1989 BMW 320 User Comment / Complaint

Replaced loose right/rear innner tie rod ends.  view

Intermittent failure of windshieldwiper system, resulting in hazardous driving situations. repeated attempts to repair by dealer have been unsuccessful.  view

No summary listed for this vehicle.  view

Car has a surging problem at idle when cold. started car, put in gear, fully depressing accelerator and car barely moves, then seconds later, car gains power suddenly and surges forward. also, wheel bearings went bad, and had to be replaced 3 times in less than 20,000 miles (13 months). transmission slips when shifting while accelerating. car sometimes loses power then surges forward between gears.  view

Car has a surging problem at idle when cold. started car, put in gear, fully depressing accelerator and car barely moves, then seconds later, car gains power suddenly and surges forward. also, wheel bearings went bad, and had to be replaced 3 times in less than 20,000 miles (13 months). transmission slips when shifting while accelerating. car sometimes loses power then surges forward between gears.  view

Car has a surging problem at idle when cold. started car, put in gear, fully depressing accelerator and car barely moves, then seconds later, car gains power suddenly and surges forward. also, wheel bearings went bad, and had to be replaced 3 times in less than 20,000 miles (13 months). transmission slips when shifting while accelerating. car sometimes loses power then surges forward between gears.  view

Gas spilled/leaked onto ground when tank was filled. dealer states that seam of fuel tank was splitting and needed to be replaced.  view

Design problem with the automatic 4x4 control and vehicle electronics.  view

Windshield wiper failure.  view

Front brakes have been replace numerous times and are still warped. chrysler refuses to provide any assistance, stating problem is with driver.  view

Abs brakes failed when vehicle hit a bump while brake pad was depressed.  view

Gear shift lever failed.  view

Owner is having major head gasket problems.  view

Owner hit a light post and the air bag didn't deploy.  view

Entire brake system failed acording to local for dealership (kaytes ford) thee appeared to be contamination in the brake fluid that caused the seals to wear down and destroy the sytem. in july od 1998 i had the car in for the replacement of the abs sensor and the problem with pedal pressure in the vehicle. they found nothin wrong with the brakes at that time. the problem continued until the brakes faile in august of 98 at wich time ford said the fluid was contaminated and the entire brake system had to be repkaced. i had the fluid tested and have a copy which shows that there was no contamination. ford motor company refused to honor any warranty claim and i was forced to pay $2,300.00 in order to have the system fixed. ford never offered to test the brake fluid and still does not know what was wrong. if ther was no contamination the seals must have failed because of a defect in material which ford should honor under the warranty please help  view

Entire brake system failed acording to local for dealership (kaytes ford) thee appeared to be contamination in the brake fluid that caused the seals to wear down and destroy the sytem. in july od 1998 i had the car in for the replacement of the abs sensor and the problem with pedal pressure in the vehicle. they found nothin wrong with the brakes at that time. the problem continued until the brakes faile in august of 98 at wich time ford said the fluid was contaminated and the entire brake system had to be repkaced. i had the fluid tested and have a copy which shows that there was no contamination. ford motor company refused to honor any warranty claim and i was forced to pay $2,300.00 in order to have the system fixed. ford never offered to test the brake fluid and still does not know what was wrong. if ther was no contamination the seals must have failed because of a defect in material which ford should honor under the warranty please help  view

Vehicle was at a stop; traffic ahead in other lane; another vehicle rearended nissan; it rearended truck ahead of it & damaged bumper; air bag did not deploy. took vehicle to dealer; no explanation for non deployment of air bag.  view

Was backing vehicle out; put vehicle into gear to move forward; vehicle would not move; checked & noticed separation of tie rod end from wheel; vehicle towed to dealer; tie rod disconnected.  view

Abs rear brakes do not work at all,had to replace the front brakes pads 5 tiimes.  view

Abs rear brakes do not work at all,had to replace the front brakes pads 5 tiimes.  view

No summary provided by consumer  view

While driving 65 mph vehicle suddenly accelerated, causing loss of control, also, vehicle caught on fire due to pressure of applying the brakes. cause unknown.  view

Radio failed.  view

While driving 65 mph vehicle suddenly accelerated, causing loss of control, also, vehicle caught on fire due to pressure of applying the brakes. cause unknown.  view

