Ford Windstar

I bought my Ford Windstar in 1995 (first model, 3.0l V6). Since then, I had none of all these problems. In almost 17 years, I only had to change the tires, brakes, v-belt, one battery (my own fault, I kept the GPS in the plug during a 5 week holiday) and some front light bulbs. Today my WS is in the garage, because I couldn't measure the coolant. After this long time, it was almost black, but that's more than normal. Mileage is 156 k mls. It's always outside during the year, no own garage. I know, this is an exception, but because of his (yes, his) reliability I truly love this car. Greetings from Germany.

I just purchased a 2000 Ford Windstar, and despite quite a bit of research, never came across this site before.

Anyway, on with the comment...

I think you guys need to accept that sometimes it shouldn't be down to the manufacturer! If you go into a shop and it turns out many years later to be a substandard item, tough! We live in a consumerist world these days - a chuck away society - deal with it, and don't spend so much in the first place. Furthermore, don't ever buy on credit! Isn't that obvious. If you can't afford it now, don't buy it now, buy it later when you afford it (apologies for the uppercase - sometimes I feel it's important to emphasize).

Some stuff you buy will be dangerous. Life simply is dangerous. Everyday. I really can't understand this litigious, pass-the-blame attitude. We need to get back to where we were a good X years ago, where we had a realistic outlook on life.

You seem to want to know that Ford are looking out for you, but they, like any other capitalist company are in the business of pressing steel together for $$$$$ - if you buy it, expect a little support during your warranty but then you are on your own. Don't buy the advertising bull. Ford are a big company, made big from you going into debt to buy that shiny new car. Don't get me wrong. I don't want to single Ford out here. I think they make decent-ish affordable metal to move people from A to B, as do many other automotive mfrs.

Humbly heed this advice if you may:

1) Don't be suckers people - get to know how a car works, treat it well, service it regularly yourself if you can. If you're elderly, bus services still run almost everywhere.

2) Be different! Don't buy a new car - once you know how cars work you can actually get quite reliable motors working for you daily for about $2000 a piece (that's what I paid for my 2000 Windstar, and, ok, I've since found out it might be badly dangerous underneath. Ok, I'll get a spot welder to sort it or perhaps learn how to weld myself. Sounds kind of fun! ).

You all sound like lawyers to me, and that's a very bad sign for humankind.

I've ranted enough. If you choose to flame my comments, feel free. Freedom is wonderful, and everyone is entitled to their own opinion!

I am a current owner to a 2001 Ford Windstar that was bought used less than 5 years ago. Have had several recalls done to it since it has been in my possession.

I brought it to the attention to a local ford dealership, John ** of Phoenixville, PA, the district sales manager of the Philadelphia territory, Brad **, and Karen **, Executive Officer, that the recall 09S09 was still leaking even though my vehicle was band-aided with a jumper harness to the SCDS. Ford knowingly knew that the original part for the SCDS was defected and still cause leaks despite the harness. When this leak occurs, it still has the potential to start an engine fire due to the leaking brake fluid. The brake fluid then shorts out the ABS/ECM module, which affects the brakes locking up, speedometer, odometer, cruise control, traction and O/D compartments to fail. The recall was only to remedy the immediate fire by the SCDS but not the fires that are caused by a defected SCDS part which is made by Texas Instruments.

Ford has already been replacing the old SCDS part with a new SCDS that is not being manufactured by Texas Instruments. However, this is all done by the owner's expense! The ABS/ECM module is suppose to last the lifetime of the vehicle except since the recall was not done the proper and safe way. It has to be replaced to prevent a fire. In my case, my ABS module needs to be replaced for the second time, which will be the third ABS module in a used 2001 Ford Windstar.

This is not new for Ford Motor Company on this particular recall involving the SCDS. Fifteen of Ford model cars are affected by these defected SCDS; however, the Windstar owners have only received the band-aid solution with the jumper harness. The other ford vehicles' recalls includes a brand new SCDS part not made by Texas instruments.

At this time, I have not been able to use my van to transport my young children and for me to go to work. The repair costs more than we can afford on a used car. Not only are we making payments on the vehicle that cannot be used, I can not also get a good trade in offer because to the current problems due to the lack of accountability that Ford Motor company has not taken to prevent this problem!

I would like Ford to address this recall properly by putting in the new SCDS part in the Windstar. Ford needs to fix the damages caused by the defected Texas instrument SCDS, which includes the ABS/ECM module and any other electrical damage from the leaking brake fluid. This should be all done by the expense of Ford Motor Company. Owners who have already received the repair should be reimbursed with any repairs that had to do with the SCDS, ABS/ECM, and electrical parts affected by the leaking brake fluid. My overall experience with Ford is a 0!

I took my 2002 Winstar (I am the original and only owner) to the local Ford dealership (where purchased) after receiving the recall notices about the subframe and rear axle. The van was left and the "repair kits (brackets)" installed. I was told that my van was in great condition and not effected by the recall. Subsequently, my husband was under the van for unrelated reasons and saw the passengers side subframe was rusted away with the repair kit bracket in place, supporting nothing. It is clear to see what the purpose of the bracket is if you look at the drivers side.

We took it back to the dealer where several employees (manager and mechanics) agreed it was part of the recall. We were told to leave it because it likely wasn't safe. My husband requested the back axle bracket be removed for inspection. This revealed a crack in the back axle masked by the bracket installed by the dealer. The dealer alleged to send digital images to the DI dept of Ford and was rejected as a claim. My car was given back to me stating repairs previously done. We contacted Ford customer service dept, who advised us the dealer was already paid for the repair and therefore is a dealership problem. The dealership claims it is a recall issue. Legally, not sure how either was willing to give me back my van if the mechanics agreed it was likely not safe. The manager in fact told us that he told Ford to replace both the rear axle and subframe. Unacceptable to play the blame game on peoples lives. Ford needs to be held liable for their lack of action and the dealership for attempting to hide a recall defect. I'd be interested in how many brackets were placed on Windstars that should not be to save money or so that dealerships can be paid? We have plenty of pictures to be shared. This is a safety issue.

My 2001 Ford Windstar SEL's passenger side sway bar mounting bracket separated from the vehicle less than 30 days after recall. This has rendered the vehicle unsafe to drive and it will not pass New York State vehicle safety inspection. Ford dealership denies any responsibility and Ford, the manufacturer, will not repair as part of the recall.

I own a 2003 Ford Windstar. Over the past year, I have had the check engine light go on and off intermittently and 3 total breakdowns where the engine light was blinking and I had a loss of power. I had to be towed 3 times. One time, I was 200 miles from home and had to leave the vehicle for repair. I have had repairs done by 3 separate shops. They all got the same set of codes when they test the car and do the prescribed repairs based upon the codes. I have had coils replaced, a major tune-up and spark plugs and wires replaced 3 times in the past 7 months.

Several different codes keep coming up including "that cylinders are misfiring." I have spent at least $2000 in repairs only to have the light go back on within a few days. I have read of others having this problem and wonder why there has been no recall by Ford. With three competent mechanics reading the same codes and following the prescribed course of action, I feel that the problem is really with Ford and not the mechanics.

I also have my lights blinking while I am driving. I eventually just turned off the exterior lights because I can't afford to take the vehicle in for a hit-or-miss repair.

I am not generally a complainer, but enough is enough. We own a 2003 Ford Windstar. Over the past 4 years, we have replaced or have had the alternator rebuilt at least three times. The last time was a week ago. We also installed a brand new battery. The van started one time and one time only after the repairs. We also had issues with the interior lights coming on whenever we would hit a bump. My husband has turned them off completely to eliminate this issue.

A few months back, both the driver's side and passenger side windows stopped working. A few weeks later, the passenger window started working again but the driver side window was still out of order. After going online to do some research, I was shocked to learn that this appears to be a common problem with many Windstar owners. It seems to me that when these many customers have the same issues, the automaker should have some responsibility. When do the costly repairs stop coming out of the pocket of those who have already paid big money in good faith to own a reliable transportation and fall on the shoulders of the manufacturer?

We have a 2002 Ford Windstar Sport.

It was Canada day, July 1, 2011. We came out from our van and realize that when we tried to put the car in our drive it was making a very loud noise and would not move. We then saw that the passenger front coil spring had broken and went through the tire. We inspected the one on the driver side and it was just as bad. We were not going anywhere, my 2002 Windstar did this while it was parked! ** good thing it didn't decide to let go while driving! I have never heard of a coil spring just breaking like this.

I owned a Ford 2003 Winstar that was recalled in October 2010. We took it to a dealer. He took our van and would not give it back! Ford said that they would give us a rental car. We asked for a van because I am handicapped. We were told that we could not have a van because we had no handicapped equipment installed in it. We then asked for something big enough to hold my wheelchair and walker. They said that they couldn't do anything but try. Ford decided what we got, a rental company. They gave us a big enough car but then told us that we could not go out of state in it and that we would have to turn this big car back in on a Monday, I think. For the small car that they were giving every one, my husband was freaking. He knew that we had to go out of state all the time and that we could not use a little car so he was forced to buy another car.

I bought a new 1995 Windstar and it was the first car/van I ever bought new. My husband directed me to buy this van because he stated that the reviews were excellent and I had two young daughters.

Within two months after purchase, I began to have problems. The engine kept coming on and off at various times. I had a remote lock and key system that rarely worked, alarm system that would go off without warning, and brakes that would get stuck.

