IllustrationTHE CONSUMER STATED GAS LEAKED FROM ONE OF THE STRAPS WHICH SUPPORTED THE FUEL TANK. PLEASE DESCRIBE FURTHER. *JB
1996 Ford Windstar
Owner reports · Recalls · Investigations
More warning signs than most Windstar years
Owner complaints for the 1996 Ford Windstar are substantially higher than the model-year median of 192.
About this comparison →How this year compares
Owner complaints by model year
Compare all Windstar years →Counts vary with age, sales and reporting. They are not failure rates.
What owners reported most
All reported categories
Tap a category to read its complaints. One report may name several components.
When problems were reported
Mileage at the reported incident
Limited mileage data: 216 of 1,386 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 470 owner reports in this category and discuss these concerns during a pre-purchase inspection. Read reports →
- Power Train. Review the 322 owner reports in this category and discuss these concerns during a pre-purchase inspection. Read reports →
- Service Brakes, Hydraulic. Review the 218 owner reports in this category and discuss these concerns during a pre-purchase inspection. Read reports →
NHTSA owner reports · September 18, 2026 snapshot.
60 crash reports45 fire reports41 injury reports
What owners actually said
1,386 reportsI MAINTAINED MY WINDSTAR PROPERLY. IT BEGAN TO LEAK COOLANT AND ENGINE LIGHT. FORD DEALERSHIP STATED IT NEEDED A NEW ENGINE. DUE TO FAULTY HEAD GASKET CAUSING LEAK OF COOLANT. FORD CANADA AGREED TO COVER SOME OF THE COST BUT NOT ALL OF IT. SAID IF I DECLINED THEIR OFFER THEY WOULD WITHDRAW ALL OFFERS. SO I TOOK IT. I COULDN'T AF…
Read full complaint
I MAINTAINED MY WINDSTAR PROPERLY. IT BEGAN TO LEAK COOLANT AND ENGINE LIGHT. FORD DEALERSHIP STATED IT NEEDED A NEW ENGINE. DUE TO FAULTY HEAD GASKET CAUSING LEAK OF COOLANT. FORD CANADA AGREED TO COVER SOME OF THE COST BUT NOT ALL OF IT. SAID IF I DECLINED THEIR OFFER THEY WOULD WITHDRAW ALL OFFERS. SO I TOOK IT. I COULDN'T AFFORD THE BILL AS IT WAS. I HAVE SINCE SEEN A SMALL CLAIMS COURT IN QUEBEC FOUND THAT FORD WAS RESPONSIBLE FOR THE REPAIRS RELATED TO THE HEAD GASKET. I HAVE CONTACTED FORD CANADA CUSTOMER COMPLAINT CENTER. AND TOLD THEY WILL NOT REIMBURSE ME FOR THE EXPENSES. AND THAT ALTHOUGH THEY LOST THE COMPLAINT IN QUEBEC IN ALL OTHER CANADIAN PROVIENCES THEY HAVE ONE. EVEN A CLASS ACTION SUIT. WHY WOULD THEY PAY A PORTION OF THE REPAIR IF THEY WERE NOT RESPONSIBLE??? I FEEL THEY ARE RESPONSIBLE FOR THE FULL COST OF THE ENGINE REPAIR.
THE 1996 FORD WINDSTAR CONTINUES TO HAVE DEFECTIVE HEAD GASKETS AS IN 1994 AND 1995 MODELS. THIS LEAD TO ENGINE FAILURE AT 78,000 MILES! THE COST TO REPLACE THE ENGINE PER MILLER FORD WAS 4,778.00. WE PAID 19,000 FOR THIS VEHICLE AND REFUSE TO PAY FOR A NEW ENGINE! THE NASA HAS STATED THE HEAD GASKET SHOULD LAST AT LEAST 120,00…
Read full complaint
THE 1996 FORD WINDSTAR CONTINUES TO HAVE DEFECTIVE HEAD GASKETS AS IN 1994 AND 1995 MODELS. THIS LEAD TO ENGINE FAILURE AT 78,000 MILES! THE COST TO REPLACE THE ENGINE PER MILLER FORD WAS 4,778.00. WE PAID 19,000 FOR THIS VEHICLE AND REFUSE TO PAY FOR A NEW ENGINE! THE NASA HAS STATED THE HEAD GASKET SHOULD LAST AT LEAST 120,000 MILES OR THE LIFE OF THE VEHICLE. WE HAVE HAD THIS FORD WINDSTAR WITH A BLOWN ENGINE DUE TO HEAD GASKET FAILURE SINCE LAST DECEMBER, BUT CONTINUE TO MAKE MONTHLY PAYMENTS ON THIS DEAD FORD WINDSTAR. WE PAY TAXES, INSURANCE, AND MONTLY PAYMENTS TO FORD CREDIT FOR THE NEXT 18 MONTHS OR SO. WE JUST DISCONTINUED REGISTRATION FEES AS THE DMV TOLD US WE COULD DO THIS. FORD REFUSES TO ACKNOWLEDGE THIS PROBLEM AND IS NOT STANDING UP TO IT'S COMMITTMENT OF QUALITY CARE TO IT'S CUSTOMERS. I URGE ANYONE WHO IS CONSIDERING BUYING A FORD TO DO THEIR RESEARCH. FORD IS A COMPANY THAT DOES NOT STAND BEHIND IT'S PROMISES. WE WILL NEVER OWN ANOTHER FORD ALTHOUGH OUR FAMILY HAS NEVER OWNED ANYTHING BUT UNTIL NOW. FORD WAKE UP!
