Problems with 1999 Ford Windstar POWER TRAIN

I had the rear axle replaced by the recall, and which i paid $300 for the work. the axle now does not align properly and i have been told that shims are required. without them the rear axle eats my tires. ford has a policy to my understanding that new parts installed by ford have a lifetime warranty. i believe that ford should fix or pay for this work so as to make my van safe, why should i have to repair an axle that was just replaced less then 10000 miles ago.

This vehicle was serviced at 102,654 miles, in march-april of 2011 by koons ford of maryland, (invoice#w70829, dated may 5, 2011) in response to ford recall, related to "broken front subframe" and "collapsing rear axle".--front subframe was, at that time, broken on the right side, due to rusting. replacement was not done, instead it was patched via a bolted together "clamshell" reinforcing device. it now has become apparent that after using the vehicle after this initial frame separation, the metal of the left side was unduly stressed, and has now broken at its weldment point, resulting in an unsafe vehicle, that swerves to the left, if brakes are applied while in motion on the street or other roadway. wheels are no longer kept in alignment, with left front wheel free to move to the front or rear, in response to applied stress! this subframe failure affected many such vehicles, and it has become evident that inspection and repair was inadequate, resulting in a new, unsafe condition! (subframe should have been replaced, due to stress!)-photos are attached, showing displaced frame, and separated weld joint.

While pulling out of gas station ihear noise and smell rubber burning.carefully drive 3 blocks to my house.notice rear tires leaning into wheel wells.i then see broken axle.ford said axle reinforcement brackets were installed properly 7 months ago under recall.i have no money to fix.

My windstar 1999 has only 100,000 miles on it, less when i bought it, and at that time i was informed of the rear axel recall. i reviewed the data, concerning the safety recall which ends at the end of oct 2016 and was concerned about the safety of passengers and others if an accident should happen within the next 5-10 yrs,(which how long i hope to have this). being informed i had my closest ford dealership replace the rear, and they billed my $300.00.......this is wrong, i should be reimbursed.

Shifted from park to drive and entered into traffic lane. pressed down on gas pedal but all that happened was engine revved up but vehicle would not go forward. luckily, there was light traffic or i would have been hit. a helpful person pushed me to a safe place to park. i started the car and found that only reverse worked. no forward motion when put in drive, 2 or 1. i checked transmission fluid level and it was at proper level had vehicle towed to my house. searched online and found this is a common issue with 1999 windstar's. called a transmission place and told them what happened and was told i likely had suffered a transmission failure and needed a new transmission. i'm the second owner and the vehicle has approximately 125,000 miles on it. also, the brake master cylinder failed in october 2014. updated 03/28/16.*jb

I have 3 problems with my 1999 ford windstar which currently has 60,000 miles. one of them is the glass in front when i'm driving in the rain i have to turn on the wipers the driver's side in the middle part of the wiper stays wet while the passenger side cleans very well. the other problem i've always had is the powersteering when i'm driving, i'm going to turn to the side and the car turns off the guide gets hard and i can't straighten it to turn it on again. the last problem is the transmission, one day the family went all together in the car and shortly after we realized that it was overheating we parked in the grass we turned off the car and the part of the engine caught fire after the accident we realized that the transmission liquefied oil. i had the transmission repaired and began to give some tiresome every time i changed gears. the car is currently parked with the damaged transmission. i understand there is a recall for this transmission

I have 3 problems with my 1999 ford windstar which currently has 60,000 miles. one of them is the glass in front when i'm driving in the rain i have to turn on the wipers the driver's side in the middle part of the wiper stays wet while the passenger side cleans very well. the other problem i've always had is the powersteering when i'm driving, i'm going to turn to the side and the car turns off the guide gets hard and i can't straighten it to turn it on again. the last problem is the transmission, one day the family went all together in the car and shortly after we realized that it was overheating we parked in the grass we turned off the car and the part of the engine caught fire after the accident we realized that the transmission liquefied oil. i had the transmission repaired and began to give some tiresome every time i changed gears. the car is currently parked with the damaged transmission. i understand there is a recall for the transmission

