2001 Ford Windstar Problems
Owner-reported complaints filed with NHTSA, grouped by component
Data refreshed
What this page shows
Everything below is an owner-reported complaint submitted to NHTSA about the 2001 Ford Windstar, grouped by the component NHTSA recorded on the report. These are not confirmed defects, and they are not recalls. NHTSA does not verify most reports before publishing them, and a category with more reports in it is not evidence that a part is defective.
Complaints are reports submitted by owners and drivers to NHTSA. They are not verified and do not establish that a defect exists.
Reports by component
Ranked by how many owner reports name each component category
- Brakes55825.3%
- Suspension41618.9%
- Body & structure29313.3%
- Electrical22210.1%
- Driver assistance1406.3%
- Powertrain (other)964.4%
- Engine773.5%
- Steering703.2%
- Other / unspecified562.5%
- Transmission522.4%
- Airbags512.3%
- Interior & seats421.9%
- Visibility411.9%
- Fuel system231.0%
- Seat belts221.0%
- Tires & wheels190.9%
- Exterior lighting160.7%
Percentages are of component mentions. A single complaint can name more than one component, so these do not sum to the total complaint count.
Each component in detail
What the reports in each category say, in the owners' own words
Brakes
Reports naming service brakes, the antilock braking system, brake hoses, master cylinders or the parking brake.
From owner reports, verbatim
MOST IMPORTANT IS THE BRAKES HAVE BEEN CHANGED AND CHECKED. ON SEVERAL OCCASIONS THE BRAKES HAVE JUST FAILED AND I WOULD PUMP THEM ENOUGH JUST TO GET IN A SAFE LOCATION. AAA HAS HAD TO PICK ME UP AND WHEN THE BRAKES WHERE CHECKED THEY WERE FIND AND THE FLUID FULL. ALSO THE REAR JUST FELL BUT I HAD THAT REPAIRED BY A LOCAL REPUTABLE SHOP ON CANDLER RD, DECATUR/ THERE IS A RESIDUE ALL AROUND WHERE I PUT THE GAS IN. I'VE HAD THE SAME MECHANIC FOR ALMOST 30 YEARS AND HE SAYS THE ANTI-LOCK BRAKES MAY BE FAULTY. THE BRAKE AND ENGINE LIGHT WILL NOT GO OUT EVEN WHEN REPAIRS ARE MADE ACCORDING TO THE CODES THAT COME UP. THE SCARIEST TIME WAS WHEN I WAS DRIVING ON UNIVERSITY AVE IN ATLANTA AND THE CAR WOULD NOT STOP AT THE LIGHT AT A NORMALLY BUSY INTERSECTION. I BEGAN BLOWING THE HORN AND THANK GOODNESS NO ONE WAS AHEAD OF ME. AAA TOOK THEIR SWEET TIME COMING AND BY THE TIME THEY GOT THERE THE PEDAL WAS BACK UP BUT I HAD THEM TO TOW ME HOME ANYWAYS. MY MECHANIC CHECKED IT AND ALL WAS FIND BUT HE WAS CONCERNED AND SO WAS I. I DID NOT CONTACT FORD BUT IT HAS HAPPENED AGAIN AS I STARTED IT YESTERDAY MORNING AND THE BRAKES WERE ON THE FLOOR. THIS IS JUST TOO DANGEROUS. I TOLD MY MECHANIC NOT TO COME CHECK IT BEFORE CONTACTING FORD.
BRAKES CONTINUALLY HAVE FAILED CAUSING ACCIDENTS. PEDAL GOES ALL THE WAY TO THE FLOOR BEFORE AND AFTER NEW BRAKE PADS AND BRING BLED.THROTTLE IDLE SENSOR CAUSES VEHICLE TO STALL WHILE DRIVING. ABS LIGHT AND BRAKE LIGHT AND CHECK ENGINE LIGHT KEEPS COMING ON. NOW THEY JUST STAY ON. I NEED TO KNOW WHAT,IF ANY RECALLS HAVE BEEN REPAIRED OR ANY OPTIONS THAT MAY BE AVAILABLE.
Suspension
Reports naming suspension components — springs, struts, shocks, control arms and related hardware.
From owner reports, verbatim
The contact owns a 2001 Ford Windstar. The contact stated while driving 15 MPH, the rear axle fractured. There was no warning light was illuminated. The vehicle was towed back to the residence. The vehicle had been diagnosed by an independent mechanic. The contact was informed that the failure was due to a stress crack caused by excessive corrosion. The vehicle had not been repaired by an independent mechanic or dealer. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure and determined that the VIN was not included in a recall. The failure mileage was approximately 105,000.
