10.0

really awful
Crashes / Fires:
0 / 3
Injuries / Deaths:
0 / 0
Average Mileage:
61,876 miles

About These NHTSA Complaints:

The NHTSA is the US gov't agency tasked with vehicle safety. Complaints can be spread across multiple & redundant categories, & are not organized by problem. See the Back button — blue bar at the very top of the page — to explore more.

Get notified about new defects, investigations, recalls & lawsuits for the 1996 Ford Windstar:

Unsubscribe any time. We don't sell/share your email.

« Read the previous 20 complaints

problem #10

Feb 072003

Windstar 6-cyl

  • Automatic transmission
  • 56,000 miles
For the 3rd time the head gasket blew. The first was at 56,000; the second at 90,000, and now at 125,000. On searching for used engine to replace mine, I find that most out of Windstar have blown head gasket.

- Rocky Point, NC, USA

problem #9

Apr 012003

(reported on)

Windstar

  • 30,000 miles
The consumer requested an investigation of Ford Motor Company and their lack of recalls on some serious defects.. the vehicle experienced a clunking sound, however the dealer stated the clunking sound was normal and then the transmission failed, the transmission was replaced with another Ford transmission, which failed on a test drive and one other occasion. Coolant leaked into the engine through the intake gasket, which was recalled for the 95 models. The timing chain leaked. There was a recall on the coils in the suspension, which Ford would only replace when they failed. The brake rotors failed at 30000 miles. Scc

- Kent, WA, USA

problem #8

Jul 152002

Windstar 6-cyl

  • Automatic transmission
  • 83,680 miles
Intake gasket over passenger front wheel well leaking coolant ABS brake light comes on during warm weather and on bumpy roads

- Delmar, NY, USA

problem #7

Dec 162002

Windstar 6-cyl

  • Automatic transmission
  • 70,000 miles
Head gasket failed leading to coolant entering cylinders. Van had just 70,000 miles and this should not have been a problem. Repair at Ford dealership was $1,300. They acknowledged this is a problem with the 1996 Windstar.

- Kentwood, MI, USA

problem #6

Feb 122003

(reported on)

Windstar 6-cyl

  • Automatic transmission
  • 92,100 miles
The vehicle overheated, consumer was informed by the dealer that the head cover gasket needed to be replaced. Customer would like to be reimbursed for expenses.

- Mount Prospect, IL, USA

problem #5

Dec 242002

Windstar

  • miles
While driving and without warning head gasket/timing chain snapped, causing fluid to leak. Dealer notified. Ts.

- Hurley, NY, USA

problem #4

Aug 011997

Windstar 6-cyl

  • Automatic transmission
  • 10,335 miles
The brake system and it's components failed, the ABS light had come on constantly, the transmission burned out, and the engine was contaminated with coolant. The consumer requested a new vehicle or a new engine. Mr scc

- Novato, CA, USA

problem #3

Jun 202002

Windstar

  • miles
Engine head gasket blewout, causing blue exhaust to come from tail pipe. This could have caused a fire. Dealer notified. Indicators are that radiator coolant had been leaking into oil causing 02 sensors to fail and be replaced. Dealer advised that entire engine be replaced.

- Springfield, VA, USA

problem #2

Apr 012002

Windstar

  • miles
Dealer resealed front timing cover, replaced water pump, and replaced the front engine timing cover gaskets.

- Milwaukee, WI, USA

problem #1

Jun 012002

Windstar 6-cyl

  • Automatic transmission
  • miles
The left outer tie rod was replace. The fuel injector, timing cover gaskets and wiper blades were replaced. The rear brake light was replaced. The switch headlight control was replaced. The drivers door ajar switch was replaced. Updated

- Milwaukee, WI, USA