IllustrationWHILE 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
1997 Ford Windstar
Owner reports · Recalls · Investigations
Similar to other model years
Owner complaints for the 1997 Ford Windstar do not stand out strongly from the model-year median of 192.
About this comparison →How this year compares
Owner complaints by model year
Compare all Windstar years →Counts vary with age, sales and reporting. They are not failure rates.
What owners reported most
All reported categories
Tap a category to read its complaints. One report may name several components.
When problems were reported
Mileage at the reported incident
Limited mileage data: 43 of 192 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.
- Power Train. Review the 43 owner reports in this category and discuss these concerns during a pre-purchase inspection. Read reports →
- Engine And Engine Cooling. Review the 38 owner reports in this category and discuss these concerns during a pre-purchase inspection. Read reports →
- Suspension. Review the 38 owner reports in this category and discuss these concerns during a pre-purchase inspection. Read reports →
NHTSA owner reports · September 18, 2026 snapshot.
6 crash reports9 fire reports4 injury reports
What owners actually said
192 reportsAT 150,000KM (94,000 MILES) WAS IN FOR FRONT SPRING RECALL AND DEALER RECOMMENDED ENGINE FRONT GASKET REPLACEMENT. IMMEDIATELY HAD THIS REPAIR DONE ($900 CDN). SHORTLY AFTER MY MECHANIC STATED THAT HE COULD HEAR A SLIGHT KNOCKING AND PREDICTED THE ENGINE BEARING WOULD GO WITHIN THE YEAR. I STARTED CAMPAINING WITH FORD BASED ON…
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AT 150,000KM (94,000 MILES) WAS IN FOR FRONT SPRING RECALL AND DEALER RECOMMENDED ENGINE FRONT GASKET REPLACEMENT. IMMEDIATELY HAD THIS REPAIR DONE ($900 CDN). SHORTLY AFTER MY MECHANIC STATED THAT HE COULD HEAR A SLIGHT KNOCKING AND PREDICTED THE ENGINE BEARING WOULD GO WITHIN THE YEAR. I STARTED CAMPAINING WITH FORD BASED ON THE HISTORY OF GASKET FAILURE (COOLANT LEAKS PAST GASKET INTO OIL CAUSING BEARING FAILURE). FORD CUSTOMER CARE SAID THEY NEED A DEALER TO DIAGNOSE THE PROBLEM SO HAD A DEALER CHECK IT OUT WITH NO PROBLEM FOUND. AT CLOSE TO 170,000KM (106,000 MILES) THE KNOCKING BECAME LOUDER AND THE OIL LIGHT BEGAN TO FLICKER. AGAIN CONTACTED FORD WHO ASKED FOR DEALER DIAGNOSIS WHICH I DID AND CONFIRMED NEED ENGINE REPLACEMENT. FORD CUSTOMER CARE SAID THERE WERE NO PROGRAMS FOR MY VEHICLE THEREFORE NO COVERAGE BUT WOULD CONSIDER PARTIAL PAYMENT AS GOOD WILL GESTURE IF REPAIRED AT A FORD DEALER. CONTINUED TO EMAIL FORD BUT THEY STOPPED RESPONDING TO MY CONCERN. HAD THE ENGINE REPLACED AT MY MECHANIC.
AT A ROUTINE NYS INSPECTION, THE FORD DEALER ADVISED THAT THE HEAD GASKETS NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE CAR IS 6 YEARS OLD WITH 36K MILES. CALLED FORD FOR ASSISTANCE, AND GOT PROFUSE APOLOGIZES, AND NO HELP WITH A $1600.00 REPAIR. THE CAR IS EXHIBITING NO SYMPTOMS OF ANY PROBLEMS, AND I DO NOT HAVE THE MONEY FOR THE REPAIR. FOR SU…
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AT A ROUTINE NYS INSPECTION, THE FORD DEALER ADVISED THAT THE HEAD GASKETS NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE CAR IS 6 YEARS OLD WITH 36K MILES. CALLED FORD FOR ASSISTANCE, AND GOT PROFUSE APOLOGIZES, AND NO HELP WITH A $1600.00 REPAIR. THE CAR IS EXHIBITING NO SYMPTOMS OF ANY PROBLEMS, AND I DO NOT HAVE THE MONEY FOR THE REPAIR. FOR SUCH LOW MILEAGE, I THINK THAT FMC SHOULD MAKE SOME ATTEMPT TO ASSIST WITH THIS COMPLAINT. THEY ARE CERTAINLY AWARE OF THE PROBLEM WITH THE 95 & 96 WINDSTARS!!
