As I was traveling down the highway my ABS light came on and the front end is making a very loud popping noise on both sides. Since the front end began popping the steering is unbelievably hard to control.
2000 Ford Windstar steering complaints
Page 2 of 4: complaints 11 to 40 of 72, newest first, as owners wrote them.
When shifting the car into p, r, n, or d, it makes a loud thumping sound and makes the whole car jerk. When I turn the steering wheel you can hear a loud grinding, creaky cracking like noise coming from the front of the car.
I was driving and about the make a turn but the steering wheel would not turn. The steering wheel was very tight and felt like it was pulling in the opposite direction of where I wanted to turn. My son was in the passengers seat and together we were able to turn in order to pull the car over and call the mechanic. This is the second time that this has happened.
All of the dashboard needles began flipping back and forth sporadically. They would bottom out below the 0 mark for a while registering no speed or gas tank amount and then start jumping around again. When I attempted to park the vehicle, the speedometer needle was lying across the bottom and kept the car from being able to go into park. At this point, the car was unable to be turned off completely, unable to be re-started, unable to steer and I had to hold my foot on the break in order to keep it from rolling. We were eventually able to start and then drive the vehicle home once the needle jumped back up. Once again in the driveway, it did the same thing and we had to drill a hole in the dash in order to manually move the needle out of the way so the van could be placed in park. We will be having it towed to a repair shop.
While having new tires installed, I was made aware that the sub frame was rusted and had holes in it. I had got a recall notice the day after ford put a new rear axle in the windstar. (did they not know about the new recall?) after having the sub frame kit parts installed, the passenger side sub frame was perforated, the noise from the right side under passenger feet started. I went back to dealer that did the repairs (bill brown in livonia, mi>) they said everything was tight and vehicle is safe to drive. The noise has got worse and louder. I called ford in dearborn and they said if bill brown says its safe then it is safe? I have to drive this car and the fact that is makes noise has me concerned. Ran it by bill brown after 6 months and took the service guy for a ride and he said he should look at it. The car started to pull to left and I went to the tire shop. Went by for a tire rotation and alignment, was informed the sub frame is cracked and only has 10 percent of metal left holding it together. Going to dealer this week...................lets see if it is safe to drive still!
11s16 example template, front lower control arm: see suspension and structure of vehicle. I do not see a recall that visibly includes california as a recall state. I have definitely experienced this or a similar issue. There appears to be a large scale recall and buyback program. My vehicle was positively identified for the cruise control/speed control recall and serviced at gosch ford in hemet, ca. I experienced more issues than only that, or even than that and the above. Contact for more information. Not limited to only this recall, vehicle experienced several issues, many of which were attended to with out of pocket funds, either to prevent, or due to, mechanical breakdown/failure. Please also consider axle recall, and additional for this vehicle. I need an assessment done on my ford 2000 windstar lx so I may be compensated for the total costs and damages and have the vehicle replaced or completely repaired to a safe, drivable condition. (right front corner of vehicle collided with an object, part(s) failure apparent as what appears to be the front lower control arm is detached. A separation of a front lower control arm rear attaching bracket may result in a lower control arm separation. A separation of both front subframe rear body mounts may result in separation of the steering intermediate shaft. Either condition could result in significant loss of steering control, increasing the risk of a crash. Front
I bought the 2000 ford windstar on 09/12/2012. It had 125,000 miles. After I bought it I immediately took it to the mechanic shop to have them check it over. They found that the outer and inner tie rod ends needed to be replaced. Also, the mechanics found that the transmission mounts needed to be replaced. Also, the front struts and the rear shocks needed to be replaced. Also, the front engine mount needed to be replaced. I had all that work completed for around $1,500. Then a few months later, the vehicle broke down in my front yard. I turned the vehicle off and looked under the hood and the serpantine belt was snapped in half and the vehicle was smoking a little bit. A had the vehicle towed to the mechanics for $50. The mechanics diagnosed the powertrain. The mechanics found that the A/C compressor clutch needed to be replaced and it also had to have a evac and recharge the A/C system. This costed me $705.98. A few months later, which is now, on 12/21/2012, the vehicle is starting to make a loud clicking noise from the engine, or atleast I think it is the engine. While I was driving, the vehicle slowed down like there was a power surge or something, like it was going to brake down, so I immediately put the hazard lights on and drove 15-20 miles below the speed limit, all the way until I could make it safely back home. I don't know what is wrong with it this time. I have already invested almost $2,000 into this vehicle and I have only owned it for about 3 months!
