2000 Ford Windstar: windshield wiper failure

Filed Feb 18, 2014 · Acceleration, Brakes · 99,505 miles · WA

The ABS and check engine lights went on (again, after I had numerous items repaired or replaced on this van). I went back to my mechanic who found that a part was needed, called the c1185 and is part of the ABS module system. I then went to ford dealership to see if this part could be replaced, and they told me that the manufacturer for this part had gone out of business and the part was no longer made! I have had these items repaired/replaced on this 2000 windstar since I bought the vehicle in december 2013: 1) ford dealership replaced ten-speed control deactivation switch per recall 2) my mechanic then repaired the electronic braking system, speedometer and odometer, which was tied in with the speed control deactivation switch (repairs were over $420) 3) my mechanic reinstalled improperly installed rear windshield wiper 4) my mechanic installed new battery

Filed Jul 2, 2013 · Electrical, Visibility · 105,259 miles · NY

Rear windshield wiper is not working. Mechanic states the rear wiper motor has water damage and must be replaced.

Filed Aug 6, 2012 · Acceleration, Brakes · 95,000 miles · MI

The ABS light began coming on intermittently for no known reason; gradually it has been on more. In recent weeks, have also begun having problems with the speed control working only intermittently, and last week the speedometer stopped working incorrectly; the highest speed it registers is 28-29 MPH, even though I know I'm going faster. The windshield wipers now suddenly work only on low or, if turned up to the highest possible setting, they go half speed. Two weeks ago a brake set up for no known reason, to the point that I smelled 'burning.' I stopped to investigate when traffic allowed and could see nothing wrong. I drove to a hospital where son was working and he investigated and found the frozen-up brake. He was able to eventually get it freed up. A vehicle that once was a very dependable workhorse has suddenly become erratic and downright scary.

Filed Jun 16, 2012 · Visibility · 60,000 miles · MA · fire

I have had to replace the wiper motor in this vehicle twice so far and now it has malfunctioned again and I will now need to replaced it again. That makes four wiper motors in one car. Ford disavows any responsibility for this in my windstar, even though it has recalled this motor in other 2000 windstar's. I don't understand why they won't be responsible for mine. It does all the things listed in the recall of 2001, loses intermittent, fails to work at all, turns on when I have it is on "off," and once, it even caught on fire when it was turned off and not in use. Needing 4 new wiper motors in one vehicle is clearly a design or manufacturing problem. This vehicle clearly should have been included in the 2001 recall for this very problem. How can I make ford take responsibility and fix this repeated problem once and for all? Thank you.

Filed Jan 4, 2012 · Visibility · 142,000 miles · MN

Tl* the contact owns a 2000 ford windstar. The contact stated that the vehicle was parked and smoke began to emit from under the hood. The contact did not see flames, but poured water under the hood to put out the smoke. The windshield wiper motor stopped functioning after the failure occurred. The vehicle was taken to an authorized dealer for a diagnostic test and the technician stated that water entered the wiper motor and started a fire. There was a recall under the federal safety agency campaign id number 01v261000 (visibility:windshield wiper/washer:motor), that may be related to the failure. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure and stated that the VIN was not included in the recall. The vehicle was not repaired. The approximate failure mileage was 142,000. Updated 02/22/12

