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.
Please, we are parents whit 3 kids, is very hard for us to pay this extra money for this defect vehicle, to this moment we changed:transmission -twice 02sensor (transmission)-catylitic converter left/raight-coil ignition system, we get this car whit 48.000mi. On 1998.for my all family and the good name of the Ford deller tanks for yuo help.
The transmission was replaced on this vehicle at 15,000 miles but is now starting to act up again. It frequently shifts hard when upshifting and often downshifts whenever the gas pedal is released. Although the transmission hasn't failed yet, it will only be a matter of time and the vehicle is now out of warranty protection. I noticed when checking the NHTSA web site that this seems to be a common problem for this vehicle type.
Ford dealer mechanic told me that he has repaired many of these transmissions at premature mileage levels (less than 80,000 miles). Ford has authorized replacement of many original parts with new designs to reconcile the substandard original design. For my transmission the mechanic said failure was the result of a defective aluminum piston, a problem that has developed in many Ford transmissions.
Ford dealer mechanic told me that he has repaired many of these transmissions at premature mileage levels (less than 80,000 miles). Ford has authorized replacement of many original parts with new designs to reconcile the substandard original design. For my transmission the mechanic said failure was the result of a defective aluminum piston, a problem that has developed in many Ford transmissions.
- Englewood, CO, USA
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Vehicle bought in 3/99 throttle body linkage broke repaire bill $500 shortly thereafter sensor went out (fuel)bill $256 later noticed squeking in front end advised it was tie rod ends not fixed yet this thing has broke me have had many occurences with speed odometer going crazy after 45mph recently noticed popping when turning steering or appling the brakes but before I could get it fixed transmission begin to either not shift upward, slip at 45mph and has downshifted after reaching speeds of 45mph (on I-85) has jerked several times..was told anywhere from 100.00-2000.00 ? seems I have not been alone in my disquest with Ford...only problem not encountered head gasket thank god please help us working folks against this big boy on the block thanks
1996 Ford Windstar have major transmission trouble. We have only had our van for 2 years and it is very upsetting that a car manufacturer cannot make a vehicle that will make it to 100,000 miles. Ford states that you can go 100,000 miles before needing a tune up but they don'Y mention that their transmissions won't make it that far. I have been on the internet researching this problem and have found that many people have this problem but Ford does not reply with any help or hope. The Ford transmission problem expands outward, not just on the Windstar vans. There should be a recall or something should be done because most of the owners are still making payments on these "new " vehicles that are suppose to be able to make it for 100,000 miles. On the sites I searched, alot of people have only gotten 40,000-55,000 miles on their vehicles before the problems began. This is not ordinary and cannot be looked upon as normal wear and tear because it has happened to too many people. Ford needs to be made to recall and correct their vehicles. They should be responsible for what they build and sell. We have already taken our van to the shop 2 times, and the 3rd is in the near future because it still is not fixed.please, please, please check into this and see if something can be done to get our vehicles repaired so we don't have to take out loans to pay for repairs that should be repaired by Ford, on a vehicle we are still making payments only. Thank you.
Transmission slipping intermittently while driving, engine drops to 45 mph and RPM goes to 5000 at highway speeds. On some occassion during stop and go transmission does not change from 1st to 2nd gear. Took vehicle to dealer and they cannot find any problem. This is becoming a dangerous situtation.
Speedometer fluctuated all over dial when car went over 30 mph; transmission just failed while car was being operated, it failed to shift and did not move while in traffic; brakes fade when coming to a stop all the time (I have requested repairs repeatedly, told no problem detected); car continues to roll 6-8 inches when parked on an incline; rear suspension creaks when getting in and out of car; several leaks in engine had to be repaired (gasket??).
The automatic transmission will either refuse to shift into the higher gear or will downshift on its own. Continuing so that eventually (after 10 to 15 minutes) it will no longer shift from first into second. The problem is not continual. The dealship had the van for three days after it first occurred. They were unable to get the problem to reoccur for them. The day after we picked the van up from them the problem arose once again. At present we are trying to figure out what step to take, what the problem could be and how to get the problem to reoccur while at the dealer. Of, couse the problem always occurs on the weekend or in the evening after closing.
At about 60000 miles the Windstar would fail to move after stopping at a traffic light. On occasion the vehicle would make noise, similar to what you would expect if a plastic container was caught under the vehicle. Took the vehicle to the dealer and was informed that the transmission needed to be replaced. Vehicle is less than five years of age and less than 60000 miles. Dealer offered no assistance, financial or otherwise.
Consumer was traveling about 55mph and engine check light blinked on and off on the dashboard. Also, transmission slipped out of gear. Computer chip was replaced, but problem still continued. Anti-freeze was leaking from the transmission. In addition, spark plugs were replaced, and head gasket needed to be replaced. Computor diagnosis indicated that cylinder #4 malfunction. The dealer said that doing tune up will solve this problem but did not.
After three fairly reliable years and only 58,000 miles, I have had head gaskets blown and a transmission that is showing signs of failure. After researching on the internet, I see that I am not alone in having these problems with the Windstar. I have never felt compelled to complain about a vehicle before. The thought of this car leaving my family stranded on a busy stretch of freeway (which it almost did) due to a premature engine failure and factory defect is inexcusable.
While driving about 40 mph feels like transmission is shifting into second gear. Then vehicle will move slowly without a warning. Consumer contacted Ford, the dealer repaired the failed sensor at no cost..et.
Vehicle will not shift into gear when on an incline. A recall has been issued on the vehicle's make and model. However this vehicle was not included due to VIN. Dealer has inspected vehicle.
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- Medford, NY, USA