10.0

really awful
Crashes / Fires:
1 / 15
Injuries / Deaths:
1 / 0
Average Mileage:
110,852 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.

2002 Ford Windstar electrical problems

electrical problem

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2002 Ford Windstar Owner Comments (Page 7 of 12)

« Read the previous 20 complaints

problem #114

May 112010

Windstar 6-cyl

  • miles

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

ABS lights come on and off at different times. Brake fluid was checked, it is at the correct level. There was a recall for 2000 model Windstar with the same problem they received a brake repair.

- Dagsboro, DE, USA

problem #113

Oct 152007

Windstar

  • miles
The contact owns a 2002 Ford Windstar. While driving 40 mph the ABS brake light illuminated on the dashboard. The vehicle was taken to the dealer five to six times for the failure. The dealer replaced the brake pads and advised her that the problem was electrical. The electrical failure caused the radio and all of the interior lights to shut on and off intermittently. The vehicle also leaked oil and power steering fluid. She stated that per the dealer the vehicle needed an axle, rack and pinion which also affects the steering column. The vehicle was not repaired. The vehicle was purchased used in 2007 and the failure started as soon as she purchased it. The vehicle was not repaired. The failure mileage was unknown and the current mileage was 116,840.

- Milledgeville, GA, USA

problem #112

Oct 252010

Windstar 6-cyl

  • 80,000 miles
My ABS and brake lights continue to come on intermittently even after the recall was performed.

- Martinsville, IN, USA

problem #111

Nov 102009

Windstar 6-cyl

  • 90,000 miles

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

My ABS & brake light on dash board keeps coming on when driving. Dealer says there is no recall for this.

- Sterling Heights, MI, USA

problem #110

Jul 012010

Windstar

  • 145,000 miles
My ABS and brake light keeps coming on at random after a few minutes of driving. It started a couple months ago, then stopped. Over the last 2 days, it's started up again. It's always after a couple minutes of driving. Brakes have been inspected and are supposedly fine.

- Lake Forest, IL, USA

problem #109

Aug 232009

Windstar

  • miles
In September 2009 the mechanic at the dealer where I bought my Windstar told me the ABS module is bad and that I need a new one and have to go to the Ford dealer directly and pay around $800 and have it reset by their computer. This has cost me lots of money because I already spent $600 on rear brakes because of not knowing this is a common problem with Ford Windstar.also, immediately after purchasing this vehicle in 2007, the locks on the van don't work. Sometimes it locks by remote and sometimes the locks all work, but, the driver side. This is a pain. Now, I have a problem with the 'check engine' light coming on and I have had various mechanics try to reset the light and it will come back on again and again! I have spent hundreds on this van to have it in shape, but always something arises. Despite the cruise control recall, I have not had any problem with it and use it all the time, but will have to have it done. I wish Ford to fix all the problems this type of van has and so I won't have to spend hundreds, again, or I will have to get rid of it, which is a shame because I really love the tv, even though the screen give me problems and the vcr no longer works.

- Schenectady, NY, USA

problem #108

Sep 012009

Windstar

  • miles

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

My brakes are working fine. But my ABS light keeps coming on for the past year. Prior to this, I had my oxygen sensor replaced. There is no definite movement that proceeds the light coming on, it can happen when I hit a bump, or when I simply drive along. It is becoming more and more recurrent. I was told it would be over $1,000 to replace, although the brakes were recently replaced, this did not remedy the problem.

- Hicksville, NY, USA

problem #107

Aug 012010

Windstar

  • 85,000 miles
Sometimes the parking brake, ABS, and trac off lights will come on and stay on until the car is shut off. This will sometimes happen 2 or 3 times a day, and sometimes not happen for several days. Brake fluid levels are fine. Mechanic found codes C1185, C1194, C1198, C1210, C1214, C1242, C1246, C1250, C1254, C1404, U1260, and U1261. He cleared the codes for me and 2 days later the lights started coming on again. From info online, this could be related to the recall of the speed control system modification (I have not had that repair done yet).

- Reno, NV, USA

problem #106

Sep 012009

Windstar 6-cyl

  • 65,000 miles
The antilock brake light went on in my 2002 Ford Windstar. I took it to the Ford dealer, and they said it was the left front speed sensor. About 6 months later, the lights went on again - intermittently. They went on more and more as the weather got hotter, mostly when the engine is warm. I took it to a different repair shop to analyze the codes. It has too many error codes to list, which the mechanic says is an indication of an ECU failure. This shouldn't be happening! I am driving around with three kids in this vehicle, with no antilock brakes. It is going to be scary when winter comes and the snow and ice driving begins. I have to drive it like this though, because this is an expensive repair ( over $1,000)!!! the antilock brake lights have been on now for over 6 months straight.

- Boston, NY, USA

problem #105

Jan 152010

Windstar

  • 110,000 miles
ABS and brake lamp still on after recall for 2002 Ford Windstar.

