2003 Ford Windstar Complaint Log

WE OWN A 2003 FORD WINDSTAR. OUR INSTRUMENT PANEL HAS GONE HAYWIRE. THE TACHOMETER STOPPED WORKING, IT IS COMPLETELY OFF THE SCAL. THE SPEEDOMETER DOES NOT WORK. SOMETIMES IT REGISTERS THAT YOU ARE DOING 50MPH WHEN THE VEHICLE IS NOT MOVING, AND THEN WILL NOT REGISTER ANY SPEED WHEN YOU ARE MOVING. YOU CANNOT DETERMINE WHAT YOUR SPEED IS AT ANY GIVEN TIME. MY VEHICLE IS BEGINNING IT'S THIRD WEEK IN THE AT THE DEALERSHIP. I WAS TOLD THAT THE PARTS WERE BEING HELD AT THE BORDER IN MEXICO. I HAVE ALSO BEEN TOLD THAT THE PART IS ON A "NATIONAL BACKORDER". AT THIS POINT THE DEALERSHIP HAS DETERMINED THAT I NEED A NEW INSTRUMENT CLUSTER, WHICH AGAIN, IS AT THE MEXICAN BORDER, IN CUSTOMS, OR SO SAYS THE DEALERSHIP.

HI, IM A OWNER OF FORD WINDSTAR 2003 AND THE LIGHT OF ABS AND SPARK IS IN ON ALWAYS AFTER 10 MINUTES THAT START THE ENGINE. I READ THE MOTIVE AND JUST COMPLAINS FOR THE PROBLEM THANKS. *TR

DT: CONTACT STATES THE AUTOMATIC DOORS ARE NOT WORKING PROPERLY. THE DOOR IS TAKING MORE RESISTANCE BEFORE THE DOOR BACKS UP. THE VEHICLE HAS BEEN TAKEN TO THE DEALERSHIP TWICE, AND DEALERSHIP STATED THE VEHICLE WAS FINE. THE CONSUMER HAS CONTACTED THE MANUFACTURER AND THE SERVICE DEALER. *AK

WE HAVE HAD MANY DIFFERENT PROBLEMS WITH OUR '03 FORD WINDSTAR. WE HAVE HAD THE POWERSTEERING PUMP REPLACED 3 TIMES. WE HAVE HAD THE TRANSMISSION REBUILT BECAUSE IS QUIT WORKING. THE ABS AND BRAKE LIGHT ON THE DASH ARE ALWAYS ON. WE CAN NOT ADJUST THE TEMPERATURE OF THE A/C OR HEATER. IT IS ALWAYS COLD. THE REAR AIR SELECTOR SWITCH DOES NOT WORK. THE DOME LIGHTS FLICKER FROM TIME-TO-TIME. THE REAR SPEAKERS WORK ABOUT 1/2 THE TIME. THE BRAKES SOMETIMES MAKE A GROWLING SOUND WHEN APPLIED. THE MECHANICS CAN NOT FIND THE REASON FOR THE NOISE. THE REAR DOOR INDICATOR SWITCH NEEDS TO BE REPLACE. WHEN WE SHUT THE REAR HATCH (DOOR) THE DOORS WILL NOT LOCK BECAUSE IT SEEMS THAT A DOOR IS STILL AJAR.*TR

ABS AND BRAKE LIGHT CONTINUE TO COME ON AND OFF. I TOOK MY 2003 FORD WINDSTAR TO THE DEALER AND THE DEALER STATED THE BRAKE FLUID WAS LOW AND THAT WAS CAUSING THE PROBLEM. THE LIGHT CAM BACK ON SHORTLY AFTER. I CHECKED THE BRAKE FLUID AND IT WAS NOT LOW. THIS PROBLEM HAS OCCURRED ON AND OFF SINCE I HAVE OWNED THE VEHICLE. (PURCHASED NEW). I HAVE HAD OTHER ELECTRICAL PROBLEMS AS WELL. WINDOWS DO NOT WORK ALL OF THE TIME. ALSO RAN THIS BY FORD. THEY WANTED $80 FOR EACH ELECTRIC ISSUE. WOULD OF COST ME $400 JUST TO SEE WHAT WAS CAUSING THE PROBLEM. I DID MY OWN RESEARCH ON LINE AND FOUND OUT THIS WAS A VERY COMMON PROBLEM. SEEMS TO ME THE DEALER DID NOT REALLY NEED TO RUN THE DIAGNOSTIC AND SHOULD HAVE HAD A GOOD IDEA AS TO WHAT WAS CAUSING THE PROBLEM. I HAVE NOT HAD A FIRE YET BUT MAY NOT BE AROUND OF THIS ISSUE DOES CAUSE A FIRE. SEEMS ODD A RECALL HAS NOT OCCURRED YET. TYPICAL THOUGH, USUALLY IT TAKES A DEATH TO GET GOVERNMENT AGENCIES TO RESPOND. MAYBE THIS TIME YOU CAN ACT SOONER RATHER THAN LATER. *TR

WAS DRIVING DOWN STREET, STEADY SPEED APPROX 40 MPH, NOT USING CRUISE CONTROL. ATTEMPTED TO BRAKE FOR INTERSECTION, VEHICLE WOULD NOT SLOW DOWN. VISUALLY LOOKED TO CONFIRM FOOT WAS ON BRAKE AND NOT ON ACCELERATOR, IT WAS ON THE BRAKE AND WAS NOT ON THE ACCELERATOR. SHIFTED INTO NEUTRAL TO AVOID A CRASH, THE ENGINE REVVED WAY UP THEN SLOWED DOWN. THIS WAS A ONE-TIME INCIDENT SO FAR, BUT IT ONLY HAPPENED YESTERDAY AND I HAVEN'T DRIVEN IT MUCH SINCE THEN. *NM

