8.8
pretty badTypical Repair Cost:
$2,375.00
Average Mileage:
84,843 miles
Total Complaints:
76 complaints
Most common solutions:
- replace transmission (36 reports)
- completely rebuilt (12 reports)
- not sure (10 reports)
- transmission should be replaced at no cost by dealer (9 reports)
- ford should recall it (5 reports)
- got rid of vehicle (3 reports)
transmission problem
This problem may be covered under warranty. Ask your Ford dealer.
Helpful Websites About 2000 Ford Windstar transmission failure
2008Sep 08
Windstar SEL 3.8L V6
- Automatic transmission
- 149,126 miles
bought vehicle used, was well maintained by the only previous owner. only had it one month and bam, transmission went. had rebuilt transmission put in with one year 13,000 mile warranty... already living paycheck to paycheck. after reading all complaints wonder why Ford doesn't have to pay for this sh*t. read next complaint from me
2009Oct 10
Windstar LE 3.8L V6
- Automatic transmission
- 125,000 miles
I have had this van only 2 years and my wife was coming home from work an lost all gears including reverse. My mechnic told me that this is a comon problem it is due to a snap ring that holds the clutch plate in place when this breaks all the clutch plates slant over and won't ingage. In order to fix this problem it needs to be rebuilt using a stronger snap ring not one from a Ford rebuild kit.
A D V E R T I S E M E N T S
2009Oct 22
Windstar
- Automatic transmission
- 140,000 miles
OMG! I had absolutely NO warning that there was a transmission problem...no slippage, NOTHING! I was driving on a 2 lane back road to get my son from school and it just STOPPED...it acted like it had just went into neutral. I managed to get a little ways off the road (but was still about 3/4 of the way on the road) before I started to rage! The only gear that worked was reverse. After getting towed home, I talked to some other Windstar owners and found out that the same (or similar) thing had happened to them. I have already dumped about $1000 in it in the last month for other, unrelated issues and this was the last straw. I went out Saturday and just bought a new car. This was the first Ford I have ever owned, and there have been multiple issues with it from the get-go...it will be the LAST Ford I ever own!
2008May 21
Windstar LX
- Automatic transmission
- 104,000 miles
Like others no warning came off interstate let my wife off at front door of restaurant stepped on gas --nothing -had to get it towed 50 miles home. After repair continued to have problem -brought it in 7 times until finally the Ford dealer found broke every piece inside the NEW transmission- car has been a POS I drive 30k a year & buy vans (need for my wheelchair) every 3 years with 60-70 k on them & have never had a van with this much trouble. every month the check engine light comes on and there's another emission control problem. Now I'm having a problem with fuses and taillights/brake lights going out. drivers seat worn out with 135 k back electric window has broken bracket, ABS light on since I bought it but mechanics cannot find any problem. rear tailgate pistons need to be replaced --a never ending story -no more Fords -toyota or Kia from now on
2009Sep 04
Windstar ES 3.8L V6
- Automatic transmission
- 74,565 miles
Transmission completely failed. There should have been a recall for the number of transmissions that have been reported on the web.
A D V E R T I S E M E N T S
2007Jul 08
Windstar SE 3.8L V6
- Automatic transmission
- 120,000 miles
I was amazed when I saw how many other 2000 Windstar owners also had transmission problems.
While on a family vacation out of state in July 2007, smoke began pouring out from under the hood and the O/D light was flashing. I pulled over at the first exit, and opened the hood to find transmission fluid all over the engine compartment. The vehicle was towed 90 miles to a transmission repair facility near my home. They installed a factory rebuilt transmission at a $2500.00 charge with a one year warranty. I didn't think it was that bad for a vehicle with 120K miles on it.
However, two years later, at 145K miles, the transmission has begun to hesitate and won't shift into 4th gear without pumping the gas pedal. The O/D light is also blinking intermittently.
I considered repairing the transmission again, but after reading all of these complaints, I may have an ideal candidate for the cash for clunkers program.
2008Oct 11
Windstar LX
- Automatic transmission
- 130,000 miles
This car/van is a piece of junk! We are the original owners and have had it serviced so many times that we are not planning on fixing it this time. We purchased the extended warranty only to find out that the problems we were having (stalling while going into a turn, stalling at a stop light) were not covered. We had the same exact problem fixed twice (of course, the dealers said it was different parts for each problem) and in October it just clunked into gear for the last time. Now it is sitting in our driveway getting pushed in and out of the way with our John Deere mower! Not sure what we are going to do but one this is for sure...we are NEVER buying another Ford. (We had a 1990 Thunderbird that we drove for 18 years...yes we put an engine and a tranny into that as well).
