The transmission was failing to shift and would hesitate. We also heard a clunking noise. Fearing that the transmission's hesitation could cause us to be in an accident, we took the Windstar into the dealer's service department. The service department said that the noise was coming from the engine and that both the transmission and the engine would need to be rebuilt or replaced at an estimated cost of $4000 -$5000.

- Coraopolis, PA, USA

I have spent a total of $5,000 in repairs for our 1995 Ford Windstar van - a 3.8 engine, 6 cyclinders. Ford sent out a notice in June of 1998 advising the drivers of 1995 Ford Windstar that they would possibly experience head gasket problems. Ford S

- St. Paul, MN, USA

No summary

- Monterey, MA, USA

Driving down the highway at 72mph when the motor suddenly, without any warning stopped running. Traffic had to steer around me to avoid a collision, had it towed to repair shop and they said I lost the lower end of the motor will need a new motor to replace it. The heater stopped working due to a defective head gasket.

- Schofield, WI, USA

I notice white smoke from my exhaust pipe plus the car started overheating. I had car towed into the local Ford dealership because of the extensive overheating. They informed me that it was a blown headgasket. Ford has known about this defect but has refused to correct and reimburse the numerous Windstar owners who have had this problem. I was informed that I missed their owner's notification program by one month, however I was never notified about this program until it was to late (program end-date 31 Dec 98). I called their customer service and received no compensation or resolution. Please assist in this matter. All 95 Ford Windstar have the potential to blow their headgasket due to a design fault but Ford refuses to admit. Thank you for your assistance

- Grand Forks Afb, ND, USA

Ford has sent a service bulletin to it's dealers regarding this overheating problem. The overheating problem is also present in the Taurus, Sable, and Continental.

- Millersville, MD, USA

Vehicle serviced at cowles Ford in woodbridge, va.

- Manassas, VA, USA

Recall replaced water pump gasket, 4 weeks later engine damage from leakage

- Maple Grove, MN, USA

This is an ongoing defect for Ford 1995 Windstar. Ford had extended warranty until 01/31/99, but failed to notify owners regarding the problem. No safety defect mentione din the summary.

- Ewa Beach, HI, USA

Engine failed, replacement experiences intermittant failures when trying to start.

- Mays Landi, NJ, USA

No summary listed for this vehicle.

- Lambertville, MI, USA

Vehicle has a problem with the engine stalling out. Dealer has been contacted.

- Billerica, MA, USA

Ford had initiated an "owners notification program" because of faulty head gaskets in the 1995 Windstar. Basically, if your head gasket blew prior to December 31, 1998, Ford would cover the cost. This was not a recall, therefore, they were able to place a "deadline" date on it. Unfortunately, the head gasket blew in my van on January 7, 1999 - seven days after the deadline. At the time of failure, I was on my way to work with my two little daughters in the car (one and three years old). My commute is 40 minutes in primarily farm country. I was halfway into my commute when the heater no longer blew hot air (the outside wind chill was about minus 20), and I noticed the heat gauge at the H. thank goodness for cellular phones. I got on the phone immediately with the dealer and he knew over the phone it was the head gasket. I was able to make it to a small town just when the "check engine" light went on and it died on me. My service person at the dealership told me later that my engine was at 225 degrees when the check engine light went on. The dealer and I have tried to get Ford to cover the $900 repair, however, Ford will not move on its deadline date. They know there is a problem, yet will not issue the recall. They basically got around it with this owner notification program. I can only be thankful that I made it with my two girls to a small town in that subzero weather, and that my engine didn't blow up. The 1995 Windstar also have major transmission problems. Mine had to be replaced at about 50,000 miles. Ford did cover some of the cost. Please look on the internet regarding the 1995 Windstar. There are many, many more stories like mine (a good website is www.fordwindstar.com). there are defects with this vehicle and Ford needs to step up to the plate and deal with them appropriately. Thank you.

- Oconomowoc, WI, USA

Transmission has been rebuilt twice and head gasket replaced twice. When transmission goes bad slips stalling time to pull out. This is dangerous as delay could cause axident

- Pgh, PA, USA

Ford had sent letter on this but extened warrenty instead of a recall

- Hebron, OH, USA

Head gasket failure, covered under recall, repaired 7/98. Engine developed a knock, started running rough, coolant level low with no external leakage. Dealer diagnosed #3 cylinder fuel injector inoperative and a timing cover gasket failure. Repaired and engine failed irrepairably 6 weeks later, low coolant levels again. Told we must replace engine.

- Watauga, TX, USA

These problems are common with these vehicles. Is Ford motors helping with any costs on repairs?

- Gibsonville, NC, USA

Ford has been delayed in sending engine replacement and will not provide a loaner car. Van has been in for repair for 12 days. No customer service has been provided.

- San Francisco, CA, USA

No heat. Apparently a blown headgasket. I've heard of numerous other complaints of this nature (so it's not an isolated incident). Taking it to dealer for confirmation of problem next week.

- East Boothbay, ME, USA

The part failure rate is becoming alarming

- Salem, OR, USA