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2003 Ford Windstar

Owner reports · Recalls · Investigations

More warning signs than most Windstar years

Owner complaints for the 2003 Ford Windstar are substantially higher than the model-year median of 192.

About this comparison →

When problems were reported

Mileage at the reported incident

1,283 reports with mileage · 227 unknown

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.

  • Service Brakes. Review the 296 owner reports in this category and discuss these concerns during a pre-purchase inspection. Read reports →
  • Service Brakes, Hydraulic. Review the 282 owner reports in this category and discuss these concerns during a pre-purchase inspection. Read reports →
  • Electrical System. Review the 280 owner reports in this category and discuss these concerns during a pre-purchase inspection. Read reports →

NHTSA owner reports · September 18, 2026 snapshot.

33 crash reports27 fire reports28 injury reports

Suspension complaints

254 reports
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117,400 miles · Aug 8, 2020
Suspension

MY AXEL CRACKED ON LEFT SIDE, NOISE ALERTED ME TO THE DANGER. CAREER MECHANIC, NEVER SEEN A RUSTED OUT OR CRACKED REAR AXLE. I ALSO WORKED OUT OF MY HOME ON CARS RUNNING MY OWN SHOP FOR DECADES. AGAIN I HAVE NEVER CHANGED A CRACKED REAR AXLE. THE FIRST RECALL WAS IN MY OPINION ONLY A POOR ATTEMPT AT POSTPONING THE INEVITABLE…

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MY AXEL CRACKED ON LEFT SIDE, NOISE ALERTED ME TO THE DANGER. CAREER MECHANIC, NEVER SEEN A RUSTED OUT OR CRACKED REAR AXLE. I ALSO WORKED OUT OF MY HOME ON CARS RUNNING MY OWN SHOP FOR DECADES. AGAIN I HAVE NEVER CHANGED A CRACKED REAR AXLE. THE FIRST RECALL WAS IN MY OPINION ONLY A POOR ATTEMPT AT POSTPONING THE INEVITABLE AXEL FAILURE TO A LATER DATE. NOT A NORMAL FAILURE FOR A SUPPOSED NAME BRAND LEADING AUTOMOTIVE MAKER. FORD'S LATEST AD ON TV SAID SOMETHING LIKE THEY CARE ABOUT THEIR CUSTOMERS AT THE END OF THE AD, WHAT A JOKE, FALSE ADVERTISING OR SHOULD MY CLAIM FOR $1,420.28 BE PAID AND SHOW THEY CARE? THE ORIGINAL AXEL WAS IN MY OPINION A BIT THIN AND I READ THAT THE METAL WAS NOT THE BEST ON A FEW WEB SITES. ALSO FILLING THE HOLLOW AREAS FOR THE AXLE ASSEMBLY WITH FOAM ONLY RETAINED WATER AND ACCELERATED RUSTING WHICH OF COURSE ONLY WEAKENS A BAD AXEL DESIGN. THE NEW DESIGN REAR AXLE IS DEFINITELY HEAVIER, NO FOAM AND HAS NO OPEN AREAS TO HOLD WATER. THE NEW DESIGN SEEMS TO HAVE ADDRESSED ALL THE ORIGINAL AXLE'S DESIGN FLAWS. WHICH SHOWS FORD DID KNOW THERE WERE DESIGN FLAWS. JANNELL FORD OF HANOVER MASS (781-982-4500) CONTACTED FORD WITH MY SHOCK THAT AXEL WOULD NOT BE REPLACED UNDER WARRANTY EVEN AFTER SEEING THE SUPPORTING PICTURES; FORD WOULD NOT REPAIR THE AXEL ON SECOND RECALL EVEN THOUGH SEVERELY CRACKED! THEY SAID THE FIRST RECALL BRACKETS WERE INSTALLED CORRECTLY. JANNELL FORD SERVICE MANAGEMENT AGREED THAT OUR VAN WAS IN PRISTINE SHAPE, RUST FREE AND WELL CARED FOR. PLEASE SEE REMAINDER OF MY LETTER IN DOWNLOAD FILES. THANK YOU!

NHTSA ODI #11344112

128,000 miles · Aug 1, 2020
Suspension

ALTHOUGH MY VAN HAS BEEN THROUGH ALL RECALL REPAIRS/INSPECTIONS AS I PULLED INTO MY LOCAL GAS STATION TODAY MY REAR AXLE BROKE.*DT VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO CLOSEST DEALERSHIP (DAVE KNAPP FORD LINCOLN) WHERE IT WAS DETERMINED THAT THE VEHICLE HAD PASSED INSPECTION DURING THE RECALL. AS VEHICLE WAS BEING TOWED CONSUMER NOTICED THAT…

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ALTHOUGH MY VAN HAS BEEN THROUGH ALL RECALL REPAIRS/INSPECTIONS AS I PULLED INTO MY LOCAL GAS STATION TODAY MY REAR AXLE BROKE.*DT VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO CLOSEST DEALERSHIP (DAVE KNAPP FORD LINCOLN) WHERE IT WAS DETERMINED THAT THE VEHICLE HAD PASSED INSPECTION DURING THE RECALL. AS VEHICLE WAS BEING TOWED CONSUMER NOTICED THAT THE LEFT BRACKET APPEARED TO BE PLACED INCORRECTLY. *DL

NHTSA ODI #11342680

110,000 miles · Jun 22, 2020
SuspensionFire

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2003 FORD WINDSTAR. THE CONTACT CALLED ON BEHALF OF THE DRIVER. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE THE DRIVER WAS DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 45 MPH, AN ODOR OF BURNING RUBBER WAS PRESENT. AFTER STOPPING THE VEHICLE IT WAS DISCOVERED THAT THE REAR PASSENGER SIDE WHEEL AND TIRE WAS RUBBING AGAINST THE WHEEL WELL. THE…

