1998 FORD WINDSTAR Steering Problems

MY FRONT CRADLE AT STEERING AREA HAS COMPLETELY RUSTED INTO FROM AC LEAK AND ROAD SALT VAN WAS SOLD IN VERMONT NOW IS LOCATED IN VIRGINIA UNSAFE ALMOST UNDRIVABLE TO FORD DEALER FOR A REAR AXLE RECALL FOR AXLE BRACES PLEASE INVESTIGATE THIS

Mileage: 30,000

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 1998 FORD WINDSTAR. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE VEHICLE WAS LEAKING POWER STEERING FLUID. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE VEHICLE NEEDED APPROXIMATELY ONE BOTTLE OF POWER STEERING FLUID PER DAY FOR IT TO OPERATE NORMALLY. THE FAILURE OCCURRED WITHOUT WARNING. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC WHO STATED THAT THE SPINDLE AND RACK FRACTURED AND NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE CONTACT REFERENCED NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 97V165000 (STEERING); HOWEVER, THE VIN WAS NOT INCLUDED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS APPROXIMATELY 200,000.

Mileage: 200,000

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 1998 FORD WINDSTAR. WHILE DRIVING AT AN UNKNOWN SPEED, THE STEERING WHEEL BECAME DIFFICULT TO TURN AND MADE A WINDING NOISE. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO SEVERAL MECHANICS FOR INSPECTION AND IT WAS DISCOVERED THAT THE RACK AND PINION FAILED AND WAS LEAKING FLUID. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 130,000.

Mileage: 130,000

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 1998 FORD WINDSTAR. THE CONTACT STATED THAT HE RECENTLY HAD HIS VEHICLE STATE INSPECTED BY AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC. THE VEHICLE PASSED INSPECTION BUT THE FOLLOWING DAY THE VEHICLE COULD NOT BE DRIVEN. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED BACK TO THE INDEPENDENT MECHANIC WHO STATED THE "STEERING KNUCKLE" HAD TO BE REPLACED AT THE OWNERS EXPENSE. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS CONTACTED AND MENTIONED THERE WERE NO OPEN RECALLS ON THE VEHICLE. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 180,354.

WHILE DRIVING MY 1998 WINDSTAR @ 45MPH, I LOST TOTAL STEERING CONTROL OF MY VEHICLE AND MY VEHICLE VEERED INTO THE ONCOMING LANE OF A TWO LANE HIGHWAY. I WAS ABLE TO REGAIN CONTROL AFTER TURNING THE STEERING WHEEL APPROX 360 DEGREES TO THE RIGHT AND MANAGED TO STOP SAFELY. AFTER FURTHER INVESTIGATION, IT WAS FOUND THAT THE DRIVERS SIDE LOWER CONTROL ARM BRACKET THAT IS WELDED TO THE SUBFRAME BROKE AWAY FROM THE SUBFRAME DUE TO A RUSTED OUT SUBFRAME. I'VE OWNED THIS VEHICLE FOR THE PAST 8 YEARS AND NEVER RECEIVED ANY INFORMATION FROM FORD REGARDING THIS SAFETY ISSUE AS NOTED IN THE 1999-2003 FORD WINDSTAR RECALL WHICH HAS THE SAME ISSUE AS MY VEHICLE. ALTHOUGH FORD IS NOT GOING TO HONOR A SUBFRAME RECALL FOR MY YEAR VEHICLE, FORD SHOULD AT LEAST SEND A NOTIFICATION LETTER TO INFORM OWNERS OF THIS DANGEROUS ISSUE. BOTH MY WIFE AND KIDS DRIVE THIS VEHICLE, BUT HAD I AT LEAST KNOWN THERE WAS A DANGEROUS ISSUE WITH THIS VEHICLE, I WOULD HAVE PARKED IT. *TR

Mileage: 54,000

WHILE DRIVING ON THE HIGHWAY AT 60MPH, I LOST CONTROL OF MY VEHICLE AND IT STARTED TO FISHTAIL AND SWERVE INTO THE NEXT LANE AS I TRIED TO REGAIN CONTROL IT SPUN AROUND AND FLIPPED OVER UPSIDE DOWN ON TOP OF THE GUARD RAIL AND LANDED FACING TRAFFIC. I RECEIVED MINOR INJURIES AND MY THREE CHILDREN WERE NOT INJURED. I WAS INFORMED THAT THE REAR AXLE SNAPPED IN HALF ON MY VEHICLE AND THAT THERE IS A RECALL ON THIS PART. I NEVER RECEIVED A NOTICE IN REGARDS TO THIS. *TR

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 1998 FORD WINDSTAR. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE VEHICLE TAKEN TO A LOCAL MECHANIC FOR INSPECTION OF THE SUB FRAME WHEN THE CONTACT WAS ADVISED THAT THE SUB FRAME WAS SEVERELY CORRODED AND THAT THE VEHICLE WAS UNSAFE TO DRIVE. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE BRAKE LINES WERE ALSO FOUND TO BE CORRODED. THE BRAKE LINES WERE REPLACED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE SUB FRAME FAILURE AND DENIED ANY ASSISTANCE WITH THE REPAIR. THE SUB FRAME WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE FAILURE AND THE CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 114,000. THE TIE RODS, FRONT WHEEL BEARINGS AND BATTERY HAD TO BE REPLACED WITHIN ONE YEAR OF OWNING THE VEHICLE. THE WHEEL CYLINDERS, BRAKE ADJUSTERS, SPRING KIT, DRUMS, ROTORS, SHOES, AND PADS ALL HAD TO BE REPLACED. ALSO, THE TURN SIGNAL LEVEL STOPPED WORKING FOR THE LEFT SIDE. WHEN THE BRAKE WAS APPLIED, IT WENT TO THE FLOOR AND THEN PULSATED BACK UP, AND THEN THE ABS LIGHT ILLUMINATED. UPDATED 02/01/12

Mileage: 114,000

POPPING IN FRONT END WHEN TURNING OR HITTING BUMPS. THE POPPING SOUND WAS OFTEN. HAD NEW TIRES PUT ON, AND WHEN I TOOK IT IN TO HAVE FRONT END ALIGNED. FORD TECH. SAID FRONT SPRINGS WERE BROKE. WAS AN EST. OF $1200.00 ON IT CAN'T AFFORD. THIS WAS 5/20/2011. CONTACTED MFR ABOUT THE RECALL THAT WAS ISSUED ON THIS PART 7/12/2001. WAS TOLD THERE WAS NOTHING THEY COULD DO, BECAUSE OF A TIME LIMIT. HOW CAN THEY PUT A TIME LIMIT ON SAFETY & PEOPLES LIVES BECAUSE THE SPRINGS ARE BROKEN,THEY CAN PUNCTURE THE TIRES AND CAUSE AN ACCIDENT. NOW WE ARE WITHOUT TRANSPORTATION. AND MY SON IS DISABLED AND HAS NUMEROUS DR. APPTS. MILES AWAY. BUT MY HANDS ARE TIED. THE MFR. DID ADVISE TO HAVE ANOTHER RECALL CHECKED OUT WHICH IS THE SPEED CONTROL BECAUSE IT CAN CATCH FIRE. WHEN I ASKED WHY, YOU JUST TOLD ME IT WAS UNSAFE TO DRIVE.HE ADVISED IT COULD CATCH FIRE JUST SETTING IN THE DRIVE NOT RUNNING. I WAS NOT NOTIFIED OF EITHER ONE OF THESE RECALLS BY MAIL OR OTHER WISE UNTIL I CALLED TO COMPLAIN ABOUT THE FRONT COIL SPRINGS. HOW DOES THESE BILLION DOLLAR COMPANY'S KEEP GETTING BY WITH NEGLIGENCE? THERE ARE LOTS OF RECALLS ON THIS VEHICLE. PLEASE HELP! *TR

Mileage: 142,000

1998 FORD WINDSTAR HAS RUSTED ENGINE SUBFRAME, WHICH, IF LETS GO WOULD CAUSE SIDE AXLE AND FRONT TIRE TO SEPARATE FROM VAN AND CAUSE LOSS OF STEERING CONTROL,LOSS OF BRAKING, AND POSSIBLE ACCIDENT.THIS WAS DISCOVERED WHILE VAN WAS ON RAMP FOR OIL CHANGE . RECEIVED RECALL ON REAR AXLE CRACKING AND RECALL WAS DONE TODAY BY FORD. BROUGHT SUBFRAME PROBLEM TO THE DEALERS ATTENTION AND THEY STATED THAT FORD WAS FULLY AWARE OF THIS PROBLEM BUT COULD DO NOTHING ABOUT IT BECAUSE FORD HAD NOT ISSUED A RECALL ON THIS TIME. THE SERVICE STATION OWNER WHICH DID MY OIL CHANGE EXPRESSED AN OPINION THAT HE FELT THAT THE FRONT SUBFRAME RUSTING WAS INDEED MUCH MORE OF A CONCERN THAN THE CRACKING OF THE REAR AXLE WHICH HAS BEEN RECALLED BY FORD. AT PRESENT I AM AFRAID TO DRIVE MY WINDSTAR WITH THIS STRUCTURAL DEFECT AND I FEEL FORD SHOULD REMEDY THIS DEFECT IN THE SAME MANNER THAT THEY DID WITH THE CRACKING REAR AXLE. *TR

