1999 Ford Windstar from North America - Comments

I am absolutely outraged that my 1999 Ford Windstar's transmission failed after 74000 miles. I was stopped at a light, stepped on the gas, it hesitated a few times, and then a loud bang. All forward gears were out. I managed to back out of traffic and had it towed.

I bought it new and have been religious about maintenance. I expected it to last maybe 15 to 20 years. But after reading many postings at numerous sites all over the internet, I have learned that my transmission is ancient in terms of other 1999 Ford Windstar's average failure rates.

I owned a '62 Ford Econoline previous to this van, drove it for 25 years, and got 250K out of it. That Econoline never left me stranded like I was yesterday. I developed an obviously false sense of loyalty to Ford. How can a transmission fail at 74000 miles when it has not been remotely abused, but maintained vigilantly? This is either planned obsolescence or gross negligence by Ford. Is there a class action suit in the works? At any rate, this is my last Ford.

I purchased a 1999 ford windstar LX and everything also went out right after my warranty expired. the transmission just up and quit at 69,000 miles talked to ford they would not even offer assistance. I was told one of the main problems is they are putting the same transmission in the vans as the are the ford tauraus. I went to trade in the van for another ford product and they basicaly said my trade in was not worth much because they have nothing, but problems. I had my transmission re built for 1700.00. My ABS also went out at 40,000 again they would not assist. Needless to say I am stuck with 2 kids and a non reliable windstar.

Same person as above. The transmission went out like this stopped at stop light took off loud bang then it would not drive. I was stuck in the middle of the highway, me and my 2 children. The power locks don't work half the time, the power door does not work half the time and one of the sway bar rods has gone out. And it continually drives horrible. If you owe less than it is worth get rid of it. (Regarding 1999 ford windstar).

My 1999 Windstar SE had a Motorcraft rebuilt transmission installed at 96,200 miles. The first one began slipping and was deemed unrepairable. The total cost was $2800.00. It was suggested that I buy the 'good' rebuilt from Ford because it had a longer warranty. My Windstar now has 133, 178 miles (36,978 miles, or 978 miles beyond the warranty) and the transmission has failed again. I cannot even get it out of my driveway. According to the dealer the warranty has expired and they are under no obligation to do anything further.

Does anyone know the result of the class-action lawsuit regarding 1995 model year Windstars?

Has anyone had a reasonable result pursuing the Ford Good Will Program?

I also own a 1999 Windstar. Unlike most comments I have read, my transmission did not go out, but I did have a clucking noise on a hard re acceleration after a rolling stop. I have racked up 160,000 on my vehicle with the engine light on and no one can fix that??? Sat. on my way down state my Windstar decided to flicker the oil light and give me a couple clanging noises and quit. I managed to get to the shoulder of the expressway. I checked the oil and was less than a quart low. But, when added, all that I got was a click. Engine blown... Great, now I am looking for a new vehicle (not a Ford). My vehicle sits at a Ford Dealer and I sit here without a reliable vehicle. I have to add that I come from a Ford Family, several siblings work for Ford and I worked for Ford for 14 years. I will not buy another Ford, I am looking for a Chevy product now??!! I still have my 1982 Ford Escort Wagon that I now have to drive, thank god that it is still running, to get me back and forth to work. Will I have a chance to get Fords help----no way----as a previous post stated---Taurus engines are used in Windstars. I am screwed as is everyone that posts here. Thanks for listening to me vent. Lori.

We bought a 1999 Ford Windstar new in 1999. 5 years and 83K miles later, the only major problems under the hood have were a hose that had to be replaced and a new set of brakes, no big deal. Electrically, that's another story. This is our second CD/radio, because the first would spit out the CD and reset all the stations and the clock. Not so bad, it became kind of a character quirk after the 12K mile electrical warranty ran out. Today, with 3 kids under 4, the air-conditioning, radio, tach, speedometer, oil pressure, water temp and odometer went out. And for 2 months the passenger side brake light won't work. So now it sits, in the driveway, undriveable till the dealership gets time to look at it. My husbands F150 gave us 11 years and 154K miles, as have his brother's and his dad's. Why shouldn't I be able to expect the same from my van? Has anyone else had the same problems with the electronics? I think it might be something in the ignition switch. I wonder because the service dept didn't sound surprised about the radio. Thanks!

I too am dissatisfied with my 99 Windstar SE. I have lost my transmission twice once in April 04 and again in September 04. I have had many cars, even cars from junk yards and I have never put one transmission in them let alone two. On top of the trans problems I've had my wipers don't work I think the motor went out, my check engine light is always on and the van just runs plain bad. It shakes and trembles and feels like it wants to die out. This van just makes me feel unsafe especially if I have my kids with me. Is there any recourse for us consumers? Shouldn't Ford be held accountable for their products?

