1999 Ford Windstar from North America - Comments

"We had it towed to a transmission shop. Of course we needed a new transmission. We've decided to not replace the transmission because the van's Blue Book value is only $2000 and it will cost that much to replace it with a used transmission, forget putting a brand new one, that would cost over $3000. The car is paid for, so to the junk yard it goes. It's sad; our Ford making it to 105,089 is probably considered a good run."

I'm just curious if you followed the scheduled maintenance, which includes having the transmission fluid and filter changed every 30,000 miles. Regular maintenance of machines tends to make them last longer.

Well I should have listen too I bought my 99 wind star 2months ago had heating problems now my engin light is on my ABS blinks on and off and now the dreaded od light flashes on and off and when I go in to drive we get launched and is going in to shop tommorow for trannsmission check cross my fingers nooooooooooooooooooooooooo more fords for me I'm done found on road dead my next van toyota...

I have a 2003 Windstar. Back in 2006 I brought it to the dealer because the engine surged forward while idle. They noted they could not find the problem. Now I brought it back for the same problem because it is getting worse and they found the problem. BUT now it is NOT under warranty. They said it is a leak in the lower intake manifold and want me to pay. But when it was under warranty, they couldn't find it and noted it. I have the documentation. I called Ford itself and nobody wants to help me, and the eastern regional manager even hung up on me. If anyone has any input on what I should do, it would be greatly appreciated.

Thanks

Kim.

Kim: since you have documentation you may consult with a lawyer. Ask for a lawyer with experience in similar cases. Lawyers charge money too, but maybe the dealer can be persuaded if he knows you know your rights.

I have a Windstar 99 (only 52k miles). Check engine signal was on for a few months but no obvious problem except stalled a few times at stop light, last week I sent it to the garage to check, they told me everything was fine, except may smell a tiny leak of coolant inside the car, he just adjusted the idle speed up saying that would take care of the stalling at stop light, he also told me "No need to worry". So I took it back, and the next day I drove it, after 5 miles, the engine just blew a hole underneath the oil pan, all oil leak through, and now the same garage told me a new engine is needed! Do you think he did something wrong which caused the engine blew up? Thanks for any advice.

I think I want to cry after reading all the problems. What a piece of crap these trucks are.

Yes, I too, paid 5000 for my 99 Windstar 2.5 years ago with 70k... since then, at 85,000 miles, about 1 year after owning it, TRANSMISSION DIES no warning... only went into reverse... so okay, kind of had to fix it... wow 1800 bucks for a new one...ouch..

Then the lower body panels start RUSTING.. (like the old Aerostars used too).. in a matter of one year... from zero rust to bad rust along the bottom both sides!! Even the frame underneath is rusting!!!

The check engine light is on more than off..

The newest issue I am getting an error code for evap leak (emissions). Yes I changed the gas cap... the dealer wants 400+ to find/fix it... Now the engine bucks sometimes for no reason, sometimes it stutters HARD, like someone is cutting the power to the ignition, and flipping it back on a second later, now it seems to momentarily slip in in out of overdrive too; will pop up/down about 200 rpm .. (speed sensor was already replaced)..

Oh yes, then I get a shake in the front at speed over 45.. OK get it aligned, nope... not that.. so they asked if I hit any ruts hard and damaged the tires? I said no.. so, just to be sure, I buy 4 brand new tires, aligned/balanced, etc.. problem gone? Nope.. so OK they said the rims themselves are "bent/out of balance", so I buy 4 new rims, remount the new tires.,balance, etc.. problem solved? Nope.. to this very day the front end shakes over 50... Never mind ALL the other issues like a failed AIR CONTROL VALVE, frozen tensioner, brakes, etc...

How is it humanly possible that there is not a CLASS ACTION LAWSUIT?... there are soooooo many of us with identical problems.. most of the most expensive part besides the motor.. the TRANNY!!! Someone kill me please.. Now what do I do?

Who wants to buy this thing now? Yes it has a rebuilt tranny.. but it stutters, has terrible rust, and a check engine light that can't be fixed without $500 plus... so I invested 5k +$350 (tax) + 2k (tranny) + $500 (tires/rims) + miscellaneous.. I have spent 8k+, and I will be lucky to get 2k for it now.. so I lose $6000 in 2.5 years of use... (on a vehicle that cost me $5000)... HOW IS IS THIS HUMANLY POSSIBLE?

