Ford Windstar Problems

workman1 · May 2001

Bdemas: I will try what you suggest to see if I have the same pattern of surge. Does the engine also rev?
We do have a roof rack, and the bowing is in the back part of the roof.

wholigan · May 2001

You're going to be too late for the buy back (it ended in November 2000), however, the head gasket and engine are covered by a 7 year-100000 mile warranty and should be repaired for free...

This is post #442. Especially read the third link.

/direct/view/.ee93e1c/477

Good Luck!

sel3 · May 2001

I know there are a few persons on this site with this problem. Dambach (MS 368) stated that the dealer fixed this problem by replacing the hub and bearing assembly. Does anyone else have any experience with this problem?

Thanks,

SEL3

rknj62 · May 2001

Hello all I have found this board very informative and have two questions that maybe someone can help me with. #1. I have a 98 WS 3.0 liter which has had the usual problems as all have BUT I have complained about some sort of thumping noise coming from the front end seems to be the right side and does vary with sound when I go over some bumps, I also can hear it faintly on smooth surface. I did rotate my tires. My dealer has not heard it even when we test drove it anyone ever had a similar problem? The tie-rod ends have been chaged also. I only have 11900 miles on the WS and after reading all the PROBLEMS with the trans I was able to purchase a extended plan from Ford for 2 more years, we did not want to spend the extra money buy wanted to be safe just in case!!

#2. My nephew just bought a used 96 WS with 66k on it from a private part, he did not see me first or I would have warned him BUT to late now. After oinly 2 months the head gasket needs replacement and I just wondering if like the 95 WS that had the extended warranty is Ford also doing the extended warranty for 96 WS head gasket failure..?

Thanks in advance for any reply to this message.

skott613 · May 2001

Just when I thought nothing else could go wrong with my 95 Wind star, the front drivers side spring BREAKS! While making a right hand 90 degree turn at no more than 10mph I hear a loud hunk from the front of the van and the front end drops down. The spring broke IN HALF, (due to a stress fracture) dropping down around the strut, rubbing hard on the tire and almost threading the tire due to the sharp break in the spring. THANK GOD I was not doing 65mph on the freeway with my family when this happened. Ford of course offered nothing, just saying I would be notified if a recall was issued.
This is only the latest of my headaches added to the shifting/transmission, speedometer jumping, dome light staying on, alignment problems, the infamous head gasket blowing, engine light, and engine chugging. Did I miss any??

Has anyone else had a spring break??

crkeehn · May 2001

The NHTSA has opened an investigation on the Windstar in reference to breaking springs. Be sure to log your break on their website.

wenlitz · May 2001

Thanks for the info. I decided I would keep my 99 LX and I bought an ESP plan for it. We'll see how it goes as I really like it.

hawk505 · May 2001

I have the owners manual for my 99 Windstar, but I cannot
find the smaller maintenence manual. Does anybody have
one that would be willing to email an image, fax , or mail me
a copy of. I only need the pages that show the required
maintenance schedule for noraml and servere driving.

Thanks........psala@btv.ibm.com

jvirginia · May 2001

Any of the following sites will provide you with the maintenance schedule for your van:

www.5starford.com/recommended_maintenance_schedule.htm

www.bobbakerford.com/maintenance.html

www.danwieboldford.com/maintenance.html

The following site will give you the maintenance requirements for your make, model, year and mileage and also advise you when your next scheduled maintenance period is:

www.fleet.ford.com/fleet_maintenance/maintenance_schedules/Quality_Care_Maintenance1.asp

I hope this helps you.

hawk505 · May 2001

Those are the recommened schedules. Not all those items
are required for the warrenty. The Fleet.ford site does not
have maintenace scheds for 1999 WS's.

