Front Suspension Control Arm Problems of Ford Windstar - part 1

I was driving in a 50 mph zone when I was coming to a stop the lower control arm broke free from the sub frame but I was able to keep control. Van is now useless and I only have 125k miles on it.

See all problems of the 1999 Ford Windstar 🔎.

The rear axle has cracked in the middle and I cannot drive it now. This was inspected twice under Ford recall. The first time they put brackets on the front lower control arms, and the rear axle. The second time they recalled it back to reinspect the work that had been done since they had many that were not properly inspected the first time. So , this is twice they had it inspected, and failed to see it was defective. Thus putting my life and that if my family at risk for death. Thanks Ford! after the 2nd inspection, they said it was safe, but offered to replace the axle if I wanted to pay about $500 on my own. That was suspicious in itself.

See all problems of the 2003 Ford Windstar 🔎.

Tl the contact owns a 1999 Ford Windstar. While driving approximately 50 mph, the front driver side control arm fractured and the vehicle could not be driven. The vehicle was towed to the contact's residence. The failure was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure, but no assistance was offered. The contact was informed that the VIN was not included in NHTSA campaign number: 12v194000(suspension). The contact indicated that the vehicle experienced the same failure listed in the recall. The dealer was not contacted. The failure mileage was 109,000.

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!.

See all problems of the 2002 Ford Windstar 🔎.

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).

Both front lower control arm rear attaching brackets and both body mount attachments at rear of sub frame are rusted and broken . Making a left hand turn I heard a clunking sound . Upon inspection found the above problems.

The contact owns a 2000 Ford Windstar. While driving various speeds, the vehicle experienced unintended acceleration and the abs sensor indicator remained illuminated. As a result, the vehicle failed to accelerate properly. While the vehicle was undergoing routine service, the independent mechanic also discovered that the front driver side control arm was damaged and needed to be replaced. The cause of the failures was not diagnosed. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer and local dealer were not notified. The VIN was invalid. The failure mileage was approximately 200,000.

See all problems of the 2000 Ford Windstar 🔎.

The contact owns a 2001 Ford Windstar. The contact took the vehicle to a dealer for a recall related to the lower control arm. The contact stated that the repair for the lower control arm was completed; however, the subframe was rusted. The rust was within the connection between the control arm and the subframe. The dealer determined that the rust was part of the recall repair that was completed. The recall information was not provided. The failure mileage was 140,000.

See all problems of the 2001 Ford Windstar 🔎.

Tl- the contact owns a 1999 Ford Windstar. The contact stated that while attempting to stop the vehicle a loud clanking noise was heard coming from the front of the vehicle. While inspecting the vehicle it was discovered that the driver side front control arm had separated. The cause of the failure was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was not notified. The failure mileage was 152,000.

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.

The factory recall notice required trailing axle reinforcement brackets to be installed on the rear axle. They were installed at the dealership, along with an upgrade to the front control arm mounts. The rear axle broke while driving on the highway, the speed I was travelling at was only 45 mph at the time of the break. As the axle collapsed, the rear tires began rubbing against the wheel wells. I slowed down and pulled over immediately, seeing smoke from the rear. The crack occured on the driver's side of the axle, underneath the repair bracket that was installed by Ford. ( obviosly placed over the weak/defective area. ) the vehicle had only 80,000 miles on it in may of 2011 when we obtained it, the same year the recall repair was performed. In the last 4 yearsa I drove 175,000 highway miles, have regularly washed and maintained this vehicle well, (including undercarriage washes in the winter). I've recently replaced the entire ignition system, front suspension/brake components, and rear shocks. It's a real shame that this vehicle is disabled by a weak rear axle when there's plenty of life left in the engine and transmission. With regular full synthetic oil changes, cooling and transmission flushes, new aligned front steering, I expected to get over 300,000 miles out of this van. Now I have to find a good used rear axle, but will have no faith in its durability or safety.

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.

Tl-the contact owns a 2001 Ford Windstar. The contact stated that the vehicle failed to drive or reverse. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic, who diagnosed that the front lower control arm fractured. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 130,000. Djr.

