1998 FORD WINDSTAR Suspension Problems

The contact owns a 1998 Ford Windstar. The contact stated while driving at various speeds, the vehicle was shuddering significantly. The vehicle was taken to a Tire Store, where it was diagnosed that the rear axle was corroded and had fractured from the upper side to the lower side. The mechanic related the failure to NHTSA Campaign Number: 10V385000 (Suspension). The vehicle was not repaired. The dealer was not notified of the failure. The manufacturer was notified of the failure and referred the contact to the NHTSA Hotline for assistance. The failure mileage was unknown.

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 1998 FORD WINDSTAR. WHILE DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 30 MPH, THE CONTACT HEARD A HISSING SOUND COMING FROM THE VEHICLE, BUT COULD NOT IDENTIFY WHERE THE SOUND ORIGINATED. THE CONTACT ALSO BEGAN TO SMELL A BURNING RUBBER ODOR. THE CONTACT PULLED INTO A NEARBY DRIVEWAY AND PLACED THE VEHICLE IN PARK. THE CONTACT WAS UNABLE TO IDENTIFY ANY FAILURES WITH THE VEHICLE. THE CONTACT CALLED A CERTIFIED MECHANIC; HOWEVER, THE VEHICLE WAS NOT DIAGNOSED OR REPAIRED. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE FAILURES WERE SIMILAR TO NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 10V385000 (SUSPENSION). THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURES. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 125,000.

Mileage: 125,000

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

Mileage: 30,000

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 1998 FORD WINDSTAR. WHILE DRIVING, THE STEERING WHEEL SHOOK AND THE VEHICLE PULLED TO THE LEFT AND RIGHT. THERE WERE NO WARNING INDICATORS ILLUMINATED. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC WHO DIAGNOSED THAT THE FRONT DRIVER SIDE SUBFRAME WAS RUSTED DUE TO CORROSION AND THE SUBFRAME NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE CONTACT CALLED JOHN KENNEDY FORD- POTTSTOWN AT (800) 790-8132 (LOCATED AT 3189 W RIDGE PIKE, POTTSTOWN, PA 19464) WHERE THE DEALER REFERENCED NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 10V385000 (SUSPENSION), BUT NOT FOR THE SUBFRAME. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE AND STATED THAT THE VEHICLE WAS NOT INCLUDED IN A RECALL. NO FURTHER ASSISTANCE WAS OFFERED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 100,197.

Mileage: 100,197

LOUD CRACKIN AND POPPING FROM SWAY BAR ATTACHED FO RUSTED OUT CRADLE DRIVERS SIDE REAR CRADLE THAT HAS RUSTED OUT AND BROKEN AND HAS DROPPED DOWN 1/2 INCH AND ALSO RUSTED REAR AXLE JUST TAGGED AND REGISTERED IT IN VA THEN NOTICED ALL THE RUST TO SUBFRAME AND REAR AXLE VAN HAS MANUFACTURED IN CANADA ON DOOR AND A VERMONT CAR DEALER EMBLEM ON BACK DANGEROUS VEHICLE AM ICOVERED BY RECALLS ON THIS SAFTY HAZARDS

Mileage: 100,000

BROKEN AXLE WHILE DRIVING. THANKFULLY WAS NOT DRIVING AT HIGHWAY SPEEDS OR THIS COULD HAVE BEEN DEVASTATING. FORD WILL NO LONGER HONOR 3RD RECALL AFTER INSTALLING SAFETY PLATES AND SAYING AXLE LOOKED OK.

Mileage: 130,000

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 1998 FORD WINDSTAR. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE THE VEHICLE WAS IN FOR ROUTINE SERVICE, IT WAS INFORMED THAT THE BRACKET SUPPORT FOR THE SUSPENSION WAS CORRODED AND NEEDED TO BE REPAIRED. THE VEHICLE WAS PREVIOUSLY REPAIRED UNDER NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 15V608000 (SUSPENSION). THE CONTACT WAS INFORMED THAT THE VEHICLE WAS UNSAFE TO REPAIR AND WAS UNSAFE TO BE DRIVEN. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE WAS 158,000.

Mileage: 158,000

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 1998 FORD WINDSTAR. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE DRIVING AT 57 MPH, THE CONTACT HEARD A NOISE COMING FROM THE FRONT OF THE VEHICLE. UPON FURTHER INSPECTION, THE CONTACT NOTICED THAT THE SUB FRAME IN THE FRONT OF THE VEHICLE HAD CORRODED AND FRACTURED. IN ADDITION, THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE ARM OF THE SUB FRAME BEHIND THE DRIVER'S SIDE FRONT TIRE HAD CORRODED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT DIAGNOSED OR REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE VIN WAS INCLUDED IN NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 10V385000 (SUSPENSION). THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 141,000.

Mileage: 141,000

MY WIFE WAS TAKING MY YOUNGEST TWO CHILDREN TO SCHOOL IN OUR VEHICLE WHEN SMOKE STARTED POURING IN THROUGH THE VENTS OF THE VEHICLE AND AT THE SAME TIME SHE LOST CONTROL OF THE STEERING SLIDING OFF ONTO THE SHOULDER OF THE ROAD. ONCE MY WIFE MADE SURE EVERYONE WAS OUT OF THE SMOKE FILLED VEHICLE SHE NOTICED THE TIRE WAS COMPLETELY SHREDDED ON THE PASSENGER FRONT SIDE OF THE VEHICLE. SHE NOTIFIED ME AND WE HAD THE VAN TOWED TO A MECHANICS SHOP WHERE WE FOUND OUT THAT THE FRONT PASSENGER SPRING HAD BUSTED CAUSING THE TIRE TO BE SHREDDED. THE MECHANIC ADVISED BUYING TWO NEW TIRES FOR THE FRONT OF VEHICLE, HE ALSO ADVISED BUYING TWO NEW SPRINGS AND REPLACING BOTH OF THEM ON THE FRONT. THE VAN WAS FIXED AND WE PAID FOR THE BILL AND TIRE COST OUT OF OUR OWN POCKET. THE MANUFACTURER OF THE VEHICLE INFORMED ME TODAY THAT THEY WILL NOT COMPENSATE FOR ANY OF THESE COSTS EVEN WHEN A RECALL LETTER 01S19/01M03 STATES "WE WILL INSTALL PROTECTIVE SHIELDS AROUND THE FRONT COIL SPRINGS OF YOUR VEHICLE. THESE SHIELDS WILL PREVENT THE POSSIBILITY OF TIRE PUNCTURE SHOULD THE SPRING FRACTURE. ---- MOTOR COMPANY WILL ALSO PAY FOR ANY REPAIRS DIRECTLY RELATING TO THE FRONT COIL SPRINGS OF YOUR VEHICLE FREE OF CHARGE ( PARTS AND LABOR) SO TO ME THIS IS A FAILURE OF THE RESPECTED COMPANY FROM FULL FILLING WHAT I SEE IN MY EYES AS A OBLIGATION TO THE CONSUMER. I ALSO FEEL THE RECALL SHOULD HAVE BEEN TO REPLACE THE SPRINGS..NOT INSTALL SHIELDS WHICH I AM SURE WAS A MUCH CHEAPER ROUTE.I HAVE ALL RECEIPTS THAT CONCERN THIS MATTER. THANKS! *TR

Mileage: 205,760

NO RECALL ON MY VIN # BUT I AM HAVING THIS ISSUE. SUSPENSION:FRONT:SPRINGS:COIL SPRINGS RUBBING TIRES.CAUSING TO USE UP TIRES FAST. MAKE A RUBBING NOISE WHEN TURNING. *TR

Mileage: 144,000

NO RECALL ON MY VIN # BUT I AM HAVING THIS ISSUE. SUSPENSION:FRONT:SPRINGS:COIL SPRINGS RUBBING TIRES.CAUSING TO USE UP TIRES FAST. MAKE A RUBBING NOISE WHEN TURNING. *TR

Mileage: 144,000

TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 1998 FORD WINDSTAR. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE IN REVERSE, THE CONTACT HEARD A LOUD SOUND FROM UNDERNEATH THE VEHICLE. UPON INSPECTION, THE CONTACT NOTICED THAT THE REAR AXLE FRACTURED AND CAUSED THE REAR TIRES TO BEND OUTWARD. THE MANUFACTURER STATED THE VIN WAS NOT INCLUDED IN NHTSA CAMPAIGN I.D. NUMBER 12V195000 (SUSPENSION). THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 180,000. UPDATED 10/22/13 *CN UPDATED 10/25/2013 *JS

Mileage: 180,000

NOVEMBER 2010 MY VEHICLE WAS SERVICED FOR A RECALL WHICH 2 REINFORCEMENT BRACKETS WERE PLACED ON THE REAR AXLE. THE RECALL WAS FOR REAR AXLES THAT WERE CRACKED OR BROKEN. MINE WAS NOT REPLACED JUST REINFORCED. ON 4-9-13 MY REAR AXLE CRACKED, AND I CAN NO LONGER DRIVE THE VAN. UPON CALLING FORD AND SPEAKING WITH CUSTOMER SERVICE, I WAS INFORMED THEY DID THEIR PART BY PLACING BRACKETS IN 2010 AND EVEN THOUGH THE AXLE CRACKED ANYWAY IT IS NOW AT MY COST. THANKFULLY THIS DID NOT HAPPEN WHILE I WAS DRIVING WITH MY CHILDREN, BUT I AM VERY UPSET FORD KNOWS THIS IS A PROBLEM WITH THE REAR AXLE, AND CHOSE TO PLACE BRACKETS THAT DID NOT "FIX" THE PROBLEM. *TR

Mileage: 130,000

AFTER IT WAS PUT INTO REVERSE AND I WENT TO PARK THERE WAS A LOUD NOISE AND I COULDN'T MOVE THE VAN. GOT OUT AND LOOK AT IT AND SAW IT WAS THE REAR AXEL COMPLETELY BROKEN. *TR

Mileage: 152,307

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 1998 FORD WINDSTAR. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE PERFORMING A ROUTINE MAINTENANCE CHECK UP ON THE VEHICLE, THE DEALER FOUND THE MIDDLE OF THE REAR AXLE WAS CRACKED DUE TO CORROSION ND RUST. THE VEHICLE WAS REPAIRED BY HAVING THE REAR AXLE REPLACED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE. THE CONTACT REFERENCED NHTSA CAMPAIGN ID NUMBER: 10V385000 (SUSPENSION: REAR: AXLE: NON-POWERED AXLE ASSEMBLY) HOWEVER THE VIN WAS NOT INCLUDED UNDER THE RECALL. THE CURRENT AND FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 130,139.

Mileage: 130,139

REAR AXLE BEAM CRACK. *TR

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 1998 FORD WINDSTAR. THE CONTACT STATED THAT AFTER HAVING REPAIRS PERFORMED ON THE VEHICLE UNDER NHTSA CAMPAIGN ID NUMBER: 10V385000 (SUSPENSION:REAR:AXLE:NON-POWERED AXLE ASSEMBLY), THE VEHICLE WOULD START JERKING VIOLENTLY FROM THE REAR TO THE FRONT WHEN DRIVING AT SPEEDS ABOVE 60 MPH. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALER WHO DIAGNOSED THAT THE BALL JOINTS, BUSHING, INTAKE GASKETS, SPARK PLUGS, AND LOWER CONTROLS ARMS NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE WHO DID NOT OFFER ANY ASSISTANCE SINCE THE RECALL REPAIRS WERE ALREADY PERFORMED. THE VEHICLE WAS REPAIRED AT THE CONTACT'S EXPENSE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 126,131 AND THE CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 127,000.

