1998 Ford Windstar: brake failure

Filed Jan 7, 2011 · Body, Brakes · 81,250 miles · 00

1998 ford windstar has rusted engine subframe, which, if lets go would cause side axle and front tire to separate from van and cause loss of steering control,loss of braking, and possible accident.this was discovered while van was on ramp for oil change . Received recall on rear axle cracking and recall was done today by ford. Brought subframe problem to the dealers attention and they stated that ford was fully aware of this problem but could do nothing about it because ford had not issued a recall on this time. The service station owner which did my oil change expressed an opinion that he felt that the front subframe rusting was indeed much more of a concern than the cracking of the rear axle which has been recalled by ford. At present I am afraid to drive my windstar with this structural defect and I feel ford should remedy this defect in the same manner that they did with the cracking rear axle.

Filed Sep 16, 2009 · Brakes · MI · crash

1998 ford windstar brakes failed causing the vehicle to hit a gate in the closed toll booth lane. *kb ohio traffic crash report #10-0724-91

Filed Apr 19, 2007 · Lights · 123,000 miles · CA

1998 ford windstar - failure of brake pressure switch; caused all brake fluid to leak out of master cylinder, and subsequent brake failure. No accident caused (fortunately), could have been disastrous or fatal. Wife noticed that she could not stop vehicle just before entering the freeway; used the emergency brake to stop and drive the windstar home. I discovered massive amount of brake fluid had leaked onto the surrounding area, and the #30 fuse for cruise control, and ABS had blown.

Filed Aug 20, 2006 · Acceleration · 170,000 miles · FL

Even though the van I just purchased does not seem to have a recall on it I had total brake failure due to complete leaking out of all the brake fluid through the cruise control deactivation switch, the dual master cylinder is supposed to prevent this but it didn't. The switch on the bottom of the master cylinder and the fact that the rear wheel cylinders were seeping allowed all the fluid to leave after only three weeks of driving. I just purchased the vehicle. I had mechanics check it out and the switch is the same type that is causing the fires. I have to wonder if the leaking dripping on to hot motor parts could cause the fires as well as some electrical overload due to the brake fluid eating through plastic and rubber . I truly regret purchasing this vehicle before researching. I may be asking the dealer to trade me into another vehicle just due to not wanting to die at an early age due to fords lack of quality control it is a shame that any manufacturer can build any piece of junk without regards to end result and only worrying about the profit of selling and the fact that risk management after the fact of waiting for many to be effected by death or loss of vehicle to have a recall forced and fixing a bad design once pressed to do so. I feel the master cylinders whole safety is in that one chamber is most likely functional under most system failures of wheel cylinders , hoses, etc but having a part directly attached to the front chamber and with the common likelihood of rear wheel cylinder leakage at some point could lead to total system failure like I experienced. The fact that this master cylinder is hidden from easy view does not allow the owner to easily visualize a leak at this part. Why is brake fluid needed to actuate a deactivation of the cruise control wouldn't a switch (electrical or mechanical) placed with the brake pedal arm activating it a simpler way of making this happen.

Filed Mar 31, 2005 · Brakes, Suspension · OH

While driving at 75 MPH front coil spring snapped and broke, puncturing the front drivers side tire. Consumer had the coil spring replaced once. This was the second time this has happened. The front end of the vehicle completely dropped. Also, there was a brake failure. Two the federal safety agency recalls regarding front coil springs, recalls 01i007000 and 01v199000 were issued.

Filed Oct 24, 2003 · Brakes · 85,000 miles · MN

When the consumer applied the braked, the pedal went to the floor and the vehicle failed to stop, which caused extended stopping distance. The emergency brake had to be engaged to stop the vehicle. This was caused by a failure in the master brake cylinder.*ak the rear brakes were destroyed because the emergency brake had to be used to stop the vehicle. *ts

Filed Sep 21, 2003 · Brakes · 80,000 miles · NY · crash

Master cylinder and hc unit were replaced in january of 2003, in the shop for 6 weeks. On 9/19 brakes failed again. Result hitting a parked car. Told by dealer that same 2 parts were again bad.

Filed Nov 6, 2002 · Brakes · NY

Intermitent brake failure. Brakes go right to floor! Garage can not find problem. Replaced master cylinder not the problem. Have had problems with brakes for 1 year comes and goes. Traction control light starts blinking when brakes applied sharply. When cruise control is turned on the traction control light come on and the cruise does not work. Dt

Filed May 9, 2002 · Acceleration, Lights · IN · crash · 1 injury

Accelerator went down on its own while in reverse, no brakes to stop, resulting in a accident. Steering vibrates, recommend rotating the tires. Interior seats slightly twisted, door locks works sometime, interior lights work sometimes.

Filed Nov 5, 2001 · Brakes · NY

While traveling approximately 5 MPH brakes failed. Consumer was able to stop vehicle without incident. Component that failed was brake caliper. This vehicle was not affected by recall 98i003000. Please provide any additional information / attachments.

Filed Oct 4, 2001 · Brakes · FL

While driving 40 MPH, consumer attempted to stop vehicle by applying brakes, and brakes failed to slow vehicle down. Consumer eventually managed to stop vehicle. No determination has been made as to component that failed. *ak the consumer stated that master cylinder failed and was replaced. Gateway ford stated that the ABS was damaged and needs to be replaced.

Filed Aug 2, 2001 · Brakes · IN

Cost to owner was $562.48 .complaint is w/product (ford) not with dealer who checked recalls & did not find one ...even tho it was caused by corrosion. Serious problem w/no brakes and very expensive remedy for vehicle that is less than 3 yrs old!