2001 Ford Windstar: engine knocking or ticking

Filed Aug 20, 2015 · Body · 61,400 miles · IN

Tl* the contact owns a 2001 ford windstar. The contact stated that while driving at various speeds, a knocking noise emitted from the front passenger side of the vehicle. The vehicle was taken to the dealer, who diagnosed that the frame engine cross member was corroded. The contact was informed by the dealer that the remedy for the federal safety agency campaign number: 11v030000 (structure) was performed approximately 4 years ago. The contact indicated that the vehicle had experienced additional failures related to the recall. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The failure mileage was 61,400.

Filed May 14, 2012 · Suspension · MO

Our rear axle has sheared in half three times. The third time (after they admitted a recall) we were 40 miles from home when it broke, ford told us there was nothing they could do since it was a saturday. We were forced to drive it home on the interstate, as a family of 6 in a town with no rental places we had no choice. Ford put their "patch kit" on my recalled axle last year, and it failed. Now they have given me a 1992 sable as a rental while my van is in the shop. My family can't fit in it, and my children can't even fasten their seatbelts in it, and one of my children has to sit in the front seat with the airbag. They told me there's nothing they can do. My subframe is under recall, as well as the control arms and body mounts. Fords fix for this is to patch them like they did my axle, which broke. Now I am stuck with a ticking time bomb and four children. Fords bandaids for these devestating failures only buys them a few months time, and puts lives at risk. My front end clicks when I turn, my tires rubbed all the way home on the broken axle, the transmission leaks horribly, the undercarriage is rusted and rotted beyond repair, and all these admitted faulty parts are being patched and sent out the door. I dont feel safe driving my kids around in this! And im being told my choices are buy a new van at my expense, or drive this one and take a chance!!

Filed Mar 28, 2012 · Body · IL

2001 ford windstar. Consumer writes in regards to ford recall #11s16 involving the subframe lower control are due to rust/corrosion *tgw the consumer was informed by his mechanic, that the steering issues he was experiencing were related to the subframe recall. Subframe brackets were installed at that time. However, while driving, the consumer heard a knocking sound coming from the right front passenger side of the vehicle, whenever there was a bump in the road. The consumer returned to his mechanic and was told the problem was still due to the subframe issue. The consumer stated the mechanic was surprised that the dealer had repaired the problem with a kit, instead of replacing the subframe. The consumer returned to the dealer and was informed the problem was with the sway bar, which had disconnected from the subframe, but it could not be repaired unless the rusted subframe was replaced at a cost of $ 2,781.00. The dealer sent ford pictures of the subframe, but they refused to replace it at their expense.

Filed May 1, 2011 · Electrical · 63,000 miles · IL

I bought my windstar used from a dealership.I was soooo happy to finally have a safe and big enough vehicle for my family. After purchasing my van I had to have some work done witch estimated at 1,000. Mechanic said it was normal wear and tear. After picking my van up from mechanic, I was driving home and the check engine light came on. I had several mechanics look the code up and they clear it(most likely what the dealership did to sell me the van). Each time it is cleared it still comes back on,and about 2 weeks after the last cleared code my ABS and brake lights keep coming on after only a few min of driving. I now see others are having the same problem as me.the new recall 01/27/11 I am sure that issue had not been fixed. I am pretty sure my subframe is bad too since I have been hearing a knocking noise for the last week. After reading everyone elses same issues with their windstar I promise I will not drive this vehicle and I am not going to go down without a fight. Ford please note I will not allow your company to take advantage of me and put my family in danger for your money hungry company. You will be hearing from me!I thought I purchased a safe van and now I will be stuck in my house with no transportation! I will have my van taken to a ford dealership and it will not sit for six months due to there being no parts!I can not believe their can be sooo many recalls on this van and ford still thinks it is safe!

Filed Sep 3, 2010 · Suspension · OK

I drive a 2001 ford windstar and was relieved to find out there has been a recall on the rear axle for this vehicle. I have been driving a ticking time bomb since may 2010 the tire pressure light came on the same day I drove the car off the lot and I have replaced four rear tires since. Not until I had my mechanic come and lift the vehicle up to see why I could not control the vehicle coming to work one morning did I realize the severity of the matter only after my 17 year old daughter was driving it the day before to run errands. Scary how the life of my child could have been lost because of such negligence. The van now sits at my job and is undriveable, and I found out the state I live in is not under this recall. What exactly will it take to realize the windstar is a hazard. I will fight to get this state added to the recall list, do what I need to do, talk to whom ever will listen.

Filed Jul 16, 2009 · Brakes, Electrical · 87,000 miles · MI

I have a 2001 ford windstar se van where the brake, ABS and traction control lights intermittently come on. When this happens, my understanding is that the ABS and traction control systems will not function normally. To me this is a safety concern. I have had a mechanic look at the problem and run the computer codes but was unable to determine the cause. I will have to bring this vehicle to the ford dealer and spend a bunch of money to have them fix it I'm sure. In the meantime, I understand that some vehicles experiencing this problem have started on fire (mine hasn't) but this is a ticking time bomb as this is the car my wife and children ride in. I believe that ford should have to perform a recall to fix or replace the faulty part(s).