I too bought a used 1999 windstar, and two days ago when leaving a gas station we heard a loud thump and then no forward gears. It is now at a dealership in Tennessee waiting for a rebuilt transmission. I would like to start a class action suit against Ford for at least the transmissions. Anyone interested, please contact me at waynescore@hotmail.com.

Nzinga Chicago Il.

I just got my 99 ford winstar used with 82,000 miles everything was good into three weeks after the purchase the ABS lite, lift ajar gate light came on and would not go off.

At the Ford Dealer they told me that the ABS sensor needed some work The dealer fixed the problem two days later they where on again. After my 2nd oil change I took it to the dealer to get coolant added to the vehicle now it sits at the dealer waitng for transmission leak to be fixed and the oil change required sign stays on after I just changed the oil if any can tell what I can do to further protect myself with this vehicle before my warranty is up in 3000 more miles mail me azikiwe04@msn.com.

We had a 2000 ford focus (that was giving us problems) that we traded in for a 99 ford windstar when we found out I was pregnant with our 2nd child. (woohoo movin on up!) it has been 3 months (2 car payments) and we have a list of problems! how nice is that? my hubby whom is a mechanic is concerned with the transmission, the power steering, the brakes, and the seal around the windshield. he purchased an extended warranty which should cover it all, but the leaky windshield seal (which causes water to drip from my rear view mirror and also leaves a puddle of water by the hood latch. how it leaves water there you may ask... by running down the dash through the vents by all the electrical stuff to find its destination by the hood latch.) my beef is... that it says the passenger side door is ajar when it is not, the driver side door won't lock with the power lock button or the lock button on the key ring, the interior lights come on when you open the door... some times... and the best thing is that our warranty won't fix any of those problems. we got a van because it was in our budget I would have much rather paid some extra money and bought an suv. I'm 21 I have had 3 fords and I will never ever buy another one :)

I purchase a 1999 Windstar SEL December 2003 with 75K miles on it. Previous to yesterday I never had any problems with it, While I was driving to work on the interstate my O/D light started blinking, the transmission warning light came on. So I pulled over check my fluid it was normal. So I continue to work. While driving home I driving 70-75 MPH then all of a sudden my engine RPM goes up no noises I pull over it will not go forward or reverse. I'm interested in a class action as well email me at shrinerman30@aol.com.

I have a 99 Windstar with 73,000 miles on it. I have had it to three mechanics and they cannot figure out why it stalls when it is below a half tank of gas and then will only drive forward. I have had to drive it in reverse a couple times on the road to get it off of the road. When I fill up the gas tank it runs fine. I am seriously considering trading this thing in for a Chevy before my transmission goes. It is only a matter of time before I am stranded with my 2 children in that piece of crap. Should have listened to my Dad!!!

I just purchased a 99 Windstar LX with 42000 miles. I am a single mother of three to raise and I wish I would have read these reviews before I purchased this van. I am now literally scared to death. I'll just pray everyday before I start it for "God" to lay his hand under the hood and keep us safe.

I have recently purchased a 1999 Ford Windstar SEL with 75,527 miles on it. I purchased the vehicle on 10/16/04 (45 days ago), I have had possession of the vehicle for 27 of those 45 days and it has been at the dealer for 28 of them. The dealer has replaced every thinkable sensor there is (cam shaft position sensor, both o2 sensors). On November 19 I was leaving for Florida for a family vacation, on Nov 18th, my transmission failed, pop then drive only... thankfully then rather than on the road. Also, it failed while the mechanic was driving it and had to be driven back to the shop in reverse. We then took our 99 Ford Explorer on vacation while the transmission was being repaired. I picked up my van today and although the transmission seems better, something is still wrong with it. It is fine til I hit 45 mph then the van seems to shimmy and shake a bit, but the O/D light has remained off so far. I am wondering although about the rack and pinion, today when I turned left, the van seemed to sort of roll to the right and didn't seem like a smooth turn. I have 15 more days under the NYS lemon law... any further comments regarding this vehicle would be greatly appreciated. I previously owned a 95 Windstar, in a 3 month time period 12/14/02-3/30/03 I replaced the water pump, the computer, the head gasket and finally the transmission went at 87,000 miles. After $5,000 a 5 years old vehicle was taken to the junkyard. What was I thinking purchasing another one... well it is the only minivan around that has space for 3 sets of golf clubs and luggage in the trunk. Any comments regarding the steering issues and what it felt like before it went would be appreciated. I also am interested in a class action suit. sweetvoice63@hotmail.com.

We just bought a used 1999 Ford Windstar with 95K miles on it. I hate it already. It's too darn small compared to our Grand Dodge Caravan. I have a feeling we may be in for trouble since having read these postings. We just got it tonight and I feel like I want to give it back when the sun comes up!!!