Owners have filed 33 complaints
about the 2004 Ford Windstar with NHTSA between 2006 and 2019.
The largest single group is the suspension.
Across this model's run it ranks 12 of 12 worst.
The letter says how bad. This says what kind — whether this year drew
an unusual number of complaints, unusually dangerous
ones, or failures that arrived unusually early.
The dashed ring is 50 — the national norm. Further out is worse.
Complaint volume — 1
Against the median year of the Ford Windstar. 50 means typical for this
model; 100 means roughly double.
Severity — 31
6.1% of these complaints
involved a crash, fire, injury or death, against a national rate of
9.7%.
Early failure — 5
3% of failures with a mileage on record happened under
36,000 miles, against a national rate of
29%.
Complaints filed with NHTSA, by model year. Bar colour is the FaultScore grade:
A
B
C
D
F
ungraded
What breaks on a 2004 Ford Windstar
Every complaint is filed against a part. Follow any row for the complaints about that part alone.
Suspension
927.3%
Median failure at 124,000 miles
Transmission & Drivetrain
721.2%
0 crashes, 1 fires · median 122,414 mi
Acceleration & Cruise Control
412.1%
Median failure at 145,500 miles
Engine & Cooling
412.1%
0 crashes, 1 fires · median 128,000 mi
Brakes
39.1%
Median failure at 152,000 miles
Electrical System
39.1%
Median failure at 140,500 miles
Doors, Latches & Locks
13.0%
Median failure at 129,000 miles
Wheels
13.0%
Median failure at 138,869 miles
Body & Structure
13.0%
Median failure at 138,869 miles
When it fails
Odometer readings owners gave when they filed. About half of all
complaints include one.
1,000 – 9,999 miles
13.1%
75,000 – 99,999 miles
721.9%
100,000 – 149,999 miles
1546.9%
150,000+ miles
928.1%
When owners complained
A spike years after the car went on sale usually means a part wearing
out on schedule across the whole fleet — the kind of pattern no single
owner can see from inside their own car.
Dec 2006peak 4Apr 2019
Complaints that involved harm
Reports where the owner recorded a crash, a fire, an injury or a death.
at 118,000 milesRasaca, GAFire
ENGINE
TL* THE CONTACT OWNED A 2004 FORD WINDSTAR. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE ENGINE CAUGHT ON FIRE. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE FAILURE OCCURRED AFTER THE VEHICLE RECEIVED ROUTINE MAINTENANCE WHERE THE BATTERY, THE WATER PUMP, AND THE ENGINE BELT WERE REPLACED. THE FIRE DEPARTMENT WAS PRESENT. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE VEHICLE WAS DESTROYED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 118,000.
NHTSA complaint #10818097 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 123,005 milesManchester, CTFire
POWER TRAIN:AXLE ASSEMBLY
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2004 FORD WINDSTAR WHILE DRIVING AT 20MPH SHE SMELLED SOMETHING BURNING AND SAW WHITE SMOKE COMING FROM THE REAR OF THE VEHICLE AND SHE ALSO HEARD AN EXPLOSION. SHE WAS ABLE TO GET OUT OF THE VEHICLE AND SHE SAW THAT THE LEFT REAR TIRE BLEW. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO HER HOME. THE PERSON WHO TOWED THE VEHICLE FOUND THAT REAR AXLE BROKE IN HALF WHICH PUNCTURED THE LEFT REAR TIRE CAUSING IT TO BLOW. SHE CONTACTED THE MANUFACTURER. THE MANUFACTURER STATED THERE WAS NOT A RECALL FOR THE FAILURE AND THE VEHICLE IS OVER ONE HUNDRED THOUSAND MILES; THEREFORE THEY WILL NOT ASSIST WITH THE REPAIR. THE VEHICLE WILL BE REPAIRED. THE CURRENT AND THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 123,005.
NHTSA complaint #10317060 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
The most recent complaints
In the owners' own words, exactly as filed with NHTSA.
at 153,000 milesClare, MI
VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL
INTERMITTEN THE SPEEDOMETOR DOES NOT WORK AT ALL OR DOES NOT SHOW THE CORRECT SPEED, OVER DRIVE LIGHT BLINK CONSTANTLY, CRUISE DOES NOT WORK AT LL. HAPPEN IN CITY AND HIGHWAY. HITTING A BUMP SOMETIME CORRECT SPEEDOMETER OR DRIVING ON HIGHWAY THIS CONTNUES TO HAPPEN ON A DAILY BASES
NHTSA complaint #11204177 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Chicago, IL
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2004 FORD WINDSTAR. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE WARNING LIGHTS ON THE INSTRUMENT PANEL ILLUMINATED INTERMITTENTLY. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT DIAGNOSED OR REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS UNKNOWN.
