2002 Ford Windstar: loss of power steering

Filed Jul 15, 2016 · Suspension · 164,000 miles · MN

Tl* the contact owns a 2002 ford windstar. While driving approximately 30 MPH and making a right turn, the rear of the vehicle exhibited excessive vibration. The vehicle was maneuvered to the side of the road with caution where it was detected that the rear driver side axle fractured. As a result, there was a slight loss of steering control. The vehicle was towed to the dealer where it was diagnosed that the rear axle assembly would need to be replaced. The VIN was included in the federal safety agency campaign number: 15v608000 (suspension); however, the remedy did not mention the replacement of the axle assembly. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 164,000.

Filed Nov 26, 2015 · Steering · 129,637 miles · KS · crash

Leaving parking lot at work my car fully accelerated, lost steering and crashed into steel post. Inspection revealed both rear engine cradle mounts were completely rusted through causing rear engine cradle to drag on the ground. Which caused loss of steering, full throttle and crashed right front of vehicle.

Filed May 3, 2015 · Steering, Suspension · 102,000 miles · NY · crash

Total sudden loss of steering the car went off the road totally out of control. No notification of recall subframe collapse. Entire steering parts destroyed and coolant leaked from engine this is incredible that no one was injured I was about to get on the highway!!!

Filed Dec 2, 2010 · Electrical · 103,000 miles · OK

Serious intermittent electrical issues with 2002 ford windstar. Break and ABS light have been illuminated intermittently in the instrument cluster panel since purchasing the car in october 2007. Then in march 2010, after smelling electrical burning, the battery light began intermittently illuminating and go off when gas is applied for a few moments. Assuming possible alternator or battery issue, changed out the two components. Break and ABS light and battery again began illuminating, and door locks began not working. Ford dealer performed 2009 ABS recall correction, but electrical issues remained. Then all electrical components stopped while I was driving with my children on a busy street. Lost power steering, doors all locked, breaks went out, oddly the interior lights blinked on and off like an airplane emergency lighting would during a crash landing. Unable to unlock back door to remove my toddler from the car seat, and had to pray no one would slam me from behind while I crawled into the backseat and unlatched him (because back lights were not lit) then exited the car. Had to be jumped to restart. Changed 3 batteries and 4 alternators (2 were motor craft) since march 2010. One alternator blew within moments after the car was started after changing it. Mechanic mentioned he noticed an arc flash prior to its blowing. Replaced all new wires going into and out of the alternator, all new battery cables. Replaced serpentine belt and several fuses. Battery light still comes on. Took van to ford dealership, where they witnessed and acknowledged the illuminated battery light, hooked van up to electrical test equipment, and found nothing ($100). Hooked it up to the regular diagnostics test equipment (another $100) tried to sell me an intake manifold for $500 including labor (I didn't bite). They replaced the 2 door actuators on the front doors ($300) and then told me they were unable to diagnose the actual electrical problem. Lights still lit. Car reliability gone

Filed Jul 3, 2006 · 56,000 miles · NJ

2 times over the past 3 years we have turned on the air conditioner in our 2002 windstar and the car has lost power and stalled on the highway. The compressor failed and seemed to seize causing significant loss of power and the car to stall while on the highway. This is the second time and each time the air conditioning system needed to be replaced. The first time it happened the repair was covered under warranty but this time the repair cost more than $1100. The failure caused a loss of power in the car and caused the engine to stall, the steering was stiff and brakes became difficult due to lose of engine power.

Filed Jul 23, 2004 · Engine · 53,000 miles · NV

When coming to a stop sign engine stalled. Lost steering and brakes. Used emergency brake to stop van. Stuck in middle of intersection. Van was still in drive. Put van in park and was able to start van fine. Towed to dealership. No check engine light ever came on. Dealer can find nothing wrong.

Filed Apr 4, 2003 · 812 miles · NY

When the air conditioner and windshield defroster were turned on the engine seized, which caused the vehicle to lose power steering and brakes. The dealer replaced the air condition compressor twice. Ph

Filed Feb 25, 2003 · Electrical · 9,000 miles · NJ

On the date of the incident, I engaged the front windshield defrost button on the ventilation system. The engine immediately stalled, and I lost power steering and brakes. After that, every time the same button was pushed, the engine stalled. This is the second such occurrence, the last time was in april, 2002 when engaging the air conditioner caused the engine to stall.