Frame And Members problems of the 2001 Ford Windstar - part 1

The contact owns a 2001 Ford Windstar. The contact stated that the subframe was fractured. The vehicle was taken to the dealer where it was confirmed that the frame failed and needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The vehicle was serviced per NHTSA campaign number: 15v608000 (suspension), but the remedy failed to repair the vehicle. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 141,302.

The contact owns a 2001 Ford Windstar. While driving various speeds, the steering wheel became difficult to turn. The vehicle was taken to a dealer who diagnosed that the subframe needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 173,000.

The contact owns a 2001 Ford Windstar. The contact stated that while driving at various speeds, there was a loud abnormal noise coming from the front of the vehicle. The vehicle was taken to the independent mechanic for diagnostic testing, who stated that the sub frame was completely rusted. The vehicle was not repaired. The vehicle was previously repaired under NHTSA campaign number: 11v030000 (structure, suspension), however the failure persisted. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 200,000.

The contact owns a 2001 Ford Windstar. The contact stated that while reversing at approximately 4 mph, the motor detached, fell from the vehicle, and pulled all the cables for the gear shift. In addition, the abs, the airbag, and the check engine warning lights illuminated. The contact also stated that the engine stalled. The vehicle was taken to the dealer where the mechanic stated that a rear axle and the front sub frame needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 236,000.

The contact owns a 2001 Ford Windstar. The contact stated that repairs were made to the vehicle under NHTSA campaign id number: 11v030000 (structure: frame and members: under body shields) in 2001. The contact stated that per the recall, attaching brackets were installed to both front lower control arms. Most recently, the sub frame was found to be fractured near the steering column. The vehicle was taken back to the dealer who stated that they previously repaired the vehicle under the recall and would not make the repair a second time. The manufacturer was notified of the failure who advised the contact that the recall did not pertain to the sub frame and that the dealer who performed the recall did so accordingly. The manufacturer offered no further assistance. The failure mileage was 45,500.

The contact owns a 2001 Ford Windstar. The contact stated that the vehicle was included in the recall associated with NHTSA campaign id number 10v385000 (suspension:rear:axle:non-powered axle assembly). The vehicle was taken to an authorized dealer and the contact received a second recall notice associated with NHTSA campaign id number 11v030000 (structure: frame and members:underbody shields). The authorized dealer stated that the vehicle was safe to drive and did not need to be repaired. The vehicle was taken home, and while driving at low speeds the vehicle stopped and would not drive any further. The contact examined the vehicle and noticed that both front wheels were pointing outward and the lower control arms were fractured. The authorized dealer was made aware of the failure and informed the contact that they would attempt to buy the vehicle back. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure, but offered no assistance. The failure and current mileages were approximately 113,000.

The contact owns a 2001 Ford Windstar. The contact stated the engine fell out of the vehicle while driving. The contact had the vehicle towed to a dealer who stated the front sub frame was completely covered with rust which caused the engine to fall off of the vehicle. The contact never received a recall notice for NHTSA recall campaign id number: 11v030000 (structure: frame and members: underbody shields). The failure and current mileage was 142,000.

Tl - the contact owns a 2001 Windstar. The contact stated that after receiving the repairs for recall NHTSA campaign id number: 11v030000 (component: structure: frame and members:underbody shields) the vehicle was vibrating, it did not have any power when pressing the gas and it was making a loud noise. The vehicle was taken back to the dealer who diagnosed that the motor mount was defective and needed to be replaced. The remedy failed to repaired the problem. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure who did not offered any assistance since the recalls repairs were done up to code. The vehicle was not repaired. The failure and current mileage was 185,000. Pm.

The contact owns a 2001 Ford Windstar. The contact was driving approximately 55 mph when the vehicle experienced a completely loss of steering control and drifted into the opposing lane without intent. The vehicle came to a stop when the brakes were applied. The vehicle was towed to an authorized dealer where the contact was informed that the subframe was defective and caused damages within the steering and suspension mechanisms. The vehicle was previously repaired under a recall associated with NHTSA campaign id number 11v030000 (structure: frame and members: underbody shields). The failure occurred after the recall repair. The contact stated the remedy did not correct the failure. The vehicle was in the process of being repaired. The manufacturer was made aware of the defect. The failure mileage was approximately 59,524.

The front subframe suspension mount failed while I was driving my 2001 Ford Windstar van at highway speed and thus I loss steering control of the vehicle.

The contact owns a 2001 Ford Windstar. The contact stated that the vehicle was repaired under NHTSA campaign id number: 11v030000 (structure: frame and members: underbody shields). The contact stated that the vehicle was reinspected after the recall repairs and she was informed that rust was still present and could possibly cause the engine to drop from the vehicle. The dealer sprayed the vehicle with an antirust agent but the remedy did not work. The contact stated that the recall repair was inadequate and needed to be changed. The failure mileage was 120,000.

I heared a poping sound 2 times am I safe in my vehicle, I did buy it used. I looked at the side of the door panel and it was made in canada, do I have something to fear???.

