2000 Ford Windstar

These are unverified consumer reports filed with NHTSA, shown as submitted.

• 12/31/2010· STEERING,SUSPENSION

  ON 4 OR 5 OCCASIONS OVER SEVERAL DAYS IN EARLY DECEMBER, WE LOST CONTROL OF THE VAN'S STEERING WHILE MAKING A TURN. THE VAN WOULD JUST CONTINUE TO CAREEN IN WHATEVER DIRECTION IT WAS HEADING. I SCHEDULED SERVICE WITH MY FORD DEALER, BUT WHEN IT WAS TAKEN IN, THEY SAID MY REAR AXLE WAS CRACKED AND THEY COULDN'T TEST THE STEERING UNTIL SUCH TIME AS THE AXLE COULD BE REPLACED. I NOTICED THERE WAS AN INVESTIGATION INTO FRONT END PROBLEMS ON WINDSTARS AS WELL, AND THOUGHT I SHOULD REPORT MY PROBLEM. *TR

• 12/30/2017· SUSPENSION

  REAR AXLE OF VEHICLE BROKE WHILE DRIVING. REAR AXLE HAD BEEN 'PATCHED' WITH REINFORCEMENT BRACKETS UNDER FORD SAFETY RECALL 10S13 AND INSPECTED UNDER FORD SAFETY RECALL 15S27, BUT AXLE STILL BROKE. FIRST SYMPTOMS WERE POOR STEERING RESPONSE (LIKE TIRE PRESSURE IS LOW) AT HIGHWAY AND CITY SPEEDS, AND THEN TIRE BURNING SMELL AS THE TIRE CANTED/TILTED AND RUBBED AGAINST BODY. REINFORCEMENT BRACKETS PREVENTED SUDDEN SEPARATION OF THE AXLE, BUT STILL RESULTED IN UN-DRIVABLE VEHICLE. FORD INDICATES FAILURE IS NOT COVERED BY RECALL WARRANTY. PICTURES ATTACHED.

• 12/30/2014· SERVICE BRAKES

  I HAVE HAD AN INTERMITTENT ABS LIGHT ON IN MY VAN. I HAD THE CODES READ AT UTOZONE AND THEY ARE C1185 C1198 C1194. I HAVE READ ON SOME FORUMS THAT THIS ERROR IS DUE TO A FAULTY SOLDER JOINT IN THE ABS MODULE. IF THIS IS THE CASE, I THINK THERE SHOULD BE A SAFETY RECALL BY FORD. *JS

• 12/30/2010· SERVICE BRAKES, ELECTRIC

  2000 FORD WINDSTAR ABS LIGHT BASED ON ABS POWER RELAY FAILURE, IN ASSOCIATION WITH PREVIOUS RECALL. THAT RECALL WAS REPAIRED BY FORD (RECALL 09S09 WAS COMPLETED BY FORD), BUT THEY DID NOT ADDRESS THE ABS LIGHT. ABS LIGHT WITH POWER RELAY (ECM) PERSISTS. *TR

• 12/30/2010· SUSPENSION

  TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2000 FORD WINDSTAR. THE CONTACT STATED THAT HE TOOK HIS VEHICLE INTO THE DEALER FOR NHTSA RECALL 10V385000, SUSPENSION:REAR:AXLE:NON-POWERED AXLE ASSEMBLY AND THE MECHANIC ADVISED HIM THAT THE CORROSION OF THE FRONT SUB FRAME WAS MUCH WORSE THAN THE RECALL. HE ALSO HEARD A POPPING NOISE PREVIOUSLY AND ASKED THE MECHANIC TO DETERMINE THE CAUSE OF FAILURE. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE FAILURE AND CURRENT MILEAGES WERE 116,000. UPDATED 12/14/2011 *CN UPDATED 02/23/11*JB

• 12/29/2010· STEERING,SUSPENSION,STRUCTURE

  I WAS DRIVING 55MPH ON DIXIE HIGHWAY IN GROVELAND TWP., MI. MY MOUNTING BRACKET THAT IS A FACTORY WELD TO THE ENGINE CRADLE BROKE AWAY FROM THE ENGINE CRADLE AND PULLED MY DRIVE SHAFT OUT OF THE TRANSMISSION. THIS IS ON A 2000 FORD WINDSTAR. THE WELD BROKE DUE TO CORROSION FROM SALT EATING AWAY THE WELD ITSELF. MY VEHICLE IS UNDRIVABLE, LUCKILY NO ONE WAS HURT. I HAD MYSELF AND MY 3 CHILDREN UNDER THE AGE OF 7 IN THE VEHICLE AT THE TIME OF THE INCIDENT. FORD MOTOR COMPANY IS TELLING ME THAT THERE IS NOT A RECALL ON MY VEHICLE AND THAT THEY WILL NOT PAY TO TOW IT TO THE DEALERSHIP OR TO FIX IT. I AM APPALLED BY THIS. THIS IS CLEARLY A DESIGN DEFECT AND NOT MY RESPONSIBILITY TO FIX. THE DETROIT FREE PRESS HAD AN ARTICLE ON THIS VERY PROBLEM ON DECEMBER 23, 2010. IT STATED THERE HAVE ALREADY BEEN OVER 300 CLAIMS OF MY NATURE. THE ARTICLE STATED THIS ORGANIZATION WAS INVESTIGATING THIS MATTER. I ASK FOR ANY HELP YOU CAN GIVE ME IN GETTING FORD TO FIX MY VEHICLE. *TR

