Brake Fluid Leak Problems of Ford Windstar - part 2

Last week as I was driving around town and my instrument panel stopped working and the abs lights would not turn off. The next morning I had to take my son to one of his activities and the instrument panel was still not working and I noticed I had to push the brake pedal all the way down to the floor. I went home and noticed that my car was leaking brake fluid. After much research I found my vehicle had a recall. (09s09) I took my car in this morning to have this recall fixed. This did not fix my instrument panel. After I got home I researched what the problem might be and have found numerous complaints about the same problem from brake fluid leaking on the some of the wires. I contacted Ford to see if this would be covered under the recall and they explained to me that the recall only covers that specific part. I am very upset because the recall will only cover the part and not the damage it has caused. I would like to file this complaint to make a record of this. I truly believe that Ford should fix the damage that this recalled part has done to my vehicle.

See all problems of the 2000 Ford Windstar 🔎.

The abs and the brake light come on after driving 4-5 miles. The lights go off when the ignition is cycled. There is brake fluid leaking onto the scds circuit which may be related to this issue. I've had this vehicle serviced by Ford for about a half dozen issues and I think the scds was one of them ( 09s09 ), so what ever they did it didn't solve this safety issue.

See all problems of the 2001 Ford Windstar 🔎.

The abs warning light and brake warning light on. Resets after car cools down then lights will illuminate after driving and temperature increases. When lights are illuminated braking distance suddenly increases and brake pedal feels soft. Had the brake system serviced and flushed with new brake fluid and it did not solve the issue of the abs and brake warning lights coming on, or the increased braking distance. All the brake pads have been checked and are in serviceable condition. Front calipers and rear brake drum clynders have been checked and all are working correctly. Wheel speed senors have been cleaned and checked with a meter and all four are working correctly. The recalls for the brake pressure differential deactivation switch was done in 2010 and there is no evidence of fluid leaking at this time. Suspect problem with abs electronic control module.

See all problems of the 2002 Ford Windstar 🔎.

Tl-the contact owns a 2002 Ford Windstar. The contact stated that while driving 35 mph the brake light began to illuminate on the instrument panel. The vehicle was parked and the contact added more brake fluid. Upon restart, none of the gauges on the instrument panel functioned and all of the warning lights on the instrument panel began to illuminate. A certified mechanic from an authorized dealer examined the vehicle and informed that contact that fluid was leaking from the vehicle speed sensor and spilling onto the wiring harness. The vehicle was then taken to an authorized dealer, where it was repaired under the recall associated with NHTSA campaign id number 09v399000 (vehicle speed control). The dealer refused to repair the failures associated with the wiring harness and gauges on the instrument panel, which were caused by the speed sensor leak. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure, but offered no assistance. The failure mileage was 137,000. Sm.

The abs and brake light began coming on intermittantly a couple of months ago. It seems that the abs ecu module is the problem as multiple abs codes were read. Now, two months later my cruise control no longer works. If you do the research online as well as in your complaint section for 2001 winstar it is an all too common problem. It seems to be a problem that was not addressed properly on an earlier recall by Ford (09s09) which included a scds wiring harness replacement only caused by brake fluid leaking onto wiring and causing a potential fire hazard. Many owners believe the fluid not only ran down the wiring continuing to run onto the abs connector causing parts to short out and fail and also onto the cruise control connector causing it to fail. I truly believe this is the reason all these abs modules are failing. . . It's amazing how many complaints with my same problem are on your website these are very expensive parts to replace (over $1000) plus labor. The absence of the abs system does cause braking problems and can cause the brakes to lock up and skid. . . This happened to me. . . Just missed having a wreck! the connector to the cruise is also being effected causing it to fail as well. I think Ford should be required to at least check these vehicle and replace these parts if they are found to be faulty before someone gets in an accident. They may have already.

