53 of the 4,799 complaints about the 1995 Ford Windstar are about the lighting — 1% of everything reported for this model year. Half of the failures with a mileage on record happened before 78,000 miles.
53
Complaints
2
Crashes
0
Fires
1
Injuries
Filed with NHTSA, in their own words.
INTERIOR LIGHTING
2 YEARS AFTER VEHICLE WAS PURCHASED BRAND NEW, THE DOOR CHIME WOULD NOT TURN OFF NOR THE DOME LIGHT. I STILL HAVE THE VEHICLE AND HAD IT INSPECTED AND WORKED ON OVER 10 TIMES AND NO ONE CAN FIX IT.
NHTSA complaint #10239552 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
INTERIOR LIGHTING
I ASKED THE SELLER AT FORD TO COMPLETELY SERVICE THE VAN BEFORE I WOULD BUY IT. HE SAID HIS MECHANIC WOULD. I CHECKED THE VAN OUT TWO WEEKS LATER, LOW ON OIL, NO BRAKE FLUID, TRANS FLUID VERY LOW, NO WATER HARDLY AT ALL IN RECEIVER, THEN THE STARTER WENT OUT, REPLACED IT NO GOOD, REPLACED SWITCH, NO GOOD, BRAKES GONE OUT, CAN'T KEEP FLUID IN SYSTEMS, ENGINE LIGHT CAME ON, EMISSION PROBLEMS, MECHANIC STALLS FOR THE HOUR AMOUNT, AND STILL CAN'T FIX/TEST II CODE. INSIDE LIGHTS DIM WHEN EXTRA. LIGHTS COME ON. IT'S A [XXX] PIECE OF JUNK AND THEY SOLD US A LEMON. I PAID OVER $4,000.00 CASH FOR IT, AND ALL THEY WANTED TO SO WAS SELL IT FOR MONEY. WHAT CAN I DO? IT HAS 72,000 ETC MILE AND NOW HAS 82,000. WE ARE BOTH DISABLED WITH TWO KIDS. WE HAVE BEEN SCREWED. I CAN GET THE FORD INFO ON THE FORD WINDSTAR 95 3.8 IT RATTLES, WATER RUNS OUT OF THE EXHAUST PIPE AND THE CONVERTER. I WANT TO SUE THEM, I CALLED THEM AND THEY SAID THE HELL WITH YOU, YOU BOUGHT IT AS IT WAS. FORD PRODUCTS ARE THE WORST AUTO'S ON THE MARKET. WE WANT REVENGE AND ALL OUR MONEY BACK NOW. [XXX]. WHAT IS NEXT A HEAD GASKET? I HEARD THAT COST OVER $1,600.00 TO FIX. AND THERE ARE ALOT OF THEM GOING OUT. FORD NEEDS TO STAND BEHIND IT'S PRODUCTS OR GET OUT OF THE BUSINESS. I HAVE HAD MY KIDS TOSSED TO THE DASH WHEN I STEP ON THE BRAKES BEFORE WE EVEN GET OUT OF OUR DRIVE WAY. WE WEAR SEATBELTS, I WOULDN'T DARE RIDE IN IT. IT IS A DEATH TRAP TO ME.*AK INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6).
NHTSA complaint #10080551 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
EXTERIOR LIGHTING
2003 - DOOR AJAR LIGHT 2002 - BLEW HEAD GASKET; 2002 - HEATER CORE REPLACED 2001 - IGNITION COIL PACK & IGNITION LEADS REPLACED 2001 - FRONT TIE ROD ENDS REPLACED 2000 - REFRIGERANT COOLANT LOSS 1998 - EGR VALVE REPLACED 1998 - TRANSMISSION FLUID COOLER HOSES REPLACED 1997 - BLEW HEAD GASKET, REPAIRED UNDER WARRANTY
NHTSA complaint #10071294 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
INTERIOR LIGHTING
SPEEDOMETER INOPERABLE ABOVE 45 MPH (BOUNCES AND GRINDING NOISES); OUTER DOOR LOCKS INOPERABLE (EXCEPT DRIVERS DOOR), KEY ONLY OPENS DRIVERS DOOR; DOOR AJAR SENSOR AND INTERIOR LIGHTS STAY ON WHEN ALL DOORS ARE CLOSED.
