2002 Ford Windstar: windshield wiper failure

Filed Apr 27, 2015 · Electrical, Lights · 155,000 miles · FL

Tl* the contact owns a 2002 ford windstar. While driving approximately 60 MPH in rainy conditions, the vehicle began to jerk. The entire instrument panel, headlights, windshield wipers, and power windows failed to operate. The engine warning indicator illuminated intermittently. The vehicle was maneuvered to the side of the road until the rain subsided. After restarting, the failure persisted. The failure recurred twice. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic for diagnosis where a code was not detected. The manufacturer was not notified of the issue. The approximate failure mileage was 155,000.

Filed Mar 21, 2014 · Acceleration, Brakes · WI · fire

On june 16, 2006, while vehicle was parked in a parking lot, someone informed us that my 2002 ford windstar was smoking from under the hood. An internal fire occurred, damaging the wiring harness and windshield wiper motor. Unaware to the cause of said fire the damaged parts were replaced. Then other problems started to arise, the vehicle cruise control stopped working, the ABS/brake light remained on and the speedometer was not working properly (not accurately reading). The local ford dealer was informed of the before-mentioned problems including the internal fire that had occurred , at the time of the initial brake pressure deactivation switch recall. The dealer stated that the brake pressure deactivation switch indeed was leaking and that they supposedly checked the ABS control module. Still the ABS/brake light remained on and the speedometer did not work properly. On 3/14/14 the windstar was taken to a local garage to diagnose the ABS/brake issues again. It was determined that said unit needed to be replaced. The ABS module was subsequently removed and examined the control module (3/21/2014). The ABS module suffered an internal fire and the wiring harness connector was melted and damaged. Also found was evidence of significant burning around the pins at the connections. This evidence included the blackened fluid, severe discoloration, and lifted traces, all of which are clearly apparent in photos of the module interior. The local dealer refused to repair or replace the module under the recall claim, stating that it was not part of the recall, and that said recall was closed. Ford has been negligent in this matter and luckily the vehicle prior to today, has not become a runaway fire event and burned to the ground!! At this time the vehicle has not been repaired, and is sitting idle. I have kept the damaged control module for examination.

Filed Mar 26, 2013 · Airbags, Transmission · MI

My 2002 ford windstar van gear shift pin keep coming up and I have to take it to a shop so they can put the pin back in 3 times. My gears do not shift right it shifts hard. I brought this van brand new in 2003. Also my air bag light stays on the avis ford body shop said my sensor is rusted out, also my ABS light stays on. I don't feel these things should go out. I have had many ford vehicle brand new for years and never had these problems. I still got to get these things repair. I also had two front windshield wiper motors put in and the wipes are still not right. Is there any help out there.

Filed Oct 10, 2011 · Electrical, Visibility · WI · fire

Vehicle was parked and someone noticed that smoke was coming from under the hood. An electrical fire had started from windshield wiper motor assembly and burnt through motor terminal guide. Both parts had to be replaced. If this problem was not caught early extensive fire damage would have occurred.

Filed Jun 9, 2009 · Visibility · 82,241 miles · PA · fire

Tl*the contact owns a 2002 ford windstar. The contact entered her vehicle and noticed thick white smoke inside the entire passenger compartment. The fire department arrived and disconnected the battery. They stated that an electrical fire had occurred. A police report was filed. There were no injuries. The vehicle was inspected by an insurance adjuster, who determined that the rear window wiper motor failed and caused the fire. The vehicle was labeled as destroyed due to the cost to clean the chemicals out of the vehicle, which was more than the vehicle's worth. The vehicle was taken to a local repair shop. The technician stated that the window wiper motor caused the failure. The contact called the manufacturer and her VIN was requested. She was later informed that she needed to call her insurance company for further assistance. The failure mileage was 82,241.

Filed Nov 27, 2006 · Transmission · VA

I purchased a 2002 ford windstar in 2005. In october I took it in for inspection and needed to have all four tires (one of which had been replaced 6 months before), the windshield wipers, a break light bulb and front brakes replaced...needless to say it failed and I made an appointment to bring it back in (after saving to have it fixed)! I returned to the dealership in november. I was then told that there was a leak in the transmission which would need to be repaired. The cost, as quoted by the service rep, would be about $1,500!!! I had just spent over $700 for the other repairs! I have only had this vehicle for a little over a year! I have searched several websites and have found that the transmission is a frequent problem with windstar owners (of various years 1995-2002), some of which who have been forced to have the transmission fixed multiple times. This is an outrage! Ford needs to be held accountable for this problem! I cannot continue to sink countless dollars into this vehicle and I cannot trade it until the problems are corrected. This presents a serious issue for the someone like me, in the working middle-class. I will soon need to pick up a second job just to take care of repairs! This is crazy!! Please hold ford motor company accountable for such terrible production...especially on a issue they have been made aware of (transmission) for years! Thank you.

Filed Apr 25, 2005 · Brakes, Transmission · 22,600 miles · MI

When braking at any speed steering wheel vibrated heavily. Dealership repaired the front rotors/pads, but this did not resolve the problem. *ak had to change wiper blades one week later, they were rotten. Transmission problems, had to drive in 2nd gear all the to the dealer, also has a strong clunking while putting vehicle into any gear.

Filed Nov 5, 2004 · Visibility · 29,000 miles · NJ

My wife entered the car through the driver door. After starting the car, she heard a loud "pop". Then felt a cool breeze and noticed the rear window was mostly gone. A semicircle in the center of the window had blown out. The rear windshield wiper was hanging inside the van. The window had not been cracked or scratched and there was no ice on it. The temperature was around 45 degrees.

Filed Oct 12, 2004 · Visibility · TX

While driving, in inclement weather the windshield wipers would come on and go off intermittently. The dealer was aware of the problem. The mechanic informed the driver that the windshield wiper motor needed to be replaced please fill in additional information.

Filed Mar 23, 2004 · Visibility · 130 miles · OH

The windshield wipers extended beyond the vehicle's windshield. The consumer feels that this is a safety hazard. The blades are not stationary and need to be tightened regularly. The manufacturer and the dealer are aware of the problem. *nm during a winter storm, the wipers worked fine then all of a sudden the wiper arm and blades started moving to the left of the windshield completely off the windshield on the driver's side of the vehicle. This distorted the consumer's wife's vision. *sc