2009Aug 02
Windstar SE
- Automatic transmission
- 77,000 miles
Another member has just joined the Ford Windstar transmission sinking ship. My vehicle started acting up last night, slowly slipping into park. Today while coming home from the gym had it in park, then reverse and drive and once in drive it would hardly move. Not sure if I was going to make it home. Had to go out again, but it's stuck in park. Won't move. Luckily, I'm at home. Like all of you, I followed the manufactuer' s maintenance requirements. The car only had 77,000 miles on it. I am probably going to take your advice and sent the car off to the graveyard. Oh, last year I had a new headgasket put in at the tune of 1,500. What a waste. I was hoping to get at least 150,000 out of the thing. No more Fords for me.
2009Jul 18
Windstar 3.0L V6
- Automatic transmission
- 57,600 miles
Our Ford Windstar 2000 3.0L has 57,600 miles and the transmission recently went out. We were at a stop sign and when we attempted to drive again the van jolted like someone hit us from behind and then the van would not drive in any gear but reverse. The van needed to be towed. The transmission was beyond repair and we received a factory re manufactured trans. The mechanic discovered that the oil pan gasket was leaking and could burst any time causing more damage. We replaced the gasket. Total cost was $2524.90. We are the original owners of the van and have always maintained it at FORD Dealer. Changed oil every 5,000 miles and checkup as directed in owner's manual. My car is no longer under warranty. We should not have to replace transmission at 57,600 miles. FORD need to see all this complaints and do something about this . Ford Windstar is a lemon car and need to be recall by FORD.
I am looking for another car, but not orf FORD ! I am done with FORD.
A D V E R T I S E M E N T S
2009Jun 09
Windstar SEL 3.8L
- Automatic transmission
- 112,000 miles
I am one of the many who experienced the same problem. Stop at a light, step on the throttle and POP goes the tranny. Towed to a repair shop. Tear down tranny to discover intermediate drum had failed. Turns out they spot weld the gear to the drum and it fails over time. Replacement completely re-designed. Gear now has a bearing instead of a bushing and is backed up on other side by a hub connecting the gear to the drum. Called Ford to inquire about a courtesy adjustment due to the fact this was a design defect and not a wear out failure. Basically told by Ford Motor Company to go sh*t in my hat it's not their problem. and they wonder why everyone is not buying American cars.
Everyone who has experienced this problem needs to contact Ford many times in writing to lodge a complaint and write to all consumer complaint sites you can find. Maybe they will finally admit their mistake and make good on it.
2009May 14
Windstar LX 3.8L
- Automatic transmission
- 150,000 miles
Well I guess I can just add my sad story to the hundreds out there. This is the SECOND TIME the tranny went out in two years. Just like the others, I stopped at a light, heard a loud pop when I started back up and the car would not move. This is no coincidence, now that I have read all the others complaints, and I am not taking it lying down either. This is the email, phone and address of the Ford Motor Company. If all of us deluge this company with our complaints, we cannot be ignored any longer. I'm mad as hell and I'm not backing down!
CEO: Alan R. Mulally
Address: 1 American Rd.
Dearborn, MI 48126
Phone: 313-322-3000
Website: www.ford.com
And to think they used our tax money to bail these suckers out!
2007Apr 05
(reported on)Windstar LX
- Automatic transmission
- 42,000 miles
I had my Windstar under a year, only about nine months. We bought it the day my son was born (coincidence). I was driving home from work at 2 am. I stopped at a red light, when the light turned green, I hit my gas and it felt like someone had hit me, or I hit something. I put the van in reverse to make sure that I didn't hit anything, and backed up. When I was satisfied that nothing was there, I put it in drive, and it would not move. At 2 am, I had to back it off to the side of the road and WALK to a gas station to call for help. I called Ford and their response was that the warranty ended 6,000 miles ago, not their problem!
We had to finance the repairs, because neither the dealership or Ford would claim responsibility. When I called Ford to argue for their help, they told me that I should have had it taken to a dealership so they could look at it and see if it was due to a defect. I told them that I didn't have $2,000 sitting around waiting to fix a van and I had to take it someplace where we could get it financed. Bottom line, the transmission was NEVER right after that. At 65,000 miles the check engine light came on. Service shop said it was a head gasket. I had to drive this sorry excuse for a car until it had 138,000 miles on it. I understand that cars don't last forever, but no transmission should go out at 42,000 miles.
