1995 Ford Windstar: excessive oil consumption

Filed Jan 15, 2004 · Brakes, Engine · 76,000 miles · WA

The engine was the main problem due to the head gasket recall. In july,2000, we argued with ford about a bad engine running for which we had just paid over $300 to evaluate by an outside repair shop. After about 6 weeks we received our car back with a new long block paid for by ford, including a rental van for the time in the shop. In january 2001 the engine was running rough again and we were charged $81.45 to check it out and replace a wire bad on cylinder 6 which was misfiring. Three months later in april 2001 the car ran rough again and the engine light was back on (happened for years intermittently since we owned the car). The new long-block had another bad head gasket reinstalled per the second ford dealership service center. After nearly another month we had the second new long-block in less than one year. Now less than 2 years and 40,000 miles later, following the 110k service of radiator flush and oil change at 113,098 miles the engine rapidly lost oil and is misfiring and burning oil. Ford's position once again is that the warranty was only for 12 months or 12k miles. On a smaller note, the brakes have gone out numerous times and we have replaced rotors and pads numerous times with no improvements. The power steering has performed very poorly. We changed the fluid in 2000 and then the ford service center and they replaced the outer tie rods and reset the alignment. Within months it was going out again intermittently. Most often when starting out the power steering goes out and you must manually steer the vehicle.

Filed Jun 26, 2001 · Transmission · CO

Forward piston cracked causing oil leakage and loss of power, and vehicle to operate erratically when the gear is in drive. *ak

Filed Sep 9, 2000 · Engine · NY

I also had the head gasket fail on our ford windstar. So , the dealer replaced the engine as per the recall by ford at no cost to me. About one month later the low oil light comes on. When I checked the oil, it was not even touching the dipstick. It was filled and brought back to the mentioned dealer who did the original replacement of the engine. They found no oil leaks and said the engine would have to break in for 5000 miles. My wife and I drove the car 6000 miles and logged the mileageand the amount of oil every time we had to add it. We were burning 1 quart every 1000 miles. The cars was brought back to the dealer in april 2000 as perf there request to return once the engine was "broken in". They ran an oil consumption test and requested that I return with the car whne it was 1 qt low ( basically they changed the oil and filter and marked the level on the dipstick. After one month it was a quart low after driving about 1200 miles. When I returned to the dealer. They stated that consumption of 1 quart of oil every 900 miles is within ford specifications. I have written letters to the dealership, ford's complaiint dept. And to the director of ford vehicle service programs. I receved *1* phone call stating that my letters was received and ford would look into the problem. That was back in june, 2000. I have not heard from anyone since. Since then the transmission has also failed in the same vehicle @ 51k miles and another of these reports filed. I have found many people on various discussion boards with the same problems, yet ford refuses to do anything.. We need your help!!!

Filed May 22, 1999 · Engine, Transmission · CA

At35,000 miles, first transmission went out. At 38,000 miles I heard a knocking noise coming from underneath the vehicle . Ford said I had a main bearing knock . They took engine apart and said " rods marked 1-6, but not in order?top of rod at wrist pins are blue( hot overheat condition). Head gaskets show signs, rusty at block &head areas. Main brgs scored thur beds & #5 in copper bed. Mainbolt black smells like burned oil.. Now at 56,200 ford says I need another transmission the one replaced is bad now!!! One thing to add I purchased the vehicle with 2,000 miles on it. The dearler had told me it was an "unwind" no problems with , someone did'nt qualify for the credit so they had them return it. They can't sell it as new anymore!!!!!! 56,200 miles 3transmissions & 2 engines!!!!!!! When I inquired about how the engine was totally defective , I basically got the run around.

Filed May 3, 1999 · Engine · MA

Consumer has a bad engine head gasket that is causing oil leaks and overheating of the engine. Dealer has been contacted.

Filed Mar 24, 1998 · Engine · NY

Faulty/defective engine head gasket, causing oil leak.