Coolant Leaking Problems of Ford Windstar - part 1

I took my van in for the 11s16 recall and now problems are taking place afterwards. I got my van back and now the check engine light is on and coolant is leaking everywhere.

See all problems of the 2001 Ford Windstar 🔎.

Engine coolant disappearing without explanation. Took into dealer to learn it was a common leak in the front cover gasket that could lead to engine failure. I own a 2000 Ford Windstar with a 3. 8l v-6.

See all problems of the 2000 Ford Windstar 🔎.

1998 Ford Windstar 3. 8l engine, head bolts stretched causing coolant leak into engine, head gasket was not blown so wynn's service contract will not pay for $1800 repair. This is the second major expense, I had to replace the transmission at 80,000 miles.

See all problems of the 1998 Ford Windstar 🔎.

Head gaskets on my Ford Windstar 3. 8 liter are leaking coolant at 83. 9k miles. Had a 1994 Ford taurus with same problem. Had to junk car at 70000. That was 20000 after I had it fixed for the same problem the first time at 38000. Ford has had many problems with this 3. 8 v-6 but don't want to admit it.

See all problems of the 1999 Ford Windstar 🔎.

Took van in to have routine oil change and coolant replaced. Repair shop said the head gaskets were gone. Called Ford customer service they said sorry but no help was available. Had vehicle towed to dealer. Bill to repair estimated at 1400 usd. Van has been maintained and given good service. Don't think head gaskets should leak at 76000 miles.

My 3. 8l, 1996 Ford Windstar gl at almost 100k started leaking coolant through a blown head gasket. I was able to get home safely despite almost completely overheating. I am now without transportation for me and my four small children, walking a total of 2 miles a day to get my 7 yr old daughter to/ from school with a 5, 3 and 1yr old. My husband's job is our only source of income so this will be a *huge* financial burden getting this fixed (not to mention the new problem over the malfunctioning 'door open' indicator). I have found Windstar head gasket problems are very common after talking with several mechanics. The issue is acknowledged by Ford as they extended warranty on the 1995 Windstars. Why can't they own up to a defective engine and extend this to the 1996 Windstars as well?! this blatant disregard by Ford will get someone hurt or worse (god forbid) killed. Ford needs to take care of this!!.

See all problems of the 1996 Ford Windstar 🔎.

Our 1996 Ford Windstar gl, which we purchased new, has 118000. We have experienced a broken (bouncing) speedometer, dome light malfunctioned, abs and brake light malfunctioned, and more recently, leaking coolant which is linked to a blown head gasket and check engine warnings. The cost has been astronomical. According to many other consumers, all of these issues are common with the 96 model. Please investigate whether Ford intends to make any recalls regarding these issues.

I bought this 1997 Ford Windstar in March of 2003. The very next day I returned to the independent car dealer due to the check engine light was on. They said nothing was wrong and they reset the light. Within a week it was on again and this time they said it was a fluxation in the electrical current and it was making the light come on. They reset it. About 2 weeks later it is losing coolant somewhere and running rough, they check it and now it needs 2 out of 4 oxygen sensors replaced im told. They pay for it if they truly fixed it because about 2-3 weeks later I am havint the same problems so they replace the other 2 oxygen sensors, but cannot explain the coolant loss. Ever since I have had nothing but problems so I decided to go to the local Ford dealer even though I try to avoid dealers because of prices and they charge me $58 to tell me I need a head gasket, my abs system is not working, timing cover is leaking, ball bearing is shot and my antifreeze looks like mud. This is all wrote on a service estimate I asked them for. It would cost about $1700 + tax for them to fix. I have read that Ford knew they had a problem with the 95 Windstars and the head gaskets and offered an extended warranty or money towards a new car so I feel they know all Windstars with this 3. 8l engine are faulty not just the 95's. I called Ford and they told me tough luck basically. I have read on the internet numerous complaints about the head gaskets in all 3. 8l Windstars and I want my van fixed.

