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1995 Ford Windstar

Owner reports · Recalls · Investigations

More warning signs than most Windstar years

Owner complaints for the 1995 Ford Windstar are substantially higher than the model-year median of 192.

About this comparison →

When problems were reported

Mileage at the reported incident

Limited mileage data: 223 of 3,326 reports include usable mileage. There isn’t enough coverage to show a useful chart.

NHTSA’s mileage field refers to the reported incident, not necessarily the filing date. This shows report counts, not the likelihood of a failure.

What to inspect

Issues worth paying extra attention to based on owner reports.

  • Engine And Engine Cooling. Review the 1,610 owner reports in this category and discuss these concerns during a pre-purchase inspection. Read reports →
  • Power Train. Review the 875 owner reports in this category and discuss these concerns during a pre-purchase inspection. Read reports →
  • Service Brakes, Hydraulic. Review the 484 owner reports in this category and discuss these concerns during a pre-purchase inspection. Read reports →

NHTSA owner reports · September 18, 2026 snapshot.

134 crash reports49 fire reports72 injury reports

Service Brakes, Hydraulic complaints

484 reports
Clear category filter
132,838 miles · Mar 30, 2007
Engine And Engine CoolingPower TrainService Brakes, Hydraulic

PURCHASED THE VAN USED IN 2004. A FEW WEEKS LATER THE TRANSMISSION HAD TO BE REBUILT. SHORTLY AFTER THAT THE BRAKE LIGHTS CAME ON. MECHANIC COULD NOT FIND ANYTHING WRONG WITH THE BRAKES, ALTHOUGH PERIODICALLY THEY MADE A NOISE AND WOULD STIFFEN UP, THEN THE PEDAL WOULD GO SLACK AND THEN RETURN TO NORMAL. THE MUFFLER FELL OFF AN…

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PURCHASED THE VAN USED IN 2004. A FEW WEEKS LATER THE TRANSMISSION HAD TO BE REBUILT. SHORTLY AFTER THAT THE BRAKE LIGHTS CAME ON. MECHANIC COULD NOT FIND ANYTHING WRONG WITH THE BRAKES, ALTHOUGH PERIODICALLY THEY MADE A NOISE AND WOULD STIFFEN UP, THEN THE PEDAL WOULD GO SLACK AND THEN RETURN TO NORMAL. THE MUFFLER FELL OFF AND WAS PUT BACK ON. THE CHECK ENGINE LIGHT HAD BEEN ON, WHEN HOOKED UP TO THE COMPUTER IT ONLY SHOWED CODES FOR THE EXHAUST SYSTEM. THEN IT STARTED OVERHEATING AND A BIT OF WHITE SMOKE CAME FROM THE TAILPIPE. THE INTAKE MANIFOLD GASKET WAS REPLACED. 2 DAYS LATER THE OVERDRIVE LIGHT STARTED BLINKING AND THE VAN DIDN'T HAVE MUCH POWER AND WOULD STALL OUT WHILE EMITTING A THICK CLOUD OF WHITE SMOKE FROM THE TAILPIPE. MECHANIC SAYS NOW THE HEAD GASKET IS BLOWN. *JB

NHTSA ODI #10186529

91,000 miles · Jul 19, 2006
Service Brakes, Hydraulic

DT*: THE CONTACT STATED WHILE TRAVELING 30 MPH, THE BRAKE PEDAL WAS DEPRESSED AND THE VEHICLE DID NOT RESPOND. THE VEHICLE STOPPED WHEN THE PARKING BRAKE WAS DEPRESSED. IT WAS TOWED HOME WHERE THE BRAKE LINES WERE INSPECTED. THERE WAS CORROSION ON THE UNDERCARRIAGE OF THE VEHICLE, INCLUDING THE BRAKE LINES. THE VEHICLE HAS …

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DT*: THE CONTACT STATED WHILE TRAVELING 30 MPH, THE BRAKE PEDAL WAS DEPRESSED AND THE VEHICLE DID NOT RESPOND. THE VEHICLE STOPPED WHEN THE PARKING BRAKE WAS DEPRESSED. IT WAS TOWED HOME WHERE THE BRAKE LINES WERE INSPECTED. THERE WAS CORROSION ON THE UNDERCARRIAGE OF THE VEHICLE, INCLUDING THE BRAKE LINES. THE VEHICLE HAS NOT BEEN SEEN BY A MECHANIC, BUT THE MANUFACTURER WAS ALERTED.

