Bulletins

BulletinBulletin dateReplacement BulletinItem no.SummaryAdded
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING
1318609/01/19996090542Information regarding front cover & water pump bolts-torque valve revision/3.8-4.2l. *mjs03/21/2000
9920710/04/19996089651Subject on engine coolant leaking into the engine oil on some vehicles. *tt02/11/2000
9913106/28/1999606484Concerns with engine coolant leaking into engine oil on some vehicles. *tt08/25/1999
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING - COOLING SYSTEM
BC088096100410/04/199650437Lack of cooling due to complete loss of charge. may have a machining defect in the high pressure relief valve. *tt04/24/1997
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING - ENGINE
0222111/11/200210008304Engine-gear driven synchronizers-incorrect installation-camshaft position synchronizer (cmp) installation tool correct application. *mj07/27/2004
87019710/22/200210000592Incorrectly installed gear driven camshaft position (cmp) sensor synchronizer assemblies causing surge, lost of power, malfunction indicator lamp on and diagnostic trouble codes p1336, p1309 and p0340. *tt03/25/2003
0112406/25/2001622665On some vehicles, engine oil may continue to leak from the engine oil pan gasket area after an engine oil pan gasket repair has been performed. *tt10/22/2001
1318009/01/19996090538Information regarding camshaft position (cmp) sensor alignment tool chart. *mjs03/21/2000
699709/01/19996090310Some service manuals may list the incorrect camshaft position sensor alignment tool for vehicles with various engine sizes. *tt03/14/2000
699609/01/19996090309Information regarding a change in the torque values of the engine front cover water pump bolts. *tt03/14/2000
551803/01/1999605190Information on servicing oil pan gasket leaks. *tt06/03/1999
9761003/17/199751990Blower motor- chirping or squeaking from blower motor at low speeds. *jd07/17/1997
9751603/03/199751954Engine- 3.8l - chirping noise during normal engine operation. *jd07/17/1997
974302/17/199751682Blower motor- chirp or squeak from blower motor at low speeds. *jd06/27/1997
BC966696100110/01/1996505272.5l duratec engine exchanges no longer include front end accessory drive component, oil level indicator, water pump belt/tensioner, egr tube, linkshaft bracket or exhaust manifolds. *tt05/27/1997
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING - ENGINE - GASOLINE
0124612/10/2001630515Engine oil system priming procedures, service tips for reports of premature engine failure. *tt04/18/2002
021401/21/2002630001Some engine assemblies with aluminum cylinder heads repaired in-vehile have been found to leak coolant and/or oil from the cylinder head gasket area. *tt04/11/2002
014703/05/2001619424Subject regarding engine oil recommendations for use in 2001 vehicles - sae 5w-20 motor oil. *tt05/30/2001
98310802/01/1998607402Effective march 2, 1998m3.8l engine assembly is added to fqr(ford quality renewal) assembly program. *ak12/21/2000
967803/25/1996613330Concerns with the right side engine block drain plug hole and plug is oversized. *tt06/21/2000
1217411/01/1998613224Some vehicles may exhibit a hard start/long crank, cold start stall, cold rough idle concern. *mjs06/19/2000
1324209/01/19996090638Information regarding tsb 97-20-08 for 3.8l engines only. *mjs03/22/2000
9918309/06/19996090051Service tip information on revised oil pan gasket replacement procedure. *tt03/06/2000
9981605/03/1999606420Ford motor company now recommends sae 5w-30 viscosity grade for servicing any ford gasoline-powered vehicle regardless of model year. *tt08/19/1999
98251112/21/1998603649Service tips on composite fuel rail. *yc03/01/1999
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING - EXHAUST SYSTEM
98358101/01/1998607843Some vehicles may exhibit conditions of exhaust drone at 1700 rpm. *tt10/13/1999
98201010/12/1998603695Experiencing a buzzing or rattling noise from the exhaust system. *yc03/02/1999
986403/30/1998601312Information on a buzzing or rattle noise from the exhaust system. *tt07/21/1998
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING - EXHAUST SYSTEM - EMISSION CONTROL
98231011/23/1998603724Mass air flow (maf)- sensor contamination- service tip. *ak03/03/1999
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING - EXHAUST SYSTEM - MANIFOLD/HEADER/MUFFLER/TAIL PIPE
1330910/01/19996092131Some vehicles with 3.8l engine may exhibit black soot on the lower section of the right rear quarter panel. *tt11/27/2000
712010/01/19996090716Some vehicles may exhibit black soot emitted from the tailpipe leaving deposits on right rearl lower quarter panel. *tt03/27/2000

Consumer Complaints

Fail datemilesoccurencesPurchase date
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING
11/01/200140000
 Blows headgasket every35000 miles
12/03/2010100000
 Tl-the contact owns a 1996 ford windstar gl. the contact stated while waiting at a stop sign the vehicle suddenly died and the engine engulfed into flames. no one was injured in the vehicle. the police and fire department were called and no police report was available. the vehicle had to be towed away. the vehicle has not been inspected by a dealer. the vehicle has not been repaired. the failure mileage was approximately 100,000. tb
10/01/20091200001
 My 1996 ford windstar caught fire in the engine compartment while driving and burned up within 10 minutes. i did not know about the fire danger recall until i heard about it on the new a few days after the event. the only accessory that was on was the airconditioning which was working properly. i noticed a smell followed by smoke from under the hood. i pulled over to investigate and the smoke intensified followed by flames. by the time the fire department arrived (5 minutes) flames were pouring out from under the hood and thick black smoke had filled the passenger compartment. the fire had completely destroyed the engine and had begun to burn into the passenger compartment. the dashboard has melted along with parts of the roof as far back as the middle seats. up to the event the car had been running normally with no problems. i had never been contacted by ford about the recall and only found out about it on the news a few days after the event. needless to say, the car was considered totaled by the insurance company. *tr
08/27/2004120000312/31/2000
 I have a 3.8 engine that has had to have heads repaired/replaced 3 times. the last time the engine now requires replacing, it has been at garage for 2 years. due to cost involved it is not cost effective ro repair. it has overheated in all cases and the second time it was determined that a faulty ford water pump may have been cause. i have notified ford and dealer multiple times without response. *nm
06/15/2006219891
 Dt*: the contact stated that the engine died at 21,000 miles. the contact expressed the engine should not have died at 21000 miles. there were no failures that lead to this incident. the problem has not been repaired.
01/17/200583000
 1996 ford windstar head gasket failure leading to complete engine failure. there was no prior indication. after the van sat for one week we started it and the headgasket blew allowing coolant into the engine.
05/25/200496200204/20/2004
 I purchased a 1996 ford windstar and five days later found out that it had a bad engine (blown head gasket). it left myself and 6 children stranded on the side of the road.*ak
11/05/200475000101/10/1997
 Ford windstar with a 3.8 l v-8 blew the head gasket at 75,000 miles. the car was being driven on the expressway at the time.*ak
10/18/2004100078104/20/1996
 I also have a 1996 windstar will all of the mentioned head gasket problems.van sits in rear, am currently driving toyota with 200+ i pulled from back yard after being stagnent for 3 years. no money to repair,causing hardship in family.i believe to be fords problem but doesnt look like they are going to admit as a trouble, will not buy another and will not support 6 family members when they lose their jobs do to this problem. my van was also manufactured in canada 12/96 and vin seems to be in sequence with others. van just turned 100,000 a week ago.*ak
07/26/200470000111/01/1996
 The head gasket blew out while driving, causing anti freeze to leak into the engine. also, there was a strong anti freeze odor coming into the cabin of the vehicle while driving. *ak ford changed the gasket and since that time a blown head gasket have been a major failure. *sc
06/08/200468000108/24/1996
 1996 ford windstar with headgasket problem. i have contacted fors, but they say there is no record of the 1996 engines having premature head gasket failure. my windstar, bought new has 68,000 miles. i have been smelling antifreeze for the past 3 years, but it has now gotten much worse. brought car to mechaninc due to engine misfiring, one of the sysmptoms listed for the head gasket failure. the reapiar will cost over $2,000.*ak
01/01/190118
 Vehicle had constant engine problems along with other problems that surfaced and ended its life cycle. *la the consumer experienced coolant leaks, hard starting, electrical noises, radio noises, vibration upon acceleration along with thumping noises, erratic dash light illumination, intermittent door ajar light, bearing noise and the engine blew out prematurely. *sc *jb from a normal sitting position the consumer could not see that the check engine light was on. it wasn't until he dropped something on the floor and looked up that he saw the light on. *nm
06/19/2002660002
 Vehicle has been loosing coolant for many years. *la the vehicle was taken in for a routine oil change but ended up having major repairs. approximately eight months after the repair, the engine quit and the consumer was informed by two dealers that the vehicle needed a short block installed. there was also noise in the steering and a coolant leak. the intake upper and lower manifold gaskets were also replaced. *sc *jb
05/04/20041
 Consumer stated that while traveling vehicle slowed down/stopped, and then stalled. consumer could not travel where there were any inclines or hills. consumer took vehicle to several mechanics, and had vehicle on diagnostic machines, and no one could repair it. *ak
08/15/2001106954
 I maintained my windstar properly. it began to leak coolant and engine light. ford dealership stated it needed a new engine. due to faulty head gasket causing leak of coolant. ford canada agreed to cover some of the cost but not all of it. said if i declined their offer they would withdraw all offers. so i took it. i couldn't afford the bill as it was. i have since seen a small claims court in quebec found that ford was responsible for the repairs related to the head gasket. i have contacted ford canada customer complaint center. and told they will not reimburse me for the expenses. and that although they lost the complaint in quebec in all other canadian proviences they have one. even a class action suit. why would they pay a portion of the repair if they were not responsible??? i feel they are responsible for the full cost of the engine repair.
10/15/200377000
 The 1996 ford windstar continues to have defective head gaskets as in 1994 and 1995 models. this lead to engine failure at 78,000 miles! the cost to replace the engine per miller ford was 4,778.00. we paid 19,000 for this vehicle and refuse to pay for a new engine! the nasa has stated the head gasket should last at least 120,000 miles or the life of the vehicle. we have had this ford windstar with a blown engine due to head gasket failure since last december, but continue to make monthly payments on this dead ford windstar. we pay taxes, insurance, and montly payments to ford credit for the next 18 months or so. we just discontinued registration fees as the dmv told us we could do this. ford refuses to acknowledge this problem and is not standing up to it's committment of quality care to it's customers. i urge anyone who is considering buying a ford to do their research. ford is a company that does not stand behind it's promises. we will never own another ford although our family has never owned anything but until now. ford wake up!
09/15/200352000
 Timing cover gasket failure allowed coolant to mix with engine oil. gasket replaced but engine damage may have already been done. speedometer wavers between 20 and 60 mph at 30 mph, headlight lenses have yellowed to the point that the headlights are useless. most ford vehicles from 1990 to 2000 have the yellowing headlight problems and should be recalled as a safety problem.
08/15/2003111092
 Other is the head gasket went and leaked oil in my engine causing it to be replaced. ford denied any problems with this and i believed them until i read your web site article on the head gasket problem with 1995 windstars. i called ford this morning again and read the article and they still will not step up to the plate on this. nothing else has gone wrong with my car.
04/15/200362000
 Engine: head gasket failure @ 62,218 miles. needed to replace both cylinder gasket heads and resurface same. power door: failure of power door lock on passenger side. transmission: was replaced twice under warranty. other: ignition control module needed replacement. have been advised engine has a sludge condition despite regular oil changes per ford guidelines.
07/15/200278000
 My 1996 ford windstar van's engine assembly must be replaced due to persistent internal coolant loss into the engine, despite repeated trips to the dealership with complaints of classic head-gasket symptoms. ford displayed blatant neglegence and dishonesty in its dealings with me. i took my van to dealership twice for head-gasket-like symptoms: excessive loss of coolant with no external leakage, gray smoke out of exhaust, and engine running rough. the first time the dealership said no problems could be found. two weeks later i returned to the dealership with the same symptoms, only this time more obvious, and the check-engine light had come on. the dealership determined my engine had overheated and that coolant was lost via the timing cover gasket, which they replaced and then returned the vehicle to me. exactly one thousand miles later i had to have my vehicle towed to the dealership, at which point they condemned my engine due to coolant entering the #1 cylindar. they offered to replace the engine for $3,650, which includes a 20% discount for the timing cover gasket work that was done for nothing. i refused the offer and managed to barely drive the vehicle home, where it now sits, undrivable. aware of the windstar head gasket problems from the beginning, i repeatedly stressed to the dealership my concern that this was a head gasket problem, but they repeatedly explained this was not the problem. they lied by saying no known gasket problems exist on the 1996 windstar, but i researched the nhtsa's records and found tsb 99-13-1 (titled "underdetermined loss of coolant"), which instructs dealerships to replace the gaskets in situations like mine. the tsb is very clear. i wrote the dealership a letter demanding help replacing the engine, but received no reply. i re-sent the same letter and documents to the dealership just yesterday. i can provide copies of all documents, as i have scanned them into a compressed pdf file for e-mail transmission.
08/15/200188580
 Check engine light on, white smoke emitting from tailpipe, missing, wildly erratic speedometer at 35-40, rear air blows hot. replacements: had gaskets, lower intake gaskets, upper intake gaskets, spark plugs, wires, thermostat, gasket, ? belt, timing cover, timing cover gasket, water pump. speedometer and a/c problem not yet fixed.
03/15/200383000
 I had symptoms of water in the exhaust, rough idle, and hydraulic lock of the engine. took to the shop, the head gasket was blown on #1 cylinder, and the connecting rod was bent on the cylinder, which has necessitated replacement of the engine. ford has been contacted by me and by the dealer to the district rep, to no avail. after reading all the literature on the web about this problem, and it's continuing thru the 95 models which are covered to the 96 models which aren't; i need further help.
02/15/200270000
 This vehicle has not yet been repaired! the 1996 windstar 3.8 litre v-6 engine has head gasket leaks. i am not driving the vehicle until ford agrees to pay for the repair. ford did pay for repairs to '94 & '95 windstar owners, but has not and will not pay for the '96 models. the vehicle emits clouds of white smoke and consumes antifreeze. the local ford dealership acknowledges the problems with this model, but states that ford will reject claims on it.
12/15/20020
 12-15-97 at 21,145 miles i reported noticing the coolant level always being low. no leak was found and i was told there must be a leak somewhere in the radiator. 12-27-99 at 56,526 miles i began having a "cold start" problem. it acted like it was not getting fuel. 12-1200 at 74,306 miles i had the same "cold start" problem and the fuel filter was repaced. 12-22-00 at 74,930 a new thermostat & gasket. 12-29-00 at 75,113 a fuel pressure regulator. 03-02-01 at 77,569 miles a new fuel pump relay(ccrm), fuel pump and pvc valve. 09-11-01 at 87,907 miles a mult-function switch. 01-31-02 at 95,069 miles a second ccrm relay. 03-06-02 at 99,348 miles on an 80 degree day "no start" same symptoms as "cold start" problem. instead of not getting fuel it is suspected it is flooding. 4-23-02 at 99,348 miles cold start problem, fuel injectors cleaned. 05-30-02 at 101,330 miles wouldn't start, no fuel pressure-intermittent. had to have it towed. 6-7-02 at 101,388 miles "no start" problem. new fuel filter, fuel pump and sender o-ring. 12-01-2-01 109,530 miles van started steaming - appeared to be a coolant leak or broken hose. added coolant direct in radiator. i have carried own coolant and added frequenlty since 1997, when i was told there must be a leak in the radiator. i could not find any trace of such a leak by putting cardboard under van. suspected the plastic coolant container had a leak. no coolant leaks where ever found during routine oil changes. 12-04-02 109,568 m,iles found leaking front timing cover gasket. replaced headgasket and all else that goes with it. cost of repair $1,915.21. i believe the headgasket defect has been the problem all a long, costing me a small fortune.
07/15/200320000
 Misfiring and losing coolant. am sure it is a head gasket problem. father-in-law currently in dispute with ford for same model/year and they won't reimburse him. may attempt repair myself if ford unwilling to recall or put right. also, speedometer failure intermittent or incorrect reading.
05/15/200366000
 Head gasket failure.
08/15/200268039
 Head gasket failure. took car to dealer, golf mill ford in august. they misdiagnosed problem and charged me $1300. a couple of months later still had the same problem and took it back. head gasket was replaced another $1400. have written numerous letters to ford and dealership and they are denying liability or compensation. i am a senior citizen on a limited income, have always owned fords and am appalled by their treatment. intend to take them to small claims court
08/15/200356413
 1996 ford windstar with premature head gasket failure.
02/01/200464400103/09/1996
 1996 ford windstar vin 2fmda5147tba10097 mftd. 08/95 ford motor co of canada. head gasket failure allowing coolant and engine oil to mix, with main result being lost of coolant. i have to keep filling coolant resovoir. *jb
12/11/2003104/17/1998
 I've had the check engine light since 9/98 (6 months after purchase)-approx 40000 miles. i've spent over $2000 over 5 trips to the shop- last one 11/27/03- trying to have this fixed. i just had my transmission rebuilt for addt'l $1600 (jan 2004) and now i have the head gasket failure. i am desparate for some assistance as i have no other transportation and have invested way too much money into this van to replace it with more car payments.
01/19/20041600001
 Fuel was leaking into the converter. this caused the vehicle to overheat, and smoke started to come from under the hood. dealership informed the consumer of the problem, but did not resolve it. *ak
01/22/200475000007/05/2003
 Head gasket failure in 3.8 i asked the service manager at the dealership when i purchased the car if the engines were having problems. he told me no. i took him on his word and now i have a car that needs a new engine. i have a 1994 t-bird that had to have the engine replaced due to the same problem. ford was great to work with. i wish they would stand behind this engine as well. i am very disappointed.
211/12/1996
 The engine gasket blew out due to engine overheating and boiling the coolant. consumer filled vehicle with coolant twice a week. *ak
12/19/200380000106/16/2001
 1996 ford windstar, 3.8 l, lown head gasket. *ak
11/26/2003106734109/01/2001
 Engine front cover gasket failed in line with recall 99b29. ford does not include my windstar model, built in 03/96 in recall campaign 99b29, indicating that the original recall has been inadequate. *ak
1
 Problems with gas fumes coming from the exhaust system.*mr( doris stewart on behalf of her parents robert stewart and jacqueline stewart).*ts. the vehicle overheated at idle, the dealer replaced the head gaskets, the air condition stopped working and there was a problem with the power train control module. *jb
01/10/200366712112/13/1996
 Replaced head gasket on 1996 ford windstar with 66, 712 miles on engine.*ak
3
 The head gasket had to be replaced. ford recalled the 95 models and will not honor the 96 models. there was an inadequate performance and abnormal engine coolant temperature indications, coolant leaked from the head gasket and caused the engine to overheat. the dealer misdiagnosed the problem and caused the consumer spend more money. the consumer requested a refund for the repair cost. *mr
02/07/200356000312/31/2000
 For the 3rd time the head gasket blew. the first was at 56,000; the second at 90,000, and now at 125,000. on searching for used engine to replace mine, i find that most out of windstars have blown head gasket. *tt
300007
 The consumer requested an investigation of ford motor company and their lack of recalls on some serious defects. *mr. the vehicle experienced a clunking sound, however the dealer stated the clunking sound was normal and then the transmission failed, the transmission was replaced with another ford transmission, which failed on a test drive and one other occasion. coolant leaked into the engine through the intake gasket, which was recalled for the 95 models. the timing chain leaked. there was a recall on the coils in the suspension, which ford would only replace when they failed. the brake rotors failed at 30000 miles. scc *jb
07/15/200283680011/07/1996
 Intake gasket over passenger front wheel well leaking coolant abs brake light comes on during warm weather and on bumpy roads
12/16/20027000011/17/2001
 Head gasket failed leading to coolant entering cylinders. van had just 70,000 miles and this should not have been a problem. repair at ford dealership was $1,300. they acknowledged this is a problem with the 1996 windstars.
