1995 Ford Windstar: engine failure

Filed Feb 27, 2006 · Engine · 76,302 miles · AR

Dt*: the contact stated while driving at 15 MPH in normal conditions, the engine blew a head gasket. The contact noticed white smoke and water coming from the exhaust system. The vehicle was driven back to the residence where it was inspected. The contact discovered the #1 plug was full of water and no repairs were made. Updated 03/22/06.

Filed Jul 13, 2004 · Engine · 74,133 miles · NJ

Took 1995 ford windstar to haldeman ford (this where I purchased the van), because it was overheating, they made the repair which we paid $614.54 and told us that we needed a head gasket, we had an extended warranty for the used vehicle and that was suppose to be included on the warranty, but they told us that because we did not maintenance the car the proper we had to pay for it ourself, and that we had to buy a new engine (not a head gasket like they said at first) and pay out of our pocket $3,000 not including labor. I need to know what steps should we take in order for some one to hear us out. I also have copies of the warranty, receipts for the oil change and the receipt that I had paid for the repair. Thank you .

Filed Jun 23, 2004 · Transmission · CA

My 1995 ford windstar died out one day while parking at a store. It started up again and I ignored it. A month later it made a strange noise so I had it looked at. I was told a piston went out in my engine and I needed a new engine. I replaced it and now it costantlly dies out. I had replaced many parts such as the idle air control motor, idle speed control sensor,mass air flow sensor, and now I am in the process of replacing the powertrain computer module.

Filed Jan 15, 2004 · Engine · 63,165 miles · PA

I experienced 3.8l head gasket/engine failure on april 6, 2003 without any prior symptoms or warnings. Vehicle had just been serviced at 60,000 miles which including flushing the cooling system. Cost of repair is estimated at $3,500.

Filed Jan 15, 2004 · Engine · MI

To whom it may concern, in june of this year(2002) I was shopping for a vehicle for my wife and found a 1995 windstar at pat mccraken ford in dewitt michigan. It was in nice shape and ran good. I had no idea of the headgasket problem that I was about to inherit. Around the middle to the last of november my wife was driving home and it overheated. I replaced the thermostat, radiator cap and waterpump before taking it back to the dealer. He wants to charge me $900.00 to replace the headgaskets not including new heads which might be bad. On a trade-in on something else he only wants to give me $1000.00 for the van, which I know he will fix for his cost and put back on his lot to cheat some other unsuspecting person. What makes me mad is that he knew before he put it on his lot that the 1995 windstar's were prone to engine failures. Being unemployed at the present time I didn't need this problem. Terry

Filed Jan 15, 2004 · Engine · 89,523 miles · NH

The engine headgasket on my ford windstar has failed a total of 4 times in a 4 year period (57117 miles, 57722 miles, 71713 miles and 89523 miles), resulting in total engine failure because of coolant leaking into and fouling internal parts. The initial defective engine design was never addressed and installing new headgaskets provided only a temporary bandaid solution until the extended warranty period ran out.

Filed Jan 15, 2004 · Engine · 78,000 miles · NH

On march 29, 2002, my 1995 ford windstar experienced a knocking sound. Noticing the oil light was on, I immediately pulled into the shopping center nearby. I was amazed when I had to add 3/12 qts. Of oil, which immediately drained out. This vehicle just recently had an oil change, so I know it was not low on oil. The vehicle was towed to autofair of manchester, nh. On april 2nd, I was advised by the service advisor, k. Hamel that the timing cover gasket was the problem and I needed to replace the engine at a cost of $3,639. I also spoke to k. Hamels' boss, and was told no warranty was available. I then called the boston area customer service representative, justin boyson. He proceeded to ask me how I got his name...not, how can I help you? He advised me there was nothing that can be done...there is no program available for my auto. This is an outrage, since ford is well aware of this faulty timing cover gasket which is a known ford defect which was admitted to by the regional reprsentative, and it should be included in the extended 100,000 warranty.

Filed Jan 15, 2004 · Engine, Transmission · VA

Case 1 my family was coming home from vacation when the engine blew while we were on the highway. Smoke came up from under the hood and we were force to stop the van on a crowded highway. Thanks to a nearby truck driver who stopped behind us, we were able to call someone and get to safety. It took a lot of negotiation for me to get ford to take care of this matter, but they finally did. Now again on our recent trip to ga on 08-28-03 while driving home, our check engine light came on and overdrive light started blinking and the transmission blew. Transmission fluid leaked all out and on the back of our van too. It also started smoking underneath the hood and from the tailpipe. We were informed by freedom ford in norfolk va that we had transmission failure. Our check light has come on numerous occasions and despite their action it still keeps coming on. In addition, our overdrive lights blink, our cruise control do not work, the door adjar lights stays on at times even when the doors all locked and causing the inside interiors lights to stay on, our gears do not shift properly and gets stuck between gears and upon acceleration it sometimes hesitates, repaired coolant leak from timing cover gasket and front crankshaft seal, coil ignition, the air condition when on makes these strange noises, etc. Replaced. We are very dissatisfied with ford windstars and have spent more money on repairs than what it was worth. We even still owe on the van. Ford needs to issue a recalll or a refund. This is not a safe vehicle to drive. Please keep me informed. Thanks and god bless.

Filed Jan 15, 2004 · Engine, Transmission · 94,000 miles · WA

Heater core failure that LED to immediate cylinder head cracking that LED to coolant entering engine oil system and total engine failure. Transmission failure of original and replacement transmission. Told by auto parts store employee about the cylinder head recall as his sister owned same 1995 windstar 3.8l, ford had a vendor answering calls. Representative stated that ford had mailed recall information to the wrong address, that is why I never recieved it. Rep unable to explain how ford mailed hood recall info to correct address, but not the cylinder head recall info. Rep refused to address issue further. I would love to taker part in any cylinder head or transmission class action proceeding.

Filed Jan 13, 2004 · Engine, Transmission · 150,000 miles · TX

In june '99 took van in as per owner notification to have head gasket checked. Dealership found nothing. In nov '99 head gasket failed. Ford would not do anything. In dec '99 sent letter to tx state atty general consumer division with lists of complaints found on this web site. In feb '00, ford moved warranty up to 100,000 miles and got refund. In may '00 engine failed. In aug '00 ford replaced engine with another 3.8 l. In sept '00 transmission started failing (but noticed problem since day purchased. Dealership states problem in all windstars, tauruses, and sables. In feb '03, replaced transmission. In nov '03 head gasket fails again in new motor close to 60,000 miles on this motor. Ford will do nothing. Seek help through your state atty general consumers affairs office, send copy of letter to ford, your local bbb, detroit bbb, and consumer reports. Also, my engine cuts off when taking off after stopped with wheels turned sharply left or right.

Filed Nov 25, 2003 · Engine · 66,000 miles · MI

While driving at a normal speed the head gasket blew without warning. The vehicle was towed to the dealer and they replaced the engine. Please provide any further information.

Filed Nov 15, 2003 · Electrical, Steering · OR

1995 ford windstar, transmission failure, electrical gremlins, power steering box failure, engine failure.