Vehicle blew the head gasket after 4 years and 51,000 miles.

- Yardley, PA, USA

Getting ready to get on the expressway and temperature gauge registered hot, engine overheated. Consumer contacted dealer. Vehicle was declared a lemon in 96 but dealer would not provide a new vehicle.

- El Cajon, CA, USA

I know two people who own the same type of car with the same size engine made in the same year as my Mustang who have had the exact same problems that I am now faced with. First the car starts to overheat, then the head gaskets are blown, and finally the owner of the vehicle has to have the motor reworked or buy a new motor. I have been told htat the head gaskets in the 1994-95 thunderbird with the 3.8/V-6 engine has had a recall or some kind of defect in their head gaskets. Don't the motors for Mustangs and thunderbirds basically come off the same assembly line?

- Whitwell, TN, USA

At 44,000 miles head gasket blew out, causing engine to become inoperable.

- Toleado, OH, USA

Blown head gasket causes anti-freeze to leak from engine. Vehicle only has 35000 miles of wear. Believes this condtion is not normal at this low mileage. Seeking help from NHTSA in this matter. Dealer/manufacturer notified, and refused to repair unless cost goes to consumer.consumer was told of a recall concerning head gasket, but consumer's vehicle was not under this recall.

- Deland, FL, USA

On 3/12/99 my Mustang overheated. I had it checked by a mechanic at a local garage and was informed that he thought it was a blown head gasket. I then had it towed to my personal mechanic for closer inspection. I have maintained my car as specified and with only 36,550 miles my mechanic can think of no reason for this to happen. I talked to Ford about the same problem in the Taurus's and the Windstar, but was told the bad parts did not go Mustangs. I find this coincidental considering others have complained to the NHTSA about this same problem. I had the head gasket repaired then shortly thereafter I began to hear a noise when the engine was at 3500 to 4000 RPM. When I returned it to the mechanic he discovered that my main rod bearing and other rod bearing were broken and the engine would have to be replaced.

- Laurel, MD, USA

Blown head gasket due to faulty temperature gauge/water pump failure @ 53K miles!

- Lake Forest, CA, USA

Both engine head gaskets have blown, causing engine to overheat, in return, causes the timing chain to break. Consumer learned of a manufacturer's recall done on a Ford Windstar for same problem which they honored. But refused to accept the above problem as similar to manufacturer's recall. Could somthing be done?

- Virgina Beach, VA, USA

Car overheated. Had thermostat replaced. Car overheated again, and had to have timing gasket replaced. Car overheated again and just had head gasket replaced in January., one month later, have to have transmission rebuilt. In all fairness to Ford, they offered to pay 50% of trans. Repairs. I asked if they would pay 75% due to the fact that I can no longer afford to keep this car running properly after all the repairs I already paid for. Have not heard anything back from Ford on the 75%. car still in need of repairs. Will not go into 2nd gear and now O/D light flashes on dashboard.

- Hobart, IN, USA

Cracked engine gasket.

- Tamarac, FL, USA

Check engine light stayed on. Camshaft sensor tested, road tested, computer retested. Have hard copy of computer related problem. Cam position sensor code. Traced wiring harness. Found cid wire bare and grounded. Was repaired traced wave form of sensor no good. Also noticed coolant leak. Pressure tested system. Leak is at timing cover at engine block right side. Told head gasket would have to be replaced, cost $500-700. Car not under warranty. Speculation by mechanic and dealer service resources suggested that age and low mileage should be able to get some relief from manufacturer. Have reviewed complaint database and viewed 6 complaints of gasket problems during 1998 for 95 Ford Mustangs.

- Jamaica Plain, MA, USA

Check engine light on, vehicle diagnosed with blown head gasket.

- San Diego, CA, USA

It was found that NHTSA has been conducting an investigation into this head gasket problem since 1995 (investigation # IE98080). When a Ford dealer was contacted, he expalained that Ford was having trouble with the head gaskets on the 3.8 liter engine. They have since been changed. Could you please notify me if there has been a recall on this engine for early head gasket failure. Thank you.

- Milford, CT, USA

Consumer went start up vehicle and noticed white smoke coming from the engine. Engine head gasket blew out.

- Cleveland Heights, OH, USA

Blew engine head gasket at 43000 miles

- Rocky Face, GA, USA

This car is immacualte and maintenace performed as outlined. It is my understanding that recall # 98-MO1 has been issued for a head gasket problem with this engine, just not for my model. This is rediculous. It is my feeling that the Mustang 3.8L engine is no different than that that has been recalled on the Windstar, Taurus, and Sable. Just because my car has not been included in the recall, does not mean that it shouldn't be included in the recall. I personally know 2 other individuals that also have 3.8L. Mustangs that have blown their head gaskets in the last 6 months. There is no reason that a well-maintained automobile that is not driven hard should be experiencing this problem with this few of miles. It is also my undrstanding that the recall ended on 12-31-98. I did have my car in and diagonosed as having a head gasket problem on 12-28-98 at St. George Ford.

- St.George, UT, USA

Vehicle has a blown engine head gasket. There is a recall on Taurus with same engine 3.8L. Dealer and manufacturer contacted and aware. This vehicle does not comply with the recall. Problem still exists. No warranty. Provide further information.

- Clinton, IA, USA

Blown head gasket.

- Medford La, NJ, USA

Head gaskets failed.

- Painesville, OH, USA

Engine head gaskets blew out, causing engine to overheat.

- Painsville, OH, USA