73 problems related to automatic transmission have been reported for the 1996 Ford Windstar. The most recently reported issues are listed below.
The transmission component that the dealer believes has failed is the thrust piston. My research on Windstar Mini-vans has shown this to be a chronic problem. This is especially true for 1995 models. It therefore should have been corrected in my 1996 model but obviously was not.
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Without prior warning transmission went out. Dealer checked the vehicle out, and there was a lot of metal in the oil pan.
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After stopping or at a decreased speed for turning van stalls or misses upon acceleration.
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Vehicle been experiencing ongoing problem with overdrive slipping. Dealer/manufacturer notified . Can NHTSA provide addtional information or help in this matter.
Transimission failed.
While in florida I stopped at a traffic light at which time the transmision would not downshift. I had to manually down shift to move. Vehicle taken to sarasota FL. Dealer. Transmission was rebuilt for $1800. No explanation given for failure. Manufacturer no help in solving situation. I have been a loyal owner of Ford motor CO. Products for well over40 years. Very unsatisfied at this time.
No summary listed on this vehicle.
While traveling at highway speeds,transmission suddenly shifted into lower gear without warning, almost causing loss of control. If the road was wet, vehicle would have crashed.
This problem gives you no warning. You will be at a stop in heavy traffic. The transmission will dis-engage caausing you to become a hazzard. This failure occured at 51000 miles. When I took the vehicle to the dealer, there were(3) other people there for the same problem with the same mileage. I spoke to the service manager about the problem, he stated this defect happens all the time. I went to an indendent transmission shop, they see the problem all the time. Ford has addressed the problem in newer vehicles and the rebuild kits for the transmission by changing the material of a piston. We I contacted Ford customer service, they were aware of the problem but stated we do not have to do anything to re-imburse the owners with the faulty transmissions unless the NHTSA forces us to fix it. This failure costs owners of Ford Windstars $1400. I am an enginner myself. And I do not believe that at 51000 miles a major repair like this is warrented. Where I live , there are (4) owners of Windstars. Three out of those (4) vehicles have had to have their transmission rebuilt for this problem. Please help us with this because Ford knows this is a problem but will not do anything about it unless you tell them to.
Ford told me TSB's were only to help mechanics to solve problems that they know exists, but that they don't give me any right unless I purchased their extended warranty coverage. Don't consumers have any rights? I bought this van because it got 5 stars in crash tests. I didn't know it would first inactivate the abs by losing its sensor. Then another sensor would go, causing the van to downshift to low 1 when you were driving 55 miles an hour down the road. They should stand by their product. My van also clunks when I take it out of park. I refuse to pay my dealer any more money for something that I think that they should fix. I spent $140 to find out my abs sensor was defective, another $90 to have it replaced. Then another $95 to have the sensor replaced in the transmission.
The vehicle's transmission shifts down without notice, causing vehicle to 50 mph to 10 mph or less. This causes driver head to hit steering wheel and the children to be jolsted. The vehicle traveling behind just escaped impacting us in the rear.
The aluminum piston on the automatic transmission causes the transmission to stall, especially at stop signs and lights. In some instances the vehicle rolled into the intersection and it would not move for 5-10 seconds or more until the transmission finally kicked into gear hard which jolted the car forward. This creates a safety hazard in the intersection. Apparently Ford is aware of this problem and has a new steel piston, but it costs owners $1600 - $2000 to have it fixed. Many of us cannot afford such a high amount for repair and take our chances on safety while we save up money for the repair.
Was coming to a red light after driving 35-40mph & had stopped. Started to pull out, but vehicle failed to move. The gears did not shift. Vehicle did not shut down. Applied accelerator & nothing happened. It was still running even though it stalled. Took to dealer & had it checked. Mechanic found nothing wrong.
Transmission problems, causing vibrations.
Vehicle has had two separate transmission overhauls. Vehicle has been to dealer five seperate times for engine problem. Manufacturer has been contacted but does not seem to be concerened with my issues or problems.
Under normal operations of vehicle, transmission changes from drive to low gear on its own, results in sudden reduction of speed, no prior warning.
Van was parked running in the driveway, passenger exited the vehicle while in park. Car sat in park for 1-2 minutes and started to roll. There is a recall on the model of vehicle make and year, but this vehicle was not included in the recall .
-vehicle was in park for about 1-2 minutes and the vehicle popped out of gear and rolled down the street. Driver started running behind vehicle and was pinned between the vehicle and light, and suffered some damage to her left side. There is a recall listed on the transmission 96v-086000. Dealer says that this is what the recall states will happen, but they say that this vehicle is not listed on recall for the park pawl roll pin popping out of gear. Dealer has vehicle now in shop for the problem, but owner is responsible for the fee.
Transmission malfunctioned, causing the vehicle to slow down while driving at a high speed, almost causing an accident. Also problems with putting the vehicle in an reverse postion. Dealer cannot determine problem.
When trying to take the vehicle out of park, the park pawl hung up, causing loud noise and it is very hard to get out of park. Dealer can't determine the cause of the problem.
Transmission defect, causing vehicle to roll back while in the park position/accident/injury.
Vehicle shifts very hard when changing gears.
Defective transmission, causing vehicle to roll backwards while in the park position/ accident.
Transmission growls and sounds lke it is going to drop/hit the ground; also brake pedal gets mushy/soft, vehicle loses control. There is also loss of steering power.
Went attempted to put vehicle in reverse vechilce went forward. Tried six times shut off vehcile remove key and restarted it was fine. Please describe details.
When in park vehicle rolls if on incline. Tt.
Auto-tran: vehicle keeps rolling when coming to stop, shifted to park, keeps rolling on flat surface and incline, no warning.
Owner received recall notice 7-1-96, contacted dealer and was told parts were not available.
#pe96-015 truck in park position,slipped out of park into reverse. Please describe.
Automatic transmission had been replaced four times at approximately every 17,000 miles. The cause of the malfunction of the transmission was not disclosed to the consumer by the dealer.
Transmission shifts hard.