After a trip to the lake,my family and i were headed home and approached a stop sign.(23 miles from home.) i made a complete stop and proceeded to apply gas and the windstar would not move. when i release the breaks it just rolls backwards,pretty scary. however after a restart it would move again but only for a few feet,then it falls out of gear again. towed it home,and don't know what to do. we had no warning lights or warning at all whats so ever. *tr

Stopped at a light when the light turned green i went to go when the van suddenly stopped like i hit a wall. i had the van towed to american transmission on rt 88 in lakewood nj. they dropped the transmission and said it needed to be replaced, that basically it had melted everything inside the transmission and they said it happens often with these vans....ford is lucky it was 5am and no one was driving behind me they would have crashed into me. *tr

Tl - the contact owns a 1999 ford windstar. the contact stated that while at a stop traffic light, the vehicle stalled and the check engine warning light illuminated. additionally, the contact stated that the air conditioner was leaking and admitting smoke. a private mechanic repaired the vehicle, but the failure recurred. the manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. the failure and current mileage was 100,080. the vin was not available. djr

Van is jumping at stop light with brake on, started making a clunking sound around 55 (unknown) power windows stopped working on right side. only 92000 miles on van everything going wrong at once. van feels unsafe. do not have enough money to replace. is there any recalls for this stuff? knocking noise in rear. *js

Tl* the contact owns a 1999 ford windstar. the contact stated that while driving 15 mph, the contact stated that the vehicle began to emit a loud pitch sound and became difficult to drive. the contact merged over and noticed that the rear axle had collapsed. the vehicle was towed to an independent mechanic but was not inspected or repaired. the manufacturer was notified of the issue and stated that because the vehicle was previously repaired under nhtsa campaign id number: 12v193000 (power train), there was nothing else that would be done. the approximate failure mileage was 187,000.

Tl* the contact owns a 1999 ford windstar. the contact stated that the vehicle was taken to the dealer for a tire replacement when the contact was advised that the rear axle was fractured in two places. the contact spoke with the manufacturer and was advised that the vehicle was not included in nhtsa campaign id numbers: 10v385000, 12v193000 or12v195000 (suspension:rear:axle:non-powered axle assembly). the vehicle was not repaired. the failure and the current mileage was 178,000. *tr

Tl* the contact owns a 1999 ford windstar. while driving approximately 70 mph, the over drive off warning light illuminated on the instrument panel and began flashing. the contact stopped the vehicle on the shoulder and noticed smoke emitting from the front end of the vehicle. the contact inspected the vehicle and noticed oil leaking from under the vehicle. the vehicle was towed to an independent mechanic for diagnostic testing. the mechanic stated that the transmission would have to be replaced. the vehicle was not repaired. the approximate failure mileage was 134,000.

I was driving my van. at first the lights beep up for engine and then o/d and then it stops. there was a lot of smoke from the engine and it look like it burns. after that vehicle start but not tacking gear. i found out that transmission went bad. *tr

Accelerating from a stoplight transmission lets go. reverse was the only gear the vehicle would move in. i had to backup off the freeway to the nearest parking lot. my wife just bought this vehicle last month for work because it had low miles. now it will cost us more to fix it ($2500) than the vehicle is worth. and we just spent a small fortune replacing everything in the brake system besides the master cylinder and lines. after research, apparently ford was aware this transmission had issues but continued to install them. thank you ford, i enjoy taking it up the kazoo every time i have bought one of your vehicles. *tr

My windstar sits in my driveway with a bad transmission. the van only has 119000 and has been acting up for the last year. *tr

In nhtsa campaign id number 10v385000, ford motor company recalled 1998-2003 winstars which are currently registered or originally sold in 20 states. my vehicle is not part of this recall because it is not registered or was originally sold in one of those states. the reason the recall specified these 20 states is because these 20 states frequently use high amounts of salt to melt snow and the salt can/has resulted in corrosion to the power train rear axle assembly. as my vehicle is not currently registered and was not originally sold in one of these states, ford motor company has not and will not include my vehicle in the recall. over the 10 years i've owned the vehicle, i have frequently traveled to and through 6 of these states, including during winter months when there has been snow on the ground and salt has been used to melt the snow. as a result, my vehicle has corrosion on the power train rear axle assembly and cracks very similar to the ones shown on pictures of affected vehicles. i feel that under these circumstances, my vehicle should be added to the recall. i have contacted ford motor company, and they have refused to add my vehicle. any assistance you can provide would be appreciated as i fear that a complete fracture of the axle is probable. *tr

