Engine Head Gasket Failure problems of the 1996 Ford Windstar - part 1

I own a 1996 Ford Windstar with a 3. 8l v-6 engine. The vehicle currently has about 72,000 miles on it. It is now in the shop with a blown head gasket that will require a new long-block motor and possibly the replacement of the catalytic converter because antifreeze/oil was passing through it due to the gasket failure. I'm currently looking at a $5,800 bill to repair the vehicle. My query to Ford motor company resulted in a response that they can't do anything for me. . . That there are "no warranties, recalls or customer satisfaction programs" on my vehicle. My research shows that there are a ton of complaints of blown head gaskets in the 1996 Ford Windstar, but Ford refuses to do anything about it. Ford was hit with class action suits regarding the 1995 Ford Windstar that has the same problem and eventually agreed to extend the 1995 Windstar warranty period. Head gaskets should last the life of the vehicle. It should not fail at 72,000 miles. My vehicle had all of the required maintenance performed when they were due. This is not a case of a neglected vehicle from a maintenance perspective. Ford needs to step up and take corrective action. The service rep has told me that if they can't get a re-built in the next couple of days, it will probably be next week before the repairs will be completed. Next week is christmas. This was my first Ford product that I purchased. It will be the last. Any company that has this much disloyalty to its customers can not expect any loyalty in return. Their actions speak volumes to the lack of quality control in their product, customer service and, quite frankly, any sense of common decency. A proper head gasket would have cost them probably under $10. 00 when the engine was built. It is now costing me $5,800 to fix their inaptitude and incompetence.

The head gasket failed causing us great problems, loss of car to drive, financial hardship. The 1995 Windstar's had a program that allowed for the repair of this issue. We bought our 1996 Windstar on February 16, 1996 and we are not offered any assistance or resolution this failure and defect.

1996 Ford Windstar with headgasket problem. I have contacted fors, but they say there is no record of the 1996 engines having premature head gasket failure. My Windstar, bought new has 68,000 miles. I have been smelling antifreeze for the past 3 years, but it has now gotten much worse. Brought car to mechaninc due to engine misfiring, one of the sysmptoms listed for the head gasket failure. The reapiar will cost over $2,000.

The vehicle stalled without warning. The consumer had the vehicle towed to the dealer. The mechanic informed the owner that the engine head gasket failed.

1996 Ford Windstar VIN 2fmda5147tba10097 mftd. 08/95 Ford motor CO of canada. Head gasket failure allowing coolant and engine oil to mix, with main result being lost of coolant. I have to keep filling coolant resovoir.

Head gasket failure in 3. 8 I asked the service manager at the dealership when I purchased the car if the engines were having problems. He told me no. I took him on his word and now I have a car that needs a new engine. I have a 1994 t-bird that had to have the engine replaced due to the same problem. Ford was great to work with. I wish they would stand behind this engine as well. I am very disappointed.

I've had the check engine light since 9/98 (6 months after purchase)-approx 40000 miles. I've spent over $2000 over 5 trips to the shop- last one 11/27/03- trying to have this fixed. I just had my transmission rebuilt for addt'l $1600 (Jan 2004) and now I have the head gasket failure. I am desparate for some assistance as I have no other transportation and have invested way too much money into this van to replace it with more car payments.

Engine front cover gasket failed in line with recall 99b29. Ford does not include my Windstar model, built in 03/96 in recall campaign 99b29, indicating that the original recall has been inadequate. ".

Timing cover gasket failure allowed coolant to mix with engine oil. Gasket replaced but engine damage may have already been done. Speedometer wavers between 20 and 60 mph at 30 mph, headlight lenses have yellowed to the point that the headlights are useless. Most Ford vehicles from 1990 to 2000 have the yellowing headlight problems and should be recalled as a safety problem.

1996 Ford Windstar with premature head gasket failure.

Head gasket failed, same problem as 95, which were repaired. I was teaching my teen age daughter to drive and the engine could have easily failed causing a very inexperienced driver to crash. In a letter to Ford and a several conservations, they state that the problem was solved. Persusal through numerous car web sites indicates that this is a common problem. Ford told me it was my problem.

Head gasket failure.

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.

The head gasket failed.

