1999 Ford Windstar: complete transmission failure

Filed Jan 29, 2016 · Brakes, Transmission · 125,000 miles · CA

Shifted from park to drive and entered into traffic lane. Pressed down on gas pedal but all that happened was engine revved up but vehicle would not go forward. Luckily, there was light traffic or I would have been hit. A helpful person pushed me to a safe place to park. I started the car and found that only reverse worked. No forward motion when put in drive, 2 or 1. I checked transmission fluid level and it was at proper level had vehicle towed to my house. Searched online and found this is a common issue with 1999 windstar's. Called a transmission place and told them what happened and was told I likely had suffered a transmission failure and needed a new transmission. I'm the second owner and the vehicle has approximately 125,000 miles on it. Also, the brake master cylinder failed in october 2014. Updated 03/28/16.

Filed Dec 18, 2011 · Transmission · 134,000 miles · PA

Took van in for latest recall, picked up with check transmission light on - was not on when we dropped van off for repair. Transmission failed shortly afterward.

Filed Dec 15, 2011 · Transmission · 130,000 miles · MI

With this windstar we now have 170,000 miles on it and have replaced the transmission 4 times, something is not right here. Have also had on going problems with ABS light on and sensors going out for ABS brakes. Have replaced them several times, would like to have a van that is drivable with not warning lights one.

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 Jun 29, 2011 · Suspension · 129,000 miles · VA

I was pulling away after getting gas in my windstar and heard a loud banging noise, similar to when the transmission went out. I immediately experienced loss of control in steering, with the steering wheel turned to one side. I was fortunate that I was driving only 5 miles per hour. The van was examined by an independent mechanic (not ford affiliated) and I was told the subframe has completely rusted through. The subframe snapped on the passenger side and is ready to snap on the driver's side. I was told that all it would take is for me to hit a pothole and the subframe would snap on the driver's side and the engine and transmission would fall out. The mechanic told me he has never seen a 12 year old vehicle with a subframe in that condition. He took pictures of the subframe and emailed them to several mechanic friends. I have since learned, by doing research on the internet, that ford recalled the windstars due to a subframe issue, but I was not included in that recall because ford does not deem virginia a state where they use salt on the roads in the wintertime. I live 10-15 miles from both maryland and dc, and they are both included in the recall. I live in northern virginia and we receive heavy snowfall during the winter. Because I live close to the beltway, the dot and local public works departments heavily salt the roads even before snow starts to fall. We have a permanent white coating on the roads from the salt during the wintertime. It is ridiculous that ford did not recall the windstar's in all states because they know there is a problem with the subframes on the windstars. They don't take into account people who may travel from state to state, or people who border a state where they have recalled the subframes, and frequently drive in those states.

Filed Jan 13, 2011 · Engine, Suspension · 240,000 miles · FL

Complete fracture of passenger side engine cradle causing steering issues. Fracture 1 to 2 inches from frame bolt. No other rust or fractures on frame or sub chassis, repairs by ford and goodyear of rack replacement and transmission replacement did not seem to warrant notification to me of pending issue with frame which could have caused major injury to myself or someone else. Note this car has been in florida with 1 owner not in salt belt states

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 Oct 5, 2009 · Body · 118,000 miles · NY

The car started pulling really hard to the right while driving causing a loss of control and almost an accident. The frame of the vehicle rusted in one spot on the subframe where it joins the frame around the mounting bolt. This is on the front passenger side of the vehicle. This has broken loose and there is subframe/control arm and other damage. Dealer said when a job like this is done there is usually a snowball affect with the damage. Atleast $2000. The rest of the vehicle is in good condition with a new transmission just pu in last year. Car is only good for scrap now. Definite safety issue. I have two kids ages 3 and 5 that were in the vehicle at the time.

Filed Jul 10, 2008 · Transmission · 1,000 miles · LA

Transmission shifts hard from 1st gear to 2nd gear. Transmission downsihfts hard to 1st gear at times. Problem has continued to get worse over time. At first just a little bump feeling but after about 40,000 miles got worse and now at 150,000 car is not drivable. Problem occurs almost all the time, 95% or more of the shifts. Transmission has been serviced with filter and fluid change every 30, 000 miles but the problem does not go away. Will try a neutral safety switch but may have to replace the transmission if that does not clear up the problem because it currently is not safe to drive.

Filed Jan 24, 2008 · Transmission · 79,000 miles · CA

Complete transmission failure at high speed on highway. Sudden hot smell coming from vehicle. Pulled off highway under power, no appearance of smoke, fluid, or other issue. Attempted to re-enter highway and found that vehicle would go forward with selector in "n"-no other gear positions worked. Vehicle moved to safety off highway (ford dealership). Complete transmission failure after moving to dealership. Note: this is the second transmission failure in this vehicle. Original transmission was replaced in 2001 with ford rebuilt trans by ford dealership.

Filed Jan 14, 2008 · Transmission · OH

I have a 1999 ford windstar minivan with just over 68k miles. I have just recently been told that my windstar is in need of a new transmission. I have had it in and out of the shop over the last 3 months. I have spent close to $1000.00 in repairs and now my transmission just drops. Why do I have to replace a transmission in a vehicle with less than 100k miles? I have heard from several people that this is common in this type of vehicle and I want to know what ford is going to do about this. I am not happy!