Two problems related to vehicle shudder have been reported for the 1999 Ford Windstar. The most recently reported issues are listed below.
1999 Ford Windstar experienced a sudden transmission failure at 114,000 miles despite having absolutely no prior issues of this nature. I was at a red light approximately 1/4 mile from the on-ramp of I-25 when the vehicle shuddered and jerked before accelerating; after pulling over to check for damage (as I was sure I had hit/run over something), I found nothing unusual and proceeded onto the interstate. The vehicle operated normally for approximately 25 miles at freeway speed until I was stopped at a red light. Upon trying to accelerate, the engine would only rev regardless of the gear I used, at which time I contacted an automotive shop to tow the vehicle. Currently, I am awaiting a call from the shop after their full diagnosis, which I will update this complaint. A sudden problem of this magnitude is perplexing as well as potentially costly. After reading pages of complaints similar to mine, I have no doubt that the high(er) mileage of my vehicle at the time of this incident speaks to the level of regular maintenance I have provided. Please consider seriously investigating the numerous complaints similar to mine before a life is taken as a result.
Transmission problem - problem began with some"rough" shifts, noticeable at 20 and 40 mph. When went to merge onto tollway, car was unable to go above 40 mph, until as I was about to pull over, car jerked and began to accelerate. I knew something was seriously wrong with car then, so made appointment at dealership. It has been at dealer for 2 weeks waiting for a new transmission. Driver sliding door doesn't always want to close. Try to close, and it either clicks, or closes a couple of inches and then reopens. Shake car, and eventually it will close. It is at dealership for the 4th time, in hopes of a repair. What happens if can't close door at all? can't drive car full of little kids with door open. Fuel pump wouldn't work, car had to be towed from a parking lot. No prior warning to this problem, what if this happened while driving?.