Auto Recall Watch
U.S. public vehicle records

1997 Ford WINDSTAR: complaints, problems and recalls

Explore the records behind recurring owner reports.

Key facts

192 owner complaints analyzed

5 distinct recall campaigns

88,890 mi median reported failure mileage

Scope: 1997 model year. Data updated: . 43 complaints include usable failure mileage. View data status.

Owner-reported patterns

Most common problems

Suspension:Front:Springs:Coil Springs is the most frequently named component, appearing in 25 of 192 complaints (13.0%). A complaint can name multiple components.

Recurring terms in complaint narratives
TopicMatching reportsShare of complaints
Braking behavior2714.1%
Transmission and shifting147.3%
Steering behavior115.7%
Electrical and battery issues73.6%
Engine operation31.6%
Fuel system concerns31.6%

Topic matches use published keyword rules. They describe mentions, including negations or comparisons, and do not confirm a diagnosis. Read the matching rules.

Component breakdown

Number of unique complaints naming each component. Top eight shown.

Suspension:Front:Springs:Coil Springs
25
Engine And Engine Cooling:Engine
22
Power Train
20
Vehicle Speed Control
18
Power Train:Automatic Transmission
15
Engine And Engine Cooling
10
Service Brakes, Hydraulic:Antilock/Traction Control/Electronic Limited Slip
10
Parking Brake:Conventional
5
Component breakdown data
CategoryCount
Suspension:Front:Springs:Coil Springs25
Engine And Engine Cooling:Engine22
Power Train20
Vehicle Speed Control18
Power Train:Automatic Transmission15
Engine And Engine Cooling10
Service Brakes, Hydraulic:Antilock/Traction Control/Electronic Limited Slip10
Parking Brake:Conventional5

Suspension:Front:Springs:Coil Springs: 25; Engine And Engine Cooling:Engine: 22; Power Train: 20; Vehicle Speed Control: 18; Power Train:Automatic Transmission: 15; Engine And Engine Cooling: 10; Service Brakes, Hydraulic:Antilock/Traction Control/Electronic Limited Slip: 10; Parking Brake:Conventional: 5

Reported problems by failure mileage

Complaint counts in mileage bands. These are not failure rates per vehicle or mile.

Under 25,000
2
25,000 to 49,999
1
50,000 to 74,999
8
75,000 to 99,999
17
100,000 to 149,999
12
150,000 and above
3
Reported problems by failure mileage data
CategoryCount
Under 25,0002
25,000 to 49,9991
50,000 to 74,9998
75,000 to 99,99917
100,000 to 149,99912
150,000 and above3

Under 25,000: 2; 25,000 to 49,999: 1; 50,000 to 74,999: 8; 75,000 to 99,999: 17; 100,000 to 149,999: 12; 150,000 and above: 3

75,000 to 99,999 miles has the most reports with usable mileage (17). 149 complaints have missing, zero or invalid mileage.

Complaints over time

Year the complaint was filed, not the vehicle model year or incident year. The snapshot year is partial.

1997
6
1998
12
1999
32
2000
21
2001
39
2002
26
2003
20
2004
11
2005
3
2006
7
2007
2
2008
3
2009
3
2010
3
2011
1
2012
2
2014
1
Complaints over time data
CategoryCount
19976
199812
199932
200021
200139
200226
200320
200411
20053
20067
20072
20083
20093
20103
20111
20122
20141

1997: 6; 1998: 12; 1999: 32; 2000: 21; 2001: 39; 2002: 26; 2003: 20; 2004: 11; 2005: 3; 2006: 7; 2007: 2; 2008: 3; 2009: 3; 2010: 3; 2011: 1; 2012: 2; 2014: 1

Pattern summary

Suspension:Front:Springs:Coil Springs leads the component reports. Braking behavior appears in 27 complaint narratives. Transmission and shifting appears in 14 complaint narratives. Steering behavior appears in 11 complaint narratives. Use these patterns to inspect individual reports and prepare questions for a mechanic.

Calculated from recorded counts. An AI narrative has not been published for this selection.

Examples from the source records

Examples provide context, not a representative sample or a verified diagnosis.

Owner report 10000312 · 2002-12-20 (December 20, 2002)

BLOWN HEAD GASKET ON 3.8 ENGINE ON 1997 FORD WINDSTAR, WITH ONLY 77,000 MILES. FORD WITH NOT OFFER ANY HELP. AFTER OWNING A FORD FOR PAST 28 YEARS, THIS IS THE LAST FORD PRODUCT THAT MY FAMILY WILL EVER OWN. EVER! TS

Owner-reported narrative. 77,000 miles reported. Look up ODI 10000312 at NHTSA ↗

Owner report 10000833 · 2003-01-08 (January 8, 2003)

SUDDEN CATASTROPHIC FAILURE OF THE TRANSMISSION ON MY 1996 WINDSTAR, 86,000 MI. PROPER MAINTENENCE HAD BEEN DONE. I SEE THERE ARE MANY COMPLAINTS HERE WITH THE SAME PROBLEM. NHTSA IT IS TIME TO STEP UP AND FORCE A RECALL. HOW LONG DO THE CONSUMERS HAVE TO BEAR THE BRUNT OF THIS OBVIOUS DEFECT. WE DON'T HAVE THE $3000 THEY WANT FOR REPAIRS. WHAT HAPPENED TO COMSUMER RIGHTS? THE WAY IT STANDS NOW I WILL NEVER BUY ANOTHER AMERCIAN CAR. IS THAT WHAT YOU WANT FOR THE ECONOMY. YOU HAVE TO HOLD CORPORATE AMERICA RESPONSIBLETOPUT OUT QUALITY VEHICLES…

Owner-reported narrative. Look up ODI 10000833 at NHTSA ↗

Owner report 10003593 · 2003-01-28 (January 28, 2003)

DEFECTIVE SPEEDOMETER UNITS IN 1997 FORD WINDSTARS.I HAVE HAD MY SPEEDOMETER REPLACED 3 TIMES AND IS IN NEED OF ANOTHER. THE DEALER TOLD ME THIS HAS BEEN A PROBLEM WITH THE WINDSTARS AND THE TAURUS.YOU CAN NOT JUDGE HOW FAST YOU ARE GOING WHICH IS A SAFETY ISSUE.ESPECIALLY WHEN YOU REPLACE THE UNIT AND IT KEEPS NEEDING TO BE REPLACED.CAN IT BE RECALLED?

Owner-reported narrative. Look up ODI 10003593 at NHTSA ↗

Owner report 10004615 · 2003-01-24 (January 24, 2003)

CONSUMER IS UNABLE TO PUT CHILD IN REAR MIDDLE SEAT. TS. *AK

Owner-reported narrative. Look up ODI 10004615 at NHTSA ↗

Owner report 10005802 · 2003-02-13 (February 13, 2003)

97 WINDSTAR HAS HEAD GASKET FAILURE IM STILL PAYING ON IT PURCHADES AT AVIS FORD OF SOUTHFIELD 12 MILE TELEGRAP MI CANNOT AFFORD FIXIN IT I BELIEVE IS A MANUFACURE FAILURE AND NEED TO BE FIX DO NOT HAVE ANY SAFER TRANSPORTATION AVAILABLE AT THIS TIME PLEASE HEL US

Owner-reported narrative. Look up ODI 10005802 at NHTSA ↗

Owner report 10007543 · 2003-02-15 (February 15, 2003)

COOLANT LOW ENGINE RAN WARM, NO LEAKS FOUND. FEBRUARY 2003, ENGINE WAS FILLED WITH COOLANT BECAUSE OF LEAK. STARTER BLEW AND ENGINE LOCKED UP. PH

Owner-reported narrative. 72,000 miles reported. Look up ODI 10007543 at NHTSA ↗

Owner report 10007578 · 2003-02-16 (February 16, 2003)

HAVE A 97 FORD WINDSTAR ALL OF A SUDDEN I HAD A TIRE BLOW COMPLETELY HERE TO FIND OUT THAT THE COIL SPRING ON DRIVERS FRONT BROKE AND WENT INTO TIRE, THEN TO FIND OUT THERE WAS A RECALL 2 YEARS AGO ON IT BUT WAS NEVER NOTIFIED OF IT AND ALSO A FEW WEEKS AGO, VAN ALL OF A SUDDEN KEPT GETTING REAL HOT WITH ROLLING WHITE SMOKE JUST TO FIND OUT THAT THERE WAS PROBLEMS WITH THE HEAD GASKETS ON THESE WINDSTARS BUT YET STILL WAS NEVER NOTIFIED, THIS IS NOT RIGHT, I FEEL WE WERE CHEATED, NOW HAVE A VAN THAT SITS AND STILL OWE $10,000 ON BECAUSE I'M A F…

Owner-reported narrative. 88,890 miles reported. Look up ODI 10007578 at NHTSA ↗

Owner report 10007914 · 2003-02-21 (February 21, 2003)

I BOUGHT MY 1997 WINDSTAR USED 6 MONTHS AGO WITH 87,000 ON IT, I HAVE DRIVEN ONLY 3,000 MILES AND MY ENGINE BLEW WITH NO WARNING. THIS WAS THE MOST EXPENSIVE USED CAR I HAD EVER OWNED AND WE DID EVERYTHING WE COULD BEFORE WE BOUGHT IT..WE CHECKED THE VIN REPORT ON CARFAX...WE HAD THE VEHICLE CHECKED OUT BY OUR OWN MECHANIC. I THOUGHT I HAD FOUND A GREAT (DREAM FOR ME)VEHICLE. BEN SATCHER FORD IN SC SAID THERE WAS NO RECALL ON THIS CAR ONLY THE 95 MODEL AND THAT PROBLEM HAD BEEN SINCE FIXED. SO I'M STUCK WITH PAYING $3000 FOR A NEW ENGINE WHILE …

Owner-reported narrative. 90,000 miles reported. Look up ODI 10007914 at NHTSA ↗

Recall history

5 distinct campaigns affect this selection. Announcement dates below are different from vehicle model years. A campaign may cover multiple years.

00V168000 · Exterior Lighting

Reported: 2000-06-19 (June 19, 2000)

VEHICLE DESCRIPTION: MINI VANS, LIGHT PICKUP TRUCKS, AND SPORT UTILITY VEHICLES. OFF LEASE CANADIAN VEHICLES EQUIPPED WITH DAYTIME RUNNING LIGHTS WHICH MEET CANADIAN REQUIREMENTS AND NOT THE PHOTOMETRIC REQUIREMENTS OF FMVSS 108, "LAMPS, REFLECTIVE DEVICES, AND ASSOCIATED EQUIPMENT." ACCORDING TO FORD, THE VEHICLES WERE IMPORTED INTO THE U.S. ERRONEOUSLY.

Consequence: THE LIGHT GIVEN OFF FROM THE DAYTIME RUNNING LIGHTS IS BRIGHTER THAN ALLOWED BY U.S. STANDARDS.

Remedy: DEALERS WILL BE ADVISED TO DEACTIVATE THE RUNNING LIGHT FUNCTION AND TO COMPLETE ANY OUTSTANDING SAFETY RECALLS ON THESE VEHICLES.

NHTSA campaign record ↗
01V199000 · Suspension:Front:Springs:Coil Springs

Reported: 2001-06-18 (June 18, 2001)

ON CERTAIN MINIVANS ORIGINALLY SOLD IN OR CURRENTLY REGISTERED IN THE STATES OF CONNECTICUT, DELAWARE, ILLINOIS, INDIANA, IOWA, MAINE, MARYLAND, MASSACHUSETTS, MICHIGAN, MINNESOTA, MISSOURI, NEW HAMPSHIRE, NEW JERSEY, NEW YORK, OHIO, PENNSYLVANIA, RHODE ISLAND, VERMONT, WEST VIRGINIA, AND WISCONSIN, AND IN THE DISTRICT OF COLUMBIA. THE FRONT COIL SPRINGS COULD FRACTURE AS A RESULT OF CORROSION. DEPENDING ON THE LOCATION OF THE FRACTURE, A BROKEN SPRING COULD MOVE PAST THE SPRING SEAT AND CONTACT A FRONT TIRE.

Consequence: SOME TIRES HAVE DEFLATED DUE TO CONTACT WITH A BROKEN SPRING.

Remedy: DEALERS WILL INSTALL PROTECTIVE SHIELDS AROUND THE FRONT COIL SPRINGS. OWNER NOTIFICATION BEGAN SEPTEMBER 6, 2001. OWNERS WHO TAKE THEIR VEHICLES TO AN AUTHORIZED DEALER ON AN AGREED UPON SERVICE DATE AND DO NOT RECEIVE THE FREE REMEDY WITHIN A REASONABLE TIME SHOULD CONTACT FORD AT 1-800-392-3673.

