Faults:

The timing cover gasket blew and had to be replaced at a cost of $1500. This was before the van was even paid off.

Tie rod ends have had to be replaced twice already ($200 each time).

The head gasket was leaking but not completely blown yet. My local Ford dealer in Cincinnati wouldn't fix it until it was completely blown - I told them that this was a KNOWN defect and if I wait to fix it, more serious engine damage would occur. They basically said tough luck, that's Ford's policy.

So I called my brother in law who's a Ford mechanic and he told me to bring the van to his dealership (a smaller dealer out in the country instead of the big city). He would fix it and get Ford to cover it - so that's what I did. Now I don't have to worry about the head gasket blowing and coolant getting into the combustion chambers which would ruin the engine.

There are various electrical glitches - power windows work then don't work and the door chime goes off at random.

The valve covers started leaking oil at about 45,000 miles and fluid is leaking from the transmission.

This car is an absolute piece of garbage. Don't ever buy one, especially used, unless you have money to burn.

General Comments:

The real shame is that the Windstar is very comfortable and roomy. It's too bad the damn thing doesn't run right. What good is a comfy car if it's always in the shop? If Ford would take the Windstar body and put a Honda or Toyota engine and tranny in it, they would have the perfect van!

Faults:

Connecting rod problem - 6 months old.

2 weeks after warranty expired the transmission case broke causing a transmission failure. Inquired of dealer as to the cause of the failure - answer got from dealer was "usual run around/not sure". Dealer unable to relate problem with the head gasket. I have to pay 2K for the repair.

General Comments:

I don't even want to be bothered with FORD CARS ever!!!

Faults:

There is a very annoying noise coming from under the van, especially when window is open.

Rubber muffler brackets broke.

Passenger power window will not open.

General Comments:

I have been generally satisfied with my Windstar. I don't drive much and very seldom, long driving (over 100 miles) so I have not experienced most of the problems other drivers/owners have described.

Faults:

Head gaskets blown.

Blown engine.

Faulty EGR system after engine replaced.

General Comments:

We purchased a 1995 Ford Windstar with 91,000 miles in March 2000.

Then in November 2000 the head gaskets blew. We had 102,000 miles at that time. We were never notified by Ford or the used car dealership that there was a problem with the head gaskets. We fought with Ford, but ended up paying for the head gaskets.

Then two weeks later on Christmas Eve and 200 miles from home the whole engine blew. Supposedly the oil pump died and burnt up the motor.

Now almost $4000 later the new engine still occasionally acts sluggish, the check engine light stays on since we left the shop and the troubleshooting diagnostic tests readout that there is a problem with the exhaust, gas, recirculate system.

We have always been loyal to Ford. Myself and my family have never purchased anything else. Where were they when we needed a little help? Personally, I will never buy another Ford again!!!