1997 FORD F-150 Engine And Engine Cooling Problems

FORD RECALL 99B29. FRONT COVER GASK UNABLE TO HOLD COOLANT. *TR

TRUCK HAS A 4.2 LITER, V-6 ENGINE. A WEEK PRIOR TO INCIDENT THE TRUCK WAS DRIVEN THEN PARKED IN A MY GARAGE. ON THE INCIDENT DAY I TRIED TO START THE TRUCK BUT HEARD ONLY A LOUD, HARD KNOCK WHEN THE STARTER ENGAGED. THE ENGINE WOULD NOT TURN OVER. THE BATTERY VOLTAGE CHECKED OUT OK. I HAD THE TRUCK TOWED TO A LOCAL REPAIR SHOP. THE STARTER WAS REMOVED AND CHECKED OUT OK ELECTRICALLY. THE MECHANIC MANUALLY ROTATED THE ENGINE BACKWARD 1-1/2 TURNS (HE COULD NOT ROTATE IT FORWARD) THEN TRIED TO START IT BUT THE ENGINE AGAIN MADE A LOUD, HARD KNOCK SOUND. THE MECHANIC THOUGH THE TIMING CHAIN FAILED OR A PUSH ROD WAS BENT. HOWEVER, SINCE THE TRUCK RAN FINE THE LAST TIME IT WAS USED I FELT THE PROBLEM DEVELOPED DURING ITS LAST USE AND LAST COOLDOWN. I CONCLUDED A GASKET FAILED (OR A HEAD CRACKED) ALLOWING COOLANT TO LEAK INTO ONE OR MORE CYLINDERS DURING ITS LAST COOLDOWN. I HAD THE TRUCK TOWED BACK TO MY GARAGE. I REMOVED ALL SPARK PLUGS AND FOUND COOLANT DRAINING FROM THE PASSENGER SIDE FRONT CYLINDER WHICH WAS CAUSING HYDROLOCK. I ROTATED THE ENGINE BACKWARD 4-1/2 TURNS THEN FORWARD 9 TURNS. THE ENGINE NOW TURNED FREELY. A TOTAL OF 4 TO 6 OUNCES OF COOLANT CAME OUT OF THE CYLINDER. I SPOKE WITH A MECHANIC WHO CHECKED THE FORD ALERT SYSTEM AND FOUND A POSTING FOR THE 1997 4.2L V-6 ENGINES THAT INDICATED THEY ARE PRONE TO INTAKE MANIFOLD O-RING FAILURES. I FOUND MANY REPORTS OF SIMILAR FAILURES FOR THIS YEAR AND ENGINE TYPE. I INTEND TO CHECK IN WITH THE LOCAL FORD DEALERSHIP TO GET THEIR TAKE ON THIS PROBLEM AND FIND OUT WHY I WASN'T NOTIFIED ABOUT A "RECALL". *JS

Mileage: 102,000

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 1997 FORD F-150. THE CONTACT STATED THAT AFTER PARKING THE VEHICLE, HE HEARD THE HORN SOUNDING OFF. THE VEHICLE ENGULFED INTO FLAMES SOON THEREAFTER. THE FIRE DEPARTMENT WAS NOTIFIED AND EXTINGUISHED THE FLAMES. THE FIRE CHIEF STATED THAT THE FRONTAL AREA ON THE DRIVER'S SIDE WAS THE CAUSE OF THE FIRE. THE VEHICLE HAD NOT BEEN INSPECTED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED AND OFFERED NO ASSISTANCE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS APPROXIMATELY 161,000. THE VIN WAS UNAVAILABLE.

Mileage: 161,000

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS 1997 FORD F-150. THE CONTACT STATED THAT AFTER RECEIVING NOTIFICATION OF NHTSA CAMPAIGN I.D. 11V385000 (FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE: STORAGE: TANK ASSEMBLY: MOUNTING) THE CONTACT TOOK THE VEHICLE TO THE DEALER. THE DEALER STATED THAT THE FUEL STRAPS WERE CORRODED. THE DEALER WAS UNABLE TO PERFORM THE RECALL REMEDY DUE TO THE SEVERITY OF THE CORROSION ON THE FUEL TANK STRAPS. THE CONTACT CALLED THE MANUFACTURER REGARDING THE RECALL REPAIR AND WAS ADVISED THAT THE MANUFACTURER THE FUEL TANK MOUNT WOULD HAVE TO BE REPAIRED AT THE CONTACT'S EXPENSE. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 150,000. THE CONSUMER STATED THE FRAME BRACKET HAD ROTTED AND THE RECALL COULD NOT BE PERFORMED. THE CONSUMER STATED THE VEHICLE HAS A SLIGHT HESITATION, THERE WAS A NOISE WHEN THE GEAR WAS IN DRIVE, THE BRAKES FELT SPONGY, THE BRAKE LINE HAD TO BE REPLACED, AS WELL AS THE BRAKES, CALIPERS AND HOSES. UPDATED 04/17/12 UPDATED 04/25/12*LJ UPDATED 05/02/12 *JB

Mileage: 150,000

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 1997 FORD F-150. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE VEHICLE CAUGHT ON FIRE WHILE PARKED. NO ONE WAS INJURED FROM THE FIRE. THE FIRE DEPARTMENT WAS CONTACTED TO EXTINGUISH THE FIRE. THE MANUFACTURER WAS MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE AND TOOK A COMPLAINT. THE CONTACT DID NOT KNOW WHAT CAUSED THE FIRE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 200,000.

Mileage: 200,000

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 1997 FORD F-150. THE CONTACT STATED THAT AFTER PARKING THE VEHICLE, FLAMES EMITTED FROM THE ENGINE COMPARTMENT. THE CONTACT MENTIONED THAT HE WAS ABLE TO EXTINGUISH THE FIRE WITH A WATER HOSE. THE FIRE DEPARTMENT WAS NOT CONTACTED AND NO INJURIES WERE REPORTED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT TAKEN TO THE DEALER FOR INSPECTION OR REPAIRS. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE AND THE CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 207,000.

Mileage: 207,000

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 1997 FORD F-150. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE DRIVING 30 MPH, A LOUD BANGING NOISE EMITTED FROM UNDER THE HOOD AND THE CHECK ENGINE LIGHT ILLUMINATED ON THE INSTRUMENT PANEL. THE FRONT END OF THE VEHICLE ALSO BEGAN TO SHAKE. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT TAKEN TO THE DEALER, BUT THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS UNKNOWN AND THE CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 211,000.

ENGINE FRONT COVER GASKET FAILED IN LINE WITH RECALL 99B29. FORD DOES NOT INCLUDE MY TRUCK BUILT 1997 IN RECALL CAMPAIGN INDICATING THE ORIGINAL RECALL HAS BEEN INADEQUATE. *TR

Mileage: 224,043

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 1997 FORD F-150. THE CONTACT STARTED THE VEHICLE AND A SPARK PLUG EJECTED FROM THE HEAD OF THE ENGINE. THE CONTACT SHUT THE VEHICLE OFF AND HAD THE VEHICLE TOWED TO A LOCAL MECHANIC. THE LOCAL MECHANIC CONFIRMED THE BLOWN SPARK PLUG AS WELL AS A COIL, AND ADVISED REPLACING THE ENGINE. THE CONTACT CALLED THE MANUFACTURER TO ORDER THE NECESSARY PARTS FOR REPAIRS AND THE MANUFACTURER ADVISED THAT THERE WERE ONLY TWO ENGINE HEADS AVAILABLE IN THE COUNTRY. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE CONTACT BELIEVED THE VEHICLE TO BE UNSAFE TO DRIVE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 100,000. THE VIN WAS NOT AVAILABLE.

Mileage: 100,000

I LAST DROVE MY TRUCK ON 06/20/2011. WHEN I WOKE UP TO FEED MY ANIMALS I HEARD A SOUND LIKE A BIRD CAUGHT UNDER MY TRUCK. I LOOKED UNDER THE DRIVERS SIDE FENDER AND SAW FLAMES. I POPPED THE HOOD AND SAW THE MASTER CYLINDER WAS ON FIRE. I GRABBED MY FIRE EXTINGUISHER FROM MY BARN AND PUT THE FIRE OUT.

Mileage: 197,690

TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 1997 FORD F-150. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHEN STARTING THE VEHICLE HE NOTICED THAT THE ENGINE WOULD START KNOCKING AND MAKING A LOUD NOISE. THE VEHICLE WAS INSPECTED BY AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC AND THEY ADVISED HIM THAT IT WAS A DEFECTIVE MOTOR AND NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPLACED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT CONTACTED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS APPROXIMATELY 30,000.

Mileage: 30,000

JUST DRIVING MY 1997 FORD F-150 AND HAVE HAD 2 SPARK PLUGS FLY OUT THE TRUCK. MOTOR THEN RUNS ROUGH AND CONTINUES TO OPERATE FOR SOME TIME BEFORE YOU GET ANY ENGINE LIGHT. AFRAID TO LET WIFE USE TRUCK CAUSE IT COULD CATCH FIRE. *TR

Mileage: 165,000

TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 1997 FORD F-150. THE CONTACT NOTICED SOMETHING HANGING UNDERNEATH THE VEHICLE. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO A LOCAL MECHANIC WHO INSPECTED THE VEHICLE AND FOUND ONE OF THE FUEL TANK STRAPS WAS CORRODED. THE VEHICLE WAS REPAIRED. THE FAILURE AND THE CURRENT MILES WERE 147,008. UPDATED 06/17/11 *BF THE MECHANIC STATED THE GAS TANK HAD RUSTED WHERE THE FUEL STRAPS BROKE. THE SPARE TIRE FELL OFF DUE TO CABLE FAILURE. ALSO THE HEAD GASKET HAD TO BE REPLACED DUE TO ANTI-FREEZE LEAKING INTO IT.

Mileage: 147,008

I HAVE A 1997 F150 4.2 V6 THAT I PURCHASED NEW FROM FORD. I NOTICED THAT IT WAS LOSING COOLANT, BUT COULD NOT FIND A LEAK. IN 2005, WITH ONLY 89000 MILES ON THE VEHICLE I STARTED IT UP ONE AFTERNOON WHEN I WAS ON MY WAY HOME FROM WORK AND IT WAS RUNNING ROUGH. I DROVE IT HOME AND PARKED IT AND WENT OUT APPROXIMATELY AN HOUR LATER AND STARTED IT UP AND IT HAD A VERY LOUD ROD KNOCK. I WAS JUST RESEARCHING REBUILD KITS AND REBUILT ENGINES WHEN I CAME ACROSS ALL THE POSTS ABOUT HYDROLOCK. I NOW KNOW THAT THIS WAS A SITUATION THAT FORD WAS AWARE OF, BUT DID NOTHING TO CORRECT AND LEFT PEOPLE LIKE MYSELF WITH A VEHICLE THAT WAS WELL MAINTAINED AND DID NOT LAST. UNFORTUNATELY, I DID NOT HAVE THE MEANS TO REPAIR AND THE VEHICLE HAS BEEN SITTING ALL THIS TIME. I THINK THEY SHOULD HAVE TAKEN RESPONSIBILITY WHEN THEY FOUND OUT AND PEOPLE LIKE MYSELF WOULD HAVE HAD PROTECTION ON OUR INVESTMENT. *TR

Mileage: 89,000

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 1997 FORD F-150. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE DRIVING, HE HEARD A KNOCKING NOISE AND THE VEHICLE STALLED. THE CONTACT WAS UNABLE TO RESTART THE VEHICLE AND IT WAS TOWED TO HIS RESIDENCE WHERE A MECHANIC INSPECTED THE VEHICLE. THE MECHANIC ADVISED THAT THE COOLANT LEAKED FROM THE INTAKE GASKET INTO THE CYLINDER IN THE ENGINE WHICH CAUSED THE FAILURE. THE CONTACT WAS INFORMED THAT THE ENGINE WOULD NEED TO BE REPLACED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE CONTACT CALLED THE MANUFACTURER WHO OFFERED NO ASSISTANCE. THE CURRENT AND FAILURE MILEAGE WAS APPROXIMATELY 132,000.

Mileage: 132,000

1997 FORD F150 4.2 LITER ENGINE LEAKED WATER INTO THE ENGINE FROM A FAULTY BOTTOM INTAKE MANIFOLD SIDE GASKET. THE REPAIRS COST 1486.00. NOTICED THAT MANY PEOPLE ONLINE HAVE COMPLAINED ABOUT THIS SAME PROBLEM AND BECAME AWARE THIS HAS BEEN AN ONGOING ISSUE WITH THIS SAME MAKE AND MODEL OF VEHICLE. *TR

Mileage: 190,000

1997 FORD 4.2L F150 - 91,000 MILES VEHICLE PROPERLY MAINTAINED, "BABIED" IT. IT NEVER HAD OIL, COOLANT, OR ANY ENGINE PROBLEMS. STARTED VEHICLE AND HEARD AN ENGINE SOUND "POP", AND NOTICED WHITE SMOKE EMITTING FROM TAILPIPE. THE GAUGES WERE READING ALL NORMAL, AS WELL AS OIL AND TRANSMISSION FLUID LEVELS. THE CHECK ENGINE LIGHT CAME ON. I IMMEDIATELY TOOK THE TRUCK TO MY SHOP, THEY SAID WITHOUT TAKING ENGINE APART IT SOUNDS LIKE A ROD OR BENT CRANKSHAFT. THEY MENTIONED THAT IT APPEARS TO BE A COMMON PROBLEM WITH FORD 4.2 ENGINES. IT IS NOW AT THE LOCAL FORD DEALER - THEY HAVE NOT EXPLAINED HOW THIS HAPPENED BUT THAT I NEED AN ENGINE REBUILT. REALLY. THANK YOU FORD FOR STANDING BEHIND YOUR PRODUCT. CHEAPER TO BUY A REBUILT ENGINE? DOES IT HAVE THE ORIGINAL ENGINE GASKETS? THEN I CAN EXPECT TO SPEND ANOTHER $4000,00 IN THREE YEARS OR JUST AFTER THE WARRANTY EXPIRES. IF YOU HAVE AN ENGINE PROBLEM WITH THE FORD F150 4.2L JUST DO AN INTERNET SEARCH! WHERE IS THE CLASS ACTION LAWSUIT? *TR

Mileage: 91,848

PURCHASED A USED 1997 FORD F-150 TRUCK FROM A PRIVATE ONE OWNER PERSON, THE TRUCK HAD LESS THAN 58,000 ORIGINAL MILES, THIS TRUCK HAS A 4.2 LITER V-6 ENGINE, WHICH WAS WELL MAINTAINED. AFTER DRIVING THE TRUCK FOR LESS THAN 4 MONTHS OF OWNING IT THE ENGINE SUFFERED A CATASTROPHIC ENGINE FAILURE DUE TO A DEFECT IN ENGINE GASKET, TORQUE SEQUENCE AND OTHER SPECIFIC SPECS, HAVE NOT BEEN NOTIFIED OF THIS PROBLEM FROM FORD MOTOR CO. AS OF YET. THE ENGINE SUFFERED WHAT IS CALLED HYDRAULIC-LOCK AND WHEN THE ENGINE CRANKED UP IT BENT PISTON RODS IN THE MOTOR AND THE PISTON SKIRTS ARE NOW HITTING THE CRANKSHAFT, REQUIRES A TOTAL ENGINE REBUILD OR NEW ENGINE REPLACEMENT. *TR

Mileage: 61,850

PURCHASED A USED 1997 FORD F-150 TRUCK FROM A PRIVATE ONE OWNER PERSON, THE TRUCK HAD LESS THAN 58,000 ORIGINAL MILES, THIS TRUCK HAS A 4.2 LITER V-6 ENGINE, WHICH WAS WELL MAINTAINED. AFTER DRIVING THE TRUCK FOR LESS THAN 4 MONTHS OF OWNING IT THE ENGINE SUFFERED A CATASTROPHIC ENGINE FAILURE DUE TO A DEFECT IN ENGINE GASKET, TORQUE SEQUENCE AND OTHER SPECIFIC SPECS, HAVE NOT BEEN NOTIFIED OF THIS PROBLEM FROM FORD MOTOR CO. AS OF YET. THE ENGINE SUFFERED WHAT IS CALLED HYDRAULIC-LOCK AND WHEN THE ENGINE CRANKED UP IT BENT PISTON RODS IN THE MOTOR AND THE PISTON SKIRTS ARE NOW HITTING THE CRANKSHAFT, REQUIRES A TOTAL ENGINE REBUILD OR NEW ENGINE REPLACEMENT. *TR

Mileage: 61,850

TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 1997 FORD F-150. THE VEHICLE WAS PARKED WHEN A FIRE BEGAN. THE FIRE DEPARTMENT EXTINGUISHED THE FIRE. THE VEHICLE HAD NOT BEEN INSPECTED OR REPAIRED. THE CURRENT AND FAILURE MILEAGES WERE APPROXIMATELY 180,000.

Mileage: 180,000

TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 1997 FORD F150 XLT. THE VEHICLE WAS PARKED FOR OVER 18 HOURS AND CAUGHT ON FIRE. THE FIRE DEPARTMENT EXTINGUISHED THE FIRE. THE ORIGIN OF THE FIRE WAS UNKNOWN. THE FIRE STARTED UNDER THE HOOD OF THE VEHICLE AND IT WAS DESTROYED. NO ONE WAS INJURED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS CALLED AND OFFERED NO ASSISTANCE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 101,000.

Mileage: 101,000

MY 1997 FORD F-150 STARTED TO LEAK COOLANT INTO THE CYLINDER. I DECIDED TO BUY A BRAND NEW MOTOR FROM FORD BACK IN 2005 BECAUSE REPAIR THE LEAKING GASKET WAS NOT WORTH IT. THERE IS A GROUP OF PEOPLE SAYING THAT FORD SHOULD HAVE OR INDEED HAVE RECALLED THESE MOTORS AND I NEVER NEW ABOUT IT. I WAS NEVER INFORMED WHEN I TOOK TO A FORD DEALERSHIP. I PAID $2500 FOR A MOTOR FORD SHOULD HAVE PAID AS I AM UNDERSTANDING FROM WHAT I READ ONLINE. *TR

Mileage: 100,000

A 1997 FORD F 150 PARKED IN A PARKING LOT FOR SEVERAL HOURS CAUGHT ON FIRE ON IT'S OWN IN THE ENGINE COMPARTMENT AND WAS COMPLETELY DESTROYED. THE FIRE DEPARTMENT STATED THAT THERE WAS NO EXTERNAL CAUSE. *TR

Mileage: 79,000

I PARKED MY CAR IN A PARKING STRUCTURE AT A LUXURY APARTMENT COMPLEX FOR ALMOST 4 HOURS. WHEN I CAME BACK TO GET MY LUNCH MY CO-WORKER YELLED "DUDE YOUR CAR IS ON FIRE" I IMMEDIATELY TRY GETTING A FIRE EXTINGUISHER AND FINALLY FOUND ONE 2 MINUTES AFTER I FOUND MY F-150 ON FIRE. THANKFULLY THE FIRE EXTINGUISHER PUT OUT THE FIRE. SOME PARTS UNDER THE HOOD IS ALL BURNT UP. I CONTACTED FORD TO LET THEM KNOW WHAT HAPPENED,BECAUSE BY DOING SOME RESEARCH I FOUND OUT THAT THERE ARE RECALLS ON THE SAME YEAR AS MY TRUCK. I HAD A MECHANIC CHECK MY TRUCK AND HE TOLD ME THAT EVERYTHING THE RECALL IS DESCRIBING,HAPPENED TO MY TRUCK. FORD SAID SOMEONE WILL CONTACT ME WITHIN 15 BUSINESS DAYS, UNFORTUNATELY THAT IS A HUGE INCONVENIENCE FOR ME,DUE TO THE FACT I USE MY TRUCK FOR WORK AN DID NOW HAVE TO USE MY WIFE CAR THAT ISN'T REALLY RELIABLE WHEN IT COME TO MY JOB. NOTE THAT VERY SAME DAY I FILLED UP MY TANK WITH 23 GALLONS WORTH OF GAS AND THIS INCIDENT COULD OF BEEN WORST IF I DISCOVERED THE FIRE AT A LATER TIME. I'M REALLY HOPING THAT THIS ISSUE CAN BE RESOLVED,BECAUSE I AM NOT ABLE TO DRIVE MY TRUCK AT ALL. *TR

Mileage: 217,000

97 F150 WITH 130K ENGINE GASKET BLEW. THIS ENGINE HAD A RECALL ON ENGINE AND TIMING COVER GASKETS, AND WHEN I TYPED MY VIN NUMBER IN ON THE FORD SITE, THEY SAID I HAD NO OUTSTANDING RECALLS. I ASKED FORD FOR THE NAME OF THE DEALER WHO LIED AND SAID THEY DID THE WORK AND ONLY GOT PAID FOR IT, AND FORD SAID THEY HAD NO INFO. I GOT THE SHAFT, AND IT COST 5K TO GET ENGINE REBUILT MYSELF. *TR

Mileage: 133,066

1997 FORD F-150 4.2L V6. ENGINE COOLANT FILLED ENGINE CYLINDER RESULTING IN CATASTROPHIC ENGINE FAILURE. REPLACE ENGINE WITH USED ONE AT A COST OF $3500.00. THIS ENGINE SHOWS SIGNS OF SAME PROBLEM. I HAVE DRIVEN FORDS FOR 30 YEARS, THIS IS THE LAST ONE I'LL OWN. *TR

Mileage: 100,000

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 1997 FORD F-150. HE STATED THAT WHILE EXITING A DRIVEWAY AT APPROXIMATELY 5 MPH, THERE WAS A LOUD, UNUSUAL NOISE FOLLOWED BY THE VEHICLE INDEPENDENTLY DECELERATING. THE VEHICLE WAS DRIVEN TO A LOCAL REPAIR FACILITY WHERE THE CONTACT WAS INFORMED THAT THE SPARK PLUGS HAD DETACHED FROM THE VEHICLE AND STRIPPED THE THREADS HOLDING THE SPARK PLUGS IN PLACE. IN ADDITION, THE FAILURE CAUSED THE SPARK PLUG WIRES TO MELT. THE VEHICLE WAS REPAIRED WITH A COIL SPARK PLUG KIT. NEITHER THE DEALER NOR THE MANUFACTURER WAS CONTACTED. THE FAILURE AND CURRENT MILEAGES WERE 67,000.

Mileage: 67,000

1997 FORD F150 TRUCK. SPARK PLUG EJECTION PROBLEM. 3RD TIME. EVERY TIME IT HAS HAPPENED, NO WARNING, DRIVING REGULAR, THEN IT BLOWS OUT. POPPING CRACKLING HORRIBLE. 2 TIMES SAME ONE, THIS 3RD TIME SAME SIDE BUT DIFFERENT SPARK PLUG. BEEN HELICOILED BY A LICENSED PROFESSIONAL, PAID DEARLY. *TR

Mileage: 150,000

1997 F150 BRAKES LOCKING UP AND ENGINE COOLANT LEAK INTO MOTOR. *TR

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 1997 FORD F-150. WHILE THE CONTACT WAS AT WORK SHE WAS INFORMED THAT THE FRONT END OF HER VEHICLE HAD CAUGHT ON FIRE. THE HOOD OF THE VEHICLE, INTERIOR, AND BOTH FRONT END TIRES WERE BURNED AND DAMAGED BEYOND REPAIR.THE FIRE DEPARTMENT WAS CALLED TO EXTINGUISH THE FIRE AND THE VEHICLE HAS NOT BEEN DIAGNOSED BY THE DEALERSHIP OR THE INSURANCE COMPANY. THERE WERE NO PRIOR WARNINGS AND THE CURRENT AND FAILURE MILEAGES WERE 270000. THE VIN NUMBER WAS UNAVAILABLE.

Mileage: 270,000

I WAS DRIVING MY TRUCK AND HEARD A LOUD POP, AS IF A TIRE HAD BLOWN OR DRIVE COMPONENT BROKE. MY TRUCK BEGAN TO RUN ROUGH AND SHAKE AFTER THE NOISE AND CONTINUED WHEN I CAME TO A STOP VERY SHORTLY AFTER THE SOUND. IT ALSO CONTINUED AFTER I CAME TO A STOP AND PUT MY TRUCK IN PARK. ALSO, IT INCREASED IN SEVERITY BUT LESSENED IN TIME INTERVAL, OF AN OBVIOUS KNOCK. I LEARNED I HAD BLOWN A SPARK PLUG OUT OF MY HEAD, TAKING THE THREADS IN THE HEAD WITH IT. THE TWO OPTIONS ARE TO REMOVE THE HEAD FROM THE MOTOR, WHICH COSTS ABOUT WHAT THE TRUCK IS WORTH, OR TO FIX IT WITH THE HEAD ON THE MOTOR AND TAKE CHANCES THAT NO METAL SHAVINGS ENTER THE CYLINDERS. BOTH OPTIONS REQUIRE A HELI-COIL FOR THE HEAD. I HAD TO HELI-COIL MY HEAD TO REPLACE THE SPARK PLUG SINCE THERE WERE NO THREADS FOR THE SPARK PLUG TO ATTACH TO. *TR

Mileage: 132,600

SPARKPLUG BLOWING OUT. *TR

Mileage: 158,264

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 1997 FORD F150. THE FRONTAL HEAD GASKETS WERE LEAKING. ALSO HE HEARS KNOCKING IN THE ENGINE CAUSED BY A DEFECTIVE CONNECTION ROD. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALER. HE WAS REFUSED SERVICE BECAUSE HE PURCHASED A VEHICLE FROM A DIFFERENT DEALER. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED AND HE WAS ADVISED THAT THERE WAS A CLASS ACTION LAW SUIT FOR THE FAILURE. HE WAS THEN ADVISED TO FILE A COMPLAINT WITH NHTSA. THE FAILURE MILEAGE 219,000. THE VEHICLE IDENTIFICATION NUMBER WAS UNAVAILABLE.

Mileage: 219,000

I HAVE A 1997 F-150 4.6 V8 WITH APPROX 270,XXX MILES ON IT. AROUND THREE YEARS AGO I REPLACED THE ORIGINAL RADIATOR AT AROUND 190,XXX MILES, SEEMED FAIR THAT'S A DECENT LIFE I THOUGHT FOR A RADIATOR. I TOOK IT TO MY LOCAL FORD DEALER FOR REPLACEMENT. SINCE THEN I AM NOW NEED OF MY FOURTH RADIATOR, THE LAST RADIATOR WAS REPLACED IN JAN 2008. MY LOCAL FORD DEALER AND FORD CUSTOMER CARE FOLKS ARE SAYING THAT THE PART IS OUT OF THEIR 12 MONTH/12,000 MILE WARRANTY AND THAT THERE IS NOTHING THEY CAN DO. ALL REPAIRS FOR THIS VEHICLE HAVE BEEN COMPLETED AT THIS DEALER FOR THE PAST FIVE OR SO YEARS. MY CONTENTION IS THAT CLEARLY THESE PARTS ARE SUSPECT AND THE REPAIR AND FAILURE HISTORY SEEMS TO SUPPORT THIS. *TR

Mileage: 273,000

1997 FORD F150 WITH 4.2L ENGINE. STARTED CAR IN THE MORNING. MADE A GRINDING SOUND AND STOPPED IT. RESTARTED THE MOTOR AND IT RATTLING LOUDLY AND STOPPED IT AGAIN. THE NUMBER ONE PISTON BENT THE CONNECTING ROD. *TR

Mileage: 124,000

TRUCK CAUGHT ON FIRE IN THE MIDDLE OF THE NIGHT. *TR

Mileage: 151,000

AFTER DRIVING ABOUT 2 MILES AND PARKING THE VEHICLE, AN ENGINE COMPARTMENT FIRE STARTED ABOUT 15 MINUTES AFTER LEAVING THE VEHICLE. *TR

MY F-150 WAS RUNNING ROUGH AND HAD A "CHECK ENGINE" LIGHT ILLUMINATED. I TOOK IT TO MY LOCAL DEALER FOR DIAGNOSIS AND REPAIR. THEY REPLACED THE SPARK PLUGS, PLUG WIRES, AND IGNITION COIL FOR A COST OF OVER $500. THEY STATED THAT THE #5 PLUG HAD BEEN FOULED WITH ANTIFREEZE. IT RAN FINE FOR ABOUT A MONTH, THEN UPON STARTING MY TRUCK, A LOUD BANGING OR RATTLING NOISE COULD BE HEARD AND THE ENGINE LOCKED UP. UPON DOING RESEARCH ON THE INTERNET, I FOUND NUMEROUS PEOPLE WHO CLAIM THAT A FAULTY GASKET DESIGN CAUSED WATER TO LEAK INTO ONE OF THE CYLINDERS INSPECTION OF THE CYLINDERS SHOWED COOLANT TO BE POOLED IN THE FRONT, PASSENGER-SIDE CYLINDER. CERTIFIED MECHANICS ATTRIBUTE COOLANT IN THE CYLINDER TO BE DUE TO A PREMATURE GASKET FAILURE. IF NOT CORRECTED, THE PROBLEM LEADS TO MAJOR ENGINE DESTRUCTION. DOCUMENTED EFFECTS OF THE COOLANT LEAK ARE WORN OUT BEARINGS AND SURFACES, AND BROKEN OR BENT CONNECTING RODS, NECESSITATING AN ENGINE REBUILD. FORD SENT A TSB TO SOME OWNERS OF THESE ENGINES TO REPLACE THE FAULTY GASKET BUT NOT TO OTHER OWNERS. THE KNOWLEDGE OF A FAULTY GASKET DESIGN WAS WITHHELD FROM SOME 1997 4.2L F150 OWNERS. I NEVER RECEIVED NOTIFICATION, AND LIKE MANY PEOPLE, HAVE SUFFERED CATASTROPHIC ENGINE FAILURE. AVERAGE REPAIR COSTS ARE AROUND $4500 DOLLARS. FORD DID NOT NOTIFY OWNERS OF KNOWN DEFECTS AND FORD TECHNICIANS WHO SHOULD KNOW BETTER THAN ANYONE, DID NOT NOTIFY ME. *TR

Mileage: 106,071

I RECENTLY NOTICED A LOSS OF COOLANT AND FOAMY ENGINE OIL. I FOUND AN ONLINE FORUM EXPLAINING THIS AS A PROBLEM CALLED HYDROLOCKED.FORD HAS KNOWN ABOUT THIS PROBLEM SINCE 1999 AN HAS ISSUED A TSB 99-20-7 AND ONP 99B29.WHY HAS FORD MOTOR COMPANY NOT BEEN HELD FINANCIALLY RESPONSIBLE FOR THIS ? *TR

Mileage: 61,474

MY 1997 F-150 4.2L V6 WITH 128,000 MILES STARTED EXPERIENCING AN UNACCOUNTABLE FOR WATER LOSS THAT QUICKLY TURNED INTO A ROUGH IDLE ON COLD STARTS AND THEN VERY NOTICEABLE STEAM FROM THE EXHAUST AT WHAT TIME IT WAS TAKEN IN FOR REPAIR WITH A SUSPECTED BLOWN HEAD GASKET. DISMANTLING THE ENGINE, THERE WAS WATER IN THE TOP END BUT THERE IS NO INDICATION OF HEAD GASKET FAILURE AND THE HEADS HAVE BEEN PRESSURE TESTED FOR LEAKS AND TURNED OUT OK. IT APPEARS THAT THE INTAKE OR INTAKE GASKET IS THE PROBLEM AND UPON ONLINE RESEARCH IT WAS DISCOVERED THAT FORD HAS HAD PRIOR COMPLAINTS OF INTAKE AND GASKET FAILURES. *TR

Mileage: 128,000

MY 1997 FORD F150 4X4 ON THE RIGHT CYLINDER HEAD THE REAR SPARK PLUG CAME OUT WHILE DRIVING LOSS OF POWER NOW I CAN NOT DRIVE IT MAKES WEIRD NOISES IS THERE A RECALL ON THIS SPARK PLUG NO LONGER FITS IN THE HEAD WAS THIS A BAD FLAW TO THE 4.6 DUEL OVERHEAD CAM ENGINE .DO I HAVE A CLAIM WITH FORD MOTOR COMPANY THANK YOU! *TR

TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 1997 FORD F-150. THE VEHICLE CAUGHT FIRE IN THE DRIVEWAY. THE DEALER ADVISED THE CONTACT TO BRING IN THE VEHICLE FOR REPAIR. THE DEALER CALLED BACK AND STATED THAT THE LEGAL DEPARTMENT DID NOT APPROVE THE REPAIR OF THE VEHICLE. THEY FURTHER STATED THAT THEY SENT THE CONTACT A RECALL NOTICE, BUT HE CLAIMED THAT IT WAS NOT RECEIVED. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THEY SENT THE NOTICE TO A DIFFERENT MAILING ADDRESS, WHICH IS WHY IT WAS NOT RECEIVED. THE NHTSA CAMPAIGN ID NUMBER WAS UNKNOWN. THE FAILURE AND CURRENT MILEAGES WERE 175,000.

Mileage: 175,000

DEFECTIVE ENGINE THAT CAUSES THE INTAKE MANIFOLD GASKET TO LEAK COOLANT INTO THE ENGINE OIL. I HAVE HAD THIS REPLACED TWICE AND AM NOW IN NEED OF IT AGAIN. *TR

Mileage: 86,500

VEHICLE RUNNING ROUGH AND SMOKING AT START UP. MECHANIC SAID #4 CYCLE GETTING COOLANT ON SPARK PLUGS FOWLING OUT PLUGS. MECHANIC REPAIRED HEADS AND REPLACED BLOWN HEAD GASKET/TUNED UP ENGINE/ REPLACED FUEL AND AIR FILTER/ SERVICED FUEL SYSTEM / RESURFACED HEADS. *TR

Mileage: 132,273

FRONT ENGINE COVER GASKET FAILURE. CURRENTLY BEING REPAIRED, AT AN ESTIMATED COST OF $1,400 DOLLARS. *TR

Mileage: 101,000

1997 FORD F-150, WIPERS QUIT WHILE USING THEM IN RAIN, HEAD GASKET LEAKS OIL ON EXHAUST WHICH INTERN SMOKES AND COULD POSSIBLY CAUSE FIRE. *TR

I PURCHASED A FORD FACTORY MOTOR 4.2V6 CRATE MOTOR FOR MY F150, BACK IN 2004. THE MOTOR HAS 10,000 MILES ON IT AND HAS BLOWN FOR THE 2ND TIME DURING THIS TRUCKS LIFETIME. I HAD IT SERVICED BECAUSE THE CHECK LIGHT CAME ON. FORD REPLACED THE SENSOR AND TOOK IT FOR A TEST DRIVE AND THE SERVICE TECHNICIAN CAME BACK WITH BLOWN MOTOR, AND WILL NOT FIX IT. THEIR ARE CURRENTLY HUNDREDS OF COMPLAINTS AGAINST THIS MOTOR AND NO ONE HAS HAD ANY LUCK WITH IT. I WOULD LIKE TO KNOW IF THEIR IS ANYONE THAT COULD HELP ME WITH THIS MATTER. *TR

Mileage: 102,974

I HAVE OWNED A 97 FORD F150 XCAB FOR >7 YRS. I KEPT UP ON ALL MAINT & OIL/FLUID CHANGES. I HAVE CARED FOR MY TRUCK AS I HAVE MY OWN KIDS! IT RAN WELL ON FRIDAY NIGHT (4/4/08) THEN ON SATURDAY MORNING HUSB TURNED THE KEY AND THE ENGINE STARTED TO BANG LOUDLY AND SPIT OUT WHITE SMOKE. THERE WERE NO PRIOR SYMPTOMS OR ENGINE WARNING LIGHTS LEADING UP TO THIS SO I CHECKED THE INTERNET TO LOOK INTO IT. I CAME TO FIND THERE ARE THOUSANDS OF PEOPLE THIS HAS HAPPENED TO AND THAT FORD KNEW ALL ABOUT IT! MY TRUCK HAS ONLY 116,000 ORIGINAL MILES IN 10 YEARS! NOT ABUSED. APPARENTLY, FORD ISSUED A RECALL ON A FAULTY GASKET THAT ALLOWED COOLANT TO LEAK INTO THE PLUGS/OIL BUT IT WAS NOT A RECALL I WAS OFFERED OR TOLD OF WHEN WE ASKED IF THERE WERE ANY RECALLS ON THE VEHICLE OVER THE YEARS! TODAY I FOUND 2 MORE RECALLS 4 IT ON THEIR SITE (NOT THE GASKET 1) THAT THEY DIDN'T TELL ME OF ON 4/7/08 WHEN ASKED 4 A VIN WHEN CALLING ABOUT THE PROBLEM. I ASKED 4 THE PRICE OF A REBUILT ENGINE AS THEY SAID THEY WOULDN'T FIX A ROD & QUOTED $5,500. WHEN I ASKED IF IT WAS FOR EVERYTHING, HE REPLIED "NO - PARTS CAN REALLY ADD UP, HONEY"! I TOOK GREAT CARE OF THIS TRUCK! I OPTED TO TOW IT TO ANOTHER ACCREDITED SHOP SINCE THEY WOULDN'T GIVE ME A TOTAL PRICE. NOT INCLUDING 2 TOWS & PAYING $150 TO DIAGNOSE I WAS QUOTED A MIN OF $7,300 TO FIX W/REBUILD +/- 12%. WHY SHOULD I HAVE TO PAY 4 SOMETHING THAT IS FORDS FAULT? THEY MADE A FAULTY ENGINE & LEFT THOUSANDS OF US TO PAY 4 IT! I CAN EITHER BUY A NEW CAR OR WALK NOW! IM HANDICAPPED W 2 DISABLE ADOPT FOSTER KIDS & HUSB WHO'S A POLICE OFFICER! 1 INCOME/ WE RENT, SO WONT QUAL 4 CASH LOAN! PLEASE SEE THIS: HTTP://FORUMS.TREEMEDIA.COM/FB/ARCHIVE/INDEX.PHP/T-224.HTML WHERE OTHER FORD 4.2 OWNERS NOTED SAME ISSUE & THEIR RESPONSES FM FORD. WE NEED HELP OR DIRECTION ON HOW TO START/JOIN A CLASS ACTION SUIT AGAINST THEM TO GET REPAIRS DONE OR $ TO PAY FOR IT! *TR

Mileage: 116,000

NOTICED LOW OIL PRESSURE NOTICE ANTI-FREEZE ALWAYS LOW WITH NO LEAK TO BE FOUND STARTED UP ONE MORNING LOUD CLICKING NOISE COULD BE HEARD. *TR

Mileage: 72,000

TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 1997 FORD F-150. THE CONTACT ATTEMPTED TO START THE VEHICLE, BUT WAS UNSUCCESSFUL. THE ENGINE TURNED OVER TWICE, BUT DID NOT START. THE CONTACT LOOKED UNDER THE VEHICLE AND FOUND A PIECE OF METAL ON THE GROUND ALONG WITH AN OIL LEAK. THE CONTACT SPOKE WITH A MECHANIC AND THEY STATED THAT THE MOTOR NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE CURRENT AND FAILURE MILEAGES WERE 95,843. UPDATED 04/29/08. *LJ THE CONSUMER STATED THE ENGINE WAS REPLACED DUE TO A FUALTY HEAD GASKET. UPDATED

Mileage: 95,843

ENGINE LOCKED UP FROM COOLANT FROM INTAKE GASKET LEAK AT 78813 MILES FORDFLEET.COM THERE WAS A RECALL FOR INTAKE GASKET BUT NEVER RECEIVED RECALL 1997 FORD F150 4.2L ENGINE. *TR

Mileage: 78,813

I HAVE A 97 F-150, V-6 4.2L ENGINE PICKUP. I HAVE ALWAYS A COOLANT LEAK COMING FROM SOMEWHERE, BUT LATELY IT HAS GOT WORSE. I'VE RESEARCHED THIS SUBJECT AND FOUND THAT THERE ARE ALOT OF FORD OWNERS WITH THIS SAME VEHICLE AND ENGINE WITH THE SAME ISSUE. LOSS OF COOLANT. INTAKE GASKETS, HEADGASKETS AND TIMING CHAIN COVER GASKETS. THIS IS NOT ONLY A CONSUMER ISSUE BUT A SAFETY ISSUE AND IT SEEMS FORD DOES NOT RECOGNIZE THE PROBLEM. I CONTACTED FORD AND IT WAS STATED THERE WAS NO RECALLS CONCERNING THIS ISSUE. YOU WOULD ASSUME THAT WITH A LARGE POPULATION OF FORD OWNERS HAVING THE SAME ISSUES SOMETHING WOULD BE DONE TO RECTIFY THE PROBLEM. INSTEAD ITS LEFT TO THE OWNER TO CONDUCT THE REPAIRS WITH A HEAVY FINANCIAL COSTS. IT CAN ONLY BE ASSUMED FORD IS FULLY AWARE OF THE PROBLEM THAT CONSUMERS ARE HAVING. WHY ISN'T ANYTHING BEING DONE? NOT ONLY DO I HAVE THE TIMING CASE LEAK, BUT NOW I HAVE TO WORRY ABOUT WHEN MY ENGINE WILL SEIZE DUE TO INTAKE OR HEADGASKET LEAKS. *TR

LOWER INTAKE MANIFOLD SIDE GASKET FAILURE. ALLOWS ANTI-FREEZE INTO NUMBER ONE CYLINDER. *TR

Mileage: 80,000

HYDROLOCK ON 1997 FORD F-150 V6 4.2 ENGINE. WAS NOT AWARE OF ANY PROBLEMS WITH THE ENGINE UNTIL THE ENGINE SEIZED AND WAS QUOTED $4500 FOR A NEW REBUILD ENGINE. I WAS CURIOUS OF WHY THE ENGINE WOULD SEIZE AND DID SOME INTERNET SEARCHES ONLY TO FIND IT IS A COMMON PROBLEM WITH ENGINE YEAR AND BUILD. WHY WAS I NEVER NOTIFIED OF THE POTENTIAL FOR THIS PROBLEM IF SO MANY OTHERS HAVE EXPERIENCED IT, AND WHAT TO WATCH OUT FOR IF SYMPTOMS OF THIS CONDITION ARE EVIDENT? *TR

Mileage: 76,200

I HAVE A 1997 FORD F150 WITH A 4.2 L ENGINE THAT JUST TURNED 100,000 MILES. I BOUGHT IT SECOND HAND FROM A FORD DEALERSHIP JUNE 1999 WITH ABOUT 45,000 MILES ON IT. THIS TRUCK WAS METICULOUSLY CARED FOR OVER THE YEARS. AFTER NOTICING THAT THE COOLANT LEVEL WAS DOWN AFTER A A RECENT REFILL I REFILLED IT AGAIN. I DIDN'T DRIVE THE VEHICLE FOR ABOUT TEN DAYS BUT WHEN I WENT TO START IT THE ENGINE MADE A CLUNK AND WOULDN'T CRANK. I SUSPECTED THE BATTERY AFTER A CHARGE YIELDED THE SAME RESULTS. THE BATTERY WAS REPLACED BUT STILL THE SAME RESULT AND ALSO AFTER REFINISHING LEAD TERMINALS AND STARTER REPLACEMENT. I CHECKED THE OIL FILLER CAP AND THERE WAS A THICK LIGHT BROWN SUBSTANCE I HAD NEVER SEEN BEFORE ON IT AND ALL THE WAY DOWN AROUND THE INSIDE WALL OF THE FILLER TUBE. I SUSPECTED A LEAK IN THE HEAD GASKET OR ELSEWHERE AND WENT TO THE INTERNET SITES FOR CLARIFICATION. AFTER SOME RESEARCH I REALIZED I WAS FAR FROM BEING THE ONLY ONE WITH THIS PROBLEM. AS I SUSPECTED THE COOLANT LEAKS VIA THE LOOSE SEAL OF THE HEAD GASKET INTO ONE OR MORE OF THE CYLINDERS. IT APPEARS THAT THIS WAS A KNOWN DEFECT AND RECALL THAT FORD NEVER CONVEYED TO ALL THE OWNERS OF THIS MODEL. *TR

Mileage: 100,478

ENGINE FAILURE. *TR

Mileage: 70,000

WATER DISCOVERED IN THE OIL OF 4.2L F-150 MOTOR. *TR

Mileage: 130,000

97 F150 4.2 V6. STARTED TO RUN ROUGH AT START UP BUT STOPPED AFTER WARM UP. COUPLE DAYS LATER , I STARTED TRUCK AND ROD BLEW. TOWED IN AND WAS TOLD I NEED ANOTHER MOTOR. HAD REMANUFACTURED MOTOR PUT IN $3500. *TR

