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1995 Ford Windstar

Owner reports · Recalls · Investigations

More warning signs than most Windstar years

Owner complaints for the 1995 Ford Windstar are substantially higher than the model-year median of 192.

About this comparison →

When problems were reported

Mileage at the reported incident

Limited mileage data: 223 of 3,326 reports include usable mileage. There isn’t enough coverage to show a useful chart.

NHTSA’s mileage field refers to the reported incident, not necessarily the filing date. This shows report counts, not the likelihood of a failure.

What to inspect

Issues worth paying extra attention to based on owner reports.

  • Engine And Engine Cooling. Review the 1,610 owner reports in this category and discuss these concerns during a pre-purchase inspection. Read reports →
  • Power Train. Review the 875 owner reports in this category and discuss these concerns during a pre-purchase inspection. Read reports →
  • Service Brakes, Hydraulic. Review the 484 owner reports in this category and discuss these concerns during a pre-purchase inspection. Read reports →

NHTSA owner reports · September 18, 2026 snapshot.

134 crash reports49 fire reports72 injury reports

Tires complaints

22 reports
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104,000 miles · Aug 12, 2008
Tires

I BOUGHT TIRE FROM FIRESTONE UNDER WARRANTY WHEN IT GETS BAD I TOOK IT TO THE STORE AND ASKED THEM FOR NEW TIRE, THEY REFUSED TO GIVE ME ONE EVEN IT WAS UNDER WARRANTY. THEN I CALLED THE MAIN OFFICE THEY APOLOGIZE AND THEY TOLD ME TO TAKE IT BACK TO THE STORE AND THEY WILL TAKER OF IT. AFTER THEY CONTACTED THE STORE CALLED ME …

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I BOUGHT TIRE FROM FIRESTONE UNDER WARRANTY WHEN IT GETS BAD I TOOK IT TO THE STORE AND ASKED THEM FOR NEW TIRE, THEY REFUSED TO GIVE ME ONE EVEN IT WAS UNDER WARRANTY. THEN I CALLED THE MAIN OFFICE THEY APOLOGIZE AND THEY TOLD ME TO TAKE IT BACK TO THE STORE AND THEY WILL TAKER OF IT. AFTER THEY CONTACTED THE STORE CALLED ME AND IF ASKED ME TO TAKE TO BACK TO STORE AND GET NEW TIRE. FIVE MONTH'S LATER WHEN I WAS DRIVING ON HW 59, THE LAYER OF THE TIRE TORE OFF AND HIT THE CURB. IT DIDN'T HIT ANOTHER CARS, BECAUSE I WAS ON LEFT LANE AND THE TIRE WAS LEFT SIDE. OTHER WAYS INNOCENT HUMAN LIFE WOULD BE LOST. *TR

NHTSA ODI #10237867

Mileage unknown · Jan 27, 2007
Tires

I'M HAVING A PROBLEM WITH FIRESTONE TIRE COMPANY. A DEFECTIVE TIRE BLEW ON MY SON'S FORD VAN. THE THREAD SEPARATED COMPLETELY. MY SON WAS ABLE TO DRIVE HOME ON THE FABRIC OF THE STILL INFLATED TIRE. THE TIRE WAS REPLACED FREE BY THE LOCAL FIRESTONE DEALER BECAUSE IT WAS OBVIOUSLY A DEFECTIVE TIRE. WHEN THE TIRE BLEW, THE FLY…