921001
 The vehicle overheated, consumer was informed by the dealer that the head cover gasket needed to be replaced. customer would like to be reimbursed for expenses.*jb
12/24/20021
 While driving and without warning head gasket/timing chain snapped, causing fluid to leak. dealer notified. ts. *ak
08/01/199710335310/06/1996
 The brake system and it's components failed, the abs light had come on constantly, the transmission burned out, and the engine was contaminated with coolant. the consumer requested a new vehicle or a new engine. mr scc
06/20/20021
 Engine head gasket blewout, causing blue exhaust to come from tail pipe. this could have caused a fire. dealer notified. *ak indicators are that radiator coolant had been leaking into oil causing 02 sensors to fail and be replaced. dealer advised that entire engine be replaced. *tt
06/01/2002102/28/2002
 The left outer tie rod was replace. *yh the fuel injector, timing cover gaskets and wiper blades were replaced. the rear brake light was replaced . the switch headlight control was replaced. the drivers door ajar switch was replaced. updated *jb
04/01/2002102/28/2002
 Dealer resealed front timing cover, replaced water pump, and replaced the front engine timing cover gaskets. *yh
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING - COOLING SYSTEM
01/04/2008581011
 Rough idling, hiccupping while driving, no heat--went in for a tune up and thermostat and was told its the head gasket.*cn
08/28/200265358510/30/1995
 Problems with minivan stalling, loss of coolant in vehicle.*mr the consumer had also experienced problems with the intake gasket leaking a lot of oil, the engine pump needed replacing, which resulted in a whole new engine being installed. *cb
1
 The check engine light illuminated and the vehicle began to overheat. the consumer pulled over allowed the engine to cool and put in some anti-freeze. *nlm
11/10/20028036008/15/1998
 This incident started when i had noticed a small amount of radiator fluid on the garage floor, and a slight smell of radiator fluid when i ran the heater. in addition, the check engine light had come on again in november 2002. i took the van to the apple valley ford dealer and after diagnosing it, i was told the number 4 spark plug is stuck and the gasket needs to be replaced on the timing cover on the engine (this was the source of the radiator fluid leak). the dealers professional opinion was the head gasket is also bad, the head for the #4 plug would need replacing, and combined with the need to replace the timing cover gasket, they recommended a complete engine replacement at $4,400. i declined and took the van to another local mechanic, who unfortunately confirmed the diagnosis and indicated there were known problems and technical service bulletins for engine gasket replacements with ford windstar 3.8 liter v6 engines in 1995. they also indicated they had started seeing this same problem turning up in 1996 models. they also quoted a similar number & recommended using a jasper engine instead of the ford engine as the warranty is 75,000 miles. i also declined and the van is now sitting parked in my driveway while i continue to make car payments on a vehicle i can
03/07/200370000006/24/1996
 Head gasket failure . a common defect in ford windstars, they were covered in the previous model years, but not the '96 model. ford, so far, will not cover this. also speedometer jumps around above 45 mph. this too, is common in this and prior model windstars. repairs are usually $500 and is a safety concern as driver does not know how fast they are traveling. *nlm
01/14/200162000304/12/1999
 Abs and check engine light constant, replaced o2 sensor, replaced abs brakes, transmission problems causing vehicle to jerk and not change gears when running or parked, coolant leaking and door sensors are bad. all document known issues on.*jb http://www.carsurvey.org/modelyear_ford_windstar_1996.html - something needs to be done about this. this has gone on far to long and is putting peoples life at stake. i have children in my van and all of these are big issues that need to be address immediately.
12/01/20021
 The head gasket on my 1996 for windstar has failed at around 93,000 miles. i have gone to many websites with hundreds of people complaining about the same problem. this same engine, in the 1995 windstar(even though ford said that they corrected the problem) was recalled for the same problem. i can see that if this were a rare case of gasket failure, it would not matter very much, but seeing that hundreds of people are having the same problem bothers me. ford should be responsible and fix this problem. i do not know how a recall gets started, but would like to get this one done. thank you
01/13/20036000007/01/1996
 I would like to file a complaint regarding my 1996 ford windstar. i have just learned the head gasket on my vehicle has blown out with just 70k miles on it. i know ford recalled 1995 models and after some research of my own, have learned that there are just as many 96's with the same problem and ford refuses to do anything with that model year.
12/31/200245054102/20/1996
 Problem with 1996 ford windstar 3.8l engine 45,000 mi. w/ defective head gasket. ford extended the warranty on 94-95 models but won't cover 96 models. this is a known problem w/ all the 3.8l engines and ford should be held responsible for manufacturing and selling a defective product. a recall should be done on this product. ts
11/14/2002110/01/2096
 I would like to know how a class action suit can be made to force ford to make a recall of this item.
09/25/2002112/01/2098
 Had oil changed at grayling ford on september 25. as soon as i pulled in, technician remarked he smelled anti-freeze burning. he checked coolant overflow tank and found it empty. one gallon of coolant was added at that time. he stated i should have my head gaskets checked because that would be the only cause of loss of coolant if i hadn't noticed any leakage, which i haven't. the van has been running good. there has been no indication of any problem, i.e. no check engine light has come on, no overheating. i am concerned that once repair is done on september 26, mechanics will find engine damage leading to a more costly repair. i still make payments and the estimated cost for just the head gasket repair is over $1,000. engine replacement or other repairs are not included in this estimate. because my 96 windstar has the same engine components as those recalled for model years 94-95, i believe ford should take the same action and recall/reimburse owners of the 96 model who have had the same experience. i have owned nothing but ford vehicles for the past 25 years and feel my satisfaction should be important to ford motor company. i look forward to reimbursement of this repair when a recall is issued and that can't be soon enough. this is the second defect i have experienced with my van. the first was a broken front coil spring. ford should take the same action with the 96 windstar head gasket problem as it did with the coil spring problem: rectify it with its loyal customers. this may be the last ford i buy. i am afraid to take it out on the highway again. one footnote: i am a newspaper reporter and may write about this experience as i did with the coil spring. thank you for this opportunity. please make ford do the right thing. nlm
05/20/2002109/01/2096
 Was having a slow loss of coolant with no visible leakage. now have a damaged timing cover/gasket ($1,200.00 repair estimate from a ford dealer) probably due to engine overheating. nlm
09/01/2001
 Vehicle is losing coolant and running rough when first started. a quart is added every 800 miles to vehicle. no lights illuminate on dashboard. coolant smell is coming through exhaust. dealer was not notified. please provide more information.*ak
12/13/2000103/01/1998
 Consumer states vehicle is leaking coolant. *yd
1
 The checke engine light keeps coming on. noticed a small puddle on garage floor beneath vehicle. took vehicle to dealer. mechanic dropped oil pan. the bearings had turned to copper, this caused the engine to leak antifreeze. nlm
01/10/2002
 Vehicle was overheating while driving,.dealer notified , and replaced water pump and the timing cover. feel free to provide any further information.*ak
06/01/1996
 No summary listed for above vehicle. *ak
07/10/2001105/01/1998
 Coolant leaked into engine causing complete engine failure blowing the head gaskets and cracking the engine block. when this happened there was a complete power loss in the steering and braking of the vehicle. my wife and two children were in the van at the time of the failure. fortunatly they were not on the interstate or major highway because theres no telling what the result would have been in this case. i have found out that this is a recalled problem for the 94 and 95 years for the same model that i have but not the 96. this is not just a problem with windstar but has also happened with the mustangs and lincon town cars which leads me to believe that this is a design error with-in those years in question with many ford models. this will cost me nearly $4500 to repair as quoted from a ford dealership and it cost me $80 just to tell me something i already paid for at goodyear, i need a new engine. seeing that there has been a recall for previous years for this model i would apprieciate it if you could tell ford to consider recalling the other affected models with this same problem that they know about but refuse to admit.*ak
03/01/2001
 Engine coolant leaks, manufacturer has a tsb on vehicle, but this vehicle is not part of tsb. contacted dealer.*ak
02/02/20011
 How many of these complaints do you need. we need help. according to your data, this is an obvious problem that will continue to be pushed aside without your help. i am out $1500 and a car while it is being fixed. thanks. no safety defect listed. *ak
01/15/200104/01/1996
 No summary listed for above vehicle. *ak
 When driving speedometer was waving back from 20 to 90 mph. consumer contacted dealer, dealer noticed transmission pan had metal in it which caused transmission to be replaced. also, noticed a fume odor in passenger compartment, and contacted the dealer. dealer noticed that coolant and timing cover were leaking fluid onto head gasket. please provide any further details.*ak
11/01/1996
 No summary listed for above vehicle. *ak
12/10/200001/01/1997
 Vehicle overheated and lost power making steering and braking difficult. the symptoms seem identical to the 1995 engine coolant loss covered by ford extended warranty althought dealer reports this vehicle is not affected. *ak
01/04/2001206/01/2000
 I am dissatisfied with the service from ford on my 1996 windstar. this is the second time it has been in for service for the same thing. the antifreeze was leaking at a quick pace and ford ran the pressure test. said it was the water pump and gasket that needed fixed. this was 2 weeks ago. they told my boyfriend richard morales whose name is on the title of the van that it was fixed. here it is 1/4/2001 and again we had to take it in for service for the same problem. ran test again and said it was the head gaskets and #4 cylinder. we already paid $900 and it wasn't fixed the first time. now they want to charge $1200 to have it fixed and we can't afford to pay more when it should have been fixed the first time around. also found out ford has had a recall on all windstars up to 1995 for the same problem that we are having and they are fixing this for free. as a consumer i feel we are being taken advantage of and this is a safety hazard to myself as well as our children. i am the main driver of this vehicle and i have 2 toddlers. ford said the van can stop at anytime and i would be stuck. i am very upset and dissatisfied and would like some satisfaction from this company. i feel we are being taken advantage of when ford knows this is an ongoing problem with this vehicle. thank you and i await your response.*ak
09/05/2000111/26/1996
 Water was leaking out from left side of engine, a mechanic told consumer this should not happen at 72000 miles.*ak
06/30/200009/01/1996
 In jan 2000, check engine light came on, noticed rough idiling, took in for service, problem with exhaust system repaired...again in feb 2000, same problem noted, again took in for expensive repairs(both of these repairs were done at local ford dealer)...in may noticed that it was starting to rough idle again...took to local repair shop...could not find anything wrong.........suddenly on june 30, 2000..after starting the van after work to go home...noticed white smoke pouring out from van and incredible rough idle...took the van to the ford dealer....proceeded to be told that the van had a blown head gasket, water pump, cracked pistons and they thought the engine block might be affected too....suggested that it was too expensive to fix if even possible....told this was not a problem with the 96 vans....not under any recall or warranty....suggested we might want to buy a new van.....felt we didn't have any options so bought a new 2000 windstar....now after some research i see this is problem with 96 windstars.....not very happy.... have written numerous letters to ford and spoken to their complaint department.....no resolution yet.....thank you
04/26/20001
 Water pump failed. nlm
05/19/2000103/01/1996
 While traveling about 60mph there was coolant leak inside engine compartment due to a minor hole. consumer has to keep an eye on the coolant so that engine won't overheat. *ak
04/03/2000512/01/1995
 Engine coolant needs filling every 2-3 days, transmission skips, engine check light always illuminated and interior door ajar light never goes off. *ak
05/01/199905/01/1999
 Coolant leaking externally from engine front cover. *ak
05/29/1999105/01/1998
 No summary listed for this vehicle. *ak
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING - COOLING SYSTEM - FAN
01/01/1997112/01/1995
 Blower motor failed.
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING - ENGINE
07/13/2010
 Check engine stays on after tuneup ... does not lose speed ... runs rough after accelerating and doesnt not overheat ....what is the problem
12/02/2007135000
 Tl*the contact owns a 1996 ford windstar. while stopped at a traffic light, the contact noticed smoke coming from the hood. the contact turned off the vehicle and the smoke ceased; however, the hood caught fire when the vehicle was started again. the contact extinguished the fire and there were no injuries. the vehicle has not been diagnosed by the dealer. the current and failure mileages were 135,000.
12/14/20071
 I own a 1996 ford windstar with a 3.8l v-6 engine. the vehicle currently has about 72,000 miles on it. it is now in the shop with a blown head gasket that will require a new long-block motor and possibly the replacement of the catalytic converter because antifreeze/oil was passing through it due to the gasket failure. i'm currently looking at a $5,800 bill to repair the vehicle. my query to ford motor company resulted in a response that they can't do anything for me...that there are no warranties, recalls or customer satisfaction programs on my vehicle. my research shows that there are a ton of complaints of blown head gaskets in the 1996 ford windstar, but ford refuses to do anything about it. ford was hit with class action suits regarding the 1995 ford windstar that has the same problem and eventually agreed to extend the 1995 windstar warranty period. head gaskets should last the life of the vehicle. it should not fail at 72,000 miles. my vehicle had all of the required maintenance performed when they were due. this is not a case of a neglected vehicle from a maintenance perspective. ford needs to step up and take corrective action. the service rep has told me that if they can't get a re-built in the next couple of days, it will probably be next week before the repairs will be completed. next week is christmas. this was my first ford product that i purchased. it will be the last. any company that has this much disloyalty to its customers can not expect any loyalty in return. their actions speak volumes to the lack of quality control in their product, customer service and, quite frankly, any sense of common decency. a proper head gasket would have cost them probably under $10.00 when the engine was built. it is now costing me $5,800 to fix their inaptitude and incompetence. *tr
07/14/200794000104/20/2007
 For approximately 2 months i noticed loss of compression during acceleration and occasional knocking sound from back of engine. without tearing engine apart it seemed that the head gasket failed and allowed fluids into the engine. confirmed rod bearing failed at 94,000 miles. car was not drivable now. *ak
06/06/200680000210/09/2004
 Ford windstar 1996. i have seen that many of these models and previous years as well have had severe head gasket problems. head gasket regularly fails at around 80,000 miles. nasa says a head gasket should last at least 120,000. ford does not care. ford does not stand behind their product. i am basically screwed because now i don't have a car. i still owe on it but it doesn't run. $2,000+ to fix it and it will probably fail again. the head gasket going out caused the upper 02 sensor to go bad. it also sprayed the number 2 cylinder causing it to fail thus alerting me to a problem, which may have resulted in a blown engine. at no time while i have owned this vehicle has it ever overheated even slightly. heat was not the cause, it was faulty from the beginning. car auto safety has reported 429 complaints about the windstar! *jb
02/19/200680000103/08/2004
 I have a 96 ford windstar with a 3.8 liter engine and only 80,000 miles. ford should be responsible for their actions for installing faulty head gaskets on these 3.8 liter engines. there are many complaints about these engines head gaskets for earlier models as well as mine. *jb
01/03/200667000102/16/1996
 The head gasket failed causing us great problems, ie: loss of car to drive, financial hardship. the 1995 windstar's had a program that allowed for the repair of this issue. we bought our 1996 windstar on february 16, 1996 and we are not offered any assistance or resolution re: this failure and defect. *jb
01/02/2004101/01/1997
 Ford winstar head gasket premature failure
05/01/20051
 1996 ford windstar experienced engine failure.*mr consumer feels this is a major failure with this engine. the consumer's ford windstar is still sitting at the dealer awaiting some sort of answer from any govering body. *bf
01/28/2005860002
 While driving 65 mph the engine was producing a loud rattling noise. the dealer stated head gasket failed. as a result, the entire engine needed to be replaced. *ak the consumer stated that while driving the vehicle the heat would not work it only blew cold air. a few minutes into driving the consumer noticed that the tempreture gauge was going in the red zone. the engine starting rattling and died. the consumer saw smoke coming from under the hood. *tc
01/28/200586000204/01/2000
 I have a '96 ford windstar with a 3.8 liter v6 engine. this is the 2nd head gasket failure i've had with it. the first was in november of 2003. i paid about $2500 to have the head gaskets replaced then. this time i was driving to work when after a short time i noticed my car heater wasn't working, just blowing cold air. a short time later, i noticed my temperature gauge was going up, and after about 10 minutes, it was in the red zone. a few minutes after that, my engine began making terrible clunking and rattling noises and i had to pull over. as soon as i did, the engine died and wouldn't restart after about 15 minutes of cooling down. i had to be towed to my mechanic's garage which cost me $127, and my mechanic told me that i needed a new engine. the car's been at his garage for the past few days while i decide what i should do. i'm convinced that this is a manufacturing defect for which ford motor company is responsible, especially after reading the complaint log containing so many stories from people who have a car with this type engine. ford claims they solved this problem after 1995, but the complaint log tells an entirely different story. *jb
05/01/2004105/01/1998
 Problems encountered by consumer on 1996 ford windstar. (nar) *la
10/18/2004100078104/20/1996
 I also have a 1996 windstar will all of the mentioned head gasket problems.van sits in rear, am currently driving toyota with 200+ i pulled from back yard after being stagnent for 3 years. no money to repair,causing hardship in family.i believe to be fords problem but doesnt look like they are going to admit as a trouble, will not buy another and will not support 6 family members when they lose their jobs do to this problem. my van was also manufactured in canada 12/96 and vin seems to be in sequence with others. van just turned 100,000 a week ago.*ak
10/20/200483000103/03/2000
 I have a '1996 ford windstar. it was taken into the shop for an oil change and they discovered water in the oil. i know that ford knows this is a problem. there has been no damage to the motor but the head does need to be fixed. the repairs have not been done yet because they are costly. i feel ford should at the least help cover some of the cost.*ak
02/07/20031
 Nar 03/05/2003 the consumers experienced head gasket failure. the cost of repair were approx $2100.22. dealer notified. *cb
07/15/200472400106/10/2001
 My 1996 ford windstar has 72,000 miles on it. i had been losing coolant slowly and we couldn't find out where. after sitting for 2 days, when i started the van i heard a loud pop, and white smoke began coming out of the exhaust. i took it to my mechanic and it has a blown head gasket. i called ford, knowing there had been numerous recalls on other years for the same engine, and they basically said sorry about your luck. they also told me i should bring it in to ford because they can't rely on a diagnostic done by an independent mechanic. *la
01/01/19011
 Problems with ford windstar 3.8l engine.*mr the consumer has question about the engine failure he experienced. *nm
103/05/2004
 The motor blew up while driving. *ph
03/21/200380000108/07/2001
 Blown head gasket. mechanic tells me hes seen hundreds of these on the windstar but there is no recall. will not buy a ford again.*ak
05/10/2002800002
 Engine light came on and off, on and off, etc. took it of service center. they said we had blown a head gasket. took to another service center they said it was the intake manifold gaskets. had them replaced. now have an antifreeze leak in the timing cover. service center said they don't want to fix it cause the engines end up seizing after about 2 months after repairing these leaks. they said to just keep an eye on the fluid level and keep it filled. i wish we wouldn't have purchased this vehicle.....*nm
03/16/2004107000109/22/1996
 Blown head gasket - engine failure - 1996 ford windstar. *nm
02/22/20041
 My 3.8l, 1996 ford windstar gl at almost 100k started leaking coolant through a blown head gasket. i was able to get home safely despite almost completely overheating. i am now without transportation for me and my four small children, walking a total of 2 miles a day to get my 7 yr old daughter to/ from school with a 5, 3 and 1yr old. my husband's job is our only source of income so this will be a *huge* financial burden getting this fixed (not to mention the new problem over the malfunctioning 'door open' indicator). i have found windstar head gasket problems are very common after talking with several mechanics. the issue is acknowledged by ford as they extended warranty on the 1995 windstars. why can't they own up to a defective engine and extend this to the 1996 windstars as well?! this blatant disregard by ford will get someone hurt or worse (god forbid) killed. ford needs to take care of this!!*ak
01/14/20041
 My 1996 windstar had head gaskets repaired less than two years ago. at the time, the garage doing the work indicated the engine had a design problem, and the gaskets would probably, over time, fail again. this has happened, as radiator fluid has begun leaking once again into the engine block. this is a problem ford knows exists with the 1996 windstar, as it did with the 89-95 models, and it needs to be addressed. *ak
02/06/20041
 The vehicle stalled without warning. the consumer had the vehicle towed to the dealer. the mechanic informed the owner that the engine head gasket failed. *nm
07/06/200376000101/02/1997
 Head gasket failed, same problem as 95, which were repaired. i was teaching my teen age daughter to drive and the engine could have easily failed causing a very inexperienced driver to crash. in a letter to ford and a several conservations, they state that the problem was solved. persusal through numerous car web sites indicates that this is a common problem. ford told me it was my problem. *ak
10/11/200360100110/15/1996
 At 60000 miles check engine light came on, indicating a misfire on cylinder 1. mechanic pulled plug and found coolant in cylinder due to a blown head gasket.*ak
10/25/200369900109/01/1996
 1996 ford windstar engine failure - systemic head gasket problem with the v6 3.8l engine, which ford has known about for many years. symptoms: hard to start, rough idle, white smoke from tail pipe, engine coolant dripping from exhaust, oil looks like brown mayonnaise. *la
1
 Consumer stated while traveling and without any indication vehicle started surging, and check engine light started flashing. vehicle was serviced, technician noticed that head gasket needed to be replaced. *ak
12/10/200278000104/21/1996
 I have 1996 windstar (85k) 3.8 v-6 with a coolant leak in the >combustion chamber. it developed last year. i know this is a >chronic problem that plagued 1994/1995 3.8 v-6 windstars too. >ford extended their warranties to 7 years & 100,000 miles. while >ford made some changes to the '96 models, they didn't really >upgrade the head gasket until 1997. >please see link. >http://www.edmunds.com/ownership/driving/articles/42970/article.h >tml) >i have seearched the web and have found that there are many '96 >windstar as well as other 3.8 v-6 ford owners who are having >similar problems. >(http://www.consumeraffairs.com/automotive/ford_wnd_96_gas.htm) >how can i get ford to bite the bullet an admit that there is an >on going problem and fix my car?
