2002 Ford Windstar engine problems

Filed Apr 19, 2025 · Acceleration, Electrical · ID

Manufacture Recall # 09S09 the federal safety agency Recall # 09V399000 Instrument cluster has become faulty. Details listed below. Overdrive (O/D) light will randomly start flashing for no reason ABS will randomly engage Parking brake light will randomly turn on Speedometer with become sporadic Transmission has trouble shifting gears due to tachometer becoming sporadic Vehicle will randomly try to die/stall out at a prolonged stop or while coming to a stop, even after all charging components have been replaces i.e. battery, alternator, drive belt, and cables.

Filed Sep 22, 2023 · Engine · 142,000 miles · CO

The contact owns a 2002 Ford Windstar. The contact stated while driving 60 MPH, the vehicle was wobbling uncontrollably and almost caused an accident. No warning light was illuminated. The vehicle was towed to an independent mechanic. The vehicle had been diagnosed by an independent mechanic. The contact was informed that the rear axle needed to be replaced. The vehicle was repaired. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure and provided no assistance. The failure mileage was approximately 142,000.

Filed Nov 29, 2022 · Acceleration, Electrical · SC

The gauges are acting crazy which causes the engine to jerk or the transmission and then it starts making the lights flicker in the interior and the gauges start sticking. It seems to make the overflow on the radiator to empty more because it is causing the sensors in the electrical for the parts to go crazy and run hot. Sometimes it only does it every so often but after getting the reserve hose on the power steering that connects to the reservoir to the coolant the battery was drained. Then going after getting it charged down the highway it caused the interior lights radio and seat and turn signals not to work when coming to a complete stop and it was idling the dashboard and all the lights were coming back on once given a guess it winded up not working again causing the battery to become hot or warm and acid you can smell in the air like rotten eggs. It is causing the overflow tank of the radiator to evaporate more or come out quicker and it is causing other component parts to react strangely which I'm afraid will cause a fire in the vehicle and the idling is not correct also on it now

Filed Aug 22, 2019 · Engine · 140,000 miles · OH

Tl* the contact owns a 2002 ford windstar. While driving and approaching a stop light, a loud noise occurred and the vehicle accelerated at a high speed. The contact depressed the brake pedal, but could not gain control or stop the vehicle. The steering wheel became loose and the contact quickly shifted into park. The contact powered off the engine. When the vehicle was restarted, the engine revved high. The contact powered off the engine again, exited the vehicle, opened the hood, and noticed that the serpentine belt was shredded. Also, the metal pulleys were cracked in several parts and some were missing. The contact noticed underneath the vehicle that the motor, subframe, and muffler were laying on the ground. A tow truck was called and the driver stated that the subframe gave out. The vehicle was towed to the contact's mother's residence. The vehicle was not taken to a dealer or an independent mechanic for diagnostic testing. The vehicle was not repaired. The VIN was included in the federal safety agency campaign number: 11v030000 (structure). The manufacturer was not notified of the failures. The approximate failure mileage was 140,000.

Filed Feb 16, 2015 · Brakes, Driver assistance · 120,000 miles · IL

Abs light and traction control light illuminates after driving forward 150 yards. Heavily salted chicago streets have caused corrosion under car. Suspect ABS failure due to salt and water corrosion in electrical connectors. High amperage ABS electrical wires could short- out and cause a fire; an environmental, pollution and safety issue.

Filed Dec 17, 2014 · Engine · 144,000 miles · NY

Tl* the contact owns a 2002 ford windstar. The contact stated that while reversing at low speeds, there was an abnormal noise and the engine detached from the vehicle. The vehicle was taken to a dealer where it was diagnosed that the bolts that support the tray for the engine and the frame were corroded. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The VIN was unavailable. The approximate failure mileage was 144,000.

Filed Jul 20, 2014 · Electrical, Engine · 166,000 miles · FL · fire

I was driving the van this afternoon on a public road when for no apparent reason the van started smoking from under the engine. I pulled into a automotive garage and got out of the van and it was still smoking badly. I individual who actually worked at the garage was on his way home from a restaurant and pulled into the parking area. He had me go into the vehicle to pull the latch to the hood and when he opened the hood the engine and other parts were engulfed with flames. They spread into the inside of the van and destroyed the dash board, windshield and other area. The roof on the inside was melting. They were able to put out the fire but the van is destroyed. The individual who stopped and helped me out is a mechanic at that particular garage and said it looked to him like a electrical problem started the fire. I am now without a vehicle. Personal items I had inside the van are ruined or destroyed.

Filed Apr 6, 2014 · Engine, Transmission · KY

Driving home, down country highway, vehicle had no noise or gave warning. Heard a loud hiss/noise, smoke screen appeared behind van, I coasted van off roadway. Had vehicle towed home. Upon checking, rod went thru engine and transmission casing. Am wondering if this has been a problem with this vehicle, because I heard of a similar incident just today with another windstar. Thank you.

Filed Jul 9, 2013 · Brakes, Electrical · 97,000 miles · FL

We bought our van in march 2012. By april 2012 we began noticing problems with shifting. It shifts hard. The windows stopped working in may 2012. The lights on the dash for the ABS and brakes are always on. The brakes are not very good and the pedal must be pushed hard to get the van to stop. Our biggest issue is with the transmission. The mechanic at aamco would not even change the fluid because if he changed the fluid then the transmission wouldn't be able to shift. I don't know the details but I do know that my van is not safe to drive.

Filed Jun 29, 2013 · Acceleration, Brakes · 121,000 miles · PA

Abs light and brake light have been on for months off and on. Have a slight brake fluid leak. Was backing into my driveway and the o/d light came on and started flashing, the odometer went blank, speedometer stopped working and the A/C began blowing hot air. Checked fuse #10 and found it was blown. Replaced fuse #10. Odometer and speedometer work but other lights still on. Have an appointment to have the van looked at tomorrow.