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.
We knew we had a problem when we were coming home on the freeway and the indicator arrow showed it was over heating. We took it in to the shop and they replaced the radiator cap because it wasnt holding pressure. That didn't solve the problem a week later we took it back because it was losing power, blowing steam and over heating again. It turned ot to be a blown head gasket. Upon recent personal research I have found that this was a recall item/defect. I have also found that other major symptoms we are experiencing with our 95 Windstar such as w/the brakes, transmission is just a matter of time before they go also. We would appreciate any feedback on this problem thank you, dan higuera
While driving about 65 mph the engine blew a head gasket. This happened without any type of warning. Driver was able to pull to shoulder safely. The dealer was called about the problem. Owner had problem corrected at a local gargage.
Head gasket failed without warning or previous problem (I.e. no overheating, no poor heater operation, etc.). caused van to start running very rough. Almost stalled in several mid-intersections after stopping, which could have led to rear-end collision. Managed to make it safely home (less than 3 miles). Engine temperature had increased, but was still clearly within "normal" zone of indicator. Turned off engine and was unable to restart later in the evening. Towed to local service station. They diagnosed it as a blown head gasket, advised taking it to dealer. Dealer's "engine person" booked solid and unable to look at it until 8/10 (two weeks!). had it towed to another dealer (C&C Ford, horsham, pa) which confirmed blown head gasket, and said it had a seized engine which would have to be replaced. Esimated cost: $4600. Ford's "owner notification program" extended warranty coverage to 60,000 miles, but did not advise owners to bring in vans to be checked for defective head gaskets. Complaints on the internet show that this is clearly a major product defect about which Ford is aware but refuses to compensate or warn owners (I.e. owners are not advised to have the head gasket checked). This defect can cause sudden loss of engine power and stalling, which can lead to an accident and/or seriously jeopardize the safety of the occupants. See www.primecutsofbluegrass.com/windstar3.htm for other reports. I'll be adding mine as soon as I see whether Ford will pay for the repair. (so far, they are refusing.)
Engine overheated due to major loss of coolant. Diagnosed by dealer as failed headgaskets. Ford refused to pay any part of repair even though they have admitted the original gasket design was defective. Cost of repair = $1600
- Colorado Springs, CO, USA
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Engine failed 50 miles after the head gaskets were replaced. I was told the transmission needed replaced while the vehicle was in for the engine to be replaced!
I noticed the temperature guage acting abnormaly at 59, 925 miles. My van was driveable, so I did continue to drive it. The dealership was closed during the weekend. I called immediately on Monday morning, and the earliest I could get my vehicle in was Tuesday evening. On Tuesday evening, my mileage was 60,057. Ford had extended the warranty on the head gasket to 60,000. Even though the trouble occurred before 60,000 miles, I could not get my vehicle into a Ford service center until after the 60,000. As a result, Ford does not want to do anything about the repair. The gasket failure also damaged other engine parts. As a result, I needed to replace the engine in my van.
Vehicle keeps running hot. Dealer contacted, and stated blown head gasket caused overheating. No repairwork done. Problem still exists. Provide further information.
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.
This head gasket failure appears to be common on this model of 1995 Windstar. Although Ford extended the warranty to 60,000 many defects occur just miles beyond this. They have acknowledged this is a weakness in this model, but do not reimburse the owner for the expensive repairs. This problem first surfaced at 26.400 miles and was taken into the dealership for repair. Obviously, it was not permanently repaired for the same situation is now occuring. My research reveals an extremely high number of similar complaints with this model.
Loss of engine coolant, engine overheating. Replaced defective head gaskets. This is a known defect, owner notification 98M01. Ford will not compensate for repairs.
Engine head gasket allowing oil and anti-freeze to go into engine, causing a potential engine failure. Consumer wants Ford to cover the cost of head gasket repairs since they are aware of the problem.
A D V E R T I S E M E N T S
- Livermore, CA, USA