Still looking for a copy of the OFFICIAL maintenance sched
if anyone has one. Thanks.....psala@btv.ibm.com

hs0825 · May 2001

Lights stays on. Took the van(44,000 miles) to Ford dealer. Told valve spring in the cylinder head had broken($1,600 fix) . Anyone heard of That? Lights been on a few times before. Changed O2 sensors, engine misfires, etc.. Nothing as serious as this one. Help please.

jsiedhoff · May 2001

I purchased a new 2000 Windstar in October of 2000. It is now May and I have had it back to the dealer for repair at least six times. There are under 6,000 miles on it. We started hearing a squeaking noise when we would hit a bump or the body would flex. It sounded like it was coming from the passenger side middle seat. I took it to ford and they could not duplicate the problem but they took the seat out and lubricated it. Needless to say, the problem continued when I got it home. I took it back about one month later (the problem kept getting worse)and one of their service technicians rode with me and he heard the problem. I was told that there was a service bulletin to replace and relocate the parking brake cable/spring and I had to wait almost one month for them to order the part. Once the part came in, I took the van back and they said the corrected the problem. They didn't. I took it back again and they told me about the service bulletin and I told them that they already replaced the spring but they went ahead and did it again (so they said)but it seems to have worked this time. I think they lied to me the last time I took the van in. Anyway, as soon as I got it home, a new noise showed up on the passenger side sliding door near the handle. This sounds like the door is moving or not latched good but it appears to be. I have dropped the van off yet again this morning to have that checked out. Also, the 'high-quality' plastic trim around the rear driver's side seat belt is coming loose and rattling. If the van was a few years old, I would expect these types of things to happen but it is brand new and I am frustrated with it. The noises are extremely annoying and make you wonder what will happen next. Has anyone else had these types of problems? If not, you most likely will.

hawk505 · May 2001

My 1999 WS has the same squeaks, but they have never
been able to fix it. I just live with it. I may check out the brake cable/spring......psala@btv.ibm.com

sel3 · May 2001

Look back a few messages, there is a guy that had a suggestion on how to fix the problem with some velco. I tried it and it worked great, no rattles here.

SEL3

2ndford · May 2001

Has anyone had a problem getting their car to start. I have to hold the key in the crank position and it takes a few seconds for it to catch and start the engine. I have this may be a microchip problem. I took the car in for service but they could not find anything when they ran the diagnostics. I am taking it in again this week. People who have been in the car with me have noticed how hard the van is to start. A friend of mine with a Taurus had a similar problem and said they had to replace the microchip in the ignition and also the keys.

buzzer2 · May 2001

Our 98 WS has about 40k mi and has begun leaking oil onto the ground. No sign of a leak under the hood, but we're losing about a quart a day. Has anyone had this problem before? If so, what was the solution?

bblaha · May 2001

An "oil leak" is a pretty generic problem; it can occur in numerous places, and is nothing specific to a Windstar. Have you crawled underneath and tried to locate where the leak is coming from?

fflip5 · May 2001

This is my first visit/posting to site, and it confirms what I already knew about Ford and my '95 Windstar - the car is nothing more than an assemblage of engineering/design and manufacturing defects, and Ford has treated its customers as guinea pigs to see, perhaps, just how much cost and aggravation we can take. I just had it into Backus FOrd in Syracuse for its 4th transmission - @ 57,000 mi. - to go with the head gasket (@46,000 mi). Ford must be made to pay for this monstrosity it has inflicted (and continues to inflict) on the public. Is anyone aware of any pending class action lawsuits having to do with the Windstar? Surely somebody must have started one by now.

stever · May 2001

A google.com (or other search engine) search would turn up some things (like this one for example). Good luck.

Steve
Host
Vans, SUVs and Aftermarket & Accessories Message Boards

jsiedhoff · May 2001

The dealer had my van for three days and I still have a problem. They did replace the roller and hinge on the sliding door which stopped the chatter problem when you open the door but the clunking sound when you hit bumps is still there. The dealer test drove it after the repair (they adjusted the guides) and said the did not hear the problem. I picked it up yesterday and instantly heard the problem when I drove the van off the lot. The dealer is calling the Ford engineers in Detroit to see what they can do. I would think a rubber bushing in the guide would help. The dealer also told me that they removed the guides and drove the van and it was completely quiet. The reinstalled and adjusted them but that did not help. These guides were re-designed for the 2000 model according to my dealer but maybe they need to go back to the old ones. I may have the try the velcro trick that was mentioned earlier but on a new van, I shouldn't have to do that.

