IllustrationCONSUMER STATES WITH NO WARNING THE FRONT COIL SPRING SNAPPED CAUSING VEHICLE TO DROP. CAUSE UNKNOWN DEALER NOTIFIED.*JB *YH
1997 Ford Windstar
Owner reports · Recalls · Investigations
Similar to other model years
Owner complaints for the 1997 Ford Windstar do not stand out strongly from 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: 43 of 192 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.
- Power Train. Review the 43 owner reports in this category and discuss these concerns during a pre-purchase inspection. Read reports →
- Engine And Engine Cooling. Review the 38 owner reports in this category and discuss these concerns during a pre-purchase inspection. Read reports →
- Suspension. Review the 38 owner reports in this category and discuss these concerns during a pre-purchase inspection. Read reports →
NHTSA owner reports · September 18, 2026 snapshot.
6 crash reports9 fire reports4 injury reports
Suspension complaints
38 reportsFROM 12,000 MILES TO PRESENT MILEAGE, THE VEHICLE HAD THREE TRANSMISSIONS REPLACED WITHIN FIVE YEARS, AND THE PROBLEM IS REOCCURRING. DEALER NOTIFIED. *AK THE DRIVER SIDE FRONT COIL SPRING HAD BROKEN. (RECALLED IN NOVEMBER/NHTSA#01I00700)-WAS CHECKED. THE MECHANICS HAD PLACED A PLASTIC SLEEVE OVER COILS, AND THE SPRING HAD B…
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FROM 12,000 MILES TO PRESENT MILEAGE, THE VEHICLE HAD THREE TRANSMISSIONS REPLACED WITHIN FIVE YEARS, AND THE PROBLEM IS REOCCURRING. DEALER NOTIFIED. *AK THE DRIVER SIDE FRONT COIL SPRING HAD BROKEN. (RECALLED IN NOVEMBER/NHTSA#01I00700)-WAS CHECKED. THE MECHANICS HAD PLACED A PLASTIC SLEEVE OVER COILS, AND THE SPRING HAD BROKEN THROUGH AND PUNCTURED THE TIRE AT 5 MPH. THE OVERDRIVE AND ENGINE LIGHT HAD COME ON. THE MECHANICS SAID THAT SOMETHING INSIDE OF THE TRANSMISSION WAS BAD. *SCC
HOLLOW STABILIZER BAR FRACTURED JUST OUTSIDE OF RIGHT STABILIZER BAR MOUNT, BROKEN END OF BAR AND CONNECTING PIECE LEFT HANGING NEXT TO RIGHT TIRE. RESULTED IN POOR HANDLING & SEVERE REACTION TO CROSS WINDS AT HIGHWAY SPEEDS.*AK
VEHICLE WAS SERVICED FOR RECALL CAMPAIGN 01V199000 WHERE DEALERSHIPINSTALLED PROTECTIVE SHIELDS AROUND FRONT COIL SPRINGS TO PREVENT CORROSION. HOWEVER, WHEN HE ATTEMPTED TO USE SNOW CHAINS FOR USE IN INCLEMENT WEATHER, THE SNOW CABLE ON THE RIGHT/FRONT WHEEL MADE CONTACT WITH THE PROTECTIVE SHIELD AND CAUSED SHIELD TO SHEAR OF…
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VEHICLE WAS SERVICED FOR RECALL CAMPAIGN 01V199000 WHERE DEALERSHIPINSTALLED PROTECTIVE SHIELDS AROUND FRONT COIL SPRINGS TO PREVENT CORROSION. HOWEVER, WHEN HE ATTEMPTED TO USE SNOW CHAINS FOR USE IN INCLEMENT WEATHER, THE SNOW CABLE ON THE RIGHT/FRONT WHEEL MADE CONTACT WITH THE PROTECTIVE SHIELD AND CAUSED SHIELD TO SHEAR OFF. APPROXIMATE DISTANCE BETWEEN TIRE WITHOUT CHAIN AND PROTECTIVE SHIELD WAS 1/4 OF AN INCH. THIS INCIDENT OCCURRED WHILE TRAVELING APPROXIMATELY 25 TO 30 MPH IN SNOW. THE PART IS AVAILABLE FOR INSPECTION. *AK CONSUMER FEELS THAT THE DEALER NEEDS TO WARN CONSUMERS OF THIS WHEN RECALL REPAIRS ARE MADE. *JB
