2003 Ford Windstar

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

• 12/31/2014· SUSPENSION

  TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2003 FORD WINDSTAR. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE DRIVING 40 MPH, THE REAR AXLE BECAME FRACTURED. THE VEHICLE WAS PREVIOUSLY REPAIRED UNDER NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 12V195000 (SUSPENSION). THE CONTACT MENTIONED THAT THE REINFORCEMENT BRACKETS WERE ATTACHED AND THE AXLES WERE NOT REPLACED. AS A RESULT THE REAR AXLE FRACTURED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE VIN WAS UNAVAILABLE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS UNKNOWN.

• 12/31/2012· SUSPENSION

  TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2003 FORD WINDSTAR. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE REAR AXLE EXHIBITED TWO LARGE FRACTURES. THE CONTACT REFERENCED NHTSA CAMPAIGN ID NUMBER 12V195000 (SUSPENSION:REAR:AXLE:NON-POWERED AXLE ASSEMBLY) HOWEVER, THE VIN WAS NOT INCLUDED IN THE RECALL CAMPAIGN. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 141,000.

• 12/31/2012· SERVICE BRAKES

  THE ABS LIGHT HAS COME ON AND THE ABS BRAKING SYSTEM HAS BECOME INOPERABLE. *TR

• 12/31/2008· SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC

  WITHIN A FEW MINUTES OF STARTING THE VAN AN DRIVING OUT OF THE NEIGHBORHOOD, THE CONSOLE LIGHTS FLICKERED AND THERE WAS A WISP OF SMOKE FROM WITHIN THE DASHBOARD AREA, THOUGH I DIDN'T WITNESS ANY FLAMES. THE CONSOLE ABS AND BRAKE LIGHTS CAME ON. I SUBSEQUENTLY REPLACED THE BATTERY IN CASE IT WAS WEAK, BUT SINCE THAT TIME THE ABS AND BRAKE LIGHTS HAVE COME ON AND OFF INTERMITTENTLY. IF THEY DO COME ON, SOMETIMES I CAN MAKE THEM TURN OFF BY TURNING THE VAN OFF AND RESTARTING IT. *TR

• 12/31/2007· POWER TRAIN

  2003 FORD WINDSTAR TRANSAXLE JERKS VEHICLE FROM 1ST TO 2ND GEAR SHIFT UNDER LIGHT OR MODERATE THROTTLE. WAS SERVICED 4 TIMES IN 2006 BY DEALER. DEALER REBUILT TRANSAXLE YET PROBLEM STILL EXISTED. DEALER REPLACED THROTTLE POSITION SENSOR 2ND TIME AND PROBLEM WAS EVEN MORE PRONOUNCED. NOW VEHICLE WOULD POP OUT OF 2ND GEAR WITH ENGINE RACE IMMEDIATELY AFTER 1ST TO 2ND GEAR SHIFT BECAUSE IT HAMMERED THE SHIFT SO BAD. DEALER REPLACED STATOR SUPPORT ON 3RD TIME IN YET STILL POPS DURING SHIFT FROM 1ST TO 2ND. CALLED FORD CONSUMER LINE IMMEDIATELY AFTERWARD TO COMPLAIN. VEHICLE WAS COMING OUT OF WARRANTY IN 8K MILES AND I WANTED TO VOICE MY CONCERNS THAT THE TRANSMISSION WAS NOT WORKING PROPERLY AFTER BEING SERVICE 3 TIMES. FORD CALLED DEALER. DEALER CALLED ME TO EXPLAIN THAT THE FORD SERVICE REP TOLD THEM THAT THE WINDSTARS WILL SHIFT LIKE THAT AND THAT IS THE WAY IT IS. 14 MONTHS LATER TRANSMISSION IS FAILING WHEN UNDER ANY STRESS (HILLS, MODERATE ACCELERATION, ETC..) WITH A RATCHETING OR GRINDING NOISE. HAVE TO DISENGAGE OD ON HIGHWAY HILLS TO MAINTAIN SPEED WITH HEAVY TRAFFIC. HAVE CALLED FORD AGAIN. THEY WANT TO HAVE DEALER PERFORM A DIAGNOSTIC TEST WHICH I WILL HAVE TO PAY FOR. IT IS OUT OF WARRANTY NOW EVEN THOUGH I COMPLAINED TO FORD A YEAR AGO WHEN IT WAS IN. *TR

• 12/30/2016· SUSPENSION

  TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2003 FORD WINDSTAR. WHILE DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 5 MPH AND MAKING A RIGHT TURN, THE REAR AXLE SUDDENLY FRACTURED. THE CAUSE OF THE FAILURE WAS NOT DIAGNOSED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE VEHICLE WAS PREVIOUSLY REPAIRED PER NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 12V195000 (SUSPENSION). DURING THE REPAIR, BRACKETS WERE INSTALLED TO PREVENT THE FAILURE FROM RECURRING. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 120,000.

