Transmission failed @ approx. 24,000 miles without warning, had to be towed, took 3 weeks for dealer to replace, transmission failed again with approx. 49,000 miles, unable to get out of 1st gear, drove to dealer for repair - transmission has never seemed right on this car - at a reguarly scheduled service appointment we specifically asked the dealer about the transmission, they said it was fine and shortly thereafter the transmission failed - upon review of the other reported complaints re: transmissions for the 98 windstar,I do not feel I drive a reliable car - I have also had brake problems with this vehicle - they started smoking when driving in the mountains - I have also had problems with power window locks as well as problems with oil leakage
1998 Ford Windstar transmission complaints
Page 9 of 12: complaints 221 to 250 of 330, newest first, as owners wrote them.
07/2000 problem involves automatic transmission downshifting causing critical handling situations. In the incidents to date 2 have occurred when traveling approximately 50mph, the vehicle would seem to downshift, the RPM was jump and the engine would be accelerating as a result of this. The other 2 incidents have occurred traveling approximately 70 MPH with again the transmission apparently downshifting causing the rpms to jump, the engine to accelerate and a handling problem related to the noted factors. The power control module was reset by a ford dealer after a staff when turning that nearly resulted in an accident. The vehicle would shut down (turn off) during slowing such as stopping for traffic lights or turning into a driveway.
I am reporting a transmission that has to be rebuilt after having 20,000 miles in the new mini-van. This is just one of 6 windstar minivans of different years whose transmission had to be fixed. One of the mechanics told me that the reason this incident happened is because the engine is too big for the transmission. I have since finished my lease with the ford dealer and purchased another car - a toyota sienna. I would rather patroniz an american manufacturer but I don't really have any luck with them. My husband's ford contour had many problems too. My neighbor had to have her transmission rebuilt too. I have not seen any recall on the car so I am reporting this. I know I am about 1 1/2 years too late in reporting but better late than never. Don't get me wrong. I loved the windstar and its safety features. I leased two of them but I needed to buy a more dependable car and it seems that I have one right now with my totyoat sienna. It is made in georgetown, kentucky. Thank you.
Consumer was traveling about 55mph on the highway and it was raining, and ABS light came on the dashboard. Also, traction control light was blinking, saying the system was off. Abs brake system stopped working.
The sensor ring for the ABS system failed. The entire axle had to be replaced at a cost of over $300.00. I have the part that failed and found that the part had a manufacturing defect. But have been unable to get any compensation from ford motor company.
While traveling vehicle was making a loud noise and would power not gain due to blown transmission. Please provide further information.
No summary listed for above vehicle.
Computer module that controls ABS system failed, also affects the traction control feature of the vehicle, that also has failed. Cost to replace part is $980. Plus labor. This is a major component of the ABS braking system, which is part of the vehicles safety features and a failure so earlier in the life of this vehicle is absurd. The maintenance person at the dealership said there was a bulletin out on this but we can't find it. My sister and brother-in-law have the same year and model of windstar and are having a failure of their traction control feature which is intermittent but their dealer can't find the cause.
1st to 2nd bang when shifting on slow acceleration (repeats often), fuel pump continually cuts out when parked on slight downhill, still 6+ gallons left. Only since replacement of fueltank and gas pump due to electrical short
Consumer's child was able to put the keys in the ignition, shift gear into neutral, and vehicle rolled backwards, hitting a parked car. Consumer has contacted manufacturer. Owner believes that you should not be able to switch the vehicle into gear without pressing the brakes. *ak
When we first took our windstar in the front end was making a growling & grinding noise, and the transmission was shifting hard and jumping. The dealership checked the transmission out they said everything appeared to be normal, but they check the transmission fluid and it had "metal" in it. They also tols us that the front left & right tie rods needed to be replaced because they "had a defect" . The dealership has replaced the transmission in my van 2 times now, it still does not shift like it should but they "can't get it to duplicate" and now they want to "flush" my power steering fluid they say the power steering fluid has broken down. When I questioned them about this thay tell me this is normal. I have checked with several independant mechanics and they tell me that my power steering pump is going bad, or the rack & pinion is going out. There has to be something causing this. This van is not 2 years old yet and there are to many problems with this vehicle.