Mileage: 126,131

FRONT SUB FRAME COMPLETELY RUSTED OUT. FORD HAS SUB FRAME RECALL FOR THE 1999-2003 BUT NOT THE 1998. *KB

Mileage: 95,600

I WENT TO FORD DEALERSHIP IN DEC 09 RECEIVED INSPECTION ON RECALL # O9S09 AND 09SO9H ONLY. NOW HERE IN FEB. 2012 THE SAME PROBLEMS WITH SUSPENSION,RIGHT FRONT TIRE WHEEL MAKES ALTO OF NOISE POWER STEERING FLUID IS LEAKING STRANGE NOISE IS HEARD WHEN MAKING RIGHT TURNS,FORD SAID MY VEHICLE HAS HAD ALL SERVICE IT IS DUE . I BELIEVE THEY ARE WRONG ALL THE SAME PROBLEMS THE RECALLS REPORTED ARE MY PROBLEMS I HAVE PAPER WORK PROVIDING THEY ONLY RAN TEST ON RECALL #O9S09 AND 09S09H MY CAR IS IN SERIOUS WEATHER CONDITIONS HERE IN ILLINOIS.UNDER THE ORIGINAL OWNER FORD STATED THEY ARE NOT RESPONSIBLE FOR ANY FURTHER REPAIR. FORD DEALERSHIP ROBERTS MOTORS 4350 ALBY ALTON IL 62002. *TR

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 1998 FORD WINDSTAR. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE DRIVING 20 MPH, SHE HEARD A LOUD CLUNKING NOISE. AFTER INSPECTING THE VEHICLE, THE CONTACT NOTICED THAT THE REAR DRIVER SIDE AXLE WAS FRACTURED IN HALF. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO A LOCAL MECHANIC WHO VERIFIED THE FAILURE BUT WAS UNABLE TO DETERMINE THE CAUSE OF THE FAILURE. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE. THE VEHICLE WAS REPAIRED. THE FAILURE AND THE CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 100,000.

Mileage: 100,000

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. *TR

Mileage: 54,000

WHILE DRIVING ON THE HIGHWAY AT 60MPH, I LOST CONTROL OF MY VEHICLE AND IT STARTED TO FISHTAIL AND SWERVE INTO THE NEXT LANE AS I TRIED TO REGAIN CONTROL IT SPUN AROUND AND FLIPPED OVER UPSIDE DOWN ON TOP OF THE GUARD RAIL AND LANDED FACING TRAFFIC. I RECEIVED MINOR INJURIES AND MY THREE CHILDREN WERE NOT INJURED. I WAS INFORMED THAT THE REAR AXLE SNAPPED IN HALF ON MY VEHICLE AND THAT THERE IS A RECALL ON THIS PART. I NEVER RECEIVED A NOTICE IN REGARDS TO THIS. *TR

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 1998 FORD WINDSTAR. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE VEHICLE TAKEN TO A LOCAL MECHANIC FOR INSPECTION OF THE SUB FRAME WHEN THE CONTACT WAS ADVISED THAT THE SUB FRAME WAS SEVERELY CORRODED AND THAT THE VEHICLE WAS UNSAFE TO DRIVE. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE BRAKE LINES WERE ALSO FOUND TO BE CORRODED. THE BRAKE LINES WERE REPLACED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE SUB FRAME FAILURE AND DENIED ANY ASSISTANCE WITH THE REPAIR. THE SUB FRAME WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE FAILURE AND THE CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 114,000. THE TIE RODS, FRONT WHEEL BEARINGS AND BATTERY HAD TO BE REPLACED WITHIN ONE YEAR OF OWNING THE VEHICLE. THE WHEEL CYLINDERS, BRAKE ADJUSTERS, SPRING KIT, DRUMS, ROTORS, SHOES, AND PADS ALL HAD TO BE REPLACED. ALSO, THE TURN SIGNAL LEVEL STOPPED WORKING FOR THE LEFT SIDE. WHEN THE BRAKE WAS APPLIED, IT WENT TO THE FLOOR AND THEN PULSATED BACK UP, AND THEN THE ABS LIGHT ILLUMINATED. UPDATED 02/01/12

Mileage: 114,000

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 1998 FORD WINDSTAR. WHILE DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 40 MPH, THE CONTACT HEARD A LOUD CLANKING NOISE OUTSIDE THE VEHICLE AND IMMEDIATELY THE VEHICLE WAS DRIVEN TO THE SIDE OF THE ROAD. THE CONTACT NOTICED THE REAR AXLE WAS COMPLETELY FRACTURED. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC FOR DIAGNOSIS AND THE TECHNICIAN ADVISED HIM THERE WAS A RECALL ASSOCIATED WITH NHTSA CAMPAIGN ID NUMBER 10V385000 (SUSPENSION:REAR:AXLE:NON-POWERED AXLE ASSEMBLY). THE VEHICLE WAS THEN TOWED TO AN AUTHORIZED DEALER WHO STATED THE VEHICLE WAS INELIGIBLE FOR THE RECALL REPAIR DUE TO THE DATE RANGE MENTIONED IN THE RECALL SUMMARY. THE MANUFACTURER WAS MADE AWARE OF THE PROBLEM. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 194,000.

Mileage: 194,000

THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALERSHIP FOR A LEAKING HOSE. WHILE BEING INSPECTED THE FORD MECHANIC FOUND THAT THE DRIVER SIDE FRONT SUBFRAME WAS ALMOST COMPLETELY RUSTED THROUGH. THE DEALERSHIP STATED THE VEHICLE WAS UNSAFE AND WOULD NOT REPAIR IT. THERE IS A RECALL ON 1999-2003 WINDSTARS FOR THIS REASON. THE 1998 AND EARLIER ARE NOT INCLUDED AS THE SUBFRAME ON THE 1999-2003 IS "TUBULAR" AND THE 1998 AND OLDER IS "STAMPED". WHILE THE CONSTRUCTION IS DIFFERENT, THE PROBLEM SEEMS TO BE THE SAME AS I WAS ADVISED BY THE FORD MECHANIC THAT THE STAMPED SUBFRAME RUSTS OUT FREQUENTLY TOO. MY FATHER-IN-LAW WAS THE ORIGINAL OWNER OF THIS VEHICLE AND HE WILLED IT TO ME UPON HIS DEATH. THE VEHICLE HAS BEEN WELL MAINTAINED AND ALWAYS BEEN AN "INDIANA" VEHICLE. THE SUBFRAME ON THE OTHER SIDE IS FINE AND STILL HAS PAINT ON IT. *TR

Mileage: 140,000

UPON INSPECTION OF VEHICLE FOR INSPECTION, IT WAS DETERMIND VEHICLE WAS UNSAFE TO DRIVE BECAUSE OF BADLY CORRODED SUBFRAME ON PASSENGER SIDE OF VEHICLE. ALSO, COIL SPRING ON PASSENGER SIDE WAS BROKEN POSING A DRIVING HAZARD. VEHICLE HAS APPROXIMATELY 80,000 MILES. *TT

Mileage: 80,000

WINDSTAR SUBFRAME IS COMPLETELY CORRODED AND UNSAFE. THIS IS CAUSED BY ROADSALT, NOTHING I DID. FORD REFUSES TO COVER THIS AS A RECALL. VEHICLE IS COMPLETELY UNSAFE TO DRIVE, AND FORD WON'T STAND BEHIND IT. *TR

Mileage: 92,000

WAS INFORMED THAT SUB-FRAME (ALSO CALLED ENGINE CRADLE) IS RUSTING AWAY ON MY VAN. AFTER LOOKING ONLINE, IT SEEMS THIS IS A COMMON ISSUE AMONG THESE VANS, WHICH IS CAUSED BY THE USE OF INFERIOR STEEL AND AN AC LINE RUNNING OVER THE SUB-FRAME. MY ENGINE CAN NOW LITERALLY FALL OUT UNLESS I PAY OUT-OF-POCKET TO REPLACE THIS. I KNOW NHTSA HAS AN INVESTIGATION INTO THIS, BUT I CAN'T WAIT MONTHS FOR A RECALL WHILE MY FAMILY USES THIS VEHICLE DAILY! PLEASE RECALL THIS PROMPTLY, MANY PEOPLE ARE PAYING THOUSAND FOR OUT-OF-POCKET REPAIRS ON AN ISSUE FORD SHOULD HAVE TO COVER. *TR

Mileage: 91,000

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 1998 FORD WINDSTAR. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE REAR AXLE FRACTURED IN HALF WHILE DRIVING 5 MPH. THE VEHICLE EXHIBITED AN ABNORMALLY LOUD NOISE AS THE CONTACT MERGED THE VEHICLE TO THE SHOULDER. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO A MECHANIC WHERE THEY INSPECTED THE FAILURE AND INFORMED HER THAT THE AXLE WAS FRACTURED AND THE VEHICLE WAS NOT DRIVABLE. THE MANUFACTURER WAS CONTACTED AND INFORMED HER THEY WOULD CONTACT HER AT A LATER DATE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 150,000.

Mileage: 150,000

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 1998 FORD WINDSTAR. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE DRIVING OVER A SPEED BUMP, THE REAR AXLE BROKE IN HALF. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO A DEALER, WHO INSPECTED THE VEHICLE AND DETERMIEND THAT THE REAR AXLE BROKE DUE TO CORROSION. THE MANUFACTURER WAS MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE AND INFORMED THE CONTACT THAT THE VEHICLE WAS NOT INCLUDED IN NHTSA CAMPAIGN ID NUMBER 10V385000 (SUSPENSION:REAR:AXLE:NON-POWERED AXLE ASSEMBLY). THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE FAILURE AND THE CURRENT MILEAGES WERE 216,000.

Mileage: 216,000

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 1998 FORD WINDSTAR. THE CONTACT STATED THAT CONTROLLING THE VEHICLE WOULD OFTEN BECOME DIFFICULT. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALER FOR INSPECTION WHERE THE CONTACT WAS ADVISED THAT THE FRONT PASSENGER SIDE AXLE SHAFT NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE CONTACT BELIEVED THE FAILURE WAS A MANUFACTURING DEFECT. THE FAILURE AND CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 155,500.

