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Ford 3.8 head gasket/trans failures--"secret warranty" Part 2
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How many miles does the ford real/buy back go for these engines, 100,000? Is worth sticking this kind of money into this? I only paid $5000 for the van last year. Does this an have a history of tranny problems too? Thanks.
Well, its gone now and we just got ourselves a Toyota Sienna, even though the current windstar was a better deal.
What amazes me is knowing how expensive it is to get a new customer, that Ford would willingly ignore all its existing customers. I will not touch another Ford ever, because our whole experience goes beyond the actaul vehicle, it goes to the whole arrogant non customer focused attitude of the organization from the dealership to the HQ.
a Lincoln, Mercury dealer did. Has anyone else had problems with their gasket?? I called the Ford 1800 # & they denied any financial assistance
The car was never quite the same. The temperature gauge was all over the place, the check engine light came on all the time, etc.
We've debated whether to just get rid of the Cougar (or donate it) as it was just too unreliable. We'll, we've been put out of our misery as a NY State Trooper just totaled the car while it was legally parked (he tried to avoid a double parked car and hit the Cougar). Once the insurance is settled I may end up with $3000. Which is about $2500 more than I could've sold the heap of trash for!
Anyway, cannot feel right about selling to some unsuspecting buyer, so we'll take what we can get in trade on a Toyota Sienna. Hope the E150 fairs better.
Finally, if you're in the market for a used mini-van, avoid the 3.8L Ford Windstar at all costs!!
Here's my question: I've got a 1993 Sable with 111k on it(its a 3.8, original HG too!). Anyway, the transmission has been showing signs of failure for quite some time now, since before the 100k mark for sure. When going from first to second theres a significant amount of slipping and it often shifts roughly. I was wondering if I should try to convince Ford to buy me a new tranny since this one will probably go in not too long. My argument is that the tranny began showing signs of failure related to the defective part within the warrenty. Think i've got a chance or should I not even bother?
Dan
Otherwise its been just fine except for the 2 recalls so far!
When my tranny goes or the head gaskets in 30K then I'll really complain!
(Also, left this message under the Taurus repair section.)
I haven't got a Ford, but I do have a GM 2.2 and have read the Neon posts re: the head gaskets failing.Every ONE of the "Big 3" WHAT IS THIS? Could this be why Domestic sales have slumped this year???
I cleaned up the van, cleaned up each spark plug, and disconnected the battery for 2 minutes to clear the computer. After reconnecting the battery, the light was off and the van was running great. I took it and traded it in on a new truck from a 'reputable and reliable company'. I got a very good trade-in figure for my van since 'it was in such good condition and running so well'.
Ford issued $8000 bonuses to every assembly line worker at the end of 1999, and then issued $6700 bonuses to the same employees at the end of 2000. At the same time they issued these generous bonuses, they turned their backs and ignored their customers and refused to accept responsibility for faulty and defective products (lots of defects, not just defective head gaskets). 'Quality is job one' and I will not own another Ford for a VERY LONG TIME!!!
Http://hometown.aol.com/lisam1120/myhomepage/news.html
I'm the Director of Town Hall at Edmunds.com. ABC is interested in doing a story about "secret
warranties," where automakers notify dealers but not customers about quality issues. ABC news would like to speak with consumers who have experienced the above scenario. It sounds like many of you have! I particular would like to find some people in the Southern California area. If you are interested, please email me. You can find my email address in my profile. Thanks ahead of time.
Http://hometown.aol.com/lisam1120/myhomepage/news.html
Here is the latest update...
Ted Britt took my loaner away from me after they had found that I had contacted an attorney. when the general manager called to tell me he wanted his loaner back immediately, I said well.... guess now I have you for false advertising as well, on top of the original charge of Fraud and consumer Law Violations. He hung up.
However the following day called to tell me to please return to the dealership and pick up another loaner, because what he did was very wrong and he apologized with three phone calls. I lost a day of work because of that one.
