45 problems related to transmission failure have been reported for the 1998 Ford Windstar. The most recently reported issues are listed below.
Transmission failed, replacement failed also.
Our entire family (two adults, two chilldren both under age 10) were in the car when this incident occurred, and could have easily been killed. We had just exited the outer loop of the washington, d. C. Capital beltway and were in the process of slowing to a stop at the light at the end of the exit ramp, when we heard a loud thud from our transmission. When we started again the car seemed to hesitate. It went another two blocks and then the transmission completely failed in the car, leaving us in the right lane in an intersection with no way to move the vehicle. None of the gears worked. Our car spent 12 days in the dealership being fixed. This could be a potential life threatening problem if this occurs while someone is on the highway (as we almost were), and I felt I should report it. I haven't yet contacted Ford about this, but I plan to.
While traveling at 55 mph the transmission failed. Driver was able to pull off the road safely. The problem has been reported to the manufacturer. The transmission will be replaced.
Transmission failed. Mjs.
Transmission failed on highway.
Transmission failed/locked up.
Transmission failed.
Transmission failed without warning signal. Yh.
Transmission fails to stay in lockup mode when travelling at highway speeds and slips and viberates whenever you reach a slight upgrade.
Multiple transmission failures.