WHILE DRIVING IN TRAFFIC FRONT COIL SPRING BROKE.*AK CONSUMER STATED THAT MANUFACTURER PAID FOR THE REPAIRS.*SLC
PASSENGER SIDE REAR BRAKE DRUM CRACKED BUT WAS NOT NOTICED IMMEDIATELY. WHEN IT WAS REPAIRED, THERE WAS SEVERE DAMAGE TO ALL COMPONENTS WITHIN THE DRUM. IT SEEMS VERY UNUSUAL THAT THIS HAPPENED, ESPECIALLY CONSIDERING THE LOW MILEAGE OF THE VEHICLE. THIS IS ONE OF NUMEROUS FAILURES THIS VEHICLE HAS HAD IN THE LAST 6 MONTHS. I…
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PASSENGER SIDE REAR BRAKE DRUM CRACKED BUT WAS NOT NOTICED IMMEDIATELY. WHEN IT WAS REPAIRED, THERE WAS SEVERE DAMAGE TO ALL COMPONENTS WITHIN THE DRUM. IT SEEMS VERY UNUSUAL THAT THIS HAPPENED, ESPECIALLY CONSIDERING THE LOW MILEAGE OF THE VEHICLE. THIS IS ONE OF NUMEROUS FAILURES THIS VEHICLE HAS HAD IN THE LAST 6 MONTHS. I HAD THE DRIVER FRONT COIL SPRING BREAK, BUT IT WAS EVENTUALLY RECALLED. BASED ON THE COMPLAINTS ABOUT THIS VEHICLE IN YOUR DATABASE, I FEEL THIS VEHICLE IS VERY UNSAFE, AND NOT RELIABLE. FORD HAS HAD MANY RECALLS FOR VARIOUS VEHICLES IN THE PAST 2 TO 3 MONTHS.*AK
MY WIFE, MELISSA HAS BEEN FOLLOWING THIS PROBLEM FOR OVER A YEAR AND A HALF, SHE HAS BEEN TOLD BY THE MECHANIC AT CAMPUS FORD THAT THERE HAS BEEN PROBLEMS WITH THE FRONT END SUSPENSION ON FOR WINDSTAR'S, HE STOPPED SHORT OF SAYING ANYMORE. OUR CAR HAS BEEN IN THE SERVICE DEPT AT THIS DEALERSHIP ON AND OFF FOR THE LAST YEAR AND A…
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MY WIFE, MELISSA HAS BEEN FOLLOWING THIS PROBLEM FOR OVER A YEAR AND A HALF, SHE HAS BEEN TOLD BY THE MECHANIC AT CAMPUS FORD THAT THERE HAS BEEN PROBLEMS WITH THE FRONT END SUSPENSION ON FOR WINDSTAR'S, HE STOPPED SHORT OF SAYING ANYMORE. OUR CAR HAS BEEN IN THE SERVICE DEPT AT THIS DEALERSHIP ON AND OFF FOR THE LAST YEAR AND A HALF. WE KEEP HAVING DIFFERENT STORIES TOLD TO US, AND TOLD THAT THE PROBLEM DOESNOT EXIST..WELL WE JUST PAID 350.00 DOLLARS FOR NEW WELDING ON THE FRONT SUSPENSION, WE HAVE HAD THE STRUTS REPLACED AND A SPRING REPLACED, WE ALSO HAD UNUSUAL TIRE WARE ON THE RT PASSENGER SIDE AND THE TIRE REPLACED. WE ARE WORRIED ABOUT THIS PROBLEM, WE HAVE TWO CHILDREN AND MY WIFE IS A VISITING NURSE AND DRIVES ALOT, THE DEALERSHIP IS POO-POOING HER OFF LIKE SHE IS A NOBODY...PLEASE HELP US. *AK
LEFT FRONT COIL SPRING BURST, CUASING TIRE TO BLOWOUT. HAD TIRE REPLACED. WAS DRIVING WITH REPLACED TIRE ON, AND STARTED HEARING RATTLING. TOOK BACK TO DEALER, AND WAS INFORMED BY MECHANIC THAT WELDS ON RIGHT SIDE HAD BROKEN AND NEEDED REWELDING.*AK
RIGHT COIL SPRING BREAKAGE FOR NO APPARENT REASON.*AK
LOWEREING OF THE PASSENGER WINDOW CAUSED DOOR TO UNLOCK AND OPEN WHILE TRAVELING - RECALL 01S19 WAS PERFORMED DURING REPAIR OF THE WINDOW - COIL SPRING SHIELDS COLLIDE WITH INNER STRUT TOWER - POSSIBLY 2 INCHES OF TRAVEL IN SUSPENSION - VEHICLE BOTTOMS OUT - DEALER IS NOT ACCOMODATING - MORE TO THIS STORY!