THE TRANSMISSION FAILED AFTER 43,00 MILES AND HAD TO BE REPLACED. I SPOKE TO A LOCAL AAMCO TRANSMISSION STORE AND THEY TOLD ME THIS WAS THE FOURTH SUCH PROBLEM WITH 2003 WINDSTAR'S THEY HAD SEEN IN A MONTH. *JB

2003 FORD WINDSTAR WITH AUTOMATIC POWER SLIDING DOORS. THIS IS THE THIRD INCIDENT WHERE THE DOORS AUTOMATICALLY OPENED WHEN THEY WERE CLOSED AND LOCKED. THE FIRST 2X I RETURNED TO FIND THE DOORS OPENED AND RETRACTED. THE THIRD MY 3 YEAR OLD WAS SEATED IN HER CAR SEAT WHEN THE DOOR OPENED WHILE DRIVING. THIS IS A HAZARD AND MAJOR SAFETY ISSUE. FORD HAS IGNORED MY PHONE CALLS AND FORD SERVICE THEY CAN FIND NO PROBLEM AND CLEANED THE CONTACTS. I WILL FILE SUIT IN THE NEXT FEW WEEKS TO ADDRESS THIS HORRIBLE DEFECT. *JB

MERGING ONTO HIGHWAY PRESSED ON GAS PEDAL TO AROUND 45-50MPH. STEPPED ON BREAK PEDAL AND CAR WOULD NOT SLOW DOWN. TOOK FOOT OFF BRAKE PEDAL TWICE AND CAR ACCELERATED WITHOUT TOUCHING GAS PEDAL. HAD TO KEEP APPLYING PRESSURE TO BRAKE PEDAL, SLOWED DOWN SOMEWHAT, PULLED OFF HIGHWAY INTO PARKING LOT. TRYING TO AVOID CRASHING INTO FROZEN SNOW BANK AND BUILDING, PUT CAR INTO NEUTRAL. CAR WENT INTO REVERSE BACK ONTO HIGHWAY IN THE SLOW LANE INTO ONCOMING TRAFFIC. WAS ABLE TO AVOID ACCIDENT DUE TO ONCOMING CAR SWITCHING LANES. PUT CAR BACK INTO DRIVE AND WAS ABLE TO PULL INTO THE SAME PARKING LOT. WAS AFRAID TO PUT INTO ANOTHER GEAR, SO SHUT THE CAR OFF WHILE IN DRIVE TO STOP CAR. THIS WAS THE MOST TERRIFYING EXPERIENCE MY FAMILY AND I EVER EXPERIENCED. HAD THE CAR TOWED TO THE DEALERSHIP. THE DEALERSHIP TRIED TO REPRODUCE THE PROBLEM FOR 2 DAYS WITHOUT ANY SUCCESS. WILL BE TRADING CAR IN WITH ANOTHER CAR MAKER. *AK

POWER STEERING WENT OUT IN JANUARY 2005. FROM JAN 05 - MAY 05 RACK AND PINION HAS BEEN REPLACED A TOTAL OF 3 TIMES.

ELECTRICAL PROBLEMS THAT REQUIRED THE REPLACEMENT OF THE MAIN ELECTRICAL HARNESS 3 TIMES, WHICH WERE UNDER WARRANTY. THE INTERIOR LIGHTS CONTINUE TO FLASH AND FLICKER TO THIS DAY, BOTH DAY AND NIGHT, CREATING A HAZARD TO SAFE OPERATION OF THE VEHICLE. THERE ARE ALSO FALSE ALEERTS OF THE TIRE WARNING SYSTEM, AND OTHER INTERMITTANT ELECTRICAL PROBLEMS IN THE VEHICLE. THERE IS ALSO A NOISE COMING FROM THE FRONT END, WHICH IS IN THE AREA OF THE SUB FRAME ASSEMBLY.

MY CIGGARETTE LIGHTER POPS OUT ONTO THE FLOOR EVERY TIME IT IS PUSHED IN. THE DISTRACTION OF A POSSIBLE FIRE CAN CAUSE A WRECK.*AK

SLIDING SIDE DOORS WORKED INTERMITTENTLY. TOLD NOTHING WRONG. ONE STOPPED WORKING. COST CLOSE TO $400 DOLLARS AND TOOK ALL DAY. SAID IT WAS AN ELECTRICIANS NIGHTMARE. THE VERY NEXT DAY THE OTHER DOOR QUITE WORKING. WE HAVE NO CHILDREN, SO DO NOT USE DOOR IN EXCESS. THIS IS MORE THAN COINCIDENCE. THE FIRST ONE NEEDED A NEW PLATE OR SOMETHING LIKE THAT. THEY SAID IT WOULD BE $1000 IF THE MOTOR GOES. *JB

THE SPEED GAUGE NEEDLE ON THE INSTRUMENT PANEL MOVED BACK AND FORTH ON ITS OWN. CONSUMER PULLED OVER, AN D PROBLEM RECURRED. CONSUMER TOOK VEHICLE TO THE DEALER FOR INSPECTION, BUT MECHANIC CLAIMED PROBLEM COULD NOT BE DUPLICATED. *AK

