1996 Ford Windstar: harsh or hard shifting

Filed Feb 4, 2005 · Engine · 86,000 miles · NJ

I have a '96 ford windstar with a 3.8 liter v6 engine. This is the 2nd head gasket failure I've had with it. The first was in november of 2003. I paid about $2500 to have the head gaskets replaced then. This time I was driving to work when after a short time I noticed my car heater wasn't working, just blowing cold air. A short time later, I noticed my temperature gauge was going up, and after about 10 minutes, it was in the red zone. A few minutes after that, my engine began making terrible clunking and rattling noises and I had to pull over. As soon as I did, the engine died and wouldn't restart after about 15 minutes of cooling down. I had to be towed to my mechanic's garage which cost me $127, and my mechanic told me that I needed a new engine. The car's been at his garage for the past few days while I decide what I should do. I'm convinced that this is a manufacturing defect for which ford motor company is responsible, especially after reading the complaint log containing so many stories from people who have a car with this type engine. Ford claims they solved this problem after 1995, but the complaint log tells an entirely different story.

Filed Apr 1, 2003 · Brakes, Engine · 30,000 miles · WA

The consumer requested an investigation of ford motor company and their lack of recalls on some serious defects. *mr. The vehicle experienced a clunking sound, however the dealer stated the clunking sound was normal and then the transmission failed, the transmission was replaced with another ford transmission, which failed on a test drive and one other occasion. Coolant leaked into the engine through the intake gasket, which was recalled for the 95 models. The timing chain leaked. There was a recall on the coils in the suspension, which ford would only replace when they failed. The brake rotors failed at 30000 miles. Scc

Filed Jun 14, 2001 · Suspension · OH

While driving 35 MPH heard a loud clunking noise. Had vehicle towed to dealer, replaced passenger front coil spring. There was no prior warning.*ak the consumer pointed out to a defect story an internet (1-30-2001) that said the us government was investigating 926,000 ford windstar minivans about spring breaking and puncturing tires.

Filed Aug 11, 2000 · Engine, Transmission · ID

Have had the minivan in several times for symptoms of the head gasket failure only to find problem after warranty expired. Transmission has always "clunked" when shifting into drive or reverse, this is a daily problem the dealership cannot "find". Windshield cracked overnight in november. We don't think the windshield should have been so fragile.

Filed Feb 16, 1999 · Brakes, Transmission · NY

Ford told me tsb's were only to help mechanics to solve problems that they know exists, but that they don't give me any right unless I purchased their extended warranty coverage. Don't consumers have any rights? I bought this van because it got 5 stars in crash tests. I didn't know it would first inactivate the ABS by losing its sensor. Then another sensor would go, causing the van to downshift to low 1 when you were driving 55 miles an hour down the road. They should stand by their product. My van also clunks when I take it out of park. I refuse to pay my dealer any more money for something that I think that they should fix. I spent $140 to find out my ABS sensor was defective, another $90 to have it replaced. Then another $95 to have the sensor replaced in the transmission.

Filed Jan 5, 1999 · Transmission · PA

Transmission makes clunking noises when backing vehicle up or when starting to move forward. Will be taking vehicle to dealer.

Filed Oct 16, 1998 · Suspension · CA

When braking or turning right or left clunking noises comes from the front end of the vehicle.