Dt*: the contact stated there was an odor of fuel in his garage. The vehicle was taken to the dealership, but a determination was not given. There is a the federal safety agency recall, # 99v309000, regarding the tank assembly; however, it is not included in the recall due to the VIN. Updated 5/30/2006 - the consumer inspected the vehicle and found that the fuel tank was leaking at the strap on the driver's side. The tank began to leak where the manufacturer has apparently over-tightened the support straps for the tank. The 1995 model was recalled (99v-309000), manufacturer number 99r33 regarding the exact same issue. The consumer contacted the dealer but they provided no assistance. *nm updated 06/27/06.
1996 Ford Windstar fuel system complaints
Page 2 of 3: complaints 11 to 40 of 53, newest first, as owners wrote them.
Engine dies after either very short (1 second or less) or no misfire. Always on hot afternoon after long period highway driving, typically interstate with speed in the 70's. Only once on a secondary road speeds of 45 - 50. All times in the rolling hills of utah, wyoming, and western north dakota. All six incidents occurred during a cross country trip in july, 2005 with odometer readings in the 70,000's. Typically, when it happens, the engine speed and throttle are continually adjusting to maintain speed across the hills. First indication often is simply the car slowing down rather that cruising along. All other electrical (air, radio, windows, etc) not affected. This is very dangerous. Other than sometimes a one second misfire, there is no warning. The car may be passing a truck, in a middle freeway lane, on on a road with no shoulder when it happens. Wherever and whenever it happens, the car simply coasts as the driver pulls off the road to extent possible. The engine will not restart for 15 minutes or so. Then it starts as if nothing ever happened, and car is good until the next incident. I made detailed notes of each incident, and can provide additional info on specifics of what was going on with car at the time. I took car to a ford dealer. The dealer did diagnostics and could not identify problem. I have refrained from driving under similar highway conditions since then. The van was purchased new in connecticut in feb, 1997.
Dt: the contact owns a 1996 ford windstar. Vehicle had a crack in top of fuel tank, also at strap. Recalls on 1995 ford windstars pertained to the make of vehicle. S melled gas fumes and gas tank register was noticeably different. Smelled gas fumes while parked in driveway or while driving . Incident happened september 25, 2005. No crash . No police report.*ak updated 1/25/2006 -
Moderate leak of fuel was observed after filling up the tank. We brought this to an auto repair shop and they indicated that the top of the tank was cracked. The tank needs replacement. We have a 1996 ford windstar gl. This was purchased in 1995. When I looked at the 1995 recalls I noticed that the 1995 models were recalled for this problem. I also think that this could have resulted in to a fatal accident if it had caught fire.
The dome light and the door ajar sensor light stays on. The consumer is concerned that the battery will drain completely. The cause has yet to be determined. *ak the vehicle would shake when it was started. One injector was changed. The consumer felt that the other five injectors may go bad. *sc
Gas tank leak. I leave in one of the states that is listed in recall 99v309000 that states hot weather increases cracks in fuel tanks on 1995 ford windstars. My vehicle is a 1996 with a build date of 10-02-1995. Ford motor will not consider this vehicle for replacement. They need to re-evaluate the recall to include a wider range than they now have. I was told by the dealership that my leak looks just like a 1995 they fixed on 07-23-2004. Please help on this safety issue.
The consumer stated gas leaked from one of the straps which supported the fuel tank. Please describe further.
The vehicle developed a serious gasoline leak. The dealer states that the gas tank is plastic and has cracked causing the leak.
I have a concern over the defect of the head gasket of our 1996 ford windstar. This vehicle is our family vehicle - very neccessary for a family of young children - family of 7. So far, we have replaced the transmission, replaced the speedometer, and most recently have been told to replace the head gasket. I understand that the head gasket repair/ replacement is a rather expensive repair. I also understand that ford has offered to some, to make good on this defect in workmanship. I have been advised to turn this in to the state's attorney here in north dakota, and to the better business bureau. I need this vehicle fixed. I don't care for the ford dealership in jamestown, nd - since the last repair left me without a vehicle for a month. I would like this defect taken care of. I think ford has made a safe van for my family, but I am very dissappointed with the quality of the parts under the hood - who would have thought that ford would have such poor workmanship that I would have this much trouble with this 1996 vehicle. Please advise me on how to obtain the paperwork that will get this defect on the head gasket properly paid for and taken care of by ford.
A crack has developed in the gas tank, causing a leak.
Consumer was smelling gas and noticed a big puddle of gas in driveway. Consumer feels this very dangerous. Please provide any further information.
Fuel tank leaking. . Dealer was not notified at this time. Feel free to provide any further information.
Head gasket failed and was replaced, also a new engine cover was put on, a little over a year later the head gasket had to be replaced again and the engine had to be cleaned and milled due to the sludge build up, serpentine belt noisy.