2003Dec 20
Windstar LX 3.8L
- Automatic transmission
- 37,282 miles
transmission went @ 60,000 km no help from dealership or no help from ford Canada...2500 to fix... presently still in use but slowly rusting away ..last ford ever
A D V E R T I S E M E N T S
2009Apr 10
Windstar LX V6
- Automatic transmission
- miles
My daughter was using our van to take her and the kids home from our house Friday evening. She backed out of the driveway but when she put it in drive, there was a load pop and then nothing. The van would not go forward. She tried D, 3, 2 and 1 but nothing happened. It would work in reverse but nothing in forward. This is the second time in less than 2 years that I have had to have the transmission rebuilt. So many little things have gone wrong with the van also. It seems that as soon as I get one thing fixed some other sensor or valve goes bad. But two transmission rebuilds! I am getting rid of this things as soon as I can. And the big 3 wonder why people buy foreign...
The cost this second time..$!858.00. Thankfully the shop paid the wrecker bill since they felt sorry for me.
2009Mar 14
Windstar
- Automatic transmission
- 110,000 miles
This is the second time I have had to have this transmission rebuilt, the first time was at 88,000 miles!! Piece of !@!@##. If I didn't have 4 children and actually needed a van, I would push it into the river. How about Ford just figures out how to built good dependable vehicles. I think they should give me a free ford focus, they knew about the problems when they made em.
2009Mar 08
Windstar LX 3.8L V6
- Automatic transmission
- 127,231 miles
so, not long after I get the damn thing, the trans finally gives up. F$%& you too ford. Drove to Toronto, no troubles, getting back on the 401 on ramp, trans gives up in the middle of the 3-4 shift, and I get to make use of my RAS to get it towed. 175km. I want FORD to either completely replace the trans at no cost to me, or give me a gently used vehicle that wont strand me almost 200km from home with two other people.
2009Feb 09
Windstar LX Sport V6
- Automatic transmission
- 129,000 miles
We bought our Windstar last April with 111,000 miles. We automatically noticed little issues, but they were somethings we could just get used to. For example the lock actuator were bad and would make this awful noise. Anyway I was taking my oldest son to an important visit when the o/d light starts excessively blinking. I shutoff the van and restarted it and it went away for awhile. We had someone hook it up and check it out and they couldn't find anything wrong with it. Two days later at a stop sign the tranny went out and it would only go in reverse. It was stressful, especially since I have 3 boys and my oldest one has massive health issues and when he needs medical attention I need to get him there fast. Also because my youngest son is a newborn. All this aside, I figured we'd be alright for now because my mom lives close and I can borrow her van if needed. I did yesterday and while on my way to pick up my son from school her 2001 Ford Windstars tranny went out. There was no warning for her van. I stopped at a stop sign and then tried to accelerate and it wouldn't go, then I tried reverse and that didn't work either. Stranded in the middle of the road with a newborn in the back, very cold outside and a child waiting for me to pick him up for an appointment. Couldn't call mom cause I had her vehicle. My husband was at work 30mins away. Two vans lose their transmissions within a few weeks. I'm so angry. This causes so much inconvenience for our families. We already spent our refund to buy my husband a vehicle for work since his old truck as all but fallen apart. I think Ford should have recalled these vans because this is very dangerous not to mention costly. Maybe they would have customers buy more vehicles if they could depend on them. No wonder they are struggling so bad in this economy. The rest of us have to pay for any mistakes we make in our lives regardless of financial ability...why doesn't Ford?
2009Mar 01
Windstar LX 3.8L V6
- Automatic transmission
- 126,760 miles
Trans started to go after getting it yanked off a snowbank. Possible cause was trying to rock it out at first, overheating may have caused damage. Right now, it moves, but has serious problems. It will go to shift, then not go into gear/slip badly enough for it not to move at all. shutting it off, then starting it up again will get me on my way again for a short while. it shudders during shifting, and once again, on occasion, doesn't seem like it goes into the next gear.
2009Feb 01
Windstar LX V6
- Automatic transmission
- 77,000 miles
my dad bought my mom a windstar used a few months ago, they didn't get a chance to put 500 miles on it when my dad was stuk 2 miles from home and @ 76 years old he walked the 2 miles home. i am soooo mad cuz his transmission went out same as everybody else on here a clunk then nothing but reverse. i want all that have problems to get a hold of me because this is a class action suit ford should have recalled the trans this is too coincidental we will all file and get justice my name is mary jeralds write me @ 425 s walnut grove new burnside il 62967. i promise i will fight for every person and ford will pay please send me your letters with all your info.
