FaultScore

2000 Ford Windstar steering problems

75 of the 2,191 complaints about the 2000 Ford Windstar are about the steering — 3% of everything reported for this model year. Half of the failures with a mileage on record happened before 113,000 miles.

C

75

Complaints

6

Crashes

1

Fires

5

Injuries

Exactly what failed

Steering 42 56.0%
Hydraulic Power Assist System 10 13.3%
Rack AND Pinion 6 8.0%
TIE ROD Assembly 6 8.0%
Column 2 2.7%
Linkages 2 2.7%
ARM 2 2.7%
Steering Wheel/Handle BAR 1 1.3%
Pump 1 1.3%
Rack 1 1.3%

Steering across every Ford Windstar year

1995 83 11.2%
1996 55 7.4%
1997 13 1.8%
1998 157 21.2%
1999 213 28.7%
2000 75 10.1%
2001 70 9.4%
2002 35 4.7%
2003 40 5.4%

What owners said

Filed with NHTSA, in their own words.

at 285,000 miles Duluth, MN

STEERING

THE STEERING STARTED TO FAIL TO RETURN TO NORMAL POSITION. I HAD THE ORIGINAL RECALL BRACKET PUT ON MY VEHICLE AS CAN BE SEEN IN THE PHOTO BUT THIS DID NOT ACTUALLY MAKE THE STEERING ARM ANY BETTER AND PROBABLY MADE IT WORSE BY ALLOWING THE BRACKET TO COLLECT ROAD SALT. FORD AS BEEN EVASIVE TOWARD PROVIDING ANY HELP. I BELIEVE THAT FORD'S EVASIVENESS IS RESULT OF THE PREVIOUS ATTEMPTED FIX WHICH WAS UNPRODUCTIVE AND SHOULD HAVE BEEN ENGINEERED TO HAVE BEEN ACTUALLY EFFECTIVE IN TERMS OF THE STEERING ARM. I BELIEVE RECALLS EA10007 AND PE10026 MAY PROVIDE SOME GUIDANCE. I AM AWAITING ADVICE ON WHAT TO DO WITH MY VEHICLE THAT IS UNSAFE TO DRIVE AND PROBABLY NOT COST WORTHY TO FIX.

NHTSA complaint #11286339 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

at 167,000 miles Gladevalley, NC

STEERING

I WATCHED LAST NIGHT AS MY WIFE AND KIDS WERE COMING HOME ON THE PARKWAY, THE REAR AXEL SNAPPED IN. TWO AND BOTH TIRES JUST DANGELING BASICALLY,WE HAD A BLOW OUT ALSO MANAGED TO GET THE2000 FORD WINDSTAR LX OFF OF THE MAIN ROAD WHERE I HAD TO CALL SEVERAL TO COMPANIES AND NO ONE WITH A WRECKER WAS ABLE TO HELP, SO I CALLED A TOE COMPANY WITH A ROLL BACK, TO GET OUR VAN HOME THEN I FOUND OUT ABT THE COMPLAINT HOTLINE AND THE RECALLS AFTER MY WIFE AND KIDS COULD HAVE BEEN KILLED, THE VEHICLE WAS GOING STRAIGHT,AND THE SPEEDLIMET WICH WAS 45 MPH, WHEN THE AXEL JUST SNAPPED IN TWO PIECES, AND OUT OF CONTROL SHE MANAGED TO SLOW DOWN, MY KIDS ARE 1 AND 2, WE WANT REINBURSEMENT FOR THE VAN AND THE TOW BILL AS THIS IS A MANUFACTURER DEFECT