Mileage: 81,250

I OWN A 1998 FORD WINDSTAR(MANUFACTURE DATE AUG..1997. I HAVE BEEN HAVING PROBLEMS FOR A WHILE. MY VAN WAS MAKING A WHINING GRINDING NOISE. GEAR IS HARD TO GET OUT OF PARK BAD POPPING NOISE WHEN BACKING UP...REPLACED ALL 4 WHEEL BEARINGS AND BOTH TIE ROD ENDS..STILL MAKING A BAD WHINING NOISE.3 DAYS AGO I WAS DRIVING DOWN THE HIGHWAY AND THE STEERING STARTED ACTING WEIRD AND SHAKING AND THE BACK OF THE VAN STARTED SWAYING BACK AND FORTH .. WAS TOLD AT THE SHOP ABOUT THE RECALL ON AXEL I CALLED FORD AND WAS TOLD MY VAN IS NOT ON THE LIST MY VAN HAS A EXCESSIVE AMOUNT OF CORROSION THROUGHOUT THE WHOLE BOTTOM THE SHOP TOLD ME THIS VAN HAS BEEN EXPOSED TO SALT. WHEN I BOUGHT THE VAN IT HAD A INSPECTION STICKER FROM PREVIOUS OWNER FROM ONE OF THE RECALL STATES.(PENS) FORD WOULD NOT GIVE ME ANY INFORMATION ONWHAT STATE IT WAS SOLD IN OR DEALER, WHAT BRAND OF AXEL THAT WAS BEING RECALLED (SAID THEY DIDN'T KNOW THE BRAND) COME ON WHAT COMPANY SPENDS MONEY ON PARTS AND DON'T EVEN KNOW THE BRAND OR MANUFACTURE THEY BUY FROM. I'M SCARED TO DEATH TO DRIVE THIS AUTOMOBILE.. I THINK FORD SHOULD HONOR THERE PROMISE TO ITS CUSTOMERS AND FIX THIS PROBLEM ON ALL 1997-2003 WINDSTARS NOT JUST CERTAIN MONTHS OF 1997 OR DOES SOMEONE HAVE TO LOSE THERE LIFE BEFORE THEY DO SOMETHING? FORD>>> YOU TOOK OUR MONEY FOR YOUR PRODUCT NOW STAND BEHIND YOUR PRODUCT. *TR

Mileage: 120,000

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 1998 FORD WINDSTAR. THE VEHICLE HAD FAILURES REGARDING THE STEERING CONTROL. THE CONTACT WAS ABLE TO LOCATE A RECALL IN REGARDS TO THE FAILURE (NHTSA CAMPAIGN ID NUMBER: 97V165000-STEERING: GEAR BOX: SHAFT SECTOR) YET WHEN CONTACTING THE DEALER, THEY WERE UNAWARE OF SUCH RECALL. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 166,593.

Mileage: 166,593

ON DECEMBER 16TH 2009. I WAS DRIVING DOWN WEST 117TH TOWARDS MADISON/LAKEWOOD IN CLEVELAND, OHIO AND WAS TRYING TO COME TO A STOP (SLOW DOWN AND STOP) TO ALLOW AN AMBULANCE TO PASS (THERE WAS A CAR IN FRONT OF ME THAT WAS ALSO SLOWING DOWNA ND THAT CAME TO A STOP AT THE STREET LOT)THIS IS ON A MAJOR STREET NEAR AN HIGHWAY INTERSECTION. I PUT MY FOOT ON MY BRAKE TO SLOW DOWN THE VEHICLE AND COME TO A STOP BUT IT WOULD NOT SLOW DOWN OR STOP. THE BRAKE HAD WENT OUT. I ENDED UP HITTING THE CAR IN FRONT OF ME HARD (AN SUV) AND DOING QUITE A BIT OF DAMAGE TO MY VEHICLE. THE OTHER DRIVER VEHICLE WAS SO FAR AS I COULD TELL UNDAMAGED. ON MY VEHICLE THE FRONT LIGHT IS BROKEN, MY BUMPER IS DAMAGED, AND MY HOOD IS DAMAGED. I, MYSELF AND THE DRIVER I HIT COULD HAVE GOTTEN SERIOUSLY INJURED. SO FAR WE ARE BOTHFINE AND NO INJURIES OCCURRED. HOWEVER HE MAY TURN AROUND AND COME AFTER ME IF HE DECIDES TO. AND I NOW CAN NOT DRIVE MY VEHICLE. I RECEIVED A RECALL NOTICE ON MY VEHICLE BRAKE ABOUT A MONTH AGO AROUND EARLY NOVEMBER. MAYBE IN END OF OCTOBER. THE VERY DAY OF MY ACCIDENT (HAPPENED AROUND 12:15 NOON) I WAS GOING TO GO HOME AND CALL FORD ABOUT THE RECALL. THERE IS A WORLDWIDE RECALL ON MY VEHICLE MODEL AND MANY OTHERS. AND I HAVE HAD NOTHING BUT PROBLEMS SINCE I BOUGHT IT. I HAVE HAD TO MAKE NUMEROUS REPAIRS ON IT AND STILL HAD PROBLEMS AND THIS ACCIDENT. FORD SHOULD BE HELD RESPONSIBLE FOR THIS AND SHOULD COMPENSATE ME WITH ANOTHER VEHICLE IN GOOD CONDITION ESPECIALLY SINCE I HAVE SPENT SO MUCH TIME AND MONEY INTO REPLACEMENT PARTS FOR THIS WINDSTAR. OR GIVE ME MY MONEY BACK OR SOMETHING. I'M GLAD MY KIDS WERE NOT WITH ME WHEN THIS HAPPENED AND THAT THE MAN I HIT WAS ALSO ALONE AND IS OK. WHAT CAN BE DONE ABOUT THIS? I HAVE HAD TO REPLACE THE FOLLOWING ITEMS SINCE I GOT THIS VEHICLE: O2 SENSORS (BOTH), ALTERNATOR, BELT, WINDSHIELD WIPER BLADE, AND MAKE BACK BLADES DON'T WORK AT ALL, THE TRANSMISSION, THE STEERING COLUMN BOX, DOOR HANDLE AND COMPONENTS INSIDE AND MORE!

TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 1998 FORD WINDSTAR. THE CONTACT STATED THAT HE HAS BEEN EXPERIENCING STEERING FAILURE EVER SINCE THE VEHICLE WAS PURCHASED. HE HEARS LOUD, SQUEAKY NOISES EVERYTIME HE TURNS THE STEERING WHEEL. THE VEHICLE HAS BEEN REPAIRED BY A PRIVATE MECHANIC APPROXIMATELY FIVE TIMES, BUT THE FAILURE STILL PERSISTS. HIS VIN WAS NOT INCLUDED IN NHTSA CAMPAIGN ID NUMBER 97V165000 (STEERING:GEAR BOX:SHAFT SECTOR). THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS UNKNOWN AND THE CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 120,000.

STEERING RACK FAILURE. *JB

Mileage: 86,660

DT*: THE CONTACT STATED THERE WAS A GRINDING NOISE FROM THE STEERING WHEEL WHEN TURNED. THE STEERING WHEEL PULLED TO THE RIGHT OR LEFT WITHOUT WARNING WHILE DRIVING 40 MPH. THE SERVICE DEALER AND MANUFACTURER WERE NOTIFIED, BUT INFORMED THE CONTACT THE VEHICLE WAS NOT INCLUDED IN RECALL # 97V165000 REGARDING THE STEERING:GEAR BOX:SHAFT SECTOR DUE TO THE VIN, ALTHOUGH THE VEHICLE HAD THE SAME PROBLEMS.

Mileage: 99,000

VEHICLE HAS A DANGEROUS RACK AND PINION INPUT SHAFT STEERING GEAR. THIS IS COVERED UNDER RECALL 97V-165000, HOWEVER, AFTER CONTACTING THE DEALER AND FORD MOTOR COMPANY SEVERAL TIMES THEY REFUSE ALL RESPONSIBILITY IN CORRECTING THIS PROBLEM. THIS IS A SAFETY ISSUE AND FORD REFUSES TO TAKE ANY AND ALL CORRECTIVE ACTIONS. NHTSA WAS USELESS IN HELPING THE SITUATION. *JB

Mileage: 66,000

POWER STEERING RETURN LINE FROM RACK TO COOLER RUBBED ON FRAME OF 98 FORD WINDSTAR UNTIL A HOLE RESULTED IN LOSS OF MOST PS FLUID. DRASTIC LOSS OF FLUID OCCURRED DESCENDING BLUE RIDGE MOUNTAINS. WINDSTAR HAD ABOUT 125,000 MILES, AND THE DAMAGE TO THE HOSE WAS NOT VISIBLE FROM NORMAL INSPECTION. FLUID SPRAYED OVER HOT ENGINE PARTS BUT DID NOT IGNITE. *JB

Mileage: 125,000

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. *NM

NHTSA RECALL CAMPAIGN 97V165000; FORD ISSUED A STEERING GEAR RECALL. THIS VEHICLE WAS NOT INCLUDED IN THE RECALL DUE TO VIN, BUT HAD SAME GEAR STEERING PROBLEMS AS MENTIONED IN THE RECALL. *AK

CONSUMER'S VEHICLE EXPERIENCED THE SAME PROBLEMS AS MENTIONED IN RECALL97V165000 CONCERNING STEERING GEAR BOX FAILURE. THE DEALERSHIP WILL NOT REPAIR FREE OF CHARGE BECAUSE THE VIN WAS NOT INCLUDED. *AK *NM

Mileage: 90,000

I HAVE REPLACED THE RACK AND PINION STEERING TWICE AND THE POWER STEERING PUMP ONCE ON MY 1998 FORD WINDSTAR.*AK

Mileage: 45,000

I HAVE REPLACED THE RACK AND PINION STEERING TWICE AND THE POWER STEERING PUMP ONCE ON MY 1998 FORD WINDSTAR.*AK

Mileage: 45,000

THE VEHICLE MADE A GRINDING NOISE AND WAS HARD TO TURN. THE MECHANIC STATED THERE WAS A RECALL, HOWEVER THE VEHICLE WAS NOT INCLUDED FOR THE RACK AND PINION. PLEASE PROVIDE ADDITIONAL INFORMATION. *JB

Mileage: 78,000

1: STEERING ON VEHICLE IS NOT WORKING PROPERLY 2: STEERING WHEEL TAKES EXTRA EFFORT TO TURN VEHICLE LEADING TO LOSS OF CONTROL OF VEHICLE SOMETIMES. 3: FORD RECALLED CERTAIN VIN NUMBERED VEHICLES OF THIS MODEL YEAR, BUT MINE DID NOT GET RECALLED, BUT STILL HAS THE CONDITION.*AK

Mileage: 50,000

I HAD A METALIC GRINDING NOISE WHEN I STEERED TO THE RIGHT OR LEFT. I TOOK IT TO MY FORD DEALER FOR REPAIR AND FOUND THAT THE RIGHT AND LEFT TIE ROD ENDS WERE BINDING AND HAD TO BE REPLACED. I HAVE ALWAYS HAD MY VAN LUBRICATED AND HAVE FOUND OUT THAT THESE TIE RODS HAVE NO GREASE FITTING FOR LUBRICATION. I VIEW THIS AS A SAFETY HAZARD AND COULD RESULT IN A SERIOUS ACCIDENT IF LEFT UNATTENDED.*AK