Mileage: 35,644

97 F-150 4.2 INTAKE GASKET LEAKING RESULTING IN DAMAGED ENGINE. *TR

Mileage: 101,000

ON OR ABOUT DEC 2006, I BEGAN NOTICING THE ENGINE IN MY TRUCK BEHAVING STRANGELY. IT HAD AROUND 85,000 MILES AT THE TIME. I WASN'T ABLE TO HAVE THE TRUCK REPAIRED DUE TO FINANCIAL REASONS, AND I RARELY DRIVE IT ANYWAY, SO THE TRUCK SAT IN MY GARAGE UNTIL I WAS BRAVE ENOUGH TO FACE THE PROBLEM. I KNEW BY THE WAY IT WAS ACTING THAT IT WAS GOING TO COST ALOT. LAST FALL, AUG 2007, I TOOK THE TRUCK TO THE LOCAL FORD DEALER AND WAS TOLD THAT THE 4.2L ENGINE THAT HAD BEEN INSTALLED IN MY TRUCK WAS FAULTY BUT THERE WAS NOTHING I COULD DO BUT PAY TO REPLACE THE ENGINE. THE MECHANIC TOLD ME THAT THE ENGINE WAS BLOWN AND NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. *TR

Mileage: 85,000

MY 1997 FORD F-150 4.2 L 6 CYLINDER ENGINE HAS BEEN CONSUMING ANTIFREEZE AT A LOW BUT STEADY RATE FOR A COUPLE YEARS....I DID NOT KNOW WHY. NOW I DO THE GASKET HAS A LEAK INTO A CYLINDER AND THE TRUCK HAS A MAJOR ENGINE PROBLEM, THAT WILL REQUIRE OVERHAUL OR REPLACEMENT. FOR SOME TIME I HAVE HAD VERY HARD STARTS WHERE THE ENGINE WILL NOT ROLL OVER WITHOUT DIFFICULTY THIS IS AN ONGOING PROBLEM AMONG OTHERS WITH THIS ENGINE. *TR

Mileage: 60,500

1997 F-150 XL SB (TRUCK) TWO DAYS AGO, I STARTED THE TRUCK AND NOTICED THAT A LARGE AMOUNT OF WHITE SMOKE COMING FROM THE EXHAUST AND THERE WAS A BANGING ON THE ENGINE. I CHECKED THE FLUID LEVELS..ALL WERE WITHIN THE CORRECT LEVELS..TOOK IT TO A REPUTABLE MECHANICS..TOLD ME THAT FORD SHOULD HAVE RECALLED ALL OF THESE TRUCKS...HE SAID THAT THE FRONT COVER GASKET HAD BEEN COMPROMISED AND THAT THERE WAS COOLANT LEAKING INTO THE ENGINE..I FOUND A WEBSITE WHERE THERE WERE 100'S OF INDIVIDUALS WHO WERE HAVING THE SAME PROBLEM WITH THIS V-6 ENGINE (4.2 L). I AM APPALLED THAT FORD WOULD ALLOW THIS TO HAPPEN...OH, YES.... I NEVER RECEIVED A TSB REGARDING THIS MATTER..I BOUGHT THIS VEHICLE BRAND NEW IN 1997 AND I HAVE ONLY 38,891 MILES ON THIS ENGINE....I AM LIVID THAT I HAVE BEEN ROYALLY SCREWED!!!!!!!!!!!!! *TR

Mileage: 38,891

COOLANT LEAKING INTO CYLINDERS CAUSING ENGINE TO LOCK UP AT STARTUP. *TR

Mileage: 116,000

TRUCK RUNNING GREAT,TURNED ON NEXT DAY LOUD RATTLING WATER OUT THE EXHAUST OIL PRESSURE GONE, INTAKE MANIFOLD LEAK, POSSIBLE BENT ROD AND MOTOR NEEDS TO BE REPLACED. 4.2L MOTOR HAS A KNOW DEFECT THAT FORD DID NOT LET THE PUBLIC KNOW. *TR

Mileage: 123,000

CHECK ENGINE LIGHT CAME ON AND WHEN MECHANIC SERVICE VEHICLE HE INFORMED ME THAT COOLANT HAS LEAKED INTO THE NUMBER FOUR CYLINDER AND THAT THIS ENGINE HAS A HISTORY OF HEAD GASKET FAILURES. HE CAN REPLACE GASKET BUT BELIEVES THAT THIS WOULD ONLY BE A TEMPORARY FIX. HE WOULD BE WILLING TO REPLACE GASKET FOR $1600 BUT HE CAN NOT GUARANTEE RESULTS, A REPLACEMENT ENGINE WOULD COST APPROX. $4800. AFTER RESEARCHING THIS ISSUE ON THE WEB IT HAS BECOME APPARENT TO ME THAT FORD HAS LONG KNOWN OF THIS PROBLEM BUT HAS FAILED TO TAKE ANY ACTION TO REMEDY THIS SITUATION. *JB

Mileage: 93,000

MY F150 XLT 4.2L ENGINE HAD BEEN OPERATING NORMALLY PRIOR TO 9/21/07. THE TRUCK WAS SITTING AT HOME AND HAD NOT BEEN DRIVEN FOR APPROXIMATELY ONE WEEK WHEN I WENT TO DRIVE IT. AS I CRANKED IT, THE ENGINE SUDDENLY BEGAN MAKING A VERY LOUD CLATTERING NOISE. I IMMEDIATELY SHUT OFF THE ENGINE AND OPENED THE HOOD TO SEE IF SOMETHING WAS HITTING THE FAN BLADE OR SOME SIMILAR EVENT. AFTER INSPECTING THE ENGINE COMPARTMENT AND DISCOVERING NOTHING UNUSUAL VISUALLY, I AGAIN STARTED THE ENGINE AND AGAIN THE SAME HORRIBLY LOUD NOISE CONTINUED. I WAS TOLD BY AN AUTO MECHANIC WHO LIVES NEARBY THAT THE NOISE SOUNDED LIKE A ROD "KNOCK" CAUSED BY CATASTROPHIC ENGINE FAILURE. AFTER LEARNING OF THE 99B29 RECALL ON THIS 4.2 ENGINE FOR FRONT GASKET DEFECTS THAT CAUSE COMPLETE ENGINE FAILURE IF NOT STOOPED IN TIME, I CONTACTED THE ORIGINAL OWNER AND LEARNED THAT HE HAD NEVER BEEN NOTIFIED OF ANY SUCH RECALL, AND HE SPECIFICALLY STATED THAT ANYTIME HE WAS NOTIFIED OF A PROBLEM HE ALWAYS TOOK THE VEHICLE TO THE DEALER AS INSTRUCTED. IN FACT, HIS FATHER WORKED AT A FORD DEALERSHIP AND HIS FATHER SOLD HIM THE TRUCK AND HE STILL HAD NO KNOWLEDGE OF ANY SUCH RECALL. I HAD RECENTLY ADDED ENGINE COOLANT TO THE RESERVOIR BEFORE THE ENGINE FAILURE BECAUSE IT WAS VERY LOW, BUT I DISCOVERED NO LEAKS ANYWHERE NOR ANYTHING ELSE UNUSUAL SO THERE WAS NOTHING APPEARING OUT OF THE ORDINARY. THE ENGINE IS NOW RUINED DUE TO THE FAULTY GASKET BECAUSE THE VEHICLE OWNER WAS NEVER NOTIFIED OF THE DEFECTIVE CONDITION. IN FACT, THE ORIGINAL OWNER TOOK THE VEHICLE TO A FORD DEALERSHIP MORE THAT ONE YEAR AGO ON MAY 18, 2006 FOR AN ELECTRICAL RECALL (05S28, CRUISE CONTROL) AND THEY SHOULD HAVE AND COULD HAVE ALSO FIXED THE DEFECTIVE GASKET AT THAT TIME, WHICH WOULD HAVE PREVENTED MY TOTAL ENGINE FAILURE FROM EVER HAPPENING... BUT THEY DIDN'T. FORD'S FAILURE TO FIX ALL RECALLED DEFECTS ON 5/18/06 WAS INEXCUSABLE. FORD OWES ME A NEW ENGINE! *JB

Mileage: 125,277

1997 F150 4.2L ENGINE FAILURE. *JB. UPDATED 01/11/08. *LJ THE ENGINE MAIN BEARINGS, LOWER ENGINE GASKET AND TIMING BELT GASKET COVER WERE REPLACED. UPDATED *JB

Mileage: 80,000

1997 FORD F150 4.2L ENGINE - THROWN ROD/ CRUISE CONTROL FIRE POSSIBILITES. *TR

Mileage: 124,648

'97 F150 4.2 V8 COOLANT LEAK, ENGINE BLOWN @ 140,000 AFTER SEVERAL HEAD GASKET REPAIRS. *JB

Mileage: 143,000

I HAD MY SPARK PLUGS REPLACED TWICE AT $541 DOLLARS AT A FORD DEALERSHIP BECAUSE THEY WERE "CORRODED". UPON TAKING IT SOME PLACE ELSE GOODYEAR TO BE SPECIFIC THEY PULLED UP A FACTORY RECALL ON FORD F150 FROM 97 BECAUSE A GASKET LEAKS COOLANT ONTO THE SPARK PLUGS CAUSING CORROSION. EMPIRE FORD NEVER EVEN GAVE ME A REASON FOR THIS, JUST KEPT CASHING THE CHECKS, NOW THEY ARE SAYING MY VIN NUMBER WAS NEVER INCLUDED, BUT I HAVE THE SAME PROBLEM AS THOSE RECALLED, COINCIDENCE, IMPOSSIBLE. *JB

AT 1:50A.M. ON 8/1/2007 OUR 1997 FORD F150, WHICH WAS UNDER RECALL, BURNED IN OUR DRIVEWAY. DAMAGE WAS ALSO DONE TO 2 OTHER VEHICLES, OUR HOME, DRIVEWAY, AND BASKETBALL GOAL. *TR

TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 1997 FORD F-150. THE CONTACT STATED THAT A ROD PUNCTURED THE OIL PAN AND RUINED THE ENGINE. THE VEHICLE IS UNABLE TO BE DRIVEN AND HAS NOT BEEN TO THE DEALER. HE HAS DISCOVERED SEVERAL OTHER PEOPLE WHO HAVE EXPERIENCED THE SAME FAILURE. THE VIN, SPEED, AND MILEAGE INFORMATION WERE UNAVAILABLE.

PURCHASED A 1997 FORD F-150 IN EARLY SPRING OF 2006. VEHICLE HAD LESS THAN OR CLOSE TO 100,000 MILES. DROVE THE VEHICLE BETWEEN 1,000 AND 2,000 MILES OVER THE NEXT YEAR. IN LATE MARCH OR EARLY APRIL OF THIS YEAR THE VEHICLE'S ENGINE, A 4.2 L 6 CYLINDER MOTOR SELF DESTRUCTS. ON THE MORNING IN QUESTION, I WENT OUT AND ATTEMPTED TO START THE VEHICLE. THE MOTOR TURNED OVER VERY SLUGGISHLY AS IF THE BATTERY WAS LOW. WHEN THE MOTOR STARTED, IT MADE A TERRIBLE RACKET AND BLEW A CHUNK OF THE ENGINE BLOCK OUT APPROXIMATELY THE SIZE OF MY THUMB. AFTER THIS HAPPENED, I RESEARCHED THE PROBLEM ON THE INTERNET ONLY TO FIND THAT 1997 4.2 L FORD MOTORS HAVE A DEFECTIVE GASKET WHICH ALLOWS WATER TO FLOW INTO THE CYLINDERS. THE GASKET HAD FAILED AND ALLOWED WATER TO LEAK INTO THE CYLINDER(S) OVERNIGHT CAUSING THE VEHICLE TO HYDROLOCK AND "BLOW UP". FORD HAS BEEN AWARE OF THIS PROBLEM FOR MANY YEARS, AND EVEN SENT OUT NUMEROUS TECHNICAL SERVICE BULLETINS REGARDING THE PROBLEM. I HAVE EVEN FOUND EVIDENCE THAT THEY MAY SENT OUT A FEW RECALL NOTICES, BUT NOT TO EVERY OWNER. HUNDREDS OF '97 F-150 OWNERS HAVE HAD THIS SAME PROBLEM, AND THEY, LIKE ME, CANNOT AFFORD TO PAY THE APPROXIMATELY $5,000 TO REPAIR THEIR MISTAKE. I CURRENTLY OWE ABOUT $5,000 ON THIS VEHICLE, WHICH AT THIS TIME IS ONLY AN EXPENSIVE LAWN ORNAMENT. FORTUNATELY, THERE WAS NOT FIRE OR INJURIES WHEN THIS OCCURRED, BUT THEY COULD HAVE. I'M CERTAIN THAT FORD NEVER REPLACED THE GASKET ON THIS VEHICLE, AS THE ONLY RECALL "STICKER" IS ONE FOR THE ENGINE COMPUTER. AS FOR BEING TOO OLD TO BE RECALLED, SEVERAL MONTHS AFTER I PURCHASED THE VEHICLE, I RECEIVED A RECALL NOTICE FOR A WIRING PROBLEM ON IT. CERTAINLY FORD SHOULD ISSUE A RECALL, OR AT LEAST PAY TO HAVE THE PROBLEM FIXED. THE INCIDENT DATE IS ONLY APPROXIMATE, AS I CANNOT RECALL THE EXACT DAY THAT IT HAPPENED. *TR

Mileage: 101,000

TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 1997 FORD F-150. THE CONTACT NOTICED FLAMES COMING FROM UNDER THE HOOD WHILE THE VEHICLE WAS PARKED. THE DEALER HAS NOT INSPECTED THE VEHICLE TO DETERMINE THE CAUSE THE VEHICLE WAS DEEMED TOTALED. UPDATED 09/05/07. *JB

Mileage: 170,000

I OWN A 1997 F-150 FORD PICKUP WITH THE TRITON V8 4.6L ENGINE. AFTER HAVING 10,5000 MILE SCHEDULE SERVICE TO REPLACE SPARK PLUGS AND TUNE UP THE NUMBER 4 CYLINDER PLUG BEGAN TO POP-OUT" OF THE BLOCK. SO FAR NO DAMAGE TO THE VEHICLE, BUT IT WAS NOT FIXED YET. I KNEW THIS WAS A"COMMON PROBLEM THAT WAS INVESTIGATED BEFORE, BUT I WANTED TO DOCUMENT THAT THE PROBLEM CONTINUED, AND FORD NEEDED TO ACKNOWLEDGE THE DEFECT. I WAS TOLD BY MY FORD DEALERSHIP THAT IF I DROVE WITH NUMBER 4 CYLINDER MISFIRING FOR AN EXTENDED PERIOD IT MAY CAUSE HYDRO LOCK OR FIRE DAMAGE TO THE ENGINE. THAT WAS PRETTY SERIOUS AND SOUNDED LIKE AN ADMISSION FROM FORDS DEALERS THAT THERE WAS A SERIOUS PROBLEM. THE DEALER HAS BEEN VERY HELPFUL, AND WAS WORKING TO FIX THE PROBLEM SO I HAVE NO COMPLAINT AGAINST THE DEALER. HOWEVER, JUST BECAUSE THERE HASN'T BEEN A FATALITY WITH THIS DEFECT DID NOT MEAN THERE SHOULDN'T BE AN ADMISSION BY FORD OF THE DESIGN DEFECT, AND A RECALL TO FIX THE PROBLEM WITHOUT CHARGE TO THE CUSTOMER. *AK

Mileage: 110,050

I WENT OUTSIDE ONE EARLY MORNING TO START UP MY VEHICLE WHEN I HEARD A LOUD POP THAT ORIGINATED FROM THE ENGINE OF MY 1997 FORD F-150 XLT. I TOOK A LOOK AT THE ENGINE; HOWEVER I AM NO MECHANIC. I ATTEMPTED TO START THE ENGINE AGAIN, BUT THE ENGINE WOULD NOT TURN. I LATER FOUND OUT THAT THE ENGINE WAS LOCKED BECAUSE OF THE COOLANT LEAKING FROM A GASKET INTO THE CYLINDER CAUSING ONE OF THE RODS TO BEND. MY MECHANIC INFORMED ME THAT THE LIQUID WAS NOT ALLOWING THE ROD TO FULLY COMPRESS BECAUSE OF THE PRESSURE CAUSED BY THE LIQUID. NEEDLESS TO SAY, HE TOLD ME THAT THE FORD PICK UPS' ENGINES HAVE THAT PROBLEM AND I WOULD JUST BE WASTING MY MONEY REPAIRING THE ORIGINAL ENGINE. HE ADVISED ME TO SEARCH FOR A REBUILT ENGINE THAT HAD A WARRANTY ON IT. DUE TO THE EXPENSE, MY PICK UP IS SITTING THERE WITH A DEFECTIVE ENGINE. THIS IS THE SECOND FORD I HAD PURCHASED BECAUSE I WAS SO PLEASED WITH THE FIRST FORD VEHICLE. HOWEVER AFTER THIS DISAPPOINTMENT, I PURCHASED A NISSAN INSTEAD. I MAKE SURE THAT I TELL ALL MY FRIENDS AND RELATIVES OF THIS EXPERIENCE WITH FORD AND THE UNSATISFACTORY PRODUCT THEY HAVE PUT OUT. NO WONDER THE TOYOTA TUNDRA AND NISSAN TITAN ARE LEAVING FORD BEHIND! "BUILT FORD TOUGH, RIGHT.... *TR

Mileage: 136,000

TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 1997 FORD F-150. WHILE DRIVING 60 MPH, THE CONTACT HEARD A LOUD POPPING NOISE COMING FROM THE VEHICLE'S HOOD. HE WAS ABLE TO DRIVE THE VEHICLE HOME, BUT WAS UNABLE TO RESTART THE VEHICLE ONCE HE SHUT IT OFF. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO A MECHANIC WHO STATED THAT COOLANT WAS FOUND IN THE CYLINDERS DUE TO A CRACKED HEAD GASKET OR A CRACK IN THE CYLINDER. THE MECHANIC INSTALLED A REMANUFACTURED ENGINE AND THERE HAVE NOT BEEN ANY MORE FAILURES. THE CURRENT MILEAGE IS 99,600 AND FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 98,780.

Mileage: 98,780

ENGINE THREW ROD, JUST LIKE THE FEW THOUSAND OTHER COMPLAINTS I HAVE SEEN ON THE INTERNET. TREATED THIS TRUCK LIKE A BABY, HEARD FROM A FORD MASTER MECHANIC THAT THEY KNEW ABOUT THIS PROBLEM ALREADY ,AND HE ACTUALLY LAUGHED AS HE TOLD ME I WAS SCREWED. HAPPENED ONE MORNING WHEN TO START IT AND BAM BLEW ROD. WAS FULL OF OIL, FULL COOLANT, WET SPARK PLUG AMAZING I COME FROM A 4 GENERATION FORD FAMILY AND BECAUSE OF THIS I WILL NEVER BUY A FORD AGAIN. *AK

Mileage: 125,000

TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 1997 FORD F-150. WHILE DRIVING 45 MPH, THE CONTACT HEARD A KNOCKING NOISE COMING FROM THE ENGINE. THE VEHICLE WAS BROUGHT TO THE DEALER AND THE ENGINE WAS REPLACED. AS A RESULT, THE ENGINE BEGAN TO OVERHEAT AND A SIGNIFICANT LOST OF COOLANT RESULTED DUE TO A RESERVOIR FAILURE. AT 80,000 MILES, THE CONTACT BEGAN TO EXPERIENCE OIL PRESSURE FAILURE, WHICH THE DEALER STATED WAS CAUSED BY A BENT PISTON ROD ON THE CRANK CASE. THE MANUFACTURER WOULD NOT ASSIST THE CONTACT BECAUSE THE VIN EXCLUDED THE VEHICLE FROM THE RECALL. FORD CLAIMED TO HAVE ONLY ISSUED A PARTIAL LEVEL B RECALL. THE FAILURE ORIGINATED 6 WEEKS AGO, BUT HAS BEEN ONGOING SINCE JUNE OF 2006. THE TECHNICIAN SUGGESTING WAITING UNTIL THE ENGINE FAILS TO HAVE IT REPLACED AGAIN. THE CURRENT MILEAGE IS 850 AND FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 108,000.

Mileage: 108,000

I JUST GOT MY 1997 FORD F150 XLT WITH THE 4.2L ENGINE BACK YESTERDAY, AFTER PAYING $1430 FOR ENGINE REPAIRS. THIS TRUCK ONLY HAS 47,700 MILES ON IT. I WENT OUT TO THE TRUCK ONE DAY AND TURNED THE KEY, AND - NOTHING. TURNS OUT TO BE HYDRO LOCK BUT I DIDN'T KNOW IT AT THE TIME. I FINALLY GOT IT STARTED, & GOT IT INTO THE DEALER, AND THE TECHNICIAN THOUGHT IT NEEDED TO BE TUNED UP, PLUS I WAS HAVING THE HEAT FADE AT STOPS SO HE FLUSHED & REFILLED THE COOLANT. I MENTIONED THAT I WAS HAVING TO TOP OFF THE COOLANT ABOUT ONCE A MONTH, BUT I DIDN'T KNOW WHERE THE COOLANT WAS GOING, AND IT WASN'T SHOWING UP IN THE OIL. I GOT IT BACK, AND IT WAS STILL RUNNING REALLY BAD, SO I DROPPED IT OFF AGAIN 2 DAYS LATER. THIS TIME HE THOUGHT IT WAS THE COIL PACK. THEY HAD IT AGAIN FOR ANOTHER DAY, REPLACED THE COIL PACK AND A SENSOR. I GO OUT TO THE LOT AND START IT, AND IT WAS STILL RUNNING REALLY BAD. SO, I GO BACK IN & GET THE TECHNICIAN, AND HE CAME OUT TO CHECK IT HIMSELF, AND HE WAS AMAZED AT HOW BAD IT WAS RUNNING. WE TOOK IT FOR A RIDE, AND IT SMOOTHED OUT A LITTLE, BUT IT WAS STILL NOT RIGHT. I TOLD HIM I WOULD LET HIM CONSULT HIS BOSS, AND CALL THEM BACK ON MONDAY. MONDAY COMES, AND I GO TO START IT TO GO TO WORK, AND - HYDRO LOCK AGAIN. SO, I TAKE MY WIFE'S CAR TO WORK, AND CALLED THEM FROM THERE, AND TOLD THEM WHAT IT WAS DOING. THEY WERE THERE WITHIN A HALF HOUR TO GET IT. THIS TIME I GET A CALL FROM THE SERVICE MANAGER, AND HE TOLD ME THAT HE PUT HIS BEST TECHNICIAN ON IT, AND WOULD CALL. WHEN HE CALLED, HE TOLD ME THAT THE HEAD GASKETS WERE LEAKING, AND LETTING COOLANT INTO THE CYLINDERS. I SAID TO GO AHEAD & FIX IT. THEN THEY CALLED ME BACK THE NEXT DAY AND TOLD ME THAT THEY FOUND THAT THE LOWER INTAKE MANIFOLD WAS CRACKED, AND LETTING COOLANT POUR INTO THE CYLINDERS. I ASKED ABOUT GETTING A USED INTAKE MANIFOLD, AND HE SAID THEY WOULD LOOK FOR ONE, AND THEY DID FIND ONE. PLUS, THEY PUT IN A NEW THERMOSTAT. *JB

Mileage: 47,000

1997 FORD F150 4.2 V6 OIL PRESSURE FALLS TO ZERO AFTER WARM UP... WITH WARNING. I WAS DECEPTIVELY SOLD THIS PROBLEM WITHOUT WARRANTEE JUST LAST MONTH. MY TRUCK HAS ONLY 66K MILES AND NOW I DISCOVER A BIG ONGOING PROBLEM... JUST BY PLACING THIS TOP LINE IN ANY SEACH ENGINE YOU'LL REACH... HTTP://FORUMS.TREEMEDIA.COM/FB/SHOWTHREAD.PHP?T=224 THAT IS 400 HITS OF THE SAME PROBLEM WHICH LEADS TO ENGINE FAILURE. EVEN IF ITS REPAIRED PRIOR TO FAILURE.

Mileage: 66,988

HYDRO LOCK 1997 FORD 4.2 V6 44,000 MILES. *NM

Mileage: 44,000

1. FAILURE OF FORD MOTOR COMPANY AND DEALER WHERE VEHICLE WAS PURCHASED NEW, FAMILY FORD SALES INC., FLORENCE, AL TO NOTIFY CUSTOMER OF DEFECT WITH 1997 4.2 L V6 ENGINE AS PUBLISHED IN FORD SERVICE PROGRAM, NUMBER 99B29 WHICH COULD LEAD TO ENGINE FAILURE THROUGH ENGINE FRONT COVER GASKET FAILING AND POLLUTING THE OIL WITH COOLANT, RESULTING IN DESTROYED ENGINE. FURTHER FAMILY FORD SALES INC. DIAGNOSED THIS PROBLEM ON THIS VEHICLE 11/20/02 AND REPAIRED IT FOR $432.08 COST TO OWNER. NO MENTION OF THE FORD NO-CHARGE SERVICE PROGRAM OR POSSIBLE ENGINE DAMAGE WAS GIVEN AT THIS TIME. 2. FAILURE OF 1997 FORD F150 ENGINE WITH 87,522 MILES DUE TO A KNOWN FAILURE TO FORD MOTOR OF FAULTY GASKETS (LOWER INTAKE MANIFOLD (FORD TSB 99-20-7) AND ENGINE FRONT COVER GASKET FAILING AND POLLUTING THE OIL WITH COOLANT (FORD SERVICE PROGRAM, NUMBER 99B29) NEITHER OF WHICH WERE COMMUNICATED TO THE ORIGINAL OWNER OF THE VEHICLE. THIS ACTION CAUSED $3,061.20 OF DAMAGE DUE TO REPLACEMENT OF ENGINE LONG BLOCK 1/26/2007 THE BABBITT WAS REMOVED FROM ENGINE BEARINGS, RESULTING IN LOW OIL PRESSURE AND ENGINE OIL LIGHT COMING ON WHICH WAS DIAGNOSED BY FAMILY FORD ON 1/5/2007 (COST $73.50). AGAIN FORD SERVICING DEALER/OEM SELLING DEALER DID NOT INFORM CUSTOMER OF ANY ISSUES WITH THIS ENGINE OR EARLIER NO-CHARGE SERVICE PROGRAM. FAILURE TO NOTIFY OR FRAUDULENT ACTIONS BY THE DEALER AND FORD MOTOR COMPANY HAVE COST ME OVER $3,500 AND THE LOST TIME ASSOCIATED WITH THIS FAULTY PRODUCT. VEHICLE VIN IS [XXX]. DOCUMENTATION TO PROVE ALL CLAIMS ARE AVAILABLE FOR SUBMITTAL. *NM UPDATED 07/11/2012 *JS INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)

Mileage: 87,559

1997 FORD 150, 144,000 MILES. ENGINE KNOCKS AND IS LOOSING COOLANT. AFTER DOING RESEARCH JUST FOUND OUT THIS WAS A COMMON PROBLEM WITH THE 4.2L V6 ENGINE. I NEVER RECEIVED A RECALL FROM FORD STATING A PROBLEM WITH THE MANIFOLD GASKET. I AM THE ORIGINAL OWNER. *NM

Mileage: 144,000

COMPLAINT: FORD MOTOR COMPANY, POOR DESIGN OF LOWER INTAKE PLENUM/MANIFOLD GASKET IN THE ESSEX 4.2L V-6. 1: EVENTS LEADING UP TO THIS FAILURE ORIGINALLY THERE WERE NO OBVIOUS SIGNS OF IMPENDING FAILURE. THE INDICATIONS OF FAILURE ARE LOSS OF ENGINE COOLANT WITH NO VISIBLE EXTERNAL LEAK, AND COOLANT IN THE COMBUSTION CHAMBER. 2: FAILURE AND IT'S CONSEQUENCES THIS DEFECT ALLOWS COOLANT LEAKAGE INTO THE COMBUSTION CHAMBER, CAUSING A HYDRAULIC LOCKING CONDITION WHICH WILL BREAK/BEND ONE OR MORE CONNECTING RODS. THIS RENDERS THE ENGINE UNUSABLE, AND IT MUST BE PULLED, REPAIRED IF POSSIBLE (SOME ARE NOT), AND RE-INSTALLED. 3: FAILURE CORRECTION. IN MOST CASES THE ENGINE CAN BE REPAIRED BY REPLACING A CONNECTING ROD, PISTON, AND CRANKSHAFT, AND ALL THE OTHER ASSOCIATED PARTS THAT ARE INVOLVED WITH THIS LEVEL OF DISASSEMBLY. IN SOME CASES THE CONNECTING ROD WILL BREAK AND DAMAGE THE BLOCK BEYOND REPAIR. THIS HAPPENED IN MY CASE. THE REPLACEMENT ENGINE WAS OVER $2000, NOT TO MENTION THE LABOR INVOLVED IN IT'S REPLACEMENT. FORD MOTOR COMPANY IS AWARE OF THIS DESIGN FLAW, AND HAS ISSUED A TECHNICAL SERVICE BULLETIN REGARDING IT. HOWEVER, TO THIS DAY THEY WILL STILL NOT OFFER ANY AID, IN ANY FORM, FOR DAMAGES INCURRED DUE TO THIS DESIGN FLAW. *NM

Mileage: 110,000

THIS WEEK THE ENGINE IN MY 1997 F-150 BLEW. THE PLUGS WERE WET. COOLANT LEAKED. I WENT ON THE INTERNET TO SEE ABOUT PURCHASING AN ENGINE AND I FOUND A WEBSITE CALLED FIGHT BACK WITH DAVID HORIWITZ. THERE ARE 27 PAGES OF COMPLAINTS THAT ARE EXACTLY THE SAME AS MINE. HTTP:WWW.FORUMS.TREEMEDIA.COM/FB/SHOWTHREAD.PHPT=224 YOU NEED TO SEE FOR YOURSELF. IT IS UNBELIEVABLE. *JB

Mileage: 100,000

LOW ON COOLANT- OIL PRESSURE STARTED TO DROP, COOLANT IN OIL. AFTER READING CONSIDERABLY ABOUT THIS ON INTERNET FOUND OUT ABOUT TSP #99B29 AND THE RESULTING ONP DO NOT BELIEVE THIS WAS EVER FIXED I AM SECOND OWNER AND THE ONP EXPIRED IN 2001. FORD SHOULD HAVE TO CORRECT THIS PROBLEM LEAKING GASKET. MANY MANY COMPLAINTS ON WEBSITES REGARDING THIS. I HAVE SMALL CHILDREN AND CANNOT AFFORD A $4000 MOTOR BECAUSE FORD DID NOT GET IT RIGHT AND WILL NOT FIX THE PROBLEM WITH A RECALL. SOMEONE NEEDS TO MAKE FORD RESPONSIBLE FOR THEIR ERRORS. *NM

Mileage: 98,000

MY 1997 FORD F-150 4.2 L 6 CYLINDER MYSTERIOUSLY THROUGH A ROD AT 80K MILES RESULTING IN THE REPLACEMENT OF THE ENTIRE ENGINE. FROM WHAT I HAVE READ THIS HAS BEEN A COMMON PROBLEM PLAGUING MANY FORD CUSTOMERS, YET FORD HAS PROVIDED NO RELIEF. AN EXPENSIVE $4000 REPAIR! *JB

Mileage: 80,000

I OWN A 1997 FORD F150 4.2L. MY TRUCK HAS BEEN LOSING COOLANT FOR A WHILE! I HAVE REPLACED THE WATER PUMP, REPLACED HOSES, REPLACED THERMOSTATS,ETC. MY TRUCK IS NOW HAVING A TICKING SOUND WHEN I START IT IN COLD WEATHER. I HAVE COME TO FIND THAT FORD MOTOR COMPANY HAD PREVIOUSLY ISSUED A RECALL ON THIS TRUCKS ENGINE FOR A FAULTY INTAKE MANIFOLD GASKET. I WAS NEVER INFORMED OF THIS RECALL!!! I WAS INFORMED OF OTHER RECALLS LIKE LUG NUT FAILURE, CRUISE CONTROL CABLES,ETC, BUT NEVER ABOUT THE MOST EXPENSIVE, MOST VITAL PART OF THE TRUCK THE ENGINE. THE INFORMATION OF THE RECALL WAS DISCOVER AS I WAS ON THE WEB TRYING TO FIND OUT HOW TO FIX THE KNOCKING SOUND. THE WEB SITE HAD OVER 350 MESSAGES OF PEOPLE WITH THE SAME PROBLEM!!! PLEASE HELP!! *JB

Mileage: 120,000

COOLANT RUNNING LOW,STARTED MY TRUCK AND IT STARTED KNOCKING VERY LOUD,AND THE ENGINE LOCKED UP ALMOST INSTANTLY,HAD TO HAVE ENGINE REBUILT AND NOW IT IS KNOCKING AGAIN. *NM

Mileage: 96,380

ON OCCASION, TRUCK WOULD HESITATE, TAKING A BIT OF TLC ON THE GAS PEDAL TO CLEAR IT UP. ONE OCCASION, IN TRAFFIC, ATTEMPTING TO AVOID A NEAR MISS, I ACCELERATED THROUGH THIS. WHITE SMOKE BEGAN POURING OUT THE TAIL PIPE. HEAD GASKET FAILURE. LIMPED HOME. ENGINE HYDRO-LOCKED. DIAGNOSIS = REPLACE HEAD GASKETS ($2,100) IN THIS SAME 'WEAK' 4.2 V-6 OR REPLACE MOTOR ($2,500) WITH NEWER 4.2 V-6. REPLACEMENT WILL BE DONE TOMORROW. FORD FAULTY ENGINE / GASKETS - NOT MY FAULT. MY PROBLEM THOUGH. *JB

Mileage: 178,000

F150 FORD RIGHT SIDE UPPER HEAD GASKET FAILURE. *NM

Mileage: 104,000

MY 1997 FORD F150, 4.2L V6, HAS BEEN LOSING COOLANT SINCE ABOUT 2004. MY SON HAD A DIFFICULT TIME STARTING THE VEHICLE ONE AFTERNOON. FINALLY I GOT IT STARTED AND DROVE 5 MILES HOME. THE NEXT AFTERNOON THE CAR STARTED QUICKLY BUT IMMEDIATELY STARTED BANGING AWAY. MY MECHANIC SAYS THE ENGINE IS DEAD - BAD ROD. NOW I FIND OUT FROM THE INTERNET THAT THIS IS A KNOWN ISSUE WITH THIS ENGINE BUT FORD REFUSES TO ACKNOWLEDGE IT. TRADE IN VALUE ON THE CAR IS ZERO BECAUSE ALL THE 2ND TIER DEALERS KNOW ABOUT THE ENGINE PROBLEM. I'M OUT THE COST OF A NEW ENGINE (SEEMS ONLY FAIR AFTER MY 96 WINDSTAR NEEDS NEW HEAD GASKETS BECAUSE THEY WEAR OUT AT 30K MILES) APPARENTLY IF YOU KNOW A FORD MECHANIC, HE WILL TELL YOU THE MOTOR HAS BEEN BAD SINCE THE DAY IT WAS FIRST MANUFACTURED. THIS MOTOR SHOULD NOT HAVE FAILED AND HAD IT NOT BEEN FOR THE FAULTY GASKET LEAKING COOLANT INTO THE MOTOR IT WOULDN'T HAVE. FROM READING WEB SITES I HAVE FOUND THAT FORD ISSUED A RECALL ON THE GASKET AND THEN PULLED IT. I NEVER RECEIVED A BULLETIN ON THE FAULTY GASKET. DON'T EXPECT TO OWN ANOTHER FORD, BUT SOME FINANCIAL HELP WOULD SURE SOOTHE MY FRUSTRATION IF SOMEONE WANTS THE PARTS TO USE TO ACQUIRE COMPENSATION FROM FORD I CAN KEEP THE DEAD ENGINE FOR A COUPLE OF WEEKS. *JB

Mileage: 70,000

HYDRO-LOCK ON 1997 FORD F-150 WITH 4.2L V6 CAUSED BENT ROD. ENGINE HAD TO BE REPLACED. THE FORD ON-99B29 WAS EXERCISED IN 2000 WHICH WAS SUPPOSE TO PREVENT THIS TYPE OF FAILURE. *NM

Mileage: 81,200

1997 FORD F-150 4.2L V6. ENGINE FAILURE. BROKEN ROD FOLLOWING HYDRO LOCK. PROBLEM PRECEDED WITH COOLANT LEAK AND REPLACEMENT OF TIMING CHAIN COVER GASKET. *JB

Mileage: 85,700

I HAVE A 1997 FORD F150 PICKUP. IT HAS THE 4.2L V6. I HAD 84,000 MILES ON THE VEHICLE AND HAD TO REPLACE THE MOTOR DUE TO A BENT ROD. THE ROD DAMAGE WAS CAUSED BY A LEAKING GASKET THAT ALLOWED COOLANT INTO THE CYCLINDER. WHEN THE TRUCK WAS ATTEMPTED TO BE STARTED THE FLUID (DOES NOT COMPRESS) PREVENTED THE PISTON FROM FULL TRAVEL AND BENT THE ROD. THIS IS A SERIOUS DEFECT. FORD IS AWARE OF THIS AND DENIES EVERYTHING. AFTER THIS HAPPENED, I BECAME AWARE OF MANY MANY OTHERS WITH THE SAME PROBLEM. *NM

Mileage: 85,000

MANIFOLD STUDS RUSTED AWAY CAUSING EXHAUST PIPE TO SEPARATE FROM MANIFOLDS. AS A RESULT OF THIS FAILURE, EMISSIONS PORTION OF NYS INSPECTION WAS FAILED. REPAIR IS REQUIRED TO PASS INSPECTION, AND IS ESTIMATED BY NEW COUNTRY FORD TO BE APPROXIMATELY $2200.00. I BELIEVE THIS TO BE AN EXCESSIVE EXPENSE AS A RESULT OF THE MANUFACTURERS POOR DESIGN AND QUALITY OF PARTS. *JB

Mileage: 100,500

FORD F-150 V-6 4.2L MOTOR COOLANT CAUSED THE MOTOR TO THROW A ROD. *NM

THIS IS SHORT. MY 5.4 BLEW A SPARK PLUG OUT OF THE HEAD. FORD HEADS ONLY HAVE .250 IN. OF THREADED DEPTH IN HEAD NOT ENOUGH. *JB

Mileage: 125,000

I BOUGHT A 1997 FORD XL V-6 4X4 FROM NOLLER FORD IN TOPEKA, KS BRAND NEW . I WAS TOLD THIS V-6 ENGINE WAS THE GREATEST THING EVER INVENTED BY FORD. I NOTICED THAT ABOUT EVERY OIL CHANGE I HAD TO TOP OFF THE COOLANT. I CALLED TOPEKA FORD ABOUT THIS APPROXIMATELY 6 MONTHS AFTER I DROVE THE TRUCK--I WAS TOLD IT WAS NORMAL FOR THIS MOTOR. I TOOK THEIR WORD. MY SON IS IN THE MILITARY AT NELLIS AFB IN LAS VEGAS NEVADA. HE DROVE MY TRUCK THERE AND CALLED ME LAST NIGHT SAYING THE MOTOR LOCKED UP.(IT HAS ABOUT 112,000 MILES ON IT) I CALLED THE LAS VEGAS FORD DEALERSHIP AND TALKED WITH FERNANDO AND HE INFORMED ME THAT THERE WAS NOTHING WRONG WITH THE FORD V-6---PLEASE LOOK INTO THIS!!!! I THEN CALLED A FORMER FORD MECHANIC AND ASKED HIM WHAT MY SON COULD DO---HE STATED THAT FORD HAD MANY PROBLEMS WITH THE V-6 AND MOST WAS DUE TO SOME HEAD GASKET PROBLEMS (OR SOMETHING LIKE THAT) AND MANY PEOPLE HAVE HAD THEIR ENGINES SEIZE UP DUE TO THIS. I HAVE READ SEVERAL WEBSITES WITH A LOT OF PEOPLE HAVING THE SAME COMPLAINT AS I DO---WHY DOESN'T FORD STEP-UP? I HAVE BOUGHT QUITE A FEW FORDS BUT IF THEY CHOOSE NOT TO FIX THIS PROBLEM, THIS WILL BE THE LAST ONE. SOME FORD OWNERS HAVE HAD FORD SEND THEM A RECALL NOTICE FOR THE GASKET ISSUE---WHY HAVEN'T I???? MY SON IS DUE TO BE DEPLOYED TO IRAQ SOON AND HE SHOULDN'T HAVE TO WORRY ABOUT WHAT WILL HAPPEN TO THIS TRUCK. HE DOES NOT HAVE THE MONEY TO FIX IT, NOR DO I---FERNANDO WAS QUICK TO POINT OUT THAT FOR $4000 IT COULD BE FIXED, I ASKED HOW HE CAME UP WITH A FIGURE THAT FAST AND HE REFUSED TO ANSWER MY QUESTION----WHAT DOES THAT TELL YOU???--THIS HAS HAPPENED TO OTHER PEOPLE ON A REGULAR BASIS!!! *NM

Mileage: 112,000

1997 FORD F150 4.2 MOTOR FAILURE. I HAVE HAD TO ADD COOLANT A FEW TIMES OVER THE PAST FEW YEARS AND COULD NOT FIND ANY LEAK, KEPT THE OIL CHANGED EVERY 3 THOUSAND MILES. THE MOTOR THREW A ROD AND ALL THE OIL LEAKED OUT OF THE BACK OF THE ENGINE. I FOUND OUT ON THE INTERNET THAT THIS IS AN ONGOING PROBLEM WITH FORD, AND THEY WILL NOT FIX THE PROBLEM. *JB

Mileage: 117,263

I OWN A 1997 F-150 . I PURCHASED THIS TRUCK FROM A PRIVATE PARTY WHEN IT HAD 52,000 MILES. THE TRUCK NOW HAS ABOUT 90K MILES. ON MAY 16 I STARTED THE VEHICLE AND HEARD A RAUCOUS NOISE FROM THE ENGINE COMPARTMENT. ON MAY 17TH I HAD THE TRUCK TOWED TO AUTO SPECIALTIES, AN INDEPENDENT REPAIR SHOP. THEY IDENTIFIED THE NOISE AS A BENT CONNECTING ROD. THEY DISCOVERED STEAM COMING FROM THE TAILPIPE AND BELIEVE COOLANT SEEPED INTO THE CYLINDER THROUGH A BLOWN HEAD GASKET. I ASKED HOW THIS COULD HAVE HAPPENED. THEY SAID PROBABLY OVERHEATING. YET, IN THE ENTIRE TIME I OWNED IT, THE TEMPERATURE GAUGE HAS NEVER REGISTERED HIGH, NO STEAM AROSE FROM THE ENGINE AREA. I HAVE ALWAYS CHANGED THE OIL EVERY 3K MILES. I HAVE ALWAYS MAINTAINED CORRECT FLUID LEVELS. I HAVE NEVER TOWED ANYTHING WITH THIS TRUCK AND NEVER CARRIED ANYTHING MORE THAN A HALF-TON LOAD. I ALWAYS LET IT WARM UP AND DRIVE IT GENTLY WHILE IT IS WARMING UP. IN ADDITION, THE TRUCK SPEED CONTROL DEVICE WAS REPLACED BY THE LOCAL FORD DEALER ON SEPT. 14, 2005. IN THEIR INSPECTION OF THE VEHICLE THEY UNCOVERED NO PROBLEMS WITH COOLING OR OVERHEATING. THIS IS THE FIRST FORD I HAVE OWNED, THE FIRST AMERICAN CAR. I HAVE OWNED 1 MITSUBISHI AND 2 TOYOTA PICKUPS WHICH I BOUGHT SECOND HAND. I OWNED THEM UNTIL THEY HAD OVER 125K MILES AND THEY NEEDED NO REPAIRS OTHER THAN NORMAL MAINTENANCE. I HAVE DRIVEN A PRE-OWNED INTEGRA TO OVER 140K MILES WITHOUT PROBLEMS AND A HONDA CIVIC WHICH I DROVE FROM 60K-120K WITHOUT THE SLIGHTEST PROBLEM. A TRUCK WITH 90K MILES SHOULD NOT NEED A NEW ENGINE. BY JUST ABOUT ANY MAKER STANDARDS THE ENGINE SHOULD LAST OVER 200K MILES. I HAVE CONTACTED FORD CUSTOMER SERVICE AND SPOKE WITH CHARLES WHO SAID FORD WAS NOT RESPONSIBLE FOR THE PROBLEM, SINCE THIS PROBLEM WAS NOT PART OF A RECALL. SHOULDN'T FORD BE CONCERNED ABOUT A LEMON, EVEN IF IT IS NOT A COMMON PROBLEM? I BELIEVE FORD SHOULD REPLACE THE ENGINE, SINCE ITS FAILURE IS PREMATURE. *JB

Mileage: 90,450

HEAD GASKET FAILED ON MY 1997 FORD F-150 WITH 4.2 LITER (V6) ENGINE. IT LEAKED INTO CRANKCASE AND THE ENGINE LOCKED UP. IT IS A TOTAL LOSS OF THE ENGINE AND I CAN'T AFFORD TO BUY ANOTHER ENGINE. I HAVE FOUND OUT THAT THIS HAS HAPPENED TO MANY OTHER PEOPLE. *JB

Mileage: 84,000

NORMAL USE OF 4.2 V6 FORD ENGINE OIL PRESSURE DROPS TO 0 PSIG AT ENGINE IDLE AFTER TRYING TO FIX THE PROBLEM MY SELF (25 YEARS AUTO MECHANIC 17 YEARS AVIATION TECH) AND SEARCHING THE WEB FOR OTHERS WITH THE SAME PROBLEM AND THERE ARE THOUSANDS I HAVE FOUND THE FIX IS REBUILD OR REPLACE THE ENGINE $2000.00 - $6000.00 FOMOCO SHOULD SHARE IN THIS EXPENSE BUT I HAVE NOT HEARD OF ANYONE WITH HELP FROM FORD I WILL STATE THAT MANY HAVE BEEN AND WILL BE INJURED MOMENTARILY. *NM

Mileage: 100,000

DT*: THE CONTACT STATED WHILE TRAVELING 30 MPH, THE VEHICLE STALLED AND WOULD NOT RESTART. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO THE CONTACT'S RESIDENCE. THE CONTACT DETERMINED THE SPARK PLUG EJECTED FROM THE CYLINDER HEAD. THE VEHICLE HAS NOT BEEN SEEN BY THE DEALERSHIP, BUT THE MANUFACTURER WAS ALERTED.

