1999 Ford Windstar SEL 3.8L

Summary:

It's had its problems, but: been to Texas, then Germany, then Kansas, and back to Germany!

Faults:

Transmission problems prior to 100,000 miles.

Passenger sliding door lock replaced at 151,000 miles.

Backup sensors failed at 150,000 miles.

Driver's window motor replaced about 120,000 miles.

Over 150,000 miles and doesn't burn any oil.

Consistently driven in Germany, average 85mph.

Injector control replaced about 140,000 miles.

Tie rods replaced about 150,000 miles.

Leather seats showing wear.

Foam cushion in driver's seat is almost flat.

Driver's lumbar inflation hose keeps coming loose.

Visteon VCR player quit working about 148,000 miles.

Need to replace right headlamp plastic cover (dull).

General Comments:

Still driving it in Germany on our second tour of duty.

Still looks great on the outside; Clear Coat still shines.

All systems except the backup sensor and the Visteon VCR still work.

Have only had to replace one interior lamp (above the liftgate).

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? Yes

Review Date: 2nd March, 2009

1999 Ford Windstar LX 3.8

Summary:

Expensive to operate, dangerous to drive

Faults:

Rack and pinion replaced 3 times.

Alternator needs replaced now (83,000).

Transmission replaced at 81,000.

Front window motors needed replaced.

Radiator pipe had to be replaced.

General Comments:

When the rack and pinion completely give out on the vehicle, it's like turning a tank, extremely dangerous.

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? No

Review Date: 20th February, 2009

23rd Feb 2009, 13:43

Replace your mechanic.

24th Feb 2009, 09:12

3 different mechanics have worked on the rack and pinion. It's not the mechanic... it's the vehicle.

1999 Ford Windstar SE V6 gas

Summary:

Would love to trade in for another..!!

Faults:

Transmission sounds like it is going to fall off when I put it in gear, like D, R, or even park.

Went to the dealer to have checked, they say nothing is wrong, but the fluid is "stinky", so I paid them to change it... by the way it cost me 84.00 for each item I had to have them check, or diagnose. Transmission is a little better, but sometimes still sounds like it is going to drop on the ground when putting it in a gear.

Driver's door lock no longer works with the remote, or inside button; dealer said they would have to replace the door lock motor, somewhere around 2-3 hundred bucks.

Drivers side auto sliding door doesn't close all the way, the rear end part of the door stays out, and you get the warning light inside that a door is open. takes me to have to get out, and open and close again, pushing very slightly on the rear piece, to get it to close, other wise push too hard, and door opens back up.

Have had to replace the alternator 3 times in the past 5 months. burns up, or stops charging.. good thing I have the LIFE TIME warranty.. still a pain in the A...

My mechanic has tested with every device he knows of, and can't find any reason the alternator is going out... can there really be that many BAD alternators..??

Have very strange electrical issues, clicking noise, door locks, sliding doors, and remote wouldn't work, and the dealer replaced a FUSE, and made that work again.

I would love to trade in as well, but would only get several hundreds... almost easier to dig a hole, and bury it.

Have a Toy Avalon, with 197,000...never had much problems, other than the regular maintenance, still same trans, motor, timing belt, etc. Also had a Honda Car with 217,000, and that car was amazing. Had a 88 toy trk, and had 176,000 before I crashed it... ooops..

I am OK with Ford vehicles, just don't really like this Wind Star Van.

David, CA.

General Comments:

Very nice and roomy inside, but does no good if it doesn't start...

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? Yes

Review Date: 12th September, 2008

18th Sep 2008, 16:17

Hi, David: these minivans do need a little extra maintenance.

I had the sliding door issue and solved it by cleaning out the bottom track. I used WD40 to dissolve the hardened grease and applied fresh silicone grease. It's amazing how much stuff can end up in the front area of the track.

The door locks benefit from WD40 as well. It could resolve your strange ticking problem.

The tranny in my '03 used to shift a bit hard. It is shifting smooth now that an independent shop performed a fluid change. They used a base fluid and added friction modifiers to meet specifications. You could try "Lucas Oil Transmission Fix" to see if you get an improvement.

Good Luck to you.

16th Jun 2010, 11:37

I'm having the same problems as you. I have 3 kids, and thought this van would be roomy. Well it is, but I've had problems with it since day one. At 85,000 miles I had to replace an alternator, and since I started the air the van has been making a rattling noise and won't stop unless I am driving. The passenger side auto door will not close all the way, I have to get out every time I go to take off and push it in a bit to shut it. Every problem you have I have had so far.