On 8/12/12 as I was driving to new york I notice that every time there is a weight transfer I heard a clunking sound on the right front, after returning to new jersey I took the vehicle to sears auto to have it check out and was told and shown the defect was with the frame work which a recall was done for in 2011. The repair that the did in 2011 to the frame was in my opinion a death trap and I would suggest that you send a inspector to inspect the repair that ford said they did to these frame work, the strap that they put on the frame in my opinion is like putting a band aid on a third degree burn. I took the vehicle back to ford dealer in hackensack nj and they are giving me a hard time, my vehicle has been there from friday and today is saturday @ 1430 they still haven't look at it, maybe because of the color of my skin the really don't care, but I don't think safety should come down to the color of a person skin. Thanks for your help.
Gauges go crazy and don't work half the time. Abs light is always on. Steering creeks. There is a recall for my make, model, and year but ford somehow says it is not part of the recall but may become a recall in the future. This is not acceptable. Does someone have to die before they will listen and act?
The subframe on the passenger side where the bracket for the front stabilizer is attached rusted completely through, causing the stabilizer bar to break loose.
My son was driving on the highway. While driving at 40 miles per hour the back axel fractured. This resulted in him crashing into the center cement devider as well as the from left control arm breaking as well. He had to go to the hospital and get checked out. It is a shame that I have to find out about this recall through my insurer.
Massively erratic behavior of the instrument cluster. All of the gauges; the speedometer and RPM gauges, heat and all just jump rapidly up and down. Sometimes they give false indicators. The heat meter arm goes up when it is not hot. It's really scary. It's been going on for weeks. It doesn't happen often and I am not sure why it happens. This is a minivan I.e. A family car. I cannot wait to get rid of this car. I'll never buy a ford again.
Tl* the contact owns a 2000 ford windstar. The contact stated that the power steering pump failed four times in one year. The contact's mechanic advised that the power steering pump was defective. The failure mileage was 150,000 and the current mileage was 170,000.
2000 ford windstar lx power steering failed and needed replacement at about 75,000.
Tl* the contact owns a 2000 ford windstar. The contact stated that he received notification of the federal safety agency campaign id numbers: 10v385000 (suspension: rear:axle: non-powered axle assembly), 00v351000 (electrical system:wiring:interior/under dash) and 01v261000 (visibility: windshield wiper/washer: motor) and the vehicle was taken to the dealer for repairs. The vehicle was left with the dealer for over a month and once the vehicle was released to the contact, the power steering would abnormally pull the vehicle to the right. In addition, the windshield washer would only spray to one side instead of both. The anti-lock brake warning light was also illuminating on a consistent basis. The dealer was contacted and they advised him to junk the vehicle. The manufacturer was not contacted. The failure mileage was approximately 159,000.
On 4 or 5 occasions over several days in early december, we lost control of the van's steering while making a turn. The van would just continue to careen in whatever direction it was heading. I scheduled service with my ford dealer, but when it was taken in, they said my rear axle was cracked and they couldn't test the steering until such time as the axle could be replaced. I noticed there was an investigation into front end problems on windstars as well, and thought I should report my problem.
I was driving 55mph on dixie highway in groveland twp., mi. My mounting bracket that is a factory weld to the engine cradle broke away from the engine cradle and pulled my drive shaft out of the transmission. This is on a 2000 ford windstar. The weld broke due to corrosion from salt eating away the weld itself. My vehicle is undrivable, luckily no one was hurt. I had myself and my 3 children under the age of 7 in the vehicle at the time of the incident. Ford motor company is telling me that there is not a recall on my vehicle and that they will not pay to tow it to the dealership or to fix it. I am appalled by this. This is clearly a design defect and not my responsibility to fix. The detroit free press had an article on this very problem on december 23, 2010. It stated there have already been over 300 claims of my nature. The article stated this organization was investigating this matter. I ask for any help you can give me in getting ford to fix my vehicle.
We purchased our 2000 ford windstar van in late september, 2010. Within the past month, beginning in mid november, we noticed a moaning and/or grinding sound when turning the steering wheel. I have read many similar complaints online and people mentioning that they lost control of their steering eventually and this worries me, as we just purchased this used windstar when our previous vehicle was totaled in a nearly fatal accident. I am concerned for my family's safety, which includes 2 young children. I hope ford takes notice of these many complaints and stop putting the lives of many in potential danger. I drive over a waterway bridge, each and every day and if this is a safety hazard, I would like to have it addressed. I would like my vehicle recalled for the sake of my family's safety.
