Engine Exhaust System Problems of Ford Windstar

Hi I owned a Ford Windstar 2001 and having trouble for the past months. . We took it to auto shop mechanics and got transmission rebuilt paid almost $2,000 for it. Then got that fixed then I drove it for a while then all of the sudden driving on the freeway the engine quit so I called for help tow truck was there then brought it to auto mechanics to get it fixed problem was alternator got that fixed paid over $500. 00 . Now runs okay . . But now every time I turn the van on the engine lights on all the time while driving and abs lights on then the brake lights on too. . And the smoke that coming from exhaust from the rear smoking so bad. . . I need help this is could be part of a recall for Fordwindstar. . I just don't have money to pay for the fixing . . I hope Ford realized this I think I'm not alone out there dealing the same problems. . . Thank you looking forward for the response. . .

See all problems of the 2000 Ford Windstar 🔎.

I purchased a 1996 Ford Windstar van 3. 0 l in June 2010. I have had numerious issues with this vehicle from day 1 to current most dangerous is the blowing spark plug which has blown out 2 times forcing me to drive it to a place where it could be parked for repair first time blow out was 7 days after purchase repaired by a mechanic now 2000 miles later again blew out Ford should be ashamed of themselves for ignoring such a huge hazard this could seriously ignight fuel fumes and cause a major fire, explosion while some one is driving with there children to find a repair shop unaware of the danger and damage this could cause, second issue is a failing shifting modual or tranny and this has happend alot driving and all of a sudden the vans transmision shifts to a 1st or 2nd gear causing exstream change in speed and in heavy traffic we have almost been rearended several times due to this issue, vessil must be pulled over and trans reset by shifting to park and sometimes shutting off the vehicle and starting it again. Ford dealer gave us a 3000. Estimate to replace transmission and told us we would continue to replace trans aprox every 70,000 miles this is a chump way to build cars and they have managed to get more money out of repairs than sales I will never own another Ford again safe or not. Ford should be forced to reclaim all these dangerouse vehicles and replace all money spent on repairs and purchase of the vehicles due to indagerment and there is no way they didnt know about these problems.

See all problems of the 1996 Ford Windstar 🔎.

While on vacationing in vermont. The yellow abs light and the red brake light came on. Im a mechanic so I had the code reader for the abs system. The code was the infamous tell tale c1185. I replaced the abs module once. Unfortunately the problem has manifested again. I'm tempted to do away with the system, but the Windstar transports my young children around. Its like having a gun to my head. What do I do?.

See all problems of the 2001 Ford Windstar 🔎.

Ford Windstar 2000: my car engine light and abs light on when start the engine. Also has overdrive light flashing when start engine and when swift gears.

Driving along the NJ garden state parkway at 60mph, I experienced a loud popping sound. I had my vehicle towed to my local repairman only to find that the spark plug at the rear of the engine had blown out causing a misfire in the engine.

See all problems of the 1999 Ford Windstar 🔎.

2002 Ford Windstar. Engine warning light comes on. Test meter shows lean condition in bank 1 & 2. Resetting the mil light will work for a few days, then warning light comes on again. Engine runs well, no noticeable problems in driving. This has happened for at least 20,000 miles.

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The contact owns a 1997 Ford Windstar. The contact stated that the front end of the vehicle was abnormally low. Upon further inspection, he noticed that the front coil springs fractured due to excessive rust. The failure caused the tires to deflate. The dealer stated that the VIN was excluded from NHTSA campaign id number 01v199000 (suspension:front:springs:coil springs); therefore, they would not assume responsibility for any repairs. The vehicle has not been repaired according to the recall. The failure mileage was 70,000 and current mileage was 90,000. Updated 6/4/09 the exhaust system was replaced and brake lines snapping. Updated 06/09/09.

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I own a 2000 Ford Windstar and I had to take it to be serviced because the intake gaskets and isolator bolts have worn out due to time. As a result the car sometimes trembles in parking mode and idles and stalls when the car stops at a red light or stop sign. I did find it suspicious that these parts have worn out after only six years of use, (less than the common 10 year lifespan of a car). According to the Ford service counselor this problem has lately become more frequent with this car model.

