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.
Engine head gaskets were defective. Heat stopped working, started overheating and shaking, occurred while driving. Dealer contacted and aware of problem, but stated recall ended and vehicle was no longer covered. No remedy for problem. Problem still exists. Provide further information.
Transmission repaired on 11/29 /98. Only 7 months of ownership, 6 weeks later engine went was told it was a possible head gasket. Was told Ford had a notification. The Ford dealer told us that the work ended on this on 12/31 98. There now sits 4 Windstar at crossroad Ford in cary nc.
I received a letter in August of 98 regarding Ford having a problem with the head gasket seals on the 3.8L motor, if I was having a problem before 12/98 to bring it in. On 12/20, the van overheated an ice cold air was blowing out of the heat vents. I referred to my owners manual, and changed the thermostat, flushed the system and changed the radiator cap, the van then seemed fine. We had a major snow and ice storm and the van sat for 2 weeks. On 01/23, we were two miles from home and white smoke started pouring out of the exhaust, and the temperature gauge was up to hot, the engine check light came on. We got the van home and seen antifreeze leaking from the engine block. We called the Ford dealer in canfield, and they said the letter expired on 12/31/98, and they are not willing to rectify the problem at this time, said they have had many complaints about the problem and are not recalling at this time. I believe that Ford should stand behind their product and rectify this known problem by issuing a recall.
The timing chamber gasket has failed causing coolant to leak into engine. Replacement requires 9-10 hours of labor since engine needs to be lifted. As for the transmission, after car warms up, from standstill, engine revs then kicks into gear.
Check engine light came on--diagnostic codes showed egr/coolant temp. (non Ford)mechanic replaced egr valve, sensor. Ran fine, then light came on again (1 week). Checked & replaced thermostat (light again after 1 week) then computer, light came on again (2 days). Vehicle overheated & no heat in vehicle. Mechanic determined head gasket failed. Replaced 1/14/99.
After starting vehicle from cold start, piston full of antifreeze, due to defective head gasket. Dealer informed me of recall number 98M01, but stated I would have to pay costs, since my warranty was expired. He showed me the diagnostic which said "check head gasket only if customer reports a problem".
Ford offered program until 12/31/98 if head gasket blew. (Ford did not make me aware of this program, had I know, I would have brought my car in for repair). Our head gasket blew while my wife was driving with our 19 month old baby in the car. Fortunately no one was injured at the relatively low speed. Ford is aware of this design flaw but is unwilling to acknowledge the need for a full recall. Any help in bringing this matter to the attention of Ford so that a recall will occurr would be appreciated.
Ford have a recall on there 95 Windstar headgasket.I never got a recall notice annobody call me.well on 12/31/98 my headgasket blew, happen around 8.00pm.we call but thet was close an next day was new year.so we call first thing Monday morn.we ask them did they have a recall out for blow headgasket an they said yes, ,they ask for our van number an we gave it to them an they said our van number was in the list.well they came an pickup van an about 3 days later I talk to them an they say they want pay for it, they say I call to late, I sure have got the van in before 12/31/
Every gasket on this vehicle is leaking, including engine head gasket/transmission gasket/the intake manifold gasket, and the value cover gasket. Dealer has been contacted.
Known head gasket failure on the 3.8L 6 cylinder engine used in the Windstar and the Taurus. Contacted Ford. Gave them every opportunity to take care of this known problem. Other info on the internet at a site called www.fordwindstar.com. anything you could do to prompt a recall would be much appreciated.
A D V E R T I S E M E N T S
- Slingerlands, NY, USA