We were backing slowly out of the driveway. The van sounded like something was caught underneath the vehicle and was dragging. We got out of the car to see what the problem was. We noticed the rear wheels were both tilted inward and the rear axle was dragging on the ground, damaging the driveway. The van had to be towed to an independent mechanic in which the rear axle was replaced. The failure mileage was approximately 72,000 miles.

- Ridley Park, PA, USA

On Friday, May 15, 2010, my husband was driving home from work for lunch and the rear axle snapped on our 2000 Ford Windstar sle minivan. The mechanic also said the "differentials" were damaged. The total cost was $795. Fortunately, my husband was not on a busy street and he was able to pull to the side of the road until we could have the vehicle towed. Also, he did not hit anything that would have caused the axle to snap. In July 2009, we had to replace the transmission in this same vehicle while traveling to myrtle beach, S.C., on vacation.

- Bristol, VA, USA

Transmission failure.

- Upper Marlboro, MD, USA

While driving our 2000 Ford Windstar LX the rear axle cracked in half. If it would of been minutes later the van would have been back on the highway and we could of possibly got killed. There are a lot of other Ford owners who have had the same problem since 1998 with the Windstar's. there should be a recall on the rear axle before someone gets killed. This is a very dangerous problem that Ford needs to address.

- Kettering, OH, USA

Rear axel broke in half while driving over a draw bridge on the belt parkway in brooklyn NY. I kept control of the van even though the rear wheels were not vertical.

- Brooklyn, NY, USA

Loud thunk suddenly then car wouldn't go forward, transmission no good had it rebuilt 92000 miles, cigarette lighter /power point fuse constantly blowing, odometer/speedometer fuse blowing twice so far, ABS light intermittently going on.

- Blue Island, IL, USA

During the first 2 years of driving the vehicle there was always a noticeable thunk when the gearshift was first engaged. On two separate occasions I inquired of the dealer what this might be and was advised that it was not unusual and that I should use the parking brake at all times to minimize this problem. In any event, after 2 1/2 years of mainly highway driving the transmission simply failed one day while I was on a major highway driving about 110 km/hr. It was towed to the dealer who diagnosed the failure as arising from a hydraulic line that had burst inside the transmission leaking a contaminating fluid into the transmission fluid which subsequently resulted in a melt-down of the working parts inside the transmission.

- London, UN, USA

I complained of a rattling noise sounding like chains under the hood of the van, starting from 7,700 miles to the present. Each time taking it in and being told that they could not find a problem, to them fixing something and the noise still being there. I stated to them on several occasions that the van was not riding right. I complained of a loud grinding noise when I turned the wheel. Again, they said nothing was wrong. The brakes where always rubbing and they replaced the pads. I was told semi-metallic pads make noises. They replaced the computer, because I complained that upon accleration the van would make a pinging noise. I was told it was combustion with the gas. I followed there recommendations about what gas to use, and other things to do. It still continued and they stated that they could do nothing else about it. I owned a '98 winstar and never had these problems and it did not drive the way my 2000 did. Right now the van is sitting in my garage, with a broken transmission and I cannot get help from Ford.I lease the van and I refuse to pay for repairs on a van, that Ford should be resposible for. My lease is almost over and they should back their product up. I put alot of extra money in this van to keep it well maintained. I feel Ford should help me.

- Mayfield Vlg., OH, USA

12/02 engine light came on - had to have upper plenum gasket, O-rings, vacuum elbow and valve cover with gasket replaced for $600. 4/03, car less than 3 yrs. Old but with 44K miles, the transmission blew: Weld broke on the "drum over the planetary gear". so warranty expired at 36K miles but Windstar still under 3 yrs. Old. I expect a car to last at least 3 years before anything this expensive happens. Want Ford to pay for repairs and extend warranty til Windstar is paid for in 2005.

- Glen Ellyn, IL, USA

Second transmission failure. First failure occurred at 29000 miles in October 2001. Second failure occurred June 2000 with 56000 miles on the car and only 27000 miles on the rebuilt transmission. Ford has offerred to pay 50% of the repair cost for the first transmission. I told them I believe this is a safety issue because both times the transmission failed without warning. I am very unhappy with the quality of the transmission and Ford's offer to only pay 50% for an obvious defect in their transmission.

- Albuquerque, NM, USA

Right from the day I bought the van, I have had one issue or the other. Here are some of the major issues. 1. tires - my new van had bumps on all 4 tires. Every tire dealer told me they would burst on driving. They were general tires. I went to Ford many times and opened a case with them also to no avail. After 12,000 miles, I decided to buy 4 new tires myself for the safety of my family at my own expense. 2. at 15,000 miles, I had to get my front brakes changed as they had reached their end of life. 3. at 15,000 miles, I also had to get my transmission fluid as well as drop pan changed as they worn out 4. at 30,000 miles, I had to get my front brake pads again changed (these were also worn out). What is surprising is that my rear brakes are fine 5. at 30,000 miles, I also had to get my transmission fluid as well as drop pan changed as they worn out 6. at 40,000 miles, my check engine light came on, for which I had to get the entire cooling system changed as well as had major engine work done to remove the light. The bill was in a few thousand, and I still don't know what they did to get it all fixed 7. at 45,000 miles, I had to get front rotors and brakes again. 8. at 45,000 miles I also had to get my front tie rods changed as they were squeaking 9. my automatic door sensor has never worked since I bought the van. If you shut the doors using the electronic door openers, and if something is in the way, it will still shut the door trapping the item, rather than reversing the process. 10. my drivers side power seats have just failed, and I am yet again faced with a large expense. I will never buy a Ford again

- Robbinsville, NJ, USA

Transmission failure. Remanufactured transmission installed. As well as new tie rods.

- Durhamville, NY, USA

Nature of failure: Transmission failure vehicle: 2000 Ford Windstar LX 73,000 miles. Date of failure: October 22, 2003 cost of repair plus towing: $2,178

- Lititz, PA, USA

When turning either left or rightsteering would make a lot of noise. Its very hard to turn steering wheel. Odometer mileage runs very fast, and not showing correct mileage.

- Carson, CA, USA