Body Problems of Ford Windstar - part 1

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.

See all problems of the 2002 Ford Windstar 🔎.

The rear axle on my vehicle snapped while I was driving causing me to lose control and leave the roadway. I contacted Ford who told me there was a recall for the rear axle of my vehicle and that I would have no out of pocket expenses for the repairs and the towing of the vehicle to the service center. After they set up the towing I received a message saying I had to pay $381 for the towing before they would dispatch the tow truck. I called Ford customer service and they told me that now they can't find in their notes where they told me towing was covered. After asking to speak with a supervisor and being told they're not going to transfer me because they know their supervisor can't do anything more then what they can do I was placed on hold for an hour just to be told they can't find it in their notes and then I was hung up on. I shouldn't have to pay almost $400 to have my vehicle that just had a catastrophic failure causing me to wreck towed for servic after I was lied to about the towing being covered.

See all problems of the 2003 Ford Windstar 🔎.

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.

Rear axle cracked in multiple locations causes car to sway and tires to turn inward and bald.

See all problems of the 2001 Ford Windstar 🔎.

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.

I own a 2003 Ford Windstar lx. It was at the mechanic for some repairs and he pointed out the issue with my rear axle being cracked and corroded. Which its very dangerous to keep driving like this.

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.

While I was driving on the high way my rear axle broke I safety made it to the shoulder but while doing that my tire blew and left me stranded on the high way.

See all problems of the 2000 Ford Windstar 🔎.

The rear wheel well is corroded and the corrosion is into the structure that the seat belt is mounted to and it ruined the rem(rear electronic module) there is supposed to be a recall on it but all the Ford garages say its been done but it hasn't and now I have no way to work or to take my kids anywhere and the van only has 96000 miles and we just bought it.

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

The axle was part of recall #11s16. As part of the recall the axle was patched, but the axle is now broken because the "repair" did not correct the structural flaws in the axle.

Tl- the contact owns a 2000 Ford Windstar. The contact stated that while driving at 15 mph while bearing off to the right, there was a loud metal scrapping noise detected. The contact pulled over and noticed that the rear axle fractured. The vehicle was towed to the contacts friend residence. The vehicle was not taken to a dealer or independent mechanic for a diagnostic test or repairs. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure and informed the contact that the VIN number was not included in the NHTSA campaign number :15v608000 (suspension). The failure mileage was approximately 133,000. Dr.

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.

When I received the recall about the possible axle cracking due rust I took my car in and had the brackets put on and then I received a recall the have the brackets checked which I did and they were correct. Today I took my van in for PA inspection and was told my rear axle on the drivers side had a crack in it which you could see through the opening of the bracket they installed. When I asked the mechanic if Ford was going to pay to replace it now since the bracket didn't keep it from cracking he said no. Then I asked if the bracket was strong enough to hold it so I can keep driving, he said he wouldn't trust it. I only have a 115,500 miles on it, so what I'm basically being told is the minute the recall went out I should have had them replace the axle, instead of the stupid brackets which were just band aids to placate upset owners. I only have one car so I have to drive it until I can afford to get it fixed or buy another car. I'm just one person, how many more are faced with the same situation. I only have until October when my inspection expires and I'm panicking trying to figure what I can do. Ford knew those bracket s at best just bought the owners a couple of more years before their cars could again be a highway hazard. It's still russian roulette in my opinion the axle at a minimum should be replace with a discount to the original owners.

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 2003 Ford Windstar. While driving approximately 60 mph, a clunking type noise was present coming from the subframe and the vehicle became unstable. Upon inspection, it was discovered that the front passenger side subframe mounts separated due to rusting. The cause of the rust was not determined. The vehicle was previously repaired per NHTSA campaign number: 11v030000 (structure); however, the failure continued. Toycen Ford (1000 chippewa crossing blvd, chippewa falls, WI) and the manufacturer were notified of the failure, but no assistance was offered. The failure mileage was 220,000.

Rear axle broke under the bracket Ford put on the axle for the axle recall. I was pulling out of a parking lot with my husband, 4 kids and myself when all of a sudden I heard a loud noise and my tire rubbing the wheel well. Pulled over immediately and looked under the rear end of my van and I could see the brake. Had it towed home. Called Ford and towed my van to the dealership. Paid $300 between towing bill's and a service charge just to hear Ford tell me they won't do anything to help me and make this right.

Rear axle broke under bracket that was put on by Ford for the axle recall. I was pulling out of a parking lot with my husband and 4 kids in the van when all of a sudden there was a load noise and the tire was rubbing the wheel well. I immediately pulled over, looked under the rear end and could see the brake. Had my van towed to my house. Called Ford on Monday morning and towed van to dealership. $300 between tow bill's and a Ford service charge just to have Ford tell me they won't do anything to fix my van and make this right.

