Brake calipers failed by getting stuck with the brake pad contacting the disc, causing premature brake pad wear. Mechanic reported seeing identical failures of this make and model.
1996 Ford Windstar brakes complaints
Page 4 of 9: complaints 71 to 100 of 229, newest first, as owners wrote them.
During routine maintenance check, dealer found head gasket had blown and the pistons broke. Dealer replaced head gasket and cylinder head, also consumer stated that the vehicle would run hot and then cool back down due to the blown had gasket.
At original new car deliver and recurring at approx. 800 mile increments, the traction control system (an component of the 4 wheel disk ABS option) disables itself and ceases to function. The car has been returned to the dealer and numerous complaints to ford have also been issues. I loss the value of traction control which is one of the reasons I purchsed this vehicle and paid a substantial upgrade fee for this option. Despite many attemtps to resolve the problem still continues. Traction control remains disabled until the car can be shut down and restarted. This is dangerous to do on a highway and means I go without traction control for long periods. This problem was also the source of a nys lemon law action. More than 4 ford dealerships have been asked to correct this problem without success.
The ABS light and check engine lights were on. The dealer mechanic replaced speed sensors and then told me the computer was also bad. He also told me that the main seal was leaking and said that ford had lots of problems with the 3.8l v6 engine. He told me I should get rid of the car.
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.
The left front excitor ring of the ABS system failed. Due to a crack in the ring, which allowed the ring to slide inward on the axle disengaging from the sensor. My wife came to the end of our driveway and attempted to stop. The antilock system prevented the brakes from engaging properly. The ABS light came on and I brought the vehicle to metro ford in raynham, mass. They said the ring is made right on the axle and can not be replaced by itself. And replaced the axle with ring. That info proved to be a lie as other ford dealers I later called said they replace just the ring all the time. I have 25 years of prof. Mechanic experience and I inspected and removed the axle to see if it showed any wear. *nlm *nlm **dimsii ivoq entry posted after 12/12/02 cut-over to artemis*755180
Engine check light and the air bag light would intermittentl/simutaneously come on and cause loss of acceleration while traveling at highway speed. Dealer notified. *ak consumer was informed that vehicle had a transmission leak, the speedometer was acting erractically, parking brake and brakes were inoperative,also the power windows were inoperative.
While traveling and applying brakes there is a grinding noise. She has to pump the brakes. Abs braking system doesn't kick in there is a thumping noise. Dealership is aware of problem.,
Abs false activated at low speed. Probably typical for a vehicle with such high mileage.
Ongoing problem with excessive wear and replacement of brake system. Pads/ rotors had to be replaced on five occasions within five years. Reoccurring problem of a squealing noise coming from wheel when brakes were applied. Feel free to provide any further information on this matter.
Consumer was traveling 30mph on side street and heard a noise. Consumer applied brakes, and pedal went all the way to the floor. Vehicle started pulling to right, she was able to control vehicle. Dealership was aware of problem. Mechanic stated that left rear backing plate and brake shoe anchor rivets sheared off.
Consumer replaced front brake pads for 2nd time. Pads were soft, and when they got hot they fade and stay covered with dust all the time. This was second time in a year, 6 months apart. Dealer stated it was a normal wear and tear.
I am also one that had to spend $1933.07 beause of head gasket problem. I have also replaced my brake pad 5 times. I have also bought new front tires 3 times in 3 years. The tire wear is unreal. I also have the problem of the odometer not working. The problem with the brakes and engine running sluggish have been since I purchased the van. The odd thing is you don't get warning signs. The check engine light would come on - go off. In order for the dealer to know what is wrong the check engine light must be on. Never had any sign of the engine overheating. Great driving van but many, many, many, many, many problems.
Spring broke as the car was being jacked up to do a brake pad replacement.
Consumer had to have whole head gasket set replaced, also brakes failed completly.
Master cylinder booster switch burned.