Consumer was turning a corner when the vehicle stalled , total vehicle failure.smoke started coming from the hood bursting into flames . no damage to the interior of the vehicle, but to the right hand side underneath the hood, including the right front tire melted.  view

Transmission slips between 2nd and 3rd gear.  view

While driving vehicle at any rate of speed vehicle begins to lose power and eventually stalls. consumer stated also stalled when idling, when restarted, starts right up and engine revs up to 1500-2000 rpm, then goes back down to idle at 600 rpm, when driving on highway, sometimes vehicle looses all power in gas pedal, if the gas pedal is stepped on there is a loud popping noise that can be heard.  view

No summary provided by consumer  view

No summary provided by consumer  view

Car has clunking sound whenever you accelerate from stop  view

Was told overheated catalytic converter burned through transmission fluid line, causing fire. my husband and i were driving on a trip (on 12-28-98) when our 1994 ford bronco caught on fire. after the fire trucks arrived and the flames were put out, th  view

The gas sloshes to the front of vehicle at every stop, causing a banging at the front of vehicle.  view

Steering wheel vibration during normal braking at 30-40 mph and severe vibration during emergency braking at highway sppeds.  view

Brakes failed, causing accident.  view

Had a blown tire that ripped out the liner and grabbed the wire harness. car completely inoperable. car is being totalled because of cost to repair. i wish that the manufacturer would do something about it. the location of the wire harness puts lives in danger. we are lucky to be alive.  view

Seatbelt (all) motor doesn't run and backseat stick, power locks only work when it warm, drivers side door doesn't work at all. camshaft pulley was recalled and supposedly fixed, just after warranty ran out it broke again. brakes go out ever six month, replaced waterpump twice, idle pulley, fan motor and the lower front ball joints, starter, alternator, battery twice, entire muffler system 3 times, bar that goes across the front by the wheels, blower motor chrips and squeeks at low blowing speeds, replace muffler heat shields and there still is clanging noise in the front crankshaft, also replaced motor mounts, should have kept the beater it was much cheaper.  view

Power door locks fail intermittently, the doors will not always unlock when the remote button is pushed.  view

Consumer was at a stop sign driving in wet weather conditions and the vehicle was idling, foot was on the brake pedal and the vehicle suddenly accelerated, causing the consumer to have an accident; in addition, the driver's side air bag did not deploy.  view

Seatbelt (all) motor doesn't run and backseat stick, power locks only work when it warm, drivers side door doesn't work at all. camshaft pulley was recalled and supposedly fixed, just after warranty ran out it broke again. brakes go out ever six month, replaced waterpump twice, idle pulley, fan motor and the lower front ball joints, starter, alternator, battery twice, entire muffler system 3 times, bar that goes across the front by the wheels, blower motor chrips and squeeks at low blowing speeds, replace muffler heat shields and there still is clanging noise in the front crankshaft, also replaced motor mounts, should have kept the beater it was much cheaper.  view

Seatbelt (all) motor doesn't run and backseat stick, power locks only work when it warm, drivers side door doesn't work at all. camshaft pulley was recalled and supposedly fixed, just after warranty ran out it broke again. brakes go out ever six month, replaced waterpump twice, idle pulley, fan motor and the lower front ball joints, starter, alternator, battery twice, entire muffler system 3 times, bar that goes across the front by the wheels, blower motor chrips and squeeks at low blowing speeds, replace muffler heat shields and there still is clanging noise in the front crankshaft, also replaced motor mounts, should have kept the beater it was much cheaper.  view

Seatbelt (all) motor doesn't run and backseat stick, power locks only work when it warm, drivers side door doesn't work at all. camshaft pulley was recalled and supposedly fixed, just after warranty ran out it broke again. brakes go out ever six month, replaced waterpump twice, idle pulley, fan motor and the lower front ball joints, starter, alternator, battery twice, entire muffler system 3 times, bar that goes across the front by the wheels, blower motor chrips and squeeks at low blowing speeds, replace muffler heat shields and there still is clanging noise in the front crankshaft, also replaced motor mounts, should have kept the beater it was much cheaper.  view