See all problems of the 1997 Ford Windstar 🔎.

Coolant leaking from engine block. Van never over heated. Found out this happens often to the 3. 8 l engine. . . . There should be a recall on this. . Should change from aluminum to steel or another metal that wont crack or warp so easily.

I purchased a 1996 Ford Windstar in September of 1998. It had 15,000 miles on it. It has the 3. 8l v6 engine. The van currently has 84,452 miles on the odometer. On March 28, 2003 the check engine light appeared. I took the vehicle to my local Ford dealer to be fixed. They advised that the engine had a miss-fire on cylinder number 1. They checked the spark plug, spark plug wire and coil. They did not determine why the engine misfired and concluded that it must have been a fluke. I paid for the work completed. I drove approximately one half mile and the check engine light again appeared. On March 28th, I was informed by the shop forman that the fuel injector on number 1 cylinder was not working. A fuel injector was ordered and installed. On Monday, March 31, 2003 I paid a bill for $136. 31 for the repair of the fuel injector. As I drove the Windstar to my home the check engine light appeared. The shop forman advised me that the fuel injector was not the problem and that an alternate engine computer was tried. On Wednesday, April 2, 2003 I was advised that an engine knock had developed. It was caused by antifreeze leaking through a head gasket into cylinder number 1. The water in the cylinder caused the piston rod to bend ruining the engine. A replacement engine will cost $3400. I asked the shop forman if an engine compression check had been done during the engine diagnosis. He advise that no compression check was done since a pressure check of the engine had been done by this shop a few months previous because the coolant level was low. I have found many testimonials and complaints regarding the 1996 3. 8l v6 engine. I believe that Ford should pay for the new engine.

The timing cover gasket leaked coolant.

See all problems of the 2003 Ford Windstar 🔎.

We took our 96 Windstar into the Ford dealer to investigate an oil leak. The service department informed my wife that the oil pan gasket and lip seal, timing cover gasket, upper/lower intake gaskets and u/c gaskets needed replacement at a cost of $1,800. 00. I found this unusual and researched these symptoms on the internet and was astonished what I found. The content in the articles on many web sites researched, are identical to what I am experiencing. Following the pattern of these stories I am concerned that if the dealer begins the work stated, I will receive a call from him saying that coolant leaked passed the gaskets and I will need a new engine. I also discovered that Ford extended the warranty on 95 Windstars. There is no indication that Ford is planning on extending the warranty for the 96 year however, the information that is public domain clearly indicates a chronic problem. It is my opinion that I should not bear these costs, given the historic problems, and hope that Ford will take responsibility to resolve this issue.

I have maintained my 1998 Ford Windstar very well - having all recommended maintenace performed. It has only 80,000 miles on it and the head gasket now has a leak. Coolant has leaked into the #4 cylinder. The dealer wants $3500-4500 to put a new engine in it. The head gasket leaking is a known problem with Windstars. Ford has has a program for earlier models to replace the engine. But Ford has yet to apply the program to the 1998 models. I expect a Ford vehicle to get at least 180,000 miles when the owner has all recommended maintenance completed. I want Ford to pay for a new engine! I was to put another 100,000 miles on that van.

The head gasket leaked coolant.

I have 1996 Windstar (85k) 3. 8 v-6 with a coolant leak in the >combustion chamber. It developed last year. I know this is a >chronic problem that plagued 1994/1995 3. 8 v-6 Windstars too. >Ford extended their warranties to 7 years & 100,000 miles. While >Ford made some changes to the '96 models, they didn't really >upgrade the head gasket until 1997. >please see link. . Read more...

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.