• 12/30/2016· SUSPENSION

  TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2003 FORD WINDSTAR. WHILE DRIVING OVER BUMPS IN THE ROAD, A CLUNKING NOISE WAS PRESENT COMING FROM THE REAR OF THE VEHICLE. THE CAUSE OF THE FAILURE WAS NOT DIAGNOSED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE VEHICLE WAS PREVIOUSLY REPAIRED PER NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 10V385000 (SUSPENSION). THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 144,000.

• 12/30/2014· AIR BAGS,SERVICE BRAKES

  TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2003 FORD WINDSTAR. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE ABS WARNING LIGHT ILLUMINATED. IN ADDITION, THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE BRAKE PEDAL REQUIRED EXCESSIVE FORCE IN ORDER TO COME TO A STOP ON SEVERAL OCCASIONS. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC, WHO DIAGNOSED THAT THE BRAKE PADS AND THE VACUUM HOSE NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE VEHICLE WAS REPAIRED, BUT THE FAILURE PERSISTED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 80,000.

• 12/30/2013· SERVICE BRAKES

  ABS LIGHT CAME ON, MECHANIC SAID THE ECU WAS SHORTED AND FORD WAS LOOKING INTO A RECALL. FORD HAS NOTHING ON THEIR WEBSITE, BUT HAVE FOUND MANY EXTERNAL SITES OFFERING THE SAME PROBLEM. *TR

• 12/30/2009· POWER TRAIN

  WITHOUT ANY PRIOR PROBLEMS OR WARNINGS MY 2003 FORD WINDSTAR WITH ONLY 66,600. MILES THE TRANSMISSION JUST QUIT. I PARKED IT CHRISTMAS EVE AND IT WAS FINE THREE DAYS LATER I WENT TO LEAVE AND IT WON'T GO INTO GEAR. I HAVE ALSO HAD ELECTRICAL PROBLEMS WITH THE BACK HATCH SENSOR. IT SAYS DOOR IS AJAR AND EITHER MINUTES LATER , HOURS , DAYS WHILE I'M DRIVING IT WILL START BEEPING , LOCK THE DOORS AND LIGHT GOES OFF. *TR

• 12/30/2003· SEATS

  DRIVERS SIDE SEAT MOVES WHEN PARKED AND LEFT ALONE. THIS VERIES FROM 1/2 INCH TO SEVERAL INCES. PROBLEM IS INCONSISTANT. ALSO SEAT BACK BENT AND THE SEAT CUSHION IS ALSO NOT SUPPORTIVE.

• 12/29/2017· SUSPENSION

  I JUST PURCHASED THE VAN FOR MY WIFE & WHEN I WAS HAVING A GARAGE INSTALL TIRES ON IT THE TECH NOTICED THAT WHILE THE REAR AXLE DID HAVE THE INEFFECTIVE AXLE CLAMPS ON IT FROM A DEALER THE AXLE WAS RUSTING ON THE DRIVER'S SIDE & ACTUALLY HAS RUSTED A HOLE IN IT. THE OTHER PROBLEM IS THE FRONT SUBFRAME/ENGINE CRADLE THAT IS RUSTING OUT WHERE IT BOLTS TO THE BODY. I CONTACTED A LOCAL DEALER & ALSO FORD IN DEARBORN, MI & THEY BOTH SAID THERE WAS NOTHING THEY COULD OR WOULD DO TO MAKE THE VAN SAFE FOR MY WIFE TO DRIVE. THERE ARE SOME BODY TYPE NOISES FROM THE FRONT END WHEN TURNING ALSO PROBABLY FROM THE SUBFRAME MOVEMENT.

• 12/29/2012· SERVICE BRAKES

  THE ABS AND BRAKE LIGHTS CAME ON. TOOK IT TO THE DEALER AND THEY STATED THAT THE ABS MODULE WAS DEFECTIVE. TESTED ABS ON WET AND SNOWY ROADS, AND THE ABS ENGAGED APPROPRIATELY. WARNING LIGHTS CONTINUE TO COME ON ABOUT 5 MINUTES AFTER STARTING VEHICLE. TOLD BY DEALER THAT ABS MODULE NEEDS REPLACING. I HAVE NOT REPLACED DUE TO HIGH COST, $800+. *TR

