Car ran OK to for first 70,000 miles, but then the car fell apart due to major design and reliability issues. Ford needs to step up to the plate and take responsibility for these issues. This is the worst vehicle that I have ever owned. Beware of any car that you have to take to a mechanic to put on a hydraulic lift to change the spark plugs - even then the mechanics say the plugs are hard to reach.
To begin with, engine light stayed on due to engine misfiring. Had ignition wiring and plugs replaced ($200) to no avail. Took vehicle to dealer who then clean engine ports out for $250.
Speed odometer dial started to jump and malfunction. Dealer said that the entire gauge panel would need to be replaced and it would cost $600.
A year and a few thousand miles later, the engine light came back on and then ABS light came on and stayed on. Had ignition wiring and plugs changed and ABS sensor changed at $570. Engine light stayed off, but ABS light stayed on.
Then at 97,000 miles, the intake gasket failed resulting in coolant leaks. Dealer replaced for $800. A day later, the timing cover gasket failed resulting in coolant leaks. This cost me $1300. Now, I'm waiting for the head gasket to fail. I can tell the dealer doesn't think much of this vehicle. Called Ford. Their walk doesn't match their talk when it comes to customer satisfaction. I'm going to try to sell this vehicle in the next few days and buy a Honda!
Sounds just like what is happening with MY 1996 Windstar. I know it's no comfort to you, but now I know I'm not crazy.
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