NHTSA owner reports · September 18, 2026 snapshot.
Power Train complaints
875 reportsClear category filter132,000 miles · Jun 22, 2004
Power TrainFire
WHILE DRIVING CONSUMER NOTICED A GREASY SUBSTANCE ON THE REAR WINDSHIELD AND SMELT SMOKE. CONSUMER PULLED OFF THE ROAD TO CHECK THE SMELL, BUT DIDN'T FIND ANY PROBLEM. THEN, CONSUMER PULLED BACK ONTO THE ROAD, DROVE FOR A FEW SECONDS, BEFORE PULLING INTO A GAS STATION. CONSUMER WAS ALERTED BY THE GAS STATION ATTENDANT THAT VEH…
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WHILE DRIVING CONSUMER NOTICED A GREASY SUBSTANCE ON THE REAR WINDSHIELD AND SMELT SMOKE. CONSUMER PULLED OFF THE ROAD TO CHECK THE SMELL, BUT DIDN'T FIND ANY PROBLEM. THEN, CONSUMER PULLED BACK ONTO THE ROAD, DROVE FOR A FEW SECONDS, BEFORE PULLING INTO A GAS STATION. CONSUMER WAS ALERTED BY THE GAS STATION ATTENDANT THAT VEHICLE WAS ON FIRE. A FIRE EXTINGUISHER WAS USED TO PUT OUT THE FIRE. VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO A DEALERSHIP, WHO INDICATED THE FIRE OCCURRED BECAUSE OF TRANSMISSION SEAL FAILURE. *AK
NHTSA ODI #10079613
82,000 miles · Jun 10, 2004
Engine And Engine CoolingPower Train
I HAVE OWNED MY VAN SINCE JANUARY 2000. SHORTLY AFTER PURCHASING, MY VAN HAD A BLOWN HEAD GASKET, WHICH WAS FIXED UNDER THE FORD RECALL. STILL WITHIN THE RECALL, A HEAD GASKET BLEW AGAIN. FORD TOLD ME THE RECALL ONLY ALLOWS FOR A ONE TIME REPAIR. SINCE THEN, MY VAN IS ON ITS THIRD ENGINE AND THIRD TRANSMISSION. MOST RECENTLY WE …
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I HAVE OWNED MY VAN SINCE JANUARY 2000. SHORTLY AFTER PURCHASING, MY VAN HAD A BLOWN HEAD GASKET, WHICH WAS FIXED UNDER THE FORD RECALL. STILL WITHIN THE RECALL, A HEAD GASKET BLEW AGAIN. FORD TOLD ME THE RECALL ONLY ALLOWS FOR A ONE TIME REPAIR. SINCE THEN, MY VAN IS ON ITS THIRD ENGINE AND THIRD TRANSMISSION. MOST RECENTLY WE HAVE HAD TO REPLACE THE MAIN COMPUTER AS WELL. WE HAVE SPENT MORE MONEY FIXING THE VAN THAN WHAT WE PAID FOR IT. *AK
NHTSA ODI #10075139
Mileage unknown · May 17, 2004
Engine And Engine CoolingPower Train
CONSUMER WANTED TO KNOW IF THERE ARE ANY PENDING CLASS ACTION SUITS AGAINST FORD MOTOR COMPANY REGARDING ENGINE AND TRANSMISSION PROBLEMS WITH 1995 FORD WINDSTAR. *LA *SC *JB
NHTSA ODI #10074107
149,000 miles · Apr 18, 2004
Electrical SystemEngine And Engine CoolingPower Train
HAD TO HAVE HEADS REPLACED, ELECTRONIC BRAIN, AND THE TRANSMISSION FAILED ALL WITHIN 1 1/2 YEARS FROM DATE OF PURCHASE. *JB
NHTSA ODI #10066412
Mileage unknown · Mar 9, 2004
Power Train
WHILE DRIVING AT ANY SPEED TRANSMISSION FAILED TO CHANGE GEARS SMOOTHLY AS NORMAL. GEARS WOULD SLIP AND PERFORM ERRATICALLY. A TECHNICIAN WAS UNABLE TO DUPLICATE THE PROBLEM.*AK
NHTSA ODI #10061679
161,000 miles · Jan 20, 2004
Power Train
1995 FORD WINDSTAR TRANSMISSION "LURCHES" INTO 1ST GEAR WHEN IN PARK. EXTREMELY DANGEROUS!!. ALMOST RAN INTO SOMEONE IN A PARKING LOT, TRYING TO TURN INTO A SPACE AND IT LURCHED FORWARD MISSING THEM. SCARED TO DEATH. *AK I WENT DIRECTLY HOME AND WHILE AT A STOP SIGN IT LURCHED AGAIN, HOWEVER I WAS FAR ENOUGH AWAY NOT TO RU…
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1995 FORD WINDSTAR TRANSMISSION "LURCHES" INTO 1ST GEAR WHEN IN PARK. EXTREMELY DANGEROUS!!. ALMOST RAN INTO SOMEONE IN A PARKING LOT, TRYING TO TURN INTO A SPACE AND IT LURCHED FORWARD MISSING THEM. SCARED TO DEATH. *AK I WENT DIRECTLY HOME AND WHILE AT A STOP SIGN IT LURCHED AGAIN, HOWEVER I WAS FAR ENOUGH AWAY NOT TO RUN INTO THE BACK END OF THE VEHICLE IN FRONT OF ME. GETTING THIS FIXED AT A FORD DEALERSHIP. THEY KNEW EXACTLY WHAT WAS WRONG AND QOUTED ME A PRICE QUICKLY, AFTER SAYING THEY DO THESE ALL THE TIME..... MAYBE FORD SHOULD BE REPLACING THIS.....AND REIMBURSING US...... BEFORE SOMEONE DIES!!!
NHTSA ODI #10054543
94,000 miles · Jan 15, 2004
Engine And Engine CoolingEquipmentPower Train
HEATER CORE FAILURE THAT LED TO IMMEDIATE CYLINDER HEAD CRACKING THAT LED TO COOLANT ENTERING ENGINE OIL SYSTEM AND TOTAL ENGINE FAILURE. TRANSMISSION FAILURE OF ORIGINAL AND REPLACEMENT TRANSMISSION. TOLD BY AUTO PARTS STORE EMPLOYEE ABOUT THE CYLINDER HEAD RECALL AS HIS SISTER OWNED SAME 1995 WINDSTAR 3.8L, FORD HAD A VENDOR…
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HEATER CORE FAILURE THAT LED TO IMMEDIATE CYLINDER HEAD CRACKING THAT LED TO COOLANT ENTERING ENGINE OIL SYSTEM AND TOTAL ENGINE FAILURE. TRANSMISSION FAILURE OF ORIGINAL AND REPLACEMENT TRANSMISSION. TOLD BY AUTO PARTS STORE EMPLOYEE ABOUT THE CYLINDER HEAD RECALL AS HIS SISTER OWNED SAME 1995 WINDSTAR 3.8L, FORD HAD A VENDOR ANSWERING CALLS. REPRESENTATIVE STATED THAT FORD HAD MAILED RECALL INFORMATION TO THE WRONG ADDRESS, THAT IS WHY I NEVER RECIEVED IT. REP UNABLE TO EXPLAIN HOW FORD MAILED HOOD RECALL INFO TO CORRECT ADDRESS, BUT NOT THE CYLINDER HEAD RECALL INFO. REP REFUSED TO ADDRESS ISSUE FURTHER. I WOULD LOVE TO TAKER PART IN ANY CYLINDER HEAD OR TRANSMISSION CLASS ACTION PROCEEDING.