I BOUGHT THIS 1997 FORD WINDSTAR IN MARCH OF 2003. THE VERY NEXT DAY I RETURNED TO THE INDEPENDENT CAR DEALER DUE TO THE CHECK ENGINE LIGHT WAS ON. THEY SAID NOTHING WAS WRONG AND THEY RESET THE LIGHT. WITHIN A WEEK IT WAS ON AGAIN AND THIS TIME THEY SAID IT WAS A FLUXATION IN THE ELECTRICAL CURRENT AND IT WAS MAKING THE LIGHT C…
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I BOUGHT THIS 1997 FORD WINDSTAR IN MARCH OF 2003. THE VERY NEXT DAY I RETURNED TO THE INDEPENDENT CAR DEALER DUE TO THE CHECK ENGINE LIGHT WAS ON. THEY SAID NOTHING WAS WRONG AND THEY RESET THE LIGHT. WITHIN A WEEK IT WAS ON AGAIN AND THIS TIME THEY SAID IT WAS A FLUXATION IN THE ELECTRICAL CURRENT AND IT WAS MAKING THE LIGHT COME ON. THEY RESET IT. ABOUT 2 WEEKS LATER IT IS LOSING COOLANT SOMEWHERE AND RUNNING ROUGH, THEY CHECK IT AND NOW IT NEEDS 2 OUT OF 4 OXYGEN SENSORS REPLACED IM TOLD. THEY PAY FOR IT IF THEY TRULY FIXED IT BECAUSE ABOUT 2-3 WEEKS LATER I AM HAVINT THE SAME PROBLEMS SO THEY REPLACE THE OTHER 2 OXYGEN SENSORS, BUT CANNOT EXPLAIN THE COOLANT LOSS. EVER SINCE I HAVE HAD NOTHING BUT PROBLEMS SO I DECIDED TO GO TO THE LOCAL FORD DEALER EVEN THOUGH I TRY TO AVOID DEALERS BECAUSE OF PRICES AND THEY CHARGE ME $58 TO TELL ME I NEED A HEAD GASKET, MY ABS SYSTEM IS NOT WORKING, TIMING COVER IS LEAKING, BALL BEARING IS SHOT AND MY ANTIFREEZE LOOKS LIKE MUD. THIS IS ALL WROTE ON A SERVICE ESTIMATE I ASKED THEM FOR. IT WOULD COST ABOUT $1700 + TAX FOR THEM TO FIX. I HAVE READ THAT FORD KNEW THEY HAD A PROBLEM WITH THE 95 WINDSTARS AND THE HEAD GASKETS AND OFFERED AN EXTENDED WARRANTY OR MONEY TOWARDS A NEW CAR SO I FEEL THEY KNOW ALL WINDSTARS WITH THIS 3.8L ENGINE ARE FAULTY NOT JUST THE 95'S. I CALLED FORD AND THEY TOLD ME TOUGH LUCK BASICALLY. I HAVE READ ON THE INTERNET NUMEROUS COMPLAINTS ABOUT THE HEAD GASKETS IN ALL 3.8L WINDSTARS AND I WANT MY VAN FIXED.
