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.
Transmission has been replaced five times. First replacement was a 30000 miles. Warranty fixed transmission. Mechanic told that vehicle that there was dust and a defect in assembly lane. Dealership was aware of problem.
Stopped at traffic light, upon acceleration transmission would not engage. Engine revved as if in neutral. Also occurred as accelerating from a stop to make a turn. Presented a very dangerous situation of being put into the path of on coming traffic. Turning engine off and then back on would allow transmission to engage. Dealer determined that the transmission had failed at 43,621 miles and had to be replaced. After four days in service and a complete new transmission, within 12 hours new transmission developed at least two serious leaks of transmission fluid. Dealer says this is not uncommon. The unit is sealed and can not be serviced by them. I am waiting to hear if I need another complete new transmission.
After having two tires changed, consumer noticed vehicle would shake badly when going over 50 mph, and steering wheel was hard to steer because of vibration. Dealer told consumer it was transmission. There was recall 97V097000 concerning transmission.
- Rutherford, NJ, USA
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Vehicle is slipping out of gear while driving from 3rd to 2nd gear, causing vehicle to almost stop, RPM's will rev high. Manufacturer has issued a tsb.
I have returned multiple times to the dealer with a "hard shift" problem, first to second. I even contacted Ford Motor Company, and they said there was nothing they could do, and referred me back to the dealership. I was told they could not duplicate the problem, one that occurs on a daily basis, at low speeds. The dealer drove my car for a day, but evidently did not notice any problem. As soon as I got the car back, the problem was back. I have spent upwards of $3000, for repairs that I was told would rectify the problem, but it persists. This included extensive front end work that they claimed would fix the problem; this included a front-end alignment and sub-frame shift; power steering flush; replace front struts; replace front shocks; replace front sway bar, links; problem persists.
Took in the vehicle for a routine transmission fluid flush with removing the pan and replacing the filter, etc. At the local transmission shop, they discovered pieces of metal (pieces of a ring & an accumulator part) in the pan when it was removed. Serviceman said that it had probably been like that when we purchased. That it was most likely a defective part. He has seen many Windstar with the same problem. (our relative had the same problem with a 1997 Windstar) he has seen 1995-2001 with these same problems. He said it will cost from $1400 - $4500 if the dealer repairs the problem. I am going to contact the dealer today and possibly the Ford company as well.
When driving at any speed vehicle started to jerk. Also, problem occurred more since transmission filter has been changed. Consumer has contacted dealer, dealer noted that transmission shift gear is slipping within the transmission.
While driving automatic transmission would fail to shift properly. When gas pedal was pressed vehicle would stop. Had it towed to dealership, and was informed that gears broke off.
The transmission S blown I find that odd for a 3 yr old car with less than 65K miles and well maintained on my part. Ford has offered no financial help.
Consumer has experienced several problems with the transmission, dealer has replaced it once, however problems continue, consumer has filed for a request for arbitration, vehicle bucks, jerks, and jumps into gear before taking off. Vehicle shimmies from one side to another upon acceleration, there is a thumping sound heard also at times while driving. Vehicle experienced a speed sensor circuit problem. Speedometer jumps. Problem with power steering, dealer adjusted rack and pinion and made other repairs to steering mechanism. Right side brake light bulb failed. Battery failed. Consumer stated it felt as if vehicle was going to stall sometimes, engine has no power at acceleration, engine belt was noisy and was replaced. Tire had a slow leak due to loose tire valve.
Transmission (replacement) sticks in 2nd gear just like orig. Did at 4400 miles. Orig. Stuck in second at 4400 mi. And was replaced. Replacement has rough shift and other problems reported to you by others. Ford trans. Have a defect that should be recalled!!
The automatic transmission has been replaced on two occasions, after second replacement the transmission was still experiencing problems, the transmission pan assembly was replaced on the third repair, possible design problem of the transmission system.
After reviewing numerous complaints about this transmission of the Ford Windstar on various web sites, I am strongly encouraging the NHTSA to look in the continuing failure of Ford transmissions in the Ford Windstar.
A D V E R T I S E M E N T S
- Gresam, OH, USA