Good day. I have a 2001 Ford Windstar passenger van. On the bottom of the master cylinder, there is some kind of pressure switch. This switch constantly leaks brake fluid onto a wiring harness connector below it. My research has found that many Windstars of this era also leak brake fluid from this switch. My brake lights (on the rear of the car) sometimes stay on when the car is parked. Also, since the cruise control recall was repaired, the dashboard light indicator telling me that the cruise control is on no longer operates. Also, the cruise control will not work unless I pump the brakes prior to using it. I believe all of these problems are related. The Ford dealer told me he would gladly fix the problems but will charge me quite a lot of money to do it. I believe Ford should be responsible for the costs associated with the repairs of these safety items. Thank you.

I own a 2000 Ford Windstar. Last year the dealership performed a recall related to leaking brake fluid and abs issues. This year I am getting an abs light on and a code of c1185. I was toild this code relates to a bad electronic control unit (ecu) for the abs brake system. This is the same part that the brake fluid issue was supposed to correct to prevent vehicle fires. The dealer refuses to replace the ecu as part of the recall (free of charge). The ecu is over $600. I am now at risk of fire and my braking ability has been compromised. I feel that Ford should have replaced this part as part of the recall.

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 possesion. I am going to take it back but I'm afraid to drive it cause it hardly has any brakes. My mechanis said it was because all the brake fluid leaked out of the switch and got air in the lines.

Brake and abs lights on dashboard come up on during driving randomly, but go off after you restart the vehicle. There is no leak under brake fluid master cylinder, so must be some other problems out there other than the recall Ford made on the scds in 2009.

I own a 2002 Ford Windstar which was recalled in December 2009 for the leaking scds, Ford ref 09s09. My local dealership repaired the switch by installing a jumper switch in the harness. Today 20th November 2010, I have had my van back at the Ford dealership as I have had a major brake fluid leak from the scds which was leaking onto my abs module switch. I assumed this was covered under the existing recall, but Ford refused to pay for the repair and I had to pay for it myself. I had the service rep contact Ford, canada and again they refused to warranty the repair. I am disgusted at the attitude of Ford. I had to put in 500ml of brake fluid into my master cylinder over a period of 3 days, that's how bad my leak was. The service rep at Ford confirmed that the scds was leaking and after I refused to drive the van from the dealership, they still refused to pay for the repair, they told me they had done all they could under the existing recall number 09s09 and that was all they were obliged to do. I would like this documented as this was a serious brake fluid leak and a potential fire related incident and Ford of canada refused to deal with this very serious safety issue. Thanks.

Leaking brake fluid on my 2002 Ford Windstar van. The minivan has been recalled due to leaking scds. And was rectified by Ford dealership. Over past few days I have had to put in brake fluid and have noticed fluid under the master cylinder.

I was driving to reno nevada from calfornia when I started to smell smoke, I pulled over and open the hood and I seen that my plug that goes under the brake fluid box was smoking really bad. I let it cool down and I drove for another 10 min into the road and I notice that my fuse had burn out , at the same time I started to smell something burning. When I notice more smoke coming from under my hood I pulled over. I open the hood and I notice it was from the same plug the abs plug that is. Well it was melting. I call a friend to make sure it was alright to unplug the abs plug off he said yea. Well im just writing this cause I notice also that brake fluid was dripping into the plug . . To me it seem that it was shorting it out. So please for our safety keep this in mind that this could start a fire. .

The contact owns a 2002 Ford Windstar. The contact parked the vehicle and turned the engine off; suddenly smoke emitted from underneath the hood and massive flames erupted from the vehicle. The fire department extinguished the six foot flames and informed that the fire was related to an excessive amount of brake fluid leakage. A police report was filed. The vehicle was completely destroyed. The vehicle was towed to the residence. The failure mileage was unknown.

I stopped at a red light and noticed smoke puff out from under the left side of my hood. I thought I was overheating, but my temp gauge showed nothing. As I pulled away from the red light and off to the side of the road I noticed my abs light and my brake light had come on and my o/d light began flashing. My speedometer and odometer had completely shut down. I checked under the hood and saw no visible problems. I drove the vehicle back home and over the next few days I noticed I was losing brake fluid and brake pressure. I parked the vehicle and began driving a second vehicle until I could get a mechanic to check out the Windstar. I took it to my mechanic and he said the brake fluid was leaking around the brake pressure differential deactivation switch in front of the master cylinder. He said he had heard there had been problems with this on Windstars and recommended I check to see if there had been a recall, which I am doing now.

