Ford Windstar steering lock-up problems

Filed Oct 18, 2016 · Body, Steering · 121,000 miles · NY

Tl* the contact owns a 2003 ford windstar. The contact stated that while in park, the steering wheel seized. As a result, the contact was unable to steer the vehicle. The vehicle was towed to an independent mechanic who diagnosed that the engine cradle had corroded and needed to be replaced. The mechanic also stated that the cradle was previously glued. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The failure mileage was 121,000.

Filed Dec 23, 2015 · Airbags, Steering · 50,000 miles · NY · crash · 2 injuries

Tl* the contact owns a 2002 ford windstar. The contact stated that while driving at 30 MPH, the steering wheel seized causing the contact to lose control of the vehicle. As a result, the contact crashed into a fire hydrant and the air bags failed to deploy. The contact sustained neck and shoulder injuries but did not require medical attention. The passenger sustained wrist injuries that required medical attention. A police report was filed. The vehicle was towed to an independent mechanic. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The failure mileage was 50,000. Updated 02/12/16*lj updated 05/14/18*jb

Filed Mar 30, 2015 · Body, Steering · 225,000 miles · OH

Tl* the contact owns a 1999 ford windstar. The vehicle was repaired under the federal safety agency campaign number: 11v030000 (structure). While driving approximately 55 MPH, the steering wheel seized without warning. The contact was able to coast to the side of the road. The vehicle was taken to the dealer. The technician diagnosed that the subframe fractured and needed to be replaced. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 225,000...updated 05/21/15 *bf the consumer stated that the recall was incorrectly performed. He signed over the title. Updated 11/19/15

Filed Feb 25, 2015 · Steering · 130,000 miles · NC

Tl* the contact owns a 2001 ford windstar. The contact stated that while driving at 35 MPH, the vehicle made an abnormal noise as the steering wheel seized without warning. The vehicle was towed to an independent mechanic, who diagnosed stated that the vehicle was not repairable. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was 130,000.

Filed Nov 10, 2014 · Steering · 150,074 miles · OH

Tl* the contact owns a 2002 ford windstar. The contact stated while driving approximately 10 MPH making a turn, the steering wheel seized without warning. The failure recurred multiple times. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic for diagnosis. The mechanic was unable to locate the failure. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 150,074.

Filed Mar 17, 2014 · Suspension · 178,000 miles · OH

Tl* the contact owns a 2002 ford windstar. The contact stated that while driving approximately 40 MPH, the steering seized. The failure was recurring. The vehicle also shook violently and became unstable. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic where it was diagnosed that the rear axle needed to be replaced however, the part was not available to make the repairs. The manufacturer was notified of the failure and advised that the vehicle was not included in the federal safety agency campaign id number: 12v195000 (suspension). The approximate failure mileage was 178,000.

Filed Sep 21, 2006 · Steering · 90,000 miles · FL

Dt*: the contact stated while driving through a foot of water, or in the rain, the steering locked up. The dealership was unable to determine the problem.

Filed Feb 17, 2005 · Steering · TX

When turning left or right, the driver heard a loud knocking noise coming from the front. The driver has difficulty making turns, the steering wheel locks. The vehicle was taken to the dealer for inspection. The mechanic informed the driver that the rack and pinion needed to be replaced. Please provide further details.

Filed Aug 7, 2004 · Engine · 136,300 miles · VA

My 1995 ford windstar started cutting off on me when I was driving it. I usually am transporting my children and their friends around and it is dangerous when in traffic the van just shuts off. It starts right back up, but I do not feel comfortable driving it anymore. After several visits to the dealer and other car repair places, the dealer sent us home without fixing the problem. We have replaced the iac valve, fuel filter, air filter, mass air flow sensor, and the camshaft position sensor. One place we took it checked for vacuum leaks and checked the fuel flow, which according to them was all fine. We did not keep any of the old parts listed above. There has got to be a reason for a car to just shut off, but everyone seems to be baffled. Event leading up to the failure the first time: got in the van to take my son to an orthodontic appointment. And as I pulled into the parking place in front of the building it just turned off. After the appointment. Driving home, it cut off on me 3 more times. I was very scared someone was going to hit me from behind or as I made a turn it cut off and a car just missed my front end. Another thing that is scary is when the engine cuts off, the steering locks up and I can barely get it pulled over to put it in park to start it again. If you can help I would really appreciate it.

Filed May 28, 2004 · Steering · 60,000 miles · CA

I ran out of gas and the steering wheel locked up on me. I was stuck in the middle of the road. I didn't know what to do. The first time it happened, my husband was in iraq. Since the steering wheel was locked, it wasn't like I could just put it in neutral and get my van out of the way. It was stuck in the middle of the road. It happened again. Luckily, my husband was back and it was by church, so I was able to get help right away. I have never owned a vehicle where the steering wheel locks up. I am going to look in to an attorney about it because what if I was on the highway and my van broke down for whatever reason, the steering wheel would lock and I would get in a wreak. What if my kids where with me. That's just not right. I have bought ford vehicles all my life and I am telling you what, I don't know if I will ever buy another one after this. That is soooo unsafe. I have tried to call ford twice and they have given me the run around. So I don't know! I will have to talk to legal council I guess. Who knows! I just love all the things us military have to deal with and now this!