7.8

pretty bad
Crashes / Fires:
0 / 0
Injuries / Deaths:
0 / 0
Average Mileage:
5,752 miles

About These NHTSA Complaints:

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.

1996 Ford Windstar engine problems

engine problem

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1996 Ford Windstar Owner Comments (Page 4 of 5)

« Read the previous 20 complaints

problem #28

Jan 022001

Windstar

  • miles

A D V E R T I S E M E N T S

Ford no help. Need new motor. Told to have nice day. Will get fixed, fight with Ford and if no satisfaction will trade on Japanese model.like the wind star, don't like being treated like an idiot. Had Ford all my life, this in all probability, will be my last one.qc is job 1 my ass.

- Roulette, PA, USA

problem #27

Jan 222001

Windstar

  • Automatic transmission
  • miles
Vehicle's blower was working, however no heat was coming out, vehicle continued to experience heating problems and dealer found coolant was low, 2 weeks later check engine light illuminated and short time later, vehicle overheated, dealer stated to consumer that vehicle needed a new engine.

- Wayland, MA, USA

problem #26

Oct 122000

Windstar

  • miles
Leaking antifreeze at timing cover gasket. Windstar have become known for head and timing cover gasket leaks. Repairs estimated to be $700 - $900 to replace a $7 gasket which Ford knows it has a problem. Ford should be made to reimburse customers expenses and issue recall on other affected vehicles. Fords customer service needs attention. Problem started in early October 2000 with loss of heat for heater operation. I noticed antifreeze level was low and refilled. Heat returned. Vehicle was under extended warranty until November 2000. About mid November noticed antifreeze leaking onto driveway. Gilboy Ford has confirmed timing cover gasket leak. I am on full time disability and feel Ford should be footing the bill for this repair. Thank you for you assistance

- Allentown, PA, USA

problem #25

Dec 202000

(reported on)

Windstar

  • miles

A D V E R T I S E M E N T S

No summary listed for above vehicle.

- Hudsonville, MI, USA

problem #24

Dec 202000

Windstar

  • miles
Loss of collant in engine.dealer explained that this is a common problem and would cost from $1200 to $1500 to repair. Dealer also added that that motor is a "time bomb" trouble code in computer is PO301 (misfire at #1 cylinder). Ford no help, considering they admit that it is a common problem that happens anywhere after 60000 miles.

- Walpole, MA, USA

problem #23

Dec 201999

Windstar

  • miles
Ford recalled all cars with this engine except the 1996. My Windstar was manufactured in July 1995 using the same engines that were put in the 1995 cars.

- Newark, DE, USA

problem #22

Nov 012000

Windstar

  • miles

A D V E R T I S E M E N T S

Ford has been unwilling to discuss with me. I've called and written to no avail.

- Florence, SC, USA

problem #21

Jul 192000

Windstar

  • miles
Engine light on, engine misfires, rough

- Plano, TX, USA

problem #20

Apr 292000

Windstar

  • miles
I have had the Windstar in again, with same symptoms as before. Have an appointment tonight to see exactly whats wrong. Van runs terrible again. No safety defect listed.

- Grand Forks, ND, USA

problem #19

Aug 112000

Windstar

  • miles
No summary

- South Jordan, UT, USA

problem #18

Aug 112000

Windstar

  • miles

A D V E R T I S E M E N T S

No summary

- South Jordan, UT, USA

problem #17

Aug 092000

Windstar

  • miles
No summary

- Phoenixville, PA, USA

problem #16

Jan 062000

Windstar

  • miles
Engine light comes on, stays on engine runs rough. This continued form January to July with vehical going in to shop as much as 5 times in one day. Sayville Ford on last arrival said head gasket falure as in all Windstar from 1995 and 96. They said this in January and every vist after that until the last one when white smoke came out of exhaust. Then they said replace head gaskets. At this time they found the number 1 cylinder rod bent and I would need a new engine. They still have the vehical and want me to pay for damages I will not seeing they should have fixed it in the begining. I called Ford Motor Company and they would not step in saying the dealership and the car is my problem. I even asked for the factory rep to look into this problem and was told the delership would have to request him. They will not call him where do people turn for a fair shake" please call me "!!

- Patchogue, NY, USA

problem #15

Dec 011999

Windstar

  • miles
The engine failed due to defect in manufacturing.

- Acton, MA, USA

problem #14

Dec 011999

Windstar

  • miles
The engine failed due to defect in manufacturing.

- Acton, MA, USA

problem #13

Apr 012000

Windstar

  • miles
Dealer has told us entire engine must be replaced.

- Belleville, IL, USA

problem #12

May 062000

Windstar

  • miles
Engine made loud noise, then cut out. No warning lights came on at all. Had to put newer engine in.

- Fulton, NY, USA

problem #11

Apr 212000

Windstar

  • miles
I have had nothing but problems with this Ford Windstar since I purchased it in 8/98. In July of 99 my vehicle would not start and then it became a stalling problem. For 3 mths the dealership could not find the problem. Then on April 21,00 the coil spring broke, and the spring was jammed into our tire while doing 70 on the West Virginia turnpike. Luckily we were not killed or injured. Ford has received a letter concerning these issue's and has not responded.

- Depew, NY, USA

problem #10

Apr 142000

Windstar

  • miles
Vehicle shut off when making turns or if stopping on a hill. No warning. Lights came on.

- Hartford, CT, USA

problem #9

Feb 012000

Windstar

  • Automatic transmission
  • miles
Leaking oil onto engine resulting in all new seals, gaskets and head gasket, due to failure.

- Altoona, WI, USA

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