1996 Ford Windstar Engine cooling Problems
- Complaints
- 470about this part
- Share
- 34%of 1,386 total for the year
- Median mileage
- 80,000miles
- Trend
- StableComplaints filed in the last 3 full calendar years are within 25% of the 3 years before.
NHTSA recorded 470 complaints about the engine cooling of the 1996 Ford Windstar, 34% of the 1,386 complaints for this model year. Where a mileage was given, the median is 80,000 miles. 4 a fire, according to the filers.
Example complaints
Selected from NHTSA records; personal details are removed. They are consumer reports, not findings.
“I have a '1996 Ford Windstar. It was taken into the shop for an oil change and they discovered water in the oil. I know that Ford knows this is a problem. There has been no damage to the motor but the head does need to be fixed. The repairs have not been done yet because they are costly. I feel Ford should at the least help cover some of the cost.”
NHTSA complaint #10096223, filed 2004-10, 83,000 miles“The head gasket failed causing us great problems, ie: loss of car to drive, financial hardship. The 1995 Windstar's had a program that allowed for the repair of this issue. We bought our 1996 Windstar on february 16, 1996 and we are not offered any assistance or resolution re: this failure and defect.”
NHTSA complaint #10146950, filed 2006-01, 67,000 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.”
NHTSA complaint #10176984, filed 2006-12, 120,000 miles“Other is the head gasket went and leaked oil in my engine causing it to be replaced. Ford denied any problems with this and I believed them until I read your web site article on the head gasket problem with 1995 windstars. I called Ford this morning again and read the article and they still will not step up to the plate on this. Nothing else has gone wrong with my car.”
NHTSA complaint #10070269, filed 2004-01, 111,092 miles“I would like to file a complaint regarding my 1996 Ford Windstar. I have just learned the head gasket on my vehicle has blown out with just 70k miles on it. I know Ford recalled 1995 models and after some research of my own, have learned that there are just as many 96's with the same problem and Ford refuses to do anything with that model year.”
NHTSA complaint #10002728, filed 2003-01, 60,000 milesEngine cooling: other model years
| Year | Complaints | Share of year |
|---|---|---|
| 2004 | 1 | 4% |
| 2003 | 47 | 3% |
| 2002 | 27 | 2% |
| 2001 | 66 | 4% |
| 2000 | 92 | 5% |
| 1999 | 129 | 8% |
| 1998 | 196 | 14% |
| 1997 | 38 | 20% |
| 1996 | 470 | 34% |
| 1995 | 1,610 | 48% |
| 1994 | 8 | 35% |
| 1993 | 5 | 45% |
| 1985 | 1 | 20% |
Other parts of the 1996 Ford Windstar
322 complaintsBrakes
229 complaintsSuspension
111 complaintsOther or unknown
86 complaintsElectrical system
83 complaintsVehicle speed control
82 complaintsFuel system
52 complaintsSteering
50 complaintsWheels
42 complaintsVisibility (wipers, defrost, mirrors)
38 complaintsBody and structure
37 complaintsAir bags
25 complaints
← All problems reported for the 1996 Ford Windstar
About this data. Data from NHTSA (ODI) complaints, recalls, TSBs and investigations, updated Oct 27, 2026. Complaints are unverified consumer reports and may be duplicated or inaccurate.
To check a specific vehicle for open recalls, use its VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls. Methodology