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.
While driving at 35/40 mph the brake warning light came on and the ABS failed. The consumer applied the brakes and the ABS engaged without cause. The parts replaced is unknown. The check engine light also appeared on dash.
I took my van to the dealer and the dealer told me the reason why my check engine light is on because a gasket is clogged and it needs to be unclogged. They wanted to charge me $625 but I complained. I feel that I should not be have any kind car problem because I only had the vehicle for 8 months. I gave them a trade in a 1995 Buick skylark with 80000 miles that vehicle never gave me any trouble and I had that car for 18 months. I feel ripped off. I gave good brothers Ford $500 dollars down and a good trade in vehicle that I didnt get the estimated blue book cost and a check for $15,000 which every totaled $16966.now eight months later I have to put more money into this vehicle. I am very unhappy with this situation
- Randolph, MA, USA
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During routine service mechanic noticed headgasket had blown out. Part was replaced. On 10 August 2002, engine check light came on. Vehicle at dealership at this time.
While driving at highway speeds, consumer took foot off accelerator, the vehicles dash lights illuminated and the engine died. Took vehicle to dealer who replaced the valve throttle assembly. Consumer also states that the valve cover was replaced.
Engine would make a "pinging" noise while vehicle is being driven at any speed. Dealership examined vehicle and determined a valve cover in engine was corroded, and had to be replaced. Please provide any additional information / documentation.
While driving at a speed of 40mph. The Windstar began to unexpectedly shudder and make a loud rattling noise. Engine check light flashed and the van violently bucked. We managed to get to our house. Van would not start after turning off. Dealer called and van towed.dealer checked problem and found the #5 piston had failed and had caused major engine damage and failure. Est. Replacement cost $4,000. Dealer was not sure if this was related to the earlier model Windstar 3.8L V-6 problems causing failure. I am the second owner and warranty is expired. We are waiting to hear from Ford but the dealer said they may decline to assist in replacement cost. I now have a $16,000 blue paperweight. The sudden jerkiness of the engine failure almost caused my wife and two kids to run off the road. The piston in the motor dropped down into the oilpan area. Engine now has to be replaced at 48,692.miles. Doing research into your database, from owners of 1995 Windstar and a few 1999 models, I noticed a similarity in detail descriptions of the head gasket failure and resulting engine failure. This vehicle was very well maintained, I am the second owner. It was purchased new as a leased vehicle. I bought it after the lease was over. I hope you can investigate this engine flaw/defect with Ford and I can get satisfaction
Whenever driving at a high rate of speed would experience a rattling noise near engine area. Vehicle does not shake when this happens. Taken to dealershp at least twice for problem, but mechanic could not locate cause of problem.
Have had repeated service visits for light to extreme engine knocking. Dealer told me to use premium gas to solve knocking. Knocking went away with premium. Dealer then tried computer adjustment and going back to regular gas. Knocking solved for 2 weeks then returned. Dealer said to go back to premium gas. No knocking for a year, then knocking came back. Dealer replaced valve cover with new design. No knocking for 4-6 weeks. Knocking started lightly, now back to severe knocking and lack of acceleration power. Vehicle back at dealer for work. Fed up with Windstar. This is 2nd lemon Windstar in a row! Ford bought back '98 Windstar from me!
A D V E R T I S E M E N T S
- Altoona, PA, USA