1996 Ford Windstar
Safety record from NHTSA: recalls, owner complaints, investigations and service bulletins.
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Vehicles › Ford › Windstar › 1996
These records cover every 1996 Ford Windstar. To see whether one car still needs a recall repair, decode its VIN or check it with NHTSA.
Recalls
9 recalls name the 1996 Ford Windstar. Newest first.
Ford IS recalling model years 1995-2003 windstar, 2000-2003 excursion diesel, 1993-1997 and 1999-2003 F-250 sd through F-550 sd diesel, 1992-2003 E-150 through E-550, 1995-2002 explorer, 1997 and 2002 mercury mountaineer, 1995-1997 and 2001-2003 ranger, and 1994 F53 vehicles equipped with the texas instruments speed control deactivation switch (scds). the…
Risk and remedy
Risk
A vehicle fire could occur with or without the engine running.
Remedy
Ford will notify owners that dealers will install a fused wiring harness in line with the scds. on 1999-2003 windstar vehicles with a leaking scds, dealers will also inspect the ABS control module connector and repair as necessary. repairs will be completed free of charge. the safety recall began on october 27, 2009. owners may contact ford at 1-888-222-2751.
On certain minivans originally sold in or currently registered in the states of connecticut, delaware, illinois, indiana, iowa, maine, maryland, massachusetts, michigan, minnesota, missouri, new hampshire, new jersey, new york, ohio, pennsylvania, rhode island, vermont, west virginia, wisconsin, and the district of columbia. during assembly, some brake…
Risk and remedy
Risk
Leakage of brake fluid will result in brake light activation. extended stopping distance could also result, increasing the risk of a crash.
Remedy
Dealers will inspect the brake line for corrosion and clearance conditions. a brake line that IS not corroded will be repositioned. a brake line that IS corroded or leaking will be replaced with a nylon coated brake line and secured using three retaining clips to assure clearance from the insulator. owner notification began may 10, 2002. 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 1-866-436-7332.
This IS not a safety recall in accordance with the safety act. however, it IS deemed a safety improvement campaign by the agency. vehicle description: 1995-1998 ford windstar minivans. the front coil springs could potentially fracture due to corrosion. note: the 1997-1998 windstar MINI vans are also covered by nhtsa safety recall 01v-199/ford recall…
Risk and remedy
Risk
Some tires have deflated due to contact with a broken spring.
Remedy
Ford IS extending the warranty for front coil spring replacement to a total of 10 years of service from the warranty start date, with unlimited mileage. this coverage IS automatically transferred to subsequent owners at no charge. if either front coil spring fractures during the coverage period noted above, the dealer will replace both springs at no charge to the owner.
Vehicle description: MINI vans, light pickup trucks, and sport utility vehicles. off lease canadian vehicles equipped with daytime running lights which meet canadian requirements and not the photometric requirements of fmvss 108, "lamps, reflective devices, and associated equipment." according to ford, the vehicles were imported into the u.s. Erroneously.
Risk and remedy
Risk
The light given off from the daytime running lights IS brighter than allowed by u.s. Standards.
Remedy
Dealers will be advised to deactivate the running light function and to complete any outstanding safety recalls on these vehicles.
Vehicle description: minivans. the brake fluid master cylinder IS recessed and oriented in the engine compartment so that the brake fluid warning statement embossed on both the top of the filler cap and the side of the reservoir body are not entirely visible by direct view. these vehicles may not fully comply with requirements of fmvss no. 135…
Risk and remedy
Remedy
Owners will be provided with new labels and installation instructions.
Vehicle description: passenger vehicles and MINI vans. tearing of the bond between the inner and outer hood panels during minor front end collisions can result in a gap at the leading edge of the hood. air forced between the inner and outer panels can produce enough pressure to force the outer panel upward.
Risk and remedy
Risk
This condition can result in total separation of the outer hood panel.
Remedy
Dealers will inspect the hood area for any damage along the leading edge of the hood. if there IS any evidence of bond separation, the hood will be replaced. if there IS no evidence of bond separation, additional adhesive will be applied between the inner and outer hood panels.
