general problems of the 2001 Ford Windstar - part 1

I pulled up to a stop sign having been traveling at less then 20 mph, and only while the vehicle is in drive but not moving, it was shaking like the motor was going to jump out of the vehicle. I assumed it was the motor mount broken and took it to the mechanic and found out it was the subframe on the front passenger had corroded and had detached from the frame . I need it repaired but I don't know where to begin. Was told that there is a active recalls on this part. .

Car was in an single car accident. Steering and body damage. All fixed now. Need verification for salvage sticker.

Removed subframe to replace faulty torque converter. Found substantial rusting at firewall end of subframe on both "arms", requiring replacement of subframe. Called local dealers, no "open" recall (over 15 year-old van) and $4,900 new subframe quote provided, with no dealer or manufacturer coverage, after calling national and canadian mfctr recall numbers. Mfctr/dealers of no assistance, whatsoever. Part not actually available.

I recently had my Windstar front end worked on by a local Ford dealer, who was supposed to take care of all recall issues. They did a crappy job of that and now the vehicle is sitting my driveway with the axle snapped in half. Had it towed to my home when it broke on the highway. This is not a safe vehicle and we were very lucky no-one got hurt.

I came up to a stop sign, the entire front axle broke off the frame, I lost steering, brakes, had to slam it into park to stop. I ended up across the road. There was a recall in 2011 for the axle mount and Ford decided it only needed a coating on it, 5 seconds later we would of been on the highway and killed. I emailed Ford and they said the recall was still open, the Ford dealer never closed it, so they won't help me. That is bull, the coated it and forgot to close it out, thats their fault, I can take pics if you want them.

After noticing wobbling of my back tire driving my daughter home from school my father looked at me vehicle to not only see that my rear axel had cracked (in process of insepction for recall repair on that) but also notuce the the front sub frame is rusting so much that everything attached to it is starting to detach.

The subframe in the front had cracked after having the repair/recall done by Ford. This is the passenger side, right by the mount to the body.

This vehicle has shut off on me while driving several times. During the latest event which occurred while going approximately 30 mph and the minivan just shuts off without warning. There is not a stalling warning or anything. All lights appear on the dash and it is very difficult to steer the van when it happens. In order to get the vehicle to restart you have to turn it off with the key and then start it up again. I have investigated this problem online and there are many, many people complaining of this. I'm very surprised to see that a recall has not be made. With most of the complaints I've seen online many of the mechanics do not seem to know what the problem is. It's scary to see that many of us are complaining of the same thing. During some of the other incidents it also seemed to happen during lower speeds such as 5 or 10 mph however twice it happened going higher speeds, once at 25 mph and the other at 30 mph. Thank you for checking into this.

The subframe rusted & sway bar ancor bracket broke lose. I was able to weild it back on. I noticed the sub frame had a rust hole in it between the the repairs done by Ford recall 11s16 afew years ago. I called Ford motor company ,was told my van was to old & to many miles on it. I got recall for the rear axel [15s27] took to local dealer and asked about front subframe. They told me it was up to Ford .

Between my March 2015 oil change and my July 30 2015 oil change the control arms broke and completely ruined a tire all the way around the tire. Chewed it up very badly putting me at risk for an accident from a blow out or loss of control. I don't know exactly when the problem occurred. The problem was found by the shop at the oil change. I am finding online where there is much concern about the control arms on these vehicles. Both front lower control arms were replaced by the shop. The brought one of the tires into the lobby for me to see and it was absolutely chewed up all the way around the tire. It is a wonder I did not have an accident.

We wish to be contacted and have multiple issues to report. (1) odi request for information regarding engineering analysis ea10-007 sub frame and (2) issues of compliance with safety recall procedures and what we believe to be fraudulent and illegal actions. Space is inadequate but will try to summarize. Vehicle subframe failed at both passenger and driver side rear mounts and thereby caused separation of the steering components and complete loss of steering, loss of brakes, and loss of transmission control. The owner used the only means available to stop the vehicle by turning off the ignition key and 'riding it out. ' subframe components and the engine/transmission had been in contact with pavement. Large portions of the subframe appear to be missing from the vehicle. The exhaust system was severed. The transmission linkage pulled away and as stated the steering components separated. What is believed to be the air bag cable became wrapped around the steering components. Vehicle was towed to a dealership which refuses to inspect, disclose, photograph, or allow to be photographed the massive damage while declaring the vehicle "repairable" and the "repairs have to be done. " at issue are declarations that under the recall that "responsibility" rests with the owner and a "right to deny coverage. " a demand that repairs be scheduled or the vehicle be towed from the car lot with a demand that a document be signed which amounts to a release and complete misrepresentation of the facts. The dealership has been told that we will lend no truth or validity to their forceful and manipulative demands, nor will we sign any document. It is our intent to destroy the vehicle. We have incurred multiple out of pocket expenses. In essence fraud and illegal acts, under the color of federal law are alleged. We desire to submit a written statement and request for investigation.

