10.0

really awful
Crashes / Fires:
36 / 2
Injuries / Deaths:
18 / 0
Average Mileage:
2,623 miles

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« Read the previous 20 complaints

problem #241

Apr 112001

Windstar

  • Automatic transmission
  • miles
Consumer was under vehicle looking at another problem and noticed brake lines were rusted. Consumer owned another Ford, Windstar with same problem except brake pedal went straight to floor. Vehicle wasn't experiencing any difficulty, but dealer and manufacturer would be contacted.

- Bolivar, OH, USA

problem #240

Mar 252001

Windstar

  • miles
Three times in the last 12 months the ABS system has failed. In all three instances the ABS activated during normal braking on dry surfaces, usually at low speeds while coming to a stop. It took extra distance to stop the vehicle and was quite disruptive and disconcerting to the driver. If a vehicle had been in front of us, I am sure it would have resulted in a rear end collision. Also, the ABS failure was erratic, that is, it did not duplicate every time the brakes were applied. The first two times, sensors were replaced and adjusted. The most recent time the ABS check light came on and the dealer determined that part #F58Z-2C219-aa integrated coil (dealer said it was the computer module for the ABS system) had failed and needed to be replaced. After being repaired the dealer then discovered an additional failure code indicating that a sensor had also failed.

- Hanover, NH, USA

problem #239

Mar 012001

Windstar

  • miles
Intermittent braking problems. At various speeds, without warning, ABS would kick in and the brake becomes hard and harsh. And the whole braking system makes a very loud grinding noise. The repair shop could not find the source of the problem. I do believe there is a brake design problem here because I have never encountered a similar problem in other cars.

- Flushing, NY, USA

problem #238

Jan 012001

Windstar

  • miles
ABS braking system is non-operable when applying brakes. Brakes feel like air inside of brake linning, and there is no support from dealership.

- Pleasant, CA, USA

problem #237

Jul 012000

Windstar

  • miles
Antilock brake light ignited on two occasions, filling with brake fluid fixed this problem. Now the anti lock brake light intermittantly comes on. When light is not activated, the antilock brakes are activated with every use of the brake, causing the brake pedal to become very difficult to depress. Once the brake goes beyond this point, the pedal will depress to the floor and pressure will push the pedal back up and pulsate. When coming to a complete stop the brakes will make a grinding sound from the right front. When the light is ignited and the antilock brakes are not operational, the brakes work normal, but still grind when a complete stop is made. There is a wire at the starter connection that works itself loose occassionally causing the engine not to start. When this occurs you need to jiggle the wire and tighten to get to start. This problem had been looked at and serviced in Sept 2000, but still occurs approximately every four months. The door ajar light and dome light intermittently activate. This seems to be false as all doors are closed. Again, some playing around with connections seem to fix this problem also. All problems seem to have occured after the vehicle reached 75,000 miles. We do have acquaintances who also own Windstar of the same year and have the same antilock brake problem.

- Sussex, WI, USA

problem #236

Jan 012000

Windstar

  • miles
Recall on sliding door - problem ever since repaired. Rear wiper motor died three times and was replaced. Recall on head gaskets. Since Ford dealer replaced them, the intake manifold gaskets blew, replaced those at our expense (approx. $1000), then the front water pump gasket blew and replaced those at our expense (approx. Another $500), then the engine blew and we were informed that the cause was water and antifreeze got into the engine and spun the bearings.... told by the parts manager that it all started back with the head gaskets. Ford is not backing their engine due to this problem. Also, was not told the first time we came in that the replacement of the head gasket would cause more gaskets to break until after our second return to the service center. Since then, we authorized them to replace the engine. Ford does not have any on the shelf because they have gone thru so many of them and it would be another four weeks waiting period! meanwhile, we will be wihtout a vehicle for two months and it will cost us another $1,000.! as far as the anti-lock brakes, the rear passenger side would make a loud thumping sound when brakes were applied....however, dealership said they could not find any problem. Therefore, we had to put up with the loud sound, which frightened my passengers and myself.

- Chagrin Falls, OH, USA

problem #235

Jan 242001

(reported on)

Windstar

  • miles
While traveling at 20 mph ABS system is activing while on dry roads, resulting in extended stopping distance without any indication.

