NHTSA owner reports · September 18, 2026 snapshot.
Engine And Engine Cooling complaints
339 reportsClear category filterMileage unknown · Apr 3, 2001
Engine And Engine CoolingPower TrainService Brakes, Hydraulic
HEAD GASKET FAILED PRIOR TO NOTIFICATION AND WAS REPLACED, CONSUMER WAS REIMBURSED FOR REPIARS,2 WEEKS LATER TRANSMISSION WENT OUT, THE MECHANIC ADVISED THAT THE TRANSMISSION GOING OUT WHICH WAS A RESULT OF OVERHEATING FROM PREVIOUS HEAD GASKET PROBLEM, ALSO TRANSMISSION MOUNTS WERE REPLACED 3 TIMES,REBUILT TORQUE CONVERTER. …
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HEAD GASKET FAILED PRIOR TO NOTIFICATION AND WAS REPLACED, CONSUMER WAS REIMBURSED FOR REPIARS,2 WEEKS LATER TRANSMISSION WENT OUT, THE MECHANIC ADVISED THAT THE TRANSMISSION GOING OUT WHICH WAS A RESULT OF OVERHEATING FROM PREVIOUS HEAD GASKET PROBLEM, ALSO TRANSMISSION MOUNTS WERE REPLACED 3 TIMES,REBUILT TORQUE CONVERTER. *JB
NHTSA ODI #560658
Mileage unknown · Apr 2, 2001
Engine And Engine Cooling
I RECEIVED A RECALL NOTICE A YEAR OR SO AGO FOR THE HEAD GASKETS IN MY CAR - IS THIS RECALL NOTICE STILL EFFECTIVE?*AK
NHTSA ODI #743437
Mileage unknown · Mar 22, 2001
Engine And Engine Cooling
VEHICLE WILL OVERHEAT AND HEAD GASKET BLEWOUT. ALSO TEMPERAZTURE GAUGE LIGHT CAME ON, AND OIL WAS COMING FROM UNDERNEATH VEHICLE.*AK
NHTSA ODI #883873
Mileage unknown · Mar 21, 2001
Engine And Engine Cooling
ENGINE HEAD GASKET CRACKED, CAUSING OIL TO LEAK INTO COMPARTMENT. DEALER HAS BEEN CONTACTED.*AK
NHTSA ODI #883642
Mileage unknown · Mar 20, 2001
Engine And Engine Cooling
WHILE CAR SEEMS TO BE RUNNING NORMALLY TEMPERATURE GAUGE GOES UP, AND IF REVVING, ENGINE WILL GO BACK DOWN.*AK
NHTSA ODI #883524
Mileage unknown · Mar 16, 2001
Engine And Engine Cooling
FORD TELLS ME THAT MY VIN IS NOT ON THE LIST OF VEHICLES THEY ARE COVERING UNDER THEIR EXTENED WARRANTY ON A 3.8 ENGINE IN MY 1995 FORD MUSTANG EVEN THOUGH THE 3.8 FORD MUSTANG IS SUPPOSED TO BE COVERED, THEY WILL NOT COVER MY CAR AS IT HAS OVERHEATED ABOUT HALF A DOZEN TIMES ALREADY IN THE THREE YEARS I HAVE HAD IT. THEY WILL …
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FORD TELLS ME THAT MY VIN IS NOT ON THE LIST OF VEHICLES THEY ARE COVERING UNDER THEIR EXTENED WARRANTY ON A 3.8 ENGINE IN MY 1995 FORD MUSTANG EVEN THOUGH THE 3.8 FORD MUSTANG IS SUPPOSED TO BE COVERED, THEY WILL NOT COVER MY CAR AS IT HAS OVERHEATED ABOUT HALF A DOZEN TIMES ALREADY IN THE THREE YEARS I HAVE HAD IT. THEY WILL NOT EVEN ATTEMPT TO HELP ME, THEY JUST TELL ME "WE ARE NOT GOING TO FIX IT, PROBLEM RESOLVED" BUT THE PROBLEM IS NOT RESOLVED, I STILL HAVE A PROBLEM WITH MY 1995 FORD MUSTANG AND I WANT IT RESOLVED, BECAUSE THEY ARE THE ONES THAT MADE THE MISTAKE IN THE WAY THAT ENGINE AND COOLING SYSTEM WAS MADE, AND NOW THEY SHOULD FIX IT. NO SAFETY DEFEC TMENTIONED. *AK