• 12/29/2010· POWER TRAIN,ELECTRICAL SYSTEM

  I TOOK MY CAR IN TO FORD DUE TO A FAILURE IN THE INSTRUMENT PANEL. MY SPEEDOMETER WAS SPINNING AND "STUCK" IN AN APPROXIMATE 5:00 O'CLOCK POSITION...IN ADDITION, MY PRNDL NEEDLE "STUCK" IN THE PARK POSITION AND WOULD NOT MOVE. ON TOP OF THIS, MY ABS/BRAKE LIGHTS WERE COMING ON AND OFF SPORADICALLY AND OCCASIONALLY SMELLED LIKE SOMETHING BURNING. THE FORD DEALER REPLACED MY INSTRUMENT CLUSTER AND ATTEMPTED TO FIX THE ABS/BRAKE LIGHT PROBLEM. THE "FIX" DIDN'T LAST MORE THAN TWO WEEKS...THE ABS/BRAKE LIGHT IS BACK TO GOING ON AND OFF. ACCORDING TO THE INFORMATION THAT THEY GAVE ME, THE PARTS ARE NO LONGER AVAILABLE FOR THE ABS/BRAKE LIGHT REPAIR...THEY ASSURED ME THAT MY SERVICE BRAKES STILL WORKED. IN THE PROCESS, I HAVE BEEN TOLD ABOUT RECALLS TO THE 2003 FORD WINDSTAR FOR SIMILAR PROBLEMS IN OTHER VEHICLES, HOWEVER, I WAS TOLD THAT THESE RECALLS DIDN'T PERTAIN TO ME. IF I AM EXPERIENCING THE SAME PROBLEMS THAT OTHERS ARE HAVING AND THEY ARE GETTING THEIR REPAIRS FIXED AT NO CHARGE TO THEMSELVES, WHY AM I PAYING FOR REPAIRS FOR THE SAME PROBLEM ITEMS??????? THE SWAY BAR LINKS ON MY WINDSTAR WERE ALSO REPAIRED ALONG WITH THE BUSHINGS...AGAIN...ANOTHER RECALL THAT SEEMS TO HAVE BEEN ISSUED BUT I WAS TOLD THAT "IT DIDN'T APPLY TO ME". NOW I HAVE MY WINDSTAR IN THE SHOP, AGAIN, BECAUSE THE TRANSMISSION PUMP EXPLODED AND DAMAGED THE TRANSMISSION. NO WARNING, NO CHECK ENGINE LIGHT, NOTHING. HOW MUCH OF AN ADDITIONAL EXPENSE IS THIS GOING TO BE???? OH, I DID RECEIVE THE RECALL NOTICE FOR THE REAR AXLE...THAT WILL BE CHECKED RIGHT AFTER I GET MY CAR BACK FROM HAVING THE TRANSMISSION REPAIRED. WHY ARE SOME VEHICLES COVERED AND OTHERS AREN'T??? IF IT AFFECTS A 2003 FORD WINDSTAR, IT SHOULD BE ALL OF THEM, NOT JUST SOME OF THEM. *TR

• 12/29/2010· STRUCTURE

  TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2003 FORD WINDSTAR. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALER FOR REPAIRS FOR RECALL (NHTSA CAMPAIGN ID NUMBER: 10V385000 COMPONENT: SUSPENSION: REAR: AXLE: NON-POWERED AXLE ASSEMBLY) WHEN THE TECHNICIAN STATED THE FRONT SUBFRAME WAS SEVERELY CORRODED AND THERE WAS A HOLE IN FRONT OF THE BOLT THAT HELD UP THE SUBFRAME. THE CONTACT STATED THERE WAS AN OPEN INVESTIGATION ON THAT COMPONENT (NHTSA ACTION NUMBER: EA10007 COMPONENT(S): STRUCTURE: FRAME AND MEMBERS SUSPENSION). THE VEHICLE WAS REPAIRED FOR THE RECALL BUT WAS NOT REPAIRED FOR THE SUB FRAME. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 105,100. /UPDATED 3/7/11*CN UPDATED 12/7/11 *CN

• 12/29/2003· LATCHES/LOCKS/LINKAGES

  THE ELECTRIC SLIDING DOOR ON OUR 2003 FORD WINDSTAR WILL NOT STOP IF MY WIFE OR CHILD IS IN ITS INTENDED PATH. THE DOOR WILL LITERALLY PIN THEM AGAINST THE DOOR FRAME. I HAVE HAD TO APPLY FORCE IN ORDER TO HAVE THE DOOR REVERSE. *AK ALSO THE DOOR MECHANISM (LATCH) WILL NOT ALLOW THE DOOR TO OPEN WHEN PULLED. THE DOOR MUST BE FORCEIBLY PULLED TO ECTIVATE THE AUTO OPEN SEQUENCE. MY WIFE HAS STATED THAT WHEN CLOSING THER DOOR WITH THE KEY FOB THAT THE DOOR DOES NOT ALWAY CLOSE, SHE HAS HAD TWO OCCURENCES WHERE SHE HAS REMOVED MY DAUGHTER FROM THE VAN AND CLOSED THE DOOR, WHEN SHE CAME OUT OF THE STORE THE DOOR WAS OPEN.

• 12/28/2016· STRUCTURE

  OUR ENGINE CRADLE RECENTLY BROKE AND NEEDS TO BE REPLACED. WE JUST FOUND OUT THIS FALLS UNDER RECALL NUMBER 15V608 (FORD RECALL # 15S27). WE WOULD LIKE THIS TO BE RESOLVED AT LITTLE OR NO COST TO US, BUT WE ARE UNSURE HOW TO START THE PROCESS WITH A RECALL.

