Bulletins
| Bulletin | Bulletin date | Replacement Bulletin | Item no. | Summary | Added |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE - CARBURETOR SYSTEM | |||||
| 96225 | 10/21/1996 | 50944 | Mass air flow sensor - replacement as an assembly - service tip. *tw | 06/17/1997 | |
| FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE - STORAGE | |||||
| 97212 | 01/20/1997 | 51398 | No start - intermittent - after hot soak in freezing ambient temperatures. *tw | 06/27/1997 | |
| BC0543961107 | 11/07/1996 | 96-14-16 | 50782 | Vehicles may not start due to moisture freezing in fuel pump relay contained within constant control relay module. *tw | 06/17/1997 |
| FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE - STORAGE - TANK ASSEMBLY | |||||
| 98-0316 | 01/01/1998 | 607717 | Concerns with slow fuel fill, distorted fuel tank, fuel gage erratic, fuel odor. *tt | 10/07/1999 | |
| BC105909705 | 05/01/1997 | 52870 | Instructions on how to identify fuel tank sizes. *tw | 09/18/1997 | |
Investigations
| NHTSA ID | Manufacturer | Date open | Date close | Subject | Recall campaign | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE | ||||||
| EA99020 | FORD MOTOR COMPANY | 07/26/1999 | 12/16/1999 | FUEL TANK CRACKS | 99V309000 | |
| There is no summary currently available | ||||||
| FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE - STORAGE - TANK ASSEMBLY | ||||||
| RQ02011 | FORD MOTOR COMPANY | 08/29/2002 | 03/14/2003 | FUEL TANK FATIGUE CRACKING | 99V309000 | |
| See attached report. | ||||||
Consumer Complaints
| Fail date | miles | occurences | Purchase date |
|---|---|---|---|
| FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE | |||
| 10/11/2011 | 150000 | ||
| The vehicle had a fuel leak at the fuel tank. i removed the tank to see that the tank looked like it was pinched and developed a crack. the fuel tank is plastic so i found this to be odd. i had to put epoxy on the tank to patch the crack so i could get it home as i was out of town when this happened. when i got home i started looking online for a tank and found that ford had a recall on this matter. i called lafayette ford and explained the recall and gave my vin #. i was told that tmy vehicle does not fall under the recall that i will have to repair it myself. if i have the same vehicle of the recall and the same problem of the recall why does ford not honor it. the recall states the crack at the front strap area and that ford will replace the tank and the strap with a longer one and a bushing. my tank has the crack at the front strap and the tank was pinched because the strap is too short. | |||
| 08/15/2010 | 200000 | ||
| Tl- the contact owns a 1996 ford windstar. while the vehicle was parked in the garage the contact noticed gas on the ground. the vehicle was taken to the garage located the failure at the gas tank was cracked. the vehicle wasn't repaired. the failure mileage was 200,000 and the current mileage was 212,902. li | |||
| 08/08/2010 | 175120 | ||
| 1996 ford windstar fuel tank has a crack in it and is leaking fuel i see the recall only effaced 1995 windstars but apparently the problem was not fixed on the 1996 windstars because mine has a 3 inch crack in it. i do not know if some of the 1996 windstars were in this recall. | |||
| 02/16/2009 | 120000 | 1 | |
| While the van was park, i notice a strong smell of gasoline. i took it in to my auto repair shop to be fixed. the shop found a crack in fuel tank that was not the results of impact damage. *tr | |||
| 06/07/2008 | 92000 | 1 | |
| On june 7 i was outside of our home and noticed i smelled gas near my wife's van. after inspecting i saw the tank was leaking fuel. i took the tank off and noticed there was pressure to the tank from the front strap. the pressure caused what appears to be a stress crack where the strap holds the tank. it appears to me the strap is too small for the tank. ford refuses to fix this and would rather my wife and children ride around in a gas leaking danger machine. this vehicle has less than 95000 miles and i feel the same problem has occurred here as in the 1995 windstar. *tr | |||
| 08/04/2006 | 106860 | 1 | 05/07/1996 |
| I have ford windstar,96. when i filled up gas in the tank,it started leaking and is continuously leaking. it seems that it is leaking from the tank. *nm | |||
| 07/01/2005 | 72000 | 6 | 02/03/1997 |
