Structure Problems of Ford Windstar - part 1

The contact’s son owns a 2003 Ford Windstar. The contact received notification of NHTSA campaign number: 11v030000 (structure). The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, there was an abnormal sound coming from the rear of the vehicle. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic, where it was diagnosed that the exhaust pipe was punctured. The contact was advised that the front subframe was severely corroded; however, the dealer informed the contact that the vehicle would not be repaired due to the corrosion. The vehicle was not repaired. The contact parked the vehicle and the vehicle was no longer driven due to the safety concerns. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was unknown.

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The contact owns a 2001 Ford Windstar. The contact stated while driving at various speeds and depressing the brake pedal, the front end of the vehicle made abnormal sounds. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic, where it was diagnosed that there was a fracture due to corrosion on the front sub frame. The mechanic related the failure to NHTSA campaign number: 11v030000 (structure). The vehicle was not repaired. The dealer was notified of the failure and informed the contact that the VIN was not included in the recall. The manufacturer was notified of the failure and referred the contact to the NHTSA hotline for assistance. The failure mileage was approximately 55,000.

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The contact's husband owns a 2001 Ford Windstar. The contact stated that while in reverse, she heard an abnormal noise. No warning lights were illuminated. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic where it was diagnosed that the control arm was cracked. The contact was then informed by the mechanic of the NHTSA campaign number: 11v03000 (structure). The dealer was notified of the failure and the contact was informed that no recall was affiliated with the VIN. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacture was not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 70,000.

The contact owns a 2002 Ford Windstar. The contact received notification of NHTSA campaign number: 10v385000 (suspension) and 11v030000 (structure) however, the parts to do the recall repairs were not yet available. The local dealer was not contacted. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The manufacturer was made aware of the issue. The contact stated that the subframe was severely corroded. The failure mileage 59,839.

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The contact’s son owns a 2003 Ford Windstar. The contact stated while her son was driving at 10 mph and making a turn into a parking lot, the vehicle stopped as the rear tires caved in. The contact was able to park the vehicle. The vehicle was towed to the dealer where it was diagnosed that the rear axle was fractured. The manufacturer was notified of the failure and advised the contact that they would cover the repair. However, the dealer informed the contact that they could not repair the vehicle as the subframe was severely corroded. The dealer also informed the contact that the vehicle was previously repaired under NHTSA campaign number: 11v030000 (structure) in 2011. The vehicle was not repaired. The vehicle was towed to the contact’s residence. The failure mileage was approximately 150,000. 0.

The contact owns a 2001 Ford Windstar. While stationary, the contact noticed that the front engine cradle of the vehicle was severely rusted and corroded. The contact stated that there were holes in the engine cradle. Matthews Ford oregon in oregon, ohio was made aware of the failure and stated that there was no recall. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure and referred the contact to NHTSA. The failure mileage was 190,000.

The contact owns a 2002 Ford Windstar. While driving approximately 25 mph, the front frame fractured or was rusted, which caused the passenger side wheel to detach from the vehicle. The vehicle was towed to an auto repair garage. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The VIN was included in NHTSA campaign number: 09v385000 (suspension). The manufacturer was made aware of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 81,000.

The contact owns a 2003 Ford Windstar. While driving 65 mph, the vehicle independently veered to the left. The contact was able to stop the vehicle. The vehicle was taken to the dealer where it was diagnosed that the subframe was corroded and needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 129,000.

The contact owns a 2001 Ford Windstar. The contact stated that the front subframe was severely corroded and an abnormal noise was heard from the front passenger wheel. The vehicle was taken to the dealer where it was confirmed that the vehicle was severely corroded and was previously inspected per NHTSA campaign number: 11v030000 (structure). The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 146,000.

The contact owns a 2000 Ford Windstar. While driving approximately 10 mph, there was an abnormal noise coming from the rear driver side wheel. Upon inspection, the contact noticed that the wheel was tilted inward. The contact also stated that the frame of the vehicle was severely corroded. The vehicle was taken to the dealer where it was not diagnosed or repaired. The VIN was included in NHTSA campaign number: 15v080000 (suspension). The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The VIN and failure mileage were not available.

