10.0

really awful
Crashes / Fires:
1 / 0
Injuries / Deaths:
1 / 0
Average Mileage:
66,800 miles

About These NHTSA Complaints:

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.

1996 Ford Windstar brakes problems

brakes problem

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1996 Ford Windstar Owner Comments

problem #5

Feb 132008

Windstar 6-cyl

  • Automatic transmission
  • 132,000 miles

A D V E R T I S E M E N T S

Complete brake loss when the brake was applied. The brake pedal went all the way to the floor without warning. Luck had it we were pulling into a parking spot with a concrete stop. The metal brake line located above the gas tank rusted completely. While the rest of the brake lines look fine, it's the area of the brake line that passes over the gas tank that is rusted. Because of the location of the gas tank, the line are hidden from normal view of an inspection unless the gas tank is lowered. Had this occurred at a busy intersection or highway at high speeds this could have been catastrophic. The brake lines were replaced. The old part is available. I am keeping this as a reminder how close my family came to death.

- Virginia Beach, VA, USA

problem #4

May 122006

Windstar 6-cyl

  • Automatic transmission
  • 78,000 miles
I have a 1996 Ford Windstar that has developed a leak in its brake line. I went on the internet to find a brake line for the car and I found out that this is a chronic problem with this vehicle. There was a recall for this exact problem from Ford. I contacted Ford and told them of the problem and they stated to me that my vehicle was seen by a Ford dealer for the recall in 2002. They then told me to contact my local dealer and find out if this would be covered by Ford. I contacted my local dealer and they told me that if the car was already recalled for this problem that it would have to be paid for by me. I looked at the brake line and it does not look like it was ever replaced. The recall # is 02V101000.

- Phila, PA, USA

problem #3

Nov 212004

Windstar 6-cyl

  • Automatic transmission
  • 124,000 miles
This morning, I was preparing to back out of my driveway when, all of a sudden, the brake pedal went to the floor. I had completely lost my brakes and brake fluid was spilling onto the driveway. Upon investigating the leak, my neighbor and I were able to locate a crack in the right front hard line. There was obvious signs of corrosion on all of the hard brake lines. I have not received any notification of defective brake lines and was unaware of any problems until I reviewed the information on this site. I am not sure whether to contact Ford directly or speak with an attorney first. I shudder to think of what may have been the result if this had occurred on the interstate while on a family trip rather than in my driveway.

- Indianapolis, IN, USA

problem #2

Sep 222003

Windstar 6-cyl

  • Automatic transmission
  • miles
Tried to stop vehicle as we entered intersection, however brakes failed due to corroded brake line. Three cars in accident.

- Coral Springs, FL, USA

problem #1

Jul 062003

Windstar 6-cyl

  • Automatic transmission
  • miles
1996 Ford Windstar van has rear brake line immediately above the catalytic converter causing brakeline failure. Brakeline gets very hot and causes it to rus, T deteriorate and leak on catalytic converter. Fortunately this failure did not result in a accident.the car is presently being repaired at a Goodyear repair center. No recall notice or other warning has ever been received from Ford regarding this obvious defect. I have the brakeline and it clearly shows the effect of the excessive heat from the converter.

- Belleair, FL, USA

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