NHTSA complaint #11002599 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

at 187,000 miles Richmond, IL

STEERING

TOOK MY VAN TO FORD BECAUSE A RADIATOR HOSE CAME OFF, $350 FOR PART OF A HOSE CLAMP. WHILE THERE HAD THE 3RD REAR AXLE SAFETY RECALL INSPECTION, I DON'T THINK THEY DID IT, TOLD ME MY VAN WAS A 16 YEAR OLD JUNKER NOT WORTH FIXING. REPLACEMENT OF NON-STRUCTURAL STEEL REAR AXLE WAS AGAIN OFFERED FOR $300. I WANT THE AXLE I PAID FOR WHEN I BOUGHT THE VAN NEW, STRUCTURAL STEEL THAT MEETS SAFETY AND LEGAL REQUIREMENTS, INSTALLED AT NO ADDITIONAL COST. HOW IS IT LEGAL TO ALLOW THESE UNSAFE AXLES? YOUR SITE INFO IS INCORRECT ON THIS, THE "SAFETY BRACKETS" DO NOT KEEP THE DEFECTIVE AXLES FROM BREAKING, THEY ARE TO KEEP THE WHEELS, WHEN THE AXLE DOES CRACK, FROM CANTERING OUT AND JAMMING IN THE WHEEL WELLS, CAUSING ABSOLUTE TOTAL LOSS OF VEHICLE CONTROL. NOT ACCEPTABLE. REPLACE AXLE. A NUMBER OF RECALLS LISTED HERE WERE NOT SENT OR PERFORMED. IN ADDITION, AFTER THE FIRST AXLE RECALL 6-8 YEARS AGO, I TRIED TO TRADE THE FORD CREDIT PURCHASED VEHICLE IN ON A NEW 40K FORD SUV, THEY OFFERED ME HALF OF BLUEBOOK VALUE, INDICATING FORD'S KNOWLEDGE OF THE VEHICLES DEFECTS, AND POOR VALUE. THIS RECALL, DEALER TOLD ME MY 16 YEAR OLD VAN WAS JUNK AND NOT WORTH FIXING, CHARGED $350 FOR PART OF A RADIATOR HOSE CLAMP, GOT WRONG PART AND STUCK ME WITH 4 EXTRA DAYS CAR RENTAL AT $250. AFTER ARGUING WITH BREDEMANN FORD FOR 3 HOURS IN 3 OFFICES, THEY HANDED ME A STACK OF INVOICES AND POINTED ME TO MY VAN WITH THE KEYS IN AND ENGINE RUNNING. MANAGER CALLED THE NEXT DAY AND ACCUSED ME OF THEFT, THREATENING POLICE ACTION. I PAID HIM BY PHONE AN CALLED MY ATTORNEY. I WILL SUE THESE CREEPS.

NHTSA complaint #10915296 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

at 295,578 miles Memphis, TN

STEERING

TAKATA RECALL - AIR BAG LIGHT IS ON. PROBLEMS WITH TURNING OF STEERING WHEEL. COULD NOT PERFORM COMPLETE TURNS. STEERING WILL STOP HALFWAY DURING TURNS. AFTER REVIEW IT APPEARS THAT THE AIRBAG IS COMING THROUGH STEERING COLUMN. VAN CURRENTLY NOT DRIVABLE.

NHTSA complaint #10887921 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

Windsor, VT

STEERING

MY WIFE WAS DRIVING HER VAN WHEN SHE HEARD A CLUNK. SHE WAS TRAVELING AT 25MPH ON A STATE ROAD. UPON INSPECTION WE FOUND THE FRONT SUBFRAME BROKE WHERE THE FRONT SWAY BAR CONNECTS. RESEARCH FOUND A RECALL, BUT MY VIN WAS NOT PART OF IT. FORD CORPORATE TOLD ME I WAS ON MY OWN TO HAVE IT FIXED. THIS IS AN OUTRAGE. THEY SHOULD BE TAKING CARE OF THIS PROBLEM. WHAT DO I DO NEXT?

NHTSA complaint #10787415 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

at 175,915 miles Roseville, MI

STEERING

CAR SWAYING ALMOST LOST CONTROL TOOK TO BELLE TIRE FOUND CRACKLIN IN AXLE.

NHTSA complaint #10716719 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

at 160,000 miles Statesville, NC

STEERING

WHINING, GRUNTING AND SHUTTER FROM UNDER HOOD WHEN TURNING LEFT. WITHIN 4 DAYS NOISE OCCURRED WHEN TURNING RIGHT ALSO. BY DAY 6 A LEAK OCCURRED FROM THE BOOT ON LEFT END OF STEERING RACK.

NHTSA complaint #10640685 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

at 134,345 miles Rahway, NJ

STEERING

MY 2000 FORD WINDSTAR WAS REPAIRED LAST YEAR ON A RECALL FOR THE POSSIBLE REAR AXLE FAILURE. FORD INSTALLED BRACKETS ON THE REAR AXLE AS A REMEDY. ON SATURDAY 8-30-14, THE REAR AXLE FAILED. THE AXLE IS ACTUALLY BROKEN AND THE BREAK CAN BE SEEN INSIDE OF THE BRACKET THEY INSTALLED. I CALLED FORD AND THEY TOLD ME THEY DON'T WARRANTY THE RECALL REMEDY REPAIR. WHAT ARE MY OPTIONS TO HAVE THIS REMEDIED IN GOOD FAITH?

