Problems with 2001 Ford Windstar ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING

I am the original owner of this 2001 ford windstar se minivan which now has a rusted, corroded and broken passenger side engine subframe which renders the vehicle unsafe to drive. i complied with the earlier ford recalls with regard to this issue (11s16) and the service was completed (6/20/2012) at the ford dealership. now after 27 months and less than 16,000 miles later, the engine subframe breaks and the cost to repair of about $5,000.00 exceeds the kelley blue book values for the vehicle. ford has refused any help and claims they have complied with the recall work and the matter is closed. i believe the recall support bracket that was installed was nothing more that a band-aid approach to correct a major safety issue with substandard engine subframe parts. i have asked ford to buy my vehicle back, as that was an option under the recall(11s16) but they have refused again saying the matter was closed. it seems to me that the engine subframe parts should last much longer than 13 years or 97,000 miles. after all ford suggests the 1st engine tune up for this vehicle at 100,000 miles. i guess i won't be worrying about that in the future. i have this vehicle now for a short while and i have pictures of the broken subframe. i will be getting rid of it probably to a junk yard for scrap value. i am worried about all the other windstar owners driving around with this same potential condition on our roads and highways. i want you to initiate a follow up investigation into the effectiveness of the recall fix(11s16) as seen on my vehicle and others. as a result of this experience, i will never own another ford in my life. *tr

While investigating the 50 mph failure of the pcm module, and the ongoing off/on action of the abs module, i ran across what appears to be a mistake on page 43-3 of the fomoco "2001 wiring diagrams/windstar" manual (fcs-12255-01). i exchanged several emails, case # cas-4648613-l1x1r6 crm:03259000003405, with the ford customer relations center about this matter until they told me to contact a dealer. i sent the questions to my dealer asking for correct information, but they haven't acknowledged my inquiry. what i suspect is all windstar's on the road today may be operating with only one-half of the scp (j1850 pwm) network operational. now that many of the defective abs modules are failing, are other windstars in danger of engine failure at speed like ours? the two simple questions i asked fomoco are: 1) are you sure circuit 915 (data bus-) should be grounded at the abs module? 2) what is the proper termination for the ford data bus (circuits 914& 915), 120 ohms, 650 ohms, 3k ohms, what and where?

All parts are affected, my car which is ford windstar 2001 , it got fired by itself at early mornings while it was parked and ignition was off, we are the victim of the ford windstar 2001,my car is totally burned. *tr

7/21/2011 bought van from private party. recall completed in march of 2011 regarding back axle. on 7/13/2012 8pm, my 18yr old son, while driving home from lacrosse practice, nearly killed. upon pulling out onto the main road, he lost all controls, no steering, no brakes and no power. he coasted and prayed it would stop. i arrived, we called aaa. flatbed to my home driver could not believe his eyes. the engine had fallen out. 7/16/12 called ford in mich and spoke to rep. to be towed 13 miles away to route 23 auto at our expense. really? route23 wanted nothing to do with me (they did recall). went back and forth then per rt23 "it will be a month until we can look at it" getting know where. 7/18-22 borrowed friend car for tournament. 8/1/12 called magarino ford and with great concern had a flatbed that night. this tow truck driver could not believe it. fluids raced out and double stabilized for engine sliding during transport. 8/2/12 magarino called 9am, pictures sent to ford and awaiting reply. 8/5/12 t/c from m stating ford refuses to buy back and sending a subframe. you mean a recalled one? magarino caught in middle i questioned whether he would put his children in this van. he softly replied, "no" what am i to do, out of work 2 years, single parent with no car to find work. 8/8/12 i questioned ford why this van ever left rt 23 auto, according to researched paper a part was waiting on. you mean to tell me that upon this fixed axle nobody noticed the subframe was rotted from inside out causing the engine to fall out the next summer nearly killing my son! but they signed it was fine! really? now we have case # 1373091992 8/10/12 picked up van. broke= a/c, r-window, heater engine, airbag, brake light on, runs hot steering= thumps makes noise (full fluid) skip gears, sways, barely can get up a hill. 11yr old scared to drive in it

