Recalls
| Campaign | Manufacturer | Manufacturing date | Type | # of units affected | Date Owner notified Mfg | Recall Initiated by | Manufacturers of recalled vehicles/products | Report Recieved Date | Record Creation Date | Regulation Part Number | FMVSS Number | |||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| POWER TRAIN - AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION | ||||||||||||||||
| 97V097000 | FORD MOTOR COMPANY | from 11/24/1996 to 03/01/1997 | V (Vehicle) | 100000 | 06/30/1997 | MFR | FORD MOTOR COMPANY | 06/09/1997 | 06/17/1997 | |||||||
| Defect Summary | Vehicle description: passenger vehicles equipped with ax4s automatic transaxles. the low/intermediate servo cover can separate from the transaxle while the vehicle is being driven. if this occurs, transmission fluid will leak contacting the catalytic converter. | |||||||||||||||
| Consequence Summary | The catalytic converter temperature may be hot enough to ignite the transmission fluid and cause a vehicle fire. | |||||||||||||||
| Corrective Summary | Dealers will inspect the transmission and replace these servo covers. | |||||||||||||||
| Notes | Owner notification:owner notification began june 30, 1997.owners who take their vehicles to an authorized dealer on an agreed upon service date and do not receive the free remedy within a reasonable time should contact ford at 1-800-392-3673. also contact the national highway traffic safety administration's auto safety hotline at 1-800-424-9393. | |||||||||||||||
Bulletins
| Bulletin | Bulletin date | Replacement Bulletin | Item no. | Summary | Added |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| POWER TRAIN | |||||
| 17358 | 08/01/2004 | 17963 | 10008183 | Groan/buzz/vibration when the gear selector is in park with the vehicle parked on an incline. *tt this bulletin updates previous bulletin 17358, dated 11/01/2003 to include 2005 models. *tt | 07/22/2004 |
| 15370 | 11/01/2001 | 630351 | Some vehicles may exhibit a groan/buzz/vibration when the gear selector is in park. *tt | 04/16/2002 | |
| 15392 | 11/01/2001 | 630356 | Some vehicles may exhibit a park pullout clunk noise when shifting from park to another gear position. *tt | 04/16/2002 | |
| 12178 | 11/01/1998 | 613234 | Information regarding tsb 98-5a-12 (transaxle/transmission/transfer case-vehicles towed behind recreational vehicles-recommended guidelines) does not list towing information for certain model vehicles. *mjs | 06/19/2000 | |
| 97111097237 | 11/10/1997 | 53663 | Concerns with harsh engagements and harsh shifts with diagnostic trouble codes (dtcs) 628, p0741 and/or p1744. *yc | 03/30/1998 | |
| POWER TRAIN - AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION | |||||
| 980304 | 01/01/1998 | 607705 | Intermittent no forward engagement with or without dtc p1784 action. *ak | 02/06/2001 | |
| 99152 | 07/26/1999 | 608431 | Information on the new flush and fill tool available through rotunda. *tt | 01/05/2001 | |
| 12099 | 11/01/1998 | 613084 | Vehicles with the ax4s transaxle have an inline transmission cooler bypass valve located in the cooler line near the radiator cooler. *mjs | 06/16/2000 | |
| 0015 | 01/10/2000 | 612203 | Information regarding the new transmission cooler flusher- service tip. *mjs | 06/06/2000 | |
| 13024 | 07/01/1999 | 610767 | Some vehicles equipped with the ax4s transaxle may exhibit a harsh 3-2 downshift when coasting around a corner and then stepping into the throttle to accelerate away from the corner. *tt | 05/12/2000 | |
| 982512 | 04/01/1998 | 603540 | Some vehicles may exhibit a customer concern of inoperative overdrive cancel light. *yc | 02/24/1999 | |
| 9888 | 04/27/1998 | 601238 | Information on a new transmission fluid usage chart. *yc | 07/10/1998 | |
| BC2380970501 | 05/01/1997 | 52820 | Harsh 1-2 upshift. *tw | 09/12/1997 | |
| 97511 | 03/03/1997 | 51945 | Fluid- transmission fluid usage charts. *jd | 07/17/1997 | |
| BC1017197230 | 01/23/1997 | 51522 | Vehicles built between 2/95 and 9/01/96 may experience rough/harsh or irregular shifts due to water entry into the transaxle range sensor. *jd | 06/27/1997 | |