They failed to tell me about the gasket problem until I needed it to be done. I had to have two new transmissions replaced in this van and it was always in the shop for power failure, coil damage, engine failure, and system break down. This van cost me thousands of dollars, at that time I was too ill and too uninformed to know my rights against Ford. The more I complained, the more they ignored me. My family needed a car for transportation. I had ran up my credit cards repairing the van every month. In 2000, I decided that I was not going to repair it any more because I did not have any more money since being disable, I was without a car.

In 2004, my husband's car went bad so he bought a Ford Taurus. My husband needed transportation to work and we did not have a large down payment. Ford took the Windstar as a trade in for $50.00. Can you believe it? I walked out of the room and let my husband finish dealing with Ford.

I kept every bill, every thing that was done to this van, every default because it caused me so much distress emotionally, physically, financially, and it even caused me to become more ill.

Today, the bad decision of paying for Ford 1995 Windstar continues to affect my life. Because I used money on that car that should have been there for me now. Everytime I am waiting on a ride or paying for a cab, I get upset at Ford.

On 11/03/10, I was slowing down from a state highway, making a left hand turn, when my front axle on my 2001 Ford Windstar broke. The van stopped, and could not be moved at all. I had to have it towed on a flat-bed to an auto mechanic to be fixed. The auto service had to replace the sub-frame on the van, the cradle assembly. The inspection revealed a rusted out sub-frame and control arm mounting. Then, I got a recall notice in the middle of December 2010 about the rear axle! What is Ford going to do about my high bill that I paid to get my van fixed?!

My 1998 Ford Windstar 3.0 engine is horrible. It stalls out while in traffic everyday. I have almost been rear ended on many occasions. The locks and interior light continue to go off and on, and up and down. I had to pull the fuse. While driving 30 miles an hour, it takes off as if cruise control is on. It goes 70 mph, and I am slamming on the brake to stop. I had to pull the fuse to cruise control. The check engine light is always on. I have changed the sensors, and it didn't help. It surges up and down all the time.

It goes through a tank of gas in two days. It gets about 5 miles to a gallon of gas. I fear for my safety and my grandchildren's safety while I drive it. Also, I fear that the rear axle might corrode and break. Ford looked at it and said, it looks okay right now. Okay that's right now, but what about in the near future. Is Dahl Ford going to keep checking it off and on for free? I think not. This is the worst van in the world. Ford needs to buy these vehicles back and save our lives.

I have spent so much money trying to correct these things and nothing helps. I am completely broke, and I have a van that is a piece of crap! I can't go on like this. I have ran my van upon to empty lots, trying to make it stop. I have been almost rear ended in traffic, when it just stops running! This 1998 Ford Windstar van has broke me in repairs that did not help!

I own a 2000 Ford Windstar minivan with 86,000 miles. The rear axle completely failed by cracking midway on the axle. Luckily, I wasn't driving on the highway or high rate of speed when axle broke. At the moment, it is sitting in my driveway until I find out if there is a recall.

The rear axle of my 2001 Ford Windstar broke while I was driving it. The tire then also blew out. Damage to the Ford Windstar: broken rear axle, cable of the e-brake damaged, and my tire was ruined.

On Thursday, August 26, 2010, I was driving my 2001 Ford Windstar. Luckily I was at a red light, when the light turned green and I began to pull away, I heard a loud noise and something scraping the pavement below. I also lost control as the steering went completely out. I was able to stop the van since I was not going more than 10 miles per hour at the time. I got out and looked underneath and found that my motor was laying on the ground. The entire subframe was rusted.

Luckily, this happened when it did. I guess God was watching over me and my children. If this had happened just 30 minutes prior, my 2-year old daughter, 8-year old son and myself probably would not be here today. We had just been on the expressway, where we were traveling approximately 60-65 miles per hour. Even if we would have survived, it would have been a terrible accident, guaranteed! When the tow truck got there, the driver said he had never seen anything like this before. I had it towed to a Ford dealer where they said the exact same thing. I purchased the vehicle in November 2009 and it only had one previous owner and approximately 124000 miles. He was a friend of the family that took very good care of the vehicle.

As a matter of fact the van looked practically new except for a few scratches in the paint and a few small rust spots on the on the lower part of the front doors. I have read many similar complaints and do not understand why Ford is not addressing this potentially fatal problem. My family and I were blessed but I fear that many others may not be as lucky. I will never own a Ford again since they apparently do not take responsibility for their products. I am a single mother and currently am out of a vehicle. I cannot afford to repair the damages, which I was quoted a minimum of $2000 to replace subframe and other damages that resulted, such as broken belts, steering column, airbags, and any other items that were damaged when the engine fell.

1999 Ford Windstar rear axle broke for no reason.

We had a 2000 Ford Windstar and had to replace the rear axle on it twice. The first time it was replaced with a used axle which broke within a year. The mechanic recommended using a new axle when we brought it in the second time because it was a known problem and he felt that any used axle was due to break soon.

We have since gotten rid of the car because it had another problem that no mechanic could figure out how to fix, but we had to pay twice to replace the rear axle and was wondering if we are due compensation as it was a recall issue.

My rear axle is rusty and breaking, not completely in 1/2, but the tires are splayed out 96,000 miles on my Ford 01 Windstar.

We were traveling, going 55 on sharp curves, when we stopped at a light and presided on a whirling sound and smoke. We pulled over. My husband got out, and saw that the rear passenger wheel was leaning inward, and the axle snapped off. We are elderly. It cost us having the vehicle towed (twice, because it was Sunday) and repairs. We learned this was common with Windstar. I could not believe Ford knows about this, and is denying it.

The rear axle in my 2000 Ford Windstar is cracked, and is unsafe to drive. The vehicle has 134,000 miles.

I brought a 2001 Ford Windstar and at 75,000 miles the transmission went out, now 51,000 miles later the second transmission has failed. I replaced the head gasket twice. This seems to be a real problem with Ford Windstar. Why is nothing being done? I have spent $3000, for first transmission now they want another $3500. When will it end?

Driving down I95 in Philadelphia I noticed the 99 Ford Windstar I was driving started to swerve and make weird noises. I got off the highway, pulled over and noticed the rear driver side tire on a 45 degree and the other tire on an angle too. I drove very slow to a shop they put it up on a lift and saw that the rear axle was cracked 75 percent of the way.

My 20 year old daughter was backing up the car and the rear axle snapped in two. Rusted from inside out. Contacted Ford, form letter response taking no responbility. Filed complaint with NHTSA. Called local TV, they already have done stories about it. This could have been catastrophic if she had been traveling faster. I had driven few days before and car was in for maintenance just month before. No outside evidence of problem. Lots of complaints on internet and near misses of bad accidents. We were lucky. I have pictures of the broken axle. I asked to have the broken axle back, and I have it in the car. Cost to fix was $1250. Pales in comparison to what might have happened if we had been traveling at 65mph because the wheels basically fell off the car. Have contacted the attorneys handling class action lawsuit recently filed in PA. This should have been a recall. Realizing that things do go wrong with aging cars, wheels falling off is not something that should happen. 140,000 miles on a car is high, but not outside of the use period. Oil was changed at 141,000 miles and tires rotated-car was looked over by mechanic and was fine at the time.

As it turns out the Federal Givernment Launched a formal investigation just weeks ago, yet Northport Ford insists this is a problem unnique to my vechile. The truth is that there are hundreds and thousands of complaints online. Some one is going to die if people are not warned to have their axels checked. It was one of the scariest incidents I have ever been involved in. I needed to have the car towed which cost almost $150 and I am awaiting word from the shop on the cost of the repair but I have been warned this could cost up to $4000 additionally I need to rent a car which will cost about $50-$75 a day but the worst damage was how terrified I was during and even now after this happened. Losing control of a car on a parkway is something I never want to experience again.

Vehical was taken to Rose City Ford for service on this problem 2 or 3 times. and was always told,that they road test the Van,the Van sat in their parking lot for an extended time period.And then was told that they can not fine the problem.We do not put many kilometer/miles on a vehical,we now have 130,000 km now and our neighbors are just tic-ed.We have been on the Web looking for a fix,and the one that we had tried is as follows:

Note! This did not fix the problem/it still blows at any time.We also brushed and cleaned the terminals on the sliding door,hoping this would fix the problem. It did not.

I cannot belive that the Ford Dealerships have not heard of this problem.

I own a 1999 Ford Windstar. A little over a year ago I had the torque converter replaced and now I am going to have to replace it again. So I can sympathize with those who also have had problems with their Ford transmissions.I also love ford vehicles but if I have to keep fixing the drive train then I'll go back to driving foreign vehicles.

M 2001 Windstar axle broke during highway speeds and nearly killed us. I spent $950 to repair. I have pictures and witnesses and parts. $950 repair bill. Near catastrophic disaster, but able to control vehicle to stop.

The rear axle on my 2000 Ford Windstar is cracked. It is sitting in my garage waiting for the recall. do you think this will happen anytime soon? It happened as I was turning out of my driveway. There was a loud noise and then I lost control of the car. No one was hurt and we were able to get it back to the house where we could see that the axle is cracked. We really can't afford to fix this and would love to see it recalled now.

This is the letter that I wrote to Ford & Pagano. I also have graphic photos of my rotted axel:

"Re: Assistance Required for 1999 Ford Windstar VIN 1 2FMZA514XXBC65872

Mr. P, my family and I have almost been killed now THREE times from you're supposed "Five Star" safety rating vehicle, the Ford Windstar!!!