NHTSA campaign record ↗
09V399000 · Vehicle Speed Control

Reported: 2009-10-13 (October 13, 2009)

FORD IS RECALLING MODEL YEARS 1995-2003 WINDSTAR, 2000-2003 EXCURSION DIESEL, 1993-1997 AND 1999-2003 F-250 SD THROUGH F-550 SD DIESEL, 1992-2003 E-150 THROUGH E-550, 1995-2002 EXPLORER, 1997 AND 2002 MERCURY MOUNTAINEER, 1995-1997 AND 2001-2003 RANGER, AND 1994 F53 VEHICLES EQUIPPED WITH THE TEXAS INSTRUMENTS SPEED CONTROL DEACTIVATION SWITCH (SCDS). THE SCDS MAY LEAK INTERNALLY AND THEN OVERHEAT, SMOKE, OR BURN.

Consequence: A VEHICLE FIRE COULD OCCUR WITH OR WITHOUT THE ENGINE RUNNING.

Remedy: FORD WILL NOTIFY OWNERS THAT DEALERS WILL INSTALL A FUSED WIRING HARNESS IN LINE WITH THE SCDS. ON 1999-2003 WINDSTAR VEHICLES WITH A LEAKING SCDS, DEALERS WILL ALSO INSPECT THE ABS CONTROL MODULE CONNECTOR AND REPAIR AS NECESSARY. REPAIRS WILL BE COMPLETED FREE OF CHARGE. THE SAFETY RECALL BEGAN ON OCTOBER 27, 2009. OWNERS MAY CONTACT FORD AT 1-888-222-2751.

NHTSA campaign record ↗
97V097000 · Power Train:Automatic Transmission

Reported: 1997-06-09 (June 9, 1997)

VEHICLE DESCRIPTION: PASSENGER VEHICLES EQUIPPED WITH AX4S AUTOMATIC TRANSAXLES. THE LOW/INTERMEDIATE SERVO COVER CAN SEPARATE FROM THE TRANSAXLE WHILE THE VEHICLE IS BEING DRIVEN. IF THIS OCCURS, TRANSMISSION FLUID WILL LEAK CONTACTING THE CATALYTIC CONVERTER.

Consequence: THE CATALYTIC CONVERTER TEMPERATURE MAY BE HOT ENOUGH TO IGNITE THE TRANSMISSION FLUID AND CAUSE A VEHICLE FIRE.

Remedy: DEALERS WILL INSPECT THE TRANSMISSION AND REPLACE THESE SERVO COVERS.

NHTSA campaign record ↗
99V147000 · Service Brakes, Hydraulic:Foundation Components:Master Cylinder

Reported: 1999-06-14 (June 14, 1999)

VEHICLE DESCRIPTION: MINIVANS. THE BRAKE FLUID MASTER CYLINDER IS RECESSED AND ORIENTED IN THE ENGINE COMPARTMENT SO THAT THE BRAKE FLUID WARNING STATEMENT EMBOSSED ON BOTH THE TOP OF THE FILLER CAP AND THE SIDE OF THE RESERVOIR BODY ARE NOT ENTIRELY VISIBLE BY DIRECT VIEW. THESE VEHICLES MAY NOT FULLY COMPLY WITH REQUIREMENTS OF FMVSS NO. 135, "PASSENGER CAR BRAKE SYSTEMS."

Remedy: OWNERS WILL BE PROVIDED WITH NEW LABELS AND INSTALLATION INSTRUCTIONS.

NHTSA campaign record ↗
Explore the data

Vehicle analysis explorer

Inspect model-year patterns, reported mileage, monthly activity and the evidence behind each signal.

Data completeness

192 unique complaints in this selection. Analysis snapshot: 2026-09-30.

22.4%Usable mileage43 / 192 records
81.8%Valid incident date157 / 192 records
100.0%Valid filing date192 / 192 records
81.8%Ordered incident and filing dates157 / 192 records

Missing, zero and invalid mileage is excluded. Dates after the snapshot are excluded. Examples are limited selections, not a representative sample.

Problems by model year

Model-wide comparison of the eight most reported components across the model. Cells show counts and shares within each model year. Open a cell for source examples.

Component complaint heatmap
Component199119921993199419951996199719981999200020012002200320042005
Engine And Engine Cooling:Engine
00.0%

No examples available for this selection.

00.0%

No examples available for this selection.

327.3%
ODI 737461

FORD KNOWS THAT THESE HEAD GASKETS HAVE BEEN DEFECTIVE. THEY HAVE HAD A RECALL BUT ONLY FROM 1994 AND ONLY MADE IN A CERTAIN PLANT. *AK

Look up ODI 737461 at NHTSA ↗

521.7%
ODI 10055815 · 114,000 mi

WHILE DRIVING 30 MPH THE VEHICLE STALLED. THE DEALER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE PROBLEM. PLEASE PROVIDE ANY ADDITIONAL INFORMATION. *NM

Look up ODI 10055815 at NHTSA ↗

1,16134.9%
ODI 10000120

1995 FORD WINDSTAR WAS RECALLED FOR THE HEAD GASKETS, HAD DEALER FIX PROBLEM AND THE PROBLEM HAS RESURFACED.

Look up ODI 10000120 at NHTSA ↗

30021.6%
ODI 10000514 · 45,054 mi

PROBLEM WITH 1996 FORD WINDSTAR 3.8L ENGINE 45,000 MI. W/ DEFECTIVE HEAD GASKET. FORD EXTENDED THE WARRANTY ON 94-95 MODELS BUT WON'T COVER 96 MODELS. THIS IS A KNOWN PROBLEM W/ ALL THE 3.8L ENGINES AND FORD SHOULD BE HELD RESPONSIBLE FOR MANUFACTURING AND SELLING A DEFECTIVE PRODUCT. A RECALL SHOULD BE DONE ON THIS PRODUCT. TS

Look up ODI 10000514 at NHTSA ↗

2211.5%
ODI 10000312 · 77,000 mi

BLOWN HEAD GASKET ON 3.8 ENGINE ON 1997 FORD WINDSTAR, WITH ONLY 77,000 MILES. FORD WITH NOT OFFER ANY HELP. AFTER OWNING A FORD FOR PAST 28 YEARS, THIS IS THE LAST FORD PRODUCT THAT MY FAMILY WILL EVER OWN. EVER! TS

Look up ODI 10000312 at NHTSA ↗

503.5%
ODI 10002872 · 80,000 mi

I HAVE MAINTAINED MY 1998 FORD WINDSTAR VERY WELL - HAVING ALL RECOMMENDED MAINTENACE PERFORMED. IT HAS ONLY 80,000 MILES ON IT AND THE HEAD GASKET NOW HAS A LEAK. COOLANT HAS LEAKED INTO THE #4 CYLINDER. THE DEALER WANTS $3500-4500 TO PUT A NEW ENGINE IN IT. THE HEAD GASKET LEAKING IS A KNOWN PROBLEM WITH WINDSTARS. FORD HAS HAS A PROGRAM FOR EARLIER MODELS TO REPLACE THE ENGINE. BUT FORD HAS YET TO APPLY THE PROGRAM TO THE 1998 MODELS. I EXPECT A FORD VEHICLE TO GET AT LEAST 180,000 MILES WHEN THE OWNER HAS ALL RECOMMENDED MAINTENANCE…

Look up ODI 10002872 at NHTSA ↗

352.3%
ODI 10001133 · 53,000 mi

WHILE DRIVING AT 35/40 MPH THE BRAKE WARNING LIGHT CAME ON AND THE ABS FAILED. THE CONSUMER APPLIED THE BRAKES AND THE ABS ENGAGED WITHOUT CAUSE. THE PARTS REPLACED IS UNKNOWN. THE CHECK ENGINE LIGHT ALSO APPEARED ON DASH. TS *JB

Look up ODI 10001133 at NHTSA ↗

291.7%
ODI 10003471 · 44,000 mi

MY 2000 FORD WINDSTAR HAD TO HAVE A NEW INTAKE MANIFOLD WHEN IT HAD ONLY 44,000 MILES DUE TO A DEFECT CAUSING THE SYSTEM TO RUN TOO LEAN. THE CODE WAS 0171. IT IS RIDICULOUS TO HAVE TO REPLACE A PART OF THIS NATURE WHEN THE VEHICLE HAS ONLY THIS MANY MILES ON IT AND ALL MAINTENANCE HAS BEEN PERFORMED AS RECOMMENDED BY THE MANUFACTURER.

Look up ODI 10003471 at NHTSA ↗

181.1%
ODI 10011746

AN ELECTRICAL CONNECTOR SEAL HAD TO BE INSTALLED, THE SEAT BUCKLES AND REAR WIPER MOTOR COVER WERE REPLACED, THE ABS FAILED, AND RIGHT BEFORE THE ENGINE SHUT DOWN ALL THE LIGHTS ON THE DASH BOARD ILLUMINATED, AFTER THE VEHICLE WAS REPAIRED THE INTAKE MANIFOLD, SPEED SENSOR AND BRAKE SENSOR FAILED. *PH *JB RQ04011.*PCO

Look up ODI 10011746 at NHTSA ↗

60.4%
ODI 10011175 · 20,000 mi

THE VEHICLE FAILED TO START, THE DEALER STATED THE ENGINE WAS DAMAGED. *JB

Look up ODI 10011175 at NHTSA ↗

90.6%
ODI 10026274 · 47,592 mi

THE CONSUMER NOTICED THE ENGINE RACED WHEN A STOP WAS MADE. CONSUMER HAD TO PLACE THE ENGINE IN NEUTRAL IN ORDER TO STOP THE VEHICLE. *AK THE MOTOR RACED THREE TO FOUR RPM'S WHEN THE CONSUMER TRIED TO STOP. THE COMPUTER DIDN'T SHOW A SIGN OF FAILURE. *SCC *JB

Look up ODI 10026274 at NHTSA ↗

00.0%

No examples available for this selection.

00.0%

No examples available for this selection.

Power Train:Automatic Transmission
00.0%

No examples available for this selection.

150.0%
ODI 878925

FRONT BRAKE PROBLEM; WHEN STEPPING ON BRAKE PEDAL BRAKES MADE A LOUD RATTLING NOISE . CONTACTED DEALER, AND DEALER HAS ALREADY ROTATED ROTORS, AND PUT NEW BRAKE PADS. BUT, PROBLEM STILL OCCURRED .*AK ALSO, THE TRANSMISSION FAILED. *YH

Look up ODI 878925 at NHTSA ↗

19.1%
ODI 986884

VEHICLE DOWNSHIFTED WHILE DRIVING AND WILL GO UP HILL WHEN APPLYING ACCELEATOR WILL NOT PICKUP SPEED. *AK

Look up ODI 986884 at NHTSA ↗

521.7%
ODI 10001449 · 40,000 mi

WHEN VEHICLE IS AT A COMPLETE STOP OR IDLING AND GAS IS APPLIED, THE VEHICLE HESITATES TO ACCELERATE, THEN LAUNCHES FORWARD WHEN ACCELERATOR ENGAGES. THE DEALERSHIP INDICATED THAT THIS IS A RESULT OF A FAULTY PISTON IN THE TRANSMISSION, AND THIS IS A COMMON PROBLEM WITH THIS MODEL/YEAR VEHICLE. PLEASE PROVIDE MORE DETAILS. TS

Look up ODI 10001449 at NHTSA ↗

70521.2%
ODI 10002867 · 110,000 mi

1995 FORD WINDSTAR ENGINE HEAD GASKET FAILURE - FORD WILL NOT ADMINT TO A DEFECT IN QUALITY. THIS VAN NOW SITS IN MY DRIVEWAY FOR OVER A YEAR AND NO ONE WILL FIXIT FOR UNDER 3500.00. PROBLEM IS THAT BECAUSE OF THE DEFECTS IN THIS VAN, THE VALUE OF IT IS 1000.00. I ALSO PUT TWO TRANSMITTIONS INTO IT, WATER PUMPS, THERMOSTATS, RADIATOR AND NO ONE INFORMED ME OF A POTENTAL DEFECT WITH THE HEAD GASKETS

Look up ODI 10002867 at NHTSA ↗

14910.8%
ODI 10003256 · 70,000 mi

TRANSMISSION FAILURE IN 1996 FORD WINDSTAR, REQUIRING COMPLETE REPLACEMEN AT APPROX 70K MILES

Look up ODI 10003256 at NHTSA ↗

157.8%
ODI 10000833

SUDDEN CATASTROPHIC FAILURE OF THE TRANSMISSION ON MY 1996 WINDSTAR, 86,000 MI. PROPER MAINTENENCE HAD BEEN DONE. I SEE THERE ARE MANY COMPLAINTS HERE WITH THE SAME PROBLEM. NHTSA IT IS TIME TO STEP UP AND FORCE A RECALL. HOW LONG DO THE CONSUMERS HAVE TO BEAR THE BRUNT OF THIS OBVIOUS DEFECT. WE DON'T HAVE THE $3000 THEY WANT FOR REPAIRS. WHAT HAPPENED TO COMSUMER RIGHTS? THE WAY IT STANDS NOW I WILL NEVER BUY ANOTHER AMERCIAN CAR. IS THAT WHAT YOU WANT FOR THE ECONOMY. YOU HAVE TO HOLD CORPORATE AMERICA RESPONSIBLETOPUT OUT QUALITY VEHICLES…

Look up ODI 10000833 at NHTSA ↗

24817.3%
ODI 10003938

NAR 1/15/2003. THE CONSUMER COMPLAINED THAT THE VEHICLE HAD TRANSMISSION PROBLEMS. AFTER NUMEROUS COMPLAINTS, THE SELLING DEALER OFFERED TO BUY THE VEHICLE BACK, BUT THE CONSUMER DECLINED AND INSTEAD CONTINUED TO FORD AND HARASS THE EMPLOYEES TO POINT THAT THEY BECAME DEATH THREATS. *JB

Look up ODI 10003938 at NHTSA ↗

18212.0%
ODI 10000054 · 29,131 mi

AUTOMATIC TRANMISSION FAILURE AT 29,131 MILES.

