Bulletins


BulletinBulletin dateReplacement BulletinItem no.SummaryAdded
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING
036103/31/200310001855Malfunction indicator lamp on with or without rough running, lack of power, surge or poor fuel economy with diagnostic trouble codes p0401, p0402, p1400, p1401. *tt *jb07/23/2003
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING - ENGINE
0419210/04/200410010714Spark knock on acceleration - vehicles equipped with 3.8l engine only. *tt12/07/2004
0222111/11/200210008304Engine-gear driven synchronizers-incorrect installation-camshaft position synchronizer (cmp) installation tool correct application. *mj07/27/2004
1710409/01/200310004045Ticking/tapping noise with the engine warmed up and the transmission in gear at idle. 2003 e150 included. *tt11/17/2003
1705608/01/200310003166Malfunction indicator lamp (mil) on / no start / erratic shifting. *tt10/09/2003
0316108/18/2003034710003115Check engine light on and lean diagnostic trouble codes (dtc's) p0171/p0174 (system too lean bank 1 or 2) stored in memory. *tt10/08/2003
032202/03/200310002472Streamlined diagnostic procedure for vehicles with malfunction indicator lamp (mil) on and diagnostic trouble codes (dtcs) p0401, p0402, p1400 or p1401, or runs rough, lacks power, surge, poor fuel economy, and the above listed dtcs without09/03/2003
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING - ENGINE - GASOLINE
1592605/01/2002637833Some vehicles may exhibit a intermittent hard start and / or long cranking times of 4 to 10 seconds. *tt12/06/2002
1586405/01/2002637721Information pertaining to a hard start / long crank condition. *tt12/04/2002
0124612/10/2001630515Engine oil system priming procedures, service tips for reports of premature engine failure. *tt04/18/2002
1554401/01/2002630077Concerns with oil in the cooling system. *yh04/12/2002
021401/21/2002630001Some engine assemblies with aluminum cylinder heads repaired in-vehile have been found to leak coolant and/or oil from the cylinder head gasket area. *tt04/11/2002
0120510/15/2001627927Some vehicles may exhibit vacuum or air leaks in the intake manifold and / or engine system causing diagnostic trouble codes p0171 and or p0174. *tt02/26/2002
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING - EXHAUST SYSTEM - EMISSION CONTROL - GAS RECIRCULATION VALVE (EGR VALVE)
02M0106/01/200402M0110007207Customer satisfaction program 02m01 supplement #4. certain ford 2000 through 2003 vehicles equipped with a tube-mounted egr pressure sensor - additional egr pressure sensor warranty coverage. *tt supplement #3. *mj supplement #606/03/2004

Consumer Complaints


Fail datemilesoccurencesPurchase date
ENGINE
03/17/201185000
 Ongoing problem as described in tsb 04-17-4 & 03-16-1. these tsb's tell us that ford motor company was aware of this design flaw and continued to manufacture and sell defective vehicles. the problem exist in their faulty 3.8l engine at the intake manifold. the poor design allows oil to seep into the intake plenum and over time the oil erodes away the rubber around the isolator bolts and gaskets. when this happens the engine reads lean fuel codes on banks 1& 2 and a vacum leak. to compensate for these lean codes , more gasoline is pumped into the plenum causing a rich exhaust mixture which is then sent out the tail pipe into the atmosphere. ford motor company designed and built these engines and they need to be held accountable for correcting this problem. remember, this is an ongoing widespread problem with tens of thousands of these engines fouling up the air that we breath every day.