In 1999, we purchased our FIRST and ONLY new vehicle, a Ford Windstar LX from Larson Ford. We were absolutely thrilled with our decision to purchase a new vehicle and finally be able to feel safe and secure. We chose the Ford Windstar because of the "Five Star" safety rating.

Our first problem occurred when, after only 68,000 miles, the transmission went on the car as I was driving through an intersection with my two young sons, and almost had an accident. At first, your company was reluctant to do ANYTHING about it, but they finally allowed me to purchase an extended warranty that would cover the transmission replacement. That work was done, only to find a month later that a faulty "NEW" transmission was installed. We had to bring it in for a THIRD transmission to be installed.

In November 2009, while travelling to a friend's funeral service, my wife had noticed some "creaking" noise by the passenger rear wheel. LUCKILY, while only trying to back into a parking spot to check it out, I heard a loud "BANG"! My rear axle had broken, and my back wheel was "snapped". My mechanic told me it had rotted. WHAT KIND OF CAR DESEIGN ALLOWS for its AXLES TO ROT AFTER ONLY 10 YEARS!

We could have been killed, but I took it as a freak incident, and had the axle repaired for $900.00.

Now, last month in February 2010 I heard a noise by my front passenger wheel. My mechanic took a look and was dumbfounded to discover that my front frame/axle support by the wheel is rotted and has snapped! (See enclosed pictures.). What kind of vehicle does FORD "supposedly" take pride in building? A "family" vehicle that will literally become a DEATH TRAP in 10 short years? I have NEVER seen this in my ENTIRE lifetime of owning American cars (and I have had MANY over 15 years old!).

My mechanic is estimating a $1,300 repair!!!!!!!

My brother is a Truck Mechanic and runs a Truck Repair Shop. He says that he has never seen a vehicle frame rot out and break. Body rot, OK, but NOT THE FRAME."

My family is very upset with Ford and how we have been treated like dregs of society. We do not have a car. I have seven total people in my family. Five kids, my wife and me. All of us are sick to our stomach about what has taken place. We need a car but do not have enough money to buy a used one. I think it is a shame the Ford calls itself and American Made Company. Ford talks about great customer service and the great ethical values they have. It is all just fluff to me since I have been in contact with them. The big corporations really do not care about the average Joe. If you can help me or give me sound advice, please contact me.

I purchased a '98 Ford Winstar last spring. I received a recall notice about the ABS/break fluid leak and took it in to have it repaired a couple of months ago. In the last two days, I have lost my car to fire. My family had just gone to the grocery store and within 5-10 min, we hear over the loud speaker there is a fire in the parking lot. We were still fairly close to the entrance of the store and when we looked out, we saw the hood of our van in flames. The fire was all under the hood of the vehicle and through the electrical wiring of the rear door. The van is a complete loss. I never heard anything about a cruise control recall or any other fire hazards that may occur with these vehicles. And the information we did get, we assumed we had the fire issue fixed. Not even a used car salesmen should be able to resell these vehicles if they have not been serviced for the recalls!

Ford truck and Windstar fires! This has to do with the long awaited for the recall of the Windstar. We have a 2000 and read about this problem long about two years ago because of some of the engine problems they had with the intake gaskets or the lower seals being made out of the wrong materials and ended up loosing the seal to the intake. At this time, 09/25/2009, the recall was not enforced for the Windstar, only the pick-ups. So I had bought all the parts to repair, the intake leak and the deactivation switch for the cruise control.

When I received the letter from Ford about the recall on the switch and the letter states that they would reimburse anyone that had replaced this switch, I sent them the original receipt with the switch clearly marked on it and they now say that because it was not done by an authorized Ford dealer that my claim was not eligible for the reimbursement. I'm disabled and do not have the funds to take my auto to get repaired when this repair is so easy to do. My 13-year old granddaughter helped me replace the Ford's mistake with the plenum seals and the cruise control deactivation switch.

They will never admit to the mistake with the seals and refused to reimburse the $22.11 for the SCDS switch. Luckily, there was only some brake fluid that had to be cleaned off the electrical control at the top of the transmission. This is where the fires start. This fixed the operation of the cruise control and set my mind at ease.

On March 3, 2010 my husband and I were taking my 2001 Ford Windstar to the shop to have the heater core replaced in it. Since the heater core was shot all you could smell is antifreeze and it was fogging the windows up. On the way, I noticed my van was smoking because my husband was in front of me. I called him to tell him it was smoking and he believed it was just cold. I convinced him to pull over and before he could reach the hood latch there were flames coming out from under the hood. I sat and watched my van go up in flames.

There is absolutely nothing left of it. The insurance company hasn't settled with us. I did however have full coverage on my vehicle but have to take away the $500 deductible. This being said I'll most likely get about $3-4,000 dollars for my van. I paid $7,995 and after the interest I had paid a total of $11,000 for it. I will never recommend ford Windstars to anyone.

I purchased a 1999 Ford Windstar van with low mileage and right from the start, I was having problems. The check engine light would always stay on and the transmission o/d light would flash if I drove over the speed of 80 km/hr. I have taken this van to numerous shops hoping someone could fix the problem but that check engine light would always return. I have actually spent around $3000 this year alone on maintenance and repairs. I can't even re-insure this vehicle because in order to insure it, I have to pass the annual air care test.

They refuse to test vehicles that have the check engine light lit up. The transmission went at 90,000 km and was rebuilt but now at 130,000 km, the transmission is ready to go again at a replacement cost of around $3000. I went to the Ford dealer and they stand behind this vehicle. I asked them if they could guarantee that they could get the engine light to go off if I let them work on the vehicle. Otherwise, why would I have this work done if the vehicle would still be uninsurable due to the engine light staying on? They then told me "no, they couldn't" and quite frankly, they said they don't want customers like me anyways. I asked what kind of customer is that. The Ford manager replied, "well, someone like you is likely to sue us."

I bought this van to start a painting company. I have spent a lot of money on tools, advertising, car maintenance, insurance, etc., but now I can't even run my company without a properly working vehicle. I think this van is unfixable and Ford isn't taking accountability for its poorly designed product. I am scared and stressed out! The painting season is coming and I don't know what to do. I can't afford to buy another vehicle. I spent $3000 on this vehicle already this year and it still won't work properly and I can't even insure it because of its defect.

I would have never purchased this vehicle if I had known. The consumer reports gave no warnings and only shouted praise for this vehicle. Because there is no way to re-insure this vehicle, the city may come with a tow truck and remove it from the street. So I purchased this van for $5000 and I have put over $3000 into it. I went online and found 80 people who had the same problems with this same vehicle.

There was an electrical problem and blown head on a 95 Ford Windstar. It seems to be a common problem but Ford won't fix it. My brother was using this mini van for work and he lost his job because I don't have the $1500.00 to fix it.

Ford Winstar 1998 with lower mileage caught on fire in the highway on Oct. 9, 2009. However, the only response from Ford states that they are willing to pay $2,310 for my loss.

I've owned 2 Ford Windstars, a 1995 and a 2000. The 95 had transmission issues 4 years after I bought it and it cost me a new transmission. I was talked into buying a 2000 Windstar by a Ford HQ employee who said the transmission issues were fixed. He also gave me a $3000 credit on a new Ford, that's what sold it for me. The 2000 van had 87,000 miles on it and that transmission also failed. The cost is $3500. Ford said I was out of luck and they couldn't do anything about it. I will never buy another Ford product again. I will tell everyone I know not to buy a Ford. If you do, good luck.

I also have a 1995 Windstar. I will never own the first model year of any vehicle again, as the recalls are numerous, and frustrating, I believe that Ford should have acknowledged this as a lemon. I had really bad experiences with the dealership in Dublin where I purchased the van, and when the recall came out for the head gasket, it also included the same model year of Mustang that my husband (ex now) owned at the time. The dealership in Concord where we lived at the time had no problem putting another engine in for him, so when the van started acting up the same way we knew what needed to be done. I actually broke down on Highway 5 on the way back from visiting a friend who lived just off the Grapevine. I had both of my girls with me and they were both still in car seats. Not only was it a hassle to get a tow truck that was able to accomodate the car seats, but I also had them tow us from the Coalinga rest stop to Dublin, CA.

I had the bill from that at $150.00+ since I also had the AAA 100 mile tow package or it would have been considerably more. Then the Dealership was saying that they could find nothing wrong with the van, which we know was a lie. My husband told me to have it towed to the Concord Dealership where they put a rebuilt engine in it. I have had to take so much time off work in dealing with the recalls in the past, and not being compensated for rental cars etc..., but to also be knowingly lied too makes me not want to ever own a Ford again.

Unfortunately, I still own this one, and I just received another recall letter. This time for the possibility of it catching fire from a faulty speed control deactivation switch that may leak brake fluid. Like I stated, the local dealership is no longer in business, and there is not another one located conveniently nearby. I am not in a position were I can take time off of work plus the van was hit while it was parked in front of my house, and the insurance company of the person that hit it decided that it was not worth the estimate to repair, so they totaled it. I am now driving it as a salvaged vehicle. I already requested that Ford send the part, and reimburement, to the repair shop that I do work with, that I can walk to, but they are not willing to do that. I will most likely have to find a way to pay for that too. Meanwhile, I just did a survey that they sent to me from Ford, because of this situation, and I answered it very negatively, as well as telling them I will not own a Ford again. It is sad to see that this is not an isolated incident.

