NHTSA owner reports · September 18, 2026 snapshot.
Power Train complaints
875 reportsClear category filter147,000 miles · Jan 15, 2004
Engine And Engine CoolingPower Train
THE TRANSMISSION TORE UP IN OUR VAN AT THE END OF 2000 AND HAS FAILED AGAIN. WHEN IT TORE UP THE 1ST TIME, WE WERE COVERED UNDER WARRANTY, BUT SINCE WE ONLY HAD 60 DAYS LEFT THE COMPANY REFUSED TO PUT IN A NEW AND PUT IN A REBUILT. NOW WE HAVE TO FIX IT AGAIN. WE HAVE BEEN LUCKIER THAN ALOT OF CUSTOMERS THAT I'VE RESEARCHED, …
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THE TRANSMISSION TORE UP IN OUR VAN AT THE END OF 2000 AND HAS FAILED AGAIN. WHEN IT TORE UP THE 1ST TIME, WE WERE COVERED UNDER WARRANTY, BUT SINCE WE ONLY HAD 60 DAYS LEFT THE COMPANY REFUSED TO PUT IN A NEW AND PUT IN A REBUILT. NOW WE HAVE TO FIX IT AGAIN. WE HAVE BEEN LUCKIER THAN ALOT OF CUSTOMERS THAT I'VE RESEARCHED, BUT WE ARE STILL GETTING A RAW DEAL WITH OUR VAN AND WE ARE VERY UNHAPPY! WE ARE STILL IN THE PROCESS OF ARGUING OUR MESSAGE TO THE FORD CO. BUT CAN TELL IT WILL BE A FAILURE ALSO. AND OUR HEAT QUIT THIS PAST WINTER AND NOW THE AIR IS OUT. WHEN IT RAINS IT POURS.
NHTSA ODI #10070698
59,270 miles · Jan 15, 2004
Engine And Engine CoolingPower Train
THE ENGINE PROBLEM WAS THE INFAMOUS HEAD GASKET PROBLEM. EVEN THOUGH THE ENGINE WAS OVER THE ARBITRARY 7 YEAR LIMIT, IT WAS FAR BELOW THE 100,000 MILE EXTENDED WARRANTY LIMIT. IN MY OPINION, SETTING A TIME LIMIT IS DISCRIMINATORY AGAINST ANYONE WHO DRIVES FEWER MILES THAN AVERAGE. THE TRANSMMISSION PROBLEM APPEARED SUDDENLY. AF…
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THE ENGINE PROBLEM WAS THE INFAMOUS HEAD GASKET PROBLEM. EVEN THOUGH THE ENGINE WAS OVER THE ARBITRARY 7 YEAR LIMIT, IT WAS FAR BELOW THE 100,000 MILE EXTENDED WARRANTY LIMIT. IN MY OPINION, SETTING A TIME LIMIT IS DISCRIMINATORY AGAINST ANYONE WHO DRIVES FEWER MILES THAN AVERAGE. THE TRANSMMISSION PROBLEM APPEARED SUDDENLY. AFTER WAITING TO TURN LEFT, I ATTEMPTED TO ACCELERATE, BUT THE VEHICLE BEHAVED AS THOUGH IT WERE STUCK IN NEUTRAL. BY THE TIME I HAD A TRANSMMISSION EXPERT CHECK THE PROBLEM, IT WOULD NO LONGER SHIFT EITHER INTO REVERSE OR FIRST GEAR.
NHTSA ODI #10070589
79,000 miles · Jan 15, 2004
Engine And Engine CoolingPower TrainUnknown Or Other
MY 2 MAIN PROBLEMS ARE MY TRANSMISSION & TIMING GEAR COVER. THE TRANMISSION IS VERY HAZARDOUS. MINE IS SLIPPING BETWEEN 1ST & 2ND GEAR. I HAVE BEEN READING ON THE INTERNET THAT ON SOME OF THE TRANSMISSIONS THEY HAVE BEEN SLIPPING OUT OF GEAR. I SURE DON'T WANT TO HAVE THAT SURPRISE. I'M DISABLED & NEED MY VAN TO HAUL MY POWERCH…
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MY 2 MAIN PROBLEMS ARE MY TRANSMISSION & TIMING GEAR COVER. THE TRANMISSION IS VERY HAZARDOUS. MINE IS SLIPPING BETWEEN 1ST & 2ND GEAR. I HAVE BEEN READING ON THE INTERNET THAT ON SOME OF THE TRANSMISSIONS THEY HAVE BEEN SLIPPING OUT OF GEAR. I SURE DON'T WANT TO HAVE THAT SURPRISE. I'M DISABLED & NEED MY VAN TO HAUL MY POWERCHAIR WITH ME WHEN I GO TO THE DOCTORS OFFICE. I WOULDN'T KNOW WHAT TO DO. I TALKED TO A MECHANIC & HE SAID IF IT GOES IT WILL LEAVE ME ON THE ROAD. I THINK THIS VAN IS VERY DANGEROUS ON THE ROAD. FORD KNOW THEY WERE HAVING HEAD GASKET & TRANSMISSION TROUBLE ON THE 1995 WINDSTAR WHY DON'T THEY TAKE CARE OF THERE PROBLEMS. THEY KNOW THEY HAD BAD GASKETS ON THE HEADS,TIMING CHAIN COVERS,& TRANSMISSIONS BUT THEY STILL WENT WITH THE CHEAPER GASKETS THAT LEAK. I THINK THE GOVERNMENT SHOULD STEP IN & MAKE THEM PAY FOR THOSE REPAIRS BEFORE MORE PEOPLE GET KILLED LIKE THAT FORD POLICE CAR THAT JUMPED OUT OF GEAR & RAN OVER SOME PEOPLE IN SOUTHERN MN. A FEW YRS. AGO. WHATS IT GOING TO TAKE? A FEW MORE THOUSAND PEOPLE TO GET KILLED BEFORE THEY FIGURE THAT THERE TRANSMISSIONS ARE NO GOOD.