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The contact owns a 2003 Ford Windstar. The contact stated that while driving approximately 40 mph, the front axle fractured and resulted in the detachment of the front driver's side wheel. The vehicle was towed to the contact¿s residence. There was a recall related to the defect under NHTSA campaign id number 12v194000 (suspension). The dealer was contacted but refused to repair the vehicle for an unknown reason. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the problem. The approximate failure mileage was unavailable. Updated 04/22/14 MA.

The contact owns a 2001 Ford Windstar. The contact stated that while driving approximately 15 mph, the steering wheel became difficult to maneuver. The steering wheel then independently turned in a complete circle. The sub frame detached from the vehicle and dropped to the ground. The vehicle was towed to an authorized dealer and repaired under NHTSA campaign id number: 11v030000 (structure). The dealer refused to replace the other components that were damaged as a result of the failure. The affected parts were the clock spring, exhaust flex pipe, power steering belt and transmission bracket, which had not been repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the problem. The approximate failure mileage was 95,000. Updated 12/4/cn.

The contact owns a 2000 Ford Windstar. The contact stated that while driving 60 mph, the vehicle shook. The contact also stated that the vehicle was previously repaired under NHTSA campaign id number 11v030000 (structure). The vehicle was moved to the shoulder where the rear axle fractured and the wheel separated from the vehicle. The vehicle was towed to an independent mechanic where the contact was informed that the axle needed to be replaced due to a failed reinforcement plate. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was contacted and offered no assistance. The failure and current mileages were 146,000.

The contact owns a 1998 Ford Windstar. The contact stated there was a large hole in the sub frame and engine cradle. The manufacturer issued a recall under NHTSA campaign id number 11v030000 (structure) pertaining to 1999-2003 Windstar model year vehicles. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the defect. The approximate failure mileage was 85,000. . . Updated 12-30-13 updated 01/09/lj updated 01/13/14.

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The contact owns a 2001 Ford Windstar. The contact received notification of NHTSA campaign id number: 11v030000 (structure: frame and members:underbody shields) and took the vehicle to the dealer for recall service. The contact stated that unbeknownst to him, the recall repair was not fully completed and the vehicle was still unsafe to drive due to the sub-frame being completely rusted. The president of the company and the board of directors were informed of the failure. A letter was mailed to the contact advising that they would not assist with the repair. The vehicle was not repaired. The failure and current mileage was 85,000. The consumer stated the dealer repaired only part of the front sub-frame, they did not replace it. The consumer later learned Ford's instruction was to perform cosmetic repair of the corrosive damage on the front sub-frame. Six months later, when the consumer took the vehicle to a local service station for an oil change, he was informed the sub-frame mount was completely rotted out. The consumer was informed by letter, after writing to Ford, they would not honor any new repairs. Updated 02/11/13.

The contact owns a 1998 Ford Windstar. The contact stated that the engine mount fractured due to rust, causing the steering wheel and passenger tire to turn at an abnormal angle. A local mechanic diagnosed that the engine mount would need to be replaced. Neither the dealer nor manufacturer was made aware of the failure and the vehicle was not repaired. The failure and current mileage was 115,000. The VIN was unavailable.

The contact owns a 2002 Ford Windstar. The contact stated the vehicle was repaired under NHTSA campaign id numbers: 10v385000 (suspension:rear:axle:non-powered axle assembly) and 11v030000 (structure: frame and members:underbody shields). Upon receiving the vehicle from the authorized dealer, the vehicle began to shake violently when driving at various speeds. The contact would also hear rattling and banging noises. The vehicle was taken back to the authorized dealer where the contact was informed that a bracket on the frame was hanging off and the piping was still corroded. The vehicle was not further repaired. The failure mileage was 140,000. The VIN was unavailable.

Tl-the contact owns a 1998 Ford Windstar. The contact stated the vehicle was being inspected by an independent repair shop when she was informed the engine cross member and sub frame were severely corroded and cracked. The vehicle was then taken to an authorized dealer where the contact was informed the vehicle was not included in the recall associated with NHTSA campaign id number 10v385000 (suspension:rear:axle:non-powered axle assembly). The vehicle was not repaired. The failure and current mileages were 52,560. Sm.

