Bulletins
| Bulletin | Bulletin date | Replacement Bulletin | Item no. | Summary | Added |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| STEERING | |||||
| 15842 | 04/01/2002 | 637589 | Some vehicles built march 1, 2001 through january 2002 may exhibit a whistle / whine noise from the steering system during warm up. *tt | 12/03/2002 | |
| 15515 | 01/01/2002 | 630035 | Some vehicles may exhibit a whistle/whine noise from the steering system during warm up. *tt | 04/11/2002 | |
| STEERING - HYDRAULIC POWER ASSIST SYSTEM | |||||
| 17744 | 04/01/2004 | 10008240 | Power steering noise. *tt | 07/23/2004 | |
Consumer Complaints
| Fail date | miles | occurences | Purchase date |
|---|---|---|---|
| STEERING | |||
| 11/09/2012 | 108000 | ||
| I was driving to work this morning at about 50 mph. i went over a bump on the road and my rear axle cracked in half. i had little to no warning. | |||
| 09/10/2012 | 1 | ||
| I had my front tire replaced and the man that changed it told me that i need an alignment because of the way my tire wore out. about 3 weeks later, when i had the money, i took my car to get an alignment and the car shop called and said that both of my tire rods needed to be replaced before an alignment was completed. i've had the car for less than 2 years and although it is an older vehicle, the tire rods should have lasted longer than that (if properly checked). my steering shakes horribly from side to side at various speeds and often times my abs/trac off lights come on and won't got off. i am still able to use my brakes though. i am not sure why that light comes on. *tr | |||
| 11/09/2012 | 108000 | ||
| I was driving to work this morning at about 50 mph. i went over a bump on the road and my rear axle cracked in half. i had little to no warning. | |||
| 09/10/2012 | 1 | ||
| I had my front tire replaced and the man that changed it told me that i need an alignment because of the way my tire wore out. about 3 weeks later, when i had the money, i took my car to get an alignment and the car shop called and said that both of my tire rods needed to be replaced before an alignment was completed. i've had the car for less than 2 years and although it is an older vehicle, the tire rods should have lasted longer than that (if properly checked). my steering shakes horribly from side to side at various speeds and often times my abs/trac off lights come on and won't got off. i am still able to use my brakes though. i am not sure why that light comes on. *tr | |||
| 09/10/2012 | |||
| I had my front tire replaced and the man that changed it told me that i need an alignment because of the way my tire wore out. about 3 weeks later, when i had the money, i took my car to get an alignment and the car shop called and said that both of my tire rods needed to be replaced before an alignment was completed. i've had the car for less than 2 years and although it is an older vehicle, the tire rods should have lasted longer than that (if properly checked). my steering shakes horribly from side to side at various speeds and often times my abs/trac off lights come on and won't got off. i am still able to use my brakes though. i am not sure why that light comes on. | |||
| 09/10/2012 | 105000 | 1 | |
| I have a bad vibration when im goin on the highway and when i hit bumps it makes a clunking sound and when i turn and makes a noise. *tr | |||
| 09/01/2011 | 1 | ||
| 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 | |||
| 09/10/2012 | 105000 | ||
| I have a bad vibration when im goin on the highway and when i hit bumps it makes a clunking sound and when i turn and makes a noise | |||
| 09/01/2011 | 1 | ||
| 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 | |||
| 07/12/2012 | 146000 | 1 | |
| I was driving on the road and it had been raining earlier when i tapped my brakes to go around the curve i started sliding into the oncoming traffic and almost hit a van . i tried to steer back into my lane but it wouldn't let me .if the van hadn't been able to get out of my way i would have hit them. i wasn't able to get traction until i was off the pavement on the side if the road. *tr | |||
| 07/12/2012 | 146000 | ||
| I was driving on the road and it had been raining earlier when i tapped my brakes to go around the curve i started sliding into the oncoming traffic and almost hit a van . i tried to steer back into my lane but it wouldn't let me .if the van hadn't been able to get out of my way i would have hit them. i wasn't able to get traction until i was off the pavement on the side if the road. | |||
| 07/06/2012 | 139000 | 1 | |
| First, the power steering wasn't working and parts of it had to be repaired and replaced. but the worrying thing is that the abs yellow light and the red brake icon on the dashboard often come on and remain on while we're driving. that is worrying, as we don't know if it means the brakes are faulty or not. a firestone mechanic said it was because of rust build-up, but i don't like that the yellow abs and the red brake icons come on, because who knows if that means the brakes won't work or not. from my online research, this seems to be a common problem with ford windstars, and needs to be addressed! *tr | |||