Mileage: 227,000

I HAVE A FORD F150 V6 4.2 WITH A BLOWN ENGINE. I STARTED IT ONE MORNING TO A LOUD KNOCKING AND SMOKE FROM THE EXHAUST. I UNDERSTAND THIS HAS BEEN A FREQUENT PROBLEM THAT FORD REFUSES TO TAKE RESPONSIBILITY FOR. MY TRUCK HAS 81,000 MILES ON IT. *JB

Mileage: 81,000

STARTED VEHICLE IN DRIVEWAY, LOUD BANG, WHITE SMOKE OUT OF TAILPIPE, AND KNOCKING IN ENGINE. MECHANIC SAYS THE ENGINE IS RUINED - BEND RODS. ONE OWNER VEHICLE WITH 55,000 MILES.

Mileage: 55,000

DT*: THE CONTACT STATED WHILE ATTEMPTING TO START THE VEHICLE, THERE WAS A LOUD KNOCKING NOISE COMING FROM THE ENGINE FOLLOWED BY THE ILLUMINATION OF THE CHECK ENGINE LIGHT AS WELL AS SMOKE FROM THE EXHAUST. ALTHOUGH THE PROBLEM PERSISTED, THE VEHICLE WAS NOT INSPECTED BY A DEALER.

Mileage: 80,000

I HAVE A 1997 F150 V-6 4.2L PICK UP TRUCK. I HAVE BEEN LOOSING ENGINE COOLANT AND MY ENGINE OIL LEAKS OUT. I HAVE FOUND THAT THE LOWER INTAKE GASKET PROBLEM IS VERY COMMON WITH THIS ENGINE TYPE AND TRUCK. I FOUND OUT THAT FORD HAD A RECALL ON THIS GASKET BUT THEY DID NOT SEND ME ANY INFORMATION ABOUT IT. THE RECALL ON THE GASKET EXPIRED IN 2005 ( I WAS TOLD BY FORD). I ONLY HAVE 66,000 MILES ON THIS TRUCK. CAN YOU GUYS HELP ME? *NM

Mileage: 65,813

I NOTICED MY FORD 4.2L V-6 WAS LOSING COOLANT. BUT, THERE WAS NO LEAKS EXTERNALLY. I WENT OUT TO START IT THE OTHER MORNING, AND IT WOULD NOT TURN OVER. I SEARCHED THE INTERNET, AND FOUND INFO ON HYDROLOCKING AND BAD GASKETS. I REMOVED ALL THE SPARK PLUGS, AND CRANKED THE ENGINE. LOTS OF COOLANT CAME OUT OF CYLINDER 1. NOW, I'M LOOKING AT BEST ALL NEW GASKETS, OR POSSIBLY A NEW ENGINE IF THE TIMING COVER GASKETS WEREN'T REPLACED UNDER THE RECALL. *NM

Mileage: 137,000

I OWN A 1997 FORD F-150 TRUCK, 4.2L V-6. MY WIFE WAS DRIVING THE TRUCK AND WITH NO WARNING THE ENGINE STARTED KNOCKING VERY BADLY, SHE WAS FRIGHTENED AND DROVE THE TRUCK HOME VERY SLOWLY, WHICH ALMOST GOT HER INTO AN ACCIDENT. AFTER DOING RESEARCH WITH FORD MECHANICS AND PRIVATE MECHANICS, I FOUND OUT THE ENGINE IS A DEFECTIVE ENGINE THE YEARS WERE 1997 AND 1998. I CONTACTED FORD AND THEY WILL NOT STAND BEHIND THEIR PRODUCT. THERE CUSTOMER SERVICE IN DETROIT WAS NO HELP AT ALL. I BOUGHT THE TRUCK WITH 36,000 MILES ON IT, TOOK VERY GOOD CARE OF IT, AND IT NOW HAS 64,000 MILES ON IT AND CANNOT BE DRIVEN. I RECENTLY RECEIVED A RECALL FOR THE CRUISE CONTROL SAYING IT COULD CATCH ON FIRE. UNFORTUNATELY THE TRUCK CAN'T BE MOVED UNTIL I REPLACE THE ENGINE, AND IT IS IN MY GARAGE. IF THIS TRUCK CATCHES ON FIRE AND BURNS MY HOUSE DOWN FORD WILL BE SUED. THERE WAS NO WARNING WHEN THE ENGINE WENT, FAILURE WAS TOTAL LOSS OF ENGINE, AGAIN FORD HAS DONE NOTHING. *NM

Mileage: 64,000

MY 1997 4.2L V6 F150 WOULD NOT START, REPLACED STARTER MOTOR, PULLED PLUGS FOUND COOLANT IN #1 CYLINDER. I'M CURRENTLY DIGGING INTO THE ENGINE TO REPLACE THE HEAD GASKET. *NM

Mileage: 145,000

1997 FORD 150 V6 4.2 L ENGINE FAILURE, NEVER RECEIVED NOTIFICATION FROM FORD ABOUT LOWER INTAKE GASKET RECALL, OR THE RECALL ON THE FRONT COVER GASKET. BOTH DEFECTS CAUSE ENGINE FAILURE BY HYDROSTATIC LOCK, BENDING OR BREAKING THE CONNECTING ROD(S) IN 1 OR MORE CYLINDERS. *NM

11/16/2005 ~ GO IN FOR A ROUTINE OIL AND LUBE. ATTENDANT GIVES ME DETAILS, I HAVE AIR FILTER REPLACED AND COOLANT ADDED BECAUSE IT WAS LOW. 2/23/2006 ~ GO IN FOR MY ROUTINE OIL AND LUBE. I ASK THE ATTENDANT TO LOOK AT THE COOLANT, I TELL HIM THAT IT KEEPS GETTING LOW. SURE ENOUGH HE COMES BACK AND LETS ME KNOW ITS VERY LOW, DID I WANT TO PUT COOLANT IN IT. 4/28/2006 ~ I GO TO MY 97 F-150 TO HEAD OUT TO AN INTERVIEW, SHIRT AND TIE, CUP OF COFFEE AND PAPERWORK IN HAND. PUT THE KEY IN THE IGNITION AND IT WONT TURN OVER. IT ISN'T THE "BATTERY IS DEAD" WON'T TURN OVER, ITS A "I WANT TURN OVER BUT I CAN'T" OVER AND I CALL MY MECHANIC. HE ARRIVES AND GETS OUT HIS JUMPERS TO SEE IF IT IS A DEAD BATTERY. WE LOOK AT THE STARTER, ELECTRICAL EVERYTHING AND CAN'T SEEM TO FIGURE IT OUT. HE SAYS TO ME, "YOU DON'T HAVE VERY LOW OR LITTLE COOLANT, PUT SOME IN THE RESEVOIR" HE ASKS ME IF I NOTICED ANYTHING ODD, ANY HESITATION THE PREVIOUS DAY, I TELL HIM NO, I LITERALLY DROVE 3 MILES TO GO TO THE MARKET AND THAT WAS IT FOR DRIVING THAT DAY. HE ASKS ME TO PUT IT IN REVERSE AND WE TRY AND PUSH IT BACKWARDS TO TURN THE MOTOR OVER. IT WON'T BUDGE, AT THIS POINT HE SAYS THERE HAS TO BE SOMETHING IN THE CYLINDER(S), GAS, WATER, OIL, SOMETHING AND WE'LL PULL THE PLUGS AND SEE WHAT COMES OUT. WE PULLED THE PLUGS AND COOLANT CAME POURING OUT OF CYLINDER #2. I HAVE PICTURES ETC OF THE COOLANT AND PLUGS. I FOUND THERE ARE MANY PEOPLE HAVING ISSUES IDENTICAL TO THIS WITHIN THE SAME TIMBERING OF MILEAGE AND EVEN THE SAME CYLINDER. HTTP://FORUMS.TREEMEDIA.COM/FB/SHOWTHREAD.PHP?T=224 HTTP://WWW.FORD-TRUCKS.COM/FORUMS/SHOWTHREAD.PHP?T=473230 HTTP://EN.WIKIPEDIA.ORG/WIKI/FORD_ESSEX_V6_ENGINE_(CANADIAN)#4.2 MY MECHANIC IS NOW PRICING A COMPLETE GASKET KIT AND WILL NEED TO TAKE THE MOTOR APART TO FIX THE PROBLEM. THE MOTOR SOUNDS AS IF IT IS OK AND WE ARE GOING TO TRY TO REMEDY THE GASKET SITUATION AND SEE IF WE CAN'T GET IT TO RUN NORMALLY. *JB

Mileage: 129,600

DT*: THE CONTACT STATED THE VEHICLE LOST POWER INTERMITTENTLY WHILE DRIVING AT ANY HIGHWAY SPEED. THIS HAPPENED MORE OFTEN WHILE TOWING SOMETHING BEHIND THE VEHICLE. THE ENGINE SPEWED COOLANT ONTO THE ENGINE BLOCK. THE VEHICLE HAS BEEN TO THE DEALERSHIP FIVE TIMES. THE HEADS HAVE BEEN CHANGED ONCE; THE RESERVOIR SYSTEM HAS BEEN CHANGED TWICE. THE EGR VALVE HAS BEEN CHANGED TWICE. HOWEVER, THE PROBLEM STILL PERSISTS.

Mileage: 90,000

RE: 97 FORD F- 150 PICKUP W/ 4.2L V 6 IT HAS COME TO MY ATTENTION THAT THIS ENGINE GIVES TROUBLE W/ FAILING HEAD GASKETS . MINE FAILED AT 86,560 MI. ENGINE COOLANT/ANTIFREEZE LEAKING INTO #S 3 & 6 CYLINDERS SO BOTH SIDES OF ENGINE WERE AFFECTED FORD OWES ME $1765 DOLLARS IF THEY KNEW OF THIS PROBLEM PLEASE HELP! *NM

Mileage: 86,560

1997 FORD F150 4.2L V 6 ENGINE. WENT TO START THE TRUCK AND IT RAN VERY ROUGH. CUT IT OFF AND HAD IT TOWED TO THE LOCAL FORD DEALER, THEY SAID IT HAD A BENT ROD AND WOULD NEED A REBUILT ENGINE AT A COST OF $5,000. I DID SOME RESEARCH ON THE INTERNET AND FOUND 100'S OF COMPLAINTS ABOUT THIS ENGINE ALL WITH THE SAME SYMPTOMS. NOW I'M STUCK SHOPPING AROUND FOR A BETTER DEAL ON REBUILT ENGINES THAN THE FORD DEALER PROVIDED. *NM

Mileage: 79,000

MY 1997 FORD F-150 HAS A LOUD TAPPING SOUND IN THE ENGINE. IT EITHER BROKE A ROD OR A PISTON. *NM

Mileage: 101,225

I HAVE A 1997 FORD F-150 WITH A 4.2L V6 ENGINE THAT HAS FAILED WITH 82,000 MILES. IT IS MY UNDERSTANDING THIS FAILURE IS DUE TO COOLANT LEAKING INTO THE ENGINE DUE TO AN ENGINEERING FLAW. IT IS ALSO MY UNDERSTANDING THE FORD MOTOR COMPANY IS WELL AWARE OF THIS PROBLEM BUT CHOOSES TO EXCEPT NO RESPONSIBILITY AND LEAVE THE CONSUMER WITH THE BURDEN OF ENGINE REPLACEMENT FOR $4000 TO $5000. I ALSO UNDERSTAND THE FAILURES ARE NOT AN ISOLATED PROBLEM BUT ARE BEING EXPERIENCED BY THOUSANDS OF FORD F-150 TRUCK OWNERS WITH THE 4.2L V6 ENGINE. IT SEEMS TO ME THAT IF A PROBLEM IS THIS WIDE SPREAD AND THE MANUFACTURER REFUSES TO BE ACCOUNTABLE A GOVERNMENT AGENCY SHOULD STEP UP AND REPRESENT AS WELL AS PROTECT THE PEOPLE TO SOMETHING THAT AMOUNTS TO OUT AND OUT CONSUMER FRAUD. *NM

Mileage: 82,000

DT*: THE CONTACT STATED WHILE STOPPED AT AN IDLE, THE ENGINE OIL PRESSURE DECREASES TO ZERO FOLLOWED BY A GRINDING NOISE WITHIN THE ENGINE COMPARTMENT. THE VEHICLE WAS SEEN BY AN INDEPENDENT REPAIR SHOP FOR INSPECTION. THE MECHANIC DETERMINED THE ENGINE NEEDED TO BE REPLACED.

Mileage: 222,000

1997 F150 4.2L V6 60K MILES WATER IN CYLINDER WARPED ROD. ENGINE NO GOOD. CANT AFFORD TO SPEND 5K DOLLARS TO TRY TO REPAIR ENGINE. *NM

BOUGHT A 1997 F-150 USED IN 2001 WITH 62,000 MILES ON IT. I HAVE PUT LESS THAN 15,000 MILES ON THE VEHICLE IN THE 4.5 YEARS I HAVE OWNED IT AND CHANGED THE OIL TWICE. I HAD NOTICED IN THE PAST THAT I WOULD HAVE TO FILL UP THE COOLANT, BUT COULD NOT FIND A LEAK. I ALSO HAD PROBLEMS WITH THE HEAT GOING IN AND OUT. WENT TO START THE TRUCK AND IT SHOOK AND CAME TO A STOP. STARTED IT AGAIN AND THERE IS NOW AN AWFUL BANGING/KNOCK. I BELIEVE TO BE A ROD OR OTHER INTERNAL PART. HAVE NOT HAD THE PROBLEM DIAGNOSED BY A PROFESSIONAL, BUT AFTER READING THE FORUMS ON THE FORD 4.2 LITER ENGINES I FEEL CONFIDENT THAT I CAN SELF DIAGNOSE THE PROBLEM AS HAVING TO DO WITH THE COOLANT LEAK PROBLEMS. I HAVE NOT RAN THE ENGINE AND HAVE NOT HAD THE MONEY TO FIX IT OR REPLACE IT. I CAN'T BELIEVE THE NUMBER OF PEOPLE THAT HAVE HAD THE SOME PROBLEM, SYMPTOMS, AND OUTCOME AS ME. THEY HAVE TO NUMBER IN THE HUNDREDS-THOUSANDS. FORD SHOULD NOT BE ABLE TO GET AWAY WITH THIS AND HAVE TO BE FULL AWARE OF THE PROBLEMS WITH THEIR 4.2 MOTOR. THERE NEEDS TO BE A CLASS ACTION SUIT AND A RECALL. ON BEHALF OF ALL THE F-150 OWNERS WHO HAVE HAD THIS PROBLEM WE NEED HELP TO RESOLVE THIS. THANKS FOR YOUR CONSIDERATION AND PLEASE INFORM ME IF ANYTHING HAPPENS OR CAN BE DONE AS I HAVE NOT FOUND ANYTHING AS FAR AS A CLASS ACTION SUIT AGAINST FORD. JB

Mileage: 75,000

COMPLETE ENGINE FAILURE ON 1997 FORD F150 4.2L 145K DUE TO LEAKING GASKET IN ENGINE, ALLOWING ENGINE COOLANT INTO ENGINE, CAUSING ENGINE TO FREEZE CYLINDER AND THROW A ROD THEN ENGINE COMPLETELY STOPPED. I NOTICES THAT ENGINE COOLANT WAS DISAPPEARING AND WHITE SMOKE OUT OF TAIL PIPE, THEN CHECK ENGINE LIGHT WENT ON, THEN SOON AFTER THROUGH A ROD AND ENGINE SEIZED UP. MY CAR NOW REQUIRES A NEW ENGINE DUE TO DEFECTIVE GASKET ALLOWING ENGINE COOLANT INTO ENGINE. THIS SEEMS TO BE A RECURRING THEME WITH FORD ENGINES IN THIS YEAR. *JB

Mileage: 145,000

1997 FORD F-150 INTAKE MANIFOLD GASKET FAILED ALONG WITH A TON OF OTHER PEOPLE. HAD TO PAY A HEFTY REPAIR FEE. THERE WERE NO EVENTS LEADING UP TO IT, JUST SAW WHITE SMOKE COMING FROM MY TAIL PIPE. LUCKILY I CAUGHT IT REAL QUICK AND IT ONLY COST THE ME REPAIR OF THE ENTIRE GASKET. A LOT OF TIMES IT IS A WHOLE NEW ENGINE. MY REPAIR COST $500. *JB

Mileage: 104,000

MY TRUCK WAS TAKEN IN FOR A BRAKE REPAIR THE WEEK OF MARCH 6- 10, 2006. WE GOT THE TRUCK BACK DROVE IT A 100 MILES ON THE WEEKEND WITH NO PROBLEMS. ON MONDAY, 3/13/06, I NOTICED IT MISSING AFTER 40 MILES AN HOUR. MY HUSBAND DROVE IT TO WORK THE NEXT DAY TO SEE WHAT I WAS TALKING ABOUT. HE HAD THE SAME PROBLEM. I TOOK MY SON TO WORK ON THURSDAY AND IT WAS STILL MISSING. WHEN ON THE FREEWAY, I GOT IT UP TO 65/70 MPH WHEN IT JUST STARTED SLOWLY DOWN. I COULD NO LONGER GIVE IT ANY GAS. I WAS ABLE TO PULL ONTO A LARGE SHOULDER WHERE I HAD IT TOWED INTO A TRANSMISSION SHOP I TRUSTED. ON INSPECTION, THE TRANSMISSION WAS FLOODED WITH WATER AND COOLANT AS WELL AS THE ENGINE DUE TO A FAULTY RADIATOR. I HAD REPLACED THE RADIATOR APRIL 11, 2005. THIS WAS NOT THE FIRST RADIATOR REPLACED. THIS WAS THE 4TH RADIATOR. I HAD THE TRUCK TOWED TO THE DEALERSHIP THAT INSTALLED THE RADIATOR AND WAS TOLD THAT MY ENGINE AND TRANSMISSION HAD FAILED. I'M WAITING FOR A CALL BACK WITH AN EXPLANATION AS TO WHY. I WAS TOLD THAT I WOULD HAVE TO HAVE AN ENGINE BREAKDOWN WHICH WOULD COST ME, TO FIND OUT WHY IT FAILED. WE HAVE HAD NUMEROUS PROBLEMS WITH THE WHOLE COOLING SYSTEM IN GENERAL SINCE 1999. RANGING FROM CHANGED HEAD GASKETS, HEATER CORES, RADIATORS, ETC. IT HAS BECOME APPARENT FROM READING ON THE FIGHT BACK SITE: [HTTP://FORUMS.TREEMEDIA.COM/FB/SHOWTHREAD.PHP?P=836&PAGE=2&PP=15] THAT THIS A COMMON UNRESOLVED ISSUE WITH THE FORD COMPANY. APPARENTLY THIS IS A COMMON COMPLAINT THAT HAS YET TO BE TAKEN SERIOUSLY. I COUNTED OUT 226 COMPLAINTS ON THE NHTSA SITE UNDER ENGINE AND ENGINE: COOLING THROUGH E/E:C:EXSYS:MANIFOLD/HEADER/MUFFLER/TAILPIPE. I'VE ALWAYS TRUSTED THE FORD COMPANY AS MY FATHER-IN-LAW RETIRED FROM THERE. WE ALWAYS HAD GREAT SERVICE UNTIL HIS PARTICULAR DEALERSHIP CLOSED. I AM NOT COMPLAINING ABOUT ANY ONE DEALER AS I'VE BEEN TO MANY DIFFERENT PEOPLE TO SERVICE MY CAR WHEN THEY CLOSED. THIS SEEMS TO BE A MANUFACTURE RESPONSIBILITY *NM

Mileage: 138,300

OWN A 1997 F150 WITH 4.2 FOR ABOUT A YEAR NOW. NEVER SEEN THE SMOKE COMING. HYRDOLOCKED ON ME WITH 150,000 KMS WHICH I HAVE HEARD IS KINDA LOW KMS FOR THAT TO HAPPEN. LOOKING AT GETTING A REBUILT BUT WILL SEE WHAT HAPPENS WITH THIS. *NM

Mileage: 160,000

COOLANT LEAK. *NM

Mileage: 107,000

ENGINE FAILURE, FORD 4.2L V6 1997 WITH 102,000 MILES. STARTED ENGINE AND LOUD CLANGING NOISE FROM FRONT OF ENGINE ALSO LARGE PLUMES OF WHITE SMOKE FROM EXHAUST. BROUGHT MY TRUCK TO FORD DEALER FOR SERVICE AND WAS TOLD BEST SOLUTION WAS TO REPLACE ENGINE. TRUCK IS CURRENTLY AT DEALER. I WENT TO ON-LINE TO RESEARCH ENGINE PROBLEMS ASSOCIATED WITH THIS AND FOUND 21 PAGES OF SIMILAR COMPLAINTS. THE SYMPTOMS WERE EXACTLY THE SAME FOR EACH ONE. ONLY THE MILEAGE VARIED. SOME CLAIMED A FORD RE-CALL WAS ISSUED FOR A GASKET PROBLEM TO CORRECT COOLANT LEAKING INTO ENGINE CAUSING INTERNAL FAILURES. I DID NOT RECEIVE THIS RECALL. PLEASE INVESTIGATE WHAT CAN BE DONE TO HAVE FORD TAKE RESPONSIBILITY FOR MY (AND THE OTHERS) ENGINE FAILURE. IT IS VERY COSTLY. THANK YOU.*JB

Mileage: 102,000

SPARK PLUG BLEW OUT WHILE RUNNING. I HAVE ONLY HAD THE PLUGS CHANGED ONCE BY THE FORD DEALER. I HAVE READ ON THE FORD F150 FORUMS THAT THIS IS VERY COMMON ON THE 5.4 ENGINE AS THEY HAVE VERY FEW THREADS HOLDING THE PLUG IN. I AM TOLD FORD FIXED THE PROBLEM IN 2002 BUT HAS NOT RECALLED THE EARLIER TRUCKS. *JB

MY FORD F-150 4.2 L ENGINE THREW A ROD ON MARCH 8 2006, WITH LESS THAN 61K MILES ON THE MOTOR. THE FAILURE WAS DUE TOO WATER SEEPING INTO THE CYLINDERS FROM A DEFECTIVE GASKET . I HAVE MAINTAINED THIS VEHICLE PER FORD'S PRINTED MANUAL AND HAVE THE RECORDS TO PROVE IT. THE RESULT OF THE PROBLEM HAS COST ME OVER 3,000 DOLLARS FOR AN ENGINE REPLACEMENT. I EXPECT FORD MOTOR CO. TO REIMBURSE ME FOR MY DAMAGES FINANCIALLY. I SPOKE WITH A SERVICE MANAGER AT A LOCAL FORD DEALERSHIP AND HE SAID HE HAS NEVER KNOWN OF FORD TO REIMBURSE A CUSTOMER IN THIS TYPE OF SITUATION. THEREFORE I DECIDED TO FILE THIS COMPLAINT. MY TRUCK IS NOW BEING REPAIRED BY AN INDEPENDENT SERVICE GARAGE. *NM

Mileage: 60,800

97 FORD F-150 4.2, BLEW A ROD AND THEY TELL ME THAT IS GONE COST ME ABOUT $4000 TO REPLACE THE ENGINE. *JB

Mileage: 145,000

I HAVE A 1997 FORD F-150 WITH 60,800 MILES ON IT AND THE MOTOR STARTED KNOCKING. I TOOK IT TO THE DEALERSHIP AND THEY TOLD ME I NEEDED A NEW ENGINE. THE COST WAS MORE THAN THE TRUCK WAS WORTH. I HAD THE TRUCK IN THE SHOP 3 YEARS AGO FOR A WATER LEAK THAT WAS COMING FROM THE FRONT OF THE MOTOR. THE TRUCK HAD 36,000 MILES ON IT AND THE DEALERSHIP ASK ME IF THE MILEAGE WAS RIGHT ON THE TRUCK. I TOLD THEM WHEN I BOUGHT THE TRUCK AND THE COULDN'T BELIEVE I WAS HAVING THIS PROBLEM. *JB

Mileage: 60,750

1997 FORD F150 4.2L V 6 ENGINE. ENGINE HYDROLOCKED. #4 CYLINDER FULL OF COOLANT BENDING CONNECTING ROD AND OTHER CATASTROPHIC FAILURE. POOR GASKET DESIGN BY MANUFACTURER ALLOWING COOLANT TO LEECH INTO COMBUSTION CHAMBERS. INFORMATION READILY AVAILABLE ON THE INTERNET REGARDING MULTIPLE FAILURES OF THE SAME TYPE FOR THE SAME ENGINE TYPE. MANUFACTURER WILL NOT REMEDY PROBLEM. $4000 REPAIR COST TO AN ENGINE THAT HAS LESS THAN 75K MILES ON IT. *JB

Mileage: 74,996

1. LOSS OF ENGINE COOLANT 2.ENGINE DAMAGE KNOCKING COOLANT IN COMBUSTION CHAMBERS, ENGINE KNOCKING LOSS OF OIL PRESSURE FROM DEFECTIVE GASKETS, 3 .FORD WILL NOT FIX PROBLEM. *NM

Mileage: 87,000

I OWN A 1997 FORD F150 WITH A 4.2L 6 CYL ENGINE AND I AM HAVING THE SAME PROBLEMS WITH COOLANT LEAKING AND WATER PUMP GASKET FAILURES AS TENS OF THOUSANDS OF OTHER OWNERS OF THIS MAKE AND MODEL FORD TRUCK. MY TRUCK HAS 90,000 MILES AND I AM PAYING $1200 DOLLARS TO HAVE THIS PROBLEM RECTIFIED. FORD HAS ISSUES TSB'S ON THIS ISSUE SINCE 1999 AND NOTHING IS BEING DONE TO REIMBURSE OR PROTECT THE CONSUMER FROM THIS RECOGNIZED FAILURE. THIS SHOULD BE AN OFFICIAL RECALL AND REIMBURSEMENT MADE TO OWNERS WHO HAVE PAID TO HAVE THIS CONDITION RECTIFIED. *JB

Mileage: 90,448

BENT OR BROKEN CONNECTING ROD, DUE TO COOLANT LEAK. *JB

Mileage: 62,250

ENGINE FAILURE BAD GASKETS LEAKED COLANT INTO ENGINE THREW A ROD. *NM

Mileage: 106,000

I OWN A 1997 FORD F-150 PURCHASED IN 2000 FROM A FORD DEALERSHIP. I NEVER RECEIVED THE ONP RECALL ABOUT A FAILURE IN THE FRONT COVER GASKET AND NOW I AM FACING COSTLY REPAIRS. FURTHERMORE THE REPAIRS WERE NEVER CONDUCTED ON MY VEHICLE PRIOR TO MY PURCHASE DESPITE KNOWLEDGE OF THE RECALL. *NM

Mileage: 63,000

DT*: THE CONTACT STATED WHILE DRIVING UP TO 40 MPH THE ENGINE LEAKS COOLANT INTO THE CYLINDERS CAUSING THE ENGINE TO SMOKE. THE DEALERSHIP WAS ALERTED. HOWEVER, NO REPAIRS HAVE BEEN MADE. THE CONSUMER HAS SINCE PAID FOR THE REPAIRS AT HIS EXPENSE. A FAULTY INTAKE MANIFOLD CAUSED WATER TO ENTER THE COMBUSTION CHAMBER AND PRODUCE STEAM. UPDATED 03/09/06. *JB

Mileage: 112,500

I OWN A 1997 FORD F150 WITH THE 4.2 V-6 MOTOR. THE TRUCK HAD 70, 126 MILES WHEN IT SUFFERED HYDROLOCK. I DROVE THE TRUCK ON A WEDNESDAY, AND IT WAS RUNNING FINE. FRIDAY EVENING WHEN I TRIED TO START IT, I THOUGHT THE BATTERY HAD GONE DEAD. I PULLED THE BATTERY OUT AND HAD IT TESTED, AND IT WAS OK. INSTALLED THE BATTERY AND AGAIN ATTEMPTED TO START THE TRUCK, WHEN I HEARD AN UNUSUAL "KICK BACK." I WAS ABLE TO GET THE TRUCK STARTED, BUT THERE WAS WHITE SMOKE COMING FROM THE EXHAUST AND THE SMOKE HAD A SWEET COOLANT SMELL. I PERFORMED SOME INTERNET RESEARCH AND FOUND THE INFORMATION ABOUT THE HYDROLOCK PROBLEMS. I PULLED THE INTAKE MANIFOLD AND FOUND A CRACK IN THE GASKET. I THEN PULLED THE LEFT SIDE HEAD AND FOUND THE NUMBER 4 CONNECTING ROD WAS BENT. I PULL THE MOTOR AND PERFORMED A COMPLETE REBUILD. *JB

Mileage: 70,126

1997 FORD F150 4.2L V-6 WHEN FIRST STARTING ENGINE COLD IT WOULD MISS BAD FOR UP TO 30 SECOND AND THEN WOULD CLEAR UP AND RUN FINE. STARTED LOOSING ANTIFREEZE WITH NO EXTERNAL LEAKAGE, EVENTUALLY ENGINE STEAMED FROM EXHAUST. THE NEXT MORNING I STARTED TRUCK AND THE ENGINE MADE A LOUD KNOCKING NOISE AND I FOUND THAT THE COOLANT RESERVOIR WAS EMPTY. I TURNED THE TRUCK OFF IMMEDIATELY AND I WAS NEVER ABLE TO GET THE ENGINE TO TURN OVER AGAIN. UPON REMOVING THE ENGINE AND CHECKING THE CONNECTING RODS I FOUND THAT THE NUMBER 1 ROD WAS BENT AND THE BOTTOM OF THE PISTON WAS BROKEN OFF FROM IT HITTING THE CRANK SHAFT. I AM IN THE PROCESS OF REPLACING THE ENGINE. *NM

Mileage: 122,000

BLOWN HEAD GASKET IN 1997 FORD 4.2L V6. *NM

Mileage: 102,256

LOSS OF COOLANT IN 4.2 L. V-6 ENGINE. FORD F-150 PICK-UP TRUCK.

THIS CONCERNS A 1997 F-150 FORD PICKUP WITH A 4.2 L 6 CYLINDER MOTOR. I'VE HAD TO ADD COOLANT TO IT FOR SEVERAL MONTHS AND COULDN'T FIND A LEAK OR ANY IN THE OIL. FIVE DAYS AGO WHILE TRYING TO START IT THE MOTOR GAVE A LOUD BANG AND WHITE SMOKE BOILED OUT. NOW IT KNOCKS LIKE A BENT OR BROKEN ROD AND BLOWS WHITE SMOKE OUT OF THE TAIL PIPE. I FOUND A WEBSITE ON THE INTERNET WHERE DOZENS OF PEOPLE WITH TRUCKS HAVING THE SAME MOTOR ARE ALL HAVING THE SAME PROBLEM BETWEEN 76000-110000 MILES. MINE HAS 109,000 MILES AND FROM THE REPORTS, FORD IS TRYING TO PUT ALL OF THIS ON THE DEALERS AND THE DEALERS ARE JUST WANTING TO FIX THE MOTORS @ $600 -$4000 DOLLARS. THE PEOPLE WITH THE PROBLEM SAY THAT IT IS A FAULTY HEAD GASKET AND THAT THEY WERE RECALLED, BUT I NEVER RECEIVED THAT RECALL. I DON'T HAVE THE MONEY TO FIX A MOTOR THAT WAS FAULTY WHEN I BOUGHT THE THING.*AK

Mileage: 108,750

THIS CONCERNS A 1997 F-150 FORD PICKUP WITH A 4.2 L 6 CYLINDER MOTOR. I'VE HAD TO ADD COOLANT TO IT FOR SEVERAL MONTHS AND COULDN'T FIND A LEAK OR ANY IN THE OIL. FIVE DAYS AGO WHILE TRYING TO START IT THE MOTOR GAVE A LOUD BANG AND WHITE SMOKE BOILED OUT. NOW IT KNOCKS LIKE A BENT OR BROKEN ROD AND BLOWS WHITE SMOKE OUT OF THE TAIL PIPE. I FOUND A WEBSITE ON THE INTERNET WHERE DOZENS OF PEOPLE WITH TRUCKS HAVING THE SAME MOTOR ARE ALL HAVING THE SAME PROBLEM BETWEEN 76000-110000 MILES. MINE HAS 109,000 MILES AND FROM THE REPORTS, FORD IS TRYING TO PUT ALL OF THIS ON THE DEALERS AND THE DEALERS ARE JUST WANTING TO FIX THE MOTORS @ $600 -$4000 DOLLARS. THE PEOPLE WITH THE PROBLEM SAY THAT IT IS A FAULTY HEAD GASKET AND THAT THEY WERE RECALLED, BUT I NEVER RECEIVED THAT RECALL. I DON'T HAVE THE MONEY TO FIX A MOTOR THAT WAS FAULTY WHEN I BOUGHT THE THING.*AK

Mileage: 108,750

#3 SPAKPLUG BLEWOUT OF MY 1997 FORD F-150 WITH 5.4 LITER ENGINE. I HAVE YET TO REPAIR THIS PROBLEM . *AK

Mileage: 122,789

NO KNOWN EVENT LEADING UP TO FAILURE. ENGINE MADE A LOUD EXPLODING NOISE AND STARTED POPPING AFTER EXPLOSION. THE DEALERSHIP EXPLAINED THAT IT WAS A BLOWN SPARK PLUG AND THAT THE HEAD HAD TO BE REPLACED. COST $1600.*AK

Mileage: 137,000

GASKET FAILED ON 4.2 LITER FORD ENGINE, CAUSING A ROD TO BREAK. I WAS NEVER NOTIFIED OF THE GASKET RECALL IN 1999. IT'S GOING TO COST ME $3000 TO FIX. FORD SHOULD BE LIABLE FOR THIS. THERE ARE THOUSANDS OF OTHERS JUST LIKE MINE OUT THERE.*AK

Mileage: 70,000

MY 1997 FORD F150 WITH A 4.2L V-6 ENGINE BEGAN GIVING ME PROBLEMS A FEW MONTHS AGO. IT BEGAN HAVING AN ERRATIC STARTING PROBLEM. IT THEN BEGAN TO BLOW OUT WHITE SMOKE OUT OF THE EXHAUST. I CHECKED THE COOLANT SYSTEM WITH PRESSURE GAUGES, AND EVERYTHING SHOWED TO BE FINE. I DID THIS SEVERAL TIMES, BECAUSE WHITE SMOKE CONTINUED TO COME OUT OF THE EXHAUST. THEN I WENT TO START IT THE OTHER MORNING AND IT TURNED OVER THE ROD IN THE #4 CYLINDER IS BENT DUE TO COOLANT IN THE CYLINDER. I HAVE HEARD THIS HAPPENING TO MANY PEOPLE, AND THINK THAT FORD SHOULD STEP UP AND TAKE RESPONSIBILITY! . THE TECH THEN EXPLAINED THAT THE F-150S HAVE HAD A TREND PROBLEM WITH THESE ENGINES FOR YEARS; COOLANT WOULD LEAK INTO A CYLINDER CAUSING TOO MUCH COMPRESSION RESULTING IN A BENT OR BROKEN ROD. IT COST ME OVER $2000 FOR SOMETHING FORD KNEW WAS DEFECTIVE. I SENT A LETTER (ATTACHED) TO FORD AND RECEIVED A CALL FROM CUSTOMER SERVICE BASICALLY TELLING ME IT WAS THE OWNER'S RESPONSIBILITY. THIS VEHICLE WAS METICULOUSLY CARED FOR ACCORDING TO THE OWNER'S MANUAL BUT, BECAUSE OF AN ENGINEERING PROBLEM WITH THE MANUFACTURER, THE ENGINE FAILED. I RESEARCHED AND FOUND HUNDREDS OF STORIES LIKE MINE AT HTTP://FORUMS.TREEMEDIA.COM/FB/SHOWTHREAD.PHP?T=224&PAGE=1&PP=15 . I FINED IT EXTREMELY UNFAIR THAT I AND HUNDREDS IF NOT THOUSANDS OF OTHERS HAVE TO BEAR THE FINANCIAL BURDEN OF REPLACING A DEFECTIVE ENGINE. THESE VEHICLES SHOULD HAVE BEEN RECALLED YEARS AGO. *JB

Mileage: 120,000

I'LL HAVE A 1997 FORD F150 FOR NO REASON MY MOTOR BLEW A ROD I'LL READ IN THE INTERNET ABOUT A LOT OF PEOPLE HAVING THE SAME PROBLEM THE MOTOR ARE DEFECT, ISN'T FORD DEALER DURING ANYTHING ABOUT IT. THIS IS NOT RIGHT I'LL WENT TO WORK IN MY TRUCK CAME HOME FROM WORK, 3-HOURS LATER STARTED MY TRUCK THE ENGINE KNOCK CONTINUES TO BANG, I TURN IT OFF I WAS TOLD THAT THE TRUCK BLEW A ROD. THIS IS VERY ON FAIR I CAN'T AFFORD A ANOTHER CAR. PLEASE ADVISE. THANKS YOU. *NM

Mileage: 111,257

LOWER INTAKE MANIFOLD IN 4.2L V6 (FORD F150) FAILED (MELTED) ALLOWING COOLANT TO LEAK INTO A CYLINDER RESULTING IN HYDRO-LOCK. THE PISTON AND CONNECTING ROD IN THAT CYLINDER WERE DAMAGED (PISTON SKIRT BROKEN, ROD BENT). SINCE THEN I HAVE LEARNED THAT FORD HAS BEEN AWARE OF THIS PROBLEM ALMOST SINCE THE TRUCK WAS NEW ('97) AND REFUSED TO PROVIDE ANY SUPPORT TO OWNERS EXCEPT WHERE THE GASKET FAILED DURING THE REGULAR WARRANTY PERIOD. AS I UNDERSTAND IT FAILURE IS INEVITABLE, AND EVEN SO FORD DID NOT MAKE AN ATTEMPT TO CONTACT OWNERS REGARDING THIS PROBLEM. IN MY CASE FORD'S REFUSAL TO PROVIDE A WARNING OF THIS PROBLEM TURNED A RELATIVELY INEXPENSIVE REPAIR (REPLACEMENT OF THE GASKET) INTO OVER $1300 IN PARTS AND LABOR. *JB

Mileage: 135,000

I HAD PURCHASED A USED FOR F-150 FOR THE DEALER IT WENT THROUGH INSPECTION AND WAS WORKING VERY WELL. HOWEVER AFTER ABOUT SIX MONTHS OF USE IT STARTED TO LOOSE COOLANT, BUT DOT VISIBLY. IT WOULD RUN HOT , I WOULD ADD COOLANT AND CONTINUE. THEN IN APRIL OF 2005 THE ENGINE LOCKED UP AND HAD TO BE REPLACED. THE MECHANIC SAID THAT THE ENGINE HAD HYDROLOCKED AND WOULD NEED TO BE REBUILT. *NM

Mileage: 140,000

MY 1997 FORD F150 WITH A 4.2L V-6 ENGINE BEGAN GIVING ME PROBLEMS A FEW MONTHS AGO. IT BEGAN HAVING AN ERRATIC STARTING PROBLEM. IT THEN BEGAN TO BLOW OUT WHITE SMOKE OUT OF THE EXHAUST. I CHECKED THE COOLANT SYSTEM WITH PRESSURE GAUGES, AND EVERYTHING SHOWED TO BE FINE. I DID THIS SEVERAL TIMES, BECAUSE WHITE SMOKE CONTINUED TO COME OUT OF THE EXHAUST. THEN I WENT TO START IT THE OTHER MORNING AND IT TURNED OVER AND FIRED ONCE. THEN IT MADE A REAL LOUD BANGING NOISE, AND WOULD NOT CRANK AGAIN. I CONTINUED TO WORK WITH IT, AND FINALLY GOT IT TO CRANK AGAIN, AND IT WAS KNOCKING. THE KNOCKING SOUND WAS COMING FROM THE OIL PAN. I PULLED THE ENGINE OUT, AND TOOK IT APART. THE ROD IN THE #4 CYLINDER IS BENT DUE TO COOLANT IN THE CYLINDER. I HAVE HEARD THIS HAPPENING TO MANY PEOPLE, AND THINK THAT FORD SHOULD STEP UP AND TAKE RESPONSIBILITY! *NM

Mileage: 129,738

LEAKING COOLANT INTERNALLY DUE TO KNOWN MANUFACTURER DEFECT IN GASKETS. THERE WAS NO EXTERNAL LEAKS, JUST DISAPPEARING COOLANT LEVELS AND CAR OVERHEATING. AFTER THE COOLANT WAS TOPPED OFF, I TRIED STARTING THE CAR THE NEXT MORNING, THE CAR WOULDN'T START DUE TO HYDROLOCK. WHEN IT DID FINALLY START, THE ENGINE PRODUCED A LOUD PINGING SOUND (SUCH AS A ROD KNOCK). I AM IN THE PROCESS OF GOING FURTHER INTO THE ENGINE TO ASSESS DAMAGE. THIS IS A KNOW DEFECT TO THE MANUFACTURER AS THEY HAVE RELEASED A TSB TO ADDRESS THE PROBLEM. OF COURSE THIS IS ONLY SHARED WITH THE PUBLIC AFTER DAMAGE IS DONE. PLEASE HELP! *JB

Mileage: 129,000

1997 F-150 4.2 ENGINE FAILURE DUE TO KNOWN (BY FORD) DEFECT THAT ALLOWS COOLANT TO LEAK IN TO ENGINE AND DAMAGE THE ENGINE. THE VEHICLE ([XXX] FAILED AT MY SON'S SCHOOL OVER 100 MILES FROM HOME. THIS PARTICULAR PROBLEM IS WELL DOCUMENTED ON THE INTERNET. UNFORTUNATELY, WE DID NOT REALIZE THIS UNTIL THE ENGINE FAILED. THERE ARE MANY FORD CUSTOMERS ANXIOUS FOR GOVERNMENT SUPPORT TO REQUIRE A RECALL TO HELP FINANCE THIS VERY EXPENSIVE (~$4,000) PROBLEM. *NM UPDATED 07/17/2012 *JS INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)