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TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2003 FORD WINDSTAR. THE CONTACT CALLED ON BEHALF OF THE DRIVER. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE THE DRIVER WAS DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 45 MPH, AN ODOR OF BURNING RUBBER WAS PRESENT. AFTER STOPPING THE VEHICLE IT WAS DISCOVERED THAT THE REAR PASSENGER SIDE WHEEL AND TIRE WAS RUBBING AGAINST THE WHEEL WELL. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC WHO DIAGNOSED THAT THE PASSENGER SIDE REAR AXLE HAD FAILED. THE MECHANIC ALSO INDICATED THAT THE FAILURE HAD OCCURRED ON A PREVIOUSLY REPAIRED RECALL NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 12V193000 (POWER TRAIN). THE LOCAL DEALER KRAPOHL FORD & LINCOLN (1415 E PICKARD RD, MT PLEASANT, MI 48858) WAS NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT YET CONTACTED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 110,000.

NHTSA ODI #11330174

103,000 miles · May 12, 2020
Electrical SystemElectronic Stability Control (esc)SuspensionCrash

IT HAS AN ELECTRICAL PROBLEM. NEEDS WIRING HARNESS, NEEDS FRONT AND REAL AXLE REPLACEMENT. DANGEROUS. ALARM GOES OFF AT RANDOM. WON'T HOLD CHARGE. STEERING WHEEL BEARINGS ARE SHOT. *TR

NHTSA ODI #11324221

187,000 miles · May 5, 2020
Suspension

I WAS DRIVING DOWN THE ROAD ON A CITY STREET AT 35 MPH AND THE REAR AXLE BROKE ON THE DRIVER SIDE UNDERNEATH THE RECALL BRACKET INSTALLED BY FORD. RECALL 10S13 WAS PERFORMED ON THIS VEHICLE IN 2008 OR 2009. THE BRACKETS WERE INSTALLED AS SPECIFIED BY FORD AND OBVIOUSLY WERE INADEQUATE TO FIX OR PREVENT THE PROBLEM FROM THE ORIGI…

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I WAS DRIVING DOWN THE ROAD ON A CITY STREET AT 35 MPH AND THE REAR AXLE BROKE ON THE DRIVER SIDE UNDERNEATH THE RECALL BRACKET INSTALLED BY FORD. RECALL 10S13 WAS PERFORMED ON THIS VEHICLE IN 2008 OR 2009. THE BRACKETS WERE INSTALLED AS SPECIFIED BY FORD AND OBVIOUSLY WERE INADEQUATE TO FIX OR PREVENT THE PROBLEM FROM THE ORIGINAL RECALL. FORD SHOULD NEVER HAVE BEEN ALLOWED TO GET AWAY WITH THIS POORLY DESIGNED AND EXECUTED REPAIR TO THE AXLE. THE VEHICLE WAS RECENTLY AT A FORD DEALER THAT VERIFIED THAT THE BRACKETS WERE INSTALLED CORRECTLY PER 15S27 AND FORD DENIED COVERING ANY OF THE REPAIR COST. I HAVE BACKGROUND STUDY AS A STRUCTURAL ENGINEER (I'M A LICENSED CIVIL ENGINEER) AND I USED TO WORK IN AN AUTOMOTIVE PARTS AND MACHINE SHOP. GIVEN MY EXPERIENCE, IF YOU REFER TO 10S13 THERE IS A LOCATION ON THE AXLE REFERRED TO AS A "TOOLING HOLE" ON PAGE 18 THAT SHOULD HAVE BEEN USED IF FORD EVER INTENDED THESE REPAIR BRACKETS TO DO ANYTHING USEFUL. I CANT IMAGINE ANY ENGINEER DESIGNED THESE THINGS AND DISREGARDED THE OBVIOUS, TYING THE LOAD TO THIS HOLE. I HAVE THE VEHICLE BACK AND I'VE USED THIS HOLE ON BOTH SIDES TO PULL THE AXLE BACK TOGETHER AND MAKE IT AT LEAST MOVABLE UNTIL THE NEW PART ARRIVES, SO NOT ONLY DOES IT MAKE SENSE STRUCTURALLY, BUT IT WORKS PHYSICALLY AS WELL. WHY THE NHTSA WOULD ALLOW FORD TO CALL THIS A FIX AND MAKE THESE VEHICLES ACCEPTABLE TO DRIVE IS BEYOND ME. THE AXLE ALSO HAS A HORIZONTAL CRACK IN THE MIDDLE, ITS BEEN THERE SINCE THE BRACKETS WERE INSTALLED. I DO NOT BELIEVE FORD HAS BEEN HONEST OR USEFUL IN TAKING CARE OF THIS PROBLEM ON THESE VEHICLES, AND IT APPEARS THE NHTSA IS BACKING THEM ON IT. CURIOUS HOW A RECALL FOR A CRACKING PROBLEM IS NOT RESOLVED BUT ITS NOT THEIR RESPONSIBILITY? I WOULD SAY AT THIS POINT IN TIME, THERE WAS NO POINT IN ANY OF THE RECALL WORK AS NOTHING WAS FIXED. FAILURE IS IDENTICAL TO PRE-RECALL. *TR

NHTSA ODI #11323445

180,000 miles · Jan 23, 2020
Suspension

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2003 FORD WINDSTAR. THE CONTACT STATED THE VEHICLE WAS PREVIOUSLY INCLUDED IN A RECALL REGARDING THE CRADLE SUB FRAME ASSEMBLY, FOR WHICH THE VEHICLE WAS REPAIRED. THE CONTACT STATED THAT SHORTLY AFTER THE RECALL REPAIR, WHILE IDLE AND DURING ACCELERATION THAT THE VEHICLE WOULD VIBRATE. THE CONTACT STATED …

