Subj: 1996 Ford Windstar Tranny and Headgasket Failures
Greetings,
I purchased new the 1996 Ford Windstar from a local dealer and did not buy the extended warranty. During the 1st 36 months, van was in the shop 22 times for electrical problems such as door locks, power windows, etc.
Month 37, w / 42K mi., total transmission failure. Pleas to FORD customer hotline went totally ignored. Reason was that vehicle did not have the 30K fluid change (even though it was in their shop at 29.2K mi. And this service was not suggested). Repair made by independent mechanic at a cost of $ ~1500. Failing part: forward clutch piston (you could see the plastic band around the outside) which is same on recalled 1995s.
Later after more than $1.5K of repairs to motor (mass air flow and other manifold components, not maintainance), and today w / 77K mi. The head gasket failure. Motor is loosing fluid from radiator / over-flow.'Sweet' smelling steam coming out the tail pipe. Looks like it's generating a cloud!
Research indicates these 1996 Windstars have same problem as 1995, but '95s are covered and '96s are not. This is the biggest ripoff I have ever experienced. Some sites indicate Ford is working with individuals on a case-by-case basis. The only 'working' I'm getting is worked-up over this! I just cannot believe that a company will abuse their customer base as both representatives on the hotline and my local dealer have done. I could not get the local 'customer service' representative to discuss with me the early transmission failure.
Finally, has anyone with a 1996 gotten relief from either a tranny or headgasket failure? I would like to hear from you.
Robert
Cary, North Carolina
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