Ford did pay for the head gasket per recall, however the dealer recommended an engine flush because of the head gasket. Had to pay 100 for that. Then the dealer (apple ford) said the the timing cover gasket needed replacement and charged 598 labor. I have heard of this problem a lot with the windstars. I also believe I was charged labor for the head gasket, but the dealer got away with it because of the timing cover. Also now the dealer is saying tie rod problem too! These 95 winstars are lemons!
1995 Ford Windstar steering complaints
Page 3 of 4: complaints 41 to 70 of 75, newest first, as owners wrote them.
1. Front end looseness from the very beginning to the present tie bars ctc. Replaced without any noticeable improvement. 2 speedometer failure at 45k 3. Power window motor (left front) quit. 3. Transmission failed/ replacement (with only 17k failed.4. Head gasket blew. I find in researching the defects that my experience is quite common but that ford has not take responsibility in some of these areas -especially the failed transmissions,. It is my hope that your org. Can verify these fefects as being worthy of ford compensating the owners who have had to pay for these mfailures of manufacture. Please advise me of the status of your work . Thank you, geary leason.
Speedometer replaced at my cost of about$400 for part and labor at dealer. At the same time we requested the transmission be checked because, after being warmed up, at stops the van would not go when gas was applied, then would lurch forward after a second or two. The "transmission guy" was out, and we were told there might be an internal transmission problem. Someone advised us to change the transmission fluid and filter, as this can sometimes do the trick in what appears to be a serious problem, we did. The problem got worse while we waited for the dealer's tranmission man to return. We sought a private transmission repairman. This very reputable repair company told us there were quite a few problems with this model van and transmissions and that it was a cracked aluminium front clutch piston. We were given a repair estimate of $1200 to $1400. We began investigating and found hundreds of similar complaints on the internet. We returned to our dealer, information in hand. At this time the van is at the dealer, being repaired because ford has agreed to pay half the cost of parts and labor to repair the transmission, and will waranty the repair for 1 year, 12000 miles. I am unable to send my VIN because the van isn't here.
This failure didn't result in an accident but would if ignored by owners
Leaking oil from seals of steering rack,oversized cylinder bore,dealer replaced . Noise in front end when turning and hitting bumps, dealer never has fixed it , its been in shop 4 times before 2 years they told me if they could fix one they could fix them all. The sound is still there, it never was fixed. Now the transmission wont go into 1st or reverse, leaving you maby out to far into the traffic lane with no way to back up and get out of harms way.ford has known of this defect in mid 1994 , but sold defective transmissions till mid 96. Then they replaced the alum. Piston that fails, with a steel piston. I feel ford is responsible for repairs knowing beforehand they would fail prematurely under 70000 miles in most cases.
Car is getting increasingly more difficult to put into gear. Locks into park. Have tried working brake, tilting steering column, buckle seat belt, etc. Seems to lock up in the column. Can hear an audible click when it finally releases..usually about 5 to 10 minutes after playing with it. Have searched the web to see if any prior recalls on this problem as I have many friends who have experienced the same problem with windstars. (mileage not original...had dash replaced by ford's for a faulty temperature gauge) approximately 60,000 orig miles.
Engine head gasket/transmission/ABS/brake light switch/tie rod and power steering hose failed.
Shock absorber failed.
Vehicle's modified undercarriage bottoms out on any road depression. This coupled with resistent steering and high speeds, causes loss of vehicle control.
Transmission is noisy and leaks fluid, unable to correct noise problem.
Tie rod ends failed.
While traveling the steering column became stiff then became loose without no prior warning. The consumer lost control, resulting in an accident. Please provide further details.
Left tie rod end failed, causignvehicle to toe on while backing out of parking lot.
Tie rod ends failed.
When driving in rainy weather conditions the vehicle loses all power steering control, cause unknown. Dealer cannot identify the problem. Please give any further details.
Power steering pump failed, fluid is always low and pump whines. In addition, windshield wiper motor and passenger's side defroster malfunctioned.
As a result of the grinding of a bearing a portion of the steering column was shaved off
Steering wheel locks up on occasion.
Consumer was traveling about 35 MPH when the inner tie rod broke away from the rack and pinion,causing the consumer to lose control of the vehicle, consumer has contacted the dealer, dealer has replaced the rack and pinion.
Strut bearing assembly needed replacement due to popping noise when turning steering wheel.
Steering became difficult to maneuver due to defective steering gear box. Vehicle was constant at slow speeds, but pulled to left a thigher speeds.
Entering entrance ramp, giving vehicle gas; steering wheel started pausing going left/right; took to dealer, he stated that steering area needed greasing. Took back 2nd time & was informed pressure release bell reduced pressure on steering wheel & was normal.
Was backing vehicle out; put vehicle into gear to move forward; vehicle would not move; checked & noticed separation of tie rod end from wheel; vehicle towed to dealer; tie rod disconnected.
Steering column bearings failed, causing steering to jam.
Steering knocks/snags upon turning wheel.
Consumer was driving and steering locked up the serpentine belt , please describe .
Replaced power steering pump (3) times affecting steering control. Please describe details. Tt
When the driver steps on the brakes the steering will lock and the truck goes out of control. Dealer said nothing wrong. Tt
With cause unknown by monarch ford in exeter ca., due to clunking sound in compartment, steering wheel locked. Please describe details. Tt
Power steering leak while driving loss of all steering, all parts are national back order through mfr. Tt
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