Bulletins


BulletinBulletin dateReplacement BulletinItem no.SummaryAdded
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING - COOLING SYSTEM - RADIATOR ASSEMBLY
9515307/01/199545934Temperature gauge - fluctuating and /or inaccurate high readings. *sd04/25/1996
952401/01/199539120New radiator manufacturing process/modification. *tw03/17/1995
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING - ENGINE
0222111/11/200210008304Engine-gear driven synchronizers-incorrect installation-camshaft position synchronizer (cmp) installation tool correct application. *mj07/27/2004
87019710/22/200210000592Incorrectly installed gear driven camshaft position (cmp) sensor synchronizer assemblies causing surge, lost of power, malfunction indicator lamp on and diagnostic trouble codes p1336, p1309 and p0340. *tt03/25/2003
00M10S211/01/2000616506Some vehicles may exhibit premature failure of the head gasket(s). this condition may result in engine coolant leakage, which, if not detected, can cause engine overheating. *tt03/01/2001
00M1006/01/2000613868Subject regarding owner notification program supplement #1 3.8l engine head gaskets. *tt09/20/2000
1318009/01/19996090538Information regarding camshaft position (cmp) sensor alignment tool chart. *mjs03/21/2000
699709/01/19996090310Some service manuals may list the incorrect camshaft position sensor alignment tool for vehicles with various engine sizes. *tt03/14/2000
98322402/12/1998607436Some vehicles may have water contamination in the air filter and / or the mass air flow sensor. *tt09/23/1999
987404/13/1998601343A new silicone gasket and sealant. *yc07/24/1998
9761003/17/199751990Blower motor- chirping or squeaking from blower motor at low speeds. *jd07/17/1997
974302/17/199751682Blower motor- chirp or squeak from blower motor at low speeds. *jd06/27/1997
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING - ENGINE - GASOLINE
021401/21/2002630001Some engine assemblies with aluminum cylinder heads repaired in-vehile have been found to leak coolant and/or oil from the cylinder head gasket area. *tt04/11/2002
00M0901/01/2001625878Information regarding engine replacements warranty extension program. *yh12/10/2001
00M1001/01/2001625888Information regarding engine replacements warranty extension program. *yh12/10/2001
014703/05/2001619424Subject regarding engine oil recommendations for use in 2001 vehicles - sae 5w-20 motor oil. *tt05/30/2001
9981605/03/1999606420Ford motor company now recommends sae 5w-30 viscosity grade for servicing any ford gasoline-powered vehicle regardless of model year. *tt08/19/1999
BC306195030103/01/199539187Vehicles exhibit a high pitched whistle/whine noise coming from the engine compartment. *tw03/30/1995
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING - EXHAUST SYSTEM
98201010/12/1998603695Experiencing a buzzing or rattling noise from the exhaust system. *yc03/02/1999
986403/30/1998601312Information on a buzzing or rattle noise from the exhaust system. *tt07/21/1998
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING - EXHAUST SYSTEM - EMISSION CONTROL
98231011/23/1998603724Mass air flow (maf)- sensor contamination- service tip. *ak03/03/1999
983402/16/1998600588Air inlet-water in air inlet elbow-malfunction indicator lamp (mil) illuminates due to water contamination of air filter and/or mass air flow sensor (maf)- vehicle swith 4.6l engine. *ak05/27/1998

Consumer Complaints


Fail datemilesoccurencesPurchase date
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING
04/19/2005
 I was an original victim of ford 3.8 head gasket failure. i had the work done prior to the letter they sent. i had gotten reimbursed. my car has approx 120.000 and the head gaskets have gone again. i am terminally ill and have a daughter getting ready for college and cannot afford to keep paying for fords org. defects. *nm
05/15/200080000
 Engine - makes a moaning noise and raises the idle. as a result, the care wants to accelerate, even without pressure to the accelerator. paint - paint oxidized on all skyward facing surfaces. spots of rust have developed. power lock - driver's side power lock makes a noise, but does not move the lock transmission - doesn't shift when it is supposed to, and when it does, it is very jerky.
