Manufacturer has recalled '95 Windstar for faulty head gasket and not '96 even though same design, materials and point of assembly.

- Overland Park, KS, USA

Vehicle has a blown head gasket, causing engine damage. The same engine in the 1995 Windstar have been recalled for total replacement of the head gaskets and all related damage. The 1996 Windstar that carried the same engine are not being recalled. According to the dealer these must be repaired at the owners expense, and may cause a total engine failure if continue driving. These engines were only placed in the early models of the 1996, and then after the 3.8 L engines were recalled the newer 1996 Windstar contain the 3.0L engine. We feel that Ford should cover the cost of repair as it is the same engine as the 1995 Windstar.

- Central Square, NY, USA

I took my Windstar in for 90,000 mile service (a little early) and was told the head gasket was bad and I am losing anti-freeze as a result. I found it odd, since the vehicle has been serviced regularly and has never overheated. I did some investigation and found the 1995 Windstar's with the same engine were given extended warranties to cover a "known" head gasket problem. I called Ford and was told my VIN was not covered and has an "upgraded" head gasket. I argued that if in fact it is upgraded, it certainly is not upgraded enough. I have been quoted $800 to $1200 to make the repair. I can see from my reseach that many Ford vehicles with this size engine have the same problem with head gasket failure. Ford should correct the problem for its customers.

- Finksburg, MD, USA

A major recall has occurred with Ford covering the repair costs or issuing $4000 certificates toward the purchase of a new vehicle for 1995 and earlier models. It is obvious that the head gaskets on all Ford 3.8-liter engines are defective and the new engine design did not help or eliminate the problem they have with the earlier version. I feel Ford should include the 1996 Windstar in the recall. 8ak

- Medina, OH, USA

While traveling vehicle commenced to run rough and engine check light would come on. Vehecle taken to an independent repair shop. Consumer was informed of a blown head gasket. Manufacturer notified, and informed consumer that vehicle was not cover undered extended warranty.

- Gainsville, FL, USA

Engine head gasket has blown out, causing coolant to leak onto the engine. Dealer has been notified.

- Highland Lakes, NJ, USA

Van is well taken care of. Only 1 driver, over 50 years old. Kept a merc Grand Marquis wagon for 14 years and 250,000 miles. Timing cover gasket failed - leaked coolant. This is very premature - seems like a design/fabrication problem, gasket problem. Over $600 to repair. Window track became separated from door - had to be rewelded. Over $150 to repair. Should not happen in 4 years of mostly highway driving. Definite assembly problem. Undectable until nearly fully separated, and out of warranty, and excessive vibrations in using window.

- Ocean City, NJ, USA

94-95 Ford Windstar engines are having head gasket problems. When I contacted them they said it was vans mfg. From Dec 93 to Aug 95 and that my 96 was not involved. Just because the sticker says my van was mfg. In 96 does not mean that the engine could not have been mfg at the same time as a the engine for 94 or 95 van. They are offering money for trade-in or engine replacement. It seems very coincidental that they just announced this problem on 94-95 vans and my 96 has this problem.

- Racine, WI, USA

Leaking oil onto engine resulting in all new seals, gaskets and head gasket, due to failure.

- Altoona, WI, USA

Failure of head gaskets on engine, resulting in required replacement of the entire engine. Same engine that Ford is currrently replacing in 1994 and 1995 model year Windstar, for the same reason - premature failure of head gaskets. Ford will not reimburse for the cost of repairs of this engine, although it is perfectly clear that it has failed for the same reasons as the 1994 and 1995 model year. Ford has admitted to this problem being present, yet is not taking any action to rectify the situation for owners of vehicles with the same engine installed in newer model years.

- Des Moines, IA, USA

After three fairly reliable years and only 58,000 miles, I have had head gaskets blown and a transmission that is showing signs of failure. After researching on the internet, I see that I am not alone in having these problems with the Windstar. I have never felt compelled to complain about a vehicle before. The thought of this car leaving my family stranded on a busy stretch of freeway (which it almost did) due to a premature engine failure and factory defect is inexcusable.

- Pleasant Grove, UT, USA

Ford is coming up with some type of re-embursement for the 1995 Windstar but how about the 1996 Windstar. We are having the same head gasket problems as the 1995S.

- Longwood, FL, USA

Engine repaired at customer cost of $1300 1995 Windstar had engine recall and manufacturer stood behind product. Same basic configuration in the 1996 model. Ford should cover.

- Hortonville, WI, USA

While driving down the street anti-freeze had leaked out, and engine check light came on. Took vehicle to the local mechanic. Mechanic said it was a head gasket problem. Contacted dealer and manufacturer who were not able to help.

- Berkley, MA, USA

While vehicle was parked, owner noticed an oil leak. This was due to a blown engine head gasket. Dealer is offering an extended warranty.

- Bloomington, IN, USA

Engine head gasket head replaced within six months of ownership with original owner. Now new engine is needed because a second gasket head has cracked and ruined engine. This does not seem reasonable within a four year period. Ford has denied claim for repairs.

- Ann Arbor, MI, USA

Rods in the engine broke for no apparent reason. Ford said that it was not their problem.

- Tennessee, TN, USA

Rods in the engine broke for no apparent reason. Ford said that it was not their problem.

- Tennessee, TN, USA

Engine head gaskets were leaking coolant. Consumer was told by manufacturer that this problem has been recognized by the manufacture in Canada, and that the warranty was extended to the us for 7 yrs/ 100000 miles.

- Skokie, IL, USA

The premature failure of the 3.8L engine head gasket was first noticed by myself during a routine inspection of my fluid levels and engine compartment. What I noticed was what appeared to be a coolant leak around the head gaskets. Under more constant supervision my wife and I observed other symptoms which include a more constant drop in the coolant level and a loss of heat when the heating system was operating. These symptoms seemed seriuos so we decided not to drive the vehicle until it has been serviced. Through friends and relatives we have discovered that this problem is occuring with many Windstar owners so we have decided to further research this matter which is how we have come across your site. Please contact us with any updates you may have on this matter. Thank you.

- Skokie, IL, USA