Mileage: 155,500

POPPING IN FRONT END WHEN TURNING OR HITTING BUMPS. THE POPPING SOUND WAS OFTEN. HAD NEW TIRES PUT ON, AND WHEN I TOOK IT IN TO HAVE FRONT END ALIGNED. FORD TECH. SAID FRONT SPRINGS WERE BROKE. WAS AN EST. OF $1200.00 ON IT CAN'T AFFORD. THIS WAS 5/20/2011. CONTACTED MFR ABOUT THE RECALL THAT WAS ISSUED ON THIS PART 7/12/2001. WAS TOLD THERE WAS NOTHING THEY COULD DO, BECAUSE OF A TIME LIMIT. HOW CAN THEY PUT A TIME LIMIT ON SAFETY & PEOPLES LIVES BECAUSE THE SPRINGS ARE BROKEN,THEY CAN PUNCTURE THE TIRES AND CAUSE AN ACCIDENT. NOW WE ARE WITHOUT TRANSPORTATION. AND MY SON IS DISABLED AND HAS NUMEROUS DR. APPTS. MILES AWAY. BUT MY HANDS ARE TIED. THE MFR. DID ADVISE TO HAVE ANOTHER RECALL CHECKED OUT WHICH IS THE SPEED CONTROL BECAUSE IT CAN CATCH FIRE. WHEN I ASKED WHY, YOU JUST TOLD ME IT WAS UNSAFE TO DRIVE.HE ADVISED IT COULD CATCH FIRE JUST SETTING IN THE DRIVE NOT RUNNING. I WAS NOT NOTIFIED OF EITHER ONE OF THESE RECALLS BY MAIL OR OTHER WISE UNTIL I CALLED TO COMPLAIN ABOUT THE FRONT COIL SPRINGS. HOW DOES THESE BILLION DOLLAR COMPANY'S KEEP GETTING BY WITH NEGLIGENCE? THERE ARE LOTS OF RECALLS ON THIS VEHICLE. PLEASE HELP! *TR

Mileage: 142,000

POPPING IN FRONT END WHEN TURNING OR HITTING BUMPS. THE POPPING SOUND WAS OFTEN. HAD NEW TIRES PUT ON, AND WHEN I TOOK IT IN TO HAVE FRONT END ALIGNED. FORD TECH. SAID FRONT SPRINGS WERE BROKE. WAS AN EST. OF $1200.00 ON IT CAN'T AFFORD. THIS WAS 5/20/2011. CONTACTED MFR ABOUT THE RECALL THAT WAS ISSUED ON THIS PART 7/12/2001. WAS TOLD THERE WAS NOTHING THEY COULD DO, BECAUSE OF A TIME LIMIT. HOW CAN THEY PUT A TIME LIMIT ON SAFETY & PEOPLES LIVES BECAUSE THE SPRINGS ARE BROKEN,THEY CAN PUNCTURE THE TIRES AND CAUSE AN ACCIDENT. NOW WE ARE WITHOUT TRANSPORTATION. AND MY SON IS DISABLED AND HAS NUMEROUS DR. APPTS. MILES AWAY. BUT MY HANDS ARE TIED. THE MFR. DID ADVISE TO HAVE ANOTHER RECALL CHECKED OUT WHICH IS THE SPEED CONTROL BECAUSE IT CAN CATCH FIRE. WHEN I ASKED WHY, YOU JUST TOLD ME IT WAS UNSAFE TO DRIVE.HE ADVISED IT COULD CATCH FIRE JUST SETTING IN THE DRIVE NOT RUNNING. I WAS NOT NOTIFIED OF EITHER ONE OF THESE RECALLS BY MAIL OR OTHER WISE UNTIL I CALLED TO COMPLAIN ABOUT THE FRONT COIL SPRINGS. HOW DOES THESE BILLION DOLLAR COMPANY'S KEEP GETTING BY WITH NEGLIGENCE? THERE ARE LOTS OF RECALLS ON THIS VEHICLE. PLEASE HELP! *TR

Mileage: 142,000

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 1998 FORD WINDSTAR. THE CONTACT WAS DRIVING 5 MPH IN A PARKING LOT WHEN THE VEHICLE EXHIBITED A LOUD NOISE AND WAS NOT DRIVABLE. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO THE DEALER WHO DIAGNOSED THAT THE FRONT AXLE FRACTURED AS A RESULT OF CORROSION. THE MANUFACTURER WAS MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE WHO DID NOT OFFER ANY ASSISTANCE SINCE THE VEHICLE WAS NOT INCLUDED IN ANY RECALLS. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE FAILURE AND CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 100,000.

Mileage: 100,000

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 THAT 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 THAT 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.

Mileage: 52,560

1998 FORD WINDSTAR GL. CONSUMER WRITES IN REGARDS TO BEING UNSUCCESSFUL IN REACHING A FAIR AND EQUITABLE SETTLEMENT ON HIS CLAIM FOR THE DAMAGE AS PER RECALL TO THE AUTOMOBILE *TGW THE CONSUMER STATED THE SETTLEMENT FORD OFFERED OF $2000 WAS UNACCEPTABLE AS THE VEHICLE IS A HANDICAPPED ACCESSIBLE VAN, WITH HANDICAP EQUIPMENT. *JB

1998 FORD WINDSTAR MINI VAN REAR AXLE BROKE ...VEHICLE WAS STATE INSPECTED TWO MONTHS PREVIOUS AND PASSED WITHOUT ISSUE .. NOTICED A VIBRATION IN REAR AREA .. REPLACED SHOCKS THINKING THAT WAS CULPRIT .. ISSUE GOT WORSE ... LESS THEN 700 MILES AFTER COMPLETED PASSED STATE INSPECTION AXLE BROKE ALLOWING REAR TIRES TO RUB INNER WHEEL WELL .. VAN BECAME UNCONTROLLABLE AT 55 MPH ... WAS LUCKY TO GET IT SLOWED DOWN TO 25 AND LIMPED INTO MY DRIVEWAY .. I WAS SOLE OCCUPATION WHEN THIS HAPPENED .. LOOKED UNDERNEATH AND FOUND ISSUE. WENT ONLINE AND FOUND RECALL NOTICE FOR VEHICLES OF THIS YEAR FOR SALT USE AREAS .. THESE INCLUDED WEST VIRGINIA .. 8 MILES FROM WHERE I LIVE ... MARYLAND .. 12 MILES FROM WHERE I LIVE AND THE DISTRICT OF COLUMBIA .. 50 MILES FROM WHERE I LIVE .. BUT VIRGINIA WAS NOT COVERED ... EVEN THOUGH THIS AREA USES SALT AS A REGULAR ICE AND SNOW REMOVAL TOOL. THE AXLE FAILURE WAS CLOSE TO CAUSING A COMPLETE LOSS OF CONTROL OF THE VEHICLE .. I WAS LUCKY TO BE ON A DUAL HIGHWAY DRIVING THE SPEED LIMIT WITH NO OTHER VEHICLES IN MY VICINITY .. THE VAN WEAVED SEVERAL TIMES BACK AND FORTH ACROSS THE ROAD BEFORE I GOT SLOWED UP AND UNDER CONTROL .. THE AXLE BREAKING COULD HAVE EASILY HAVE CAUSED A SERIOUS ACCIDENT. *TR

Mileage: 139,328

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 1998 FORD WINDSTAR. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALER FOR REPAIRS UNDER NHTSA CAMPAIGN ID NUMBER: 01V199000 (SUSPENSION: FRONT:SPRINGS: COIL SPRINGS). THE TECHNICIAN STATED THAT THEY HEATED AND SPRAYED PENETRATING OIL ONTO THE SWAY BAR IN ORDER TO REMOVE THE BAR TO COMPLETE THE RECALL BUT THEY WERE UNSUCCESSFUL IN DOING SO. THE TECHNICIAN STATED THAT THE SWAY BAR LINKS WOULD NEED TO BE CUT OUT IN ORDER TO PERFORM THE RECALL REPAIRS AND THE REMOVAL COSTS OF THE SWAY BAR LINKS WOULD NOT BE COVERED UNDER THE RECALL. THE MANUFACTURER WAS CONTACTED AND STATED THEY COULD NOT OVERRIDE THE DECISION MADE BY THE DEALER AND PROVIDE NO ASSISTANCE BECAUSE THE PART WAS NOT COVERED UNDER WARRANTY OR THE RECALL. THE VEHICLE WAS REPAIRED AT THE CONTACTS EXPENSE. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 150,000.

Mileage: 150,000

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 1998 FORD WINDSTAR WAGON. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE REAR AXLE WAS CORRODED AND FRACTURED IN HALF. THE CONTACT REFERENCED NHTSA CAMPAIGN ID NUMBER: 10V385000 (SUSPENSION: REAR:AXLE:NON-POWERED AXLE ASSEMBLY) BUT WAS ADVISED BY THE DEALER THAT THE VEHICLE WAS NOT INCLUDED IN THE RECALL. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE CURRENT AND FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 136,000.

Mileage: 136,000

TOOK VEHICLE IN TO A MECHANIC FOR REPAIR WORK. WHEN MECHANIC PLACED THE VEHICLE ON THE LIFT, HE NOTED THAT THE SUBFRAME THAT CRADLES THE ENGINE AND TRANSMISSION AND SERVES AS THE ATTACHMENT POINT FOR THE FRONT SUSPENSION WAS EXTREMELY RUSTED. THE CORROSION HAS CAUSED LARGE AND NUMEROUS HOLES IN THE SUBFRAME. HE STATED THAT THE VEHICLE IS UNSAFE TO DRIVE IN ITS CURRENT CONDITION AND WOULD NOT WORK ON THE VEHICLE BECAUSE IT WAS UNSAFE. HE STATED THAT THE ENGINE COULD ACTUALLY FALL THOUGH THE SUBFRAME, OR THE SUBFRAME COULD BRAKE AT THE SUSPENSION CONNECTION POINTS CAUSING LOSS OF CONTROL OF THE VEHICLE.

Mileage: 96,000

TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 1998 FORD WINDSTAR. THE CONTACT NOTICED THAT THE RIGHT REAR WHEEL WAS SINKING INTO THE WHEEL WELL. THE CONTACT LIFTED THE VEHICLE AND SAW THAT THE REAR AXLE WAS CRACKED. THE CONTACT TRIED TO WELD THE AXLE TOGETHER AND WAS INFORMED THAT THERE WAS A RECALL ON THE REAR AXLE. THE CONTACT SPOKE WITH THE MANUFACTURER AND WAS TOLD THAT THE VEHICLE WAS NOT INCLUDED IN NHTSA CAMPAIGN ID NUMBER: 10V385000 (SUSPENSION: REAR: AXLE: NON-POWERED AXLE ASSEMBLY). THE FAILURE MILEAGE AND CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 201,000.

Mileage: 201,000

1998 FORD WINDSTAR. CONSUMER WRITES IN REGARDS TO SEVERAL RECENT RECALLS AND STATES SHE HAS HAD PROBLEMS WITH JERKING AND TIRE WARE *TGW THE CONSUMER STATED THE REAR AXLE WA INSPECTED AND NO PROBLEMS WERE FOUND. HOWEVER, SHE CONTINUED TO EXPERIENCE PROBLEMS.

TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 1998 FORD WINDSTAR. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE DRIVING 35 MPH, THE REAR AXLE BROKE. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO AN AUTHORIZED DEALER WHO REPAIRED THE REAR AXLE. THE CONTACT REFERENCED RECALL 10V385000 (SUSPENSION: REAR: AXLE: NON-POWERED AXLE ASSEMBLY) BUT WAS INFORMED BY THE MANUFACTURER THAT THE VEHICLE WAS NOT INCLUDED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 194,000. THE CONSUMER STATED SHE HAD TO PAY A DEDUCTIBLE AND SOME F THE REPAIR COST.