Abs light is on continuously. overdrive jumping in and out of gear after driving it 30 minutes or more. i read the recall and safety report that brake fluid leaks on the abs switch connected to the master cylinder which can cause a catastrophic fire. i didn't receive anything in the mail from ford on my vehicle on this problem as of yet. also the coolant line that ran under port injection was welded leaking water where it connects to the thermostat housing. *kb

Took van in for latest recall, picked up with check transmission light on - was not on when we dropped van off for repair. transmission failed shortly afterward. *tr

Tl* the contact owns a 1999 ford windstar. while driving approximately 60 mph, the vehicle began decelerating and losing power. the vehicle was towed to the dealer where the technician advised that the transmission seal had failed and caused transmission fluid to leak when the temperature of the vehicle increased. the technician also advised that the transmission would need to be replaced. the vehicle was towed to an independent mechanic where the transmission was replaced. the approximate failure mileage was 45,000.

3 transmissions...multiple repairs all of which ford is aware and caused by faulty design. recalled for axle and frame rotting. ford used epoxy and a brace to "repair". unsafe repair! warranty offered is only 12 months, so ford also agrees it wont last. frame and axle should last the life of vehicle. this is a dangerous vehicle and ford isnt willing to take any resposibility. they have kown about these problems for years, and are now saying they arent responsible.

1999 ford windstar. consumer writes to express discontent regarding ford motor company *tgw the consumer stated the vehicle had transmission and engine problems. also, the vehicle failed inspection, due to a rusted subframe. ford offered to buy the vehicle back from the consumer.

1999 ford windstar. consumer states while stopped at a traffic light there was a sudden loud noise like an explosion and then vehicle lost power and she barely got through the traffic light *tgw the consumer had the vehicle to towed to the dealer where they informed her the transmission needed to be replaced. *jb

While driving on interstate highway the rear axle broke on 1999 ford windstar. almost lost control but managed to get to side of road safely. this is a life and death problem where all of these axles need to be replaced ! *tr

Tl*the contact owns a 1999 ford windstar. the contact stated that the transmission slipped and the check engine light was illuminated. the failure had been occurring since october 2010. the vehicle also stalled when the failure occurred. the vehicle was taken to a local repair shop where the contact was informed that the transmission needed to be replaced. the vehicle had not been repaired. the failure mileage was approximately 125,000 and the current mileage was approximately 126,000.

I have a ford windstar year 1999. about two weeks ago the two brake lights went on, i had a fuse # 10 blown and a non working speedometer dial.( the cruise control has three months that is not working) i did take a look at the owner's manual. in the manual i read that reason for the break light to come on was the lower level of brake fluid in the reservoir and so it was. i added some brake fluid and the light was off. in the mean time i did checked the fuse panel and i found this fuse #10 was blown and i replaced it, but half an hour later i got a blown fuse again. also the abs light was on and so i decided to see a mechanic. i did go to a repair shop and i was told that my van has a serious problem. scds under the master cylinder has developed a bad leak. the scds switch is leaking and that may cause a fire sooner or later. this leak has caused a short and a fuse trip #10 this break fluid leak has wicked down the wires to the abs module. i was told that this leaky switch has caused all the problem in my van. speedometer, cruise control and abs brake system are not working. i was told that there may be a recall on this problems. i do not knowany thing about it. i know that it was a recall issued on august 27,2010 in regard with rear axel. i never got any notice from ford co. i had a broken rear axel on march 2010 and i was saved by good luck. i paid a lot of money to fix it. ford did not pay a dime for this problem. ford never sends me any recall notices. i'm never going to buy ford cars again. *tr

Tl*the contact owns a 1999 ford windstar. while driving approximately 50 mph the vehicle began to smoke in the rear with no warning signs from the dashboard. she smelled something burning and drove onto the emergency lane. everyone was able to safely get out of the vehicle and a tow truck was called. the vehicle was towed to a local mechanic and then to the dealer. the dealer advised her that there was a total fracture in the rear axle. she was advised by the dealer that it would take 4 weeks to get the parts. the vehicle was not repaired. the approximate failure and current mileages were 104,000.

