Speed control deactivation switch on 1999 Ford Windstar was leaking brake fluid. Problem found when ABS light came on and speedometer, odometer, brake-shift interlock, air conditioner and a few other items no longer functioned. Apparently fluid caused a short that activated a fuse, disabling these items. Requested Ford repair at their cost as switch is same as was recalled under NHTSA campaign id number: 05V388000. They refused since recall does not include Windstar. Switch was replaced, at my cost, and problems appears resolved.

- Perkasie, PA, USA

Cruise control wiring harness started to smoke and melt. Caught it on time thank god. I know there have been recalls about this on other vehicles but not on the Windstar. Ford Motor Company needs to be made aware of this. This is a safety issue and they know it. And on top of that it is about $300 to get this repaired after it burns which it is not affordable these days.

- Palm Bay, FL, USA

The contact owns a 1999 Ford Windstar. While driving approximately 35 mph, the contact noticed smoke coming from the front end of the vehicle. After closer inspection of the vehicle, he noticed that the wiring harness leading to the master cylinder was melted. The failure led to a small fire under the hood. His model was not included in NHTSA campaign id number 07V336000 (vehicle speed control). The contact still has possession of the melted wiring harness. The vehicle has not been inspected by a dealer to determine the cause of the failure. The failure and current mileages were 162,000. Updated 12/02/08. Updated 12/03/08.

- San Jose, , IL, USA

The contact owns a 1999 Ford Windstar. The vehicle has been leaking brake fluid. The contact took the vehicle to the dealer and was informed that the leak was caused by failure in the electrical system and the vehicle speed control. After researching the issue, she discovered that there was an investigation currently taking place for the same failures (electrical system: Wiring), (vehicle speed control: Cruise control). She called the dealer and they stated that they could not repair the vehicle for free because it was not included in a recall. The failure mileage was 100,000 and current mileage was 103,000. Updated 12-15-08 updated 12/17/08.

- Philladelphia, PA, USA

Brake fluid leaking out of the speed control brake differential deactivation switch. Possible fire hazard.

- Ammon, ID, USA

I have a red brake light intermittently illuminating, and my cruise control quit working. The brake switch just below the master cylinder has evidence of leakage and it is seeping onto the wiring and speed control box. If it continues without service serious damage is eminent.

- Alvin, TX, USA

Brake pressure deactivation switch leaking fluid causing cruise control not to work and possibly causing problems with the ECM control module. Also a possible risk of fire caused by the leaking fluid into the wiring for the ECM control module causing it to short out. ABS brakes not working due to faulty ECM control module. Parts have been priced, but no repairs have been scheduled yet due to a lack of money to pay for repairs.

- Arkansas City, KS, USA

I was preparing to turn over the ownership of my 1999 Ford Windstar van to my son. After going over the vehicle and checking the fluid levels, I remembered the fact that the van had used an inappropriate amount of brake fluid over the past months. I checked the brakes, lines, calipers, etc to find the trouble. I was made aware of the areas I should search because I had a recall notice about my E150 van warning of possible failure and danger of fire from a cruise control cutout switch mounted on the bottom of the master cylinder. I checked the fuse box on the Windstar because my instrument cluster had failed, I saw a blown fuse but the fuse bax did not have what the fuse controlled printed on it. I replaced the fuse and started the car. Immediately, I saw and smelled smoke coming from under the hood. I shut off the ignition. Because the master brake cylinder is not accessible for service unless the windshield wiper panel assembly, I removed the assembly and saw that the wiring to this switch on the bottom of the master brake cylinder had burned. I removed the switch and it was so burned that it fell apart in my hands. The seal in the switch had failed and allowed the brake fluid to contact the switch contacts and also leak out. I replaced the switch and wiring at my expense because the switch was not on Ford's recall list even though it is the same exact problem and switch as in the E150 which was under recall.

- Port Saint Lucie, FL, USA

Not only does my 99 Windstar stall and jerk and will not pick up speed properly but the check engine light will not go off and the ABS light will come on after I start the van and stay on as well. If I drive over 55 the O/D light flashes. When I take off from a light the O/D light flashes and the van will not pick up speed and then it jerks into gear. If I am at an incline the vehicle will not go into gear or it will make a real loud noise and jerk into gear. If anyone else who is having the same problem would like to file a class action suit against Ford about this problem.

- Albany, GA, USA

The contact owns a 1999 Ford winnebago brave. The model of the vehicle was not listed in the drop down menu at the time of this complaint. The contact stated that the cruise control does not work. After using the component, he cannot get the device to set again. He stated that there is a recall on this component, but is unaware if the recall applies to his particular vehicle. The engine size and a valid VIN were unknown. The current mileage is 40,000 and failure mileage was 35,000.

- Birmingham, AL, USA

I am writing to you concerning a complaint I have against Ford Motor Company. I own a 99 Ford Windstar. Approximately 117,000 miles. He cruise control recently caught on fire. It was at five star Ford now being repaired. I have a letter to you drafted, however, it was to long for this field. Please contact me, and I will forward it.

- North Richland Hills, TX, USA

: the contact stated the vehicle speed control relay on the master brake cylinder caught on fire after the vehicle was parked and turned off. The contact noticed smoke from the engine compartment and saw fire coming from the relay when the hood was opened. The service dealer and manufacturer were notified. The manufacturer referred the contact to NHTSA.

- Olney, IL, USA

While driving down the interstate, moving at a speed of 65 mph, the fuse (10)controlling the speed control module, ABS module, brake shift interlock solenoid, powertrain control module, etc. Etc. Blew. Instantly, I had no speedometer, ABS light came on and my rear A/C began blowing on its own. I have since replaced #10 fuse and it has blown repeatedly. Since this past Friday, I have also learned that my cruise control is no longer functioning. I have done the research and have found from my fellow Ford lemon owners, that this is not an uncommon occurance. I will be replacing the cruise control switch and/or brake pressure switch (which is located by the master cyclinder; which commonly seems to have a short in the circuit due to the wonderful job Ford did designing their vehicles.

- Indian Trail, NC, USA

Engine revs unexplainable, causing unexpected and difficult to control sudden acceleration of vehicle. Extreme brake application needed to stop vehicle during incidents. Has occurred in excess of 20 times so far during the life of the vehicle, nearly causing accident on several occasions. Ford dealer unable to identify the problem.

- Mattituck, NY, USA

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, 508-996-5611, 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 nearly striking my wife who was waling into the garage from the side. I believe this should be looked into as a accident could occur if not already. ***dimsii IVOQ entry posted after 12-12-02 cut over to artemis***760968

- New Bedford, MA, USA

When vehicle is stopped at a light engine revs and vehicle lunges forward.

- Grand Rapid, MI, USA

When stopping at a light vehicle revs as if foot is on gas pedal.

- Grand Rapids, MI, USA

Consumer applied accelerator at intersection engine revved, but vehicle would not move. Dealer rebuilt transmission. In July 2002, transmission would not shift into gear at start up, again transmission was rebuilt.

- Tinton Falls, NJ, USA

While driving at highway speeds, consumer took foot off accelerator, the vehicles dash lights illuminated and the engine died. Took vehicle to dealer who replaced the valve throttle assembly. Consumer also states that the valve cover was replaced.

- Cuy Falls, OH, USA

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 street, new bedford, MA 02745, 508-996-5611, , this last time 04/16/02 they said the problem was with the transmission and they ordered a new transmission. I believe it it something else other than the transmission. On 04/15/02 my vehicle was in the garge I park 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 nearly striking my wife who was waling into the garge from the side. I believe this should be looked into as a accident could occuer if not already.

- New Bedford, MA, USA