Six problems related to steering tie rod assembly have been reported for the 1996 Ford Windstar. The most recently reported issues are listed below.
Vehicle was pulling to the right at all time, vehicle was taken to dealer for alignment. Dealer stated alignment could not be done, due to the tie rod coupling being cracked. Nlm.
Two frozen outer tie rods. Conusmer would notice since he heard some noises. Also, streeing wheel would not completey turn back to its place. Contacted dealer, dealer fixed problem.
Front end groans when turning the steering wheel. Was told tie rod ends have to be replaced.
While driving at 5 mph and without prior warning, inner tie rod broke, resulting in loss of control, and vehicle ran into a pole.
While backing out at approx. 4mph, tie rod end detached and axel pulled out from vehicle, resulting in wheels couldn't rotate.
Front right wheel separated because tie rod separated from wheel. Dealer repaired tie rod. 30000 miles later, dealer replaced the tie rods. Earlier has recently inspected vehicle and discovered that the tie rods needed to be replaced again.