Transmission failure in Aug. 2000, replaced at my cost, then head gasket blew, Ford recall/program fixed under warranty, immediately aftr main bearing shot. Ford says it is not their problem.

- Miami, FL, USA

Engine blew out, and headgasket had to be replaced prior to that.

- San Diego, CA, USA

While driving engine check light came on, and white smoke started coming out. Then vehicle started to sputter and overheated.

- Roy, VT, USA

Recall on sliding door - problem ever since repaired. Rear wiper motor died three times and was replaced. Recall on head gaskets. Since Ford dealer replaced them, the intake manifold gaskets blew, replaced those at our expense (approx. $1000), then the front water pump gasket blew and replaced those at our expense (approx. Another $500), then the engine blew and we were informed that the cause was water and antifreeze got into the engine and spun the bearings.... told by the parts manager that it all started back with the head gaskets. Ford is not backing their engine due to this problem. Also, was not told the first time we came in that the replacement of the head gasket would cause more gaskets to break until after our second return to the service center. Since then, we authorized them to replace the engine. Ford does not have any on the shelf because they have gone thru so many of them and it would be another four weeks waiting period! meanwhile, we will be wihtout a vehicle for two months and it will cost us another $1,000.! as far as the anti-lock brakes, the rear passenger side would make a loud thumping sound when brakes were applied....however, dealership said they could not find any problem. Therefore, we had to put up with the loud sound, which frightened my passengers and myself.

- Chagrin Falls, OH, USA

Head gaskets have blown prematurely. Dealer replaced head gaskets at 80000 miles under T extended warranty policy. Head gaskets have blowed since then. Manufacturer has been notified.

- Aloha, OR, USA

Ford has extended the manufactuers' warranty on this head gasket failure and associated damage up to 100,000 miles... because our car had 104,200 miles Ford was unwilling to provide any repairs. These head gaskets fail at a rate over 200 times the rate of other cars. We were well aware of this problem, however our car was asymptomatic until it suddenly failed.

- Warriors Mark, PA, USA

Tried to start vehicle and failed. After several attempts vehicle started. Then, thick white smoke came out of rear of vehicle. Vehicle was towed to dealer, and notified consumer that head gasket blewout.

- Ballwin, MO, USA

Major head gasket problem with this vehicle now problem with front engine cover due to poor workmanship when engine was replaced. Ford needs to admit that this is a real problem and fully compensate for repairs. Coil spring failure is very dangerous. I am glad that it happened when the vehicle was going into the driveway and not at highway speeds like when the engine blew. It is two bad this model year was a disaster and Ford play such a game with a serious safety issue.a M.

- Manlius, NY, USA

Radiator fluid was bubbling over, coming out tailpipe and smoking. Head gaskets blew out, and engine has to be replaced because of damage. Ford released a warranty extension for head gaskets. There were no prior problem when letter was received. Vehicle was to be only brought in when problem occurred. Also, letter was based on mileage which vehicle had exceeded at the time of problem. Ford was not willing to do anything dealing with letter. Rounded off it will be near $4000 damage, to be repaired.

- Sylvan Lake, MI, USA

Have heard of numerous problems with heads on Ford 3.8litre.

- Nanticoke, PA, USA

Driver side front suspension spring broke. Initially vehicle was drivable but eventually the spring collapsed enough to cause rubbing on the tire. Spring was replaced after a 3 month wait due to Ford not having any. This is on top of 2 head gasket replacements and a transmission replacement. The vehicle is a lemon, Ford knows it, and the consumer gets screwed..

- Eagan, MN, USA

Head gasket has failed, causing anti-freeze to leak. Ford will not cover it under extended warranty.

- Georgetown, MA, USA

We experienced a problem with our head gasket failing and subsequent repairs as a direct result of the head gasket failure. We had received a letter from Ford stating that there was a potential for the head gasket failure and there would be an extended warranty to cover the replacement of the gasket however our problem is that Ford knnows there is a problem with the 1995 Windstar and did not cover the additional expensed we incurred because of a direct correlation with the failure of the head gasket. We had to pay $1100 out of our own pocket. If Ford had simply placed a recall on these defective parts we would not have had this expense. I have spoken to three different people at Ford's customer relations and not one single person wants to hear what I have to say. Our service mmanager informed us it is a problem and form motor co. Is well aware of it and chooses to do nothing to help the customer. Basically I was told by sherwin in customer relations that unfortunately I am an unsatisfied customer and they only have a handful of unsatisfied customers. He also told me they did an investigation and found that my repairs were not a result of the failure of the head gasket. I spoke to the service manager at dennison Ford in bloomington and he confirmed my suspicions that he never talked to anyone in customer relations concerning my vehicle. Luckily I was only going 25 mph and am wondering what could, have happened if I would have been traveling at 65 mph on the interstate when my engine failed. I tried to file a complaint with sherwin today and I was told, I do not have a complaint to file. I was told I have no proof whatsoever to back up my claims however I was told, ,,,,,,,,,by someone at dennison that yes indeed some of this engine fail, ure was a result of the head gasket problem. I feel that Ford is not genuinely concerned with the safety of their customers. Is there anything you can do to help me? thank you.

- Normal, IL, USA

Heater not working properly. Temperature gauge overheated. Took it to dealer to check out. I was informed needed a new engine. The 3.8 liter V6 head gasket was a problem they were knowingly aware of. There is a special program providing coverage for 7 years or 100,000 miles. At 105,000 miles I do not qualify. My 5 year old vehicle needs a new engine at my expense. The vehicle was religiously maintained. The dealer, and supposed zone manager, won't budge. Why didn't they recall my car and replace the faulty head gasket before the engine failed. Unbelievable. As a consumer I feel I was mislead and intentionally kept uninformed. I fail to believe Ford can get away with having a product on the road they know is an engine failure time bomb.

- Medina, OH, USA

Numerous problems with '95 Windstar including head gasket, oxgen sensor etc.

- Rockford, MI, USA

Two sets of head gaskets have blowenout since replacement. Also, motor mounts broke on new engine. The transmission was slipping and may fail soon.

- Elgin, SC, USA

The 3.8 engine, cover for anti freeze has deteriorated, and is leaking antifreeze into engine compartment.

- Cleveland, OH, USA

Engine head gaskets have gone bad, causing a major oil leak in engine compartment. Dealer has been contacted.

- Woodmere, NY, USA

Failed head gasket repaired under extended warranty/ timing gasket to the price of $808.

- Mt. Horeb, WI, USA

More that 90% of Windstar owners have had same complaint of van problems...seems that the transmission and the head gasket problem happen close together in time. I know that this has been submitted tons of times...dont you think that its time to pull these off the road and fix them once and for all before something serious happens? it was a close call for me and my three kids when the transmission went on the Ford that I have.

- Oceanside, CA, USA