NHTSA ODI #10070547
Mileage unknown · Jan 15, 2004
Engine And Engine CoolingPower TrainService Brakes, Hydraulic
BRAKE WORK X2 TRANSMISSION X2 ALL BELTS TIRE & SUSPENSION WORK LUGS ON WHEELS NOT PROPERLY REPLACED ,IT ALMOST FELL OFF STILL PAYING ON VEHICLE WHILE IT SITS IN ASHLEY FORD PARKING LOT W/ DEAD TRANSMISSION I AM UNABLE TO PAY CLOSE TO $2000 FOR REPAIRS
NHTSA ODI #10070357
Mileage unknown · Jan 15, 2004
Engine And Engine CoolingEquipmentFuel System, Gasoline
I HAVE OWNED THIS VAN SINCE 1999. SINCE I HAVE OWNED IT WE HAVE HAD NOTHING BUT PROBLEMS WITH IT. I HAVE HAD THE ROTORS TURNED, AND REPLACED AT LEAST 3 TIMES, AND THEY NEED IT AGAIN. I HAVE HAD THE HEAD GASKET REPLACED 3 TIMES AND ONE OF THEM TIMES WAS AT 99,000 MILES WHEN IT WAS UNDER THE WARRENTY. IT HAD BEEN REPLACED AT L…
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I HAVE OWNED THIS VAN SINCE 1999. SINCE I HAVE OWNED IT WE HAVE HAD NOTHING BUT PROBLEMS WITH IT. I HAVE HAD THE ROTORS TURNED, AND REPLACED AT LEAST 3 TIMES, AND THEY NEED IT AGAIN. I HAVE HAD THE HEAD GASKET REPLACED 3 TIMES AND ONE OF THEM TIMES WAS AT 99,000 MILES WHEN IT WAS UNDER THE WARRENTY. IT HAD BEEN REPLACED AT LEAST ONE TIME BEFORE THAT. MY SLIDING DOOR WON'T STAY CLOSED, EVEN THOUGH I JUST SPENT $300 GETTING A NEW LATCHED PUT ON. MY WINDOWS WON'T WORK. I HAD LARSON MOTORS FIX A HEAD GASKET AND MY ELECTRONIC WINDOWS, COST ME OVER $250 FOR THE WINDOW, THAT ONLY WORKED 2 TIMES. I CALLED, AND SINCE THEY PUT "MAY NOT BE THE PROBLEM" ON THE INVOICE, THEY THINK THAT CLEARS THEM, AND THEY WANTED ME TO SPEND MORE MONEY ON ANOTHER PART. MY SPEEDOMETOR HAS BEEN REPLACED ONCE AND IS BROKE AGAIN. THE ALTERNATOR HAS BEEN REPLACED. I COULD GO ON AND ON. I AM GETTING NO WHERE WITH ANYONE. I HAVE SPENT AROUND 5,000.00 IN REPAIRS, AND CAN'T TRADE THE THING OFF, SINCE I STILL OWE TOO MUCH ON IT, DUE TO A TORNADO THAT HIT OUR HOME, AND WHAT THE INSURANCE DIDN'T COVER, THE BALANCE WAS PUT ON OUR CAR LOAN. WE DON'T HAVE THE BEST CREDIT DO TO HAVING TO SPEND ANYWHERE FROM $100-300+ A MONTH ON REPAIRS TO THIS LEMON CAR. I HAVE A FAMILY AND NEED TO KNOW THAT I HAVE A RELIABLE CAR TO DRIVE. I HAVE BEEN STRANDED WITH MY 3 CHILDREN A MINIMUM OF 4 TIMES THIS PAST YEAR.
NHTSA ODI #10069970
93,500 miles · Jan 15, 2004
Power Train
TOTAL TRANSMISSION FAILURE. THIS IS THE 4TH TRANSMISSION IN THE VEHICLE. THE TRANSMISSION THAT WILL BE INSTALLED WILL BE THE 5TH TRANSMISSION. FORD HAS CONTINUED TO INSIST THAT THERE IS NOT AN INHERENT PROBLEM WITH THE TRANMISSION IN THES MODEL ALTHOUGH THERE HAVE BEEN 634 COMPLAINTS/INVESTIGATIONS LODGED WITH THE NATIONAL TR…
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TOTAL TRANSMISSION FAILURE. THIS IS THE 4TH TRANSMISSION IN THE VEHICLE. THE TRANSMISSION THAT WILL BE INSTALLED WILL BE THE 5TH TRANSMISSION. FORD HAS CONTINUED TO INSIST THAT THERE IS NOT AN INHERENT PROBLEM WITH THE TRANMISSION IN THES MODEL ALTHOUGH THERE HAVE BEEN 634 COMPLAINTS/INVESTIGATIONS LODGED WITH THE NATIONAL TRAFFIC AND SAFETY BOARD.
NHTSA ODI #10069648
15,000 miles · Jan 15, 2004
Engine And Engine CoolingPower Train
TRANSMISSION- SHIFTING ROUGH SINCE 30,000 MI. 2 DEALERS TESTED OVER THE YEARS & SAID NO PROBLEM (JUST ADJUSTED SHIFT POINTS. SAME COMPLAINT IN JULY, 2003. DEALER CHECKED, SAID NO PROBLEM. 1 MONTH LATER HAD INDEPENDENT SHOP REBUILD TRANSMISSION. ENGINE- HEAD GASKETS REPLACED AT 15,000 MI & 35,00 MI. SAME SYMPTOMS NOW AT 103,000…
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TRANSMISSION- SHIFTING ROUGH SINCE 30,000 MI. 2 DEALERS TESTED OVER THE YEARS & SAID NO PROBLEM (JUST ADJUSTED SHIFT POINTS. SAME COMPLAINT IN JULY, 2003. DEALER CHECKED, SAID NO PROBLEM. 1 MONTH LATER HAD INDEPENDENT SHOP REBUILD TRANSMISSION. ENGINE- HEAD GASKETS REPLACED AT 15,000 MI & 35,00 MI. SAME SYMPTOMS NOW AT 103,000. JUST PAST EXTENDED WARRANTY
NHTSA ODI #10069072
118,625 miles · Jan 15, 2004
Engine And Engine CoolingPower TrainVisibility
THIS VEHICLE HAS HAD MORE THAN IT'S SHARE OF PROBLEMS. THE HEAD GASKET WAS BROUGHT IN FOR A RECALL AND IT STILL MALFUNCTIONED.
NHTSA ODI #10068948
150,000 miles · Jan 13, 2004
Engine And Engine CoolingPower Train
IN JUNE '99 TOOK VAN IN AS PER OWNER NOTIFICATION TO HAVE HEAD GASKET CHECKED. DEALERSHIP FOUND NOTHING. IN NOV '99 HEAD GASKET FAILED. FORD WOULD NOT DO ANYTHING. IN DEC '99 SENT LETTER TO TX STATE ATTY GENERAL CONSUMER DIVISION WITH LISTS OF COMPLAINTS FOUND ON THIS WEB SITE. IN FEB '00, FORD MOVED WARRANTY UP TO 100,000 MILE…
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IN JUNE '99 TOOK VAN IN AS PER OWNER NOTIFICATION TO HAVE HEAD GASKET CHECKED. DEALERSHIP FOUND NOTHING. IN NOV '99 HEAD GASKET FAILED. FORD WOULD NOT DO ANYTHING. IN DEC '99 SENT LETTER TO TX STATE ATTY GENERAL CONSUMER DIVISION WITH LISTS OF COMPLAINTS FOUND ON THIS WEB SITE. IN FEB '00, FORD MOVED WARRANTY UP TO 100,000 MILES AND GOT REFUND. IN MAY '00 ENGINE FAILED. IN AUG '00 FORD REPLACED ENGINE WITH ANOTHER 3.8 L. IN SEPT '00 TRANSMISSION STARTED FAILING (BUT NOTICED PROBLEM SINCE DAY PURCHASED. DEALERSHIP STATES PROBLEM IN ALL WINDSTARS, TAURUSES, AND SABLES. IN FEB '03, REPLACED TRANSMISSION. IN NOV '03 HEAD GASKET FAILS AGAIN IN NEW MOTOR CLOSE TO 60,000 MILES ON THIS MOTOR. FORD WILL DO NOTHING. SEEK HELP THROUGH YOUR STATE ATTY GENERAL CONSUMERS AFFAIRS OFFICE, SEND COPY OF LETTER TO FORD, YOUR LOCAL BBB, DETROIT BBB, AND CONSUMER REPORTS. ALSO, MY ENGINE CUTS OFF WHEN TAKING OFF AFTER STOPPED WITH WHEELS TURNED SHARPLY LEFT OR RIGHT.
