This data is from the NHTSA — the US gov't agency tasked with vehicle safety. Complaints are spread across multiple & redundant categories, & are not organized by problem.
So how do you find out what problems are occurring? For this NHTSA complaint data, the only way is to read through the comments below. Any duplicates or errors? It's not us.
Head gaskets failed. I would start my car in the morning and notice the temperature gauge go up rapidly. The temperature gauge never went past normal and into the red, but it was much warmer than usual. During this time, no heat would blow. Then the temp would drop and warm air would blow. We changed the thermostat, temperature sensor, and had the radiator flushed(which did solve the problem for nearly a month). Nothing left but the head gaskets and maybe even a cracked head.
The temperature gauge began to fluctuate between normal and hot. One second, you look at the gauge, it is normal, one second later it is hot. When you start the car cold, the antifreeze does not circulate, it goes into the reservoir bottle, and then comes out onto the ground. I have changed the water pump, the radiator cap, and the thermostat three times.it does have a driverside airbag, but it has never deployed.( dot number: Tire size: P3515 )
- Taylor, MI, USA
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Driving at 25mph the engine started smoking and the temp indicator light came on. Pulled directly into service and was told that the head gasket had blown. Personally visited my dealer(100 miles from breakdown) and they thought it was covered( because of a recall on 3.8 engines from Ford. He had a brand new claim on a Mustang on his desk and said they were having so many problems that the parts would not be available for 3-4 weeks. I called another Ford dealership where it was brokedown and they said the repair was not covered on Mustangs yet she said they may eventually be included because of the numerous problems with the Mustangs also. She assured me that I would be reimbursed if a recall was to happen. The car has a documented service record. I take good care of it. In my opinion the 3.8 engine itself is the problem. I know the determination was front wheel drive cars only but I feel because of most problems coming from them. They account for most cars manufactured today. Rear wheel drive(Mustang) was probably ruled out because of fewer reports of problems. I like Ford. I have owned and driven many of them. This is a Ford problem.
The heater in my 1995 Ford Mustang would not produce warm air and then the "check engine" light came on. The car was looked at by a mechanic who replaced the thermostat. However, heat was still not produced and the odor of antifreeze became apparent. My mechanic at ocean stree auto repair in South portalnd, me, called yankee Ford dealer in South portland, me and was told the head gasket on this 3.8L V6 engine was defective and recalled. I was informed by my mechanice at ocean St auto as well as the service manager at yankee Ford this part would be replaced at no cost to me under extended warranty. Within a half hour I received a call from the service manager at yankee Ford informing me the recall only applied to the Taurus and Windstar. Although he said it was the same engine and could not see why the recall would not apply to the Mustang, he could not fix it under the Ford issued recall. I called Ford Motor Company customer service on March 2 and spoke with "selvin" who told me Ford was well aware of this defective part and they he "expected" this to be recalled on the Mustang and thunderbird at some time, but for now it was Ford's policy not to recall the head gasket on this model at this time. Selvin informed me I had no recourse of action and there was no one else at Ford Motor Company I could appeal to. I pressed selvin to give me the name of manager I could talk with and he refused, again stating this it was "Ford's position not fix this part as part of the recall even though they knew it was defective. Aside from the car issue, I am a single parent with only that car for transportation. I am now forced to rent a car for an undetermined amount of time while waiting for my Ford Mustang to be fixed.
While traveling on highway, the engine overheated and heat not working. No engine light came on. Was able to make it back home when the car stopped running. Took it to local mechanic who replaced thermostat, changed coolant and oil. Next day car still overheated and no heat. Took it to Ford dealership, who did same as mechanic with same result. They checked the water pump, noticed white substance in radiator. They recommended and replaced radiator. I was told head gasket is ok at this time. They released the car to me. I drove the car for a week, and temperature gauge fluctuated and heat very sporadic. Took it back to dealership, and they state I need new head gaskets. They will not refund money for radiator replacement. I contacted Ford motor, and they stated they will not refund money for radiator or pay for head gaskets.
Head gaskets blew after engine overheating with no warning from temp. Gauge. Dealership wanted to fix head gasket problem and faild to notice ring damage which lead to low compression after assembly of engine. Dealership took no responsibility for failure to notice ring damage.
While driving at 55mph with A/C on pulled off freeway and temperature gauge was running a little bit hotter than normal. Noticed that vehicle overheated. When consumer returned saw smoke coming from under the hood, vehicle caught on fire. Contact dealer and manufacturer.
Front end suspension shimmies when driving. Would have lots of play in steering wheel. The temperature guage would run high. The cd player would come on or stop. Would make grinding noise. The door locks on the driver side will not work properly due to power locks not working. The electrical system is not working properly.
Getting ready to get on the expressway and temperature gauge registered hot, engine overheated. Consumer contacted dealer. Vehicle was declared a lemon in 96 but dealer would not provide a new vehicle.
A D V E R T I S E M E N T S
- Russellville, AR, USA