Ford Windstar

Friend gave it to me to sell because he wanted to have nothing to do with it.

I have a 2000 Windstar and it has had problems from day 1. I"m getting ready to trade it in for a Honda Odyssey. They also lose their value very quickly. I will never own another Ford!

FORD= F_ix O_r R_epair D_aily. I have a 1992 ford taurus and a 2002 Ford Windstar ride is comfortable at times. But we have spent so much money trying to fix everything. One after another after another

We had a new 1999 Ford Windstar - 60,000km and only 6 years later OD light started flashing. I made an app't to get it checked, and that day transmission fluid started pouring out -barely made it to the dealership. Told-Torque converter needed replacement - would had to take transmission apart and reassemble to the cost of $4000. Still had an small oil leak to be fixed and some weird electrical problem - interior lights would intermitently stay on saying a door was ajar - when it wasn't! Book value with this low mileage and years - only $8500 - not worth fixing. Paid over $32000 for this van. Traded it it and bought a new Honday Odyssey - now that's a nice van!

1998 windstar I thought this just happens to other people who really dont take care of there cars but here I am 76,000 miles 2 transmissions and now a headgasket on a perfectly maintained piece of $h@t!!!.This doesn't even include the constant interior light and door chime problem.. or the front chasis ford changed 2 times or the contant problems since the day I bought it!What a LEMON! NEVER AGAIN FORD!

We have made 4 payments on our 2000 Windstar LX and everything is going wrong at once. The interior lights have a mind of there own. They decide when they want to work and when they don't. The back window respond the same way. Now it has a rough idle. Put in on Diagnostic and pulled codes PO171 & PO174. I'm not the first to have this problem. From what I have researched this is a engneering defect and because of year Ford says oh well. Fixing this problem will run us about $600.00 and that is not permenate. History with these vehicles have a way of repeating it selves. I don't know who to be more upset with Ford or the trusted dealer we bought it from. Ford needs to fix this problem before it gets worse. Years 96-2001 all seem to be suffering form the same problems. Which scares me more, I'm expecting the transmission to go next. Don't take my word for is search Windstar Problem, there are thousands of anger people with the same problems. Last Ford I will ever own, even makes you thank... Read more

I HAVE JUST PURCHASED A 1995 FORD MINIVAN GL. ALTHOUGH I HAD READ MANY BAD COMMENTS, WHICH IS SCARY TO SAY THE LEAST. IT GETS EXCELLENT GAS MILAGE, BUT I WAS WONDERING HAS ANYONE EVER HAD TROUBLE WITH RECHARING THE AIR CONDITIONING. HAVENT YET SEEN ANYTHING ABOUT THAT PROBLEM. I GOT ONE CAN OF FREON IN IT BY OPENING THE COMPRESSOR, JUST WONDERED, ANY COMMENT?

I think ratings are incorrect for this catergory because we are into 2005 and windstar no longer exists after 2004. However, I own a 2003 (last model of windstar) and it runs wonderful! Even its engine sounds nice than chysler of the same year! I guess I am lucky... Ford isnt that bad as long as they are ironing our the bugs and insurance on ford is much cheaper! a money wise!

We have a 1998 Ford Windstar. Besides the fact that its a 3.0 liter and doesn't have a lot of get up and go, it has been good to us. We live in Sicily, Italy and have driven it all the way to Germany twice and to Pisa and that is a long way. We have over 100,000 miles on it and I think that is when stuff starts to happen. We just got a new battery and now our starter has gone. Bottom line, we have been happy with our Ford Windstar.

1996 Windstar is the worst vehicle I have ever owned. One problem after another.

I have had my 97 windstar for less then two years 83,000mi.Repaired headgaskets,door switch,heat controls,two belt pulleys,radiator,front end bushing, transmisision misshifts,and I am working on a right turn flasher problem.I had a 92 taurus,I cannot list the stuff that went wrong.No more fords for me.My wife is on her 3rd toyota,not one problem.

We have had our van serviced 4 times with major engine issues (headgasket, carb, etc.). Each issue has been covered under our extended warranty. However, I'm afraid to keep it much longer. I have another 20k before the warranty expires and plan on trading it prior to the expiration of it's warranty. This working mother has been stranded to many times with and without children along the side of the road.

1995 Windstar: two blown head gaskets, one ABS problem in 1996. that was it. I like it pretty well, actually, though i am trying to sell it.

Just another 1996 Windstar with head gasket failure at less than 75,000 miles. Ford's response to my concerns was deplorable. I will never buy another Ford vehicle again, and will tell anyone who will listen that Ford sold me a lemon and ignores major defects in its vehicles rather than recalling or fairly addressing the problem.

