# 1998 FORD WINDSTAR — ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:WIRING:FRONT UNDERHOOD
> NHTSA complaint `444835` · 2003-12-11 · Ford Motor Company
## Severity
- **Deaths:** 0
- **Injured:** 0
- **Fire:** Yes
- **Crash:** No
- **Police report:** Yes
- **Medical attention:** No
- **Vehicle towed:** No
## Vehicle
- **Make:** FORD
- **Model:** WINDSTAR
- **Year:** 1998
- **Manufacturer:** Ford Motor Company
- **Component:** ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:WIRING:FRONT UNDERHOOD
- **Miles at failure:** 118,000
- **Speed:** 45 mph
## Narrative
WHILE DRIVING MY 1998 FORD WINDSTAR ON THE HIGHWAY, I SMELLED SMOKE.  I PULLED TO SIDE OF THE ROAD THINKING AT FIRST THAT I HAD A BROKEN FAN BELT OR SOMETHING SIMILAR. I GOT OUT OF THE CAR, OPENED THE HOOD TO FIND FLAMES COMING FROM THE AREA OF WHAT I BELIEVE IS THE ELECTRICAL WIRING HARNESS ON THE DRIVERS SIDE OF THE ENGINE COMPARTMENT.  I USED MY CELL PHONE TO CALL FOR THE FIRE DEPARTMENT.  BEFORE THE FIRE DEPARTMENT ARRIVED, A MOTORIST STOPPED TO ASSIST ME IN PUTTING OUT THE FIRE WITH WATER.*AK
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*Source: [NHTSA ODI](https://www-odi.nhtsa.dot.gov/downloads/) · AI Analytics · CC0 1.0*