Was riding on the highway when my car just stopped and seen transmission oil everywhere on the floor an now van wont move but turn on. *tr

The engine cradle was severely rusted and had a catastrophic failure. i narrowly avoided getting t boned and crashed head first into a small hill. my fiance and my self were uninjured but where extremely shook up over this. i lost all control of the steering and the entire engine and transmission where on the ground. thanks to this defect in fords design i am now without a car and either my fiance or myself could have been badly injured or died. *tr

There have been numerous issues with this vehicle lately. car would not start, power steering went out, oil light stays on, i have to put oil in every week, seat motor stop working and now the brakes do not work. we were driving out of town with our 3 kids and i went to press the brakes just to find that it was not there - it was all the way up under the dash board!!!

Automobile leaking oil and smoking. engine, abs and brake lights constantly illuminated until they were removed by the dealer i informed him the vehicle would not pass inspection and told him of my saftey concerns regarding the same. *tr

Tl*the contact owns a 2001 ford windstar. the contact stated that the vehicle was taken to the dealer for a recall repair under nhtsa campaign id 10v385000 (suspension:rear:axle:non-powered axle assembly), and during the inspection the technician noticed that the front passenger side rear mount engine cradle was cracked with substantial corrosion. the vehicle was not repaired. the failure mileage was approximately 130,000.

Tl*the contact owns a 2001 ford windstar. while driving at 70 mph, the contact heard a loud, unusual explosion. the contact was able to exit the vehicle and found that the front sub frame and axle had fractured from the vehicle. the vehicle was towed to an authorized dealer where the contact was awaiting repairs. the vin was not available. the failure and current mileages were 110,000. updated 11/19/10.*lj also, the oil pan gaskets was leaking. updated 11/24/10

Sometime between 10:30pm of 28 june and 5am 29 june, my 2001 ford windstar spontaneously combusted while parked in the garage of the rectory here at holy assumption church in marblehead, ohio. the van is a total loss as the entire engine compartment and most of the dashboard (on the passenger side) are burnt out or melted. this happened after i twice took my windstar to an authorized ford dealership in response to a recall to have a part replaced connected with the cruise control that has been reported as overheating and causing such a fire. there is damage to the interior of the garage (the local fire department does not know why the fire stopped before burning down the garage - since there is concrete evidence of the intense heat of the fire. *tr

While on vacationing in vermont. the yellow abs light and the red brake light came on. im a mechanic so i had the code reader for the abs system. the code was the infamous tell tale c1185. i replaced the abs module once. unfortunately the problem has manifested again. i'm tempted to do away with the system, but the windstar transports my young children around. its like having a gun to my head. what do i do? *tr

2001 ford windstar very well maintained records to show. engine failure (bad rod) with no warning . no leaks or use of oil ever. mechanic said there is no reason for the failure except for maybe a faulty rod. *tr

Tl* the contact owns a 2001 ford windstar. while driving 45 mph the vehicle stalled without any prior warnings. the vehicle was towed to the dealer, and the dta module was repaired at the owners expense . after a couples months, the vehicle experienced an identical failure. the dealer was contacted and the technician repaired a fuse that blew. however the over-drive warning light was illuminated on the instrument control panel, and then the odometer failed. the failure mileage was 96521. the current mileage was 98000.

Tl* the contact owns a 2001 ford windstar. the contact stated that when driving she hears a loud squeaking sound coming from the bottom of the vehicle. engine failure while driving increased the risk of vehicle crash. the vehicle was taken to a local repair facility and a mechanic concluded that the motor cradle needed to be replaced. the vehicle has not been repaired. the current and failure mileages were 96217.

2001 ford windstar was sitting in the parking lot started on fire under the hood. vehicle was totaled. *tr

Tl*the contact owns a 2001 ford windstar. the contact started the vehicle and the check engine indicator illuminated. he did not want to drive the vehicle, but took it to a mechanic for diagnostic testing. the technician stated that the exhaust intake and manifold failed. there were also numbers missing on the computer, which was caused by the engine. the dealer stated that the vehicle was not included in any recalls, although the failures were identical. the vehicle has not been driven since the failure occurred. the failure and current mileages were 99,734.

