This data is from the NHTSA — the US gov't agency tasked with vehicle safety. Complaints are spread across multiple & redundant categories, & are not organized by problem.
So how do you find out what problems are occurring? For this NHTSA complaint data, the only way is to read through the comments below. Any duplicates or errors? It's not us.
The contact owns a 2003 Ford Windstar. The contact was driving 45 mph on normal road conditions; the "ABS" brake warning light indicators illuminated on the instrument panel intermittently. The vehicle was taken to an authorized dealer for diagnostic testing. The technician recommended the replacement of the anti-lock brake system computer module. In addition, there were defective automated power locks on all four doors. An authorized mechanic was unable to duplicate the door lock failure. The vehicle is in the process of being repaired for the ABS computer module. The contact had concerns of the safety risk involved. The failure mileage was 80,000. The current mileage was 100,000. Updated 12/30/09 updated 12/30/09
The contact owns a 2003 Ford Windstar. The contact stated that the passenger side sliding door would not function with the power button. The door would have to be opened manually from the passenger compartment. The dealer stated that there was a service bulletin for the failure, but there was no recall. The contact was informed that a tsb kit was needed. The manufacturer stated that nothing could be done and referred her to NHTSA. The current mileage was approximately 77,000 and failure mileage was approximately 76,000. Updated 07/15/08 updated
Since purchase I have had to replace transmission, airconditioner, and the alternator--this has been replaced 4 times. There is still an issue with the interior lights coming on. This has been reported to Ford and they state there is no issue on their part.
I own a 2003 Ford Windstar that was purchased in September of 2003. I had so many issues with this van since purchasing it, it's not even funny. It started out with the door locks and the back hatch door not operating correctly....there were also some cosmetic items that were defective. The most annoying problem occurred in August of 2005 and has continued sporadically over the course of the last year. The van stalls out while driving down the road!!! you lose the power brakes and power steering when this happens..it has been in the shop probably four times over the course of the last year. The first couple of times they would return the van with the explanation "no problem found". I have had people riding with me that have experienced this problem first hand. When it first started happening it was only when it rained..and it was very sporadic...then it started happening even in dry weather. I just got it back after having left it at the dealer for almost a month!!! the repair order states that the intake manifold gaskets were replaced... that was July 25th 2006. During another visit they replaced a cam shaft position/cylinder"?" so now they tell me that because they replaced another part, that this is not considered the same problem. This van is a lemon!!!! and Ford needs to take a look at these issues....and do what is right for the consumer. I.e. refund the purchase price of these vehicles!!!
Our vehicle has several ongoing problems that the dealer has been unable to repair. The traction control light occaisionally comes on and loud grinding noises are heard and vibrations felt through the floor. This problem began around 9/2004. The interior lights will randomly turn on and off while driving. The dealer completely removed the overhead consoles and headliner to repair a short in the wiring harness; but that didn't fix it. And both power sliding doors have malfunctioned several times. The doors will not open with any of the interior switches or remote, and the power locks on them will hang up. The doors have, on occaision, opened by themselves while the vehicle is parked in the driveway. We found the interior flooded one morning after it rained heavily the night before. We can only assume the door opened on its own. And yesterday, the door right side door opened on it own while driving at about 45mph. The interior lights were flashing on and off and the power lock swith on the door sounded like it was cycling on and off. The vehicle was taken straght to the dealer and they verified that it wasn't working - it wouldn't operate with any of the switches. We have notified Ford under the rules of our state's lemon law and are awaiting their response.
- Wilmington, NC, USA
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2003 Ford Windstar with automatic power sliding doors. This is the third incident where the doors automatically opened when they were closed and locked. The first 2X I returned to find the doors opened and retracted. The third my 3 year old was seated in her car seat when the door opened while driving. This is a hazard and major safety issue. Ford has ignored my phone calls and Ford service they can find no problem and cleaned the contacts. I will file suit in the next few weeks to address this horrible defect.
Sliding side doors worked intermittently. Told nothing wrong. One stopped working. Cost close to $400 dollars and took all day. Said it was an electricians nightmare. The very next day the other door quite working. We have no children, so do not use door in excess. This is more than coincidence. The first one needed a new plate or something like that. They said it would be $1000 if the motor goes.
The sliding door senor failed, causing a 3 year old child's left arm to be closed in the sliding door way. Consumer had to use a crowbar to open the sliding door. Dealership was notified, but did not resolve the problem.
I have power sliding doors on my Windstar van. This van has been taken to the shop numerous times because the door will not shut securely. I have actually had to take it to the shop with the door only particularly secure for them to examine the problem. This is unsafe especially since my child was in the van with me. I reported to Ford that I was having problems getting it fixed and they sent a letter for me to take it to the dealer, please note I had been taking it to the dealer for the past 6 months.
Consumer complained about a sliding door problem. The driver side sliding door opened on its own. Vehicle had been at dealer on three separate occasions, but dealer was unable to resolve the problem.
The electric sliding door on our 2003 Ford Windstar will not stop if my wife or child is in its intended path. The door will literally pin them against the door frame. I have had to apply force in order to have the door reverse. Also the door mechanism (latch) will not allow the door to open when pulled. The door must be forceibly pulled to ectivate the auto open sequence. My wife has stated that when closing ther door with the key fob that the door does not alway close, she has had two occurences where she has removed my daughter from the van and closed the door, when she came out of the store the door was open.
2003 Ford winstar wife was leaning on front passinger door, door was lock, but as slowing down for stop sign and a few bumps in the road the front pass door "poped"open enough to sound the door open alarm. The door did not open all the way, the lock button was still in the down position. Ford dealer looked over and said they saw no defect, however what and why did the door come open part way.
Passenger automatic sliding door reopens while in the process of closing. This happens about 80% of the time. We have to manually force the door to close some times and try 4-5 times the other times to close. This problem also occurs sometimes while in reverse or drive, when close button is pushed inside. Also, the sliding door does not stop and retract if something is in the way. I, the owner, remotely closed the door and realized I forgot something, I went to grab for it, and the door continued to close and almost shut my shoulder and arm inside. Fortunately, I was able to pull my arm out, but the door continued to close until it finally shut.
When the vehicle was on an incline rear sliding door on the driver's side slammed shut. Door slammed on the head of a 3-year-old child, causing bruises and headaches.
A D V E R T I S E M E N T S
- Bemidji, MN, USA