NHTSA complaint #10916721 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 118,000 milesRasaca, GAFire
ENGINE
TL* THE CONTACT OWNED A 2004 FORD WINDSTAR. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE ENGINE CAUGHT ON FIRE. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE FAILURE OCCURRED AFTER THE VEHICLE RECEIVED ROUTINE MAINTENANCE WHERE THE BATTERY, THE WATER PUMP, AND THE ENGINE BELT WERE REPLACED. THE FIRE DEPARTMENT WAS PRESENT. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE VEHICLE WAS DESTROYED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 118,000.
NHTSA complaint #10818097 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 169,784 milesSterling Heights, MI
SUSPENSION
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2004 FORD WINDSTAR. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE FRONT AXLE FRACTURED. THE VEHICLE WAS PREVIOUSLY REPAIRED UNDER NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 12V194000 (SUSPENSION). THE MANUFACTURER WAS MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT DIAGNOSED OR REPAIRED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 169,784. THE VIN WAS NOT AVAILABLE. THE CONSUMER STATED THERE WAS A LOUD NOISE COMING FROM THE FRONT SIDE BY THE TIRE. THE VEHICLE WAS INSPECTED AND IT WAS DETERMINED THE SWAY BAR IN THE FRONT WAS BROKEN AND THE SUBFRAME WAS RUSTED. FORD STATED THEY MET THE RECALL REQUIREMENTS IN 2011 AND THERE WAS NOTHING THEY COULD DO FOR THE CONSUMER. UPDATED 12/23/15.
NHTSA complaint #10715201 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 90,000 milesCedar Rapids, IA
SUSPENSION
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2004 FORD WINDSTAR. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE DRIVING AT APPROXIMATELY 30-35 MPH, THERE WAS A LOUD ABNORMAL NOISE COMING FROM REAR DRIVER SIDE OF THE VEHICLE. THE CONTACT DISCOVERED THAT THE REAR DRIVER SIDE AXLE DETACHED FROM THE VEHICLE. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO A DEALER WHERE IT WAS DIAGNOSED THAT THE AXLE NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE AND STATED THAT THE VEHICLE WAS REPAIRED UNDER AN UNKNOWN RECALL IN 2007 RELATED TO THE FAILURE. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 90,000.
NHTSA complaint #10668668 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 138,000 milesSpringfield, OH
VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2004 FORD WINDSTAR. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 45 MPH, THE ENGINE STALLED AS THE ELECTRONIC THROTTLE CONTROL WARNING LAMP ILLUMINATED. THE VEHICLE RESTARTED ON THE FIRST ATTEMPT AND RESUMED NORMALLY. THE FAILURE RECURRED ON SEVEN SEPARATE OCCASIONS. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO A DEALER WHERE THE FAILURE WAS UNABLE TO BE DIAGNOSED. THE MANUFACTURE WAS MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE AND CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 138,000.
NHTSA complaint #10584490 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 138,000 milesSpringfield, OH
ENGINE
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2004 FORD WINDSTAR. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 45 MPH, THE ENGINE STALLED AS THE ELECTRONIC THROTTLE CONTROL WARNING LAMP ILLUMINATED. THE VEHICLE RESTARTED ON THE FIRST ATTEMPT AND RESUMED NORMALLY. THE FAILURE RECURRED ON SEVEN SEPARATE OCCASIONS. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO A DEALER WHERE THE FAILURE WAS UNABLE TO BE DIAGNOSED. THE MANUFACTURE WAS MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE AND CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 138,000.
NHTSA complaint #10584490 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 75,000 milesAlbany, NY
SUSPENSION
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2004 FORD WINDSTAR. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE DRIVING 65 MPH, A CRUNCHING SOUND WAS HEARD FROM THE FRONT END OF THE VEHICLE. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC HOWEVER, THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 75,000.
