Faults:

The front molding on the drivers seat broke after only having 1,000 miles. This problem took the dealer three times to fix it correctly.

At about 30,000 miles the material on the seats started to wear thin.

At 40,000 the cable under the middle bench broke.

General Comments:

Between 39,000 and 42,000 miles I had to replace the Rack in Pinion Steering (which had to be brought back three times due to defective tire rods), the ABS system and the Cam Shaft Sensors.

Now at 42,500 the transmission is starting to slip and a clanking noise from behind the radio.

Faults:

Door ajar light won't go off.

Auto door locks don't work; gear grinding noise.

Severe jerking when trying to accelerate during a turn.

Very loud clunking when putting in gear at very slight incline.

Passenger window failed to go down.

Black soot on panel near exhaust in a matter of months after buying. Black smoke came out upon quick acceleration at 35,000 miles.

Rear air conditioning not functioning.

General Comments:

High crash rating; does what it's designed to do, but poor quality in service and parts.

I still have the 1988 Mustang and it will be the only other Ford I will ever own. It's never given me this much hassle.

Faults:

Service engine soon light stays on.

General Comments:

We have really enjoyed our Ford Windstar GL so far. We just purchased it.

Faults:

Transmission has been completely replaced three times by Ford dealership and is on the brink again.

Rear air conditioning fan went out.

General Comments:

The Windstar is roomy, comfortable and drives nicely; however, the chronic transmission failures are troublesome and very costly.

Although I hate the thought of buying a foreign car, this will be the last Ford I ever purchase.

Faults:

One shock absorber rod broke.

The O2 sensor had to be replaced.

General Comments:

I am very pleased with my Ford Windstar. Other than two indicated minor problems, my Windstar has been flawless. As of now, when it comes to replace this minivan, I plan to buy another Windstar.

I also own a 2000 Ford F150 with 43500 miles. My truck has also been flawless also.

I have had both my vehicles serviced by two Ford dealers in the North Dallas area. The service I received from both was excellent.

Faults:

Interior lights on constantly due to faulty latch on the hatch door.

Power steering is going out.

Van makes horrible noise while accelerating or decelerating due to lose belts.

General Comments:

When I bought this vehicle it was a wonderful vehicle, but now there are many problems that have made it a burden to own. Also the Windstar is one of very few vehicles that I feel embarrassed to be seen in. It makes other minivans look cool. For only being a five year old vehicle, I think that it definitely wasn't worth purchasing this Windstar.

Faults:

Rear A/C control (vacuum switch clogged) - I fixed it myself for $23 (dealer $180+)

Passenger side window motor - I fixed it for $70 (dealer wanted $250)

Check Engine Light Code P1538 - replaced right intake manifold runner control myself for $213 parts + tax (Dealer wanted $400+ for a 30 minute R&R job) Guy at Autozone cleared the Check Engine Light for free.

Interior lights stayed on constantly - fixed by applying WD40 to latches on rear hatch.

Tie rods started to groan loudly when turning. Injected grease into rubber boots and noise is gone.

BTW, I'm an engineer and figured out how to fix most of this stuff myself by using the Internet and a crappy Haynes manual that really sucks.

General Comments:

I love driving the Windstar and it has it's little quirks that really tick off people who don't know anything about cars. This van has been fairly reliable for us and I haven't had any trouble with the engine or transmission (we change the oil and transmission fluid quite regularly). I haven't taken the van to the dealer after the warranty expired because I don't trust them. I tried to talk my wife out of buying this minivan because they are so hard to work on and the parts are expensive. I am surprised that we have not had more problems with the vehicle.