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1996 Ford Windstar: rotors or pads wearing out early

7 of the 1,386 complaints about the 1996 Ford Windstar describe rotors or pads wearing out early.

owner complaints
7
of this car's complaints
1%
recalls
2
Is there a fix? There are 2 recalls and 24 service bulletins for this area of the car. See below

Rotors or pads wearing out early by model year

  • 2002
    2
  • 2000
    1
  • 1999
    1
  • 1998
    2
  • 1996
    7
  • 1995
    4

What owners say

Filed May 14, 2002 · Brakes · IL

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.

Filed Jun 19, 2001 · Engine · TN

3.8 liter engine. Premature wear of head gaskets. Head gaskets blewout, causing engine to go. Dealer has the vehicle.

Filed Jul 29, 1999 · Body, Brakes · NY

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).

Filed Sep 21, 1998 · Transmission · CA

Transmission failure. Abs light comes on, rear hatch failing to open, ignition switch failing to start vehicle, blower motor failure, front brake pads wear quicly, and hood recall.

Filed Aug 5, 1998 · Brakes · KS

The braking system malfunctioned, causing the front brake pads wear and tear at 20,000. Also ABS light came on, causing extended stopping distance.

Filed Oct 24, 1997 · Brakes · VA

The rotors warped and caused the windstar to shake when the brakes were applied. The rotors and brake pads were replaced in july of 1997 by dealership.

Filed Jun 30, 1997 · Brakes · CA

Vehicle's front disc brakes have premature wear and tear at 12,000. The brakes had to be replaced. Dealer stated that other windstars have the same problem.

Service bulletins that may apply

Related recalls

Service brakes, hydraulic: foundation components: hoses, lines/piping, and fittingsReported April 4, 2002 · 250,283 vehicles affected
What is wrong
On certain minivans originally sold in or currently registered in the states of connecticut, delaware, illinois, indiana, iowa, maine, maryland, massachusetts, michigan, minnesota, missouri, new hampshire, new jersey, new york, ohio, pennsylvania, rhode island, vermont, west virginia, wisconsin, and the district of columbia. During assembly, some brake lines were installed in a twisted position, causing contact with the dash panel insulator above the catalytic converter. This contact could abrade the brake line corrosion protection, consequently, salt or water absorbed in the dash panel insulator would promote corrosion. This corrosion could ultimately lead to a leak in the brake line.
Risk
Leakage of brake fluid will result in brake light activation. Extended stopping distance could also result, increasing the risk of a crash.
Remedy
Dealers will inspect the brake line for corrosion and clearance conditions. A brake line that is not corroded will be repositioned. A brake line that is corroded or leaking will be replaced with a nylon coated brake line and secured using three retaining clips to assure clearance from the insulator. Owner notification began may 10, 2002. Owners who take their vehicles to an authorized dealer on an agreed upon service date and do not receive the free remedy within a reasonable time should contact ford at 1‑866‑436‑7332.

Recall number 02V101000 · Recall details

Service brakes, hydraulic: foundation components: master cylinderReported June 14, 1999 · 789,723 vehicles affected
What is wrong
Vehicle description: minivans. The brake fluid master cylinder is recessed and oriented in the engine compartment so that the brake fluid warning statement embossed on both the top of the filler cap and the side of the reservoir body are not entirely visible by direct view. These vehicles may not fully comply with requirements of fmvss no. 135, "passenger car brake systems."
Remedy
Owners will be provided with new labels and installation instructions.

Recall number 99V147000 · Recall details

Questions about the 1996 Ford Windstar premature wear

Is rotors or pads wearing out early a common problem on the 1996 Ford Windstar?

7 of 1,386 owner complaints about the 1996 Ford Windstar (1%) mention rotors or pads wearing out early. The model year with the most reports is 1996.

Is there a recall or service bulletin for this on the 1996 Ford Windstar?

There are 2 recalls and 24 service bulletins for the same area of the car. Check them below with your VIN.

Other symptoms on the 1996 Ford Windstar

ABS 99Engine failure 83Check engine light 78Coil spring 63Overheating 57Brake failure 46Fire or smoke 41Transmission failure 40Misfire 30Stalling 27Ball joint 26Grinding brakes 25Adaptive cruise 22Slipping 16Loss of power 13Tire blowout 13Wipers 13Knocking 11Door locks 10Fuel leak 10Fuel smell 9Won't shift 9Sudden acceleration 9Jerking 8Harsh shifting 7Fuel pump 6Headlights 6Power steering loss 6Seat belt 6

All model years of the Ford Windstar

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