Vehicle has a 3.7L V6 duratec engine designed by Ford. I was entering the highway at about 55mph, check engine light went on, then vehicle shut off, and I lost both power and steering. Was able to get to side of the highway without crashing. Steam/smoke was coming out of the hood and the temp gauge was pinned at H. dealership advised that coolant had gotten mixed with oil and engine was destroyed. Cost to repair - $7400 used $13K new engine. Told it was not due to any neglect or maintenance issue. It was a water pump failure. There is a design flaw in this engine. The water pump is integrated into the engine and timing chain. When the pump fails it damages the engine, allowing coolant to mix with the oil. Numerous Ford and Mazda owners have had this problem but because it usually happens at or after 100K miles the manufacturers do not report it. They will also do nothing to help the customer who is left with a huge repair bill or a totaled car. Please help me and other owners. I have research with the names of other owners who had the same problem with their Ford or Mazda.

- Gladstone, OR, USA

The ac compressor clutch locked up and caused the belt to make loud screeching noises. Also, something burning could be smelled inside the engine and burnt rubber was flung around the engine compartment. Another issue: Read about this a lot because I am experiencing it, the passenger-side dash is melting. Seems they used a cheap material and when it gets above 80 degrees outside the dash begins to melt. It is sticky, leaves a residue on your fingers, and produces an extreme glare. The ac went out while I was in the drive-through ordering food. The dash board has been melting since last summer and has not gotten any better. Stopped melting during the winter and began melting now that it's summer again.

- Copperas Cove, TX, USA

My 2011 Mazda 6 had the exhaust system become detached twice within 3.5 years. I purchased the car new. I heard it the first time as I was driving slowly, luckily. I was able to pull over and make it home so I could tie it up with rope to get to a repair shop. The 2nd time I was pulling out of home when I heard the same scraping noise. I luckily could pull back home to tie it up and to get to a repair shop. When I was at the repair show last time, the mechanic said that this is a recurring problem with Mazda 6 bolts rotting out. I am just glad I was driving on the highway and higher speeds when this happened. It could have caused a fire.

- Coroapolis, PA, USA