Ford Recalls 180,000 Windstars

Recall From: Ford Motor Company

Models: Ford Windstar Years: 1999-2000

Number Involved: 180,000

Dates of Manufacture: February 1999 - February 2000

Noncompliance: Certain Windstar minivans built with instrument clusters without a "message center" fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard No. 118, "Power-operated Window, Partition, and Roof Panel Systems." If the key is placed in the "Accessory" position and remains there for more than 70 seconds, all accessories connected to the accessory relay, including the power windows, remain operable when the key is moved to the "OFF" position, even after either front door is opened. The standard requires that power-operated windows may be closed only when the key is in the "On," "Start," or "Accessory" positions, or during the interval between the time the key is turned off, and the opening of either of the vehicle's front doors.

Remedy: Dealers will reconfigure the vehicle front end electronic module. The manufacturer has reported that owner notification was to begin on Jan. 22, 2001. Owners who do not receive the free remedy within a reasonable time should contact Ford at 1-800-392-3673.

[NHTSA Recall No. 00V351/Ford Recall No. 00S42]