Mileage: 72,468

BOTH FRONT TIE-RODS TOTALLY FAILED AND HAD TO BE REPLACED AT ONLY 50,000 MILES. *LA

Mileage: 50,000

RIGHT AFTER PURCHASING THE VEHICLE, I STARTED HAVING PROBLEM WITH IT. I ADDRESSED THE SELLER, AND HE TOLD ME THAT THE VEHICLE HAD NO WARRANTY, AND SO THAT I SHOULD JUST TAKE THE VEHICLE AND TAKE CARE OF THE PROBLEM BY MYSELF. I HAVE HAD NUMEROUS OF PROBLEMS WITH THIS VEHICLE. WHEN I PURCHASED THE VEHICLE, I FEEL I WAS USED BECAUSE I AM POOR, AND WAS DESPERATE FOR A VEHICLE. OTHER PEOPLE THAT HAVE PURCHASED A VEHICLE FROM THEM HAVE HAD THE SAME PROBLEM. I DON'T KNOW WHAT ACTIONS CAN BE TAKEN TO CORRECT THE MATTER ANY LONGER. I HAVEN'T GIVEN A PAYMENT FOR ABOUT 4 MONTHS, BECAUSE I HAVE HAD TO FIX THE VEHICLE. MAINLY TRANSMISSION AND ELECTRICAL PROBLEMS. I HAVE ALSO HAD STEERING WHEEL PROBLEMS, AND TIRE PROBLEMS. *LA

Mileage: 140,000

POWER STEERING LEAK, BLACK POWER STEERING FLUID, LOUD WHEN TURNING LEFT OR RIGHT,BROUGHT TO MECHANIC,REPLACED POWER STEERING RACK.STILL HAVE BLACK POWER STEERING FLUID ,CAR STILL LOUD WHEN TURNING WHEEL.*AK

I BOUGHT THIS VAN BECAUSE OF THE CLEAN CONDITION OF IT . I HAVE THE 3.0 LTR ENGINE WHICH HAS BEEN EXCELLENT. THE TRANSMISSION SO FAR IS OK. STEERING IS A DANGEROUS MESS WITH ALMOST EVERYTHING NEW AND 3 ALIGNMENTS. IF YOU TAKE YOUR EYES OFF THE ROAD EVEN FOR A SECOND YOU CAN END UP IN A DITCH. MY WIFE & I BOTH WENT OFF THE ROAD IN A 1 MONTH SPAN. WE BOTH HAVE EXCELLENT DRIVING RECORDS. THE FRONT END SEEMS OK TO FORD. SOMETHING SERIOUS IS WRONG WITH THE STEERING. WON?T LET MY WIFE DRIVE IT ANYMORE. HAS A LITTLE VIBRATION THAT YOU CANNOT GET RID OF. SENDING THIS TO YOU BECAUSE I CALLED FORD AND THEY SAID THERE WAS NO SAFETY RECALL OR ANY STEERING ISSUES WITH THAT VAN. HAD A SERVICE BULLETIN IN FRONT OF ME AT THAT TIME STATING THERE WAS. BUT THAT IS NOT THE PROBLEM. FORD DENIED THE ALL OF THE ABOVE. AM AFRAID TO SELL TO SOMEONE BECAUSE I THINK SOMEONE WILL GET HURT. DON?T KNOW WHY FORD KEEPS PUTTING IN THE SAME BAD PARTS YEAR AFTER YEAR. I HAVE HAD ALL THE DOME LIGHT PROBLEMS AND DOOR LOCKS ETC. THEY WILL STILL SAY NO PROBLEMS. BOUGHT IT USED AT A GOOD PRICE THINKING IT WAS A BAD TIRE CAUSING THE PROBLEMS. IF ACCIDENT OCCURS WILL SEEK DAMAGES

THIS VAN HAS ALL THE DEFECTS AND COMPLAINTS LISTED ON THEGOVT. RECALLS THE NHTSA SITE AND OTHERS IHAVE TOO MUCH INFO TO PUT ON THIS SITE IF THERE IS ANYONE I CAN SEND MY COMPLAINT TO PLEASE LET ME KNOW IAM PUTTING IT BACK INTO THE SHOP AGAIN IVE BEEN THRU A NIGHTMARE ALONG WITH TRYING TO ASSURE MY 4 KIDS THAT THEY WERE SAFE IN THIS VAN THANKYOU ANGELA WALLACE AND BY THE WAT THE DEALER THAT SOLD ME THIS VAN WILL NOT COOPERATE AT ALL

Mileage: 37,000

A/C OCT. 99 $168.98, DEC. 99 $134.40 SUSPENSION JULY 01 $664.61, DEC. 99 $515.85, JUN 01 $61.78, BODY JUN 01 $443.61 OTHER CD PLAYER JUN 01 $19.50 AND $366.86 TURN SIGNAL JAN 02 $161.04 DOME LIGHT JAN 02 $84.02 JAN 02 $89.72 DOOR OCT 99 $134.52, MAR 03 $285.07 STEERING SEPT.02 $258.82, MAR. 03 569.32 COMPUTER CONTROLS SEPT. 00 $106.02 ENGINE JAN 02 $784.75 COOLANT SMELL (FOUND FRONT COVER GASKET LEAKING) SEPT. 02 85.95 (TOLD THROTTLE BODY WORN OUT, SOLD ME UPDATE COMPUTER SOFTWARE, SEAMS TO RUN BETTER) CURRENTLY IN SHOP FOR CHECK ENGINE LIGHT AND A/C SYSTEM INTERMITTENT. MECHANIC FOUND ENGINE PROBLEM, SAYS MAIN BEARINGS OR CRANKSHAFT BAD, POSSIBLY DUE TO COOLANT IN OIL SYSTEM FROM JANUARY 02 PROBLEM

Mileage: 50,930

WHILE DRIVING CONSUMER HEARD A GROANING NOISE. TIE ROD ENDS WERE CRACKED. VEHICLE WILL BE TAKEN TO THE DEALER FOR FURTHER ASSESSMENT.

Mileage: 47,000

RACK AND PINION STEERING WAS REPLACED AT 50,000 MILES AT DEALER FOR A COST OF $1,500, AND IT FAILED AGAIN. STEERING RACK SHOULD NOT MALFUNCTION IN SUCH A SHORT PERIOD OF TIME. ALSO, BOOT LEAKS CAUSED POWER STEERING PUMP TO MALFUNCTION. *AK

Mileage: 50,000

RACK AND PINION STEERING WAS REPLACED AT 50,000 MILES AT DEALER FOR A COST OF $1,500, AND IT FAILED AGAIN. STEERING RACK SHOULD NOT MALFUNCTION IN SUCH A SHORT PERIOD OF TIME. ALSO, BOOT LEAKS CAUSED POWER STEERING PUMP TO MALFUNCTION. *AK

Mileage: 50,000

CONSUMER STATED WHILE PARKING AND WITHOUT ANY INDICATION VEHICLE LOST POWER STEERING. VEHICLE WAS SERVICED, TECHNICIAN NOTICED STEERING FITTING WAS RUSTED WHICH CAUSED THE POWER STEEERING FLUID TO LEAK. THE HOOD WAS DIFFICULT TO OPEN. THE DEALER LUBED THE LATCH. *AK *TS *NLM

Mileage: 32,952

SUDDEN POWER STEERING LEAK. MAIN LEAK FROM LOW PRESSURE HOSE, BUT FOUND THAT RUSTED HIGH PRESSURE HOSE FITTING ALSO LEAKING A BIT; AND SEAL(S) OF RACK & PINION LEAKING INTO DUST BOOT(S). HAD TO REPLACE HOSES & RACK/PINION AT 81,000 MILES -- 98 WINDSTAR. *JB

Mileage: 81,000

SUDDEN POWER STEERING LEAK. MAIN LEAK FROM LOW PRESSURE HOSE, BUT FOUND THAT RUSTED HIGH PRESSURE HOSE FITTING ALSO LEAKING A BIT; AND SEAL(S) OF RACK & PINION LEAKING INTO DUST BOOT(S). HAD TO REPLACE HOSES & RACK/PINION AT 81,000 MILES -- 98 WINDSTAR. *JB

Mileage: 81,000

WHILE STEERING, THIS VEHICLE TENDS TO ALMOST JUMP WHILE DRIVING AND TURNING AROUND ANY TYPE OF CORNER. I HAVE TO OVER COMPENSATE SO AS NOT TO VEER TOWARD THAT DIRECTION. IT HAPPENS ALL THE TIME AND IS VERY DANGEROUS. CONSEQUENTLY, I HAVE TO TAKE THE VEHICLE TO MY MECHANIC TO GET HIS EVALUATION?*JB

Mileage: 71,000

PROBLEMS WITH TRANSMISSION, TORQUE, POWER STEERING, AND FRONT END STABLE RODS & ARMS. *MR THE TRANSMISSION AND TORQUE HAD BEEN REPLACED TWICE, THE POWER STEERING ONCE, THE FONT END STABLE RODS AND ARMS TWICE AND REMAINED BAD. THE BATTERY LIGHT HAD COME ON AND THE IDLER PULLEY WAS REPLACED, THERE WAS A CREAKING/CRACKING NOISE WHEN TURNING THE WHEEL AND THE OUTER TIE RODS WERE REPLACED ALONG WITH THE TOE BEING RESET, THERE WAS A CLUNK WHEN GOING OVER THE BUMPS, THERE WAS A VIBRATION UNDERNEATH DUE TO THE TRANSMISSION, THE ENGINE LIGHT WOULD COME ON AND OFF AND SEEMED LIKE THE SHIFTS WERE ERRATIC, THE TRANSMISSION LEAKED BADLY, AND ON SOME OCCASIONS THE STARTER DID NOT ENGAGE. *SCC *JB

Mileage: 41,000

RACK AND PINION STEERING HAS FAILED. THERE WAS A RECALL ISSUED ON THE DESCRIPTION, BUT THIS VEHICLE WAS NOT INCLUDED.*AK

I FILED A COMPLAINT ON 2/10/03 (ODI # 10005590) RELATING TO THE LOSS OF POWER STEERING FLUID IN OUR 1998 FORD WINDSTAR. THE DEALERSHIP, AT THAT TIME, USED A REPAIR KIT (RATHER THAN A COMPLETE REPLACEMENT) FOR THE SECOND TIME IN A YEAR. IN EARLY AUGUST, 2003, THE REPAIR KIT FAILED AGAIN AND WE HAD NO POWER STEERING FLUID LEFT AT ALL. THREE FAILURES IN A CRITICAL SAFETY DEVICE IN 18 MONTHS VERY CLEARLY INDICATES THAT THE MANUFACTURER'S REMEDIAL PLAN IS INADEQUATE AND A RECALL IS NECESSARY. *NLM

