When timing cover gasket is replaced, lower engine knock occurs, bearings get washed out, and engine needs replacing. Ford acknowledges this problem, does not know why it happens, but is not willing to compensate customers for the cost of engine replacement. This is on 3.8 V6 engines in 1995 Windstar, Taurus and Sable.

- Janesville, WI, USA

This is the second time that head gaskets are damage or blown in less than 16 months dealer and Ford Motor Company are aware of this problem but will not fix problem more than once even when they know taht problem will happen more than once

- Miami, FL, USA

Failed head gasket, which has been on going problem. Dealer states since I am over the mileage would not help pay bill on a pro-rated offer. If I would have known of the problem, I could have had it checked out or traded the vehicle.

- Guysville, OH, USA

While driving at 35 mph the engine head gasket blew out. Steam was coming from vehicle. Temperture gauge went up to hot level, and all the water came out of the vehicle.

- Channahon, IL, USA

Vehicle began to run sluggish and sporadic. Overheating and eccessive loss of coolant. Dealer recommended tune-up. Tune-up completed and problem remained until the gasket blew. I understand there are owners with similiar problems. Is there a recall (manufacturer or consumer driven) for this model/year? if so I never received notification.

- Apo, AL, USA

Head gasket failure. The dealership has estimated that it leaked for a period of time prior to complete failure. Coolant in the oil has resulted in the deterioration of the main bearings. This required replacement of the motor.

- Bath, ME, USA

A head gasket had to be replaced on the car at 69,000 miles causing additional repairs, I.e: plugs, air filter, coolant etc. The service manager advised me that this defect has been apparent on the 3.8 liter engine on the Windstar, Taurus and Sable. I was told that the dealership has performed service on this problem at the rate of 2 automobiles per week since last year, at approximately the same mileage. We were also told that the Ford Motor Company was replacing the head gasket on those vehicles under 75K miles at no charge to the customer up until December 31, 1998. Because you have been aware of the reoccurring problem on these vehicles and have chosen not to have an official recall, we have filed complaints against the Ford Motor Company with the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration and the federal trade commission. The complaint is based on the fact that there is an apparent defect with the 3.8 liter engine involving the same head gasket, and that a redesigned gasket is now being used.. my Windstar was serviced on June 24, 1999 for a 65K mile maintenance check at a cost of $255 showing no apparent engine difficulties and then I had to invest another $1,140 at the time of this repair 3 months later.

- Huntersville, NC, USA

Due to the head gasket failure, these failures occurred. Ford will not replace or reimburse for the repairs. I would like to take some action as I do not have the money to repair such a new vehicle with such low mileage. This is a manufacturing defect that necessitated a series of engine repairs. I would like my situation to be investigated. Our engine could blow up at any time and it could have overheated had we not gotten it in for the warranteed repair on time.

- Park Forest, IL, USA

After receiving Ford recall of vehicle in 1998, the vehicle began stalling. I took it to 2 separate dealers to ask if this was related to the recall; both said no. The car was serviced, and a routine oil change was done. One week later, we left Ohio.

- West Chester, OH, USA

The engine head gasket failed, this was a known manufacturing problem and should have been covered by Ford.

- Ames, IA, USA

Car running fine/stop at store/get back in car. Engine check light starts blinking, and car is shaking/ drove home/called mechanic/ drove to mechanic/confirmed blown engine head gasket/ returned home/ parked car since August. Ford wont help/ called cust service and been to several dealers/all said that it has been a problem but won;T fixed it/1st Ford owned/last Ford owned/trying to find out how to have the gasket fixed by the manufacturer/ head gaskets shouldn't go at 60,000 miles. Consumer reports mag (10-99) issue says there are hidden warranties on this problem /Ford still won;T help/any help or info would be appreciated thank you.

- Ware, MA, USA

This defect was known about prior to or warranty expiring. Recall#98-MO1 and we were never notified. The engine could have overheated and caught on fire. Now my repair bill is $2,000. I'm not the only one to experienced this problem. I personally know of others.

- Solon, OH, USA

Virtually no first gear. At a complete stop it would hesitate until approximately 2.5 RPM and then take off. Transmission was replaced, but one week later engine head gasket blew.

- Douglass, KS, USA

Symptoms of the head gasket failure on this vehicle became manifest on 10/2/99. However, in retrospect there have been other lurking symptoms since about 40K miles that did not cause me to suspect the head gasket. This means that I may have seriously jeopardized the safety of the many who have traveled in this van at freeway speeds while this gasket was waiting to fail. It is my opinion that this is such a widespread problem with these vehicles that they should be recalled and repaired.

- Glenville, NY, USA

Same problem with head gaskets as thousands of other people are having.

- Mcminnville, OR, USA

Head gaskets failed allowing coolant to leak into internal engine compartment. Engine burned internally and needs replacement. Total cost $3990. Ford has not helped stating that warranty has expired. I never received notification that gaskets were defective.

- Naperville, IL, USA

While driving there is a leak in the engine and it has failed, *akpremature failure.the engine check light intermittently comes on. Please provide any futher information.

- Fort Worth, TX, USA

Recall for engine head gasket, wiring, also had cracked wheel and transmission problems.

- San Diego, CA, USA

Dealer diagnosed a head gasket failure during routine 90K mile check up (anti-freeze on spark plugs). Ford refuses to pay.

- Corvallis, OR, USA

Motor moves when putting the vehicle into gear due to the motor mounts breaking.

- Gardena, CA, USA