Frame Rust problems of the 1999 Ford Windstar - part 1

Subframe is completely rusted through and will not pass the safety. The vehicle was treated by the recall 11s16-s4. In 2012. I went for a voluntary safety check and the vehicle stayed at the service as very unsafe to drive.

Front sub frame, passenger side rear mount completely rotted away. The recall "fix it clamp on piece" does nothing as there is no frame left to connect to. Dealer service manager claimed it broke from the transmission mount being rotted away. When confronted that the mount was sound, admitted it wasn't rusted , but did nothing to substantiate my claim to the frame rusting away. Still makes a clunking sound when turning. It is unsafe to drive and is parked till we hear back from Ford .

The contact owns a 1999 Ford Windstar. During an oil change, the contact noticed that the front subframe was rusted and corroded. There were no warning indicators. The vehicle was taken to a local dealer who stated that there was no recall. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure and stated that the VIN was not included in a recall. The vehicle was not repaired. The contact received notification of NHTSA campaign number: 15v608000 (suspension); however, the part to do the repair was unavailable. The failure mileage was 103,000. VIN tool confirms parts not available.

Tl-the contact owns a 1999 Ford Windstar. The contact stated the vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic for an unrelated repair, who discovered that the entire frame completely rusted which caused the front end support bracket to detach from the vehicle. There was a recall under NHTSA campaign number: 11v030000 (structure) however, the VIN was not included. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 134,972. Js.

The contact owns a 1999 Ford Windstar. The contact stated that upon inspection, it was found that the subframe was rusted. The vehicle was taken to the dealer where the failure was confirmed. The manufacturer was contacted about the failure. The failure mileage was not available.

Lived in the salt belt state of IL. When I was driving, front subframe falling off and some components were touching the ground due to severe front subframe rusted out. I lost steering control and gear control on a multiple lane road. Ford has never sent any notice to me regarding any recall. This is a known issue via NHTSA action number: pe10026 and I would like Ford to repair the rusted subframe and all other broken components directly caused by subfram falling off. Ford refused to provide any car rental by saying ?this is an old recall and we do not give car rental now?.

The owns 1999 Ford Windstar. The contact stated that the vehicle was repaired under the recall associated with NHTSA campaign id number 11v030000 (structure: frame and members:underbody shields). Approximately one week later, the contact could hear a loud noise coming from underneath the vehicle. The vehicle was taken back to the authorized dealer where the contact was informed that the front sub frame was rusted all the way through the sway bar mount. The contact was also informed that this failure was not included in the previously repaired recall. The vehicle was not repaired. The failure mileage was approximately 54,000.

1999 Ford Windstar- front sub frame rust. Local Ford dealer said they would not fix it. VIN 2fmza5142xbb20759.

I have 1999 Ford Windstar 3. 8 liter with 123297 miles, I own this car since 2000. The passenger side rear subfame end at the mount is roded out,split and came off the bushing. I had taken it to sears on 01/21/11 and had advised that it is unsafe to drive the vehicle. I had contacted Ford dealer and explained that there was a recall on the rear axle for rusting. This is similar situation and should do reparis at no cost to the owner. The dealer gave me Ford toll free number. When contacted Ford they advised that they are not responsible for the repairs as the warranty is over. I explained it is a bad product and failure due to rusting is similar situation as an axle rusting. If an axle rusting is honored by Ford why not frame rusting. They said I will be responsible for the expences as there is no warranty. I went to well known body shop macco they advised that the frame will cost 1000 plus 950 labor to put the accessories back. I can not efford to spend this kind of expense. I had already put 2500 in transmission after I purchase the vehicle. The rear electronic module has failed which will cost 800 dollars. I have to keep pouring money in this car. Any help is appreciated.

Rusted subframe.

