Five problems related to engine exhaust system have been reported for the 1999 Ford Windstar. The most recently reported issues are listed below.
Driving along the NJ garden state parkway at 60mph, I experienced a loud popping sound. I had my vehicle towed to my local repairman only to find that the spark plug at the rear of the engine had blown out causing a misfire in the engine.
Mileage was 49600, total cost for the repair was $2600. 00 but our cost was only $2072. 00 because drew Ford in san diego, CA helped us cover some of the cost. The itemized bill said the remanufactured transmission was $1702. 28. The tranny went out with no warning lights and no sign of giving out. My wife usually drives it but I had just driven it the day before and I am in tune with odd noises and the van had none. 8/22/2003 in the evening when she pulled into our garage and was still moving forward, it stopped. It didn't move until the engine was rev'd pretty high then it would kick in violently. That lasted about 2 or 3 times while trying to finish moving it into the garage when a huge grinding sound took place and the van did not move again until the tow truck took it away! I am outraged that the van was so young when a major component went out like the transmission. And after combing the web for others who have experienced this, I found plenty of people. I think Ford motor company should pay for this. I figure they won't, though.
Transmission is primary issue has shifting problem at low speed, has over 8 TSB on the issue and has new transmission installed but still have problem the other issues are clearly common for this model as well, but this transmissionand Fords lack of support from their service and dealers is unacceptable.
I have had more than 4 problems with this car in past two years that have been major problems. I would just like to see if other people have had as much problems with the steering and the van it's self.
Sliding doors- will not open reliably since new- trouble intermittent-dealer lakeland Ford replaced door switches when I was finally able to demonstrate intermittent condition(not easy)dealer contacted Ford who told them that the doors were designed to operate that way to conserve battery!(believe it) Ford design engineer said the power to the outside door handles was cut off after 30 minutes of no use to conserve the battery, further, that they had received no other complaints. . This is simply not so. The van can sit for 24 hours and the doors will open , most of the time. Re horn button: most people use the palm or heel of the hand to operate the horn. I have had three close calls because I have been unable to sound the horn to alert other drivers. It can only be operated by using the thumb or index finger directly over the horn symbol. This constitutes an area of slightly more than one square inch. Re emission control:according to the service manager this noise is caused by one of the emission controls under the hood. It causes a whirring sound when the vehicle is in gear and makes a squack like a duck when the engine is turned off. Service manager said they couldn't do anything about it. Had identical trouble in '96 Windstar, turned out to be computer and transmission related.