Experienced total catastrophic failure of transmission. Despite never towing anything and always performing recommended routine maintenance.
While driving at 60 MPH the car downshifted to a low gear causing the RPM's to race and the car to lurch. Was able to pull to side of busy highway without incident. Ford dealer replaced map sensor and rebuilt/replaced the transmission. Ford company paid all but $200 as part of their "customer goodwill program". I think there should be a recall on the transmission and if so, I would like my $200 refunded to me. The tie rod ends failed right after the warranty period. Even the dealer alluded to the fact that they were probably factory defects, that they should not go bad then. The 'open door sensor' stays on even though all of the doors are closed. This happens sporadically. It may happen twice a day and then not happen for days. The automatic doorlocks have not worked properly since about 40,000 miles. I have to manually lock/unlock the sliding door. And to top off all of my problems, last week I had a mouse in my glove compartment! The design of the glove compartment lets you look right into the engine, and a mouse got in there and chewed up my maps and clean paper napkins. I am not happy! And that will be a safety issue if I am driving and someone opens my glove box! I bet you have never heard that one! My biggest concern is the transmission. I hope to hear from you about that. Thank you very much. Nancy
While driving and pulling away from a stop vehicle stalls and shuts off. Dealer is aware of this problem. The part to correct problem is on national back order. *ak
The van stalled on two separate occasions at busy intersections. After stopping and then pressing the accelerator the van crept along. After going through the range of gears several times then it starting moving again.
While traveling 65mph the car downshifted to second gear!
The speedometer stopped working. As a result, when driving speed cannot be determined. Dealer has been contacted.
Two incidents of sudden acceleration, one causing damage to our vehicle and the one ahead as I was parking next to a curb. Second time was in driveway when entering garage; slammed on brakes to not hit house. Numerous incidents of hard 1st to 2nd gear shift at 15 MPH; sounds like a hard thud. Ford overfilled trans. Fluid 1/2 quart as a fix in november; replacing valve pump now in january.
Transmission failed as driver stepped on the gas to cross the highway. Vehicle stopped, almost causing it to be hit. Consumer had experienced other problems with the transmission prior to this incident--sometimes would not shift out of first gear, or only work in second gear. Transmission replaced by dealer. *ak
Vehicle has a jerk at low speed (1st and 2nd gear).
Transmission has been replaced three times. Nlm
Vehicle has been in the shop seven times in a two and a half years. Repairs included transmission replacement, brake calipers replacement, and the electrical system problems.
Transmission "pump failed, causing planet gears to come apart.
1)all 5 lugs: nuts sheared off from the right front passenger hub, causing the wheel to leave the vehicle. The body of the vehicle traveled approximately 200 feet until it stopped. 2)the rear brakes had to be replaced with new pads and rotors. Dealer couldn't explain why this was a problem. 3) the next day the right passenger mirror electical system no longer worked. 4)the parking brake consistently does not disengage after use. We no longer use it, possibly creating a safety hazard. 5) the vehicle intermittently stalls out at low speeds or upon stopping. Additionally the initial gears shift hard and loud. 6) the rear seat will not move on the track.
While in park child was able to put car in park, consumer indicated that in order to put a car in park consumer has to put foot on the brake. But child was standing in the seat and put car into drive and it went into a chained fence. Consumer says when bringing it out of park or drive it makes a loud poping noise. Took to dealer, they can't find the cause of the problem.
Both outer tie rods replaced. Mjs
At 40-60 MPH the transmission shifts into neutral unexpectedly.dearel has replaced the transmission twice. Manufacturer notified.
Transmission willnot engage while in park. The dealership told consumer that they couldn't duplicate the problem.
Transmission shutter & hard shift b/t 1-2 gears -transmission replaced twice - ford advises no fix at this time - problem worse and now is going into a neutral like position earratically when going 40-60mph. Also very hard downshift (like in drive2) when going downhill - problem still exists
The transmission failure occured and the ford said they would replace the transmission if I paid $500 to buy and extended service plan covering upto 75000 for the power train, a requirement for replacing the failed component. I am extremly unhappy that this transmission failure ocurred and is also reported widely by hundereds of ford windstar owners for example look at the internet sites complaining about the failed transmission.(eg., www.fordwindstar.com). Ford must fix the transmission problem of these minivans.
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