Six problems related to automatic transmission park/neutral start switch have been reported for the 2000 Ford Windstar. The most recently reported issues are listed below. Please also check out the statistics and reliability analysis of the 2000 Ford Windstar based on all problems reported for the 2000 Windstar.
Vehicle can shift out of gear without applying brake pedal. Dealer was not notified at this time. Feel free to provide any further information.
While parked in driveway and idling vehicle jumped from park into reverse, and rolled backwards. Had emergency brakes on. Dealer contacted. Please add VIN.
While vehicle was left running in park, consumer got out of vehicle, and shut door, immediately vehicle started to roll down a hill. Consumer heard automatic door locks lock when vehicle started to move. Children were trapped inside. Vehicle rolled into a tree, and airbags deployed. Please provide any further information.
While engine was running consumer left the vehicle in park, vehicle went into reverse and hit another vehicle. Dealer could not identify cause.
With the key switched "on" (engine not running), the transmission can be easily shifted without depressing the brakes. This can cause serious injury if a child is involved and the airbag deployes. We tried this on our van after a friend had a 3 yr old child shift their Ford expedition into neutral and run through a wall. Our vehicle shifted very easily every time we tried it.
The consumer child was able to move the gear shift lever out of park, the consumer feels the information in reference to the interlock system in the owners manual is misleading. Nlm.