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TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2003 FORD WINDSTAR. THE CONTACT STATED THE VEHICLE WAS PREVIOUSLY INCLUDED IN A RECALL REGARDING THE CRADLE SUB FRAME ASSEMBLY, FOR WHICH THE VEHICLE WAS REPAIRED. THE CONTACT STATED THAT SHORTLY AFTER THE RECALL REPAIR, WHILE IDLE AND DURING ACCELERATION THAT THE VEHICLE WOULD VIBRATE. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO A CERTIFIED MECHANIC AND AFTER EXAMINING THE VEHICLE, THE MECHANIC BECAME AWARE THAT THE REAR AXLE AND SUB FRAME WAS RUSTED WHICH CAUSED THE TRACTION CONTRAIL TO FAIL. THE CONTACT CONTACTED OTHER CERTIFIED MECHANICS WHO CONFIRMED THE SUB FRAME AND REAR AXEL HOUSING ASSEMBLY NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE VEHICLE HAD NOT BEEN REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT MADE AWARE OF THE ISSUE. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 180,000.

NHTSA ODI #11301442

1,172,088 miles · Nov 17, 2019
Suspension

THE REAR AXLE HAS CRACKED IN THE MIDDLE AND I CANNOT DRIVE IT NOW. THIS WAS INSPECTED TWICE UNDER FORD RECALL. THE FIRST TIME THEY PUT BRACKETS ON THE FRONT LOWER CONTROL ARMS, AND THE REAR AXLE. THE SECOND TIME THEY RECALLED IT BACK TO REINSPECT THE WORK THAT HAD BEEN DONE SINCE THEY HAD MANY THAT WERE NOT PROPERLY INSPECTED …

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THE REAR AXLE HAS CRACKED IN THE MIDDLE AND I CANNOT DRIVE IT NOW. THIS WAS INSPECTED TWICE UNDER FORD RECALL. THE FIRST TIME THEY PUT BRACKETS ON THE FRONT LOWER CONTROL ARMS, AND THE REAR AXLE. THE SECOND TIME THEY RECALLED IT BACK TO REINSPECT THE WORK THAT HAD BEEN DONE SINCE THEY HAD MANY THAT WERE NOT PROPERLY INSPECTED THE FIRST TIME. SO , THIS IS TWICE THEY HAD IT INSPECTED, AND FAILED TO SEE IT WAS DEFECTIVE. THUS PUTTING MY LIFE AND THAT IF MY FAMILY AT RISK FOR DEATH. THANKS FORD! AFTER THE 2ND INSPECTION, THEY SAID IT WAS SAFE, BUT OFFERED TO REPLACE THE AXLE IF I WANTED TO PAY ABOUT $500 ON MY OWN. THAT WAS SUSPICIOUS IN ITSELF.

NHTSA ODI #11280659

140,000 miles · Nov 5, 2019
Suspension

DRIVING IN TOWN AND REAR AXLE BUSTED IN HALF NEXT TO FORD'S SO CALLED BRACKET FIX.

NHTSA ODI #11278347

129,493 miles · Sep 26, 2019
Suspension

I WAS DRIVING ON THE INTERSTATE AT ABOUT 60 MPH CHANGING LANES TO THE RIGHT I COULD HEAR TIRES SQUEALING AND THE VAN FELT LIKE IT WAS GOING TO ROLL OVER TO THE LEFT. I REGAINED CONTROL, THEN I HEARD SOME CREAKING METAL NOISE, THEN I HEARD A RUBBING NOISE AND SAW A LOT OF SMOKE COMING FROM THE REAR. I WAS ABLE TO PULL OVER AND IN…

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I WAS DRIVING ON THE INTERSTATE AT ABOUT 60 MPH CHANGING LANES TO THE RIGHT I COULD HEAR TIRES SQUEALING AND THE VAN FELT LIKE IT WAS GOING TO ROLL OVER TO THE LEFT. I REGAINED CONTROL, THEN I HEARD SOME CREAKING METAL NOISE, THEN I HEARD A RUBBING NOISE AND SAW A LOT OF SMOKE COMING FROM THE REAR. I WAS ABLE TO PULL OVER AND INSPECT, WHAT I FOUND WAS THE REAR AXLE WAS BROKEN AND DRIVER SIDE TIRE RUBBING INSIDE THE WHEEL WELL. I WAS VERY FORTUNATE TO HAVE SOMEWHERE TO PULL OVER, OTHERWISE TO CONTINUE DRIVING COULD RUPTURE THE TIRE AND/OR I WOULD BE LEFT STRANDED IN HIGHWAY SPEED TRAFFIC.

NHTSA ODI #11258314

178,000 miles · Sep 24, 2019
Suspension

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2003 FORD WINDSTAR. WHILE DRIVING AT AN UNKNOWN SPEED, THE CONTACT HEARD A POP SOUND AND THE REAR DRIVER'S SIDE TIRE WENT FLAT. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED BACK TO THE CONTACT'S HOME. AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC DIAGNOSED THAT THE REAR AXLE WAS BENDING INWARDS DUE TO RUST OR CORROSION, WHICH CAUSED THE TIRE TO SHRED…

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TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2003 FORD WINDSTAR. WHILE DRIVING AT AN UNKNOWN SPEED, THE CONTACT HEARD A POP SOUND AND THE REAR DRIVER'S SIDE TIRE WENT FLAT. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED BACK TO THE CONTACT'S HOME. AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC DIAGNOSED THAT THE REAR AXLE WAS BENDING INWARDS DUE TO RUST OR CORROSION, WHICH CAUSED THE TIRE TO SHRED AND DEFLATE. THE VEHICLE WAS INCLUDED IN NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 15V608000 (SUSPENSION). THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO GERMAIN FORD OF BEAVERCREEK (2356 HELLER DR, BEAVERCREEK, OH 45434, (937) 429-1300) WHERE THEY STATED THAT THE REAR AXLE WAS INSTALLED CORRECTLY; HOWEVER, THE RECALL STATED OTHERWISE. THE DEALER REFUSED TO HONOR THE RECALL WITH A FREE REPAIR. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT NOTIFIED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 178,000.

