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.
I have had this van since 2003, from day one the ABS light has came on while it was still under warranty I took it back to the dealer and was told they would replace the brake pads but that worked for about a month then it came back on. Now I have replaced at my cost the rotors and the calipers and numerous brake jobs but nothing fixes it. Sometimes when I hit my brakes the van does not stop!!!! but instead makes a grinding noise and you feel a skip through the brake pad. When it is put onto the computer for the ABS sensors nothing shows up and the dealer just resets the light. I am not the only one that is having these problems in my neighborhood there are three neighbors that have the same make, model and year and are having this and numerous other problems there needs to be an investigation into these vans and the braking system before someone gets hurt!
The brake pressure differential deactivation switch (2B264) located under the master cylinder (behind the air filter) over time develops a leak. This causes a short and a fuse trip, fuse #10 if the engine is on. This leak also causes brake fluid to wick down two wires to the ABS brake module (2C219). The fluid accumulates on the (always on) power connectors for the ABS brake system which are powered by fuses 101 and 102 and are both 40 amp. The fluid attracts moisture, road salt and leads to a fire when the fluid and moisture act as conductor between the hot leads and ground. This switch will cause cruise control problems, speedometer, odometer and ABS brake system problems.
I previously reported in NHTSA ODI number 10242689 a failure of the speed control deactivation switch causing a dangerous leak of brake fluid onto the wires below. This has been recalled in several other models of Ford vehicles with the same year range (but not the Windstar) and was brought to my attention by the ABS light coming on within seconds of driving. As a follow up, I had the switch replaced by the dealer but was then informed that the leaking fluid had also damaged the ABS control module.
Brake pressure differential deactivation switch located under master cylinder has leak that causes shorts and fuse #10 continually goes out. Fire hazard, speedometer doesn't work, A/C gone out, etc. This problem is happening w/ these vans all over the place - hundreds of internet posts confirm.
- Knoxville, TN, USA
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The contact owns a 2000 Ford Windstar. The contact was informed by his children that his vehicle was on fire. He extinguished the fire and noticed that the master cylinder on the firewall was melted. The vehicle has not been diagnosed by the dealer. There were no injuries and no prior warnings. The current and failure mileages were 169,000.
ABS light came on intermittently, took it in for repair at a local shop and was told it was just a malfunctioning sensor, but that ABS was still functioning. Recently ABS light began coming on again on a daily basis. This time I took it to the dealer and was informed brake fluid was leaking at the speed control deactivation switch at the master cylinder. I was informed that it was very dangerous and could result in a fire and that my ABS system would not function properly in an emergency braking situation. The dealer mentioned there was a recall to replace this switch and clean the wires for several Ford vehicles in my year range, but not the Windstar. A quick search found volumes of other Windstar owner complaints describing this very defect.
I own a 2000 Ford Windstar and the ABS brake light and the brake light is on. Recently the fuse blew that controlled the odometer, speedometer, heating systems. I searched online and found that there is a defect in the brake system that is causing these issues.
The contact owns a 2000 Ford Windstar. While driving 60 mph, the vehicle lost complete power, with the exception of the headlights, air conditioner, and radio. The vehicle was towed and has not been inspected by a mechanic. Prior to being towed, the ABS light has been illuminated for some time. The transmission was replaced in October of 2007. The current and failure mileages were 110,279.
Brake deactivation switch malfunctioned and developed leak, letting brake fluid drip into a connector and causing it to short out. Found that this is a very common problem with the 99-03 Ford Windstar.
The contact owns a 2000 Ford Windstar. While pulling into the driveway, the computer on the vehicle displayed "fuel error". the contact took the vehicle to the dealer and they stated that the brake pressure differential deactivation switch had shorted out. The failure caused the brake fluid to leak onto the wires, which caused the wires to short out. If the repairs are not performed, it could cause the speedometer, odometer, and brake lights to not work. In addition, a fire could possibly occur because the cruise control is not working, as well as the power seating. The current and failure mileages were 82,000.
The ABS and speedometer stops working, due to a blown fuse, caused by brake fluid leaking from a pressure switch at the front of the brake master cylinder.
The ABS light came on prior to the crash. When my wife tried to stop her 2000 Ford Windstar skidded into the car in front of her. If the ABS system was working properly the accident would not had happened.
ABS module failed. The repair part is $800 and not covered under warranty. Reviewing the issue there are a number of people who seem to have this same problem and appears to be attributed to a poor designed heat sink on the ABS control module circuit board.
The contact owns a 2000 Ford Windstar. While attempting to stop the vehicle at 50 mph, the brake pedal extended completely to the floor. The contact had to apply the emergency brake in order to stop the vehicle. The failure occurred repeatedly. The dealer was unable to determine the cause of failure. No repairs were made. The current mileage was 100,000 and failure mileage was 86,000. Received 12/12/07 64200. *updated 12/12/07
I had to stop abruptly for a child that ran into the street. My brakes when to the floor. After this took place I continued to have problems with my brakes; no or little brake pressure, low brake fluid even after filling this. The mechanic could not find anything wrong but felt maybe the master cylinder was bad, this was replaced. I continually still have problems with the brakes; no or little brake pressure and the brake fluid needing to be filled.
: the contact stated while driving 40 mph on normal road conditions, and avoiding to hit a deer, the sub frame of the engine manifold fell out. The vehicle had to be towed to an independent body shop, who determined that the sub frame rusted completely and needed to be replaced. The dealer was contacted, who determined that the VIN # did not fit under any recall. The vehicle was currently at the body shop waiting for repairs. The ball joints and brakes were replaced as well. Updated 12/01/06.
A D V E R T I S E M E N T S
- Louisville, KY, USA