4 months after buying the car, the engine started to heat up, and leak. I took it to the nearest mechanic for repair. I had purchassed extended warranty, but the dealer reimbursed only $19.84 out of $544. Ford didn't respond to my previous queries concerning another vehicle. So I'm contacting you, hoping for a help. Had to replace radiator and belt serpentine. Please help me in getting my money back. Lou.

- Fairfax, VA, USA

By pass kite for heater coil needed to be replaced to due to rust in radiator. Dealer has serviced and repaired.

- Two Horbor, MO, USA

When we purchased the car, it had 120,673 miles. About 3 months after we bought it, we started experiencing problems with the car overheating. The temp indicator would rise to hot, stay there for about a minute or more and then go back to normal. We put in a new thermostat, but occasionally the car would overheat. By the time we pulled over to stop the car, the temp gauge would return to normal. This has continued, intermittently, until last Thursday. While driving home from work, the temp gauge rose to hot, the engine started to mis-fire and I saw blue smoke coming out the back. I managed to get the car home, but it never started again. When we checked the oil, it was up a quart. (my guess is anti-freeze in the crankcase.) looks like a blown head gasket. I have since heard rumors that it may be a common problem for that engine.

- Madison, WI, USA

Cylinder head gasket leaks due to faulty machining of cylinder head. Results in overheating, engine failure or fire. I had the water pump and radiator replaced before a Goodyear tire center in cincinnati knew exactly what caused the overheating condition. They stated that they have been repairing 3.8L Ford Taurus and Sable overheat conditions for 1994/95 models. They fix at least one a week and have been doing this for awhile. They state that the cylinder heads are not properly machined which causes the head gasket failure. My total bill was $1,178.41. For more information contact Goodyear tire center, 6289 glenway ave., cincinnati, oh 45211, (513) 661-1510. I feel this should have been a direct recall due to the number of faulty machined cylinder heads. Thank-you for your help in resolving this issue.

- Cincinnati, OH, USA

Speedometer failed to operate after repairs were done in Aug 1997 with 20,000 mile of wear. Dealer notified, and informed consumer repairs would be at consumer's expense. Also vehicle stalled and died while driving on the highway. In addition, dealer replaced transmission/ thermostat/multi-function switch/ map sensor/speed control sensor, and rear sub-frame mounts.

- Fort Wayne, IN, USA

Blown head gasket, failed motor mounts, failed timing chain cover gasket, transmission gasket failure, radiator leak and cooling fan failure.

- Lawrence, MA, USA

Radiator and all coolant hoses replaced. Nlm

- Antioch, CA, USA

I'm concerned about electrical shorts and radiator failures in just four years, Ford no help even with an esp

- Billerica, MA, USA

Defective thermostat caused excessive pressure build-up, resulting in radiator failure.

- Normal, IL, USA