Our van has a rusting subframe. We brought it in to a mechanic because of a scraping sound we heard when making sharp right-hand turns, especially when driving down an incline. The mechanic told us of a potential recall on a rusting subframe so we brought it into a Ford dealership. They refused to take responsibility of the subframe at their cost.

In 2011 Ford recalled over 400000 vans (1997-2003) due to serious corrosion of axles and other components. Special repairs were done at Ford expense. Recently my mechanic informed me that the rear motor mount and the van sub frame had continued to rust badly to the extent that the unit was a safety risk. A search of the internet indicates that many, many repaired Ford vehicles have experienced very serious corrosion of the sub frames and the repaired axles with serious results including failure of sub frames and or axles when driving!!.

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.

I was driving my Ford Windstar at approximately 30 mph when I heard a clunk. Shortly thereafter I heard a metal-on-metal clanking noise. I then drove home, parked the van until the next day. On Saturday, October 25, 2014, I removed the front right tire to find the sway bar bracket completely rusted away from the subframe. The rust was so extensive, the subframe also had a rust hole, the size of a quarter right through the subframe directly beneath where the sway bar bracket "was" located. The following Monday, October 27th, I called and made an appointment at willowbrook Ford. They had my van for two days before calling me with their decision. They told me that they will not cover the cost to fix my vehicle despite Ford having a recall on the subframe. They also called they sent the Ford district manager various photos showing so the corroded sway bar bracket and subframe. They told me the dm at Ford also rejected paying for the repairs. I am very disappointed since this 2001 Windstar has received several recalls, many of which were associated with corrosion around the subframe and rear axle. My Windstar is now not safe to drive! very disappointed with this Ford Windstar and with Ford in general.

Stopped at intersection. Began moving forward making a right hand turn and steering disengaged, steering wheel was freely going in circles. Accelerated through intersection, over curb and into grass area to be clear of cross traffic. Had difficulty moving gear shift but was able to force it into park, shut off engine. Looked under vehicle and found both front subframe lower control arms had broken free. There was no indication failure was going to occur.

While backing out of my driveway the subframe fell out of my vehicle causing the throttle body to open all the way droped out of reverse and went into drive lost steering ,lost brakes jammed vehicle into park to stop 1 foot from telephone pole. Had vehicle towed to Ford took 1 week to here anything from them ,was told I could not have a rental or loaner vehicle while they had my car. Called Ford customer service line was told I could only get rental car for 1 day for subframe and 1 day for rear axle recall , as of 7/14 2014 was told I would maybe have my vehicle back by next week after Ford evaluated my car for repairs. I did not recieve a phone call from Ford dealer until 7/14/2014.

I was driving on interstate 39 towards wisconsin dells with my wife and daughters. About 15 miles out of madison wisconsin my daughters began screaming I looked back and there was smoke everywhere. I immediately pulled to side of highway and got everyone out of the vehicle. Both my rear tires had collapse. I had to get towed into a Ford dealer in madison wisconsin. The rear axle on the van had split in half. Calling Ford was no help. They stated that a recall had been on that vehicle a couple years back and that the warranty on that recall had expired. Luckily nothing happened to my family but if these issues on this recall which was done two years ago hasn't fixed the problem someone is going to get seriously hurt! even if I fix this problem I will not be able to trust this vehicle. Please look into this someone. There are many Windstars that were repaired around the same time because of recall that will begin to fall apart again. Problem not fixed!.

While driving through an intersection I heard a loud bang underneath the car and I lost all steering control! I parked the car and called for a tow. When van was on the flatbed I observed the engine mounting had detached on both sides of the car. The engine and other components were hanging down. Had van towed home. Through my own research I found that my van was part of recall no. 11s16 for corrosion related fractures at the front lower control arm rear attaching brackets and body mount attachments at the rear of the front subframe. I was shocked that I had not been notified of this recall because I had been notified regarding recall no 11s13 for rear axle corrosion related cracking. Van was taken for inspection axle and we were told it passed and nothing else needed to be done. Had van towed again, this time to dealer. Dealer says subframe and rear axle need replaced and Ford wants to do the replacement. As a result of the frame detachment, the intermediate shaft needs replaced. There are other unknown components that may need repaired/replaced and they won't know until they do the work. The other repairs may or may not be paid for by Ford. Under Ford's own remedies, if brackets can not repair the original subframe, then a repurchase offer for the vehicle should be made. To date, Ford has refused this as a remedy. Instead, they want to replace the subframe and axle that would have to be attached to other corroded parts of the vehicle. My family's lives were already put in danger enough by these defective products. I was not notified regarding the subframe recall and the rear axle was improperly handled. The axle should have had reinforcement brackets attached even if it did pass inspection. This was not done nor were we told to bring it back in to be done. Ford should be forced to buy back my vehicle under it's own remedy instructions provided to the NHTSA.

