141 of the
2,040 complaints about the 1999 Ford Windstar are about the
engine — 7% of everything
reported for this model year.
Half of the failures with a mileage on record happened before
76,504 miles.
The contact owns a 1999 Ford Windstar. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the steering wheel started pulling to one side, almost causing the contact to lose control of the vehicle. There were no warning lights illuminated. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic who diagnosed that the motor mounts were damaged and needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure and the contact was referred to the NHTSA Hotline for assistance because the vehicle was not under Warranty. The failure mileage was approximately 130,000.
NHTSA complaint #11594421 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 88,000 milesHemet, CA
ENGINE
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 1999 FORD WINDSTAR. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE DRIVING AT VARIOUS SPEEDS, THE VEHICLE WOULD STALL WITHOUT WARNING. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALER WHERE IT WAS DIAGNOSED THAT THE CAM SENSOR HAD FAILED AND WOULD NEED TO BE REPLACED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 88,000.
NHTSA complaint #10854829 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 141,000 milesHampton, VA
ENGINE
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 1999 FORD WINDSTAR. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE STOPPED AT A STOP LIGHT, THE VEHICLE STALLED. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC FOR DIAGNOSIS. THE MECHANIC STATED THAT THE ENGINE WOULD HAVE TO BE REPLACED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 141,000. *TR UPDATED 8/26/13
NHTSA complaint #10509575 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 108,000 milesPembroke Pines, FLFire
ENGINE
I WAS DRIVING MY VAN. AT FIRST THE LIGHTS BEEP UP FOR ENGINE AND THEN O/D AND THEN IT STOPS. THERE WAS A LOT OF SMOKE FROM THE ENGINE AND IT LOOK LIKE IT BURNS. AFTER THAT VEHICLE START BUT NOT TACKING GEAR. I FOUND OUT THAT TRANSMISSION WENT BAD.
NHTSA complaint #10475262 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 106,000 milesChicago, IL
ENGINE
LIVED IN THE SALT BELT STATE OF IL. WHEN I WAS DRIVING, FRONT SUBFRAME FALLING OFF AND SOME COMPONENTS WERE TOUCHING THE GROUND DUE TO SEVERE FRONT SUBFRAME RUSTED OUT. I LOST STEERING CONTROL AND GEAR CONTROL ON A MULTIPLE LANE ROAD. FORD HAS NEVER SENT ANY NOTICE TO ME REGARDING ANY RECALL. THIS IS A KNOWN ISSUE VIA NHTSA ACTION NUMBER: PE10026 AND I WOULD LIKE FORD TO REPAIR THE RUSTED SUBFRAME AND ALL OTHER BROKEN COMPONENTS DIRECTLY CAUSED BY SUBFRAM FALLING OFF. FORD REFUSED TO PROVIDE ANY CAR RENTAL BY SAYING ?THIS IS AN OLD RECALL AND WE DO NOT GIVE CAR RENTAL NOW?.
NHTSA complaint #10471818 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 85,243 milesBabylon, NY
ENGINE
SUBFRAME GAVE OUT, ENGINE DROPPED AND CAR WAS TOWED TO MY HOME.I HAD JUST EXITED A HIGHWAY GOING 55MPH. I WAS DRIVING THE TO CAR TO ATTEND A WORK RELATED EVENT EARLY EVENING. I DROVE PAST THE ENTRANCE AND PROCEEDED TO TURN AROUND ON THE ROAD. AS I APPROACHED THE INTERSECTION THE VAN LOST POWER. I STOPPED BEING ABLE TO STEER AND BRAKE. I TURNED HARD ON THE STEERING WHEEL TO MOVE OFF THE ROAD. I WAS ABLE TO PULL INTO A TURN LANE AND FORTUNATELY THERE WAS VERY LIMITED TRAFFIC ON THE ROAD. THE CAR CAME TO A FULL STOP ON ITS OWN AND THERE WAS A LOUD SCRAPPING NOISE COMING FROM UNDER THE FRONT OF THE CAR. I WAS TOWED TO MY HOME. THE TOW DRIVER STATED THE " SUBFRAME HAD GIVEN AWAY AND WAS DRAGGING ON THE GROUND. IT REQUIRED A FLAT BED TRUCK TO TOW. MY MECHANIC CONFIRMED THE SUBFRAME HAD COLLAPSED . THE COST TO FIX WAS PROHIBITED AND I WAS CONCERNED ABOUT THE SAFETY OF THE VEHICLE I CONTACTED FORD ABOUT THE PROBLEM AND THEY RESPONDED THAT THERE WAS NO RECALL AT THAT TIME. THE CAR REMAINED IN THE DRIVEWAY IN THE EVENT THERE WAS A RECALL ON THE VEHICLE FOR OVER ONE YEAR. I FINALLY DECIDED TO DONATE THE CAR HAVING NOT BEEN CONTACTED BY THE MANUFACTURER. I WAS CONTACTED THAT THERE WAS A RECALL IDENTIFYING THE PROBLEM IN 2011 I AM FILING THIS COMPLAINT DUE TO THE FACT THAT I WAS FINANCIALLY DISADVANTAGED BY THE DELAYS OF THE MANUFACTURER TO IDENTIFY AND NOTIFY ME OF THE RECALL IN A TIMELY FASHION.
