1999 Ford Windstar: fire, smoke or burning smell

Filed Sep 14, 2022 · Suspension · 130,000 miles · OH

The contact owns a 1999 Ford Windstar. The contact stated while driving approximately 55 MPH, he heard the rear driver’s side tire rubbing against the axle and then saw smoke coming from the tire. No warning light was illuminated. The contact then stated that the rear driver's side axle had fractured and was on the ground. The vehicle was towed to the residence. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. Neither the dealer nor the manufacturer was notified of the failure. The failure mileage was 130,000.

Filed Nov 26, 2019 · Steering, Transmission · 60,000 miles · PR · fire

I have 3 problems with my 1999 ford windstar which currently has 60,000 miles. One of them is the glass in front when I'm driving in the rain I have to turn on the wipers the driver's side in the middle part of the wiper stays wet while the passenger side cleans very well. The other problem I've always had is the powersteering when I'm driving, I'm going to turn to the side and the car turns off the guide gets hard and I can't straighten it to turn it on again. The last problem is the transmission, one day the family went all together in the car and shortly after we realized that it was overheating we parked in the grass we turned off the car and the part of the engine caught fire after the accident we realized that the transmission liquefied oil. I had the transmission repaired and began to give some tiresome every time I changed gears. The car is currently parked with the damaged transmission. I understand there is a recall for this transmission

Filed Nov 26, 2019 · Steering, Transmission · 60,000 miles · PR · fire

I have 3 problems with my 1999 ford windstar which currently has 60,000 miles. One of them is the glass in front when I'm driving in the rain I have to turn on the wipers the driver's side in the middle part of the wiper stays wet while the passenger side cleans very well. The other problem I've always had is the powersteering when I'm driving, I'm going to turn to the side and the car turns off the guide gets hard and I can't straighten it to turn it on again. The last problem is the transmission, one day the family went all together in the car and shortly after we realized that it was overheating we parked in the grass we turned off the car and the part of the engine caught fire after the accident we realized that the transmission liquefied oil. I had the transmission repaired and began to give some tiresome every time I changed gears. The car is currently parked with the damaged transmission. I understand there is a recall for the transmission

Filed Dec 31, 2013 · Brakes · 195,000 miles · CA · fire

We were pulling into a parking lot and smoke came from under the hood. I immediately shut the vehicle off and raised the hood. I am familiar with automobiles and determined that it was not oil or coolant smoke but an electrical burn in the making. I rapidly disconnected the battery and called for a tow truck and had the vehicle towed home. At the house, I reconnected the battery and nothing happened,then drove it for about 5 miles and the smoke came back. I immediately took the vehicle back to the house ( was very close) and disconnected the battery again. The smoke is coming from the ABS controller. I have done some online research and determined that there is a recall on this issue, so I called ford. They told me that my VIN was not included. I then called the factory help line and advised them of the situation. They wanted me to take the vehicle to the dealer, pay the bill and submit it for consideration. I am not included to do so, as I am afraid that the vehicle will catch fire.

Filed Apr 3, 2012 · Electrical · 86,037 miles · NJ · fire

Tl* the contact owns a 1999 ford windstar. The contact stated that the vehicle emitted white smoke and caught on fire. There were no injuries as a result of the fire however, the vehicle was destroyed. The vehicle was inspected and the failure was located at the wiring harness and the ABS pump module, which was leaking brake fluid. The failure caused the wiring harness to become burned. The failure and the current mileage was 86,037.

Filed Jan 2, 2012 · Acceleration, Brakes · 142,000 miles · NE · fire

I start my 99 ford windstar with my wife inside the vehicle and my two daugthers and my son when I saw smoke comming true the hood then I open the hood and my surprise was the brake pressure differential deactivation switch on fire I was so scared then I just take my kids and wife out of the vehicle and comback to stop the fire thanks god I have fire extinguisher close but we have to stop this from happening to someone else.

Filed Jun 30, 2011 · Engine · TX · fire

Went to pick up food and noticed my 99 ford windstar was smoking. I pulled over, lifted up the hood and it was on fire. It was put out with a fire extinguisher. Looked up online that there was a recall. Called ford, they were unwilling to help us at all. Told us we'd have to pay for a diagnostic/and towing. Finally got ahold of someone through ford who got that for no charge. Was told that it is the recalled piece that caused the fire. Now am told that it could take up to 15 days to find out if I can get a rental until the car is fixed.

Filed Apr 18, 2011 · Acceleration · 72,000 miles · FL

Recall repair work was completed for 09v399000 on vehicle. Vehicle now has ABS light and transaction control light. Ford advises issue where ABS module is faulty, as well as traction control concerns. However ford cannot diagnose transaction control until ABS module is replaced but will not cover the ABS module due to it not being in the recall. However, the vehicle is experiencing the same issues as other consumer complaints referencing this recall. I continue to have ABS issues as well as continue to smell a burning smell (similar to plastic burning).

Filed Apr 14, 2011 · Engine · 200,100 miles · NM · fire

Was driving a 1999 ford windstar stopped at work went in side a coworker was leaving ran back inside to tell me my 1999 windstar was on fire.

Filed Sep 2, 2010 · Transmission · 104,000 miles · MI · fire

Tl*the contact owns a 1999 ford windstar. While driving approximately 50 MPH the vehicle began to smoke in the rear with no warning signs from the dashboard. She smelled something burning and drove onto the emergency lane. Everyone was able to safely get out of the vehicle and a tow truck was called. The vehicle was towed to a local mechanic and then to the dealer. The dealer advised her that there was a total fracture in the rear axle. She was advised by the dealer that it would take 4 weeks to get the parts. The vehicle was not repaired. The approximate failure and current mileages were 104,000.

Filed Aug 1, 2010 · Acceleration, Electrical · 120,000 miles · FL

99 ford windstar has been having numerous battery problems in the last 6 months. Went through 3 batteries and 1 alternator. Took to ford dealership who couldn't find a problem. Told me there were no recalls for speed control deactivation switch. My 99 windstar was not included in this recall. Turns out car died today on major highway with electrical problem. Burning smell under hood. I am complaining because I deliberately asked about the speed control deactivation switch recall 2 weeks ago at ford dealership and was told by dominick that my car was not included in that recall. On oct. 13 2009 my car was included in that recall. My ABS light has been on for ages... My car has not been at ford dealership since oct 13 2009 so I know the recall was not previously performed. The dealer is courtesy ford in sanford florida... The car was towed to that location. It is sunday so the dealership is closed....

Filed Jul 11, 2010 · Body · 166,000 miles · PA

I have a 1999 ford windstar that I purchased used approximately 9 years ago. On friday, july 9th, I was on my way to the beach with two of my sons and had just crossed the delaware memorial bridge and had turned onto route 40 when I heard a loud noise. At first I thought I had a flat tire but then saw smoke coming from the back of the car and immediately pulled over. I was very alarmed to see that the rear axle of my car had completely broken in half and my tires were turned inward. Had this happened while crossing the bridge this could have resulted in a serious accident. I was very lucky that this happened where it did, even though I had to be towed from new jersey to pa. This is not an isolated incident with these vans as I have found out since friday. Something has to be done about this before a life is lost due to this defect.