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.
1999 Ford Windstar van:: cruise control stopped working. I remembered seeing a special on cnn-tv recently about Ford F150 and Explorer vehicles catching on fire. Suspected cause was the cruise control cut-out switch located on the brake master cylinder. So I decided to see if there was anything I could see related to my problem. I found the cruise control switch that's mounted on the bottom front of the brake master cylinder soaked with brake fluid. Apparently the switch's seal failed causing brake fluid to leak thru the switch into the power connector and run down the wiring. This failure could have caught my vehicle on fire because a liquid across a 12 volt power connector to ground is a high resistance short translating into heat = fire. I took some pictures with a digital camera and can E-mail them if you're interested. In the mean time I disconnected the power connector at the cruise control cut-out switch for safety. I can't find any recall for this problem on a 1999 Ford winstar " I have a 1999 Ford F150 truck also and it has the cruise control cut-out switch mounted on the end of the brake master cylinder except it's on the top. I also disconnected it to be safe. I called Ford and a new switch costs about $15 but none are available. Someone needs to kick the rock off Ford being in total denial of the problem. It's quite easy to see what the problem is and they keep saying they don't know what's causing it ??" if I can get a new switch I can also send the defective one to someone to evaluate. This is basic electronics and not a mystery. Thanks,
1999 Ford experiencing problems with rack and pinion system, and left lower control arm. All of the hold down buttons were stripped out and stripped in the gear housing causing gear failure.
* vehicle leans since purchased Sept 13, 2003. * allignment problems. * transmission does not properly change gears. * low treads on tires. * a frame problems. * suspension steering makes a clunking noise. * brakes must be pumped to stop, and make a ticking noise when applied. * vehicle has overheated. * power steering fluid leaked. * gears do not shift properly. * primer scotch guard on seats wearing after coat applied.
The rear ac unit went out around 75K never got it fixed but when we had the car serviced the computer panel was reset and it worked again at 96K. The engine light came on and stayed and we never got it fixed. The gas gauge light came on and we had it fixed at 98K and I don't know the cost. The van was recalled because of the windshield wipers and the rear ac unit. There wasn't no cost.the details of the fire. My wife got out her car for work and about 20 minutes later the fire trucks were there. Our adjuster said the fire initiated behind the passenger seat in the ac and heating control panel. The vehicle was totaled on 12 Sept. The vehicle had 119K on it now. If there is anything else you like to ask me feel free to. I am really upset with Ford on the way they handled this entire situation especially when they know there have been reported fires from recalls located on the web sites. I
We first had to replace the transmission at 49000 miles for $2000. Just a few months later the engine failed at 53000 miles. To save money, we purchased a used engine from a wrecked Windstar van for $900. My husband and father did the labor themselves. Then in July 2003 we had to replace the shift solenoids which cost $500 for parts and labor. Now, just a little over a year from replacing the first transmission, the van is in the shop again with transmission problems. Any advice you can offer would be greatly appreciate. Thanks for your time.
- Elkins, WV, USA
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I am having lots of troubles with 1999 Ford Windstar since the day I bought from dealer (lew webb Ford, garden grove). 1. currently my van has manifold leakage. This has occurred immediately after the Ford dealer fixed my transmission leakage. The price quoted is $1200 out of which I have to pay $540. I have already spent lots of money in maint & repairs. Before this I had to take my van to dealer for following problems: Transmission leakage at 37000 miles. Front & back brakes at 37000 miles. Electrical system failure. Couple of recalls. Currently it has approximately 50600 miles on odometer and I have been communicating to & fro with dealer. For the current problem dealer has offered me 55% in assistance. But my problem is I am wasting lots of time, money & energy to have all this problems fixed. I would prefer to hand this van back to dealer or atleast get more assistance from dealer or Ford company. Please advise me of any further action I should take. My phone number is[xxx]. thanks in advance for looking into this matter. Information redacted pursuant to the Freedom Of Information Act (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6).
Transmission is primary issue has shifting problem at low speed, has over 8 tsb on the issue and has new transmission installed but still have problem the other issues are clearly common for this model as well, but this transmissionand Ford lack of support from their service and dealers is unacceptable.
Tensioner assembly and idle pulley defective. If inspecting engine, while van is running and hood up main belt might break and possibly causing injury to inspector.
Intermittently the turn signals (left and right) fail to indicate the direction the vehicle will be turning. The dealer was contacted and replaced the dashboard cover which did not correct the problem. The odometer also sticks and once this happens all the other gauges stick as well. There are no a recalls for this vehicles VIN number.
Bad irmc, I was responsible for a $200 deductible, then van had to go back to shop (engine light still on) now output speed sensor shaft is bad, that will be another $200 deductible/unable to afford a renatl car due to repairs...
I took my van to the dealer and the dealer told me the reason why my check engine light is on because a gasket is clogged and it needs to be unclogged. They wanted to charge me $625 but I complained. I feel that I should not be have any kind car problem because I only had the vehicle for 8 months. I gave them a trade in a 1995 Buick skylark with 80000 miles that vehicle never gave me any trouble and I had that car for 18 months. I feel ripped off. I gave good brothers Ford $500 dollars down and a good trade in vehicle that I didnt get the estimated blue book cost and a check for $15,000 which every totaled $16966.now eight months later I have to put more money into this vehicle. I am very unhappy with this situation
During routine service mechanic noticed headgasket had blown out. Part was replaced. On 10 August 2002, engine check light came on. Vehicle at dealership at this time.
Consumer noticed condensation in headlights. Dealer has been contacted. Technician stated that the headlights needed to be replaced. The consumer stated that the entire headlight unit had to be replaced. After the three year warranty expired, the transmisson had to be replaced. The engine light had come on, and was told that it was the sensor.
Check engine light has come on twice - can't identify problem, possible intake leak - will have to remove intake covers to check at my expense with no guarantee this is the problem. Does Ford have any solutions that their dealers don't know about?
While driving at a speed of 40mph. The Windstar began to unexpectedly shudder and make a loud rattling noise. Engine check light flashed and the van violently bucked. We managed to get to our house. Van would not start after turning off. Dealer called and van towed.dealer checked problem and found the #5 piston had failed and had caused major engine damage and failure. Est. Replacement cost $4,000. Dealer was not sure if this was related to the earlier model Windstar 3.8L V-6 problems causing failure. I am the second owner and warranty is expired. We are waiting to hear from Ford but the dealer said they may decline to assist in replacement cost. I now have a $16,000 blue paperweight. The sudden jerkiness of the engine failure almost caused my wife and two kids to run off the road. The piston in the motor dropped down into the oilpan area. Engine now has to be replaced at 48,692.miles. Doing research into your database, from owners of 1995 Windstar and a few 1999 models, I noticed a similarity in detail descriptions of the head gasket failure and resulting engine failure. This vehicle was very well maintained, I am the second owner. It was purchased new as a leased vehicle. I bought it after the lease was over. I hope you can investigate this engine flaw/defect with Ford and I can get satisfaction
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- Trafford, PA, USA