• 12/29/2010· SUSPENSION

  2000 FORD WINDSTAR AXLE BROKE. *TR

• 12/28/2011· ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING,FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE

  CEL ON, ECM THROWING P0174 CODES, MANY MANY COMPLAINTS ON INTERNET OF THIS PROBLEM WITH 3.8L V6 ENGINE. APPARENTLY NO HELP FROM FORD OR DEALER TO ASSIST CUSTOMERS WITH A FIX FOR THIS. FORD WHAT A JOKE THIS 2000 WINDSTAR IS. NO MORE FORDS FOR ME, TOTAL LACK OF SUPPORT FOR PRODUCT FAILURE. *TR

• 12/28/2008· UNKNOWN OR OTHERFire

  2000 FORD WINDSTAR VAN CAUGHT FIRE UNDER THE HOOD ON CHRISTMAS EVE AND WAS DESTROYED. *TR

• 12/28/2005· STEERING

  ISSUES WITH REPEATED REPLACEMENT OF TIE RODS ENDS. *JB

• 12/28/2000· STRUCTURE

  ELECTRIC SLIDING DOOR OPENS WHILE DRIVING AND WHILE CAR IS PARKED & OFF. DEALER WILL NOT FIX BECAUSE THEY "CANNOT DUPLICATE THE PROBLEM". THIS IS A MAJOR SAFETY CONCERN THAT I DON'T WANT TO DUPLICATE!! THERE ARE 4 OTHER COMPLAINTS I HAVE FOUND THAT CORRELATE TO THIS ISSUE. THEY ARE 866315, 871988, 730676, 871684. I HOPE THAT SOMEONE IN YOUR OFFICE WILL INVESTIGATE THIS. I AM VERY PERSISTENT AND WILL LIKELY GET FORD TO DO THE RIGHT THING AND FIX MY DOOR. I WILL EVEN FOLLOW UP AND MAKE SURE THEY ARE INVESTIGATION THE SITUATION FOR THE ROOT CAUSE. BUT I DON'T THINK I ALONE CAN FIGHT THIS. I NEED YOUR ORGANIZATION TO HELP FORD INVESTIGATE THIS ISSUE IN A TIMELY MANER BEFORE SOMEONE GETS SERIOUSLY HURT. IF THIS DOOR KEEPS COMING OPEN WHEN I A DRIVING, WHAT WILL HAPPEN AT IMPACT??? THIS IS WORSE THAN THE DODGE BACK DOOR ISSUE BECAUSE CHILDREN ARE SITTING RIGHT NEXT TO THIS DOOR. *AK

• 12/27/2010· UNKNOWN OR OTHER

  WE WERE TRAVELING DOWN THE HIGHWAY WHEN CAR STARTED TO FLOAT SIDE TO SIDE. SOMETHING WAS NOT RIGHT SO I SLOWED DOWN. IT SEEMED TO BE MANAGEABLE BUT STILL FELT SOMETHING WAS NOT RIGHT. WE PULLED OFF TO THE NEAREST GAS STATION ONLY TO REALIZE THAT THE FRONT RIGHT TIRE HAD BEEN CHEWED UP AND WAS NOW FLAT. THE LEFT TIRE ALSO HAD SLIGHT WEAR MARKS. THIS WAS UPSETTING SINCE THE TIRES WERE ONLY 5 MONTHS OLD AND I HAD THE DEALERSHIP DO A FULL ALIGNMENT. WHEN TAKING IT BACK TO THE DEALERSHIP AND AN INSPECTION OF THE VEHICLE, HE INFORMED US THAT WE WERE VERY LUCKY TO HAVE NOT BEEN IN AN ACCIDENT. WHILE IT WAS ON THE LIFT HE SHOWED US THAT ONE SECTION OF THE SUB-FRAME (ENGINE CARRIAGE) WAS TOTALLY SEVERED.

• 12/27/2009· ELECTRICAL SYSTEM

  I AM HAVING ABS LIGHT ON / TRACTION CONTROL LIGHT ON AND SPEEDOMETER DOESN'T WORK CORRECTLY - I AM AFRAID TO LET MY WIFE DRIVE IT NOW BECAUSE IT IS ALWAYS ON. I DON'T WANT THE BRAKES TO LOCK UP . *TR

• 12/27/2000· STEERINGCrash

  WHILE IN A LEFT HAND CURVE, DRIVER HEARD A BANGING NOISE. THEN, VEHICLE WENT OUT OF CONTROL. THE LEFT FRONT WHEEL DID NOT STRIKE ANY OBJECTS. THE PIN FELL OUT OF THE SPINDLE THAT CONNECTS TO THE SUSPENSION, THUS, CAUSING LOSS OF CONTROL, WHICH CAUSED A CRASH