Red (brake) light and yellow (abs) light illuminate on instrument panel while driving. In this condition, the abs does not work and hard braking results in rear wheels locking up even on dry road and partial loss of vehicle control. My mechanic says the abs module is going bad and it is a common problem with Windstars. This vehicle was supposedly repaired in the 2009 cds recall. So far, lights come on about every 300 miles and are cleared (go off) once the vehicle is switched off and restarted. I think Ford should replace the abs modules that are failing. Also, prior to the 2009 recall, the cruise control resume function stopped working and is still out. I understand that may well be a symptom related to the leaking of brake fluid from the cds.

The abs indicator light keeps coming on and going off intermittently. Once on it usually stays on until I turn off the car. This started during the summer about a year and a half ago. My mechanic said that most likely the ecm needed to be replaced to the tune of a $700 replacement module from Ford plus labor! my Ford dealer told me that the 09s09 recall work was done some time ago, but this problem with the abs light coming on continues. I am very concerned after reading up on recent information as it has been reported on multiple sites that leaking brake fluid reaching the abs electronic control module has happened after the supposed recall repair was done in many instances, causing fires and or the loss of the abs braking system working. I have also read many, many reports online about Ford Windstar owners having the exact same problem, without necessarily having a fire or brake failure. . . Yet. If this electronic control module is so consistently faulty, should Ford not be required to replace it at no charge to their customers, especially if there is the possibility of it causing a failure of the abs braking system?.

Customer brought vehicle in for abs light on, found scds switch to be leaking brake fluid and replaced with a motorcraft updated switch. After service while vehicle was still in shop bay with ignition off, vehicle abs unit started on fire. We then removed all power from vehicle and found that after removing the abs module connector brake fluid was found inside of abs module, and the connector was melted. We then called Ford dealership to see if the were any recalls concerning this vehicle and the abs module and or switch, and were told that there were none. We have since found many articles online concerning this matter, and yet no recall ? another half hour and the doors would have been closed for the night, we would have lost our shop, all vehicles inside. Please make them stand behind this clear and evident problem.

Ford Windstar after recall, link has been installed. Abs light still turned on and leaking brake fluid under link that was installed by Ford dealer.

See all problems of the 1999 Ford Windstar 🔎.

In 2009 our brake and abs light came on and has stayed on. We received the Ford Windstar recall for the leaking cruise control switch. We had this done in Feb. 2010. We went back to Ford on July 7 2010 because of smoke and leaking brake fluid. They did nothing. I did not replace the switch right away and on August 1st we took a trip over a mountain pass. It started leaking very bad on this trip. So bad that the low brake fluid light came on. We got home I replaced the switch and removed there jumper due to the jumper was soaked in brake fluid. Also topped off fluid. Still brake lights are on, and having a family in a van over mountain passes, this should have been taken care of by Ford.

See all problems of the 2003 Ford Windstar 🔎.

Braking distance suddenly increased. Speed control deactivation switch (scds) is leaking. I smelt something burning, and when I went to stop the braking distance was suddenly greater than usual. Thats when I notice brake fluid leaking from the scds. This component should have been replaced as part of a recall (09s09) done in January 2010, however most of the time Ford is not replacing this part. I'm forced to pay to replace this part out of my own pocket. If not brake fluid will continue to leak causing lose of brakes and also the possibility of a fire.

Abs light is continually on even though the brakes have been repaired multiple times, brake light is continually on even though they have been repaired multiple times, braking time has increased as if they breaks do not always immediately work, brakes turn on squeel without warning, burning smell. I am about to take the van in again. I think the brake fluid is now leaking and damaging the engine.

