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
I had a metalic grinding noise when I steered to the right or left. I took it to my Ford dealer for repair and found that the right and left tie rod ends were binding and had to be replaced. I have always had my van lubricated and have found out that these tie rods have no grease fitting for lubrication. I view this as a safety hazard and could result in a serious accident if left unattended.
1998 Ford Windstar I had to have the front tie rod ends replaced twice with only 47K miles. From what I understand talking to repair garages this seems to be a common problem with Windstar vans.
- Menomonee Falls, WI, USA
Search CarComplaints.com for these popular complaint phrases...
When shifting from 1st to 2nd gear, the van would vibrate. The dealership stated they replaced the motor mounts, however the condition still persists. The motor mounts were replaced again due to the same problem of unknown vibration. Nlm the passenger side front tire wore out. The tie rod ends were replaced.
When making turns in either direction there was a loud grinding noise. While at dealership to have a recall performed, mechanic noticed front tie rod joints needed to be replaced. No grease at all on joints.
At 35 thousand miles power steering went out. Mechanic replaced steering pump at 38-39 thousand miles, power steering went out again. Mechanic researched problem, found out that tie rod end rods were too tight, putting extra strain on power steering.
The outer tie rods created a grinding noise when the vehicle turned at low speeds and likely due to lack of adequate lubrication.the failure of the right inner tie rod was much more serious, in that it created a very bad vibration at highway speeds, was a scary situation, and could very well have resulted in loss of vehicle control.
Consumer took vehicle to repair shop because front tire tires were balled inside. Mechanic told consumer that upper ball joints and tire rod ends were defective. Consumer replaced them. There was no accident.
While traveling in warm weather, making sudden stops/parking and while in stop and go traffic, vehicle would stall without any indication. Please provide further informaiton. Air bag light illuminated due to faulty module, the drivers side door adjar switch was sticking causing the door adjar light to illuminate, outer tie rod failed causing noise in the front end, vehicle experiences loss of power/slipping due to faulty transmission, check engine light illuminated and vehicle stalled, dealer replaced sensor, speedometer was off. Nlm
While vehicle is in operation and making any type of turn, there is a loud "metal to metal" sound coming from front of vehicle. A private mechanic has replaced tie rod in an effort to repair problem.
Tie rod ends are failing. Dealership service representative advised us this model was designed with no lubrication fittings; and that failure typically occurs between 50 to 60 thousands miles. I consider this a hazard that was deliberately designed into the vehicle in order to save money at the expense of the consumers safety.
Various problem with power lock locking by itself/windshield wipers working intermittently/dome light not operating, and door ajar light staying on. Vehicle been in / out of dealer shop on several occasions, and problems still reoccurring. Possible electrical problem with failure of power locks, windshield wipers, dome light, door ajar light, door ajar switch, lift gate door ajar switch, battery saver relay inoperable, and washer light illuminating. Brakes noisy at times, dealer stated this was due to brake dust. Power steering is noisy when turning back and forth, dealer replaced tie rod end. Sliding door rattles while driving over bumps, dealer added foam tape to back side of panel, driver door rattles, sliding door hard to open at times, dealer lubed sliding hinges and latch. Dealer replaced shocks due to rattling noise when riding over bumps. Drivebelt replaced. Maf sensor replaced due to hesitation. Window guide did not fit tight.
Dealer had to replace both outer tie rods and adjust front toe. Steering started to bind when making a left hand turn, and van steering had felt loose up to the point of failure.
Was driving vehicle & it would go into a low depression. A boring noise could be heard from the springs. It was an intermitten problem. Took to dealer & mechanic could not locate cause of noise. Did change the bushings & struts. Noise in front end over bumps due to both outer tie rod failure.
A D V E R T I S E M E N T S
- Cincinnati , OH, USA