Recalls


CampaignManufacturerManufacturing dateType# of units affectedDate Owner notified MfgRecall Initiated byManufacturers of recalled vehicles/productsReport Recieved DateRecord Creation DateRegulation Part NumberFMVSS Number
FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE
06E056000UFI FILTERS USA E (Equipment)5864008/04/2006MFRFORD MOTOR COMPANY06/13/200606/23/2006
Defect SummaryCertain aftermarket fuel filters sold under the purolator brand name, p/n f65277, shipped from january 16 through june 2, 2006, for use on the above listed passenger vehicles. due to incorrect design, the quick connectors may not fully seat with the tube interface, even though the person making the connection may believe that the quick connector is fully attached.
Consequence SummaryFailure of this connection could lead to fuel spillage and, in the presence of an ignition source, a fire could occur.
Corrective SummaryUfi will notify owners and replace the filters free of charge. the recall began on august 4, 2006. owners may contact ufi filters usa at 800-230-5876.
NotesThis recall only pertains to ufi filters usa (purolator) aftermarket fuel filters and has no relation to any original equipment installed on the listed passenger vehicles.customers may contact the national highway traffic safety administration's vehicle safety hotline at 1-888-327-4236 (tty: 1-800-424-9153); or go to http://www.safercar.gov.
FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE - DELIVERY
00V164000FORD MOTOR COMPANYfrom 04/19/2000 to 04/26/2000V (Vehicle)300007/19/2000MFRFORD MOTOR COMPANY06/19/200006/29/2000
Defect SummaryVehicle description: mini vans. these vehicles may have incorrectly fuel line end forms which could result in a lower than specified pull apart force for the installed fuel line connection.
Consequence SummaryFuel leakage, in the presence of an ignition source, could result in a fire.
Corrective SummaryDealers will install a redundant fuel line clip on the fuel supply and return line connections at the rear of the chassis fuel line bundle.
NotesOwner notification began july 19, 2000. 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 1-888-dash-2-dot (1-888-327-4236).

Bulletins


BulletinBulletin dateReplacement BulletinItem no.SummaryAdded
FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE
1552201/01/2002630049Subject regarding driveability diagnostic trouble code lean codes p0171/p0174. *yd04/12/2002
FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE - STORAGE - TANK ASSEMBLY
004402/21/2000612349Vehicle may experience the fuel pump handle that may shut off while filling vehicle before tank is full. *mjs06/07/2000
FUEL SYSTEM, OTHER
039805/12/200310002780Malfunction indicator lamp (mil) illumination with diagnostic trouble codes p0442, p0455, p0456, p0457, p1442 or check fuel cap lamp illuminated with diagnostic trouble code p0457. *tt09/17/2003

Consumer Complaints


Fail datemilesoccurencesPurchase date
FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE
02/03/2012117000
 2 weeks after i bought, what i thought was going to be the best car i ever owned, the check engine light came on. since i'm a single mom with 5 kids, im very tight on money, therefore, i went to the auto part store, put it on the machine, hoping i could do what i did with all other vehicles i owned, buy the parts, go online and read up on fixing it my self. i had just put all my savings into buying the van. the store clerk, gives me a list of 4 codes and the list of possible fixes. i get home go online and found out that not only is it not easy for someone like me to do, but its going to be a good $1200-$1500 for a mechanic to fix. and worse of all, it as been a major issue with this make and model, ford knows about the problem and even put out a repair kit just for the issue, but still refuses to recall the vehicle after numerus complaints. well your little kit maybe inexpensive for people who can fix it them selves but when you have to pay a mechanic to do the work its more then a simple repair. if a car as been treated good by its owner, as not been abused and maintnance kept up with over the years, then the only major (above $1000) repairs that we should have, are repairs due to accidents or normal wear and tear. when almost ever one who owes one of them as the same problem, around the same time, then it is a defect in the making of the car and should be the responsability of the ford company. the the fact that ford had to come up with a repair kit, is admitting there is a defect with the van. i should have check this website before i bought the van. do your reserch people!
12/01/201123174
 Cel on, ecm throwing p0174 codes, many many complaints on internet of this problem with 3.8l v6 engine. apparentnly no help from ford or dealer to assist customers with a fix for this. ford what a joke this 2000 windstar is. no more fords for me, total lack of support for product failure.