SIMPLY DRIVING ON THE HIGHWAY, AND ATTEMPTED TO SET THE CRUISE CONTROL. THE ENGINE BEGAN TO RACE, AND THE TRANSMISSION DISENGAGED. REQUIRED NEW TRANSMISSION TO REPAIR. THIS AFTER ONLY 49,000 MILES. TRANSMISSION FILTER AND FLUID CHANGED AT 37,000 MILES WAS NOT THE PROBLEM. THIS VEHICLE ALSO HAD THE FRONT WHEEL BEARINGS REPLACED AT 17,000 MILES. THIS VEHICLE WAS NOT USED FOR TOWING, PRIMARILY HIGHWAY MILES.*AK

WHILE AT A STOP, THE VEHICLE WOULD TRY TO ACCELERATE FORWARD EVEN THOUGH THE CONSUMERS FOOT WAS ON THE BRAKE. THE CAUSE WAS NOT DETERMINED. PLEASE PROVIDE MORE INFORMATION. *JB

TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2003 FORD WINDSTAR. THE CONTACT STATED THAT HE NOTICED THAT THE REAR AXLE WAS CRACKING. THE VEHICLE HAD NOT BEEN INSPECTED OR REPAIRED AT THE TIME OF THE COMPLAINT. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE VEHICLE WAS INOPERATIVE AND UNABLE TO BE USED BECAUSE THE CRACK WAS FIVE INCHES AROUND THE AXLE. THE CONTACT CALLED THE MANUFACTURER WHO STATED THAT THE VEHICLE WAS NOT INCLUDED IN RECALL 10V385000 (SUSPENSION: REAR:AXLE: NONPOWERED AXLE ASSEMBLY). THE CURRENT MILEAGE WAS APPROXIMATELY 91,000. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS APPROXIMATELY 27,000.

THE CONSUMER STATED THE VEHICLE WAS ABLE TO COME OUT PARK WITHOUT APPLYING THE BRAKE. PROVIDE ADDITIONAL INFORMATION. *JB

RE; RECALL NOTIFICATION #03C05-CERTAIN 2001-2003 FORD WINDSTAR SEAT ANCHORAGE SYSTEMS. *BF *TC

WE HAVE NOT BEEN PROPERLY INFORMED ABOUT ALL OF THE RECALLS OR OTHER ISSUES WITH OUR VEHICLE. THE VEHICLE DOES HAVE A LOT OF PROBLEMS FROM THE ELECTRICAL, STRUCTURE, ENGINE LIGHTS ARE ALWAYS THROWING CODES NEEDING A LOT OF SENSOR REPLACEMENTS AT OUR COST, THE RPMS SEEM TO RUN FAST SITTING AT A LIGHT(WE HAVE TO TURN OFF THE ENGINE AND THEN RESTART), AND THE ENGINE SEEMS TO RUN HOT, BRAKES, CRUISE CONTROL(CANNOT USE), TRACTION CONTROL(CANNOT USE), INTERIOR LIGHT ARE ALWAYS FLICKERING, PASSENGER WINDOWS(CANNOT USE) AND DOOR LOCKS(CANNOT USE), BOTH REAR WINDOWS(CANNOT USE), LEAKS FROM ROOF, REAR DOOR AND SLIDING DOORS, THE CRUISE CONTROL, BRAKE AND TRACTION CONTROL LIGHTS STAY ON WHILE DRIVING(WE WERE TOLD BY A DEALERSHIP THAT WE CAN STILL DRIVE THE VEHICLE, BUT WE WON'T HAVE ANTI-LOCK BRAKES.), THE AC IS ALWAYS HAVING TROUBLE STAYING CHARGED, THE AC/HEAT CONTROL SWITCHES HAVE MALFUNCTIONED(IT HAS TO BE SET AWAY FROM THE COLD AND THE SPEED TO 3/4 SPEED TO WORK RIGHT), THE BATTERY KEEPS LOSING CHARGE, THE BRAKE TAIL LIGHTS STAY ON DRAINING THE BATTERY AND HAD TO GET REPAIRED BY US BECAUSE THE DEALERSHIP COULD NOT LOCATE THE PROBLEM, DRIVER SEAT HAS MALFUNCTIONED(CANNOT USE PER DEALERSHIP'S REQUEST), CRUISE CONTROL AND TRACTION CONTROL DOES NOT WORK, SUSPENSION SEEMS TO HAVE A LOT OF SQUEAKS AND POPPING SOUNDS, ALTERNATOR AND STARTER HAD TO BE REPLACED SEVERAL TIMES, THE COIL PACKS NEED CONSTANT REPLACEMENTS, ALL SPARK PLUGS AND WIRES HAD TO BE REPLACED BEFORE THEIR TIME, CANNOT USE THE REAR WIPER BECAUSE IT GOES DOWN ONTO THE PAINT AND STARTS WIPING THE PAINT AND NOT THE REAR WINDOW, CONSTANTLY REPLACING EXTERIOR LIGHTS ALL AROUND, THE ENGINE CONSTANTLY CUTS OUT, WE TOLD THE DEALERSHIP FOR SEVERAL YEARS THAT THERE WAS AN ANTIFREEZE SMELL AND THEY COULD NOT LOCATE IT UNTIL 5-28-13, REPLACED BAD FRONT AND REAR AXLES ON 5/28/13 AND MANY OTHERS. 12K-18K TO REPAIR EVERYTHING. *TR

