10.0

really awful
Crashes / Fires:
0 / 0
Injuries / Deaths:
0 / 1
Average Mileage:
8,292 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 suspension problems

suspension problem

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1996 Ford Windstar Owner Comments (Page 1 of 3)

problem #60

Mar 262006

Windstar

  • 169,105 miles

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

The contact owns a 1996 Ford Windstar. While the contact was driving approximately 35 mph the driver side front coil spring broke causing the front end of the vehicle to collapse. The coil spring traveled through the sidewall of the front driver side tire. The vehicle was towed to the residence. The vehicle had not been repaired at the time of the complaint. The current and failure mileages were 169,105.

- Clarington, OH, USA

problem #59

Apr 152005

Windstar 6-cyl

  • Automatic transmission
  • miles
1996 Ford Windstar coil spring was found by non-Ford dealer mechanic to be broken in half and causing banging noise in front end. Ford dealer could not find problem, but both coil springs and struts were eventually replaced by non-Ford mechanic before I was notified about Ford's recall on the coil springs. Am I entitled for reimbursement by Ford for the cost of the repair bill?

- Wilbraham, MA, USA

problem #58

Jun 112005

Windstar 6-cyl

  • Automatic transmission
  • 81,000 miles
1996 Ford Windstar - front spring broke and punctured tire. Fortunately, I was just leaving my driveway. I dread to think what would have happened if I had been travelling at any speed. The spring punctured and went into my tire - I couldn't remove the tire. I contacted Ford customer service who referred me to a dealership. The car was towed and the springs were both replaced free of charge along with a new tire. However, this was a recall and I only knew about it from word of mouth. Ford should have notified me of the problem. This type of fault could cause serious injury and the public should be aware. The tow truck driver said he had seen this happen to a Ford Taurus as well.

- Prairie View, IL, USA

problem #57

Aug 252004

Windstar

  • Automatic transmission
  • 117,400 miles

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

Consumer received recall 01I007000 notice concerning front coil springs. Consumer went to the dealer when the recall was recognized. However, dealer told consumer that they will not replace the front coil springs until one was broken. The consumer stated that when the spring broke it punctured the front drivers side tire while the vehicle was at a stand still.

- Gansevoort, NY, USA

problem #56

Jul 202004

Windstar 6-cyl

  • Automatic transmission
  • miles
While the vehicle was parked, the driver and passenger side coil springs sheared off without warning. The vehicle shifted to the right then fell to ground. The consumer had the vehicle towed to the dealer. The mechanic informed the driver that the front driver and passenger side coil springs needed replacement. Please fill in additional information.

- Cleveland, OH, USA

problem #55

Jan 102003

Windstar 6-cyl

  • Automatic transmission
  • 100,000 miles
My wife and I own a 1996 Windstar. Great vehicle, we now have 140000 miles. Complaint: Ford campaign #01I007000 (front coil springs) my request for reimbursement was denied via lloyd-manwell Ford dealership. The spring broke on the highway, lucky I (or family) not injured. Took vehicle for repair to 3rd party. Ford has the file details. Incredible that Ford would deny a $200 claim on a technicality and thus risk a lifetime customer. I will appeal all the way to bill Ford if necessary.

- Avon Lake, OH, USA

problem #54

Jun 102003

Windstar

  • miles

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

Consumer states that front coil spring broke. Dealer notified.

- Hudson, OH, USA

problem #53

Apr 012003

(reported on)

Windstar

  • 30,000 miles
The consumer requested an investigation of Ford Motor Company and their lack of recalls on some serious defects.. the vehicle experienced a clunking sound, however the dealer stated the clunking sound was normal and then the transmission failed, the transmission was replaced with another Ford transmission, which failed on a test drive and one other occasion. Coolant leaked into the engine through the intake gasket, which was recalled for the 95 models. The timing chain leaked. There was a recall on the coils in the suspension, which Ford would only replace when they failed. The brake rotors failed at 30000 miles. Scc

- Kent, WA, USA

problem #52

Jan 082003

Windstar

  • miles
Consumer stated that while driving the front coil springs punctured the driver's front tire almost resulting in vehicle crashing.

