10.0
really awful- Crashes / Fires:
- 4 / 6
- Injuries / Deaths:
- 3 / 1
- Average Mileage:
- 3,042 miles
About These NHTSA Complaints:
The NHTSA is the US gov't agency tasked with vehicle safety. Complaints can be spread across multiple & redundant categories, & are not organized by problem. See the Back button — blue bar at the very top of the page — to explore more.
« Read the previous 20 complaints
Our vehicle is currently being worked on for recall oomo9 for defective head gasket. The dealer is also saying the front cover gasket needs to be replaced because it is leaking antifreeze also. This is a $600 dollar repair job. In Dec of 1999 we spent $242 to have an intake gasket replaced which was also leaking antifreeze. We feel Ford Motor Co. Put defective gasket material and should be responsible to replace or reimburse the customer for these expenses.
- Greenville, MI, USA
Engine head gaskets needed to be replaced. Consumer spoke with customer service concerning extension of warranty. Request was denied. Also, rear axle/ windshield wipers/ cassette, & oil pump were broken. Manufacturer wasn't responding. Dealer was out of business.
- Jackson, TN, USA
@ 64000 miles we're told to replace engine, which is now out of warranty. This is a known defect to Ford - failing headgaskets (100's of others reporting this problem in internet news groups) Ford expects us to pay the full $4200. We feel wronged by this response and feel that Ford should make full restitutionf.
- Roseville, MN, USA
The transmission on our 1995 Windstar van failed after 78000 miles, 3000 miles after our extended warranty period had expired. This vehicle has been a lemon from the start. We have had the hood bonding problem fixed under the recall on that problem, had the head gaskets replaced on the extended warranty before that recall came out, replaced the fuel pump inside the gas tank at my own expense, and now I am presently having problems with the power windows, the air bag system, and the power door locks. If this is read by anyone contemplating a mini-van purchase, I would think long and hard before buying a Windstar. From the number of complaints from people from all over the country on the internet, I'd say this wasn't just an isolated thing, but should be looked into by the government regulatory people. None of our failures have resulted in accidents or injuries, but could have easily done so, had we not lived in a more rural area. I definitely would not want to have one of these vehicles in a more high-speed metropolitan area.
- Lubbock, TX, USA
The head gasket has blown at less than 65000 miles. It seems that there is a major problem with this engine. I've heard that they will replace the gasket if it fails at less than 60,000 miles. Is that all I should expect from a Ford head gasket? I would appreciate it if you would look into making the warranty for htis repair longer that 60,000 miles.
- Warner Robins, GA, USA
We were driving in w.va. And began to notice engine running loud, turned off air conditioning then noticed engine temperature was hot. Kept air off for awhile then tried it again only to notice continued hot temperature. Pulled over as soon as saw a repair shop, closed due to holiday. Engine started blowing white smoke out of tailpipe, very scary for us and our young children. The van was towed to a small repair shop in the area and engine was replaced. Ford will not help us with repair, although they did notify of possible premature head gasket failure.
- Crofton, MD, USA
My 1995 Windstar has had problems since day 1. paint job had to be repaired; windshield had crack..replaced; sliding door was leaking and had to be adjusted 3 times; head gasket failure; timing gasket failure; wheel bushing failure; interior parts not installed properly; ABS light/elect system failure (2X); I feel so bad about this thing I don't know what to do. Ford doesn't care. I can't sell this thing with a clear conscience....but Ford did. Can you help us!!!! there are many, many others like me. I am very concerned the tranny will go next as has been reported by so many other Windstar owners when they reach the 60-75000 mile range. In addition, the timing cover gasket costs approximately $850 to fix. I don't want to pay for this repair but neither Ford or my dealer will fix the problem. Mechanics I have spoke with said to talk with the dealer...this should not happen at such a low mileage. I believe it was happening since day one intermittantly. (I have always had antifreeze leaking on my garage floor since day 1. the dealer said it was "loose fittings". so now I am stuck with it. Help us!!!
- Muskego, WI, USA
Van started to overheat and then after I pulled off the road to let the engine cool, I tried to restart the engine and the head gasket blew. Ford is giving me a hard time about this after they at first offered to pay half the repairs...recall this vehicle now.
- Ball Ground, GA, USA
Engine head gaskets failed, causing the engine coolant to leak onto engine compartment. Also intermittent stalling. Gaskets have been replaced by the dealer twice, and the engine has been replaced once.
- Orchard Park, NY, USA
Took car in for recall repairs on engine head gasket. When picking up the car and dealer found a nother problem with the engine head gasket. Consumer could smell anti-freeze inside the car. Felt this was a result of recall repairs.
- Coram, NY, USA
Timing chain cover and timing chain gasket failed. Cause unknown. Please provide futher information.
- Ferndale, MI, USA
Blown head gasket caused vehicle to overheat, dealer refused repair due to high mileage. Nlm
- Jacksonville, AR, USA
3.8 engine blew its head gasket and its engine manifold prematurely at 101,000 miles.
- Scottville, MI, USA
Vehicle experienced a problem with 3.8L V6 engine failure due to a spun bearing and a damaged cam. Dealer / manufacturer notified, and informed consumer that vehicle was not covered under manufacturer's exteneed warranty.
- Wellsburg, WV, USA
Head gasket and timing cover gasket failed.
- Burke, VA, USA
Head gasket failure.
- Vancouver, WA, USA
We had to replace our engine this past summer do to crank and bearing damage. We have been in communication with Ford regarding these problems. We replaced the timing cover gasket in May 1999 (the head gasket was replaced in Mar 1998) and three weeks later the engine went due to lower crank and bearing damage. We thought this would be taken care of with the extension of 7 yrs/100,000 miles but when we took the paperwork in, they said that it wasn't due to the head gasket problem. We have pulled additional information on the internet regarding the many problems with both the timing cover/head gaskets go out at the same time or shortly after having one or the other repaired. They denied our claim completely. We think having these gaskets repaired so close together was no coincidence. Any help you could offer us would be appreciated.
- Grand Prairie, TX, USA
We bought this van 6/96. It has been in the shop 14 times since then, including a recall for the gas tank, and the head gaskets (which blew and we replaced and then a year later found out there was a recall). Now, with less than 90,000 miles on it, the transmission is going out. We have owned 14 vehicles in 24 years, and have never blown head gaskets (engines) or transmission. These (this) vehicles have a problem!
- Bartlesville, OK, USA
No summary listed for above vehicles.
- Ayer, MA, USA
- Richfield, MN, USA