NHTSA ODI #10071014
61,576 miles · Jan 15, 2004
Engine And Engine CoolingPower TrainVisibility
ON 6/13/2003, AT 57049 MILES, OUR 1995 WINDSTAR OVERHEATED AND SEEMED TO BE LOSING COOLANT SO WE TOOK IT TO ZIMMERMAN FORD, ST. CHARLES, IL TO BE CHECKED OUT. THEY REPORTED NO PROBLEM FOUND AND WE PAID $66.79 FOR A COOLING SYSTEM SERVICE AND LUBE SERVICE. ON OCTOBER 4TH,2003, THE CHECK ENGINE LIGHT ON OUR WINDSTAR WENT ON. …
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ON 6/13/2003, AT 57049 MILES, OUR 1995 WINDSTAR OVERHEATED AND SEEMED TO BE LOSING COOLANT SO WE TOOK IT TO ZIMMERMAN FORD, ST. CHARLES, IL TO BE CHECKED OUT. THEY REPORTED NO PROBLEM FOUND AND WE PAID $66.79 FOR A COOLING SYSTEM SERVICE AND LUBE SERVICE. ON OCTOBER 4TH,2003, THE CHECK ENGINE LIGHT ON OUR WINDSTAR WENT ON. WE TOOK IT TO THE SAME DEALERSHIP TO BE CHECKED. THEY CHARGED $111 FOR SBDS TESTS AND TOLD US WE HAD HEAD GASKET FAILURE AND QUOTED $2100 TO REPAIR. WE CONTACTED FIVE OTHER DEALERSHIPS IN THE CHICAGO AREA WHO QUOTED BETWEEN $900 AND $1600 TO DO THE JOB. OUR VAN IS CURRENTLY WITH FAMILY FORD OF WEST CHICAGO BEING FIXED. WE HAVE BEEN TOLD TO EXPECT A BILL OF ABOUT $1300. MOVING FROM ZIMMERMAN TO FAMILY FORD WAS NOT JUST A COST DECISION. ZIMMERMAN REFUSED POINT PLANK TO HELP US GET HELP FROM FORD. FAMILY FORD HAVE AGREED TO KEEP THE FAULTY PARTS AND HELP US IN ANY WAY THEY CAN. WE HAVE CONTACTED FORD AT SEVERAL LEVELS TRYING TO PERSUADE THEM THAT THEIR 7 YEAR / 100,000 EXTENDED WARRANTY, PLUS THE 6 YEAR / 75,000 MILE EXTENDED WARRANTY THAT WE PURCHASED BOTH IMPLY THAT THE HEAD GASKET SHOULD NOT HAVE FAILED AT 60,000 MILES AS OURS DID. WE HAVE ALSO PUT FORTH THE ARGUMENT THAT THE ORIGINAL EXTENDED WARRANTY 5 YEAR OR 60,000 STATES OR NOT WHICHEVER COMES FIRST SO WE FEEL WE HAVE A CASE TO BE COVERED UNDER THE TERMS OF THIS WARRANTY, GIVEN THAT WE REPORTED A POSSIBLE PROBLEM AT 57049 MILES. FORD HAS SAID (SEVERAL TIMES BY PHONE AND E-MAIL)THAT THEY ARE UNABLE TO HELP AS WE ARE OUTSIDE THE TERMS OF THE EXTENDED WARRANTY. THEY ALSO SAY THAT THEY HAVE VERY FEW COMPLAINTS ON THIS VEHICLE ANY MORE SO THEY WILL NOT MAKE AN EXCEPTION FOR ME. I WAS TOLD THAT THEY HAVE MADE NO EXCEPTIONS OUTSIDE THE 7 YEAR / 100,000 PARAMETERS. I FEEL THAT WE HAVE BEEN PENALIZED BY FORD BECAUSE WE HAVE A LOW MILEAGE ON OUR VEHICLE AND THE POOR ENGINE CONSTRUCTION ON THE 1995 WINDSTAR, IN OUR CASE, STILL FAILED PREMATURELY AT 60,000.
NHTSA ODI #10070993
Mileage unknown · Jan 15, 2004
Engine And Engine CoolingPower TrainUnknown Or Other
CASE 1 MY FAMILY WAS COMING HOME FROM VACATION WHEN THE ENGINE BLEW WHILE WE WERE ON THE HIGHWAY. SMOKE CAME UP FROM UNDER THE HOOD AND WE WERE FORCE TO STOP THE VAN ON A CROWDED HIGHWAY. THANKS TO A NEARBY TRUCK DRIVER WHO STOPPED BEHIND US, WE WERE ABLE TO CALL SOMEONE AND GET TO SAFETY. IT TOOK A LOT OF NEGOTIATION FOR ME TO …
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CASE 1 MY FAMILY WAS COMING HOME FROM VACATION WHEN THE ENGINE BLEW WHILE WE WERE ON THE HIGHWAY. SMOKE CAME UP FROM UNDER THE HOOD AND WE WERE FORCE TO STOP THE VAN ON A CROWDED HIGHWAY. THANKS TO A NEARBY TRUCK DRIVER WHO STOPPED BEHIND US, WE WERE ABLE TO CALL SOMEONE AND GET TO SAFETY. IT TOOK A LOT OF NEGOTIATION FOR ME TO GET FORD TO TAKE CARE OF THIS MATTER, BUT THEY FINALLY DID. NOW AGAIN ON OUR RECENT TRIP TO GA ON 08-28-03 WHILE DRIVING HOME, OUR CHECK ENGINE LIGHT CAME ON AND OVERDRIVE LIGHT STARTED BLINKING AND THE TRANSMISSION BLEW. TRANSMISSION FLUID LEAKED ALL OUT AND ON THE BACK OF OUR VAN TOO. IT ALSO STARTED SMOKING UNDERNEATH THE HOOD AND FROM THE TAILPIPE. WE WERE INFORMED BY FREEDOM FORD IN NORFOLK VA THAT WE HAD TRANSMISSION FAILURE. OUR CHECK LIGHT HAS COME ON NUMEROUS OCCASIONS AND DESPITE THEIR ACTION IT STILL KEEPS COMING ON. IN ADDITION, OUR OVERDRIVE LIGHTS BLINK, OUR CRUISE CONTROL DO NOT WORK, THE DOOR ADJAR LIGHTS STAYS ON AT TIMES EVEN WHEN THE DOORS ALL LOCKED AND CAUSING THE INSIDE INTERIORS LIGHTS TO STAY ON, OUR GEARS DO NOT SHIFT PROPERLY AND GETS STUCK BETWEEN GEARS AND UPON ACCELERATION IT SOMETIMES HESITATES, REPAIRED COOLANT LEAK FROM TIMING COVER GASKET AND FRONT CRANKSHAFT SEAL, COIL IGNITION, THE AIR CONDITION WHEN ON MAKES THESE STRANGE NOISES, ETC. REPLACED. WE ARE VERY DISSATISFIED WITH FORD WINDSTARS AND HAVE SPENT MORE MONEY ON REPAIRS THAN WHAT IT WAS WORTH. WE EVEN STILL OWE ON THE VAN. FORD NEEDS TO ISSUE A RECALLL OR A REFUND. THIS IS NOT A SAFE VEHICLE TO DRIVE. PLEASE KEEP ME INFORMED. THANKS AND GOD BLESS.
