1996 FORD WINDSTAR

9 recalls, 1,855 complaints - 179 TSBs

VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL

Defect Description

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 ... Read more

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... Read more

4,500,000 vehicles affected

Manufacturer: FORD MOTOR COMPANY

SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC:FOUNDATION COMPONENTS:HOSES, LINES/PIPING, AND FITTINGS

Defect Description

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... Read more

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 INSULATO... Read more

250,283 vehicles affected

Manufacturer: FORD MOTOR COMPANY

SUSPENSION:FRONT:SPRINGS:COIL SPRINGS

Defect Description

THIS IS NOT A SAFETY RECALL IN ACCORDANCE WITH THE SAFETY ACT. HOWEVER, IT IS DEEMED A SAFETY IMPROVEMENT CAMPAIGN BY THE AGENCY. VEHICLE DESCRIPTION: 1995-1998 FORD WINDSTAR MINIVANS. THE FRONT COIL SPRINGS COULD POTENTIALLY FRACTURE DUE TO CORROSION. NOTE: THE 1997-1998 WINDSTAR MINI VANS A... Read more

Consequence

SOME TIRES HAVE DEFLATED DUE TO CONTACT WITH A BROKEN SPRING.

Remedy

FORD IS EXTENDING THE WARRANTY FOR FRONT COIL SPRING REPLACEMENT TO A TOTAL OF 10 YEARS OF SERVICE FROM THE WARRANTY START DATE, WITH UNLIMITED MILEAGE. THIS COVERAGE IS AUTOMATICALLY TRANSFERRED TO SUBSEQUENT OWNERS AT NO CHARGE. IF EITHER FRONT COIL SPRING FRACTURES DURING THE COVERAGE PERIOD NO... Read more

948,492 vehicles affected

Manufacturer: FORD MOTOR COMPANY

EXTERIOR LIGHTING

Defect Description

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... Read more

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.

20,637 vehicles affected

Manufacturer: FORD MOTOR COMPANY

SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC:FOUNDATION COMPONENTS:MASTER CYLINDER

Defect Description

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... Read more

Remedy

OWNERS WILL BE PROVIDED WITH NEW LABELS AND INSTALLATION INSTRUCTIONS.

789,723 vehicles affected

Manufacturer: FORD MOTOR COMPANY

STRUCTURE:BODY:HOOD

Defect Description

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 PA... Read more

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.

769,000 vehicles affected

Manufacturer: FORD MOTOR COMPANY

POWER TRAIN:AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION:GEAR POSITION INDICATION (PRNDL)

Defect Description

THE PARK PAWL ABUTMENT BRACKET HAS A SHARP EDGE WHICH CAN CAUSE THE PARKING PAWL TO HANG UP AND NOT ENGAGE THE PARK GEAR. THIS WOULD ALLOW THE VEHICLE TO MOVE EVEN THOUGH THE GEAR SHIFT INDICATOR SHOWS THAT THE VEHICLE IS IN PARK.

Consequence

UNINTENDED AND UNEXPECTED VEHICLE MOVEMENT CAN RESULT IN PERSONAL INJURY AND PROPERTY DAMAGE.

Remedy

DEALERS WILL INSPECT AND, IF NECESSARY, REPLACE THE PARK PAWL ABUTMENT BRACKET.

40,000 vehicles affected

Manufacturer: FORD MOTOR COMPANY

SEATS

Defect Description

THE FOUR FASTENERS SECURING THE DRIVER'S SEAT TO THE FLOORPAN WERE NOT TORQUED TO PROPER SPECIFICATIONS.

Consequence

THE DRIVER'S SEAT MAY NOT PROPERLY HOLD IN THE EVENT OF A VEHICLE ACCIDENT RESULTING IN PERSONAL INJURY TO THE OCCUPANT.

Remedy

DEALERS WILL INSPECT THE DRIVER'S SEAT FASTENERS AND RETORQUE TO PROPER SPECIFICATIONS.

200 vehicles affected

Manufacturer: FORD MOTOR COMPANY

POWER TRAIN:AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION

Defect Description

THE PARK PAWL SHAFT WAS IMPROPERLY POSITIONED WHEN THE ROLL PIN THAT RETAINS IT WAS INSTALLED DURING TRANSMISSION ASSEMBLY. IF THE SHAFT WAS NOT PROPERLY POSITIONED, THE ROLL PIN MAY NOT HAVE LINED UP WITH THE GROOVE IN THE SHAFT AND HAVE BEEN CRUSHED AT ASSEMBLY. ALSO, A BURR COULD HAVE BEEN RAI... Read more

Consequence

THIS COULD RESULT IN THE PARK PAWL OCCASIONALLY NOT ENGAGING WHEN THE TRANSMISSION SELECTOR LEVER IS PLACED IN THE PARK POSITION. THIS COULD RESULT IN THE VEHICLE ROLLING AS IF IN NEUTRAL IF THE VEHICLE OPERATOR DOES NOT APPLY THE PARKING BRAKE.

Remedy

DEALERS WILL INSPECT THE PARK PAWL SHAFT ROLL PIN. IF THE ROLL PIN IS DAMAGED, BOTH THE ROLL PIN AND THE PARK PAWL SHAFT WILL BE REPLACED. IN ADDITION, OWNERS WILL BE REMINDED TO FULLY APPLY THE PARKING BRAKE, IN ADDITION TO PLACING THE TRANSMISSION IN PARK.

100,000 vehicles affected

Manufacturer: FORD MOTOR COMPANY

Complaint Statistics

1,855 total complaints 71 crashes 53 fires 62 injuries 1 deaths

Top Reported Components

Component	Complaints
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING:ENGINE	311
POWER TRAIN:AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION	153
POWER TRAIN	138
SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC:ANTILOCK/TRACTION CONTROL/ELECTRONIC LIMITED SLIP	115
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING:ENGINE:GASOLINE	88
UNKNOWN OR OTHER	79
VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL	63
SUSPENSION:FRONT:SPRINGS:COIL SPRINGS	60
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING	50
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING:COOLING SYSTEM	35

Incident date: Jun 14, 2015

THE K FRAME RUSTED OUT WHERE THE CONTROL ARMS MOUNT TO THE FRAME AND THE FRONT DRIVER'S SIDE COIL SPRING BROKE WHILE DRIVING AT 65 MILES PER HOUR ON THE INTERSTATE

Incident date: Sep 24, 2015

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 1996 FORD WINDSTAR. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THERE WAS A VERY STRONG FUEL ODOR INSIDE AND OUTSIDE THE VEHICLE. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT DIAGNOSED OR REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS APPROXIMATELY 240,000.

Incident date: Mar 6, 2015

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 1996 FORD WINDSTAR. WHILE AT A STOP LIGHT, THE ACCELERATOR PEDAL WAS DEPRESSED BUT THE VEHICLE FAILED TO ACCELERATE ABOVE 20 MPH. THE SERVICE BRAKE WARNING INDICATOR ILLUMINATED. THE FAILURE RECURRED NUMEROUS TIMES. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC, WHERE IT WA... Read more

Incident date: Oct 21, 2013

ABS LIGHT ON DASHBOARD COMES ON INTERMITTENTLY, AFTER 5 MINUTES OF OPERATION LIGHT WILL COME ON, THEN STAY ON, BUT AFTER SHUT OFF VEHICLE AND START AGAIN LIGHT IS FFF AND COMES BACK ON AFTER FEW MINUTES OF TRAVEL. *TR

Incident date: Jul 2, 2013

THIS IS A SECOND CALL FOR HELP FORD CORPORATE WILL NOT EMAIL ME BACK. WILL NOT VERIFY IF PCM HAS BEEN UPDATED. THE VAN ONLY HAS UNDER 59,000 MILES ON IT . IT SHOULD NOT BREAK THIS BAD THIS SOON MAKES ME TELL ANYONE ON SOCIAL MEDIA AND OUR LOCAL NEWS MEDIA AND CLARK HOWARDS TEAM. I DO NOT WANT TO ... Read more