NHTSA complaint #10469042 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 101,624 milesMT. Pleasant, PA
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING
1. SUB-FRAME WAS BADLY RUSTED OUT. IT BROKE WHILE BACKING OUT OF A PARKING SPACE AND THE FRONT TIRES DISENGAGED. 2. THE ROCKER PANEL ON THE LEFT SIDE NEEDS TO BE REPLACED. IT IS BADLY RUSTED OUT AND IT WILL NOT PASS INSPECTION ANYMORE. THERE IS SOME RUST ON THE RIGHT ROCKER PANEL ALSO. ALL OF THE RUST IN UNDER THE VEHICLE AND IT IS NOT SAFE TO DRIVE. 3. THE CHECK ENGINE LIGHT CAME ON LAST YEAR.
NHTSA complaint #10414470 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Dale, TXFire
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING
WENT TO PICK UP FOOD AND NOTICED MY 99 FORD WINDSTAR WAS SMOKING. I PULLED OVER, LIFTED UP THE HOOD AND IT WAS ON FIRE. IT WAS PUT OUT WITH A FIRE EXTINGUISHER. LOOKED UP ONLINE THAT THERE WAS A RECALL. CALLED FORD, THEY WERE UNWILLING TO HELP US AT ALL. TOLD US WE'D HAVE TO PAY FOR A DIAGNOSTIC/AND TOWING. FINALLY GOT AHOLD OF SOMEONE THROUGH FORD WHO GOT THAT FOR NO CHARGE. WAS TOLD THAT IT IS THE RECALLED PIECE THAT CAUSED THE FIRE. NOW AM TOLD THAT IT COULD TAKE UP TO 15 DAYS TO FIND OUT IF I CAN GET A RENTAL UNTIL THE CAR IS FIXED.
NHTSA complaint #10410065 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 111,000 milesDarby, PA
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 1999 FORD WINDSTAR. THE CONTACT STATED THE VEHICLE STALLED WITHOUT THE WARNING WHILE DRIVING 25 MPH. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO A LOCAL MECHANIC WHO DIAGNOSED THE FAILURE AT THE ENGINE MOTOR ROD. THE ENGINE MOTOR WAS REPLACED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS CONTACTED BUT DENIED ASSISTANCE WITH THE REPAIR. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 111,000 AND THE CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 112,000.
NHTSA complaint #10410071 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Cincinnati, OH
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING
1999 FORD WINDSTAR. CONSUMER WRITES TO EXPRESS DISCONTENT REGARDING FORD MOTOR COMPANY *TGW THE CONSUMER STATED THE VEHICLE HAD TRANSMISSION AND ENGINE PROBLEMS. ALSO, THE VEHICLE FAILED INSPECTION, DUE TO A RUSTED SUBFRAME. FORD OFFERED TO BUY THE VEHICLE BACK FROM THE CONSUMER.