The park pawl abutment bracket has a sharp edge which can cause the parking pawl to hang up and not engage the park gear. this would allow the vehicle to move even though the gear shift indicator shows that the vehicle IS in park.
Risk and remedy
Risk
Unintended and unexpected vehicle movement can result in personal injury and property damage.
Remedy
Dealers will inspect and, if necessary, replace the park pawl abutment bracket.
The four fasteners securing the driver's seat to the floorpan were not torqued to proper specifications.
Risk and remedy
Risk
The driver's seat may not properly hold in the event of a vehicle accident resulting in personal injury to the occupant.
Remedy
Dealers will inspect the driver's seat fasteners and retorque to proper specifications.
The park pawl shaft was improperly positioned when the roll pin that retains it was installed during transmission assembly. if the shaft was not properly positioned, the roll pin may not have lined up with the groove in the shaft and have been crushed at assembly. also, a burr could have been raised on the shaft.
Risk and remedy
Risk
This could result in the park pawl occasionally not engaging when the transmission selector lever IS placed in the park position. This could result in the vehicle rolling as if in neutral if the vehicle operator does not apply the parking brake.
Remedy
Dealers will inspect the park pawl shaft roll pin. If the roll pin IS damaged, both the roll pin and the park pawl shaft will be replaced. In addition, owners will be reminded to fully apply the parking brake, in addition to placing the transmission in park.
Owner complaints
1,386 complaints60 involved a crash45 involved a fire53 injuries1 deaths
What owners report most
Latest complaints
- Structure › Body
The k frame rusted out where the control arms mount to the frame and the front driver's side coil spring broke while driving at 65 miles per hour on the interstate
- Fuel/propulsion system
TL* the contact owns a 1996 ford windstar. The contact stated that there was a very strong fuel odor inside and outside the vehicle. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 240,000.
- Power train
TL* the contact owns a 1996 ford windstar. While at a stop light, the accelerator pedal was depressed but the vehicle failed to accelerate above 20 mph. The service brake warning indicator illuminated. The failure recurred numerous times. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic, where it…
TL* the contact owns a 1996 ford windstar. While at a stop light, the accelerator pedal was depressed but the vehicle failed to accelerate above 20 mph. The service brake warning indicator illuminated. The failure recurred numerous times. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic, where it was diagnosed that the transmission needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 65,000.
- Service brakes
ABS light on dashboard comes on intermittently, after 5 minutes of operation light will come on, then stay on, but after shut off vehicle and start again light IS fff and comes back on after few minutes of travel. *tr
- Electrical system · Engine · Power train
This IS a second call for help ford corporate will not email me back. Will not verify if pcm has been updated. The van only has under 59,000 miles on it . It should not break this bad this soon makes me tell anyone on social media and our local news media and clark howards team. I do not want to…
This IS a second call for help ford corporate will not email me back. Will not verify if pcm has been updated. The van only has under 59,000 miles on it . It should not break this bad this soon makes me tell anyone on social media and our local news media and clark howards team. I do not want to call ford unless it IS agreed the phone will be recorded for court purposes. I even asked IS the would let me use the updater. I sure do not want don rich ford in villa rica ever again. They stripped the screw. That set min clearance on throttle plate. No shifts funny and sputters and terrible noise in oil pan area. Rod s knocking. Internet has tons of complaints of pistons exiting engine oil pan. *tr
- Engine · Power train
Dear ford my mother and I have been trying to get answers from the dealer and since they gave up. Because they could not fix it right the first time. Even the second or third time. the van a 1996 windstar with 59,000 miles on it and it started the engine started stalling, when making slow turns…