• 12/28/2004· ELECTRICAL SYSTEM,LATCHES/LOCKS/LINKAGES

  SLIDING SIDE DOORS WORKED INTERMITTENTLY. TOLD NOTHING WRONG. ONE STOPPED WORKING. COST CLOSE TO $400 DOLLARS AND TOOK ALL DAY. SAID IT WAS AN ELECTRICIANS NIGHTMARE. THE VERY NEXT DAY THE OTHER DOOR QUITE WORKING. WE HAVE NO CHILDREN, SO DO NOT USE DOOR IN EXCESS. THIS IS MORE THAN COINCIDENCE. THE FIRST ONE NEEDED A NEW PLATE OR SOMETHING LIKE THAT. THEY SAID IT WOULD BE $1000 IF THE MOTOR GOES. *JB

• 12/27/2017· POWER TRAIN

  TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2003 FORD WINDSTAR. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE DRIVING 2 MPH, TRANSMISSION FLUID LEAKED FROM THE VEHICLE ONTO THE GROUND. THE VEHICLE WAS DIAGNOSED AT CARRIAGE FORD DEALER LOCATED IN CLARKSVILLE, INDIANA WHERE IT WAS DETERMINED THAT THERE WAS A FRACTURED TRANSMISSION CASING IN THE VEHICLE. THE DEALER UNDER NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 11V030000 (STRUCTURE) AND 10V385000 (SUSPENSION) PREVIOUSLY REPAIRED THE VEHICLE. THE MANUFACTURER WAS MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE AND PROVIDED THE CONTACT WITH CASE NUMBER: CAS-13693189. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 175,000. THE VIN WAS NOT AVAILABLE.

• 12/27/2011· SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC

  TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2003 FORD WINDSTAR. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE ABS LAMP, TRACTION CONTROL AND BRAKE WARNING LAMPS WERE ILLUMINATED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT TAKEN TO A DEALER AND THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE FAILURE AND THE CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 103,000.

• 12/27/2011· SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC

  ABS AND BRAKE LIGHT ARE LIT ON MY DASH,FORD HAS THIS RECALL IN THEIR WEBSITE. WHEN I BROUGHT IT TO THE THEREATTENTION THEY SAID THAT MY CARS VIN NUMBER WAS NOT INCLUDED, NOWHERE DOES IT STATE THAT IT IS DESIGNATED BY VIN NUMBERS, IT STATED ALL 2003 FORD WINDSTARS. FORD WANTS $1500.00 TO DO THIS REPAIR, PLEASE HELP ME WITH THIS PROBLEM, FOR I HAVE NO IDEA HOW TO PAY FOR THIS. THANKING YOU IN ADVANCE FOR YOUR TIME IN CHECKING THIS OUT FOR ME. *TR

• 12/27/2010· SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC,ELECTRICAL SYSTEM

  GAS GAUGE DOESN'T READ CORRECTLY. ALL GAUGES STOPS WORKING WHILE DRIVING. ABS AND TCS STOPPED WORKING CORRECTLY IN 2008. LIGHTS HAVE BEEN ON WARNING OF THEM NOT WORKING. DRIVERS SIDE PASSENGER DOOR WILL NOT WORK CORRECTLY. CHECK ADVANCE TRACK WARNING LIGHT STAYS ON. THIS HAS BEEN CHECKED, BUT LIGHT STAYS ON. RPM GAUGE STAYS AT MAXIMUM. OFTEN WHILE DRIVING, IT FEELS AS IF WE HAVE THE EMERGENCY BRAKE ON. WE HAVE TO CHANGE TIRES OFTEN. WHEN I APPLY THE BRAKES THE VEHICLE WILL EITHER NOT STOP, OR MAKES A GRINDING SOUND BEFORE IT DOES. I HAVE HAD THE BRAKES CHECKED AND THE BRAKE PADS ARE FINE. *TR

• 12/27/2008· ELECTRICAL SYSTEM

  WE BOUGHT A USED WINDSTAR IN JULY OF 2007 HAVE BEEN HAVING THE SAME ISSUE WITH THE BRAKE LIGHT AND ABS LIGHT COMING ON AT TIMES. *TR

• 12/27/2007· SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC,ELECTRICAL SYSTEM

  ABS AND BRAKE WARNING LIGHTS INTERMITTENTLY GO ON AND OFF FOR NO APPARENT REASON. IT ONLY HAPPENS WHEN THE ENGINE IS WARM, OR IT IS HOT OUTSIDE. NO PROBLEMS ON COLD DAYS. BRAKES APPEAR TO WORK FINE. THERE ALSO APPEARS TO BE SOME LEAKING FROM THE MASTER CYLINDER, WHICH CONTINUES TO CAUSE A SHORT WITH THE #10 FUSE INSIDE THE CABIN, CAUSING THE SPEEDOMETER, ODOMETER, TRANSMISSION CONTROL, ETC TO STOP FUNCTIONING. *TR

• 12/26/2015· ELECTRONIC STABILITY CONTROL (ESC)

  THE TRACTION CONTROL TURNS ON AND OFF WITH SWITCH IN OFF POSITION. ON A CLEAR DRY DAY THE SYSTEM WILL TURN ON WHILE DRIVING STRAIGHT . THE CAR MUST BE IN MOTION FOR THIS TO HAPPEN. THE CAR DOES THIS VERY OFTEN. WE CAN'T FIND ANYTHING WRONG. SOMETIMES YOU MIGHT HEAR A HUM. IT HAPPENS ON ALL TYPES OF PAVEMENT AND BOTH DAY AND NIGHT.

