11 problems related to front suspension control arm have been reported for the 1999 Ford Windstar. The most recently reported issues are listed below.
I was driving in a 50 mph zone when I was coming to a stop the lower control arm broke free from the sub frame but I was able to keep control. Van is now useless and I only have 125k miles on it.
Tl the contact owns a 1999 Ford Windstar. While driving approximately 50 mph, the front driver side control arm fractured and the vehicle could not be driven. The vehicle was towed to the contact's residence. The failure was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure, but no assistance was offered. The contact was informed that the VIN was not included in NHTSA campaign number: 12v194000(suspension). The contact indicated that the vehicle experienced the same failure listed in the recall. The dealer was not contacted. The failure mileage was 109,000.
Both front lower control arm rear attaching brackets and both body mount attachments at rear of sub frame are rusted and broken . Making a left hand turn I heard a clunking sound . Upon inspection found the above problems.
Tl- the contact owns a 1999 Ford Windstar. The contact stated that while attempting to stop the vehicle a loud clanking noise was heard coming from the front of the vehicle. While inspecting the vehicle it was discovered that the driver side front control arm had separated. The cause of the failure was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was not notified. The failure mileage was 152,000.
The factory recall notice required trailing axle reinforcement brackets to be installed on the rear axle. They were installed at the dealership, along with an upgrade to the front control arm mounts. The rear axle broke while driving on the highway, the speed I was travelling at was only 45 mph at the time of the break. As the axle collapsed, the rear tires began rubbing against the wheel wells. I slowed down and pulled over immediately, seeing smoke from the rear. The crack occured on the driver's side of the axle, underneath the repair bracket that was installed by Ford. ( obviosly placed over the weak/defective area. ) the vehicle had only 80,000 miles on it in may of 2011 when we obtained it, the same year the recall repair was performed. In the last 4 yearsa I drove 175,000 highway miles, have regularly washed and maintained this vehicle well, (including undercarriage washes in the winter). I've recently replaced the entire ignition system, front suspension/brake components, and rear shocks. It's a real shame that this vehicle is disabled by a weak rear axle when there's plenty of life left in the engine and transmission. With regular full synthetic oil changes, cooling and transmission flushes, new aligned front steering, I expected to get over 300,000 miles out of this van. Now I have to find a good used rear axle, but will have no faith in its durability or safety.
Ford dealer inspected vehicle due to recall for subframe/axle rust issue. Dealer claimed frame okay. While driving the lower control arm came detached from the frame causing crash due to rusting of mounts.
Tl- the contact owns a 1999 Ford Windstar. While parked, the contact noticed that the front driver's side of the sub frame was cracked. The vehicle was taken to the dealer for diagnostic testing. The technician advised that the engine cradle would have to be replaced. The vehicle was included and previously repaired under NHTSA campaign id number: 12v194000 (suspension:front:control arm). The manufacturer was made aware of the failure and advised the contact that any additional repairs would not be covered under the recall. The vehicle was not further repaired. The approximate failure mileage was 190,000. Kmj.
The contact owns a 1999 Ford Windstar. After routine maintenance while changing the tires on the right side of the vehicle the mechanic stated that the lower control arm was corroded and covered with rust. He was told to take the vehicle to the dealer who stated that it was unsafe to drive and the repair cost was $1200. There are no related recalls or warranties for this failure. The manufacturer confirmed that there were no recalls and offered no assistance. The vehicle was not repaired. The failure mileage was 145,000.
Front sub-frame corrosion complete separation of lower control arms . Loss of vehicle control.
1999 Ford Windstar, control arm broke off sub frame causing vehicle to come to a dead stop and front end to drop. There was no warning except the vehicle started to pull to the right a little. To fix the problem, had to replace sub frame. The bracket where the control arm should be was completely gone on the passenger side. . . . It was still together and intact on the drivers side. You lose total control and cannot steer the vehicle.
While the caller's son was driving bout 65 mph the control arm separated from the sub frame, and the vehicle started to wobble. He pulled off the road and that is when the tire came loose. Vehicle had to be towed home. Dealer said they would do nothing for free. Manufacturer said the vehicle was out of warranty and offered no help for free.