My passenger side rear brake pads wear out - down to bare metal each year and I keep asking that they look into it being something other than my braking habits because it is only one brake. I just saw on the news that the rear axle's on my particular make and model are breaking and there is supposed to be a recall. I drive through rural areas long distance and I am very concerned for my safety. I wonder if there may be a connection between the faulty axle and my brake not fitting right and wearing out every year. Now I have a strange sound coming from the back of my van either the middle or passenger side and I am afraid I will suffer a terrible accident. I have been unemployed over 2 years because I couldn't get a job while in college and graduated in a recession....I have no credit cards and can't afford the mechanic's charge to inspect it or fix it.
Ford Windstar premature wear problems
17 of the 14,140 owner complaints about the Ford Windstar describe rotors or pads wearing out early, most of them for the 1996 model year.
- owner complaints
- 17
- worst model year
- 1996
By model year
- 20022
- 20001
- 19991
- 19982
- 19967
- 19954
Often reported together
Grinding brakes 3ABS 3Transmission failure 1Stalling 1Overheating 1Knocking 1Engine failure 1
What owners say
Tl*the contact owns a 2002 ford windstar which was purchased in 2008. She heard a grinding noise in the rear of the vehicle. She also noticed that the rear tires were prematurely worn. When the mechanic was replacing the tires he stated that the rear axle was cracked in half. The manufacturer was contacted; however, they would not take any liability for the failure due to the mileage. There were no recalls for her vehicle. The vehicle was taken to her independent mechanic where the brake shoes and axle were replaced at her expense. The mechanic also stated that the entire back end of the vehicle was damaged due to the cracked axle. The failure and current mileages were under 126,000.
Consumer complained about brake rotors problem. When driving at speeds of 50 MPH or greater the front of the vehicle vibrated because of warped rotors. Consumer had the rotors replaced on 3 separate occasions within a 1 year period. Consumer contacted the dealer and the manufacturer, but received no assistance.
Right front brake pads wear excessively within 75,000 miles with the replacement of (4) sets of pads for the front. Also, the owner indicates that he replaced the rotors twice, new high quality pads and rotors were installed, now the right front wheel shakes when applying the brakes, it appeared that he right front does all the braking. Nlm
Brake calipers failed by getting stuck with the brake pad contacting the disc, causing premature brake pad wear. Mechanic reported seeing identical failures of this make and model.
Premature wear of the head gaskets. Head gaskets blew out, causing engine to lock up, resulting in driver losing control of vehicle, dealer was replacing motor. *ak the consumer stated that the vehicle had an engine knock. The dealer examined the vehicle and found that the head gasket was leaking and the bearing had failed. After an oil pressure test, it was found that the oil pressure was low and the coolant was in the oil. The dealer replaced the engine. The consumer later received an extended warranty coverage notice from the manufacture for possible head gasket failure which could cause the engine to overheat.
3.8 liter engine. Premature wear of head gaskets. Head gaskets blewout, causing engine to go. Dealer has the vehicle.
Premature wear of brake rotors. Dealer has been notified.
Front brake rotors: due to rotors warping, they have been replaced 3 times since I purchased the vehicle. All have been covered under original warranty. Now, my warranty has expired, and therefore, I am stuck with any future problems. Passenger side sliding door: rust was found on inside bottom of door. It was temporarily fixed; dealer is waiting for ford to approve new door to be installed (under original warranty).
While driving and proceeding to come to a stop the vehicle will intermittently stall. Consumer has contacted the dealer, several repair attempts however continues. Brake rotors warped causing grinding of the brakes while stopping.
Related recalls
Service brakes, hydraulic: foundation components: hoses, lines/piping, and fittings
- What is wrong
- On certain minivans originally sold in or currently registered in the states of connecticut, delaware, illinois, indiana, iowa, maine, maryland, massachusetts, michigan, minnesota, missouri, new hampshire, new jersey, new york, ohio, pennsylvania, rhode island, vermont, west virginia, wisconsin, and the district of columbia. During assembly, some brake lines were installed in a twisted position, causing contact with the dash panel insulator above the catalytic converter. This contact could abrade the brake line corrosion protection, consequently, salt or water absorbed in the dash panel insulator would promote corrosion. This corrosion could ultimately lead to a leak in the brake line.
- Risk
- Leakage of brake fluid will result in brake light activation. Extended stopping distance could also result, increasing the risk of a crash.
- Remedy
- Dealers will inspect the brake line for corrosion and clearance conditions. A brake line that is not corroded will be repositioned. A brake line that is corroded or leaking will be replaced with a nylon coated brake line and secured using three retaining clips to assure clearance from the insulator. Owner notification began may 10, 2002. Owners who take their vehicles to an authorized dealer on an agreed upon service date and do not receive the free remedy within a reasonable time should contact ford at 1‑866‑436‑7332.
Recall number 02V101000 · Recall details
Service brakes, hydraulic: foundation components: master cylinder
- What is wrong
- Vehicle description: minivans. The brake fluid master cylinder is recessed and oriented in the engine compartment so that the brake fluid warning statement embossed on both the top of the filler cap and the side of the reservoir body are not entirely visible by direct view. These vehicles may not fully comply with requirements of fmvss no. 135, "passenger car brake systems."
- Remedy
- Owners will be provided with new labels and installation instructions.
Recall number 99V147000 · Recall details
Questions about the Ford Windstar premature wear
Which Ford Windstar years have rotors or pads wearing out early problems?
The model years with the most reports are 1996 (7 complaints), 1995 (4 complaints) and 1998 (2 complaints).
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