Engine head gasket cracked, causing coolant to leak onto the engine. Ford has extended the warranty on various models. However, this vehicle was not included. Manufacturer has been contacted twice, and owner was told that his car wasn't covered because it had a different coolant system, and because there weren't a large enough amount of statistical occurences reported of the head gasket failing in this model for a recall. *ak
1993 Ford Thunderbird engine complaints
Page 6 of 7: complaints 131 to 160 of 172, newest first, as owners wrote them.
This is the second time, in a yr-1/2 the engine head gasket has failed.
Could smell antifreeze coming from the tail pipe shortly before the heaed gasket blew and engine began to run poorly and blow white smoke from the tailpipe. This repair was very costly and ford has begun to compensate owners of other ford models with the exact same engine, but no the ford thunderbird.t.
While driving in normal traffic the engine check light came on, and temperature gauge went up, consumer had to stop 10 times for water. The head gasket blew soon after. Other ford models have had their engines recalled, but this vehicle is not included. Consumer also complains that the oil pressure gauge is not effective, it doesn't give the owner sufficient information regarding the level of pressure. *ak
Car was purchased new by father in 1993 and purchased by me (son) in 1999. All service to vehicle has been completed by ford dealers or national oil change companies at manufacturer's specifications. This head gasket failure is very premature for this vehicle and is indicitive of a common problem for this engine type.
Please encourage ford to recall this problem engine or reimburse cost of repairs!!! No safety defect listed in summary.
No summary listed for above vehicle.
Head gasket blew 2x 1st. Time @ 67,000 mi, and again @ 96,000 mi. Junked car.
While driving head gasket blew out. Head gasket has been replaced on two previous occasions, within 72000 miles of each other. Consumer wants to be reimbursedfor repairs. *ak
Ford has extended warranties on some models for early head gasket failure,at about 65,500 miles, our car has the same engine in it as the recalls and we had failure at 48,000 miles, I have contacted customer service only to be told mine is not included in the program, I have wrote a letter to jim o' connor a ford executive and I have received a phone call from a customer service rep. When I questioned why she was answering my letter instead of jim she replied that he gets thousands of letters daily and does"nt have the time to read or answer them. All she told me basically was what I had written in my letter and she could'nt answer any questions. I was told to call 1‑800‑325‑5621 with my questions, and that my letter would be filed in their computer just in case they later included my car in this extension. I called the number only to be told that a dealer had to call this number for me. So I called my dealer and asked the difference between the 3.8l engine in my car and in the taurus or windstar I was told that the differences were minor but that the thunderbird had a superior cooling system in it's engine. He suggested that I come in and fill out a customer review form and they would submit it to ford and they may help me with the bill. My major complaint is that if ford is recognizing a problem with this engine and early head gasket failure, why are they only recognizing certain makes and year's . My car may be a 93 , the car's in the extended warranty are 94's and 95's but they have about 65,000 miles on them when they fail, mine has much less. I appreciate any help as I am very aggravated with this. Thank you for your time.
Local mechanic told me this was a common problem with the3.8's wish I have known sooner. No safety defect listed in the summary.
Failed head gasket caused me to replace the engine. Head gasket failure occurred approximately 5 months after 6 year/100k extended warranty expired. Since ford is already recalling this engine from other cars of the same era, it is likely my engine had the same defective head gaskets.
Big problems with engine same one recalled in outher fords.
Engine head gaskets have blown out, rendering the engine inoperable. Dealer has been notified.
While traveling noticed steam coming from the tail pipe. Called dealer. Dealer stated engine gas valve cover blew out. Please provide furhter information.
Was told by mechanic that a defective head casket was also seen on another 1993 t-bird (6 cyl).
Engine continually overheating, several repair attempts however head gasket blew causing extensive damage to engine.
Right engine head gasket originally failed 11/95 when the car was experiencing unexplained bucking sensation under load in cold weather. After numurous visits and alternative repairs, dealer finally figured out problem and replaced right head gasket in 3/97. Both gaskets along with water pump failed this time. Dealer contends original repair done right, and stated the new head gaskets can be expected to fail within several years again.
Aluminum engine heads cracked, with leakage. Service center suggested we report this, since he has repaired about 20 other automobiles in the last 24 months with the same problem and the same mileage. Says heads do not have enough metal at the head bolts and repairs will be necessary again after 50-70000 miles. Service center will back up this statement. Please investigate any flaw or defect in this engine. Very costly repair. Thank you...mrs. T. Carroll.
This seems to be a very common problem
While driving in the city at approx 45mph vehicle started to shaking/rough idling. Contacted local mechanic there was a blowen engine head gasket. Contacted a local ford dealer, who said this was a known problem.
Head gasket blew causing car to overheat and blowing water through the exhaust system. This happened with no warning of overheating whatsoever. As a matter of fact, no problems incurred up to this point. This incident left driver stranded as vehicle was immobilized.
Steam comes out of all air vents after five minutes of running, along with a bad smell; water comes out onto passenger floor; engine gets very hot after a couple of minutes; coolant constantly leaks. Driver's side automatic seat belt does not work.
Seat belt light does not go out, unable to be fixed. Mjs
Head gaskets: w/o any warning whatsoever suddenly there appeared white smoke from exhaust pipe, temp. Gauage went up, car had not been using any oil and/or anti-freeze which is a heads up to such a problem occuring. All maintenance had always been kept up on a regular basis on vehicle. Told at time that this problem had happened that the next thing that would happen would be the engine would go. The first week of sept. Just like mechanic said, the engine went there again, w/o any notice. It through a rod. Was told that to save problems/time, should actually just go ahead and replace both when doing the other becuase it would happen. Told ford motor aware of this problem within a 3 yr. Range on this motor & head gaskets. They have sense improved problem but that does nothing to help out those of us who bought those years. Put out the money or part it out! For those of us who have kept up our vehicles, we have no choice. Ford motor knowingly aware of this should have some responsibility. Am in the process of contacting their consumer affairs division in order to discuss but know what they'll have to say..."out of warranty"...you're stuck!
Without warning, head gasket blew out at 75,000 miles. Vehicle was maintained according to ford recommended service schedule. This appears to be a common problem in 1989-1995 ford 3.8l v6 engines.
The car overheats and runs poorly, the dealer said it was a leaky intake manifold gasket. I had it checked for hydro carbons at a garage which it has, indicating a blown head gasket. I was told that the local mercury dealer was flooded with 3.8l blown head gaskets. Would like to know if thier will be a recall.
While driving at 45 MPH engine head gasket blew out without prior warning, causing a fuel leak.
While driving at 45mh and without prior warning, engine head gasket blew out, causing engine coolant to leak onto the exhaust pipe.
Temperature needle runs high on the car, and black smoke was coming out the rear of the vehicle. Mechanic said that engine head gasket blew out.
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