NHTSA complaint #10531500 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 138,869 milesWheaton, IL
WHEELS
RETURNED VAN TO DEALERSHIP, REAR END MAKING NOISE. PREVIOUS RECALL (AUGUST 2012) FIX TO REINFORCE REAR AXLE NOW SHOWS AXLE IS CRACKED. FORD SAYS THEY WILL NOT ENACT A REPAIR, AFTER NUMEROUS CALLS TO CUSTOMER SERVICE, THE REP STATED THE RECALL DEPARTMENT STATED THE FIX IS PERFORMING AND THE VEHICLE IS SAFE TO DRIVE REGARDING THE REAR AXLE. I ASKED THAT THEY STATE THAT IN WRITING TO ME. LOOKING AT YOUR WEBSITE AND THE FATALITY THAT CAUSED THIS RECALL, I SUSPECT THE CAR IS NOT SAFE. THE DEALERSHIP AGREES. WHAT IS YOUR TAKE? [XXX] INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6).
NHTSA complaint #10523810 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 138,869 milesWheaton, IL
SUSPENSION
RETURNED VAN TO DEALERSHIP, REAR END MAKING NOISE. PREVIOUS RECALL (AUGUST 2012) FIX TO REINFORCE REAR AXLE NOW SHOWS AXLE IS CRACKED. FORD SAYS THEY WILL NOT ENACT A REPAIR, AFTER NUMEROUS CALLS TO CUSTOMER SERVICE, THE REP STATED THE RECALL DEPARTMENT STATED THE FIX IS PERFORMING AND THE VEHICLE IS SAFE TO DRIVE REGARDING THE REAR AXLE. I ASKED THAT THEY STATE THAT IN WRITING TO ME. LOOKING AT YOUR WEBSITE AND THE FATALITY THAT CAUSED THIS RECALL, I SUSPECT THE CAR IS NOT SAFE. THE DEALERSHIP AGREES. WHAT IS YOUR TAKE? [XXX] INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6).
NHTSA complaint #10523810 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 138,869 milesWheaton, IL
STRUCTURE:BODY
RETURNED VAN TO DEALERSHIP, REAR END MAKING NOISE. PREVIOUS RECALL (AUGUST 2012) FIX TO REINFORCE REAR AXLE NOW SHOWS AXLE IS CRACKED. FORD SAYS THEY WILL NOT ENACT A REPAIR, AFTER NUMEROUS CALLS TO CUSTOMER SERVICE, THE REP STATED THE RECALL DEPARTMENT STATED THE FIX IS PERFORMING AND THE VEHICLE IS SAFE TO DRIVE REGARDING THE REAR AXLE. I ASKED THAT THEY STATE THAT IN WRITING TO ME. LOOKING AT YOUR WEBSITE AND THE FATALITY THAT CAUSED THIS RECALL, I SUSPECT THE CAR IS NOT SAFE. THE DEALERSHIP AGREES. WHAT IS YOUR TAKE? [XXX] INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6).
NHTSA complaint #10523810 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 160,000 milesEast Machias, ME
SUSPENSION
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2004 FORD WINDSTAR. THE CONTACT STATED THAT HER VEHICLE WAS INCLUDED AND REPAIRED UNDER AN UNKNOWN MANUFACTURER'S RECALL FOR THE AXLE. AFTER THE REPAIR, THE AXLE FRACTURED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 160,000.
