47 problems related to steering have been reported for the 2001 Ford Windstar. The most recently reported issues are listed below. Please also check out the statistics and reliability analysis of the 2001 Ford Windstar based on all problems reported for the 2001 Windstar.
Vehicle is no longer drivable & is sitting at a Ford dealership service lot. Incident occurred on Tuesday, January 25, 2011 at approximately 4:30pm. Vehicle front subframe cracked and passenger side tire separated from car while driving resulting in loss of control of vehicle. Car would not steer or move, could not be pushed out of traffic.
After making a right hand turn heard a thump noise. When trying to complete the turn and straighten out the wheel,the car jumped to the left and ended up in the middle of a two laned road. After having vehicle towed to shop was informed that front subframe had rusted out, causing axle to disengage from front right tire rendering vehicle inoperable. Could not push vehicle to side of road. Had to wait for police vehicle to push to side of road.
I have a Ford Windstar 2001 Mini van and I live in new york state. On December 7th, 2010, as I was pulling left into a parking space I heard a loud cracking sound. (at first I thought I had rolled over a very large piece of ice) I again proceeded to pull in, but my car would not move. (engine was still on) I got out and found 3 of my tires facing left and 1 facing right. I called aaa and was preparing to have it towed to a mechanic. When the driver/mechanic from aaa, informed me that the lower control arm (drive arm) had tore away from the main frame (front axel) at the front of the car, and had tore away all of the driving mechanisms and would need a welder first , not a mechanic . So I had him take it to a local welder. He was able to find some clean metal to weld it back on and then recommended I take it to a mechanic to finish up with everything else that was needed. The mechanic told me that it would need a cv joint and the linkage for the transmission in order to have it working again. I have never had any issues with the engine, or transmission prior to this day. And the car has very little rust on it's body. So I would have never thought to look underneath for any. And because it was always maintained well, a mechanic was hardly ever under her to see if there was any possible damage either. She has less than 75,000 miles on her so I never expected this to occur. I have filed a report with Ford after the incident but all they could say was thank you and they'll make a not of it. And that the rear axel was on recall. . . . But if that was the case, why not the front axel too???.
2001 Ford Windstar 280,000 miles ne OH 10-11-10. Right side lower control arm separated from frame. 65 mph from left lane crossed 3 lanes rush hour traffic. No warning signs somehow no collision. Axle pulled from transmission. Replaced: tire, axle, boots. Frame shop reinforced and straight frame, aligned front end. Repair damaged transmission cooling lines and required replacement.
The front end of my 2001 Ford Windstar makes a lot of noise like it is going to fall apart. I'm afraid because my rear axle broke in 2 pieces going 65 mph on the interstate. I'm sure something is going on with my front subframe. How do we get this investigated?.
The contact owns a 2001 Ford Windstar. While driving approximately 35 mph, the steering wheel was not aligned in the correct position. The contact was able to drive the vehicle to a local mechanic who stated that the lower sub frame needed to be replaced. There were no prior warnings. The current and failure mileages were 140,000.
Failure of bracket holding upper control arm to frame on 2001 Ford Windstar with 58,000 miles on the odometer. Failure caused wheels to go their own way causing total lack of control of vehicle.
The mounting ears on the right front subframe (h-frame that all the suspension, steering , and drivetrain) that connects the lower control arm to the frame rotted off the frame allowing the passenger side tire assy. To swing out from under the vehicle causing a loss of control. Fortunately it happened when turning left at a intersection and not on the freeway. The whole front h frame has to be replaced. The vehicle is an 01 Ford Windstar with approx. 61,000 miles, always taken good care of and garage kept. Original owner never any accidents.
I started hearing a knocking -- popping noise whenever I turned the wheel. I took it to the mechanic and he said it could be the buckles in the steering rack. When I brought the van to be fixed, the mechanic stated that my problems are worse than that. The rear axle carrier is cracked and needs to be replaced and the front subframe to body is almost completely rusted through and needs to be replaced. He stated that he has seen this problem alot in 2001 Ford wnidstars with mileage over 100,000 miles. My van has 108,000 miles. I have had many problems with this van including replacing struts, steering rack, abs lights constantly on the dash. Check engine light on. All these issues have been addressed and still no resolution. I am very frustrated. This latest "mechanical" issue going to cost me way above $2000. I have always driven Ford cars/vans. I am not sure if given the opportunity, if I would buy another Ford vehicle. I am very disappointed with Ford.
The contact owns a 2001 Ford Windstar. While driving 10 mph and proceeding to a stop sign, the contact experienced a loss of steering control and the front wheels locked. The vehicle was inoperable and there were no warning indicators illuminated on the instrument panel. Roadside assistance was called to the scene and the vehicle was towed to an authorized dealer. The technician stated that the failure was related to the lower control arm brackets at the subframe. The vehicle is currently being repaired. The contact was concerned of the safety risk involved. The failure and current mileages were 64,000.
My abs light/brake light is on - started 2007- was told it would cost 1200. 00 dollars to fix it; that it was ok to use the car in this condition. 8/14/14- replaced the wheels bearings on the front right and left wheels-after the bearings / and sway bars were replace still hear a grinding noise front the right front of vehicle. Noise becomes more pronounced the longer you drive the vehicle . Also the abs/brake light is still on when you drive the car.
I ran out of gas and the steering wheel locked up on me. I was stuck in the middle of the road. I didn't know what to do. The first time it happened, my husband was in iraq. Since the steering wheel was locked, it wasn't like I could just put it in neutral and get my van out of the way. It was stuck in the middle of the road. It happened again. Luckily, my husband was back and it was by church, so I was able to get help right away. I have never owned a vehicle where the steering wheel locks up. I am going to look in to an attorney about it because what if I was on the highway and my van broke down for whatever reason, the steering wheel would lock and I would get in a wreak. What if my kids where with me. That's just not right. I have bought Ford vehicles all my life and I am telling you what, I don't know if I will ever buy another one after this. That is soooo unsafe. I have tried to call Ford twice and they have given me the run around. So I don't know! I will have to talk to legal council I guess. Who knows! I just love all the things us military have to deal with and now this!.