1st Aug 2001, 01:44

I have a '99 Windstar and love it! We drove it off the lot in August of '99 and have had absolutely no problems with it. Sorry to hear that fellow Windstar owners had problems, but I would highly recommend a Windstar.

5th Aug 2001, 20:54

Had several problems with my '99 Ford Windstar. Had problems with the brakes. Brought it back to the dealer several times.

Then the steering rack had to be replaced. Now, it stopped going forward in the middle of an intersection yesterday. Only drives in reverse. It has about 30,000 miles. Same thing happened to a friend. His transmission went on his 2000 Windstar at 27,000 miles. The men in the service department told me that they see me more than their own wives. What does that tell you?

12th Aug 2001, 03:01

My wife and I bought our '99 Windstar LX in Feb. of 1999, it had only 7 miles on it.

I don't remember exactly when, but between 15,000 and 20,000 miles, a sensor controlling the idle went bad and had to be replaced. If you took your foot off the gas pedal, it would die.

At around 25,000 miles, 2 different seals on the engine went bad. One, a transmission seal and the other an oil seal.

All of our problems were taken care of quickly. We've had no problems before or after these occured. We absolutely love our van!

23rd Aug 2001, 16:07

We purchased a 1999 Windstar LX with 16,000 miles on it. We had about 4 months of no-problem driving, then the problems began.

The motor began to sound more like diesel than a gas burner, the lifters and valves rattle so bad you can hear it over the radio. The dealer said, "no problem" it's the octane sensor, we can fix it. Still sounds like a diesel.

Next, the ever popular engine light came on. This trip was just a reset and I was told there were no problems.

1 month later, engine light again, this time a sensor. Dealer "fixed" the problem.

1 month later, engine light again, same sensor replaced, dealer claims problem "fixed".

2 month's later while my wife and child were traveling alone, light comes on, van began to skip and she barely makes it to next town to a Ford dealership. She asked if they can fix it, mechanic tells her "if they've tried to fix this already, what makes you think I can". I had to drive 240 miles to pick up my wife and have the van towed to my dealer. They paid for the towing, but not my rental van for 1 week (386.00). By the way all this is happening while the van was under warranty.

The dealer "fixes" the problem and says, "we got it this time", WRONG!!!. For the fifth time the light comes on. Back to the dealer. This time, a new sensor bracket and valve cover (baffle was hanging).

I have owned every make of affordable car except Audi and BMW (including Hyundai) and have never driven such a lemon. It WILL be the last Ford on our driveway. I have called Detroit 3 separate times and reminded them their slogan is

"Quality is job 1" and told them somewhere Henry and Edsel are turning in their graves.

5th Oct 2002, 19:39

1999 Windstar with a 135000 km on it. We are now on its 3rd transmission, 2nd power steering pump and just replaced the steering rack. Love the van, but don't like the problems.

28th Nov 2002, 21:03

Urgent!!!

All men and women must know it!!!

Do not buy any Ford vehicle, unless you find the F-150 or Expedition model. Almost all Ford vehicles have problems with the transmission section. It seems that the lifetime on this important part is 1½ year approx. It broke twice in three years. It has not done 23400 miles yet.

If you work through the night like me, or you have children, or you need a family vehicle, this is not a secure vehicle as they promised.

I update my Windstar each 3-4 months, only on at a Ford station service, and I have a complete file with the history of my Windstar. Now I will tell my story to everybody I can. Please use the Internet to communicate between us to prove that they have a factory defect. If we organize by year and model, we can make a class legal action.

Martha Torres, pharmacist.

6th Dec 2002, 19:55

Our Ford 1999 Windstar is a disposable car. After using it for 2 years I guess it's time to throw it away. The steering rack and pinion totally broke, the transmission totally failed (only drives backward), and it was too jumpy to drive without making me sick. Ford will take no responsibility. HEEELLLLOOOOO do they not see a problem here with the 1999 Ford Windstar transmissions and rack and pinions (and engine lights that stay on all the time). If all Ford owners would write and call there could be a national recall. We the people need to stand up for our rights.

15th Dec 2002, 15:07

We bought a 1999 windstar with 29,000 miles on it and we like it. The only thing that I don't like is that it feels like it starts out in second gear when you don't come to a complete stop. When you stop all the way it seems OK. If others of you have experienced this please comment.

23rd Dec 2002, 23:46

I bought a 1999 Windstar new. So far I have 71,000 miles on it. The major problems I've had include:

1. Power steering pump replacement.

2. Air Conditioner Compressor replacement-Twice

3. Rack and pinion total replacement

4. Power rear window motors replaced - Both.

I'm sure there is more... Like the bell dinging on the door open alarm when I went off interstate exit ramps curving to the left, and the transmission jolting into gear when accelerating from a rolling stop.

I just wished my money was well spent when I decided on this van. Luckily I bought the extended warranty.

30th Dec 2002, 09:54

I agree with everyone who says, "Don't Buy A Ford". We too purchased our 1999 Windstar because the price was in our budget. Well, big mistake!! The rack & pinion was replaced at 32,000 miles. At 34,000 miles the Air Control Valve had to be replaced. The car wouldn't start; my son and I were stranded. We did not purchase an extended warranty and since our van was 4 years old the cost was up to us. I do have to give Ford credit, they paid for both repairs under their Good Will program. However, next repair cost will be on us. I did write Ford a letter to voice my concern for safety. A rep called, but it was merely a courtesy call. So far our transmission hasn't given us any problems. Our current mileage is 40,000. After reading your comments, I'm very concerned about our transmission. It is probably time to get rid of our Ford. We will never buy another one!!!

3rd Feb 2003, 08:01

Well we Just purchased a used 99 Windstar. Had 56k on it we thought things were going great ran great up until today.

The O/D light started flashing. So I pull over and notice it's low on fluid. Fill the fluid and away we go. drive about 30 more miles and there it goes again. I'm starting to notice a slight slip in the transmission now. I'm almost scared to take it to the shop. I have read all the posts on this site and others and think now maybe we should see about going with another vehicle.