Electrical SystemService Brakes, HydraulicVehicle Speed Control
MY WINDSTAR GL WOULDN'T START. I REPLACED THE RANGE SELECTOR SWITCH. WHEN I RESTARTED THE VEHICLE I FORGOT THE RECONNECT THE BRAKE PRESSURE SENSOR WIRING CONNECTOR AND THE ABS LIGHT CAME ON. I TRIED TO GET THE CODE CLEARED BUT NO-ONE COULD ACCESS THE CODE. I TOOK THE VAN TO THE DEALER FOR A RECALL NOTICE ON THE SPEED CONTROL SYS…
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MY WINDSTAR GL WOULDN'T START. I REPLACED THE RANGE SELECTOR SWITCH. WHEN I RESTARTED THE VEHICLE I FORGOT THE RECONNECT THE BRAKE PRESSURE SENSOR WIRING CONNECTOR AND THE ABS LIGHT CAME ON. I TRIED TO GET THE CODE CLEARED BUT NO-ONE COULD ACCESS THE CODE. I TOOK THE VAN TO THE DEALER FOR A RECALL NOTICE ON THE SPEED CONTROL SYSTEM AND HAD THEM LOOK INTO WHY THE ABS LIGHT WAS ON. I WAS TOLD THE ABS MODULE HAD QUIT AND NEEDED REPLACED. THE MODULE IS $1500.00 AND $300.00 TO INSTALL. THAT'S MORE THAN THE VAN IS WORTH. I SEARCHED ONLINE AND FOUND OUT MANY OTHER WINDSTAR OWNERS ARE HAVING THE SAME PROBLEMS. THE CRUISE CONTROL SYSTEM HAS ALSO QUIT AND THE DEALER REP. TELLS ME THAT THE CRUISE CONTROL ALSO GOES THROUGH THIS MODULE. WITH THE POSSIBILITY OF FIRE IT SEEMS RATHER IRRESPONSIBLE FOR FORD TO DO NOTHING MORE THAN INSTALL A FUSIBLE LINK AS A SAFETY MEASURE. I AM LOOKING INTO BUYING A USED MODULE TO REPAIR THE CRUISE AND ABS. THE FAILURE IS TOTAL. NEITHER THE CRUISE CONTROL OR THE ABS SYSTEM WORKS AT THIS TIME. *TR
NHTSA ODI #10349332
135,000 miles · Jun 1, 2010
Electrical SystemEngine And Engine CoolingFire
I TURNED THE AIR CONDITIONING ON IN THE VAN AND AFTER ABOUT 10 MINUTES, TURNED IT TO THE 'MAX AC' POSITION. THE HOOD STARTED STEAMING SO I TURNED THE AIR COMPLETELY OFF. AFTER LESS THAN A MINUTE, I NOTICED THE HOOD WAS SMOKING SO I PULLED TO THE SIDE OF THE ROAD IMMEDIATELY. I TURNED THE CAR OFF AND EXITED THE VAN AND SAW THA…
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I TURNED THE AIR CONDITIONING ON IN THE VAN AND AFTER ABOUT 10 MINUTES, TURNED IT TO THE 'MAX AC' POSITION. THE HOOD STARTED STEAMING SO I TURNED THE AIR COMPLETELY OFF. AFTER LESS THAN A MINUTE, I NOTICED THE HOOD WAS SMOKING SO I PULLED TO THE SIDE OF THE ROAD IMMEDIATELY. I TURNED THE CAR OFF AND EXITED THE VAN AND SAW THAT THE PASSENGER SIDE OF THE HOOD WAS ON FIRE. I RAN TO THE PASSENGER SIDE AND OPENED THE SLIDING DOOR, AND GOT MY 18 MONTH OLD AND 4 YEAR OLD OUT OF THE VEHICLE. AFTER WE WERE ALL A SAFE DISTANCE AWAY I SAW THAT MOST OF THE HOOD OF THE VAN WAS IN FLAMES. BY THE TIME THE FIRE DEPARTMENT ARRIVED ABOUT 5 MINUTES LATER, THE ENTIRE HOOD WAS ON FIRE WITH A LOT OF BLACK SMOKE. THE ENTIRE ENGINE COMPARTMENT LOOKS CHARRED AND PARTIALLY MELTED. THE VEHICLE IS BEYOND REPAIR. I'M THANKFUL MY CHILDREN ARE SAFE BUT I AM VERY CONCERNED ABOUT THE SAFETY (FAILURE) OF THIS VEHICLE. *TR
NHTSA ODI #10334181
Mileage unknown · Oct 4, 2005
Electrical SystemFire
