1995 Ford Windstar: ball joint or control arm failure

Filed Aug 4, 2006 · Steering, Suspension · 132,950 miles · IL

1)my van was pulling to the right and the tires were worn. 2) I took my 1995 ford windstar to firestone to have new tires put on and an alignment done. They installed the tires and told me they could not do the alignment because the sway bar was broken in two. They also stated it was bad craftsmanship because the bar is a hollow metal tube instead of a solid piece. They also said I needed both inner tie rod ends replaced because the lack of control from the sway bar put stress on them and damaged them. 3) tires were replaced and I was given an estimate of $400 for the sway bar and $300 for the tie rod ends and alignment.

Filed May 19, 2005 · Steering · MI

Tie rods were replaced at 50,000 miles. They need replacement again. Loud squeaky noise while turning the steering.

Filed Jan 15, 2004 · Brakes, Engine · 76,000 miles · WA

The engine was the main problem due to the head gasket recall. In july,2000, we argued with ford about a bad engine running for which we had just paid over $300 to evaluate by an outside repair shop. After about 6 weeks we received our car back with a new long block paid for by ford, including a rental van for the time in the shop. In january 2001 the engine was running rough again and we were charged $81.45 to check it out and replace a wire bad on cylinder 6 which was misfiring. Three months later in april 2001 the car ran rough again and the engine light was back on (happened for years intermittently since we owned the car). The new long-block had another bad head gasket reinstalled per the second ford dealership service center. After nearly another month we had the second new long-block in less than one year. Now less than 2 years and 40,000 miles later, following the 110k service of radiator flush and oil change at 113,098 miles the engine rapidly lost oil and is misfiring and burning oil. Ford's position once again is that the warranty was only for 12 months or 12k miles. On a smaller note, the brakes have gone out numerous times and we have replaced rotors and pads numerous times with no improvements. The power steering has performed very poorly. We changed the fluid in 2000 and then the ford service center and they replaced the outer tie rods and reset the alignment. Within months it was going out again intermittently. Most often when starting out the power steering goes out and you must manually steer the vehicle.

Filed Jan 15, 2004 · Engine, Lights · 107,829 miles · UN

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

Filed Nov 5, 2003 · Engine, Steering · 61,349 miles · NJ

Engine failed twice due to a faulty head gasket. Also, original automatic transmission failed and was rebuilt. About two years later, transmission failed and the dealer replaced it with a new transmission. Another two years later, the transmission failed again and was rebuilt. The cause of the failures was not determined. *ak the recalled engine blew and the manifold gasket blew. When the consumer contacted ford they stated they couldn't do anything right now but would notify them later and maybe they could help. Consumer had two windows that didn't go up or down - replaced $412.34. Both tie rods were replaced. *ph

Filed Sep 2, 2003 · Engine, Steering · 65,000 miles · IL

The tie rod's broke while driving 15 MPH. *jb the consumer turned the corner and the handling had become impossible. The consumer found that both front wheels were pointing inward as though the right front were turning left and the left front turning right. *scc. Also the rack and pinion was replaced as well as the serpentine belt.

Filed Feb 24, 2003 · Suspension · AZ

The right front ball joint axle broke. *ak

Filed Sep 17, 2002 · Body, Brakes · IL

Front struts had to be replaced. Front end alignment performed. Caster and camber reset. There is a squealing noise from front end when turning, dealer replaced outer tie rods and right control arm.

Filed Aug 31, 2002 · Brakes, Steering · KS

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.

Filed Aug 15, 2002 · Steering · VA

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.

Filed Aug 5, 2002 · Engine, Fuel system · MN · 1 injury

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.

Filed Apr 27, 2001 · Steering · MI

When turning wheels in either direction there was a loud rubbing sound. Dealer stated both front tie rods needed replacement.