I received an unusual safety bulletin from Ford with a discription of how mechanics should inspect ball joints (steering linkage). I said to myself then, when I have this inspection performed, the car will have defective parts that will have to be replaced. I was right. $594.45 for ball joint replacements at 47,271 miles! ball joints should last 100,000 miles or more. I believe Ford should replace for free since they installed defective parts on new vehicles. Defective steering linkage is a critical safety issue. I would suggest they do a recall. Thank you.

- Hillsborough, NC, USA

This vehicle has been back to dealership seven times since purchase for warranty service problems and recalls. In may of 99 there was a recall on the wheel lugs: Nuts. In September 99, November 99, and March 2000 it was in for windshield wiper problems; moulding replacement; twice for front end alignments (steers to right); and trailer hitch recall. The constant smelll of burning oil has just been diagnosed on latest visit to dealership 5/15/00 as needing a new cylinder head. Vehicle has been in on three other occasions for this same problem, but they could never find it. Now parts are on order---will take 3-4 days to obtain parts before they can repair it. Regarding the "windnoise" dealer says its "normal" yet service bulletins have been issued on this problem (996780 & tsb 99-6-5). In November of 1999, the left "tie rod" broke off while we were in phoenix. A phoenix dealership did a same day repair for us.

- Prescott, AZ, USA

Complete mechanical problem with steering system. Driving down the road approx 30mph pitman arm detached from steering gear, resulting in complete loss of the steering control.

- Lindsay, OK, USA