Faults:

I have had the same problems with this vehicle as others. Over the last 6 months I have encountered the following problems.

The ABS light went on and I had to replaced the ABS sensor ring on the front driver side.

I had to replace the front tire rods.

The Steering rod and pin went.

Check engine light occasionally turns on then turns off days later.

Recently the door ajar light stays on and the interior light will not turn off. I took out the fuse and now the power windows do not work.

The power locks do not work in unison. They also make a loud noise when using key less entry.

The engine makes a cricketing noise. I was told by a mechanic that it was the tension pulley for the timing belt.

The windshield wipers also have gone.

They will only work on high.

General Comments:

Overall I haven't had any problems with the van until recently. I find it roomy and easy to drive.

Although I have had my difficulties with this vehicle, I do plan on purchasing a 2002 Windstar sport next week.

Hopefully my luck is better.

Faults:

O2 Sensors.

Tie rods.

ABS Braking system - an absolute nightmare. I have nicknamed it the Deathstar. Even Ford deemed it unsafe to drive. Nothing ever seemed to correct the problem and I continued to drive it until my daughter was born. Now, I refuse to put her life in jeopardy. Dealer offered to diagnose the problem for $300.00-$400.00. I took it elsewhere (5 different places before anyone could figure out what the problem was) and the ABS computer was bad--to the tune of $2,000.00 to have it repaired. I didn't and it now rests in my yard.

Check engine light has always been on. Every time I take it anywhere to be diagnosed I would have one more thing repaired until I gave up and just continued to drive it with the light on. I took it long distance frequently and never broke down.

Interior lighting always on with the bell alert for door ajar - like the rest of you I got tired of listening to the "Bong, Bong, Bong" and the lights on... I replaced the sensor and cleaned the door connections and that corrected the problem.

Sensors and switches constantly go bad on this vehicle, more than any vehicle I've ever owned. For example, reverse lights, passenger window control, etc.

General Comments:

The interior of the vehicle has a lot of perks. It's roomy and comfy. I have driven long distances on a regular basis and never became uncomfortable.

The controls and cup holders were well within reach.

Decent sound system.

Rides smoothly.

Handles great.

Great for transporting passengers in comfort and class as well as cargo, although the seats are a real pain to take out and are extremely heavy and awkward.

Great power. You step on the gas and it responds without hesitation.

Good gas mileage.

Basically, it's not mechanically sound, but you can ride in comfort until the components fail and it kills you.