12/01/2010157000
 Tl- the contact owns a 2000 ford windstar. while driving approximately 35 mph the contact noticed a fuel smell inside the vehicle. the vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic who stated there was a leak in the fuel line. the contact stated repairs were made but was unsure of what was repaired. the contact continued to smell fuel in the vehicle. the mechanic informed the contact there was a recall nhtsa campaign id number: 00v164000 (component: fuel system, gasoline:delivery. the manufacturer was contacted and confirmed there was a recall but stated the vin was not included in that recall. the approximate failure mileage was 157,000. ds
08/10/201069000
 2000 ford windstar lx 3.0. stalling while driving, when parking, while turning . somtimes will restart but as time has progressed this will not happen. began while under warranty but would always restart with patience but now has been rowed to dealership last six times. numerous very costly parts have been replaced since no codes are produced in these events but no solution has been accomplished to alleviating the stall. this is very dangerous in traffic.
03/18/2005550001707/07/2000
 My 2000 ford windstar will stall, while driving, without warning causing a loss of power to the engine, braking system and steering system in a 3800 pound vehicle. this is an intermittent problem, but repeats itself every 2 or 3 weeks or so. the last time it caused my wife to transverse into a stop sign controlled intersection in a populated residential area of los angeles county without brakes or steering. it has happened 15 times to myself and my wife and twice to south bay ford since approximately nov of 2004. i believe that ford dispatched engineers to south bay ford in hawthorne california who stated that this is an issue of fuel tank design and is not correctable. south bay ford and ford motor company together appear to be ready to return the vehicle to me with the instructions don't let the fuel tank drop below 1/4 of a tank. the stated reason is that the ford windstar has a rectangular fuel tank that when driving on grades can cause the fuel to move to a part of the tank that will not pump the gas to the engine (this is supposedly a known bug and possibly associated with a service bulletin). i asked why, assuming that my driving habits (and my wife's) have not changed in relation to our letting our tank get below 1/4 tank, then why has this only surfaced as a problem in the last 4 or 5 months? why not the first 3.5 years?!? this car is covered by an extended warranty for one more year. the car has been in the shop for nearly three weeks now. ford can not fix the problem, but will not take ownership of it either.
12/18/2003450001203/01/2001
 We have owned this 2000 ford windstar since february of 2002. i have lost count of how many times we have taken it back to the dealer because of the poor gas mileage. it was getting 13 mpg and the dealer said that was normal. but over the past 3 months we have taken it back to the dealer 8 times because of the check engine light. the dealership has replaced the upper/lower intake gaskets, fuel pump, fuel filter, fuel line, mass oxygen flow sensor, both o2 sensors, valve cover gaskets, and a couple of other things too. the gas mileage actually got worse after several of the repairs. we are averaging between 9 - 10 mpg. in addition to the engine problems, our door locks don't work right and the interior lights don't work at all automatically...we have to turn them on and off. the door locks on the sliding doors have to worked by hand. i am so sick and tired of this car. we have had to cancel two road trips because of the problems, because i don't trust the car out of town. it already left me stranded overnight because the transmission blew up two months after we bought it.*ak
08/10/2002104/04/2000
 Transmission will downshift very roughly, driver gets thrown forward. dealer cannot find cause.*ak the transmission was down shifting with a terrible jolt at low speed. the vehicle was difficult to start when cold and damp, also when the ignition was switched off and then back to start the engine fires and runs. the vehicle stalling was determined to be fuel pump failure. the gas mileage dropped from 23 mpg to 16 mpg and the vehicle burns more oil. the lights flicker when driving at night and a/c is on, also the vehicle shakes while idling with the a/c on. the driver?s seat cut and slashed the consumer?s clothing. there was a weak green light from the battery. vehicle vibrates at high speed. the driver?s door was difficult to shut. *yh
07/19/2001
 Severe fuel odor gets into vehicle during hot weather condtion while driving or parking. vehicle been to dealer on four occasions, and problem was reoccurring. feel free to provide any further information.*ak
06/23/1999411/19/1999
 The vehicle smells with very strong odors of fuel especially on hot days, the dealer replaced the fuel canister twice and the problem still existed, recently the dealer found a hole in a panel that was not properly sealed and stated that the smell came through the hole and was recirculated by the air conditioning, the dealer installed a hose for smells to exit at the bumper area, the consumer does not feel safe driving this vehicle. *slc
FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE - CARBURETOR SYSTEM
 Engine was missing/tapping,and knocking which was caused by loose baffle in intake manifold.dealer contacted.*ak
FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE - DELIVERY
10/25/2006206/01/2004
 Dt*: the contact stated gas and fumes leaked consistently while the vehicle was in motion or parked. the fuel filter was replaced, but that did not remedy the problem. there was a nhtsa recall #00v164000 regarding fuel system, gasoline:delivery. the dealer was contacted and determined that the vehicle was not included in the recall due to the vin. the vehicle had not been repaired.
