Faults:

The speedometer was replaced under warranty at 30000 miles.

I had to wiggle a wire on the starter every now and then to get it to start. This was particularly true in hot weather. I found a Technical Service Bulletin on a federal government web site and when I told the dealer about it they fixed it.

The head gaskets were replaced at about 49000 miles due to recall. The engine started leaking oil soon after. The dealer replaced a seal and did not charge me. When it still leaked oil, Ford agreed to replace the engine, in the form of a short block. The dealer told me the head gaskets had leaked and the bearings were ruined. Again, I did not pay. I am happy about the financial part of this but nonetheless concerned about the long term health of this engine.

I have also paid to replace an anti lock brake sensor.

The replacement speedometer is failing at 72000 miles and I suppose I will pay for a new one this time.

The right front power window sticks in the up position. I unstick it by removing the trim panel and hitting it with a hammer in a place I have marked for this purpose.

The engine has now started to ping on regular fuel.

General Comments:

At 72000 it is still comfortable. I note that it is not worth as much money as a comparable Chrysler product from the same year with similar miles on it. I will try to drive it past 100000 if I can.

Faults:

I took it to a local dealer and they found out that the rod bearings were shot.

Air conditioner didn't work.

I smelled anti-freeze, but couldn't tell where it was going.

Windshield wipers work if they feel like it.

Locks occasionally lock and unlock by themselves (hasn't done that for a while).

General Comments:

Actually until this year we didn't have any problems. It wasn't until I noticed my interior lights wouldn't go off that I took it to a mechanic and he noticed the engine light was on. He tested it and told us that Windstars typically have problems with head gaskets, gaskets covers, and transmissions.

After they put in a new engine (3.8L), changed the oil and filter, added coolant fluid, sub-frame mount, hose clamp, recharged the air conditioner, gasket intake man.

Now that all this is done we will keep you informed as to how this all works out. I'm hoping my car will last long enough to trade it in on a newer van, whether it be another Ford Windstar or another car company. That could depend on Ford.

Faults:

Blown head gasket.

ABS light goes on and off.

Intermittent wipers act up.

Inertia device on the seat belt didn't work (I found this out in a collision when I was thrown into the steering wheel: the air bags failed to deploy as well, the hood crumpled like an accordian - another Windstar problem that they are well aware of.

The driver's seat had to be replaced.

The emergency brake doesn't work properly.

The door locks don't always work.

The temperature controls inside the car, including the defoggers, heater, etc. are a joke.

The headgasket recall cost me $900. The rental car for the ten days they spent fixing the car cost me $200.

But the biggest problem of all is that Ford Motor Company and Ukiah Ford played round robin with me right up to today. They each refer me to the other one, and nothing gets done. I have heard from others that this is the standard response from most Ford dealers.

General Comments:

Don't buy a Ford at all. Buy a Nissan.

Faults:

As with most Windstars it was the gasket, but so far that's it.

General Comments:

It is a wonderful minivan.