Engine Head Gasket Failure problems of the 1996 Ford Windstar - part 2

Ford should be forced to recall the '96's as well as the '95's. Same engine same problem. I was told the check engine light was just emissions. Not to worry about it . Head gasket failure is something to worry about. Repairs are $1000. 00.

After driving for 2 minutes the temperature gauge went to hot. Consumer took vehicle to dealer, and they replaced head gasket. Engine overheats due to head gaskets and timing cover gasket failure . Consumer stated that windshield was cracked after repair.

Ford has extended warranty coverage for 1995 Windstar head gasket failures, but refuses to do the same for 1996 Windstars despite the thousands of 1996 Windstar owners experiencing the same head gasket failures with their 3. 8 engines. The repair bill is $1300! Ford is trying to cover up its head gasket defect. Please force Ford to issue a recall. Thanks.

Engine check light keeps coming on. Also, a lot of anti-freeze was missing too fast, took vehicle to dealer, and they said that anti-reeze was getting into cylinder. Consumer returned vehicle 1 week later, replaced gaskets again they were leaking.

Head gasket failure--same part and problem as on '94 and '95 Ford Windstar.

3. 8 liter engine. Head gaskets failed prematurely. Dealer was inspecting and will repair vehicle. Manufacturer has been notified.

Head gasket started to leak fluid onto engine compartment which caused loss of heat. Also, engine check light illuminated on dashboard. Consumer has contacted dealer, dealer noted that head gasket needed replacement. Please provide any further details.

Heater not working. . . Low coolant. . . Had to replace head gasket.

Head gasket failure lead to destruction of engine, this is same as 95 Windstars, why are 96's not included in re-call! cost of this repair $3500 (canadian) we are a family of five struggling to make it everyday, how can we swallow this????.

We bought this van 07/25/00, since then it has had head gasket replacement, and two engines, 0-2 sensors, heater plug, now the pcm, we have only driven our van for @ 6 months, all repairs have been done at dealership, today is 11/24/01. And our van is at the dealership as I submit this. I have copy of all records. Thank you, john.

Engine check light keeps coming on. Taken vehicle to dealer, and informed consumer of a head gasket failure which was not covered under a manufacturer's recall.

It was at the beginning of March and I noticed that as I was driving the heater would blow warm air and then for no reason it would blow cold air. I thought that it was probably a bad heater core or thermostat so I took it to our local mechanic. He checked it out and said that it was a blown head gasket. He suggested that we check with our local Ford dealer because he had heard there was a recall on the 3. 8 liter engine. We checked with them and of course they didn't want to tell us much until after we brought it to them and they ran a diagnostics test which would cost us $125 and if it wasn't under the recall it would be some where between $1800 - $2200 to replace the head gasket. Obviously we chose our local mechanic at $1150. 08 and chose to persue customer service. We were told by one of the reps. That they would look into it and get back with us. When they called us back we were informed that our van was not one of the vehicles that were on recall. Of course, I was not happy with this decision and asked to speak to someone higher up. I was given the customer service supervisor and she informed me that they intended to stick by their earlier decision and that she had the final say and that I had to further recourse. I was angry but I felt that I had just been dealt a raw deal by Ford and I did not have the time to wait because we have a large family and I could not be without my vehicle any longer.

Engine experienced loss of coolant. Vehicle taken to dealer, and informed consumer of a head gasket failure which was not covered under extended warranty. Check the engine light came on while the vehicle was new but the dealer was unable to find the cause.

Head gasket failure; was told car engine was not under warranty and total repair cost was over $3,500. Asked to speak with district rep but told I could not. Told this person would contact me speedometer "bounces" at speeds over 40mph, making it useless for determining actual speed.

Head gasket failure.

Laboratory oil analysis indicates failed head gasket based on glycol and anti-freeze chemicals in the engine oil.

At 45,000 miles vehicle experienced a loss of coolant. Taken to independent repair shop, and informed consumer that 3. 8l v6 engine had an engine head gasket failure. Manufacturer notified, and informed consumer that vehicle was not covered under extended warranty.

Head gasket failed late at night in unsafe area. Was afraid to drive van because of potential engine damage. However, because area unsafe, I did risk driving the vehicle to a safer area.

Van had a failed head gasket (a common problem among Windstars). The failed head gasket, lead to a thrown rod and totalled engine to the tune of $3600. 00. We had at 89k miles taken the van in for to the dealer because a check engine light came on and a strange smell was noticed. They said nothing was wrong. 3 months later the engine blew.

My 3. 8l Windstar was checked at 60k at dealer. At 68k check engine lamp stayed on. Dealer identified the problem as head gasket failure & informed engine has to be replaced. Vehicle received back after repair (new engine) after paying heavy & now has speedometer problem.

Vehicle experienced loss of coolant and engine overheating. Dealer notified, and informed consumer of a of a head gasket failure on its 3. 8l v6 engine. Please provide any further details on this matter.