| BC0011970201 | 01/02/1997 | 51009 | A buzz noise in ax4s transaxles on 1996/97 taurus/sable and windstars. *jd | 06/27/1997 | |
| BC0141970201 | 01/02/1997 | 51041 | Verify the transaxle installed in the vehicle is the correct model and model year for the vehicle. *jd | 06/27/1997 | |
| BC101209702 | 01/02/1997 | 51184 | Verify the transaxle installed in the vehicle is the correct model and model year for the vehicle. *jd | 06/27/1997 | |
| 962613 | 12/16/1996 | 50998 | Transaxle - ax4s - extended 2-3 shift and/or higher than expected engine rpm during 2-3 shift at light to medium throttle and/or no 2-3 shift - vehicles equipped with 3.0l engine - service tip. *tw | 06/17/1997 | |
| POWER TRAIN - AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION - CONTROL MODULE (TCM, PCM) | |||||
| 042107 | 12/13/2004 | 042414 | 10014086 | General (pcm) power train control module programming procedures. *tt | 04/28/2005 |
| 981519 | 08/03/1998 | 609559 | Traction control lamp flasing intermittently with diagnostic trouble codes u1009 and/or u1027. *ak | 04/04/2000 | |
| 98153 | 08/03/1998 | 609552 | This tsb is being republished in its entirety to revise the power train control module (pcm) calibration cross reference and revise pcm service part numbers. *ak | 04/03/2000 | |
| BPI9904 | 01/01/1999 | 605850 | Conditions with the trac off lamp illuminating intermittently and ther may also be stored trouble codes u1009 and / or u1027. | 07/29/1999 | |
| POWER TRAIN - AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION - COOLING UNIT AND LINES | |||||
| 03148 | 07/21/2003 | 10003748 | New transmission cooler flusher - service tips. 2003 escort and super duty f series included. *tt | 10/29/2003 | |
| 5131 | 12/01/1998 | 615326 | Subject regarding vehicles with the ax4s transaxle having an inline transmission cooler bypass valve located in the cooler line near the radiator cooler. *tt | 01/13/2001 | |
| POWER TRAIN - AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION - LEVER AND LINKAGE - COLUMN SHIFT | |||||
| 12616 | 03/01/1999 | 605338 | Information on transaxle service case replacement with oss (output shaft speed sensor) hole. *tt | 06/08/1999 | |
| POWER TRAIN - AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION - PARK/NEUTRAL START SWITCH | |||||
| 01181 | 09/17/2001 | 625715 | Brake shift interlock.*jb | 11/30/2001 | |
| POWER TRAIN - AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION - TORQUE CONVERTER | |||||
| 03123 | 06/23/2003 | 10002684 | Torque converter clutch not engaging when commanded and/or diagnostic trouble codes p0741 or p1744 stored in memory. models from 1996 to 2003. *tt | 09/10/2003 | |
| 14773 | 03/01/2001 | 619462 | Information on indexing orange dot on torque converter to flexplate. *tt | 05/31/2001 | |
| 96249 | 11/18/1996 | 50908 | Torque converter - leak test procedure - service tip. *tw | 06/17/1997 | |
| 962612 | 12/16/1996 | 50997 | Transaxle - torque converter replacement guidelines and torque converter/transaxle cooling system cleaning procedures - service tip. *tw | 06/17/1997 | |
| POWER TRAIN - AXLE ASSEMBLY | |||||
| 01171 | 09/03/2001 | 625687 | Transaxle - ax4s - replacement application chart - windstar vehicles only. *nlm | 11/30/2001 | |
| 13024 | 07/01/1999 | 610767 | Some vehicles equipped with the ax4s transaxle may exhibit a harsh 3-2 downshift when coasting around a corner and then stepping into the throttle to accelerate away from the corner. *tt | 05/12/2000 | |
| 99184 | 09/06/1999 | 6090053 | Some vehicles equipped with ax4s transaxle, may exhibit a harsh 2-3 downshift may occur when coasting around a corner and then accelerating. *tt | 03/06/2000 | |
| 996735 | 08/01/1999 | 608455 | Some vehicles equipped with the ax4s transaxle may exhibit a harsh 3-2 downshift when coasting around a corner and then stepping into the throttle to accelerate away from the corner. *tt | 12/01/1999 | |
| 98221 | 11/09/1998 | 603710 | Intermittent neutral condition after driving and coming to a stop. *yc | 03/03/1999 | |
| BC0011972301 | 01/23/1997 | 51384 | Buzz noise in ax4s transaxles. *jd | 06/27/1997 | |
| BC0680961024 | 10/24/1996 | 50357 | Vehicles shipped w/ low transaxle fluid level. *tt | 04/24/1997 | |
