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.
Engine defect - blown head gasket resulted in dangerous sudden loss of power/overheating condition for the driver, and a danger to other traffic due to heavy smoke and water from the tail pipe on the roadway in subfreezing temperatures. Ford should be required to recall these engines for the known head gasket defect that continues to be a major hazard.
I was told on 1-15-03 by mullinax Ford service dept. In amherst, Ohio that I needed new head gaskets and engine in my 1995 Ford Windstar. There was a major design flaw in those engines and Ford knows it. They did an extended 7 year, 100,000 mile warantee on it and because of my low miles (57,800) I did not experience the problem until now. I am 10 months past the warantee. I feel that Ford should take full responsibility for these engines and should have recalled them all. I have gone through many channels and Ford will not help me. The cost estimate for my repair was $4,500. This is now an unsafe vehicle.
- Vermilion, OH, USA
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Head gasket blew on 1995 Ford Windstar on January 3, 2003, approximately 7 yrs, 3 mths after purchase of car, while on trip approximately 450 miles from home. My mileage was approximately 73,000 miles. Ford knew that head gasket had product defect and avoided a NHTSA recall by entering into a voluntary repair program for 1995 Ford Windstar with gasket problems if problem occurs within 7 years or 100,000 miles (whichever comes first). I tried to get Ford to repair within the time period but head gasket was not damaged. Ford said I would have to experience problem. I experienced the problem at 7 years, 3 months. Ford will not pay for repair. Car is appraised for trade-in (with problem) at $4000 below blue book price. Calls to Ford (dealer and corporate office) are totally ignored.
Consumer stated the engine began making noise, consumer took the vehicle to a local dealer to have the head gasket replaced, however the head gaskets failed again, consumer was then informed by her personal mechanic that there was no need to fix the gasket without replacing the engine because there was too much damage, the dealer did not think it was in their best interest to rplace the consumers engine so they offered her 2500 off any brand new vehicle on the lot, consumer did not accept the offer, and has since purchased an engine from her personal mechanic.
Consumer has received a notification regarding the head gaskets. Consumer took the vehicle to the dealership to have the gasket repaired and was informed by the mechanic that the repairs could not be done until the head gasket has failed. The notifaction also indicated a waranty of 7yrs and/or 100,000 miles.
The entire engine was replaced, however the vehicle continued to have engine problems, the transmission side pan gasket, heat, power window, defroster, door switch assembly, were all replaced, the dome light would stay on continuously, and the right caliper was leaking.
Consumer received two letters concerning the head gasket problem. The letter pertained to an extended warranty of 7 years or 100,000 miles. Consumer feels this should have been a recall because the problem presented itself 48 days and 6,431 miles beyond the warranty. The engine head gasket over heated and failed. Now, the Ford Motor Company refuses to correct the problem. Consumer expects a full refund of monies paid for repair.
Consumer states that after the vehicle had been park and without warning the engine caught on fire under the hood and totaled the vehicle. Dealer notified.
Consumer states that the vehicle was taken to a dealer about a year a go and had the gas tank fix because of a crack in it and is now leaking gas again and dealer is refusing to repair damages on the vehicle again.
Consumer was aware of the head gasket defect with these particular vehicles. Consumer proactively requested a head gasket service check on March 24, 2000. At the time there were no leaks detected and they were not eligible for the trade in. On Sep 7th 2002, consumer started the vehicle and it turned over without starting. Consumer waited and tried again. This time, coolant poured out of the bottom. The head gasket had blown. Ford informed consumer that because it was past the 7 year extended warranty they were ineligible for the trade in.
Ford issued a customer satisfaction notification in 2000 for potential head gasket failure. They extended the warranty on that component to 7 yrs/100,000 miles. Our Windstar is now inoperable due to a failed head gasket and we are told by Ford that we are no longer covered.
Consumer states that while driving and no warning the head gasket blew causing the consumer to pull over and the vehicle to be non drivable. Dealer notified.
Vehicle suffered sudden acceleration at the speed of 50 mph. The engine raced at 4000 RPM. And there was gasoline coming from the tailpipe. Dealer notified. * mr dealer found that the throttle was stuck. However consumer declined repairs. He felt that an improperly installed mass air flow caused the engine to race at high rpms.
Consumer states dealership refused to do recall on two occasions on the head gasket, and now the head gasket is giving problem, they don't want to fix it, due to it being out of recall warranty. Nlm scc
A D V E R T I S E M E N T S
- Springfield, VA, USA