Engine never overheated blown headgasket and water in the cylender threw a rod when I started it up.

- Delray Beach, FL, USA

At the 90,000 checkup the mechanic said our timing cover gasket is leaking and antifreeze is coming through. If it is not fixed whole engine will seize up. Sounds like the problems of the 1995!

- Madison, WI, USA

Like the 95's, it's only just begun. Head gaskets blown at 64K miles.

- Rowlett, TX, USA

My 1996 Ford Windstar blew a head gasket with only 76125 miles. Cost for repair will be $1333.25. And from what I have read on the internet, my Windstar is not the only one with the blown headgasket problem.

- Guyton, GA, USA

Head gasket blown, requires engine replacement.

- Dunkirk, MD, USA

Head gaskets blew out without warning. Dealer has inspected vehicle. Ford has issued a service recall on earlier years.

- Peach Tree City, GA, USA

Consumer had seen water leaking from engine. Had taken vehicle before to dealer to be repaired, and dealer told consumer that problem was caused by head gasket wich had to be replaced.

- Colorado Spring, CO, USA

Blown head gasket. This is a documented problem with Ford's 94 and 95 Windstar. In contacting Ford's customer assistance center, they indicate that these earlier vehicles are now covered by an extended warranty because NHTSA has determined that Ford was at fault; however, they indicate that NHTSA has made no similar ruling on the 1996 model. I have asked Ford for an explanation of the defect that was found in the 1994 and 1995 models and the date by which a specific, corrective action was taken to ensure against similar failure in subsequent models. The Ford customer assistance center indicates that the dealer is the only source of technical information and they are not able to respond to this issue. My question to the NHTSA is whether you can assist in documenting the specifics of the defect and the timeline within which Ford took corrective action to your satisfaction" it is possible that I am simply unfortunate and that the head gasket failure on my '96 Windstar--although it seems awfully similar to the head gasket failures on hundreds (thousands") of 94 and 95 Windstar--is only a coincidence" or is it the case that my vehicle has suffered the same fate as those earlier vehicles but not enough of the '96 vehicles have reached the point of failure for this model to have reached statistically significant levels" if I knew that you had pinpointed the problem and that Ford had corrected it prior to the build date of my vehicle (which I understand to be Feb. 1996) or the manufacturing date of the engine components, I would probably be less frustrated at the $3646.88 bill from Ford to replace their "defective" engine. As it stands now, their history of denying the problem with the 94 and 95 vehicles, their reluctance to explain that head gasket problem and the timing of their corrective action, and the recent series of issues involving other of their vehicles in which they appeared to place profits ahead of consumer safety all leave me frustrated.

- Madbury, NH, USA

Head gasket leaking into engine. Coolant entering cylinder and crankcase, producing steam out of the exhaust. Contacted Ford dealer for repair estimate and was quoted $600+ for labor and additional cost for parts. Have discovered through this website and others that this is a common problem with Ford 3.8L V6 engine and that Ford has helped with costs on 1995 vehicles, but not 1996. Should not be having this problem with only 79000 miles on vehicle, and since it seems to be common, manufacturer should cover costs. Last Ford I will own.

- Charlotte, NC, USA

Head gaskets had to be replace, engine light came on and started to blink. Taken into mechanic who said that the head gaskets had to be replace along with a few oxygen sensors. Is going to cost approx. $1,800. Ford told us that the 96's were not covered under the extended warranty, even though these probably still have the same bad parts.

- Gahanna, OH, USA

Vehicle experienced premature head gasket failure which caused engine to overheat, Ford refuses to reimburse consumer even though the head gasket failure is a known condition.

- Alexandria, VA, USA

Head gasket failure, misfiring, 'check engine light on', loosing compression, no repairs are covered, Ford Windstar produced up until the end of 1995 are being recalled for this same defect, my Windstar (build 1/2/1996!!) is not covered. I am concerned about safety (I read about the danger of suddenly losing speed) and yes, I am angry about bearing the cost of repair.

- Marion, IL, USA

Engine head gaskets are leaking oil onto engine. Manufacturer has been notified.

- Chattanooga, TN, USA

3.8L V-6 blown head gasket 1996 Ford Windstar known problem.

- Batavia, IL, USA

Vehicle had been parked for over a week before being started. Was driving for awhile & noticed white smoke coming out of rear exhaust. Took vehicle to mechanic & was informed that head gaskets had blown. Prior to head gaskets being blown, been putting water into the system to cool it down.

- Dallas, TX, USA

Due to head gasket which had a crack and caused the oil and the anti freeze to leak and mix together. Dealer had to weld the head to fix the problem.

- Anaheim, CA, USA

Head gasket has blown on 3.8 liter engine which could have caused other damage to vehicle parts.

- Fanwood, NJ, USA

Head gasket failure.

- Palo Alto, CA, USA

Headgasket replacement.same problems w/ other Windstar-Ford won't fix.

- Suamico, WI, USA

Headgasket replacement.same problems w/ other Windstar-Ford won't fix.

- Suamico, WI, USA