Tl* the contact owns a 1998 ford windstar. The contact stated accelerated in an attempt to pass another vehicle when the front end started to shake as the vehicle stopped accelerating. The contact stated that the engine continued running. The contact's mechanic also stated that the gears in the transmission were fractured. The failure mileage and current mileages were 178,187.
1998 Ford Windstar transmission complaints
Page 2 of 12: complaints 11 to 40 of 330, newest first, as owners wrote them.
Transmission failed on garden state parkway in nj, stranded in busy traffic.
Just wanted this agency to know that these particular vehicles are unsafe.I was driving in busy traffic, in major construction nonetheless on a 1 lane road and my vehicles transmission without warning quit working....backed up all kinds of traffic with no where to pull over and made all kinds of new friends....just letting this agency know this manufacturer should be notified.although it is now and older vehicle it is still capable of creating havoc...and potentially unsafe.couldnt imagine if I didn't have enough speed to make it to safely pull off, could of caused a pile up..
Popping in front end when turning or hitting bumps. The popping sound was often. Had new tires put on, and when I took it in to have front end aligned. Ford tech. Said front springs were broke. Was an est. Of $1200.00 on it can't afford. This was 5/20/2011. Contacted mfr about the recall that was issued on this part 7/12/2001. Was told there was nothing they could do, because of a time limit. How can they put a time limit on safety & peoples lives because the springs are broken,they can puncture the tires and cause an accident. Now we are without transportation. And my son is disabled and has numerous dr. Appts. Miles away. But my hands are tied. The mfr. Did advise to have another recall checked out which is the speed control because it can catch fire. When I asked why, you just told me it was unsafe to drive.he advised it could catch fire just setting in the drive not running. I was not notified of either one of these recalls by mail or other wise until I called to complain about the front coil springs. How does these billion dollar company's keep getting by with negligence? There are lots of recalls on this vehicle. Please help!
Tl*the contact owns a 1998 ford windstar. While driving approximately 50 MPH, the transmission became stuck in overdrive. The vehicle was towed to an authorized dealer who stated that the main control valve was defective; it was replaced. The contact later began having issues with the brakes as they locked up when the contact applied them to avoid a deer. The vehicle crashed into the woods as a result. A police report was filed. The contact sustained neck injuries. The contact was informed that the ABS tone ring seal had cracked; it was repaired. The failure continued and the dealer then replaced the tone ring and sensor. Months later, the brakes began to grab. The entire brake assembly was replaced four times. Furthermore, the contact noticed that the electrical system was defective. The switch assist in all doors was replaced in 2005. In 2011, the contact had the same failure with the switch for the driver side mirror. The dealer replaced the switch on the driver side mirror and checked the latches on the doors because the door light was constantly illuminated. The dealer also replaced all the sensor assists for the doors. The door ajar light was still illuminated. The failure mileage was 4,400 and the current mileage was 72,000.
1998 ford windstar has rusted engine subframe, which, if lets go would cause side axle and front tire to separate from van and cause loss of steering control,loss of braking, and possible accident.this was discovered while van was on ramp for oil change . Received recall on rear axle cracking and recall was done today by ford. Brought subframe problem to the dealers attention and they stated that ford was fully aware of this problem but could do nothing about it because ford had not issued a recall on this time. The service station owner which did my oil change expressed an opinion that he felt that the front subframe rusting was indeed much more of a concern than the cracking of the rear axle which has been recalled by ford. At present I am afraid to drive my windstar with this structural defect and I feel ford should remedy this defect in the same manner that they did with the cracking rear axle.
Ford winstar will not stay in park.
I own a 1998 ford windstar(manufacture date aug..1997. I have been having problems for a while. My van was making a whining grinding noise. Gear is hard to get out of park bad popping noise when backing up...replaced all 4 wheel bearings and both tie rod ends..still making a bad whining noise.3 days ago I was driving down the highway and the steering started acting weird and shaking and the back of the van started swaying back and forth .. Was told at the shop about the recall on axel I called ford and was told my van is not on the list my van has a excessive amount of corrosion throughout the whole bottom the shop told me this van has been exposed to salt. When I bought the van it had a inspection sticker from previous owner from one of the recall states.(pens) ford would not give me any information onwhat state it was sold in or dealer, what brand of axel that was being recalled (said they didn't know the brand) come on what company spends money on parts and don't even know the brand or manufacture they buy from. I'm scared to death to drive this automobile.. I think ford should honor there promise to its customers and fix this problem on all 1997-2003 windstars not just certain months of 1997 or does someone have to lose there life before they do something? Ford>>> you took our money for your product now stand behind your product.