01/01/19011
 The consumer requested assistance to get ford to extend their head gasket recall to include the 1996 ford windstar. the gasket on the consumers vehicle needs to be replaced. *nlm *jb
07/11/20031
 Consumer stated that head gasket is cracked. dealer and manufacturer has been notified. *ak
06/13/200390000101/21/1999
 96 windstar 3.8l engine .blown head gasket .90,000 miles on vehicle. dealer quote $1500. -$1800. to repair head gasket. service manager suggested replace engine $4000. service manager admitted there is a definite problem with this engine ford knows of the problem . the service manager gave me the telephone # for ford customer complaints and wished me good luck. three independent mechanics told me there is definitely a problem with the 3.8l engine and windstars. one of the mechanics 9 out of 10 windstars blow head gaskets. his suggestion of vehicles to avoid when shopping for a vehicle -------------ford windstar-------- ford dealer offered to take my windstar in trade and they would re-wholesale the vehicle not repair it. no thanks ford will be last on my list of vehicle's to own. made in america and proud of it ??? how about it ford? *nlm
06/19/20032
 1996 ford windstar 3.8 liter engine with 83,000 miles on it blew head gasket in december 2002. paid over $1200 for repairs. sent a complaint to ford motor company requesting assistance. response was that the 1996 model is not covered under recall. june 19, 2003 after paying repairs mentioned above, the engine blew. the vehicle is completely disabled and will cost over $3500 to repair. *nlm
03/28/200384452609/20/1998
 Problems with head gaskets / if compression check had been done bending of piston rods may not have occurred. *mr the consumer experienced, rough idle along with the smell of anti freeze(indicated a head gasket problem), the engine light had come on as a result of a misfire code(the radiator was flushed), there were noises that had come from the engine(lost power/slowed to a crawl), and the consumer was told that something had come loose in the engine. (there was an intermittent miss in cylinder #1) the rough idle and the smell of antifreeze was repaired, the service dealer recommended the consumer replace the engine. *scc *jb
220008
 The vehicle had a faulty engine (3.8). the vehicle was repaired eight times for engine related problems. *tt
05/11/200312/19/1998
 1996 3.8 ford windstar has a blown head gasket which ruined my engine. ford refused to do anything to help with this problem even though it is a well know problem. *nlm
05/13/20031
 While driving and without warning the head gasket blew and caused fluid to leak. *nlm
08/01/200211000006/01/1996
 1996 ford windstar - failure of head gasket resulting in irreparable engine damage. cost of head gasket repair, ~$1,500. cost of engine replacement ~$4,000. was informed by ford service technician that this was a common problem with windstars from the years '94 through '97 and that ford had a silent recall for up to 100k miles where they would have replaced head gasket. *nlm
04/16/200344000112/30/1996
 44,000 miles and blown head gasket, $1500 repair quote. how many complaints before ford provides remedy for 96 windstars? i will never buy a ford again and i am telling everyone i know not to buy a ford. *jb
01/10/2003500001
 The engine cover gasket failed, and oil mixed with the anti-freeze and ruined the engine. *jb
04/04/200383000106/01/1996
 My 1996 3.8l ford windstar slowly developed a head gasket leak after approximately 80,000 miles. my van is well maintained with all the appropriate supporting documents. i have searched the net and i have found the head gasket leak problem with this model is shared by other numerous owners as well. it is apparent that ford needs to recall the 1996 windstar gasket leak as they did on their 1995 model. ford has implied the gasket has been repaired on the 1996 model. my van is a testament the defect on the head gasket has not been resolved. i would like to add my complaint to your list and hopefully force ford to extend the recall to the 1996 model as well. *jb
03/28/200384452109/20/1998
 I purchased a 1996 ford windstar in september of 1998. it had 15,000 miles on it. it has the 3.8l v6 engine. the van currently has 84,452 miles on the odometer. on march 28, 2003 the check engine light appeared. i took the vehicle to my local ford dealer to be fixed. they advised that the engine had a miss-fire on cylinder number 1. they checked the spark plug, spark plug wire and coil. they did not determine why the engine misfired and concluded that it must have been a fluke. i paid for the work completed. i drove approximately one half mile and the check engine light again appeared. on march 28th, i was informed by the shop forman that the fuel injector on number 1 cylinder was not working. a fuel injector was ordered and installed. on monday, march 31, 2003 i paid a bill for $136.31 for the repair of the fuel injector. as i drove the windstar to my home the check engine light appeared. the shop forman advised me that the fuel injector was not the problem and that an alternate engine computer was tried. on wednesday, april 2, 2003 i was advised that an engine knock had developed. it was caused by antifreeze leaking through a head gasket into cylinder number 1. the water in the cylinder caused the piston rod to bend ruining the engine. a replacement engine will cost $3400. i asked the shop forman if an engine compression check had been done during the engine diagnosis. he advise that no compression check was done since a pressure check of the engine had been done by this shop a few months previous because the coolant level was low. i have found many testimonials and complaints regarding the 1996 3.8l v6 engine. i believe that ford should pay for the new engine. *nlm
03/27/2003110/01/1996
 We took our 96 windstar into the ford dealer to investigate an oil leak. the service department informed my wife that the oil pan gasket and lip seal, timing cover gasket, upper/lower intake gaskets and u/c gaskets needed replacement at a cost of $1,800.00. i found this unusual and researched these symptoms on the internet and was astonished what i found. the content in the articles on many web sites researched, are identical to what i am experiencing. following the pattern of these stories i am concerned that if the dealer begins the work stated, i will receive a call from him saying that coolant leaked passed the gaskets and i will need a new engine. i also discovered that ford extended the warranty on 95 windstars. there is no indication that ford is planning on extending the warranty for the 96 year however, the information that is public domain clearly indicates a chronic problem. it is my opinion that i should not bear these costs, given the historic problems, and hope that ford will take responsibility to resolve this issue. *jb
03/31/2003107/01/2000
 The head gasket failed. *jb *ph *nlm
03/24/2003839171
 The head gasket failed. *jb
03/15/200370700206/03/2002
 Blown head gasket and intake manifold gasket at 70,700 miles took in to mechanic repair bill is approximately. $1200.00. i only had this vehicle since june 2002. it is now march 2003. found out that there was a new engine put in my van february of 2001. *jb
02/07/2003111/04/2001
 My check engine light stays on and if i hit the brakes suddenly the brake light will come on. *jb
1
 The engine head gasket blew out, and the motor block cracked. *ak *jb
11/10/200280360108/15/1998
 This incident started when i had noticed a small amount of radiator fluid on the garage floor, and a slight smell of radiator fluid when i ran the heater. in addition, the check engine light had come on again in november 2002. i took the van to the apple valley ford dealer and after diagnosing it, i was told the number 4 spark plug is stuck and the gasket needs to be replaced on the timing cover on the engine (this was the source of the radiator fluid leak). the dealers professional opinion was the head gasket is also bad, the head for the #4 plug would need replacing, and combined with the need to replace the timing cover gasket, they recommended a complete engine replacement at $4,400. i declined and took the van to another local mechanic, who unfortunately confirmed the diagnosis and indicated there were known problems and technical service bulletins for engine gasket replacements with ford windstar 3.8 liter v6 engines in 1995. they also indicated they had started seeing this same problem turning up in 1996 models. they also quoted a similar number & recommended using a jasper engine instead of the ford engine as the warranty is 75,000 miles. i also declined and the van is now sitting parked in my driveway while i continue to make car payments on a vehicle i can not drive for fear of engine failure. *jb
06/01/1998690001002/01/1998
 Check engine light comes on< goes off< comes on< goes off< comes on< stays on< goes off! and the dealership (greene ford, gainesville, ga.) always has a different reason for the problem at a cost of approximately. $600 or more to fix each time, to no end. the first time the check engine light came on the imrcs were suppose to be the problem according to the dealerships disagnostics test (cost $80.00) they replaced and supposedly fixed the problem, (cost $560.00). light came on next day while taking a family vacation out of state. had an independent machanic perform a tune up on vehicle, replaced plugs, wires, oil change, throttle body cleaned (cost $223.00) the check engine light came back on within two days. upon the next return to the dealership the diagnostics test (cost another $80.00) reported a code egr insufficient flow and a #4 cylinder misfire (est. repair costs $600.00). had a dpfe sensor replaced ($76.00) the check engine light came back on! it is amazing to me that these so called dealerships (experts) with their so called (diagnostics tests) have not the foggiest clue about how to fix this problem. it is also disturbing that after reveiwing the number of complaints on this website, that nhtsa has not ordered ford to stop playing games and force a recall for these problems. it is apparent that others had the same symptoms and problems in the past that never get resolved until the head gaskets fail and the repair bills go from $600.00 to $2000.00. i am accusing ford of knowingly and without regard to the best intrests of their customers allowing major problems to exist and persist in an effort to increase their profits at the customers expense. ford corparation should be assamed, but they have shown no acceptance of responability. and the dealerships are no better, everytime we discuss this problem with them, we get different answers and costs from day to day and it appears if you complain to much you get to pay even more. thanks ford, for nothing! *jb
12/19/2002638001
 The head gasket leaked coolant. *dt *jb
03/10/20031
 Local garage diagnosed that our 1996 ford windstar van's 3.8l engine had a blown head gasket, which was causing the check engine light to continually come on. combustion gases were in the cooling system, as was oil residue. oil also found in the top part of the engine in the intake manifold. it is suspected that coolant and maybe water have found their way into the cylinders. don't know yet what damage is done internally to the engine. local ford dealership indicated that it was a $2000 charge to repair. engine not under the warranty program issued by ford for the 1995 windstars even though it's the same 3.8l engine. ford customer assistance logged my call but said that they were not treating this issue as a warranty item and that i was on my own to fix it. *jb
02/14/2003109000101/10/1999
 96 windstar had failed nj state inspection but was running fine. vehicle has 109,000 miles and dealer informed me it has leaking head gaskets. dealer will not accept any responsibility for problem. vehicle has been serviced at this dealer for about 3 years and no mention was ever made about the potential for this problem even though it is quite apparent that this is a latent defect at least until the 1997 year. factory campaigns were in place through 95 and problem was reduced on 96 vehicles but still existed.*jb
10335710/06/1996
 The abs light had flashed periodically, the transmission had burnt out, and the engine had become contaminated with coolant. the consumer had requested reimbursement for the charge of the rebuilt engine. scc *jb
02/05/20031
 The engine light illuminated on the dashboard, a noise emitted from under the hood, and then the engine stalled. *jb
02/06/20037771909/15/1995
 I have a 1996 ford windstar (3.8-liter engine) with almost 78,000 miles. i've owned is since it was new. it experienced a blown head gasket 3 weeks ago. the service manager at bert weinman ford here in chicago recommended that i replace the engine. i did so at a price of almost $4500. from what i know, ford has a serious problem with head gaskets in this engine. they have offered extended warranty for some model years, but none which covers my vehicle.
02/15/200380000
 The apparently common blown head gasket on the 3.8l engine has occurred on my '96 ford windstar. i've been told by the local ford service center that ford is not compensating owners for this obvious design flaw.
01/31/2003900001
 The head gasket failed, which caused the anti-freeze and oil not to circulate through the engine.*jb
02/07/200392100007/17/1997
 Have in ford dealer shop a 1996 ford windstar with 92,100 miles on it. it has the infamous 3.8l engine head gasket and front cover gasket problem, as previously defined by ford motor company. ford customer assistance center refuses to cover the cost of this.
01/23/200365000109/03/1996
 96 windstar, 3.8l engine, 65,000 miles. failure of head gasket and intake manifold gasket. $1700 to replace gaskets and related problems caused by the faiure.
01/15/200285571105/01/2000
 Consumer called complaining about the engine head gasket. the consumer also stated this was a common problem. the dealer was contacted who stated there was no warranty for the defect. *ts *ph *jb
12/31/200245054102/20/1996
 Problem with 1996 ford windstar 3.8l engine 45,000 mi. w/ defective head gasket. ford extended the warranty on 94-95 models but won't cover 96 models. this is a known problem w/ all the 3.8l engines and ford should be held responsible for manufacturing and selling a defective product. a recall should be done on this product. ts
07/01/200206/01/2099
 I have been told by 5 repair people that the windstars are very likely to have a blown head gasket, i have been told to request that ford repair the van. i have contacted the ford corp. and i have been told that the windstars are not having a head gasket issue. this van with the proper care should not be having this big of an issue. my van has sat in my driveway since july, the estimate is $ 2,000.00 to 4,000.00 to now replace an engine with less then 100,000 miles.
08/01/2002
 While traveling on the highway without prior warning the head gasket blew. oil was leaking from underneath the vehicle and shut down and the vehicle wouldn't restart. please provide additional information dealer is aware of the problem. ts
 Consumer notice while traveling engine indication light was flashing vehicle was service by technician. technician test vehicle and notice engine head gasket problem please provides further information. ts
10/16/2002610001
 The consumer stated that while driving and with no warning, the vehicle's head gasket blew and the coolant will started to leak causing the engine to over heat and the consumer will be forced to pull over. dealer notified. mr the consumer stated ford will not recognize this problem as with the 94 and 95 windstar's. scc
07/21/20021
 Consumer states that the 3.8l v6 engine blew a head gasket and causing loss of coolant and coolant getting into the engine oil. dealer and the manufacturer has been notified. feel free to provide any further information.*jb
08/29/200204/01/2098
 Engine failure at 88,000 miles, rough idle at times, computer replaced at 75,000 miles, head gasket blew, causing engine to fail.*ak
09/06/2002
 Engine light illuminated and was registering hot. took to dealer ,and they stated theathead gasket failed, and vehicle would need a rebuilt motor. please provide any further information.*ak
07/26/2002103/01/2097
 Head gasket failure of 3.8l ford engine at a cost of $1500 to repair. this is a know and documented failure mechanism on these engines that needs to be remedied.*ak
09/01/2002
 Small coolant leak into engine from head gasket.*ak
 This complaint consist of four failures that are engine related: (1) head gasket failed while being driven, and leaked fluid onto hot engine. (2) timing gasket failed along with gasket failing. (3) intake manifold runners failed, and the check engine light came on. the van is undrivable. (4) faulty main engine bearings. please describe details. *ak
08/19/200210/01/2001
 Need to replace speedometer head, replaced tie rod, front and rear brakes, cylinders, head gasket and now engine blew need new engine. *ak
08/15/2001118000108/01/1999
 Engine blew a rod while cranking vehicle on. dealer and the manufacturer notified.*ak manufacturer not willing to do anything because this particular van is not included in recall. *tt
1
 Vehicle experienced head hasket failure and states the national highway traffic safety administration stopped their concern at the 1995 ford windstars, consumer believes that the 1996 windstars should have been included since the 1996 vehicle is identical to the 1995 except for the fact they were titled for 1996, a 1996 windstar could have been built in late 1995 and thererfore there is no difference.*jb
09/25/20011
 During routine maintenance check, dealer found head gasket had blown and the pistons broke. dealer replaced head gasket and cylinder head, also consumer stated that the vehicle would run hot and then cool back down due to the blown had gasket. *tt
07/15/2002103/01/2097
 Blown head gaskets on a 3.8l engine. this is a known problem with ford engines that has not been addressed in complete recalls, etc. this vehicle was well maintained, never overheated, etc and the gaskets just failed with no warning. estimated costs to fix are $1500 minimum if heads or block are not cracked. ford needs to recall and fix all 3.8l engines.*ak
07/05/20022
 Engine check light remains on constantly, vehicle has been checked by dealer several times, but consumer was advised light was not reading a code. head gasket blewout, and dealer advised consumer that light was reading a problem with the head gasket, which was leaking. *ak also the battery was replaced.*jb
06/26/2001205/01/2000
 Head gasket failed and was replaced, also a new engine cover was put on, a little over a year later the head gasket had to be replaced again and the engine had to be cleaned and milled due to the sludge build up, serpentine belt noisy. *slc
05/19/2002210/01/2000
 In the 20 months that i've owned this vehicle the engine block has over - expanded twice - causing the head gasket to fail. both times i was traveling on interstate highways. thier was no warning prior to failure(complete loss of power due to heat fatigue). fortunatly i was able to manuever the vehicle off to the shoulder without causing an accident. this is definately a safety concern for other owners of this vehicle. *ak
06/09/200201/01/2098
 Engine check light displayed, white smoke billowing out of tail pipe.*ak
06/09/2002
 Engine would overheat while driving. vehicle taken to a repair shop, and was informed of a blown head gasket. dealer contacted. feel free to provide any further infromation.*ak
05/02/2002
 Head gasket has gone out a couple of times. consumer has had some oil leakage. contacted dealer, and the dealer was not willing to do anything.
