1999 Ford Windstar from North America - Comments

To the last commenter: it would be nice if every used car dealer were completely honest. The fact is that sales people know what used car buyers like to hear.

The used car buyer can follow a few basic rules: 1. Never buy the first vehicle you come across, test drive 3 or 4 of the same model for comparison. (The slipping transmission could have shown up).

2. Ask for a inspection by an independent garage. If he says that 'you don't really need it' walk away.

To 'thank' the manufacturer for a used vehicle with problems is looking for someone else to blame.

You could find a reputable salvage yard to put a used tranny into your van. That saves $$.

Well the infamous Ford Windstar... what a mess and a nightmare on your finances!

I purchased a 1999 Ford Windstar that had 49000+ miles on it. After reading the posts in this thread I guess I can say I was somewhat lucky??!!! I drove the van for about 2 years with no problems at all other than the check engine light staying on. I was always told it was due to an oxygen sensor. That code would then be cleared and the light would go off for a few days, but then come back on again. So I suppose I just got used to seeing it.

It wasnt until 2 years later when the mileage topped out at approx 85000...bang...lost the transmission. Unlike others on this thread I couldnt even use the reverse the whole thing was shot I had no gears at all. I had to have it towed from my work to the shop and it cost me over $2000 to repair. Then almost exactly to the date 6 mos later the rack and pinion went out. Another major cost I think it was about $700.

I just felt like crying because here I was a single mother of 3 and working overtime all the time at work just to survive and then I had these 2 major problems hit me within 6 mos of each other. I owed too much on the van to trade it in for something else and after being left with a messy divorce I couldnt afford to get another vehicle or loan.

So, I've had to keep that darn van. Since the transmission and rack and pinion went out I have been fortunate not to have any further problems with it other than what I call minor issues that I either had fixed or just deal with. In the almost 2 years since having those major problems fixed I have never had any luck getting that check engine light to go off... it still stays on.

I almost have this darn van paid off and am going to trade it in for a foreign made van. Those seem to hold up better in quality and performance. I cannot keep affording all these repairs that the Windstar requires. The van is current sitting at 122,000 miles. So compared to some other's comments in here... I seem to be a little better off.

The power steering pump is about to go again. Just had that replaced in 2005 as well so its lasted about 2 years and needing replaced yet again. I just hope nothing else major happens before I can get it traded off. I almost feel guilty having to trade it because some other unsuspecting buyer will get the problems that I have encountered with this van and that makes me feel bad.

My advice to Ford buyers... especially their mini van lines. DO NOT BUY it... its not worth the headaches and stress that it will cause your family let alone the financial hardship. Save yourself a lot of money and buy something with a lot more quality and performance behind it and by all means DO YOUR HOMEWORK on the next vehicle before you sign the dotted line.

In response to the above post... you should have gotten at least a 30 day warranty on the purchase of the vehicle. If they didn't provide you with one then they must have known about the issues you are experiencing with it now. You should be able to file suit or have some protection as a buyer under the lemon law. If you tell them this and that you are willing to file suit perhaps that will force their hand. Good luck to you!

I too have encountered all of the above problems with the multiple check engine light problems, blinking inside lights, steering and transmission issues, etc.. We purchased the car new in 1999 and the tran went at 43K. Luckily, the dealer gave us the extended warranty for $500 when the tran went in 2001. Now, at 140K, the OD light is blinking when going up a steep up road. Not sure if I will have it fixed or just let this thing die. My 1993 Ford Explorer is still chugging along without issue at 190K miles and my kids are now driving it. I grew up in Michigan a few miles from Ford's headquarters in Dearborn and have had relatives work in the Ford plants. I will not buy another Ford because of Ford's lack of responsibility with handling these design flaws and poor quality of parts issues. We purchase a Honda Pilot last year and to date, there have not been any problems - not a one.

**UPDATE from my last post in Sept 07. The rack and pinion on my 99 Windstar SEL is going out yet again. That's another $700 problem I cannot afford to fix.

I did do a google search and found that the little rack and pinion part can be bought for under $200...so I am assuming it must be a real headache to install?? Considering the mechanic charges alittle over $700 to fix.

This Ill buy a Haynes Repair manual and attempt to see if my husband can fix it.

*Sighs*

Your mechanic should give you an itemized estimate. That way you can tell what the parts cost and what the labor costs. If the cost for the part is a lot higher than what you would be paying over the Internet you might convince him to give you a better deal. My mechanic did this several times.

Having the Haynes manual helps understanding what is involved with a particular remove and replace job. The rack and pinion replacement isn't exactly easy. I hope your husband is not only handsome, but also very handy and well equipped!

I have had the same problems... door thought was my son... so owe him an apology... lights and codes for sensors on several times and replaced... now od light and check engine light on... it is hunting season now. Come on "windstar" we are going to the Nissan woods.

I happen to like my 99 Ford Windstar.

I did buy it new and had the extended warranty.

My van has performed well over the years. Granted it's had its problems. The extended warranty saved me money more than once. Plus the dealer treats you better when you've spent the extra money. And it's honored across the country by Ford.

