Consumer had to have whole head gasket set replaced, also brakes failed completly.

- Austin, TX, USA

Engine light went on for a couple days, brought vehicle to dealer. They stated that antifreeze leaking into head gasket & that it's possible that I may need a new engiene. I did not leave vehicle at dealer at that time because I stated that I wanted to speak to my mechanic because it would be cheaper to have him do work on vehicle. I contacted my mechanic who told me that the 3.8 litre engiene is known for this problem with head gasket. On 3/19/ 01 dealer contacted me wanting to know if I would be getting head gasket fixed. I stated that after further research I was able to determine that certain 1995 3.8 litre engienes were recalled and that a class action suit was brought against Ford Motor Company on 12/9/99 because of faulty head gaskets. I contacted Ford Motor Company & logged complaint, but they stated that their were no recalls on 1996 Ford Windstar so they could not do anything. Once I complained to dealer that their was a problem with this engiene they offered me a 6 year warranty from original date of purchase or 100,000 miles which ever came firston transmission & engiene up to $2,000 with $500 deductible. I took this offer with dealer because we only have 1 vehicle. Although I am grateful for this offer, the only reason the dealer offered me this deal was because I informed them that this particular engiene has a faulty head gasket. Dealer originally quoted that work on head gasket would cost approximately $1,500 for head gasket repairs or approximately $3,000 for new engiene. Even though I will have pay $500 out of pocket, I believe that the dealer or Ford should reimburse me for the head gasket repairs because this has been a problem with this engiene since 1988. I have also been able to locate on the internet @ website www.consumeraffairs.com/automotive/ford_windstar_1996_gaskets.htm that other consumers have had the same problem with their 1996 Ford Windstar 3.8 litre engiene as I have. I appeciate any assistance.

- Loudonville, NY, USA

Heater not working...low coolant...had to replace head gasket.

- Canton, MI, USA

Engine check light keeps coming on. Also, a lot of anti-freeze was missing too fast, took vehicle to dealer, and they said that anti-reeze was getting into cylinder. Consumer returned vehicle 1 week later, replaced gaskets again they were leaking.

- Lincoln, NE, USA

Head gaskets found to be leaking during service for rough idling. Wait for remanufactured engine greater than 4 weeks and no guarantee from Ford as to when the car will be repaired.

- Rockford, IL, USA

Had noticed smoke and steam coming from tailpipe out of rear view mirror. Engine head gaskets blewout while driving. Vehicle kept going after that. The 1995, 3.8 engine vehicles made by the manufacturer were known for blowing head gasket.

- Skiatook, OK, USA

Consumer stated that on December 11, 2000 haed gasket was replaced due to crack and coolant leakage that got into piston and other parts of engine. Currently, engine is not working, and manufacturer will not be responsible for repairs. Consumer believed that deterioration of engine was due to defective head gasket.

- Redford, MI, USA

Engine head gasket was leaking anti-freeze. Had taken vehicle to dealer for repairs where they said that head gasket blewout, and could not be repaired.

- Indianapolis, IN, USA

3.8 liter engine. Head gaskets failed prematurely. Dealer was inspecting and will repair vehicle. Manufacturer has been notified.

- Loudonville, NY, USA

Head gasket had to be replaced.

- Lebanon, PA, USA

Consumer was losing antifreeze. Took vehicle to deaelr, and they said consumer needs a new head gasket. Consumer was scared that engine gasket may blow on highway with children present. The manufacturer had extended the warranty on the 94-95 models admitting the engine was faulty. So, the manufacturer should not fix only some vehicle but not others.

- Ocean City, NJ, USA

Head gasket started to leak fluid onto engine compartment which caused loss of heat. Also, engine check light illuminated on dashboard. Consumer has contacted dealer, dealer noted that head gasket needed replacement.

- Cliffton Park, NY, USA

Engine check light keeps coming on. Taken vehicle to dealer, and informed consumer of a head gasket failure which was not covered under a manufacturer's recall.

- Cleveland, OH, USA

Consumer feels manufacturer should extend recall regarding defective head gaskets for 1996 models.

- Simi Valley, CA, USA

Head gasket failed late at night in unsafe area. Was afraid to drive van because of potential engine damage. However, because area unsafe, I did risk driving the vehicle to a safer area.

- Lilburn, GA, USA

Ford refuses to listen to our request for compensation, simply because we did not receive service at a Ford garage. We did not know or expect the head gasket to have blown. We were stranded on a Sunday morning in Ontario, some 650 miles from home. We were towed to the only service facitlity open on a Sunday (Canadian tire) who could potentially get us back on our way. We never expected a major engine problem to occur at 57,709 miles. We feel Ford should compensate us for the replacement of the head gasket, as it is a known problem and was recalled on the 1995 winstars. Apparently the 1996 Windstar have the same head gasket problem as the 1995S, but have not yet been recalled. Just because we were not at a Ford dealer or garage should not let Ford off the hook for our expense incurred on a defective part.

- Castleton, VT, USA

Same identified problem as 1994-95 head gasket defects that Ford has admitted problem and placed a limited 100,000 mile warranty, but for only 94-95 3.8 L engines.

- Yorktown, VA, USA

Head gasket failure; was told car engine was not under warranty and total repair cost was over $3,500. Asked to speak with district rep but told I could not. Told this person would contact me speedometer "bounces" at speeds over 40mph, making it useless for determining actual speed.

- Lilburn, GA, USA

Head gasket failure.

- Arlington, WA, USA

Failure of defective head gasket, resulting in coolant leakage into engine, engine failure.

- Sunnyvale, CA, USA