general problems of the 2001 Ford Windstar - part 1

Tl the contact owns a 2001 Ford Windstar. The contact stated that while driving at 35 mph while the brake pedal was depressed an extended braking time was needed to bring the vehicle to a complete stop. The contact mentioned that by the time the vehicle was parked, the brake pedal traveled to the floor board. The vehicle was towed to an independent mechanic where the contact was informed that the vehicle would need to be towed to another shop in regards to it being a modified vehicle. The vehicle was then towed to another independent mechanic where the contact was informed that the vehicle was not safe to drive and that the frame was rusted. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was 38,000.

This van looks fine on the outside,but the frame and floor are rusted out. I was driving on a city street when the brakes went out and when I took it to be repaired the mechanic at carls body shop , where it was ti be repaired told me it was beyond repair and unsafe to drive. The van is made to transport a wheelchair and the area where the wheelchair is rusted the worst. The mechanic also took pictures of the under body to show me how bad it really was.

Rear axle break due to corrosion of acknowledged inadequately designed axle. Break happened in the reinforcement bracket installed do to initial axle recall for potential break due to corrosion. . Car was on city street in motion to freeway onramp fortunately the axle broke prior to entering freeway. Axle break resulted in sagging axle and a wheel tilted inward at about 20 degrees and wedged against the inner wheel well. Tire started to smoke. Car is undriveable. The repair is estimated to $1400. Ford will not accept any financial responsibility for this break in the brackets installed to prevent the break. Additional components are also needing repair and replacement due to the break of the axle.

I came up to a stop sign, the entire front axle broke off the frame, I lost steering, brakes, had to slam it into park to stop. I ended up across the road. There was a recall in 2011 for the axle mount and Ford decided it only needed a coating on it, 5 seconds later we would of been on the highway and killed. I emailed Ford and they said the recall was still open, the Ford dealer never closed it, so they won't help me. That is bull, the coated it and forgot to close it out, thats their fault, I can take pics if you want them.

We wish to be contacted and have multiple issues to report. (1) odi request for information regarding engineering analysis ea10-007 sub frame and (2) issues of compliance with safety recall procedures and what we believe to be fraudulent and illegal actions. Space is inadequate but will try to summarize. Vehicle subframe failed at both passenger and driver side rear mounts and thereby caused separation of the steering components and complete loss of steering, loss of brakes, and loss of transmission control. The owner used the only means available to stop the vehicle by turning off the ignition key and 'riding it out. ' subframe components and the engine/transmission had been in contact with pavement. Large portions of the subframe appear to be missing from the vehicle. The exhaust system was severed. The transmission linkage pulled away and as stated the steering components separated. What is believed to be the air bag cable became wrapped around the steering components. Vehicle was towed to a dealership which refuses to inspect, disclose, photograph, or allow to be photographed the massive damage while declaring the vehicle "repairable" and the "repairs have to be done. " at issue are declarations that under the recall that "responsibility" rests with the owner and a "right to deny coverage. " a demand that repairs be scheduled or the vehicle be towed from the car lot with a demand that a document be signed which amounts to a release and complete misrepresentation of the facts. The dealership has been told that we will lend no truth or validity to their forceful and manipulative demands, nor will we sign any document. It is our intent to destroy the vehicle. We have incurred multiple out of pocket expenses. In essence fraud and illegal acts, under the color of federal law are alleged. We desire to submit a written statement and request for investigation.

Turned on van with all this occurring at once: "check transmission", speedometer not working (reads 0mph), "abs" light stays on, "brake" light stays on, "o/d off" light flashing, "trac off" light illuminated, "fuel computer data error", "oil life data error", "traction control data error", outside temperature "error", odometer malfunction reads "-----------", cruise control not working, ac not cold, hot air not hot.

Anti-lock braking system, error 1185, power relay output circuit failure.

Abs, traction control, cruise control and speedometer either are intermittent or not working at all. This causes issues with braking, vehicle control, driver attentiveness and other safety related issues.

I didn't have a crash I noticed that my abs brake and tire pressure light was staying on and a short time after I started hearing a loud rumbling noise in the front end every time I slow an it's impossible to make sudden stops and at times my speedometer starts flickering back and forth as well as my cruise control is currently inoperable. I have limited driving this vehicle in which I purchased due to feeling it is not in a safe manner for my children to be in. I have had several shops as well as individuals that told me these areas are common to go out on this specific vehicle and that there is possible recall. I just want to be able to drive my van with out worrying if I'm going to be able to come to a stop when needed as well as not knowing if I could possible break down or something break in the front end while I am driving at somewhat high speeds. Thank you and hope to hear from someone soon in regards to this situation!.