I have a 1998 Ford Windstar. On July 6, 2009, the minivan burned up and was a total loss. I was driving to pick up supper, and the cruise control went off and I couldn't turn it back on. I drove on, picked up supper (turning off the car). When I started the car back up, smoke billowed instantaneously. I pulled around the corner, away from the building, turned the car off, and popped the hood. There was s small fire somewhere in the alternator area. I grabbed my one year old and ran inside the store to call the Fire Department. By the time they got there, the car was engulfed in flames and a total loss.

I purchased this vehicle used about 4 years ago. I had the vehicle for about 1 year and it had approximately 85,000 or so miles on it, when the transmission went. I had it replaced at the cost of $1800. and now 2 years later with 120,000 miles on it, the transmission has gone again. Two days after the transmission went I heard that there is a recall on Windstars for a faulty cruise control switch that can start a fire. I don't think I want to put anymore money into this vehicle, because I don't know how long the new transmission will last and I just don't have the cash to do it. I wish someone could give me some answers. I have heard that many other people have had similar problems with Windstar transmissions.

I bought a 1996 Windstar,with 61,000 miles,in 2004,and at 64,000 miles,we told dealer it had a miss. Dealer said he'd take care of it.Needed a tune up, he said, 30 days later we found out it was a Head gasket.We paid $3,000 for it and put water pump,and gasket sealer in Engine.The dealer knew it had a bad head gasket..He said we'd be surprised how it would run, we sure were.But it's still running.And check engine light is still on. They say it's a sensor...

I own a 2000 Ford Windstar and my interior lights flash and my front heat doesn't work. only cold air comes out. my drivers side rear door leaks when it rains. my drivers side seat switch has a short in it. in the winter it is very cold in the van and my interior is getting ruined when it rains and my interior lights flash when the van isn't even running and killed my battery

I have a 2002 Ford Windstar, I went to park on Labor Day this year and parked van. A few hours later, I went to van and tried to use my remote to get in and it would not work. Once I got directly on the van I smelled and odor like burnt rubber that was really strong. I got in van with my key and started the van. It was very hot that day so I went to roll down the power windows and they didn't work. I then went to turn on the air conditioning and it didn't work.

I then looked at my dash and realized I had loss all power nothing was work, odometer, temperature, radio,headlights etc. I thought I just blew a fuse stayed at the park. When I went home several hours later I still smelled odor but told my husband I would go to shop in morning before work to have my mechanic look at it.

That morning I went to shop and they said it was not fuse. They did computer diagnosic and visual and for several hours could not find why I loss power. Once he raised that van in air on machine. He inspected under the van and there it was. He told me to here and showed me where the ABS system caught fire and started burning into my gas line. He told me that my family and I were very lucky.

The whole unit had to be replaced and I could not even afford the new parts. I had to get used ones and it still cost almost 900.00 dollars that I am still trying to get. They van is still at the shop. I am still paying payments on this van but my warranty was up. I am at a point where I feeling leary to ever drive my van because it could happen again.

i cant believe that ford co. will not recall their windstars due to not enough casuality i have 4 grandchildren and my daughter has a windstar they have a problem with the rear axle which ford will not replace because there have only been 2 deaths. i dont blame people who buy non american vehicles. this has to be fixed before any more injuries or deaths occur

I have a 2001 Ford Windstar which I like very much. Unfortunately, the transmission failed after it was diagnosed as a cooler failure. It has 122,000 miles on it which is 95% highway miles. My original brake pads are only 40% worn, to prove a point.My suggestion is this, When I have Dash indicators that tell if I have low tire pressure or a light bulb burned out, why in the world isn't there a sensor that tells you that your transmission is heating up above normal ??? If there was a indicator, it would have saved me a lot of money !! The econmical damage is $2600.00 dollars, which is the money that I have saved for my burial fund. I am 79 years old, and live on social security, so that is a LOT of money to me.

Speed control stopped working. Brake light on all the time. Took car to dealership for dealership covered speed control, 2002 Windstar, and was told this VIN # is not in recall. Should I believe them or where can I find the VIN recall Numbers to check myself?

None at the moment

It happened twice once at 50,000 and the second at 80,000. Van was my grandma's and has sentimental value. if it happens again I will not repair it.

two repairs more then 3,000 the second of which I had to re[place the radiator and water pump.

I bought my 2000 ford windstar about 5 years ago. After only having it a month the transmission went..luckly this was covered by warranty...then 2 months later the exhaust system had to be replaced...the ford company told me nothing else would be covered under the warranty. Now my van has siezed working because of wiring problems and numerous problems!! Ford will not replace or make this right!!

I am out a vehicle and a lot of money!!!

My wife purchased a New 2003 Windstar. Had some work done at the dealership. When I picked it up there was a chunk of paint about 6 inches in diameter missing just above the sliding door, upon further inspection the roof had paint that had also been washed away. WOW was my feeling. I took it to the service manager at the Ford dealership. He said that there was nothing he could do. So I called Ford customer service, 3 different phone calls. On every call was told nothing they can do. Made even more special since I have worked for a Ford Dealer the past ten years. Howie doddie. Thanks for nothing.

bought in 2003. had it for 1 yr and transmission went out. had en extended warranty thru mercury they woulnt cover it . we hadno money to fix it so we end up with an high interest rate ford credit card to pay for it. now the transmission has gone out again?? have to pay again!!

plus we had power stering pump go out and some other issues. this was our first newer car.and i regret buying it.we never had problems of this magnatude with our 10-13old cars!!!?

Head Gasket issues with 95' Ford Windstar 3.8l. I have read Hundreds of complaints about this problem. There is an Obvious manufacture issue with this year/engine. I bought a 95'Windstar first part of 03', the previous owner had the headgasket replaced. Two years ago I had the headgasket replaced with an upgraded headgasket $1000.00, now it needs to be done AGAIN!!!! I can understand headgasket failure once but 3-4 times. Why is there no Legal Action here.

My 1999 Ford Windstar just blew the transmission at 189,000 Kms and it cost me $4100. While the Ford Dealer, Dearborn in Kamloops, BC Canada was excellent in turning us around with a rebuilt transmission. However, this is far too early to have a transmission fail. We were stranded so the best option in this situation was this expensive replacement. Ironically, the van works fine otherwise even though the book value is below the transmission cost. Not very happy with the Ford manufacturer and will definitely look at an import.

Had to spend two extra nights in a hotel at $236 plus $4100 for the repairs.

I bought a '98 Windstar in Summer of '03. I few months after I got it, I noticed that it would appear to be locking and unlocking the torque converter while traveling around 45-60mph. Although this problem was annoying, it didn't affect the performace seeing as I drove it on the interstate most of the time and kept it at 70mph or better. 5 months later, the service light came on. I had it checked and was told that it was an oxygen sensor on the back engine bank.

About 4 months later, it blows a head gasket. I get it home and park it for 3 weeks. I go to start it up to try to get it fixed, when it cranked up it broke a connecting rod on one of the pistons. No dealership would take it in on trade. The body was fine and it was clean. The van had 89,000 miles on it when I got it. It blew up at 114,00 miles.

When this Windstar's engine blew up, I was living 125 miles from my hometown and I knew no one. I also had a 6 month old baby at the time and was having to walk nearly 4 miles to work while pushing him in a stroller in the middle of summer while it was nearly 100 degrees outside. I have just recently been able to get a good vehicle due to this thing being on my credit because I couldn't afford the $2500 to fix it when I still owed almost $7000 on it.

have a 98 windstar, for 10 yrs only 60,000 head gasket is shot .i have no options.ford sucks, will never buy again ,and wil tell everyone to buy foreign.......

My 2002 Ford Windstar needs its 4th replacement transmission. I am being discriminated for using my Extended Warranty to cover this. When you use your Extended Warranty for this, parts and service are warrantied for 12 months or to the end of your Extended Warranty, whichever is more. If I had paid for it myself and not use my Extended Warranty, it is covered for 3 years or 75,000 miles.

I last had it replaced under the Extended Warranty in April 2006. Since I used my Extended Warranty, it was only covered til April 2007. If I had paid for it myself, It would have been covered until April 2009. Same service, parts, etc.

I am at a financial loss because I used my Extended Warranty. I now have to pay for a transmission which should have been covered for 3 years, just like a cash customer.

Head gasket failure at only 49K miles. Unfortunately, the car was 10 years old and Ford said sorry, out of warranty. The engine light had been coming on for 8 to 10 months before the gasket was finally diagnosed/replaced.

$1700 for the gasket replacement. About $400 in related (unnecessary?) repairs prior to successful diagnosis.

I was driving my 1999 ford windstar minivan when the subframe came unattached just lucky that I wasn't going at high rate of speed. I checked with ford dealership to see if this may be cover since it was the frame of the car however it wasn't. I have only had the car for about 1year it is going to cost me almost over 1000.00 to fix. This has cause a real hardship on me being a single mother also. Is there anyway that you might warn others about this possible very dangerous thing so that it could not happen to them. I would also like to know if their is anything that you might be able to help me also.

I was blessed with a 96 Ford Windstarmy old car died on me and a family Blessed me with the van, they had mentioned that they had put a new transmission,and I should not have to worry, then a year later I had to replace the Transmission,that has been two years now in 2008, while taking my three children to the beach the Transmission went out again. Now being a single parent of three children and working part-time,and very often I try to check on them in school, while My self going back to school to give they them a better life, now I am having to contend with raising up money for it to be fixed this makes no sence, the body of the car is in such good condition, its just the engine, now I hear that I am not the only one complaining about this very same issue. I thought that integrity of Ford as a company would make sure that their customers are happy, who knows If they took care of it they might have happy future buyers, I mean now all we can say about the Ford windstar is not good, do you thing that we would want our children in a Ford cause a company that is for the family want them to be happy, not the case with this situation. Please Ford take care of this.

