30th Aug 2010, 10:40
"Okay, you have a 10 year old vehicle with some issues and you are looking for a class action lawsuit? Why?"
Well, 9 years old...
"You have nothing really out of the ordinary here. Transmissions fail all the time. I had one replaced at 58K miles on an Isuzu. Of course they had a better warranty, and it was replaced with a brand new one for free under that warranty."
Forgot the other issues. Oxygen sensor, belt, belt wheel, something in the front wheel. (can't remember what it was but it was pricey)
"The rest of the issues are pretty minor really. You got whacked on the fuel pump, but that was probably because they had to drop the tank to get to it."
Oh... and the other thing I completely forgot about was just about a month ago I took it in because my ABS warning light was on. The dealership service center said my ABS system was "terminal" and it would cost over $2100 to fix.
At least the guy said it wouldn't be worth it to me to fix it because my brakes still function safely.
(How could I forget that you ask? Well, I have a 4 year old and a 8 month old baby and a thousand other things on my plate right now.. nuff said)
So, yeah, it's pretty much a lemon. I'm seriously thinking about leasing from now on and trading out every three years when or whenever the manufacturer's warranty runs out.
I'm sure you are right about the lawsuit. Maybe I can complain and get nowhere with the BBB. ha.
To sum up. Ford Windstar 2001. Not good.
30th Aug 2010, 14:00
"Well, 9 years old..."
No, Actually it is ten model years old, since the 2011's are on the ground now...
30th Aug 2010, 14:03
Well, servicing, or neglecting of servicing, can cause many problems for a vehicle. Also, the driving style is a huge factor. People don't think they are abusing their vehicles, but it is astounding how hard many people drive every single day they are out flooring it off the line and slamming the brakes on... etc, etc...
2nd Sep 2010, 17:45
I bought my 2001 Windstar SEL used with 68k miles on it.
The bad:
The biggest problems I have had with it include code errors (engine light was on when I purchased it... dealer tried to tell me it was "condensation from sitting on the lot during the winter."), a rear axle that literally broke in half (well, a 60/40 break), and it has a bad CV joint in the front. It has sounded like there is stuff clunking around under the van from day 1. I also don't like the blind spot between the passenger front and back doors. That hits right in my line of sight when I go to pull out of my driveway.
The good:
I have put approximately 45,300 miles on this vehicle in the past 3.5 years, and the axle is the only major repair I've had to do thus far. The A/C blows cold, the leather is SO much easier to keep clean than cloth seats (with a bunch of car seat age kids, that is major!), and I swear the van is a Frankencar! I have taken seats out on occasion to move things, and fit a queen size dresser, queen size bed, two night stands and a mirror all in one trip! The convenience of it has out weighted the preconceived disdain of driving both a Ford and a van.
7th Dec 2010, 12:58
I'm the guy with all the issues. Fuel pump, ABS failure, front driver window back window won't open, the engine light is on again after taking it in a few months ago to a shop (not a Ford dealer). The belt is squeaking again after being replaced a few months ago. Perhaps it's another belt?
I'm so done with Ford and can't describe it.
I've owned 3 Fords. Escort, Aerostar and a Windstar.
All three have had major issues.
I'm looking at the Honda Element or Toyota Odyssey.
I have a friend who has had his Element since 2003 and has only had one issue with it, costing less than $300. I'm not sure what the track record is for the Odyssey but I'm going to do a lot of researching before buying or possibly leasing. I'm not hard on cars either. I'm extremely careful, but apparently it didn't matter.
Sorry, I'm just extremely frustrated.
7th Dec 2010, 18:41
Sorry to hear about your bad experience.
If you owned an Escort, Aerostar, and Windstar,
I feel really sorry for you. That is 3 big lemons right there, good thing you didn't buy a Taurus too! Ford's worst, and some of the worst overall too.
The Windstar has always been the worst choice for a minivan, import or domestic. It consistently scores the lowest in all but safety rating, where it has 5 stars.
If you are looking for a good minivan, stay away from the Honda Oddysey as it's notorious for expensive and frequent transmission failure. Maybe your neighbor was lucky, but I know many who have had issues with that.
Older Toyota vans (pre 2000) like the Sienna or Previa are a better choice if you can find one.
Even a Dodge Caravan is a way better choice than the Windstar; if it has been well maintained, these can last a very long time too. Just get one with a 3.3 or a 3.8 engine. The 3.0 engine is garbage.
Please don't buy another Ford though! They only make one good thing right, and that is F-150s.
8th Dec 2010, 10:15
"I'm looking at the Honda Element or Toyota Odyssey."
Neither the Element not the Odyssey are in the same class of vehicle; and Toyota never made a model called the Odyssey.
27th Dec 2010, 21:19
I bought my 2001 Windstar SE with 31000 miles.
At 70000 the transmission went out, I had bought an extended warranty. Paid 0.0.
Lights in dash board always on.
Left window motor went out 300.00.
Right window motor went out -- not fixed.
Paint -- on hood and top peeled off.
Door lock right side door remote not working.
Heater/AC interchange not working -- so I don't have a heater.
Sliding door is stiff.
Seat upholstery on driver's side came undone.
Stop light stays on -- adjust pedal with foot to solve issue at times.
Emergency brake -- not working.
Tires wear too fast.
Rear seat handle broke.
28th Aug 2010, 12:58
Okay, you have a 10 year old vehicle with some issues and you are looking for a class action lawsuit? Why?
You have nothing really out of the ordinary here. Transmissions fail all the time. I had one replaced at 58K miles on an Isuzu. Of course they had a better warranty, and it was replaced with a brand new one for free under that warranty.
The rest of the issues are pretty minor really. You got whacked on the fuel pump, but that was probably because they had to drop the tank to get to it. A class action suit means many who share the same exact problems you have will get together and sue Ford to cover the costs. Good luck with that. You not only have to find those supposed people, but you also have to prove that you were not negligent, and you didn't cause the problems yourself. Like I said, good luck with that.