Model year record

2001 Ford Windstar

15 recall campaigns on file for this model year. 2,297 owner complaints on file.

Recalls

Recall campaignNHTSA 15V608000

Suspension: rear: axle: non-powered axle assembly

Component: Suspension: rear: axle: non-powered axle assembly
Manufacturer: Ford Motor Company
Vehicles affected: 283,413
Reported to NHTSA: 2015-09-29
Owners notified: 2015-10-21

Defect description

Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain model year 1998-2003 Windstar vehicles manufactured September 2, 1997, to July 3, 2003. The affected vehicles were previously remedied to safeguard against the rear axle cracking from corrosion, however, the remedy brackets may have been misinstalled. The incorrect bracket installations may limit the effectiveness of the service repair for NHTSA recalls 10V-385, 12V-193, and 12V-195.

Safety risk

If the brackets were not installed properly, the rear axle may fracture, affecting the vehicle handling and increasing the risk of a crash.

Manufacturer remedy

Ford will notify owners, and dealers will inspect the brackets to verify their proper installation. If a bracket is found to have been misinstalled, the rear axle will be replaced. These repairs will be performed free of charge. The began on October 21, 2015. Owners may contact Ford customer service at 1-866-436-7332. Ford's number for this recall is 15S27.

Recall campaignNHTSA 12V193000

Power train: axle assembly

Component: Power train: axle assembly
Manufacturer: FORD MOTOR COMPANY
Vehicles affected: 27,000
Reported to NHTSA: 2012-05-03
Owners notified: 2012-06-19

Defect description

FORD IS RECALLING CERTAIN MODEL YEAR 1998-2003 WINDSTAR VEHICLES MANUFACTURED FROM SEPTEMBER 1, 1997, THROUGH JULY 3, 2003, AND CURRENTLY REGISTERED OR ORIGINALLY SOLD IN VIRGINIA. 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.

Safety risk

A FRACTURED AXLE CAN AFFECT VEHICLE HANDLING AND INCREASE THE RISK OF A CRASH.

Manufacturer remedy

FORD WILL NOTIFY OWNERS, AND DEALERS WILL INSPECT AND INSTALL REAR AXLE REINFORCEMENT BRACKETS, OR REPLACE THE AXLES, AS NECESSARY. THIS SERVICE WILL BE PERFORMED FREE OF CHARGE. THE RECALL BEGAN ON JUNE 19, 2012. OWNERS MAY CONTACT FORD AT 1-866-436-7332.

Recall campaignNHTSA 12V195000

Suspension: rear: axle: non-powered axle assembly

Component: Suspension: rear: axle: non-powered axle assembly
Manufacturer: FORD MOTOR COMPANY
Vehicles affected: 9,192
Reported to NHTSA: 2012-05-03
Owners notified: 2012-06-01

Defect description

FORD IS RECALLING CERTAIN MODEL YEAR 1998-2003 WINDSTAR VEHICLES MANUFACTURED FROM SEPTEMBER 1, 1997, THROUGH JULY 3, 2003, REGISTERED IN PUERTO RICO. DUE TO INCREASED STRESSES CAUSED BY HIGH CYCLES OF TORSIONAL LOADING, SPECIFIC TO THIS MARKET, THE REAR AXLE CAN CRACK.

Safety risk

A FRACTURED AXLE MAY RESULT IN A LOSS OF VEHICLE CONTROL, INCREASING THE RISK OF A CRASH.

Manufacturer remedy

FORD WILL NOTIFY OWNERS, AND DEALERS WILL INSPECT AND INSTALL A REINFORCEMENT BRACKET ON THE REAR AXLE OR REPLACE THE AXLES, AS NECESSARY. THIS SERVICE WILL BE PROVIDED FREE OF CHARGE. THE RECALL BEGAN ON JUNE 1, 2012. OWNERS MAY CONTACT THE FORD MOTOR COMPANY CUSTOMER RELATIONSHIP CENTER AT 1-866-436-7332.