NHTSA ODI #10070776
60 miles · Jan 15, 2004
Engine And Engine CoolingEquipmentPower Train
FORD WINDSTAR 95 SHIFT LEVER PRDNL DOES NOT MATCH GEAR. WHEN IN PARK CAR ROLLS HAVE TO FIND D OR R BY MOVING SHIFT LEVER. SOMETIME HAVE TO PUT LEVER IN TO PARK TWICE OR THREE TIMES BEFOR IT CATCHED AND CAR STARTS. WHEN THE CAR ROLLS BACK AND KILLS SOMEONE IT WILL GET FORDS ATTENTION. ALSO REPLACED HEAD GASKET ENGINE AND H…
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FORD WINDSTAR 95 SHIFT LEVER PRDNL DOES NOT MATCH GEAR. WHEN IN PARK CAR ROLLS HAVE TO FIND D OR R BY MOVING SHIFT LEVER. SOMETIME HAVE TO PUT LEVER IN TO PARK TWICE OR THREE TIMES BEFOR IT CATCHED AND CAR STARTS. WHEN THE CAR ROLLS BACK AND KILLS SOMEONE IT WILL GET FORDS ATTENTION. ALSO REPLACED HEAD GASKET ENGINE AND HEAD GASKET AGAIN. TRANNY SENSOR, DOOR AJAR SENSOR. WHAT A CAR MARK HERSHKOWITZ
NHTSA ODI #10070759
Official recalls
6Oct 13, 2009
FORD IS RECALLING MODEL YEARS 1995-2003 WINDSTAR, 2000-2003 EXCURSION DIESEL, 1993-1997 AND 1999-2003 F-250 SD THROUGH F-550 SD DIESEL, 1992-2003 E-150 THROUGH E-550, 1995-2002 EXPLORER, 1997 AND 2002 MERCURY MOUNTAINEER, 1995-1997 AND 2001-2003 RANGER, AND 1994 F53 VEHICLES EQUIPPED WITH THE TEXAS INSTRUMENTS SPEED CONTROL DEACTIVATION SWITCH (SCDS). THE SCDS MAY LEAK INTERNALLY AND THEN OVERHEAT, SMOKE, OR BURN.
Consequence & remedy
Consequence: A VEHICLE FIRE COULD OCCUR WITH OR WITHOUT THE ENGINE RUNNING.
Remedy: FORD WILL NOTIFY OWNERS THAT DEALERS WILL INSTALL A FUSED WIRING HARNESS IN LINE WITH THE SCDS. ON 1999-2003 WINDSTAR VEHICLES WITH A LEAKING SCDS, DEALERS WILL ALSO INSPECT THE ABS CONTROL MODULE CONNECTOR AND REPAIR AS NECESSARY. REPAIRS WILL BE COMPLETED FREE OF CHARGE. THE SAFETY RECALL BEGAN ON OCTOBER 27, 2009. OWNERS MAY CONTACT FORD AT 1-888-222-2751.
Apr 4, 2002
ON CERTAIN MINIVANS ORIGINALLY SOLD IN OR CURRENTLY REGISTERED IN THE STATES OF CONNECTICUT, DELAWARE, ILLINOIS, INDIANA, IOWA, MAINE, MARYLAND, MASSACHUSETTS, MICHIGAN, MINNESOTA, MISSOURI, NEW HAMPSHIRE, NEW JERSEY, NEW YORK, OHIO, PENNSYLVANIA, RHODE ISLAND, VERMONT, WEST VIRGINIA, WISCONSIN, AND THE DISTRICT OF COLUMBIA. DURING ASSEMBLY, SOME BRAKE LINES WERE INSTALLED IN A TWISTED POSITION, CAUSING CONTACT WITH THE DASH PANEL INSULATOR ABOVE THE CATALYTIC CONVERTER. THIS CONTACT COULD ABRADE THE BRAKE LINE CORROSION PROTECTION, CONSEQUENTLY, SALT OR WATER ABSORBED IN THE DASH PANEL INSULATOR WOULD PROMOTE CORROSION. THIS CORROSION COULD ULTIMATELY LEAD TO A LEAK IN THE BRAKE LINE.
Consequence & remedy
Consequence: LEAKAGE OF BRAKE FLUID WILL RESULT IN BRAKE LIGHT ACTIVATION. EXTENDED STOPPING DISTANCE COULD ALSO RESULT, INCREASING THE RISK OF A CRASH.
Remedy: DEALERS WILL INSPECT THE BRAKE LINE FOR CORROSION AND CLEARANCE CONDITIONS. A BRAKE LINE THAT IS NOT CORRODED WILL BE REPOSITIONED. A BRAKE LINE THAT IS CORRODED OR LEAKING WILL BE REPLACED WITH A NYLON COATED BRAKE LINE AND SECURED USING THREE RETAINING CLIPS TO ASSURE CLEARANCE FROM THE INSULATOR. OWNER NOTIFICATION BEGAN MAY 10, 2002. OWNERS WHO TAKE THEIR VEHICLES TO AN AUTHORIZED DEALER ON AN AGREED UPON SERVICE DATE AND DO NOT RECEIVE THE FREE REMEDY WITHIN A REASONABLE TIME SHOULD CONTACT FORD AT 1-866-436-7332.
Nov 2, 1999
VEHICLE DESCRIPTION: MINIVANS WHICH WERE ORIGINALLY SOLD OR CURRENTLY REGISTERED IN THE FOLLOWING HOT WEATHER STATES: ALABAMA, ARIZONA, ARKANSAS, CALIFORNIA (10 SOUTHERN COUNTIES), FLORIDA, GEORGIA, HAWAII, LOUISIANA, MISSISSIPPI, NEVADA (CLARK COUNTY ONLY), OKLAHOMA, SOUTH CAROLINA AND TEXAS, CAN DEVELOP CRACKS IN THE FUEL TANK IN THE FORWARD STRAP AREA OF THE STANDARD 20 GALLON TANK DUE TO A COMBINATION OF FACTORS THAT ARE PRESENT IN CERTAIN VERY HOT AREAS OF THE COUNTRY.
Consequence & remedy
Consequence: THESE CRACKS COULD RESULT IN FUEL LEAKAGE IF THEY PROPAGATE THROUGH THE WALL OF THE TANK.
Remedy: DEALERS WILL INSTALL A BRACE ASSEMBLY AT THE STRAP BOLT HOLE LOCATION AND REPLACE THE TANK STRAP WITH A REVISED, LONGER STRAP. DEALERS WILL ALSO INSPECT THE TANKS FOR LEAKS. IF A LEAK EXISTS AND IS THE RESULT OF A CRACK IN THE FUEL TANK, THE TANK WILL BE REPLACED IN ADDITION TO THE INSTALLATION OF A SPACER AND LONGER STRAP.
Oct 20, 1997
VEHICLE DESCRIPTION: PASSENGER VEHICLES AND MINI VANS. TEARING OF THE BOND BETWEEN THE INNER AND OUTER HOOD PANELS DURING MINOR FRONT END COLLISIONS CAN RESULT IN A GAP AT THE LEADING EDGE OF THE HOOD. AIR FORCED BETWEEN THE INNER AND OUTER PANELS CAN PRODUCE ENOUGH PRESSURE TO FORCE THE OUTER PANEL UPWARD.