lisabird · May 2001

Has anyone had any problems with their auto sliding doors. Intermittently when using the remote the drivers side sliding door will start to open and then bind. You have to grab the handle and get it started manually. Was at the dealers all day yesterday and they said there was no problem (even though I showed service manager how it wouldn't open). They cleaned the censors and oiled the track again. Got home and it started again. Any suggestions would be appreciated.

blueovalproud · May 2001

Just purchased a used 95 windstar with 114k mi on it, $2000. Can.$, what a deal. All I have to do now is replace the engine to get rid of that annoying bottom end knock/rattle. This was not caused by the dreaded cylinder head gasket failure, but from a faulty pcm (power train control module/ processor) which when it fails causes the fuel injector (I forget which cylinder #) to dump fuel constantly, which eventually thins out the oil and causes severe bearing damage similar to that of getting coolant into the oil. The previous owner drove the van for 3 weeks with a "check engine" light on unaware of what was happening, paid almost $1000 to have the processor replaced, new plugs and an oil change, only to have the bottom end fall out 2 weeks later. Now its my problem:) I figure a long block engine assembly once installed and I will only have about $4000 wrapped up in the whole deal. Hopefully the head gasket concern will not resurface on the reman engine I will be installing. Better yet I should dump some coolant in it and drive it to my ford dealer and pretend it must have had a head gasket problem. hmmm.. maybe not.
.

dturrent · May 2001

Check out the following link from the Cleveland Plain Dealer about possibly extending the "secret warranty" to later year models.

http://www.cleveland.com/business/plaindealer/index.ssf?archive and search for Ford.

dturrent · May 2001

Are you loosing coolant? If so check the head gasket!

chateux · May 2001

Head gasket has been replaced at 60K and again at 85K. After this last change I've had a problem with the engine light coming on after running at 60-75 MPH for about 2-3 hours. Most noticeable after going uphill. Just before the engine light comes on the engine shudders and I feel a sudden drop in power. I can recover power by dropping to 55-60MPH and slowly stepping on the accelerator. Stepping on the accelerator too fast does nothing to regain power. Also, after the engine light comes on two things happen; I can see my MPG drop drastically and every time I decelerate the engine feels as if it's chocking. Out of despair I began a routine after the engine light comes on. I pull over to a safe spot and disconnect the battery. this clears the engine light and the engine returns to normal operation.
Has any one ran across this before?
My ford dealer has looked at this problem 3 times without any luck so far.

wholigan · May 2001

Can almost guarantee your upper oxygen sensors are shot (those CLOSEST to the engine). That is why your mileage goes down the toilet. After two head gasket repairs, they are likely covered with the remnants of burned coolant (this is impossible to get rid of without replacing). They are responsible for for providing the proper mixture of gas/air in the combustion chambers. Happened to me after my FIRST engine replacement (I am now on my third)...

Cheers!

hoof1 · May 2001

I just reluctantly decided to purchase a 1996 Windstar, mint, loaded, 50K for $7500 on a private sale. I have the car and the check to give the seller but just discovered the "head gasket fiasco" during my final bit of research. I can still back out. Should I?
hoof1

bblaha · May 2001

What is the build date of the van?

Edmunds did a nice little write-up on the HG problem in Ford's 3.8.

IIRC, the 95s are bad. They have no redesign effort in them - they represent the base line

Sometime during the 96s, Ford redesigned the coolant flow. This helps, but isn't the best fix.

For the 97 year, Ford supposedly switched to a different gasket (multi layered), which should be the actual fix.

From paying attention to this forum, the problem year is the 95s. A handful of 96s (supposely the early 96s) have posted a problem. But thats it. I don't recall anyone with a late build date 96 or later thats posted here with a blown head gasket.