NHTSA complaint #10510101 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 152,000 milesFederal WAY, WA
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
PURCHASED THE CAR USED ON 5/26/12, DROVE AWAY FROM THE DEALERSHIP AND THE ABS WARNING LIGHT AND THE BREAK WARNING LIGHTS BOTH CAME ON, INDICATING ISSUES WITH ABS. TOOK IT TO THE REPAIR SHOP AND WAS TOLD THAT THE ABS MODULE (??) WAS CAUSING THE ISSUES. CAR DEALERSHIP AND WARRANTY COMPANY REFUSED TO COVER IT BECAUSE IT'S AN OPTIONAL SYSTEM. THERE APPEARS TO HAVE BEEN A RECALL FOR THIS BUT FOR SOME REASON MY CAR WASN'T INCLUDED - IT WAS ORIGINALLY PURCHASED IN CANADA, SO I'M NOT SURE IF THAT EFFECTS RECALL INFORMATION. ON 6/12/12 DRIVING IN TO WORK THE CAR SUDDENLY LOST SPEED WHILE TRYING TO ACCELERATE ON THE HIGHWAY. I WAS ATTEMPTING TO MAKE IT ACROSS 4 LANES AND THE CAR SUDDENLY WOULDN'T GO OVER 30MPH - THANKFUL THERE WASN'T A LOT OF TRAFFIC BUT THIS COULD HAVE CAUSED AN ACCIDENT. ISSUES CONTINUE - CAR BUCKS AND HESITATES WHEN TRYING TO ACCELERATE, THERE'S OFTEN A LOUD POP (BACKFIRE?) FROM THE ENGINE WHEN APPLYING THE GAS PEDAL. MECHANIC REPLACED SEALS AND SPARK PLUGS IN ENGINE BUT WE WERE TOLD THAT THE PCM (ECM?) WAS CAUSING AN ELECTRICAL ISSUE. ADDITIONAL SYMPTOMS INCLUDE REDUCED GAS MILEAGE, FEELING LIKE IT'S GOING TO STALL OR MOVE WHILE AT A STOP (BUCKING LIKE IT'S GOING TO MOVE FORWARD EVEN THOUGH BRAKES ARE APPLIED) AND REDUCED FUNCTIONING IN THE A/C UNIT.
NHTSA complaint #10462988 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 152,000 milesFederal WAY, WA
ENGINE
PURCHASED THE CAR USED ON 5/26/12, DROVE AWAY FROM THE DEALERSHIP AND THE ABS WARNING LIGHT AND THE BREAK WARNING LIGHTS BOTH CAME ON, INDICATING ISSUES WITH ABS. TOOK IT TO THE REPAIR SHOP AND WAS TOLD THAT THE ABS MODULE (??) WAS CAUSING THE ISSUES. CAR DEALERSHIP AND WARRANTY COMPANY REFUSED TO COVER IT BECAUSE IT'S AN OPTIONAL SYSTEM. THERE APPEARS TO HAVE BEEN A RECALL FOR THIS BUT FOR SOME REASON MY CAR WASN'T INCLUDED - IT WAS ORIGINALLY PURCHASED IN CANADA, SO I'M NOT SURE IF THAT EFFECTS RECALL INFORMATION. ON 6/12/12 DRIVING IN TO WORK THE CAR SUDDENLY LOST SPEED WHILE TRYING TO ACCELERATE ON THE HIGHWAY. I WAS ATTEMPTING TO MAKE IT ACROSS 4 LANES AND THE CAR SUDDENLY WOULDN'T GO OVER 30MPH - THANKFUL THERE WASN'T A LOT OF TRAFFIC BUT THIS COULD HAVE CAUSED AN ACCIDENT. ISSUES CONTINUE - CAR BUCKS AND HESITATES WHEN TRYING TO ACCELERATE, THERE'S OFTEN A LOUD POP (BACKFIRE?) FROM THE ENGINE WHEN APPLYING THE GAS PEDAL. MECHANIC REPLACED SEALS AND SPARK PLUGS IN ENGINE BUT WE WERE TOLD THAT THE PCM (ECM?) WAS CAUSING AN ELECTRICAL ISSUE. ADDITIONAL SYMPTOMS INCLUDE REDUCED GAS MILEAGE, FEELING LIKE IT'S GOING TO STALL OR MOVE WHILE AT A STOP (BUCKING LIKE IT'S GOING TO MOVE FORWARD EVEN THOUGH BRAKES ARE APPLIED) AND REDUCED FUNCTIONING IN THE A/C UNIT.