2007Feb 08
(reported on)Windstar SE 3.8L
- Automatic transmission
- 77,285 miles
I purchased the van in 2002 with 27,000 miles and one month later the transmission started making a loud cracking noise when putting it in drive or reverse from park, also I could feel the transmission slipping and prematurely down shift. Sometimes it would be very difficult to put it in gear or park. I took it to a local ford dealer , paid for the diagnostic, they told me it was still under factory warranty and trans needed to be replaced. I waited 2 weeks while the van was in the shop, went back then they told me the trans specialist said 'HE COULDN'T FIND ANYTHING WRONG, IT IS JUST THE WAY THE TRANS IS. IT'S NORMAL" I will never buy another Ford again! Also there is a mysterious smoking from the radiator which no dealership can identify.
2009Feb 17
Windstar S 3.8L V6
- Automatic transmission
- 130,000 miles
I am not happy.This not the first trans.in this van.The first one was rebuilt at79000 miles.The next one was 130000 miles.The price on the first one(2300.00)The next one cost (1400)Call me stupid.I have two much money invested in this van.To sale.One thing i will say is i will not use my money to buy another ford.I have had other problems.the same as the others.intake,ele,ex Im done thank for your time.
2009Jan 06
Windstar LX 3.8L V6
- Automatic transmission
- 80,510 miles
Yeah, I read the other posts on this site - loud clunk and the van jerking to a halt like it was going over a curb - right in the middle of rush hour traffic on one of the busiest roads in the Washington metro area - right during the worst weather and traffic since who knows when. Only the reverse works.
The 2000 Ford Windstar must be one of the worst lemons Detroit has produced since the Gremlin or the Edsel. The electrical system is totally dysfunctional. The intake manifold has broken twice - $700 each time for repairs. The cooling system sprang a huge leak. And now the transmission goes - at a mere 80,000 miles on a car that has been driven gently and maintained by the book.
I budget 20 cents per mile for repairs and maintenance for a car that is out of warranty. This car has eaten its share and I am not having it fixed again - there are $700 left in the kitty and the repair, as I know thanks to others on this site, can be estimated to cost in the neighborhood of $2000. Let's see if I can find a charity to tow it away - either to fix it or for parts salvage.
In sum, sometime in the late 1990s, Ford went from "Quality is Job 1" to "We Will Do Anything to Increase Our Profit Margins". They pulled this trick on the customers once before, in the late 1960s and early 1970s, and were almost killed off by the energy crisis, the Pinto problem, and the Japanese competition back then. Now, I am furious that our politician are again offering these greedy and corrupt companies a bailout at taxpayer expense. It won't help them: not enough people, myself included, will ever buy a Ford, GM, or Chrysler vehicle, ever again. Don't be stupid, either.
2008Dec 11
Windstar SEL 3.8L V6
- Automatic transmission
- 88,000 miles
Well, here I am sitting in a hotel room 220 miles from home. My family and I were to drive 600 miles to have an early holiday with our extended family. We were about 150 miles from home, while climbing a hill the O/D off light started flashing and the check transmission warning was displayed. We pulled over at the next exit and it so happened to have a Ford dealership there. We thought what good fortune. We had them check it out and they test drove it 7 miles and could duplicate the problem. They said that the transmission should be flushed, serviced and a sealant additive should take care of it. Two hours and $250 later it was done. They took it for another test drive and said it was fine. We were glad to be on the road again. The first hill we climbed one mile down the road the O/D light started flashing again and the Check Transmission warning came back on. We turned around and went back to the dealer. They said to give it time and it should "soften the seals" in a few hundred miles and will be just fine. They gave me there phone number and said to call them if we had any issues. Well 70 miles later, in the pouring rain, we were in the passing lane starting the climb up a small mountain when the RPM went from 2500 to 4500 and I noticed I had no powertrain. Thank God I was able to weave our way over to the right shoulder before running out of forward momentum. I called the dealership and the said "We're sorry to hear that and feel really bad" however there was nothing they could do. I called AAA to have it towed, they gave the towing company the wrong location but the found us an hour later. The tow truck pulled up and was getting ready to hook it up when they blew a hose. In the meantime while we were waiting for a another tow, the driver told me that the number one car the used to pick up was the Ford Taurus. Now the number one pick up is the Ford Windstar due to transmission failure. I called the next Ford dealer up the road and explained what happened. They were at least honest with me and said this is a common problem and most likely the transmission needs replaced and could put a rebuilt one in for about $3,000 and could have it ready on Monday (this happened Thursday evening) The driver took us to a local hotel. When we got there his shop owner said he had a brand new one with a 3 yr 100,000 mile warranty and could have it replaced for $2,500 and have us on our way by early Friday afternoon. So we are having him do it. If I had only researched the known issues I would have thought twice before buying the Windstar. We have had it for 5 yrs now and only have 88K on it. This has been the first major issue we have had. I guess it is still cheaper than car payments. :-(
2008Nov 21
Windstar LX 3.8L
- Automatic transmission
- 106,000 miles
Well my husband was driving the van to a birthday party for my daughter and he said there was a loud clunk sound then the van wouldn't go only in reverse so he walked home pissed of course and we had to have it towed it is in the shop and we still are making payments on it.They say somewhere in the range of 1200-1800 so i guess we wait for the call and then cry.We are missing the trip we planned for a wedding we were in and its just great i miss black friday as well i hate ford!We also have problems with the van not wanting to be at a stop in jumps all over and the tac goes up and down i just wish ford would do something for all of us they make it they should stand behind there sh*t.