NHTSA ODI #10053017
129,819 miles · Dec 27, 2003
Power Train
AFTER DRIVING SEVERAL HUNDRED MILES ON THE INTERSTATE, WE WAS DRIVING IN TOWN, MADE A STOP AT THE STORE, WHEN WE LEFT THE STORE WE STOPED AT THE END OF THE DRIVEWAY, WHERE THE TRANSMISSION WOULD NOT DO ANYTHING.*AK AFTER TALKING TO SEVERAL TRANSMISSION SHOPS, AND TAKING VEHICLE TO FORD SHOP WE FOUND OUT THAT THIS IS A COMMO…
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AFTER DRIVING SEVERAL HUNDRED MILES ON THE INTERSTATE, WE WAS DRIVING IN TOWN, MADE A STOP AT THE STORE, WHEN WE LEFT THE STORE WE STOPED AT THE END OF THE DRIVEWAY, WHERE THE TRANSMISSION WOULD NOT DO ANYTHING.*AK AFTER TALKING TO SEVERAL TRANSMISSION SHOPS, AND TAKING VEHICLE TO FORD SHOP WE FOUND OUT THAT THIS IS A COMMON PROBLEM FOR THE WINDSTAR VAN. ( TRANSMISSION FAILURE WITHOUT WARNING ) HAD THIS HAVE HAPPEND ON THE INTERSTATE ITY COULD HAVE CAUSED A SEVERE ACCIDENT, OR EVEN A FATALITY...
NHTSA ODI #10051163
Official recalls
6Oct 13, 2009
FORD IS RECALLING MODEL YEARS 1995-2003 WINDSTAR, 2000-2003 EXCURSION DIESEL, 1993-1997 AND 1999-2003 F-250 SD THROUGH F-550 SD DIESEL, 1992-2003 E-150 THROUGH E-550, 1995-2002 EXPLORER, 1997 AND 2002 MERCURY MOUNTAINEER, 1995-1997 AND 2001-2003 RANGER, AND 1994 F53 VEHICLES EQUIPPED WITH THE TEXAS INSTRUMENTS SPEED CONTROL DEACTIVATION SWITCH (SCDS). THE SCDS MAY LEAK INTERNALLY AND THEN OVERHEAT, SMOKE, OR BURN.
Consequence & remedy
Consequence: A VEHICLE FIRE COULD OCCUR WITH OR WITHOUT THE ENGINE RUNNING.
Remedy: FORD WILL NOTIFY OWNERS THAT DEALERS WILL INSTALL A FUSED WIRING HARNESS IN LINE WITH THE SCDS. ON 1999-2003 WINDSTAR VEHICLES WITH A LEAKING SCDS, DEALERS WILL ALSO INSPECT THE ABS CONTROL MODULE CONNECTOR AND REPAIR AS NECESSARY. REPAIRS WILL BE COMPLETED FREE OF CHARGE. THE SAFETY RECALL BEGAN ON OCTOBER 27, 2009. OWNERS MAY CONTACT FORD AT 1-888-222-2751.
Apr 4, 2002
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 THE DISTRICT OF COLUMBIA. DURING ASSEMBLY, SOME BRAKE LINES WERE INSTALLED IN A TWISTED POSITION, CAUSING CONTACT WITH THE DASH PANEL INSULATOR ABOVE THE CATALYTIC CONVERTER. THIS CONTACT COULD ABRADE THE BRAKE LINE CORROSION PROTECTION, CONSEQUENTLY, SALT OR WATER ABSORBED IN THE DASH PANEL INSULATOR WOULD PROMOTE CORROSION. THIS CORROSION COULD ULTIMATELY LEAD TO A LEAK IN THE BRAKE LINE.
Consequence & remedy
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 INSULATOR. OWNER NOTIFICATION BEGAN MAY 10, 2002. OWNERS WHO TAKE THEIR VEHICLES TO AN AUTHORIZED DEALER ON AN AGREED UPON SERVICE DATE AND DO NOT RECEIVE THE FREE REMEDY WITHIN A REASONABLE TIME SHOULD CONTACT FORD AT 1-866-436-7332.
Nov 2, 1999
VEHICLE DESCRIPTION: MINIVANS WHICH WERE ORIGINALLY SOLD OR CURRENTLY REGISTERED IN THE FOLLOWING HOT WEATHER STATES: ALABAMA, ARIZONA, ARKANSAS, CALIFORNIA (10 SOUTHERN COUNTIES), FLORIDA, GEORGIA, HAWAII, LOUISIANA, MISSISSIPPI, NEVADA (CLARK COUNTY ONLY), OKLAHOMA, SOUTH CAROLINA AND TEXAS, CAN DEVELOP CRACKS IN THE FUEL TANK IN THE FORWARD STRAP AREA OF THE STANDARD 20 GALLON TANK DUE TO A COMBINATION OF FACTORS THAT ARE PRESENT IN CERTAIN VERY HOT AREAS OF THE COUNTRY.
Consequence & remedy
Consequence: THESE CRACKS COULD RESULT IN FUEL LEAKAGE IF THEY PROPAGATE THROUGH THE WALL OF THE TANK.
Remedy: DEALERS WILL INSTALL A BRACE ASSEMBLY AT THE STRAP BOLT HOLE LOCATION AND REPLACE THE TANK STRAP WITH A REVISED, LONGER STRAP. DEALERS WILL ALSO INSPECT THE TANKS FOR LEAKS. IF A LEAK EXISTS AND IS THE RESULT OF A CRACK IN THE FUEL TANK, THE TANK WILL BE REPLACED IN ADDITION TO THE INSTALLATION OF A SPACER AND LONGER STRAP.
Oct 20, 1997
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 PANEL UPWARD.
Consequence & remedy
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.
Nov 4, 1994
THE WIRING HARNESS INSULATION CAN ABRADE ON A BRACE THAT RUNS FROM THE INSTRUMENT PANEL TO THE COWL.