NHTSA complaint #10397722 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 200,100 milesLAS Cruces, NMFire
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING
WAS DRIVING A 1999 FORD WINDSTAR STOPPED AT WORK WENT IN SIDE A COWORKER WAS LEAVING RAN BACK INSIDE TO TELL ME MY 1999 WINDSTAR WAS ON FIRE.
NHTSA complaint #10395943 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 97,000 milesWyandotte, MI
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING:ENGINE
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 1999 FORD WINDSTAR. THE CONTACT STATED WHILE DRIVING 10 MPH AND ATTEMPTING A RIGHT TURN, THE STEERING WHEEL WOULD NOT TURN BECAUSE THE CRADLE THAT HELD THE MOTOR WAS SEVERELY RUSTED AND CAUSING THE MOTOR TO FALL TO THE GROUND. THE CONTACT TOWED THE VEHICLE TO HIS RESIDENCE WHERE IT WAS INSPECTED BY AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC. THE MECHANIC CONCLUDED THAT THE RUSTED CRADLE WAS CAUSING THE FAILURE AND WOULD NEED REPLACING. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. NEITHER THE DEALER NOR MANUFACTURER WAS CONTACTED TO REPORT THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 97,000.
NHTSA complaint #10392469 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 55,000 milesBerwick, PA
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING
BOUGHT THE VAN IN SEPT. 2002 WITH 55,000 MILES, ENGINE LIGHT CAME ON WITHIN A WEEK OF HAVING IT. TOOK IT BACK TO CAR LOT WHERE WE BOUGHT IT, THEY TOOK IT TO THE FORD DEALER, COULDN'T FIND ANYTHING EXCEPT THAT IT CAME UP A LEAN CODE THEY TOLD ME I DIDN'T KNOW HOW TO PUT GAS CAP ON THE RIGHT WAY. THAT IS NOT THE PROBLEM. KEPT DEALING WITH LIGHT ON TO THIS DAY. MAY 2003 HAD TO HAVE THE TRANSMISSION REPLACED, GOT IT BACK STARTING HAVING SAME PROBLEMS,TOOK IT BACK THEY SAID THEY FORGOT TO REPLACE A WIRE, STILL HAVING PROBLEMS TO THIS DAY WITH TRANSMISSION IN FACT OCT. 2010 HAD TO HAVE IT TOWED THEY SAID SHAVINGS FOUND IN MOTOR WILL NEED TRANSMISSION REPLACED AGAIN. DOME LIGHTS FLASH ALL THE TIME. THE GAUGES GO HAYWIRE ALL THE TIME, PEG FROM ONE SIDE TO THE OTHER. HAD THAT REPLACED AND DID IT AGAIN. TOOK IT IN FOR RECALL DEC. 28,2010 CRACKED REAR AXLE STILL AT DEALER. NOW JUST HEARD THAT THE RECALL FOR SUB FRAME WILL GET PAPERS IN FEB. GUESS IT WILL BE THERE LONGER. OUR DUMB MISTAKE WE BOUGHT ANOTHER WINDSTAR IN SEPT. 2010 A 2003 ALL WE COULD AFFORD, THAT HAS PROBLEMS WITH ABS LIGHT. TOLD OVER $800 TO FIX. WE NEED TWO NEW CARS, DON'T FEEL SAFE IN EITHER.
NHTSA complaint #10380549 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 240,000 milesLake Worth, FL
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING
COMPLETE FRACTURE OF PASSENGER SIDE ENGINE CRADLE CAUSING STEERING ISSUES. FRACTURE 1 TO 2 INCHES FROM FRAME BOLT. NO OTHER RUST OR FRACTURES ON FRAME OR SUB CHASSIS, REPAIRS BY FORD AND GOODYEAR OF RACK REPLACEMENT AND TRANSMISSION REPLACEMENT DID NOT SEEM TO WARRANT NOTIFICATION TO ME OF PENDING ISSUE WITH FRAME WHICH COULD HAVE CAUSED MAJOR INJURY TO MYSELF OR SOMEONE ELSE. NOTE THIS CAR HAS BEEN IN FLORIDA WITH 1 OWNER NOT IN SALT BELT STATES
NHTSA complaint #10377328 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Burenak, OH
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING
TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 1999 FORD WINDSTAR. WHILE THE CONTACT WAS DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 40 MPH, THERE WAS A LOUD NOISE COMING FROM THE FRONT END OF THE VEHICLE. SUDDENLY, THE VEHICLE PULLED INTO THE RIGHT DIRECTION AND WANDERED OUT OF THE LANE CAUSING DIFFICULTY IN MAINTAINING THE STEERING. WHEN THE BRAKES WERE ENGAGED, THE VEHICLE PULLED TOWARD THE LEFT DIRECTION WITH A METAL SCREECHING NOISE. THE FAILURE OCCURRED THREE TIMES. A CERTIFIED TECHNICIAN INSPECTED THE VEHICLE AND STATED THAT THE ENGINE CRADLE AND LOWER CONTROL ARM WERE COMPLETELY RUSTED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS UNKNOWN.