Recall campaignNHTSA 12V194000

Suspension: front: control arm

Component: Suspension: front: control arm
Manufacturer: FORD MOTOR COMPANY
Vehicles affected: 23,000
Reported to NHTSA: 2012-05-03
Owners notified: 2012-06-18

Defect description

FORD IS RECALLING CERTAIN MODEL YEAR 1999-2003 WINDSTAR VEHICLES ORIGINALLY SOLD IN OR CURRENTLY REGISTERED IN THE STATE OF VIRGINIA. CORROSION-RELATED FRACTURES OF THE FRONT LOWER CONTROL ARM REAR ATTACHING BRACKETS AND BODY MOUNT ATTACHMENTS MAY OCCUR.

Safety risk

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. EITHER CONDITION COULD RESULT IN SIGNIFICANT LOSS OF STEERING CONTROL, INCREASING THE RISK OF A CRASH.

Manufacturer remedy

DEALERS WILL INSPECT BOTH FRONT LOWER CONTROL ARM REAR ATTACHING BRACKETS AND BOTH BODY MOUNT ATTACHMENTS AT THE REAR OF THE FRONT SUBFRAME AND MAKE THE NECESSARY REPAIRS FREE OF CHARGE. THE RECALL BEGAN ON JUNE 18, 2012. OWNERS MAY CONTACT FORD AT 1-866-436-7332.

Recall campaignNHTSA 11V030000

Structure: frame and members: underbody shields

Component: Structure: frame and members: underbody shields
Manufacturer: FORD MOTOR COMPANY
Vehicles affected: 425,288
Reported to NHTSA: 2011-01-26
Owners notified: 2011-02-21

Defect description

FORD IS RECALLING CERTAIN MODEL YEAR 1999-2003 WINDSTAR VEHICLES ORIGINALLY SOLD IN OR CURRENTLY REGISTERED IN THE STATES OF CONNECTICUT, DELAWARE, THE DISTRICT OF COLUMBIA, ILLINOIS, INDIANA, IOWA, KENTUCKY, MAINE, MARYLAND, MASSACHUSETTS, MICHIGAN, MINNESOTA, MISSOURI, NEW HAMPSHIRE, NEW JERSEY, NEW YORK, OHIO, PENNSYLVANIA, RHODE ISLAND, UTAH, VERMONT, WEST VIRGINIA, AND WISCONSIN. 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.

Safety risk

THIS COULD RESULT IN REDUCED STEERING CONTROL INCREASING THE RISK OF A CRASH.

Manufacturer remedy

DEALERS WILL INSPECT BOTH FRONT LOWER CONTROL ARM REAR ATTACHING BRACKETS, AND BOTH BODY MOUNT ATTACHMENTS AT THE REAR OF THE FRONT SUBFRAME, AND MAKE THE NECESSARY REPAIRS FREE OF CHARGE. IF REPAIRS CANNOT BE MADE TO A VEHICLE, FORD WILL OFFER TO REPURCHASE THE VEHICLE. THE SAFETY RECALL IS EXPECTED TO BEGIN ON OR BEFORE FEBRUARY 21, 2011. OWNERS MAY CONTACT FORD AT 1-866-436-7332.

Recall campaignNHTSA 10V385000

Suspension: rear: axle: non-powered axle assembly

Component: Suspension: rear: axle: non-powered axle assembly
Manufacturer: FORD MOTOR COMPANY
Vehicles affected: 492,650
Reported to NHTSA: 2010-08-26
Owners notified: 2010-10-20

Defect description

FORD IS RECALLING CERTAIN MODEL YEAR 1998-2003 WINDSTAR VEHICLES MANUFACTURED FROM SEPTEMBER 1, 1997 THROUGH FEBRUARY 28, 2003 AND CURRENTLY REGISTERED OR ORIGINALLY SOLD IN CONNECTICUT, DELAWARE, DISTRICT OF COLUMBIA, ILLINOIS, INDIANA, IOWA, KENTUCKY, MAINE, MARYLAND, MASSACHUSETTS, MICHIGAN, MINNESOTA, MISSOURI, NEW HAMPSHIRE, NEW JERSEY, NEW YORK, OHIO, PENNSYLVANIA, RHODE ISLAND, VERMONT, WEST VIRGINIA, AND WISCONSIN. 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.

Safety risk

A FRACTURED AXLE CAN AFFECT VEHICLE HANDLING AND INCREASE THE RISK OF A CRASH.

