There may be other underlying problems that casued head gasket to blow, but this cannot be determined due to extreme damage from coolant in the engine, 3rd cylinder and exhaust system.

- Columbia, MD, USA

Failure of engine head gasket 2 months beyond Ford's "extension" of recall notice 98M01 for this previously identified issue with Ford 3.8L 6cyl engines. Ford is refusing to provide any relief although they have admitted that the failure is due to poor parts. The Ford service department has stated that Ford has known that this problem existed as far back as '91, but continued to use the poor quality parts.

- Ann Arbor, MI, USA

A blown engine head gasket is a known problem with this vehicle, and a bulletin was released but had a mileage and time limit which I am slightly over, forcing me to pay $1,000 for repairs.

- Owego, NY, USA

Defective head gaskets leak coolant into combustion chamber. Ford recognizes this problem (service program 98M01) but wont fix vehicles after 60000 miles or a cutoff date associated with the sale date. Mine had symptoms in Dec 97, but service either didn't recognize symptom or ignored it due to work overload. Ford shuns my problem and I am left with a nice car that needs $1000+ in engine repairs on a known problem just because my vehicle didn't completely fail before the expiration.

- San Antonio, TX, USA

Rear axle broke, and engine head gaskets blew out.

- Sacramento, CA, USA

Premature failure of the head gasket (recall component) resulting in extensive damage to engine components.

- Apopka, FL, USA

Concerned about the potential head gasket failure of recall notice.

- Beerly Hills, FL, USA

IE98080; anti-freeze goes throughout engine head gasket, causing engine head gasket to blow up, and resulting in major damage. Common problem. There is a tsb, but only up to 60,000 miles. Dealer did not fix vehicle before 60,000 miles.

- Stow, OH, USA

Engine head gasket blew, causing the vehicle to smoke, and the engine to be inoperable. Dealer said it was a faulty head gasket.

- Corona, CA, USA

Valve cover gasket leak. Internet search shows to be common. Recall?

- Gahanna, OH, USA

In June 1998, Ford motor identified a problem with defective head gaskets. We were mailed a letter from Ford that provided extended warranty until 12/98 or 60,000 miles. On 1/30 @ 60,215 miles, our vehichle experienced this problem. Ford will not provide any reimbursement. This is not right. What can we do?

- Franklin, MA, USA

Consumer has talked to the dealer about a recall that was told to consumer by an friend. Consumer contacted dealer and was told by the dealer that they would not do the work, they stopped doing the work on December 31, 1998.

- Gansevoort, NY, USA

Consumer hung up.

- West Linn, OR, USA

Engine check light came on. Mechanic tested coolant system, and found coolant was pouring into the head, and head gasket blew out. There is an open investigation at this time for coolant leakage/head gasket, ie-98-080 (please add VIN#.)

- Clanton, AL, USA

The rubber gasket on the timing cover failed.

- Toledo, OH, USA

The vehicles engine light came on, we called Ford service, said not to worry keep fluids filled and you should have no problem. The vehicle had a voluntary service recall from Ford for a head gasket problem, the letter is dated 6/98, we were never told of the problem and we had our vehicle in for service in both 6 and 8/98. Upon bringing our vehicle in to fill out the paper work the service manager told us that it was ok to drive, we left because they didn't have an opening until 2/3/99, later that day the temparture gauge rose to hot, so we went back to dealer, they said leave the vehicle on Friday we were told the engine is gone..Ford won't cover. If Ford knows of this problem, why isn't it known to owners" we live in upstate NY, what happens if they engine would have gone out in a snow storm? we carry children in these vans, does someone need to get injured before something is done? where have our ethics gone in this country?" check the internet many other people have the same experience..www.for

- Penfield, NY, USA

Crankshaft, berarings, oil pump and timing chaing failed.

- Itasca, IL, USA

Head gasket failed resulting in leakage.

- Itasca, IL, USA

I experienced head gasket failure 2 weeks before the recall program expired. The dealership delayed in fixing it, resulting in engine failure.

- Billings, MT, USA

After bringing vehicle to dealership on 11dec98 for recall of head gasket. The vehicle was only tested with total hours by tech #128 was.6. at this time the tressure test of gasket was ok. Not much more than a month later, the head gasket failed. The dealer has refused to fix this at his expense or partial expense. We were informed the warranty has expired. According to the letter received from Ford company no matter whether the original warranty has expired the company would still honor the recall. At present time vehicle has been moved to another location for repair after we were estimated a cost of $1200 to $1500 for repair by dealership.

- Camp Lejeune, NC, USA