Mileage: 100,000

LEAKING FRONT GASKET AND/OR INTAKE GASKET CAUSED ENGINE FAILURE ON A 1997 FORD PICKUP V6 4.2 . I WAS NOT ADVISE AT NO TIME OF THIS POTENTIAL PROBLEM AND PAID FOR THE GASKET REPAIRS MYSELF. ONLY NOW AFTER A MAJOR FAILURE HAVE I LEARNED ABOUT THE FORD TSB 99-20-7 AND/OR ON P99B29 AND THE DEALER IS LEAVING ME STRANDED. I'M DISABLED, AND NEARLY BROKE. ALSO LATER IN THIS FORM I DON'T KNOW WHAT OEM IS. *JB

Mileage: 102,000

RECALL ON FORD TRUCK THAT I DID NOT RECIEVE, WHICH MY HAVE SAVED ME FROM GETTING A NEW ENGINE. RECALL#99B29. *NM

Mileage: 117,000

I PURCHASED A 1997 FORD F-150 FROM A JACKSONVILLE RESIDENT IN DECEMBER OF 2004 ABOUT THREE WEEKS AGO, I WENT OUT TO START IT AND HEARD LOUD BANGING FROM THE ENGINE COMPARTMENT ACCOMPANIED BY BELLOWS OF SMOKE FROM THE EXHAUST, I HAD THE VEHICLE TOWED TO A REPAIR SHOP AND, AFTER THE TECH CHECKED IT OUT, WAS IN FORMED THE ENGINE WAS SHOT. HE THEN EXPLAINED THAT THE F-150S HAVE HAD A TREND PROBLEM WITH THESE ENGINES FOR YEARS; COOLANT WOULD LEAK INTO A CYLINDER CAUSING TOO MUCH COMPRESSION RESULTING IN A BENT OR BROKEN ROD. IT COST ME $4220.00 TO REPLACE AN ENGINE FORD KNEW WAS DEFECTIVE. I SENT A LETTER (ATTACHED) TO FORD AND RECEIVED A CALL FROM CUSTOMER SERVICE BASICALLY TELLING ME IT WAS THE OWNER'S RESPONSIBILITY. THIS VEHICLE WAS METICULOUSLY CARED FOR ACCORDING TO THE OWNER'S MANUAL BUT, BECAUSE OF AN ENGINEERING PROBLEM WITH THE MANUFACTURER, THE ENGINE FAILED. I RESEARCHED AND FOUND HUNDREDS OF STORIES LIKE MINE AT HTTP://FORUMS.TREEMEDIA.COM/FB/SHOWTHREAD.PHP?T=224&PAGE=1&PP=15 . I FINED IT EXTREMELY UNFAIR THAT I AND HUNDREDS IF NOT THOUSANDS OF OTHERS HAVE TO BEAR THE FINANCIAL BURDEN OF REPLACING A DEFECTIVE ENGINE. THESE VEHICLES SHOULD HAVE BEEN RECALLED YEARS AGO. *NM

Mileage: 71,896

FAILURE OF SPARK PLUG ON F150 1997 4.6L. NO EXTRA CONSEQUENCES EXCEPT COST OF REPAIR OF A FEATURE THAT NEVER SHOULD HAVE FAILED. *NM

Mileage: 125,000

COOLANT LEAKING FROM A FAULTY HEAD GASKET INTO THE MOTOR CAUSING MAJOR DAMAGE. RESULTING IN FORD MOTOR COMPANY REPLACING THE ENTIRE MOTOR FOR WELL OVER $4,000. THIS IS NOT ONLY A PROBLEM WITH MY VEHICLE BUT MANY MORE. JUST DO A WEB SEARCH FOR FAULTY GASKETS IN 97 4.2L ENGINES. GO TO HTTP://FORUMS.TREEMEDIA.COM/FB/SHOWTHREAD.PHP?T=224&PAGE=10&PP=15 FOR MORE INFO. *JB

Mileage: 83,000

ENGINE FAILURE 4.2 F150 1997. 110,000 MILES FRONT GASKET REPLACED RECALL. NO LOST OF COOLANT UNTIL NOW. MORNING ENGINE MISSED FOR 15-20 SECONDS FOR SEVERAL DAYS PRIOR TO FAILURE. DAY OF FAILURE ENGINE TURNED A SMALL AMOUNT AND WOULD NOT MOVE BY STARTER. ALLOWED TO SET AND STARTED LATER AND WHEN STARTED IT SOUNDED LIKE IT WAS COMING APART. ALL LUBRICANTS CHANGED REGULAR WITH SYNTHETICS. APPARENTLY A ROD BROKE WHEN COOLANT RAN INTO CYLINDER AND STARTING CAUSE THE ROD TO BEND AND STARTING LATER CAUSED THE BEND TO BREAK. *JB

Mileage: 110,000

INTAKE GASKET WENT OUT CAUSING ANTIFREEZE TO LEAK INTO PISTON AND WHEN TRUCK WAS CRANKED UP IT BENT ROD BROKE PISTON REPAIR BILL WAS $1685.00 SOMETHING NEEDS TO BE DOWN ABOUT THIS. MANY OTHERS HAVE HAD THE SAME PROBLEM JUST LOOK UP 1997 F150 INTAKE FORUM THANKS. *JB

Mileage: 185,000

I HAVE A 1997 FORD F-150 WITH A V-6 4.2L ENGINE. THIS ENGINE RAN ROUGH AFTER BEING DRIVEN AT HIGHWAY SPEEDS AND WAS THEN SLOWED TO NORMAL CITY SPEEDS. THIS WAS INVESTIGATED AT LEAST THREE TIMES WHILE UNDER THE WARRANTY PERIOD WITH NO TROUBLE FOUND EACH TIME. AT ABOUT 70,000 MILES THIS TRUCK BEGAN TO RUN ROUGH AND THE SHOP WHICH SERVICED IT TOLD ME THAT THERE WAS INSUFFICIENT SPARK IN THE RIGHT HALF OF THE ENGINE, BUT CAME UP WITH NO SATISFACTORY RESOLUTIONS. I NOTICE THAT I WAS LOOSING COOLANT AND THE CHECK ENGINE LIGHT WOULD COME ON AND BLINK OCCASIONALLY. THIS CONTINUED FOR SEVERAL MONTHS UNTIL ONE DAY WHEN I TURNED ON THE ENGINE THERE WAS A LOUD BANG AND AN OBNOXIOUS CLATTERING. THE TRUCK WAS TOWED INTO A DEALER AT WHICH POINT I WAS TOLD I NEEDED A NEW ENGINE WHICH COST $4200. AFTER 55,000 MORE MILES I STARTED LOSING FLUID AGAIN AND EXPERIENCING SIMILAR PROBLEMS AND TOOK THE TRUCK INTO A DEALER WHICH FOUND NO TROUBLE. THE SYMPTOMS WERE A FLUCTUATING TEMPERATURE GAUGE AND NO HEAT WHEN THE HEATER WAS TURNED ON. ALSO, LOOSING FLUID WITH WHITE SMOKE FROM THE EXHAUST. FROM OTHER POSTINGS ON VARIOUS ONLINE FORUMS I FOUND OUT THIS WAS A CLASSIC FAILURE FOR THE 4.2L V6 WITH A BLOWN HEAD GASKET. I SEEM TO BE ON THE VERGE OF ANOTHER BLOWN ENGINE. WHEN I CALLED A DEALER TO SCHEDULE A RETURN VISIT I WAS INFORMED THAT THIS THE SAME ENGINE AS THE TAURUS 3.8L WITH A LONG STROKE HENCE MAKING THE DISPLACEMENT 4.2 LITERS. ALSO, I WAS INFORMED THAT ENGINE HAD THE SAME TROUBLE AND MANY HAVE TO BE REPLACED. *JB

Mileage: 88,000

1997 FORD F-150 4.2L V-6 TRUCK STARTING KNOCKING THIS MORNING WHEN I WENT TO START THE MOTOR. 60,000 MILES AND THE ENGINE HAS LOST ALL OIL PRESSURE AND IS KNOCKING TERRIBLY. I USED IT 2 DAYS AGO AND THIS MORNING IT'S BROKEN. HAPPENED WHILE SITTING UNDER THE CARPORT OVER NIGHT. PROBABLY THE ALL FAMILIAR LEAKING GASKETS THAT HAS PLAGUED EVERY 4.2L V-6 FORD OWNER. *JB

Mileage: 60,000

FIRE STARTED IN ENGINE COMPARTMENT OF 1997 FORD F150. *TS *JB

Mileage: 135,000

97 FORD F150 4.2 L ENGINE, NO GASKET RECALL NOTIFICATION, THROWN ROD DURING STARTUP JUST LIKE THE LARGE NUMBER OF OTHER PEOPLE COMPLAINING ABOUT THE SAME FAILURE ON HTTP://FORUMS.TREEMEDIA.COM *JB

SPARK PLUG HAS BLOWN OUT OF MY 1997 FORD F150 FOR THE SECOND TIME. FIRST FIX WAS USING A HELICOIL. SECOND FIX WILL HAVE TO BE THE SAME. ACCORDING TO INFORMATION GATHERED FROM THE WWW, THIS IS A COMMON PROBLEM FIXED ONLY BY REPLACING THE ENTIRE CYLINDER HEAD ($3,000+) THIS IS POOR QUALITY MANUFACTURING AND CORPORATE AMERICA TURNING ITS BACK, ONCE AGAIN, ON THE CONSUMERS THAT KEEP THEM GOING. *JB

SPARK PLUG HAS BLOWN OUT OF MY 1997 FORD F150 FOR THE SECOND TIME. FIRST FIX WAS USING A HELICOIL. SECOND FIX WILL HAVE TO BE THE SAME. ACCORDING TO INFORMATION GATHERED FROM THE WWW, THIS IS A COMMON PROBLEM FIXED ONLY BY REPLACING THE ENTIRE CYLINDER HEAD ($3,000+) THIS IS POOR QUALITY MANUFACTURING AND CORPORATE AMERICA TURNING ITS BACK, ONCE AGAIN, ON THE CONSUMERS THAT KEEP THEM GOING. *JB

DT: THE CONTACT STATED VEHICLE WAS MAKING A LOUD NOISE. HE TOOK IT TO A LOCAL MECHANIC, WHO INFORMED HIM THAT ALL 1997 FORD F150 ENGINES HAD TO BE REPLACED. HE CONTACTED FORD, AND THEY TOLD HIM THERE WAS NO RECALL INVOLVING NOISE. THE MECHANIC STATED THE WATER PUMP WAS DEFECTIVE WHICH RESULTED IN WATER LEAKING INTO THE ENGINE. THE MECHANIC PREDICTED THAT THE ENGINE MIGHT FUNCTION FOR THREE MORE MILES. *AK

Mileage: 70,000

THERE WAS NO SIGNIFICANT EVENT THAT LEAD UP TO THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE IS THAT THE SPARK PLUGS ARE POPPING OUT OF THE HEADS. THIS HAPPENED ON A 1997 FORD F150 5.4 SUPERCAB PICKUP, IT HAS ALSO HAPPENED TO A FEW OTHER OF OUR PICKUPS AND TO A COUPLE OF OUR SERVICE VANS. WE HAD TO HAVE THE SPARK PLUG HOLES TAPPED AND RE-DRILLED AND INSTALL A NEW PLUG. IT IS QUITE AND EXPENSIVE PROCEDURE NOT ONLY FOR THE REPAIRS BUT THE DOWN TIME OF OUR VEHICLES. THIS SEEMS TO BE HAPPENING A LOT. COULD YOU PLEASE GET BACK TO ME IF YOU HAVE HAD SIMILAR COMPLAINTS. OR LET ME KNOW IF I AM COMPLAINING TO THE WRONG PLACE. THANK YOU.*JB

Mileage: 160,000

1997 FORD F-150 PICKUP WITH 4.2 LITER V6. OVER THE LAST COUPLE OF YEARS I HAVE NOTICED THAT I HAVE TO CONTINUALLY ADD COOLANT TO THE RADIATOR. AFTER RESEARCHING THE PROBLEM ON THE INTERNET I CAME ACROSS FORD ONP 99B29 WHICH STATES FORD WILL REPLACE THE ENGINE FRONT COVER GASKET TO PREVENT SERIOUS DAMAGE TO THE ENGINE. (HYDROLOCK LEADING TO BROKEN OR BENT CONNECTING RODS). I NEVER RECEIVED THIS NOTICE AS I UNDERSTAND IT WAS ONLY SENT TO CORPORATE CUSTOMERS. I NOW HAVE OILY RESIDUE THROUGHOUT THE ENGINE COOLANT, HARD STARTING, ETC. ALL CONSISTENT WITH DEFECTIVE INTAKE MANIFOLD/FRONT COVER GASKET LEADING TO INTERNAL ENGINE COOLANT LEAKAGE. THE FORD DEALER REFUSES TO FIX THE PROBLEM BECAUSE HE SAID I HAD TO REPORT IT TO HIM PRIOR TO MARCH 31, 2001. I NOW HAVE 70,600 MILES ON THE TRUCK. I WOULD LIKE FORD TO FIX THIS PROBLEM BEFORE I HAVE A CATOSTROPHIC ENGINE FAILURE FROM A BROKEN ROD ON CYLINDER #1. *NM

Mileage: 55,000

BLOWN GASKET- *NM

Mileage: 130,000

VEHICLE STARTED ROUGH AND RAN POORLY. PARKED OVERNIGHT, NEXT MORNING ENGINE WAS LOCKED UP. WOULD NOT TURN OVER AND FELT LIKE IT WAS JAMMED. FINALLY GOT IT TO START, RUNNING POORLY AND WHITE SMOKE POURED OUT OF THE EXHAUST. HAD VEHICLE TAKEN TO MECHANIC, WHO FOUND OUT THAT THE HEAD GASKET WAS THE PROBLEM WHEN HE FOUND THE PLUGS WERE GUNKED UP AND WHITE LIKE VANILLA PUDDING. ENGINE HAD TO BE SENT OUT AND REBUILT. *NM

Mileage: 68,253

I HAVE A 97 FORD 150 WITH A 4.2 V6 THAT HAS HYDRO LOCKED. I AM STILL MAKING PAYMENTS ON THIS TRUCK. I HAVE NOT YET FIXED IT I AM TRYING TO FIND A GOOD PRICE ON A NEW MOTOR. *JB

Mileage: 103,000

DEFECTIVE ENGINE. 1997 F150 V6 4.2 L, 73000 MILES AND A ROD IS KNOCKING. THIS IS A KNOWN DEFECT AT FORD. *JB

Mileage: 73,500

I HAVE THE SAME COMPLAINT ABOUT MY 97 F150 A LOT OF PEOPLE DO. I HAVE 4.2 V6 THAT LOCKED UP ON ME A FEW MONTHS AGO. I HEARD THERE WAS A RECALL ON THE MOTOR FOR A COOLANT GASKET BUT I NEVER RECEIVED ONE. FROM WHAT I UNDERSTAND EVEN THE ONES THAT GOT CHANGE WENT BAD ANYWAY. PLEASE HELP MAKE FORD OWN UP TO THIS ENGINEERING DEFECT AND REPLACE THESE MOTORS. THANK YOU. *JB

Mileage: 160,000

1997 FORD F150 4.2 L V-6 LEAKING LOWER INTAKE MANIFOLD GASKET DESTROYS ENGINE!

Mileage: 70,788

I HAVE A 97 FORD F150. THEY ARE KNOWN TO HAVE GASKET FAILURE. I AM ON MY 3RD MOTOR IN IT. THEY DONT MAKE IT 100,000 MILE. YOU JUST START THEM @ THEY WILL BLOW. *NM

Mileage: 95,000

EL CAJON FORD REPLACED PLUGS. NEVER WARNED ME ABOUT PLUG BLOWOUT. HEARD TICKING FOR 2 WEEKS BUT THOUGHT IT WAS MINOR EXHAUST LEAK. PLUG BLEW OUT DRIVING HOME AT 30 MPH. TOWED TRUCK TO EL CAJON FORD AND SERVICE WRITER SAID FORD WOULD ONLY REPLACE THE HEAD AT $3500 WITH THE SAME DEFECTIVE HEAD. I ASKED ABOUT THE DEPENDABILITY OF THE OTHER HEAD AND HE SAID THAT THIS PROBLEM WAS VERY RARE AND USUALLY ONLY HAPPENED WITH THE LIGHTNING AND ONLY 1 PLUG WAS EVER BAD IN EACH MOTOR. I REFUSED REPAIR AT FORD AND HAD THE TRUCK TOWED TO AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC. *NM

Mileage: 77,134

MY 97 FORD 4.2L, WHICH IS PAID FOR AND HAS 60,000 MILES HAS THROWN A ROD. ACCORDING TO RESEARCH, THIS IS A PROBLEM THAT FORD HAS BEEN AWARE OF AND HAS CHOSEN TO DO NOTHING ABOUT. I HAVE FAITHFULLY TAKEN THE TRUCK IN FOR REGULAR MAINTENANCE AND ALL FACTORY RECALLS. I HAVE A TRUCK THAT IS GOING TO COST ME $4,000 TO REPAIR BECAUSE OF FORD'S NEGLIGENT. FORD NEEDS TO STEP UP TO THE PLATE AND DO WHAT IS RIGHT FOR THEIR FAITHFUL CUSTOMERS. *JB

Mileage: 60,801

I HAVE A 1997 F150 WITH A 4.2L V6 ENGINE. I HAD A LEAKING INTAKE MANIFOLD GASKET REPLACED A YEAR AGO WHICH I NEVER RECEIVED A RECALL FROM FORD MOTOR ON. I AM THE ORIGINAL OWNER AND HAVE THE SAME ADDRESS AS TO WHEN I PURCHASED THIS TRUCK. SINCE THE GASKET WAS REPLACED, SEVERAL MONTHS LATER I STARTED HAVING OIL PRESSURE PROBLEMS. NOW I AM STARTING TO HEAR A KNOCK. TALKING TO MY MECHANIC, HE SAID IT WAS A ROD AND BEARINGS. I PULLED UP THE RECALL # 99-20-7 WHICH EXPLAINS THIS PROBLEM. I FEEL LIKE FORD SHOULD HAVE TO PAY FOR THE DAMAGES THAT THIS HAS CAUSED. BY THE WAY THIS TRUCK ONLY HAS 46,000 ORIGINAL MILES ON IT!! HAVE TALKED TO NUMEROUS PEOPLE IN FORUMS THAT HAVE THE SAME PROBLEM. THEY SAY NO LUCK OUT OF FORD. WHAT WILL IT TAKE TO GET THIS RESOLVED? HAD A MECHANIC AT MY LOCAL FORD DEALERSHIP LOOK AT IT AND SAID SAME THING. HOW COULD WE GO ABOUT GETTING A LAWYER TO START A CLASS ACTION LAWSUIT? YOUR HELP WOULD BE GREATLY APPRECIATED. BY THE WAY, I DID GET A RECALL FOR THE CRUISE CONTROL PROBLEM THAT WOULD CAUSE IT TO CATCH FIRE. WHY DIDN'T I GET THE OTHER ONES? *NM

Mileage: 46,000

DT: CONSUMER OWNED A 1997 FORD F150. IT HAD A BLOWN GASKET. WHEN THE TRUCK WAS TURNED ON THERE WAS AN EXTREME KNOCKING. VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO A FORD DEALERSHIP; THEY STATED THAT THE ROD WAS BENT. THE ENGINE NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE TRUCK HAD LESS THAN 87,000 MILES. *AK

DT: ON JULY 2 2005 WHILE DRIVING DOWN THE ROAD THE THROTTLE CABLE BROKE. THE OWNER WAS COMING DOWN A TWO LANE HIGHWAY. THE CONSUMER NOTICED THAT THE ACCELERATOR WASN'T BEING PUSHED, THE CRUISE CONTROL WASN'T ON, AND THE VEHICLE WAS SPEEDING ON ITS OWN. THE CONSUMER ENGAGED THE PARKING BRAKE, WHILE GOING 50-55 MPH. AFTER ENGAGING THE PARKING BRAKE, THE TRUCK TOOK ABOUT 3/4 OF A MILE TO COME A STOP. THE VEHICLE FINALLY HIT AN OAK TREE AND STOPPED AND NO AIR BAGS DEPLOYED. THE OWNER'S WIFE WAS INJURED WITH UPPER NECK AND BACK. INJURIES. THE OWNER''S DAUGHTER WAS BRUISED ON THE FACE. THE VEHICLE DIDN'T COME IN CONTACT WITH ANY OTHER VEHICLES. THERE WAS NO OTHER PROBLEMS WITH THE VEHICLE ACCELERATOR STICKING BEFORE. FORD REPORTED THAT THERE WAS NO RECALLS ABOUT THIS. THE OWNER HAS CONTACTED THE DEALERSHIP. THE VEHICLE HAS NOT BEEN DEEMED A TOTAL LOSS. THE OWNER HAS TO REPLACE THE BRAKES AND THROTTLE CABLE. INSURANCE WILL PAY FOR REPAIRS TO THE BODY. ABOUT A WEEK BEFORE THE CRASH, THE CONSUMER HAD TO REPLACE THE OXYGEN SENSOR. THAT WARNING LIGHT STAYED ON ABOUT A WEEK BEFORE REPAIR. AT THIS TIME OWNER IS WAITING FOR THE REPAIR WORK TO BE COMPLETED. OWNER STATED THAT DEALERSHIP SAID THAT THE PROBLEM COULD HAVE BEEN CAUSED BY A THROTTLE CABLE HOUSING. *JB

Mileage: 137,000

4.2 L ENGINE BUSTING RODS.

Mileage: 107,321

DT: A COUPLE OF MONTHS AGO CONSUMER NOTICED THAT VEHICLE HAD AN INTAKE MANIFOLD GASKET, WHICH ALLOWED WATER I TO LEAKING INTO THE ENGINE RODS, CAUSING THE MOTOR TO FAIL AND HAVE TO BE REPLACED. THE REPAIR COST TO FIX IT BEFORE THE PROBLEM BEGAN WA S $800. CONSUMER'S BOSS HAD PROBLEMS WITH HIS FLEET OF VEHICLES, AND NOTIFIED CONSUMER OF THE PROBLEM. CONSUMER WAS NOT CERTAIN WHETHER OR NOT IT WAS A FABRICATED DEFECT OR A DESIGN FLAW. AT THIS TIME THERE WAS NO RECALL, BUT OWNER DIDN'T UNDERSTAND WHY THEY WON'T RECALL VEHICLE SINCE THEY WERE AWARE OF THE PROBLEM WITH THE INTAKE MANIFOLD GASKET.*AK

I OWN A 1997 FORD F-150 WITH THE 4.2L V-6 ENGINE THAT IS NOTORIOUS FOR "HYDROLOCKING" DUE TO A FAULTY LOWER INTAKE MANIFOLD GASKET. THIS HAS BEEN A WELL DOCUMENTED ISSUE AMONG MANY CUSTOMERS WHO HAVE PURCHASED THIS MODEL AND MANY OF US HAVE BEEN FORCED TO PAY LARGE AMOUNTS OF MONEY IN ORDER TO REPLACE A BLOWN ENGINE DUE TO POOR ENGINEERING.

Mileage: 115,000

1) NO EVENTS LEADING TO FAILURE. ORIGINAL OWNER, WELL MAINTAINED VEHICLE WITH 98,000 MILES. 2) ENGINE SIEZED DURING START (4.2 LITER WITH APPARENT HISTORY OF MANIFOLD GASKET FLAW LEADING TO FAILURE) 3) VEHICLE NOT REPAIRED DUE TO HIGH COST OF ENGINE REBUILD OR REPLACEMENT

Mileage: 98,000

(1)FORD 1997 4.2 L V6, SLOW COOLANT LEAK/GASKET LEAK RESULTING IN INTERNAL TERMINAL DAMAGE TO THE ENGINE. (2) REPLACING LOST COOLANT EVERY SO OFTEN IS NOT UNHEARD OF FOR A COMMON HIGH MILE ENGINE BUT BY DOING SO, THE PROBLEM IS GRADUALY GETTING WORSE UNTIL THE ENGINE LOCKS UP! (3)THE FIX IS THOUSANDS OF UPSET CONSUMERS SPENDING HARD EARNED DOLLARS REPLACING A FACTORY DEFECTIVE MOTOR WITH ANOTHER FACTORY DEFECTIVE MOTOR AT THE OWNERS EXPENSE! THANKS FORD! FOUND THE PROBLEM IS VERY COMMON AFTER RESEARCHING THE WEB. PLEASE HELP! SINCERLY, EX-FORD FAN

Mileage: 93,300

EGINE FAILURE DUE TO DEFECTIVE GASKET LEAK ON 1997 FORD F150 V6 2.4 ENGINE AT 43,000 MILES

Mileage: 43,880

ENGINE FAILURE DUE TO FAULTY GASKET

Mileage: 75,000

ENGINE FAILURE DUE TO FAULTY GASKET

Mileage: 75,000

1.) ENGINE FAILURE ON 1997 FORD F150 4.2 V6 WITH ONLY 84442 MILES REPLACED MOTOR AT PERSONAL EXPENSE $4019.00 2.) ENGINE DIED ON 10-02-1003 HAD TOWED BACK TO DEALER AND THEY SAID IT WAS "NOT" RELATED TO THE REPLACED MOTOR AND IT WAS ELECTRICAL - PERSONAL EXPENSE $300 3.) ENIGNE BEGINS RUNNING ROUGH ON 6-6-2005 - DIAGNOSIS FAULTY COIL ASSEMBLY, PLUS AND PLUG WIRES "NOT COVERED UNDER THE REBUILT ENGINE 36,000 MILE WARRANTY - PERSONAL COST: $600

Mileage: 84,442

I HAVE SPOKEN WITH SEVERAL PEOPLE HERE IN TUCSON AND READ ON THE INTERNET, MANY PEOPLE THAT HAVE A 1997 F150 PICKUP HAVE HAD THE HEAD GASKET GO BAD CAUSING RADIATOR FLUID TO FLOW INTO THE ENGINE. I HAD THIS SAME PROBLEM AND WAS WONDERING IF THIS IS A COMPLAINT WORTHY OF INVESTIGATION OR SOMETHING THAT IS COINCIDENTAL. I HAD TO HAVE MY ENGINE REBUILT AND IT WAS UNDER 100,000 MILES. I CALLED THE FORD DEALERSHIP AND THEY TOLD ME THAT THERE HAS NOT BEEN AN ISSUE WITH THE GASKET.

MY '97 FORD F150 4.2L V6 FAILED IN MY DRIVEWAY UPON STARTING THREE WEEKS AFTER PURCHASING IT. AFTER TURNING THE IGNITION, I HEARD LOUD KNOCKING AND BANGING COMING FROM THE ENGINE AND I SHUT IT DOWN. I FOUND OIL POURING FROM UNDER THE ENGINE. UPON INSPECTION FOUND THAT THE # 2 CONNECTING ROD WAS SHATTERED WHICH TOOK OUT THE OIL PAN, THE OIL PICK UP TUBE, AND BENT THE CRANK SHAFT. REMOVED UPPER INTAKE MANIFOLD, AND FOUND COOLANT IN THE REAR PORT OF THE LOWER INTAKE MANIFOLD.

Mileage: 180,148

MY '97 FORD F150 4.2L V6 FAILED IN MY DRIVEWAY UPON STARTING THREE WEEKS AFTER PURCHASING IT. AFTER TURNING THE IGNITION, I HEARD LOUD KNOCKING AND BANGING COMING FROM THE ENGINE AND I SHUT IT DOWN. I FOUND OIL POURING FROM UNDER THE ENGINE. UPON INSPECTION FOUND THAT THE # 2 CONNECTING ROD WAS SHATTERED WHICH TOOK OUT THE OIL PAN, THE OIL PICK UP TUBE, AND BENT THE CRANK SHAFT. REMOVED UPPER INTAKE MANIFOLD, AND FOUND COOLANT IN THE REAR PORT OF THE LOWER INTAKE MANIFOLD.

Mileage: 180,148

LOW AMOUNTS OF COOLANT LOSS, KNOCKING IN ENGINE, AND THE ENGINE RUNS POORLY. HAD THE ENGINE LOOKED AT BY THREE MECHANICS, INCLUDING CASTRUCCI FORD IN MILFORD, AND THEY ALL INFORMED ME THAT THE RODS IN THE ENGINE ARE BAD BECAUSE COOLANT IS GETTING INTO THE ENGINE. DIAGNOSIS: NEW ENGINE REQUIRED.

I'VE NOTICED THAT COOLANT IS LEAKING INTO MY ENGINE (BURNING FROM THE EXHAUST) AND THAT FORD ISSUED A RECALL FOR THE INTAKE MANIFOLD GASKETS, BUT I WAS NEVER NOTIFIED. HAD I BEEN NOTIFIED, I COULD HAVE HAD THIS PROBLEM CORRECTED IN 2001.

Mileage: 96,449

STARTED THE TRUCK ONE MORNING IT HAD A ROUGH IDLE BUT SEEMED TO SMOOTH OUT. DROVE IT OUT TO A JOBSITE AND PARKED IT FOR A COUPLE HOURS. STARTED IT AND WHITE SMOKE CAME OUT AND THERE WAS A BANGING AND KNOCKING SOUND. TURNED IT OFF AND HAD IT TOWED TO A REPAIR SHOP. THEY TOLD ME I HAD THROWN A ROD.

Mileage: 96,000

I HAVE 1997 FORD F150 4.2L PICK-UP THAT HAS THE "FAMOS" ANTI FREEZE INTERNAL LEAK THAT HAS RUINED MY MOTOR. I HAVE 56,000MI ON IT, AND FEEL FORD HAS SOLD MILLIONS OF THESE LEMONS AND ARE DOING NOTHING ABOUT IT! IS THERE ANY HOPE FOR "US" WHO GOT SCREWED?

Mileage: 56,000

I HAVE A 1997 FORD F-150 WITH 87,000 MILES ON IT. THE MOTOR IS A 4.2L V6. IT ALL BEGAN WHEN I NOTICED THE ANITFREEZE LEVEL SEEMED TO KEEP GOING DOWN EVEN AFTER I WOULD FILL THE COOLANT JUG TO THE PROPER LEVEL. LAST WEEK I NOTICED THAT THE MOTOR SEEMED HARDER TO START AND THOUGHT THE BATTERY WAS GOING DEAD. THE NEXT DAY I WENT TO START MY TRUCK AND WHEN I TURNED THE IGNITION THE MOTOR MADE A LOUD POP AND WOULDN'T DO ANYTHING. I HAD TO HAVE THE TRUCK TOWED TO MY LOCAL GARAGE AND THE MECHANIC TOLD ME THAT EITHER THE INTAKE MANIFOLD GASKET, THE HEAD GASKET, OR THE TIMING CHAIN COVER GASKET HAD FAILED ALLOWING COOLANT TO ENTER MY MOTOR. THIS CAUSED MY MOTOR TO COMPLETELY SEIZE UP. THE END RESULT IS THAT I NOW NEED A NEW MOTOR THAT IS GOING TO COST ME OVER $3,000. I CONTACTED FORD CUSTOMER SERVICE AND THEY TOLD ME THAT THEY HAD NO RECORD OF THIS HAPPENING TO ANYONE ELSE AND SINCE NO WARRANTY OR RECALL WAS IN EFFECT I WOULD RECEIVE NO REINBURSEMENT. I THOUGHT THIS WAS ODD SINCE I HAVE FOUND SEVERAL WEB SITES SAYING THIS HAS HAPPENED TO SEVERAL 4.2L V6 MOTORS. I HOPE THAT YOU WILL LOOK INTO THIS AND MAKE FORD PAY IF THE GASKETS ARE FOUND TO BE OF POOR QUALITY.

Mileage: 87,000

DRIVING ALONG AT 40 MPH, SEVERE ROD KNOCKING ON THE DRIVER SIDE OF 4.2 MOTOR. ANTI FREEZE IN OIL PER TIMING CHAIN COVER, ACID ETCHED CRANK TO ROD BEARING. FORD REFUSED TO FIX-3000 MILES OVER WARRANTY. I PAID $1000 FOR XTENDED WARRANTY TO FIX. DEALER PUT IN NEW REBUILT 4.2, 35,000 MILES ON 2ND ENGINE WHEN ROD KNOCKING ON DRIVER SIDE OF ENGINE. ANTI FREEZE IN OIL, ACID ETCHED CRANK TO ROD BEARING AGAIN! TRUCK SITS IN BACK YARD, EXCELLENT CONDITION. $4000 TO PUT IN NEW ENGINE. FORD CLAIMS NO RESPONSIBILITY FOR TERRIBLE CRAFTSMANSHIP ON 4.2 ENGINE.

Mileage: 67,000

I PURCHASED A FORD F-150 IN JAN 97 WITH 4.2L V-6 ENGINE, I HAVE FOLLOWED THE SERVICES RELIGIOUSLY, ON OR AROUND JAN 2000 I TOOKED THE VEHICLE TO LOCAL DEALER IN PUERTO RICO BECAUSE THERE WAS A RECALL FOR THE FRONT GASKETS TO BE REPLACED, I CONTACTED THE DEALER AND ASCHEDULED AN APPMT. I TOOKED THE VEHICLE IN THE DEALERD 4 DAYS LATER THEY CALL ME AND SAID THAT THE VEHICLE WAS DONE. I WENT TO PICK THE VEHICLE UP AND NOTICE THAT THERE WAS NO WORK DONE TO THE VEHICLE. THE ATTENDANT TOLD ME THAT THEY DID NOT REPLACED THE GASKETS BECAUSE THE VEHICLE WAS NOT LEAKING SO IT DID NOT NEEDED THE GASKETS REPLACED. CAME TO UNITED STATES SINCE I AM IN THE MILITARY IN FORT LEONARD WOOD. I STARTED TO NOTICE A LOSS IN COOLANT THIS CONCERNED ME AND REPLACED THE WATER PUMP THEN IT STARTED LEAKING FROM THE TIMING CHAIN COVER GASKET SO I REPLACED THE COVER THE GASKET AND THE WATER PUMP GASKET ONCE MORE COSTING ME AROUND $900.00. THEN THIS PAST WINTER ONE MORNING I WENT TO START THE VEHICLE AND STARTED TO MAKE THIS KNOKING KNOICE VERY LOUD KNOICE SO I TURNED OFF AND CALLED THE LOCAL FORD DEALER HERE IN ST ROBERT MO, DEALER SELLER SEXTON THEY TOLD ME TO BRING THE VEHICLE AND THEN IS WHEN I FOUND THAT THE ENGINE HAS BROKEN A PISTON ROD BECAUSE COOLANT HAD GOTTEN IN THE OIL. THEY TOLD ME THAT IT WAS GOING TO COST ME AROUND $4,500.00 I TOLD THEM THAT I HAD NO MONEY TO PAY FOR THOSE TYPE OF EXPENCES. THEN I FOUND OUT THAT THE ENGINES WERE MANUFACTURED WITH DEFECTIVE GASKETS. I CONTACTED FORD FOR ASSISTANCE AND THEY SAID THAT THEY CAN NOT HELP ME BECAUSE THE WARRANTY IN THE VEHICLE IS EXPIRED. TO THIS SHOULD MAKE NO DIFFERENCE BECAUSE THIS WAS A MANUFACTURING PROBLEM NOT THE OWNERS FAULT MY TRUCK ONLY AROUND 73,500. FORD NEEDS TO BE HELD LIABLE FOR THIS THEY CLAIMED THAT THIS VEHICLES SPARK PLUGS ARE TO BE CHANGED AT 100,000. MILES HOW IS THIS IF THE ENGINES ARE ONLY LASTING 73,500 MILES. PLEASE NEED YOUR HELP ON ENSURING FORD IS HELD LIABLE FOR THIS. THANK YOU.

Mileage: 73,387

DT: IN OCTOBER OF 2003, THE CHECK ENGINE LIGHT CAME ON. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALER SEVERAL TIMES AND THEY SAID THE PROBLEM WAS FIXED. THE DEALER ALSO MENTIONED THAT THE PROBLEM WAS SOMETHING NEAR THE CARBURETOR. *TT

Mileage: 49,000

DEFECTIVE INTAKE MANIFOLD GASKET IN 1997 FORD F150 4.2L V6 ENGINE 70899 MILES. ANTIFREEZE LEAKS INTO NUMBER 4 CYLINDER. WHEN ENGINE STARTS RESULTING "HYDRO-LOCK" SHEARS OFF CONECTING ROD AND DESTROYS ENGINE.

Mileage: 70,899

DT: THE CONSUMER STATED THAT ONE OF HIS SPARK PLUGS BLEW OUT OF THE ENGINE WHILE DRIVING. . THE CONSUMER STATED MAYBE IT WAS A DESIGN DEFECT BECAUSE HE HEARD THE SAME PROBLEM FROM OTHER PEOPLE ABOUT THE SAME VEHICLE. THE CONSUMER CALLED THE FORD MOTOR COMPANY AND THEY SAID THERE WAS NO RECALL ON THE VEHICLE. THE MANUFACTURER SAID THEY WOULD HAVE TO REPLACE THE ENGINE HEAD TO FIX THE VEHICLE. THE ESTIMATED COST OF REPAIR IS 3300 DOLLARS. *JB *JB

Mileage: 62,200

1997 FORD F150 SUFFERED FROM PREMATURE FAILURE OF THE ENGINE'S GASKETS.*MR THIS CAUSED THE ENGINE TO LOCKUP EITHER FROM COOLANT IN CYLINDER BORES OR CRANK BEARING FAILURE. AT HIGH SPEEDS THIS COULD CAUSE SKID AND LOSS OF CONTROL. ALSO COOLANT LEAKS OUT FRONT OF ENGINE ON GROUND AND TIRES WHEN GOING FORWARD. *BF *NM

WAS NEVER NOTIFIED OF A RECALL99B29 FOR A TIMING COVER/WATER PUMP GASKET ON MY 1997 FORD F-150 [XXX]. IN NOVEMBER 2004 I WAS LOSING COOLANT AND TOOK IT TO MY LOCAL FORD DEALER AND HE GAVE ME AN EST. OF $1500.00. AT THAT TIME I COULDN'T AFFORD IT. I HAD IT REPAIRED AT A RELIABLE REPAIR SHOP FOR $800.00. I HAD JUST FOUND OUT ABOUT THE RECALL FROM A CO-WORKER WHO ALSO HAS A VEHICLE MENTIONED IN THE RECALL. I FEEL THAT SHOULD BE DUE REBURSTMENT OF THE REPAIRS FOR THAT FACT I DID NOT RECEIVE THE RE-CALL.THEIR RECORDS WILL SHOW THAT OTHER RECALLS I HAVE HAD IT IN FOR THE REPAIRS. THIS VEHICLE ONLY HAS 58,000 MILES ON IT! *JS INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)

Mileage: 56,300

WAS NEVER NOTIFIED OF A RECALL99B29 FOR A TIMING COVER/WATER PUMP GASKET ON MY 1997 FORD F-150 [XXX]. IN NOVEMBER 2004 I WAS LOSING COOLANT AND TOOK IT TO MY LOCAL FORD DEALER AND HE GAVE ME AN EST. OF $1500.00. AT THAT TIME I COULDN'T AFFORD IT. I HAD IT REPAIRED AT A RELIABLE REPAIR SHOP FOR $800.00. I HAD JUST FOUND OUT ABOUT THE RECALL FROM A CO-WORKER WHO ALSO HAS A VEHICLE MENTIONED IN THE RECALL. I FEEL THAT SHOULD BE DUE REBURSTMENT OF THE REPAIRS FOR THAT FACT I DID NOT RECEIVE THE RE-CALL.THEIR RECORDS WILL SHOW THAT OTHER RECALLS I HAVE HAD IT IN FOR THE REPAIRS. THIS VEHICLE ONLY HAS 58,000 MILES ON IT! *JS INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)

Mileage: 56,300

1. PURCHASED FORD F-150, [XXX], WITH 4.2 L SIX AT 15,000 MILES AT SUN STATE FORD OF ORLANDO FL. 2. IN 2004, NOTICED UNEXPLAINED COOLANT LEAKS. 3. ENGINE FRONT COVER GASKET FAILED IN LINE WITH RECALL 99B29, BUT THIS INFORMATION WAS NOT KNOWN AT THAT TIME; FORD DOES NOT INCLUDE THIS TRUCK, BUILT 03/97, IN RECALL CAMPAIGN 99B29, INDICATING THE ORIGINAL RECALL HAS BEEN INADEQUATE. 4. ON 4/22/05 AT 66,713 MILES, LOWER INTAKE MANIFOLD SIDE GASKETS FAILED, ALLOWING COOLANT TO LEAK INTO A CYLINDER, LEADING TO A THROWN ROD AND ENGINE FAILURE. ISSUE IS ADDRESSED BY FORD WITH TSB ARTICLE NO. 99-20-7. 5. DEALER REFUSED TO HELP EXCEPT TO OFFER A REBUILT ENGINE FOR $4500; FORD CUSTOMER RELATIONSHIP CALL CENTER RELATED THAT THE RECALL COVERED UP TO 12/31/96, AND THIS TRUCK WAS MADE 3/97. NO OFFER OF HELP NOR APPEAL THERE, EITHER. *JS INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)

Mileage: 66,713

WENT TO START TRUCK BEGAN KNOCKING FROM MOTOR UPON STARTING.MOTOR THROWN ROD HAD TO BE REPLACED.THIS 1997 F-150 ONLY HAD 93000 MILES NOT EVEN MECH.LIMIT WHAT A LEMON FORD BUILT HERE .*AK

Mileage: 93,746

1. TICKING NOISE SIMILAR TO VALVE TRAIN NOISE. ENGINE SEEMED DIFFICULT TO START LAST USAGE DAY PRIOR TO FAILURE. 2. ENGINE WOULDN'T TURN OVER. ENGINE DETERMINED TO BE HYDRO-LOCKED. WON'T TURN OVER. 3. ENGINE REPLACED WITH REBUILT ENGINE. (GOOD DESCRIPTION OF PROBLEM IS AVAILABLE FROM JASPER ENGINES AT HTTP://WWW.JASPERENGINES.COM/PDF/38_42_TB.PDF). A BUNCH OF PEOPLE WITH THIS PROBLEM CAN BE FOUND HERE: HTTP://FORUMS.TREEMEDIA.COM/FB/ARCHIVE/INDEX.PHP/T-224.HTML

Mileage: 124,000

ENGINE FAILURE OF THE 4.2L V6 IN A 1997 FORD F150 TRUCK. BROKEN ROD ON NUMBER 6 PISTON. THIS IS AN APPARENTLY KNOWN PROBLEM AND IS EFFECTING MANY VEHICLES. ENGINE REPLACEMENT IS EQUAL TO THE VALUE OF THE VEHICLE. ($4000.00)*JB

Mileage: 149,645

1997 FORD F-150 4.2L ENGINE LOSS OF ENGINE PERFORMANCE AND LEAKING ENGINE COOLANT, LOSS OF OIL PRESSURE. DRIVING AT HIGHWAY SPEED, 70 MPH OIL PUMP FAILED AT 89200 MILES CAUSING ENGINE TO THROW A ROD AND SPIN BEARINGS. THIS RESULTED IN ENGINE FAILURE. *AK I PURCHASED A REMANUFACTURED 4.2L ENGINE FROM FORD TO REPLACE THE FAILED ENGINE. LD ENGINE CORE WAS TURNED IN FOR CREDIT. *AK

Mileage: 89,194

'97 FORD F150 V6 4X4 4.2L, 2000 RECALL TO REPLACE MOTOR. REPLACED BY FORD. REPLACED WITH SAME PROBLEMATIC ENGINE. FORD KNOWING THE PROBLEM WITH THIS ENGINE HAD NOT BEEN SOLVED. ONLY 48,000 ML ON RECALLED ENGINE THAT WAS REPLACED. WITH ONLY 48,000 ML ON NEW ENGINE, LEADS TO MANAFOLD GASKET LEAKAGE, HEAD LEAKING AND THROWING A ROD. WHICH ALLOWED WATER IN THE OIL. DEALERSHIP REFUSES TO ASSIST IN CORRECTIONG THIS PROBLEM. FORD MOTOR CO. AT FAULT REPLACING A RECALLED ENGINE WITH SAME ENGINE KNOWING THE PROBLEM WOULD ARISE AGAIN. *AK

Mileage: 48,000

FORD F150 4.2 V6 W/110K MILES FAILED IN MY DRIVEWAY UPON STARTING TWO DAYS AGO. AFTER TURNINIG THE IGNITION I HEARD LOUD KNOCKING AND BANGING COMINIG FROM THE ENGINE AND SHUT IT DOWN. I NEVER GOT A RECALL I HEAR THERE WERE TWO OF THEM. I CALLED THE DEALER BUT RECEIVED NO HELP. THE FAILURE IS PREVALENT AND CONSISTENT WITH NO OFFICIAL ADMITTANCE YET FROM FORD THAT I'VE FOUND. THE DEALERSHIP EVEN EXPLAINED TO ME THEY UNDERSTOOD IT AS AN ENGINEERING DEFECT OF EXPECTATION. WHAT ELSE DOES IT TAKE? SO I ASK NHTSA FOR YOUR HELP PLEASE!!!!