NHTSA ODI #742556
Mileage unknown · Mar 14, 2001
Engine And Engine CoolingUnknown Or Other
ALL GAUGES WENT FROM FAR LEFT TO FAR RIGHT IN APPROXIMATELY 1 MINUTE FROM STARTING ENGINE AND ENTERING HIGHWAY ON RAMP. CAR SHOOK, THEN EXTREME AMOUNT OF WHITE SMOKE POURED OUT OF REAR TAILPIPE, SMELLED OF BURNED RUBBER AND ANTIFREEZE. CHECK ENGINE LIGHT TURNED ON AS I KILLED ENGINE AND COASTED TO STOP ON SIDE OF HIGHWAY. HAVEN'…
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ALL GAUGES WENT FROM FAR LEFT TO FAR RIGHT IN APPROXIMATELY 1 MINUTE FROM STARTING ENGINE AND ENTERING HIGHWAY ON RAMP. CAR SHOOK, THEN EXTREME AMOUNT OF WHITE SMOKE POURED OUT OF REAR TAILPIPE, SMELLED OF BURNED RUBBER AND ANTIFREEZE. CHECK ENGINE LIGHT TURNED ON AS I KILLED ENGINE AND COASTED TO STOP ON SIDE OF HIGHWAY. HAVEN'T FINISHED DIGGING INTO ALL THE PROBLEMS YET, BUT TEMP GAUGE AND OIL GAUGE ARE NOT WORKING NOW. I AM CONCERNED THAT THIS HAS DESTROYED MY ENGINE. AFTER READING ALL THE OTHER COMPLAINTS, I WONDER WHY FORD HAS NOT ADDRESSED THIS PROBLEM. AS A RULE 1 OUT OF EVERY 1000 WILL TAKE THE TIME TO REPORT SUCH A PROBLEM, I PRINTED 124 PAGES OF SIMILAR ENGINE FAILURES ON THE 1995 3.8L V6 BEFORE I FINALLY SHUT DOWN MY PRINTER. PLEASE ADVISE IF THERE IS SOME FORM OF RECALL. I HAD MY LAST CAR 11 YEARS AND 138,000 MILES BEFORE I HAD ENGINE PROBLEMS.*AK
NHTSA ODI #742429
Mileage unknown · Mar 14, 2001
Engine And Engine Cooling
THIS VEHICLE HAS FUMES COMING INTO THE INSIDE OF THE CAR IT SEEMS TO BE EXSPECIALLY BAD WHEN THE HEAT IS ON. THE COOLANT LIGHTS STAYS ON. I TOOK THIS VECHILE TO A EXHAUST COMPANY TO HAVE IT LOOKED AT TO SEE WHAT THE PROBLEM WAS AND THEY SAID THAT THE PIPE THAT GOES TO THE MANAFOLD WAS MISSING A PART OF THE PIPE . THE CAR IS…
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THIS VEHICLE HAS FUMES COMING INTO THE INSIDE OF THE CAR IT SEEMS TO BE EXSPECIALLY BAD WHEN THE HEAT IS ON. THE COOLANT LIGHTS STAYS ON. I TOOK THIS VECHILE TO A EXHAUST COMPANY TO HAVE IT LOOKED AT TO SEE WHAT THE PROBLEM WAS AND THEY SAID THAT THE PIPE THAT GOES TO THE MANAFOLD WAS MISSING A PART OF THE PIPE . THE CAR IS SUPPOSE TO A HAVE CADILAC CONVERTOR PIPES ,THEY HAVE NSTEAD DUAL PIPE , USE FOR RACING.. THE VECHILE ALSO CUTS OFF ON A REGULAR BASICS ,WHEN IT COMES TO A COMPLETE STOP AND YOU GO TO PULL OFF THE CAR CUT OFFS. WHEN BACKING UP THE CAR CUTS OFF ,THE KEY DOESN'T OPEN THE DRIVERS SIDE OF THE DOOR , THE CAR