Sudden transmission failure.

- Chillicothe, OH, USA

1999 Ford Windstar with approximately 59,000 miles had unexpected transmission failure while driving at low speed. Vehicle lurched "like it had hit a box" while accelerating from a stop sign. Vehicle was immediately stopped to check for any debris; none found. Upon re-entering vehicle, it could not be driven forward in "drive." Vehicle could only be driven in "reverse" gear. Vehicle towed to Ford dealership and it was determined that entire transmission needed to be replaced. Preventive maintenance was performed on the transmission by same Ford dealership in November 2002. Two of our in-laws also own 1999 Ford Windstar, one of whom is now on it's third transmission, and the other is currently experiencing occasional "slipping" of the transmission during acceleration.

- Mattituck, NY, USA

Transmission fail-forward clutch piston. Stopped at stop sign and when I put foot on gas to go it just raced the engine. Gears would not engage. No forewarning and only 33,000 miles on a lightly driven car! called Ford dealer and Corp. And they won't do anything. From what I read this is a very common occurrence and had I pulled into traffic this morning and lost it I would be writing this from a hospital!!! I think this needs to be brought to Ford attention! I will be out of almost 2500 when this is over....money in these times that I cannot afford!

- Glenburn, ME, USA

While driving a fire was observed by third party motorist. The fire emitted from under the vehicle. The vehicle was towed to world Ford in pembroke pines, Florida, for an initial assessment. According to world Ford, the vehicle showed heavy transmission fluid leakage, but no obvious sign of fire or fire damage. The manufacturer declined to permit Ford to work on the vehicle pending evaluation/inspection by NHTSA investigators to determine cause of fire, which may or may not be related to obvious transmission issues.

- Pembroke Pines, FL, USA

1999 Ford Windstar, transmission experienced a complete failure. 78,000 miles, no warning given. Dealer quoted $2500 for rebuilt tranny. As I understand, this vehicle has been plaqued with drivetrain problems. I would like to see Ford be forced to repair/replace/reimburse owners for repairs that should have never been necessary.

- Shelby, OH, USA

The transmission failed.

- Campbellsville, KY, USA

We just had to replace the transmission in our 1999 Ford Windstar. It has 107,000 miles on the odometer. When we had 63,000 miles, we had to replace the power steering rack. This is a very expensive vehicle to own - especially with the expensive repairs that it requires.

- Moosup, CT, USA

1999 Ford Windstar with 63,000 miles transmission failure

- Dexter, MI, USA

Automatic transmission failed @ 71,000 miles, 3 1/2 yr old vehicle. Reverse still worked, forward gears acted as though in neutral.

- Newtonville, MA, USA

I pulled out of a restaurant parking lot into a roadway median so I could merge into traffic. We felt a jolt and heard a loud "thunk" sort of sound. The engine revved up high suddenly, but we weren't moving much. I let off the gas. The van rolled for a bit, but once we stopped it wouldn't go any more. No gears at all. Dealer advised we need a new transmission. Warrenty just expired. Only 43,000 miles. I called Ford and their response was along the lines of "yeah, that's a real shame."

- Chesapeake, VA, USA

My van was barely out of warranty when the O/D off light began flashing and the check engine light came on. The Ford dealer told me that the check engine light was a result of a broken sensor weld on my intake manifold to the tune of approx. $900. They also stated that the O/D off light meant that the entire transmission needed replaced to the tune of $2,700. All this for being 1 month and 500 miles out of warranty. Plus, I see that many people with Ford Windstar are experiencing the same thing at 35,000 miles and 70,000 (twice) so I see that I will undoubtedly have something to look forward to when the warranty runs out on the transmission... almost like the darned thing is deliberately designed to create a huge repair bill the moment it is out of warranty.

- Columbus, OH, USA

The transmission failed on our 1999 Ford Windstar while my wife was driving down the road causing her to have to unexpectedly pull over. The van only has 35K miles on it. We have to replace the transmission after so few miles. After perusing the internet, I discovered that this is a common problem on this vehicle.

- Jamison, PA, USA

Consumer stated that while vehicle was in park the vehicle will jump out of gear into reverse causing an accident and damage to the vehicle. Dealer notified.

- Berkley, MI, USA

Automatic tranmission failure at 29,131 miles.

- Fremont, CA, USA

Premature transmission failure with no warning.

- Shelby, OH, USA

Automatic transmission gears were reduced to metal dust.

- Short Hills, NJ, USA

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- Eastampton, NJ, USA

While driving vehicle I came to a stop at traffic signal. When signal turned green I had no forward vehicle only made noises from the transmission. This incident occured without prior notification. This incident caused me and my family to be stranded also rendering us without a vehicle for 2 weeks.

- Jackson, MS, USA

Overdrive light began flashing on and off. Pulled over immediately and checked transmission fluid, which was slightly low. Drove 8 miles to automotive store, purchased fluid and refilled. Problem alleviated for two days, then overdrive light began flashing again. Disconnected battery to reset systems. Two weeks later overdrive light began flashing again. Noticed rpms were up to 3 at 69 mph. Took van to our mechanic, who told us the overdrive was failing. He then referred us to local Ford dealer, who confirmed the overdrive was failing and entire transmission would have to be replaced. Contacted Ford Motor Company who told us financial assistance would be up to the dealership that inspected the transmission. They offered no financial assistance. Price 1,800 for new transmission, not including labor. When driving home from the dealership, engine began stalling at low idle speeds. Engine dies during take off or acceleration at low speeds. Our mechanic inspected van and could find no engine failure problems. Suspects association with transmission failure. Van is high milage, but had 66,000 miles when we bought it in 2000. Has been well maintained and is only 3 years old. This seems to be a common problems with Ford Windstar transmissions. In reading some of the other owners' stories, I feel very lucky my transmission went out slowly and gave us warning. Does someone have to actually get killed because of these problems before anything is done to make Ford correct the problem? considering most minivans are used to Transport families, it seems that immediate action would be taken to correct an obviously life-threatening problem.

- Mannford, OK, USA

Transmission "lurched" infrequently from day of purchase. I was told this was normal for a Windstar. Transmission failed suddenly and without warning while in traffic. No accident occured but easily could have.

- San Diego, CA, USA