Back to the van.

I've got 99,xxx miles logged on it.

The check-engine light is on from 60,xxx miles till today.

It also came on at 30,xxx miles.

It's a servicing nag!

The dealer said I could shut it off if I didn't want to bring it in.

"Just unplug the Pos. battery cable (take it off the battery). And turn the key on for a minute or two. This drains the power out of the system and resets the computer memmory." Voila, plug the battery back in and the check-engine light went off.

Now I suppose if your light comes back on, you might want to pay to have the computer read for any faults that may still exist.

One other note: This will erase the radio presets. So plan on having to re-enter them.

Lol

Jon.

Well, I am now part of the "99 Windstar Club" My car is at the garage awaiting for transmission repairs, same thing I have been reading over and over, O/D flashing light came on, then no more forward, only reverse. As soon as I'll get it back it's going for sale. The mechanic is offering to repair it which it will entitle me to a year warranty, or get a refurbished one for $400 less, but 3 months warranty, I think I will have opt for the second option, I just hope I will be able to sell it before the transmission breaks down again.

Wow, I can't believe that everyone here has had the same trans and rack and pinion repairs we have had on our windstar. Anyone know if the lemon law applies?

Our heat blend door is now "broke" according to the dealer. We get air blowing through, but it is cold. I would like my husband to take the radio out and investigate, but he a little unsure how to do it. I read another thread where a guy did it. Anyone know how this is done? Thanks!

All of these comments have me good and scared now. I owned a 1995 Ford Windstar, but when we were having our third child I wanted the dual sliding doors so two years ago we found a 2000 Windstar with 87,000 kilometers on it for $9900 and bought it. It was only a few months later that the 'check engine' light started coming on, but an oil change and a new air filter solved the problem. The check engine light always comes on when the van is due for an oil change although the light is on now and has stayed on for months now. For months I have had a whole bunch of things happen in addition to the check engine light, here is my list:

1) Cruise control started working sporadically and then stopped working altogether.

2) Driver's door (and recently front passenger door) doesn't lock/unlock automatically.

3) Brake fluid with be low as if there is a slow leak.

4) 'Low windshield washer fluid' message comes on every time I start the van even though it is full to the top.

5) Air conditioning suddenly died towards the end of August.

6) Trouble with lock on back hatch and now the door won't open at all which renders my van a bit useless.

7) Tie rod ends now need replacing (although this isn't related to the transmission issues)

8) O/D light has recently started blinking when I start the van with a 'check transmission' message. When this light is blinking the automatic sliding doors won't open and the doors won't automatically lock when the van is put in drive. When I drive for a minute the light goes off and everything seems fine. In order to open the door for the kids I have to turn the van off and then the door are fine.

My family always owned Fords and I have never had a transmission problem, but now I am really worried because I am still paying for this van. I haven't been able to afford to trade it in and now I really can't. I should have bit the bullet and got rid of it a few months ago, but my husband was unwilling to get a new vehicle. We still have the 1995 van and it still runs great with over 200,000 kilometers on it so I guess I will have to go back to driving that one.

I guess it is time to get away from Ford.

I own a 1999 windstar and I have notice that many of the complains are with the 1999 models, So many people with all the same Issues (including myself!).

Is any one knows if there was/is a class action against Ford because of all this problems?.

Thanks.

I have a 1999 Ford Windstar that my wife drives -- bought it new. The only parts that have not been replaced are the engine, transmission, air conditioner (as of yet). Oh yeah, I think there is a bolt in the engine compartment that has not been replaced. We bought it new, with a 6 year extended warranty. Boy, did we get our money's worth out of the extended warranty.

Actually, I found out the best place to take it for fix-it service, has been the Ford dealership. I think they have lots of experience working on these. The last thing that died on the Windstar was the wipers -- in the middle of a rain storm. Turned out to be the wiper motor.

I have a 1999 Ford Windstar we bought when it was 2 years old. Our engine light, O/D light has been on since 2001. We have had it checked and attempted to be fixed, but it lasts only a week or so and its back on. Two weeks ago I was at a red light and the transmission went. Same scenario as everyone else, sounded like it literally fell out. However prior to this it was not shifting into gear and would rev loud, but you couldn't get it moving. At the same time my gas mileage, speedometer and RPM gage was completely wonky. The needles would flicker back & forth, sometimes land at 0 and then 180km. This would come & go, it would work fine for a few days and then go all crazy. So there were many times I didn't know what speed I was doing. We had it fixed (so we thought) within a week it was back to the same way. I'm told this is another thing Ford Windstars are famous for. SO HAS ANYONE HAD THIS CLUSTER PROBLEM WITH ALL THE GAGES. In the meantime I received 5 photo radar speeding tickets because of my estimations during those times.

It is amazing how many windstar owners have had codes 171 & 174 (fuel too lean). Ford should recall all with this problem since we are spending much trying to correct this problem. Ford are you listening???

My 1999 windstar is going in for service for probable transmission problems. My handicapped husband was able to get into the passenger side, which is the reason the minivan was originally purchased. We have been disgusted with all the repair work done and now are without transportation.