After having brakes repaired, owner was told brakes as repaired would have reduced braking performance because of defective rotors, mechanic stated that a number of ford rotors undergo a hardening when machine and there is no way to know in advance which rotors will machine properly and which ones will harden. Cj
Hydraulic line rusted through, causing consumer to lose brakes. Consumer had to use emergency brakes to get home.
While driving and upon making a sudden stop brake pedal goes all way to floorboard, causing extended stopping distance . Consumer has contacted dealer, dealer stated it was normal operation. Please provide any further details.
Brakes go soft to floor, have had lines bled 3 times, air in left front line each time, none in other 3. Problem seems to be coming back more frequently. Mechanic finds no fluid leak and master cylinder fluid is full.
The ABS light has come on over 3 occasions. The first two times occurred within 2 years after the purchase of the van therefore the repair was under warranty. The most recent incident was 06/2000 due to a wire short and the repair costed $219. Also, we just noticed that a piece of bar was broken off near the front alignment. Took the van to the shop and found out the sway bar was broken off. The repair shop indicated that this part usually lasts the life of the van unless we hit something hard. This was not the case and the repair will cost $430.
When brakes are applied to stop the van, a grinding sound is heard, a vibration is felt in the brake pedal, and stopping distance is increased. Abs light comes on occasionally. Dealer on 9/30/00 said brake system is ok. Problem persists.
My windstar has had several problems which cannot be found or corrected by the dealer until now, they can see that the slipping transmission needs to be replaced. I am afraid to spend $2,500 on a repair as the other "undetectable" problems are quite scary and have made me question the safety of this vehicle for a long time. The biggest problem is that the brakes will occasionaly "grab" hold of the front right tire for a split second while I am driving!! It happens and lets go so fast that it has never caused a problem but I am worried one day it won't let go! The car also has some electrical failings that just make me feel this car is not worth fixing, my speedometer bounces all over the place, the door ajar bell rings on and on sometimes, and the passanger window doesn't always go up and down. I really feel I need a new car, but am quite sad about having a $24,000 vehicle that is only 4 years old and is only worth $5,500 for a trade in. I have heard there were so many transmission & head gasket problems with the 95's that ford gives a special rebate upon trade in for a new ford, can you help me???
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
I applied my brakes at least 3 times and they did not grab or make any sound, no skid marks. I slid under the flat bed of a semi truck. My van was totaled. My daughter and I were injured. I called ford motor co., and was told they would do whatever my insurance agent said. My case is now under review with the adjuster board through nationwide insurance in dayton, ohio, where the accident occured. My adjuster said there is no way to check the anti lock system since there is a hole in the engine and the van can't be started. I would appreciate any help in this matter or suggestions.
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?
No summary
Speedometer fluctuated all over dial when car went over 30 MPH; transmission just failed while car was being operated, it failed to shift and did not move while in traffic; brakes fade when coming to a stop all the time (I have requested repairs repeatedly, told no problem detected); car continues to roll 6-8 inches when parked on an incline; rear suspension creaks when getting in and out of car; several leaks in engine had to be repaired (gasket??).
I had my front brakes replaced january 7 , 2000 . I recently heard a loud " tumping " noise in the right front wheel / axle assembly. I took the van back to the dealer for repairs. They replace the " sway bar / tie rods on the right side and did a suspension adjustment and assured me the problem was fixed. I took the van out of the parking lot only to return immediatly. I then took the " expert " front end mechanic for a test drive . He heard the noise for the " first " time and told me I now needed struts. This he said would solve my problem . I am scheduled to have this repair done on july 23 , 2000. I do not believe this to be my problem . Also I am concerned that my dealer as well as ford will not cover any of these repairs because the 36 months on my warranty has expired but not my 36,000 miles ( I am at 33,900 miles ) . If you could send any information on recalls , class action suits or helpful tips on what to do I would be forever gratefull . Thanks ron turner
Was parking vehicle on a street and pulling up into a corner parking spot, applied brakes, and vehicle kept on accelerating. Contacted dealer.
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