03/15/2203
 While driving at 35 mph the vehicle stalled and made it difficult for the driver to control the vehicle. *nlm
02/02/200102/01/1998
 Driving on the highway (60mph), engine'check gauges' light went on - temp gauge was rising and went passed the red zone. the low coolant light came on and the heater was blowing cold air. after examinations  i blew a head gasket. now i learn that there was a ford program extending the warranty on the head gasket to 7 years/100,000 miles - initiated april, 2000. i was never notified of the program and have just exceeded the 100,000 miles. ford is unwilling to assist me in any way, even though they were aware of the problem and i was not alerted. i have spoken with at least 5 different dealers and with 3 reps at the customer relationship center and have rec'd much contradictory information regard the logistics of the customer notification bulletins and the detail of the program. im sorry to say that although i would never buy a foreign car, my next car will not be a ford. *ak
01/20/200107/01/1994
 While driving the engine check gauges light came on the dash board. i looked and saw that the temperature gauge had gone up as far as it could go. i brought it to an auto service center and had it checked. i was told i had a blown head gasket. my car only has 46,500 on it and has been well maintained. i was told this seems to be a common problem with that year thunderbird and i feel that ford should be responsible for the repairs.*ak
09/05/1999
 When stopped at a red light a/c went warm, and temperature gauge started climbing. took vehicle to the dealer. dealer stated that engine coolant fan went bad, causing the vehicle to overheat. also, fuses melted into the disribution box. vehicle could have caught on fire. *ak
03/01/19941
 Engine sensor light failed. *skd
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING - COOLING SYSTEM
06/06/200007/01/1999
 No summary listed for above vehicle. *ak
03/23/2000107/01/1994
 No summary
01/01/1994
 Leak due to either gasket failure or channeling due to corrosion of aluminum parts. this is a design flaw. *ak
04/01/199801/01/1994
 Car was checked after found to be running warmer than usual. head gaskets and cylinder head water ports were found to be defective and replacement was suggested. approximatley 1500 miles after this work was performed the car developed addititional engine problems including excesivly worn main bearings resulting in a replacement short block being installed. since this work has been performed the car has had oil leaks and tune-up problems.
 While driving about 30mph the car got very hot and was on fire under the car the car is only nine days old, the police report said the fire was from engine. *ak
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING - COOLING SYSTEM - FAN
08/14/2001108/11/2001
 Temperature guage goes to hot, while a/c is on or idling, due to a blown fuse for coolant fan.*jb
09/05/1999
 When stopped at a red light a/c went warm, and temperature gauge started climbing. took vehicle to the dealer. dealer stated that engine coolant fan went bad, causing the vehicle to overheat. also, fuses melted into the disribution box. vehicle could have caught on fire. *ak
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING - COOLING SYSTEM - RADIATOR ASSEMBLY
04/25/200102/01/1995
 The following items have prematurely failed causing replacement: rotors, oil pressure gauge and sending unit, thermostat & gasket, instrument panel, power steering pump, battery, alternator, piston, transhaft, fuel injection system, intake manifold, serpentine belt and now the headgaskets are blown
08/03/1999
 Vehicle started overheating, and radiator coolant started leaking & eventually vehicle just shut down. dealer stated if the engine had to be replaced, they would pay for it. but, if the radiator needed to be flushed, they wouldn't cover it. *ak
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING - ENGINE
06/16/2005101000102/19/2002
 I was driving at a steady 60 mph when a sudden loss of oil pressure and loss of power occurred. towed to repair facility and found a blown head gasket to be the problem. car has 101,000 miles. contrary to many others, this is a 4.6 v8. *jb
1
 The head gasket failed which caused the vehicle to overheat and stall out. *nlm
02/15/20031
 The vehicles head gasket failed. dealer notified. *nlm
02/20/200363237108/18/1994
 Engine failure at 63000 miles. front seal failed, allowing coolant into engine. car was meticulously cared for, and driven carefully. *jb
09/12/20021
 Consumer expereinced problems with the temperature gauge going from cold to hot instantaneously. the vehicle was taken to the dealer where it was determined the head gasket was the problem. consumer feels ford should be responsible for the repairs. *jg
09/14/2002107/01/2002
 Head gaskets should not be a problem at 66,000 miles. this is a major repair that ford motor company should be liable for.*ak
10/01/2094
