Ford Windstar owners have reported 82 electronic stability control related problems since 1996. Table 1 shows the 1 most common electronic stability control problems. The number one most common problem is related to the vehicle's electronic stability control (82 problems). For details of each of the problem category, use the links in the table.
| Problem Category | Number of Problems |
|---|---|
| Electronic Stability Control problems |
My rear axle broke and then my door ajar constantly goes off even when doors are closed. The axle broke rear drivers side leaving me stranded. I was driving in town 20 mph.
My tires wiggle when driving like they are about to come off.
Sub frame.
My Mini van lights would flicker while I'm driving and even after replacing the starter in the car, it still turns off while I'm driving. There's rust coming from under the car, I smell a burnt smell when I'm driving. I don't know how my VIN number wasn't part of the recall, so many things is wrong with the van, one thing after another. . Please help me.
On may 24 while backing out of the driveway I was a passenger in my sons car when it suddenly accelerated at a tremendous rate of speed and with a loud noise and crashed into the vehicle in front, which was pushed into our shed. I sustained injuries of 6 broken ribs, bruised lung and contusions to my chest. If not for the car and shed in front we would have ended at the bottom of the hill behind our home. The insurance company, 21st century, did not send a claim form and is fighting paying for this accident.
The radiator and water pump went bad and the transmission went out as I was driving. The electrical locks on the doors locks us in regularly, while driving it often slides on it's own. There's a good bit of things going on with my car that I don't know about to tell you about.
The dealer located in the sandy spring rejected to the take remedy action on the recall 09s09. I complained to the dealer service department that the odometer is malfuntioning when it is in operation. It suddenly cause unknown acceleration when using the cruise control. It is also found out the brake hose is leaking as results of the speed control modification system by the local mechanic shop.
The traction control turns on and off with switch in off position. On a clear dry day the system will turn on while driving straight . The car must be in motion for this to happen. The car does this very often. We can't find anything wrong. Sometimes you might hear a hum. It happens on all types of pavement and both day and night.
I purchased this vehicle this morning, 4/29/15. I took it for a test drive last night, no problems. This morning when I left the house to get the title transferred and vehicle registered, the brake light came on. When I got to my destination and turned it off, then turned it back on, the light remained on, and the abs light came one. Neither will go off. I had a 1998 Windstar that I sold due to age but loved. I am not happy to have this issue the first day I own its replacement.
The abs and traction system lights come on and stay on. If I turn the vehicle off and restart it sometimes the warning lights will go off but this is inconsistent at best. If I hit a bump the systems will go off. It does seem worse after the vehicle warms up. My biggest concern is failure of my braking system.
Abs brake lite illuminates, brakes appear to continue to work.
My Ford Windstar has had problems with the abs for a couple of years. It turns on and off on the dashboard randomly. When the abs light is on, the abs is not working. When the abs light is off, the abs is working. I had my mechanic fix this for $850. Three weeks later, the new part started doing the same thing. I never know how to brake in an emergency situation because the abs is on some of the time and off some of the time.
Abs light is on.
The abs light stays on and the brake light goes off and on.
Abs and traction control lights come on and will not clear with a scan tool. There are 11 codes showing, all to do with abs/traction control. Normal braking seems fine, not sure what will happen with a skid or loss of traction in ice or snow. I am told there is a recall on the brake system on this van. Do I need to be concerned about these warning lights?.
Abs light on dash and brake light on for no reason.
My abs and brakes lights have been coming on at different times for my 2002 Ford Windstar for a long while, and stay on now that it is summer. I have tried to fix this problem on two occasions and changed the bad ecm with a new one and the problem has returned both times only after a few months. I made a left turn at about 5 mph with the two lights on and when I applied the brakes at the completion of the turn to stop at a red light the brakes seized and the car continued moving slowly into on coming traffic while making a metal grinding noise. I was able to quickly put the car in park to stop it right under the light. I then turned the car off and back on and the lights went off and the brakes worked normally again. A few blocks later the abs and brake lights came back on but the brakes didn't seize this time. This issue is dangerous and I had both my wife and children in the vehicle with me. Ford needs to recall these cars and build a ecm that will not expand during warm months causing the abs system to fail. Mechanics have told me that this is a major issue with the Windstar.