The contact owns a 2000 Ford Windstar. The contact stated that NHTSA campaign id 11v030000 structure frame and members under body shields, and NHTSA campaign id 10v385000 suspension rear axle non powered axle assembly were performed on the vehicle and were completed on April 4, 2011. After the repair, the vehicles front end made a rubbing sound while attempting to park. The dealer stated a diagnostic test would need to be performed. The vehicle was not repaired. The failure and the current miles were 94,000.

I have a 2001 Ford Windstar that was serviced for the safety recall 11s16,(11v030000 NHTSA campaign number) 04/11/2011. My vehicle was grounded do to significant subframe rot but it was deemed repairable by Ford. On February 2, 2013 I noticed a 2 inch long crack/perforation on the top part of the sub-frame where the repair bracket was attached when I was rotating the tires. I took it back to the Ford dealership and they said they were unable to help because it was repaired once and they wont pay to have it repaired again. Im not sure if they missed this the first time it was fixed or what. I do know that according to Ford's specs for determining if a subframe is repairable or not this crack would deem in non-repairable because its within the 2 inch mark from the tooling hole. Now im just waiting for the subframe to completely crack while im driving down the road. The repair bracket that was supposed to solve the problem to begin with will not hold the subframe together if it completely cracks at the spot at which its located in. I also believe that due to downward force on the subframe body mount and the fact where the u shaped bracket is sitting on the subframe that holds the bracket on the subframe, it is acting like a fulcrum point where the subframe is bending and cracking.

Ford Windstar was recalled for rear axles. I had that repaired. I got another recall for the front axels. Dealer says parts not available and van "should be okay" until parts are avaible. "should be okay" is not acceptable!! if there is a recall, the part should be available at the time of the recall, not weeks or months later.

Tl. Steering problem 1999 Ford Windstar comments: dear NHTSA, I have a vechicle safty concern probable loss of steering control on Ford Windstars 1999-200? below is a responce I recieved from Ford, concerning the probelm at the bottom is the detailed concern with a motor mount support plate that is rusting out on theses vechicle. The motor and front end suspension and steering is involved. This is a time bomb, the engine will drop down and you will loose steering control, most likly causing afatal accident. The repair cost in most cases will be an amount more than the value of the vechicle rust is an acceptable probability, but it should not occur in areas concerning steering. Contact wanted to use the complaint he sent in as a email. Jo.

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While accelerating from a stop light, steering control was completely lost at approximately 35mph. The vehicle turned to the left, then right, and ran off the right side of the road. It would not move in either forward or reverse. Front wheels were pointed in different directions. The right front lower control arm had broken away from the frame, and the right front half-shaft had pulled out of the transaxle. The vehicle was towed to a nearby Ford dealer. As of December 6, the dealer has not yet investigated the vehicle.

Recall # id 10s13 rear axle inspection and axel on Windstar 2001 my husband first noticed the rear axel cracked in two pieces and took the car to our mechanic who vertified the cracks and he said he never received a notice of recall on the Windstars. We received notice in October an car was due for inspection in November. The Ford dealer said it was a safety problem and we could not drive the car off the lot. Dealer said it could take three to four months to get the part and repair the Windstar. We are still waiting for the rear axel to be repaired and Ford was aware of the problem in 2002 and failure to recall earlier they still do not have parts for the Windstar. With a safety concern why the inspection stations were not aware of the recalls on the Windstars and drivers like me were driving a cracked rear axel unknown period of time.

After receiving info about the potential of a rear axle defect I brought my 2000 Ford Windstar to my local dealer. Upon inspection I was told I would not be allowed to drive my vehicle off the lot. The rear axle was cracked. I feel very fortunate that I was not in an accident or that I did not cause an accident. Ford now only wants to cover a small rental car but not a minivan. There is a reason I had a minivan! I need the seats! Ford says they understand my concern yet they offer no solution other than corporate is looking into your concern! no owner should have any out of pocket expense due to this recall. There should be a urgent letter sent to every owner of this car saying bring to a dealer immediately. The risk is too great!.