Incident date: Jul 2, 2013

Incident date: Jun 4, 2013

DEAR FORD MY MOTHER AND I HAVE BEEN TRYING TO GET ANSWERS FROM THE DEALER AND SINCE THEY GAVE UP. BECAUSE THEY COULD NOT FIX IT RIGHT THE FIRST TIME. EVEN THE SECOND OR THIRD TIME. THE VAN A 1996 WINDSTAR WITH 59,000 MILES ON IT AND IT STARTED THE ENGINE STARTED STALLING, WHEN MAKING SLOW TURNS NO... Read more

Incident date: Jun 4, 2013

Incident date: Jan 3, 2013

FORD RECALL LETTER DATED DECEMBER 2011 RECALL NUMBER 09 S 09 SPEED CONTROL SYSTEM MODIFICATION. I RECENTLY TOOK MY FORD WINDSTAR ON JANURARY 3, 2013 FOR A RECALL. ABOUT A MONTH LATER I DROVE OVER RAILROAD TRACKS AND NOW THE VEHICLE IS SLOW AND WON'T PICK UP SPEED IT MAKES A PUT PUT SOUND AND HA... Read more

Incident date: Sep 4, 2012

NOTICED FUEL LEAK WHEN RETURNED AFTER PARKING AT SLANTED PARKING SPACE. INSPECTION BY LICENSED MECHANIC IN COLUMBUS, OHIO CONFIRMED FUEL TANK LEAK. REMOVED TANK FOR FURTHER INVESTIGATION AND FOUND CRACK. REPAIRED BY SAME MECHANIC. TOTAL COST CLOSE TO $300.00. NOW NO GASOLINE LEAK. *TR

Incident date: May 6, 2012

MY VAN WAS IN GREAT SHAPE AND GREAT CONDITION. I WAS DRIVING TO WORK ON MAY 6TH 2012 ABOUT 45-50 MPH ENTERED THE I-215 COLLECTOR, STARTED TO SMELL A BURNED RUBBER SMELL, I LOOKED AT THE TEMP GAUGE AND IT WAS NORMAL, THE VAN STARTED TO SPUTTER LIKE RUNNING OUT OF GAS, THE VAN WAS NOT OUT OF GAS ALMOS... Read more

Fire

Incident date: Feb 29, 2012

HAD CHANGED BRAKE PADS A WEEK EARLIER. DRIVING 55MPH AND THE CAR CRASHED DOWN ON IT'S AXLE AS THE TIRE AND WHEEL PASSED BY US GOING DOWN HIGHWAY, IN 37 NORTH. STUDS HAD ALL BROKEN OFF. THE DISC BRAKE IS RUINED FROM SKIDDING ON IT. TRAFFIC WAS MODERATELY HEAVY. WE SKIDDED TO A STOP ON A BRIDGE AND FE... Read more

Incident date: Feb 29, 2012

Incident date: Nov 1, 2001

BLOWS HEADGASKET EVERY35000 MILES. *TR

Incident date: Oct 11, 2011

THE VEHICLE HAD A FUEL LEAK AT THE FUEL TANK. I REMOVED THE TANK TO SEE THAT THE TANK LOOKED LIKE IT WAS PINCHED AND DEVELOPED A CRACK. THE FUEL TANK IS PLASTIC SO I FOUND THIS TO BE ODD. I HAD TO PUT EPOXY ON THE TANK TO PATCH THE CRACK SO I COULD GET IT HOME AS I WAS OUT OF TOWN WHEN THIS HAPPENED... Read more

Incident date: Jul 1, 2010

I PURCHASED A 1996 FORD WINDSTAR VAN 3.0 L IN JUNE 2010. I HAVE HAD NUMEROUS ISSUES WITH THIS VEHICLE FROM DAY 1 TO CURRENT MOST DANGEROUS IS THE BLOWING SPARK PLUG WHICH HAS BLOWN OUT 2 TIMES FORCING ME TO DRIVE IT TO A PLACE WHERE IT COULD BE PARKED FOR REPAIR FIRST TIME BLOW OUT WAS 7 DAYS AFTER... Read more

Incident date: Jul 1, 2010

Incident date: Jul 13, 2010

CHECK ENGINE STAYS ON AFTER TUNEUP ... DOES NOT LOSE SPEED ... RUNS ROUGH AFTER ACCELERATING AND DOESN'T NOT OVERHEAT ....WHAT IS THE PROBLEM. *TR

Incident date: Feb 1, 2011

I BROUGHT KIDS TO SCHOOL AND I WAS PULLING OUT. I HEARD A NOISE AND MY TIRE WENT FLAT. I HAD TO HAVE IT TOWED HOME. MY HUSBAND CHECKED IT OUT AND FOUND THE DRIVERS SIDE FRONT COIL SPRING BROKE AND STABBED THE TIRE. I SAW THERE WAS A RECALL SO HOPEFULLY IT IS STILL COVERED BECAUSE I DON'T HAVE 100.00... Read more

Incident date: Dec 20, 2010

FORD WINDSTAR BRAKE, ABS BRAKE, CRUISE CONTROL, AND SPEEDOMETER/ODOMETER ELECTRICAL PROBLEMS REAR AXLE CRACKS! *TR

Incident date: Dec 20, 2010

FORD WINDSTAR BRAKE, ABS BRAKE, CRUISE CONTROL, AND SPEEDOMETER/ODOMETER ELECTRICAL PROBLEMS REAR AXLE CRACKS! *TR

Incident date: Dec 20, 2010

FORD WINDSTAR BRAKE, ABS BRAKE, CRUISE CONTROL, AND SPEEDOMETER/ODOMETER ELECTRICAL PROBLEMS REAR AXLE CRACKS! *TR

Incident date: Dec 20, 2010

FORD WINDSTAR BRAKE, ABS BRAKE, CRUISE CONTROL, AND SPEEDOMETER/ODOMETER ELECTRICAL PROBLEMS REAR AXLE CRACKS! *TR

Incident date: Dec 3, 2010

TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 1996 FORD WINDSTAR GL (NA). THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE WAITING A STOP SIGN, THE VEHICLE SUDDENLY DIED AND THE ENGINE ENGULFED INTO FLAMES. THERE WERE NO INJURIES. THE POLICE AND FIRE DEPARTMENTS WERE CALLED BUT NO POLICE REPORT WAS FILED. THE VEHICLE HAD NOT BEEN INSPECTED O... Read more

Fire

Incident date: Nov 23, 2009

THE BRAKE & ABS LIGHTS WERE COMING ON INTERMITTENTLY THEN THE BRAKES STARTED SQUEAKING AND EVENTUALLY STARTED AT LEAST SCRUBBING ON THE RIGHT SIDE. ALSO, WHEN YOU PUSH THE BRAKE PEDAL DOWN, IT FELT SOFT. THIS STARTED HAPPENING AGAIN AT THE BEGINNING OF OCTOBER OF THIS YEAR AND THE RIGHT FRONT BRAK... Read more

Incident date: Aug 15, 2010

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 1996 FORD WINDSTAR. WHILE THE VEHICLE WAS PARKED, THE CONTACT NOTICED AN EXCESSIVE AMOUNT OF GASOLINE ON THE GROUND. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO A LOCAL REPAIR FACILITY WHERE THE INDEPENDENT MECHANIC LOCATED THE FAILURE AS A FRACTURE IN THE FUEL TANK. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED... Read more