- Mcmurray, PA, USA

problem #104

Jul 112010

Windstar

  • 84,000 miles

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

The morning of July 11, 2010, the ABS control module on our 2002 Windstar suffered an internal fire due to brake fluid leaked from the bad switch, resulting in a loss of proper brake function and no readings from the speedometer, tachometer, and odometer (as well as multiple warning lights). This occurred several weeks after having had the brake pressure deactivation switch recall performed (NHTSA campaign id 09V399000, action number EA08021). The local Ford dealership which had performed the initial recall work refused to repair or replace the module under the recall or as a warranty claim, stating that it was not part of the recall, nor was it apparently damaged at the time of the brake switch repair. I subsequently removed, opened and examined the control module (8/28/2010), and found blackened brake fluid present inside the module at the connector pins. I also found evidence of significant burning around the pins at the connections to the printed circuit board. This evidence included the blackened fluid, severe discoloration, and lifted traces, all of which are clearly apparent in photos of the module interior. Luckily, it appears that an internal trace burned through and interrupted the fault current prior to the failure becoming a runaway fire event. At this time the vehicle has not been repaired, and is sitting idle. I have kept the failed control module for examination as necessary.

- West Bend, WI, USA

problem #103

Nov 182009

Windstar

  • 60,000 miles
My ABS light keeps coming on and my emergency comes on at different times and when iy does my speedometer does not work at all. It is in a 2002 Ford Windstar. I had it back last winter for a recall repair and if anything the problem has gotten worse.

- Sidney Center, NY, USA

problem #102

May 012010

Windstar

  • 74,000 miles
The contact owns a 2002 Ford Windstar. The contact was driving 25 mph when the anti-lock braking system (ABS) warning light illuminated. The dealer was contacted and the contact was advised to check the brake fluid levels. The contact was able to restart the vehicle as it resumed normal operation. The failure persisted intermittently. The vehicle was taken to a local mechanic where the contact was advised that the computer could possibly the cause of the failure. The vehicle was not repaired. The approximate failure mileage was 74,000 and the current mileage was 76,807.

- Marysville, CA, USA

problem #101

Aug 192010

Windstar

  • 140,000 miles
2002 Ford Windstar. ABS/brakes fail. Loud whirling sound and then no brakes. The car seems to accelerate. No brakes. Ford said that my ABS computer went out. It has been in the Ford dealership 4 times and they can't fix it. Now my stepson has the vehicle and it happened to him yesterday and he almost ran into the garage. NHTSA has been notified by several Ford owners. Recall this vehicle before it is more than a fender bender.

- Lewisville, TX, USA

problem #100

Jul 202010

Windstar

  • 112,400 miles
Sudden increase in braking distance. This happens intermittently but always seems to happen when ABS, traction control, and brake light come on. Occasional slight smell of burning usually on hotter days. Longer braking distance has almost cause me to rear-end a car and/or stop for a pedestrian in a cross-walk. Only because I always leave plenty of distance away from cars in front of me and watch closely for pedestrians has an accident been avoided. I have not had the problem repaired because our Ford dealership told me it would cost $800 just for ABS electronic control unit and 8 hours(@$125/hr) to install the new unit. Also, I was told a new speed control unit would need to be replaced. I am simply not in a financial decision to get these items fix. I am concerned that these issues may result in an accident or a fire or both.

- Petaluma, CA, USA

problem #99

Jul 302010

Windstar

  • 90,000 miles
Braking distance suddenly increased.

- Bethesda, MD, USA

problem #98

Jul 312010

Windstar 6-cyl

  • 71,800 miles
On our 2002 Windstar van, every now and then it takes longer distance for brakes to work properly, especially if it is raining. Under the recall campaign, some time ago, wire harness/fuse link was replaced by a Ford dealer. We seems to have the same problem of ABS and brake lights come on and go intermittently. We had the brakes checked, and everything seems to be ok. Brakes taking longer distance to apply and it is very unpredictable, scary and to get used to it. I do not know what to do?

- Johnson City, TN, USA

problem #97

Jun 062010

Windstar

  • 115,000 miles
I have had a continual brake fluid leak on this vehicle. In addition, while driving the vehicle on 06/06/2010, the ABS light and brake light suddenly came on. In speaking with our Ford mechanic (Ford dealer), he referenced how this has been an issue on many Windstar. The ABS light and brake fluid leaks, according to him, has been a point of concern. Is anything being done about this?

- Rosemount, MN, USA

problem #96

Jul 132010

Windstar 6-cyl

  • 66,500 miles
On 12/09/09 I had the recall 09S09 speed control campaign recall performed at feduke Ford @ 2200 vestal parkway E. vestal, NY 13850 on my 2002 Ford Windstar. After the recall was performed I am experiencing very frequent ABS/brake light indicators on the dash warning light system. The van was taken back to feduke Ford for diagnosis on 07/15/10. The result of the diagnosis was a faulty ECU relay that is built into the electronic control unit. Said repair estimate was approximately $842. With the ABS /brake warning lights on I do not have ABS brakes. These lights are on frequently and this is my family vehicle. I have done online research and have discovered this is a very common problem with these vans. My wife and children use this van and I am very concerned that this issue is not being corrected by Ford since this is such a common problem/defect. During the week prior to 07-15-2010 I had to stop quickly for backed up traffic on sr 434 and since I had no ABS my braking distance was increased and the overall braking ability of the van was not what it would have been had the ABS system been functioning properly.

- Vestal, NY, USA

problem #95

Jul 132010

Windstar

  • 130,260 miles
2002 Ford Windstar LX, problems with dashboard include sudden appearance of ABS and brake light while driving. And then at times the speedometer, and other gauges on dash board stop working or turn rapidly from one end to other and get stuck at a wrong reading. For example I am driving at 35 miles per hour and my speedometer is stuck at 80.

- Fishers, IN, USA

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