• 12/27/2000· STEERING

  WHILE DRIVING RACK AND PINION STEERING BROKE 3 TIMES. THIS CAUSED A LOUD NOISE, AND MADE STEERING DIFFICULT WHICH MAY RESULT IN A CRASH. DEALER REPLACED RACK AND PINION STEERING 3 TIMES. PLEASE PROVIDE FURTHER INFORMATION. *AK

• 12/26/2013· ELECTRICAL SYSTEM,SERVICE BRAKES

  ABS LIGHT ON SPEEDOMETER ODOMETER DON'T WORK. *TR

• 12/26/2010· SUSPENSION,STRUCTURE

  HAD TO PAY TO REPLACE SUBFRAME ON MY 2000 FORD WINDSTAR. COULD NOT DRIVE TIL REPLACED. *TR

• 12/26/2010· VISIBILITY,EQUIPMENT

  A/C SYSTEM WAS FOUND TO BE TOTALLY LOW ON FREON. AFTER REPLACING FREON, IT WAS OBSERVED THAT THE REAR AC LOW PRESSURE PIPE HAD A LEAK LOCATED NEXT TO THE REAR DRIVER'S SIDE WHEEL. THERE WAS NOTHING IN THIS AREA THAT WOULD HAVE CAUSED THIS PIPE LEAK TO OCCUR, SUCH AS ANOTHER PIPE RUBBING AGAINST IT OR OTHER FORM OF FRICTION. IT IS ASSUMED THAT THE PIPE WAS STRUCTURALLY DEFECTIVE. *TR

• 12/26/2010· STRUCTURE

  2000 FORD WINDSTAR - SUBFRAME CORROSION - JUST WANTED TO SAY I HAD TO HAVE MY SUBFRAME REPLACED JUST LAST MONTH AS (LUCKILY) MY FORD MECHANIC NOTICED IT RUSTING. I KNOW THE NHTSA IS INVESTIGATING THIS AND I HOPE A RECALL WILL BE ISSUED. *TR

• 12/23/2015· SUSPENSION,STRUCTURE

  MY VAN HAS CRACKED REAR AND FRONT AXLES AND A BROKEN SUB FRAME. I WAS TOLD BY SERVICE MANAGER STEVE GOCHENOUR ( WHEN I DROPPED OFF THE VAN) AT THE SHAWNEE MISSION FORD DEALERSHIP IN KANSAS, THAT THESE REPAIRS, AS WELL AS ANY DAMAGED CAUSED BY THESE DEFAULTS ARE FULLY COVERED UNDER A FORD RECALL, AND WOULD COST ME NOTHING. THEY THEN CALLED ME A WEEK LATER AND SAID I HAD TO PAY THEM $300 FOR THE REAR AXLE. I WOULD LIKE YOUR ASSISTANCE IN GETTING MY $300 REFUNDED FROM FORD.

• 12/23/2010· SUSPENSIONCrash

  TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2000 FORD WINDSTAR WITH 180000 MILES. WHILE DRIVING 45 MPH ON THE HIGHWAY THE CONTACT LOST CONTROL OF THE VEHICLE. THE VEHICLE THEN ROLLED OVER EIGHT TIMES AND CRASHED INTO A HIGHWAY SIGN. THE CONTACT WAS INJURED AND TAKEN TO THE HOSPITAL. THE VEHICLE WAS DESTROYED. A POLICE REPORT WAS FILED. THE REAR AXLE FAILURE CAUSES THE CRASH TO OCCUR. THE CONTACT RECEIVED A RECALL LETTER FOR THE REAR AXLE ABOUT SIX MONTHS AGO. THE CONTACT SPOKE TO THE MANUFACTURER ABOUT THE FAILURE AND THEY MAILED A LEGAL NOTICE ABOUT NOT DISCLOSING THE INFORMATION SINCE HE WAS HE GOING TO FILE A LEGAL CLAIM. THE CONTACT ALSO HAD PICTURES OF THE CRASH. THE VIN WAS UNAVAILABLE.

• 12/23/2009· STRUCTURE

  AFTER HAVING TROUBLE STEERING TOOK THE CAR IN FOR A FRONT END ALIGNMENT. WAS TOLD THAT THE RIGHT SUBFRAME WAS COMPLETELY RUSTED OUT AND CRACKED AND UNSAFE TO DRIVE. CAR IS JUST 10 YEARS OLD AND 85000 MILES. MECHANIC SAYS THIS SHOULD NOT HAVE HAPPENED WITH A CAR OF THIS AGE. FORD HAS BEEN CONTACTED AND WOULD NOT TAKE ANY RESPONSIBILITY FOR IT. IN ADDITION TOOK IT TO A FORD DEALER WHO SAID THAT THE STARTING PRICE TO FIX THE CAR WAS 1600 AND COULD ONLY GO UP. *TR