Official recalls
509V399000 · 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.
01V199000 · Suspension:front:springs:coil Springs
Jun 18, 2001
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, AND WISCONSIN, AND IN THE DISTRICT OF COLUMBIA. THE FRONT COIL SPRINGS COULD FRACTURE AS A RESULT OF CORROSION. DEPENDING ON THE LOCATION OF THE FRACTURE, A BROKEN SPRING COULD MOVE PAST THE SPRING SEAT AND CONTACT A FRONT TIRE.
Consequence & remedy
Consequence: SOME TIRES HAVE DEFLATED DUE TO CONTACT WITH A BROKEN SPRING.
Remedy: DEALERS WILL INSTALL PROTECTIVE SHIELDS AROUND THE FRONT COIL SPRINGS. OWNER NOTIFICATION BEGAN SEPTEMBER 6, 2001. 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 1-800-392-3673.
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.
97V097000 · Power Train:automatic Transmission
Jun 9, 1997
VEHICLE DESCRIPTION: PASSENGER VEHICLES EQUIPPED WITH AX4S AUTOMATIC TRANSAXLES. THE LOW/INTERMEDIATE SERVO COVER CAN SEPARATE FROM THE TRANSAXLE WHILE THE VEHICLE IS BEING DRIVEN. IF THIS OCCURS, TRANSMISSION FLUID WILL LEAK CONTACTING THE CATALYTIC CONVERTER.
Consequence & remedy
Consequence: THE CATALYTIC CONVERTER TEMPERATURE MAY BE HOT ENOUGH TO IGNITE THE TRANSMISSION FLUID AND CAUSE A VEHICLE FIRE.
Remedy: DEALERS WILL INSPECT THE TRANSMISSION AND REPLACE THESE SERVO COVERS.
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
6EA08021 · 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.
EA03004 · Wheel Stud Fracture
Opened Apr 10, 2003 · Closed Aug 30, 2004
Status: closed (inferred from source dates) · Wheels; Wheels:lugs/nuts/bolts/studs
THE SUBJECT VEHICLES RANGE IN AGE FROM 4?7 YEARS IN SERVICE, WITH AVERAGE MILEAGES ESTIMATED TO RANGE FROM 50 TO 100 THOUSAND MILES.AT THESE MILEAGES, THE SUBJECT WHEELS ARE LIKELY TO HAVE BEEN REMOVED AND REINSTALLED MULTIPLE TIMES FOR VARIOUS SERVICE PROCEDURES.ODI IS CONCERNED ABOUT THE HIGH WHEEL SEPARATION RATES IN THE MY 1997-98 WINDSTAR VEHICLES EQUIPPED WITH ALUMINUM ALLOY WHEELS.HOWEVER, ANALYSIS OF FAILURE DATA INDICATES THAT MOST OF THE INCIDENTS IN THAT POPULATION OF VEHICLES OCCUR AFTER THE VEHICLES HAD ACCUMULATED 30 THOUSAND MILES OF SERVICE. THE FACTORS THAT INCREASE THE RISK THAT INADEQUATE CLAMP LOADS MAY BE ACHIEVED DURING SERVICE-RELATED WHEEL INSTALLATION ARE NOT UNIQUE TO THE SUBJECT VEHICLES.TESTING CONDUCTED BY FORD AND VRTC INDICATE THAT THE MY 1998 WINDSTAR ALUMINUM WHEEL FASTENING SYSTEM PERFORMS SIMILAR TO THE WHEEL FASTENING SYSTEMS ON PEER MINIVANS.NO DESIGN OR MANUFACTURING DEFECTS WERE IDENTIFIED IN THE WHEEL FASTENING SYSTEMS OF THE SUBJECT VEHICLES. FORD WILL SEND A MAILING TO OWNERS OF WINDSTAR VEHICLES WITH ALUMINUM WHEELS THAT HAVE HIGH WHEEL SEPARATION RATES THAT REVIEWS THE APPROPRIATE WHEEL FASTENING PROCEDURES AND STATES THAT THE WHEEL NUTS SHOULD BE TIGHTENED TO THE NOMINAL TORQUE, 