Subject:
Date:     12/23/2004

I also had a problem like Nancy of Corona CA (6/20/01). My spark plugs blew off
the cylinder. On the way to a much anticipated family trip only to have our 2000
(yes, you read that corrrectly), a 2000 Ford Expedition Eddie Bauer blow its
spark plugs off the right cylinder. Will cost $2,600 in repairs. Ford agreed to
pay for half of it. Very "gracious" of them to pay for half of the problem that
is not supposed to happen in the first place. I requested twice with their
"customer care" to accomodate me with a rental car to no avail.

Checked with the NHTSA and there are some claims with what appears to be the
smae problem. Took my Expedition to a dealership and the cylinder head will cost
$891.67 plus $234.46 in additional parts. I was told that the cylinder head they
are giving me is a newer modified model and this is why it cost $518.19 more than
the older model they previosuly installed. In my logical opinion, this tells me
that Ford does acknowledge the fact that the older cylinder models does have a
problem with spark plugs blowing out and this is why they have a much more
expensive newer modified model.

Let's see here, $100 in towing fees, not getting to our family trip destination,
rental car fees, $1300 to repair a faulty cylinder, and lets not forget what a
fun family experience it was to get stranded for hours ... but hey, Ford is
"gracious" enough to pay for half of the repair costs. I'm very thrilled to reach
in my pockets and pull out my wallet to pay for a faulty cylinder head and all
other costs incurred. I encourage ANYONE with the same problem to write to the
National Highway Traffic Safety Administration. More info can be had by calling
(888) 327-4236. I believe if more people view this as a widespread problem rather
than an individual problem, something will be done to protect our hard earned
consumer dollars.