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Ford Windstar

804 messages,  Last post on Sep 24, 2012 at 2:07 PM

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What is this discussion about? Ford Windstar, Ford Windstar Cargo, Van

Messages Page 29 of 81

#280 of 804 1996 Windstar Transmission saga by chriskir

Nov 16, 2000 (5:08 pm)

1996 Ford Windstar (purchased new)


At 11,000 miles, my vehicle's transmission would not shift. The vehicle was towed to Colonial Ford in Danbury, for warranty service. The "fix" was to clear the computer's memory that controls the transmission. A week later the problem reoccurred. For a second time the vehicle was towed to Colonial Ford; and again, the "fix" was to clear the computer's memory that controls the transmission.


At 38,000 miles my vehicle leaked oil. It was determined that the source was the engine seal, a job which called for the engine to be "pulled." I was quoted $1,200 for the repair. Given the history of the vehicle, I objected to this figure to your Customer Assistance Center and Colonial Ford's Service Manager, who addressed the matter with a Regional Representative. It was decided that I would be responsible for $190.


At 50,000 miles, my $22,000 vehicle's transmission has had to be replaced at a cost of $2,400. Even though it is documented and recognized by Ford that my vehicle's transmission had problems while under warranty (itemized above at 11,000 miles), Ford would not work with me to bring this matter to a satisfactory conclusion. Colonial Ford would not hear my complaint. Ford's Regional Representative, advised me that Ford would not assist in the cost of repair. When I asked to speak with her manager, she kept referring me instead to the Customer Assistance Center. Not only did the Customer Assistance Center (Debbie #226) not help, she refused to put me in touch with a supervisor and, in fact, advised me that my only recourse was to write to --- the CEO of the Company!


I did that, and received a call from a representative, that basically told me that they were not interested in assisting me with my complaints over their inferior product ... she also told me that there is no record of customer complaints with transmissions for my vehicle .... She concluded by telling me that they would do nothing for me, since I was not a loyal customer (I did not have them do oil changes and basic service), and only brought the vehicle to them with major problems ...


Additional problems that I have had with the Windstar include .... check engine light going on and off for no reason, oil pressure light flickering at low idle, and the speedometer not working above 40 MPH. ..... My personal mechanic told me not to drive the vehicle too far. This, with only 55,000 miles on it.


I have since unloaded the Windstar for $8700.00 and purchased an Astro (which I should have done 4 years earlier) ...


I will never purchase another Ford again ... All of the stories of the Ford / Firestone coverup's are very believable to me ..

#281 of 804 for all the people whohad tranny problems by gil124

Nov 17, 2000 (2:58 am)

try a transmission tuneup, not just a fluid change a filter change too. My 95 windstar had problems shifting and this worked, and i didn't have a ford dealer to it either.They couldn't figure out what was wrong with it.

#282 of 804 '96 LEMON Owner by hondaluvr

Nov 25, 2000 (7:51 am)

I couldn't help but laugh at "Dreamer" #196! Did he buy the '95 LEMON? If not, I've got a '96 I wanna sell'im. CHEAP! C'mon people .Read the LARGE print: F ix O r R epair D aily, F ound O n R oad D ead,F or O nly R eal D ummies, etc...! For those unfortunate saps, (self included), who didn't have the benefit of these indespensible forums,and a crystal ball,check out the "link" from posting #114 and fill out a complaint and find a lawyer and take back control of this miserable abyss of car ownership.We need to alert the media that Ford Motor Co.is going to find itself once again in the spotlight of consumer disdain towards its INFERIOR products!It doesn't end with '95! It keeps going and going and...! I'm a Union worker and I believe in buying American cars...HONDA Accords! 'Nuff said. Unite people. Take your position to the right forums, and be heard. Sooner or later, Ford is gonna pay!

#283 of 804 2000 LX pricing by backtotheusa

Nov 28, 2000 (6:26 am)

I've recently relocated back to the USA and have been looking at minivans for the last few weeks (in between all the other stuff). My wife has decided that she really didn't like my Land Cruiser and since it's her turn for the new car, it looks to be a minivan. I had pretty much settled on a used Chrysler T&C (although most of my family now owns Hondas) until yesterday.


This weekend I came across an ad from a dealer near my folks' place that is offering a new 2000 LX w/comfort group (my wife would shoot me if we got another vehicle without rear AC), fourth door, security group (the traction control is attractive), console and a handful of other options. It all comes in at ~$20,300 after you figure in the rebates, discounts, etc.


It appears to offer all the basics in a new car package at the price I was looking to pay for a slightly used vehicle. I don't plan on keeping the vehicle for more than 3-4 years so I would hope that if there are any serious problems they will be covered under the warranty. Any comments from the group on the performance and reliability(to date) of the 2000 LXs?


Thanks

#284 of 804 Windstar stands up in crashes! by lsg1

Nov 28, 2000 (8:05 pm)

I just wanted to post that I am usually posting the mechanical problems that I have had with my 1998 and 2000 Windstars. Well, I was in a head on collision yesterday in my 2000 LX and I collided head on with a Tahoe, and my son and myself walked out of the car practically untouched!
I will not complain any more about nusance problems that I have with this van(or a new one if this one was totalled)because the bottom line is the safety of our loved ones, and this van came through on that!

#285 of 804 lsg1 by KarenS HOST

Nov 29, 2000 (6:09 pm)

Wow. Glad to hear you and your son are okay.


KarenS
Vans host

#286 of 804 2000 Ford Windstar LX by tiffdif

Dec 05, 2000 (9:59 pm)

I was reading through edmunds, and i see that all 4 door models come standard with the 3.8L V6, is that engine available in the 3 door models? or only with the 4 door? I am trying to compare the 2000 windstar LX with a grand caravan LE, and i would appreciate any feedback.

#287 of 804 by bblaha

Dec 05, 2000 (10:13 pm)

Ummm. On 2001 models, the 3.8L engine is standard on ALL Windstars, including the 3dr LX.


On 2000 models, the Windstar LX comes standard with 3 drs and 3.0l engine. Both a 4th door and the 3.8l engine are options.


BTW. If you have young kids, get the 4th door.

#288 of 804 by tiffdif

Dec 05, 2000 (10:24 pm)

thanks for the reply, am i reading it wrong then on edmunds under 2000 windstar LX that it says the 3.8L was standard on all 4D models? that is very possible, i've got "cube eyes" from being in my little cube all day

Messages Page 29 of 81

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