THE INSTRUMENT PANEL GAUGES STARTED JUMPING ALL OVER AND I COULD NOT DETERMINE MY SPEED, GAS AMOUNT OR ANY OTHER DATA FROM THE INSTRUMENTS. THIS HAPPENED AT 37,000 MILES AND I HAD TO PAY $500 TO HAVE A NEW INSTRUMENT CLUSTER PANEL INSTALLED. *AK

CONTINUING PROBLEM WITH POWER REAR SLIDING DOORS. NON-OPERATIONAL ON DRIVERS SIDE AND OPENING BY ITSELF ON THE PASSENGER SIDE. ALSO, DOES NOT RETRACT WHEN CLOSING IF THERE IS AN OBJECT IN THE WAY AS STATED IN OWNERS MANUAL. HAPPENED AFTER 1 YEAR WARRANTY EXPIRED. FEEL QUALITY SHOULD BE BETTER THAN 1 YEAR ESPECIALLY SINCE THE POWER DOORS WERE A BIG SELLING POINT WITH THE VEHICLE. ONE DOOR WAS FIXED WITHIN THE 1ST YEAR, BUT 3 OR 4 MONTHS AFTER THAT WE HAD PROBLEMS WITH THE OTHER DOOR AND NOW WE HAVE IT WITH BOTH DOORS. WE WILL LEAVE THE MINIVAN IN THE MALL PARKING LOT AND RETURN WITH ONE OF THE DOORS OPEN. IT ALSO OPENS AUTOMATICALLY, AT TIMES, WHEN WE CLOSE ONE OF THE FRONT DOORS. *JB

PURCHASED A USED VAN FROM LOCAL DEALER. IT HAS A DVD PLAYER ALREADY INSTALLED (NOT FACTORY INSTALLED). APPROX. 6 MONTHS LATER, I COMPLAINED TO SERVICE ASSOC. WHILE GETTING AN OIL CHANGE, THAT MY RADIO DOES NOT GET STATIONS CLEARLY. MAYBE THERE'S A PROBLEM WITH THE ANTENNAE. HE SAID, "IT'S A FORD THING" IN 2005 I TOLD SAME SERVICE ASSOC. THAT THE 'DOOR IS AJAR' LIGHT KEEPS COMING ON. THE TRUNK. HATCH LIGHT COMES ON AND STAYS ON EVEN WHEN BACK IS CLOSED. AND THE INTERIOR LIGHTS GO ON AND OFF. AND THE DVD PLAYER NO LONGER WORKED. HE SAID IT COULD BE THE CONTACTS, AND HE WOULD CLEAN THEM BUT THERE'S 'NO GUARANTEE". THE NEXT SERVICE CHECK, I TOLD HIM THAT THE LIGHTS STAY ON AFTER THE DOORS ARE CLOSED AND I 'M AFRAID MY BATTERY WILL GO DEAD. ALSO THAT THE POWER LOCKS NOW GO ON AND OFF WHILE DRIVING AROUND. I WAS TOLD THAT IT WAS PROBABLY AN ELECTRICAL PROBLEM BUT THAT IT WAS NOT UNDER ANY WARRANTY AND IT WOULD BE VERY COSTLY,IT COULD TAKE HOURS AND HOURS OF LOOKING FOR THE PROBLEM AND IT MAY NEVER BE FOUND. I WENT HOME AND MY HUSBAND PURCHASED AND CHANGED THE CONTACT THING FOR THE BACK DOOR. THE LIGHT FOR THAT BACK HATCH THEN STOPPED STAYING ON WHEN THE DOOR WAS CLOSED. I WAS VERY CONCERNED ABOUT THE LOCKS GOING UP AND DOWN WHILE DRIVING MY THREE SMALL CHILDREN AROUND. HOW COULD I KNOW IF THE LOCKS WERE ENGAGED OR NOT??? IF THERE IS A 'SHORT; COULD A FIRE START?? I CALLED THE FORD CO. CONSUMER NUMBER, EXPLAINED MY PROBLEMS AND THE REP. JUST TOLD ME THAT "THERE IS NO RECALL FOR THOSE PROBLEMS WITH THAT VAN". I SAID I WAS AFRAID FOR MY CHILDREN'S SAFETY, NOT KNOWING IF THE DOORS WERE LOCKED OR OPEN. WHEN REPEATED HER STATEMENT AND SAID TO TAKE IT TO THE DEALER AT MY EXPENSE. IT IS NOW 2008, MY LOCKS CONTINUE TO GO UP AND DOWN WHILE DRIVING RANDOMLY, I HAVE TO TURN ALL THE INTERIOR LIGHTS OFF AND LEAVE THEM OFF, ALREADY REPLACED A BATTERY, BACK DOOR IS OPEN LIGHT STILL STAYS ON!! PLEASE ADVISE ME!! I AM QUITE FRUSTRATED AND NERVOUS ABOUT THIS VEHICLE. *TR

THE DRIVERSIDE SEAT REPLACED WAS REPLACED ONCE. THE SEAT BACK HAD WARPED AND WAS UNCOMFORTABLE FOR DRIVING. WHILE I AM A LARGE MAN, THIS IS THE FIRST SEAT BACK THAT I HAVE HAD TO REPLACE IN ANY VEHICLE. THE SECOND SEAT BACK HAS BEEN HOLDING UP SO FAR. THE FIRST FAILED WITHIN THE FIRST YEAR WITHIN 60,000 KM AND WAS REPLACED UNDER WARRANTY, BUT I AM AFRAID THAT I WILL BE PAYING FOR THE REPAIR WHEN THE SECOND ONE FAILS.