| BC5197961001 | 10/01/1996 | 50474 | Some vehicles equipped w/ an ax4s transaxle may have been shipped w/ a low transaxle fluid level. *tt | 04/24/1997 | |
| POWER TRAIN - AXLE ASSEMBLY - AXLE SHAFT - SEAL | |||||
| 982675 | 04/01/1998 | 603573 | A revised forward clutch inner seal for the axod, axode, ax4s & ax4n transaxle is available with improved sealing and reduced chance of the seal rolling during installation. *yc | 02/25/1999 | |
| POWER TRAIN - CLUTCH ASSEMBLY - PEDAL/LINKAGE | |||||
| 12559 | 03/01/1999 | 605294 | Concerns with reverse clutch that could become sheared or torn in extremely cold temperatures. *tt | 06/07/1999 | |
Consumer Complaints
| Fail date | miles | occurences | Purchase date |
|---|---|---|---|
| POWER TRAIN | |||
| 1 | 03/29/1997 | ||
| Consumer states the speedometer is inoperative.*jb | |||
| 01/01/2000 | 1 | 08/11/2000 | |
| At 60000 miles speedometer malfunctioned, and consumer could no longer read the speed on vehicle. dealer replaced speedometer cable. *ak *tt | |||
| 01/14/2002 | 1 | 01/18/1997 | |
| While driving speedometer suddenly started to read the wrong speed. consumer stated it bounced all over the place. at times consumer did not know exactly what speed she was traveling. *ak consumer states that the problem was solved but she was overcharged. *yh | |||
| 12/11/1999 | 1 | 03/01/1997 | |
| Speedometer started twitching very little at about 34,000 miles. thought nothing of it because it was so small. after warranty was over it would swing wildly from 50 to 110 mph. also makes a grumbling sound. unable to determine speed . dealer is replacing speedometer for @$600.00 at this time. edmunds and other car sites have lots of complaints just like mine. dealer said they know just how to troubleshoot this problem...must be lots of experience. if this is how they build these and charge me a ton to fix the defective equipment, i will be lloking for a honda or toyota next. seems like a safety issue when you do not know how fast you are going...been using the tach for a long time myself.*ak | |||
| 03/29/2001 | |||
| Erratic operation of speedometer, commenced to jump back and forth while driving at 40 mph or more. dealer notified, and informed consumer that vehicle was out of its warranty. not covered under a recall, and nothing would be done unless cost go to consumer. please provide any further details on this matter. *ak | |||
| 02/15/2001 | 0 | ||
| Speedometer broke, and consumer could not tell how fast vehicle was traveling. it has been doing this for a while.*ak | |||
| 11/01/2000 | 04/01/1997 | ||
| Speedometer speed indicator jumps up and down, unit buzzes. *ak | |||
| 02/11/2001 | 1 | 09/01/1997 | |
| Erratic speedometer (eg speedometer moving to 80 while vehicle parked). *ak | |||
| 12/11/1999 | 1 | 03/01/1997 | |
| While travelling at speed of 55 mph, speedometer started chattering erratically and fluctuating from 55-90, then stopped and indicated correctly. problem has since shown up constantly and will not indicate correctly above 40 mph every time. cruise control holds at constant speed (by tach rpm). dealer has been contacted and i was told that the problem would require replacement of speedometer at cost of $550 parts + labor -- or -- the speedometer can be refurbished, requiring the van to be kept at the dealer for up to 2 weeks at a cost of $260 parts + labor. *ak | |||
| 11/24/2000 | 05/01/2000 | ||
| Speedometer goes from 15 to 80 and stays at a high speed. my mechanic has stated this is a expensive part and ford is aware they are having a problem. he himself has sent many customer back to the dealers to have the speedometer replaced. *ak | |||
| 08/10/2000 | 1 | 03/01/1998 | |
| Repair part cost in excess of $450 (with labor). loss of speedometer deemed safety related issue as speed could not be accurately determined. | |||
| 07/01/2000 | 2 | 03/01/1999 | |
| Inside slide door lock is broken. dealer has been notified.*ak spedometer head broke. *yh | |||
| While driving speedodometer floats and makes a clicking sound, reading 30 miles higher than what the vehicle is really doing. dealer has been contacted.*ak | |||
| 01/01/1998 | 12/01/1997 | ||
