1996 Ford Windstar engine problems
Owners reported engine problems in 491 complaints for the 1996 Ford Windstar, 26% of the complaints on file. It is the most reported problem area for this model year.
At a glance
- Complaints
- 491 27% of this year's complaints
- Typical mileage
- 80,000 miles 93 complaints with mileage
- Crashes and fires
- 0 and 4
- Injuries and deaths
- 0 and 0
Source: NHTSA owner complaints
When engine problems show up
View the numbers
| Mileage | Complaints |
|---|---|
| 0k to 20k miles | 2 |
| 20k to 40k miles | 4 |
| 40k to 60k miles | 10 |
| 60k to 80k miles | 28 |
| 80k to 100k miles | 27 |
| 100k to 120k miles | 12 |
| 120k to 140k miles | 7 |
| 140k to 160k miles | 2 |
| 160k to 180k miles | 1 |
| 180k to 200k miles | 0 |
| 200k+ miles | 0 |
What the data shows
Of the 93 engine complaints that report mileage, the median is about 80,000 miles, and 17% were reported before 60,000 miles.
These complaints mention 4 fires.
What owners wrote
Tl*the contact owns a 1996 ford windstar. While stopped at a traffic light, the contact noticed smoke coming from the hood. The contact turned off the vehicle and the smoke ceased; however, the hood caught fire when the vehicle was started again. The contact extinguished the fire and there were no injuries. The vehicle has not been diagnosed by the dealer. The current and failure mileages were 135,000.
Problem with 1996 ford windstar 3.8l engine 45,000 mi. W/ defective head gasket. Ford extended the warranty on 94-95 models but won't cover 96 models. This is a known problem w/ all the 3.8l engines and ford should be held responsible for manufacturing and selling a defective product. A recall should be done on this product. Ts
Other problems reported for the 1996 Ford Windstar
- Brakes 267 complaints
- Transmission 190 complaints
- Drivetrain & axles 152 complaints
- Suspension 114 complaints
- Electrical system 88 complaints
- Cruise control 83 complaints
- Fuel system 55 complaints
- Steering 55 complaints