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
1996 Ford Windstar engine complaints
Page 6 of 17: complaints 131 to 160 of 472, newest first, as owners wrote them.
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
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
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.
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
I would like to know how a class action suit can be made to force ford to make a recall of this item.
The engine coolant is leaking into the intake engine manifold. Dt
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
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
Consumer states of having problems with the engine. Please add more details.
No summary. Dt
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
Consumer stated repair work was performed on the steering box mechanism.
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
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
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.
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.
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.
No summary listed for above vehicle.
Engine failure at 88,000 miles, rough idle at times, computer replaced at 75,000 miles, head gasket blew, causing engine to fail.
No summary listed for above vehicle.
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.
Small coolant leak into engine from head gasket.
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.
Need to replace speedometer head, replaced tie rod, front and rear brakes, cylinders, head gasket and now engine blew need new engine.
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.
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.
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.
Carbon has gone through the entire emissions system , manifold needs replacement.
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.
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