1998 ford windstar; front brakes seem to have continuous shimmy; passenger side door lock uncooperative unlocking with remote; engine light off/on often, doesn't seem to be a reason; electrical panel malfunctioning after 104,000 miles,(engine light constantly on, ABS light on, trac light constant flashing, and fuel gauge not reading gas in tank)
1998 Ford Windstar brakes complaints
Page 4 of 8: complaints 71 to 100 of 199, newest first, as owners wrote them.
On 12/7/01 my ABS light came on and the trac off light started blinking. I took it into the inver grove ford, mn and the diagnosis was broken wheel sensor and had to replace the ecu. That cost us $1600.00. Then on 12/8/02, the 2 lights came on again. I called ford very upset and was told that there is only a 12 month/12,000 miles warranty on the part. After another diagnostic test, it was determined the ecu again went out. Ford offered to pay $500.00 of the $1147.00 estimate, but it infuriates me that automobile companies can get away with this type of "highway robbery" and only warranty such an expensive piece for a short period of time. It is now a safety issue, because my anti-lock brakes do not work! What am I to do?
Vehicle shakes when applying brake at higher speed, more so when going downhill. Dealer turned rotors once. Did not remedy the problem. Mr
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
The sensor that controls the ABS braking system has failed and as a result the brakes no longer function properly. A technical service bulletin has been issued, however, ford refuses to replace the part. We have contacted both the dealer and ford directly to request that they pay to replace. This part should not fail on a vehicle with 43,000 miles, and they obviously know of the problem based on the technical service bulletins. I can provide the VIN number later if it would be helpful. Mr
Right front brake pads wear excessively within 75,000 miles with the replacement of (4) sets of pads for the front. Also, the owner indicates that he replaced the rotors twice, new high quality pads and rotors were installed, now the right front wheel shakes when applying the brakes, it appeared that he right front does all the braking. Nlm
No summary listed for above vehicle.
The head gaskets failed and were replaced. Also, the coolant flowing through the cylinders caused a major engine problem.
Owner didn't realize that emergency parking brake didn't release completely. Once she did realize thatowner released it. A 1 1/2 later, lost brakes completely while going through an intersection due to brake fluid boiling in master cylinder. Also,emergency brake was integrated with hydraulic system. Please describe details.
Brake fluid leaking. Have taken it in several times and they can't solve the problem. Simular to the 1996 windstar recall.
Consumer stateed both front tie rods failed and were replaced, also the steering rack was replaced.
While being driven at45 MPH, van stalled, resulting in steering wheel locking and brakes completely failing with no pressure. Owner had no other choice but to coast through an intersection with light. Please describe details.
This vehicle has had numerous braking problems/axles/sway bars/calipers/electrical problems
Abs sensor ring on right front wheel cracked. Abs light comes on. Dealer contacted.*ak
While driving 5 MPH, brakes completely shutdown. Pedal completely went to the floor with no force. Still not stopping the vehicle.*ak. The failure of the brake system was attributed to the failing of the hydraulic control unit.
Brake hose leak caused a sudden total loss of breaking power. Amazingly, there was no accident. The gasket failure was attended to at the first hint of a problem, since I had the same problem on my ford taurus one month prior.
Bugets uses as there repair person collins lincoln - mercury. No safety defect listed.
While driving and applying on brakes the pedal continues to merge to the floor, resulting in extended stopping distance. Mechanic does not know why brakes are malfunctioning.
I have complained about these 2 conditions since day one. Now that my warranty has run out, and I'm not working, they tell me I would have to pay. My ABS system is tearing away at my brake pads. The vehical grinds to a stop. To me, this is a safty issue, as I have a 13 month old son. I would hate to apply my brakes, and they are not there. My ABS light is on.....all the time. I am on disability, and have gone to the dealer regarding this issue. As far as the rear wiperm, it goes on when I put the van in reverse.......weather or not the front wipers are on.. Or not.
Antilock brake light comes on after 2 minutes of driving and stays on. Car has only 29000 miles and has only just gone over 3 years.
Vehicle was traveling aproximately 65mph and engine shut down. Power brakes and steering went out without warning. Brake pedal was pushed to the floor to stop vehicle. Dealer stated it would be too expensive to find out what was the cause.
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.
Ongoing probelm with excessive wear of brake pads /rotors on the left front wheel. Dealer notified. Feel free to provide any further information.
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.
The gear shift would not come out of park after starting the vehicle. Putting the vehicle in neutral before starting it and shifting it to drive corrected the problem.
The ABS warning light remains on while driving. I had the system checked by a mechanic and was told the ABS sensor was detecting a crack in a component used by the ABS system. I indicated that this was the result of a manufacturing defect and not wear and tear. The costs of the repairs will exceed $500.00 because the axle will need to be replaced. In my opinion this is a serious safety issue. Like others that have submitted similar complaints to your site, I purchased this vehicle primarily because of its safety features. I should not have to pay the costs of repairs for a manufacturing defect especially related to a safety feature.
No summary listed for abov evehicle.
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!
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!
The ABS system has failed on numerous occasions , twice due to control module failure, and several times due to cracked sensor rings and sensors. I have just had the module replaced for the second time and 3 days later the ABS light is on again. The last time it failed, my brakes were inoperative on dry pavement, alternately locking up and disengaging, I narrowly avoided collisions. I have noticed many similar reports and wonder when a recall is going to be ordered. Additionally I have experienced severe binding and grinding in the steering, particularly in cold weather or when the vehicle sits overnight. A firestone service center feels the problem is probably due to rack and pinion problems. I am told by ford that my vehicle not covered under nhts recall 97v165001. Again I notice many other similar reports . When is the federal safety agency recall 97v165001 going to be extended to include other production dates.l.
VIN decoder
See the problems and recalls for an exact car
Buying a used 1998 Ford Windstar?
Check the exact car before you pay: accidents, salvage or flood titles, odometer readings and previous owners.
Check its history