2008Nov 18
Windstar SEL 3.8L V6
- Automatic transmission
- 92,336 miles
My O/D and Check ABS lights would come on sometimes when I started the van, but not all the time; no pattern to that. Driving down the interstate one morning, took an exit ramp, heard 2-3 clunks (only going about 25 at the time), and it coasted to a stop. Reverse worked, but nothing going forward. Local transmission shop is replacing the tranny for $1,700, which seems like a pretty decent price when I see what other people on this site are having to shell out. We'll probably get it fixed and sell it.
2008Nov 13
Windstar
- Automatic transmission
- 112,000 miles
While driving it felt like trans just slipped into neutral and coated to the side of the road. No forward OR reverse, NOTHING. While in park and revving the engine, it sounds like something's rubbing, as if a belt slipped. Do FWD transmissions have belts? Linkage? God, I wish I was a mechanic. Just waiting for the repair estimate now. Merry f-in Christmas!
2008Nov 10
Windstar SE
- Automatic transmission
- 83,000 miles
Another FAIL for the 2000 Ford Windstar. Transmission went out yesterday as I was pulling away from a traffic light. It felt like someone had hit me from behind it lurched so hard, and then it would not move. We had it towed to our mechanic and they say $2900 to fix it. We're moving on. I had no idea of the problems of this vehicle until I started searching yesterday and read so many stories of the same thing happening to others. We had a few instances of the O/D light flashing over the last couple of months, but didn't connect it to transmission failure for sure.
RUN away from this vehicle.
2008Sep 22
Windstar SEL 3.8L
- Automatic transmission
- 90,000 miles
terrible car since we bought it ,we bought it used in 04 with 38000 miles ,had to replace tie rod ends immediately,intake ,then these little plastic clips on the intake that melted,interior lights flashing on and off,rear hatch sometimes decides to unlock,drivers door refuses to unlock air conditioning compressor went out,and finally CLUNK ta da the transmission ,never ever will buy another ford,my bad and it will never happen again, GM from now on
2008Oct 02
Windstar SE 3.8L V6
- Automatic transmission
- 112,000 miles
We have had this car (in running condition) for an astounding 29 days, now. Being a Ford, that must be some sort of record. Anyway. We didn't notice a leak when we bought it, but within a few days there was a small leak. No big deal. Then it started slipping after about a week. Two weeks into having it, it started jerking when we would take off. Three weeks in, the O/D off light started flashing while I was on the interstate. The RPMs went from 2000 to 4000. When I turned the car off and then on, the light went away. The leak got worse and worse. Four weeks. We took it to the shop to have the seal replaced for $400. The shop called me and said that they would feel bad taking my money to do this. It wasn't going to fix the problem. So, now it's going to cost $1300 to rebuild the transmission. Great. The only reason I settled for a Ford in the first place is because I can't afford anything nicer...
2008Sep 04
Windstar SEL 3.8L V6
- Automatic transmission
- 86,000 miles
I will never buy another Ford vehicle again. I thought I would give an American made car a chance. But this has definitely confirmed what I had thought all along, their quality sucks! The transmission started leaking (steady stream on the garage floor) a month ago. It was on and off. Then it became significant. Brought it to a transmission repair shop and they tell me it needs a complete rebuild for $2200!!!! I am going to donate this car because it is not worth anything to me. Might as well get a tax deduction.
Ford, it is no wonder you are so in debt. If you would build quality, you would have repeat customers. You and every other American made vehicle manufacturer just lost another customer. I hope you are proud of this distinction.
2008Aug 25
Windstar SEL 3.6L V6
- Automatic transmission
- 102,000 miles
A real Monday. At 5;30 in the morning I am parking the Windstar. I have backed into a parking spot, but I am not within the yellow lines. I put the car in drive from reverse and I hear a very loud CLUNK! the car will now not go forward but will back-up. I have it towed to a local repair shop and he advises me that it will cost $3000 to fix. A dealer would charge $5-6000. The car blue books at $3000. A good car if you can drive in reverse!!!!!
