| Number | 17476 |
| Subject | Automobiles |
| Source | WBNS-TV (Columbus, Ohio) |
| State | OH |
| Year | 2000 |
| Publication Date | Nov. 29 |
| Summary | WBNS-TV reports on "problems with 1995 Ford Windstar transmissions ... [that] were expensive to fix and pose a safety risk." The investigation reveals that "one of the primary problems concerned aluminum forward clutch pistons, ... [which] can fail in transmissions on 1994 and 1995 Windstars, Taurus, Mercury Sables and Lincoln Continentals." It also finds 521 owner complaints about the questionable part. The reporter uncovers a 1994 Ford Motor Company service bulletin warning dealers and technicians that "the aluminium part may crack, causing gear engagement concerns." The story details several lawsuits claiming that Ford has "told its dealers to replace the aluminium part with a steel part," but has "failed to notify its customers about the defect." |
| Category | Contest Entry |
| Pages | 25 |
| Keywords | TAPE;TRANSCRIPT;safety;Ford;Windstar;highways;gear;transmission;NHTSA;consumer advocates;warranty |
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