We were headed home on the freeway and turned onto our exit. My husband put his foot on the brake to start slowing the van down, but the pedal did nothing. He was able to stop the van by coasting and switching into reverse. He then got out and checked fluid which was full and checked the brake lines which were fine. There was no warning signs or anything that our brakes were going to fail. I am just glad that we were already at our exit and there was no other traffic! we had our 5 children in the van with us at the time. I have been researching and reading about the abs problems in our year Windstar and am hopeing Ford decides to take some action on the matter!.
Follow-up on odi # 10593430. On may 26, 2014, after Ford dealership in fort walton beach, FL kept my vehicle for a week to fix the cruise control and seat latches recall, I was finally able to pick up my van. They also checked the cause of odometer and speedometer to stopped working, abs and brake light remained on, sliding doors not working, and o/d light flashing; I was told the cause is a defective abs module. They charged me $114. 27 to diagnosed the problem and quoted me $1,265. 00 to replace the abs module. I showed to Ford service advisor, andrew tompitch, a print-out from NHTSA website stating that part of fixing or remedy to the cruise control recall was to "inspect the abs control module connector and repair as necessary. " "repairs will be completed free of charge. " yet Ford charged me for this service and told me that the problems were not the same since my vehicle's scds supposedly did not leak. How could I verified what he told me was true when he wouldn't let me enter the work bay to watch what the technician was doing to my vehicle? andrew admitted that the abs module is defective and that they had replaced several modules due to the same problems as my van. But andrew said it's not part of the recall and wouldn't replace it free of charge. If Ford used defective parts such as the abs module, then Ford should be responsible to replacing the defective abs module and recall it before a life is lost!.
All of the following happened at the same time: abs and brake lights went on and stay on. O/d light flashing. Odometer and speedometer stop working. The electronic compass, remaining fuel info. , automatic electronic diagnostic and electronic temp. Showing errors. Electronic sliding door would not open unless engine is not running. Power windows stopped working 6 months ago, not sure if it is related. I had a mechanic replaced the alternator and checked the brakes. It did not fix the problems and there was nothing wrong with the brakes. I took it to Ford dealer and I was told that the abs module could be the problem because they replaced a lot of them. The abs module supposedly messing up the whole electronic system. It has less than 65,000 miles and I'm scared to drive it because the electronic system might suddenly cause other problems and cause an accident. The electronic sliding doors already would not open unless the engine is not running. In case of an emergency or a crash, someone might not be able to get out and be trapped inside because the doors and windows would not open. I was told by a Ford customer service that there is no recall to fix the problem or look into it even though they admitted they've been having similar problems to a lot of Ford vehicles.
During the course of normal driving, on a Ford Windstar with less than 100k miles, the abs system failed. The abs/tc/e-brake lights all came on, permanently. I had to have the system replaced, at extensive cost. In online research it turns out this is a fairly common problem, potentially due to leaking fluid from the scds component. Nhtsa please make Ford deal with this!.
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.
The abs and trac off lights have come on simultaneously and will not reset. The traction control switch does not work.
The abs light, advanced trac control indicator light, and dash lights are flashing on and off intermittently for several seconds. Alarms beep and the engine loses power. This has occured multiple times over the past several weeks. Then coming onto the freeway this morning it occured again and the engine shut off. It would not restart. After almost getting hit by another vehicle as a result of the engine shutting off, I was able to pull over and turned off the key. Tried to start the van several times and after a few tries it started and I was able to get off highway without getting hit. This is a reoccuring problem many 03 Windstar van owners are experiencing. Called Ford and they said it is not a documented problem with them. I have read hundreds of comments from other owners experiencing these same problems. Ford dealerships have repaired/replaced various components to correct this problem but it keeps reoccuring. Something needs to be done. It is a design thing.
Abs light and traction control light illuminates after driving forward 150 yards. Heavilly salted chicago streets have caused corrosion under car. Suspect abs failure due to salt and water corrosion in electrical connectors. High amperage abs electrical wires could short- out and cause a fire; an environmental, polution and safety issue.
