What would you do 2002 SEL problems vs Freestar

Here is my "situation" and I am open to anyone to share Windstar SEL problems or stories, Ford stories in dealing with repeat problems or the new Freestar...............

I have a 2002 Windstar SEL with 29,000 miles on it and it is 20 months old. I am on my 3rd rack n pinnon system.

The rack n pinnon system went out on me while visiting family in another state in March and was replaced and went out again (leaking valves both times is what they call it) and another new one was put in yesterday.

I went and picked my van up today and did the test drive and of course it was fine because it has to be running for awhile to cause problems and usually have some time between problems.

I waited until I was done and then I got paperwork this time with all of the details. I then went to the new sales area where I purchased the car almost 2 years ago and asked for the sales manager. Long story short I asked to speak with him in private and told him the situation and he acted very understanding. They were so concerned (lol) they wanted to keep the van longer and then give me a 2004 Freestar to drive which is just like my Windstar but a few changes. I took it and then while moving my car seats to the new van they introduced me to the owner......strange.

Off I went and then they called me later with outrageous figures to trade in for the new one. Right now I have 0 % financing and am 20 months into it so I have made a good chunk in principal down. I said no. I was naive and honestly thought they were trying and they did admit that 3 rack n pinnons systems was not common or acceptable.

I just said no and I was coming to get my van. I then have to leave and go get my oldest son from Kindergarten so I take the Freestar and it almost breaks down. The Dealer called me back on my cell phone bc they knew I was upset and I could not even talk to them. When I had the traction control on the brake lights, ABS lights came on and the transmission went crazy and I could go about 20 mph with a awful noise and had to pump the brakes. When I turned the traction control off the van shut down and I could go 10 mph almost with almost no brakes. I was hysterical, I had had it.

The brake light, ABS light, check traction control message and everything was going off and the brakes were failing and the van was making a awful loud noise.

Somehow I got my son from school got in that dang Freestar drove to the dealer pulled up next to my 2002 Windstar SEL. I started taking the car seats out of the new loaner and putting in mine and the dealers were just watching me like "oh man she has lost it". I did not yell I just did a mans worse nightmare I cried. I was so mad I just kept crying. All of a sudden the Owner of the Ford Dealership walked up and seemed concerned and I told him I was too upset to talk to him. I had been thru 3 rack n pinnons on a Windstar SEL with less than 29,000 in 20 months. I was upset, the new improved Freestar just broke down on me and I had it with Ford and with them. He seemed like he was going to cry. He said he would call Ford and notify them and I said I already had started a "record" and that I also filed a vehicle complaint with the AG of NC and he was trying to rip me off when he sold me a brand new lemon and no one would own the problem.

I am not able to just give up 20 months of over $500 a month payments at 0% to go upside down on a new 2004 Freestar that just broke down so it may have kinks too.............turns out they called me back awhile ago and now are almost able to break even with me on my trade but are playing the retail to retail (MSRP) and such. I would still be upside down $2450 and then start another 60 to 72 months of payments at 0% or 2.92% but lose out on the 20 months of payments that knocked down the principal.

Ford has also offered to give me a "free" 5 year 100K warranty.

I think I should take the free warranty instead of going upside down but then having the whole rack n pinnon replaced 2 times in 8 weeks scares me for the safety of my family.

I also just received the recall notice for the 2002 Windstar SEL that the captains chairs and 3rd row did not meet requirements etc.

I am scared my steering will go out again but then do not know if I should take the chance of the newest repair and free warranty or just trade in for peace of mind and safety but then what was the deal with the brand new Freestar they gave me that went bonkers.

Also the Dealer called and told me they took the Freestar they gave me for a ride and it was in repair now and it was the second one they had that had traction issues..................

Thanks for letting me vent. I had to stop crying.

Hello Gamecock,

What a bad week :mad:. I can certianly appreciate how much more difficult this is with little ones. My Wife and I have 3 kids 5 and under and She relies on our 2000 Windstar everyday.

Anyhow, if it were me, I think I'd take the 100,000 warranty and keep the Windstar. I'd be surpised if the Freestar is problem free especially in its first year of production.

Q: When the rack and pinion fails do you lose ability to steer totally? In general, when the hydraulics fail on a power rack, the mechanical rack still allows you to steer the vehicle, however, it will take much more effort.

You may think of skipping the Freestar and then selling your Windstar outright and move on to another make, although all the minis I know of have had some problems.

-Mike, also in NC

Q: When the rack and pinion fails do you lose ability to steer totally? In general, when the hydraulics fail on a power rack, the mechanical rack still allows you to steer the vehicle, however, it will take much more effort...

Good point Mike. For safety reasons, all automotive power steering systems can still be "steered" if it's power/actuation system fails, be it hydraulic, electric, etc.. Gamecockinnc, definately take Ford up on their free warranty offer. A warranty like that (if it's bumper/bumper) would cost around $2K. You'd take too much of a loss trading your 2002 windstar at this point. Once you get the bugs worked out of your 2002, it will be fine!
G/luck
Joel

Thanks for your replies and help. I also have 2 young boys and depend on the van when my husband is deployed so this really has shook me up. The first time this started was early March the van was off and on make a "noise" like a thump/squeak/strain when I would turn. But I thought I needed an alignment. I went to see my parents in mid March and as soon as I pulled into their town which is about a 2 hour and 45 minute drive the van started making the loudest most awful noise I have heard. I actually did not know it was my van at first until my Kindergartner said "Mom that is your van". I thought it was someone with a transmission problem :eek7: so luckily I only had about 3 miles to go and 2 left turns. By the time I got to the second left turn I was fighting it with everything I had to turn the wheel. My Dad came outside to see what the noise was and was shocked it was my van, he thought it was the transmission fluid or power steering fluid. He let the van sit a while to cool down then popped the hood and then went straight for the phone to call the Ford dealer in town. You are right in the 2 times it has happened the first time I heard a noise but when it went it went, the second time I knew the minute I heard the noise and started fighting the turns and steering, picked up the cell phone called the dealer asked for the service manager and was there within 5 minutes. Both times I was lucky because I had just made it to my parents town after being on back roads for almost 3 hours and this time I was near the dealer in the town I live in when in happened. It was the service manager and problem mechanic they assigned that told me it could just go if the leak becomes a total failure. The last 2 times it has been a leak of a valve which helped me get help. Thanks for your advice. I am hoping to get something in writing soon. This whole experience has just been upsetting so thanks for your input :banghead:

hti is th type of thing why i always go to the dealer w/ my mom, no matter what the problem. They have tried ot take he so may times, i have almost goten in a fist fight w/ about 3 diff dealers between my mom and g/f, i cant STAND ford service. one of then flat out but a dent in teh driver door of my g/f's car and calimed it wasnt them.

All i can say is i feel for you cant always take a intimidated guy there w/ you even if its just a neighbor, if you go up w/a car guy you can save youself a LOT of hastles.

Good luck. Do you mind posting the dealer so i never go there? i have an aunt in NC