10/27/200456000110/30/2000
 00 v 164 000/fuel line fittings: while re-fueling the vehicle, the consumer noticed fuel leaking from the filler neck. the vehicle was taken to the dealer. the dealer located a rubber fuel line that was deteriorating and the vehicle was not covered under that recall. *jb
03/29/2002105/01/2000
 Fuel leaking from vehicle. dealer determined a clamp was missing on fuel line, causing it to come off and leak fuel. dealer stated clamp had been omitted at the factory.*ak *nlm
1
 Recall number 00v164000-fuel line fittings. recall repairs were not preformed, and vehicle was still experiencing the problem.*ak consumer stated the transmission is also bad, there is a bad vibration, also there is a heavy pull to the right.*slc
FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE - DELIVERY - FUEL PUMP
05/25/2002506/01/2000
 Vehicle stalled on freeway. consumer took vehicle to dealer who indicated that fuel pump needed to be replaced. *ak *slc
03/15/2001102/01/2000
 Although fused the pump still caught fire. parts have been saved. *ak
FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE - DELIVERY - HOSES, LINES/PIPING, AND FITTINGS
05/10/200790000104/10/2007
 I bough t a 2000 windstar 1 month ago and i had a strong smell of fuel and found a leak above the left rear tire which i saw myself. the fuel system proved to be faulty as per the dealer's report. i lost my trust to the vehicle, and i am uncomfortably using it for my family, and uncomfortably selling it to any body due to safety reasons. i am scared due to the following: no recall for the problem. the story i heard about the family who was previously burned in a gm car due to faulty fuel system. herewas a fuel system problem identified in windstar 2000 at the nhtsa website. *ak
01/08/200769000107/14/2004
 I had been having problems starting my 200 ford windstar se. on monday, jan. 8, 2007, i drove my van to get coffee, came home and parked it in the driveway. a few minutes later, i noticed smoke and flames. the car burned out, despite the efforts of our local fire dept. *nm
10/18/2005511/11/2002
 I intend to send a letter to our state senator because of the unfair service and quality of this car. i asked pok. ford to check a vibration in the gas pedal. i was told to get new rotors and new brakes. they said inspection was due soon, so i said fine fix it, but also do an inspection. after fixing, the pedal still vibrates. they say the tires, they're bald and strap is shifted, knowing this they passed my car anyway. concerned i went to bj's tire center the following day to see what was going on and if they were under warranty. they replaced the two front tires because they had no treads, gave me an alignment and said this was not the problem with the gas pedal. on the way to the doctors with my children i felt my gas pedal stick. ford claims that maybe the vibration was the transmission. i went to the place that did my transmission, he said this was not transmission related. he popped the hood and said this could be the problem, my gas cable line looked like it was sawed. he claims this just does not usually happen. i told jason what he said, jason claims he and i was crazy. he came out and looked himself, he said it was worn, frayed and very loose. after arguing with jason because he had my car five times for the same reason, and it took a transmission guy to notice the cable line, jason told me to leave the grounds and don't come back. when i got home i called the attorney generals office, federal trade comm, dept of motor vehicle, and a lawyer. i called freedom ford in beacon. he told me to bring the car in. the service man said the chamber that the cable goes through was free and there was nothing grabbing on the cable, this does not usually happen and he thinks it may have been done, but didn't comment how. i can't say how it happened but i can say that this is a safety issue and if pok. ford didn't do this and it didn't get stuck than this should have been a recall issue. i also have two doors that are still broke and was supposedly fixed many times. *jb
01/01/2005509/13/2000
