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
1996 Ford Windstar engine complaints
Page 12 of 17: complaints 311 to 340 of 472, newest first, as owners wrote them.
No summary listed for above vehicle.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
Head gasket failure.
Failure of defective head gasket, resulting in coolant leakage into engine, engine failure.
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.
Consumer feels manufacturer should extend recall regarding defective head gaskets for 1996 models.
Ford knows about the problems these vehicles are having but they refuse to fix them. No safety defect listed.
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.
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.
No summary listed for above vehicle.
Laboratory oil analysis indicates failed head gasket based on glycol and anti-freeze chemicals in the engine oil.
Ford said my motor made in august 95. Recall issued for motors made in june july. No safety defect mentioned.
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
No summary listed for above vehicle.
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.
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.
Engine needs to be replaced after timing cover leak.
3.8l engine. Head gaskets blewout. Ford has extended warranty on 1995 windstars with 3.8l engine. Manufacturer has been notified.
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 [xxx] 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 parts of this document have been redacted to protect personally identifiable information pursuant to the freedom of information act (foia), 5 u.s.c. 552(b)(6).
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.
Water level loss in radiator due to head gasket failure.
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
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!
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