1996 Ford Windstar GL 3.8 from North America
Summary:
Very reliable as long as you change its oil!
Faults:
Check engine light came on at 65000 miles. The dealer said it was two bad O2 sensors.
Have replaced serpentine belts twice.
The van makes weird cracking noises under the driver's side when turning or moving from a full stop or when braking.
Replaced the rear shocks and two front tie rods.
General Comments:
I drove the car across the country from NY to LA and it was great. I drove it it from VA to NY several times and never a problem. Only thing that has me worried is that wierd cracking noise on the chassis.
Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? No
Review Date: 26th November, 2001
20th May 2002, 01:14
I just bought our 96 Windstar and have noticed the same popping/cracking noise under the driver seat chasis area. If someone has an answer what this is It would be greatly appreciated. Is it something serious?
27th Mar 2003, 14:06
We bought our 96 Windstar at 22,000 miles and have noticed the same popping noise under the driver seat chassis area. Popping sound when driving down dirt alleyways or roads, moving from full stop, braking, backing off driveway onto the street and turning corners. Dealer can hear it and says it is a known quirk with the Windstar.
22nd Oct 2003, 03:20
A popping noise could be a CV joint. My 1989 Ford Escort had a popping noise which turned out to be the CV joint. Repair cost was $150 at local shop.
Check engine light on my 1996 Ford Windstar has come on several times. Autozone store gets diagnostic code and resets light for free. If something malfunctions for a fraction of a second, the check engine comes on and will not go back off without being reset. Before having your Windstar "repaired", have Autozone get it diagnostic code and reset it for you. Then, wait and see if light reappears.
26th Nov 2001, 11:00
Tie rods replaced at 38,000 miles.
Thumping noise in the chassis when moving from a stopped position since 25k. Dealer never hears it. Now it has moved to under the drivers seat and is getting louder. Only happens on rainy days or very hot days.