NHTSA ODI #11257747

Official recalls

8

15V608000 · SUSPENSION:REAR:AXLE:NON-POWERED Axle Assembly

Sep 29, 2015

Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain model year 1998-2003 Windstar vehicles manufactured September 2, 1997, to July 3, 2003. The affected vehicles were previously remedied to safeguard against the rear axle cracking from corrosion, however, the remedy brackets may have been misinstalled. The incorrect bracket installations may limit the effectiveness of the service repair for NHTSA recalls 10V-385, 12V-193, and 12V-195.

Consequence & remedy

Consequence: If the brackets were not installed properly, the rear axle may fracture, affecting the vehicle handling and increasing the risk of a crash.

Remedy: Ford will notify owners, and dealers will inspect the brackets to verify their proper installation. If a bracket is found to have been misinstalled, the rear axle will be replaced. These repairs will be performed free of charge. The began on October 21, 2015. Owners may contact Ford customer service at 1-866-436-7332. Ford's number for this recall is 15S27.

12V193000 · Power Train:axle Assembly

May 3, 2012

FORD IS RECALLING CERTAIN MODEL YEAR 1998-2003 WINDSTAR VEHICLES MANUFACTURED FROM SEPTEMBER 1, 1997, THROUGH JULY 3, 2003, AND CURRENTLY REGISTERED OR ORIGINALLY SOLD IN VIRGINIA. OVER TIME, CORROSION CAN WEAKEN THE REAR AXLE MAKING IT SUSCEPTIBLE TO TORSIONAL STRESS. CORROSION AND STRESS CAN LEAD TO CRACKS WHICH, IF UNDETECTED, CAN INCREASE AND RESULT IN A COMPLETE FRACTURE OF THE AXLE.

Consequence & remedy

Consequence: A FRACTURED AXLE CAN AFFECT VEHICLE HANDLING AND INCREASE THE RISK OF A CRASH.

Remedy: FORD WILL NOTIFY OWNERS, AND DEALERS WILL INSPECT AND INSTALL REAR AXLE REINFORCEMENT BRACKETS, OR REPLACE THE AXLES, AS NECESSARY. THIS SERVICE WILL BE PERFORMED FREE OF CHARGE. THE RECALL BEGAN ON JUNE 19, 2012. OWNERS MAY CONTACT FORD AT 1-866-436-7332.

12V194000 · Suspension:front:control Arm

May 3, 2012

FORD IS RECALLING CERTAIN MODEL YEAR 1999-2003 WINDSTAR VEHICLES ORIGINALLY SOLD IN OR CURRENTLY REGISTERED IN THE STATE OF VIRGINIA. CORROSION-RELATED FRACTURES OF THE FRONT LOWER CONTROL ARM REAR ATTACHING BRACKETS AND BODY MOUNT ATTACHMENTS MAY OCCUR.

Consequence & remedy

Consequence: A SEPARATION OF A FRONT LOWER CONTROL ARM REAR ATTACHING BRACKET MAY RESULT IN A LOWER CONTROL ARM SEPARATION. A SEPARATION OF BOTH FRONT SUBFRAME REAR BODY MOUNTS MAY RESULT IN SEPARATION OF THE STEERING INTERMEDIATE SHAFT. EITHER CONDITION COULD RESULT IN SIGNIFICANT LOSS OF STEERING CONTROL, INCREASING THE RISK OF A CRASH.

Remedy: DEALERS WILL INSPECT BOTH FRONT LOWER CONTROL ARM REAR ATTACHING BRACKETS AND BOTH BODY MOUNT ATTACHMENTS AT THE REAR OF THE FRONT SUBFRAME AND MAKE THE NECESSARY REPAIRS FREE OF CHARGE. THE RECALL BEGAN ON JUNE 18, 2012. OWNERS MAY CONTACT FORD AT 1-866-436-7332.

12V195000 · SUSPENSION:REAR:AXLE:NON-POWERED Axle Assembly

May 3, 2012

FORD IS RECALLING CERTAIN MODEL YEAR 1998-2003 WINDSTAR VEHICLES MANUFACTURED FROM SEPTEMBER 1, 1997, THROUGH JULY 3, 2003, REGISTERED IN PUERTO RICO. DUE TO INCREASED STRESSES CAUSED BY HIGH CYCLES OF TORSIONAL LOADING, SPECIFIC TO THIS MARKET, THE REAR AXLE CAN CRACK.

Consequence & remedy

Consequence: A FRACTURED AXLE MAY RESULT IN A LOSS OF VEHICLE CONTROL, INCREASING THE RISK OF A CRASH.

Remedy: FORD WILL NOTIFY OWNERS, AND DEALERS WILL INSPECT AND INSTALL A REINFORCEMENT BRACKET ON THE REAR AXLE OR REPLACE THE AXLES, AS NECESSARY. THIS SERVICE WILL BE PROVIDED FREE OF CHARGE. THE RECALL BEGAN ON JUNE 1, 2012. OWNERS MAY CONTACT THE FORD MOTOR COMPANY CUSTOMER RELATIONSHIP CENTER AT 1-866-436-7332.