Mileage: 110,000

TRUCK WOULD SUTTER AT STOPS AND HESITATE WHEN ACCELERATING WITH LOSS OF COOLANT.*AK

Mileage: 79,900

ENGINE MOTOR CAUGHT ON FIRE AT THE DEALERSHIP. THE NEUTRAL SAFETY SWITCH SHORTED OUT, FLAMES APPEARED AND BURNT THE BRAKE BOOSTER.*AK

Mileage: 130,000

WHILE PARKED FOR 30 MINUTES VEHICLE CAUGHT ON FIRE.THE FIRE DEPARTMENT STATED THE FIRE STARTED IN THE ENGINE COMPARTMENT. AS A RESULT, THE VEHICLE WAS CONSIDERED A TOTAL LOSS.*AK

Mileage: 100,352

MY TRUCK IS A 1997 FORD F-150 WITH 140000 MILES LAST WEEK I TOOK MY TRUCK TO THE AUTO SHOP BECAUSE I COULDNT FIND OUT WERE THE ANTIFREEZE WAS GOING I WAS TOLD THAT 4.2LITER HAVE A PROBLEM WITH A HEAD GASKET WAS THIN AND-ANTIFREEZE LEAK IN MOTOR AND WASHING OUT BEARING. *AK

Mileage: 100,000

ENGINE HEAD GASKET CRACKED. AS A RESULT, THE ENGINE NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. *AK

Mileage: 44,000

I HAVE A 1997 FORD F-150, WITH A 4.2 LITER ENGINE, AND 82,000 MILES ON THE VEHICLE. FOR THE PAST FEW YEARS I NOTICED A GRADUAL DECREASE IN THE COOLANT LEVEL, HOWEVER, I COULD NOT DETERMINE WHERE THE LEAK WAS OCCURRING. ALSO, FOR THE LAST THREE WEEKS LEADING UP TO THE OCCURRENCE, I NOTICED THE ENGINE WOULD KNOCK WHEN I WOULD START IT UP. IN OCTOBER OF 2004, AFTER STARTING THE TRUCK, I SAW WHITE EXHAUST SMOKE AND HEARD THE #1 PISTON RATTLING. I HAVE SINCE FOUND OUT THAT THIS IS A COMMON OCCURRENCE WITH OWNERS OF '96 THRU '98 MODEL FORD CARS AND TRUCKS, WITH 3.8L AND 4.2L ENGINES. I HAVE ALSO SEEN FORD TSB'S THAT PROVE THEY HAVE KNOWN FOR ABOUT SIX YEARS, THAT THE FRONT COVER GASKETS HAVE A HIGH INCIDENCE OF FAILURE, CAUSING COOLANT TO LEAK INTO THE CRANKCASE. ALSO, THAT THE INTAKE MANIFOLD GASKETS CAN FAIL, WHICH CAUSES COOLANT TO LEAK INTO THE #1 CYLINDER. WHEN AN ENGINE IS STARTED WITH WATER IN THE CYLINDER, THE PISTON ROD IS LIKELY TO BED OR BREAK. THE MANIFOLD GASKET FAILURE IS RESPONSIBLE FOR MY PROBLEM, AS WELL AS THAT OF MANY OTHER FORD OWNERS. THE REMEDY FOR THE PROBLEM IS AN ENGINE REPLACEMENT, COSTING ABOUT $4,000. FORD MOTOR COMPANY IS NOT TAKING RESPONSIBILITY FOR THIS ENGINEERING DEFECT, LEAVING MANY UNSATISFIED CUSTOMERS TO PAY FOR THEIR FAULTY ENGINES. I HAVE NOT HAD MY ENGINE REPLACED YET. *JB

Mileage: 82,000

FORD F150 1997 DEFECT GASKETS AND COOLING SYSTEM LEAKED. *BF THE CONSUMER WAS AWARE OF ANOTHER VEHICLE WITH THE SAME MAKE/MODEL THAT HAD THE SAME PROBLEM. THE CONSUMER REQUESTED REIMBURSEMENT. *SC THE BALL JOINTS WERE REPLACED. *JB

IN FALL OF 2003, HAD COOLANT LEAK AT 60,000 MILES. COOLANT WAS POORING OUT OF FRONT OF MOTOR. FORD DEALER SAID IT NEEDED NEW FRONT ENGINE GASKET. THEY SPLIT THE $500 COST WITH ME. ABOUT 3 MONTHS LATER, THE TRUCK BEGAN KNOCKING LOUDLY. HAD NEW HEADERS PUT IN . . . DID NOT FIX THE PROBLEM. NO HELP FROM FORD. VERY GOOD CARE IS GIVEN MY VEHICLES. THE TRUCK WAS ALWAYS MAINTAINED ON SCHEDULE, NEVER USED OFF ROAD OR FOR TOWING. VERY DISAPPOINTED THAT A TRUCK TREATED LIKE A CAR WOULD HAVE SUCH PROBLEMS.

Mileage: 6,000

DEFECTIVE GASKETS CAUSED COOLLENT TO LEAK INTO MY ENGINE - BENT THE ROD AND DAMAGED THE VALVE - REBUILT ENGINE -

Mileage: 75,000

HAVE OWNED A 1997 FORD F-150 PICKUP TRUCK FOR APPROXIMATELY 3 YEARS AND HAVE JUST BEEN TOLD THAT IT HAS A THROWN ROD (SECOND TIME IN THE LAST 2 YEARS). *JB

Mileage: 111,000

I HAVE A 97 FORD F150 XL WITH A 4.2L 6CYL ENGINE. THERE HAS ALWAYS BEEN A SMALL LOSS OF COOLANT AND NEITHER FORD SERVICE TECHS NOR PRIVATE MACHANICS COULD EVER FIND THE LEAK. WELL IN JAN 2005 AFTER THE TRUCK SAT IN THE DRIVEWAY FOR ABOUT 4 DAYS AND I STARTED THE TRUCK AND THE ENGINE BLEW. TOWED IT TO A LOCAL SHOP AND MECHANIC SAID THE COOLANT WAS LEAKING INTO THE ENGINE AND CAUSED THE DAMAGE. $4000 PLUS TO FIX IT. AFTER SERCHING THE INTERNET I FIND THAT THIS IS A VERY WIDE SPREAD PROBLEM. I AM TRYING TO SELL THE TRUCK TO GET A LITTLE MONEY TO HELP BUY ANOTHER VEHICLE. HELP!*AK

Mileage: 105,000

THE VEHICLE WITH 4.2L ENGINE COMMENCED TO RUN ROUGH AT ANY SPEED. VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO A REPAIR SHOP, AND MECHANIC DETERMINED THAT THE ENGINE HAD A BLOWN HEAD GASKET. CONSUMER CONTACTED THE DEALER, WHO INFORMED THE CONSUMER THAT THE VEHICLE WAS NOT COVERED UNDER A RECALL. *AK

Mileage: 127,000

LOSS OF ANTI-FREEZE OR COOLANT BOTH DOORS STARTING TO CRACK REAR SLIDING WINDOW LEAKING. *JB

FORD 1997 F150 ENGINE FAILURE - COULD BECOME VAPOR LOCKED CAUSING ENGINE TO SEIZE AT HIGHWAY SPEEDS. *JB

Mileage: 66,137

1997 FORD F-150 FRONT ENGINE GASKET IS CAUSING COOLANT TO LEAK INTO THE OIL PAN WHICH HAS DAMAGED THE BEARINGS. I NOW NEED A NEW ENGINE. FORD HAD A RECALL ISSUED FOR THIS PROBLEM IN 1999 BUT I WAS NEVER NOTIFIED OF THE RECALL. THEY ARE NOT WILLING TO HONOR THE RECALL NOW. THEY STATE THE RECALL TIME FRAME HAS EXPIRED. *AK

Mileage: 86,000

120K MILES, ADDING A LITTLE COOLANT OCCASIONALLY, FORD DEALER AND LOCAL MECHANIC CAN FIND NO REASON, CRANKED CAR ONE MORNING AND IT THREW A ROD THROUGH THE OIL PAN... ENGINE WAS RUNNING SMOOTH UP TO THIS POINT... FORD REPLACED A GASKET FOR ME OUT OF WARRENTY WHEN THE TRUCK STRANDED ME 1500 MILES FROM HOME...COOLANT HAD LEAKED ALL OVER PARKING LOT AT THAT TIME...NOW I FACE A $4,000 REPAIR...I CHANGED THE OIL EVERY 3-4000 MILES. *AK

Mileage: 120,000

AN ENGINE ROD WENT THROUGH THE OIL PAN UPON START-UP.*AK

Mileage: 106,726

GASKET LEAKED WATER INTO CRANKCASE OF MY 97 FORD F150 WITH A 4.2 ENGINE. HAD TO REPLACE THE ENGINE FOR A LITTLE MORE THAN $4000.00. FORD KNOWS OF PROBLEM BUT WILL NOT COMPENSATE COST. THERE ARE A LOT OF ANGRY FORD OWNERS OUT THERE WITH THE SAME PROBLEM. MY FORD TRUCK HAD ONLY 68000 MILES ON IT.*AK

Mileage: 68,200

ENGINE COOLANT LEAKING THROUGH THE ENGINE'S FRONT GASKET. LEAKING A JUG OF COOLANT EVERY TWO TO THREE HOURS. WILL COST ME OVER $700 TO FIX. CAN'T AFFORD TO FIX, SO I AM WITHOUT A VEHICLE. THE MECHANIC PROVIDED ME WITH A DOCUMENT FROM FORD ADVISING DEALERSHIPS THEY KNEW THE PROBLEM EXISTED, BUT DIDN'T RECALL THE VEHICLE. GOT STUCK ON THE SIDE OF THE ROAD FOR OVER AN HOUR IN 20 DEGREE WEATHER. LUCKY MY 3 YEAR OLD WAS NOT WITH ME. IF THEY KNEW THERE WAS A PROBLEM, THEN THEY SHOULD HAVE RECALLED THE VEHICLE. *NM

Mileage: 106,000

FORD F 150 SAFETY ISSUE. *BF THE MOTOR WAS REPLACED ON 08/14/03 AND DIED BY 03/01/04. TWO MONTHS AFTER THE VEHICLE WAS PURCHASED, THE ODOMETER STOPPED AT 69K MILES, THE ENGINE LOCKED UP, THE BRAKES WENT OUT DUE TO CALIPER PIN FALLING OUT AND THE ENGINE WAS REPLACED. SIX MONTHS LATER THE FLY WHEEL CONSUMED THREE STARTERS AND THE ENGINE LOCKED UP AGAIN. *SC *JB

VEHICLE WAS PARKED IN THE DRIVEWAY AND IT WAS ENGULFED IN FLAMES. THE FIRE REPORT LISTED THE CAUSE AS A MECHANICAL FAILURE WHICH STARTED IN THE ENGINE. *AK

Mileage: 95,000

MY ENGINE FRONT COVER GASKET HAS FAILED IN LINE WITH FORD'S RECALL 99B29. FORD DOES NOT INCLUDE MY TRUCK IN THIS RECALL CAMPAIGN. MY TRUCK IS CURRENTLY LEAKING A GREAT DEAL OF COOLANT THROUGH THE FAILED FRONT COVER GASKET. THIS COULD LEAD TO A CATASTROPHIC ENGINE FAILURE. I HAVE CONTACTED FORD ABOUT THIS PROBLEM SEVERAL TIMES WITH NO SUCCESS. THEY HAVE INDICATED THAT THEY HAVE NO INTENTIONS OF HELPING ME OR FIXING MY TRUCK. *JB

Mileage: 103,400

COOLANT LEAK IN #4 CYLINDER. WHITE SMOKE FROM BURING COOLANT IN ENGINE. ROUGH IDLE AND HARD START UP. POSSIBLE ENGINE DAMAGE. CURRENTLY AT FORD DEALERSHIP TO REPLACE GASKETS.*AK

Mileage: 85,000

GASKET FAILURE CAUSED WATER TO LEAK INTO THE ENGINE. THIS CAUSED THE CYLINDER ROD TO KNOCK AND THE ENGINE TO FAIL. MUST REPLACE THE ENGINE AS A RESULT. *AK

I WAS DRIVING HOME WHEN I HEARD A LOUD POP FROM THE ENGINE. I TURNED OFF THE ENGINE, AND POPPED HOOD TO INVESTIGATE. THE BACKFIRE CONTINUED UPON STARTING ENGINE. BROUGHT CAR TO DEALERSHIP TO FIND OUT THAT THE SPARK PLUG HAD BLOWN OUT OF THE ENGINE HEAD. FORD HAD ISSUED A SERVICE BULLETIN STATING THE ENTIRE ENGINE HEAD SHOULD BE REPLACED. $3400. FURTHER, I SAW THE SAME REPORT ON KARE 11 NEWS BY JANE SHORTAL. CHECK OUT KARE11.COM FOR COMPLETE ARTICLE. APPARENTLY, THIS IS A KNOWN PROBLEM, BUT FORD REFUSES TO RECOGNIZE IT.*AK

Mileage: 94,000

COOLANT LEAKING IN TO CRANK CASE DUE TO DEFECTIVE GASKETS, PLEASE SEE HTTP://WWW.LEAKINGFORDS.COM/ FOR DETAILS.*AK

I OWN A 1997 FORD F150 AND JUST HAD A SPARK PLUG BLOW OUT THE HEAD. I HAVE DONE A SIMPLE INTERNET SEARCH AND IT APPEARS THIS IS A COMMON PROBLEM WITH FORDS 5.4 WHICH NEEDS TO BE ADDRESSED. *JB

Mileage: 100,000

THE TRUCK HAS A ROD KNOCKING SOUND COMING FROM THE ENGINE. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE MECHANIC WHO STATED THAT THE FRONT COVER GASKET AND MANIFOLD SIDE GASKET FAILED ALLOWING COOLANT TO LEAK INTO THE CYLINDER. AT COLD START, THE COOLANT IN THE CYLINDER CAUSED THE PISTON ROD TO BREAK. HE ALSO STATED THAT THE ENGINE WOULD NEED TO BE REPLACED AT A COST OF APPROXIMATELY $5000. *NM

Mileage: 99,000

INTAKE MANIFOLD GASKET LEAKED ANTIFREEZE INTO MOTOR AND RUIENED MOTOR. HAD TO HAVE MOTOR REPLACED.*AK

Mileage: 890,000

THE PICK UP ENGINE COMPARTMENT CAUGHT ON FIRE WITHIN 5 MINUTES OF BEING PARKED AND TURNED OFF. THE PICK UP WAS TOTALED. THE INSURANCE ADJUSTER WILL INSPECT THE PICK UP TO DETERMINE THE CAUSE OF THE FIRE.*AK THE TRUCK WAS A TOTAL LOSS. *NM

Mileage: 100,000

I HAVE A 1997 FORD 150 4.2 L V6 TRUCK . DO TO FORD USING A FALTY GASKETS TO BUILD THE ENGINE I HAVE EXPERIANCED ENGINE FAILURE. FORD IS NOT WILING TO TAKE ANY RESPONSIBILITY FOR THE PROBLEM ALTHOUGH THEY RECALLED THE ENGINE FOR THIS PROBLEM.*AK

Mileage: 103,000

WHILE DRIVING, THE CONSUMER HEARD KNOCKING NOISE COMING FROM THE ENGINE. THE ENGINE THEN SEIZED UP. *JB

Mileage: 72,000

FORD HAS ENGINE PROBLEMS AND WILL NOT TAKE RESPONSIBILITY FOR THE GASKET PROBLEM. I HAVE DOCUMENTATION THAT PROVES OF THIS EXISTING PROBLEM WITH 1997 F-150 SERIES TRUCK. MY TRUCK HAS BEEN AT NORRIS FORD FOR 3 MONTHS, THE BILL IS 4600.00 TO DATE. *AK

Mileage: 68,000

FORD HAS ENGINE PROBLEMS AND WILL NOT TAKE RESPONSIBILITY FOR THE GASKET PROBLEM. I HAVE DOCUMENTATION THAT PROVES OF THIS EXISTING PROBLEM WITH 1997 F-150 SERIES TRUCK. MY TRUCK HAS BEEN AT NORRIS FORD FOR 3 MONTHS, THE BILL IS 4600.00 TO DATE. *AK

Mileage: 68,000

WHILE DRIVING AT ANY SPEED CONSUMER HEARD A NOISE COMING FROM THE ENGINE. ALSO, ENGINE STEAMED A WHITE MIST. DEALER HAD NOT BEEN NOTIFIED. *AK

I PURCHASED A 1997 FORD F-150 JUNE 11, 2001 FROM TWO RIVERS CHEVEROLET ON 2/04/02 A HOLE WAS PATCHED IN THE RADIATOR OF THE VEHICLE. ON 9/02/02 THE RADIATOR HAD ANOTHER HOLE IN IT AND THIS TIME HAD TO BE REPLACED. ON 9/27/02 THE HEATER CORE BEGAN LEAKING AND HAD TO BE REPLACED. AT THAT TIME I HAD TAKEN THE VEHICAL BACK TO THE RADIATOR SPECIALIST AND HE SUGGUESTED THAT THE VEHICAL MIGHT HAVE ELECTRYOLISIS, SAID TAKE THE VEHICALE TO THE FORD . I DID THEY REPLACED THE HEATER CORE AND I HAD SUGGESTED TO THE SERVICE TECHNIAN THAT IT COULD HAVE ELECTROYLISIS. THE SERVICE TECH. SAID THAT, THAT WAS NOT VERY POSSIBLE. ON 12/03/02 I TOOK THE VEHICLE BACK TO THE SAME FORD GARAGE FOR LEAKING OF ANTIFREEZE, THEY SAID THAT THEY COULD NOT FIND ANY LEAKS AND SENT ME ON MY WAY. ON 3/10/03 I WAS ON THE OTHER SIDE OF THE COUNTRY AND THE HEATER CORE WENT AGAIN I TOOK IT TO A LOCAL FORD GARAGE IN THE AREA THAT I WAS IN AND THEY REPLACE THE HEATER CORE AGAIN. ON 5/21/03 THE HEATER CORE WENT AGAIN AT THIS TIME I WAS IN A DIFFERENT PART OF THE COUNTRY AND AT EVERY FORD GARAGE I WENT TO I TOLD THE STORY TO THE SERVICE ADVISOR. THE HEATER CORE WAS REPLACED. ON 10/29/03 THE HEATER CORE AGAIN FAILED AND I TOOK IT BACK THE SAME FORD GARAGE THAT I LAST HAD IT AT. AGAIN THEY REPLACED THE HEATER CORE AND THIS TIME TOLD ME THAT THERE WAS ELECTRYOLISIS IN THE VEHICALE. THEY REPLACE HEATER CORE. ON7/12/04 THE HEATER CORE WENT AGAIN I TOOK THE VEHICLE BACK TO THE SAME FORD GARAGE AND THEY SAID THAT THEY COULD REPLACE THE HEATER CORE AND THIS TIME THE RADIATOR HAD A HOLE IN IT AGAIN. THEY ALSO SAID THAT THE PROBLEM WOULD PROABLY NOT GO AWAY AND THERE WAS NOTHING ELSE THAT THEY COULD DO FOR ME. I TOOK IT TO A RADIATOR SPECIALIST AND THEY TOLD ME IF THEY HAD HAD THE VEHICALE WHEN THE PROBLEM FIRST STARTED THAT THEY WOULD HAVE BEEN ABLE TO FIX IT. BUT NOW ITS BEEN GOING ON TOOK LONG AND THERE WAS A SLIM CHANCE THAT THEY WOULD BE ABLE TO FIX PROBLEM. NOW WITH NO HELP FROM THE (FORD).*AK

Mileage: 130,955

I OWN A 97 FORD F-150 WITH A 4.2L, V6. ON JULY 16, 2004, THE ENGINE BEGAN MAKING A KNOCKING SOUND. TOOK THE VEHICLE TO 2 MECHANICS AND BOTH CONFIRMED THAT THE HEAD GASKET HAD FAILED, WHICH ALLOWED COOLANT TO LEAK INTO THE CYLINDER. AT COLD START, THE COOLANT IN THE CYLINDER CAUSED THE PISTON ROD TO BEND. MECHANICS STATED THAT NEW ENGINE WOULD COST $3,000 - 3,500 TO REPLACE. *LA

Mileage: 102,000

VEHICLE ENGINE EXPLODED AS CONSUMER TURNED THE KEY IN THE IGNITION. *MR A PROFESSIONAL EXPLAINED TO CONSUMER THAT THE LOWER INTAKE MANIFOLD FAILED. *LA

VEHICLE'S ENGINE HAS SEVERE MOTOR DAMAGE.*MR WHILE DRIVING, THE ENGINE BEGAN TO MAKE A TICKING SOUND WHICH DEVELOPED INTO A LOUD KNOCKING NOISE. THE GAUGES SHOWED A RAPID LOST OF OIL AND A RISING TEMPERATURE, BUT NOT TO A CRITICAL LEVEL. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO A MECHANIC WHERE IT WAS DETERMINED THAT THE DAMAGE WAS CAUSED BY A BROKEN PISTON ROD THAT HAD EXITED THE MOTOR THROUGH THE OIL PAN. *JB

WHEN ATTEMPTING TO CLEAN THE POSITIVE BATTERY TERMINAL ENGINE STARTED. *AK

Mileage: 130,000

WHEN TRYING TO START THE VEHICLE THE CONSUMER HEARD A LOUD BANGING NOISE IN THE ENGINE. THE CONSUMER DRAINED THE OIL PAN AND FOUND A HALF A CUP OF WATER BEFORE THE OIL CAME OUT. THE CONSUMER FOUND ON A WEB SIGHT THAT THIS VEHICLE HAD A PROBLEM WITH TWO GASKETS ON THE ENGINE. THE DEALER IS NOT CLAIMING RESPONSIBILITY FOR THE PROBLEM. *LA

Mileage: 52,650

LOCATION OF EXHAUST PIPE IS AFFECTING BRAKE EQUIPMENT. *MR DUE TO THE EXHAUST PIPE BEING PLACED IN FRONT OF THE REAR TIRE, THE HEAT DETERIORATES THE REAR BRAKE BACKING PANEL AFFECTING THE BRAKES AND SHATTERING THE CENTER WHEEL HUB. THE DEALER ADVISED THE CONSUMER OF HAVING THE MUFFLER TAIL PIPE RE-ROUTED TO THE REAR OF THE TIRE AS SUBSEQUENT MODELS OF THE VEHICLE. *SC *JB

AFTER STARTING THE VEHICLE, THE ENGINE BLEW OUT. *AK THE DEALER REPLACED THE ENGINE. FORD WOULD NOT PAY RESTITUTION FOR THE ENGINE. THE CONSUMER HAD BEEN DRIVING THE VEHICLE AND THE PARKED IT. WHEN THE VEHICLE WAS STARTED LATER ON, IT EXPLODED. THE MANIFOLD WAS DEFECTIVE. *SC *JB

Mileage: 42,870

WHILE AT FORD DEALER HAVING STATE INSPECTION DONE, THE SPEED CONTROL DEACTIVATION SWITCH CAUSGHT ON FIRE.

Mileage: 77,749

I OWN A 1997 FORD F-150 WITH A V6 4.2 LITER MOTOR. LAST WEEK TO MY SURPRISE MY TRUCK STARTED KNOCKING. I FOUND THE REASON FOR THIS PROBLEM WAS A FAULTY HEAD GASKET DESIGN BY FORD. I HAD CHECKED FOR RECALLS ON MY TRUCK MANY TIMES BEFORE, AND AS EARLY AS JANUARY, 2000 (WHEN I STILL HAD MY WARRANTY) I CHECKED FOR A POSSIBLE RECALL, BUT I WAS NEVER INFORMED OF THIS PROBLEM LIKE MANY OTHER 1997-1998 4.2 LITER OWNERS. TODAY THIS LEAVES ME WITH A USELESS TRUCK THAT NEEDS AND $4000 ENGINE REPLACEMENT. I JUST FEEL THAT I SHOULD OF BEEN NOTIFIED OF THIS DESIGN FLAW BEFORE IT HAPPENED, AND MY TRUCK SHOULD NOT HAVE A PROBLEM LIKE THIS WITH UNDER 100,000 MILES. THANK YOU FOR YOUR HELP. *LA

Mileage: 99,000

VEHICLE WAS PARKED IN GARAGE FOR ABOUT 3 HOURS WHEN A FIRE STARTED IN THE ENGINE COMPARTMENT

CONSUMER STATED THE BATTERY SEEMED TO BE DEAD. THE NEXT DAY THE DRIVER ATTEMPTED TO START VEHICLE AGAIN. THE DRIVER COULD HEAR A LOUD BANGING NOISE COMING FROM THE ENGINE. THE MECHANIC STATED WATER HAD SEEPED DOWN INTO THE CYLINDERS. *JB

Mileage: 99,000

MY 1997 FORD F-150, WHICH HAS BEEN PRIMARILY DRIVEN ON THE HIGHWAY, AND HAS BEEN WELL-MAINTAINED THROUGHOUT IT'S LIFESPAN, JUST THREW A ROD AT 107,000 MILES. THIS IS RIDICULOUS THAT THIS SHOULD HAVE HAPPENED AT THIS LOW MILEAGE. I WOULD LIKE TO FIND OUT IF THERE ARE ANY COMPLAINTS ON RECORD REGARDING THIS AND THE BEST WAY TO HANDLE IT WITH FORD. *JB

Mileage: 107,000

FAILED LOWER INTAKE MANIFOLD GASKETS IN FORD 4.2 LITER ENGINES. I THINK ENOUGH OF THESE HAVE FAILED TO REQUIRE FORD MOTOR COMPANY TO ISSUE A RECALL TO REPAIR OR REIMBURSE THOSE OF US WHO HAVE ALREADY HAD THE REPAIR COMPLETED OR HAD TO REPLACE OUR ENGINES DUE TO THE FAILURE.*AK

Mileage: 82,000

I HAVE A FORD F150 TRUCK WITH THE 4.2L ENGINE. VIN # FTDX1725VKA71538 MY LEFT LOWER INTAKE MANIFOLD SIDE GASKET FAILED. THIS ALLOWED COOLANT TO LEAK INTO A CYLINDER AND DAMAGE THE ENGINE. THE DAMAGE IS DESCRIBED IN FORD'S TSB ARTICLE # 99-20-7.*AK

Mileage: 70,000

I AM SENDING IN A FULL LETTER TO EXPLAIN THE "FAILURES". IT CENTERS AROUND TSB 99B29 AND LACK OF OWNER NOTIFICATION OF A BAD FRONT COVER DESIGN THAT CAN LEAD TO ENGINE FAILURE, WHICH OCCURRED IN THIS CASE. ADDITIONALLY, I HAD A TIE ROD FAILURE THAT WAS NOT ADDRESSED UNDER WARRANTY, BUT LATER BROKE WHILE DRIVING. ALSO, MY CRANK SHAFT PULLEY / DAMPENER ASSEMBLY FELL OFF WHILE HIGHWAY DRIVING (70 MPH). THERE ARE OTHER ISSUES INCLUDING DOOR LOCK / KEY STICKING.*AK CAMPAIGN ID NUMBER : 03V196000 COMPONENT: STEERING:GEAR BOX:SHAFT SECTOR. THE ENGINE COVER GASKET FAILED. *TC THE SERPENTINE FAILED, THE TRANSMISSION HAD AN AKWARD SHIFT, THE WIPERS OPERATED PERIODICALLY BY THEMSELVES ON HIGH SPEED, THERE WAS LITTLE HEAT COMING FROM THE VENTS THROUGH THE FLOOR. *JB

Mileage: 71,000

I AM SENDING IN A FULL LETTER TO EXPLAIN THE "FAILURES". IT CENTERS AROUND TSB 99B29 AND LACK OF OWNER NOTIFICATION OF A BAD FRONT COVER DESIGN THAT CAN LEAD TO ENGINE FAILURE, WHICH OCCURRED IN THIS CASE. ADDITIONALLY, I HAD A TIE ROD FAILURE THAT WAS NOT ADDRESSED UNDER WARRANTY, BUT LATER BROKE WHILE DRIVING. ALSO, MY CRANK SHAFT PULLEY / DAMPENER ASSEMBLY FELL OFF WHILE HIGHWAY DRIVING (70 MPH). THERE ARE OTHER ISSUES INCLUDING DOOR LOCK / KEY STICKING.*AK CAMPAIGN ID NUMBER : 03V196000 COMPONENT: STEERING:GEAR BOX:SHAFT SECTOR. THE ENGINE COVER GASKET FAILED. *TC THE SERPENTINE FAILED, THE TRANSMISSION HAD AN AKWARD SHIFT, THE WIPERS OPERATED PERIODICALLY BY THEMSELVES ON HIGH SPEED, THERE WAS LITTLE HEAT COMING FROM THE VENTS THROUGH THE FLOOR. *JB

Mileage: 71,000

I OWN A 1997 FORD F150. I RECENTLY HAD TO REPLACE THE ENGINE. I REPLACED IT WITH AN ENGINE FROM A 2000 MODEL. ONE YEAR LATER I'M HAVEING THE SAME ISSUES WITH THE NEW ENGINE. WHILE RESOVLING THE PROBLEMS I WAS HAVING I LEARNED SEVERAL PEOPLE HAD THIS SAME ISSUE. IT SEEMS THAT TSB #99-20-7 WAS ISSUED BY FORD. IT DESCRIBES MY PROBLEMS IN DETAIL. I CAUGHT IT MUCH EARLIER THIS TIME AND WAS ABLE TO REPLACE THE LOWER INTAKE MANIFOLD GASKET BEFORE ANY SIGNIFICANT DAMAGE WAS DONE TO MY 2000 ENGINE. FORD NEEDS TO TAKE RESONSIBILITY AND FIX THE ISSUES RELATED TO THEIR TSB #99-20-7. ONE OF THE BIGGEST PROBLEMS IS THE INFORMATION REGARDING THIS ISSUE IS NOT WIDE SPREAD. THE ISSUE IS OFTEN MIS-DIAGNOSED AS A BLOWN HEAD GASKET, WHICH IS TWICE THE COST TO FIX. SO CONSUMERS ARE PAYING THE PRICE FOR FORDS COVER-UP. A WEB SITE IS SETUP WITH A PLETHORA OF INFORMATION REGADING THIS ISSUE. WWW.LEAKINGFORDS.COM. *AK

FORD F-150 COMPLAINT ON 4.2L /V6 ENGINE. ENGINE HAD TOTAL FAILURE AT 69K DUE TO ENGINE COOLANT LEAK INTO MOTOR. I NEVER RECEIVED ANY RECALL NOTICES FOR GASKET PROBLEM NOTED IN OWNER NOTIFICATION BULLETINS AND TECHNICAL SERVICE BULLETINS ISSUED BY FORD. THIS IS A MAJOR PROBLEM DUE TO POORLY ENGINEERED FAULTY PARTS USED BY FORD IN THIS MOTOR. THIS IS A MAJOR PROBLEM AND ALL V6 F-150 OWNERS SHOULD BE COMPENSATED FOR DAMAGES BY FORD. I NEED TO PAY FOUR THOUSAND DOLLARS TO REPLACE THE ENGINE. *JB

Mileage: 69,600

UPON LEAVING THE VEHICLE CONSUMER SMELLED A STRONG COOLANT ODOR. CONSUMER EXAMINED THE VEHICLE TO TRACE FROM WHERE THE ODOR WAS COMING. CONSUMER, WHO WAS A MECHANIC, DETERMINED THAT ENGINE HEAD GASKET BLEW OUT. DEALER WAS NOTIFIED, BUT REFUSED TO REPAIR VEHICLE WITHOUT A RECALL OR PAYMENT.*AK

Mileage: 80,000

I HAVE A 1997 FORD F150 WITH 55000 MILES. ON THE HIGHWAY GOING 60 MPH I HEARD A LOAD POP THE TRUCK THEN BEGAN POPPING AND MAKING ALOT OF NOISE. LOST POWER IMEDIATELY WAS ABLE TO GET TO SIDE OF THE ROAD. HAD THE TRUCK TOWED TO DEALER WHICH FOUND THE SPARKPLUG BLOWN OUT AND REPLACED THE CYL HEAD AND NUMEROUS OTHER PARTS TO THE TUNE OF $4000.OO. AFTER SEARCHING THE FORUMS ON THE INTERNET I FOUND THIS IS NOT AN ISOLATED INSIDENT THIS HAS HAPPENED TO MANY DIFFERENT VEHICLES WITH THE 5.4 ENGINE. I CALLED FORD TO SEE IF THEY ARE PLANNING TO DO ANYTHING ABOUT THIS OBVIOUS ENGINE DEFECT AND THEY WERE UNINTERESTED IN MY PROBLEM. I HAVE OWNED A FEW VEHICLES AND MOST I HAVE KEPT TILL WELL PAST 100,000 MILES AND HAVE NEVER HAD A SPARKPLUG BLOW OUT OF THE CYLINDER HEAD.*AK

Mileage: 55,590

UNDER HOOD FIRE AFTER VEHICLE PARKED FOR 6.5 HOURS. CRUISE CONTROL STOPPED WORKING ON 11/27/03 AND WAS NOT REPAIRED.

Mileage: 164,123

NOTICE ENGINE COOLANT EXTREMLY LOW ADDED 1+GALLONS NOTICED STILL LOOSING COOLANT. TOOK 1997 FORD F150 WITH 4.2L V6 AND ONLY 75,700 MILES ON ENGINE TO FORD DEALER FORD DEALER STATED "NO EXTERNAL LEAK FOUND AND CAN NOT FIND ANY POSSABLE INTERNAL LEAK. BUT NEED TO REPLACE INTAKE SET PART#F652-9433-C, EGR GASKET PART#F6AZ-90476-B, TIMMING GASKET PART#YF2Z-6020-AA, F. CRANK SEAL PART#F18Z-6701-A, W/P GASKET PART#F65Z-8507-BA, INTAKE BOLTS PART#N606526.5100 AND N605894.5309, T-BODY GASKET F75Z-9E936-AA, AND IMRC BUSHINGF5RZ-9F955-AB" APARENTLY FORD HAS AND HAS HAD A GASKET PROBLEM THAT NEEDS TO BE DELT WITH.*AK

LOWER INTALKE MANIFOLD LEAK ON 1997 F-150 4.2L CAUSED ME TO HAVE TO SPEMD 3000.00 ON A NEW MOTOR.*AK

Mileage: 145,000

FRONT ENGINE GASKET LEAKING CALLED DEALERSHIP ANY TELL ME THAT MY TRUCK WASNT A RECALL . BUT SEEMS TO ME THAT OTHER FORD TRUCK OWNERS ARE HAVING THE SAME PROBLEM WHIT THE FRONT ENGINE GASKET LEAKING. IT WILL COST ME ABOUT $700.00 TO REPAIR. HOPE THE FORD COMPANY DOES SOMETING ABOUT THIS PROBLEM. *AK

RECENTLY MY 1997 FORD 150 4.2L STARTED CLATTER.. FROM WHAT I UNDERSTAND FROM CONVERSATIONS WITH OTHER 4.2L EFI OWNERS FROM 1997-2001 THIS PARTICULAR ENGINE HAS A SIGNIFICANT PROBLEM OF SORTS.. I WAS WANDER IF THERE ARE ANY OTHER SPECIFIC COMPLAINTS? IT IS GOING TO COST ME BETWEEN 4,000 AND 5,000 TO REPLACE THE ENGINE.. WHILE MY TRUCK HAD A BIT OVER 100,000 MILES I'VE MET AND SPOKE WITH SEVERAL OWNERS WHO HAVE HAD SIGNIFICANTLY LESS MILEAGE WITH IDENTICAL PROBLEMS. I'VE MAINTAINED THE TRUCK WITHIN FACTORY SPECIFICATIONS.. DURING THE NORMAL COURSE OF EVENT, IS WAS USING 1QUART OF OIL PER 2,000 MILES WHICH SEEMED A BIT DISTRESSING. ARE THERE ANY PENDING CLASS ACTIONS AGAINST FORD MOTOR FOR THIS PARTICULAR CONDITION AND IF SO WHERE CAN I BE INFORMED OF THE PROCESS? *LA

Mileage: 100,000

1997 FORD F150 W/ 4.2L ENGINE. THE GASKETS FAILED AND COOLANT LEAKED INTO THE ENGINE CAUSING A BLOWN ENGINE. RECALL FOR FRONT COVER GASKET WAS COMPLETED AND I STILL HAD THE ENGINE FAILURE. TERRIBLE. 5000 DOLLARS FOR A REPLACEMENT ENGINE. *CB

Mileage: 127,000

"LOWER INTAKE MANIFOLD SIDE GASKETS FAILED, ALLOWING COOLANT TO LEAK INTO ENGINE OIL. ISSUE IS ADDRESSED BY FORD WITH TSB ARTICLE NO. 99-20-7." *CB

Mileage: 127,000

I STARTED UP MY 1997 FORD F-150 XL WITH A 4.2L V-6 AFTER WORK ONE DAY TO HEAR A LOUD KNOCKING. I OBSERVED THAT MY COOLANT LEVEL WAS LOW HOWEVER THERE WAS NO MILKY LOOK TO THE ENGINE OIL. I RAN A COMPRESSION TEST ON MY ENGINE TO FIND THAT THERE WAS NO COMPRESSION ON CYLINDER 1 INDICATING THE CONNECTING ROD HAD BROKEN. I AM AWARE THAT FORD HAS ISSUED A TSB FOR A GASKET FAILURE HOWEVER IT HAS EXPIRED. *CB

Mileage: 103,000

WHILE DRIVING THE VEHICLE OVERHEATED DUE TO A FAULTY INTAKE MANIFOLD THAT CAUSED COOLANT TO LEAK INSIDE THE ENGINE. THE DEALER WAS NOTIFIED AND DETERMINED THAT THE ENGINE NEEDS TO BE REPLACED. PLEASE PROVIDE ANY ADDITIONAL INFORMATION. *NM

Mileage: 80,000

ON A COLD START MY FORD F-150 BROKE A ROD DUE TO ENGINE COOLANT LEAKING INTO ENGINE. THIS IS A KNOWN FORD DEFECT IN WHICH FORD SENT OUT A TECHNICAL BULLETIN BUT WHO WILL NOT COVER THE $4,000 DOLLAR REPAIR.*AK

Mileage: 54,000

FAILURE OF FRONT ENGINE COVER GASKET ON 4.2L ENGINE IN 1997 FORD F150 PICKUP TRUCK.*AK

Mileage: 53,000

I HAVE A 1997 FORD F-150 WITH A 4.2 L ENGINE, WHICH JUST TURNED OVER 81,000 MILES. I HAVE FOLLOWED THE MAINTENANCE SCHEDULE TO A "T", CHANGING THE OIL EVERY 3000 MILES, (WHICH I HAVE RECEIPTS FOR) TRYING TO MAKE IT LAST AS LONG AS POSIBLE. IN ABOUT TWO WEEKS THE TRUCK WILL BE 7 YEARS OLD AND STILL LOOKS AS GOOD AS IT DID THE DAY I DROVE IT OF THE LOT. YESTERDAY MORNING, I STARTED UP MY TRUCK AND IT SOUNDED LIKE THE ENGINE WAS COMING APART. I HAD IT TOWED TO MY MECHANIC WHO INFORMED ME THAT THE ENGINE WAS NOT FIRING ON TWO OF THE CYLINDERS, THAT ONE OF THEM WAS ONLY FIRING AT AROUND 40%, AND THAT A VALVE WAS KNOCKING. TECHNICALLY, THE ENGINE WAS BLOWN. I CONTACTED FORD ABOUT THE PROBLEM AND THEY DENIED ANY EXISTING PROBLEMS WITH THIS PATICULAR ENGINE . I READ SEVERAL OTHER COMPLAINTS THAT WERE CONSISTANT WITH MINE AND WISH THAT SOMEONE WOULD EXPLAIN WHY FORD IS NOT TAKING RESPONSIBILITY FOR THIS OBVIOUS MANUFACTURER DEFECT. I HAD ALL THE RECALL WORK PERFORMED ON SCHEDULE BY FORD DEALERSHIPS. I AM SO DISTRAUGHT ABOUT THIS THAT I WILL NEVER PURCHASE ANOTHER FORD PRODUCT AND WILL ADVISE ALL FRIENDS AND FAMILY OF THE SAME.*AK

Mileage: 81,000

EMAIL FM JOEY GANSZ (AR) INQUIRING IF THERE IS ENOUGH INFORMATION & COMPLAINTS TO REQUIRE FORD TO RECALL THE ENGINE GASKET ON THE 1997 FORD F150 PICKUP TRUCK. *MR THE CONSUMER EXPERIENCED ENGINE PROBLEMS DUE TO A FAULTY GASKET WHICH ALLOWED COOLANT TO LEAK INTO THE CYLINDERS. THE MANUFACTURER WAS CONTACTED BUT REFUSED TO ADMIT THERE WAS A PROBLEM EVEN THOUGH A SERVICE BULLETIN (SB 99-20-7) WAS ISSUED. *NLM *JB

UPON STARTING VEHICLE CONSUMER HEARD A TAPPING NOISE. THEN THE NOISE BECAME LOUDER. ENGINE HEAD GASKET DEVELOPED A LEAK WHICH CAUSED WATER TO GET INTO THE ENGINE. AS A RESULT, AFTER A PERIOD OF TIME, THE PISTON CONNECTING ROD SNAPPED. DEALERSHIP INDICATED THIS WAS A COMMON PROBLEM WITH THIS ENGINE. TO CORRECT THE PROBLEM THE ENGINE HAS TO BE REPLACED.*AK

Mileage: 102,000

EXHAUST MANIFOLDS AND STUDS ARE CORRODEING AND WARPING. 1997 4.6 ENGINE. FORD F-150. SHOP WHERE I HAD SERVICE DONE REPORTS THAT THEY HAVE SEEN SEVERAL SIMILAR SITUATIONS WITHIN A WEEKS TIME. COULD THERE BE A PROBLEM HERE? MANIFOLDS ARE NOT SUPPOSED TO CORRODE LIKE THIS. *LA

Mileage: 72,175

VEHICLE HAD COOLANT LEAK INTO CYLINDER #3 CAUSING RINGS TO COLLAPSE AND LOSS OF COMPRESSION IN CYLINDER. THIS IS GOING TO REQUIRE A REBUILD ON THE ENGINE THAT HAS ONLY 70,000 MILES ON IT. *LA

Mileage: 69,800

HEAT SHIELDS LOOSE ON THE CATALYTIC CONVERTER. TWO CLAMPS WERE REPLACED AGAIN. I HAD THIS FIXED 2 YEARS, PREVIOUSLY. I WAS CHARGED $70.50 FOR THIS TO BE CORRECTED AGAIN. IT SEEMS THAT THERE IS A PROBLEM WITH THE QUALITY OF THE CLAMPS THAT ARE BEING USED BY FORD. *LA

Mileage: 50,469

PROBLEMS WITH ENGINE ON 1997 FORD F150. *MR THERE WAS A LOUD TAPPING NOISE WHICH HAD COME FROM THE ENGINE. THE CONSUMER RECEIVED A RECALL LETTER WHICH DESCRIBED THE SAME PROBLEMS AS THE CONSUMERS VEHICLE. THE RECALL SERVICE WAS PERFORMED, BUT LESS THAN 25K MILES LATER, THE CONSUMER WAS TOLD THAT A NEW ENGINE WAS NEEDED. *SCC *JB

Mileage: 66,139

I OWN A 1997 FORD F-150, AND I BELIEVE THAT THE TRUCK'S MILEAGE IS APPROXIMATELY 80,000. MY TRUCK HAS BEEN MAINTAINED THE ENTIRE TIME SINCE I HAD IT. MY TRUCK HAS NEVER BEEN ABUSED NOR HAS IT EVER PULLED A TRAILER OR BEEN USED FOR HAULING. WE HAVE PUT THOUSANDS OF DOLLARS INTO MY TRUCK OVER THE PAST YEARS. THE TRUCK HAS HAD NUMEROUS PROBLEMS. IT HAS RUN POORLY, AND THE CHECK ENGINE LIGHT HAS COME ON MANY TIMES. WE HAVE BROUGHT THE TRUCK TO FORD FOR SERVICE, AND WE HAVE PERMITTED ALL OF THE REPAIRS THAT FORD HAS RECOMMENDED. IN APRIL, I BROUGHT THE TRUCK IN TO WOODY ANDERSON FOR SERVICE... $1100 LATER, THE TRUCK STILL FALTERED WHEN STARTING, AND CONTINUED TO RUN "ROUGH". THE SERVICE TECH AT WOODY ANDERSON TOLD ME THAT TRUCKS RUN ROUGH. I TOOK THE TRUCK TO SEARS, AND THEY SAID HER BATTERY WAS BAD, SO WE HAD IT REPLACED. THE TRUCK STILL RAN ROUGH AND DID NOT START PROPERLY. LAST FRIDAY (3 OCTOBER 2003) THE CHECK ENGINE LIGHT CAME ON AGAIN! ON SUNDAY, I ATTEMPTED TO START MY TRUCK ... AND THE ENGINE MADE A HORRIFIC SOUND. I TURNED THE ENGINE OFF IMMEDIATELY, AND HAD IT TOWED TO WOODY ANDERSON ON MONDAY MORNING. NOW I'M BEING TOLD THAT THE ENGINE HAS "FALLEN APART," AND WOODY ANDERSON WANTS $4000 TO PUT IN A NEW ENGINE! I FEEL THAT REPLACING THE ENGINE IS FORD'S RESPONSIBILITY. OUR RECORDS SHOW THAT WE HAVE DONE OUR PART IN KEEPING THE TRUCK'S MAINTENANCE CURRENT. IT WAS OUR EXPECTATION AND BELIEF THAT FORD WOULD DO THEIR PART AND SERVICE OUR VEHICLE PROPERLY. THE FACT THAT THE CHECK ENGINE LIGHT CONTINUED TO COME ON AFTER NUMEROUS SERVICE ATTEMPTS TO FIX THE PROBLEM(S), INDICATES TO ME THAT THE SERVICE THE TRUCK RECEIVED WAS NOT SUFFICIENT TO MAINTAIN THE ENGINE PROPERLY. THE CHECK ENGINE LIGHT CAME ON AGAIN TWO DAYS BEFORE THE ENGINE'S FAILURE. WHETHER OR NOT THE CHECK ENGINE LIGHT IS RELATED TO THE ENGINE'S FAILURE I DO NOT KNOW, BUT IT DOES SUPPORT THE FACT THAT PROBLEMS WITH THE ENGINE WERE NEVER RESOLVED. *LA

Mileage: 80,000

CONSISTENT PROBLEM WITH THE ENGINE LIGHT. ENGINE NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. DEALER INSPECTED VEHICLE FOR SEVERAL YEARS AND COULDN'T FIX THE ENGINE LIGHT. *AK

MY 1997 FORD F150 WITH 4.2L V-6 MANIFOLD GASKET FAILED AT 68,000 (ORIGINAL) MILES WHICH CAUSED COOLANT TO LEAK INTO THE CYLINDERS. WITHOUT ANY WARNING, AT COLD START THE COOLANT IN THE CYLINDERS CAUSED PISTONS/ROD TO BREAK AND ENGINE SUDDENLY BEGAN LOUD KNOCKING AND POURING WHITE SMOKE OUT OF EXHAUST. THIS TRUCK HAS BEEN MAINTAINED AND HAS NEVER BEEN DRIVEN HARD. THE COST TO REBUILD THE MOTOR (FROM FORD) WAS $3500.00. WHEN MY MECHANIC CALLED TO ORDER THE REBUILT ENGINE FROM FORD, HE WAS TOLD THEY HAD JUST PLACED AN ORDER FOR 50 IDENTICAL ENGINES. THEY ALSO TOLD HIM THEY HAVE TO REPLACE THESE ENGINES ALL THE TIME. IT'S A SHAME THAT FORD WILL NOT TAKE ANY RESPONSIBILITY IN FIXING THIS PROBLEM AND TRY TO HELP THEIR CUSTOMERS. I WILL NEVER BUY A FORD PRODUCT AGAIN AND I WILL TELL EVERYONE THAT I COME IN CONTACT WITH ABOUT THIS VERY UNFORTUNATE PROBLEM THAT FORD WILL DO NOTHING ABOUT. *LA

Mileage: 68,000

CYLINDER #2 PISTON OF 97 F150 TRUCK BLEW A SPARK PLUG OUT OF ALUMINIUM HEAD. THIS HAS APPARENTLY BEEN A PROBLEM OF FORD VEH. NOW ON 2004 FORD TRUCKS THEY USE CAST IRON HEADS. I REPAIRED MY TRUCK MYSELF WITH A HELI COIL BUT IT SHOULD HAVE BEEN FORDS RESPONSIBILITY. PLEASE PUT THIS IN THE PILE OF COMPLAINTS ABOUT THIS ISSUE........ I WILL NEVER PURCHASE ANOTHER FORD AGAIN.........THIS INCIDENT OCCURED IN DEC 2000 WITH ONLY 54,000 MILES. MY WIFE AND DAUGHTER WERE ON THERE WAY BACK HOME TO DALLAS FROM AMARILLO, TX. (CHANGED CONSUMER INFO PER 10/25/05 CONSUMER CALL - C. ROSE)

Mileage: 54,000

"LOWER INTAKE MANIFOLD SIDE GASKETS FAILED, ALLOWING COOLANT TO LEAK INTO ENGINE OIL. ISSUE IS ADDRESSED BY FORD WITH TSB ARTICLE NO. 99-20-7."