Nar 03/05/2003 the consumers experienced head gasket failure. The cost of repair were approx $2100. 22. Dealer notified.

The head gasket failed, which caused the anti-freeze and oil not to circulate through the engine.

Replaced head gasket on 1996 Ford Windstar with 66, 712 miles on engine.

The engine cover gasket failed, and oil mixed with the anti-freeze and ruined the engine.

Head gasket failed leading to coolant entering cylinders. Van had just 70,000 miles and this should not have been a problem. Repair at Ford dealership was $1,300. They acknowledged this is a problem with the 1996 Windstars.

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

Head gasket failure. Took car to dealer, golf mill Ford in August. They misdiagnosed problem and charged me $1300. A couple of months later still had the same problem and took it back. Head gasket was replaced another $1400. Have written numerous letters to Ford and dealership and they are denying liability or compensation. I am a senior citizen on a limited income, have always owned Fords and am appalled by their treatment. Intend to take them to small claims court.

1996 Ford Windstar - failure of head gasket resulting in irreparable engine damage. Cost of head gasket repair, ~$1,500. Cost of engine replacement ~$4,000. Was informed by Ford service technician that this was a common problem with Windstars from the years '94 through '97 and that Ford had a "silent recall" for up to 100k miles where they would have replaced head gasket.

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.

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.

In the 20 months that I've owned this vehicle the engine block has over - expanded twice - causing the head gasket to fail. Both times I was traveling on interstate highways. Thier was no warning prior to failure(complete loss of power due to heat fatigue). Fortunatly I was able to manuever the vehicle off to the shoulder without causing an accident. This is definately a safety concern for other owners of this vehicle.

Consumer states that the head gasket failed.

I have a 1996 3. 8l Windstar with head gasket failure. I see that the 1995's were recalled but nothing so far on the 1996's. These are the same engine all the way to 98. Ford company will do nothing since the vehicle is out of warrenty. I was told by a service manager to sell the vehicle to someone and not disclose the mechanical problem. I called the main company and they took my information but said there is no program for people with 1996 Windstars. I pointed out that they need o check the internet if they want some feedback. This vehicle was purchased because of it's safety record to transport my wife and kids. Now, after looking at the information on the internet, I know this engine is neither safe nor reliable. Something needs to be done but the company will not stand behind their products. I'm just thankful the engine failed in a parking lot and not on some busy freeway with my family inside.

My head gasket failed arounf 70000 miles! 94 and 95 Ford Windstars have already been recalled due to head gasket problems. There are many 1996 failures as well. What can we do to get Ford to address this same problem with the 96 Windstar?.

1996 Ford Windstar 3. 8l head gasket failure at #4 piston.

Head gasket failed. Ford provided new head gaskets and sometimes complete engines for same problem in 1995 Windstars with 3. 8l engine, but denies there is a problem with the 1996 same model engine. Since there are hundreds of other identical complaints about the 1996 Windstar 3. 8l on this website, I find Ford's denials pretty hard to believe! this has created a serious financial hardship, and Ford has refused to compensate in any way for the obviously defective part. I am requested that you proceed with an investigation, and will be contacting my senators and representative.

Engine light on. Dealership stated that head gasket needed replacement and possible engine damage. Found hundreds of complaints on internet relating to defect in 1995-1997 Windstars with head gasket problems. Ford dealership claims do not know anything about problem. Contacting Ford, but getting run around and tends not to speak to me since mileage is over 100,000. Obvious problem, as evidence by the ability to easily find others with same issue. Dealership suggested engine replacement at $4,000 or gasket replace at $1,200. Another issue is abs light on. Seems to be another issue where known problem with Fords, but Ford not able to fix. Dt.

Engine started overheating, engine check' light came. Noticed oil mixed with coolant in reservoir. Dealer confirmed head gasket failure.

While driving at 50 to 55 mph vehicle was vibrating. Took to dealer, and they replaced fuel filter. Currently, a yellow warning light came on instrument panel. Consumer took vehicle to mechanic, and he replaced head gasket. Please provide any further information.

A head gasket failure under 80,000 miles of wear. Dealer and manufacturer were notified. Feel free to provide any further infromation.

While driving could see the engine check light had illuminated. Then, took vehicle to dealer, and they found an engine head gasket failure just like indicated in recall for 1995 vehicles.