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Ford Windstar Problems

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Comments

  • bblahabblaha Member Posts: 329
    This is much worse than we get with out 99 SE. We're averaging 20 or so (mixed driving). In mostly city driving (LOTS of stop and go) I would think you should get at least 14.
  • HCLEMOHCLEMO Member Posts: 19
    Your shift piston is going. I had the same problem several years ago. I had the piston replaced with a redesigned steel one which Ford now puts in the WS transmissions. This is a major job. If you have any warranty left on your vehicle, demand that the transmission be pulled and inspected. If you do not have any warranty left, consider driving the thing until the transmission completely dies and then weigh either a rebuilt transmission or donate it to somebody and take the tax write off. Make sure you follow IRS rules on this. You may want to collect all of your maintenance records--several class action suits are brewing about the transmission. See the following sites:

    http://www.blueovalnews.com/fordtrans.htm

    Chuck Catanese also has a good website about 95 Windstars:

    http://home.att.net/~ccatanese/ford
  • 2akitas2akitas Member Posts: 19
    We are having the same problem. We had our van into the shop. they dropped the pan and said it was clean. The tech drove it for 4 days. Says there is a problem but not sure what it is. His scanner showed no-codes.
    We are in Canada. Do you know of any class action here? How do you get Fords attention? If you know of anything in Canada I would appreciate a reply.
  • jcorn1jcorn1 Member Posts: 1
    I seem to remember some posts regarding a popping noise in the steering on some Windstars. Anyone remember the cause/remedy of that problem ?
  • gheckoghecko Member Posts: 6
    Well, you're right on the 3.0 or 3.8, that's what the owners manual says. But... There are no large letters/numbers on the engine. All I can see is some sort of massive black intake manifold that branches off of from two large black plastic cylinders that run out to a massive(again) cylindrical air filter compartment.

    Looking deeper into the engine bay I can see the the front cylinder bank's exhaust manifold but still no indication of the displacement.

    All I know about this vehicle is that it's a '98 LX "NorthWoods" edition... Is there a specific position in the VIN that will tell me?

    Jon

    PS - Anyone know the deal on the "Northwoods" moniker? I can't really find anything about it here or on other car sites.
  • tboner1965tboner1965 Member Posts: 647
    There is probably an emissions sticker under the hood somewhere and that should tell what engine is under the hood.

    Cheers,

    TB
  • bblahabblaha Member Posts: 329
    I have no idea what "Northwoods" is; never heard of it. On my 3.8L 99 SE, after you've lifted the hood, right where the hood latches, there is a giant label with a bunch of different stuff. On part of the labeling, there is a diagram that shows how the belt winds itself around all the different pulleys. The text by the diagram says "3.8L drive belt installation".
  • crkeehncrkeehn Member Posts: 513
    The 3.8 should have two sets of intake runners, you should have six short and six long runners. The 3.0 engine would have six equal length intake runners. It sounds like you have the 3.8L engine
  • gheckoghecko Member Posts: 6
    Thanks everyone, I'll take a look just to be sure. I was expecting some sort of large designation etched or painted on the intake manifold - I think that's how the v8 is in my father's F-150.

    As for the Northwoods thing, I checked again. According the Edmund's '98 listing it's just a paint and alloy wheel package - Spruce green and some sort of beige. I could care less but my wife really likes the color(s).

    Thanks again everyone. From this I've learned that I need to be overly vigilant with regular maintenance - especially the transmission.

    :)

    Jon
  • 2akitas2akitas Member Posts: 19
    No only is our trans shifting rough, now we have an electical problem. The battery went dead so we took it in for a charge system check. It showed a draw somewhere. It goes back to the shop to track down the problem. Is it possible that is causing the rough shifting?
  • liebedaliebeda Member Posts: 13
    Thanks for the feedback.

    I called the service department of the local Ford dealer and they said that there is nothing that they can do unless the 'service engine' light goes on.

    Does anyone have any suggestions?
  • bblahabblaha Member Posts: 329
    Yeah. Find another dealer. What a crock that line is.

