Body problems of the 2002 Ford Windstar

Axle broke on rt side just underneath the bracket that Ford installed for recall. I was only going 10mph when it happened no warning I was able to gain control and stop was towed into a shop not driveable if this seems to be a problem mine looked fine they must filled it up with expand foam I would think that would trap in more moisture but these are dangerous they should all be fixed or bought back from the customer.

The van took off without my control and the brakes stopped working and the fuel system it caused me to have two accidents within a week of each other.

The driver and passenger side sliding doors tend to not open or close correctly sometimes you have to manually pull them open or they do not completely close and you have to bump the back end of it to close right.

On Saturday August 29, 2020 I was driving in my 2002 Ford Windstar down a road that was under construction. The speed limit of the road is 35 mph and there is a current bump in the road at an asphalt elevation change. As soon as I went over the bump it was obvious that something was severely wrong with the vehicle. There was a loud "bang" and the vehicle began vibrating wildly and making severe noises. It was obvious that something significant had occurred in the rear of the vehicle. Fortunately I was able to maintain control of the vehicle and pull onto a side street shortly thereafter. I exited the vehicle and immediately noticed the rear driver-side wheel was angled into the body of the van. Upon further investigation, peering under the vehicle it was obvious that the actual cause was that the vehicle's rear axle had fractured nearly completely through (see pictures). In this condition both rear tires collapsed into the vehicle frame. Upon further investigation I discovered that there had already been recalls related to the rear axle on this vehicle. The vehicle was towed to a local Ford dealership for inspection. After the inspection, I was informed that the previous recall for the vehicle to install brackets on the axle had been performed in Dec 2010 and that they had been installed correctly. Due to this, Ford's position was that the recall was done according to specifications related to the recalls and refused to accept responsibility for this safety failure on their vehicle. I tried to contend that the intent of the recall was to prevent the axle from fracturing, which obviously their previous recall "fix" didn't appropriately accomplish. It was a frightening experience to have an axle fracture while driving my vehicle, and Ford's previous recall "fix" failed to correct the problem making the vehicle a hazard to drive.

Tl the contact owns a 2002 Ford Windstar. The contact stated that while stopped, the contact heard an unknown part detach from the vehicle. The contact stated that the steering wheel then became difficult to turn. The vehicle was towed to the residence. An independent mechanic was contacted by phone and the contact was informed that the vehicle was included in NHTSA campaign number: 10v385000 (suspension) and 11v030000 structure). The vehicle was taken to metro Ford chicago (6455 s. Western Ave, chicago, IL 60636, (773)776-7600, to have the recall repairs performed. The contact was informed that an unknown bushing needed to be replaced prior to the recall repair being performed. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 144,000.

Tl the contact owns a 2002 Ford Windstar. While driving and approaching a stop light, a loud noise occurred and the vehicle accelerated at a high speed. The contact depressed the brake pedal, but could not gain control or stop the vehicle. The steering wheel became loose and the contact quickly shifted into park. The contact powered off the engine. When the vehicle was restarted, the engine revved high. The contact powered off the engine again, exited the vehicle, opened the hood, and noticed that the serpentine belt was shredded. Also, the metal pulleys were cracked in several parts and some were missing. The contact noticed underneath the vehicle that the motor, subframe, and muffler were laying on the ground. A tow truck was called and the driver stated that the subframe gave out. The vehicle was towed to the contact's mother's residence. The vehicle was not taken to a dealer or an independent mechanic for diagnostic testing. The vehicle was not repaired. The VIN was included in NHTSA campaign number: 11v030000 (structure). The manufacturer was not notified of the failures. The approximate failure mileage was 140,000.

Tl-the contact owns a 2002 Ford Windstar . The contact stated that on Friday 02/22/19 while driving the vehicle started zig zagging and the whole rear end of the vehicle swerved and he lost control while driving at 40 mph. The contact regained control and pulled over to the side of the road. The contact was able to pull into a independent mechanic who quickly diagnosed the issue as the rear axle had rusted in half. The dealer dorian Ford 35900 gratiot Ave, clinton twp, mi 48035 (586) 792-4100 confirmed that they had inspected the vehicle and passed it on 02/09/16. The contact had taken the vehicle into the dealer back in 2016 for a recall repair for the brackets for the rear axle. The dealer referred the contact to the manufacturer who was only concerned that the vehicle was no longer covered by a warranty and they did not address anything else. The failure mileage was 113,000. Tf.

