Bulletins
| Bulletin | Bulletin date | Replacement Bulletin | Item no. | Summary | Added |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| STEERING - GEAR BOX (OTHER THAN RACK AND PINION) | |||||
| BC2190950601 | 06/01/1995 | 42075 | Unknown | 11/01/1995 | |
| STEERING - HYDRAULIC POWER ASSIST SYSTEM | |||||
| 15767 | 04/01/2002 | 637456 | Subject regarding power steering line part ordering information. *tt | 11/26/2002 | |
| 97120897251 | 05/27/1998 | 600584 | The front end accessory drive (fead) belt may slip momentarily in wet conditions causing a reduction in power steering assist or the generator lamp. *yc | 05/27/1998 | |
| STEERING - WHEEL AND HANDLE BAR | |||||
| BC2701950503 | 05/01/1995 | 40088 | Light clicking sensation or looseness as the steering wheel is turned. *tw | 11/01/1995 | |
Consumer Complaints
| Fail date | miles | occurences | Purchase date |
|---|---|---|---|
| STEERING | |||
| 06/15/2003 | 0 | ||
| Brake work x2 transmission x2 all belts tire & suspension work lugs on wheels not properly replaced ,it almost fell off still paying on vehicle while it sits in ashley ford parking lot w/ dead transmission i am unable to pay close to $2000 for repairs | |||
| 05/15/2001 | 76000 | ||
| The engine was the main problem due to the head gasket recall. in july,2000, we argued with ford about a bad engine running for which we had just paid over $300 to evaluate by an outside repair shop. after about 6 weeks we received our car back with a new long block paid for by ford, including a rental van for the time in the shop. in january 2001 the engine was running rough again and we were charged $81.45 to check it out and replace a wire bad on cylinder 6 which was misfiring. three months later in april 2001 the car ran rough again and the engine light was back on (happened for years intermittently since we owned the car). the new long-block had another bad head gasket reinstalled per the second ford dealership service center. after nearly another month we had the second new long-block in less than one year. now less than 2 years and 40,000 miles later, following the 110k service of radiator flush and oil change at 113,098 miles the engine rapidly lost oil and is misfiring and burning oil. ford's position once again is that the warranty was only for 12 months or 12k miles. on a smaller note, the brakes have gone out numerous times and we have replaced rotors and pads numerous times with no improvements. the power steering has performed very poorly. we changed the fluid in 2000 and then the ford service center and they replaced the outer tie rods and reset the alignment. within months it was going out again intermittently. most often when starting out the power steering goes out and you must manually steer the vehicle. | |||
| 04/15/2003 | 146000 | ||
| At 146,00 miles i was just informed that i will have to have another head gasket repair done (that would make it the third time this part has failed) to save the car...i will not do it, as in february, i spent over $750 to have the rear brakes repaired for brake fluid covering the shoes of the brakes, cause by brake line corrosion (just as in the right front brake line corrosion that was a national recall!!!!) but there was no recall for the rears | |||
| 07/03/2002 | 2 | 07/14/1997 | |
| Exhaust system has corroded, and is causing fumes to enter vehicle while driving. dealer notified.*ak oxygen sensor failed twice and was replaced. head gasket failed and was replaced; also the internal leaks from head gaskets in vehicle corroded flex pip and exhausting into vehicle. engine failed and was replaced. the outer right and left tie rods failed and were replaced. air filter failed and was replaced. pcv valve failed and was replaced. the vehicle had continues exhaust leaks into the vehicle, caused some serious health problem to the driver. *yh | |||
| 1 | 08/05/1994 | ||
| The steering system squeals and creeks consistently.*jb | |||
| 1 | |||
| Steering system squeals and creeks. *yh | |||
| 08/10/1996 | 3 | 10/01/1994 | |
| Problems began with engine check light at 32,000. manuf. said don't worry. head gaskets/block at 51,000. new engine one year later. second engine three months after that. within eight months, dealer wants to install what amounts to fourth engine. transmission appears to be going, too, mechanic thinks due to multiple overheating/s of engine. | |||
| 09/05/1994 | 5 | 08/01/1994 | |
| 1. front end looseness from the very beginning to the present tie bars ctc. replaced without any noticeable improvement. 2 speedometer failure at 45k 3. power window motor (left front) quit. 3. transmission failed/ replacement (with only 17k failed.4. head gasket blew. i find in researching the defects that my experience is quite common but that ford has not take responsibility in some of these areas -especially the failed transmissions,. it is my hope that your org. can verify these fefects as being worthy of ford compensating the owners who have had to pay for these mfailures of manufacture. please advise me of the status of your work . thank you, geary leason. *ak | |||