• 12/22/2014· SUSPENSION,POWER TRAIN

  I WAS DRIVING AND WITHOUT ANY WARNING THE VAN JUST MADE A HUGE SOUND, AND WENT LEFT TO RIGHT AND BACK SEVERAL TIMES. VERY SCARY! I ALMOST LOST CONTROL OF IT. I HAD JUST LEFT THE HIGHWAY! I MANAGED TO SLOW DOWN AND MOVE THE VAN BY THE SIDE OF THE STREET. AFTER FULL STOP, WENT TO LOOK AND NOTICED THAT THE REAR AXLE WAS ALMOST TOUCHING THE GROUND AND LOOKED BROKEN IN HALF! I REMEMBER THE VAN WENT THRU A RECALL IN 2012 (07-19-2012) AND HAD BEEN TAKING CARE BY SUNTRUP FORD. I FOUND THE PAPERS TODAY ABOUT THAT RECALL AND THE INVOICE FROM THE DEALERSHIP WITH THE LISTING OF THE WORK DONE PER FORD. MY TAKE IS THAT THE RECALL WAS NOT DONE PROPERLY OR THE RECALL WAS NOT DEMANDING ENOUGH. THE BRACKETS INSTALLED DID NOT DO THE JOB TO MAKE THIS VEHICLE SAFE! I TOOK PHOTOS. *TR

• 12/22/2011· STRUCTURE

  I HAVE A 2000 FORD WINDSTAR LX THAT MY WIFE AND 5 KIDS USE LOCALLY THE VAN HAS ONLY 116,000 ON IT MY MECHANIC SAID THIS UPCOMING MARCH HE WOULD NOT BE ABLE TO INSPECT THE VEHICLE DUE TO THE ROT AND CORROSION I BROUGHT IT TO POUGHKEEPSIE FORD FOR SUB FRAME INSPECTION RECALL THEY SAID THE REST IS NOT THEIR PROBLEM I DID RESEARCH ON THIS MATTER ON THE WEB IT IS NOTED THAT MANY CONSUMERS WERE REFUNDED UP TO 3000.00 OR THEY COULD USE THAT TOWARD ANOTHER VEHICLE PURCHASE WHICH IS WHAT I WANTED TO DO WHAT CAN I DO NOW I HAVE UNTIL MARC THAN I HAVE NO TRANSPORTATION THIS IS NOT FARE A 2000 WINDSTAR SHOULD LAST LONGER LIKE OTHER VEHICLES. *TR

• 12/22/2010· STRUCTURE

  TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2000 FORD WINDSTAR. THE CONTACT WAS STATED THAT WHILE ATTEMPTING TO OPEN THE REAR SLIDING DOOR, IT WOULD NOT BUDGE AND REMAINED STUCK. THE FAILURE OCCURRED INTERMITTENTLY AND AFTER TIME, THE DOOR WOULD NOT OPEN AT ALL. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT TAKEN TO THE DEALER FOR REPAIRS. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 85,000.

• 12/22/2010· SUSPENSION

  CONCERNS ABOUT BACK AXLE AND BRAKE SYSTEM WE MOUNTAIN IN THE MOUNTAINS OF WESTERN NC AND GET CONSIDERABLE SNOW AND ICE WHICH LEADS TO CORROSION OF AXLE AND DID NOT SEE NC ON THE LIST OF RECALLS. *TR

• 12/22/2010· SUSPENSIONCrash

  2000 FORD WINDSTAR. CONSUMER WRITES REGARDING THE POTENTIAL OPERATING PROBLEM WITH THE REAR AXLE RECALL.*TGW THE CONSUMER STATED THE VEHICLE WAS TOTALED AFTER SHE HAD AN ACCIDENT DUE TO THE FAILURE OF THE REAR AXLE. THE CONSUMER LOST CONTROL OF THE VEHICLE AND SLAMMED INTO AN ICE BANK. WHEN THE CONSUMER EXITED THE VEHICLE, THE REAR WHEELS WERE EMBEDDED INTO THE SIDE OF THE VAN AT A BIZARRE ANGLE. THE CONSUMER WAS SLIGHTLY INJURED AS SHE TRIED TO CONTROL THE VEHICLE.*JB

• 12/22/2008· SUSPENSION

  TOOK CAR FOR ROUTINE OIL/GREASE...CAR WAS ON LIFT AND BEING INSPECTED...I WAS TOLD THE REAR AXLE WAS CRACKED AND NEEDED TO BE REPLACED...REPAIR (REPLACEMENT) WAS MADE TODAY ("REPLACED REAR SHOCK ABSORBER AND AXLE ASY")...OLD PART MAY BE YET WITH TOM'S FORD, HAZLET, NJ. *TR