NHTSA complaint #10462988 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 152,000 milesFederal WAY, WA
SERVICE BRAKES
PURCHASED THE CAR USED ON 5/26/12, DROVE AWAY FROM THE DEALERSHIP AND THE ABS WARNING LIGHT AND THE BREAK WARNING LIGHTS BOTH CAME ON, INDICATING ISSUES WITH ABS. TOOK IT TO THE REPAIR SHOP AND WAS TOLD THAT THE ABS MODULE (??) WAS CAUSING THE ISSUES. CAR DEALERSHIP AND WARRANTY COMPANY REFUSED TO COVER IT BECAUSE IT'S AN OPTIONAL SYSTEM. THERE APPEARS TO HAVE BEEN A RECALL FOR THIS BUT FOR SOME REASON MY CAR WASN'T INCLUDED - IT WAS ORIGINALLY PURCHASED IN CANADA, SO I'M NOT SURE IF THAT EFFECTS RECALL INFORMATION. ON 6/12/12 DRIVING IN TO WORK THE CAR SUDDENLY LOST SPEED WHILE TRYING TO ACCELERATE ON THE HIGHWAY. I WAS ATTEMPTING TO MAKE IT ACROSS 4 LANES AND THE CAR SUDDENLY WOULDN'T GO OVER 30MPH - THANKFUL THERE WASN'T A LOT OF TRAFFIC BUT THIS COULD HAVE CAUSED AN ACCIDENT. ISSUES CONTINUE - CAR BUCKS AND HESITATES WHEN TRYING TO ACCELERATE, THERE'S OFTEN A LOUD POP (BACKFIRE?) FROM THE ENGINE WHEN APPLYING THE GAS PEDAL. MECHANIC REPLACED SEALS AND SPARK PLUGS IN ENGINE BUT WE WERE TOLD THAT THE PCM (ECM?) WAS CAUSING AN ELECTRICAL ISSUE. ADDITIONAL SYMPTOMS INCLUDE REDUCED GAS MILEAGE, FEELING LIKE IT'S GOING TO STALL OR MOVE WHILE AT A STOP (BUCKING LIKE IT'S GOING TO MOVE FORWARD EVEN THOUGH BRAKES ARE APPLIED) AND REDUCED FUNCTIONING IN THE A/C UNIT.
NHTSA complaint #10462988 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 141,000 milesChicago, IL
SUSPENSION
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2004 FORD WINDSTAR. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE DRIVING 45 MPH, GREY SMOKE EMITTED FROM THE REAR OF THE VEHICLE. THE VEHICLE WAS INSPECTED BY A MECHANIC, WHO STATED THAT THE REAR AXLE BROKE. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE FAILURE AND CURRENT MILEAGES WERE 141,000.
NHTSA complaint #10461065 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 122,414 milesFort Wayne, IN
POWER TRAIN
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2004 FORD WINDSTAR. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE DRIVING 30 MPH , THE OVERDRIVE WARNING LAMP ILLUMINATED. THE CONTACT MENTIONED THAT SHE TOOK HER FOOT OFF THE ACCELERATOR AND THE VEHICLE SPEED DID NOT DECREASE. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT TAKEN TO THE DEALER AND THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE FAILURE AND THE CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 122,414.
NHTSA complaint #10434263 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 97,000 milesColumbus, OH
POWER TRAIN:AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION
TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2004 FORD WINDSTAR. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 30 TO 40 MPH THE VEHICLE SUDDENLY STALLED. THERE WERE NO WARNING LIGHTS PRIOR OR AFTER THE FAILURE. THE CONTACT WAS UNABLE TO RESTART THE VEHICLE; THEREFORE, IT WAS TOWED TO AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC. THE MECHANIC ADVISED HER THAT SHE NEEDED TO REPLACE THE TRANSMISSION. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE FAILURE AND CURRENT MILEAGES WERE APPROXIMATELY 97,000.
NHTSA complaint #10395644 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 124,000 milesNEW Hampton, NY
SUSPENSION:REAR
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2004 FORD WINDSTAR. THE CONTACT WAS DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 55 MPH WHEN THE REAR OF THE VEHICLE BEGAN TO WOBBLE EXCESSIVELY. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO A LOCAL REPAIR SHOP FOR AN ALIGNMENT WHERE THE TECHNICIANS ADVISED THAT THE REAR AXLE WAS TWISTED AND CAUSING THE FAILURE. THE VEHICLE WAS THEN TAKEN TO THE DEALER WHERE THE TECHNICIAN CONFIRMED THE FAILURE. THE DEALER INFORMED THE CONTACT THAT THE VEHICLE WAS NOT INCLUDED IN THE RECALL ASSOCIATED WITH THE FAILURE (NHTSA CAMPAIGN ID NUMBER: 10V385000 -SUSPENSION:REAR:AXLE:NON-POWERED AXLE ASSEMBLY) BECAUSE THERE WERE NO SIGNS OF CORROSION OR FRACTURES ON THE AXLE. THE MANUFACTURER WAS CONTACTED AND STATED THAT THE REPAIR DID NOT FALL UNDER THE RECALL FOR THE REAR AXLE. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE VIN WAS NOT AVAILABLE. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 124,000.
