On my 1999 Ford Windstar SE, the antilock brake system ECM is defective because the computer board is mounted on an aluminum plate which expands from engine and summer heat, causing the dashboard ABS light to come on and possibly failure of the ABS system.

- Lake Charles, LA, USA

ABS and brake lights would turn on at times while driving at various speeds. Added extra fluid in brake reservoir (over filled) and brake light stopped turning on. ABS light used to turn on about 2 times a months with 38000 miles on the car. Now light turns on almost all the time with 1400000 miles on the car. Brakes have been completely replaces, calipers, pads, rotors and all other worn parts. All front suspension parts, including struts are new. Rear has new shocks and brake parts as well. All brakes properly bled but the ABS light continues almost every time it is driven. Car is driven daily. Mpg was about 21mpg average before 35K miles but now only about 17 mpg. Engine and transmission has all maintenance completed on schedule - transmission mercon V fluid replaced each 30K motor oil by schedule in manual. Car has had other electrical problems - like the dome light turning on randomly while driving down the road - this is very dangerous at night. I do not know if the two problems are related. Also the rear ac would turn on randomly since new, but Ford said they could not find the problem. I finally figured it out - the dash control switch for the rear ac is incorrectly maid and the lever goes past the off position. This causes the rear ac to randomly turn on and would probably be considered a short. The car was purchased new in 1999 from hub city Ford in lafayette, la. There appears to be several electrical shorts in the van that they were never able to diagnose or fix. Is this dangerous" the clicking sound from the rear ac system? the ABS randomly turning on? the mpg dropping so drastically when the ABS started turning on? the front of the car sounding like it is hitting large bumps in the road when there are only minor imperfections" this has continued for over 100000 miles and we would like to know if it is dangerous or just an extreme irritation. Guillory

- Youngsville, LA, USA

The ABS braking system on my 1999 Ford Windstar has been malfunctioning for about the past 6-9 months. They will come on at inappropriate times (when conditions don't warrant the use of ABS brakes) and will stop working altogether at other times. The cruise control has not worked for about the past year and a half and the speedometer intermittently works. Brake fluid is leaking down under the master cylinder in my engine-all over wires. The constant problems with the ABS braking system are causing unnecessary wear and tear on my brakes making constant replacement a necessity. I have disconnected the ABS braking system in my van in order to prevent a fire or catastrophic failure of the brakes that would endanger my family.

- Canton, OH, USA

The ABS warning light activates intermittently (it might be fine for a couple of days then will suddenly come on). When the vehicle is shut off, the ABS seems to reset and the light will be off when the vehicle is restarted. The code is C1185. My mechanic wants to replace the hydraulic pump and ehcu ($1000) the vehicle is a Ford Windstar 1999 SE 125,000 miles.

- Louisville, KY, USA

- the contact had a 1999 Ford Windstar with an odometer reading of 95000 miles and the brakes failed. The contact stated that when she applied the brakes at any speed the vehicle will not slow down, and she would feel a pulsating vibration. The contact said that the anti lock brake light stayed on at all times, and the brake pedal went to the floor before the vehicle stopped. The weather has not been a factor when this occurred.. the contact took the vehicle to a repair shop, and they stated that they had fixed the problem, but did not give her a repair order.

- Maridon, CT, USA

Anti-lock brake light went on. I drove it this way for two months. 15 codes in the system. Ford dealer states it's the hydraulic and electric box. To repair both would cost $800 or so, which is including labor and parts. States it's a known problem of 1999 Ford Windstar. I have no anti-lock brakes when the ABS light is on. Declining to fix at this time, but a huge liablility for myself. Possiblity of brake failure not discussed at this time. I have already had to repair the upper intake manifold 500.00+ (at a Ford dealer) and also had the door ajar problem, which was fixed at home here for 0$. this is the third and final problem listed on consumer reports that this vehicle is known for.

