: the contact stated, while the vehicle was immobile with the engine running, smoke erupted from under the hood. The engine was immediately turned off and the vehicle was vacated. The hood was raised and flames looked as if they it was coming out of the engine compartment. The fire was extinguished and the vehicle was towed to the home of the contact. The manufacturer was alerted. There is a NHTSA recall #97V097000 pertaining to the power train:automatic transmission. The vehicle is not included in the recall due to the VIN.

- Port Richey, FL, USA

Consumer stated that while driving at any speed and without warning transmission failed, causing a distraction to the consumer. Dealer notified.

- Garden City, NY, USA

Sudden catastrophic failure of the transmission on my 1996 Windstar, 86,000 mi. Proper maintenence had been done. I see there are many complaints here with the same problem. NHTSA it is time to step up and force a recall. How long do the consumers have to bear the brunt of this obvious defect. We don't have the $3000 they want for repairs. What happened to comsumer rights? the way it stands now I will never buy another amercian car. Is that what you want for the economy. You have to hold corporate America responsibletoput out quality vehicles. You have the power. Do what you are there to do, protect the consumer, not the corporate money.

- Kent, WA, USA

We were driving on the interstate at 70 mph with the cruise control on. Without any warning, the van went out of gear, the engine revved up, and all acceleration stopped. We pulled off the road and tried to get the van to go back into gear - any gear - and it wouldn't. there was no warning of a problem - no noises or leakage of fluid or anything unusual.

- Sidney, OH, USA

We believe the sheer number of defect on this car is unbelievable. We purchased it used from my parents. Total cost of non "wear and tear" repairs is around $5000. This is over 25% of the vehicles original value, and over 50% of the value at time of purchase. While no accidents have occurred, we believe Ford should take responsibility for a bad product.

- La Crosse, WI, USA

Complete transmission failure cost $2,000 to repair.

- Hampton Bays, NY, USA

Transmission bushings assembly failed causing vehicle to pull.

- Florence, WI, USA

Transmission failed.

- Gibsonia, PA, USA

My van has been putting itself into neutral when I am at a stop or pulling out of a stop. When I have went to the dealers in deleware (on vacation), pa. (on vacation) and my local dealer, no one can find a problem.now all of a sudden my dealer in roanoke rapids, N.C. said he would rreplace some transmission parts but I do not know what they did. They told me it was to complicating. I am mad and scared to drive my van. I do not know what they did of if it will happen again. I travel to pa. Alot with my 9yr old daughter by ourselves and now I am scared to do this. Help!!! no one else will!!! I can not even get in touch with Ford!!!

- Gaston, NC, USA

When coming to a stop, the vehicle goes into neutral even though the shift indicator is in the drive position. When accelerating after stopping the vehicle moves unexpectedly after applying gas. Manufacturer has been notified about the problem. The problem has not been corrected.

- Lexington, SC, USA

Ford has a tsb 98-22-1 regarding a false neutral after driving. Here is what happens- vehicle is stopped in drive. When throttle is reapplied the vehicle sometimes doesn't move. But, it sometimes abruptly drops back into drive. This has caused a sudden unexpected lurching forward complete with tire squealing. It would be very likely to cause an accident in stop-and-go traffic with this defect. Ford admits this defect, they just don't want to fix it after 3/36K warranty.

- Lexington, SC, USA

2nd transmission failure: 1/26/99 @71,800 miles. Parked/when started, no reverse or forward gears. Repaired: Multiple parts: Ie ax4N, ax4S, bearing pump shaft/plate etc. Extended warrenty claim denied/ $3,500 out of pocket/ trans, still dysfunctional & power steering defective after last repair. Both failures occurred out of state/repaired out of state. Tomorrow I have to take van to akron oh (where last repaired) hope the transmission &steering will get me there in 1 peice!! please help!! (don't know if trans problems related to recalled parts, this vehicle was not put into service until 10/97 & recall was 6/97. I have exausted my resources& would appreciate any help/advice/direction. Thought I had a Ford warrenty, but I was sold something else, unfortunately.thank you, sincerely, linda

- Greensburg, PA, USA

When shifting gears vehicle makes a loud noise. Also, the driver's side window doesn't work properly, and there is a problem with the slider, it won't work.

- Hoquiam, WA, USA

Norm conditions 20 mph stop ABS engaged, delayed stop. Near accident. Dealer found no problem, not repeatable. One year later problem recurred, and ABS light illuminated. Dealer to replace left wheel sensor. Seems that if the on-board computer doesn't think there is a problem, the technicians cannot find it. Sensors could have been replaced earlier as a precaution. Other problem- driving 55 on highway and transmission downshifted uncommanded. Check engine light had been illuminated since earlier incident with the dealer unable to diagnose. Sensor in gear selector was bad. Hopefully, no undue wear and tear on transmission resulted from the highway downshift.

- Shelton, CT, USA

When the vehicle was put into reverse the vehicle made a clicking sound and now the transmission is leaking.

- Flower Mound, TX, USA