Up until now we have been blissfully unaware of the head gasket nightmare suffered by so many 1996 Windstar owners. We were satisfied with the van's performance.
The "check engine" light has come on twice in the past 18 months and both times our local Ford dealership assured us it was a "glitch." They reset the 02 sensor and for about $75.00, sent us on our way.
About 2 weeks ago, with 133,500 kms on the odometer, the "check engine" light came on again and this time was accompanied by other ominous problems. White steam blew out of the tail pipe and the heater didn't heat properly.
Upon inspection, the Ford dealer found that the head gaskets leaked.
The oil pan leaked.
The front timing cover leaked.
Originally, the dealer was going to "fix" the above problems, but then phoned back to say we needed a new engine! This in a 5 year old vehicle!
We were shocked and insisted that this was not acceptable. Ford Canada agreed to pay 50%, the dealer paid 10%, and we had to come up with 40% (over $1,500.00.)
We are still fighting this. A company should stand 100% behind its product - not 50%.
Obviously, the 1995 problems are still being seen on the 1996's and Ford won't take responsibility until enough of us jump up and down.
Unless Ford re-imburses us 100% for their defective engine, we will trade it in and never buy another Ford again.
Other than the head gasket/engine fiasco, our van has been safe and reliable family transportation.
I have a 96 Wind star which also has a blown head gasket. There are hundreds of complaints filed on the National Traffic Safety site regarding this. It is apparent the 96 model has a defective gasket and I am really disappointed to learn Ford is stonewalling the problem. I have 2 Ford vehicles - my last.
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