If that's a pretty good price (it sounds like it is), you may want to invest a little extra and see if you can get an independent shop to replace the head gasket with an aftermarket replacement now, before you ever get a problem.

Personally, if I thought the price was great, I'd get it. Just don't expect any help from Ford if you have a problem. Do you know (and can trust) the previous owner? If not, you might check the condition of the spark plugs; if they haven't been replaced they can often indicate if something bad is going on in the engine.

mweitzhandler · May 2001

I have personnally documented 4 dozen postings of 96 Windstar owners who have experienced head gasket failure (myself among them). According to a May 19th article in the Cleveland Plain Dealer, the Center for Auto Safety reports that they are currently seeing an increase in head gasket / blown engine complaints for 96 Windstars. If you buy this vehicle you are asking for big time, expensive trouble. Mike.Weitzhandler@Dionex.com

yaman · May 2001

Can't vouch for the latter years but I would stay away from a 96 Windstar.We bought one new kept it for 3 problem ridden years and finally said good riddance-worst car I ever owned

bow4 · May 2001

I've appreciated the discussion related to our '95 windstar. A year ago we had a short block installed on the van with 84,000 miles - ran fine until the check engine light came on and our trusted mechanic found a rod had frozen sitting overnightand that coolant was in cylinder #1.

He suggests having Ford look at to see if there is any warranty on the engine. We have now passed the 100k mile marker. Should I have Ford look at or have our mechanic tear into the engine? He thinks it is a bad intake manifold gasket - probably $400.

the5fours · May 2001

I have a 2000 SEL that I have had a bunch of electrical problems---currently working on lemon law. It was great for the fist month and a half. Then the battery started going dead. My mileage went from a constant 23-24 mpg to 14-18 mpg. A 500+ miles/ tankful went down to under 400. Every time the dealers did something to the PCM, it improved for maybe a tank, but that's it. After going on a trip, we had ma couple of days we were getting 24 mpg and we would have 300 miles before we got to 1/2 tank. After going over records, I noticed like others that I was only getting 20 gals in at the most. I did have the sensor replaced but I still have problems. Then I got to wondering if the fuel gauge was off, maybe the odometer is off. I used the timer clock, set the cruise at 60 and went 16 miles and noticed the odometer was off 1 mile. It could be a voltage problem since I get so unconstant readings.

insmom · May 2001

Can somebody out there help me?
Like all of you, I bought into Ford's big ad campaign and bought a 95 Windstar. First car of my own after a divorce.......what a treat.
I also had to replace the heads and the trans. The heads Ford reimbursed me for and I'm still fighting on the transmission. There's an attorney in Chicago who filed a class action suit and I got my name in the hat for that but who knows how long that's going to go on.
I tried to trade it in......what a joke. The best offer I got was $4000 and I still owe $8200.
Now they tell me the PCM is bad, went ahead and ordered the part but it's not in yet. Tonight when I pulled out of the drive I heard a "pop" and felt something give. Now it smells like exhaust and it takes me 2-3 miles to get up to 55mph. I checked the oil and it doesn't smell hot and it's not cloudy but it smells like gas.
The thing is chugging like crazy but it's not running hot. Stopped by the local station and they couldn't see anything obvious so there's not a belt or something broken.
Has anybody else out there dealt with replacing these PCM's?
Anybody a mechanic who can give me some advice on this? Please tell me when I replace this part ( another $245) that it will solve my problem!

insmom · May 2001

I was reimbursed for replacing my headgaskets by Ford. I didn't have them do the work but they sent me a check for what it cost.
I'm still having continual problems with this can.
Is Ford still offering the buy-back program?
I swore I'd never buy another one but I can't get any money for this thing and it scares me to death.
I'm a single mom w/3 kids and I just can't take the constant repairs anymore. Maybe if I get a new one it'll last me awhile.

vezini · May 2001

MY 98 Windstar (50K miles) feels like the steering is becoming loose. There is a lot of play with the steering wheel. And, I replaced the tie rods just a few months ago. Vehicle was aligned recently. Any comments on what this could be.

