Engine Exhaust System problems of the 1997 Mercury Cougar

I understand there was a class action suit due to a faulty intake manifold on many Ford cars with a 4. 6 liter engine. I or my kids have owned a 1997 Mercury Cougar since new. Recently this car which had been in storage for several years was given to my son who is laid off and attempting to complete his bachelors degree. I spent money to repair sensor, freezeplug and he put new tires on this car. I am writing because I contacted Ford about this defective intake manifold problem and was told I was too late because the class action involving the faulty plastic intake manifold had expired in 2007 or at 75,000 miles. The car in question has slightly more than 75,000 miles. How could I have taken part in repairing or reimbursement of over $800 I had to pay to get the plastic intake manifold replaced. I then found on the internet that many individuals are in the same position I am in. I found the following link on the internet very informative and gives several examples of people with this problem and explains some safety issues concerning this problem because people are still driving these cars possibly not knowing the engine could blow up at any time in any place including traffic. . Read more...