Look up ODI 10000054 at NHTSA ↗

1488.8%
ODI 10004491 · 37,502 mi

CONSUMER TRANSMISSION FAILED ON THE BAY BRIDGE. NAR 1-22-03 THE CONSUMER WAS EXPERIENCING PROBLEMS WITH THE TRANSMISSION PRIOR TO THE FAILURE. THE TRANSMISSION WOULD HESITATE FROM 1ST TO 2ND GEAR, BUT THE CONSUMER WAS TOLD ON 2 OCCASIONS IT WAS NORMAL. THE ABS LAMP ILLUMINATED AND THE DEALER REPLACED THE RELAY. THE WINDSHIELD WASHER WARNING LIGHT HAD COME ON, THE WASHER BOTTLE HAD TO REPLACED. THE VEHICLE ALSO SHUDDERED WHILE BRAKING. *JB

Look up ODI 10004491 at NHTSA ↗

472.8%
ODI 10050181

VEHICLE WAS PLACED IN REVERSE GEAR AND CAR WOULD NOT MOVE IN REVERSE.*MR THE CONSUMER WAS TOLD THE TRANSMISSION WOULD COST 1800-2000 MILES. *JB *NM

Look up ODI 10050181 at NHTSA ↗

211.6%
ODI 10051841 · 8,000 mi

WHEN STARTING THE VEHICLE IT JERKED FORWARD WITHOUT WARNING. *AK THE CONSUMER ALMOST INJURED HER SON. *SC *JB

Look up ODI 10051841 at NHTSA ↗

946.2%
ODI 10020366

NAR 05/21/2003 *MR THE CONSUMER HAS MADE TWO MAJOR SAFETY RELATED REPAIRS (TRANSMISSION, AND STEERING PULL) MADE TO THE VEHICLE OVER AN 11 MONTH PERIOD. PLEASE REVIEW FOR FURTHER INVESTIGATIONS. *CB

Look up ODI 10020366 at NHTSA ↗

312.5%
ODI 10295340 · 101,000 mi

DRIVING ON HIGHWAY & SUDDENLY LOST POWER, ALTHOUGH ENGINE WAS STILL ON. TOWED TO DEALER & TRANSMISSION NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. *TR

Look up ODI 10295340 at NHTSA ↗

00.0%

No examples available for this selection.

Electrical System
00.0%

No examples available for this selection.

00.0%

No examples available for this selection.

00.0%

No examples available for this selection.

00.0%

No examples available for this selection.

421.3%
ODI 10023209 · 123,000 mi

BRAKE LIGHT COME ON FREQUENTLY. DOOR AJAR LIGHT STAYS ON OCCASIONALLY CAUSING INTERIOR LIGHTS TO REMAIN ON EVEN WHEN ALL DOORS ARE SHUT. DASH LIGHT QUIT WORKING. TOOK TO CERTIFIED MECHANIC AND FOUND THE PROBLEM WAS IN THE ASHTRAY LIGHT, DISCONNECTED ASHTRAY LIGHT AND DASH LIGHTS STARTED WORKING AGAIN. ENGINE LIGHT STAYING ON. TOOK TO CERTIFIED MECHANIC, WAS TOLD THAT VACUUM HOSE WAS OFF THE EGR VALVE. MECHANIC PUT VACUUM HOSE BACK ON. PROBLEM RECURRED 3 DAYS LATER BUT THIS TIME NOT VACUUM HOSE. BELIEVE THE PROBLEM TO BE EGR VALVE ITSELF…

Look up ODI 10023209 at NHTSA ↗

251.8%
ODI 10008147 · 62,000 mi

ABS AND CHECK ENGINE LIGHT CONSTANT, REPLACED O2 SENSOR, REPLACED ABS BRAKES, TRANSMISSION PROBLEMS CAUSING VEHICLE TO JERK AND NOT CHANGE GEARS WHEN RUNNING OR PARKED, COOLANT LEAKING AND DOOR SENSORS ARE BAD. ALL DOCUMENT KNOWN ISSUES ON.*JB HTTP://WWW.CARSURVEY.ORG/MODELYEAR_FORD_WINDSTAR_1996.HTML - SOMETHING NEEDS TO BE DONE ABOUT THIS. THIS HAS GONE ON FAR TO LONG AND IS PUTTING PEOPLES LIFE AT STAKE. I HAVE CHILDREN IN MY VAN AND ALL OF THESE ARE BIG ISSUES THAT NEED TO BE ADDRESS IMMEDIATELY.

Look up ODI 10008147 at NHTSA ↗

42.1%
ODI 10055244 · 170,000 mi

WHILE DRIVING THE DRIVER SAW SMOKE COMING FROM UNDER THE HOOD AND PULLED OVER. THE DRIVER WENT FOR HELP AND CAME BACK TO FIND THE VEHICLE IN FLAMES. THE FIRE DEPARTMENT DETERMINED THAT THE FIRE WAS CAUSED BY AN ELECTRICAL PROBLEM. PLEASE PROVIDE FURTHER DETAILS. *NM

Look up ODI 10055244 at NHTSA ↗

422.9%
ODI 10001393

CONSUMER CALLED COMPLAINING ABOUT THE RECALL RECEIVED ON THE VEHICLE. ALSO STATED THAT SHE HAD THIS PROBLEM BUT THE DEALER NEVER PAID ATTENTION TO THE COMPLAINTS. TS

Look up ODI 10001393 at NHTSA ↗

1097.2%
ODI 10002754 · 36,570 mi

MY VAN WAS BARELY OUT OF WARRANTY WHEN THE O/D OFF LIGHT BEGAN FLASHING AND THE CHECK ENGINE LIGHT CAME ON. THE FORD DEALER TOLD ME THAT THE CHECK ENGINE LIGHT WAS A RESULT OF A BROKEN SENSOR WELD ON MY INTAKE MANIFOLD TO THE TUNE OF APPROX. $900. THEY ALSO STATED THAT THE O/D OFF LIGHT MEANT THAT THE ENTIRE TRANSMISSION NEEDED REPLACED TO THE TUNE OF $2,700. ALL THIS FOR BEING 1 MONTH AND 500 MILES OUT OF WARRANTY. PLUS, I SEE THAT MANY PEOPLE WITH FORD WINDSTARS ARE EXPERIENCING THE SAME THING AT 35,000 MILES AND 70,000 (TWICE) SO I SEE THAT …

Look up ODI 10002754 at NHTSA ↗

17210.3%
ODI 10006871 · 8,000 mi

THE DOOR AJAR LIGHT ILLUMINATED, THE POWER DOOR LOCKS AND INTERIOR LIGHTS BECAME INOPERATIVE AND THE SLIDING DOOR OPENED BY ITSELF.*JB

Look up ODI 10006871 at NHTSA ↗

20111.9%
ODI 10006909

THERE WAS AN ELECTRICAL SHORTAGE, WHICH CAUSED THE VEHICLE TO HAVE NO LIGHTS INSIDE THE VEHICLE.*JB

Look up ODI 10006909 at NHTSA ↗

23517.4%
ODI 10008062 · 9,000 mi

ON THE DATE OF THE INCIDENT, I ENGAGED THE FRONT WINDSHIELD DEFROST BUTTON ON THE VENTILATION SYSTEM. THE ENGINE IMMEDIATELY STALLED, AND I LOST POWER STEERING AND BRAKES. AFTER THAT, EVERY TIME THE SAME BUTTON WAS PUSHED, THE ENGINE STALLED. THIS IS THE SECOND SUCH OCCURRENCE, THE LAST TIME WAS IN APRIL, 2002 WHEN ENGAGING THE AIR CONDITIONER CAUSED THE ENGINE TO STALL.*JB

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26217.4%
ODI 10060521 · 10,450 mi

VEHICLE IS A FORD WINDSTAR LIMITED 2003 MINIVAN. THE ADVANCE TRAC SYSTEM CAME ON DURING NORMAL OPERATION AND ON DRY PAYMENT AND UNDER NORMAL CIRCUMSTANCES. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT SPINNING AND I WAS DRIVING ABOUT 25 MPH. THE VEHICLE PULLED TO THE LEFT INTO THE ONCOMING TRAFFIC AND THEN SLOWED TO A STOP ON ITS OWN. THERE WAS A TERRIBLE NOISE AS IF THE FRONT SUSPENSION WAS BEING TORN APART. I DROVE THE VEHICLE TO THE SIDE OF THE ROAD AND TURNED OFF THE ADVANCE TRAC SYSTEM. AFTER TESTING THE TRANSMISSION AND I PROCEEDED TO MY DESTINATION. WHE…

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312.5%
ODI 10375452 · 129,000 mi

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2004 FORD WINDSTAR. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE INTERIOR LIGHTS AND INSTRUMENT PANEL LIGHTS WOULD FAIL INTERMITTENTLY. THE SLIDING DOORS WOULD ALSO OPEN AND SHUT INDEPENDENTLY WHILE THE VEHICLE WAS IN MOTION. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALER WHO ADVISED THAT THERE WAS AN ELECTRICAL FAILURE. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THERE WERE NO RECALLS ON THE FAILURE FOR THE VEHICLE. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 129,000.

Look up ODI 10375452 at NHTSA ↗

00.0%

No examples available for this selection.

Service Brakes, Hydraulic
00.0%

No examples available for this selection.

00.0%

No examples available for this selection.

00.0%

No examples available for this selection.

00.0%

No examples available for this selection.

300.9%
ODI 10006337

THE VEHICLE HAS HAD THE BRAKES REPLACED ON AVERAGE EVERY 6,000 MILES. THE CATALYTIC CONVERTER HAS BEEN REPLACED AT 40,000 MILES, THE HEAD GASKET AT 20,000. THE CUTTING OUT, ENGINE FAILURE HAS BEEN HAPPENING SINCE HEAD GASKET WAS CORRECTED. FORD HAS RESPONDED TO A WRITTEN LETTER, AT WHICH TIME I WAS ACCUSED FOR FORGING MY HUSBAND'S SIGNATURE (LATER I WAS TOLD HE WAS JUST KIDDING). THIS VEHICLE IS UNSAFE TRANSPORTATION FOR MY 3 CHILDREN. WHEN MOVING OUT INTO TRAFFIC, WE ARE IN DANGER OF A COLLISION IF THE ENGINE FAILS, AS IT OFTEN DOES. PLEASE F…

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130.9%
ODI 10040514

WHILE DRIVING AT 45 MPH BRAKES FAILED WITHOUT WARNING, CAUSING VEHICLE TO COLLIDE WITH ANOTHER VEHICLE. *AK

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42.1%
ODI 10070667 · 87,000 mi

I BOUGHT THIS 1997 FORD WINDSTAR IN MARCH OF 2003. THE VERY NEXT DAY I RETURNED TO THE INDEPENDENT CAR DEALER DUE TO THE CHECK ENGINE LIGHT WAS ON. THEY SAID NOTHING WAS WRONG AND THEY RESET THE LIGHT. WITHIN A WEEK IT WAS ON AGAIN AND THIS TIME THEY SAID IT WAS A FLUXATION IN THE ELECTRICAL CURRENT AND IT WAS MAKING THE LIGHT COME ON. THEY RESET IT. ABOUT 2 WEEKS LATER IT IS LOSING COOLANT SOMEWHERE AND RUNNING ROUGH, THEY CHECK IT AND NOW IT NEEDS 2 OUT OF 4 OXYGEN SENSORS REPLACED IM TOLD. THEY PAY FOR IT IF THEY TRULY FIXED IT BECAUSE ABOUT…

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322.2%
ODI 10033260

I AM SEEKING ACTION TO ALLEVIATE THE COST OF MAINTENANCE PROBLEMS I HAVE EXPERIENCED WITH MY 1998 3.8L V6 FORD WINDSTAR GL. OVER THE PAST FEW YEARS, MY WINDSTAR HAS DISPLAYED REOCCURRING AND EXTENSIVE MECHANICAL PROBLEMS IN THE FRONT END, BRAKES, AND ENGINE THAT HAVE RESULTED INCREASING AMOUNTS OF TIME AND MONEY SPENT ON REPAIRS. FROM RESEARCH, I HAVE FOUND THAT OUR DIFFICULTIES ARE NOT AN ISOLATED EVENT, AND ARE IN FACT A COMMON PROBLEM IN THE 1998 WINDSTAR, AND ARE THE SAME PROBLEMS FOUND IN THE 1995 WINDSTAR. THE MOST RECENT EVENT WAS T…

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765.0%
ODI 10046741 · 76,504 mi

THE CONSUMER COMPLAINED ABOUT AN ALIGNMENT PROBLEM. THE VEHICLE PULLED TO THE LEFT AND MADE A TICKING NOISE UNDERNEATH THE VEHICLE WHEN THE BRAKES WERE APPLIED. THE VEHICLE WAS CONSTANTLY IN THE REPAIR SHOP BUT THE MECHANIC ARE WAS UNABLE TO SOLVE THE PROBLEM. *AK ALSO THE CHECK ENGINE LIGHT ILLUMINATED. *JB

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1317.8%
ODI 10018008

WHEN THE DRIVER APPLIED THE BRAKE THE PEDAL WENT ALL THE WAY TOT HE FLOOR. *NLM

Look up ODI 10018008 at NHTSA ↗

22313.2%
ODI 10018143

CONSUMER STATES THAT THE BRAKES FAILED CAUSING THE DRIVING TO THROW IT NEUTRAL TO STOP THE VEHICLE.B PLEASE PROVIDE ANY ADDITIONAL INFORMATION.

