1996 Ford Windstar GL from North America - Comments

Water pump, 80831 miles, $646.08.

Transmission, 81909 miles, $2260.00.

Check engine light (fouled spark plug), 84212 miles, $399.82.

Driver's door power window, 84330 miles, $188.00.

Check engine light (bad sensor), 87349 miles, $269.95.

Blown wheel bearing and hub, 87840 miles, $299.00.

I have never owned a vehicle so poorly made as this Windstar. Although I know that used cars have their quirks, and are subject to wear and tear, I have later learned that the AXOD series of transmissions used in these vehicles have a known failure rate dating back to 1993. When I contacted Ford customer service regarding the transmission failure they denied knowledge of any known failures in these transmissions (the same transmissions that the Taurus had). In a later call to Ford they acknowledged a warranty program for these transmissions, but told me that I didn't qualify. When I asked what the qualifications are they said that they couldn't tell me as that was a confidential Ford document. If quality is Job 1 then denial must be Job 2.

I am planning to sue Ford in small claims court on this transmission. If anyone has successfully done the same or is in the process of doing the same, please email me with your information. I will gladly share with you what I have.

serpas@dnc.net

Like you I have had transmission problems. Fortunately, it happened approximately 2000 miles before the warranty expired. Currently, the speedometer head (according to the Ford dealer) is bad and need replacing. The cost for that is $600 - $300 for the part and $300 labor. The water pump is getting noisy and must be replaced shortly. This is a 1996 model with 73000 miles. While repairs and maintenance are normal functions, I think these type are too costly and too soon.

I am disappointed in the level of service from the vehicle and definitely will not purchase another Windstar. As a matter of fact, I am almost sure Ford products are off my list. I have purchased Fords since 1968.

My family acquired a Ford Windstar 3.0 V-6 1996 model used with 53,000 miles. At 68,000 miles the transmission gave and we had to have a rebuilt one installed at about $2000. It was out of warranty so we paid for it out of our own pocket. At 71,000 miles we had to have the water pump replaced for $275. I'm neutral about the cost of the van and it's repair costs. We paid about$9,000 for it used so we just added the $2000 and the $275 to it. We had looked at one of the Japanese vans (Toyota -- we had a Corolla and it gave us 187,000 miles before the body rusted out on us; we had another Toyota and it gave us about 133,000 miles before we chucked it; neither had any transmission problems) and figured the cost was too high -- about $20,000 new or about $15,000 used. Can't complain too much about the Ford, but sure wish they had less mechanical problems.

I purchased a two year old 1996 Ford Windstar with 20,000 miles in Nov.1998. In October 2000 we were losing engine coolant at a rate of 1 quart/month. Ford replaced engine because of cracked engine block at 42,000 miles. Due to problems installing engine the following were also replaced. fuel pump ceramic 02 sensor MAP sensor and piston position sensor.

In November 2001 vehicle would only drive in second gear. A transmission sensor was replaced. Two months later complete transmission failure at 54,000 miles. I paid $4000.00 Can. for a rebuilt transmission as there was no warranty available. While transmission was being replaced springs were checked because of safety bulletin from Ford. Four weeks later right front spring broke in driveway damaging tire slicing brake line and damaging strut tower.

Don't worry about seeing another ford in my driveway! Won't happen.

I own a 1995 Ford Windstar which remains in my garage where it has sat for nearly 6 months. The front end is on blocks and the engine/trans sub-frame is removed. I'm currently looking for my third engine for this vehicle and am not having much luck. The mechanics and salvage yard guys say finding a working 3.8 liter. is like searching for gold. The trans has been rebuilt @ 80,000 miles and had no problems since. I'm almost considering parting out the car. The trans has got to be near worth its weight in gold.

Bill, Cleveland OH.