• 12/26/2013· SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC,EQUIPMENT

  ABS AND BRAKE LIGHTS BEGAN COMING ON MY DASH. THEY WILL GO OFF PERIODICALLY, AND THEN COME BACK ON. THE FIRST DATE THIS HAPPENED WAS IN 2010. I DRIVE A 2003 FORD WINDSTAR. I TOOK IT TO THE AUTO SHOP RIGHT AWAY AND WAS QUOTED OVER $1,000 TO FIX IT. I ASKED WHAT THE PART DOES AND WAS TOLD THAT IT MOSTLY CONTROLS THE ABS SYSTEM. I ASKED HIM WHAT I COULD DO IF I DID NOT FIX IT, BECAUSE THERE WAS NO WAY I COULD AFFORD THAT. HE SUGGESTED TO PUMP MY BRAKES WHEN BRAKING. THE SYSTEM IS DANGEROUS WHEN TRYING TO MAKE A FAST STOP. I HAVE BEEN HEARING THAT IT HAS HAPPENED TO OTHER VEHICLES OF THIS SAME MODEL VEHICLE. *TR

• 12/24/2013· SERVICE BRAKES

  TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2003 FORD WINDSTAR. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE ABS LIGHT REMAINED ILLUMINATED AND FAILED TO ENGAGE IN A TIMELY MANNER. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALER FOR A DIAGNOSTIC TEST AND THEY WERE UNABLE TO LOCATE A FAILURE CODE. THE VEHICLE WAS REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 80,000. THE CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 113,000. UPDATED 03/31/14*LJ UPDATED 04/01/2014 *JS

• 12/23/2010· SUSPENSION

  NOTIFIED BY FORD MOTOR CO. ABOUT A VOLUNTEER RECALL FOR THE INSPECTION AND REPAIR OR REPLACEMENT OF THE REAR AXLE FOR MY 2003 FORD WINDSTAR. DEALER FOUND NO CRACKS AND APPLIED ANTICORROSIVE MATERIAL AND REINFORCMENT BRACKETS. I BELIEVE THAT IT'S POOR DESIGN IS THE SOLE REASON FOR IT'S FAILURE AND THIS "TEMP" FIX IS ONLY PUTTING OF THE INEVITABLE. FORD SHOULD BE MANDATING THAT ALL WINDSTAR'S AFFECTED ON THE ROAD SHOULD HAVE AN AXLE REPLACEMENT FREE OF CHARGE. *LN

• 12/23/2010· SUSPENSION

  2003 FORD WINDSTAR. CONSUMER WRITES REGARDING RECALL NOTICE *TGW THE REAR AXLE FAILED, PRIOR TO THE RECALL NOTIFICATION. *JB

• 12/23/2009· SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC,ELECTRICAL SYSTEM

  MY YELLOW ABS BRAKE LIGHT AND MY RED BRAKE LIGHT INDICATOR COME ON WHENEVER MY BRAKE LINES BEGIN TO HEAT WHILE DRIVING. I HAVE ALSO HAD INTERMITTENT PROBLEMS WITH THE OVER DRIVE LIGHT COMING ON AND OFF, AND THE ODOMETER AND THE SPEEDOMETER FAILING. THIS HAS OCCURRED SINCE THE WINDSTAR VAN WAS NEW. THE PREVIOUS OWNER HAD TRIED TO HAVE THE SENSORS REPLACED BUT IT CONTINUED TO HAPPEN, AND STILL HAPPENS NOW WITH ME. I AM CONCERNED THAT IF THE BRAKES DO FAIL OR NEED REPAIR, I WON'T KNOW AS THE LIGHTS ARE ALWAYS ON, ANYWAY. I AM ALSO CONCERNED WITH THE POSSIBILITY OF FIRE DUE TO A SHORT, OR BEING TICKETED AS I NEVER KNOW WHEN THE SPEEDOMETER WILL BEGIN TO FAIL. I WAS TOLD BY AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC THAT THERE WAS AN UNSPECIFIED ELECTRICAL SHORT CAUSING THESE ISSUES, AND THAT IT WOULD DIFFICULT OR IMPOSSIBLE TO TRACE. I AM EXPERIENCING BOTH PROBLEMS 1 & 2 AS DESCRIBED ON THE FOLLOWING WEBSITE. **** HTTP://WWW.FORDWINDSTARRECALL.INFO/ **** THE ISSUE OF THE ABS BRAKE LIGHT IS CRITICAL IN THAT THE ABS BRAKE SYSTEM DOES NOT FUNCTION AS DESIGNED BY FORD. THE ISSUE IS CAUSED BY HEAT IN THE ABS (ANTI-LOCK BRAKE SYSTEM) ECM (ELECTRONIC CONTROL MODULE) (2C219) MODULE CAUSING EXPANSION OF A LARGE ALUMINUM PLATE (HEAT SINK) IN THE ECM WHICH IS ATTACHED TO THE ECM MAIN CIRCUIT BOARD AT ALL POINTS. THE EXPANSION OCCURS WHEN THE UNIT GETS WARM ESPECIALLY IN THE SUMMER MONTHS AND CAUSES INTERMITTENT ELECTRICAL CONNECTION IN THE UNIT BECAUSE THE FRAGILE BOARD IS BEING STRETCHED AND MALFORMED. THE CODE MOST COMMONLY SCANNED BY PROFESSIONAL MECHANICS IS CODE C1185. SEEN BY US OWNERS AS A YELLOW ABS BRAKE LIGHT. *TR