I own two 1996 Windstars, both equipped similarly. My mother has a 1998, and my brother has a 1997. I just finished paying for a major transmission overhaul on one of them. Head gaskets have been a problem, and although Ford says they have corrected the problem on the 1996's, do not believe them. Also, the electrical systems on all of them are terrible, and you cannot keep front struts in them. This should be the year that I trade in both cars, but after $2500 in new repairs, it's going to be tough to dump it right now. When I do, perhaps in 6 months or so, I'm going to look at Toyotas or Hondas. Although I love the ride and looks of the Windstar, I probably won't look at Ford again because they will not be honest and forthcoming about their service problems.

I have a 2002 Windstar, and a 97 Explorer. The Explorer was a piece of junk for the first 6 months, and now has over 100K miles with no problems. I haven't spent a dime out of warranty, except for brakes and oil changes.. Ford replaced the Firestone tires for free in 2000. My windstar has only been in the shop once, because my kids broke a cd off in the cd changer. Otherwise, no problems. The newer models seem to be ok. Seems like the people who bought in the 90's got stuck with lemons.

I have a 2000 Windstar with 43000 miles on it. Quite a loud noise when turning. I was told it was tie rods and would have to be replaced. My daughter has a Toyota Van purchased at the same time with more miles and has never had a problem. I am very disappointed in my Windstar and would be hard pressed to purchase another. 43000 miles is too soon to replace tie rods. My next vehicle will be a Toyota.

I have a 1996 Windstar that I bought brand new in Jan 1997. I have took very good care of it and it has been paid off for over a year now. I have 50,200 miles on it and the Head Gasket just blew. Yeah, I know, surprise surprise! I had no idea there was a problem until this happen to me. I plan to tell everyone that Ford is screwing me over. They are replacing 94 and 95 models but not 96 because they fixed the problem. HA! So exactly when do you think my 1996 engine was made?? Im not stupid and I plan to fight this all the way. $1100 to fix it this time but from what I hear, there will be more problems. UGH!

This car made me very sad, because I really liked the vehicle's features, driveability, and architecture. But we were constantly in the shop, and after the transmission imploded at 24K miles, we dumped it. (My wife was ready to get rid of it on the 10th or so visit, so it a was a cause of stress between us too.) Have the Sienna now, which is not as good a vehicle, but it starts when I expect it to.

I have owned my 98 Windstar for 2 1/2 years. It is on its second transmition, one rack and pinion, two tie rods, at least second set of brakes and some minor repairs. I currently am going to look at other companies for my repacement vehichle. I have two relatives that work for Ford and they could get me a discount from the company on the purchase of a new vehicle but I can no longer afford to drive a Ford due to all the repair costs they incur. I had an Aerostar before this Windstar and spent over $600 to have air conditioning repaired and still had no air!! The dealer had 2 years to fix the air conditioning and kept side stepping the problem and never did fix it for me. The windshield in that car leaked and it had alot of electrical problems. I like the Ford design of vehicles but looks isn't everything. I emailed the Ford company in the past and never received a response. I do not feel that the Windstar deserves any stars.

My parents bought one brand new in 1995. In 1996 one year later, the automatic transmission absolutly just broke, this van was my mom's, and she was 48 at the time, and she never put any stress on this van. When my dad complained to ford the people at ford acted like we were talking in a different language. They didnt do anything until my dad got on a well known national radio show, and bi#ched about it on there. Then ford called us and told us they would help pay for it. My family would probably not have switched to chevy because of this problem, but that damn van had an expensive problem every 6 months including the head gasket, so now my family, is a chevy family.

I've never had a Windstar, but we do have a Ford Aerostar. It took us years to get around to buying any Ford, because we had always heard that they are terrible. But eventually my wife got an Aerostar and my son got a Ford Ranger. Both vehicles have well over 100,000 miles on them and have been 2 of the best cars we have ever owned.

yep same problems occured with my 95 windstar, head gasket, tranny, power steering, spedometer, brakes 2twice a year, 95 and only 180000 km, but still has check engine light, worst van i ever scene. i have it for sale, but can't sell it. even for 800 bucks, (i think its all the rust on the body) so its going to the scrapper next week. email. me if anyone wants it.

WOW!! Look at all of these negative comments! Just goes to show you- roominess and features can't make up for reliability. Look for a new Windstar which will offer a fold flat 3rd row for 04.

