The contact owns a 2000 Ford F250. While driving 15 mph the contact heard a loud noise and the vehicle began to jerk and decelerate. Then, the vehicle completely shut off. The dealer stated that the metal on the spark plugs was too strong for the engine. The dealer replaced the cylinder, head, spark plugs, and manifold. The current and failure mileage were 79,000. The consumer spoke with 3 head professional mechanics who stated that engines with aluminum heads are prone to this kind of failure. The owner feels that Ford should take ownership and wants to be reimbursed. Update 4/23/07

- Paradise, CA, USA

2000 fleetwood pace arrow motorhome with Ford Triton V10 enginge: At 32,000 blew a spark plug out of the head. Ford dealer quoted me $6,000 to replace with new/improved head. I can replace the whole engine for less than $3,000. This is incredible and something needs to be done. Even the tow truck driver that towed me to the dealer said his Ford truck with a V10 recently blew a plug as well. I own four motorhomes all with the Ford Triton V10 engine. The company I used to work for had six motorhomes with the Ford Triton V10 and had four spark plug blowout incidences while I was working there. Something needs to be done about this. It is unthinkable that a company can get away with peddling crap to customers and then charging them $6,000 to fix this problem!!! contact oscar at don kott Ford in carson, ca to confirm my estimate. Do something, do something do something! thank you very much.

- Huntington Beach, CA, USA

I have had 3 spark plugs eject from my 2000 F150 5.4L in the past 3 months. So far, repairs have totaled $150, but the last one took the threads with it. Estimate to fix this one is $400 with a specially made repair kit. As most know, this is "the problem that must not be named". everyone knows it exists, Ford doesn't want to deal with it.

- Wilmington, DE, USA

I have a well maintained 2000 F-150 5.4L with 69,800 miles that spun a bearing last week. After pulling the motor and removing the oil pan, it is quite obvious that this is a manufacturing defect. The 'broken rods' that are used in this motor are of very poor quality. I contacted Ford customer service and their response was, "I am sorry about your luck, but your vehicle is no longer under warranty". please advise.

- Valencia, PA, USA

Right side head gasket leaking oil. Replaced by Ford at 24,000 miles (Jan 2002). Truck now has 49,000 and is out of warranty. Right side head gasket leaking oil again. Common problem with 5.4L Ford dealers acknowledge a problem and say they have completed numerous repeat repairs at the consumers expense due to Ford's unwillingness to recall.

- Greeneville, TN, USA

Natural gas vehicle. Clamp in engine was rubbing onto flexible hose that was hooked to fuel injectors, causing a hole in flexible hose, emitting natural gas. The dealer and manufacturer have been notified.

- Hayword, CA, USA

Exhaust fumes were entering car, and consumer was breathing in fumes. Dealer could not find cause. 2200 miles later, consumer took car back for same smell, and dealer stated it was a gasket leak.

- Wyandotte, MI, USA