- New Ipswich, NH, USA

problem #51

May 172000

Windstar

  • miles
The front coil spring of the vehicle broke tearing the brake line and ripping out driver side tire and the front end while the consumer was traveling.

- Cuyahoga Falls, OH, USA

problem #50

Nov 012001

Windstar

  • miles

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

Consumer was calling dealer in regard to recall #01I007000 for front coil springs on previous model year vehicle. Consumer was experiencing the same problem. Dealer has been contacted for repairs, but refused to repair vehicle free of charge.

- Glenarden, PA, USA

problem #49

May 172000

Windstar

  • miles
The front coil spring of the vehicle broke tearing the brake line and ripping out driver side tire and the front end while the consumer was traveling.

- Cuyahoga Falls, OH, USA

problem #48

May 292001

Windstar

  • Automatic transmission
  • miles
The front suspension spring on driver side snapped and went into tire, however the tire was not damaged.

- Brampton,Ont, CD, USA

problem #47

Jun 302001

Windstar

  • miles
Consumer was traveling on the highway and passenger's door came open without touching electrical windows. Dealership was aware of problem. Also, coil spring failed during installation. Vehicle had six inch suspension. Dealership was aware of problems.

- Arcola, IL, USA

problem #46

Aug 142001

(reported on)

Windstar

  • miles
Front spring fractured for no reason other than it was a manufacturer's defect.fortunate for us the van was parked when the spring broke.had we been driving when the spring broke, it would have puctured the front tire and possibly cause me to loose controll of the van.I purchased a new spring from a Ford dealer and replaced the fractured spring.my concern is I have learned this is a common occurrence with the front springs and that nothing is being done to hold Ford accountable to replace the defective springs.this seems to be a major problem. Thank you. I look forward to hear from you in regards to this problem.

- Adams, MA, USA

problem #45

Jun 062001

Windstar

  • miles
On June 6th as I was leaving my driveway to go to work the front drivers side spring broke off causing the left front to drop down on the tire. After calling the dealership (artino Ford in huron, Ohio) I found out this was not covered under warranty. I asked them if they have had this problem with other Windstar and they said "a few". I called our local garage to see if they could get my van in to repair it and they said yes but don't drive it because they had another one there just like it and they drove it in and tore the brake line off. I called Ford motor customer service and was told they were not doing any warranty on this problem "at this time"., she also said that they are having a problem with the front springs. Also, I had to replace both front springs because after 5 years and 55,000 miles, the right side sat lower than the left side after replacement, creating another safety problem. Besides, who knows how long before the other spring fails. The tow truck driver informed me that this was the 3rd Windstar witrh the same problem he has had to pick up just in our area. I think this is a satety problem that Ford should address right away. We already have 5 in our area alone. I wonder how many more have the same problem across the U.S. please keep me informed.

- Castalia, OH, USA

problem #44

May 012001

Windstar

  • miles
Problem 1- engine blew a head gasket as backing out of our driveway, we have only 72000 miles on it and were told that there is a recall on the 1995 Ford engine for the same problem. This repair is going to cost $1,000. Ford has given us no options. 2nd-problem- on the same vehicle a month before, again as I was backing out of my drive the front spring broke, punctured my tire and collapsed the shocks, that cost $600. Again, when we called Ford we were told that there had been a recall on the Taurus for the same problem but it wasn't for the Windstar. Now II have a problem believing that thay can recall one product without covering the other when the same exact problem occured with my vehicle. Please advise what further action I can take. Thanks.

- Cleveland, OH, USA

problem #43

Apr 212001

Windstar

  • miles
Consumer stated that Ford will not reinburse for passenger's and driver's coil springs repairs that were needed. Please provide furthur details.

- Crown City, OH, USA

problem #42

Jun 232001

Windstar

  • Automatic transmission
  • miles
Vehicle was parked when consumer noticed that front left was lower than right. Dealer informed consumer left front coil spring needed to be replaced.

- Hudson, OH, USA

problem #41

Jun 222001

Windstar

  • miles
Ea 00 027/ suspension coil spring breakage: While backing out of the driveway right side coil spring broke. Vehicle towed to a independent repair shop for repairs. Dealer / manufacturer werenot notified at this time.. front coil spring broken twice while driving.

- Huron, OH, USA

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