2003 FORD WINDSTAR ACCELERATES UNEXPECTEDLY, ALMOST CAUSING DEATH.*AK

CONSUMER STATED THAT BRAKE LIGHT WORKED INTERMITTENTLY. CONSUMER HAS TOOK VEHICLE TO THE DEALER AND REPAIRS WERE MADE. HOWEVER, PROBLEM RECURRED. THE VEHICLE WAS HIT FROM THE REAR BECAUSE THE BRAKE LIGHTS FAILED TO COME ON WHEN APPLYING THE BRAKES. *AK

I THOUGHT THE VAN WAS IN PARK AND GOT OUT OF THE VEHICLE. IT POPPED OUT OF GEAR AND STARTED TO ROLL BACK. I TRIED TO GET BACK INTO THE VEHICLE BUT IT ROLLED TO FAST AND CRUSHED MY LEG BETWEEN THE VEHICLE AND A POLE. AFTER I WAS THROWN FROM THE VEHICLE IT THEN STARTED TO GO FORWARD ON AN INCLINE. THE ACCIDENT CAUSED ME TO HAVE SURGERY TO REPAIR A BROKEN LEFT LEG. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO FREEWAY FORD WHERE THE FOUND THAT THE PARKING LINKING WAS OUT OF ADJUSTMENT CAUSING IT TO POP OUT OF GEAR. PARKING LINKAGE WAS ADJUSTED.*AK

WHEN THE PASSENGER SIDE AUTOMATIC DOOR LOCK ENGAGED IT PINCHED THE OCCUPANT'S ARM. AS A RESULT, PASSENGER SUFFERED A BLOOD BLISTER THAT TURNED INTO A BRUISE. *AK

THE SLIDING DOOR SENOR FAILED, CAUSING A 3 YEAR OLD CHILD'S LEFT ARM TO BE CLOSED IN THE SLIDING DOOR WAY. CONSUMER HAD TO USE A CROWBAR TO OPEN THE SLIDING DOOR. DEALERSHIP WAS NOTIFIED, BUT DID NOT RESOLVE THE PROBLEM. *AK

WHILE STARTING VEHICLE WITH BRAKES DEPRESSED VEHICLE IDLED HIGH, RESULTING IN SURGING FORWARD INTO HOME . DEALER REPLACED IDLE CONTROL VALE. *AK

SLIDING DOOR FAILED TO OPEN AND CLOSE BY REMOTE CONTROL. *AK THE PASSENGER SIDE DOOR DID NOT OPEN OR CLOSE PROPERLY. *SC *JB

#2 POWER SLINDING DOOR WOULD INADVERTENTLY OPEN WHILE IN MOTION. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT NOTIFIED ON JUNE 24, 2004. *AK *JB

CONSUMER ARM WAS PINCHED WHILE SHE WAS RESTING IT ON THE WINDOW LEDGE OF THE VEHICLE. *MR THIS PROBLEM WOULD OCCUR WHILE IN THE PASSENGER SEAT. WHEN THE LOCK SNAPPED DOWN, THE CONSUMER'S ARM WOULD BE BADLY PINCHED. *SC

TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2003 FORD WINDSTAR. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE PARKING AND ABS WARNING LIGHTS ILLUMINATED. THE DEALER STATED THAT THE ABS CONTROL MODULE NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. AS OF SEPTEMBER 10, 2007, THE DEALER HAD NOT REPAIRED THE VEHICLE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 20,000 AND CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 51,000. UPDATED 12-12-07. *KB UPDATED *JB

MY YELLOW ABS BRAKE LIGHT AND MY RED BRAKE LIGHT INDICATOR COME ON WHENEVER MY BRAKE LINES BEGIN TO HEAT WHILE DRIVING. I HAVE ALSO HAD INTERMITTENT PROBLEMS WITH THE OVER DRIVE LIGHT COMING ON AND OFF, AND THE ODOMETER AND THE SPEEDOMETER FAILING. THIS HAS OCCURRED SINCE THE WINDSTAR VAN WAS NEW. THE PREVIOUS OWNER HAD TRIED TO HAVE THE SENSORS REPLACED BUT IT CONTINUED TO HAPPEN, AND STILL HAPPENS NOW WITH ME. I AM CONCERNED THAT IF THE BRAKES DO FAIL OR NEED REPAIR, I WON'T KNOW AS THE LIGHTS ARE ALWAYS ON, ANYWAY. I AM ALSO CONCERNED WITH THE POSSIBILITY OF FIRE DUE TO A SHORT, OR BEING TICKETED AS I NEVER KNOW WHEN THE SPEEDOMETER WILL BEGIN TO FAIL. I WAS TOLD BY AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC THAT THERE WAS AN UNSPECIFIED ELECTRICAL SHORT CAUSING THESE ISSUES, AND THAT IT WOULD DIFFICULT OR IMPOSSIBLE TO TRACE. I AM EXPERIENCING BOTH PROBLEMS 1 & 2 AS DESCRIBED ON THE FOLLOWING WEBSITE. **** HTTP://WWW.FORDWINDSTARRECALL.INFO/ **** THE ISSUE OF THE ABS BRAKE LIGHT IS CRITICAL IN THAT THE ABS BRAKE SYSTEM DOES NOT FUNCTION AS DESIGNED BY FORD. THE ISSUE IS CAUSED BY HEAT IN THE ABS (ANTI-LOCK BRAKE SYSTEM) ECM (ELECTRONIC CONTROL MODULE) (2C219) MODULE CAUSING EXPANSION OF A LARGE ALUMINUM PLATE (HEAT SINK) IN THE ECM WHICH IS ATTACHED TO THE ECM MAIN CIRCUIT BOARD AT ALL POINTS. THE EXPANSION OCCURS WHEN THE UNIT GETS WARM ESPECIALLY IN THE SUMMER MONTHS AND CAUSES INTERMITTENT ELECTRICAL CONNECTION IN THE UNIT BECAUSE THE FRAGILE BOARD IS BEING STRETCHED AND MALFORMED. THE CODE MOST COMMONLY SCANNED BY PROFESSIONAL MECHANICS IS CODE C1185. SEEN BY US OWNERS AS A YELLOW ABS BRAKE LIGHT. *TR

