1997 Ford Windstar LX 3.8 V6 Split Port Induction from North America
Summary:
Windstars need a serious recall!!!
Faults:
Chevy has just won over a new customer. We own a 1997 Ford Windstar; it was purchased used, however it has had a complete overhaul and service before being put on the road. Rings replaced, head gasket replaced, transmission rebuild, COMPLETE new brake system put in, new fuel lines, all new fluids and filters; you name it.
Now the lovely jewel has decided to continually chime (sort of funny that our old Taurus, also made by Ford, did the same thing) telling you the door is ajar. The funny thing is the key isn't even anywhere near the ignition.
Brake fluid just evaporates; apparently for a bit the ABS or brake light would come on, indicating the fluid was low. Nope, I can't put it on the road because it just will not hold fluid, and I may not be able to stop.
The front end has also started making this clunk and hard jerking when putting it into gear or putting it in Park. I'm sort of wondering if the torque converter isn't starting to go out already. Now here's the real kicker; Ford is the one who did all the rebuilds and service to it... never again.
General Comments:
Van is very comfortable, but too unreliable to be put on the road.
Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? No
Review Date: 6th June, 2010
6th Jun 2010, 20:02
I have a '98 Windstar with the 3.0 engine and it has been VERY solid.. the 3.0 Vulcan engine has none of the head gasket issues and the tranny is solid, just got to give it time to shift and not force it thru the gears. I think the much more powerful 3.8 is too much for this tranny to handle.
Had my van since 30k; now at 115k the front end is starting to self-destruct (most minivans have front-end issues in my experience).
Mine also clunks, it is NOT the torque converter on mine, it's bad tranny mounts and a bad motor mount as well.