Check engine light has been on for several thousand miles, from about 40,000 to current 130,000. The code that comes up can be 1 of about 10 things. Nothing corrects this. I have the 3.8l engine and the "check engine" light has been on. Had a mechanic pull the codes up and they are bank 1 running lean and bank 2 running lean (p0171) and (p0174). Was told could be mass airflow sensor, o2 sensor (1 of 4), vacuum issues, head gasket or a few others. I have replaced the maf sensor and all 4 o2 sensors at about $200.00 a piece. Still on. 2nd issue. Noise from front end when turning. 3rd issue. Currently sitting at ford dealer with fractured rear axle for last month. Also ABS light goes on and off all the time.
2000 ford windstar, the control arm front passenger side detached from the frame while my wife was driving to work on 11/19/10. Luckily there were no other cars coming or she would have hit them head on. All vehicle controls were lost; no steering , no transmission drive train. The vehicle swerved out of control until luckily, the vehicle stopped partly on the side of the road. The vehicle had to be towed. I also noticed a hole in the rear axle which there is a recall for. The vehicle obviously cannot be driven and I am unsure if the transmission is damaged due to the drive axle being pulled out of it.
During the replacement of the power steering unit, tie rod ends, and rack assembly, the mechanic, [xxx], from stone's auto service, inc., located at 350 north main st.; miamisburg, ohio 45342. Their telephone number is (937) 866-3674, noticed excessive rust deterioration of the front subframe of the vehicle. The mechanic stated, on the invoice statement, the front frame is unsafe. He recommended we not drive the vehicle because it is unsafe, due to the rusted front subframe. We were told the entire front subframe could fall off at anytime. The mechanic suggested we take the vehicle to the dealer where we purchased the vehicle, which is interstate ford, inc. The dealership is located at: 125 alexandersville road; miamisburg, ohio 45342. The phone number for the dealership is (937) 866-1737. We took the vehicle to interstate ford, inc., which their mechanic inspected the vehicle and advised us not to drive the vehicle, because the vehicle is unsafe. In fact, the owner of interstate ford, inc., chuck george said this vehicle is unsafe to drive. He advised us, ford has not had any 'recall' for rusting subframe in the front end of the windstar vehicle. Although, mr. George did tell us that ford has issued a recall for ford windstar vehicles due to rusting subframe of the vehicle's back subframe. Mr. George provided us a quote of $1,533.05, to repair the front subframe rusting matter. We have since had the repair completed and paid the bill of $1,533.05 to interstate ford, inc. We are identified as customer number 30231 at interstate ford, inc. Connie a. Lipscomb is the advisor, who worked directly on this issue. This was completed and paid on october 28, 2010. Please be notified, I have 3 photos, taken by [xxx], at the ford dealership, of the rusted subframe. Email me requesting the photos and advise me instructions to attach the photos and where to email them and to who's attention. Information redacted pursuant to the freedom of information act (foia), 5 u.s.c. 552(b)(6).
The subframe, located at the front underside of the 2000 windstar, is supposed to help keep the engine and other integral parts of the windstar in place and stable. It has been compromised on this vehicle with 185,000 miles, and broke during a turn into a park after church on the aforementioned date (10-10-10). Fortunately the results were not deadly but could have been if we were driving on the interstate which we frequently do. What happened was a detachment of the drive axle (half shaft) from the transmission, which occurred when the lower control arm mount separated and caused the wheel to pull free from the drive axle. Furthermore there were no warnings prior to any of the aforementioned failures. The area of the subframe affected by this corrosion is located on the passenger side where it attaches to the lower control arm. This is the first time it has occurred. This vehicle was towed to tps transmission in toledo oh and is being repaired. The sub frame is being replaced and I will ask that the old part be returned. In the meantime what is going to be done with this obvious growing problem?
Tl* the contact owns a 2000 ford windstar. The contact stated that the engine would not shut off after several attempts. In order to shut off the engine, the contact disconnected the distributor cable. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic who stated that the failure may have been attributed to a defect within the steering column. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer would not offer any assistance. The current and failure mileages were 150,000.
Tl*the contact owns a 2000 ford windstar. He received a recall notice for the cruise control switch. He stated that the cruise control failed prior to receiving the recall notice and the vehicle caught fire. Prior to the fire the dealer stated that they would need perform a diagnostic test. Ford confirmed that the switch should be repaired without diagnostic testing. There have been no repairs. The failure is directly related to the federal safety agency campaign id number 09v399000, vehicle speed control. The failure and current mileage were unknown. Updated 11/08/10 * bf according to the paperwork, the consumer was in an accident due to the power steering failing. The consumer also stated all of the components on the instrument panel failed. Updated 11/10/10
The steering on the van starting feeling loose. We occasionally noticed a sound in rear right when pulling out of our driveway. Took it to the shop to check tires and shocks. They found the rear axle had snapped and was broken 75% of the way through. They replaced the rear axle.