Seatbelt (all) motor doesn't run and backseat stick, power locks only work when it warm, drivers side door doesn't work at all. camshaft pulley was recalled and supposedly fixed, just after warranty ran out it broke again. brakes go out ever six month, replaced waterpump twice, idle pulley, fan motor and the lower front ball joints, starter, alternator, battery twice, entire muffler system 3 times, bar that goes across the front by the wheels, blower motor chrips and squeeks at low blowing speeds, replace muffler heat shields and there still is clanging noise in the front crankshaft, also replaced motor mounts, should have kept the beater it was much cheaper.  view

Received recall notice # 655 for seat belt on 14-oct-96, called local dealer, no parts/will call back when in, january 1997 called manufacturer who had all consumer information, no parts, will call when in, no response.  view

Passenger's seat belt failed to engage in rearend collision, resulting in injuries; also, transmission failure.  view

Electrical short.  view

Passenger's seat belt failed to engage in rearend collision, resulting in injuries; also, transmission failure.  view

Sliding door locks: door locks stick and break.the doors jam shut which makes the door unable to open. locks has been replaced three times on this vehicle. dealers don't know why this continues to happen.  view

Wife went to park vehicle in garage, vehicle bumped concrete wall slightly, the driver's side air bag deployed at 3mph unexpectedly, driver's was hit in face and suffered minor discomfort. dealer said it was speed.  view

Owner has problems with suspension system. when he took trip he nearly had an accident due to faulty suspension. dealer replaced shocks & springs.  view

Brakes: brakes has been replaced three times within three years. brakes vibrate and wear out within a year. had new brake pads installed and rotors turned. also vehicle caught fire on the left side 3-2-97. probable cause electrical. recall 96v071.  view

Brakes: brakes has been replaced three times within three years. brakes vibrate and wear out within a year. had new brake pads installed and rotors turned. also vehicle caught fire on the left side 3-2-97. probable cause electrical. recall 96v071.  view

On december 14, 1998, i wrote jim mullen at john kennedy ford in feasterville asking for assistance in 2 areas. one help determine the cause of the accelerator lock. two, get the word out for appropriate recall or modification. their customer service manager called me the next morning saying he faxed the letter i wrote them (attached) to ford in michigan and they were waiting to hear back from them for the next instruction as to what to do or i would hear from them. i have not heard from either, so i am writing you , now. i could have seriously injury or destroyed several lives as a direct result of a defect or faulty part. i need to know what to do to warn others and assist them in getting their aerostar vans free from this menacing defect. please help. below is letter to ford. jim mullen serice manager john kennedy ford 620 bustleton pike feasterville, pa 19047 dear jim mullen, i own a 91 ford aerostar xlt van. it now has 96000 miles. i purchased it from checkered flag auto salesat 2029 rt 13, croydon, pa with no warranty on 9/3/97. vin number 1fmda11u1mza89354. when i first bought the van my mechanic checked it out, changed the transmission fluid, oil and repaired rear seal gasket and tuned it up and inspected it. i've since had new brakes, new power steering hose, and new brake lines, inspection and another oil change. none of this maintenance was recent. unfortunately, the van accelerator suddenly opened wide right after i put it in drive 2 weeks ago, sunday, 11/29/98, about 4:15 p.m. my foot was not on the gas. i stepped on the brakes and they were stiff. i then stood on the brake and the pedal went to the floor. this occurred at the shopping center at huntington pike and philmont avenue. i was in the second row of parking facing the gift store and chose to hit the parked car in front and to the left of me instead of going through or into the gift store bulding. my van did not sustain severe damage as i hit the curb, hopped up into the  view

The car smells of gas. the dealer said mercury is aware of the problem but refuses to do anything about it. the odor is overwhelming and has caused me to become ill in the vechicle. i feel this is extremely unsafe and do not know how to go about getting a response to the problem. has this been reported by other people who own a 1994 mercury villager.  view