Dear ford my mother and I have been trying to get answers from the dealer and since they gave up. Because they could not fix it right the first time. Even the second or third time. the van a 1996 windstar with 59,000 miles on it and it started the engine started stalling, when making slow turns not touching the gas pedal loses power steering. My mom almost went into a ditch to avoid a collision with another car. With little internet searching found hundreds of vans with same problems, and appears there IS not one resolved. and since this has gone on for over a month. the last visit to the ford dealer in an attempt to fix the stalling. . the idle air control valve IS new, and mass air flow IS clean supposed to have been replaced also. I checked the air filter was clean, the fuel filter IS original so I replaced it. I started looking at the throttle body, and noticed that the throttle plate screw was all gouged up. while I was sitting in drive way with engine running and unless ford engines are only good for 60,000 miles, with all the stalling and low engine idle that keeps oil pressure in the engine lubricating the crank shaft.!! so when engine stalled at very low idle there was no oil getting through the engine. this engine now has lower end knock, which I verified by pulling van onto floor ramps, test drove and confirmed the problem, IS critical. each time I slowed down to turn engine stalled every time, lost power steering and brakes. I could have been killed because ford IS ignoring this problem.. And this also answers why other complaints were about engine failures and very expensive repairs. this letter will be put on all social networks, to warn others this could happen to them be aware. they said the ecu/pcm computer was updated. Could not find update on invoices, or in history I can access. *tr
- Vehicle speed control
Ford recall letter dated december 2011 recall number 09 s 09 speed control system modification. I recently took my ford windstar on janurary 3, 2013 for a recall. about a month later I drove over railroad tracks and now the vehicle IS slow and won't pick up speed it makes a put put sound and…
Ford recall letter dated december 2011 recall number 09 s 09 speed control system modification. I recently took my ford windstar on janurary 3, 2013 for a recall. about a month later I drove over railroad tracks and now the vehicle IS slow and won't pick up speed it makes a put put sound and has almost no power. I called the dealer to report the issue and they want $90.00 just to look at it even though it was just in the shop for the recall. I called ford customer complaint and all they say IS they are not responsible for the ford dealer actions or inactions. the letter from ford was the main reason I took the van in because it says there IS a fire hazard but now the van IS a piece of junk. ford refuses to recheck the vehicle and locate the real cause of the problem the vehicle IS the only way for me to get around. thanks ford for your attention and lack of concern. signed dissatified victim of a scam. *tr
- Fuel/propulsion system
Noticed fuel leak when returned after parking at slanted parking space. inspection by licensed mechanic in columbus, ohio confirmed fuel tank leak. Removed tank for further investigation and found crack. Repaired by same mechanic. Total cost close to $300.00. Now no gasoline leak. *tr
- Vehicle speed control
My van was in great shape and great condition. I was driving to work on may 6TH 2012 about 45-50 mph entered the I-215 collector, started to smell a burned rubber smell, I looked at the temp gauge and it was normal, the van started to sputter like running out of gas, the van was not out of gas…
My van was in great shape and great condition. I was driving to work on may 6TH 2012 about 45-50 mph entered the I-215 collector, started to smell a burned rubber smell, I looked at the temp gauge and it was normal, the van started to sputter like running out of gas, the van was not out of gas almost full, the service engine light started to flash on and off, I pulled over to the shoulder and came to a complete stop, looked at the temp gauge again and it still was normal, the burned rubber smell got worse and I noticed then a black smoke coming from under the hood. I got out of the van and stood at the front of the van to call aaa and the engine burst into flames under the hood. There was not indicator what so ever that the vehicle was overheating. This all occurred in about 5-10 minutes. The police came and could not put the fire out with extinguisher. The fire department had to put the fire out. It burned up my entire vehicle with all the contents inside. The fireman stated that even the front tires were burned up and melted. I did get pictures of what happened. I only had liability insurance so I thought I was just out of luck. A security specialist from work said that it sounded like the fire could have started due to a factory safety defect and told me to do some research. I did find that there was a recall on the speed switch or control on 1996 ford windstars. I always use my cruise control. I have filed a claim with my insurance based on a burn under the assumption that the fire occurred due to the speed control recall. Please let me know what I can do. I never received any notification of the recall or I would have taken it in to be fixed before this happened. *tr
