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.
Speedometer erratically changes its readings making it impossible to tell what speed the vehicle is going. This is the second time it has happened. Dealer is replacing the speedometer for the second time.
This speedo problem is a great safety hazard to the driver and people on the road. A driver may think he is driving at a certain speed and he may infact be exceeding the speed limit or hindering drivers on the road. This puts drivers at risk.
Original spedometer failed at 27000 miles, replacement by Ford only lasted 20000 miles. Dealer and Ford customer service both refused to cover the replacement saying it is out of warranty. Based on my experience and having read the reports on Ford speedometers, they are placing defective equipment in thier cars and are not living up to their responsibility to their customers nor their suppoed commitment to quality.
- Jacksonville, FL, USA
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Speedometer acts erratically when going over 50 mph, and there is a grinding noise behind the dash when this happens. The speedometer head was replaced which corrected the problem at owner's expense.
I am unable to attain a replacement part from the dealerships in the area. I have been told that the parts are on emergency back order and that it will take 4-6 weeks to get the part. Currently when the vehicle exceeds 30mph the speedometer jumps all over the place, and it is impossible to determine a rate of spped. I am wondering about a equipment recall, etc. Since it appears that a great demand for this failed component exists. Is Ford taking any corrective action? the wait for the part seems excessive.
Speedometer began to indicate much higher speed than actual above 50 mph. Needle was erratic and made a "chirping" noise. Complained to Ford. Had dealer replace (saybrook Ford, ct). Made video showing failure mechanism (rotating element rubbing speed 'cup') and wrote letter to Ford. Ford sent back video unwatched and informed me that they will not reimburse for parts and labor. I believe that this is a manufacturing defect which is supported by the large number of complaints on speedometers (see ODI id 702130, 827746, 830141)
Disc brakes are warping from excessive heat buildup within the ABS brakes. Dealer contacted, and stated the design of car has small brakes. Repair work done at owner's expense. Also, headlights are filling up with water when raining, could cause major problems/speedometer does not work properly. Provide further information.
The service and parts depatment of apple Ford, columbia, Maryland reports to me that they're seeing a pattern of failed speedometer heads on Windstar. Currently, 7 or 8 are back-ordered at that dealership alone. The service manager reports that a similar problem occurred with 1995 Taurus's. while not directly a safety defect, if consumers are going to be made to repair what appears to be a manufacturing defect, my sense is that may will choose to forgo this expensive repair. One then has to ask, "how many Ford drivers do we want on our highways who are unaware of their speed?" please investigate to see if their is a pattern of failed speedometer heads in Ford Windstar, particularly 1996 models. If there is, consider a recall. Thank you.
Replaced original speedometer on 4-23-98. Replacement failed on 8-20-98 with only 15000 miles. Ford Motor Co. Refused to help. Ted russell Ford offered to pay 1/2 of the cost to replace.
The consumer is an owner of a fleet of Ford Windstar. The consumer stated that on several of the vehicle, the speedometers have not been operating properly. The speedometers have been reading too high. In addition, the needle bounces back and forth to different speeds. The manufacturer has not been contacted.
When the consumer first contacted the dealer no tools were available to fix the problem, on the second and third trip parts were not able to remedy the problem. Recall 96S39.
A D V E R T I S E M E N T S
- Lanham, MD, USA