While driving my 1999 Ford Windstar I started to hear a grinding scrapping noise when making right turns the noise progressively started to get even worse I started to hear a loud clunking noise brought car to mechanic inspected and found that the sub frame was completed rusted out and the engine could drop at any time was advised not to drive vehicle ,luckily nothing happened when I was on the highway with my daughter driving at highway speeds. I contacted Ford and they have told me there are no recalls on this particular situation, after checking online I have seen so many complaints I am now out a car and no money to buy new one, thank god my daughter was not hurt or anyone else I wish Ford would realize this very dangerous situation and not wait for someone to get killed!!!.

1999 Ford Windstar lx front sub-frame rusted out on passenger side. This section of the sub-frame is always wet when the air-conditioner is turned on in the summer and the condensation from the air-conditioner leaks onto the subframe at this specific area, and in the winter salt is causing sub-frame to rust out and break at this specific area. This is a design flaw.

I have a 99 Ford Windstar with sub-frame rust. The vehicle was taken to a local Ford dealer and put up on a lift and inspected after I noticed a noise and pulling to the right. The sub-frame has completely rusted away on the passengers side where it mounts to the vehicle. The vehicle itself has little to no rust underneath except to the subframe in two spots. The vehicle cannot be driven now and I was told the subframe would have to be replaced. Due to the vehicle not being rusted underneath and not being driven in salted road conditions, I would have to conclude this is a manufacturer defect? the Windstar is clean enough underneath to almost eat off. Again there is little to no rust underneath except to the subframe. Thank you for looking into this matter.

Took my 1999 Ford Windstar to have front tires replaced and mechanic noticed the front passenger side subframe mounting bolt is severely rusted. When I took the vehicle in to the dealership to have the recall work done for the rear axle, I told them about the rusting of the subframe mounting bolt and they said I would have to make another appointment and pay for this myself because there is no recall for this problem. My vehicle is not safe, I am scared to drive it, and I don't have the money to fix it!!!.

Our 1999 Ford Windstar was found to have serious rust on sub frame on passenger side during a massachusetts state vehicle inspection today. I understand this make and model is subject to a recall investigation and I want my complaint added to that investigation and request a recall notice be issued for this vehicle.

Around October 20th, 2010, my 1999 Ford Windstar was making a weird noise when I a make a right turn and also when I step on the gas pedal. The noise came from the front right of the vehicle, at first I thought it was a brake problem. I took it right a way to my mechanic to be diagnosed. When the technician lifted the van, he noticed right a way the sub frame all rusted and broken. My mechanic did not let me drive it because it's a high risk, he said the engine can fall any moment. Due to the high cost of replacing a new sub frame, the technician suggested a used one but in good condition. It cost me $723. 00 to replace it. I went to the nearest Ford dealer to complaint but I was told that specific part of the vehicle was not recalled and it's due to the age of the vehicle. I am still afraid to drive my Ford Windstar even after I replaced it. Currently my van is sitting at Ford dealer parking lot, it's under recall for the rear axle.

After receiving information about a recall for the rear axle on my 1999 Ford Windstar I decided to take a look at it. After looking under the entire vehicle I found that the front subframe is rusted through also, and is unsafe to drive as it will break off at any point in time. I think that Ford obviously has corrosion issues with these vehicles, and something should be done about it. I will be towing my van to the dealer to have the rear axle inspected today. I hope something is done about the front subframe, because this could really hurt someone.

I had my car in to a Ford dealer in massachusetts for the recall of the rear axle. When they were done checking the rear the mechanic told us not to drive vehicle due to failure of the sub frame on the right front. The frame had rusted and broke around the bolt. Luckily it didn't break while traveling on highway.

1999 Ford Windstar right passenger front sub frame rusted thru and broke apart causing steering wheel to be thrown off center and directional not to work. It was found when al of a sudden we herd an exhaust noise and looked under the front of vehicle. It has separated at least 1" 1/2 and we were told by a Ford master mech who looked at the van said it can not be driven as it could cause an accident with possible injuries or death.

The contact owns a 1999 Ford Windstar. While having the vehicle inspected at the local dealer, the contact was informed that the lower frame had rusted. The vehicle had not been repaired. The current and failure mileages were 113,345.

