54 problems related to front suspension coil spring have been reported for the 1996 Ford Windstar. The most recently reported issues are listed below.
Consumer and family got inside of vehicle, husband noticed a flat tire on front driver's side. He changed the flat tire. Half a mile down the road noticed a smell coming from vehicle. Pulled over onto the shoulder. Then heard a pop, donut tire popped off also. Vehicle had to be towed to dealership. Mechanic told consumer that front springs had to be replaced. Dealership has a back order.
When coil of the spring fractured, it rubbed on the tire, removing approximately 1/8 inch of sidewall material all around the top inner sidewall. The opinion of the service persons was that if it had happened at highway speed, it would have resulted in catastrphic failure of the tire with subsequent loss of control of the vehicle. Ford would not accept full resonsibility for the failure (although I have an extended warranty).
The front coil spring of the vehicle broke tearing the brake line and ripping out driver side tire and the front end while the consumer was traveling.
While traveling consumer heard a noise. Then, front end of vehicle dipped down to left side due t a broke coil spring.
Left front coil spring broke & punctured the tire. Dealer inspected vehicle & couldn't give consumer on explanation why it happened. There was no damage to the strut.
While backing car out of driveway driver's side front sank down, took vehicle to dealer , and they said the spring mounting on drivers side was busted. Consumer felt this was unsafe because if it were on highway, it could have caused a very bad accident. Only one spring has been replaced, since there was only one spring available.
Coild sring failed, causing front tire to be shredded and blow out.
Both coil springs broke while parked; towed to dealer shop and repaired under extened warranty. Please provide any further details on this matter.
While driving 20 -25 mph consumer heard a crunching sound. Then, felt like something was rubbimg on wheel. Front left tire blewout, and front of vehicle dropped to ground, front coil spring had broken.
Both front coil springs broke while the car was parked. It was like a mimni-=explosion. Several neighbors came out of their houses to check. In addition, the breaking of the springs also broke the driver's side cylinder for the abs breaking system. The breaking of the coils springs also gouged very badly the driver's side front tire. I replaced it. The bill for the work and parts and tire amounted to over 500 dollars. I contacted Ford motor company on or about April 1, 2000. Their rep said "we're very sorry but can't do anything about it. " it happened in weslaco, texas, where I spend the winters. I live in virginia, mn. Telephone here in TX is 956. 447. 1044. Address is wayne moen, 802 s int'l blvd #113, weslaco, TX 78596. I'm sending this to you because I read an article in this morning's paper stateing that this type of failure was under investigation. Please include my situation in your documentation.
Front coil spring broke.
While driving less than 30 mph front coil spring broke on the driver' side. The front tire was damaged because of this. Driver was able to avoid a crash. The front coil springs have been replaced at owner's expense. This is a company owned vehicle. Report given by president/ceo. Please provide any further details.
The front spring broke causing damage to the stabilizer bar, the upper strut bracket, and the abs sensor.
Coil spring broke damaging struts and tire, which had to be replaced later, also required towing charges.
Vehicle was parked for a couple of minutes when there was a loud explosion. Front driver's side coil springs broke, causing vehicle to drop down to the ground, which almost damaged the tires. Consumer has contacted the dealer.
When drivers side coil spring (of the strut) broke I asked the dealer if they should replace the pass. Side. They said the warrenty would not cover it. Luckly when the coil spring went, both times the car was parked. The spring could have popped the tire while driving thus causing an accident. The coil springs should not have failed with less than 60,000 miles, their must be something wrong in the metal of the spring.
Front coil springs broke, puncturing tire. Vehicle has been repaired.
Front spring fractured for no reason other than it was a manufacturer's defect. Fortunate for us the van was parked when the spring broke . Had we been driving when the spring broke ,it would have puctured the front tire and possibly cause me to loose controll of the van . I purchased a new spring from a Ford dealer and replaced the fractured spring . My concern is I have learned this is a common occurrence with the front springs and that nothing is being done to hold Ford accountable to replace the defective springs. This seems to be a major problem. Thank you. I look forward to hear from you in regards to this problem.
When driving consumer noticed vehicle was noisy when making a turn. Consumer contacted the dealer for rountin repairs, and dealer noted that left front coil spring broken in half which could have caused an accident. Coil spring was replaced. Please provide any further details. Pe00-024.