05/10/2002101/01/2099
 My windstar blew its headgasket with 60k miles on it- the engine never ran hot---when check engine light came on i took it to dealer--blown gasket 1800 dollars--checked internet and found at least 200 people with same problem--called ford but they refuse to assist. *ak
03/07/2000105/18/1999
 Engine loses power while driving, possible head gasket failure, dealer notified.*ak *nlm
05/01/2002
 Head gasket failed, leaking coolant into cylinder, fouling spark plugs and oxygen sensors. problem has been ongoing since vehicle had 95,000 miles. dealer was notified. please provide more information.*ak
04/09/2002112/30/1996
 Consumer states that the head gasket failed. *slc
1
 Vehicle experienced a blown head gasket. *tt
1
 Consumer states vehicle needs a replacement head gasket. vehicle has been to the dealership numerous times for repeated check engine light illuminating. recent repair done to vehicle was on the intake gasket and o2 sensor. *jg *yd
04/18/20021
 Consumer states while driving, the check engine light illuminated. took to dealer and they stated that the head gasket needed replacing. consumer feels that the gasket should not have went out, there is a common problem with winstars. please provide any further information.*jb
1007/01/2096
 Check engine light came on repeatedly and dealership tried to fix as follows: 8,369 miles - replaced spark plug wires; 14,184 miles replaced bad hego bank; 34,442 miles replaces plugs 4 and 5; 34,479 miles replaced hego #2; 37,843 miles replaced spark plug wires (again); 38,111 miles replaced bad shaft in synchonizer sensor; 44,489 miles replaced defective vacuum elbow; 44,552 miles cleaned resistors and replaced upper intake o rings; 47,420 miles light came on and went off by itself; 50,000+ miles light came on and went off when battery was replaced; 56,000+ miles noticed coolant disappearing from auxillary coolant tank - took in and dealership couldn't find anything wrong but put in dye -- took back in a few weeks when coolant disappeared again - diagnosis: head gasket failure; had head gaskets replaced, but check engine light would not go off and engine was misfiring -- diagnosis: bent rod . *ak
1
 Consumer states vehicle needs a replacement head gasket. vehicle has been to the dealership numerous times for repeated check engine light illuminating. recent repair done to vehicle was on the intake gasket and o2 sensor. *jg *yd
04/09/2002112/30/1996
 Consumer states that the head gasket failed. *slc
12/01/200107/01/2096
 My head gasket failed arounf 70000 miles! 94 and 95 ford windstars have already been recalled due to head gasket problems. there are many 1996 failures as well. what can we do to get ford to address this same problem with the 96 windstar?*ak
12/09/20011
 Consumer states vehicle 3.8 v6 engine was losing coolants and running rough while driving, dealer notified and informed of a cracked head gasket. nlm
03/30/2002106/01/2096
 Cylinder head gasket problem resulting in internal antifreeze leak, causing bearings to go bad - engine replacement required.*ak
04/01/2002103/01/1998
 My 1996 windstar has a blown head gasket. *ak
02/15/2002
 Vehicle misfires. consumer found water in oil and exhaust. took vehicle to dealer and dealer stated that it was a blown head gasket. engine needed to be replaced. please provide any further information.*ak
12/01/2001103/01/1996
 Noticed check engine light on in december 2001. looked in manual and said needed to complete 3 cooled complete cycles, but light didn't go off. started leaking coolant and temperature gauge would go to hot. heater would blow out cold air. took to an independent mechanic and was told it had a cracked block and that ford has had these same problems with previous years. contacted dealership and they are unwilling to do anything to help out. am in the process of contacting ford company to see if they will be willing to help. please follow up with any information. at this point my family of 5 is driving around in a small pick up truck beause i am unable to drive the van since told it could stop on me at anytime and cause even more damage.*ak
02/01/200204/01/1999
 Headgasket problems need new engine, just like the 1995 recall but ford wont honor the same problem with the 1996. *ak
03/28/1996
 Ongoing problem with 3.8l v6 engine check light coming on, running rough and loss of coolant. dealer and manufacturer were notified. feel free to provide any further information.*ak
08/10/2001
 A head gasket failure under 80,000 miles of wear. dealer and manufacturer were notified. feel free to provide any further infromation.*ak
01/10/2002
 Vehicle was overheating while driving,.dealer notified , and replaced water pump and the timing cover. feel free to provide any further information.*ak
02/18/2002
 Dealer informed that engine shot a bearing and needed to be replaced. feel free to provide any further informnation.*ak
12/01/2001
 Engine check light illuminated. took vehicle to dealer, and they stated that head gasket blew up. cause unknown. please provide any further information.*ak
01/15/200205/01/1997
 The abs light and check engine lights were on. the dealer mechanic replaced speed sensors and then told me the computer was also bad. he also told me that the main seal was leaking and said that ford had lots of problems with the 3.8l v6 engine. he told me i should get rid of the car. *ak
01/24/2002105/01/1996
 Gasket failure leaked coolant into engine oil damaging engine. *ak
02/04/2001103/01/1999
 While traveling on the interstate, check engine light appears on dashboard, and vehicle was leaking antfreeze. dealership is aware of problem.*ak dealer found head gasket had blown, replaced head gasket and thermostat, on several occasions the air conditioning leaks, brakes making grinding sound, dealer found anti-lock sensor failed, rear fender is rusted on passenger side. *tt
01/01/20021
 Vehicle is riding extremely rough, causing difficulty in steering vehicle. mechanic stated head gaskets needed to be replaced. *ak
02/07/2002
 Took in for service as a result of no heat. loss of coolant, oil present in coolant, leak of oil and water at timing cover seal, lower intake manifold and suspect engine oil cooler. auto repair shop indicates that it has a cracked block and will need a new engine.
01/10/2002104/01/1999
 These 3.8 l engines are known for blown headgasket problems, and for fords lack of standing behind its so called quality products , i'm not a believer of that : thats why i will never own a ford product again. *ak
02/01/20022
 On december 13, 2001 my wife returned from a visit with her mother in galesburg illinois. as usual she parked our 1996 ford windstar in the garage. since my son and i had to make a trip to iowa city the next day, i decided to fill the van up with gas. upon trying trying to start the van i notice that the heat gauge was indicating that the van was overheating. i question my wife about this and she said that the van had not shown any signs of overheating on the way home. i took the van to dennison ford in bloomington illinois on december 17, 2001 and they informed me that the head gaskets had blown and that it would cost approximatel $1700.00 to repair. on december 22, 2001 i authorized dennisons to make the repairs. i got the van back the same day. on feburary 1, 2002 my daughter took the van to champaign illinois to pick up my son. this was the first time the van had been on the highway since the head gaskets had been replaced. i receive a call from my daughter from champaign telling me that the van had died and they couldn't get it started. on the way to champaign i called my daughter and found out that they were able to get the van started and were at my son's dorm. when i arrived at champaign i inspected the van and didn't find anything wrong, there were no light or any warning indications. i decided to drive the van home and gave my vehical to my kids. on the way home, approximately 10 miles from my son's dorm, i attempted to pass a semi. while passing the engine died. this left me in a very unsafe condition. there were cars in front and back of me and a semi on the right. i was able to get the van off the road with out an accident, but just barely. the van was tolled back the dennison's. later that day i was informed that the engine had blown and that it would cost approximately $3300.00 to repair.*ak
02/02/2002106/01/1999
 According to jerry's ford lincoln mercury, an authorized ford dealer in leesburg, virginia, my engine blew a head gasket. this happened when i started the car. there were 2 passengers, ages 15 and 16, and myself, the driver in the car at the time this occurred. i contacted ford and was told that the build date of my engine was 12/19/95 and that the engine had been built in their oakville plant in ontario, cananda. orson, ford employee badge #2092 acknowledged that a recall had been issued on engines built in 1995 with this problem, but that no 1996 vehicles were involved. i explained to him that i appeared to have been affected as well. he stated that ford would not offer me any assistance, goodwill or otherwise, with this defect and that i should contact william clay ford, jr. in dearborn, michigan if i wished to pursue the matter further.*ak
1
 Vehicle experienced a blown head gasket. *tt
01/17/2002
 After vehicle is started engine check light remained illuminated. dealer replaced head gaskests which did not correct the problem. please give any further details.*ak
01/02/2002108/01/1998
 I have a 1996 3.8l windstar with head gasket failure. i see that the 1995's were recalled but nothing so far on the 1996's. these are the same engine all the way to 98. ford company will do nothing since the vehicle is out of warrenty. i was told by a service manager to sell the vehicle to someone and not disclose the mechanical problem. i called the main company and they took my information but said there is no program for people with 1996 windstars. i pointed out that they need o check the internet if they want some feedback. this vehicle was purchased because of it's safety record to transport my wife and kids. now, after looking at the information on the internet, i know this engine is neither safe nor reliable. something needs to be done but the company will not stand behind their products. i'm just thankful the engine failed in a parking lot and not on some busy freeway with my family inside. *ak
12/28/20011
 1996 ford windstar with blown head gasket. same engine and parts as recalled 1995's. was stranded on the side of a highway. no assistance from ford. have read 100's of internet accounts of same problem. thousands of people with same problem. this is a major saftey hazard. *ak
01/02/2002112/01/1995
 Engine coolant leakage at intake manifold & head gasket. since we bought,been having multiple issues with engine light on & various work done at dealership. on 11/3/01 intake gasket replaced for white exhaust smoke & engine light on. returned 12/7/01 for engine light on & 02 sensor replaced. 1/3/02 heater blowing cool air- dealer sts head gasket bad. corporate ford refuses to do goodwill gesture/pay.(mileage to date approx since car still in shop).
10/10/20011
 Consumer noticed water leaking from under vehicle, vehicle was serviced. technician noticed head gasket needed to be replaced. *ak *yd
12/07/2001103/01/1998
 Engine check light came on. rough idle. tune-up performed. oxygen sensor replaced. engine check light is now off. two days later, engine check light is back on and rough idle returns. replaced oxygen sensor and plug wires. next day, driving car and temperature gauge falls almost all the way to cold side. heater blowing out just a little warm. pressure tested engine. leakage in a cylinder. upon teardiown, head gasket has failed leaking coolant into engine.
08/15/2001
 While driving at 50 to 55 mph vehicle was vibrating. took to dealer, and they replaced fuel filter. currently, a yellow warning light came on instrument panel. consumer took vehicle to mechanic, and he replaced head gasket. please provide any further information. *ak
 Head gasket blewout. please provide further information. *ak
11/26/2001106/01/1999
 Speedometer: shakes back & forth on highway . impossible to know speed travelling( unless equipped with good stopwatch & excellent math skills). head gasket- failed .must be replaced. does not meet any extended warranty criteria. *ak
11/01/20011
 Consumer is experiencing same problem as previous year models concerning engine head gaskets. a recall was issued for that year. consumer feels that later model years should be included. *ak *yh
03/09/2001206/01/2000
 We bought this van 07/25/00, since then it has had head gasket replacement, and two engines, 0-2 sensors, heater plug, now the pcm, we have only driven our van for @ 6 months, all repairs have been done at dealership, today is 11/24/01. and our van is at the dealership as i submit this. i have copy of all records. thank you, john
11/13/2001105/01/1998
 1996 ford windstar 3.8l head gasket failure at #4 piston
 Head gasket failed, and then soon after engine stalled. contacted dealer, and dealer was not willing to do anything. *ak
04/04/200109/01/1996
 I have a 1996 ford windstar with one of those 3.8l engines. my problems began with an antifreeze leak resulting from head gasket problems. i have just had the engine replaced in my van and the cost was $5000. i contacted the ford motor company consumer number at the suggestion of a friend who said that there had been a recall on her windstar. i was told by the ford rep. that my windstar had the wrong vin number to be recalled. i'm having a hard time understanding why some bad 3.8l engines are recalled and replaced if necessary and others are not. can you help? also, the needle on my speedometer fluctuates wildly at speeds over 30. i know that this, too, is a common problem with windstars.*ak
11/07/2001
 Vehicle has leaked 2 1/2 gallons of coolant. engine check light stays on, andvehicle is having trouble starting. heat is warm because coolant keeps leaking out. mechanic suggested to replace engine head because leakage was ruining the engine.*ak
 There was premature failure of headgaskets, causing coolant to leak onto engine and inside passenger's compartment. dealer and manufacturer have been notified. please provide further information.*ak
10/31/2001111/01/1999
 Head gasket failed. ford provided new head gaskets and sometimes complete engines for same problem in 1995 windstars with 3.8l engine, but denies there is a problem with the 1996 same model engine. since there are hundreds of other identical complaints about the 1996 windstar 3.8l on this website, i find ford's denials pretty hard to believe! this has created a serious financial hardship, and ford has refused to compensate in any way for the obviously defective part. i am requested that you proceed with an investigation, and will be contacting my senators and representative. *ak
10/02/2001
 Vehicle was starting to miss, and gasket was leaking water into oil pan. please provide any further information.*ak
10/20/2001
 While driving motor blew a head gasket which resulted in loss of power. contacted dealer, and vehicle was being repaired.*ak
08/07/2001106/01/1997
 Head gasket blew on 3.8l engine while sitting in a parking lot. caused additional damage to the starter and flywheel wheel broke.
08/30/2001110/01/1996
 Engine started overheating, engine check' light came. noticed oil mixed with coolant in reservoir. dealer confirmed head gasket failure. *ak
12/13/20001
 Van had a failed head gasket (a common problem among windstars). the failed head gasket, lead to a thrown rod and totalled engine to the tune of $3600.00. we had at 89k miles taken the van in for to the dealer because a check engine light came on and a strange smell was noticed. they said nothing was wrong. 3 months later the engine blew. *ak
09/01/2001112/01/1996
 Engine was running rough and white smoke was coming from tail pipe. vehicle was taken to an independent repair shop. repair shop informed consumer that engine head gasket had blown out. *ak
05/15/2001
 3.8 v6 engine check light stays on while driving, vehicle is leaking oil and running rough; vehicle taken to dealer and informed of a blown head gasket. feel free to provide any further information.*ak
08/28/2001112/01/1998
 Oil contamination. found oil in the coolnat. dealer inspection concludes that this is a blown head gasket. an exact problem caused a major recall for the same engine for the years 94-95. no recall yet for year 1996. growing amount of reports show that this problem exists on the 1996 model that carries the same engine. dealer recommends to replace the engine block at a cost of $4000. i am expecting ford to pick up these charges due to the reasons stated above.*ak
1
 Consumer states new head gaskets were needed and vehicle had relatively low mileage, ford would not provide any financial help, so consumer had no choice but to trade vehicle in. *slc
04/30/20011
 Check the engine light came on and the coolant was leaking due to head gasket failure. the consumer noticed that the 1995 windstars had been issued a recall notice but when the consumer contacted the manufacturer but they were unwilling to help with the cost of repair, the consumers technician replaced the defective parts with a newly designed part. yh
08/09/20011
 While driving could see the engine check light had illuminated. then, took vehicle to dealer, and they found an engine head gasket failure just like indicated in recall for 1995 vehicles. *ak *tt
05/29/2001106/30/1998
 The timing gasket cover cracked. *yh
08/01/20011
 Consumer was traveling 65mph on highway and noticed that temperature gauge went up and was red. he pulled over to shoulders and lifted hood. checked coolant, and noticed that there was no coolant inside of vehicle. *ak headgasket leak caused the temprature gauge to go up. *yh
1
 Timing cover seal was leaking, upon having this problem fixed, the engine began making a knocking noise, engine was replaced. *slc
07/15/2001105/01/1996
 After driving to state of virginia and parking it for 5 days. when consumer attempted to start vehicle head gasket blewout. *ak
07/23/2001110/01/1997
 It appears that i have experienced the problem with my van. like everyone else who has lodged complaints the vehicle started smelling like it was overheating. the coolant level was checkd and no problems were found. then the rough idle started. then the dealer found out that the head gaskets were bad, and a rod was bent and the motor would have to be replaced. and it all started at 60k miles. the problems are well documented and it will continue to get worse. most of the vehicles of this year are probably getting close to the right mileage for the gaskets to blow. ford will have to ramp up production on replacement engines because every vehicle will have to have the engine replaced and it doesn't matter how well it has been maintained. it is unbelievable that a company would knowingly and willingly let this happen. as long as people aren't dying who cares about millions of dollars spent on repairs by consumers. what a joke!*ak
07/10/2001102/01/1998
 Blown head gasket. *ak
07/11/2001103/01/1996
 1995 windstar 3.8l engines have gotten extended warranties on blown head gaskets in their engines. it is apparent the 1996 windstar 3.8l engine has the same problem but ford has not extended the warranty for this model year. request the nhtsa force ford to back up their products that are known to be defective. *ak
11/13/2000
 Head gaskets failed mechanic has replaced several ford 3.8l head gaskets, called ford they refused to pay $1256.13 bill. *ak
07/10/2001105/01/1998
 Coolant leaked into engine causing complete engine failure blowing the head gaskets and cracking the engine block. when this happened there was a complete power loss in the steering and braking of the vehicle. my wife and two children were in the van at the time of the failure. fortunatly they were not on the interstate or major highway because theres no telling what the result would have been in this case. i have found out that this is a recalled problem for the 94 and 95 years for the same model that i have but not the 96. this is not just a problem with windstar but has also happened with the mustangs and lincon town cars which leads me to believe that this is a design error with-in those years in question with many ford models. this will cost me nearly $4500 to repair as quoted from a ford dealership and it cost me $80 just to tell me something i already paid for at goodyear, i need a new engine. seeing that there has been a recall for previous years for this model i would apprieciate it if you could tell ford to consider recalling the other affected models with this same problem that they know about but refuse to admit.*ak
06/08/2001106/01/1997
 Premature failure of head gasket causing engine coolant to leak into the #1 cylnder causing a miss fire and the vehicle to run rough. engine light came on and i brought it to the dealer. the dealer had it for a few days, replced the spark plugs and said it was fine. on the ride back from the dealer the engine light came back on. the dealer then kept it for another two days and found the coolant in the #1 sparkplug well. brought to an independent repair shop where it was determnined to be a head gasket failure.
12/09/200003/01/1996
 Engine head gasket failed. intermittent engine warning light since new. self reset before chance to get it to dealer. at approx 80k miles solid engine warning light. dealer replaces oxygen sensor. still got intermittent engine warning light. latest incident solid engine warning light & blue smoke from tail pipe. dealer indicates blown head gasket and worn connecting rod bearings as a cause & result of incorrectly designed head gasket. indicates it is a known problem and should have been recalled with 1995 model year. *ak
03/01/2001106/01/1999
 It was at the beginning of march and i noticed that as i was driving the heater would blow warm air and then for no reason it would blow cold air. i thought that it was probably a bad heater core or thermostat so i took it to our local mechanic. he checked it out and said that it was a blown head gasket. he suggested that we check with our local ford dealer because he had heard there was a recall on the 3.8 liter engine. we checked with them and of course they didn't want to tell us much until after we brought it to them and they ran a diagnostics test which would cost us $125 and if it wasn't under the recall it would be some where between $1800 - $2200 to replace the head gasket. obviously we chose our local mechanic at $1150.08 and chose to persue customer service. we were told by one of the reps. that they would look into it and get back with us. when they called us back we were informed that our van was not one of the vehicles that were on recall. of course, i was not happy with this decision and asked to speak to someone higher up. i was given the customer service supervisor and she informed me that they intended to stick by their earlier decision and that she had the final say and that i had to further recourse. i was angry but i felt that i had just been dealt a raw deal by ford and i did not have the time to wait because we have a large family and i could not be without my vehicle any longer.*ak
05/01/2001108/01/2000
 Problem 1- engine blew a head gasket as backing out of our driveway, we have only 72000 miles on it and were told that there is a recall on the 1995 ford engine for the same problem. this repair is going to cost $1,000.00. ford has given us no options. 2nd-problem- on the same vehicle a month before, again as i was backing out of my drive the front spring broke, punctured my tire and collapsed the shocks, that cost $600.00. again, when we called ford we were told that there had been a recall on the taurus for the same problem but it wasn't for the windstar. now ii have a problem believing that thay can recall one product without covering the other when the same exact problem occured with my vehicle. please advise what further action i can take. thanks. *ak
1
 While driving engine check light was illuminating on dashboard. consumer contacted dealer to have vehicle inspected, and mechanic replaced spark plugs and other parts. later, mechanic discovered that head gasket malfunctioned, causing the problem. *ak consumer states head gasket was replaced, subsequently since the repair the check engine light has come on twice.*jb
06/08/2001
 3.8 liter engine. premature wear of head gaskets. head gaskets blewout, causing engine to go. dealer has the vehicle. *ak
05/01/2001
 Head gasket is on verge of blowing. antifreeze has to be added weekly to keep cooled off. dealer isn't doing anything unless consumer covers cost.*ak
05/29/2001108/01/1996
 Ford should be forced to recall the '96's as well as the '95's. same engine same problem. i was told the check engine light was just emissions. not to worry about it . head gasket failure is something to worry about. repairs are $1000.00. *ak
05/26/2001104/01/1998
 Engine check light came on, took to repair shop they confirmed blown headgasket, i understand this year and model of van and the engine are defective, how do i get ford to pay for repairs?*ak
503/01/1998
 I am also one that had to spend $1933.07 beause of head gasket problem. i have also replaced my brake pad 5 times. i have also bought new front tires 3 times in 3 years. the tire wear is unreal. i also have the problem of the odometer not working. the problem with the brakes and engine running sluggish have been since i purchased the van. the odd thing is you don't get warning signs. the check engine light would come on - go off. in order for the dealer to know what is wrong the check engine light must be on. never had any sign of the engine overheating. great driving van but many, many, many, many, many problems.