While driving, the abs and traction control warning lights will sometimes illuminate at the same time with a warning chime. Until the vehice is stopped and turned off/on; these lights will remain lit and neither the abs or traction control will function.
Abs light on dash and other warning lights malfunction at different times along with displays that have characters in dash that are un-familiar. Beeps occur that I find no explanation in manual. Have had 2 malfunction in electric door locks and it is impossible to manually unlock passenger side doors from outside doors. Rear door latch cannot be opened except with key in event of certain types of crashes especially if occupants are not conscious.
Abs and traction control lights illuminated while braking on snow and ice, abs stopped working and van skidded out of my control, pumped brakes until vehicle came to stop, luckily did not occur at next intersection,or would have slid into busy intersection !! brought to shop and they did some diagnostics and came up with van needing a new abs/traction control module. Very expensive repair. Upwards of $2000. 00, if both abs module and abs hydraulic control parts need to be replaced. Went online and have read many many complaints of this problem on this model of van. Ford knows and they wont issue or recall a major safety / brake recall. . . . . . This could cause someone severe injury or death !!! brakes are there to safely stop a vehicles motion !!!!! dealer says very common problem with these Windstars. If Ford could fess up and make part very affordable then I could fix van myself. Rear axles,subframes breaking have been addressed. I believe this is a very important issue that needs to be addressed. Thank you for looking into this problem. . Read more...
The check traction control light comes on. Brake light, abs light and traction off light start blinking, turn off the ignition for a few minutes and all is well for a few seconds or maby a few days, (this doesn't happen all the time. I think the problem is somehow related to temperature because as soon as it gets cold, (below about 30 degrees) the problem goes away til warmer weather and when it gets vrey warm it happens all the time. I suspect this problem may be related to a defect in the ecm as this might explain the temp situation. Note also fortunately during the winter the traction control works fine but when this light problem is around the traction control does not work.
Abs light and red e. Brake lights come on at same time. Indicating brake module has faulted. Seems many owners have experienced this same issue at early stages of ownership.
The lights come on after a few miles of operation and stay on until the engine is shout off. The next time the engine is started the car will travel a few miles and the lights will come on again.
Abs, brake light stays on for no reason. Spent several hundred dollars having it diagnosed. Replace many parts. No resolution. Drives often with a miss especially during acceleration.
Abs power relay output circuit failed and my abs light stays on. We think the abs is inoperable.
The contact owns a 2003 Ford Windstar. The contact stated that while the vehicle was being serviced, it was found that the rear axle was corroded and fractured. The contact also mentioned that the abs and brake warning lights illuminated. The vehicle was inspected by a private mechanic who stated that the electronic control module had failed. The contact also stated that the interior lights erroneously illuminated intermittently while the vehicle was in motion. The vehicle was repaired but the failure recurred. The manufacturer was contacted and informed the contact that the vehicle was not included in NHTSA campaign number: 10v385000 (suspension). The approximate failure and current mileage was 149,000.
Check abs light comes on along with check traction control and the hand brake lamp is illuminated. A code check reveals the code as c1185 - abs relay. It is happening with increased frequency now. This happens sporadically under a variety of driving conditions. To clear it I pull over, turn off the engine; wait a few moments and restart the vehicle.
Abs light will not turn off. Also the check engine light blinks on and off and the car will not take any gas.
Traction control & brake warning light comes on, goes off later. Been doing this for a number of years. Seems to be a huge problem with these vehicles if you read about it on the internet. Ford denies that it is a problem for then to fix on a recall. ????????????????????????.
I keep having intermittent problems with dashboard warning lights: yellow abs light, yellow trac off light, and red brake light. Please note: on approx July 17, 2012 I took my Windstar to have this problem checked and have Ford recall 09s09 service done. The quick-service manager refused to check the abs control module connecter even after telling them three times that it is required as part of the recall. I was told by a service advisor trainee, to bring vehicle back if problem persists and take to regular service dept. I took the vehicle back to same Ford dealership for resolution of this problem and was told there is a $92. 00 diagnostic fee. I agreed to fee to see if the repair they recommend is same as repair which should have been covered under recall, and left van there on August 14, 2012.
