NHTSA Complaint #10442381 — 2000 FORD WINDSTAR

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2000 FORD WINDSTAR. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE VEHICLE WAS PARKED AND SMOKE BEGAN TO EMIT FROM UNDER THE HOOD. THE CONTACT DID NOT SEE FLAMES, BUT POURED WATER UNDER THE HOOD TO PUT OUT THE SMOKE. THE WINDSHIELD WIPER MOTOR STOPPED FUNCTIONING AFTER THE FAILURE OCCURRED. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO AN AUTHORIZED DEALER FOR A DIAGNOSTIC TEST AND THE TECHNICIAN STATED THAT WATER ENTERED THE WIPER MOTOR AND STARTED A FIRE. THERE WAS A RECALL UNDER NHTSA CAMPAIGN ID NUMBER 01V261000 (VISIBILITY:WINDSHIELD WIPER/WASHER:MOTOR), THAT MAY BE RELATED TO THE FAILURE. THE MANUFACTURER WAS MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE AND STATED THAT THE VIN WAS NOT INCLUDED IN THE RECALL. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 142,000. UPDATED 02/22/12