| 03/26/1999 | 06/01/1994 | ||
| Speedometer replaced at my cost of about$400 for part and labor at dealer. at the same time we requested the transmission be checked because, after being warmed up, at stops the van would not go when gas was applied, then would lurch forward after a second or two. the transmission guy was out, and we were told there might be an internal transmission problem. someone advised us to change the transmission fluid and filter, as this can sometimes do the trick in what appears to be a serious problem, we did. the problem got worse while we waited for the dealer's tranmission man to return. we sought a private transmission repairman. this very reputable repair company told us there were quite a few problems with this model van and transmissions and that it was a cracked aluminium front clutch piston. we were given a repair estimate of $1200 to $1400. we began investigating and found hundreds of similar complaints on the internet. we returned to our dealer, information in hand. at this time the van is at the dealer, being repaired because ford has agreed to pay half the cost of parts and labor to repair the transmission, and will waranty the repair for 1 year, 12000 miles. i am unable to send my vin because the van isn't here. *ak | |||
| 10/15/1995 | |||
| Vehicle's modified undercarriage bottoms out on any road depression. this coupled with resistent steering and high speeds, causes loss of vehicle control. | |||
| 02/10/1995 | 1 | 09/14/1994 | |
| Steering handles poorly, drifts, repairs made however have not corrected situation. | |||
| 12/19/1997 | 1 | 02/02/1998 | |
| As a result of the grinding of a bearing a portion of the steering column was shaved off | |||
| When the driver steps on the brakes the steering will lock and the truck goes out of control. dealer said nothing wrong. tt | |||
| 02/07/1995 | 1 | ||
| Vehicle pulls to right when driving, making it difficult to maintain steering control. repaired 5 times tt | |||
| STEERING - GEAR BOX (OTHER THAN RACK AND PINION) | |||
| 06/21/1996 | |||
| Steering became difficult to maneuver due to defective steering gear box. vehicle was constant at slow speeds, but pulled to left a thigher speeds. *ak | |||
| STEERING - HYDRAULIC POWER ASSIST - HOSE, PIPING, AND CONNECTIONS | |||
| 10/01/1998 | 10/08/1996 | ||
| Engine head gasket/transmission/abs/brake light switch/tie rod and power steering hose failed. *ak | |||
| STEERING - HYDRAULIC POWER ASSIST - POWER STEERING FLUID | |||
| 65000 | 1 | ||
| The vehicle leaked power steering fluid, which resulted in the rack and pinion failing. *jb rack and pinion had to be replaced. *ph | |||
| STEERING - HYDRAULIC POWER ASSIST - PUMP | |||
| 01/06/2000 | 1 | ||
| The power steering pump was replaced and the tie rods were bad. *slc | |||
| 07/01/1998 | 1 | 08/17/1995 | |
| Power steering pulley and belt failed causing noise. | |||
| 01/01/1998 | 4 | 07/01/1995 | |
| Power steering pump failed, fluid is always low and pump whines. in addition, windshield wiper motor and passenger's side defroster malfunctioned. *ak | |||
| 12/19/1997 | 1 | 02/02/1998 | |
| Power steering pump failed causing noise | |||
| Replaced power steering pump (3) times affecting steering control. please describe details. tt | |||
| STEERING - HYDRAULIC POWER ASSIST SYSTEM | |||
| 01/13/2003 | 1 | ||
| 1995 ford windstar, transmission failure, electrical gremlins, power steering box failure, engine failure. *la | |||
| 04/02/2001 | 05/01/1994 | ||
| I was driving at about 20 mph on a city street covered with about one [1] inch of wet snow. the street curved slightly to the left, i started to make the turn but the van began to slide straight ahead. i slid for about 20 feet before bumping the curb on my right side. the van then went over the curb , went about another 10 feet and struck a narrow [6-inch] utility pole head on.i was holding the steering wheel with both hands preparing for the slight impact.i was quite shocked when both air bags exploded. my hands were bruised slightly but nothing serious. the van was not damaged except for a small[2-inch] split in the top, not front of the plastic bumper. i drove to the dealership, mullinax ford, immediately. they looked at the van and could not believe that there was a collision that could have caused the air bags to deploy. they called ford motor co. at my request to see if they would replace the air bags for me at no cost. ford responded by stating that as long as there was a collision they not replace them at no cost. i later made a call to ford customer service and recieved the same results. i am very dissatisfied, and feel that i should not have to have born the expense [$1500.] of replacing the air bags.i don't know all of the facts concerning air bags but i don't believe they should deployed at that speed.please inform me of any recourse that i may have. thank you, jimt.*ak | |||
