Wheel Rim problems of the 1996 Ford Windstar

The original wheels on my 1996 Windstar have developed air leaks at the welds. The first time this happened, I went to a salvage yard for a replacement, and they said Windstar wheels are scarce because this seems to be a common problem. I have replaced all four wheels within the past two years. I believe the oem wheels are defective. (in 34 years of driving, I've never had this problem with even one wheel on any car. 4 out of 4 wheels with the same problem on this van tells me something is wrong with the product. ) our driving is on good roads, so it cannot be attributed to rough use. The only consequence so far is that tire pressure is slowly lost, leading to low pressure. Our only expense so far is that we have had to replace all the wheels, one at a time. This problem causes inconvenience and expense at the very least, and could result in wheel failure, injury and death if not addressed.

Consumer stated that all four rims had cracks in them. Consumer took vehicle to the dealer, where it was determined that the rims were defective.

The rims inside of the wheel had a hole that developed cracks inside of the wheel which caused it to deteriorate.

The driver side rim cracked.

In 1999 when turning to the right, we experienced a grinding noise. My husband removed the hubcap and found the steel rim of the wheel to be cracked badly. We contacted the manufacturer and the dealer who both said it was a serious problem, but that the other should pay to have it fixed. Because I put my 3 small children in the car, I paid to have it fixed. Two years later, we have found two more wheels have cracked. This time, we contacted the dealer and the manufacturer agreed to help pay for the repair. The speedometer was the first "problem" we came across with this car. At speeds of over 40mph the needle would go sporactically back and forth between about 35 and 110mph. We were told it would be $400 to replace so, we have not yet had it fixed. Since the first few months of its occurance, it only moves back and forth 5mph up or down of our speed. Please recall the speedometer problem. We have been reading on the internet and it seems many, many other people are having the same problem with the same make of car. Thank you.

While traveling on the highway the rim of the tire is cutting inside bead of the tire causing a blow out. The dealership is aware of the problem.

Both of the front rims developed cracks. This was discovered in an inspection to find a clicking noise coming from tire area. Ford was contacted(local dealer and national customer services) they do not seem concerned and were unwilling to replace the rims. I feel that 2 (two) rims cracking on one vechicle without any apparent cause may be a sign of faulty rims and a potential hazard to all owners of like rims.

Wheel rim leaked air. Yh.

2 rims failed causing slow leak.

While driving vehicle the tire was flat, took tire for repair and consumer was told that the tire was flat because the wheel rim had split near one of the welds, unwelded and came apart.