Steering Wheel problems of the 1999 Ford Windstar

Tl- the contact owns a 1999 Ford Windstar. While driving 30 mph, the contact stated that the drivers side sub frame separated from the vehicle, due to rust. The vehicle was not inspected or repaired. The dealer and manufacturer denied any assistance with repairs to the failure. The failure and current mileage was 136,553. Rvk.

We own a Ford Windstar that was sold and purchased in mass. And recently became aware of a safety recall for axle failure. Went to dealer and Ford website and was told recall did not include my vehicle because I now reside in florida . I feel my car should be included in recall because it was driven in mass for a number of years in the snow and ice treated with road salt. Any help or some one to contact would be appreciated. [xxx] information redacted pursuant to the freedom of information act (foia), 5 u. S. C. 552(b)(6).

I was pulling away after getting gas in my Windstar and heard a loud banging noise, similar to when the transmission went out. I immediately experienced loss of control in steering, with the steering wheel turned to one side. I was fortunate that I was driving only 5 miles per hour. The van was examined by an independent mechanic (not Ford affiliated) and I was told the subframe has completely rusted through. The subframe snapped on the passenger side and is ready to snap on the driver's side. I was told that all it would take is for me to hit a pothole and the subframe would snap on the driver's side and the engine and transmission would fall out. The mechanic told me he has never seen a 12 year old vehicle with a subframe in that condition. He took pictures of the subframe and emailed them to several mechanic friends. I have since learned, by doing research on the internet, that Ford recalled the Windstars due to a subframe issue, but I was not included in that recall because Ford does not deem virginia a state where they use salt on the roads in the wintertime. I live 10-15 miles from both maryland and DC, and they are both included in the recall. I live in northern virginia and we receive heavy snowfall during the winter. Because I live close to the beltway, the dot and local public works departments heavily salt the roads even before snow starts to fall. We have a permanent white coating on the roads from the salt during the wintertime. It is ridiculous that Ford did not recall the Windstar's in all states because they know there is a problem with the subframes on the Windstars. They don't take into account people who may travel from state to state, or people who border a state where they have recalled the subframes, and frequently drive in those states.

During last routine maintenance, I was advised that subframe rusting was getting close to level of making driving hazardous. Estimated cost of repair (part and labor) is $1700 - $1800. 00.

Consumer states while driving and turn either way the vehicle makes a loud noise. Ts.

When turning left, the steering wheel locks in position. Consumer was able to forcibly bring wheel back in the correct position. This happens intermittently. Contacted dealer and Ford manufacturer and they stated there was nothing they could do because problem could not be duplicated. Consumer states that the gear type goes inside the steering wheel post rattles and may be broken.