2003 Ford Windstar: grinding or squealing brakes

Filed Sep 26, 2019 · Suspension · 129,493 miles · CA

I was driving on the interstate at about 60 MPH changing lanes to the right I could hear tires squealing and the van felt like it was going to roll over to the left. I regained control, then I heard some creaking metal noise, then I heard a rubbing noise and saw a lot of smoke coming from the rear. I was able to pull over and inspect, what I found was the rear axle was broken and driver side tire rubbing inside the wheel well. I was very fortunate to have somewhere to pull over, otherwise to continue driving could rupture the tire and/or I would be left stranded in highway speed traffic.

Filed Jan 13, 2017 · Suspension · 180,000 miles · OH

Tl* the contact owns a 2003 ford windstar. While driving approximately 35 MPH, the driver heard a squeaking noise. The vehicle was pulled over and the driver noticed that the rear axle was cracked without warning. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic who advised that there was a recall. The vehicle was taken to a dealer where it was diagnosed that the axle did not crack "in the right place" and was not covered by the recall. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure and stood by the dealer's decision. The failure was not repaired. The failure mileage was approximately 180,000.

Filed May 18, 2016 · Brakes · 78,568 miles · NM

Tl* the contact owns a 2003 ford windstar. The contact stated that while driving out of the driveway, there was a loud squeaking noise. The contact stopped the vehicle and noticed that there were black tires marks on the road and that the rear driver side brakes seized. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic where the technician could not determine the failure. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 78,568.

Filed Mar 29, 2015 · Brakes, Seat belts · OK

I'm having problems with a 2003 ford windstar van I purchased. The mileage is 081206.3. The ABS and brake lights are on and the sliding doors on both the driver and passenger will not open from the inside of the van. The doors on the sides and back are very hard to open from the outside as well. The cruise control will not turn off unless you hit the brakes. The seatbelt are making a horrible squeaking noise and don't really roll up right. I'd like to find out how to get a list of recalls for this vehicle. To me these are major safety concerns that need to be addressed. Thank you

Filed May 31, 2013 · Body, Electrical · 40,228 miles · VA

We have not been properly informed about all of the recalls or other issues with our vehicle. The vehicle does have a lot of problems from the electrical, structure, engine lights are always throwing codes needing a lot of sensor replacements at our cost, the rpms seem to run fast sitting at a light(we have to turn off the engine and then restart), and the engine seems to run hot, brakes, cruise control(cannot use), traction control(cannot use), interior light are always flickering, passenger windows(cannot use) and door locks(cannot use), both rear windows(cannot use), leaks from roof, rear door and sliding doors, the cruise control, brake and traction control lights stay on while driving(we were told by a dealership that we can still drive the vehicle, but we won't have anti-lock brakes.), the AC is always having trouble staying charged, the AC/heat control switches have malfunctioned(it has to be set away from the cold and the speed to 3/4 speed to work right), the battery keeps losing charge, the brake tail lights stay on draining the battery and had to get repaired by us because the dealership could not locate the problem, driver seat has malfunctioned(cannot use per dealership's request), cruise control and traction control does not work, suspension seems to have a lot of squeaks and popping sounds, alternator and starter had to be replaced several times, the coil packs need constant replacements, all spark plugs and wires had to be replaced before their time, cannot use the rear wiper because it goes down onto the paint and starts wiping the paint and not the rear window, constantly replacing exterior lights all around, the engine constantly cuts out, we told the dealership for several years that there was an antifreeze smell and they could not locate it until 5-28-13, replaced bad front and rear axles on 5/28/13 and many others. 12k-18k to repair everything.

Filed Nov 29, 2012 · Brakes · 100,000 miles · PA

Emergency brake light comes on. When I tried to stop my car would not and almost went into someone's house...the ABS light came on also! Attempted to get the problem fixed after $1024 later, the ABS light is off but brake light. Continues to come on and squeal. Ford dealer insists nothing wrong with brakes!

