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.
The contact owns a 1999 Ford Windstar. The transmission failed while the vehicle was idling at a stop sign. The contact was able to drive home in reverse at 35 mph and the transmission was replaced. The rack and pinion is gradually getting worse and the contact experiences difficulty when turning the vehicle. The dealer stated that fluid was leaking at the boot replacement and the repair would cost $600. The vehicle is currently parked at his residence. The manufacturer stated that the component was not under recall or warranty, so they would not be able to assist. The current mileage was 72,000 and failure mileage was 69,000.
Ford Windstar 1999- transmission, rack and pinion and manifold Ford would not help so I took them to small claims court in Ontario and won full cost to all three matters.
Power steering leaking at steering rack on 1999 Ford Windstar. Approx. 63,000 miles on vehicle. Intial inquiry with mechanic; replacement of rack. Vehicle should not be driven until repaired, loss of power steering at driving speeds can cause loss of control. What is being done regarding this premature failure?
Strange noise coming from van when I turn, rack and pinions gone bad, Ford refuses to do anything and told me that I would never get anything from them for reibursement of repairs and that they don't care what the NHTSA or goverment say. I only have 36,000 miles on my van even though it is a 1999 Windstar this should never have happened. For does not care about their reputation or product or consumers.
My van started making a screeching noise everytime we made any turns, we checked the power steering fluid and it was fine. Van sat in the yard cause it was embrassing to drive with the loud screeching noise and since we had a 2nd car we just left it in the driveway. Then when my husbands car got hit by another car we had no choice and had to drive it. As soon as we try and drive it out of the driveway we new something major is wrong it took 2 people to turn the wheel on the van just to back out of the driveway. So I called my step dad and explained what it was doing and he said sounds like the power sterring pump went out on it so we take it to a very reliable mechanic and found out not only is the power sterring pump bad the rack and pinons are gone also. I can't believe with a van that is not that old to have this happen so quickly. I have been numerous forums about the Ford Windstar and I see pages and pages of complaints about the same thing I'm dealing with now. What does it take before a company stands behind there product and issue a recall.
- Willimasburg, VA, USA
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Sudden loss of power steering...1999 Ford Windstar 68000 mile need driving pump & rack replaced @ $1000. After speaking with number of friends and visiting forums, note that this safety problem appears widespread. Apparent design defect.
1999 Ford Windstar, with 58,000 miles leaks power steering fluid out of left rack. Dealer says common problem with rack and pinion. Makes grinding and squealing sound, constant loss of fluid.
My 1999 Ford Windstar has suffered a complete steering rack failure with less than 70,000 miles on the vehicle. The service technician informed me the original part was prone to early failure and the replacement component was much improved. However, if there is a flaw in the original part, I feel that Ford should pay for the repair.
Power steerin rack is leaking fluid. After having to replace the power steering pump ($335+), becuase it burned out due to the failure of the rack, ( leaking fluid through the rack, system couldn't maintain system pressure) I am now faced with having to replace the rack at a cost of over $600.
Transmission jerks harshly into second gear after slowing down and accelerating especially on incline. Dealer replaced solenoids and torque converter and problem still exists. After returning to dealer they state it needs a new transmission. Steering makes loud grinding noises when turning. Dealer replaced tie rod, problem returned after 1 week. Dealer then replaced rack.
A D V E R T I S E M E N T S
- Canton, OH, USA