Was pressing on accelerator at 55mph and engine moved upward. When accelerator was released, engine dropped down which caused steering to become very hard. An independent mechanic indicated motor mounts were broken.

- Greensville, IA, USA

After having head gasket replaced for $900 one year later a recall came out for head gasket. Dealer refused to reimburse consumer. The consumer was requesting the manufacturer to refund him the cost of replacing the head gasket for the second time.

- Embarrass, MO, USA

Head gasket is leaking anti- freeze into engine block mixing with oil, causing engine to burn up and vehicle to die without any prior warning.

- Bountiful, UT, USA

Head gasket failed while travelling at 70 mph on Florida I95.4 passengers, including an 11 month old infant in a car seat. During head gasket failure, vehicle lost all power and stalled in the highway traffic lane.vehicle had to be pushed off the highway while oncoming traffic was in close proximity to occupants. Infant could not safely be removed from seat until area was clear of traffic which was approaching at the speed limit of 70mph..this was an apparant hazzard to life and limb for all of us in and out of the vehicle.vehicle was towed to an approved aaa service station where it was determined that the vehicle's head gasket had blown.

- Melbourne, FL, USA

Consumer received recall notification (00M09) for premature head gasket failure, when consumer took vehicle in she was advised that head gasket was going out and it was also determined that vehicle was a salvage title, therefore dealership was not able to honor recall notice, consumer advised them it was salvaged due to theft not an accident, dealership advised consumer that recall notice was voided by the state not the manufacturer.

- Richland, IA, USA

Small coolant loss; upon examination by dealer found to have a head gasket leak and a timing chain cover leak. Head gasket leak on this engine is a known problem and is under warranty from Ford Motor Company. However, timing chain cover leakage is not under extended warranty. But it seems that many vehicles suffering from head gasket leak also show a leak from timing chain cover. If unrepaired this can lead to abrupt seizure of engine causing a safety hazard. Is it possible that the two are related and the same extended warranty should apply to both problems.

- Detroit, MI, USA

When accelerating there was a loud clunk, engine was, moving. This broke air conditioning line. There was a recall presently for engine mounts, but dealer told consumer recall had already been performed.

- Vineland, NJ, 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

2nd time that the head gasket has blown on this engine. The original engine failed at 60K only got 50K out of this engine. I have a Ford escort w/ 176K and have never had a problem with it.

- Germantown, MD, USA

Engine blewout after vehicle was repaired under extended warrnty of head gaskets. Manufacturer has been notified.

- Spring Lake, MI, USA

Previously reported failure of timing chain front cover gasket in 3/2000. We paid to replace failed gasket at Ford dealer, Ford refused to give any relief. Now 7 months later entire engine had to be replaced - shop indicated failure was caused by leakage from timing chain front cover gasket, causing crankcase bearing failure. It appears this problem is widespread - it was well known to shop. Ford should be required to recall affected vehicles and pay for repairs.

- St. Louis, MO, USA

Timing chain front cover gasket and transmission pan side cover gasket have both failed prematurely.

- St. Louis, MO, USA

Engine dropped on A/C manifold due to both motor mount failures.

- Baltimore, MD, USA

Consumer received recall notification of the head gasket and the dealership tried to charge consumer, the repair completed however additional damages to gaskets, no additional charges.

- Marietta, GA, USA

Rear motor mount required replacement.

- Marietta, GA, USA

While driving up a hill vehicle lost power. It felt like carrying a load. Dealer informed consumer that it was the engine head gasket.

- Davenport, IA, USA

I realize that Ford has extended the warranty on the head gasket. I also believe they should extend their warranty to cover the timing cover gasket as well. I called a number of dealers. The overall impression I got was that they are seeing more and more 3.8 liter engines with leaking timing cover gaskets. Which comes first? the blown head gasket or the failed timing cover gasket. Also the speedometer seems to last 12000-15000 miles. It took the dealer 6 months to get the replacement parts for the last one that went bad.

- Crystal Lake, IL, USA

Temperature goes up and engine check light comes on. Consumer it not able to drive car. Consumer feels car may burn up.

- Carver, MA, USA

Faulty cylinder head gasket resulted in overheating and damage to other endine components (water pump, radiator).

- Cincinnati, OH, 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