I have a 1998 Ford Windstar in which I recently had to replace an oil pan because the mechanic told me that it had warped and was causing an oil leak on the exhaust system. No one has ever heard of a faulty oil pan is there anyone else with this problem?.

See all problems of the 1998 Ford Windstar 🔎.

Found lot of white smoke from the exhaust. Left at repair shop. Repair shop called and mentioned that it is head gasket damage. The repair shop also mentioned that he has seen lot of similar problem with 3. 8 l Ford Windstar gl minivans. Not sure what to do since it might cost about $2,000 to fix.

Consumer complained about a blown head gasket problem. Anti- freeze was mixing with the oil, causing white exhaust fumes. Consumer contacted the dealer and described the problem over the phone. Dealer told consumer it will cost $1500. 00 to repair. The problem. Vehicle was no longer under warranty.

My 1996 Ford Windstar has 72,000 miles on it. I had been losing coolant slowly and we couldn't find out where. After sitting for 2 days, when I started the van I heard a loud pop, and white smoke began coming out of the exhaust. I took it to my mechanic and it has a blown head gasket. I called Ford, knowing there had been numerous recalls on other years for the same engine, and they basically said "sorry about your luck. " they also told me I should bring it in to Ford because they can't rely on a diagnostic done by an independent mechanic.

Mileage was 49600, total cost for the repair was $2600. 00 but our cost was only $2072. 00 because drew Ford in san diego, CA helped us cover some of the cost. The itemized bill said the remanufactured transmission was $1702. 28. The tranny went out with no warning lights and no sign of giving out. My wife usually drives it but I had just driven it the day before and I am in tune with odd noises and the van had none. 8/22/2003 in the evening when she pulled into our garage and was still moving forward, it stopped. It didn't move until the engine was rev'd pretty high then it would kick in violently. That lasted about 2 or 3 times while trying to finish moving it into the garage when a huge grinding sound took place and the van did not move again until the tow truck took it away! I am outraged that the van was so young when a major component went out like the transmission. And after combing the web for others who have experienced this, I found plenty of people. I think Ford motor company should pay for this. I figure they won't, though.

I am seeking action to alleviate the cost of maintenance problems I have experienced with my 1998 3. 8l v6 Ford Windstar gl. Over the past few years, my Windstar has displayed reoccurring and extensive mechanical problems in the front end, brakes, and engine that have resulted increasing amounts of time and money spent on repairs. From research, I have found that our difficulties are not an isolated event, and are in fact a common problem in the 1998 Windstar, and are the same problems found in the 1995 Windstar. The most recent event was the requirement to have the head gasket replaced. The local Ford dealer provided this service which cost $1500. 00 in parts and labor. Upon completion of the repairs the van was not roadworthy, a new short block was needed due to damage caused by the faulty head gasket. I have been quoted over $6000. 00 for this job. In addition to the mounting repair costs, I am forced to rent a car so that we have transportation while we consider options with our Windstar. My Windstar has less than 100,000 miles. It is not uncommon these days to have vehicles operate this long before requiring the first tune-up. In order to maintain this van, I have spent the time I have ownwd this vehicle and a lot of money taking my Windstar into service centers to have inferior parts, such as the plastic tie-rod ends and brakes, replaced many times. I have also spent a fortune on rental cars while our Windstar sat unserviceable. We have born this cost with the expectation that investing money in repair would result in safe, reliable transportation for our family. With this major repair, the months of exhaustive diagnosis and trial repair jobs to fix the problems that arrise, the multiple tie rod end replacements, and brake system repairs, I feel that I am entitled to compensation from the Ford motor company.

Transmission is primary issue has shifting problem at low speed, has over 8 TSB on the issue and has new transmission installed but still have problem the other issues are clearly common for this model as well, but this transmissionand Fords lack of support from their service and dealers is unacceptable.

I had symptoms of water in the exhaust, rough idle, and hydraulic lock of the engine. Took to the shop, the head gasket was blown on #1 cylinder, and the connecting rod was bent on the cylinder, which has necessitated replacement of the engine. Ford has been contacted by me and by the dealer to the district rep, to no avail. After reading all the literature on the web about this problem, and it's continuing thru the 95 models which are covered to the 96 models which aren't; I need further help.