| 08/07/1999 | 05/01/1994 | ||
| Ford and the dealership were not helpful at all. ford tried to make me happy in the end with an additional warranty for 24 months or 24,000. but would not pay for repairs. to sorry to bad they said. this past year we had more problems, it was very very very stressful and expensive. we had to charge repairs and put some on heme equity. think of the interest $. i was scared to drive. i have since sold van. i will still pursue this to get back $ and to tell others. no safety defect listed in summary. *ak | |||
| 01/01/1995 | |||
| Engine head gasket failed after warranty had expired, replaced transmission after warranty had expired, steering locked up (repaired under warranty), wears out tires because has pulled to right since day one, have replaced braking system twice | |||
| 01/03/1998 | 1 | 06/01/1994 | |
| Transmission went at 70k no help from ford. head gasket leaking 120k no assistance or help from ford. window motor do not work no help from ford. steering problems no one can find a problem, but i keep replacing tire prematurly. i paid for the tramsmission $1500. now the van is in the shop at sam galloway ford for a head gasket. the only reason i had it towed into sam galloway is because they said there was a recall on the head gasket and they will take care of it . covered by the recall. they called after looking at it and said $1700 to repair the gasket and others problems caused by the leaking head gasket. recall states 60k 0r dec 31 2000 wich ever comes first. if they are putting faulty products in their vehicles they are causeing safety concerns and they should be responsible for repairs. *ak | |||
| When driving in rainy weather conditions the vehicle loses all power steering control, cause unknown. dealer cannot identify the problem. please give any further details. *ak | |||
| 06/01/1996 | 1 | 09/01/1996 | |
| Strut bearing assembly needed replacement due to popping noise when turning steering wheel. | |||
| 03/01/1997 | 2 | 03/11/1997 | |
| Entering entrance ramp, giving vehicle gas; steering wheel started pausing going left/right; took to dealer, he stated that steering area needed greasing. took back 2nd time & was informed pressure release bell reduced pressure on steering wheel & was normal. *ak | |||
| Consumer was driving and steering locked up the serpentine belt , please describe . *ak | |||
| 08/07/1995 | |||
| Power steering leak while driving loss of all steering, all parts are national back order through mfr. tt | |||
| 04/13/1995 | 3 | ||
| Power steering problems. | |||
| STEERING - LINKAGES | |||
| 04/16/2001 | |||
| When turning wheels in either direction there was a loud rubbing sound. dealer stated both front tie rods needed replacement. *ak | |||
| 03/01/1999 | 2 | 07/01/1994 | |
| These are sealed and safety componets that should have a longer life expectancy. service manager said air bags are inoperative when light is on. | |||
| 07/01/1998 | 200 | 01/01/1996 | |
| Severe shaking on aceleration between 35-60 mph; ford service dept. detected shaking as well, and handed usbulletin from ford- article no. 96-3-17 stating design defect and defining procedure to replace- at cost of $1,500 to the customer. we are worriedabout the safety of ourselves and our two small children, and would like to know if this poses any threat to us- when we asked the service rep, he said he couldn't say. we wrote ford customer svc, and they phoned to say they feel the case is closed- but if we wanted to pursue things, to contact you. ifyou want copies of the power balance analysis done by our ford dealer on june 23, 199 or the bulletin, we would be glad to forward them to you. | |||
| 06/15/1999 | 1 | 09/01/1995 | |
| Ford did pay for the head gasket per recall, however the dealer recommended an engine flush because of the head gasket. had to pay 100 for that. then the dealer (apple ford) said the the timing cover gasket needed replacement and charged 598 labor. i have heard of this problem a lot with the windstars. i also believe i was charged labor for the head gasket, but the dealer got away with it because of the timing cover. also now the dealer is saying tie rod problem too! these 95 winstars are lemons! | |||
| 02/16/1999 | 2 | 07/01/1994 | |
| This failure didn't result in an accident but would if ignored by owners | |||
| 10/01/1998 | 10/08/1996 | ||
| Engine head gasket/transmission/abs/brake light switch/tie rod and power steering hose failed. *ak | |||
| STEERING - LINKAGES - KNUCKLE - SPINDLE - ARM | |||
| 11/01/1994 | 1 | 10/01/1994 | |