- Service brakes, hydraulic · Wheels
Had changed brake pads a week earlier. Driving 55mph and the car crashed down on it's axle as the tire and wheel passed by us going down highway, in 37 north. Studs had all broken off. The disc brake IS ruined from skidding on it. Traffic was moderately heavy. We skidded to a stop on a bridge and feel lucky not to have crashed into anyone. *tr
- Engine and engine cooling
Blows headgasket every35000 miles. *tr
- Fuel system, gasoline
The vehicle had a fuel leak at the fuel tank. I removed the tank to see that the tank looked like it was pinched and developed a crack. The fuel tank IS plastic so I found this to be odd. I had to put epoxy on the tank to patch the crack so I could get it home as I was out of town when this…
The vehicle had a fuel leak at the fuel tank. I removed the tank to see that the tank looked like it was pinched and developed a crack. The fuel tank IS plastic so I found this to be odd. I had to put epoxy on the tank to patch the crack so I could get it home as I was out of town when this happened. When I got home I started looking online for a tank and found that ford had a recall on this matter. I called lafayette ford and explained the recall and gave my vin #. I was told that my vehicle does not fall under the recall that I will have to repair it myself. If I have the same vehicle of the recall and the same problem of the recall why does ford not honor it. The recall states the crack at the front strap area and that ford will replace the tank and the strap with a longer one and a bushing. My tank has the crack at the front strap and the tank was pinched because the strap IS too short. *Tr
- Engine and engine cooling › Exhaust system · Power train › Automatic transmission
I purchased a 1996 ford windstar van 3.0 l in june 2010. I have had numerous issues with this vehicle from day 1 to current most dangerous IS the blowing spark plug which has blown out 2 times forcing me to drive it to a place where it could be parked for repair first time blow out was 7 days…
I purchased a 1996 ford windstar van 3.0 l in june 2010. I have had numerous issues with this vehicle from day 1 to current most dangerous IS the blowing spark plug which has blown out 2 times forcing me to drive it to a place where it could be parked for repair first time blow out was 7 days after purchase repaired by a mechanic now 2000 miles later again blew out ford should be ashamed of themselves for ignoring such a huge hazard this could seriously ignite fuel fumes and cause a major fire, explosion while some one IS driving with there children to find a repair shop unaware of the danger and damage this could cause, second issue IS a failing shifting module or tranny and this has happened alot driving and all of a sudden the vans transmission shifts to a 1ST or 2ND gear causing extreme change in speed and in heavy traffic we have almost been rearended several times due to this issue, vessil must be pulled over and trans reset by shifting to park and sometimes shutting off the vehicle and starting it again.ford dealer gave us a 3000. Estimate to replace transmission and told us we would continue to replace trans aprox every 70,000 miles this IS a chump way to build cars and they have managed to get more money out of repairs than sales I will never own another ford again safe or not. Ford should be forced to reclaim all these dangerous vehicles and replace all money spent on repairs and purchase of the vehicles due to endangering and there IS no way they didn't know about these problems. *Tr
- Engine and engine cooling › Engine
Check engine stays on after tuneup ... Does not lose speed ... Runs rough after accelerating and doesn't not overheat ....what IS the problem. *tr
- Suspension › Front
I brought kids to school and I was pulling out. I heard a noise and my tire went flat. I had to have it towed home. My husband checked it out and found the drivers side front coil spring broke and stabbed the tire. I saw there was a recall so hopefully it IS still covered because I don't have 100.00 to fix something that's already been recalled. *Ln
- Electrical system · Service brakes, electric · Suspension · Vehicle speed control
Ford windstar brake, ABS brake, cruise control, and speedometer/odometer electrical problems rear axle cracks! *tr
- Engine and engine cooling
Tl*the contact owns a 1996 ford windstar GL (na). The contact stated that while waiting a stop sign, the vehicle suddenly died and the engine engulfed into flames. There were no injuries. The police and fire departments were called but no police report was filed. The vehicle had not been inspected or repaired. The failure mileage was approximately 100,000.
