The sub-frame broke where the strut arm connects in the front( in area of the strut arm bushings. At first thought that the noise was from at loose heat shield. Strut arm rattles everytime van iecounters rough pavement. The speedometer just went haywire. Needle bounces all over the place. Have found other people on the internet with the same speedometer problem. I feel that both of these failures are a saftey issue. Ford motor doesn't.
1996 Ford Windstar body complaints
Page 2 of 2: complaints 11 to 37 of 37, newest first, as owners wrote them.
Vehicle is leaking antifreeze from underneath hood area. Engine check light appears on the dashboard. Dealership is aware of problem.
While traveling on the interstate, check engine light appears on dashboard, and vehicle was leaking antfreeze. Dealership is aware of problem.*ak dealer found head gasket had blown, replaced head gasket and thermostat, on several occasions the air conditioning leaks, brakes making grinding sound, dealer found anti-lock sensor failed, rear fender is rusted on passenger side.
Consumer heard a noise coming from lower passenger's side of vehicle. After inspecting vehicle dealer determined subframe was cracked.
While driving metal support system completely split. Please provide any further information.
Had just pulled out onto the street then heard a snap. Checked , and noticed left rear wheel had kicked out sideways and was hitting the mud flap. Rear frame holding rear axle had broken in half. Rear axle needed to be strapped up before vehicle was towed to dealership.
Power lock on driver side doesn't work.
While driving 65 MPH with cruise control on vehicle sped up. While getting ready to exit off the highway vehicle stayed under cruise control module. As consumer attempted to slow down, vehicle was moving 65 MPH without any control from consumer. In order to make vehicle stop consumer had to press brake pedal with both feet, and shift vehicle into neutral. Eventually, vehicle was able to slow down, and consumer turned vehicle off, dealer replaced 2 lock tabs because one had slipped on the cruise causing it to stay on. Trip speedometer was replaced, it would not go past 799 miles. At 30 MPH and over, the over drive light will flash. Left front wheel cover was replaced due to it making ticking noises at lower speeds. Sliding door squeaked, dealer lubed the sliding door. Front rotors replaced and rear drums turned, a clicking noise was heard. *ak
Head gasket leaking, master cylinder froze up and caused smoke and damage to brake system on 3 wheels, ABS light kept coming on, in for repairs on several occasions and light was disconnected by dealer, engine light on: o2 sensor replaced, speedometer failed to register speeds, driverside window goes down while driving, replaced by dealer, door open light turns on randomly, sliding door fails to lock with electric locks. What is going to be next?
Nothing but problems since purchasing 1)door ajar light constantly illuminated-all doors checked none ajar 2) engine check light occasionally comes on-happened right after purchase and catalytic converter replaced obviously didn't fix problem 3)occasionally power windows/locks and A/C will go out unless adjustable fan speed turned to high 4)recently front passenger door will open at random usually during a turn-luckily no one sits in that seat 5)speedometer will occasionally flicker higher while driving at speeds greater than 65mph all of these problems have surfaced in the past 1-1.5 yrs and have continued since then.
Trailing arm attached to the body of rear axle fractured while driving at low speed. No evidence of any impact to the trailing arm or body of the rear axle. Dealer / manufacturer notified, and informed consumer that warranty expired, and vehicle was not covered under a recall. *ak
Qualified mechanic tried to repaid with electronic control module but this did not work. Locks are grinding constantly so we were forced to disconnect to avoid burning it up. This should be a recall situation.
When driving door locks automatically lock up. Also, door panel was ringing noise.
While driving or when vehicle is in different gears , door ajar chime will sound when the doors are actually closed. Also, the ABS brake warning light illuminates, indicating a malfunction within the ABS system. Cause unknown. Please give any further details.
Reoccurring/ ongoing problem with automatic lock locking all doors without system being on. Door should only lock when shifted into drive, but there are times it locks itself without cause. Can the federal safety agency help in this matter.
The front subframe bushing rotted / corroded. Dealer has been contacted. *ak
Front brake rotors: due to rotors warping, they have been replaced 3 times since I purchased the vehicle. All have been covered under original warranty. Now, my warranty has expired, and therefore, I am stuck with any future problems. Passenger side sliding door: rust was found on inside bottom of door. It was temporarily fixed; dealer is waiting for ford to approve new door to be installed (under original warranty).
The electrical door lock for the back tailgate , does not automatically lock when vehicle is put into drive. The dealer is aware of the problem. The problem has not been corrected.
Light for door ajar, comes on when door is closed. When at stop light/sign, door chimes would sound. When speeding up, chimes go off, but door ajar. And light stays on. An intermittent problem. Been to dealer & was informed will not check until it happens again.
No summary listed for this vehicle.
A popping noise was coming from the front end. Four bolts and mounts attached to the frame had deteriorated and needed to be replaced. Ford manufacturer states the vehicle was out of warranty and cannot duplicate the problem.
Had the sub-frame insulator replaced twice. Had new ABS brakes put on vehicle. The rotors were cut twice. The subframe bushing thread loader was worn down. Tie rods replaced twice, and the struts were replaced twice also.
Outer hood panel separated from body of vehicle prior to recall (97v‑180). In addition, replaced front electric door latch/multifunctioned wiper switch/windshield wiper switch/engine cylinder head gaskets due to coolant leak, and differential seal.
Recall no. 97v180000; there is no sign that that recall work has been taken care.
The automactic locks will not unlock when using the manufacturer's key. The van has been repaired (8) times within the last year for this problem, scheduled for appointment again on december 20, 1997.
Pinch point on rear door upon opening. Owner has to open with palm and squeeze upward with four fingers, still pinching motion.
Driving approxiamtely 55mph when the top part of the hood just flew off the van. This is a two part hood and the bottom part was still locked. Vehicle was also involved in a minor accident while going 20-25 MPH. Took in for repair, but did not get repaired because they said it was not under warranty.
VIN decoder
See the problems and recalls for an exact car
Buying a used 1996 Ford Windstar?
Check the exact car before you pay: accidents, salvage or flood titles, odometer readings and previous owners.
Check its history