Axle broke under bracket that was put on by Ford for the axle recall. I was pulling out of a parking lot with my husband and 4 kids in the van when all of a sudden there was a load noise and the tire was rubbing the wheel well. I immediately pulled over, looked under the rear end and could see the brake. Had my van towed to my house. Called Ford on Monday morning and towed van to dealership. $300 between tow bill's and a Ford service charge just to have Ford tell me they won't do anything to fix my van and make this right.

Tl- the contact owns a 2000 Ford Windstar. The contact stated that the rear axle and frame associated with the under body of the vehicle had extensive rust, corrosion and there was a crack that had progressed from the rear axle upon the contact inspecting under the vehicle. An abnormal noise was heard. The dealer lance cunningham Ford, 4101 east clinton hwy, knoxville, TN 37912, 1-(866) 591-3943 was notified of the failure however they had not scheduled an appointment yet as the contact was checking with the manufacturer to determine the technical guidelines for a permanent fix. The vehicle was unable to be safely driven due to the failure. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 158,000. Dyd.

This is due to a recall. The rear axle and subframe snapped and Ford is not honoring fixing it even though it happened at the repair site of recall.

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.

1. Rear axle fractured severely & broke making the car un-drivable on 24 Jan 2019 while in motion driving in city traffic. Ford put braces on this vehicle under recall# 10s13, but they failed to prevent further corrosion and metal fatigue. The axle was a bad engineering design from the drawing board combined with not e-coating the metal during manufacturing to prevent corrosion of the metal due to road salt. The axle fractured next to the brace on the driver side as shown in the 4 images below. I have one tow bill (flat-bed) to get the car off the downtown street to my home & will have another tow bill to transport it to where I can replace the axle. 2. Front cradle frame's mount rusted off that anchors the stabilizer bar so the stabilizer bar had to be removed. This happened several years ago. The cradle frame probable was not e-coated during manufacture either. I can take a pic and probable have the repair invoice detailing the date and the mechanic's work to remove the stabilizer bar. To fix the car will need a new front cradle frame, stabilizer bar, and possibly mount brackets.

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 2003 Ford Windstar. The contact stated that the subframe on the rear passenger door was rusted. The contact stated that when operating the sliding door falls through the rust and got stuck. The contact mentioned the only way to close the door was to pick the door up and put it back on the door track so that it can close. The vehicle taken to fair oaks Ford inc. 1351 e ogden Ave, (630) 357-7100 where the contact was informed that the door had a rust hole through the frame. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was 12,595. Dr.

This van was recalled for known issues with the rear axle corroding. This recall involved installing support brackets on the axle. The axle has now cracked almost all the way through next to the bracket. This happened while going over a speed bump slowly. From my research online, this seems to be a common issue with the repair that was issued in this recall.

I was driving and heard a thud. When I hit the brakes there was a grinding noise. The tire than becamed slant and the steering wheel is cocked to one side.

See all problems of the 1999 Ford Windstar 🔎.

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).

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.

Hello I was driving my 2003 Ford Windstar minivan. I purchased around March 2016 I was taking my kids to school when the rear axel broke. I looked under and it looks like Ford put enforcement brackets on it but it is broke at one of the brackets . Thankfully I was able to keep control of my vehicle. 20 minutes later I would've been on the freeway. One man has already lost his life from the same thing with this vehicle. I have a lady from Ford offering to give me any information she has because it is not right and there is things she has that I cannot find. I looked up my year on the vehicle and what was wrong and realized there are thousands of people with the same problem. Not only that there has been three recalls since 2010 for the same thing. Ford put brackets on to fix the first problem instead of just fixing the problem. That explains my brackets. Ford realized the brackets wasn't working so in 2015 offered to replace them for 300 dollars. Even though it was there fault. But that expired in Dec 2015. I purchased the car around February March 2016. The problem is if its happening with so many Windstar's why not fix the problem in the beginning instead of patching it and taking the easy way out. I'm sure the mans family and kids that lost there loved ones wish this would've been taken care of the right way. I was on the phone all day Thursday with Ford there not offering to help at all. There telling me it will be over 1,000 dollars to fix it. So we almost lost our lives someone could've died thankfully were okay. We have no vehicle the stress of getting kids to school and work and what we are going to do. I have 5 children plus 2 I have taken legal custody of from children services there is no way I can pay that. All because Ford didn't want to fix it right and just replace it the first time around. How does a safety recall ever expire.

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.

Front left sub frame by the motor mount is rusted through. Passenger side is fine. Concerned this could break which could cause the vehicle to loose control at highway speeds.

Sub frame.

The contact owns a 1999 Ford Windstar. The contact stated that the subframe was cracked. The vehicle was taken to a local dealer (manderbach Ford, 4450 5th street hwy, temple, PA 19560) where it was diagnosed that the frame was stressed. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the issue and advised the contact to take the vehicle to the dealer. The VIN was unknown. The failure mileage was 108,000.