Rear axle cracked where bracket that was installed during previous recall. Van is not drivable and could have been a bad accident.
Body & structure
Reports naming the vehicle structure, frame, body panels, doors, hood and trim.
From owner reports, verbatim
The contact owns a 2001 Ford Windstar. The contact stated while driving at various speeds and depressing the brake pedal, the front end of the vehicle made abnormal sounds. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic, where it was diagnosed that there was a fracture due to corrosion on the front sub frame. The mechanic related the failure to NHTSA Campaign Number: 11V030000 (Structure). The vehicle was not repaired. The dealer was notified of the failure and informed the contact that the VIN was not included in the recall. The manufacturer was notified of the failure and referred the contact to the NHTSA Hotline for assistance. The failure mileage was approximately 55,000.
Rear axle cracked in multiple locations causes car to sway and tires to turn inward and bald
Electrical
Reports naming the electrical system — wiring, battery, charging, control modules, infotainment and electrical accessories.
From owner reports, verbatim
REAR AXLE SNAPPED IN HALF WITH NO WARNING AS I WAS DRIVING ABOUT 40 MPH ON A BUSY ROAD. VERY DANGEROUS.
MOST IMPORTANT IS THE BRAKES HAVE BEEN CHANGED AND CHECKED. ON SEVERAL OCCASIONS THE BRAKES HAVE JUST FAILED AND I WOULD PUMP THEM ENOUGH JUST TO GET IN A SAFE LOCATION. AAA HAS HAD TO PICK ME UP AND WHEN THE BRAKES WHERE CHECKED THEY WERE FIND AND THE FLUID FULL. ALSO THE REAR JUST FELL BUT I HAD THAT REPAIRED BY A LOCAL REPUTABLE SHOP ON CANDLER RD, DECATUR/ THERE IS A RESIDUE ALL AROUND WHERE I PUT THE GAS IN. I'VE HAD THE SAME MECHANIC FOR ALMOST 30 YEARS AND HE SAYS THE ANTI-LOCK BRAKES MAY BE FAULTY. THE BRAKE AND ENGINE LIGHT WILL NOT GO OUT EVEN WHEN REPAIRS ARE MADE ACCORDING TO THE CODES THAT COME UP. THE SCARIEST TIME WAS WHEN I WAS DRIVING ON UNIVERSITY AVE IN ATLANTA AND THE CAR WOULD NOT STOP AT THE LIGHT AT A NORMALLY BUSY INTERSECTION. I BEGAN BLOWING THE HORN AND THANK GOODNESS NO ONE WAS AHEAD OF ME. AAA TOOK THEIR SWEET TIME COMING AND BY THE TIME THEY GOT THERE THE PEDAL WAS BACK UP BUT I HAD THEM TO TOW ME HOME ANYWAYS. MY MECHANIC CHECKED IT AND ALL WAS FIND BUT HE WAS CONCERNED AND SO WAS I. I DID NOT CONTACT FORD BUT IT HAS HAPPENED AGAIN AS I STARTED IT YESTERDAY MORNING AND THE BRAKES WERE ON THE FLOOR. THIS IS JUST TOO DANGEROUS. I TOLD MY MECHANIC NOT TO COME CHECK IT BEFORE CONTACTING FORD.
Driver assistance
Reports naming forward-collision avoidance, lane keeping, back-over prevention, cruise control and related electronic driver-assistance systems.
From owner reports, verbatim
ABS light, brake light came on. The seatbelt unhooks while I’m driving, I was told I had a cracked axle, the wheel bearing was very noisy, I’ve paid a lot of money to get things fixed. The labor was at a ridiculous amount on $25 parts. I’m wondering if I’ve paid to have parts fixed that were under recall. I fix one thing and then there’s another issue. Oil is leaking under the hood and I’m afraid it will catch fire so I’m scared to drive.
REAR AXLE SNAPPED IN HALF WITH NO WARNING AS I WAS DRIVING ABOUT 40 MPH ON A BUSY ROAD. VERY DANGEROUS.
Powertrain (other)
Powertrain reports that are not specifically the engine or transmission — driveshafts, axles, transfer cases and differentials.
From owner reports, verbatim
REAR AXLE SNAPPED IN HALF WITH NO WARNING AS I WAS DRIVING ABOUT 40 MPH ON A BUSY ROAD. VERY DANGEROUS.
