NHTSA Defect Investigation #EA08021

ENGINE COMPARTMENT FIRES: Electrical System:Wiring**

OPEN

possible recall

** This defect investigation is filed under 4 related vehicle components.
2003 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 #PE08035

ENGINE COMPARTMENT FIRES: Electrical System:Wiring**

CLOSED

no recall issued

** This defect investigation is filed under 3 related vehicle components.
2003 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 »