Mileage: 95,000

WHILE DRIVING AT 45MPH TURNED RIGHT AND CONSUMER LOST CONTROL. DEALER NOTIFIED. *AK

1998 FORD WINDSTAR I HAD TO HAVE THE FRONT TIE ROD ENDS REPLACED TWICE WITH ONLY 47K MILES. FROM WHAT I UNDERSTAND TALKING TO REPAIR GARAGES THIS SEEMS TO BE A COMMON PROBLEM WITH WINDSTAR VANS. *NLM

Mileage: 47,653

CONSUMER COMPLAINED ABOUT HAVING PROBLEMS WITH VEHICLE, RACK AN PINION STEERING LOCKING.*AK

WHEN TILTING THE STEERING WHEEL WINDSHIELD WIPERS WOULD NOT WORK. DEALER NOTIFIED.*AK

THE VEHICLE EXPERIENCED THE SAME PROBLEM AS STATED IN RECALL 97 V 165 000, HOWEVER THE VEHICLE IDENTIFICATION NUMBER WAS NOT INCLUDED IN THE RECALL.*JB

THE STEERING WHEEL WAS DIFFICULT TO TURN.*JB

FOR THE SECOND TIME IN ONE YEAR, OUR 1998 FORD WINDSTAR (VIN [XXX]) IS IN NEED OF REPAIR TO CORRECT A POWER STEERING FLUID LEAK. I UNDERSTAND THERE ARE TWO SERVICE BULLETINS THAT HAVE BEEN ISSUED ON THIS DEFECT (BC3150970219 AND 0156). INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6). *TR

Mileage: 70,000

POWER STEERING PUMP, STEERING CONTROL SYSTEM AND RACK DEFECTIVE HAS TO BE REPLCED, RACK AND PINION WAS REPLACED ALREADY WITH ONLY 30,000 MILES

WHILE BRAKING THERE WAS A CLANKING NOISE IN FRONT END. TOOK VEHICLE TO FORD, FORD REPLACED SUBFRAME BUSHINGS AND TIE ROD ENDS. PLEASE PROVIDE ANY FURTHER INFORMATION. TS. *AK

CONSUMER STATES THAT WHILE DRIVING AND WITHOUT WARNING THE POWER STEERING WENT OUT. DEALER HAS BEEN NOTIFIED. TS THERE WAS A NOISE THAT EMITTED FROM THE ENGINE BEFORE THE STEERING FAILED. *JG

Mileage: 53,000

ON SEPTEMBER 1, 2002 MY FORD WINDSTAR BEGAN SMOKING. THE SMOKING WAS CAUSED BY THE LEAKING OF THE POWER STEERING FLUID ON TO THE EXHAUST SYSTEM OF THE VAN. AFTER BEING INFORMED BY MY WIFE THAT THE VAN WAS SMOKING I DETERMINED THAT THE SMOKE WAS CAUSED BY THE POWER STREERING FLUID FALLING ON THE EXHAUST SYSTEM OF THE VAN. AFTER DETERMINING THE CAUSE OF THE SMOKE I TURNED OFF THE VAN SO THAT THERE WOULD NOT BE A FIRE. THE VAN WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALER WHO STATED THAT POWER STEERING FITTING HAD RUSTED THROUGH AND THE HOSE HAD BEGUN LEAKING. IT WAS ALSO STATED THAT THE HOSE CONNECTED TO THE FITTING WAS ALSO LEAKING POWER STEERING FLUID. I QUESTIONED THE SERVICE REPRESENTATIVE ABOUT THE PROBLEM AND HE STATED THAT OTHER FORD VEHICLES HAD EXPERIENCED THE SAME PROBLEM. I GAVE APPROVAL TO THE DEALER TO FIX THE PROBLEM WHICH COSTED $551.74. THE SERVICE REPRESENTATIVE STATED THAT SINCE I DID NOT HAVE AN EXTENDED WARRANTY ON THE VEHICLE THAT FORD WOULD NOT COVER ANY OF THE REPAIR COST. MR

WHEN SHIFTING FROM 1ST TO 2ND GEAR, THE VAN WOULD VIBRATE. THE DEALERSHIP STATED THEY REPLACED THE MOTOR MOUNTS, HOWEVER THE CONDITION STILL PERSISTS. THE MOTOR MOUNTS WERE REPLACED AGAIN DUE TO THE SAME PROBLEM OF UNKNOWN VIBRATION. NLM *JB THE PASSENGER SIDE FRONT TIRE WORE OUT. THE TIE ROD ENDS WERE REPLACED. *JG

RACK AND PINION STEERING IS LEAKING FLUID, AND IS CAUSING CONSUMER TO HAVE PROBLEMS WITH POWER STEERING. IT WILL BE HARD TO CONTROL THE VEHICLE. DEALER NOTIFIED. *AK

RACK AND PINION STEERING IS LEAKING FLUID, AND IS CAUSING CONSUMER TO HAVE PROBLEMS WITH POWER STEERING. IT WILL BE HARD TO CONTROL THE VEHICLE. DEALER NOTIFIED. *AK

CONSUMER STATES THE VEHICLE HAS STEERING PROBLEMS. *YH

CONSUMER STATEED BOTH FRONT TIE RODS FAILED AND WERE REPLACED, ALSO THE STEERING RACK WAS REPLACED.*YH

CONSUMER STATEED BOTH FRONT TIE RODS FAILED AND WERE REPLACED, ALSO THE STEERING RACK WAS REPLACED.*YH

WHEN TURNING STEERING WHEEL IT WILL MAKE A LOUD NOISE,AND MOTOR FEELS LIKE IT IS STRUGGLING. PLEASE PROVIDE MORE INFORMATION.*AK

WHILE BEING DRIVEN AT45 MPH, VAN STALLED, RESULTING IN STEERING WHEEL LOCKING AND BRAKES COMPLETELY FAILING WITH NO PRESSURE. OWNER HAD NO OTHER CHOICE BUT TO COAST THROUGH AN INTERSECTION WITH LIGHT. PLEASE DESCRIBE DETAILS. *AK

THIS VEHICLE HAS THE SAME PROBLEM WITH RACK AND PINION STEERING AS STATED IN RECALL # 97 V165 000. BUT, THIS VEHICLE IS NOT INCLUDED IN RECALL DUE TO VIN. *AK

CONSUMER HAS SAME PROBLEM AS STATED IN RECALL 97V165 000. THIS VEHICLE WAS NOT PART OF RECALL DUE TO VIN. *AK

WHILE DRIVING AT ANY SPEED VEHICLE WILL START TO LOSE STEERING, AND CONSUMER CAN NOT CONTROL VEHICLE. CONTACTED DEALER. *AK

THE VEHICLE HAD NOISE IN THE FRONT END. THE DEALER INDICATED THAT THE NOISE WAS DUE TO TIE ROD END FAILURES. *YH

WHILE DIVING AND MAKING LEFT OR RIGHT TURNS STEERING WHEEL WILL MAKE A LOUD NOISE. DEALER HAS BEEN NOTIFIED. MECHANIC STATED BOLTS ON RACK AND PINION STEERING ARE COMING LOOSE.*AK

THE RETURN LINE CORRODED NEAR THE R&P VALVE,FORD TOLD ME IT WOULD TAKE APPROX. 10 TO 30 DAYS DUE TO NATIONWIDE BACKORDER I AM WORRIED THAT,DUE TO SUCH A BACKORDER THER IS DEFECT IN THAT PART.ANOTHER REASON FOR CONCERN IS THAT I HAD TO GET THE PART FROM AN AUTO RECYCLING FACILITY AND NOTICED THAT A REPAIR WAS MADE TO THE LINE EXACTLY WHERE MY LINE FAILED DUE TO CORROSION.THIS IS MY FAMILY SOLE MEANS OF TRANSPORTATION ,ANY RESEARCH OR FINDINGS WOULD BE GREATLY APPRECIATED. *AK

STEERING PUMP AND RACK AND PINION FAILED. *MJ

WHEN MAKING TURNS IN EITHER DIRECTION OR GOING OVER BUMPS THERE IS A LOUD SQUEAKING NOISE. DEALER CANNOT FIND THE PROBLEM.*JB

ACCELERATOR WENT DOWN ON ITS OWN WHILE IN REVERSE, NO BRAKES TO STOP, RESULTING IN A ACCIDENT. STEERING VIBRATES, RECOMMEND ROTATING THE TIRES. INTERIOR SEATS SLIGHTLY TWISTED, DOOR LOCKS WORKS SOMETIME, INTERIOR LIGHTS WORK SOMETIMES.

TIE ROD END STARTED TO WEAR AND MADE A SQUEAKING SOUND WHEN MAKING A TURN. DEALER CONTACTED. *AK *YH

I HAVE HAD 5 STEERING RACKS REPLACED SINCE SEPT 2000. I CANNOT GET ANYONE TO HELP ME WITH THIS PROBLEM.*JB

VEHICLE IS EXPERIENCING POWER STEERING LEAKAGE, DEALER FOUND TWO HYDRAULIC LINES RUSTED. HOWEVER, REPAIRS COULD NOT BE PERFORMED DUE TO LACK OF PARTS. VEHICLE HAS BEEN IN SHOP FOR 10 DAYS. *TT

RACK AND PINION ASSEMBLY BEGAN LEAKING POWER STEERING FLUID. HAD TO REPLACE RACK-AND-PINION ASSEMBLY AND POWER STEERING PUMP.*AK

RACK AND PINION ASSEMBLY BEGAN LEAKING POWER STEERING FLUID. HAD TO REPLACE RACK-AND-PINION ASSEMBLY AND POWER STEERING PUMP.*AK

WHEN MAKING TURNS IN EITHER DIRECTION THERE WAS A LOUD GRINDING NOISE. WHILE AT DEALERSHIP TO HAVE A RECALL PERFORMED, MECHANIC NOTICED FRONT TIE ROD JOINTS NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. NO GREASE AT ALL ON JOINTS.*AK