Incident date: Oct 10, 2010

MY ABS LIGHT STAYS ITS BEEN ON FOR 6 MONTHS NOW, MY CRUISE CONTROL WONT WORK, AND MY SPEEDOMETER GOES CRAZY, NO LIGHTS IN MY DASH AND GOT TOLD THERE WAS A RECALL ON SEVERAL OF THESE ITEMS AND I WANT TO KNOW HOW TO GET PAST RECALLS ON MY VAN I'VE HAVE SEEN ALL KINDS OF RECALLS AND NEVER SENT NOTHING... Read more

Incident date: Aug 8, 2010

1996 FORD WINDSTAR FUEL TANK HAS A CRACK IN IT AND IS LEAKING FUEL I SEE THE RECALL ONLY EFFACED 1995 WINDSTARS BUT APPARENTLY THE PROBLEM WAS NOT FIXED ON THE 1996 WINDSTARS BECAUSE MINE HAS A 3 INCH CRACK IN IT. I DO NOT KNOW IF SOME OF THE 1996 WINDSTARS WERE IN THIS RECALL. *TR

Incident date: Jun 11, 2010

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 1996 FORD WINDSTAR. WHILE REVERSING OUT OF A DRIVEWAY AT LOW SPEEDS, THE CONTACT HEARD AN UNUSUALLY LOUD NOISE. WHEN FURTHER INSPECTING THE VEHICLE, THE CONTACT FOUND THAT THE BRAKE LINES WAS BEING PINCHED BY THE SPRINGS. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT TAKEN TO THE DEALER FOR DIAGNOSTIC ... Read more

Incident date: May 26, 2010

I WENT TO GO TO THE STORE MAY 26TH, 2010 6:30 - 7:00 PM, I GOT IN MY VEHICLE WITH MY TWO YEAR OLD DAUGHTER AND I PROCEEDED TO GO DOWN MY DRIVEWAY WHICH ITS A LONG DRIVEWAY AND I STARTED TO SMELL A FAINT SMELL OF PLASTIC BURNING AND I GOT TO THE ROAD AND I STARTED TO GO AND I DECIDED I SHOULD MAYBE P... Read more

Fire

Incident date: Dec 1, 2008

1996 FORD WINDSTAR. CONSUMER REQUESTS A REFUND FOR MONEY SPENT ON REPAIRS AS A RESULT OF THE PROBLEM DESCRIBED IN A RECALL *TGW THE CONSUMER STATED THE VEHICLE HAD A BRAKE FLUID LEAK WHICH DAMAGED THE ABS MODULE, CLOSKSPRING AND CAUSED THE CRUISE CONTROL NOT TO WORK. THE CONSUMER STATED IN MID-LATE... Read more

Incident date: Dec 1, 2008

Incident date: Mar 18, 2009

THE 1996 WINDSTAR HAD BEEN PARKED IN THE GARAGE (ATTACHED TO THE HOME) WITH THE IGNITION OFF FOR SEVERAL HOURS WHEN FAMES WERE SEEN COMING FROM THE LEFT REAR QUADRENT OF THE ENGINE COMPARTMENT. IT WAS OBVIOUS THE FIRE COULD NOT BE EXTINGUISHED. THE FAMILY LEFT THE HOME, WHICH WAS SOON COMPLETELY DES... Read more

Fire

Incident date: Mar 26, 2006

TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 1996 FORD WINDSTAR. WHILE THE CONTACT WAS DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 35 MPH THE DRIVER SIDE FRONT COIL SPRING BROKE CAUSING THE FRONT END OF THE VEHICLE TO COLLAPSE. THE COIL SPRING TRAVELED THROUGH THE SIDEWALL OF THE FRONT DRIVER SIDE TIRE. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO THE RESIDENCE. ... Read more

Incident date: Oct 19, 2009

THE ABS WARNING LIGHT COMES ON WHEN DRIVING. I CAN STOP AND SHUT THE VAN OFF AND IT WILL BE ALL RIGHT. 1996 FORD WINDSTAR 82,400 MILES. *TR

Incident date: Oct 21, 2009

1996 FORD WINDSTAR FWD AUTO PB PS PW AC, V-6. VEHICLE AUTO ACCELERATED WHEN PUT INTO REVERSE. BRAKE LOSS DUE TO LACK OF VACUUM. VEHICLE SPUN IN A CIRCLE SUDDENLY AND HIT ANOTHER PARKED VEHICLE WHEN BACKING OUT OF A PARKED POSITION. *TR

Crash

Incident date: Oct 1, 2009

MY 1996 FORD WINDSTAR CAUGHT FIRE IN THE ENGINE COMPARTMENT WHILE DRIVING AND BURNED UP WITHIN 10 MINUTES. I DID NOT KNOW ABOUT THE FIRE DANGER RECALL UNTIL I HEARD ABOUT IT ON THE NEW A FEW DAYS AFTER THE EVENT. THE ONLY ACCESSORY THAT WAS ON WAS THE AIRCONDITIONING WHICH WAS WORKING PROPERLY. I NO... Read more

Fire

Incident date: Sep 20, 2009

I HAVE A 1996 FORD WINDSTAR VAN THAT CAUGHT FIRE WHILE I WAS DRIVING. THE CRUISE CONTROL WAS ON. THE VEHICLE LOST POWER, THEN A BOOM AND THERE WERE FLAMES AROUND THE FIREWALL. THE MASTER CYLINDER, WIRING HARNESS, HOSES ETC. WERE DESTROYED. THE FIRE WAS LOCATED MORE ON THE DRIVER'S SIDE OF THE VE... Read more

Fire

Incident date: Aug 21, 2009

THERE WAS NO CRASH. THERE WAS NO WARNING WHAT SO EVER. I WAS DRIVING A CLIENT HOME FROM A PICNIC AND PULLED INTO A PARKING LOT TO PARK AND SMOKE STARTED ROLLING OUT OF THE ENGINE COMPARTMENT. I GOT MY PASSENGER WHO WAS IN A WHEELCHAIR TO SAFETY AND OPENED THE HOOD TO FIND FLAMES COMING FROM THE TOP ... Read more

Fire

Incident date: Apr 5, 2009

THE CRUISE CONTROL DEACTIVATOR SENSOR ON THE MASTER BRAKE CYLINDER SHORTED OUT DUE TO BRAKE FLUID IN IT. THIS CAUSED THE WIRES TO IT TO BURN OFF THE INSULATION AND A LARGE AMOUNT OF SMOKE TO ENTER THE VEHICLE. ALL REPLACEMENT PARTS ARE OEM LEADING ME TO BELIEVE IT IS AN ON GOING PROBLEM. *TR

Fire

Incident date: Feb 16, 2009

WHILE THE VAN WAS PARK, I NOTICE A STRONG SMELL OF GASOLINE. I TOOK IT IN TO MY AUTO REPAIR SHOP TO BE FIXED. THE SHOP FOUND A CRACK IN FUEL TANK THAT WAS NOT THE RESULTS OF IMPACT DAMAGE. *TR

Incident date: Jan 3, 2009

BRAKE PRESSURE DIFFERENTIAL DEACTIVATION SWITCH LOCATED UNDER THE MASTER CYLINDER LEAKS, CAUSING A SHORT WHICH ACTIVATES THE ABS LIGHT ON THE DASH. THIS SHORT CREATES A SEVERE FIRE RISK. THIS SWITCH ALSO INTERACTS WITH AND CAN CAUSE PROBLEMS WITH THE CRUISE CONTROL, SPEEDOMETER AND ODOMETER. *TR

Incident date: Sep 26, 2008

OWNER WENT TO START VEHICLE, AND IT STARTED SMOKING. EXAMINATION REVEALED SCDS (SPEED CONTROL DEACTIVATION SWITCH) OVERHEATED AND MELTED OFF, CAUSING SMALL FIRE IN LEFT REAR OF ENGINE COMPARTMENT. *TR

