph. Spark plugs are "seered" and Ford mechanic tells us its a known problem, but not covered under the warranty because spark plugs are considered maintenance. The manual says we the scheduled maintenance is 100,000 miles and we are only at 76,000. If they are known to be faulty and we are not near the scheduled/recommended mainteance then shouldn't this be a warranty issue? I think Ford is milking its customers with faulty parts as I had the same issue with my brakes. It feels as if I am landing a plane when I come to a stop with all the shaknig an rattling. I was told this is a known issue with the Ford brakes - they just warp.

- Monroe, WA, USA

My car stalled at an intersection light. It was driving poorly-making loud noises and sticking as I pressed the gas pedal as if the transmission was going out. We were told it was covered under the powertrain warranty and we took it in to Ford. They told us it was the timing chain but because there was evidence of sludge, the warranty claim was denied by Ford. They claim we did not maintain our vehicle. We believe it is a defect in the system. We have maintained the oil on a regular basis and have had other major repairs with this car. It has had a new transmission at 35,000 as well as a new suspension system and electrical failure with the stereo/dvd system. There has never been any prior evidence of sludge. An accident could have occurred when the car stalled.

- Cameron Park, CA, USA

At about 11,000 miles I had the first incident while in normal traffic going about 45 mph. Felt like the transmission slipped. No power during 1st and 2nd gear change. A few days later the same thing happen while entering the interstate. While trying to accelerate there was no power, nearly hit by semi-truck, couldn't get over 60 mph and the check engine light came on. I slowed back on the accelerator and light went off and power slowly came back. Took vehicle to Ford at 12,000+ miles, kept it for several days. Said it was a computer module, changed it, picked vehicle up and not 2 miles down the road the same thing happened again. Didn't have the time to take it right back in not to mention there rental car experience was equally horrible. It's in their shop now 3/10 and I'm at 22,000 miles and it happens every time I accelerate. It's a very dangerous problem. Now they say they think it's something to do with the torque converter and have ordered parts. I'm also having a problem with it not starting after driving, getting out and getting back in within about 30 minutes. We'll see next week what the outcome is!

- Wilmington, NC, USA

When exiting interstate, changes lane and as gas petal was pushed, no power to SUV, engine did not race or shake, just no power. Put SUV into first gear and it jerked ahead at 10 mph to stop light. While stopped, SUV would roll backward if brake not on. Made left hand turn and put back into gear, about one mile later same loss of power until put into 1st gear. One month later, also while exiting interstate had same loss of all power at bottom of ramp when trying to merge into left lane. SUV would only move after put into 1st gear, only at 10 mph. Dealership could find nothing wrong after a week with the first incident, dealer kept for 3 and a half weeks and the P&S director drove 716 miles and could not duplicate this problem. (note both happen within one week of dealer oil change) P&S director suspects fly by wire issue, said that compared to other 2005/2006 models ours has a dead pedal feeling.

- Virginia Beach, VA, USA

1. frequent horrible grinding noise on cold start-up. 2. loud clunking noise and feel vehicle shudder in reverse under light acceleration.

- Fayetteville, GA, USA