MY VEHICLE WAS MANUFACTURED IN 2001. THERE WAS A RECALL PUT OUT FOR THE SUSPENSION:REAR:AXLE:NON-POWERED AXLE ASSEMBLY. IN 2011, ACCORDING TO SUNSET FORD DEALERSHIP (WHERE I TOOK IT FOR AXLE REPAIR AND WAS DENIED) THE RECALL WAS REMEDIED IN 2011. HOWEVER, AS STATED ALONG WITH THE RECALL NOTICE, THE TIME THAT THE BRACKETS WERE MIS INSTALLED CAUSED DAMAGE TO THE REAR AXLE, CORROSION AND FRACTURING. THIS IS EXACTLY WHAT IS HAPPENING TO MY VEHICLE RIGHT NOW AND THE DEALERSHIP ALONG WITH FORD CORPORATE IS SAYING THIS AXLE REPAIR WILL BE FULLY AT MY COST. ACCORDING TO THEIR AUTOMATED RECALL PHONE INFORMATION, UP UNTIL 2016 THEY WERE OFFERING TO REPLACE THE AXLE FOR $300 ( A DISCOUNTED RATE) FOR CUSTOMERS AFFECTED. I DO NOT AT ALL FEEL I SHOULD BE RESPONSIBLE FOR THIS REPAIR. I CONTACTED FORD CORPORATE A FEW TIMES NOW AND HAVE BEEN TOLD NO ITS NOT THEIR FAULT. I WAS ALSO TOLD BY SUNSET FORD, THAT I WOULD NEED TO PAY THEM $140 AN HOUR FOR THEM TO DIAGNOSE IT AND TELL ME SPECIFICALLY WHAT IS WRONG. IT HAS ALREADY BEEN THERE ONCE TO CHECK THE RECALL WHERE THEY TOOK PICTURES ( INCLUDED) AND SENT THEM TO FORD CORPORATE WHERE I WAS TOLD NO THEY WILL NOT FIX IT UNLESS I PAY FOR IT. THIS REPAIR SHOULD BE FULLY COVERED AND I NEED HELP GETTING FORD TO AGREE.
Engine
Reports naming the engine itself — including stalling, misfires, oil consumption, cooling and internal engine components.
From owner reports, verbatim
2001 FORD WINDSTAR. CONSUMER WRITES IN REGARDS TO DEALERSHIP STATES VEHICLE IS UNSAFE TO DRIVE. *SMD THE CONSUMER STATED THE BACK OF THE VEHICLE SWAYS UNCONTROLLABLY. *JS
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2001 FORD WINDSTAR. WHILE STATIONARY, THE CONTACT NOTICED THAT THE FRONT ENGINE CRADLE OF THE VEHICLE WAS SEVERELY RUSTED AND CORRODED. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THERE WERE HOLES IN THE ENGINE CRADLE. MATTHEWS FORD OREGON IN OREGON, OHIO WAS MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE AND STATED THAT THERE WAS NO RECALL. THE MANUFACTURER WAS MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE AND REFERRED THE CONTACT TO NHTSA. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 190,000.
Steering
Reports naming the steering system — racks, columns, power-steering assist and steering linkage.
From owner reports, verbatim
I pulled up to a stop sign having been traveling at less then 20 mph, and only while the vehicle is in drive but not moving, it was shaking like the motor was going to jump out of the vehicle. I assumed it was the motor mount broken and took it to the mechanic and found out it was the subframe on the front passenger had corroded and had detached from the frame .I need it repaired but I don't know where to begin. Was told that there is a active recalls on this part..
Car was in an single car accident. Steering and body damage. All fixed now. Need verification for salvage sticker.
Other / unspecified
Reports whose component NHTSA recorded as unknown, or that do not map to one of the categories above.
From owner reports, verbatim
THE AXLE WAS PART OF RECALL #11S16. AS PART OF THE RECALL THE AXLE WAS PATCHED, BUT THE AXLE IS NOW BROKEN BECAUSE THE "REPAIR" DID NOT CORRECT THE STRUCTURAL FLAWS IN THE AXLE.