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I'M HAVING A PROBLEM WITH FIRESTONE TIRE COMPANY. A DEFECTIVE TIRE BLEW ON MY SON'S FORD VAN. THE THREAD SEPARATED COMPLETELY. MY SON WAS ABLE TO DRIVE HOME ON THE FABRIC OF THE STILL INFLATED TIRE. THE TIRE WAS REPLACED FREE BY THE LOCAL FIRESTONE DEALER BECAUSE IT WAS OBVIOUSLY A DEFECTIVE TIRE. WHEN THE TIRE BLEW, THE FLYING RUBBER THREAD CAUSED DAMAGE TO THE VEHICLE. THE SIDE VIEW MIRROR WAS DESTROYED, FRONT BUMPER WAS LOOSENED PLUS OTHER MINOR COSMETIC DAMAGE. DAMAGE WAS $281.36. I WENT TO THE LOCAL FIRESTONE DEALER RIGHT AFTER THE INCIDENT BECAUSE I WASN'T COMFORTABLE DRIVING WITHOUT A SPARE TIRE. I HAD THE DAMAGE REPAIRED QUICKLY BECAUSE DRIVING WITHOUT A SIDEVIEW MIRROR IS A HAZARD AND THE BUMPER WAS LOOSE WHICH IS DANGEROUS. AFTER THE DAMAGE WAS REPAIRED AND THE TIRE REPLACED, I SENT A LETTER TO FIRESTONE ASKING FOR REIMBURSEMENT OF THE DAMAGE. I DISCOVERED I SENT THE LETTER TO THE WRONG DIVISION OF FIRESTONE. I FINALLY FOUND WHO AT FIRESTONE TO CONTACT ABOUT PAYING FOR THE DAMAGE AND THEY SAID THEY NEEDED THE DEFECTIVE TIRE BEFORE THEY COULD CONSIDER REIMBURSEMENT. OF COURSE, THE TIRE WAS LONG GONE. NOTHING WAS SAID TO ME AT THE TIME ON TIRE REPLACEMENT OF ANY REQUIREMENT TO RETAIN THE DEFECTIVE TIRE. CULPABILITY FOR THE DAMAGE HAD BEEN ESTABLISHED WHEN THE TIRE WAS REPLACED FREE BY THE LOCAL DEALER. ON NOVEMBER 27, 2006, I SENT COPIES OF THE FIRESTONE WORK ORDER FOR THE TIRE REPLACEMENT, TWO ESTIMATES FOR THE DAMAGE AND PHOTOS OF THE DAMAGE ALONG WITH MY REQUEST FOR THE REIMBURSEMENT OF $281.36. AS OF THIS DATE, FIRESTONE HAS NOT SEEN FIT TO RESPOND TO MY LETTER. I FEEL THAT THEIR REQUIREMENT TO SHIP THE DEFECTIVE TIRE IS JUST A SHAM TO AVOID ANY LIABILITY AND THAT THE DETERMINATION BY THE LOCAL DEALER THAT IT WAS A DEFECTIVE TIRE SHOULD BE SUFFICIENT PROOF. THE NAME AND ADDRESS OF THE AGENT HANDING THIS MATTER IS: BFNT, LLC 1102 APPLETON NASHVILLE, TN 37210 THE REFERENCE NUMBER OF MY INCIDENT IS 840173. *NM

NHTSA ODI #10180876

Mileage unknown · Jun 8, 2006
Tires

TIRE DEFECT. MY WIFE WAS ALMOST IN A ACCIDENT BECAUSE OF AN EXPLOSION OF ONE TIRE. *JB

NHTSA ODI #10159292

118,278 miles · Oct 24, 2005
Tires

I HAD THE TREAD SEPARATE FROM THIS TIRE ON OUR 1995 FORD WINDSTAR VAN WHILE GOING THROUGH ATLANTA, GA. 10/18/05. THE FLYING DEBRIS BENT THE MUFFLER UP INTO THE BACK RIGHT QUARTER PANEL OF OUR VAN AND CAVED IN THE WHEEL WELL. THE INERTIA SWITCH WAS TRIPPED SO THE VEHICLE WOULDN'T START. WE HAD TO BE TOWED TO A FORD DEALERSHIP. *J…

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I HAD THE TREAD SEPARATE FROM THIS TIRE ON OUR 1995 FORD WINDSTAR VAN WHILE GOING THROUGH ATLANTA, GA. 10/18/05. THE FLYING DEBRIS BENT THE MUFFLER UP INTO THE BACK RIGHT QUARTER PANEL OF OUR VAN AND CAVED IN THE WHEEL WELL. THE INERTIA SWITCH WAS TRIPPED SO THE VEHICLE WOULDN'T START. WE HAD TO BE TOWED TO A FORD DEALERSHIP. *JB

NHTSA ODI #10140600

115,827 miles · Jul 20, 2004
Tires

MY DAUGHTER, WHILE TRAVELING ON INTERSTATE HIGHWAY S.W. LOOP 410 AT A SPEED OF APPROXIMATELY 60 MILES PER HOUR, HEARD A LOUD THUMPING NOISE FROM THE DRIVER SIDE REAR TIRE. SHE STOPPED THE VEHICLE (1995 FORD WINDSTAR) TO INVESTIGATE. SHE OBSERVED THAT THE TREAD HAD PARTIALLY SEPARATED FROM THE TIRE CARCASS AND THE TIRES SEPARATE…