NHTSA complaint #10066377 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
EXTERIOR LIGHTING:HEADLIGHTS
MOST HEADLIGHT LENSES 5 YEARS OR OLDER ARE TURNING YELLOW BECAUSE OF UXRAYS AND OXIDATION. BECAUSE OF THE MATERIALS THERE ARE MADE OF THE AMOUNT OF LUMS ABLE TO PASS THROUGH ARE REDUCED BY MANY FACTORS. MANUFACTURES REPLACEMENT COSTS SHOULD BE CONTROLLED BECAUSE OF THE MATERIALS USED. THTHER MORE THESE UNITS WHICH HOUSE THE LAMPS CAN COST IN THE HYNDREDS OF DOLLARS. MANY VEHICLES ARE TRAVELING THE ROADS WITH BAD LENSES BECAUSE OF THE HUGE COSTS FOR THE PRODUCT. ALL THESE MANUFACTURES, CHARGE 10+ TIME THE COSTS OF MANUFACTURE; THEY HAVE JACKED UP THE PRICE SO THAT THEY CAN MAKE MORE MONIES FOR REPLACEMENTS. THESE REPLACEMENTS PARTS SOLD ARE USERY. I BET MANY ACIDENTS ARE CREATED BECAUSE OF POOR LIGHT EMETING FROM THESE UNITS. THEIR ARE SEVERAL MATERIALS AVAILABLE TO THESE PRODUCT PRODUCERS. I SUGGEST THEY GO BACK TO GLASS, OR MAKE THE OUTER COVERS REPLACABLE BUY THE OWNER AT GOOD PRODUCT COST.
NHTSA complaint #10036876 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
INTERIOR LIGHTING
WHILE DRIVING THE DOOR AJAR DOME LIGHT COMES ON WITHOUT DOOR BEING OPENED. WHEN DRIVING AT NIGHT AND DOME LIGHTS ILLUMINATES IT'S SO BRIGHT THAT THE REFLECTION OBSTRUCTS CONSUMER'S VISION. *PH THE INDICATOR LIGHT STAY ILLUMINATED AFTER THE REAR OR SIDE DOOR IS OPENED. THIS HAPPENED INTERMITTENTLY.
NHTSA complaint #10031694 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
EXTERIOR LIGHTING:HEADLIGHTS
HEADLAMPS ARE MADE OF PLASTIC. THE PLASTIC HAS DETERIORATED OVER THE YEARS FROM CLEAR TO BROWN. MOISTURE ALSO BUILDS UP INSIDE THE LAMPS. VISIBILITY HAS BEEN DRASTICALLY REDUCE ESPECIALLY ON A RAINY NIGHT. FORD SHOULD HAVE TO REPLACE THE LAMPS ON THIS MODEL. MY OTHER CAR IS A 1993 MODEL AND THE HEADLAMPS ARE STILL CRYSTAL CLEAR AND I CAN SEE PERFECTLY AT NIGHT. TS
NHTSA complaint #767801 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
INTERIOR LIGHTING
WHEN STARTING UP VEHICLE DOME LIGHT CONTINUALLY STAYS ON. DEALER HAD TO WAIT ALEAST 45 MINUTES BEFORE LIGHT WENT OFF.
NHTSA complaint #8009905 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
INTERIOR LIGHTING
THE INTERIOR LIGHT STAYS ON SOMETIMES.
NHTSA complaint #563786 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
INTERIOR LIGHTING
WHILE DRIVING AND WITHOUT WARNING INTERIOR LIGHTS WILL TURN ON AND STAY ON FOR 5-10 MINUTES. MECHANIC HAS SWITCHED THE WIRING; HOWEVER, PROBLEM STILL OCCURS.
NHTSA complaint #8007485 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
INTERIOR LIGHTING
AFTER FIRST START IT TAKES 15 MINUTES BEFORE DASH LIGHTS AND POWER WINDOWS WORK. MECHANIC DETERMINED AN ELECTRICAL SHORT UNDER DASH.
NHTSA complaint #8005596 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
INTERIOR LIGHTING
WE HAVE CONTACTED FORD NUMBEROUS TIMES AND DIDN'T SEEM CONCERNED. WE HAVE SO MUCH MONEY IN THIS VAN WE CAN'T GET RID OF THIS LEMON. NOW THE ENGINE LIGHT IS COMING ON. THE INTERIOR LIGHTS STAY ON AND HAS RUINED BATTERIES. WE HAVE TO CHANGE BRAKES AT LEAST 3 TIMES A YEAR. NOW MY LOCKS START LOCKING W/O ANYONE PUSHING THE BUTTON. IT HAS BEEN REALLY A NIGHTMARE..
