1999 Ford Windstar locks problems

Filed Sep 16, 2009 · Locks · 200,000 miles · CA

Tl*the contact owns a 1999 ford windstar. While driving 35 MPH, the rear passenger side door automatically opened twice on its own. The dealer advised the mechanic that they were unable to diagnose the failure or how to repair it. The service manager stated that dust on the cylinoid of the door mechanism could have caused the failure. The contact is concerned about the safety risk, defect as well as the child seats located in the back of the vehicle. The current and failure mileages were 200,000.

Filed Mar 2, 2009 · Brakes, Fuel system · 103,000 miles · MI

April 2008 lost fuel pump, and guage for gas level had fuel pump sending unit and filter replaced but gauge didnt come back it stayed on as a low fuel light permanently. Brake fluid leaking or excessive use by braking system had to fill about once weekly brakes though they had been replaced would just go out with no warning ABS light wasnt indicative due to fact its lighting up and staying lit was errratic. Replaced braking system and front end components (linkage pins gone, rotor that had gotten very hot and possibly started on fire due to brakes going out and heavy breaking needed to avoid accident death had to pump brakes rapidly to try to stop sometimes unable to stop brake pedal would stick on hard pumping when attempting to stop passenger side sliding door lock engaged and unable to engage.

Filed Oct 10, 2007 · Body, Electrical · 79,000 miles · OK

I purchased a 1999 ford windstar a few months ago. I have had nothing but problems with it. In fact, I have spent more than half of what I paid for the vehicle in repairs in only 2 months. The reason for my complaint is that the most recent repairs have involved items that I feel are extreme safety concerns. 1- the power doors on my vehicle to not lock/unlock properly, making it unable to open the sliding doors. This was looked at by the ford mechanic today. I was told that the door latches were bad and were "burning up" the door lock actuators. I'm not sure if this is the reason, but also lately, my door ajar light comes on my dash and the interior lights are coming on intermittently while driving. I have 3 children, two of them in car seats and unable to get them selves out of a car. I am concerned that if something were to happen such as an accident or an emergency situation that I would not be able to get my children out of the vehicle. I am paying to have this repaired at the tune of around $1,000.00 which I think is a real rip off, due to fords poorly manufactured vehicle. 2. My brake light stopped working on the left side of my van. I changed the bulb and tested it, and did not fix the problem. I then noticed that my rear tail light is now not working. I had this checked out by the mechanic today, and was told it is the rear electronic control module which is going to cost me nearly $600 to fix. I'm not sure what would cause such a thing to fail, but this is definitely a safety concern, where lights come into play. I could have been rear ended due to this malfunction. I'm beginning to wonder if ford is in the auto making/selling business, or the service business. It appears to me that they are poorly manufacturing vehicles only providing job security for the mechanics. Please investigate this situation. Any help in remedying this and getting ford to pay for their mistakes would be greatly appreciated.

Filed Nov 21, 2006 · Locks · 75,000 miles · NY · 1 injury

My 2-year old daughter's right hand was crushed in the power sliding door of our minivan. Her hand is too small for the safety sensor to detect it and therefore, the door latched and locked with her hand between the body pillar and the door.

Filed Aug 3, 2006 · Locks · 73,000 miles · MI

The latches on the vehicle are defective. The glove compartment latch will not open. The latch on cd storage will not work either and the latch on the hatchback is about ready to break...it doesn't always want to open.

Filed Jul 11, 2006 · Brakes, Locks · 110,000 miles · WI

Anti-lock brake light went on. I drove it this way for two months. 15 codes in the system. Ford dealer states it's the hydraulic and electric box. To repair both would cost 800.00 or so, which is including labor and parts. States it's a known problem of 1999 ford windstars. I have no anti-lock brakes when the ABS light is on. Declining to fix at this time, but a huge liablility for myself. Possiblity of brake failure not discussed at this time. I have already had to repair the upper intake manifold 500.00+ (at a ford dealer) and also had the door ajar problem, which was fixed at home here for 0$. This is the third and final problem listed on consumer reports that this vehicle is known for.

Filed Jan 5, 2006 · Locks · 115,000 miles · AZ

For several weeks, the door ajar light remains on despite the fact all the doors are closed; the automatic locking and manual locking will not work. After 10 to 15 minutes of driving, it will go out and the doors will finally lock. Today, while that light was on and the doors would not lock, the driver's side rear sliding door opened while the vehicle was being driven and making a turn. This is extremely dangerous. My grandchildren ride in this vehicle and it is totally unsafe!

Filed Sep 15, 2005 · Locks · 80,000 miles · KS

Both of the sliding door power locking mechanisms are malfunctioning. They no longer unlock with the switch. It is also impossible to pull the lock knob up. When the switch is pressed the door re-locks itself. If a person is sitting in the back seat, the door also will not open via the door handle or switch. This is a very dangerous situation if an emergency were to arise. Sometimes we can open it by holding down the front door switch and pulling the outside door hand at the same time. It doesn't work every time.

Filed Jul 5, 2005 · Electrical, Lights · 63,000 miles · VA · 1 injury

I opened electronic sliding driver side door on my 1999 ford windstar van to load the car for a weekend trip. I kneeled in the door opening to position things in the back seat. Without warning the door began to shut on its own. Before I could jump out of the car, it had my calves stuck in the door. It did not automatically open as I was informed it should have when it hit my legs. My daughter was able to pull the door open and allow me to escape. My right calf was injured, though it did not break the skin, I have a large bruise from the doors impact approx. 2 inches high and 4 inches long. I took my car to the dealership (ted britt ford in fairfax virginia) where I purchased my van and carry an extended warranty. They have had my car in for numerous repairs, all related to the doors malfunctioning or other electrical problems. This is the first time there was an injury due to the door failure. My car is currently still in the shop for this malfunction. **about the number of failures listed below: I am uncertain if I should indicate one failure which resulted in an injurry or the multiple failures of the doors opening, refusing to open, or refusing to close that proceeded this last incident. I wll indicate one failure, meaning this last one. Please call or email if I should indicate all the door failures we have incountered to date. **I am also a bit concerned as the repair department at ted britt ford in fairfax, where my van is regularly serviced, indicated that he believes it would have been impossible for the door to shut without my having done something to cause it. I am absolutely certain I could not have accidentally close the door. I am concerned they may not check out this problem adequately and just decide it was operator error. I reminded them of the multiple other door failures and electrical problems. I also let them know the lights in the van (that come on when you open a door), go on and off when I go over bumps as I am driving.

Filed Feb 1, 2005 · Locks · UT

We own a 1999 ford windstar. We bought it in november of 2001. We have had many problems with the power doors. We have taken it in to the ford dealer repair shop to get fixed while under warranty, but have never had them working right. The doors very rarely shut tightly and when they do they pop open while in drive. On a few occasions the doors have opened completely. I worry that my children might get seriously injured if this is not taken care of. Has anyone else complained about this?