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We've got bad news and bad news.
The bad news is that the Ford 3.8L V6 engine causes lots of
trouble for lots of people in certain models. And the bad news?
Well, let's start with Ford's transmissions in those models. Then, for those with strong minds, we can move on to transmission problems in other Fords.
Darcy of Winter Park, FL:
In February of 1999 my 1995 Windstar's transmission had
to be replaced. The mileage at that time was 52,000, therefore,
I was not under warranty and had to pay $1900. Unfortunately,
I kept the Windstar and this month (1/2000) my Windstar has
blown the rod bearings and I need a new engine. The van now
has 64,000 miles on it. I am a single parent on a very fixed
income. My 1995 Windstar is paid for. There's no way I can
trade it in without fixing it. My only option is to repair
and then get rid of it. A costly venture.
Valerie of Wichita Falls, TX:
I have been having all kinds of problem with my 95 Ford
Windstar after 50,000 miles.First the recall on the hood latch...it
was fixed by Ford. Then my a/c went out...I paid $900 to get
it fixed. Then the head gasket...I paid $944 to get it fixed.
Then the recall on the fuel tank...Ford fixed it. Now my transmission
is slipping. I have a friend who also brought a 95 Windstar
because she liked mine so much. Her transmission slipped also...
and her head gasket blew. Did we get stuck with lemons? I
had to take out two loans totalling over $1800 and rent a
car at $100 to get vehicle fixed.
Lenny of Klamath Falls, OR:
Automatic transmission went out in our 1995 Ford Windstar
which has been very common just like the head gaskets and
I would like someone to report it to any department that can
help us to get a recall started so we can get our money back
for this defect also. I have a 1995 Windstar that has been
in the shop several times. They never paid for any of the
major problems we had.
Denise of Canonsburg, PA:
I own a l995 Ford Windstar. Like so many other in the
class action suit against Ford, my head gaskets went at the
end of November l999. At that time, I had 81,000 miles on
the van. This resulted in an approximate bill of $1,000, none
of which was covered by Ford. On January 1, 2000 the transmission
began to slip. After several attempts by the dealership to
correct the problem, it was decided I needed a new transmission.
The van is currently in the shop waiting for a new transmission
from Ford. The anticipated bill for this repair is approximately
$3,000. Along with the transmission replacement, the van will
need to have the A/C reset and will need to be realigned along
with whatever else it needs in conjuction with transmission
replacement. The repairs should be complete by the end of
the month.
Sheila of Anna, IL:
In August 1997 I purchased a new 1998 Ford Windstar Mini-Van
from Ford Groves in Cape Girardeau, Missouri for approximately
$23000. I experienced problems within a short period of time.
Lots of different problems, but the most distressing were
apparent problems with the transmission. Slipping and sluggishness
in the transmission were reported numerous times to dealerships.
I was told numerous times there was nothing seriously wrong
with the transmission and that these "quirks" were typical
of the Windstar transmission. Two weeks ago, with 58000 miles
the transmission failed completely. I was shocked and stunned
and received absolutely zero assistance from my dealership.
I was given the runaround by their service manager and by
Ford Customer Assistance Center. I am disabled and on a fixed
income. I use this vehicle for medical and physical therapy
appointments. This van has been well maintained and never
driven at excessive speeds. I am in an extremely difficult
situation. I have no funds in reserve and the reality of paying
$23000 for a vehicle which only lasted 58000 miles is distressing
beyond words. I am so upset and everytime I try to talk to
the people at Ford, I get more and more upset. I use the van
to transport a wheelchair and any other assistive devices
I may use. I am now forced to rely on friends and family for
transportation and this is proving very, very inconvenient
and difficult as most of them work. I cannot afford to travel
by taxi or bus, and in any event they are not available for
the medical appointments I need. I am absolutely sick about
this and simply do not know what to do.
Susan of Sarasota, FL:
I have a 1996 Mercury Sable with about 45,000 miles on
it. With no warning, the transmission just went and has to
be replaced. The mechanic said he has had to fix these transmissions
at a rate unequal in ratio to the number of them on the road.
He said that 75% of these transmissions are going before they
reach 60,000 miles.It will cost $2,000 to repair. I am a single,
disabled mother with a son in college. I invested all I had
in what I thought was a reliable car.
Report Your Experience
If you've had a bad experience -- or a good one -- with a consumer product or service, we'd like to hear about it. All complaints are reviewed by class action attorneys and are considered for publication on our site. Knowledge is power! Help spread the word. File your consumer report now.
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July 24 2008
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