| 07/06/2012 | 139000 | ||
| First, the power steering wasn't working and parts of it had to be repaired and replaced. but the worrying thing is that the abs yellow light and the red brake icon on the dashboard often come on and remain on while we're driving. that is worrying, as we don't know if it means the brakes are faulty or not. a firestone mechanic said it was because of rust build-up, but i don't like that the yellow abs and the red brake icons come on, because who knows if that means the brakes won't work or not. from my online research, this seems to be a common problem with ford windstars, and needs to be addressed! | |||
| 08/15/2011 | 120000 | ||
| While driving down my hill, my brake light came on. now my abs light comes on with my brake light. brake fluid is present, brakes are almost a year old. for over a year now, my van after it being turned on and off (errands, shopping etc), it does not want to start. once it does start, as i turn the wheel while in park, it stalls. now that my brake and abs lights come on, as i turn the wheel it wants to stall while driving. when i am turning my vehicle off, i turn the key down very slow and all the way down, that seemed to only help it restart a few times. i had my vehicle at the ford dealer for the recall in 2010 dealing with the cruise control issues. my od light has been off for over a year now as well. while driving my vehicle, when i am stopped, i notice a white colored smoke coming out from under the hood, and no one can find where it is coming from, especially happens when it is damp or raining out, and engine temp is normal.(i can not take my van to an auto car wash due to the fact it starts shaking, smoking and won't run or stay started when the under carriage is being sprayed) fuel pump, starter and ignition coil are fine. has new plugs and wires. | |||
| 07/24/2011 | |||
| Tl- the contact owns a 2002 ford windstar. the contact stated the steering column made noise whenever the contact was making a left or right turn. the contact stated the fluid level was correct, but the failure continued to occur. the vehicle was taken to the dealer who stated the power steering pump needed to be replaced. the contact stated the failure was a manufacturers defect. the contact stated lights on the dashboard and the radio began to flash on and off. the contact took the vehicle to the dealer again and was told that the alternator needed to be replaced. the failure mileage was unknown, but the current mileage was 68,785. rvk | |||
| 07/24/2011 | |||
| Tl- the contact owns a 2002 ford windstar. the contact stated the steering column makes noise whenever the vehicle is being turned. the contact stated the fluid level was correct, but the failure still occurred. the vehicle was taken to the dealer and was told the power steering pump needed to be replaced. the contact feels this is a manufacturers defect. the contact stated lights on the dashboard and the radio in the vehicle starting flashing in an out. the contact took the vehicle to the dealer again and was told the alternator needed to be replaced. the failure mileage was unknown, but the current mileage was 68,785.rl | |||
| 12/16/2010 | 167000 | ||
| Ford windstar van, which was already subject to rear axle recall, and the rear axle did break on it in may, and was replaced and i received reimbursement for the replacement from ford. however, another incident happened in december. my 21 year old son was in an accident driving this van on thursday, dec. 16. the van lost traction and pulled to the right, pulling him into a ditch and down a steep embankment. the front of the van was ripped off, tires slashed, van almost flipped over, and the airbags never deployed. he hit a dirt embankment head on going about 30-35 mph. the roads were icy that day, and he was on a curve... the van would not respond to steering to correct the direction the van was going. i experienced something similar last winter; the van seemed to pull to the right, going off the road without allowing the driver to control the vehicle. however, when i went off the road, it was in a shallow ditch and it caused no damage to the van. my son was not as fortunate, and he could have been severely injured. i feel that this may have something to do with the current investigation into the front suspension... the van could not be controlled, and pulled to the right. our insurance co. is taking care of this, and i don't know the current location of the van. it is totaled, i know that. i asked state farm to check out the front suspension for weakness or rust, but don't know if they'll know what to look for, especially since the front is so damaged from the wreck that the tires are turned sideways, and i believe the front axle is broken. please send someone to look at my van, and see what caused this wreck; my son could have been killed. thank you for the work you've done so far.... your organization is so valuable to consumers. | |||
