Gasoline Engine problems of the 1996 Ford Windstar

Head gasket for 3. 8l v6 Ford engine is defective. Ford recognizes this for previous model years (1994-1995), but does not for my model. Ford has TSB for this problem for their dealers and service centers, as it is a common problem for the 1996 - and 3. 8l engines of that time across their product line according to center for auto safety, this is a part that should never need changing. Furthermore, according to a Ford dealer service manager, Ford at 7 years and 78k miles do not want to repair the defect. The dealer I bought this vehicle from did not disclose that this car was past any defect recall and was past time to take action with Ford. (there is another issue with their climate controls on this minivan as well, as they ceased to function - and that is another item that should not fail unless defective. ) in any case, the head gasket is very expensive to repair/replace, and should not need to be replaced during the lifetime of a vehicle.

Engine spewing water. Diagnosed as freeze plugs blowing 72,000 miles. At 42,000 miles transmission had to be worked on. Jumped out of drive to neutral. Vehicle has had regular maintenance since purchased new.

96 Ford Windstar with 3. 8 lt v6 ,has blown head gasket,Ford says there has been no recall for part with my VIN# after looking up problem with vehicle on the web I found numerous complaints about the head gasket for the 94 and 95 models and it seems they have followed over to the 96 models especially with the 3. 8 engines. Upon calling Ford and talking to a representative they said the repair cost were basically im my hands ,I told them from what I read there had been numerous problems with the gaskets in the 96 and for them to go at 73,ooo miles seems a little premature,she basically told me that we were talking in circles and that the 96"s had a excellent customer rating and to make a long story short the expense of the repair would be mine.

This is in reference to what appears to be an excessive number of 1996 Ford Windstar's with the 3. 8 engine having multiple head gasket problems. My vehicle is now having to be replaced after a third head gasket has to be replaced.

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No summary listed for above vehicle.

At 60-65 mph, engine blewout with no warning and could have caused an accident. Cause unknown. Dealer notified. Personal mechanic found broken connecting rod which damaged two cylinders and crankshaft. Connecting rod experienced metal fatigue due to faulty manufacturing. Engine needs to be replaced.

Vehicle has extended warranty which just expired. Ford regional representative rejected request for assistance. Complaint letter sent to wc Ford. $1673. 38 paid for repair of defects. No safety defect listed.

Vehicle was misfiring. Consumer took vehicle to dealer, and they stated that engine needed to be replaced. Please provide any further information.

Appears to be a known problem with Ford Windstars after 50,000 miles, however Ford refuses to address the problem in existing vechicles. * no safety defect listed.

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I brought it while I was living in toronto, ontario. The exact mileage is 98881km (not k-miles). I have contacted Ford but Ford refused to help on servicing the vehicle. No safety defec tlisted.

On 11-10-01 noticed cool air coming from heater. Checked coolant level and added way more than just topping it off. The next moring the engine was seized up. Local Ford dealer quoted me 3600. 00 for a new engine. There is water in the oil.

They have recalled 94 and 1995 versions of the same engine. Problem not fixed.

Ford said my motor made in August 95. Recall issued for motors made in June July. No safety defect mentioned.

While driving vehicle just all of a suuden stopped running, consumer had vehicle towed to dealership and it was determined that a new engine was needed, according to mechanic there was no oil pressure.

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 Fords all my life, this in all probability, will be my last one. Qc is job 1 my ass.

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.

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

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Engine light on, engine misfires,rough.

Ford knows about the problems these vehicles are having but they refuse to fix them. No safety defect listed.

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.

Dealer has told us entire engine must be replaced.

White smoke coming from tailpipe/loss of antifreeze. Took van to dealer. Going to cost over 2000 dollars to fix. With the same problem happening to so many people who own 1996 Windstar, you would think something could be done about this. No safety defect listed.

There have been numerous failures of systems in my van. The engine must be replaced, the speedometer is out again.

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.

Consumer stated that due to a factory defect, the engine had to be replaced. It was brought to consumers attention by the service manager that Ford motor company had a factory recall on the 1994 and 1995 models for the same problem.

While driving ride was very rough. After vehicle was turned off; then hours later, tried to restart engine, and there was a stutter/ was not turning on. Also, there was a cloud of steam from engine. Mechanic stated the engine had to be replaced.

The engine malfunctioned.

Consumer states of having problems with the engine. Please add more details.

When the vehicle hits a bump engine cuts off. Has happened 6 times. Dealer has seen vehicle 6 times. Also dealer replaced a screw that held the grounding for the fuel pump.

No summary listed for abov evehicle.