- Service brakes, hydraulic
The brake & ABS lights were coming on intermittently then the brakes started squeaking and eventually started at least scrubbing on the right side. also, when you push the brake pedal down, it felt soft. this started happening again at the beginning of october of this year and the right front…
The brake & ABS lights were coming on intermittently then the brakes started squeaking and eventually started at least scrubbing on the right side. also, when you push the brake pedal down, it felt soft. this started happening again at the beginning of october of this year and the right front brakes are scrubbing. and, the brake pedal feels soft, again. my husband replaced the brakes on 12/28/09 and we had to have the right front axle and spindle replaced on 01/13/10. we had the recall no. 09S09 work performed at richard haney ford in carrollton, georgia on 12/17/09. new front brakes were also put on by mechanics on 12/12/08 & 09/17/07.
- Fuel system, gasoline › Storage › Tank assembly
TL* the contact owns a 1996 ford windstar. While the vehicle was parked, the contact noticed an excessive amount of gasoline on the ground. The vehicle was taken to a local repair facility where the independent mechanic located the failure as a fracture in the fuel tank. The vehicle was not repaired. The failure mileage was 200,000 and the current mileage was 212,902.
- Electrical system
My ABS light stays its been on for 6 months now, my cruise control wont work, and my speedometer goes crazy, no lights in my dash and got told there was a recall on several of these items and I want to know how to get past recalls on my van I've have seen all kinds of recalls and never sent nothing. *Tr
- Fuel system, gasoline
1996 ford windstar fuel tank has a crack in it and IS leaking fuel I see the recall only effaced 1995 windstars but apparently the problem was not fixed on the 1996 windstars because mine has a 3 inch crack in it. I do not know if some of the 1996 windstars were in this recall. *Tr
- Suspension › Front
TL* the contact owns a 1996 ford windstar. While reversing out of a driveway at low speeds, the contact heard an unusually loud noise. When further inspecting the vehicle, the contact found that the brake lines was being pinched by the springs. The vehicle was not taken to the dealer for diagnostic…
TL* the contact owns a 1996 ford windstar. While reversing out of a driveway at low speeds, the contact heard an unusually loud noise. When further inspecting the vehicle, the contact found that the brake lines was being pinched by the springs. The vehicle was not taken to the dealer for diagnostic testing or repairs. The manufacturer advised there were no recalls on the vehicle and that repairs would be at his expense. The contact stated the vehicle was not drivable. The failure and current mileages were 164,954.
- Engine and engine cooling
I went to go to the store may 26TH, 2010 6:30 - 7:00 pm, I got in my vehicle with my two year old daughter and I proceeded to go down my driveway which its a long driveway and I started to smell a faint smell of plastic burning and I got to the road and I started to go and I decided I should maybe…
I went to go to the store may 26TH, 2010 6:30 - 7:00 pm, I got in my vehicle with my two year old daughter and I proceeded to go down my driveway which its a long driveway and I started to smell a faint smell of plastic burning and I got to the road and I started to go and I decided I should maybe pull over to see if I could see anything on the outside of vehicle causing smell then when got back in car saw the steam coming from hood and I decided to turn around and have my boyfriend take a look before I left. when got to house saw little steam but nothing big, turned off van and got my daughter from car seat and walked inside home not but 5 minutes later my other daughter ran screaming out her room, mom the vans on fire. when opened the door the flames were shooting out of the hood and tried to open hood, while other half going for fire extinguishers but motor was engulfed in flames and within 5 minutes got fire out with 2 fire extinguishers. nothing indicated before fire other then the faint smell that I smelled while going down driveway. the fire came from the wiring and it IS definitely a safety issue cause if me and my daughter had this happen to us while on the road it could of seriously injured or killed us. I haven't done anything to fix the van yet cause I only had liability insurance on the van and the fire wasn't covered. I also do not financially have the means to fix the van myself so I am without transportation right now! my boyfriend did feel after looking at van the fire started with the wiring over the top of the center of the motor. *Tr