 Hi, ford windstar van manufactured in 1999-2000 needs recall for faulty valve cover, inlet manifold seals which is causing lean fuel error codes p0171 and p0174.*ak ford knows it but not taking any step which is causing worst fuel economy for those vehicles and a whole lot more pollution because of those vehicles. i personally went to ford dealer with following parts numbers ( xf2z-9h486-aa port seal-package of 6(1 pkg req. per veh) 3f2z-9s479-aa isolator bolt assy. - package of 8 (1 pkg req. per veh) xf2z-9e498-dd vacuum line 3f2z-6582-ba valve cover - lh ). the sales person had just one look and he told me the total cost of all !!! he told me they are selling 3-4 sets everyday !!! if you type p0171, p0174 on any internet search engine, you will get thousands of search results with ford windstar connection. ford had published a bulletin covering and advising people what to do. they pulled it back considering that might provide indirect reponsibility. dot must investgate this and force ford for recall. i am sure dot can do a lot to solve this problem. thanks. rahul shukla 140, crooked lane king of prussia, pa 19406 610-270-5963 (work)
05/10/200350130005/14/2002
 For some reason, the first time, on 10 may 2003, the engine races at about 3500 - 4000 rpm, at a stop sign and still maintaining. when brake pedal is released van speeds very, very quickly, which could cause an accident in the rear end of a vehicle in front. also, in idle, the engine rmps are between 3500 - 4000 rpm. *nlm
FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE - FUEL INJECTION SYSTEM
02/03/2004105/08/2003
 Information request. letter and package is in the mail concerning our complaint! *ak the consumer wanted to know the status of his complaint.
10/24/20011
 Vehicle experiencing rough idle and goes to stall. dealer found fuel pressure regulator vaccum hose loose. *tt
FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE - FUEL INJECTION SYSTEM - FUEL RAIL
11/10/20061000004010/02/2006
 Fuel rail leaking gasoline, do not know what caused this as there does not appear to be cracks, leak is near electric stuff, strong odor and some liquid gas. *tr
FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE - STORAGE
12/11/20031504/27/2000
 After and while raining there an excessive amount of water is getting into the fuel tank from the fuel filler door. this is causing the vehicle to stall frequently or not start at all. after a couple of bottles of dry gas are added the stalling is stopped until more water gets into the gas tank. there is no type of weatherstripping around the fuel filler door that prevents moisture from coming into the fuel filler area and there is alway water there after rain or snow. i have gone to several ford dealerships to look at similar ford windstars and even the new ford freestar minivan and found randomly that on some of those cars there was a rubber stopper attached to the fuel filler door which looks like it would create a seal to prevent water from coming in. however most of the vehicles that i looked at did not have that rubber stopper on the fuel filler door yet it clearly looks like it belongs there.*ak
FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE - STORAGE - TANK ASSEMBLY
09/20/20010
 Consumer had three quarters of fuel nside of vehicle. next morning he went outside to start vehicle and it woud not start. dealership was aware of problem.*ak
06/01/20010
 Gasoline tank was building up pressure inside of tank. when he opened gasoline tank cap there was a sound like explosion . when fuel was inside, there was pressure. dealership was aware of problem mechanic replaced fuel pressure tank valve.*ak
FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE - STORAGE - TANK ASSEMBLY - FILLER PIPE AND CAP
12/21/20043
 While filling up at the gasoline station consumer noticed gasoline pouring out from the fuel filler neck hose. consumer had the vehicle towed to the dealer, but mechanic was not able to duplicate the problem. consumer informed the mechanic that this problem happened more than once, and had not been resolved. *ak
1
 The vehicle is experiencing problems with the fuel filler neck/pipe, the fuel pump nozzel kicks out at about half full, causing difficulty filling remaining gas, service dept inspected the fuel filler and stated that the installation is normal. *mjs
FUEL SYSTEM, OTHER
12/29/200361000112/15/1999
 Check engine light came on and had dealer check car. problem turned out to be intake gaskets/bolts/connectors. the vehicle had 61,128 miles. there is a technical service bulletin on this problem but ford refused to repair the car since it is not under warranty. they are aware of this problem and according to one ford dealer they complete about 5 of these jobs per week.