NHTSA ODI #10162878

104,832 miles · Jun 30, 2006
Service Brakes, Hydraulic

CHECK ENGINE LIGHT KEPT COMING ON OUR 1995 FORD WINDSTAR VAN. ALSO, THE ANTI BRAKE LOCK SYSTEM KEPT TRYING TO INCORRECTLY ENGAGE. WHEN TAKEN INTO THE LOCAL FORD DEALER WE WERE TOLD THAT WE HAD 3 BAD SENSORS. TWO BRAKE SENSOR AND 1 CHECK ENGINE SENSOR WERE FAULTY AND WOULD NEED REPLACED. WE WERE TOLD THE WORSE CASE SCENARIO W…

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CHECK ENGINE LIGHT KEPT COMING ON OUR 1995 FORD WINDSTAR VAN. ALSO, THE ANTI BRAKE LOCK SYSTEM KEPT TRYING TO INCORRECTLY ENGAGE. WHEN TAKEN INTO THE LOCAL FORD DEALER WE WERE TOLD THAT WE HAD 3 BAD SENSORS. TWO BRAKE SENSOR AND 1 CHECK ENGINE SENSOR WERE FAULTY AND WOULD NEED REPLACED. WE WERE TOLD THE WORSE CASE SCENARIO WAS THE BRAKES WOULD WEAR OUT DUE TO THE ANTI LOCK MECHANISM TRYING TO ENGAGE AND THE VAN MY STALL DUE TO THE OTHER FAULTY SENSOR. WE WERE ALSO TOLD THESE SENSOR ARE REPLACED OFTEN. WE FELT THAT 3 FAULTY SENSORS IN ONE 11 YEAR OLD VAN WAS EXCESSIVE, ESPECIALLY AFTER BEING INFORMED THAT THIS IS A COMMON OCCURRENCE. THIS WILL COST US A TOTAL OF AROUND $300 TO REPAIR. *NM

NHTSA ODI #10161168

154,000 miles · Apr 5, 2006
Service Brakes, Hydraulic

FORD MOTOR COMPANY HAS RECALLED 1995 WINDSTAR FOR "RIGHT FRONT BRAKE LINE CORROSION." BOTH REAR BRAKE LINES FAILED ON OUR WINDSTAR, VIN [XXX], ON MARCH 29, 2006 WHILE APPROACHING A STOP SIGN. WHEN I DEPRESSED THE BRAKE PEDAL, THERE WAS A SMALL SHUDDER AND THEN THE PEDAL WENT TO THE FLOOR. FORTUNATELY WE LIVE IN A RURAL AREA, AND…

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FORD MOTOR COMPANY HAS RECALLED 1995 WINDSTAR FOR "RIGHT FRONT BRAKE LINE CORROSION." BOTH REAR BRAKE LINES FAILED ON OUR WINDSTAR, VIN [XXX], ON MARCH 29, 2006 WHILE APPROACHING A STOP SIGN. WHEN I DEPRESSED THE BRAKE PEDAL, THERE WAS A SMALL SHUDDER AND THEN THE PEDAL WENT TO THE FLOOR. FORTUNATELY WE LIVE IN A RURAL AREA, AND ALTHOUGH I PROCEEDED THROUGH THE STOP SIGN WITHOUT STOPPING, I DID NOT COLLIDE WITH ANYTHING, AND WAS ABLE TO STOP THE VEHICLE USING THE HAND BRAKE. THE FORD DEALERSHIP HAS TOLD ME THAT THE REAR BRAKE LINES FAILED, AND THAT THIS IS NOT COVERED BY THE CURRENT FORD RECALL. *JB UPDATED 07/16/2012 *JS INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)

NHTSA ODI #10154640

87,230 miles · Oct 18, 2005
Service Brakes, HydraulicFire

DT: WHILE DRIVING ON SEPTEMBER 24, 2005 THE VEHICLE CAUGHT ON FIRE. THE CONSUMER NOTICED SMOKE COMING FROM UNDER THE HOOD. THE CONSUMER HAD NOT TAKEN VEHICLE TO BE INSPECTED. THE CONSUMER BELIEVED THAT IT MIGHT HAVE BEEN CAUSED BY THE ABS BRAKES. THERE WAS NO PREVIOUS WARNING BEFORE THIS OCCURRED. *AK