NHTSA complaint #10381530 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 129,000 milesShelbyville, IN
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2004 FORD WINDSTAR. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE INTERIOR LIGHTS AND INSTRUMENT PANEL LIGHTS WOULD FAIL INTERMITTENTLY. THE SLIDING DOORS WOULD ALSO OPEN AND SHUT INDEPENDENTLY WHILE THE VEHICLE WAS IN MOTION. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALER WHO ADVISED THAT THERE WAS AN ELECTRICAL FAILURE. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THERE WERE NO RECALLS ON THE FAILURE FOR THE VEHICLE. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 129,000.
NHTSA complaint #10375452 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 129,000 milesShelbyville, IN
LATCHES/LOCKS/LINKAGES
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2004 FORD WINDSTAR. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE INTERIOR LIGHTS AND INSTRUMENT PANEL LIGHTS WOULD FAIL INTERMITTENTLY. THE SLIDING DOORS WOULD ALSO OPEN AND SHUT INDEPENDENTLY WHILE THE VEHICLE WAS IN MOTION. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALER WHO ADVISED THAT THERE WAS AN ELECTRICAL FAILURE. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THERE WERE NO RECALLS ON THE FAILURE FOR THE VEHICLE. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 129,000.
NHTSA complaint #10375452 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 79,000 milesByron Center, MI
SUSPENSION:FRONT:CONTROL ARM
TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2004 FORD WINDSTAR. THE CONTACT STATED THAT SOMEONE ELSE WAS DRIVING THE VEHICLE 60 MPH WHEN IT BEGAN TO FEEL UNSTABLE AND THEN SHE LOST CONTROL OF THE VEHICLE. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO A LOCAL MECHANIC WHO PERFORMED A DIAGNOSTIC TEST THAT LOCATED THE FAILURE ON THE FRONT CONTROL ARM WIRE. THE MANUFACTURER ADVISED THAT THERE WAS NOT A RECALL FOR THE FAILURE. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE FAILURE AND THE CURRENT MILEAGES WERE 79,000.
NHTSA complaint #10370721 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 153,000 milesVernon, CT
POWER TRAIN:AXLE ASSEMBLY
TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2004 FORD WINDSTAR. WHILE DRIVING IN REVERSE 3 MPH THE REAR AXLE BROKE IN HALF. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO A LOCAL MECHANIC WHO STATED THAT THE REAR AXLE BEAM NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO HIS RESIDENCE. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE VIN WAS NOT AVAILABLE. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE AND CURRENT MILEAGES WERE 153,000.
NHTSA complaint #10344020 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 97,001 milesCumming, GA
POWER TRAIN:AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION
FAILURE WITH THE TRANSMISSION. SLIGHT NOISE FROM VEHICLE WHICH WAS NOT IDENTIFIED. DRIVING DOWN ROAD TOTAL LOSS OF MOTION WITHIN SECONDS WITH NO SIGN OF DEFECT OR SOUND WHICH PUT MY WHOLE FAMILY IN DANGER. THE TRANSMISSION IS BROKE AND WILL HAVE TO BE REPLACED BUT HAS NOT YET BEEN DONE.
NHTSA complaint #10342792 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 123,005 milesManchester, CTFire
POWER TRAIN:AXLE ASSEMBLY
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2004 FORD WINDSTAR WHILE DRIVING AT 20MPH SHE SMELLED SOMETHING BURNING AND SAW WHITE SMOKE COMING FROM THE REAR OF THE VEHICLE AND SHE ALSO HEARD AN EXPLOSION. SHE WAS ABLE TO GET OUT OF THE VEHICLE AND SHE SAW THAT THE LEFT REAR TIRE BLEW. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO HER HOME. THE PERSON WHO TOWED THE VEHICLE FOUND THAT REAR AXLE BROKE IN HALF WHICH PUNCTURED THE LEFT REAR TIRE CAUSING IT TO BLOW. SHE CONTACTED THE MANUFACTURER. THE MANUFACTURER STATED THERE WAS NOT A RECALL FOR THE FAILURE AND THE VEHICLE IS OVER ONE HUNDRED THOUSAND MILES; THEREFORE THEY WILL NOT ASSIST WITH THE REPAIR. THE VEHICLE WILL BE REPAIRED. THE CURRENT AND THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 123,005.
NHTSA complaint #10317060 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.