TIRE PRESSURE MONITORING SYSTEMS FAILS. AFTER SET, LIGHTS UP ALTHOUGH THE TIRE PRESSURE IS PROPERLY SET. ADVANCE TRAC SYSTEM - AUTOMATICALLY ENGAGES IN CONDITIONS THAT DO NOT REQUIRE IT (E.G. DRIVING ON THE INTERSTATE). THE VEHICLE IMMEDIATELY SLOWS WITH A GRIDING NOISE. BOTH INCIDENTS HAVE BEEN REPORTED TO THE DEALER WHO HAS SAID THAT THESE ARE SPORADIC PROBLEMS THAT HAVE OCCURED AND THAT THEY HAVE NOT BEEN ABLE TO REPLICATE, THEREFORE, THEY CAN DO NOTHING. HOWEVER, AFTER REVIEWING YOUR SITE, I SEE THAT I AM NOT THE ONLY PERSON EXPERIENCING THE SAME PROBLEMS.*AK

TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2003 FORD WINDSTAR. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE LIGHTS ON THE INSTRUMENT PANEL AND THE HEAD LAMPS SPORADICALLY COME ON AND OFF EVEN WHEN THE CAR IS NOT STARTED. THE BRAKE LIGHTS SPORADICALLY COME ON AND OFF AS WELL EVEN WHEN THE BRAKES ARE NOT BEING APPLIED. THE AIRCONDTIONER ALSO FAILED AND ONLY COMES OUT THROUGH THE DEFROSTER VENTS. THE VEHICLE HAS BEEN TAKEN TO A LOCAL MECHANIC BUT A PROBLEM COULD NOT BE DIAGNOSED. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALER AND THE AIR CONDITION WAS REPAIRED HOWEVER IT FAILED AGAIN SOON AFTER. THE CURRENT AND FAILURE MILEAGE WAS UNKNOWN. THE VEHICLE HAS NOT BEEN REPAIRED AS OF CURRENT DATE. (SC) UPDATED 06/16/08 *BF

THE ABS AND BRAKE LIGHTS TURNED ON IN THE DASHBOARD, AND I NOTICED THAT THE STOPPING DISTANCE HAS INCREASED EVERY TIME THE LIGHTS COME ON (THEY TURN ON ON THE WARMER DAYS). THIS HAS BEEN HAPPENING SINCE 1 YEAR AFTER I BOUGHT THE NEW VEHICLE TILL NOW. ALSO THE BRAKE SOMETIMES SLIPS. WHAT I MEAN IS THE EVEN THOUGH THE BRAKE IS PRESSED AND I AM STOPPED AT A RED LIGHT THE LIGHTS WOULD TURN ON AND THE BRAKES DISENGAGE AND REENGAGE CAUSING THE VEHICLE TO MOVE FORWARD ABOUT A FOOT. THE FIRST TIME THIS HAPPENED WAS 4 YEARS AGO BUT NOW I AM USED TO IT AND KEEP PLENTY OF SPACE BETWEEN MY VEHICLE AND THE VEHICLE IN FRONT OF ME. IT IS A FORD WINDSTAR 2003. *TR

MY WIFE WAS DRIVING THE WINDSTAR ON THE HIGHWAY WHEN ALL OF A SUDDEN THE CAR ACCELERATED UP TO 80 MPH BY ITSELF. BY APPLYING THE BRAKES, SHE GOT IT TO A LOW ENOUGH SPEED TO SLAM THE TRANSMISSION INTO PARK.*AK THE DEALERSHIP SAID THAT THE PROBLEM WAS FIXED, BUT ABOUT 3 OR 4 MONTHS LATER, IT HAPPENED AGAIN. THE DEALERSHIP SAYS THAT THEY FIXED IT AGAIN. BUT WE REFUSE TO RIDE IN THIS DEATH TRAP, AND DEMAND THAT THEY GIVE US A NEW CAR AMONG OTHER THINGS.

