Brakes squeak and growl, but so far have stopped the vehicle when applied. They don't show any unusual wear. I would like Ford Motor Co. To reimburse me for $1307 for the head gasket repair since I was not notified of a recall.

- Battle Creek, MI, USA

Ford admitted in a letter to me in June 1998 under service program 98M01 that the head gaskets could fail prematurely. If the condition occurred within 5 yrs or 60,000 miles or by the end of 1998, to bring the van in and they would replace the head gaskets. My van head gaskets failed on March 8th,1999, and was told by the dealer that my van did not fall within the service program. Since Ford has admitted that there is a defect with the head askets they should be required to replace the head gaskets at no charge regardless of when the incident occurred. I wrote a letter to Mr. Kudak with Ford, and did not receive a written or verbal response.

- Arlington, TX, USA

IE98080, the coolant is leaking from engine head gasket which may result in a fire, engine siezed while driving and engine problems resulted.

- Charolette, NC, USA

On 1/18/99, vehicle was serviced after check engine light stayed on. Engine had been idling and running rough--"lurching" as noted in service invoice. Vehicle had 59363 miles. Had vehicle serviced at nearest equipped service center--merit Inc, a Goodyear service center. They performed most of a 60,000 mi service. Check engine light returned to normal operation and engine operation improved, but still ran rougher than normal. We returned the vehicle to merit on 1/20, but they were unable to offer further insights on problem. Problem remained unchanged for the next few weeks, then got noticeably worse the weekend of 2/20. On 2/22 or 23, we called crossroads Ford in raleigh, nc, describing the problem and recent history. The first available appointment they offered was later the following week, so an appointment was made for 3/5. on the evening of 2/26, the vehicle overheated at 61,054 miles. The car was stopped and engine turned off before the temperature gauge needle reached red. Vehicle was towed to crossroads Ford the following Monday. They attributed the problem to the head gasket defect noted in service program 98M01, and advised replacing the engine at an estimated cost of just over $3400. Dealer and Ford refused to cover under the warranty described in the service program, even though the problem began within the 5-yr, 60,000 mi period covered.

- Morrisville, NC, USA

Initially, the problem was a loss of coolant and an inability of the heater to produce hot air. After a trip to the dealer, we were told that the timing cover, water pump and head gaskets had leaked, and replacing the gaskets would cure the problem. Within 500 miles, out of state, the engine knocked horribly, then stalled. We had the van towed to mock Ford in grant's pass, Oregon. After an engine teardown, we were notified that a rod bearing had spun, seizing the engine. Ford in Oregon wouldn't help us, Ford in California wouldn't talk to Ford in Oregon and henry curtis wouldn't help us. Subsequently, Ford has had a recall on the head gaskets and we've gotten a refund for the gaskets. Since the replacement gaskets blew and damaged the engine, I tend to feel Ford should cover the replacement or repair of the engine. Henry curtis has refused to cooperate with us, and Ford's warranty reps won't talk with us. I'm aware of the numerous similar Windstar problems, and I invite you to browse "www.cartrackers.com/forums/mechgoblins/html"

- Petaluma, CA, USA

On 3-21-99, was performing routine maintenance on vehicle and found traces of oil in radiator. Experience tells me that this may be associated with head gasket failure. On 3-23-99, spouse driving vehicle advised of temperature fluctuations and vehicle found to have leaked out radiator fluid. Took to mechanic on 3-24-99, and was advised that Ford 3.8 engines have had a history of head gasket failure since 1993, and that mechanic believes the engine was subject of a recall to repair head gasket problem. Spoke to local dealer-uhlmann's in chehalis, wa., who advised that there has been significant problem and repair at their faciltiy related to head gasket failure in this engine, . dealer stated Ford had done a recall, but that Ford would no longer cover repair if over 60, 000 miles on engine, past 12-31-98 or if no extended warranty coverage had been purchased. Called Ford representative and was told that in may of 1998, Ford had sent owners an offer for extended warranty that "would" have covered the failure, but that they had chosen not to advise owners of the problem and potential failure of part. Was told Ford wuld not provide service for failure as past mileage and date of offer to repair, and as I had not purchased the extended warranty. Vehicle has been in service less than 5 years and has approx. 67000 miles on it at time of head gasket failure. Repair cost estimated at about $1400.

