When attempting to park, especially when parking between two vehicles and I need to proceed slowly and with caution, my engine has a sudden, momementary surge of approximately 500 RPM each time I turn the steering wheel. This causes the vehicle to suddenly lurch forward. I have had a few close calls due to this sudden movement when stopped for pedestrans to pass in front of me, I have turned the steering wheel slightly and when the vehicle surges forward, they look at me like I was attempting to run them down. As of this date, I do not know why it is doing this.
1999 Ford Windstar engine complaints
Page 3 of 6: complaints 41 to 70 of 136, newest first, as owners wrote them.
Head gaskets on my ford windstar 3.8 liter are leaking coolant at 83.9k miles. Had a 1994 ford taurus with same problem. Had to junk car at 70000. That was 20000 after I had it fixed for the same problem the first time at 38000. Ford has had many problems with this 3.8 v-6 but don't want to admit it.
1999 ford windstar has problems with the ignition as well as the heater pipe and upper intake seals.*mr the consumer had to giggle the steering wheel and/or shift lever to get the key to turn in the ignition.
Consistently complained about the engine light on since I bought the car. At 32,000 miles, they replaced the intake gaskets. Engine light still came on, was told it was something minor. I complained numerous times about the engine light. They would reprogram the warning and within one day, it would come back on. Now, with the new emissions standards, my car will not pass inspection. I was told the intake gasket has to be replaced. When I spoke to ford, they just say "we are sorry it is not under warranty". Well, they should have fixed it properly from the beginning.
Vehicle failed emissions during a routine safety inspection. Consumer stated he did not smell any fumes inside the vehicle, however, the exhaust system was defective.
The intake manifold gaskets and transmission have been replaced in the consumer's 1999 ford windstar. *bf
3.8l v6. Check engine light, lean code. Had intake manifold gaskets replaced at my cost in oct 03 at 70k miles. Check engine light again in feb 05 at 90k miles. Intake manifold gaskets again. At my cost again. Ford customer relations does not feel it's a problem.
When trying to park the vehicle it launched forward. The consumer had to turn the vehicle off in order to stop the launching. The dealer stated there was a gasket kit that will prevent the intake gasket, gas leak. *ak
The check engine light in my 1999 ford windstar came on. Shortly after that, my coolant was disappearing, it was being sucked into my engine due to a blown head gasket. Eventually the engine locked up due to insufficient lubrication (coolant mixing with oil). I replaced the engine. The van had a 3.8l 6 cylinder engine made in canada.
There is a problem with ford egines. When it is cold usually a temperature below 20 degrees the intake manifold gaskets don't seal correctly, causing a engine error in the computer. My dealer says over the last 3 years they will fix about 50 a season and already this short season they have fixed about a dozen including my 1999 ford windstar.
Transmission problem with 1999 ford windstar on several occasion. *bf (transmission slippage) these problems have existed since the vehicle was first purchased; engine trouble, vaporization leaks, and a broken gear. There were also worn front brakes, steering was inoperative, and there was a vacuum leak due to the upper intake manifold. *sc
1999 ford windstar suddenly spurts antifreeze from intake valve gasket. Ford dealer notified and I was told that they knew it was a problem with the 3.8l v6 and they would not fix the problem because they could not guarantee the work since it was a design problem. Also, told that "extended warranty" for the problem was expired.
While driving the check engine light appeared on the dashboard and remained on. The driver was able to drive it to the dealer for inspection. The mechanic informed the driver that the vehicle was placed on a diagnostic machine. The mechanic informed the driver that the gasket intake seal and manifold valve cover needed replacement. Please fill in additional information.
While driving at any speed when it rained or the air conditioner was running the vehicle stalled. Once the vehicle stalled the consumer had to wait a half hour or more before restarting. This problem has occurred at least three times a month in the last three months. The dealer has examined the vehicle twice and could not find the problem.
I bought this car used and from the day I drove it off the lot I have put a few thousand dollars in it. The engine light keeps coming on with codes 171/174 lean on bank 1 and 2 I have replaced the o2, the egr, the differential, I have had the upper intake gasket replaced and the egr hoses cleaned. The light still burns. I have had nothing but trouble with this car since buying it and I will never buy another one.I also had to replace the brakes, the struts and the stablizer bar , as well as one of the tie rods. This van might look great but it runs like crap we have spent enough on this used van to have bought a new one.
Vehicle was taken for the emission test inspection, and did not pass the inspection's test. The dealer was notified. *ak the failure was due to a faulty design of the valve cover which was sending oil to the pcv system. Intake gaskets were also replaced.
While driving at 45 MPH consumer noticed that the vehicle was running roughly. Several seconds later, engine check light came on. Vehicle was taken to the dealer, who informed consumer that the intake manifold gasket needed to be replaced. The intake manifold gasket was sucked into the engine, causing the engine to bind. *ak dealer also made repairs on front end, power steering, electrical system, and tie rod ends. A 4-wheel alignment was also performed by the dealer.
Engine check light stayed on. Dealer stated that engine head gasket needed to be replaced.
While driving vehicle reached high temperatures. Independent repair shop determined that high temperature was due to intake manifold failure.
Check engine light on 1999 ford windstar on come on 4 times in last two months. A "lean condition" was reported first 3 times from shop. Replaced fuel/air filter, spark plugs/wires and some hoses. Light came back on again same day it came back from shop. Seems like many other consumers are having same problem (see website - http://www.cartrackers.com/forums/live/ford windstar/493.html). When will ford have to stand up and take responsibility for their defective design instead of the customer being nickel & dimed to death (some fixes aren't exactly nickels and dimes either).