Mileage: 99,560

"LOWER INTAKE MANIFOLD SIDE GASKETS FAILED, ALLOWING COOLANT TO LEAK INTO ENGINE OIL. ISSUE IS ADDRESSED BY FORD WITH TSB ARTICLE NO. 99-20-7."

Mileage: 99,560

COOLANT WAS ADDED TO THE VEHICLE, AND WITHIN TWENTY MINUTES THE COOLANT LEVEL WAS LOW, AND THE VEHICLE STARTED TO DRIVE ROUGHLY. DRIVER SHUT OFF THE VEHICLE AND WOULD NOT RESTART IT. DEALER FOUND THAT CAUSE OF THE PROBLEM WAS A FAULTY HEAD GASKET. *AK

ENGINE FAILURE, TRANSMISSION FAILURE

Mileage: 97,807

ENGINE FAILURE DUE TO COOLANT LEAKAGE INTO CYLINDERS.*AK

Mileage: 107,400

THE INTAKE MANIFOLD GASKET FAILS CAUSING WATER TO LEAK INTO THE ENGINE.SO IN THE MORNING WHEN YOU START YOUR CAR THE ENGINE HAS BLOWN.THE ENGINE HAS TO BE REPLACED,CAN NOT BE REBUILT.*AK

Mileage: 115,207

WHILE DRIVING AT ANY SPEED AND WITHOUT WARNING ENGINE WOULD DIE OUT, CAUSING THE CONSUMER TO PULL OVER. DEALER HAS BEEN NOTIFIED. *AK

COMPLETE ENGINE FAILURE BY BLOWN HEAD GASKET WHICH COULD RESULT IN LOSS OF CONTROL OF VEHICAL. COMMON AMONG 1997 & 1998 FORD F-150S WITH THE NEW V6 4.2 ENGINES.*AK

Mileage: 73,432

THE VEHICLE WAS OVERHEATING AND THE MECHANIC DETERMINED THAT THE VEHICLE HAD A COOLANT LEAK. THE PIPE WHICH LEAD TO THE RADIATOR RUSTED AND CAUSED THE COOLANT TO LEAK. THE VEHICLE OVERHEATED INTERMITTENTLY SINCE 1998. *NLM *CB

Mileage: 77,998

MY 1997 FORD F150 WITH 4.2L V-6 MANIFOLD GASKET FAILED WHICH CAUSED COOLANT TO LEAK INTO CYLINDERS. WITHOUT ANY WARNING, AT COLD START THE COOLANT IN THE CYLINDERS CAUSED PISTONS/ROD TO BREAK AND ENGINE SUDDENLY BEGAN LOUD KNOCKING AND POURING WHITE SMOKE OUT OF EXHAUST. THIS TRUCK HAS BEEN METICULOUSLY MAINTAINED AND HAS NEVER BEEN DRIVEN HARD. LOCAL REPAIR SHOP SAYS THE LOCAL MACHINE SHOP THEY USE FOR REBUILDS HAS SEEN AT LEAST 24 OF THESE ENGINES SINCE JANUARY 1ST, 2003! ESTIMATES TO REBUILD OR REPLACE THIS ENGINE RANGE FROM $2,000 TO $4,000. WE HAVE NOT YET DECIDED WHAT TO DO - SCARED TO GET NEW ENGINE FROM FORD BECAUSE SAME PROBLEM MAY STILL BE PRESENT.*AK

Mileage: 91,000

MY 1997 FORD F150 WITH 4.2L V-6 MANIFOLD GASKET FAILED WHICH CAUSED COOLANT TO LEAK INTO CYLINDERS. WITHOUT ANY WARNING, AT COLD START THE COOLANT IN THE CYLINDERS CAUSED PISTONS/ROD TO BREAK AND ENGINE SUDDENLY BEGAN LOUD KNOCKING AND POURING WHITE SMOKE OUT OF EXHAUST. THIS TRUCK HAS BEEN METICULOUSLY MAINTAINED AND HAS NEVER BEEN DRIVEN HARD. LOCAL REPAIR SHOP SAYS THE LOCAL MACHINE SHOP THEY USE FOR REBUILDS HAS SEEN AT LEAST 24 OF THESE ENGINES SINCE JANUARY 1ST, 2003! ESTIMATES TO REBUILD OR REPLACE THIS ENGINE RANGE FROM $2,000 TO $4,000. WE HAVE NOT YET DECIDED WHAT TO DO - SCARED TO GET NEW ENGINE FROM FORD BECAUSE SAME PROBLEM MAY STILL BE PRESENT.*AK

Mileage: 91,000

ENGINE FAILURE ON FORD 4.2L V6. *AK

Mileage: 83,000

WHILE DRIVING THE VEHICLE SHUT DOWN AND WOULD NOT RESTART. IT WAS LATER DETERMINED THAT THE HEAD GASKET FAILED WHICH LEAKED ANTI FREEZE AND CAUSED THE ENGINE TO SEIZE. *NLM *CB *NLM

Mileage: 105,396

THE ENGINE ROD PISTON BLEW, WHICH CAUSED THE VEHICLE TO BE NON DRIVABLE. *NLM PH *JB

Mileage: 76,296

COOLANT LEAKING AT FRONT COVER GASKET AND LOWER INTAKE MANIFOLD. 1997 FORD F-150 4WD. VIN#[XXX]. I PURCHASED VEHICLE USED. HAVE RECALLS AND SERVICE BULLETINS BEEN MAINTAINED ON THIS VEHICLE? I WILL BE TAKING THE VEHICLE TO JACOB GEORGE FORD, HOUTZDALE, PA FOR FULL INSPECTION TOMORROW. ANY INFORMATION ON THE MAINTENANCE WOULD BE USEFUL FOR US TO CORRECT THIS PROBLEM. THANK YOU. *NLM INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6). *TR

Mileage: 81,281

CONSUMER STATES THE EXHAUST IS LOCATED AT THE RIGHT SIDE, CAUSING THE TIRES TO OVERHEAT AND BLOW UP. IN JULY FIRESTONE WILDERNESS HT SIZE 23570R16 DOT W2081PT WERE REPLACED BY GOODYEAR ,AND PROBLEM STILL RECURRING. DEALER STATED NOTHING WAS WRONG WITH THE EXHAUST PIPE. CONSUMER INDICATED THAT FIRESTONE DIAGNOSIS WAS THAT TIRE BLEW UP DUE TO OVERHEATING. *AK

Mileage: 81,000

THE TRUCK WAS BUILT WITH THE EXHAUST EXITING IN FRONT OF THE RIGHT REAR TIRE, WHICH CAUSED EXCESSIVE HEAT TO THE TIRE AND A BURNING SMELL. THE HUB CAPS AND WHEELS WERE DISCOLORED, AND THE REAR AXLE SEAL LEAKED, ALL THESE PROBLEMS WERE CAUSED BY THE DEFECTIVE EXHAUST SYSTEM WHICH WAS DUE TO THE EXTREME HEAT. THE REAR OIL SEAL LEAKED OIL. *MR *PH *JB

Mileage: 15,000

THE TRUCK WAS BUILT WITH THE EXHAUST EXITING IN FRONT OF THE RIGHT REAR TIRE, WHICH CAUSED EXCESSIVE HEAT TO THE TIRE AND A BURNING SMELL. THE HUB CAPS AND WHEELS WERE DISCOLORED, AND THE REAR AXLE SEAL LEAKED, ALL THESE PROBLEMS WERE CAUSED BY THE DEFECTIVE EXHAUST SYSTEM WHICH WAS DUE TO THE EXTREME HEAT. THE REAR OIL SEAL LEAKED OIL. *MR *PH *JB

Mileage: 15,000

I DROVE TO WORK THAT MORNING AND EVERYTHING WAS FINE. I WENT TO MY TRUCK TO LEAVE WORK THAT EVENING AND WHEN I CRANKED MY VEHICLE IT MADE A LOUD POP LIKE A BACK FIRE IN THE ENGINE COMPARTMENT AND STARTED RATTLING IMMEDIATELY. I SHUT MY TRUCK OFF AND OPENED THE HOOD TO SEE IF I NOTICED ANYTHING OUT OF THE ORDINARY AND FOUND NOTHING OUT OF PLACE. I HAD MY TRUCK TOWED TO A LOCAL DEALERSHIP AND WAS TOLD I HAD SUFFERED INTERNAL ENGINE DAMAGE AT START UP AND WOULD NEED A NEW ENGINE. THE COST WOULD BE ALMOST $4000.00. I GOT A SECOND OPINION FROM ANOTHER MECHANIC WHO WORKED AT ANOTHER FORD DEALERSHIP IN MY AREA AND WAS TOLD THAT THESE PARTICULAR ENGINES (THE 4.2L IN THE 1997 MODEL YEAR) HAD A PROBLEM WITH THE GASKETS ALLOWING WATER TO LEAK INTO THE CYLINDER (WATER CANNOT BE COMPRESSED SO IT KICKED BACK AND BENT THE ROD) CAUSING INTERNAL ENGINE DAMAGE. I WAS TOLD BY THE MECHANIC THAT THERE WAS A RECALL THAT ADDRESSED THIS PROBLEM AND THAT FORD HAS SINCE CORRECTED IT IN SUBSEQUENT MODEL YEARS. IT IS APPARENT THAT FORD KNOWS OF THIS PROBLEM, BUT CHOOSES NOT TO DO ANYTHING TO HELP THE AFFECTED CUSTOMERS. I DID CALL FORD'S CUSTOMER SERVICE HOTLINE AND WAS TOLD THAT THE RECALL DID NOT INCLUDE MY VEHICLE EVEN THOUGH IT HAD THE SAME PROBLEM BECAUSE IT WAS NOT MANUFACTURED AT THE PLANT THAT THE RECALL COVERED. I ASKED WHY THE RECALL WAS NOT BROADENED TO INCLUDE ALL 4.2L ENGINES SINCE THIS IS EVIDENTLY A WIDESPREAD PROBLEM. I ALSO WANTED TO KNOW IF I HAD ANY RECOURSE AT ALL AND WAS TOLD THAT I COULD HAVE THE ENGINE REPLACED AT MY EXPENSE AND IF FORD DECIDED TO BROADEN THE SCOPE OF THE RECALL I MAY BE ELIGIBLE FOR A REFUND IN THE FUTURE. IF THE RECALL WOULD HAVE INCLUDED MY VEHICLE I WOULD NOT BE LODGING THIS COMPLAINT NOW. IF YOU KNOW THERE IS A MANUFACTURING DEFECT THE RIGHT THING TO DO IS TO CORRECT IT AND KEEP YOUR CUSTOMER BASE. DO YOU KNOW OF ANY RECOURSE THAT I MAY HAVE IN TRYING TO GET THIS PROBLEM CORRECTED? ANY HELP WOULD BE GREATLY APPRECIATED. *JB

Mileage: 103,000

ENGINE MOTOR WAS MAKING A KNOCKING NOISE, AND HAS NO OIL PRESSURE. THIS COULD RESULT IN THE ENGINE BLOWING UP. CAUSE UNKNOWN.*AK

Mileage: 76,000

AFTER 2 DAYS OF RAIN I WENT OUT TO START MY 1997 FORD, F150. RAIN WATER HAD LEAKED IN FROM FIREWALL AREA ON TO THE INTAKE MANIFOLD AREA AND LEAKED IN THROUGH A FUEL INJECTOR FITTING AND FOUND ITS WAY TO A PISTON . THE FIRST ATTEMPT TO START THE STARTER ENGAGED AND ABRUPTLY STOP AFTER 3 MORE ATTEMPTS AT STARTING THE ENGINE IT TURNED AND STARTED.THE ENGINE HAD SEVERE BANGING NOISE(ABOUT 100 DECIBELS ).I WAS TOLD I HAD A BENT PISTON ROD FROM WATER BEING ON TOP OF PISTON AND THE ENGINE WAS RUINED!*AK

Mileage: 155,000

NAR 6-03-2003 *MR DEFECTIVE HEAD GASKETS RUINING THE ENGINE. *CB

ENGINE CHECK LIGHT ILLUMINATED. THERE WERE REPAIRS DONE TO THE VEHICLE, BUT THE LIGHT STILL ILLUMINATED. PLEASE PROVIDE DETAILS.*AK

1. THE FRONT ENGINE COVER GASKET ON MY 1997 FORD F-150 WAS DEFECTIVE. THERE WAS A RECALL AT ONE TIME ON THIS PROBLEM BUT WAS CHECKED BY A FORD DEALER AND NOTHING WAS FOUND TO BE WRONG. APPROXIMATELY 6 MONTHS LATER IT HAD TO BE REPLACED. BECAUSE THE RECALL HAD EXPIRED FORD WOULD NOT REPLACE IT FOR FREE AND SO I HAD TO HAVE IT REPLACED AT MY COST OF $600.00. 2. AIR BAGS AND SEAT BELT RESTRAINTS. MY WIFE HAD A WRECK IN THE SAME VEHICLE AND THE AIR BAGS DID NOT DEPLOY OR DID THE SEAT BELTS LOCK UP LIKE THEY ARE SUPPOSED TO. I TRIED TO GET FORD TO EXPLAIN TO ME WHY THAT WOULD HAPPEN AND THEY SAID THE INSURANCE COMPANY WOULD HAVE TO HANDLE IT. THE PROBLEM WAS STILL NOT SOLVED. ALSO THE ABS DID NOT WORK. *NLM

CRANK SHAFT PULLEY BROKE 4 BOLTS AND CAME OFF HARMONIC BALANCER ON 1997 FORD F150 CAUSING LOSS OF ROWER STEERING,ALTERNATOR,AND WATER PUMP FUNCTIONS. *NLM

Mileage: 132,000

WHILE THE VEHICLE WAS PARKED IN THE DRIVEWAY, IT CAUGHT ON FIRE. *JB

MY 1997 FORD F-150 4X4 SPONTANEOUSLY BURST INTO FLAMES FROM THE ENGINE COMPARTMENT AFTER HAVING BEEN PARKED IN MY DRIVEWAY FOR 12 HOURS OVER NIGHT. THE ENGINE HAD NOT BEEN RUN, WAS NOT HOT, AND HAD NO MALFUNCTIONING PARTS TO MY KNOWLEDGE. I WAS AWAKENED FRIDAY MORNING BY A JOGGER BEATING ON MY FRONT DOOR SCREAMING THAT MY TRUCK WAS ON FIRE. IT BURNED THE ENGINE COMPLETELY, DESTROYED THE HOOD, CAB, AND THE ENTIRE OF THE FRONT END OF THE TRUCK BEFORE IT COULD BE PUT OUT BY THE FIRE DEPARTMENT. THE LOCAL FIRE MARSHAL AND ARSON INVESTIGATOR INVESTIGATED THE FIRE AND FOUND NO SIGNS OF MALFUNCTIONS. *JB PARKED THE VEHICLE AT 6:00 PM AT AROUND 6:00 AM THE NEXT MORNING THE VEHICLE CAUGHT ON FIRE. THE FIRE WAS COMING FROM THE ENGINE COMPARTMENT. THE FIRE SEEMED TO BE HOTTEST ON THE DRIVERS SIDE OF VEHICLE. THE TIRE ON THE DRIVERS SIDE WAS TOTALLY MELTED. THE TIRE ON THE PASSENGER SIDE DID NOT FAIL. SHORTLY BEFORE THE FIRE THE CRUISE CONTROL STOPPED WORKING. ONCE IN A WHILE THE CHECK ENGINE LIGHT WOULD COME ON. AT ONE POINT AN INTERLOCK SWITCH ON THE VEHICLE BRAKE PEDAL WAS REPLACED BECAUSE COULD NOT GET THE VEHCILE OUT OF PARK. WILL E-MAIL PICTURES TO BRUCE YORK. ONLY AFTERMARKET EQUIPMENT WAS A STEREO PROFESSIONALY INSTALLED. THE VEHICLE ONLY HAD LIABILTY INSURANCE.

THE VEHICLE EXPERIENCED THE SAME DEFECT WITH THE WATER PUMP AS STATED IN RECALL 00 V 094 000, HOWEVER THE VEHICLE IDENTIFICATION AND MODEL WAS NOT INCLUDED IN THE RECALL. *JB

Mileage: 74,000

INCIDENT = IN 2000 FORD MOTOR COMPANY EXTENDED THE WARRANTY ON FORD F-150 PICKUPS TO COVER A KNOWN DESIGN PROBLEM INVOLVING A GASKET THAT KEPT COOLANT FLUIDS FROM LEAKING INTO THE CRANKCASE AND DESTROYING THE ENGINE. THEY ONLY OFFERED TO REPLACE THE EXISTING GASKET TO MAKE SURE IT WASN'T LEAKING AND THEN EXTEND THE WARRANTY FOR ANOTHER 12 MONTHS. JUST AS THEY KNEW IT WOULD, APPROXIMATELY THREE YEARS LATER (APRIL 27) THEIR REPLACEMENT GASKET CRACKED AND COOLANT FLUID LEAKED INTO THE ENGINE THROUGH THE CRANKCASE, AND MY ENGINE SEIZED UP. DAMAGE RESULTING = MY ENGINE BEGAN TO CLATTER, AND I DROVE STRAIGHT TO A DEALERSHIP. I AM NOW HAVING TO REPLACE THE ENGINE ($3,600.00 PLUS TAX). IN TALKING WITH THE AUTHORIZED REPAIR DEALER IN CLARKSVILLE, TN WHERE THE TRUCK BROKE DOWN AND MY USUAL AUTHORIZED REPAIR DEALER HERE IN NASHVILLE, APPARENTLY THIS IS HAPPENING TO MANY OF THE F-150'S THAT RECEIVED A NEW GASKET AND AN EXTENDED 12 MONTH WARRANTY. AGAIN, FORD KNEW THERE WAS A DESIGN PROBLEM (WHICH BY THE WAY BOTH PLACES TOLD ME FORD CORRECTED IN SUBSEQUENT YEARS) AND ONLY OFFERED A BAND-AID APPROACH TO DEALING WITH IT. IN TALKING WITH THE FORD MOTOR COMPANY CONSUMER AFFAIRS, I HAVE REQUEST THAT THE COST, OR AT LEAST A PORTION OF THE COSTS, OF MY NEW ENGINE BE PAID BY FORD. THE REPAIRS WILL BE MADE TOMORROW, APRIL 29. NEEDLESS TO SAY, FORD HAS NOT RESPONDED OR OFFERED TO PAY FOR MY NEW ENGINE. *NLM

Mileage: 73,950

THE TIMING CHAIN FAILED WHICH CAUSED COOLANT TO LEAK ONTO THE LOWER INTAKE MANIFOLD. *JB PH

Mileage: 103,000

THE TRUCK HAD A KNOCKING SOUND. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE MECHANIC WHO STATED THAT THE FRONT COVER GASKET AND MANIFOLD SIDE GASKET FAILED ALLOWING COOLANT TO LEAK INTO THE CYLINDER. AT COLD START, THE COOLANT IN THE CYLINDER CAUSED THE PISTON ROD TO BREAK. HE ALSO STATED THAT THE ENGINE WOULD COST $4000. TO REPLACE. *NLM *TT

Mileage: 73,700

FORD F150 V6 TOTAL ENGINE FAILURE. ENGINE THREW A ROD ON THE #1 CYLINDER. VEHICLE HAS BEEN METICULOUSLY CARED FOR AND NOT DRIVEN HARD AT ALL. THE INTERNET IS ABUNDANT WITH COMPLAINTS OF THIS ENGINE. *NLM

Mileage: 110,505

A TIE ROD FELL OFF WHILE DRIVING. THE FRONT ENGINE SEAL AND INTAKE MANIFOLD GASKET FAILED RESULTING IN AND ANTIFREEZE LEAK. SOME OF THE VEHICLES LIGHTS (DOME LIGHT AND DASH LIGHT) STAYED ON ALTHOUGH THE VEHICLE WAS TURNED OFF. *AK *NLM

THE ENGINE HEAD GASKET BLEW TWICE AND CAUSED COOLANT TO LEAK. THIS PROBLEM WAS RECALLED FOR SOME 1997 F150'S BUT NOT THE CONSUMERS VEHICLE DUE TO VIN. *NLM *NLM

Mileage: 73,852

ENGINE FRONT COVER GASKET LEAKED-REPLACEMENT AT 350.00 IN LINE WITH RECALL 99B29. FORD DOES NOT INCLUDE MY TRUCK IN THIS RECALL. AFTER REAIRING THE ENGINE, THE ENGINE FAILED AND IS NOW BEING REPLACED AT 3500.00 DOLLARS. FORD'S RECALL IS INADEQUATE.

Mileage: 93,500

GOODYEAR TIRE HAD LOW PRESSURE, CAUSING THEM TO BLOWOUT. IN ADDITION, CONSUMER REPLACED WHEELS:CAP/COVER/HUB, AND EXHAUST SYSTEM.*AK

THE ENGINE WAS REPLACED BECAUSE OF A KNOCKING NOISE.*JB

Mileage: 85,000

REFER TO TSB 99207 LOWER INTAKE MANIFOLD FAILURE. COOLANT WILL GET INTO EITHER THE INTAKE OR EXHAUST PORTS, WITH POTENTIAL TO CAUSE ENGINE FAILURE. MOST FAILURES ARE OCCURING BETWEEN 60 AND 80K MILES. JUST PAST MOST FORD WARRANTIES. THEY INSTALLED A HIGH FAILURE GASKET IN THE 1997 F150 WITH THE 4.2L V6 FOR APPROXIMATELY A YEAR, AND NOW PEOPLE ARE REAPING THE BENEFITS OF THE REPAIR COST TO CORRECT. IF YOU REFER TO WWW.F150ONLINE.COM AND SEE THE MESSAGE BOARDS, THE PROBLEMS ARE BEGINNING TO POUR IN AS THESE TRUCKS REACH THIS MILEAGE. FORD DID NOT NOTIFY ANY OWNERS AND SHOULD HAVE DONE SO, SO THAT THE OWNER MAY HAVE TAKEN THE APPROPRIATE AND CORRECTIVE ACTIONS WITH THE DEALER.

Mileage: 62,000

WATER WAS FOUND IN THE OIL DURING A ROUTINE OIL CHANGE IN AUG 2002. THE VIN WAS TRACED BACK TO BE PART OF THE TIMING CHAIN COVER RECALL. WHEN THE VEHCILE WAS BROUGHT TO THE DEALER, THE DEALER CLAIMED NO KNOWLEDGE OF THE RECALL. WHEN FORD CUSTOMER SERVICE WAS CONTACTED, THEY DID ACKNOWLEGE THE RECALL, AND THAT THE VEHICLE WAS PART OF THE RECALL. WE NEVER RECEIVED THE LETTER, AND WE WERE INFORMED THAT THE RECALL HAD EXPIRED AND THE REPAIR WOULD NOT BE COVERED. WE MADE THE DECISION TO PAY $800 FOR THE RECALL REPAIR (WHICH THE DEALER HAPPENED TO HAVE A KIT IN STOCK). SIX MONTHS LATER, THE ENGINE HAS APPARENTLY BLOWN ANOTHER GASEKET (SOUNDS LIKE THE MANIFOLD GASKET FROM OTHERS EXPERIENCE) AND FILLED THE #1 CYLINDER WITH WATER. OTHER INTERNAL DAMAGE IS UNKNOWN, THE ENGINE WILL BE REPLACED RATHER THAN REPAIRED AGAIN.

Mileage: 99,500

WITH NO PREVIOUS INDICATIONS THAT ANYTHING WAS WRONG, UPON STARTING ENGINE HEARD LOUD CLACKING SOUND, SHUT OFF AND TOWED TO MECHANIC. WHO SAID IT WAS AN INTERNAL PROBLEM THAT COULD ONLY BE FIXED BY FORD DEALERSHIP OR A MACHINE SHOP. IT WAS A HOLIDAY SO WE TOOK IT TO A MACHINE SHOP WHO VERIFIED HIS PREVIOUS ENCOUNTER WITH THE SAME MODEL ENGINE BEFORE THAT A ROD WAS BENT WHICH CRACKED THE PISTON, CAUSED FROM A "DEFECT IN FORD'S INTAKE HEAD GASKET", WHICH LEAKED WATER INTO THE ENGINE. HE ALSO STATED ONE MORE CRANK OR RUN A LITTLE LONGER THE PISTON WOULD HAVE SHATTERED AND GONE THROUGH THE CRANK SHAFT WHICH COULD HAVE ENDANGERED ANYONE IN IT'S RANGE (HWY, ETC.). THE ENGINE IS NOW BEING REPAIRED AND WHEN FORD WAS CONTACTED THEY DENIED ANY PROBLEM WITH THE GASKET AND ANY RESPONSIBILITY. THE MACHINE SHOP HAS A "SERVICE NOTIFICATION" THAT THE GASKET HAS BEEN REPLACED WITH ONE THAT WILL NOT LEAK. THIS IS A VERY COSTLY DEFECT THAT COULD HAVE BEEN PREVENTED IF FORD HAD SENT NOTICE TO OWNER'S. I FEEL FORD SHOULD OWN UP TO THEIR DEFECTIVE PART AND PAY FOR COSTS OWNER'S LIKE MYSELF HAVE ENCOUNTERED. I HAVE A NOTICE OF RECALL FOR A DIFFERENT GASKET LEAKING COOLANT WHICH WAS REPLACED BY THE FORD DEALERSHIP, #99B29.

Mileage: 128,000

FRONT ENGINE COVER GASKET FAILED IN LINE WITH RECALL 99B29. FORD DOES NOT INCLUDE MY TRUCK, BUILT IN 1997. RECALL CAMPAIGN 99B29 INDICATING THE ORIGINAL RECALL WAS INADEQUATE. PH **DIMSII IVOQ ENTRY POSTED AFTER 12/12/02 CUT OVER TO ARTEMIS**770847

Mileage: 104,000

THE HEAD GASKET ON MY "97" FORD F150 FAILED WHILE MY WIFE WAS DRIVING FILLING #4 CYLINDER WITH COOLANT AND BENDING A ROD. NO WARNING, NO OVERHEATING, WATER IN THE OIL, ETC. ONLY A FLICKERING CHECK ENGINE LIGHT. MY MECHANIC SAYS IT WAS SIMPLY A FACTORY DEFECTIVE GASKET AND SHOULD NOT HAVE BLOWN CONSIDERING MILEAGE AND UP KEEP AND MAINTENANCE DONE TO THIS VEHICLE. AFTER A LITTLE RESEARCH ON THE INTERNET I AM FINDING THIS IS NOT AN ISOLATED INCIDENT AND THAT FORD HAS HAD MORE THAN A FEW GASKET FAILURES WITH THIS ENGINE. *PH **DIMSII IVOQ ENTRY POSTED AFTER 12/12/02 CUT OVER TO ARTEMIS**770846

Mileage: 110,000

LEFT AND RIGHT HEAD GASKETS FAILED ALLOWING COOLANT TO LEAK INTO CYLINDERS. ****DIMMS 11 IVOQ ENTRY POSTED AFTER 12/12/02 CUT-OVER TO ARTEMIS******770825. *AK *JB

Mileage: 82,000

CONSUMER STATES WHILE DRIVING THE VEHICLE AND WITHOUT WARNING.THE VEHICLE CAUGHT ON FIRE. TS

LOWER INTAKE MANIFOLD GASKET FAILURE RESULTING IN BENT CONNECTING ROD REQUIRING MAJOR ENGINE REPAIR. *****DIMS 11 IVOQ ENTRY POSTED AFTER 12/12/02 CUT-OVER TO ARTEMIS *******770801. *AK *JB

Mileage: 98,685

CONSUMER CALLED COMPLAINING ABOUT HAVING PROBLEMS WITH THE HEAD GASKETS. ALSO STATED THAT WENT OUT TO TURN ON THE VEHICLE AND WHITE SMOKE CAME OFF THE VEHICLE. DEALER WAS CONTACTED AND STATED THAT THE VEHICLE HA A BLOWN HEAD GASKET. TS

ENGINE FRONT COVER GASKET FAILED IN LINE WITH RECALL 99B29. FORD DOES NOT INCLUDE MY TRUCK IN RECALL CAMPAIGN 99B29 INDICATING THE ORIGINAL RECALL HAS BEEN INADEQUATE. LOWER INTAKE MANIFOLD SIDE GASKETS FAILED, ALLOWING COOLANT TO LEAK INTO ENGINE OIL. ISSUE IS ADDRESSED BY FORD WITH TSB ARTICLE NO 99-20-7. DIMS 11 IVOQ ENTRY POSTED AFTER 12/12/02 CUT-OVER TO ARTEMIS--------770763. *AK *NLM

Mileage: 63,250

ENGINE FRONT COVER GASKET FAILED IN LINE WITH RECALL 99B29. FORD DOES NOT INCLUDE MY TRUCK, BUILT 05/97 IN RECALL CAMPAIGN 99B29 INDICATING THE ORIGINAL RECALL HAS BEEN INADEQUATE. LOWER INTAKE MANIFOLD SIDE GASKETS FAILED, ALLOWING COOLANT TO LEAK INTO ENGINE OIL. ISSUE IS ADDRESSED BY FORD WITH TSB ARTICLE NO. 99-20-7. DT

ENGINE FRONT COVER GASKET FAILED IN LINE WITH RECALL 99B29. FORD DOES NOT INCLUDE MY TRUCK, BUILT 04/97 IN RECALL CAMPAIGN 99B29 INDICATING THE ORIGINAL RECALL HAS BEEN INADEQUATE. DT

ENGINE FRONT COVER FAILED IN LINE WITH RECALL 99B29. FORD DOES NOT INCLUDE MY TRUCK, BUILT IN 1996 IN RECALL CAMPAIGN 99B29 INDICATING THE ORIGINAL RECALL HAS BEEN INADEQUATE. DT

LOWER INTAKE MANIFOLD SIDE GASKETS FAILED, ALLOWING COOLANT TO LEAK INTO ENGINE OIL. ISSUE IS ADDRESSED BY FORD WITH TSB ARTICLE NO. 99-20-7. DT

THIS LEAK HAS POSSIBLY DAMAGED MY ENGINE IT WAS A FORD DESIGN FLAW WHAT CAN I DO? I ATTEMPTED TO SEND YOU THIS REPORT ON 12/07/02 BUT IT WAS NOT COMPLETE WAS THE MESSAGE THAT WAS SENT BACK TO MY E-MAIL. THEREFORE, I AM SENDING THIS TO YOU AGAIN I UNDERSTAND THAT A RECALL NUMBER 99B29 HAS BEEN PLACED BY FORD BUT IT DOES NOT COVER THIS PROBLEM. WHAT CAN I DO? PLEASE CONTACT ME IF YOU WOULD AND LET ME KNOW WHAT I SHOULD DO HERE! DT

1- LOWER INTAKE MANIFOLD SIDE GASKETS FAILED, ALLOWING COOLANT TO LEAK INTO ENGINE OIL AND CYLINDERS, CAUSING ENGINE HYDROLOCK. ISSUE IS ADDRESSED BY FORD WITH TSB ARTICLE NO. 99-20-7. 2- ENGINE FRONT COVER GASKET FAILED IN LINE WITH RECALL 99B29. FORD DOES NOT INCLUDE MY TRUCK, BUILT 03/1996, IN RECALL CAMPAIGN 99B29 INDICATING THE ORIGINAL RECALL HAS BEEN INADEQUATE. DT

NO SUMMARY. DT

NO SUMMARY. DT

I KNOW I AM NOT THE ONLY ONE WITH THESE FAILURES. WHEN I CONTACTED FORD THEY TOLD ME TO BAD. DT

A TAPPING NOISE HAS OCCURED IN THE ENGINE. A FORD MECHANIC STATED THAT IT WAS A SPUN ROD BEARING. FORD CLAIMS THAT THERE IS NOTHING THEY CAN DO TO HELP ME FOR A MALFUCNTION CAUSED BY A BAD FRONT COVER GASKET LEAK. THIS CAUSED THE COOLANT TO LEAK INTO THE OIL, MIXING WATER WTIH OIL. I KNOW I'M NOT THE FIRST TO REPORT THIS. I WAS INFORMED BY OTHER OWNERS TO FILE A COMPLAINT AS WELL. DT

ENGINE FRONT COVER GASKET FAILED IN LINE WITH RECALL 99B29. FORD DOES NOT INCLUDE MY TRUCK, BUILT 06/97 IN RECALL CAMPAIGN 99B29 INDICATING THE ORIGINAL RECALL HAS BEEN INADEQUATE. DT

UPON STARTING THE VEHICLE, CONSUMER STATES' TURN KEY HEARD A LOUD BANGING COMING FROM ENGINE, TURN OFF VEHICLE. VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO DEALER, DEALER LOOKED AT MOTOR REMOVED ENGINE COVER, IT CHECKED OUT FINE. MECHANIC STATED COOLANT IS GETTING INTO ENGINE FLUID THIS WILL DESTROY ENGINE. PLEASE PROVIDE ANY FURTHER INFORMATION. MR

UNDER HOOD FIRE AFTER SITTING FOR 3 HOURS WITH THE KEYS OUT OF THE IGNITION. THE FIRE STARTED AT MIDNIGHT. THE FIRE INVESTIGATOR SAYS THE ORIGIN WAS AT THE MASTER CYLINDER.