Manufacturer remedy

AS PARTS BECOME AVAILABLE, DEALERS WILL INSPECT AND IF NECESSARY INSTALL THE REAR AXLE REINFORCEMENT BRACKETS FREE OF CHARGE. THIS SERVICE WILL BE PERFORMED FREE OF CHARGE. THE SAFETY RECALL BEGAN ON OCTOBER 20, 2010. OWNERS MAY CONTACT FORD AT 1-866-436-7332.

Recall campaignNHTSA 09V399000

Vehicle speed control

Component: Vehicle speed control
Manufacturer: FORD MOTOR COMPANY
Vehicles affected: 4,500,000
Reported to NHTSA: 2009-10-13
Owners notified: 2009-10-27

Defect description

FORD IS RECALLING MODEL YEARS 1995-2003 WINDSTAR, 2000-2003 EXCURSION DIESEL, 1993-1997 AND 1999-2003 F-250 SD THROUGH F-550 SD DIESEL, 1992-2003 E-150 THROUGH E-550, 1995-2002 EXPLORER, 1997 AND 2002 MERCURY MOUNTAINEER, 1995-1997 AND 2001-2003 RANGER, AND 1994 F53 VEHICLES EQUIPPED WITH THE TEXAS INSTRUMENTS SPEED CONTROL DEACTIVATION SWITCH (SCDS). THE SCDS MAY LEAK INTERNALLY AND THEN OVERHEAT, SMOKE, OR BURN.

Safety risk

A VEHICLE FIRE COULD OCCUR WITH OR WITHOUT THE ENGINE RUNNING.

Manufacturer remedy

FORD WILL NOTIFY OWNERS THAT DEALERS WILL INSTALL A FUSED WIRING HARNESS IN LINE WITH THE SCDS. ON 1999-2003 WINDSTAR VEHICLES WITH A LEAKING SCDS, DEALERS WILL ALSO INSPECT THE ABS CONTROL MODULE CONNECTOR AND REPAIR AS NECESSARY. REPAIRS WILL BE COMPLETED FREE OF CHARGE. THE SAFETY RECALL BEGAN ON OCTOBER 27, 2009. OWNERS MAY CONTACT FORD AT 1-888-222-2751.

Recall campaignNHTSA 03V459000

Seats: mid/rear assembly

Component: Seats: mid/rear assembly
Manufacturer: FORD MOTOR COMPANY
Vehicles affected: 257,119
Reported to NHTSA: 2003-11-06
Owners notified: 2003-11-21

Defect description

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.

Safety risk

IF THE LATCHES ON TH4E SECOND OR THIRD ROW SEATS OF THE VEHICLE RELEASE IN A CRASH, THE POTENTIAL FOR OCCUPANT INJURY IS INCREASED.

Manufacturer remedy

DEALERS WILL REPLACE THE SEAT-TO-FLOOR LATCHES ON THE SECOND AND THIRD ROW OF SEATS. OWNER NOTIFICATION BEGAN ON NOVEMBER 21, 2003. OWNERS SHOULD CONTACT FORD AT 1-800-392-3673.

Recall campaignNHTSA 02V072000

Trailer hitches

Component: Trailer hitches
Manufacturer: FORD MOTOR COMPANY
Vehicles affected: 417,037
Reported to NHTSA: 2002-03-11
Owners notified: 2002-04-05

Defect description

IN SOME MINIVANS, WATER AND OTHER CONTAMINANTS (DIRT, SALT, ETC.) CAN ENTER INTO THE RIGHT REAR PASSENGER COMPARTMENT DUE TO A MISSING BODY SEALER.

Safety risk

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. A SUSTAINED SHORT CIRCUIT CAN RESULT IN MELTED CONNECTORS AND POTENTIALLY LEAD TO A FIRE.

Manufacturer remedy

DEALERS WILL INSPECT THE ELECTRICAL CONNECTOR AND SURROUNDING AREA FOR ABSENCE OF BODY SEALING AND CORROSION. IF CORROSION IS PRESENT, DEALERS WILL SERVICE THE BODY GAPS, REPAIR CORRODED CONNECTORS, AND APPLY A PROTECTIVE PATCH TO THE CONNECTOR ASSEMBLY AND BODY HOLE. IF CORROSION IS NOT PRESENT BUT THE BODY SEALER IS MISSING, DEALERS WILL SERVICE THE BODY GAPS AND APPLY A PROTECTIVE PATCH TO THE CONNECTOR ASSEMBLY AND BODY HOLE. OWNER NOTIFICATION BEGAN APRIL 5, 2002. OWNERS WHO TAKE THEIR VEHICLES TO AN AUTHORIZED DEALER ON AN AGREED UPON SERVICE DATE AND DO NOT RECEIVE THE FREE REMEDY WITHIN A REASONABLE TIME SHOULD CONTACT FORD AT 1-866-436-7332.