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25919.1%
ODI 10009784

WHEN THE VEHICLES BRAKES WERE APPLIED THERE WAS A LOUD NOISE. *NLM *TS

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20913.8%
ODI 10039656

THERE IS A NOISE IN THE REAR BREAK DRUMS CAUSED BY MOISTURE. *MR THERE WAS A NOISE IN THE REAR BRAKE. THE DEALER STATED THAT THE PROBLEM WAS DUE TO MOISTURE AND NOT TO WORRY. THE TRANSMISSION WAS PROBLEMATIC, AND THE REAR BRAKES HAD STARTED TO NOT STOP PROPERLY. THE REAR BRAKES WERE READJUSTED, AND A NEW TRANSMISSION WAS ADDED. THE NOISE IN THE BRAKES HAD RETURNED. *SCC *JB

Look up ODI 10039656 at NHTSA ↗

00.0%

No examples available for this selection.

00.0%

No examples available for this selection.

Service Brakes
00.0%

No examples available for this selection.

00.0%

No examples available for this selection.

00.0%

No examples available for this selection.

00.0%

No examples available for this selection.

20.1%
ODI 10504408

WHILE DRIVING BACK FROM ROME GA TO CARTERSVILLE GA MY VAN MADE A FUNNY NOISE AND MY SPEED DROPPED FROM 60 TO 50 AND THEN MY BACK TIRES FELT FUNNY LIKE I HAD RUN OVER SOMETHING BUT I KNOW I HAD NOT HIT ANY THING SO AS I GOT CLOSER TO THE EXIT THEN MY ABS LIGHT CAME ON. AFTER I STOPPED AT A STATION I CHECKED MY BRAKE FLUID BUT IT WAS FULL, I CHECKED MY TIRES THEY WHERE GOOD BECAUSE THEY ARE NEW. WHEN I GOT HOME I HAD MY BREAKS & PLUGS CHECKED AND THEY ARE GOOD. I DON'T KNOW WHAT ELSE TO DO. THE ABS LIGHT IS STILL ON, WHILE DRIVING MY VAN STILL L…

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10.1%
ODI 10549528 · 152,000 mi

ABS LIGHT ON DASHBOARD COMES ON INTERMITTENTLY, AFTER 5 MINUTES OF OPERATION LIGHT WILL COME ON, THEN STAY ON, BUT AFTER SHUT OFF VEHICLE AND START AGAIN LIGHT IS FFF AND COMES BACK ON AFTER FEW MINUTES OF TRAVEL. *TR

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00.0%

No examples available for this selection.

70.5%
ODI 10493718 · 233,456 mi

BRAKE FLUID ALL LEAKS OUT WEAR HOLE IN BRAKE FLUID TUBE TO REAR BRAKES BETWEEN FRAME AND GAS TANK. CAUSING VIRTUALLY NO BRAKING POWER. DRIVERS SIDE NEAR REAR WHEEL. WOULD REQUIRE 200.00+ TO REPAIR. *TR

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724.7%
ODI 10464807 · 200,000 mi

SKIMMED TO A STOP,VEHICLES ARE DANGEROUS,BRAKES TIED UP AND WOULD NOT RESPOND TOOK IT TO HAVE IT CHECKED OUT ADVISED SYSTEM WAS GOOD,NOW I READ YOU GUYS ARE HAVING THIS PROBLEM AND IT HAPPEN TO ME,PROVING ITS A DEFECT I WANT TO BE GIVEN CREDIT FOR A NEW FORD WINDFREE. *TR

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1247.4%
ODI 10458072 · 96,000 mi

AS IS TYPICAL WITH THE WINDSTAR, THE DEACTIVATION SWITCH IS LEAKING BRAKE FLUID. THUS, CAUSING PROBLEMS WITH THE ABS AND CRUISE. UNFORTUNATELY, FORD ALREADY HONORED THE RECALL (09S09) ON THIS VEHICLE. AT THAT TIME THE DEACTIVATION SWITCH WAS NOT LEAKING SO THEY INSTALLED A WIRE HARNESS TO AVOID A FIRE WHEN IT DID START LEAKING. (WHY PUT ON A WIRE HARNESS? BECAUSE THEY KNEW THE SWITCH WAS GOING TO FAIL. WHY NOT JUST REPLACE THE SWITCH IN THE FIRST PLACE?) NOW FORD WILL NOT RE-OPEN THE RECALL TO REPLACE THE SWITCH AND FIX THE OTHER RELATED PROBLE…

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19311.4%
ODI 10458580 · 89,700 mi

THE BRAKE FLUID IS LEAKING FROM THE BRAKE PRESSURE DIFFERENTIAL DEACTIVATION SWITCH. I CALLED RUSS MILNE FORD MY LOCAL DEALERSHIP AND WHERE THE VEHICLE WAS PURCHASED AND THEY SAID THERE WAS NO RECALL, BUT WHEN I LOOKED IT UP ONLINE IT STATES IT IS A MAJOR PROBLEM AND COULD CAUSE A FIRE. THE SAID IT WOULD COST ABOUT $90 OR SO TO FIX IT. I HAVE ALREADY PUT A OVER $2000 IN REPAIRS IN THE LAST 2 YEARS ON THIS VEHICLE. I FEEL THIS SHOULD BE FIXED FOR FREE BEING IT IS A PROBLEM THAT THEY ARE VERY WELL AWARE OF. *JS

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23317.2%
ODI 10460259 · 94,000 mi

PURCHASED THIS VEHICLE IN JANUARY 2012 AND HAVE HAD NOTHING BUT PROBLEMS WITH IT. ACCORDING TO FORD ALL RECALLS HAVE BEEN DONE ON THIS VEHICLE BUT HERE IS A LIST OF THE ISSUES WITH THE VAN: ABS LIGHT COMES ON, CHECK ENGINE LIGHT COMES ON, VAN HAS NO CRUISE CONTROL AT ALL, AND LAST FRIDAY I COULD NOT PUT THE VAN IN GEAR. AFTER THE FORD DEALERSHIP "REPAIRED" THE SOLENOID FOR THE VAN NOW ALL OF A SUDDEN THERE IS CURRENTLY NO REAR BRAKE LIGHTS. THIS VAN IS LESS THAN SAFE TO BE ON THE ROAD AND HAVE SEEN THAT SOME OF THE RECALLS WOULD HAVE SOLVED THE…

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29619.6%
ODI 10457210

MY ABS AND BRAKE LIGHT COMES ON AND WHEN I CUT THE CAR OFF AND THEN ON. IT MAY COME BACK OR NOT UNTIL LATER WHILE DRIVING. MY EMERGENCY BRAKE SEEM LOOSE. I SEE A POSSIBLE RECALL ON THE INTERNET FOR ABS AND BRAKE. IS THERE A RECALL FOR 2003 FORD WINDSTAR ABS AND BRAKE LIGHT COMING ON? *JS

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14.2%
ODI 10462988 · 152,000 mi

PURCHASED THE CAR USED ON 5/26/12, DROVE AWAY FROM THE DEALERSHIP AND THE ABS WARNING LIGHT AND THE BREAK WARNING LIGHTS BOTH CAME ON, INDICATING ISSUES WITH ABS. TOOK IT TO THE REPAIR SHOP AND WAS TOLD THAT THE ABS MODULE (??) WAS CAUSING THE ISSUES. CAR DEALERSHIP AND WARRANTY COMPANY REFUSED TO COVER IT BECAUSE IT'S AN OPTIONAL SYSTEM. THERE APPEARS TO HAVE BEEN A RECALL FOR THIS BUT FOR SOME REASON MY CAR WASN'T INCLUDED - IT WAS ORIGINALLY PURCHASED IN CANADA, SO I'M NOT SURE IF THAT EFFECTS RECALL INFORMATION. ON 6/12/12 DRIVING IN TO …

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00.0%

No examples available for this selection.

Suspension
00.0%

No examples available for this selection.

00.0%

No examples available for this selection.

00.0%

No examples available for this selection.

14.3%
ODI 10111739 · 143,000 mi

THE CONSUMER IS EXPERIENCING PROBLEMS WITH THE BRAKES. THE ABS LIGHT COMES ON AND NO ONE SEEMS TO KNOW WHY IT'S HAPPENING. ALSO, THE REAR WHEEL CYLINDERS ARE LEAKING. ALSO, THE BRAKE HOSES WERE REPLACED. OWNER HAS TAKEN THE VEHICLE TO THE DEALER FOR THESE BRAKE PROBLEMS ON NUMEROUS OCCASIONS BUT KNOW ONE CAN SEEM TO REPAIR THE PROBLEMS. *NM THE BRAKES WOULD LOCK UP AT TIMES. THE CONSUMER WOULD HAVE TO PUMP THE BRAKES A FEW TIMES. REFER TO RECALL CAMPAIGN #02V101000. WHEN THE VAN WAS STARTED FOR A 5TH OR 6TH TIME, IT WOULD SPUDDER/BUBBLE …

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150.5%
ODI 10010475 · 70,000 mi

ABS LOCKS AND VEHICLE DOES NOT STOP. HAVE SPENT OVER $2000 TRYING TO FIX BRAKING ISSUE. TONE RINGS, STRUTS, SUSPENSION, FRONT BRAKES, REAR BRAKES, BEARINGS, CV JOINTS, MASTER CYLINDER, AMONG OTHER REPLACEMENTS. OVER BUMPS, SMALL HILLS, STRAIGHT ROADS, ANYTIME COMING TO A STOP, VEHICLE INTERMITTENTLY FAILS TO STOP COMPLETELY. HAVE PUMPED BRAKES AND FOUND THAT BRAKE PEDAL GETS HARD AND LOUD, STILL DOES NOT HELP TO STOP VEHICLE. STEERING WHEEL FEELS LOOSE AT WHEN THIS HAPPENS. BRAKE PEDAL ALSO KICKS BACK, SOMETIMES WITH EXCESSIVE FORCE, MAKES A LO…

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90.6%
ODI 10074121

VEHICLE HAD CONSTANT ENGINE PROBLEMS ALONG WITH OTHER PROBLEMS THAT SURFACED AND ENDED ITS LIFE CYCLE. *LA THE CONSUMER EXPERIENCED COOLANT LEAKS, HARD STARTING, ELECTRICAL NOISES, RADIO NOISES, VIBRATION UPON ACCELERATION ALONG WITH THUMPING NOISES, ERRATIC DASH LIGHT ILLUMINATION, INTERMITTENT DOOR AJAR LIGHT, BEARING NOISE AND THE ENGINE BLEW OUT PREMATURELY. *SC *JB FROM A NORMAL SITTING POSITION THE CONSUMER COULD NOT SEE THAT THE CHECK ENGINE LIGHT WAS ON. IT WASN'T UNTIL HE DROPPED SOMETHING ON THE FLOOR AND LOOKED UP THAT HE S…

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52.6%
ODI 10436452

I PURCHASED A 1997 FORD WINDSTAR AND FROM WHAT I UNDERSTAND IS THAT THERE WAS A RECALL ON THE COIL SPRINGS/SUSPENSION. (RECALL#01I00700) < I BELIEVE THIS IS THE RECALL #. LONG STORY SHORT MY FRONT TIRES ARE FLAT DOUE TO THE COIL SPRINGS. NONE OF THE DEALERS I TOOK IT TO ARE WILLING TO FIX THIS. THEY SAY IT IS NOT COVERED UNDER ANY RECALL... PLEASE HELP ME BETTER UNDERSTAND WHY FORD WONT FIX THIS DEFECT. *TR

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553.8%
ODI 10001346

WHILE BRAKING THERE WAS A CLANKING NOISE IN FRONT END. TOOK VEHICLE TO FORD, FORD REPLACED SUBFRAME BUSHINGS AND TIE ROD ENDS. PLEASE PROVIDE ANY FURTHER INFORMATION. TS. *AK

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825.4%
ODI 10068875 · 74,500 mi

TRANSMISSION IS PRIMARY ISSUE HAS SHIFTING PROBLEM AT LOW SPEED, HAS OVER 8 TSB ON THE ISSUE AND HAS NEW TRANSMISSION INSTALLED BUT STILL HAVE PROBLEM THE OTHER ISSUES ARE CLEARLY COMMON FOR THIS MODEL AS WELL, BUT THIS TRANSMISSIONAND FORDS LACK OF SUPPORT FROM THEIR SERVICE AND DEALERS IS UNACCEPTABLE.

