I brought my 1996 ford windstar in for an oil change, and was told tie rods failed and needed to be replaced. , then, next day, they phoned and advised me that transmission was defective because the pan was full of shavings, also, power steering rack was leaking, and intake gasket needed replacement. , a total of $5000 to fix this vehicle. I bought it at 118,000 miles, and this happened shortly after owning it for one year. Currently, it has 134,000 miles, and cannot be driven. I parked vehicle then started it after being parked for a week. Heard a noise from front, and then white smoke came out of the tail pipe. I do believe that paul cornies, the dealer that I purchased vehicle knew that they were selling me a lemon. It has caused me a lot of hardship as I no longer work due to health reasons. I filed for disability insurance, and was told that I had a preexisting disease , and refused to pay the insurance. Currently, I have a junker in my driveway that I can't afford to fix , and a bill for the next 3 years, since I still owe for it. I will never buy another ford.
1996 Ford Windstar steering problems
50 complaints (4% of all complaints for this car). 4 crashes reported.
- owner complaints
- 50
- of this car's complaints
- 4%
- crashes
- 4
- recalls
- 0
Which part fails
- Linkages: tie rod assembly13
- Linkages6
- Hydraulic power assist system6
- Steering wheel/handle bar3
- Rack and pinion3
- Linkages: knuckle: spindle: arm3
- Rack and pinion: rack1
- Hydraulic power assist: pump1
At what mileage
Complaints by mileage at the time of the problem.
Ford Windstar steering problems in other years
Specific symptoms reported on the 1996 Ford Windstar steering
Phrases found in the owners' own descriptions, so one complaint can mention several symptoms.
Related recalls
No recalls on record for this model year.
What 1996 Ford Windstar owners say
Most recent owner complaints, unedited.
The vehicle's door locks locked and unlocked on their own. *nm there were problems with the front driver side wheel and the engine light and the ABS light was intermittent. The consumer experienced an accident which may be due to the brake lines. Refer to recall#02v101000. *sc the sway bar rattled, the tie rods were replaced.
Vehicle has been loosing coolant for many years. *la the vehicle was taken in for a routine oil change but ended up having major repairs. Approximately eight months after the repair, the engine quit and the consumer was informed by two dealers that the vehicle needed a short block installed. There was also noise in the steering and a coolant leak. The intake upper and lower manifold gaskets were also replaced. *sc
12-15-97 at 21,145 miles I reported noticing the coolant level always being low. No leak was found and I was told there must be a leak somewhere in the radiator. 12-27-99 at 56,526 miles I began having a "cold start" problem. It acted like it was not getting fuel. 12-1200 at 74,306 miles I had the same "cold start" problem and the fuel filter was repaced. 12-22-00 at 74,930 a new thermostat & gasket. 12-29-00 at 75,113 a fuel pressure regulator. 03-02-01 at 77,569 miles a new fuel pump relay(ccrm), fuel pump and pvc valve. 09-11-01 at 87,907 miles a mult-function switch. 01-31-02 at 95,069 miles a second ccrm relay. 03-06-02 at 99,348 miles on an 80 degree day "no start" same symptoms as "cold start" problem. Instead of not getting fuel it is suspected it is flooding. 4-23-02 at 99,348 miles cold start problem, fuel injectors cleaned. 05-30-02 at 101,330 miles wouldn't start, no fuel pressure-intermittent. Had to have it towed. 6-7-02 at 101,388 miles "no start" problem. New fuel filter, fuel pump and sender o-ring. 12-01-2-01 109,530 miles van started steaming - appeared to be a coolant leak or broken hose. Added coolant direct in radiator. I have carried own coolant and added frequenlty since 1997, when I was told there must be a leak in the radiator. I could not find any trace of such a leak by putting cardboard under van. Suspected the plastic coolant container had a leak. No coolant leaks where ever found during routine oil changes. 12-04-02 109,568 m,iles found leaking front timing cover gasket. Replaced headgasket and all else that goes with it. Cost of repair $1,915.21. I believe the headgasket defect has been the problem all a long, costing me a small fortune.
Replaced rack and pinion for the second time 8/01 ( by dealership) and 5/03. Also replaced front end bearing in 1999 and transmission. Wiring harness in 2000. Rear A/C does not work and that's only the items I can remeber.
When the key was taken out of the ignition, the engine did not shut off. The vehicle was taken to the dealership who stated a pin came out of the steering system.
Consumer stated repair work was performed on the steering box mechanism.
Need to replace speedometer head, replaced tie rod, front and rear brakes, cylinders, head gasket and now engine blew need new engine.
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
No summary listed for above vehicle.
Questions about the 1996 Ford Windstar steering
Does the 1996 Ford Windstar have steering problems?
Owners have filed 50 complaints about the steering of the 1996 Ford Windstar, 4% of all its complaints.
At what mileage do 1996 Ford Windstar steering problems start?
Not enough complaints include the mileage to tell.
Was there a recall on the 1996 Ford Windstar steering?
There is no recall for this problem on this model year.
What year does the Ford Windstar have bad steering?
The Ford Windstar model years with the most steering complaints are 1999 (184 complaints), 1998 (143 complaints) and 1995 (75 complaints).
Other 1996 Ford Windstar problems
Engine 472Transmission 322Brakes 229Suspension 111Electrical 83Acceleration 82Fuel system 53Wheels 42Visibility 38Body 37Airbags 25Lights 21Tires 20Seat belts 18Locks 10Seats 6Driver assistance 1
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