Recall campaignNHTSA 01V261000

Visibility: windshield wiper/washer: motor

Component: Visibility: windshield wiper/washer: motor
Manufacturer: FORD MOTOR COMPANY
Vehicles affected: 598,256
Reported to NHTSA: 2001-08-15
Owners notified: 2001-08-27

Defect description

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. IN ADDITION, ON CERTAIN OF THE VEHICLES BUILT BETWEEN FEBRUARY AND AUGUST 2000, A SWITCH LOCATED IN THE PLASTIC COVER OF THE WIPER MOTOR GEAR CASE COULD MALFUNCTION AND OVERHEAT. EITHER OF THESE CONDITIONS COULD POTENTIALLY RESULT IN LOSS OF INTERMITTENT WIPER FUNCTION, LOSS OF WIPER PARK FUNCTION, COMPLETE LOSS OF WIPER FUNCTION, SMOKE, OR IGNITION OF THE PLASTIC COVER MATERIAL. CONTAMINANT ENTRY COULD ALSO RESULT IN UNINTENDED WIPER MOTOR OPERATION.

Safety risk

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. LOSS OF VISIBILITY WHILE DRIVING INCREASES THE RISK OF A CRASH.

Manufacturer remedy

DEALERS WILL INSTALL A NEW WIPER COVER WITH IMPROVED SEALING AND WATER RESISTANCE. OWNER NOTIFICATION BEGAIN AUGUST 27, 2001. OWNERS WHO TAKE THEIR VEHICLES TO AN AUTHORIZED DEALER ON AN AGREED UPON SERVICE DATE AND DO NOT RECEIVE THE FREE REMEDY WITHIN A REASONABLE TIME SHOULD CONTACT FORD AT 1-866-436-7332.

Recall campaignNHTSA 01V262000

Equipment: appliance: air conditioner

Component: Equipment: appliance: air conditioner
Manufacturer: FORD MOTOR COMPANY
Vehicles affected: 413,245
Reported to NHTSA: 2001-08-15
Owners notified: 2001-08-27

Defect description

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.

Safety risk

THE MOTOR COULD POTENTIALLY CATCH ON FIRE.

Manufacturer remedy

DEALERS WILL INSTALL A JUMPER WIRE THAT WILL ENSURE THAT THE MEDIUM-LOW BLOWER SPEED SETTING IS PROTECTED BY THE THERMAL LIMITER. OWNER NOTIFICATION BEGAN AUGSUT 27, 2001. OWNERS WHO TAKE THEIR VEHICLES TO AN AUTHORIZED DEALER ON AN AGREED UPON SERVICE DATE AND DO NOT RECEIVE THE FREE REMEDY WITHIN A REASONABLE TIME SHOULD CONTACT FORD AT 1-866-436-7332.

Recall campaignNHTSA 01V227001

Seat belts: front: buckle assembly

Component: Seat belts: front: buckle assembly
Manufacturer: FORD MOTOR COMPANY
Vehicles affected: 1,400,000
Reported to NHTSA: 2001-07-16
Owners notified: 2001-07-25

Defect description

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. FORD CROWN VICTORIA BUILT AT ST. THOMAS ASSEMBLY PLANT FROM 4/17/00 - 5/29/01 MERCURY GRAND MARQUIS BUILT AT ST. THOMAS ASSEMBLY PLANT FROM 4/17/00 - 5/29/01. LINCOLN TOWN CARS BUILT AT WIXOM ASSEMBLY PLANT FROM 3/27/00 - 5/30/01. LINCOLN NAVIGATORS BUILT AT MICHIGAN TRUCK PLANT FROM 4/11/00 - 5/31/01. FORD WINDSTARS BUILT AT OAKVILLE ASSEMBLY PLANT FROM 3/23/00 - 5/30/01. FORD RANGERS BUILT AT TWIN CITIES PLANT FROM 3/28/00 - 5/30/01, AND ALSO AT THE EDISON PLANT FROM 3/13/00 - 5/25/01. FORD F-150 TRUCK BUILT AT NORFOLK PLANT FROM 4/18/00 - 5/25/00; AT ONTARIO PLANT FROM 5/10/00 - 5/28/01; AT KANSAS CITY PLANT FROM 9/11/99 - 5/25/01; AND AT CUAUTITLAN PLANT FROM 5/16/00 - 6/9/01. FORD SUPER DUTY F-250, F-350, F-450, AND F-550 TRUCKS BUILT AT KENTUCKY PLANT FROM 4/17/00 - 5/27/01; AND AT CUAUTITLAN PLANT FROM 5/16/00 - 6/19/01. FORD EXCURSIONS BUILT AT KENTUCKY PLANT FROM 4/17/00 - 10/2/00. FORD EXPEDITIONS BUILT AT MICHIGAN TRUCK PLANT FROM 4/11/00 - 5/31/01.