05/08/2001105/01/1997
 Was driving vehicle when head gaskets blewout.started to lose antifreeze; this caused engine to overheat. took vehicle to independent mechanic, and informed consumer problem of head gaskets can be repaired.*ak consumer also had a check engine problem due to cylinder, ford could not duplicate the problem, so consumer has his personal mechanic to reset the engine when the light comes on.*jb
05/16/2001
 Engine (3.8l) was leaking coolant onto engine cylinder. also, oxygen sensor needs to be replaced. *ak
05/13/2001109/01/1996
 I have a 1996 windstar with just over 40,000 miles - v-8 engine. the engine warning light came on, and i stopped driving and dropped the car off at the dealer. he said it has blown head gaskets and after research online, i find that this is an engine problem that ford has with windstars. i would like to see a recall ordered on all ford 3.8 engines having this problem.*ak
04/30/20011
 Ford has extended warranty coverage for 1995 windstar head gasket failures, but refuses to do the same for 1996 windstars despite the thousands of 1996 windstar owners experiencing the same head gasket failures with their 3.8 engines. the repair bill is $1300! ford is trying to cover up its head gasket defect. please force ford to issue a recall. thanks.*ak
03/15/2001103/01/1996
 Loss of coolant and engine check light on. took to local mechanic, who is ford certified. told of recall on windstars for this problem. o'meara ford diagnosed as head gasket crack. recall would not include vans after 1995. ours was manufactured in march of 1996. called ford. they would not honor or regard this as their problem. returned to our personal mechanic. he made repairs and found all of the old parts as used in vans under recall. he replaced the parts with the newer design ford now uses to eliminate this problem. cost to us was extreme-$1600, which was almost $1000 less than what o'meara ford was estimating. we are very disappointed with ford dealership and ford motor co. not planning to ever purchase another ford vehicle in the future. *ak
03/17/2001108/01/1998
 Our engine failed as a result of a defective gasket of which ford motor co. is fully aware but refuses to do anything about.*ak
04/20/2001104/01/1998
 This van has been an albatross! i had to take it in 3 or 4 times and get nasty before the dealership would admit that there was a transmission problem- and then agree to fix it. i know they were waiting for my bumper to bumper warranty to expire. the head gasket/engine problem absolutely fries me. no vehicle with 62,000 miles on it should require a new engine and head gaskets. that repair cost me $5000.00 and no one will help me. we all know about the 94 and 95 recalls. what about the 96's??? the problem has not been fixed. i have called ford customer service several times, and have tried the dealer for help. no one will help me. the concensus is this: ford motor company does not care enough about the products they produce (or the customers who purchase them) to make an intolerable situation right. i have heard of so many cases like mine- ford has definately lost a customer. if they won't stand behind their produsts, i certainly won't buy another one!*ak
04/27/2001103/31/1996
 Vehicle started operating above the normal temperature. dealership examined vehicle and discovered that there was an internal leak. there was a cylinder that was warped and head gasket was blown. please provide any additional information/attachments.*ak consumer states because of the low mileage and condition of the vehicle, consumer believes there is a efect in the design of the vehicle. *jb
 Head gasket has blownout, causing damage to engine which occurred over night. please provide further information.*ak
04/06/2001110/01/1998
 The head gasket was replaced by the dealer on 3-16-01, due to a crack and leaking coolant. the car had never overheated or shown obvious signs of this, although the engine check light came on after long trips and the dealer said this was o2 sensors. 3 weeks after the headgasket replacement, the whole engine blew while on i-81 at 65mph. we lost all power and had to coast to a narrow shoulder. this sounds exactly like the 1995 windstar head gasket problem, but they have not acknowledged the 96 as a manufacturing defect and did not recall the 95 either.*ak
303/01/1996
 Dealer said head gasket needed replacing. in reading the nhtsa files for the windstar, i noticed a preponderance of head gasket failures and problems, right around the 100,000 mile mark (i.e. out of any warranty). also, the check engine light kept coming on indicating various problems with the emission system. i had various repairs related to this.*ak
03/09/200101/01/1998
 Head gasket failure lead to destruction of engine, this is same as 95 windstars, why are 96's not included in re-call! cost of this repair $3500 (canadian) we are a family of five struggling to make it everyday, how can we swallow this????*ak
03/25/2001107/01/1998
 At around 62,000 miles our vehicle's check engine light came on. we brought it in to a local ford dealership where they performed diagnostic tests. basically they told us it was a blown head gasket, among other misc. problems. we were not satisfied with their customer service methods and brought the van to another ford dealership. the mechanic at this place not only agreed with previous diagnosis but also felt the whole engine system was contaminated and recommended a total engine replacement at a cost of 3,800 dollars. we have meticulously maintained this vehicle and have had it serviced regularly. (we have th documents to prove this.)*ak
04/04/2001111/01/1995
 Blown head gaskets. *ak
03/27/2001110/01/1996
 Head gasket failure--same part and problem as on '94 and '95 ford windstar
02/01/2001
 Consumer noticed oil beading up in coolant tank. took vehicle to dealership and head gasket and engine manifold gaskets were redesigned and replaced. on april 5th, consumer noticed oil in coolant recovery tank, causing engine check light to come on. vehicle was also misfiring. please provide any additional information/attachments.*ak
 Consumer had to have whole head gasket set replaced, also brakes failed completly.*ak
02/20/2001
 Engine check light was on/ off. consuemr sent vehicle to a radiator shop, and they referred her to dealer. dealer has to replace gaskets because they have destroyed engine. antifreeze was apparently leaking, it has to be filled frequently.*ak
03/13/2001112/01/1996
 Heater not working...low coolant...had to replace head gasket. *ak
03/16/2001102/01/1996
 Engine light went on for a couple days, brought vehicle to dealer. they stated that antifreeze leaking into head gasket & that it's possible that i may need a new engiene. i did not leave vehicle at dealer at that time because i stated that i wanted to speak to my mechanic because it would be cheaper to have him do work on vehicle. i contacted my mechanic who told me that the 3.8 litre engiene is known for this problem with head gasket. on 3/19/ 01 dealer contacted me wanting to know if i would be getting head gasket fixed. i stated that after further research i was able to determine that certain 1995 3.8 litre engienes were recalled and that a class action suit was brought against ford motor company on 12/9/99 because of faulty head gaskets. i contacted ford motor company & logged complaint, but they stated that their were no recalls on 1996 ford windstars so they could not do anything. once i complained to dealer that their was a problem with this engiene they offered me a 6 year warranty from original date of purchase or 100,000 miles which ever came firston transmission & engiene up to $2,000.00 with $500.00 deductible. i took this offer with dealer because we only have 1 vehicle. although i am grateful for this offer, the only reason the dealer offered me this deal was because i informed them that this particular engiene has a faulty head gasket. dealer originally quoted that work on head gasket would cost approximately $1,500 for head gasket repairs or approximately $3,000.00 for new engiene. even though i will have pay $500.00 out of pocket, i believe that the dealer or ford should reimburse me for the head gasket repairs because this has been a problem with this engiene since 1988. i have also been able to locate on the internet @ website www.consumeraffairs.com/automotive/ford_windstar_1996_gaskets.htm that other consumers have had the same problem with their 1996 ford windstars 3.8 litre engiene as i have. i appeciate any assistance. *ak
02/28/2001109/01/1996
 Head gaskets found to be leaking during service for rough idling. wait for remanufactured engine greater than 4 weeks and no guarantee from ford as to when the car will be repaired. *ak
04/03/2001203/01/2000
 Engine check light keeps coming on. also, a lot of anti-freeze was missing too fast, took vehicle to dealer, and they said that anti-reeze was getting into cylinder.*ak consumer returned vehicle 1 week later, replaced gaskets again they were leaking.*jb
03/20/20011
 Had noticed smoke and steam coming from tailpipe out of rear view mirror. engine head gaskets blewout while driving. vehicle kept going after that.*ak the 1995 , 3.8 engine vehicles made by the manufacturer were known for blowing head gasket. *yh
03/23/2001
 3.8 liter engine. head gaskets failed prematurely. dealer was inspecting and will repair vehicle. manufacturer has been notified.*ak
03/26/20010
 Engine head gasket was leaking anti-freeze. had taken vehicle to dealer for repairs where they said that head gasket blewout, and could not be repaired.*ak
03/27/20010
 Consumer stated that on december 11, 2000 haed gasket was replaced due to crack and coolant leakage that got into piston and other parts of engine. currently, engine is not working, and manufacturer will not be responsible for repairs. consumer believed that deterioration of engine was due to defective head gasket.*ak
02/10/2001
 Head gasket had to be replaced. *ak
02/22/20011
 Consumer was losing antifreeze. took vehicle to deaelr, and they said consumer needs a new head gasket. consumer was scared that engine gasket may blow on highway with children present.*ak the manufacturer had extended the warranty on the 94-95 models admitting the engine was faulty. so, the manufacturer should not fix only some vehicle but not others. *yh
03/16/20011
 Head gasket started to leak fluid onto engine compartment which caused loss of heat. also, engine check light illuminated on dashboard. consumer has contacted dealer, dealer noted that head gasket needed replacement. please provide any further details. *ak
01/01/20001
 Consumer feels manufacturer should extend recall regarding defective head gaskets for 1996 models. *slc
03/01/2001105/01/1997
 Engine check light keeps coming on. taken vehicle to dealer, and informed consumer of a head gasket failure which was not covered under a manufacturer's recall. *ak *slc
03/12/200002/01/1999
 Ford refuses to listen to our request for compensation, simply because we did not receive service at a ford garage. we did not know or expect the head gasket to have blown. we were stranded on a sunday morning in ontario, some 650 miles from home. we were towed to the only service facitlity open on a sunday (canadian tire) who could potentially get us back on our way. we never expected a major engine problem to occur at 57,709 miles. we feel ford should compensate us for the replacement of the head gasket, as it is a known problem and was recalled on the 1995 winstars. apparently the 1996 windstars have the same head gasket problem as the 1995s, but have not yet been recalled. just because we were not at a ford dealer or garage should not let ford off the hook for our expense incurred on a defective part. *ak
01/15/2001110/01/1996
 Head gasket failed late at night in unsafe area. was afraid to drive van because of potential engine damage. however, because area unsafe, i did risk driving the vehicle to a safer area. *ak
02/15/2001110/01/1996
 Same identified problem as 1994-95 head gasket defects that ford has admitted problem and placed a limited 100,000 mile warranty, but for only 94-95 3.8 l engines. *ak
02/05/2001
 Head gasket failure; was told car engine was not under warranty and total repair cost was over $3,500. asked to speak with district rep but told i could not. told this person would contact me speedometer bounces at speeds over 40mph, making it useless for determining actual speed. *ak
01/28/2001101/01/1999
 Head gasket failure. *ak
01/16/200112/01/1995
 Failure of defective head gasket, resulting in coolant leakage into engine, engine failure.*ak
02/19/2001106/01/1996
 Engine experienced loss of coolant. vehicle taken to dealer, and informed consumer of a head gasket failure which was not covered under extended warranty. *ak check the engine light came on while the vehicle was new but the dealer was unable to find the cause. *yh
12/01/2000
 Vehicle experienced loss of coolant and engine overheating. dealer notified, and informed consumer of a of a head gasket failure on its 3.8l v6 engine. please provide any further details on this matter.*ak
12/01/200009/01/1996
 We have been told that the front gasket cover is damaged and needs to be r eplaced. we have also been told that there is a recall for this same thing on 1995 models. we have an estimate to repair at $2,000. this car has been properly maintained and we should not have this kind of problem with the engine. we feel that ford should pay for the cost of repairing the engine.
01/17/2001102/01/1996
 Laboratory oil analysis indicates failed head gasket based on glycol and anti-freeze chemicals in the engine oil. *ak
 When driving speedometer was waving back from 20 to 90 mph. consumer contacted dealer, dealer noticed transmission pan had metal in it which caused transmission to be replaced. also, noticed a fume odor in passenger compartment, and contacted the dealer. dealer noticed that coolant and timing cover were leaking fluid onto head gasket. please provide any further details.*ak
105/05/2000
 Manifold gasket and head gasket failed causing the vehicle to use excessive amount of coolant and check engine light was illuminated injectors and egr ports were cleaned, 2 months later when the vehicle began smoking thick white smoke, this dealer found that the head gasket had blown and that the consumer was 12 days late for the manufacturer's recall. *slc
12/04/2000104/01/1999
 My 3.8l windstar was checked at 60k at dealer.at 68k check engine lamp stayed on. dealer identified the problem as head gasket failure & informed engine has to be replaced.vehicle received back after repair (new engine) after paying heavy & now has speedometer problem
11/17/2000111/01/1996
 Our 96 windstar head gasket has failed and we are out almost $1500 to replace it. ford knows of the problems but has only agreed to fix the 95 windstar at this time. we would like to join in any class action lawsuit regarding this subject.
12/01/2000103/01/1998
 Engine needs to be replaced after timing cover leak.*ak
01/17/2001103/29/1996
 At 45,000 miles vehicle experienced a loss of coolant. taken to independent repair shop, and informed consumer that 3.8l v6 engine had an engine head gasket failure. manufacturer notified, and informed consumer that vehicle was not covered under extended warranty. *ak *slc
12/04/1999109/01/1996
 Ford has a history of head gasket failures on the 3.8 engine from 1995 on.also speedometer cable head has went out for the 2nd time!*ak
11/13/2000106/01/1996
 Head gaskets are designed to last the lifetime of a vehicle. they are not routine maintenance items in the ford owner's manual. ford extended the warranty on the 1995 windstar head gaskets twice (5 years, 60k miles and then to 100,000 miles). even though no major changes to the engine block were made on the 96 ford winstar, ford has refused to accept responsibility for repairing this know defect on my vehicle. in fact it appears that ford is aware of the condition as they issue a technical service bulletin in october 1999 for the 1996 windstars (tsb 90-20-7). the cost of the repair to me was $1,357.84. what is even more troublesome to me is ford's complete lack of integrity and honesty by not fully disclosing this known defect to its customers. this is an injustice to all americans who purchased this product. i hope you will help do something about this problem.*ak
01/04/2001206/01/2000
 I am dissatisfied with the service from ford on my 1996 windstar. this is the second time it has been in for service for the same thing. the antifreeze was leaking at a quick pace and ford ran the pressure test. said it was the water pump and gasket that needed fixed. this was 2 weeks ago. they told my boyfriend richard morales whose name is on the title of the van that it was fixed. here it is 1/4/2001 and again we had to take it in for service for the same problem. ran test again and said it was the head gaskets and #4 cylinder. we already paid $900 and it wasn't fixed the first time. now they want to charge $1200 to have it fixed and we can't afford to pay more when it should have been fixed the first time around. also found out ford has had a recall on all windstars up to 1995 for the same problem that we are having and they are fixing this for free. as a consumer i feel we are being taken advantage of and this is a safety hazard to myself as well as our children. i am the main driver of this vehicle and i have 2 toddlers. ford said the van can stop at anytime and i would be stuck. i am very upset and dissatisfied and would like some satisfaction from this company. i feel we are being taken advantage of when ford knows this is an ongoing problem with this vehicle. thank you and i await your response.*ak
08/15/2000104/01/2000
 Water level loss in radiator due to head gasket failure. *ak
 3.8l engine. head gaskets blewout. ford has extended warranty on 1995 windstars with 3.8l engine. manufacturer has been notified. *ak
11/27/2000
 Engine was running rough; a lot of white smoke cme out of tailpipe. radiator was losing antifreeeze every day. took to dealership & mechanic would not look at vehicle. contacted ford manufacturer & csr indicated not under extended warranty, no repair will be done. took to another dealership & was placed on diagnostic machine. was technical service bulletin on head gaskets, but manufacturer was going by vin. *ak
12/15/20000
 Consumer took car into dealer's shop for a broken speedometer, and mechanic noticed a head gasket leak. alerted consumer to some recalls on those vehicles, but they had a different year. *ak
11/20/2000105/01/1996
 Ford windstar (1996): a local mechanic said that our rough idle, engine light, and smell of antifreeze indicated a head-gasket problem. hill and sanders ford service station checked for pressure leaks, but could only suggest that it was bad plugs causing the misfire code in the computer. after $318, we got new spark plugs and a reset warning light. within a week, the check engine light came on, and the rough idle and smell of antifreeze reappeared. we returned it to h&s and mentioned that it was a continuation of the previous, with a new symptom of discolored antifreeze in the overflow container (oil color). h&s said the engine light was a result of a misfire code but didn't know why. the only thing h&s did was flush the radiator for $100, and admitted they don't know what else it could be. a few days later the engine light came on. on nov. 20, 2000 the van started making mechanical noises from the engine, lost power, and slowed to a crawl. my wife got it to a safe location where she and the kids could wait to have it towed to h&s. a note referenced the previous 2 h&s visits for related problems. h&s's told me that something inside the engine came loose and that he recommends we replace the engine for $5050! he didn't know what was wrong. we called h&s (steve lund) the next day and told him that we felt that h&s should be responsible for the damages due to their inability to detect and fix the problem, and sending us away with a feeling that the problem was fixed or inconsequential. h&s felt that they were not responsible. our original mechanic was amazed that h&s didn't suspect something was wrong when oil was found in the antifreeze, and that they only flushed the system! we feel helpless and taken advantage of. anything we can do to recover our loss? mike & jill scanlon vin 2fmda5145tbb75128 jill123@erols.com
12/01/2000104/01/1997
 The head gasket has blown on our mini van. we took it to our local ford dealer who said that most windstars are covered on an extended warranty issued by ford due to manufacutering defects. however, for some reason, our van is not covered. even though it has done just what the others have done, ours is not their fault. i called the ford hot line and talked with suzette, who was very friendly, but she offered no help other than contacting you. please help. thank you. *ak
06/05/2000106/01/1996
 We noticed a leak of some sort of fluid and brought the windstar to our dealer. what we didn't expect was that the timing cover gasket was broken and needed to be replaced at 52000 miles. this costed us $904 and i am not sure if it's related to prior '95 gasket problems.
11/21/2000105/01/2000
 Engine never overheated blown headgasket and water in the cylender threw a rod when i started it up. *ak
11/18/200002/01/1996
 At the 90,000 checkup the mechanic said our timing cover gasket is leaking and antifreeze is coming through. if it is not fixed whole engine will seize up. sounds like the problems of the 1995!*ak
11/10/2000101/01/1997
 Like the 95's, it's only just begun. head gaskets blown at 64k miles.*ak
11/08/2000111/01/1996
 My 1996 ford windstar blew a head gasket with only 76125 miles. cost for repair will be 1333.25 . and from what i have read on the internet ,my windstar is not the only one with the blown headgasket problem. *ak
11/06/2000109/01/1996
 Head gasket blown, requires engine replacement. *ak
11/07/2000
 Head gaskets blew out without warning. dealer has inspected vehicle. ford has issued a service recall on earlier years.*ak
10/06/20000
 Consumer had seen water leaking from engine. had taken vehicle before to dealer to be repaired, and dealer told consumer that problem was caused by head gasket wich had to be replaced. *ak
10/06/2000106/01/1998
 Blown head gasket. this is a documented problem with ford's 94 and 95 windstars. in contacting ford's customer assistance center, they indicate that these earlier vehicles are now covered by an extended warranty because nhtsa has determined that ford was at fault; however, they indicate that nhtsa has made no similar ruling on the 1996 model. i have asked ford for an explanation of the defect that was found in the 1994 and 1995 models and the date by which a specific, corrective action was taken to ensure against similar failure in subsequent models. the ford customer assistance center indicates that the dealer is the only source of technical information and they are not able to respond to this issue. my question to the nhtsa is whether you can assist in documenting the specifics of the defect and the timeline within which ford took corrective action to your satisfaction? it is possible that i am simply unfortunate and that the head gasket failure on my '96 windstar--although it seems awfully similar to the head gasket failures on hundreds (thousands?) of 94 and 95 windstars--is only a coincidence? or is it the case that my vehicle has suffered the same fate as those earlier vehicles but not enough of the '96 vehicles have reached the point of failure for this model to have reached statistically significant levels? if i knew that you had pinpointed the problem and that ford had corrected it prior to the build date of my vehicle (which i understand to be feb. 1996) or the manufacturing date of the engine components, i would probably be less frustrated at the $3646.88 bill from ford to replace their defective engine. as it stands now, their history of denying the problem with the 94 and 95 vehicles, their reluctance to explain that head gasket problem and the timing of their corrective action, and the recent series of issues involving other of their vehicles in which they appeared to place profits ahead of consumer safety all leave me frustrated. *ak
09/15/200005/01/1998
 Head gasket leaking into engine. coolant entering cylinder and crankcase, producing steam out of the exhaust. contacted ford dealer for repair estimate and was quoted $600+ for labor and additional cost for parts. have discovered through this website and others that this is a common problem with ford 3.8l v6 engine and that ford has helped with costs on 1995 vehicles, but not 1996. should not be having this problem with only 79000 miles on vehicle, and since it seems to be common, manufacturer should cover costs. last ford i will own.
