This data is from the NHTSA — the US gov't agency tasked with vehicle safety. Complaints are spread across multiple & redundant categories, & are not organized by problem.
So how do you find out what problems are occurring? For this NHTSA complaint data, the only way is to read through the comments below. Any duplicates or errors? It's not us.
Consumer was traveling about 65mph on highway and vehicle was running hot she was able to pull over to shoulders. A tow truck had to tow the vehicle. Dealership was aware of problem. Defective head gaskets caused engine failure, consumer is requesting reimbursement due to not being notified of the defective head gaskets.
We purchased our Ford Windstar new in 7/94 (it was anearly 1995 release). Problems began immediately with the engine control, door closure sensor, etc. There were also other nuisances such as the suspension that had a banging noise when going over any bump. The door sensors and engine computer were replaced. The suspension problem was never resolved. Then before the warranty expired (36,000 miles) there were problems with the check engine light coming on (which it is still on 5 years later). After trips to the dealer and a $500 tune-up the engine light problem was supposedly fixed-- which it never was. At that time years ago I told them that the transmission did not seem to shift properly especially when we went on vacation through the mountains. Their answer whiule it was "under warranty" was that the engine was electronic and that if a sensor was bad or the fuel mixture was not proper it would cause that to happen. They said that the sensors did not indicate a transmission problem. We, however, knew that something was wrong. The car progressively became worse, but again the only thing they could find is that the engine indicated that it was running "too lean". the check engine lights came on and eventually would go off, but this happened more frequently. Finally, the car became unreliable, and we again took it to the dealer. They said that they would check the engine head gasket. Sure enough it was going bad! they estimated to fix it would cost $2000+ I said that my concern was also that the transmission was perhaps in failure also. They said that again they didn't think so. With all of the problems, I was hesitant to pay that much too fix the head gasket. I then asked if Ford warranty would pick up any of the cost. After talking to numerous people the answer was, no! shortly, thereafter, the engine failed and I had it towed to an independant mechanic who agreed to fix it for $800-900. Since that time the engine has never been the sam
While making a right turn at 5 mph front left coil spring broke, causing front end to drop. Dealer has been contacted. The coil spring breaking damaged the strut and velocity axles. The vehicle was leaking coolant due to water pump failure.
Transmission: Vehicle hesitates and has difficulty shifting up; engine revs up while attemting to upshift; must back off on accelerator pressure to "baby" it into shifting up; when slowing vehicle down, it downshifts with a "clunk;" sometimes gets stuck in park position; overdrive light blinks on and off for long periods of time. Engine cooling system: Overheating; interior heating system inoperable; pipe of thin metal continually ruptures causing coolant and water to spew out. Engine: Vehicle sometimes stalls when slowed down to turn a corner or to stop; vehicle sometimes won't start for five minutes or more after it has been started, run for two or three minutes and turned off.
Temperature gauge would go up/down. Would add freeon to try to correct. Had map sensor changed. Vehicle was leaking fluid. There was liquid in the exhaust pipe (antifreeze). Been in contact with the dealer & manufacturer. Was informed that program, which was for 7 years, and unlimited mileage from date of vehicle's manufacturer, has expired & nothing could be done. Vehicle was not beyond the 7 year limit.
Headgasket replaced under recall. Water pump gasket replaced at owner cost. Vehicle is now running poorly (suspect same failure or failed engine crank and bearings) and leaking oil from main seal. Another 1000 dollar repair according to dealer.
Head gasket went out along with the starter & believed to be water pump also went out..all with in 2 days....no notice at all engine light came on when gasket blew.covered with a lot of smoke which filled my whole backyard.I turmed the van off and it would not start...I contacted paydays South where I purchased the van when they directed me to ricart Ford in columbus, Ohio.they had believed it was still covered under factory warranty.I spoke with a kevin daniels at ricart who was very nice and is going to set up a appt for us....also when we replaced the starter..we attempted to start the van and it made two very loud clanking noises.which left me very concerned about the damages done to the engine.
Water pump and transmission failed due to cracked forward piston which was made out of aluminium, causing vehicle to jerk and slow down speed. Also, engine blewout about 1 week after transmission was replaced due to head gasket.
Brought car to bell Ford on 10/3/00 for recall service repair after local svc mechanic indicated engine problem is one that Ford initiated a recall for in May 2000. Bell refused due to current mileage of 106000 on vehicle exceeding recall limitation of 100000, and repair deadline of 10/1/00. Ford refuses to cover the $1400-1500 repair under the recall. We had never received a recall notice, although Ford insists that they sent us one in May 2000.
The timing cover gasket is leaking anti-freeze according to dealer. Will cost between $650 and $850 (depending on dealer) to replace gasket. Dealer explained that if leak becomes internal, engine may be harmed.
A D V E R T I S E M E N T S
- Ann Harbor, MI, USA