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.
Vehicle has experienced a problem with activating the horn when needed. Dealer notified, and informed consumer that all 99 models have the same design and meet FMVSS specifications. The problem was due to air bag in horn and fixing it is presently not possible.
On the 21st of Dec 99, my wife was involved in an accident in our Windstar. This accident could have been avoided if the horn were useable. The way the horn button is now you will have a difficult time trying to find the exact spot to push to get the horn to sound. When time is critical in the outcome, searching for that exact spot isn't a player. This was the case on the 21st. When an individual tried to cross the highway he hit our van on the right side causing $6500 in damage. Prior to the impact she tried to hit the horn but could not find it when it was needed most. We are almost 100% positive that if she could have found the horn she could have sounded it, and the other driver would have seen her coming. Luckily my 18 month old and 5 yr old daughters were not with her at the time. Now I have a $30,000 minivan that will never be of any value again. Sure it will be fixed, but who would ever want a vehicle like that that has had extensive damage. I guess thats my loss though.
The horn is very difficult to use when needed due to location. It would fail to work when button is pushed. Taken vehicle to dealer to check & was informed by mechanic no problem with horn.
- Denver, CO, USA
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While driving down the road had to blow the horn, it didn't work. Contacted dealer, nothing could be done. Consumer would have to take eyes off the road to find a spot on the steering wheel to sound the horn.
I have been told by the dealership that these problems are identical on all models coming in, including the Expedition. The horn does not work and they "cannot fix it."
Horn is very hard to deploy; sweet spot too small and requires excessive effort. Cannot be used quickly. Ford corporate refused to respond to my worries about this. Also seatback lever springs middle seats back so hard I have been whacked in the head so hard I saw stars.
Ongoing problem with the design of horn which has a delayed reaction when needed. Confirmed this in two diffeerent vehicles ( same model and year). Seeking NHTSA help in this matter or provide additional information. * mjs
Seatback spring is too strong. The seatback swings forward when handle is pulled. Dealer aware of problem. Cannot remedy the problem., and problem still exists.also, horn in center of steering wheel, censor in horn is too small, causing difficulty in use of horn. Proviide further information.
The horn does sound easily when pushing on the center of the steering wheel. Often the horn fails to sound. The technicians at my Ford dealer said that it is like the other Windstar. Also the design is dangerous requiring moving the hand from the rim of the steering wheel to the center. If only one hand is available for use, most of the control is lost when attempting to sound the horn. Also if the airbag were to deploy, then a dislocated shoulder or broken arm is lilely to result. On the Ford Taurus the horn can be reliably sounded with a thumb without moving the hand from the outer rim of the wheel. This also leaves the hand and arm out of the way in the event the airbag should deploy. The design of the horn control on the Windstar is poor and dangerous.
Horn hard to actvate in an emergency situation requires to much down force and to spacific an area to depress, horn once acivated continues to sound for about 2 seconds after activation
A D V E R T I S E M E N T S
- Damascus, MD, USA