Filed Sep 14, 2012 · Transmission · 98,000 miles · VA

Tl* the contact owns a 2003 ford windstar. The contact stated that while traveling 45 MPH, an abnormal grinding noise emitted from the vehicle and the vehicle decreased acceleration independently. The check engine warning light illuminated during the failure. The vehicle was taken to a private mechanic who confirmed that the torque converter needed to be replaced. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure. The vehicle was not repaired. The failure and the current mileages were 98,000.

Filed Jul 22, 2012 · Brakes · 70,000 miles · NH

Starting this year (2012), you can not get an inspection sticker in new hampshire if the ABS light is on. Approximately 3 years ago the brake and ABS light would periodically light up on the dashboard. Shortly after the lights appeared, the brakes would make a horrible squealing and grinding noise. I took it into the mechanic and he said there was nothing wrong with the brakes. About 6 months later, the brake and ABS light was permanently on. In late march of 2012 I brought the van in for new front brakes but he was unable to shut off the brake and ABS lights. After the brakes were installed the squealing and grinding noise became permanent. When I took it back to the mechanic he said the brakes were fine. So I took it to another mechanic in june of 2012 and he replaced the rear brakes along with rear drums, oscillators, wheel cylinder and brake fluid. This mechanic was able to shut off the brake and ABS light, (he said the code was c1185-ABS) which was a good thing because he said nh now required the ABS brakes to be working in order to receive an inspection sticker. However it only lasted about 2 days and the lights came back on along with the squealing and grinding noises. In july of 2012 I took the van back to the mechanic that did the rear brakes to get my new hampshire inspection sticker. He looked at the brakes again but could not find anything wrong with them. He connected it to the computer and it came up with the same code (c1185-ABS) but he was unable to clear it. Therefore, legally I was not able to get my nh state inspection sticker. He did recommend a new ABS pump but I have not done that yet.

Filed Mar 15, 2011 · Brakes · PA

Received my 2003 ford windstar with 70,000 miles back from rear axle recall. The front end shakes really bad and there is a grinding noise in the front. Called dealership and they claimed to have checked the front end on the new recall. They also claim that ford told them to take my new 1000 cranking amp battery out and put a 750 cranking amp battery in it.

Filed Jan 18, 2011 · Body, Brakes · 81,535 miles · PA

Our 2003 ford windstar has been having mechanical failures for about 3 years. We have heard a loud grinding noise from the rear passeners side of the car that neither our local mechanic nor ford could fix. We replaced shocks and most recently the tire rods on 9/24/10. We have had numerous electronical "bugs" inclluding ABS lights flashing on and off for 2 years requiring multiple fuse changes and electrical testing. Our transmission was replaced in 2009 at 59,000 miles. The power locks on the passenger side door and rear passenger doors do not open remotely or with power locks, only key or manual lifting. Needless to say, although we have not had any person injuries, we have spent a fortune to keep this car running in what we thought was safe manner.

Filed Dec 27, 2010 · Brakes, Electrical · 100,000 miles · PA

Gas gauge doesn't read correctly. All gauges stops working while driving. Abs and tcs stopped working correctly in 2008. Lights have been on warning of them not working. Drivers side passenger door will not work correctly. Check advance track warning light stays on. This has been checked, but light stays on. Rpm gauge stays at maximum. Often while driving, it feels as if we have the emergency brake on. We have to change tires often. When I apply the brakes the vehicle will either not stop, or makes a grinding sound before it does. I have had the brakes checked and the brake pads are fine.

Filed Oct 13, 2010 · Transmission · 84,000 miles · MD

Tl*the contact owns a 2003 ford windstar. While traveling at any speed the contact heard a squeaking sound coming from the rear of the vehicle. The vehicle was taken to a local mechanic where the contact was informed that the rear axle was cracked. The vehicle was not repaired. The current and failure mileages were 84000.