Faults:

The only thing that has gone wrong with my Windstar is the door censor lights keep coming on even when all the doors are shut. This started at 35,000 miles.

General Comments:

I drive this van everywhere and I love it. I live in the mountains and it handles the steep hills very well. I have never had a problem with my Windstar.

I have 6 kids and everything had held up.

Faults:

Transmission went at 80000 km and when we bought a new transmission, the Ford mechanics had dropped it and said that accidents will happen and pressured us to purchase a new one.

General Comments:

Nice van, but Fords service needs help badly!

Faults:

Second time around on Head gasket problem. Current engine only has 33000.

General Comments:

I am frustrated with Ford and the way they are handling the '96 Windstar head gasket problem. I am currently on the second time around with this problem. I had my engine replace in Feb 2000. Same type of problems where occurring, engine running very ruff and the check engine light was blinking on and off.

I am sorry to hear that I am not the only one out there with this problem. I am currently deciding if there is enough people in the state Michigan to start a class action law suit against Ford, for the '96 Windstar's with the 3.8L engines. If you have gone through this without any assistance from Ford - please contact me at bljextra@yahoo.com. If there is enough of us out there - maybe we could make Ford listen to us and help us out.

Faults:

Speedo head at 45,000: $450.

O2 sensors failed at 62,000 causing massive carbon buildup: $830.

Head gasket blew at 68,000: $1600.

Every power lock motor/solenoid has failed: $100 per.

Front brake caliper failed, replaced at 75,000: $300.

Head gasket blew again at 92,000 causing cylinder damage: Engine replacement.

General Comments:

My wife loves the Windstar. It is true it is the best looking inside and out. I, however, am the one trying to keep it running and paying for the repair bills. I hate it.

The 3.8L V6 is strong enough to get around with ease.

Interior has held up well.

Paint job has held up well.

I am anal regarding fluid changes and flushes, have averted cooling system and tranny problems.

The Ford 3.8L V6 has serious design flaw that Ford won't officially acknowledge. Even thier dealer service departments feel bad and hang thier heads down when they talk about it.

My service tech said he's not allowed to say it's a design flaw, but was allowed to say there was "abnormalities" in the engine design.

Faults:

I bought my 1996 Windstar brand new. I have used top of the line products on it and have never had any major problems. My transmission gives a problem, it slips into a different gear when not needed too. Hard shifting in to gears. And now my head gasket has gone. I will never ever buy another FORD product. With all these reviews I think Ford should consider having another recall for these Windstar's gaskets.

General Comments:

This van is fast for a V6. It has 200hp which is lots for a minivan.

The seats are good and the ride is soft.

It is a really good van except for the transmission, brakes, and gasket, which is a big problem.