Is the 2001 Ford Windstar a bad year?

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Engine and transmission complaints for the 2001 Ford Windstar are in line with other Windstar years. Brakes, suspension and body structure stand out for this year: see below.

The verdict moves with mileage: the same car reads differently at 30,000 and at 150,000 miles.

The affected vehicles were previously remedied to safeguard against the rear axle cracking from corrosion, however, the remedy brackets may have been misinstalled. If the brackets were not installed properly, the rear axle may fracture, affecting the vehicle handling and increasing the risk of a crash.

Due to increased stresses caused by high cycles of torsional loading, specific to this market, the rear axle can crack. A fractured axle may result in a loss of vehicle control, increasing the risk of a crash.

Corrosion-related fractures of the front lower control arm rear attaching brackets and body mount attachments may occur. A separation of a front lower control arm rear attaching bracket may result in a lower control arm separation. A separation of both front subframe rear body mounts may result in separation of the steering intermediate shaft.

Over time, corrosion can weaken the rear axle making it susceptible to torsional stress. Corrosion and stress can lead to cracks which, if undetected, can increase and result in a complete fracture of the axle. A fractured axle can affect vehicle handling and increase the risk of a crash.

A separation of a front lower control arm rear attaching bracket may result in a lower control arm separation. A separation of both front subframe rear body mounts may result in separation of the steering intermediate shaft. This could result in reduced steering control increasing the risk of a crash.

After many years of vehicle service in these areas, corrosion can weaken the rear axle, making it susceptible to torsional stress. Corrosion and stress can lead to cracks which if undetected can propagate and result in a complete fracture of the axle. A fractured axle can affect vehicle handling and increase the risk of a crash.

The scds may leak internally and then overheat, smoke, or burn. A vehicle fire could occur with or without the engine running.

Certain aftermarket fuel filters sold under the purolator brand name, p/n F65277, shipped from january 16 through june 2, 2006, for use on the above listed passenger vehicles. Failure of this connection could lead to fuel spillage and, in the presence of an ignition source, a fire could occur.

Certain minivans fail to comply with the requirements of federal motor vehicle safety standard no. 225, "Child restraint anchorage system." During testing, a third row bench floor-to-seat latch released before the strength requirement was met. Identical latches are used in the second row of seats. If the latches on TH4E second or third row seats of the vehicle release in a crash, the potential for occupant injury is increased.

In some minivans, water and other contaminants (Dirt, salt, etc.) can enter into the right rear passenger compartment due to a missing body sealer. This could cause a short circuit in the electrical connector at the rear wire harness. A short circuit can lead to malfunctions of the rear lighting system, reverse park-aid system, or trailer tow electrical system.

Vehicle description: Mini vans equipped with auxiliary rear air-conditioning. If the auxiliary air-conditioning blower motor stops turning while in the medium-low blower speed setting, there is the potential that the resistor may become hot and smoke. The motor could potentially catch on fire.

Vehicle description: Mini vans. Contaminants such as water, salt, and windshield washer solution can enter the wiper motor cover assembly through pinholes on the exterior of the cover that are used in the molding process. Switch malfunction is most likely to occur when the intermittent setting of the wipers is being used, or when snow or ice obstructs the blades from returning to the "Parked" Position at the bottom of the windshield.

Vehicle description: passenger and sport utility vehicles, pickup trucks, and minivans. Equipped with seat belts supplied by trw. It is possible that the driver's and/or front passenger's outboard seat belt buckle may not fully latch. In the event of a crash, the restraint system may not provide adequate occupant protection, increasing the risk of personal injury to the seat occupant.

Vehicle description: minivans equipped with an adjustable pedal option. The driver floor mat could interfere with the accelerator pedal. This can result in a stuck throttle, increasing the risk of a crash.

Vehicle description: minivans and passenger vehicles. A restraint control module (RCM) or a side or front crash sensor may have been assembled with one or more of the screws that mount the circuit board in the housing missing. In some cases, less than the intended level of protection in the event of a crash.

Certain passenger vehicles, limousines, and Mini vans were built with a newly designed restraint control module (RCM). In some cases, the RCM does not recognize certain system faults that could result in an air bag or seat belt pre-tensioner unexpectedly activating during the self-test sequence at vehicle start-up. This condition could result in personal injury.

For 1999-2003 Windstar vehicles Safety Recall 11S16 has been issued for vehicles that are operated in high corrosion areas for an extended period…

Front Subframe Corrosion Failures

Front Subframe Corrosion Failures

Rear Axle Cracking

Engine compartment fires

Engine compartment fires