12/03/201269000
 Tl-the contact owns a 2002 ford windstar. the contact stated that the check engine light warning light continued to illuminate. the vehicle was taken to the dealer several times, where numerous attempts were made to correct the failure. the dealer also reset the computer system but the remedy only lasted for approximately three months before recurring. the manufacturer was notified and stated that there was no recall for the vehicle and that they could not assist. the failure mileage was 69,000. kmj
12/03/201269000
 Tl-the contact owns 2002 ford windstar. the contact stated the check engine light continues to illuminate. the contact stated the dealer had done several maintenance on the vehicle. on the last service date the vehicle was taken to the dealer who reset the computer system but this lasted for only three months and the failure recurred. the manufacturer was notified who stated there was no recall and that they could not assist. the failure mileage was 69,000. mw
11/21/201141200
 As i put the heat, defroster, or air conditioning on, it jerks alot and when i stop at a red light or stop sign it stalls. i have to put my 4 ways on, shut the van off, and restatrt it without the heat or air on. i feel this is a very drastic safety issue due to the fact if i'm driving on a highway and i stop at a red light and it stalls, if there is traffic behind me coming rapidly i can be rear ended and cause an accident. this has happened to me in the november inciddent. luckily the light was still red.
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING
08/03/20111
 The 1st problem, had a check engine light on my 2001 ford windstar, c1518 intake manifold runner control stuck open. after reading forums, most pointed to a plastic bushing clip coming off leaving a control arm 2nd problem, abs chk light and brk chk light come on after driving for a few minutes, abs module and abs sensor went out. *tr
09/01/20111
 The antilock brake system light as well as the traction control lights keep coming on. garage can't tell the exact cause. the booster arm busted, keeping the brakes engaged as driven. the booster arm was replaced and the lights are still on. i reset it, and they reappear after a short time. i now smell the brakes when applied. i've had engine replaced at 101,000 miles, two transmissions, multiple brake jobs, rear axle repaired, front axle repaired, front tie rods repaired. the alignment on my vehicle could only be partially completed.... toe, and another alignment done, but the complete alignment would need a hole drilled in the frame and a bolt moved over - bad design by ford. i've also had to have the oxygen sensor replaced at my own expense. the vehicle is a ticking time bomb, piece of crap. *tr
12/17/2011120000
 Tl* the contact owns a 2002 ford windstar. the contact was driving approximately 50-55 mph when a loud noise was heard from the vehicle. the contact stated that it sounded as if something had fallen from the vehicle. the vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic where they advised her that the spark plugs were inverted in the engine and the head gasket needed to be replaced. the vehicle was not repaired. the manufacturer was contacted and they offered a 5 percent discount to the contact if the vehicle were to be repaired at an authorized dealer. the vehicle was not repaired. the failure and the current mileages were approximately 120,000. the vin was unavailable.
12/17/2011120000
 Tl- the contact owns a 2002 ford windstar. the contact was driving approximately 50-55 mph when a loud noise was heard from the vehicle. the contact stated that it sounded as if something had fallen from the vehicle. the vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic where they advised her that the spark plugs were inverted in the engine and the head gasket needed to be replaced. the vehicle was not repaired. the manufacturer was contacted and they offered a 5 percent discount to the contact if the vehicle were to be repaired at an authorized dealer. the vehicle was not repaired. the failure and the current mileages were approximately 120,000. the vin was unavailable. kmj
12/17/2011120000
 Tl-the contact owns a 2002 ford windstar. the contact stated that while driving approximately 50 to 55 mph when she heard a loud noise as if something fell off the vehicle. the vehcle was taken to an independent mechanic and they advised her that the spark plugs were inverted in the engine and the head gasket needed to be replaced. the vehicle had not been repaired. the manufacturer was contacted and they offered a 5% discount if the vehicle were to be repaired at their dealership. the failure and currenr mileages were approximately 120,000. the vin was unavailable. tb
05/02/2011109/09/2009
 2002 ford windstar mini van. consumer states after filling up the tank and turning on the ignition, flames flew up and after putting water on it there was a flash fire and explosion *tgw
02/08/201184526
 Tl-the contact owns a 2002 ford windstar. while the vehicle was inspected for nhtsa campaign id number: 11v030000 structure frame and members underbody shields the dealer advised there was no sing of corrosion at the subframe members and the underbody shield, but the engine motor mount was severely corroded and cracked. the dealer could not guaranteed that by welding the engine mount the failure would correct. the manufacturer would not assist with the repair, because the engine mount was not included in the recall. the failure mileage was 84,526 and the current mileage was 86,000. li
12/01/20103
 2002 ford windstar lx. consumer states problem with brake system *tgw the consumer stated the front wheel bearings, engine gasket and fuel injector needed to be replaced. the abs light illuminated. *jb
10/01/201080000
 Abs brake light comes on when the car gets hot. when the car is cold there is no problem with the abs system. the air bag light came on at about 75,000 miles, cost to replace circuit board 675 dollars. the engine intake manifold warped which turned on the engine repair light, cost 950 dollars to repair.