| Speedometer bounces and buzzes in dash est. repair cost $350. *ak | |||
| 1 | 10/31/1997 | ||
| Speedometer assembly failed. mjs | |||
| 12/20/1999 | 1 | 06/01/1999 | |
| Speedometer bounces and or registers incorrect speed, dealer says speedometer head is defective, estimates repairs at $350. after researching nhtsa, i find others with the same problem. a vehicle this new should not experiance a problem like this. please help. thank you. *ak | |||
| 02/11/1999 | 2 | 01/04/1999 | |
| While driving vehicle, noticed the indicator gauge for the speedometer fails to register speed of vehicle. the indicator needle kept bouncing up & down. was not steady. taken vehicle to mechanic for noise in dashboard. mjs *slc | |||
| 08/20/1999 | 1 | 02/01/1997 | |
| I noticed that my speedometer was behaving erratically at about 41000 miles. i contacted the dealer who said that it would have to be replaced at a cost of $250 if i wanted it fixed. i said that i didn't believe the speedometer should fail at that low mileage. the manufacturer contacted me about this and said there was nothing they could do (financially) to help with the replacement. at about 50000 miles i was informed that the right tie rod end was worn and advised it should be replaced. again, i protested because of the low mileage. i finally had the replacement done for safety reasons at my expense. i was also told that the right wheel bearing was out of tolerance at a mileage of approx. 40000 miles. none of these defects were mentioned at the pre-36000 mile servicing i had done of the vehicle. i am very dissatisfied with the durability of the vehicle, and will probabably not purchase another ford vehicle again. ford has not been helpful in helping with the repair costs on the vehicle at this relatively low mileage. | |||
| 08/01/1998 | 0 | ||
| While driving consumer noticed that speedometer was not working at that time, and had not worked since. *ak | |||
| 11/21/1998 | 1 | 03/01/1997 | |
| The part is the speedometer which has replacement part f682.17255.cb supplied by the firm electra-sound, inc., west palma, ohio. estimated costs for replacement of this part is $54.00 diagnostic; $166.66 for the replacement speedometer; $65.00 for labor. problem: the original speedometer began being jittery at 20,000 miles. at 40,000 miles, the speedometer fluctuates wildly at speeds of 40 mph and more. so, if you are traveling on the highway at 60 mph, for example, the speedometer will show speeds anywhere from 40 to 110 mph. you do not know what speed you are traveling!!! mechanics around here have been quoted as saying this defect is common in speedometers used in windstar and explorer models. the dealer that provided my diagnostic work said there is a two-week backlog to get this part. the mechanics also said the failure reason is attributable to a plastic component in the speedometer. note: the rpm guage, and coolant temperature guage do not seem to be affected. i think it is a fundamental safety defect to not know what speed you are driving at!!! please help... | |||
| POWER TRAIN - AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION | |||
| 07/22/2006 | 146000 | 1 | 06/01/2005 |
| Dt*: the contact stated, while the vehicle was immobile with the engine running, smoke erupted from under the hood. the engine was immediately turned off and the vehicle was vacated. the hood was raised and flames looked as if they it was coming out of the engine compartment. the fire was extinguished and the vehicle was towed to the home of the contact. the manufacturer was alerted. there is a nhtsa recall #97v097000 pertaining to the power train:automatic transmission. the vehicle is not included in the recall due to the vin. | |||
| 06/27/2003 | 1 | ||
| Consumer stated that while driving at any speed and without warning transmission failed, causing a distraction to the consumer. dealer notified.*ak | |||
| 01/07/2003 | 1 | ||
