Head gasket - slow loss of coolant up to 65,000 miles when coolant leak observed around rear head. "bars leak" added to coolant which stopped visible leak. Currently at 112,000 miles and coolant has steadily dropped since this time with no visible leaks. Apparently entering combustion chamber. Gaskets are a well known problem with these vehicles. Transmission - abrubptly downshifts approximately 6 times since purchasing new. Has occurred at freeway speeds in od then suddenly drops into second gear causing vehicle to over rev and slow down suddenly (of course with no brake lights). Disconnecting battery and then reinstalling always corrects problem (resets computer). Both problems seem to be very comman with 95 Windstar, both potentially dangerous.

- Marble Falls, AR, USA

We purchased this 1995 Windstar new from the dealer and paid cash up front expecting this vehicle to be our main family car for at least 10 years. When we experienced an intermittent heater around 75000 miles, the dealer replaced the thermostat at a cost of $107.77 and said nothing about the headgasket. Two days later the heater was again intermittent and when examined by the dealer I was told that the head gasket was defective. Actually they misdiagnosed the problem the first time I brought in the vehicle for an intermittent heater. The following day the dealer service manager said that I had to pay $495 or the cost of an extended service agreement to fix the head gasket and Ford will pay the balance. The extended service agreement would cover my vehicle only to 75000 miles. I have 75115 miles on my Windstar now. I feel that Ford should pay the full amount of repairs in this case because of the head gasket design flaw described in the 1998 head gasket recall. We are very dissatisfied with the unfair way Ford is treating its best customers. John and karen taylor.

- Hudson, NH, USA

Engine seals released anti-freeze.

- Syosset, NY, USA

Head gasket failure of 3.8L Ford 1995 engine. Did not (thankfully) cause injury for me or my family, but this is an engine defect that could cause an accident at any time, since the failure is not predictable.

- Abingdon, MD, USA

While driving head gasket blew out.vehicle only had 34,000 milles. Dealer was contacted.

- Seattle, WA, USA

Head gasket failed.

- North Hills, CA, USA

Engine head gaskets have blown out, causing coolant to leak onto the engine. Damage wa sin excess 0F $1800. Dealer has repaired the vehicle.

- Hunnington, NY, USA

Up to now I found two Windstar-owners, who had the same problem. The dealer and Ford told me that they are aware of this problem with this engine.

- Wichita Falls, TX, USA

Head gasket and timing cover leak (dealer estimate to fix = $3600). Previously complained to dealer and Ford (10/4/99 at 58207 miles) about a transmission problem that I now think was related to the current head gasket/timing cover problem (in another report here, the head gasket/timing cover was listed as a solution for transmission symptoms that were the same as one's I had experienced and reported).

- Robbinsville, NJ, USA

Engine head gasket failure, causing leakage of coolant from 3.8L engine.

- Ardmore, PA, USA

While driving van it overheated. When the van was taken to the dealership, it was found that the engine head gasket was bad and needed to be replaced. Dealer advised consumer that it would be wise to replace the whole engine. The head gasket has not been replaced.

- Euclid, OH, USA

Engine failed due to blown head gaskets. Have owned vehicle for 5 years and never recieved any type of recall on this. Cost $1300 to repair. Just learned that these engines have been a problem. It seems that Ford should pay for the repairs because of the poor design. Is there any way I can be reimbursed for all or part of the repairs.

- Castle Hayne, NC, USA

Ongoing problem with engine head gasket blowing out on three occasions. Dealer notifed, and repairs were made at a deductible cost to consumer.

- Long Beach, CA, USA

In low temperature vehicle overheated. Recall on vehicle for this problem. Dealer will not repair vehicle.

- Grandy, CT, USA

Ford has admitted that this has been a common problem with these engines and yet they will not assume any liability for them. The dealer said that he is seeing 2 of these every week !

- Glen Dale, WV, USA

Engine head gasket blew during my vacation. Known problem with Ford 3.8 liter engines. Warranty extended by Ford to 5yr 60,000 miles. Of course my engine blew at 5 1/2 yrs and 69,000 miles so I'm not covered. I had head gasket reapired by phil long Ford (denver, co) for $2,065. Phil long dealership report van was ready for me to continue my vacation. I picked up van from phil long Ford dealership and drove 230 miles. Engine died at 230 miles due to anti-freeze getting into engine when head gasket blew and caused the crank bearings to fail. Just paid $3,500 for engine to be rebuilt. Help!!! I don't like being screwed by Ford. I just paid $6,500 not including car rental costs for a Ford Motor Company design flaw.

- Ventura, CA, USA

Experienced problems with temperture gauge going up & down., and blower emittiing cool air instead of heat. Vehicle operated very sluggishly. Radiator leaked as well. Vehicle is being serviced by a Ford dealership. Dealer informed consumer that the engine head gasket had blown out, and there was a service program for the some make and models. Since vehicle had exceeded mileage requirment, consumer would have to pay for repairs.

- Virginia Beach, VA, USA

When traveling consumer noticed shaking coming from the front end engine compartment area. Also, fluid was coming from the tail pipe, and there was a burning smell within the passenger compartment. Consumer has contacted the dealer. Dealer noticed a cracked head gaske, T causing fluid leak. Dealer has yet to correct the problem.

- Williamsburg, VA, USA

Failed intake timing cover gasket

- Richland, WA, USA

I did contact Ford motors headquarters and received no help.no safety defect mentioned in summary.

- Westport, MA, USA