| Engine dies after either very short (1 second or less) or no misfire. always on hot afternoon after long period highway driving, typically interstate with speed in the 70's. only once on a secondary road speeds of 45 - 50. all times in the rolling hills of utah, wyoming, and western north dakota. all six incidents occurred during a cross country trip in july, 2005 with odometer readings in the 70,000's. typically, when it happens, the engine speed and throttle are continually adjusting to maintain speed across the hills. first indication often is simply the car slowing down rather that cruising along. all other electrical (air, radio, windows, etc) not affected. this is very dangerous. other than sometimes a one second misfire, there is no warning. the car may be passing a truck, in a middle freeway lane, on on a road with no shoulder when it happens. wherever and whenever it happens, the car simply coasts as the driver pulls off the road to extent possible. the engine will not restart for 15 minutes or so. then it starts as if nothing ever happened, and car is good until the next incident. i made detailed notes of each incident, and can provide additional info on specifics of what was going on with car at the time. i took car to a ford dealer. the dealer did diagnostics and could not identify problem. i have refrained from driving under similar highway conditions since then. the van was purchased new in connecticut in feb, 1997. *nm | |||
| 03/03/2001 | 3 | 05/01/2000 | |
| Engine light illuminated, dealer replaced intake manifold runner control retaining clip, cleaned the throttle body and found secondary egr ports partially plugged. *slc | |||
| 01/09/2002 | 2 | 02/28/2002 | |
| Engine light illuminated and vehicle runs rough and misses, dealer replaced number one injector, dpfe sensor, o2 sensor and intake gaskets, dealer found a vacuum leak and replaced the pcv tube. *yh | |||
| 01/23/2002 | 1 | ||
| While driving approximately 65 mph windshield started to fog up. driver rolled down window for driver's door when a popping noise could be heard, and flames could be seen coming from vehicle. when vehicle was stopped, heavy smoke started coming from under the hood, and vehicle was engulfed in flames. a fire lieutenant suspected that fire was due to leaking fuel in engine compartment. vehicle has not been inspected by the manufacturer or insurance company. please provide any additional information / documentation.*ak | |||
| FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE - CARBURETOR SYSTEM | |||
| 01/02/2002 | 1 | 12/01/1995 | |
| Engine coolant leakage at intake manifold & head gasket. since we bought,been having multiple issues with engine light on & various work done at dealership. on 11/3/01 intake gasket replaced for white exhaust smoke & engine light on. returned 12/7/01 for engine light on & 02 sensor replaced. 1/3/02 heater blowing cool air- dealer sts head gasket bad. corporate ford refuses to do goodwill gesture/pay.(mileage to date approx since car still in shop). | |||
| FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE - DELIVERY | |||
| 08/30/2002 | |||
| Consumer was smelling gas and noticed a big puddle of gas in driveway. consumer feels this very dangerous. please provide any further information.*ak | |||
| 04/01/1998 | |||
| Have complained several times to dealer while van is in for service, that i smell gas by left rear wheel well and fuel filler door. the shop claims no leaks found with electronic sniffer. gas smell strongest when tank is 3/4 full or more. problem has been around since 1998. no visible signs of leakage.*ak | |||
| 06/01/2001 | |||
| Consumer is having problems with fuel lines. fuel lines are wrapped which is causing fuel to leak. has not contacted dealer.*ak | |||
| FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE - DELIVERY - FUEL PUMP | |||
| 6 | |||
| When the vehicle hits a bump engine cuts off. has happened 6 times. dealer has seen vehicle 6 times. also dealer replaced a screw that held the grounding for the fuel pump. *ak | |||
| 09/14/1998 | 3 | ||
| Fuel pump fuse would short out whenever vehicle hit a bump. in return, would hit the radiator surport,causing the constant control relay moudule to short out. dealer notified and informed consumer repairs would only be made if consumer picked up charges. *ak | |||
| 03/31/1998 | 05/23/1996 | ||
| Fuel pump failed. | |||
| 01/18/1997 | 12/14/1996 | ||
| Fuel pump failure, causing vehicle to stall/starting problems. *ak | |||
| FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE - DELIVERY - HOSES, LINES/PIPING, AND FITTINGS | |||
| 04/05/2002 | 1 | 03/01/2001 | |
| While driving in the country where i live with three children at the base of the mountain to head 20 miles to my home i pressed on the accelerator and the vehicle lost power and went nowhere. could not drive over 35 mph. was seen by a body shop and they replaced fuel filter and returned vehicle to me. second occasion driving down the mountain at 55mph a strong jerk whiplashed myself and has caused injury in my back took to body shop and needs new transmission and must be towed. van still sitting at body shop now for 2 weeks as i have 3 children and now no transportation...thanks ford. | |||