| Sudden catastrophic failure of the transmission on my 1996 windstar, 86,000 mi. proper maintenence had been done. i see there are many complaints here with the same problem. nhtsa it is time to step up and force a recall. how long do the consumers have to bear the brunt of this obvious defect. we don't have the $3000 they want for repairs. what happened to comsumer rights? the way it stands now i will never buy another amercian car. is that what you want for the economy. you have to hold corporate america responsibletoput out quality vehicles. you have the power. do what you are there to do, protect the consumer, not the corporate money. | |||
| 11/23/2001 | 06/01/2001 | ||
| We were driving on the interstate at 70 mph with the cruise control on. without any warning, the van went out of gear , the engine revved up, and all acceleration stopped. we pulled off the road and tried to get the van to go back into gear - any gear - and it wouldn't. there was no warning of a problem - no noises or leakage of fluid or anything unusual. | |||
| 01/01/2000 | |||
| We believe the sheer number of defect on this car is unbelievable. we purchased it used from my parents. total cost of non wear and tear repairs is around $5000. this is over 25% of the vehicles original value, and over 50% of the value at time of purchase. while no accidents have occurred, we believe ford should take responsibility for a bad product. *ak | |||
| 04/21/2001 | 1 | 10/01/1996 | |
| Complete transmission failure cost $2,000 to repair.*ak | |||
| 03/03/1998 | 6 | 05/19/1997 | |
| Transmission bushings assembly failed causing vehicle to pull. | |||
| 11/01/1999 | 1 | ||
| Transmission failed. yh | |||
| 05/26/1999 | 5 | 03/01/1999 | |
| My van has been putting itself into neutral when i am at a stop or pulling out of a stop. when i have went to the dealers in deleware (on vacation), pa. (on vacation) and my local dealer, no one can find a problem.now all of a sudden my dealer in roanoke rapids ,n.c. said he would rreplace some transmission parts but i do not know what they did. they told me it was to complicating. i am mad and scared to drive my van. i do not know what they did of if it will happen again. i travel to pa. alot with my 9yr old daughter by ourselves and now i am scared to do this. help!!! no one else will!!! i can not even get in touch with ford!!! | |||
| 06/01/1999 | |||
| When coming to a stop, the vehicle goes into neutral even though the shift indicator is in the drive position. when accelerating after stopping the vehicle moves unexpectedly after applying gas. manufacturer has been notified about the problem. the problem has not been corrected. please provide any further details. | |||
| 05/30/1999 | 6 | 02/01/1997 | |
| Ford has a tsb 98-22-1 regarding a false neutral after driving. here is what happens- vehicle is stopped in drive. when throttle is reapplied the vehicle sometimes doesn't move. but, it sometimes abruptly drops back into drive. this has caused a sudden unexpected lurching forward complete with tire squealing. it would be very likely to cause an accident in stop-and-go traffic with this defect. ford admits this defect, they just don't want to fix it after 3/36k warranty. | |||
| 08/13/1998 | 2 | 04/01/1998 | |
| 2nd transmission failure: 1/26/99 @71,800 miles. parked/when started, no reverse or forward gears. repaired: multiple parts: ie ax4n, ax4s, bearing pump shaft/plate etc. extended warrenty claim denied/ $3,500.00 out of pocket/ trans, still dysfunctional & power steering defective after last repair. both failures occurred out of state/repaired out of state. tomorrow i have to take van to akron oh (where last repaired) hope the transmission &steering will get me there in 1 peice!! please help!! (don't know if trans problems related to recalled parts, this vehicle was not put into service until 10/97 & recall was 6/97. i have exausted my resources& would appreciate any help/advice/direction. thought i had a ford warrenty, but i was sold something else, unfortunately.thank you, sincerely, linda | |||
| 06/12/1998 | |||
| When shifting gears vehicle makes a loud noise. also, the driver's side window doesn't work properly, and there is a problem with the slider, it won't work. *ak | |||
| 12/08/1997 | 2 | 03/01/1997 | |