Consequence & remedy
Consequence: THIS CONDITION CAN RESULT IN TOTAL SEPARATION OF THE OUTER HOOD PANEL.
Remedy: DEALERS WILL INSPECT THE HOOD AREA FOR ANY DAMAGE ALONG THE LEADING EDGE OF THE HOOD. IF THERE IS ANY EVIDENCE OF BOND SEPARATION, THE HOOD WILL BE REPLACED. IF THERE IS NO EVIDENCE OF BOND SEPARATION, ADDITIONAL ADHESIVE WILL BE APPLIED BETWEEN THE INNER AND OUTER HOOD PANELS.
Nov 4, 1994
THE WIRING HARNESS INSULATION CAN ABRADE ON A BRACE THAT RUNS FROM THE INSTRUMENT PANEL TO THE COWL.
Consequence & remedy
Consequence: THIS CONDITION CAN RESULT IN AN ELECTRICAL SHORT AND POSSIBLY A VEHICLE FIRE.
Remedy: DEALERS WILL INSTALL A SHIELD ON THE INSTRUMENT PANEL TO COWL BRACE, AND INSTALLATION OF A PIECE OF CONVOLUTE WRAP MATERIAL ON ONE OF THE ADJACENT HARNESSES.
Nov 4, 1994
THE ALTERNATOR OUTPUT WIRE WAS NOT CONNECTED TIGHTLY TO THE POWER DISTRIBUTION BOX.
Consequence & remedy
Consequence: THIS CAN RESULT IN OVERHEATING OF THE CONNECTION AND A POSSIBLE VEHICLE FIRE.
Remedy: DEALERS WILL INSPECT AND TIGHTEN THE CONNECTION. VEHICLES WITH VISIBLE DAMAGE TO THE PLASTIC POWER DISTRIBUTION BOX HOUSING WILL HAVE THE THE UNDERHOOD HARNESS, INCLUDING THE POWER DISTRIBUTION BOX, REPLACED.
Model-level recall history does not show whether a particular VIN is affected or has received a repair. Check a VIN with NHTSA ↗
NHTSA investigations
14EA08021 · Engine Compartment Fires
Opened Sep 17, 2008 · Closed Oct 14, 2009
Status: closed (inferred from source dates) · Electrical System; Electrical System:wiring; Service Brakes, Hydraulic; Service Brakes, Hydraulic:antilock/traction Control/electronic Limited Slip; Service Brakes, Hydraulic:antilock/traction Control/electronic Limited Slip:control Unit/module ; Vehicle Speed Control; Vehicle Speed Control:cruise Control
EA08-021 IS CLOSED WITH FORD'S ACTIONS IN RECALL 09V-399 RECALLING APPROXIMATELY 4.5 MILLION VEHICLES EQUIPPED WITH TEXAS INSTRUMENTS SPEED CONTROL DEACTIVATION SWITCHES (SCDS).WITH THIS RECALL FORD HAS NOW RECALLED ALL OF THE APPROXIMATE 16 MILLION FORD MODEL VEHICLES THAT WERE MANUFACTURED FROM MY 1992 THROUGH 2003 WITH A TEXAS INSTRUMENTS SCDS.NHTSA WILL CONTINUE TO MONITOR THE RECALLED VEHICLES TO ENSURE REMEDIES INSTALLED BY FORD TOMITIGATE THE POTENTIAL FOR SCDS RELATED FIRES ARE EFFECTIVE.THE AGENCY RESERVES THE RIGHT TO TAKE FURTHER ACTION IF WARRANTED BY THE CIRCUMSTANCES.SEE ATTACHED CLOSING REPORT FOR FURTHER DETAILS.
Additional source detail variants (7)
Electrical System
EA08-021 IS CLOSED WITH FORD'S ACTIONS IN RECALL 09V-399 RECALLING APPROXIMATELY 4.5 MILLION VEHICLES EQUIPPED WITH TEXAS INSTRUMENTS SPEED CONTROL DEACTIVATION SWITCHES (SCDS).WITH THIS RECALL FORD HAS NOW RECALLED ALL OF THE APPROXIMATE 16 MILLION FORD MODEL VEHICLES THAT WERE MANUFACTURED FROM MY 1992 THROUGH 2003 WITH A TEXAS INSTRUMENTS SCDS.NHTSA WILL CONTINUE TO MONITOR THE RECALLED VEHICLES TO ENSURE REMEDIES INSTALLED BY FORD TOMITIGATE THE POTENTIAL FOR SCDS RELATED FIRES ARE EFFECTIVE.THE AGENCY RESERVES THE RIGHT TO TAKE FURTHER ACTION IF WARRANTED BY THE CIRCUMSTANCES.SEE ATTACHED CLOSING REPORT FOR FURTHER DETAILS.
Electrical System:wiring
EA08-021 IS CLOSED WITH FORD'S ACTIONS IN RECALL 09V-399 RECALLING APPROXIMATELY 4.5 MILLION VEHICLES EQUIPPED WITH TEXAS INSTRUMENTS SPEED CONTROL DEACTIVATION SWITCHES (SCDS).WITH THIS RECALL FORD HAS NOW RECALLED ALL OF THE APPROXIMATE 16 MILLION FORD MODEL VEHICLES THAT WERE MANUFACTURED FROM MY 1992 THROUGH 2003 WITH A TEXAS INSTRUMENTS SCDS.NHTSA WILL CONTINUE TO MONITOR THE RECALLED VEHICLES TO ENSURE REMEDIES INSTALLED BY FORD TOMITIGATE THE POTENTIAL FOR SCDS RELATED FIRES ARE EFFECTIVE.THE AGENCY RESERVES THE RIGHT TO TAKE FURTHER ACTION IF WARRANTED BY THE CIRCUMSTANCES.SEE ATTACHED CLOSING REPORT FOR FURTHER DETAILS.
Service Brakes, Hydraulic:antilock/traction Control/electronic Limited Slip:control Unit/module
EA08-021 IS CLOSED WITH FORD'S ACTIONS IN RECALL 09V-399 RECALLING APPROXIMATELY 4.5 MILLION VEHICLES EQUIPPED WITH TEXAS INSTRUMENTS SPEED CONTROL DEACTIVATION SWITCHES (SCDS).WITH THIS RECALL FORD HAS NOW RECALLED ALL OF THE APPROXIMATE 16 MILLION FORD MODEL VEHICLES THAT WERE MANUFACTURED FROM MY 1992 THROUGH 2003 WITH A TEXAS INSTRUMENTS SCDS.NHTSA WILL CONTINUE TO MONITOR THE RECALLED VEHICLES TO ENSURE REMEDIES INSTALLED BY FORD TOMITIGATE THE POTENTIAL FOR SCDS RELATED FIRES ARE EFFECTIVE.THE AGENCY RESERVES THE RIGHT TO TAKE FURTHER ACTION IF WARRANTED BY THE CIRCUMSTANCES.SEE ATTACHED CLOSING REPORT FOR FURTHER DETAILS.