Tl* the contact owns a 1998 ford windstar. The contact was driving 25 MPH when the transmission failed and the vehicle would no longer operate. The vehicle was towed to the contacts residence and the dealer was contacted. The dealer advised that there were no recalls and they were unable to assist. The manufacturer was contacted and offered no assistance. The failure mileage was 155,000.
Transmission: 1998 ford windstar mini van: while trying to turn around in a driveway, I put it in reverse and there was not a reverse or drive gears ,nothing. The motor revved, but could not move. I was stranded with no warning. Had to have it towed since it would not move. After doing research online, other owners, this is a common problem with the ford windstar mini van. I feel this is definitely a safety hazard. I agree with so many more consumers, why hasn't this been in a recall. It is very, very dangerous, since it just stops without any warning or problems. I realize it is too late for me since mine is in the shop already. However, I am on a limited income and probably will loose the vehicle due to no funds for the repair. If it had been on a recall, this would not have happened. This is my first ford vehicle and more than likely, will be my last! Please do your own research and you will see how common this problem has been. Thank you
Rear axle is fractured. Its has a 3 inch long crack on the rear axle toward the drivers side. We are the original owners of the van since 1998.
Tl* the contact owns a 1998 ford windstar wagon. While driving approximately 30 MPH, the contact heard a loud, abnormal bang. He stated he pulled over to inspect the vehicle and noticed that the rear axle had fractured in half on the left side. The vehicle was towed to his place of residence. The manufacture advised that the failure was caused by the weather, road conditions or moisture in the area. The manufacturer did not provide any assistance. The vehicle was not repaired. The failure and current mileage was 76,576.
Tl* the contact owns a 1998 ford windstar. The contact stated while reversing into a driveway, the rear axle fractured from the vehicle. The vehicle was taken to a local repair facility where the rear axle was replaced at the contacts expense. The manufacturer was not contacted the failure mileage was 164,948 and the current mileage was approximately 165,200.
Tl*the contact owns a 1998 ford windstar. While driving at approximately 45 MPH, the rear axle broke. The vehicle was towed to an independent repair shop but had not been repaired at the time of the complaint. The failure and current mileages were approximately 156,000.
Tl* the contact owns a 1998 ford windstar. While driving at speeds of 40 MPH, the vehicle began swaying excessively. The contact moved the vehicle off the roadway and noticed that the rear axle was fractured into two. The vehicle was towed to his place of residence. Neither the manufacturer nor the dealer was contacted regarding the failure. The failure and current mileages were 101,000. Updated 11/03/10.
Tl*the contact owns a 1998 ford windstar. The contact stated that the rear of the vehicle began to sway back and forth. When the contact looked under the vehicle, the rear axle broke on the left side. The vehicle had not been inspected at the time of the complaint. The current and failure mileages were approximately 135,000.
Van has been swaying when driving like a tire was low on air, kept checking with no tire problems but when backing out of parking space at work I heard a dragging noise. When I got out I found my rear drivers side tire leaning in. I jacked up my van to find the rear axle is broken about a foot or so in from the drivers side. I travel with 4 children and if this would have broken with them on the highway it could have been fatal, there is no obvious rust on the axle. I found a ford website that has numerous complaints of the axle breaking and I feel this needs investigated.
On december 16th 2009. I was driving down west 117th towards madison/lakewood in cleveland, ohio and was trying to come to a stop (slow down and stop) to allow an ambulance to pass (there was a car in front of me that was also slowing downa nd that came to a stop at the street lot)this is on a major street near an highway intersection. I put my foot on my brake to slow down the vehicle and come to a stop but it would not slow down or stop. The brake had went out. I ended up hitting the car in front of me hard (an SUV) and doing quite a bit of damage to my vehicle. The other driver vehicle was so far as I could tell undamaged. On my vehicle the front light is broken, my bumper is damaged, and my hood is damaged. I, myself and the driver I hit could have gotten seriously injured. So far we are bothfine and no injuries occurred. However he may turn around and come after me if he decides to. And I now can not drive my vehicle. I received a recall notice on my vehicle brake about a month ago around early november. Maybe in end of october. The very day of my accident (happened around 12:15 noon) I was going to go home and call ford about the recall. There is a worldwide recall on my vehicle model and many others. And I have had nothing but problems since I bought it. I have had to make numerous repairs on it and still had problems and this accident. Ford should be held responsible for this and should compensate me with another vehicle in good condition especially since I have spent so much time and money into replacement parts for this windstar. Or give me my money back or something. I'm glad my kids were not with me when this happened and that the man I hit was also alone and is ok. What can be done about this? I have had to replace the following items since I got this vehicle: o2 sensors (both), alternator, belt, windshield wiper blade, and make back blades don't work at all, the transmission, the steering column box, door handle and components inside and more!