Mileage: 194,000

1998 FORD WINDSTAR. CONSUMER STATES PROBLEMS WITH REAR AXLE *TGW THE CONSUMER STATED HER HUSBAND WAS IN THE PROCESS OF EXITING A GARAGE, WHEN SUDDENLY THE REAR AXLE COMPLETELY BROKE IN HALF. HE THEN DISCOVERED THE AXLE WAS DEFECTIVE DUE TO IT BEING SEVERELY CORRODED IN THE MIDDLE. THE CONSUMER HAS SINCE RECEIVED A RECALL NOTICE AND IS NOW REQUESTING REIMBURSEMENT. *JB THE CONSUMER IS ONLY SEEKING REIMBURSEMENT FOR THE PART, BECAUSE THE REPAIR WAS DONE BY A NON-FORD REPAIR FACILITY. UPDATED 02/10/11*JB UPDATED 04/16/13

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 1998 FORD WINDSTAR. THE CONTACT WAS DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 40 MPH WHEN THE VEHICLE EXHIBITED AN ABNORMAL NOISE FROM THE REAR. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT TAKEN TO THE DEALER FOR DIAGNOSIS OR REPAIRS. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE VEHICLE WAS PREVIOUSLY REPAIRED UNDER NHTSA CAMPAIGN ID NUMBER: 01I007000 (SUSPENSION:FRONT:SPRINGS:COIL SPRINGS) AND BELEIVED THE REAR SUSPENSION HAD EXPERIENCED THE SAME FAILURE. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 222,000.

Mileage: 222,000

THE REAR AXLE BROKE INTO TWO SEPARATE PIECES WHILE COMING TO A STOP IN MY DRIVEWAY. THE REAR WHEELS WERE CANTED IN AT THE TOP AS A RESULT, COMPLETELY DISABLING THE CAR. THE VEHICLE HAD TO BE TOWED FOR REPAIRS AND A NEW REAR AXLE FROM FORD MOTOR CO WAS INSTALLED. FOMOCO HAS DENIED MY CLAIM FOR REPAIR BECAUSE DENVER, CO IS NOT IN THE RECALL AREA ISSUED 8-26-2010 AND EXPANDED ON 11-30-2010. "VIN NOT IDENTIFIED FOR THIS FIELD SERVICE ACTION." I AM THE ORIGINAL OWNER AND THE VEHICLE CONTINUES TO BE DRIVEN DAILY. (GS FOR DENNIS DOLAN)

Mileage: 242,731

1998 FORD WINDSTAR. CONSUMER WRITES TO FOLLOW UP TO AN INSPECTION FOR THE REAR AXLE RECALL *TGW THE DEALER INFORMED THE CONSUMER THAT HER VEHICLE DID NOT HAVE A BROKEN AXLE. THE CONSUMER INQUIRED AS TO WHETHER OR NOT A SEALANT OR PROTECTIVE COATING SHOULD HAVE BEEN APPLIED TO PREVENT THE AXLE FROM FAILING IN THE FUTURE. *JB

1998 FORD WINDSTAR. CONSUMER WRITES REGARDING NOTICE OF DEFECT *TGW

TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 1998 FORD WINDSTAR. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE DRIVING 40 MPH, THE REAR END OF THE VEHICLE BEGAN TO FISHTAIL UNEXPECTANTLY. THE VEHICLE WAS INSPECTED BY A DEALER AND THE CONTACT WAS INFORMED THAT THE REAR AXLE WAS FRACTURED AND EXHIBITED EXCESSIVE CORROSION FROM THE INSIDE OUT. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 81,000.

Mileage: 81,000

I OWN A 1998 FORD WINDSTAR(MANUFACTURE DATE AUG..1997. I HAVE BEEN HAVING PROBLEMS FOR A WHILE. MY VAN WAS MAKING A WHINING GRINDING NOISE. GEAR IS HARD TO GET OUT OF PARK BAD POPPING NOISE WHEN BACKING UP...REPLACED ALL 4 WHEEL BEARINGS AND BOTH TIE ROD ENDS..STILL MAKING A BAD WHINING NOISE.3 DAYS AGO I WAS DRIVING DOWN THE HIGHWAY AND THE STEERING STARTED ACTING WEIRD AND SHAKING AND THE BACK OF THE VAN STARTED SWAYING BACK AND FORTH .. WAS TOLD AT THE SHOP ABOUT THE RECALL ON AXEL I CALLED FORD AND WAS TOLD MY VAN IS NOT ON THE LIST MY VAN HAS A EXCESSIVE AMOUNT OF CORROSION THROUGHOUT THE WHOLE BOTTOM THE SHOP TOLD ME THIS VAN HAS BEEN EXPOSED TO SALT. WHEN I BOUGHT THE VAN IT HAD A INSPECTION STICKER FROM PREVIOUS OWNER FROM ONE OF THE RECALL STATES.(PENS) FORD WOULD NOT GIVE ME ANY INFORMATION ONWHAT STATE IT WAS SOLD IN OR DEALER, WHAT BRAND OF AXEL THAT WAS BEING RECALLED (SAID THEY DIDN'T KNOW THE BRAND) COME ON WHAT COMPANY SPENDS MONEY ON PARTS AND DON'T EVEN KNOW THE BRAND OR MANUFACTURE THEY BUY FROM. I'M SCARED TO DEATH TO DRIVE THIS AUTOMOBILE.. I THINK FORD SHOULD HONOR THERE PROMISE TO ITS CUSTOMERS AND FIX THIS PROBLEM ON ALL 1997-2003 WINDSTARS NOT JUST CERTAIN MONTHS OF 1997 OR DOES SOMEONE HAVE TO LOSE THERE LIFE BEFORE THEY DO SOMETHING? FORD>>> YOU TOOK OUR MONEY FOR YOUR PRODUCT NOW STAND BEHIND YOUR PRODUCT. *TR

Mileage: 120,000

TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 1998 FORD WINDSTAR. WHILE IN THE PARKING LOT THE CONTACT NOTICED THAT THE REAR AXLE WAS FRACTURED. THE CONTACT STATED THAT HE WAS HAVING THE SAME PROBLEM AS RECALL 10V385000 (SUSPENSION:REAR:AXLE:NON-POWERED AXLE ASSEMBLY). THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO THE DEALER AND THE VIN WAS NOT INCLUDED IN THE RECALL. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 180,000.

Mileage: 180,000

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 1998 FORD WINDSTAR. THE CONTACT STATED THAT AFTER RECEIVING A RECALL LETTER FOR RECALL 10V385000 (: REAR: AXLE: NONPOWERED AXLE ASSEMBLY), HE CALLED THREE LOCAL DEALERS ALL WHO DID HAVE PARTS TO PERFORM THE REPAIR. THE DEALER WOULD NOT INSPECT THE VEHICLE AS STATED IN THE RECALL NOTICE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS APPROXIMATELY 36,000. UPDATED 01/12/11*LJ

Mileage: 36,000

TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 1998 FORD WINDSTAR. THE CONTACT RECEIVED A RECALL NOTIFICATION ASSOCIATED WITH NHTSA CAMPAIGN ID NUMBER 10V385000 (SUSPENSION: REAR: AXLE: NON-POWERED AXLE ASSEMBLY). THE AUTHORIZED DEALER WAS NOTIFIED AND THEY INFORMED THAT THE PART WAS UNAVAILABLE FOR THE RECALL REPAIR UNTIL LATE NOVEMBER OF 2010. THE CONTACT STATED THE RECALL NOTIFICATION SPECIFIED THE URGENCY OF THE REPAIR; AND EXPRESSED HIS CONCERN OF THE POTENTIAL SAFETY HAZARD. THERE WAS NO FAILURE MILEAGE. THE VIN WAS UNAVAILABLE

THIS HAS HAPPENED ON THE INNER ROADS AND NEAR FROM MY HOUSE. I HAD HEARD THE CREAKING NOISE COMING FROM THE REAR AND THOUGHT ABOUT MY CAR'S SHOCKS ARE SHOT. THEN SUDDENLY I LOST CONTROL AND STOPPED THE CAR, LUCKILY NO INJURIES EITHER TO ME OR THE NEARBY PROPERTY. WITH HAZARD LIGHTS ON I DROVE THE CAR VERY SLOWLY HOME AND LOOKED UNDER THE CAR. WHAT I SAW REALLY SHOCKED ME. THE REAR AXLE BEAM OF MY FORD WINDSTAR(1998) CRACKED APPROXIMATELY 18"-24" FROM THE DRIVER SIDE REAR WHEEL AND THE ENTIRE WELDING (?)HAS SEPARATED FROM THE MID PORTION. I COULD SEE THE RIGHT PORTION OF THE BEAM WELDED AND INTACT. I HAD JUST REPAIRED THE BREAK FLUID LINE FOR ALMOST $600 AND THE MECHANIC NEVER SAID A WORD ABOUT THIS CRACK BEFORE THE REPAIRS. I BELIEVE THE REAR AXLE / BEAM IS A PART OF THE VEHICLE THAT SHOULD LAST THE LIFETIME OF THE VEHICLE AND AT LEAST SHOULD NOT CRACK WITHOUT GIVING ANY SIGN ON THE DASHBOARD. THANKS *TR

Mileage: 138,246

MY 98 FORD WINDSTAR REAR AXLE SPLIT IN TWO PULLING INTO MY WORK . I HAD NOTICED A NOISE FROM THE BACK A FEW DAYS BEFORE. I JUST PUT NEW TIRES ON THE VAN AND NOTICED WHILE A FELLOW EMPLOYEE WAS WELDING MY AXLE SO I COULD GET HOME THAT THE INSIDES OF MY NEW TIRES WERE WORE DOWN ALREADY .I CAN NOT AFFORD A NEW AXLE NOW AND I HAVE KIDS .I'M ALSO AWARE THAT THIS IS NOT THE FIRST WINDSTAR TO HAVE THIS PROBLEM I'M GLAD I WAS NOT GOING DOWN THE HIGHWAY WITH MY FAMILY AND THAT HAPPEN. THIS IS A FORD PROBLEM AND I SHOULD NOT HAVE TO FIX A STEEL AXLE BECAUSE WATER GETS IN IT AND IT RUSTS IT SHOULD OF BEEN PUT TOGETHER SO WATER CANT GET IN IT. THANK U PLEASE TAKE CARE OF THIS. *TR

Mileage: 151,000

MY 1998 FORD WINDSTAR GL REAR AXLE BROKE IN TWO WITH NO PRIOR WARNING SUCH AS NOISE, HANDLING PROBLEMS OR VIBRATION. BEING ONLY 12 MILES FROM HOME I WAS ABLE TO DRIVE VERY SLOWLY UNTIL WE GOT HOME. BY THE TIME WE GOT TO OUR DRIVEWAY WE HAD ALSO LOST ALMOST ALL BRAKE PEDAL. THE FOLLOWING DAY I RAISED THE REAR OF THE VAN AND FOUND THE CRACK IN THE REAR AXLE ABOUT 18 INCHES FROM THE DRIVERS SIDE REAR TIRE, AND THE ABNORMAL MOVEMENT AFTER THE BREAK HAD CAUSED THE BRAKE LINE TO THE REAR TIRES TO SEPARATE. TOTAL REPLACEMENT COST SO FAR HAS BEEN 500.00 DOLLARS AND I DID ALL WORK MYSELF. I HAVE NOT YET FINISHED THE BRAKE LINES AND SHOCKS WHICH WILL BE EVEN MORE COSTS. I KEPT THE AXLE AND WILL BE GLAD TO SUBMIT IT FOR TESTING AND/OR SEND PHOTOS IF REQUESTED. *TR