Ref. nhtsa defect investigation pe10026: 2001 ford windstar experienced front engine cradle failure on passenger side while vehicle in motion, 26 june 2009. no injuries but rattled nerves. half shaft and engine cradle replaced - vehicle impeded traffic for an hour until removed by flat bed truck. *tr

Tl*the contact owns a 2001 ford windstar. while attempting to make a left turn at an unknown speed, the vehicle made a very loud banging noise. the dealer stated that the engine cradle was rotted out. the repair cost was estimated at more than $500. the failure and current mileages were less than 110,000. updated 04-23-09 updated 04/24/09.*jb

Tl*the contact's parents own a 2001 ford windstar. while the contact's parents were driving 40 mph, the vehicle completely lost power. they pulled over to the side of the road and noticed flames underneath the hood. after five minutes, the vehicle exploded four times and was destroyed. the fire department was called and a report was filed. the manufacturer has not been notified. the current and failure mileages were approximately 70,000. updated 11/17/08 *bf the consumer stated he read on the internet that his make and model had problems with the cruise control . updated 11/18/08. *jb

I own a 2001 ford windstar van. it is used by my wife. last weekend, she came home from a local shopping trip and told me the a/c was not blowing cold anymore and the abs and brake light was illuminated. also the odometer and speedometer were not working. also the o/d light was blinking on and off. later in the evening i went and checked my fuses on the van and found the #10 fuse (15amp was burnt). i replaced the fuse with a new one and started the van. the a/c was now blowing very cold and the abs and brake light now was off. after leaving the van running for about 2 minutes, i noticed heavy smoke coming from the engine. i immediately turned off the engine and got a flashlight to see what was burning. i noticed near the master cylinder, a group of wires that had burned near the deactivation switch. i then came inside and searched the internet for this issue and came across a few blogs that stated the same problem. i then brought my vehicle in the next day to an authorized ford dealership that confirmed the problem as a faulty deactivation switch. i am very lucky that my van did not catch on fire while my wife has been using the van to bring my children to many different places. this is totally an unsafe matter and ford should be looking into a recall. what more can i do to make this happen?? *tr

Ford windstar brake, abs brake, cruise control, and speedometer/odometer electrical problems * brake light (red) stays on * 15 amp fuse #10 blowing out * fire or smoke coming from under the van abs ecm area while off. * melted abs ecm wiring connector. * speedometer and odometer stop working. * cruise control will not activate or deactivates without warning. * abs brake light (yellow). *tr

I went to have my car services on 3/14 and was informed by monroe muffler that my that the intake manifold has cracked because it was plastic and not metal. while doing some research i noticed that many other fords have been recalled for the same reason such as vehicles affected in the american settlement use the 4.6-litre v8 engine and include 1996-2001 ford crown victoria, mercury grand marquis and lincoln town car; 1997 mercury cougar, ford thunderbird and ford mustang; some mustangs from 1998 to 2001; and some ford explorers from 2002. i was l;aso told that he has serviced at least five with the same problem in the last year. *tr

Check engine light stays on. when i bought the vehicle, the dealer said just go to ford and get it "reset." that wasn't done. now it is time for the first mandatory smog and the vehicle won't pass because of the "check engine" light problem. ford wants $500 to "fix" it. i don't have an extra $500. i feel i am getting ripped!!!! suggestions from anyone? *tr

Cel came on and subsequent diag code revealed p0171/p0174/p0131 codes as does everyone else with similar problems. replaced isolator bolts, port seals, clamshell seal, 2 other seals, and front valve cover, pcv valve and vac line, and fuel reg vac line. first 2 codes cleared, but misfire remained. removed intake 2x and cleaned all seals, egr ports, and oil accumulation from inside intake. p0131 code remains. next step is new spark plugs and wires (only 10,000 miles on new platinum plugs). also have intermittent abs/brake system lights come on as they wish and go off when vehicle turned off. when is ford going to step up and admit there is a problem with this entire vehicle ? i will not take my vehicle to a dealership to get ripped off for over $600 when it costs me $120 in parts alone to replace the tsb seals and intake bolts. i guess we shall see how long until my transmission goes out (knock on wood i made over 80,000 miles so far). *tr

