Vehicle shifts very hard when changing gears.

- Columbus, OH, USA

This van has been an albatross! I had to take it in 3 or 4 times and get nasty before the dealership would admit that there was a transmission problem- and then agree to fix it. I know they were waiting for my bumper to bumper warranty to expire. The head gasket/engine problem absolutely fries me. No vehicle with 62,000 miles on it should require a new engine and head gaskets. That repair cost me $5000 and no one will help me. We all know about the 94 and 95 recalls. What about the 96's"?" the problem has not been fixed. I have called Ford customer service several times, and have tried the dealer for help. No one will help me. The concensus is this: Ford Motor Company does not care enough about the products they produce (or the customers who purchase them) to make an intolerable situation right. I have heard of so many cases like mine- Ford has definately lost a customer. If they won't stand behind their produsts, I certainly won't buy another one!

- Puyallup, WA, USA

Gears switched from drive to second, then it stayed in second. Took vehicleto a mechanic, and he said that metal chips were all in transmission and it needed to be replaced.

- Southbridge, MA, USA

Transmission quit operating at 85,000 miles. Transmission went out at 4000 miles. Consumer was traveling 10 to 15 miles on highway. Dealership wa saware of problem.

- Oroville, CA, USA

Cannot up shift to 3rd gear. Rpms go up and down when vehicle is on a slight incline.

- Greenfield, WI, USA

Transmission will fail to engage after making a stop. On the first incident, dealership could not determine that there was a cause because no computer code came up when examining vehicle, and there was not a transmission specialist available. A second dealership/mechanic observed the defect, but could not determine cause due to no computer code showing on vehicle. A separate mechanic advised consumer that defect could be a result from a piston within transmission cracking. Please provide any additional information/attachments.

- Hope, KS, USA

Vehicle has had two separate transmission overhauls. Vehicle has been to dealer five seperate times for engine problem. Manufacturer has been contacted but does not seem to be concerened with my issues or problems.

- Davie, FL, USA

Automatic transmission has been rebuilt due to the transmission not shifting into gear. After the transmission has been rebuilt consumer noted that overdrive light was illuminating on dash. Due to overdrive light being illminated on dash transmission could wear out again.

- Pitsburg, PA, USA

While driving transmission won't shift gears, and sometimes will stay in neutral where transmission will lose power while not shifting. A cause could not be found.

- Indianapolis, IN, USA

No summary listed for above vehicle.

- Clovis, NM, USA

When driving speedometer was waving back from 20 to 90 mph. Consumer contacted dealer, dealer noticed transmission pan had metal in it which caused transmission to be replaced. Also, noticed a fume odor in passenger compartment, and contacted the dealer. Dealer noticed that coolant and timing cover were leaking fluid onto head gasket.

- Providence, RI, USA

Transmission replaced around 40000 miles due to its jumping, RPM's went up and down. Currently, happening again. The consumer states the transmission had been replaced six times but the problem was not solved. As the result the consumer was very much concerned about safety.

- Townsend, DE, USA

When coming to a stop and trying to accelerate it was like vehicle was in neutral, it would roll, but couldn't go anywhere. Then, it would jump into drive.

- Waycross, GA, USA

My Windstar has had several problems which cannot be found or corrected by the dealer until now, they can see that the slipping transmission needs to be replaced. I am afraid to spend $2,500 on a repair as the other "undetectable" problems are quite scary and have made me question the safety of this vehicle for a long time. The biggest problem is that the brakes will occasionaly "grab" hold of the front right tire for a split second while I am driving!! it happens and lets go so fast that it has never caused a problem but I am worried one day it won't let go! the car also has some electrical failings that just make me feel this car is not worth fixing, my speedometer bounces all over the place, the door ajar bell rings on and on sometimes, and the passanger window doesn't always go up and down. I really feel I need a new car, but am quite sad about having a $24,000 vehicle that is only 4 years old and is only worth $5,500 for a trade in. I have heard there were so many transmission & head gasket problems with the 95's that Ford gives a special rebate upon trade in for a new Ford, can you help me"?"

- Acton, CA, USA

Van had been in for diagnostic check and maintenance on 9/21. No problems found. With no warning, transmission began to slip. Was able to drive in 2nd gear to repair shop and home, but told needed new transmission @$3500. This is my primary transportation used for business and home. Still owe $10,000. Can't trade with bad transmission. Please help

- Dayton, TX, USA

While driving 65 mph with cruise control on vehicle sped up. While getting ready to exit off the highway vehicle stayed under cruise control module. As consumer attempted to slow down, vehicle was moving 65 mph without any control from consumer. In order to make vehicle stop consumer had to press brake pedal with both feet, and shift vehicle into neutral. Eventually, vehicle was able to slow down, and consumer turned vehicle off, dealer replaced 2 lock tabs because one had slipped on the cruise causing it to stay on. Trip speedometer was replaced, it would not go past 799 miles. At 30 mph and over, the over drive light will flash. Left front wheel cover was replaced due to it making ticking noises at lower speeds. Sliding door squeaked, dealer lubed the sliding door. Front rotors replaced and rear drums turned, a clicking noise was heard.

- Oswego, NY, USA

In the past two weeks the transmission has slipped twice. When at a complete stop and accelerating the vehicle has to be put into park and then back into drive. This is very dangerous. There is only 56000 on vehicle. Battery light continually comes on this can be very nerve wracking when in heavy traffic.. speedometer fluctuates and flops around after 40mph, sometime sticks at 50mph. Rear wipers work when they want. We have just returned from serving 8 years overseas, this is our only vehicle and from the research we have just been able to start this Windstar is headaches with the same problems. I would like to be able to take my family to see relatives they have not seen in over 8 years but this vehicle is unsafe.

- Copperas Cove, TX, USA

In the past two weeks the transmission has slipped twice. When at a complete stop and accelerating the vehicle has to be put into park and then back into drive. This is very dangerous. There is only 56000 on vehicle. Battery light continually comes on this can be very nerve wracking when in heavy traffic.. speedometer fluctuates and flops around after 40mph, sometime sticks at 50mph. Rear wipers work when they want. We have just returned from serving 8 years overseas, this is our only vehicle and from the research we have just been able to start this Windstar is headaches with the same problems. I would like to be able to take my family to see relatives they have not seen in over 8 years but this vehicle is unsafe.

- Copperas Cove, TX, USA

Was at stop sign & started to move forward. Suddenly vehicle just stopped/stalled. Had vehicle towed to dealership & was informed by mechanic the problem was in the transmission & would need to replace it.

- Pinehill, NJ, USA

Since the transmission failure I have met others who had the exact same problem with the 96 Windstar. This is not an isolated incident.. the failure of the windshield wipers is a safety problem.

- Plainfield, IL, USA