In the time from July 1999 to December 1, 1999 the following components have completely failed: Automatic transmission, head gasket, timing chain cover gasket, valve cover gasket. The cost has now run over $5,000 and Ford will not admit one ounce of responsibility despite having previous secret warranties on exactly these components on exactly this engine and transmission.

- Manahawkin, NJ, USA

The automatic transmission began to fail in Oct 1998. Shifting to overdrive would not occur or would shift back and forth causing a bucking motion. After first trip to the dealership the filter and fluid were changed. The the condition worsened until the transmission would not shift into 3rd gear at all. This was then repaired but still does not shift properly all the time. The head gasket needs to be replaced now at 84,000 miles. I have seen these common problems on websites and thought I should report as they are the same type that seem to re-occur on this model.

- Glastonbury, CT, USA

The transmission problem is reported to be a small ring (like a sponge cake) which cracks.

- Milan, MI, USA

Transmission failed causing jerking and bucking. Mjs

- Swansea, IL, USA

April 1999, vehicle was taken to bob tomes Ford in mckinney since the engine was smoking. The head gasket was replaced at a cost of $1001. A letter from Ford indicating possible failure of the head gasket had been received 1 year earlier, but the dealer indicated that the gasket did not need replaced. When it did fail, we were past the 60,000 miles indicated by Ford as covered under warranty. Since there was still smoke coming from the vehicle, it was taken back to the dealer (bob tomes). They indicated that the transmission needed replaced. Since they had initially said that the smoking was due to the head gasket, we sought a second opinion at a local transmission shop (economy transmissions of mckinney). They replaced the transmission at a cost of $1353 (05/07/99). Approximately 1.5 months later, the torque converter in the transmission failed. Then approximately 1 month later, the torque converter failed again and had to be replaced. Since then, I've noticed these same two problems listed on several web bulletin boards associated with the 1995 Ford Windstar minivan. In fact, 2 class action lawsuits are being prepared to bring against Ford at this time. I will probably submit my name to those lawyers. (see www.cartrackers.com/forums under lemons or minivans). Obviously, this site has over 2,000 complaints listed for this particular vehicle. In comparison, my 1992 Toyota Celica has just over 50 complaints listed. It would seem like Ford has known about these 2 problems for a long time and has continued to ignore the complaints. Many people who have contacted their customer service personnel have been very disappointed at the lack of cooperation received. I will register a complaint with them, although I sincerely doubt that it will be of much value. This is a case where our government could be of extreme value to the consumer. Please do what's right and necessary. Thank-you.

- Mckinney, TX, USA

Transmission downshifts when vehicle is coasting, then upshifts when throttle is reapplied.

- Parkville, MD, USA

Door ajar light and chime remain on when all doors are securely closed.

- Parkville, MD, USA

Transmission: Needs to be replaced at 64527 miles, headgaskets were replaced at 48000 miles and need to be replaced again at 64527 miles.

- Landenberg, PA, USA

Transmission going to fail soon; dealership failed to diagnose in 1997 under oem warranty. Head gasket blew, dealership repaired at no cost. Gasoline smells during and after driving.

- Richardson, TX, USA

No summary listed for above vehicle.

- Fair Play, SC, USA

Failure of forward clutch piston. Orginal was made of aluminum and was replaced with a steel piston. Work done by an independent transmission shop due to the dealer refusing to cover the costs. Also have had problems with head gaskets, electric harness, ignition wiring

- Severna Park, MD, USA

Transmission jerks foward after stops. And rolls backward on slight inclines. Causing the potential to collide with surrounding vehicles.

- Goshen, NY, USA

Engine head gasket blew, causing white smoke to eminate from tailpipe and engine to overheat, resulting in destruction of engine. I had to replace both head gaskets, and had a remanufactured engine installed. My transmission and power steering rack also failed before this. What next?