I don't know what to do with it??? It is way to big to use as a fishing weight.
2008Jul 15
Windstar LX 3.8L
- Automatic transmission
- 96,313 miles
Transmission problem on my 155000 km 2000 Windstar LX, O/D light was blinking, i had the code checked by a transmission shop and it was indicating faulty TSS, TSS is Turbine Speed Sensor located on the driver's side on the transmission easily accessible by taking off the wheel, i changed the part myself in less than 20 minutes (cost of part +/- 43.00$ at Ford) and O/D start blinking again 2 weeks later. It is now blinking since 6 month/3000km and i am waiting to see what will happen. I also noted that this light blink when atf fluid is very low, by very low i mean 1.5 / 2 liter, i experienced this when my transmission start loosing fluid on highway 95 North near New York during start and stop traffic jam and a cooking hot day. Since this time, my transmission is leaking atf fluid between motor and transmission only when i am stuck in traffic, when i am on the highway or driving around there is not even a small drop that fall off. Seems like it is leaking only when the atf fluid temp is very high caused by stop/start/low revolution, but it is only my feeling. I will have to separate the motor and the transmission to change torque converter oil seal and have the T.C. pressure tested by a local transmission shop. I hate my and all Windstar because all sort of thing died when it is not supposed to: rear wiper motor, electric passenger unlock, the same thing on driver's side one month later, coolant bypass tube exploded, pressure sensor/switch on master cylinder leaking, up and downstream oxygen sensor, ABS sensor. my dash look like a Christmas tree with O/D blinking, abs, motor and door ajar light on.
2008Aug 01
Windstar LX 3.8L
- Automatic transmission
- 133,000 miles
On May 31, 2008 I was driving a 1994 Ford Aerostar that had almost had about 145k miles on it. Another driver pulled out and hit me. We totaled it out. I wanted a new vehicle, and my trans was acting up as well as the ABS light was on for several years...LOL!!! But it ran good and it was a beast that kept on going. Well after the accident I ended up getting a 2000 Windstar lx. It was nice, clean and had a TV/DVD player in it had about 131k miles on it. I have 4 kids and just thought this was the greatest thing ever. Well here we are almost 2.5 months later and the O/D off light is flashing. I have been reading the causes for that and boy was I shocked. I am outraged. My trans has not quit yet but I guess it is on it's way. It drives fine for the most part. It does seem sluggish on take off sometimes, but it gets going. It had jerked kind of hard as well. Then this damn light starts flashing. It resets itself when I restart the van, but after about 45 minutes of driving it is back on flashing again. It is getting more frequent now. We are up to 133k miles now. This is our only vehicle. I drive my husband to work about a half hour to and another half hour home. I make this trip 2x a day. I just can not afford for my trans to go out. I do not have a warranty on it. It was bought from an auto auction. It has been great till now. Now I am wondering how many times the trans has been replaced before I got it. Maybe that's why the Ford dealership had it at the auction.
I have read that Ford will not recall it and does not consider it a safety issue. Well let me tell you...... I drive on the highway and (there are tons of semi's and speeders), and my if trans suddenly fails with my kids in the van as well........that could be a fatal accident. How is that not a safety issue? It is usually moms who drive these vans so obviously their kids are riding in these death traps. Do people had to die for Ford to recall them? If so how many? WAKE UP FORD!!!!!!!! I am not a rich person and can not afford to replace a trans every few months. I am looking into getting an extended warranty before I even have it looked at. With my luck they will tell me I can't get one or if so it won't cover what's wrong with it. How can Ford do this to us? I know all vehicles have issues, especially used ones. Yet you have this many, not just a few cases....and still FORD does not care. I have had several Fords over the years and never had any problems. I just try to get something a little newer and better. I guess newer is not always better. As far as I am concerned Ford stands for Found On Road Dead....cause that is where they end up!!!!!!! Maybe after several familys are killed(hopefully not) from faulty trans failure they will do something about it!!!!!!!
2008Aug 04
Windstar SE 3.8L
- Automatic transmission
- 77,653 miles
I'm getting in line with everyone else. At a stop sign, went to turn, loud crashing sound, started rolling backwards down hill. Van would only go in reverse. $2400 later, got a new transmission. The guy said that the transmission basically exploded inside! I went here: http://www-odi.nhtsa.dot.gov/ and lodged a complaint.