BEHIND IN PAYMENTS. FORD MOTOR CREDIT ISSUED WRITE OF SUMMONS ON 7/3/03, TRIAL SCHEDULED FOR 9/22/03. ON 7/29/03, WHILE AT WORK, VEHICLE CAUGHT ON FIRE, DAMAGING 2 OTHER VEHICLES PARKED ON EITHER SIDE OF ME. FIRE MARSHALL INVESTIGATED THE INCIDENT AND FOUND TO BE AN ELECTRICAL PROBLEM. INSURANCE INVESTIGATED AND VEHICLE WAS …
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BEHIND IN PAYMENTS. FORD MOTOR CREDIT ISSUED WRITE OF SUMMONS ON 7/3/03, TRIAL SCHEDULED FOR 9/22/03. ON 7/29/03, WHILE AT WORK, VEHICLE CAUGHT ON FIRE, DAMAGING 2 OTHER VEHICLES PARKED ON EITHER SIDE OF ME. FIRE MARSHALL INVESTIGATED THE INCIDENT AND FOUND TO BE AN ELECTRICAL PROBLEM. INSURANCE INVESTIGATED AND VEHICLE WAS TOTAL LOSS. INSURANCE PAID FORD MOTOR CREDIT $5,689.25 (CLAIM [XXX]). FORD MOTOR CREDIT OBTAINED JUDGMENT AND WAGES ARE CURRENTLY BEING GARNISHED ON A VEHICLE THAT WAS CLAIMED A TOTAL LOSS DUE TO AN ELECTRICAL PROBLEM. *JB UPDATED 07/18/2012 *JS INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)
NHTSA ODI #10138486
170,000 miles · Jan 16, 2004
Electrical SystemFire
WHILE DRIVING THE DRIVER SAW SMOKE COMING FROM UNDER THE HOOD AND PULLED OVER. THE DRIVER WENT FOR HELP AND CAME BACK TO FIND THE VEHICLE IN FLAMES. THE FIRE DEPARTMENT DETERMINED THAT THE FIRE WAS CAUSED BY AN ELECTRICAL PROBLEM. PLEASE PROVIDE FURTHER DETAILS. *NM
NHTSA ODI #10055244
Mileage unknown · Aug 26, 2002
Electrical SystemEngine And Engine Cooling
WHILE DRIVING, THE CONSUMER TURNED THE IGNITION OFF. UPON STARTING THE VEHICLE AGAIN, THE STARTER MADE A FUNNY NOISE. ALSO, THE THERMOSTAT WAS EXTREMELY HIGH. THE CONSUMER HAD TAKEN THE VEHICLE TO THE DEALER, AND THE PROBLEM WAS NOT RESOLVED. *AK THE CONSUMER STATED THAT THE RADIATOR WAS OPENED AND THE ANTI-FREEZE WAS LOW-…
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WHILE DRIVING, THE CONSUMER TURNED THE IGNITION OFF. UPON STARTING THE VEHICLE AGAIN, THE STARTER MADE A FUNNY NOISE. ALSO, THE THERMOSTAT WAS EXTREMELY HIGH. THE CONSUMER HAD TAKEN THE VEHICLE TO THE DEALER, AND THE PROBLEM WAS NOT RESOLVED. *AK THE CONSUMER STATED THAT THE RADIATOR WAS OPENED AND THE ANTI-FREEZE WAS LOW-REFILLED. THE MECHANIC THOUGHT IT WAS THE WATER PUMP. THE HEAD GASKET WAS LEAKING. *SCC
NHTSA ODI #8017172
Mileage unknown · Jul 14, 1999
Electrical System
ALTERNATOR FAILED CAUSING THE ELECTRICAL SYSTEM TO COMPLETELY STOP WITHOUT WARNING. *YC
NHTSA ODI #547299
Mileage unknown · Jun 10, 1998
Electrical System
WHILE DRIVING THE VEHICLE STALLS UNEXPECTEDLY DUE TO A ENGINE COMPUTER FAILURE AND SENSORS AND STEERING PROBLEM. DEALER CANNOT DETERMINE PROBLEM. *AK
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.
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, AND WISCONSIN, AND IN THE DISTRICT OF COLUMBIA. THE FRONT COIL SPRINGS COULD FRACTURE AS A RESULT OF CORROSION. DEPENDING ON THE LOCATION OF THE FRACTURE, A BROKEN SPRING COULD MOVE PAST THE SPRING SEAT AND CONTACT A FRONT TIRE.