MY VEHICLE WAS MANUFACTURED IN 2001. THERE WAS A RECALL PUT OUT FOR THE SUSPENSION:REAR:AXLE:NON-POWERED AXLE ASSEMBLY. IN 2011, ACCORDING TO SUNSET FORD DEALERSHIP (WHERE I TOOK IT FOR AXLE REPAIR AND WAS DENIED) THE RECALL WAS REMEDIED IN 2011. HOWEVER, AS STATED ALONG WITH THE RECALL NOTICE, THE TIME THAT THE BRACKETS WERE MIS INSTALLED CAUSED DAMAGE TO THE REAR AXLE, CORROSION AND FRACTURING. THIS IS EXACTLY WHAT IS HAPPENING TO MY VEHICLE RIGHT NOW AND THE DEALERSHIP ALONG WITH FORD CORPORATE IS SAYING THIS AXLE REPAIR WILL BE FULLY AT MY COST. ACCORDING TO THEIR AUTOMATED RECALL PHONE INFORMATION, UP UNTIL 2016 THEY WERE OFFERING TO REPLACE THE AXLE FOR $300 ( A DISCOUNTED RATE) FOR CUSTOMERS AFFECTED. I DO NOT AT ALL FEEL I SHOULD BE RESPONSIBLE FOR THIS REPAIR. I CONTACTED FORD CORPORATE A FEW TIMES NOW AND HAVE BEEN TOLD NO ITS NOT THEIR FAULT. I WAS ALSO TOLD BY SUNSET FORD, THAT I WOULD NEED TO PAY THEM $140 AN HOUR FOR THEM TO DIAGNOSE IT AND TELL ME SPECIFICALLY WHAT IS WRONG. IT HAS ALREADY BEEN THERE ONCE TO CHECK THE RECALL WHERE THEY TOOK PICTURES ( INCLUDED) AND SENT THEM TO FORD CORPORATE WHERE I WAS TOLD NO THEY WILL NOT FIX IT UNLESS I PAY FOR IT. THIS REPAIR SHOULD BE FULLY COVERED AND I NEED HELP GETTING FORD TO AGREE.
Transmission
Reports naming the automatic or manual transmission, including shifting behaviour, shudder, slipping and transmission control modules.
From owner reports, verbatim
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2001 FORD WINDSTAR. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 55 MPH, THE VEHICLE DECELERATED AND FAILED TO PICK UP SPEED. THE CONTACT MERGED TO THE SIDE OF THE ROAD AND TURNED IT OFF. THE VEHICLE WAS RESTARTED, BUT THE SPEED WOULD NOT INCREASE PAST 5 MPH. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC. THE TECHNICIAN DIAGNOSED THAT THE TRANSMISSION HAD FAILED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE APPROXIMATE MILEAGE WAS 136,000.
7/21/2011 BOUGHT VAN FROM PRIVATE PARTY. RECALL COMPLETED IN MARCH OF 2011 REGARDING BACK AXLE. ON 7/13/2012 8PM, MY 18YR OLD SON, WHILE DRIVING HOME FROM LACROSSE PRACTICE, NEARLY KILLED. UPON PULLING OUT ONTO THE MAIN ROAD, HE LOST ALL CONTROLS, NO STEERING, NO BRAKES AND NO POWER. HE COASTED AND PRAYED IT WOULD STOP. I ARRIVED, WE CALLED AAA. FLATBED TO MY HOME DRIVER COULD NOT BELIEVE HIS EYES. THE ENGINE HAD FALLEN OUT. 7/16/12 CALLED FORD IN MICH AND SPOKE TO REP. TO BE TOWED 13 MILES AWAY TO ROUTE 23 AUTO AT OUR EXPENSE. REALLY? ROUTE23 WANTED NOTHING TO DO WITH ME (THEY DID RECALL). WENT BACK AND FORTH THEN PER RT23 "IT WILL BE A MONTH UNTIL WE CAN LOOK AT IT" GETTING KNOW WHERE. 7/18-22 BORROWED FRIEND CAR FOR TOURNAMENT. 8/1/12 CALLED MAGARINO FORD AND WITH GREAT CONCERN HAD A FLATBED THAT NIGHT. THIS TOW TRUCK DRIVER COULD NOT BELIEVE IT. FLUIDS RACED OUT AND DOUBLE STABILIZED FOR ENGINE SLIDING DURING TRANSPORT. 8/2/12 MAGARINO CALLED 9AM, PICTURES SENT TO FORD AND AWAITING REPLY. 8/5/12 T/C FROM M STATING FORD REFUSES TO BUY BACK AND SENDING A SUBFRAME. YOU MEAN A RECALLED ONE? MAGARINO CAUGHT IN MIDDLE I QUESTIONED WHETHER HE WOULD PUT HIS CHILDREN IN THIS VAN. HE SOFTLY REPLIED, "NO" WHAT AM I TO DO, OUT OF WORK 2 YEARS, SINGLE PARENT WITH NO CAR TO FIND WORK. 8/8/12 I QUESTIONED FORD WHY THIS VAN EVER LEFT RT 23 AUTO, ACCORDING TO RESEARCHED PAPER A PART WAS WAITING ON. YOU MEAN TO TELL ME THAT UPON THIS FIXED AXLE NOBODY NOTICED THE SUBFRAME WAS ROTTED FROM INSIDE OUT CAUSING THE ENGINE TO FALL OUT THE NEXT SUMMER NEARLY KILLING MY SON! BUT THEY SIGNED IT WAS FINE! REALLY? NOW WE HAVE CASE # 1373091992 8/10/12 PICKED UP VAN. BROKE= A/C, R-WINDOW, HEATER ENGINE, AIRBAG, BRAKE LIGHT ON, RUNS HOT STEERING= THUMPS MAKES NOISE (FULL FLUID) SKIP GEARS, SWAYS, BARELY CAN GET UP A HILL. 11YR OLD SCARED TO DRIVE IN IT
Airbags
Reports naming the air-bag system — deployment behaviour, inflators, sensors and warning lights.
