Faults:

Blown head gasket at 79,000 miles. Major problem in Ford 3.8 engines.

General Comments:

Except for the drive train problems, the van is great. Comfortable, roomy, good handling, impressive power.

The head gaskets went at 79,000 miles and turned the whole ownership experience into a nightmare. Have found that this is a VERY common problem with this motor. No help from Ford on the 1996 models yet.

Faults:

After bringing the van for a tune-up to a private shop I was told that I may have a problem with the head gasket. I took the van to a Ford dealer and told them of problems I was having with the van (white smoke and a rough idle), I said that I thought it was the head gasket. I was told that they never have had a problem with the head gasket. That lead up to the following bills. 200.00 computer work, 150.00 vacuum line work.

Then they said it looked like I had a head gasket problem, and a timing chamber problem. It would only cost 2500.00+. I asked if it was driveable, they said yes and I drove it home while they waited to hear from Ford if they would cover any cost. Ford would cover it and I would pay a portion. 450.00 so I said that they could expect to take portion off of that bill as well. But when I went to start the van the engine was shot.

In the end they have had my van for just short of 3 months, got it back with a rebuilt engine at no cost and drove it for one day and they got it back again. The motor keeps cutting out. They said that they don't know what the problem is. So I have one of their cars until they figure it out. I hope it's not another 3 months.

P.S- Although I didn't have to pay anything for the engine, I got it by being a constant nag. Now I will wait for them to call me.

General Comments:

Don't get suckerd into one of these vans, you'll pay more in the long run and the comfort doesn't out weigh the stress.

Faults:

I have had 2 transmissions replaced in less than 2 months of owning the car, dealer was very disappointing, had to be a total jerk with them to have the work done without being charged. I had the car 4 days when the transmission started bumping.

General Comments:

I will never buy another Ford product and I tell anyone who will listen what and where they don't want to buy their next car, Fix Or Repair Daily has new meaning to me.

Faults:

It all started the week after I brought it home.

The ABS light will be on for 4 years in October!

The braking system is terrible too. I have had numerous brake problems. New rotors, pads, lines and struts. At 50m miles the regular brake light started going on and off all by itself. It isn't the fluid or new sensors, they have tried it all, but my lights are still on today. After $500 or more in the shop for sensors.

This year I started having trouble with the engine. They told me that it was my O2 sensor and that was $400.00. Then a week later they told me that it was an external timing cover leak, maybe even an internal one (to find that out it would be $300 to drop the oil pan and check). They advised me to have just the cover replaced to see if that would help. That part alone would be $700.00 dollars! They couldn't fit it in the shop for a week and a half, but if it started to smoke to bring it right back. I got in it 2 days later, it wouldn't start. I waited a half hour and it finally did. I took it to an outside mechanic and told him what was going on, he kept it for 2 hours and told me it was definitely an internal head gasket leak and that I shouldn't even be driving it. All he did for $50.00 was pull the spark plugs and took a peak in the engine, the whole thing was filled with coolant fluid. I called a different dealer to see what their reaction would be to the way the original dealer dealt with the problem and they disagreed with the dropping the pan thing. I called them right away and told them to change the work order to include a head gasket replacement too and told them everything. It is in the shop today, I can't get a warranty or help from anyone at Ford to give me any assistance at all. It is a shame that they don't take more pride in their vehicles, service or manner of business.

General Comments:

I could never buy another Ford because I can't trust them (dealers) to be honest and not cheat me out of money. The main company doesn't take their responsibility too seriously in helping their customers or admitting to problems with their vehicles.