AT 35 THOUSAND MILES POWER STEERING WENT OUT. MECHANIC REPLACED STEERING PUMP AT 38-39 THOUSAND MILES, POWER STEERING WENT OUT AGAIN. MECHANIC RESEARCHED PROBLEM, FOUND OUT THAT TIE ROD END RODS WERE TOO TIGHT, PUTTING EXTRA STRAIN ON POWER STEERING. *AK

AT 35 THOUSAND MILES POWER STEERING WENT OUT. MECHANIC REPLACED STEERING PUMP AT 38-39 THOUSAND MILES, POWER STEERING WENT OUT AGAIN. MECHANIC RESEARCHED PROBLEM, FOUND OUT THAT TIE ROD END RODS WERE TOO TIGHT, PUTTING EXTRA STRAIN ON POWER STEERING. *AK

ABOUT TWO YEARS AGO I STARTED TO NOTICE A NOISE FROM THE FRONT END OF THE CAR. OVER TIME IT GRADUALLY BECAME LOUDER AND MORE FREQUENT. WHEN I WENT TO MY LOCAL GARAGE , THE NOISE WOULD NOT INITALLY BE PRESENT. FINALLY IT BECAME MORE PRESENT AND THE LOCAL MECHANIC SAID THAT IT WAS PROBABLY THE TIE RODS AND THAT FORD WAS KNOWN TO FREQUENTLY HAVE THAT PROBLEM. HE ALSO INDICATED THAT IT WOULD PROBABLY BE FIXED BY THE DEALER UNDER WARRANTY. AT THAT TIME I HAD ABOUT 40,000 MILES ON T HE CAR. I TOOK IT TO THE FORD DEALER AND TOLD THEM WHAT THE MECHANIC SAID. THEY REPAIRED THE CAR AND CHARGED ME FOR THE REPAIR SINCE THEY CLAIMED THAT THERE WAS NO WARRANTY ON THE CAR (HIDDEN OR OTHERWISE) SINCE I HAD PRESSED THIS POINT WITH THE SERVICE MANAGER AND LATER WITH HIS MANAGER. NOTE: I HAD PREVIOUSLY SEEN MANY COMPLAINTS ON YOUR WEB SITE REGARDING THIS SAME PROBLEM. IT DOES SEEM THAT TIE RODS SHOULD NOT BE FAILING AT 38-40,000 MILES. AND, THAT ULTIMATE FAILURE COULD RESULT IN SERIOUS CRASHES AND INJURIES.*AK

THE POWER STEERING FAILED. *YH

THE STEERING RACK AND PINION FAILED AND HAD TO BE REPLACED. I AM TOLD BY MY MECHANIC THIS IS UNUSUAL FOR A VEHICLE WITH THIS MILEAGE. I ALSO FOUND THAT FORD HAD A RECALL FOR THE STEERING RACK, PUT INTO VEHICLES MANUFACTURED IN SEPTEMBER 1997. MY VEHICLE WAS MANUFACURED IN JUNE 1997. PERHAPS I HAD ONE ON THE BAD ONES PUT IN BEFORE THE PROBLEM WAS CAUGHT. ANYWAY IT COST ME $667.00 FR THE REPAIR.*AK

FORD IS SAYING ITS MY RESPONSIBILITY CAUSE THE WARRANTY HAS LAPSED BUT THE CAR IS ONLY THREE YEARS OLD. NO SAFETY DEFEC TLISTED. *AK

6TH TIME IN 6 MONTHS LUGS: BOLTS HAVE SHEARED, NORMAL DRIVING W/ NO INCIDENT. WHEELS, HUBS, TIE RODS AND LUG BOLTS HAVE ALL BEEN REPLACED W/ NO CHANGE IN REGULARITY OF EVENT. NO SUBSTANTIVE VIBRATION EXPERIENCED. MECHANICS HAVE ALL BEEN ADVISED OF HISTORY. COWLES FORD, C&J AUTO, D&B AUTO, AAA AND AND FIRESTONE HAVE SERVICED THE INCIDENTS. REQUESTED REVIEW ON TSB'S AND OTHER COMPLAINTS TO FORD - TO NO AVAIL. REAL SERIOUS - ONE TO FOUR LUGS HAVE SHEARED ON EACH INCIDENT; INVOLVED BOTH FRONT WHEEL ASSYS AND ONE REAR ASSY.*AK

VEHICLE WAS TRAVELING APROXIMATELY 65MPH AND ENGINE SHUT DOWN. POWER BRAKES AND STEERING WENT OUT WITHOUT WARNING. BRAKE PEDAL WAS PUSHED TO THE FLOOR TO STOP VEHICLE. DEALER STATED IT WOULD BE TOO EXPENSIVE TO FIND OUT WHAT WAS THE CAUSE.

THE OUTER TIE RODS CREATED A GRINDING NOISE WHEN THE VEHICLE TURNED AT LOW SPEEDS AND LIKELY DUE TO LACK OF ADEQUATE LUBRICATION.THE FAILURE OF THE RIGHT INNER TIE ROD WAS MUCH MORE SERIOUS, IN THAT IT CREATED A VERY BAD VIBRATION AT HIGHWAY SPEEDS, WAS A SCARY SITUATION, AND COULD VERY WELL HAVE RESULTED IN LOSS OF VEHICLE CONTROL. *AK

IT WAS HARD TO STEER VEHICLE, AND IT WAS NOISY. CONSUMER WENT TO AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC WHO FOUND THAT FLUID IN RACK AND PINION WAS VERY DIRTY. SHAFT BEARINGS AND GEARS WERE DAMAGED BY FLUID AGAIN AFTER THEY TEST DROVE VEHICLE. CONSUMER CONTACTED FORD REGARDING RECALL 97V165000/MANUFACTURER'S RECALL 97S85. BUT THIS VEHICLE WAS NOT INCLUDED, DUE TO VIN.*AK *JB

INTERNAL RACK AND PINION PROBLEM WITH THE STEERING, DIFFICULTY ALIGNING THE VEHICLE, AFTER TWO ALIGNMENT STEERING STILL SQUEALING AND PULLING TO THE LEFT.

RIGHT HAND SIDE OF POWER STEERING PUMP HAS RUSTED THROUGH, RESULTING IN DIFFICULT STEERING. DEALER HAS BEEN CONTATCED. PLEASE PROVIDE FURTHER DETAILS.*AK

STEERING COLUMN STICKS, HAS TO JERK STEERING WHEELS. ALSO VEHICLE PULLS TO THE LEFT. CONSUMER CAN HEAR A WHISTLING SOUND ON LEFT SIDE. CONTACTED DEALER. DEALER KEPT VEHICLE FOR ABOUT ONE HOUR, AND TOLD CONSUMER IT WASN'T ANYTHING WRONG WITH VEHICLE. *AK

CONSUMER STATED VEHICLE STEERS HARD, DEALER REPLACED THE POWER STEERING PUMP.*JB

CONSUMER STATED VEHICLE STEERS HARD, DEALER REPLACED THE POWER STEERING PUMP.*JB

RECEIVED RECALL 97V165001 CONCERNING STEERING GEAR. WHEN TURNING STEERING WHEEL IN RIGHT OR LEFT IT WAS MAKING A LOUD NOISE LIKE VEHICLE WAS OUT OF POWER STEERING FLUID. BUT VEHICLE WAS COMPLETELY FULL. CONSUMER TOOK VEHICLE TO DEALER, AND THEY STATED OTHER CONSUMERS WERE HAVING THE SAME PROBLEM.*AK

CONSUMER TOOK VEHICLE TO REPAIR SHOP BECAUSE FRONT TIRE TIRES WERE BALLED INSIDE. MECHANIC TOLD CONSUMER THAT UPPER BALL JOINTS AND TIRE ROD ENDS WERE DEFECTIVE. CONSUMER REPLACED THEM. THERE WAS NO ACCIDENT. *AK

INNER AND END TIE RODS HAVE BEEN REPLACED 6 TIMES IN 2 YEARS. FIRST TIME AT 16000 MILES. CONSUMER HEARS NOISE FROM FRONT END, THEN, HAS VEHICLE INSPECTED BY DEALER, WHO THEN FINDS TIE RODS ARE BREAKING. *AK

WHILE TRAVELING IN WARM WEATHER ,MAKING SUDDEN STOPS/PARKING AND WHILE IN STOP AND GO TRAFFIC, VEHICLE WOULD STALL WITHOUT ANY INDICATION. PLEASE PROVIDE FURTHER INFORMAITON.*AK AIR BAG LIGHT ILLUMINATED DUE TO FAULTY MODULE, THE DRIVERS SIDE DOOR ADJAR SWITCH WAS STICKING CAUSING THE DOOR ADJAR LIGHT TO ILLUMINATE, OUTER TIE ROD FAILED CAUSING NOISE IN THE FRONT END, VEHICLE EXPERIENCES LOSS OF POWER/SLIPPING DUE TO FAULTY TRANSMISSION, CHECK ENGINE LIGHT ILLUMINATED AND VEHICLE STALLED, DEALER REPLACED SENSOR, SPEEDOMETER WAS OFF. NLM

RACK AND PINION STEERING MAY HAVE A DAMAGED INPUT SHAFT BEARING FROM A SERVICE BULLETIN OWNERS LETTER # 97S85 .ALSO, BULLETIN WAS GIVEN BY THE DEALER. CONSUMER'S VEHICLE WAS EXPERIENCING SIMILAR PROBLEMS, BUT FORD STATED NOTHING COULD BE DONE UNTIL THERE WAS A RECALL.*AK

WHILE DRIVING VEHICLE BECOMES VERY DIFFICULT TO STEER, VEHICLE RIDES EXTREMELY ROUGH, AND AT TIMES IS HARD TO CONTROL. DEALER STATES THAT PROBLEM OCCURS WITHIN RACK AND PINION. *AK

WHILE VEHICLE IS IN OPERATION AND MAKING ANY TYPE OF TURN, THERE IS A LOUD "METAL TO METAL" SOUND COMING FROM FRONT OF VEHICLE. A PRIVATE MECHANIC HAS REPLACED TIE ROD IN AN EFFORT TO REPAIR PROBLEM. *AK *JB

WHILE TRAVELING AT APPROXIMATELY 10 MPH VEHICLE STARTED PULLING TO RIGHT, AND CAME TO A STOP. CONSUMER EXAMINED VEHICLE, AND SAW THAT LEFT REAR TIRE WAS POSITIONED AGAINST BUMPER OF VEHICLE. DEALERSHIP HAS EXAMINED VEHICLE AND DETERMINED THAT REAR AXLE/ TIE ROD BROKE. PLEASE PROVIDE ANY ADDITIONAL INFORMATION/ATTACHMENTS.*AK