My family had one of these in high school and my parents never let me take it anywhere because they were always afraid it was going to break down on me, because it broke down about once a week. I have faint memories of watching my dad scream at the people at the Ford dealership. I will never ever own a Ford. Henry Ford was a tyrannical, anti-Semetic jerk who laid off thousands during the great depression and hated his employees. Also, their commercials are so G**damn stupid that I almost have to turn off the TV when they're on. This company is so out of touch with reality.

we have a 1999 ford winstar se. It has been recalled several times since we bought it new. It is still under warranty and the abs ring axle broke. I could barely drive the car and took it to the mechanic in town. He fixed it and I sent the bill to Ford. First, there was terribe customer service from the manager at the service dept and then he told me "you will get no money from Ford". I will never buy another Ford as long as I live. This was the worse treatment I have ever received and they have lost a long time customer. DON'T BUY A FORD. ... WHEN YOU NEED THEIR HELP THEY TURN THEIR BACK..

Another Ford money-pit. Bought a 1999 LX with 22K on it. Ran real well for about 3 years, then everything began to die at once. Engine light kept coming on at 74K. Two O2 sensors and air deflector replacement didn't help (around $350 total). Engine began surging after cold startup. Power steering rack blew at 79K, cost $650 to replace. Tie rods had to be replaced. Heater quit working, loud slapping/banging noise from under dash that we couldn't get rid of. Then, our mechanic says, "Head gasket is going out, get rid of it." Owned a '91 Taurus money-pit and another Windstar previously. I finally learned my lesson. No more Fords.

I have a '97 ford windstar and its a sour lemon for sure. My engine light stays on the time, runs like crap, and my speedometer went out at 62,000 miles. They want 500.00 for a new speedometer and 500.00 to fix the engine light problem!!! I only have 68,000 miles on it! I really hate this vehical-I'll NEVER own another Ford of any kind!!!!! Unsatisfied windstar owner!

I have a 95 and a 97 windstar. Head gasket on 95 was replaced free. Now the head gasket on my 97 has blown at 70,000 miles. Ford does not cover this, as they claim the problem has been fixed, but look around on the internet and there are thousand who have the same problem with the newer vehicles. It is going to cost $2200 to put right. I would recommend you get some time of extended warranty that will cover the head gasket. I think it's time to go back to trusty Honda.

I have a 1999 Ford Windstar. Bought it 3/28/02 with 28,128 miles @ 37298 the van left us stranded 200 miles from home. Called Ford they had us take it to one Ford dealership with the promise they would try to help financially.(NOT) It cost me $125.00 for computer analysis. Then they had me have it towed to another dealership that where it was purchased used (cost $200.00). Finally got van repaired and returned 3wks ago and $1,100.00. Tonight the overdrive light came on again warning me of a transmission problem. Also the engine light is on and they are trying to tell me its due to bad gas. I have my doubts. So you can see its not only the 1995 Windstar the same problems keep happening. AND FORD DOESNT CARE. THEY ALREADY HAVE YOUR MONEY!!

the ford windstar well what can you say about it sucks.....

This car should not be sold, have had transmission problems in a 96, engine light always on etc ... will be taking ford to small claims court.

I just had the head gasket blow on our 1996 Ford Windstar. Hopefully the engine wasn't ruined but I will not know until I spend $2000 to get it running again. I didn't realize the gasket was an issue until I started surfing the internet. The stories are all the same..... Premature failure. I liked the van but mechanically it is a piece of junk. I still owe over $5000 more than I can get for a trade in..... ouch. Since mine is a 96, Ford will do nothing. Even though it's the same engine as the 95 (although they try to tell you it is not). This was my 7th Ford and my last.

I have a 1999 Ford Windstar with 24,400 miles. I am currently on my 3rd engine. I keep getting a knocking sound from my engine. Ford has replaced each time but my warranty expires in 6 months. Also have had faulty gas guage and intermittent transmission problems.

Without a doubt the most un-reliable vehicle I have ever owned. Vehicle is dead at 84,000 miles, Engine failure. In the seven years of ownership it was recalled 5 times, received 2 new transmissions, 2 head gasket replacements, timing cover gasket replacement. Now at 84,00 it sots in my driveway with a blown engine most likely a result of contaminated engine oil because of the head gasket issues. Repair estimate $3961 to fix. Ford said its your problem, the vehicle is out of warrenty. Public beware the Ford Winstar might have a 5 star safety rating, and it might be a comfortable vehicle to ride in. But it gets no stars that 0 for reliabity. Ford gets a 0 for customer service as well. This is a terrible vehicle. I am looking to talk to others with similar Winsatr stories, particularly people in the Minneapolis area. I am preparing a small claims court case to try to get a judgement against Ford to recover some of my losses.

96 windstar transmission self destucted at 61000 miles at a cost of $2300.00. No help from Ford. Same story, out of warranty and ind. diagnosis. Would suggest all other owners with same yr and problem to start send emails to center for auto saftey and nhtsa. Maybe someone will take our case in a class action law suit.

