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 ABS and check engine lights went on (again, after I had numerous items repaired or replaced on this van). I went back to my mechanic who found that a part was needed, called the C1185 and is part of the ABS module system. I then went to Ford dealership to see if this part could be replaced, and they told me that the manufacturer for this part had gone out of business and the part was no longer made! I have had these items repaired/replaced on this 2000 Windstar since I bought the vehicle in December 2013: 1) Ford dealership replaced ten-speed control deactivation switch per recall 2) my mechanic then repaired the electronic braking system, speedometer and odometer, which was tied in with the speed control deactivation switch (repairs were over $420) 3) my mechanic reinstalled improperly installed rear windshield wiper 4) my mechanic installed new battery
2 weeks after I bought, what I thought was going to be the best car I ever owned, the check engine light came on. Since I'm a single mom with 5 kids, im very tight on money, therefore, I went to the auto part store, put it on the machine, hoping I could do what I did with all other vehicles I owned, buy the parts, go online and read up on fixing it my self. I had just put all my savings into buying the van. The store clerk, gives me a list of 4 codes and the list of possible fixes. I get home go online and found out that not only is it not easy for someone like me to do, but its going to be a good $1200-$1500 for a mechanic to fix. And worse of all, it as been a major issue with this make and model, Ford knows about the problem and even put out a repair kit just for the issue, but still refuses to recall the vehicle after numerous complaints. Well your little kit maybe inexpensive for people who can fix it them selves but when you have to pay a mechanic to do the work its more then a simple repair. If a car as been treated good by its owner, as not been abused and maintenance kept up with over the years, then the only major (above $1000) repairs that we should have, are repairs due to accidents or normal wear and tear. When almost ever one who owes one of them as the same problem, around the same time, then it is a defect in the making of the car and should be the responsibility of the Ford company. The fact that Ford had to come up with a repair kit, is admitting there is a defect with the van. I should have check this website before I bought the van. Do your research people!
Hi I owned a Ford Windstar 2001 and having trouble for the past months.. we took it to auto shop mechanics and got transmission rebuilt paid almost $2,000 for it. Then got that fixed then I drove it for a while then all of the sudden driving on the freeway the engine quit so I called for help tow truck was there then brought it to auto mechanics to get it fixed problem was alternator got that fixed paid over $500.now runs okay.. but now every time I turn the van on the engine lights on all the time while driving and ABS lights on then the brake lights on too.. and the smoke that coming from exhaust from the rear smoking so bad...I need help this is could be part of a recall for fordwindstar.. I just don't have money to pay for the fixing..I hope Ford realized this I think I'm not alone out there dealing the same problems...thank you looking forward for the response...
Cel on, ECM throwing P0174 codes, many many complaints on internet of this problem with 3.8L V6 engine. Apparently no help from Ford or dealer to assist customers with a fix for this. Ford what a joke this 2000 Windstar is. No more Ford for me, total lack of support for product failure.
Had vehicle in for service recalls. Recalls met the requirements to replace the subframe assy; however, it was repaired instead. Contacted Ford about my concern over how it was being fixed and was told that the dealer was given info. On how to do the repair and if there was any problem after it was fixed, I would have to take it up with the dealer because it would be a warranty issue with them, that Ford would not help me. Now after picking up the vehicle, the A/C no longer works. - it blew cold air before they got it.
- Pasadena, MD, USA
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Just pulled into a parking space and put vehicle in park mode when without warning I heard a loud clanking sound. Turns out the transmission failed. I had to get it rebuilt. I have had numerous problem with this vehicle in many areas and have spent a lot of money getting things fixed and replaced on
The contact owns a 2000 Ford Windstar. The contact stated that while driving at various speeds, he noticed that engine warning light illuminated on the instrumental panel. He also noticed that there was a knocking noise coming from the engine. The vehicle was inspected by a dealer who informed the contact that the spark plugs had failed which caused a small fire under the hood damaging the engine. The vehicle has not been repaired. The failure mileage was approximately 98,000.