The contact owns a 2003 Ford Windstar. While the vehicle was being serviced, the mechanic discovered that the rear axle was fractured and the subframe lower control arm was corroded. The mechanic stated that the rear axle and subframe lower control arm needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer stated that the VIN was not included in NHTSA campaign number: 12v195000 (suspension) and NHTSA campaign number: 12v194000 (suspension). The failure mileage was 120,000.

While driving through an intersection I heard a loud bang underneath the car and I lost all steering control! I parked the car and called for a tow. When van was on the flatbed I observed the engine mounting had detached on both sides of the car. The engine and other components were hanging down. Had van towed home. Through my own research I found that my van was part of recall no. 11s16 for corrosion related fractures at the front lower control arm rear attaching brackets and body mount attachments at the rear of the front subframe. I was shocked that I had not been notified of this recall because I had been notified regarding recall no 11s13 for rear axle corrosion related cracking. Van was taken for inspection axle and we were told it passed and nothing else needed to be done. Had van towed again, this time to dealer. Dealer says subframe and rear axle need replaced and Ford wants to do the replacement. As a result of the frame detachment, the intermediate shaft needs replaced. There are other unknown components that may need repaired/replaced and they won't know until they do the work. The other repairs may or may not be paid for by Ford. Under Ford's own remedies, if brackets can not repair the original subframe, then a repurchase offer for the vehicle should be made. To date, Ford has refused this as a remedy. Instead, they want to replace the subframe and axle that would have to be attached to other corroded parts of the vehicle. My family's lives were already put in danger enough by these defective products. I was not notified regarding the subframe recall and the rear axle was improperly handled. The axle should have had reinforcement brackets attached even if it did pass inspection. This was not done nor were we told to bring it back in to be done. Ford should be forced to buy back my vehicle under it's own remedy instructions provided to the NHTSA.

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.

Ford dealer inspected vehicle due to recall for subframe/axle rust issue. Dealer claimed frame okay. While driving the lower control arm came detached from the frame causing crash due to rusting of mounts.

The contact owns a 2003 Ford Windstar. The contact stated that while driving at various speeds, an abnormal noise was present from the front of the vehicle. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic, who diagnosed that the front lower control arm rear attaching bracket was fractured due to rust and corrosion. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was notified and no solution was offered. The failure mileage was 80,000.

My daughter was driving the Windstar at approximately 20 mph when she heard a noise and felt something break and she was unable to steer the vehicle and she was able to get the vehicle stopped. She exited the vehicle to see if she could see what the problem was. She noticed both front wheels were pointing in different directions. This vehicle was recalled in 2011 to have brackets placed to support the subframe. The vehicle was towed to a local garage. Upon inspection it was determined that the passengers side lower control arm had pulled out of the subframe.

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?.

I have a 2003 Ford Windstar that has been owned by my family since it left the line. I was notified of a recall to the control arms in 2011 and took my vehicle to the dealer. In June 2012 I was driving home from work and had just turned on my street when I heard a loud bang and my car would barely more. When it happened I thought that my engine had hit the ground. I luckily was one house away from home( I had just gotten off the expressway traveling 70 miles an hour. ) as I limped my way into the drive way I thought that maybe I had a flat the way that my car was driving. However when I got out of the car my entire drivers side of the car was less than an inch from the ground. After having it towed to a shop I was told that my strut (spring) had jumped off the mount. I was told there was nothing wrong with the strut (spring) but that it had jumped the mount. Needless to say when Ford was contacted I was told that they were not responsible. This is very wrong given there was extentsive damage done to the control arm and it pulled the tie-rod end out of the passenger side. There were no issues with the front end and I feel that the brackets that were installed due to the recall may have shifted the strut and caused the damage. But Ford would not have anything to do with the matter .

The contact owns a 2000 Ford Windstar. The contact stated that while driving 10 mph, the front end of the vehicle began to shake. The vehicle was taken to the dealer for inspection where they stated that both of the front control arms needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The failure mileage was 160,000.