Arrived at destinations and stopped. Tried to leave, brakes had not released and would not release. . Had to drive home against the brakes which were smoking upon arrival at home. Next day, brakes went back to normal. Two days later, same occurrence. Brakes would not release, overheated, brake pedal pushed hard up with all brakes applied. Nest morning after cool down, brake pedal resting on floor; would not pump up; no brakes. Since I have owned this vehicle, brake and abs indicators come on for no apparent reason, I. E. , 3 drops of rain on windshield and indicators come on. Ford dealer was made aware of this, said it was an ecu problem and did nothing about it, saying it would cost me about $700 to fix.

The abs, brake, and trac lights come on while driving down the road. This doesn't happen every time, but has become more frequent. Have not found a reason for it to come on, like hitting bumps or wet whether. The electrical system issues is rear windows won't open all of the time. The door locks don't work all of the time. The lights in and outside the van dim in and out.

Traction control engages when turning. Acceleration is limited while traction control is engaged. Antil-lock brakes engage when stopping causing extra stopping distance. Dry pavement.

I am in the process of trying to figure out what is going on. While driving on the interstate (with cruise control on) I noticed the od light started flashing and the check engine light came on. I pulled over and the brakes were smoking to the point I was afraid there would be a fire. I had to sit on the side of the road with my toddlers and wait for it to stop smoking. I was still about 20 miles from home. I am not someone who is fortunate enough to have family nearby or friends who could help. We are on a tight budget with a child who has special needs and only one working parent so could not afford a tow. The 'check engine' light stayed on but the od was off upon starting the vehicle. The od came on 2x in the 20 miles it took to arrive. Each time it came on I pulled over, turned the van off and back on. When the od was flashing when I let off the accelerator, even on an incline, it was slowing me down so I figured the brakes were engaged. With the cruise control on I was unable to tell so I was pushing it up to 70mph with the breaks going against it. On the way home I did not use cruise control but it kept happening only it was very noticeable that the brakes were rubbing. There is now brake dust all over my tires and the side of the van. This could have caused an accident, this could have caused a fire! my daughter is disabled and in a complex child restraint system with straps and positioners. I also have a 1 yr old and if something had happened I am not confident I could have gotten them both out in time had a fire started. I need this van to carry my daughters wheel chair around. I am extremely irate. We bought this vehicle 3 months ago (second hand)!!!! something needs to be done about this issue since I have read online that it is actually common!!! they are saying the code is p1744 torque converter clutch system stuck in off position. $3000 to fix!!!.

Recently acquired by the car dealer 2001 Ford Windstar, I took it to a machine shop to check on the conditions that he was once replaced the bulbs burn front information panel of the driver's cab stayed lit informative signals "abs" "braker" identifying a problem in the brake system I want to know how I can make a complaint to the company for this defect based on information you read right through the internet.

A couple of months after the sub-frame recall (n99 11s16) work was done both the 'abs' and 'brake' lights came on for a few minutes and then went off again for a few weeks. The frequency of this occurrence has accelerated, over time, and now these two lights are on about 60% of time.

Driving on highway, the brakes slammed on, almost rear ended. When I got home by driving slowly, I noticed moisture and brake fluid was in the abs pump module, thank god my children were not in our so called"family van".

Abc problems light on.

The check traction control system warning illuminates, as well as the abs,trac off, and the brake system warning lights on the dash.

The contact owns a 2001 Ford Windstar. The contact stated that when starting the ignition, both the abs and brake warning indicators illuminated until the engine was turned off. The failure recurred whenever the engine was in operation. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic who stated the abs module would need to be replaced. The vehicle had not been repaired. The manufacturer was not made aware of the problem. The approximate failure mileage was 130,000. The VIN was not available.

The "abs" and "brake" lights come on. Sometimes seem to be triggered by a bump. Worse in warm weather or wet conditions.