Thanks!

jvirginia · May 2001

If by PCM you are referring to the car's computer as needing replacement, you may be covered for this repair also. Since 1995, all auto diagnostic devices (e.g. computers, etc) are covered against failure for 8 years/80,000 miles by the federal clean air act. This act provides for reimbursement of all costs associated with the diagnosis and repair of the covered device, including labor. See the web site and excerpt below.

http://www.sema.org/warranty/

http://www.sema.org/warranty/atta.cfm

"Clean Air Act Warranty Provisions (42 U.S.C. S 7541 (C) (3) (B))

The federal Clean Air Act requires vehicle makers to provide two emissions-related warranties -- a production warranty and a performance warranty. The production warranty requires the vehicle maker to warrant that the vehicle is designed, built and equipped so that it conforms with emissions requirements at the time of sale. The performance warranty requires the vehicle maker to warrant that the vehicle will comply with applicable emissions requirements as tested under state vehicle emissions inspection programs for the warranty periods specified in the law (for model year 1995 and later vehicles, the warranty is 2 years/24,000 miles for all emissions-related parts and 8 years/80,000 miles for the catalytic converter, electronic emissions control unit and on-board diagnostic device). The performance warranty is conditioned on the vehicle being properly maintained and operated.

Like the Magnuson-Moss Act, vehicle manufacturers may not refuse warranty repairs under the Clean Air Acts performance and defect warranties merely because aftermarket parts have been installed on the vehicle. The only circumstance under which the vehicle manufacturer can void the emissions warranties is if an aftermarket part is responsible for (causes) the warranty claim."

The following is from Ford's 2001 warranty booklet:

EMISSIONS DEFECT WARRANTY COVERAGE

Under the Emissions Defect Warranty, Ford Motor Company provides coverage for 3 years or 36,000 miles (whichever occurs first). This is an

extension of the federal requirement that calls for coverage of 2 years/24,000 miles (whichever occurs first) for passenger car and light

duty trucks. Certified heavy duty engines (vehicles with a GVWR over 8,500 pounds) are provided coverage for 5 years or 50,000 miles

(whichever occurs first).

During this coverage period, Ford Motor Company warrants that:

² your vehicle or engine is designed, built, and equipped to meet - at the time it is sold - the emissions regulations of the U.S. EPA.

² your vehicle or engine is free from defects in factory-supplied materials or workmanship that could prevent it from conforming with

applicable EPA regulations.

² you will not be charged for repair, replacement, or adjustment of defective emissions-related parts listed under What is Covered? on

pages 13-14.

Under the Emissions Defect Warranty for passenger cars and light duty trucks (vehicles with a GVWR of 8,500 pounds or less), Ford Motor

Company also provides coverage, including labor and diagnosis, for 8 years or 80,000 miles (whichever occurs first) for these emissions parts:

² catalytic converter

² compuvalve

² electronic emissions control unit (PCM)

² onboard emissions diagnostic device

² vehicle communication link (VCL) module

EMISSIONS PERFORMANCE WARRANTY COVERAGE

If your vehicle is registered in a state where the state or local government has an EPA-approved inspection and maintenance program, you may also be eligible for Emissions Performance Warranty Coverage for 2 years or 24,000 miles (whichever occurs first), if you meet certain conditions.

Under the Emissions Performance Warranty for passenger cars and light duty trucks, Ford Motor Company also provides coverage, including labor

and diagnosis, for 8 years or 80,000 miles (whichever occurs first) for these emissions parts:

² catalytic converter

² compuvalve

² electronic emissions control unit (PCM)

² onboard emissions diagnostic device

² vehicle communication link (VCL) module

I hope this helps you in your repairs.

sel3 · May 2001

Dambach was correct, if the problem is not your tires then it is the wheel bearing and hub. My van was fixed today. Now it is very quiet.