Fire

Incident date: Oct 10, 2007

THE SPEED CONTROL PRESSURE SWITCH HAD CAUGHT FIRE DUE TO BEING LOCATED BELOW THE MASTER CYLINDER, NEEDING TO KNOW HOW TO GET REPLACED. *TR

Fire

Incident date: Jun 1, 2008

THE PARK PAWL SHAFT OCCASIONALLY DOES NOT ENGAGE WHEN THE TRANSMISSION SELECTOR LEVER IS PLACED IN THE PARK POSITION OR OTHER POSITION. THEREFORE, THE VEHICLE EITHER DOES NOT STAY STILL OR DOES NOT MOVE WHEN PLACED IN GEAR. *TR

Incident date: Jul 17, 2008

BRAKE MODULE TO CRUISE CONTROL HARNESS CAUGHT ON FIRE. SIMILAR MODELS HAVE THIS RECALLED BY FORD BUT NOT FOR THE YEAR FOR MY WINDSTAR. *TR

Fire

Incident date: Jul 17, 2008

BRAKE MODULE TO CRUISE CONTROL HARNESS CAUGHT ON FIRE. SIMILAR MODELS HAVE THIS RECALLED BY FORD BUT NOT FOR THE YEAR FOR MY WINDSTAR. *TR

Fire

Incident date: Jun 7, 2008

ON JUNE 7 I WAS OUTSIDE OF OUR HOME AND NOTICED I SMELLED GAS NEAR MY WIFE'S VAN. AFTER INSPECTING I SAW THE TANK WAS LEAKING FUEL. I TOOK THE TANK OFF AND NOTICED THERE WAS PRESSURE TO THE TANK FROM THE FRONT STRAP. THE PRESSURE CAUSED WHAT APPEARS TO BE A STRESS CRACK WHERE THE STRAP HOLDS THE ... Read more

Incident date: Jun 7, 2008

Showing 50 of 1,855 complaints.

Technical Service Bulletins, 1996 FORD WINDSTAR

179 manufacturer communications from 176 unique bulletins. TSBs describe known problems and recommended fixes from the manufacturer.

Most Affected Components

Component	Bulletins
103000 POWER TRAIN:AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION	16
980000 UNKNOWN OR OTHER	15
357100 EQUIPMENT:APPLIANCE:AIR CONDITIONER	11
061000 ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING:ENGINE	11
061100 ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING:ENGINE:GASOLINE	10
162300 STRUCTURE:BODY:DOOR	6
036000 SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC:ANTILOCK/TRACTION CONTROL/ELECTRONIC LIMITED SLIP	6
106000 POWER TRAIN:AXLE ASSEMBLY	6

160000 STRUCTURE

For 1999-2003 Windstar vehicles Safety Recall 11S16 has been issued for vehicles that are operated in high corrosion areas for an extended period, where a front subframe lower control arm (LCA) rear attaching flange or rear body mount could

100000 POWER TRAIN

GROAN/BUZZ/VIBRATION WHEN THE GEAR SELECTOR IS IN PARK WITH THE VEHICLE PARKED ON AN INCLINE. *TT THIS BULLETIN UPDATES PREVIOUS BULLETIN 17358, DATED 11/01/2003 TO INCLUDE 2005 MODELS. *TT

110000 ELECTRICAL SYSTEM

REMOTE KEYLESS ENTRY (RKE) - SERVICE TIPS. *TT

103600 POWER TRAIN:AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION:COOLING UNIT AND LINES

NEW TRANSMISSION COOLER FLUSHER - SERVICE TIPS. 2003 ESCORT AND SUPER DUTY F SERIES INCLUDED. *TT

030000 SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC

SLIGHT AMOUNT OF FLUID RESIDUE ON THE OUTSIDE OF THE REAR WHEEL CYLINDER DUST BOOT ON VEHICLES WITH REAR DRUM BRAKES. *TT

103700 POWER TRAIN:AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION:TORQUE CONVERTER

TORQUE CONVERTER CLUTCH NOT ENGAGING WHEN COMMANDED AND/OR DIAGNOSTIC TROUBLE CODES P0741 OR P1744 STORED IN MEMORY. MODELS FROM 1996 TO 2003. *TT

061000 ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING:ENGINE

ENGINE-GEAR DRIVEN SYNCHRONIZERS-INCORRECT INSTALLATION-CAMSHAFT POSITION SYNCHRONIZER (CMP) INSTALLATION TOOL CORRECT APPLICATION. *MJ

061000 ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING:ENGINE

INCORRECTLY INSTALLED GEAR DRIVEN CAMSHAFT POSITION (CMP) SENSOR SYNCHRONIZER ASSEMBLIES CAUSING SURGE, LOST OF POWER, MALFUNCTION INDICATOR LAMP ON AND DIAGNOSTIC TROUBLE CODES P1336, P1309 AND P0340. *TT

357100 EQUIPMENT:APPLIANCE:AIR CONDITIONER

CLIMATE CONTROL A/C SERVICE TECH TIPS. *EH

125100 EXTERIOR LIGHTING:BRAKE LIGHTS:SWITCH

LAMP-BRAKE-INVADVERTENT DISABLING OF BRAKE SHIFT INTERLOCK. *MJ

020000 SUSPENSION

SOME VEHICLES MAY EXHIBIT A POPPING / GRINDING NOISE FROM THE FRONT OF THE VEHICLE WHEN GOING OVER BUMPS OR MAKING TURNS. *TT

020000 SUSPENSION

GRUNT / POPPING NOISE COMING FROM THE FRONT SUSPENSION AT SPEEDS BELOW 20 MPH WHEN TURNING. *TT

015000 STEERING:HYDRAULIC POWER ASSIST SYSTEM

SUBJECT REGARDING POWER STEERING LINE PART ORDERING INFORMATION. *TT

036400 SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC:ANTILOCK/TRACTION CONTROL/ELECTRONIC LIMITED SLIP:ABS WARNING LIGHT

EXHIBITING INTERMITTENT ANTI-SKID BRAKE SYSTEM AND / OR RED BRAKE LAMP ON AT TIMES WHILE DRIVING. *TT

034400 SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC:FOUNDATION COMPONENTS:DRUM

SOME VEHICLES MAY EXHIBIT REAR DRUM BRAKES THAT DRAG OR WILL NOT RELEASE PROPERLY WHEN OPERATED IN WET CONDITIONS AND / OR BELOW FREEZING TEMPERATURES. *TT

061100 ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING:ENGINE:GASOLINE

SOME ENGINE ASSEMBLIES WITH ALUMINUM CYLINDER HEADS REPAIRED IN-VEHILE HAVE BEEN FOUND TO LEAK COOLANT AND/OR OIL FROM THE CYLINDER HEAD GASKET AREA. *TT

061100 ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING:ENGINE:GASOLINE

ENGINE OIL SYSTEM PRIMING PROCEDURES, SERVICE TIPS FOR REPORTS OF PREMATURE ENGINE FAILURE. *TT

100000 POWER TRAIN

SOME VEHICLES MAY EXHIBIT A GROAN/BUZZ/VIBRATION WHEN THE GEAR SELECTOR IS IN PARK. *TT

980000 UNKNOWN OR OTHER

SOME VEHICLES MAY RUN ROUGH AT CRUISE OR MOMENTARILY AFTER STOPPING, A CHECK ENGINE LIGHT,AND P030X CODES. *TT

100000 POWER TRAIN

SOME VEHICLES MAY EXHIBIT A PARK PULLOUT CLUNK NOISE WHEN SHIFTING FROM PARK TO ANOTHER GEAR POSITION. *TT

103800 POWER TRAIN:AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION:PARK/NEUTRAL START INTERLOCK SWITCH

BRAKE SHIFT INTERLOCK.*JB

106000 POWER TRAIN:AXLE ASSEMBLY

TRANSAXLE - AX4S - REPLACEMENT APPLICATION CHART - WINDSTAR VEHICLES ONLY. *NLM

138600 VISIBILITY:DEFROSTER/DEFOGGER/HVAC SYSTEM:HEATER CORE

SOME VEHICLES MAY EXHIBIT HEATER CORE LEAKS. *SLC

980000 UNKNOWN OR OTHER

INFORMATION REGARDING TRANSMISSION FLUID USAGE CHARTS. *SLC

980000 UNKNOWN OR OTHER

INFORMATION REGARDING REPLACEMENT APPLICATION CHART. *ET

061000 ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING:ENGINE

ON SOME VEHICLES, ENGINE OIL MAY CONTINUE TO LEAK FROM THE ENGINE OIL PAN GASKET AREA AFTER AN ENGINE OIL PAN GASKET REPAIR HAS BEEN PERFORMED. *TT

