I took my 1995 Ford Windstar to the dealer, after the check engine light came on and the car started to over heat. I was told the head gasket is damaged and will have to replace the engine at a cost of $5600. It is unbelievable!!! the car has only 80,000 miles on it.

- San Jose, CA, USA

The vehicles head gasket blew and caused $2000 worth of damage to the vehicle.

- Hudson, OH, USA

While driving, white smoke emitted from the trail pipe and then the engine failed due to a defective head gasket.

- Cotati, CA, USA

One year ago (2002) my 1995 Ford Windstar blew a head gasket without warning. The engine was replaced by the dealer under tbs 00M09. One year later and under 30,000 miles the new engine has blown a head gasket and Ford refuses to honor it stating that a small pin hole in one of the heater hoses caused the block to drain of fluid and blowing the head gasket. I inspected the engine shortly after it occurred and the radiator and reserve tanks were both full. I told this to the service manager at the dealer and I was told I must be mistaken the engine was empty. I am an aircraft mechanic and know when an engine is out of water or not but I am running into a brick wall. I have contacted the Ford customer service and am not having any luck with that either. What recourse if any do I have?

- Clemmons, NC, USA

The vehicle had a leak. It was later determined that anti-freeze was getting into the oil. The dealer replaced the head gaskets.

- Clawson, MI, USA

While driving the vehicle stalled and was difficult to restart.

- Clawson, MI, USA

Engine light came on today after we had the engine replaced on 09/21/01. We also smelled fumes around the car and inside the car. We have had problems after problems with this Windstar and would appreciate something being done about it. We are very disappointed in Ford. We have been with them for over 12 years. Please start an investigation into this matter. **dimsii IVOQ entry posted after 12/12/02 cut over to artemis**768031

- Virginia Beach, VA, USA

The vehicle has had the brakes replaced on average every 6,000 miles. The catalytic converter has been replaced at 40,000 miles, the head gasket at 20,000. The cutting out, engine failure has been happening since head gasket was corrected. Ford has responded to a written letter, at which time I was accused for forging my husband's signature (later I was told he was just kidding). This vehicle is unsafe transportation for my 3 children. When moving out into traffic, we are in danger of a collision if the engine fails, as it often does. Please feel free to contact myself or my husband with any questions. Barbara smith. ****dimsii IVOQ entry posted after 12/12/02 cut-over to artemis****724221.

- San Bruno, CA, USA

Intake gasket cover failed shortly after recall work was completed on other recall gasket failure. Ford and dealer refused repairs while both confirmed they have had a lot of problems with these gaskets. *****dims 11 IVOQ entry posted after 12/12/02 cut-over to artemis------759790.

- Issaquah, VT, USA

While driving, flames emitted from the engine compartment area due to head gasket failure for the second time. Also the fuel tank contained a leak and there was a recall regarding the issue.

- San Ramon, CA, USA

While driving engine shut down which caused loss of power steering.

- Everton, AR, USA

While driving the consumer heard a "bang". the vehicle was taken to a mechanic who stated the engine had failed.

- New Hyde Park, NY, USA

Failure of 1995 Windstar engine for the 3rd time. First time engine gasket fixed, then at 50,000 miles 2nd gasket fixed, then failed at 72000. First 2 fixes covered under extended warranties but the last one I was required to pay to fix. Have disposed of this vehicle.

- Poughkeepsie, NY, USA

Due to a defective head gasket, the vehicle blew a thick cloud of white smoke from the tailpipe. The manufacturer had a voluntary head gasket replacement program that expired 1 month prior to gasket failing.

- Alexandria, VA, USA

Blown head gaskets on 1995 Ford Windstar that Ford Motor Company was aware of as a problem on this particular model/year. "check engine" warning light kept coming on but no problem could be detected. Of course my "head gasket" problem developed after the limited extended warranty had expired.

- Colonial Heights, VA, USA

While driving smoke came from the undercarriage and then engine shut down.

- Oakland, CA, USA

My complaint is about my 1995 Ford Windstar van with the 3.8 lt V-6 engine. I bought my van new on 9/12/95 and have taken care to keep it in good shape. It had recently, in later part of March, began to run roughly. I took it to a mechanic on April 1, 2003. The mechanic informed me that the head gaskets has blown out. My van only has 55,900 miles on it! Ford had extended the warranty to cover only the head gaskets for 100K miles or seven years whichever came first. Even though my warranty, according to Ford, ran out in Sept. 02, I still feel that 56K miles is too low to suffer this kind of major repair. When I contacted Ford, they said there was nothing they could do. I feel I should not have to pay for a defective design by Ford. The mechanic said the repair would be between $1000 and $2000 dollars depending on the extent of the damage. It could even be higher if the damage is extensive.

- High Point, NC, USA

The oil pan gasket leaked.

- Buffalo Grove, IL, USA

1995 Ford Windstar LX head gaskets blew out at 100,112 miles today. Warranty through 100,000 miles. I've had to have the brakes repaired at least once per year for the last 4 years.

- Hawley, MN, USA

The head gasket blew out, in which gas had mixed with the antifreeze.

- Amherst, MA, USA