TIMING COVER GASKET FAILURE ALLOWED COOLANT TO MIX WITH ENGINE OIL. GASKET REPLACED BUT ENGINE DAMAGE MAY HAVE ALREADY BEEN DONE. SPEEDOMETER WAVERS BETWEEN 20 AND 60 MPH AT 30 MPH, HEADLIGHT LENSES HAVE YELLOWED TO THE POINT THAT THE HEADLIGHTS ARE USELESS. MOST FORD VEHICLES FROM 1990 TO 2000 HAVE THE YELLOWING HEADLIGHT PRO…
Read full complaint
TIMING COVER GASKET FAILURE ALLOWED COOLANT TO MIX WITH ENGINE OIL. GASKET REPLACED BUT ENGINE DAMAGE MAY HAVE ALREADY BEEN DONE. SPEEDOMETER WAVERS BETWEEN 20 AND 60 MPH AT 30 MPH, HEADLIGHT LENSES HAVE YELLOWED TO THE POINT THAT THE HEADLIGHTS ARE USELESS. MOST FORD VEHICLES FROM 1990 TO 2000 HAVE THE YELLOWING HEADLIGHT PROBLEMS AND SHOULD BE RECALLED AS A SAFETY PROBLEM.
PROBLEM: POWER SEAT WIRING SHORT CIRCUIT FROM ENGINE COMPARTMENT MAIN FUSE AND RELAY PANEL, 60 AMP FUSE REPEATEDLY BLOWS. PROBLEM WAS FIRST INTERMITTENT, THEN AFTER SECOND FUSE CHANGE CHANGE, SHORT CIRCUIT BECAME CONTINUOUS. WIRING IS SHORTED OUT BETWEEN THE MAIN FUSE PANEL AND THE POWER SEAT CONNECTOR. POWER SEAT ITSELF HAS N…
Read full complaint
PROBLEM: POWER SEAT WIRING SHORT CIRCUIT FROM ENGINE COMPARTMENT MAIN FUSE AND RELAY PANEL, 60 AMP FUSE REPEATEDLY BLOWS. PROBLEM WAS FIRST INTERMITTENT, THEN AFTER SECOND FUSE CHANGE CHANGE, SHORT CIRCUIT BECAME CONTINUOUS. WIRING IS SHORTED OUT BETWEEN THE MAIN FUSE PANEL AND THE POWER SEAT CONNECTOR. POWER SEAT ITSELF HAS NO ELECTRICAL PROBLEM. MODEL HAS A NHTSA RECALL HISTORY: 1995: WIRING-HARNESS INSULATION CAN ABRADE ON A BRACE BETWEEN INSTRUMENT PANEL AND COWL, RESULTING IN SHORT-CIRCUIT AND POSSIBLE FIRE.
OTHER IS THE HEAD GASKET WENT AND LEAKED OIL IN MY ENGINE CAUSING IT TO BE REPLACED. FORD DENIED ANY PROBLEMS WITH THIS AND I BELIEVED THEM UNTIL I READ YOUR WEB SITE ARTICLE ON THE HEAD GASKET PROBLEM WITH 1995 WINDSTARS. I CALLED FORD THIS MORNING AGAIN AND READ THE ARTICLE AND THEY STILL WILL NOT STEP UP TO THE PLATE ON THI…
Read full complaint
OTHER IS THE HEAD GASKET WENT AND LEAKED OIL IN MY ENGINE CAUSING IT TO BE REPLACED. FORD DENIED ANY PROBLEMS WITH THIS AND I BELIEVED THEM UNTIL I READ YOUR WEB SITE ARTICLE ON THE HEAD GASKET PROBLEM WITH 1995 WINDSTARS. I CALLED FORD THIS MORNING AGAIN AND READ THE ARTICLE AND THEY STILL WILL NOT STEP UP TO THE PLATE ON THIS. NOTHING ELSE HAS GONE WRONG WITH MY CAR.