Service Brakes, Hydraulic:antilock/traction Control/electronic Limited Slip
EA08-021 IS CLOSED WITH FORD'S ACTIONS IN RECALL 09V-399 RECALLING APPROXIMATELY 4.5 MILLION VEHICLES EQUIPPED WITH TEXAS INSTRUMENTS SPEED CONTROL DEACTIVATION SWITCHES (SCDS).WITH THIS RECALL FORD HAS NOW RECALLED ALL OF THE APPROXIMATE 16 MILLION FORD MODEL VEHICLES THAT WERE MANUFACTURED FROM MY 1992 THROUGH 2003 WITH A TEXAS INSTRUMENTS SCDS.NHTSA WILL CONTINUE TO MONITOR THE RECALLED VEHICLES TO ENSURE REMEDIES INSTALLED BY FORD TOMITIGATE THE POTENTIAL FOR SCDS RELATED FIRES ARE EFFECTIVE.THE AGENCY RESERVES THE RIGHT TO TAKE FURTHER ACTION IF WARRANTED BY THE CIRCUMSTANCES.SEE ATTACHED CLOSING REPORT FOR FURTHER DETAILS.
Service Brakes, Hydraulic
EA08-021 IS CLOSED WITH FORD'S ACTIONS IN RECALL 09V-399 RECALLING APPROXIMATELY 4.5 MILLION VEHICLES EQUIPPED WITH TEXAS INSTRUMENTS SPEED CONTROL DEACTIVATION SWITCHES (SCDS).WITH THIS RECALL FORD HAS NOW RECALLED ALL OF THE APPROXIMATE 16 MILLION FORD MODEL VEHICLES THAT WERE MANUFACTURED FROM MY 1992 THROUGH 2003 WITH A TEXAS INSTRUMENTS SCDS.NHTSA WILL CONTINUE TO MONITOR THE RECALLED VEHICLES TO ENSURE REMEDIES INSTALLED BY FORD TOMITIGATE THE POTENTIAL FOR SCDS RELATED FIRES ARE EFFECTIVE.THE AGENCY RESERVES THE RIGHT TO TAKE FURTHER ACTION IF WARRANTED BY THE CIRCUMSTANCES.SEE ATTACHED CLOSING REPORT FOR FURTHER DETAILS.
Vehicle Speed Control:cruise Control
EA08-021 IS CLOSED WITH FORD'S ACTIONS IN RECALL 09V-399 RECALLING APPROXIMATELY 4.5 MILLION VEHICLES EQUIPPED WITH TEXAS INSTRUMENTS SPEED CONTROL DEACTIVATION SWITCHES (SCDS).WITH THIS RECALL FORD HAS NOW RECALLED ALL OF THE APPROXIMATE 16 MILLION FORD MODEL VEHICLES THAT WERE MANUFACTURED FROM MY 1992 THROUGH 2003 WITH A TEXAS INSTRUMENTS SCDS.NHTSA WILL CONTINUE TO MONITOR THE RECALLED VEHICLES TO ENSURE REMEDIES INSTALLED BY FORD TOMITIGATE THE POTENTIAL FOR SCDS RELATED FIRES ARE EFFECTIVE.THE AGENCY RESERVES THE RIGHT TO TAKE FURTHER ACTION IF WARRANTED BY THE CIRCUMSTANCES.SEE ATTACHED CLOSING REPORT FOR FURTHER DETAILS.
Vehicle Speed Control
EA08-021 IS CLOSED WITH FORD'S ACTIONS IN RECALL 09V-399 RECALLING APPROXIMATELY 4.5 MILLION VEHICLES EQUIPPED WITH TEXAS INSTRUMENTS SPEED CONTROL DEACTIVATION SWITCHES (SCDS).WITH THIS RECALL FORD HAS NOW RECALLED ALL OF THE APPROXIMATE 16 MILLION FORD MODEL VEHICLES THAT WERE MANUFACTURED FROM MY 1992 THROUGH 2003 WITH A TEXAS INSTRUMENTS SCDS.NHTSA WILL CONTINUE TO MONITOR THE RECALLED VEHICLES TO ENSURE REMEDIES INSTALLED BY FORD TOMITIGATE THE POTENTIAL FOR SCDS RELATED FIRES ARE EFFECTIVE.THE AGENCY RESERVES THE RIGHT TO TAKE FURTHER ACTION IF WARRANTED BY THE CIRCUMSTANCES.SEE ATTACHED CLOSING REPORT FOR FURTHER DETAILS.
PE08035 · Engine Compartment Fires
Opened May 13, 2008 · Closed Sep 17, 2008
Status: closed (inferred from source dates) · Electrical System; Electrical System:wiring; Vehicle Speed Control
ODI HAS RECEIVED 134 CONSUMER COMPLAINTS, 285 MANUFACTURER COMPLAINTS, AND 137 MANUFACTURER WARRANTY CLAIMS ALLEGING INCIDENTS OF ENGINE COMPARTMENT FIRE IN MODEL YEAR (MY) 1995 THRU 2003 FORD WINDSTAR VEHICLES.TWO OF THE ODI COMPLAINTS ALLEGE THE FIRES CAUSED STRUCTURAL DAMAGE TO THE COMPLAINANT'S HOME.OF THE 134 ODI COMPLAINTS, 36 ALLEGE THE FIRE OCCURRED WHILE THE VEHICLE WAS PARKED, 72 ALLEGE THE FIRE OCCURRED WHILE THE VEHICLE WAS RUNNING AND 26 OF THE COMPLAINTS DO NOT SPECIFY IF THE VEHICLE WAS RUNNING OR NOT.FURTHER REVIEW OF THE ODI COMPLAINTS SHOWS THAT 72 ALLEGE THAT THE SPEED CONTROL DEACTIVATION SWITCH (SCDS) CAUSED THE FIRE AND 10 ALLEGE THAT THE SCDS LEAKED BRAKE FLUID ON TO THE ABS MODULE RESULTING IN THE FIRE.THERE WERE 52 THAT DID NOT IDENTIFY A CAUSE OR THAT IDENTIFIED MISCELLANEOUS OTHER CAUSES.ODI HAS ALSO RECEIVED 89 COMPLAINTS ( NOT COUNTED IN THIS RESUME) ALLEGING THAT THE SCDS DEVELOPED A BRAKE FLUID LEAK.THIRTEEN OF THESE COMPLAINTS SAY THAT THE LEAK AT THE SCDS RESULTED IN BRAKED FLUID REACHING THE ABS MODULE.THIS PE HAS BEEN UPGRADED TO AN ENGINEERING ANALYSIS (EA) TO FURTHER EVALUATE THE CAUSE OF THE FIRES AND ASSESS THE SCOPE, FREQUENCY, AND SAFETY CONSEQUENCES OF THE ALLEGED DEFECT.