    The fuel has to be going somewhere. Is there a place nearby that you can go have the emissions checked? I would think that if the combustion process is too fuel rich, products of the incomplete combustion would show up in the emissions.

    You say mostly "city". What kind of city driving is that? Stop and go continuously? Are you carrying heavy loads? Are you a heavy footed driver? Its accelerating that gulps alot of fuel, and accelerating uphill gulps the most. Do you live in a really hilly terrain?
  • liebedaliebeda Member Posts: 13
    I live in Brooklyn, NY. It is pretty much stop and go all along - but included in the mix that got only 9+ MPG was some highway driving, too. We never really carry heavy loads. Just two little kids. I don't think I accelerate much more than an average driver. Brooklyn is quite level - not too many hills.

    Another dealer in the area said that I could bring it in and ne can run diagnostics checks on it. I don't know if that includes an emissions check or not. He didn't answer when I asked him that.
  • bblahabblaha Member Posts: 329
    I don't know that anything would show up in emissions, but if its not leaking / dripping / evaporating out somewhere else (you'd probably smell it - wait you're in Brooklyn; maybe not :-), then it must be going thru the engine; it might show up in emissions.

    I think, for the price of a tank of gas, I'd plan an interstate road trip. If you don't get above 20mpg, something is definitely up.

    Also, and I hate asking this, but are you confident you are calculating mpg correctly? Don't laugh; in another forum someone thought you divided the total price paid by ... something (I forget). When the price of gas was cheap, he didn't understand why his mpg was so poor. :-)

    The Windstar is a heavy vehicle. It may be that stop and go traffic results in such dismal performance. It depends on how much time is spent "stopped" (at which point you're getting 0 mpg).
  • lsg1lsg1 Member Posts: 42
    Hi. I live in Staten Island, and constantly travel to Brooklyn. I get about 15 mpg. I bought my Ford at Island Ford in Staten Island. If you are not happy with your dealership in Brooklyn, I would suggest you take a trip out here, and they should look at your Windstar. I am a minority of people on this board, that although I did have a lemon, and could complain alot about the van, I have no complaints about the dealership, and actually have only good things to say about them. They always have given me a free loaner whenever they had to service my van(which was very often), and were always very helpful and optimistic. Eventually when they could do no more for me, they decided to buy back my 1998 GL plus give me a $5000 rebate against a new 2000 LX, so it cost me very little to get into a new van. So once again, if you want, I would suggest bringing your van into Island Ford.
  • bblahabblaha Member Posts: 329
    Well thanks, but I think you really meant to direct your post to liebeda. I live down in the deep south; but if I'm ever in Staten Island and in need of a dealer, I'll look it up. Thanks!

    ps.
    How "stop and go" would you compare Staten Island to Brooklyn? I live in the rural south, so driving 10 miles between towns at 45 or 55 mph sans traffic light is common; we never get below 20mpg. More like 25 when we take a long interstate trip. I would think 15 sounds about right for you city folk. 9 sounds like there's a problem.
  • lsg1lsg1 Member Posts: 42
    bblaha:
    I would consider Staten Island on a lower level of city driving than brooklyn. Here I take the expressway to get to most places, but then do some stop and go lights traffic after I get off.
    In Brooklyn it is all city driving for me.
  • liebedaliebeda Member Posts: 13
    Thanks for the info. I am certain that I'm calculating MPG correctly. Even on a fill-up that was primarily highway driving, I only got about 10.5 MPG.

    I have a dealer scheduled to look at the car next week. If they aren't helpful, I may try the Staten Island dealer you mentioned.

    Did anyone buy an extended warranty for their van? What can I expect to pay for one. It is a 99 with 10,200 miles on it.

