Coolant leaked into engine causing complete engine failure blowing the head gaskets and cracking the engine block. When this happened there was a complete power loss in the steering and braking of the vehicle. My wife and two children were in the van at the time of the failure. Fortunatly they were not on the interstate or major highway because theres no telling what the result would have been in this case. I have found out that this is a recalled problem for the 94 and 95 years for the same model that I have but not the 96. This is not just a problem with Windstar but has also happened with the mustangs and lincon town cars which leads me to believe that this is a design error with-in those years in question with many Ford models. This will cost me nearly $4500 to repair as quoted from a Ford dealership and it cost me $80 just to tell me something I already paid for at Goodyear, I need a new engine. Seeing that there has been a recall for previous years for this model I would apprieciate it if you could tell Ford to consider recalling the other affected models with this same problem that they know about but refuse to admit.

- Burke, VA, USA

Engine coolant leaks, manufacturer has a tsb on vehicle, but this vehicle is not part of tsb. Contacted dealer.

- Evansville, IN, USA

How many of these complaints do you need. We need help. According to your data, this is an obvious problem that will continue to be pushed aside without your help. I am out $1500 and a car while it is being fixed. Thanks. No safety defect listed.

- Huntsville, AL, USA

No summary listed for above vehicle.

- Mcalester, OK, USA

When driving speedometer was waving back from 20 to 90 mph. Consumer contacted dealer, dealer noticed transmission pan had metal in it which caused transmission to be replaced. Also, noticed a fume odor in passenger compartment, and contacted the dealer. Dealer noticed that coolant and timing cover were leaking fluid onto head gasket.

- Providence, RI, USA

No summary listed for above vehicle.

- Hudsonville, MI, USA

Vehicle overheated and lost power making steering and braking difficult. The symptoms seem identical to the 1995 engine coolant loss covered by Ford extended warranty althought dealer reports this vehicle is not affected.

- Glastonbury, CT, USA

I am dissatisfied with the service from Ford on my 1996 Windstar. This is the second time it has been in for service for the same thing. The antifreeze was leaking at a quick pace and Ford ran the pressure test. Said it was the water pump and gasket that needed fixed. This was 2 weeks ago. They told my boyfriend [xxx] whose name is on the title of the van that it was fixed. Here it is 1/4/2001 and again we had to take it in for service for the same problem. Ran test again and said it was the head gaskets and #4 cylinder. We already paid $900 and it wasn't fixed the first time. Now they want to charge $1200 to have it fixed and we can't afford to pay more when it should have been fixed the first time around. Also found out Ford has had a recall on all Windstar up to 1995 for the same problem that we are having and they are fixing this for free. As a consumer I feel we are being taken advantage of and this is a safety hazard to myself as well as our children. I am the main driver of this vehicle and I have 2 toddlers. Ford said the van can stop at anytime and I would be stuck. I am very upset and dissatisfied and would like some satisfaction from this company. I feel we are being taken advantage of when Ford knows this is an ongoing problem with this vehicle. Thank you and I await your response. Parts of this document have been redacted to protect personally identifiable information pursuant to the Freedom Of Information Act (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6).

- Mckees Rocks, AK, USA

Water was leaking out from left side of engine, a mechanic told consumer this should not happen at 72000 miles.

- Danville, CA, USA

In Jan 2000, check engine light came on, noticed rough idiling, took in for service, problem with exhaust system repaired...again in Feb 2000, same problem noted, again took in for expensive repairs(both of these repairs were done at local Ford dealer)...in may noticed that it was starting to rough idle again...took to local repair shop...could not find anything wrong.........suddenly on June 30, 2000..after starting the van after work to go home...noticed white smoke pouring out from van and incredible rough idle...took the van to the Ford dealer....proceeded to be told that the van had a blown head gasket, water pump, cracked pistons and they thought the engine block might be affected too....suggested that it was too expensive to fix if even possible....told this was not a problem with the 96 vans....not under any recall or warranty....suggested we might want to buy a new van.....felt we didn't have any options so bought a new 2000 Windstar....now after some research I see this is problem with 96 Windstar.....not very happy.... have written numerous letters to Ford and spoken to their complaint department.....no resolution yet.....thank you

- Knoxville, TN, USA

Water pump failed. Nlm

- Niagara Fa, NY, USA

While traveling about 60mph there was coolant leak inside engine compartment due to a minor hole. Consumer has to keep an eye on the coolant so that engine won't overheat.

- Stevenville, MD, USA

Engine coolant needs filling every 2-3 days, transmission skips, engine check light always illuminated and interior door ajar light never goes off.

- Billerica, MA, USA

Coolant leaking externally from engine front cover.

- Oakdale, MN, USA

No summary listed for this vehicle.

- Medina, NY, USA