The service department at this Ford dealership has had my '99 Ford Windstar for 2 1/2 months now for a repair issue. It was brought to them on April 25th with an electrical problem; the vehicle had died while driving it. They thought it was the Instrument Control Panel and replaced that (it took 2 1/2 weeks as part was back ordered). I drove the vehicle after it was supposedly fixed and it died again after five days. They replaced the instrument panel again (I knew at that time that particular part was not the problem!) after waiting another 2 1/2 weeks for another part the second time. I then picked up the vehicle and had it die on me not even 24 hours after I had picked it up from Ford. It was then towed to Ford again and they have been sitting on the vehicle ever since. I cannot seem to get them to get this vehicle fixed and returned to me. I am actually contemplating contacting an attorney because they will just not fix it and return it to me. They supposedly ordered a third instrument control panel, which came in on Monday (this is Friday) but they are now giving me the run-around about why it is not actually getting fixed this time around. I am completely and totally frustrated and feel like I will never get my vehicle back. In the meantime, the service department continues to make up reasons daily why it is still not fixed. I have contacted the Service Director, Steve Clark, who was as unhelpful and antagonistic as possible.

I bought a 1996 Ford Winstar with 56,000 miles. At 61,500 my head gasket was blown and it cost me $3,000.00. I ask if Ford would pay for any of the repair and was told no. They recalled 1995 but 1996 had fixed the problem. I am now having problems with the motor making a clicking noise and need to have it repaired again. I had just purchased it so I had a large loan on it. i had to take another loan out to get it repaired. At 100,000 I had to have the transmission rebuild which was another $1,895.00 to get it repaired. I have owned many Ford vechiles but this will be the last for me and my family. Ford need to do the right thing and do a recall and take care of the customers who have made them such a large company. I am now left with out a way to work. A Co-worker had a 1990 Chevy and it had almost 298,000 on it and just now stopped running. Disapointed customer.

I have a 1996 Ford Windstar that also had the Head Gasket go at 60,000 miles. I complained to Ford and pointed out that the 1995 had the problem and so have some 1996 (since than many more have had the problem). Ford did nothing for me and my repair at the dealership was over $2500!!!!

We had to put it on a credit card and it is still being paid off!!!!

2003 Ford Windstar Under 65,000.00 Transmission stopped working while driving on the interstate. I narrowly avoided an accident trying to pu;; over to the shoulder. Vehicle was towed to dealer and I was informed the torque converter needed replaced at a cost of $1,500.00. I understand this is a common occurence on this make and model of ford. Is there anything we can do?

I bought a 1995 Ford Windstar Van for my wife in 1997 on a used car lot. The history was that this van came from a Ford Dealership that had closed the year before and this was the vehicle the owner drove with dealer plates. The next year the head gasket blew. My cousin replaced it at his shop and the total cost was almost 1000.00 with having to send the head out to be machined and parts, labor, etc (even with the price break he gave me) The next year the transmission went out in the middle of the road and cost me 900.00 to get a rebuilt one but in.

The next year the new head gasket blew resutling in a tow and 1400.00 worth of work. The dealership never said anything about this being a common problem. The check engine light has been on for years due to foul up with the oxygen sensor since the gasket blew. The hatch back allows water in on one side and this has shorted out the close door sensor and the light for "open door" comes on every now and then of it's own free will. All the internal lights came on and stayed on until I took out the bulbs due to the car thinking a door was open.

The power windows on the passenger side died. The vent window on the passenger side died last week (in the open position of course when it started raining heavily. I wound up breaking the hinge trying to close it manually. I now have a Fix Or Repair Daily (FORD) that has cost me almost as much as I paid for it in repairs...2 head gaskets, one transmission, multiple electrical problems and now the ignition is messing up and you can start the car without a key sometimes. The open door "ding" will sound with the engine off and no key.

I bought the vehicle used and the day I bought it I counldn't even get it home without electrical problems. The lights came on several miles down the road. I pulled over and called back dealership. I took it back. I drove it home then and it happened more. I made an appointment and took it back (30 min) again and paid to have it fixed. Dome and door lights wouldn't go out for hours and neighbors would stop in or strangers walking by and tell me if I left it out. I had to stay up later than I wanted to know if it was OK to put the garage door down so I wouldn't wake up with a dead battery. Finally a man that did odd jobs around the house took out all the bulbs except on dome light and put in a toggle switch so I could manually turn it off since know one could fix it and the lights would all stay on.

I was given a 1998 ford windstar and was elated! However, shortly thereafter I had some engine problems and took it to a local repair shop I've use from time to time and a part inside it had melted so I had to have the transmission replaced which cost me over $1700 no warranty coverage and though I've only had three issues this was the most expensive. If Ford knows all of these issues are occurring with their products then why don't they do right by the consumers. I think they should be held accountable for what they know are problems or possible problems that can happen. I am still trying to pay off the loan I had to get just to cover the cost of the transmission. I have always loved a Ford but I am seriously rethinking that...What kind of company doesn't care about its consumers and their families overall safety and quality of life? I have searched for an extended warranty and can't find one.If anyone knows where I can find one I would appreciate any info on the subject.

First let me congratulate Ford for It $100 million dollar 1st quarter earnings....But I have a 1995 ford Windstar that had blown head gaskets and I don't have any transportation...This same thing happened 90,000 miles ago and Ford, along with the Jim Bass ford dealership here in San Angelo, Texas did a super job with replacing the engine...Now it 90,000 miles later and the same thing has happened....Surely Ford can make an engine that will go further than 90,000 miles....I remember back in the 60's that if you had a vehicle that makes the 90,000 mile mark...it was a good one..Well it now nearly 40 years and it appears that no progress has been made....Come on Ford...Take some of that Profit and replace my engine....

I own a 2003 Ford Windstar Limited - I have been the original owner of the vehicle. As soon as the warranty expired the vehicle began having problems: 1. Upper Intake Casket required to be replaced due to a leak. Cost of repair $400.00. Then not two weeks later without any prior indications or trouble the Transmission failed, while I was driving on a local road (luckily I was not injured, but I was going to begetting on the Interstate) So far, FORD has been not help - they recommended a transmission replacement at a cost of $3300.00, basically putting the same busted up transmission back in the vehicle. I went to several transmission repair facilities which all gave me the same story, this is a Common occurrance in the Ford Windstar vehicle between 60,000 - 75,000 miles. There should be some kind of action that can be taken against Ford Motor Company for this kind of thing. If it's so common, FORD should definitely know there is a problem, but since it's not a SAFETY issue they will never do the right thing for their customers.

we purchased a 96 Ford Windstar last August of 07. In around January the enigine engine light comes on, sometimes stays on, then goes off, flashes. Heavy smoke came from our tail pipe. We took it to a mechanic, they said it was the head gaskets. ($1200 to replace or fix given that nothing was wrong with them) I am a mother of 6 and this is our only vehichle. We cannot afford this, should we even waste our time getting it fixed?

MY 2001 Ford windstar had an extended waranty. In Nov of 2007 had the torc converter replaced under the warranty. Vehicle only had 60 ooo miles on it and all dealer maintained. I brought the vehicle back in Feb because there was some clunking noise. dealer told me that was normal. My extended warranty through ford ran out on feb 26, 2008 13 days later my transmission fails simply backing out of the drive way. have it towed to the dealer-will not cover the damage. The tranny pump and shaft inside the transmission needed to be replaed. The initial torc convereter replacement is all part of the pump assembly. i feel that the torc converter was not installed correctly causeing this other damage. Ford's response tough luck 1800 dollar repair.

i just got out of the hospital ( due to a roll-over car accident ) ! i own a 1995 ford windstar . after reading these testimonials;it makes me wonder if there's a recall notice ( which i didn't receive ) which might explain why my accident occurred ? the problems i'd had with my windstar are : replacement of all the doorlocks ( 3 - times) , my transmission had to be replaced at : 29,000 km . , & the lock on my sterring collum ( were you start the van ) had to be fixed twice !

I sure I'm not the only one to complain about the ford Winstar 1999 trasmission. I went to car suevery .com and it seem to me everyone that owns this windstar has the same probelms. From transmission to lights on the dash flickering or staying on cabin lights. I rebuilt my transmission once it fail and was not able to be rebuit it I got another transmission put in and now its on its way out can someone help the me out in trying to get a class action suit. A poor man thanks to ford!

I purchased a new Ford windstar SEL in 2002. At approx 50,000 miles I noticed oil on my garage floor. The dealer said it was an engine seal. When he started the repair he called and said all three engines seals were leaking. He also said the torque converter was bad and needed replacement, in addition they found out the the A/C compressor was no good. I contacted Ford and after a hassel they agreed to pay $500.00 toward the repair Of $2,300.00 At 88,000 miles my transmission failed. Spent another $3,500.00 to rebuild it. Now once again at 88,600 the A/c compressor needs replacing est. cost $1,321.00 This van retailed for over $30,000 Driven by two senior citizens, the van is in very good condition, garged kept, almost no city driving. I asked for help from Ford to pay for the A/C repairs as the compressor they replaced was not even two years old. The response from their spokesperson was my 36,000 mile warranty had run out and I would not receive any help.

I took my 2003 Ford Windstar to my local dealership to have them look at a area on my rear quarter panel. I was told that it was rusting from the inside to the outside. I have contacted Ford numerous times and have not recieved any calls from Ford.