Additional source detail variants (3)
Electrical System
ODI HAS RECEIVED 134 CONSUMER COMPLAINTS, 285 MANUFACTURER COMPLAINTS, AND 137 MANUFACTURER WARRANTY CLAIMS ALLEGING INCIDENTS OF ENGINE COMPARTMENT FIRE IN MODEL YEAR (MY) 1995 THRU 2003 FORD WINDSTAR VEHICLES.TWO OF THE ODI COMPLAINTS ALLEGE THE FIRES CAUSED STRUCTURAL DAMAGE TO THE COMPLAINANT'S HOME.OF THE 134 ODI COMPLAINTS, 36 ALLEGE THE FIRE OCCURRED WHILE THE VEHICLE WAS PARKED, 72 ALLEGE THE FIRE OCCURRED WHILE THE VEHICLE WAS RUNNING AND 26 OF THE COMPLAINTS DO NOT SPECIFY IF THE VEHICLE WAS RUNNING OR NOT.FURTHER REVIEW OF THE ODI COMPLAINTS SHOWS THAT 72 ALLEGE THAT THE SPEED CONTROL DEACTIVATION SWITCH (SCDS) CAUSED THE FIRE AND 10 ALLEGE THAT THE SCDS LEAKED BRAKE FLUID ON TO THE ABS MODULE RESULTING IN THE FIRE.THERE WERE 52 THAT DID NOT IDENTIFY A CAUSE OR THAT IDENTIFIED MISCELLANEOUS OTHER CAUSES.ODI HAS ALSO RECEIVED 89 COMPLAINTS ( NOT COUNTED IN THIS RESUME) ALLEGING THAT THE SCDS DEVELOPED A BRAKE FLUID LEAK.THIRTEEN OF THESE COMPLAINTS SAY THAT THE LEAK AT THE SCDS RESULTED IN BRAKED FLUID REACHING THE ABS MODULE.THIS PE HAS BEEN UPGRADED TO AN ENGINEERING ANALYSIS (EA) TO FURTHER EVALUATE THE CAUSE OF THE FIRES AND ASSESS THE SCOPE, FREQUENCY, AND SAFETY CONSEQUENCES OF THE ALLEGED DEFECT.
Electrical System:wiring
ODI HAS RECEIVED 134 CONSUMER COMPLAINTS, 285 MANUFACTURER COMPLAINTS, AND 137 MANUFACTURER WARRANTY CLAIMS ALLEGING INCIDENTS OF ENGINE COMPARTMENT FIRE IN MODEL YEAR (MY) 1995 THRU 2003 FORD WINDSTAR VEHICLES.TWO OF THE ODI COMPLAINTS ALLEGE THE FIRES CAUSED STRUCTURAL DAMAGE TO THE COMPLAINANT'S HOME.OF THE 134 ODI COMPLAINTS, 36 ALLEGE THE FIRE OCCURRED WHILE THE VEHICLE WAS PARKED, 72 ALLEGE THE FIRE OCCURRED WHILE THE VEHICLE WAS RUNNING AND 26 OF THE COMPLAINTS DO NOT SPECIFY IF THE VEHICLE WAS RUNNING OR NOT.FURTHER REVIEW OF THE ODI COMPLAINTS SHOWS THAT 72 ALLEGE THAT THE SPEED CONTROL DEACTIVATION SWITCH (SCDS) CAUSED THE FIRE AND 10 ALLEGE THAT THE SCDS LEAKED BRAKE FLUID ON TO THE ABS MODULE RESULTING IN THE FIRE.THERE WERE 52 THAT DID NOT IDENTIFY A CAUSE OR THAT IDENTIFIED MISCELLANEOUS OTHER CAUSES.ODI HAS ALSO RECEIVED 89 COMPLAINTS ( NOT COUNTED IN THIS RESUME) ALLEGING THAT THE SCDS DEVELOPED A BRAKE FLUID LEAK.THIRTEEN OF THESE COMPLAINTS SAY THAT THE LEAK AT THE SCDS RESULTED IN BRAKED FLUID REACHING THE ABS MODULE.THIS PE HAS BEEN UPGRADED TO AN ENGINEERING ANALYSIS (EA) TO FURTHER EVALUATE THE CAUSE OF THE FIRES AND ASSESS THE SCOPE, FREQUENCY, AND SAFETY CONSEQUENCES OF THE ALLEGED DEFECT.
Vehicle Speed Control
ODI HAS RECEIVED 134 CONSUMER COMPLAINTS, 285 MANUFACTURER COMPLAINTS, AND 137 MANUFACTURER WARRANTY CLAIMS ALLEGING INCIDENTS OF ENGINE COMPARTMENT FIRE IN MODEL YEAR (MY) 1995 THRU 2003 FORD WINDSTAR VEHICLES.TWO OF THE ODI COMPLAINTS ALLEGE THE FIRES CAUSED STRUCTURAL DAMAGE TO THE COMPLAINANT'S HOME.OF THE 134 ODI COMPLAINTS, 36 ALLEGE THE FIRE OCCURRED WHILE THE VEHICLE WAS PARKED, 72 ALLEGE THE FIRE OCCURRED WHILE THE VEHICLE WAS RUNNING AND 26 OF THE COMPLAINTS DO NOT SPECIFY IF THE VEHICLE WAS RUNNING OR NOT.FURTHER REVIEW OF THE ODI COMPLAINTS SHOWS THAT 72 ALLEGE THAT THE SPEED CONTROL DEACTIVATION SWITCH (SCDS) CAUSED THE FIRE AND 10 ALLEGE THAT THE SCDS LEAKED BRAKE FLUID ON TO THE ABS MODULE RESULTING IN THE FIRE.THERE WERE 52 THAT DID NOT IDENTIFY A CAUSE OR THAT IDENTIFIED MISCELLANEOUS OTHER CAUSES.ODI HAS ALSO RECEIVED 89 COMPLAINTS ( NOT COUNTED IN THIS RESUME) ALLEGING THAT THE SCDS DEVELOPED A BRAKE FLUID LEAK.THIRTEEN OF THESE COMPLAINTS SAY THAT THE LEAK AT THE SCDS RESULTED IN BRAKED FLUID REACHING THE ABS MODULE.THIS PE HAS BEEN UPGRADED TO AN ENGINEERING ANALYSIS (EA) TO FURTHER EVALUATE THE CAUSE OF THE FIRES AND ASSESS THE SCOPE, FREQUENCY, AND SAFETY CONSEQUENCES OF THE ALLEGED DEFECT.
RQ04003 · Hydraulic Brake Line Failure
Opened May 27, 2004 · Closed Oct 7, 2004
Status: closed (inferred from source dates) · Service Brakes, Hydraulic; Service Brakes, Hydraulic:fluid; Service Brakes, Hydraulic:foundation Components:hoses, Lines/piping, And Fittings
ON APRIL 4, 2002, FORD MOTOR COMPANY NOTIFIED ODI OF A DEFECT CONDITION THAT COULD RESULT IN EXTENDED STOPPING DISTANCES IN APPROXIMATELY 250 THOUSAND MODEL YEAR (MY) 1995 AND 1996 WINDSTAR MINIVANS SOLD OR REGISTERED IN SALT BELT STATES (RECALL 02V-101).ACCORDING TO FORD, IMPROPER BRAKE LINE ROUTING IN VEHICLES MANUFACTURED AT THE OAKVILLE ASSEMBLY PLANT FROM JANUARY 14, 1994 THROUGH MAY 21, 1996 RESULTED IN SOME VEHICLES WITH MIS-POSITIONED BRAKE LINES THAT COULD CONTACT A DASH PANEL INSULATOR.SUCH CONTACT COULD ABRADE THE BRAKE LINE PROTECTION COATING AND RESULT IN CORROSIVE FAILURE OF THE BRAKE LINES. ODI OPENED RQ04-003 TO INVESTIGATE COMPLAINTS OF BRAKE LINE FAILURE IN WINDSTAR VEHICLES THAT WERE:(1) LOCATED OUTSIDE THE RECALL REGION; OR (2) BUILT AFTER THE RECALL RANGE.REGARDING THE LATTER GROUP, FORD CHANGED THE ASSEMBLY PROCESS AFTER MAY 21, 1996 TO ELIMINATE THE MIS-BUILD PROBLEM.THE FAILURE RATES IN THE MY 1996 WINDSTAR VEHICLES BUILT AFTER THE PROCESS CHANGE ARE RELATIVELY LOW IN BOTH THE SALT-BELT STATES. WITH RESPECT TO THE MY 1995 AND 1996 VEHICLES BUILT DURING THE PERIOD OF CONCERN THAT WERE NOT SOLD OR REGISTERED IN SALT BELT STATES, THE FAILURE RATE IS ALSO LOW.THE RELATED BRAKE LINE WARRANTY CLAIM RATE FOR THOSE VEHICLES IS ALSO LOW. ACCORDINGLY, A SAFETY-RELATED DEFECT TREND HAS NOT BEEN IDENTIFIED IN THE MY 1995-96 WINDSTAR VEHICLES THAT WERE NOT INCLUDED IN RECALL 02V-101.FURTHER USE OF AGENCY RESOURCES DOES NOT APPEAR TO BE WARRANTED.THE CLOSING OF THIS INVESTIGATION DOES NOT CONSTITUTE A FINDING BY NHTSA THAT NO SAFETY-RELATED DEFECT EXISTS.THE AGENCY RESERVES THE RIGHT TO TAKE FURTHER ACTION IF WARRANTED BY THE CIRCUMSTANCES.