SEL3

imgoinnuts · May 2001

RE:Hoof 1's contemplation of the 96 Windstar, I would avoid it! I waited 6 weeks for a replacement for my Windstar after the head gaskets blew with less than 49K on it. No help, acknowledgement from Ford on repairs of over $4000. I suggest anyone with a problem like ours should write to James O'Connor, President of Ford Motor Company, PO Box 549, Bloomfield Hills, MI 48303. Perhaps with all the attention, Ford may cave in. Hey, I can dream, can't I?

rwdavis2 · May 2001

Just thought I'd let everyone know that I just had my engine replaced on a 1996 Windstar with
97,000 miles. Still under the extended warranty. No hastles from anyone: dealer or Ford. It
took 6 weeks to get the refurbushed engine but Ford paid for the car rental.

We also had a 1995 Windstar for which Ford finally gaves us $4000 towards a trade-in after 9 months of fighting and be lied to by various dealers and Ford. It went at 26,000 miles.

Bob

chateux · May 2001

The Good - Just had my 95 WS serviced prior to Memorial weekend. I drove from LA area to San Jose CA and back (about 800 Miles). This time it appears the problem has been corrected. My millage was OK and the engine felt more responsive.
The Bad - Ford dealer replaced MC F88Z Sensor [non-permissible content removed] ($227.00) and 2 SOP F48Z O2 Sensors at my request ($198.00).
The Ugly - The dealer was not sensitive to the problems I've had with this van and I had to pay for the repairs.
The Scariest - My WS just went over the 97K mark. 100K never looked so scary.

tony22r · June 2001

FORD SUCKS! (and so does chevy)
i will NEVER EVER buy a Ford or GM-made vehicle ever again!
DON'T BUY Ford...:
If you want a Reliable car, if you care about your Family's Safety, if you want Quality, if you Don't want to mess with Factory Recalls EVERY year!, if you don't like engine/transmission problems, if you don't like your trim\body panels falling apart, if you don't want to be Fixing your Car every WEEK...
Do NOT Buy a FORD!

I bought my 1995 Ford Windstar GL 3.8L V-6 brand new. I am original owner. I take GOOD care of ALL my vehicles. I enjoy cars, am an auto enthusiast, have raced/built/rebuilt all kinds of cars since I was 13 yrs old. I am proud of my rides and take great care of my stable of vehicles; I change oil Religiously every 3000 miles, rotate tires every 10K, flush radiators every summer, keep my engines so Meticulously Clean you could Eat off them!, wash my cars every other week.

But despite all the care and attention, the Ford Windstar has been one of the WORST!
It has gotten no less than 7 Factor Recalls in the first 3 years of ownership!
All sorts of Problems ranging from...:

* Defective factory Head Gasket.
* Hood Separation at high speeds.
* Gas Tank (plastic) needed Reinforcement for hot weather climates.
* Sliding Door needed reinforcement/welding.
* Transmission Oil pan leak.
* "Check Engine" light comes on ALL the time!
* Hesitation/Jerking/Loss of power at certain temperatures, elevations, engine speeds.
* Trim, body panels, weather stripping falling apart.

My friends, neighbors, co-workers, and I have ALL had nightmare stories about Fords... Taurus/Sable, Windstar, Aerostar, Mustang, Escort, Thunderbird, you name it!

OK, if you're just leasing/renting for a year or two, have at it, go and buy yourself a Ford Explorer with Firestone tires if you like.
It won't matter anyways, after a couple years it'll be someone else's problem not yours.

But if you plan to own the car for more than a couple years, Don't buy a Ford! It'll end up Owning YOU!
Spend a couple thousand extra and buy yourself a Toyota, Honda, Nissan, etc. Trust me it'll be worth it, because it won't be sitting on jackstands in your front yard in a few years.
If you buy a Ford you'll spend Thousands of dollars on repairs, recalls, wasted time, trouble, and headaches.
Fords are just huge money pits.

p.s.
a couple weeks ago i just noticed i was losing radiator fluid Fast! now my check engine light is on Constantly, the engine is chugging bad... feeling like i'm running on only 3 cylinders... GRR More head gasket problems!