First, when it is cold, my brakes do not work. at first they do not go to the ground and the car takes a long time to come to a stop. fortunately this has only occured when car is started or when it is going less than 5mph. independent mechanic looking at it now. has replaced some brakes pads and services the brakes. water was found in a valve for the power assisted brakes, but the problem still occurs. this mechanic believes water is getting into the brake line but is unsure as to how. the problem does not occur every time i drive it so just when it seems to be okay the brakes fail again. another problem is the windows. even when the defrosters and defoggers are on, the side windows never defog, i need to constantly turn on rear refrost (every 5 min or so) so that i can see out of it. this is a new problem this winter. i cannot see out passenger or driver side window while driving. a third problem is the passenger side window, this is not a new problem . even when the window is all the way up wind howls in the window. you can see a gap and if it is raining water comes in. finally the last problem is also not a new problem. i does not seem to be related to the last problem because it occurred long before that problem. after it rains, water collects in the well between the inside an outside of the door (mostly on passenger side, but occasionally on drivers side) consequently when i open the door a puddle of water falls out on my feet. in the winter the water in the will freezes making it difficult ot open the door. i informed the dealer of this problem when it first occured and they informed me that it occured with all of the cars and that it was just a design flaw and they could do nothing about it. i left it at that although it bothered me. i am complaining now because so many things seem to be going wrong with the car.  view

First, when it is cold, my brakes do not work. at first they do not go to the ground and the car takes a long time to come to a stop. fortunately this has only occured when car is started or when it is going less than 5mph. independent mechanic looking at it now. has replaced some brakes pads and services the brakes. water was found in a valve for the power assisted brakes, but the problem still occurs. this mechanic believes water is getting into the brake line but is unsure as to how. the problem does not occur every time i drive it so just when it seems to be okay the brakes fail again. another problem is the windows. even when the defrosters and defoggers are on, the side windows never defog, i need to constantly turn on rear refrost (every 5 min or so) so that i can see out of it. this is a new problem this winter. i cannot see out passenger or driver side window while driving. a third problem is the passenger side window, this is not a new problem . even when the window is all the way up wind howls in the window. you can see a gap and if it is raining water comes in. finally the last problem is also not a new problem. i does not seem to be related to the last problem because it occurred long before that problem. after it rains, water collects in the well between the inside an outside of the door (mostly on passenger side, but occasionally on drivers side) consequently when i open the door a puddle of water falls out on my feet. in the winter the water in the will freezes making it difficult ot open the door. i informed the dealer of this problem when it first occured and they informed me that it occured with all of the cars and that it was just a design flaw and they could do nothing about it. i left it at that although it bothered me. i am complaining now because so many things seem to be going wrong with the car.  view

Driver's seat belt failed.  view

Consumer experiencing problem with rear shock failure. front shocks went bad first. consumer took vehicle to dealer. dealer replaced front shocks, and informed consumer rear shocks were fine. 20,000 miles later, both front and rear shocks needed replacement. dealer notified and refused to repair unless cost goes to consumer.  view

Consumer experiencing problem with rear shock failure. front shocks went bad first. consumer took vehicle to dealer. dealer replaced front shocks, and informed consumer rear shocks were fine. 20,000 miles later, both front and rear shocks needed replacement. dealer notified and refused to repair unless cost goes to consumer.  view

Evenflo model # 2071a3p2, dom 03/25/98; while carrying the css the handle releases from the locked position. also, the base of the seat released without manual operation while the css was being carried. please provide any further details.  view

First, when it is cold, my brakes do not work. at first they do not go to the ground and the car takes a long time to come to a stop. fortunately this has only occured when car is started or when it is going less than 5mph. independent mechanic looking at it now. has replaced some brakes pads and services the brakes. water was found in a valve for the power assisted brakes, but the problem still occurs. this mechanic believes water is getting into the brake line but is unsure as to how. the problem does not occur every time i drive it so just when it seems to be okay the brakes fail again. another problem is the windows. even when the defrosters and defoggers are on, the side windows never defog, i need to constantly turn on rear refrost (every 5 min or so) so that i can see out of it. this is a new problem this winter. i cannot see out passenger or driver side window while driving. a third problem is the passenger side window, this is not a new problem . even when the window is all the way up wind howls in the window. you can see a gap and if it is raining water comes in. finally the last problem is also not a new problem. i does not seem to be related to the last problem because it occurred long before that problem. after it rains, water collects in the well between the inside an outside of the door (mostly on passenger side, but occasionally on drivers side) consequently when i open the door a puddle of water falls out on my feet. in the winter the water in the will freezes making it difficult ot open the door. i informed the dealer of this problem when it first occured and they informed me that it occured with all of the cars and that it was just a design flaw and they could do nothing about it. i left it at that although it bothered me. i am complaining now because so many things seem to be going wrong with the car.  view