NHTSA complaint #10373217 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 138,193 milesGrain Valley, MO
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING
1999 FORD WINDSTAR : ENGINE CRADLE CRACKING AND HAS FRACTURED AWAY FROM MOTOR MOUNT.
NHTSA complaint #10372297 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 154,000 milesMansfield, OH
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING
I HAVE A 1999 FORD WINDSTAR, WHICH HAS BADLY RUSTED K CRADLE, WHICH CAN CAUSE THE ENGINE TO FALL DOWN WHILE BEING DRIVEN AS TOLD BY THE MECHANIC. I TRIED TO FIND AN USED ONE BUT COULDN'T GET AS THEY WERE ALL RUSTED OUT. LOOKS LIKE IT HAS BAD MATERIAL OR BAD DESIGN. ITS A REAL SAFETY HAZARD.
NHTSA complaint #10360713 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Laurence Harbor, NJFire
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING
ON JUNE 17,2010 MY BOYFRIEND AND I HAD JUST ARRIVED HOME FROM WORK AND GOTTEN INTO BED. MAYBE 10-15MIN WENT BY WHEN THE NEIGHBOR WAS BANGING ON DOOR SCREAMING "YOUR CAR IS ON FIRE" GOING OUTSIDE WE FOUND THE VAN ENGULFED IN FLAMES ..IT HAD DRIVEN BEAUTIFULLY UP TIL THIS POINT. THE VAN IS TOTAL LOSS.
NHTSA complaint #10336740 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 129,000 milesRadford, VAFire
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING:ENGINE
I BOUGHT A FORD WINDSTAR VAN FROM A USED CAR DEALER BY THE NAME OF RAY PRICE IN DEC. OF '07. WE HAD BEEN LOOKING FOR A VAN FOR SOME TIME AND I HAD LOOKED FOR ANY RECALLS BEFORE WE PURCHASED. I FOUND NONE LISTED. WE PAID OFF THE CAR LAST MONTH, AND THAT'S WHEN THE TROUBLE STARTED. I HAVE TAKEN IT TO THE GARAGE 3 TIMES IN THE LAST MONTH BECAUSE IT KEPT STALLING WHEN IT WOULD IDLE FOR LONGER PERIODS OF TIME. THE MECHANIC FIXED THE INTAKE MANIFOLD SEALS AND THE SURROUNDING PARTS, REPLACING THEM AS NEEDED EACH TIME. I ALSO HAD THE SPARK PLUGS AND PLUG WIRES REPLACED JUST IN CASE. ON THURSDAY JULY 23RD, MY HUSBAND REPLACED THE BRAKES ON THE FRONT. HE DROVE THE VAN ALL DAY WITH NO PROBLEMS OTHER THAN THE OCCASIONAL STALL. WE STOPPED FOR MILK AT THE GROCERY STORE ON OUR WAY HOME FROM MY WORK AND HAD BEEN INSIDE FOR ONLY 5-10 MINUTES WHEN THE MANAGER CALLED OUT THAT OUR CAR WAS ON FIRE. WE RAN OUTSIDE, AND THE FIREMEN GOT IT OUT, BUT THE CAR IS A TOTAL LOSS. I SPOKE TO MY MECHANIC AND THE FIRE INVESTIGATOR AND BOTH TOLD ME THAT THEY HAD COME ACROSS A RECALL THAT HAD BEEN OUT A FEW YEARS AGO ABOUT MY VAN. IT SEEMS THAT FORD RECALLED THE CRUISE CONTROL MECHANISM IN THE ENGINE BECAUSE IT CAUSED ELECTRICAL FIRES JUST LIKE WHAT HAPPENED TO MINE. THE FIRE CHIEF SAID IT LOOKED EXACTLY LIKE WHAT HE HAD SEEN BEFORE WHEN IT HAPPENED. SINCE THEN, FORD HAS DENIED THAT THERE WAS A RECALL AND WON'T LOOK INTO THE MATTER. MY CAR HAD BEEN ON THIS LOT FOR AT LEAST A YEAR BEFORE WE BOUGHT IT. IF THE RECALL WENT OUT, IT WAS NEVER FIXED, AND A LAWYER HAS ALREADY SAID IT IS FORD'S RESPONSIBILITY TO TAKE CARE OF THE MATTER. CAN YOU CHECK ON THIS FOR ME?
