Never received notice from Ford about a "head gasket check" or an extension on the engine warranty. Local Ford dealer would not consider covering engine head gasket replacement due to out of warranty.

- Newnan, GA, USA

Engine head gasket is leaking coolant. I contacted dealer and was told that there was a recall for 5 years and 60K miles which I have exceeded. I am the original owner and never received any recall notice. The dealer refused to offer any help.

- Los Altos, CA, USA

Engine head gaskets blown causing cracked heads. Ford extended warranty to 60,000 miles but failed to notify owners. Also, replaced entire brake assembly at 50,000 miles, ABS never worked, and plastic door panel on sliding door fell off. Transmission slips, downshifts, overdrive light flashes, check engine light goes on and off, and vehicle accelerates sluggishly.

- Huntington Beach, CA, USA

The head gaskets failed at 62000 miles on 6 Feb 99. Ford knew about the defective gaskets, but sent a notification letter to cover the costs as long as failure occurred before 31 Dec 98, or 60000 miles. I contend that Ford should have paid for all repairs, on all similar vehicles without oimposing a mileage limit. The Ford dealer agrees, but tells me that their hands are tied because the parent company will not reimburse them for repairs they implement free of charge. Ford is cheating their customers.

- Montclair, VA, USA

Defective engine head gasket which has been replaced 4 times malfunctioned, causing the engine to stall while driving. May have caused an accident. There was a recall for the head gasket, but the warranty expired, and now it is consumer's responsibility.

- Madison, AL, USA

Head gaskets failed. Ford aware that this is a design flaw, but will not cover it.

- Springfield, VA, USA

An engine head gasket blew out within 61,000 miles of wear. Dealer/manufacturer informed. Dealer informed consumer that the extened warranty ran out on December 31, 1998. Manufacturer informed consumer that nothing will be done due to expiration of warranty. Consumer seeking hntsa for help in this matter.

- Fuquay-Varina, NC, USA

Engine head gasket malfunctioned, causing the engine to stall. Also, damaged the engine and may have caused an accident. Dealer replaced gaskets twice.

- Lexington, MA, USA

My vehicle's head gaskets 'blew' which resulted in water/coolant in my engine/oil pan resulting in the requirement for a new engine block. I did not have the extended warranty. Ford agreed there was a recall/extended warranty given to all Windstar for defaulty head gasket problems but they would only cover through 12/31/98 so would not cover my car. I was never notiied. Based upon discussions with numerous owners, this is an inherent problem in all Windstar. This is a manufacturing defect. My friend's Windstar, 1995, replaced her transmission, engine and air conditioner but she had the extended warranty. These cars are not safe and are all lemons.

- Elk Grove, CA, USA

Charged $900 to replace head gasket. Is this a common problem with this year make and model" what else should I contact for about"

- Ashland, OH, USA

Coolant leaking due to failure of the timing chain cover, water pump gasket and oil pan gasket.

- Mokena, IL, USA

Engin ehead gasket failed 14 days after expiration of extended warranty program.

- Sussex, WI, USA

Head gasket failure occurred after recall period had expired. Ford recommended replacement of head gasket at owner's cost. After head gasket replacement, vehicle engine would not operate properly, and Ford dealer decided the engine was previously damaged because of the head gasket failure in months prior to recall notice. Ford will not cover engine damage.

- Germantown, MD, USA

I am sure that the head gasket has blown on the engine. I had high engine temperature, and white smoke with water coming from the exhaust pipe. The person that towed my vehicle to the Ford dealer said that my Windstar was the 5th Ford he has towed in this week with the same problem, they were all 1995 Ford's with a 3.8 liter V-6. I asked the service manager at the Ford dealer if there was a recall on this engine, and he said there was, but reapairs had to be made before Dec. 31, 1998. I was not aware of a recall or service bulletin on this problem, if this is happening to so many cars and trucks just in the tulsa ok area, there is certainly a trend.

- Broken Arrow, OK, USA

There is water running from the engine head gasket, and the vehicle is running rough without prior warning. Problem occurs when driving in low speed.

- Boadview, OH, USA

Head gasket failre.

- Sugar Land, TX, USA

A recall letter received in June of 1998 stated that head gasket repair was covered until Dec,31.98. This is a problem that Ford is very aware of and should cover repair even though in my case I am past 60.ooo miles and it is past Dec. 31,98. My repair bill is approx. $800 for this, and that is a lot of money to me, especially since I am struggling to pay payments on this vehicle.

- Moss, TN, USA

I have found that there was a letter sent to some owners of Windstar stating that the head gaskets were defective, however I never received this letter.

- Travis Afb, CA, USA

Head gaskets blew out. Vehicle at dealer for repairs.

- Washington, DC, USA

Head gasket failed prior to recall. Also, water pump and engine piston rod bearings #2,5 and 6 replaced.

- Downingtow, PA, USA