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.
Entire front panel (with ac/heater, radio, and rear window controls) becomes too hot to touch, especially when driven more than 60 minutes continuously. Engine had to be turned off for more than 20 minutes. "check engine" light came on. Repair shop found no exposed wires but warned of fire risk; had seen same problem in other mid-90's Windstar.
The electronic speed sensor failed while on a trip in July. The vehicle shifting points are controlled by this device. While traveling at 65 mph the vehicle digital speedometer went to " 0 " and the vehicle down -shifted to another gear on its own with a lost of speed of about 15 mph. This would happen intermitently. One time was almost in an accident with a tractor trailer. I was accellerating onto an interstate and instead of the vehicle accelerating as normal. The sensor speedometer went to "0" and the vehicle instead of accellerating, actually felt that it was trying to down -shift to first gear, with a substantial loss of power.
Instrument cluster would short circuit while driving. Electronic dashboard blew out. This caused windows and door locks not to open after pulling over. Smoke was coming inside vehicle. Also, there was poor visibility due to electrical failure. Vehicle has been in shop since September, and mechanic could not not get instrument cluster parts for repairs. Informed on back order. Contacted manufacturer & informed case was documented only.
Service technician stated that we were lucky van did not catch on fire.I now have no vehicle.service technician stated they will keep the van until they can make it safe to drive. Also that this problem is not covered.I am looking at a bill of at least $800 dollars not fair I say!.
Electrical problem in dash caused a brake light problem. Ford dealer had to pull out dash to correct problem. Car had a previous recall in which the dash had to be pulled out also. We believe the wire repair in the dash was a result of the previous dash electrical recall. Ford says no. At only 59,400 miles the trans needs replacing. Ford has a dealer service bulletin that states failure of transmissions can be due to a cracked or broken forward clutch pision. Ford says no. Blown head gasket at 87, 300 miles causes engine to have to be replaced. We received a recall letter in March and received $3200 for reimbursement. At 89,000 miles during February of 2000, the second transmission goes out and the mechanic states that the overheating of the engine head gasket problem can affect the transmission. During a test drive of the third transmission, the speedometer goes bad. A recall letter from Ford in may of 1994 states that some speedometers can have "incorrect gear" and may cause a loss of function". a letter has been written to Ford Motor Company explaining the excessive costs to maintain a vehicle.
Engine failure due to failed cam shaft bearing. Head gasket had been replaced 6 month prior due to leakage. Ford dealership making repair could not obtain the cam shart replacement kit because "demand had exceeded expectations". we had to buy a short block. Other problems: Brakes pumping - need new rotors several months after getting new pads. Another problem - interior lights that will not go off have required repair two time.
When slowing down and foot caught on accelerator vehicle stalled. Sometimes when pulling out in traffic, vehicle would stall, leaving consumer without power steering/brakes. Also, electrical system shorted out. Vehicle has been into the shop for repairs seven or more times, and dealer can't determine the problem.
A D V E R T I S E M E N T S
- Fort Yates, ND, USA