- Service brakes, hydraulic › Antilock/traction control/electronic limited slip › Control unit/module · Service brakes, hydraulic › Foundation components › Hoses, lines/piping, and fittings
1996 ford windstar. Consumer requests a refund for money spent on repairs as a result of the problem described in a recall *tgw the consumer stated the vehicle had a brake fluid leak which damaged the ABS module, closkspring and caused the cruise control not to work. The consumer stated in…
1996 ford windstar. Consumer requests a refund for money spent on repairs as a result of the problem described in a recall *tgw the consumer stated the vehicle had a brake fluid leak which damaged the ABS module, closkspring and caused the cruise control not to work. The consumer stated in mid-late december she and her husband began to experience problems with braking and the ABS light would come on and go off at random. braking was sometimes interrupted by a shuddering which delayed the action of the brake after the brake pedal was depressed, as if the ABS did not want the brake to engage. This happened during normal braking as well as a quick press of the brake pedal, but in either case the braking was prolonged. The consumer stated the dealer repaired the problem with a kit and she was reassured the brake leak was fixed and there should be no more problems and there was nothing wrong with the action of the brakes. Several days later, the consumer and her husband experienced the shuddering again while driving 65 mph. The consumers husband decided to purchase an ABS module from an online dealer. The consumer took the vehicle to the dealer, who agreed to install the part. The problem with the ABS light and shuddering has been resolved. When the consumer received the recall notice, he went to the dealership with the receipts from the repair, but was told his vehicle was not one of the years covered for a refund of previous repairs. *jb
- Vehicle speed control
The 1996 windstar had been parked in the garage (attached to the home) with the ignition off for several hours when fames were seen coming from the left rear quadrent of the engine compartment. It was obvious the fire could not be extinguished. The family left the home, which was soon completely destroyed.
Defect investigations
NHTSA’s Office of Defects Investigation opened these reviews into vehicles including this one.
- Engine compartment fires
Ea08-021 IS closed with ford's actions in recall 09v-399 recalling approximately 4.5 million vehicles equipped with texas instruments speed control deactivation switches (scds).with this recall ford has now recalled all of the approximate 16 million ford model vehicles that were manufactured from my 1992 through 2003…
Ea08-021 IS closed with ford's actions in recall 09v-399 recalling approximately 4.5 million vehicles equipped with texas instruments speed control deactivation switches (scds).with this recall ford has now recalled all of the approximate 16 million ford model vehicles that were manufactured from my 1992 through 2003 with a texas instruments scds.nhtsa will continue to monitor the recalled vehicles to ensure remedies installed by ford tomitigate the potential for scds related fires are effective.the agency reserves the right to take further action if warranted by the circumstances.see attached closing report for further details.
- Engine compartment fires
Odi has received 134 consumer complaints, 285 manufacturer complaints, and 137 manufacturer warranty claims alleging incidents of engine compartment fire in model year (my) 1995 thru 2003 ford windstar vehicles.two of the odi complaints allege the fires caused structural damage to the complainant's home.of the 134 odi…
Odi has received 134 consumer complaints, 285 manufacturer complaints, and 137 manufacturer warranty claims alleging incidents of engine compartment fire in model year (my) 1995 thru 2003 ford windstar vehicles.two of the odi complaints allege the fires caused structural damage to the complainant's home.of the 134 odi complaints, 36 allege the fire occurred while the vehicle was parked, 72 allege the fire occurred while the vehicle was running and 26 of the complaints do not specify if the vehicle was running or not.further review of the odi complaints shows that 72 allege that the speed control deactivation switch (scds) caused the fire and 10 allege that the scds leaked brake fluid on to the ABS module resulting in the fire.there were 52 that did not identify a cause or that identified miscellaneous other causes.odi has also received 89 complaints ( not counted in this resume) alleging that the scds developed a brake fluid leak.thirteen of these complaints say that the leak at the scds resulted in braked fluid reaching the ABS module.this pe has been upgraded to an engineering analysis (ea) to further evaluate the cause of the fires and assess the scope, frequency, and safety consequences of the alleged defect.