STRAINS WHEN GOING TO START IT , IT TAKE A MINUTE FOR THE CAR TO START OR CATCH AND IM NOT SURE OF EXACTLY WHAT IS WITH THE TIRES BUT SOMETHING IS WRONG WITH THEM, THEY ARE OFF BALANCE, THEY SWAY AND THERE ISN'T A LIGHT IN THE TRUNK OF THE VECHILE. I AM NOT SURE IF THIS IS THE INFORMATION YOU WANTED HOWEVER I NEED SOME HELP ON THIS VECHILE , FAR AS THE COMPANY FIXING THESE PROBLEM THEY SAID THEY WOULD BUT HAS NOT DONE SO YET. *AK
NHTSA ODI #742397
Mileage unknown · Mar 9, 2001
Engine And Engine Cooling
VEHICLE WAS OVERHEATING BY TEMPERATURE GAUGE, TOOK TO FORD, AND THEY REPLACED MOTOR. AFTER 20, 000 MILES PROBLEM REOCCURRED. *AK
NHTSA ODI #882565
Mileage unknown · Mar 7, 2001
Engine And Engine Cooling
REPORTING A 3.8L V6 ENGINE WITH HEAD GASKET FAILURE; MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED ,AND INFORMED CONSUMER THAT VEHICLE WAS NOT COVERED UNDER THE EXTENDED WARRANTY.*AK THE CONSUMER WANTS TO KNOW WHY THE HEAD GASKET WARRANTY DOES NOT GO OVER 100,000 MILES. *YH
NHTSA ODI #882419
Official recalls
5Dec 21, 2001
VEHICLE DESCRIPTION: TAURUS/SABLE VEHICLES EQUIPPED WITH 3.0L AND 3.8L ENGINES AND MUSTANG VEHICLES WITH 3.8L AND 5.0L ENGINES. IT IS POSSIBLE FOR THE ENGINE COOLING FAN BEARING TO SEIZE.
Consequence & remedy
Consequence: SHOULD THIS OCCUR, EXCESSIVE HEAT COULD BE GENERATED WHICH COULD MELT THE FAN MOTOR ELECTRICAL CONNECTOR. COMPONENTS INSIDE THE COOLING FAN MOTOR COULD IGNITE POTENTIALLY RESULTING IN AN UNDERHOOD FIRE.
Remedy: DEALERS WILL INSPECT THE ENGINE COOLING FAN ASSEMBLY AND INSTALL A CIRCUIT BREAKER. IF THE COOLING FAN IS INOPERATIVE, THE FAN AND MOTOR ASSEMBLY WILL BE REPLACED. OWNER NOTIFICATION BEGAN DECEMBER 28, 2001. OWNERS WHO TAKE THEIR VEHICLES TO AN AUTHORIZED DEALER ON AN AGREED UPON SERVICE DATE AND DO NOT RECEIVE THE FREE REMEDY WITHIN A REASONABLE TIME SHOULD CONTACT FORD AT 1-866-436-7332.
Oct 3, 2001
EQUIPMENT DESCRIPTION: PASSENGER VEHICLES THAT HAVE HAD THE DRIVER'S AIR BAG MODULE REPLACED AFTER APRIL 5, 2000. THE REPLACEMENT DRIVER'S AIR BAG MODULE INFLATOR MAY HAVE INSUFFICIENT WELDS THAT COULD PREVENT PROPER INFLATION OF THE AIR BAG.
Consequence & remedy
Consequence: IN THE EVENT OF A CRASH, THE DRIVER'S AIR BAG MAY NOT PROPERLY DEPLOY WHICH COULD POTENTIALLY RESULT IN LESS THAN THE INTENDED LEVEL OF OCCUPANT PROTECTION.
Remedy: DEALERS WILL INSPECT AND, IF NECESSARY, REPLACE THE DRIVER'S AIR BAG MODULE. OWNER NOTIFICATION BEGAN OCTOBER 5, 2001. OWNERS WHO TAKE THEIR VEHICLES TO AN AUTHORIZED DEALER ON AN AGREED UPON SERVICE DATE AND DO NOT RECEIVE THE FREE REMEDY WITHIN A REASONABLE TIME SHOULD CONTACT FORD AT 1-866-436-7332.