100 FT-LBS (136 NM), AND RE-TIGHTENED TO THE SAME TORQUE AFTER 500 MILES.FORD?S LETTER ALSO STATES THAT IT IS ?A GOOD PRACTICE TO BE SURE THAT BEFORE INSTALLING THE WHEEL THE ALUMINUM WHEEL MOUNTING SURFACE, WHEEL LUG NUT AREA, AND THE MOUNTING FLANGE ARE FREE FROM DIRT, DEBRIS, AND LOOSE RUST TO ENSURE THE WHEEL IS SEATED CORRECTLY AND THE WHEEL LUG NUTS REMAIN FULLY TIGHTENED.? ODI WILL CONTINUE TO MONITOR THE INCIDENCE OF WHEEL FASTENER FAILURES IN THE SUBJECT VEHICLE POPULATION.ACCORDINGLY, THIS INVESTIGATION IS CLOSED.THE CLOSING OF THIS INVESTIGATION DOES NOT CONSTITUTE A FINDING BY NHTSA THAT A SAFETY-RELATED DEFECT DOES NOT EXIST.THE AGENCY WILL TAKE FURTHER ACTION IF WARRANTED BY THE CIRCUMSTANCES. FOR ADDITIONAL INFORMATION, SEE THE ATTACHED CLOSING REPORT.
Additional source detail variants (2)
Wheels
THE SUBJECT VEHICLES RANGE IN AGE FROM 4?7 YEARS IN SERVICE, WITH AVERAGE MILEAGES ESTIMATED TO RANGE FROM 50 TO 100 THOUSAND MILES.AT THESE MILEAGES, THE SUBJECT WHEELS ARE LIKELY TO HAVE BEEN REMOVED AND REINSTALLED MULTIPLE TIMES FOR VARIOUS SERVICE PROCEDURES.ODI IS CONCERNED ABOUT THE HIGH WHEEL SEPARATION RATES IN THE MY 1997-98 WINDSTAR VEHICLES EQUIPPED WITH ALUMINUM ALLOY WHEELS.HOWEVER, ANALYSIS OF FAILURE DATA INDICATES THAT MOST OF THE INCIDENTS IN THAT POPULATION OF VEHICLES OCCUR AFTER THE VEHICLES HAD ACCUMULATED 30 THOUSAND MILES OF SERVICE. THE FACTORS THAT INCREASE THE RISK THAT INADEQUATE CLAMP LOADS MAY BE ACHIEVED DURING SERVICE-RELATED WHEEL INSTALLATION ARE NOT UNIQUE TO THE SUBJECT VEHICLES.TESTING CONDUCTED BY FORD AND VRTC INDICATE THAT THE MY 1998 WINDSTAR ALUMINUM WHEEL FASTENING SYSTEM PERFORMS SIMILAR TO THE WHEEL FASTENING SYSTEMS ON PEER MINIVANS.NO DESIGN OR MANUFACTURING DEFECTS WERE IDENTIFIED IN THE WHEEL FASTENING SYSTEMS OF THE SUBJECT VEHICLES. FORD WILL SEND A MAILING TO OWNERS OF WINDSTAR VEHICLES WITH ALUMINUM WHEELS THAT HAVE HIGH WHEEL SEPARATION RATES THAT REVIEWS THE APPROPRIATE WHEEL FASTENING PROCEDURES AND STATES THAT THE WHEEL NUTS SHOULD BE TIGHTENED TO THE NOMINAL TORQUE, 100 FT-LBS (136 NM), AND RE-TIGHTENED TO THE SAME TORQUE AFTER 500 MILES.FORD?S LETTER ALSO STATES THAT IT IS ?A GOOD PRACTICE TO BE SURE THAT BEFORE INSTALLING THE WHEEL THE ALUMINUM WHEEL MOUNTING SURFACE, WHEEL LUG NUT AREA, AND THE MOUNTING FLANGE ARE FREE FROM DIRT, DEBRIS, AND LOOSE RUST TO ENSURE THE WHEEL IS SEATED CORRECTLY AND THE WHEEL LUG NUTS REMAIN FULLY TIGHTENED.? ODI WILL CONTINUE TO MONITOR THE INCIDENCE OF WHEEL FASTENER FAILURES IN THE SUBJECT VEHICLE POPULATION.ACCORDINGLY, THIS INVESTIGATION IS CLOSED.THE CLOSING OF THIS INVESTIGATION DOES NOT CONSTITUTE A FINDING BY NHTSA THAT A SAFETY-RELATED DEFECT DOES NOT EXIST.THE AGENCY WILL TAKE FURTHER ACTION IF WARRANTED BY THE CIRCUMSTANCES. FOR ADDITIONAL INFORMATION, SEE THE ATTACHED CLOSING REPORT.