I recently purchased a used 2001 ford windstar. it began showing 3 lights on the dash. (the brake light abs light and check engine light) i will begin with the engine light. after reading many articles on the internet of people experiencing the same codes p0174 and p0171 i found the tsb. it called for the replacement of the vacuum line, isolator bolts, valve cover, and port seals. the abs and brake lights call for the replacement of the whole abs module. to fix both of these problems are very costly. and after researching, i have conlcuded that these problems are not isolated. due to the high price of labor and parts i have not been able to fix these problems. i think that the loss of abs on slippery roads and the loss of the engine due to the defective gasket parts can cause a major accident, and pose as a huge concern. please contact me with any updates...thankyou *tr

Tl*the contact owns a 2001 ford windstar. while driving 50 mph, the contact noticed smoke coming from the vehicle. the contact pulled over and exited the vehicle before it burst into flames. the vehicle is at a tow yard. there will not be an investigation to find the cause of failure because the vehicle only had liability coverage. the florida highway patrol case # is c07offo66334. the powertrain was unknown. the current and failure mileages were 190,000.

The check engine or emissions light was on. i took it to the dealer and had to pay $100.00 just to have them run the codes on the computer. codes p0171 and p0174 showed up ,and dealer said intake gaskets leaked, and it would cost $671.00 more to fix. their estimate included replacing intake gaskets, intake bolts, left side valve cover, and fuel pressure regulator. the pvc hose was okay. the 2001 van only had 59,000 mi on it. seemed like ford had a design problem , they were not willing to stand behind.*ak

Tl*the contact owns a 2001 ford windstar. the air conditioner, cruise control, and radio failed. the contact inspected the switch on the master cylinder and noticed that the switch for the cruise control was covered with fluid. the cruise control switch was replaced; however, the new switch also failed. he cut the wires to the switch in order to operate the vehicle. he then heard a knocking sound coming from the engine compartment. the lifters were replaced, but the knocking sound continued. the upper intake was replaced as well. the purchase date was unknown. the failure mileage was 98,000 and current mileage was 119,000.

My van started to have sounds of a flock of birds in the engine compartment. it stalled after running 20 miles, the engine light was the only light on. it was towed to the dealer. after running a diagnostic, i was told it was the cam sensor. they fixed that and off i went. just to get down the road another 20 miles and my engine light came on once again. back to the dealer i went the very next morning. the service guy i spoke with said" i do not know why that came on, but we will do a diagnostic on it again and find out. by this time i was pissed off. the mechanic said it was putting out codes p0141 and a p0147? ( anyway it was bank1 and bank2) running lean. i asked him when it was in yesterday, did you not notice the codes and he stated "i will have to pull it up on the hard copy, but he did not do it. now another dealer at a different location has it today(2-13-07) diagnostics are almost the same but with added fuel injector problems. this is not the first time the engine light has came on. more like the 3rd time, with the same diagnostic codes. and each time i had to have almost the same thing done to it( like the injectors being flushed out 2x, now for the 3 rd time in 2 years). but each time the engine light came on, it was always the same codes. obviously there is a problem with the engine components. *nm

Check engine light came on while driving. had the diagnostic code read and the codes were po171 and po174 where the result (bank 1 and bank 2 system too lean). did research on the internet and found tsb 03-16-1 concerning repairs required to fix this problem. the tsb states that ford used a lh valve cover that contained a 1/8 hole allowing oil to get on the rubber grommets of the isolator bolts which contaminated them. this resulted in breakdown of the rubber grommets and a vacuum leak to occur in the intake manifold. the tsb also recommends replacing the lh valve cover gasket, port seals, isolator bolts u-shaped vacuum line, and upper intake halves seal to prevent future occurrences. this problem is a result of faulty parts used in the engine intake manifold and would not have occurred with proper parts. the internet is filled with problems the owner of windstars from 1999-2003 have had. eventually, the engine will run very rough and can stall causing an unsafe condition while driving. *tr

Dt*: the contact stated the vehicle's head gasket blew out while traveling 50 mph and caused the vehicle's check engine light to illuminate. the vehicle was towed to an independent repair shop who determined that the head gasket needed to be replaced. the dealer and the manufacturer were contacted and determined the vehicle had to be taken to the dealer for a diagnostic test.

