Consumer stated brake line rusted in the middle, a moderate stop forced line to rupture, causing complete loss of brakes, and brake fluid drained onto catalytic converter.

- South Euclid, OH, USA

Vehicle was leaking coolant. Took vehicle in for head gasket recall. After recall repairs were done manufacturer contacted owner stating that timing cover gasket needed replacement. Front brake hose ruptured in may of 2001, causing vehicle to not stop, rear brake lines ruptured in 2002, causing vehicle to not stop.

- Newport News, VA, USA

While driving at 35 mph another driver suddenly put on brakes, consumer applied brakes, and brake pedal went to the floor. Vehicle barely missed the other vehicle. Vehicle eventually stopped. Consumer had vehicle towed to mechanic, and mechanic stated that front brake line was broken. Mechanic stated possible brake lining leak, front and right side brake lines were replaced along with the master cylinder.

- Lynnfield, MA, USA

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

Condensation from the air conditioner corroded the steel hydraulic brake line to the right front wheel. Eventually, the line failed causing loss of brake fluid and loss of brakes. This is a serious safety issue which should be addressed.

- Ft Lauderdale, FL, USA

Corroded brake line on front right brake caliper, drained brake fluid causing the vehicle to lose control.

- Martinez, GA, USA

Brake system failure occurred while backing from garage due to loss of brake fluid. Towed to local brake shop and found severe corrosion on brake line located underneath the insulation where A/C condensate drips. This brake line serves the front right rotors.

- Martinez, GA, USA

My wife was driving down a hill with our 3 kids in the car when the brakes gave out completely. She had to swerve into the opposite lane to avoid hitting the car in front of her. After having the van towed back to our house I found that the front passenger brake line had rusted through in one section. The rest of the brake lines where find. It was only where the brake line was touching the engine heat sheild did it rust. I thank god my wife and kids did not get seriously hurt.

- Ijamsville, MD, USA

My wife was driving down a hill with our 3 kids in the car when the brakes gave out completely. She had to swerve into the opposite lane to avoid hitting the car in front of her. After having the van towed back to our house I found that the front passenger brake line had rusted through in one section. The rest of the brake lines where find. It was only where the brake line was touching the engine heat sheild did it rust. I thank god my wife and kids did not get seriously hurt.

- Ijamsville, MD, USA

This vehicle is on the 4th engine and the transmission has failed twice at speeds above 50 mph luckily without accident. The brake line that busrt is located directly above the catalytic converter. Having a brake line located directly above the catalytic.

- Racine, WI, USA

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

I kept burning out brakes every 6 months until the whole brake line blew up caused from heat. Mechanic said brake line melted due to placement next to heat from catalytic converter. A very serious manufacturers default. Potential fire and fatality safety issue! line needs heat resister shield next to converter. Head gasket blew but dealer claims recall only goes to 100K miles and won't cover blown engine. Just paid van off now the engine is gone! expected more than 5 years out of it. The van should be recalled!

- Loomis, CA, USA

Automobile burned up after being looked at by mechanic, and was told that it would happen because brake line was next to the catalytic converter. Consumer had just turned off vehicle to show mechanic that the brake lights were on.

- Loomis, CA, USA

When the brakes were applied pedal went to the floor, resulting in extended stopping distance. Dealer discovered that the problem was caused by corrosion of the brake line which led to loss of brake fluid. Vehicle has been repaired.

- Arnold, MD, USA

While driving on road heard a noise under the center of the floorboard when applying brakes. Pulled vehicle into the driveway, checked under the hood, and saw smoke from the center of engine towards the firewall. Pulled vehicle up on ramps, and the brake pedal went straight to the floor. Found brake fluid leaking on the catalytic converter. Contacted dealer, had vehicle towed. Dealer said that the brake line, to the right front flex hose from the junction block, had rusted and broke. Also, mentioned that the rear brake lines were rusted.

- Cincinati, OH, USA

When traveling and upon attemting to make a normal stop, brake pedal went to the floorboard, causing extended stopping distance. Consumer contacted the dealer, delaer noticed the brake line corroded and rusted out, causing the brake line to rupture, and resulting in poor brake performace.

- Gretna, LA, USA

While attempting to stop, the brake pedal went to the floor. Pumping the brake pedal did not stop the vehicle at this time a large amount of smoke was billowing from underneath and around the vehicle. Finally from downshifting and using the parking brake the vehicle was brought to a stop. As a master technician and service manager of a local dealership, I examined the vehicle and found a metal brake line that crosses from the left side of the veh. To the right side is located directly above the catalytic converter with no protection from heat or other damage. At this area directly above the catalytic converter the brake line was rusted excessively for about 8-10 inches. This is the area directly above the catalytic converter. Nothing else in this area is corroded or rusted. The rest of this brake line, as well as the other lines are in perfect condition. It seems that placing a brake line above the catalytic converter without any protection causes rapid oxidation once the protective coating is damaged from the extreme heat. The rusted brake line did have holes that sprayed brake fluid on the catalytic converter causing the smoke. Luckily no fire. I replaced this line myself and still have the old one in my possession. I wish nothing more than for Ford to recall these vehicles to prevent any unnecessary injury or death. I was on line with another 95 Windstar owner who experienced the exact same problem only his caught on fire and cost him $500. He has contacted NHTSA also. This is our first step and will not stop until something is done. Thank you for your efforts. Tom

- Baltimore, MD, USA

Experienced complete and suddent brake failure due to corroded brake lines.

- Greensboro, NC, USA

Pulling into parking lot brake light came on unexpectedly without warning, moisture is rusting brake line due to location, resulting in loss of brakes and control.

- Livonia, MI, USA

Brake line ruptured, causing fuel to leak from the brake line, resulting in complete brake failure.

- Marstons Mills, MA, USA