• 12/21/2012· STEERING,SUSPENSION,ENGINE

  I BOUGHT THE 2000 FORD WINDSTAR ON 09/12/2012. IT HAD 125,000 MILES. AFTER I BOUGHT IT I IMMEDIATELY TOOK IT TO THE MECHANIC SHOP TO HAVE THEM CHECK IT OVER. THEY FOUND THAT THE OUTER AND INNER TIE ROD ENDS NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. ALSO, THE MECHANICS FOUND THAT THE TRANSMISSION MOUNTS NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. ALSO, THE FRONT STRUTS AND THE REAR SHOCKS NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. ALSO, THE FRONT ENGINE MOUNT NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. I HAD ALL THAT WORK COMPLETED FOR AROUND $1,500. THEN A FEW MONTHS LATER, THE VEHICLE BROKE DOWN IN MY FRONT YARD. I TURNED THE VEHICLE OFF AND LOOKED UNDER THE HOOD AND THE SERPANTINE BELT WAS SNAPPED IN HALF AND THE VEHICLE WAS SMOKING A LITTLE BIT. A HAD THE VEHICLE TOWED TO THE MECHANICS FOR $50. THE MECHANICS DIAGNOSED THE POWERTRAIN. THE MECHANICS FOUND THAT THE A/C COMPRESSOR CLUTCH NEEDED TO BE REPLACED AND IT ALSO HAD TO HAVE A EVAC AND RECHARGE THE A/C SYSTEM. THIS COSTED ME $705.98. A FEW MONTHS LATER, WHICH IS NOW, ON 12/21/2012, THE VEHICLE IS STARTING TO MAKE A LOUD CLICKING NOISE FROM THE ENGINE, OR ATLEAST I THINK IT IS THE ENGINE. WHILE I WAS DRIVING, THE VEHICLE SLOWED DOWN LIKE THERE WAS A POWER SURGE OR SOMETHING, LIKE IT WAS GOING TO BRAKE DOWN, SO I IMMEDIATELY PUT THE HAZARD LIGHTS ON AND DROVE 15-20 MILES BELOW THE SPEED LIMIT, ALL THE WAY UNTIL I COULD MAKE IT SAFELY BACK HOME. I DON'T KNOW WHAT IS WRONG WITH IT THIS TIME. I HAVE ALREADY INVESTED ALMOST $2,000 INTO THIS VEHICLE AND I HAVE ONLY OWNED IT FOR ABOUT 3 MONTHS! *TR

• 12/21/2010· SUSPENSION

  WE HAVE HAD ELEVEN RECALLS ON OUR FORD WINDSTAR VAN TO DATE. OUR CURRENT RECALL ON THE REAR AXLE HAS LEFT US WITH NO WORTHY VEHICLE. THE BOTTOM OF THE VAN IS SO RUSTED OUT THERE ARE HOLES IN IT AND WE WASH IT AND KEEP IT IN THE GARAGE DURING THE WINTER MONTHS. WE HAVE HAD TO REPLACE THE BUSHINGS ON THE FRONT OF THE VAN TWO TIMES AND ARE NOW SCHEDULED FOR A 3RD REPLACING. THE SUSPENSION ON THE VAN HAS NEVER BEEN RIGHT AND IT FEELS UNSAFE. THE FORD COMPANY IS NOT WORKING WITH US TO FIX THE AXLE OR OTHER ISSUES. *TR

• 12/21/2009· SUSPENSION,STRUCTURE

  THE 2000 FORD WINDSTAR HAD BEEN HAVING SOME HANDLING ISSUES SUCH THAT IF THERE WAS WATER OR SAND ON THE ROAD WE WOULD FISHTAIL AND FEEL LIKE DRIVING ON BLACK ICE. I WAS ALWAYS ABLE TO RECOVER CONTROL OF THE VEHICLE WITHOUT INCIDENT. IT GOT TO A POINT THE VEHICLE COULDN'T BE DRIVEN SAFELY IN WET OR SNOWY CONDITIONS. THE VEHICLE WAS PRETTY MUCH DRIVEN IN SMALL TOWN CONDITIONS. THE PROBLEM WAS IDENTIFIED WHEN THE REAR PASSENGER WHEEL TOP WAS ANGLED INTO THE VEHICLE (I.E. CAMBER OFF BY 2-3 INCHES). MECHANIC INSPECTED THE SUSPENSION AND FOUND A CRACKED REAR AXLE WITH NO SIGNS OF RUST OR DAMAGE NEARBY. THE AXLE WILL HAVE TO BE REPLACED. *TR

• 12/21/2006· SUSPENSIONCrash

  CONTACT STATES THAT IT WAS A DRY AN CLEAR DAY. HIS WIFE WAS DRIVING UP A HILL ONE OF THE RODS TORE AWAY FROM THE SUB FRAME OF THE VEHICLE. AFTER THIS SEPARATION IT CAUSED THE VEHICLE TO COME TO A SCREECHING HALT. THE CONTACT GAINED THIS INFORMATION AFTER HAVE THE VEHICLE TOWED TO A REPAIR SHOP. THE CONTACT HAS ALREADY CONTACTED FORD ABOUT THE PROBLEMS WITH WINDSTAR VAN, BUT THEY ARE SAYING THAT IT IS OUTSIDE OF HIS WARRANTY.