07/15/2009900001
 Sudden acceleration at a stop light on 2 occ. *tr
11/21/200735000110/23/2001
 Tl* the contact owns a 2002 ford windstar. while driving the vehicle would stall without any prior warnings. the vehicle was towed to a dealer twice. the technicians were able to restart the vehicle, but were unable to determine the cause of the failure. the failure mileage was approximately 35,000. the current mileage was approximately 75,000. updated 12/22/09 *bf updated 12/22/09
05/05/200470000
 Tl*the contact owns a 2002 ford windstar. while driving approximately between 35-40 mph on normal road conditions; pressure was applied to the brake pedal the front btakes locked and the driver was unable to turn the steering wheel. the vehicle also skidded without warning. the failure continued to occur intemittently. the brake and abs warning light indicators illuminated on the instrument panel. the warning indicator remained illuminated until the engine was shut off by the driver. the contact was able to drive the vehicle with caution; however, there was an increase in the engine rpms. an authorized dealer replaced the intake manifold gasket and the alternator. on a separate occasion, the the air bag system failed to deploy with a level of impact to the rear of the vehicle. there were no personal injuries. the contact had concerns of the safety risk involved. the failure mileage was 70,000 and the current mileage was 119,336. the vin number was rejected from the system which will be updated upon receipt of the safety complaint form.
04/11/20091
 Rack and pinion steering split, intake manifold had to be replaced, tire rod fixed, upper plenum replaced, abs and brake light comes on, leaks coolant, etc. etc. etc. *tr
07/18/2007118000
 Tl*the contact owns a 2002 ford windstar. the contact has experienced failures with the vehicle ever since it was purchased. whenever she starts the vehicle, it makes a clicking noise. in addition, the hazard lights illuminate automatically and the engine fails to start. the vehicle must be jumpstarted each time. the ford dealer went out of business right after the vehicle was purchased on july 18, 2007. the vehicle was not taken to another dealer. she was informed to call the ford manufacturer. the failure mileage was 118,000.
07/04/20081
 There are three failures on my car that have happened within the last three months. the 2002 ford windstar only has 57,000 miles. 1. intake manifold gaskets leaking: gaskets are sucking air in and not sealing properly 2. broken strut, this is the second time this has been replaced. the first time was within 10,000 miles. 3. abs control module: the control module has been diagnosed and faulty by the dealership. about a $1,200 to replace. all these things should not be happening to a car that is maintained well, garage kept, and only has 57k miles on it. *tr
06/03/2008115000
 Tl*the contact owns a 2002 ford windstar. while driving at an unknown speed, the vehicle hesitated. the contact took her vehicle to the dealer on numerous occasions within the past two months and they replaced the intake gasket manifold, spark plugs, and camshaft position sensors. the repair cost exceeded $4,000. none of the repairs have been sufficient in correcting the failure. the contact is currently in the process of having the vehicle repaired. the failure mileage was 115,000.