Consequence & remedy
Consequence: THIS CONDITION CAN RESULT IN AN ELECTRICAL SHORT AND POSSIBLY A VEHICLE FIRE.
Remedy: DEALERS WILL INSTALL A SHIELD ON THE INSTRUMENT PANEL TO COWL BRACE, AND INSTALLATION OF A PIECE OF CONVOLUTE WRAP MATERIAL ON ONE OF THE ADJACENT HARNESSES.
Nov 4, 1994
THE ALTERNATOR OUTPUT WIRE WAS NOT CONNECTED TIGHTLY TO THE POWER DISTRIBUTION BOX.
Consequence & remedy
Consequence: THIS CAN RESULT IN OVERHEATING OF THE CONNECTION AND A POSSIBLE VEHICLE FIRE.
Remedy: DEALERS WILL INSPECT AND TIGHTEN THE CONNECTION. VEHICLES WITH VISIBLE DAMAGE TO THE PLASTIC POWER DISTRIBUTION BOX HOUSING WILL HAVE THE THE UNDERHOOD HARNESS, INCLUDING THE POWER DISTRIBUTION BOX, REPLACED.
Model-level recall history does not show whether a particular VIN is affected or has received a repair. Check a VIN with NHTSA ↗
NHTSA investigations
14EA08021 · Engine Compartment Fires
Opened Sep 17, 2008 · Closed Oct 14, 2009
Status: closed (inferred from source dates) · Electrical System; Electrical System:wiring; Service Brakes, Hydraulic; Service Brakes, Hydraulic:antilock/traction Control/electronic Limited Slip; Service Brakes, Hydraulic:antilock/traction Control/electronic Limited Slip:control Unit/module ; Vehicle Speed Control; Vehicle Speed Control:cruise Control
EA08-021 IS CLOSED WITH FORD'S ACTIONS IN RECALL 09V-399 RECALLING APPROXIMATELY 4.5 MILLION VEHICLES EQUIPPED WITH TEXAS INSTRUMENTS SPEED CONTROL DEACTIVATION SWITCHES (SCDS).WITH THIS RECALL FORD HAS NOW RECALLED ALL OF THE APPROXIMATE 16 MILLION FORD MODEL VEHICLES THAT WERE MANUFACTURED FROM MY 1992 THROUGH 2003 WITH A TEXAS INSTRUMENTS SCDS.NHTSA WILL CONTINUE TO MONITOR THE RECALLED VEHICLES TO ENSURE REMEDIES INSTALLED BY FORD TOMITIGATE THE POTENTIAL FOR SCDS RELATED FIRES ARE EFFECTIVE.THE AGENCY RESERVES THE RIGHT TO TAKE FURTHER ACTION IF WARRANTED BY THE CIRCUMSTANCES.SEE ATTACHED CLOSING REPORT FOR FURTHER DETAILS.
Additional source detail variants (7)
Electrical System
EA08-021 IS CLOSED WITH FORD'S ACTIONS IN RECALL 09V-399 RECALLING APPROXIMATELY 4.5 MILLION VEHICLES EQUIPPED WITH TEXAS INSTRUMENTS SPEED CONTROL DEACTIVATION SWITCHES (SCDS).WITH THIS RECALL FORD HAS NOW RECALLED ALL OF THE APPROXIMATE 16 MILLION FORD MODEL VEHICLES THAT WERE MANUFACTURED FROM MY 1992 THROUGH 2003 WITH A TEXAS INSTRUMENTS SCDS.NHTSA WILL CONTINUE TO MONITOR THE RECALLED VEHICLES TO ENSURE REMEDIES INSTALLED BY FORD TOMITIGATE THE POTENTIAL FOR SCDS RELATED FIRES ARE EFFECTIVE.THE AGENCY RESERVES THE RIGHT TO TAKE FURTHER ACTION IF WARRANTED BY THE CIRCUMSTANCES.SEE ATTACHED CLOSING REPORT FOR FURTHER DETAILS.
Electrical System:wiring
EA08-021 IS CLOSED WITH FORD'S ACTIONS IN RECALL 09V-399 RECALLING APPROXIMATELY 4.5 MILLION VEHICLES EQUIPPED WITH TEXAS INSTRUMENTS SPEED CONTROL DEACTIVATION SWITCHES (SCDS).WITH THIS RECALL FORD HAS NOW RECALLED ALL OF THE APPROXIMATE 16 MILLION FORD MODEL VEHICLES THAT WERE MANUFACTURED FROM MY 1992 THROUGH 2003 WITH A TEXAS INSTRUMENTS SCDS.NHTSA WILL CONTINUE TO MONITOR THE RECALLED VEHICLES TO ENSURE REMEDIES INSTALLED BY FORD TOMITIGATE THE POTENTIAL FOR SCDS RELATED FIRES ARE EFFECTIVE.THE AGENCY RESERVES THE RIGHT TO TAKE FURTHER ACTION IF WARRANTED BY THE CIRCUMSTANCES.SEE ATTACHED CLOSING REPORT FOR FURTHER DETAILS.
Service Brakes, Hydraulic:antilock/traction Control/electronic Limited Slip:control Unit/module
EA08-021 IS CLOSED WITH FORD'S ACTIONS IN RECALL 09V-399 RECALLING APPROXIMATELY 4.5 MILLION VEHICLES EQUIPPED WITH TEXAS INSTRUMENTS SPEED CONTROL DEACTIVATION SWITCHES (SCDS).WITH THIS RECALL FORD HAS NOW RECALLED ALL OF THE APPROXIMATE 16 MILLION FORD MODEL VEHICLES THAT WERE MANUFACTURED FROM MY 1992 THROUGH 2003 WITH A TEXAS INSTRUMENTS SCDS.NHTSA WILL CONTINUE TO MONITOR THE RECALLED VEHICLES TO ENSURE REMEDIES INSTALLED BY FORD TOMITIGATE THE POTENTIAL FOR SCDS RELATED FIRES ARE EFFECTIVE.THE AGENCY RESERVES THE RIGHT TO TAKE FURTHER ACTION IF WARRANTED BY THE CIRCUMSTANCES.SEE ATTACHED CLOSING REPORT FOR FURTHER DETAILS.
Service Brakes, Hydraulic:antilock/traction Control/electronic Limited Slip
EA08-021 IS CLOSED WITH FORD'S ACTIONS IN RECALL 09V-399 RECALLING APPROXIMATELY 4.5 MILLION VEHICLES EQUIPPED WITH TEXAS INSTRUMENTS SPEED CONTROL DEACTIVATION SWITCHES (SCDS).WITH THIS RECALL FORD HAS NOW RECALLED ALL OF THE APPROXIMATE 16 MILLION FORD MODEL VEHICLES THAT WERE MANUFACTURED FROM MY 1992 THROUGH 2003 WITH A TEXAS INSTRUMENTS SCDS.NHTSA WILL CONTINUE TO MONITOR THE RECALLED VEHICLES TO ENSURE REMEDIES INSTALLED BY FORD TOMITIGATE THE POTENTIAL FOR SCDS RELATED FIRES ARE EFFECTIVE.THE AGENCY RESERVES THE RIGHT TO TAKE FURTHER ACTION IF WARRANTED BY THE CIRCUMSTANCES.SEE ATTACHED CLOSING REPORT FOR FURTHER DETAILS.