Oct 30, 2000
VEHICLE DESCRIPTION: PASSENGER VEHICLES EQUIPPED WITH MANUAL TRANSMISSIONS. IF A VEHICLE IS PARKED WITH THE PARKING BRAKE NOT FULLY APPLIED AND NOT IN FIRST GEAR, AS DIRECTED IN THE OWNER GUIDE, AND THE SELF ADJUSTMENT PAWL SUBSEQUENTLY SKIPS ONE OR TWO TEETH, THE VEHICLE COULD MOVE ON SOME GRADES.
Consequence & remedy
Consequence: THIS COULD RESULT IN UNINTENDED VEHICLE MOVEMENT AND A VEHICLE CRASH WITHOUT PRIOR WARNING.
Remedy: DEALERS WILL MODIFY THE PARKING BRAKE CONTROL AND INSTALL A PLATE OR OVER-BRACKET TO THE CONTROL TO LOCK THE SELF ADJUST MECHANISM IN POSITION FOLLOWING ADJUSTMENT.
Oct 20, 1997
VEHICLE DESCRIPTION: PASSENGER VEHICLES AND MINI VANS. TEARING OF THE BOND BETWEEN THE INNER AND OUTER HOOD PANELS DURING MINOR FRONT END COLLISIONS CAN RESULT IN A GAP AT THE LEADING EDGE OF THE HOOD. AIR FORCED BETWEEN THE INNER AND OUTER PANELS CAN PRODUCE ENOUGH PRESSURE TO FORCE THE OUTER PANEL UPWARD.
Consequence & remedy
Consequence: THIS CONDITION CAN RESULT IN TOTAL SEPARATION OF THE OUTER HOOD PANEL.
Remedy: DEALERS WILL INSPECT THE HOOD AREA FOR ANY DAMAGE ALONG THE LEADING EDGE OF THE HOOD. IF THERE IS ANY EVIDENCE OF BOND SEPARATION, THE HOOD WILL BE REPLACED. IF THERE IS NO EVIDENCE OF BOND SEPARATION, ADDITIONAL ADHESIVE WILL BE APPLIED BETWEEN THE INNER AND OUTER HOOD PANELS.
Jul 17, 1995
THE AFFECTED VEHICLES WERE BUILT WITH OUTER TIE ROD ENDS WITH INCORRECT TAPER BALL STUDS. THE INCORRECT TAPERED BALL STUDS CAN FRACTURE WITHIN 50,000 MILES.
Consequence & remedy
Consequence: A FRACTURED BALL STUD CAN RESULT IN A NOTICEABLE SHAKE OR SHIMMY AND COULD CAUSE THE AFFECTED WHEEL TO TUCK INWARD OR OUTWARD, INCREASING THE POTENTIAL FOR A VEHICLE ACCIDENT.
Remedy: DEALERS WILL INSPECT THE OUTER TIE ROD ENDS AND REPLACE THE INCORRECTLY TAPERED BALL STUDS.
Model-level recall history does not show whether a particular VIN is affected or has received a repair. Check a VIN with NHTSA ↗
NHTSA investigations
4EA98013 · Parking Brake
Opened May 27, 1998 · Closed Oct 31, 2000
Status: closed (inferred from source dates) · Service Brakes, Hydraulic
There is no summary currently available
PE97051 · Parking Brake Failure
Opened Dec 23, 1997 · Closed May 27, 1998
Status: closed (inferred from source dates) · Service Brakes, Hydraulic
THE NUMBER OF CRASHES REPORTED TOT HE MANUFACTURER WARRANTS FURTHER THIS INVESTIGATION
EA97018 · Outer Hood Panel Detachment
Opened Sep 30, 1997 · Closed Oct 22, 1997
Status: closed (inferred from source dates) · Structure
There is no summary currently available
PE97011 · Outer Hood Panel Detachment
Opened Mar 13, 1997 · Closed Sep 30, 1997
Status: closed (inferred from source dates) · Structure
THE OFFICE OF DEFECTS INVESTIGATION HAS RECEIVED 6 REPORTS INDICATING THE OUTER HOOD PANEL SEPARATED FROM THE VEHICLES AS THEY WERE BEING DRIVEN.FORD HAS PROVIDE 39 ADDITIONAL REPORTS THAT ARE CONSISTENT WITH ODI REPORTS.FORD INDICATES THAT THE LIKELY CAUSE IS PRIOR COLLISION DAMAGE.THIS INVESTIGATION IS BEING UPGRADED TO FURTHER STUDY THIS ISSUE.
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