Which parts fail
Components named in complaints (automatic and manual transmissions, CVT, axles, driveshaft, 4WD/AWD).
Mileage when the problem started
Owner reports
Selected complaints filed with NHTSA by 1999 Ford Windstar owners, lightly cleaned up (personal details are redacted by NHTSA).
The contact owns a 1999 Ford Windstar. The contact stated while driving 5 MPH out of the driveway, the vehicle made an abnormal grinding and popping sound. The contact shifted to park(P). The contact stated that upon inspecting the vehicle, the contact noticed that the rear passenger's side tire was pushed inward, and the axle was fractured. The local dealer was contacted and confirmed that an unknown recall was closed. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was not contacted. The failure mileage was approximately 103,000.
I have 3 problems with my 1999 Ford Windstar which currently has 60,000 miles. One of them is the glass in front when I'm driving in the rain I have to turn on the wipers the driver's side in the middle part of the wiper stays wet while the passenger side cleans very well. The other problem I've always had is the powersteering when I'm driving, I'm going to turn to the side and the car turns off the guide gets hard and I can't straighten it to turn it on again. The last problem is the transmission, one day the family went all together in the car and shortly after we realized that it was overheating we parked in the grass we turned off the car and the part of the engine caught fire after the accident we realized that the transmission liquefied oil. I had the transmission repaired and began to give some tiresome every time I changed gears. …
I have 3 problems with my 1999 Ford Windstar which currently has 60,000 miles. One of them is the glass in front when I'm driving in the rain I have to turn on the wipers the driver's side in the middle part of the wiper stays wet while the passenger side cleans very well. The other problem I've always had is the powersteering when I'm driving, I'm going to turn to the side and the car turns off the guide gets hard and I can't straighten it to turn it on again. The last problem is the transmission, one day the family went all together in the car and shortly after we realized that it was overheating we parked in the grass we turned off the car and the part of the engine caught fire after the accident we realized that the transmission liquefied oil. I had the transmission repaired and began to give some tiresome every time I changed gears. …
Vehculo da cantasos y jalones al conducir. Un da nos bamos de camino a un restaurante la transmicin empez a dar cantasos nos estacionamos en la grama, la transmicin parece que liqueaba aceite y el aceite caliente cay en la grama y la grama se encendio en fuego y hoy en da la transmicin aunque se arregle sigue liqueando y dando cantasos
This vehicle was serviced at 102,654 miles, in March-April of 2011 by koons Ford of maryland, (invoice#w70829, dated May 5, 2011) in response to Ford recall, related to "broken front subframe" and "collapsing rear axle".--front subframe was, at that time, broken on the right side, due to rusting. Replacement was not done, instead it was patched via a bolted together "clamshell" reinforcing device. It now has become apparent that after using the vehicle after this initial frame separation, the metal of the left side was unduly stressed, and has now broken at its weldment point, resulting in an unsafe vehicle, that swerves to the left, if brakes are applied while in motion on the street or other roadway. Wheels are no longer kept in alignment, with left front wheel free to move to the front or rear, in response to applied stress! …
We have taken this van in for repair fivetimesin one year. The first month we had it the head was replaced. The power steering has gone out for now the fifth time. I actually lost controlof the vehicle due to beingunable to turn the steering. My husband has to drive me everywhere because only he can turn the steering wheel. Each time we take it for repair we are charged a deductible and I can not do this anymore. This is obviously a lemon. Marshall mize Ford in chattanooga tennessee is where the vehicle was purchased in January of 2001. They also have performed all service on this vehicle. …
Shifted from park to drive and entered into traffic lane. Pressed down on gas pedal but all that happened was engine revved up but vehicle would not go forward. Luckily, there was light traffic or I would have been hit. A helpful person pushed me to a safe place to park. I started the car and found that only reverse worked. No forward motion when put in drive, 2 or 1. I checked transmission fluid level and it was at proper level had vehicle towed to my house. Searched online and found this is a common issue with 1999 Windstar's. Called a transmission place and told them what happened and was told I likely had suffered a transmission failure and needed a new transmission. I'm the second owner and the vehicle has approximately 125,000 miles on it. Also, the brake master cylinder failed in October 2014. Updated 03/28/16.
I was in my garage. I placed the Windstar in park. I left the engine running, opened my door and walked to the back of the van. I heard a clunk which apparently was the transmission shifting into reverse. The van immediately took off and the door caught me and slammed me into the garage wall and broke backwards. It drug me out the garage and I fell off. The van then proceeded down the driveway across the street. It damaged the neighbors yard, mail box, cable box and shrubs. It slowed on a berm and I was able to jump in and stop it. I moved it from reverse to park, turned off the engine and went to the emergency room with bruises and sprained wrists.
Tl contact owns a 1999 Ford Windstar. While driving approximately 50 MPH the vehicle began to smoke in the rear with no warning signs from the dashboard. She smelled something burning and drove onto the emergency lane. Everyone was able to safely get out of the vehicle and a tow truck was called. The vehicle was towed to a local mechanic and then to the dealer. The dealer advised her that there was a total fracture in the rear axle. She was advised by the dealer that it would take 4 weeks to get the parts. The vehicle was not repaired. The approximate failure and current mileages were 104,000.
Tl* the contact owns a 1999 Ford Windstar. While driving approximately 70 MPH, the over drive off warning light illuminated on the instrument panel and began flashing. The contact stopped the vehicle on the shoulder and noticed smoke emitting from the front end of the vehicle. The contact inspected the vehicle and noticed oil leaking from under the vehicle. The vehicle was towed to an independent mechanic for diagnostic testing. The mechanic stated that the transmission would have to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The approximate failure mileage was 134,000.
Related recalls
Power train › Axle assembly
Ford is recalling certain model year 1998-2003 windstar vehicles manufactured from September 1, 1997, through July 3, 2003, and currently registered or originally sold in virginia. Over time, corrosion can weaken the rear axle making it susceptible to torsional stress.
Remedy: Ford will notify owners, and dealers will inspect and install rear axle reinforcement brackets, or replace the axles, as necessary. This service will be performed free of charge. The recall began on June 19, 2012.
Transmission complaints in other Windstar years
Frequently asked questions
How common are transmission problems on the 1999 Ford Windstar?
NHTSA has 278 complaints about the transmission & drivetrain of the 1999 Ford Windstar, 18% of the model year's 1,522 complaints. The component named most often is automatic transmission (184 mentions).
Is there a recall for 1999 Ford Windstar transmission problems?
Yes — NHTSA recall 12V-193 (axle assembly, May 3, 2012). Recall repairs are free at authorized dealers.
At what mileage do 1999 Ford Windstar transmission problems start?
Half of the complaints with a recorded mileage happened before about 75,000 miles, and 4% before 25,000 miles.
Is it dangerous?
Owners linked 9 crashes, 14 fires and 4 injuries to transmission & drivetrain problems on this model year. If you notice symptoms, have the car checked before driving further.
Source: U.S. National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) — owner complaints through October 20, 2026, recalls and defect investigations; fuel economy from the EPA. Complaints are unverified reports and are not proof of a defect. How we rate model years.