1995 Ford Windstar: hesitation when accelerating

Filed Jun 10, 2008 · Transmission · 72,252 miles · KY

1995 ford winstar transmission failed at 72,252 miles. Transmission began smoking and fluid leaked out. While changing oil gasket, found chunks of metal in pan. Despite changing oil gasket and putting it new transmission fluid, car still hesitates and jerks at stop light, sign. Told transmission needs to be replaced.

Filed Jan 15, 2004 · Engine, Transmission · VA

Case 1 my family was coming home from vacation when the engine blew while we were on the highway. Smoke came up from under the hood and we were force to stop the van on a crowded highway. Thanks to a nearby truck driver who stopped behind us, we were able to call someone and get to safety. It took a lot of negotiation for me to get ford to take care of this matter, but they finally did. Now again on our recent trip to ga on 08-28-03 while driving home, our check engine light came on and overdrive light started blinking and the transmission blew. Transmission fluid leaked all out and on the back of our van too. It also started smoking underneath the hood and from the tailpipe. We were informed by freedom ford in norfolk va that we had transmission failure. Our check light has come on numerous occasions and despite their action it still keeps coming on. In addition, our overdrive lights blink, our cruise control do not work, the door adjar lights stays on at times even when the doors all locked and causing the inside interiors lights to stay on, our gears do not shift properly and gets stuck between gears and upon acceleration it sometimes hesitates, repaired coolant leak from timing cover gasket and front crankshaft seal, coil ignition, the air condition when on makes these strange noises, etc. Replaced. We are very dissatisfied with ford windstars and have spent more money on repairs than what it was worth. We even still owe on the van. Ford needs to issue a recalll or a refund. This is not a safe vehicle to drive. Please keep me informed. Thanks and god bless.

Filed Aug 29, 2003 · Acceleration, Engine · 10 miles · VA

It's us again!!! On our vacation to ga, about 250 miles or less, our engine check light came on. We went to the nearest ford dealer in lumbngton, nc and had an engine diagnostic done. The ford dealer was said they fixed the problem. Codes p1150, p1151, and another code. However the engine check light came on again while in ga and then went off. I called the ford dealership back in nc and he stated that we should be okay and should make it back home safely. On our way back home the check engine came on again aroound nc-va and s no warning lights came on, nor did the engine overheat and it was driving okay. We decided to pull over at a rest stop and thats when the car hesitated to move and then smoke came out from the tailpipe and underneath the hood and leaked out all the transmission fluid including all over the back door and windows was greasy from the leak. . This is the second time something like this has happened to us while driving long distance. Thee vans are very unsafe to drive and ford needs to do a recall on these vans. We have put more money into this van then I can imagine in a lifetime. These incidents has also cause us unneccesary strain. In addition, our door ajar lights comes on, cruise control don't work, our gears do not shift correctly and gets stuck between gears, overdrive light starts blinking when we try to use it, the air conditioner makes strange noises when using it and driving,etc. It just does not work. I am very unsatisfied with this van and would appreciate a remedy and prompt solution. This is our only means of transportation and we still owe more than what the vehicle is worht. Please help us and contact me when you have receive this. Thanks and I look forward to something being done to take care of us ford windstars owners. We would also like reimbursement for our emergency expenses,tow charges to freedom ford from emporia, virginia. We also had our oil changed by freedom ford before we left and a 15 point multi inspection done.

Filed Jul 8, 2003 · Transmission · PA

While applying gear into drive vehicle hesitates and vibrates.

Filed Apr 17, 2003 · Transmission · 43,145 miles · OH

The automatic transmission hesitated to shift gears, and when it did shift gear, it shifted hard. The transmission was replaced 3 times and the torque converter was replaced 4 times.

Filed Mar 27, 2002 · Engine · KY

Consumer states whenever the vehicle is accelerated from a stopped position or while driving, the vehicle hesitates before accelerating, this condition has occured on two occasion and blown head gasket each time on the 3.8 v6 engine. Dealer and the manufacturer were notified. Nlm

Filed Mar 12, 2002 · Acceleration · TX

When applying gas pedal vehicle would hesitate in first and second gear. Rpm display would jump around. Dealer rplaced speed sensor, and problem still exists.

Filed Feb 28, 2002 · Acceleration · PA

Intermittently vehicle stalls out/ hesitates and dies when accelerating. Vehicle starts up immediately after stalling. Dealer has repaired vehicle several times; however, problem has not been corrected.

Filed Jan 26, 2002 · Engine, Transmission · NC

Consumer stated that check engine light constantly illuminated, tech advisor determined it was the heated oxygen sensor which was replaced, however when pressing the accelrator, the engine hesitated, consumer received warranty extension on head gasket, the engine ultimately failed, and the head gasket was replaced under the extended warranty, however the hesitation problem improved but the engine did not respond as well before, the heistation became worse and it was determined that the engine had failed, but not due to the head gasket, consumer received a second opinon by an independent mechanic and was informed that water was detected in the #6 cylinder and determined that this caused the engine to fail, the mechanic attributed the root cause of problem to be a head gasket failure, however manufacturer is not honoring warranty stating that the gasket was replaced previously and that the dealership determined that the failed engine was not due to gasket failure, and also the independent mechanic was not an authorized ford repair facility.

Filed Nov 29, 2001 · Brakes, Engine · AL

I've have the transmission replaced/rebuilt 3 times, meaning this is my fourth transmission. Twice in 1999 alone and both times serviced by coastal ford. I had the engine head gaskets blow, also in 1999, and serviced by coastal ford and I also had to pay for that, which was over $1,400.00. I just replaced the transmission again in nov 2001 (for my 4th transmission in 6 years). I've replaced the brake ABS system and had the brakes serviced repeatedly for new rotors, and other componants (not the usual pad replacement). I've written ford and the local ford dealership several letters over the years and they have never replied to me. I have spent well over $12,000.00 in repairs on this van several thousand in rental car charges, even when it was a known ford recall and ford would not even cover the cost of the rental. Van always hesitates and engine races and slows while stopped.

Filed Aug 7, 2001 · Acceleration, Transmission · NC

When trying to accelerate vehicle would hesitate. It would downshift and then slip, trying to catch and then slip again. Would not go into gear when pressing accelerator pedal. Would catch eventually, and then take off. Have taken to dealership , had transmission replaced. Replacement transmission acts like the previous transmission.

Filed Jul 17, 2001 · Acceleration · WA

Whenever at a stop light or sign would start to accelerate. Vehicle would hesitate first, and then jerked forward. It was an intermittent problem. Have not taken vehicle to dealership. *ak consumer went to aamco to get transmission fixed and was told this was a common problem in the 1995-1996 windstar vans.