Consequence & remedy
Consequence: SOME TIRES HAVE DEFLATED DUE TO CONTACT WITH A BROKEN SPRING.
Remedy: DEALERS WILL INSTALL PROTECTIVE SHIELDS AROUND THE FRONT COIL SPRINGS. OWNER NOTIFICATION BEGAN SEPTEMBER 6, 2001. 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 1-800-392-3673.
VEHICLE DESCRIPTION: MINI VANS, LIGHT PICKUP TRUCKS, AND SPORT UTILITY VEHICLES. OFF LEASE CANADIAN VEHICLES EQUIPPED WITH DAYTIME RUNNING LIGHTS WHICH MEET CANADIAN REQUIREMENTS AND NOT THE PHOTOMETRIC REQUIREMENTS OF FMVSS 108, "LAMPS, REFLECTIVE DEVICES, AND ASSOCIATED EQUIPMENT." ACCORDING TO FORD, THE VEHICLES WERE IMPORTED INTO THE U.S. ERRONEOUSLY.
Consequence & remedy
Consequence: THE LIGHT GIVEN OFF FROM THE DAYTIME RUNNING LIGHTS IS BRIGHTER THAN ALLOWED BY U.S. STANDARDS.
Remedy: DEALERS WILL BE ADVISED TO DEACTIVATE THE RUNNING LIGHT FUNCTION AND TO COMPLETE ANY OUTSTANDING SAFETY RECALLS ON THESE VEHICLES.
VEHICLE DESCRIPTION: MINIVANS. THE BRAKE FLUID MASTER CYLINDER IS RECESSED AND ORIENTED IN THE ENGINE COMPARTMENT SO THAT THE BRAKE FLUID WARNING STATEMENT EMBOSSED ON BOTH THE TOP OF THE FILLER CAP AND THE SIDE OF THE RESERVOIR BODY ARE NOT ENTIRELY VISIBLE BY DIRECT VIEW. THESE VEHICLES MAY NOT FULLY COMPLY WITH REQUIREMENTS OF FMVSS NO. 135, "PASSENGER CAR BRAKE SYSTEMS."
Consequence & remedy
Consequence: Not supplied
Remedy: OWNERS WILL BE PROVIDED WITH NEW LABELS AND INSTALLATION INSTRUCTIONS.
VEHICLE DESCRIPTION: PASSENGER VEHICLES EQUIPPED WITH AX4S AUTOMATIC TRANSAXLES. THE LOW/INTERMEDIATE SERVO COVER CAN SEPARATE FROM THE TRANSAXLE WHILE THE VEHICLE IS BEING DRIVEN. IF THIS OCCURS, TRANSMISSION FLUID WILL LEAK CONTACTING THE CATALYTIC CONVERTER.
Consequence & remedy
Consequence: THE CATALYTIC CONVERTER TEMPERATURE MAY BE HOT ENOUGH TO IGNITE THE TRANSMISSION FLUID AND CAUSE A VEHICLE FIRE.
Remedy: DEALERS WILL INSPECT THE TRANSMISSION AND REPLACE THESE SERVO COVERS.
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
6
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.
EA03004 · Wheel Stud Fracture
Opened Apr 10, 2003 · Closed Aug 30, 2004
Status: closed (inferred from source dates) · Wheels; Wheels:lugs/nuts/bolts/studs
THE SUBJECT VEHICLES RANGE IN AGE FROM 4?7 YEARS IN SERVICE, WITH AVERAGE MILEAGES ESTIMATED TO RANGE FROM 50 TO 100 THOUSAND MILES.AT THESE MILEAGES, THE SUBJECT WHEELS ARE LIKELY TO HAVE BEEN REMOVED AND REINSTALLED MULTIPLE TIMES FOR VARIOUS SERVICE PROCEDURES.ODI IS CONCERNED ABOUT THE HIGH WHEEL SEPARATION RATES IN THE MY 1997-98 WINDSTAR VEHICLES EQUIPPED WITH ALUMINUM ALLOY WHEELS.HOWEVER, ANALYSIS OF FAILURE DATA INDICATES THAT MOST OF THE INCIDENTS IN THAT POPULATION OF VEHICLES OCCUR AFTER THE VEHICLES HAD ACCUMULATED 30 THOUSAND MILES OF SERVICE. THE FACTORS THAT INCREASE THE RISK THAT INADEQUATE CLAMP LOADS MAY BE ACHIEVED DURING SERVICE-RELATED WHEEL INSTALLATION ARE NOT UNIQUE TO THE SUBJECT VEHICLES.TESTING CONDUCTED BY FORD AND VRTC INDICATE THAT THE MY 1998 WINDSTAR ALUMINUM WHEEL FASTENING SYSTEM PERFORMS SIMILAR TO THE WHEEL FASTENING SYSTEMS ON PEER MINIVANS.NO DESIGN OR MANUFACTURING DEFECTS WERE IDENTIFIED IN THE WHEEL