• 12/22/2018· POWER TRAIN,SERVICE BRAKES

  TRANSMISSION SLOW TO ENGAGE AFTER SITTING. THIS IS NOT ONLY A REPEAT PROBLEM AFTER BEING REPAIRED, BUT ALSO AFTER BEING TOTALLY REPLACED BY FORD DEALER. ABS NEVER RECALLED FOR SCDS 09S09. CONSTANTLY RESETTING AND DISENGAGING. AFTER 15 YEARS OF OWNERSHIP, I HAVE YET TO BE NOTIFIED OF OR HAD ANYTHING REPAIRED UNDER WARRANTY. WHEN THE TRANSMISSION QUIT WORKING, MY WIFE WAS DRIVING ( WHEN THE RPM'S WENT UP AND THE TRANSMISSION QUIT PULLING) ON A BUSY HIGHWAY, IN HEAVY TRAFFIC, NO PLACE TO GO. NEARLY CAUSING A HORRIFIC ACCIDENT. WITH THE ABS PROBLEM, ANYTHING INDICATING A BRAKE FAILURE, POSSIBLE ONBOARD FIRE, OR LOSS OF CONTROL, LEAVES YOU WITH A HUGE LACK OF CONFIDENCE IN THE VEHICLE.

• 12/22/2013· SERVICE BRAKES

  ABS SYSTEM WARNING LIGHT ON CONTINUOUSLY. *TR

• 12/22/2010· SUSPENSION,ELECTRICAL SYSTEM,EXTERIOR LIGHTING

  ELECTRICAL PROBLEMS THAT REQUIRED THE REPLACEMENT OF THE MAIN ELECTRICAL HARNESS 3 TIMES, WHICH WERE UNDER WARRANTY. THE INTERIOR LIGHTS CONTINUE TO FLASH AND FLICKER TO THIS DAY, BOTH DAY AND NIGHT, CREATING A HAZARD TO SAFE OPERATION OF THE VEHICLE. THERE ARE ALSO FALSE ALEERTS OF THE TIRE WARNING SYSTEM, AND OTHER INTERMITTANT ELECTRICAL PROBLEMS IN THE VEHICLE. THERE IS ALSO A NOISE COMING FROM THE FRONT END, WHICH IS IN THE AREA OF THE SUB FRAME ASSEMBLY.

• 12/22/2010· SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC,VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL

  TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2003 FORD WINDSTAR. THE CONTACT STATED WAS DRIVING 5 PH WHEN THE ABS AND THE EMERGENCY BRAKE WARNING LIGHTS ILLUMINATED. THE FAILURE OCCURRED ON AN INTERMITTENT BASIS. THE CONTACT ALSO STATED THAT THE CRUISE CONTROL HAD FAILED AND HAD BECOME INOPERABLE. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT INSPECTED BY A DEALER OR REPAIRED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS APPROXIMATELY 100,000.

• 12/22/2010· SERVICE BRAKES, ELECTRIC

  ABS AND BRAKE LIGHT USUALLY STAY ON ALTHOUGH THERE IS NO PROBLEM WITH THE SYSTEM. BOUGHT USED AS FORD CERTIFIED PREOWNED AND CANNOT DIAGNOSE THE PROBLEM. AT TIMES THE LIGHT WILL GO OUT FOR A SHORT PERIOD OF TIME BUT NO NOTICEABLE PATTERN HAS BEEN ESTABLISHED. THE LIGHT PROBLEM HAS BEEN ONGOING FOR AT LEAST 3 YEARS. *TR

• 12/21/2014· ELECTRICAL SYSTEM,SERVICE BRAKES

  MY VANS BRAKES STARTED ACTING FUNNY WHEN I CAME UP TO A STOP. THE ABS SYSTEM IS ACTING AS IF THE VAN IS GOING INTO A SKID AND ACTIVATING THE ANTI LOCK BRAKE SYSTEM. IT CAUSES IMPROPER BRAKING DISTANCE WHICH HAS ALMOST LED TO AN ACCIDENT. AFTER OPERATING FOR AWHILE THE WARNING LIGHTS GO ON IN THE DASH FOR THE ABS AND TRACTION CONTROL, AT THIS POINT WHEN THE LIGHTS GO ON THE SYSTEMS ARE DISABLED. WHEN YOU SHUT OFF THE VAN IT RESETS AND THE PROBLEMS PERSIST WHEN YOU START IT BACK UP. I BELIEVE THERE IS PROBLEM WITH THE COMPUTER BOARD CAUSING THIS PROBLEM. IT CAN POSSIBLY LEAD TO AN ACCIDENT AND OR DEATH. *TR