    Thanks.
  • cyclerklmcyclerklm Member Posts: 26
    Here's an article I came across, with one possible cause for low mileage.

    http://www.detnews.com/autosweekly/0007/12/tomray/tomray.htm
  • bblahabblaha Member Posts: 329
    For extended warranty prices, ask your dealer. Actually, ask several. I think you should even negotiate on its price (tell each you're checking with 5 other dealers). As I recall, if your vehicle has less than 12,000 miles, you can still get the new vehicle extended warranty.
  • dannynoonan1dannynoonan1 Member Posts: 15
    I had all the usual 95 windstar problems. Head gasket done at 55000 under extended warantee. While on vacation from Columbus, Oh to Florida I started to hear noises in engine so I scheduled appointment at ford dealership in Panama City< Fl. They stated I needed rod bearings only. The rest looked good. After 5 days I got it back. Guess what by the time I got to Birmingham Alabama I had a blown engine. I did a one way rent home with my family and abandoned the windstar at a FORD dealership in Alabama. I'm waiting to hear from them.
  • wholiganwholigan Member Posts: 148
    If FORD cannot provide you with an engine within 5 days, you are entitled to the Ford buyback.

    Good Luck!
    2003 Honda Odyssey EX-LRES - Midnight Blue Pearl
    2004 Honda Accord EX-L Graphite Pearl
    2007 Honda Civic EX - Atomic Blue
    2013 Honda Civic LX - Crimson Pearl
  • weslwesl Member Posts: 53
    Dannynoonan1:
    Which Ford dealer did you leave it at? There are some terrible Ford dealers in B'ham. If you have any choice the only one to deal with is Long-Lewis Ford. Avoid Jim Skinner and Adamson at all costs. Later, Wes.
  • dannynoonan1dannynoonan1 Member Posts: 15
    I went to a new dealership "Town and Country Ford" off I 59. When I called the service department today they said $4200 for engine. I continued to mention the ford program. He said he had to talk to the mechanic and he would call wednesday. I sent letter to the law firms recomended on this site as a backup if FORD does not come through. UNITED WE STAND. I wont give up. Thanks wholigan. I will keep you all posted as my saga unfolds. My van had 65000 miles when it died. The funny thing is I really liked the van.
  • gordy7gordy7 Member Posts: 1
    I am currently looking into buying a used van probably '98. I was dead set on buying a Windstar, but after researching on this site and others I'm not sure what to do. Most of the problems seem to be with earlier models. Is the head gasket still a problem or did Ford fix it? (maybe most of the '98's just don't have enough miles on them for the problem to surface.) Is the '98 going to be a regrettable vehicle. It sounds like you can solve most of the tranny problems with regular service and possibly a stronger battery. I have begun to think about buying a Dodge/Plymouth instead but with two children I really like the safety rating of the Ford. Any advice would be greatly appreciated.
  • dannynoonan1dannynoonan1 Member Posts: 15
    I believe the transmission problems were somewhat resolved by 98. I wouldnt trust the 3.8 motor without a warantee to back it ?
  • dannynoonan1dannynoonan1 Member Posts: 15
    KENT25 and ANIGHTMARE can you send me E-MAIL address so I can find out what your scenario was leading to the "buyback offer." I'm currently working with a dealership out of state on a blown engine while on vacation scenario. Anyone else with help on buyback process please send me info/e-mail address. Dealer is very helpful and willing to assist me.
  • dannynoonan1dannynoonan1 Member Posts: 15
    My E-MAIL is rickhault@cyber-wizard.com
  • liebedaliebeda Member Posts: 13
    I mentioned last week that a dealer told me to bring in my van for the 9.5 MPG problem I was having.

    I went to the other dealer this morning. When I called, they told me to bring the car and they would run some tests. This morning they gave me a hard time when I got there - saying that 9.5 MPG was normal where I live and they wouldn't find anything wrong.

    I told them that I spoke with a technician when I called and was told to bring the car in. After some arguing, he said he would check the car.

    When he put the info into the computer, I noticed that he wrote something about an $82 charge. He didn't say anything about it to me. When I asked him about it, he said that if they couldn't find anything wrong, I would have to pay the hourly labor charge.