• 12/21/2005· STRUCTURE

  THE MAIN RECURRING PROBLEM WITH MY WINDSTAR HAS BEEN A LEAK IN THE RIGHT REAR OF THE CARGO AREA, RESULTING IN DAMAGE TO THE HEADLINER AND A BODY CONTROL MODULE THAT WIPED OUT THE LIGHTS, TURN LIGHTS, BRAKE LIGHTS, AND DOME LIGHT IN THE REAR OF THE VEHICLE. I PURCHASED IT IN OCTOBER OF 2002 AND HAD ISSUES WITH THIS IMMEDIATELY. THE DEALER I BOUGHT THE VAN FROM REPLACED THE CARPET AND ATTEMPTED TO SEAL THE LIFTGATE HINGE AND ELECTRICAL CONNECTOR. THERE WAS STILL A LEAK AND I TOOK IT BACK, THEIR RESPONSE WAS THAT I SHOULDN'T TAKE THIS VAN TO A CAR WASH. I TOOK IT TO A MERCURY DEALER AND THEY "FIXED" A RECALL THAT WAS SUPPOSED TO TAKE CAR OF THE PROBLEM. DESPITE THE EFFORT, IT HAS BEEN LEAKING FOR THREE YEARS AND I DIDN'T FIND OUT UNTIL MY WIFE TOLD ME THE LIGHTS WENT OUT. THE HEADLINER AND CARPET WERE SOAKED. I ALSO FOUND CORROSION ON THE CASING OF THE BODY CONTROL MODULE, A PART THAT FORD WAS GOING TO CHARGE ME ALMOST $400 FOR. NOT INCLUDING LABOR. TO MAKE A LONG STORY SHORT, I ENDED UP TAKING IT TO AN INDEPENDANT BODY SHOP. IT'S GOING TO COST US $350 TO REMOVE THE LIFTGATE AND REPAIR THE DAMAGE TO THE INTEGRITY OF THE BODY AND CORRECT THE LEAK. I WAS "LUCKY" ENOUGH TO FIND A BODY CONTROL MODULE FOR $150 THAT I'LL INSTALL MYSELF. $500 IS A LOT OT SPEND ON SOMETHING THAT FORD SHOULD HAVE TAKEN CARE OF ON THE ASSEMBLY LINE, ESPECIALLY SINCE THIS WAS THE SUBJECT OF RECALL. THERE COULD HAVE BEEN A FIRE AND MY WIFE IS DISABLED. I'VE OWNED THREE FORD PRODUCTS AND ALL HAVE HAD WATER LEAKS. ALL OF THESE WERE NEW OR NEWER VEHICLES. ALL OF THE COMPETING BRANDS I'VE OWNED INCLUDING FIAT, GM, DATSUN AND CHRYSLER HAVE NEVER HAD THIS PROBLEM. THE OWNER OF THE BODY SHOP WE TOOK IT TO POINTED OUT THE REPAIRS MADE BY THE MERCURY DEALER HAD ALSO FAILED. HE ALSO COMMENTED THAT THE VAN MIGHT HAVE BEEN IN AN ACCIDENT, SOMETHING THAT WAS NEVER DISCLOSED TO ME AT SALE. *NM

• 12/21/2004· FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE

  WHILE FILLING UP AT THE GASOLINE STATION CONSUMER NOTICED GASOLINE POURING OUT FROM THE FUEL FILLER NECK HOSE. CONSUMER HAD THE VEHICLE TOWED TO THE DEALER, BUT MECHANIC WAS NOT ABLE TO DUPLICATE THE PROBLEM. CONSUMER INFORMED THE MECHANIC THAT THIS PROBLEM HAPPENED MORE THAN ONCE, AND HAD NOT BEEN RESOLVED. *AK

• 12/20/2010· SUSPENSION

  TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2000 FORD WINDSTAR. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE DRIVING 25 MPH THE FRONT PASSENGER SIDE CONTROL ARM BROKE CAUSING THE CONTACT TO LOSE CONTROL OF THE VEHICLE. THE CONTACT TOWED THE VEHICLE TO HIS RESIDENCE AND CALLED THE DEALER. THE DEALER INFORMED HIM THAT THERE WAS NOTHING THEY COULD DO AND REFERRED HIM TO A LOCAL MECHANIC. THE CONTACT HAD NOT TAKEN THE VEHICLE TO THE REFERRED LOCAL MECHANIC. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE MANUFACTURER SHOULD ISSUE A RECALL ON THE FRONT SUSPENSION. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 130,000.

• 12/20/2010· VISIBILITY,EQUIPMENT

  THIS IS THE SECOND TIME IN 3 YEARS I HAVE TO REPLACE MY TAILGATE WINDOW FOR MY 2000 FORD WINDSTAR. 2007 JULY, IT JUST SHATTERED WITHOUT ANY SIGN/ WARNING WHEN I WAS ON MY TRIP TO THE PROVINCIAL PARK. I REPLACED IT THINKING ABOUT I MAY BE THE 'LUCKY ONE'! LAST NIGHT AGAIN ON MY WAY TO OTTAWA AROUND KINGSTON ON HWY 401, IT STARTED FROM THE WIPER/ BRAKE LIGHT AREA AND SHATTERED. MY DAUGHTER WAS SO AFRAID BECAUSE SHE WAS SEATING AT THE BACK 2 TIMES IN A ROW!! I WAS QUESTIONING ABOUT THE OCCURANCE AND FREQUENCY??? I HAVE TO PAY $400 FOR EACH REPLACEMENT!! *TR