From owner reports, verbatim
I WAS DRIVING AT AROUND 30 MPH, 2 CARS IN FRONT SLAMMED ON BRAKES, I WAS APPROXIMATELY 1 1/2 CAR LINKS BACK AND HIT THE BRAKES. ABS FAILED, AIRBAGS FAILED, AND SLID INTO CAR IN FRONT OF ME. I WAS ON A CITY STREET GOING STRAIGHT.
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2001 FORD WINDSTAR. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE AIR BAG, TRACTION CONTROL AND BRAKE WARNING LIGHTS CONTINUED TO INTERMITTENTLY ILLUMINATE. THE CONTACT NOTICED THAT A FUSE BLEW AND THE VEHICLE WAS INSPECTED BY AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC. AN UNKNOWN LOCAL DEALER WAS NOTIFIED, INDICATED THAT THE VEHICLE WAS NOT INCLUDED IN ANY RECALLS. THE MANUFACTURER CONFIRMED THAT THERE WERE NO RECALLS AND OFFERED NO FURTHER ASSISTANCE. THE VIN WAS NOT AVAILABLE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS NOT AVAILABLE.
Interior & seats
Reports naming seats, latches, locks, linkages and interior fittings.
From owner reports, verbatim
DURING INSPECTION INSPECTER 38573 REPORTED A DIAGNOSTIC FAULT AS AIRBAG CONTROL MODULE. AFTER FAILED INSPECTION. I LOOKED FOR PART WITH THE AVAIL. CURRENT PART ON VEHICLE IS 1F2A-14B321-EE. I CANNOT FIND A PART NUMBER MATCHING. I TOOK IT TO A SECOND MECHANIC TO VERIFY IF HE INFACT WAS RIGHT. AND I LOOKED AT THE DIAGNOSTIC AND THE AIRBAG DID NOT SHOW UP HOWEVER WHAT DID SHOW UP AFTER AIRBAG LIGHT CAME ON AFTER A FULL MEMORY CLEAR WAS CODE B234 WHICH POINTS TO DRIVER SAFETY BELT BUCKLE SWITCH SHORT CIRCUIT TO GROUND. OR IN LAMES TERMS SAFETY BELT BUCKLE SWITCH. THIS SHOULD NEVER IN A CARS LIFE EVER HAPPEN. IF THIS HAPPENED BEFORE A ACCIDENT THIS COULD CAUSE DEATH TO THE CONSUMER. IM THE SECOND OWNER OF THIS VEHICLE I BELIEVE SO IM NOT SURE IF THERE'S A RECALL FOR THIS PARTICULAR ISSUE AS I DO KNOW THERE'S ONE SIMILAR. MY REINSPECTION IS DUE WITHIN 6 DAYS. I FEEL I SHOULDN'T HAVE TO PAY FOR A REPAIR FOR A PART ON SOMETHING THAT SHOULD NEVER NEED TO REPLACED. ESPECIALLY WHEN LIVES ARE AT STAKE. *TR
REPEATED FAILURE AND REPLACEMENT OF VARIOUS PARTS OF THE ELECTRICAL SYSTEM INCLUDING WIPER MOTOR, REAR WIPER MOTOR, FUEL PUMP, FUEL PUMP FUSES, ALTERNATOR, REPEATED REPLACEMENT OF BATTERY, REPEATED REPLACEMENT OF BRAKE LIGHTS AND LIGHT SOCKETS AND BRAKE LIGHT SWITCH, REPEATED FAILURE AND REPLACEMENT OF ELECTRIC DOOR LOCKS, REPEATED REPLACEMENT OF COIL WIRE, REPLACEMENT OF EGR VALVE. CONSTANT STALLING OF VEHICLE IN RAIN OR HUMID WEATHER. VEHICLE STALL WHEN AIR CONDITIONER IS IN USE. ROUGH IDLE AND STALLING WHEN VEHICLE IS STOPPED AND ENGINE IS RUNNING. ALL OF THESE COMPLAINTS HAVE BEEN CONSTANT AND ONGOING DESPITE REPEATED REPLACEMENT OF ELECTRICAL COMPONENTS SINCE DELIVERY OF THE VEHICLE IN DECEMBER OF 2000. *TR
Visibility
Reports naming windshields, glass, wipers, defrosters and mirrors.