NHTSA ODI #10137916

130,000 miles · Aug 12, 2005
Service Brakes, HydraulicSuspension

DT: THE CONSUMER STATES ON HER 1995 FORD WINDSTAR, THERE WAS NHTSA RECALL 01I007000 ON THE FRONT COIL SPRINGS. THE SPRING ON THE PASSENGER FRONT BROKE WHEN TURNING AND CAUSED THE TIRE TO BLOW OUT. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED AT THAT TIME TO A MECHANIC, AND THEY INFORMED THE CONSUMER ABOUT THE RECALL. WHEN SHE CALLED FORD, THEY TO…

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DT: THE CONSUMER STATES ON HER 1995 FORD WINDSTAR, THERE WAS NHTSA RECALL 01I007000 ON THE FRONT COIL SPRINGS. THE SPRING ON THE PASSENGER FRONT BROKE WHEN TURNING AND CAUSED THE TIRE TO BLOW OUT. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED AT THAT TIME TO A MECHANIC, AND THEY INFORMED THE CONSUMER ABOUT THE RECALL. WHEN SHE CALLED FORD, THEY TOLD HER IT WAS TOO LATE, THAT BECAUSE THE VEHICLE WAS ORIGINALLY BOUGHT IN 1994 THE WARRANTY RAN OUT. WHEN SHE PURCHASED THE VEHICLE, IN 2003, SHE RECEIVED NO NOTICE THERE WAS A RECALL. FORD DID NOT EVEN HAVE HER AS THE CURRENT OWNER OF THE VEHICLE. THE MECHANIC DID FIND THAT THE DRIVER'S SIDE COIL WAS BROKE. THE TIRE WAS DAMAGED, AND THERE WERE NO INJURIES.*AK THE CONSUMER STATED SHE HAS BEEN HAVING PROBLEMS WITH THE ABS SINCE 2003. *JB

NHTSA ODI #10129071

99,000 miles · Jul 5, 2005
Service Brakes, HydraulicVehicle Speed Control

DT: CONSUMER HAS 1995 WINDSTAR. CONSUMER SAYS THAT THE BRAKE LIGHT WAS COMING ON. THIS HAPPENED FREQUENTLY. IT WAS MAYBE SIX MONTHS BEFORE BRAKE FLUID HAD TO BE ADDED THE SECOND TIME. THEN IT GOT TO WHERE THE FLUID HAD TO BE ADDED ABOUT ONCE A WEEK. WHEN CONSUMER ADDED BRAKE FLUID THE LIGHT WOULD GO OFF. ALSO CRUISE CONTROL…

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DT: CONSUMER HAS 1995 WINDSTAR. CONSUMER SAYS THAT THE BRAKE LIGHT WAS COMING ON. THIS HAPPENED FREQUENTLY. IT WAS MAYBE SIX MONTHS BEFORE BRAKE FLUID HAD TO BE ADDED THE SECOND TIME. THEN IT GOT TO WHERE THE FLUID HAD TO BE ADDED ABOUT ONCE A WEEK. WHEN CONSUMER ADDED BRAKE FLUID THE LIGHT WOULD GO OFF. ALSO CRUISE CONTROL DID NOT WORK. CONSUMER TOOK VEHICLE TO DAUGHTER'S AUTO MECHANICS CLASS, WHERE SHE FOUND THAT THE SPEED CONTROL DECELERATION SWITCH BURNED OFF OF THE MASTER CYLINDER. CONSUMER HAD PROBLEM REPAIRED WITH WHAT THE FORD DEALER CALLED A REPLACEMENT PART. CONSUMER WANTED TO KNOW IF THE REPLACEMENT PART WAS SAFE.*AK

NHTSA ODI #10127460

96,000 miles · Jan 7, 2005
Service Brakes, Hydraulic

VEHICLE FAILED TO STOP WHILE BRAKING AT 35 MPH. CONSUMER WAS ABLE TO GET THE VEHICLE TO STOP WITHOUT ANY INCIDENT. VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO A LOCAL REPAIR SHOP, AND MECHANIC DETERMINED THAT THE METAL BRAKE LINE LOCATED BETWEEN THE FUEL TANK AND THE BODY RAIL ERUPTED DUE TO CORROSION. THE DEALER WAS NOT NOTIFIED.*AK