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1297.7%
ODI 10070317 · 70,000 mi

I COMPLAINED OF A RATTLING NOISE SOUNDING LIKE CHAINS UNDER THE HOOD OF THE VAN , STARTING FROM 7,700 MILES TO THE PRESENT. EACH TIME TAKING IT IN AND BEING TOLD THAT THEY COULD NOT FIND A PROBLEM, TO THEM FIXING SOMETHING AND THE NOISE STILL BEING THERE. I STATED TO THEM ON SEVERAL OCCASIONS THAT THE VAN WAS NOT RIDING RIGHT. I COMPLAINED OF A LOUD GRINDING NOISE WHEN I TURNED THE WHEEL. AGAIN, THEY SAID NOTHING WAS WRONG. THE BRAKES WHERE ALWAYS RUBBING AND THEY REPLACED THE PADS. I WAS TOLD SEMI-METALLIC PADS MAKE NOISES. THEY REPLACED THE C…

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18811.2%
ODI 10007355

THE VEHICLE PULLED TO THE LEFT, THE VEHICLE WAS IN THE REPAIR SHOP FOR SUSPENSION PROBLEMS ON 3 OCCASIONS.*JB

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17112.6%
ODI 10173041 · 4,000 mi

DT*: THE CONTACT STATED WHILE BRAKING FROM 10 MPH UNDER NORMAL CONDITIONS, THE VEHICLE SURGED FORWARD, ALMOST GOING OVER A CURB. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO A SERVICE DEALER, WHERE THE DEALER WAS UNABLE TO DUPLICATE THE PROBLEM. THE MANUFACTURER WAS ALSO NOTIFIED. THERE WAS A SQUEAKING NOISE WHEN THE SLIDING DOOR WAS CLOSED. THE CONSUMER COMPLAINED OF THE TRANSMISSION SLIPPING, THE DEALER REPROGRAMMED THE PCM AND RE-FILLED THE TRANSMISSION FLUID. THE SHIFTER WAS RE-ADJUSTED. THE VEHICLE PULLED TO THE RIGHT OCCASIONALLY, THE SPEEDOMETER WAS INA…

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18412.2%
ODI 10033327 · 633 mi

I BOUGHT A 2003 FORD WINDSTAR ON JULY 7, 2003. SHORTLY AFTER I LEFT FOR PA, FOR VACATION. AFTER ONE WEEK AND A HALF ON WAS ON RT. 380 IN PA, AS I APPROCHED THE EXIT THE CAR STARTED TO SHAKE. I DID KNOW WHAT WAS GOING ON, I PRAYED AND GOT FOR THE EXIT. AT THE END OF THE EXIT I GOT OUT OF THE CAR, WALKED AROUND IT AND I COULDN'T SEE ANYTHING. SO I THOUGHT IF I COULD MAKE IT ONE MORE MILE TO THE GAS STATION I WOULD BE FINE. I WENT 8' AND I HEARD THIS NOISE. I GOT OUT OF THE CAR AND THE WHEEL BROKE AWAY FROM THE WHEEL. MY BUMPER COUGHT THE WHEEL A…

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625.0%
ODI 10461065 · 141,000 mi

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2004 FORD WINDSTAR. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE DRIVING 45 MPH, GREY SMOKE EMITTED FROM THE REAR OF THE VEHICLE. THE VEHICLE WAS INSPECTED BY A MECHANIC, WHO STATED THAT THE REAR AXLE BROKE. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE FAILURE AND CURRENT MILEAGES WERE 141,000.

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00.0%

No examples available for this selection.

Vehicle Speed Control
133.3%
ODI 10294792 · 65,000 mi

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 1991 FORD WINDSTAR. HE RECEIVED A RECALL NOTIFICATION REGARDING THE VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL. HE NOTIFIED SIX DIFFERENT AUTHORIZED DEALERS TO SCHEDULE AN APPOINTMENT FOR THE RECALL REMEDY REPAIR. HOWEVER, THE DEALER REFUSED TO SCHEDULE RECALL REPAIR APPOINTMENTS WITHIN A REASONABLE TIME FRAME. EVENTUALLY HE WAS ABLE TO LOCATE A DEALER THAT WAS WILLING TO REPAIR THE VEHICLE WITHIN A REASONABLE PERIOD OF TIME. THE CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 65,000. THE VEHICLE IDENTIFICATION NUMBER WAS UNAVAILABLE.

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00.0%

No examples available for this selection.

00.0%

No examples available for this selection.

00.0%

No examples available for this selection.

842.5%
ODI 10066377 · 49,780 mi

SPEEDOMETER INOPERABLE ABOVE 45 MPH (BOUNCES AND GRINDING NOISES); OUTER DOOR LOCKS INOPERABLE (EXCEPT DRIVERS DOOR), KEY ONLY OPENS DRIVERS DOOR; DOOR AJAR SENSOR AND INTERIOR LIGHTS STAY ON WHEN ALL DOORS ARE CLOSED. *AK

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634.5%
ODI 10007333

THE SPEEDOMETER MOVED ERRATICALLY AND MALFUNCTIONED INTERMITTENTLY LEAVING CONSUMER UNSURE OF SPEED. SPEEDOMETER HAD TO BE REPLACED 2 TIMES. *TT *JB *TS

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189.4%
ODI 10003593

DEFECTIVE SPEEDOMETER UNITS IN 1997 FORD WINDSTARS.I HAVE HAD MY SPEEDOMETER REPLACED 3 TIMES AND IS IN NEED OF ANOTHER. THE DEALER TOLD ME THIS HAS BEEN A PROBLEM WITH THE WINDSTARS AND THE TAURUS.YOU CAN NOT JUDGE HOW FAST YOU ARE GOING WHICH IS A SAFETY ISSUE.ESPECIALLY WHEN YOU REPLACE THE UNIT AND IT KEEPS NEEDING TO BE REPLACED.CAN IT BE RECALLED?

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543.8%
ODI 10058692

ENGINE RAMPED UP BY ITSELF DURING HIGH-SPEED DRIVE. *JB

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785.1%
ODI 10008822

WHEN STARTING VEHICLE PUT GEAR INTO DRIVE VEHICLE WILL LUNGE FORWARD WITH A SUDDEN THRUST, I HAVE MADE SEVERAL COMPLAINTS TAKEN IT TO ASHLEY FORD, 395 MT PLEASANT ST, NEW BEDFORD MA 02745, [phone removed], THIS LAST TIME 04-16-02 THEY SAID THE PROBLEM WAS WITH THE TRANSMISSION AND THEY ORDERED A NEW TRANSMISSION. I BELIEVE IT IS SOMETHING ELSE OTHER THAN THE TRANSMISSION. ON 4-15-02 MY VEHICLE WAS IN THE GARAGE I PARKED IT FACING THE STREET AS I BACK IT INTO THE GARAGE AND WHEN I STARTED IT UP, PUT IT INTO DRIVE, THE VEHICLE LUNGED FORWARD NEAR…

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1056.3%
ODI 10001975

CONSUMER'S VEHICLE EXPERIENCED SUDDEN ACCELERATION. AS CONSUMER MERGED WHILE ACCELERATING IN THE PASSING GEAR, THE SPEED WAS APPROXIMATELY 65 MPH BUT RAPIDLY CLIMBING. CONSUMER TOOK HIS FOOT OFF THE PEDAL, BUT THE VEHICLE KEPT ACCELERATING, WHICH MADE A LOUD MAXIMUM RPM ENGINE SOUND. THERE WAS A DOWNWARD MOVEMENT OF THE PEDAL, AS IF THE CRUISE CONTROL WAS ON, THE CONSUMER STOMPED THE PEDAL, BUT IT WOULDN'T STOP. THE POWER STEERING AND THE POWER BRAKES WENT OFF WITH THE ENGINE. (COASTING AT 85 MPH WITH NO BRAKES OR POWER STEERING) SCC *JB…

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1005.9%
ODI 10011746

AN ELECTRICAL CONNECTOR SEAL HAD TO BE INSTALLED, THE SEAT BUCKLES AND REAR WIPER MOTOR COVER WERE REPLACED, THE ABS FAILED, AND RIGHT BEFORE THE ENGINE SHUT DOWN ALL THE LIGHTS ON THE DASH BOARD ILLUMINATED, AFTER THE VEHICLE WAS REPAIRED THE INTAKE MANIFOLD, SPEED SENSOR AND BRAKE SENSOR FAILED. *PH *JB RQ04011.*PCO

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1299.5%
ODI 10037948 · 18,000 mi

WHEN AT A STOP AND WITH FOOT IS ON THE BRAKE VEHICLE REVVED AND RPMS INCEASED. CONSUMER PUT VEHICLE IN PARK AND THEN IT ACCELERATED WITHOUT WARNING. DEALER NOTOFIED. *AK

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755.0%
ODI 10063339

CONSUMER COMPLAINED ABOUT AN ACCELERATION PROBLEM. WHEN DRIVING AT ANY SPEED THE VEHICLE ACCELERATED, MAKING IT VERY HARD TO MANEUVER ONCE THE ACCELERATION KICKED IN. APPLYING THE BRAKE DURING ACCELERATION WAS INEFFECTIVE. *AK THE AIR INTAKE CONTROL WAS REPLACED. *JB

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312.5%
ODI 10201596 · 86,000 mi

TL*THE CONTACTS OWNS A 2004 FORD WINDSTAR. WHILE DRIVING 30 MPH, THE CHECK ENGINE LIGHT ILLUMINATED. THE VEHICLE WOULD NOT ACCELERATE WHEN THE CONTACT DEPRESSED THE ACCELERATOR PEDAL. THE MECHANIC STATED THAT THE OXYGEN SENSOR CAUSED THE FAILURE AND THEY MADE THE REPLACEMENT, HOWEVER, THE FAILURE CONTINUED TO OCCUR. THE MECHANIC STATED THAT THE GASKET WAS THE CAUSE OF FAILURE. AS OF AUGUST 31, 2007, THE VEHICLE HAS NOT BEEN REPAIRED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 86,000 AND CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 90,000.

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00.0%

No examples available for this selection.

Service Brakes, Hydraulic:Antilock/Traction Control/Electronic Limited Slip
00.0%

No examples available for this selection.

00.0%

No examples available for this selection.

00.0%

No examples available for this selection.

14.3%
ODI 805750

APPLIED THE BRAKES AND THE ABS BRAKES DID NOT KICK IN . PLEASE DESCRIBE . *AK

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2768.3%
ODI 10010475 · 70,000 mi

ABS LOCKS AND VEHICLE DOES NOT STOP. HAVE SPENT OVER $2000 TRYING TO FIX BRAKING ISSUE. TONE RINGS, STRUTS, SUSPENSION, FRONT BRAKES, REAR BRAKES, BEARINGS, CV JOINTS, MASTER CYLINDER, AMONG OTHER REPLACEMENTS. OVER BUMPS, SMALL HILLS, STRAIGHT ROADS, ANYTIME COMING TO A STOP, VEHICLE INTERMITTENTLY FAILS TO STOP COMPLETELY. HAVE PUMPED BRAKES AND FOUND THAT BRAKE PEDAL GETS HARD AND LOUD, STILL DOES NOT HELP TO STOP VEHICLE. STEERING WHEEL FEELS LOOSE AT WHEN THIS HAPPENS. BRAKE PEDAL ALSO KICKS BACK, SOMETIMES WITH EXCESSIVE FORCE, MAKES A LO…

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1128.1%
ODI 10006946

THE LEFT FRONT EXCITOR RING OF THE ABS SYSTEM FAILED. DUE TO A CRACK IN THE RING, WHICH ALLOWED THE RING TO SLIDE INWARD ON THE AXLE DISENGAGING FROM THE SENSOR. MY WIFE CAME TO THE END OF OUR DRIVEWAY AND ATTEMPTED TO STOP. THE ANTILOCK SYSTEM PREVENTED THE BRAKES FROM ENGAGING PROPERLY. THE ABS LIGHT CAME ON AND I BROUGHT THE VEHICLE TO METRO FORD IN RAYNHAM, MASS. THEY SAID THE RING IS MADE RIGHT ON THE AXLE AND CAN NOT BE REPLACED BY ITSELF. AND REPLACED THE AXLE WITH RING. THAT INFO PROVED TO BE A LIE AS OTHER FORD DEALERS I LATER C…

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105.2%
ODI 10088085

ABS ANTI-LOCK BRAKING ENGAGES DURING NORMAL DRY BRAKING. THIS CAUSES A LESSENING IN BRAKING JUST BEFORE A COMPLETE STOP. COULD CAUSE A COLLISION BY NOT STOPPING CAR WITHIN THE DISTANCE EXPECTED. *JB

