Front Suspension Control Arm problems of the 2002 Ford Windstar

Ford rear axle recall. Received a recall letter for an inspection of the rear axle , which failed. The dealer found another recall about a front control arm, which they fixed. The rear axle was at my expense. The axle had the brackets installed, but improperly. I was told that the car was unsafe to drive, that the axle could break at any time. I'm on disability and can't afford to replace an axle that should be replaced by Ford. I also can't afford to buy another vehicle! I have to drive regardless of this issue!.

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).

Complete deteriation of the front left and right sub frame attaching to the lower control arm attachments at the rear of subframe holding the rack and pinion assembly. This steel is flaking and appears to have laminte separations (looks like flakey pie crust). Cannot get a mechanic to replace leaking rack and pinion assembly due to the poor condition that will leave no material when it breaks off.

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.

I lost control on the highway I was driving I hit a pothole and my car wen its own way I waa ciming home from the hospital from just giving birth two day earlier and I keeo hearing a weird noise so I took my car to the shop and they said it was the lower control arm.

My parents had recall 11s16 performed on their Windstar on March 20th 2012. A vibration had been felt since Jan of 2013. They had new tires installed and balanced. Problem persisted. I removed both front rims and inspected suspension. Passenger side lower control arm nut missing from bolt. Grade 10. 9 metric bolt loose and partially backed out, unbelievably, washer still sitting on frame. Inspected drivers side of vehicle and problem becomes apparent. Multiple washers are stacked under head of bolt and under nut making full thread engagement impossible. Multiple phone calls to Ford and dealership. The dealership is adamant that instructions stipulate "multiple shims" must be used, "up to six depending". A "gauge" is used during the install process. I request a copy of installation instructions but dealership says they don't have any. I request the same from corporate Ford but they don't have any??!!?? how does Ford perform the repairs from "instructions stipulating" and use "up to six shims" and then "gauge" if they do not possess instructions??!!?? possible fixes: remove washer from under the head of the bolt but still use the one under the nut, use a lower height nut, use a longer bolt. All possible fixes make the repair much safer. Ford refuses all suggestions and puts my family back on the road and at risk. Multiple photos of properly repaired control arm kits are on the internet and all show proper thread engagement of the nut on the bolt. To keep my family safe should I do the repairs myself or do I put myself at legal risk?.

The contact owns a 2002 Ford Windstar. The contact stated that while driving 5 mph, the front passenger side wheel became detached from the vehicle. The vehicle was towed to an independent mechanic for diagnosis and the contact was informed that the bolt that connects the lower control arm to the front end cradle had become rusted. The contact was informed of NHTSA campaign number: 12v194000 (suspension). The dealer was notified and stated that the recall repair had already been done two years prior. The manufacturer was notified but offered no assistance. The vehicle had not been repaired. The failure and current mileage was 74,000.

To whom it may concern, I am seriously concerned about this vehicle and the way I am treated by Ford motors. The car suddenly while driving on highway came to a complete stop and almost flipped. Thank god that injuries were not that serious but the car is now total loss. After taking the car to private mechanics, it was determined that subframe broke and the axles, control arms all broke. It was then discovered that this was part of a recall. Car was towed to Ford motors dealership. A request has been made to provide me with safety report on the vehicle. Ford and its dealership forced me out of their dealership and kicked me out. The car is their for months and I have been sending Ford online messages via email and phone but they are not willing to buy the car or give me its value nor fix the car. I have been without a car for more than 4 months now and Ford is not doing the least to even trade the car for another one. I am seriously disappointed.