ruby44 · June 2001

EVERYONE NEEDS TO CALL and put in a complaint to Ford Customer Service Center at 1-800-392-3673 if you are having any type of head gasket problems on your 1996 Ford Windstar (leaking engine coolant, etc.) It only takes 2 MINUTES to call. The more of us who file a complaint Ford will have to take action to extend the warranty on the head gasket problem. If we don't call, NOTHING will happen. I called and filed a complaint and they told me if they get enough complaints that they will do something about it - extend the head gasket warranty. Take 2 minutes and call as soon as you can. Thanks.

jsiedhoff · June 2001

I posted the previous messages (#515 & #523)about the squeaking in the 2000 Windstar. I had the van at the dealer again on Friday 6/1 and when I got it back, the problem still exists. This is the 6th or 7th time I had it in for the same problem. I have had several technicians ride with me to hear the problem as well as the service manager. The dealership is Jack Schmitt Ford in Collinsville, Illinois. I am starting to think they are incompetent. They seem very nonchalant and like the do not care about the problem. They keep telling me "we do not purposely not fix a problem just so you keep coming back" but I am starting to feel like that is not true. I have been dealing with their regional manager and he asked me to bring it in again tomorrow. I removed the middle passenger seat (where the squeak sounds like it is coming from) and I pushed on the floorboard under the seat with my hands and the squeak is very audible and it travels all the way back to the rear wheel. The last time I had it in, they told me it was a bushing in the rear suspension and they cut off some excess rubber and lubricated it with a new lubricant that Ford recommended. That did not help!! If anyone who reads this has had problems with Jack Schmitt in Collinsville, IL, please reply and let me know. I am ready to take legal action if necessary. Does anyone know if this will qualify for the lemon law? I am concerned that it could be a structural problem.

dumith · June 2001

Have any one had a tank split I mail me @ gdumth@hotmail.com

everdell · June 2001

My 1998 Ford Windstar just had its transmission completely fail at 83,000 miles and just under four years old. It has been taken care of meticulously with regular scheduled maintenance for the last four years. I have had to completely replace the transmission at great expense. Has anyone else out there had this problem?

jordekidd · June 2001

Can anyone give me info on the 99 Windstar. I am thinking if purchasing a low mileage (24K) for about 17,000. It is an SEL model and is very clean. What can anyone tell me as I don't know much about the windstar. It seems as though their are alot of problems with these or has it been exaggerated?

rgould22 · June 2001

Does anyone know where Ford is hiding the switches on the door that turn on the dome lights and the door ajar light. I now have a problem where the dome lights don't go out. Great for the battery. '99 Winstar.

tony22r · June 2001

I just got off the phone with Ford Customer Service (800)392-3673.
She told me that under Recall# M09 (i think), head gaskets on '95 Windstars are covered for 7 years/100,000 miles whichever comes First.
So tonight after work i am towing my '95 Windstar in to the dealership. It only has 65,200 miles and I am original owner. I took great care of my Windstar but the head gaskets still blew.

About a month ago my Check Engine light was coming on Constantly, my engine began to chug/hesitate really bad, felt like it was running on only 3 cylinders, i noticed i was losing coolant fast (1 gallon per week).
Knocking/detonation on acceleration.
Now it is sitting on jackstands on my frontyard.

I will NEVER buy a Ford again. We want to get rid of this pile of garbage as soon as we can. It is just a huge money pit and taking up our time.
I hope it gets rear-ended like the other Windstar on this board.
$6000 from the insurance would be Great!

chp1 · June 2001

I feel sorry for all of you that have had so many problems with your W/S I but I have a 2000 SEL hat has had absolutely no problems whatever in 10,000 Mi. My brother has a 95 with 160,000 mi and he too has had only normal matainence services required.
Since there are hundred's of thousands W/S out there, I just felt dutybound to mention that they can be a very enjoyable dependable vehicle.

csjk · June 2001

Harsh shifting at low speeds like being hit from behind. I have had it in 4 times with no luck. I am looking at going down the Lemon Law path. Any one have any success?

Ford Windstar Problems

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