Yesterday late, I got a call from the Tech. working on my van. He called to tell me that the new engine was in and it was running great, and that the problem with the brakes was going to be taken care of per the General Manager. They were going to put new tires on, new pads, and new rotor's and they were going to cover the cost. I guess making a web page makes some people take care of things for fear that it will damage the customer's coming in. As I sent my page to mostly people in the Fairfax area. I have had 205 hits so far. I am assuming that he is thinking I will pull the page since he is taking care of things not covered under warranty, and believe me, I am very thankful. The problem still exsist's though... I am stuck in a loan for 6 yrs, my warranty is just one year, and with all the problems I have dealt with in just the first two weeks of ownership, I am extremely fearful of what will happen in the next 6 yrs. It shouldn't be this way when you purchase a vehicle. I am still going to continue with legal action, still keep my page up and still post on auto boards. This does not change my mind at all about the quality of this van that Ford sold me. Thanks for all your support with my page. I will keep you posted as to how the new engine is running as I am suppose to pick it up today.
Lisa
I have had alot of problems with the front suspensions, arranging from the rack n pinnon, struts, and staberlizer Links.
Through the numerous repairs and replacements, I brought this matter to the attention of FORD MOTOR CO, they had given me a premium care warranty up to 5 years or 75 miles Bumper to Bumper, I am in that warranty know, But I am still using the shop. I am very disatified with this car, it has had more go wrong with this FORD, then any other ford we have owned.
I am not buying another Taurus. But I want to know if anyone else out there has problems with alignments on their 96 model taurus up to 99 model taurus.
I have had 2 sets of complete tires go BAD do to the alignments going out on my car to often.
The Oil pan gasket seal and the door sensors on my Taurus are a common replacement problem on mine.
Sometimes you have to take it out of the hands of the dealer, and go directly to FORD themselfs. Unforunately there aren't to many good dealers out there, but I know I found a bad one in Oklahoma.
My situation I took it directly out of the hands of the Bad Dealer and when to FORD on my problem. As it turned out, either this bad dealers mechanics was un experienced or it was simply intentional. My case in OKlahoma left me where there was no Lemmon law to protect us consumers from dealers like the one I encountered.
I have been scrolling through Edmund's Town Hall. Very impressed with feedback. I have an opportunity to purchase a 98 Windstar GL with 3.8L V6, with 48K mile, in absolute cherry condition, with known maintenance history. Were the 3.8L head gasket and transmission issues solved by the 98 model year, or is this still a concern with the 98 model year? Any and all feedback would be greatly appreciated.
FYI, We were a devoted Ford family for generations. The last true 'Ford' product that I owned was an '84 20th anniversary edition Mustang GT. It was built on a Fri afternoon at 4:45. Quality was NOT job 1! The dealer was horrible, totally technically inept. We owned one Ford badge since, A Probe, which is really a Mazda. It was a great little car.
I left Ford in '92 when I purchased a Dodge Caravan SE, with 3.3L V6 and 4 speed OD auto trans. Ford did not have a FWD offering at that time, and I was not impressed with the Aerostar. We have experienced motor and trans problems with the Caravan, with the motor developing a knock around 68K miles. This was covered in full under Chrysler 7/70 warranty. The trans bit the dust at 80K miles. Like Ford, Chrysler had a known problem that they would not immediately acknowledge. I did a little homework and leaned on Chrysler a bit. I got a factory rebuild (to higher 1996 standards) and guaranteed trans for $400.00. Chrysler took care of us.
As an enginner, I can understand, to some extent, that design erros occur. However, I cannot relate to NOT addressing a known problem, much less making any effort to correct it.
Await your replies. Best regards.
I also am aware that 1995-96 model windstars had transmission issues. I do not know if it has been addressed in 1998's
Having come to these sites has helped me so much I recommend looking at the Saturn messages, a lot of people are pretty happy with the cars-- I have been looking at the Nissan Altima, 01 Taurus, and the Grand Pix (had an awful experience with Toyota and won't ever go there again or reccomend them!!!!) So far the Saturn isn't fancy but it is practical and I really enjoyed my visit at the dealership, it is very customer oriented. I have gone to the dealerships to test drive these cars and get a look and feel of their interiors. And all I can say is that Saturn is the only place that did not hound me in getting the car NOW! like the other dealers did, or try to pre-qual
B-4 test driving. They even let me bring home a Purchase agreement with all the additional costs itemized(TT&I & other charges) so that I can figure out the total cost. None of the other places were willing to do that, and I tried. Well, GOOD LUCK.
This car has always been serviced by a Ford dealer. You would think that they would keep track of its warranty and issues regarding the head gasket. Sadly the new warranty expired 2,000 miles ago and Ford wont blink an eye in helping me out . The dealer wants $1,300 for a new gasket, $3,700 for a new engine, but also wants to sell me a new Windstar. Am I unreasonable in asking Ford to help out with the repair? Do I really want to Buy a new Ford? Help me out here. Should I buy a new Windstar after they refuse to help out? Would You?
