Ford Windstar owners have reported 111 problems related to engine head gasket failure (under the engine and engine cooling category). The most recently reported issues are listed below. Also please check out the statistics and reliability analysis of Ford Windstar based on all problems reported for the Windstar.
1999 Ford Windstar. The dealer installed upper and lower intake gaskets and the valve cover gasket was replaced. The engine light illuminated.
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Head gasket failure. Faulty head gasket design in my opinion abs/traction control unit. Current problem TSB states that fuel tank manufactured with incorrect depth - fuel pump wiring is rubbed until electrical short occurs - and fuel pump fuse blows - vehicle is then stuck in traffic, in the middle of an intersection etc. Fords recommended fix is to replace the fuel tank and pump assembly however, they will not contribute anything to the cost of the repairs caused due to their faulty design.
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Head gasket failure on 3. 8 liter v-6 engine.
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.
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all problems of the 1996 Ford Windstar
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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.
Head gasket failure/replacement - Ford has had ongoing problems with the head gaskets on the 3. 8 engines. Ford informed me that they do have "programs" for this problem on earlier models but have not extended them to cover the 98 models. While my Windstar is a 98 model it was built in January of 1997.
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.
Brake hose leak caused a sudden total loss of breaking power. Amazingly, there was no accident. The gasket failure was attended to at the first hint of a problem, since I had the same problem on my Ford taurus one month prior.
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.
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.
Unexpected catastrophic engine failure. Low milage vehicle with complete service records and no warning threw piston rod during normal operation. Dealer estimates cost to repair at $4900. Dealer estimates damage due to failed head gasket. Antifreeze leak filled cylinders.
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 failure 1 month after head gasket replacement and approximately 2000 miles.