From owner reports, verbatim
TAKE MY VEHICLE TO RECALL A YEAR LATER THE WIPER WENT CRAZY,APPARENTLY THEY DID THE RECALL .I CALLED THE FORD AND THEY TOLD ME THAT IF THE WIPER MOTOR WAS GOOD NOT CHANGED AND COVER
LAST NIGHT AT APPROXIMATELY 8:30 PM, A PLEASANT EVENING AT ABOUT 65 DEGREES AND A LIGHT RAIN; FOR NO REASON WHATSOEVER THE REAR QUARTER (AUTOMATED) WINDOW EXPLODED ON THE DRIVERS SIDE. THE GLASS WAS ON THE INSIDE OF THE VEHICLES BACK AND MIDDLE SEATS AS WELL AS IN THE DRIVEWAY. BECAUSE I HAVE SEEN SEVERAL OTHER COMPLAINTS ABOUT THIS ISSUE, I THINK THIS QUALIFIES AS A SAFETY HAZARD BECAUSE OF THE SHARDS OF GLASS FLYING EVERYWHERE; IF THERE WOULD HAVE BEEN ANYBODY IN THE VAN THIS COULD HAVE CAUSED THEM SERIOUS INJURY. FORD MOTOR COMPANY NEEDS TO BE HELD ACCOUNTABLE FOR THIS ISSUE AND BACK IT UP WITH ACTION BY FINDING AND FIXING THE PROBLEM; OR AT THE VERY LEAST COVER THE COST OF THE DAMAGES. *TR
Fuel system
Reports naming fuel storage or delivery — tanks, pumps, lines, injectors and fuel leaks.
From owner reports, verbatim
BRAKES CONTINUALLY HAVE FAILED CAUSING ACCIDENTS. PEDAL GOES ALL THE WAY TO THE FLOOR BEFORE AND AFTER NEW BRAKE PADS AND BRING BLED.THROTTLE IDLE SENSOR CAUSES VEHICLE TO STALL WHILE DRIVING. ABS LIGHT AND BRAKE LIGHT AND CHECK ENGINE LIGHT KEEPS COMING ON. NOW THEY JUST STAY ON. I NEED TO KNOW WHAT,IF ANY RECALLS HAVE BEEN REPAIRED OR ANY OPTIONS THAT MAY BE AVAILABLE.
REPLACED FUEL PUMP AND GAS GAUGE IS SHOWING EMPTY WHEN THERE IS 10 GALLONS OF GAS IN THE TANK. I HAVE TRIED TO RESET IT BUT THAT DOESN'T WORK. PLEASE RECALL THIS AND FIX THEM. I DO A LOT OF TRAVELING AND I DO NOT WANT TO TAKE THE CHANCE OF RUNNING OUT OF GAS.
Seat belts
Reports naming seat belts, buckles, retractors and pretensioners.
From owner reports, verbatim
ABS light, brake light came on. The seatbelt unhooks while I’m driving, I was told I had a cracked axle, the wheel bearing was very noisy, I’ve paid a lot of money to get things fixed. The labor was at a ridiculous amount on $25 parts. I’m wondering if I’ve paid to have parts fixed that were under recall. I fix one thing and then there’s another issue. Oil is leaking under the hood and I’m afraid it will catch fire so I’m scared to drive.