NHTSA complaint #10278400 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Brandon, MS
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING:COOLING SYSTEM
CONNECTOR COMING FROM THE BOTTOM OF THE SENSOR ON THE BRAKE RESERVOIR ON MY 1999 WINDSTAR 3.8 LITER IS BURNED - MELTED. THIS CAUSED THE BRAKE LIGHT TO COME ON AND THE ABS TO SHUT DOWN AND THE LIGHT TO COME ON. ALSO, THE A/C DOESN'T WORK AND THE FANS DON'T WORK.
NHTSA complaint #10272462 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 140,000 milesBrick, NJ
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING:EXHAUST SYSTEM
DRIVING ALONG THE NJ GARDEN STATE PARKWAY AT 60MPH, I EXPERIENCED A LOUD POPPING SOUND. I HAD MY VEHICLE TOWED TO MY LOCAL REPAIRMAN ONLY TO FIND THAT THE SPARK PLUG AT THE REAR OF THE ENGINE HAD BLOWN OUT CAUSING A MISFIRE IN THE ENGINE.
NHTSA complaint #10256261 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 125,000 milesNEW Stanton, PA
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING:ENGINE
TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 1999 FORD WINDSTAR. WHILE DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 45 MPH, THE VEHICLE BEGAN PULLING TO THE RIGHT. THE CONTACT HEARD A NOISE AND THE STEERING WHEEL WAS NOT CENTERED. THERE WERE NO WARNING INDICATORS ILLUMINATED ON THE INSTRUMENT PANEL. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC, WHO STATED THAT THE FAILURE WAS RELATED TO THE MAIN ENGINE CRADLE ASSEMBLY. THE VEHICLE WAS REPAIRED. THE CONTACT WAS CONCERNED OF THE SAFETY RISK INVOLVED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 125,000 AND CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 129,000. UPDATED 11/17/08 *CN UPDATED 11/21/08.
NHTSA complaint #10245674 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 28,306 milesFleetwood, PA
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING
TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 1999 FORD WINDSTAR. WHILE DRIVING 15 MPH, THE VEHICLE WOULD SHUT OFF. THE FAILURE OCCURRED WHEN SLOWING DOWN FOR A RED LIGHT OR STOP SIGN. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO A MECHANIC ON THREE DIFFERENT OCCASIONS BEFORE IT WAS FINALLY REPAIRED. THE CONTACT WAS INFORMED THAT THE DRIVER'S SIDE INTAKE MANIFOLD FAILED. THE CONTACT REFERENCED TECHNICAL SERVICE BULLETIN NUMBER 627927 (ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING:ENGINE:GASOLINE). THE CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 42,000 AND FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 28,306. UPDATED 10/14/08 *BF THE ENGINE WOULD SHUT OFF AND DIDN'T IDLE PROPERLY. UPDATED 10/17/08.
NHTSA complaint #10241076 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 100,000 milesNaperville, IL
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING:ENGINE
MY 1999 FORD WINDSTAR EXPERIENCED A SIGNIFICANT ENGINE SHIFT WHILE DRIVING. THE GARAGE INDICATED THAT MY PASSENGER SIDE ENGINE CRADLE HAD RUSTED THROUGH CAUSING THE ENGINE TO SHIFT.
