1997 Ford Windstar transmission problems

Filed Jul 26, 2006 · Transmission · 146,000 miles · FL · fire

Dt*: the contact stated, while the vehicle was immobile with the engine running, smoke erupted from under the hood. The engine was immediately turned off and the vehicle was vacated. The hood was raised and flames looked as if they it was coming out of the engine compartment. The fire was extinguished and the vehicle was towed to the home of the contact. The manufacturer was alerted. There is a the federal safety agency recall #97v097000 pertaining to the power train:automatic transmission. The vehicle is not included in the recall due to the VIN.

Filed Jul 1, 2003 · Transmission · NY

Consumer stated that while driving at any speed and without warning transmission failed, causing a distraction to the consumer. Dealer notified.

Filed Jan 8, 2003 · Transmission · WA

Sudden catastrophic failure of the transmission on my 1996 windstar, 86,000 mi. Proper maintenence had been done. I see there are many complaints here with the same problem. The federal safety agency it is time to step up and force a recall. How long do the consumers have to bear the brunt of this obvious defect. We don't have the $3000 they want for repairs. What happened to comsumer rights? The way it stands now I will never buy another amercian car. Is that what you want for the economy. You have to hold corporate america responsibletoput out quality vehicles. You have the power. Do what you are there to do, protect the consumer, not the corporate money.

Filed Sep 3, 2002 · Transmission · ID · crash · 2 injuries

Vehicle was parked and key was not in the ignition the child was able to put vehicle in drive and it rolled, hit a tree, proceeded across the street into a utility pole, the dealer was contacted and stated that this was normal.*ak

Filed May 21, 2002 · Transmission · MA

At 60000 miles speedometer malfunctioned, and consumer could no longer read the speed on vehicle. Dealer replaced speedometer cable. *ak

Filed Apr 1, 2002 · Transmission · WI

Consumer states the speedometer is inoperative.

Filed Feb 26, 2002 · Transmission · CA

While driving speedometer suddenly started to read the wrong speed. Consumer stated it bounced all over the place. At times consumer did not know exactly what speed she was traveling. *ak consumer states that the problem was solved but she was overcharged.

Filed Feb 6, 2002 · Brakes, Transmission · CA

Tracking system light comes on without prior warning. And brakes are not operable. Light on the inside comes on intermittently. Dealership is aware of problem.

Filed Dec 29, 2001 · Transmission · CA

Speedometer started twitching very little at about 34,000 miles. Thought nothing of it because it was so small. After warranty was over it would swing wildly from 50 to 110 MPH. Also makes a grumbling sound. Unable to determine speed . Dealer is replacing speedometer for @$600.00 at this time. Edmunds and other car sites have lots of complaints just like mine. Dealer said they know just how to troubleshoot this problem...must be lots of experience. If this is how they build these and charge me a ton to fix the defective equipment, I will be lloking for a honda or toyota next. Seems like a safety issue when you do not know how fast you are going...been using the tach for a long time myself.

Filed Nov 30, 2001 · Transmission · OH

We were driving on the interstate at 70 MPH with the cruise control on. Without any warning, the van went out of gear , the engine revved up, and all acceleration stopped. We pulled off the road and tried to get the van to go back into gear - any gear - and it wouldn't. There was no warning of a problem - no noises or leakage of fluid or anything unusual.