Massively erratic behavior of the instrument cluster. All of the gauges; the speedometer and rpm gauges, heat and all just jump rapidly up and down. Sometimes they give false indicators. The heat meter arm goes up when it is not hot. It's really scary. It's been going on for weeks. It doesn't happen often and I am not sure why it happens. This is a minivan I. E. A family car. I cannot wait to get rid of this car. I'll never buy a Ford again.
Vehicle violently buckles forward and back when stopped at light. This continues for a few minutes then the abs light, break light, and check engine light turn on at the same time and the car stops buckling. This happens at least once each time I use the vehicle. So approximately 5-9 times a day. The buckling is so bad I'm afraid my foot will slide off the break pedal and I will roll into an intersection. I took my vehicle to theodore robins Ford in costa mesa (949) 642-3017 today and they say there is nothing they can do. . Read more...
The vehicle was checked by Ford dealer in alamogordo, nm 88310 due to a recall for "rear axle cracks, subframe corrosion" and "brake, abs brake, cruise control, and speedometer/odometer electrical problems" on Aug/16/2011. They sad there is no problem / or they fixed it. After that date, the brake/abs brake illuminated a couple of times, but went of after the engine was turned off/on again. Also the cruisecontrol stopped working since and isn't currently not working. I found that the "brake pressure differential deactivation switch (scds) (2b264) located under the master cylinder (behind the air filter) is leaking!!!. It is completely wet and the fluid is dropping down slowly. Pictures are available, taken today 04/04/2012.
The speed control would not shut off with (off button) located on steering wheel, only with brake pedel. The brakes seemed not to stop the vehicle as quickly as other times. , and on came the lights (abs & brake light) now the lights (brake and abs come on everytime I drive the vehicle shortly after starting down the road.
The check traction control system warning illuminates, as well as the abs,trac off, and the brake system warning lights on the dash.
Van would/runs for over an hour, shut off for 15 minutes and try to restart, and it won't. After multiples issues with this, and being able to temporarily repair, speedometer and rpm meters are now sticking permanently and are not showing speed or rpm's accurately at all! more issues too. . .
I was driving on the highway and all my instrument panel needles (gas, rpm, mileage, temperature) were all jumping around. This went on all the way home. I parked the car but the rpm needle was stuck and I could not shift the car into park (p) and could not turn off the car. I called a local mechanic and he came over and put the car in neutral (n) and turned off the car. The car had to be towed to the mechanic to have the instrument panel checked. The mechanic was able to move the rpm needle so that I could shift the car but the instrument panel continues to sporadically go from working, to not working at all, to all the needles jumping around. The mechanic was aware that I had the transmission done 3 times since I bought the car in sept. 2003 and told me that the malfunctioning instrument panel may be contributing to the transmission issues.
Abs and brake light on.
Since the beginning of 2011 the abs and the brake light came one. I have no idea why it comes on and stays one. I am afraid to go long distance because of this.
Red brake light came on along with traction control and abs light stopping distance was further than normal and van skidded on wet road. Need to adjust stopping distance as it was alot further to come to a stop. Light is an intermitant issue along with stopping distance.
Randomly, but with increasing regularity, the abs and brake lights come on simultaneously and stay lit. Only way to "correct" issue is to turn off vehicle for a period of time(more than 10 minutes) and then start up again. No "noticeable" effects occur when lights come on, but I haven't had to "use" the abs system as it is summertime and road conditions are optimal for braking. Also, not sure if it's related but, recently used the parking brake and even though it is "fully released" inside the vehicle. . . . . The rear brakes appear to still be locked due to the fact of visual evidence of smoke and accompanying burning smell after driving for any distance.
My 2003 Windstar's abs & brake indicator lights come on intermittently. A local Ford dealer scanned abs system, found (1)code c1185 relay in electronic control module failed, and asked $1220 to fix it.
Abs and traction control light would intermittently turn on during operation for approximately three days. After that time, both lights are continually lit.
Abs, traction control, and brake lights come on.
2000 Ford Windstar ecm control failure leading to increased braking distance. Related to Ford recall 09s09, but ecm not replaced under recall.
