1996 Ford Windstar LX 3.8 from North America

Summary:

Don't buy one!

Faults:

Blown head gasket at 79,000 miles. Major problem in Ford 3.8 engines.

General Comments:

Except for the drive train problems, the van is great. Comfortable, roomy, good handling, impressive power.

The head gaskets went at 79,000 miles and turned the whole ownership experience into a nightmare. Have found that this is a VERY common problem with this motor. No help from Ford on the 1996 models yet.

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? No

Review Date: 26th October, 2000

3rd Dec 2000, 17:58

I have a 1996 GL Windstar (loaded, original sticker $27,000) with 66,500 miles. The head gasket has developed a serious leak. Thank goodness that my wife did not travel out of state with the kids at Thanksgiving!

Tomorrow the car goes in to the dealer and I get my chance at bat. Being informed in advance may make all the difference here.

1996 Ford Windstar GL 3.8L from North America

Summary:

A true Ford right down to the crappy service

Faults:

After bringing the van for a tune-up to a private shop I was told that I may have a problem with the head gasket. I took the van to a Ford dealer and told them of problems I was having with the van (white smoke and a rough idle), I said that I thought it was the head gasket. I was told that they never have had a problem with the head gasket. That lead up to the following bills. 200.00 computer work, 150.00 vacuum line work.

Then they said it looked like I had a head gasket problem, and a timing chamber problem. It would only cost 2500.00+. I asked if it was driveable, they said yes and I drove it home while they waited to hear from Ford if they would cover any cost. Ford would cover it and I would pay a portion. 450.00 so I said that they could expect to take portion off of that bill as well. But when I went to start the van the engine was shot.

In the end they have had my van for just short of 3 months, got it back with a rebuilt engine at no cost and drove it for one day and they got it back again. The motor keeps cutting out. They said that they don't know what the problem is. So I have one of their cars until they figure it out. I hope it's not another 3 months.

P.S- Although I didn't have to pay anything for the engine, I got it by being a constant nag. Now I will wait for them to call me.

General Comments:

Don't get suckerd into one of these vans, you'll pay more in the long run and the comfort doesn't out weigh the stress.

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? No

Review Date: 2nd September, 2000

2nd Jan 2003, 10:31

We have a 96 windstar with a blown engine. it was running fine and had not been in the shop. I then found out that this engine was known for problems, but I have received no help from the dealer. I am still paying on the van and have no vehicle to drive.

1996 Ford Windstar LS 3.0 liter from North America

Summary:

Poor engine design

Faults:

I have had 2 transmissions replaced in less than 2 months of owning the car, dealer was very disappointing, had to be a total jerk with them to have the work done without being charged. I had the car 4 days when the transmission started bumping.

General Comments:

I will never buy another Ford product and I tell anyone who will listen what and where they don't want to buy their next car, Fix Or Repair Daily has new meaning to me.

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? No

Review Date: 2nd September, 2000

7th Feb 2001, 12:45

Head gasket at 58,000.

Transmission at 66,000 in a remote area while on vacation. Ford replied to my letter with "thank you for your comments" which, when translated, means it sucks to be you. The Toyota Sienna is in my future.

1996 Ford Windstar 3.8 from North America

Summary:

Windstar, stay away

Faults:

It all started the week after I brought it home.

The ABS light will be on for 4 years in October!

The braking system is terrible too. I have had numerous brake problems. New rotors, pads, lines and struts. At 50m miles the regular brake light started going on and off all by itself. It isn't the fluid or new sensors, they have tried it all, but my lights are still on today. After $500 or more in the shop for sensors.

This year I started having trouble with the engine. They told me that it was my O2 sensor and that was $400.00. Then a week later they told me that it was an external timing cover leak, maybe even an internal one (to find that out it would be $300 to drop the oil pan and check). They advised me to have just the cover replaced to see if that would help. That part alone would be $700.00 dollars! They couldn't fit it in the shop for a week and a half, but if it started to smoke to bring it right back. I got in it 2 days later, it wouldn't start. I waited a half hour and it finally did. I took it to an outside mechanic and told him what was going on, he kept it for 2 hours and told me it was definitely an internal head gasket leak and that I shouldn't even be driving it. All he did for $50.00 was pull the spark plugs and took a peak in the engine, the whole thing was filled with coolant fluid. I called a different dealer to see what their reaction would be to the way the original dealer dealt with the problem and they disagreed with the dropping the pan thing. I called them right away and told them to change the work order to include a head gasket replacement too and told them everything. It is in the shop today, I can't get a warranty or help from anyone at Ford to give me any assistance at all. It is a shame that they don't take more pride in their vehicles, service or manner of business.

General Comments:

I could never buy another Ford because I can't trust them (dealers) to be honest and not cheat me out of money. The main company doesn't take their responsibility too seriously in helping their customers or admitting to problems with their vehicles.

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? No

Review Date: 24th August, 2000

23rd Jul 2002, 11:29

I own a "95 Windstar. I also have had many problems with my car. Fortunately, I bought mine new and so had an extended warranty that covered virtually all of the problems. As for the head gasket, Ford issued a recall a few years ago regarding the head gasket, saying that if you had to replace it, they would cover the cost. Mine blew out about 2 weeks after I received the recall notice. I also have had numerous problems with my front disk brakes. I believe that the front brakes are inadequate for the weight of the car. they get very hot when you have to use them to go down a long hill, even when using low gear. I think that the rotors are too small. Ford Replace my rotors once and then machined them again due to warping. now, at 65,000 miles, I have to replace them again. I am replacing them with an after market (non Ford) part to avoid the same problem again (hopefully). Of course, when I asked the dealer if other owners had experienced the same problem, they looked blank and they said that they were not aware of any other similar problems. I don't believe it. I am a normal driver and so I bet there are thousand of us out there. I wonder how you might go about finding out?

Strangely, other than the brakes, I have not had any problems with my car in the last couple of years. I had lots of things done in the first 4 years - even new transmission. The Ford dealer fights every little repair. They only agree to fix something when you are in the car with them with the problem arises, then they cannot claim that they "could not verify" the problem.

I want a Toyota Matrix. American cars look pretty sad next to the new imports!!

13th Oct 2016, 00:45

I purchased a 1996 Ford Windstar with about 69000 miles for $1200 in 2011. I made a great investment only, minor repairs now and tire purchase. I had the fuel pump replaced, oil change, I haven't spent over $1200 in repairs and my mileage now is over 160,000. I would purchase anther Ford... My father only bought Ford his entire life.

I need two tires and I think a head gasket (kept cutting off on me today, but started right back up).