45 problems related to transmission failure have been reported for the 1998 Ford Windstar. The most recently reported issues are listed below.
The contact owns a 1998 Ford Windstar. The contact stated that while driving at various speeds, the transmission failed intermittently and the check engine warning light illuminated. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 182,000.
Transmission failed on garden state parkway in NJ, stranded in busy traffic.
The contact owns a 1998 Ford Windstar. The contact was driving 25 mph when the transmission failed and the vehicle would no longer operate. The vehicle was towed to the contacts residence and the dealer was contacted. The dealer advised that there were no recalls and they were unable to assist. The manufacturer was contacted and offered no assistance. The failure mileage was 155,000.
1998 Ford Windstar transmission failed. No warning, no problems prior to failure.
Van will stall when decelerating into a turn, ocurrs 2-3 times per week. Automatic transmission failed at 84,000 miles costng $1,700 to repair. Van would vibrate and stutter when aceelerating from a complete stop. Had van to dealer 3-4 times for stalling problem, they claimed they could find nothing wrong.
Automatic transmission failure.
1998 Ford Windstar van came to a complete stop and the transmission failed. Van would not go forward until I down shifted to 2nd gear. Dealership has not found a problem code and not been able to duplicate the problem. Daily cut offs occur on pulling up my steep driveway and coming to a stop.
Automatic transmission failed at 65,000 miles. Checked with dealer and they said they had not heard of any problems from Ford. I look at this website and find numerous problems. There should be an official recall for this problem. I would like my money refunded for the transmission replacement.
My Windstar van, at 58,000 miles, had a premature catastrophic transmission failure while driving 65 mph on highway I-84 east. This event put my young children and myself in danger on the side of the busy highway due to the smoke and steam coming from the vehicle that we had to rapidly evacuate. My van was out of my service for over one full week and has a repair price tag of just under $2,800. I have requested Ford to pay the full cost of this repair through one of their "special" programs. Ford knows about the defects of these transmissions (I am glad I don't own a 1995 Windstar!) and must be made to take responsibility and accountability for not using quality transmission units on these vehicles.
While driving at 40 mph, the transmission failed without warning.
Transmission failed and cost me $1900 to fix.
Automatic transmission failed while driving (60,000 miles on van).
Reliability issue: 1998 Ford Windstar automatic transmission failed at 33,000 mi, then their replacement failed after another 65,000 mi, then the $2700 rebuild failed after another 29,000 miles. This is garbage!!!.
The automatic transmission failed. Mr scc.
Consumer stated that while driving at any speed and without the transmission failed causing the vehicle not to accelerate. Dealer notified.
Transmission failed at 44,000 miles. Ford will not assist with replacement.
The transmission failed after having the fluid and pan gasket changed within the previous 6 months. Since it is a '98 and although it has the same transmission as earlier years (whose transmissions have been replaced at no cost to the owner because of either recalls or secret warranties) Ford refused to replace this transmission at cost.
Skinner & damulis Ford (herkimer, new york), sanford Ford (sandford, nc), and crown Ford (nc) service centers stated transmission failure is "normal" at 70,000 miles for the Ford Windstar. I have been driving Ford products for 20 years now, never have I experienced a major component failure at high mileage. 4 seasons tire & auto center in ilion, new york (315) 894-5087 stated this seems to be a recently recurring problem with taurus & escorts.
Transmission failed at highway speed with no advance warning. Transmission simply died, and car would not move. Car was purchased new at Ford, and maintained at mooney Ford. Represents premature failure.
Complete transmission failure.
Transmission failure on 1998 Windstar with only 61,000 miles on vehicle. Ford refused to give us any type of compensation. After searching this database, it seems bad transmissions are a common problem with Windstars.
Transmission failed without warning while driving. When coming to a stop and trying to proceed vehicle would not go faster than 15 mph and in first gear. Contacted dealer, and dealer stated there was nothing they could do. Please add VIN .
Transmission failed. Rebuilt transmission installed. Rebuilt transmission already showing signs of failure similar to old one. There must be a manufacturing defect with these transmissions - they should last longer than this.
Transmission was rebuilt/remanufactured. Attending service technician indicates that ,although it may have come from factory in this condition, it looks like someone considered putting in a transmission cooler, started drilling a hole for a plug, and changed their mind without completing the job. This weak spot failed, spewing transmission fluid, and causing transmission failure. We believe this is a clear-cut instance of defective materials/workmanship.
We have been reporting transmission problems to the dealers, transmission slamming into gear,. Thel tell me nothing is wrong. We now have a complete transmission failure.
Total transmission failure at 44,000 miles.
While driving automatic transmission would fail to shift properly. When gas pedal was pressed vehicle would stop. Had it towed to dealership, and was informed that gears broke off.
While consumer was pulling into driveway transmission completely failed.
Transmission failed. Nlm.
Transmission experienced failure twice.
The Windstar transmission failed at 30349 so shamrock Ford rebuilt it. At 40295 it failed at 50 mph on us 223 in adrian about 1 mile from dave knapp Ford. I called shamrock Ford and asked service department if I sould tow it to them or dave knapp. They said any Ford dealer will take of the warrenty problem. The transmission was supposed to be covered for 12months/ 12,000 miles after rebuild. Transmission was rebuilt 5 months and 10,000 miles ago. Dealer said it's not under warrenty and will not pay for it . I paid 1,900. 00 plus tax and I want my money back.
The transmission failure occured and the Ford said they would replace the transmission if I paid $500 to buy and extended service plan covering upto 75000 for the power train, a requirement for replacing the failed component. I am extremly unhappy that this transmission failure ocurred and is also reported widely by hundereds of Ford Windstar owners for example look at the internet sites complaining about the failed transmission. (eg. . Read more...
Transmission failed while driving. Mjs.
An unexpected total transmission system failure occurred while the minivan was being driven along interstate highway at 65mph. The transmission system had to be totally replcaed. An unexpected incidence of too short life span of a transmission system in a new minivan.
At take-off from stop light, transmission failed with no warning. Put into neutral, and got stutter and grind from transaxle. Shop informed me that the planetary gears had disintergrated. I believe this to be a manufacturing problem or defect with the Ford 3. 8l/axod combo, as these types of problems date back to 1988 and the taurus/sable compatible assemblies.