Fortunately there was no accident, but my vehicle is very unsafe to drive. I took the vehicle to the dealer for safety recall 11s16 . The dealer contacted Ford because sway bar bushings are completely rusted out and broken, leaving nothing to attach the sway bar to. Ford says the bracket is outside the scope and advises the dealer to perform the repair. The sway bar has broken off from the front sub-frame passenger side of the car. The dealer said the sub-frame is so rusted that the only way to reattach the sway bar is to replace the entire front sub-frame at a cost of $2900. The dealer deemed my car unsafe to drive, as I won't have control of my car on quick turns or be able to make fast maneuvers in the event of an accident or to avoid potential accidents. Another risk is that my engine may fall out the bottom of my car while driving (which I see has happened to others with my same problem), endangering my family and others on the road. I plan on parking this car in my driveway and waiting for Ford to be forced to recall these vehicles.

My daughter was driving the Windstar at approximately 20 mph when she heard a noise and felt something break and she was unable to steer the vehicle and she was able to get the vehicle stopped. She exited the vehicle to see if she could see what the problem was. She noticed both front wheels were pointing in different directions. This vehicle was recalled in 2011 to have brackets placed to support the subframe. The vehicle was towed to a local garage. Upon inspection it was determined that the passengers side lower control arm had pulled out of the subframe.

The contact owns a 2001 Ford Windstar. The contact stated that while driving approximately 15 mph, the steering wheel became difficult to maneuver. The steering wheel then independently turned in a complete circle. The sub frame detached from the vehicle and dropped to the ground. The vehicle was towed to an authorized dealer and repaired under NHTSA campaign id number: 11v030000 (structure). The dealer refused to replace the other components that were damaged as a result of the failure. The affected parts were the clock spring, exhaust flex pipe, power steering belt and transmission bracket, which had not been repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the problem. The approximate failure mileage was 95,000. Updated 12/4/cn.

Had the vehicle serviced for 2 corrosion recalls. Was driving on the freeway approx. 60mph, heard a pop in the area of the right front tire. Took van to the shop I use, where I was told it was part of the frame and need to take it to the dealership(blackwell Ford, Plymouth, mi. 48170). Dealership said the van needed a subframe assy. And right sway bar bushing bracket, and possibly more. All was due to corrosion, combination poor design and inferior material. They contacted Ford motor, sent estimate, pictures and information. Fords response is that it wasn't part of any recall, even though there has been at least two for corrosion that I am aware of. This is clearly a design and/or a material issue with my Windstar. It is not safe to drive, and there is no way, with my conscious that I can try to sell it. This is an ongoing issue with the Windstar. I'm sure this is part of hundreds if not thousands of complaints on this issue, what can be done? how many injuries or deaths have there been because of corrosion issue with the Windstar? help!!!!.

The same part indicated in recall is bad, my van needs fix. The recall doesn't cover my part or repair because my VIN isn't showing any recalls. When the same problem happened to me indicated in the recall. Is there anything I can do?.

Stopped to get my oil changed, they showed me where the entire right front subframe has rusted away making my Windstar unsafe to drive. I looked online and found this is an ongoing problem with this model with of these having the same problem with the passenger side right front. This can cause you to loose steering control or in an extreme the engine to fall out going down the highway, Ford recalled the same problem on the rear axel,,why not fix the front also. I live in arkansan but bought the windstorm from a person in missouri where I see Ford list as a state with a rust problem but doing nothing to fix it.

I took my van in for the 11s16 recall and now problems are taking place afterwards. I got my van back and now the check engine light is on and coolant is leaking everywhere.

Just 18-months after the Ford Windstar safety recall repairs were completed, the front sub-frame of my 2001 Ford Windstar cracked resulting in loss of stability. The vehicle was taken to the Ford dealership in midland michigan. It was deemed unsafe to drive by the Ford dealership service manager and repair technician.

Making a left turn, heard a loud bang. The sway bar link came loose attached to a chunk of rusted metal from the subframe. The sway bar and link are fine. It is a part of the subframe where it attaches to that came off. There is no way to reattach the sway bar as the whole section where it attaches to subframe is rusted. Called Ford dealer in ithaca, this is not covered by their recalls.

