ABS light stays on continuously. Was told it was due to a problem on the right front wheel, replaced parts on right front wheel, ABS light still stays on. No other reasons found for light to be on. Numerous attempts to correct have not succeeded. Check engine light continues to stay on. I have paid $89 3 times to have 'diagnostics' run which show no reason for the light to be on, yet it continues to stay on which will not allow my car to pass state inspection.

- Leesburg, VA, USA

This is a second or follow-up for my earlier complaint filed on the day of teh incident. I just found additional information and wanted to append this to my complaint. First complaint was about the total loss of braking in my 1996 Ford Windstar with 4 wheel discs and ABS. With a dual braking system the rupture of a brake line should not cause total brake loss but this failure did cause just that. If the electrical power was not on some pedal was evident. Once electrical power was on the pedal went to the floor. Since the ruptured brake line was in the rear and the front brakes still had fluid and do most of the braking I would have expected to retain some stopping capability. I purchased the 4 wheel disc system to gain a safer and more secure vehicle. If the additonal of ABS 4 wheel braking results in the loss of the dual master cylinder function, which is more critical, I think this option is less safe. The new information is the fact that other Ford Windstar have a recall for improperly installed brake lines which are subject to rust through and rupture. Ford tells me that my VIN is not in that group. I do not know if this is correct but the sumptoms sound identical. All the other brake lines in my car were in excellent shape save for the one to the rear brakes which ruptured and caused the loss of the fluid in the rear system. The front system retained fluid but did not pressurize the brakes. I assuem this failure was caused by the ABS but I can not be sure if that is the actual cause. Ford indciates that my need to replace the brake line is not the same as the existing recall. I am requesting that you investigate if the brake line problem with the Windstar product is larger that originally thought. My car also is supposed to have the master cylinder signage updated on a recall. Ford indicates my was done but I do not see any of the expected markings. Perhaps these were applied and have fallen off or I could be looking in the wrong place.

- Plainview, NY, USA

My 1996 Ford Windstar with ABS 4 wheel disc brakes experienced total brake failure on the NY cross island highway. I managed to get the car off the highway and into a parking lot. Despite having dual zone brakes and brake fluid remaining in the front brake system I had zero braking. I would think that paying extra for 4 wheel disk ABS brakes would not be at the cost of losing the value of the dual master cylinder. I expected improved braking with the ABS 4 wheel disk option. The loss of any braking mote than off-sets the heat discipatation and ABS features. Should having ABS and disc brakes make a car less safe" the car with only 58,500 miles on it had a metal brake hose rust out. This line went to the right rear brakes and the failure was in the middle of the car above the spare wheel. Other brake lines still appear rto be in excellent condition. I do not know why this one failed at this date. The real reason for this complaint is that I was surprised by the total loss of braking. I think this may be a design failure. Shouldn't the front brakes still have worked" indeed with the ignition and system off some pedal was encountered but with the power on there was absolutely no pedal. The indicator lights did indicate a braking problem. This car has been reported to Ford and to several dealers as the ABS/traction contorl often automatically disengages. Despite more that 20 attemtps to have this corrected at multiple dealers this problem persists. This is another problem that results in the loss of benefits in what should be a safety improvement. However, this report is not about the recurring traction control failure. This is only to surface the fact that braking force is totally lost when a brake line for the rear brakes fails.

- Plainview, NY, USA

While applying the brakes pedal went to the floor. Consumer was able to maintain control of the vehicle and pulled over. Vehicle stalled. Consumer tried to restart vehicle, but was unable to do so. Consumer had vehicle towed to the dealer for inspection, and mechanic could not duplicate the problem.

- Burlington, MA, USA

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 called said they replace just the ring all the time. I have 25 years of prof. Mechanic experience and I inspected and removed the axle to see if it showed any wear. **dimsii IVOQ entry posted after 12/12/02 cut-over to artemis*755180

- Lakeville, MA, USA

The ABS light illuminated on the dash board, and then the brake pedal traveled to the floor.

- Houston, TX, USA

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. 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.

- Oceanside, CA, USA

Engine light on. Dealership stated that head gasket needed replacement and possible engine damage. Found hundreds of complaints on internet relating to defect in 1995-1997 Windstar with head gasket problems. Ford dealership claims do not know anything about problem. Contacting Ford, but getting run around and tends not to speak to me since mileage is over 100,000. Obvious problem, as evidence by the ability to easily find others with same issue. Dealership suggested engine replacement at $4,000 or gasket replace at $1,200. Another issue is ABS light on. Seems to be another issue where known problem with Ford, but Ford not able to fix.

- Rockford, MI, USA

The brake bracket has gotten weak from rust and gets into rear hub causing a loud irritating noise. The rust causes the rear brake antilock sensor to light up in dash.

- Richmond, IN, USA

Front two brakes were replaced twice within a year with additional return for brake adjustments due to erratic soft pedal. Vehicle is equipped with anti lock brakes.

- Elizabeth, NJ, USA

While driving at 50mph and coming to a stop, the vehicle had extended stopping distance which caused the brakes to vibrate. Also the consumer stated that the antilock brakes activated when coming to a slow stop on dry pavement. The van was taken to suppes Ford of johnstown pa who replaced the right front exciter ring. (excellent short form)

- Johntown, PA, USA

At original new car deliver and recurring at approx. 800 mile increments, the traction control system (an component of the 4 wheel disk ABS option) disables itself and ceases to function. The car has been returned to the dealer and numerous complaints to Ford have also been issues. I loss the value of traction control which is one of the reasons I purchsed this vehicle and paid a substantial upgrade fee for this option. Despite many attemtps to resolve the problem still continues. Traction control remains disabled until the car can be shut down and restarted. This is dangerous to do on a highway and means I go without traction control for long periods. This problem was also the source of a nys lemon law action. More than 4 Ford dealerships have been asked to correct this problem without success.

- Plainview, NY, USA

The ABS light and check engine lights were on. The dealer mechanic replaced speed sensors and then told me the computer was also bad. He also told me that the main seal was leaking and said that Ford had lots of problems with the 3.8L V6 engine. He told me I should get rid of the car.

- Madison, AL, USA

While traveling and applying brakes there is a grinding noise. She has to pump the brakes. ABS braking system doesn't kick in there is a thumping noise. Dealership is aware of problem.,

- Barefoot Bay, FL, USA

ABS false activated at low speed. Probably typical for a vehicle with such high mileage.

- Brighton, MI, USA

Ongoing problem with excessive wear and replacement of brake system. Pads/ rotors had to be replaced on five occasions within five years. Reoccurring problem of a squealing noise coming from wheel when brakes were applied. Feel free to provide any further information on this matter.

- Franklin, IN, USA

Consumer was traveling 30mph on side street and heard a noise. Consumer applied brakes, and pedal went all the way to the floor. Vehicle started pulling to right, she was able to control vehicle. Dealership was aware of problem. Mechanic stated that left rear backing plate and brake shoe anchor rivets sheared off.

- Dujunga, CA, USA

Brakes go soft to floor, have had lines bled 3 times, air in left front line each time, none in other 3. problem seems to be coming back more frequently. Mechanic finds no fluid leak and master cylinder fluid is full.

- Fort Wayne, IN, USA

Consumer had to have whole head gasket set replaced, also brakes failed completly.

- Austin, TX, USA

While driving and upon making a sudden stop brake pedal goes all way to floorboard, causing extended stopping distance. Consumer has contacted dealer, dealer stated it was normal operation.

- Centre Hall, PA, USA