061100 ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING:ENGINE:GASOLINE

SUBJECT REGARDING ENGINE OIL RECOMMENDATIONS FOR USE IN 2001 VEHICLES - SAE 5W-20 MOTOR OIL. *TT

103700 POWER TRAIN:AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION:TORQUE CONVERTER

INFORMATION ON INDEXING ORANGE DOT ON TORQUE CONVERTER TO FLEXPLATE. *TT

034430 SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC:FOUNDATION COMPONENTS:DRUM:DRUM

SOME VEHICLES MAY EXHIBIT REAR DRUM BRAKES THAT DRAG OR WILL NOT RELEASE PROPERLY WHEN OPERATED IN WET CONDITIONS AND / OR BELOW FREEZING TEMPERATURES. *TT

161000 STRUCTURE:FRAME AND MEMBERS

CONCERNS WITH SUBFRAME CLUNK ON ACCELERATION / DECELERATION FROM FRONT OF VEHICLE. *TT

162500 STRUCTURE:BODY:TAILGATE

SOME VEHICLES MAY EXHIBIT THE METAL TABS ON THE LIFTGATE INNER PANEL THAT BOND TO THE OUTER SKIN SEPARATING AND CAUSING A RATTLE IN THE LIFTGATE. *TT

162500 STRUCTURE:BODY:TAILGATE

SOME VEHICLES MAY EXHIBIT THE METAL TABS ON THE LIFTGATE INNER PANEL THAT BOND TO THE OUTER SKIN SEPARATING AND CAUSING A RATTLE IN THE LIFTGATE. *TT

103000 POWER TRAIN:AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION

INFORMATION REGARDING THE NEW TRANSMISSION COOLER FLUSHER- SERVICE TIP. *MJS

114000 ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:WIRING

SUBJECT ON A WIRE HARNESS TERMINAL REPAIR KIT AVAILABLE FOR REPAIRING ELECTRICAL WIRING HARNESSES. *TT

060000 ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING

SUBJECT ON ENGINE COOLANT LEAKING INTO THE ENGINE OIL ON SOME VEHICLES. *TT

063200 ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING:EXHAUST SYSTEM:MANIFOLD/HEADER/MUFFLER/TAIL PIPE

SOME VEHICLES MAY EXHIBIT BLACK SOOT EMITTED FROM THE TAILPIPE LEAVING DEPOSITS ON RIGHT REARL LOWER QUARTER PANEL. *TT

063200 ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING:EXHAUST SYSTEM:MANIFOLD/HEADER/MUFFLER/TAIL PIPE

SOME VEHICLES WITH 3.8L ENGINE MAY EXHIBIT BLACK SOOT ON THE LOWER SECTION OF THE RIGHT REAR QUARTER PANEL. *TT

357100 EQUIPMENT:APPLIANCE:AIR CONDITIONER

CLIMATE CONTROL IS INVESTIGATING CONCERNS OF BROKEN AND OR BINDING BLEND DOORS ON SOME VEHICLES. *TT

034000 SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC:FOUNDATION COMPONENTS

INFORMATION FOR SERVICING AND DIAGNOSING BRAKE VIBRATION, BRAKE INSPECTION, AND BRAKE FRICTION MATERIAL REPLACEMENT. *TT

357100 EQUIPMENT:APPLIANCE:AIR CONDITIONER

SERVICE INFORMATION FOR MUSTY AND MILDEW TYPE ODORS COMING FROM THE AIR CONDITIONING / HEATING SYSTEM. *TT

357100 EQUIPMENT:APPLIANCE:AIR CONDITIONER

INFORMATION ON IDENTIFYING NON-APPROVED / ALTERNATE REFRIGERANTS WHICH COULD CAUSE SAFETY, AND PERFORMANCE CONCERNS IF INSTALLED IN FORD A/C SYSTEMS. *TT

061100 ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING:ENGINE:GASOLINE

SERVICE TIP INFORMATION ON REVISED OIL PAN GASKET REPLACEMENT PROCEDURE. *TT

106000 POWER TRAIN:AXLE ASSEMBLY

SOME VEHICLES EQUIPPED WITH AX4S TRANSAXLE, MAY EXHIBIT A HARSH 2-3 DOWNSHIFT MAY OCCUR WHEN COASTING AROUND A CORNER AND THEN ACCELERATING. *TT

061000 ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING:ENGINE

INFORMATION REGARDING A CHANGE IN THE TORQUE VALUES OF THE ENGINE FRONT COVER WATER PUMP BOLTS. *TT

061000 ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING:ENGINE

SOME SERVICE MANUALS MAY LIST THE INCORRECT CAMSHAFT POSITION SENSOR ALIGNMENT TOOL FOR VEHICLES WITH VARIOUS ENGINE SIZES. *TT

061000 ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING:ENGINE

INFORMATION REGARDING CAMSHAFT POSITION (CMP) SENSOR ALIGNMENT TOOL CHART. *MJS

060000 ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING

INFORMATION REGARDING FRONT COVER & WATER PUMP BOLTS-TORQUE VALVE REVISION/3.8-4.2L. *MJS

061100 ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING:ENGINE:GASOLINE

INFORMATION REGARDING TSB 97-20-08 FOR 3.8L ENGINES ONLY. *MJS

106000 POWER TRAIN:AXLE ASSEMBLY

SOME VEHICLES EQUIPPED WITH THE AX4S TRANSAXLE MAY EXHIBIT A HARSH 3-2 DOWNSHIFT WHEN COASTING AROUND A CORNER AND THEN STEPPING INTO THE THROTTLE TO ACCELERATE AWAY FROM THE CORNER. *TT

357100 EQUIPMENT:APPLIANCE:AIR CONDITIONER

CLIMATE CONTROL IS INVESTIGATING CONCERNS OF BROKEN AND / OR BINDING BLEND DOORS. *TT

103000 POWER TRAIN:AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION

INFORMATION ON THE NEW FLUSH AND FILL TOOL AVAILABLE THROUGH ROTUNDA. *TT

103000 POWER TRAIN:AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION

SOME VEHICLES EQUIPPED WITH THE AX4S TRANSAXLE MAY EXHIBIT A HARSH 3-2 DOWNSHIFT WHEN COASTING AROUND A CORNER AND THEN STEPPING INTO THE THROTTLE TO ACCELERATE AWAY FROM THE CORNER. *TT

106000 POWER TRAIN:AXLE ASSEMBLY

SOME VEHICLES EQUIPPED WITH THE AX4S TRANSAXLE MAY EXHIBIT A HARSH 3-2 DOWNSHIFT WHEN COASTING AROUND A CORNER AND THEN STEPPING INTO THE THROTTLE TO ACCELERATE AWAY FROM THE CORNER. *TT