At 150,000km (94,000 miles) was in for front spring recall and dealer recommended engine front gasket replacement. Immediately had this repair done ($900 cdn). Shortly after my mechanic stated that he could hear a slight knocking and predicted the engine bearing would go within the year. I started campaining with Ford based on the history of gasket failure (coolant leaks past gasket into oil causing bearing failure). Ford customer care said they need a dealer to diagnose the problem so had a dealer check it out with no problem found. At close to 170,000km (106,000 miles) the knocking became louder and the oil light began to flicker. Again contacted Ford who asked for dealer diagnosis which I did and confirmed need engine replacement. Ford customer care said there were no programs for my vehicle therefore no coverage but would consider partial payment as good will gesture if repaired at a Ford dealer. Continued to email Ford but they stopped responding to my concern. Had the engine replaced at my mechanic.

Small coolant leak into engine from head gasket.

Vehicle was leaking coolant while driving, vehicle taken to a repair shop and they informed that vehicle was going into the frist stage of a blown head gasket. Dealer and manufacturer were not notified at this time. Feel free to provide any further information.

My 1996 Ford Windstar van's engine assembly must be replaced due to persistent internal coolant loss into the engine, despite repeated trips to the dealership with complaints of classic head-gasket symptoms. Ford displayed blatant neglegence and dishonesty in its dealings with me. I took my van to dealership twice for head-gasket-like symptoms: excessive loss of coolant with no external leakage, gray smoke out of exhaust, and engine running rough. The first time the dealership said no problems could be found. Two weeks later I returned to the dealership with the same symptoms, only this time more obvious, and the check-engine light had come on. The dealership determined my engine had overheated and that coolant was lost via the timing cover gasket, which they replaced and then returned the vehicle to me. Exactly one thousand miles later I had to have my vehicle towed to the dealership, at which point they condemned my engine due to coolant entering the #1 cylindar. They offered to replace the engine for $3,650, which includes a 20% discount for the timing cover gasket work that was done for nothing. I refused the offer and managed to barely drive the vehicle home, where it now sits, undrivable. Aware of the Windstar head gasket problems from the beginning, I repeatedly stressed to the dealership my concern that this was a head gasket problem, but they repeatedly explained this was not the problem. They lied by saying no known gasket problems exist on the 1996 Windstar, but I researched the NHTSA's records and found TSB 99-13-1 (titled "underdetermined loss of coolant"), which instructs dealerships to replace the gaskets in situations like mine. The TSB is very clear. I wrote the dealership a letter demanding help replacing the engine, but received no reply. I re-sent the same letter and documents to the dealership just yesterday. I can provide copies of all documents, as I have scanned them into a compressed pdf file for e-mail transmission.

Intake gasket over passenger front wheel well leaking coolant abs brake light comes on during warm weather and on bumpy roads.

Head gasket failure, coolant leaked into cylindar, bent connecting rod.

Coolant low engine ran warm, no leaks found. February 2003, engine was filled with coolant because of leak. Starter blew and engine locked up. Ph.

Gasket failure leaked coolant into engine oil damaging engine.

Engine check light came on. Rough idle. Tune-up performed. Oxygen sensor replaced. Engine check light is now off. Two days later, engine check light is back on and rough idle returns. Replaced oxygen sensor and plug wires. Next day, driving car and temperature gauge falls almost all the way to cold side. Heater blowing out just a little warm. Pressure tested engine. Leakage in a cylinder. Upon teardiown, head gasket has failed leaking coolant into engine.

Noticed check engine light on in December 2001. Looked in manual and said needed to complete 3 cooled complete cycles, but light didn't go off. Started leaking coolant and temperature gauge would go to hot. Heater would blow out cold air. Took to an independent mechanic and was told it had a cracked block and that Ford has had these same problems with previous years. Contacted dealership and they are unwilling to do anything to help out. Am in the process of contacting Ford company to see if they will be willing to help. Please follow up with any information. At this point my family of 5 is driving around in a small pick up truck beause I am unable to drive the van since told it could stop on me at anytime and cause even more damage.

Vehicle has leaked 2 1/2 gallons of coolant. Engine check light stays on, andvehicle is having trouble starting. Heat is warm because coolant keeps leaking out. Mechanic suggested to replace engine head because leakage was ruining the engine.