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MY DAUGHTER, WHILE TRAVELING ON INTERSTATE HIGHWAY S.W. LOOP 410 AT A SPEED OF APPROXIMATELY 60 MILES PER HOUR, HEARD A LOUD THUMPING NOISE FROM THE DRIVER SIDE REAR TIRE. SHE STOPPED THE VEHICLE (1995 FORD WINDSTAR) TO INVESTIGATE. SHE OBSERVED THAT THE TREAD HAD PARTIALLY SEPARATED FROM THE TIRE CARCASS AND THE TIRES SEPARATED STEEL BELT WAS FLAPPING AGAINST THE INSIDE OF THE WHEEL-WELL CAUSING CONSIDERABLE DAMAGE. I TOOK THE CAR TO A LOCAL REPUTABLE REPAIR SHOP FOR AN ESTIMATE. THEY SAID THE REPAIR COST WOULD BE FROM $1,000 TO $3,000. *LA

NHTSA ODI #10082299

90,000 miles · Feb 27, 2004
Tires

GOODYEAR 215-70-R15 ALLEGRA TIRES PURCHASED AT SAMS CLUB PURCHASED APPX 2 YRS AGO. APPX. 14 MONTHS AGO AND THEN LAST WEEK HAD 2 TIRES REPLACED DUE TO BELT SEPERATIONS. MECHANIC AT SAMS INDICATED THAT THIS PARTICULAR TYPE OF TIRE IS IN HIS SHOP FREQUENTLY DUE TO BELT FAILURES. I HAVE REPLACED 4 TIRES ALREADY AND THERE IS ONLY 20,…

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GOODYEAR 215-70-R15 ALLEGRA TIRES PURCHASED AT SAMS CLUB PURCHASED APPX 2 YRS AGO. APPX. 14 MONTHS AGO AND THEN LAST WEEK HAD 2 TIRES REPLACED DUE TO BELT SEPERATIONS. MECHANIC AT SAMS INDICATED THAT THIS PARTICULAR TYPE OF TIRE IS IN HIS SHOP FREQUENTLY DUE TO BELT FAILURES. I HAVE REPLACED 4 TIRES ALREADY AND THERE IS ONLY 20,000 MILES ON THE SET. I AM CONCERNED DUE TO THE FREQUENCY WITH JUST MYSELF AND THE INDICATED VOLUME OF THE PROBLEM INDICATED BY THE SAMS CLUB MECHANIC. THE BELT SEPERATION DID NOT CAUSE AN ACCIDENT BUT DID LEAD TO CONTROL DIFFICULTY DUE TO EXTREME VIBRATION AS ALL FAILURES OCCURED ON THE FRONT. THESE TIRES WERE ROUTINELY ROTATED AND BALANCED, KEPT AT 35 P.S.I. AND WERE NOT SEVERLY USED OR ABUSED. THE VEHICLE THEY WERE ON IS A 1995 FORD WINDSTAR LX.*AK

NHTSA ODI #10059085

Mileage unknown · Jan 15, 2004
Engine And Engine CoolingPower TrainService Brakes, Hydraulic

BRAKE WORK X2 TRANSMISSION X2 ALL BELTS TIRE & SUSPENSION WORK LUGS ON WHEELS NOT PROPERLY REPLACED ,IT ALMOST FELL OFF STILL PAYING ON VEHICLE WHILE IT SITS IN ASHLEY FORD PARKING LOT W/ DEAD TRANSMISSION I AM UNABLE TO PAY CLOSE TO $2000 FOR REPAIRS

NHTSA ODI #10070357

Mileage unknown · Jan 15, 2004
Engine And Engine CoolingEquipmentFuel System, Gasoline

I HAVE OWNED THIS VAN SINCE 1999. SINCE I HAVE OWNED IT WE HAVE HAD NOTHING BUT PROBLEMS WITH IT. I HAVE HAD THE ROTORS TURNED, AND REPLACED AT LEAST 3 TIMES, AND THEY NEED IT AGAIN. I HAVE HAD THE HEAD GASKET REPLACED 3 TIMES AND ONE OF THEM TIMES WAS AT 99,000 MILES WHEN IT WAS UNDER THE WARRENTY. IT HAD BEEN REPLACED AT L…