Mileage: 140,000

1998 FORD WINDSTAR'S REAR AXLE BROKE WHILE DRIVING ON THE ROAD. NO APPARENT REASON FOR FAILURE. THE CONSEQUENCE OF THE FAILURE IS THE LOSS OF THE ABILITY TO DRIVE OR HANDLE THE CAR. AXLE SNAPPED COMPLETELY INTO TWO PIECES AND DRAGGED AGAINST ROAD. REAR WHEELS WERE AT A 45 DEGREE ANGLE TO THE ROAD. REAR AXLE HAD TO BE REPLACED. *TR

Mileage: 85,712

I HAVE A 1998 FORD WINDSTAR AND JUST NOTICED THAT THE REAR AXLE HAS CRACKED. AS I CHECKED ONLINE I NOTICED THAT THIS WAS BEING INVESTIGATED FOR 1999 - 2007 WINDSTARS, AND I JUST THOUGHT I WOULD ADD MY 1998 MODEL TO THE LIST. I WOULD LIKE TO SEE 98 MODELS INCLUDED IN ANY RECALL. *TR

Mileage: 192,000

1998 FORD WINDSTAR - REAR AXLE BROKEN IN TWO PIECES. *TR

Mileage: 105,000

MY WIFE CALLED ME AT WORK TODAY BECAUSE SHE WAS STRANDED ALONG THE ROAD. WHEN I GOT THERE WHAT I FOUND WAS A MAJOR SURPRISE. THE REAR AXLE OF OUT 1998 FORD WINDSTAR HAD BROKE IN 2 AND WAS LYING ON THE GROUND. SHE SAID THAT EARLIER SHE HAD HEARD A NOISE COMING FROM THE REAR AND STOPPED TO CHECK TO SEE IF SHE HAD A FLAT TIRE BECAUSE THE STEERING FELT WEIRD. NOT SEEING AN FLAT TIRES SHE DECIDED TO DRIVE HOME SEEING THAT SHE WAS ONLY A MILE FROM HOME. ABOUT 3/4 OF THE WAY HOME SHE MADE A TURN ONTO OUR ROAD AND THERE WAS A LOAD NOISE AND SHE WAS NOT ABLE TO EASILY CONTROL THE VAN AND ENDED UP ON THE BANK OF A NEIGHBORS YARD. HALF THE CAR ON THE BANK AND THE OTHER HALF ON THE ROAD. I HAVE CONTACT FORD VIA EMAIL AND I AM WAITING FOR A REPLY. I AM TRYING TO DECIDE IF I SHOULD FIX THE MINIVAN OR PURCHASE A NEW AUTOMOBILE. AN AXLE SNAPPING IN 2 IS NOT SOMETHING THAT SHOULD EVER HAPPEN UNLESS THE AUTOMOBILE IS IN AN ACCIDENT. IF MY WIFE AND 3 KIDS WOULD HAVE BEEN ON THE HIGHWAY THINGS WOULD HAVE BEEN MUCH WORSE AND PROBABLY DEADLY. *TR

Mileage: 135,803

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 1998 FORD WINDSTAR. WHILE DRIVING AT APPROXIMATELY 40 MPH, A RATTLING NOISE WAS HEARD COMING FROM THE REAR OF THE VEHICLE. UPON EXAMINING THE VEHICLE THE CONTACT NOTICED THE REAR AXLE WAS CRACKED ABOUT 12 INCHES LEFT OF THE CENTER. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT TAKEN TO AN AUTHORIZED DEALER TO BE EXAMINED. THE FAILURE AND CURRENT MILEAGES WERE 126,000. UPDATED 10/28/10. *LJ THE CONSUMER STATED THE A PLATE WAS WELDED TO THE AXLE WHICH WAS A TEMPORARY FIX SO HE COULD DRIVE THE VEHICLE HOME. UPDATED 10/28/10*JB

Mileage: 126,000

BROKEN REAR AXLE ON A 98 FORD WINDSTAR WITH ONLY 90,100 MILES ON IT. *TR

Mileage: 90,100

I HAVE REPLACED THE REAR AXLE NOW FOR THE THIRD TIME. THE FIRST TIME IT BROKE IN HALF COMING INTO MY HOME DRIVEWAY. THE SECOND TIME I HEARD A THUMPING NOISE FROM THE REAR OF THE VAN AND LOOKED TO FIND A CRACK IN THE AXLE,I REPLACED IT YET AGAIN. THIS LAST TIME THE SAME THING HAPPENED,CLUNKING NOISE TO FIND YET ANOTHER CRACK. THE VAN HAS 130,000 MILES HAS SOME BODY RUST,BUT NO REASON FOR SOMETHING CRITICAL LIKE THIS TO BE HAPPENING. *TR

Mileage: 130,000

READING ON-LINE BECAUSE MY MECHANIC'S PUZZLED ABOUT THE NOISES, I FIND THAT IT'S NOT ONLY THE 1999+ WINDSTARS THAT HAVE HAD A PROBLEM, BUT -- IF YOU WOULD LOOK AT #2 AND #3 HERE AT THIS LINK: HTTP://WWW.ABOUTAUTOMOBILE.COM/COMPLAINT/1998/FORD/WINDSTAR/SUSPENSION IT'S APPARENT THAT THIS AXLE BREAKAGE HAS OCCURRED IN 1998'S AS WELL. THAT IS WHAT I HAVE, IN WHICH I'M HEARING SIMILAR NOISES. LIVING IN A SALT-BELT STATE, THIS IS SCARY; DON'T EVEN DARE TAKE IT ON THE FREEWAY! HARD TO GET OUT OF TOWN (SUCH AS TO A GRADUATION THIS WEEKEND) WITHOUT FREEWAYS. VERY SAD ... & HARD TO REPLACE IT, TOO, WHILE ON ONLY SOCIAL SECURITY. SOMETHING SHOULD BE DONE TO INCLUDE 1998S (SEE LINK ABOVE) IN THIS INVESTIGATION, TOO, IT APPEARS. I DIDN'T PAY NEARLY $4000 TO ONLY DRIVE A VEHICLE IN TOWN, AND NOT BE ABLE TO GO ANYPLACE! :O( [XXX] PS * DIDN'T GIVE "DAY" B/C THIS HAS BEEN OCCURRING THE LAST FEW MONTHS, AND FINALLY ASKED THE MECHANIC LAST MONTH, ONCE I WAS DRIVING MORE AGAIN (IN WINTER DON'T DO MUCH, AND THEN AT OTHER TIMES DRIVE MA'S CAR TAKING HER PLACES). WELL, IT INSISTS ON A DATE, AFTER ALL, SO WILL PUT ON THERE, ARBITRARILY. [XXX] INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6). *TR

Mileage: 128,000

READING ON-LINE BECAUSE MY MECHANIC'S PUZZLED ABOUT THE NOISES, I FIND THAT IT'S NOT ONLY THE 1999+ WINDSTARS THAT HAVE HAD A PROBLEM, BUT -- IF YOU WOULD LOOK AT #2 AND #3 HERE AT THIS LINK: HTTP://WWW.ABOUTAUTOMOBILE.COM/COMPLAINT/1998/FORD/WINDSTAR/SUSPENSION IT'S APPARENT THAT THIS AXLE BREAKAGE HAS OCCURRED IN 1998'S AS WELL. THAT IS WHAT I HAVE, IN WHICH I'M HEARING SIMILAR NOISES. LIVING IN A SALT-BELT STATE, THIS IS SCARY; DON'T EVEN DARE TAKE IT ON THE FREEWAY! HARD TO GET OUT OF TOWN (SUCH AS TO A GRADUATION THIS WEEKEND) WITHOUT FREEWAYS. VERY SAD ... & HARD TO REPLACE IT, TOO, WHILE ON ONLY SOCIAL SECURITY. SOMETHING SHOULD BE DONE TO INCLUDE 1998S (SEE LINK ABOVE) IN THIS INVESTIGATION, TOO, IT APPEARS. I DIDN'T PAY NEARLY $4000 TO ONLY DRIVE A VEHICLE IN TOWN, AND NOT BE ABLE TO GO ANYPLACE! :O( [XXX] PS * DIDN'T GIVE "DAY" B/C THIS HAS BEEN OCCURRING THE LAST FEW MONTHS, AND FINALLY ASKED THE MECHANIC LAST MONTH, ONCE I WAS DRIVING MORE AGAIN (IN WINTER DON'T DO MUCH, AND THEN AT OTHER TIMES DRIVE MA'S CAR TAKING HER PLACES). WELL, IT INSISTS ON A DATE, AFTER ALL, SO WILL PUT ON THERE, ARBITRARILY. [XXX] INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6). *TR

Mileage: 128,000

THE REAR AXLE ON MY 1998 FORD WINDSTAR CRACKED. I WAS LUCKY ENOUGH TO CATCH IT BEFORE IT COMPLETELY BROKE IN HALF. *TR

Mileage: 111,000

WHILE ENTERING THE MERGE RAMP OF THE NORTHERN STATE PARKWAY REAR AXLE SNAPPED IN TWO. *TR

Mileage: 83,473

THE REAR AXLE OF OUR 1998 FORD WINDSTAR GL, WITH ONLY 99,630 MILES, BROKE WHILE GOING DOWN A ROAD GOING ABOUT 30 MPH. I HIT SMALL POTHOLE, HEARD A CLUNK AND THEN NOTICED THAT THE VEHICLE WAS NOT HANDLING PROPERLY. NOT KNOWING WHAT WAS WRONG AND SINCE I WAS CLOSE TO HOME, I DROVE IT HOME AND LOOKED UNDERNEATH AND NOTED THAT THE REAR AXLE WAS SPLIT ABOUT 75% THROUGH. THE REAR WHEELS WERE SITTING TILTED TOWARD THE VEHICLE. WE HAD A TOW TRUCK TAKE THE VAN TO HAVE IT FIXED. *TR

Mileage: 99,634

THE VEHICLE WAS DRIVING NORMAL AND BEGAN TO MAKE NOISES IN THE FRONT END. I HAD THE VEHICLE INSPECTED AT A SERVICE GARAGE AND TOLD THE FRONT COIL SPRINGS ARE FRACTURED. *TR

Mileage: 140,000

I NOTICED MY VAN WAS 'FEELING WEIRD' WHEN I DROVE IT-ALMOST LIKE I WAS DRIVING ON A SLIPPERY ROAD AND THE BACK END WAS SLIDING. THIS WENT ON FOR ABOUT 4 DAYS. I HAD TO DRIVE MY SON TO VISIT HIS FATHER ON AN EXTREMELY SNOWY DAY. THE ROADS WERE DRIVABLE BUT DID HAVE SOME SNOW ON THEM. WHEN I PROCEEDED DOWN THE HILL I LIVE ON, THE SLIDING SENSATION WAS EXTREMELY EXAGGERATED. THE FURTHER I DROVE, THE WORSE IT GOT. I HAD TO DRIVE IN 1ST GEAR GOING LESS THAN 20 M.P.H. WITH THE BACK END OF MY VAN FISHTAILING. I THOUGHT FOR SURE WE WERE GOING TO ROLL OVER. THANK GOD I WAS PASSING THE MECHANIC'S GARAGE I USE, AND I WAS ABLE TO PULL IN. I HAVE JUST BEEN INFORMED THAT THE REAR AXLE HAS SNAPPED AND THE VEHICLE IS NOT DRIVABLE. UPON SEARCHING FOR HOW MUCH A REAR AXLE IS GOING TO COST, I WAS SURPRISED TO FIND A SITE WHERE PEOPLE LIST THE PROBLEMS THEY'VE HAD WITH THE SAME VEHICLE. THIS IS NOT AN UNUSUAL THING TO HAVE OCCUR!!!! PEOPLE COULD VERY EASILY BE KILLED WHEN THIS BREAKS. IT WAS ONLY BY THE GRACE OF GOD THAT WE DIDN'T WRECK. FORD NEEDS TO FURTHER INVESTIGATE THIS AND PUT A RECALL ON THE REAR AXLE. *TR