11V030000 · Structure:frame And Members:underbody Shields

Jan 26, 2011

FORD IS RECALLING CERTAIN MODEL YEAR 1999-2003 WINDSTAR VEHICLES ORIGINALLY SOLD IN OR CURRENTLY REGISTERED IN THE STATES OF CONNECTICUT, DELAWARE, THE DISTRICT OF COLUMBIA, ILLINOIS, INDIANA, IOWA, KENTUCKY, MAINE, MARYLAND, MASSACHUSETTS, MICHIGAN, MINNESOTA, MISSOURI, NEW HAMPSHIRE, NEW JERSEY, NEW YORK, OHIO, PENNSYLVANIA, RHODE ISLAND, UTAH, VERMONT, WEST VIRGINIA, AND WISCONSIN. A SEPARATION OF A FRONT LOWER CONTROL ARM REAR ATTACHING BRACKET MAY RESULT IN A LOWER CONTROL ARM SEPARATION. A SEPARATION OF BOTH FRONT SUBFRAME REAR BODY MOUNTS MAY RESULT IN SEPARATION OF THE STEERING INTERMEDIATE SHAFT.

Consequence & remedy

Consequence: THIS COULD RESULT IN REDUCED STEERING CONTROL INCREASING THE RISK OF A CRASH.

Remedy: DEALERS WILL INSPECT BOTH FRONT LOWER CONTROL ARM REAR ATTACHING BRACKETS, AND BOTH BODY MOUNT ATTACHMENTS AT THE REAR OF THE FRONT SUBFRAME, AND MAKE THE NECESSARY REPAIRS FREE OF CHARGE. IF REPAIRS CANNOT BE MADE TO A VEHICLE, FORD WILL OFFER TO REPURCHASE THE VEHICLE. THE SAFETY RECALL IS EXPECTED TO BEGIN ON OR BEFORE FEBRUARY 21, 2011. OWNERS MAY CONTACT FORD AT 1-866-436-7332.

10V385000 · SUSPENSION:REAR:AXLE:NON-POWERED Axle Assembly

Aug 26, 2010

FORD IS RECALLING CERTAIN MODEL YEAR 1998-2003 WINDSTAR VEHICLES MANUFACTURED FROM SEPTEMBER 1, 1997 THROUGH FEBRUARY 28, 2003 AND CURRENTLY REGISTERED OR ORIGINALLY SOLD IN CONNECTICUT, DELAWARE, DISTRICT OF COLUMBIA, ILLINOIS, INDIANA, IOWA, KENTUCKY, MAINE, MARYLAND, MASSACHUSETTS, MICHIGAN, MINNESOTA, MISSOURI, NEW HAMPSHIRE, NEW JERSEY, NEW YORK, OHIO, PENNSYLVANIA, RHODE ISLAND, VERMONT, WEST VIRGINIA, AND WISCONSIN. AFTER MANY YEARS OF VEHICLE SERVICE IN THESE AREAS, CORROSION CAN WEAKEN THE REAR AXLE, MAKING IT SUSCEPTIBLE TO TORSIONAL STRESS. CORROSION AND STRESS CAN LEAD TO CRACKS WHICH IF UNDETECTED CAN PROPAGATE AND RESULT IN A COMPLETE FRACTURE OF THE AXLE.

Consequence & remedy

Consequence: A FRACTURED AXLE CAN AFFECT VEHICLE HANDLING AND INCREASE THE RISK OF A CRASH.

Remedy: AS PARTS BECOME AVAILABLE, DEALERS WILL INSPECT AND IF NECESSARY INSTALL THE REAR AXLE REINFORCEMENT BRACKETS FREE OF CHARGE. THIS SERVICE WILL BE PERFORMED FREE OF CHARGE. THE SAFETY RECALL BEGAN ON OCTOBER 20, 2010. OWNERS MAY CONTACT FORD AT 1-866-436-7332.

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.

03V459000 · Seats:mid/rear Assembly

Nov 6, 2003

CERTAIN MINIVANS FAIL TO COMPLY WITH THE REQUIREMENTS OF FEDERAL MOTOR VEHICLE SAFETY STANDARD NO. 225, "CHILD RESTRAINT ANCHORAGE SYSTEM." DURING TESTING, A THIRD ROW BENCH FLOOR-TO-SEAT LATCH RELEASED BEFORE THE STRENGTH REQUIREMENT WAS MET. IDENTICAL LATCHES ARE USED IN THE SECOND ROW OF SEATS.

Consequence & remedy

Consequence: IF THE LATCHES ON TH4E SECOND OR THIRD ROW SEATS OF THE VEHICLE RELEASE IN A CRASH, THE POTENTIAL FOR OCCUPANT INJURY IS INCREASED.

Remedy: DEALERS WILL REPLACE THE SEAT-TO-FLOOR LATCHES ON THE SECOND AND THIRD ROW OF SEATS. OWNER NOTIFICATION BEGAN ON NOVEMBER 21, 2003. OWNERS SHOULD CONTACT FORD AT 1-800-392-3673.

