Ford Windstar / 1996
1996 Ford Windstar problems
Owners have filed 1,855 complaints about the 1996 Ford Windstar with NHTSA. Engine and engine cooling accounts for 28.3% of them — the clear leader, ahead of power train at 18.4%.
Complaints1,855
Crashes71
Fires53
Injuries62
Deaths1
What owners report breaking
Engine and engine cooling 28.3% · 525
Power train 18.4% · 341
Service brakes, hydraulic 13.7% · 255
Suspension 6.1% · 114
Electrical system 4.7% · 88
Vehicle speed control 4.5% · 83
Unknown or other 4.3% · 79
Steering 3.0% · 55
Severity
Of those complaints, 71 describe a crash, 53 describe a fire, 62 report an injury and 1 report a death.
Reading the numbers
Across the 9 model years of the Ford Windstar in this data, 1996 draws comparatively few complaints; 1995 is the outlier year.
Filings have fallen off, 14 in the last three years against 29 in the three before. That is normal as a generation leaves the road.
The median odometer reading at the time of complaint was 85,550 miles.
In owners' own words
Engine was running rough; a lot of white smoke cme out of tailpipe. Radiator was losing antifreeeze every day. Took to dealership & mechanic would not look at vehicle. Contacted Ford manufacturer & csr indicated not under extended warranty, no repair will be done. Took to another dealership & was placed on diagnostic machine. Was technical service bulletin on head gaskets, but manufacturer was going by vin. Engine and engine cooling
Head gasket failure in 3.8 I asked the service manager at the dealership when I purchased the car if the engines were having problems. He told me no. I took him on his word and now I have a car that needs a new engine. I have a 1994 t-bird that had to have the engine replaced due to the same problem. Ford was great to work with. I wish they would stand behind this engine as well. I am very disappointed. Engine and engine cooling · reported at 75,000 miles
I have a 3.8 Engine that has had to have heads repaired/replaced 3 times. The last time the engine now requires replacing, it has been at garage for 2 years. Due to cost involved it is not cost effective ro repair. It has overheated in all cases and the second time it was determined that a faulty Ford water pump may have been cause. I have notified Ford and dealer multiple times without response. Engine and engine cooling · reported at 120,000 miles
Verbatim from NHTSA filings. Complaints are unverified owner reports.
Safety recalls
Checking NHTSA for open recalls…