Nar-per on 07/02/2003. The hose split on the air conditioner and smoke was coming from under the hood requiring the consumer not to have any air or heat. Repairs caused approx $1486.33. The consumer then received a recall, so she took the recall notice and the receipts of money spent to fix the recall problem to the dealership but they told her the warranty did not cover it. The consumer is very dissatisfied and need assistance in choosing a good warranty.

- Cedartown, GA, USA

The car has had problems starting from the day it was delivered. The problems began with flaking paint, misaligned hood, door and bumper due to poor quality control. These problems were fixed by dealer w/O charge, as was the head gasket failure. Repairs for muffler failure, sway bar linkage failure, air conditioner failure and starter motor failure were not covered by the manufacturer under any sort of recall. The most recent problem with the air conditioner and starter motor cost over $1200 to fix. The problem with the ignition system was intermittent. Some times the car would start and other times the starter would not engage at all. One time the engine simply died while driving down the road. Starter motor would not engage until engine cooled down and had been sitting for an hour or two. Then starter motor would work. Mechanic at dealership said the starter motor probably had "dead" areas in starter motor that may be causing intermittent failure. Air conditioner failure attributed to failure of "motor mounts" that caused rupture of multiple hoses in air conditioning unit. I've never had a vehicle with so many equipment failures with this type of mileage.

- Acton, MA, USA

The car has had problems starting from the day it was delivered. The problems began with flaking paint, misaligned hood, door and bumper due to poor quality control. These problems were fixed by dealer w/O charge, as was the head gasket failure. Repairs for muffler failure, sway bar linkage failure, air conditioner failure and starter motor failure were not covered by the manufacturer under any sort of recall. The most recent problem with the air conditioner and starter motor cost over $1200 to fix. The problem with the ignition system was intermittent. Some times the car would start and other times the starter would not engage at all. One time the engine simply died while driving down the road. Starter motor would not engage until engine cooled down and had been sitting for an hour or two. Then starter motor would work. Mechanic at dealership said the starter motor probably had "dead" areas in starter motor that may be causing intermittent failure. Air conditioner failure attributed to failure of "motor mounts" that caused rupture of multiple hoses in air conditioning unit. I've never had a vehicle with so many equipment failures with this type of mileage.

- Acton, MA, USA

Consumer states that his A/C clutch hub was replaced.

- Corsicana, TX, USA

While driving 15 mph he noticed smoke coming from under the hood. Dealer determined all belts were torn, compressor had locked up and had to be replaced.

- The Wood Lands, TX, USA

When it is hot and humid, the car will just die after running approximately 40 minutes. The car will usually restart after setting 5-15 minutes, but continues to die. The dash lights come on and all power is lost. Have had to many different mechanics, have diagnostics done on engine with no results. Am told that many similar incidents reported with Ford/Mercury vehicles.this happens more quickly when running the air conditioning. Have not been able to get problem diagnosed or fixed. I am afraid of making a left hand turn into oncoming traffic and the vehicle stopping.

- Toledo, OH, USA

Was driving approximately 45minutes-1 hour in hot weather when vehicle stalled out. Taken to dealership, and mechanic could not locate cause of stalling. Engine has stalled approximately 5 times in hot or cold weather, dealer still can not duplicate or remedy the problem. Air conditioner not cooling properly.

- Winston Salem, NC, USA

A/C failed previous year while under warranty and dealer failed to detect any malfunction. A/C failed exactly 1 year to the day later and dealer refused to repair A/C under dealer warranty since they had not worked on the compressor the previous year. In having several conversations with Ford owners I have discovered a trend with problems not only with the head gaskets, but also with the A/C. this appears to be a trend in compressor failures which leads to a $900 repair.

- Stoneham, MA, USA

A/C hose & manifold failed causing coolant to leak and cause malfunction of system.

- Bloomfield, MI, USA

To date, Ford maintains this engine is not covered by "secret warranty" although it is the same defect as the 3.8L. Persistent problem of leaking coolant. Transmission is unreliable and unsafe. A/C clutch, compressor and water pump failed simultaneously. Replaced heater hose following A/C repair due to continued leak.

- Greensburg, PA, USA

I have had head gasket problems, brake problems(rear calipers),rotors, transmission fluid leakage, radiator leakage, engine cooling system, A/C pump failure

- Yonkers, NY, USA

When driivng at any speed and applying the brakes, the brakes are going half way to the floorboard. Also, motor mounts went out/ air conditioning unit failed, and was blowing hot air, and transmission had to be replaced due to vehicle stalling, cutting off and shifting hard. Vehicle has been into the shop for repair service three times and, the dealer can't determine the causes of the problem.

- Marion, NC, USA

Engine mounts broke, resulting in engine movement. Also, noticed air conditioner /clutch damaged due to the broken mounts. Consumer has contacted dealer, dealer has not replaced parts. After vehicle repaired, the transmission began to pop out of gear, owner got rid of car.

- Saugus, CA, USA

Ignition switch failed. Can take key out of switch & engine still going. Had 2 ignition switches replaced due to failure, possibly an electrical short. Also, engine head gasket had blown at 64,000/fuel pump replaced due to overheating, and the air conditioner puts out an odor when running for awhile. Been to dealer each time about problems. Had also notified manufacturer & told nothing can be done.

- Ft Worth, TX, USA

No summary provided by consumer

- Pinson, AL, USA

While driving, experienced engine cooling system fan motor failure, when suddenly A/C shut down, fan motor became extremely hot, noticed burning smell and smoke, then found fan motor on fire. Consumer states circuit motor did not trip.

- San Antonio, TX, USA

Air conditioner failed.

- Oxnard, CA, USA

Air conditioner failed.

- San Diego, CA, USA

Air conditioner failed.

- San Diego, CA, USA