NHTSA complaint #10238155 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 30,000 milesStaton Island, NY
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING:EXHAUST SYSTEM:MANIFOLD/HEADER/MUFFLER/TAIL PIPE
TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 1999 FORD WINDSTAR. THE CONTACT TOOK HER VEHICLE TO THE DEALER BECAUSE IT WOULD START, BUT THEN IDLE, STUTTER, AND STALL. THE FAILURE ALSO OCCURRED WHILE THE VEHICLE WAS AT A STOP SIGN OR TRAFFIC LIGHT. THE VEHICLE WOULD RESTART IMMEDIATELY AFTER THE FAILURE. THE OXYGEN SENSORS AND ALL THE HOSES WERE REPLACED, INCLUDING OTHER REPAIRS. THE TOTAL REPAIR COST WAS APPROXIMATELY $1,700. THE ENGINE LIGHT WOULD ALSO ILLUMINATE, BUT NO ERROR CODE DISPLAYED WHEN A DIAGNOSTIC WAS PERFORMED. THE CONTACT THEN TOOK THE VEHICLE TO A FAMILY MECHANIC AND WAS INFORMED OF A FAILURE WITH THE VALVES AND INTAKE MANIFOLD, OF WHICH FORD WAS AWARE. THE FAILURE WOULD DETER OIL FROM FLOWING THROUGH THE VALVES. THE PURCHASE DATE WAS UNKNOWN. THE CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 61,000 AND FAILURE MILEAGE WAS APPROXIMATELY 30,000.
NHTSA complaint #10224130 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 89,946 milesCape MAY Courthouse, NJ
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING
TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 1999 FORD WINDSTAR. WHILE DRIVING 60 MPH, THE CHECK ENGINE LIGHT ILLUMINATED. THE DEALER STATED THAT THERE WAS A FAULTY VALVE COVER, AND THE ENGINE NEEDED AN UPPER INTAKE AND DRIVER SIDE VALVE COVER. THE COST TO REPAIR THE VEHICLE WAS $500. THE DEALER DID NOT EXPLAIN THE POSSIBLE CAUSE OF THE FAILURE; HOWEVER, WHEN THE VALVE COVER DOES NOT FIT PROPERLY, IT CAUSES OIL TO LEAK INTO THE MOTOR. THE FAILURE AND CURRENT MILEAGES WERE 89,946.
NHTSA complaint #10218348 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 108,000 milesWoodbine, GA
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING
SUBJECT VEHICLE IS A 1999 FORD WINDSTAR VAN WITH 3.8 ENGINE; THIS VEHICLE HAS NOT BEEN OPERATIONAL SINCE JULY 15, 2007 DUE TO STALLING PROBLEM. AFTER REACHING OPERATING TEMPERATURE, IT MAY STALL AT ANY TIME. AT SPEEDS ABOVE 40 MPH YOU CAN MAINTAIN CONTROL OF VEHICLE, BUT UNDER 35 MPH VEHICLE BECOMES DIFFICULT TO CONTROL DUE TO ENGINE SHUTDOWN AND LOSS OF POWER STEERING AND BRAKE ASSIST.
