1998 Ford Windstar GL review from North America

Transmission:

Four have been in the vehicle (Original, 23,000K, 28,000K, 35943K). I was told on tranmission number 3 that the 4-second slippage was "normal operation". Another Ford dealer confirmed the problem and replaced the transmission. So far, no slippage, although the transmission doesn't feel normal (slips in and out of overdrive at around 45-50 MPH on a level road).

Steering:

Rack and pinion assembly has been replaced at 23000, as well as the power steering pump. In 33,543 miles, I've had 3 sets of tires on the front of this car, only to have Ford tell me that the problem was with my tie rods and that the latest set of tires were not covered under the warranty because the Ford dealer "Mahwah Ford, Mahwah N.J." are the "technical diagnosticians" and that they back the decisions of the dealers. The dealer has advised that they have already paid for one set of replacement tires and although the latest set of tires lasted only 9591 miles, and failed as a direct result of factory supplied materials/components (tie rods), and despite the past poor service history, they will not reimburse me. The NJ department of consumer affairs is now looking into fraud and failure to back the warranty.

Oh, did I forget to tell you about the brake failure due to dealer negligence, and the fact that they charged me to replace brakes that didn't need replacement; the underlying brake problem was a leaking brake line that they had replaced approximately four months previously. So, talk about leaving me and the other drivers on the road in an unsafe condition. "The reason your brake light comes on is because you need brakes". After several hundred dollars later, the problem was determined to be a leaking brake line.

What about the front bearings, the door lock actuator, etc. I'm in for the long haul, and I'll be sueing Ford and the Ford dealership.

In 2.5 years, my vehicle was in the shop on 15 different occasions. 68 out of 70 days due to Warranty Related Repairs. Is "Quality is Job 1" still Ford's motto? If so, Ford had better replace it. This certainly is not the case.