Safety risk

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.

Manufacturer remedy

DEALERS WILL INSPECT THE FRONT OUTBOARD SEAT BELT BUCKLES AND IF THE BUCKLE FAILS THE INSPECTION PROCESS, IT WILL BE REPLACED. OWNER NOTIFICATION BEGAN JULY 25, 2001. OWNERS WHO TAKE THEIR VEHICLES TO AN AUTHORIZED DEALER ON AN AGREED UPON SERVICE DATE AND DO NOT RECEIVE THE FREE REMEDY WITHIN A REASONABLE TIME SHOULD CONTACT FORD AT 1-866-436-7332.

Recall campaignNHTSA 01V207000

Vehicle speed control: accelerator pedal

Component: Vehicle speed control: accelerator pedal
Manufacturer: FORD MOTOR COMPANY
Vehicles affected: 45,800
Reported to NHTSA: 2001-06-22
Owners notified: 2001-07-06

Defect description

VEHICLE DESCRIPTION: MINIVANS EQUIPPED WITH AN ADJUSTABLE PEDAL OPTION. THE DRIVER FLOOR MAT COULD INTERFERE WITH THE ACCELERATOR PEDAL.

Safety risk

THIS CAN RESULT IN A STUCK THROTTLE, INCREASING THE RISK OF A CRASH.

Manufacturer remedy

DEALERS WILL REPLACE BOTH FRONT DRIVER AND PASSENGER SIDE FLOOR MATS IN THE VEHICLE. OWNER NOTIFICATION BEGAN JULY 6, 2001. OWNERS WHO TAKE THEIR VEHICLES TO AN AUTHORIZED DEALER ON AN AGREED UPON SERVICE DATE AND DO NOT RECEIVE THE FREE REMEDY WITHIN A REASONABLE TIME SHOULD CONTACT FORD AT 1-800-392-3673.

Recall campaignNHTSA 00V412000

Air bags: frontal: sensor/control module-inactive

Component: Air bags: frontal: sensor/control module-inactive
Manufacturer: FORD MOTOR COMPANY
Vehicles affected: 16,000
Reported to NHTSA: 2000-12-06
Owners notified: 2000-12-21

Defect description

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. IF SOME OR ALL OF THE SCREWS ARE MISSING, THE PERFORMANCE OF THE OCCUPANT RESTRAINS COULD BE AFFECTED.

Safety risk

IN SOME CASES, LESS THAN THE INTENDED LEVEL OF PROTECTION IN THE EVENT OF A CRASH.

Manufacturer remedy

DEALERS WILL INSPECT THE RCM AND CRASH SENSORS AND, IF NECESSARY, REPLACE THEM.

Recall campaignNHTSA 00V270000

Air bags

Component: Air bags
Manufacturer: FORD MOTOR COMPANY
Vehicles affected: 18,500
Reported to NHTSA: 2000-09-13
Owners notified: 2000-09-14

Defect description

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.

Safety risk

THIS CONDITION COULD RESULT IN PERSONAL INJURY.

Manufacturer remedy

DEALERS WILL REPLACE THE RCM IN THESE VEHICLES. OWNER NOTIFICATION BEGAN SEPTEMBER 14, 2000. OWNERS WHO TAKE THEIR VEHICLES TO AN AUTHORIZED DEALER ON AN AGREED UPON SERVICE DATE AND DO NOT RECEIVE THE FREE REMEDY WITHIN A REASONABLE TIME SHOULD CONTACT FORD AT 1-800-392-3673.

