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 | |
Consumer Complaints
| Fail date | miles | occurences | Purchase date |
|---|---|---|---|
| STEERING | |||
| 06/19/2002 | 66000 | 2 | |
| Vehicle has been loosing coolant for many years. *la the vehicle was taken in for a routine oil change but ended up having major repairs. approximately eight months after the repair, the engine quit and the consumer was informed by two dealers that the vehicle needed a short block installed. there was also noise in the steering and a coolant leak. the intake upper and lower manifold gaskets were also replaced. *sc *jb | |||
| 12/15/2002 | 0 | ||
| 12-15-97 at 21,145 miles i reported noticing the coolant level always being low. no leak was found and i was told there must be a leak somewhere in the radiator. 12-27-99 at 56,526 miles i began having a "cold start" problem. it acted like it was not getting fuel. 12-1200 at 74,306 miles i had the same "cold start" problem and the fuel filter was repaced. 12-22-00 at 74,930 a new thermostat & gasket. 12-29-00 at 75,113 a fuel pressure regulator. 03-02-01 at 77,569 miles a new fuel pump relay(ccrm), fuel pump and pvc valve. 09-11-01 at 87,907 miles a mult-function switch. 01-31-02 at 95,069 miles a second ccrm relay. 03-06-02 at 99,348 miles on an 80 degree day "no start" same symptoms as "cold start" problem. instead of not getting fuel it is suspected it is flooding. 4-23-02 at 99,348 miles cold start problem, fuel injectors cleaned. 05-30-02 at 101,330 miles wouldn't start, no fuel pressure-intermittent. had to have it towed. 6-7-02 at 101,388 miles "no start" problem. new fuel filter, fuel pump and sender o-ring. 12-01-2-01 109,530 miles van started steaming - appeared to be a coolant leak or broken hose. added coolant direct in radiator. i have carried own coolant and added frequenlty since 1997, when i was told there must be a leak in the radiator. i could not find any trace of such a leak by putting cardboard under van. suspected the plastic coolant container had a leak. no coolant leaks where ever found during routine oil changes. 12-04-02 109,568 m,iles found leaking front timing cover gasket. replaced headgasket and all else that goes with it. cost of repair $1,915.21. i believe the headgasket defect has been the problem all a long, costing me a small fortune. | |||
| 04/24/2003 | 1 | ||
| When the key was taken out of the ignition, the engine did not shut off. the vehicle was taken to the dealership who stated a pin came out of the steering system. *jb | |||
| 11/23/2001 | 1 | 09/01/2001 | |
| While driving down the interstate the vehicles needle started to hum. then next, the speedometer needle started to fly back and forth between 40-110mph. i did some further research about this problem on the internet and found that about 20 other individuals with this same problem were having to replace this component with less than 40,000 miles usage between replacements. up to two or three were being replaced within the vehicles. now if there were 20 reports on one website about this concern then there are probably hundreds more not being reported. an investigation is warranted. this is a major safety concern for all drivers on the roads with this problem. *ak | |||
| 09/30/2000 | 02/01/1997 | ||
| In the past two weeks the transmission has slipped twice. when at a complete stop and accelerating the vehicle has to be put into park and then back into drive. this is very dangerous. there is only 56000 on vehicle. battery light continually comes on this can be very nerve wracking when in heavy traffic. . speedometer fluctuates and flops around after 40mph, sometime sticks at 50mph. rear wipers work when they want. we have just returned from serving 8 years overseas, this is our only vehicle and from the research we have just been able to start this windstar is headaches with the same problems. i would like to be able to take my family to see relatives they have not seen in over 8 years but this vehicle is unsafe. *ak | |||
| 09/30/2000 | 02/01/1997 | ||
| In the past two weeks the transmission has slipped twice. when at a complete stop and accelerating the vehicle has to be put into park and then back into drive. this is very dangerous. there is only 56000 on vehicle. battery light continually comes on this can be very nerve wracking when in heavy traffic. . speedometer fluctuates and flops around after 40mph, sometime sticks at 50mph. rear wipers work when they want. we have just returned from serving 8 years overseas, this is our only vehicle and from the research we have just been able to start this windstar is headaches with the same problems. i would like to be able to take my family to see relatives they have not seen in over 8 years but this vehicle is unsafe. | |||
