Noticed check engine light on in December 2001. Looked in manual and said needed to complete 3 cooled complete cycles, but light didn't go off. Started leaking coolant and temperature gauge would go to hot. Heater would blow out cold air. Took to an independent mechanic and was told it had a cracked block and that Ford has had these same problems with previous years. Contacted dealership and they are unwilling to do anything to help out. Am in the process of contacting Ford company to see if they will be willing to help. Please follow up with any information. At this point my family of 5 is driving around in a small pick up truck beause I am unable to drive the van since told it could stop on me at anytime and cause even more damage.

- Westerville, OH, USA

Headgasket problems need new engine, just like the 1995 recall but Ford wont honor the same problem with the 1996.

- Madera, CA, USA

Dealer informed that engine shot a bearing and needed to be replaced. Feel free to provide any further informnation.

- Derwood, MD, USA

Vehicle was overheating while driving, .dealer notified, and replaced water pump and the timing cover. Feel free to provide any further information.

- Derwood, MD, USA

A head gasket failure under 80,000 miles of wear. Dealer and manufacturer were notified. Feel free to provide any further infromation.

- Derwood, MD, USA

Ongoing problem with 3.8L V6 engine check light coming on, running rough and loss of coolant. Dealer and manufacturer were notified. Feel free to provide any further information.

- Derwood, MD, USA

Engine check light illuminated. Took vehicle to dealer, and they stated that head gasket blew up. Cause unknown.

- Napa, CA, USA

The ABS light and check engine lights were on. The dealer mechanic replaced speed sensors and then told me the computer was also bad. He also told me that the main seal was leaking and said that Ford had lots of problems with the 3.8L V6 engine. He told me I should get rid of the car.

- Madison, AL, USA

Gasket failure leaked coolant into engine oil damaging engine.

- Valley View, OH, USA

While traveling on the interstate, check engine light appears on dashboard, and vehicle was leaking antfreeze. Dealership is aware of problem. Dealer found head gasket had blown, replaced head gasket and thermostat, on several occasions the air conditioning leaks, brakes making grinding sound, dealer found anti-lock sensor failed, rear fender is rusted on passenger side.

- Sciota, PA, USA

Vehicle is riding extremely rough, causing difficulty in steering vehicle. Mechanic stated head gaskets needed to be replaced.

- Baltimore, MD, USA

Took in for service as a result of no heat. Loss of coolant, oil present in coolant, leak of oil and water at timing cover seal, lower intake manifold and suspect engine oil cooler. Auto repair shop indicates that it has a cracked block and will need a new engine.

- Edmonds, WA, USA

These 3.8 L engines are known for blown headgasket problems, and for Ford lack of standing behind its so called quality products, I'm not a believer of that : thats why I will never own a Ford product again.

- Loveland, OH, USA

On December 13, 2001 my wife returned from a visit with her mother in galesburg Illinois. As usual she parked our 1996 Ford Windstar in the garage. Since my son and I had to make a trip to Iowa city the next day, I decided to fill the van up with gas. Upon trying trying to start the van I notice that the heat gauge was indicating that the van was overheating. I question my wife about this and she said that the van had not shown any signs of overheating on the way home. I took the van to dennison Ford in bloomington Illinois on December 17, 2001 and they informed me that the head gaskets had blown and that it would cost approximatel $1700 to repair. On December 22, 2001 I authorized dennisons to make the repairs. I got the van back the same day. On feburary 1, 2002 my daughter took the van to champaign Illinois to pick up my son. This was the first time the van had been on the highway since the head gaskets had been replaced. I receive a call from my daughter from champaign telling me that the van had died and they couldn't get it started. On the way to champaign I called my daughter and found out that they were able to get the van started and were at my son's dorm. When I arrived at champaign I inspected the van and didn't find anything wrong, there were no light or any warning indications. I decided to drive the van home and gave my vehical to my kids. On the way home, approximately 10 miles from my son's dorm, I attempted to pass a semi. While passing the engine died. This left me in a very unsafe condition. There were cars in front and back of me and a semi on the right. I was able to get the van off the road with out an accident, but just barely. The van was tolled back the dennison's. later that day I was informed that the engine had blown and that it would cost approximately $3300 to repair.

- Normal, IL, USA

Vehicle experienced a blown head gasket.

- Florence, SC, USA

According to jerry's Ford Lincoln Mercury, an authorized Ford dealer in leesburg, Virginia, my engine blew a head gasket. This happened when I started the car. There were 2 passengers, ages 15 and 16, and myself, the driver in the car at the time this occurred. I contacted Ford and was told that the build date of my engine was 12/19/95 and that the engine had been built in their Oakville plant in Ontario, cananda. Orson, Ford employee badge #2092 acknowledged that a recall had been issued on engines built in 1995 with this problem, but that no 1996 vehicles were involved. I explained to him that I appeared to have been affected as well. He stated that Ford would not offer me any assistance, goodwill or otherwise, with this defect and that I should contact william clay Ford, jr. In dearborn, Michigan if I wished to pursue the matter further.

- Leesburg, VA, USA

After vehicle is started engine check light remained illuminated. Dealer replaced head gaskests which did not correct the problem.

- Huntsville, AL, USA

I have a 1996 3.8L Windstar with head gasket failure. I see that the 1995's were recalled but nothing so far on the 1996's. these are the same engine all the way to 98. Ford company will do nothing since the vehicle is out of warrenty. I was told by a service manager to sell the vehicle to someone and not disclose the mechanical problem. I called the main company and they took my information but said there is no program for people with 1996 Windstar. I pointed out that they need O check the internet if they want some feedback. This vehicle was purchased because of it's safety record to Transport my wife and kids. Now, after looking at the information on the internet, I know this engine is neither safe nor reliable. Something needs to be done but the company will not stand behind their products. I'm just thankful the engine failed in a parking lot and not on some busy freeway with my family inside.

- Kirkland, WA, USA

1996 Ford Windstar with blown head gasket. Same engine and parts as recalled 1995's. was stranded on the side of a highway. No assistance from Ford. Have read 100's of internet accounts of same problem. Thousands of people with same problem. This is a major saftey hazard.

- Collingdale, PA, USA

Engine coolant leakage at intake manifold & head gasket. Since we bought, been having multiple issues with engine light on & various work done at dealership. On 11/3/01 intake gasket replaced for white exhaust smoke & engine light on. Returned 12/7/01 for engine light on & 02 sensor replaced. 1/3/02 heater blowing cool air- dealer sts head gasket bad. Corporate Ford refuses to do goodwill gesture/pay.(mileage to date approx since car still in shop).

- Cincinnati, OH, USA