Driving down 2 lane hwy at 35 miles an hour . after crossing smooth rail road tracks rear axle broke. recall repair was done but axle snapped at that location. bracket put on to keep from axle from snapping didn't help. *tr

Tl*the contact owns a 1999 ford windstar. while driving approximately 10 mph, the contact heard a loud scraping noise coming from the outside of the vehicle. suddenly, the rear suspension collapsed. the contact inspected the vehicle and detected that the rear axle fractured in half. there were no prior warnings of the failure. the vehicle was towed to a safe location. the dealer was notified of the failure yet the vehicle was neither diagnosed nor repaired. the failure mileage was 113,000.

Tl* the contact owns a 1999 ford windstar sel. the contact stated that the rear axle fractured in half while driving at approximately 25 mph. the vehicle was towed to a local repair facility where the contact was awaiting repairs. the manufacturer was not contacted. the current and failure mileages were approximately 150,400.

Tl* the contact owns a 1999 ford windstar. the contact stated while driving approximately 30 mph, there was an abnormally loud pop. the contact discovered that both rear tires were flat. the rear axle was also fractured in half and hanging from the vehicle. the vehicle was taken to a local repair facility where both rear tires and the axle were replaced at the owners expense. the manufacturer was not been contacted. the failure and current mileages are unknown.

Tl* the contact owns a 1999 ford windstar. the contact was driving at 55 mph when he traveled over a road bump. the contact was unable to maintain control of the vehicle. the vehicle spun at 360 degrees five times before crashing into a guardrail. the vehicle was towed to a local repair facility where the contact was informed that the rear axle had fractured from the vehicle. the vehicle was destroyed. the approximate current and failure mileage was 105,000

Tl* the contact owns a 1999 ford windstar. the contact stated the vehicle would wobble abnormally when driving at various speeds. the contact took the vehicle to an independent mechanic where he was advised that the rear axle was cracked. the failure and current mileage was 114,952.

Tl* the contact owns a 1999 ford windstar. while driving at approximately 25 mph, the rear end suspension collapsed. the contact noticed the rear axle was fractured. the vehicle towed to an authorized dealer where the rear axle and rear shocks were replaced. the failure and current mileages were 152,565.

99 ford windstar, scds switch replaced,no brake lights, cant get shifter out of park, blower wont shut off with key removed, headlights come on when you shut the door with key removed and switch off. no speedometer or tach. *tr

Rear axle rusted and broke in half. *tr

1999 ford windstar experienced a sudden transmission failure at 114,000 miles despite having absolutely no prior issues of this nature. i was at a red light approximately 1/4 mile from the on-ramp of i-25 when the vehicle shuddered and jerked before accelerating; after pulling over to check for damage (as i was sure i had hit/run over something), i found nothing unusual and proceeded onto the interstate. the vehicle operated normally for approximately 25 miles at freeway speed until i was stopped at a red light. upon trying to accelerate, the engine would only rev regardless of the gear i used, at which time i contacted an automotive shop to tow the vehicle. currently, i am awaiting a call from the shop after their full diagnosis, which i will update this complaint. a sudden problem of this magnitude is perplexing as well as potentially costly. after reading pages of complaints similar to mine, i have no doubt that the high(er) mileage of my vehicle at the time of this incident speaks to the level of regular maintenance i have provided. please consider seriously investigating the numerous complaints similar to mine before a life is taken as a result. *tr

Tl*the contact owns a 1999 ford windstar. while the contact was driving approximately between 60-65 mph, the rear end of the vehicle began to sway uncontrollably. the contact was able to gain control and the vehicle was driven to the side of the road. the rear tires were tilted inwardly. the vehicle was towed to an independent mechanic for diagnosis. the technician stated the rear axle support fractured. the vehicle had not been repaired at the time of the complaint. the failure mileage was 127,000.