- Valparaiso, IN, USA

The check engine light was coming on anytime I drove on an trip over 60 miles. After having it checked out and checked out, I could never get an answer about the problem. Found out later that it was due to the head gasket being bad and dumping engine coolant throug the exhaust which in turn destroyed the catatlytic converter and sensor. However the computer would never give the codes that this was the problem. While checking this problem out, I had it in a transmission shop that knew of Ford's transmission problems, and stated that this Windstar had all the signs of a leaking aluminum pump in the transmi. Cost was just under $1000. Still the problem was not fixed. A guy said to check the exhaust, so I had the exhaust checked and found the catalytic convertor had melted down. Had them replaced, still the problem was not fixed. My mechanic happened to be talking to the parts dept at a Ford dealer and they mentioned the secret recall on the motor. So I checked on it and they said the mileage was too high (keep in mind that the van was doing this when I purchased it at 82,000). My mechanic pulled the head off and replaced the front head gasket where the #4 cylinder had blown the gasket. He replaced all fluids. Several hundred miles later the motors main bearings went out due to having had engine coolant mixed with it for so long (told to me by the springfield, il Ford dealer where I was when the motor blew and by the springfield, mo Ford dealer where I live). Ford refuses to fix the problem and I can give you addresses of hundreds of other people who are having this problem, and this is just a group of people on the web, how many thousands of people don't know anything about this problem? Ford claims to have sent out recalls, but I have never received one nor have any others that I have talked with except for one guy I work with. He bought his van used and received this recall. I have gotten a recall on my van hood so they know where I live. Thanks, db.

- Springfield, MO, USA

The head gasket blew and we received a recall notice that Ford would cover up to 5 yrs. Or 60,000 miles, if they know they have a defective product, how can they put a cap on this. This has happened to many vans from 95 we were lucky we were not on the

- Clarks Summit, PA, USA

Will it take a fatality before Ford is made to recall this transmission" you say you do not need a specific number of complaints to force a manufacter recall. Why isnt something being done? customer service reps at Ford dont even understand, I was told by a customer service rep named nick that "Ford must have its own reasons why they have not recalled the transmission" well of course money!! I have had several close calls in my van. It decides to not go into reverse or drive and will slip out of gear. I have to have another transmission installed at around 2grand. Why has nothing been done? this is a reoccuring problem! when someone is killed it will be to late!! please investigate this problem. I wear my seatbelt, I dont drink and drive but im in danger everytime I drive this van. I just pray I dont kill myself or someone else. The amount of these vehicles on the road is staggering. Anyone one of them could have transmission failure at any time. So next time you see one keep your distance! one more question, would you let your family ride around in a death trap" I think not. Please make Ford do what is right. They saved a few bucks by installing an aluminum piston, but they put a lot of lives in danger.

- Keokuk, IA, USA

Transmission failed, burnt fluid, shuddering at highway speed, harsh engagement when starting out - required a transmission rebuild - Ford contacted but provided no compensation

- St.Thomas Ont Canada, OH, USA

We have just experienced the same problems that many owners of 95 Windstar complain about - blown head gaskets and transmission problems. We currently have our van in the shop and will be paying about $5,000 in repairs for both problems. Ford brushed us off since our car is over the 60,000 mile point.

- Burien, WA, USA

We have replaced the transmission twice. The first time at 72,000 miles and then again at 94,000 miles. The brake pads, rotors, tie rods, rear whell cylinders, front drive axle have also been replaced. The pads 4 times and the rotors twice, ground down in between. Now the head gasket has blown and possible caused enough damage to warrant replacing the whole engine.

- Waukesha, WI, USA

I have had numerous small problems with my Windstar. Large problems begin with the transmission going out in August of 1998. November 2, 1999 while driving at a speed of 35 mph my temperature guage read hot. I stopped immediately to allow the engine to cool down. When the guage showed within the normal range, I turned the car on and it shook and white billowing smoke rolled from the vehicle. I have also had problems with water being retained in the passenger side headlight, the doorlock motor, the driver window sticking and numerous additional small problems.

- Hamilton, OH, USA