2000 ford windstar, on numerous occasions while on a hill,the brake pedal went to the floor and the vehicle would not stop. Pulled emergency brake, but was not in time to stop vehicle from crashing into dumpster and causing extensive rear end damage. Dealer was unable to locate reason for failure, still having braking difficulties when on incline and backing. Date given is estimate, paper work at home.
2000 Ford Windstar brakes complaints
Page 13 of 14: complaints 341 to 370 of 384, newest first, as owners wrote them.
I complained of a rattling noise sounding like chains under the hood of the van , starting from 7,700 miles to the present. Each time taking it in and being told that they could not find a problem, to them fixing something and the noise still being there. I stated to them on several occasions that the van was not riding right. I complained of a loud grinding noise when I turned the wheel. Again, they said nothing was wrong. The brakes where always rubbing and they replaced the pads. I was told semi-metallic pads make noises. They replaced the computer, because I complained that upon accleration the van would make a pinging noise. I was told it was combustion with the gas. I followed there recommendations about what gas to use, and other things to do. It still continued and they stated that they could do nothing else about it. I owned a '98 winstar and never had these problems and it did not drive the way my 2000 did. Right now the van is sitting in my garage, with a broken transmission and I cannot get help from ford.I lease the van and I refuse to pay for repairs on a van, that ford should be resposible for. My lease is almost over and they should back their product up. I put alot of extra money in this van to keep it well maintained. I feel ford should help me.
The ABS system still is not working right. The mechanics say that the ABS and the emissions could very well be caused by the same problem - a faulty computer. Both modules have been diagnosed to be bad, however, the local ford dealership has been unwilling to use a "post warranty adjustment" to help fix this problem. It seems unreasonable that with just over 60,000 miles these types of problems can be considered anything but manufacturer defects.
Right from the day I bought the van, I have had one issue or the other. Here are some of the major issues. 1. Tires - my new van had bumps on all 4 tires. Every tire dealer told me they would burst on driving. They were general tires. I went to ford many times and opened a case with them also to no avail. After 12,000 miles, I decided to buy 4 new tires myself for the safety of my family at my own expense. 2. At 15,000 miles, I had to get my front brakes changed as they had reached their end of life. 3. At 15,000 miles, I also had to get my transmission fluid as well as drop pan changed as they worn out 4. At 30,000 miles, I had to get my front brake pads again changed (these were also worn out). What is surprising is that my rear brakes are fine 5. At 30,000 miles, I also had to get my transmission fluid as well as drop pan changed as they worn out 6. At 40,000 miles, my check engine light came on, for which I had to get the entire cooling system changed as well as had major engine work done to remove the light. The bill was in a few thousand, and I still don't know what they did to get it all fixed 7. At 45,000 miles, I had to get front rotors and brakes again. 8. At 45,000 miles I also had to get my front tie rods changed as they were squeaking 9. My automatic door sensor has never worked since I bought the van. If you shut the doors using the electronic door openers, and if something is in the way, it will still shut the door trapping the item, rather than reversing the process. 10. My drivers side power seats have just failed, and I am yet again faced with a large expense. I will never buy a ford again
The front disc brakes started vibrating with about 15000 miles on the vehicle. The dealer/service dept. Inspected and reported some possible warping had started.
The consumer stated that the anti-lock brake system warning light flashed intermittently while driving and the brakes made noise. The battery and wipers failed on the same day. The transmission was replaced but continued to experience problems. *ak
Consumer states that while braking and without warning ABS failed, causing the ABS light to come on. Dealer notified.
Both front disc brake calipers were leaking. The owner replaced the calipers on 6/22/2003. The owner also contacted the dealer on 6/23/2003.
Vehicle was parked in front of the house without prior warning it rolled down the street.
Brake pedal went to the floor when attempting to slow down on a hill. Vehicle eventually stopped. This is not the first occurrence.
When the driver applied the brake the pedal went all the way tot he floor.
The vehicle experienced extended stopping distance, due to a faulty master cylinder.
Consumer transmission failed on the bay bridge. Nar 1-22-03 the consumer was experiencing problems with the transmission prior to the failure. The transmission would hesitate from 1st to 2nd gear, but the consumer was told on 2 occasions it was normal. The ABS lamp illuminated and the dealer replaced the relay. The windshield washer warning light had come on, the washer bottle had to replaced. The vehicle also shuddered while braking.