NHTSA complaint #755625 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
INTERIOR LIGHTING
THE INTERIOR LIGHT STAYS ON SOMETIMES.
NHTSA complaint #563786 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
EXTERIOR LIGHTING:HEADLIGHTS
ALL 1995 WINDSTAR AND SOME OTHER FORD MODELS OF THE PERIOD HAVE PLASTIC HEADLAMP LENSES WHICH DISCOLOR WITH AGE. FORD SHOULD BE REQUIRED TO REPLACE ALL AT NO COST OR AT REDUCED COST TO OWNERS.LIGHTING EFFECTIVENESS IS DIMINISHED SIGNIFICANTLY.
NHTSA complaint #752003 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
EXTERIOR LIGHTING:HEADLIGHTS
SOMETIME DURING THE LAST YEAR, BOTH HEADLIGHTS HAVE BECOME SO FULL OF MOISTURE, DIRT, AND GRIM AS TO MAKE THEM NOT GIVE OFF MUCH LIGHT TO SEE FOR NIGHT DRIVING. I HAVE BEEN DRIVING ON HIGH BEAMS AND EVEN THAT DOES NOT HELP. HOWEVER THE HEADLIGHT ASSEMBLY IS MADE, THE UNITS HAVE COME "UNSEALED". IT IS MORE THAN A NUSANCE, BECAUSE IT AFFECTS THE ABILITY TO DRIVE SAFELY AT NIGHT. I HAVE SEEN THIS SITUATION ON OTHER WINDSTARS AND OTHERS STILL HAVE NICE CLEAR LENSES. HAS FORD OR NHTSA DONE ANYTHING? IS THERE ANYTHING I CAN DO BEFORE I HAVE AN ACCIDENT AT NIGHT RUNNING INTO OR OVER SOMETHING? THANK YOU.
NHTSA complaint #751522 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
INTERIOR LIGHTING
ANTILOCK BRAKE LIGHT IGNITED ON TWO OCCASIONS, FILLING WITH BRAKE FLUID FIXED THIS PROBLEM. NOW THE ANTI LOCK BRAKE LIGHT INTERMITTANTLY COMES ON. WHEN LIGHT IS NOT ACTIVATED, THE ANTILOCK BRAKES ARE ACTIVATED WITH EVERY USE OF THE BRAKE, CAUSING THE BRAKE PEDAL TO BECOME VERY DIFFICULT TO DEPRESS. ONCE THE BRAKE GOES BEYOND THIS POINT, THE PEDAL WILL DEPRESS TO THE FLOOR AND PRESSURE WILL PUSH THE PEDAL BACK UP AND PULSATE. WHEN COMING TO A COMPLETE STOP THE BRAKES WILL MAKE A GRINDING SOUND FROM THE RIGHT FRONT. WHEN THE LIGHT IS IGNITED AND THE ANTILOCK BRAKES ARE NOT OPERATIONAL, THE BRAKES WORK NORMAL, BUT STILL GRIND WHEN A COMPLETE STOP IS MADE. THERE IS A WIRE AT THE STARTER CONNECTION THAT WORKS ITSELF LOOSE OCCASSIONALLY CAUSING THE ENGINE NOT TO START. WHEN THIS OCCURS YOU NEED TO JIGGLE THE WIRE AND TIGHTEN TO GET TO START. THIS PROBLEM HAD BEEN LOOKED AT AND SERVICED IN SEPT 2000, BUT STILL OCCURS APPROXIMATELY EVERY FOUR MONTHS. THE DOOR AJAR LIGHT AND DOME LIGHT INTERMITTENTLY ACTIVATE. THIS SEEMS TO BE FALSE AS ALL DOORS ARE CLOSED. AGAIN, SOME PLAYING AROUND WITH CONNECTIONS SEEM TO FIX THIS PROBLEM ALSO. ALL PROBLEMS SEEM TO HAVE OCCURED AFTER THE VEHICLE REACHED 75,000 MILES. WE DO HAVE ACQUAINTANCES WHO ALSO OWN WINDSTARS OF THE SAME YEAR AND HAVE THE SAME ANTILOCK BRAKE PROBLEM.