Tl-the contact owns a 2002 Ford Windstar. The contact noticed that there was water entering from the front window windshield. In addition, the trim by the front windshield and front frame on the passenger side of the vehicle was rusting. The dealer was not contacted. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 125,000. The VIN was not provided. Ak.

Tl the contact owns a 2002 Ford Windstar. While driving at an unknown speed, the rear axle fractured without warning. The vehicle was unable to be driven and was towed to beau townsend Ford Lincoln (1020 w national rd, vandalia, OH 45377, (937) 898-5841). The dealer diagnosed that the brackets failed to secure the rear axle, which then caused the rear axle to prematurely fracture. The vehicle was included in NHTSA campaign number: 15v608000 (suspension). The dealer did not repair the vehicle because the statute to receive the recall repair was expired. The dealer and the manufacturer refused to cover the recall repair. The contact was informed to replace the rear axle due to the mis-installation of the brackets. The VIN was not included in NHTSA campaign numbers: 15v608000 (suspension) and 10v385000 (suspension), and NHTSA action numbers: ea10007 (suspension and structure) and pe10006 (suspension). The failure mileage was not available.

Rh back side of subframe, is rotted/corroded so bad that the metal tore all around the subframe bushing. To where it is not being held up by the bushing on the right hand lower/back is not holding up the front subframe. . . Now, the vehicle is making a very loud popping noise when driving and turning. . . And when turning fast enough (more turning left then right) can feel whole front end jerk like its about to go the opposite way the van. . . Replaced the left front strut assembly and control arm to find out that did not solve the problem. Then after repairs and looking deeper. . Noticed right front side, sagging almost 2-4 inches lower then left front. . . That's when we noticed the subframe completely broken/rusted off from the body bushing (on the front right lower/rear bushing).

The sweigh bar links have been replaced twice. Breaks and rosters too! the tires are new with inlinement and rotation done! I have went through several sets of tires! the vehicle just doesn't drive correctly! the vehicle is also missing with no found reason and will randomly die! it feels very lose and unsafe on the road! the coil pack, plugs and plug wires replaced! all new fluids including antifreeze, break fluid, power steering fluid, oil and transmission fluid! the air filter and other filters! new fuel pump and it's still not right! break light comes on and off and emergency break isn't set nor is it low on fluid! new breaks and caliber and rotor! seriously have invested slot of money in this vehicle! also motor for windows being replaced now! gage hand will periodically go all the way to the right the after a few seconds go back to normal! this started in April of 2017 and is still continuing.

Ford had put the brackets on the rear axle. These failed. Rear axle cracked. Almost causing my family to crash into tree.

Driving on hwy 49 driving approximately 40 mph when I lost control with my children in the car. Luckily we came to a stop off the hwy. I could see my tire was almost sideways and blown. My finance picked us up and said the axle had snapped and took a picture. It is Saturday and I'm without a car. I found out this was recalled. I just want to make sure Ford will fix the issue and in a timely manner since I have no other car.

The contact owns a 2002 Ford Windstar. The contact stated that the VIN was included in NHTSA campaign number: 11v030000 (structure). The vehicle was repaired; however, the vehicle failed the annual safety inspection. The safety inspector diagnosed that the subframe and bushings fractured. The vehicle was driven to a collision shop where it was diagnosed that the subframe was cracked. The vehicle was delivered to the dealer, but not diagnosed nor repaired. The approximate failure mileage was 170,000.