060000 ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING

CONCERNS WITH ENGINE COOLANT LEAKING INTO ENGINE OIL ON SOME VEHICLES. *TT

125000 EXTERIOR LIGHTING:BRAKE LIGHTS

CONDITIONS WITH THE BRAKE LAMPS INADVERTENTLY DISABLING THE BRAKE SHIFT INTERLOCK. *TT

980000 UNKNOWN OR OTHER

INFORMATION DESIGNED TO AID IN THE DIAGNOSIS, TESTING AND REPAIR OF NOISE, VIBRATION AND HARSHNESS (NVH) CONCERNS. *TT

980000 UNKNOWN OR OTHER

FORD MOTOR COMPANY HAS RELEASED A PRIVATE LABELED MATERIAL TO BE USED FOR IRON PARTICLE / ACID RAIN SERVICE REPAIRS. *TT

036000 SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC:ANTILOCK/TRACTION CONTROL/ELECTRONIC LIMITED SLIP

SOME VEHICLES MAY EXHIBIT ABS (ANTI-LOCK BRAKE SYSTEM) LOW SPEED FALSE ACTIVATION WITH NO (DTC) DIAGNOSTIC TROUBLE CODE. *TT

036400 SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC:ANTILOCK/TRACTION CONTROL/ELECTRONIC LIMITED SLIP:ABS WARNING LIGHT

SOME VEHICLES MAY EXHIBIT ABS (ANTI-LOCK BRAKE SYSTEM) LOW SPEED FALSE ACTIVATION WITH NO DTC (DIAGNOSTIC TROUBLE CODE). *TT

162300 STRUCTURE:BODY:DOOR

SUBJECT REGARDING DOOR TRIM PANEL REPLACEMENT - SERVICE TIP. *TT

061100 ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING:ENGINE:GASOLINE

FORD MOTOR COMPANY NOW RECOMMENDS SAE 5W-30 VISCOSITY GRADE FOR SERVICING ANY FORD GASOLINE-POWERED VEHICLE REGARDLESS OF MODEL YEAR. *TT

100000 POWER TRAIN

INFORMATION REGARDING REPROGRAMMING POWERTRAIN CONTROL MODULES (PCMS). *TT

116200 ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:IGNITION:MODULE

INFORMATION REGARDING REPROGRAMMING POWERTRAIN CONTROL MODULES (PCMS). *TT

061000 ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING:ENGINE

INFORMATION ON SERVICING OIL PAN GASKET LEAKS. *TT

101100 POWER TRAIN:CLUTCH ASSEMBLY:PEDAL/HAND LEVER(MOTORCYCLE)

CONCERNS WITH REVERSE CLUTCH THAT COULD BECOME SHEARED OR TORN IN EXTREMELY COLD TEMPERATURES. *TT

103400 POWER TRAIN:AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION:LEVER AND LINKAGE:COLUMN SHIFT

INFORMATION ON TRANSAXLE SERVICE CASE REPLACEMENT WITH OSS (OUTPUT SHAFT SPEED SENSOR) HOLE. *TT

103100 POWER TRAIN:AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION:CONTROL MODULE (TCM/PCM/TECM)

CONDITIONS WITH THE TRAC OFF LAMP ILLUMINATING INTERMITTENTLY AND THER MAY ALSO BE STORED TROUBLE CODES U1009 AND / OR U1027.

061100 ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING:ENGINE:GASOLINE

SERVICE TIPS ON COMPOSITE FUEL RAIL. *YC

110000 ELECTRICAL SYSTEM

FORD MOTOR COMPANY HAS RELEASED A NEW ELECTRICAL GREASE ( F8AZ - 19G208-AA ) TO REDUCE THE POSSIBILITY OF MOISTURE CORROSION AT THE TERMINALS. *YC

103600 POWER TRAIN:AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION:COOLING UNIT AND LINES

SUBJECT REGARDING VEHICLES WITH THE AX4S TRANSAXLE HAVING AN INLINE TRANSMISSION COOLER BYPASS VALVE LOCATED IN THE COOLER LINE NEAR THE RADIATOR COOLER. *TT

185000 VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL:CRUISE CONTROL

SOME VEHICLES MAY EXHIBIT A HARD START / LONG CRANK, COLD START STALL, COLD ROUGH IDLE CONCERN. *TT

110000 ELECTRICAL SYSTEM

FOR ALL VEHICLES WITH GENERIC ELECTRONIC MODULE (GEM) CONCERNS THAT REQUIRE A MODULE REPLACEMENT, THE TECHNICIAN MUST CALL FOR APPROVAL BEFORE REMOVING AND / OR REPLACING THE MODULE. *TT

036000 SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC:ANTILOCK/TRACTION CONTROL/ELECTRONIC LIMITED SLIP

ALL VEHICLES WITH ANTILOCK BRAKE MODULE CONCERNS THAT REQUIRE A MODULE REPLACEMENT, THE TECHNICIAN MUST CALL FOR APPROVAL BEFORE REMOVING AND / OR REPLACING THE MODULE. *TT

063100 ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING:EXHAUST SYSTEM:EMISSION CONTROL

MASS AIR FLOW (MAF)- SENSOR CONTAMINATION- SERVICE TIP. *AK

106000 POWER TRAIN:AXLE ASSEMBLY

INTERMITTENT NEUTRAL CONDITION AFTER DRIVING AND COMING TO A STOP. *YC

034100 SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC:FOUNDATION COMPONENTS:MASTER CYLINDER

SOME VEHICLES BUILT THROUGH 9/8/97 MAY EXHIBIT A CONDITION OF MULTIPLE DIAGOSTIC TROUBLE CODES. THIS MAY BE CAUSED BY BRAKE FLUID AND WATER CONTAMINATION OF CIRCUIT 361 AND CONNECTOR C102 UNDER THE MASTER CYLINDER. *AK

103000 POWER TRAIN:AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION

VEHICLES WITH THE AX4S TRANSAXLE HAVE AN INLINE TRANSMISSION COOLER BYPASS VALVE LOCATED IN THE COOLER LINE NEAR THE RADIATOR COOLER. *MJS

021000 SUSPENSION:FRONT

SOME VEHICLES MAY EXHIBIT A FRONT END GRIND/CRUNCH NOISE DURING A SLOW SPEED TURN. *MJS

357100 EQUIPMENT:APPLIANCE:AIR CONDITIONER

SOME VEHICLES MAY EXHIBIT A CUSTOMER CONCERN DESCRIBED AS AN AIR CONDITIONER HISS NOISE. *TT

061100 ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING:ENGINE:GASOLINE

SOME VEHICLES MAY EXHIBIT A HARD START/LONG CRANK, COLD START STALL, COLD ROUGH IDLE CONCERN. *MJS

100000 POWER TRAIN

INFORMATION REGARDING TSB 98-5A-12 (TRANSAXLE/TRANSMISSION/TRANSFER CASE-VEHICLES TOWED BEHIND RECREATIONAL VEHICLES-RECOMMENDED GUIDELINES) DOES NOT LIST TOWING INFORMATION FOR CERTAIN MODEL VEHICLES. *MJS

021000 SUSPENSION:FRONT

SOME VEHICLES MAY EXHIBIT A FRONT END GRIND / CRUNCH NOISE DURING A SLOW SPEED TURN. *TT

063000 ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING:EXHAUST SYSTEM

EXPERIENCING A " BUZZING " OR " RATTLING " NOISE FROM THE EXHAUST SYSTEM. *YC

500000 CHILD SEAT

CONCERNS OF WEBBING TWISTS OR BINDS ON INTEGRATED CHILD SAFETY SEAT (ICS) BELT. *YC

980000 UNKNOWN OR OTHER

ENGINE CHECK LAMP ON, AND MISFIRE DTC (S) PO300-PO306 ACTION.