The vehicles brake pedal traveled to the floor board which resulted in extended stopping distance. The dealer stated that this was normal for vehicles equipped with ABS systems. *mr
Consumer state of having problems with brakes and also with the vehicle not starting. Dealer was contacted.please add more details. Ts
While vehicle was in a standing position with foot on brakes it launched several times. On one of the occasions vehicle had caused a minor collision, resulting in damage to bumper.
While vehicle was being serviced technician noticed that ABS system was broken .there was no warning from the ABS indication lights. Please provide further information.
Exciter ring came loose from axle assembly, causing ABS to intervene when it shouldn't have, with resultant loss of braking. This has occurred twice with this vehicle, the left axle in october 2001, at 24215 miles, and the right axle in may 2002, at 34625 miles. Both times we nearly rear-ended another car, when the ABS unexpectedly reduced braking power.
Rear brakes replaced for a cracked cylynder, numerous times returned for brakes feeling spongey, or none at all. We were told last oct 2001, it was a master cylinder problem, yet told they adjusted instead of replacing the master cylinder. We continue to have braking problems. The dealer humours me by checking them, informing us they are okay. I just had them checked again 2/22/2002, they informed me they had to adjust the e-brake. I am paying for a vehicle I feel far from safe in. What are my options??
The parking brake does not prevent the vehicle from rolling. Dealer & ford cust. Svc. People tell me it works as designed. They say we must pull the brake handle all the way up to the stop for it to work properly. This will, in fact, prevent the vehicle from rolling. However, my wife can not pull the brake lever this far up nor can she disengage it if I pull it to the stop. The emergency brake system is not effective for the primary driver of the vehicle.
Ongoing problem with excessive vibration from front end during braking. Local dealer , bayview ford lincoln-mercury in daphne al unable to resolve.
Brake pedal went most or all the way to floor, with very little ability to slow vehicle, producing rattling noise from wheel. Dealer reports "failed rf sensor ring, air bubbles in brake line, rear brakes need some adjustment".
When emegency brake lever is pulled there is no brake tension. If brake tension is present it will release unexpectedly, allowing vehicle to roll.
When putting vehicle in reverse and without warning vehicle accelerated backwards even though consumer had feet on brakes.
When pressing on brakes there was vibration, and brake pedal would go all the way down. Brakes just didn't feel right.
Back in december of 2000 we were driving home to virginia from nj and crossing over the del. Memorial bridge and slowing down to go through the toll when we lost our brakes. We wen straight through the toll booth but with smart and quick thinking I pulled the emergency brake to bring us to a stop. We had the vehicle towed and rented a rental car. The dealer in dover, del told us that it was a factory defect because the bolt came off the anti lock braking system. There was also not a safety device to hold it on. It should have had this. We reported this to ford three times but are still waiting for an apology or some restitution. Last week we were driving down the road and my son screamed that his seatbelt didn't work anymore. I pulled over and the seatbelt would not lock again. He now has to sit in the rear seat at all times.
Brake pedal goes completely to floor. Vehicle stops, but if in an emergency consumer doesn't know if it will stop. Dealer test drove another vehicle and the same thing happened. Dealer stated that it must be normal because other vehicle did the same thing.
Right front brake pad burnt off, rotor damaged. Upon inspection at dealer, three front brake pads were intected and operational, but thinned from normal wear and tear. The fourth, right front outside pad, was completely gone and the outside rotor sustan heavy damage. I was told by the service rep that it was normal to wear more one side than the other, however all three intact pads were very similar in wear. I was also told that ford designed its pad to last only 15,000 to 20,000 miles and then they were suppose to burn off, without any srcatch gaurd warning. According to the rep, damage to the rotor is normal and expected. The entire situation is obsurd. I explained that because of the uneven wear of the pads, that I believe there was a problem with the brake piston. I was then informed that only shops such as sear, walmart, and others feed customers that line so they can replace the part for more money. He stated that nothing can go wrong with the piston and that it was a myth.
When braking, drivers often press the accelerator at the same time. This is dangerous, as the driver has to move his foot and brake again, consiously avoiding the gas pedal.
Consumer was traveling about 5mph on a side street and hit a block of ice. She applied brakes, and vehicle kept going towards a fence. There were no injuries.
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