1994 Mercury Sable: engine failure

Filed Jan 15, 2004 · Body, Brakes · AL

The key insert does not align, have had 2 transmissions in 5 years. (I know to check my fluids) new engine, & the paint is awful. Engine, motor, gas, gasps and jerks with me. Have had motor mounts replaced, nothing helps. Heater coil(?) went out, I have no heat now. We had to bypass. The rest I have not been able to afford to repair. I hate this car. I am worried everytime I get in it that my mother and I are not going to get home. I have had the car towed so many times, the man who does the towing knows me and my car on sight. I will not go more than 30 miles fromt he house. My mechanic even hates the car. I call him an angel, because he has kept it running.

Filed Aug 13, 2002 · Engine · WI

Consumer states due to an engineering flaw the head gasket and engine failed at 9000 miles. The dealership replaced the engine with a long block. However on the factory replaced engine, the head gasket has failed again. Dealership has suggested that an engine replacement is the best choice. Consumer has asked dealership and manufacturer to take responsibility for an engine which has failed twice. Dealership unwilling to accept responsibility. Consumer filed complaint with bureau of consumer protection agency.

Filed Mar 29, 2002 · Engine, Visibility · ID

Immediately after the purchase of the vehicle, the heater failed. The dealer informed the consumer of a previous recall regarding the engine and advised that the vehicle should not be driven until engine was replaced, consumer feels the recall information should have been given prior to purchase of vehicle. *slc

Filed Jul 25, 2001 · Engine · PA

Head gaskets failed antifreeze leaked through engine block causing it to crack engine took 3 weeks to get car back replacement engine overheated causig antifreeze to boil out head gaskets leakage car had to be towedx2 dealer has car will replace engine again same people as before said at least another 3 weeks without my car need my car for work getting impatient with jd byriders attitude about problems with the car wondering if this car should've been recalled from day 1 of manufacturing.

Filed Apr 29, 2001 · Engine · CA

I had the head gaskets fixed in march 2000, and there was a recall for that malfunction on this vehicle, I spoke with ford motor co. And told them that they should have warned me of possible engine failure resulting from the head gasket problem and ford motor should be liable for the engine failure and repair therefore.

Filed Apr 22, 2001 · Engine · CA

Driving up a grade, car overheated. Believe the head gasket failed and engine failure resulted.

Filed Mar 19, 2001 · Engine · 65,500 miles · CT

Engine failed at night, so I was not able to that there was black smoke trailing after the car until I pulled into the garage. Mechanic reported that it was a ruptured motor gasket with antifreeze seeping into the motor. *jb ***dimsii ivoq entry after 12/12/02 cut-over to artemis****742671

Filed Feb 4, 2001 · Body, Engine · AL

Bought car used, as is. Inquired about recalls, etc. Told there were none. Salesman said he ran carfax & nothing showed up. Asked if engine was original engine, any major mechanical problems, etc. Was told "no". Purchased car @ bill penney toyota. First day door handle came off, underside driver's seat track cover came off & sunroof came open & wouldn't shut. Paneling fell off. 1st week the oil light came on - car began using 2 qts of oil every 2-3 days. Took back to dealership. Told it had a new engine & shouldn't be having problems. Oil consumption test run. Began checking car's history. Found previous owner bought the car 4-2000 & the dealership bought it back 6-2000. Head gasket changed 3x. The dealership sent car to woody anderson ford. Had a new engine put in it (they say). Bill penney kept car 1 week. Said problem was under a mfg. Warranty on the engine although they sold me a warranty for $1,000 for what was already under warranty. They sent car to woody anderson ford; ford kept it for a week. Then called & told me to pick it up; there wasn't anything wrong w/it. Had to rent a car. Warranty sts they provide one. Car is not fixed. It's a recurring problem from original owner. Engine put in car never put on record. 4 VIN #'s have been used on paperwork. Met with previous owner. All faults I had w/car she had as well. Dealership says my tough luck; maybe I learned a lesson. Mfg. Won't fix. Denies problem.

Filed Jan 3, 2001 · Engine · KY

Vehicle experiences stalling, dealer can not remedy the problem, possible engine failure.

Filed Oct 20, 2000 · Engine · CA

I am a mercury sable 1994 owner. As I was driving to work today, I began to have engine trouble. I had the car towed to a nearby garage. I was informed later this morning that I had blown a head gasket. The garage suggested that I tow the car to a nearby ford dealer, novato ford. Remembering that ford had issued a letter regarding head gaskets and before towing to the novato ford dealership, I decided to call the dealership. After I explained the situation, the service advisor said that he also remembered this "head gasket" situation and put me on hold. When he returned he informed me that since my mileage was over 100,000 (currently 105,693), I would not be eligible for the extended warranty coverage. I then called ford customer service 800 392-3673 and referenced the extended warranty coverage under service program, #98m01. Quoting the letter - the letter states, "ford motor company is providing extended warranty coverage under service program, #98m01, to owners of 1994 and 1995 taurus and sable and 1995 windstar vehicles equipped with a 3.8l fwd engine. Reason for this program: premature failure of the head gaskets may occur and may result in engine overheating or in extreme cases could cause engine failure if the overheat condition is ignored. The extended warranty coverage is ford motor company's commitment to customer satisfaction and we are taking this action as part of our ongoing efforts to maintain your confidence in our products." I was informed that there was nothing that could be done. I explained that I acquired the car in 1997 at 44,000 miles. Upon receiving the june 1998 letter, I did go to my local hilltop ford dealership and asked them to check out the head gasket(s). I was told that they were fine.

Filed Apr 19, 2000 · Engine · OH

Engine blew due to a defective design of head gasket.please provide further information.

Filed Feb 28, 2000 · Engine · NJ

I will fax to your (202) 366-7882 number the letter I sent to jac nasser ceo, ford motor company, their letter (which I didn't receive in the mail) indicating possible premature failure of head gaskets, the form letter that they sent me in response. I feel that if they knew that they had installed defective head gaskets that there should have been a recall. The total engine failure which I experienced was a serious and dangerous situation.