Also, the 3.8 has been the standard engine in the Windstar since '96. Ford has not switched to the 3.0 as it's standard. The 3.0 engine would be very undersized in the Windstar, making the vehicle difficult to get out of it's own way.
Ford vehicles are plagued with defects, mostly gasket and transmission. They currently have the following outstanding gasket issues in the 3.8 engines: head gaskets, timing cover gaskets, front cover gaskets. Stay away from Fords unless you enjoy major challenging repairs.
The problem was evident long before late 1997. Follow this link: http://home.att.net/~ccatanese/ford/TSB_9849x.htm
and notice the "other applicable articles". You'll find that they issued a TSB in October 1994 and an earlier one in January 1991 concerning the "coolant loss" problem.
The problem with the 3.8 HG was evident to Ford for a very long time, I agree with you. Ford has only publicly admitted to problems in the '94 and '95 model years as requiring a warranty extension.
http://www.lemonaidcars.com/ford.htm
The above site provides much information concerning problems with Ford's 3.8 engs, automatic transmissions and a chronology of events. Most of the HG failures occur within 3-5 years and within 60,000 miles of use. I believe you will see the numbers rise significantly for later model years very soon because as I said, the changes didn't resolve the problem they only delayed the onset of problems.
My '96 WS started showing signs of HG failure at 80,000 miles and I got rid of it. A co-worker is currently on his 4th engine and second transmission in his '96 WS. A family member is currently on her 3rd engine and 2nd transmission in her Taurus sta wgn. Another family member incurred over $2000 in damage repair from failed subframe mounting assembly in her Taurus before Ford anounced a recall. She was informed she is not eligible for any refunds.
I am aware of the TSB's and the other articles you mention in your reply. I would still recommend staying away from Ford.
organizations actions, as well as a class action law suit, certainly contributed to Ford being pressured into their extended warranty settlement program (1999) on head gaskets with 1994, 1995 Ford owners. I am urging that all 1996 Windstar owners with head gasket,
engine, transmission problems to register their complaints with the Center For Auto Safety. Their address; Clarence Ditlow, Center For Auto Safety, 1825 Connecticut Ave, NW Suite #330, Washington DC 20009-5708.
"Through our efforts and partnership with Ford Motor Company, we were able to install a new (rmp) engine at no cost to Ms. Abrahams while providing her with comparable loaner transportation at no charge. At this point in time I believe she is happy with Ted Britt Ford."
First of all... I am not even close to happy, Second, They did'nt do this out of the goodness of they're heart like he is making it sound. They have to replace the engine, and they have to provide me with a loaner, Its there policy. Remember they took that loaner away from me at one point because I made them really mad with my homepage and contacting an Attorney. And i'm happy???? I don't think so. Now there is some other leak, and just yesterday I did my own little test for the van missing and it's not a pretty thing. Place a glass of water on the top of the dash, put the car in park, nuetral and drive and watch the water in the glass, if it jumps around like a dancing bean then you got problems. Mine was doing flips in the air...lol I have to make funny on this at times, otherwise i'll drive myself insane.
Oh and I wanted everyone to know that I ordered two bushels of lemons and when I picket the dealership in April, the lemons will be handed out to passer by's with the dealers name on them. Maybe this will show just how happy I really am.
Thanks for all the support!!!!
Lisa
I am consently out on my tow on this car, its had numerous repairs in the front end. But the tire wear and the tows are pretty common on my car. anyone with some advice. I was given a top of the line free ford esp on the car.
Extended Warranty
http://www.edmunds.com/editorial/features/fords38literv6headgasketproblemstraight/42970/
"...Now let's look at the changes Ford made for the 1996 model year in an effort to correct the problem:
Cooling system flow - change to series flow - front-wheel-drive models only
Heat-treating the cylinder heads - front- and rear-wheel-drive models
Head gasket design - heavier bore grommet and rebalanced face and bore grommet loads - front- and rear-wheel-drive models
In 1997 one more improvement was made:
Head gasket design - multi-layer steel head gasket - front- and rear-wheel-models.
The head gasket used since 1997 represents new technology not available when the 1994/95 head gaskets were developed. The current service replacement gaskets are also different, with higher-density carbon and/or graphite, and are a denser gasket with heavier bore grommets."
I don't know if that answers your question but I hope it helps.