NHTSA complaint #10629886 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

at 120,000 miles NEW Bern, NC

STEERING

THERE IN NO ACCIDENT YET BUT CAN HAPPENS AT ANY TIME !!! EXTENSIVE COROSION ON FRONT SUBFRAME A SPECIALLY ON FRONT CONTROL ARM LEFT AND RIGHT SIDE. VECHICLE WHEN DRIVING IS IMPOSED TO VIBRATION COMMING FROM FROM LEFT SIDE. ANY BUMP AND HOLE CREATE HAMMERING NOISE FROM FROM SUSPENSION. AFTER VISUAL INSPECTION NOTICED EXTENSIVE CORROSION TO BOTH FRONT CONTROL ARMS. THEY CAN SEPARATE AT ANY TIME. CAR WAS INSPECTED ON JAN 04, 2014 AND ON JAN 24 ,2011 AND NOTICE WAS GIVEN "RECAL COMPLETED" TIME OF THE REACLL COMPLETED IN 0.3 HOURS !!! THERE WAS NO DOCUMENTS GIVEN TO OWNER OR ANY EXPLANATION WHAT WAS WRONG WITH THE CAR. CURENTLY BOTH FRONT CONTROL ARM ARE ALMOST ARE 95% CORODED SO THE NOTE AS "RECALL COMPLETED" WAS ONLY A JOKE. HOW THE CONTROL ARM CAN BE COMPLETLY CORODED IN 2 YEARS ?? THERE WAS ANOTHER DEALER SERVICE - RECALL VISIT ON JUL 11,2011 WITH THE SAME ISSUE AND THIS TIME THE "RECALL COMPLETED" TAKE ONLY 1.8 HR. NO INFORMATION WAS GIVEN WHAT WAS DONE AND WHAT PARTS WAS REPAIR.. I WAS VISITET LOCAL DEALERSHIP SERVICE IN NEW BERN AND WAS GIVEN INFORMATION THAT THERE IS NO RECALL ON MY VECHICLE EVEN THE NHTSA ISSUE REALL ON THE SAME PROBLEM ON MAY 2012. FORD DO NOT LIKE TO ADMIT THAT IS A SERIOUS PROBLEM AND NEED TO BE TAKEN CARE. HOW MANY PEOPLE NEED TO BE KILLED IN THE ACCIDENT TILL FORD WILL FINALLY ADMIT THAT IS A SERIOUS PROBLEM AND POTENTIAL OF THE DEADLY ACCIDENT THAT CAN HAPPENS AT ANY TIME. I DO NOT LIKE TO HEAR "IM SORRY" FROM ANY FORD CEO WHEN SOMEONE FROM MY FAMILY WILL LOST LIFE IF NEEDED PICTURES OF THE CORODED ARMS CAN BE SENT AT ANY TIME. CAR WAS IN USE FROM 2000-2011 IN MICHIGAN AND NOW AS WE MOVED IS USED IN NORTH CAROLINA.

NHTSA complaint #10576536 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

at 85,000 miles Girard, OH

STEERING

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2000 FORD WINDSTAR. THE CONTACT WAS DRIVING 60 MPH WHEN THE VEHICLE BEGAN TO RIDE ROUGHLY. THE CONTACT LOST CONTROL OF THE VEHICLE MOMENTARILY. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE CONTACT'S RESIDENCE AND INSPECTED, WHERE IT WAS DETERMINED THAT THE REAR AXLE WAS FRACTURED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS MADE AWARE OF THE INCIDENT BUT INFORMED THE CONTACT THAT THE VEHICLE WAS NOT INCLUDED NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 10V385000 (SUSPENSION). THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 85,000.

NHTSA complaint #10562618 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

at 112,000 miles Bowdon Junction, GA

STEERING

AS I WAS TRAVELING DOWN THE HIGHWAY MY ABS LIGHT CAME ON AND THE FRONT END IS MAKING A VERY LOUD POPPING NOISE ON BOTH SIDES. SINCE THE FRONT END BEGAN POPPING THE STEERING IS UNBELIEVABLY HARD TO CONTROL.

