Issue ID | 148786 |
Internal NHTSA # | 704863 |
Manufacurer | Ford Motor Company |
Brand | FORD |
Model | WINDSTAR |
Model Year | 1995 |
File date | 23/03/99 |
Component | ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING:ENGINE |
Product type code | VEHICLE |
Description of the problem | On 3-21-99, was performing routine maintenance on vehicle and found traces of oil in radiator. Experience tells me that this may be associated with head gasket failure. On 3-23-99, spouse driving vehicle advised of temperature fluctuations and vehicle found to have leaked out radiator fluid. Took to mechanic on 3-24-99, and was advised that ford 3. 8 engines have had a history of head gasket failure since 1993, and that mechanic believes the engine was subject of a recall to repair head gasket problem. Spoke to local dealer-uhlmann's in chehalis, wa., who advised that there has been significant problem and repair at their faciltiy related to head gasket failure in this engine,. Dealer stated ford had done a recall, but that ford would no longer cover repair if over 60, 000 miles on engine, past 12-31-98 or if no extended warranty coverage had been purchased. Called ford representative and was told that in may of 1998, ford had sent owners an offer for extended warranty that "would" have covered the failure, but that they had chosen not to advise owners of the problem and potential failure of part. Was told ford wuld not provide service for failure as past mileage and date of offer to repair, and as i had not purchased the extended warranty. Vehicle has been in service less than 5 years and has approx. 67000 miles on it at time of head gasket failure. Repair cost estimated at about $1400. *ak |
Vehicle Mileage at Failure | |
Number of Occurences | 1 |
Source of the issue | NHTSA WEB SITE |
City and State | ROCHESTER, WA |
VIN pattern | 2FMDA5142SBXXXXXX |
Was vehicle invloved in a crash? | |
Was vehicle involved in a fire? | N |
Was incedent reported to police? | N |
Was medical attention required? | |
Was part original equipment? | |
No. of injured persons | |
No. of fatalities | |
Date of purchase | 01/04/95 |
Was original owner? | Y |
Anti-lock brakes | Y |
Cruise control | Y |
Number of cylinders | |
Drive train type | FWD |
Transmission type | |
Vehicle speed | |
DoT tire identifier | |
Tire size | |
Location of tire code | |
Type of tire failure code | |
Was defective tire repaired? | |
Date of manufacture | |
Type of child seat code | |
Type of restraint | |
Dealer's name | |
Dealer's telephone number | |
Dealer's city | |
Dealer's state code | |
Dealer's ZIP code |