Tl*the contact owns a 1998 ford windstar. While driving in reverse, she heard a loud popping noise and noticed that the rear left axle was broken. She notified a local mechanic and he stated that he would diagnose the failure at her residence the following day. The dealer stated that there were no related recalls for that year, make and model vehicle. The contact is waiting for a repair estimate. The failure and current mileages were 104000.
1998 ford windstar transmission fluid leaking out under the motor.
1998 ford windstar transmission failed. No warning, no problems prior to failure.
Tl*the contact owns a 1998 ford windstar. The contact observed red liquid leaking from the vehicle while attempting to park. Through online research, she discovered the federal safety agency campaign id number 97v097000 (power train:automatic transmission), but was unaware if her VIN was included in the recall or if previous recall repairs had been performed. The failure and current mileages were 124,528. Updated 02/24/09. *lj updated 02/24/09.
1998 windstar, transmission failure, complete overhaul , $1700.00 dollars, the van was bought for my mother, she's 81 , the van was thought to be dependable and left her on the road. Mechanic said the planetary gears were shot, new gears and torque converter, complete overhaul. The van was owned by my mother in law , bought new , when she passed away I gave it to my mother, two women drivers, over 60 years of age, so there was no abuse to the van, always taken to a mechanic for oil changes and maintenance,,,what gives...
I have a 1998 ford windstar van sv, I ave some transmission issues. I have to have a whole transmission overhaul done. I fount out that alot of the other owners of this type of vehicle has suffered the same. What we have fount out is that that model of vans have default transmissions in them. I want to know if I could at least have the transmission repaired or to know any information that will help.
I bought a 1998 ford windstar 3.0 l in 1999. In 2002 I received a recall to install front shields over the coil spring so I did. Yesterday the front coil spring punctured the front tire and broke the struts as well. When calling ford, they inform me that they can not tell me when my vehicle was manufactured, just that they will do nothing about it. They issued the warranty for 10 years from manufacturer date even though the recall did not take place until 3-4 years after manufacture date and I took my vehicle in for the recommended cure to the problem.
A faulty brake pressure differential deactivation! Switch is leaking brake fluid!
My 1998 ford windstar has broken both right and left coil springs. I've had to replace the transmission, my ABS and regular brake light won't go away even after servicing. My overdrive light keeps coming on and staying lit for days.
Tl*the contact owns a 1998 ford windstar. While driving at an unknown speed, the contact noticed smoke. She parked the vehicle, checked under the hood, and found that it was very hot and smelled like burned rubber. Fifteen minutes later, there was an engine fire underneath the hood. The vehicle was destroyed. A fire report was filed. The federal safety agency campaign id number 97v097000 (power train:automatic transmission) was referenced. The purchase date, powertrain, and mileages were unknown. Updated 04-08-08 *bf updated 04/08/08
Front stabilizer bar broke in half inside bushing none of the auto techs could find the problem for the part 2 years (not even during ny state inspections) so they past the van anyways untill finally one gave a tug on the passangers side of the bar and it came out of the bushing in their hands the tech said he never saw a bar break like that before and that was the cause for having to get the wheel hubs lowerball joints &tie rod ends replaced twice in one year along with the tires on the front of the van so the van sits in the drive way untill it can get fixed (finding the bar is the hard part)dealer said he could not locate one now what???? Any help would be greatly apreshiated also the dealer had to replace the tranny 4 times once about every 12000-17000 miles and one of the trannys only lasted for 325 miles before the van died on the ny state thruway on our way to canada from syracuse,n.y. Then it took the 5 weeks to fix the van and get it back to me so how could I be sure that the breaking of the sawy bar was not caused from the techs removing the unit x amount of times???????????along with the tie rods,wheel hubs,ect.
1998 windstar jerks when down shifting. *ts
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