NHTSA complaint #10561742 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

at 105,000 miles Brooklyn, NY

STEERING

I WAS DRIVING AND ABOUT THE MAKE A TURN BUT THE STEERING WHEEL WOULD NOT TURN. THE STEERING WHEEL WAS VERY TIGHT AND FELT LIKE IT WAS PULLING IN THE OPPOSITE DIRECTION OF WHERE I WANTED TO TURN. MY SON WAS IN THE PASSENGERS SEAT AND TOGETHER WE WERE ABLE TO TURN IN ORDER TO PULL THE CAR OVER AND CALL THE MECHANIC. THIS IS THE SECOND TIME THAT THIS HAS HAPPENED.

NHTSA complaint #10522855 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

at 105,259 miles Brooklyn, NY

STEERING

WHEN SHIFTING THE CAR INTO P, R, N, OR D, IT MAKES A LOUD THUMPING SOUND AND MAKES THE WHOLE CAR JERK. WHEN I TURN THE STEERING WHEEL YOU CAN HEAR A LOUD GRINDING, CREAKY CRACKING LIKE NOISE COMING FROM THE FRONT OF THE CAR.

NHTSA complaint #10522858 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

at 104,965 miles Savannah, GA

STEERING

ALL OF THE DASHBOARD NEEDLES BEGAN FLIPPING BACK AND FORTH SPORADICALLY. THEY WOULD BOTTOM OUT BELOW THE 0 MARK FOR A WHILE REGISTERING NO SPEED OR GAS TANK AMOUNT AND THEN START JUMPING AROUND AGAIN. WHEN I ATTEMPTED TO PARK THE VEHICLE, THE SPEEDOMETER NEEDLE WAS LYING ACROSS THE BOTTOM AND KEPT THE CAR FROM BEING ABLE TO GO INTO PARK. AT THIS POINT, THE CAR WAS UNABLE TO BE TURNED OFF COMPLETELY, UNABLE TO BE RE-STARTED, UNABLE TO STEER AND I HAD TO HOLD MY FOOT ON THE BREAK IN ORDER TO KEEP IT FROM ROLLING. WE WERE EVENTUALLY ABLE TO START AND THEN DRIVE THE VEHICLE HOME ONCE THE NEEDLE JUMPED BACK UP. ONCE AGAIN IN THE DRIVEWAY, IT DID THE SAME THING AND WE HAD TO DRILL A HOLE IN THE DASH IN ORDER TO MANUALLY MOVE THE NEEDLE OUT OF THE WAY SO THE VAN COULD BE PLACED IN PARK. WE WILL BE HAVING IT TOWED TO A REPAIR SHOP.

NHTSA complaint #10522283 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

at 137,000 miles Livonia, MI

STEERING

WHILE HAVING NEW TIRES INSTALLED, I WAS MADE AWARE THAT THE SUB FRAME WAS RUSTED AND HAD HOLES IN IT. I HAD GOT A RECALL NOTICE THE DAY AFTER FORD PUT A NEW REAR AXLE IN THE WINDSTAR. (DID THEY NOT KNOW ABOUT THE NEW RECALL?) AFTER HAVING THE SUB FRAME KIT PARTS INSTALLED, THE PASSENGER SIDE SUB FRAME WAS PERFORATED, THE NOISE FROM THE RIGHT SIDE UNDER PASSENGER FEET STARTED. I WENT BACK TO DEALER THAT DID THE REPAIRS (BILL BROWN IN LIVONIA, MI>) THEY SAID EVERYTHING WAS TIGHT AND VEHICLE IS SAFE TO DRIVE. THE NOISE HAS GOT WORSE AND LOUDER. I CALLED FORD IN DEARBORN AND THEY SAID IF BILL BROWN SAYS ITS SAFE THEN IT IS SAFE? I HAVE TO DRIVE THIS CAR AND THE FACT THAT IS MAKES NOISE HAS ME CONCERNED. RAN IT BY BILL BROWN AFTER 6 MONTHS AND TOOK THE SERVICE GUY FOR A RIDE AND HE SAID HE SHOULD LOOK AT IT. THE CAR STARTED TO PULL TO LEFT AND I WENT TO THE TIRE SHOP. WENT BY FOR A TIRE ROTATION AND ALIGNMENT, WAS INFORMED THE SUB FRAME IS CRACKED AND ONLY HAS 10 PERCENT OF METAL LEFT HOLDING IT TOGETHER. GOING TO DEALER THIS WEEK...................LETS SEE IF IT IS SAFE TO DRIVE STILL!

