Engine and transmission failures seem very high for 95 Windstar vans. Internet sites are filled with stories similar to mine. Both the transmission and engine failures are safety issues since they may occur at speed on busy streets or the interstate. I believe that the number of failures indicates some design flaw in these components.

- Santa Cruz, CA, USA

Head gasket blew, cooling fluid (anti-freeze) leaked down into the oil galley and contaminated the engine oil and resulted in destroying the bearings (rod, main & camshaft), causing the engine to be rebuilt.

- Groveport, OH, USA

Since mileage did not fit within recall notice, no assistance given on engine failure, and no information about recall mentioned; ended up having engine remanufactured at local machine shop for less cost and with better warranty

- Aurora, CO, USA

There is not ample space to describe the problems we have had with this vehicle. This Windstar has been well cared for by us, with all the routine maintenance timely done. We have also taken our van to only Ford dealers for service. On all occasions befor major breakdowns or repair jobs, we have taken our car in for complaints of noises or performance problems that the service departments have been unable to locate. We believe that the head gasket problem did severe damage to our vehicle which resulted in the later problems, most significantly the timing chain cover and engine failure. We believe Ford was aware of this and did nothing to compensate us except for the refund for repairs on the head gasket. Ford had a recall on the head gasket about 6 months after we incurred the expense, and their check did not cover all our expenses related to this. At this point in time, we have so much additional money invested in repairs, we cannot afford to sell the car because we would not recover our costs. We hope that you can give us some assistance. We have just recently appealed to the for customer service division, but were turned down. Our local Ford dealer is also offering some help in pursuing this, but doesn't seem very enthusiastic about it. We are awaiting our second appeal.

- Akron, OH, USA

No summary

- Elk Grove, CA, USA

Received letter notifying of problem last year but problem did not show until 7/99, after expiration of extended warranty.

- Mccammon, ID, USA

Cracked cylinder head at 60000 miles w/ regular oil changes

- Bensalem, PA, USA

No summary

- Allegan, MI, USA

No summary listed for this vehicle.

- San Antonio, TX, USA

Transmission: Sudden downshifting with dramatic loss of speed; followed by upshifting and speed surge. Engine: Complete engine failure after dealer head gasket replacement, resulting in sudden loss of speed and maneuverability. Similar experiences frequently reported in various public forums by many owners of the same engine and transmission models.

- Albany, NY, USA

No summary listed for this vehicle.

- Minotola, NJ, USA

No summary listed for this vehicle.

- Frankfort, IL, USA

Ford acknowleges problem but cuts off repairs at 60,000 miles.

- Charlotte, TX, USA

While driving engine started smoking and overheated. Engine has to be replaced.

- Palm Harbor, FL, USA

No summary listed for this vehicle.

- Newburyport, MA, USA

Head gasket failed and was covered by service program 98M01, this failure also caused damage to engine (noise) but Ford will not cover this damage.

- Ten Sleep, WY, USA

Is there a possibility that the issue of payment for these items can be settled in a small claims court? no safety defect mentione din summary.

- San Antonio, TX, USA

No summary listed for this vehicle.

- Virginia Beach, VA, USA

Ford will not cover repair costs of both failed systems. No safety defects mentioned in summary.

- Daly City, CA, USA

No summary listed for this vehicle.

- Daly City, CA, USA