Problems with 1999 Ford Windstar POWER TRAIN

Transmission problem - problem noticed immediately after purchase date - problem with slow shifts noticeable at 20 and 40 mph. grinding noise prevelant at these stages. dealership said was normal. around 25000 transmission began to experience "quick" shifts from acceleration, popping noise from one gear to next as transmission tries to determine appropriate gear for 5-10mph. grinding at 20 and 40mph steadily becoming worse. again dealership indicates normal. at 27mph transmission is beginning to jump into reverse. shifting of gears - bang bang bang. much worse. many trips to dealership yeild same response. "new engine, no problems, or yes the engineers hear what you hear but no problem" i am afraid that with 2 children and my wife that transmission will quit putting them in an unsafe predicament. notice that there are other complaints that outline the same or similar problem. ford unwilling to recognize.*ak

Vehicle was in park when transmission jumped gears, going forward on its own. the dealer replaced transmission . manufacturer notified. *ak

Consumer has been experiencing ongoing problems with following parts: 1. automatic transmission slipping in lower speed; 2. steering would make a popping noise only in wet conditions, and 3. starter woud grind when starting vehicle. dealer/manufacturer notified. *ak

Van was returned to dealer to fix a minor problem with the transmission. when slowing down and then accelerating, the transmission would jump and jerk into gear. ford elected to replace the transmission. then the technician discovered the steering problems and replaced the rack and pinion. then discovered the lower steering assembly was defective. therefore, they have had my new van in the shop for 3 weeks. *ak

When applying brakes to slow down, transmission would make a loud sound. and vehicle would accelerate. then transmission would make again the same noise & then it would jerk. been to dealer & mechanic could not locate cause of noise. *ak