Edmunds dealer partner, Bayway Leasing, is now offering transparent lease deals via these forums. Click here to see the latest vehicles!
Ford Windstar Problems
This discussion has been closed.
Popular New Cars
Popular Used Sedans
Popular Used SUVs
Popular Used Pickup Trucks
Popular Used Hatchbacks
Popular Used Minivans
Popular Used Coupes
Popular Used Wagons
Comments
US TMV for dealer trade is ~$5,700, so even if it needs a new tranny or head gasket, it may be worth it to get it and dump 2 or 3 thousand in it (engine or tranny work could be double that though). Probably a better deal for a wrench turner.
Let us know what you decide.
Steve
Host
SUVs, Vans and Aftermarket & Accessories Message Boards
Problems, Defects, Recalls
* Defective factory Head Gaskets at 60K miles. White smoke, coolant in engine oil. Replaced under Ford Recall but I still had to pay $200 for "fluids & environmental fees".
* "Hood Separation at high speeds" Recall. Dealer applied more Glue to the plastic hood!
* Gas Tank (plastic) needed Reinforcement for hot weather climates. Recall. They installed redesigned straps on the plastic gas tanks.
* Sliding Door needed reinforcement/welding.
* Transmission Oil pan leaked constantly since vehicle was new at 0 miles. I was original owner.
* Engine oil pan started leaking at 10K miles.
* "Check Engine" light came on ALL the time! Usually on long drives or change of altitude. Dealer could never explain, and refused to fix it as there was no "problem".
* Hesitation/Jerking/Loss of power at certain temperatures, elevations, engine speeds. Dealer could never reproduce problem so refused to fix.
* Trim, body panels, weather stripping falling apart. (20K miles)
* Radio buttons and knobs falling off. (20K miles)
* Windows came off their tracks (30K miles)
* Defective rim that leaked Air! There was an Air Leak in the steel Wheel right from the factory! Dealer refused to replace, they said it was a Maintenance item! GRR..
I sold my Windstar last year at a loss for $3000. It only had 67K miles on it, yet everything was falling apart. I took the money and ran while the vehicle was still 'running'.
I was the original owner and maintained that vehicle religiously, changing oil every 3K, tranny fluid flushes, air filter every 10K, coolant flush every summer, etc.
Bottom line; DON'T buy a FORD!
In the end it will end up owning YOU!
I will Never Ever own another Ford vehicle again!
Appreciate your feedback. Sounds like you got stuck with a really horrible vehicle. You probably should have pursued the lemon law on that one....
Although your words alone would not influence my decision at all, I have decided not to purchase this 1998 Windstar. I have done quite a bit of further research, both here and independently and there isn't a chance I would pony up the money for a vehicle with a problem plagued history such as this. I find it exceptionally troubling that years went by and the same issues kept re occurring in the same vehicles. It reinforced to me why i will never buy a car from a North American manufacturer. I have owned Honda's, Mazda's and now a Subaru WRX for the last 10 years. I have never had a major mechanical issue or malfunction in all of that time. I have only had to have regular maintenance and a few minor problems fixed under warranty such as squeaking seats and loose window trimming.
Steve Host,
Thanks also for the feedback on pricing. I was planning on using this vehicle almost exclusively as transport to my boat which i have docked about an hour north of Toronto. The extra carrying capacity and the fact i didn't have to put mileage on my wife's Mazda Protege ES or my WRX intrigued me. I'm sorry, but the potential for costly transmission and engine repairs just isn't worth it for me.
Thanks,
Thanks
Ray T.
I'm not sure what is wrong with the 98 transmission. In the 95's it was the forward clutch piston. For more info and history on this problem go to: http://www.magma.ca/~jheinze/Trannys.htm
He won his court case against Ford
Ray T.
My perception is that the car has other problems they are not telling me about or he would not be anxious to replace it. I want to know if anyone can give me advice as to how to make sure this happens. I don't want to put my kids in that car again.
When I test drove the vehicle it made a loud sound in the steering wheel. I took it too my mechanic (also my brother-in-law). He found it was the front passanger tie rod. He also suggested to have the surpentine belt changed and the rear brakes adjusted. The dealership has done all of this, plus a front end alignment. I test drove it again yesterday, I thought the brakes where skipping, but then again, I have never drove a van (3.8L V-6 auto van vs 1.9L L4 manual hatchback). They said to have my mechanic check it over again if I wish. My brother-in-law has told me not to buy a Ford Windstar, b/c they have a lot of problems with them (something about aluminum against ? w/ the 3.8 engine). I take into consideration he in not a FORD person, but can't help but see when I check the internet (especially the '98s), I see nothing but tranny, power steering problems and electronical glitches. I can get the extended warranty, but for an additional $1500 and 36,000 miles on 51K is it worth it, especially if it has to be in the shop all the time?
I have had 2 Escorts both over 130K in 8-9 yrs. Not only do I run around alot, but I redo furniture and have loved my Escort 4 dr. hatchback for that reason. We also have 2 touring kayaks that we put on the luggage rack in the summer. My brother-in-law suggests a truck, but I test drove one yesterday Ford Sport Ranger V-6 manual and I hated it. I think he wants me to keep the gas mileage down plus be able to haul the stuff I do. Viewed the Ford Focus wagons and found brake problems every 20K.
