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.
This is a known defect covered under an extended warranty letter to 5 years or 60,000 miles. Since it was a known defect, we feel that Ford should reimburse at least a portion of the repair. We were under the 5-year limit but just over the mileage, but again, this is clearly a product defect.
Fuel indicator quit working - rear door does not register as being shut unless slammed-power window in passenger door is dead-speedometer is inaccurate over 70 mph, flucuates
While driving the van the check engine light came on. Van was serviced by the dealership, and the light went off. On September 7th, while driving the van the check engine light came on again.
This Ford vehicle has had an extreme number of failures. Starting with the head gasket that the dealer wanted us to pay for after they made the mistake of saying it was under warranty. At a previous repair the dealer had replced the dash because of the speedometer cable and the dealer service person had forgot to add in the previous mileage. Later Ford recalled the head gaskets. The transmission has not been replaced yet but continues to shift poorly. I do not want to put any more money into this vehicle. I believe Ford should have some responsibility for the amounts spent on poor quality parts separate than normal maintenance. So far all that Ford has offered is $1000 cash. This is not a responsible offer. We have spent almost $8000. It is fortunate no one was hurt when these parts failed. These six defects were not the only problems but are probably the most expensive defects.
Oil pan leak noted @ 60K. Dealer recommended fix @next service. At 73224 died when put into reverse, oil warning light flickering. Dealer identified leaking timing cover gasket caused coolant to enter oil system. Major lower engine overhaul replacement of all moving parts required. Repair was covered by extended warranty which expired @ 75K. Dealer requested replacement of known head gasket problem at that time declined by Ford as no current problem apparent. At 83K vehicle difficult to start, exhaust blowing white smoke when it finally started. Dealer has had car over a week & has identified head gasket failure which has also caused the rebuilt lower engine to fail again. Dealer recommends full engine replacement. Ford is refusing to acknowledge any responsibility even though an apparent recall had been issued against premature headgasket failure. In common with other notifications you have received and we have noticed on the internet. What recourse do we have with a manufacturer who is aware of a major design flaw and refuses to service its custormers? our vehicle has been maintained and serviced for its entire life soley by the Ford dealership from whom we purchased this "dead" vehicle. Estimated cost of repair--$5,000.
After a month of rough idling and 47800 miles the "check engine" warning light came on. Brought to dealer to indicated that item was covered under service "notification".
Check engine light came on when the temperature gauge went up because there was a leaky engine head gasket that blew. Dealer said it was a manufacturer's design flaw.
On May 14, 1999 while driving home from work in moderate city traffic, my 95 Ford Windstar's engine started to skip as if a spark plug was not firing. I was about 2 miles from home and continued to drive slowly watching for further signs of trouble. At about 1/2 mile to 1 mile later the "check engine" came, on and I slowed my speed to about 20 when I noticed the engine temperature gauge began to rise. I started to pull over when the vehicle stalled while running ( a white vapor cloud was emerging from the tailpipe) I coasted to a stop. The mechanic at dave dinger Ford at braintree MA said the head gasket(s) failed causing damage to other engine parts due to the anti-freeze mixing with the oil, and recommended a remanufactured engine at a cost of $ $4,200. Ford has an extended warranty covering this part for unlimited mileage, but not later than 12-31-98. I have contacted the manufacturer Ford and they refuse to pay or negotiate the cost of engine repair even though this was a known defect for them in the 3.8 liter V-6 engine (Taurus & Sable 94-95) for some time prior to my buying the car used in 6/97. The car was previously registered as a Ford corporate vehicle in Massachusetts since new. I feel strongly that they should be responsible for the repair of a latent defect, known to them, at the time of sale.
Was not notified of program issued because did not own the car at the time of the initial beginning dealership did not have the problem taken care off. No safety defect mentioned in summary.
Engine experienced continued problems with idle and stalling, replacement of several components and complete replacement of engine did not rectify failures, the failure was from information in shop manuel that lists the incorrect camshaft position sensor alignment tool, after correct tool was used problems were rectified. Mjs
April, 1998 at 34,000 miles car taken to dealer for routine maintenance. Dealer stated that there is a slight oil leak. Kept car overnight and then for a few more days. Replaced numerous seals and gaskets. Valve cover gasket, etc. One year later, April, 1999 at 47,000 miles car brought in again for routine maintenance, check engine light and unexplained engine coolant loss. Dealer advised that head gasket must be replaced.
Car was idling rough, white smoke coming out of rear of vehicle, temp gauge reading normal, smoke got worse, check engine light came on, engine died, all in 3 block distance. Garage says blown head gasket, new engine needed, Ford will do nothing.
While driving at any speed vehicle stalls/ overheats, and the temperature gauge will go up to high. Also, engine check light keeps coming on. Consumer just got the vehicle out of the repair shop, and the same problems have reoccurred.
A D V E R T I S E M E N T S
- Joplin, MO, USA