103100 POWER TRAIN:AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION:CONTROL MODULE (TCM/PCM/TECM)

THIS TSB IS BEING REPUBLISHED IN ITS ENTIRETY TO REVISE THE POWER TRAIN CONTROL MODULE (PCM) CALIBRATION CROSS REFERENCE AND REVISE PCM SERVICE PART NUMBERS. *AK

103100 POWER TRAIN:AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION:CONTROL MODULE (TCM/PCM/TECM)

TRACTION CONTROL LAMP FLASING INTERMITTENTLY WITH DIAGNOSTIC TROUBLE CODES U1009 AND/OR U1027. *AK

034000 SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC:FOUNDATION COMPONENTS

SOME VEHICLES MAY EXHIBIT REAR DRUM BRAKES THAT DRAG OR WILL NOT RELEASE PROPERLY WHEN OPERATED IN WET CONDITIONS AND / OR BELOW FREEZING TEMPERATURES. *TT

980000 UNKNOWN OR OTHER

INFORMATION ON DIAGNOSTIC PROCEDURES FOR VEHICLES EXHIBITING CHECK ENGINE LAMP ON AND MISFIRE DIAGNOSTIC TROUBLE CODES P0300 - P0306. *TT

015000 STEERING:HYDRAULIC POWER ASSIST SYSTEM

THE FRONT END ACCESSORY DRIVE (FEAD) BELT MAY SLIP MOMENTARILY IN WET CONDITIONS CAUSING A REDUCTION IN POWER STEERING ASSIST OR THE GENERATOR LAMP. *YC

103000 POWER TRAIN:AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION

INFORMATION ON A NEW TRANSMISSION FLUID USAGE CHART. *YC

190000 TIRES

INFORMATION ON TIRE COMPANY TELEPHONE NUMBERS FOR CUSTOMER ASSISTANCE. *YC

980000 UNKNOWN OR OTHER

CHECK ENGINE LAMP ON AND MISFIRE DTC (S) P0300-P0306. *YC

034430 SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC:FOUNDATION COMPONENTS:DRUM:DRUM

SOME VEHICLES MAY EXHIBIT REAR DRUM BRAKES THAT DRAG OR WILL NOT RELEASE PROPERLY WHEN OPERATED IN WET CONDITIONS AND / OR BELOW FREEEZING TEMPERATURES. *YC

103000 POWER TRAIN:AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION

SOME VEHICLES MAY EXHIBIT A CUSTOMER CONCERN OF INOPERATIVE OVERDRIVE CANCEL LIGHT. *YC

022000 SUSPENSION:REAR

EXHIBITING A CUSTOMER CONCERN OF REAR END NOISE OVER BUMPS. *YC

106220 POWER TRAIN:AXLE ASSEMBLY:AXLE SHAFT:SEAL

A REVISED FORWARD CLUTCH INNER SEAL FOR THE AXOD, AXODE, AX4S & AX4N TRANSAXLE IS AVAILABLE WITH IMPROVED SEALING AND REDUCED CHANCE OF THE SEAL ROLLING DURING INSTALLATION. *YC

138600 VISIBILITY:DEFROSTER/DEFOGGER/HVAC SYSTEM:HEATER CORE

SOME VEHICLES MAY EXHIBIT A HIGH PITCH WHISTLE FROM THE HEATER CORE HOUSING CASE. *YC

022000 SUSPENSION:REAR

SOME MODEL YEAR VEHICLES MAY EXHIBIT A CUSTOMER CONCERN OF REAR END NOISE OVER BUMPS. *TT

980000 UNKNOWN OR OTHER

SOME HIGH MILEAGE VEHICLE MAY EXHIBIT A CUSTOMER CONCERN OF INOPERATIVE OVERDRIVE CANCEL LIGHT. *TT

Showing 100 of 179 bulletins.

NHTSA Safety Investigations, FORD WINDSTAR

Investigations opened by NHTSA into potential safety defects. These are separate from recalls and may or may not result in a recall.

EA, Closed , Model Year: 1999

Front Subframe Corrosion Failures

In a January 26, 2011 Defect Information Report, Ford Motor Company (Ford) notified the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) that it will conduct a safety recall to address corrosion related fractures in the front lower control arm rear attaching brackets and body mount attachments... Read more

DP, Closed , Model Year: 2003

Rear Axle Fracture Recall Scope

On November 5, 2010, NHTSA received a Defect Petition from the owner of a MY 2003 Ford Windstar vehicle registered in the state of New York requesting that the scope of Recall 10V-385 be expanded to include additional MY 2003 vehicles experiencing the defect condition.The petitioner initially filed ... Read more

PE, Closed , Model Year: 1999

Front Subframe Corrosion Failures

The Office of Defects Investigation (ODI) has identified 346 complaints to ODI and Ford alleging fracture, cracking and or excessive corrosion of the front subframes in model year (MY) 1999 through 2003 Ford Windstar vehicles.Approximately 97 percent of these complaints (334) involve vehicles that h... ave been operated in Salt Belt states, which make up approximately 60 percent of the subject vehicle sales in the United States.The front subframe, sometimes referred to as the engine cradle, is a structural component of the Windstar vehicles that carries the engine, transaxle, steering rack and certain front suspension components (e.g., lower control arm).For complaints with sufficient information to identify the location of the failure, most describe problems with the rear mounting bracket for the front passenger-side lower control arm with some related to the rear body mount attachment located in the same general area of the subframe (right-rear section near the front passenger wheel).The remainder of the reports allege fracture of the front subframe at other or, most often, unspecified locations.Almost all of the complaints that specified the side of the vehicle indicated that the problem occurred on the right/passenger side (106), with only a few indicating the left/driver side (2) or both sides (3) were affected.Ford and several complainants attributed the right-side failures to the routing of the air-conditioning lines above the front subframe on that side of the vehicle, further noting that condensation has been observed dripping onto the front subframe in the area of the affected components (the A/C drain tube is also located on the right side, near the front subframe).ODI has identified 93 complaints related to lower control arm attachments, including 80 that appear to involve complete separations.All but one of these involved vehicles from Salt Belt states.All three crash incidents appear to be related to lower control arm separations, including one road departure into a road-side sign resulting in a totalled vehicle and a lane departure into another vehicle.Almost half of the ODI complaints related to control arm separation occurred at speeds greater than 20 mph and about a quarter occurred at highway speeds.Three-quarters of these complaints allege experiencing difficulty controlling the vehicle and about 40 percent appear to have resulted in departures from the intended lane of travel.Testing by both Ford and NHTSA have demonstrated that lower control arm separation from the rear attachment bracket results in significant toe out of the affected wheel, which affects the driver's ability to control vehicle direction.According to Ford, moderate braking improved vehicle controllability by reducing the amount of toe out, possibly explaining incidents that did not allege a loss of control.ODI's analysis of complaints related to the rear body mount identified 41 complaints (ODI only).These complaints generally report experiencing progressively worsening noise concerns when turning, accelerating or braking.Although, some of the complaints that appeared to involve a complete separation of the body mount alleged difficulty steering, the effects on vehicle control from this failure mode do not appear to be as great as those resulting from control arm separation.However, ODI is seeking more information regarding two complaints which alleged that body mount failure resulted in disconnection of the steering wheel from the steering rack (one occurred during vehicle service).This investigation has been upgraded to an Engineering Analysis (EA10-007) for subject vehicles sold or currently reRead more

