2000 Windstar caught on fire while parked in the garage. The origin of the fire was found to be the speed control activation switch.

- Toledo, OH, USA

: the contact stated while driving 5 mph, smoke was observed coming from underneath the hood and driver side wheel. There were no warning signals prior to the incident. Upon inspection, the smoke originated from the driver's side under the hood. The engine was turned off immediately and the smoke seized. After two hours, the vehicle was restarted and the smoke started immediately erupting from the same area. The vehicle was towed to the service dealer who determined that the speed control deactivation switch started to burn and the brake wire jumper kit was replaced. The manufacturer was contacted and the information was forwarded to the consumer relations department.

- Catawissa, PA, USA

: the contact stated while driving 25 mph, black smoke emanated from under the hood. Upon stopping the vehicle; the air conditioner, odometer, and speedometer failed simultaneously. The vehicle was taken to a private repair shop, where, while the mechanic was replacing a fuse, the cruise control switch caught fire and burned. The mechanic determined the cruise control switch was faulty, and replaced it. There was a NHTSA recall # 05V388000 pertaining to the vehicle speed control. The vehicle was not included in the recall due to the VIN.

- Columbus, GA, USA

The contact stated vehicle accelerated while she was attempting to park. The vehicle accelerated and crashed into a wall. There were no warnings, indicating a problem with the vehicle. The vehicle was towed to a service dealer, but has not been inspected to determine the cause of the problem.

- Marietta, GA, USA

On 2000 Ford Windstar speed control malfunctioned. Took the vehicle to the dealership, and they said it was the same part that malfunctioned in Ford, F50 pickup trucks. Also, they said that there were no recalls, and that this problem was a fire hazard in the F50 pickup trucks and the Lincoln Navigator. The consumer not yet contacted manufacturer. The speed control malfunctioned before several times. The dealership wanted $280 to fix this problem. No accidents occurred, and any vehicle parts that have been replaced in the past have all been replaced by Ford. The consumer complained that he already paid $80 just to have vehicle looked at by my dealership, and then they told him this was the same problem they were having with other vehicles.

- Indianapolis, IN, USA

Ford Windstar 2000, brakes would not stop the van or decrease the speed. The consumer stated while driving, the vehicle suddenly accelerated. When the second incident happened there was smoke coming from under the van. The dealer replaced the throttle position sensor.

- Carson, CA, USA

Consistant racing and stalling of vehicle. Virginia (wife) almost went through the wall in our garage when parking for the evening. Ford dealer is replacing the master air flow sensor. The item is not covered under our E.S.P. agreement purchased with the vehicle. I am concerned that others may find the same problems with the Windstar 2000. Ford customer service said that coverage on the part is a "numbers game"... that not enough people complained to date, but that I should keep my receipt and would be reimbursed if a recall sould come out.

- Bryan, OH, USA

While driving, the vehicle suddenly accelerated causing the vehicle to drive through a busy intersection. The driver was able to avoid a collision. The dealer replaced several components within the engine.

- Georgetown, SC, USA

For some reason, the first time, on 10 May 2003, the engine races at about 3500 - 4000 RPM, at a stop sign and still maintaining. When brake pedal is released van speeds very, very quickly, which could cause an accident in the rear end of a vehicle in front. Also, in idle, the engine rmps are between 3500 - 4000 RPM.

- Middletown, RI, USA

Consumer's vehicle experienced sudden acceleration. As consumer merged while accelerating in the passing gear, the speed was approximately 65 mph but rapidly climbing. Consumer took his foot off the pedal, but the vehicle kept accelerating, which made a loud maximum RPM engine sound. There was a downward movement of the pedal, as if the cruise control was on, the consumer stomped the pedal, but it wouldn't stop. The power steering and the power brakes went off with the engine. (coasting at 85 mph with no brakes or power steering) scc

- Lenexa, KS, USA

Vehicle made a big clunching sound, and then would not go, even though driver was pressing gas pedal. Also, heard a rumbling or grinding noise upon acceleration. She stated that dealer said that noise was normal, and that nothing was wrong with vehicle.

- Anaheim, CA, USA

While reversing, with foot still on the brake pedal, the vehicle suddenly accelerated at a high speed, crashing into a garage.

- Elberon, IA, USA

I was pulling into a parking space, when the van lurched and surged over an enbankment. Since I had my foot on the brake I feel the problem was mechanical.even though I cannot swear my foot did not slip off the brake I do not think it did. It is my opinion that something caused the Windstar to surge and even with my foot on the brake it would not stop. The vehicle hit the edge of the pavement at tht edge of the embankment, hit the ground 8-10 feet down the embankment, slid 3/4 sideways down the hill, hit a concrete water run off gulley and rolled onto the bottom of the left side then rolled back upright. The impact at the bottom of the hill was hard enough to break the front wheel, and crack the rear wheel. The vehicle had to be towed away. At no time during this "wild ride" did my seat belt tighten, or secure me in the seat. I found myself with my back over the right arm rest on the driver seat. I feel very lucky to be only battered and bruised by this crash. I believe had I been a frail person serious injuries would have occured. I am still having a problem with my lower back, it is sore and painful to touch. I also am having some muscle spasms in my lower back and upper legs, which I blame on the seat belt not securing me in place.

- Irvine, KY, USA

While vehicle was in a standing position with foot on brakes it launched several times. On one of the occasions vehicle had caused a minor collision, resulting in damage to bumper.

- Pembroke Pines, FL, USA

While slowing down to park vehicle, it will surge foward. Consumer has hit a steel pole due to that problem. This defect has presented itself three times. There were no accidents in two of the incidents. The dealer checked all of the components that contribute to this. There was no significant factor located that could have contributed to these incidents. Also, the air bags did not deploy when consumer hit the pole.

- Davenport, IA, USA

While consumer is at a stop sign or in a stopping position vehicle surges, lights in vehicle start flickering, surging noise becomes louder the longer it's driven.

- Kansas City, MO, USA

Vehicle accelerated on two separate occasions while driving. Vehicle taken to dealer for repairs.

- Randle, WA, USA

While driving at approximately 40 mph vehicle appeared to be in cruise control mode, and would maintain speed even after removing foot off accelerator pedal. Dealer notified, and problem has been fixed, however fix was not stated. *

- Girard, OH, USA

Intermittently engine would accelerate high when starting vehicle or when it sat for a while. Vehicle been to dealer's shop on three occasions, and was unable to locate problem.

- Girard, OH, USA

When putting vehicle in reverse and without warning vehicle accelerated backwards even though consumer had feet on brakes.

- Mckinney, TX, USA