Mileage: 95,000

OUR 1998 FORD WINDSTAR MINI VAN REAR AXLE BROKE. WE WERE RETURNING HOME. WHEN WE RETURNED I WENT ONLINE TO CHECK HOW MUCH IT WOULD COST TO REPAIR AND WAS SURPRISED TO FIND THAT THIS VAN WAS NOT THE ONLY 98 TO HAVE THIS PROBLEM.*TR

Mileage: 100,000

I HAVE A 98 FOR WINDSTAR GL. ON OCT 9TH I WAS COMING BACK FROM WORK AND THE REAR OF THE CAR KEPT FISH TAILING / SLIPPING TO ONESIDE AND AS WELL AS THAT NIGHT WHEN I HAD TO TAKE MY SON TO THE HOSPITAL AND BACK. ALMOST LOST CONTROL COMING BACK FROM THE HOSPITAL. I DID NOT GET IN THE CAR AT ALL THAT 10TH CAUSE OF THAT. ON OCT 11TH 2009 I WAS BACKING OUT FROM MY PARKING SPOT IN MY APARTMENT COMPLEX WITH MY FAMILY IN THE CAR. AS I BACKED UP AND AS I PUT IT IN DRIVE I HEARD A LOUD BANG LIKE I BACKED UP INTO A CAR. GOT OUT TO SEE MY BACK TIRES BENT IN. I PULLED UP SLOWLY AND LOOKED UNDERNEATH IT AND SAW THAT MY REAR AXEL ASSY SPLIT IN HALF. MY MECHANIC NEVER SAW ANYTHING LIKE IT. I SEARCHED THE WEB TO SEE IF THERE WAS ANY RECALLS BUT THERE WASN'T ANY BUT FOUND A BUNCH OF PEOPLE HAVING THE SAME PROBLEM FROM 98 TO 02 WINDSTARS ESP. WHILE DRIVING. SO MY VAN STILL SITS. I THINK THEIR SHOULD BE A RECALL THE REAR AXEL ASSY SPLIT IN HALF. NOTHING WAS DONE YET PART IS GOING TO COST 400 DOLLAR AND TO GET IT INSTALLED WILL COST AS MUCH. PART WAS AVAILABLE THROUGH FORD. BUT LOOKING FOR PART IN JUNK YARD FOR THE VAN. *TR

Mileage: 130,000

1. FORD SENT RECALL NOTICE (01S19/01M03) IN SEPTEMBER, 2001. VEHICLE WAS TAKEN IN FOR SERVICE (11/7/01) AND THE RECEIPT INDICATES THAT SAFETY SHIELDS WERE INSTALLED 'TO PREVENT A FRONT SPRING FAILURE FROM PUNCTURING THE FRONT TIRES'. THE NOTICE ALSO STATED THAT 'WHAT FORD WILL DO FOR YOU': "FORD MOTOR COMPANY WILL ALSO PAY FAR ANY REPAIRS DIRECTLY RELATING TO THE FRONT COIL SPRINGS OF YOU VEHICLE FREE OF CHARGE (PARTS AND LABOR)." IT WAS AT THAT TIME (2001), THE OWNER RECEIVED AN 'EXTENDED COVERAGE TRANSFERABLE WARRANTY NOTICE' ON THE FRONT SPRINGS FOR 10 YEARS FROM THE WARRANTY START DATE, REGARDLESS OF MILEAGE". 2. THE SPRINGS MAY HAVE FRACTURED AT A LATER DATE, OR WERE BROKEN AT THAT TIME AND NOT REPLACED. THE VEHICLE HAS ALWAYS HAD VERY LOW FRONT GROUND CLEARANCE. BECAUSE OF THE LOW GROUND CLEARANCE AND THE INSTALLED SHIELDS, THE SPRING FAILURE WAS NOT NOTED EVEN WHEN NEW TIRES WERE INSTALLED. RETURNING THE VEHICLE TO THE DEALER IN 2009, AFTER A FRONT BREAK LINE FAILURE, THE OWNER INQUIRED ABOUT CHECKING FOR BROKEN FRONT SPRINGS UNDER THE RECALL CAMPAIGN MENTIONED IN THE NOTICE FROM 2001. THAT IS WHEN HE LEANED THAT THE SAFETY RECALL ISSUE WAS SATISFIED WITH THE "SHIELD INSTALLATION". THIS ACTION APPARENTLY ALSO REMOVED THE VIN FROM THE SAFETY RECALL DATA BASE. THUS, ASSUMING THAT THIS IS NO LONGER A SAFETY ISSUE, THE OWNER CONTINUES TO DRIVE THE LOW MILEAGE VEHICLE (LESS THAN 100,000 MILES). 3. THE COST OF REPLACING THE SPRINGS WAS ESTIMATED AT $400 TO $600 DOLLARS BY THE DEALER AND NO CORRECTIVE ACTION IS BEING TAKEN AS APPARENTLY THIS IS NO LONGER A SAFETY ISSUE. THE VEHICLE IS A 1998 FORD WINDSTAR THAT WAS PURCHASED ON 10/16/97, WITH FIVE MILES ON IT. 4. IS THIS VEHICLE SAFE TO DRIVE AS THERE ARE NEARLY 100 SIMILAR COMPLAINTS ON THIS SAFETY COMPLAINT WEB SITE? 5. AS THIS VEHICLE DID NOT QUALIFY IN THE CLUNKER PROGRAM, IS SPRING FAILURE A LEMON LAW ISSUE? *TR

Mileage: 83,000

TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 1998 FORD WINDSTAR. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE COIL SPRINGS FAILED AND PUNCTURED THE TIRES. SHE FELT THAT THIS WAS A SAFETY ISSUE BECAUSE A SERIOUS CRASH COULD HAVE OCCURRED. THE VEHICLE HAS NOT YET BEEN REPAIRED. THE CURRENT AND FAILURE MILEAGES WERE 168,000.

Mileage: 168,000

I WAS BACKING OUT OF A PARKING SPOT AND HEARD A LOUD CRASH TYPE OF SOUND. CHECKED THE CAR AND FOUND OUT THAT THE REAR AXLE HAD BROKEN IN HALF. *TR

Mileage: 130,000

I BOUGHT A 1998 FORD WINDSTAR 3.0 L IN 1999. IN 2002 I RECEIVED A RECALL TO INSTALL FRONT SHIELDS OVER THE COIL SPRING SO I DID. YESTERDAY THE FRONT COIL SPRING PUNCTURED THE FRONT TIRE AND BROKE THE STRUTS AS WELL. WHEN CALLING FORD, THEY INFORM ME THAT THEY CAN NOT TELL ME WHEN MY VEHICLE WAS MANUFACTURED, JUST THAT THEY WILL DO NOTHING ABOUT IT. THEY ISSUED THE WARRANTY FOR 10 YEARS FROM MANUFACTURER DATE EVEN THOUGH THE RECALL DID NOT TAKE PLACE UNTIL 3-4 YEARS AFTER MANUFACTURE DATE AND I TOOK MY VEHICLE IN FOR THE RECOMMENDED CURE TO THE PROBLEM. *TR

Mileage: 110,000

MY WIFE WAS DRIVING OUR 1998 FORD WINDSTAR ON THE HIGHWAY WHEN SHE HEARD A LOUD NOISE AND SCRAPING SOUND COMING FROM THE FRONT DRIVER SIDE TIRE AREA. THE SOUND STOP SHORTLY AND A SIX INCH LONG CURVED ROD OF METAL HAD FALLEN OUT ONTO THE ROAD WAY. THE FRONT COIL SPRING HAD CRACKED AND A PIECE OF IT HAD COME LOOSE AND EVENTUAL FELL OUT UNDER THE VEHICLE. I WAS FORTUNATE THAT THE COLLAPSED SPRING HAD NOT DAMAGED THE TIRE OR THE BRAKES. THE VEHICLE IS CURRENTLY BEING SERVICED TO REPLACE THE BROKEN COIL SPRING AND INSPECTION FOR FURTHER DAMAGE. *TR

Mileage: 80,000

MY 1998 FORD WINDSTAR HAS BROKEN BOTH RIGHT AND LEFT COIL SPRINGS. I'VE HAD TO REPLACE THE TRANSMISSION, MY ABS AND REGULAR BRAKE LIGHT WON'T GO AWAY EVEN AFTER SERVICING. MY OVERDRIVE LIGHT KEEPS COMING ON AND STAYING LIT FOR DAYS. *TR

FRONT STABILIZER BAR BROKE IN HALF INSIDE BUSHING NONE OF THE AUTO TECHS COULD FIND THE PROBLEM FOR THE PART 2 YEARS (NOT EVEN DURING NY STATE INSPECTIONS) SO THEY PAST THE VAN ANYWAYS UNTILL FINALLY ONE GAVE A TUG ON THE PASSANGERS SIDE OF THE BAR AND IT CAME OUT OF THE BUSHING IN THEIR HANDS THE TECH SAID HE NEVER SAW A BAR BREAK LIKE THAT BEFORE AND THAT WAS THE CAUSE FOR HAVING TO GET THE WHEEL HUBS LOWERBALL JOINTS &TIE ROD ENDS REPLACED TWICE IN ONE YEAR ALONG WITH THE TIRES ON THE FRONT OF THE VAN SO THE VAN SITS IN THE DRIVE WAY UNTILL IT CAN GET FIXED (FINDING THE BAR IS THE HARD PART)DEALER SAID HE COULD NOT LOCATE ONE NOW WHAT???? ANY HELP WOULD BE GREATLY APRESHIATED. *AK

Mileage: 89,764

FRONT STABILIZER BAR BROKE IN HALF INSIDE BUSHING NONE OF THE AUTO TECHS COULD FIND THE PROBLEM FOR THE PART 2 YEARS (NOT EVEN DURING NY STATE INSPECTIONS) SO THEY PAST THE VAN ANYWAYS UNTILL FINALLY ONE GAVE A TUG ON THE PASSANGERS SIDE OF THE BAR AND IT CAME OUT OF THE BUSHING IN THEIR HANDS THE TECH SAID HE NEVER SAW A BAR BREAK LIKE THAT BEFORE AND THAT WAS THE CAUSE FOR HAVING TO GET THE WHEEL HUBS LOWERBALL JOINTS &TIE ROD ENDS REPLACED TWICE IN ONE YEAR ALONG WITH THE TIRES ON THE FRONT OF THE VAN SO THE VAN SITS IN THE DRIVE WAY UNTILL IT CAN GET FIXED (FINDING THE BAR IS THE HARD PART)DEALER SAID HE COULD NOT LOCATE ONE NOW WHAT???? ANY HELP WOULD BE GREATLY APRESHIATED ALSO THE DEALER HAD TO REPLACE THE TRANNY 4 TIMES ONCE ABOUT EVERY 12000-17000 MILES AND ONE OF THE TRANNYS ONLY LASTED FOR 325 MILES BEFORE THE VAN DIED ON THE NY STATE THRUWAY ON OUR WAY TO CANADA FROM SYRACUSE,N.Y. THEN IT TOOK THE 5 WEEKS TO FIX THE VAN AND GET IT BACK TO ME SO HOW COULD I BE SURE THAT THE BREAKING OF THE SAWY BAR WAS NOT CAUSED FROM THE TECHS REMOVING THE UNIT X AMOUNT OF TIMES???????????ALONG WITH THE TIE RODS,WHEEL HUBS,ECT.*AK

