Consumer stated there was a starting problem, the vehicle would not crank but the lights would illuminate, consumer also stated that there was a rattle around the steering column and speedometer, dealer stated that the outer tie rod ends needed replaced and also stated that the failed tie rods were not used anymore due to a lubrication defect.
1995 Ford Windstar steering complaints
Page 2 of 4: complaints 11 to 40 of 75, newest first, as owners wrote them.
Replaced rack and pinion steering.
During right turn, lost steering control. After stopping, right front tire was positioned for sharp left turn, and left front tire was positioned for a right turn. Right front outer tie-rod failed. Both right and left front tie-rods were replaced. These are sealed units and can't be lubricated. I suggest that failure was due to lubricant breakdown or loss over the years, a serious design and safety issue.
Went to have an oil change and 4 wheel alignment done and found out that the inner tie rods needed to be replaced. I have had a lot of problems witht his vehicle.
Exhaust system has corroded, and is causing fumes to enter vehicle while driving. Dealer notified.*ak oxygen sensor failed twice and was replaced. Head gasket failed and was replaced; also the internal leaks from head gaskets in vehicle corroded flex pip and exhausting into vehicle. Engine failed and was replaced. The outer right and left tie rods failed and were replaced. Air filter failed and was replaced. Pcv valve failed and was replaced. The vehicle had continues exhaust leaks into the vehicle, caused some serious health problem to the driver.
A clicking sound was coming from the steering wheel while driving. Dealer was not notified at this time. Feel free to provide any further infromation.
I was driving at about 20 MPH on a city street covered with about one [1] inch of wet snow. The street curved slightly to the left, I started to make the turn but the van began to slide straight ahead. I slid for about 20 feet before bumping the curb on my right side. The van then went over the curb , went about another 10 feet and struck a narrow [6-inch] utility pole head on.I was holding the steering wheel with both hands preparing for the slight impact.I was quite shocked when both air bags exploded. My hands were bruised slightly but nothing serious. The van was not damaged except for a small[2-inch] split in the top, not front of the plastic bumper. I drove to the dealership, mullinax ford, immediately. They looked at the van and could not believe that there was a collision that could have caused the air bags to deploy. They called ford motor co. At my request to see if they would replace the air bags for me at no cost. Ford responded by stating that as long as there was a collision they not replace them at no cost. I later made a call to ford customer service and recieved the same results. I am very dissatisfied, and feel that I should not have to have born the expense [$1500.] of replacing the air bags.I don't know all of the facts concerning air bags but I don't believe they should deployed at that speed.please inform me of any recourse that I may have. Thank you, [xxx].*ak parts of this document have been redacted to protect personally identifiable information pursuant to the freedom of information act (foia), 5 u.s.c. 552(b)(6).
No summary listed for above vehicle.
Consumer states brakes were replaced twice as well as machined.
Consumer states head gasket failed, engine leaked oil on exhaust, and the water pump was also replaced due to excessive noise and a loose shaft.
When turning wheels in either direction there was a loud rubbing sound. Dealer stated both front tie rods needed replacement.
Transmission was repaired 3 times, faulty processor replaced on two of those occasions.
The vehicle experienced several engine related failures, the head gasket failed two times, the dealer would not compensate for the second failure and also did not offer the consumer the $4000.00 certificate towards a new vehicle, after the first head gasket repair, the vehicle continued to lose coolant, the engine cylinders were replaced, the timing cover was cracked, the serpentine belt was replaced, and the blown gasket caused the vehicle to overheat, shake, and smoke.
Involved in accident on 8/8/2000, several problems after vehicle was returned on 10/10/2000, problems still not fixed! Need help asap. Thank you .
Had left freeway & noticed a noise. Pulled over, stopped vehicle & turned it off. Restarted vehicle & noise became louder. While going uphill, engine felt sluggish & was dragging. Took vehicle to repair shop & mechanic indicated the problem was that inner tie rod had broken.
While driving there was a loud noise and some clunking as vehicle slowed from 65 to 35mph. Dealer said that inner tie rod needed to be replaced.
The radio and clock just went dead while we were on the road.
Ford and the dealership were not helpful at all. Ford tried to make me happy in the end with an additional warranty for 24 months or 24,000. But would not pay for repairs. To sorry to bad they said. This past year we had more problems, it was very very very stressful and expensive. We had to charge repairs and put some on heme equity. Think of the interest $. I was scared to drive. I have since sold van. I will still pursue this to get back $ and to tell others. No safety defect listed in summary.
Vehicle made grinding noise. Dealer inspected vehicle and found brakes to be okay. On 14-apr-2000, same dealer said that vehicle needed new rotors. *ak
Steering feels stiff due to steering rack failure. Yh
Rack and pinion steering unit failed. Nlm
Water pump leaks coolant and timing case cover leaks antifreeze. Cause unknown. Other failures include left and right tie rods, ignition key lock, A/C, and head gasket. *ak
Engine head gasket failed after warranty had expired, replaced transmission after warranty had expired, steering locked up (repaired under warranty), wears out tires because has pulled to right since day one, have replaced braking system twice
Transmission went at 70k no help from ford. Head gasket leaking 120k no assistance or help from ford. Window motor do not work no help from ford. Steering problems no one can find a problem, but I keep replacing tire prematurly. I paid for the tramsmission $1500. Now the van is in the shop at sam galloway ford for a head gasket. The only reason I had it towed into sam galloway is because they said there was a recall on the head gasket and they will take care of it . Covered by the recall. They called after looking at it and said $1700 to repair the gasket and others problems caused by the leaking head gasket. Recall states 60k 0r dec 31 2000 wich ever comes first. If they are putting faulty products in their vehicles they are causeing safety concerns and they should be responsible for repairs.
Engine head gasket blew,causing white smoke to eminate from tailpipe and engine to overheat, resulting in destruction of engine. I had to replace both head gaskets, and had a remanufactured engine installed. My transmission and power steering rack also failed before this. What next?
These are sealed and safety componets that should have a longer life expectancy. Service manager said air bags are inoperative when light is on.
No summary
Severe shaking on aceleration between 35-60 MPH; ford service dept. Detected shaking as well, and handed usbulletin from ford- article no. 96-3-17 stating design defect and defining procedure to replace- at cost of $1,500 to the customer. We are worriedabout the safety of ourselves and our two small children, and would like to know if this poses any threat to us- when we asked the service rep, he said he "couldn't say". We wrote ford customer svc, and they phoned to say they feel the case is "closed"- but if we wanted to pursue things, to contact you. Ifyou want copies of the power balance analysis done by our ford dealer on june 23, 199 or the bulletin, we would be glad to forward them to you.
Problems began with engine check light at 32,000. Manuf. Said "don't worry." head gaskets/block at 51,000. New engine one year later. Second engine three months after that. Within eight months, dealer wants to install what amounts to fourth engine. Transmission appears to be going, too, mechanic thinks due to multiple overheating/s of engine.
Head gaskets failed at 61,000 miles. After repairs made, dealer noted that rack and pinion assembly was worn out. This is a critical component that should not fail after 65,000 miles.
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