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 1998 Ford Windstar. The contact stated that the vehicle taken to a local mechanic for inspection of the sub frame when the contact was advised that the sub frame was severely corroded and that the vehicle was unsafe to drive. The contact stated that the brake lines were also found to be corroded. The brake lines were replaced. The manufacturer was notified of the sub frame failure and denied any assistance with the repair. The sub frame was not repaired. The failure and the current mileage was 114,000. The tie rods, front wheel bearings and battery had to be replaced within one year of owning the vehicle. The wheel cylinders, brake adjusters, spring kit, drums, rotors, shoes, and pads all had to be replaced. Also, the turn signal level stopped working for the left side. When the brake was applied, it went to the floor and then pulsated back up, and then the ABS light illuminated. Updated 02/01/12
The brake warning light came on dimly and stayed on. I took the 1998 Windstar to a mechanic, who informed me that there was brake fluid in the ABS module that was causing the problem. I was also told that this situation could cause a fire. From what I have been told by my mechanic and the Ford service technicians at two Ford service centers the ABS system valves which contained brake fluid sat on top of the ABS module and were somehow connected. This design, apparently could lead to brake fluid getting into the ABS module. I have asked Ford repeatedly if the brake fluid in the ABS module could cause a fire, but have not received a straight answer from them. My concern was that this situation could cause a fire shouldn't it be made known to owners of the Ford Windstar or any vehicle with this particular ABS sytsem design?
Ford Windstar is experiencing problems with the brake equipment which is creating a safety issue. The anti-lock braking system did not operate properly and would activate 80% of the time. The consumer was told that the sensors were the problem on one occasion and on another, the master cylinder, but could not guarantee this.
While driving at 75 mph front coil spring snapped and broke, puncturing the front drivers side tire. Consumer had the coil spring replaced once. This was the second time this has happened. The front end of the vehicle completely dropped. Also, there was a brake failure. Two NHTSA recalls regarding front coil springs, recalls 01I007000 and 01V199000 were issued.
- Northfield, OH, USA
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Three (3) ABS sensors have gone bad and had to be replaced on this vehicle since ownership. Each sensor cost $175 with labor to replace and vehicle is out of service for 1/2 day.
Intermitent brake failure. Brakes go right to floor! garage can not find problem. Replaced master cylinder not the problem. Have had problems with brakes for 1 year comes and goes. Traction control light starts blinking when brakes applied sharply. When cruise control is turned on the traction control light come on and the cruise does not work.
The sensor that controls the ABS braking system has failed and as a result the brakes no longer function properly. A technical service bulletin has been issued, however, Ford refuses to replace the part. We have contacted both the dealer and Ford directly to request that they pay to replace. This part should not fail on a vehicle with 43,000 miles, and they obviously know of the problem based on the technical service bulletins. I can provide the VIN number later if it would be helpful.
Right front brake pads wear excessively within 75,000 miles with the replacement of (4) sets of pads for the front. Also, the owner indicates that he replaced the rotors twice, new high quality pads and rotors were installed, now the right front wheel shakes when applying the brakes, it appeared that he right front does all the braking. Nlm
I have complained about these 2 conditions since day one. Now that my warranty has run out, and I'm not working, they tell me I would have to pay. My ABS system is tearing away at my brake pads. The vehical grinds to a stop. To me, this is a safty issue, as I have a 13 month old son. I would hate to apply my brakes, and they are not there. My ABS light is on.....all the time. I am on disability, and have gone to the dealer regarding this issue. As far as the rear wiperm, it goes on when I put the van in reverse.......weather or not the front wipers are on.. or not.
While driving 40 mph, consumer attempted to stop vehicle by applying brakes, and brakes failed to slow vehicle down. Consumer eventually managed to stop vehicle. No determination has been made as to component that failed. The consumer stated that master cylinder failed and was replaced. Gateway Ford stated that the ABS was damaged and needs to be replaced.
On five occasions, while attempting to stop my vehicle, the brake pedal went to the floor resulting in an extended stopping distance and almost resulted in an accident. We have had the brakes checked by our mechanic and he found no problems or leakage of brake fluid. We have had a variety of brake related concerns and problems since 1999 that were reported to the dealer without resolution.
The ABS warning light remains on while driving. I had the system checked by a mechanic and was told the ABS sensor was detecting a crack in a component used by the ABS system. I indicated that this was the result of a manufacturing defect and not wear and tear. The costs of the repairs will exceed $500 because the axle will need to be replaced. In my opinion this is a serious safety issue. Like others that have submitted similar complaints to your site, I purchased this vehicle primarily because of its safety features. I should not have to pay the costs of repairs for a manufacturing defect especially related to a safety feature.
A D V E R T I S E M E N T S
- Cincinnati , OH, USA