2007Apr 04
Windstar SE V6
- Automatic transmission
- 78,000 miles
We bought a 2000 ford wind star brand new. At 58,000 miles the intake went For covered it because it was still under warranty. The tire rods were bad at 58,000 and other problems. Then at 78,000 miles the transmission blows. Call ford and they won't make good on it. Told them I had to rent a car and could not pay my monthly bill. I asked if they would help fix the transmission and I could resume payments. They said they wouldn't do that. I told them the van was useless to me. I told them to repo it and they refused to take it back. They stated the van was useless to them. They said they were going to sue me. Then they sue me. I never get notification. They place a judgment against me on an account thats not even mine. I will never buy a ford again.
2008Jul 06
Windstar SE
- Automatic transmission
- 75,000 miles
I just bought this car 1.5 months ago so it is still covered under the 60-day warranty issued by the seller. I purchased this vehicle as our families only source of transportation. I owned a 1995 Ford Windstar for 6 years previous and never had transmission problems an thought it was time to upgrade. As we returned from a weekend trip 3 hrs from home suddenly the O/D light starts flashing. Closer to home i smell something burning. Three blocks from my home the entire back of car is smoking!!! I mean its SMOKING. Fluid gushing from underneath the car. My neighbors come out cause of the smell. Thank goodness this didn't erupt on the highway. Thank goodness for that! I go to MY mechanic an he tells me directly my transmission needs to be fixed/replace. I then bring it back to the dealer who holds the warranty, he keeps it for 2hrs, calls me and says they see nothing wrong with it. They just put fluid in an it's driving fine. Their only explanation is "This model has a history of boiling out transmission fluid sometimes, keep extra bottles in back an pull over to refill if this happens again." "Its just something that happens with Ford vans."
Are you kidding me!!! I have NEVER had a car that requires such constant pacifying. I told the dealer this is NOT a solution. I am not happy at all. I will drive it off the lot today, an when the trans dies in another week they will have to replace it than. I guess my next option after my warranty is to buy an extended warranty an face that it may need constant fixes.
2008May 12
Windstar SE 3.8L
- Automatic transmission
- 105,000 miles
I think it is ridiculous that Ford will not pay for this, considering how many complaints they have on this trans. My vehicle just stopped having any forward gears at a stop light. No noise, no lights. They have a problem and you can bet I won't buy another Ford.
2006May 20
Windstar LX 3.8L V6
- Automatic transmission
- 12,000 miles
This van has had the transmission built twice. The second time the seals went out and lost all the fluid. Had to be towed in of course.Would not buy another Ford van.
2008May 26
Windstar SE V6
- Automatic transmission
- 82,000 miles
No 1st,2nd, or drive -- only reverse. never had a transmission go at this low of mileage. Got lucky on the rebuild price by what I see on the net. Dealer should have recalled this problem.
2008May 06
Windstar LX
- Automatic transmission
- 54,800 miles
We have put a lot of money into this Windstar. In 2003 the back sliding doors, which are not automatic, would not open from the inside. This problem obviously had to be addressed immediately due to the danger to my children in the back seats. It cost over $1,000 to fix the doors, and they still don't work perfectly. Our warranty was only up by a couple of months when this problem occurred and Ford would not work with us at all. Then we were absolutely sick that we had to put a new transmission in a vehicle that had only been paid off for one year and only had 55,000 miles on it and cost nearly $25,000 when we bought it in 2000!!! Then just last month when we took the Windstar in for State Inspection we were informed that we needed a new rear axle, that the one on our van had completely rusted through and we were lucky our back wheels had not fallen off, another $700 to repair that problem. I have come to one conclusion after owning this Windstar, that it is my first and last Ford that I will ever own!!
2008May 13
Windstar
- Automatic transmission
- 78,000 miles
There was no sign of any problem. I took the car in to have a timer repaired and picked up the car. The next day I was turning onto a main street, something felt like I went over a curb and the car just stopped going forward. It was like the gears were stuck. No signal or symptoms. That really bites. If one knew a problem was developing, then at least one could make the decision to trade-in or repair. Now I'm just stuck with an expensive repair. I try to buy American made, but Ford just doesn't make the cut. I won't purchase a Ford again.
2008May 06
Windstar LX 3.2L
- Automatic transmission
- 61,250 miles
I wish I had check this web site out before I would of been more informed about the problems Ford hasn't stood behind
2008May 05
Windstar SEL 3.8L
- Automatic transmission
- 77,671 miles
My problems with my Windstar began 5 years ago when it was two years young and had only 40 000km. shy of a month that i had purchased it , the trany went and it was still under warranty. at 70 000km i had to replace it once again myself. five days ago at 125 000kms the trany died again. I hate all Windstars !