Owner complaints

A complaint is one person's report to a federal agency. It is not a finding.

Component	Complaints	Median mileage
Service brakes, hydraulic	223	95,000 mi
Electrical system	201	100,000 mi
Service brakes	193	120,000 mi
Suspension	188	140,000 mi
Suspension: rear	151	115,000 mi
Structure: frame and members	141	116,000 mi
Vehicle speed control	101	101,000 mi
Steering	57	130,000 mi
Service brakes, electric	53	102,000 mi
Structure: body	53	128,000 mi
Power train: automatic transmission	48	51,000 mi
Power train	43	132,918 mi
Unknown or other	41	126,000 mi
Power train: axle assembly	38	120,901 mi
Structure	38	116,000 mi
Structure: body: door	32	33,000 mi
Service brakes, hydraulic: antilock/traction control/electronic limited slip	29	75,000 mi
Suspension: front	29	95,000 mi
Engine and engine cooling	26	87,000 mi
Structure: frame and members: underbody shields	25	127,000 mi
Suspension: rear: axle: non-powered axle assembly	25	109,000 mi
Wheels	24	142,000 mi
Air bags	23	83,900 mi
Service brakes, hydraulic: antilock/traction control/electronic limited slip: ABS warning light	21	66,000 mi
Engine and engine cooling: engine	18	95,000 mi
Traction control system	17	103,000 mi
Vehicle speed control: cruise control	17	76,000 mi
Air bags: frontal	16	62,000 mi
Electronic stability control (ESC)	16	101,000 mi
Latches/locks/linkages: doors: latch	16	59,000 mi
Service brakes, hydraulic: antilock/traction control/electronic limited slip: control unit/module	14	90,000 mi
Exterior lighting	13	110,000 mi
Power train: driveline	12	107,148 mi
Engine	11	190,000 mi
Equipment: appliance: air conditioner	11	98,000 mi
Parking brake	11	101,000 mi
Suspension: front: springs: coil springs	11	90,000 mi
Tires	11	80,000 mi
Vehicle speed control: accelerator pedal	10	43,000 mi
Seats	9	116,967 mi
Visibility: glass, side/rear	9	47,000 mi
Equipment	8	100,000 mi
Exterior lighting: brake lights	8	125,000 mi
Exterior lighting: brake lights: switch	8	75,000 mi
Tires: pressure monitoring and regulating systems	8	60,000 mi
Visibility: windshield wiper/washer: motor	8	51,000 mi
Air bags: side/window	7	58,000 mi
Engine and engine cooling: exhaust system: emission control	7	40,000 mi
Engine and engine cooling: exhaust system: manifold/header/muffler/tail pipe	7	43,000 mi
Seat belts: front: buckle assembly	7	23,000 mi
Engine and engine cooling: engine: gasoline	6	—
Seat belts	6	103,000 mi
Service brakes, hydraulic: foundation components: master cylinder	6	95,750 mi
Visibility: windshield wiper/washer	6	70,000 mi
Air bags: frontal: sensor/control module	5	75,000 mi
Electrical system: wiring: interior/under dash	5	46,000 mi
Seat belts: front	5	40 mi
Visibility	5	100,000 mi
Visibility: windshield	5	19,180 mi
Electrical system: wiring	4	87,000 mi
Fuel system, gasoline	4	17,055 mi
Fuel system, gasoline: storage: tank assembly	4	—
Fuel/propulsion system	4	164,000 mi
Interior lighting	4	90,000 mi
Latches/locks/linkages	4	70,090 mi
Suspension: front: control arm	4	48,400 mi
Suspension: rear: axle: spindle	4	103,000 mi
Visibility: power window devices and controls	4	25,000 mi
Electrical system: instrument cluster/panel	3	80,650 mi
Electrical system: wiring: front underhood	3	68,000 mi
Equipment adaptive/mobility	3	172,000 mi
Fuel system, gasoline: delivery: hoses, lines/piping, and fittings	3	37,611 mi
Seats: front assembly: power adjust	3	—
Seats: mid/rear assembly	3	35,000 mi
Steering: hydraulic power assist: hose, piping, and connections	3	31,000 mi
Steering: rack and pinion	3	42,000 mi
Structure: body: hatchback/liftgate: hinge and attachments	3	55,000 mi
Suspension: front: control arm: lower arm	3	130,000 mi
Suspension: multiple axle	3	72,915 mi