On Sunday July 8th, 2012 I was driving my 2001 Ford Windstar I stopped at a light and as the light changed I began driving and then heard a loud noise, my wheels began to squeel and pull all over and my van came to a complete stop in the road and would not move. . The front passenger side wheel was turned outward but my wheel was straight. Thank god I was not on an expressway or highway with all my kids in the vehicle. . I called a tow truck the driver inspected it and said something underneath the front frame had snapped off. . So today I had it towed into a Ford dealer to find out it is a new recall how can these Windstar vans have so many frame and axle issues and be safe to drive exspecially with all these brackets they are having to put on them for the recalls. . If I was on an expressway me and my son would of been hurt badly if not killed. . Not to mention if I would of hit someone else I could of injured others too. . I will never trust another Windstar with my family this is crazy. . It is the subframe front lower control arm rear attaching flages completely broke/snapped off while I was driving down a basic 40 mph road. . When it broke it messed up the underneath of my vehicle it ripped the drive shaft right out of the transmission. . And who knows what else is damaged now. . People need to know about this now before someone is seriously hurt. .

Front sub-frame badly rusted and sway bar welded mounts on the sub-frame have rusted and broken in half causing poor steering control and excessive body roll. As a note, this vehicle was rustproofed when new and inspected over the life of the vehicle each year. Also, Ford has inspected the front sub-frame in January of 2011 on a recall and it appears did not find a problem with the sub-frame in this area. Given the severity of the rust it would appear the problem existed at the time of inspection.

Complete separation of the front lower control arm attaching bracket from the front sub frame on the passenger side of the vehicle. This is the same problem that is described in the NHTSA recall no. 11v030. And Ford recall no. 11s16. The dealer that inspected the vehicle said it was not covered by the recall because the vehicle was not purchased or registered in a (salt-belt) state.

I am reporting my 2001 Ford Windstar limited for the same problems that have been recalled in the "salt belt states". I live in fauquier county, virginia. This Windstar was originally bought at rick hunt Ford in warrenton, va and resided in the 20186 zip code until we bought it in 2005. It was traded into jerry's Lincoln/Mercury in manassas from whom we purchased it. We have lived in fauquier county the entire time we have owned this vehicle, in remington, va and now warrenton, va. I noticed in my regular maintenance that it appeared that the "front sub frame" was doing the same thing that others had complained of and ultimately was recalled in the "salt belt states". On 01/19/2012 what used to be rick hunt Ford and now is sheey Ford of warrenton, va looked at the "front sub frame". The service manager said that my concerns were correct about the "front sub frame", that it is doing what these vehicles were recalled for in the "salt belt states". He also said that the "rear axle" had a crack in it, also what they were recalled for in the "salt belt states". The results were that Ford would not take care of it even though it had the same problems that they recalled in other states. I contacted Ford customer service on 01/20/2012 and was told by the original person's supervisor that and I quote "Ford has agreed to add your vehicle to the recall list". I was to take the van back to sheehy so they could document everything and take care of it. I did so, dropped it off 01/23/2012. I called on 01/25/2012 to find out if it was ready that Ford would not take care of it since it had not been registered in a "salt belt state". I am requesting that the NHTSA look into these vehicles again and require Ford to recall the Windstars in all states. If you look around on the internet one can find people in almost every state who have the same problems. Thank you.

Tl- the contact owns a 2001 Ford Windstar. The vehicle was included in the recall under NHTSA campaign id number: 11v030000 (structure: frame and members:underbody shields) and the recall under NHTSA campaign id number: 10v385000 (suspension:rear:axle:non-powered axle assembly) and was taken to the dealer for repair. After the repair the contact noticed a grinding and a cracking sound coming from the front end of the vehicle while driving at approximately 65 mph. Also, the vehicle would shake vigorously and the steering would turn on it own forcefully. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure and referred the contact to the dealer for diagnostics. The vehicle was not taken to the dealer. The vehicle was not repaired. The approximate failure mileage was 126,000. Ds.

I have a 2001 Ford Windstar that was serviced for the safety recall 11s16,(11v030000 NHTSA campaign number) 04/11/2011. My vehicle was grounded do to significant subframe rot but it was deemed repairable by Ford. On February 2, 2013 I noticed a 2 inch long crack/perforation on the top part of the sub-frame where the repair bracket was attached when I was rotating the tires. I took it back to the Ford dealership and they said they were unable to help because it was repaired once and they wont pay to have it repaired again. Im not sure if they missed this the first time it was fixed or what. I do know that according to Ford's specs for determining if a subframe is repairable or not this crack would deem in non-repairable because its within the 2 inch mark from the tooling hole. Now im just waiting for the subframe to completely crack while im driving down the road. The repair bracket that was supposed to solve the problem to begin with will not hold the subframe together if it completely cracks at the spot at which its located in. I also believe that due to downward force on the subframe body mount and the fact where the u shaped bracket is sitting on the subframe that holds the bracket on the subframe, it is acting like a fulcrum point where the subframe is bending and cracking.

Tl-the contact owns a 2001 Ford Windstar. The contact stated that when driving at low speeds and trying to turn corners he noticed a loud noise. The vehicle has not been inspected by a dealer nor has it been repaired. The manufacturer was not contacted. The failure mileage was approximately 145,000. Tb.