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 contact stated while driving through a foot of water, or in the rain, the steering locked up. The dealership was unable to determine the problem.
When my Windstar passes through a puddle of water, power steering is lost for 5 to 10 seconds. If the vehicle is negotiating a curve and enters water during the turn the vehicle would lose control which would prevent the driver from staying within his/her lane and causing a head on collision or exit the road surface.
While driving at 45 mph consumer noticed that the vehicle was running roughly. Several seconds later, engine check light came on. Vehicle was taken to the dealer, who informed consumer that the intake manifold gasket needed to be replaced. The intake manifold gasket was sucked into the engine, causing the engine to bind. Dealer also made repairs on front end, power steering, electrical system, and tie rod ends. A 4-wheel alignment was also performed by the dealer.
While driving, the vehicle lost power steering which made the vehicle difficult to control. The power steering pump was replaced, and also the wires were burnt.
1/.windshield wiper is not completely wiping off water on the windshield when it travels at 65 mph only 1/3 upper part of windshield is wiped of. It is very dangerous for driving on the freeway on rainy day. 2/ paint is bubbling and peeling of from the hood. 3/ the car is humbling and make noise when it is at stop and A/C on (may be the pressure from the power steering pulling).
Very loud grinding jet engine sound when turning and also when just idling. The power steering fluid was black with metal chips indicating there was a problem with the pump or rack and pinion. I took it to a dealership and they flushed the pump. The noise went away for one day and on my way out of town, it started again causing me to lose power steering. The noise was terrible and I couldn't turn the wheel. I was one hour away! I have checked and there are 32 reported cases of this same problem. It seems to me that there should definately be a recall on this particular problem! it seems to have been reported for at least a year and nothing seems to have been done about it! please contact me and let me know what I have to do to get a recall done on this! I am now looking at paying more than $800 to replace a part that is obviously defective! please help!
There are several problems with out now three year old Windstar that have either been corrected temporarily or not corrected at all. The most persistent issues are with the drivetrain in particular the transmission which shifts erratically when going around corner or climbing hills at low spead. The recall was performed at 25K but the transmission continues to operate poorly. Ford has offered no solution or warranty extension for these problems. The engine problems to date revolve around the innability to use regular or mid grade fuels as advertised on the vehicles sticker, we have been offered a valve cover replacement for $500 but in speaking with other Windstar owners this only fixes the problem temporarily. Also it seems to me this is a defect that Ford should fix not the owner. The other persistent problem is with the direver side power door, in hot temperatures the door does not close completely and pops open when driveing. The dealer has repaired this several times and while better that in was it continues to be an intermittent problem. We are frustrated with the probelms this vehicle has experienced including the replacement of the entire power steering system, rack, pump and hoses and more frustrating is Ford unwillingness to stand behind the vehicle and its fault. Our overwhelming concern is that the transmission and engine will both fail before we have received any usefull value for our money. Ford needs to be held accountable for the products they develop, I hope you will be able to enforce some type of coverage or warrantee protection for the consumer.
Experienced a sudden loss of steering while making a turn in a parking lot. I nearly struck another vehicle. This happened several times, all while making low speed sharp turns. My service representative told me the bearing in the power steering pumps fails contaminating the power steering fluid which then causes the failure of the rack and pinion steering gear. My own research shows this to be a common problem among all Ford vehicles using this type of pump. Loss of steering while attempting to make a sharp turn is a dangerous situation.
Power steering went out briefly in Dec. Of 2001. I thought it was due to moisture on the belts. Steering went out again, briefly on May 10, 2002. Again, I thought it was due to wet belts. Steering began to make a loud grinding, whining sound on May 12, 2002. We had our van towed to the dealership. We were told the entire power steering column would have to be replaced due to leaking seals under the van. Estimated cost; $700. I found a technical service bulletin on your website that fits the description of this problem. Do we have any recourse against Ford" our van is barely out of warranty. Can you help us" our family of six could have been killed. The mechanic at the dealership said that the steering could have gone out completely. Thank you for your consideration. Jean marie smith.
Power steering pump unit had to be replaced on four occasions by dealer, from 28,000 miles to present. Currently, problem was reoccurring. Dealer had been notified. The consumer stated that the power steering problem still exists right now and the unit would be replaced again.
While driving under wet conditions power assisted steering failed. Dealer has examined vehicle and determined that cover under the vehicle which protects the engine needed to be replaced. Please provide any additional information / attachments.
A D V E R T I S E M E N T S
- Miramar, FL, USA