- Plymouth, MO, USA

problem #234

Jan 112001

Windstar

  • Automatic transmission
  • miles
Consumer was traveling on the highway, and transmission slipped when she put vehicle in gear. Also, when she applied brakes pedals went all the way to floor.

- Pleasant Grove, CA, USA

problem #233

Dec 041997

Windstar

  • miles
Front brakes were replaced, the caliper was hanging up, brake pads were replaced, and the rotors were resurfaced causing the ABS light to come on.

- Santa Cruz, CA, USA

problem #232

Aug 252000

Windstar

  • Automatic transmission
  • miles
When brakes were applied at 30mph in a panic stop pedal went to floor, resulting in extended stopping distance, causing a collision. Manufacturer has been notified.

- Nutley, NJ, USA

problem #231

Sep 082000

(reported on)

Windstar

  • miles
ABS problems: When applying brakes, pedal goes too far down before brake system will engage. This happens during normal stopping on smooth and dry road conditons. ABS warning light continues to stay on. Van has been taken to the dealerships a total of 4 times.dealership is not able to correct this problem. This has been an ongoing problem for the last two years.

- Detriot, MI, USA

problem #230

Sep 052000

Windstar

  • miles
While stepping on brake pedal vehicle would not stop. Had taken vehicle to dealer the week before to add brake fluid. But, had to repair brake line that had rusted through, causing brakes not to operate.

- Webster, NY, USA

problem #229

Aug 102000

(reported on)

Windstar

  • miles
No summary listed for above vehicle.

- San Leandro, CA, USA

problem #228

Aug 102000

(reported on)

Windstar

  • miles
No summary listed for above vehicle.

- San Leandro, CA, USA

problem #227

Jul 012000

Windstar

  • miles
ABS system motor operates intermitently at low speed normal stops. All sensors have been cleaned and checked, but the ABS will operate intermitently and cause discomfort while breaking: Effectiveness does not seemto be reduced, but the surprise of the pedal pulsating might cause a reduction in pedal pressure and result in a reduction of braking efficiency.

- Midland, MI, USA

problem #226

Mar 011999

Windstar

  • miles
The brakes were repaired prior to us ever taking possesion of the vehicle, 1 week after purchase the transmissions and electrical system were under repair for 3 wks, electric sys still does not fnction properly, A/C never worked in car, brought in for repair and engine is damaged due to recall - will not be fixed for 5 to 12 weeks. I want a comparable replacement vehicle

- Floral Park, NY, USA

problem #225

Feb 012000

Windstar

  • miles
When braking ant- lock system comes on making loud noises which Ford now says is normal for this vehicle.

- Bridgman, MI, USA

problem #224

May 272000

Windstar

  • Automatic transmission
  • miles
Total brake failure due to corrosion of the right from brake line. Vehicle taken to an independent repair shop for repairs. Manufacturer notified.

- Villa Park, IL, USA

problem #223

May 032000

(reported on)

Windstar

  • miles
Transmission has never worked properly. Hard shifts between gears, and reverse gear fails intermittently. Have had to Ford many times in last 5 years (when under warranty) and they refused to look at or fix saying "that's the way it's supposed to be" (don't think that's true since there are days I can't back my van up). Ford has never owned up to this problem. The 1995 Windstar is a lemon with multiple problems and should be taken off the road. Other problems are a leaky engine head gasket and spongy/faulty ABS brakes.

- Columbia, PA, USA

problem #222

May 012000

Windstar

  • miles
The ABS brakes were inspected three times by the dealer under warranty and the problem was not solved, and the brakes continue to act erratically. Engine head gasket was replaced by Ford under its warranty in 1998 but it continued to leak small amounts. The timing chain gasket is now leaking. The transmission was replaced at our expense in February 1999 (we've reported it here earlier) all these problems are well known by Ford, but except for the head gaskets, it has stonewalled us and other customers about the repairs. The transmission and the ABS are definite safety hazards, and the engine damage that can result from the gasket failures can leave people stranded without notice.

- Wauwatosa, WI, USA

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