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1993 Ford Thunderbird engine complaints

Page 2 of 7: complaints 11 to 40 of 172, newest first, as owners wrote them.

See the summary of 1993 Ford Thunderbird engine problems: which part fails, at what mileage and related recalls.

Filed May 14, 2002 · Engine · IL

While stopping vehicle overheated and stalled. Dealers have been contacted and replaced headlight switch. Please provide further information.

Filed May 10, 2002 · Engine · CT

The head gasket was designed too small and was defective causing the vehicle to be undrivable. The consumer is requesting reimbursement for the cost of repairing the defective head gasket.

Filed Apr 20, 2002 · Engine · PA

The head gasket failed on this vehicle with what I consider very low mileage, less than 43k miles. Ford has extended the warranty on '94 and '95 model years to cover this repair. This car was not abused and had excellent maintenance over the years. There's no reason for the failure of the head gasket other than a design defect. Fortunately, I was not driving on the highway when the failure occurred.

Filed Mar 15, 2002 · Engine · IL

The head gasket blew out at 62032 miles, consumer is requesting reimbursement for the repairs, however the manufacturer denied consumers claim.

Filed Mar 7, 2002 · Engine · CT

No summary listed for above vehicle.

Filed Feb 25, 2002 · Engine · PA

No summary listed for above vehicle.

Filed Feb 25, 2002 · Engine · IN

Premature headgasket failure LED to $1750 in repairs.

Filed Feb 14, 2002 · Engine · CA

Head gasket failure; too expensive to repair; left vehicle at the ford dealership. Planned to buy a new ford, but not after reviewing all the complaints on this site.

Filed Jan 8, 2002 · Engine, Lights · CA · 2 injuries

Consumer complains that the engine stalled as he was pulling out of the parking area.

Filed Dec 27, 2001 · Engine · ID

Head gasket blew 3 times, causing car to stall up in middle of highway just stopped. Also blowing white steam thru back end making impossible for drivers behind to have a clear vision, also steam white smoke in front end, blowing anifreeze thru the exhuast. This seems to be a common problem among fords 3.8l engines. I get no help from manufacture or dealer. I am very disapointed in ford co.

Filed Dec 12, 2001 · Engine · OH

Vehicle would overheat and experieince loss of coolant while driving. Manufacturer was notified. Also feel free to provide us with any further information or details concerning this matter.

Filed Nov 24, 2001 · Engine · CA

From what I hear from my mechanic and other owners across the country this year and model of thunderbird has a history of a defective head gasket. My vehicle has only 93000 miles on it and has blown the head gasket. Other owners have had this experience as early as 65k miles. This is obviously a manufacturer defect which should be covered by the ford motor company.

Filed Nov 3, 2001 · Engine · VA

Car blew head gasket at 94500.00 miles other ford models were recalled but the thunderbird 1993 was not and it uses the same engine as the winstar 94 which was recalled for the head gasket.

Filed Oct 26, 2001 · Engine · IN

Consumer was traveling about 30mph on a side street and vehicle started to overheat. It was caused by a blown head gasket. Also, vehicle shutdown.

Filed Oct 23, 2001 · Engine · CO

This thunderbird has the 3.8l v6 engine. Head gaskets failed. The local dealer admits that there is a problem with these engines. The extended warranty programs do not included 1993 thunderbirds, only 1994-1995. Repair cost for me was about $1800.00. Ford customer service rep is unwilling to assist with any amount of payment. I will be filing in small claims court.

Filed Oct 4, 2001 · Engine · NY

Experienced loss of heat in passenger compartment. Found coolant level to be low. Added coolant on several occasiions. Problem did not go away. Problem increased to point where engine overheat indicator lit. Took vehicle to mechanic where problem was suspected to be loss of coolant but could not be definitively pinpointed. As a precaution the water pump, thermostat, hoses, and coolant was replaced along with two freeze plugs which were seen to be weeping. After a short while the problem reappeared and I took the vehicle to a ford dealership in my neighborhood. They diagnosed the problem to be a blown head gasket which was internally causing the coolant to enter the engine and be consumed. I authorized repairs but was informed that the problem was not covered under the terms of my warranty as the vehicle was now too old.*ak (dot number: na tiresize: na)

Filed Sep 20, 2001 · Engine · KY

On both occasions, the head-gaskets blew. Engine was replaced with first incident. Now faced with a similar situation. Only engine is not burned up this time. Why fix it, if the same problem is going to simply happen again. Yet I can't afford another vehicle. I purchased this car brand new and took very good care of it. Alot of good that did.

Filed Sep 10, 2001 · Engine · VA

Head gaskets failed.

Filed Aug 8, 2001 · Engine · CA

No summary listed for above vehicle.

Filed Jul 10, 2001 · Engine · NY

Bad head gasket blowing white smoke.

Filed Jul 9, 2001 · Engine · PA

Parked car and heard watery noise - antifreeze was coming out of tailpipe.

Filed Jun 24, 2001 · Engine · NY

Head gasket failure,had to repace twice. Is starting to overheat again.

Filed Jun 21, 2001 · Engine · OH

The head gasket failed resulting in the vehicle loosing coolant, the leak in the lower part of the radiator causing loss of coolant and coolant odor outside the vehicle. Nlm

Filed Jun 12, 2001 · Engine · MI

While starting vehicle noticed white smoke coming from tail pipe. Dealer was contacted, and stated that head gasket needed to be replaced. Please provide further information.

Filed May 18, 2001 · Brakes, Engine · FL

As to head gaskets, have had two sets of failures, at approx. 100k apart . . . . As to brakes, have had multiple replacements of rotors due to chronic warping . . . . As to transmission, have had to have purchase lifetime warranty transmission from aamco due to failures in 2-3 & 3-4 shifts.

Filed Apr 25, 2001 · Engine · CT

Head gasket is leaking coolant onto engine, causing shaking and engine temperature to go up. Dealer determined head gasket needed to be replaced. *ak

Filed Apr 17, 2001 · Engine · VA

Consumer started up vehicle and noticed that there was blue smoke coming from underneath vehicle. Took vehicle to a dealership, and mechanic told him that head gasket blewout. *ak consumer states there was a recall regarding this for the 1994-1995 models.

Filed Apr 10, 2001 · Engine · CO

Ford should admit all 3.8l v6 are defective and cover repairs. No summary listed for above vehicle.

Filed Apr 3, 2001 · Engine · MI

Overheating and loss of engine coolant, and heater would blow out cool air. Dealer notified, and informed consumer that 3.8l v6 engine had a head gasket failure, vehicle taken to an independent repair shop for repairs. *ak

Filed Mar 30, 2001 · Engine · FL

Engine check light kept coming on/ over heated and loss of coolant. Taken to an independent shop, and informed consumer of a head gasket failure. Manufacturer notified, and informed that vehicle was not covered under an extened warranty. *ak consumer states she contacted ford motor co. And was advised they would not cover repairs due to consumer taking vehicle to an independent mechanic.

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