- Stevens Point, WI, USA

The vehicle's check engine light illuminated. The vehicle was taken to the dealer who replaced the fuel filter. The alternator, right inner cv boot, ABS module, and brake master cylinder were replace.

- Houston, TX, USA

Front heater does not work. Thumping noise from dashboard. Dealer (person Ford, laverne, ca) wants $500 to replace heating valve/flap. ABS light stays on dealer could not figure out the cause.

- Claremont, CA, USA

There is a "skip" in the transmission that is a hard thud when it happens. I took it to the dealer, after several days and over 100 miles they "found" the problem and fixed it. It started to do it again about 6 months later. I just recently took it in for the console lights flickering when accelerating and told them again about the "thumping". they charged me for the diagnoses of there's nothing wrong, it's the A/C compressor that runs all the time. Also the brakes squeak horribly when you first start out with it for the day. They said the brakes rust and there wasn't anything they could do about it, that's just the way it goes. The date I'm using is an estimated date of when things first occurred.

- Hornell, NY, USA

The ABS motor switch became stuck while braking and resulted in noise from the ABS system. The consumer turned the vehicle off but the noise persisted.

- Springfield, MO, USA

On two occasions the brakes in my 1999 Windstar failed. Both occasions involved damage to my Windstar. The first accident occured in November 2002 and in that accident two other autos were involved. In both accidents the brakes did not engage even though I stepped on the brakes hard. I told the dealer (koon's Ford in falls church, va) on both occasions that the brakes did not engage properly. They told me nothing was wrong with the brakes. I felt so scared driving my Windstar that I just traded it it at a big loss (us$4,000 trade in) for a new 2003 Toyota sequoa. I took possession of my new auto today 1/18/03). The brakes simply did not engage on these two occasions. While they worked fine at other times. This is a problem that needs to be looked into.

- Falls Church, VA, USA

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.

- Garden City, NY, USA

Consumer applied brakes at 55 mp and, brake pedal felt normal. ABS system never kicked in. Consumer lost control of vehicle, went into ditch and rolled over. Passenger suffered 11 fractures/ driver minor injuries. Vehicle was totalled.

- Clio, MI, USA

Vehicle has had intermittent brake failure, pedal went to the floor at any speed. This has happened 20-25 times. Vehicle taken to dealer 4 times, could not find a cause.

- Clarksville, TN, USA

I have had more than 4 problems with this car in past two years that have been major problems. I would just like to see if other people have had as much problems with the steering and the van it's self.

- Carson, CA, USA

Approached stop sign and pressed brakes which made a loud grating metal sound which had never happened before. As I slid into intersection I flipped gears to park which finally stopped the car. Took car to dealer and was told the rear brakes were practically unused and the front brakes were worn out which led them to believe the rear brakes were not connected or functioning and had not done so for some time. Ford refused to cover this under our bumper to bumper warranty even though there is obviously some type of defective faulty part involved. Luckily no accident came of this incident.

- West Jordan, UT, USA

Power steering under carridge wentout which taken the power steering to the wheel. Vehicle is at the dealership waiting for parts. The stereo system failed. Brake makes grinding noise. The rear door light keeps falling down whenever the door closed.

- Grinnell, IA, USA

Travelling at approx. 43 mph speed and applied brake. Vehicle accelerated instead of slowing down to stop as it supposed to do and caused auto accident. At the time of accident, vehicle had only 2 person, if the mini van was fully loaded with max. Wt., result could be much worse. Tried to test the brake again on a straight asphalted highway under the same speed and condition, pressed the brake pedal, vehicle accelerate first and then slow down to stop in long distance.

- La Mirada, CA, USA

While pulling up into driveway, going slowly, applied brakes and vehicle didn't stop, it crashed into the garage door. Contacted dealer. Consumer was told that ABS brakes were okay.

- N Hollywood, CA, USA

When brakes pedal was applied vehicle accelerated instead of slowing down to stop as it should. Dealer has inspected vehicle, and could not find the cause.

- Oaklawn, IL, USA