Service Brakes, Hydraulic
EA08-021 IS CLOSED WITH FORD'S ACTIONS IN RECALL 09V-399 RECALLING APPROXIMATELY 4.5 MILLION VEHICLES EQUIPPED WITH TEXAS INSTRUMENTS SPEED CONTROL DEACTIVATION SWITCHES (SCDS).WITH THIS RECALL FORD HAS NOW RECALLED ALL OF THE APPROXIMATE 16 MILLION FORD MODEL VEHICLES THAT WERE MANUFACTURED FROM MY 1992 THROUGH 2003 WITH A TEXAS INSTRUMENTS SCDS.NHTSA WILL CONTINUE TO MONITOR THE RECALLED VEHICLES TO ENSURE REMEDIES INSTALLED BY FORD TOMITIGATE THE POTENTIAL FOR SCDS RELATED FIRES ARE EFFECTIVE.THE AGENCY RESERVES THE RIGHT TO TAKE FURTHER ACTION IF WARRANTED BY THE CIRCUMSTANCES.SEE ATTACHED CLOSING REPORT FOR FURTHER DETAILS.
Vehicle Speed Control:cruise Control
EA08-021 IS CLOSED WITH FORD'S ACTIONS IN RECALL 09V-399 RECALLING APPROXIMATELY 4.5 MILLION VEHICLES EQUIPPED WITH TEXAS INSTRUMENTS SPEED CONTROL DEACTIVATION SWITCHES (SCDS).WITH THIS RECALL FORD HAS NOW RECALLED ALL OF THE APPROXIMATE 16 MILLION FORD MODEL VEHICLES THAT WERE MANUFACTURED FROM MY 1992 THROUGH 2003 WITH A TEXAS INSTRUMENTS SCDS.NHTSA WILL CONTINUE TO MONITOR THE RECALLED VEHICLES TO ENSURE REMEDIES INSTALLED BY FORD TOMITIGATE THE POTENTIAL FOR SCDS RELATED FIRES ARE EFFECTIVE.THE AGENCY RESERVES THE RIGHT TO TAKE FURTHER ACTION IF WARRANTED BY THE CIRCUMSTANCES.SEE ATTACHED CLOSING REPORT FOR FURTHER DETAILS.
Vehicle Speed Control
EA08-021 IS CLOSED WITH FORD'S ACTIONS IN RECALL 09V-399 RECALLING APPROXIMATELY 4.5 MILLION VEHICLES EQUIPPED WITH TEXAS INSTRUMENTS SPEED CONTROL DEACTIVATION SWITCHES (SCDS).WITH THIS RECALL FORD HAS NOW RECALLED ALL OF THE APPROXIMATE 16 MILLION FORD MODEL VEHICLES THAT WERE MANUFACTURED FROM MY 1992 THROUGH 2003 WITH A TEXAS INSTRUMENTS SCDS.NHTSA WILL CONTINUE TO MONITOR THE RECALLED VEHICLES TO ENSURE REMEDIES INSTALLED BY FORD TOMITIGATE THE POTENTIAL FOR SCDS RELATED FIRES ARE EFFECTIVE.THE AGENCY RESERVES THE RIGHT TO TAKE FURTHER ACTION IF WARRANTED BY THE CIRCUMSTANCES.SEE ATTACHED CLOSING REPORT FOR FURTHER DETAILS.
PE08035 · Engine Compartment Fires
Opened May 13, 2008 · Closed Sep 17, 2008
Status: closed (inferred from source dates) · Electrical System; Electrical System:wiring; Vehicle Speed Control
ODI HAS RECEIVED 134 CONSUMER COMPLAINTS, 285 MANUFACTURER COMPLAINTS, AND 137 MANUFACTURER WARRANTY CLAIMS ALLEGING INCIDENTS OF ENGINE COMPARTMENT FIRE IN MODEL YEAR (MY) 1995 THRU 2003 FORD WINDSTAR VEHICLES.TWO OF THE ODI COMPLAINTS ALLEGE THE FIRES CAUSED STRUCTURAL DAMAGE TO THE COMPLAINANT'S HOME.OF THE 134 ODI COMPLAINTS, 36 ALLEGE THE FIRE OCCURRED WHILE THE VEHICLE WAS PARKED, 72 ALLEGE THE FIRE OCCURRED WHILE THE VEHICLE WAS RUNNING AND 26 OF THE COMPLAINTS DO NOT SPECIFY IF THE VEHICLE WAS RUNNING OR NOT.FURTHER REVIEW OF THE ODI COMPLAINTS SHOWS THAT 72 ALLEGE THAT THE SPEED CONTROL DEACTIVATION SWITCH (SCDS) CAUSED THE FIRE AND 10 ALLEGE THAT THE SCDS LEAKED BRAKE FLUID ON TO THE ABS MODULE RESULTING IN THE FIRE.THERE WERE 52 THAT DID NOT IDENTIFY A CAUSE OR THAT IDENTIFIED MISCELLANEOUS OTHER CAUSES.ODI HAS ALSO RECEIVED 89 COMPLAINTS ( NOT COUNTED IN THIS RESUME) ALLEGING THAT THE SCDS DEVELOPED A BRAKE FLUID LEAK.THIRTEEN OF THESE COMPLAINTS SAY THAT THE LEAK AT THE SCDS RESULTED IN BRAKED FLUID REACHING THE ABS MODULE.THIS PE HAS BEEN UPGRADED TO AN ENGINEERING ANALYSIS (EA) TO FURTHER EVALUATE THE CAUSE OF THE FIRES AND ASSESS THE SCOPE, FREQUENCY, AND SAFETY CONSEQUENCES OF THE ALLEGED DEFECT.
