Car only has 72000 miles. Had car at dealership from March 17- March 24 for various problems. They replaced a tie rod, 2 control arms for $1100 and when that did not fix the problem, replaced the power steering pump and the steering rack. Car was still not right - had appt to bring back in on Friday April 1st. On March 30th, I was accelerating at a stoplight and the vehicle had an abrupt transmission failure. (when we got it back from the dealer it had a vibrating issue but we did not have warning this was coming) just a huge bang and then it wouldn't move. The police had to help me remove the vehicle from the intersection and assist with my two small children. It had to be towed at my expense $70. Warranty expired at 60K. Took it to another repair establishment (due to issues with the dealer) - will be $2200 to rebuild entire transmission. Will be contacting manufacturer.

- Salem, WI, USA

1999 Ford Windstar: Tie rod ends degraded at 60,000 miles, sending bits of metal through the seals in the rack and pinyon steering system; generated very expensive repair. Could have caused dangerous accident. Mechanics first replaced power steering pump, whcih did not correct problem. Second repair was replacement of R&P steering system. Repair was over $1,000.

- Keizer, OR, USA

While driving at 45 mph consumer noticed that the vehicle was running roughly. Several seconds later, engine check light came on. Vehicle was taken to the dealer, who informed consumer that the intake manifold gasket needed to be replaced. The intake manifold gasket was sucked into the engine, causing the engine to bind. Dealer also made repairs on front end, power steering, electrical system, and tie rod ends. A 4-wheel alignment was also performed by the dealer.

- Antioch, TN, USA

Consumer complained about tie rod and steering gear box problems.

- Blue Springs, MS, USA

Concerning: 1999 Ford Windstar with with 59,000 miles. Recently our vehicle started making a strange rubbing sound when turning and rapidly started to get worse. We took our van into the Ford dealership for service and were told that the tie rod ends were shot. The repairman (at Ford) told us that we are lucky we got it in for service when we did. Apparently the tie rods could have broken at any time while driving! the van is well taken care of and I don't understand why the tie rods would be in such bad shape. This seems like a manufacturer concern and certainly a safety concern for all of those who Transport their families in a Windstar! I'd like to see Ford cover the cost of this repair and tell me why my families' safety was put into jeopardy while driving such a new vehicle.

- Bellingham, WA, USA

Consumer stated the tie rod was jammed.

- Niagara Falls, NY, USA

Consumer states vehicle makes unpleasant rubbing, groaning noises when the steering wheel is turned, the dealer informed consumer that the tie rod ends are defective.

- Lanesboro, MN, USA

The tie rod knocks when the steering wheel is turned a certain way. Nlm

- Milan, MI, USA