I OWN A 1997 FORD WINDSTAR MINIVAN (VIN# [XXX]) THAT CONTAINS A 3.8 V6. AT 82,000 MILES, THE HEAD GASKET HAS BLOWN. THE DEALER TELLS ME THAT IT WILL COST BETWEEN $2000 AND $4000 TO REPAIR. AFTER DOING EXTENSIVE RESEARCH ON THE WEB, IT APPEARS THAT THE 1995 AND 1996 MODELS ALSO HAD HEAD GASKET PROBLEMS DUE TO AN ADMITTED DESIGN F…
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I OWN A 1997 FORD WINDSTAR MINIVAN (VIN# [XXX]) THAT CONTAINS A 3.8 V6. AT 82,000 MILES, THE HEAD GASKET HAS BLOWN. THE DEALER TELLS ME THAT IT WILL COST BETWEEN $2000 AND $4000 TO REPAIR. AFTER DOING EXTENSIVE RESEARCH ON THE WEB, IT APPEARS THAT THE 1995 AND 1996 MODELS ALSO HAD HEAD GASKET PROBLEMS DUE TO AN ADMITTED DESIGN FLAW. FORD CLAIMS TO HAVE CORRECTED THE PROBLEM-BUT THERE ARE INCREASING NUMBERS OF OWNERS OF 1997 MODELS THAT ARE EXPERIENCING THE SAME PROBLEM. REPEATED VISITS TO THE DEALERSHIP-AS WELL AS NUMEROUS CALLS TO FORD-HAVE RESULTED IN DEAD ENDS. I GET RESPONSES SUCH AS: THE WARRANTY HAS EXPIRED, THERE ARE NO RECALLS ON YOUR VEHICLE AT THIS TIME, ETC. BUT SINCE THIS IS CLEARLY DUE TO A DESIGN FLAW IN THE ENGINE, THEN SHOULDN'T THIS STILL BE COVERED AND CORRECTED? FORD OFFERED A BRIEF PROGRAM TO REPAIR THE EARLIER MODELS-SO WHY HASN'T THIS BEEN OFFERED ON THE LATER YEARS? FORD CLAIMS THAT THEY HAVE FIXED THE PROBLEM-WHICH THEY CLEARLY HAVE NOT-YET THEY EXPECT PEOPLE TO SIMPLY PAY FOR THE REPAIRS. I BELIEVE THAT FORD NEEDS TO BE HELD ACCOUNTABLE FOR THIS, AND THAT THEY SHOULD OFFER TO PERFORM THE WORK AT EITHER A DISCOUNTED RATE, OR FOR FREE SINCE THIS IS DUE TO THEIR ENGINE DESIGN. EVEN THE MANUAL CLAIMS THE HEAD GASKET IS EXPECTED TO LAST FOR AT LEAST 120,000 MILES, AND I WAS TOLD THAT THIS WAS THE CASE WITH THIS VEHICLE. HAD I KNOWN OF THE PROBLEMS OTHER OWNERS WERE HAVING, I WOULD HAVE RECONSIDERED MY DECISION TO PURCHASE THIS VAN. TO THAT END, I FEEL THAT I WAS MISLED SOMEWHAT. IT IS MY HOPE TO HAVE FORD ADMIT TO THE PROBLEM AND OFFER TO REPAIR MY VEHICLE AT NO CHARGE. GIVEN THE CIRCUMSTANCES-AND THE AMOUNT OF EVIDENCE SUPPORTING THE CLAIM OF NEGLIGENCE ON THE BEHALF OF FORD-THIS SHOULD NOT BE AN UNREASONABLE REQUEST. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6). *TR
I OWN A 1997 FORD WINDSTAR GL WITH 53,000 ON THE ODOMETER. THE SPEEDOMETER HAS FAILED TO OPERATE PROPERLY. AT SPEEDS OF 40 MPH AND ABOVE THE SPEEDOMETER FLUCTUATES ERRATICALLY RANGING IN SHOWN SPEEDS OF 60 TO 110 MPH. I HAVE DONE MUCH RESEARCH AND HAVE BECOME AWARE OF THOUSANDS OF CONSUMER COMPLAINTS. THIS IS UNCONSCIOUS THAT FO…
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I OWN A 1997 FORD WINDSTAR GL WITH 53,000 ON THE ODOMETER. THE SPEEDOMETER HAS FAILED TO OPERATE PROPERLY. AT SPEEDS OF 40 MPH AND ABOVE THE SPEEDOMETER FLUCTUATES ERRATICALLY RANGING IN SHOWN SPEEDS OF 60 TO 110 MPH. I HAVE DONE MUCH RESEARCH AND HAVE BECOME AWARE OF THOUSANDS OF CONSUMER COMPLAINTS. THIS IS UNCONSCIOUS THAT FORD IS AWARE OF THIS PROBLEM AND MAKING A MINT OFF OF THE CONSUMER OUT OF POCKET EXPENSE OF REPAIR. THIS SHOULD BE AN IMMEDIATE SAFETY RECALL OR TSB. *AK
1997 FORD WINDSTAR: SPEEDOMETER AFTER 55MPH BOUNCES AND REACHES 70MPH WITH NOISE UNDER THE DASHBOARD. I ASKED OTHER FORD OWNERS AND THEY HAD SAME PROBLEM ON DIFFERENT FORD MODEL.
