In researching defect found in the Ford winstar, I have found numerous complaints by other owners about transmission failure. I have spoken with my local Ford dealer about this problem and he has acknowledged numerous (more than normal) failures in this model. Transmission failure is a safety related issue as the vehicle failed during driving on a busy interstate and had to be quickly driven off the freeway under limited power across several lanes of traffic.

- Olive Branch, MS, USA

This transmission is intermittantly not going into gear and when it is in gear and you are reversing direction (reverse to drive), it intermittantly lunges forward requiring you to have the brake on very firmly to avoid hitting the car ahead. Transmision doesn't always engage firmly when going between gears.

- Redmond, WA, USA

Transmission - cracked aluminum piston, no 1st or reverse, had to shift to second, brake, and increase rpms to engage in 2nd. Flywheel cracked resulting in immediate loss of power on residential street. Head gasket blew on residential street while stopped. Anti freeze leaking out of muffler, engine overheat.

- Montgomery, AL, USA

Sudden and complete failure of transmition. Replacement needed

- Cincinnati, OH, USA

Transmission slips starting from a start position.slips on upshift.consumer has contacted dealer and manufacturer. This is the third transmission.

- Sussex, WI, USA

Transmission won't shift into gear.the aluminum piston is cracked. It does not allow the fluid to build up sufficiently. Contacted dealer and manufacturer.

- Southgate, MI, USA

I have been extremely dissatisfied with the quality of my Ford Windstar. With the transmission repair I will have invested close to $4000 in the van. I have surprised and outraged by what I have found. I have searched the web and found hundreds of people that have had exactly the same problems. The ones that have called have gotten the same answer I have "sorry, we can't help that is not under warranty." I have found that I am not alone and I am hoping the government will step and make Ford stand behind their product. Quality is job 1 what a crock!

- Tampa, FL, USA

No summary

- Hicksville, NY, USA

Transmission failed to engage at times. Vehicle surged once transmission was engaged. Caused dangerous situation in congested traffic

- Orange Park, FL, USA

No summary

- Silverdale, WA, USA

Transmission failure causes inadvertent lunging acceleration. 6 Windstar at the transmission shop at one time for same failure.

- Folsom, CA, USA

Transmission would not shift properly. Would make clunking noises. Will be taking vehicle to dealer to have mechanic check it. Transmission overhauled due to severe slipping.

- Clinton, MD, USA

We just had the transmission replace in our Windstar. Our repair man told us that due to a aluminum part that fails under normal use is the reason for this. I have been checking this out and found many Windstar owners have had the same problem. This has got to stop. Ford can not get away with selling such crap!! and now two days after we spet 1,500 dollars on the transmission we find that our head gasket is shot. Two major repairs in a matter of a week is insane.

- Saukville, WI, USA

The failure is a planetary gear. This problem from what I have uncovered is due to aluminum piston valves and insuficient hose/orfice for the transmission fluid. Have found out through the internet that this is a very common problem due to design flaws. What is Ford doing for those of us who own 1995 Windstar?

- Rosemount, MN, USA

I would appreciate your looking into all of the defects concerning the 95 Windstar. Ford is taking no responsibility and this seems to be a huge problem considering all of the people that I am finding out are having the same problem. Even though there was no accident involved, breaking down in the middle of traffic, or having your engine die while on the interstate is a serious safety issue! I would really appreciate any help that you could give to me and all Ford Windstar owners! thank you!

- Oviedo, FL, USA

Would not catch a gear when starting from a standstill. Anti-freeze found in the oil.

- Monroeville, PA, USA

Transmission self-destructed exactly 4 years after purchase date. Eight months earlier, an independent mechanic detected "chunks" of metal intransmission fluid; I reported this to the dealer and was told not to worry and that no service was being offered or recommended. Dealer has offered to replace transmission and extend warranty to 6 years from date of orig. Purchase or 709,000 mi. (whichever comes 1st) for $495.

- Fayetteville, NY, USA

Headgasket on engine failed; this failure prompted engine damage that was irreparable. Had to replace engine. Now transmission is failing and it will not easily engage after a stop. Needs to be replaced, according to mechanic

- Elverson, PA, USA

Foward clutch piston within transmission failed, causing vehicle to hesitate and will not engage into first gear right away.

- South Willaimsport, PA, USA

Transmission slipping out of gear and not engaging correctly

- Kent City, MI, USA