Five problems related to transmission fluid leaking have been reported for the 1998 Ford Windstar. The most recently reported issues are listed below.
1998 Ford Windstar transmission fluid leaking out under the motor.
: the contact stated a burning smell was present after the vehicle was parked. Upon inspection, there was transmission fluid on the ground of the driveway. Underneath the vehicle there was fluid leaking out of the servo cover of the transmission. The dealer was contacted and faxed a copy of the NHTSA recall #97v097000. The contact was told that the transmission mechanic stated there was no recalls pertaining to the servo cover and there were never any vehicles repaired at that dealership according to the NHTSA recall. When the dealer was asked to fix the vehicle based on the recall, the contact was told the information meant nothing to them. The manufacturer was contacted who expressed that they could not authorized repairs for the vehicle under the NHTSA recall.
Intermittently while driving there was a kicking noise from the transmission, which resulted in the vehicle losing transmission fluid. Transmission jerked and seemed to kick more on turns and acceleration. On one occasion, transmission fluid leaked all over the engine which resulted in smoking. Transmission needed to be replaced.
The consumer is concern she didn't receive a recall #number97v097000 for the a/t fluid sevo cover leak. Because her VIN number wasn't included but she is experiencing the same problem. Dealer is aware of the problem. Mr.
Stopped at traffic light, upon acceleration transmission would not engage. Engine revved as if in neutral. Also occurred as accelerating from a stop to make a turn. Presented a very dangerous situation of being put into the path of on coming traffic. Turning engine off and then back on would allow transmission to engage. Dealer determined that the transmission had failed at 43,621 miles and had to be replaced. After four days in service and a complete new transmission, within 12 hours new transmission developed at least two serious leaks of transmission fluid. Dealer says this is not uncommon. The unit is sealed and can not be serviced by them. I am waiting to hear if I need another complete new transmission.