10.0
really awful- Crashes / Fires:
- 17 / 4
- Injuries / Deaths:
- 14 / 0
- Average Mileage:
- 4,103 miles
About These NHTSA Complaints:
The NHTSA is the US gov't agency tasked with vehicle safety. Complaints can be spread across multiple & redundant categories, & are not organized by problem. See the Back button — blue bar at the very top of the page — to explore more.
« Read the previous 20 complaints
I wrote earlier today. I just noticed that the Ford dealer added 10000 miles to my odometer figure. My van has only 47527 miles, not 57527. I will have them correct my service paperwork. Also I wrote a letter to Ford today. Thank you for your help.
- Fayetteville, NC, USA
Just before coming to a stop vehicle would jerk violently. After stopping, when stepping on the gas pedal, there was no response at first. Then vehicle would suddenly jerk forward. Transmission had to be replaced for over $2100. We have carried no heavy loads, and we live in a level area with no mountains. Transmission had routine 36,000 mile maintenance with change of filter and fluid as recommended by manufacturer. We think this is a premature failure and a serious safety problem. We have read on the internet of many similar failures of this make, year and model transmission.
- Fayetteville, NC, USA
Hard shifting from 2nd to 3rd gear, also hesitation while driving in freeway. Can feel shaking while on freeway. And can smell transmission fluid.
- Modesto, CA, USA
Automatic transmission failed prematurely. Manufacturer and dealer contacted and denied any responsibility. New transmission installed with incorrect speedometer gear. Stopped by state police and issued a citation for speeding at 74mph in a 65mph zone. My speedometer was reading 65mph! I believe a incorrect speedometer gear is responsible for the original transmission failing since it seems the speeds seem the same now as when I had the original transmission. I'm used to the same speed yet the speedometer is low by about 10mph!
- Willowbrook, IL, USA
Speedometer replaced at my cost of about$400 for part and labor at dealer. At the same time we requested the transmission be checked because, after being warmed up, at stops the van would not go when gas was applied, then would lurch forward after a second or two. The "transmission guy" was out, and we were told there might be an internal transmission problem. Someone advised us to change the transmission fluid and filter, as this can sometimes do the trick in what appears to be a serious problem, we did. The problem got worse while we waited for the dealer's tranmission man to return. We sought a private transmission repairman. This very reputable repair company told us there were quite a few problems with this model van and transmissions and that it was a cracked aluminium front clutch piston. We were given a repair estimate of $1200 to $1400. We began investigating and found hundreds of similar complaints on the internet. We returned to our dealer, information in hand. At this time the van is at the dealer, being repaired because Ford has agreed to pay half the cost of parts and labor to repair the transmission, and will waranty the repair for 1 year, 12000 miles. I am unable to send my VIN because the van isn't here.
- Baltimore, MD, USA
This vehicle has been in for service since we bought it new for engine check lights and poor runability. Compression tests ran in November because engine ran poorly. Dealer replaced oxygen sensors, and then a month and a half later, the head gasket failed. Ford would not honor the recall since it expired on Dec. 31,1999. I think the dealer missed the diagnosis all along, the gasket was failing. The failures of the gasket and transmission along with the numerous sensor replacements has cost me about $5800. These problems are too numerous in numbers, many 95 Ford Windstar owners are having the same or worst problems. These problems are well known to Ford and they refuse to take responsibility. You must make these recall issues to force them to improve their quality.
- Parker, CO, USA
Transmission would not go into reverse. Transmission had to be rebuilt. Potential cause was piston assembly in transmission.
- Broken Arrow, OK, USA
Transmission hesitates when shifting out of 1st gear.
- Fenton, MO, USA
Transmission problems.
- Washington, NJ, USA
Transmission felt like it was dragging. Dealer contacted and stated there was a major problem. Repair work done but problem still exists.
- San Marcus, CA, USA
No summary listed for this vehicle.
- Wayne, NJ, USA
Ford covered the cost for the head gasket at 117000kms. But as yet have not reported to them about the transmission untill I get the final bill (tues. March 23/99) I have now 126000kms on vehicle. I am a resident of Canada, and would like to submit complaint to an authority here if you could advise me of one. Thanks.
- Mapleont. Canada L6a-2t5, NC, USA
Transmission needed overhaul. Dealer recommended replacing the transmission pistons due to a new material being used.
- Coral Springs, FL, USA
None
- Timonium, MD, USA
On March 4th while driving on an interstate, my 95 Windstar van lost all power and I was forced to pull over to the side of the road in very heavy traffic. The defect, that of a head gaskket, was under a recall but I was nver notified by Ford nor by the dealership who is also supposed to provide customers with this information. Ford will not fix my vehicle and has no desire to maintain safety ont he roads because there are many many stories of Windstar owners having the same problems or worse. Please do something about it! thank you
- Voorhees, NJ, USA
No summary
- Guyton, GA, USA
I blew the head gasket on the engine 2 weeks ago, and now the transmission is ready to go as well..after all the people with this transmission problem, im surprised Ford hasnt had a recall on this as yet.I know I live in Canada but I hope you can help me in some way..tks very much...
- St-Luc Quebec J2w-1t3, AK, USA
Leaking oil from seals of steering rack, oversized cylinder bore, dealer replaced. Noise in front end when turning and hitting bumps, dealer never has fixed it, its been in shop 4 times before 2 years they told me if they could fix one they could fix them all. The sound is still there, it never was fixed. Now the transmission wont go into 1st or reverse, leaving you maby out to far into the traffic lane with no way to back up and get out of harms way.Ford has known of this defect in mid 1994, but sold defective transmissions till mid 96. Then they replaced the alum. Piston that fails, with a steel piston. I feel Ford is responsible for repairs knowing beforehand they would fail prematurely under 70000 miles in most cases.
- Burlington, IA, USA
Transmission had to be rebuilt.
- Lagrange Park, IL, USA
- Winnetka, CA, USA