Filed Aug 10, 2011 · Driver assistance, Electrical · 209,950 miles · MO

I own a 2000 ford windstar and the windshield wipers have quit working for the third time. This always seems to happen while I am driving in the rain, which is not safe at all, but yesterday it happened during a very heavy thunderstorm while I was driving down the interstate at 70 MPH! It has always been wiper motor failure and the motor needs to be replaced. I have seen a recall in the past on the 2000 ford windstar for this same complaint. I contacted my local dealership and they stated that my windstar was not included in this recall. As much of a hassle and an expense it is to have the wiper motor replaced, it's still not as much a hassle as it is dangerous to be driving a vehicle that not only do the wipers randomly quit working without any warning but the ABS and traction control will kick off all the time and ford won't fix or do anything about the failures that so many other windstar owners continue to have. How many recalls on safety issues do you have to have before the entire vehicle is recalled? The frame, the suspension, the wipers, the speed control system and the anti-lock brake system, all the things that a driver truly needs to safely transport their family around have been recalled on the windstar. This doesn't even touch the amount of money that has been spent on the lean system bank 1 & 2 error codes and the engine light still comes on for the same code. I'm sure this has a lot to do the terrible gas mileage that is not even close to what the original sticker quoted!. Or the torque converter issues in the transmission that had to be completely rebuilt. A lot of the windstar's issues started while it was still under warranty and just continued to get worse. If were up to me I would definitely call the vehicle a lemon. P.s. After talking to my neighbor, he also has replaced his windstar's wiper motor three times. Seems to be happening to more vehicles than just mine.

Filed Apr 21, 2011 · Brakes, Steering · 159,000 miles · MA

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.

Filed Dec 20, 2010 · Visibility · 156,000 miles · 00

This is the second time in 3 years I have to replace my tailgate window for my 2000 ford windstar. 2007 july, it just shattered without any sign/ warning when I was on my trip to the provincial park. I replaced it thinking about I may be the 'lucky one'! Last night again on my way to ottawa around kingston on hwy 401, it started from the wiper/ brake light area and shattered. My daughter was so afraid because she was seating at the back 2 times in a row!! I was questioning about the occurance and frequency??? I have to pay $400 for each replacement!!

Filed Apr 22, 2009 · Brakes, Electrical · MO

Cruise control stopped working, heat went out, odometer stopped working, speedometer stopped working, rear blowers stopped working, rear wiper stopped working, brake light came on. We replaced the brake fluid and changed the pads, this seemed to fix the problem momentarily but then the brakes stopped working again and the gas hand began to move slowly also. The brakes squeal really bad when stopping and turning and they have to be pressed to the floor in order to make the van stop.

Filed Aug 1, 2008 · Visibility · 70,000 miles · FL

I have a 2000 ford model sel - my wipers stopped working. I took it too ford to get the problem fixed since I have an extended warranty on my vehicle (intercontinental warranty services -iws - 1‑800‑333‑3028) iws first agreed to cover the repairs to the burned out wiper motor. Ford (305‑266‑3000) called iws to get an additional cable to be covered as well since the pins that were attached to that cable where also attached to the wiper motor and broke off. They got corroded with water and rust build up. Iws then decided to reject coverage since water damage is not covered in their policy. I spoke with iws and they gave me recall #01s25 and advised me ford would have to cover the repairs. I called ford back and they advised me that no recalls show up for my VIN#. However, I find that the same issue of this recall is affecting my vehicle as well and feel it needs to be covered by ford or iws. Www.customersaskford.com per mike (at ford, no recall shows up for my VIN#). I checked on the ford website and was advised that no recall shows for my car.

Filed May 15, 2008 · Visibility · 136,000 miles · OH

Tl*the contact owns a 2000 ford windstar. While driving in rainy weather conditions, the windshield wipers suddenly failed and impaired visibility. The dealer stated that his VIN was not included in the federal safety agency campaign id number 01v261000 (visibility:windshield wiper/washer:motor), although the failures were identical. The contact would be responsible for the repair costs. The manufacturer did not provide any assistance. The speed was unknown. The failure and current mileages were 136,000.

Filed Nov 23, 2007 · Visibility · 149,900 miles · NY

Tl*the contact owns a 2000 ford windstar. While driving 55 MPH, the contact heard a loud noise coming from the windshield wiper motor. The wipers and wiper park function worked intermittently. As of november 23, 2007, the dealer had not repaired the vehicle. The manufacturer stated that his VIN was not included in the federal safety agency campaign id number 01v261000 (visibility: windshield wiper/washer: motor). The failure mileage was 149,900 and current mileage was 150,000.