    I argued with him for a few more minutes and took my van with me and left.
  • bblahabblaha Member Posts: 329
    @#$^^$$^ %^%*&^%%#$@#B *&%%^$^ ^%$^%$^ ^%$$#@^&amp;%C &^%& C7865&^%&^$%^$#5 &^%^% %%%% dealers!!!!!
  • bblahabblaha Member Posts: 329
    Apparently, my computer, sensing that "sensitive" eyes might be reading what I wrote, changed my actual words to senseless characters.
  • lsg1lsg1 Member Posts: 42
    What dealership was this??!!??
    Is your car under warrantee?
    If so, I have never heard of bringing your car in for something under warrantee, and if they cant find anything wrong, they will charge you. That is outragous!
  • dannynoonan1dannynoonan1 Member Posts: 15
    I contacted the salesman that sold me a 2000 FOCUS about my dead van. As with my other purchase he was extremely helpful. The dealership got me the $6650 buyout w/3000 incentive. I now have a 2000 LX Windstar.
  • zim5zim5 Member Posts: 5
    Greetings Everyone. I recently purchased a
    98 Windstar LX with 12,000 miles on the odometer.
    Each time I accelerate (such as merging onto a
    highway or climbing a hill) I can feel a distinct
    vibration coming up through the gas pedal as the
    transmission works through the gears. Once the
    van is up to speed, the vibration goes away.
    Has anyone experienced this problem. I would
    appreciate any advice. Also, the van has a tendency to pull to the right (tire pressure is OK). Otherwise, I'm very happy with my Windstar
    (so far). Thanks for your help.
  • 2akitas2akitas Member Posts: 19
    We have the same thing with our 95 Windstar. Not sure what it is . Still trying to find out .
  • liebedaliebeda Member Posts: 13
    I sent an e-mail to Ford about this and I'm waiting for a response. The say that it takes up to three business days. Let's see what happens.
  • drgonzo_1998drgonzo_1998 Member Posts: 4
    Have had our 2000 SEL since January 2000 and have about 6.5K miles on it. Bought through employee purchase plan. Got every option except adj pedals.

    Some observations.

    Check engine dashboard warning light came on at about 3K miles. No noticeable difference in performance. Took it in and told it was probably a "gasket problem." Heart sank as I recalled all the problems with engine head gaskets noted on these boards and elsewhere. What service rep was talking about was gasket on fuel cap. Check engine light can indicate improper venting of fuel vapor. Replaced fuel cap. About 50 miles after service, check engine light comes on, again with no noticeable decline in performance. Drove until 6K and took it in for oil change and service. Apparently some solenoid was defective and was replaced. Yesterday (about 50 miles after service) check engine light comes on again, with no noticeable decline in performance.

    At about 3K the seatbelt warning chime stopped working (some might consider this a blessing). This was serviced at the same time as the 1st check engine light. Apparently a small switch in the seatbelt latch was defective. It took FIVE DAYS for a part to get shipped (yo Ford, ever hear of FedEx?) during which time the car was in the shop. Now the service rep offered to give me the car back and said he would call me when the part came in, and we have an extra car so it was not a horrible situation. But I figured it was less of a hassle to just let the dealership keep the car and make one less trip over there.

    The factory installed entertainment system is cheaply made. One of the headphone jacks had the plastic trim around it break off. The jack is still usable but requires some fiddling to get stereo sound. When my son tried to adjust the headphones, the earpiece snapped off. Headphones are made by Koss but have "Visteon" (FoMoCo parts subsidiary spinoff) stamped on 'em.

    None of the above problems are major and the dealership has been very friendly about fixing the problems (though I'd trade all the kindness in the world if they could find out what's making the [expletive deleted] check engine light come on.). Still, I've had the van a little over six months and it's been in the service department over a week. If this is what the initial quality is like, I'm not too hopeful about down the road and wonder what other problems may be lurking.

