This data is from the NHTSA — the US gov't agency tasked with vehicle safety. Complaints are spread across multiple & redundant categories, & are not organized by problem.
So how do you find out what problems are occurring? For this NHTSA complaint data, the only way is to read through the comments below. Any duplicates or errors? It's not us.
The ABS light has come on over 3 occasions. The first two times occurred within 2 years after the purchase of the van therefore the repair was under warranty. The most recent incident was 06/2000 due to a wire short and the repair costed $219. Also, we just noticed that a piece of bar was broken off near the front alignment. Took the van to the shop and found out the sway bar was broken off. The repair shop indicated that this part usually lasts the life of the van unless we hit something hard. This was not the case and the repair will cost $430.
When brakes are applied to stop the van, a grinding sound is heard, a vibration is felt in the brake pedal, and stopping distance is increased. ABS light comes on occasionally. Dealer on 9/30/00 said brake system is ok. Problem persists.
My Windstar has had several problems which cannot be found or corrected by the dealer until now, they can see that the slipping transmission needs to be replaced. I am afraid to spend $2,500 on a repair as the other "undetectable" problems are quite scary and have made me question the safety of this vehicle for a long time. The biggest problem is that the brakes will occasionaly "grab" hold of the front right tire for a split second while I am driving!! it happens and lets go so fast that it has never caused a problem but I am worried one day it won't let go! the car also has some electrical failings that just make me feel this car is not worth fixing, my speedometer bounces all over the place, the door ajar bell rings on and on sometimes, and the passanger window doesn't always go up and down. I really feel I need a new car, but am quite sad about having a $24,000 vehicle that is only 4 years old and is only worth $5,500 for a trade in. I have heard there were so many transmission & head gasket problems with the 95's that Ford gives a special rebate upon trade in for a new Ford, can you help me"?"
I applied my brakes at least 3 times and they did not grab or make any sound, no skid marks. I slid under the flat bed of a semi truck. My van was totaled. My daughter and I were injured. I called Ford Motor Co., and was told they would do whatever my insurance agent said. My case is now under review with the adjuster board through nationwide insurance in dayton, Ohio, where the accident occured. My adjuster said there is no way to check the anti lock system since there is a hole in the engine and the van can't be started. I would appreciate any help in this matter or suggestions.
I applied my brakes at least 3 times and they did not grab or make any sound, no skid marks. I slid under the flat bed of a semi truck. My van was totaled. My daughter and I were injured. I called Ford Motor Co., and was told they would do whatever my insurance agent said. My case is now under review with the adjuster board through nationwide insurance in dayton, Ohio, where the accident occured. My adjuster said there is no way to check the anti lock system since there is a hole in the engine and the van can't be started. I would appreciate any help in this matter or suggestions.
- Delta, OH, USA
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Speedometer fluctuated all over dial when car went over 30 mph; transmission just failed while car was being operated, it failed to shift and did not move while in traffic; brakes fade when coming to a stop all the time (I have requested repairs repeatedly, told no problem detected); car continues to roll 6-8 inches when parked on an incline; rear suspension creaks when getting in and out of car; several leaks in engine had to be repaired (gasket??).
While driving or when vehicle is in different gears, door ajar chime will sound when the doors are actually closed. Also, the ABS brake warning light illuminates, indicating a malfunction within the ABS system. Cause unknown.
This vehicle has a soft (spongy) brake pedal, which results in extended stopping distances during hard or panic stops. This was emphasized recently when we narrowly avoided an accident on the interstate. The lack of braking effectiveness is not so obvious during normal driving. We have requested the dealer to repair this, originally shortly after the purchase, and just a week ago when the front brake pads were replaced. Replacing the brake pads did not correct the problem. The dealer seems unable to understand or correct the problem. This problem relates to your ea 96026; and I have seen many other complaints in your file. This is a serious safety defect.
Braking has been fading for the past year resulting in excessive stopping distance. Dealer checked brakes, found: "brake are good". my wife had a front-end collision when the car in front of her hit a 3rd car cutting into their lane.
Brake pedal went to floor and no brakes in normal stop on dry pavement. Then brakes were fine. 2 wks later happened again so took to Ford. Ford replaced all brakes due to heat from slightly set emergency brake (warning light was burned out they said). Brakes to floor, but manuel brakes the next day. Ford drained brake lines. Happended again. Ford said you will have manuel brakes--it takes a while for new brakes to settle in. Kept happening-pedal to floor, manuel brakes, then normal braking. No improvement in 2 months so returned to Ford. Ford said no problem. On 12-22 rear ended a truck as brakes failed with no manuel brakes available. Ford says no problem. Ford engineer refuses to talk with me and sends the message that there is nothing that can cause that kind of problem. I don't know what to do.
When attempting to put vehicle into gear it doesn't shifting properly. Also, ABS light is on, and there are no ABS brakes. Vehicle has been into repair shop three times for repair service, and the dealer can't determie the cause.
When the brakes are applied the pedal becomes hard, resulting in extended stopping distance. Also, the ABS light stays illuminated while in motion. Dealer has inspected the vehicle.
A D V E R T I S E M E N T S
- S. Plainfield, NJ, USA