Look up ODI 10088085 at NHTSA ↗

785.4%
ODI 10008346 · 35,000 mi

ABS SYSTEM IS CONSTANTLY MALFUNCTIONING, BRAKES GIVE OUT, TRACTION CONTROL IS TURNING OFF AND ON. DRIVERS SIDE LOCK DOES NOT WORK WITH ALARM REMOTE.*JB

Look up ODI 10008346 at NHTSA ↗

271.8%
ODI 10001133 · 53,000 mi

WHILE DRIVING AT 35/40 MPH THE BRAKE WARNING LIGHT CAME ON AND THE ABS FAILED. THE CONSUMER APPLIED THE BRAKES AND THE ABS ENGAGED WITHOUT CAUSE. THE PARTS REPLACED IS UNKNOWN. THE CHECK ENGINE LIGHT ALSO APPEARED ON DASH. TS *JB

Look up ODI 10001133 at NHTSA ↗

321.9%
ODI 10004491 · 37,502 mi

CONSUMER TRANSMISSION FAILED ON THE BAY BRIDGE. NAR 1-22-03 THE CONSUMER WAS EXPERIENCING PROBLEMS WITH THE TRANSMISSION PRIOR TO THE FAILURE. THE TRANSMISSION WOULD HESITATE FROM 1ST TO 2ND GEAR, BUT THE CONSUMER WAS TOLD ON 2 OCCASIONS IT WAS NORMAL. THE ABS LAMP ILLUMINATED AND THE DEALER REPLACED THE RELAY. THE WINDSHIELD WASHER WARNING LIGHT HAD COME ON, THE WASHER BOTTLE HAD TO REPLACED. THE VEHICLE ALSO SHUDDERED WHILE BRAKING. *JB

Look up ODI 10004491 at NHTSA ↗

291.7%
ODI 10011746

AN ELECTRICAL CONNECTOR SEAL HAD TO BE INSTALLED, THE SEAT BUCKLES AND REAR WIPER MOTOR COVER WERE REPLACED, THE ABS FAILED, AND RIGHT BEFORE THE ENGINE SHUT DOWN ALL THE LIGHTS ON THE DASH BOARD ILLUMINATED, AFTER THE VEHICLE WAS REPAIRED THE INTAKE MANIFOLD, SPEED SENSOR AND BRAKE SENSOR FAILED. *PH *JB RQ04011.*PCO

Look up ODI 10011746 at NHTSA ↗

292.1%
ODI 10029477

WHILE APPLYING THE BRAKES ABS BRAKING SYSTEM LIGHTWILL APPEAR ON THE DASHBOARD. *AK

Look up ODI 10029477 at NHTSA ↗

271.8%
ODI 10137869

EXHIBITING INTERMITTENT ANTI-SKID BRAKE SYSTEM AND RED BRAKE LAMP ON AT TIMES WHILE DRIVING. *JB

Look up ODI 10137869 at NHTSA ↗

00.0%

No examples available for this selection.

00.0%

No examples available for this selection.

Darker cells indicate a larger share of submitted complaints. Components overlap. This measures complaint composition, not failure probability.

Failure mileage by component

Median and middle 50% of usable owner-reported mileages. Ranges require at least five records.

Component failure mileage distribution
ComponentMileage range (25th–75th percentile)MedianUsable recordsExamples
Suspension:Front:Springs:Coil Springs88,890–132,000 mi100,349 mi5
ODI 10007578 · 88,890 mi

HAVE A 97 FORD WINDSTAR ALL OF A SUDDEN I HAD A TIRE BLOW COMPLETELY HERE TO FIND OUT THAT THE COIL SPRING ON DRIVERS FRONT BROKE AND WENT INTO TIRE, THEN TO FIND OUT THERE WAS A RECALL 2 YEARS AGO ON IT BUT WAS NEVER NOTIFIED OF IT AND ALSO A FEW WEEKS AGO, VAN ALL OF A SUDDEN KEPT GETTING REAL HOT WITH ROLLING WHITE SMOKE JUST TO FIND OUT THAT THERE WAS PROBLEMS WITH THE HEAD GASKETS ON THESE WINDSTARS BUT YET STILL WAS NEVER NOTIFIED, THIS IS NOT RIGHT, I FEEL WE WERE CHEATED, NOW HAVE A VAN THAT SITS AND STILL OWE $10,000 ON BECAUSE I'M A F…

Look up ODI 10007578 at NHTSA ↗

ODI 10184352 · 142,000 mi

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 1997 FORD WINDSTAR. WHILE DRIVING AT 45 MPH THE POWER STEERING FAILED. THE FRONT SPRING FAILED AND PUNCTURED THE FRONT PASSENGER TIRE. THE CONTACT WAS ABLE TO DRIVE THE VEHICLE TO THE SIDE OF THE ROAD. THE CONTACT STATED THAT RECALL #01I007000: SUSPENSION:FRONT:SPRINGS:COIL SPRINGS WAS RELATED TO THE FAILURE. THE MANUFACTURER ADVISED THE CONTACT THAT THE RECALL EXPIRED. THE CURRENT AND FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 142,000. *AK

Look up ODI 10184352 at NHTSA ↗

ODI 10186140 · 100,349 mi

I HAVE 1997 FORD WINDSTAR. FEB. 1, 2007 I WAS GOING ABOUT 20 MPH, ANDPASSENGER FRONT SPRING SHATTERED. I HAD TO HAVE IT TOWED. MY MECHANIC SAUD I WAS LUCKY I WAS NOT ON THE EXPRESSWAY WHEN IT HAPPENED. I HAD IT FIXED, IT COST ME $1036.00. I CALLED FORD TO TRY AND GET REIMBURSED, AND THEY TOLD ME THAT I DID NOT HAVE IT REPAIRED AT A FORD DEALER. IF I HAD KNOWN THEY WERE BAD I WOULD HAVE. I NEVER RECEIVED ANY WARNING AT ALL. THEY DID NOT EVEN HAVE ME DOWN AS THE REGISTERED OWNER. HERE IS THE RECALL # 011007000, FRONT COIL SPRING CORROSION. THEY …

Look up ODI 10186140 at NHTSA ↗

Engine And Engine Cooling:Engine72,000–88,890 mi77,000 mi9
ODI 10000312 · 77,000 mi

BLOWN HEAD GASKET ON 3.8 ENGINE ON 1997 FORD WINDSTAR, WITH ONLY 77,000 MILES. FORD WITH NOT OFFER ANY HELP. AFTER OWNING A FORD FOR PAST 28 YEARS, THIS IS THE LAST FORD PRODUCT THAT MY FAMILY WILL EVER OWN. EVER! TS

Look up ODI 10000312 at NHTSA ↗

ODI 10007543 · 72,000 mi

COOLANT LOW ENGINE RAN WARM, NO LEAKS FOUND. FEBRUARY 2003, ENGINE WAS FILLED WITH COOLANT BECAUSE OF LEAK. STARTER BLEW AND ENGINE LOCKED UP. PH

Look up ODI 10007543 at NHTSA ↗

ODI 10007578 · 88,890 mi

HAVE A 97 FORD WINDSTAR ALL OF A SUDDEN I HAD A TIRE BLOW COMPLETELY HERE TO FIND OUT THAT THE COIL SPRING ON DRIVERS FRONT BROKE AND WENT INTO TIRE, THEN TO FIND OUT THERE WAS A RECALL 2 YEARS AGO ON IT BUT WAS NEVER NOTIFIED OF IT AND ALSO A FEW WEEKS AGO, VAN ALL OF A SUDDEN KEPT GETTING REAL HOT WITH ROLLING WHITE SMOKE JUST TO FIND OUT THAT THERE WAS PROBLEMS WITH THE HEAD GASKETS ON THESE WINDSTARS BUT YET STILL WAS NEVER NOTIFIED, THIS IS NOT RIGHT, I FEEL WE WERE CHEATED, NOW HAVE A VAN THAT SITS AND STILL OWE $10,000 ON BECAUSE I'M A F…

Look up ODI 10007578 at NHTSA ↗

Vehicle Speed Control83,218–133,250 mi90,051 mi8
ODI 10010330 · 85,900 mi

WHEN I EXCEED 50 MPH MY SPEEDOMETER FAILS TO KEEP ACCURATE SPEED AND IT "WAVES" WILDLY FROM 20 - 110 MPH. WHEN I CONTACTED MY FORD DEALERSHIP THEY "HAD NEVER HEARD OF THAT BEFORE", BUT WHEN I DID A LITTLE MORE RESEARCH I FOUND AT LEAST 50 MORE COMPLAINTS. I CONTACTED THE FORD MOTOR COMPANY DIRECTLY TO SEE WHY THERE HAD NOT BEEN A RECALL ON WHAT APPEARS TO BE A MANUFACTURING DEFECT BECAUSE ALL PROBLEMS OF THIS NATURE INVOLVED ONLY THE 96-98 FORD WINDSTAR MODELS. THEY INFORMED ME THEY KNEW OF THE PROBLEM BUT ONLY THE NHTSA COULD INITIATE A REC…

Look up ODI 10010330 at NHTSA ↗

ODI 10051513 · 53,000 mi

I OWN A 1997 FORD WINDSTAR GL WITH 53,000 ON THE ODOMETER. THE SPEEDOMETER HAS FAILED TO OPERATE PROPERLY. AT SPEEDS OF 40 MPH AND ABOVE THE SPEEDOMETER FLUCTUATES ERRATICALLY RANGING IN SHOWN SPEEDS OF 60 TO 110 MPH. I HAVE DONE MUCH RESEARCH AND HAVE BECOME AWARE OF THOUSANDS OF CONSUMER COMPLAINTS. THIS IS UNCONSCIOUS THAT FORD IS AWARE OF THIS PROBLEM AND MAKING A MINT OFF OF THE CONSUMER OUT OF POCKET EXPENSE OF REPAIR. THIS SHOULD BE AN IMMEDIATE SAFETY RECALL OR TSB. *AK

Look up ODI 10051513 at NHTSA ↗

ODI 10144086 · 75,172 mi

DT: THE CONTACT STATES HAS BEEN HAVING SEVERAL PROBLEMS WITH VEHICLE SINCE 2002. ON APRIL 28, 2004 THE SPEEDOMETER WAS NOT PROVIDING AN ACCURATE SPEED READING. ON DECEMBER 9, 2004 THE SLIDING DOOR WOULD NOT UNLOCK OR SLIDE PROPERLY. THE DEALER REPLACED THE DOOR LOCK ACTUATOR AND DETERMINED THAT THE SLIDE WHEELS WERE DRY. THE DEALERSHIP REPLACED THE DOOR LATCH, AND NOW IT NEEDED REPLACEMENT AGAIN. ON FEBRUARY 5, 2005 THE ENGINE WAS REPLACED AT 75, 172 MILES, AND ON NOVEMBER 21, 2005 THE POWER STEERING FAILED AND WAS REPLACED. ALL REPAIRS H…

Look up ODI 10144086 at NHTSA ↗

Power Train:Automatic TransmissionToo few reports for a range146,000 mi1 (sparse)
ODI 10163496 · 146,000 mi

DT*: THE CONTACT STATED, WHILE THE VEHICLE WAS IMMOBILE WITH THE ENGINE RUNNING, SMOKE ERUPTED FROM UNDER THE HOOD. THE ENGINE WAS IMMEDIATELY TURNED OFF AND THE VEHICLE WAS VACATED. THE HOOD WAS RAISED AND FLAMES LOOKED AS IF THEY IT WAS COMING OUT OF THE ENGINE COMPARTMENT. THE FIRE WAS EXTINGUISHED AND THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO THE HOME OF THE CONTACT. THE MANUFACTURER WAS ALERTED. THERE IS A NHTSA RECALL #97V097000 PERTAINING TO THE POWER TRAIN:AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION. THE VEHICLE IS NOT INCLUDED IN THE RECALL DUE TO THE VIN.

Look up ODI 10163496 at NHTSA ↗

Engine And Engine Cooling54,004–96,500 mi82,200 mi7
ODI 10009955 · 50,008 mi

THE ENGINE OVER HEATED.*JB

Look up ODI 10009955 at NHTSA ↗

ODI 10028385 · 58,000 mi

HEAD GASKET LEAKED, TIMING COVER CRACKED. $3,000.00 + REPAIR BILL.*AK

Look up ODI 10028385 at NHTSA ↗

ODI 10069945 · 82,200 mi

I OWN A 1997 FORD WINDSTAR MINIVAN (VIN# [XXX]) THAT CONTAINS A 3.8 V6. AT 82,000 MILES, THE HEAD GASKET HAS BLOWN. THE DEALER TELLS ME THAT IT WILL COST BETWEEN $2000 AND $4000 TO REPAIR. AFTER DOING EXTENSIVE RESEARCH ON THE WEB, IT APPEARS THAT THE 1995 AND 1996 MODELS ALSO HAD HEAD GASKET PROBLEMS DUE TO AN ADMITTED DESIGN FLAW. FORD CLAIMS TO HAVE CORRECTED THE PROBLEM-BUT THERE ARE INCREASING NUMBERS OF OWNERS OF 1997 MODELS THAT ARE EXPERIENCING THE SAME PROBLEM. REPEATED VISITS TO THE DEALERSHIP-AS WELL AS NUMEROUS CALLS TO FORD-HAVE RE…

Look up ODI 10069945 at NHTSA ↗

Complaint and recall timeline

Explore monthly filing activity alongside recall announcements. Up to ten years of monthly history is available.