    I've owned cars by GM ('84 Chevy Cavalier, H2O pump failed at about 75K), Chrysler ("93 Dodge Caravan, fuel pump went out at 45K), and Mazda ('90 626, no major service problems) and have never had the initial quality problems that I'm having with the Windstar. Based on the above, my next car will probably be German or Japanese. It's sad--I really WANT to buy domestic but who needs the hassle when there are better cars out there? I'm 37 and (God willing) have more than a few car purchases left in my lifetime but will probably steer clear of the Ford/Mercury/Lincoln lines in the future.

    Anybody from Ford read this board?
  • dannynoonan1dannynoonan1 Member Posts: 15
    the check engine light is suppose to leave a code in the computer which the dealership should be able to read and tell you what area is coded. On my 95 Windstar it was always the O2 sensor on long trips. It was an early sign of my impending headgasket problems, which FORD apparently did not know at the time. I went down the long road to total motor failure, but ended with a buyback so I now have a new 2000 Windstar. If we all stick together I'm sure FORD will help us.
  • ilovefarmingilovefarming Member Posts: 17
    HA.
    If helping customers is in Ford's official business objectives, then I am the Queen of England.

    Ford will only "help" if the class action lawsuit lawyers are able to sink their teeth into its hide a little more. Every single customer ought to be reimbursed every single dime he/she spent on the Windstar for engine and transmission repairs, rental cars, motel bills, towing, etc. etc. no questions asked. But I won't hold my breath, because I would turn blue.

    And yes, I think Ford reads these posts, but chooses to do nothing about them, other than figure out a deal that in the end benefits them financially (i.e. 4K certificates and "buybacks").

    'nuff said.
  • mijulampmijulamp Member Posts: 1
    I am seriously considering buying a 2000 Windstar SEL, have always been a happy FORD owner, with either a truck or car...I would appreciate any info or opinions on the 2000 Windstar..it is a lot of money to spend without being certain that its the best move..
  • kathy36kathy36 Member Posts: 4
    I was just told to look up this site. Last
    Friday, while traveling to PA with my two young children and senior citizen mother, I broke down with my 95 Windstar. A month and a half ago, the head gasket was fixed by the dealer where I bought the used car 3/31/00. Now, the car towed to the nearest dealer, at least 20 miles in the Poconos, we find out it needs a new engine. And it will only take 8-12 weeks! My husband came up 3 days later to rescue us. Ford says it will repair it under my warranty, with a loaner car for only 5 days! Now that I read everybody else's problems, my sounds the same. I need to find out an address and phone number besides the old customer service (twerps) number. That only gets me dial-an-idiot, a new one everyday! One service rep mentioned a buyback and said Ford will call us. My hometown dealer (more twerps) says about the car in PA - good luck! Nobody wants to hear me. The best part is, before I bought the car, the salesman took it to my mechanic, who said the car had two leaks - antifreeze and transmission. Dealer said they would fix them, we bought the car. Two weeks later, our mechanic said they were not fixed. Back to Ford - alas, head gasket! It's good to know some others are listening to me who will at least sympathize. Whoever said Ford reads these, I sure hope so. Please help if you can!
  • steve68steve68 Member Posts: 1
    Our 99 Windstar is fine. it is comfortable and reliable.

    When we bought it, we got the "CD prep" radio/tape player. Can anyone recommend where we can find the CD changer to work with the factory equipment? I don't want to get an FM controlled CD changer, and have not been able to find the CD player at Cruthfield, or at the dealer (they wanted to send me to "their" installer).

    Beyond the lack of a CD changer, the vehicle works well.

    Thanks
  • wholiganwholigan Member Posts: 148
    You have the case Kathy! The following is a press release from RUETERS - March 7, 2000:

    ========================

    DEARBORN, Mich., March 7 (Reuters) - Ford Motor
    Co. , as part of a plan to fix potential head
    gasket problems on some cars and minivans, will buy the vehicle back in certain cases if a new engine cannot be found in a timely fashion, a spokesman confirmed on Tuesday.

    Ford, the world's No. 2 automaker, announced last
    month that it extended the warranty on head gaskets in certain 3.8 liter V-6 engines to seven years or 100,000 miles. The head gasket is a central seal in the engine that can cause engine failure if it leaks.