I have a 2001 Ford Windstar. While driving home the other day I turned the corner and heard a loud "pop", lost all steering and and could not move the vehicle. When the tow truck driver came and lifter the van up and looked underneath he told me the news was not good. He showed me where the frame had broken and where the "arm" was suppose to be welded to. He showed me the"arm/bar" behind the right tire. Thankfully I did not hit anyone and no one hit me when this happened. The police did come because I was a safety hazard sitting in the lane the cars were trying to drive in. If I had been on the highway when this happened going 60 miles an hour I surely would have flipped or caused a major accident as eventhough it happened while slowly turning a corner I had to slam on my braked causing my tires to squeal and smoke and the whole van to swerve from side to side. I sat shaking in my van for several minutes. Please take the time to read my complaint and consider adding it to the list of recalls. I do not know how I am going to pay for this repair. As a single mother of three children my money is very tight and this is not something insurance covers. When I told the tow truck driver it was a 2001 vehicle he was very surprised to see this problem. Please do something and very quickly to correct this potentially fatal problem.

The contact owns a 2001 Ford Windstar. While driving 10 mph, the vehicle exhibited an abnormal pop noise and immediately, the power steering assist failed. The contact stated that the vehicle was extremely difficult to control, especially when attempting a turn. The contact inspected the vehicle and found that the front sub frame was corroded and cracked near the front passenger area. The vehicle was taken the dealer who inspected and ruled the vehicle as unsafe to drive. The manufacturer would not assist with the repairs because the VIN was not included in NHTSA campaign id number: 11v030000 (structure: frame and members: under-body shields). The vehicle was not repaired. The failure and current mileage was 92,000.

The contact owns a 2001 Ford Windstar. The vehicle was included in the recall associated with NHTSA campaign id number: 11v030000 (structure: frame and members:underbody shields and was taken to an authorized dealer for repairs. After the repairs were completed, the contact noticed that the front frame was unstable and he could easily shift it using his hands. The vehicle was taken to an independent repair shop where the contact was told that the vehicle was unsafe to drive and would not pass inspection. The vehicle was not further repaired. The failure and current mileage was 167,000.

2001 Ford Windstar limited. Subframe and frame needs repair due to salt corrosion in ohio. There should be a recall to repair these items as Ford CO. Should have used salt resistant materials to take care of this problem. Updated ivoq 03/17/11.

The contact owns a 2001 Ford Windstar le. The contact was driving approximately 65 mph when the right front sub-frame separated and fractured the engine cradle. The contact lost control of the vehicle and crashed off road. The contact was uninjured and the vehicle was towed to an independent mechanic where they advised him that the right sub-frame was completely rusted. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was contacted and offered no assistance. The failure and current mileage was approximately 127,000.

Broken subframe on 2001 Ford Windstar.

The contact owns a 2001 Ford Windstar. The contact took the vehicle in for repairs under NHTSA campaign id number: 11v030000 (structure: frame and members:underbody shields). The contact stated that the vehicle sat idle on the dealers lot for approximately three months before the contact was informed that the vehicle could not be repaired due to excessive corrosion of the front part of the sub frame. The contact was advised to have the sub frame repaired before recall repairs could be performed. The contact stated that the front and rear of the sub frame was one whole part and if the front was replaced, the entire frame would have to be replaced. The frame was not repaired. In addition, the contact stated that the vehicle was also repaired under NHTSA campaign id number: 09v399000 (vehicle speed control) and as a result, the entire cruise control system became inoperable after recall repairs. The contact was concerned with the potential of the vehicle catching fire. The vehicle was not repaired. The failure mileage was 74,000.

Today I was driving my 2001 Ford Windstar from yonkers NY to white plains NY when the rear axle cracked. It was a clear, dry day. This axle had cracked before - in August 2010, prior to the recall being issued. At that time, as there was no repair being offered by Ford, I had the axle welded. Welding the axle was a 'fix' reported by other Windstar owners so I was not too bothered. Until today I had no problems with the rear axle. The new crack is approximately an inch from where the first one had been. The van had to be towed to my usual mechanic. I am trying to find out if Ford has the part to fix this. My mechanic called but said they they did not have a replacement. I am not sure what I can do now - this really leaves me in a bad spot as I use my car daily. Others I know who have this same vehicle and trying to have the recalled part taken care of have been having problems because of lack of parts and/or problems getting appointments.

Disturbing sounds from right side front end of my 2001 form Windstar. Steering wheel became off center. Problem diagnosed as subframe corrosion.

My wife's 2001 Ford Windstar has had a persistant clunk in the front passenger side. While doing some work on the vehicle this evening I discovered severe rust on the rear body mount of the front subframe. The area to the rear of the bushing is corroded through and cracked. I have good digital pictures and will provide them to you if you desire. This problem has been described repeatedly by many Windstar owners. Frankly, I find Ford's claim that this doesn't present "an unreasonable risk" infuriating. I am calling on you to recall this vehicle before someone gets killed.