Mileage: 89,764

I PURCHASED A 1998 WINDSTAR VAN FROM THE FORD DEALER LOCATED IN CORNING CA. I HAVE HAD NOTHING BUT TROUBLE WITH IT PASSING SMOG FOR THE OXY SENSOR. AND THE TRANSMISSION HAS NEVER WORKED RIGHT. THE TURBO THING IS BAD. WHEN I WENT TO TRADE IT IN I FOUND THAT THE VEHICLE WAS OUT OF CANADA. AND THESE THINGS WERE PART OF THE RECALLS REPORTED TO YOU. BUT, FORD OF CORNING SAID THEY DID NOTHING TO THIS VAN BEFORE SELLING IT TO ME. I FOUND 14 THINGS WRONG WITH THIS VEHICLE. I ACTED UP A MONTH AFTER PURCHASE. BUT I WAS ON AWARE OF MY RIGHTS AS A CONSUMER. ALSO, I WAS NOT SURE WHAT OMS MEANT. THE VAN IS STUCK IN FOLSOM,CA AT AAMCO TRANSMISSION REPAIR SHOP. FINANCED THROUGH FIRESIDE BANK. FORD OF CORNING SAID THEY DID NOTHING TO THE VAN BEFORE I PURCHASED IT BUT CLEANING IT. *NM

Mileage: 3,700

I PURCHASED A 1998 WINDSTAR VAN FROM THE FORD DEALER LOCATED IN CORNING CA. I HAVE HAD NOTHING BUT TROUBLE WITH IT PASSING SMOG FOR THE OXY SENSOR. AND THE TRANSMISSION HAS NEVER WORKED RIGHT. THE TURBO THING IS BAD. WHEN I WENT TO TRADE IT IN I FOUND THAT THE VEHICLE WAS OUT OF CANADA. AND THESE THINGS WERE PART OF THE RECALLS REPORTED TO YOU. BUT, FORD OF CORNING SAID THEY DID NOTHING TO THIS VAN BEFORE SELLING IT TO ME. I FOUND 14 THINGS WRONG WITH THIS VEHICLE. I ACTED UP A MONTH AFTER PURCHASE. BUT I WAS ON AWARE OF MY RIGHTS AS A CONSUMER. ALSO, I WAS NOT SURE WHAT OMS MEANT. THE VAN IS STUCK IN FOLSOM,CA AT AAMCO TRANSMISSION REPAIR SHOP. FINANCED THROUGH FIRESIDE BANK. FORD OF CORNING SAID THEY DID NOTHING TO THE VAN BEFORE I PURCHASED IT BUT CLEANING IT. *NM

Mileage: 3,700

WE HAVE ALWAYS HAD TROUBLE WITH THIS VAN - WE BOUGHT IT USED(1 YR OLD) SO WE HAD NO RECOURSE AS FAR AS WARRANTIES GO. WE FINALLY WERE ABLE TO TAKE IT IN TO THE FORD DEALERSHIP AND HAVE THE LIGHT PROBLEM LOOKED AT - THEY REPLACED A SENSOR FOR $140 AND AS SOON AS WE DROVE 45 MILES IT STARTED UP AGAIN! WE WERE ON OUR WAY ON A ROAD TRIP AND I CALLED TO TELL THEM IT FAILED, BUT WHEN WE GOT BACK TWO WEEKS LATER THEY CLAIMED THAT IT MUST BE SOMETHING DIFFERENT... INTERIOR LIGHTS DO NOT SHUT OFF, REMOVED DOOR AJAR CHIME SO WE DIDN'T HAVE TO LISTEN TO THAT WHILE DRIVING ALL THE TIME, DOOR AJAR LIGHT HAS BEEN ON CONTINUOUSLY FOR MORE THAN 3 YEARS, WE'VE HAD TO REMOVE THE DOME LIGHTS AND TURN THE OTHER LIGHTS TO "OFF" SO OUR BATTERY DOESN'T GO DEAD OVER NIGHT - THE PASSENGER FLOOR LIGHTS REMAIN ON HOWEVER AND GET VERY HOT... THE DOORS DO NOT LOCK BECAUSE THE CAR THINKS IT'S DOORS ARE OPEN! THE CAR HAS BECOME DANGEROUS TO DRIVE AND THE PROBLEM HAS STUMPED TOO MANY MECHANICS TO LIST - WHEN DRIVING ABOVE 40 MPH THE RIGHT WHEEL STARTS MAKING A 'THUMPING' NOISE AND WHEN TURNING LEFT OR ACCELERATING IT BECOMES ALMOST DEAFENING, NOW IT'S MAKING A VERY LOUD SCREECH IF, BUT DON'T WANT TO SELL THIS DEATH-TRAP TO ANYONE ELSE EITHER YOU TURN TOO SHARPLY - THERE IS A CONTINUOUS SQUEAKING NOISE COMING FROM THE SAME AREA. PLEASE HELP!! THANK YOU, [XXX] PS... CRUISE CONTROL DOESN'T WORK AND THE BACK WIPER ONLY WORKS IF YOU'RE BACKING UP... HAVE HAD THE VAN REALIGNED CONTINUALLY AND I JUST BOUGHT ANOTHER SET OF TIRES IN JUNE AND THE LEFT FRONT TIRE IS ALREADY WORN OUT... THE RIGHT PASSENGER'S WINDOW SOMETIMES DOESN'T ROLL BACK UP AND THE SERVICE ENGINE LIGHT STAYS ON SOMETIMES FOR MONTHS FOR NO REASON AS WELL AS THE BRAKE LIGHT... INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6). *TR

Mileage: 35,000

WHILE DRIVING AT 75 MPH FRONT COIL SPRING SNAPPED AND BROKE, PUNCTURING THE FRONT DRIVERS SIDE TIRE. CONSUMER HAD THE COIL SPRING REPLACED ONCE. THIS WAS THE SECOND TIME THIS HAS HAPPENED. THE FRONT END OF THE VEHICLE COMPLETELY DROPPED. ALSO, THERE WAS A BRAKE FAILURE. TWO NHTSA RECALLS REGARDING FRONT COIL SPRINGS, RECALLS 01I007000 AND 01V199000 WERE ISSUED.*AK

VEHICLE SHOOK CONTINUOUSLY WHEN BEING DRIVEN. FRONT END WAS ALIGNED, THE BEARINGS, SHAFT, AND THE BALL JOINTS WERE REPLACED. *AK

Mileage: 30,000

I HAVE A 98 WINDSTAR MINI VAN . AFTER THE MINIVAN HAS BEEN RUNNING FOR AWHILE AND YOU GO TO STOP IT WILL GO DEAD OR WHAT YOU CALL STALLS. SO AFTER I CRANK IT BACK UP AND TRY TO TAKE OFF AGAIN IT WILL STALL AGAIN. SO THEREFORE I HAVE TO MAKE SURE THERE IS NO TRAFFIC COMING,BECAUSE THERE HAS BEEN SOME CLOSE CALLS OF ME AND MY CHILDREN GETTING INTO A WRECK DUE TO THIS PIECE OF $#*$.THE INTERIOR LIGHTS WILL NOT GO OFF, SO MY HUSBAND HAD TO TAKE THE LIGHT BULBS OUT: ALSO THE PASSENGER SIDE WINDOW WILL NOT GO DOWN OR UP. THIS THING IS SO BAD I WISH JIMM SKINNER FORD WOULD HAVE JUST KEPT THE PIECE OF $#*$. *NM

Mileage: 112,000

VEHICLE HAS FRONT AXLE HUB AND SPEED SENSOR REPLACED DUE TO ANTILOCK WARNING SIGNAL CONTINUING TO STAY ON. *BF RECALL# 01I007000. THERE WAS A NOISE IN THE FRONT RIGHT WHEEL AND ON ANOTHER OCCASION A LOUD BANG HAD COME FROM THE VEHICLE DUE TO THE LEFT FRONT SPRING EXPLODING. THE SERVICE DEPARTMENT STATED ON ANOTHER OCCASION THAT THE SUB FROM HAD RUSTED BADLY. *SC

RECALL 01V199000 CONCERNING FRONT COIL SPRING CORROSION. AFTER THE VEHICLE WAS REPAIRED FOR THIS RECALL A POPPING NOISE COULD BE HEARD WHILE DRIVING AT LOW SPEED OR APPLYING BRAKES. *AK

Mileage: 120,000

A LOUD NOISE CAME FROM THE FRONT OF THE VEHICLE WHILE DRIVING 55 MPH. VEHICLE PULLED TO THE LEFT. CONSUMER NOTICED THAT SWAY BAR BROKE ON DRIVER'S SIDE. DEALER AND THE MANUFACTURER WERE CONTACTED, AND BOTH INFORMED THE CONSUMER THAT THE PART WAS NOT COVERED UNDER A RECALL. *AK

Mileage: 160,000

MY 1998 FORD WINDSTAR HAD A FAILURE OF THE FRONT LEFT LEAF SPRING. THE RESULTING DAMAGE WAS AT LOW SPEEDS BUT THE LEFT FRONT TIRE WAS DAMAGED BEYOND REPAIR. IN DEC 2001 I HAD THE RECALL BY FORD ACCOMPLISHED TO INSTALL A GUARD ON THE LEAF SPRINGS. THIS GUARD WAS INSTALLED TO PREVENT THIS TYPE OF DAMAGE. THIS FIRST RECALL WAS A "SAFETY RECALL" AND THE FIX FOR THAT RECALL WAS INEFFECTIVE. THIS SHOULD BE A FULL OUT SAFETY RECALL TO REPLACE THESE SPRINGS BEFORE SOMEONE DIES. IT SHOULDN'T TAKE A DEATH TO CHANGE THE POLICY ON THESE SPRINGS. I BELIEVE THIS FAULT TO BE MORE RELATED TO A MATERIAL DEFECT THEN A RUST OR CORROSION PROBLEM. I HAVE OVER 100,000 MILES ON MY WINDSTAR AND I INSPECT IT PERIODICALLY FOR POSSIBLE DAMAGE. THESE SPRINGS HAVE LITTLE OR NO REST NOR DID THE SPRING AT THE POINT OF BREAK. WITHOUT DETAILED INSPECTION MICROSCOPES A MINUET CRACK COULDN'T BE SEEN WITH THE EYE. THIS IS A CONSISTENT PROBLEM WITH THIS VEHICLE AS NOTED IN THE COMPLAINT SECTION WITH OVER 77 COMPLAINTS. JUST THINK OF THE PROBLEMS THAT AREN'T REGISTERED ON THIS SITE. I'M ONLY CONCERNED FOR THE UNSUSPECTING FAMILY WHO HAS NO IDEA THAT THESE SPRINGS WILL FAIL IT'S ONLY A MATTER OF TIME. FORD WILL ONLY REPLACE THEM IF THEY BREAK. THEY WILL BREAK AS A MANUFACTURE DEFECT. I FEEL THE SAFETY COUNCIL SHOULD REVISIT THIS PROBLEM. I HAVE SOME VIDEO OF THE DAMAGE TO MY SPRINGS AND TIRE FOR PROOF IF THERE IS ANY NEED FOR SUCH EVIDENCE IN AN ACCIDENT INVESTIGATION. LET ME RESTATE MYSELF THIS IS A VERY SERIOUS PROBLEM THAT IS BEING OVERLOOKED. DON'T LET THIS PROBLEM KILL SOME BEFORE MORE ACTION IS DONE. ONE DEATH FROM THIS PROBLEM IS TOO MUCH. THESE VANS CARRY OUR CHILDREN ON A DAILY BASIS AND A WHOLE FAMILY COULD BE LOST IN JUST ONE ACCIDENT.*AK