10/30/2006758291
 Dt*: the contact stated the check engine light illuminated and a growling noise was heard while driving 40 mph. the vehicle was taken to the service dealer. computer diagnostics were performed and the code po174 came up identifying a vacuum leak. the items recommended for replacement were the intake manifold gasket and associated parts, outer tie rod end and front axle seals, transmission pan gasket and filter. the insurer sent an investigator, who verified the service recommendations. the manufacturer was not notified. updated 12/5/2006 - *nm
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING - ENGINE
04/01/201150000
 Check engine light on - 2002 ford winstar - seems to be common complaint online service bulletin issued in 2003 - diagnostics says it's the o2 sensor, this is not the case vehicle idles irratically at stops - some hesitation - now hesitates and runs bad in rain i've replaced the transmission twice - engine once - crappy vehicle
03/15/201090500
 Acts like dying but surges foreward with brake on
11/18/2008936491
 Check engine light on, not running smoothly. diagnostic codes p0171 & p0174, once pcm memory is reset runs fine for about a hundred miles, then issue starts again. dealer unable to determine problem. *tr
07/23/2004530001
 When coming to a stop sign engine stalled. lost steering and brakes. used emergency brake to stop van. stuck in middle of intersection. van was still in drive. put van in park and was able to start van fine. towed to dealership. no check engine light ever came on. dealer can find nothing wrong.*ak
09/09/20031
 Engine service light came on, indicating a failure in the engine not running smoothly. dealer changed oxygen sensor and other parts; but problem still occurred. *ak
01/01/2003200001
 The vehicle failed to start, the dealer stated the engine was damaged. *jb
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING - ENGINE - GASOLINE
07/10/200241500509/30/2001
 Engine accelerates/races while backing up and going forward at very low speed like going into a parking slot. seems to happen when brake is used to keep speed low.*ak
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING - EXHAUST SYSTEM
11/09/2008450001
 2002 ford windstar. engine warning light comes on. test meter shows lean condition in bank 1 & 2. resetting the mil light will work for a few days, then warning light comes on again. engine runs well, no noticeable problems in driving. this has happened for at least 20,000 miles. *tr
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING - EXHAUST SYSTEM - EMISSION CONTROL
01/15/200825000999911/01/2002
 Getting lean code p0171 and p0174. dealer analyzed and from what i can tell it's tsb 03-16-1 (nhtsa sb# 16920) i have searched the internet (as you can) and it's a widespread problem (i know 2 other people personally who may have it). it is my belief that there should have been (or should be) a recall on this defect. in my case, the van will lose rpm's, then rev up on cold startup. when it does this, the van executes a jerking motion which to me could be dangerous. in other cases, it will stall or nearly stall at traffic lights. *tr
09/09/20031
 Engine service light came on, indicating a failure in the engine not running smoothly. dealer changed oxygen sensor and other parts; but problem still occurred. *ak
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING - EXHAUST SYSTEM - MANIFOLD/HEADER/MUFFLER/TAIL PIPE
08/01/2007680001
 Tl*the contact owns a 2002 ford windstar. while idling at a stop light or stop sign, the engine began vibrating and the battery light illuminated intermittently when the vehicle was placed into park. in addition, the rpm's decreased as if the vehicle were about to stall, but then went back to normal when the vehicle was placed into park. two weeks later, the engine light remained illuminated. the dealer stated that the intake manifold needed to be replaced. the purchase date was unknown. the current mileage was 72,914 and failure mileage was 68,000.
09/09/2002410002
 While driving check engine light came on. vehicle was then taken to a dealership, who performed a diagnostic test that indicated that the intake manifold upper and lower gaskets needed to be replaced. the parts were replaced, but the failure recurred 13000 miles later. the vehicle was then taken to a mechanic, who also performed a diagnostic test in which the failure codes were 171 and 174 . the mechanic changed 4 02 sensors, and did a tune up. also, mechanic a contacted dealership on this issue, who sent them a fax stating if these codes appeared it was a malfunction of the mil lamp, and didn't change the o2 sensors because this wasn't what was causing the problem. they should go to the vacuum light on the intake manifold, and if the fuel pressure on the manifold was lose due to oil contamination then the vacuum line should be replaced, and a new designed lh service cover should be installed or there could be a leak in the intake manifold. vehicle was then taken back to the dealership, and a diagnostic test was performed again, in which the failure code indicated a leak in the intake manifold. *ak