Braking distance suddenly increased due to abs and brake light on all the time. I took Windstar sport 2002 in for a safety recall in Dec 2009. They said that they fixed it and for the past 8 months these two lights keep turning on and off about 3 times a week. Now for the last month, the light have been on constantly. I am concerned for vehicle setting on fire at any time due to this last recall and now a new recall of rear axle corrosion. I have a disabled 5 year old and I am very concerned. I would like these items fixed properly. Obviously, the last recall was not. The thought of my van setting on fire with my child in it did not occur to the mechanic maybe. I learned of the last recall not being fixed properly by investigating this new recall. I honestly couldn't figure out why my lights were staying on and Ford said that I needed an oil change maybe. I just had one done at the beginning of the month so that is not the case. I did own a 1996 Windstar that burst into flames in 2005 February way before the recall came out in 2009. I have told them 3 times that it has already set on fire and there is no van left but they keep sending me notices for it. I would like my current vehicle fixed right the first time. It is a safety hazard especially since it would take longer to pull my child out of vehicle if it set on fire spontaneously while in it. I use my vehicle daily to transport my child to different therapies.
Ford performed safety recall 09s09 in 2009 but only installed safety wiring harness 2002. Requested Ford to replace both speed control deactivation switch and abs module due to the know failures included in the investigation, but Ford refused after a year the abs and brake warning lights started to come on intermittently, now the warning lights come on everytime the car is driven after several miles. . Read more...
Abs ecm failure - during recall repairs to the abs switch, trouble shooting discovered a malfunctioning abs ecm module. Customer was told that this is not a result of leaking brake switch.
We are having problems with the abs light or brake light for our Ford 2003 Windstar. The abs light and brake light keep coming on, then off, then on again.
It has an electrical problem. Needs wiring harness, needs front and real axle replacement. Dangerous. Alarm goes off at random. Won't hold charge. Steering wheel bearings are shot.
My abs light is on and wont go off.
The abs and hand brake kept coming on intermittently. The braking distance has increased. And now the lights are on almost permanently. Based on reports, am afraid if this is going to result in a fire eventually.
Abs and traction control lights light up on my dashboard intermittently on my 2002 Ford Windstar. I went to the Ford dealer and they reported that there was no problem as I would still have braking power just not abs brakes which is one of the reasons I bought the car. Have lost the use of my car due to the axle recall since September but Ford issued a lease vehicle. Now I am worried about the abs and traction control lights.
The abs light is on, difficulty getting van out of park. Smelled smoke after last use of vehicle.
Ecm module defected according to the brake shop. The brake shop pulled the codes and all the codes said to replace the ecm module. The reason I took my 2003 Windstar to the brake shop because my brake light, on by dash, comes on and my brakes makes noise like the brakes are on but they are not. This problem is intermittent and the brake light resets when the minivan is turned off. The brake shop said I had excellent brakes and the ecm module is defected. It will cost 600-800. 00 dollars for repairs at my Ford garage. But I understand as of now, there is no recall for the ecm module, however there maybe a recall in the near future. A recall will be great for me saving me 600-800. 00 dollars. Thanks.
Abs ecm failure - abs brake light.
The abs and brake light began to come on intermittently, followed soon afterwards by the power right passenger window failing to go and down, followed by the transmission o/d off light flashing. These would occur until the engine was shut down, then most of the time the symptoms would go away, always to return. When the o/d off light would come on, the transmission would fail to perform at speed and we would have to reduce our speed to under 50 mph in order to not rev the engine above 3500 rpm. When this light is on, you cannot get to 60 mph without redlining the engine. I have had dealers and mechanics look at this a number of times with no resolution.
Abs and brakes lights came on. Abs inoperable. Stopping distance greatly increased.
1999 Ford Windstar - the abs light and the traction control light appears on the instrument panel. The 'check traction control' message comes up as well.
First occurance of the abs light coming on resulted in producing diagnostic codes of c1185 c1242 and an abs rear sensor code. The abs light was very intermittent a first but now has become much more frequent. The light will display more so on bumpy roads and hot days. I depend on my abs system because I am handicaped and live in northern climate (snow and ice conditions). I can know longer depend on my abs system to help prevent an accident or an impact.
