NHTSA Defect Investigation #PE08035

ENGINE COMPARTMENT FIRES: Electrical System:Wiring**

CLOSED

no recall issued

** This defect investigation is filed under 3 related vehicle components.
1997 FORD WINDSTAR -- 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. Investigation was initiated on May 13 2008. Closed on September 17 2008. For detailed information & supporting documents, see the official NHTSA page concerning investigation #PE08035 »

NHTSA Defect Investigation #EA99020

FUEL TANK CRACKS: Fuel System, Gasoline

RECALL »

Recall #99V309000

1997 FORD WINDSTAR -- There is no summary currently available Investigation was initiated on July 26 1999. Closed on December 16 1999. For detailed information & supporting documents, see the official NHTSA page concerning investigation #EA99020 »

NHTSA Defect Investigation #EA00027

SUSPENSION COIL SPRING BREAKAGE: Suspension**

RECALL »

Recall #01I007000

** This defect investigation is filed under 2 related vehicle components.
1997 FORD WINDSTAR -- Alleged that a front suspension coil spring breaks, resulting in a collapsed suspension. Investigation was initiated on December 08 2000. Closed on July 31 2001. For detailed information & supporting documents, see the official NHTSA page concerning investigation #EA00027 »

NHTSA Defect Investigation #PE00024

SUSPENSION COIL SPRING BREAKAGE: Suspension

CLOSED

no recall issued

1997 FORD WINDSTAR -- Alleged that while driving or stationary, a front suspension coil spring breaks, resulting in a collapsed suspension. Investigation was initiated on June 23 2000. Closed on December 08 2000. For detailed information & supporting documents, see the official NHTSA page concerning investigation #PE00024 »

NHTSA Defect Investigation #EA08021

ENGINE COMPARTMENT FIRES: Vehicle Speed Control:Cruise Control**

OPEN

possible recall

** This defect investigation is filed under 4 related vehicle components.
1997 FORD WINDSTAR -- 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 complainants' homes. 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 brake fluid reaching the ABS module. An engineering analysis (ea) is warranted to further evaluate the cause of the fires and assess the scope, frequency, and safety consequences of the alleged defect. Investigation was initiated on September 17 2008. For detailed information & supporting documents, see the official NHTSA page concerning investigation #EA08021 »

NHTSA Defect Investigation #EA03004

WHEEL STUD FRACTURE: Wheels**

CLOSED

no recall issued

** This defect investigation is filed under 2 related vehicle components.
1997 FORD WINDSTAR -- 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. Investigation was initiated on April 10 2003. Closed on August 30 2004. For detailed information & supporting documents, see the official NHTSA page concerning investigation #EA03004 »