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.
ABS and check engine light constant, replaced O2 sensor, replaced ABS brakes, transmission problems causing vehicle to jerk and not change gears when running or parked, coolant leaking and door sensors are bad. All document known issues on. www.carsurvey.org/modelyear_ford_windstar_1996.html - something needs to be done about this. This has gone on far to long and is putting peoples life at stake. I have children in my van and all of these are big issues that need to be address immediately.
Ford extended warranty on 3.8 L engine for 1995 model due to engine failure caused by defective gasket sets. However, is not doing so for like failure on 1996 model 3.8 L engines. Engine seized on our vehicle with approximately 48000 miles despite maintenance and timing chain gasket set replacement an approximately $1200 repair.
Currently, the van is at the dealership and we are awaiting an estimate on the head gasket. Our warranty expired on August 31, 2002 and Ford will not help with the cost of the repair. The transmission is also being checked as it has begun leaking only 10 months after we had it replaced. Our mechanic stated that these are commonly seen with this vehicle and stated the failure of the head gasket is due to the defective fire ring. No reason was given as to why the transmission failed in January of 2002 and to why it is now leaking.
- Fairlawn, OH, USA
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The brake system and it's components failed, the ABS light had come on constantly, the transmission burned out, and the engine was contaminated with coolant. The consumer requested a new vehicle or a new engine. Mr scc
Transmissions failed 3 times since vehicle purchased in 1999. Very concerned about safety while driving vehicle. 1st replacement at 33000/2nd at 34000, and 3rd at 65000.
While driving at speeds above 50 mph vehicle will drop into nuetral without the indicator ever moving. Contacted dealer, and the dealer was not willing to do anything.
This car has barely 75,000 miles on it. We are told it costs $2,800 for a rebuilt transmission. Upon investigation on the internet, I found that transmission failure in the Windstar is a chronic problem (along with the door locks and rear hatch failing). I believe the transmission should be recalled. Just fyi-our extended warrently expired one year ago.
The transmission in this vehicle failed at an unacceptably low mileage. When it failed, it caused a surging that was dangerous. The speedometer should not fail at such a low mileage. It fluctuates wildly. We do not have the resources to get it fixed and can't tell what speed we are driving.
Bought car 3/01-immediately replaced cat. Converter. Overdrive lt flashing-needed new transmission, torque converter, planetary gears, solenoids; had to realign'speedometer off by at least 10 mph; need new rack & pinion-power steering fluid leaking; nothing but problems have spent so much money and also been without car for over a month -only had it 7 months!
While driving transmission went out. Vehicle jolted about 3 times, and then coasted to a stop. Vehicle felt like it was in neutral, and would not go into any other gear. Ford customer representatives are defensive when consumer talks to them regarding the problems and they are unwilling to help in any matter.
Prior to recall notiifcation (96S50) vehicle would go in and out of gear while traveling at speeds of over 50 mph, vehicle was taken in for recall to be performed, however transmission consequently failed, consumer believes that Ford knew that they built a defective transmission.
When driving vehicle fails to shift into gears which has caused problems when accelerating. Also, when brakes are applied a noise occurs in front end of vehicle cause unknown.
Transmission will not go into drive or reverse, it slips into other gear thatis not specified, dealership is aware of problem. Vehicle was in shop more than five times.
Transmission self destructed at 60950 miles. Wanted to add this to you list of failed Windstar transmissions in the hope that a recall may someday happen. Ford seems to know about this problem but wants to do nothing about it. I am out $2300. This was the cost to have my transmission rebuilt. At the present time I have recieved no financial assistance from Ford. I will keep trying until I get the money I spent to get my transmission rebuilt back, even if I have to use the legal system. Thank you for your time.
Original transmission failed at 37900 mi. - detected when trans fluid leaked onto hot engine part and smoked. Original warranty expired at 36,000 mi. Dealer told me that fmc would sell me an "extended powertrain warranty" for $250. The warranty would cover the previously diagnosed transmission failure and would cover any other major trans/engine problems up to 75,000 miles, provided I am still the owner of the vehicle. I purchased the extended warranty and was glad I did when the replaced trans failed ta 42,952 miles. The dealer replaced that trans, I had to pay a $50 deductible. In Jan. 2001 (58,100 miles) the warranty had to be used again. This time it was for "upper and lower manifold seals". however, this time it would cost me $213 because they also had to replace the spark plugs, which were not covered by the extended warranty. Just last month, 6/22/2001 the vehicles engine light came on again, just as it had in January 2001. The vehicle was running rough, stalling, engine was 'misfiring". the end result this time was replacement of the spark plug wires, coil assembly, A-S sensor, and a spark plug. This vehicle was sold to me as "not needing a tune-up until 100,000 miles". sure sounds to me like I've already had that tune-up and I'm only 1T 65,000 miles!! then theres the A/C problem(s). In June the A/C was only blowing air through my defrost vents on top of the dash. The dealer repaired a "vacuum leak" and now they replaced a high psi switch, cost was $100 each time.
A D V E R T I S E M E N T S
- Oceanside, CA, USA