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.
Was driving 55mph and engine exploded. Coolant system mixed in with the oil according to mechanic after taking vehicle to dealer. Head gasket was cause of problem. Prior to engine exploding, head gasket was replaced. There was engine stalling problems. Took to dealer & it caught fire. Was notified problem was the engine (twice). It needed replacing.
They would cover the head gaskets, but not the problems that were caused by the head gasket failure-1500 dollars worth. I have a letter saying they cover related problems, but now Ford says it is up to the dealership. And they aren't covering the other problems caused by the head gaskets.
On 2/22/00 the head gasket blew on the 1995 3.8L engine. The dealer replaced the gasket on 2/28/00. They would not honor the 100,000 mile recall on the engine. On 4/28/00 the engined failed while driving on route 495 in MA with a speed of 60 mph. The failure was from leaking coolant from the replaced head gasket that result in wiping the bearing and #5 & 6 cylinders. At first the dealer would not warranty the work. On 5/16/00, the dealer finally warranty the work and stated that a new engine would take 2-5 weeks to receive. The engine was not received until mid July. A replacement vehicle was not offfered to me until I had to raise a little stink at the dealer on 6/20/00. I also inquired if there was a buyback program for the vehicle. The dealer ever responed. Come to find out there is a program for the '95 &'96 Windstar to the high failure rate of the engine. I also was never reimbursed fro the head gasket work done originally on 2/28/00.
- Raynham, MA, USA
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Failure of head gaskets was originally repaired about March 2000, second occurance on August 10, 2000. Vehicle is still at dealership awaiting parts. Ford motors cannot tell dealer or myself when to expect part or repair to be completed. Only response fromford was after I went to the trouble of contacting them through their web site. I am not happy with the ambigous response I was gien at this time. "your part is on emergency order & will be shipped it has to come from back East."
I also had the head gasket fail on our Ford Windstar. So, the dealer replaced the engine as per the recall by Ford at no cost to me. About one month later the low oil light comes on. When I checked the oil, it was not even touching the dipstick. It was filled and brought back to the mentioned dealer who did the original replacement of the engine. They found no oil leaks and said the engine would have to break in for 5000 miles. My wife and I drove the car 6000 miles and logged the mileageand the amount of oil every time we had to add it. We were burning 1 quart every 1000 miles. The cars was brought back to the dealer in April 2000 as perf there request to return once the engine was "broken in". they ran an oil consumption test and requested that I return with the car whne it was 1 qt low ( basically they changed the oil and filter and marked the level on the dipstick. After one month it was a quart low after driving about 1200 miles. When I returned to the dealer. They stated that consumption of 1 quart of oil every 900 miles is within Ford specifications. I have written letters to the dealership, Ford's complaiint dept. And to the director of Ford vehicle service programs. I receved* phone call stating that my letters was received and Ford would look into the problem. That was back in June, 2000. I have not heard from anyone since. Since then the transmission has also failed in the same vehicle @ 51K miles and another of these reports filed. I have found many people on various discussion boards with the same problems, yet Ford refuses to do anything.. we need your help!!!
The numerous failures on Ford transmissions are because they used aluminum instead of steel in a high pressure area, it will probably take a class action suit just like the head gaskets and the ignitions.
I also had the head gasket fail on our Ford Windstar. So, the dealer replaced the engine as per the recall by Ford at no cost to me. About one month later the low oil light comes on. When I checked the oil, it was not even touching the dipstick. It was filled and brought back to the mentioned dealer who did the original replacement of the engine. They found no oil leaks and said the engine would have to break in for 5000 miles. My wife and I drove the car 6000 miles and logged the mileageand the amount of oil every time we had to add it. We were burning 1 quart every 1000 miles. The cars was brought back to the dealer in April 2000 as perf there request to return once the engine was "broken in". they ran an oil consumption test and requested that I return with the car whne it was 1 qt low ( basically they changed the oil and filter and marked the level on the dipstick. After one month it was a quart low after driving about 1200 miles. When I returned to the dealer. They stated that consumption of 1 quart of oil every 900 miles is within Ford specifications. I have written letters to the dealership, Ford's complaiint dept. And to the director of Ford vehicle service programs. I receved* phone call stating that my letters was received and Ford would look into the problem. That was back in June, 2000. I have not heard from anyone since. Since then the transmission has also failed in the same vehicle @ 51K miles and another of these reports filed. I have found many people on various discussion boards with the same problems, yet Ford refuses to do anything.. we need your help!!!
The numerous failures on Ford transmissions are because they used aluminum instead of steel in a high pressure area, it will probably take a class action suit just like the head gaskets and the ignitions.
The head gasket failed prior to recall notice but the consumer was denied repair because the vehicle was over 100,000 miles, however the vehicle is experiencing the symptoms of the recall. Nlm
Recently had head gasket failure which resulted in a cracked head. Ford reimbursed the bill for this repair, but now the vehicle is in a service provider with a new problem. They say that I have a " bad or blown" bearing which might require a new motor costing upwards of $4000. I'm totally disgusted with this vehicle. Under 60,000 miles and I've had the head replaced and now I'm told that the motor needs to be replaced. Is there anything that can be done" is Ford aware of this new problem and if so are they going to make good??" please help. Desperate
Vehicle experienced failure of the manufacturers recall component (head gasket) consumer has had to replace the engine due to defective head gasket failure.
Not contacted and unaware of the recall on 1995 Ford Windstar for head gasket failures.I've had numerous problems with my engine for at least one year now.I just crossed the 100,000 mile mark in the past 2 month's, and the head gasket has blown.I'm not sure why the manufacturer does not send out letters to inform there customers of obvious and major defects to there vehicle's. what if any actions can I take to offset some of the cost of repairing this vehicle manufactured defect. Thankyou
When the engine seized up, I took the van to phil long Ford. They proceeded to run the diagnosis and informed me the van needed a new engine which would cost $3500. I did not have the money for the engine and waited. In may of 2000 I received a recall notice on the head gasket. Took the car to phil long in July. According to phil long, all that needed replaced was the head gasket. They replaced the head gasket, spark splug, changed the oil (antifreeze had leaked into the oil), and the oil filter. This was at their expence. All of a sudden, no new engine was needed. Two months later, to the day, I lost all the gears except low. I need to know if there has been a recall on the transmission and what the warranty is on the transmission for a 1995 Windstar. It seems unlikely that the transmission would go on such a new model.
Was experiencing problems with head gasket leaking on 01 Jan 00. Had vehicle towed to mechanic & informed head consumer that gasket was repaired previously. Problem caused engine to be damaged. Mechanic indicated vehicle is driveable, but engine was dying & had owner drive off lot. Returned vehicle & engine was replaced. New engine started to have electrical problems. Air conditioner did not work & dome light came on and off.
Vehicle experienced continued problems with the engine overheating and faulty head gaskets, recall was issued by Ford in regards to head gasket failure, consumer was denied reimbursement due to exceeding the mileage requirement.
A D V E R T I S E M E N T S
- Chicago, IL, USA