12/01/1998
 Head gaskets had to be replace, engine light came on and started to blink. taken into mechanic who said that the head gaskets had to be replace along with a few oxygen sensors. is going to cost approx. $1,800. ford told us that the 96's were not covered under the extended warranty, even though these probably still have the same bad parts.
05/08/2000108/01/1996
 Vehicle experienced premature head gasket failure which caused engine to overheat, ford refuses to reimburse consumer even though the head gasket failure is a known condition. *mjs
10/02/200011/01/1996
 Head gasket failure, misfiring, 'check engine light on', loosing compression, no repairs are covered, ford windstars produced up until the end of 1995 are being recalled for this same defect, my windstar (build 1/2/1996!!) is not covered. i am concerned about safety (i read about the danger of suddenly losing speed) and yes, i am angry about bearing the cost of repair. *ak
 Engine head gaskets are leaking oil onto engine. manufacturer has been notified.*ak
09/22/2000110/01/1999
 3.8l v-6 blown head gasket 1996 ford windstar known problem. *ak
1
 Vehicle had been parked for over a week before being started. was driving for awhile & noticed white smoke coming out of rear exhaust. took vehicle to mechanic & was informed that head gaskets had blown. prior to head gaskets being blown, been putting water into the system to cool it down.*ak
08/09/2000
 Due to head gasket which had a crack and caused the oil and the anti freeze to leak and mix together. dealer had to weld the head to fix the problem. please provide further information.*ak
104/01/1997
 Head gasket has blown on 3.8 liter engine which could have caused other damage to vehicle parts. *ak
11/01/1995
 Head gasket failure. *ak
08/15/2000104/01/1997
 Headgasket replacement.same problems w/ other windstars-ford won't fix.
08/11/2000101/01/1998
 Have had the minivan in several times for symptoms of the head gasket failure only to find problem after warranty expired. transmission has always clunked when shifting into drive or reverse, this is a daily problem the dealership cannot find. windshield cracked overnight in november. we don't think the windshield should have been so fragile.
08/17/2000
 White smoke was coming out of tailpipe & engine check light came on. dealer hasn't been able to do anything about the problem. manufacturer told consumer that it was not a safety problem. *ak
03/01/2000311/01/1997
 Head gasket leaking, master cylinder froze up and caused smoke and damage to brake system on 3 wheels, abs light kept coming on, in for repairs on several occasions and light was disconnected by dealer, engine light on: o2 sensor replaced, speedometer failed to register speeds, driverside window goes down while driving, replaced by dealer, door open light turns on randomly, sliding door fails to lock with electric locks. what is going to be next?
07/04/200005/01/1996
 Speedometer fluctuated all over dial when car went over 30 mph; transmission just failed while car was being operated, it failed to shift and did not move while in traffic; brakes fade when coming to a stop all the time (i have requested repairs repeatedly, told no problem detected); car continues to roll 6-8 inches when parked on an incline; rear suspension creaks when getting in and out of car; several leaks in engine had to be repaired (gasket??). *ak
07/03/2000101/01/1998
 While traveling on a busy interstate, engine light went on. van lost speed and started overheating. i was able to make it off highway. van died had to be towed. told it was cracked head due to coolant leakage. warranty company refuses to pay claim.. speedometer flips around, estimate repair cost is $475. warranty company refusee to pay.
06/11/2000104/01/1996
 The head gasket failed in my 1996 ford windstar due to a recall that i was not notified of because ford is only concerned with the 1995 model. i was told by the ford dealer that my engine failed due to the same defect. ford is replacing the engine, they have had my car for 6 weeks already and no end in sight. they are saying that they will give me a 2 year warranty on the engine but it appears from the 1995 recall that it should be a 7 year/100,000 mile warranty. *ak
01/06/20002507/01/1996
 Engine light comes on, stays on engine runs rough. this continued form january to july with vehical going in to shop as much as 5 times in one day . sayville ford on last arrival said head gasket falure as in all windstars from 1995 and 96. they said this in january and every vist after that until the last one when white smoke came out of exhaust. then they said replace head gaskets. at this time they found the number 1 cylinder rod bent and i would need a new engine. they still have the vehical and want me to pay for damages i will not seeing they should have fixed it in the begining. i called ford motor company and they would not step in saying the delership and the car is my problem. i even asked for the factory rep to look into this problem and was told the delership would have to request him. they will not call him where do people turn for a fair shake? please call me ?!!
03/01/19990
 Vehicle shut off while going through the intersection, no prior warning. consumer took vehicle to dealership. mechanic told him that warranty has expired. *ak
04/01/20000
 Vehicle was taken in for regular service. consumer asked mechanic why car was starting so roughly, and mechanic said it needed a head gasket. consumer was having the same problem as mentioned in recall on head gaskets on the ford windstar 1994/ 1995. *ak
07/12/2000
 Engine check light kept coming on. vehicle taken to the dealer, and informed consumer that engine needs replacement due to a blown head gasket. please feel free to provide further details. *ak
110/03/1996
 Head gasket failed. yh
06/06/2000
 Timing chain cover cracked, causing coolant leakage. dealer / manufacturer notified, and informed consumer that this vehicle was not covered under manufacturer's recall. feel free to provide further details. *ak
06/28/2000
 Engine checks light kept coming on. vehicle taken to dealer on three occasions, and informed consumer of a possible blown head gasket. however, vehicle was not covered under manufacturer's recall due to vin.*ak
03/17/1999110/01/1995
 Engine light on & running hot. head gasket & manifold gasket replaced. mechanic later said recall would reimburse for cost to repair. ford said our vin was not covered due to place & date of manufacture. this is an admitted manufacturer design problem which needs to be rectified. the ford mechanics even state that this is the same engine as those in the recall. people who find out that i have a 1996 ford windstar ask if i've had my head gasket replaced yet. how would they know about this problem if it is not widespread, not to mention a severe deficiency in design. how can ford get away with this nonsense? why should we buy american? please help.*ak
04/01/2000104/01/1996
 July of 1999 while on vacation in pennsylvania the engine check light came on. a family friend recommended that we not worry about the problem unless the light stayed on. the light went off but then came back on a couple of times over the next few months. finally in april of 2000 the light came on and stayed on. the ford dealership informed us that the head gaskets were blown. the dealership told us that they would pay most of the $1400.00 repair bill but we still ended up with $600.00 on our part. we have contacted ford twice about this failure at only 53,000 miles. we believe that we should be reimbursed our $600.00. we are shocked to see how many 1996 windstars are having the same problems. we have asked ford to tell us the number of gasket failures they have seen on the 1996's. they have refused to provide that information. please help us. thank you for your time and attention to this problem. *ak
05/16/2000101/01/1997
 My windstar has only 48000 miles on it and we had to replace the head gasket. my neighbor has a 1995 windstar with 20000 more miles on it and they were reimbursed for their failed head gasket. i find this unacceptable and i am trying to receive a fefund more the work done on my van. *ak
06/02/2000103/01/1996
 Ford has agreed to pay part of the repair cost for the head gasket. they have recalled this same engine in the 1995 windstar's but have not extended it to the 1996's despite many occurances. i feel they should cover the entire repair as well as our rental car expenses. *ak
04/28/2000105/01/1998
 Engine check light came on and we immediately took the vehicle for service. found out it was head gasket problem. contacted ford after a week of not being able to get the needed parts for repair and was told my vehicle was not on recall list. also found out that they are unwilling to help since vehicle not under warranty. took 2 weeks in shop to get fixed and replacement parts were ordered outside of ford dealership because they couldn't get the right part. it ended up costing $300 additional to original estimate. *ak
05/20/2000405/01/1996
 Repeated expensive repairs to turn off engine check light only temporairly successful. loss of coolant for unknown reason. engine now noticably smoking.*ak
08/01/19991
 Head/head gasket was repaired. symptom causing repair was engine running hot. *ak
03/12/2000107/01/1996
 A major recall has occurred with ford covering the repair costs or issuing $4000 certificates toward the purchase of a new vehicle for 1995 and earlier models. it is obvious that the head gaskets on all ford 3.8-liter engines are defective and the new engine design did not help or eliminate the problem they have with the earlier version. i feel ford should include the 1996 windstar in the recall. 8ak
08/24/1999108/01/1996
 Manufacturer has recalled '95 windstars for faulty head gasket and not '96 even though same design, materials and point of assembly. *ak
04/15/200005/01/1996
 I took my windstar in for 90,000 mile service (a little early) and was told the head gasket was bad and i am losing anti-freeze as a result. i found it odd, since the vehicle has been serviced regularly and has never overheated. i did some investigation and found the 1995 windstar's with the same engine were given extended warranties to cover a known head gasket problem. i called ford and was told my vin was not covered and has an upgraded head gasket. i argued that if in fact it is upgraded, it certainly is not upgraded enough. i have been quoted $800 to $1200 to make the repair. i can see from my reseach that many ford vehicles with this size engine have the same problem with head gasket failure. ford should correct the problem for its customers.*ak
04/24/2000107/01/1996
 Vehicle has a blown head gasket, causing engine damage. the same engine in the 1995 windstars have been recalled for total replacement of the head gaskets and all related damage. the 1996 windstars that carried the same engine are not being recalled. according to the dealer these must be repaired at the owners expense, and may cause a total engine failure if continue driving. these engines were only placed in the early models of the 1996, and then after the 3.8 l engines were recalled the newer 1996 windstars contain the 3.0l engine. we feel that ford should cover the cost of repair as it is the same engine as the 1995 windstar. *ak
12/21/19991
 While traveling vehicle commenced to run rough and engine check light would come on. vehecle taken to an independent repair shop. consumer was informed of a blown head gasket. manufacturer notified, and informed consumer that vehicle was not cover undered extended warranty. *ak
 Engine head gasket has blown out, causing coolant to leak onto the engine. dealer has been notified. *ak
04/19/2000105/01/1999
 94-95 ford windstar engines are having head gasket problems. when i contacted them they said it was vans mfg. from dec 93 to aug 95 and that my 96 was not involved. just because the sticker says my van was mfg. in 96 does not mean that the engine could not have been mfg at the same time as a the engine for 94 or 95 van. they are offering money for trade-in or engine replacement. it seems very coincidental that they just announced this problem on 94-95 vans and my 96 has this problem. *ak
12/01/1999110/01/1995
 Van is well taken care of. only 1 driver, over 50 years old. kept a merc grand marquis wagon for 14 years and 250,000 miles. timing cover gasket failed - leaked coolant. this is very premature - seems like a design/fabrication problem, gasket problem. over $600 to repair. window track became separated from door - had to be rewelded. over $150 to repair. should not happen in 4 years of mostly highway driving. definite assembly problem. undectable until nearly fully separated, and out of warranty, and excessive vibrations in using window. *ak
02/01/2000109/01/1997
 Leaking oil onto engine resulting in all new seals, gaskets and head gasket, due to failure.
04/07/200003/01/1997
 Failure of head gaskets on engine, resulting in required replacement of the entire engine. same engine that ford is currrently replacing in 1994 and 1995 model year windstars, for the same reason - premature failure of head gaskets. ford will not reimburse for the cost of repairs of this engine, although it is perfectly clear that it has failed for the same reasons as the 1994 and 1995 model year. ford has admitted to this problem being present, yet is not taking any action to rectify the situation for owners of vehicles with the same engine installed in newer model years. *ak
03/23/200001/01/1997
 After three fairly reliable years and only 58,000 miles, i have had head gaskets blown and a transmission that is showing signs of failure. after researching on the internet, i see that i am not alone in having these problems with the windstar. i have never felt compelled to complain about a vehicle before. the thought of this car leaving my family stranded on a busy stretch of freeway (which it almost did) due to a premature engine failure and factory defect is inexcusable.*ak
07/01/1997
 Engine repaired at customer cost of $1300.00 1995 windstar had engine recall and manufacturer stood behind product. same basic configuration in the 1996 model. ford should cover. *ak
10/13/1999106/01/1996
 Ford is coming up with some type of re-embursement for the 1995 windstars but how about the 1996 windstars. we are having the same head gasket problems as the 1995s. *ak
03/24/2000
 While driving down the street anti-freeze had leaked out, and engine check light came on. took vehicle to the local mechanic. mechanic said it was a head gasket problem. contacted dealer and manufacturer who were not able to help. *ak
 While vehicle was parked, owner noticed an oil leak. this was due to a blown engine head gasket. dealer is offering an extended warranty. *ak
03/22/2000206/01/1999
 Engine head gasket head replaced within six months of ownership with original owner. now new engine is needed because a second gasket head has cracked and ruined engine. this does not seem reasonable within a four year period. ford has denied claim for repairs.
01/17/2000103/01/1996
 Rods in the engine broke for no apparent reason. ford said that it was not their problem. *ak
01/17/2000103/01/1996
 Rods in the engine broke for no apparent reason. ford said that it was not their problem. *ak
03/01/20000
 Engine head gaskets were leaking coolant. consumer was told by manufacturer that this problem has been recognized by the manufacture in canada, and that the warranty was extended to the us for 7 yrs/ 100000 miles. *ak
03/01/2000108/01/1998
 The premature failure of the 3.8l engine head gasket was first noticed by myself during a routine inspection of my fluid levels and engine compartment. what i noticed was what appeared to be a coolant leak around the head gaskets. under more constant supervision my wife and i observed other symptoms which include a more constant drop in the coolant level and a loss of heat when the heating system was operating. these symptoms seemed seriuos so we decided not to drive the vehicle until it has been serviced. through friends and relatives we have discovered that this problem is occuring with many windstar owners so we have decided to further research this matter which is how we have come across your site. please contact us with any updates you may have on this matter. thank you. *ak
03/09/2000
 When filling vehicle with gasoline engine check light would come on. this happened twice last year. owner's manual indicated that after three starts engine check light did not go off. then brought vehicle to the dealer to be checked. engine was running very rough. contacted the dealer, advised consumer on 9-mar-2000 that there was a problem with the head gasket.
03/12/200008/01/1996
 The check engine light came on and we took it to the local dealer, who checked it and discovered that the head gaskets had blown and that the timing cover gasket and the front engine gasket were needing to be replaced as well. and we suspect that the transmission is also going out. we talked with the service advisor who told us that it was not part of the recall isssued by ford motor co. we contacted bill at ford motor co. employee number 2556 and he also informed us that there really wasn't anything that they could do as it wasn'tcovered under the extended warranty just issued by ford motor co. we have looked on the web and have discovered numerous other people who have had the same problem with their 1996 ford windstar. we would like some help in this matter. thankyou the estimated cost for all repairs are $2000.00. *ak
03/13/2000104/01/1996
 3.8 liter engine 44,000 miles and the head gasket failed. this is the same problem with the 1995 windstar that ford is now addressing. my quoted price to get fixed was over $1600. the dealership contacted ford and they agreed to pay less then 3/4 of the cost. i am responsible to pay $495 to fix the part. i contacted ford and told them that i thought this was obscene that a 4 yr old vehicle driven as a family vehicle with no heavy duty work could have a castrophic engine failure. of course i got nowhere. i still don't understand why they will fix the 95 windstar and not reimburse me for mine? *ak
03/13/2000111/01/1996
 No summary listed for above vehicle. *ak
03/13/2000104/01/1996
 3.8 liter engine 44,000 miles and the head gasket failed. this is the same problem with the 1995 windstar that ford is now addressing. my quoted price to get fixed was over $1600. the dealership contacted ford and they agreed to pay less then 3/4 of the cost. i am responsible to pay $495 to fix the part. i contacted ford and told them that i thought this was obscene that a 4 yr old vehicle driven as a family vehicle with no heavy duty work could have a castrophic engine failure. of course i got nowhere. i still don't understand why they will fix the 95 windstar and not reimburse me for mine? *ak
03/13/2000111/01/1996
 No summary listed for above vehicle. *ak
03/13/2000104/01/1996
 3.8 liter engine 44,000 miles and the head gasket failed. this is the same problem with the 1995 windstar that ford is now addressing. my quoted price to get fixed was over $1600. the dealership contacted ford and they agreed to pay less then 3/4 of the cost. i am responsible to pay $495 to fix the part. i contacted ford and told them that i thought this was obscene that a 4 yr old vehicle driven as a family vehicle with no heavy duty work could have a castrophic engine failure. of course i got nowhere. i still don't understand why they will fix the 95 windstar and not reimburse me for mine? *ak
11/22/1999109/01/1996
 Headgasket failure. ford is holding to their mileage limit, although mileage has no bearing (no moving parts). 95 and 96 windstars w/ 3.8l have horrible history of headgasket failures. ford's own service plan allowed unlimited mileage for 95's through 98. no similar plan for 96's. ford also refuses to reply in writing. will only reply via phone. *ak
02/25/2000112/01/1995
 Engine missed/surged for several months beginning 4th quarter 1999. several attempts made by two ford dealers to determine problem. langdale ford finally diagnosed as blown head gasket, number 2 cylinder. said chronic problem exists with this engine and there have been recalls,but not for our specific year yet. ford refuses to recognize problem or cover part (or all)of cost in spite of the fact that they are currently (2/28/2000) recalling the 1995 version of our engine. *ak
02/12/199902/01/1998
 This failure stranded my wife and children along the side of a busy highway. it was a catastrophic failure of the main head gasket and has resulted in repair cost exceeding 2200 dollars at this point. ford is not willing to admit the defect, even though my preliminary research indicates that hundreds of other windstar owners are experiencing the same problem of premature failure. please help us get justice by forcing ford to repair/replace the defective parts at reduced or no cost!!! *ak
1
 Both engine head gaskets have blown at 69,000 miles, causing anti-freeze to leak onto spark plugs. owner will have to pay for repairs. *ak *ml
01/15/2000
 Ford has been giving me the run around about repairing my windstar. they claim that it is not covered under their silent extended warantee because it was built in the wrong place. they contend that vans built where mine was were fine as far as the head gasket is concerned. also, the wayside ford dealership in marlboro ma lied to me and told me that the coverage was for 50,000 and not 60,000 miles, so i didnt qualify. *ak
 Engine head gaskets have blown, causing water coolant to leak into the oil pan . dealer and manufacturer have been notified. *ak
12/02/1997504/01/1997
 We took our windstar in at the first initial failure(12-2-97). the engine check light had come on, so we took it to the ford garage closest to our residence. we were told at that time that there was nothing wrong, and that should the engine check light come back on that it should reset itself in a few days.... not to worry. this happened 6-7 times afterward with the light always going off after 3 cold starts. but when we would take a long trip. it would start all over. in oct. of this year (1999) the light came and and did not go off. when we took it to the dealer where we bought it, they said it needed a tune-up. ($217.00) we took it home and the next day we took it back because the light came back on. the dealer said it needed a new 02 sensor (approx. $100.00) the next day the light came on again. we took it back. the dealer said it was the computer, which they replaced at no cost. light came back on. took it back. said the alternator was magnatized. new alternator didn't help. finally the told us that it possibly could be the engine head gasket. their estimate is $1200 which we cant afford. there was a recall for the 1995 windstars for the same exact problem. but because my windstar is a 1996 ford is un-willing to help. my windstar was manufactured in jan of 1996. so i am sure that that engine has the same defect of the 1995 engine. i want to stress how fustrated i am with ford motor company in their stance on this matter. they really don't care how safe the vehicle is. *ak
09/01/199909/01/1997
 Defective engine head gasket that ford is refusing to repair. *ak
10/20/1999210/01/1995
 I took the automobile in for oil change and asked mechanic to look at heater because it didn't seem to be heating properly. that's where the nightmare began. the mechanic called and said there was water in #4 cylinder which i have learned is a problem with 3.8l engines which ford was aware of for some time. the car was towed to ford where the intake gasket and the 18 sensors were replaced. inspite of the noted sludge, they failed to drop the oil pan and sent me on my way into the dark with a car which had not been test driven. the car broke down in less than 5 miles. now i'm being told i need a new engine. shouldn't the engine last longer than 125,000 miles? why did i have to have it tuned up at 100,000 if the engine is only suppose to last another 25,000 miles? ford has proven negligent in dealing with the problems with the 3.8l engine. had my car not broken down that night, the next morning i would have set out at 5:15am on i-20 and i285 in atlanta. it was by the grace of god that this car broke down so quickly when they failed to repair it properly. *ak
10/20/1999
 Owner took vehicle to mechanic to have tire changed & noticed the engine head gaskets was leaking coolant on manifold/front timing chain. if engine ran dry, would have seized . was very hard to warm up. manufacturer knows of problem. *ak
10/21/1999111/01/1995
 Head gaskets fail on the 3.8 l engine. ford will not fix. they had a recall in 1998, 98m01 but will not fix after jan 1999.