This was a Ford 1999 Windstar recall on the abs system. The recall stated that a fire may occur in connection with the abs. I took the car in, however the brake fluid leak inside the car has gotten worse. From time to time the car smokes up, and there is a burning smell. The abs light continues to come on. My fear is that this is still a hazard with all the flammable brake fluid in the car. I looked it up and others have called this problem "braking distance suddenly increased service brakes, hydraulic". Brake fluid leaking into the car. This seems to occur constantly. I have cleaned my car with the thought that I spilled oil, however after reading up found out that this was the problem. When I took it in for the recall, this was not mentioned at all to me by the Ford dealer. I will be taking it to the dealer that fixed it to see what they will do or say. I guess I am wondering if there is anything else to do.

I had the Ford October 2009 recall performed (speed control wiring harness fire related) on my 2000 Ford Windstar, and prior to that there had been an intermittent abs yellow brake light on my dash. I have mentioned this problem to the Ford dealer mechanics, and they can never find a fix for it. After the recall, I still have the light come on intermittently. . Read more...

Ford company had a recall of a deac switch in which brake fluid was dripping down on. . . . I had the recall done. . . But my abs yellow dash light is on still. . . I am worried about the increasing braking distance or whether my abs is working or not. . . I don't want to feel I can rely on something that isn't working properly.

The contact owns a 2001 Ford Windstar. The contact had a recall repair performed in relation to a brake fluid leak. She was not sure of the recall information and stated that it may have been issued by the manufacturer as a voluntary recall. Although the vehicle was repaired, the brake fluid leaked over the engine (it was not cleaned up after the recall repair) and the leak ruined the transmission range sensor and the abs sensor. The contact called the manufacturer who refused to correct the problem. The VIN was unavailable at the time of the complaint. The failure mileage was approximately 124,000. The current mileage was approximately 126,000.

The contact owns a 2002 Ford Windstar. The contact stated that the vehicle was experiencing an increased stopping distance whenever the brakes were applied. This failure occurred after the vehicle was repaired under the recall associated with NHTSA campaign id number 09v399000 (vehicle speed control). The contact also stated that the anti-lock brake and brake lights were illuminated on the instrument panel. The speed control deactivation switch was not leaking and there were no brake fluid leaks either, but the vehicle was experiencing braking issues. The failure mileage was 100,000 and the current mileage was 130,000.

Abs/e-brakewarning led's come on when van warms up. Abs quit working while driving on freeway on wet roads. Nearly crashed into side rail. When I got home checked my brake fluid and found it empty. Filled the fluid and took car to mechanic the next day. Mechanic said I had leaked fluid all over, but the master cyl. Looked to be fine. Found info on line and soon after got a recall notice from Ford. Took van to Ford dealer who installed the fusible link, per the recall notice in November. My abs and e-brake lights are back on as of about March, 2010. They come on most often after the van has warmed up, or if the temp outside is warmer. At the same time that these warning dash lights came back on I lost brake lights all together, no tail lights, no reverse lamps, no rear turn signals, no dome lights, cc works sometimes and others does not, and the auto locks often do not work to lock or unlock the van. My brake lights would often stay on after turning the van off and removing the key, and now they don't turn on at all. My battery would die and have huge amounts of corrosion on the neg. Lead of the battery. Replaced battery and the ground chasis lead and the ground battery terminal. I have yet another appointment with the Ford dealer this week. This has been ongoing now for 8 months. If my van catches fire, my door locks will not unlock in the rear how will I get my children out quickly and safely? this is dangerous!.

Feb 26th 2010 2001 Ford Windstar perfect condition no problems no lights on dash. . . . Feb 27th 2010 car is started and smoke poured out of hood on driver side after being started after that the abs light emergency brake light and o/d light are on and the computer information center on the display is advising to check transmission and there is a fuel data computer error and the odometer is blank and the speedometer is not functioning the heater on our vehicle has stopped but the fans still blow but only regular air. I've taken it to a Ford dealership today to be repaired under the recall for the vehicle speed control issue and they have done the bare minimum to fix the leaking that has occurred due to the faulty switch leaking brake fluid and starting the small fire I experienced Feb 27th 2010 but are unwilling to resolve the remaining issues caused by and listed above.

