2001 Ford Windstar LX from North America - Comments

When I first purchased this vehicle in January of 2002, there was a tremble in the steering wheel, which has progressed considerably.

Had to purchase 4 new tires recently, because they were cracking and one was bulging. The problem was not alleviated, the steering wheel was still shaking and at this point driving was unstable.

Took my car into the dealership several times since I have bought the vehicle, and they have continued to say nothing is wrong. Just recently I called the dealership where I purchased the vehicle, told them I had to put new tires on, and the mechanic at other service station said the tires could not be balanced properly because all 4 rims were bent. I have not received a phone call back from the Ford dealership yet, as it has been over a week.

Shortly after purchasing this vehicle, I had a loud grinding noise 3 seconds after starting. I had brought my vehicle in several times with this problem, and received the same response that they didn't hear the noise. The sound is a loud metal against metal grinding sound.

Two rotors were put on vehicle about 6 months after purchase, and my constant complaining. The dealership put on 2 used rotors off a used van in the lot.

Approx 3 months ago, while in another province, there was a terrible grinding when I put the brakes on. The Ford dealership in this province, had to shave the two rotors as they were corroded.

There was a terrible smell coming out of my vents. Dealership told me the pollen filter had probably never been changed; and installed a pollen filter at a high expense to me, and tried to charge me for labor for a test drive on account of the shaking steering wheel, even though they did nothing to fix the problem.

The vehicle handles as unbalanced, ia hard to steer. I will not drive it long distance at this point.

Loud grinding noise after the first start of the day, which is disturbing, as it feel as if something will break. It appears to be associated with the air conditioning, and heat; although the alternator or starter were never tested.

I do not find the seating comfortable, especially on long distance driving.

I have a 2000LX Sport I bought new in July 2000. I have 52,000 miles so far and have seen many of the same problems that others have experienced; far too many repairs. Our van recently makes the same severe metal grinding noses from the passenger side engine compartment upon starting when cold, then the belt screech followed by the engine quit. I have the vehicle at the dealer two weeks ago for the repair. They said it needed new intake manifold gaskets and an updated valve cover with new torque bolts all for the tidy sum of $705. Well, two weeks later the engine light is back on along with the screech and engine quiting. Now its back to the dealer to try again. I am so disappointed in Ford and I plan to replace the car with a Toyota or Nissan vehicle.

Replaced or fixed to date: tires, tie rods 38,000, rear shock 5,000, slide door water leaks, driver/passenger door belt line trim comes loose, front rotors replaced -no turned, heat/ac temp control module replaced 40,000, slide door lock broke -could not open door 38,000, remote door locks malfunctioned 25,000 and 50,000. I had hoped that with very good care (followed the service schedule to a "T") this vehicle could get us 50,000 miles without annoying repairs. No such luck!

The noise heard at start up is from the AC compressor. When you start the vehicle in defrost or AC the compressor lets out a loud grunt. It is the refrigerant/oil moving through the compressor. Start with it on the vent and switch to defrost after a few seconds and you won't hear the noise anymore.