NHTSA complaint #10514664 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

at 147,000 miles Perris, CA Crash

STEERING

11S16 EXAMPLE TEMPLATE, FRONT LOWER CONTROL ARM: SEE SUSPENSION AND STRUCTURE OF VEHICLE. I DO NOT SEE A RECALL THAT VISIBLY INCLUDES CALIFORNIA AS A RECALL STATE. I HAVE DEFINITELY EXPERIENCED THIS OR A SIMILAR ISSUE. THERE APPEARS TO BE A LARGE SCALE RECALL AND BUYBACK PROGRAM. MY VEHICLE WAS POSITIVELY IDENTIFIED FOR THE CRUISE CONTROL/SPEED CONTROL RECALL AND SERVICED AT GOSCH FORD IN HEMET, CA. I EXPERIENCED MORE ISSUES THAN ONLY THAT, OR EVEN THAN THAT AND THE ABOVE. CONTACT FOR MORE INFORMATION. NOT LIMITED TO ONLY THIS RECALL, VEHICLE EXPERIENCED SEVERAL ISSUES, MANY OF WHICH WERE ATTENDED TO WITH OUT OF POCKET FUNDS, EITHER TO PREVENT, OR DUE TO, MECHANICAL BREAKDOWN/FAILURE. PLEASE ALSO CONSIDER AXLE RECALL, AND ADDITIONAL FOR THIS VEHICLE. I NEED AN ASSESSMENT DONE ON MY FORD 2000 WINDSTAR LX SO I MAY BE COMPENSATED FOR THE TOTAL COSTS AND DAMAGES AND HAVE THE VEHICLE REPLACED OR COMPLETELY REPAIRED TO A SAFE, DRIVABLE CONDITION. (RIGHT FRONT CORNER OF VEHICLE COLLIDED WITH AN OBJECT, PART(S) FAILURE APPARENT AS WHAT APPEARS TO BE THE FRONT LOWER CONTROL ARM IS DETACHED. A SEPARATION OF A FRONT LOWER CONTROL ARM REAR ATTACHING BRACKET MAY RESULT IN A LOWER CONTROL ARM SEPARATION. A SEPARATION OF BOTH FRONT SUBFRAME REAR BODY MOUNTS MAY RESULT IN SEPARATION OF THE STEERING INTERMEDIATE SHAFT. EITHER CONDITION COULD RESULT IN SIGNIFICANT LOSS OF STEERING CONTROL, INCREASING THE RISK OF A CRASH. FRONT

NHTSA complaint #10505895 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

at 125,067 miles Casa Grande, AZ

STEERING

I BOUGHT THE 2000 FORD WINDSTAR ON 09/12/2012. IT HAD 125,000 MILES. AFTER I BOUGHT IT I IMMEDIATELY TOOK IT TO THE MECHANIC SHOP TO HAVE THEM CHECK IT OVER. THEY FOUND THAT THE OUTER AND INNER TIE ROD ENDS NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. ALSO, THE MECHANICS FOUND THAT THE TRANSMISSION MOUNTS NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. ALSO, THE FRONT STRUTS AND THE REAR SHOCKS NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. ALSO, THE FRONT ENGINE MOUNT NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. I HAD ALL THAT WORK COMPLETED FOR AROUND $1,500. THEN A FEW MONTHS LATER, THE VEHICLE BROKE DOWN IN MY FRONT YARD. I TURNED THE VEHICLE OFF AND LOOKED UNDER THE HOOD AND THE SERPANTINE BELT WAS SNAPPED IN HALF AND THE VEHICLE WAS SMOKING A LITTLE BIT. A HAD THE VEHICLE TOWED TO THE MECHANICS FOR $50. THE MECHANICS DIAGNOSED THE POWERTRAIN. THE MECHANICS FOUND THAT THE A/C COMPRESSOR CLUTCH NEEDED TO BE REPLACED AND IT ALSO HAD TO HAVE A EVAC AND RECHARGE THE A/C SYSTEM. THIS COSTED ME $705.98. A FEW MONTHS LATER, WHICH IS NOW, ON 12/21/2012, THE VEHICLE IS STARTING TO MAKE A LOUD CLICKING NOISE FROM THE ENGINE, OR ATLEAST I THINK IT IS THE ENGINE. WHILE I WAS DRIVING, THE VEHICLE SLOWED DOWN LIKE THERE WAS A POWER SURGE OR SOMETHING, LIKE IT WAS GOING TO BRAKE DOWN, SO I IMMEDIATELY PUT THE HAZARD LIGHTS ON AND DROVE 15-20 MILES BELOW THE SPEED LIMIT, ALL THE WAY UNTIL I COULD MAKE IT SAFELY BACK HOME. I DON'T KNOW WHAT IS WRONG WITH IT THIS TIME. I HAVE ALREADY INVESTED ALMOST $2,000 INTO THIS VEHICLE AND I HAVE ONLY OWNED IT FOR ABOUT 3 MONTHS!