NHTSA complaint #10211781 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 12,900 milesChicago Heights, IL
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING
I WAS AT A STOP LIGHT AT A MAJOR INTERSECTION AND WHEN THE LIGHT TURNED GREEN I HEARD A LOUD SOUND. I TRIED TO ACCELERATE BUT MY CAR WOULD NOT MOVE FORWARD. THE ENGINE JUST REVVED. I THOUGHT I RAN SOMETHING OVER DUE TO THE SOUND SO INSPECTED GOT OUT TO INSPECT THE CAR. I FOUND NOTHING. I GOT BACK INTO THE CAR AND TURNED CAR OFF AND TURNED BACK. THE CAR WOULD NOT DRIVE. I PUT THE CAR IN REVERSE AND MANAGED TO GET OFF THE ROAD. I HAD THE CAR TOWED TO THE DEALERSHIP. I WAS TOLD BY THE DEALER SUTTON FORD IN MATTESON IL. THAT THE TRANSMISSION JUST BROKE AND WOULD COST ME $3000.00. I HAVE HAD THIS CAR LESS THEN 2 YEARS. I HAD AN EXTENDED WARRANTY THAT JUST EXPIRED A FEW MONTHS AGO. MY OBD LIGHT WAS ON BUT WAS TOLD BY THE DEALER IT WAS A SENSOR. THEY COULD TURN IT OFF BUT IT WASN'T ANYTHING MAJOR. AFTER READING ALL THE COMPLAINTS I'M SURE IT IS MAJOR. SINCE PURCHASING THIS CAR, I HAVE HAD TO REPLACE TIRES AT LEAST EVERY SIX MONTHS, MAJOR ENGINE REPAIR, ALTERNATOR REPAIR, AS WELL AS SPRING REPLACEMENT. OVERALL, I'VE PUT MORE THEN $3000.00 IN REPAIR NOT INCLUDING THE REPAIR OF THE TRANSMISSION I NOW NEED. I LOVED MY WINDSTAR BUT I AM NOW DISCOVERING THAT IT PUTS MY LIFE ENDANGER TO DRIVE IT. MY TWO KIDS WERE IN THE CAR WHEN THIS HAPPENED AND I FEARED SOMEONE WOULD HIT MY CAR. THE WORST PART ABOUT ALL THIS IS I AM UNABLE TO GET RID OF THIS CAR AS I STILL AM BUYING THIS CAR. I AM UNABLE TO REFINANCE THE DIFFERENCE. I WAS TOLD TO JUST SCARP THE CAR BY THE DEALER AND JUST GET ANOTHER CAR AS I AM EVEN MORE IN DEBT TRYING TO REPAIR THE CAR. I DON'T WANT TO RUIN MY CREDIT SO THERE HAS TO BE ANOTHER SOLUTION. I HAVE NO INKLING HOW I'M GOING TO MANAGE TO GET 3000.00 FOR A NEW CAR AND PAY MY BILLS AND FIND AN ALTERNATIVE METHOD. I REALLY WOULD APPRECIATE IT IF FORD WOULD JUST DO THE RIGHT THING FIX MY TRANSMISSION. SPLIT THE COST. I DID DAMAGE MY CAR IN THE MIST OF ALL THIS AND JUST WANT TO BE ABLE TO DRIVE TO WORK UNTIL THE CAR IS PAID OFF.
NHTSA complaint #10202275 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 120,000 milesNaperville, ILCrash
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING:ENGINE
WE WERE INVOLVED IN AN ACCIDENT YESTERDAY DUE TO OUR 1999 FORD WINDSTAR NOT OPERATING PROPERLY. WE HAD 7 PEOPLE IN OUR VAN INCLUDING SMALL CHILDREN. LUCKILY, NONE OF US WERE INJURED, BUT THE POTENTIAL FOR INJURY WAS DEFINITELY THERE. AS WE WERE APPROACHING A STOP LIGHT AT ABOUT 35 MPH THE ABS BRAKE LIGHT AND BATTERY LIGHT CAME ON AND WE LOST ALL POWER. WE HAD NO BRAKES OR POWER STEERING. IT WAS EVIDENT WE WERE NOT GOING TO BE ABLE TO STOP SO MY HUSBAND OPTED FOR THE DITCH. STEERING WAS VERY DIFFICULT AND WE HIT A STOP LIGHT ON THE RIGHT HAND SIDE OF THE ROAD WITH THE LEFT FRONT END OF THE VAN AND EVENTUALLY CAME TO A STOP ABOUT 4 FT. FROM A UTILITY POLE. THE VAN WAS DRIVING FINE WITH NO INDICATION OF MALFUNCTION PRIOR TO LOSING ALL POWER SUDDENLY. WE HAVE IN THE PAST EXPERIENCED THE BATTERY LIGHT OR THE ABS BRAKE LIGHT COMING ON WHEN IT WAS RAINING OR AFTER DRIVING THROUGH STANDING WATER BUT HAVE NOT EXPERIENCED LOSING ALL POWER UNTIL YESTERDAY. WE HAVE ALSO HAD PROBLEMS WITH THE ENGINE CUTTING OUT AFTER DRIVING ON THE HIGHWAY FOR AWHILE AND THEN DRIVING ON CITY STREETS AT LOWER SPEEDS. IT SEEMS THAT WHEN YOUR DRIVING ON JUST CITY STREETS AT LOWER SPEEDS WE DON'T EXPERIENCE THIS PROBLEM, AND ALSO NOT TYPICALLY WHILE WE ARE ON THE HIGHWAY DRIVING AT HIGHER SPEEDS (ALTHOUGH WE HAVE HAD IT CUT OUT A COUPLE TIMES ON THE HIGHWAY). IT SEEMS TO USUALLY OCCUR AFTER WE HAVE BEEN ON THE HIGHWAY DRIVING AT HIGHER SPEEDS FOR AWHILE AND THEN EXIT ON TO LOWER SPEED ROADS. THE ENGINE JUST SUDDENLY DIES. WE CAN TYPICALLY START IT RIGHT BACK UP AGAIN, BUT IT WILL CONTINUE TO DIE AND START BACK UP SEVERAL TIMES.