Check engine light came on. Took van into shop to have checked. Through diagnosis and contact with local ford dealer, determined that intake manifold gaskets were leaking, requiring a 700 plus dollar repair to correct the problem. Have since found out that ford has been aware of this problem for quite some time, have issued numerous service bulletins related to this problem, and have a " kit " available to repair. Believe that this is a manufacturing defect that ford has been fully aware of for a long time, and there should be a recall so the consumer is not burdened with repair costs for a problem that ford should have taken care of long ago.
The engine coolant is missing and #4 spark plug is getting damp causing check engine light to come on.
* vehicle leans since purchased sept 13, 2003. * allignment problems. * transmission does not properly change gears. * low treads on tires. * a frame problems. * suspension steering makes a clunking noise. * brakes must be pumped to stop, and make a ticking noise when applied. * vehicle has overheated. * power steering fluid leaked. * gears do not shift properly. * primer scotch guard on seats wearing after coat applied.
Heat failed in july, pin to flap in evaporator case assembly had broken off. Whole assembly has to be replaced requiring tearing apart the dashboard. Part alone cost $326.40 check engine light kept coming on - found pressure leak at gasket. Had complained about engine sluggishness for years and was told the computer could find nothing wrong...after gasket was fixed, no more engine sluggishness. Ford would not cover saying the problems could not be tied together to justify warranty repair!! Power steering went. First attempted flushing system. After failed again, replaced pump, after that did not fix the problem, had to replace entire system. Ford replied to my request for coverage that this was the first case they had heard of this problem in a windstar and to keep my receipts so that I might get consideration if they do something in the future. I feel these problems are excessive for a 50,000 mile car...ford agrees but says the average number of problems is much lower so they still class their car as very reliable!!!
The rear AC unit went out around 75k never got it fixed but when we had the car serviced the computer panel was reset and it worked again at 96k. The engine light came on and stayed and we never got it fixed. The gas gauge light came on and we had it fixed at 98k and I don't know the cost. The van was recalled because of the windshield wipers and the rear AC unit. There wasn't no cost.the details of the fire. My wife got out her car for work and about 20 minutes later the fire trucks were there. Our adjuster said the fire initiated behind the passenger seat in the AC and heating control panel. The vehicle was totaled on 12 sept. The vehicle had 119k on it now. If there is anything else you like to ask me feel free to. I am really upset with ford on the way they handled this entire situation especially when they know there have been reported fires from recalls located on the web sites. I
We first had to replace the transmission at 49000 miles for $2000.00. Just a few months later the engine failed at 53000 miles. To save money, we purchased a used engine from a wrecked windstar van for $900.00. My husband and father did the labor themselves. Then in july 2003 we had to replace the shift solenoids which cost $500.00 for parts and labor. Now, just a little over a year from replacing the first transmission, the van is in the shop again with transmission problems. Any advice you can offer would be greatly appreciate. Thanks for your time.
Mileage was 49600, total cost for the repair was $2600.00 but our cost was only $2072.00 because drew ford in san diego, ca helped us cover some of the cost. The itemized bill said the remanufactured transmission was $1702.28. The tranny went out with no warning lights and no sign of giving out. My wife usually drives it but I had just driven it the day before and I am in tune with odd noises and the van had none. 8/22/2003 in the evening when she pulled into our garage and was still moving forward, it stopped. It didn't move until the engine was rev'd pretty high then it would kick in violently. That lasted about 2 or 3 times while trying to finish moving it into the garage when a huge grinding sound took place and the van did not move again until the tow truck took it away! I am outraged that the van was so young when a major component went out like the transmission. And after combing the web for others who have experienced this, I found plenty of people. I think ford motor company should pay for this. I figure they won't, though.
We have taken this van in for repair fivetimesin one year. The first month we had it the head was replaced. The power steering has gone out for now the fifth time. I actually lost controlof the vehicle due to beingunable to turn the steering. My husband has to drive me everywhere because only he can turn the steering wheel. Each time we take it for repair we are charged a deductible and I can not do this anymore. This is obviously a lemon. Marshall mize ford in chattanooga tennessee is where the vehicle was purchased in january of 2001. They also have performed all service on this vehicle. Ford has not been understanding of why my payments have been late, but when you are having these kinds of issues such as electrical, transmission, air conditioning, and engine malfunctions, it does not take a genius to figure out why a woman with a family who depends on this vehicle as reliable, safe means of transportation is having difficulty. Maybe if their product was of better quality, my children would be in a safe vehicle, and ford would get their money on time.
I am having lots of troubles with 1999 ford windstar since the day I bought from dealer (lew webb ford, garden grove). 1. Currently my van has manifold leakage. This has occurred immediately after the ford dealer fixed my transmission leakage. The price quoted is $1200 out of which I have to pay $540. I have already spent lots of money in maint & repairs. Before this I had to take my van to dealer for following problems: transmission leakage at 37000 miles. Front & back brakes at 37000 miles. Electrical system failure. Couple of recalls. Currently it has approximately 50600 miles on odometer and I have been communicating to & fro with dealer. For the current problem dealer has offered me 55% in assistance. But my problem is I am wasting lots of time, money & energy to have all this problems fixed. I would prefer to hand this van back to dealer or atleast get more assistance from dealer or ford company. Please advise me of any further action I should take. My phone number is[xxx]. Thanks in advance for looking into this matter. Information redacted pursuant to the freedom of information act (foia), 5 u.s.c. 552(b)(6).
Transmission is primary issue has shifting problem at low speed, has over 8 tsb on the issue and has new transmission installed but still have problem the other issues are clearly common for this model as well, but this transmissionand fords lack of support from their service and dealers is unacceptable.
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