NHTSA complaint #10489432 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

at 107,000 miles Hackensack, NJ

STEERING

ON 8/12/12 AS I WAS DRIVING TO NEW YORK I NOTICE THAT EVERY TIME THERE IS A WEIGHT TRANSFER I HEARD A CLUNKING SOUND ON THE RIGHT FRONT, AFTER RETURNING TO NEW JERSEY I TOOK THE VEHICLE TO SEARS AUTO TO HAVE IT CHECK OUT AND WAS TOLD AND SHOWN THE DEFECT WAS WITH THE FRAME WORK WHICH A RECALL WAS DONE FOR IN 2011. THE REPAIR THAT THE DID IN 2011 TO THE FRAME WAS IN MY OPINION A DEATH TRAP AND I WOULD SUGGEST THAT YOU SEND A INSPECTOR TO INSPECT THE REPAIR THAT FORD SAID THEY DID TO THESE FRAME WORK, THE STRAP THAT THEY PUT ON THE FRAME IN MY OPINION IS LIKE PUTTING A BAND AID ON A THIRD DEGREE BURN. I TOOK THE VEHICLE BACK TO FORD DEALER IN HACKENSACK NJ AND THEY ARE GIVING ME A HARD TIME, MY VEHICLE HAS BEEN THERE FROM FRIDAY AND TODAY IS SATURDAY @ 1430 THEY STILL HAVEN'T LOOK AT IT, MAYBE BECAUSE OF THE COLOR OF MY SKIN THE REALLY DON'T CARE, BUT I DON'T THINK SAFETY SHOULD COME DOWN TO THE COLOR OF A PERSON SKIN. THANKS FOR YOUR HELP.

NHTSA complaint #10472461 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

at 114,000 miles Copley, OH

STEERING

GAUGES GO CRAZY AND DON'T WORK HALF THE TIME. ABS LIGHT IS ALWAYS ON. STEERING CREEKS. THERE IS A RECALL FOR MY MAKE, MODEL, AND YEAR BUT FORD SOMEHOW SAYS IT IS NOT PART OF THE RECALL BUT MAY BECOME A RECALL IN THE FUTURE. THIS IS NOT ACCEPTABLE. DOES SOMEONE HAVE TO DIE BEFORE THEY WILL LISTEN AND ACT?

NHTSA complaint #10469442 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

at 126,030 miles Fort Wayne, IN

STEERING

THE SUBFRAME ON THE PASSENGER SIDE WHERE THE BRACKET FOR THE FRONT STABILIZER IS ATTACHED RUSTED COMPLETELY THROUGH, CAUSING THE STABILIZER BAR TO BREAK LOOSE.

NHTSA complaint #10459317 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

at 171,000 miles NEW York, NY Crash 1 injured

STEERING

MY SON WAS DRIVING ON THE HIGHWAY. WHILE DRIVING AT 40 MILES PER HOUR THE BACK AXEL FRACTURED. THIS RESULTED IN HIM CRASHING INTO THE CENTER CEMENT DEVIDER AS WELL AS THE FROM LEFT CONTROL ARM BREAKING AS WELL. HE HAD TO GO TO THE HOSPITAL AND GET CHECKED OUT. IT IS A SHAME THAT I HAVE TO FIND OUT ABOUT THIS RECALL THROUGH MY INSURER.

NHTSA complaint #10458630 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

LOS Alots, CA

STEERING

MASSIVELY ERRATIC BEHAVIOR OF THE INSTRUMENT CLUSTER. ALL OF THE GAUGES; THE SPEEDOMETER AND RPM GAUGES, HEAT AND ALL JUST JUMP RAPIDLY UP AND DOWN. SOMETIMES THEY GIVE FALSE INDICATORS. THE HEAT METER ARM GOES UP WHEN IT IS NOT HOT. IT'S REALLY SCARY. IT'S BEEN GOING ON FOR WEEKS. IT DOESN'T HAPPEN OFTEN AND I AM NOT SURE WHY IT HAPPENS. THIS IS A MINIVAN I.E. A FAMILY CAR. I CANNOT WAIT TO GET RID OF THIS CAR. I'LL NEVER BUY A FORD AGAIN.