I OWN A 1997 FORD WINDSTAR MINIVAN (VIN# [XXX]) THAT CONTAINS A 3.8 V6. AT 82,000 MILES, THE HEAD GASKET HAS BLOWN. THE DEALER TELLS ME THAT IT WILL COST BETWEEN $2000 AND $4000 TO REPAIR. AFTER DOING EXTENSIVE RESEARCH ON THE WEB, IT APPEARS THAT THE 1995 AND 1996 MODELS ALSO HAD HEAD GASKET PROBLEMS DUE TO AN ADMITTED DESIGN F…
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I OWN A 1997 FORD WINDSTAR MINIVAN (VIN# [XXX]) THAT CONTAINS A 3.8 V6. AT 82,000 MILES, THE HEAD GASKET HAS BLOWN. THE DEALER TELLS ME THAT IT WILL COST BETWEEN $2000 AND $4000 TO REPAIR. AFTER DOING EXTENSIVE RESEARCH ON THE WEB, IT APPEARS THAT THE 1995 AND 1996 MODELS ALSO HAD HEAD GASKET PROBLEMS DUE TO AN ADMITTED DESIGN FLAW. FORD CLAIMS TO HAVE CORRECTED THE PROBLEM-BUT THERE ARE INCREASING NUMBERS OF OWNERS OF 1997 MODELS THAT ARE EXPERIENCING THE SAME PROBLEM. REPEATED VISITS TO THE DEALERSHIP-AS WELL AS NUMEROUS CALLS TO FORD-HAVE RESULTED IN DEAD ENDS. I GET RESPONSES SUCH AS: "THE WARRANTY HAS EXPIRED", "THERE ARE NO RECALLS ON YOUR VEHICLE AT THIS TIME", ETC. BUT SINCE THIS IS CLEARLY DUE TO A DESIGN FLAW IN THE ENGINE, THEN SHOULDN'T THIS STILL BE COVERED AND CORRECTED? FORD OFFERED A BRIEF PROGRAM TO REPAIR THE EARLIER MODELS-SO WHY HASN'T THIS BEEN OFFERED ON THE LATER YEARS? FORD CLAIMS THAT THEY HAVE FIXED THE PROBLEM-WHICH THEY CLEARLY HAVE NOT-YET THEY EXPECT PEOPLE TO SIMPLY PAY FOR THE REPAIRS. I BELIEVE THAT FORD NEEDS TO BE HELD ACCOUNTABLE FOR THIS, AND THAT THEY SHOULD OFFER TO PERFORM THE WORK AT EITHER A DISCOUNTED RATE, OR FOR FREE SINCE THIS IS DUE TO THEIR ENGINE DESIGN. EVEN THE MANUAL CLAIMS THE HEAD GASKET "IS EXPECTED TO LAST FOR AT LEAST 120,000 MILES", AND I WAS TOLD THAT THIS WAS THE CASE WITH THIS VEHICLE. HAD I KNOWN OF THE PROBLEMS OTHER OWNERS WERE HAVING, I WOULD HAVE RECONSIDERED MY DECISION TO PURCHASE THIS VAN. TO THAT END, I FEEL THAT I WAS MISLED SOMEWHAT. IT IS MY HOPE TO HAVE FORD ADMIT TO THE PROBLEM AND OFFER TO REPAIR MY VEHICLE AT NO CHARGE. GIVEN THE CIRCUMSTANCES-AND THE AMOUNT OF EVIDENCE SUPPORTING THE CLAIM OF NEGLIGENCE ON THE BEHALF OF FORD-THIS SHOULD NOT BE AN UNREASONABLE REQUEST. *LA INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6). *TR
GASKETS HAVE COMPLETELY FAILED. *AK
THE SUBFRAME ASSEMBLY ON MY 1997 FORD WINDSTAR HAS BROKEN/CRACKED IN TWO DIFFERENT LOCATIONS * ON TWO SEPARATE OCCASIONS. THE FIRST REPAIR WAS IN SEPTEMBER OF 2002. THE MOST RECENT REPAIR WAS SEPTEMBER 2003. THE SERVICE MANAGER AT DENNISON FORD (STEVE BOWNS) SAID THAT IF IT HAPPENS AGAIN, THE SUBFRAME PROBABLY WILL NEED TO BE…