Torque convertor went out when i first bought it then a year later it went out again  view

Evenflo model 206292p2, dom 12/08/94; when picking up the seat by the handle, the seat tilted forward and the baby fell out of the seat onto the floor. the baby was not strapped in car seat at the time. the baby was not hurt.  view

Without warning of vehicle collision occurring or any type of objects hitting, the rear windshield blew out and shattered glass onto the highway. cause unknown.  view

Consumer experiencing several problems with vehicle. when driving in wet weather conditions the windshield wipers will cut off. this problem is intermittent. at times, will not function at all. consumer has contacted the dealer . also, replaced transmission/ throttle body and alternator. in addition, front brake rotors failed and front pads cracked/engine idles/bucks and stalls. engine check light comes on/off.  view

Consumer experiencing several problems with vehicle. when driving in wet weather conditions the windshield wipers will cut off. this problem is intermittent. at times, will not function at all. consumer has contacted the dealer . also, replaced transmission/ throttle body and alternator. in addition, front brake rotors failed and front pads cracked/engine idles/bucks and stalls. engine check light comes on/off.  view

Consumer experiencing several problems with vehicle. when driving in wet weather conditions the windshield wipers will cut off. this problem is intermittent. at times, will not function at all. consumer has contacted the dealer . also, replaced transmission/ throttle body and alternator. in addition, front brake rotors failed and front pads cracked/engine idles/bucks and stalls. engine check light comes on/off.  view

Rear suspension failed.  view

Consumer experiencing several problems with vehicle. when driving in wet weather conditions the windshield wipers will cut off. this problem is intermittent. at times, will not function at all. consumer has contacted the dealer . also, replaced transmission/ throttle body and alternator. in addition, front brake rotors failed and front pads cracked/engine idles/bucks and stalls. engine check light comes on/off.  view

Consumer experiencing several problems with vehicle. when driving in wet weather conditions the windshield wipers will cut off. this problem is intermittent. at times, will not function at all. consumer has contacted the dealer . also, replaced transmission/ throttle body and alternator. in addition, front brake rotors failed and front pads cracked/engine idles/bucks and stalls. engine check light comes on/off.  view

Consumer experiencing several problems with vehicle. when driving in wet weather conditions the windshield wipers will cut off. this problem is intermittent. at times, will not function at all. consumer has contacted the dealer . also, replaced transmission/ throttle body and alternator. in addition, front brake rotors failed and front pads cracked/engine idles/bucks and stalls. engine check light comes on/off.  view

Consumer experiencing several problems with vehicle. when driving in wet weather conditions the windshield wipers will cut off. this problem is intermittent. at times, will not function at all. consumer has contacted the dealer . also, replaced transmission/ throttle body and alternator. in addition, front brake rotors failed and front pads cracked/engine idles/bucks and stalls. engine check light comes on/off.  view

Consumer complained that manufacturer recall notice received in july not being honored due to dealer informing that the part are not available and would not be available until late this year. consumer feels unsafe to drive vehicle untile repair of shield are made. dealer/mfr. notified.  view

While driving vehicle front axle broke on one side and problem reoccurred while braking on the other side. also,transmission failure. failure.  view

While driving vehicle front axle broke on one side and problem reoccurred while braking on the other side. also,transmission failure. failure.  view

Bolt fell out of the "a" joint, allowing engine to drop. recall 92s61-s1 performed on 7/94 with failure reoccurring. dealership says they are only obligated to repair once. please describe details.  view

Abs brakes failed, causing vehicle pulls to the right without an apparent warning, cause of problem unknown.  view

Brake pedal is weak, has not enough pressure.  view

Front suspension failure.  view

Transmission is experiencing erratic performance.  view

Upon startup had to pump gas to start vehicle, vehicle is fuel injected.  view

Seat belt latch is inoperative.  view

Owner states while driving on the highway his vehicle stalled, owner also notes that thete was a service bulletin issued for this, but it does not identify the complete problem, contamination of metal was the problem.  view

In normal driving the car started jerking and bucking. my regular service station drove it and sent me to a transmission place. he drove it and said it had a problem brably because these cars (94 sables and also taurus) had aluminum pistons which cracked under pressure. later models, and replacement parts are steel. this was defective part that ford should replace. every one i know who has this same model had had the same problem. the cost is expensiive - $1492. ford should pay for this! it is also dangerous.  view