I maintained my Windstar properly. It began to leak coolant and engine light. Ford dealership stated it needed a new engine. Due to faulty head gasket causing leak of coolant. Ford canada agreed to cover some of the cost but not all of it. Said if I declined their offer they would withdraw all offers. So I took it. I couldn't afford the bill as it was. I have since seen a small claims court in quebec found that Ford was responsible for the repairs related to the head gasket. I have contacted Ford canada customer complaint center. And told they will not reimburse me for the expenses. And that although they lost the complaint in quebec in all other canadian proviences they have one. Even a class action suit. Why would they pay a portion of the repair if they were not responsible??? I feel they are responsible for the full cost of the engine repair.

Consumer was traveling 65mph on highway and noticed that temperature gauge went up and was red. He pulled over to shoulders and lifted hood. Checked coolant, and noticed that there was no coolant inside of vehicle. Headgasket leak caused the temprature gauge to go up.

The 1998 Ford Windstar 3. 8l v-6 engine's head gasket leaked on our Windstar and the coolant contaminated the engine oil, which created engine failure due to excess bearing wear. In the last 2,000 miles we lost approximately 2 quarts of coolant. Ford says it does not have a recall for the 3. 8l head gasket problem and will not compensate us for the costs of installing a new fqr 3. 8l engine. The new fqr engine only has a 24 month/24,000 mile warranty, which may fail again after the 2year/24,000 mile and the customer is taken advantage of again! Ford is aware of the 3. 8l engine head gasket problem and has had the problem since 1988 model year. Ford has issued two onps (owner notification program) 98m01 which extended the warranty for 5years/60,000 through 1995 model years, and the 00m09 which extended the 98m01 warranty to 7years/100,000. I have checked the NHTSA complaint database and found they are still having problems with the 3. 8l head gaskets through the 1999 Windstars, mustangs, sables, taurus, Lincoln continentals, and cougars. Many of these vehicles are having the problem as early 18,000 to 36,000 miles but the bulk are having the problems in excess of 3years/36,000 and the customer is stuck with a huge repair bill, of $4,000 to $6,000 dollars. Ford claims they corrected the problem after the 1995 model year with new head gaskets even though it is obvious the problem has not been corrected. Ford has sold and still may be selling a product that is defective that could lead to creating accidents with multiple fatalities. Ford has admitted to the fact that the 3. 8l head gaskets should not fail before 7 years/100,000 miles for vehicles manufactured through 1995 with the 00m09 owner notification program. Ford is still having a problem with the 3. 8l head gaskets failing through the 1999 model year! why aren't they taking care of these problems. Why hasn't the government (NHTSA) investigated this and permit Ford to take advantage of the consumer?.

Engine (3. 8l) was leaking coolant onto engine cylinder. Also, oxygen sensor needs to be replaced.

Check the engine light came on and the coolant was leaking due to head gasket failure. The consumer noticed that the 1995 Windstars had been issued a recall notice but when the consumer contacted the manufacturer but they were unwilling to help with the cost of repair, the consumers technician replaced the defective parts with a newly designed part. Yh.

The head gasket was replaced by the dealer on 3-16-01, due to a crack and leaking coolant. The car had never overheated or shown obvious signs of this, although the engine check light came on after long trips and the dealer said this was O2 sensors. 3 weeks after the headgasket replacement, the whole engine blew while on I-81 at 65mph. We lost all power and had to coast to a narrow shoulder. This sounds exactly like the 1995 Windstar head gasket problem, but they have not acknowledged the 96 as a manufacturing defect and did not recall the 95 either.

Consumer stated that on December 11, 2000 haed gasket was replaced due to crack and coolant leakage that got into piston and other parts of engine. Currently, engine is not working, and manufacturer will not be responsible for repairs. Consumer believed that deterioration of engine was due to defective head gasket.

Failure of defective head gasket, resulting in coolant leakage into engine, engine failure.