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.
While driving, a rattling noise was heard. The dealer found that the right front sway bar was corroded and split. Dealer replaced the right front sway bar.
Re:1995 Ford Windstar VIN [xxx] this complaint relates to damage incurred just prior to an official recall notice for collapse of this vehicle's suspension system and Ford's refusal to reimburse me for the damage incurred and repairs performed. I have contacted the dealership, called Ford's customer care recall line, and written to Ford's CEO with no response. It is my understanding that Ford is obligated to pay for all repairs which resulted from a situation under which a recall is declared, even if they were incurred prior to the recall announcement. On June 12, 2001 the driver front end collapsed and the vehicle crashed to the ground and listed to the left. The cause was the failure of the front suspension coils, which acted like a hook and completely tore through and shredded the new tire I had just put on the vehicle. I have photographs of the incident. The Ford dealership was booked several days out so I took the vehicle to another facility, boca tire who identified the problem and suggested that we have both the front and rear systems fixed for safety. On August 24, 2001, the starter failed and we were advised it is likely this was related to the suspension crash. We subsequently had suspected transmission problems. Shortly after the initial incident we received a notice of an extended coverage announcement for the front coil springs of the 1995 Windstar. I contacted the customer relationship center and explained all of these issues and problems and that it seems highly unlikely that all of these problems are not related to the initial failure of the coil springs and the collapse of the front end. We incurred $1,380 in repairs. We turned in my repair receipts for "Ford reimbursement review" and received a very small amount which no one at Ford could explain (did not just relate to front end only repairs, etc). Information redacted pursuant to the Freedom Of Information Act (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6).
Front struts had to be replaced. Front end alignment performed. Caster and camber reset. There is a squealing noise from front end when turning, dealer replaced outer tie rods and right control arm.
During right turn, lost steering control. After stopping, right front tire was positioned for sharp left turn, and left front tire was positioned for a right turn. Right front outer tie-rod failed. Both right and left front tie-rods were replaced. These are sealed units and can't be lubricated. I suggest that failure was due to lubricant breakdown or loss over the years, a serious design and safety issue.
- Il, IL, USA
Search CarComplaints.com for these popular complaint phrases...
Vehicle would have severe shaking in front wheels when speedometer reaches 50mph and above. Can maintain control of vehicle when vibrating. Problem is most noticeable when vehicle is loaded down or going down hill. Been to dealership, and informed problem was normal.
I have read in the paper that this has been a problem in several hundred thousand Ford Windstar vans (report by nedra pickler Chicago suntimes) I'm wondering what your department is going to have Ford do about this problem. I am concerned about my wife and three children who always ride in this van. No safety defect listed in summary.
I was exiting a golf course parking lot at about 10-12 mph when I hit a small pot hole. I heard a noise like a sharp snap. I exited the parking lot and proceeded down a two lane paved road at about 45 mph, the speed limit. I heard the right front tire become flat. I called a tow truck whose operator informed me that the coil spring broke. Russ milne Ford replaced rt front strut, spring, &spring seat. The rt front tire was slashed by the broken spring, requiring both front to be replaced & front to be aligned. I believe the coil failure was caused by faulty heat trearment.
When vehicle is being driven, and when a right or left turn is made, noise occurs in front end of vehicle on driver's side, cause unknown. Consumer said problem could quite possibly be from strut or spring.
Notified by Ford sliding door latch, had it repaired. Then front end doesn't stay in alignment, head gasket blew, causing loss of starter and other related parts, total cost of $1800 at this time the car only had around 50,000 miles. Door light stays on indicating that a door is open when one isn't. sometimes goes on and off and beeps. Interior lights stay on for extended period of time. Heard on news about recalls and buy back, called Ford, they tell me about 3 other recalls on the van, : head gaskets, hood separation, feul tank mounting (which will only replace or repair if they feel its necessary). I looked on the net and found that there is also an airbag problem on the passenger side. I was never notified of these and only recently became aware of them. I am in the process of trying to get a refund for the $1800 on the head gasket and related problems. I was told to go and speak to a mary flanagan at the sanders Ford in jacksonville, nc where I live and purchased the vehicle. I would like to find out more information a out all these recalls and repairs that are needed and if the buy out program applies to my vehicle. I have 3 children and I am feeling very unsatisfied with safely transporting them in this vehicle.
When traveling consumer noticed shaking coming from the front end engine compartment area. Also, fluid was coming from the tail pipe, and there was a burning smell within the passenger compartment. Consumer has contacted the dealer. Dealer noticed a cracked head gaske, T causing fluid leak. Dealer has yet to correct the problem.
Engine head gasket failed after warranty had expired, replaced transmission after warranty had expired, steering locked up (repaired under warranty), wears out tires because has pulled to right since day one, have replaced braking system twice
Currently our vehicle is awaiting a new engine after having the head gasket replaced on a recall notice from Ford last October. While we have an extended warranty on this vehicle, we feel it is not fair they should have to provide replacement in light of other similar complaints about the same problem on other Ford Windstar. This vehicle only has 34,489 miles on it. We have had transmission concerns about this van as well, however the dealer has never been able to duplicate the problems experienced. We are very concerned that this van is infact a lemon, and we have contacted the Ford customer service line, which advised us that no assistance would be provided because the vehicle was out of manufacturers warranty by time, not by miles.
1. front end looseness from the very beginning to the present tie bars ctc. Replaced without any noticeable improvement. 2 speedometer failure at 45K 3. power window motor (left front) quit. 3. transmission failed/ replacement (with only 17K failed.4. head gasket blew. I find in researching the defects that my experience is quite common but that Ford has not take responsibility in some of these areas -especially the failed transmissions, . it is my hope that your org. Can verify these fefects as being worthy of Ford compensating the owners who have had to pay for these mfailures of manufacture. Please advise me of the status of your work. Thank you, geary leason.
A loud front end rubbing sound when you turn wheels. This is just one complaint my friends who own this van years 1995, 1996 and 1997 are having the same problem. Some have tried to have it fixed and have not succeeded. Others have simply waited to see if it was fixed by others. We all have heard other vans make the same noise when the wheels turn at a lower speed. No mechanic has fixed the problem yet on any of the vans we know about.
Leaking oil from seals of steering rack, oversized cylinder bore, dealer replaced. Noise in front end when turning and hitting bumps, dealer never has fixed it, its been in shop 4 times before 2 years they told me if they could fix one they could fix them all. The sound is still there, it never was fixed. Now the transmission wont go into 1st or reverse, leaving you maby out to far into the traffic lane with no way to back up and get out of harms way.Ford has known of this defect in mid 1994, but sold defective transmissions till mid 96. Then they replaced the alum. Piston that fails, with a steel piston. I feel Ford is responsible for repairs knowing beforehand they would fail prematurely under 70000 miles in most cases.
A D V E R T I S E M E N T S
- Mount Holly, NJ, USA