Purchased NEW June 2000. Love it! Good perfomance, very comfy, fits kids well. Only minor drawback is gas mileage. I guess Ford worked out the bugs that were in the older models.

Blown head gasket at 64000 miles that resulted in engine needing to be replaced. Replacement cost $4000 of which Ford paid $2000. They took 11 weeks to replace the engine and only provided partial reimbursement for rental car expenses. We are taking Ford to small claims court and will never buy another Ford. Their customer reps are horrible to deal with and their dealership service departments are incompetent

Since I purchase the vehicle 05/94 it has been nothing but problems: transmission - replaced, front end/suspension - replaced, air-conditioning - repaired ?, electrical system (for outage and electrical shock) repaired, check engine light-on w/fuel&emissions problems repaired several time. After original head gaskets blew and repaired, engine has completelly ceased and by law must have vehicle insured and registered to keep it parked in the lot. Was offered $200.00 as the best sale price. Ford you continue to break America's Heart and Trust

WOW! Only a hand full of the ratings are good. I have a Windstar (we have 6 kids) and I thought that this was one of the highest rated vans when I bought it. I am going to guess that people are having a lot of problems w/ the older models (95-96). I do a lot of traveling out of my van. It is a 99 w/ 46k on it now and I have never had one problem w/ it. I love it! Leather interior, cd changer,premium sound ect ect. It is a great van! Well worth the money.

We purchased a 95 USED Windstar in 96 and drove it until 97,000 miles and loved it! We also had head gasket problems and replaced them. HOWEVER we also were informed via letter from FORD that we qualified for either re-imbursement for repairs OR we could opt for a $4,000 certificate towards the purchase of a NEW FORD vehicle. Well we opted to take the coupon, and we shopped via the net at local dealerships first and ended up buying a BRAND NEW 2000 WINDSTAR for LESS than it cost us for a USED 95 -5 years ago! Go figure! They gave us $4,000 for our used van, $4,000 for the COUPON and another $1,500 dealer allowance so in all we got $9,500 OFF a BRAND NEW Windstar and we LOVE it! We will definitely stick with this and as far as the head gasket problem it definitely was an engineering problem that the company has stood behind in our case!

Now I will never own another Windstar. Am trying to trade mine off. I am also steering clear of all Ford products due to the bad experience I have been left with. Not only have we had the head gaskets replaced but the tramsmission went out at less than 55,000. The roof leaks from the rack. The brakes throw dust everywhere, and they grind constantly (even after multiple replacements) Just replaced the brakes foor the fourth time this year and ford says there is no problem. Also, at same time I had to have a $250 sensor replaced.

4 engines before 70,000 miles - transmission gasket $ seals replaced almost immediatly after two engine replacements - $300 sensor replaced after check engine light and much more - nobody wants to drive it!

After reading all these comments, boy do we feel lucky to have dodged this bullet!!! We just had an accident in our 95 Windstar which has been declared a total loss. I was crying until I read all these horror stories. We had been having some leakage that someone (another 95 owner) told us was the beginning of the head gasket problem. Needless to say, we will not be buying another Ford or American product, we will take our insurance money and RUN, RUN, RUN, to the nearest foreign dealer!!!

1996 Windstar with a 3.8L engine. At 73,000 miles, head gasket blow, oil mixes with anti-freeze. Ford's solution: install a short block. My cost ONLY $2066.00. Unfortunately I have driven a ford lately. While I will admit my local dealer did do some work with ford on the getting the repair bill to this price, when I buy a new car I expect the head gasket and for that matter the entire drive train to survive at least 150,000 - 200,000 miles

Excellent van until the electrical problems started appearing (door chimes, dead instrument panel, etc.). Van is currently in the shop with the head gasket problem (37K miles, Ford refuses towing compensation or rental car). Told the "timing chain cover" (actually the front cover gasket) is leaking ($835). In researching the problem it seems that this "front cover gasket" problem is very common in the 95 Windstars as well. Please e-mail any with any details of front engine gasket repairs.

Head gasket blew at 69,000. It cost me 2,000 for a new head gasket and 3,500 for follow-on repairs due to head gasket failure. Ford said "sorry, we can't help you, we know their is a design flaw with the head gasket and bolts". I will never buy another Ford. I jsut entered a class action law suit against Ford.

As second owners, we find ourselves reliving the nightmares of the first owner! Transmissions replaced once under warranty, with us at 68,000. Head gasket replaced once under secret warranty at 58,000 and again by us at 69,000. Timing belt cover leaks too. HOWEVER, maybe all the complaining is having an effect-Ford Cust Serv. authorized an extended warranty that will replace our whole engine for $500. Now, if they'll only take the thing in on a trade!