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.
The 1996 Ford Windstar continues to have defective head gaskets as in 1994 and 1995 models. This lead to engine failure at 78,000 miles! the cost to replace the engine per miller Ford was $4,778. We paid 19,000 for this vehicle and refuse to pay for a new engine! the nasa has stated the head gasket should last at least 120,000 miles or the life of the vehicle. We have had this Ford Windstar with a blown engine due to head gasket failure since last December, but continue to make monthly payments on this dead Ford Windstar. We pay taxes, insurance, and montly payments to Ford credit for the next 18 months or so. We just discontinued registration fees as the dmv told us we could do this. Ford refuses to acknowledge this problem and is not standing up to it's committment of quality care to it's customers. I urge anyone who is considering buying a Ford to do their research. Ford is a company that does not stand behind it's promises. We will never own another Ford although our family has never owned anything but until now. Ford wake up!
Problem: Power seat wiring short circuit from engine compartment main fuse and relay panel, 60 amp fuse repeatedly blows. Problem was first intermittent, then after second fuse change change, short circuit became continuous. Wiring is shorted out between the main fuse panel and the power seat connector. Power seat itself has no electrical problem. Model has a NHTSA recall history: 1995: Wiring-harness insulation can abrade on a brace between instrument panel and cowl, resulting in short-circuit and possible fire.
Engine: Head gasket failure @ 62,218 miles. Needed to replace both cylinder gasket heads and resurface same. Power door: Failure of power door lock on passenger side. Transmission: Was replaced twice under warranty. Other: Ignition control module needed replacement. Have been advised engine has a sludge condition despite regular oil changes per Ford guidelines.
I don't know if this is the right place or not. But I paid the Ford dealer ship $60 to tell me why my power window would only work part of the time, and they said it was my motor which they wanted $353 for. So I told them I didn't think it was so I went home and worked on it myself and found out it was only sticking at the top. I went back on the 24th of March to try to get my money back, because to me this is complete fraud on their part. Well, I talked with the service manager (mark kisch) and he was very rude, and refused to return my money. He even laughed when I told him I was going to report him. It is not my problem that he has bad people working there that don't know what their doing.
Ford extended warranty on 3.8 L engine for 1995 model due to engine failure caused by defective gasket sets. However, is not doing so for like failure on 1996 model 3.8 L engines. Engine seized on our vehicle with approximately 48000 miles despite maintenance and timing chain gasket set replacement an approximately $1200 repair.
Engine check light and the air bag light would intermittentl/simutaneously come on and cause loss of acceleration while traveling at highway speed. Dealer notified. Consumer was informed that vehicle had a transmission leak, the speedometer was acting erractically, parking brake and brakes were inoperative, also the power windows were inoperative.
Consumer was traveling on the highway and passenger's door came open without touching electrical windows. Dealership was aware of problem. Also, coil spring failed during installation. Vehicle had six inch suspension. Dealership was aware of problems.
Nothing but problems since purchasing 1)door ajar light constantly illuminated-all doors checked none ajar 2) engine check light occasionally comes on-happened right after purchase and catalytic converter replaced obviously didn't fix problem 3)occasionally power windows/locks and A/C will go out unless adjustable fan speed turned to high 4)recently front passenger door will open at random usually during a turn-luckily no one sits in that seat 5)speedometer will occasionally flicker higher while driving at speeds greater than 65mph all of these problems have surfaced in the past 1-1.5 yrs and have continued since then.
Auotmatic transmission slips out of gear into a neutral after you come to a stop. You then have to put it in a low gear to get in back in drive. This can be a hazard in traffic. The power steerinng pump makes a loud grinding noise much louder than the normal sound the pump makes, the dealer has said previously that it is normal for the Windstar. The passenger side power window has stopped working, unk reason has not been looked at. These problems are occurring in other Windstar of the same year.
Rear window exploded inward. Hit consumer in face next to left eye. Also baby was rear facing in vehicle when incident occured., baby did not sustain any injuries. Manufacturer / dealer notified, and informed consumer that they are willing to pay 90% of replacment cost.
A D V E R T I S E M E N T S
- Milford, CT, USA