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.
3.8L V6. Check engine light, lean code. Had intake manifold gaskets replaced at my cost in Oct 03 at 70K miles. Check engine light again in Feb 05 at 90K miles. Intake manifold gaskets again. At my cost again. Ford customer relations does not feel it's a problem.
When trying to park the vehicle it launched forward. The consumer had to turn the vehicle off in order to stop the launching. The dealer stated there was a gasket kit that will prevent the intake gasket, gas leak.
There is a problem with Ford egines. When it is cold usually a temperature below 20 degrees the intake manifold gaskets don't seal correctly, causing a engine error in the computer. My dealer says over the last 3 years they will fix about 50 a season and already this short season they have fixed about a dozen including my 1999 Ford Windstar.
Transmission problem with 1999 Ford Windstar on several occasion. (transmission slippage) these problems have existed since the vehicle was first purchased; engine trouble, vaporization leaks, and a broken gear. There were also worn front brakes, steering was inoperative, and there was a vacuum leak due to the upper intake manifold.
While driving at any speed when it rained or the air conditioner was running the vehicle stalled. Once the vehicle stalled the consumer had to wait a half hour or more before restarting. This problem has occurred at least three times a month in the last three months. The dealer has examined the vehicle twice and could not find the problem.
- Far Rockaway, NY, USA
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* vehicle leans since purchased Sept 13, 2003. * allignment problems. * transmission does not properly change gears. * low treads on tires. * a frame problems. * suspension steering makes a clunking noise. * brakes must be pumped to stop, and make a ticking noise when applied. * vehicle has overheated. * power steering fluid leaked. * gears do not shift properly. * primer scotch guard on seats wearing after coat applied.
Heat failed in July, pin to flap in evaporator case assembly had broken off. Whole assembly has to be replaced requiring tearing apart the dashboard. Part alone cost $326.40 check engine light kept coming on - found pressure leak at gasket. Had complained about engine sluggishness for years and was told the computer could find nothing wrong...after gasket was fixed, no more engine sluggishness. Ford would not cover saying the problems could not be tied together to justify warranty repair!! power steering went. First attempted flushing system. After failed again, replaced pump, after that did not fix the problem, had to replace entire system. Ford replied to my request for coverage that this was the first case they had heard of this problem in a Windstar and to keep my receipts so that I might get consideration if they do something in the future. I feel these problems are excessive for a 50,000 mile car...Ford agrees but says the average number of problems is much lower so they still class their car as very reliable!!!
The rear ac unit went out around 75K never got it fixed but when we had the car serviced the computer panel was reset and it worked again at 96K. The engine light came on and stayed and we never got it fixed. The gas gauge light came on and we had it fixed at 98K and I don't know the cost. The van was recalled because of the windshield wipers and the rear ac unit. There wasn't no cost.the details of the fire. My wife got out her car for work and about 20 minutes later the fire trucks were there. Our adjuster said the fire initiated behind the passenger seat in the ac and heating control panel. The vehicle was totaled on 12 Sept. The vehicle had 119K on it now. If there is anything else you like to ask me feel free to. I am really upset with Ford on the way they handled this entire situation especially when they know there have been reported fires from recalls located on the web sites. I
We first had to replace the transmission at 49000 miles for $2000. Just a few months later the engine failed at 53000 miles. To save money, we purchased a used engine from a wrecked Windstar van for $900. My husband and father did the labor themselves. Then in July 2003 we had to replace the shift solenoids which cost $500 for parts and labor. Now, just a little over a year from replacing the first transmission, the van is in the shop again with transmission problems. Any advice you can offer would be greatly appreciate. Thanks for your time.
We have taken this van in for repair fivetimesin one year. The first month we had it the head was replaced. The power steering has gone out for now the fifth time. I actually lost controlof the vehicle due to beingunable to turn the steering. My husband has to drive me everywhere because only he can turn the steering wheel. Each time we take it for repair we are charged a deductible and I can not do this anymore. This is obviously a lemon. Marshall mize Ford in chattanooga Tennessee is where the vehicle was purchased in January of 2001. They also have performed all service on this vehicle. Ford has not been understanding of why my payments have been late, but when you are having these kinds of issues such as electrical, transmission, air conditioning, and engine malfunctions, it does not take a genius to figure out why a woman with a family who depends on this vehicle as reliable, safe means of transportation is having difficulty. Maybe if their product was of better quality, my children would be in a safe vehicle, and Ford would get their money on time.
I am having lots of troubles with 1999 Ford Windstar since the day I bought from dealer (lew webb Ford, garden grove). 1. currently my van has manifold leakage. This has occurred immediately after the Ford dealer fixed my transmission leakage. The price quoted is $1200 out of which I have to pay $540. I have already spent lots of money in maint & repairs. Before this I had to take my van to dealer for following problems: Transmission leakage at 37000 miles. Front & back brakes at 37000 miles. Electrical system failure. Couple of recalls. Currently it has approximately 50600 miles on odometer and I have been communicating to & fro with dealer. For the current problem dealer has offered me 55% in assistance. But my problem is I am wasting lots of time, money & energy to have all this problems fixed. I would prefer to hand this van back to dealer or atleast get more assistance from dealer or Ford company. Please advise me of any further action I should take. My phone number is[xxx]. thanks in advance for looking into this matter. Information redacted pursuant to the Freedom Of Information Act (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6).
The transmission went out again on 6-21-03 with just under 60000 miles on van. Both transmission failures wre sudden without any warning slippage etc. Both trans failures left the vehicle with no forward gears, but reverese worked each time. The fluid has been changed properly and the van is well maintained.
Check engine light came on. Took van into shop to have checked. Through diagnosis and contact with local Ford dealer, determined that intake manifold gaskets were leaking, requiring a 700 plus dollar repair to correct the problem. Have since found out that Ford has been aware of this problem for quite some time, have issued numerous service bulletins related to this problem, and have a " kit " available to repair. Believe that this is a manufacturing defect that Ford has been fully aware of for a long time, and there should be a recall so the consumer is not burdened with repair costs for a problem that Ford should have taken care of long ago.
Coolant leaking from engine block. Van never over heated. Found out this happens often to the 3.8 L engine....there should be a recall on this..should change from aluminum to steel or another metal that wont crack or warp so easily.
Vehicle was experiencing a recurring check engine light condition. Dealer replaced upper and lower intake manifold gaskets at our expense (at 48,000 miles). Check engine light has come on several times since. Vehicle is now stalling when stopped or at slow speeds, such as parking. Engine has a knock/rattle at open throttle. At 53,000 miles I feel as though the enging is starting to come apart.
A D V E R T I S E M E N T S
- Collegeville, PA, USA