Information redacted pursuant to the freedom of information act (foia), 5 u.s.c. 552(b)(6) on saturday may 15th, around noontime, i was traveling on i-91 northbound in hartford. the van started pulling and swerving like i had flat tires. the van has 124,210 miles, and has been diagnosed with a broken rear axle. estimated repair cost for a 'used' axle is around $900.00. from what i've been reading, this is an inherent design flaw. vin # [xxx] . *tr

Tl*the contact owns a 1999 ford windstar. the contact was driving at approximately 35 mph when he heard a loud popping noise; he immediately pulled over. he then drove the vehicle to a local repair shop where he was informed that the rear axle support bar was cracked. the contact called an authorized dealership who told him that he would be responsible for the repair costs. the vehicle had not been repaired when the complaint was filed. the current and failure mileages were approximately 102,000.

Tl* the contact owns a 1999 ford windstar. the contact was advised by a mechanic that the rear axle was rusted and was almost entirely cracked. the mechanic stated he observed the failure often in this type of vehicle. the failure mileage was 132,000 miles and the current was 132,000.

Rusted out sub frame. it cost me $1,150.00 dollars to repair with a used one. not happy. tranny slams from 1st to 2nd gear; it started about 6 months after i bought it in 2001, they fixed it. then it started again in 2006 when it hit about 80,000 miles. i stopped driving it for awhile after fighting over it with the miller ford dealer then finally got the money to repair the sub frame. now i just drive it and use 2nd and 3rd gear. the od light keeps coming on. *tr

Tl* the contact owns a 1999 ford windstar. while driving approximately 15 mph, he heard a bang noise, and then he experienced difficult steering. he noticed that the tires were bent inward. he took the vehicle to a repair shop. the technician stated that the rear axle assembly had cracked. he was waiting for the parts to be shipped for repairs. he had not contacted the dealership nor the manufacturer to-date. the current and failure mileages were approximately 148,000.

Tl* the contact owns a 1999 ford windstar. during routine inspection a mechanic stated that the rear axle had fractured. prior to the inspection no symptoms were present. he was in the process of having the vehicle repaired at an of expense $1500.00. he contacted the manufacturer, but no assistance was provided. he still has possession of the failed component. the failure and current mileages were 116,000.

Tl*the contact owns a 1999 ford windstar. while inspecting his vehicle, the contact noticed a crack in the rear axle. the vehicle has not been diagnosed by the dealer. the current and failure mileages were 90,405.

Transmission bangs hard from 1st to 2nd gear and overdrive light comes on saying od is off. this started a few months after i bought it in late 2001;it was fixed by the dealer. it started again in early 2006. miller ford refused to do anything about it. it was just out side of my 4 year warranty but still within the mileage. (79,000). i took it back again in 2008. they still wouldn't do anything for me. took it 2009 they looked at it, charged me $400.00 dollars and said i needed a new radiator and transmission. oh well. no more fords. *tr

Tl* the contact owns a 1999 ford windstar. the contact stated that the check engine warning light illuminated and the vehicle was taken to the dealer where the failure was located at the head gasket and transmission. the manufacturer was notified of the failure but the vehicle was not repaired. the failure mileage was 140,000 and the current mileage was 163,000. the vin was unavailable.

Tl*the contact owns a 1999 ford windstar. the contact stated that the rear axle on his vehicle cracked completely. the vehicle was unable to be driven. the vehicle was taken to the dealer and they stated that the repair would cost $1,641. the contact cannot afford to repair the vehicle. the vin was unknown. the failure mileage was 45,000.

1999 ford windstar 3.8l v6 99k miles driving to work transmission stopped working to make the vehicle move forward. it only would work in reverse. this is a common problem with windstars please reference this website http://www.carcomplaints.com/ford/windstar/2000/transmission/. *tr