HEAD GASKET FAILURE COOLANT IN CYLINDER. DT

"ENGINE FRONT COVER GASKET FAILED IN LINE WITH RECALL 99B29. FORD DOES NOT INCLUDE MY TRUCK, BUILT 05/97 IN RECALL CAMPAIGN 99B29 INDICATING THE ORIGINAL RECALL WAS INADEQUATE." DT

ENGINE FRONT COVER GASKET FAILED, CREATING COOLANT LEAK. FORD RECALL 99B29 AFFECTED 141,800 1997 FORD F-150 4.2L ENGINES. FORD DID NOT INCLUDE MY TRUCK IN THIS RECALL BUT IT HAS SUFFERED THE SAME GASKET FAILURE. DT

ENGINE FRONT COVER GASKET FAILED IN LINE WITH RECALL 99B29. FORD DOES NOT INCLUDE MY TRUCK, BUILT 05/97 IN RECALL CAMPAIGN 99B29 INDICATING THE ORIGINAL RECALL HAS BEEN INADEQUATE. LOWER INTAKE MANIFOLD SIDE GASKETS FAILED, ALLOWING COOLANT TO LEAK INTO ENGINE OIL. ISSUE IS ADDRESSED BY FORD WITH TSB ARTICLE NO. 99-20-7. DT

I WENT OUT TO START THE VEHICLE AND THE MOTOR LOCKED UP. I HAVE BEEN INFORMED OF SEVERAL CASES OF THIS SAME ENGINE FAILING AND I AM HAVING TROUBLE FINDING SOMEONE WILLING TO REBUILD IT. DT

THIS TRUCK SHOULD HAVE BEEN INCLUDED IN THE FORD RECALL 99B29. AFTER CONTACTING FORD. THEY REFUSE TO EXTEND THE RECALL. IT IS MY BELIEF, THAT THE RECALL WAS TOO NARROW IN SCOPE AND SHOULD BE EXTENDED TO ALL 1997 FORD F-150 TRUCKS. MANY OTHER FORD OWNERS HAVE EXPERIENCED THIS SAME PROBLEM (LEAKING GASKET WHICH IN TURN PERMITS THE COOLANT TO LEAK ANTIFREEZE INTO THE ENGINE, THEREBY DAMAGING THE ENGINE). THE 1997 FORD F-150 WAS THE FIRST YEAR OF THE NEW MODEL DESIGN AND APPARENTLY FORD IS NOT STEPPING UP TO HELP THEIR CUSTOMERS. MY RESEARCH HAS INDICATED THAT THIS PROBLEM OCCURS WITH THE 1997 F-150 WHEN THE TRUCK HAS REACHED 60,000-70,000 MILES AND AFTER THE WARRANTY HAS EXPIRED. THE FORD DEALERS AS WELL AS CORPORATE HAS KNOWLEDGE OF THIS PROBLEM AND ARE REFUSING TO ACKNOWLEDGE THAT THIS RECALL WAS NOT BROAD ENOUGH TO COVER THE MANY TRUCKS THAT HAVE ENCOUNTERED THIS PROBLEM. HAD MY VEHICLE BEEN INCLUDED IN THIS RECALL, I WOULD HAVE TAKEN MY TRUCK IMMEDIATELY TO MY DEALER TO HAVE THE WORK PERFORMED, THEREBY AVOIDING ANY POTENTIAL DAMAGE TO MY TRUCK'S ENGINE. INSTEAD, I WAS NOT THE RECIPIENT OF A RECALL LETTER AND FORD TELLS ME MY TRUCK IS NOT INCLUDED. IT SEEMS CLEAR THAT MY TRUCK EXPERIENCED THE SAME IDENTICAL PROBLEMS WHICH THE RECALL SPECIFICALLY STATES: " 1997 FORD F-SERIES 150, EQUIPPED WITH 4.2 L ENGINE; VEHICLE MY EXPERIENCE ENGINE COOLANT LEAK AT ENGINE FRONT COVER GASKET; THEREBY CAUSING SEVERE ENGINE DAMAGE IS NOT IMMEDIATELY CORRECTED". THIS IS EXACTLY WHAT HAPPENED TO MY TRUCK AND HOW FORD CAN NOT CLAIM LIABILITY IS UNCONSCIONABLE. I WOULD ASK THAT YOU PLEASE LAUNCH AN INVESTIGATION INTO THIS DEFECT AND TRY TO GET THE RECALL BROADENED IN SCOPE. THANK YOU VERY MUCH. DT

THIS TRUCK SHOULD HAVE BEEN INCLUDED IN THE FORD RECALL 99B29. AFTER CONTACTING FORD. THEY REFUSE TO EXTEND THE RECALL. IT IS MY BELIEF, THAT THE RECALL WAS TOO NARROW IN SCOPE AND SHOULD BE EXTENDED TO ALL 1997 FORD F-150 TRUCKS. MANY OTHER FORD OWNERS HAVE EXPERIENCED THIS SAME PROBLEM (LEAKING GASKET WHICH IN TURN PERMITS THE COOLANT TO LEAK ANTIFREEZE INTO THE ENGINE, THEREBY DAMAGING THE ENGINE). THE 1997 FORD F-150 WAS THE FIRST YEAR OF THE NEW MODEL DESIGN AND APPARENTLY FORD IS NOT STEPPING UP TO HELP THEIR CUSTOMERS. MY RESEARCH HAS INDICATED THAT THIS PROBLEM OCCURS WITH THE 1997 F-150 WHEN THE TRUCK HAS REACHED 60,000-70,000 MILES AND AFTER THE WARRANTY HAS EXPIRED. THE FORD DEALERS AS WELL AS CORPORATE HAS KNOWLEDGE OF THIS PROBLEM AND ARE REFUSING TO ACKNOWLEDGE THAT THIS RECALL WAS NOT BROAD ENOUGH TO COVER THE MANY TRUCKS THAT HAVE ENCOUNTERED THIS PROBLEM. HAD MY VEHICLE BEEN INCLUDED IN THIS RECALL, I WOULD HAVE TAKEN MY TRUCK IMMEDIATELY TO MY DEALER TO HAVE THE WORK PERFORMED, THEREBY AVOIDING ANY POTENTIAL DAMAGE TO MY TRUCK'S ENGINE. INSTEAD, I WAS NOT THE RECIPIENT OF A RECALL LETTER AND FORD TELLS ME MY TRUCK IS NOT INCLUDED. IT SEEMS CLEAR THAT MY TRUCK EXPERIENCED THE SAME IDENTICAL PROBLEMS WHICH THE RECALL SPECIFICALLY STATES: " 1997 FORD F-SERIES 150, EQUIPPED WITH 4.2 L ENGINE; VEHICLE MY EXPERIENCE ENGINE COOLANT LEAK AT ENGINE FRONT COVER GASKET; THEREBY CAUSING SEVERE ENGINE DAMAGE IS NOT IMMEDIATELY CORRECTED". THIS IS EXACTLY WHAT HAPPENED TO MY TRUCK AND HOW FORD CAN NOT CLAIM LIABILITY IS UNCONSCIONABLE. I WOULD ASK THAT YOU PLEASE LAUNCH AN INVESTIGATION INTO THIS DEFECT AND TRY TO GET THE RECALL BROADENED IN SCOPE. THANK YOU VERY MUCH. DT

FRONT ENGINE COVER GASKET FAILED IN LINE WITH RECALL 99B29. FORD DOES NOT INCLUDE MY TRUCK, BUILT 05/97 IN RECALL CAMPAIGN 99B29, PROVING THE ORIGINAL RECALL HAS BEEN INADEQUATE. DT

NO SUMMARY. DT

CONSUMER STATES THAT AFTER TAKING OFF THE KEY FROM THE IGNITION THE ENGINE STILL RUNNING. DEALER WAS NOTIFIED. MR

HEAD GASKET HAS GONE OUT, CAUSING A ROD IN ENGINE TO BREAK. AND ENGINE HAS BLOWEN. CONTACTED DEALER, AND DEALER WAS NOT WILLING TO DO ANYTHING. PLEASE PROVIDE FURTHER INFORMATION*AK

HEAD GASKET HAS GONE OUT, CAUSING A ROD IN ENGINE TO BREAK. AND ENGINE HAS BLOWEN. CONTACTED DEALER, AND DEALER WAS NOT WILLING TO DO ANYTHING. PLEASE PROVIDE FURTHER INFORMATION*AK

HEAD ON THE VEHICLE THAT MEETS ENGINE HAS CRACKED, AND IS LEAKING WATER. IN DOING SO ENGINE IS ABLE TO OVERHEAT. CONTACTED DEALER ,AND THE DEALER WAS NOT WILLING TO DO ANYTHING.*AK

2/01 VEHICLE WAS BROUGHT TO LITHIA FORD IN CONCORD TO DIAGNOSE OVER HEATING. COOLING SYSTEM WAS CHECKED AND STATED C.S. WAS HOLDING AT THAT TIME, TORE DOWN MOTOR, FOUND BAD BEARINGS, OIL PAN MILKY, HEAD GASKET BAD. REPLACED W/4.2 ENGINE WHICH WAS COVERED UNDER AN EXT WARRANTY, OTHER RECOMMENDED FIX CLUTCH DISC THROW OUT BEARINGS. 11/2000, PWR STEERING HOSE BAD, REPLACED,10/01 CK ENG LIT ONE,, IDLE AIR CNTROL VALVE REPLACED,6/02 OVERHEARING, NEW THERMO,COOLNT FLSH, OIL CHANGE, NEW BRAKES RECOMMENDED, DONE.9/4/02, OVERHEATING AGAIN, RECOMMENDED NEW RADIATOR/WATER PUMP, INQIRED ON PCV MODIFICATION RECALL, THEY WILL REPLACE.*AK

2/01 VEHICLE WAS BROUGHT TO LITHIA FORD IN CONCORD TO DIAGNOSE OVER HEATING. COOLING SYSTEM WAS CHECKED AND STATED C.S. WAS HOLDING AT THAT TIME, TORE DOWN MOTOR, FOUND BAD BEARINGS, OIL PAN MILKY, HEAD GASKET BAD. REPLACED W/4.2 ENGINE WHICH WAS COVERED UNDER AN EXT WARRANTY, OTHER RECOMMENDED FIX CLUTCH DISC THROW OUT BEARINGS. 11/2000, PWR STEERING HOSE BAD, REPLACED,10/01 CK ENG LIT ONE,, IDLE AIR CNTROL VALVE REPLACED,6/02 OVERHEARING, NEW THERMO,COOLNT FLSH, OIL CHANGE, NEW BRAKES RECOMMENDED, DONE.9/4/02, OVERHEATING AGAIN, RECOMMENDED NEW RADIATOR/WATER PUMP, INQIRED ON PCV MODIFICATION RECALL, THEY WILL REPLACE.*AK

RENEE BORSTAD ON BEHALF OF CONSUMER. CONSUMER INCURRED A MAJOR EXPENSE FOR REPAIRS TO A DEFECTIVE MANIFOLD GASKET. AFTER LEARNING IN THE PROCESS OF THE REPAIRS THAT FORD HAD KNOWLEDGE OF THIS DEFECT AND ISSUED TWO TECHNICAL SERVICE BULLETINS REGARDING THE DEFECT, THE COMPANY HAS REFUSED REIMBURSEMENT OF MONIES PAID. *JG

CONSUMER STATES WHILE DRIVING THE ENGINE LIGHT COMES AND STAYS ON. HAD VEHICLE CHECK, THE EVAPORATIVE SYSTEM GROSS LEAK WAS DETECTED CODE PO455.CONTACTED DEALER.*JB

TRUCK AND BEEN PARKED THE PREVIOUS DAY WITH NO PROBLEM, UPON CRANKING THE NEXT DAY MOTOR STARTED KNOCKING. INSPECTION SHOWS BENT PISTON ROD ON # 3 CYLINDER WHICH ALLOWDE THE PISTON TO STRIKE THE CRANK SHAFT. THIS WAS CAUSED FRON THE HEAD GASKET ALLOWING FLUID TO SEEP INTO THE CYLINDER.*AK

I CONTACTED COURTESY FORD AND THEY SAID THERE WAS NO RECALL,SO I REPLACED THE ENGINE WITH AUSED ENGINE BECAUSE I COULDN'T AFORD A NEW ENGINE. AS A RESULT THE SAME THING HAPPENED. THE ENGINE DIDN'T RUN HOT, BUT THERE WAS FLUID FOUND IN THE 1ST CYLINDER, THE CRANKSAFT WAS TWISTED, THE CONNECTING ROD WAS BROKE, AND THERE WAS A CHUNK TAKEN OUT OF THE BLOCK. ON THE SECOND ENGIN I FOUND FLUID IN THE FIRST CYINDER AND THE ENGIN WILL NOT RUN. I HAVE RECENTLY SPOKE WITH SOME MACHANICS(THAT WORK FOR FORD)AND THEY SAID THAT"ABOUT 90% OF THE 4.2 L V6 FROM 1997 HAVE BEEN RETURNED."*AK

EXHAUST PIPE IS LOCATED TOO CLOSE TO TIRES. THE HEAT FROM EXHAUST PIPE CAUSES THE TIRES TO MELT AND RIM TO CORRODE. AK SCC

Mileage: 85,000

WHILE TRAVELING ON HIGHWAY THERE IS A NOISE COMING FROM REAR OF VEHICLE. OIL WAS LEAKING FROM UNDERNEATH OF VEHICLE.*AK

THE VEHICLE HAS A FAULTY FRONT COVER GASKET ON THE ENGINE, WHICH CAUSED COOLANT LEAK IN TURN CAUSING AN OVERHEAT SITUATION WHICH LEAD TO AN INTAKE MANIFOLD GASKET FAILURE, WHICH MAY ALSO LEAD TO AN ENGINE FAILURE. I TOOK THE VEHICLE TO THE T&W FORD DEALERSHIP IN WILLIAMSTOWN, KY WHERE THEY TOLD ME THAT THE FRONT COVER WOULD NEED TO BE REPLACED ALONG WITH THE GASKETS AND ALSO O2 SENSORS AT A COST OF 1500.00, I DID THE WORK OF GASKET REPLACEMENT AT A COST OF 60.00. *AK

THE VEHICLE HAS A FAULTY FRONT COVER GASKET ON THE ENGINE, WHICH CAUSED COOLANT LEAK IN TURN CAUSING AN OVERHEAT SITUATION WHICH LEAD TO AN INTAKE MANIFOLD GASKET FAILURE, WHICH MAY ALSO LEAD TO AN ENGINE FAILURE. I TOOK THE VEHICLE TO THE T&W FORD DEALERSHIP IN WILLIAMSTOWN, KY WHERE THEY TOLD ME THAT THE FRONT COVER WOULD NEED TO BE REPLACED ALONG WITH THE GASKETS AND ALSO O2 SENSORS AT A COST OF 1500.00, I DID THE WORK OF GASKET REPLACEMENT AT A COST OF 60.00. *AK

ROD BEARING FAILURE AT ONLY 73000 MILES. *AK

THERE WAS NO ACCIDENT. WE TURNED THE KEY ON TO START THE ENGINE AND THE ROD WENT THROUGH THE ENGINE AND OIL PAN. THERE WERE NO LIGHTS INDICATING ANY PROBLEMS. THE VEH DID NOT USE ANY OIL. IT RECIEVED ITS OIL CHANGES REGULARLY. IT HAD BEEN RUNNING JUST FINE. THEY PUT A NEW ENGINE IN IT AND NOW IT VIBRATES MAKES A POPPING NOISE AND RUNS LOUD. THEY TOLD US THIS IS ALL WITHIN FORD SPECS. THIS SHOULD NOT HAVE HAPPENED. WE PAID OVER $13000 FOR A VEH THAT TOOK A DUMP AFTER 10 MONTHS. WE COULD NOT EVEN GET THIS DEALERS SALE MANAGER TO RETURN A CALL. EVERYONE ELSE AT THE DEALER SAID WELL IT WORKED GOOD FOR 10000 MILES. I CALLED FORD AND THEY GAVE ME A CASE NUMBER AND THAT IS IT. THEY ALSO DID NOTHING FOR US. I AM GETTING NO WHERE WITH ANYONE. I FINALLY WENT OVER THERE AND CORNERED THE MANAGER AND HE SAYS HE DOESN'T REMEMBER AND I SHOULD CALL HIM ON MONDAY. WHICH I WILL. ALSO THEY TRIED TO STICK US WITH AN EXTRA $1100 BILL FOR SOMETHING THAT WAS NOT THE PROBLEM WITH THE SHIFTING GEAR. WE ENDED UP PUTTING A NEW CLUTCH IN ALSO AT THIS TIME. WE HAD THIS PROBLEM WHEN WE BOUGHT IT AND THEY TOLD US THAT THERE WAS NOTHING WRONG THAT IT GROUND GOING INTO 2ND GEAR BECASUE WE WERE GOING TO FAST. ACTUALLY THE CLUTCH CLEARED THAT PROBLEM. THEY TRYED TO SAY IT WAS THE SYNCRONATION GEARS AND THEY NEEDED TO BE REPALCED. WHICH WAS NOT TRUE. THE CLUTCH FIXED THIS PROBLEM. THEY ALSO AT THIS TIME ARE NOT PAYING FOR THIS EVEN THOUGH WE BOUGHT IT THAT WAY AND I BROUGHT THAT UP AT THE TIME WE TEST DROVE IT. I FEEL THEY NEED TO BE CHECKED OUT AND ALSO I AM WONDERING IF THIS FALLS UNDER THE LEMON LAW. WE WOULD BE WILLING TO GIVE THE VEHICLE BACK IF THEY ARE NOT WILLING TO STAND BEHIND THERE DEFECTIVE ENGINE. I WAS UNSURE OF WHAT YOU WERE TALKING ABOUT WITH THE 2 PT BELT , 3 POINT BELT OR MANUFACTURE BELT SO I DID NOT CHECK ANYTHING. THANK YOU CHRIS PAULEY. *AK

UPON COLD START, ENGINE THREW A ROD. ENTIRE ENGINE NEEDS TO BE REPLACED.*AK

SEAL FAILED ON TIMING GEAR VERY SIMILER TO ALL THE OTHER COMPLAINTS LISTED. *AK

THE ENGINE DEVELOPED A SEVERE KNOCK WHEN STARTED ONE MORNING. THE PROBLEM WAS A COMPLETE FAILURE AT THE MAIN CRANKSHAFT, SEVERE WEAR AT VALVE ASSEMBLY, AND CORROSION THROUGHOUT COOLING CHAMBERS. FORD DID A RECALL ON THE HEAD GASKET THE YEAR BEFORE, CHANGING HEAD GASKET, HOSES, & COOLANT. THE TRUCK IS USES BY HOUSE WIFE DRIVING THE CHILDREN TO SCHOOL. EVEN THOUGH OTHERS HAVE REPORTED OF SAME ENGINE FAILURE ON 4.2L, FORD DENIES ANY PROBLEM. 5 MONTHS LATER WHILE THE TRUCK WHILE THE TRUCK WAS SITTING IN THE DRIVEWAY, THE ENGINE WIRING CAUGHT ON FIRE, MELTING THE PLASTIC MASTER CYLINDER, FUELING THE FLAMES TO MELT ALL CIRCUITIES AND PLASTIC. THE ABS LAMP HAD LIT EARLIER IN THE WEEK, ADDED BRAKE FLUID TO RESERVOIR, AND THE LAMP WENT OUT. INDEPENDENT FIRE INVESTIGATOR SAYS EVIDENCE POINTS TO A DEFECT IN THE ABS/MASTER CYLINDER WIRING IN THE ENGINE COMPARTMENT. *TS *JB ***DIMSII IVOQ ENTRY POSTED AFTER 12-12-02 CUT OVER TO ARTEMIS***762417

Mileage: 120,000

4.2 LITRE V-6 ENGINE FAILED AFTER ENGINE SEIZED. FORD AGREED TO PAY 1/3 OF COSTS TO MAINTAIN CUSTOMER LOYALTY. SHOWED THEM DEFECT REPORT FROM NHTSA WEBSITE.*AK

ON 5/3/02 ENGINE CHECK LIGHT CAME ON AND WE TOOK IT TO THE DEALERSHIP. THEY CHECKED IT AND REPLACED THE DPF SENSOR, UPDATED COMPUTER AND CLEANED FUEL INJECTORS. THE FOLLOWING WEEK, I HAD TROUBLE STARTING 3 TIMES AFTER WORK. THE FOLLOWING WEDNESDAY, MY WIFE DROVE IT TO WORK AND WHEN SHE TRIED TO START IT AFTER WORK THERE WAS A LOUD "BANG" AND IT TOOK ANOTHER 1/2 HR TO GET IT GOING. WHEN SHE GOT IT GOING AGAIN THERE WAS A LOUD "TAPPING" FROM THE ENGINE. WE CALLED THE DEALER AND TOWED IT IN. THEY CHECKED AND SAID THE COOLANT WAS LEAKING INTO THE OIL AND THE ENGINE COULD NOT BE REBUILT. IT WAS GOING TO COST US $4000 PLUS LABOR TO HAVE ANOTHER ENGINE PUT IN. THIS VEHICLE HAS BEEN VERY WELL MAINTAINED. ON DOING SOME RESEARCH WE FOUND THAT THIS IS A COMMON PROBLEM WITH THIS PARTICULAR ENGINE, AND THERE WAS A RECALL (#99B29) RELATED TO THIS PROBLEM THAT WE NEVER RECEIVED. WE ORDERED THE TRUCK IN JAN 1996, AND TOOK DELIVERY IN MARCH 96 WHICH FALLS WITHIN ALL OF THE DATE RANGES SPECIFIED ON F150.COM. WE HAVE SINCE CONTACTED OUR SALESMAN, HE CHECKED OUT THE PROBLEM AND CALLED US BACK TELLING US TO BRING IT IN. THIS WILL INVOLVE ANOTHER TOWING AND I'M NOT SURE IT WILL SOLVE ANYTHING WE DO NOT ALREADY KNOW. WE DO NOT FEEL THAT WE SHOULD HAVE TO PAY $4000 FOR AN ENGINE ON A TRUCK THAT HAS BEEN WELL MAINTAINED. WHERE DO WE GO FROM HERE?*AK

CONSUMER STATES THAT THE VEHICLE HAS CAUGHT ON FIRE TWICE, THE FIRE STARTS UNDERNEATH THE VEHICLE WHERE THE MUFFLER IS. CONTACTED DEALER AND THE DEALER IS NOT WILLING TO DO ANYTHING.*JB *MJ

NO SUMMARY LISTED FOR ABOVE VEHICLE. *AK

CONSUMER STATED VEHICLE BEGAN EXPERIENCING MECHANICAL PROBLEMS, UPON INPSPECTION OF THE PROBLEM, THE MECHANIC DIAGNOSED THE ISSUE AS A MISFIRE ON CYLINDERS NUMBER 1 AND 3 AND THERE WAS ALSO WATER ON THEM.*JB

ENGINE CHECK LIGHT ILLUMINATED, INDICATING THAT HEAD GASKET NEEDED TO BE REPLACED.*AK *SLC

FRONT ENGINE COVER GASKET FAILED ALLOWING COOLANT TO LEAK IS THIS PROBLEM COVERED UNDER RECALL TSB# 99B29 DEC. 1999 WHAT DO I DO ? I NEVER GOT A RECALL FROM FORD OR DEALER.*AK

TUNE UP. SEE ODI NO 562415. NAR 12/04/2002. *MR THE CONSUMERS VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO FORD SERVICE DEPARTMENT TO GET A TUNE UP. 4 HOURS LATER THE ENGINE SOUNDED AS IF IT WAS GOING TO BLOW APART. THE CONSUMER REQUESTED A MEETING WITH THE SERVICE ATTENDANT TO GET AN EXPLANATION AS TO WHY THE VEHICLE IS NOW MALFUNCTIONING. THE CONSUMER WOULD REIMBURSEMENT FOR DAMAGES DONE TO THE VEHICLE. *CB *JB

VEHICLE STALLED RIGHT BEFORE CONSUMER STARTED TO DRIVE. CONTACTED DEALER AND DEALER WAS NOT WILLING TO DO ANYTHING.*AK *TT

ENGINE KNOCK AT START UP. I BROUGHT THE PROBLEM TO THE ATTENTION OF FORD WHEN THE TRUCK WAS STILL UNDERWARRANTY. THEY KNEW IT WAS A PROBLEM AND DID NOT HAVE A FIX. SO THERFORE THEY DID NOTHING. NOW THAT THE PROBLEM IS WORSING, FORD HAS A SOLUTION BUT WILL DO NOTHING AS IT IS OUT OF WARRANTY. I FEEL THEY AVOIDED FINDING A SOLUTION AND FIXING UNTIL THE VAST MAJORITY OF ENGINES WERE OUT OF WARRANTY AND NOW WILL NOT OWN UP TO THE FIX. *AK

VEHICLE SKIPS, MISSES, BACKFIRES AND HAS VERY LITTLE POWER. NO CHECK ENGINE LIGHT ILLUMINATED. *JG

VEHICLE SKIPS, MISSES, BACKFIRES AND HAS VERY LITTLE POWER. NO CHECK ENGINE LIGHT ILLUMINATED. *JG

WHILE TRAVELING HEARD A KNOCKING NOISE COMING FROM ENGINE. VEHICLE WAS SERVICED, AND TECHNICIAN STATED THAT ENGINE HEAD GASKET NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. PLEASE PROVIDE FURTHER INFORMATION. *AK

GASKET FAILED CAUSED PISTON ROD TO BEND, ENGINE REBUILD COST OVER $1500. I CONTACTED FORD, THEY SAID THERE WERE NO RECALLS AND THEY NEVER HAD THAT PROBLEM BEFORE.

FRONT HOUSING SEAL FOR ENGINE , LOCATED BEHIND MOTOR PUMP, IS LEAKING ANTI-FREEZE. CONSUMER IS CONCERNED ANTI-FREEZE COULD CONTAMINATE OIL SUPPLY, AND CAUSE DAMAGE TO ENGINE. DEALERSHIP HAS NOT EXAMINED VEHICLE. PLEASE PROVIDE ANY ADDITIONAL INFORMATION / DOCUMENTATION.*AK

THE ENGINE IS KNOCKING; WE PARK IT AND WE FEEL THAT IT IS A DEFECT IN THE MOTOR WE HAD IT PUT ON THE MACHINE AND THE PERSON WHOM CHECKED IT. SAID IT WAS NOT SOMETHING THAT COULD HVE BEEN HELPED. WE TOOK IT TO A FORD PLACE AND HAD IT CHECKED THERE . WE HAVE DONE REGULAR MAINTENANCE ON IT . WHEN WE GOT IT WE HAD TO TAKE IT IN FOR LEAKING OIL AND THEY SAID THEY REPLACED THE SEAL ON IT IT WENT IN TWICE FOR THIS I FEEL THIS PROBLEM MAY HAVE RESULTED IN THE LEAKING, AND I FEEL I SHOULD NOT HAVE TO REPLACE IT IF IT IS A POSSIBLE DEFECT IN THE MOTOR THANK YOU FOR TAKING THE TIME TO READ THIS. PLEASE LET ME KNOW WHAT I NEED TO DO IN THIS MATTER THANK YOU AGAIN FOR YOUR TIME AND TROUBLE *AK. SINCERELY [XXX]. *AK PARTS OF THIS DOCUMENT HAVE BEEN REDACTED TO PROTECT PERSONALLY IDENTIFIABLE INFORMATION PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6).

ENGINE FAILED AT 46,900 MILES DUE TO WATER IN THE ENGINE FROM A LEAKING GASKET. THE SAME GASKET WAS REPLACED A YEAR EARLIER BY FORD UNDER RECALL 99B29. GIVEN THAT THERE ARE NUMEROUS POSTINGS ON THIS TYPE OF FAILURE, HOW MANY REPORTED FAILURES ARE REQUIRED TO MANDATE A VEHICLE RECALL?*AK

WHENEVER VEHICLE HAS BEEN STARTED IT WOULD IT SMOKE BADLY. AFTER DRIVING FOR AWHILE, BLUE SMOKE DISAPPEARED. TAKEN TO MECHANIC., AND SMELLED BURNING OIL. CHECKED UNDER HOOD, AND FOUND HEAD GASKETS HAD BLOWN, CAUSING DAMAGE TO MOTOR. MOTOR HAD TO BE REPLACED.*AK *JB

VEHICLE WILL STALL AT SLOW SPEEDS DURING LONG TRIPS, 5 TIMES SO FAR. TAKEN TO DEALER 3 TIMES, CANNOT REMEDY PROBLEM. *AK

VEHICLE WAS PARKED, AND WOULD NOT START UP AT ALL. THERE WAS WATER COMING FROM INSIDE OF VEHICLE. DEALERSHIP WAS AWARE OF PROBLEM. *AK *SLC

FORD MOTOR COMPANY ISSUED TECHNICAL SERVICE BULLETIN PPB29 IN DECEMBER 1999 REGARDING FAILURE OF ENGINE FRONT COVER GASKET. I WAS NOT NOTIFIED OF THE RECALL.IN MARCH 2001 FORD MOTOR COMPANY CANCELLED THE RECALL. IF THE GASKET WAS FAULTY IN DECEMBER 1999 HOW CAN IT NOT BE FAULTY TODAY. WHAT IS MY RECOURSE FOR THIS PROBLEM. MY LOCAL FORD DEALER ESTIMATED IT WOULD COST APPROXIMATELY $800.00. *AK

ENGINE FAILED. YD

ENGINE FAILED. YD

WHILE DRIVING THERES A SKIP IN ENGINE. TOOK TO DEALER, AND THEY STATED THAT ENGINE IS KNOCKING AND GOING BAD. PLEASE PROVIDE ANY FURTHER INFORMATION.*AK

EXHAUST ON REAR RIM WHICH HAS CAUSED THE RIM TO START PITTING AND MAY CAUSE FAILURE. *AK

WHILE DRIVING AT ANY SPEED VEHICLE STARTED TO CHOKE/ SPUTTER, AND RUN ROUGH. THEN, IT DIES. ONCE WHILE GOING DOWN A HILL ENGINE STALLED/ IT BECAME VERY HARD TO STEER, AND CONSUMER ALMOST LOST CONTROL.PLEASE PROVIDE ANY FURTHER INFORMATION.*AK

#1 0R #2 PISTON ROD KNOCKED A HOLE THROUGH OIL PAN DURING A MAJOR ENGINE FAILURE. THIS SHOULD NOT HAPPEN TO AN ENGINE AT 51000 MILES. I FEEL THIS ENGINE HAD A DEFECT AT MANUFACTURE OR A DESIGN FLAW AS I FIND I AM NOT ALONE IN HAVING THIS ENGINE FAIL.*AK

WE HAVE HAD OVER 5 , NOW 6 RECALL'S WITHIN THE LAST YEAR.THERE IS NO MODIFICATIONS TO THIS TRUCK, AND HAD BEEN GETTING VIBRATION'S IN THE REAR,BUT FORD SAID THEY SAW NO PROBLEM WITH THIS,NOW THE ENGINE HAS BLOWN AND THEY CANNOT GIVE ME AN EXPLANATION FOR THIS.. LUCKILY I WAS NOT DRIVING AT THE TIME.*AK

DEFECTIVE ELECTRICAL AND ENGINE SYSTEM

TAIL PIPE WILL HEAT UP TO POINT WHERE REAR RIGHT TIRE SHREDDED. CONSUMER HAS CONTACTED DEALER.*AK WHILE DRIVING, FIRESTONE WILDERNESS HT II TIRE BLEWOUT, CAUSING CONSUMER TO LOSE CONTROL OF VEHICLE AND CRASH, DOT NUMBER W2031PT166, TIRE SIZE P235/70R16, CONSUMER WAS INJURED IN ACCIDENT. *SLC

STARTED THE MOTOR IN THE MORNING TO GO TO WORK, KNOCKING NOISE FROM EITHER BACK OF MOTOR OR FRONT OF TRANSMISSION. TOOK VEHICLE TO DEALER WHERE I PURCHASED IT FROM. WAS TOLD BY TECHNICIAN THAT HE ALSO HEARD NKOCKING NOISE. TECHNICIAN PUT STETHOSCOPE ON MOTOR SAYS OIL PUMP MIGHT BE BAD. HIS SUGESSTION ON THE WORK ORDER WAS TO PULL THE OIL PAN AND INSPECT BEARINGS. THIS WAS NOT PERFORMED DUE TO THE FACT THAT I WAS NEVER INFORMED OF THERE RECOMENDATION. TECHNICIANS FINAL RECOMENDATION WAS FOR ME TO PURCHASE A BRAND NEW MOTOR FROM THE DEALER AND ALLOW THEM TO PUT IT IN FOR A LOW LOW PRICE OF $3000.00 OUT THE DOOR. THIS SEEMS TO ME TO BE VERY DECEITFUL DUE TO THE FACT THAT NOT HARDLY ANYTHING WAS DONE TO FIND THE SOURCE OF THE KNOCK BUT YET THERE FINAL DECISION IS FOR ME TO PAY $3000.00 FOR A NEW MOTOR AND INSTALLATION. WHEN THEY DO NOT EVEN KNOW IF THIS IS THE PROBLEM. COST ME $35.00 FOR THERE DECEITFUL RECOMENDATION. I HAVE BEEN SEARCHING THE INTERNET FOR OTHER 1997 FORD F-150 MOTOR PROBLEMS THAT INCLUDE KNOCKING NOISES AND THEY ARE EVERY WHERE ON THE WEB. ALL MOTOR PROBLEMS WITH THE SAME SYMPTOMS AS MINE ARE ALL LOW MILEAGE MOTORS. MINE ONLY HAS 67951 MILES ON IT. I HAVE RELIGOUSLY MAINTAINED ALL ASPECTS OF MY VEHICLE. FORD SELLS LOW QAULITY PRODUCTS AND THERE DEALERS ARE DECEITFUL!*AK

STARTED THE MOTOR IN THE MORNING TO GO TO WORK, KNOCKING NOISE FROM EITHER BACK OF MOTOR OR FRONT OF TRANSMISSION. TOOK VEHICLE TO DEALER WHERE I PURCHASED IT FROM. WAS TOLD BY TECHNICIAN THAT HE ALSO HEARD NKOCKING NOISE. TECHNICIAN PUT STETHOSCOPE ON MOTOR SAYS OIL PUMP MIGHT BE BAD. HIS SUGESSTION ON THE WORK ORDER WAS TO PULL THE OIL PAN AND INSPECT BEARINGS. THIS WAS NOT PERFORMED DUE TO THE FACT THAT I WAS NEVER INFORMED OF THERE RECOMENDATION. TECHNICIANS FINAL RECOMENDATION WAS FOR ME TO PURCHASE A BRAND NEW MOTOR FROM THE DEALER AND ALLOW THEM TO PUT IT IN FOR A LOW LOW PRICE OF $3000.00 OUT THE DOOR. THIS SEEMS TO ME TO BE VERY DECEITFUL DUE TO THE FACT THAT NOT HARDLY ANYTHING WAS DONE TO FIND THE SOURCE OF THE KNOCK BUT YET THERE FINAL DECISION IS FOR ME TO PAY $3000.00 FOR A NEW MOTOR AND INSTALLATION. WHEN THEY DO NOT EVEN KNOW IF THIS IS THE PROBLEM. COST ME $35.00 FOR THERE DECEITFUL RECOMENDATION. I HAVE BEEN SEARCHING THE INTERNET FOR OTHER 1997 FORD F-150 MOTOR PROBLEMS THAT INCLUDE KNOCKING NOISES AND THEY ARE EVERY WHERE ON THE WEB. ALL MOTOR PROBLEMS WITH THE SAME SYMPTOMS AS MINE ARE ALL LOW MILEAGE MOTORS. MINE ONLY HAS 67951 MILES ON IT. I HAVE RELIGOUSLY MAINTAINED ALL ASPECTS OF MY VEHICLE. FORD SELLS LOW QAULITY PRODUCTS AND THERE DEALERS ARE DECEITFUL!*AK

THE FRONT COVER GASKET FAILED , THE CONSUMER IS REQUESTING REIMBURSEMENT PER RECALL 99B29. NLM *TT

WHILE DRIVING DOWN THE ROAD, ANOTHER VEHCILE HIT CONSUMER'S BUMPER. CONSUMER PROCEEDED TO DRIVE AND WAS NFORMED BY ANOTHER CONSUMER THAT FIRE WAS COMING FROM BOTTOM OF VEHICLE. WHILE WALKING AWAYFROM THE VEHICLE, IT BLEW UP. DEALER HAS NOT BEEN CONTACTED. *AK ONE PERSON WAS INJURED. *SLC

ACCELERATOR PEDAL LOCKED UP WITH SPEED CONTROL ENGAGED WHILE DRIVING AT HIGHWAY SPEED OF 68-70 MPH, COULD NOT DEACTIVATE SPEED CONTROL BY APPLYING BRAKES OR DISENGAGING IT BY THE ON/OFF SWITCH. DISENGAGED BY SHIFTING INTO NEUTRAL AND TURNING VEHICLE OFF. THIS CAUSED ENGINE PROBLEM. VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO DEALER, AND INFORMED CONSUMER THAT ENGINE WAS BLOWN, AND NEEDED REPLACEMENT. PROVIDE ANY FURTHER INFORMATION ON THIS MATTER. *AK NEEDE REPLACEMENT. PROVIDE ANY FURTHER INFORMATION ON THIS MATTER.

AFTER VEHICLE WAS EXAMINED FOR A MANUFACTURER SERVICE PROGRAM ON INGITION,VEHICLE DID NOT OPERATE PROPERLY. WHEN DEALERSHIP EXAMINED VEHICLE, A HOLE IN ENGINE HEAD WAS DISCOVERED. DEALER INFORMED CONSUMER THAT COMPONENT NEEDED TO REPAIR WAS NO LONGER AVAILABLE, WHICH REQUIRED THAT ENTIRE ENGINE BE REPLACED AT CONSUMER'S EXPENSE. PLEASE PROVIDE ANY ADDITIONAL INFORMATION/ATTACHMENTS.*AK

AFTER VEHICLE WAS EXAMINED FOR A MANUFACTURER SERVICE PROGRAM ON INGITION,VEHICLE DID NOT OPERATE PROPERLY. WHEN DEALERSHIP EXAMINED VEHICLE, A HOLE IN ENGINE HEAD WAS DISCOVERED. DEALER INFORMED CONSUMER THAT COMPONENT NEEDED TO REPAIR WAS NO LONGER AVAILABLE, WHICH REQUIRED THAT ENTIRE ENGINE BE REPLACED AT CONSUMER'S EXPENSE. PLEASE PROVIDE ANY ADDITIONAL INFORMATION/ATTACHMENTS.*AK

NO SUMMARY LISTED FOR ABOVE VEHICLE. *AK

WITH ONLY 1200 MILES OVER WARRANTIES ENGINE SHOULD HAVE BEEN REPLACED BY FORD MOTROR .HEAD GASKET AND FRONT COVER SEAL SHOULD NOT OF LEAKED /100,000 MILES OR MORE. *AK

I PURCHASED A USED 1997 F-150 (4.2L V-6) IN JULY OF 2000. JUST AFTER I HAD PURCHASED IT A BEARING IN THE MOTOR WENT OUT. THERE WAS 68,000 MILES ON THE VEHICLE AT THAT TIME. THERE WAS AN EXTENDED WARRANTY ON THE VEHICLE BUT FORD COVERED IT 100%. THEY INSTALLED A NEW LONG BLOCK ENGINE FREE OF CHARGE. THE NEW ENGINE HAD A 12 MONTH 12,000 MILE WARRANTY. I RECENTLY BROUGHT THE VEHICLE IN FOR A CHECK ENGINE LIGHT AND THEY FOUND OUT THAT THE #4 CYLINDER WAS BURNING RADIATOR FLUID. THE DEALERSHIP DISASSEMBLED THE MOTOR AND SAID THE ONLY CAUSE FOR THE WATER COULD BE PINHOLES IN THE CYLINDER HEAD. WHICH WAS CAUSED DURING THE CASTING PROCESS. NOW THE ENGINE IS 8 MONTHS OLD WITH 24,000 MILES ON IT. FORD WILL NOT COVER ANY OF THE WORK. THE PROBABLE CAUSE OF THE FIRST ENGINE GOING OUT WAS A LEAKY WATER SEAL GASKET THAT WAS REPLACED. NOW ENGINE NUMBER TWO IS GOING BAD BECAUSE OF WATER. THE VEHICLE NOW HAS 92,000 MILES ON IT, BUT IT TOOK TWO ENGINES TO GET IT THERE. KNOWING THAT THE FIRST SCHEDULED SERVICE IS SET FOR 100,000 MILES. I THINK FORD SHOULD STAND BEHIND THIS SECOND ENGINE AND COVER THE COST. THIS WASNT CAUSED BY ANY ABUSE, IT WAS CAUSED FROM A FAULTY PART FROM THE FACTORY. THIS ENGINE WAS BAD FROM THE START. I JUST FIND IT DIFFICULT TO PAY THE 1,500 DOLLARS TO REPLACE A FAULTY PART ON A BRAND NEW ENGINE. THIS IS A PROBLEM FORD IS AWARE OF, THEY JUST WON'T ADMIT IT.*AK

I DID NOT CAUSE THE ENGINE TO FAIL. THE DEFECTIVE PARTS DID, HOWEVER CAUSE ME TO HAVE THE ENGINE COMPLETLY OVERHAULED. THERE WAS A "CHEWED" UP ROD. I HAVE THE MANIFOLD GASKET AND THE BAD ROD IN MY POSSESSION AND WOULD BE GLAD TO SHOW ANY REPRESENTATIVE INTERESTED.*AK

TIMING GASKET FAILURE FOLLOWED BY ENGINE FAILURE. GOOD RUNNING TRUCK BROUGHT TO FIRESTONE SHOP FOR DIAGNOSIS & REPAIR OF WATER LEAK. TIMING GASKET AND WATER PUMP REPLACED. WATER PUMP WAS NOT LEAKING, BUT HAD 100K MILES. AFTER LEAK REPAIR SEVERE HESITATION NOTED ON ACCELERATION FROM STOP. WHILE RETURNING TO FIRESTONE OIL PRESSURE DROP AT RED LIGHT AFTER PASSING OTHER VEHICLE. CAM SHAFT SENSOR NOW BAD AND CHANGED; HESITATION FIXED, PRESSURE OK. DROVE < 5 MILES; ACCELERATED ONTO INTERSTATE & DROVE 4 MI. AT 1ST STOP AFTER EXITING INTERSTATE OIL PRESSURE DROP. RETURNED TO FIRESTONE. NOW I NEED A NEW ENGINE--$3000!

TIMING GASKET FAILURE FOLLOWED BY ENGINE FAILURE. GOOD RUNNING TRUCK BROUGHT TO FIRESTONE SHOP FOR DIAGNOSIS & REPAIR OF WATER LEAK. TIMING GASKET AND WATER PUMP REPLACED. WATER PUMP WAS NOT LEAKING, BUT HAD 100K MILES. AFTER LEAK REPAIR SEVERE HESITATION NOTED ON ACCELERATION FROM STOP. WHILE RETURNING TO FIRESTONE OIL PRESSURE DROP AT RED LIGHT AFTER PASSING OTHER VEHICLE. CAM SHAFT SENSOR NOW BAD AND CHANGED; HESITATION FIXED, PRESSURE OK. DROVE < 5 MILES; ACCELERATED ONTO INTERSTATE & DROVE 4 MI. AT 1ST STOP AFTER EXITING INTERSTATE OIL PRESSURE DROP. RETURNED TO FIRESTONE. NOW I NEED A NEW ENGINE--$3000!

