I purchased my 2000 Ford Windstar SEL used from a Chevy dealer about a month and a half ago with about 102,900 miles on it. The engine light came on after about 2 or 3 weeks after purchase. Just 4 days ago, I parked for a short shopping venture after dropping a friend off after church. The van would not start or even turn over, but the battery power was going strong. I had to have it towed to the mechanic and leave it overnight as it was a Sunday. On Monday morning the mechanic called to say that the battery was dead and they needed to replace it before they could do further checking, and that the alternator was barely putting out anything. For just over $600, I paid for a new alternator and battery, all warning lights were off and the van was running once again. Yesterday, Tuesday, my O/D light began to flash on and off, but the van was still driving well. Today, on my way home from work this morning (I work night shifts), No dash lights were on but after awhile not only did the O/D light begin flashing, but the engine light came on. I googled about possible reason for this and was amazed at all the similar complaints I found out this morning about Ford Windstars! I discovered that changing the battery can cause the transaxle to lose proper communication or something and that a code will need to be reset, that the transmission could be in trouble, that it could give out without warning, and that I could be stuck with a vehicle that only drives in reverse.

I am now afraid to drive this vehicle alone on the road to work at night or to take it on the expressway; am apprehensive about driving it all, and want to get rid of it asap, even if it means putting more $ into it to sell it fast! Going back to Chrysler /Plymouth, which I've had several of and no sudden dangerous problems like the ones mentioned in these complaints and other forums. Only trouble is not having money to finance all of this. I feel I wasted a lot of money already and will probably not consider any make of Ford in the future.

The "off overdrive" light comes on randomly, and I don't know yet what it is my car still in the shop.

Also my warning bulb off light is coming on randomly.

When it is rain my left shocks or rock and pinion is clicking but when its dry its stops

When I put my gear in Reverse my trans is slips

And last but not least when i push brakes my car kind of jumps front and back while I'm waiting for the light so I had to put on neutral to keep car going. Now my car which is only 33,000 miles have a multy problems sitting in the repair shop and the first estimation was around $900.00 dollars

Before this Ford I had Honda Civic Hatchback, it had 142.000 miles all I did is changed oil and tires. the normal stuff. Now my son drive it. Still going strong. Now I love to buy American cars and help the industry. But if it hits my pockets hard I will rethink all this deal.

Thanks for let me do it.