The contact owns a 2000 Ford Windstar. Upon starting the vehicle, the contact heard a clicking noise from the center of the instrument panel. After a few minutes, the clicking noise stopped. Prior to the failure, the contact stated that the same clicking noise was present when she operated the temperature gauge on the air conditioning unit. The vehicle was taken to a local repair shop where the contact was informed that the motor for the air conditioning unit needed to be replaced. The vehicle had not been repaired. The contact also stated that while driving at any speed, the vehicle would bounce and she could feel vibrations. The vehicle had not been inspected or repaired. The vehicle also stalled intermittently. The idle air control was repaired by a local mechanic. The current and failure mileages were 115,432.
Check engine light has been on for several thousand miles, from about 40,000 to current 130,000. The code that comes up can be 1 of about 10 things. Nothing corrects this. I have the 3.8L engine and the "check engine" light has been on. Had a mechanic pull the codes up and they are bank 1 running lean and bank 2 running lean (P0171) and (P0174). Was told could be mass airflow sensor, O2 sensor (1 of 4), vacuum issues, head gasket or a few others. I have replaced the maf sensor and all 4 O2 sensors at about $200 a piece. Still on. 2nd issue. Noise from front end when turning. 3rd issue. Currently sitting at Ford dealer with fractured rear axle for last month. Also ABS light goes on and off all the time.
I own a 2000 Ford Windstar, and had the water pump break recently. When the mechanic put the vehicle on the hoist he noticed a large degree of rusting and separation on the subframe connecting to the control arm. This issue needs to be repaired before the vehicle can be driven again as it is a major safety concern - as per the mechanic.
The contact owns a 2000 Ford Windstar. While backing out of the driveway at 5 mph, the bracket that supports the lower passenger side control arm failed. A mechanic stated that the engine cradle needed to be replaced. The manufacturer and dealer were not notified. The vehicle has not been repaired. The current and failure mileages were 81,000.
Mar 2008 we took our 2000 Ford Windstar van in for a clicking noise. Was told that the plastic manifold intake valve was broke. They said to fix it would be about $800 but if the noise did not bother us we could leave it. May 2008 was rear ended and two days later van broke down. Took it to harris Ford in lynnwood was told the manifold was completely broke and had to have it repaired at a cost of $1200. I know the plastic manifolds were recalled on other models and think the vans should have been included. What is my recourse?
2000 Ford Windstar with multiple manufacturer defects. Consumer states these are some of the problems windshield washer fluid pump failure, reverse sensor system failure, brake light switch is sticking and more. The message center started to read error when displaying the outdoor temperature. The consumer found one of the male prongs on the sensor plug had corroded and broken off, which indicated that the sensor plug was not adequately protected from moisture. One of the coolant lines to the rear heater corroded and failed at the point where it crossed under the frame at the rear of the vehicle. The check engine light illuminated. The mechanic stated the engine was running lean due to an air leak. The coolant crossover tube sprang a leak.
Have had constant problems with my 2000 Ford Windstar since 40,000 miles. Have already done the overhaul for the check engine light and the ABS light still comes on and off daily for the last 3 years. Replaced the cruise control activation switch 2 years ago, but I guess the leaking fluids have destroyed my ECU. Also have cleaned and checked all wheel sensors which has not helped at all. I used to be a Ford man, but after these problems and $$$ spend, I'm very cautious of Ford now!
Engine coolant disappearing without explanation. Took into dealer to learn it was a common leak in the front cover gasket that could lead to engine failure. I own a 2000 Ford Windstar with a 3.8L V-6.
: the contact stated while driving 60 mph, the check engine light illuminated intermittently. During the time that the light was illuminated, the vehicle ran normally. While the check engine light was not illuminated, the vehicle was sluggish, and would not run smoothly. The vehicle was taken to a private repair shop, where the mechanic was unable to determine the cause of the problem. The battery was replaced, however the problem became worse.
The consumer complained about multiple problems with the vehicle on numerous occasions. The driver noticed smoke coming from underneath the vehicle, and pulled over. The smoke went out on its own. The driver had the vehicle towed. The second incident involved the transmission exploding while driving. The vehicle was towed to the dealer for inspection, and the mechanic determined that the transmission and the engine needed to be replaced. Only four of the seat belts worked.
2000 Ford Windstar SE stalls at red lights and when idling -- dealer kept insisting nothing wrong, yet would stall. In shop in October returned to us as working -- stalled in December again.
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- Vancouver, WA, USA