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 vehicles electronic antilock brake module has failed. There have been numerous warnings and notices that brake fluid leakage onto the module, is a known cause for early failure. All my dashboard lights turn on within a few minutes of operating the vehicle. The dealer did confirm this failure and suggested a replacement that is not under warranty of course. This does not seem right, that a known and acknowledged vehicle design problem with the gasket on the brake fluid resevoir leaking fluid on the module and causing premature failure is not a mandated repair and not simply something left up to the manufacturer. I don't have the funds for this costly repair
I just brought a 2003 Ford Windstar an the same day I got it the window on the driver side does not work.. so I started looking online to see if anyone else had this problem. An sure enough 1000S of people have with the Ford Windstar. I heard lots of bad things about this van an now I scared to even put my kids in it. I have 5 kids an don't wanna take the chance of it catching on fire are axles braking or anything like that. I don't know what to do know.
Driving down the road and all of sudden dome lights start flashing on and off. Try to turn them off with the switch and they still keep coming on. Sometimes my automatic windows won't work. First it's one side and the next time it could be the other side.
ABS light stays on replaced sensors at my cost still stays on auto door locks stopped working door ajar light stays on heater door had to be replaced cruise control works then stops working at dealer ship now for rear axle to be replaced also for another recall for fuel bypass heard of new recall frame supports mine looked rotted so they will also need replacing they have had car 1 month now know idea if when I will see again was told it could be 2- 3 months just for axle now new recall hope they just buy it back so it stops bleeding me!
- Beverly, MA, USA
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The contact owns a 2003 Ford Windstar. While the vehicle was parked the contact noticed that the engine light and the ABS light was illuminated on the dashboard. The vehicle was taken to the dealer where the technicians stated they could diagnose the failure for a fee. The vehicle was not repaired. The approximate failure mileage was 2,000.
Intermittent ABS & brake light have appeared a few months after we bought the van but far enough after our "used car warranty period". I just found out today 1/10/11 that it needs the electronic control unit replaced which effects the ABS system. Estimated repair/replacement cost is about $850 due to the specific sensing to the vehicle that needs to take place before during and after as well as labor getting to it and installing it... this is not something that is wear and tear. I've only had my van for 3 years. Apparently the heat makes it expand and contract placing stress on the solder joints cracking the solder joints. We should reconsider the placement of this control module on the vehicle and/or the materials that encase it. Not sure if any connection to the wiring harness or not. I'm thoroughly frustrated. It's currently in for the rear axle inspection repair/replacement warranty only reason I found out.
Gas gauge doesn't read correctly. All gauges stops working while driving. ABS and tcs stopped working correctly in 2008. Lights have been on warning of them not working. Drivers side passenger door will not work correctly. Check advance track warning light stays on. This has been checked, but light stays on. RPM gauge stays at maximum. Often while driving, it feels as if we have the emergency brake on. We have to change tires often. When I apply the brakes the vehicle will either not stop, or makes a grinding sound before it does. I have had the brakes checked and the brake pads are fine.
Electrical problems that required the replacement of the main electrical harness 3 times, which were under warranty. The interior lights continue to flash and flicker to this day, both day and night, creating a hazard to safe operation of the vehicle. There are also false aleerts of the tire warning system, and other intermittant electrical problems in the vehicle. There is also a noise coming from the front end, which is in the area of the sub frame assembly.
The brake light is always on for ABS and emergency brake. They are often spongy and don't operate well. This issue has been ongoing. The car has been looked at dozens of times but no issue can be identified.
