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.
Head gaskets went bad causing vad oxygen sensor, air intake valve and $1400 dollars worth of repair @ my cost ; unfortunately, there was an extended warranty caverage on this. I however did not receive the notice.
Transmission being replaced for the second time. Started reporting problems at 10,000 miles. Dealer could not identify. (slugish, bucking, rough acceleration.) at 60,000 miles would not move out of park. Dealer replaced head gasket and made other adjustments (don't know what because they are all in code on repair slip) at 90,000 miles the transmission went. Motor mounts also had to be fixed. Problems with acceleration and bucking came less that 7,000 miles later. Second transmission went less than 20,000 miles later! also have had numerous problems with the ignition switch (replaced 3 times and still does not work right) and warning lights for the brakes and airbags. (no problems ever found) Ford dealer says transmission is not a recall item and there is nothing that they can do. I find this shocking in light of the nearly 4,000 complaints that the nhsta has logged for the 95 Windstar, (669 for transmissions!!!). Ford should be ashamed!
Headgaskek blew. Called a service garage and was told he heard there was a recall for that type of van he wasnt even a Ford dealer either. Was told to call a Ford dealer. I called kelly Ford and gave them the VIN number and was told there was a recall on my van but they needed to see the van to see if that was the problem but I couldnt drive the van. I then called palm bay Ford and gave them the VIN number and was told the same thing about a recall and Ford pays it but I was told by a few service people and friends to stay away from palm bay Ford.I then called paradise Ford and gave them the VIN number and was told again about the recall.I then called back kelly Ford and was told it would take about 3 weeks to fix.ithen called back paradise Ford and they said about 2 to 3 days and I asked if towing was inculed in the recall but was told no. But amy gave me a towing co so I had the van towed up there. When they got my van they called me and told me it wasnt covered any more because the recall ended on my van. I then called Ford customer relation and told them my problem and they called paradise Ford and told me to call and talk to debbie and Ford couldnt help me so I called and talked to debbie and was told that amy so of never told me that because she doesnt work in that department and the recall wa for 7yrs or 100000 miles and my van went in service in 94 so I missed it by 6 months. Debbie said she would talk to her rep to see what she could do and cal me back. She called me and said her rep said they would pay 900 if I wanted to pay 600. Why would they even pay anything if they weren wrong or even still having problems. Debbie told E she doesnt know why Ford stopped the recall because there still having problems. Ican even proof it by the vans waiting to be fixed at the places I called. I even wrote a letter to Ford customer relation but I guess there not doining anything I just want Ford to know the problem still and pay me $600 for my repair.
Vehicle was leaking coolant. Took vehicle in for head gasket recall. After recall repairs were done manufacturer contacted owner stating that timing cover gasket needed replacement. Front brake hose ruptured in may of 2001, causing vehicle to not stop, rear brake lines ruptured in 2002, causing vehicle to not stop.
11-20-98(boise) (98M01)(45,636mi.) head gasket inspection-sent heads to be surfaced & checked reinstalled with new bolts 6-28-99 (57,495mi.)engine loses power, makes loud knock noise, blowing smoke while on interstate 5 hours from home, drive slowly to next exit and find Ford dealer-davis-tremonton ut find #1 cylinder rod bearing worn out, needs crank kit, gaskets, etc.7-27-99 picked up vehicle drove 20 mi. On interstate -again, engine loses power has loud knock and quits 9-21-00 brought van in(boise)(80,867mi.) for a hard shake at 45-50 mph along with ABS lights and check engine light on head gaskets need to be replaced and 1 head cracked 12-28-01 alexandria mn van quits whenever slows down, heat working sporadically make an appt. For service and that day engine overheats get it in and head gaskets have failed again @110,000.
- Alexandria, MN, USA
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The 3.8L engine that was installed in the 1995 Ford Windstar and other cars have a had a consistant failure of the head gaskets. With the total number failures, why hasn't there been a complete recall of these engines. I hope this helps!!!
I had to pay for replacement of blown head gaskets for the second time in 2 1/2 years. I previously had blown head gaskets repaired on this engine in 07/1999. At that time, this vehicle was covered under Ford's extended service plan (esp). I do not think I should be responsible for paying $1380.42 for repair of blown head gaskets again approximately 2 1/2 years after having the same problem repaired. It appears to me that this motor is defective if the same major problem appears again after 2 1/2 years. I feel that Ford should cover the cost of this repair in a recall of this engine problem. It just seems very unfair to have to pay this amount twice within a 2 1/2 year period. I will be glad to provide copies of invoices showing payment of these 2 incidences for the same problem.
While driving engine light illuminated. Smoke emerged from vehicle, and temperature gauge immediately went from cold to hot, causing head gasket to blow.
While driving smoke emerged from exhaust. Also, engine light illuminated on dash and temperature gauge immediately went from cold to hot, causing head gasket to blow out.
Head gasket blewout. Consumer took the vehicle to the dealer, and dealer stated that there was nothing wrong with the vehicle. But, yet the problem still occurs. Dealer was not willing to do anything.
Loss of coolant while driving. Taken vehicle to dealer and informed consumer that head gasket blewout and vehicle was not covered under extended warranty. Asking NHTSA to assist in this matter. There is no recall for this particular year of vehicle that would relate to the condition of this vehicle, consumer believes that the vehicle was manufactured with a defective head gasket causing serious damage to the engine.
Head gasket is defective, it blew while consumer was driving, and anti-freeze mixed in with oil. There is a service bulletin on the vehicle for that problem.
We have done all the research and continue to get the runaround on the head gasket failure for this 1995 Windstar. It's not the vehicle, but defective parts and my family was put in danger by all of us being in the van and the head gasket blew....good thing we weren't traveling down the highway yet. We had just pulled from the stop sign onto the highway and bam....this should be covered and we are still paying for a hazardous vehicle that we can't afford to fix due to Ford's defective parts. Thank you!! P.S. I did call in a complaint on this and was told I would receive paperwork to verify the info, I have never received anything, this info is correct, thank you.
Engine had a blown head gasket. Vehicle would overheat and experience loss of coolant and a complete loss of steering. Dealer/manufacturer contacted. Was informed the engine would be replaced. Upon verification of warranty, the vehicle was not covered but dealer agreed to pay half the cost.
I've have the transmission replaced/rebuilt 3 times, meaning this is my fourth transmission. Twice in 1999 alone and both times serviced by coastal Ford. I had the engine head gaskets blow, also in 1999, and serviced by coastal Ford and I also had to pay for that, which was over $1,400. I just replaced the transmission again in Nov 2001 (for my 4th transmission in 6 years). I've replaced the brake ABS system and had the brakes serviced repeatedly for new rotors, and other componants (not the usual pad replacement). I've written Ford and the local Ford dealership several letters over the years and they have never replied to me. I have spent well over $12,000 in repairs on this van several thousand in rental car charges, even when it was a known Ford recall and Ford would not even cover the cost of the rental. Van always hesitates and engine races and slows while stopped.
A D V E R T I S E M E N T S
- Lafayette, IN, USA