• 12/20/2004· SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC

  CONSUMER COMPLAINED ABOUT BRAKE ROTORS PROBLEM. WHEN DRIVING AT SPEEDS OF 50 MPH OR GREATER THE FRONT OF THE VEHICLE VIBRATED BECAUSE OF WARPED ROTORS. CONSUMER HAD THE ROTORS REPLACED ON 3 SEPARATE OCCASIONS WITHIN A 1 YEAR PERIOD. CONSUMER CONTACTED THE DEALER AND THE MANUFACTURER, BUT RECEIVED NO ASSISTANCE. *AK

• 12/20/2002· STEERING

  CONSUMER STATES WHILE TRAVELING WITHOUT ANY INDICATION VEHICLE LOST ALL POWER STEERING. DEALER WAS CONTACTED AND REPLACE STEERING RACK PUMP AND PULLEY. PLEASE PROVIDE FURTHER INFORMATION. TS

• 12/20/2002· ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING

  CONSUMER STATES WHILE TRAVELING 65 MPH WITHOUT ANY INDICATION ENGINE INDICATION LIGHT FLASH SPEED DROP AND OVER DRIVER LIGHTS STARTED BLINKING. DEALER WAS CONTACTED TECHICIAN NOTICE TRANSMISSION NEEDED TO BE REPLACE TRANSMISSION IS ON THE THIRD REPAIR. PLEASE PROVIDE FURTHER INFORMATION. TS

• 12/19/2014· ELECTRICAL SYSTEM

  ABS BRAKE, CRUISE CONTROL, AND SPEEDOMETER/ODOMETER ELECTRICAL PROBLEMS. *TR

• 12/18/2020· ELECTRICAL SYSTEM,SERVICE BRAKES,ENGINE

  GOING DOWN THE ROAD TRACTION CONTROL WILL GO OFF AND ON . IT WILL MAKE THE STEERING VERY HARD. THEN WHEN YOU TURN THE ENGINE OFF. IT IS VERY HARD TO START UP . SOME TIMES YOU HAVE TO WAIT FOR ABOUT TWO OR THREE HOURS THEN IT WILL START RIGHT UP. THE ELECTRIC SYSTEM IS VERY BAD. SOMETIMES WHEN THE TRACTION CONTROL STARTS TO HAVE A PROBLEM THE VAN IS VERY HARD TO EVEN KEEP IT IN CONTROL I'M DISABLED AND CAN'T AFFORD TO GET A BETTER VAN. I'VE TRIED TO TAKE IT BACK TO FORD BUT THEY DON'T KNOW WHAT TO DO WITH IT. ALL THEY TALE ME IS TO GET ANEW ONE .BUT I CAN'T. THE POWER ON THE DOOR LOCKS ARE BAD THE LOCKS WILL GO LOCKED AND UNLOCK AS YOU DRIVE IT DOWN THE ROAD. BEEN DOING THIS FOR ABOUT. 3 YEARS. OR MORE. HAD IT IN TO FORD MANY TIMES.

• 12/18/2010· POWER TRAIN

  FORD WINDSTAR 2000 - TRANSMISSION FAILED AT 110,000 AND RUMOR IS THAT FORD KNEW THESE WERE WEAK BUT INSTALLED THEM ANYWAY. POWER STEERING PUMP FAILED THREE TIMES BETWEEN 60,000 AND 100,000. POWER STEERING PISTONS EACH FAILED AROUND 80,000. HEATER/AIR CONDITIONING AIR FLAPPER FAILED - REPLACEMENT WAS $1500 INSTALLED. SLIDING DOOR RELEASE STUCK AT 80,000. THE CAR IS A JUNKSTAR. I'LL NEVER BUY ANOTHER FORD - THEY BUILD WITH PLASTIC AND LIGHTWEIGHT JUNK AND THEY JUST FAIL - FAIL - FAIL. *TR

• 12/18/2009· POWER TRAIN

  TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2000 FORD WINDSTAR. HE STATED THAT THE REAR AXLE BROKE IN HALF WHILE DRIVING LESS THAN 5 MPH IN REVERSE. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO A LOCAL MECHANIC WHO STATED THAT RUST CAUSED THE AXLE TO BRAKE IN HALF. THE VEHICLE WAS REPAIRED AT THE OWNERS EXPENSE FOR $1000.00. THE FORD MANUFACTURER HAS NOT BEEN NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE AND CURRENT MILEAGES WERE 150,000.

• 12/18/2009· SUSPENSION

  I HAVE A 2000 FORD WINDSTAR LX SPORT 3.8L V6. IT HAS 112,000 MILES ON IT. I TOOK IT TO OUR LOCAL MECHANIC TO HAVE THE REAR BRAKES REPLACED. HE NOTIFIED ME THAT THE REAR AXLE WAS CRACKED. HE SAID THERE WAS NONE IN THE JUNKYARDS BUT THAT HE COULD REPAIR AND REINFORCE THE AXLE. IT IS A GOOD THING OUR MECHANIC FOUND THE CRACKED AXLE. NO TELLING HOW OR UNDER WHAT CONDITIONS THE AXLE COULD HAVE SNAPPED AND SOMEONE OR A FAMILY MEMBER GETS KILLED OR SERIOUSLY INJURED DUE TO THE FAILURE OF A MAJOR COMPONENT. PLEASE INVESTIGATE THIS REPORT AS IT IS A SAFETY ISSUE FOR THIS VEHICLE THAT FORD NEEDS TO ADDRESS. *TR