We drove to the store and realized that our rear tires were tilted. We were looking at it and a guy that worked at the garage next door climbed under and told us what it was. He said that the rear axle was broken, he also said that there had been a recall on the vehicle. I contacted our local Ford dealer and the person I spoke to told me that I was covered by the recall and that they would send out a tow truck and the would fix it. The tow truck came and a few hours later the Ford dealer called and said that I was not covered and the I would have to pay for the tow and I would have to tow it off of their lot. This happened after he already told me that I was covered. I eventually had to get a loan to pay for it and I couldn't even afford a new axle I had to get someone to weld it back together and now every couple of months it breaks again. I am now on my third fix. I was doing research on this on the internet and I found something that said that puerto rico was now covered in that recall. I was told that it was just cold weather states. I live in cleveland, ohio. Just because my car was not made here doesn't mean that I shouldn't be covered. I have already had the control arm recall kit put on and now I found out that there was another recall on the electrical equipment all of my abs lights and break lights are on. I really need this to be fixed please change the recalls to include other vehicles too.

11s16 example template, front lower control arm: see suspension and structure of vehicle. I do not see a recall that visibly includes California as a recall state. I have definitely experienced this or a similar issue. There appears to be a large scale recall and buyback program. My vehicle was positively identified for the cruise control/speed control recall and serviced at gosch Ford in hemet, CA. I experienced more issues than only that, or even than that and the above. Contact for more information. Not limited to only this recall, vehicle experienced several issues, many of which were attended to with out of pocket funds, either to prevent, or due to, mechanical breakdown/failure. Please also consider axle recall, and additional for this vehicle. I need an assessment done on my Ford 2000 Windstar lx so I may be compensated for the total costs and damages and have the vehicle replaced or completely repaired to a safe, drivable condition. (right front corner of vehicle collided with an object, part(s) failure apparent as what appears to be the front lower control arm is detached. A separation of a front lower control arm rear attaching bracket may result in a lower control arm separation. A separation of both front subframe rear body mounts may result in separation of the steering intermediate shaft. Either condition could result in significant loss of steering control, increasing the risk of a crash. Front.

Tl-the contact owns a 2000 Ford Windstar. The contact stated while driving approximately 30 mph, the front end of the vehicle began to sway continuously. The failure occurred two different times. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic who stated that the failure was contributed to the rear axle and both front control arms. The vehicle had not been repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the problem. The approximate failure mileage was 127,000. Js.

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.

The contact owns a 2001 Ford Windstar. The contact stated that while driving approximately 65 mph in snowy conditions, the vehicle began to slide and veer to the left. The contact moved the vehicle to the shoulder to inspect the vehicle and noticed that the front axle had failed and the passenger front tire was leaning inward in the wheel well. The vehicle was towed to an independent mechanic for diagnostic testing. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure and stated that the VIN was not included in NHTSA campaign id number: 12v194000 (suspension:front:control arm). The vehicle was not repaired. The approximate failure mileage was 101,000.

On Sunday July 8th, 2012 I was driving my 2001 Ford Windstar I stopped at a light and as the light changed I began driving and then heard a loud noise, my wheels began to squeel and pull all over and my van came to a complete stop in the road and would not move. . The front passenger side wheel was turned outward but my wheel was straight. Thank god I was not on an expressway or highway with all my kids in the vehicle. . I called a tow truck the driver inspected it and said something underneath the front frame had snapped off. . So today I had it towed into a Ford dealer to find out it is a new recall how can these Windstar vans have so many frame and axle issues and be safe to drive exspecially with all these brackets they are having to put on them for the recalls. . If I was on an expressway me and my son would of been hurt badly if not killed. . Not to mention if I would of hit someone else I could of injured others too. . I will never trust another Windstar with my family this is crazy. . It is the subframe front lower control arm rear attaching flages completely broke/snapped off while I was driving down a basic 40 mph road. . When it broke it messed up the underneath of my vehicle it ripped the drive shaft right out of the transmission. . And who knows what else is damaged now. . People need to know about this now before someone is seriously hurt. .

Tl- the contact owns a 1999 Ford Windstar. While parked, the contact noticed that the front driver's side of the sub frame was cracked. The vehicle was taken to the dealer for diagnostic testing. The technician advised that the engine cradle would have to be replaced. The vehicle was included and previously repaired under NHTSA campaign id number: 12v194000 (suspension:front:control arm). The manufacturer was made aware of the failure and advised the contact that any additional repairs would not be covered under the recall. The vehicle was not further repaired. The approximate failure mileage was 190,000. Kmj.