TIE ROD ENDS ARE FAILING. DEALERSHIP SERVICE REPRESENTATIVE ADVISED US THIS MODEL WAS DESIGNED WITH NO LUBRICATION FITTINGS; AND THAT FAILURE TYPICALLY OCCURS BETWEEN 50 TO 60 THOUSANDS MILES. I CONSIDER THIS A HAZARD THAT WAS DELIBERATELY DESIGNED INTO THE VEHICLE IN ORDER TO SAVE MONEY AT THE EXPENSE OF THE CONSUMERS SAFETY. *AK

POWER STEERING LINE MALFUNCTIONED WHILE DRIVING, RENDERING VEHICLE DIFFICULT TO STEER, DEALER HAS REPAIRED VEHICLE.*AK CONSUMER ALSO STATED THE AIR CONDITIONER WAS NOT COOLING, THERE WAS A LOOSE CONNECTION AT COMPRESSOR, THE DOORS WOULD NOT LOCK, THE POWER DOOR ACTUATOR WAS THE CAUSE OF THE DOORS NOT WORKING, WINDOWS WOULD NOT GO DOWN BECAUSE OF A BAD WINDOW MOTOR.*JB

CONSUMER STATES POWER STEERING FLUID STAYS LOW, CONSUMER REQUESTED THAT IT BE CHECKED FOR LEAKS, MECHANIC DISCOVERED THAT RACK AND PINION WAS LEAKING FROM LEFT BOOT AREA, THIS PART HAS FAILED 4 TIMES. *JB

THERE IS A GRINDING NOISE COMING FROM FRONT OF VEHICLE WHEN TRAVELING SLOWLY AND MAKING A TURN. DEALERSHIP EXAMINED VEHICLE AND INFORMED CONSUMER THAT TIE RODS WERE DEFECTIVE. A FIRESTONE SERVICE CENTER INFORMED CONSUMER THAT PROBLEM WAS DUE TO RACK AND PINION STEERING. THERE WAS NHTSA RECALL 97V165001; HOWEVER, MANUFACTURER INFORMED CONSUMER THAT THIS VEHICLE WAS NOT INCLUDED IN RECALL DUE TO VIN. *AK

THERE IS A GRINDING NOISE COMING FROM FRONT OF VEHICLE WHEN TRAVELING SLOWLY AND MAKING A TURN. DEALERSHIP EXAMINED VEHICLE AND INFORMED CONSUMER THAT TIE RODS WERE DEFECTIVE. A FIRESTONE SERVICE CENTER INFORMED CONSUMER THAT PROBLEM WAS DUE TO RACK AND PINION STEERING. THERE WAS NHTSA RECALL 97V165001; HOWEVER, MANUFACTURER INFORMED CONSUMER THAT THIS VEHICLE WAS NOT INCLUDED IN RECALL DUE TO VIN. *AK

WHEN MAKING EITHER RIGHT OR LEFT HAND TURNS THERE IS A CLICKING SOUND FROM STEERING. TOOK VEHICLE TO DEALER, WHO INSISTED IT WAS A ROCK IN STEERING COLUMN. DID NOT REMEDY PROBLEM. *AK *JB

NO SUMMARY LISTED FOR ABOVE VEHICLE. *AK

TIE ROD AND ROTORS NEEDED TO BE REPLACED AT APPROXIMATELY 35000 MILES. PLEASE PROVIDE ANY ADDITIONAL INFORMATION/ATTACHMENTS.*AK

CONSUMER HAS EXPERIENCED SEVERAL PROBLEMS WITH THE TRANSMISSION, DEALER HAS REPLACED IT ONCE, HOWEVER PROBLEMS CONTINUE, CONSUMER HAS FILED FOR A REQUEST FOR ARBITRATION, VEHICLE BUCKS, JERKS, AND JUMPS INTO GEAR BEFORE TAKING OFF. VEHICLE SHIMMIES FROM ONE SIDE TO ANOTHER UPON ACCELERATION, THERE IS A THUMPING SOUND HEARD ALSO AT TIMES WHILE DRIVING. VEHICLE EXPERIENCED A SPEED SENSOR CIRCUIT PROBLEM. SPEEDOMETER JUMPS. PROBLEM WITH POWER STEERING, DEALER ADJUSTED RACK AND PINION AND MADE OTHER REPAIRS TO STEERING MECHANISM. RIGHT SIDE BRAKE LIGHT BULB FAILED. BATTERY FAILED. CONSUMER STATED IT FELT AS IF VEHICLE WAS GOING TO STALL SOMETIMES, ENGINE HAS NO POWER AT ACCELERATION, ENGINE BELT WAS NOISY AND WAS REPLACED. TIRE HAD A SLOW LEAK DUE TO LOOSE TIRE VALVE. *SLC

WHEN TURNING STEERING WHEEL LEFT OR RIGHT IT WILL MAKE A TERRIBLE GRINDING NOISE. DEALER HAS REPLACED RACK AND PINION STEERING, BUT NOISE HAS REOCCURRED AGAIN.*AK

VARIOUS PROBLEM WITH POWER LOCK LOCKING BY ITSELF/WINDSHIELD WIPERS WORKING INTERMITTENTLY/DOME LIGHT NOT OPERATING, AND DOOR AJAR LIGHT STAYING ON. VEHICLE BEEN IN / OUT OF DEALER SHOP ON SEVERAL OCCASIONS, AND PROBLEMS STILL REOCCURRING. *AK POSSIBLE ELECTRICAL PROBLEM WITH FAILURE OF POWER LOCKS, WINDSHIELD WIPERS, DOME LIGHT, DOOR AJAR LIGHT, DOOR AJAR SWITCH, LIFT GATE DOOR AJAR SWITCH, BATTERY SAVER RELAY INOPERABLE, AND WASHER LIGHT ILLUMINATING. BRAKES NOISY AT TIMES, DEALER STATED THIS WAS DUE TO BRAKE DUST. POWER STEERING IS NOISY WHEN TURNING BACK AND FORTH, DEALER REPLACED TIE ROD END. SLIDING DOOR RATTLES WHILE DRIVING OVER BUMPS, DEALER ADDED FOAM TAPE TO BACK SIDE OF PANEL, DRIVER DOOR RATTLES, SLIDING DOOR HARD TO OPEN AT TIMES, DEALER LUBED SLIDING HINGES AND LATCH. DEALER REPLACED SHOCKS DUE TO RATTLING NOISE WHEN RIDING OVER BUMPS. DRIVEBELT REPLACED. MAF SENSOR REPLACED DUE TO HESITATION. WINDOW GUIDE DID NOT FIT TIGHT. *SLC

WHILE DRIVING STRAIGHT OR WHEN MAKING AN U TURN ABOUT ANY MPH STEERING WHEEL WILL LOCK UP WITHOUT A PRIOR WARNING. THEN, ENGINE WILL STALL. DEALER SAID THIS PROBLEM COULD NOT BE FOUND. *AK

SOME GRINDING AND STEERING PROBLEMS WHEN TRYING TO STEER. *AK

RACK AND PINION STEERING ASSEMBLY WAS NOT WORKING PROPERLY. WHEN TURNING TO LEFT OR RIGHT THERE WAS LOUD GRINDING NOISE. CONTACTED GARAGE, AND GARAGE ORDERED A NEW PART, PROBLEM WAS REMEDIED.*AK THE ORIGINAL EQUIPMENT FAILED AFTER TWO YEARS AND POOR DESIGN IS THE CAUSE. THE CONSUMER BELIEVES BECAUSE OF NUMEROUS FAILURES OF THIS EQUIPMENT THERE SHOULD BE A RECALL. *YH

POWER STEERING PUMP FAILED TWICE. NLM

DEALER HAD TO REPLACE BOTH OUTER TIE RODS AND ADJUST FRONT TOE. STEERING STARTED TO BIND WHEN MAKING A LEFT HAND TURN, AND VAN STEERING HAD FELT LOOSE UP TO THE POINT OF FAILURE. *AK

WHEN GOING THOUGH WATER YOU LOSE STEERING. *AK

OVER THE PAST SEVERAL MONTHS, WE HAVE EXPERIENCED PROBLEMS WITH THE ENGINE STALLING DURING A LEFT HAND TURN, THUS CAUSING THE STEERING WHEEL TO FREEZE UP AND WE'VE HAD CLOSE CALLS ON ACCIDENTS. LUCKILY WE LIVE IN A RURAL AREA WHERE WE HAVE THE TIME TO PUT THE CAR IN NEUTRAL OR PARK, RESTART IT, THEN COMPLETE THE TURN. THE CAR HAS ALSO STALLED FOR NO APPARENT REASON WHEN COMING TO A FAST STOP AT A RED LIGHT OR IN A DRIVEWAY AFTER COMPLETING A PARTIAL TURN. IT IS VERY SCARY. I'M WORRIED THAT THE NEXT TIME THIS HAPPENS, IT MAY CAUSE AN ACCIDENT. WE HAVE TWO YOUNG DRIVERS IN THE FAMILY, AND IT HAS HAPPENED TO THEM AS WELL. DO YOU HAVE ANY SUGGESTIONS? WE LIVE OVER 3 HOURS AWAY FROM THE DEALER WE PURCHASED THE CAR FROM. HAVE OTHER WINDSTAR OWNERS EXPEREINCED THIS PROBLEM? PLEASE ADVISE. *AK

WAS DRIVING VEHICLE & IT WOULD GO INTO A LOW DEPRESSION. A BORING NOISE COULD BE HEARD FROM THE SPRINGS. IT WAS AN INTERMITTEN PROBLEM. TOOK TO DEALER & MECHANIC COULD NOT LOCATE CAUSE OF NOISE. DID CHANGE THE BUSHINGS & STRUTS. *AK NOISE IN FRONT END OVER BUMPS DUE TO BOTH OUTER TIE ROD FAILURE. *YH

WOULD HEAR SQUEALING/HOWLING NOISES COMING FROM THE STEERING AREA. STEERING WAS INOPERATIVE. WOULD HAVE NO CONTROL OF VEHICLE. TOOK IT TO DEALER & INFORMED CONSUMER TIE ROD ENDS HAVE WORN OUT EXCESSIVELY DUE TO A LACK OF LUBRICANT.*AK NO GREASE FITTINGS.