Every time the weather gets cold, my alarm goes off. Is there any way to stop this problem without disconnecting my horn? Mind you, I live in an apartment complex and this is causing my neighbors to wake up any time between 3:00 am and 4:00 am, in which they have to call my house for me to FIX the problem. I really do not like the fact that I have to go all winter (again) without a horn. Any suggestions you may have would be extremely appreciated.

Purchased ford windstar in the year 2000. Had it one day and rear power sliding passenger door keeps popping open had it fixed lasted until warranty expired and then it started doing it again,so now we just act like the door is not there, in other words we can't use it and keep it locked. Called ford and asked if there was a recall and they no. It is now 7 years old with 63,000 miles and the transmission went to h-- at the cost of 2,500 dollars. I also asked Eau Claire ford if there was a recall on the transmission or if they would help me out and give me a deal on getting it fixed. The guy on the phone just snickered and said the warranty was done . Ford warranty 3yr or 36000. What a joke. 5yr. 50,000 on powertrain , Another Big Joke when the price is or was 32,000 new and now only worth 7 or 8 thousand for trade in. Now i have been a Ford person since I was little, my dad loved fords and so I grew up loving fords also. But they must of decided to get there parts from china also. No more fords for me. Thanks for letting me blow off some steam. Nancy

Re; 1999 Ford Windstar/Paint Peel Issues I've spoke with Ford Customer Service now a couple of times and can see that I'm getting the run around. Ford has had many issues with older fords paint bubbling and peeling due to defects in the paint process (autosafety.org) and have helped some in the past with financial assistance to get vehicles repainted. I've tried to get help and am told that there is nothing they can do, after they told me to go get a diagnosis and estimate from my local ford dealer auto body shop. They did not even ask about the diagnosis or estimate that they required me to have to go further on this issue. I realized my ford is a 1999 and if the paint were faded, oxidized or damaged due to my or mother natures fault, that I would have no issue. This paint peel is an issue that is fords fault and I'm tired of driving around a van with the plague. All that I ask is that they assist me in getting it repainted. By the way, the auto body shop at ford said that it is a defect in the paint process and that they have not seen one do this yet, but have heard of it. This peeling starts on the hood and then spreads throughout the vehicle.

In 2003 I drove my 1996 Windstar in to the service center at Fairway ford to have them check why water and steam was discharging from the exhaust. They pressurized the radiator to 14 PSI two times and after 30 minutes each time lost 2 pounds of pressure. They needed the stall my vehicle was in so they move it to another stall. They pressurized the radiator again. Same results lost 2 PSI in 30 minutes. Told me I needed to replace the head gasket by because my extended warranty was out on mileage by 105 miles it was not covered.

Told them I wanted to talk to the manger and the warranty company. They start my vehicle and it made a loud pop and then a loud rattling noise. I was told a rod was broke and had gone thru the oil pan. They first said they would take care of it, but came back and said it was that way when I drove in (when I drove in). They did not cause the damage. Now I ask if you pressurize the radiator on a motor and it looses pressure would you not wander where it went. I talk to other shops and was told that they would have pulled the plugs or turn motor over my hand not start it as Fairway shop did. Piston had water in it and water does not compress so the piston rod broke.

The cost of repairs would be $4300 for new motor or they could rebuild mine for $3700. I could not afford that so I talk to a lawyer who wanted $2500 to take the case (I couldn't afford that) I purchase an older car for $400 down and $280 month while Windstar was left at Fairway ford. I also was making $375 month payment to Ford motor credit. After not getting any results from Fairway Ford or Ford Motor I decided to let Ford Motor Credit repo the vehicle. I was sold in fall of 2003 at auction for $990. I am now being sued by Ford Motor Credit for $8970 plus court cost. Ford Motor knew they had a problem with the head gaskets in 2003 and so did Fairway Ford. Why did they just fix the motor?

I was not my fault the hydro my motor and started it breaking the piston rod. I was having financial problems at the time and could not afford to go after anyone to get it fixed and my daughter start college so I could not afford to pay FMC. All this because Ford would not admit it had a problem with head gaskets on my Windstar. Thanks for listening.

we have a 2003 ford windstar and the tourque converter is damaged and we need a new transmissions.very expensive and still have another 6 months of car payments .how do i get ford to stand behind their product?

The check engine light in our Ford Windstar Minivan 97, was blinking so my husband took it to the Ford Dealer. They indicated that it was some sensors and some other things needed to get fixed so we said okay. We ended up paying $905.+ I drove the van and it started acting funny. It was jerking and it would rev up but it would not go but 5 mph. My kids and I almost were in a massive car wreck. My husband took it back to the same dealer and they said that it was two sensors. So my husband paid more money for about $450.

Then we pick it up and the same thing happens and My husband daughter and I were on the highway and we were almost killed because the car jerked and went from 55mph to 2mph and an 18 wheeler almost devoured us. We took it back and I think it was Wendell that said it is the transmission. That was Saturday, but there wasn't a mechanic so we left it there. Monday, Aug 27th my husband goes back to see what was going on and they told him that there wasn't anything wrong with it and to take it back and drive it and when it konks out bring it back.

Well my husband was furious becasue he was basically telling him to go drive it and get killed and that there was nothing that he could do after they collected almost $1500 on it and that problem was not occuring when we first brought it in. It started happening directly after they so called fixed it for the first $905. Since they said it was the transmission today 8/28/07, we took it the mechanic that put in a brand new Jasper transmission about 2 years ago. Mike, said there was nothing wrong with the transmission that it is a sensor. Now my husband is back at Mathews Ford. He told them what Mike said and they are looking into it. We have no more money to give Mathews Ford and I am sure they will come up with another problem so that they can rob us for the third time. What are we to do? Help us out.

As I mentioned above we spent almost $1500 at Mathews Ford Dealer because we trusted that they were the experts on Ford vehicles only to get a problem that was not occuring when we first dropped it off. As a result we were almost killed twice. We have three beautiful children.

I feel that they are responsible for our safety and for guaranteeing that the vehicle is safe when we pay for the work they say was needed. If we die in a wreck because it shuts down after we pick it up again, I want you to know that they are responsible and take it to the media or where ever it needs to be handled.

Ford Winstar with 45,000 miles. I'm on my THIRD TRANSMISSION. (2001)MODEL. Power seat motor has gone out,arm rest on end row seat has come off. I Keep rading about fires in these vehicles. I am thinking ford has a problem that they are more or less ignorning.

99 ford windstar transmission blew up beneath my feet with no warning.i only had reverse gear no drive 1 2 3.

Another 2000 Ford Windstar SEL totalled engine. Engine overheated on interstate due to cracked gaskets and heads due to defective parts and or design. Required complete engine replacement. Cost over $4000

On Thursday July 26, 2007 I arrived home from work at 4:30pm in a company owned 2000 F-250 SuperDuty Pick-up. Parked it outside. Worked in the yard around the truck on and off until about 8:45pm. Went to bed around 11:30 pm. Wakend by a blast at approx. 12:50am to find the truck completely engulfed in flames with no hope of saving anything. Lost many power tools, truck tool box, generator and too many personal hand tools to mention. Truck is a complete loss. Side note, cruise control stopped working about 6-8 months ago. Fortunately no unjuries or loss of life. Happened to park a little farther from my house than ussual.

My minivan erupted intop flames just as i exited the van in my driveway I had to call the fire dept. my van was totaled at 41,00 miles ford refused to acknowledge this as a problem i installed no after market products the damage can be seen on my website myspace.com/iyamcrazy

My children are afraid to get in a car, i still struggle trying to buy a vehicle because i spent 18,000 cash for this van I has no comprehensive on the vehicle because i trusted ford i have been unable to serve as a volunteer EMT on my first aid squad to which I am a member I had to get rid of the vehicle because ford wouldnt help me AND IT SITTING IN MY DRIVEWAY WAS TRAUMATIZING

It appears this is common and we should have known better than to buy a Ford Winstar, as it's head gasket has blown. Our mechanic states that engines seizing in the windstar is very common. We only owned the vehicle for 2 years, I had four children inside a car that started smoking and within 2 minutes was comletely useless. Why can't Ford make an actual reliable vehicle. We should have bought a Honda. Shame on Ford, I will tell anyone who will listen not to waste their money on a Ford hunk of junk.

We got our 96 Ford Windstar in 2001. After the extended warranty, we ended up paying $6000 for repairs at the dealership which was Riverside Ford in Sumner Washington. My wife took the car in with her father while I was at work, because the check engine light was on. They did some repairs, and when my wife came home the car started with the check engine light again. She called them up, and they said they would fix it for free. She took it back, after telling them she would not take it back if they were going to charge her. They ended up charging her again for additional repairs. The mechanic reduced the charges, but they did not fix it for free as my wife was told. Now, we have a blown head gasket. I'm going to get it repaired and get rid of it. I will never go to a Ford Dealership again.

I cannot get a 1996 Ford Windstar to stop overheating...After getting this Van as a primary vacation vehicle I discover that hundreds/thousands have complained about the hear gaskets...American company shafting Americans...amazing.

