Steering Problems of Ford Windstar - part 1

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 🔎.

I pulled up to a stop sign having been traveling at less then 20 mph, and only while the vehicle is in drive but not moving, it was shaking like the motor was going to jump out of the vehicle. I assumed it was the motor mount broken and took it to the mechanic and found out it was the subframe on the front passenger had corroded and had detached from the frame . I need it repaired but I don't know where to begin. Was told that there is a active recalls on this part. .

See all problems of the 2001 Ford Windstar 🔎.

Driver was stalking a pedestrian.

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.

When driving my muffler broke loose and was dragging on the ground. My axel creaks when I stop or sit idle at a light. When several miles from home my ignition cylinder came out. I couldn't start or turn the ignition on nor operate the steering. I'm now afraid to drive my vehicle. Since acquiring it. I've put a lot of money into repairs. In addition to purchasing this vehicle, I've spent well over $2,000 in repairs. Once I learned of the recall and viewed the risks (video) of the dangers I became grossly disturbed by what I am facing at the thought of driving. I have contacted 4 Ford service centers and none of them contacted back regarding fixing my 'recall'. I need help!! I have a disability and now I don't have transportation besides this car. How come no one is returning my calls? I am stranded at my home knowing that my safety is at risk. I would like to get my issue remedied with a $4,999. 00 reimbursement for this vehicle ASAP so I may invest in getting a safer one. Please give me a dealership address here in los angeles so I can have the vehicle towed there and be done with it. I no longer want a vehicle that I can not drive nor can get my 'recalls' remedied. Your attention to this matter is greatly appreciated.

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

My front cradle at steering area has completely rusted into from ac leak and road salt van was sold in vermont now is located in virginia unsafe almost undrivable to Ford dealer for a rear axle recall for axle braces please investigate this.

See all problems of the 1998 Ford Windstar 🔎.

My tires wiggle when driving like they are about to come off.

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).

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.

Tl the contact owns a 2003 Ford Windstar. While driving 40 mph down a hill, the brake pedal was applied, but was stiff and failed to respond. Also, while attempting to make a right turn, the steering pulled towards the left. The vehicle was towed to the contact's residence. The local dealer was not contacted. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was notified and opened case number: cas14205849. The failure mileage was approximately 103,000.

I had the rear axle replaced by the recall, and which I paid $300 for the work. The axle now does not align properly and I have been told that shims are required. Without them the rear axle eats my tires. Ford has a policy to my understanding that new parts installed by Ford have a lifetime warranty. I believe that Ford should fix or pay for this work so as to make my van safe, why should I have to repair an axle that was just replaced less then 10000 miles ago.

See all problems of the 1999 Ford Windstar 🔎.

I replaced the control arms about 25,000 miles ago and they are shocked already and I only drive on the road no offroad and that will be the third set we put in to this van since we had it at 108,000 miles brand new parts were put in if you guys don't do anything of a free replacement on it my wife and I will never buy another Ford again you could hear the ball joint on at one in the go.

I watched last night as my wife and kids were coming home on the parkway, the rear axel snapped in. Two and both tires just dangeling basically,we had a blow out also managed to get the2000 Ford Windstar lx off of the main road where I had to call several to companies and no one with a wrecker was able to help, so I called a toe company with a roll back, to get our van home then I found out abt the complaint hotline and the recalls after my wife and kids could have been killed, the vehicle was going straight,and the speedlimet wich was 45 mph, when the axel just snapped in two pieces, and out of control she managed to slow down, my kids are 1 and 2, we want reinbursement for the van and the tow bill as this is a manufacturer defect.

See all problems of the 2000 Ford Windstar 🔎.

This vehicle was serviced at 102,654 miles, in March-April of 2011 by koons Ford of maryland, (invoice#w70829, dated may 5, 2011) in response to Ford recall, related to "broken front subframe" and "collapsing rear axle". --front subframe was, at that time, broken on the right side, due to rusting. Replacement was not done, instead it was patched via a bolted together "clamshell" reinforcing device. It now has become apparent that after using the vehicle after this initial frame separation, the metal of the left side was unduly stressed, and has now broken at its weldment point, resulting in an unsafe vehicle, that swerves to the left, if brakes are applied while in motion on the street or other roadway. Wheels are no longer kept in alignment, with left front wheel free to move to the front or rear, in response to applied stress! this subframe failure affected many such vehicles, and it has become evident that inspection and repair was inadequate, resulting in a new, unsafe condition! (subframe should have been replaced, due to stress!)-photos are attached, showing displaced frame, and separated weld joint.