Husband was going to work in early morning and had just slowed as he exited highway, went over first set of railroad tracks at speed limit, then the front end of van raised into the air about a foot then slammed down as he crossed the second set of tracks and he lost control. He had no brakes or steering and the van crashed into a curb before stopping. It narrowly missed going under a semi-truck. It took several hours to be towed to Ford dealer and missing an unpaid day of work, our insurance secured a rental car since Ford refused to do so. The 2002 Windstar had been previously repaired under the 2011 rear axle recall 10s13 and subframe 11s16 passed inspection at that time, but both appeared to have failed in this instance. This failure caused over $3000 in collateral damage to the steering and exhaust systems that Ford says will be our financial responsibility if it can even be fixed due to many parts no longer being produced. Those would need to be found through salvage or aftermarket sources. They have only offered to repair the failed subframe issue and possibly the recalled rear axle. We recently learned after this accident that there was a recall 15s27 on the prior axle recall repair for incorrectly installed brackets. We received no notification of this recall from late 2015 to have the axle fixed properly. Ford has offered to buy back the van for $1339, which appears to be substantially less than what was offered for buy backs in 2011 when the initial recall was done. Our van also had about 40,000 fewer miles on it than vans of the same age and make, based on an average of 15,000 miles a year. We have owned this van since 2002 and been at our same address for 10 years, so our lack of notification about this latest recall is unacceptable. Ford appears negligent both in dealing with a dangerous structural issue and notifying owners of recalls to fix it.

The contact owns a 2002 Ford Windstar. The contact stated that while at an inspection location, the mechanic diagnosed that the front passenger's side sub frame had fractured due to corrosion and needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The vehicle was previously repaired under NHTSA campaign number: 11v030000 (structure). The failure mileage was 40,000.

The contact owns a 2002 Ford Windstar. The contact stated that while driving at 20 mph, the steering wheel became difficult to maneuver. The vehicle had a front end alignment and other repairs performed but the failure recurred. The vehicle was taken to a dealer where it was diagnosed that the sub frame needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was 120,000.

Tl-the contact owns a 2002 Ford winstar. The contact stated that the rear axle is cracked. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was made aware of the issue. The failure mileage was 135,000.

The contact owns a 2002 Ford Windstar. In 2010, the dealer repaired the vehicle per NHTSA campaign number: 15v608000 (suspension) concerning the reinforcement brackets. While driving approximately 65 mph, the rear axle fractured and the rear driver side tire blew out. The contact was able to coast the vehicle over to the side of the road. The vehicle was towed to an independent mechanic who diagnosed that there was extensive rust and corrosion and the rear axle needed to be replaced. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 110,000.

Tl- the contact owns a 2002 Ford Windstar. The contact stated that while driving at 70 mph, the tire begun to rub the inner fender wall. The vehicle was taken to the dealer where it was diagnosed that the axle was fractured and needed to be repaired. The vehicle was serviced under NHTSA campaign number: 11v030000 (structure) but the remedy failed to repair the vehicle. The contact stated that the axle should have been replaced initially under the recall and not bracketed. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was 140,000. Wh.

They had a recall in 2011 where they put support brackets on the rear axels. Mine did have the brackets put on and right behind the bracket the axle still broke driving down the street at 40 mph where we almost hit another car with children inside her and my vehicle. Ford said the brackets are only warrantied for 12 months. These vans do not need brackets they need new axles.

When bringing my Windstar in for an alignment it was found that the subframe had rotted and cracked near the control arm. Ford had "completed" the necessary repairs to address this issue and has stated that they are not responsible for the damage to the vehicle even though it was the original reason for the recall. According to the information from the original recall Ford was supposed to replace the subframe however small brackets were added to the van instead. I do not feel that the recall was properly done by Ford.

The contact owns a 2002 Ford Windstar. The contact stated that while driving at unknown speeds, the driver hit a bump in the road and the vehicle made a cracking noise. Upon inspection, it was found that the passenger rear wheel well was damaged. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The failure mileage was 166,000.

Sliding side doors and rear wheel wells rusting from bottom up. There is a dramatic amount of rust. Worried about structural integrity of doors in case of a side-on collision. This is true for both the Windstar and freestar.

We were slowing to pull up to our home. We were driving about 10 mph. About 70 feet from our home. It sounded like there was a flat tire with rubbing and bumping noises. We parked on the street in front of our home. Upon inspecting the vehicle, the tires were intact. The tires are bowing in. We looked under the rear of the car. We saw a large crack of the rear axle closer to the driver's side of the car. Ford recalled the rear axle for this very reason 3 years ago due to corrosion caused by years of exposure to salted roads. Ford performed the recall work by placing a bracket on the axle. The brake on our axle occurred under the bracket. Ford is not assuming responsibility even though the supports they placed on the axle failed to do their job. There are other complaints this year for this same problem. The big difference between all the broken axles this year were the speed of the vehicles and type roads they were traveling on. I believe that there more out there that have had this same problem that have not been reported to this website yet. I also believe that more axles that have already received the recall fix are going to find their axles breaking in the near future as well. As for now the recall of these axles, Ford has closed the case until forced to reopen the recall. Ford should replace the entire axle on all the Windstars that were under the original recall.