ENGINE: HEAD GASKET FAILURE @ 62,218 MILES. NEEDED TO REPLACE BOTH CYLINDER GASKET HEADS AND RESURFACE SAME. POWER DOOR: FAILURE OF POWER DOOR LOCK ON PASSENGER SIDE. TRANSMISSION: WAS REPLACED TWICE UNDER WARRANTY. OTHER: IGNITION CONTROL MODULE NEEDED REPLACEMENT. HAVE BEEN ADVISED ENGINE HAS A SLUDGE CONDITION DESPITE …
Read full complaint
ENGINE: HEAD GASKET FAILURE @ 62,218 MILES. NEEDED TO REPLACE BOTH CYLINDER GASKET HEADS AND RESURFACE SAME. POWER DOOR: FAILURE OF POWER DOOR LOCK ON PASSENGER SIDE. TRANSMISSION: WAS REPLACED TWICE UNDER WARRANTY. OTHER: IGNITION CONTROL MODULE NEEDED REPLACEMENT. HAVE BEEN ADVISED ENGINE HAS A SLUDGE CONDITION DESPITE REGULAR OIL CHANGES PER FORD GUIDELINES.
MY 1996 FORD WINDSTAR VAN'S ENGINE ASSEMBLY MUST BE REPLACED DUE TO PERSISTENT INTERNAL COOLANT LOSS INTO THE ENGINE, DESPITE REPEATED TRIPS TO THE DEALERSHIP WITH COMPLAINTS OF CLASSIC HEAD-GASKET SYMPTOMS. FORD DISPLAYED BLATANT NEGLEGENCE AND DISHONESTY IN ITS DEALINGS WITH ME. I TOOK MY VAN TO DEALERSHIP TWICE FOR HEAD-GAS…
Read full complaint
MY 1996 FORD WINDSTAR VAN'S ENGINE ASSEMBLY MUST BE REPLACED DUE TO PERSISTENT INTERNAL COOLANT LOSS INTO THE ENGINE, DESPITE REPEATED TRIPS TO THE DEALERSHIP WITH COMPLAINTS OF CLASSIC HEAD-GASKET SYMPTOMS. FORD DISPLAYED BLATANT NEGLEGENCE AND DISHONESTY IN ITS DEALINGS WITH ME. I TOOK MY VAN TO DEALERSHIP TWICE FOR HEAD-GASKET-LIKE SYMPTOMS: EXCESSIVE LOSS OF COOLANT WITH NO EXTERNAL LEAKAGE, GRAY SMOKE OUT OF EXHAUST, AND ENGINE RUNNING ROUGH. THE FIRST TIME THE DEALERSHIP SAID NO PROBLEMS COULD BE FOUND. TWO WEEKS LATER I RETURNED TO THE DEALERSHIP WITH THE SAME SYMPTOMS, ONLY THIS TIME MORE OBVIOUS, AND THE CHECK-ENGINE LIGHT HAD COME ON. THE DEALERSHIP DETERMINED MY ENGINE HAD OVERHEATED AND THAT COOLANT WAS LOST VIA THE TIMING COVER GASKET, WHICH THEY REPLACED AND THEN RETURNED THE VEHICLE TO ME. EXACTLY ONE THOUSAND MILES LATER I HAD TO HAVE MY VEHICLE TOWED TO THE DEALERSHIP, AT WHICH POINT THEY CONDEMNED MY ENGINE DUE TO COOLANT ENTERING THE #1 CYLINDAR. THEY OFFERED TO REPLACE THE ENGINE FOR $3,650, WHICH INCLUDES A 20% DISCOUNT FOR THE TIMING COVER GASKET WORK THAT WAS DONE FOR NOTHING. I REFUSED THE OFFER AND MANAGED TO BARELY DRIVE THE VEHICLE HOME, WHERE IT NOW SITS, UNDRIVABLE. AWARE OF THE WINDSTAR HEAD GASKET PROBLEMS FROM THE BEGINNING, I REPEATEDLY STRESSED TO THE DEALERSHIP MY CONCERN THAT THIS WAS A HEAD GASKET PROBLEM, BUT THEY REPEATEDLY EXPLAINED THIS WAS NOT THE PROBLEM. THEY LIED BY SAYING NO KNOWN GASKET PROBLEMS EXIST ON THE 1996 WINDSTAR, BUT I RESEARCHED THE NHTSA'S RECORDS AND FOUND TSB 99-13-1 (TITLED "UNDERDETERMINED LOSS OF COOLANT"), WHICH INSTRUCTS DEALERSHIPS TO REPLACE THE GASKETS IN SITUATIONS LIKE MINE. THE TSB IS VERY CLEAR. I WROTE THE DEALERSHIP A LETTER DEMANDING HELP REPLACING THE ENGINE, BUT RECEIVED NO REPLY. I RE-SENT THE SAME LETTER AND DOCUMENTS TO THE DEALERSHIP JUST YESTERDAY. I CAN PROVIDE COPIES OF ALL DOCUMENTS, AS I HAVE SCANNED THEM INTO A COMPRESSED PDF FILE FOR E-MAIL TRANSMISSION.