| 02/07/2000 | 20 | 05/01/1998 | |
| The speedometer starts moving erratically once speeds of 25 mph are reached. also, sometimes, the windshield wipers will only work on high speed. i have contacted the dealer, and am told it will be $500.00 for the speedometer. i feel this, as well as the problems with the wipers is a serious safety issue. i've read several complaints on this site about problems with speedometers on 1996 windstars, and i think ford should be responsible for repairs, not me. *ak | |||
| 08/10/1999 | 1 | 09/01/1998 | |
| Speedometer jumps erratically after 40 mph; engine check light comes on often, with various diagnoses that seem to only fix the problem for awhile; we have paid almost $1000 in repairs so far, none of it under warranty, per the dealer. *ak | |||
| 2 | 01/01/1996 | ||
| Speedometer failed at 35000 miles, the needle jumps all over have no accurate speed reading. the speedometer was replaced under warrinty by manufacturer. the speedometer broke again at app. 75000 miles, the same problem, this time the manufacturer will not fix it even though it is a reoccurring problem.*ak | |||
| 02/15/2000 | 1 | 12/01/1998 | |
| Speedometer began jumping around above 40 mph. ford dealer stated it was a speedometer gear replacement. cost >$400. ford had a recall for the same item for the 95 windstar (tsb 94b47) and a service bulletin to repair (tsb 99-7-9). nhtsa has more than 30 complaints for this same failure. it appears ford recognized the safety hazard on the 1995 windstar, but did not fix the problem on the 1996. *ak | |||
| 12/01/1998 | 1 | 04/01/1998 | |
| The right rear speed sensor quit working and was determined as needing replacement by joe mahan ford in paris, tn. the cost is approximately $100, but i feel this is a safety concern because without it working, the anti-lock brakes will not work. also, the speedometer is broken. while driving over 30mph, the needle jumps around to 80 or more and the correct speed cannot be determined. again, this should be a safety concern because speed should be known at all times. i contacted ford customer relations department, but they stated that they could be of no assistance. i really need these items fixed, but the combined cost is greater than $400 and i feel ford should at least share in the cost. *ak | |||
| 08/20/1999 | 10/01/1995 | ||
| Th speedometer does not accurately show the speed. this could be dangerous, espcially with my teenage driver. johnson ford is charging $333.00 for the part alone which incidently can only be purchased at ford dealers. i feel that a speedometer should work. *ak | |||
| 06/30/1999 | 2 | 08/01/1996 | |
| Speedometer readout not reliable. needle sometimes sticks on certain speed when obviously accelerating. needle often swings suddenly up and down when cruising at steady speed. needle has crept upward several mph while driving with cruise control on. first occurred just under 27,000 mi, and instrument panel was replaced under warranty. is now reoccurring, and dealer wants $400 to replace again 18 mo later. dealer service shops in arkansas and north dakota bot said they've seen a lot of this - the plastic parts (gears?) in the instrument panel just wear out. *ak | |||
| 02/01/1997 | 1 | ||
| Steering makes noise. | |||
| 08/22/1996 | 1 | 05/16/1996 | |
| Steering gear assembly failed. | |||
| 11/24/1996 | |||
| While driving vehicle lost steering control which could cause an accident. *ak | |||
| STEERING - GEAR BOX (OTHER THAN RACK AND PINION) | |||
| 1 | 01/01/2002 | ||
| Consumer stated repair work was performed on the steering box mechanism.*jb | |||
| STEERING - HYDRAULIC POWER ASSIST - POWER STEERING FLUID | |||
| 04/05/2004 | 134000 | 4 | 07/01/2002 |
| I brought my 1996 ford windstar in for an oil change, and was told tie rods failed and needed to be replaced. , then, next day, they phoned and advised me that transmission was defective because the pan was full of shavings, also, power steering rack was leaking, and intake gasket needed replacement. , a total of $5000 to fix this vehicle. i bought it at 118,000 miles, and this happened shortly after owning it for one year. currently, it has 134,000 miles, and cannot be driven. i parked vehicle then started it after being parked for a week. heard a noise from front, and then white smoke came out of the tail pipe. i do believe that paul cornies, the dealer that i purchased vehicle knew that they were selling me a lemon. it has caused me a lot of hardship as i no longer work due to health reasons. i filed for disability insurance, and was told that i had a preexisting disease , and refused to pay the insurance. currently, i have a junker in my driveway that i can't afford to fix , and a bill for the next 3 years, since i still owe for it. i will never buy another ford. *ak | |||
