Six problems related to brake master cylinder have been reported for the 1996 Ford Windstar. The most recently reported issues are listed below.
This is a second or follow-up for my earlier complaint filed on the day of teh incident. I just found additional information and wanted to append this to my complaint. First complaint was about the total loss of braking in my 1996 Ford Windstar with 4 wheel discs and abs. With a dual braking system the rupture of a brake line should not cause total brake loss but this failure did cause just that. If the electrical power was not on some pedal was evident. Once electrical power was on the pedal went to the floor. Since the ruptured brake line was in the rear and the front brakes still had fluid and do most of the braking I would have expected to retain some stopping capability. I purchased the 4 wheel disc system to gain a safer and more secure vehicle. If the additonal of abs 4 wheel braking results in the loss of the dual master cylinder function , which is more critical, I think this option is less safe. The new information is the fact that other Ford Windstars have a recall for improperly installed brake lines which are subject to rust through and rupture. Ford tells me that my VIN is not in that group. I do not know if this is correct but the sumptoms sound identical. All the other brake lines in my car were in excellent shape save for the one to the rear brakes which ruptured and caused the loss of the fluid in the rear system. The front system retained fluid but did not pressurize the brakes. I assuem this failure was caused by the abs but I can not be sure if that is the actual cause. Ford indciates that my need to replace the brake line is not the same as the existing recall. I am requesting that you investigate if the brake line problem with the Windstar product is larger that originally thought. My car also is supposed to have the master cylinder signage updated on a recall. Ford indicates my was done but I do not see any of the expected markings. Perhaps these were applied and have fallen off or I could be looking in the wrong place.
My 1996 Ford Windstar with abs 4 wheel disc brakes experienced total brake failure on the NY cross island highway. I managed to get the car off the highway and into a parking lot. Despite having dual zone brakes and brake fluid remaining in the front brake system I had zero braking. I would think that paying extra for 4 wheel disk abs brakes would not be at the cost of losing the value of the dual master cylinder. I expected improved braking with the abs 4 wheel disk option. The loss of any braking mote than off-sets the heat discipatation and abs features. Should having abs and disc brakes make a car less safe? the car with only 58,500 miles on it had a metal brake hose rust out. This line went to the right rear brakes and the failure was in the middle of the car above the spare wheel. Other brake lines still appear rto be in excellent condition. I do not know why this one failed at this date. The real reason for this complaint is that I was surprised by the total loss of braking. I think this may be a design failure. Shouldn't the front brakes still have worked? indeed with the ignition and system off some pedal was encountered but with the power on there was absolutely no pedal. The indicator lights did indicate a braking problem. This car has been reported to Ford and to several dealers as the abs/traction contorl often automatically disengages. Despite more that 20 attemtps to have this corrected at multiple dealers this problem persists. This is another problem that results in the loss of benefits in what should be a safety improvement. However, this report is not about the recurring traction control failure. This is only to surface the fact that braking force is totally lost when a brake line for the rear brakes fails.
Consumer states, while driving vehicle noticed a black smoke and flame under the hood. The master cylinder was causing the burning and damaging wire. Dealer has been notified. Please provide further information. Ts.
No description given. Nlm.
Tried to stop vehicle due to traffic ahead and the vehicles brakes did not engage causing me to drive into the rear end of the vehicle stopped ahead of me.
Master brake cylinder replaced for 3rd time. Brake pedal would slowly go to the floor. 1st replacement before 25000 miles. 2nd replacement at 43282 miles by baytlefield Ford 8980 matthas Ave, manassas, va. 22110. 3rd replacement at 87808 miles by battlefield Ford. This van was purchased by me as a "reacquired vehicle" with brake master cylinder being one of the reported concerns. **dimsii ivoq entry posted after 12/12/02 cut over to artemis**768024.