System failure, speed control, speedometer, odometer, heater/airconditioner after looking up online what caused my systems to fail, I went to sinclair to purchase the part. I was told by parts mngr that it was on re-call for that and I would have to have it fixed by their service dept. They confirmed this was on re-call and had me return later that afternoon. After four and a half hours I was asked to come back that they were having difficulty fixing the problem. I attempted to make an appt later the next day and was told it was too late that I did not bring my vehicle in in a timely manner and they will no longer fix my vehicle. Their are no expiration dates on this re-call. I have received a customer service receipt explaining what they did and stating that they strive to give the best customer service. What a joke, they left me with a vehicle that is not safe to drive in this condition, after taking up my whole afternoon. I responded with a very disheartened lack of satisfaction and was referred to Ford headquarter. I was told that this was never a re-call item by Ford. If this was handled acurately the first time, my car would already be fixed. Dave would never have let this happen, he built this dealership on the concept of good customer service. If his team made an error, he would fix it on principal even if it meant he ate the cost. I guess his reputation was buried with him. I will be looking to purchase a vehicle in January and I will purchase from someplace else. [xxx] please help us get our van fixed. Information redacted pursuant to the Freedom Of Information Act (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6).
The contact owns a 2003 Ford Windstar. The contact stated that the interior light switch would sporadically switch on and off. The computer system light would also sporadically illuminate and give a false reading while the vehicle was in motion. The dealer was called and the contact was awaiting a return call from the dealer. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was 80,000.
Sit down, get a coffee, because you will be reading a book. I purchased a 2003 Ford Windstar, with 20,000 miles, in 2005. I've had nothing but major problems. In 12/2008 with 87,205 miles the transmission went, that was $2013, then in 3-2009 check engine light, had to replace gaskets, that cost $500, . then in 10/15/2010 I had to bring van in for different sensors, and ABS light, and emergency brake light kept coming on. That was. That was $232. Then on 10/19/2010 brought van in to the Ford dealer, because none of my gauges work, letting me know how fast I'm going, or how much gas I have. They say it is the gauge cluster, that's $500 alone not including labor, they inform me I have a hole in the left rear axle, and I have to leave the van there, and I may also need a new alternator, and it may takes weeks for the part to come in. That's not including other miner repairs along the way. The best part of all. I still have 6 payments left. What rights do I have? I can't believe all the major issues. They should take this van, and give me a different one. Not a Ford. I told you, that you were reading a book.
Braking distance suddenly increased brake and ABS lights come on when going down road. I have replaced the brakes and this still happens, the mechanic says there is a fluid leak around the ABS connector system??. door open light stays on and will not allow doors to lock properly.
The contact owns a 2003 Ford Windstar. While driving approximately 55 mph, the vehicle stalled. The contact stated that he coasted to the side of the road. When he waited a few minutes after the vehicle stalled and turned it back on, it would perform correctly. The vehicle was towed to a local repair shop. The local mechanic advised him to take the vehicle to an authorized dealer. The vehicle was eventually taken to an authorized dealer where the contact was informed that the intake manifold casket needed replaced. The dealer replaced the intake manifold casket, installed a throttle body spacer and throttle air valve assembly and re-flashed the PCM to the computer and the iac valve. The contact stated the failure occurred again while driving from the dealership. The vehicle was taken back to the dealer where the vehicle stayed for two weeks. The dealer then installed a crank shaft sensor and a wire assembly. The vehicle had not been repaired fully as the contact picked the vehicle up before final repairs were performed. The failure mileage was 90,252 and the current mileage was approximately 91,000. Updated 12/29/10 updated 01/03/11
The ABS brake light comes on very often. (for about 2 years now) the electrical lights blink on & off alot. (started around 2005). Worried if there will be an electrical fire. The approximate incident date goes back years, so I just put in today's date.
ABS will sometimes fail. Dash lights come on and "check traction control" alarm. Turn van off then on again and will clear. Problem appears to be intermittent. Mechanic checked and it is the ABS unit alarm C1185. Also my speedometer sometimes does not read correct speed. Had recall 09S09 completed and speedometer has been O.K. but ABS still cutting out intermittently. Sometimes it fails just by turning the ignition on, sometimes while driving. Only consequence is that the ABS/traction control system is not available when it fails.
A D V E R T I S E M E N T S
- Fountain Valley, CA, USA