| STEERING - HYDRAULIC POWER ASSIST - PUMP | |||
| 01/25/2000 | 1 | 03/01/1998 | |
| Auotmatic transmission slips out of gear into a neutral after you come to a stop. you then have to put it in a low gear to get in back in drive. this can be a hazard in traffic. the power steerinng pump makes a loud grinding noise much louder than the normal sound the pump makes, the dealer has said previously that it is normal for the windstar. the passenger side power window has stopped working, unk reason has not been looked at. these problems are occurring in other windstars of the same year . | |||
| STEERING - HYDRAULIC POWER ASSIST SYSTEM | |||
| 06/16/1999 | 1 | ||
| Power steering failed. nlm | |||
| 02/10/2000 | 1 | 04/01/1999 | |
| When we turned the car on, a loud grinding sound came from the engine along with large sparks/flames. we had it towed to our mechnaic who discovered the bottom bolt of the power steering assembly had never been tightned. the bolt had loosend itself, hit the pulley and caused flames. could have started a fire if were on the road at the time. *ak | |||
| 11/01/1998 | 1 | 06/01/1996 | |
| My aunt and uncle have had problems with there ford windstar since 1995. they brought there first in 1995 and the power steering pump needed to be fixed after 6 months, and again after 18 months. then the transmittion failed after two 2 years. after this crystal ford of silver spring, md. decided to give them a new 1997 model. with this vehicle, the transmission went out after 18 months and now it's in the shop for the power steering pump. this really doesn't make since. obviously, there is a problem with this vehicle because i have seen numerous website's complaining about this minivan. someone needs to make the ford motor company aware of the severity of this complaints. if you have any questions please contact lawrence and alice brown at (202) 723-1530. | |||
| 1 | 09/01/1997 | ||
| When applying the abs brakes the pedal nearly travels to the floor, causing extended stopping distance. dealer cannot identify any problem. *ak consumer states that there is a grinding noise from the front brakes. consumer also states that the steering wheel is very difficult to use. *slc | |||
| 09/09/1996 | 8 | ||
| Transmission growls and sounds lke it is going to drop/hit the ground; also brake pedal gets mushy/soft, vehicle loses control. there is also loss of steering power. *ak | |||
| 09/09/1996 | 1 | 07/15/1996 | |
| Anti-lock brake failure, causing loss of control; also steering failure. *ak | |||
| STEERING - LINKAGES | |||
| 04/25/2002 | 1 | 02/01/2097 | |
| No summary listed for above vehicle. *ak | |||
| 01/01/2001 | 1 | 12/09/1996 | |
| While driving there came a loud squeaking noise from steering area. contacted dealer, and dealer noted that there could be problems with tie rods. *ak problem began about 50000 miles. *yh | |||
| 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 | |||
| 01/05/2000 | 09/01/1997 | ||
| I had my front brakes replaced january 7 , 2000 . i recently heard a loud tumping noise in the right front wheel / axle assembly. i took the van back to the dealer for repairs. they replace the sway bar / tie rods on the right side and did a suspension adjustment and assured me the problem was fixed. i took the van out of the parking lot only to return immediatly. i then took the expert front end mechanic for a test drive . he heard the noise for the first time and told me i now needed struts. this he said would solve my problem . i am scheduled to have this repair done on july 23 , 2000. i do not believe this to be my problem . also i am concerned that my dealer as well as ford will not cover any of these repairs because the 36 months on my warranty has expired but not my 36,000 miles ( i am at 33,900 miles ) . if you could send any information on recalls , class action suits or helpful tips on what to do i would be forever gratefull . thanks ron turner | |||
| 02/17/1999 | 05/15/1997 | ||
| Vehicle experiencing premature tie rod failure at 47,000 miles, causing a potential safty hazard. *ak | |||
| 06/10/1998 | 8 | ||
| Had the sub-frame insulator replaced twice. had new abs brakes put on vehicle. the rotors were cut twice. the subframe bushing thread loader was worn down. tie rods replaced twice, and the struts were replaced twice also. *ak | |||
| STEERING - LINKAGES - KNUCKLE - SPINDLE - ARM | |||
| 09/10/2001 | 06/01/1996 | ||
| No summary listed for above vehicle. *ak | |||
| 09/30/1997 | 1 | 12/30/1996 | |
| Steering spindle failed. | |||
| Owner states while driving vehicle it started to shake. owner also noted that vehicle went off a bridge because the steering knuckle arm broke.owner is very concerned for her safety. *ak | |||