| Norm conditions 20 mph stop abs engaged,delayed stop. near accident. dealer found no problem, not repeatable. one year later problem recurred, and abs light illuminated. dealer to replace left wheel sensor. seems that if the on-board computer doesn't think there is a problem, the technicians cannot find it. sensors could have been replaced earlier as a precaution. other problem- driving 55 on highway and transmission downshifted uncommanded. check engine light had been illuminated since earlier incident with the dealer unable to diagnose. sensor in gear selector was bad. hopefully, no undue wear and tear on transmission resulted from the highway downshift. | |||
| 02/24/1996 | 0 | ||
| When the vehicle was put into reverse the vehicle made a clicking sound and now the transmission is leaking. *ak | |||
| POWER TRAIN - AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION - CONTROL MODULE (TCM, PCM) | |||
| 03/01/2001 | |||
| Tracking system light comes on without prior warning. and brakes are not operable. light on the inside comes on intermittently. dealership is aware of problem.*ak | |||
| 10/20/2001 | 6 | 01/01/1998 | |
| Engine check light, abs and trac off lights started flashing at 78,000 miles. car has failed 4 times. repeated trips to service center, tune-up twice, new battery, new fuel pump. approx. $1500 paid so far, car continues to fail while driving. ford motor co. | |||
| 10/01/1997 | 1 | ||
| Traction control failed. yh | |||
| POWER TRAIN - AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION - COOLING UNIT AND LINES | |||
| 07/20/1999 | |||
| Nhtsa recall 97v-097000 automatic transmission leaking over catalytic converter and problem with steering loss. dealer was not notified at this time. *ak | |||
| POWER TRAIN - AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION - PARK/NEUTRAL START SWITCH | |||
| 07/03/2002 | 1 | 01/01/2000 | |
| Vehicle was parked and key was not in the ignition the child was able to put vehicle in drive and it rolled, hit a tree, proceeded across the street into a utility pole, the dealer was contacted and stated that this was normal.*ak *nlm | |||
| 08/04/2001 | 0 | ||
| A small child accidentally hit gear box and vehicle came out of gear. consumer feltit should not be this easy for vehicleto come out of gear. please provide any further information.*ak | |||
| POWER TRAIN - AXLE ASSEMBLY - BANJO HOUSING | |||
| 03/03/1998 | 6 | 05/19/1997 | |
| Half shaft assembly in transmission failed causing vehicle to pull. | |||
| POWER TRAIN - DRIVELINE - CONSTANT VELOCITY JOINT | |||
| 03/03/1998 | 6 | 05/19/1997 | |
| Cv joints failed, causing vehicle to pull.*ak | |||
| POWER TRAIN - DRIVELINE - DIFFERENTIAL UNIT | |||
| 05/06/2000 | 1 | 01/01/1997 | |
| Van lost power on acceleration and stopped. the front drive wheels locked-up. dealer determined planetary gear in transmission blew. manufacturer paid for the out of warranty (by 4 months) repairs. note ford has history of planetary gear failing (my 91 taurus). *ak | |||
| 1 | |||
| The differential is noisy and coming apart. yh | |||
| POWER TRAIN - MANUAL TRANSMISSION | |||
| 1 | 01/01/2000 | ||
| Transmission failed, at the time of repair they found that the frame was broken, the van was purchased from them 6 months prior to the failure and they accused me of hitting a bump and making the frame break. i personally do not remember hitting anything in the van i drive it to an from work. if a bump small enough not to recall will break the frame would that mean the frame is defected? i personally feel that i purchased the van with a broken frame and driving it for six months in that condition could of caused my transmission to fail. i would like to get more information about this and see if there is anyway of being reimbursed of this incident. i feel the van should be considered a lemon if it was sold with a broken frame. if i hit a bump hard enough to break the frame shouldn't the airbags eject? are they defective too? i've discussed this with charrap ford and they did reduce the price of the van repairs but have no explanation of the broken frame or the transmission. i traded in an 89 aerostar which didn't give me half the problems this 97 windstar is . i would like someone to investigate this and please contact me. thanks! vicki danley | |||