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I have A 2000 Ford Windstar SEL, I bought it new with the extended Premium Care warranty.Went back to dealer for regular maintence, oil change,transmission srevice,coolant service, Inspection & ect.In Oct 2005 I took it in for a transmission leak and they replaced the gasket. In Jan. 2006 brought it in because the engine light was on I also told them the transmission was leaking (the proof was on my drive way) they changed the upper plenium gaskets in the engine and replaced the tranny pan gasket.In Feb 2006 I brought it back in for a transmission leak again, also the outter tie rod ends had to be replaced on both ends, they told me the tranny was fine they found nothing wrong with it,My extended service warranty expired 2/06. Now 6/07 I was driving with my two kids in the car, and my car suddenly can no longer excelerate we were on a very busy hwy and almost lost our lives,an eighteen wheeler missed us by an inch. I had no warrning, my warrning light never went on to notify me of the transmission problem, it still is not on, and reverise is the only gear working. My car is seven years old it has 55,483 miles on it,I did every thing I was supposed to do in the care of the car.I called the dealer they said their is nothing they can do Except replace the transmission with a coast of at least $3000.00. They told me ford dose not feel this is a safty problem and they are not reconizing the problem or feel their is one. They have it on record that I still felt some thing was wrong with the transmission after they said nothing was wrong. My family was almost whiped out because of Ford .I know they know about this problem,I did my part in the care of the car, their is no way a car with 55,483 miles should need a new transmission.They should have fixed it by my 3rd complaint.Dose somebody have to lose their life before this problem is fixed?

We have a 1996 Windstar that is garage kept and well maintained. I keep all service records and perform minor work myself. About 92,000 miles the rear cylinder head gasket blows. I had anticipated this and saved money for this repair after I was told that Ford would probably not cover this on the 1996 models. I had called consumer service anyway, but my resources were right. Well about 2 months ago our transmisssion came apart. Since we need this vehicle daily and depend on it, I had it service immediatly by a reputable transmission specialty garage. It seem the housing actually split apart and pieces of it had gotten into the flywheel and pretty much chewed everything up. T

he person in charge showed this to me, and looking at the housing this should not have happened. The aluminum should not have broke apart unless there was a major accident with the vehicle or someone threw ahand grenade in my engine compartment. I called For Consumer Service and spoke to a nice lady by the name of Paula and after a go around she stated that there was nothing they could do. Even after I stressed to her that I had purchased many Ford vehicles over the years and also had got the rest of my family to purchase thier vehicles, it didn't seem to matter.

Is this how Ford is going to treat thier return customers? Lexus doesn't do this. Toyota doesn't do this. I know this from talking to friends and coworkers that have kept thier vehicles well past the so called life expentency of 65,000 miles. Wake up Ford Motor Company, if you want customers to return you must take care of them. If it wasn't for us devoted customers you would be selling alot less vehicles. I think I'll be taking a bigger look at Honda, Toyota, Nissan and such. At least they take care of thier loyal customers.

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I am currently on my second engine on my 1996 Ford Windstar. The first one threw a rod at 66,000 miles, despite recommended oil changes and other maintenance. The second one has a lit engine light and a misfire code for #3 cylinder. Attempts to fix it without tearing down the engine have been unsuccessful. This engine only has 30,000 miles on it. Of course it was the same type of engine used in 1996 Windstars, and obviously privy to whatever was originally wrong with the first one. I've driven many cars past the 200,000 mile mark, and have never replaced an engine in any car. Something is very wrong with these engines. The web is full of people with similar problems. I would like Ford to admit there is a problem here and do something to rectify this problem.

Purchased a 1998 Ford Windstar with approximately 27,000 miles on it. At approximately 35, 000, 75,000, and now 115,000 the transmission slips out of gear (shifter still in drive) and acts like it is in neutral. Earlier the problem was fixed by tranny oil and filter changes, but this time it only went a few weeks and the car is now stranded in Kentucky. As many others this car has also experienced the blown head gasket problem last year and cost $1400 (Ford dealer) to fix (included de-sluge of the oil pan and heads-to my surprise the head gasket effort did not include dropping the pan-cost xtra). So like many others - I can not aford-to-own-a Ford. We recently bought a Toyota and sold the Ford (cheap) to my son, thinking all was well - but as mentioned above, his wife is standed in Ky with transmission problems, not to mention an axle bearing that went out last month. This is a safety issue. It's sad to see how our vendors of old have lowered their standards, leaving faithful clients in desparate curcumstances, not willng to correct their mistakes-no longer concerned with repeat business.

I owned a 1995 ford windstar and the transmission failed. I paid about $1500.00 to have it replaced and about 6 months later I had to have it replaced again. then the transmission went a third time so we were convinced to trade for a newer model so we bought a 2000 ford windstar in August 2007. Now the van is doing the same thing ( hesitating and not switching gears). I have a 45 minute commute to get to work and I cannot take my van. I have to drive my husbands ford escape. Guess what. the same thing is happening to the Ford Escape. I do not have the money to bring it to the shop. So I may be out of a job soon. I did Write to Ford Motor corp after the first incident with the first van but no response. I e-mailed Ford motor corp for this incident and no response.

I own a 99 ford windstar, that has been nothing but problems! It is currently in the shop having another transmission put into it after i just had one put in almost 2 years ago! This van is costing me a fortune! Luckily no one was hurt when the transmission went either time, but easily could have been if it had gone while on the thruway!!Ford won't accept their responsibility in this matter, when will they admit their mistake! there is no reason a van with less that 50,000 miles on it should be on it's 3rd transmission! This is such a common occurance but Ford won't own up to it. We the consumer need to do something, one place to start is to file a complaint with the NHTSA, and maybe start the abll rolling towards a recall!

I bought my 2002 Ford Windstar not even one year ago, paid cash for it. I thought it would last me awhile being it only had 76,000 miles on it, and was a 2002, and a Ford at that. Not even 2 months after I bought it, the transmission went out on me on the highway. So that cost me 2,400.00 extra dollars to pay for. Then a couple months later, it makes an awful winding noise, which sounds like the power steering pump is going out or the transmission again! I am trying to figure out how to get rid of it being I am already; out 10,000 dollars in it, but I would feel bad about selling it to another family. No telling what will happen next, Oh, my sliding passenger side door doesnt even unlock and my serivce engine soon light is on. Ford STINKS! I will never buy another ford again as long as I live!

I bought a 19999 Ford Windstar brand new. At 65 thousand miles the transmission reverse went out and had to be repaired at a cost of $1500.00. Wehave mantained our vehicle iaw with the scheduled outlined in the vehicle owners guide. There was no reason for the transmission to go out and therefore there has to be a defect. Ford refuses to do the right thing and pay for the repair. When I contacted the Comapny representative I was told there was nothing wrong with the transmission and that there were no tsb's or recalls. Ford needs to do the right thing and reimburse me for the cost.

My Mother and her Boyfriend bought a 96 ford windstar. In a tragic accident, my Mother became the sole owner of the van. When I her daughter started to drive it. the check engine light was on, the abs and emergernicy brake light was on. some steering problems and u-joints. tie rod ends. to name a few.

I went on-line to see about this van, recalls, information on the van. to me and my mothers horror we started to read dozens and dozens of customers with terrible and costly repairs! My mother still owes about $2300. on this, and she was going to give it to me, but after reading all this, I'm afraid, I am a songle mother with 2 children. I wonder how safe this will be?

I cannot phathom Ford doing this to thier customers. Ford was always a relible dealership, but now I tend to wonder. If things like what people are saying are true, theirs no way i'll be able to come up with the money for the repairs. scared to death to take it in for the warning lights.

Ford needs to realize they made a mistake, and help all of their soon to be ex-custerners, fix these repairs. When will they own up? when someone finnaly gets injured, or worse! I dont quite know what to do with the van now that I know about the repairs. wont be able to sell, or trade in. whats a single mother to do?

This relates to our 1995 Ford Windstar Van. The head gasket failed, and was replaced by Ford. Although they paid for the repair, I had to pay for the towing and the time off work taken. I also owned a 1991 Cougar that used the same engine.

The head gasket failed in it, the same way, and Ford would do nothing to repair it. These engines are identical, and there seems to be a pattern here, in the failures. The Ford Windstar's transmission is failing at 135,000 miles.

This is a common problem with that van, usually failing at 50,000 to 60,000 miles. I don't have the $2500 to pay to rebuild the transmission.

The economic damage is that I do not have the money to pay $2500 for a rebuilt transmission, and do not have the money to even attempt to buy another car. My wife lost her job (one that she held for 26 years) two months ago, and has not found employment yet. It took dissatisfied customers years to get Ford to rectify the head gasket problem (which they finally honored on the Windstar, but never on the Cougar).

Now the transmission is failing. If it just happened to me, that would be one thing. However, it has happened to several people with Windstars just like mine (same year). Transmissions don't normally need to be rebuilt before 150,000 miles. I know this sounds like I am whining here, but this just isn't right. The pattern of these failures should be an indicator that there were some serious defects in the 95 Windstar. Randy Havener

We bought new 1995 windstar in May'1995. Reading about the problems of windstar 1995 from different consumers, we had the same engine problem overheating. we were not aware of the extended warranty offered by Ford. At 88000 miles the engine overheating problem started to happen, the dealer replaced the thermostat ($400 repair). After 3 weeks again the engine overheating and at this time the dealer informed that the head gasket to be replaced ($2200 repair). After about driven about 600 miles the engine knocking started and the dealer told that the engine is blown and costed $5000 repair. Just a sympathy from Ford custromer service and they also didn't mention about the windstar engine problem recall.

