This data is from the NHTSA — the US gov't agency tasked with vehicle safety. Complaints are spread across multiple & redundant categories, & are not organized by problem.
So how do you find out what problems are occurring? For this NHTSA complaint data, the only way is to read through the comments below. Any duplicates or errors? It's not us.
In researching defect found in the Ford winstar, I have found numerous complaints by other owners about transmission failure. I have spoken with my local Ford dealer about this problem and he has acknowledged numerous (more than normal) failures in this model. Transmission failure is a safety related issue as the vehicle failed during driving on a busy interstate and had to be quickly driven off the freeway under limited power across several lanes of traffic.
I would appreciate your looking into all of the defects concerning the 95 Windstar. Ford is taking no responsibility and this seems to be a huge problem considering all of the people that I am finding out are having the same problem. Even though there was no accident involved, breaking down in the middle of traffic, or having your engine die while on the interstate is a serious safety issue! I would really appreciate any help that you could give to me and all Ford Windstar owners! thank you!
In August of 1997 I purchased a used Ford Windstar from robin Ford in glenolden, pa. I traded in my 91 Ford topaz. The mileage on the Windstar when purchased was 28,853. In September of 1997 I took the Windstar in to Ford in hazelton to flush and fill radiator, and a new fuel filter. At that time I was having problems with my doors sticking. They lubed cylinder. In December of the same year, I took it back to have all locks replaced, have a recall done, oil change and filter, and at that time I informed them that I was smelling anti-freeze, to please look into it. They checked for leaks and loose hoses, and found nothing. Even though I continued to smell it, they told me that they could find nothing. In March of 98 I complained of my windows fogging, again. They told me there was no leaks that they could see.they installed new head gaskets oil and filter two plugs. I also had an inspection done and an alignment. Things seemed to be okay to me. Then I started smelling anti-freeze again, and went back to tell them that there was something wrong. When they checked it they found that the gaskets had not set right. And that they would have to replace them again. That was in febuary of this year. Also had a state inspection done. Although I did not have to pay for the gaskets I did have to pay for a head cover, because they told me that was separate from the gaskets. I picked my car on the 26th of febuary that was a Friday, and by Monday morning I was back telling them that I still smelled anti-freeze, and that the car was not running properly, that it felt as if it wanted to stall, everytime I stopped or put in reverse. I was told that the computer would have to relearn itself"?????" and that I probably would smell anti-freeze for awhile. Then this past weekend I had to take my son to visit with a friend, and the car seemed to not have any pickup, and it started to stall, it would stall when I came to a stop, or tried to park it, when I was sitting at a light it.
While driving at any speed vehicle stalls/ overheats, and the temperature gauge will go up to high. Also, engine check light keeps coming on. Consumer just got the vehicle out of the repair shop, and the same problems have reoccurred.
Initially, the problem was a loss of coolant and an inability of the heater to produce hot air. After a trip to the dealer, we were told that the timing cover, water pump and head gaskets had leaked, and replacing the gaskets would cure the problem. Within 500 miles, out of state, the engine knocked horribly, then stalled. We had the van towed to mock Ford in grant's pass, Oregon. After an engine teardown, we were notified that a rod bearing had spun, seizing the engine. Ford in Oregon wouldn't help us, Ford in California wouldn't talk to Ford in Oregon and henry curtis wouldn't help us. Subsequently, Ford has had a recall on the head gaskets and we've gotten a refund for the gaskets. Since the replacement gaskets blew and damaged the engine, I tend to feel Ford should cover the replacement or repair of the engine. Henry curtis has refused to cooperate with us, and Ford's warranty reps won't talk with us. I'm aware of the numerous similar Windstar problems, and I invite you to browse "www.cartrackers.com/forums/mechgoblins/html"
Transmissions has been always a problem. When the vehicle was new it was taken several times to the dealer that after it is placed on park, thethere is a play of about 3 -4 inches and the vehicle moves forward by 3 - 4 inches. Was told that is the design of this type of transmission from Ford. Was not satisfied at all. All along problems with this transmission. Finally it gave way at 49, 000 miles. Had a rebuilt installed and that too gave way at 61K. Now a blown head gasket at 65K. Other numerous electrical problems to list. Ford is ripping off consumers.
On the cylinder head gasket issue, I received a letter from Ford last May 1998 and took the vehicle to the dealer to have it inspected. I was told that they check the vehicle and there was no problem with the gasket. Now I am face with major repairs on the engine. The fuel tank is extremely slow filling. I fear a potential fire or explosion related to the fuel filler issue. The transmission groans mostly in the morning and at times does not engage in drive or reverse. Also the form wheel bearings failed early in the vehicles life, another expensive repair was necessary. There is no temperature control to modify the rear heater temperature.
A D V E R T I S E M E N T S
- Olive Branch, MS, USA