| 08/15/2001 | |||
| While driving at 50 to 55 mph vehicle was vibrating. took to dealer, and they replaced fuel filter. currently, a yellow warning light came on instrument panel. consumer took vehicle to mechanic, and he replaced head gasket. please provide any further information. *ak | |||
| 03/03/2001 | 1 | 02/01/1999 | |
| Engine check came on took to an independent service shop to have diagnostics run. was told it needed a tune up, new spark plugs and cables, fuel filter, air filter, fuel injectors cleaned and i also had oil changed since it was time for it. picked up vehicle paid 444.00 for the service next morning drove to work, oil light came on. i have never had the oil light flickered on. checked oil, in my parking space was dark so all i could see is there was fluid at the correct level. started it up that evening to go home drove aproximately 40 miles, stopped at a red light and the oil light came on the the engine began making a knocking noise. i pulled off the road had to towed back to the shop that did the work. was told they could find nothing wrong with it, oil light did not come on. i refused to accept the answer knowing thenoise the engine was making to cause me to have it towed in. they test drove for and let run for approximately 30 min. before the oil light did come on. they then told me it was an engine problem and did not do engine work. had it towed immediately to a ford dealer and was told the oild pan was full of coolant and bearings were washed in engine and would have to have a new engine. no one wants to claim responsibility for this problem. i have just been made aware that there has been an on going problem with this particular model motor (and not by the dealership). what can be done next? | |||
| Fuel turn off switch is located outside the vehicle, design is not very safe. | |||
| FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE - FUEL INJECTION SYSTEM | |||
| 05/02/2001 | 05/01/1996 | ||
| Engine check light came on while sitting in the driveway. my mechanic had to replace my fuel injector and gaskets. also he said i need a new fuel pump which is located in my gas tank but that i can wait till next oil change due to expence. my car only has under 40,000 miles!!!!! | |||
| 03/01/2000 | 1 | 04/01/1999 | |
| Vehicle bought in 3/99 throttle body linkage broke repaire bill $500.00 shortly thereafter sensor went out (fuel)bill 256.00 later noticed squeking in front end advised it was tie rod ends not fixed yet this thing has broke me have had many occurences with speed odometer going crazy after 45mph recently noticed popping when turning steering or appling the brakes but before i could get it fixed transmission begin to either not shift upward ,slip at 45mph and has downshifted after reaching speeds of 45mph (on i-85) has jerked several times ..was told anywhere from 100.00-2000.00 ? seems i have not been alone in my disquest with ford...only problem not encountered head gasket thank god please help us working folks against this big boy on the block thanks | |||
| FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE - FUEL INJECTION SYSTEM - INJECTORS | |||
| 04/07/2005 | 91623 | 7 | 03/01/2004 |
| The dome light and the door ajar sensor light stays on. the consumer is concerned that the battery will drain completely. the cause has yet to be determined. *ak the vehicle would shake when it was started. one injector was changed. the consumer felt that the other five injectors may go bad. *sc *jb | |||
| 06/01/2002 | 1 | 02/28/2002 | |
| The left outer tie rod was replace. *yh the fuel injector, timing cover gaskets and wiper blades were replaced. the rear brake light was replaced . the switch headlight control was replaced. the drivers door ajar switch was replaced. updated *jb | |||
| 03/03/2001 | 1 | 02/01/1999 | |
| Engine check came on took to an independent service shop to have diagnostics run. was told it needed a tune up, new spark plugs and cables, fuel filter, air filter, fuel injectors cleaned and i also had oil changed since it was time for it. picked up vehicle paid 444.00 for the service next morning drove to work, oil light came on. i have never had the oil light flickered on. checked oil, in my parking space was dark so all i could see is there was fluid at the correct level. started it up that evening to go home drove aproximately 40 miles, stopped at a red light and the oil light came on the the engine began making a knocking noise. i pulled off the road had to towed back to the shop that did the work. was told they could find nothing wrong with it, oil light did not come on. i refused to accept the answer knowing thenoise the engine was making to cause me to have it towed in. they test drove for and let run for approximately 30 min. before the oil light did come on. they then told me it was an engine problem and did not do engine work. had it towed immediately to a ford dealer and was told the oild pan was full of coolant and bearings were washed in engine and would have to have a new engine. no one wants to claim responsibility for this problem. i have just been made aware that there has been an on going problem with this particular model motor (and not by the dealership). what can be done next? | |||