Filed Jul 9, 2009 · Acceleration, Electrical · 91,000 miles · AZ

The cruise control stopped working and I thought it was a fuse blown. However, my wife was at a traffic light and a big puff of smoke came from under the hood of the car. We took it to a friend who worked for a ford dealership. He stated that the brake fluid from the reservoir had leaked onto the modules below and they had shorted out. He had seen this many times before and told us it would be about $1300 to get it fixed. As of today, we have not been able to afford the repair. We feel it is unsafe to drive; consequently, the car awaits a recall or a lottery win by us to get it repaired. I am thankful that my wife and other drivers were not injured when this happened. Engineers pride themselves on having an engineering solution for every problem. My hope is that this complaint will help them see the need, along with the others, to bear the burden of this repair, and probably engineer cars that are not slow-ticking time bombs.

Filed Mar 20, 2009 · Body, Steering · 108,000 miles · NJ

I started hearing a knocking -- popping noise whenever I turned the wheel. I took it to the mechanic and he said it could be the buckles in the steering rack. When I brought the van to be fixed, the mechanic stated that my problems are worse than that. The rear axle carrier is cracked and needs to be replaced and the front subframe to body is almost completely rusted through and needs to be replaced. He stated that he has seen this problem alot in 2001 ford wnidstars with mileage over 100,000 miles. My van has 108,000 miles. I have had many problems with this van including replacing struts, steering rack, ABS lights constantly on the dash. Check engine light on. All these issues have been addressed and still no resolution. I am very frustrated. This latest "mechanical" issue going to cost me way above $2000. I have always driven ford cars/vans. I am not sure if given the opportunity, if I would buy another ford vehicle. I am very disappointed with ford.

Filed Feb 29, 2008 · Acceleration, Engine · 98,000 miles · MS

Tl*the contact owns a 2001 ford windstar. The air conditioner, cruise control, and radio failed. The contact inspected the switch on the master cylinder and noticed that the switch for the cruise control was covered with fluid. The cruise control switch was replaced; however, the new switch also failed. He cut the wires to the switch in order to operate the vehicle. He then heard a knocking sound coming from the engine compartment. The lifters were replaced, but the knocking sound continued. The upper intake was replaced as well. The purchase date was unknown. The failure mileage was 98,000 and current mileage was 119,000.

Filed Feb 24, 2008 · Engine · 80,000 miles · PA

Cel came on and subsequent diag code revealed p0171/p0174/p0131 codes as does everyone else with similar problems. Replaced isolator bolts, port seals, clamshell seal, 2 other seals, and front valve cover, pcv valve and vac line, and fuel reg vac line. First 2 codes cleared, but misfire remained. Removed intake 2x and cleaned all seals, egr ports, and oil accumulation from inside intake. P0131 code remains. Next step is new spark plugs and wires (only 10,000 miles on new platinum plugs). Also have intermittent ABS/brake system lights come on as they wish and go off when vehicle turned off. When is ford going to step up and admit there is a problem with this entire vehicle ? I will not take my vehicle to a dealership to get ripped off for over $600 when it costs me $120 in parts alone to replace the tsb seals and intake bolts. I guess we shall see how long until my transmission goes out (knock on wood I made over 80,000 miles so far).

Filed Jan 20, 2006 · Engine · 60,500 miles · CA

Onset of dull "knocking" noise in running engine at idle; sound similar to connecting-rod or piston wrist-pin bearing knock, but does not increase in severity or frequency as engine speed changes. Simultaneous significant variation in engine idle speed (+/- 200 RPM @ 1,000 RPM idle), and rough transition to cruising speed. Dealership "found" that the internal plate of the plastic intake manifold had come loose and was shifting to produce sound. Dealership speculates that the engine intake manifold developed air / vacuum leaks, compromising engine idle. Owner deduces that dealer was familiar with similar vehicle problems effecting other windstars. At minimum, the "knock" could trigger expensive- and unnecessary engine repairs. At worst, the intake manifold malfunction could cause loss-of-power or engine inability to operate, triggering accident. A likely side-effect will be the reduction in engine operating efficiency / increase in fuel consumption, and compromises in engine emissions performance. Situation bears similarities to ford tsb sep 01, 2001 the federal safety agency item number: 625749: "make : ford model : windstar year : 2001 manufacturer : ford motor company service bulletin num : 15213 date of bulletin: sep 01, 2001 the federal safety agency item number: 625749 component: engine and engine cooling:engine:gasoline summary: some vehicles may exhibit an engine noise that sounds like a connecting-rod knock or lifter noise. *tt".

Filed Aug 26, 2002 · Engine · NY

Consumer has noticed a knocking noise in engine. Vehicle is at dealership at this time.