| Leaking oil from seals of steering rack,oversized cylinder bore,dealer replaced . noise in front end when turning and hitting bumps, dealer never has fixed it , its been in shop 4 times before 2 years they told me if they could fix one they could fix them all. the sound is still there, it never was fixed. now the transmission wont go into 1st or reverse, leaving you maby out to far into the traffic lane with no way to back up and get out of harms way.ford has known of this defect in mid 1994 , but sold defective transmissions till mid 96. then they replaced the alum. piston that fails, with a steel piston. i feel ford is responsible for repairs knowing beforehand they would fail prematurely under 70000 miles in most cases. | |||
| 04/21/1995 | 1 | ||
| Replaced spindle. *ak | |||
| 10/21/1994 | 3 | ||
| Steering seems to drift to the left and right. tighten steering knuckle. tt | |||
| 02/02/1995 | |||
| Support bracket that holds knuckle broke. tt | |||
| STEERING - LINKAGES - TIE ROD ASSEMBLY | |||
| 05/29/2006 | 132950 | 1 | 02/28/2005 |
| 1)my van was pulling to the right and the tires were worn. 2) i took my 1995 ford windstar to firestone to have new tires put on and an alignment done. they installed the tires and told me they could not do the alignment because the sway bar was broken in two. they also stated it was bad craftsmanship because the bar is a hollow metal tube instead of a solid piece. they also said i needed both inner tie rod ends replaced because the lack of control from the sway bar put stress on them and damaged them. 3) tires were replaced and i was given an estimate of $400 for the sway bar and $300 for the tie rod ends and alignment. *jb | |||
| 05/16/2005 | |||
| Tie rods were replaced at 50,000 miles. they need replacement again. loud squeaky noise while turning the steering. | |||
| 61349 | 6 | 08/30/1994 | |
| Engine failed twice due to a faulty head gasket. also, original automatic transmission failed and was rebuilt. about two years later, transmission failed and the dealer replaced it with a new transmission. another two years later, the transmission failed again and was rebuilt. the cause of the failures was not determined. *ak the recalled engine blew and the manifold gasket blew. when the consumer contacted ford they stated they couldn't do anything right now but would notify them later and maybe they could help. consumer had two windows that didn't go up or down - replaced $412.34. both tie rods were replaced. *ph *jb | |||
| 65000 | 1 | ||
| The tie rod's broke while driving 15 mph. *jb the consumer turned the corner and the handling had become impossible. the consumer found that both front wheels were pointing inward as though the right front were turning left and the left front turning right. *scc. also the rack and pinion was replaced as well as the serpentine belt. *jb | |||
| 09/11/2000 | 1 | ||
| Front struts had to be replaced. front end alignment performed. caster and camber reset. there is a squealing noise from front end when turning, dealer replaced outer tie rods and right control arm. *tt | |||
| 07/26/2001 | 1 | ||
| Consumer stated there was a starting problem, the vehicle would not crank but the lights would illuminate, consumer also stated that there was a rattle around the steering column and speedometer, dealer stated that the outer tie rod ends needed replaced and also stated that the failed tie rods were not used anymore due to a lubrication defect. *slc | |||
| 08/09/2002 | 1 | 01/01/2095 | |
| During right turn, lost steering control. after stopping, right front tire was positioned for sharp left turn, and left front tire was positioned for a right turn. right front outer tie-rod failed. both right and left front tie-rods were replaced. these are sealed units and can't be lubricated. i suggest that failure was due to lubricant breakdown or loss over the years, a serious design and safety issue.*ak | |||
| 08/15/2002 | 1 | 03/01/2098 | |
| Went to have an oil change and 4 wheel alignment done and found out that the inner tie rods needed to be replaced. i have had a lot of problems witht his vehicle.*ak | |||
| 08/02/2000 | 1 | ||
| Tie rod was replaced. *slc | |||
| 01/06/2000 | 1 | ||
| The power steering pump was replaced and the tie rods were bad. *slc | |||
| 08/28/2000 | 1 | ||
| Had left freeway & noticed a noise. pulled over, stopped vehicle & turned it off. restarted vehicle & noise became louder. while going uphill, engine felt sluggish & was dragging. took vehicle to repair shop & mechanic indicated the problem was that inner tie rod had broken.*ak | |||
| While driving there was a loud noise and some clunking as vehicle slowed from 65 to 35mph. dealer said that inner tie rod needed to be replaced.*ak | |||
| 04/10/2000 | 1 | 05/01/1996 | |
| The radio and clock just went dead while we were on the road. *ak | |||
| 01/03/2000 | 1 | 07/28/1997 | |