ON 5-10-04 I WAS DRIVING HOME IN HEAVY TRAFFIC TRAVELING AT ABOUT 55 MPH,THEN SUDDENLY THE CAR SURGED ON IT'S OWN TO 80 MPH. I ATTEMPTED TO STOP THE CAR, AND THE BRAKES LOCKED AND WOULD NOT MOVE AT ALL. I SHIFTED THE CAR DOWN TO LOW GEAR AND SLOWED THE CAR DOWN TO 60MPH, . I WAS ONLY ABLE TO STOP THE CAR BY SHIFTING IT INTO PARK. THE DEALERSHIP (CHARILE HILLIARD STATED THAT THEY COULD NOT SEE WHAT WOULD HAVE CAUSED THAT PROBLEM. THEY STATED THAT THERE WAS LEAKAGE IN MY BRAKE LINE THAT THEY REPAIRED. THIS INCIDENT WAS REPEATED AGAIN ON 9-23-04. I T WAS TOLD THIS THIS TIME IT WAS A SPRING IN MY ACCELERATOR THAT WAS BROKEN, AND THAT THERE WAS A FLOOR MAT PUSHED UNDER MY GAS. I TOLD THEM THAT THIS IS NOT TRUE. I WAS DRIVING MYCAR ALL DAY, I KONW FOR A FACT THERE WAS NOT ANYTHING UNDER MY FOOT, AND THAT IF IT WAS IT WAS FROM MY HAVING TO SHIFT MY CAR INTO PARK WHILE TRAVELING SO FAST! I HAVE NOT DRIVEN THE CAR SINCE THIS SECOND INCIDENT. I AM A MOTHER OF 3 AND I CAN NO LONGER PUT MY HUSBAND AND CHILDREN AT RISK . *AK

WHILE DRIVING VEHICLE STALLED INTERMITTENTLY. VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO THE DEALERSHIP, AND DEALERSHIP COULD NOT FIND ANY PROBLEM, AND TOLD CONSUMER TO COME AND PICK UP THE VEHICLE. HOWEVER, VEHICLE STALLED WHILE PULLING OUT OF THE DEALERSHIP. THEN. DEALERSHIP INDICATED THAT THE COMPUTER CHIP WAS BAD AND REPLACED IT. THREE WEEK LATER, UPON STARTING THE VEHICLE , THE ENGINE TURNED OVER, AND VEHICLE STALLED. VEHICLE IS CURRENTLY AT THE DEALERSHIP. BUT, DEALERSHIP COULD NOT IDENTIFY WHAT WAS CAUSING THE VEHICLE TO STALL, BUT SUGGESTED THAT SEVERAL PARTS SHOULD BE REPLACED. *AK

TWICE MY VEHICLE WENT IN FOR REPAIR FOR ENGINE RUNNING LEAN. THE FIRST TIME THEY SAID IT WAS A FAULTY MASS FLOW SENSOR, $ 400.00 TO REPAIR. A FEW MONTHS LATTER THE SAME CODE COMES UP I TOOK IT BACK TO THE DEALER. THIS TIME THEY SAID FORD HAD ISSUED A REPAIR FOR THE VEHICLE. IT SEEMS THE VALVE COVER WAS FAULTY AND ALLOWING OIL TO DRIP DOWN AND CAUSED THE GASKET ON THE INTAKE MANIFOLD TO LEAK CAUSING AIR TO LEAK IN THE ENGINE, WHICH CAUSED THE ENGINE RUNNING LEAN COPDE TO COME ON. THEY HAVE HAD QUITE A FEW WINDSTARS WITH THIS PROBLEM. THAT IS WHY THEY CAME OUT WITH THE SERVICE BULLETIN TO MAKE THE REPAIR. WHICH INCLUDED A NEW VALVE COVER AND OTHER PARTS. WHICH COST ANOTHER $ 700.00 TO REPAIR. I BELIEVE THAT FORD SHOULD BE RESPONSIBLE FOR THE REPAIR AS THERE WAS A FAULTY VALVE COVER THAT CAUSED THE ENGINE RUNNING LEAN CODE TO APPEAR. *JB

THE ABS AND BRAKE LIGHT HAVE BEEN ON IN MY CAR INTERMITTENTLY FOR ALMOST AS LONG AS I HAVE OWNED THE CAR. THE FORD DEALER WAS UNABLE TO FIND ANY PROBLEMS EVEN THOUGH THE LIGHT REMAINS ON. I HAVE HAD TO REPLACE 3 SETS OF WHEEL BEARINGS IN THE CAR AND NOW THE POWER STEERING UNIT IS ABOUT TO GO OUT AND THE RACK IS LEAKING. THE VEHICLE ONLY HAS 78,000 MILES ON IT. I WORK AT HOME SO I DO NOT DRIVE TO WORK SO THE MILEAGE IS LOW FOR A VEHICLE THIS AGE. THE VEHICLE IS ALSO RUSTING AND I KEEP IT PARKED IN MY GARAGE UNLESS IT IS BEING DRIVEN. THE PASSENGER SIDE WINDOW ONLY ROLLS DOWN OCCASIONALLY. IN CONCLUSION: I HAVE BEEN DRIVING FOR 41 YEARS AND I HAVE NEVER REPLACED WHEEL BEARINGS OR POWER STEERING IN ANY VEHICLE, LET ALONE 3 SETS OF WHEEL BEARINGS AND A POWER STEERING UNIT. THE COSTS OF THESE REPAIRS WILL TOTAL OVER 2000 DOLLARS WITH NO RESOLVE OF THE BRAKE ISSUE OR WINDOW PROBLEM. *JS