Safety belts either lockup in the retracted position ,making them unable to be used, or the belts dont lock up at all under high g stops. they just don't work as they are designed to and i feel that gm should replace mine under warantee as this is a crucial safety component, in fact 1 is schedualed to be replaced but shouldn't anyone who has this problem get theirs replaced as well?  view

While driving 60 mph the emergency parking brake engaged due to a faulty sensor which could have resulted in the vehicle rolling over. also, loss of steering/brakes.  view

Steering wheel came completely apart while she was driving.  view

Throttle stuck, causing vehicle to accelerate out of control, however no injuries were sustained.  view

When vehicle is idling or at a stop light it vibrates.  view

Brakes pulsate.  view

While driving 60 mph the emergency parking brake engaged due to a faulty sensor which could have resulted in the vehicle rolling over. also, loss of steering/brakes.  view

While driving 60 mph the emergency parking brake engaged due to a faulty sensor which could have resulted in the vehicle rolling over. also, loss of steering/brakes.  view

Engine head gasket is defective, causing vehicle to leak engine coolant and engine oil from exhaust/tail pipe. also engine check light comes on.  view

Engine head gasket is defective, causing vehicle to leak engine coolant and engine oil from exhaust/tail pipe. also engine check light comes on.  view

While driving and whenever vehicle is on a upgrade or hill the vehicle would roll backwards while vehicle is set in drive. dealer/manufacturer. notified, and informed consumer that was considered a normal condition for that vehicle.  view

Vehicle has been in the shop three times for engine problems, continues to stall and will not start. dealer contacted and still investigating the problem.  view

There is a strong smell of gas in and outside the van. consumer looked at fuel tank, and found fuel leaking from around the top of the tank and from some of the seams. the fuel tank was replaced by the dealer under a service contract.  view

Consumer was involved in 50 mph frontal collision in which the driver's or passenger's air bags did not deploy. cause unknown.  view

Consumer was involved in 50 mph frontal collision in which the driver's or passenger's air bags did not deploy. cause unknown.  view

Carter pin and nut which holds tie rod end together was not on vehicle at the time of manufacturing of vehicle.  view

Radiator failed.  view

Structure and body and members malfunctioned due water entering into the vehicle and in for repair 3 time and can not get vehicle repaired properly.  view

The door hinges are breaking off the door and there will be nothing to hold the door closed.  view

Applied the brakes and the abs light comes on, the abs brakes will not work only when the abs light goes off.  view

Applying the abs brakes the vehicle would not stop, also has extended stopping distance. before the brakes went out, the abs light was on. now there are no abs brakes on the vehicle.  view

At times during different wheater conditions and various speeds(30-50) the abs brakes locks up and the pedal goes to the floor when making a sudden stop. please describe details.  view

Pedal went allthe way to the floor and there were no brakes at all. pulled over to check there were 2 pieces of brake tubing dragging and protruding ,they were severed in half.  view

Vehicle was involved in a frontal collision, impact 12:00, position speed 50mph, passenger's side airbag did not deploy.  view

Owner had recall work done for a faulty throttle sensor, but the problem reoccurred, recall no. 90v177000.  view

During extreme periods of cold temperatures for more then 24 hours moisture tends to build up in the engine causing tan creamy foamy build up on the inside of the valve cover, on the dipsick and in the oil pan. this could cause an owner to believe that they have a blown head gasket or valve cover. left a message that i might have a blown head gasket for gene langan service department on a saturday. to this day 1/3/98 they still have not returned my phone call. after leaving a message, i did call back and speak with a salesman who told me to have my car towed to glastonbury. my father in law is a mechanic and he knew of the problem wih moisture in the engine and properly drained the oil and flushed the engine ridding it of any excess moisture. if i waited for the dealer to call me, i ould have a blown head gasket driving around with the crap in y engine or i would have one hell of a rental bill. also if my car needed to be towed gene langan should have towed it seeing that vw has a 10 year 100,000 mile power train warranty and i only had 50880 miles!  view

The air conditioner would not turn off even when the car was turned off , had to take off the plug to turn off . now the ac cuts off every once in a while mostly when the blinker goes on and also when the wipers are on. now ac only blows on low  view