NHTSA complaint #10458482 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

at 150,000 miles Traver City, MI

STEERING

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2000 FORD WINDSTAR. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE POWER STEERING PUMP FAILED FOUR TIMES IN ONE YEAR. THE CONTACT'S MECHANIC ADVISED THAT THE POWER STEERING PUMP WAS DEFECTIVE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 150,000 AND THE CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 170,000.

NHTSA complaint #10436123 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

at 70,000 miles Raleigh, NC

STEERING

2000 FORD WINDSTAR LX POWER STEERING FAILED AND NEEDED REPLACEMENT AT ABOUT 75,000.

NHTSA complaint #10408630 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

at 159,000 miles Medford, MA

STEERING:ELECTRIC POWER ASSIST SYSTEM

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2000 FORD WINDSTAR. THE CONTACT STATED THAT HE RECEIVED NOTIFICATION OF NHTSA CAMPAIGN ID NUMBERS: 10V385000 (SUSPENSION: REAR:AXLE: NON-POWERED AXLE ASSEMBLY), 00V351000 (ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:WIRING:INTERIOR/UNDER DASH) AND 01V261000 (VISIBILITY: WINDSHIELD WIPER/WASHER: MOTOR) AND THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALER FOR REPAIRS. THE VEHICLE WAS LEFT WITH THE DEALER FOR OVER A MONTH AND ONCE THE VEHICLE WAS RELEASED TO THE CONTACT, THE POWER STEERING WOULD ABNORMALLY PULL THE VEHICLE TO THE RIGHT. IN ADDITION, THE WINDSHIELD WASHER WOULD ONLY SPRAY TO ONE SIDE INSTEAD OF BOTH. THE ANTI-LOCK BRAKE WARNING LIGHT WAS ALSO ILLUMINATING ON A CONSISTENT BASIS. THE DEALER WAS CONTACTED AND THEY ADVISED HIM TO JUNK THE VEHICLE. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT CONTACTED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS APPROXIMATELY 159,000.

NHTSA complaint #10397033 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

at 91,000 miles Columbus, OH

STEERING

ON 4 OR 5 OCCASIONS OVER SEVERAL DAYS IN EARLY DECEMBER, WE LOST CONTROL OF THE VAN'S STEERING WHILE MAKING A TURN. THE VAN WOULD JUST CONTINUE TO CAREEN IN WHATEVER DIRECTION IT WAS HEADING. I SCHEDULED SERVICE WITH MY FORD DEALER, BUT WHEN IT WAS TAKEN IN, THEY SAID MY REAR AXLE WAS CRACKED AND THEY COULDN'T TEST THE STEERING UNTIL SUCH TIME AS THE AXLE COULD BE REPLACED. I NOTICED THERE WAS AN INVESTIGATION INTO FRONT END PROBLEMS ON WINDSTARS AS WELL, AND THOUGHT I SHOULD REPORT MY PROBLEM.

NHTSA complaint #10373600 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

at 159,000 miles Holly, MI

STEERING

I WAS DRIVING 55MPH ON DIXIE HIGHWAY IN GROVELAND TWP., MI. MY MOUNTING BRACKET THAT IS A FACTORY WELD TO THE ENGINE CRADLE BROKE AWAY FROM THE ENGINE CRADLE AND PULLED MY DRIVE SHAFT OUT OF THE TRANSMISSION. THIS IS ON A 2000 FORD WINDSTAR. THE WELD BROKE DUE TO CORROSION FROM SALT EATING AWAY THE WELD ITSELF. MY VEHICLE IS UNDRIVABLE, LUCKILY NO ONE WAS HURT. I HAD MYSELF AND MY 3 CHILDREN UNDER THE AGE OF 7 IN THE VEHICLE AT THE TIME OF THE INCIDENT. FORD MOTOR COMPANY IS TELLING ME THAT THERE IS NOT A RECALL ON MY VEHICLE AND THAT THEY WILL NOT PAY TO TOW IT TO THE DEALERSHIP OR TO FIX IT. I AM APPALLED BY THIS. THIS IS CLEARLY A DESIGN DEFECT AND NOT MY RESPONSIBILITY TO FIX. THE DETROIT FREE PRESS HAD AN ARTICLE ON THIS VERY PROBLEM ON DECEMBER 23, 2010. IT STATED THERE HAVE ALREADY BEEN OVER 300 CLAIMS OF MY NATURE. THE ARTICLE STATED THIS ORGANIZATION WAS INVESTIGATING THIS MATTER. I ASK FOR ANY HELP YOU CAN GIVE ME IN GETTING FORD TO FIX MY VEHICLE.

