1996 Ford Windstar review from North America

We purchased the Windstar in 1998 with 41,000 miles on it. Luckily, we also purchased the extended warranty.

We had to replace the transmission at 58,000 miles only to find out that the previous owners had also replaced the transmission (putting it at three transmission now - including the one it was built with).

Then we had the transmission go out AGAIN at 67, 000 miles and had the fourth transmission put in.

During the "test drive" that the mechanic did at a Ford Dealership Repair Shop on the new transmission, the engine went out on the mechanic! They said there was water in the #1 cyl. and replaced the engine. The van was in the shop for over a month!

The van was back in the shop at 87,000 miles with a seal leak on the newest transmission (that was in April 2002).

I took my van back into the shop last week - Oct. 7, 2002 (91,000 miles - only 3,500 miles since the last repair) and was told it needed a new seal again and Ford was saying they would not cover it again because my warranty had expired a couple of weeks ago. The sales rep. also felt that with as many problems as we've had that Ford should cover it. I was then told it was safe to drive because it was a slow leak and it had plenty of fluid - and to go call Ford and see if they would change their minds.

The van was NOT safe to drive - even though it had fluid - the transmission gave out completely and stopped shifting into gear when I was on a busy road.

I've talked with three people from the 1-800-392-3673 Ford number. The supervisor (Marisha) not only did not offer any help she also refused to let me speak to her boss.

To sum up, the van needs it's fifth transmission and I am getting no support from Ford. It's also on it's second engine that was put in at 67,000 miles!

Ford knows that the 1996 Windstars have problems and they do not care enough about their customers to stand behind what they build.

We should tell everyone so they are prepared to monetarily bleed for this van!