Additional source detail variants (3)
Electrical System
ODI HAS RECEIVED 134 CONSUMER COMPLAINTS, 285 MANUFACTURER COMPLAINTS, AND 137 MANUFACTURER WARRANTY CLAIMS ALLEGING INCIDENTS OF ENGINE COMPARTMENT FIRE IN MODEL YEAR (MY) 1995 THRU 2003 FORD WINDSTAR VEHICLES.TWO OF THE ODI COMPLAINTS ALLEGE THE FIRES CAUSED STRUCTURAL DAMAGE TO THE COMPLAINANT'S HOME.OF THE 134 ODI COMPLAINTS, 36 ALLEGE THE FIRE OCCURRED WHILE THE VEHICLE WAS PARKED, 72 ALLEGE THE FIRE OCCURRED WHILE THE VEHICLE WAS RUNNING AND 26 OF THE COMPLAINTS DO NOT SPECIFY IF THE VEHICLE WAS RUNNING OR NOT.FURTHER REVIEW OF THE ODI COMPLAINTS SHOWS THAT 72 ALLEGE THAT THE SPEED CONTROL DEACTIVATION SWITCH (SCDS) CAUSED THE FIRE AND 10 ALLEGE THAT THE SCDS LEAKED BRAKE FLUID ON TO THE ABS MODULE RESULTING IN THE FIRE.THERE WERE 52 THAT DID NOT IDENTIFY A CAUSE OR THAT IDENTIFIED MISCELLANEOUS OTHER CAUSES.ODI HAS ALSO RECEIVED 89 COMPLAINTS ( NOT COUNTED IN THIS RESUME) ALLEGING THAT THE SCDS DEVELOPED A BRAKE FLUID LEAK.THIRTEEN OF THESE COMPLAINTS SAY THAT THE LEAK AT THE SCDS RESULTED IN BRAKED FLUID REACHING THE ABS MODULE.THIS PE HAS BEEN UPGRADED TO AN ENGINEERING ANALYSIS (EA) TO FURTHER EVALUATE THE CAUSE OF THE FIRES AND ASSESS THE SCOPE, FREQUENCY, AND SAFETY CONSEQUENCES OF THE ALLEGED DEFECT.
Electrical System:wiring
ODI HAS RECEIVED 134 CONSUMER COMPLAINTS, 285 MANUFACTURER COMPLAINTS, AND 137 MANUFACTURER WARRANTY CLAIMS ALLEGING INCIDENTS OF ENGINE COMPARTMENT FIRE IN MODEL YEAR (MY) 1995 THRU 2003 FORD WINDSTAR VEHICLES.TWO OF THE ODI COMPLAINTS ALLEGE THE FIRES CAUSED STRUCTURAL DAMAGE TO THE COMPLAINANT'S HOME.OF THE 134 ODI COMPLAINTS, 36 ALLEGE THE FIRE OCCURRED WHILE THE VEHICLE WAS PARKED, 72 ALLEGE THE FIRE OCCURRED WHILE THE VEHICLE WAS RUNNING AND 26 OF THE COMPLAINTS DO NOT SPECIFY IF THE VEHICLE WAS RUNNING OR NOT.FURTHER REVIEW OF THE ODI COMPLAINTS SHOWS THAT 72 ALLEGE THAT THE SPEED CONTROL DEACTIVATION SWITCH (SCDS) CAUSED THE FIRE AND 10 ALLEGE THAT THE SCDS LEAKED BRAKE FLUID ON TO THE ABS MODULE RESULTING IN THE FIRE.THERE WERE 52 THAT DID NOT IDENTIFY A CAUSE OR THAT IDENTIFIED MISCELLANEOUS OTHER CAUSES.ODI HAS ALSO RECEIVED 89 COMPLAINTS ( NOT COUNTED IN THIS RESUME) ALLEGING THAT THE SCDS DEVELOPED A BRAKE FLUID LEAK.THIRTEEN OF THESE COMPLAINTS SAY THAT THE LEAK AT THE SCDS RESULTED IN BRAKED FLUID REACHING THE ABS MODULE.THIS PE HAS BEEN UPGRADED TO AN ENGINEERING ANALYSIS (EA) TO FURTHER EVALUATE THE CAUSE OF THE FIRES AND ASSESS THE SCOPE, FREQUENCY, AND SAFETY CONSEQUENCES OF THE ALLEGED DEFECT.
Vehicle Speed Control
ODI HAS RECEIVED 134 CONSUMER COMPLAINTS, 285 MANUFACTURER COMPLAINTS, AND 137 MANUFACTURER WARRANTY CLAIMS ALLEGING INCIDENTS OF ENGINE COMPARTMENT FIRE IN MODEL YEAR (MY) 1995 THRU 2003 FORD WINDSTAR VEHICLES.TWO OF THE ODI COMPLAINTS ALLEGE THE FIRES CAUSED STRUCTURAL DAMAGE TO THE COMPLAINANT'S HOME.OF THE 134 ODI COMPLAINTS, 36 ALLEGE THE FIRE OCCURRED WHILE THE VEHICLE WAS PARKED, 72 ALLEGE THE FIRE OCCURRED WHILE THE VEHICLE WAS RUNNING AND 26 OF THE COMPLAINTS DO NOT SPECIFY IF THE VEHICLE WAS RUNNING OR NOT.FURTHER REVIEW OF THE ODI COMPLAINTS SHOWS THAT 72 ALLEGE THAT THE SPEED CONTROL DEACTIVATION SWITCH (SCDS) CAUSED THE FIRE AND 10 ALLEGE THAT THE SCDS LEAKED BRAKE FLUID ON TO THE ABS MODULE RESULTING IN THE FIRE.THERE WERE 52 THAT DID NOT IDENTIFY A CAUSE OR THAT IDENTIFIED MISCELLANEOUS OTHER CAUSES.ODI HAS ALSO RECEIVED 89 COMPLAINTS ( NOT COUNTED IN THIS RESUME) ALLEGING THAT THE SCDS DEVELOPED A BRAKE FLUID LEAK.THIRTEEN OF THESE COMPLAINTS SAY THAT THE LEAK AT THE SCDS RESULTED IN BRAKED FLUID REACHING THE ABS MODULE.THIS PE HAS BEEN UPGRADED TO AN ENGINEERING ANALYSIS (EA) TO FURTHER EVALUATE THE CAUSE OF THE FIRES AND ASSESS THE SCOPE, FREQUENCY, AND SAFETY CONSEQUENCES OF THE ALLEGED DEFECT.