- Rochester, WA, USA

Engine head gaskets prematurely wore out, causing the engine to overheat. Ford denied responsibility due to warranty issues.

- Kingsport, TN, USA

Engine head gaskets are going bad, causing overheating and oil leaking. Dealer has been contacted.

- Zimmerman, MN, USA

Engine head gaskets are failing. Dealer/manufaxcturer notified, and informed consumer that service bulletin indicated that the cost for repairs would go to consumer. Consumer needs help in this matter.

- Stillwater, MS, USA

Ford apparently sent out a bulletin on head gaskets in 1998. We did not receive such a bulletin. If we did, I would have contacted Ford at that time to schedule a gasket replacement. Ford reps are telling me that it does not matter if I got the letter or not. My gasket blew in 1999 so they are bearing no responsibility for repairing the damage done to my car (one new head, and a proposal to put in a new engine!). I maintain that I would have had had my gaskets replaced last year regardless of their condition. Ford's argument about the clock running out on Dec 31, 1998 is specious. My head gasket was defective. It did not get any better after December 31. Ford needs to accept responsibility for their engineering.

- Norcross, GA, USA

Original head gasket leaked coolant into cylinder # 3 making check engine light come on. Engine shuddered and smoked/steam and water came out of exhaust pipe. Has Ford recalled this problem? seems like this has happened to more than one owner.

- Clayton, NC, USA

Ford covered the cost for the head gasket at 117000kms. But as yet have not reported to them about the transmission untill I get the final bill (tues. March 23/99) I have now 126000kms on vehicle. I am a resident of Canada, and would like to submit complaint to an authority here if you could advise me of one. Thanks.

- Mapleont. Canada L6a-2t5, NC, USA

Engine head gasket/radiator replaced, domn lights won't shut off, water in rear tail light, hood wont shut, airconditioning switch replaced, brakes making noise after being just replaced, didnt solve problem, . seat belt seems loose.

- Jamestown, NY, USA

Consumer states when traveling in cold weather conditions vehicle hesitates, also vehicle does not heat up. Consumer has contacted the dealer, dealer indicated there is a crack in the engine head gaskets, (need replacing). Consumer also note there is a tsb listed for the same type of problem.

- Temple Hills, MD, USA

Head gaskets failed completely. Upon bringing to Ford dealer, informed that they know problem existed. Never contacted about the existence of the problem. Ford company contacted several times about my seeking reimbursement for towing charges incurred. Basically, the Ford company is not cooperating.

- Springfield, VA, USA

Called the dealer about the troubled head gasket. Dealer commented that there is a recall, but the millage can't exceed 60K. I told the dealer that there was another recall on the passenger air bag "eye burning gases when deployed" the dealer commented the recall, but again the millege of the vehicle couldn't exceed 50,000. At no time did I receive a recall notice. Also, I'm now have problems with the transmission "park selection". it won't release or dis-engage.

- Antioch, CA, USA

Engine head gasket blew out while driving at approimately 35 mph. Dealer notified and informed consumer that the cost of repair would go to consumer.

- Mason, AL, USA

While driving at 60 mph engine check light came on, and the engine head gasket blew out on March 5th. The problems returned, and the consumer vehicle isn't working righdealer can't determine the problem with the engine.

- Canton, OH, USA

I blew the head gasket on the engine 2 weeks ago, and now the transmission is ready to go as well..after all the people with this transmission problem, im surprised Ford hasnt had a recall on this as yet.I know I live in Canada but I hope you can help me in some way..tks very much...

- St-Luc Quebec J2w-1t3, AK, USA

Leak of coolant in head gasket caused fluid to enter engine block causing damage to bearings and valves

- Rochester, NY, USA