1999 Ford Windstar SE 3.8L from North America
Summary:
Shame on you Ford!!!
Faults:
Shortly after purchasing this van the rack and pinion steering began to moan during left turns. Replaced rack and pinion $500.
At about 80,000 miles the check engine light came on. Got readings at Auto Zone stating lean fuel mixture. Problem ended up being worn flanges around the flapper valve turrets on the intake manifold. Ford doesn't make a kit for this problem and I was given an estimate for $900 and some change. The performance of the van didn't seem to be affected to much by the air leak, so I opted not to have it fixed and live with the check engine light being on.
At 83,000 miles the heater went out. I was sure this had to be a minor fix, but boy was I wrong. The plastic heater blend door had sheered. To fix this part requires replacing of the entire heat air box to the tune of $450, and to get at it requires removing the dashboard. Private mechanic would do it for $900. Ford dealer quoted me $1850. I was able to tinker around and rig the door with some cable ties, coat hangers and tape. No telling how long that fix will last, but at least it didn't cost $1000.
At about 85,000 miles the van was once again making a moaning sound during left turns.
General Comments:
The Good: This car was comfortable to ride in and to drive. It had plenty of power and I liked the styling.
The Bad: This vehicle is such a total piece of mechanical garbage. There are so many rinky dink poorly engineered features it really pisses me off I was ever stupid enough to buy one of these lemons.
Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? Don't Know
Review Date: 7th June, 2006
5th Apr 2006, 15:10
Not in America, Fords are absolute garbage here.