2000 Windstar 96k miles ? owned since 2002 ? just took my car in today for the brake line potentially causing fires recall and another recall, the dealership(town and country Ford, evansville, in) didn't fix either recall I took the van in for, but they told me that my rear axle was cracked ( I haven't received that recall letter yet), the thing that really is painful is that I put a new tranny in last week to the tune of $3,200, the service manager told me he would give me kbb value of $3,600, had I actually known about the recall in a timely manner, then I wouldn?t have just put a new transmission in, the dealership will not release the vehicle to me.

The front sub-frame on the right side has severe rusting and corrosion where the sub-frame meets the control arm. I took it in for inspection and was notified by the mechanic that it would not pass without replacement and was not even safe to drive out of his shop. He also said that he was surprised the car passed inspection at the Ford dealership last year. Thankfully, it was discovered before the sub-frame detached.

My family owns a 1998 Ford Windstar minivan which is already subject to the axle recall and which did suffer a completely cracked axle. We have been told by the Ford dealer that has possession of our vehicle that the front coil spring has fractured. This is despite the fact that the vehicle was previously subject to a recall that placed a cover over the coil spring. That recall only protected Ford for replacement for a period of 10 years which has expired. Also, this vehicle has been experiencing very hard steering and a front end clunking noise but no cause has been found. We feel the latest 1999 and beyond recall of brackets should also apply to our 1998 Ford Windstar as it's basically the same exact vehicle. We fear that the clunking and hard steering could be from corroded brackets which is not being relayed to us.

2001 Ford Windstar may 4, 2010, backing out of driveway, loud noise, could not drive car. Driver's side rear axle fractured, car towed to mechanic who repaired and reinforced said fracture by welding. August 2010, Ford announces recall of Windstars, issues letters to affected owners late September, 2010. Received Ford recall notice during the week of October 18, 2010. Sunday, October 31, 2010, while driving on side road (5 passengers, plus driver) same loud noise, car immobilized. Passenger side rear axle fractured. Passengers left stranded. Car towed first to residence then to dealership on Monday am. Told by dealer that car would not be repaired until January or February, 2011 (at the earliest) as no parts available.

Fractured subframe passenger side. Hard to turn right. Steering wheel off set.

I brought my Ford Windstar in to the dealers because of the rear axle recall. I had them inspect the subframe while it was on the lift, and they discovered that not only was my rear axle broken, but my subframe is separated as well. (along with the car having an exhaust leak). As much as I appreciate the repair and rental from Ford for the axle, the remaining repairs will cost me as much as the car is worth. This car has only 75000 miles on it, and is garage kept. The subframe problems need to be address by Ford immediately. This is going to get someone killed.

Engine sub-frame rotting away.

Had the front sub framed checked. It is badly rusted and found now to be unsafe and needs a new sub frame to hold front end together. We first had this van is buffalo than nebraska. We now live in florida.

Our Ford Windstar van that was manufactured in may 2003 was making a loud noise from the rear. When we took it to the dealer they said the rear axle was cracked in two places and had rust/corrosion holes in it. They said we could not drive it because it was unsafe and they could not get a replacement part until April 2011. We later find out that Ford Windstar vans from 1999 thru February 2003 have been recalled for this exact problem. Because our van was manufactured may 2003 (two months outside the recall time) they will not cover it. We now have a car we can't drive because of safety hazard and even if we wanted to pay to fix it, which we should not have to, the part is not available for seven more months leaving us without a vehicle.

2000 Ford Windstar loss of vehicle control (steering) without warning on a properly maintained vehicle. Right "a: frame detached, welds and metal pulled apart on rear tie point. This caused loss of vehicle control with no warning at 55 mph. Pulled me off the road to right, (about 10 feet) when left front tire again hit pavement I was pulled across the on coming lane - regained control and coasted partly off the road on the right. This is a part that should never fail. It is not a normally serviceable part. I could have been killed or have caused injury to someone else, luck was with me or I would not be writing this! it was on a fairly busy state route.