1995 Ford Windstar: won't start

Filed Oct 24, 2005 · Tires · 118,278 miles · KY

I had the tread separate from this tire on our 1995 ford windstar van while going through atlanta, ga. 10/18/05. The flying debris bent the muffler up into the back right quarter panel of our van and caved in the wheel well. The inertia switch was tripped so the vehicle wouldn't start. We had to be towed to a ford dealership.

Filed Aug 31, 2002 · Brakes, Steering · KS

Consumer stated there was a starting problem, the vehicle would not crank but the lights would illuminate, consumer also stated that there was a rattle around the steering column and speedometer, dealer stated that the outer tie rod ends needed replaced and also stated that the failed tie rods were not used anymore due to a lubrication defect.

Filed May 28, 2002 · Engine · IL

Vehicle started leaking coolant and would not start. Contacted dealer, and dealer indicated head gaskets had blown.*ak

Filed Apr 19, 2002 · Electrical · NJ

Consumer states that the vehicle will not start at times. Contacted dealer who stated that there could be a problem with the ignition switch. Nlm consumer states that sometimes the ignition switch gets stuck and will turn on and the switch will go completely around.

Filed Nov 15, 2001 · Fuel system · AR

Engine would not start, dealership examined vehicle and determined that ground wire to fuel pump had experienced an electrical short. *ak

Filed Aug 19, 2001 · Brakes, Electrical · PA

I have had a continuing stream of endless repairs to this ford windstar. Staring with the water pump one week after purchase; then the left front spring and strut collasped; next the ABS system almost cost me my life by failing on a downgrade into an intersection; a compoent of the fuel injection system in the main computer failed; the rear master cylinder on the brakes was leaking; the transmission has never shifted correctly almost giving passengers whiplash; the rear power door lock on the tailgate has just never worked form day one; I did receive a recall for the hood and that was replaced; now the power windows operate without the key in the ignition, but the door locks do not work and the vehicle is totally diabled, it will not start or even try to turn over. I am just a nurse not a millionaire, I have paid almost $5,000.00 in repairs into this vehicle in the 2 1/2 years I have owned it. And now it is dead, leaving me with no transportation to work, my only source of income. Please help.

Filed Apr 7, 2001 · Electrical, Engine · OH

Engine overheated,dealer replaced with rebuilt engine.now 2 months later engine cranks,but wont start.had it towed to dealer.it is our only vehicle and we have 4 kids.this van has been in the shop every month since we bought it.is there anything we can do?it had to be towed 3 times!.

Filed Dec 26, 2000 · Acceleration, Engine · CA

Transmission: vehicle hesitates and has difficulty shifting up; engine revs up while attemting to upshift; must back off on accelerator pressure to "baby" it into shifting up; when slowing vehicle down, it downshifts with a "clunk;" sometimes gets stuck in park position; overdrive light blinks on and off for long periods of time. Engine cooling system: overheating; interior heating system inoperable; pipe of thin metal continually ruptures causing coolant and water to spew out. Engine: vehicle sometimes stalls when slowed down to turn a corner or to stop; vehicle sometimes won't start for five minutes or more after it has been started, run for two or three minutes and turned off.

Filed Dec 12, 2000 · Electrical, Engine · OH

Head gasket went out along with the starter & believed to be water pump also went out..all with in 2 days....no notice at all engine light came on when gasket blew.covered with a lot of smoke which filled my whole backyard.I turmed the van off and it would not start...I contacted paydays south where I purchased the van when they directed me to ricart ford in columbus,ohio.they had believed it was still covered under factory warranty.I spoke with a kevin daniels at ricart who was very nice and is going to set up a appt for us....also when we replaced the starter..we attempted to start the van and it made two very loud clanking noises.which left me very concerned about the damages done to the engine.

Filed Oct 23, 2000 · Transmission · OH

Our van was in the shop 6 times in 1999. The transmission is not right now and sometimes it will not start at all due to another problem. I hate to put any more money into this van but I will have to I guess. I can't afford to trade it in they don't want to give you anything for it. The transmission is dangerous in that you never know when it won;t go.

Filed Apr 7, 2000 · Electrical, Transmission · MI

When going to use the van one day, there was no reverse. All the forward gears worked. The reverse clutch drum had a crack in it and the whole transmission had to be rebuilt. When going to use the van on another day, it would not start. Both of these problems occurred with less than 50,000 miles on the vehicle with total costs of $1378.88 and $341.41.

Filed Mar 23, 2000 · Engine · CA

I have experienced multiple incidents with my windstar stalling while at stop signs and while driving on the freeway or highway. The car would not start at times and finally the engine would not start at all. The head gasket defect damaged my engine. I was forced to replace the head gaskets and have the engine and transmission rebuilt for a cost of $5,000.00 approx. Ford motor company refused to cover the cost of the damage caused by defects. I continue to have engine failure driving around town and on the freeway. My safety and that of my family is a risk each day that we drive in this car. I have asked ford to refund my money and they refuse to back their defective product. I continue to take my car back to the dealership for repeated attempts to fix the problem. During the last attempt, my van was at the dealership from 11/16/99 to 01/25/00 and the problem still exists. I am trying to hire an attorney to pursue a lawsuit. I am a single working mother and cannot afford to purchase another car. I purchased a windstar and have paid $367.00 per month for 5 years. I was looking forward to paying my car off and having a dependable car for many years to come. My car is almost paid off but it is unsafe and unreliable and ford refuses to reimburse me. I am an extremely unsatisfied customer and will seek legal action. Ford motor company does not back their unsafe and defective vehicles. Apparently human life is meaningless to this company or they would be more responsive to my problem.