Visibility/wiper	3	169,000 mi
Child seat	2	—
Electrical system: ignition	2	—
Electrical system: starter assembly	2	85,000 mi
Equipment: electrical: radio/tape deck/CD etc.	2	55,000 mi
Exterior lighting: turn signal	2	—
Fuel system, gasoline: delivery	2	71,700 mi
Fuel system, gasoline: fuel injection system	2	85,000 mi
Fuel system, gasoline: storage: tank assembly: filler pipe and cap	2	—
Parking brake: indicator light	2	42,000 mi
Power train: automatic transmission: torque converter	2	42,770 mi
Power train: axle assembly: axle shaft	2	59,000 mi
Power train: manual transmission	2	—
Seat belts: front: anchorage	2	—
Service brakes, air	2	105,000 mi
Service brakes, hydraulic: foundation components	2	—
Steering: linkages: tie rod assembly	2	56,250 mi
Structure: body: door: hinge and attachments	2	37,500 mi
Suspension: rear: shock absorber	2	3,000 mi
Visibility: defroster/defogger/hvac system: rear window	2	—
Wheels: lugs/nuts/bolts/studs	2	—
Wheels: rim	2	—
Air bags: frontal: driver side: inflator module	1	58,000 mi
Electrical system: 12V/24V/48V battery	1	75,000 mi
Electrical system: horn	1	34,500 mi
Electrical system: ignition: module	1	—
Engine and engine cooling: cooling system	1	—
Engine and engine cooling: exhaust system	1	89,000 mi
Engine and engine cooling: exhaust system: emission control: catalytic convertor	1	104,000 mi
Equipment: electrical: anti-theft devices	1	—
Equipment: mechanical: accessory scissor/screw/bottle jack/lift	1	—
Equipment: recreational vehicle/trailer	1	40,000 mi
Exterior lighting: turn signal: flasher unit	1	—
Forward collision avoidance: warnings	1	160,000 mi
Fuel system, gasoline: delivery: fuel pump	1	—
Fuel system, other: delivery: fuel pump	1	37,500 mi
Fuel system, other: fuel injection system	1	40,400 mi
Power train: automatic transmission: park/neutral start interlock switch	1	—
Power train: axle assembly: axle shaft: seal	1	72,380 mi
Power train: driveline: differential unit	1	—
Service brakes, air: antilock: control unit/module	1	—
Service brakes, hydraulic: antilock/traction control/electronic limited slip: wheel speed sensor/tone ring	1	73,000 mi
Service brakes, hydraulic: brake fluid low warning: lamp	1	75,000 mi
Service brakes, hydraulic: fluid	1	96,000 mi
Service brakes, hydraulic: foundation components: disc: pads	1	85,000 mi
Service brakes, hydraulic: foundation components: disc: rotor	1	85,000 mi
Service brakes, hydraulic: foundation components: drum: shoes/linings	1	43,000 mi
Service brakes, hydraulic: pedals and linkages	1	—
Steering: steering wheel/handle bar	1	—
Steering: column locking: anti-theft device	1	—
Steering: hydraulic power assist: power steering fluid	1	76,435 mi
Steering: hydraulic power assist: pump	1	35,000 mi
Steering: linkages	1	—
Structure: body: hatchback/liftgate	1	29,000 mi
Structure: body: hood	1	1,600 mi
Structure: body: roof and pillars	1	44,458 mi
Suspension: front: macpherson strut	1	47,000 mi
Tires: sidewall	1	37,500 mi
Trailer hitches	1	—
Visibility: defroster/defogger/hvac system	1	—
Visibility: defroster/defogger/hvac system: heater core	1	150,000 mi
Visibility: rear window wiper/washer	1	100 mi
Visibility: rear window wiper/washer: motor	1	42,000 mi

The 2000 model has roughly the same number of complaints as this one. The 2002 model has roughly the same number of complaints as this one. These figures reflect raw complaint counts, not failure rates. Higher-selling model years naturally receive more complaints.

Safety recall repairs are provided free of charge by franchised dealers, regardless of vehicle age or mileage. This page displays aggregated data for the model year. To check recall status for a specific vehicle, search its VIN at nhtsa.gov.