- Hydraulic brake line failure
On april 4, 2002, ford motor company notified odi of a defect condition that could result in extended stopping distances in approximately 250 thousand model year (my) 1995 and 1996 windstar minivans sold or registered in salt belt states (recall 02v-101).according to ford, improper brake line routing in vehicles…
On april 4, 2002, ford motor company notified odi of a defect condition that could result in extended stopping distances in approximately 250 thousand model year (my) 1995 and 1996 windstar minivans sold or registered in salt belt states (recall 02v-101).according to ford, improper brake line routing in vehicles manufactured at the oakville assembly plant from january 14, 1994 through may 21, 1996 resulted in some vehicles with mis-positioned brake lines that could contact a dash panel insulator.such contact could abrade the brake line protection coating and result in corrosive failure of the brake lines. Odi opened rq04-003 to investigate complaints of brake line failure in windstar vehicles that were:(1) located outside the recall region; or (2) built after the recall range.regarding the latter group, ford changed the assembly process after may 21, 1996 to eliminate the mis-build problem.the failure rates in the my 1996 windstar vehicles built after the process change are relatively low in both the salt-belt states. With respect to the my 1995 and 1996 vehicles built during the period of concern that were not sold or registered in salt belt states, the failure rate IS also low.the related brake line warranty claim rate for those vehicles IS also low. Accordingly, a safety-related defect trend has not been identified in the my 1995-96 windstar vehicles that were not included in recall 02v-101.further use of agency resources does not appear to be warranted.the closing of this investigation does not constitute a finding by nhtsa that no safety-related defect exists.the agency reserves the right to take further action if warranted by the circumstances.
- Fuel tank fatigue cracking
See attached report.
- Suspension coil spring breakage
There is no summary currently available
- Suspension coil spring breakage
There is no summary currently available
- Fuel tank cracks
There is no summary currently available
- Rear axle trailing arm
There is no summary currently available
- Outer hood panel detachment
There is no summary currently available
- Outer hood panel detachment
The office of defects investigation has received 6 reports indicating the outer hood panel separated from the vehicles as they were being driven.ford has provide 39 additional reports that are consistent with odi reports.ford indicates that the likely cause IS prior collision damage.this investigation IS being upgraded to further study this issue.
- Brake pedal fade/extended stop distance
There is no summary currently available
- Brake pedal fade/extended stopping
Odi has received sixty-eight (68) consumer reports of alleged failures or malfunctions in the brake system on certain 1995 and 1996 ford windstars, which resulted in brake pedal fade and in extended stopping distances during brakingthese alleged failures or malfunctions are reported to have caused twelve (12)…
Odi has received sixty-eight (68) consumer reports of alleged failures or malfunctions in the brake system on certain 1995 and 1996 ford windstars, which resulted in brake pedal fade and in extended stopping distances during brakingthese alleged failures or malfunctions are reported to have caused twelve (12) accidents that resulted from vehicle loss of braking.the conplainants report that the loss of braking occurred duringbraking situations on dry roads as well as on wet or slippery roads.in response to odi's information reques (ir) concerning the long stopping distance complaints on the 1995 windstar, ford reported receiving 259 report (field reports, owner complaints, and subrogation claims) of long stopping distance on the 1995 ford windstar, along with 64 reports of accidents.in addition, ford reported receiving some 64,000 warranty claims that could relate to the alleged defect of long stopping distance performance on the subject vehicles.since apreliminary evaluation was opened, odi has received additional complaints of the alleged failure on the 1996 models, which were not included initially in this investigation.odi believes that an engineering analysis on the 1995 and 1996 ford windstar vehices in warranted to determine the scope of the problem.
- Failure of auto trans park lock system
The manufacturer has notified nhtsa that the subject vehicles will be recalled to correct a safety related defect identified under the scope of this investigation.the defect affects certain 1996 model year windstar, ford taurus, and mercury sable vehicles equipped with ford AX4S model automatic transmissions.the safety recall action has been identified as nhtsa no. 96V-086.
Service bulletins
Technical service bulletins and other communications the manufacturer sent dealers about this vehicle. Ask a dealer for the full document by its number.
- 10183766For 1999-2003 Windstar vehicles Safety Recall 11S16 has been issued for vehicles that are operated in high corrosion areas for an extended period, where a front subframe lower control arm (LCA) rear attaching flange or rear body mount could separate from the vehicle subframe. Separation of one LCA attachment or both rear body mounts may result in a loss of vehicle directional control, increasing the risk of a crash.