Purchased a vehicle off of the white allen lot with additional coverage with wynn's plus extended warranty on may 31, 2009. In august 2009, the van is very loose and unsteady while driving. Took to grismer on september 5, 2009 to find that the front tie rods needed to be replaced. Still unsteady especially in the rear. On september 10, 2009 the rear axle beam broke in two! The warranty company will not cover, and I come to find out through researching that across the u.s. Thousands of persons have had this axle break on them nearly missing death on highways and byways. Ford is aware of the defective axle beam yet has made no attempt to my knowledge to recall. Lives are hanging in the balance and it seems they are more concerned about losing money. I can understand the concern especially with the economy the way it is. However, the consumer should not have to pay with their lives and the lives of their children because ford decided that money was more important than human life. Not to mention had they been more concerned about quality vs. Quantity, perhaps this would not be a complaint that thousands of people have to make. The money spent repairing the defect that is not covered ($1,000) still doesn't give you peace of mind that you and your family are safe because they have made no effort to replace the part with one that is not defective. You just replace it with another defective part! When did human life become so insignificant that a car company who knows that there is a safety issue, can ignore it putting lives at risk and make money off of the rolling dead! If you are like me, you need to get to work, pick up, drop off kids, go out of town. As long as there is no recall effort for this part, americans take the risk of never coming home to their families or their families not making it home from a little league football games, soccer, ballet etc. It is tragic and someone needs to do something before lives are lost. No action has been take.
2000 ford windstar lx van with approx 97,000 miles. My wife was driving at a slow speed in a parking lot and all of a sudden there was a loud bang and she could not steer the vehicle. Fortunately, she was able to stop the van. One wheel in the front was straight and the other front wheel was turned at a 45 degree angle. We had the car towed to the ford dealer. The problem was the sub frame rusted out, causing the transaxle to pull away from the transmission and dropping the engine. The repairs included replacing the sub frame assembly,transaxle, seals etc. The dealer told me that this was highly unusual for this to happen.... I contacted ford and they told me they would do nothing to cover any portion of the cost. I believe this is a safety related issue because if my wife was driving on the open road and this happened, she would not be able to steer the vehicle and the end result would be a collision. I have saved all the parts for future investigation.
Researching problems with my van I ran a search to see if there are any recalls or technical service bulletins for my current problem: a leaking rack and pinion. While searching I ran across a site (http://www.fordwindstarrecall.info/) regarding the brake pressure differential deactivation switch (2b264). I experienced the symptoms (without the fire) of the switch leaking and now have problems with the ABS light staying on and the dealer I took the van to told me the ABS module needs replacement. The electrical connector to the brake switch showed signs of heat like it shorted out. I asked the service rep at the time if there were any tsb's or recalls and I was told no. I replaced the switch and have had no other problems but I need to replace the ABS module. The switch was weeping fluid but failed unexpectedly and the brake master cylinder was nearly pumped out of fluid. Thinking about it had the master cylinder ran out of fluid and the ABS module rendered inactive from the dripping brake fluid the consequences could have been fire.
My wife and I were driving on I-94 in jackson, mi, on our way from ann arbor, mi, to chicago, il on friday 9/19/08 at approximately 10:30 am. Going 70 MPH, in the right lane (of two), the vehicle suddenly began veering off the pavement onto the grassy shoulder. The steering wheel was completely inoperable. We sheared off a road sign, which in the process, penetrated our radiator, and with me depressing the brake fully, we finally came to a stop off the highway after approximately 75 yards. We later learned that the right control arm had snapped off of the frame, thereby rendering the van unsteerable. Fortunately, we walked away from this frightening incident, but thoughts of what might have been remain with us. Our insurance adjuster deemed the vehicle a total loss. I hope that you will investigate this situation, as I have discovered in a simple google search that we are not alone in having experienced the terror of a defective control arm on a 2000 ford windstar.
Whining noise from power steering. Replaced pump on 5-18, still noisy. Found out on 5-21-07 that rack and pinion was bad, allowing fluid to leak into bellows boots one of which burst, spraying fluid all over dealership. Van could not be driven since boot will fill up with fluid again, spraying it on brake rotor. Dealer wanted $900 to replace rack and pinion. Checked on various websites. This seemed to be a common complaint with ford.
VIN decoder
See the problems and recalls for an exact car
Buying a used 2000 Ford Windstar?
Check the exact car before you pay: accidents, salvage or flood titles, odometer readings and previous owners.
Check its history