 Head gaskets need replaced and everyone is telling us there is a recall, except the dealership. is there a recall or any other owner notification.*ak
04/11/2002104/01/1994
 Experienced head gasket failure on 8-yr-old car with 45,000 miles (warranty limited to 7yrs or 100,000 mi). major defect design flaw admitted by ford. now refuses to cover costs of repair.*ak.*jb
11/22/2001102/01/1996
 Head gasket failed. *ak
11/08/2001
 Premature wear of head gaskets. manufacturer has issued a recall on head gaskets; however, consumer did not receive notification. *ak
07/10/2001107/01/1994
 Head gasket was blown premature. *ak
07/23/200101/01/1998
 I took the car in for aaa diagnosic and found out the head gasket was blown and that there was a recall. i contacted the ford dealer who said i was not covered since the car has 103,000 miles. the car has been well maintained as per factory specifications. it has had regular oil changes and has never overheated. i have all maintanence records showing diligant maintenence practices. the headgasket blew from defect, yet ford refuses to cover it, first stating the mileage limit and then further stating that, since i was not the orginial owner and since prior repair work had not been done at a ford dealership i would not be covered anyway. furthermore they stated that if i had received the recall notice and brought the car in to replace the gaskets, they would not have fixed gaskets that were not yet blown. i have not been able to speak with anyone above phone representative or service manager. the regional manager (tara olsen) was supposed to explain the company's reasoning behind their refusal and discuss my concerns with me yet she has yet to return my calls and her direct number is not accessable to the public. the representative i spoke to at ford headquarters (duncan alderson) refused to discuss the issue beyond a blanket refusal, and instead of being transfered to higher-ups, i was transfered to security. i would have been willing to split the cost with ford if they would have dealt with me reasonably, but they refused to discuss or negotiate a flaw that they have admitted is their fault. instead they insist on setting arbitrary cut-off times that they cannot or will not justify and that will most likely not be met by most of the fords in question. they will not supply statistics on the projected life expectancy of non-defective headgaskets or transmissions (another serious problem) nor will they document in writting any of their phone refusals to honor the recall. i have paid for repairs and now look for reimbursement.*ak
06/21/200106/01/1997
 Ford knew they had a problem, and extended the warranty to 7 years and/or 100,000 miles. they claim they sent me a notice in april of 2,000, and i know i never received it! now, they are saying that it's outside coverage, and they are not responsible. requesting you investigate other claims on this and since it's widespread with this vehicle type, consider recalling the t-bird for the faulty head gasket. *ak
06/02/20011
 Head gasket failed. called ford motor company. said there was a recall on the head gaskets but it was only up to 100000 miles or 7 years was not covered any more. i do beleive the problem had started some time ago as the motor kept useing antifreeze. i thought the radiator had a slow leek but now i realize it was probably pushing the antifreeze out the overflow when the motor was running. so being that there was a recall on the head gaskets i do feel that ford should have help on at least some if not all of the repairs. *ak
05/20/20011
 3.8 liter engine head gasket blewout. contacted dealer. *ak consumer states there was a recall, but the warranty ended and repair would not have been covered. *slc
04/25/200102/01/1995
 The following items have prematurely failed causing replacement: rotors, oil pressure gauge and sending unit, thermostat & gasket, instrument panel, power steering pump, battery, alternator, piston, transhaft, fuel injection system, intake manifold, serpentine belt and now the headgaskets are blown
2
 Engine blown due to head gasket failure, had to replace the pulley that broke off resulting in loss of power. *jb
03/31/20010
 Consumer was traveling about 45mph on highway and suddenly without prior warning vehicle had smoke coming from underneath of hood. vehicle had to be towed to a private company. head gasket had blowen out. *ak
05/01/1999110/01/1997
 At 56000m had to have transmission overhauled, at 91000 head gasket or intake gasket blew had to be replaced, understand that other similar vehicles have had recall on head gaskets but was told by ford that my model not included in these recalls.*ak
02/02/200102/01/1998