NHTSA complaint #741355 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
INTERIOR LIGHTING
DOOR AJAR WARNING LIGHT STAYS ON EVEN THOUGH ALL DOORS ARE SHUT COMPLETELY. FORD DEALER HAS BEEN CONTACTED.
NHTSA complaint #879647 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
EXTERIOR LIGHTING
THE INSIDE LIGHTS WERE NOT WORKING. *SLC
NHTSA complaint #557383 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
INTERIOR LIGHTING
WAS EXPERIENCING PROBLEMS WITH HEAD GASKET LEAKING ON 01 JAN 00. HAD VEHICLE TOWED TO MECHANIC & INFORMED HEAD CONSUMER THAT GASKET WAS REPAIRED PREVIOUSLY. PROBLEM CAUSED ENGINE TO BE DAMAGED. MECHANIC INDICATED VEHICLE IS DRIVEABLE, BUT ENGINE WAS DYING & HAD OWNER DRIVE OFF LOT. RETURNED VEHICLE & ENGINE WAS REPLACED. NEW ENGINE STARTED TO HAVE ELECTRICAL PROBLEMS. AIR CONDITIONER DID NOT WORK & DOME LIGHT CAME ON AND OFF.
NHTSA complaint #869251 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
EXTERIOR LIGHTING:HEADLIGHTS
PURCHASED VEHICLE WITH 35,000 PRIOR MILES, A FORD LEASE VEHICLE . THE VEHICLE HAD PROBLEMS WITH THE FRONT HEADLIGHTS. FORD MECHANICS WARNED US THAT VEHICLE HAD BEEN WRECKED AFTER WE PURCHASED IT. SALESMAN TOLD US LESS THAN $500.00 WHEN WE INQUIRED. A TITLE SEARCH BY US REVEALED $5,000.00 DAMAGE DONE WHILE UNDER CONTRACT AS A FORD LEASE VEHICLE. THIS DAMAGE WAS NOT DISCLOSED TO WAS WHEN WE PURCHASED FOR $16,500.00 WE ARE STILL EXPERIENCING MAJOR PROBLEMS WITH THIS VEHICLE. CONTACTED WITH FORD EXECUTIVE OFFICES ABOUT CURRENT ENGINE PROBLEMS WITH THIS VEHICLE WAS VERY DISAPPOINTING. THEY WERE VERY RUDE AND REFUSED TO HELP, STATING THAT VEHICLE IS 3,000 MILES PAST EXTENDED WARRANTY.
NHTSA complaint #724935 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
INTERIOR LIGHTING
FOR THE PAST YEAR HAVE HAD DOOR AJAR LIGHT GO ON, TRIED CLOSING ALL DOORS TILL IT SHUTS OFF. NOW THE DOOR AJAR LIGHT WILL NOT GO OFF AT ALL, SO THE INTERIOR LIGHTS STAY ON--EVEN AFTER VEHICLE IS TURNED OFF WITH NO KEYS IN THE IGNITION. I LOCK UP VEHICLE FOR THE NIGHT AND INTERIOR LIGHTS WONT TURN OFF. I NOW HAD TO REMOVE SOME OF THE LIGHT BULBS HOPING THAT THE BATTERY IS NOT BEING DRAINED. WOULD LIKE SOLUTION TO THIS PROBLEM.
NHTSA complaint #724940 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
INTERIOR LIGHTING
THE DOOR AJAR SWITCH HAS GONE BAD 3 TIMES IN 5 YEARS, EACH TIME IT COST $250.00 TO REPAIR. IF WE DO NOT GET IT FIXED THEN THE DOME LIGHTS STAY ON FOR 15 MINUTES AFTER EACH TIME ANY DOOR IS OPENED. IN THE DARK THAT MAKES IT UNSAFE TO DRIVE DO TO GLARE. I DO NOT WISH TO UNHOOK THE SWITCH , BUT I WILL NOT REPLACE THIS AGAIN.
NHTSA complaint #721507 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
INTERIOR LIGHTING
INTERIOR LIGHTS ILLUMINATE WITHOUT MANUAL OPERATION, ALSO, DOOR AJAR LIGHT COMES ON WHEN THE DOORS ARE ACTUALLY CLOSED, CAUSE UNKNOWN. PLEASE GIVE ANY FURTHER DETAILS.