| 1 | 05/05/2000 | ||
| Manifold gasket and head gasket failed causing the vehicle to use excessive amount of coolant and check engine light was illuminated injectors and egr ports were cleaned, 2 months later when the vehicle began smoking thick white smoke, this dealer found that the head gasket had blown and that the consumer was 12 days late for the manufacturer's recall. *slc | |||
| 08/01/1999 | 1 | 02/01/1999 | |
| Fuel injectors hung open, causing raw fuel to be emitted through exhaust system. *ak | |||
| FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE - STORAGE | |||
| 05/29/2005 | 62000 | 11/07/1995 | |
| Moderate leak of fuel was observed after filling up the tank. we brought this to an auto repair shop and they indicated that the top of the tank was cracked. the tank needs replacement. we have a 1996 ford windstar gl. this was purchased in 1995. when i looked at the 1995 recalls i noticed that the 1995 models were recalled for this problem. i also think that this could have resulted in to a fatal accident if it had caught fire. | |||
| FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE - STORAGE - TANK ASSEMBLY | |||
| 04/01/2006 | 55000 | 1 | 10/17/1996 |
| The 1996 ford windstar has a fuel tank on it that is identical to the 1995 ford windstar. the 1995 was recalled for a leak on the upper portion of the tank. the 1996 version was not recalled. my 1996 leaks same place as the 1995 recalled version. dangerous fuel can seep down tank and drip on exhaust system or other components to cause fire or explosion. ford does not want to replace tank on 1996. nothing was done by ford to correct this problem. *nm | |||
| 04/28/2006 | 55850 | 1 | 10/01/1996 |
| Dt*: the contact stated there was an odor of fuel in his garage. the vehicle was taken to the dealership, but a determination was not given. there is a nhtsa recall, # 99v309000, regarding the tank assembly; however, it is not included in the recall due to the vin. updated 5/30/2006 - the consumer inspected the vehicle and found that the fuel tank was leaking at the strap on the driver's side. the tank began to leak where the manufacturer has apparently over-tightened the support straps for the tank. the 1995 model was recalled (99v-309000), manufacturer number 99r33 regarding the exact same issue. the consumer contacted the dealer but they provided no assistance. *nm updated 06/27/06. *jb | |||
| 09/25/2005 | 147000 | 1 | 06/07/1996 |
| Dt: the contact owns a 1996 ford windstar. vehicle had a crack in top of fuel tank, also at strap. recalls on 1995 ford windstars pertained to the make of vehicle. s melled gas fumes and gas tank register was noticeably different. smelled gas fumes while parked in driveway or while driving . incident happened september 25, 2005. no crash . no police report.*ak updated 1/25/2006 - *nm | |||
| 07/28/2004 | 99921 | 1 | 12/07/1996 |
| Gas tank leak. i leave in one of the states that is listed in recall 99v309000 that states hot weather increases cracks in fuel tanks on 1995 ford windstars. my vehicle is a 1996 with a build date of 10-02-1995. ford motor will not consider this vehicle for replacement. they need to re-evaluate the recall to include a wider range than they now have. i was told by the dealership that my leak looks just like a 1995 they fixed on 07-23-2004. please help on this safety issue. *ak | |||
| 1 | 07/08/2003 | ||
| The consumer stated gas leaked from one of the straps which supported the fuel tank. please describe further. *jb | |||
| 04/10/2003 | 125000 | 0 | 06/06/1996 |
| The vehicle developed a serious gasoline leak. the dealer states that the gas tank is plastic and has cracked causing the leak. *nlm | |||
| 09/07/2002 | |||
| A crack has developed in the gas tank, causing a leak. *ak | |||
| 08/30/2002 | |||
| Fuel tank leaking. . dealer was not notified at this time. feel free to provide any further information.*ak | |||
| 05/31/2002 | 1 | 07/01/2096 | |
| After filling at gas station, noticed fuel leaking from top portion of tank. had tank replaced at local shop. cost of tank $250 plus labor and misc. parts.*ak | |||
| 08/09/2001 | |||
| 20 gallon tank has cracks in it. fuel is leaking all over the ground. consumer has taken vehicle into dealer. please provide any further information.*ak | |||