NHTSA complaint #10198648 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 80,000 milesTampa, FL
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING:ENGINE
3 DEATHS. BET I'VE GOT YOUR ATTENTION NOW! I HAVE BEEN READING ABOUT THE CHECK ENGINE LIGHT FAILURES, AND MY VAN HAS THE SAME PERSISTENT PROBLEM. I UNDERSTAND THERE IS AN ENGINE DESIGN DEFECT AND THAT ALTHOUGH GASKET REPLACEMENT IS RECOMMENDED BY THE TECHNICAL SERVICE BULLETIN, IT SEEMS CUSTOMERS WHO HAVE PAID TO GET THE TSB FIX STILL HAVE THE SAME PROBLEM. I PERSONALLY HAVE SPENT OVER $5000 IN THE LAST TWO YEARS TRYING TO GET THE ISSUE RESOLVED. AT 103K, MY VAN'S BLUE BOOK VALUE IS MUCH LESS. THIS IS NOT EVEN TO MENTION WHAT I'VE SPENT ON EXTRA GAS AT TODAY'S HIGH PRICES DUE TO INEFFICIENT ENGINE OPERATION RESULTING FROM THIS DESIGN DEFECT. THE STALLING OF THE ENGINE WHICH IS BEING REPORTED BY A LOT OF CONSUMERS IS ALSO DUE TO THE LONG TERM EFFECTS OF RUNNING THE VAN WITH THIS SAME DESIGN DEFECT. IT IS JUST A MATTER OF TIME UNTIL SOMEONE DOES DIE BECAUSE OF THIS DEFECT, ESPECIALLY WITH THE ENGINES CUTTING OFF ON THE HIGHWAY. FORD SHOULD RECALL THE VEHICLE FOR THIS PROBLEM AND FIX IT AT NO COST TO CONSUMERS. THERE ARE ENOUGH INDIVIDUALS ON THIS WEBSITE ALONE TO ORGANIZE INTO A CLASS ACTION LAWSUIT, AND I AM JUST THE ONE TO TAKE THE LEAD ON IT. OF COURSE, I DO NOT PLAN TO KEEP THIS VEHICLE. I HAVE ALSO HAD A PERSISTENT PROBLEM WITH THE ENGINE COMPARTMENT GETTING TOO HOT AND BURNING UP MY ALTERNATOR. I PURCHASED THIS VAN IN 2000 AND HAVE ALREADY REPLACED THE ALTERNATOR SIX TIMES (AVERAGING ONCE PER YEAR). THIS IS THE FIRST FORD VEHICLE I HAVE EVER OWNED AND I AM LESS THAN IMPRESSED. I WILL NOT BUY ANOTHER FORD PRODUCT AGAIN. I HAVE OWNED DODGE CARAVANS AND CHEVROLET VEHICLES WHICH WERE DESIGNED PROPERLY AND GAVE ME NO WHERE NEAR THIS AMOUNT OF PROBLEMS. I AM GOING TO PURCHASE A DODGE CARAVAN.
NHTSA complaint #10173114 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.