I'm going crazy making the decision on the Windstar. I have checked Caravan's and Voyager's but they just don't seem to come down in price. Local dealers are way over Edmund's dealer price. PLEASE HELP!!!!! I need to make this decision soon (they have waited 2 weeks-which also scares me).
Ask the dealership to show you the maintenance history of the Windstar. If it has a good history and the dealer fixes all the current problems, tell the dealership that you have done some research and this model has some problems with the engine and drive train. Tell them you want a free extended warranty on the engine and drive train. If not, leave your phone number and walk away! SEL3
Friends tell me to go with my instincts or gut feeling, but I'm more the technical type and the gut feelings come b/c I'm too analytical. Picky as they say, cautious I like to think. But I still need your opinion.
owners it appears to be a common problem. Is this one those malfunctions that is common knowledge to Ford but
they do not bring to the publics attention?
David
#
I've gone through all the messages hear and I'm not too thrilled with all the tranny problems and I noticed most of the pinging problems deal with 99 models.
Anyway, I have to wait till Monday morning to call the ford garage. I don't have an extended warranty on this and I'm sure the standard warranty has already expired. Any advice on how I should deal with ford on this. I don't feal I should have to pay the entire cost of a new tranny, since I have had the van since 2000 I wouldn't mind paying a portion of the repair or replacement.
For as much as we pay for cars and vans you'd think that the tranny would last *a little* longer.
The rebuilder couldn't figure out what was causing the slip so they spoke to Ford, who said the problem was with the speed sensor, not the tranny. A speed sensor replacement didn't do the job, nor did a new valve body. Now it appears to be anybody's guess. The dealer simply maintains the speed sensor "should do it."
I've done plenty of complaining already. What I'm hoping for is some concrete suggestions. Any relevant experience out there?
The owner told me that recently at 24k their transmission went down and ford changed the Tranny and gave them a 2 yr 24 month warranty.
Ford dealer did an vehicle inspection for me and gave a clean chit.
But in this post I see nothing but tranny, power steering problems and electronical glitches,I can get the extended warranty, but for an additional $1200 and upto 75,000 miles , is it worth especially if it has to be in the shop all the time?
Any advice helpful
Did Ford change anything between 97 and 2000? When we bought the van they said they had fixed the engine and transmission and they were different. From reading these forums it looks like maybe that's not true? What was only happening in 95's 2 years ago seems to have started in 96-98's now. Is it really just because the 2000's haven't gotten that high in mileage yet? Was it a sign that we got our 5th recall notice in the mail today? What do you think?
I am on my second Windstar. I had a 95 GL with 135K on it and would still have it if a man in a truck had not run a red light and totaled me. I did have the gasket go on me but the tranny was still is good shape. I presently have a 99 SE and had a squeaky right rear door (A little lube on the hinges and silicon on the rubber and that took care of that) and that is it. My service manager told me the 99 was better than the previous year since the transmission was changed and so far I have no reason to doubt him. I always get the extended warranty. We keep our vehicles for about 7 to 10 years and in that time something major will break. Face it, just a power window motor will be $400 to $500 to fix. If the CPU goes it is about 2k to replace.
As to recalls I do not know what it was for but with today complex machines they are a fact of life. Look at the 1.9 million recall from GM. How can you tell there will be a heat build up due to electrical current that would lead to that kind of problem and it may impact only one or two percent of the cars. Even the big guys (BMW, MB, etc) have them. It is of course your call but from a financial point of view you would lose a ton on selling it an then getting a MPV. (However, the 2002 MPV with the 200HP engine is very sweet, but small) So much for my two cents--or close to a dime I guess. One more note. It was really funny on my 95. Just after it went out of the extended warranty I only had one problem in 50K ( ground wire corroded through and it would not start). Go figure.
Has anyone else experienced this?
Once I did have a problem when cleaning the contacts didn't work. I carried an old blanket in the rear to protect the cargo area when carrying old leaves, trash etc. It was preventing the tailgate from totally closing although it did APPEAR to be closed. I just moved the blanket and blissful peace. Ahhhhh
2000 - 2002 thanks in advance for any help.
New to this message board, I am interested in reading more of your comments but I wanted to get this out there. My 2000 Windstar was equipped with General P215 70 R15 tires and I have experienced problems with them. You may want to check yours. I have approximately 28K miles on the van/tires and have had them rotated properly according to schedule. Proper inflation, the works... One tire had a bulge in the sidewall which later split vertically from the rim to the tread. Fearing for my family's safety, I went ahead and paid out of pocket for 2 new tires (for equal tread)instead of waiting for an appointment with a Ford Dealer/General Tire Dealer.
Upon getting the new tires, I noticed that the other two original tires were cracking all the way around the tire where the tread meets the sidewall. Ford/General did agree to give me a discount on two tires for this. Check it out on your vehicles. I would hate for this to turn into another Ford Explorer/Firestone debacle.
Wayne
Lincoln, DE
My starting problems have originated from something to do with the position of the steering wheel. For example if the wheels are cut to one side or another, when I turn the key, the dashboard lights will come on but it will not start. To get it to start, I sometimes have to put the van in neutral and push it or coast a short distance to relieve the problem. After that, it will start right up. Its no real problem for myself but for a smaller female that wouldn't work.
Wayne
Lincoln, DE