Our rear axle has sheared in half three times. The third time (after they admitted a recall) we were 40 miles from home when it broke, Ford told us there was nothing they could do since it was a Saturday. We were forced to drive it home on the interstate, as a family of 6 in a town with no rental places we had no choice. Ford put their "patch kit" on my recalled axle last year, and it failed. Now they have given me a 1992 sable as a rental while my van is in the shop. My family can't fit in it, and my children can't even fasten their seatbelts in it, and one of my children has to sit in the front seat with the airbag. They told me there's nothing they can do. My subframe is under recall, as well as the control arms and body mounts. Fords fix for this is to patch them like they did my axle, which broke. Now I am stuck with a ticking time bomb and four children. Fords bandaids for these devestating failures only buys them a few months time, and puts lives at risk. My front end clicks when I turn, my tires rubbed all the way home on the broken axle, the transmission leaks horribly, the undercarriage is rusted and rotted beyond repair, and all these admitted faulty parts are being patched and sent out the door. I dont feel safe driving my kids around in this! and im being told my choices are buy a new van at my expense, or drive this one and take a chance!!.

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.

Complete separation of the front lower control arm attaching bracket from the front sub frame on the passenger side of the vehicle. This is the same problem that is described in the NHTSA recall no. 11v030. And Ford recall no. 11s16. The dealer that inspected the vehicle said it was not covered by the recall because the vehicle was not purchased or registered in a (salt-belt) state.

While driving my 1998 Windstar @ 45mph, I lost total steering control of my vehicle and my vehicle veered into the oncoming lane of a two lane highway. I was able to regain control after turning the steering wheel approx 360 degrees to the right and managed to stop safely. After further investigation, it was found that the drivers side lower control arm bracket that is welded to the subframe broke away from the subframe due to a rusted out subframe. I've owned this vehicle for the past 8 years and never received any information from Ford regarding this safety issue as noted in the 1999-2003 Ford Windstar recall which has the same issue as my vehicle. Although Ford is not going to honor a subframe recall for my year vehicle, Ford should at least send a notification letter to inform owners of this dangerous issue. Both my wife and kids drive this vehicle, but had I at least known there was a dangerous issue with this vehicle, I would have parked it.

See all problems of the 1998 Ford Windstar 🔎.

2000 Ford Windstar: cracked rear axle and corrosion and related failures of the front sub-frame. We are writing to report a rear cracked axle and failed, damaged and corroded front sub-frame assembly of our 2000 Ford van. Ford recalled: "certain 1998-2003 model year Windstar vehicles operated in corrosion states" for cracked or broken rear axles (safety recall 10513- supplement #10); and for failed and corroded "subframe front lower control arm rear attaching flanges and rear body mount attachments. Our Ford van has both these failures and is unsafe to drive. The vehicle failed the state safety inspection due to its cracked axle. The inspector advised us the van was unsafe to drive. The koons Ford service department has inspected the van and concluded that the rear axle and front sub-frame have failed because of corrosion and both need to be replaced. The vehicle was "operated" regularly in maryland and the district of columbia, as well as driven in the winter in snow and ice conditions in high corrosion states. We were told by koons that an extension of the recall was denied by Ford because while the vehicle was operated in high corrosion states, it was not registered in a high corrosion state. Northern virginia weather is similar to official adjacent high corrosion states. The national weather service groups northern virginia with areas of maryland and DC with regard to snow fall. "sodium chloride (salt) is virginia's primary snow removal and ice control chemical". The "registration" requirement is erroneous. Consideration should be given to whether a vehicle was operated in high corrosion areas, where salt is used . Ford's letter of 1/ 26/2011 to NHTSA, states that " we are taking the action to confirm our commitment to safety and to address any potential vehicle owner concerns. " we request that the recalls be extended to our vehicle.

The contact owns a 2000 Ford Windstar. The contact stated that the vehicle was taken to an authorized dealer in October of 2010 for a recall repair associated with NHTSA campaign id number 10v385000 (suspension:rear:axle:non-powered axle assembly). Fours months later, the driver's side control arm fractured. The vehicle was towed back to the dealer for diagnosis. The contact stated that the recall remedy was insufficient and planned to notify the manufacturer regarding the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 118,000. The VIN was unavailable.