NHTSA complaint #10373337 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

at 187,000 miles Little River, SC

STEERING

WE PURCHASED OUR 2000 FORD WINDSTAR VAN IN LATE SEPTEMBER, 2010. WITHIN THE PAST MONTH, BEGINNING IN MID NOVEMBER, WE NOTICED A MOANING AND/OR GRINDING SOUND WHEN TURNING THE STEERING WHEEL. I HAVE READ MANY SIMILAR COMPLAINTS ONLINE AND PEOPLE MENTIONING THAT THEY LOST CONTROL OF THEIR STEERING EVENTUALLY AND THIS WORRIES ME, AS WE JUST PURCHASED THIS USED WINDSTAR WHEN OUR PREVIOUS VEHICLE WAS TOTALED IN A NEARLY FATAL ACCIDENT. I AM CONCERNED FOR MY FAMILY'S SAFETY, WHICH INCLUDES 2 YOUNG CHILDREN. I HOPE FORD TAKES NOTICE OF THESE MANY COMPLAINTS AND STOP PUTTING THE LIVES OF MANY IN POTENTIAL DANGER. I DRIVE OVER A WATERWAY BRIDGE, EACH AND EVERY DAY AND IF THIS IS A SAFETY HAZARD, I WOULD LIKE TO HAVE IT ADDRESSED. I WOULD LIKE MY VEHICLE RECALLED FOR THE SAKE OF MY FAMILY'S SAFETY.

NHTSA complaint #10369936 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

at 40,000 miles Andover, MN

STEERING

CHECK ENGINE LIGHT HAS BEEN ON FOR SEVERAL THOUSAND MILES, FROM ABOUT 40,000 TO CURRENT 130,000. THE CODE THAT COMES UP CAN BE 1 OF ABOUT 10 THINGS. NOTHING CORRECTS THIS. I HAVE THE 3.8L ENGINE AND THE "CHECK ENGINE" LIGHT HAS BEEN ON. HAD A MECHANIC PULL THE CODES UP AND THEY ARE BANK 1 RUNNING LEAN AND BANK 2 RUNNING LEAN (P0171) AND (P0174). WAS TOLD COULD BE MASS AIRFLOW SENSOR, O2 SENSOR (1 OF 4), VACUUM ISSUES, HEAD GASKET OR A FEW OTHERS. I HAVE REPLACED THE MAF SENSOR AND ALL 4 O2 SENSORS AT ABOUT $200.00 A PIECE. STILL ON. 2ND ISSUE. NOISE FROM FRONT END WHEN TURNING. 3RD ISSUE. CURRENTLY SITTING AT FORD DEALER WITH FRACTURED REAR AXLE FOR LAST MONTH. ALSO ABS LIGHT GOES ON AND OFF ALL THE TIME.

NHTSA complaint #10370201 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

at 90,000 miles Hillsdale, NJ

STEERING

2000 FORD WINDSTAR, THE CONTROL ARM FRONT PASSENGER SIDE DETACHED FROM THE FRAME WHILE MY WIFE WAS DRIVING TO WORK ON 11/19/10. LUCKILY THERE WERE NO OTHER CARS COMING OR SHE WOULD HAVE HIT THEM HEAD ON. ALL VEHICLE CONTROLS WERE LOST; NO STEERING , NO TRANSMISSION DRIVE TRAIN. THE VEHICLE SWERVED OUT OF CONTROL UNTIL LUCKILY, THE VEHICLE STOPPED PARTLY ON THE SIDE OF THE ROAD. THE VEHICLE HAD TO BE TOWED. I ALSO NOTICED A HOLE IN THE REAR AXLE WHICH THERE IS A RECALL FOR. THE VEHICLE OBVIOUSLY CANNOT BE DRIVEN AND I AM UNSURE IF THE TRANSMISSION IS DAMAGED DUE TO THE DRIVE AXLE BEING PULLED OUT OF IT.

NHTSA complaint #10367049 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

Other 2000 Ford Windstar problems

← Full 2000 Ford Windstar report