Dt*: the contact stated while driving there was a gasoline odor emitting from the vents of the vehicle. the vehicle was pulled over and the hood was opened for inspection. the plastic fuel line failed where the plastic line connects with the steel line. as a result, fuel sprayed onto the engine. the vehicle was towed to the dealer for replacement of the entire fuel line which corrected the problem. the intake manifold failed. updated 06/12/06. 8jb

The check engine light has been on 3 times in the past year. all due to "intake problems" (per the ford certified mechanics who worked on it). the last mechanic who worked on it said that there have been so many problems with this particular type of intake system that ford had to change to a different type of system. at $80-100 just to run the computer check each time and $300-500 to fix the problem each time i can't afford to own a ford anymore. *nm

Onset of dull "knocking" noise in running engine at idle; sound similar to connecting-rod or piston wrist-pin bearing knock, but does not increase in severity or frequency as engine speed changes. simultaneous significant variation in engine idle speed (+/- 200 rpm @ 1,000 rpm idle), and rough transition to cruising speed. dealership "found" that the internal plate of the plastic intake manifold had come loose and was shifting to produce sound. dealership speculates that the engine intake manifold developed air / vacuum leaks, compromising engine idle. owner deduces that dealer was familiar with similar vehicle problems effecting other windstars. at minimum, the "knock" could trigger expensive- and unnecessary engine repairs. at worst, the intake manifold malfunction could cause loss-of-power or engine inability to operate, triggering accident. a likely side-effect will be the reduction in engine operating efficiency / increase in fuel consumption, and compromises in engine emissions performance. situation bears similarities to ford tsb sep 01, 2001 nhtsa item number: 625749: "make : ford model : windstar year : 2001 manufacturer : ford motor company service bulletin num : 15213 date of bulletin: sep 01, 2001 nhtsa item number: 625749 component: engine and engine cooling:engine:gasoline summary: some vehicles may exhibit an engine noise that sounds like a connecting-rod knock or lifter noise. *tt". *nm

After the check engine light came on, we had the codes read. p0171 and p0174. running lean on right side and left side. research shows many others on message boards all around the web with the same problem at the same average mileage (50,000). dealers want over $600 to fix the issue. with so many users experiencing this design flaw, why isn't there a recall? *nm

Bought 2001 ford windstar in january 2005 with 40,000 miles on it. in august we had to replace the transmission( 46,000 miles). this was $2000.00. then in october we had to replace the engine(49,000 miles) because of the head gasket. ford quoted us $4800.00 for this and said the car was out of warranty and would not help us defer the cost in any way. we ended up getting a used engine. *nm

I had my intake gaskets replace in feb 2005 to avoid any engine problems; i just threw a rod on 9/7/05 in my 2001 ford windstar with only 80000 miles on it. i was told that i would have to replace the engine at the cost of $4000. i just checked the blue book value - it's only $9000. i'm in an upside down situation because i still owe on the car! i've read all over the internet about preventing this problem - and not changing the intake gaskets (which should be a manufacturer recall or at least send a notice!) should help keep the engine running smooth. this wasn't true in my case!*jb

Tl*the contact owns a 2001 ford windstar. when the contact first purchased the vehicle, it shut off. the rings in the engine had to be replaced. she also heard a rumbling sound when the brake pedal was depressed. an auto repair shop stated that the brakes were operating normally; however, after much complaining, the contact had the front brakes replaced. the windshield wipers stopped working after a new windshield was installed. the vehicle was diagnosed and the motor was found to be the cause of the failure. the motor was replaced. a couple of months later, the vehicle began leaking antifreeze and was towed to a repair shop. the contact was informed that the fuel injection hoses were leaking. the leak was repaired. three weeks later, the vehicle would buck and shut off. she was informed that the catalytic converter was completely destroyed. lastly, the contact noticed an issue with the rear of the vehicle. it would fishtail or wobble while driving various speeds. the dealer stated that the vehicle was no longer included in the factory warranty. the manufacturer has not been notified. the current mileage was 74,056 and failure mileage was approximately 65,000.

