NHTSA Complaint #10139523 — 1999 FORD WINDSTAR

WHILE DRIVING ON THE HWY (60 MPH), THE OD LIGHT STARTED FLASHING AND MESSAGE BOARD SHOWED CHECK MESSAGE. I PUSHED INFO BUTTON, AND TXT. MESSAGE DISAPPEARED. I PULLED OVER TO FIRST LANE AND OBSERVED A LOT OF SMOKE IN THE REAR MIRROR. I STOPPED THE CAR AND OBSERVED FIRE UNDERNEATH THE CAR. FIRE CONTINUED FOR APP. 4 MINS. AND EXTINGUISHED SLOWLY. CAR WAS TOWED TO DEALER, WHICH HAS STATED THAT TRANSMISSION HAS BEEN OVERHEATED AND HAS TO BE REPLACED. I HAVE CHECKED SOME OTHER CUSTOMER COMPLAINTS AND IT LOOKS LIKE FORD HAS A COMMON PROBLEM WITH WINDSTARS. LUCKILY ME AND MY TWO CHILDREN CAME THROUGH THIS INCIDENT UNSCATHED BUT IT CAN BE A VERY SERIOUS SITUATION. HAVE BEEN TOLD THAT I WILL HAVE TO PAY FOR A NEW TRANSMISSION. NO HELP FROM DEALER AND ACCORDING TO OTHER CUSTOMER COMPLAINTS IT SEEM LIKE FORD ALSO IS VERY RELUCTANT TO LOOK INTO SUCH PROBLEMS. *NM