RQ04003 · Hydraulic Brake Line Failure
Opened May 27, 2004 · Closed Oct 7, 2004
Status: closed (inferred from source dates) · Service Brakes, Hydraulic; Service Brakes, Hydraulic:fluid; Service Brakes, Hydraulic:foundation Components:hoses, Lines/piping, And Fittings
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 ROUTING IN VEHICLES MANUFACTURED AT THE OAKVILLE ASSEMBLY PLANT FROM JANUARY 14, 1994 THROUGH MAY 21, 1996 RESULTED IN SOME VEHICLES WITH MIS-POSITIONED BRAKE LINES THAT COULD CONTACT A DASH PANEL INSULATOR.SUCH CONTACT COULD ABRADE THE BRAKE LINE PROTECTION COATING AND RESULT IN CORROSIVE FAILURE OF THE BRAKE LINES. ODI OPENED RQ04-003 TO INVESTIGATE COMPLAINTS OF BRAKE LINE FAILURE IN WINDSTAR VEHICLES THAT WERE:(1) LOCATED OUTSIDE THE RECALL REGION; OR (2) BUILT AFTER THE RECALL RANGE.REGARDING THE LATTER GROUP, FORD CHANGED THE ASSEMBLY PROCESS AFTER MAY 21, 1996 TO ELIMINATE THE MIS-BUILD PROBLEM.THE FAILURE RATES IN THE MY 1996 WINDSTAR VEHICLES BUILT AFTER THE PROCESS CHANGE ARE RELATIVELY LOW IN BOTH THE SALT-BELT STATES. WITH RESPECT TO THE MY 1995 AND 1996 VEHICLES BUILT DURING THE PERIOD OF CONCERN THAT WERE NOT SOLD OR REGISTERED IN SALT BELT STATES, THE FAILURE RATE IS ALSO LOW.THE RELATED BRAKE LINE WARRANTY CLAIM RATE FOR THOSE VEHICLES IS ALSO LOW. ACCORDINGLY, A SAFETY-RELATED DEFECT TREND HAS NOT BEEN IDENTIFIED IN THE MY 1995-96 WINDSTAR VEHICLES THAT WERE NOT INCLUDED IN RECALL 02V-101.FURTHER USE OF AGENCY RESOURCES DOES NOT APPEAR TO BE WARRANTED.THE CLOSING OF THIS INVESTIGATION DOES NOT CONSTITUTE A FINDING BY NHTSA THAT NO SAFETY-RELATED DEFECT EXISTS.THE AGENCY RESERVES THE RIGHT TO TAKE FURTHER ACTION IF WARRANTED BY THE CIRCUMSTANCES.
Additional source detail variants (3)
Service Brakes, Hydraulic:fluid
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 ROUTING IN VEHICLES MANUFACTURED AT THE OAKVILLE ASSEMBLY PLANT FROM JANUARY 14, 1994 THROUGH MAY 21, 1996 RESULTED IN SOME VEHICLES WITH MIS-POSITIONED BRAKE LINES THAT COULD CONTACT A DASH PANEL INSULATOR.SUCH CONTACT COULD ABRADE THE BRAKE LINE PROTECTION COATING AND RESULT IN CORROSIVE FAILURE OF THE BRAKE LINES. ODI OPENED RQ04-003 TO INVESTIGATE COMPLAINTS OF BRAKE LINE FAILURE IN WINDSTAR VEHICLES THAT WERE:(1) LOCATED OUTSIDE THE RECALL REGION; OR (2) BUILT AFTER THE RECALL RANGE.REGARDING THE LATTER GROUP, FORD CHANGED THE ASSEMBLY PROCESS AFTER MAY 21, 1996 TO ELIMINATE THE MIS-BUILD PROBLEM.THE FAILURE RATES IN THE MY 1996 WINDSTAR VEHICLES BUILT AFTER THE PROCESS CHANGE ARE RELATIVELY LOW IN BOTH THE SALT-BELT STATES. WITH RESPECT TO THE MY 1995 AND 1996 VEHICLES BUILT DURING THE PERIOD OF CONCERN THAT WERE NOT SOLD OR REGISTERED IN SALT BELT STATES, THE FAILURE RATE IS ALSO LOW.THE RELATED BRAKE LINE WARRANTY CLAIM RATE FOR THOSE VEHICLES IS ALSO LOW. ACCORDINGLY, A SAFETY-RELATED DEFECT TREND HAS NOT BEEN IDENTIFIED IN THE MY 1995-96 WINDSTAR VEHICLES THAT WERE NOT INCLUDED IN RECALL 02V-101.FURTHER USE OF AGENCY RESOURCES DOES NOT APPEAR TO BE WARRANTED.THE CLOSING OF THIS INVESTIGATION DOES NOT CONSTITUTE A FINDING BY NHTSA THAT NO SAFETY-RELATED DEFECT EXISTS.THE AGENCY RESERVES THE RIGHT TO TAKE FURTHER ACTION IF WARRANTED BY THE CIRCUMSTANCES.
Service Brakes, Hydraulic
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 ROUTING IN VEHICLES MANUFACTURED AT THE OAKVILLE ASSEMBLY PLANT FROM JANUARY 14, 1994 THROUGH MAY 21, 1996 RESULTED IN SOME VEHICLES WITH MIS-POSITIONED BRAKE LINES THAT COULD CONTACT A DASH PANEL INSULATOR.SUCH CONTACT COULD ABRADE THE BRAKE LINE PROTECTION COATING AND RESULT IN CORROSIVE FAILURE OF THE BRAKE LINES. ODI OPENED RQ04-003 TO INVESTIGATE COMPLAINTS OF BRAKE LINE FAILURE IN WINDSTAR VEHICLES THAT WERE:(1) LOCATED OUTSIDE THE RECALL REGION; OR (2) BUILT AFTER THE RECALL RANGE.REGARDING THE LATTER GROUP, FORD CHANGED THE ASSEMBLY PROCESS AFTER MAY 21, 1996 TO ELIMINATE THE MIS-BUILD PROBLEM.THE FAILURE RATES IN THE MY 1996 WINDSTAR VEHICLES BUILT AFTER THE PROCESS CHANGE ARE RELATIVELY LOW IN BOTH THE SALT-BELT STATES. WITH RESPECT TO THE MY 1995 AND 1996 VEHICLES BUILT DURING THE PERIOD OF CONCERN THAT WERE NOT SOLD OR REGISTERED IN SALT BELT STATES, THE FAILURE RATE IS ALSO LOW.THE RELATED BRAKE LINE WARRANTY CLAIM RATE FOR THOSE VEHICLES IS ALSO LOW. ACCORDINGLY, A SAFETY-RELATED DEFECT TREND HAS NOT BEEN IDENTIFIED IN THE MY 1995-96 WINDSTAR VEHICLES THAT WERE NOT INCLUDED IN RECALL 02V-101.FURTHER USE OF AGENCY RESOURCES DOES NOT APPEAR TO BE WARRANTED.THE CLOSING OF THIS INVESTIGATION DOES NOT CONSTITUTE A FINDING BY NHTSA THAT NO SAFETY-RELATED DEFECT EXISTS.THE AGENCY RESERVES THE RIGHT TO TAKE FURTHER ACTION IF WARRANTED BY THE CIRCUMSTANCES.