Additional source detail variants (3)
Service Brakes, Hydraulic:fluid
ON APRIL 4, 2002, FORD MOTOR COMPANY NOTIFIED ODI OF A DEFECT CONDITION THAT COULD RESULT IN EXTENDED STOPPING DISTANCES IN APPROXIMATELY 250 THOUSAND MODEL YEAR (MY) 1995 AND 1996 WINDSTAR MINIVANS SOLD OR REGISTERED IN SALT BELT STATES (RECALL 02V-101).ACCORDING TO FORD, IMPROPER BRAKE LINE ROUTING IN VEHICLES MANUFACTURED AT THE OAKVILLE ASSEMBLY PLANT FROM JANUARY 14, 1994 THROUGH MAY 21, 1996 RESULTED IN SOME VEHICLES WITH MIS-POSITIONED BRAKE LINES THAT COULD CONTACT A DASH PANEL INSULATOR.SUCH CONTACT COULD ABRADE THE BRAKE LINE PROTECTION COATING AND RESULT IN CORROSIVE FAILURE OF THE BRAKE LINES. ODI OPENED RQ04-003 TO INVESTIGATE COMPLAINTS OF BRAKE LINE FAILURE IN WINDSTAR VEHICLES THAT WERE:(1) LOCATED OUTSIDE THE RECALL REGION; OR (2) BUILT AFTER THE RECALL RANGE.REGARDING THE LATTER GROUP, FORD CHANGED THE ASSEMBLY PROCESS AFTER MAY 21, 1996 TO ELIMINATE THE MIS-BUILD PROBLEM.THE FAILURE RATES IN THE MY 1996 WINDSTAR VEHICLES BUILT AFTER THE PROCESS CHANGE ARE RELATIVELY LOW IN BOTH THE SALT-BELT STATES. WITH RESPECT TO THE MY 1995 AND 1996 VEHICLES BUILT DURING THE PERIOD OF CONCERN THAT WERE NOT SOLD OR REGISTERED IN SALT BELT STATES, THE FAILURE RATE IS ALSO LOW.THE RELATED BRAKE LINE WARRANTY CLAIM RATE FOR THOSE VEHICLES IS ALSO LOW. ACCORDINGLY, A SAFETY-RELATED DEFECT TREND HAS NOT BEEN IDENTIFIED IN THE MY 1995-96 WINDSTAR VEHICLES THAT WERE NOT INCLUDED IN RECALL 02V-101.FURTHER USE OF AGENCY RESOURCES DOES NOT APPEAR TO BE WARRANTED.THE CLOSING OF THIS INVESTIGATION DOES NOT CONSTITUTE A FINDING BY NHTSA THAT NO SAFETY-RELATED DEFECT EXISTS.THE AGENCY RESERVES THE RIGHT TO TAKE FURTHER ACTION IF WARRANTED BY THE CIRCUMSTANCES.
Service Brakes, Hydraulic
ON APRIL 4, 2002, FORD MOTOR COMPANY NOTIFIED ODI OF A DEFECT CONDITION THAT COULD RESULT IN EXTENDED STOPPING DISTANCES IN APPROXIMATELY 250 THOUSAND MODEL YEAR (MY) 1995 AND 1996 WINDSTAR MINIVANS SOLD OR REGISTERED IN SALT BELT STATES (RECALL 02V-101).ACCORDING TO FORD, IMPROPER BRAKE LINE ROUTING IN VEHICLES MANUFACTURED AT THE OAKVILLE ASSEMBLY PLANT FROM JANUARY 14, 1994 THROUGH MAY 21, 1996 RESULTED IN SOME VEHICLES WITH MIS-POSITIONED BRAKE LINES THAT COULD CONTACT A DASH PANEL INSULATOR.SUCH CONTACT COULD ABRADE THE BRAKE LINE PROTECTION COATING AND RESULT IN CORROSIVE FAILURE OF THE BRAKE LINES. ODI OPENED RQ04-003 TO INVESTIGATE COMPLAINTS OF BRAKE LINE FAILURE IN WINDSTAR VEHICLES THAT WERE:(1) LOCATED OUTSIDE THE RECALL REGION; OR (2) BUILT AFTER THE RECALL RANGE.REGARDING THE LATTER GROUP, FORD CHANGED THE ASSEMBLY PROCESS AFTER MAY 21, 1996 TO ELIMINATE THE MIS-BUILD PROBLEM.THE FAILURE RATES IN THE MY 1996 WINDSTAR VEHICLES BUILT AFTER THE PROCESS CHANGE ARE RELATIVELY LOW IN BOTH THE SALT-BELT STATES. WITH RESPECT TO THE MY 1995 AND 1996 VEHICLES BUILT DURING THE PERIOD OF CONCERN THAT WERE NOT SOLD OR REGISTERED IN SALT BELT STATES, THE FAILURE RATE IS ALSO LOW.THE RELATED BRAKE LINE WARRANTY CLAIM RATE FOR THOSE VEHICLES IS ALSO LOW. ACCORDINGLY, A SAFETY-RELATED DEFECT TREND HAS NOT BEEN IDENTIFIED IN THE MY 1995-96 WINDSTAR VEHICLES THAT WERE NOT INCLUDED IN RECALL 02V-101.FURTHER USE OF AGENCY RESOURCES DOES NOT APPEAR TO BE WARRANTED.THE CLOSING OF THIS INVESTIGATION DOES NOT CONSTITUTE A FINDING BY NHTSA THAT NO SAFETY-RELATED DEFECT EXISTS.THE AGENCY RESERVES THE RIGHT TO TAKE FURTHER ACTION IF WARRANTED BY THE CIRCUMSTANCES.