Abs and brake light come on intermittently while driving down the road, cruise control stopped working just before Fords recall. Nothing done about these problems.
Abs amber light, and red brake light have been coming on. Loss of brake fluid through the brake pressure differential switch and code c1185 abs main relay failure code. Non-functional cruise control.
Abs control module failure in 2003 Ford Windstar van; less than 80,000 miles on vehicle; replaced by Ford dealership on 9-5-2008 for a cost of over $1,400; preventable action taken before serious accident occurred.
Brake module to cruise control harness caught on fire. Similar models have this recalled by Ford but not for the year for my Windstar.
2002 Ford Windstar intermittent abs light on. Brake switch recall done 6 months ago, no fire. I have reason to believe their is a problem with the abs module due to code c1185 main relay issue. It has been reported of a solder joint on the ecm breaking due to expanding and contracting in heat and cold.
Ford 2001 Windstar has repeated abs and brake light illuminated. Problem clears each time the car is turned off. Problem re-appears irregularly between minutes and days after the car is restarted. Causes the drivers concern and distraction.
Anti-lock braking system fails when outside temperatures are above 90 degrees.
We lost our odometer, speedometer, cruise control and air conditioning on a recent trip from va to nc. At first, replacing the #10amp fuse took care of the problem. Within one week, the fuses began to blow as soon as the car is turned on. Now, it blows the fuse each time a new one is replaced. Therefore, no odometer, speedometer, cool air, cruise control, etc. After a lot of research on line, we have found numerous sources with incredible documentation and consistency showing that this problem has been pervasive across Ford Windstar products in the age range of our van. We have not had a fire, but there is enough of a record on this, that something should be done about it with Ford before someone has a fire that causes death or injury. Thanks for a response on what we can expect next.
Abs , traction control and brake light go on periodically. Car needs a new brain box.
Abs, traction control, brake lights go on and off intermittently. Ford dealership can't seem to fix. I've had it 'fixed' several times, but in a couple months the same problem returns.
Abs light comes and goes, sometimes on and sometimes off. Will it be there when I need it. I drive on roads covered with ice and snow in the winter and carry my grandchildren. I worry for their safety.
The abs, traction control, and brake warning lights will come on all at the same time after driving for only a few minutes. Once these lights come on, the abs and traction controls are completely inoperable, and in bad weather this could lead to a crash. The warning lights illuminate faster when it is warmer outside. I believe that at $2800 to repair, this is a serious problem and should most certainly be a recall, especially in a family vehicle where children could be in danger.
During normal driving the "check traction control" message comes on and then deactivates both abs and traction control significantly impacting the drivable in winter conditions. I do not know of any significant events leading up to this failure. The message isn't always on, just periodically especially when it rains.
I have a 1999 Ford Windstar sel with traction control that I purchased new January of 1999. It has never been outside of southern California and is stored inside. Current mileage is 140,000. This abs problem started after warranty period expired at approx 39,000 miles. The van developed an "abs" light and "trac off" light. Dealership diagnosis was a "faulty abs master relay" (code c1185 as well as several othersrequiring a new abs module to the tune of more than 1200$. With the other problems having to replace the vacuum hoses, intake manifold, valve cover, door seals, heater blend door, interior light flickering, and transmission 3 times over the last 9 years, this was one fix we elected to forgo as I perform all maintenance outside the dealership and this si a dealer only fix. I have been following this for years with interest and just now decided to file as there appears to be thousands with this same problem. Dash lights have been on for the last 100,000 miles. Apparent problem as found on web - abs ecm failure - abs brake light. The issue of the abs brake light is critical in that the abs brake system does not function as designed by Ford. The issue is caused by heat in the abs (anti-lock brake system) ecm (electronic control module) (2c219) module causing expansion of a large aluminum plate (heat sink) in the ecm which is attached to the ecm main circuit board at all points. The expansion occurs when the unit gets warm especially in the summer months and causes intermittent electrical connection in the unit because the fragile board is being stretched and malformed. The code most commonly scanned by professional mechanics is code c1185. Seen by us owners as a yellow abs brake light.