After filling at gas station, noticed fuel leaking from top portion of tank. Had tank replaced at local shop. Cost of tank $250 plus labor and misc. Parts.
The left outer tie rod was replace. *yh the fuel injector, timing cover gaskets and wiper blades were replaced. The rear brake light was replaced . The switch headlight control was replaced. The drivers door ajar switch was replaced. Updated
While driving in the country where I live with three children at the base of the mountain to head 20 miles to my home I pressed on the accelerator and the vehicle lost power and went nowhere. Could not drive over 35 MPH. Was seen by a body shop and they replaced fuel filter and returned vehicle to me. Second occasion driving down the mountain at 55mph a strong jerk whiplashed myself and has caused injury in my back took to body shop and needs new transmission and must be towed. Van still sitting at body shop now for 2 weeks as I have 3 children and now no transportation...thanks ford.
While driving approximately 65 MPH windshield started to fog up. Driver rolled down window for driver's door when a "popping" noise could be heard, and flames could be seen coming from vehicle. When vehicle was stopped, heavy smoke started coming from under the hood, and vehicle was engulfed in flames. A fire lieutenant suspected that fire was due to leaking fuel in engine compartment. Vehicle has not been inspected by the manufacturer or insurance company. Please provide any additional information / documentation.
Engine coolant leakage at intake manifold & head gasket. Since we bought,been having multiple issues with engine light on & various work done at dealership. On 11/3/01 intake gasket replaced for white exhaust smoke & engine light on. Returned 12/7/01 for engine light on & 02 sensor replaced. 1/3/02 heater blowing cool air- dealer sts head gasket bad. Corporate ford refuses to do goodwill gesture/pay.(mileage to date approx since car still in shop).
While driving at 50 to 55 MPH vehicle was vibrating. Took to dealer, and they replaced fuel filter. Currently, a yellow warning light came on instrument panel. Consumer took vehicle to mechanic, and he replaced head gasket. Please provide any further information.
Have complained several times to dealer while van is in for service, that I smell gas by left rear wheel well and fuel filler door. The shop claims no leaks found with electronic sniffer. Gas smell strongest when tank is 3/4 full or more. Problem has been around since 1998. No visible signs of leakage.
20 gallon tank has cracks in it. Fuel is leaking all over the ground. Consumer has taken vehicle into dealer. Please provide any further information.
Fuel tank leak, may have caused extensive fire.
After the fuel tank was replaced we inquired of the mechanic if the tank cracked due to misuse. The machanic could not see any signs of misuse, the tank was properly mounted and the crack was on the upper portion of the tank. We noticed ont he news recently a recall for ford econoline vans from the same period were being recalled due to cracked gas tanks. Does ford use the same gas tank on the windstar? Has anyone else complained of this problem?
No summary listed for above vehicle.
Plastic fuel tank has split causing fuel leakage. Consumer is stating fuel tank should not be made out of plastic.
Consumer is having problems with fuel lines. Fuel lines are wrapped which is causing fuel to leak. Has not contacted dealer.
Engine check light came on while sitting in the driveway. My mechanic had to replace my fuel injector and gaskets. Also he said I need a new fuel pump which is located in my gas tank but that I can wait till next oil change due to expence. My car only has under 40,000 miles!!!!!
Consumer noticed oil beading up in coolant tank. Took vehicle to dealership and head gasket and engine manifold gaskets were "redesigned" and replaced. On april 5th, consumer noticed oil in coolant recovery tank, causing engine" check light to come on. Vehicle was also misfiring. Please provide any additional information/attachments.
Engine check came on took to an independent service shop to have diagnostics run. Was told it needed a tune up, new spark plugs and cables, fuel filter, air filter, fuel injectors cleaned and I also had oil changed since it was time for it. Picked up vehicle paid 444.00 for the service next morning drove to work, oil light came on. I have never had the oil light flickered on. Checked oil, in my parking space was dark so all I could see is there was fluid at the correct level. Started it up that evening to go home drove aproximately 40 miles, stopped at a red light and the oil light came on the the engine began making a knocking noise. I pulled off the road had to towed back to the shop that did the work. Was told they could find nothing wrong with it, oil light did not come on. I refused to accept the answer knowing thenoise the engine was making to cause me to have it towed in. They test drove for and let run for approximately 30 min. Before the oil light did come on. They then told me it was an engine problem and did not do engine work. Had it towed immediately to a ford dealer and was told the oild pan was full of coolant and bearings were "washed" in engine and would have to have a new engine. No one wants to claim responsibility for this problem. I have just been made aware that there has been an on going problem with this particular model motor (and not by the dealership). What can be done next?
Manifold gasket and head gasket failed causing the vehicle to use excessive amount of coolant and check engine light was illuminated injectors and egr ports were cleaned, 2 months later when the vehicle began smoking thick white smoke, this dealer found that the head gasket had blown and that the consumer was 12 days late for the manufacturer's recall.
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