    There are about 700,000 vehicles affected. They
    are: 1994-95 Ford Taurus and Mercury Sable sedans;
    1994 Continental large sedans; and 1995 Windstar
    minivans.

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    If a failed head gasket causes engine damage,
    Ford will replace the engine. But if Ford cannot
    locate a re-manufactured engine within five days,
    the automaker will offer to buy back the vehicle
    for fair market value as well as issue a $3,000
    certificate toward the purchase of a new Ford, said spokesman Mike Vaughn.

    Vaughn declined to say how much Ford would pay for
    the damaged vehicles. Based on a guide from the
    National Association of Automobile Dealers, the
    fair market repurchase offer ranges from $3,175 for a 1994 Taurus GL to $8,375 for a 1995 Windstar LX.

    If a head gasket fails during the extended
    warranty time period, owners will be eligible for
    repair refunds. Or they can choose to take a $4,000 certificate to be used for the purchase of a new Ford, Mercury or Lincoln vehicle.

    Vaughn declined to say how much the program will
    cost Ford. A story in this week's Automotive News,
    an industry trade publication, said Ford could
    spend at least $200 million, making it one of the
    five largest warranty campaigns in the industry.

    ========================

    Don't let the dealer play games with you...
    Tell them that you want to talk to the Ford Customer Service Representative for BOTH your servicing dealer and the dealer in PA (these are the Ford employees responsible for customer relations.

    Educate yourself...
    Read the posts both in here and at cartrackers.com to get more information about how people have been treated during their "ordeal". The follwing postings outlines a buyback scenario from Kent25:
    http://townhall-talk.edmunds.com/engaged/edmund.cgi?c=Vans&f=0&t=815&q=474-517
    Pay special attention to #493 for a link for the Ford CSRs to use to get more information about the process. Further, see link #515 for the economical advantage. The more you know, the better prepared you will be to work through the issues.

    Work your best deal...
    Here is the latest that I have heard. You should be offered about $6650 for the van. In addition, there is the $3000 "Certificate" (for not having to pay for the repair). Plus any current rebates (I think there is currently a $1000 or $1500 rebate). Unfortunately, you have to buy another Ford, however, play your cards right and you'll be getting $10000+ off your negotiated price and you get a new warranted vehicle. If you keep it for two years (still under warranty, mind you) you should easily be able to get rid of it and get out of the Ford world.

    Don't let your emotions get the best of you...
    Especially when working with the Ford CSRs. I know you had a lousy experience breaking down away from home (mine was with three kids 50 miles from home with a van full of camping equipment). That cannot be changed. You will always come out better being sweet like honey rather than bitter like vinegar.

    Be patient!
    This issue will not be resolved overnight.

    Best of luck and PLEASE keep us posted as to how you are dealt with and how the dealerships and Ford CSRs react.

    GOOD LUCK!
    2003 Honda Odyssey EX-LRES - Midnight Blue Pearl
    2004 Honda Accord EX-L Graphite Pearl
    2007 Honda Civic EX - Atomic Blue
    2013 Honda Civic LX - Crimson Pearl
  • kathy36kathy36 Member Posts: 4
    Thanks to this site plus ccantanese, I've educated myself as to what's up. The customer service reps (dial-an-idiot-a-day), are totally useless. Today a supervisor finally called me back. "I am documenting your disontent." This is the reply I got 6 times! My gripe is, they won't give me a loaner car while the vehicle is being repaired for 8-12 weeks, only 5 days allowed on my extended warranty. Nothing as far as Ford's responsiblity on the repair due to head gasket repair 1 1/2 months ago. Went to Ford dealer where purchased, spoke of the Buyback. You're right - $6,600 plus 3,000 incentive. Would probably only get me another 95 W, as I still owe on my loan! From the frying pan to the fire! Will check out what else is on the lot - maybe a Quest? Dealer feels there must be a number to reach the person who would be able to and should authorize the loaner car, but doesn't know who. Encouraged us to keep trying CSR at 800 number! I'm not done yet! Will keep you posted!
  • cmhdiamondcmhdiamond Member Posts: 11
    Actually, you were already very close at Crutchfield. They carry a 6-disc changer from a company called Mobile Pro that will integrate with factory stereos that are changer-compatible. You will have to buy the correct interface cable, but they sell those, too. You can check out the changer at the Crutchfield web site:

    http://www.crutchfield.com/cgi-bin/S-Pe6lR0mLasM/ProdView.asp?s=0&c=3&g=600&I=569CDC6F&o=M&a=0
  • cpliucpliu Member Posts: 1
    I just found this web site from my friend. I got
    a 97 Windstar with many problems on it. Around April 2000, my Spare Tire carrier release broken and I had replaced it with $148 US dollars. The
    reason was release button rusted in side the van. I live in Chicago but I never had any such problem in my spare tire for my previous 5 cars.

    In June, my ABS was broken and my dealer told me that there were 24 signals were wrong out of total 39 signals. The manager ordered replacements for me. The first 2 were all broken and can't match. Manager told me that they call Ford Technician Hotline and the technician support from Ford told them that it would be simple to plug in and that is all. Somehow they all failed. I had been very worried about that since my Windstar only 45K miles and just out of waranty. Finally the 3rd one matched and 24 days passed. The manager told me that he gave me 10% discount and it totally came to $1492.44. The part was $1000.65 and the labor was $474.00.

    It had been a nightmare for me. I was told by many
    friends don't replace ABS since it only had a BRAKE light on. I really regretted it.

    My friend asked me to check this web site and see if similar problems but I only saw 95/96 Windstar ABS problems. I would post this to let everyone know before they consider buying a Windstar.
  • liebedaliebeda Member Posts: 13
    I finally got a response from Ford.

    They contacted the dealer and spoke with the Assistant Service Manager ....

    "He expressed surprise at what you had written to us. He asks that you make an appointment with the dealership and speak with him personally when you bring the vehicle in."

    I called and spoke with him - he was the guy that gave me the hard time.

    At the end, he agreed to waive the $82 fee in this instance.

    I highly doubt that they will put much effort into finding the problem - but I'll probably bring the car in during the next few days.
  • katjo7katjo7 Member Posts: 1
    I am seriously considering leasing an SE and havent seen too many positive comments on the board!! I have verbally heard both good and bad, either owners have nothing but problems or none.

    Any suggestions?? (Ford just happens to have low sales in the region right now and have great finance rates on the 2000's)
  • indychapellindychapell Member Posts: 35
    bought 98 windstar new. can honestly say its been a great vehicle. 3.8, no problem. auto tran. no problem. brakes (front) did have to worked at 35000 miles. wife drives it most of time and she has a bad habit of running up to stops to fast, then stepping on brakes hard. one thing i have noticed is that when you let off gas the vehicle does not slow down on its own very fast, and that causes you to step on brake peddle a little hard. one thing i know is i've owned at lest one vehicle from each of the big three, and there's always going to be problems. i've always said that they would be better off if they would just build just so many engines and stick with them. Eg. dodge used the 318 v8 for alot of years, had one and it ran like a charm for 135,ooo miles. this is a lot of rambling just to say don't give up on american. remember, the people who buy foreign and have problems are probably saying the same things i've read under this topic. indy chapell.
  • kent25kent25 Member Posts: 15
    We have a 2000 SE and like it. WE traded in a 95 under the headqasket program. I wanted to buy the Odyssey but we could not wait the 4 months. In addition, the .9% financing added up to several thousand of interest savings. We also got $3K towards the new one. If you are thinking of leasing, you have no worries as you can flip it at end of lease. If buying, the quality issues discussed above should give you pause. Our 2000 has had no problems. My wife drives it daily and loves it. However, if the van starts to show quirkiness under warranty, it will be traded well before the warranty expires. Do the math carefully, and if leasing, you should be aboe to save some serious $ without taking risk of ownership if quality lets you down.
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