1994 Mercury Sable: engine overheating

Filed Jan 15, 2004 · Transmission, Visibility · 133,295 miles · CA

I have had constant overheating problems with ths car. The problems range from cracked flush/fill valves, to hoses,to water pump failure. 03/30/2002 transmission started slipping. A mechanic at a local shop recommended adding fluid. The problem continued and each time the mechanic recommended adding fluid. No leak was determined. Problem continued until the transmission went out in 07/2003.

Filed Apr 15, 2002 · Engine · NJ

Consumer states when the vehicle is driven it will overheat and the oil light flashes, consumer states he just recently became aware of the head gasket problem, and is requesting that the extended warranty program issued him a credit towards the purchase of a new vehicle.

Filed Mar 20, 2002 · Engine · NY

3.8 v6 engine was losing coolant and overheating while driving, vehicle taken to the dealer, and dealer informed consumer of a blown head gasket. Feel free to provide any further information.

Filed Nov 2, 2001 · Engine · OK

I have experinced overheating w/ my car from the time of purchase the engine cooling system was inspected and showed it was fine now I have a blown head gasket at 90,000 miles after pampering the car for a year and a half. One day I was driving and at a stop light the car stalled , I restarted and a blue smoke came out of the rear after haveing a mechanic look into it , he dtermined it was the head gasket.

Filed Oct 1, 2001 · Engine · NY

The head gasket failed causing the vehicle to overheat, the consumer contacted the dealer and was told that the vehicle had been recalled and a notice was sent out, the consumer was never notified of this recall. Nlm

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 22, 2001 · Engine · CA

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

Filed Feb 5, 2001 · Engine · CA

Engine constantly overheated.

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 Aug 16, 2000 · Engine · TN

Consumer received letter regarding extended warranty for head gaskets. Consumer was able to benefit from it because of the mileage. Consumer was defintely having problems with vehicle stalling/ overheating, and heavy black smoke. Also, loss of coolant.

Filed May 31, 2000 · Engine · PA

Timing cover gasket and head gasket failed, resulting in coolant loss.

Filed Apr 7, 2000 · Engine · FL

While driving on interstate 75 in atlanta georgia the car overheated and stalled. A wrecker service was called and auto was towed to pep boys for repair. Since it was after 5:00 pm they were not able to complete any work on the auto.mobile, overnight stay was required. Was contacted the next morning by pep boys and told that the car had a blown head gasket and they did not do this type of repair. Was told that this was part of a recall. Had car towed to dealership for estimate/repair. Was told that due to the mileage that this would not be considered under the recall. Had service work done and paid $1,250 and had the same problem when traveling home to jacksonville, florida. Was forced to stop three times to cool engine and refill radiator. Car is not repaired. Have contacted both the repair provider in atlanta and the purchasing dealer in jacksonville. I feel that I should have been notified of a potential problem, but have been told by ford that they stand behind their policies.