 Driving on the highway (60mph), engine'check gauges' light went on - temp gauge was rising and went passed the red zone. the low coolant light came on and the heater was blowing cold air. after examinations  i blew a head gasket. now i learn that there was a ford program extending the warranty on the head gasket to 7 years/100,000 miles - initiated april, 2000. i was never notified of the program and have just exceeded the 100,000 miles. ford is unwilling to assist me in any way, even though they were aware of the problem and i was not alerted. i have spoken with at least 5 different dealers and with 3 reps at the customer relationship center and have rec'd much contradictory information regard the logistics of the customer notification bulletins and the detail of the program. im sorry to say that although i would never buy a foreign car, my next car will not be a ford. *ak
01/20/200107/01/1994
 While driving the engine check gauges light came on the dash board. i looked and saw that the temperature gauge had gone up as far as it could go. i brought it to an auto service center and had it checked. i was told i had a blown head gasket. my car only has 46,500 on it and has been well maintained. i was told this seems to be a common problem with that year thunderbird and i feel that ford should be responsible for the repairs.*ak
10/25/1999110/01/1996
 I received a letter of recall for the headgaskets on my car which had already been repaired and, ford refused to honor their recall. apparently they don't know how to prevent this proplem considering their have several make and years that have been recalled. also i think it is odd to have a transmission completly rebuilt 2 times. first time was 93000 miles next was 106000 miles. so far i have spent more money on this car than any of the rest of the cars i have ever had. going back to the headgaskets, i tried to trade my t-bird for another t_bird and the dealership would not deal with me period. thank you tina trout. *ak
06/05/2000109/01/1994
 The engine in this vehicle has performed without flaw. i learned from my dealer that a letter was issued to owners with information on premature head gasket failure on the 3.8 l engine. i did not receive this letter due to dealer error. the dealer did not properly register me has the onwer of the vehicle with ford moter company. therefor i was not aware of any pending problems. the service manager stated that the dealer was not responsible for the error and no support for repair would be given. had i been aware of such problem, corrective measure could have been performed which would have prevented damage to the engine. when i contacted ford customer support the call taker was very rude and offered no support what so ever. also, comments were made to the affect that i should consider myself lucky that the car lasted as long as it did. i have maintained my car as prescribed by ford since it has been in my possession. i feel this may be an attributing factor in the extra mileage before failure. however, based on my care of the care, i am expected to cover the caost of a known flaw in the head gasket. i am requesting assistance for the repair of my vehicle.*ak
05/12/2000101/01/1996
 Vehicle overheated and stopped running. vehicle towed to repair shop. shop manger said there was coolant in the oil and the head gasket was blown. after the engine was repaired there was still a problem with coolant in the oil. they removed the valve timing chain cover to find that one of the freeze plugs has rusted thru causing the coolant to become mixed with the oil. the mechanic replaced the rusted thru freeze plug and three others in the area. after all these repairs the car still does not run correctly and emitts a loud rattling sound from the right side of the engine.we have had other problems with this car namely the transmission and the air conditioning.*ak
04/05/2000103/01/1999
 I, as well as my family have dealt with ford motor company for as long as i can remember, however i must say this occurence is an outrage! i have had multiple problems with my car recently. i have a 94 ford t bird that i bought last year and have just been contacted by letter that there is a recall on the 94 t bird for the heads. this throughly explains to me why the car has been in the shop three times over a short period of time. my mechanic has checked for a radiator leak because the coolent light is on and i'm continuously leaking coolent. i have had a transmission specialist look at my car for possible transmission failure because of the way the car is driving the transmission was serviced to try a fix this most inconvenient problem. the car was in the shop another time for the exact same problem. three bills have been paid specificallhy because of leaking coolant. since i don't religiously keep receipts i only have one, which only puts me out about 650.00 because of a recall from ford motor co that says the coolent is leaking out through the heads basically destroying my car engine. this does not account for the number of times i have had to pull off the road and let my car cool down because of overheating. i have been given two options by the company. the will repair the heads with manufactured heads and give me a 12 month warranty or if i wait more than 5 days for the services they will give me a 3000.00 dollar gift certificate to but a new car that i can't afford and possibly the book value of my car. the lovely 3000.00 gift certificate to the car i can't afford or the repairs are the only realistic options i see here. what this means is my car is only good tor 12 more months under warranty after repairs to an error on their end. i thought fords were supossed to last longer than that, besides i won't even have the car paid for in 12 months. i have no options here but to reject their proposal and they have lost a very valuable family of customers