 Engine head gasket cracked, resulting in oil leakage. the dealer has been notified. *ak
 Engine head gasket blew out, allowing coolant to leak inside the engine compartment. dealer has replaced engine head gasket once before, for the same defect. problem is occurring again. *ak
04/26/1999101/01/1997
 Computer codes indicate a head gasket failure
02/27/1999107/01/1998
 I am reporting this problem due to the fact that ford motor fails to admit there is a problem. i have spoken to many garages in the cincinnati area and they have had to replace many head gaskets. the mechanics at castrucci ford said they have repaired two windstars and were working on the third. this problem could cause catastophic engine failure and possibly result in an accident!!!! i feel that ford should recall these vehicles.
12/14/1998108/01/1998
 Leak in gasket for timing chain cover not covered under warranty because i am not the original owner. *ak
08/01/1998
 Head engine blew while driving vehicle on the highway at apporx. 55mph on a normal road condition. vehicle was taken to dealer, repairs were made at the cost to consumer. consumer pointed out that a manufacturer's. recall was done to 1994-1995, concerning head gasket. *ak
08/29/1997103/01/1996
 Engine bearings failed.
05/17/1998
 While driving the van about 30 mph heard a popping noise. when owner looked under the van the rear connecting rod was broken in half. the van will be repaired. *ak
12/01/1996105/01/1996
 Right oil pump gasket failed.
03/17/1998
 Engine cylinder head failed due to a manufacturing defect.
03/01/1998604/02/1997
 Outer hood panel separated from body of vehicle prior to recall (97v-180). in addition, replaced front electric door latch/multifunctioned wiper switch/windshield wiper switch/engine cylinder head gaskets due to coolant leak, and differential seal.
12/09/19972
 Blown engine gasket and speedometer off by five miles (recalled).
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING - ENGINE - GASOLINE
12/14/20071
 I own a 1996 ford windstar with a 3.8l v-6 engine. the vehicle currently has about 72,000 miles on it. it is now in the shop with a blown head gasket that will require a new long-block motor and possibly the replacement of the catalytic converter because antifreeze/oil was passing through it due to the gasket failure. i'm currently looking at a $5,800 bill to repair the vehicle. my query to ford motor company resulted in a response that they can't do anything for me...that there are no warranties, recalls or customer satisfaction programs on my vehicle. my research shows that there are a ton of complaints of blown head gaskets in the 1996 ford windstar, but ford refuses to do anything about it. ford was hit with class action suits regarding the 1995 ford windstar that has the same problem and eventually agreed to extend the 1995 windstar warranty period. head gaskets should last the life of the vehicle. it should not fail at 72,000 miles. my vehicle had all of the required maintenance performed when they were due. this is not a case of a neglected vehicle from a maintenance perspective. ford needs to step up and take corrective action. the service rep has told me that if they can't get a re-built in the next couple of days, it will probably be next week before the repairs will be completed. next week is christmas. this was my first ford product that i purchased. it will be the last. any company that has this much disloyalty to its customers can not expect any loyalty in return. their actions speak volumes to the lack of quality control in their product, customer service and, quite frankly, any sense of common decency. a proper head gasket would have cost them probably under $10.00 when the engine was built. it is now costing me $5,800 to fix their inaptitude and incompetence. *tr
09/27/200683200203/03/2004
 Head gasket for 3.8l v6 ford engine is defective. ford recognizes this for previous model years (1994-1995), but does not for my model. ford has tsb for this problem for their dealers and service centers, as it is a common problem for the 1996 - and 3.8l engines of that time across their product line according to center for auto safety, this is a part that should never need changing. furthermore, according to a ford dealer service manager, ford at 7 years and 78k miles do not want to repair the defect. the dealer i bought this vehicle from did not disclose that this car was past any defect recall and was past time to take action with ford. (there is another issue with their climate controls on this minivan as well, as they ceased to function - and that is another item that should not fail unless defective.) in any case, the head gasket is very expensive to repair/replace, and should not need to be replaced during the lifetime of a vehicle. *jb
12/29/2003118000403/09/1997
 Our 1996 ford windstar gl, which we purchased new, has 118000. we have experienced a broken (bouncing) speedometer, dome light malfunctioned, abs and brake light malfunctioned, and more recently, leaking coolant which is linked to a blown head gasket and check engine warnings. the cost has been astronomical. according to many other consumers, all of these issues are common with the 96 model. please investigate whether ford intends to make any recalls regarding these issues. *ak
1
 Consumer noticed vehicle was surging . also, there was an anti freeze smell. checked engine, and engine check light started flashing. vehicle was serviced, and technician noticed a head gasket problem. *ak
08/13/20031050001
 I have been having problems with my check engine light coming on and staying on since sept. 2000 when vehicle had under 100,000 miles on it. took it to dealer while under warranty. now have a private certified auto tech who does my repairs and code read outs. i have had a tune up at 95,000 miles, and had to have another one at 121,000 miles. had problems with engine stalling while driving down the interstate and up a hlll. in summer of 2001, i had the iac valve changed which corrected the stalling problem. have replaced o-2 sensors at least twice. in past 6 months, the enging has been running very rough and i have a strong smell of gasoline . 2nd tune-up and coil replaced about 2 weeks ago. engine now running very rough and gasoline odor is so strong that you could not light a match in the vehicle. check engine light on again as well as brake and abs light. radiator completely empty for the 2nd time in 2 weeks.*ak
06/08/200371000103/26/1996
 Engine spewing water. diagnosed as freeze plugs blowing 72,000 miles. at 42,000 miles transmission had to be worked on. jumped out of drive to neutral. vehicle has had regular maintenance since purchased new. *jb
04/26/200373000
 96 ford windstar with 3.8 lt v6 ,has blown head gasket,ford says there has been no recall for part with my vin# after looking up problem with vehicle on the web i found numerous complaints about the head gasket for the 94 and 95 models and it seems they have followed over to the 96 models especially with the 3.8 engines. upon calling ford and talking to a representative they said the repair cost were basically im my hands ,i told them from what i read there had been numerous problems with the gaskets in the 96 and for them to go at 73,ooo miles seems a little premature,she basically told me that we were talking in circles and that the 96s had a excellent customer rating and to make a long story short the expense of the repair would be mine. *nlm
01/30/200356000312/31/2000
 This is in reference to what appears to be an excessive number of 1996 ford windstar's with the 3.8 engine having multiple head gasket problems. my vehicle is now having to be replaced after a third head gasket has to be replaced.
03/28/200007/01/2096
 Ford extended warranty on 3.8 l engine for 1995 model due to engine failure caused by defective gasket sets. however, is not doing so for like failure on 1996 model 3.8 l engines. engine seized on our vehicle with approximately 48000 miles despite maintenance and timing chain gasket set replacement an approximately $1200 repair. dt
09/01/20011001/01/2098
 Engine light on. dealership stated that head gasket needed replacement and possible engine damage. found hundreds of complaints on internet relating to defect in 1995-1997 windstars with head gasket problems. ford dealership claims do not know anything about problem. contacting ford, but getting run around and tends not to speak to me since mileage is over 100,000. obvious problem, as evidence by the ability to easily find others with same issue. dealership suggested engine replacement at $4,000 or gasket replace at $1,200. another issue is abs light on. seems to be another issue where known problem with fords, but ford not able to fix. dt
10/21/200210/01/2002
 The engine coolant is leaking into the intake engine manifold. dt
11/03/2002107/01/2097
 A check engine light came on november 3, 2002 and we took the vehicle to mccafferty ford on november 7, 2002. the diagnosis was that the head gaskets were leaking coolant onto the engine and out the tail pipe and shorted the oxygen sensor which caused the check engine light to appear. the estimate to repair the problem is $1,423 (with tax). they also charged me $137.69 for two hours labor to find the problem, even though i experienced several of the symptoms. i did some research about ford windstars and head gasket failures and found out the 1994 and 1995 windstars were recalled to fix the same problem. but, there is not a recall for 1996 even though i found thousands of complaints on-line. i have spoke to mccafferty ford service representative richard h. mitchell on november 8, 2002 and he said there is nothing they can do if the vehicle is over 100,000 miles. (well, my vehicle would of been less than 100,000 if there was a recall earlier) i then contacted the ford customer assistance center to get an answer. ford representative bill (#2072) said that there wasn't a recall on the 1996 windstars, so there is nothing they can do (mileage didn't matter). i was told to keep my receipts in case there was a recall. i found online that there are 1996 windstar owners that have had this problem fixed for free or a fraction of the cost, by the dealers. our local mechanic (d&d auto service in mechanicsburg) said that he has seen this problem often. also, that the head gaskets in a modern car should last the lifetime of the vehicle (at least 120,000 miles). we also got an estimate from jackson's automotive (because d&d doesn't do extensive repairs) in camp hill to repair the head gasket problem for around $800, which is over $600 less then mccafferty ford's estimate. dt
10/23/200209/01/2098
 No summary. dt
 Consumer states of having problems with the engine. please add more details.
201/01/2002
 While driving, the check engine light illuminated, consumer stated three sensors had to be replaced, a few weeks later there was a knocking sound coming from the engine compartment, the vehicle was taken to the dealer where the consumer was informed that the engine needed to be replaced.*jb
04/04/2002102/01/2098
 Vehicle has extended warranty which just expired. ford regional representative rejected request for assistance. complaint letter sent to wc ford. $1673.38 paid for repair of defects. no safety defect listed. *ak
07/31/2002107/01/2000
 No summary listed for above vehicle. *ak
08/29/200204/01/2098
 Engine failure at 88,000 miles, rough idle at times, computer replaced at 75,000 miles, head gasket blew, causing engine to fail.*ak
07/31/2002
 No summary listed for above vehicle. *ak
08/19/200210/01/2001
 Need to replace speedometer head, replaced tie rod, front and rear brakes, cylinders, head gasket and now engine blew need new engine. *ak
01/01/19011
 Consumer stated that due to a factory defect, the engine had to be replaced. it was brought to consumers attention by the service manager that ford motor company had a factory recall on the 1994 and 1995 models for the same problem. *yd *nm
06/15/2002112/23/1995
 At 60-65 mph, engine blewout with no warning and could have caused an accident. cause unknown. dealer notified. *ak personal mechanic found broken connecting rod which damaged two cylinders and crankshaft. connecting rod experienced metal fatigue due to faulty manufacturing. engine needs to be replaced. *tt
06/04/19981
 When stopping at a light, engine sometimes will die. vehicle would lunge forward after pulling off from a stop. took vehicle to dealer, they replaced something, and two weeks later problem reoccurred. *ak the engine stalls whenever more than one device is turned on at the same time. this problem makes it impossible to turn head lights and windshield wipers on together. the vehicle also shakes violently after being driven for few hours. *yh
05/25/2001101/26/1999
 After driving for 2 minutes the temperature gauge went to hot. consumer took vehicle to dealer, and they replaced head gasket. *ak engine overheats due to head gaskets and timing cover gasket failure . consumer stated that windshield was cracked after repair. *yh
1
 The engine malfunctioned. *yh
05/01/2099
 Had on numerous occasion taken my 1996 ford windstar for engine light was told problem fixed only to have light come back on. proceeded to have all work done due to not being able to afford another vehicle. while searching for aditional information concerning this problem discovered that this is known ford motor problem with this model. if this known by the company as known defect why has nothing been to resolve this beside having the consumer to absorb the financial burden of fixing a known manufacturer's defect.*ak
05/29/2001
 Engine has gone out, causing smoke to come out of tail pipe.*ak
12/01/2001103/01/1998
 Consumer states that engine failed, consumer believes engine failure is by factory related defects, also the timing cover gasket failed at 65,454. *yd
02/15/2002
 Vehicle misfires. consumer found water in oil and exhaust. took vehicle to dealer and dealer stated that it was a blown head gasket. engine needed to be replaced. please provide any further information.*ak
02/15/2002
 Vehicle was misfiring. consumer took vehicle to dealer, and they stated that engine needed to be replaced. please provide any further information.*ak
02/15/2002
 While driving vehicle intermittently stalled. *ak
12/23/2001111/01/1995
 After driving about 4 hours from alabama with 1 or 2 stops we stopped at the sc welcome center for 5 minutes. when we restarted the engine, the oil pressure light came on and the engine started making a noise. we drove about 20 miles, then had the van towed to fairway ford in anderson, sc. we were told the engine needed to be replaced. we authorized a replacement, but asked for a diagnostic to be performed so we would know what caused the old engine to fail. to date, that information has never been revealed to us by ford. ford corp. has been extremely uncooperative in returning phone calls, and has basically told us tough luck.*ak
 While driving ride was very rough. after vehicle was turned off; then hours later, tried to restart engine, and there was a stutter/ was not turning on. also, there was a cloud of steam from engine. mechanic stated the engine had to be replaced.*ak
07/17/2001102/01/1997
 No summary listed for above vehicle. *ak
01/30/2002108/01/1996
 Appears to be a known problem with ford windstars after 50,000 miles, however ford refuses to address the problem in existing vechicles.* no safety defect listed. *ak
11/10/2001106/01/2000
 On 11-10-01 noticed cool air coming from heater. checked coolant level and added way more than just topping it off. the next moring the engine was seized up. local ford dealer quoted me 3600.00 for a new engine. there is water in the oil. *ak
12/17/200105/01/1996
 I brought it while i was living in toronto, ontario. the exact mileage is 98881km (not k-miles). i have contacted ford but ford refused to help on servicing the vehicle. no safety defec tlisted. *ak
01/08/2002108/01/1996
 No summary listed for above vehicle. *ak
12/20/2001105/01/1998
 Major engine failure at 72,201 miles. all maintenance work peerformed by dealer
12/07/2001103/01/1998
 Engine check light came on. rough idle. tune-up performed. oxygen sensor replaced. engine check light is now off. two days later, engine check light is back on and rough idle returns. replaced oxygen sensor and plug wires. next day, driving car and temperature gauge falls almost all the way to cold side. heater blowing out just a little warm. pressure tested engine. leakage in a cylinder. upon teardiown, head gasket has failed leaking coolant into engine.
08/10/1999312/27/1998
 Engine check light and the air bag light would intermittentl/simutaneously come on and cause loss of acceleration while traveling at highway speed. dealer notified. *ak consumer was informed that vehicle had a transmission leak, the speedometer was acting erractically, parking brake and brakes were inoperative,also the power windows were inoperative.*slc
 Head gasket failed, and then soon after engine stalled. contacted dealer, and dealer was not willing to do anything. *ak
08/18/20011
 The engine overheated and then died. it was determined this happened because of ford's faulty head gaskets. we had to replace the engine.
10/17/2001112/01/1996
 They have recalled 94 and 1995 versions of the same engine. problem not fixed.*ak
1
 The engine malfunctioned. *yh
08/28/2001112/01/1998
 Oil contamination. found oil in the coolnat. dealer inspection concludes that this is a blown head gasket. an exact problem caused a major recall for the same engine for the years 94-95. no recall yet for year 1996. growing amount of reports show that this problem exists on the 1996 model that carries the same engine. dealer recommends to replace the engine block at a cost of $4000. i am expecting ford to pick up these charges due to the reasons stated above.*ak
07/20/200033
 Engine stalls unexpectedly on warm to hot days. causes loss of steering and braking and handling of vehicle. engine stalls during normal operation, at intersections, needing to steer off the road to avoid collisions. engine needs to cool down for 20 minutes before it will turn over. recent newspaper article reported major collisons leading in death or severe injury because of this engine failure. cases pending in california. ford needs to be pressured by the nhtsa to have a recall of this tfi module which is positioned improperly on engine before more incidents occur or the tfi module needs to be redesigned to withstand more heat so that engine does not shut down while driving. we are afraid to drive the vehicle and need to have action taken now before something serious happens.*ak
1
 Timing cover seal was leaking, upon having this problem fixed, the engine began making a knocking noise, engine was replaced. *slc
05/01/1999105/01/1999
 Have fought with ford about losing power and vehicle stalling since owning the car. also find that many others(on web 'windstar head defect' search) have had the same problem. i have also had two ford mechanics unofficialy admit that there is a design flaw in the 1996 windstars. ford, after being badgered, said they would cover my engine to 100,000 miles and are reniging now that it has completely blown. i just want a car that is safe for my family. help me. *ak
01/18/2001101/01/1997
 Original transmission failed at 37900 mi. - detected when trans fluid leaked onto hot engine part and smoked. original warranty expired at 36,000 mi. dealer told me that fmc would sell me an extended powertrain warranty for $250. the warranty would cover the previously diagnosed transmission failure and would cover any other major trans/engine problems up to 75,000 miles, provided i am still the owner of the vehicle. i purchased the extended warranty and was glad i did when the replaced trans failed ta 42,952 miles. the dealer replaced that trans, i had to pay a $50 deductible. in jan. 2001 (58,100 miles) the warranty had to be used again. this time it was for upper and lower manifold seals. however, this time it would cost me $213 because they also had to replace the spark plugs, which were not covered by the extended warranty. just last month, 6/22/2001 the vehicles engine light came on again, just as it had in january 2001. the vehicle was running rough, stalling, engine was 'misfiring. the end result this time was replacement of the spark plug wires, coil assembly, a-s sensor, and a spark plug. this vehicle was sold to me as not needing a tune-up until 100,000 miles. sure sounds to me like i've already had that tune-up and i'm only 1t 65,000 miles!! then theres the a/c problem(s). in june the a/c was only blowing air through my defrost vents on top of the dash. the dealer repaired a vacuum leak and now they replaced a high psi switch, cost was $100 each time. *ak
 No summary listed for abov evehicle. *ak
01/02/20011
 While driving vehicle just all of a suuden stopped running, consumer had vehicle towed to dealership and it was determined that a new engine was needed, according to mechanic there was no oil pressure. *jb
03/31/2001
 Took vehicle to dealer 6 times since october 2000 for engine knocking/ shaking/ engine light on, and engine missing. dealer could not remedy. then on 31 mar ch, 2001 vehicle was started. driven about 10 yards when consumer heard a big bang, engine stalled. towed to dealer who found coolant was coming out of exhaust. engine needed to be replaced.*ak
03/26/2001103/01/1995
 Check engine light flashes and at times remains on. the engine hesitates while acceleration. per the dealer the engine head gasket has developed a small crack which allows coolant to seep into the engine and cause an occational misfire. the dealer stated that this is not covered under the warranty and will cost $1,800 to repair. per nhtsa recall report in 1995 the same engine and in windstars were recalled for the same issue. also simlar issue noted in 1996 windstar complaintss.
03/10/200001/01/1999
 White smoke coming from tailpipe/loss of antifreeze. took van to dealer. going to cost over 2000 dollars to fix. with the same problem happening to so many people who own 1996 windstar, you would think something could be done about this. no safety defect listed. *ak
03/06/2001104/01/1998
 No summary listed for above vehicle. *ak
07/01/200008/01/1997
 Ford knows about the problems these vehicles are having but they refuse to fix them. no safety defect listed. *ak
 No summary listed for above vehicle. *ak
01/15/200106/01/1998
 Ford said my motor made in august 95. recall issued for motors made in june july. no safety defect mentioned. *ak
01/02/2001104/01/1996
 Ford no help. need new motor. told to have nice day. will get fixed,fight with ford and if no satisfaction will trade on japanese model.like the wind star , don't like being treated like an idiot. had fords all my life, this in all probability, will be my last one.qc is job 1 my ass.
