Head gasket failed causing damage to the engine.

- Cumming, GA, USA

I have a 1995 Ford Windstar with 68,000 miles. It started with the engine check light going on, and I took it in for a check. I got a tune up and the engine check light turned off. After ten minutes, the light came back on and I went back to the mechanic. Three days later I was told the O2 sensors are bad, the head gaskets are bad and it will cost me over $2,000 to fix. I called Ford Motor Co. And they said there was nothing they could do for me because I was over the 60,000 mile warranty. My husband called as well and got the same thing. I took the car into omeara Ford to have the head gaskets fixed and they told me I needed a whole new engine which would cost over $4,000. I have not been able to drive the car because it won't even pass emissions, and I cannot afford to get it fixed. I have not been able to drive the car for the last 8 months! I take very good care of my car and an engine should not blow at 68,000 miles. Ford also said they sent out letters to owners about this problem, we did not recieve any letter or we would have gone into the dealership and had it looked at. They said that isn't their fault either.

- Westminster, CO, USA

The liability of a premature failure of a head gasket should reside with the manufacture, not the customer.

- Newport News, VA, USA

The reported failures are a common problem on this vehicle. I would think Ford would compensate owners for these failures. No safety defect listed in summary.

- Annapolis, MD, USA

Head gasket leaking coolant to engine.

- Pleasant Valley, NY, USA

Head gasket failed at 83,00 miles. Antifreeze leaking form tailpipe. Cost of repair over $1000 plus rental car and lost wages.

- Ortonville, MI, USA

Notified by Ford sliding door latch, had it repaired. Then front end doesn't stay in alignment, head gasket blew, causing loss of starter and other related parts, total cost of $1800 at this time the car only had around 50,000 miles. Door light stays on indicating that a door is open when one isn't. sometimes goes on and off and beeps. Interior lights stay on for extended period of time. Heard on news about recalls and buy back, called Ford, they tell me about 3 other recalls on the van, : head gaskets, hood separation, feul tank mounting (which will only replace or repair if they feel its necessary). I looked on the net and found that there is also an airbag problem on the passenger side. I was never notified of these and only recently became aware of them. I am in the process of trying to get a refund for the $1800 on the head gasket and related problems. I was told to go and speak to a mary flanagan at the sanders Ford in jacksonville, nc where I live and purchased the vehicle. I would like to find out more information a out all these recalls and repairs that are needed and if the buy out program applies to my vehicle. I have 3 children and I am feeling very unsatisfied with safely transporting them in this vehicle.

- Jacksonville, NC, USA

While driving the temperature gauge barried at hot, then engine check light came on. Pulled over and white smoke came from tail pipe. Then van would not restart. A mechanic replaced the head and I drove it for approx. 400 miles when the engine started nocking and the trans. Would not shift out of 2 gear until it got hot then wouldn't shift out of 1st I believe the head gasket damaged the engine and trans. Van is undriveable and still owe for it.

- Sardinia, OH, USA

Head gaskets failed prematurely. I understand this is a common problem on 1995 Windstar, and I want to know when Ford is going to reimburse us for these costly repairs.

- Lincoln, DE, USA

Oct 99 head gaskets failed / Mar 00 transmission failed both replaced by dealer both are safety issues and have to be corrected by Ford. Do we need a major injury before someone does something about everything wrong with this van.

- Boynton Beach, FL, USA

Head gasket failed, recall on other model years for component, however vehicle not included.

- Burlington , MA, USA

The head gasket on my Ford failed and the engine had to be rebuilt. I am aware of what Ford is doing now with the extended warranties on these Windstar. However, I have a letter dated 6/98 that states "on vehicles for which the extended warranty coverage has expired, vehicles are eligible for this program(engine repair/replacement) through 12/31/98 regardless of mileage. I want to know if my repairs will be covered as my engine blew on 12/31/98. I paid for all repairs myself.

- Huron, OH, USA

Worn head gasket

- East Lake, OH, USA

Water pump leaks coolant and timing case cover leaks antifreeze. Cause unknown. Other failures include left and right tie rods, ignition key lock, A/C, and head gasket.

- Starbrough, ME, USA

Engine head gasket was fixed under warranty. Time & cover failed because head gasket had messed up the whole engine head, causing it to crack. Dealer had to order whole new short engine block.

- Knoxville, TN, USA

Consumer noticed an anti-freeze leak. Contacted the dealer for routine repairs and inspection, also, consumer noticed white smoke coming from the tail pipe. Dealer stated that engine head gasket had blown out.

- Callitoon, NY, USA

Owned van less than one year. Headgasket problem, repaired by dealer. Now timing chain cover gasket is shot. Repairs costing in excess of $1400 needed to do major tune up due to fluids in engine costing us another $250. Was told by Ford dealerships and Ford co. That they wont help in any way. Very bad business to not consider consumer a priority. Word of mouth and internet can do harm to a reputable company. Would like Ford co to make good to it's faithful customers.

- East Bridgewater, MA, USA

Engine head gaskets blew out without warning, causing the engine to seize and stall. Dealer and manufacturer have been notified.

- Bradenton, FL, USA

Head gasket failed while driving.

- Tewksbury, MA, USA

Initially took vehicle to dealer Nov. '99 for follow-up check on head gasket replacement from Sept.'99 because of chugging and what felt like engine hesitation. I suspected complications from repair work performed on engine. Dealer was not able to verify complaint. Now know this was an initial indication of a premature transmission failure. It disengages at stops without warning. When attempting to accelerate from a stop engine revs and vehicle moves very slowly, or not at all. When this first occurred, had an incident where the vehicle moved slowly into speeding traffic when attempting to turn onto road from a stop. Vehicle would not fully accelerate because trans would not engage (engine racing) and a collision was barely avoided because of this. My family was stranded in the middle of a high speed intersection with oncoming vehicles having to swerve or stop to avoid hitting us. Trans eventually engaged. However, a very close call. We now know not to pull out into fast moving traffic unless there are no vehicles in sight, or we know they have ample time to slow down if the vehicle gets stuck in front of them. Dealer now acknowledges problem is due to forward clutch piston failure and transmission requires replacement.

- Winfield, IL, USA