Our 96 Windstar head gasket has failed and we are out almost $1500 to replace it. Ford knows of the problems but has only agreed to fix the 95 Windstar at this time. We would like to join in any class action lawsuit regarding this subject.

Head gaskets failed mechanic has replaced several Ford 3. 8l head gaskets, called Ford they refused to pay $1256. 13 bill.

Blown head gasket. This is a documented problem with Ford's 94 and 95 Windstars. In contacting Ford's customer assistance center, they indicate that these earlier vehicles are now covered by an extended warranty because NHTSA has determined that Ford was at fault; however, they indicate that NHTSA has made no similar ruling on the 1996 model. I have asked Ford for an explanation of the defect that was found in the 1994 and 1995 models and the date by which a specific, corrective action was taken to ensure against similar failure in subsequent models. The Ford customer assistance center indicates that the dealer is the only source of technical information and they are not able to respond to this issue. My question to the NHTSA is whether you can assist in documenting the specifics of the defect and the timeline within which Ford took corrective action to your satisfaction? it is possible that I am simply unfortunate and that the head gasket failure on my '96 Windstar--although it seems awfully similar to the head gasket failures on hundreds (thousands?) of 94 and 95 Windstars--is only a coincidence? or is it the case that my vehicle has suffered the same fate as those earlier vehicles but not enough of the '96 vehicles have reached the point of failure for this model to have reached statistically significant levels? if I knew that you had pinpointed the problem and that Ford had corrected it prior to the build date of my vehicle (which I understand to be Feb. 1996) or the manufacturing date of the engine components, I would probably be less frustrated at the $3646. 88 bill from Ford to replace their "defective" engine. As it stands now, their history of denying the problem with the 94 and 95 vehicles, their reluctance to explain that head gasket problem and the timing of their corrective action, and the recent series of issues involving other of their vehicles in which they appeared to place profits ahead of consumer safety all leave me frustrated.

Head gasket failure, misfiring, 'check engine light on', loosing compression, no repairs are covered, Ford Windstars produced up until the end of 1995 are being recalled for this same defect, my Windstar (build 1/2/1996!!) is not covered. I am concerned about safety (I read about the danger of suddenly losing speed) and yes, I am angry about bearing the cost of repair.

Headgasket replacement. Same problems w/ other Windstars-Ford won't fix.

Have had the minivan in several times for symptoms of the head gasket failure only to find problem after warranty expired. Transmission has always "clunked" when shifting into drive or reverse, this is a daily problem the dealership cannot "find". Windshield cracked overnight in November. We don't think the windshield should have been so fragile.

The head gasket failed in my 1996 Ford Windstar due to a recall that I was not notified of because Ford is only concerned with the 1995 model. I was told by the Ford dealer that my engine failed due to the same defect. Ford is replacing the engine, they have had my car for 6 weeks already and no end in sight. They are saying that they will give me a 2 year warranty on the engine but it appears from the 1995 recall that it should be a 7 year/100,000 mile warranty.

My Windstar has only 48000 miles on it and we had to replace the head gasket. My neighbor has a 1995 Windstar with 20000 more miles on it and they were reimbursed for their failed head gasket. I find this unacceptable and I am trying to receive a fefund more the work done on my van.

Vehicle experienced premature head gasket failure which caused engine to overheat, Ford refuses to reimburse consumer even though the head gasket failure is a known condition.

I took my Windstar in for 90,000 mile service (a little early) and was told the head gasket was bad and I am losing anti-freeze as a result. I found it odd, since the vehicle has been serviced regularly and has never overheated. I did some investigation and found the 1995 Windstar's with the same engine were given extended warranties to cover a "known" head gasket problem. I called Ford and was told my VIN was not covered and has an "upgraded" head gasket. I argued that if in fact it is upgraded, it certainly is not upgraded enough. I have been quoted $800 to $1200 to make the repair. I can see from my reseach that many Ford vehicles with this size engine have the same problem with head gasket failure. Ford should correct the problem for its customers.

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. Dt.

Engine head gasket head replaced within six months of ownership with original owner. Now new engine is needed because a second gasket head has cracked and ruined engine. This does not seem reasonable within a four year period. Ford has denied claim for repairs.

3. 8 liter engine 44,000 miles and the head gasket failed. This is the same problem with the 1995 Windstar that Ford is now addressing. My quoted price to get fixed was over $1600. The dealership contacted Ford and they agreed to pay less then 3/4 of the cost. I am responsible to pay $495 to fix the part. I contacted Ford and told them that I thought this was obscene that a 4 yr old vehicle driven as a family vehicle with no heavy duty work could have a castrophic engine failure. Of course I got nowhere. I still don't understand why they will fix the 95 Windstar and not reimburse me for mine?.

Engine loses power while driving, possible head gasket failure, dealer notified.