Took 1995 Ford Windstar to haldeman Ford (this where I purchased the van), because it was overheating, they made the repair which we paid $614.54 and told us that we needed a head gasket, we had an extended warranty for the used vehicle and that was suppose to be included on the warranty, but they told us that because we did not maintenance the car the proper we had to pay for it ourself, and that we had to buy a new engine (not a head gasket like they said at first) and pay out of our pocket $3,000 not including labor. I need to know what steps should we take in order for some one to hear us out. I also have copies of the warranty, receipts for the oil change and the receipt that I had paid for the repair. Thank you.

- Trenton, NJ, USA

I asked the seller at Ford to completely service the van before I would buy it. He said his mechanic would. I checked the van out two weeks later, low on oil, no brake fluid, trans fluid very low, no water hardly at all in receiver, then the starter went out, replaced it no good, replaced switch, no good, brakes gone out, can't keep fluid in systems, engine light came on, emission problems, mechanic stalls for the hour amount, and still can't fix/test II code. Inside lights dim when extra. Lights come on. It's a [xxx] piece of junk and they sold us a lemon. I paid over $4,000 cash for it, and all they wanted to so was sell it for money. What can I do" it has 72,000 etc mile and now has 82,000. We are both disabled with two kids. We have been screwed. I can get the Ford info on the Ford Windstar 95 3.8 it rattles, water runs out of the exhaust pipe and the converter. I want to sue them, I called them and they said the hell with you, you bought it as it was. Ford products are the worst auto's on the market. We want revenge and all our money back now. [xxx]. what is next a head gasket" I heard that cost over $1,600 to fix. And there are alot of them going out. Ford needs to stand behind it's products or get out of the business. I have had my kids tossed to the dash when I step on the brakes before we even get out of our drive way. We wear seatbelts, I wouldn't dare ride in it. It is a death trap to me. Information redacted pursuant to the Freedom Of Information Act (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6).

- Whittier, NC, USA

In June '99 took van in as per owner notification to have head gasket checked. Dealership found nothing. In Nov '99 head gasket failed. Ford would not do anything. In Dec '99 sent letter to tx state atty general consumer division with lists of complaints found on this web site. In Feb '00, Ford moved warranty up to 100,000 miles and got refund. In may '00 engine failed. In Aug '00 Ford replaced engine with another 3.8 L. in Sept '00 transmission started failing (but noticed problem since day purchased. Dealership states problem in all Windstar, tauruses, and Sable. In Feb '03, replaced transmission. In Nov '03 head gasket fails again in new motor close to 60,000 miles on this motor. Ford will do nothing. Seek help through your state atty general consumers affairs office, send copy of letter to Ford, your local BBB, detroit BBB, and consumer reports. Also, my engine cuts off when taking off after stopped with wheels turned sharply left or right.

- Wichita Falls, TX, USA

While driving vehicle overheated. The temperature gauge kept rising. Consumer turned vehicle off and then on again. The temperature gauge raised again. There was a 7 yr. 70K mile warranty but Ford would honor it. Consumer feels Ford should cover the cost of tests, and repairs.

- Princeton, NJ, USA

Consumer states engine is leaking coolant. Dealer notified.

- Altamont, NY, USA

We own a 1995 Ford Windstar va N that had a recall for bad heads & head gaskets. In 2001 the engine blew up, and Ford said they would fix it for free. After nearly three to four weeks they gave the van back with a new short block and said it was fixed. It ran alright for about 1 year, then it started not peforming like it should.I changed the spark plugs and that seemed to work. Then it got cold this winter, and my wife said she had no heat. I added radiator fluid and it heated up. Three days later, she said she had na heat again! I looked up recalls and noticed how many problems Ford has had with this model years head gaskets! I called Ford 800 number and was told you have no warranty left on your van! they told us it expired after 1 year! I am a retired on disabilty, and cannot afford thousands of dollars in major repairs. What makes it worse is that Ford knew about the problems they had with the head gaskets in this model year.I feel totaly ripped off, because an engine should last longer than just under two years! I have already put more than a thousand dollars into transmission repairs into this vehicle! Ford should make good on a problem they knew about, but did not rectify, but rather just repaired the damaged parts, and sent me on my way! the same problem happened again, but now Ford refuses to fix it!I am without a car now because of this.

- Joliet, IL, USA

Ford Windstar - 1995 - engine replaced due to head gasket problem at 67,749 miles

- Roswell, GA, USA

Engine head gasket replaced at 47,000 miles, engine timing cover gasket replaced at 92,000, engine failed (rod bearings, crankshaft, and rod) shortly thereafter shutting down braking and steering systems in vehicle. Have been told this was due to coolant leaking into engine oil system from previously mentioned problems and is being experienced by many owners due to poor engine design. Engine failure had the potential to cause accident had the driving situation been different when it occurred.

- Winchester, OR, USA

Engine is overheating while driving. Dealer was not notified at this time. Feel free to provide any further information.

- Buffalo, NY, USA

Vehicle overheated due headgaskets blowing engine. Dealer contacted.

- Webster City, IA, USA

Ongoing problem with engine overheating while driving, vehicle been to a repairs shop on three occasions, and various parts were replaced. But, problem reoccurred. Feel free to provide any further information.

- Chiicago, IL, USA

There was an anti-freeze smell, dealer installed a clamp on heater hose to intake manifold which was leaking coolant, dealer also replaced cycle switch.

- Beth, PA, USA

Light indicators coming on, loss of coolant and sound Ford diagnosed leak of timing chain assembly and bill pierre Ford said no leak, no work done.

- Seattle, WA, USA

There was an anti-freeze smell, dealer installed a clamp on heater hose to intake manifold which was leaking coolant, dealer also replaced cycle switch.

- Beth, PA, USA

No summary listed for above vehicle.

- Lexington, MA, USA

Vehicle would overheat, and using fluids frequently. Took to dealer, and they replaced head gasket, but problem still exists.

- Franklinville, NJ, USA

No summary listed for above vehicle.

- Wood River, IL, USA

Brakes have vibrated and noisey shortly after purchase. Service centers state nothing is mechanically wrong. 08/22/01, coming back from family trip we experienced a brief roughness of operation and overdrive service light came on. 08/26/01, the vehicle spew white smoke from exhaust, overheated and stalled. Everyone I called and all literature show that to be symtoms of head gasket failure. The oil is like coffee with cream in it, indicating that both gaskets have failed. The dealership service center states the recall extension to be expired. The engine date is 10/25/94 and miles are 94516 within the extension guidelines. One dealership states 3 weeks before they could get to it. I have found many summaries and many other people with this same problem. Please help me to have Ford repair their mistakes.

- Stone Mountain, GA, USA

The car got overheated and started throwing lots of smoke through the exhaust system the smoke was with water and some oil, the engine light was on, and the ABS light also.

- Hollywood, FL, USA

I have had a continuing stream of endless repairs to this Ford Windstar. Staring with the water pump one week after purchase; then the left front spring and strut collasped; next the ABS system almost cost me my life by failing on a downgrade into an intersection; a compoent of the fuel injection system in the main computer failed; the rear master cylinder on the brakes was leaking; the transmission has never shifted correctly almost giving passengers whiplash; the rear power door lock on the tailgate has just never worked form day one; I did receive a recall for the hood and that was replaced; now the power windows operate without the key in the ignition, but the door locks do not work and the vehicle is totally diabled, it will not start or even try to turn over. I am just a nurse not a millionaire, I have paid almost $5,000 in repairs into this vehicle in the 2 1/2 years I have owned it. And now it is dead, leaving me with no transportation to work, my only source of income. Please help.

- Mills, PA, USA