The exhaust header bolts on my 1998 F150 pickup rusted and failed. To replace these $2 studs, a lengthy repair is required where the heads have to be removed from the vehicle and the studs that have broken flush with the aluminum heads have to be drilled out. An internet search on this problem indicated that thousands of Ford vehicles with the 5.4 engine and aluminum heads are affected. The exhaust leak fumes come into the vehicle and are a potential source of fire. I have read reports of repair bills reaching $2000. I'm collecting information on how to repair this myself as I do not have $2000 to give to the dealer. This is a design failure that should have triggered a recall.

- Camillus, NY, USA

A spark plug popped out of the block in my 1998 Triton 5.4 F-150. This is the first time it's happened and hopefully the last. Looking it the problem online I've realized it's a common occurrence. My wife and two kids were in this vehicle and with a hole in the block shooting out unburned gas to the live spark plug it could have been a real problem. This problem needs to be addressed in the form of a recall, if nothing else to inspect and if the problem does exist, fix it. Would an inspection really find the defect though? from what I've read it pretty much happens all at one because there is only four threads holding these plugs into the block. Hopefully the problem does get addressed sooner than later, it's never to soon to correct a problem dealing with the safety of human life.

- Apo, AE, USA

Vehicle is burning a quart of oil every 1000 miles, and blue smoke is coming out of the exhuast.dealer has been contacted.

- Arcadia, CA, USA

Emission hose incorrectly routed and rubbing on rear of air conditioner compressor suction fitting which has a sharp 90 degree edge. Dealer replaced and correctly rerouted hose.

- Lake Charl, LA, USA