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.
My 2001 Ford Windstar ABS and brake warning lights have come intermittent on and my cruise control is intermittent. Searching the internet revealed that there is a problem with the "speed control deactivation switch" that is mounted on the front of the master cylinder. I have inspected my switch and it does have a fluid leak that is running down the wires. This has not caused any other problems yet.
The contact owns a 2001 Ford Windstar. The contact stated that the vehicle began to smoke under the dashboard. The vehicle was driven to a dealer and they disconnected the vehicle speed control. The cruise control relay switch was replaced in 2002. The current and failure mileages were 96,000. Updated 11-19-08 updated 11/20/08.
The contact owns a 2001 Ford Windstar. While driving at various speeds, the vehicle sporadically loss excessive brake fluid. The dealer stated that the wiring harness that was connected to the vehicle speed cruise control failed and needed to be replaced. The vehicle was repaired at the cost of $86.67. Secondly, the technician stated that there was a recall and her VIN was excluded from the VIN range. The contact was in the process of notifying the manufacturer. The failure mileage was 101,000 and current mileage was 103,032. Updated 09/16/08 the was a leak in the brake master cylinder. Updated 09/22/08.
The contact owns a 2001 Ford Windstar. When the contact depressed the brake pedal with the cruise control engaged, the cruise control would not activate again. The vehcile was driving 65 mph at the time. When she used the controls on steering wheel, she would be able to use the cruise control again. Otherwise, until the vehicle came to a complete stop, the cruise control would not power up again. A mechanic nformed her that there was a recall for the issue; however, the dealer stated that one did not exist. The contact was also informed that there was some sort of switch on the master cylinder that could catch fire. The current mileage was 94,636 and failure mileage was approximately 90,000.
2001 Ford Windstar brake failure. Consumer states that the brakes gave way while she was stopped. She states that the dealer would not remedy the problem. She said this past time she went over a cement strip and hit a ground fixture. The panel on the vehicle was damaged.
- Cincinnati, OH, USA
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Brake light on when it should not be. The dealer wanted to replace the ABS control unit at considerable cost. I am concerned that the ABS unit and speed control deactivation switch are defective, which could lead to fire as referenced by the attached web site www.2carpros.com/forum/previous-VT49767.html?postdays=0&postorder=asc&start=
Failure of cruise control brake switch which caused fire car was "power braking", causing overheat of rotors, brakes, torque converter and transmission.
: the contact stated while the vehicle was parked in an idle position, smoke began coming out from under the hood. There were no warning signals prior to the incident. Upon inspection, the cruise control deactivation switch and the brake master cylinder were observed to be completely burnt. The service dealer was contacted, and determined that the fire began in the deactivation switch. The dealer refused to offer a new cruise control deactivation switch and wiring for the electrical system. The manufacturer alerted the contact that replacement parts that were available were defective.
: the contact stated while driving there was a burning smell coming from the vehicle. It was parked and when the hood was open, flames erupted from the engine compartment. The fire was extinguished and the vehicle was driven to a dealer. Upon inspection, the fire started from the cruise control deactivation switch. There is a NHTSA recall, # 05V388000, regarding the vehicle speed control. The vehicle has the same problems as indicated in the recall; however it is not included in the recall due to the model and VIN.
While driving dashboard lights illuminated intermittently. The odometer went out. Consumer stopped the vehicle to look under the hood. There were little sparks of fire under the hood. The wiring that were connected to the master cylinder melted. There was brake fluid leaking down on the wiring.
An electrical connector seal had to be installed, the seat buckles and rear wiper motor cover were replaced, the ABS failed, and right before the engine shut down all the lights on the dash board illuminated, after the vehicle was repaired the intake manifold, speed sensor and brake sensor failed. RQ04011.
While pulling into a parking space, after removing foot from accelerator, the vehicle surged forward and could not be stopped with normal braking. The vehicle struck the side of another car before standing on the brakes finally resulted in stopping the vehicle.
Consumer states cruise control comes on and goes at certain speeds and will not set accurately. Dealer checked speed control, but could not duplicate problem. Consumer states safety recall 02S33 relating to the trailer tow connector / sealer cannot be performed due to lack of parts at dealership.
Intermittently vehicle has a 6-7 second delay response to acceleration. When throttle is applied engine revs up, and jerks before accelerating. Problem is more likely to happen in the morning. Dealer was notified.
While sitting at a stop with foot applied to the brake pedal and brake pedal failed and went straight to the floor. Vehicle lurched forward with force and entered first lane of traffic on highway. ABS light illuminated on the dashboard, and the warning chime went off. Several times vehicle has been at dealer to determine problem, but nothing has been found. Dealer was notified.
After coming to a stop brakes were applied but engine still raced. This happened a second time on June 18, 2002. The vehicle lurched foward as consumer was attempting to place vehicle in park.
While at a complete stop vehicle started to accelerate and tried to go forward, but consumer was stepping on brake pedal. Contacted dealer, and dealer was not willing to do anything.
While traveling on the highway, the door will unexpectedly open without prior warning, dealership is aware of problem... also the driver seat will not move, dealer replaced the fuse, the cruise control was inoperative. And the door ajar light was on.
A D V E R T I S E M E N T S
- Florence, KY, USA