Faults:

This is the second Windstar my husband and I have owned. The 1996 Windstar had the head gasket blown and it was covered under the recall. We traded it in just as the transmission started to slip.

We were so excited with our 1999 Winstar. It rode like a dream for the first two years of ownership. Then the nightmare set in. The "phantom" engine light. We were told that was because the gas cal wasn't on tight enough. The Ford dealer was about to charge me $35.00 a pop to turn it off. Luckily, a relative of a close friend agreed to turn it off for us periodically. He'd put it on the computer and just make sure that is all it was.

The third seat is lopsided, but I think that was because my daughter and her large teenage friends took it to the beach for the day.

We rebuilt the transmission because it wouldn't change from 2nd to 3rd gear.

There is also a grinding noise when we brake. It seems to come from the left rear wheel. It started to happen just when it rained. Now it happens very frequently. I notice when it DIDN'T happen now. Ford, Meineke, Sears, and our friend cannot find out why.

Recently, we noticed a tick in the engine. We checked the oil level and it was fine. I arranged an appointment for the oil to be changed and to have the tick checked out. Well, it was too late. The engine is blown. The head is cracked, and the valves blew. This car dose NOT even have 100,000 miles on it! Now, I have to find other means of transportation. This is getting expensive!

General Comments:

I can honestly say that I was always comfortable in the car. It drove great for long distances. It could speed up enough to get out of the way when needed.

Faults:

This van is an electronic nightmare. I have had one sensor problem after another.

I have replaced the IAC sensor twice, mass airflow sensor, anti-lock brake sensor and a transmission sensor.

My check engine light has been on since 40,000 miles. I have had Ford and other mechanics try to fix it, and so far no one can figure it out.

It has been so many things that I would not ever buy another Ford again.

General Comments:

The ride is comfortable and stable.

The gas mileage is terrible, and I have kept this vehicle maintained per manufacturer specifications.

The fuel injectors have to be flushed out by a mechanic every 15,000 miles, including additives every 3,000 miles.

Faults:

The brakes need replacing. I know that a lot of people are complaining of a check engine light coming on and staying on. In the front of the engine on most Windstars is a silver piece for the EGR system. It cost approx. $75.00 it takes about 10 minutes to replace it and the check engine light will go off. Do not waste your money taking it in. If after you replace the part the light will not go off on it's own. Take the negative battery cable off for 10 seconds and the replace it. If the check engine light comes on again you have a more serious problem. Trust me I have a 1995 as well. I hated replacing things, but I loved my van. I lost it in an accident, now I have a 99' life goes on.

Good luck.

General Comments:

Please see above.

Faults:

The check engine light has come on.

The back power windows work sporatically.

The transmission is starting to go bad. The car will actually start to shift through the gears while stopped.

The air control/valve went bad.

General Comments:

Ford is such a brand and household name that sells America on the fact of it's tremendous safety features. I'm sorry, but 2 Wind stars have left me and 3 children stranded now over 250 miles from home. Both with only 70k miles. The 1995 had the engine go bad and our 1999 now needs the transmission replaced. This is unacceptable, our other car is a 2000 Ford Taurus, which besides the occasional check engine "phantom" light, runs OK. Many people I know have the Dodge vans and have been very happy. Apparently Ford does not want my business anymore or they would make a product that keeps leaving me stranded.