My complaint involves a recall that was said to have been completed and closed but upon further findings show that the work was never done. This involves the recall: NHTSA reference #11v030000. I filed a complaint with Ford motor company through certified mail on July 26, 2017 and was received and signed for on July 28, 2017. I have not heard back from the company since I filed the complaint. I bought this vehicle in oct of 2016 and put it in storage for the winter. I didn't discovery the problem until I took it out of storage in April 2017. That is when I took it to a local service garage to find out what the problem was. Subsequently, I learned that there had been a recall for this problem back in 2011 and supposedly, it had been fixed by a Ford motor company dealership - jack madden Ford in norwood, massachusetts. I took the car to a local Ford dealership here in michigan where I reside. And upon inspection they determined that the problem had never been fixed. My bottom line in all of this is that I would like to have the vehicle fixed by Ford motor company in accordance with the recall. I have upload an estimate for the repair from my local service garage. I would appreciate a timely response with regard to this complaint thank-you, kirk m. Raiche.

Took my van to Ford because a radiator hose came off, $350 for part of a hose clamp. While there had the 3rd rear axle safety recall inspection, I don't think they did it, told me my van was a 16 year old junker not worth fixing. Replacement of non-structural steel rear axle was again offered for $300. I want the axle I paid for when I bought the van new, structural steel that meets safety and legal requirements, installed at no additional cost. How is it legal to allow these unsafe axles? your site info is incorrect on this, the "safety brackets" do not keep the defective axles from breaking, they are to keep the wheels, when the axle does crack, from cantering out and jamming in the wheel wells, causing absolute total loss of vehicle control. Not acceptable. Replace axle. A number of recalls listed here were not sent or performed. In addition, after the first axle recall 6-8 years ago, I tried to trade the Ford credit purchased vehicle in on a new 40k Ford SUV, they offered me half of bluebook value, indicating Ford's knowledge of the vehicles defects, and poor value. This recall, dealer told me my 16 year old van was junk and not worth fixing, charged $350 for part of a radiator hose clamp, got wrong part and stuck me with 4 extra days car rental at $250. After arguing with bredemann Ford for 3 hours in 3 offices, they handed me a stack of invoices and pointed me to my van with the keys in and engine running. Manager called the next day and accused me of theft, threatening police action. I paid him by phone an called my attorney. I will sue these creeps.

The contact owns a 2003 Ford Windstar. The contact stated that while in park, the steering wheel seized. As a result, the contact was unable to steer the vehicle. The vehicle was towed to an independent mechanic who diagnosed that the engine cradle had corroded and needed to be replaced. The mechanic also stated that the cradle was previously glued. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The failure mileage was 121,000.

I recently had my Windstar front end worked on by a local Ford dealer, who was supposed to take care of all recall issues. They did a crappy job of that and now the vehicle is sitting my driveway with the axle snapped in half. Had it towed to my home when it broke on the highway. This is not a safe vehicle and we were very lucky no-one got hurt.

I came up to a stop sign, the entire front axle broke off the frame, I lost steering, brakes, had to slam it into park to stop. I ended up across the road. There was a recall in 2011 for the axle mount and Ford decided it only needed a coating on it, 5 seconds later we would of been on the highway and killed. I emailed Ford and they said the recall was still open, the Ford dealer never closed it, so they won't help me. That is bull, the coated it and forgot to close it out, thats their fault, I can take pics if you want them.

Vehicle currently at the dealership for more than two months awaiting from Ford customer relationship center to resolve the issue as the dealer wont fix the corroded sub frame instead they want the crc dept send the parts to them, according to crc dept they escalated the issue to the second level but no action until now has been taken. . . I feel that they're ignoring my request or has been sitting there without taking any action. We almost died on this as the passenger side wheel fell off. . I'm trying my luck if you can help us to resolve the issue with them. . . Thanks danilo zanoria-owner.

Leaving parking lot at work my car fully accelerated, lost steering and crashed into steel post. Inspection revealed both rear engine cradle mounts were completely rusted through causing rear engine cradle to drag on the ground. Which caused loss of steering, full throttle and crashed right front of vehicle.

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.

My wife was driving her van when she heard a clunk. She was traveling at 25mph on a state road. Upon inspection we found the front subframe broke where the front sway bar connects. Research found a recall, but my VIN was not part of it. Ford corporate told me I was on my own to have it fixed. This is an outrage. They should be taking care of this problem. What do I do next?.

Too make a long story short. I had about three recall on my Ford Windstar and now my whole van shut down on me. My computer I guess got it on auto theft lock and I can't even turn over now. It's just sitting in my parking lot just helpless. I have another recall but I cant take it to the Ford dealership because I cant turn over. Oh yea. It kept cutting off while im driving,don't let me stop at a light it will cut off on me there alot. It does that alot. I bought it from a car lot but he doesn't want to do anything about it. So I lost out of my money. When I turn it also cut off.

After noticing wobbling of my back tire driving my daughter home from school my father looked at me vehicle to not only see that my rear axel had cracked (in process of insepction for recall repair on that) but also notuce the the front sub frame is rusting so much that everything attached to it is starting to detach.

The subframe in the front had cracked after having the repair/recall done by Ford. This is the passenger side, right by the mount to the body.