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THE SUBFRAME ASSEMBLY ON MY 1997 FORD WINDSTAR HAS BROKEN/CRACKED IN TWO DIFFERENT LOCATIONS * ON TWO SEPARATE OCCASIONS. THE FIRST REPAIR WAS IN SEPTEMBER OF 2002. THE MOST RECENT REPAIR WAS SEPTEMBER 2003. THE SERVICE MANAGER AT DENNISON FORD (STEVE BOWNS) SAID THAT IF IT HAPPENS AGAIN, THE SUBFRAME PROBABLY WILL NEED TO BE REPLACED. MY IMPRESSION IS THAT THIS IS A COMMON PROBLEM WITH WINDSTARS. WHEN I CALLED TO SET UP AN APPOINTMENT THE SECOND TIME AND STARTED DESCRIBING THE PROBLEM, THE SERVICE REP SAID THEY USUALLY BROKE AT THE STRUT. WHEN SEARHING THE INTERNET, I HAVE FOUND OTHER WINDSTAR OWNERS WITH THIS PROBLEM. IN A DISCUSSION WITH SHELDON (#2052) AT (1 - 800 392 FORD) WHEN ASKED IF THIS WAS A SAFETY ISSUE, HIS RESPONSE WAS "I AM NOT IN A POSITION TO COMMENT IF THIS IS A SAFETY ISSUE." WHEN ASKED IF HE CHECKED WITH THE SERVICE MANGER IF THIS WAS A SAFETY ISSUE HE RESPONDED. "I DID NOT ASK HIM SPECIFICALLY IF IT WAS A SAFETY ISSUE. IF YOU WANT TO KNOW IF IT IS A SAFETY ISSUE, YOU WILL NEED TO TALLK TO THE PERSON THAT IS WORKING ON YOUR CAR." I INDICATED TO SHELDON THAT I WANTED TO TALK WITH A FORD REPRESENTATIVE THAT COULD TELL ME WHETHER OR NOT A SUBFRAME BREAKING WHILE DRIVING WAS A SAFETY ISSUE. HE INDICATED ONLY THE PERSON WORKING ON MY CAR COULD DO THIS. SHELEDON INDICATED THAT HE (SHELDON) WAS NOT QUALIFIED TO DO THIS. IS THIS A SAFETY ISSUE? * THE SERVICE TECH SAID SEVERAL TIMES THAT IT WAS A DIFFERENT LOCATION. WHEN SHELDON CALLED THE DENNISON FORD SERVICE MANAGER, STEVE BOWNS, THE SERVICE MANGER INDICATED THAT IT WAS THE SAME LOCATION ACCORDING TO SHELDON.
Official recalls
509V399000 · 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.
01V199000 · Suspension:front:springs:coil Springs
Jun 18, 2001
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.
00V168000 · Exterior Lighting
Jun 19, 2000
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.
99V147000 · Service Brakes, Hydraulic:foundation Components:master Cylinder
Jun 14, 1999
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.
97V097000 · Power Train:automatic Transmission
Jun 9, 1997
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
6EA08021 · 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