Perhaps it’s a good thing that Ford decided to exit the minivan segment. The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration has launched an investigation involving Ford Windstar minivans produced between 1995 and 2003 due to a possible fire risk.
The investigation is linked to the same faulty cruise control switch that led to the recall of more than 10 million Ford vehicles.
As with the previous recall, the faulty switch could lead to a vehicle fire.
The NHTSA has received 130 complaints about the switch, with incidents of fires starting while vehicles were running and parked. If the investigation results in a recall, it could affect 1.7 million Ford Windstar minivans.
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05/20, 5:24 PM
posted by:
Impulsive
Phew … I thought it may have been due to the fuel lines … I installed them in ‘95.
05/20, 6:43 PM
posted by:
A4
my buddy had an explorer that the cruise control got stuck at 70mph on an off ramp
05/20, 7:01 PM
posted by:
givemeafreakingbreak
This whole cruise switch recall is so blown out of proportion. Its a switch made by Texas Instruments that is faulty. But you don’t see their name in this article.
Also, the only reason these may cause a fire is because the switch’s diaphram leaks brake fluid into a electrical connector. The windstars don’t have power on this circuit at all times like the truck and others do…. so I would be surprised if it gets recalled.
If this was Toyota it would be a warranty extension not a recall.
05/20, 7:04 PM
posted by:
johnnycanuck
My Father-in-law had a ‘99 Windstar that would start bucking like a Bronco whenever you dropped it from D in to 3. The fix was pretty simple, however- he just stopped doing that.
05/20, 7:16 PM
posted by:
vincenzo
Is Ford incapable of finding out which of their vehicles used this part? Or do they plan to wait until enough of each model burn down owner’s houses before recalling that particular vehicle.
05/20, 7:41 PM
posted by:
jimmy8
Let me get this straight. There hasn’t actually been a recall yet, so why in the rice loving hell is this being reported? If my 1995 Mitsubishi TV set caught fire and burned my house to the ground with me in it you wouldn’t hear a damn thing about it. Talk about double standards.
05/20, 9:13 PM
posted by:
LaCaLover
It was the drivers too embarrassed to be seen in them setting fire to themselves
05/20, 9:16 PM
posted by:
autonut
Johnny, you are lucky devil: where did you find such ingenuous father in law? It is a prize in itself!
05/20, 9:17 PM
posted by:
autonut
1115 does not feel well, I reckon.
05/20, 9:54 PM
posted by:
autonut
OK already 10 million recalled does another 1,7 makes such a big difference? If you ask me it was a favor to the owners: they got insurance money and bought a new Expedition on sale. Everybody makes out OK: American way.
05/21, 8:21 AM
posted by:
injunraiv
LOL @ autonut – we don’t beckon by mention certain names… But here is yet another case of an investigation, not a recall. Just like the unintended acceleration from Toyota floormats, etc. Let’s wait and see what the ruling is before lynching Ford over this, shall we?
05/21, 9:48 AM
posted by:
tripleonefive
Im feeling fine. Its no surprise that the WindStar FreeStar or SHOstar or whatever its called catches on fire. FoMoCo has a history of car fires dating back to the 70’s. The Pinto the Crown Vics in the 90’s etc etc
At least they arent setting homes on fire like GM
I dont get excited when I see an american recall or non recall bc its the norm lol Double standard my ass
I just hope Ford has cured this issue in the Flex
05/21, 11:22 AM
posted by:
moto-racer13
I’m just amazed that there are still some people out there who are crazy enough to buy a new ford. Never buy a car built by a company that is in a financial crisis. your just asking for trouble as soon as the warranty expires. After that you are stuck with an expensive lemon, and it will be very difficult to sell because of ford’s bad reputation.
05/21, 2:06 PM
posted by:
xyunya
moto-racer, you are right, again, but even AMC had it buyers. You can’t go broke underestimating poor reasoning of consumer.
05/22, 6:55 AM
posted by:
The Stig
The best fix is to stop purchasing Ford products.
05/22, 8:54 AM
posted by:
ihustle
Yeah your right!!!!!!! Lets support Japans Economy!!!!! you dumbass. Just remember the F150 sells more vehicles then any honda. toyota, nissan, etc.