The van will stall as if it is in neutral if the O/D is left on after several miles driving with the O/D on. On several occasions the van has staled at major intersections nearly causing accidents.

- Cordova, TN, USA

Traveling on highway at 65mph. Complete loss of every gear. Was able to pull off and avoid incident, but this was a potentially dangerous situation. Needed a complete transmission replacement and was given the option to purchase an extended warranty for $495.

- Cincinnati, OH, USA

At 70 mph vehicle kept slam shifting into gears, did not know what gear to be in, did this beginning on the highway and continued at any speed.

- Imperial, MO, USA

Transmission failed @ approx. 24,000 miles without warning, had to be towed, took 3 weeks for dealer to replace, transmission failed again with approx. 49,000 miles, unable to get out of 1st gear, drove to dealer for repair - transmission has never seemed right on this car - at a reguarly scheduled service appointment we specifically asked the dealer about the transmission, they said it was fine and shortly thereafter the transmission failed - upon review of the other reported complaints re: Transmissions for the 98 Windstar, I do not feel I drive a reliable car - I have also had brake problems with this vehicle - they started smoking when driving in the mountains - I have also had problems with power window locks as well as problems with oil leakage

- Cincinnati, OH, USA

07/2000 problem involves automatic transmission downshifting causing critical handling situations. In the incidents to date 2 have occurred when traveling approximately 50mph, the vehicle would seem to downshift, the RPM was jump and the engine would be accelerating as a result of this. The other 2 incidents have occurred traveling approximately 70 mph with again the transmission apparently downshifting causing the rpms to jump, the engine to accelerate and a handling problem related to the noted factors. The power control module was reset by a Ford dealer after a staff when turning that nearly resulted in an accident. The vehicle would shut down (turn off) during slowing such as stopping for traffic lights or turning into a driveway.

- Prattville, AL, USA

I am reporting a transmission that has to be rebuilt after having 20,000 miles in the new mini-van. This is just one of 6 Windstar minivans of different years whose transmission had to be fixed. One of the mechanics told me that the reason this incident happened is because the engine is too big for the transmission. I have since finished my lease with the Ford dealer and purchased another car - a Toyota sienna. I would rather patroniz an american manufacturer but I don't really have any luck with them. My husband's Ford Contour had many problems too. My neighbor had to have her transmission rebuilt too. I have not seen any recall on the car so I am reporting this. I know I am about 1 1/2 years too late in reporting but better late than never. Don't get me wrong. I loved the Windstar and its safety features. I leased two of them but I needed to buy a more dependable car and it seems that I have one right now with my totyoat sienna. It is made in georgetown, Kentucky. Thank you.

- Palos Heights, IL, USA

Vehicle will not go into gear. Dealer has been notified. When the vehicle is backed out from driveway and engaged in drive mode, a loud clunk noise occured. After driving for half a mile the transmission failed.

- Hopewell Junction, NY, USA

When vehicle is in drive gear and driver applies accelerator vehicle will not move, and the rpms will rev high. Eventually, vehicle will move but slowly.

- Winthrop, MA, USA

Transmisson will not shift out of first gear. Dealer notified, and waiting on manufacturer who has a hold on all Windstar transmission until further notice. Please provide any further notice.

- Cheyenne, WY, USA

While traveling vehicle was making a loud noise and would power not gain due to blown transmission.

- Yorktown Hights, NY, USA

No summary listed for above vehicle.

- Bear, DE, USA

1st to 2nd bang when shifting on slow acceleration (repeats often), fuel pump continually cuts out when parked on slight downhill, still 6+ gallons left. Only since replacement of fueltank and gas pump due to electrical short

- Nutley, NJ, USA

When we first took our Windstar in the front end was making a growling & grinding noise, and the transmission was shifting hard and jumping. The dealership checked the transmission out they said everything appeared to be normal, but they check the transmission fluid and it had "metal" in it. They also tols us that the front left & right tie rods needed to be replaced because they "had a defect". the dealership has replaced the transmission in my van 2 times now, it still does not shift like it should but they "can't get it to duplicate" and now they want to "flush" my power steering fluid they say the power steering fluid has broken down. When I questioned them about this thay tell me this is normal. I have checked with several independant mechanics and they tell me that my power steering pump is going bad, or the rack & pinion is going out. There has to be something causing this. This van is not 2 years old yet and there are to many problems with this vehicle.

- Tulsa, OK, USA

While driving at 60 mph the car downshifted to a low gear causing the RPM's to race and the car to lurch. Was able to pull to side of busy highway without incident. Ford dealer replaced map sensor and rebuilt/replaced the transmission. Ford company paid all but $200 as part of their "customer goodwill program". I think there should be a recall on the transmission and if so, I would like my $200 refunded to me. The tie rod ends failed right after the warranty period. Even the dealer alluded to the fact that they were probably factory defects, that they should not go bad then. The 'open door sensor' stays on even though all of the doors are closed. This happens sporadically. It may happen twice a day and then not happen for days. The automatic doorlocks have not worked properly since about 40,000 miles. I have to manually lock/unlock the sliding door. And to top off all of my problems, last week I had a mouse in my glove compartment! the design of the glove compartment lets you look right into the engine, and a mouse got in there and chewed up my maps and clean paper napkins. I am not happy! and that will be a safety issue if I am driving and someone opens my glove box! I bet you have never heard that one! my biggest concern is the transmission. I hope to hear from you about that. Thank you very much. Nancy

- Middletown, DE, USA

Experienced total catastrophic failure of transmission. Despite never towing anything and always performing recommended routine maintenance.

- Millbrook, AL, USA

While driving and pulling away from a stop vehicle stalls and shuts off. Dealer is aware of this problem. The part to correct problem is on national back order.

- Staten Island, NY, USA

The van stalled on two separate occasions at busy intersections. After stopping and then pressing the accelerator the van crept along. After going through the range of gears several times then it starting moving again.

- Cordova, TN, USA

While traveling 65mph the car downshifted to second gear!

- Seattle, WA, USA

Two incidents of sudden acceleration, one causing damage to our vehicle and the one ahead as I was parking next to a curb. Second time was in driveway when entering garage; slammed on brakes to not hit house. Numerous incidents of hard 1st to 2nd gear shift at 15 mph; sounds like a hard thud. Ford overfilled trans. Fluid 1/2 quart as a fix in November; replacing valve pump now in January.

- Harker Heights, TX, USA

Transmission failed as driver stepped on the gas to cross the highway. Vehicle stopped, almost causing it to be hit. Consumer had experienced other problems with the transmission prior to this incident--sometimes would not shift out of first gear, or only work in second gear. Transmission replaced by dealer.

- Racine, WI, USA