Vehicle experienced severe leakage of transmission fluid through vent and up through dipstick, ejecting enough fluid with enough force to render vehicle inoperable within less than 5 minutes. This major leak occurred upon parking of vehicle, but may also have been taking place while driving. A Ford-issued technical service bulletin reportedly recognizes the vent design and side cover design on this model as deficient/flawed and in need of replacement with newly designed parts (related service bulletin numbers may be: 99249, 12119, 985136 - I have not seen the actual tsb). Safety concerns are obvious; slipping/false shifting of transaxle while driving, slipping or failing to fully engage when departing a parked position, danger from leaked fluid itself, environmental contamination, etc. Ford Motor Company refused to repair this defect at its own expense. Mine is a higher-than-normal mileage vehicle for this year, and may be only the first of many that will experience these dangers as they reach this level. Out-of-pocket repairs for this defect are approximately $350-500 for the consumer; less than $25 in parts and 4-5 hours labor for the manufacturer. Please contact me with any additional questions.

- Littlestown, PA, USA