Well my abs/ break lights have been on and off ever since I bought this van and I have keep up on everything that need keeping up on. Now I am having problems with my wipers and they don't work on any of the speeds but high and next to high and the other speeds don't work. Another problem I have been having is the electronic slidding doors don't always close or want to stay shut. The doors have even tried to open when driving down the road which is very dangerous considering I have children ridding in the back of my van. I have had codes come up on my van that sound like a manufacturing problem and I have had about enough of this. I have not felt save in my van since they called me in for the recall they fixed on it at dick withems. I still think it needs an inspection by the company and they need to fix everything that is malfunctioning due to manufacturing problems. I put my children's and my life in Ford's hands when I drive this van and if anything ever happens to my children or me I will be getting ahold of Ford, my lawyer. I think that when vehicle's are built they should make sure there are less manufacturing problems as possible. Please contact me.

The warning lights for the abs system on my 2001 Ford Windstar are coming on much more often now. Over the past couple of years they would come on only very infrequently, maybe once a week and only after having driven for an hour or so. Now they come on within minutes, though they still do not come on immediately. Now that it is winter I have noticed the brakes locking up and sending me into a skid whenever there is snow or ice on the road. The problem is getting very bad and I fear for the day when the brakes go out completely and I do have an accident.

Braking distance suddenly increased.

2001 Ford Windstar: abs, traction control system, and cruise control all suddenly fail while driving at highway speeds. Each system works properly at 55mph and lower, until driving on slick or rough pavement; at 60mph or over, all 3 systems are unusable even on dry and smooth pavement. To have speed or braking system not working at the times one might need them presents possible dangerous consequences (fortunately we were able to "pump the brakes", and steer tight-fisted to avoid collisions so far).

Lights in my 2001 Ford Windstar saying "brakes and abs" comes on, every time I hit a pot hole. I got it checked at 3 different mechanics and 1 dealer, they say there is nothing wrong with brakes or abs module. Occurs everyday.

On a hot summer day in 2010 parked about 20 minutes with air conditioning running the abs fault with the red brake lamp first appeared. When the engine is shut down the fault lamps are cleared. Currently when the ambient temperature is above 80 fahrenheit and as the engine compartment warms I can expect the yellow abs lamp and the red brake lamp to both turn on. Had fault codes read once and it reported main relay failed. No repairs have been made as I decided it's a superfluous feature and I will drive without abs protection.

Braking distance suddenly increased.

Abs / brake system warning lights continue to illuminate on occasion after recall repair performed. Braking distances greatly increased / affected when warning lights are on. Brake pedal travel also greatly increased - pedal slowly continues to floor with steady pressure, accompanied by whooshing sound with no increase in braking power.

Frequent and persistent deactivation of the abs system in 2001 Ford Windstar. This problem has come and gone on the van and there are recalls to cover the fire risk. The abs system will through an alarm when the car is driven. This is an intermittent alarm the comes and goes it the cooler months and if no most of the time in the summer months. When the abs system is disengaged the breaking distance is much longer when compromised road conditions. We were involved in a near miss when driving in snow and ice. This prompted further investigation and it seems that this is a persistent problem for abs systems on the Windstar van.

2001 Ford Windstar - several instances of the abs & bracket warning lights coming on. I have had the vehicle checked several times, but cannot replicate the issue. Very concerning that the abs may not function, but cannot isolate.

These lights stay on even after repairs are done. They go off for a couple days and then come back on. This has been going on for at least 2 years. I also have electrical problem with my speedometer and gauges. I also have been having a problem with my fuel vacuum causing the gas to spill out when pumping and tank is not full.

Braking distance suddenly increased. Throwing abs codes 1185, 1194, 1198, 1210, 1214, 1242, 1246, 1250, 1254.

After having the Ford Windstar oct. 09 09s09 recall fixed on our 2001 Windstar due to leaks and malfunctioning a/c and cruise control, the abs and brake indicator lights are still intermittently lighting on the dashboard. The Ford dealer we took it to said that when those are on, we have no abs system because the ecm is malfunctioning at those times. We're seeing increased braking distance with this problem.

Had fused wiring harness installed by Ford dealership as part of recall 09s09 24/11/09. 12/04/10 am now having brake/abs/trac off dash lights coming on after vehicle running for 20 minutes or so. Braking distance has since increased.

The contact owns a 2001 Ford Windstar. The contact stated that when attempting to stop, the brake pedal would extend to the floorboard and abnormally pull the vehicle when attempting to stop. The vehicle was repaired several times at an automotive center but the failure recurred. Almost every component of the braking system was repaired and replaced. The vehicle was not repaired for the failure. The contact called the manufacturer who offered no assistance. The failure mileage was approximately 120,000 and the current mileage was approximately 134,000.