1999 Ford Windstar: shudder or vibration when accelerating

Filed Jun 24, 2010 · Transmission · NY

1999 ford windstar van. Consumer states problem with front end shudders on acceleration, sometimes doesn't move at all when gas is pressed *tgw the consumer stated she took the vehicle to the dealer for a recall and shortly thereafter, problems developed. Four days later, the dealer informed the consumer the vehicle needed a new transmission.

Filed Jun 4, 2010 · Transmission · 114,000 miles · NM

1999 ford windstar experienced a sudden transmission failure at 114,000 miles despite having absolutely no prior issues of this nature. I was at a red light approximately 1/4 mile from the on-ramp of I-25 when the vehicle shuddered and jerked before accelerating; after pulling over to check for damage (as I was sure I had hit/run over something), I found nothing unusual and proceeded onto the interstate. The vehicle operated normally for approximately 25 miles at freeway speed until I was stopped at a red light. Upon trying to accelerate, the engine would only rev regardless of the gear I used, at which time I contacted an automotive shop to tow the vehicle. Currently, I am awaiting a call from the shop after their full diagnosis, which I will update this complaint. A sudden problem of this magnitude is perplexing as well as potentially costly. After reading pages of complaints similar to mine, I have no doubt that the high(er) mileage of my vehicle at the time of this incident speaks to the level of regular maintenance I have provided. Please consider seriously investigating the numerous complaints similar to mine before a life is taken as a result.

Filed Jan 4, 2005 · Transmission · 56,500 miles · CA

My wife was driving our 1999 ford windstar and without any prior events, the transmission started to "slip" when taking off from a start. She promptly drive home 1.5miles and by the time she got home the van could not be driven because the transmission shuddered so bad when you stepped on the accelerator. We had the van towed the next day and were given news of a transmission failure and a $1900 repair bill. The car only had 57,000 miles.

Filed Jan 15, 2004 · Transmission · 33,331 miles · NY

Purchased used 11/15/02. Upon 2nd routine oil change was advised that I had a trans. Leak pan gasket. Took the van to dealership (nemer ford) where purchased, advised them that the van was not shifting properly in addition to the gasket needing replacement.they advised me that the gasket did need to be replaced and that I should have the transmission flushed and serviced, I agreed to this service. There was still slight shuddering when shifting, but not like it was. Upon taking it in for the 3rd routine oil change, I advised them that not only was the shuddering getting worse, but now the o/d light is flashing and the RPM's are jumping around. Also told them that when you initially start the vehicle there is a momentary grinding noise. Picked up the van and returned it for the exact same issues 19 days later. I have yet to take it back to the dealership as we are still experiencing all of the exact same issues, with the added twists of interior lights coming on when we hit bumps and turning off when we hit the next bump, when using the right hand turn signal, upon straightening out from the turn the left turn signal comes on all by itself, and last but not least there is an odor that can only be compared to raw sewer coming from under my hood, not sulfer, but sewer. To date the solenoid has been replaced, as has the torque converter, (with much resistance from the warranty company) I have a hard time believing that the ford corporation is unaware of these problems, as I am clearly not the only consumer dealing with these issues. Thank you for your time, tiffany m. Sanchez

Filed Sep 29, 2003 · Transmission · 49,000 miles · VA

One day everything worked fine in the car, next day,the car won't shift properly in all gears and shudders while at a stop. Two different repair places have told me it is definitly a failed transmission. I'm currently at 49k miles on the car... Way too early for this to happen. According to all the posts at cartrackers.com, lots of others have also had the same problem with ford winstars.

Filed Sep 23, 2003 · Transmission · 95,000 miles · IN

My 1999 ford windstar with 95000 miles experienced complete transmission failure due to three now updated problems that ford does not want to recognize or be responsible for. The first is a shudder during the 1-2 upshift caused by a faulty solenoid which is now updated in the reman transmission. The second is a faulty torque converter that was also an updated item and causes my van to not want to shift at the appropriate times. The third is slipping which occurs at highway speeds and is caused due to a faulty clutch piston which is also an updated item in all remanufactured transmissions for that make and model. For it to be a coincidence that all three caused premature trnsmission failure and all three also to be updates is undeniable evidence that the original transmission was not engineered correctly or not manufactured correctly. This should be recalled or be covered by extended warranty because after reading bulletins and similar complaints it is clear that ford know all about this and is trying to just cover it up.

Filed May 29, 2003 · Transmission · 57,000 miles · CA

Constant transmission shudder during upshift. Unlike the tsb dealing with shudder while cornering, this problem occurs all the time. Mechanic indicates that likely cause is failure of the piston in the foward clutch. A very common problem in windstars. Consequently, it causes insufficient acceleration form a stop making crossing intersections unsafe.

Filed Jan 17, 2002 · Engine · SC

While driving at a speed of 40mph. The windstar began to unexpectedly shudder and make a loud rattling noise. Engine check light flashed and the van violently bucked. We managed to get to our house. Van would not start after turning off. Dealer called and van towed.dealer checked problem and found the #5 piston had failed and had caused major engine damage and failure. Est. Replacement cost $4,000. Dealer was not sure if this was related to the earlier model windstar 3.8l v-6 problems causing failure. I am the second owner and warranty is expired. We are waiting to hear from ford but the dealer said they may decline to assist in replacement cost. I now have a $16,000 blue paperweight. The sudden jerkiness of the engine failure almost caused my wife and two kids to run off the road . The piston in the motor dropped down into the oilpan area. Engine now has to be replaced at 48,692.miles. Doing research into your database, from owners of 1995 windstars and a few 1999 models, I noticed a similarity in detail descriptions of the head gasket failure and resulting engine failure. This vehicle was very well maintained, I am the second owner. It was purchased new as a leased vehicle. I bought it after the lease was over. I hope you can investigate this engine flaw/defect with ford and I can get satisfaction

Filed Jun 5, 2001 · Steering · MO

Power steering has been making noise for almost two years. It is loud enough that others turn and stare. In addition, it now shudders and grinds when turning the wheel at a slow speed. It is not as easy to steer although it is not as hard as without power steering. I have been continually told ford motor is investigating the problem but it's been almost two years and nothing has been done. I've had several surgeries on my arm/hand and if I totally lose the power steering function, I'm not sure I could maintain the grip on the wheel if I needed to do some fast turning. The dealer has told us that there are many windstars with the same problem and that ford doesn't know how to fix it. I've also been told if I buy another new one, I may have the same problem as they still have not fixed the problem. We are at a loss as to how to deal with this. Who in the world would take a trade in car that costs $31,785 new but now sounds like a piece of junk. If I go back to the dealer and buy another windstar, I may have the same problem all over again according to ford. We were obviously sold a defective new product and have been trying to get the problem corrected for almost two years to no avail. *akthe dealer keeps telling us ford is working on the problem and when they figure it out, they'll fix our car. In the meantime, the noise and shuddering/grinding are driving us crazy. The only assistance ford motor has offered is a $2,000 customer appreciation certificate good only at joe machens ford for another ford product. Since I have need of a mini van and they are telling me the 2001 or 2001 windstar may have the same problem, I find their offer insulting. I'm very concerned, with the number of miles I drive, that the power steering will eventually fail since it is not as easy as when we first purchased the vehicle. With my arms/hands the way they are, I'm really not sure my grasp would allow for swift turning of the wheel should the need arise. Help!!