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I HAVE OWNED THIS VAN SINCE 1999. SINCE I HAVE OWNED IT WE HAVE HAD NOTHING BUT PROBLEMS WITH IT. I HAVE HAD THE ROTORS TURNED, AND REPLACED AT LEAST 3 TIMES, AND THEY NEED IT AGAIN. I HAVE HAD THE HEAD GASKET REPLACED 3 TIMES AND ONE OF THEM TIMES WAS AT 99,000 MILES WHEN IT WAS UNDER THE WARRENTY. IT HAD BEEN REPLACED AT LEAST ONE TIME BEFORE THAT. MY SLIDING DOOR WON'T STAY CLOSED, EVEN THOUGH I JUST SPENT $300 GETTING A NEW LATCHED PUT ON. MY WINDOWS WON'T WORK. I HAD LARSON MOTORS FIX A HEAD GASKET AND MY ELECTRONIC WINDOWS, COST ME OVER $250 FOR THE WINDOW, THAT ONLY WORKED 2 TIMES. I CALLED, AND SINCE THEY PUT "MAY NOT BE THE PROBLEM" ON THE INVOICE, THEY THINK THAT CLEARS THEM, AND THEY WANTED ME TO SPEND MORE MONEY ON ANOTHER PART. MY SPEEDOMETOR HAS BEEN REPLACED ONCE AND IS BROKE AGAIN. THE ALTERNATOR HAS BEEN REPLACED. I COULD GO ON AND ON. I AM GETTING NO WHERE WITH ANYONE. I HAVE SPENT AROUND 5,000.00 IN REPAIRS, AND CAN'T TRADE THE THING OFF, SINCE I STILL OWE TOO MUCH ON IT, DUE TO A TORNADO THAT HIT OUR HOME, AND WHAT THE INSURANCE DIDN'T COVER, THE BALANCE WAS PUT ON OUR CAR LOAN. WE DON'T HAVE THE BEST CREDIT DO TO HAVING TO SPEND ANYWHERE FROM $100-300+ A MONTH ON REPAIRS TO THIS LEMON CAR. I HAVE A FAMILY AND NEED TO KNOW THAT I HAVE A RELIABLE CAR TO DRIVE. I HAVE BEEN STRANDED WITH MY 3 CHILDREN A MINIMUM OF 4 TIMES THIS PAST YEAR.

NHTSA ODI #10069970

Mileage unknown · Feb 27, 2002
Tires

ON NOVERMBER 15, 2001 CONSUMER PURCHASED 4 NEW GOODYEAR AQUATREAD TIRES, (MTS P205/170R15,955 DOT, MKMO, 5BHR 0400) ON NOVEMBER 23, 2001 WHILE DRIVING AND WITHOUT WARNING THE FRONT PASSENGER TIRE EXPLODED, CONSUMER WAS ABLE TO BRING THE VEHICLE TO A STOP, UPON INSPECTION OF THE TIRE THERE WAS NO EDIVENCE OF A ROAD HAZARD PUNCTUR…

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ON NOVERMBER 15, 2001 CONSUMER PURCHASED 4 NEW GOODYEAR AQUATREAD TIRES, (MTS P205/170R15,955 DOT, MKMO, 5BHR 0400) ON NOVEMBER 23, 2001 WHILE DRIVING AND WITHOUT WARNING THE FRONT PASSENGER TIRE EXPLODED, CONSUMER WAS ABLE TO BRING THE VEHICLE TO A STOP, UPON INSPECTION OF THE TIRE THERE WAS NO EDIVENCE OF A ROAD HAZARD PUNCTURE OR OTHER PROBLEMS.*JB

NHTSA ODI #564502

Mileage unknown · Sep 5, 2001
Tires

RIGHT REAR TIRE BLEW OUT DAMAGING THE RIGHT REAR FENDER, RIGHT SIDE FENDER AND RIGHT SIDE SLIDING DOOR.(OHIO TRAFFIC CRASH REPORT) *YH

NHTSA ODI #562930

Official recalls

6

09V399000 · Vehicle Speed Control

Oct 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.

02V101000 · Service Brakes, Hydraulic:foundation Components:hoses, Lines/piping, And Fittings

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.

99V309000 · Fuel System, Gasoline:storage:tank Assembly

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.

97V180000 · Structure:body:hood

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.

94V222000 · Electrical System:wiring:front Underhood

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.

94V223000 · Electrical System:alternator/generator/regulator

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

14

EA08021 · 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.