Service Brakes, Hydraulic:foundation Components:hoses, Lines/piping, And Fittings
ON APRIL 4, 2002, FORD MOTOR COMPANY NOTIFIED ODI OF A DEFECT CONDITION THAT COULD RESULT IN EXTENDED STOPPING DISTANCES IN APPROXIMATELY 250 THOUSAND MODEL YEAR (MY) 1995 AND 1996 WINDSTAR MINIVANS SOLD OR REGISTERED IN SALT BELT STATES (RECALL 02V-101).ACCORDING TO FORD, IMPROPER BRAKE LINE ROUTING IN VEHICLES MANUFACTURED AT THE OAKVILLE ASSEMBLY PLANT FROM JANUARY 14, 1994 THROUGH MAY 21, 1996 RESULTED IN SOME VEHICLES WITH MIS-POSITIONED BRAKE LINES THAT COULD CONTACT A DASH PANEL INSULATOR.SUCH CONTACT COULD ABRADE THE BRAKE LINE PROTECTION COATING AND RESULT IN CORROSIVE FAILURE OF THE BRAKE LINES. ODI OPENED RQ04-003 TO INVESTIGATE COMPLAINTS OF BRAKE LINE FAILURE IN WINDSTAR VEHICLES THAT WERE:(1) LOCATED OUTSIDE THE RECALL REGION; OR (2) BUILT AFTER THE RECALL RANGE.REGARDING THE LATTER GROUP, FORD CHANGED THE ASSEMBLY PROCESS AFTER MAY 21, 1996 TO ELIMINATE THE MIS-BUILD PROBLEM.THE FAILURE RATES IN THE MY 1996 WINDSTAR VEHICLES BUILT AFTER THE PROCESS CHANGE ARE RELATIVELY LOW IN BOTH THE SALT-BELT STATES. WITH RESPECT TO THE MY 1995 AND 1996 VEHICLES BUILT DURING THE PERIOD OF CONCERN THAT WERE NOT SOLD OR REGISTERED IN SALT BELT STATES, THE FAILURE RATE IS ALSO LOW.THE RELATED BRAKE LINE WARRANTY CLAIM RATE FOR THOSE VEHICLES IS ALSO LOW. ACCORDINGLY, A SAFETY-RELATED DEFECT TREND HAS NOT BEEN IDENTIFIED IN THE MY 1995-96 WINDSTAR VEHICLES THAT WERE NOT INCLUDED IN RECALL 02V-101.FURTHER USE OF AGENCY RESOURCES DOES NOT APPEAR TO BE WARRANTED.THE CLOSING OF THIS INVESTIGATION DOES NOT CONSTITUTE A FINDING BY NHTSA THAT NO SAFETY-RELATED DEFECT EXISTS.THE AGENCY RESERVES THE RIGHT TO TAKE FURTHER ACTION IF WARRANTED BY THE CIRCUMSTANCES.
RQ02011 · Fuel Tank Fatigue Cracking
Opened Aug 29, 2002 · Closed Mar 14, 2003
Status: closed (inferred from source dates) · Fuel System, Gasoline:storage:tank Assembly
SEE ATTACHED REPORT.
EA00027 · Suspension Coil Spring Breakage
Opened Dec 8, 2000 · Closed Jul 31, 2001
Status: closed (inferred from source dates) · Suspension
There is no summary currently available
Additional source detail variants (2)
Suspension
There is no summary currently available
Suspension
There is no summary currently available
PE00024 · Suspension Coil Spring Breakage
Opened Jun 23, 2000 · Closed Dec 8, 2000
Status: closed (inferred from source dates) · Suspension
There is no summary currently available
EA99020 · Fuel Tank Cracks
Opened Jul 26, 1999 · Closed Dec 16, 1999
Status: closed (inferred from source dates) · Fuel System, Gasoline
There is no summary currently available
PE99025 · Fuel Tank Cracks
Opened Apr 15, 1999 · Closed Jul 26, 1999
Status: closed (inferred from source dates) · Fuel System, Gasoline
There is no summary currently available
PE98056 · Rear Axle Trailing Arm
Opened Oct 28, 1998 · Closed Feb 24, 1999
Status: closed (inferred from source dates) · Service Brakes, Hydraulic
There is no summary currently available
DP98004 · Automatic Transmission Failure
Opened May 18, 1998 · Closed Jul 2, 1998
Status: closed (inferred from source dates) · Power Train
There is no summary currently available
EA97018 · Outer Hood Panel Detachment
Opened Sep 30, 1997 · Closed Oct 22, 1997
Status: closed (inferred from source dates) · Structure
There is no summary currently available
PE97011 · Outer Hood Panel Detachment
Opened Mar 13, 1997 · Closed Sep 30, 1997
Status: closed (inferred from source dates) · Structure
THE OFFICE OF DEFECTS INVESTIGATION HAS RECEIVED 6 REPORTS INDICATING THE OUTER HOOD PANEL SEPARATED FROM THE VEHICLES AS THEY WERE BEING DRIVEN.FORD HAS PROVIDE 39 ADDITIONAL REPORTS THAT ARE CONSISTENT WITH ODI REPORTS.FORD INDICATES THAT THE LIKELY CAUSE IS PRIOR COLLISION DAMAGE.THIS INVESTIGATION IS BEING UPGRADED TO FURTHER STUDY THIS ISSUE.
EA96026 · Brake Pedal Fade/extended Stop Distance
Opened Oct 31, 1996 · Closed Feb 18, 2000
Status: closed (inferred from source dates) · Service Brakes, Hydraulic
There is no summary currently available
PE96042 · Brake Pedal Fade/extended Stopping
Opened Jun 13, 1996 · Closed Oct 31, 1996
Status: closed (inferred from source dates) · Service Brakes, Hydraulic
ODI HAS RECEIVED SIXTY-EIGHT (68) CONSUMER REPORTS OF ALLEGED FAILURES OR MALFUNCTIONS IN THE BRAKE SYSTEM ON CERTAIN 1995 AND 1996 FORD WINDSTARS, WHICH RESULTED IN BRAKE PEDAL FADE AND IN EXTENDED STOPPING DISTANCES DURING BRAKINGTHESE ALLEGED FAILURES OR MALFUNCTIONS ARE REPORTED TO HAVE CAUSED TWELVE (12) ACCIDENTS THAT RESULTED FROM VEHICLE LOSS OF BRAKING.THE CONPLAINANTS REPORT THAT THE LOSS OF BRAKING OCCURRED DURINGBRAKING SITUATIONS ON DRY ROADS AS WELL AS ON WET OR SLIPPERY ROADS.IN RESPONSE TO ODI'S INFORMATION REQUES (IR) CONCERNING THE LONG STOPPING DISTANCE COMPLAINTS ON THE 1995 WINDSTAR, FORD REPORTED RECEIVING 259 REPORT (FIELD REPORTS, OWNER COMPLAINTS, AND SUBROGATION CLAIMS) OF LONG STOPPING DISTANCE ON THE 1995 FORD WINDSTAR, ALONG WITH 64 REPORTS OF ACCIDENTS.IN ADDITION, FORD REPORTED RECEIVING SOME 64,000 WARRANTY CLAIMS THAT COULD RELATE TO THE ALLEGED DEFECT OF LONG STOPPING DISTANCE PERFORMANCE ON THE SUBJECT VEHICLES.SINCE APRELIMINARY EVALUATION WAS OPENED, ODI HAS RECEIVED ADDITIONAL COMPLAINTS OF THE ALLEGED FAILURE ON THE 1996 MODELS, WHICH WERE NOT INCLUDED INITIALLY IN THIS INVESTIGATION.ODI BELIEVES THAT AN ENGINEERING ANALYSIS ON THE 1995 AND 1996 FORD WINDSTAR VEHICES IN WARRANTED TO DETERMINE THE SCOPE OF THE PROBLEM.
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