1996 Ford Windstar GL 3.8 from North America

Summary:

Stay away from this vehicle

Faults:

At 101,000 km my transmission went. I was quoted $3400 to replace it, but after contacting Ford they covered part of the cost under their "Goodwill Warranty". In the end I only had to pay $586.

At the same time my timing cover gasket was replaced for a cost of $850. I am still trying to get Ford to cover this.

General Comments:

I am very disappointed with the reliability of this vehicle.

My next vehicle is going to be a Honda or a Toyota.

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? No

Review Date: 11th February, 2001

16th Feb 2001, 23:34

It is my belief that Ford had a recall on the gasket because of a defect. When ours had gone it was not covered, but then because of many complaints the warranty coverage was changed.

Good luck

1996 Ford Windstar GL 3.8L from North America

Summary:

Poorly engineered engine. Otherwise a comfortable car

Faults:

Several electrical problems. Had to replace two sensors(passenger door and brake).

Faulty brakes.

Replaced stabilizer bar.

Head gasket replacement ($1,500). The head gasket problem was supposedly fixed after the 94-95 model recall.

General Comments:

Comfortable ride and practical, but there is always some minor problem.

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? No

Review Date: 11th January, 2001

15th Jan 2001, 11:59

My head gasket went at 51,000 KM. Just over the basic warranty. Nobody would help me either.

Solution: Never bought Ford again!

30th May 2005, 05:47

The head gasket on my 1996 Windstar blew a in 2004. I have been using extra thick oil. Officially Ford denies any problems with the head gasket for the 3.8 V6.

A dealer told me it was common. All I said was my Windstar head gasket has blown. He replied," a 3.8 right?" I replied, " right on". He commented, " that is common".

1996 Ford Windstar GL from North America

Summary:

So so

Faults:

Transmission has been replaced.

Head gasket has been replaced.

Electricals are a constant nightmare, you can come out in the morning and the lights are flashing, and the radios and wipers are on, I swear it's haunted!

Brakes are continously in need of replacement.

Something else in the engine needed to be cleaned out, then list just goes on and on.

General Comments:

It's a money pit after the warranty expires!

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? Don't Know

Review Date: 10th January, 2001

15th May 2001, 22:58

I had similar electrical problems that were traced back to a leaky firewall seal located above the fuse box. The water sips into the fuse box, creating shorts that bypass all the fuses. This is a $4000 lesson-learned!!!

1996 Ford Windstar GL 3.8 from North America

Summary:

Good van if they can fix the problems

Faults:

1) Rear door hatch broke 1 week after purchase.

2) Windshield whistled. Fixed 2 months after purchase.

3) Head gasket at 50,000 miles (2 years old).

4) Brakes failed.

5) Tires wear unevenly.

6) Check engine light has a mind of its own.

7) Replace a rim at 80,000 (3.5 years old) - weld came loose.

8) Replaced another rim at 110,000 (4.5 years old). Weld came loose. Different rim.

General Comments:

I like the van. It runs good, drives good and fits 7 teenagers comfortably. We travel all over California and Oregon with a full van load and the kids don't complain. But the nit-picky little problems and dealership are a pain.

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? Don't Know

Review Date: 2nd January, 2001

10th Jan 2001, 12:05

I agree. From previously owning other FORD vehicles, I've come to the realisation that a lot of the quirky problems like "check engine" light which comes on all the time in my Lincoln as well, are a real nuisance and nobody really knows how to fix them. The advice I get over and over is if you want to drive a Ford, be prepared to Fix Or Repair Daily!!!!!!

1996 Ford Windstar GL 3.8 from North America

Summary:

Good if they had made it right

Faults:

Head gasket blew.

General Comments:

Was told by Ford headquarters that the problems from the 95s had been fixed on the 96 and that is why they do not cover it, I wish they would have told my van.

I have not received any help from the dealership when they deny even having a Ford representative to be able to contact, yet they are fully aware of the head gasket problem.

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? No

Review Date: 6th December, 2000