• 12/21/2013· POWER TRAIN

  I WENT TO PUT THE FORD IN GEAR AND IT WOULD NOT GO INTO GEAR ANY GEAR, I SEE THERE IS A LOT OF COMPLAINTS ON THE MATTER. THERE SHOULD BE A RECALL ON THIS TRANSMISSION BEFORE SOMEONE GETS HURT OR WORSE. *TR

• 12/21/2010· UNKNOWN OR OTHER

  WIFE WAS DRIVING HOME .TURNING ON OUR STREET,15 TO 20 MPH.HEARD A LOUD NOISE AND COULDNT STEER THE VAN.TOW TRUCK DRIVER TOLD US THE BRACKETS RUSTED OFF THE SUBFRAME.WENT TO FORD GARAGE THEY SAID THEY HAD ONE IN 2WEEKS PRIOR AND IT WAS MY PROLBEM.THE VAN ONLY HAS 42,000 ON IT.WOW..TO THINK I HAVE 3 FORD PRODUCTS IN MY DRIVE.

• 12/21/2010· STRUCTURE

  SUB FRAME RUSTED. *TR

• 12/21/2008· SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC,ELECTRICAL SYSTEM

  MOISTURE ON ROAD, RED BRAKE LIGHT ON. YELLOW ABS LIGHT ON NO SPEEDOMETER , NO CRUISE CONTROL. VAN PULLS TO RIGHT WHEN BRAKES APPLIED. *TR

• 12/20/2013· ELECTRICAL SYSTEM,ENGINE

  AS THE DRIVERS OF FORD WINDSTARS WE ALL GOT TREATED UNFAIR FORD WONT EVEN HELP ITS CURRENT FORD WINDSTAR DRIVERS I'VE MET ALOT WINDSTAR OWNERS AND THEY ARE AGITATED,, FIRST OFF ONLY HAD THIS SINCE LAST YEAR AND AFTER THE LAST 6 MONTHS OF THIS IT HAS BEEN A TERRIBLE VAN TO DRIVE, FIRST CHANGING THE ALTERNATOR 3 X'S AND THE BATTERY 4'S REALLY WOULD GET A PERSON VIOLENT, WHATEVER HAPPENED TO CUSTOMER SERVICE BEYOND THE MILE OF SERVICE AS FORD ALWAYS TALKS, DON'T GET ME WRONG THE VAN CAN GO MILES TIL EMPTY, ALSO, THE BACK WINDOWS THE DRIVER SIDE DOESN'T OPEN, IT GETS HOT BACK THERE, OH WAIT THE AC DON'T WORK IN THE REAR EITHER, DON'T GO TO FAR ON A HOT RIDE 4 HOURS AWAY, YOU'LL BE SWEATING WITHIN THE 10 MILES YOU'LL BE DRENCHED, WHEN YOU OPEN A CAR OR VAN , BIG RIG,LIMO, BUS, THE LIGHTS COME ON , NOT THIS MEAN PUP, IF YOU DROP MONEY, BETTER WAIT TIL MORNING YOU'LL BE SEARCHING ALL NITE, IT DOESN'T MATTER WHO THE CURRENT DRIVER THE VEHICLE IS YOU SHOULD PROCEED TO BRING THEM IN FOR ADJUSTMENTS, THERE COST, OH WAIT YOU JUST PUT $500 IN IT, HERE WE GO AGAIN, ANOTHER $200, BY THE TIME IT HITS 6 MONTHS YOU JUST SPENT MONEY YOU NEEDED FOR GROCERIES, OH WAIT $5.00 IS ALL YOU GOT, NOW YOU GOTTA BEG FOR FOOD, AND DON'T HAVE NO MONEY TO DO SQUAT, FORD I HOPE THIS REACHES YOU, SO YOU SEE I CANT TOLERATE A NON HONEST COMPANY, I SHOULD HAVE BOUGHT THAT HONDA OR THAT ACURA, PURE SMOOTH RUNNING CARS RIGHT THERE, QUALITY BUILT IS THERE NAME AND I STAND BEHIND THEM, FORD YOU GET 1 STAR, HONDA 10 STARS...A DRIVER OF THE UNWINNING 2003 FORD WINDSTAR SE, FORD YOU GOT THAT BUYBACK PROGRAM STILL, SHE REALLY NEEDS A NEW HOME, A HOME WORTH BIG BUCKS TO DUMP INTO HER, ANYONE READING THIS OUT HERE, IF YOU HERE OF ANY HELP FOR THIS SICK 2003 FORD WINDSTAR SE, FORD IS IT ABOUT TIME YOU , DEMOTE AND LET A NEW CAR MAKER COME TO TOWN. *TR

• 12/20/2011· POWER TRAIN

  TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2003 FORD WINDSTAR. THE CONTACT WAS DRIVING 70 MPH WHEN THE VEHICLE STALLED WITHOUT WARNING. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO A TRANSMISSION AUTO CENTER WHERE IT WAS INSPECTED. THE TECHNICIAN FOUND THAT THE TRANSMISSION FAILED AND WOULD NEED REPAIRS. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 77,000.