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

6

EA10007 · Front Subframe Corrosion Failures

Opened Dec 20, 2010 · Closed Mar 17, 2011

Status: closed (inferred from source dates) · Structure:frame And Members; Suspension

In a January 26, 2011 Defect Information Report, Ford Motor Company (Ford) notified the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) that it will conduct a safety recall to address corrosion related fractures in the front lower control arm rear attaching brackets and body mount attachments at the rear of the front subframe in approximately 425,288 model year (MY) 1999 through 2003 Ford Windstar vehicles manufactured from April 1998 to July 2003 and either sold or currently registered in the following high corrosion (Salt-Belt) states:Connecticut, Delaware, District of Columbia, Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Kentucky, Maine, Maryland, Massachusetts, Michigan, Minnesota, Missouri, New Hampshire, New Jersey, New York, Ohio, Pennsylvania, Rhode Island, Utah, Vermont, West Virginia and Wisconsin (NHTSA Recall No. 11V-030, Ford Recall No. 11S16).According to Ford, separation of a front lower control arm rear attaching bracket may result in a lower control arm separation and separations of both front subframe rear body mounts may result in separation of the steering intermediate shaft.Either condition could result in diminished vehicle directional control, increasing the risk of a crash.Dealers will inspect the lower control arm rear attachment flanges and the rear body mount sections of the subframe on the right (passenger) and left (driver) sides of the vehicle.Owners of vehicles that pass the inspection will be notified when to return for installation of reinforcement brackets to extend the durability of the front subframe assembly in affected areas in the presence of corrosion.Owners of vehicles that do not pass inspection, but can be repaired, will be offered transportation until parts become available.Repurchase offers will be extended to owners of vehicles that cannot be repaired with the reinforcement brackets.This investigation is closed.

Additional source detail variants (2)

Structure:frame And Members

In a January 26, 2011 Defect Information Report, Ford Motor Company (Ford) notified the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) that it will conduct a safety recall to address corrosion related fractures in the front lower control arm rear attaching brackets and body mount attachments at the rear of the front subframe in approximately 425,288 model year (MY) 1999 through 2003 Ford Windstar vehicles manufactured from April 1998 to July 2003 and either sold or currently registered in the following high corrosion (Salt-Belt) states:Connecticut, Delaware, District of Columbia, Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Kentucky, Maine, Maryland, Massachusetts, Michigan, Minnesota, Missouri, New Hampshire, New Jersey, New York, Ohio, Pennsylvania, Rhode Island, Utah, Vermont, West Virginia and Wisconsin (NHTSA Recall No. 11V-030, Ford Recall No. 11S16).According to Ford, separation of a front lower control arm rear attaching bracket may result in a lower control arm separation and separations of both front subframe rear body mounts may result in separation of the steering intermediate shaft.Either condition could result in diminished vehicle directional control, increasing the risk of a crash.Dealers will inspect the lower control arm rear attachment flanges and the rear body mount sections of the subframe on the right (passenger) and left (driver) sides of the vehicle.Owners of vehicles that pass the inspection will be notified when to return for installation of reinforcement brackets to extend the durability of the front subframe assembly in affected areas in the presence of corrosion.Owners of vehicles that do not pass inspection, but can be repaired, will be offered transportation until parts become available.Repurchase offers will be extended to owners of vehicles that cannot be repaired with the reinforcement brackets.This investigation is closed.

Suspension

In a January 26, 2011 Defect Information Report, Ford Motor Company (Ford) notified the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) that it will conduct a safety recall to address corrosion related fractures in the front lower control arm rear attaching brackets and body mount attachments at the rear of the front subframe in approximately 425,288 model year (MY) 1999 through 2003 Ford Windstar vehicles manufactured from April 1998 to July 2003 and either sold or currently registered in the following high corrosion (Salt-Belt) states:Connecticut, Delaware, District of Columbia, Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Kentucky, Maine, Maryland, Massachusetts, Michigan, Minnesota, Missouri, New Hampshire, New Jersey, New York, Ohio, Pennsylvania, Rhode Island, Utah, Vermont, West Virginia and Wisconsin (NHTSA Recall No. 11V-030, Ford Recall No. 11S16).According to Ford, separation of a front lower control arm rear attaching bracket may result in a lower control arm separation and separations of both front subframe rear body mounts may result in separation of the steering intermediate shaft.Either condition could result in diminished vehicle directional control, increasing the risk of a crash.Dealers will inspect the lower control arm rear attachment flanges and the rear body mount sections of the subframe on the right (passenger) and left (driver) sides of the vehicle.Owners of vehicles that pass the inspection will be notified when to return for installation of reinforcement brackets to extend the durability of the front subframe assembly in affected areas in the presence of corrosion.Owners of vehicles that do not pass inspection, but can be repaired, will be offered transportation until parts become available.Repurchase offers will be extended to owners of vehicles that cannot be repaired with the reinforcement brackets.This investigation is closed.

DP10005 · Rear Axle Fracture Recall Scope

Opened Dec 15, 2010 · Closed Dec 21, 2010

Status: closed (inferred from source dates) · SUSPENSION:REAR:AXLE:NON-POWERED Axle Assembly

On November 5, 2010, NHTSA received a Defect Petition from the owner of a MY 2003 Ford Windstar vehicle registered in the state of New York requesting that the scope of Recall 10V-385 be expanded to include additional MY 2003 vehicles experiencing the defect condition.The petitioner initially filed a complaint (VOQ 10345125) with ODI on July 25, 2010, two days after the axle failure.The complaint was subsequently amended and the petition filed after the consumer was denied compensation and repair under the recall.ODI has identified a total of five complaints from owners of MY 2003 Ford Windstar vehicles in Salt Belt states that were built after February 28, 2003, Ford's original cutoff date for 10V-385.On November 30, 2010, Ford submitted a letter supplementing recall 10V-385 (Ford 10S13) to add certain vehicles to the program.Ford's analysis of parts and information from the field showed: 1) that the revised heat treated axle introduced in production on February 28, 2003, may still have the potential for cracks due to corrosion related stress; and 2) that vehicles operated in Utah may be exposed to the same combination of environmental factors that can make them susceptible to cracks from stress related corrosion.Based on this analysis, Ford expanded the scope of 10V-385 to include MY 2003 vehicles built after February 28, 2003 and sold or currently registered in Salt Belt states and MY 1998 through 2003 vehicles sold or currently registered in Utah.Ford estimated that approximately 29,900 vehicles in the expanded scope may currently remain in service.Based on the above amended defect report submission, the petition has become moot and is therefore denied.