DURING INSPECTION INSPECTER 38573 REPORTED A DIAGNOSTIC FAULT AS AIRBAG CONTROL MODULE. AFTER FAILED INSPECTION. I LOOKED FOR PART WITH THE AVAIL. CURRENT PART ON VEHICLE IS 1F2A-14B321-EE. I CANNOT FIND A PART NUMBER MATCHING. I TOOK IT TO A SECOND MECHANIC TO VERIFY IF HE INFACT WAS RIGHT. AND I LOOKED AT THE DIAGNOSTIC AND THE AIRBAG DID NOT SHOW UP HOWEVER WHAT DID SHOW UP AFTER AIRBAG LIGHT CAME ON AFTER A FULL MEMORY CLEAR WAS CODE B234 WHICH POINTS TO DRIVER SAFETY BELT BUCKLE SWITCH SHORT CIRCUIT TO GROUND. OR IN LAMES TERMS SAFETY BELT BUCKLE SWITCH. THIS SHOULD NEVER IN A CARS LIFE EVER HAPPEN. IF THIS HAPPENED BEFORE A ACCIDENT THIS COULD CAUSE DEATH TO THE CONSUMER. IM THE SECOND OWNER OF THIS VEHICLE I BELIEVE SO IM NOT SURE IF THERE'S A RECALL FOR THIS PARTICULAR ISSUE AS I DO KNOW THERE'S ONE SIMILAR. MY REINSPECTION IS DUE WITHIN 6 DAYS. I FEEL I SHOULDN'T HAVE TO PAY FOR A REPAIR FOR A PART ON SOMETHING THAT SHOULD NEVER NEED TO REPLACED. ESPECIALLY WHEN LIVES ARE AT STAKE. *TR
Tires & wheels
Reports naming tires, wheels, hubs, or the tire-pressure monitoring system.
From owner reports, verbatim
WE HAD OUR LEFT REAR TIRE BLOW OUT AND IT TORE OFF OUR FUEL FILLER PIPE. I IMAGINE THIS COULD BE EXTREMELY DANGEROUS IF THE RIM HAD SPARKED IT COULD HAVE CAUGHT FIRE. *TR
I DIDN'T HAVE A CRASH I NOTICED THAT MY ABS BRAKE AND TIRE PRESSURE LIGHT WAS STAYING ON AND A SHORT TIME AFTER I STARTED HEARING A LOUD RUMBLING NOISE IN THE FRONT END EVERY TIME I SLOW AN IT'S IMPOSSIBLE TO MAKE SUDDEN STOPS AND AT TIMES MY SPEEDOMETER STARTS FLICKERING BACK AND FORTH AS WELL AS MY CRUISE CONTROL IS CURRENTLY INOPERABLE. I HAVE LIMITED DRIVING THIS VEHICLE IN WHICH I PURCHASED DUE TO FEELING IT IS NOT IN A SAFE MANNER FOR MY CHILDREN TO BE IN. I HAVE HAD SEVERAL SHOPS AS WELL AS INDIVIDUALS THAT TOLD ME THESE AREAS ARE COMMON TO GO OUT ON THIS SPECIFIC VEHICLE AND THAT THERE IS POSSIBLE RECALL. I JUST WANT TO BE ABLE TO DRIVE MY VAN WITH OUT WORRYING IF I'M GOING TO BE ABLE TO COME TO A STOP WHEN NEEDED AS WELL AS NOT KNOWING IF I COULD POSSIBLE BREAK DOWN OR SOMETHING BREAK IN THE FRONT END WHILE I AM DRIVING AT SOMEWHAT HIGH SPEEDS. THANK YOU AND HOPE TO HEAR FROM SOMEONE SOON IN REGARDS TO THIS SITUATION! *TR
Exterior lighting
Reports naming headlights, tail lights, turn signals and other exterior lighting.
From owner reports, verbatim
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2001 FORD WINDSTAR. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE REAR BRAKE LIGHTS FAILED TO ILLUMINATE WHENEVER THE BRAKE PEDAL WAS ENGAGED. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC. THE TECHNICIAN DIAGNOSED THAT THE BRAKE LIGHT FUSE AND BOTH BULBS HAD TO BE REPLACED. THE VEHICLE WAS REPAIRED BUT THE FAILURE PERSISTED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT NOTIFIED OF THE PROBLEM. THE VEHICLE HAD NOT BEEN REPAIRED THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS UNAVAILABLE.
