2003 Ford Windstar: brake failure

Filed Dec 22, 2018 · Brakes, Transmission · 71,018 miles · FL

Transmission slow to engage after sitting. This is not only a repeat problem after being repaired, but also after being totally replaced by ford dealer. Abs never recalled for scds 09s09. Constantly resetting and disengaging. After 15 years of ownership, I have yet to be notified of or had anything repaired under warranty. When the transmission quit working, my wife was driving ( when the RPM's went up and the transmission quit pulling) on a busy highway, in heavy traffic, no place to go. Nearly causing a horrific accident. With the ABS problem, anything indicating a brake failure, possible onboard fire, or loss of control, leaves you with a huge lack of confidence in the vehicle.

Filed Aug 15, 2018 · Brakes · 58,000 miles · FL

Tl* the contact owns a 2003 ford windstar. While driving various speeds, the brakes failed without warning and the ABS indicator illuminated. A dealer and the manufacturer were not made aware of the failure. The vehicle was not diagnosed. The contact, an independent mechanic, replaced the brake pads, but the failure recurred. The failure mileage was approximately 58,000.

Filed Apr 6, 2015 · Brakes · 102,000 miles · ND · crash

Tl* the contact owns a 2003 ford windstar. While driving approximately 65 MPH, the brakes failed without warning and caused the contact to crash the vehicle into a deer. The failure recurred on several occasions. The contact stated that the ABS and brake warning indicators were continuously illuminated. The contact did not specify if a police report was filed or if any injuries were sustained. The vehicle was not taken to the dealer. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 102,000.

Filed Aug 11, 2014 · Brakes · 147,703 miles · CO

Abs and brake warning lights on ip on - fluids checked as full - lights on with most driving - occasional will be on then go off for subsequent drives. No loss of brake feel or stopping ability. Brakes checked okay at last tire rotation service by conoco station.

Filed Feb 18, 2014 · Brakes, Transmission · NY

Tl* the contact owns a 2003 ford windstar. The contact stated that while driving approximately 30 MPH, the vehicle exhibited an abnormal noise. The contact noticed that the rear drivers side wheel was abnormally tilted inward. The vehicle was towed to the dealer where it was diagnosed that the axle was fractured and needed to be replaced. The vehicle was repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure and advised the contact that the vehicle was previously repaired under the federal safety agency campaign id number: 12v193000 (power train). The approximate failure and current mileage was unknown. Updated 03/26/14*lj the consumer stated cracks in the rear axle, were not visible and re-enforcement repairs were done, to the rear axle and front subframe lower control arm. However, the repair failed, while the consumers husband was driving. Ford wouldn't pay for the repairs. They stated they had already full-filled their obligations, when they made the re-enforcement. Also, the anti-lock brakes did not work. Updated 03/27/14

Filed Dec 6, 2012 · Brakes · 117,000 miles · PA

Abs light is on. Brake light is on intermittently. So far brake function is normal. Had mechanic perform diagnostic check on system. 12 codes appeared related to the brake ABS control. Was told that problem is with the ABS module. This issue would worsen and could cause massive brake failure. I have spoken with other owners of windstars and have heard of similar problems. This defect is not isolated to 2003 models. I know of other owners who drive 1998 2000 2001 windstars and are having the same issues.

Filed Aug 23, 2012 · Brakes · 61,255 miles · CA

My anti lock brakes stopped working. The cars ABS and brake warning lights come on and go off the past year.

Filed Aug 29, 2009 · Acceleration, Brakes · 141,285 miles · NM

Loss of brake fluid (problem # 1) melted brake deactivation switch (problem # 1) brake light on after brake service. (we think this back pressure brakes the deac switch) (problem # 1) brake light (red) (problem # 1 or problem # 2) 15 amp fuse #10 blowing out (problem # 1) fire or smoke coming from under the van ABS ECM area while off. (problem # 1) melted ABS ECM wiring connector. (problem # 1) speedometer and odometer stop working. (problem # 1) cruise control will not activate or deactivates without warning. (problem # 1) ABS brake light (yellow) (problem # 2 or problem # 1) ford trouble code c1185. (problem # 2 or problem # 1) brakes turn on squeel without warning. (problem

Filed May 16, 2009 · Brakes · 55,000 miles · OH

2003 ford windstar ABS brake failure. System has intermittent failure, smell something hot when it happens.

Filed May 31, 2006 · Brakes · OR · crash

My wife was in the process of parking her 2003 ford windstar in a parking lot. As she went to apply the brakes, the pedal went down to the level of the gas pedal causing her foot to engage both the brake and the accelerator at the same time. The car lurched forward and she hit a post (thankfully not a person). Probably did about a $1000 in damage. The reason I am writing is that this is the second time this has happened. The first time was about a month after we bought the vehicle. The same type of situation in a parking lot. At that time I called the ford dealer where we bought the car and inquired if there had been any bulletins about such a problem. I was told no. Now my wife could have been at fault but I believe there is a real problem with the brake system as I have experienced the same situation myself. When letting off the gas pedal at low speed and then touching the brake pedal, there feels like a loss of brake pressure momentarily. What then happens is that the brake pedal depresses to the level of the accelerator pedal and the driver then engages both brake and accelerator at the same time. Instead of stopping, the car lurches forward because the acceleration overrides the soft (temporary) brake pedal pressure. I'm thinking there is a problem with the brake system pressure at idle when the car is moving. Hence the pedal depresses further than usual and the side of the driver's foot then also pushes the accelerator down in addition to the brake pedal. The fact that this happened when the car was new and still happens today makes me think it is a engineering problem coupled with a design problem. The pedals may also be too close together which increases the likelihood of this problem happening. Note: the car's brakes work fine otherwise and we do normal service on the vehicle.

Filed Jun 28, 2005 · Brakes, Electrical · 25,255 miles · NJ · crash

Our 2003 ford windstar began experiencing intermittent electrical failures. On may 27, after driving normally, we stopped for about 30 minutes. Then the van stalled several times on a short trip. After another 10 minute stop, it operated normally again. Several times during the next week, although the car did not stall, the power to the steering and brakes went out. We had an appointment with our local ford dealer to service the van on june 7. However, on june 6 the power systems failed, causing the car to crash into a road side mailbox. No personal injuries occured. Nothing was done to correct the failure. At our expense, ford would have had someone look at the vehicle to see if they could determine the exact cause of the accident. We choose to deal with our insurance company instead. The car was totaled and repossessed by state farm insurance.

Filed Mar 1, 2004 · Brakes · 6,066 miles · MD

Brake failure, third time in two month period.