| 10/15/2007 | |||
| Tl-the contact owns a 2002 ford windstar. while driving 40 mph the abs brake light illuminated on the dashboard. the vehicle has been taken to the dealer 5 to six times for the failure. the dealer replaced the brake pads and advised her that the problem was electrical. the electrical failure causes the radio to short out, all the interior lights to short. the vehicle leaks oil and power steering fluid. she stated per the dealer the vehicle needs an axle and rack pinion which affects the steering column. the vehicle has not been repaired. the vehicle was purchased used in 2007 and the failure started as soon as she purchased the vehicle. the contact reference recall 10v385000, suspension:rear:axle:non-powered axle assembly and stated she received this recall recently. the vehicle has not been repaired. the failure mileage was unknown the current mileage was 116,840. vwb | |||
| 05/05/2004 | 70000 | ||
| 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. | |||
| 11/29/2002 | 1 | ||
| Vehicle pulls excessively to the right when in the right lane and to the left when in the left lane. this is an extreme unsafe condition bgought to the attention of two dealers and ford main customer service dept with no resolution to the problem. *ak power steering also make a whining grunt noise and p/s fluid leaks through the rack and pinion end seals as recognized by ford in their tsb 01-5-6 and 01-4-5. ford is not accepting responsibility for this inherent defect and the dealers rely on the computer print out of the front end alignment machine. after only 20k mile front tire are totally worn out (unevenly) attesting to the fact that there is excessive and unsafe side pull. peprhaps the three issues are related as they have been reported by other people as well. | |||
| 10/01/2002 | |||
| Consumer states that when driving steering whell pulls excessively to the right, especially when raining. vehicle has been checked by dlr who can not determine problem. mr | |||
| STEERING - HYDRAULIC POWER ASSIST - PUMP | |||
| 04/05/2006 | 43000 | 1 | 08/15/2002 |
| Whining noise in power steering. i took to the ford dealer and they replaced the power steering pump, but less than 10000 miles later the whinning started again. i took it to another ford dealer and they replaced the rack and pinion (and charged me $800. about 2 months later the whine is back and i know it is the power steering pump. *jb | |||
| 01/10/2005 | 44000 | 2 | 07/01/2002 |
| The power steering pump needed to be replaced for the second time since i purchased this vehicle. it was initially replaced 11/17/2003 at 27,000 miles. now i am at 44,000 miles, 14 months later and the same problem occurs. the dealer and ford refused to cover the cost of the replacement. the symptoms were a loud whining sound during slow speed acceleration and whining when turning the steering wheel at slow speeds. this is obviously a defect, but ford refuses to do anything about it. in addition, the front end does not stay in alignment and front tires wear out very unevenly and quickly.*ak | |||
| STEERING - LINKAGES - TIE ROD ASSEMBLY | |||
| 07/09/2012 | 150000 | 3 | |
| At times when is col,d the abs and brake light is off while driving, when it gets hot the abs and brake light turns on and the abs fails to work. code c1185 abs power relay output circuit failure. i got to a stop sign and the road was wet and the van skidded , the abs did not work. no one was hurt and i have seen all the complaints that ford owners are having. i don't know if my 2002 ford windstar had all the other recalls done, like the brake pressure differential deactivation switch (scds) and the rear frame welds that are breaking up on the chassis of many ford owners. i would like to verify what has been done to my ford windstar that i bought two months ago. i just had the inner and outer tie rod ends done along with the sway bar links at the front suspension. | |||
| 10/30/2006 | 75829 | 1 | |
| 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 | |||
| STEERING - RACK AND PINION | |||
| 11/01/2006 | 52000 | 2 | |
| 2002 ford windstar. consumer writes in regards to vehicle rack and pinion being replaced twice. *tgw | |||
| 04/11/2009 | 1 | ||
| 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 | |||
| STEERING - WHEEL AND HANDLE BAR | |||
| 01/07/2011 | 132000 | ||
| I'm one of the lucky folks that has a 2002 windstar sitting in my local ford lot waiting on the rear axle to come in so it can be repaired. what i wanted you to know is that my subframe is very rusty too. i haven't had a failure yet, but my mechanic suggested i get it undercoated to try to stop it from deteriorating even more. i'm very concerned as it's my wife's car usually, and i think ford should be required to inspect each one of these cars while they're sitting in their lots to determine if failure is imminent (like what they did with the axles). that would be very little to ask and easily done since they're still telling us the axles won't be available till possibly late march. thank you./cgs | |||