• 12/18/2003· ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING,FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE,LATCHES/LOCKS/LINKAGES

  WE HAVE OWNED THIS 2000 FORD WINDSTAR SINCE FEBRUARY OF 2002. I HAVE LOST COUNT OF HOW MANY TIMES WE HAVE TAKEN IT BACK TO THE DEALER BECAUSE OF THE POOR GAS MILEAGE. IT WAS GETTING 13 MPG AND THE DEALER SAID THAT WAS NORMAL. BUT OVER THE PAST 3 MONTHS WE HAVE TAKEN IT BACK TO THE DEALER 8 TIMES BECAUSE OF THE CHECK ENGINE LIGHT. THE DEALERSHIP HAS REPLACED THE UPPER/LOWER INTAKE GASKETS, FUEL PUMP, FUEL FILTER, FUEL LINE, MASS OXYGEN FLOW SENSOR, BOTH O2 SENSORS, VALVE COVER GASKETS, AND A COUPLE OF OTHER THINGS TOO. THE GAS MILEAGE ACTUALLY GOT WORSE AFTER SEVERAL OF THE REPAIRS. WE ARE AVERAGING BETWEEN 9 - 10 MPG. IN ADDITION TO THE ENGINE PROBLEMS, OUR DOOR LOCKS DON'T WORK RIGHT AND THE INTERIOR LIGHTS DON'T WORK AT ALL AUTOMATICALLY...WE HAVE TO TURN THEM ON AND OFF. THE DOOR LOCKS ON THE SLIDING DOORS HAVE TO WORKED BY HAND. I AM SO SICK AND TIRED OF THIS CAR. WE HAVE HAD TO CANCEL TWO ROAD TRIPS BECAUSE OF THE PROBLEMS, BECAUSE I DON'T TRUST THE CAR OUT OF TOWN. IT ALREADY LEFT ME STRANDED OVERNIGHT BECAUSE THE TRANSMISSION BLEW UP TWO MONTHS AFTER WE BOUGHT IT.*AK

• 12/18/2003· LATCHES/LOCKS/LINKAGES

  WHILE DRIVING AT ANY SPEED, SLIDING DOOR WAS HAVING A PROBLEM WHERE THE SLIDING DOOR WOULD REOPEN AFTER IT CLOSED. DEALER ADVISED CONSUMER TO TRADE THE VEHICLE SINCE IT COULD NOT BE FIXED. *AK

• 12/18/2000· VISIBILITY

  GLASS ON REAR SIDE WINDOW EXPLODED ,SPRAYING GLASS ONTO THE BACK SEAT OF VEHICLE WHICH COULD HAVE CAUSED INJURIES. GLASS SHOULD BE SHATTERED PROOF. *AK THE THERMAL AND MECHANICAL INTERNAL STRESS WHILE MANUFACTURING CAUSED THE WINDOW TO EXPLODE. *YH

• 12/17/2012· SERVICE BRAKES

  MY WINDSTAR BEGAN TO SHIMMY LIKE A SKITTISH HORSE. WHEN I TOOK IT TO MY LOCAL SERVICE STATION, THEY SAID THE ANTI-LOCK BRAKES WERE READING AS IF THE WHEELS WERE GOING DIFFERENT SPEEDS AND TRYING TO COMPENSATE. EVENTUALLY THE SHIMMYING SENSATION STOPPED AND THE ANTI-LOCK BREAK LIGHT CAME ON, AND STAYED ON PERMANENTLY. I AM NOW AFRAID TO DRIVE MY VEHICLE WHEN IT IS RAINING OR SNOWING. FORD HAS INDICATED TO ME THAT THEY CONSIDER THIS TO BE MY PROBLEM, NOT THEIRS. HOW IS THIS NOT A RECALL ISSUE? THIS IS A PROBLEM WHICH CAN ENDANGER LIFE AND SAFETY OF MYSELF AND OTHERS; AND IT IS A PROBLEM WITH FORD'S DESIGN. I DON'T EVEN KNOW HOW TO FIX THIS, LET ALONE WHAT IT WILL COST. *TR

• 12/17/2012· SERVICE BRAKES

  C1185 DIAGNOSTIC CODE, BRAKE LIGHT WILL NOT GO OFF. *TR

• 12/17/2010· UNKNOWN OR OTHER

  THE SUB FRAME ON MY 2000 FORD WINDSTAR HAS ROTTED OUT. THE STEERING AND SUSPENSION ARE ALL OUT OF WACK. THE VEHICLE SWERVES FROM LEFT-TO-RIGHT AND RIGHT-TO-LEFT WHEN DRIVING ON THE ROAD. MY MECHANIC TOLD ME THAT IT IS NOT SAFE TO DRIVE. THIS IS A MAJOR SAFETY HAZARD - LIFE THREATENING. I AM AFRAID TO DRIVE THIS VEHICLE. FORD NEEDS TO DO SOMETHING ABOUT THE NUMEROUS INCIDENTS SIMILAR TO THIS ONE. I DEMAND A RECALL ON THIS.