PE10026 · Front Subframe Corrosion Failures

Opened Jul 20, 2010 · Closed Dec 20, 2010

Status: closed (inferred from source dates) · Structure:frame And Members; Suspension

The Office of Defects Investigation (ODI) has identified 346 complaints to ODI and Ford alleging fracture, cracking and or excessive corrosion of the front subframes in model year (MY) 1999 through 2003 Ford Windstar vehicles.Approximately 97 percent of these complaints (334) involve vehicles that have been operated in Salt Belt states, which make up approximately 60 percent of the subject vehicle sales in the United States.The front subframe, sometimes referred to as the engine cradle, is a structural component of the Windstar vehicles that carries the engine, transaxle, steering rack and certain front suspension components (e.g., lower control arm).For complaints with sufficient information to identify the location of the failure, most describe problems with the rear mounting bracket for the front passenger-side lower control arm with some related to the rear body mount attachment located in the same general area of the subframe (right-rear section near the front passenger wheel).The remainder of the reports allege fracture of the front subframe at other or, most often, unspecified locations.Almost all of the complaints that specified the side of the vehicle indicated that the problem occurred on the right/passenger side (106), with only a few indicating the left/driver side (2) or both sides (3) were affected.Ford and several complainants attributed the right-side failures to the routing of the air-conditioning lines above the front subframe on that side of the vehicle, further noting that condensation has been observed dripping onto the front subframe in the area of the affected components (the A/C drain tube is also located on the right side, near the front subframe).ODI has identified 93 complaints related to lower control arm attachments, including 80 that appear to involve complete separations.All but one of these involved vehicles from Salt Belt states.All three crash incidents appear to be related to lower control arm separations, including one road departure into a road-side sign resulting in a totalled vehicle and a lane departure into another vehicle.Almost half of the ODI complaints related to control arm separation occurred at speeds greater than 20 mph and about a quarter occurred at highway speeds.Three-quarters of these complaints allege experiencing difficulty controlling the vehicle and about 40 percent appear to have resulted in departures from the intended lane of travel.Testing by both Ford and NHTSA have demonstrated that lower control arm separation from the rear attachment bracket results in significant toe out of the affected wheel, which affects the driver's ability to control vehicle direction.According to Ford, moderate braking improved vehicle controllability by reducing the amount of toe out, possibly explaining incidents that did not allege a loss of control.ODI's analysis of complaints related to the rear body mount identified 41 complaints (ODI only).These complaints generally report experiencing progressively worsening noise concerns when turning, accelerating or braking.Although, some of the complaints that appeared to involve a complete separation of the body mount alleged difficulty steering, the effects on vehicle control from this failure mode do not appear to be as great as those resulting from control arm separation.However, ODI is seeking more information regarding two complaints which alleged that body mount failure resulted in disconnection of the steering wheel from the steering rack (one occurred during vehicle service).This investigation has been upgraded to an Engineering Analysis (EA10-007) for subject vehicles sold or currently re

Additional source detail variants (2)

Structure:frame And Members

The Office of Defects Investigation (ODI) has identified 346 complaints to ODI and Ford alleging fracture, cracking and or excessive corrosion of the front subframes in model year (MY) 1999 through 2003 Ford Windstar vehicles.Approximately 97 percent of these complaints (334) involve vehicles that have been operated in Salt Belt states, which make up approximately 60 percent of the subject vehicle sales in the United States.The front subframe, sometimes referred to as the engine cradle, is a structural component of the Windstar vehicles that carries the engine, transaxle, steering rack and certain front suspension components (e.g., lower control arm).For complaints with sufficient information to identify the location of the failure, most describe problems with the rear mounting bracket for the front passenger-side lower control arm with some related to the rear body mount attachment located in the same general area of the subframe (right-rear section near the front passenger wheel).The remainder of the reports allege fracture of the front subframe at other or, most often, unspecified locations.Almost all of the complaints that specified the side of the vehicle indicated that the problem occurred on the right/passenger side (106), with only a few indicating the left/driver side (2) or both sides (3) were affected.Ford and several complainants attributed the right-side failures to the routing of the air-conditioning lines above the front subframe on that side of the vehicle, further noting that condensation has been observed dripping onto the front subframe in the area of the affected components (the A/C drain tube is also located on the right side, near the front subframe).ODI has identified 93 complaints related to lower control arm attachments, including 80 that appear to involve complete separations.All but one of these involved vehicles from Salt Belt states.All three crash incidents appear to be related to lower control arm separations, including one road departure into a road-side sign resulting in a totalled vehicle and a lane departure into another vehicle.Almost half of the ODI complaints related to control arm separation occurred at speeds greater than 20 mph and about a quarter occurred at highway speeds.Three-quarters of these complaints allege experiencing difficulty controlling the vehicle and about 40 percent appear to have resulted in departures from the intended lane of travel.Testing by both Ford and NHTSA have demonstrated that lower control arm separation from the rear attachment bracket results in significant toe out of the affected wheel, which affects the driver's ability to control vehicle direction.According to Ford, moderate braking improved vehicle controllability by reducing the amount of toe out, possibly explaining incidents that did not allege a loss of control.ODI's analysis of complaints related to the rear body mount identified 41 complaints (ODI only).These complaints generally report experiencing progressively worsening noise concerns when turning, accelerating or braking.Although, some of the complaints that appeared to involve a complete separation of the body mount alleged difficulty steering, the effects on vehicle control from this failure mode do not appear to be as great as those resulting from control arm separation.However, ODI is seeking more information regarding two complaints which alleged that body mount failure resulted in disconnection of the steering wheel from the steering rack (one occurred during vehicle service).This investigation has been upgraded to an Engineering Analysis (EA10-007) for subject vehicles sold or currently re

