Blown head gasket.

- Lilburn, GA, USA

The head gasket on my Windstar is defective. I called Ford to find out if a recall was issued. I was told that a letter was sent out to dealers and owners for the head gasket problem. They told me that because my car's mileage was over 65000 and that the recall ended in December of 1998, that they would not pay for the replacement of the head gasket. I think Ford should pay for the replacement when they knew that they had used faulty material. I also understand that Ford has a problem with the transmission in the '95 Windstar. When I asked about this I was told that no problem exists and no recall was in place for the transmission. Ford should be held accountable for using faulty equipment. The bad part is that the Windstar has a 5 star rating for safety and yet Ford uses faulty materials for its production and does not take responsibility for its product.

- Colorado Springs, CO, USA

Engine raced when first started in the am--dealer said that head gasket had blown, that this was a common problem for winstars, that Ford had a hidden warranty if car was less than 5 yr/60,000 miles--very expensive to fix ($1300)--if this is a common problem, why isn't there a recall?

- Omaha, NE, USA

On May 14, 1999 while driving home from work in moderate city traffic, my 95 Ford Windstar's engine started to skip as if a spark plug was not firing. I was about 2 miles from home and continued to drive slowly watching for further signs of trouble. At about 1/2 mile to 1 mile later the "check engine" came, on and I slowed my speed to about 20 when I noticed the engine temperature gauge began to rise. I started to pull over when the vehicle stalled while running ( a white vapor cloud was emerging from the tailpipe) I coasted to a stop. The mechanic at dave dinger Ford at braintree MA said the head gasket(s) failed causing damage to other engine parts due to the anti-freeze mixing with the oil, and recommended a remanufactured engine at a cost of $ $4,200. Ford has an extended warranty covering this part for unlimited mileage, but not later than 12-31-98. I have contacted the manufacturer Ford and they refuse to pay or negotiate the cost of engine repair even though this was a known defect for them in the 3.8 liter V-6 engine (Taurus & Sable 94-95) for some time prior to my buying the car used in 6/97. The car was previously registered as a Ford corporate vehicle in Massachusetts since new. I feel strongly that they should be responsible for the repair of a latent defect, known to them, at the time of sale.

- Milton, MA, USA

The symptoms originally showed up in November of 1998. I called the dealer that did not tell me that there were any known problems with the engine. I also never received the Ford Motor Company no-charge warranty letter dated June, 1998, telling me of the symptoms and extended warranty to December 31, 1998. When the problem worsened, I took the van in on May 26. Again, prior to taking it in, the dealer admitted no problem with this type of engine. I was called with the diagnosis of blown head gasket, $1100.

- Clifton, VA, USA

The head gasket blew on the engine, causing it to suddenly and rapidly overheat. When I inquired about this problem I found it was a well known defect in the 1995 Ford 3.8 liter engine. I leaned this from all 3 local dealers and 2 local engine shops. Apparently Ford was fixing any engine this occurred on up to 60000 miles, so they obviously knew this was a problem. Upon contacting Ford, I was informed they would offer no assistance and would have to work it out with the dealer who charged me $50 an hour instead of $60, resulting in a bill of $1350 instead of $1600. I do not think this is an issue with the dealer. Ford obviously knew about it or they would have never had any repair policy for this problem. Not only am I out the $1400 ( a sensor also failed whcich had to be replaced), but I could have been out much more since the engine overheats so quickly they often suffer severe damage and the entire engine has to be replaced(I was told this again by several dealers and engine shops).although no one was hurt I feel this problem could have safety implications because it can occur so suddenly and without warning.

- Middletown, CT, USA

Engine overheating due to faulty gasket on tewo occasions. Mjs

- Scarborough,Ontario, CD, USA

Seems to be a lot of activity with blown head gaskets on the 1995 Ford Windstar with a 3.8L V-6. certainly there must be some recourse with Ford in having this repaired. Would like to file complaint against Ford concerning same.