Front sub-frame or engine cradle 1999 Ford Windstar. Noticed loud scraping noise when turning to the right. Vehicle inspected and found one of the front sub-frame mounts rusted through and almost separated from round rubber. (right side, back) all other 3 mounts are fine. I was told "do not drive" told me I was lucky I didn't lose my whole engine. They also said it could be due to the a/c drain tube located above this mount. Strange all other mounts were fine.

Noticed loud scraping noise when steering had vehicle inspected and found right front sub-frame rusted and separated from round rubber bushing looking into repairs now and found online that it is a common problem that can cause steering loss.

Ford Windstar 1999: my mechanic said the front sub-frame is rusted to the point that it is unsafe to drive. I am taking it to my local Ford dealer for evaluation. Ford will also perform the rear axle recall.

1999 Ford Windstar front passenger-side subframe rusted through and separated rendering the vehicle undrivable. The vehicle can not controllably steer or brake with this condition. Luckily it didn't separate while at highway speed or it would have had a catastrophic ending. An immediate recall should be put out on this before anyone is killed.

Vehicle became un safe to drive and swerved from lane to lane when accelerating. Found front subframe rusted thru and broken on passengers side rear corner. Needs new subframe in front.

Subframe severely rusted @ rear engine cushions. Must be replaced immediately.

I was servicing the brakes and notice the right side of the sub-frame (engine cradle) was rusting away. I was telling my father about the frame rusting and he had thought there was a recall on that. I started searching the internet and found alot of people with the same problem. But no recall info. I am not sure if the van is safe to drive. I also own a 2000 Windstar and it showing the same signs of heavy rust in the same area.

Noise heard in front end. Suspected problem possibly with joints. . . . Turns out to be a rusted and cracked frame. This is the second time within the last two weeks the salvage CO who took our car witnessed this same problem. Dangerous!.

Passenger side tire seemed to have a mind of it's own. We went to two different mechanics - the second said the subframe was rusted and we should not drive the van because the engine will fall out.

My 99 Windstar with 144,000 r/f sub frame snapped due to rust from the a/c drain tube located above the sub frame. Poor design on the part of Ford. This van is in very good running condition, but now it will cost more than it's blue book worth to repair it. Please find below a link to a forum where many people have had the same problem. This should be a recall !! there is no excuse for the frame to rust out before the body or 20 years of driving. . Read more...

The contact owns a 1999 Ford Windstar. The contact stated while driving at 65 mph, the front wheel began to wobble abnormally. The dealer discovered that the frame was rusted and partially separated on the front passenger side where the wheel was mounted to the frame. The vehicle was repaired by the dealer. The failure mileage was 105,000 and the current mileage was 106,000. Updated 11/17/10.

1999 Ford Windstar right front stabilizer bracket rusted off frame. Noticed lower control arm bracket rusted bad and ready to come loose.

1999 Ford Windstar. Without warning the front subframe broke loose from the main chassis when the car was moving forward at a stop light. The engine and transmission dropped, disconnecting the steering wheel from the steering rack and resulted in a complete loss of steering and control. Subframe completely rusted out at the point of failure. I know of another person whose 1999 Windstar did the exact same thing one week earlier. Car ended up being scrapped as repair costs far out weighed the car's value. This could result in injuries or fatalities if the car were moving at higher speeds. Ford is aware this is happening but is not advising owners to have their cars inspected. Lots of potential for accidents, there are plenty of older Windstars on the road.

1. Sub-frame was badly rusted out. It broke while backing out of a parking space and the front tires disengaged. 2. The rocker panel on the left side needs to be replaced. It is badly rusted out and it will not pass inspection anymore. There is some rust on the right rocker panel also. All of the rust in under the vehicle and it is not safe to drive. 3. The check engine light came on last year.

The contact owns a 1999 Ford Windstar. The vehicle was being state inspected when the mechanic informed the contact that the subframe was severely rusted and should not be driven. The vehicle was taken to an authorized dealer for recall 10v385000 (suspension: rear: axle: non-powered axle assembly). The contact had not received a recall notice regarding the problem. The failure mileage was 125,109.