Rear axle broke in half as I was turning a corner at very low speed, causing to loose control of vehicle and run off road.

Right rear wheel well body panel rotted a hole that extends into the sliding door roller area and interior to the seals of the vehicle. While this has not caused an accident, I am concerned about the integrity of the sliding door and protrusion into the passenger cabin.

The contact owns a 2002 Ford Windstar. The vehicle was included in the recall under NHTSA campaign id number: 11v030000 (structure: frame and members: underbody shields) and was repaired. After the repair, the contact heard a banging noise in the front end of the vehicle while driving approximately 35 mph. The contact inspected the vehicle and noticed that the control arm was detached from the sub frame and that the sub frame was corroded. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure and advised the contact that the repair was not covered under the recall. The vehicle was not repaired. The approximate failure mileage was 126,000.

Abs brake lights on, after research, its a common problem with faulty abs modules. Subframe is rotting out with the mounting points of the subframe peeling away. O/d light coming on intermittently, after research, common problem points back to a bad vehicle speed sensor. Mileage does not seem to be a factor. Faulty hard lines for rear heating. Multiple cracks in lines cause radiator fluid loss. Very very common problem, looked at 10-15 Windstars in pull-a-parts lot, all with faulty hard lines.

Attempted to change lanes, motorist from behind sped up, applied brakes, abs lights flashed on dash, car did not slow, pressed brakes harder and rear brakes locked up, causing me to side swipe guard rail. Abs lights and brake lights have remained on for over 2 years. Have spend thousands of dollars attempting to repair this problem, to no avail. Brakes are intermittent at best. Abs and brake lights are still on.

While driving my 2002 Ford Windstar I started to hear a grinding sound and could tell something was wrong and had to pull over. I was driving at a low speed at the time fortunately. It ended up being that the rear axel broke. The mechanic indicated it appeared to have rusted from the inside out. Thankfully this happened 2 days after a return from vacation at which time we were traveling 70+ mph on the west virginia turnpike.

The contact owns a 2002 Ford Windstar. The contact stated that while driving at speeds of 30 mph, she heard an unusual banging noise. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic where she was advised that the main beam had fractured. The mechanic performed the necessary repairs by welding the beam securely to the vehicle. The manufacturer stated that there were no recalls on her vehicle. The failure and current mileages were 119,500.

When driving my 2002 Ford Windstar Mini van on the highway we noticed a loud slamming noise from the rear causing the vehicle to lose control, swerving to the right shoulder and stalling with the tail end still in the middle of the two lane highway, as the tractor trailer behind us who was very alert nearly missed a rear end collision with our vehicle. Upon inspection of the underside of the vehicle we noticed the rear axle beam was split in two, rusted and rotted out and hanging to the ground, a tow truck was notified and the operator stared in disbelief that the axle had broken in half. This obvious defect could have cost us our lives. This defect needs to be addressed immediately before a some lives are lost as a result of the Ford Windstar rear axle beam breaking while occupants and passengers are riding in this vehicle. This incident was reported to the Ford customer service assistance center and they took the information about the vehicle and the nature of the complaint advising me to speak to a Ford service manger and for the defective vehicles broken axle to be inspected by a Ford dealer. Fords customer assistance rep advised me not to return a call to them because they have the incident on file and the Ford service manager would follow up on the complaint. Upon speaking to the Ford service manager he asked a bout the type of problem year and model of the vehicle. Being a 2002 Windstar with 153,000 miles he stated that because of the mileage and the age of the vehicle Ford would not assist me in getting this situation resolved. He also stated that the cost to repair this problem would be 5 hours labor charge @ $100. 00 per hour and the cost of the axle beam would be $500. 00 plus what ever other damages incurred. As these would be my out of pocket costs plus a $275. 00 tow charge. Needless to say how costly this event became as well as the possible worst case scenario a fatal accident could have occurred as a result of this defect. This must be addressed.