1999 Ford Windstar: sudden loss of power

Filed Aug 2, 2012 · Body, Engine · 85,243 miles · NY

Subframe gave out, engine dropped and car was towed to my home.I had just exited a highway going 55mph. I was driving the to car to attend a work related event early evening. I drove past the entrance and proceeded to turn around on the road. As I approached the intersection the van lost power. I stopped being able to steer and brake. I turned hard on the steering wheel to move off the road. I was able to pull into a turn lane and fortunately there was very limited traffic on the road. The car came to a full stop on its own and there was a loud scrapping noise coming from under the front of the car. I was towed to my home. The tow driver stated the " subframe had given away and was dragging on the ground. It required a flat bed truck to tow. My mechanic confirmed the subframe had collapsed . The cost to fix was prohibited and I was concerned about the safety of the vehicle I contacted ford about the problem and they responded that there was no recall at that time. The car remained in the driveway in the event there was a recall on the vehicle for over one year. I finally decided to donate the car having not been contacted by the manufacturer. I was contacted that there was a recall identifying the problem in 2011 I am filing this complaint due to the fact that I was financially disadvantaged by the delays of the manufacturer to identify and notify me of the recall in a timely fashion.

Filed Jun 30, 2011 · Transmission · 45,000 miles · IL

Tl* the contact owns a 1999 ford windstar. While driving approximately 60 MPH, the vehicle began decelerating and losing power. The vehicle was towed to the dealer where the technician advised that the transmission seal had failed and caused transmission fluid to leak when the temperature of the vehicle increased. The technician also advised that the transmission would need to be replaced. The vehicle was towed to an independent mechanic where the transmission was replaced. The approximate failure mileage was 45,000.

Filed Mar 16, 2011 · Transmission · NC

1999 ford windstar. Consumer states while stopped at a traffic light there was a sudden loud noise like an explosion and then vehicle lost power and she barely got through the traffic light *tgw the consumer had the vehicle to towed to the dealer where they informed her the transmission needed to be replaced.

Filed Mar 3, 2010 · Steering · 177,000 miles · PA

Tl*the contact owns a 1999 ford windstar. While driving 50 MPH the vehicle lost power steering. The contact has not had the power steering diagnosed. The failure mileage was 177,000.

Filed Nov 19, 2009 · Transmission · 92,000 miles · TX

Sudden loss of power being transmitted from the engine to the wheels (later determined to be a failed torque converter that also destroyed the transmission).

Filed Dec 13, 2007 · Engine · 108,000 miles · GA

Subject vehicle is a 1999 ford windstar van with 3.8 engine; this vehicle has not been operational since july 15, 2007 due to stalling problem. After reaching operating temperature, it may stall at any time. At speeds above 40 MPH you can maintain control of vehicle, but under 35 MPH vehicle becomes difficult to control due to engine shutdown and loss of power steering and brake assist.

Filed Aug 6, 2007 · Engine · 120,000 miles · IL · crash

We were involved in an accident yesterday due to our 1999 ford windstar not operating properly. We had 7 people in our van including small children. Luckily, none of us were injured, but the potential for injury was definitely there. As we were approaching a stop light at about 35 MPH the ABS brake light and battery light came on and we lost all power. We had no brakes or power steering. It was evident we were not going to be able to stop so my husband opted for the ditch. Steering was very difficult and we hit a stop light on the right hand side of the road with the left front end of the van and eventually came to a stop about 4 ft. From a utility pole. The van was driving fine with no indication of malfunction prior to losing all power suddenly. We have in the past experienced the battery light or the ABS brake light coming on when it was raining or after driving through standing water but have not experienced losing all power until yesterday. We have also had problems with the engine cutting out after driving on the highway for awhile and then driving on city streets at lower speeds. It seems that when your driving on just city streets at lower speeds we don't experience this problem, and also not typically while we are on the highway driving at higher speeds (although we have had it cut out a couple times on the highway). It seems to usually occur after we have been on the highway driving at higher speeds for awhile and then exit on to lower speed roads. The engine just suddenly dies. We can typically start it right back up again, but it will continue to die and start back up several times.

Filed Aug 5, 2004 · Steering · 63,000 miles · NY

Power steering leaking at steering rack on 1999 ford windstar. Approx. 63,000 miles on vehicle. Intial inquiry with mechanic; replacement of rack. Vehicle should not be driven until repaired, loss of power steering at driving speeds can cause loss of control. What is being done regarding this premature failure?

Filed Dec 8, 2003 · Steering · 680,000 miles · VT

Sudden loss of power steering...1999 ford windstar 68000 mile need driving pump & rack replaced @ $1000. After speaking with number of friends and visiting forums, note that this safety problem appears widespread. Apparent design defect. Ak

Filed Jun 30, 2003 · Steering · NC

The power steering rack is leaking which causes the vehicle to lose power steering while driving.

Filed Jun 26, 2003 · Electrical, Steering · 67,844 miles · FL

While driving, the vehicle lost power steering which made the vehicle difficult to control. *jb the power steering pump was replaced, and also the wires were burnt. Ph

Filed Nov 10, 2002 · Steering · WI

Very loud grinding jet engine sound when turning and also when just idling. The power steering fluid was black with metal chips indicating there was a problem with the pump or rack and pinion. I took it to a dealership and they flushed the pump. The noise went away for one day and on my way out of town, it started again causing me to lose power steering. The noise was terrible and I couldn't turn the wheel. I was one hour away! I have checked and there are 32 reported cases of this same problem. It seems to me that there should definately be a recall on this particular problem! It seems to have been reported for at least a year and nothing seems to have been done about it! Please contact me and let me know what I have to do to get a recall done on this! I am now looking at paying more than $800 to replace a part that is obviously defective! Please help! Dt