Investigation PE96042: 1995–1996 Ford Windstar

Status

CLOSED

Opened

Jun 13, 1996

Closed

Oct 31, 1996

Model years

1995–1996

Subject

Brake pedal fade/extended stopping

Component: Service brakes, hydraulic

Summary

Odi has received sixty-eight (68) consumer reports of alleged failures or malfunctions in the brake system on certain 1995 and 1996 ford windstars, which resulted in brake pedal fade and in extended stopping distances during brakingthese alleged failures or malfunctions are reported to have caused twelve (12) accidents that resulted from vehicle loss of braking.the conplainants report that the loss of braking occurred duringbraking situations on dry roads as well as on wet or slippery roads.in response to odi's information reques (ir) concerning the long stopping distance complaints on the 1995 windstar, ford reported receiving 259 report (field reports, owner complaints, and subrogation claims) of long stopping distance on the 1995 ford windstar, along with 64 reports of accidents.in addition, ford reported receiving some 64,000 warranty claims that could relate to the alleged defect of long stopping distance performance on the subject vehicles.since apreliminary evaluation was opened, odi has received additional complaints of the alleged failure on the 1996 models, which were not included initially in this investigation.odi believes that an engineering analysis on the 1995 and 1996 ford windstar vehices in warranted to determine the scope of the problem.

An NHTSA investigation looks into whether a safety defect exists. Opening one is not a finding. Outcomes can include a recall, closure without action, or further inquiry.

Model years covered

• 1996 Ford Windstar1,386 complaints
• 1995 Ford Windstar3,326 complaints