Problems with transmission, torque, power steering, and front end stable rods & arms. The transmission and torque had been replaced twice, the power steering once, the font end stable rods and arms twice and remained bad. The battery light had come on and the idler pulley was replaced, there was a creaking/cracking noise when turning the wheel and the outer tie rods were replaced along with the toe being reset, there was a clunk when going over the bumps, there was a vibration underneath due to the transmission, the engine light would come on and off and seemed like the shifts were erratic, the transmission leaked badly, and on some occasions the starter did not engage.

- Freeland, MD, USA

My Windstar van, at 58,000 miles, had a premature catastrophic transmission failure while driving 65 mph on highway I-84 East. This event put my young children and myself in danger on the side of the busy highway due to the smoke and steam coming from the vehicle that we had to rapidly evacuate. My van was out of my service for over one full week and has a repair price tag of just under $2,800. I have requested Ford to pay the full cost of this repair through one of their "special" programs. Ford knows about the defects of these transmissions (I am glad I don't own a 1995 Windstar!) and must be made to take responsibility and accountability for not using quality transmission units on these vehicles.

- Vancouver, WA, USA

While driving consumer heard a loud noise from under the vehicle. Then, vehicle started to decelerate, causing consumer to pull over. Consumer had made contact with dealer.

- Alden, NY, USA

Powertrain failure transmission felt like it dropped into neutral and then would not respond. Family mechanic inspected vehicle and the transmission was completely locked up..$2000. Later transmission was replaced..if this is such a "known issue" with these vehicles why doesnt Ford do something to compensate their customers? I used to be a Ford gal but not anymore!!!

- Jacksonville, FL, USA

My 1998 Windstar has 89,000 miles and the transmission completey broke apart, with no warning at all. No slipping or anything. Sitting at a red light, the van jerked like we had been hit in the rear by someone doing 80 miles per hour. It is going to cost me $1800 to have it rebuilt. I know numerous complaints are filed with your organization on Ford transmissions. I want to register my complaint.

- Pfafftown, NC, USA

While driving at 40 mph, the transmission failed without warning.

- Poinciana, FL, USA

While driving vehicle lost all power and the ability to shift gears. Dealer notified.

- Oxnard, CA, USA

Transmission failed and cost me $1900 to fix.

- Vanderbilt, MI, USA

Transmission failure on 1998 Windstar with only 61,000 miles on vehicle.Ford refused to give us any type of compensation. After searching this database, it seems bad transmissions are a common problem with Windstar.

- Kennewick, WA, USA

Consumer states has a power train problem from the transaxles while the vehicle is being driven. Consumer stated there is a technical service bulletin on this issued, number #98-15-19.

- North Adams, MA, USA

Intermittently while driving there was a kicking noise from the transmission, which resulted in the vehicle losing transmission fluid. Transmission jerked and seemed to kick more on turns and acceleration. On one occasion, transmission fluid leaked all over the engine which resulted in smoking. Transmission needed to be replaced.

- San Benito, TX, USA

Our '98 Ford Windstar (3.8L) has just experienced a major transmission problem; it drives along just fine on the highway at 65 M.P.H. and then bang -- the transmission shifts from over drive into second (or first!) gear. This sends the engine from a casual 1,500 R.P.M. to a dangerous 5,500 R.P.M., and makes for scary and dangerous highway driving. Ford (kachel Ford in shillington, pa) says that the valve body or possibly the entire transmission has gone bad, but I have uncovered literally thousands of complaints about this very same, and potentially life-threatening problem with the Ford automatic transmission being used in the Windstar. Something needs to be done about this immediately. Contact me at once if you would like full cooperation -- I am willing.

- Shillington, PA, USA

Transmission stalls during down shifting at low speeds. Shifts hard into gear, causing the vehicle to lunge forward, three times has been repaired, first time @ 32000,3600,65,000. Dealer said that it's a known problem, but there is no fix.

- Miami, FL, USA

The gas pedal was pressed while driving 55 mph but the vehicle would not gain any speed. The dealer was contacted and the technician indicated that the transmission needed to be replace. Spoke with consumer 10/16/07, was told to disregard complaint. Vehicle has been traded.

- Raleigh, NC, USA

While driving, the vehicle stopped in the middle of traffic without warning. The dealer stated the transmission and head gasket needed to be replaced.

- Capitol Heights, MD, USA

Power transmission on 98 Ford Windstar failed.

- Tualatin, OR, USA

Automatic transmission failed while driving (60,000 miles on van).

- Williamstown, NJ, USA

Reliability issue: 1998 Ford Windstar automatic transmission failed at 33,000 mi, then their replacement failed after another 65,000 mi, then the $2700 rebuild failed after another 29,000 miles. This is garbage!!!

- Portola Valley, CA, USA

The vehicle experienced transmission problems.

- Washington, DC, USA

Transmission started slipping and stopped altogether within one day.

- East Amherst, NY, USA