Suspension

The Office of Defects Investigation (ODI) has identified 346 complaints to ODI and Ford alleging fracture, cracking and or excessive corrosion of the front subframes in model year (MY) 1999 through 2003 Ford Windstar vehicles.Approximately 97 percent of these complaints (334) involve vehicles that have been operated in Salt Belt states, which make up approximately 60 percent of the subject vehicle sales in the United States.The front subframe, sometimes referred to as the engine cradle, is a structural component of the Windstar vehicles that carries the engine, transaxle, steering rack and certain front suspension components (e.g., lower control arm).For complaints with sufficient information to identify the location of the failure, most describe problems with the rear mounting bracket for the front passenger-side lower control arm with some related to the rear body mount attachment located in the same general area of the subframe (right-rear section near the front passenger wheel).The remainder of the reports allege fracture of the front subframe at other or, most often, unspecified locations.Almost all of the complaints that specified the side of the vehicle indicated that the problem occurred on the right/passenger side (106), with only a few indicating the left/driver side (2) or both sides (3) were affected.Ford and several complainants attributed the right-side failures to the routing of the air-conditioning lines above the front subframe on that side of the vehicle, further noting that condensation has been observed dripping onto the front subframe in the area of the affected components (the A/C drain tube is also located on the right side, near the front subframe).ODI has identified 93 complaints related to lower control arm attachments, including 80 that appear to involve complete separations.All but one of these involved vehicles from Salt Belt states.All three crash incidents appear to be related to lower control arm separations, including one road departure into a road-side sign resulting in a totalled vehicle and a lane departure into another vehicle.Almost half of the ODI complaints related to control arm separation occurred at speeds greater than 20 mph and about a quarter occurred at highway speeds.Three-quarters of these complaints allege experiencing difficulty controlling the vehicle and about 40 percent appear to have resulted in departures from the intended lane of travel.Testing by both Ford and NHTSA have demonstrated that lower control arm separation from the rear attachment bracket results in significant toe out of the affected wheel, which affects the driver's ability to control vehicle direction.According to Ford, moderate braking improved vehicle controllability by reducing the amount of toe out, possibly explaining incidents that did not allege a loss of control.ODI's analysis of complaints related to the rear body mount identified 41 complaints (ODI only).These complaints generally report experiencing progressively worsening noise concerns when turning, accelerating or braking.Although, some of the complaints that appeared to involve a complete separation of the body mount alleged difficulty steering, the effects on vehicle control from this failure mode do not appear to be as great as those resulting from control arm separation.However, ODI is seeking more information regarding two complaints which alleged that body mount failure resulted in disconnection of the steering wheel from the steering rack (one occurred during vehicle service).This investigation has been upgraded to an Engineering Analysis (EA10-007) for subject vehicles sold or currently re

PE10016 · Rear Axle Cracking

Opened May 13, 2010 · Closed Sep 22, 2010

Status: closed (inferred from source dates) · Suspension

In a letter dated August 26, 2010, Ford Motor Company (Ford) submitted a Defect Information Report notifying NHTSA that it will conduct a safety recall (NHTSA Recall No. 10V-385) to address a rear axle defect in model year (MY) 1998 through 2003 Ford Windstar vehicles built at the Oakville assembly plant from September 1, 1997 through February 28, 2003 and either sold or currently registered in high corrosion (Salt-Belt) states where the use of salt and other corrosive chemicals may be used to treat snow/ice covered roads.The following states are included in Ford's recall:Connecticut, Delaware, District of Columbia, Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Kentucky, Maine, Maryland, Massachusetts, Michigan, Minnesota, Missouri, New Hampshire, New Jersey, New York, Ohio, Pennsylvania, Rhode Island, Vermont, West Virginia and Wisconsin. The subject vehicles utilize a Stamped/Formed axle assembly manufactured by Benteler automotive Corporation of Galesburg, MI.According to Ford, after many years of vehicle service in the Salt-Belt states, corrosion can weaken the rear axle, making it susceptible to torsional stress.There is a risk that the combined effects of corrosion and stress can lead to cracks which, if undetected, can propagate and result in a complete fracture of the axle.A completely fractured axle can affect vehicle handling and increase the risk of a crash.To correct the safety defect, Ford will initially inspect all of the subject vehicles brought into Ford/Lincoln-Mercury dealerships for possible cracked axles.Owners of vehicles without cracked axles will be notified when to return for the installation of reinforcement brackets to extend the axle durability in the presence of corrosion.Owners who have vehicles with cracked axles will either be offered a repair or alternative transportation until parts become available. On May 13, 2010, the Office of Defects Investigation (ODI) opened PE10-016 to investigate complaints of rear axle cracking in MY 1999 through 2003 Ford Windstar minivans.Combining ODI and Ford complaint data, ODI is aware of a total 891 complaints alleging rear axle cracking in the subject vehicles.Over a third of the complaints (334) allege that the cracking progressed to a complete fracture of the rear axle, including 8 allegations of crashes resulting in 3 injuries. Approximately 57 percent of the subject vehicles (524,661) were sold in Salt-Belt states covered by Ford's recall and Ford estimates that approximately 463,000 of these remain in service.Ninety-six percent of the complaints (858) and all of the complaints alleging complete fracture were from the recall region.The action taken by Ford is sufficient to resolve the issues raised by this investigation.Accordingly, this investigation is closed.

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.