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.
Windshield wipers -- beginning summer 1998 I experienced problem with my windshield wiper, dome light, and door chime coming on intermittently. In December 1998 the wipers stopped working so I brought the vehicle to maguire Ford for repair. The wiper motor was replaced (obviously this intermittent on/off cycle burnt it out), as was a switch for the door. The features were trouble free (though the dome light still has problems) until 5/10/2000. On that day I started the vehicle during a rain storm, and the wipers would not work. I brought the vehicle back to maguire Ford for repair. I was told the vehicle had been repaired, but when I started it the wipers still would not work. The vehicle is still in the shop and requires a part (costing ~$150). The mechanics at Ford kept referring to "intermittent wiper" problems on other Ford's, prompting me to check the "car talk" web site, which had a link to the NHTSA site. On this site I saw that many others have been having similar wiper/door chime/dome light problems. While on this site I noticed numerous instances where people had problems with their ABS systems. On 11/28/99 while driving on I-81 just North of binghamton, NY I had a frightening experience with my brakes. A car cut closely in front of me, prompting me to apply my brakes with force, in order to prevent a collision. The brake on the front right-hand side lock, causing the truck to jerk to the right. I surprisingly was able to maintain control of the truck, but after another 30 miles of driving I began noticing a grinding sound in the area of the front right brake. I took the truck to midas and was told the the caliper on the front right brake broke and that something (the brake?) had seized. I paid for repairs and dismissed this incident until reading on the "car talk - NHTSA" link that many other have experienced a similar events with their brakes. The problem, it seems, is worthy of a recall. Thanks for your help.
Windshield wipers, when turned on, are erratic. They do not hold a steady cadence. Also, domelight stays on after closing the door. It will stay on for up to 5 minutes.
The door chimes would remain on even after the door is closed. Dome light stays on and windshield wipers would come on & off on their own. Dealer reprogrammed the on-board computer, no problems since.
- Altus, OK, USA
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Windshield wiper fail intermittently or will turn on without switch operation. Turn signal will sometimes stop working at same time. There has also been the smell of overheating wires, but no visible smoke.
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- Winston Salem, NC, USA