NHTSA complaint #858355 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
INTERIOR LIGHTING
NOTIFIED BY FORD SLIDING DOOR LATCH, HAD IT REPAIRED. THEN FRONT END DOESN'T STAY IN ALIGNMENT, HEAD GASKET BLEW, CAUSING LOSS OF STARTER AND OTHER RELATED PARTS, TOTAL COST OF $1800.00 AT THIS TIME THE CAR ONLY HAD AROUND 50,000 MILES. DOOR LIGHT STAYS ON INDICATING THAT A DOOR IS OPEN WHEN ONE ISN'T. SOMETIMES GOES ON AND OFF AND BEEPS. INTERIOR LIGHTS STAY ON FOR EXTENDED PERIOD OF TIME. HEARD ON NEWS ABOUT RECALLS AND BUY BACK, CALLED FORD, THEY TELL ME ABOUT 3 OTHER RECALLS ON THE VAN,: HEAD GASKETS, HOOD SEPARATION, FEUL TANK MOUNTING (WHICH WILL ONLY REPLACE OR REPAIR IF THEY FEEL ITS NECESSARY). I LOOKED ON THE NET AND FOUND THAT THERE IS ALSO AN AIRBAG PROBLEM ON THE PASSENGER SIDE. I WAS NEVER NOTIFIED OF THESE AND ONLY RECENTLY BECAME AWARE OF THEM. I AM IN THE PROCESS OF TRYING TO GET A REFUND FOR THE $1800.00 ON THE HEAD GASKET AND RELATED PROBLEMS. I WAS TOLD TO GO AND SPEAK TO A MARY FLANAGAN AT THE SANDERS FORD IN JACKSONVILLE, NC WHERE I LIVE AND PURCHASED THE VEHICLE. I WOULD LIKE TO FIND OUT MORE INFORMATION A OUT ALL THESE RECALLS AND REPAIRS THAT ARE NEEDED AND IF THE BUY OUT PROGRAM APPLIES TO MY VEHICLE. I HAVE 3 CHILDREN AND I AM FEELING VERY UNSATISFIED WITH SAFELY TRANSPORTING THEM IN THIS VEHICLE.
NHTSA complaint #719975 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
INTERIOR LIGHTING
FAULTY SWITCHES CAUSE "DOOR AJAR" & INTERIOR LIGHTS TO REMAIN ON, MAKING IT DIFFICULT TO SEE AT NIGHT.
NHTSA complaint #719461 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
INTERIOR LIGHTING
DOOR AJAR LIGHT AND SEATBELT WARNING LIGHT DO NOT DISTINGUISH ,CAUSING A DISTRACTION TO DRIVER, AND POSSIBLY DRAINING BATTERY.PLEASE PROVIDE FURTHER INFORMATION.
NHTSA complaint #857409 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
INTERIOR LIGHTING
"DOOR OPEN" LIGHT ON DASHBOARD AND OVERHEAD DOME LIGHTS FREQUENTLY DO NOT SHUT OFF, EVEN WHEN ALL DOORS ARE CLOSED SECURELY.
NHTSA complaint #718825 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
INTERIOR LIGHTING
THE INTERIOR DOME LIGHTS AS WELL AS THE DASHBOARD DOOR AJAR LIGHT AND THE DOOR OPEN CHIMES STAY ON EVEN WHEN ALL THE DOORS ARE CLOSED. I TOOK IT IN TO HAVE IT REPAIRED AND EVEN AFTER REPLACEMENT OF THE SENSORS, IT IS STILL AN INTERMITTENT PROBLEM. THIS SAME PROBLEM HAS BEEN REPORTED TWICE IN THE SJ MERCURY NEWS ACTION LINE COLUMN.
NHTSA complaint #718848 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
EXTERIOR LIGHTING:TAIL LIGHTS
ENGINE DIED AND DISPURSED WHITE CLOUD (STEAM) ON RR TRACK CROSSING (HWY6 & HWY85 LOS LUNAS) OBSCURED VISIBILITY AND TAIL LAMPS FOR 3-4 CARS BEHIND ME. NICE THAT A TRAIN WAS NOT COMING AND ALL WERE STOPPED.
NHTSA complaint #718742 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
INTERIOR LIGHTING
THE CARGO LIGHT MALFUNCTIONES. YH
NHTSA complaint #550555 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.