NHTSA Complaint #718040 — 1995 FORD WINDSTAR

WE PURCHASED THIS 1995 WINDSTAR NEW FROM THE DEALER AND PAID CASH UP FRONT EXPECTING THIS VEHICLE TO BE OUR MAIN FAMILY CAR FOR AT LEAST 10 YEARS. WHEN WE EXPERIENCED AN INTERMITTENT HEATER AROUND 75000 MILES, THE DEALER REPLACED THE THERMOSTAT AT A COST OF $107.77 AND SAID NOTHING ABOUT THE HEADGASKET. TWO DAYS LATER THE HEATER WAS AGAIN INTERMITTENT AND WHEN EXAMINED BY THE DEALER I WAS TOLD THAT THE HEAD GASKET WAS DEFECTIVE. ACTUALLY THEY MISDIAGNOSED THE PROBLEM THE FIRST TIME I BROUGHT IN THE VEHICLE FOR AN INTERMITTENT HEATER. THE FOLLOWING DAY THE DEALER SERVICE MANAGER SAID THAT I HAD TO PAY $495.00 OR THE COST OF AN EXTENDED SERVICE AGREEMENT TO FIX THE HEAD GASKET AND FORD WILL PAY THE BALANCE. THE EXTENDED SERVICE AGREEMENT WOULD COVER MY VEHICLE ONLY TO 75000 MILES. I HAVE 75115 MILES ON MY WINDSTAR NOW. I FEEL THAT FORD SHOULD PAY THE FULL AMOUNT OF REPAIRS IN THIS CASE BECAUSE OF THE HEAD GASKET DESIGN FLAW DESCRIBED IN THE 1998 HEAD GASKET RECALL. WE ARE VERY DISSATISFIED WITH THE UNFAIR WAY FORD IS TREATING ITS BEST CUSTOMERS. JOHN AND KAREN TAYLOR. *AK