12 problems related to automatic transmission torque converter have been reported for the 1999 Ford Windstar. The most recently reported issues are listed below.
Sudden loss of power being transmitted from the engine to the wheels (later determined to be a failed torque converter that also destroyed the transmission).
Updating complaint 10116674 - mechanic informed us the planetary assembly has catastrophically failed and says this is ridiculous for such a low-mileage vehicle. He stated there must be a manufacturer's defect. He will save all ruined parts - total will be about $2,300. Will Ford have the integrity to stand behind its products? will NHTSA force a recall due to the high number of failures on these vans? the consumer still did not receive a response from Ford. There was a planetary assembly problem with the consumers 1999 Ford Windstar. At 51k miles, the planetary assembly had broken and needed to be replaced along with the transmission, torque converter, sun gear, solenoid and the reverse drum.
Transmission shifting problem, no leak. Had speed sensor replaced and while there had fluid flushed and changed. The day after returning home with vehicle noticed small amount of fluid on carport. Returned to dealer within 2-3 days. Was told that maybe some fluid had spilled while changing. Several days later noticed much more fluid on carport. Returned to dealer. Now they say the torque converter seal was cracked. It was not leaking at all before being serviced. This seal just mysteriously decided to leak immediately after the transmission was serviced?.
On oct 30, 2004 engine light came on toke to dealer leaking head gasket costing $459. 00 now the transmission has failed which is going to cost 2398. 00 to fix two major repairs in 2 weeks this is crap Ford so fix the problem with a recall.
First, the o/d light flashed. A few days later, whie driving on the higway with all my kids in the van, I saw tons of smoke coming from behind the van. I pulled off the highway and saw all the transmission fluid pouring out under the front end. I drove to an exit, called for a ride home (it took two separate drivers to come and get me and the kids!) and got the van towed. The torque converter clutch went, and then caused the transmission failure as well--at 74,000 miles. Every garage I called said that this is a bad transmission, and they replace/rebuild it all the time.
The overdrive light began flashing when driving at highway speeds. An electronic diagnostic test performed revealed the failure of the torque converter clutch and the stator. The recommended action was to replace the transmission, at a cost of $3,086. 72. A transmission shouldn't fail at 65,000 miles.
While driving 65 mph, the over drive light appeared on the dashboard and remained on. Black smoke poured out of the exhaust pipe . Consumer was able to pull over and drive the vehicle home by pouring a quart of the transmission fluid into transmission cooling unit and lines. Consumer had a mechanic inspect the vehicle, and mechanic determined that torque converter needed to be replaced due to worn out parts.
Purchased used 11/15/02. Upon 2nd routine oil change was advised that I had a trans. Leak pan gasket. Took the van to dealership (nemer Ford) where purchased, advised them that the van was not shifting properly in addition to the gasket needing replacement. They advised me that the gasket did need to be replaced and that I should have the transmission flushed and serviced, I agreed to this service. There was still slight shuddering when shifting, but not like it was. Upon taking it in for the 3rd routine oil change, I advised them that not only was the shuddering getting worse, but now the o/d light is flashing and the rpm's are jumping around. Also told them that when you initially start the vehicle there is a momentary grinding noise. Picked up the van and returned it for the exact same issues 19 days later. I have yet to take it back to the dealership as we are still experiencing all of the exact same issues, with the added twists of interior lights coming on when we hit bumps and turning off when we hit the next bump, when using the right hand turn signal, upon straightening out from the turn the left turn signal comes on all by itself, and last but not least there is an odor that can only be compared to raw sewer coming from under my hood, not sulfer, but sewer. To date the solenoid has been replaced, as has the torque converter, (with much resistance from the warranty company) I have a hard time believing that the Ford corporation is unaware of these problems, as I am clearly not the only consumer dealing with these issues. Thank you for your time, tiffany m. Sanchez.
The mechanic found the torque converter had failed and spun brass off and ruined the whole transmission.
Transmission jerks harshly into second gear after slowing down and accelerating especially on incline. Dealer replaced solenoids and torque converter and problem still exists. After returning to dealer they state it needs a new transmission. Steering makes loud grinding noises when turning. Dealer replaced tie rod, problem returned after 1 week. Dealer then replaced rack.
Transmission has been replaced twice! first time when we brought it in to dealer - they had no idea what could make the rattle sound (warrenty was still in effect). It was happening around 40mph - whole front end would rattle. They had transmission "expert" look at it and they said that it was not the transmission. About 10,000 miles later - wham! could not drive. Took it back (after warrenty expired) and transmission "expert" says it is torque converter and it would need new/rebuilt trans - not covered under warrenty. I went else where for the repair, not a cent more to Ford - ever. Next, after I got my trans rebuilt by 3rd party, it failed again 25,000 miles later. They got all the updates, etc - and trust me, they do a great job on trans (they repair fbi cars). After 2 rebuilds later - we are up and running again - but, if someone offers me money for this car, they can have it! found on road dead - (and changing the name to freestar does not help the cover up).
My 1999 Ford Windstar with 95000 miles experienced complete transmission failure due to three now updated problems that Ford does not want to recognize or be responsible for. The first is a shudder during the 1-2 upshift caused by a faulty solenoid which is now updated in the reman transmission. The second is a faulty torque converter that was also an updated item and causes my van to not want to shift at the appropriate times. The third is slipping which occurs at highway speeds and is caused due to a faulty clutch piston which is also an updated item in all remanufactured transmissions for that make and model. For it to be a coincidence that all three caused premature trnsmission failure and all three also to be updates is undeniable evidence that the original transmission was not engineered correctly or not manufactured correctly. This should be recalled or be covered by extended warranty because after reading bulletins and similar complaints it is clear that Ford know all about this and is trying to just cover it up.