Engine head gasket replaced at 47,000 miles, engine timing cover gasket replaced at 92,000, engine failed (rod bearings, crankshaft, and rod) shortly thereafter shutting down braking and steering systems in vehicle. Have been told this was due to coolant leaking into engine oil system from previously mentioned problems and is being experienced by many owners due to poor engine design. Engine failure had the potential to cause accident had the driving situation been different when it occurred.

- Winchester, OR, USA

Consumer states that the temperature gauge would often show hot. The dealer stated there was also a problem was with a part of the transmission. The part was replaced but a few weeks later the transmission failed. The transmission was rebuilt. The transmission failed again. At this time the dealer realized that the cause of the problem was a leaky head gasket. The transmission failure was caused by the overheating which was caused by the temperature sender burnout caused by the thermostat malfunction caused by the leaky head gasket. Consumer is requesting reimbursement due to never being told of the customer satisfaction warranty.

- Sheboygan, WI, USA

The head gasket failed allowing coolent to leak into the fireing chamber, thereby causing the engine to bind up. Upon removal of the #4,5 and 6 spark plugs, anti-freez leaked out of the #4 spark plug hole. This is consistant with the known failures of the gasket in question.

- Toledo, OH, USA

Vehicle parked after July,2000 as problem could not be identified. Was taken by ambulance 3 times while in the vehicle. October 31, 2000, sought a third opinion-car taken to inver grove Ford. Internal head gasket leak. This was the second time that the head gaskets had been replaced. While driving car home, it overheated and was returned to dealership for engine replacement. Was advised that the flexpipe as corroded and exhausting into the car. Was tole this was the probable source of my getting sick in the car. Even after the repairs, I am so chemically sensitive that I can not even get into the car. This car has been parked since July,2000 as it is too toxic for me to be in thius van at all. Ford has been contacted on multiple occasions as well as the dealerships. I advised them in June of 2000 that this van was making me quite sick and they were advised of the ambulance call and emergency room visits. I specifically advised them of the odors exhausting in the car and that I had been diagnosed with chemical sensitivites, providing Ford with medical documentation, which also advised that my doctor felt the car needed to be replaced. I have forwared correspondance to the Ford customer service department, the Ford appeals board twice, and the attorney general of Minnesota. No one has been able to help. There are multiple problems with the car including probable mild in the heater box, and the exhausts and chemicals in the car. I have tried to trade the car in but dealerships, including Ford will only offer a trade-in value about $6,000 or less than the book value. I am told over and over that no one wants any of these cars. I don't fell at all comfortable selling the car personally since it has made me so sick. I could go on and on but I wont.... I would appreciate some type of response. Thank-you.

- Eagan, MN, USA

Vehicle was making a strange noise upon starting. Took vehicle to a mechanic, and they stated that head gasket broke.

- Penbroke Pines, FL, USA

While traveling on highway, vehicle started slowing down. Consumer was able to pull over to shoulder and oil or antifreeze was leaking from underneath the vehicle. The vehicle has been in for repair three times for a failed gasket. The engine won't heat up properly due to the thermostat being stuck in the open position. New oxygen sensors had to be installed due to being contaminated from the coolant.

- Cinnnnamiason, NJ, USA

While driving heard a popping noise/vehicle will run roughly, and would not go into reverse.contacted mechanic.outer head gasket had blown.also, replaced transmission.

- Willow Park, TX, USA

Ford offered an extended warranty, 7 years or 100,000 miles because of head gasket problems. The consumers vehicle has 43,000 miles but the 7 years expired in March. On April 22 the vehicle was diagnosed with a blown head gasket. Ford will not remedy the problem.

- Hartford, WI, USA

Vehicle was leaking engine coolant and oil due to head gasket failing. Consumer had head gasket replaced. But after only 22,000 miles head gasket went out again. Dealer did not want to replace head gasket again.

- Noblesville, IN, USA

Smoke was coming from tailpipe. Dealer determined that headgasket was blown and had to be replaced. Consumer adds while driving, heard a cracking sound, and smoke began to come from tailpipe. Dealer found cracked head gasket and water leaking from exhaust pipe.

- Mogadore, OH, USA

Consumer received a recall notice for head gasket, repair shop also had to replace the engine because of piston damage and smoking. Vehicle is experiencing the same problem but dealer won't fix for free.

- Garfield, NJ, USA

At 55mph head gasket had overheated, and they can see black smoke coming from gasket. Cause unknown. Dealer notified.

- Los Angles, CA, USA

While being driven, the vehicle overheated. One dealer says it was due to the heater core another dealership says it was due to the head gaskets. Vehicle has been repaired. Not under recall. The head gasket failure was determined to be the cause for the vehicles overheating.

- Mt. Orab, OH, USA

While driving 30 mph, transmission failed, no prior indication that something was wrong. This is third transmission in vehicle.. consumer stated vehicle also experienced 2 blown head gaskets, and an oil leak.

- New Market, MD, USA

Vehicle started leaking coolant and would not start. Contacted dealer, and dealer indicated head gaskets had blown.

- Chicago, IL, USA

Head gasket was replaced along with a new engine, under warranty, at 99250 miles. It lasted 49750 miles before it blew again. I am not sure if the engine needs to be replaced also!

- Daytona Beach, FL, USA

Engine head gaskets are leaking antifreeze onto engine. Dealer has been notified. Consumer adds ABS brake system defective. Vehicle repeatedly stalls and will not restart.

- Milwaukee, WI, USA

Timing chain cover gasket failure, other known owners of same vehicle report same problem, resulting anti-freeze leaks. Expensive repair and no known recall

- Huber Heights, OH, USA

Engine head gasket blew out.

- Batlett, TN, USA

Head gasket needed to be replaced again although it has been replaced once already. Contacted dealer, and the dealer could not find cause.

- Rockford, IL, USA