I own a 1996 Ford Windstar with a 3.8L V-6 engine. The vehicle currently has about 72,000 miles on it. It is now in the shop with a blown head gasket that will require a new long-block motor and possibly the replacement of the catalytic converter because antifreeze/oil was passing through it due to the gasket failure. I'm currently looking at a $5,800 bill to repair the vehicle. My query to Ford Motor Company resulted in a response that they can't do anything for me...that there are "no warranties, recalls or customer satisfaction programs" on my vehicle. My research shows that there are a ton of complaints of blown head gaskets in the 1996 Ford Windstar, but Ford refuses to do anything about it. Ford was hit with class action suits regarding the 1995 Ford Windstar that has the same problem and eventually agreed to extend the 1995 Windstar warranty period. Head gaskets should last the life of the vehicle. It should not fail at 72,000 miles. My vehicle had all of the required maintenance performed when they were due. This is not a case of a neglected vehicle from a maintenance perspective. Ford needs to step up and take corrective action. The service rep has told me that if they can't get a re-built in the next couple of days, it will probably be next week before the repairs will be completed. Next week is christmas. This was my first Ford product that I purchased. It will be the last. Any company that has this much disloyalty to its customers can not expect any loyalty in return. Their actions speak volumes to the lack of quality control in their product, customer service and, quite frankly, any sense of common decency. A proper head gasket would have cost them probably under $10 when the engine was built. It is now costing me $5,800 to fix their inaptitude and incompetence.

- Westerville, OH, USA

Head gasket for 3.8L V6 Ford engine is defective. Ford recognizes this for previous model years (1994-1995), but does not for my model. Ford has tsb for this problem for their dealers and service centers, as it is a common problem for the 1996 - and 3.8L engines of that time across their product line according to center for auto safety, this is a part that should never need changing. Furthermore, according to a Ford dealer service manager, Ford at 7 years and 78K miles do not want to repair the defect. The dealer I bought this vehicle from did not disclose that this car was past any defect recall and was past time to take action with Ford. (there is another issue with their climate controls on this minivan as well, as they ceased to function - and that is another item that should not fail unless defective.) in any case, the head gasket is very expensive to repair/replace, and should not need to be replaced during the lifetime of a vehicle.

- Forest Hills, NY, USA

Our 1996 Ford Windstar gl, which we purchased new, has 118000. We have experienced a broken (bouncing) speedometer, dome light malfunctioned, ABS and brake light malfunctioned, and more recently, leaking coolant which is linked to a blown head gasket and check engine warnings. The cost has been astronomical. According to many other consumers, all of these issues are common with the 96 model. Please investigate whether Ford intends to make any recalls regarding these issues.

- South Barre, VT, USA

Consumer noticed vehicle was surging. Also, there was an anti freeze smell. Checked engine, and engine check light started flashing. Vehicle was serviced, and technician noticed a head gasket problem.

- Collingswood, NJ, USA

I have been having problems with my check engine light coming on and staying on since Sept. 2000 when vehicle had under 100,000 miles on it. Took it to dealer while under warranty. Now have a private certified auto tech who does my repairs and code read outs. I have had a tune up at 95,000 miles, and had to have another one at 121,000 miles. Had problems with engine stalling while driving down the interstate and up a hlll. In summer of 2001, I had the iac valve changed which corrected the stalling problem. Have replaced O-2 sensors at least twice. In past 6 months, the enging has been running very rough and I have a strong smell of gasoline. 2nd tune-up and coil replaced about 2 weeks ago. Engine now running very rough and gasoline odor is so strong that you could not light a match in the vehicle. Check engine light on again as well as brake and ABS light. Radiator completely empty for the 2nd time in 2 weeks.

- Moundsville, WV, USA

Engine spewing water. Diagnosed as freeze plugs blowing 72,000 miles. At 42,000 miles transmission had to be worked on. Jumped out of drive to neutral. Vehicle has had regular maintenance since purchased new.