- Liberty Lake, WA, USA

Premature failure of the head gaskets allowed engine coolant to ruin piston bearings which resulted in engine overheating and failure. Ford had an extended warranty program which expired 12/31/98. We took the van in because we detected an engine noise on 12/22/98. We were told there was no problem. On 2/1/98, we took the van in because the temperature light was on constantly. We were given a tune-up. On 2/8/99, the entire engine blew as it was being started prior to our drive home.

- Pewaukee, WI, USA

AT35,000 miles, first transmission went out. At 38,000 miles I heard a knocking noise coming from underneath the vehicle. Ford said I had a main bearing knock. They took engine apart and said " rods marked 1-6, but not in order?top of rod at wrist pins are blue( hot overheat condition). Head gaskets show signs, rusty at block &head areas. Main brgs scored thur beds & #5 in copper bed. Mainbolt black smells like burned oil.. now at 56,200 Ford says I need another transmission the one replaced is bad now!!! one thing to add I purchased the vehicle with 2,000 miles on it. The dearler had told me it was an "unwind" no problems with, someone did'nt qualify for the credit so they had them return it. They can't sell it as new anymore!!!!!! 56,200 miles 3transmissions & 2 engines!!!!!!! when I inquired about how the engine was totally defective, I basically got the run around.

- Bakersfield, CA, USA

An owner notification letter was issued. The problem was misdiagnosed on 3 occasions. Now the 60,000 mile limit has been exceeded and Ford will not even discuss replacing the gasket for me even though two local dealderships have agreed that Ford is responsible.

- Sayre, OK, USA

The 1995 Windstar is a threat to the safety of their owners and their families. The transmissions may fail at any time and the head gasket will lead to blown engines. This car is a known lemon and ntsa must act to protect the families of America before any more people get hurt phyically or financially.

- Dighton, MA, USA

8/3/98 our '95 Windstar had the head gaskets replaced under Ford's "extended warranty" progam. We had had problems with the engine missing in the past. On 10/26/98 the engine missed several times, while going 70mph on an interstate, then I lost engine power and had to pull over to the side of the road. It started smoking from under the hood and antifreeze ran out the bottom of the engine. We nursed it back to the dealership and were told that a crank shaft bearing had gone bad. The only remedy was to replace the engine to the tune of $3000. We questioned the dealer's mechanic at that time about the possibility of this being related to the recall and they said there was no relationship. We didn't have the money to do the repair until April. After talking more with the dealership we discovered that Ford Motor Company had paid for other engine replacements after head gasket work, but because our dealer didn't contact them prior to the Dec '98/Jan '99 extended warranty expiration date, even though we notified the dealership, they would not replace our engine. We feel that either the head gaskets had already leaked enough coolant into the engine to contaminate the fluid and cause the bearing failure prior to the head gasket replacement or there was fluid contamination during the head gasket replacement. We feel we have been treated unfairly by town and country Ford and Ford Motor Company.

- Cleveland, TN, USA

The head gasket failed at less than 62000 miles or 5 years. Ford had said they would pay, but not past 5 years or 60000 miles. That offer expired 12/31/98.

- Richmond, VA, USA

While driving about 55 mph tried to pass another vehicle, but the consumer 's vehicle was losing power and stalled.mechanic told consumer vehicle had an engine head gasket failure.

- Lake Wales, FL, USA

Head gasket failed, causing coolant to leak which also caused engine being too cold or too hot. Contacted Ford, no assistance provided.

- Snellville, GA, USA

It seems to me that Ford is aware of the problem, although they did not issue a recall. What they did was to extend warranty coverage through December of 1998. Those of us left with the blown head gasket problem are left with huge repair bills and no help from Ford Motor Company. The service manager told my husband that at least 50% of the Windstar had experienced this problem. Unfortunately we are 5 months too late for warranty coverage.

- Columbia, SC, USA

IE98080, defective engine head gasket leaks coolant which may cause vehicle to stall while driving and may result in a crash. Known problem.

- Buffalo, NY, USA

Head gasket failure caused fire.

- Ft. Myers, FL, USA

Head gasket shouldn't fail on a minivan less than four years old with less than 40,000 miles. Hope no other failures are imminent.

- Norfolk, VA, USA