The abs system still is not working right. The mechanics say that the abs and the emissions could very well be caused by the same problem - a faulty computer. Both modules have been diagnosed to be bad, however, the local Ford dealership has been unwilling to use a "post warranty adjustment" to help fix this problem. It seems unreasonable that with just over 60,000 miles these types of problems can be considered anything but manufacturer defects.

Vehicle misfires. Consumer found water in oil and exhaust. Took vehicle to dealer and dealer stated that it was a blown head gasket. Engine needed to be replaced. Please provide any further information.

At this time we are leasing a 2000 Windstar lx and we can't wait to turn it in to the dealership - and we plan to never purchase another Ford product again. We have purchased a used Honda accord and expect that we will be quite happy with it. . . There was a recall on the exhaust/emissions was fixed and the light came on again and will not go out - eastgate Ford, dayton, OH does not know why the light will not go out. The paint on the luggage rack is peeling off. The door actuator on the passenger sliding door - does not work - it takes 2 people to open the door, one inside and one outside. The power steering pump is faulty. Ford has a service bullentin out - but there is no recall because Ford does not believe there is a safety issue here - I do not agree. Proper steering is pretty important and if a smaller size female or male was turning left and the pump failed, it could be quite hazzardous. Our biggest complaint is the way Ford motor company and eastgate Ford have treated us. There is no accountability on either part. Ford or eastgate won't stand behind their product.

Took vehicle to dealer 6 times since October 2000 for engine knocking/ shaking/ engine light on, and engine missing. Dealer could not remedy. Then on 31 Mar ch, 2001 vehicle was started. Driven about 10 yards when consumer heard a big bang, engine stalled. Towed to dealer who found coolant was coming out of exhaust. Engine needed to be replaced.

Engine light comes on, stays on engine runs rough. This continued form January to July with vehical going in to shop as much as 5 times in one day . Sayville Ford on last arrival said head gasket falure as in all Windstars from 1995 and 96. They said this in January and every vist after that until the last one when white smoke came out of exhaust. Then they said replace head gaskets. At this time they found the number 1 cylinder rod bent and I would need a new engine. They still have the vehical and want me to pay for damages I will not seeing they should have fixed it in the begining. I called Ford motor company and they would not step in saying the delership and the car is my problem. I even asked for the factory rep to look into this problem and was told the delership would have to request him. They will not call him where do people turn for a fair shake? please call me ?!!.

I have had more than 4 problems with this car in past two years that have been major problems. I would just like to see if other people have had as much problems with the steering and the van it's self.

Sliding doors- will not open reliably since new- trouble intermittent-dealer lakeland Ford replaced door switches when I was finally able to demonstrate intermittent condition(not easy)dealer contacted Ford who told them that the doors were designed to operate that way to conserve battery!(believe it) Ford design engineer said the power to the outside door handles was cut off after 30 minutes of no use to conserve the battery, further, that they had received no other complaints. . This is simply not so. The van can sit for 24 hours and the doors will open , most of the time. Re horn button: most people use the palm or heel of the hand to operate the horn. I have had three close calls because I have been unable to sound the horn to alert other drivers. It can only be operated by using the thumb or index finger directly over the horn symbol. This constitutes an area of slightly more than one square inch. Re emission control:according to the service manager this noise is caused by one of the emission controls under the hood. It causes a whirring sound when the vehicle is in gear and makes a squack like a duck when the engine is turned off. Service manager said they couldn't do anything about it. Had identical trouble in '96 Windstar, turned out to be computer and transmission related.

Crankcase cracked. Yh.

Consumer noticed a very bad odor in the passenger's compartment. Consumer contacted the dealer, dealer unable to determine the cause.

Problems with gas fumes coming from the exhaust system. ( doris stewart on behalf of her parents robert stewart and jacqueline stewart). . The vehicle overheated at idle, the dealer replaced the head gaskets, the air condition stopped working and there was a problem with the power train control module.

Exhaust fumes entered into vehicle.

Vehicle had been parked for over a week before being started. Was driving for awhile & noticed white smoke coming out of rear exhaust. Took vehicle to mechanic & was informed that head gaskets had blown. Prior to head gaskets being blown, been putting water into the system to cool it down.