Wheels:lugs/nuts/bolts/studs
THE SUBJECT VEHICLES RANGE IN AGE FROM 4?7 YEARS IN SERVICE, WITH AVERAGE MILEAGES ESTIMATED TO RANGE FROM 50 TO 100 THOUSAND MILES.AT THESE MILEAGES, THE SUBJECT WHEELS ARE LIKELY TO HAVE BEEN REMOVED AND REINSTALLED MULTIPLE TIMES FOR VARIOUS SERVICE PROCEDURES.ODI IS CONCERNED ABOUT THE HIGH WHEEL SEPARATION RATES IN THE MY 1997-98 WINDSTAR VEHICLES EQUIPPED WITH ALUMINUM ALLOY WHEELS.HOWEVER, ANALYSIS OF FAILURE DATA INDICATES THAT MOST OF THE INCIDENTS IN THAT POPULATION OF VEHICLES OCCUR AFTER THE VEHICLES HAD ACCUMULATED 30 THOUSAND MILES OF SERVICE. THE FACTORS THAT INCREASE THE RISK THAT INADEQUATE CLAMP LOADS MAY BE ACHIEVED DURING SERVICE-RELATED WHEEL INSTALLATION ARE NOT UNIQUE TO THE SUBJECT VEHICLES.TESTING CONDUCTED BY FORD AND VRTC INDICATE THAT THE MY 1998 WINDSTAR ALUMINUM WHEEL FASTENING SYSTEM PERFORMS SIMILAR TO THE WHEEL FASTENING SYSTEMS ON PEER MINIVANS.NO DESIGN OR MANUFACTURING DEFECTS WERE IDENTIFIED IN THE WHEEL FASTENING SYSTEMS OF THE SUBJECT VEHICLES. FORD WILL SEND A MAILING TO OWNERS OF WINDSTAR VEHICLES WITH ALUMINUM WHEELS THAT HAVE HIGH WHEEL SEPARATION RATES THAT REVIEWS THE APPROPRIATE WHEEL FASTENING PROCEDURES AND STATES THAT THE WHEEL NUTS SHOULD BE TIGHTENED TO THE NOMINAL TORQUE, 100 FT-LBS (136 NM), AND RE-TIGHTENED TO THE SAME TORQUE AFTER 500 MILES.FORD?S LETTER ALSO STATES THAT IT IS ?A GOOD PRACTICE TO BE SURE THAT BEFORE INSTALLING THE WHEEL THE ALUMINUM WHEEL MOUNTING SURFACE, WHEEL LUG NUT AREA, AND THE MOUNTING FLANGE ARE FREE FROM DIRT, DEBRIS, AND LOOSE RUST TO ENSURE THE WHEEL IS SEATED CORRECTLY AND THE WHEEL LUG NUTS REMAIN FULLY TIGHTENED.? ODI WILL CONTINUE TO MONITOR THE INCIDENCE OF WHEEL FASTENER FAILURES IN THE SUBJECT VEHICLE POPULATION.ACCORDINGLY, THIS INVESTIGATION IS CLOSED.THE CLOSING OF THIS INVESTIGATION DOES NOT CONSTITUTE A FINDING BY NHTSA THAT A SAFETY-RELATED DEFECT DOES NOT EXIST.THE AGENCY WILL TAKE FURTHER ACTION IF WARRANTED BY THE CIRCUMSTANCES. FOR ADDITIONAL INFORMATION, SEE THE ATTACHED CLOSING 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