1 reports2024-102026-09

Solid line: filed complaints. Dashed amber lines: recall announcement dates for this vehicle selection; markers include all recall components. The latest month is partial. Temporal proximity does not establish causation.

Monthly counts, recall campaigns and complaint examples
Monthly complaint and recall timeline
MonthComplaintsCampaigns announcedExamples
2024-100None

No examples available for this selection.

2024-110None

No examples available for this selection.

2024-120None

No examples available for this selection.

2025-010None

No examples available for this selection.

2025-020None

No examples available for this selection.

2025-030None

No examples available for this selection.

2025-040None

No examples available for this selection.

2025-050None

No examples available for this selection.

2025-060None

No examples available for this selection.

2025-070None

No examples available for this selection.

2025-080None

No examples available for this selection.

2025-090None

No examples available for this selection.

2025-100None

No examples available for this selection.

2025-110None

No examples available for this selection.

2025-120None

No examples available for this selection.

2026-010None

No examples available for this selection.

2026-020None

No examples available for this selection.

2026-030None

No examples available for this selection.

2026-040None

No examples available for this selection.

2026-050None

No examples available for this selection.

2026-060None

No examples available for this selection.

2026-070None

No examples available for this selection.

2026-080None

No examples available for this selection.

2026-09 (partial)0None

No examples available for this selection.

Emerging complaint spikes

Complete months in the latest six months with at least 10 complaints, at least twice the preceding 12-month average, and at least three square-root deviations above that average.

This is a descriptive screening rule, not a statistical defect finding. Publicity and reporting changes can increase submissions.

No complete months meet the spike thresholds for this selection.

Equal-age model-year comparison

Model-wide cumulative reports during the first three or five calendar years, starting with the model year (age 0). Only fully elapsed windows are compared.

Age 0Age 1Age 24 reports

2004: 4 complaints · 2005: 0 complaints

Equal observation windows
Model yearThrough age 0Through age 1Through age 2
2004114
2005000
Date coverage across each selected cohort
Date basis for all complaints in selected model years
YearIncident dates usedFiling date fallbacksExcluded dates
20042400
2005100

Incident date is preferred when valid and no later than filing; otherwise filing date is used. Model year approximates age. Equal observation time does not adjust for sales, distance driven or reporting delays. One complaint linked to multiple model years can appear in each cohort.

Components reported together

Each cell counts unique complaints naming both components. Open a nonzero cell for examples.

Component co-occurrence matrix
ComponentSuspension:Front:Springs:Coil SpringsEngine And Engine Cooling:EnginePower TrainVehicle Speed ControlPower Train:Automatic TransmissionEngine And Engine CoolingService Brakes, Hydraulic:Antilock/Traction Control/Electronic Limited SlipParking Brake:Conventional
Suspension:Front:Springs:Coil Springs—
1
ODI 10007578 · 88,890 mi

HAVE A 97 FORD WINDSTAR ALL OF A SUDDEN I HAD A TIRE BLOW COMPLETELY HERE TO FIND OUT THAT THE COIL SPRING ON DRIVERS FRONT BROKE AND WENT INTO TIRE, THEN TO FIND OUT THERE WAS A RECALL 2 YEARS AGO ON IT BUT WAS NEVER NOTIFIED OF IT AND ALSO A FEW WEEKS AGO, VAN ALL OF A SUDDEN KEPT GETTING REAL HOT WITH ROLLING WHITE SMOKE JUST TO FIND OUT THAT THERE WAS PROBLEMS WITH THE HEAD GASKETS ON THESE WINDSTARS BUT YET STILL WAS NEVER NOTIFIED, THIS IS NOT RIGHT, I FEEL WE WERE CHEATED, NOW HAVE A VAN THAT SITS AND STILL OWE $10,000 ON BECAUSE I'M A F…

Look up ODI 10007578 at NHTSA ↗

000000
Engine And Engine Cooling:Engine
1
ODI 10007578 · 88,890 mi

HAVE A 97 FORD WINDSTAR ALL OF A SUDDEN I HAD A TIRE BLOW COMPLETELY HERE TO FIND OUT THAT THE COIL SPRING ON DRIVERS FRONT BROKE AND WENT INTO TIRE, THEN TO FIND OUT THERE WAS A RECALL 2 YEARS AGO ON IT BUT WAS NEVER NOTIFIED OF IT AND ALSO A FEW WEEKS AGO, VAN ALL OF A SUDDEN KEPT GETTING REAL HOT WITH ROLLING WHITE SMOKE JUST TO FIND OUT THAT THERE WAS PROBLEMS WITH THE HEAD GASKETS ON THESE WINDSTARS BUT YET STILL WAS NEVER NOTIFIED, THIS IS NOT RIGHT, I FEEL WE WERE CHEATED, NOW HAVE A VAN THAT SITS AND STILL OWE $10,000 ON BECAUSE I'M A F…

Look up ODI 10007578 at NHTSA ↗

—0
1
ODI 10144086 · 75,172 mi

DT: THE CONTACT STATES HAS BEEN HAVING SEVERAL PROBLEMS WITH VEHICLE SINCE 2002. ON APRIL 28, 2004 THE SPEEDOMETER WAS NOT PROVIDING AN ACCURATE SPEED READING. ON DECEMBER 9, 2004 THE SLIDING DOOR WOULD NOT UNLOCK OR SLIDE PROPERLY. THE DEALER REPLACED THE DOOR LOCK ACTUATOR AND DETERMINED THAT THE SLIDE WHEELS WERE DRY. THE DEALERSHIP REPLACED THE DOOR LATCH, AND NOW IT NEEDED REPLACEMENT AGAIN. ON FEBRUARY 5, 2005 THE ENGINE WAS REPLACED AT 75, 172 MILES, AND ON NOVEMBER 21, 2005 THE POWER STEERING FAILED AND WAS REPLACED. ALL REPAIRS H…

Look up ODI 10144086 at NHTSA ↗

0
1
ODI 8017172

WHILE DRIVING, THE CONSUMER TURNED THE IGNITION OFF. UPON STARTING THE VEHICLE AGAIN, THE STARTER MADE A FUNNY NOISE. ALSO, THE THERMOSTAT WAS EXTREMELY HIGH. THE CONSUMER HAD TAKEN THE VEHICLE TO THE DEALER, AND THE PROBLEM WAS NOT RESOLVED. *AK THE CONSUMER STATED THAT THE RADIATOR WAS OPENED AND THE ANTI-FREEZE WAS LOW-REFILLED. THE MECHANIC THOUGHT IT WAS THE WATER PUMP. THE HEAD GASKET WAS LEAKING. *SCC

Look up ODI 8017172 at NHTSA ↗

1
ODI 8017553

ABS BRAKING LIGHT SYSTEM APPEARS ON DASHBOARD. ALSO THERE IS COOLANT MIXED IN WITH OIL INSIDE OF ENGINE. DEALERSHIP IS AWARE OF THE PROBLEMS. *AK

Look up ODI 8017553 at NHTSA ↗

0
Power Train00—
1
ODI 740981

ERRATIC SPEEDOMETER (EG SPEEDOMETER MOVING TO 80 WHILE VEHICLE PARKED). *AK

Look up ODI 740981 at NHTSA ↗

0000
Vehicle Speed Control0
1
ODI 10144086 · 75,172 mi

DT: THE CONTACT STATES HAS BEEN HAVING SEVERAL PROBLEMS WITH VEHICLE SINCE 2002. ON APRIL 28, 2004 THE SPEEDOMETER WAS NOT PROVIDING AN ACCURATE SPEED READING. ON DECEMBER 9, 2004 THE SLIDING DOOR WOULD NOT UNLOCK OR SLIDE PROPERLY. THE DEALER REPLACED THE DOOR LOCK ACTUATOR AND DETERMINED THAT THE SLIDE WHEELS WERE DRY. THE DEALERSHIP REPLACED THE DOOR LATCH, AND NOW IT NEEDED REPLACEMENT AGAIN. ON FEBRUARY 5, 2005 THE ENGINE WAS REPLACED AT 75, 172 MILES, AND ON NOVEMBER 21, 2005 THE POWER STEERING FAILED AND WAS REPLACED. ALL REPAIRS H…

Look up ODI 10144086 at NHTSA ↗

1
ODI 740981

ERRATIC SPEEDOMETER (EG SPEEDOMETER MOVING TO 80 WHILE VEHICLE PARKED). *AK

Look up ODI 740981 at NHTSA ↗

—
2
ODI 707846

FORD HAS A TSB 98-22-1 REGARDING A FALSE NEUTRAL AFTER DRIVING. HERE IS WHAT HAPPENS- VEHICLE IS STOPPED IN DRIVE. WHEN THROTTLE IS REAPPLIED THE VEHICLE SOMETIMES DOESN'T MOVE. BUT, IT SOMETIMES ABRUPTLY DROPS BACK INTO DRIVE. THIS HAS CAUSED A SUDDEN UNEXPECTED LURCHING FORWARD COMPLETE WITH TIRE SQUEALING. IT WOULD BE VERY LIKELY TO CAUSE AN ACCIDENT IN STOP-AND-GO TRAFFIC WITH THIS DEFECT. FORD ADMITS THIS DEFECT, THEY JUST DON'T WANT TO FIX IT AFTER 3/36K WARRANTY.

Look up ODI 707846 at NHTSA ↗

ODI 842182

WHEN COMING TO A STOP, THE VEHICLE GOES INTO NEUTRAL EVEN THOUGH THE SHIFT INDICATOR IS IN THE DRIVE POSITION. WHEN ACCELERATING AFTER STOPPING THE VEHICLE MOVES UNEXPECTEDLY AFTER APPLYING GAS. MANUFACTURER HAS BEEN NOTIFIED ABOUT THE PROBLEM. THE PROBLEM HAS NOT BEEN CORRECTED. PLEASE PROVIDE ANY FURTHER DETAILS.

Look up ODI 842182 at NHTSA ↗

000
Power Train:Automatic Transmission000
2
ODI 707846

FORD HAS A TSB 98-22-1 REGARDING A FALSE NEUTRAL AFTER DRIVING. HERE IS WHAT HAPPENS- VEHICLE IS STOPPED IN DRIVE. WHEN THROTTLE IS REAPPLIED THE VEHICLE SOMETIMES DOESN'T MOVE. BUT, IT SOMETIMES ABRUPTLY DROPS BACK INTO DRIVE. THIS HAS CAUSED A SUDDEN UNEXPECTED LURCHING FORWARD COMPLETE WITH TIRE SQUEALING. IT WOULD BE VERY LIKELY TO CAUSE AN ACCIDENT IN STOP-AND-GO TRAFFIC WITH THIS DEFECT. FORD ADMITS THIS DEFECT, THEY JUST DON'T WANT TO FIX IT AFTER 3/36K WARRANTY.

Look up ODI 707846 at NHTSA ↗

ODI 842182

WHEN COMING TO A STOP, THE VEHICLE GOES INTO NEUTRAL EVEN THOUGH THE SHIFT INDICATOR IS IN THE DRIVE POSITION. WHEN ACCELERATING AFTER STOPPING THE VEHICLE MOVES UNEXPECTEDLY AFTER APPLYING GAS. MANUFACTURER HAS BEEN NOTIFIED ABOUT THE PROBLEM. THE PROBLEM HAS NOT BEEN CORRECTED. PLEASE PROVIDE ANY FURTHER DETAILS.