Dt: contact states the automatic door on her vehicle will not stay closed. the door is located on the rear driver's side of the vehicle. while driving, the door will come open. she tried locking the door to keep it closed, but this does not work. the dealer installed a new part, but it did not correct the problem. the manufacturer is aware of the problem and is trying to find a remedy to the defect. *jb updated 10/31/2006 - after several attempts to fix the door the dealer told the consumer they were unable to fix the problem. the dealer said they would contact a ford engineer to see if the problem could be resolved. the vehicle's check engine light illuminated. the dealer replaced the dpfe sensor*nm

Vehicle's back end swayed left and right, making it difficult to maintain control. the cause was undetermined. *ak the consumer stated that the rear control arm broke while driving. the bolt was replaced and a rattling noise was heard coming from the rear of the vehicle. the lower rear tight side bolt was no good. the conusmer stated that the engine light was on. tests found vacuum leaking from the intake manifold. lower and upper intake manifold gaskets were replaced. idle speed control was replaced. the brakes squeaked . when taking off from a stop light the vehicle idles high. *tc

1) there were 2 major problems with our ford windstar 2001 which we bought brand new from our dealer. the first problem: we thought there was a lot of smoke coming out of exhaust. it looked like it was burning oil. took it in to the dealer the first time and they replaced a seal. we took a trip and took it back to the dealer and they said there was coolant leaking into the intake manifold and we would need a new engine. we ended up spending about $3500 on the car. the second problem was related to the abs brain failed and we would need to replace it and that would be about $1200. it was at this point, we decided we would not pursue that repair as that would mean we would have put in about 5k into our car within a year. 3) ford went in "half" with us on the engine replacement. i do not recall the exact date for the first failure. the second failure was approximately january 2005. *jb

Oil leaks leading to the engine $700.00 @60,000 miles abs ---system replaced $1200 @74,500 miles head gaskets replaced and some suspension problem $2,000 @ 7500miles. *ak

While driving at low speed and turning, the vehicle stalled with out any warning. also has problem with the steering wheel and the turn signal working intermittently. *nm the dealer replaced the upper intake manifold gasket and the idle air control valve, however the vehicle stalled again and the dealer replaced idle air control valve again. the power steering fluid was low. *jb

The consumer noticed oil was leaking from the vehicle. the mechanic informed the consumer that the oil was leaking from the intake manifold. please provide more information. *jb

While driving 5 mph, the vehicle stalled. the driver was able to restart and drive the vehicle to the dealer inspection. the mechanic replaced air sensor to the engine. please fill in additional information dealer is aware of the problem.

I have a 2001 ford windstar minivan. it has been running poorly even after an expensive tune-up, with poor acceleration, heavy shifting, missing at highway speeds, and it has stalled three times. when i took it into the dealership, they found that there was a problem with the intake manifold and isolator bolts that hold down the plastic bowl on the manifold. due to this problem, the fuel regulator, vacuum hose, l.h. valve cover, port o-rings, and isolator bolts had to be replaced. they also had to reprogram the pcm, clean the egr ports and there was also a diagnostic charge. the total bill came to $656.00 on a vehicle with only 52,000 miles on it. i feel this is a manufacturers defect since i found out the isolator bolts have been re-designed and updated indicating there was a problem with the original ones.*ak

Driver side window inoperable, engine light stays on, and interior lights flickers on. motor was replaced in driver's side window, cost: 294.00. made appt. to have diagnostic check - charging $90.00 to do so. *nm

While driving at any speed and without warning intermittently engine would stall, causing the consumer to pull over. dealer inspected vehicle several times, and replaced different parts, but problem still occurring. *ak

Tl* the contact owns a 2001 ford windstar. while the contact was driving approximately 40 mph, the emissions, abs and rear brakes warning lights illuminated on the instrument panel. the warning indicators remained illuminated until the engine was turned off. the failure would recur whenever the engine was in operation. the vehicle was not repaired. the manufacturer was previously notified of the defect. the failure mileage was unknown.