CHECK ENGINE LIGHT ON, WHITE SMOKE EMITTING FROM TAILPIPE, MISSING, WILDLY ERRATIC SPEEDOMETER AT 35-40, REAR AIR BLOWS HOT. REPLACEMENTS: HAD GASKETS, LOWER INTAKE GASKETS, UPPER INTAKE GASKETS, SPARK PLUGS, WIRES, THERMOSTAT, GASKET, ? BELT, TIMING COVER, TIMING COVER GASKET, WATER PUMP. SPEEDOMETER AND A/C PROBLEM NOT YET …
Read full complaint
CHECK ENGINE LIGHT ON, WHITE SMOKE EMITTING FROM TAILPIPE, MISSING, WILDLY ERRATIC SPEEDOMETER AT 35-40, REAR AIR BLOWS HOT. REPLACEMENTS: HAD GASKETS, LOWER INTAKE GASKETS, UPPER INTAKE GASKETS, SPARK PLUGS, WIRES, THERMOSTAT, GASKET, ? BELT, TIMING COVER, TIMING COVER GASKET, WATER PUMP. SPEEDOMETER AND A/C PROBLEM NOT YET FIXED.
I HAD SYMPTOMS OF WATER IN THE EXHAUST, ROUGH IDLE, AND HYDRAULIC LOCK OF THE ENGINE. TOOK TO THE SHOP, THE HEAD GASKET WAS BLOWN ON #1 CYLINDER, AND THE CONNECTING ROD WAS BENT ON THE CYLINDER, WHICH HAS NECESSITATED REPLACEMENT OF THE ENGINE. FORD HAS BEEN CONTACTED BY ME AND BY THE DEALER TO THE DISTRICT REP, TO NO AVAIL. …
Read full complaint
I HAD SYMPTOMS OF WATER IN THE EXHAUST, ROUGH IDLE, AND HYDRAULIC LOCK OF THE ENGINE. TOOK TO THE SHOP, THE HEAD GASKET WAS BLOWN ON #1 CYLINDER, AND THE CONNECTING ROD WAS BENT ON THE CYLINDER, WHICH HAS NECESSITATED REPLACEMENT OF THE ENGINE. FORD HAS BEEN CONTACTED BY ME AND BY THE DEALER TO THE DISTRICT REP, TO NO AVAIL. AFTER READING ALL THE LITERATURE ON THE WEB ABOUT THIS PROBLEM, AND IT'S CONTINUING THRU THE 95 MODELS WHICH ARE COVERED TO THE 96 MODELS WHICH AREN'T; I NEED FURTHER HELP.
Official recalls
809V399000 · 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.
00V168000 · Exterior Lighting
Jun 19, 2000
VEHICLE DESCRIPTION: MINI VANS, LIGHT PICKUP TRUCKS, AND SPORT UTILITY VEHICLES. OFF LEASE CANADIAN VEHICLES EQUIPPED WITH DAYTIME RUNNING LIGHTS WHICH MEET CANADIAN REQUIREMENTS AND NOT THE PHOTOMETRIC REQUIREMENTS OF FMVSS 108, "LAMPS, REFLECTIVE DEVICES, AND ASSOCIATED EQUIPMENT." ACCORDING TO FORD, THE VEHICLES WERE IMPORTED INTO THE U.S. ERRONEOUSLY.
Consequence & remedy
Consequence: THE LIGHT GIVEN OFF FROM THE DAYTIME RUNNING LIGHTS IS BRIGHTER THAN ALLOWED BY U.S. STANDARDS.
Remedy: DEALERS WILL BE ADVISED TO DEACTIVATE THE RUNNING LIGHT FUNCTION AND TO COMPLETE ANY OUTSTANDING SAFETY RECALLS ON THESE VEHICLES.
