Consumer called complaining about the engine head gasket. The consumer also stated this was a common problem. The dealer was contacted who stated there was no warranty for the defect.

- Tallahassee, FL, USA

Problem with 1996 Ford Windstar 3.8L engine 45,000 mi. W/ defective head gasket. Ford extended the warranty on 94-95 models but won't cover 96 models. This is a known problem w/ all the 3.8L engines and Ford should be held responsible for manufacturing and selling a defective product. A recall should be done on this product.

- Evergreen Park, IL, USA

I have been told by 5 repair people that the Windstar are very likely to have a blown head gasket, I have been told to request that Ford repair the van. I have contacted the Ford Corp. And I have been told that the Windstar are not having a head gasket issue. This van with the proper care should not be having this big of an issue. My van has sat in my driveway since July, the estimate is $ $2,000 to $4,000 to now replace an engine with less then 100,000 miles.

- San Leandro, CA, USA

While traveling on the highway without prior warning the head gasket blew. Oil was leaking from underneath the vehicle and shut down and the vehicle wouldn't restart. Please provide additional information dealer is aware of the problem.

- Griffin, GA, USA

Consumer notice while traveling engine indication light was flashing vehicle was service by technician. Technician test vehicle and notice engine head gasket problem please provides further information.

- Mt. Prosptct, IL, USA

The consumer stated that while driving and with no warning, the vehicle's head gasket blew and the coolant will started to leak causing the engine to over heat and the consumer will be forced to pull over. Dealer notified. Mr the consumer stated Ford will not recognize this problem as with the 94 and 95 Windstar's. scc

- Casper, WY, USA

Consumer states that the 3.8L V6 engine blew a head gasket and causing loss of coolant and coolant getting into the engine oil. Dealer and the manufacturer has been notified. Feel free to provide any further information.

- West Bloomfield, MI, USA

Engine failure at 88,000 miles, rough idle at times, computer replaced at 75,000 miles, head gasket blew, causing engine to fail.

- Great Lakes, IL, USA

Engine failure at 88,000 miles, rough idle at times, computer replaced at 75,000 miles, head gasket blew, causing engine to fail.

- Great Lakes, IL, USA

Engine light illuminated and was registering hot. Took to dealer, and they stated theathead gasket failed, and vehicle would need a rebuilt motor.

- Lakewood, NJ, USA

Head gasket failure of 3.8L Ford engine at a cost of $1500 to repair. This is a know and documented failure mechanism on these engines that needs to be remedied.

- Crowley, TX, USA

Small coolant leak into engine from head gasket.

- South Amboy, NJ, USA

This complaint consist of four failures that are engine related: (1) head gasket failed while being driven, and leaked fluid onto hot engine. (2) timing gasket failed along with gasket failing. (3) intake manifold runners failed, and the check engine light came on. The van is undrivable. (4) faulty main engine bearings.

- Marietta, GA, USA

Need to replace speedometer head, replaced tie rod, front and rear brakes, cylinders, head gasket and now engine blew need new engine.

- Stone Lake, WI, USA

Engine blew a rod while cranking vehicle on. Dealer and the manufacturer notified. Manufacturer not willing to do anything because this particular van is not included in recall.

- Denison, IA, USA

During routine maintenance check, dealer found head gasket had blown and the pistons broke. Dealer replaced head gasket and cylinder head, also consumer stated that the vehicle would run hot and then cool back down due to the blown had gasket.

- Salem, VA, USA

Vehicle experienced head hasket failure and states the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration stopped their concern at the 1995 Ford Windstar, consumer believes that the 1996 Windstar should have been included since the 1996 vehicle is identical to the 1995 except for the fact they were titled for 1996, a 1996 Windstar could have been built in late 1995 and thererfore there is no difference.

- Sciota, PA, USA

Blown head gaskets on a 3.8L engine. This is a known problem with Ford engines that has not been addressed in complete recalls, etc. This vehicle was well maintained, never overheated, etc and the gaskets just failed with no warning. Estimated costs to fix are $1500 minimum if heads or block are not cracked. Ford needs to recall and fix all 3.8L engines.

- Crowley, TX, USA

Engine check light remains on constantly, vehicle has been checked by dealer several times, but consumer was advised light was not reading a code. Head gasket blewout, and dealer advised consumer that light was reading a problem with the head gasket, which was leaking. Also the battery was replaced.

- St. Cloud, MN, USA

Head gasket failed and was replaced, also a new engine cover was put on, a little over a year later the head gasket had to be replaced again and the engine had to be cleaned and milled due to the sludge build up, serpentine belt noisy.

- Rochester, NY, USA