I owned a 1999 Ford Explorer and on New Year's day of this year I arrived for my shift at work and shortly after arriving my co-worker came to tell me that my car was on fire. The day before I noticed a hot electrical smell coming from my driveway area I discounted the smell thinking it was the nearby christmas lights that hadn't been taken down until I was called out from work the next day and the car was engulfed in flames and 3 fire extinquishers didn't work and 2 fire trucks had to come extinquish the fire. The car was a total loss with most of the fire coming from the passenger tire well of the car, extensive smoke and water damage to the interior of the car and the motor portion of the vehicle completely burnt

Now I have a better picture of what is going on with my 96 windstar after reading all the above complains. Mine have the same symptoms. White smoke coming from the tail pipe, the oil light on, feels rough when driving and difficulty when starting, not mentioning that the coolant is probably mixing with the oil.

I bought a 1998 Windstar a couple of years ago. As of the third week of August, it is emitting a white smoke that smells like radiator fluid out of the tailpipe. On Sunday, the engine is making a wierd noise and white smoke is still coming out. Bob told me at a Ford dealership that my van is not on the recall list. What the heck am I supposed to do? They say it will cost me between $1000-$1300 plus tax! I think I am done with all Ford products.

Well, I just got a call from Ford and they told me that there is no sign of an external leak but that the head gasket is "seeping". They went on to tell me that there was a serious knocking sound from the engine and that this was a sign that the motor was going to fail. They quoted me a price of $3,825.00 for a new motor. They went on to tell me that I better make a dicision soon and either sell the car or replace the motor before it breaks. The van only has 63,977 miles on it. I always change the oil and other fluids and have had it in for maintenance service. This is ridiculous.

After researching this site, I discovered that this head gasket problem is not new. It seems to have been a problem since Ford came out with this model in 1995. Oh, one more thing. For the first time, the dealer didn't give my wife any paperwork for the work they performed. It took four phone calls to get them to fax it to me. When I received the fax, it does state some leaks they found and that it needs a new motor, but it doesn't state anything about the head gasket seeping as mentioned to me on the phone. I suspect this is intentional.

This head gasket problem has been around since 1995 and Ford has done nothing about. Thank the lord that nothing serious has happened yet, but financially I have put thousands of dollars into this vehicle between 36,000 miles to the present. And if I chose to replace the engine, another $4,000. I don't have that kind of money.

When my husband and I bought this van we told that it was 1998 windstar and that is what we thought we bought. Now we just find out that it was manufactured in 1997. When the van had 70,000 miles the head gasket went. They covered that repair and at 104,000 the transmissiom went and the warranty did not cover it.

I was just to a repair facility for a tune up on my 1997 Windstar (3.8 motor) and was informed that my #6 spark plug has evidence of a small head gasket leak problem.

I bought a 1998 Ford Windstar from my local Ford dealer and I just took it to them to have the child safety seat checked out. It is falling apart and is unsafe to use. They told me this is the first time they have seen this happen but they checked with my warranty company to see if it is covered by the insurance.

I think this should be covered by Ford and the makers of the seat. They told me I would have to pay a $100 deductible to have it repaired. I think that schould be covered by Ford. I have three grandchildren that need to be in the car seat by law but it is unsafe to use. The back of the seat is falling apart, the dealer asked me not to use it.

But how do I tell the police this when I get stopped?

If Roger thinks this is a safety defect common to all Windstars, he should report it to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA).

I then went to my Ford dealer who said they never heard of such a thing, but admitted Ford only sells netting for the roof rack, not the hard shell carriers. I then called Ford customer service. I was told that it it in fact true that it is not recommended that hard-shell cargo carriers be used on any Windstar.

I asked WHY. I was told it is a safety issue. My car is 6 months old. This roof rack was an option which I paid extra for. Now I'm told that I cannot use an item that many summertime families use on my "family car". I'm sure not many Windstar owners are aware of this information because I have seen Windstars with these carrier on the top.

Needless to say, I am extremely annoyed and dissappointed this was never pointed out to me at any point. Perhaps I would have chosen a Chrysler minivan instead. Do you have any suggestions as what I can do?

My family is leaving on vacation shortly and have planned from the start to purchase and use this cargo carrier so we would be able to accommodate the luggage we need to travel. I'm not sure what to do at this point.

There are many rooftop carriers that attach to the car with straps. You should be able to find one that fits the Windstar.

I own a 1997 Ford Windstar. My mechanic told me that my head gaskets need to be replaced prematurely and that I should go to the local Ford dealer because he understood that they were experiencing problems with 3.8L engines and this particular problem, that it would probably be covered by the dealer.

I took my vehicle to the local Ford Dealer for repairs, but they said the problem was with 1995 Windstars and that it was not covered. I spent $807.82 in parts and labor to repair this problem. Since then, I have spoken with several people who have experienced this problem or know someone who has.

I feel as though I have spent close to $1000 and valuable time repairing a problem that Ford has admitted to knowing about and doesn't seem to be taking the corrective action needed to assure this doesn't happen.

I just finished reading the hundreds of responses from people with the exact problem I am having with my 1995 Ford Windstar. New transmission at about 52,000 miles and it is now in the shop with blown head gaskets at 58,000 miles. I thought I just had a lemon, but it seems like almost every 1995 Ford Windstar has the exact same major problems.

My spouse just wants to trade it in for a Honda Accord or Toyota Camry. I'm afraid no one will give me anything for it, if they knew about all the problems.

I have not yet totaled up my expenses over the last few years. I was always one to get the oil changed every 3000 miles and have every receipt for everything done to the car. Now after reading everything on all the problems I am scared to death to even get back into my van.

Additional Windstar tales of woe

July 16th 1997 our Windstar had only 41702 miles on when the engine failed. We were 400 miles and the first day into a 2 week vacation to Colorado when the engine started missing and oil lights started flashing. I pulled over onto the shoulder and there was an obvious rod knocking and the oil light would not go off.

The original 36,000 mile warranty had expired and the head gasket warranty had not been issued yet. I had the van towed to the nearest Ford dealer and they thought that the oil pump had gone bad. A call to Ford customer service got an unsympathetic response: "too bad, should have purchased an extended warranty."

We towed the van back to Kansas City and had our local dealer fix it. The service manager grudgingly contacted the area Ford rep and Ford picked up 75% of the cost of a remanufactured engine and after the headgasket letter, the remaining 25%. The vacation had to be scrapped and the car was in the shop from July 16th to July 30th.

At 80,000 the transmission had to be rebuilt and now I am trying to sell or trade the van. I Won't be buying another Ford and am even selling my 97 Taurus before it starts having transmission problems.

I now have a used van that I am fearful is close to another major breakdown. The body and interior look great on this van, but I don't trust it anymore. I am sure that it was rebuilt with faulty headgaskets. There aren't that many people that have not heard about the poor service record that even call. I can't afford to just have it towed away for scrap and it still does run fine today.

My 1995 Ford Windstar (92,000) blew a head gasket while we were on vacation out of state. Immediately after a $775, 5-day repair at the nearest Ford dealer, the car broke down a second time ... a direct result of additional damage caused by the blown head gasket.

The vehicle now requires a short block @ $1,000 in parts and at least $500 in labor. Ford Motor Company had a "program" to remedy a known head gasket problem on this very same 3.8L engine. In a "program" as opposed to a "recall," owners are not notified ... they can only take advantage of the program if they bring the car in for related service.

Unlike a "recall" there is a time limit on a "program". Consequently, I am not receiving any warranty compensation from Ford Motor Company.

I will end up spending approximately $2,500 for engine repairs, plus $150 for two towing calls, plus $250 for car rental to get back to Massachusetts. I was also without a car over my annual one week summer vacation.

I was on vacation when the head gasket blew on my 1995 Ford Windstar van. I took my overheated van to a Ford dealer. The dealer -- Prestige Lincoln-Mercury of Gainesville -- fixed Ford's defect. It took 11 days to finish the work. They did not charge me because it was covered by Ford's extended warranty.

My expenses were $104.64 in a Comfort Inn and $926.87 for a rental car. Ford refused these expenses. I belive I incurred these expenses due to a common defect in a Ford product.

Same thing happened to

There was a recall on the headgasket then less than a year my motor went out because of the head gasket and Ford Motor Company refuses to honor their obligation.

I am without transportation and it's very difficult to get around not counting the money i have lost.

For

I have a 1995 Ford Windstar, 67,000 miles with a blown head gasket. I've had the car for exactly 4 years. On 7-26-99 I took it into the Ford Dealership (Campus Ford in Okemos) and they quoted me approx. $1600 to fix.

I called when it was done to get the exact price ($1658.15) and noticed on the repair ticket the following info: "Manufactruer recall campaigns applicable to your vehicle - 98M01 3.8L engine head gasket". I called and asked about this at the dealership and they said it had expired 12/98.

I called Ford Customer Service and was told if the car was under 5 years old and 60,000 miles it would be covered but since my car had 67,000 miles I was out of luck. I've asked for a supervisor to call me, I am filling out a Customer Review Request and I am sending all of this info to the Michigan Attorney General's office.

We too are the victims of a '95 Ford Windstar. Ours blew the headgasket at 61K miles... 62 days after the so-called "warranty" expired. I called my local dealer, Don Jenkins Ford, and asked them about this warranty as soon as I received the letter in July of '98, Their service department informed me that there was nothing they could do unless we had a problem. So, 6 months later, it ended up costing us $1650.

Three days after we picked it up, the oil pressure light came on and ... then it was a new short block. Ford agreed to repair this at their cost, only because my dealer saw the notebook full of over 200 pages of info I had gathered off the internet about this very problem! This is a manufacturer's defect. Ford knows it and they need to be responsible for it!

Fortunately, we had a wonderful dealer who agreed to trade the Windstar for a program van he had on his lot. We now own a '98 Mercury Villager. However, we are still out the $1650 and would like to recover this money from Ford.