The contact owns a 2002 Ford Windstar. The contact stated that while at a traffic stop, the vehicle erroneously accelerated. The vehicle began to function normally several moments later. The contact also stated that the brake, abs and over drive off warning lights illuminated intermittently. The vehicle was taken to a private mechanic where it was determined that the master cylinder failed and was leaking brake fluid onto the electrical components. The vehicle was repaired but the failure recurred. The manufacturer was not contacted about the failure. The failure mileage was 150,000.

Leaking brake fluid causing damage to speed control.

Regarding the 2009-2010 perform recall 09s09 of the speed control deactivation switch wire assembly replacement. It did not work - it never worked, nor did it solve the problem. Within 2 days of the installation the abs light came on again. To this date brake fluid is still leaking into the component. It causes my brake lights to stay on upon stopping and turning the car off - which if goes unnoticed, it drains the battery. To this date the cruise control does not work. And it has also reduced my safe braking distance. I have very low miles on the van - less than 81,000 miles - so it is not cause by heavy usage. Ford has failed to fix the issue which is the leaking brake fluid onto this wiring assembly. There are many Ford Windstars still in use that are experiencing the same problem. Ford should fix this issue of the leaking brake fluid onto the assembly wire. Replacing this wire assembly harness did not and will not fix the brake fluid leakage issue.

I went to Ford dealership in Dec 09 received inspection on recall # o9s09 and 09so9h only. Now here in Feb. 2012 the same problems with suspension,right front tire wheel makes alto of noise power steering fluid is leaking strange noise is heard when making right turns,Ford said my vehicle has had all service it is due . I believe they are wrong all the same problems the recalls reported are my problems I have paper work providing they only ran test on recall #o9s09 and 09s09h my car is in serious weather conditions here in illinois. Under the original owner Ford stated they are not responsible for any further repair. Ford dealership roberts motors 4350 alby alton IL 62002.

See all problems of the 1998 Ford Windstar 🔎.

The contact owns a 2000 Ford Windstar. The contact was driving approximately 25 mph on normal road conditions when the brake pedal traveled to the floor without resistance while engaging the brake pedal. The vehicle failed to slow down and crashed into the proceeding vehicle on the rear passenger side. There were no injuries. The police were notified. The contact sustained damages to the front driver side and hood area of the vehicle. In addition, there was an excessive leakage of brake fluid. The contact stated that the failure was related to the recall under the NHTSA campaign id number 09v399000 (vehicle speed control); however, the vehicle was not repaired due to the consequence that may occur with the remedy repair. Updated 2/26/10 updated 08/11/10.

The contact owns a 2000 Ford Windstar. The contact stated she received notification of NHTSA campaign id number: 09v399000 (vehicle speed control) and received repairs at an authorized dealer. After repairs, the abs warning light would continuously illuminate sporadically. The vehicle was taken back to the dealer where it was discovered that fluid was leaking onto the abs module. The dealer advised the contact that the repairs would be at her expense because the vehicle was previously repaired under the recall campaign. The manufacturer advised that the decision if the vehicle would be repaired a second time would be at the dealers disclosure and that recall repairs were a one time replacement of the failure. The contact stated that she did not experience any failures prior to having repairs under the recall. The vehicle was not further repaired. The failure mileage was 70,000. Updated 11/03/10 the consumer stated the dealer denied fluid was leaking was leaking onto the abs and insisted the vehicle needed a new abs sensor. Updated 11/04/10.

The contact owns a 2002 Ford Windstar. While driving the abs and service brake warning lights illuminated on the instrument control panel. The brake fluid reservoir was leaking fluid onto the cable, which caused the vehicle speed cruise control and the abs to fail. Brake fluid was added to the reservoir by the contact. The dealer was notified and a technician stated that the abs cable needed to be replaced. The vehicle was repaired; however, there was a fire under the hood after the vehicle was repaired. The current and failure mileages were 86,000.