FASTENING SYSTEMS OF THE SUBJECT VEHICLES. FORD WILL SEND A MAILING TO OWNERS OF WINDSTAR VEHICLES WITH ALUMINUM WHEELS THAT HAVE HIGH WHEEL SEPARATION RATES THAT REVIEWS THE APPROPRIATE WHEEL FASTENING PROCEDURES AND STATES THAT THE WHEEL NUTS SHOULD BE TIGHTENED TO THE NOMINAL TORQUE, 100 FT-LBS (136 NM), AND RE-TIGHTENED TO THE SAME TORQUE AFTER 500 MILES.FORD?S LETTER ALSO STATES THAT IT IS ?A GOOD PRACTICE TO BE SURE THAT BEFORE INSTALLING THE WHEEL THE ALUMINUM WHEEL MOUNTING SURFACE, WHEEL LUG NUT AREA, AND THE MOUNTING FLANGE ARE FREE FROM DIRT, DEBRIS, AND LOOSE RUST TO ENSURE THE WHEEL IS SEATED CORRECTLY AND THE WHEEL LUG NUTS REMAIN FULLY TIGHTENED.? ODI WILL CONTINUE TO MONITOR THE INCIDENCE OF WHEEL FASTENER FAILURES IN THE SUBJECT VEHICLE POPULATION.ACCORDINGLY, THIS INVESTIGATION IS CLOSED.THE CLOSING OF THIS INVESTIGATION DOES NOT CONSTITUTE A FINDING BY NHTSA THAT A SAFETY-RELATED DEFECT DOES NOT EXIST.THE AGENCY WILL TAKE FURTHER ACTION IF WARRANTED BY THE CIRCUMSTANCES. FOR ADDITIONAL INFORMATION, SEE THE ATTACHED CLOSING REPORT.
Additional source detail variants (2)
Wheels
THE SUBJECT VEHICLES RANGE IN AGE FROM 4?7 YEARS IN SERVICE, WITH AVERAGE MILEAGES ESTIMATED TO RANGE FROM 50 TO 100 THOUSAND MILES.AT THESE MILEAGES, THE SUBJECT WHEELS ARE LIKELY TO HAVE BEEN REMOVED AND REINSTALLED MULTIPLE TIMES FOR VARIOUS SERVICE PROCEDURES.ODI IS CONCERNED ABOUT THE HIGH WHEEL SEPARATION RATES IN THE MY 1997-98 WINDSTAR VEHICLES EQUIPPED WITH ALUMINUM ALLOY WHEELS.HOWEVER, ANALYSIS OF FAILURE DATA INDICATES THAT MOST OF THE INCIDENTS IN THAT POPULATION OF VEHICLES OCCUR AFTER THE VEHICLES HAD ACCUMULATED 30 THOUSAND MILES OF SERVICE. THE FACTORS THAT INCREASE THE RISK THAT INADEQUATE CLAMP LOADS MAY BE ACHIEVED DURING SERVICE-RELATED WHEEL INSTALLATION ARE NOT UNIQUE TO THE SUBJECT VEHICLES.TESTING CONDUCTED BY FORD AND VRTC INDICATE THAT THE MY 1998 WINDSTAR ALUMINUM WHEEL FASTENING SYSTEM PERFORMS SIMILAR TO THE WHEEL FASTENING SYSTEMS ON PEER MINIVANS.NO DESIGN OR MANUFACTURING DEFECTS WERE IDENTIFIED IN THE WHEEL FASTENING SYSTEMS OF THE SUBJECT VEHICLES. FORD WILL SEND A MAILING TO OWNERS OF WINDSTAR VEHICLES WITH ALUMINUM WHEELS THAT HAVE HIGH WHEEL SEPARATION RATES THAT REVIEWS THE APPROPRIATE WHEEL FASTENING PROCEDURES AND STATES THAT THE WHEEL NUTS SHOULD BE TIGHTENED TO THE NOMINAL TORQUE, 100 FT-LBS (136 NM), AND RE-TIGHTENED TO THE SAME TORQUE AFTER 500 MILES.FORD?S LETTER ALSO STATES THAT IT IS ?A GOOD PRACTICE TO BE SURE THAT BEFORE INSTALLING THE WHEEL THE ALUMINUM WHEEL MOUNTING SURFACE, WHEEL LUG NUT AREA, AND THE MOUNTING FLANGE ARE FREE FROM DIRT, DEBRIS, AND LOOSE RUST TO ENSURE THE WHEEL IS SEATED CORRECTLY AND THE WHEEL LUG NUTS REMAIN FULLY TIGHTENED.? ODI WILL CONTINUE TO MONITOR THE INCIDENCE OF WHEEL FASTENER FAILURES IN THE SUBJECT VEHICLE POPULATION.ACCORDINGLY, THIS INVESTIGATION IS CLOSED.THE CLOSING OF THIS INVESTIGATION DOES NOT CONSTITUTE A FINDING BY NHTSA THAT A SAFETY-RELATED DEFECT DOES NOT EXIST.THE AGENCY WILL TAKE FURTHER ACTION IF WARRANTED BY THE CIRCUMSTANCES. FOR ADDITIONAL INFORMATION, SEE THE ATTACHED CLOSING REPORT.
