1993 mercury sable (58,500 mileage) head gasket failure: a few days ago, the temperature guage began fluctuating from cold to hot; and would then return to mid-range only to go back to "hot" -- this cycle continually repated itself. While it was in the "hot" range, a whirring noise from the engine could barely be detected. Heater would not heat up while engine was in idle and would begin heat output only after the car had been driven for about 25 minutes. Took the car into the dealership on tuesday, 03/21/00, only a few days after noticing this sudden change in the vehicle performance. Estimated cost as of 03/21/00 is: $1,000 - $1,500 (final estimate from dealership due on 03/22/00). Will also be contacting ford motor co. On 03/22/00.
1993 Mercury Sable engine complaints
Page 9 of 13: complaints 221 to 250 of 356, newest first, as owners wrote them.
Two 3.8l mercury sable engine head gasket failures: the first 22jan98, 70418 miles, repaired under warranty by cherner lincoln mercury, virginia. The second 27 jan 2000, 77,266 miles, repaired by ford dealer soo motors, cost me us $1571.19. Soo motors svc said in essence I'd have to look to ford for relief. Ford customer svc, told me "so sorry" via phone. Thanks, dick couch.
No heat; defrost. Had 2 thermostats installed; still no heat. Took back to merchanic; discovered blown head gasket-only 40,000 miles on car. Was told by mechanic that he had seen many of same year and model with same problem. Paid $1200 for head gasket and the two thermostats. Would like reimbursement.
Head gasket failure as reported on other 3.8l models. Engine was rebuilt.
No summary listed for above vehicle.
Head gaskets failed prematurely. Ford currently recalling 1994-1995 taurus/sable vehicles with identical engines/identical failures, but ford refuses to acknowledge owners of 1993 vehicles with the same issues. This is unjust exclusion for which I have receive no logical reason from ford.
Chronic coolant leak approx. Half pt. Month-cruise control failure-water leaks rear window- rattles during bitter winter weather.
Engine head gaskets have blown, causing coolant to leak onto the engine. Dealer has repaired vehicle.
Engine head gasket premature failure.
Blown head gasket. Ford covers cost of repairs for this problem in the 1994-95 engines, but not in the 1993. *ak
Consumer had to have head gaskets and motor mounts repaired at her own cost. There was 60,426 miles on the vehicle. Also, vehicle wasn't included in recall 97v01900/ engine cooling fan. *ak
Recall exists for 1994-1995 vehicles with same 3.8l engine. 1993 not included (per ford). Why? It's the same engine with the same inherent problem.
Engine head gasket cracked, and water was leaking into engine.
When driving at any speed vehicle overheats and stalls. Consumer contacted the dealer, dealer stated head gasket needed replacing. *ak
The vehicle's temprature guage indicated high due to the engine head gasket failure. Yh
While driving lost coolant water and engine blew. Consumer was unable to drive. Vehicle had to be towed to mercury dealership, and they said the head gasket had to be replaced. *ak
Well maintained vehicle. While on highway, temperature gauge moved between cold and hot. I exited highway and returned home. Temperature in normal range. After 1 hour started car to take for repairs. After quarter mile on residential street, head gasket failed. White anti-freeze exhuast. Car would not restart. Car was towed to dealer.
Addtional expense included $40 for towing. No safety defect included in summary.
Head gaskets were defective, but ford refused to reimburse, although they are paying for the same thing on 94-95 sables. Very dissappointed with their customer service.
Oil and water mixed in the engine resulting in failure. Nlm
While driving on the street at 25 MPH vehicle was onerheating and hestitating. Vehicle was driven to an independent shop, and consume rwas informed that the 3.8l engine blew a head gasket. Dealer notified.
Head gasket blew while owner was trying to determine source of coolant leak. After contacting local mechanics, this appears to be a design defect with the 3.8l engine. After contacting the local dealership, there appears to have been some sort of hidden warranty up to 5 years/50,000 miles for this specific problem. This means that ford admits that there is a defect.
The head gasket let go with only 52,000 mil. I bought the the car with 24,000 mil. In dec of 1993 I have only put on 24.000 mil. There is no reson for the head gasket to fail
Engine head gasket failed on highway - steam and smoke clouds dangerous.
While driving on the freeway in stop and go traffic vehicle idled roughly and began to overheat. Owner was able to drive vehicle home at a slow speed. Afterwards the vehicle was towed to a mechanic, where the engine head gasket was found blown. Please provide any further information.
Rear stabilizer bar (sway bar links) of the vehicle broke. Yh
While traveling down the highway, engine check light came on. 25 minutes later driver heard an explosion under the hood caused by the head gasket, and resulted in car failure. Vehicle had to be towed to dealer. *ak
Sway bar failed. Mjs
While traveling on the highway at 55 MPH vehicle overheated, and water leaked from the engine head gasket ( 3.8 l engine). Dealer notified ,and informed consumer that there was no manufacturer's recall on engine head gasket.
No reason for head gasket to blow at 42,000 miles. I'm filing a formal complaint to ford and hope others do the same. There are too many similar complaints. I was exiting a local highway and my car ran hot. Blue-white smoke was coming from my exhaust and a the smell of anti-freeze was apparent. Please investigate this and other complaints. This is not normal especially for a car with such low mileage. I am awaiting your response. I will contact the ford motor company. Thank you, tina m. Fasano.
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