| STEERING - LINKAGES - TIE ROD ASSEMBLY | |||
| 04/05/2004 | 134000 | 4 | 07/01/2002 |
| I brought my 1996 ford windstar in for an oil change, and was told tie rods failed and needed to be replaced. , then, next day, they phoned and advised me that transmission was defective because the pan was full of shavings, also, power steering rack was leaking, and intake gasket needed replacement. , a total of $5000 to fix this vehicle. i bought it at 118,000 miles, and this happened shortly after owning it for one year. currently, it has 134,000 miles, and cannot be driven. i parked vehicle then started it after being parked for a week. heard a noise from front, and then white smoke came out of the tail pipe. i do believe that paul cornies, the dealer that i purchased vehicle knew that they were selling me a lemon. it has caused me a lot of hardship as i no longer work due to health reasons. i filed for disability insurance, and was told that i had a preexisting disease , and refused to pay the insurance. currently, i have a junker in my driveway that i can't afford to fix , and a bill for the next 3 years, since i still owe for it. i will never buy another ford. *ak | |||
| 08/08/2004 | 4 | 09/26/2000 | |
| The vehicle's door locks locked and unlocked on their own. *nm there were problems with the front driver side wheel and the engine light and the abs light was intermittent. the consumer experienced an accident which may be due to the brake lines. refer to recall#02v101000. *sc the sway bar rattled, the tie rods were replaced. *jb | |||
| 08/19/2002 | 10/01/2001 | ||
| Need to replace speedometer head, replaced tie rod, front and rear brakes, cylinders, head gasket and now engine blew need new engine. *ak | |||
| 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 | |||
| 03/28/2002 | 1 | ||
| Vehicle was pulling to the right at all time, vehicle was taken to dealer for alignment. dealer stated alignment could not be done, due to the tie rod coupling being cracked. nlm | |||
| 02/10/2001 | 1 | 08/13/1996 | |
| Two frozen outer tie rods. conusmer would notice since he heard some noises. also, streeing wheel would not completey turn back to its place. contacted dealer, dealer fixed problem.*ak *slc | |||
| Front right wheel separated because tie rod separated from wheel. dealer repaired tie rod. 30000 miles later, dealer replaced the tie rods. earlier has recently inspected vehicle and discovered that the tie rods needed to be replaced again. *ak | |||
| 1 | 08/01/1996 | ||
| The vehicle experienced premature tie rod failure. *mjs | |||
| 03/01/2000 | 1 | 07/01/1996 | |
| Front end groans when turning the steering wheel. was told tie rod ends have to be replaced. *ak | |||
| 01/01/1998 | |||
| While driving at 5 mph and without prior warning, inner tie rod broke, resulting in loss of control, and vehicle ran into a pole. *ak | |||
| While driving inner tie rod broke, causing the front passenger's side wheel to fall off, resulting in driver's side air bag deploying. consumer was knocked unconscious. please provide details. *ak | |||
| 08/01/1998 | 1 | ||
| Outer tie rod ends failed. | |||
| 09/01/1998 | 1 | ||
| Inner tie rod ends failed. | |||
| While backing out at approx. 4mph, tie rod end detached and axel pulled out from vehicle, resulting in wheels couldn't rotate. *ak | |||
| STEERING - RACK AND PINION | |||
| 08/05/2003 | 85550 | 1 | 10/05/1999 |
| Replaced rack and pinion for the second time 8/01 ( by dealership) and 5/03. also replaced front end bearing in 1999 and transmission. wiring harness in 2000. rear a/c does not work and that's only the items i can remeber.*ak | |||
| 10/01/2001 | 03/01/2001 | ||
| Bought car 3/01-immediately replaced cat. converter. overdrive lt flashing-needed new transmission, torque converter, planetary gears, solenoids; had to realign;speedometer off by at least 10 mph; need new rack & pinion-power steering fluid leaking; nothing but problems have spent so much money and also been without car for over a month -only had it 7 months! | |||
| 09/10/1996 | 15 | 09/07/1996 | |
| Rack and pinion steering failed. | |||
| STEERING - RACK AND PINION - RACK | |||
| 12/01/1998 | 1 | ||
| Steering rack failed. | |||
| STEERING - WHEEL AND HANDLE BAR | |||
| 01/04/1998 | |||
| While driving about 30 mph the steering wheel separated from the steering column, causing the driver to lose control of the vehicle. the dealer has been notified. *ak | |||
| 09/16/1997 | 3 | 03/07/1997 | |
| Thump felt in steering wheel when starting to move or while stopping the vehicle. it feels as if something is loose inside. *ak | |||
| 05/31/1997 | 1 | 08/01/1996 | |
| A fire started in the vehicle's steering column while the car was in motion. *ak | |||