1/23/11 while driving to baptism van all of a sudden started to clunk in the right front suspension. While driving home clunking kept happening on right hand turns. Got home, jacked up van, pulled passenger front tire, found excessive rust and sway bar completely broken from subframe. Also noticed front a arm excessive rust not safe to drive. Vehicle will be parked and only 10 years old. Don't know what to do next???? wife and kids are not safe to drive in. Van is super clean and well maintained and no rust elsewhere. Now what do we do??? ? please help!!!!.

This complaint is related to your NHTSA action # ea10007 January 12, 2011, my wife was driving our Ford Windstar on hwy 155 north of saint germain, WI. Without warning the front end right wheel dislodged and the car swerved violently all over the highway. Luckily, no other cars were near. The roadside ditches where the failure occurred are more than 12' deep, so there could also have been injuries and or damage if she had not reacted as quickly and forcibly as she did. She was able to wrestle the car onto the shoulder and call for help. Upon towing to the nearest Ford dealership, it has been determined that the undercarriage failed, the front right axle dislodged from the transmission, and various other damage can also have occurred. Updated ivoq 02/16/11.

My 2001 Windstar failed the yearly state saftey inspection because of frame rotting at the passenger side rear frame mount. I trust my mechanic and he strongly suggested that I do not drive this car ! he would not put a sticker on the car. His estimate for repair was over $2000 .

While driving on a local road at approximately 35 mph, my 2001 Ford Windstar broke down and was immobile. After being towed and inspected by a repair service, the cause was determined to be the front subframe. The front passenger side tire was facing right while all others were forward facing. This easily could have resulted in serious injury or a crash if other vehicles had been near or had the vehicle been traveling at higher speed.

I would like to report a reoccurring problem that I have had with my Ford Windstar 2 years ago while pulling out of a parking space the front right control arm pulled free from the sub-frame on my Windstar. Fortunately no one was hurt. I had the sub-frame replaced with another used frame by a local mechanic. Last Friday I took the van to the local Ford dealer to take care of the most recent recall on the rear axles. The dealership called me at home and told me the front sub-frame was severely rotted and the right control arm was barley holding on to the frame. They deemed the vehicle unsafe to drive. I have pulled the vehicle from the road until I can get it fixed. I feel fortunate that it did not break at highway speed with my wife and three kids in the van.

The contact owns a 2001 Ford Windstar. While driving approximately 55 mph, the vehicle pulled to the right and the check engine light illuminated. The dealer stated that the frame on the front driver side was severely rusted beyond repair. The VIN was unavailable. The failure mileage was approximately 126,000.

While on a family trip today in my 2001 Ford Windstar I noticed an extremely loud grinding /rubbing noise coming from the front psgr. Side, when I returned home I took it to the shop immediately where I was told that the subframe had completely rusted through on the passenger side and was nearly through the other side as well and was told that my entire family had been at risk of injury or death had the otherside failed as well, and to stop driving it immediately and that it would cost in excess of $2000 to fix. My anger and horror multiplied when while trying to locate affordable used replacement part online I discovered that Ford has received many complaints about this safety issue, how dare they put my loved ones and countless thousands other at risk because they used defective or substandard parts. I will be contacting Ford directly to find out what they intend to do to correct this issue and appreciate anything the NHTSA can do to help expedite the recall of said parts.

The contact owns a 2001 Ford Windstar. The contact stated that while having the vehicle serviced, he noticed rust on the rear passenger side of the engine frame. The mechanic stated that it would eventually rot and the engine could fall out from the vehicle. The vehicle was taken to a second mechanic who confirmed the failure. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The current mileage was approximately 77,000. The failure mileage was approximately 70,000.

We observed clunking in the front end prior to the failure. While turning the wheel to the right to park, a loud noise was heard in the front end. After that, the steering wheel was turned right while the car was going straight down the road. After inspection, the passenger side attachment point for the sub-frame was rotted off and separated from the mount. Substantial corrosion was also noted on the drive and passenger side control arm attachment points.

2001 Ford Windstar right lower control arm mount failure. Just driving down the road when I notice my steering wheel was not centered, slowed down until I got into parking lot. Went to turn and lost drive, looked at front end and right tire was pointing to right and left tire was straight, looked under van and saw that mount had come off frame and axle pulled out of transmission. Had van towed back to my house. Went right to my computer to see if there was any complaints about front end failure and their is. Was going to have van rear axle checked per recall but can't even get it to Ford dealership for that. Called Ford and their is no help. I am a mechanic and have never seen a mount come off a frame like this. This van has always been parked in a garage and washed at a high pressure wash with under car rinse. I think this is poor metal or a poor design.

My 2001 Windstar has severe corrosion on the subframe. The corrosion is located on the right side of the vehicle near the front wheel. The vehicle is currently being held by a dealership for the axle recall, I have made them aware of the corrosion but it seems they have no intention of repairing it since it is not a recall.

The right control arm broke off of the sub frame while backing out of our drive way. The van is not drivable (contacting Ford to find out what can be done).

I had to replace the subframe on my 2001 Ford Windstar.