Three problems related to steering rack and pinion have been reported for the 2003 Ford Windstar. The most recently reported issues are listed below. Please also check out the statistics and reliability analysis of the 2003 Ford Windstar based on all problems reported for the 2003 Windstar.
The contact owns a 2003 Ford Windstar. While driving various speeds, there was a noise underneath the vehicle. In addition, the steering wheel became loose and the contact had to steer the vehicle in excess to keep it in position. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic who diagnosed that the cradle fractured due to corrosion and the rack and pinion was protruding through the fractured site. The mechanic stated that the cradle needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was 273,000.
The contact owns a 2003 Ford Windstar. While driving 20 mph, the power steering failed. There were no warning indicators illuminated. The contact took the vehicle to a local garage and the mechanic stated that the rack and pinion needed to be replaced. The vehicle was repaired. The manufacturer was notified. The contact was seeking reimbursement for out of pocket expenses. The failure mileage was 130,000.
Power steering went out in January 2005. From Jan 05 - may 05 rack and pinion has been replaced a total of 3 times.