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 vehicle has been in for service since we bought it new for engine check lights and poor runability. Compression tests ran in November because engine ran poorly. Dealer replaced oxygen sensors, and then a month and a half later, the head gasket failed. Ford would not honor the recall since it expired on Dec. 31,1999. I think the dealer missed the diagnosis all along, the gasket was failing. The failures of the gasket and transmission along with the numerous sensor replacements has cost me about $5800. These problems are too numerous in numbers, many 95 Ford Windstar owners are having the same or worst problems. These problems are well known to Ford and they refuse to take responsibility. You must make these recall issues to force them to improve their quality.
On 1/18/99, vehicle was serviced after check engine light stayed on. Engine had been idling and running rough--"lurching" as noted in service invoice. Vehicle had 59363 miles. Had vehicle serviced at nearest equipped service center--merit Inc, a Goodyear service center. They performed most of a 60,000 mi service. Check engine light returned to normal operation and engine operation improved, but still ran rougher than normal. We returned the vehicle to merit on 1/20, but they were unable to offer further insights on problem. Problem remained unchanged for the next few weeks, then got noticeably worse the weekend of 2/20. On 2/22 or 23, we called crossroads Ford in raleigh, nc, describing the problem and recent history. The first available appointment they offered was later the following week, so an appointment was made for 3/5. on the evening of 2/26, the vehicle overheated at 61,054 miles. The car was stopped and engine turned off before the temperature gauge needle reached red. Vehicle was towed to crossroads Ford the following Monday. They attributed the problem to the head gasket defect noted in service program 98M01, and advised replacing the engine at an estimated cost of just over $3400. Dealer and Ford refused to cover under the warranty described in the service program, even though the problem began within the 5-yr, 60,000 mi period covered.
While driving at 60 mph engine check light came on, and the engine head gasket blew out on March 5th. The problems returned, and the consumer vehicle isn't working righdealer can't determine the problem with the engine.
This problem is very widespread for Windstar. Lots of people reporting same problem on news groups on the web. Ford refuses to fix their defective product. No mention of defect.
- Tracy, CA, USA
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ABS/transmission failures. Also replaced front brake calipers/struts/wiring. Engine head gaske tblew out, causing engine to leak. Engine check light comes on/off.
We have been told that this is a coomon problem.that the aluminum piston was not designed right and it cracks.which causes the van to buck in not shift as you pull out into traffic cusing the van to be a hazzard.we have been told a new steel piston has been design not to crack with wear.if Ford designed it right the first time, I would not have had this problem.
Engine check light came on. White smoke came from the exhaust pipe. When driving, vehicle stopped. When turning the key on, a clunking noise was heard. Dealer contacted and investigating problem for repair.
A D V E R T I S E M E N T S
- Parker, CO, USA