02/05/1999111/01/1994
 Passenger seat hits console when moved forward, when applying brakes-the steering and car shakes badly, both side electric windows binds when going up or down,shifter handle broke off causing to hold piece in when shifting to drive-park-etc., both engine head gaskets blew at the same time along with a coolant tube, rocker arm lock nut was bad causing loud noises in engine, speedometer needle sticks on 0. i bought it at suburban ford in elgin, but moved to elk grove and took my car to larry roesch ford for the repairs. my car still needs to be brought in for brakes, engine runs rough and hesitates at a low speed, the seat is still broken, shifter also still broken, windows still bind, the brakes and engine is what worries me the most. after all the times i brought it in, they still haven't fixed anything. in fact, the last time i brought it in, some bolts were missing from the engine. any further questions, please contact me. thank you. *ak
01/10/2000107/01/1996
 Head gasket blew on my 3.8l ford thunderbird. car only had 83,000 miles on it. i had read that other ford 3.8l engines have had this problelm and that ford may be extending warrenties to cover this problem. please inform me of any extensions on warrenties or if ford has a program to reimburse owners with this problem. *ak
02/01/2000210/01/1997
 We were origanlly told our car needed a new computer chip,we now believe it was a blown headgasket the entire time. the car ran alright for a month or so,but never quite the same,after we got the chip, the check engine light always remained on,the dealer said they would have to re-start the computer,and addtional $200.00. we drove it for another month,until it finally just quit. after talking to several different mechanic's they all informed us it was a blown head-gasket all along. several other t-bird owners have told us the exact same thing happened to them,at approx. the same milage. has there or will there be a recall on the head-gaskets? ow many complaints do they need to recieve,before they will re-call a vehicle?*ak( dot number: )
08/03/1999
 Vehicle started overheating, and radiator coolant started leaking & eventually vehicle just shut down. dealer stated if the engine had to be replaced, they would pay for it. but, if the radiator needed to be flushed, they wouldn't cover it. *ak
03/06/200001/01/1994
 Was driving approximately 50mph & noticed smoke coming from rear of vehicle. engine check light came on. consumer pulled into gas station & had vehicle checked. mechanic indicated that the engine's head gaskets had blown out. also the engine block was cracked. *ak
02/01/2000
 Head gaskets blew, causing coolant to leak onto the engine. ford has extended the warranty on similar makes and models. however, this vehicle was not included. dealer and manufacturer have been notified. *ak
03/02/200005/10/1994
 Smoke was coming from tail pipe. towed vehicle to an independent repair shop that informed cosumer of a blown head gasket. dealer/ manufacturer contacted. *ak *ml
03/04/2000
 While traveling on the street at 40-45 mph, vehicle overheated. drove vehicle to an independent repair shop, and informed consumer of a blown head gasket. manufacturer notified, and told consumer that vehicle was not covered under the class action lawsuit. *ak
210/01/1993
 Head gaskets blew at 69000. replaced heads, gaskets, intake and outtake thermostat, car still not running properly. blew gaskets twice. at present time it is being worked on for the same problem
01/01/1994
 Leak due to either gasket failure or channeling due to corrosion of aluminum parts. this is a design flaw. *ak
02/27/2000112/10/1999
 While driving on the highway engine check light came on the dashboard. vehicle started to overheat. technician said it blew a head gasket. other ford models are covered for this problem, but the thunderbird is not. *ak *ml
04/01/199801/01/1994
 Car was checked after found to be running warmer than usual. head gaskets and cylinder head water ports were found to be defective and replacement was suggested. approximatley 1500 miles after this work was performed the car developed addititional engine problems including excesivly worn main bearings resulting in a replacement short block being installed. since this work has been performed the car has had oil leaks and tune-up problems.