| 06/24/2001 | 1 | 07/01/1997 | |
| After the fuel tank was replaced we inquired of the mechanic if the tank cracked due to misuse. the machanic could not see any signs of misuse, the tank was properly mounted and the crack was on the upper portion of the tank. we noticed ont he news recently a recall for ford econoline vans from the same period were being recalled due to cracked gas tanks. does ford use the same gas tank on the windstar? has anyone else complained of this problem?*ak | |||
| 07/27/2001 | 1 | 11/01/1995 | |
| Fuel tank leak, may have caused extensive fire. *ak | |||
| 05/01/1998 | |||
| No summary listed for above vehicle. *ak | |||
| Plastic fuel tank has split causing fuel leakage. consumer is stating fuel tank should not be made out of plastic. | |||
| 1 | 11/01/1995 | ||
| Fuel tank developed a crack which allowed gasoline to leak out. failure took many months to become apparent and was proceeded by gasoline odors from the fuel tank area, especially noticible after refueling, but with no apparent leakage until the end.*ak | |||
| 10/18/2000 | 0 | ||
| Fuelwas escaping from tank and fumes getting inside of vehicle. dealer had been contacted.*ak | |||
| 02/19/2000 | 1 | 08/01/1996 | |
| Fuel tank began to pour gas from under van to the ground. i took the van to treadwell ford and they have been unable to get me a new fuel tank. they say it will take 11 days. this was a problem on the '95 windstars and they were recalled. no recall has been issued for the 96's. so i will be without trasnsportation for almost two weeks(if they can get a tank) and have the expense of $440.00. what can we do? *ak | |||
| FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE - STORAGE - TANK ASSEMBLY - MOUNTING | |||
| 07/28/1999 | |||
| Bracket the holds the gas tank disintegrated from vehicle. *ak | |||
| FUEL SYSTEM, OTHER | |||
| 08/08/2010 | 175120 | ||
| 1996 ford windstar fuel tank has a crack in it and is leaking fuel i see the recall only effaced 1995 windstars but apparently the problem was not fixed on the 1996 windstars because mine has a 3 inch crack in it. i do not know if some of the 1996 windstars were in this recall. | |||
| 10/21/2009 | 180000 | 1 | |
| 1996 ford windstar fwd auto pb ps pw ac, v-6. vehicle auto accelerated when put into reverse. brake loss due to lack of vacuum. vehicle spun in a circle suddenly and hit another parked vehicle when backing out of a parked position. *tr | |||
| 01/21/2003 | 114500 | 3 | 05/15/1997 |
| I have a concern over the defect of the head gasket of our 1996 ford windstar. this vehicle is our family vehicle - very neccessary for a family of young children - family of 7. so far, we have replaced the transmission, replaced the speedometer, and most recently have been told to replace the head gasket. i understand that the head gasket repair/ replacement is a rather expensive repair. i also understand that ford has offered to some, to make good on this defect in workmanship. i have been advised to turn this in to the state's attorney here in north dakota, and to the better business bureau. i need this vehicle fixed. i don't care for the ford dealership in jamestown, nd - since the last repair left me without a vehicle for a month. i would like this defect taken care of. i think ford has made a safe van for my family, but i am very dissappointed with the quality of the parts under the hood - who would have thought that ford would have such poor workmanship that i would have this much trouble with this 1996 vehicle. please advise me on how to obtain the paperwork that will get this defect on the head gasket properly paid for and taken care of by ford. | |||
| 02/01/2001 | |||
| Consumer noticed oil beading up in coolant tank. took vehicle to dealership and head gasket and engine manifold gaskets were redesigned and replaced. on april 5th, consumer noticed oil in coolant recovery tank, causing engine check light to come on. vehicle was also misfiring. please provide any additional information/attachments.*ak | |||
| 04/12/1997 | |||
| When driving the brakes went straight to the floorboard, and the brake light came on. conumer had to pump the brakes to get the vehicle to stop. also, when applying the brakes there is a loud noise. the brakes had been replaced three times. dealer told the consumer that brakes have to be replaced every year. consumer stated that there is another safety problem involving the electricalsystem. the lights keep coming on , as well as the light's on the dashboard keep coming on. in addition, gas gauge failed to indicate the proper amount of gas left in the tank. *ak | |||
| FUEL SYSTEM, OTHER - DELIVERY | |||
| Consumers concerned about the safety of the fuel turn off switch. | |||