PE, Closed , Model Year: 1998

Rear Axle Cracking

In a letter dated August 26, 2010, Ford Motor Company (Ford) submitted a Defect Information Report notifying NHTSA that it will conduct a safety recall (NHTSA Recall No. 10V-385) to address a rear axle defect in model year (MY) 1998 through 2003 Ford Windstar vehicles built at the Oakville assembly ... plant from September 1, 1997 through February 28, 2003 and either sold or currently registered in high corrosion (Salt-Belt) states where the use of salt and other corrosive chemicals may be used to treat snow/ice covered roads.The following states are included in Ford's recall:Connecticut, Delaware, District of Columbia, Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Kentucky, Maine, Maryland, Massachusetts, Michigan, Minnesota, Missouri, New Hampshire, New Jersey, New York, Ohio, Pennsylvania, Rhode Island, Vermont, West Virginia and Wisconsin. The subject vehicles utilize a Stamped/Formed axle assembly manufactured by Benteler automotive Corporation of Galesburg, MI.According to Ford, after many years of vehicle service in the Salt-Belt states, corrosion can weaken the rear axle, making it susceptible to torsional stress.There is a risk that the combined effects of corrosion and stress can lead to cracks which, if undetected, can propagate and result in a complete fracture of the axle.A completely fractured axle can affect vehicle handling and increase the risk of a crash.To correct the safety defect, Ford will initially inspect all of the subject vehicles brought into Ford/Lincoln-Mercury dealerships for possible cracked axles.Owners of vehicles without cracked axles will be notified when to return for the installation of reinforcement brackets to extend the axle durability in the presence of corrosion.Owners who have vehicles with cracked axles will either be offered a repair or alternative transportation until parts become available. On May 13, 2010, the Office of Defects Investigation (ODI) opened PE10-016 to investigate complaints of rear axle cracking in MY 1999 through 2003 Ford Windstar minivans.Combining ODI and Ford complaint data, ODI is aware of a total 891 complaints alleging rear axle cracking in the subject vehicles.Over a third of the complaints (334) allege that the cracking progressed to a complete fracture of the rear axle, including 8 allegations of crashes resulting in 3 injuries. Approximately 57 percent of the subject vehicles (524,661) were sold in Salt-Belt states covered by Ford's recall and Ford estimates that approximately 463,000 of these remain in service.Ninety-six percent of the complaints (858) and all of the complaints alleging complete fracture were from the recall region.The action taken by Ford is sufficient to resolve the issues raised by this investigation.Accordingly, this investigation is closed.Read more

EA, Closed , Model Year: 1995

ENGINE COMPARTMENT FIRES

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... Read more

PE, Closed , Model Year: 1995

ENGINE COMPARTMENT FIRES

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 ... Read more

RQ, Closed , Model Year: 1995

HYDRAULIC BRAKE LINE FAILURE

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 ROUTIN... Read more

PE, Closed , Model Year: 1999

POWER SLIDING DOOR OPENING

THE SUBJECT VEHICLES ARE EQUIPPED WITH SINGLE OR DUAL POWER SLIDING DOORS (PSD).APPROXIMATELY 111,000 VEHICLES HAVE DUAL POWER SLIDING DOORS.THE PSD IS OPENED BY ANY OF 5 METHODS, THE INSIDE OR OUTSIDE MANUAL DOOR HANDLE, THE KEY FOB, THE OVERHEAD CONSOLE SWITCH AND THE B-PILLAR SWITCH.THE DOOR MAY ... BE OPENED ONLY UNDER THESE CONDITIONS: IGNITION KEY IS IN OFF/ACCESSORIES/ON/START POSITION, GEAR SELECTOR IN PARK, VEHICLE SPEED LESS THAN 6 MPH, AND DOOR UNLOCKED.THE PSD LATCH IS LOCATED AT THE REAR OF THE DOOR AND HAS A SECONDARY AND PRIMARY LATCH POSITION.FULL AND PROPER CLOSURE ENGAGES BOTH THE SECONDARY AND PRIMARY LATCH.WITH THE IGNITION IN THE ON POSITION, AS THE GEAR SELECTOR IS MOVED OUT OF PARK THE DOOR AUTOMATICALLY LOCKS AND THAT ACTION MECHANICALLY ISOLATES THE LATCH, SECONDARY AND PRIMARY, FROM ALL LATCH RELEASE CONNECTIONS.IN ADDITION TO THE REPORTS ALLEGING DOOR OPENING WHILE DRIVING, FORD HAS RECEIVED APPROXIMATELY 5,700 REPORTS THAT ALLEGE THE DOOR DOES NOT CLOSE PROPERLY OR POPS OPEN WITH NO MENTION OF WHILE DRIVING.FORD'S INVESTIGATION INTO THESE REPORT INCLUDED OWNER INTERVIEWS, VEHICLE BY-BACKS AND TESTING OF CONSUMER VEHICLES.IT FOUND THAT ALLEGATIONS OF DOOR OPENING WHILE DRIVING WERE IN FACT REPORTS OF DOORS NOT BEING PROPERLY CLOSED INITIALLY AND SUBSEQUENTLY OPENING TO THE SECONDARY LATCH POSITION AS A RESULT OF VEHICLE VIBRATIONS OR DRIVING MANEUVERS.FORD'S TESTING OF CONSUMER VEHICLES DID NOT RESULT IN ANY RECURRENCE OF PSD OPENING WHILE BEING DRIVEN.ODI INTERVIEWS WITH OWNERS AFFIRMED THE ALLEGATIONS OF PSD OPENING WHILE DRIVING; HOWEVER OWNERS INDICATED THE EVENT IS NOT A REGULAR OCCURRENCE (I.E.,IT OCCURRED ONLY ONCE OR HAS NOT OCCURRED RECENTLY) AND THAT THE UNINTENDED PSD OPENING MAY NOT BE ABLE TO BE DUPLICATED.IN CONTRAST, THE IMPROPER CLOSING OF THE PSD (LATCHING ON THE SECONDARY BUT NOT THE PRIMARY LATCH) CAN BE DUPLICATED, AND ODI VERIFIED THIS DURING AN INSPECTION OF A CONSUMER VEHICLE.IN THIS CONDITION (SECONDARY BUT NO PRIMARY LATCH), WHEN THE VEHICLE'S GEAR SELECTOR IS MOVED OUT OF PARK POSITION, A WARNING CHIME SOUNDS AND WARNING MESSAGE APPEARS ON THE INSTRUMENT PANEL.MOST REPORTS AND WARRANTY CLAIMS WERE FILED IN THE EARLY SERVICE-LIFE OF THE VEHICLE AND PEAKED AROUND THE 18-MONTH IN-SERVICE TIME PERIOD.ODI AND MFR COMPLAINT TRENDS ARE DECLINING OVER THE LAST 8 QUARTERS.THERE IS NO ALLEGED INJURY ASSOCIATED WITH OCCUPANT FALLING OUT WHILE THE VEHICLE IS IN MOTION.NO FAILURE MODE CAUSING FULL DOOR OPENING WHILE VEHICLE IS IN MOTION HAS BEEN VERIFIED (REPRODUCED BY ODI OR BY TRAINED SERVICE TECHNICIANS AT DEALERSHIPS) DURING THIS INVESTIGATION.A SAFETY-RELATED DEFECT HAS NOT BEEN IDENTIFIED AT THIS TIME AND FURTHER USE OF AGENCY RESOURCES DOES NOT APPEAR TO BE WARRANTED.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 MONITOR THIS ISSUE AND RESERVES THE RIGHT TO TAKE FURTHER ACTION IF WARRANTED BY THE CIRCUMSTANCES.Read more

EA, Closed , Model Year: 1997

WHEEL STUD FRACTURE

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 WHEE... Read more

PE, Closed , Model Year: 1998

WHEEL STUD FRACTURE

ANALYSIS OF ODI AND FORD DATA HAS IDENTIFIED 1619 INCIDENTS OF WHEEL STUD FRACTURE IN MY 1998 THROUGH 2000 FORD WINDSTAR VEHICLES, INCLUDING 69 WHEEL SEPARATIONS AND 11 CRASHES.FORD HAS NOT BEEN ABLE TO IDENTIFY ANY DESIGN OR MANUFACTURING DEFECTS IN ITS ANALYZIS OF THE PROBLEM.FORD MAINTAINS THAT T... Read more

RQ, Closed , Model Year: 1995

FUEL TANK FATIGUE CRACKING

SEE ATTACHED REPORT.

EA, Closed , Model Year: 1995

SUSPENSION COIL SPRING BREAKAGE