WHEN DRIVING OR MAKING A LEFT OR RIGHT HAND TURN CONSUMER NOTICED A CLICKING NOISE. CONTACTED THE DEALER. DEALER NOTED THAT OUTER TIE RODS NEED TO BE REPLACED ON BOTH SIDES, DRIVER AND PASSENGER. *AK

ON NUMEROUS OCCASSIONS THIS VEHICLE WHILE STALL WHEN COMING TO A STOP (STOP SIGN/TRAFFIC LIGHTS). THIS VEHICLE HAS BEEN TO THE REPAIR SHOP OVER 8 TIMES AND WAS LAST WORKED ON FOR THIS PROBLEM IN JUNE 2000. THEN IN JULY 200 WHILE ON VACATION THE POWER STEERING PUMP FAILED AND THE EMISSION CONTROL FAILED. ALTHOUGH THE DEALERSHIP HAS BEEN REPAIRING THE PROBLEMS THE VEHICLE HAS LOST IT'S CREDITABILITY AS BEING SAFE.

THE TIE ROD ENDS FAILED. YH

STEERING WHEEL LOCK, KEY LOCKED IN STEERING COLUMN

RACK AND PINION STEERING GEARS MAY HAVE DAMAGED INPUT SHAFT BEARING. VEHICLE NOT INCLUDED IN RECALL 97V165001. PLEASE GIVE ANY FURTHER DETAILS. *AK

RACK AND PINION STEERING BROKE WHEN TRAVELING, CAUSING POOR STEERING CONTROL. ALSO, TIE RODS MALFUNCTIONED, ALMOST WAS INVOLVED IN A CRASH. CONSUMER HAS CONTACTED DEALER. *AK

POWER STEERING PUMP FAILED. YH

RACK AND PINION FAILED. YH

WHILE DRIVING THE VAN ALL OF A SUDDEN THERE WAS NO STEERING AT ALL. DRIVER COULD HARDLY GET THE VAN TO THE SIDE OF THE ROAD. VAN WAS TOWED TO THE DEALERHSHIP. BROKEN STEERING: POWER ASSIST BELT WAS REPLACED. PLEASE PROVIDE ANY FURTHER INFORMATION. *AK

A LOUD GRINDING NOISE STARTED OCCURRING WHEN THE WHELL WAS TURNED. MY WIFE SAID SHE HEARD THE NOISE AND THOUGHT SHE NEEDED POWER STEERING FLUID. I PUT A LITTLE IN BUT THE NOISE DIDN'T GO AWAY. TOOK VAN TO DEALER. THEY CALLED AND SAID THE OUTER TIE RODS WERE BAD AND GRINDING METAL TO METAL. HAD THEM REPLACED. WHEN MY WIFE PICKED UP THE VAN, THE REPAIR PERSON SAID TO HER THAT SINCE THERE WERE NO GREASE JOINTS, SO THERE WAS NOTHING I COULD HAVE DONE. HE SAID THAT FORD SAID IT WAS A BAD DESIGN AND THEY HAD A MODEL TO REPLACE IT. THIS DIDN'T SOUND GOOD TO ME AND I WONDERED WHY I HAD TO PAY FOR THEIR BAD DESIGN. IF THE TIE RODS WERE GRINDING METAL TO METAL, IT COULD HAVE LED TO A BREAK AND STEERING FAILURE.

VAN STARTED TO MAKE LOUD GRINDING NOISES WHEN TURNING WHEELS AND ALSO GETTING HARD TO TURN. I TOOK IT IN TO THE DEALER, BUT WAS TOLD BY SERVICE DEPT. THAT THERE WAS NO RECALL ON THIS VAN. AS I WAS LEAVING I SPOKE TO ANOTHER EMPLOYEE THERE AND WAS TOLD THAT THERE WAS SUCH A PROBLEM WITH THAT YEAR VAN. I THEN REPLACED THE POWER STEERING PUMP AND THAT DID NOT FIX THE PROBLEM I THEN TOOK IT TO ANOTHER FORD DEALER AND WAS TOLD THAT THE PROBLEM WAS IN THE RACK AND PINION STEERING AND THE PRICE TO FIX IT WAS ABOUT 1000.00 I WAS NOT ABLE TO AFFORD IT SO I HAVE DRIVING IT , HOWEVER NOW THE VAN WILL SOMETIMES SHUT OFF WHEN YOU PROCEED TO MAKE A TURN IN EITHER DIRECTION. I HAVE COME VERY CLOSE TO HAVING SOMEONE HIT ME FROM BEHIND. I TOOK IT TO ANOTHER MECHANIC AND WE ARE GOING TO HAVE TO HAVE IT FIXED AT OUR EXPENSE. I FEEL THAT WE SHOULD NOT HAVE TO PAY FOR A PROBLEM THAT CAME FROM THE FORD MOTOR CO. I ALSO TOOK IT TODAY 1-4-2000 TO SEE IF THE DEALER WOULD LOOK AT IT BUT WAS TOLD BY A MAN NAMED JERRY IN THE SERVICE DEPT. THAT THEY WOULD NOT DO ANYTHING .*AK

VAN STARTED TO MAKE LOUD GRINDING NOISES WHEN TURNING WHEELS AND ALSO GETTING HARD TO TURN. I TOOK IT IN TO THE DEALER, BUT WAS TOLD BY SERVICE DEPT. THAT THERE WAS NO RECALL ON THIS VAN. AS I WAS LEAVING I SPOKE TO ANOTHER EMPLOYEE THERE AND WAS TOLD THAT THERE WAS SUCH A PROBLEM WITH THAT YEAR VAN. I THEN REPLACED THE POWER STEERING PUMP AND THAT DID NOT FIX THE PROBLEM I THEN TOOK IT TO ANOTHER FORD DEALER AND WAS TOLD THAT THE PROBLEM WAS IN THE RACK AND PINION STEERING AND THE PRICE TO FIX IT WAS ABOUT 1000.00 I WAS NOT ABLE TO AFFORD IT SO I HAVE DRIVING IT , HOWEVER NOW THE VAN WILL SOMETIMES SHUT OFF WHEN YOU PROCEED TO MAKE A TURN IN EITHER DIRECTION. I HAVE COME VERY CLOSE TO HAVING SOMEONE HIT ME FROM BEHIND. I TOOK IT TO ANOTHER MECHANIC AND WE ARE GOING TO HAVE TO HAVE IT FIXED AT OUR EXPENSE. I FEEL THAT WE SHOULD NOT HAVE TO PAY FOR A PROBLEM THAT CAME FROM THE FORD MOTOR CO. I ALSO TOOK IT TODAY 1-4-2000 TO SEE IF THE DEALER WOULD LOOK AT IT BUT WAS TOLD BY A MAN NAMED JERRY IN THE SERVICE DEPT. THAT THEY WOULD NOT DO ANYTHING .*AK

CONSUMER WAS NOT AWARE OF RECALL 97V16500, VEHICLE WAS MAKING GRINDING NOISE WHEN STEERING WHEEL WAS TURNED AND WAS HARD TO TURN, POWER STEERING PUMP WAS REPLACED THAT DIDN'T REMEDY THE PROBLEM, THEN DEALER FINDS A BAD RACK AND PINION WHICH HE IS GOING TO CHARGE CONSUMER FOR FIXING. *SLC

THE POWER STEERING HAD METAL PIECES IN THE STEERING FLUID CAUSING SMOKE TO POUR INTO THE VEHICLE AND RENDERING THE POWER STEERING USELESS ON TWO OCCASIONS. NLM

WHILE GOING AROUND A TURN AND YIELDING BRAKES HARDENED AND STEERING LOCKED UP FOR ABOUT 5 SECONDS. DEALER COULD NOT IDENTIFY THE PROBLEM. BUT IF THE CAR HAD DIED, THEY PROBLEY COULD HAVE FOUND THE PROBLEM EASIER. IF DRIVING AT A FASTER SPEED AND STEERING LOCKED UP THERE COULD BE A SERIOUS ACCIDENT. *AK

1)ALL 5 LUGS: NUTS SHEARED OFF FROM THE RIGHT FRONT PASSENGER HUB, CAUSING THE WHEEL TO LEAVE THE VEHICLE. THE BODY OF THE VEHICLE TRAVELED APPROXIMATELY 200 FEET UNTIL IT STOPPED. 2)THE REAR BRAKES HAD TO BE REPLACED WITH NEW PADS AND ROTORS. DEALER COULDN'T EXPLAIN WHY THIS WAS A PROBLEM. 3) THE NEXT DAY THE RIGHT PASSENGER MIRROR ELECTICAL SYSTEM NO LONGER WORKED. 4)THE PARKING BRAKE CONSISTENTLY DOES NOT DISENGAGE AFTER USE. WE NO LONGER USE IT, POSSIBLY CREATING A SAFETY HAZARD. 5) THE VEHICLE INTERMITTENTLY STALLS OUT AT LOW SPEEDS OR UPON STOPPING. ADDITIONALLY THE INITIAL GEARS SHIFT HARD AND LOUD. 6) THE REAR SEAT WILL NOT MOVE ON THE TRACK. *AK

THE ENGINE WAS MAKING A NOISE AND IT WAS REPORTED AND SUPPOSEDLY FIXED BY LOCAL DEALER. HOWEVER, WITHIN ONE MONTH THE ALTERNATOR FAILED AS WELL AS THE POWER STEERING BOX. SINCE IT ISN'T UNDER WARRENTY (36,000), DEALER WON'T REPAIR WITHOUT COST.