THE CONSUMER STATED THAT SHE HAS ONLY HAD HER VEHICLE APPROX 6 WKS AND HAS ALREADY HAD IT IN THE SHOP 4 TIMES. CONSUMER STATES THAT WHILE SHE IS DRIVING, THE CHECK TIRE PRESSURE AND RESET LIGHT COMES ON. SHE STATES SHE HAS TAKEN THE VEHICLE INTO THE SHOP AND EACH TIME THEY RESET THE COMPUTER AND IT COMES BACK ON IN LESS THAN A WEEK. SHE STATES THE LAST TIME SHE TOOK IT TO THE DEALER, SHE WAS TOLD THAT THERE IS NO FIX FOR THE PROBLEM, IT IS SOMETHING SHE MAY HAVE TO LIVE WITH. CONSUMER SAID SHE IS REFUSING TO "JUST LIVE WITH IT" BECAUSE SHE TRANSPORT HER CHILDREN IN THIS VEHICLE AND SOMETHING MAY HAPPEN. SHE IS TOLD TO JUST IGNORE THE LIGHT BY THE DEALER. *NM ALSO, FRONT TIRES HAVE CAUSED INTERMITTENT VIBRATION DURING GEAR ENGAGEMENT, BRAKING AND ACCELERATING. *LA

CONSUMER HAD VEHICLE FOR 7 WEEKS, AND THE CHECK TIRE PRESSURE LIGHT STAYED ON. CONSUMER TOOK VEHICLE TO THE REPAIR SHOP 3 TIMES. FORD MAINTAINED IT COULD NOT RESOLVE THE PROBLEM. CONSEQUENTLY, CONSUMER WOULD JUST HAVE TO LIVE WITH THAT LIGHT STAYING ON. *AK

CONSUMER COMPLAINED ABOUT AN ACCELERATION PROBLEM. WHEN DRIVING AT ANY SPEED THE VEHICLE ACCELERATED, MAKING IT VERY HARD TO MANEUVER ONCE THE ACCELERATION KICKED IN. APPLYING THE BRAKE DURING ACCELERATION WAS INEFFECTIVE. *AK THE AIR INTAKE CONTROL WAS REPLACED. *JB

THE SLIDING DOOR WOULD CLOSE IF THE VEHICLE IS PARKED AND INCLINED. IT WOULD BE UNSAFE FOR THE CONSUMER WHILE STANDING BETWEEN THE DOORS. *AK

DRIVERSIDE SEAT REPLACED FOR THE SECOND TIME. BOTH SEAT BACK AND SEAT CUSHION FAILED. THIS IS UNACCEPTABLE! I AM A LARGE MAN 325 LBS. AND I OWNED A 1998 WINDSTAR WHICH I DID NOT HAVE THIS ISSUE IN THE YEARS THAT I OWNED IT. THIS SEAT AND VEHICLE IS A PIECE OF JUNK. I DON'T UNDERSTAND HOW A SEAT ON A 2003 WINDSTAR COULD FAIL STUCTURALLY TWICE IN SUCH A SHORT TIME. I PURCHASE THIS VAN IN NOV OF 2003. I HAVE HAD PROBLEMS WITH THIS SEAT STARTING TWO WEEKS AFTER PURCHASE AND FOR IS UNWILLING TO DO CORRECT THE PROBLEMS. THEY MAKE REPAIRS BUT THE DON'T HOLD UP AND CORRECT THE PROBLEM ONCE AND FOR ALL. A NEW VEHICLE IS A NEW VEHICLE IF I WANTED PROBLEMS I COULD HAVE PURCHASED A USED VEHICLE AND THEN THIS WOULD BE SOMEWHAT ACCEPTABLE.*AK

TRANSMISSION SLOW TO ENGAGE AFTER SITTING. THIS IS NOT ONLY A REPEAT PROBLEM AFTER BEING REPAIRED, BUT ALSO AFTER BEING TOTALLY REPLACED BY FORD DEALER. ABS NEVER RECALLED FOR SCDS 09S09. CONSTANTLY RESETTING AND DISENGAGING. AFTER 15 YEARS OF OWNERSHIP, I HAVE YET TO BE NOTIFIED OF OR HAD ANYTHING REPAIRED UNDER WARRANTY. WHEN THE TRANSMISSION QUIT WORKING, MY WIFE WAS DRIVING ( WHEN THE RPM'S WENT UP AND THE TRANSMISSION QUIT PULLING) ON A BUSY HIGHWAY, IN HEAVY TRAFFIC, NO PLACE TO GO. NEARLY CAUSING A HORRIFIC ACCIDENT. WITH THE ABS PROBLEM, ANYTHING INDICATING A BRAKE FAILURE, POSSIBLE ONBOARD FIRE, OR LOSS OF CONTROL, LEAVES YOU WITH A HUGE LACK OF CONFIDENCE IN THE VEHICLE.

DT: 2003 FORD WINDSTAR. WHEN DRIVING FOR APPROXIMATELY 15 MINUTES IF HE PULLS UP TO A STOP SIGN AND PUTS THE VEHICLE IN NEUTRAL THE VEHICLE WILL IDLE AT 2,000 RPMS. THE VEHICLE HAS BEEN INSPECTED FOUR TIMES AT THE DEALERSHIP. IT IS GOING BACK TO THE SERVICE DEPARTMENT THIS WEEK. THE VEHICLE HAS BEEN REPROGRAMMED ONCE, AND THE IDLE AIR CONTROL SENSOR HAS BEEN REPLACED. ALSO, FOUND THERE WAS A GASKET BULGING OUT, HOLDING THE CRUISE CONTROL CABLE. THE LAST TIME THE VEHICLE WAS AT DEALER, THEY REPLACED THROTTLE CONTROL SENSOR ON JULY 5, 2005. *AK