NHTSA ODI #10106988

116,000 miles · Dec 24, 2004
Electrical SystemEngine And Engine CoolingService Brakes, Hydraulic

NUMEROUS PROBLEMS WITH MY 1995 FORD WINDSTAR. IT IS THE WORST CAR I HAVE EVER PURCHASED! AS SOON AS ONE REPAIR IS COMPLETED (TWO TRANSMISSIONS, HEAD GASKET, ELECTRICAL PROBLEMS, BRAKES, SUSPENSION), THEN ANOTHER ONE OCCURS. NOW, AS IN EVERY CHRISTMAS, THE "ENGINE LIGHT" IS ON AND THE CAR IS RUNNING SO POORLY THAT YOU CAN'T EV…

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NUMEROUS PROBLEMS WITH MY 1995 FORD WINDSTAR. IT IS THE WORST CAR I HAVE EVER PURCHASED! AS SOON AS ONE REPAIR IS COMPLETED (TWO TRANSMISSIONS, HEAD GASKET, ELECTRICAL PROBLEMS, BRAKES, SUSPENSION), THEN ANOTHER ONE OCCURS. NOW, AS IN EVERY CHRISTMAS, THE "ENGINE LIGHT" IS ON AND THE CAR IS RUNNING SO POORLY THAT YOU CAN'T EVEN PULL THE CAR OUT OF THE DRIVEWAY WITHOUT IT CHOKING AND SPITTING, LOTS OF SMOKE, AND THE CAR IS ACTUALLY SHAKING!!! I KNOW IT IS ANOTHER HEAD GASKET AND I JUST CAN'T PAY ANYMORE MONEY INTO THIS PIECE OF GARBAGE. I HAVE BEEN LOOKING FOR A NEW CAR AND IT CERTAINLY WILL NOT BE A FORD!

NHTSA ODI #10104453

128,999 miles · Sep 1, 2004
Service Brakes, Hydraulic

WHILE BRAKING VEHICLE PULSATED AND THERE WOULD BE EXTENDED STOPPING DISTANCE. DEALERSHIP WAS NOTIFIED, BUT DID NOT RESOLVE THE PROBLEM. *AK

NHTSA ODI #10090197

Official recalls

6

09V399000 · Vehicle Speed Control

Oct 13, 2009

FORD IS RECALLING MODEL YEARS 1995-2003 WINDSTAR, 2000-2003 EXCURSION DIESEL, 1993-1997 AND 1999-2003 F-250 SD THROUGH F-550 SD DIESEL, 1992-2003 E-150 THROUGH E-550, 1995-2002 EXPLORER, 1997 AND 2002 MERCURY MOUNTAINEER, 1995-1997 AND 2001-2003 RANGER, AND 1994 F53 VEHICLES EQUIPPED WITH THE TEXAS INSTRUMENTS SPEED CONTROL DEACTIVATION SWITCH (SCDS). THE SCDS MAY LEAK INTERNALLY AND THEN OVERHEAT, SMOKE, OR BURN.

Consequence & remedy

Consequence: A VEHICLE FIRE COULD OCCUR WITH OR WITHOUT THE ENGINE RUNNING.

Remedy: FORD WILL NOTIFY OWNERS THAT DEALERS WILL INSTALL A FUSED WIRING HARNESS IN LINE WITH THE SCDS. ON 1999-2003 WINDSTAR VEHICLES WITH A LEAKING SCDS, DEALERS WILL ALSO INSPECT THE ABS CONTROL MODULE CONNECTOR AND REPAIR AS NECESSARY. REPAIRS WILL BE COMPLETED FREE OF CHARGE. THE SAFETY RECALL BEGAN ON OCTOBER 27, 2009. OWNERS MAY CONTACT FORD AT 1-888-222-2751.

02V101000 · Service Brakes, Hydraulic:foundation Components:hoses, Lines/piping, And Fittings

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.

99V309000 · Fuel System, Gasoline:storage:tank Assembly

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.

97V180000 · Structure:body:hood

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.

94V222000 · Electrical System:wiring:front Underhood

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.

94V223000 · Electrical System:alternator/generator/regulator

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

14

EA08021 · 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.