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.
The vehicle was on the road when all of a sudden the drive gear popped out, causing the vehicle to slow down and not move. Manufacturer will be contacted by consumer.
Engine shuts down intermittently when decelerating into a turn. It also shuts down momentarily (vehicle "bucks") or fully (stalls completely) during normal driving, independent of speed. The latter problem is much more common than the former! consequence: Several near-miss rear-end collisions, especially at highway speeds. The dealership could not replicate the problem. An independent technician replicated but could not properly repair the problem(s). The problems have been occurring for more than two years.
Heard noise from engine and lost transmission power. Car coasted. When I got out there was a lot of transmission oil on the ground. Towed to Ford of upland, (calif). I was shown that the low/intermediate servo cover was blown to the side. I checked for recalls found one recall for 98 Windstar. According to Ford Motor Co rep. My veh was manufactured after 3/1/97 namely on 11/26/97 but Ford rep said it could be the same problem, as of now he noted my complaint and said I should call you, (NHTSA) you may be able to check further into this. Thanks
- Rancho Cucamonga, CA, USA
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Nar 1/15/2003. The consumer complained that the vehicle had transmission problems. After numerous complaints, the selling dealer offered to buy the vehicle back, but the consumer declined and instead continued to Ford and harass the employees to point that they became death threats.
Without warning, the speedometer went flat and the engine stayed in low gear and the "check engine light" came on when I was trying to drive up a steep hill. I called my husband and he put a little extra transmission fluid in it. I was able to drive it home. We took it the following day for a oil & air filter change and transmission fluid flush. We only made it a few miles until it broke down again with the same problems. When we had it checked at the shop, we were told it also has a broken motor mount. We called a "transmission specialist" and were told by the description, it sounded like the speed sensor had gone out. We had this van custom-built, no one else has ever owned it. It currently has about 94,000 miles on it. It has had regular mainentence and has never been iinvolved in a collision. Has Ford recalled any of this, it seems more than the regular wear and tear?
Right after purchasing the vehicle, I started having problem with it. I addressed the seller, and he told me that the vehicle had no warranty, and so that I should just take the vehicle and take care of the problem by myself. I have had numerous of problems with this vehicle. When I purchased the vehicle, I feel I was used because I am poor, and was desperate for a vehicle. Other people that have purchased a vehicle from them have had the same problem. I don't know what actions can be taken to correct the matter any longer. I haven't given a payment for about 4 months, because I have had to fix the vehicle. Mainly transmission and electrical problems. I have also had steering wheel problems, and tire problems.
I have a 1998 Ford Windstar with about 100,000 miles on it. The engine is good, but while driving on the highway, it suddenly shifts to low gear and jerks. Initially, this would happen occassionally, but now it has reached a point that it down shifts very often especially when running at slow speed and the vehicle vibrates a lot. As a consequence, the passengers experience a very strong jolting forward like as if somebody stepped on the brakes at high speed. A visit to my certified mechanic reveals that this experience is very common among Ford transmissions on various cars. It will cost between $1,500 - $2,000 to replace the transmission.
Transmission on van went without warning, stranded the complainant in a parking lot. Van had to be towed to repair shop to have transmission replaced. Thsi was the thrid major repair to this vehicle (repairs costing more than $1,000 each). Purchased the used vehicle in April 2001- had 30,000 miles on it, currently has a little over 100,000 miles. Just after the dealer warranty expired the van had parts replaced in the transmission, then parts replaced in the drive train (expensive). Entire rack and pinion replacement followed. The reapirs were done withing 18 months prior to this transmission replacement. Even after having the entire transmission and rive train replaced, there is still a growling underneath the vehicle when it idles at a stop sign. Vehicle also has erratic shifting when rounding corners at low speeds (clunking sounds and vehicle shakes when van drops into gear)- all of this even after the transmission was replaced! what a lemon!
Last year transmission problems started again. I had the van in the garage again in December to replace the pump on the transmission after it blew apart and left me stranded when it wouldn't go into any gear. After 10 days the van would move again. Now again the transmission is slipping between 1st and 2nd. The van is famous for downshifting from overdrive into 1st or 2nd gear. The overdrive light is constantly flashing and not working.
I currently own a 1998 Ford Windstar. I have had this van for two years. I bought it with 38000 miles on it and now have 66000 miles on it. Up till about a month ago, I had no problems as I have loved this van. But I did run into a peculiar problem that seems that most people are having with this van as I have checked numerous websites and web posts on the internet as well as my friends that have formerly owned this vehicle. The door ajar censor inside the doors wear, causing the computers to recognize the car doors to be shut. This emits a beeping sound that steadily beeps till you rise above 15 mph. Also, the lights stay on and since Ford built these vans all the same way, you cannot simply fix it without spending at least 500 dollars if your lucky. Also, another problem has risen just recently. My transmission has started to slip. I expected normal wear-and-tear, but it seems that when you reach a certain threshold, as many of other people have experienced once hitting 65000 miles on this particular van, the transmission goes completely. I would like to send an awareness to Ford to fix this problem in their newer vans, if a problem emerged and to future buyers of this year of van. This has cost me over 2500 dollars and I must admit, is not worth it. This van is by far the worst investment I have ever made, and I do not recommend buying one. Thank you.
Ihave a Ford Windstar min van it is a 1998 gl and my husband and I have only had it three and a half years we bought it at best Ford in nashua New Hampshire. We bought an extended warranty but we were over by 600 miles so they wouldnt honor it. Come to find out there were two other mini vans Windstar the same type and age in the shop getting transmission work done. This should of never happened to us and I think the company ought to reimburse us for this expensive fix there is obviously problems with these min vans transmission going to early. I hope I get some results on this its rediculous we are not even done paying on it yet karen roy.
1998 Ford Windstar van came to a complete stop and the transmission failed. Van would not go forward until I down shifted to 2nd gear. Dealership has not found a problem code and not been able to duplicate the problem. Daily cut offs occur on pulling up my steep driveway and coming to a stop.
Automatic transmission failed at 65,000 miles. Checked with dealer and they said they had not heard of any problems from Ford. I look at this website and find numerous problems. There should be an official recall for this problem. I would like my money refunded for the transmission replacement.
A D V E R T I S E M E N T S
- Lansdowne , PA, USA