- 10013060Climate control a/c service tech tips.
- 10008580Lamp-brake-invadvertent disabling of brake shift interlock.
- 10008304Engine-gear driven synchronizers-incorrect installation-camshaft position synchronizer (cmp) installation tool correct application.
- 10008183Groan/buzz/vibration when the gear selector IS in park with the vehicle parked on an incline. This bulletin updates previous bulletin 17358, dated 11/01/2003 to include 2005 models.
- 10004027Remote keyless entry (rke) - service tips.
- 10003853Slight amount of fluid residue on the outside of the rear wheel cylinder dust boot on vehicles with rear drum brakes.
- 10003748New transmission cooler flusher - service tips. 2003 escort and super duty f series included.
- 10002684Torque converter clutch not engaging when commanded and/or diagnostic trouble codes p0741 or p1744 stored in memory. Models from 1996 to 2003.
- 10000592Incorrectly installed gear driven camshaft position (cmp) sensor synchronizer assemblies causing surge, lost of power, malfunction indicator lamp on and diagnostic trouble codes p1336, p1309 and p0340.
- 6092131Some vehicles with 3.8L engine may exhibit black soot on the lower section of the right rear quarter panel.
- 6091315Suspension-diagnostic aan inspection for front suspension noise (s)- service tip. Tip.
- 6090716Some vehicles may exhibit black soot emitted from the tailpipe leaving deposits on right rearl lower quarter panel.
- 6090638Information regarding tsb 97-20-08 for 3.8L engines only. *Mjs
- 6090542Information regarding front cover & water pump bolts-torque valve revision/3.8-4.2l. *Mjs
- 6090538Information regarding camshaft position (cmp) sensor alignment tool chart. *Mjs
- 6090310Some service manuals may list the incorrect camshaft position sensor alignment tool for vehicles with various engine sizes.
- 6090309Information regarding a change in the torque values of the engine front cover water pump bolts.
- 6090087Information on identifying non-approved / alternate refrigerants which could cause safety, and performance concerns if installed in ford a/c systems.
- 6090085Service information for musty and mildew type odors coming from the air conditioning / heating system.
- 6090082Information for servicing and diagnosing brake vibration, brake inspection, and brake friction material replacement.
- 6090053Some vehicles equipped with AX4S transaxle, may exhibit a harsh 2-3 downshift may occur when coasting around a corner and then accelerating.
- 6090051Service tip information on revised oil pan gasket replacement procedure.
- 6089681Subject on a wire harness terminal repair kit available for repairing electrical wiring harnesses.
- 6089651Subject on engine coolant leaking into the engine oil on some vehicles.
- 637456Subject regarding power steering line part ordering information.
- 636361Some vehicles may exhibit rear drum brakes that drag or will not release properly when operated in wet conditions and / or below freezing temperatures.
- 636312Exhibiting intermittent anti-skid brake system and / or red brake lamp on at times while driving.
- 635987Grunt / popping noise coming from the front suspension at speeds below 20 mph when turning.
- 635966Some vehicles may exhibit a popping / grinding noise from the front of the vehicle when going over bumps or making turns.
- 630515Engine oil system priming procedures, service tips for reports of premature engine failure.
- 630356Some vehicles may exhibit a park pullout clunk noise when shifting from park to another gear position.
- 630354Some vehicles may run rough at cruise or momentarily after stopping, a check engine light,and p030x codes.
- 630351Some vehicles may exhibit a groan/buzz/vibration when the gear selector IS in park.
- 630001Some engine assemblies with aluminum cylinder heads repaired in-vehile have been found to leak coolant and/or oil from the cylinder head gasket area.
- 625715Brake shift interlock.*jb
- 625687Transaxle - AX4S - replacement application chart - windstar vehicles only. *Nlm
- 625034Information regarding replacement application chart.
- 623988Information regarding transmission fluid usage charts. *Slc
- 623944Some vehicles may exhibit heater core leaks. *Slc
Every Ford Windstar model year
Bars are owner complaints, dots mark years with recalls. Select a year to open its report.