01/22/20011
 Vehicle's blower was working, however no heat was coming out, vehicle continued to experience heating problems and dealer found coolant was low, 2 weeks later check engine light illuminated and short time later, vehicle overheated, dealer stated to consumer that vehicle needed a new engine. *slc
10/12/200011/01/1995
 Leaking antifreeze at timing cover gasket. windstars have become known for head and timing cover gasket leaks. repairs estimated to be $700 - $900 to replace a $7 gasket which ford knows it has a problem. ford should be made to reimburse customers expenses and issue recall on other affected vehicles. fords customer service needs attention. problem started in early october 2000 with loss of heat for heater operation. i noticed antifreeze level was low and refilled. heat returned. vehicle was under extended warranty until november 2000. about mid november noticed antifreeze leaking onto driveway. gilboy ford has confirmed timing cover gasket leak. i am on full time disability and feel ford should be footing the bill for this repair. thank you for you assistance
11/01/1996
 No summary listed for above vehicle. *ak
12/20/2000110/01/1996
 Loss of collant in engine.dealer explained that this is a common problem and would cost from $1200 to $1500 to repair. dealer also added that that motor is a time bomb trouble code in computer is po301 (misfire at #1 cylinder). ford no help, considering they admit that it is a common problem that happens anywhere after 60000 miles. *ak
12/20/1999112/01/1995
 Ford recalled all cars with this engine except the 1996. my windstar was manufactured in july 1995 using the same engines that were put in the 1995 cars. *ak
11/01/2000106/01/1997
 Ford has been unwilling to discuss with me. i've called and written to no avail.*ak
07/19/200001/01/1996
 Engine light on, engine misfires,rough
04/29/2000101/01/1996
 I have had the windstar in again, with same symptoms as before. have an appointment tonight to see exactly whats wrong. van runs terrible again. no safety defect listed. *ak
08/11/2000101/01/1998
 No summary
01/06/20002507/01/1996
 Engine light comes on, stays on engine runs rough. this continued form january to july with vehical going in to shop as much as 5 times in one day . sayville ford on last arrival said head gasket falure as in all windstars from 1995 and 96. they said this in january and every vist after that until the last one when white smoke came out of exhaust. then they said replace head gaskets. at this time they found the number 1 cylinder rod bent and i would need a new engine. they still have the vehical and want me to pay for damages i will not seeing they should have fixed it in the begining. i called ford motor company and they would not step in saying the delership and the car is my problem. i even asked for the factory rep to look into this problem and was told the delership would have to request him. they will not call him where do people turn for a fair shake? please call me ?!!
12/01/19991
 The engine failed due to defect in manufacturing. yh
04/01/2000111/01/1996
 Dealer has told us entire engine must be replaced. *ak
05/06/2000105/01/1998
 Engine made loud noise, then cut out. no warning lights came on at all. had to put newer engine in. *ak
04/21/2000108/01/1998
 I have had nothing but problems with this ford windstar since i purchased it in 8/98. in july of 99 my vehicle would not start and then it became a stalling problem. for 3 mths the dealership could not find the problem. then on april 21,00 the coil spring broke, and the spring was jammed into our tire while doing 70 on the west virginia turnpike. luckily we were not killed or injured. ford has received a letter concerning these issue's and has not responded. *ak
04/14/2000
 Vehicle shut off when making turns or if stopping on a hill. no warning. lights came on. *ak
02/01/2000109/01/1997
 Leaking oil onto engine resulting in all new seals, gaskets and head gasket, due to failure.
03/23/200001/01/1997
 After three fairly reliable years and only 58,000 miles, i have had head gaskets blown and a transmission that is showing signs of failure. after researching on the internet, i see that i am not alone in having these problems with the windstar. i have never felt compelled to complain about a vehicle before. the thought of this car leaving my family stranded on a busy stretch of freeway (which it almost did) due to a premature engine failure and factory defect is inexcusable.*ak
03/10/2000111/01/1998
 No summary listed for above vehicle. *ak
03/01/2000305/01/1996
 There have been numerous failures of systems in my van. the engine must be replaced, the speedometer is out again. *ak
02/01/2000112/01/1996
 I reported engine hesitation during acceleration to ford (dealer)on numerous occasions. they always claimed that they could not duplicate the problem. i reported rough running engine when starting, which they said they could not duplicate. i serviced the vehicle frequently to keep all systems functioning well. now, that the gaskets have failed, the dealer tells me that the hesitation and rough running are symptoms of head gasket failure. of course, now i'm out of warranty. so ford has offered to repair both failed gaskets and all related repairs and to extend my drivetrain warranty to 75k miles if i pay $495.00. i have refused. my car sits unusable in my driveway. *ak
01/06/2000102/01/1999
 No summary listed for above vehicle. *ak
09/01/199908/01/1996
 Check engine light has been on since 9/99. several repair attempts have been made, 2 diagnostics performed. fred beans ford has been unable to correctly diagnose and remedy problem. manufacture offering no assistance.
07/16/199920
 When decelerating the van will stall. this has happened at all speeds. it is a very intermittent problem. also very dangerous. while on vacation, and traveling on major highways at 60-65 mph the van would stall when letting off the accelerator. we would have to immediately pull off to the side of the road. there was one near collision with a tractor trailer that was following to close. i have spent over $200 at 2 ford dealerships and they say they cannot find anything wrong. this is an extrememly dangerous situation. the problem does not occur if the fuel level is kept at 75% or above.
6
 When the vehicle hits a bump engine cuts off. has happened 6 times. dealer has seen vehicle 6 times. also dealer replaced a screw that held the grounding for the fuel pump. *ak
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING - ENGINE - GASOLINE - BELTS AND ASSOCIATED PULLEYS
02/28/20013
 The serpentine belts has been replaced three times since the consumer purchased the vehicle. *jb
06/26/2001205/01/2000
 Head gasket failed and was replaced, also a new engine cover was put on, a little over a year later the head gasket had to be replaced again and the engine had to be cleaned and milled due to the sludge build up, serpentine belt noisy. *slc
1
 Drive belt failed. nlm
02/16/200012/13/1996
 Was driving vehicle when a loud noise was heard. suddenly everything failed. there were no power brakes or steering. could hear motor still going. all dashboard lights came on. vehicle ended up in someone elses yard. owner checked vehicle & found tensioner bar on the drive belt broke, causing loss 0f control. *ak *ml
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING - EXHAUST SYSTEM
07/01/2010125000
 I purchased a 1996 ford windstar van 3.0 l in june 2010. i have had numerious issues with this vehicle from day 1 to current most dangerous is the blowing spark plug which has blown out 2 times forcing me to drive it to a place where it could be parked for repair first time blow out was 7 days after purchase repaired by a mechanic now 2000 miles later again blew out ford should be ashamed of themselves for ignoring such a huge hazard this could seriously ignight fuel fumes and cause a major fire, explosion while some one is driving with there children to find a repair shop unaware of the danger and damage this could cause, second issue is a failing shifting modual or tranny and this has happend alot driving and all of a sudden the vans transmision shifts to a 1st or 2nd gear causing exstream change in speed and in heavy traffic we have almost been rearended several times due to this issue, vessil must be pulled over and trans reset by shifting to park and sometimes shutting off the vehicle and starting it again.ford dealer gave us a 3000. estimate to replace transmission and told us we would continue to replace trans aprox every 70,000 miles this is a chump way to build cars and they have managed to get more money out of repairs than sales i will never own another ford again safe or not. ford should be forced to reclaim all these dangerouse vehicles and replace all money spent on repairs and purchase of the vehicles due to indagerment and there is no way they didnt know about these problems.
08/15/200188580
 Check engine light on, white smoke emitting from tailpipe, missing, wildly erratic speedometer at 35-40, rear air blows hot. replacements: had gaskets, lower intake gaskets, upper intake gaskets, spark plugs, wires, thermostat, gasket, ? belt, timing cover, timing cover gasket, water pump. speedometer and a/c problem not yet fixed.
1
 Problems with gas fumes coming from the exhaust system.*mr( doris stewart on behalf of her parents robert stewart and jacqueline stewart).*ts. the vehicle overheated at idle, the dealer replaced the head gaskets, the air condition stopped working and there was a problem with the power train control module. *jb
02/15/2002
 Vehicle misfires. consumer found water in oil and exhaust. took vehicle to dealer and dealer stated that it was a blown head gasket. engine needed to be replaced. please provide any further information.*ak
 Exhaust fumes entered into vehicle. *ak
 Consumer noticed a very bad odor in the passenger's compartment. consumer contacted the dealer, dealer unable to determine the cause. *ak *ml
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING - EXHAUST SYSTEM - EMISSION CONTROL
 This complaint consist of four failures that are engine related: (1) head gasket failed while being driven, and leaked fluid onto hot engine. (2) timing gasket failed along with gasket failing. (3) intake manifold runners failed, and the check engine light came on. the van is undrivable. (4) faulty main engine bearings. please describe details. *ak
05/01/2002
 Head gasket failed, leaking coolant into cylinder, fouling spark plugs and oxygen sensors. problem has been ongoing since vehicle had 95,000 miles. dealer was notified. please provide more information.*ak
107/21/1999
 Consumer stated the oxygen sensor failed. *yh
12/07/2001103/01/1998
 Engine check light came on. rough idle. tune-up performed. oxygen sensor replaced. engine check light is now off. two days later, engine check light is back on and rough idle returns. replaced oxygen sensor and plug wires. next day, driving car and temperature gauge falls almost all the way to cold side. heater blowing out just a little warm. pressure tested engine. leakage in a cylinder. upon teardiown, head gasket has failed leaking coolant into engine.
03/09/2001206/01/2000
 We bought this van 07/25/00, since then it has had head gasket replacement, and two engines, 0-2 sensors, heater plug, now the pcm, we have only driven our van for @ 6 months, all repairs have been done at dealership, today is 11/24/01. and our van is at the dealership as i submit this. i have copy of all records. thank you, john
05/16/2001
 Engine (3.8l) was leaking coolant onto engine cylinder. also, oxygen sensor needs to be replaced. *ak
10/15/2000210/01/1998
 What's with the o2 sensors? this is the second time it went bad. don't they know how to make a good quality parts?*ak
12/01/1998
 Head gaskets had to be replace, engine light came on and started to blink. taken into mechanic who said that the head gaskets had to be replace along with a few oxygen sensors. is going to cost approx. $1,800. ford told us that the 96's were not covered under the extended warranty, even though these probably still have the same bad parts.
09/12/2000101/01/1998
 Please,we are parents whit 3 kids,is very hard for us to pay this extra money for this defect vehicle , to this moment we changed:transmission -twice 02sensor (transmission)-catylitic converter left/raight-coil ignition system ,we get this car whit 48.000mi. on 1998 .for my all family and the good name of the ford deller tanks for yuo help. *ak
05/22/2000108/01/1999
 I was informed by crissman lincoln/ mercury that my head gaskets are leaking on my windstar. this is a frequent enough problem that they informed me that if i payed the first $500 that ford would pay for the rest of the repair. previous to getting this informatio i had to replace all four oxygen sensors and part of the catalytic converter. i have now been told that these became defective as a result of the engine coolant leaking into the engine. in addition to this at only 49000 the front coil spring broke while parked in the driveway. ford has no springs in stock and there are no aftermarket parts being made yet. are these springs defective?*ak
12/02/1997504/01/1997
 We took our windstar in at the first initial failure(12-2-97). the engine check light had come on, so we took it to the ford garage closest to our residence. we were told at that time that there was nothing wrong, and that should the engine check light come back on that it should reset itself in a few days.... not to worry. this happened 6-7 times afterward with the light always going off after 3 cold starts. but when we would take a long trip. it would start all over. in oct. of this year (1999) the light came and and did not go off. when we took it to the dealer where we bought it, they said it needed a tune-up. ($217.00) we took it home and the next day we took it back because the light came back on. the dealer said it needed a new 02 sensor (approx. $100.00) the next day the light came on again. we took it back. the dealer said it was the computer, which they replaced at no cost. light came back on. took it back. said the alternator was magnatized. new alternator didn't help. finally the told us that it possibly could be the engine head gasket. their estimate is $1200 which we cant afford. there was a recall for the 1995 windstars for the same exact problem. but because my windstar is a 1996 ford is un-willing to help. my windstar was manufactured in jan of 1996. so i am sure that that engine has the same defect of the 1995 engine. i want to stress how fustrated i am with ford motor company in their stance on this matter. they really don't care how safe the vehicle is. *ak
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING - EXHAUST SYSTEM - EMISSION CONTROL - CATALYTIC CONVERTOR
05/09/2002109/01/2096
 When parked in driveway (thank god) i stepped on brake and pedal went to the floor. looked underneath and fluid was flowing off of the catalytic converter. had vehicle towed to nearest dealer (allstar ford, praireville, la) to fix. they advised subject line failed due to corrosion (i have the line and it is corrosion). failure fits nthsa recall 02v101000 except that vehicle was purchased and registered in louisiana, but i have childern in nj and pa and spend time there each winter and have experienced snow and salted roads many times. in any case there should be an implied contract when you purchase a car that a critical component will not fail due to a preventable design error, or if it fails not be repaired by the manufacturer. i believe any vehicle with this failure regardless of place of purchase or registration should be covered by this recall. *ak
10/01/200103/01/2001
 Bought car 3/01-immediately replaced cat. converter. overdrive lt flashing-needed new transmission, torque converter, planetary gears, solenoids; had to realign;speedometer off by at least 10 mph; need new rack & pinion-power steering fluid leaking; nothing but problems have spent so much money and also been without car for over a month -only had it 7 months!
08/03/200008/01/1997
 Nothing but problems since purchasing 1)door ajar light constantly illuminated-all doors checked none ajar 2) engine check light occasionally comes on-happened right after purchase and catalytic converter replaced obviously didn't fix problem 3)occasionally power windows/locks and a/c will go out unless adjustable fan speed turned to high 4)recently front passenger door will open at random usually during a turn-luckily no one sits in that seat 5)speedometer will occasionally flicker higher while driving at speeds greater than 65mph all of these problems have surfaced in the past 1-1.5 yrs and have continued since then. *ak
05/22/2000108/01/1999
 I was informed by crissman lincoln/ mercury that my head gaskets are leaking on my windstar. this is a frequent enough problem that they informed me that if i payed the first $500 that ford would pay for the rest of the repair. previous to getting this informatio i had to replace all four oxygen sensors and part of the catalytic converter. i have now been told that these became defective as a result of the engine coolant leaking into the engine. in addition to this at only 49000 the front coil spring broke while parked in the driveway. ford has no springs in stock and there are no aftermarket parts being made yet. are these springs defective?*ak
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING - EXHAUST SYSTEM - EMISSION CONTROL - CRANKCASE (PCV)
03/31/2003107/01/2000
 The head gasket failed. *jb *ph *nlm
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING - EXHAUST SYSTEM - EMISSION CONTROL - GAS RECIRCULATION VALVE (EGR VALVE)
105/05/2000
 Manifold gasket and head gasket failed causing the vehicle to use excessive amount of coolant and check engine light was illuminated injectors and egr ports were cleaned, 2 months later when the vehicle began smoking thick white smoke, this dealer found that the head gasket had blown and that the consumer was 12 days late for the manufacturer's recall. *slc
10/25/1997
 The defective design of the air intake valve located on the driver's side over the wheel well housing, water accumulated and clogged the air intake valve, causing the engine to stall while driving which almost resulted in an accident. *ak
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING - EXHAUST SYSTEM - MANIFOLD/HEADER/MUFFLER/TAIL PIPE
04/05/2004134000407/01/2002
 I brought my 1996 ford windstar in for an oil change, and was told tie rods failed and needed to be replaced. , then, next day, they phoned and advised me that transmission was defective because the pan was full of shavings, also, power steering rack was leaking, and intake gasket needed replacement. , a total of $5000 to fix this vehicle. i bought it at 118,000 miles, and this happened shortly after owning it for one year. currently, it has 134,000 miles, and cannot be driven. i parked vehicle then started it after being parked for a week. heard a noise from front, and then white smoke came out of the tail pipe. i do believe that paul cornies, the dealer that i purchased vehicle knew that they were selling me a lemon. it has caused me a lot of hardship as i no longer work due to health reasons. i filed for disability insurance, and was told that i had a preexisting disease , and refused to pay the insurance. currently, i have a junker in my driveway that i can't afford to fix , and a bill for the next 3 years, since i still owe for it. i will never buy another ford. *ak
02/18/20051320001
 During routine inspection consumer was informed of leaking head gasket. dealership was notified, but did not resolved the problem. *ak
12/01/20031
 While driving at 30 mph vehicle stalled. smoke was coming from the tail pipe. driver drove the vehicle to dealer for analysis, and mechanic noticed that the head gasket blew out, and the engine needed to be replaced. *ak
11/24/2003138764110/17/1997
 I have several service issues that fall under the technical service bulletins for my 1996 windstar. most recently i took the van to mike shad ford in jacksonville, fl because they had replaced the plugs and wires earlier this year. the engine continues to sputter and after diagnosis, i am told that it needs the following: 02 sensors - pcv tube- egr ports intake gaskets. since the reason i took it to ford in the first place was because of the sputtering and my service advisor tom summers when i told him i wanted a tune-up asked me what i wanted done as if i was the mechanic and knew what was wrong never bothered to have the van checked out. as the advisor, i would expect him to inform me as to the problem. he said that they just do what the customer asks of them. i asked that the plugs and wires be changed as that is all i knew to tell him. there is the incidence of my locks going haywire and rear windows being stuck also the speedometer had to be replaced as it stuck. all of these are on their various tsb. should they not have repaired them at no charge to me? what is the function of a tsb as opposed to a recall? this vehicle was still under warranty when i purchased it. all of the incidences listed here did not occur at the same time. i have listed them never-the-less. the incident date is for intake gasket. it has not been repaired. thanking you in advance, i appreciate your earliest response. *la
06/26/2002206/01/2099
 Carbon has gone through the entire emissions system , manifold needs replacement. *ak
 Upon starting van, owner smelled coolant, and then noticed that van was losing coolant. owner took van to dealership, and they told him that he had a blown intake manifold gasket, which caused coolant to enter into exhaust system. please describe details. *ak
1007/01/2096
 Check engine light came on repeatedly and dealership tried to fix as follows: 8,369 miles - replaced spark plug wires; 14,184 miles replaced bad hego bank; 34,442 miles replaces plugs 4 and 5; 34,479 miles replaced hego #2; 37,843 miles replaced spark plug wires (again); 38,111 miles replaced bad shaft in synchonizer sensor; 44,489 miles replaced defective vacuum elbow; 44,552 miles cleaned resistors and replaced upper intake o rings; 47,420 miles light came on and went off by itself; 50,000+ miles light came on and went off when battery was replaced; 56,000+ miles noticed coolant disappearing from auxillary coolant tank - took in and dealership couldn't find anything wrong but put in dye -- took back in a few weeks when coolant disappeared again - diagnosis: head gasket failure; had head gaskets replaced, but check engine light would not go off and engine was misfiring -- diagnosis: bent rod . *ak
02/01/2001
 Consumer noticed oil beading up in coolant tank. took vehicle to dealership and head gasket and engine manifold gaskets were redesigned and replaced. on april 5th, consumer noticed oil in coolant recovery tank, causing engine check light to come on. vehicle was also misfiring. please provide any additional information/attachments.*ak
03/20/20011
 Had noticed smoke and steam coming from tailpipe out of rear view mirror. engine head gaskets blewout while driving. vehicle kept going after that.*ak the 1995 , 3.8 engine vehicles made by the manufacturer were known for blowing head gasket. *yh
10/01/1997102/17/1996
 Ignition system mis-fired due to two cylinders getting lean mixture and one cylinder getting all exhaust gas when two egr holes became plugged. check engine light started coming on and owner noticed smote coming out of the exhaust.

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