• 12/20/2010· SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC

  TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2003 FORD WINDSTAR. WHEN THE CONTACT STARTED THE IGNITION THE BRAKE AND ANTI-LOCK BRAKING SYSTEM WARNING INDICATORS ILLUMINATED. THE WARNING INDICATORS REMAINED ILLUMINATED UNTIL THE ENGINE WAS TURNED OFF. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO AN AUTHORIZED DEALER FOR DIAGNOSTIC TESTING WHO STATED THAT THE FAILURE WAS RELATED TO THE ANTI-LOCK BRAKE SYSTEM. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE FAILURE CONTINUED TO OCCUR. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS APPROXIMATELY 58,000. UPDATED 12/14/2011 *CN UPDATED 02/23/11

• 12/20/2010· VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL

  TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2003 FORD WINDSTAR. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE WHEN HE TURNED OFF THE CRUISE CONTROL; SEVERAL WARNING LIGHTS ILLUMINATED ON THE DASHBOARD. THE VEHICLE STARTED TO LOSE POWER, BUT THE CONTACT WAS ABLE TO DRIVE THE VEHICLE TO HIS RESIDENCE. THE CONTACT WAS NOT ABLE TO RESTART THE VEHICLE. THE CONTACT FOUND A RECALL CAMPAIGN NUMBER 09V399000, VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL. THE VEHICLE HAD NOT BEEN INSPECTED WHEN THE COMPLAINT WAS FILED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE AND CURRENT MILEAGES WERE 97000.

• 12/19/2016· STEERING,SUSPENSION,POWER TRAIN,AIR BAGS

  TAKATA RECALL UNCONTROLLABLE DRIVING WITH STEERING REAR END FISHTAILING. *TR

• 12/18/2020· POWER TRAIN

  PURCHASED USED 2003 FORD WINDSTAR..IN 2005 ..WITH 30,000 MILES ..NOW HAS 107,000 MILES...AROUND TOWN DRIVING...GOT RECALLS..BROUGHT VEHICLE IN TO DEALER FOR REAR AXLE FIX.INSPECTED TWICE..AFTER ......BRACKETS INSTALLED TO STABILIZE AXLE WERE INITIALLY INSTALLED TOLD IF AXLE WAS BAD , FORD WOULD REPLACE..DID NOT REPLACE. BENTELER AXLE WHOLE PROBLEM FROM START.WEAK METAL SUBJECT TO FATIGUE .BRACKETS WERE A BAND-AID.ACTUALLY MAY HAVE MADE PROBLEM WORSE.......AXLE SNAPPED WHILE DRIVING AST LOW SPEED..AND WHILE TURNING........

• 12/18/2012· SERVICE BRAKES

  ABS LIGHT ON. CODES C1185. *TR

• 12/17/2015· SUSPENSION

  TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2003 FORD WINDSTAR. WHILE TAKING THE VEHICLE FOR A ROUTINE CHECK, THE MECHANIC INFORMED THE CONTACT THAT THE AXLE WAS FRACTURED IN TWO PLACES ON THE DRIVER AND PASSENGER SIDES. THE CONTACT WAS INFORMED THAT THE BRACKETS WERE PLACED ON A FAULTY AXLE. THE MECHANIC ADVISED THE CONTACT NOT TO DRIVE THE VEHICLE FOR LONG LENGTHS OF TIME. THE MECHANIC DIAGNOSED THAT THE AXLE NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALER WHERE IT WAS DIAGNOSED THAT THE VEHICLE WAS INCLUDED IN NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 15V608000 (SUSPENSION). ONCE THE REPAIR PART AND COST WAS DECIDED, THE CONTACT WOULD BE INFORMED AND A REPAIR WOULD BE MADE. THE CONTACT HAD NOT RECEIVED NOTIFICATION AND THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 125,000. UPDATED 04/21/2016*LJ UPDATED 05/14/18*JB *TR

• 12/17/2014· AIR BAGS,SERVICE BRAKES

  YELLOW ABS LIGHT AND RED BRAKE LIGHT COME ON DAILY. YELLOW AIR BAG LIGHT COMES ON WEEKLY. TOOK TO FORD DEALER 10/1/11, FOUND CODES C1185, 1198, 1194, 1254, 1246, 1250, 1248, 1214, 1210, B1869, B1470, U1262, B1676, B1246. INTERNAL MODULE FAILURE, RECOMMEND REPLACING ECU (VERBALLY QUOTED $1,000 OVER THE PHONE). IF RED BRAKE LIGHT COMES ON, I THINK IT'S THE ABS MODULE, BUT IF SOMETHING IS REALLY WRONG, THIS COULD CREATE AN 'UNSAFE' VEHICLE ON THE ROAD. *TR

• 12/17/2014· AIR BAGS,SERVICE BRAKES

  ADD TO SAFETY COMPLAINT 106 649 11.... THE ABS LIGHT AND BRAKE LIGHT PROBLEMS 'STARTED AFTER VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL SWITCH RECALL WAS DONE' (RECALL ID # 67506) AT THE FORD DEALER IN CERRITOS, CALIFORNIA. *TR