When making turns steering is very tight due to power steering fluid leaking from vehicle. Rack and pinion steering was replaced.
1999 Ford Windstar steering complaints
Page 6 of 7: complaints 131 to 160 of 184, newest first, as owners wrote them.
Steering is making weird sounds which causes noise to progress, steering would become stiff with some binding even after power steering added, condition remained the same. Dealer is unable to determine actual cause with replacement of the power steering pump/ tie rod ends, and rack assembly. *ak
No summary listed for above vehicle.
While driving vehicle began to make a loud grinding sound that became worse as consumer was driving, consumer was informed by a mechanic that the steering could have been lost, however the steering did go out briefly in dec and may, also the steering column was worked on nov 16, but consumer was informed that the 2 problems were not related, also there was a popping noise around the windshield, which was determined to be pillar molding warped.
Power steering went out briefly in dec. Of 2001. I thought it was due to moisture on the belts. Steering went out again, briefly on may 10, 2002. Again, I thought it was due to wet belts. Steering began to make a loud grinding,whining sound on may 12, 2002. We had our van towed to the dealership. We were told the entire power steering column would have to be replaced due to leaking seals under the van. Estimated cost; $700.00. I found a technical service bulletin on your website that fits the description of this problem. Do we have any recourse against ford? Our van is barely out of warranty. Can you help us? Our family of six could have been killed. The mechanic at the dealership said that the steering could have gone out completely. Thank you for your consideration. Jean marie smith.
Rack and pinion steering broke, and it became real hard to control vehicle.
On two separate occasions steering momentarily locked up while driving. Feel free to provide any further information.
Consumer stated the check engine light would illuminate, the engine would hesitate when accelerating, the dealer replaced the cam sensor, crankshaft sensor, replaced all the plugs with platinum, and replaced the upper and lower intake gaskets.
Power steering making noise and loosing fluid. Nlm
Power steering went out while traveling on highway. Consumer heard a clunking noise underneath hood area.
Rack and pinion steering had to be replaced while the consumer was driving. Steering froze up, and then it became harder to steer vehicle. *jg
A leak developed in power steering rack which caused vehicle to shake when turning end eventually to lose all power assisted steering.
When turning left, the steering wheel locks in position. Consumer was able to forcibly bring wheel back in the correct position. This happens intermittently. Contacted dealer and ford manufacturer and they stated there was nothing they could do because problem could not be duplicated. *ak consumer states that the gear type goes inside the steering wheel post rattles and may be broken.
Vehicle is leaking power steering fluid around bushing. A mechanic examined vehicle, and stated that problem could be with rack and pinion system. Please provide any additional information / documentation.
When making a turn steering would make a real loud noise. Soon after that steering was very difficult to turn and noise continued. Contacted dealer, and dealer was not willing to do anything.
Power steering pump unit had to be replaced on four occasions by dealer, from 28,000 miles to present. Currently, problem was reoccurring. Dealer had been notified. *ak the consumer stated that the power steering problem still exists right now and the unit would be replaced again.
While turning at a low speed, noticed a buzzing noise. Drove 4 miles to agency where van was purchased. Service tech. Stated it was a problem with the power steering pump. Advised not t drive van home. Next day, the tech. Stated that the power steer. Pump needed to be replace (cost of $320.). Two days later, same problem but now with leaking fluid. Dealer refused to tow back to dealership, no rental car offered. Tech. States that the rack and pinion needs replacing - no cost. At same time, advised tech. That car "misfires" at start up, especially in cold weather. Car "scoped" at a cost of $60. Replaced "air-intake valve". Again, two days later, same problem occurs. Agency currently finding parts to replace various sensors. No car for over one week but dealer has provided a rental.
At 36,500 miles power assist pump failed to operate while driving, causing loss of power steering. Dealer notified, and informed consumer that vehicle was not covered under any recall, and warranty expired. Feel free to provide any further information.
While driving, consumer could heard a noise coming from steering, just like when power steering was low in fluid, consumer then took vehicle to two different mechanics, they said that problem was with rack and pinion steering that had a leakage. Manufactrurer was contacted at the time, but could not provide any other help.*ak
The power steering on this vehicle went out as my wife was rounding a curve. She described it as going off and coming back on. When it stiffened up, she turned harder and it loosened up fast. This caused her to go partially off the right side of the road. She got it home and it would hardly turn while in the driveway. Power steering fluid is leaking from the right side rack and pinion boot. A ford dealer showed me article no. 01-5-6 dated march 8,2001 that discusses this issue and states it is for information only. Thank you for your time and help.
While driving under wet conditions power assisted steering failed. Dealer has examined vehicle and determined that cover under the vehicle which protects the engine needed to be replaced. Please provide any additional information / attachments.
My wife almost had an accident while trying to steer the car off the garden state parkway exit 102.
A leak developed in power steering rack which caused vehicle to lose all power assisted steering. Dealership has examined vehicle, and was repairing the problem. Please provide any additional information/attachments.
Binding/klunking/groan when turning when cold weather working w/ ford for over two years on problem /replaced rack, hoses /repositioned power steering hoses/ finally went to arbitration and ford bought back vehicle before going to arbitration board
No summary listed for abov evehicle.
When making a left turn driver heard a unusual noise coming from front end of vehicle. Vehicle was taken to repair shop wher emechanic noticed that power steeriing fluid was leaking, and rack and pinion had completely blown out. Dealer replaced rack and pinion. Please give any further details.
No summary listed for abov evehicle.
I have had more than 4 problems with this car in past two years that have been major problems. I would just like to see if other people have had as much problems with the steering and the van it's self.
Power steering has been making noise for almost two years. It is loud enough that others turn and stare. In addition, it now shudders and grinds when turning the wheel at a slow speed. It is not as easy to steer although it is not as hard as without power steering. I have been continually told ford motor is investigating the problem but it's been almost two years and nothing has been done. I've had several surgeries on my arm/hand and if I totally lose the power steering function, I'm not sure I could maintain the grip on the wheel if I needed to do some fast turning. The dealer has told us that there are many windstars with the same problem and that ford doesn't know how to fix it. I've also been told if I buy another new one, I may have the same problem as they still have not fixed the problem. We are at a loss as to how to deal with this. Who in the world would take a trade in car that costs $31,785 new but now sounds like a piece of junk. If I go back to the dealer and buy another windstar, I may have the same problem all over again according to ford. We were obviously sold a defective new product and have been trying to get the problem corrected for almost two years to no avail. *akthe dealer keeps telling us ford is working on the problem and when they figure it out, they'll fix our car. In the meantime, the noise and shuddering/grinding are driving us crazy. The only assistance ford motor has offered is a $2,000 customer appreciation certificate good only at joe machens ford for another ford product. Since I have need of a mini van and they are telling me the 2001 or 2001 windstar may have the same problem, I find their offer insulting. I'm very concerned, with the number of miles I drive, that the power steering will eventually fail since it is not as easy as when we first purchased the vehicle. With my arms/hands the way they are, I'm really not sure my grasp would allow for swift turning of the wheel should the need arise. Help!!
My mechanic has suggested that I contact you, I have contacted ford motor company, and they are not being of any assistance. My mechanic has stated that with the number of miles on my vehicle, the items that have failed should not have, and is unsafe. Please tell me how to go about getting some help from ford motor company thank you cynthia sora. No safety defect listed.
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