WHEN CONSUMER WENT OUT TO WARM UP VEHICLE IN THE MORNING, VEHICLE STARTED UP FINE. HOWEVER, THEN PISTON IN ENGINE SHATTERED. NO DETERMINATION WAS GIVEN FOR THE CAUSE OF THIS DEFECT. PLEASE PROVIDE ANY ADDITIONAL INFORMATION/ATTACHMENTS.*AK

CONSUMER TOOK VEHICLE IN TO BE EXAMINED BECAUSE OF A LOSS IN COOLANT. A PRIVATE MECHANIC NOTICED THAT TIMING COVER WAS CRACKED, AND IT NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. PLEASE PROVIDE ANY ADDITIONAL INFORMATION/ATTACHMENTS.*AK

COMSUMER WAS TURNING INTO A PARKING LOT AND HEARD SOMETHING CLICK. CONSUMER TOOK A LOOK AND WENT TO A NEARBY GARAGE. NEAREST FORD DEALER WAS 15 MILES AWAY. 3 BOLTS HAD SHEARED COMPLETELY OFF. MANUFACTURER STATED THEY HADN'T SEEN A PROBLEM LIKE THIS, BUT WARRANTY WAS EXPIRED.*AK

CONSUMER RECEIVED NOTIFICATION FROM FORD , IN SERVICE PROGRAM #99B29, THAT ENGINE GASKET FRONT COVER WAS DEFECTIVE AND WOULD BE REPLACED WITH A REDESIGNED MODEL. CONSUMER COMPLAINED THAT THERE WAS AN EXPIRATION DATE OF MARCH 31, 2001 FOR THIS SERVICE PROGRAM, AND FORD WAS NOT GOING TO REPLACE THIS DEFECTIVE COMPONENT FOR FREE WHEN THIS DEFECT COULD CAUSE ENGINE COOLANT LEAKS. PLEASE PROVIDE ANY ADDITIONAL INFORMATION/ATTACHMENTS.*AK

I HAVE CONTACTED FORD MOTOR CO. BY PHONE & EMAIL AND THEY SAY THEY WILL GET BACK W/ME AND NEVER DO. THERE IS NO FOLLOW UP ON THEIR PART. NO CUSTOMER SERVICE AND NO SATISFACTION. THE CUSTOMER SERVICE ENDED AT THE SIGNING OF THE BILL OF SALE. NO SAFETY DEFECT. *AK

AFTER RECALL WORK WAS PERFORMED FOR THE TIMING COVER, WHEN DRIVING VEHICLE AND GOING TO APPLY BRAKES, OIL LIGHT WOULD COME ON. OIL PRESSURE WOULD DROP, AND ENGINE WOULD OPERATE ERRATICALLY. CONSUMER FORMED BY ANOTHER DEALERSHIP STATED THAT IF ENGINE COOLANT WAS ENTERED INTO OIL SYSTEM AND/OR OIL PAN, AND VEHICLE HAS BEEN DRIVEN FOR APPROXIMATELY 250 MILES, ENGINE WILL BECOME DAMAGED, AND NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. DEALERSHIP THAT PERFORMED RECALL WORK STATED THE ENGINE WAS RUNNING NORMALLY WHEN TURNED OVER TO CONSUMER, AND THEY WERE NOT RESPONSIBLE BECAUSE REGULAR OIL CHANGES WERE NOT PERFORMED ON VEHICLE. PLEASE PROVIDE ANY ADDITIONAL INFORMATION/ATTACHMENTS.*AK

ENGINE WOULD BE MAKING LOUD KNOCKING NOISES. TOOK VEHICLE TO MECHANIC AND WAS INFORMED THAT ENGINE PISTONS WERE KNOCKING WITHIN CYLINDERS. THEY WERE WOBBLING.*AK THE DEFECTIVE ENGINE WAS REPLACED. *YH

WE PURCHASED THIS FORD VEHICLE FROM A FORD DEALER EIGHT MONTHS AGO. WE JUST LEARNED IT HAS A BLOWN ENGINE PROBABLY RESULTING FROM COOLANT LEAKING INTO THE ENGINE. WE'VE LEARNED FORD HAS REPLACED OTHER '97 F150 ENGINES WITH THIS DEFECT. OUR DEALER INDICATES THERE HAVE BEEN NO SUCH SERVICE BULLETINS. WE PAID $12,000 EIGHT MONTHS AGO. *AK

UPON START UP ENGINE WAS MAKING A KNOCKING SOUND. PROBLEM WAS DIAGNOSED AS A BENT ROD FOR THE NUMBER ONE PISTON. *AK BLOWN INTAKE GASKET CAUSED A LEAK. *SLC

NOTICED IN EARLY 11/2000 THAT ENGINE MADE A "TICKING" SOUND ON STARTUP. STARTED USING HIGHER OCTANE GAS AND USED AN OIL TREATMENT. "TICK" WENT AWAY. DROVE HOME ON THE EVENING OF 11/17/2000 AND PARKED THE TRUCK. GOT IN THE TRUCK ON THE MORNING OF 11/20/2000 AND THE ENGINE WOULD NOT TURN. I HAD THE BATTERY CHECKED OUT - IT WAS GOOD. I HAD THE TRUCK TOWED TO A REPAIR SHOP (NON-DEALER) AND WAS TOLD THAT THE ENGINE HAD LOCKED UP. THE TRUCK IN CURRENTLY IN THE PROCESS OF HAVE THE ENGINE REPLACED.*AK

TIMING COVER GASKET IS LEAKING WHICH CAN CAUSE ANTI-FREEZE TO LEAK ONTO ENGINE AND SEIZE UP. *AK

AFTER SEVERAL RECALLS WERE REPAIRED THERE WAS NO OIL PRESSURE IN ENGINE. DEALERSHIP HAS INFORMED CONSUMER THAT VEHICLE NEEDED A NEW ENGINE. PLEASE PROVIDE ANY ADDITIONAL INFORMATION/ATTACHMENTS.*AK

VEHICLE HAS HAD TWO ENGINES REPLACED.*AK CONSUMER STATED VEHICLE OVERHEATED, WATER POURING OUT AND VEHICLE STALLED AND WOULD NOT RESTART.*JB

ENGINE FAILED, THERE WAS A RECALL ON THE THIS PARTICULAR ENGINE BUT ONLY ON THE CARS. NLM

VEHICLE WAS LEAKING ANTI-FREEZE. PRIOR TO LEAKAGE, VEHICLE WAS OVERHEATING. TOOK TO MECHANIC, AND INFORMED CONSUMER THAT COULD NOT LOCATE WHERE LEAKAGE WAS LOCATED AFTER CHECKING PRESSURE. DROVE VEHICLE SECOND TIME, AND PROBLEM WAS DISCOVERED IN TIMING CHAIN COVER GASKET. MECHANIC FINALLY REPAIRED PROBLEM. *AK CONSUMER WAS INFORMED BY A PARTS MANAGER THAT THIS WAS A RECALL, HOWEVER THIS VEHICLE WAS NOT INCLUDED BECAUSE IT WAS BUILT AT THE END OF THE YEAR. *SLC

NO SUMMARY LISTED FOR ABOVE VEHICLE. *AK

VEHICLE WAS PARKED IN FRONT OFF OF HOUSE AND COOLANT FLUID WAS LEAKING FROM ENGINE. DEALERSHIP WAS AWARE OF PROBLEM. *AK

SEAL FAILED ON TIMING GEAR COVER AND ALLOWED ANTI FREEEZE TO MIX WITH ENGINE OIL, CRANKSHAFT AND ROD BEARINGS HAD TO BE REPLACED. CJ

ENGINE IDLES HIGH AND THEN DROPS DOWN LOW. MECHANIC STATED THAT ENGINE WAS GETTING READY TO THROW A ROD. *AK

CONSUMER WAS TRAVELING ABOUT 40 MPH ON HIGHWAY AND HEAT LEVEL LINE STAYED IN RED ZONE. HE ADDED COOLANT INTO ENGINE. VEHICLE WAS OKAY. *AK THE VEHICLE WAS LEAKING DUE TO TIMING CHAIN COVER FAILURE. *YH

CONSUMER WAS TRAVELING ABOUT 40 MPH ON HIGHWAY AND HEAT LEVEL LINE STAYED IN RED ZONE. HE ADDED COOLANT INTO ENGINE. VEHICLE WAS OKAY. *AK THE VEHICLE WAS LEAKING DUE TO TIMING CHAIN COVER FAILURE. *YH

TIMING COVER GASKET IS LEAKING. I HAVE SEEN DOZENS OF POSTS ON THE INTERNET THAT FORD FIXED THIS FOR FREE AS A RECALL, BUT FORD DENIES ANY RECALL. THIS IS A PREMATURE FAILURE THAT IS HAPPENING OFTEN ENOUGH FOR A FULL RECALL OF ALL 97 F150 WITH THE 4.2LITER ENGINE.*AK

"TICK" NOTICED AT STARTUP. TOWED TO DELAERSHIP, DIAGNOSED AS BENT ROD. TOTAL ENGINE REPLACEMENT UNDER WARRANTY. THERE WAS NO SYMPTOMS UNTIL TOTAL FAILURE. WHY DID THIS HAPPEN AND MORE IMPORTANTLY, IS IT GOING TO HAPPEN AGAIN. ENGINE REPLACEMENT ESTIMATED AT OVER $4000. PLEASE PROVIDE INFO ON SIMILAR FAILURES VIA EMAIL. *AK

THIS VEHICLE WAS PURCHASED NEW IN JUNE, 1997. BEGINNING IN NOVEMBER, 2000 I HAVE EXPERIENCED NUMEROUS PROBLEMS, MAINLY WITH THE ENGINE AND ELECTRICAL SYSTEM. THE VEHICLE HAS BEEN OUT OF MY POSSESSION FOR ALMOST 3 MONTHS NOW AND I AM OUT OF POCKET OVER $3,000 IN REPAIR WORK. I HAVE CONTACTED FORD MOTOR CO. BOTH IN WRITING AND CALLING THEIR CUSTOMER SERVICE DEPARTMENT, AND THEY HAVE OFFERED NO ASSISTANCE AND BASICALLY HAVE TOLD ME THE PROBLEMS ARE NOT THEIR CONCERN. I HAVE HAD A FRONT TIMING COVER GASKET REPLACED, MAJOR ENGINE REPAIR WORK, SPARK PLUGS CHANGED, ELECTRICAL WIRES REPLACED, AND NOW A "COMPUTER BRAIN" WAS BAD IN THE VEHICLE. THE TRUCK'S CHECK ENGINE LIGHT REMAINS ON AND THE TRUCK STILL HESITATES, STALLS AND LURCHES WHILE DRIVING, WHICH IS NOT SAFE. I HAVE NO WHERE TO TURN AND OBVIOUSLY NO MONEY LEFT TO PUT IN TO THIS VEHICLE. I DON'T UNDERSTAND HOW A 3 YEAR OLD TRUCK, PURCHASED BRAND NEW CAN HAVE SO MANY PROBLEMS, I CAN'T SEEM TO GET AN ANSWER FROM ANYBODY, INCLUDING FORD. *AK

ENGINE FRONT COVER GASKET LEAKED COOLANT INTO THE ENGINE BLOCK DESTROYING ENGINE AND THE TRANSMISSION, ENGINE WOULD NOT IDLE DOWN SO THAT IT COULD BE DOWN SHIFTED. IT IS A MANUAL TRANSMISSION AND THE TRUCK NEEDED TO BE TURNED OFF SO THAT THE TRUCK WHILE OFF COULD BE SHIFTED FROM 5TH BACK INTO FIRST GEAR. ONCE THE TRUCK WAS TURNED ON, THE TRANSMISSION COULD BE SHIFTED UP FROM FIRST TO SECOND, AND SECOND TO THIRD ETC. *JB ***DIMSII IVOQ ENTRY POSTED AFTER 12/12/02 CUT-OVER TO ARTEMIS****739923

Mileage: 105,000

TRUCK WAS TAKEN TO DEALER ON 11/22/2000 DUE TO OWNER DETECTION OF WATER IN OIL. DEALER FOUND NO PROBLEMS WITH ANY FOREIGN SUBSTANCE IN THE OIL AND ENGINE CHECKED OK. ON 01/15/2001 THE ENGINE CHECK LIGHT CAME ON. SEVERAL MILES LATER , ENGINE ATTEMPTED TO STALL AT 50 MPH WITH ALL DASHBOARD LIGHTS ACTIVATED. CLUTCH WAS DEPRESSED AND RACED TO PREVENT STALL. ENGINE RECOVERED AFTER A FEW YARDS AND WAS DRIVEN HOME. TRUCK WAS TAKEN BACK TO DEALER AND WAS TOLD THAT THE CRANKSHAFT BEARINGS WERE THE CAUSE OF THE FAILURE AND THAT FORD WOULD REPLACE THE ENGINE IF OWNER AGREED TO PAY $500 OF THE COST.*AK

THE ORIGINAL AND REPLACEMENT ENGINE BLOCK COMPONENTS FAILED. NLM

I HAVE SPENT OVER $1,000 ON MISS-FIRE PROBLEMS IN 1.5 YEARS AND IT WAS FINALLY FOUND THAT ONE OF THE CYLINDER HEADS HAD A FACTORY DEFECT THAT CAUSED A COOLANT LEAK. EVEN THOUGH THE WARRANTY HAS EXPIRED, I HAVE A HARD TIME PAYING $2,000 TO FIX A PROBLEM THAT EXISTED THE DAY THE VEHICLE WAS MADE. *AK

THE TAIL PIPE IS LOCATED IN FRONT OF THE REAR WHEEL BY DESIGN, IT HEATS THE LUGS, NUTS AND BOLTS MAKING IT DIFFICULT TO REMOVE THEM. NLM

MOTOR WAS INPROPERLY INSTALLED FROM FACTORY, PER FORD DEALERSHIP, CAUSING DAMAGE TO VEHICLE. DEALER HAS REPAIRED VEHICLE.*AK

TAIL PIPE DESIGNED TOO CLOSELY TO THE RIGHT REAR TIRE. HEAT AND FUMES CAUSED DAMAGES TO RIGHT REAR WHEELS. ASKING NHTSA TO LOOK INTO THIS MATTER. *AK THE DEALER REPLACED TAIL PIPES FOR SOME TRUCKS BUT REFUSED THIS CUSTOMER'S BASED ON MILAGE. *YH

COMPLETE LOSS OF COOLANT.HEAD GASKET WAS ORIGINALLY REPLACED UNDER TSB#99131,RELATING TO COOLANT LEAKING THROUGH THE HEAD INTO THE OIL.THE PROBLEM HOWEVER HAS CONTINUED WITH A COMPLETE LOSS OF COOLANT THROUGH THE HEAD GASKET APPROX EVERY 6-8 MONTHS.*AK

NO SUMMARY

PURCHASED VEHICLE NEW IN APRIL 1997. FROM THE THIRD WEEK OF OWNING VEHICLE, ENGINE SHAKES, SPUTTERS, AND STALLS WHEN DRIVING. FORD HAS ATTEMPTED 13 TIMES TO FIX PROBLEM. THEY REPLACED THE ENGINE LONG BLOCK ON 7/24/00. ENGINE EXHIBITED THE SAME PROBLEM LESS THEN 1000 MILES LATER. FORD ONCE AGAIN REPLACED ONLY (BAD PARTS) IN LONG BLOCK THIS TIME. TILL THIS DATE ENGINE STILL EXHIBITS SAME PROBLEM. FORD'S POSITION IS THEIR REPRESENTATIVES MADE THE DECISION MY VEHICLE IS FINE, SO I'M STUCK WITH IT. TODAY, OCT 22, I HAVE ANOTHER APPOITMENT BECAUSE OF A LOUD RATTLE AND ENGINE PROBLEMS. IF REQUESTED, I CAN SUBMIT ALL INVOICES.*AK

APPARENT ENGINE FAILURE DUE TO TIMING COVER GASKET RECALL 'FIX'-COOLANT IN OIL?

COOLANT LEAKS THROUGH TIMING CHAIN COVER; WIPERS COME ON UNEXPECTANTLY WHILE IN OFF POSITION.

THE FRONT COVER SEALS AND INTAKE GASKETS FAILED CAUSING ANTI FREEZE TO LEAK INTO THE OIL. *MJS

ENGINE RUNS ROUGH AFTER A COLD START. *SLC

WHILE DRIVING THE ENGINE SEIZED, CHECK ENGINE LIGHT DID NOT ILLUMINATE. NLM

WHILE DRIVING VEHICLE STALLS UNEXPECTEDLY WHEN COMING TO A STOP, WHICH MAY CAUSE A CRASH. ALSO, PROBLEMS WITH DEFECTIVE BRAKING SYSTEM WHICH CAUSES EXTENDED STOPPING DISTANCE. DEALER CANNOT DETERMINE ANY CAUSE. *AK WHEN YOU BEGIN TO DRIVE AND TRY TO STOP, THE BRAKES LOCK UP. *YH

FIRST NOTICED THAT THE TRUCK WAS HESITATING AND COULD NOT ACCELERATE EASILY. TOOK TO A FRIEND OF OURS WHO OPENED UP A NEW AUTO SHOP AND HE CHANGED THE OIL AND NOTICED THAT IT WAS CONTAMINATED WITH COOLANT. HE THEN PULLED UP TSB FROM THE INTERNET REGARDING ENGINE CONTAMINATION, ARTICLE NO. 99-20-7. HE ENCOURAGED US TO TAKE IT TO A FORD DEALER WHERE THEY COULD FURTHER DIAGNOSE AND HOOK UP TO THEIR DIAGNOSTIC MACHINES, AS OUR CHECK ENGINE LIGHT WAS ON AND HE WASN'T SET UP TO READ THE COMPUTER. WE DROVE THE TRUCK, WITH BRAND NEW OIL, 4 MILES TO OUR HOUSE, PARKED AND CALLED A TOW TRUCK TO COME AND TAKE IT TO THE DEALER WHERE WE HAD PURCHED THE VEHICLE. WE ALSO SAVED A SAMPLE OF THE CONTAMINATED OIL IN AN OLD WINDEX BOTTLE AND SENT IT TO THE DEALER. IT SAT FOR THREE DAYS WITH NO ONE LOOKING AT IT UNTIL I FINALLY DROVE THERE MYSELF AND ASKED WHAT THE HECK WAS GOING ON. I WAS INFORMED THAT THE PERSON THAT WAS SUPPOSED TO LOOK AT THE CAR DID NOT COME INTO WORK AND HE HAD SOMEONE ELSE LOOKING INTO THE PROBLEM. I THEN HAD TO CALL BACK WHEN I GOT HOME, 5 HOURS LATER, AND WAS TOLD THAT THE WHOLE ENGINE HAD TO BE REPLACED OR TAKEN APART TO SEE JUST HOW MUCH DAMAGE HAD BEEN DONE. THEY SAID IT WAS EXCESSIVELY DRIVEN WITH THE CONTAMINATED OIL. WE NEVER EVEN KNEW THAT THE OIL WAS CONTAMINATED, NOR WERE WE EVER NOTIFIED OF THE RECALL NOTICE. WE HAVE THE OIL CHANGED EVERY 3,000 MILES, ALWAYS! THEN HE PROCEEDS TO TELL ME THAT OUR VEHICLE IS NOT PART OF THE RECALL. THAT IS ALL WE KNOW FOR NOW AND AM WAITING FOR MORE INFORMATION FROM THE DEALER AFTER HE TALKS WITH HIS MANAGER AND FORD. HOPING FOR THE BEST.

CONSUMER RECEIVED FORD RECALL #99B29 (REPLACEMENT OF THE PITTED TIMING GEAR COVER WHICH CAUSED COOLANT LEAKAGE), HOWEVER AFTER REPAIR THE ENGINE REQUIRED REPAIR DUE TO SPUN BEARINGS WHICH WAS DIRECTLY CAUSED BY THE COOLANT LEAKAGE. *MJS

WHEN ON THE HIGHWAY VEHICLE RUNS HOT. WHEN POURING COOLANT IN TO IT, VEHICLE LEAKS. TO VEHICLE DEALER, AND THEY COULD NOT REMEDY THE PROBLEM.*AK

ENGINE WAS REPLACED DUE TO DAMAGE IN THE LOWER BLOCK, ROUGH RUNNING, BACKFIRE, STALLING, AND KNOCKING AT COLD START UP, AFTER THE REPLACEMENT THERE WAS AGAIN EXCESSIVE VIBRATION AT IDLE, CONSUMER REQUESTS REIMBURSEMENT. *SLC

VEHICLE WAS LEAKING FLUID & OVERHEATING. CONSUMER HAD TO PAY $600 FOR REPAIRS. CONSUMER FOUND OUT VEHICLE WAS NOT RECALLED DUE TO VIN. MANUFACTURER WOULD NOT MAKE AN EXCEPTION ALTHOUGH THIS VEHICLE HAD THE SAME EXACT PROBLEM. *AK WATER PUMP FAILED. THE CUSTOMER REQUESTS THE MANUFACTURER TO PAY THE COST OF TIMING COVER GASKET REPLACEMENT AND THE COST OF NEW WATER PUMP INSTALLED. *YH

POWER STEERING BRACKET BROKE WHICH THREW MAIN BELT OFF, CAUSING FAILURE OF BRAKES AND POWER STEERING. CONSUMER FEELS THAT THERE SHOULD NOT BE ONLY 1 BELT THAT OPERATES BRAKES AND STEERING. *AK

DUE TO A DESIGN FLAW FUEL FILLER TUBE CRACKED, CAUSING FUEL TO LEAK. ALSO, ENGINE CHECK LIGHT CAME ON, AND VEHICLE OVERHEATED. PLEASE PROVIDE FURTHER INFORMATION. *AK

CONSUMER'S SON WAS TRAVELING ABOUT 70MPH ON THE HIGHWAY THERE WAS A BLOWOUT, AND FELT VEHICLE WAS JERKING. CONSUMER WAS FACING THE OPPOSITE SIDE OF THE HIGHWAY. GOT OUT OF VEHICLE AND SAW REAR ON PASSENGER'S SIDE WAS DAMAGED, AND RUBBER TREAD HAD COME OFF THE TIRE. ALSO, MUFFLER PIPE WAS HANGING FROM THE VEHICLE. THERE WAS FRONT END DAMAGE. *AK *ML

REAR WINDOW HAS A LEAK ON THE PASSENGER SIDE OF THE SLIDING WINDOW THAT HAS BEEN SENT BACK TO THE SHOP SEVERAL TIME FOR REPAIRS. ITS ON OING ! THE WINDOW HAS BEEN REPLACED W/ FRAME THREE TIMES , BUT THE TRUCK HAS BEEN IN SHOP SEVERAL TIMES PRIOR TO AND AFTER THE WINDOWS HAVE BEEN REPLACED. IT WOULD LAST A SHORT TIME AND WOULD THEN START LEAKING ALL OVER AGAIN. ** PRESENTLY STILL LEAKING **. # 2 . ENGINE HAS A KNOCK DURING START UP. SOUNDS MORE LIKE A DIESEL ! BOTH ISSUES HAVE BEEN PRESENT SINCE 14,000 MILES OR SO. THIS TRUCK HAS HAD SEVERAL PROBLEMS. TO MENTION A FEW ; REAR BUMPER RUSTING OUT, DOOR & SHIFT NOBS BREAKING , BODY PAINT PEELING, RATTLE IN FLOOR GEAR SHIFT ( STILL PRESENT ), ** NOW THE AIR CONDITIONING IS NOT WORKING **. I LIKE THE TRUCK, BUT WOULD RATHER HAVE ONE WITH OUT ALL THE PROBLEMS !

THE RIGHT REAR TIRE FREEZES WITH ICE FORM THE EXHAUST WHICH IS PLACED IN FRONT OF THE TIRE CAUSING SLIPPAGE, LONGER STOPPING DISTANCE AND LOSS OF TRACTION, CONSUMER REQUEST EXHAUST BE MOVED TO REAR. NLM

THE RIGHT REAR TIRE FREEZES WITH ICE FORM THE EXHAUST WHICH IS PLACED IN FRONT OF THE TIRE CAUSING SLIPPAGE, LONGER STOPPING DISTANCE AND LOSS OF TRACTION, CONSUMER REQUEST EXHAUST BE MOVED TO REAR. NLM

ENGINE BLEW IN 3 YEAR OLD, 60,000 MILE WELL KEPT FORD F150 TRUCK - OUT OF WARRANTY. *AK

WHILE DRIVING AT APPROX 30MPH HEARD A NOISE COMING FROM ENGINE COMPARTMENT I THEN HEARD A LOUD BANG, WHEN I LOOKED OUT REARVIEW MIRROR I SEEN A ENGINE PART ROLLING DOWN ROAD. VEH LOST POWER STEERING ABILITY. VEH TOWED TO DEALERSHIP (ROY O'BRIEN FORD) DEALER STATED CRANKSHAFT PULLEY &DAMPNER SNAPPED OFF ENGINE DAMAGING BELT TENSION BAR AND FAN. DEALER AND FORD MOTOR REFUSING TO ASSIST!!! TOTAL BILL APPROX 600.00.

OWNER WAS NOTIFIED OF RECALL 99B29 OF THE LEAKY FRONT COVER GASKET THEREFORE PAID FOR REPAIR. NLM

OWNER WAS NOTIFIED OF RECALL 99B29 OF THE LEAKY FRONT COVER GASKET THEREFORE PAID FOR REPAIR. NLM

WHILE DRIVING HEARED A CLICKING NOISE THAT GRADUALLY GOT LOUDER AND LOUDER. TOOK VEHICLE TO DEALER , AND THEY SAID IT MAY BE THE MOTOR. CONSUMER HAD JUST TAKEN CAR IN A COUPLE OF DAYS BEFORE FOR RECALL REPAIRS. 2 DAYS LATER, THIS CLICKING NOISE STARTED. *AK

DOORS HAVE STRESS CRACKS AT THE LOWER RIGHT SIDES DEALER REPAIRED ONCE, BUT CRACKED BEFORE I PICKED IT UP,EXHAUST FUMES ENTERING CAR AND DISCOLORING R-RR WHEEL. *AK

CONSUMER IS NOT HAPPY WITH DEALERSHIP, AS THEY WILL NOT REPAIR RECALL DURING TIME SPECIFIED ON THE RECALL LETTER REPAIR INCOMPLETE. (99B29) YH

BROUGHT VEHICLE IN TO COMPLY WITH RECALL. NO PROBLEMS PREVIOUS TO RECALL, AFTER RECEIVING VEHICLE BACK ALL PROBLEMS STARTED. RECALL WORK WAS NOT DONE PROPERLY. SCREWS WERE NOT REATTACHED TO COVERING OVER FAN BELT, OIL CHANGE AND NEW FILTER WERE NOT DONE ACCORDING TO RECALL. KNOCKING STARTED TO OCCUR IN ENGINE AFTER VEHICLE WAS RETURNED TO ME. CALLED DEALERSHIP BACK TO REPORT THE 2 SCREWS MISSING ANDA KNOCKING SOUND COMING FROM ENGINE. WAS TOLD TO STOP IN ON SAT. TO HAVE SOMEONE PUT IN THE MISSING SCREWS. RETURNED TO SHOP NOONE WAS AROUND TO DO THE WORK. WHILE DRIVING THE TRUCK SAT. THE ENGINE OIL LIGHTS UP. HAD TO FIND A STORE TO BUY OIL AND ADD TO CRANKCASE. HAD TO DO THIS TWICE THAT NIGHT. THE VEHICLE IS NOW AT THE DEALESHIP. I HAVE BEEN TOLD I NEED A NEW ENGINE. THEY WILL PUT IN A REBUILT ENGINE. I AM NOT SATISFIED WITH THIS SOLUTION. I FEEL THAT THEY HAVE RUINED MY TRUCK AND I WON'T FEEL SAFE AND SECURE IN IT ANYMORE. PLEASE CONTACT ME SO I CAN EXPLAIN FURTHER.

WHILE BACKING OUT OF DRIVEWAY ONTO A STREET ENGINE STALLED OUT AND ALMOST CAUSED A COLLISION WITH ONCOMING VEHICLES. DEALER/MANUFACTURER NOTIFIED. *AK

BRAKE LINE FREEZING DUE TO EXHAUST PIPE BEING IN FRONT OF WHEELS (ALONGSIDE BRAKELINE). I BOUGHT A 97 F-150 7 MONTHS AGO. I RECENTLY NOTICED THAT IT'S INCREASINGLY DIFFICULT TO GET OUT OF MY DRIVEWAY SOME DAYS, THE TRUCK SMELLS TERRIBLE (LIKE SOMETHING BURNT) & MY GAS MILEAGE IS AWFUL. I HAVE BEEN RELEASING THE BRAKE, THE LIGHT IS OFF, THE PEDAL IS UP, BUT THE BRAKE APPARENTLY IS STILL ON. THE TIRES & RIMS ARE ICING UP, THE BRAKE SHOES ON THAT SIDE ARE CRUMBLING. THIS CAUSES POOR BRAKING CONDITIONS. I CALLED THE DEALERSHIP, I HAD BEEN TOLD TO WATCH FOR THIS PROBLEM, & HAD WANTED IT FIXED. ( I WOULD RATHER NOT FIND OUT HOW BAD THIS IS BY SOMETHING OR SOMEONE. ) IN FACT, THAT IS THE REASON THAT I WAS GIVEN WHEN I WAS TOLD THAT FORD WOULD FIX IT, UNTIL THEY SAW THE MILAGE ON THE VEHICLE, THEN THEY TOLD ME, NOPE WE WONT FIX IT, YOULL HAVE TO PAY US $700 (CDN) AS A "GOOD WILL GESTURE" FROM FORD. (THIS SEEMS A LITTLE STEEP!) & ALSO THEY THOUGHT I SHOULD BRING THE TRUCK IN SO THEY CAN MAKE SURE THAT THERES NO DAMAGE TO THE WHEELS OR BRAKES. IF THE BRAKES CAN FREEZE ON,... WHAT STOPS THEM FROM FREEZING WHEN THEY ARE NOT ON?? I'M TOLD THERE IS A GREAT DEAL OF HYDRAULIC PRESSURE THAT STOPS THIS FROM BEING AN ISSUE, BUT THE SYSTEM IS ONLY AS GOOD AS IT IS WEAKEST PART, & WHEN USING "BRUTE FORCE" TO BREAK THEM FREE, I WOULD THINK SOMETHING SOMEWHERE HAS GOT TO GIVE. IF THERE WERE SAFETY CONCERNS THAT WERE THE REASON THAT FORD WAS MAKING THE MODIFICATIONS WHILST THE VEHICLE WAS STILL UNDER ITS ORIGINAL WARRANTY, I SHOULD THINK THESE SAFETY CONCERNS DO NOT GO AWAY ONCE THE TRUCK IS NOT ON WARRANTY. I WOULD THINK THAT THIS WOULD BE A RECALL SITUATION, NOT JUST A BULLETIN. THEY HAVE ADMITTED THAT IT IS A PROBLEM, & WERE EVEN FIXING IT IF IT WAS UNDER THE ORIGINAL WARRANTY, BUT I BELIEVE THAT THIS PROBLEM GOES MUCH FURTHER, & FORD SHOULD BE LIABLE FOR THE REPAIRS, SINCE IT IS A FLAW IN THE DESIGN OF THE VEHICLE. I HAVE CONTACTED FORD CANADA, & GOT NO RESULT. *AK

WINDSHIELD WIPERS COME ON BY THEMSELVES, CAUSING A DISTRACTION TO DRIVER. DEALER CLAIMS SWITCH AND MODULE NEED TO BE REPLACED. 2. TAILPIPE LOCATED TO IN FRONT OF PASSENGER'S REAR WHEEL CAUSING EXHAUST TO CORRODE WHEEL AND LUGS: NUTS. DEALER WILL NOT CHANGE LOCATION OF EXHAUST. *AK

ENGINE KNOCK AT COLD START UP--FORD TO REPLACE ENGINE.-A/C HAS A MUSTY SMELL AT START UP, DEALER HAS SPRAYED IT 4 TIMES, AND STILL HAS THE SAME SMELL. *AK

NO SUMMARY

ENGINE STALLS WHILE DRINVING. YH

ENGINE MAKES A NOISE. YH

CHECK ENGINE LIGHT COMES ON SOMETIMES. YH

ENGINE STALLS WHILE DRINVING. YH

ENGINE MAKES A NOISE. YH

CHECK ENGINE LIGHT COMES ON SOMETIMES. YH

ENGINE STALLS WHILE DRINVING. YH

ENGINE MAKES A NOISE. YH

WHEN THE VEHICLE IS IN LOAD IT IS MISFIRING ON THE 2ND AND 4TH CYLINDER. THE DEALER HAS REPLACED THE MOTOR, AND THE PROBLEM STILL EXISTS. *AK

ENGINE SPORADICALLY STALLS OUT WHILE DRIVING. THE ENGINE WILL TURN OVER, BUT WILL NOT COME ON. DEALER HAS SEEN VEHICLE AND CANNOT FIND A SOLUTION. *AK

THE EXHAUST PIPE IS POSITIONED/DESIGNED SO THAT THE EXHAUST FROM THE PIPE IS RUINING THE WHEEL AND TIRE ON THE REAR PASSENGER SIDE. TIRE HAS BEEN REPLACED BECAUSE OF SEPERATION DUE TO THE HEAT FROM THE EXHAUST. DLR SAYS NEEDS A NEWLY POSITIONED EXHAUST PIPE.

STEERING IS VERY HARD TO CONTROL WHILE DRIVING. THE VEHICLE WOULD DRIFT WITHOUT WARNING. THE ENGINE NEEDS OIL EVERY MONTH. HAD BEEN TO DEALERSHIP NUMEROUS TIMES TO HAVE PROBLEMS REPAIRED. THEY STILL EXIST. *ML

INITIAL FAILURE- ENGINE CRANKS, BUT WOULDN'T START. LOCAL DEALERSHJIP REPLACED PCM TWICE, REPLACED SPARK PLUGS, THROTTLE POSITION SENSOR, TRANS SHIFT SOLENOID, TIMING COVER GASKET, RADIATOR.. WHEN VEHICLE RETURN TO CUSTOMER, IT STILL WAS NOT RUNNING PROPE

ENGINE USES EXCESSIVE AMOUNTS OF OIL (MORE THAN A QUART EVERY 3000 MILES). DEALER WILL NOT DO ANYTHING ABOUT PROBLEM UNTIL VEHICLE USE ONE QUART WITHIN 900 MILES. *YC

VEHICLE CAUGHT FIRE WHILE PARKED IN PARKING LOT. NO APPARENT CAUSE, AND NO PREVIOUS INDICATIONS OF COMPONENT FAILURE. VEHICLE WAS A TOTAL LOSS

ENGINE HAS EXPEREINCED A CLATTER ON STARTUP FOR SOME TIME. WAS TAKEN TO DEALER UNDER WARRNATY ONE YEAR AGO @ 27000 MILES. TOLD THIS NOISE WAS "NORMAL". NOISE HAS INCREASED. NOW DEALER REPORTS IT IS "A MAJOR LOWER -END PROBLEM. FORD WON'T DO ANYTHING BECAUSE VEHICLE IS OUT OF BASIC WARRANTY. I SAY 1) NOTHING WAS DONE WHEN IT WSAS UNDER WARRANTY. WORK SHOULD HAVE BEEN CORRECTLY DIAGNOSED AND FIXED THEN 2) THE PROBLEM I AM EXPERIENCING IS THE RESULT OF A MANUFACTURING DEFECT. FORD ACKNOWLEDGES THAT THIS PROBLEM SHOUDL NOT SHOW UP AT THIS LOW A MILEAGE. THEY AMDE AN DEFECTIVE PRODUCT--THEY SHOUDL FIX IT!

WHEN DRIVING AT HIGH SPEED THE VEHICLE STALLS/ SHAKES, AND THERE IS AN OIL LEAKAGE WITHIN VEHICLE. *AK

EXHAUST MANIFOLD IS LEAKING COOLANT. ALSO, WHEN HEATER IS ON TEMPERATURE RISES EXTREMELY HIGH.

FORD EXHAUST DESIGN IS ROUTED IN FRONT OF RIGHT REAR TIRE. THE EXHAUST GASES CAUSE THE LUG NUTS, STUDS, AND BRAKE DRUM TO CORRODE CAUSING POOR BRAKE RESPONSE AND POSSIBLY WHEEL FAILURE.

THE ENGINE ALWAYS MADE A LOT OF NOISE DURING INITIAL STARTUP. CONTACTED SEVERAL DEALERS DURING THE WARRANTY PERIOD WHO DECLARED THIS AS "NORMAL". NOW THAT THE VEHICLE IS OUT OF STANDARD WARRANTY, THE LOCAL DEALER SAYS THERE IS "MAJOR LOWER END PROBLEMS" THAT CAN ONLY BE ESTIMATED BY AN ENGINE TEAR DOWN. FORD REFUSES TO DO ANYTHING IN SPITE OF A) THIS BEING REPORTED DURING THE WARRANTY PERIOD AND THE DEALERS NOT DOING ANYTHING AND B) THIS PROBLEM NOT NORMAL FOR AVEHICLE WITH THESE FEW MILES. A ENGINE SHOULD LAST SEVERAL TIMES THIS LONG WITH NORMAL MAINTENANCE.

ENGINE CRANK WORE OUT AT 35000 MI SERVICE REP WOULD NOT REPLACE ENGINE . ONLY REBUILT LOWER ENGINE. NOW THE UPPER PART OF ENGINE GOING BAD HAD TO PAY 1000.00 FOR EXTENDED WARRENTY BECAUSE WHEN YOU REBUILD THE ONE PART OF AN ENGINE THE OTHER TENDS GO BAD WITHIN A FEW MONTHS . I OFFERED TO PAY EXTRA FOR THE NEW ENGINE THEY WOULD NO LET ME GET ONE NOW MY TRUCK WILL BE BACK IN THE SHOP ONCE MORE FOR A UPPER REBUILD BEFOR LONG.

AFTER TRVELING AT 60 TO 70 MHP ALL DAY FOR A LONG PERIOD OF TIME, VEHICLE WILL SUDDENLY STALL WHEN SLOWING DOWN TO MAKE A TURN OR IN TRAFFIC. DEALER HAS BEEN CONTACTED. *AK *SB

ENGINE FAILED, POSSIBLE RECALL ON COMPONENT THAT LED TO FAILURE. MJS

IN ORDER FOR THE VEHICLE TO BE STARTED THE GAS HAD TO BE APPLIED FOR A LONG TIME UNTIL THE ENGINE REVVED AT A NORMAL LEVEL. ONCE WHILE STARTING THE VEHICLE, THE ENGINE JUST BLEW UP. DEALER HAS VEHICLE NOW. *AK

CONSUMER CONTACTED DEALER IN REFERENCE TO MANUFACTURER'S RECALL 98R04, CONCERNING PCV SYSTEM. HOWEVER, THIS VEHICLE WAS NOT INCLUDED IN RECALL DUE TO LOCATION. RECALL ONLY INVOLVED VEHICLES IN COLD CLIMATE STATES. CONSUMER UNCELAR ABOUT RECALL MANUFACTURER SENT FOR HIS VEHICLE. DEALER REUSED TO REPLACE PARTS. FORD ADMITS VEHICLE MAY NOT STOP IN COLDER CLIMATES. *AK

ENGINE FAILED CAUSING KNOCKING.

ENGINE FAILED CAUSING KNOCKING.

THE LOCATION OF OF TAILPIPE IN FRONT OF WHEEL IS CAUSING STRONG GAS FUMES TO GET INSIDE OF THE VEHICLE. *AK

HAVE HAD THIS PROBLEM IN THE PAST...FOR NO REASON THE ENGINE WILL ACT AS THOUGH IT HAS A "MISS." IF TRYING TO PULL OUT, TRUCK WILL SHUTTER AND SOMETIMES DIE. THIS PROBLEM HAS OCCURED ONCE BEFORE AND THE DEALER REPLACED THE #8 SPARK PLUG. 10,000 MILES AHVE PASSED AND THE ENGINE IS STARTING TO SHOW SIGNS OF DOING IT AGAIN. *AK

TAIL PIPE IS IN FRONT OF THE BACK WHEEL EXHAUST SYSTEM WHICH IS MAKING THE WHEELS HOT. *AK

HEAD GASKET FAILED (CRACKED) CAUSING OTHER COMPONENT FAILURES. YH

NO SUMMARY

WHILE DRIVING VEHICLE, FIRE CAME UP FROM BETWEEN THE CAB AND BED OF TRUCK. FIRE INVESTIGATORS CAME TO THE CONCLUSION THAT THERE IS A DESIGN FLAW IN THIS MODEL TRUCK WHICH ALLOWS DEBRIS TO ACCUMULATE UNDER THE SHIELD WHICH THEN IGNITED, AND THEN IGNITED THE SILICONE SEALER ON THE SHIELD WHICH ALLOWED THE FIRE TO IGNITE THE BACK SEAT.

RIGHT REAR WHEEL IS DISCOLORED BECAUSE OF EXHAUST PIPE COMING OUT THE RIGHT SIDE OF THE VEHICLE.

DESIGN OF EXHAUST PIPES LOCATION CAUSES IT TO DISCOLOR THE REAR TIRE AND REMOVE CROME FROM CENTER WHEEL.

TIMING CHAIN COVER BROKE, RESULTING IN WATER LEAKAGE. *YC

ENGINE FAILED. YH

COOLANT LEAKED DUE TO WORN OUT GASKET ON WATER PUMP FRONT CYLINDER. YH

OIL PUMP FAILED. YH

WHILE PARKED VEHICLE CAUGHT ON FIRE.

VEHICLE CAUGHT FIRE IN THE ENGINE WHILE DRIVING. THE CAUSE OF THE FIRE HAS NOT BEEN FOUND. VEHICLE WAS TOTALED. *AK

POORLY DESIGNED LOCATION OF THE EXHAUST PIPE CAUSED THE PASSENGER SIDE WHEEL COVER TO CORRODE.ALSO THE PRESENT LOCATION OF THE PIPE CAUSES EXHAUST FUMES TO COME INTO THE CAB IF THE WINDOW IS DOWN. RECALL NOTICE NOT RECIEVED.

I REALLY DON'T KNOW THE EXTENT OF MY PROBLEMS. HOWEVER, MY TRUCK HAS A ROUGH IDLE AND HESITATION AND HAS STALLED A COUPLE OF TIMES. I HAVE CHANGED GRADES OF GASOLINE AND BRANDS OF GASOLINE. I HAVE ALSO TRIED INJECTOR CLEANER. I HAVE HAD IT TO TWO DIFFERENT DEALERS. I HAVE HAD IT TO COMMONWEALTH FORD IN RICHMOND KY 40475 TWICE AND PERFORMANCE FORD WHERE THE TRUCK WAS PURCHASED ONCE. NEITHER PLACE FOUND ANYTHING WRONG. MY TRUCK IS ALMOST OUT OF WARRANTY AND I AM AFRAID THAT SOMETHING MAJOR MAY BE WRONG AND I DON'T WANT TO BE STUCK WITH A HUGE REPAIR BILL. I HAVE ALSO CONTACTED FORD CUSTOMER ASSISTANCE AND RECIEVED NO HELP THEIR EITHER. I DON'T KNOW WHAT ELSE TO DO. I WOULD APPRECIATE ANY INFORMATION THAT YOU CAN PROVIDE. THANKS BRIAN ELSEA.

WHILE DRIVING WINDSHIELD WIPERS MALFUNCTIONED, CAUSING THE WIPERS TO OPERATE UNEXPECTEDLY WHICH MAY CAUSE AN ACCIDENT. ALSO, PROBLEM WITH THE OIL STICK. IT SEEMS TO BE CRACKING OR FALLING APART, WHICH MAY CAUSE BY SOME TYPE OF METAL RUBBING AGAINST THE OIL STICK. CAUSES UNKNOWN. *AK

THE EXHAUST PIPE BLOWS DIRECTLY ON THE PASSENGER'S SIDE REAR WHEEL. IN WINTER WEATHER THIS CAUSES ICE TO FORM ON THE WHEEL, WHICH MAKES THE BRAKES INOPERATIVE. THE MANUFACTURER/DEALER ARE AWARE OF THE PROBLEM. THE PROBLEM HAS NOT BEEN CORRECTED. *AK

VIBARATIONS WITH RESONATING NOISE AT 1100 TO 2000RPM. TAKEN BACK TO SEVERAL DEALERS WITH NO ANSWER/

ON HIGHWAY DRIVER NEEDS TWO HANDS TO STEER THE VEHICLE. STEERING IS HARD TO HANDLE, SOMETIMES OVERSTEERING OCCURS, DEALER CONTACTED THREE TIMES. DEALER HAS ALIGNED THE FRONT END AND ADJUSTED THE TOE, CAMBER AND CASTER, HOWEVER CONSUMER STILL COMPLAINS OF STEERING WHEEL STIFFNESS, DEALER CAN NOT REMEDY. CHECK ENGINE LIGHT ILLUMINATED. *SLC

OIL PAN IS RUSTING THROUGH.

ENGINE STOPS AUTOMATICALLY INTERMITTENTLY.

VEHICLE STALLS AT TAKE-OFF.

THE EXHAUST IS POINTED AT THE RIGHT REAR TIRE, AND CAUSING THE TIRE TO DISINTEGRATE /BLOW OUT. INCIDENT OCCURRED THREE TIME. , DEALER CANNOT DUPLICATE THE PROBLEM.*AK

WEEDS PACK UP IN AND AROUND CROSS MEMBER OF CROSS OVER EXHAUST SYSTEM, WHICH LEADS TO A DRYING OUT OF WEEDS, RESULTING IN FIRES. (QCAW)

GRASS AND WEEDS GET CAUGHT IN CROSS OVER BRACE UNDER EXHAUST SYSTEM, AS THEY PACK IN THEY DRY OUT, CAUSING FIRE. (QCAW)

CONSUMER HAD TAKEN THE VEHICLE TO DEALER FOR REPAIRS OF THE LUGS: NUTS:BOLTS, BUT DEALER DID NOT HAD THE PARTS TO REPAIR VEHICLE FOR THE FIRST TIME, AND NOW THE VEHICLE HAS THE SAME PROBLEM. DEALER HAS BEEN CONTACTED. *AK CONSUMER HAS BECAME AWARE OF RECALL 98S14, REGARDING THE LUGS/NUTS/BOLTS. STEERING NOT OPERATING PROPERLY, IT LOCKS UP WHEN IT RAINS. TRANSMISSION DOES NOT OPERATE PROPERLY, CONSUMER WAS INFORMED OF RECALL 97S86, HOWEVER DEALER STATED THAT CONSUMER WOULD HAVE TO WORK WITH THEIR SCHEDULE FOR REPAIRS. WINDSHIELD WIPERS START BY THEMSELVES. TURN SIGNALS WORKED TOO FAST, DEALER FOUND A LOOSE WIRE. BRAKES DID NOT WORK EFFICIENTLY, TAKES A LONGER DISTANCE TO STOP. A/C WAS NOT COLD ENOUGH. SERPENTINE BELT WAS REPLACED. DOOR WAS OUT OF ADJUSTMENT, MAKING IT HARD TO OPEN FROM THE INSIDE. *SLC

LOCATION OF EXHAUST SYSTEM IN FRONT OF PASSENGER'S SIDE CAUSES THE ABS BRAKES TO FREEZE UP IN WINTER. HAVE NOT TAKEN TO DEALER AS OF YET. *AK

CONSUMER TOOK VEHICLE TO DEALERSHIP TO REPLACE RIGHT REAR WHEEL/RIGHT HUB CAP/BUMPER AND EXHAUST SYSTEM. ALL PARTS REPLACMENT WAS DUE TO EXHAUST SYSTEM BEING IN THE WAY, WHICH CAUSED CORROSION TO ALL ABOVE PARTS. CONSUMER CONFRONTED THE SERVICEMEN ABOUT CONDITION REOCCURRING. HIS REPLY WAS THAT AFTER THE WARRANTY EXPIRED, IT BECAME CONSUMER'S PROBLEMS. DEALER NOTIFIED *AK

TRANSMISSION JERKS VERY HARD FROM GEAR TO GEAR. ALSO, ENGINE CHECK LIGHT COMES ON, AND VEHICLE EXPERIENCES EXCEESIVE GAS CONSUMPTION.

FUEL LEAK IN ENGINE COMPARTMENT.

EXCESSIVE SMOKE FROM ENGINE.

VEHICLE IS GOVERNED AT 87 MPH (THE MOTOR SHUTS DOWN), THIS DESIGN IS VERY UNSAFE.

ENGINE WON'T SPEED UP TO PASS OTHER VEHICLES SAFELY.

ENGINE FAILED.

ENGINE VAPOR MANAGEMENT VALVE FAILED.

THE DESIGN OF EXHAUST PIPE LOCATION IS HAZARDOUS, ALLOWING CARBON MONOXIDE INTO THE CARGO BOX.

WHENEVER CONSUMER EXITS THE VEHICLE, IF EVER TOUCHING ANY METAL PARTS, IT WILL THEN EXERT SPARKS OF FIRE. CONSUMER SAYS IF STANDING CLOSE ENOUGH ONE CAN HEAR THE SIZZLING. CONSUMER ALSO HAS MEASURED THE DISTANCE OF THESE SPARKS WHICH HE MEASURED AT THREE INCHES AWAY. CONSUMER THOUGHT IT WOULD GO AWAY, BUT IT IS ACTUALLY GETTING BIGGER. CONSUMER DOES NOT OWN TRUCK, HE'S LEASING IT FROM FORD. *AK

ENGINE PISTON RUSTED.

VAPOR TUBE PINCHED BY FRAME OF TRUCK.

TAIL PIPE FAILED.

VEHICLE STALLING.

DESIGN OF THE CATALYTIC CONVERTER AND SHIELD ALLOWS FOR ACCUMULATION OF GRASS AND OTHER DEBRIS, FIRE RESULTED FROM GRASS BURNING.

INTERMITTENT STALLING.

WHEN DRIVING THROUGH TALL GRASS, THE GRASS GETS CUT OFF/FALLS ON THE TRANSMISSION CROSS MEMBER, WHERE IT IS IGNITED BY THE HEAT FROM THE EXHAUST PIPE, WHICH IS ROUTED RIGHT BEHIND THE CROSS MEMBER.

THE PICKUP TRUCK MISFIRES CONSTANTLY WHICH OSAGE FORD KEPT FOR SEVERAL WEEKS. NOT ABLE TO CORRECT PROBLEM, OSAGE FORD REQUESTED THAT DRIVER PURCHASE ANOTHER NEW TRUCK. PLEASE DESCRIBE DETAILS.*AK

THE REAR TAIL PIPE CAME OUT BY THE RIGHT REAR TIRE . PLEASE DESCRIBE .*AK

EVERY ONE AND A HALF MILE VEHILCE SMELLS HOT. COULD CAUSE VEHICLE TO OVERHEAT OR CATCH ON FIRE. *AK