This data is from the NHTSA — the US gov't agency tasked with vehicle safety. Complaints are spread across multiple & redundant categories, & are not organized by problem.
So how do you find out what problems are occurring? For this NHTSA complaint data, the only way is to read through the comments below. Any duplicates or errors? It's not us.
I have a 95 Ford Windstar (89K) LX3.8; dtc P0306.... gave rich condition, black smoke out tailpipe, excessive fuel consumption... don't stay running. Spent more than $4,000 on the repairs didn't resolve the problem. - have replaced all O2 sensors; - have replaced spark plugs/ wires; - have replaced starter/ battery; - have replaced all the upper intake gaskets and intake isolator bolts; - have replaced the fuel injector #6; - have had replaced all water pump/gasket, A/C and transmission two years ago still didn't solve the problem. Need run the compression test for any mechanic issues but don't have the tools to do so' Ford don't want help anything/repairs. [xxx] information redacted pursuant to the Freedom Of Information Act (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6).
Smoke started coming heavily out of the exhaust and vehicle stalled out. Serviced dealer determined the head gasket had blown out, dealer was notified.
I have owned this van since 1999. Since I have owned it we have had nothing but problems with it. I have had the rotors turned, and replaced at least 3 times, and they need it again. I have had the head gasket replaced 3 times and one of them times was at 99,000 miles when it was under the warrenty. It had been replaced at least one time before that. My sliding door won't stay closed, even though I just spent $300 getting a new latched put on. My windows won't work. I had larson motors fix a head gasket and my electronic windows, cost me over $250 for the window, that only worked 2 times. I called, and since they put "may not be the problem" on the invoice, they think that clears them, and they wanted me to spend more money on another part. My speedometor has been replaced once and is broke again. The alternator has been replaced. I could go on and on. I am getting no where with anyone. I have spent around $5,000 in repairs, and can't trade the thing off, since I still owe too much on it, due to a tornado that hit our home, and what the insurance didn't cover, the balance was put on our car loan. We don't have the best credit do to having to spend anywhere from $100-300+ a month on repairs to this lemon car. I have a family and need to know that I have a reliable car to drive. I have been stranded with my 3 children a minimum of 4 times this past year.
Engine light came on today after we had the engine replaced on 09/21/01. We also smelled fumes around the car and inside the car. We have had problems after problems with this Windstar and would appreciate something being done about it. We are very disappointed in Ford. We have been with them for over 12 years. Please start an investigation into this matter. **dimsii IVOQ entry posted after 12/12/02 cut over to artemis**768031
- Virginia Beach, VA, USA
Search CarComplaints.com for these popular complaint phrases...
Consumer is concerned that manufacturer sent him a recall in March of 2000 for head gasket. August of 2000 vehicle started smoking which came from exhaust system, and vehicle was running hot. Engine check light appeared on dashboard.
Exhaust system has corroded, and is causing fumes to enter vehicle while driving. Dealer notified. Oxygen sensor failed twice and was replaced. Head gasket failed and was replaced; also the internal leaks from head gaskets in vehicle corroded flex pip and exhausting into vehicle. Engine failed and was replaced. The outer right and left tie rods failed and were replaced. Air filter failed and was replaced. PCV valve failed and was replaced. The vehicle had continues exhaust leaks into the vehicle, caused some serious health problem to the driver.
Brakes have vibrated and noisey shortly after purchase. Service centers state nothing is mechanically wrong. 08/22/01, coming back from family trip we experienced a brief roughness of operation and overdrive service light came on. 08/26/01, the vehicle spew white smoke from exhaust, overheated and stalled. Everyone I called and all literature show that to be symtoms of head gasket failure. The oil is like coffee with cream in it, indicating that both gaskets have failed. The dealership service center states the recall extension to be expired. The engine date is 10/25/94 and miles are 94516 within the extension guidelines. One dealership states 3 weeks before they could get to it. I have found many summaries and many other people with this same problem. Please help me to have Ford repair their mistakes.
All hoses and pipes were rusted and noone will replace them for us. The vehicle originated in Canada and we were not aware of this. We were told there was no water damage, but we now see rust up under car, in door and on engine.
Head gasket failed, causing loss of power, rough running, white smoke out exhaust, and strong coolant smell inside of vehicle. This seems to be a common problem with this year, make, and engine.
First over-heating problem was taken to thornton Ford on 4/23/99 @ 57,687 miles and radiator was diagnosed as half plugged by thornton on 5/28/99 (~59,600 miles). Radiator replaced on 6/8/99 and both oxygen sensors replaced on 7/1/99. Head gasket problem finally diagnosed on 7/13/99 at 62,144 miles. Did not receive a copy of the extended warranty letter for service program no/ 98M01. Dealer only paid one-half of head gasket repair because the car was now over 60,000 miles allowed on the extended coverage.
Oil pan leak noted @ 60K. Dealer recommended fix @next service. At 73224 died when put into reverse, oil warning light flickering. Dealer identified leaking timing cover gasket caused coolant to enter oil system. Major lower engine overhaul replacement of all moving parts required. Repair was covered by extended warranty which expired @ 75K. Dealer requested replacement of known head gasket problem at that time declined by Ford as no current problem apparent. At 83K vehicle difficult to start, exhaust blowing white smoke when it finally started. Dealer has had car over a week & has identified head gasket failure which has also caused the rebuilt lower engine to fail again. Dealer recommends full engine replacement. Ford is refusing to acknowledge any responsibility even though an apparent recall had been issued against premature headgasket failure. In common with other notifications you have received and we have noticed on the internet. What recourse do we have with a manufacturer who is aware of a major design flaw and refuses to service its custormers? our vehicle has been maintained and serviced for its entire life soley by the Ford dealership from whom we purchased this "dead" vehicle. Estimated cost of repair--$5,000.
A D V E R T I S E M E N T S
- Bristow, VA, USA