Service Brakes, Hydraulic:foundation Components:hoses, Lines/piping, And Fittings
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 ROUTING IN VEHICLES MANUFACTURED AT THE OAKVILLE ASSEMBLY PLANT FROM JANUARY 14, 1994 THROUGH MAY 21, 1996 RESULTED IN SOME VEHICLES WITH MIS-POSITIONED BRAKE LINES THAT COULD CONTACT A DASH PANEL INSULATOR.SUCH CONTACT COULD ABRADE THE BRAKE LINE PROTECTION COATING AND RESULT IN CORROSIVE FAILURE OF THE BRAKE LINES. ODI OPENED RQ04-003 TO INVESTIGATE COMPLAINTS OF BRAKE LINE FAILURE IN WINDSTAR VEHICLES THAT WERE:(1) LOCATED OUTSIDE THE RECALL REGION; OR (2) BUILT AFTER THE RECALL RANGE.REGARDING THE LATTER GROUP, FORD CHANGED THE ASSEMBLY PROCESS AFTER MAY 21, 1996 TO ELIMINATE THE MIS-BUILD PROBLEM.THE FAILURE RATES IN THE MY 1996 WINDSTAR VEHICLES BUILT AFTER THE PROCESS CHANGE ARE RELATIVELY LOW IN BOTH THE SALT-BELT STATES. WITH RESPECT TO THE MY 1995 AND 1996 VEHICLES BUILT DURING THE PERIOD OF CONCERN THAT WERE NOT SOLD OR REGISTERED IN SALT BELT STATES, THE FAILURE RATE IS ALSO LOW.THE RELATED BRAKE LINE WARRANTY CLAIM RATE FOR THOSE VEHICLES IS ALSO LOW. ACCORDINGLY, A SAFETY-RELATED DEFECT TREND HAS NOT BEEN IDENTIFIED IN THE MY 1995-96 WINDSTAR VEHICLES THAT WERE NOT INCLUDED IN RECALL 02V-101.FURTHER USE OF AGENCY RESOURCES DOES NOT APPEAR TO BE WARRANTED.THE CLOSING OF THIS INVESTIGATION DOES NOT CONSTITUTE A FINDING BY NHTSA THAT NO SAFETY-RELATED DEFECT EXISTS.THE AGENCY RESERVES THE RIGHT TO TAKE FURTHER ACTION IF WARRANTED BY THE CIRCUMSTANCES.
RQ02011 · Fuel Tank Fatigue Cracking
Opened Aug 29, 2002 · Closed Mar 14, 2003
Status: closed (inferred from source dates) · Fuel System, Gasoline:storage:tank Assembly
SEE ATTACHED REPORT.
EA00027 · Suspension Coil Spring Breakage
Opened Dec 8, 2000 · Closed Jul 31, 2001
Status: closed (inferred from source dates) · Suspension
There is no summary currently available
Additional source detail variants (2)
Suspension
There is no summary currently available
Suspension
There is no summary currently available
PE00024 · Suspension Coil Spring Breakage
Opened Jun 23, 2000 · Closed Dec 8, 2000
Status: closed (inferred from source dates) · Suspension
There is no summary currently available
EA99020 · Fuel Tank Cracks
Opened Jul 26, 1999 · Closed Dec 16, 1999
Status: closed (inferred from source dates) · Fuel System, Gasoline
There is no summary currently available
PE99025 · Fuel Tank Cracks
Opened Apr 15, 1999 · Closed Jul 26, 1999
Status: closed (inferred from source dates) · Fuel System, Gasoline
There is no summary currently available
PE98056 · Rear Axle Trailing Arm
Opened Oct 28, 1998 · Closed Feb 24, 1999
Status: closed (inferred from source dates) · Service Brakes, Hydraulic
There is no summary currently available
DP98004 · Automatic Transmission Failure
Opened May 18, 1998 · Closed Jul 2, 1998
Status: closed (inferred from source dates) · Power Train
There is no summary currently available
EA97018 · Outer Hood Panel Detachment
Opened Sep 30, 1997 · Closed Oct 22, 1997
Status: closed (inferred from source dates) · Structure
There is no summary currently available
PE97011 · Outer Hood Panel Detachment
Opened Mar 13, 1997 · Closed Sep 30, 1997
Status: closed (inferred from source dates) · Structure
THE OFFICE OF DEFECTS INVESTIGATION HAS RECEIVED 6 REPORTS INDICATING THE OUTER HOOD PANEL SEPARATED FROM THE VEHICLES AS THEY WERE BEING DRIVEN.FORD HAS PROVIDE 39 ADDITIONAL REPORTS THAT ARE CONSISTENT WITH ODI REPORTS.FORD INDICATES THAT THE LIKELY CAUSE IS PRIOR COLLISION DAMAGE.THIS INVESTIGATION IS BEING UPGRADED TO FURTHER STUDY THIS ISSUE.
EA96026 · Brake Pedal Fade/extended Stop Distance
Opened Oct 31, 1996 · Closed Feb 18, 2000
Status: closed (inferred from source dates) · Service Brakes, Hydraulic
There is no summary currently available
PE96042 · Brake Pedal Fade/extended Stopping
Opened Jun 13, 1996 · Closed Oct 31, 1996
Status: closed (inferred from source dates) · Service Brakes, Hydraulic
ODI HAS RECEIVED SIXTY-EIGHT (68) CONSUMER REPORTS OF ALLEGED FAILURES OR MALFUNCTIONS IN THE BRAKE SYSTEM ON CERTAIN 1995 AND 1996 FORD WINDSTARS, WHICH RESULTED IN BRAKE PEDAL FADE AND IN EXTENDED STOPPING DISTANCES DURING BRAKINGTHESE ALLEGED FAILURES OR MALFUNCTIONS ARE REPORTED TO HAVE CAUSED TWELVE (12) ACCIDENTS THAT RESULTED FROM VEHICLE LOSS OF BRAKING.THE CONPLAINANTS REPORT THAT THE LOSS OF BRAKING OCCURRED DURINGBRAKING SITUATIONS ON DRY ROADS AS WELL AS ON WET OR SLIPPERY ROADS.IN RESPONSE TO ODI'S INFORMATION REQUES (IR) CONCERNING THE LONG STOPPING DISTANCE COMPLAINTS ON THE 1995 WINDSTAR, FORD REPORTED RECEIVING 259 REPORT (FIELD REPORTS, OWNER COMPLAINTS, AND SUBROGATION CLAIMS) OF LONG STOPPING DISTANCE ON THE 1995 FORD WINDSTAR, ALONG WITH 64 REPORTS OF ACCIDENTS.IN ADDITION, FORD REPORTED RECEIVING SOME 64,000 WARRANTY CLAIMS THAT COULD RELATE TO THE ALLEGED DEFECT OF LONG STOPPING DISTANCE PERFORMANCE ON THE SUBJECT VEHICLES.SINCE APRELIMINARY EVALUATION WAS OPENED, ODI HAS RECEIVED ADDITIONAL COMPLAINTS OF THE ALLEGED FAILURE ON THE 1996 MODELS, WHICH WERE NOT INCLUDED INITIALLY IN THIS INVESTIGATION.ODI BELIEVES THAT AN ENGINEERING ANALYSIS ON THE 1995 AND 1996 FORD WINDSTAR VEHICES IN WARRANTED TO DETERMINE THE SCOPE OF THE PROBLEM.
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