1995 Ford Windstar: brake failure

Filed Oct 17, 2009 · Brakes · 116,000 miles · DE

Severe corrosion of brake lines. One line has already corroded to the failure point resulting in total brake failure. Further investigation shows all brake lines are suspect. Ford has skimped to save money by not using stainless or coated lines on this vehicle and the result is a vehicle which may in a panic stop have total failure of the brakes. Unfortunately I cannot justify the cost of replacement so the vehicle is still being driven with this condition. Photos are available.

Filed Aug 12, 2008 · Brakes · 112,744 miles · DE

During brake test at motor vehicle division the pedal went to the floor. All brake fluid emptied from the reservoir. Further investigation showed rear brake lines are severely corroded and the line to the left rear brake had failed due to the corrosion. The hole was located in the 90 degree bend at the brake drum. Luckily the vehicle could be safely stopped however, the potential for injury was great if this had occurred in a traffic situation.

Filed Jul 9, 2008 · Brakes · 160,000 miles · IL

Brakes failed on 1995 ford windstar. - rear brake line has corroded badly. There is absolutely no excuse for safety related components to be manufactured with material that can corrode. If airplanes can safely fly after 30+ years of service. Why can't auto manufacturers be required to install corrosion resistant components for safety critical systems????

Filed Jul 12, 2007 · Acceleration · 120,000 miles · OR · fire

* cruise control quit working over 24 months ago. * consistent loss of brake fluid over time. * fire discovered under hood when returning home. Fire located under brake master cylinder. Fire was put out with fire extinguisher. Vehicle towed to dealership, and they said this was a known problem with cruise control deactivation switches. Other vehicle models with the same switch have been recalled. See http://www.safetyforum.com/fordcruisecontrol/ *dealership is ordering parts to repair vehicle.

Filed Apr 5, 2006 · Brakes · 154,000 miles · NY

Ford motor company has recalled 1995 windstar for "right front brake line corrosion." both rear brake lines failed on our windstar, VIN [xxx], on march 29, 2006 while approaching a stop sign. When I depressed the brake pedal, there was a small shudder and then the pedal went to the floor. Fortunately we live in a rural area, and although I proceeded through the stop sign without stopping, I did not collide with anything, and was able to stop the vehicle using the hand brake. The ford dealership has told me that the rear brake lines failed, and that this is not covered by the current ford recall. *jb updated 07/16/2012 *js information redacted pursuant to the freedom of information act (foia), 5 u.s.c. 552(b)(6)

Filed Aug 12, 2004 · Brakes · 175,000 miles · WI

The consumer received a manufacturer's recall 02s36 concerning brake line corrosion. While driving at any speed when the brakes were depressed, the pedal went to the floor. The vehicle was examined under the recall six months earlier, and the consumer was told that the vehicle was in good shape. *ak the brake line had rusted through completely above the catalytic converter. *sc

Filed Aug 2, 2004 · Brakes · GA

While driving consumer applied the brake pedal and the brakes failed. Consumer was able to maintain control of the vehicle, and drove it to the dealer for inspection. Mechanic determined that both front brakes were leaking fluid.

Filed Mar 8, 2004 · Brakes · 87,800 miles · NJ

Rear steel brake line ruptured in vehicle during normal use. (not as a result of an accident.) the break of this line resulted in a loss of brake fluid and adversely affected the ability of the vehicle to stop. The vehicle is the primary vehicle for my wife and children. Vehicle has been well maintained. Another brake line was covered in an earlier recall in may 2003. Upon investigation this morning, I was told there are no outstanding recalls on the vehicle.

Filed Dec 22, 2003 · Brakes · 107,000 miles · KY

While backing out of the driveway brakes failed, causing the vehicle to go into oncoming traffic. Dealer determined that brake lines were rusted, causing holes in the brake line. *ak

Filed Jul 29, 2003 · Brakes · PA

Consumer stated that while driving and without warning ABS brakes failed ,causing the pedal to go to the floor. Dealer notified.

Filed Mar 14, 2003 · Brakes, Suspension · 70,000 miles · NH

Abs locks and vehicle does not stop. Have spent over $2000 trying to fix braking issue. Tone rings, struts, suspension, front brakes, rear brakes, bearings, cv joints, master cylinder, among other replacements. Over bumps, small hills, straight roads, anytime coming to a stop, vehicle intermittently fails to stop completely. Have pumped brakes and found that brake pedal gets hard and loud, still does not help to stop vehicle. Steering wheel feels loose at when this happens. Brake pedal also kicks back, sometimes with excessive force, makes a load grinding noise. Controlling the car becomes difficult as loss of brake pressure and steering wheel rocking (on decent of small hill) combined make for a deadly combination. I am being forced to purchase a better vehicle, not ever ford again.

Filed Sep 13, 2002 · Brakes · FL

I had front brake job done in jan 2002, no defective lines or leaks reported, in the following month I twice had to add a very small amount of brake fluid. While driving home from work on june 6 my brake light came on when I was on interstate 4 near my exit. The next morning I started to back out of my driveway to take my van to repair shop and brake pedal went to the floor. My driveway had a stream of brake fluid running down. I had aaa tow my van to a repair shop and they had to make and replace brake line to right front brake hose. I bought this van in spring hill, fl in may 1995 and move to new york in june 1995. I moved back to florida in nov 1999. I have contacted ford and told my vehicle is not covered under recall 02v101000. I hope this problem does not occur to other minivan owners and potentially all ford windstars may experience this total brake failure. Nlm