| Vehicle's left side outer tie rod is squeaking, replaced tie rod. *tt | |||
| 7 | 03/09/1997 | ||
| Water pump leaks coolant and timing case cover leaks antifreeze. cause unknown. other failures include left and right tie rods, ignition key lock, a/c, and head gasket. *ak *ml | |||
| 1 | 05/27/1994 | ||
| Tie rod ends failed. | |||
| 05/12/1998 | 1 | 08/15/1995 | |
| Left tie rod end failed, causignvehicle to toe on while backing out of parking lot. | |||
| 10/09/1997 | |||
| Consumer was traveling about 35 mph when the inner tie rod broke away from the rack and pinion,causing the consumer to lose control of the vehicle, consumer has contacted the dealer, dealer has replaced the rack and pinion. *ak | |||
| 02/10/1997 | 0 | ||
| Was backing vehicle out; put vehicle into gear to move forward; vehicle would not move; checked & noticed separation of tie rod end from wheel; vehicle towed to dealer; tie rod disconnected. *ak | |||
| STEERING - RACK AND PINION | |||
| 65000 | 1 | ||
| The tie rod's broke while driving 15 mph. *jb the consumer turned the corner and the handling had become impossible. the consumer found that both front wheels were pointing inward as though the right front were turning left and the left front turning right. *scc. also the rack and pinion was replaced as well as the serpentine belt. *jb | |||
| 08/09/2002 | 1 | 01/01/2095 | |
| Replaced rack and pinion steering. *ak | |||
| 1 | 08/01/1994 | ||
| No summary listed for above vehicle. *ak | |||
| 11/01/1999 | 1 | ||
| Steering feels stiff due to steering rack failure. yh | |||
| 1 | |||
| Rack and pinion steering unit failed. nlm | |||
| 05/01/1997 | 06/01/1994 | ||
| No summary | |||
| 06/15/1999 | 1 | 08/01/1994 | |
| Head gaskets failed at 61,000 miles. after repairs made, dealer noted that rack and pinion assembly was worn out. this is a critical component that should not fail after 65,000 miles. *ak | |||
| 11/01/1994 | 1 | 10/01/1994 | |
| Leaking oil from seals of steering rack,oversized cylinder bore,dealer replaced . noise in front end when turning and hitting bumps, dealer never has fixed it , its been in shop 4 times before 2 years they told me if they could fix one they could fix them all. the sound is still there, it never was fixed. now the transmission wont go into 1st or reverse, leaving you maby out to far into the traffic lane with no way to back up and get out of harms way.ford has known of this defect in mid 1994 , but sold defective transmissions till mid 96. then they replaced the alum. piston that fails, with a steel piston. i feel ford is responsible for repairs knowing beforehand they would fail prematurely under 70000 miles in most cases. | |||
| STEERING - RACK AND PINION - RACK | |||
| 02/17/1999 | 1 | 06/01/1996 | |
| Engine head gasket blew,causing white smoke to eminate from tailpipe and engine to overheat, resulting in destruction of engine. i had to replace both head gaskets, and had a remanufactured engine installed. my transmission and power steering rack also failed before this. what next? *ak | |||
| 11/04/1994 | 1 | ||
| Power steering rack failed, causing fluid to pump out of system at power steering gear. *skd | |||
| STEERING - WHEEL AND HANDLE BAR | |||
| 02/28/1998 | |||
| A clicking sound was coming from the steering wheel while driving. dealer was not notified at this time. feel free to provide any further infromation.*ak | |||
| 09/25/2000 | 6 | 07/01/2000 | |
| Involved in accident on 8/8/2000, several problems after vehicle was returned on 10/10/2000, problems still not fixed! need help asap. thank you .*ak | |||
| 11/01/1998 | 100 | 07/01/1994 | |
| Car is getting increasingly more difficult to put into gear. locks into park. have tried working brake, tilting steering column, buckle seat belt, etc. seems to lock up in the column. can hear an audible click when it finally releases..usually about 5 to 10 minutes after playing with it. have searched the web to see if any prior recalls on this problem as i have many friends who have experienced the same problem with windstars. (mileage not original...had dash replaced by ford's for a faulty temperature gauge) approximately 60,000 orig miles. | |||
| 02/01/1996 | 1 | 09/01/1995 | |
| Steering wheel locks up on occasion. | |||
| 04/04/1998 | |||
| While traveling the steering column became stiff then became loose without no prior warning. the consumer lost control, resulting in an accident. please provide further details. *ak | |||
| 11/21/1996 | 2 | 02/07/1995 | |
| Steering column bearings failed, causing steering to jam. | |||
| 08/14/1996 | 1 | 08/17/1995 | |
| Steering knocks/snags upon turning wheel. | |||
| With cause unknown by monarch ford in exeter ca., due to clunking sound in compartment, steering wheel locked. please describe details. tt | |||
| 09/29/1994 | 1 | ||
| Clicking noise in steering column. tt | |||