BOTH OUTER TIE RODS REPLACED. MJS

BOTH OUTER TIE RODS REPLACED. MJS

BOTH OUTER TIE RODS REPLACED. MJS

I AM SO SCARED TO DRIVE OUR VAN- I HAVE NO IDEA WHAT TO DO. THIA VAN SHOWED BE CONSIDERED A LEMON- OR FORD SHOULD REPAIR IT. WE PURCHASED THE VAN CAUSE WE HAD ANOTHER LITTLE ONE ON THE WAY(MAKING 4 KIDS) IN THE PAST WE HAD OLD VECHILCLES. WE DECIDED TO SPEND THE $$ AND HAVE A RELIABLE VECHICLE SINCE WE HAVE 4 KIDS AND TRAVEL AROUND TOWN ALOT. FIRST MY AIR CODTIONER GOES OUT IN JULY, 99 (ELECTRICAL- NO POWER TO IT). WE DID NOT HAVE THE $ TO FIX. THAN IN AUGUST,99 WE STARTED EXPERIENCING INTERMITTENT NEUTRAL CONDTION AFTER DRIVING AND COMING TO A STOP. HAD TO REBUILD THE TRANSMISSION- DUE TO A FAULTY CLUTCH PISTON THAT FORD KNOWS IS CAUSING PROBLEMS IN AX4S WINDSTAR 3.8L. ENGINE - STALLS USUALLY WHEN DRIVING AT LOW SPEEDS, SUCH AS O TURNS OR COMING TO A STOP. SCARED TO DEATH THAT SOMESONE WILL RUN INTO ME. STEERING- VECHILE PULLS TO THE RIGHT SO BADLY THAT IN SECONDS I AM IN ANOTHER LANE. HAVE HAD IT RELIGHNED. THE OTHER SEROIUS PROBLEM IS I WILL START VAN OR HAVE FOOT ON BRAKE AND IT ITERMITTALLY ACCERATES IN SURGES ON ITS OWN. MY FOOT IN NOT NEAR THE GAS- I AM SO SCARED TO DEATH THAT I WILL LOSE CONTROL OF IT RESULTING INTO AN ACCIDENT. I AM SO SCARED TO DRIVE THIS VAN AND IT IS ONLY A 98". WHAT AM I TO DO. I DO NOT WANT TO WAIT FOR AND ACIDENT OR DEATH TO SOMEONE. PLEASE HELP!! I NEED SOME ADVICE. I HAVE NO WARRANTY ON VAN- BUT YET WITH SO MANY PROBLEMS WHY SHOULD THE CONSUMER HAVE TO PAY WHEN FORD KNOWS OF THE PROBLEMS WITH THE VANS- WHAT DOES IT TAKE - DEATH!!! I NEED TO KNOW WHAT IS CAUSEING THESE PROBLEMS. I CAN NOT AFFORD TO KEEP TAKING THEM TO MECHANICS AND NOT GETTING IT FIX. SHOULDN'T FORD HAVE TO TAKE THIS PIECE OF CRAP BACK-PLEASE HELP!!

HAD POWER STEERING OIL REPLACED, STILL NOISY PUMP

WHILE DRIVING AT 40 MPH STEERING GEAR RACK BROKE, CAUSING LOSS OF STEERING AND A LEAKAGE OF POWER STEERING FLUID. ALSO, VEHICLE VEERED TO LEFT AND RIGHT ALL OVER THE ROAD. CONSUMER THEN SLOWED DOWN AND PULLED TO THE SIDE OF THE ROAD. THE MANUFACTURER HAS BEEN CONTACTED. FIRST FAILURE AT 46,561 MILES, SECOND AT 62,500. *AK

IE99059, THE DEFECTIVE STEERING BUSHINGS DOES NOT SUPPORT THE SYSTEM WHICH CAUSES THE VEHICLE STEERING SYSTEM TO MALFUCTION. ALSO, BRAKING SYSTEM MALFUNCTIONED, CAUSING EXTENDED STOPPING DISTANCE WHICH MAY RESULT IN A CRASH. THE FUEL PUMP WENT OUT UNEXPECTEDLY, CAUSE VEHICLE TO STALL. FINALLY, LIFTGATE INDICATOR LIGHT CAME ON, BUT THE LIFTGATE REMAINED CLOSED. BRAKES BEEN REPLACE ONCE,AND BUSHINGS 3 TIMES. PLEASE PROVIDE FURTHER INFORMATION AND VIN#. *AK

POWER STEERING PUMP WAS NOISY.

EVERY 3,000 MILE FRONT TIE ROD END BREAKS WHICH MAY CAUSE LOSS OF VEHICLE CONTROL. BEEN REPLACED 3TIMES. DEALER CANNOT DETERMINE CAUS EOF THE PROBLEM. PLEASE PROVIDE FURTHER INFORMATION. *AK

WHEN BRAKES ARE APPLIED VEHICLE EXPERIENCES EXTENDED STOPPING DISTANCE. ALSO, DEALER HAS REPLACED TIE RODS AND THE BRAKE SYSTEM. MANUFACTURER HAS BEEN NOTIFIED. *AK

WHENEVER STEERING WHEEL IS BEING TURNED, LEFT OR RIGHT IT WOULD MAKE A GREAT DEAL OF NOISE. HAD TAKEN VEHICLE TO DEALER FOR DIAGNOSTICS & WAS INFORMED IT WAS THE TIE ROD. HAD TAKEN VEHICLE TO PRIVATE MECHANIC WHO STATED THAT IT WAS THE RACK & PINION THAT NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. *AK

WHENEVER STEERING WHEEL IS BEING TURNED, LEFT OR RIGHT IT WOULD MAKE A GREAT DEAL OF NOISE. HAD TAKEN VEHICLE TO DEALER FOR DIAGNOSTICS & WAS INFORMED IT WAS THE TIE ROD. HAD TAKEN VEHICLE TO PRIVATE MECHANIC WHO STATED THAT IT WAS THE RACK & PINION THAT NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. *AK

TIE RODS FAILED ON TWO OCCASIONS. MJS

THE AMP TO THE RADIO AND CD KEEPS BURNING OUT AND THE LAST TIME IT CAUGHT ON FIRE. IT'S BEEN FIXED (AGAIN) BUT I'M STILL SCARED TO DRIVE IT. MY VAN STINKS LIKE ELECTRICAL BURNT TRANSFORMER. THEY SAID THEY FOUND A SHORT, BUT I WONDER??? ALSO, WHY IS MY EXHAUST PUTTING OUT SO MUCH BLACK SOOT ON MY VAN? I CLEAN IT OFF AND EVERY TIME I DRIVE IT, IT BECOMES ALL SOOTED UP AGAIN. MY LEFT TIE ROD WENT OUT TOO. IS THAT NORMAL FOR SUCH LOW MILEAGE? I'M VERY UNHAPPY WITH THIS VEHICLE. *AK

RACK AND PINION STEERING FAILED CAUSING THE VEHICLE TO WANDER.

THE STEERING COLUMN MOVES UP AND DOWN. ALSO THERE IS A FUNKY NOISE COMING FROM THE FRONT LEFT END SUSPENSION WHEN TURNING THE STEERING WHEEL TO THE LEFT. THE DEALER WAS NOT ABLE TO FIND OUT WHAT WAS CAUSING THE PROBLEM WITH THE STEERING, LOSS OF STEERING CONTROL RESULTED IN VEHICLE HITTING CURB CAUSING DAMAGE TO VEHICLE. *AK

POWER STEERING PUMP PULLY ASSEMBLY FAILED.

POWER STEERING FAILED. NLM

THE POWER STEERING LINE OF MY MINIVAN BRUSHED SLIGHTLY AGAINST THE MOUNTABLE CURB AS WE BACKED FROM THE DRIVEWAY TO THE STREET IN FRONT OF OUR HOUSE. THIS MOUNTABLE CURB AND GUTTER IS TYPICALLY USED IN RESIDENTIAL NEIGHBORHOODS. EDEN PAIRIE'S STANDARD PLATE SHOWS A CURB HEIGHT OF 4 INCHES. OURDRIVEWAY IS NOT ON ANY TYPE OF AN INCLINE. THE BUMP WAS SO SLIGHT THAT IT DID NOT CONCERN ME AT THE TIME. I PROCEEDED TO DRIVE FORWARD AND TO ENTER THE HIGHWAY. LUCKILY IT WAS THE PART OF THE HIGHWAY THAT STILL HAS STOPLIGHTS, SO MY SPEED WAS VERY SLOW. THE CAR MADE A GROANING NOISE, I HAD A COMPLETE FAILURE OF THE POWER STEERING SYSEM OF MY MOTOR VEHICLE, AND BLACK SMOKE BEGAN POURING OUT OF MY VEHICLE. THE FORD DEALERSHIP SAID THE SLIGHT BUMP HAD CRIMPED THE POWERSTEERING LINE CAUSING A GREAT PRESSURE IN THE POWER STEERING LINES WHICH IN TURN EXPLODED POURING POWER STEERING FLUID ALL OVER THE ENGINE. THE ENGINE HAD TO BE DEGREASED AND THE POWERSTEERING PUMP WAS DAMAGED DUE TO THE SUDDEN LACK OF POWERSTEERING FLUID. FORD WOULD NOT COVER THIS UNDER WARRANTY SAYING THAT THE SLIGHT BUMP WAS AN ACCIDENT THAT CAUSED THE POWERSTEERING LINES TO BE DAMAGED. THIS EXPERIENCE FELT SO LIDE THREATENING THAT I BEGAN TO INVESTIGATE THE PROBLEM FURTHER. I FOUND THE PLACEMENT OF THESE LINES TO BE SO LOW IN THE FRONT OF THE VEHICLE THAT THEY WERE AT THE LEVEL OF THE SPOILER OR EVEN SLIGHTLY LOWER. THE MINIVAN'S WITH THE TOW PACKAGE ARE LOWER THAN THE OTHER VANS. I HAVE HAD MECHANICS, ENGINEERS, AND PRODUCT LIABILITY EXPERS EXAMINE THE VEHICLE. THEY AGREE THAT THIS IS A DESIGN DEFECT THAT COULD LIKELY RESULT IN DEATH. THE EXPERTS SAY THIS ;FLUID COULD HIT THE CATALYTIC CONVERTER WHICH WOULD BRING THE TEMPERATURE HIGH ENOUGH TO CAUSE A FIRE WHICH BURNS MUCH HOTTER THAN GASOLINE. ADDITIONALLY, THE SLIGHTEST BUMP CAUSES A COMPLETE FAILURE OF THE POWERSTEERING SYSTEM. THIS DESIGN DEFECT IS LIKELY TO CAUSE DEATH OR SERIOUS BODILY INJURY.

WHILE MAKING A RIGHT TURN THE VEHICLE CUT OFF AND THE STEERING WHEEL LOCKED UP, CAUSING LOSS OF VEHICLE CONTROL. CAUSE UNKNOWN. PLEASE GIVE ANY FURTHER DETAILS. *AK

POWER STEERING HOSE RIPPED OPEN UPON DRIVING SLOWLY OFF A LOW CURB, CAUSING ALL FLUID TO LEAK OUT.

VEHICLE STEERING BEGINS TO VIBRATE AT APPROXIMATELY 50-60 MPH.