2008Apr 14
Windstar LX
- Automatic transmission
- 71,000 miles
While driving my van suddenly a really loud bang happened. Then I had no gears except reverse. Had the car towed to Lee Myles. Needed Another new tranny. This is my second tranney replacement in 4 years. My van has only 71000 miles on it. This is ridiculous. Ford should have done a recall on these faulty tranneys. Ford does not stand behind it's crummy product. I will not ever be buying a Ford again. Ford products are pieces of crap. Sad that that is the best American made car manufacturers can do. It's no wonder America is falling behind other countries in manufacturing etc. Ford is not loyal to it's customers. I see no reason to be loyal to them. No more Fords in my house.
2006Apr 11
Windstar LX 3.8L V6
- Automatic transmission
- 65,000 miles
Since I hit 60,000 miles on our Windstar I've had nothing but problems. I took it to the dealer at least 5 times complaining of a trans fluid leak and had the pan and gasket replaced 2 times. The problem still comes and goes, the more we drive it the more it leaks. The mechanic said he can't find any problem but just today I noticed a pool of fluid under the car again. I checked the fluid but the level is good. I drove it down the street and came home and it's like someone cracked the faucet on the sink. It's a steady stream of red fluid. I spend close to $600 having the trans looked at not to mention all the other crap that I had done and I've decided today it's time to sell. I had a Chevy Astro and put close to 200K miles on it and never had these kind of problems. I'm Done With Ford....
My Brother was right, FORD = Fix Or Repair Daily, And he works for Ford!!
2008Mar 26
Windstar LX 3.2L
- Automatic transmission
- 36,700 miles
purchase the van in 2003 with appx. 20,000 miles. had problems with trans from day one. Noise, loud bangs and slippage. Brought to Coccia Ford on 3 separate occasions concerning this and was told nothing was wrong. Five years later with only an additional 17000 miles the trans completely failed. the extended warranty had expired 6 months earlier. Spoke to salesmen, service manager, general manager,and ford directly.... No one would do a thing. Left 3 messages for the own but never got a return call.
stay clear of ford and if you live in northeastern pa ... make sure to stay away from coccia ford. have never be treated so poorly in my entire life.... thanks for your time.
2007May 15
(reported on)Windstar LX Sport 3.8L
- Automatic transmission
- 53,000 miles
I bought this car new and kept the maintenance on schedule. At 53,000 miles the transmission went out while driving on the interstate on vacation. Of course the warranty had expired and I was out of pocket over $2600 for replacement. This should not have happened to a car with this low mileage. I will not purchase another Ford product.
2008Jan 12
Windstar V6
- Automatic transmission
- 73,322 miles
Really annoying how my 2000 Windstar transmission gave out just several weeks after my regular service check. died at 118k, despite regular service. Quite frankly, wasn't aware of the need for a flush and the dealership never mentioned it either despite the fact I bought from them in 2004 and have brought it to them for service at least twice a year since.
Was wondering about the person who wrote to this site in 2004 and got Ford/the dealership to cover 75% of the cost of a new transmission. I phoned Ford Customer Service today and they were polite but said they couln't help, said it was more a dealership/workmanship issue, despite my referencing the aforementioned case.
Any advice? Anybody else get help from Ford or their dealership to cover the cost?
Regards.
Unhappy Ford owner.
2005Jul 12
Windstar LXE 3.8L
- Automatic transmission
- 74,000 miles
No signs of impending problem. No slippage, fluid leakage, etc... Was away from home and after pulling out of a parking lot, stopping at a light. there was a big bang and I lost everything except reverse. Had towed to nearest AAmco dealer and had rebuilt transmission and torque converter replaced. There is no reason I should have lost the transmission and torque converter at 74000 miles as I do not drive hard and I am very conscientious about maintenance on my vehicle. After getting the car back to New York, from New Jersey, the transmission failed again and I had to take it to the local AAmaco to have it repaired under warranty this time. After going on the web I have since found out this is quite a common problem with this car.
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A D V E R T I S E M E N T S
2009Nov 21
Windstar SEL 3.8L V6
this is the second time this piece of sh*t broke. Now its worse than the first time. a year and two months later BAM again Ford you suck, we should make them pay back all our tax money that stupid congress gave those f*%#ing idiots. Most of us live paycheck to paycheck and cannot afford a new car or repairs like this, especially with the holidays coming up. All without warning, now I got to figure out how to get to work and which bills to skip to pay for this AGAIN. THANKS FORD . I should take this van to ford executives, and drive it where the good lord split them. Oh yea, hey ford a**holes, My kids said thanks for a great christmas. RECALL THE DAMN THING, if ford cant afford to fix the problems with all its piece of sh*ts, then sell your private jets do something right in your life you greedy rich pieces of sh*t. 1 year or 13000 mile warranty (the 5 year warranty cost too much)
Brian E.
Deltona, Florida, USA
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