Ford Windstar spongy pedal problems

Filed Sep 26, 2014 · Brakes · 127,684 miles · MN

Went over rumble strip on roadway and ABS light came on, brake pedal became hard to push. This happened on monday 9/22/2014 my mother in law who owns the vehicle said that this had been happening quite frequently over the past few months. I put my scan tool on the vehicle and got 3 ABS codes c1235, c1236, and c1185. The first two codes pertain to rear wheel sensors and the third pertains to a power relay for the ABS. We have found paper work for three recalls, one related to sub frame corrosion one for the rear axle, and one for an ABS sensor wire. From what I have been reading this problem could be related to the first ABS problem with the harness replacement.

Filed Jul 9, 2011 · Acceleration, Brakes · 140,000 miles · MS · fire

2001 ford windstar. I took it to the dealership to have some safety recalls done. A few days later I was driving along and smoke started boiling out from under the hood so I pulled over and by the time I got stopped and got the kids out safely it quit smoking. I raised the hood and could see some burned wiring under the brake master cylinder. We got back in and drove on then the transmission started shifting wrong and the brake pedal didn't feel right,it felt spongy. I took it to my mechanic who is ase master and ford senior master certified. He replaced the trans range sensor and told me that the fire was caused by a defective cruise control deactivation switch leaking brake fluid.he replaced the switch and advised me to take it back to the dealer and have them do the recall which is what they were supposed to have done in the first place. He said that it also had a damaged ABS module and wiring and that was part of the recall.I called them and they said they only did the rear axle recall that was on the letter I got from ford. My mechanic said that they were required by law to complete all safety recalls while it was in their possession. I am going to take it back but I'm afraid to drive it cause it hardly has any brakes. My mechanics said it was because all the brake fluid leaked out of the switch and got air in the lines.

Filed Nov 19, 2010 · Brakes, Electrical · 5,000 miles · PA

The brake light is always on for ABS and emergency brake. They are often spongy and don't operate well. This issue has been ongoing. The car has been looked at dozens of times but no issue can be identified.

Filed Sep 21, 2009 · Acceleration, Brakes · 122,000 miles · AL

June 2009-brakes failed/indicator light stayed on--took to midas and found the master cylinder was leaking. Replaced master cylinder. Sept 15th, 2009--brake indicator light came on. Brake pedal was spongy and the cruise control would not work correctly. If I tried to use the cruise control, it would disengage without me touching the brakes, then it would return to speed without me resetting. Returned the car to midas and they found the brake pressure differential switch was shorted out. It was covered in brake fluid.

Filed Dec 13, 2008 · Suspension · 74,440 miles · CT

Rear axle nearly severed at two location both ~ 17 inches in from the driver and passenger side rear tires on september 14, 2007. ~75 -80 % of circumference of axle was cracked through wall and axle material was beginning to yield. Very similar to a the federal safety agency complaint # 10190132. Had 74, 440 miles at time of discovery of this significant safety issue. Car was never used for trailing or carries any heavy loads just our young family. Car has been well cared for and garaged kept. Had been hearing a faint metal grinding sound that I heard and kept inspecting under carriage. Also, had notice several months before that rear end felt spongy. Had replace rear shocks and was surprised that this still did not correct sponginess feel. Metal grinding sound was noticeable when backing out driveway with slight driveway incline. When I would apply brakes at end of driveway would hear a metal click sound. Finally with high power light inspection cracks were discovered. I have full powerpoint presentation on this issue with digital pictures if the federal safety agency would like this detailed information. Had brought documentation to my ford dealer and spent two week going through their ford rep. Before they agreed to cover the $1700 replacement of rear axle. Once again they have a know quality defect and they try not to deal with this even thou this could be a significant safety issue causing potential death. Had I not discover this and axle fracture at highways speeds I hate to think what would have happened. This needs serious attention and action to save lives ...

Filed Feb 29, 2008 · Acceleration, Brakes · 176,500 miles · WI

This has happened over the past two weeks. About february 15, 2008 I was having trouble keeping pressure in my brakes. They were spongy. I called a mechanic and brought it to him on february 16th. He said it was the master cylinder, and replaced it and the wheel cylinders. Well, the van worked for about a week. Then monday, february 25, 2008 my brakes again went spongy. I checked the brake fluid and there was none. I refilled the container, and called a mechanic. I brought the vehicle to him on february 26, 2008. He determined it was the cruise control pressure switch. I then went to tousley ford dealership and got the part. Tousley ford in minnesota said this particular part is in recall for several other vehicles but not mine. My mechanic replaced the part and the vehicle hasn't had any problems. As a matter of fact, now the cruise control works again. It had gone out last summer some time. This recall is for a fire hazard, and I saw where the brake fluid can leak through that switch onto wiring so there could have been a fire in my van. My complaint is that my vehicle, and family are just as important to me as the vehicles and families of the other people who were able to get their vehicles fixed in the recall. I drive a 2002 ford windstar sport minivan. I do foster care and have birth children, and grandchildren in that vehicle all the time. So, I am very upset that ford does not recall this fire hazard on all vehicles. My family is very important!

Filed Jun 29, 2005 · Brakes · 42,000 miles · MO

Brake fluid found leaking from hydraulic control unit of antilock brake system. Have had issues with spongy pedal feel since car was three years old. Dealer would adjust rear brakes which provided some improvement. Recently ABS light would come on when braking to a stop down hill then would go out. This was traced to low brake fluid level. Investigation uncovered leak from control unit. There are a number of complaints listing pedal going all the way to floor. Wonder if this could be the problem? I am a hydraulic system engineer and have been fixing my own cars for over 30 years and have never seen a leak from an undamaged static seal in a braking system. This tells me that the hydraulic control unit was improperly assembled at the factory or has a material defect.

Filed Sep 9, 2002 · Brakes · NJ

Front two brakes were replaced twice within a year with additional return for brake adjustments due to erratic soft pedal. Vehicle is equipped with anti lock brakes. Please describe details.

Filed Nov 14, 2000 · Brakes · KY

Reported spongy brakes. They bled brakes, lasted a week, now pedal goes to floor again. Emergency brake has almost no effect. Dealer says it's normal and all are that way.

Filed Sep 15, 2000 · Brakes, Locks · CA

After 1 week of purchasing the vehicle rear doors were defective. Also, that brakes felt "spongy". During repairs dealer discovered that master cylinder was defective. Vehicle has been at the dealership since then. Dealer has advised consumer that repair part was on backorder of waiting list of 2000.