Look up ODI 842182 at NHTSA ↗

—00
1
ODI 753194

WE BELIEVE THE SHEER NUMBER OF DEFECT ON THIS CAR IS UNBELIEVABLE. WE PURCHASED IT USED FROM MY PARENTS. TOTAL COST OF NON "WEAR AND TEAR" REPAIRS IS AROUND $5000. THIS IS OVER 25% OF THE VEHICLES ORIGINAL VALUE, AND OVER 50% OF THE VALUE AT TIME OF PURCHASE. WHILE NO ACCIDENTS HAVE OCCURRED, WE BELIEVE FORD SHOULD TAKE RESPONSIBILITY FOR A BAD PRODUCT. *AK

Look up ODI 753194 at NHTSA ↗

Engine And Engine Cooling0
1
ODI 8017172

WHILE DRIVING, THE CONSUMER TURNED THE IGNITION OFF. UPON STARTING THE VEHICLE AGAIN, THE STARTER MADE A FUNNY NOISE. ALSO, THE THERMOSTAT WAS EXTREMELY HIGH. THE CONSUMER HAD TAKEN THE VEHICLE TO THE DEALER, AND THE PROBLEM WAS NOT RESOLVED. *AK THE CONSUMER STATED THAT THE RADIATOR WAS OPENED AND THE ANTI-FREEZE WAS LOW-REFILLED. THE MECHANIC THOUGHT IT WAS THE WATER PUMP. THE HEAD GASKET WAS LEAKING. *SCC

Look up ODI 8017172 at NHTSA ↗

000—00
Service Brakes, Hydraulic:Antilock/Traction Control/Electronic Limited Slip0
1
ODI 8017553

ABS BRAKING LIGHT SYSTEM APPEARS ON DASHBOARD. ALSO THERE IS COOLANT MIXED IN WITH OIL INSIDE OF ENGINE. DEALERSHIP IS AWARE OF THE PROBLEMS. *AK

Look up ODI 8017553 at NHTSA ↗

0000—
2
ODI 716533

I AM CONCERNED ABOUT THE WARNING LIGHTS ON THE DASHBOARD. WHEN DRIVING THIS VEHICLE THE ABS BRAKE LIGHT ALONG WITH THE EMERGENCY BRAKE STAY LIT WHILE DRIVING AND WHEN THE VEHICLE IS BEING USED. IT ALSO SEEMS THAT THE DOOR AJAR BUZZER TENDS TO KEEP SOUNDING WHILE DRIVING. THIS IS A HINDRANCE WHILE DRIVING.

Look up ODI 716533 at NHTSA ↗

ODI 883922

BRAKE PADS TWICE AND THE BRAKE ROTORS ONCE NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. ABS LIGHT AND PARKING BRAKE LIGHT IN THE DASH BEGAN TO FLASH ON AND OFF. CURRENTLY, THEY ARE STAYING ON IN VEHICLE. PLEASE PROVIDE ANY ADDITIONAL INFORMATION/ATTACHMENT. *AK

Look up ODI 883922 at NHTSA ↗

Parking Brake:Conventional0000
1
ODI 753194

WE BELIEVE THE SHEER NUMBER OF DEFECT ON THIS CAR IS UNBELIEVABLE. WE PURCHASED IT USED FROM MY PARENTS. TOTAL COST OF NON "WEAR AND TEAR" REPAIRS IS AROUND $5000. THIS IS OVER 25% OF THE VEHICLES ORIGINAL VALUE, AND OVER 50% OF THE VALUE AT TIME OF PURCHASE. WHILE NO ACCIDENTS HAVE OCCURRED, WE BELIEVE FORD SHOULD TAKE RESPONSIBILITY FOR A BAD PRODUCT. *AK

Look up ODI 753194 at NHTSA ↗

0
2
ODI 716533

I AM CONCERNED ABOUT THE WARNING LIGHTS ON THE DASHBOARD. WHEN DRIVING THIS VEHICLE THE ABS BRAKE LIGHT ALONG WITH THE EMERGENCY BRAKE STAY LIT WHILE DRIVING AND WHEN THE VEHICLE IS BEING USED. IT ALSO SEEMS THAT THE DOOR AJAR BUZZER TENDS TO KEEP SOUNDING WHILE DRIVING. THIS IS A HINDRANCE WHILE DRIVING.

Look up ODI 716533 at NHTSA ↗

ODI 883922

BRAKE PADS TWICE AND THE BRAKE ROTORS ONCE NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. ABS LIGHT AND PARKING BRAKE LIGHT IN THE DASH BEGAN TO FLASH ON AND OFF. CURRENTLY, THEY ARE STAYING ON IN VEHICLE. PLEASE PROVIDE ANY ADDITIONAL INFORMATION/ATTACHMENT. *AK

Look up ODI 883922 at NHTSA ↗

—

Co-reporting does not establish that one component caused another concern.

Recurring narrative patterns

Specific keyword mentions beyond broad component labels. Matching includes negations and comparisons and does not confirm a diagnosis.

6 patterns with matching reports.

Steering assistance concerns

6 mentions · 3.1% of complaints

Median mileage: 108,586 mi (2 usable records).

ODI 10144086 · 75,172 mi

DT: THE CONTACT STATES HAS BEEN HAVING SEVERAL PROBLEMS WITH VEHICLE SINCE 2002. ON APRIL 28, 2004 THE SPEEDOMETER WAS NOT PROVIDING AN ACCURATE SPEED READING. ON DECEMBER 9, 2004 THE SLIDING DOOR WOULD NOT UNLOCK OR SLIDE PROPERLY. THE DEALER REPLACED THE DOOR LOCK ACTUATOR AND DETERMINED THAT THE SLIDE WHEELS WERE DRY. THE DEALERSHIP REPLACED THE DOOR LATCH, AND NOW IT NEEDED REPLACEMENT AGAIN. ON FEBRUARY 5, 2005 THE ENGINE WAS REPLACED AT 75, 172 MILES, AND ON NOVEMBER 21, 2005 THE POWER STEERING FAILED AND WAS REPLACED. ALL REPAIRS H…

Look up ODI 10144086 at NHTSA ↗

ODI 10184352 · 142,000 mi

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 1997 FORD WINDSTAR. WHILE DRIVING AT 45 MPH THE POWER STEERING FAILED. THE FRONT SPRING FAILED AND PUNCTURED THE FRONT PASSENGER TIRE. THE CONTACT WAS ABLE TO DRIVE THE VEHICLE TO THE SIDE OF THE ROAD. THE CONTACT STATED THAT RECALL #01I007000: SUSPENSION:FRONT:SPRINGS:COIL SPRINGS WAS RELATED TO THE FAILURE. THE MANUFACTURER ADVISED THE CONTACT THAT THE RECALL EXPIRED. THE CURRENT AND FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 142,000. *AK

Look up ODI 10184352 at NHTSA ↗

ODI 523023

POWER STEERING FLUID LEAKAGE. VEHICLE ROLLS AFTER BEING IN PARK ON SLIGHTEST INCLINE.

Look up ODI 523023 at NHTSA ↗

Matching rule\b(power steer\w*|steering assist\w*|steering lock\w*|steering wheel lock\w*)\b

Warning lights and dashboard alerts

5 mentions · 2.6% of complaints

Median mileage: 100,500 mi (2 usable records).

ODI 10070667 · 87,000 mi

I BOUGHT THIS 1997 FORD WINDSTAR IN MARCH OF 2003. THE VERY NEXT DAY I RETURNED TO THE INDEPENDENT CAR DEALER DUE TO THE CHECK ENGINE LIGHT WAS ON. THEY SAID NOTHING WAS WRONG AND THEY RESET THE LIGHT. WITHIN A WEEK IT WAS ON AGAIN AND THIS TIME THEY SAID IT WAS A FLUXATION IN THE ELECTRICAL CURRENT AND IT WAS MAKING THE LIGHT COME ON. THEY RESET IT. ABOUT 2 WEEKS LATER IT IS LOSING COOLANT SOMEWHERE AND RUNNING ROUGH, THEY CHECK IT AND NOW IT NEEDS 2 OUT OF 4 OXYGEN SENSORS REPLACED IM TOLD. THEY PAY FOR IT IF THEY TRULY FIXED IT BECAUSE ABOUT…

Look up ODI 10070667 at NHTSA ↗

ODI 10175808 · 114,000 mi

DT*: THE CONTACT STATED THE CHECK ENGINE LIGHT ILLUMINATED CONSTANTLY, AND THE OVERDRIVE LIGHT LOCATED ON THE GEARSHIFT ILLUMINATED INTERMITTENTLY. THIS WAS ACCOMPANIED BY A STRONG SMELL OF SOMETHING ELECTRICAL BURNING. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO A PRIVATE REPAIR SHOP, WHERE IT WAS DETERMINED THAT THE SENSOR ON THE MASTER CYLINDER HAD CAUGHT ON FIRE, AND ALSO BURNED THE WIRING HARNESS BETWEEN THE MASTER CYLINDER AND THE TRANSMISSION. THE MECHANIC REPLACED THE SENSOR ON THE MASTER CYLINDER, ON THE TRANSMISSION, AND THE WIRING HARNESS, WHICH COR…

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ODI 702197

NORM CONDITIONS 20 MPH STOP ABS ENGAGED,DELAYED STOP. NEAR ACCIDENT. DEALER FOUND NO PROBLEM, NOT REPEATABLE. ONE YEAR LATER PROBLEM RECURRED, AND ABS LIGHT ILLUMINATED. DEALER TO REPLACE LEFT WHEEL SENSOR. SEEMS THAT IF THE ON-BOARD COMPUTER DOESN'T THINK THERE IS A PROBLEM, THE TECHNICIANS CANNOT FIND IT. SENSORS COULD HAVE BEEN REPLACED EARLIER AS A PRECAUTION. OTHER PROBLEM- DRIVING 55 ON HIGHWAY AND TRANSMISSION DOWNSHIFTED UNCOMMANDED. CHECK ENGINE LIGHT HAD BEEN ILLUMINATED SINCE EARLIER INCIDENT WITH THE DEALER UNABLE TO DIAGNOSE.…

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Matching rule\b(warning light\w*|check engine|dashboard warning\w*|malfunction indicator)\b

Stalling or loss of power

4 mentions · 2.1% of complaints

Median mileage: Unavailable (0 usable records).

ODI 716971

VAN LOST POWER AND STALLED. TOOK TO SERVICE CENTER AND WAS FOUND TO HAVE MAIN BEARING SPUN AND CRACKED BLOCK. SINCE WARRANTY WAS OVER ON MILEAGE, NEITHER THE DEALER NOR FORD MOTOR COMPANY WILL WARRANTY OR EVEN LOOK AT IT. WAS TOLD IT WAS "LACK OF MAINTENANCE" THAT CAUSED PROBLEM. *AK

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ODI 722758

VAN LOST POWER ON ACCELERATION AND STOPPED. THE FRONT DRIVE WHEELS LOCKED-UP. DEALER DETERMINED PLANETARY GEAR IN TRANSMISSION BLEW. MANUFACTURER PAID FOR THE OUT OF WARRANTY (BY 4 MONTHS) REPAIRS. NOTE FORD HAS HISTORY OF PLANETARY GEAR FAILING (MY 91 TAURUS). *AK

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ODI 822463

WHILE DRIVING THE VEHICLE STALLS UNEXPECTEDLY DUE TO A ENGINE COMPUTER FAILURE AND SENSORS AND STEERING PROBLEM. DEALER CANNOT DETERMINE PROBLEM. *AK

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Matching rule\b(stall\w*|loss of power|lost power|engine shut\w* off)\b

Brake response concerns

2 mentions · 1.0% of complaints

Median mileage: Unavailable (0 usable records).

ODI 602954

ANTILOCK BRAKES FAILED 3 TIMES.

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ODI 825212

ABS BRAKES; WHEN APPLYING BRAKES UNDER NORMAL CONDITIONS, THE PEDAL GOES TO THE FLOOR AND BRAKES FAILED TO STOP VEHICLE, CAUSING EXTENDED STOPPING DISTANCE. *AK

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Matching rule\b(brake fail\w*|brakes fail\w*|brake pedal|braking distance|unintended braking|phantom braking)\b

Hard or delayed shifting

2 mentions · 1.0% of complaints

Median mileage: Unavailable (0 usable records).

ODI 707846

FORD HAS A TSB 98-22-1 REGARDING A FALSE NEUTRAL AFTER DRIVING. HERE IS WHAT HAPPENS- VEHICLE IS STOPPED IN DRIVE. WHEN THROTTLE IS REAPPLIED THE VEHICLE SOMETIMES DOESN'T MOVE. BUT, IT SOMETIMES ABRUPTLY DROPS BACK INTO DRIVE. THIS HAS CAUSED A SUDDEN UNEXPECTED LURCHING FORWARD COMPLETE WITH TIRE SQUEALING. IT WOULD BE VERY LIKELY TO CAUSE AN ACCIDENT IN STOP-AND-GO TRAFFIC WITH THIS DEFECT. FORD ADMITS THIS DEFECT, THEY JUST DON'T WANT TO FIX IT AFTER 3/36K WARRANTY.

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ODI 846185

1996 WINDSTAR WAS AT A STOP THEN VEHICLE LURCHED FORWARD UNEXPECTEDLY WHICH COULD HAVE CAUSED A CRASH AND /OR INJURIES. *AK

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Matching rule\b(hard shift\w*|rough shift\w*|delay\w* shift\w*|shift\w* hard|jerk\w*|lurch\w*)\b

Fuel smell or leak mentions

1 mentions · 0.5% of complaints

Median mileage: 77,000 mi (1 usable records).

ODI 10158181 · 77,000 mi

DT*: THE CONTACT STATED THE FUEL TANK CRACKED RESULTING IN FUEL LEAKAGE. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC AND THE FUEL TANK WAS REPLACED. THE CONTACT IS THE ORIGINAL OWNER AND EXPLAINED THE VEHICLE HAS NEVER BEEN IN AN ACCIDENT.

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Matching rule\b(fuel leak\w*|gas leak\w*|gas(?:oline)? smell|smell\w* (?:of )?(?:fuel|gas))\b