 Engine head gasket seal has blown, causing oil and anti-freeze to leak all over the engine. dealer has been contacted. *ak
05/29/1998112/01/1996
 Head gasket failed.
01/05/19941
 Differential cover gasket failed. *sd
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING - ENGINE - GASOLINE
10/02/2003115000112/31/1993
 Consumer had problems with vehicle jerking forward while at stop lights. the vehicle eventually would not start. the vehicle was checked by three certified mechanics. the consumer was informed that the engine head gaskets wore out. vehicle was repaired. *ak the vehicle also experienced problems with it's power window's, air conditioner and transmission. *nlm
10/23/1999110/01/1998
 No summary listed for above vehicle. *ak
12/21/200006/01/1995
 6th cylinder not firing, losing oil, vibrating severely when accelerating after 40 mph. *ak
08/24/1996203/01/1994
 3.8l engine has gone out on my 94 thunderbird 3 times since new. i do drive my car for work and put on average 35000 miles a year. this seems to be a reacurring problem for now i have 95 mustang engine in this car and the same problem has happened again. first engine replaced in alabama with a private repair place so i have no documentation of repair. second went out at 160,000 after rebuilt. purchased 3rd engine from young man who was taking it from mustang to install some thing bigger. the third had 65000 miles and has gone out within 25000 miles after i installed it. seems kinda fishy will never own a ford again. ford will not reemberse me for any repair since the only receipt i ahve reflects 160000 miles at time of 2nd repair.
07/10/2000202/01/1999
 After having put in a new engine, the newly installed engine also failed at 90,037 miles. *ak
07/02/1999108/01/1998
 There are actully to many other things to list but i would be happy to mail copies of all major safety related problems that ive had with this car.im still haveing engine ,transmission,and other problems not to mention the gas smell that the ford dealer swears isnt there. *ak
06/07/2000103/01/1997
 Comin home from work big cloud of smoke then the car lost power ,jerking ,started overheating , smoke began comining fro the hood had it towed to cartwright auto , mechanic told me it was blown gasket ,two hours later mechanic called and said the motor was blowed due to blown gasket and would need a new motor .*ak
08/01/1998101/01/1996
 6 months after purchasing the vehicle, transmission failed, was rebuilt. in 1998 had to have the rotors, pads and calibers replaced. also, in 1998, head gaskets blew, had to replace. in 1999, pcv and pcp valve replace, oil sensor, dashboard guage module replaced. now in august of 1999, transmission is slipping again. needs to be replaced.
102/01/1996
 Engine failed.
12/06/19941
 Engine knocks when cold started.
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING - ENGINE - GASOLINE - BELTS AND ASSOCIATED PULLEYS
04/25/200102/01/1995
 The following items have prematurely failed causing replacement: rotors, oil pressure gauge and sending unit, thermostat & gasket, instrument panel, power steering pump, battery, alternator, piston, transhaft, fuel injection system, intake manifold, serpentine belt and now the headgaskets are blown
12/18/199804/28/1994
 Tensioner pulley that holds the tension to the serpentine belt so that it stays in place fell off without warrning, and it left consumer without power steering. dealer has been contacted. *ak
08/16/19964
 Engine fan belt failed. *ak
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING - EXHAUST SYSTEM - EMISSION CONTROL - CATALYTIC CONVERTOR
06/01/19973
 Transmission cooling unit and lines malfunctioned and was replaced. also, replaced converter assembly. *ak
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING - EXHAUST SYSTEM - EMISSION CONTROL - CRANKCASE (PCV)
05/22/1995203/30/1995
 Air by pass valve failed, causing unexpected acceleration.