Driving our 2001 Sable one day the check engine light came on when we were stopped at a red light. As the light turned green I accelerated and the car did not move according to the pressure I was putting on the gas pedal. The light stopped flashing and the car ran fine. This would happen from time to time and it got to a point were I took the unit to a Mercury dealership to have it checked out and they stated it had a mis-fire on the number 4 cylinder and they would have to replace the cylinder head at a cost of 2K one head only. I did some asking around at Ford and found out that there were some valve issues with the 3.0L DOHC 24 V. I looked into the dealer process of changing only one head and I was told that would not be the smart thing to do. I finally took the car in to confirm what the dealer had said and to get it fixed. I took the car to T.C. auto service in ann arbor and he confirmed I had a leak down problem on number 4 cylinder exhaust valve. The engine had to be removed from the car and I had both heads reworked new valve guide and seats along with replacing the valves on number 4 cylinder. I have the damaged valves returned to me.

- Canton, MI, USA

2001 Mercury Sable 39K miles. Driving on nys thruway when I experienced a complete engine failure with my car. Ford motor admitted there was a defect in the engine but said my vehicle was out of warranty. Did get me discount on repairs. Ford refused to tell me if others are experiencing same with this engine.

- Rochester, NY, USA

Electrical system shut down, loses all power. The auto has accelerated on numerous occasions while stopped in traffic. Teh air conditioner shut down while traveling, twice the vehicle experienced complete electrical shut down, on one occasion requiring the vehicle to be towed. Consumer is requesting a vehicle replacement and for the failures to be recalled.

- Farmington Hills, MI, USA

The vehicle jumps at low speeds, possibly engine related.

- Southbend, IN, USA