The contact owns a 1997 Ford Thunderbird. While driving 40 mph, in heavy traffic the contact noticed smoke rising from under the hood. The temperature gauge needle shifted to the hot indicator. The vehicle was towed to the repair shop and the mechanic stated that the engine was leaking coolant and the plastic intake manifold was cracked. The powertrain was unknown. The current and failure mileages were 73,500. *updated 12/12/07 updated 12/12/07

- Maperville, IL, USA

The contact's daughter owns a 1997 Ford Thunderbird. While driving 55 mph, the vehicle overheated and the contact noticed that antifreeze was leaking. Her daughter noticed a crack on the intake manifold, which she believed may be the cause of failure. As of August 31, 2007, the dealer has not inspected the vehicle. The failure mileage was 57,000 and current mileage was 60,000.

- Princeton, WV, USA

1997 Ford Thunderbird LX V8 4.6 liters. 1997 Ford Thunderbird LX had a coolant leak. The plastic intake manifold overheated. Could smell antifreeze when getting out of vehicle. The antifreeze was leaking in three places. Vehicle had the original parts. The consumer was the second owner of the vehicle. Had not contacted the manufacturer. Did have someone look at vehicle, who confirmed that the intake manifold was plastic and vehicle was leaking antifreeze, and that the O rings needed to be replaced. Manufacturer was aware of this problem. The consumer found on the internet that a technical service bulletins was sent out on February 2, 2002 discussing this problem. However, the consumer was unaware of the technical service bulletin.

- Tucson, AZ, USA

While driving approximately 40 mph consumer heard a noise, then water spilled from the engine. Vehicle was taken to the dealer for service, and it was determined that intake manifold cracked.

- Streamwood, IL, USA

The intake manifold cracked, loss of all antifreeze and vehicle being towed to dealership. Vehicle only has 60,000 miles on. The letter from Ford to replace this expired in May 2004! I had complained to my dealership about loss of antifreeze, gas, they found no problems. Of course, now I have to pay for the entire repair. Even though I see that many T-bird owners are having the exact problem. This should have been a mandatory recall from Ford. Because existing problems are being reported!

- Keyser, WV, USA

Request for reimbursement for replacement of the intake manifold. The consumer was told that the manifold would only be replaced upon failure. The vehicle had been losing antifreeze. Each time the vehicle was taken to the dealer, he was told that everything was fine. The manifold finally failed and was out of warranty. The dealer would not honor the open recall. The check engine light was intermittent due to a bad sensor.

- Patchogue, NY, USA

I am the original owner of a 1997 Ford thunder bird with the 4.6 engine. The intake manifold is cracked. I have been informed this is a recalled part on some cars but it seems my car is not included in the recall. The original repair part is not available any long do to the flaw. Since this is the case it woud seem to me all vehicles with this intake manifold would be included in the recall.

- Filer, ID, USA

I was driving my car to pay the power bill. I had made a complete stop and then turned left up the road about 4/10's of a mile when I pulled into the parking space I noticed white steam coming from the engine compartment. I opened the hood a the engine was covered in antifreeze. I called for a tow hoping it was a blown hose or at worst a head gasket. So I didn't drive it further to prevent further damage. The dealership looks at it and says it is a cracked intake manifold. Which leads to a $1135 bill for parts and labor. Some online research brought a concern...is the intake manifold plastic" if so, why!"

- Port Orchard, WA, USA

Intake manifold leaks. Consumer has to put coolant in the vehicle every 2 to 3 days.

- Jacksonville, NC, USA

Intake monifold failed to contain 220 degree F engine coolant.

- Poteau, OK, USA

While driving vehicle started to misfire and stall. Intake manifold cracked and leaked anti freeze which caused the problem. Manufacturer had an owner notification on this issue to replace the plastic intake manifold, but this vehicle not covered for two months due to VIN.

- Labelle, FL, USA

Per consumer vehicle is not part of the owner notification for the intake manifold coolant leak #.97M91, but vehicle is experiencing the same failure.

- Birmingham, AL, USA

Intake manifold is leaking coolant onto the engine. Thid could result in an engine fire.

- Yonkers, NY, USA

The consumer could smell anti-freeze in the cab of the vehicle. The mechanic stated that the intake manifold was cracked in two spots.

- Edison, NJ, USA

Intake manifold was recalled on vehicle, but owner was not informed when vehicle was at dealership. Eight days later, vehicle shutdown on highway with no warning due to loss of coolant from intake manifold cracking.

- San Gabriel, CA, USA

They replaced the manifold and then the radiator malfunctioned, 18.000 miles later the heater core failed, was replaced in the last 6 months since Aug 4 times. Ford does not have a clue and the dealer is trying to fix it each time at leaks.the brakes/rotors have been a cronic problem since the car was new. The calipers have been resurfaced 3 times and finally replaced.

- Escondido, CO, USA

Radiator began leaking coolant. Car run hot. Previously engine manifold cracked. At that time(October 99), engine ran hot and smoke was coming from under hood. They replaced the manifold and then the radiator malfunctioned. The engine is now running harder and the noise level is higher. I fear that with the car overheating so many times permanent damage may have been done to the engine heads. The car is almost out of warranty and I fear I may get stuck with an engine repair job after the warranty expires.

- Detroit, MI, USA

Fatigue cracks in the composite intake manifolds may result in an engine coolant leak on 4.6L SOHC engines.

- Collingswo, NJ, USA