ABS AND BRAKE LIGHTS COME ON AND OFF AT DIFFERENT TIMES WHEN DRIVEN. MY LIGHT SYSTEM STAYS ON ALL THE TIME. PLEASE HELP ME GET IT RECALLED. *TR
Heating & air conditioning
Reports naming the heating, ventilation and air-conditioning system.
From owner reports, verbatim
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2001 FORD WINDSTAR. WHILE THE VEHICLE WAS IN MOTION, AN INTERNAL FIRE ERUPTED NEAR THE REAR AUXILIARY AIR CONDITIONING. THE CONTROLS ASSOCIATED WITH THE WIRES AND THE COVERING WERE MELTED. THE CONTACT SMELLED STRONG PLASTIC FUMES IN THE REAR OF THE VEHICLE. THE CONTACT PULLED THE VEHICLE OVER AND DISCOVERED THAT THE COVER AND WIRES MELTED WITHOUT WARNING. THE CONTACT WAS NOT NOTIFIED OF NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 15V608000 (SUSPENSION), BUT THE VIN WAS NOT INCLUDED. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 106,390.
7/21/2011 BOUGHT VAN FROM PRIVATE PARTY. RECALL COMPLETED IN MARCH OF 2011 REGARDING BACK AXLE. ON 7/13/2012 8PM, MY 18YR OLD SON, WHILE DRIVING HOME FROM LACROSSE PRACTICE, NEARLY KILLED. UPON PULLING OUT ONTO THE MAIN ROAD, HE LOST ALL CONTROLS, NO STEERING, NO BRAKES AND NO POWER. HE COASTED AND PRAYED IT WOULD STOP. I ARRIVED, WE CALLED AAA. FLATBED TO MY HOME DRIVER COULD NOT BELIEVE HIS EYES. THE ENGINE HAD FALLEN OUT. 7/16/12 CALLED FORD IN MICH AND SPOKE TO REP. TO BE TOWED 13 MILES AWAY TO ROUTE 23 AUTO AT OUR EXPENSE. REALLY? ROUTE23 WANTED NOTHING TO DO WITH ME (THEY DID RECALL). WENT BACK AND FORTH THEN PER RT23 "IT WILL BE A MONTH UNTIL WE CAN LOOK AT IT" GETTING KNOW WHERE. 7/18-22 BORROWED FRIEND CAR FOR TOURNAMENT. 8/1/12 CALLED MAGARINO FORD AND WITH GREAT CONCERN HAD A FLATBED THAT NIGHT. THIS TOW TRUCK DRIVER COULD NOT BELIEVE IT. FLUIDS RACED OUT AND DOUBLE STABILIZED FOR ENGINE SLIDING DURING TRANSPORT. 8/2/12 MAGARINO CALLED 9AM, PICTURES SENT TO FORD AND AWAITING REPLY. 8/5/12 T/C FROM M STATING FORD REFUSES TO BUY BACK AND SENDING A SUBFRAME. YOU MEAN A RECALLED ONE? MAGARINO CAUGHT IN MIDDLE I QUESTIONED WHETHER HE WOULD PUT HIS CHILDREN IN THIS VAN. HE SOFTLY REPLIED, "NO" WHAT AM I TO DO, OUT OF WORK 2 YEARS, SINGLE PARENT WITH NO CAR TO FIND WORK. 8/8/12 I QUESTIONED FORD WHY THIS VAN EVER LEFT RT 23 AUTO, ACCORDING TO RESEARCHED PAPER A PART WAS WAITING ON. YOU MEAN TO TELL ME THAT UPON THIS FIXED AXLE NOBODY NOTICED THE SUBFRAME WAS ROTTED FROM INSIDE OUT CAUSING THE ENGINE TO FALL OUT THE NEXT SUMMER NEARLY KILLING MY SON! BUT THEY SIGNED IT WAS FINE! REALLY? NOW WE HAVE CASE # 1373091992 8/10/12 PICKED UP VAN. BROKE= A/C, R-WINDOW, HEATER ENGINE, AIRBAG, BRAKE LIGHT ON, RUNS HOT STEERING= THUMPS MAKES NOISE (FULL FLUID) SKIP GEARS, SWAYS, BARELY CAN GET UP A HILL. 11YR OLD SCARED TO DRIVE IN IT
Higher-selling and older vehicles accumulate more reports. Counts are not failure rates and are not directly comparable between vehicles that sold in very different numbers.
Elsewhere on this vehicle
Data sources
- NHTSA Office of Defects Investigation — owner-reported complaints and the components recorded on them
Data on this page last refreshed .