If any one wishes to contact me. I have photos/reciepts.. feel free to email me.. orbithead@aol.com

Wow... I own a 99 Wind-Star.. I have experienced pretty much everything that has been mentioned... As for the Check engine light, I was able to get mine fixed after 2 years... A mechanic friend of mine at the local Ford dealership told me that there is a service bulletin that all shops should have... He called it a "Ford Tech Bulletin" he rattled off the #'s which I do not remember... With that said there are 6-7 gaskets under the throttle body that can be changed.. It took him about 45 minutes... My friend changed them out for me and to this day No More Check Engine Light.. Now he has it for the rack and pinion going out...

Wow. Got a 1999 Windstar. Ford makes the ABSOLUTE WORST mini-van in the world.

I was on my way home from duty (Navy) and had a 3 hour drive home. I was at an intersection at a stop light when (as I am sure you can guess) I heard a pop, and the van wouldn't go forward anymore. Reverse works great. Had it towed home (as it happened after 10 PM on a Sunday night). What a piece of junk. I thought about putting a new tranny in it but after everything I have read, I should just save my money and buy something better.

Really disappointed in American car quality, as I try to always buy American products. Have to say I won't be buying another piece of Ford again.

To all concerned with the windstar adventure we are all having that own them (99 windstars) I had to replace the tranny... had the engine light on and off problem forever... had to change out speed sensor... and now...the engine cradle has snapped in half... what a nightmare!!! If anyone finds out about a lemon law suit that can apply to this situation please contact me (lisaladyhawke@hotmail.com). I am a single mom with 2 kids at home and am now on unemployment due to surgery and now I don't have a vehicle to drive kids or go get groceries. When I am able I will do as others here before me say they will do...I'm looking at the Honda or Toyota brands. Reliability is what I need. Also have problems with automatic rear doors and automatic locks and haven't had cruise control since 4 months after purchase (my fault for not going back to get it fixed but was purchased in NC and moved back to MI). Anyone with any suggestions please feel free to contact me. Thanks for your time.

Well folks, lump us into the whole 99 Windstar mess. Everything listed has happened to us also, currently replacing tranny. Too bad Ford won't help out.

I am amazed that there are this many people have the same issues we are having on our '99 Windstar.

The tranny has gone at 54,000 miles, check engine light on constantly, ABS light flashing. Now the battery light is on after replacing the alternator and battery, the rust issue looks like a car from the 70's.

I guess I am doing pretty good though, this thing has lasted to 151,000 miles, but is ready to die any minute.

I have a 1999 Windstar. 180,000km (113,000 miles) on it. I put a trany cooler on it to bring the towing capacity to 4500lbs. I just towed my 4000lb trailer to the west coast and back for over 8500 miles. It worked very hard in the mountains. I don't think I can ever complain about the engine and trany on the van... but BIG BUT, the electricals are bad... on the way home we first lost the fuel gauge, then the next day we lost the odometer & speedometer & ABS light came on. No air either. A couple of hours later we lost the power rear windows, Then the radio went. The next day the odometer & speedometer came on for 10 miles. Then at the next gas station the brake lights would not go out. upon start-up the brake lights went out... and stayed out. No rear brake lights, running lights, signal lights. Later the fuel gage would work partially (for the next 3 fill-ups) It would go up to 1/8 to 1/4 tank. Now nothing works. My mechanic said there are over a dozen errors codes coming out of the computer. I have heard about the master cylinder leaking causing a short on the brake pressure deactivation switch and the ABS ECM module. We'll see if this can be fixed easily. The van is only worth $1000 so we'll see what I can do cheaply.

Just had a terrible experience with a 92 Toyota pickup. Wound up getting a 1999 Windstar with a new transmission, thought I really got a bargain at $3300.00 until I looked at this site to see if I could find out how to operate my alarm. Boy, am I scared now, door lock problems already, didn't care for a Ford product anyway, now I unfortunately own one. Pray for me!

I am looking at buying a 2002 or 2003 Windstar with 102000 miles. The price is 3500 to 4000 in excellent condition. (I found 1 of each) This blog has me very concerned whether or not I should buy one. Is the tranny problem mainly with 99 models or will I be screwed like most of you? Please give me your feedback.

Well I'm feeling very lucky. My wife and I have owned our 99 Windstar since new (Dec 98) we now have just over 350,000 k's on it. It has towed our trailers over most of the province and some US States vacationing. We have had some of the minor problem described above but overall has been a good vehicle even my Ford mechanic has commented how good it has been to us. That is until the other day as my daughter was on her way to work and it suddenly lost its drive and coasted to a stand still. So by the sounds of it I think we will give it its last rights and go shopping.