- Waycross, GA, USA

96 Ford Windstar with 3.8 lt V6, has blown head gasket, Ford says there has been no recall for part with my VIN# after looking up problem with vehicle on the web I found numerous complaints about the head gasket for the 94 and 95 models and it seems they have followed over to the 96 models especially with the 3.8 engines. Upon calling Ford and talking to a representative they said the repair cost were basically im my hands, I told them from what I read there had been numerous problems with the gaskets in the 96 and for them to go at 73, ooo miles seems a little premature, she basically told me that we were talking in circles and that the 96"S had a excellent customer rating and to make a long story short the expense of the repair would be mine.

- Woburn , MA, USA

This is in reference to what appears to be an excessive number of 1996 Ford Windstar's with the 3.8 engine having multiple head gasket problems. My vehicle is now having to be replaced after a third head gasket has to be replaced.

- Rocky Point, NC, USA

Ford extended warranty on 3.8 L engine for 1995 model due to engine failure caused by defective gasket sets. However, is not doing so for like failure on 1996 model 3.8 L engines. Engine seized on our vehicle with approximately 48000 miles despite maintenance and timing chain gasket set replacement an approximately $1200 repair.

- Lackawanna, NY, USA

Engine light on. Dealership stated that head gasket needed replacement and possible engine damage. Found hundreds of complaints on internet relating to defect in 1995-1997 Windstar with head gasket problems. Ford dealership claims do not know anything about problem. Contacting Ford, but getting run around and tends not to speak to me since mileage is over 100,000. Obvious problem, as evidence by the ability to easily find others with same issue. Dealership suggested engine replacement at $4,000 or gasket replace at $1,200. Another issue is ABS light on. Seems to be another issue where known problem with Ford, but Ford not able to fix.

- Rockford, MI, USA

The engine coolant is leaking into the intake engine manifold.

- West Falls, NY, USA

A check engine light came on November 3, 2002 and we took the vehicle to mccafferty Ford on November 7, 2002. The diagnosis was that the head gaskets were leaking coolant onto the engine and out the tail pipe and "shorted" the oxygen sensor which caused the check engine light to appear. The estimate to repair the problem is $1,423 (with tax). They also charged me $137.69 for two hours labor to find the problem, even though I experienced several of the symptoms. I did some research about Ford Windstar and head gasket failures and found out the 1994 and 1995 Windstar were recalled to fix the same problem. But, there is not a recall for 1996 even though I found thousands of complaints on-line. I have spoke to mccafferty Ford service representative richard H. mitchell on November 8, 2002 and he said there is nothing they can do if the vehicle is over 100,000 miles. (well, my vehicle would of been less than 100,000 if there was a recall earlier) I then contacted the Ford customer assistance center to get an answer. Ford representative bill (#2072) said that there wasn't a recall on the 1996 Windstar, so there is nothing they can do (mileage didn't matter). I was told to keep my receipts in case there was a recall. I found online that there are 1996 Windstar owners that have had this problem fixed for free or a fraction of the cost, by the dealers. Our local mechanic (D&D auto service in mechanicsburg) said that he has seen this problem often. Also, that the head gaskets in a modern car should last the lifetime of the vehicle (at least 120,000 miles). We also got an estimate from jackson's automotive (because D&D doesn't do extensive repairs) in camp hill to repair the head gasket problem for around $800, which is over $600 less then mccafferty Ford's estimate.

- Mechanicsburg, PA, USA

No summary.

- Fairport, NY, USA

Consumer states of having problems with the engine. Please add more details.

- Columbus, OH, USA

While driving, the check engine light illuminated, consumer stated three sensors had to be replaced, a few weeks later there was a knocking sound coming from the engine compartment, the vehicle was taken to the dealer where the consumer was informed that the engine needed to be replaced.

- Rockaway Borough, NJ, USA

Vehicle has extended warranty which just expired. Ford regional representative rejected request for assistance. Complaint letter sent to wc Ford. $1673.38 paid for repair of defects. No safety defect listed.

- Shelby Twp, MI, USA

No summary listed for above vehicle.

- Griffing, GA, USA

Engine failure at 88,000 miles, rough idle at times, computer replaced at 75,000 miles, head gasket blew, causing engine to fail.

- Great Lakes, IL, USA

Engine failure at 88,000 miles, rough idle at times, computer replaced at 75,000 miles, head gasket blew, causing engine to fail.

- Great Lakes, IL, USA

No summary listed for above vehicle.

- Griffin, GA, USA