99V147000 · Service Brakes, Hydraulic:foundation Components:master Cylinder
Jun 14, 1999
VEHICLE DESCRIPTION: MINIVANS. THE BRAKE FLUID MASTER CYLINDER IS RECESSED AND ORIENTED IN THE ENGINE COMPARTMENT SO THAT THE BRAKE FLUID WARNING STATEMENT EMBOSSED ON BOTH THE TOP OF THE FILLER CAP AND THE SIDE OF THE RESERVOIR BODY ARE NOT ENTIRELY VISIBLE BY DIRECT VIEW. THESE VEHICLES MAY NOT FULLY COMPLY WITH REQUIREMENTS OF FMVSS NO. 135, "PASSENGER CAR BRAKE SYSTEMS."
Consequence & remedy
Consequence: Not supplied
Remedy: OWNERS WILL BE PROVIDED WITH NEW LABELS AND INSTALLATION INSTRUCTIONS.
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.
96V166000 · Power Train:automatic Transmission:gear Position Indication (prndl)
Sep 5, 1996
THE PARK PAWL ABUTMENT BRACKET HAS A SHARP EDGE WHICH CAN CAUSE THE PARKING PAWL TO HANG UP AND NOT ENGAGE THE PARK GEAR. THIS WOULD ALLOW THE VEHICLE TO MOVE EVEN THOUGH THE GEAR SHIFT INDICATOR SHOWS THAT THE VEHICLE IS IN PARK.
Consequence & remedy
Consequence: UNINTENDED AND UNEXPECTED VEHICLE MOVEMENT CAN RESULT IN PERSONAL INJURY AND PROPERTY DAMAGE.
Remedy: DEALERS WILL INSPECT AND, IF NECESSARY, REPLACE THE PARK PAWL ABUTMENT BRACKET.
96V114000 · Seats
Jul 1, 1996
THE FOUR FASTENERS SECURING THE DRIVER'S SEAT TO THE FLOORPAN WERE NOT TORQUED TO PROPER SPECIFICATIONS.
Consequence & remedy
Consequence: THE DRIVER'S SEAT MAY NOT PROPERLY HOLD IN THE EVENT OF A VEHICLE ACCIDENT RESULTING IN PERSONAL INJURY TO THE OCCUPANT.
Remedy: DEALERS WILL INSPECT THE DRIVER'S SEAT FASTENERS AND RETORQUE TO PROPER SPECIFICATIONS.
96V086000 · Power Train:automatic Transmission
May 14, 1996
THE PARK PAWL SHAFT WAS IMPROPERLY POSITIONED WHEN THE ROLL PIN THAT RETAINS IT WAS INSTALLED DURING TRANSMISSION ASSEMBLY. IF THE SHAFT WAS NOT PROPERLY POSITIONED, THE ROLL PIN MAY NOT HAVE LINED UP WITH THE GROOVE IN THE SHAFT AND HAVE BEEN CRUSHED AT ASSEMBLY. ALSO, A BURR COULD HAVE BEEN RAISED ON THE SHAFT.
Consequence & remedy
Consequence: THIS COULD RESULT IN THE PARK PAWL OCCASIONALLY NOT ENGAGING WHEN THE TRANSMISSION SELECTOR LEVER IS PLACED IN THE PARK POSITION. THIS COULD RESULT IN THE VEHICLE ROLLING AS IF IN NEUTRAL IF THE VEHICLE OPERATOR DOES NOT APPLY THE PARKING BRAKE.
Remedy: DEALERS WILL INSPECT THE PARK PAWL SHAFT ROLL PIN. IF THE ROLL PIN IS DAMAGED, BOTH THE ROLL PIN AND THE PARK PAWL SHAFT WILL BE REPLACED. IN ADDITION, OWNERS WILL BE REMINDED TO FULLY APPLY THE PARKING BRAKE, IN ADDITION TO PLACING THE TRANSMISSION IN PARK.
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
13EA08021 · 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
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
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.
PE96015 · Failure Of Auto Trans Park Lock System
Opened Feb 23, 1996 · Closed May 22, 1996
Status: closed (inferred from source dates) · Power Train:automatic Transmission
THE MANUFACTURER HAS NOTIFIED NHTSA THAT THE SUBJECT VEHICLES WILL BE RECALLED TO CORRECT A SAFETY RELATED DEFECT IDENTIFIED UNDER THE SCOPE OF THIS INVESTIGATION.THE DEFECT AFFECTS CERTAIN 1996 MODEL YEAR WINDSTAR, FORD TAURUS, AND MERCURY SABLE VEHICLES EQUIPPED WITH FORD AX4S MODEL AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSIONS.THE SAFETY RECALL ACTION HAS BEEN IDENTIFIED AS NHTSA NO. 96V-086.