Wheels:lugs/nuts/bolts/studs
THE SUBJECT VEHICLES RANGE IN AGE FROM 4?7 YEARS IN SERVICE, WITH AVERAGE MILEAGES ESTIMATED TO RANGE FROM 50 TO 100 THOUSAND MILES.AT THESE MILEAGES, THE SUBJECT WHEELS ARE LIKELY TO HAVE BEEN REMOVED AND REINSTALLED MULTIPLE TIMES FOR VARIOUS SERVICE PROCEDURES.ODI IS CONCERNED ABOUT THE HIGH WHEEL SEPARATION RATES IN THE MY 1997-98 WINDSTAR VEHICLES EQUIPPED WITH ALUMINUM ALLOY WHEELS.HOWEVER, ANALYSIS OF FAILURE DATA INDICATES THAT MOST OF THE INCIDENTS IN THAT POPULATION OF VEHICLES OCCUR AFTER THE VEHICLES HAD ACCUMULATED 30 THOUSAND MILES OF SERVICE. THE FACTORS THAT INCREASE THE RISK THAT INADEQUATE CLAMP LOADS MAY BE ACHIEVED DURING SERVICE-RELATED WHEEL INSTALLATION ARE NOT UNIQUE TO THE SUBJECT VEHICLES.TESTING CONDUCTED BY FORD AND VRTC INDICATE THAT THE MY 1998 WINDSTAR ALUMINUM WHEEL FASTENING SYSTEM PERFORMS SIMILAR TO THE WHEEL FASTENING SYSTEMS ON PEER MINIVANS.NO DESIGN OR MANUFACTURING DEFECTS WERE IDENTIFIED IN THE WHEEL FASTENING SYSTEMS OF THE SUBJECT VEHICLES. FORD WILL SEND A MAILING TO OWNERS OF WINDSTAR VEHICLES WITH ALUMINUM WHEELS THAT HAVE HIGH WHEEL SEPARATION RATES THAT REVIEWS THE APPROPRIATE WHEEL FASTENING PROCEDURES AND STATES THAT THE WHEEL NUTS SHOULD BE TIGHTENED TO THE NOMINAL TORQUE, 100 FT-LBS (136 NM), AND RE-TIGHTENED TO THE SAME TORQUE AFTER 500 MILES.FORD?S LETTER ALSO STATES THAT IT IS ?A GOOD PRACTICE TO BE SURE THAT BEFORE INSTALLING THE WHEEL THE ALUMINUM WHEEL MOUNTING SURFACE, WHEEL LUG NUT AREA, AND THE MOUNTING FLANGE ARE FREE FROM DIRT, DEBRIS, AND LOOSE RUST TO ENSURE THE WHEEL IS SEATED CORRECTLY AND THE WHEEL LUG NUTS REMAIN FULLY TIGHTENED.? ODI WILL CONTINUE TO MONITOR THE INCIDENCE OF WHEEL FASTENER FAILURES IN THE SUBJECT VEHICLE POPULATION.ACCORDINGLY, THIS INVESTIGATION IS CLOSED.THE CLOSING OF THIS INVESTIGATION DOES NOT CONSTITUTE A FINDING BY NHTSA THAT A SAFETY-RELATED DEFECT DOES NOT EXIST.THE AGENCY WILL TAKE FURTHER ACTION IF WARRANTED BY THE CIRCUMSTANCES. FOR ADDITIONAL INFORMATION, SEE THE ATTACHED CLOSING 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
1997 Ford Windstar Problems, Complaints & Recalls | Skip That Year
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