This vehicle has shut off on me while driving several times. During the latest event which occurred while going approximately 30 mph and the minivan just shuts off without warning. There is not a stalling warning or anything. All lights appear on the dash and it is very difficult to steer the van when it happens. In order to get the vehicle to restart you have to turn it off with the key and then start it up again. I have investigated this problem online and there are many, many people complaining of this. I'm very surprised to see that a recall has not be made. With most of the complaints I've seen online many of the mechanics do not seem to know what the problem is. It's scary to see that many of us are complaining of the same thing. During some of the other incidents it also seemed to happen during lower speeds such as 5 or 10 mph however twice it happened going higher speeds, once at 25 mph and the other at 30 mph. Thank you for checking into this.

The subframe rusted & sway bar ancor bracket broke lose. I was able to weild it back on. I noticed the sub frame had a rust hole in it between the the repairs done by Ford recall 11s16 afew years ago. I called Ford motor company ,was told my van was to old & to many miles on it. I got recall for the rear axel [15s27] took to local dealer and asked about front subframe. They told me it was up to Ford .

Between my March 2015 oil change and my July 30 2015 oil change the control arms broke and completely ruined a tire all the way around the tire. Chewed it up very badly putting me at risk for an accident from a blow out or loss of control. I don't know exactly when the problem occurred. The problem was found by the shop at the oil change. I am finding online where there is much concern about the control arms on these vehicles. Both front lower control arms were replaced by the shop. The brought one of the tires into the lobby for me to see and it was absolutely chewed up all the way around the tire. It is a wonder I did not have an accident.

Rear axel cracked after period of time resulting in blow out tire in a parking lot. After researching this online, I have found Ford recalled this same van for this same problem but did not in our state although the recall was due to states with weather like snow, ice, salt, etc which caused said issue. Why wouldnt nebraska be included in this since its nebraska and its snowy alot? luckily we were in a parking lot, we were not driving at high rate of speed down highway like I saw while researching this online which a man was killed who had this happen. I have found that this seems to be a very dangerous and tragic mistake made by Ford and now my van sits in a parking lot with no way for me to get it to a shop to get a repair made even if I did have the funds to do this. At least I would want my van in my driveway, not in a grocery store parking lot with no means of getting it home, besides the fact that being a woman, I would have kept driving it not knowing and could have been in a serious accident such as ones I have seen since looking into this issue. I have taken photos of cracked axel in rear and also front due to weather and climate and found the court papers saying which states were included in this recall, yet nebraska not one of them? makes no sense. So do I go and drive it home anyways and just hope we dont die in the process. . Or do I let it sit in a shady part of town parking lot forever? being a single mother of 3, I would have thought Ford might see the all the news about this and have done more to prevent so many incidents, one of which someone died. The court papers indicated that they knew about it 10 years before recall. I noticed the van drove rough over bumps recently, but thought maybe it was shocks, until I found my tire not just flat, but looking as if it was slashed in the parking lot because it literally blew up.

We wish to be contacted and have multiple issues to report. (1) odi request for information regarding engineering analysis ea10-007 sub frame and (2) issues of compliance with safety recall procedures and what we believe to be fraudulent and illegal actions. Space is inadequate but will try to summarize. Vehicle subframe failed at both passenger and driver side rear mounts and thereby caused separation of the steering components and complete loss of steering, loss of brakes, and loss of transmission control. The owner used the only means available to stop the vehicle by turning off the ignition key and 'riding it out. ' subframe components and the engine/transmission had been in contact with pavement. Large portions of the subframe appear to be missing from the vehicle. The exhaust system was severed. The transmission linkage pulled away and as stated the steering components separated. What is believed to be the air bag cable became wrapped around the steering components. Vehicle was towed to a dealership which refuses to inspect, disclose, photograph, or allow to be photographed the massive damage while declaring the vehicle "repairable" and the "repairs have to be done. " at issue are declarations that under the recall that "responsibility" rests with the owner and a "right to deny coverage. " a demand that repairs be scheduled or the vehicle be towed from the car lot with a demand that a document be signed which amounts to a release and complete misrepresentation of the facts. The dealership has been told that we will lend no truth or validity to their forceful and manipulative demands, nor will we sign any document. It is our intent to destroy the vehicle. We have incurred multiple out of pocket expenses. In essence fraud and illegal acts, under the color of federal law are alleged. We desire to submit a written statement and request for investigation.

Car swaying almost lost control took to belle tire found cracklin in axle.

Total sudden loss of steering the car went off the road totally out of control. No notification of recall subframe collapse. Entire steering parts destroyed and coolant leaked from engine this is incredible that no one was injured I was about to get on the highway!!!.

Our van has a rusting subframe. We brought it in to a mechanic because of a scraping sound we heard when making sharp right-hand turns, especially when driving down an incline. The mechanic told us of a potential recall on a rusting subframe so we brought it into a Ford dealership. They refused to take responsibility of the subframe at their cost.