Mileage: 106,000

THIS VEHICLE WAS RECALLED A WHILE AGO TO INSTALL A PROTECTIVE SHIELD BETWEEN THE COIL SPRINGS AND THE TIRE, SO THAT IF THE SPRING FAILED THE TIRE WOULD NOT BE DAMAGED. THIS MODIFICATION DID NOT FUNCTION AS INTENDED. WE EXPERIENCED A FAILURE OF THE SPRING AS WELL AS THE SHIELD WHICH SHREDDED THE TIRE AND DAMAGED A BRAKE LINE. FORD NEEDS TO RECALL THEIR RECALL, THIS IS A REPREHENSIBLE ACT ON THEIR PART.*AK

Mileage: 99,000

VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO DEALER TWO YEARS AGO FOR COIL SPRING RECALL REPAIRS. A SPRING SHIELD WAS PUT INTO VEHICLE TO PREVENT THE TIRES FROM BEING PUNCTURED. WHILE TRAVELING AT 70 MPH COIL SPRING PUNCTURED A TIRE. RECALL REPAIRS DID NOT WORK, THE SAME THING HAPPENED AGAIN. *AK

CONSUMER TOOK THE VEHICLE TO THE REPAIR STATION. THE DRIVER HEARD A CLANKING NOISE FROM THE LEFT WHEEL. THE MECHANIC NOTICED THAT STRUTS AND COILS SPRINGS NEEDED REPLACING DUE TO CORROSION. THE CONSUMER'S VEHICLE IDENTIFICATION NUMBER WAS NOT INCLUDED THE RECALL. THE RECALL NUMBER 01-I-007-000 *JB

I BOUGHT THIS VAN BECAUSE OF THE CLEAN CONDITION OF IT . I HAVE THE 3.0 LTR ENGINE WHICH HAS BEEN EXCELLENT. THE TRANSMISSION SO FAR IS OK. STEERING IS A DANGEROUS MESS WITH ALMOST EVERYTHING NEW AND 3 ALIGNMENTS. IF YOU TAKE YOUR EYES OFF THE ROAD EVEN FOR A SECOND YOU CAN END UP IN A DITCH. MY WIFE & I BOTH WENT OFF THE ROAD IN A 1 MONTH SPAN. WE BOTH HAVE EXCELLENT DRIVING RECORDS. THE FRONT END SEEMS OK TO FORD. SOMETHING SERIOUS IS WRONG WITH THE STEERING. WON?T LET MY WIFE DRIVE IT ANYMORE. HAS A LITTLE VIBRATION THAT YOU CANNOT GET RID OF. SENDING THIS TO YOU BECAUSE I CALLED FORD AND THEY SAID THERE WAS NO SAFETY RECALL OR ANY STEERING ISSUES WITH THAT VAN. HAD A SERVICE BULLETIN IN FRONT OF ME AT THAT TIME STATING THERE WAS. BUT THAT IS NOT THE PROBLEM. FORD DENIED THE ALL OF THE ABOVE. AM AFRAID TO SELL TO SOMEONE BECAUSE I THINK SOMEONE WILL GET HURT. DON?T KNOW WHY FORD KEEPS PUTTING IN THE SAME BAD PARTS YEAR AFTER YEAR. I HAVE HAD ALL THE DOME LIGHT PROBLEMS AND DOOR LOCKS ETC. THEY WILL STILL SAY NO PROBLEMS. BOUGHT IT USED AT A GOOD PRICE THINKING IT WAS A BAD TIRE CAUSING THE PROBLEMS. IF ACCIDENT OCCURS WILL SEEK DAMAGES

REAR SWAY BAR BROKE IN HALF ON LOW SPEED TURN IF THIS WOULD HAVE HAPPENED ON A FREEWAY EXCHANGE OR OFF RAMP THIS WOULD HAVE RESULTED IN A ROLLOVER AND POSSIBLE DEATH!

Mileage: 99,000

A/C OCT. 99 $168.98, DEC. 99 $134.40 SUSPENSION JULY 01 $664.61, DEC. 99 $515.85, JUN 01 $61.78, BODY JUN 01 $443.61 OTHER CD PLAYER JUN 01 $19.50 AND $366.86 TURN SIGNAL JAN 02 $161.04 DOME LIGHT JAN 02 $84.02 JAN 02 $89.72 DOOR OCT 99 $134.52, MAR 03 $285.07 STEERING SEPT.02 $258.82, MAR. 03 569.32 COMPUTER CONTROLS SEPT. 00 $106.02 ENGINE JAN 02 $784.75 COOLANT SMELL (FOUND FRONT COVER GASKET LEAKING) SEPT. 02 85.95 (TOLD THROTTLE BODY WORN OUT, SOLD ME UPDATE COMPUTER SOFTWARE, SEAMS TO RUN BETTER) CURRENTLY IN SHOP FOR CHECK ENGINE LIGHT AND A/C SYSTEM INTERMITTENT. MECHANIC FOUND ENGINE PROBLEM, SAYS MAIN BEARINGS OR CRANKSHAFT BAD, POSSIBLY DUE TO COOLANT IN OIL SYSTEM FROM JANUARY 02 PROBLEM

Mileage: 50,930

WHEN WE PURCHASED THE VAN, WE ALSO BOUGHT A DIAMONDKOTE WARRANTY ,FOR 499.99$ AND TOLD AT THE TIME OF PURCHASE THAT IS WAS A GOOD WARRANTY.WE THEN FOUND OUT THAT WE SHOULD NOT HAVE BEEN SOLD THE WARRANTY AND PLAZA FORD LINCOLN WILL NOT HONOR IT, WE CAN'T EVEN GET A REFUND, SO WE SPOKE TO SOMEONE AT DIAMONDKOTE AND THIS PERSON TOLD US THAT WE SHOULD NOT HAVE BEEN SOLD THE WARRANTY AND HAVE BEEN TRYING TO GET A REFUND EVER SINCE,EITHER FROM PLAZA FORD LINCOLN OR DIAMONDKOTE. I HAD INTENTIONS OF SUING FORD MOTOR COMPANY TWO YEARS AGO WHEN MY HUSBAND TOOK MY TWO DAUGHTERS TO HALIFAX, BECAUSE MY 8 YEAR OLD HAD CANCER AT THE TIME, SHE HAD A APPOINTMENT AT THE I.W.K HOSPITAL AND IT WAS BY THE GRACE OF GOD THAT THAY WERE NOT KILLED WHEN THE FRONT SUSPENTION SPRING BROKE IN WHICH CASE MY HUSBAND LOST STEERING. I SPOKE TO A LAWYER WHO SADLY TOLD, BECAUSE THERE WAS NO DEATH OR INJURY THERE WAS NOTHING HE COULD DO,WELL MY 8 YEAR OLD WHO IS NOW CANCER FREE WAS SO SCARED, SHE STILL GETS VERY SCARED TO GET IN A VEHICLE. I COULD GO ON BUT FOR NOW THIS IS JUST THE BEGINING. I AM GOING TO PURSUE THE MATTER OF THE DIAMONDKOTE WARRANTY FURTHER,AND POSSIBLY MORE.WE HAVE HAD ALOT OF VEHICALS BEFORE BUT NEVER A FORD WITH AS MUCH TROUBLE AS THIS HAS BEEN.

THE FRAME THAT HOLDS THE FRONT STRUT ROD CRACKED AND CAUSED THE RIGHT WHEEL TO WOBBLE. *AK

PROBLEMS WITH TRANSMISSION, TORQUE, POWER STEERING, AND FRONT END STABLE RODS & ARMS. *MR THE TRANSMISSION AND TORQUE HAD BEEN REPLACED TWICE, THE POWER STEERING ONCE, THE FONT END STABLE RODS AND ARMS TWICE AND REMAINED BAD. THE BATTERY LIGHT HAD COME ON AND THE IDLER PULLEY WAS REPLACED, THERE WAS A CREAKING/CRACKING NOISE WHEN TURNING THE WHEEL AND THE OUTER TIE RODS WERE REPLACED ALONG WITH THE TOE BEING RESET, THERE WAS A CLUNK WHEN GOING OVER THE BUMPS, THERE WAS A VIBRATION UNDERNEATH DUE TO THE TRANSMISSION, THE ENGINE LIGHT WOULD COME ON AND OFF AND SEEMED LIKE THE SHIFTS WERE ERRATIC, THE TRANSMISSION LEAKED BADLY, AND ON SOME OCCASIONS THE STARTER DID NOT ENGAGE. *SCC *JB

Mileage: 41,000

CONSUMER CALLED COMPLAINING ABOUT FRONT BRAKE PROBLEMS. THE BRAKES SQUEAKED FOR A LONG TIME UNTIL THEY WERE REPLACED. ALSO, FRONT COIL SPRING PROBLEMS. CONSUMER STARTED VEHICLE AND A TERRIBLE NOISE CAME FROM THE FRONT OF THE VEHICLE. SHE STOPPED, AND HAD VEHICLE TOWED TO THE DEALER. DEALER DID AN ALIGNMENT, AND TOLD CONSUMER THAT FRONT COILS NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. *AK

I AM SEEKING ACTION TO ALLEVIATE THE COST OF MAINTENANCE PROBLEMS I HAVE EXPERIENCED WITH MY 1998 3.8L V6 FORD WINDSTAR GL. OVER THE PAST FEW YEARS, MY WINDSTAR HAS DISPLAYED REOCCURRING AND EXTENSIVE MECHANICAL PROBLEMS IN THE FRONT END, BRAKES, AND ENGINE THAT HAVE RESULTED INCREASING AMOUNTS OF TIME AND MONEY SPENT ON REPAIRS. FROM RESEARCH, I HAVE FOUND THAT OUR DIFFICULTIES ARE NOT AN ISOLATED EVENT, AND ARE IN FACT A COMMON PROBLEM IN THE 1998 WINDSTAR, AND ARE THE SAME PROBLEMS FOUND IN THE 1995 WINDSTAR. THE MOST RECENT EVENT WAS THE REQUIREMENT TO HAVE THE HEAD GASKET REPLACED. THE LOCAL FORD DEALER PROVIDED THIS SERVICE WHICH COST $1500.00 IN PARTS AND LABOR. UPON COMPLETION OF THE REPAIRS THE VAN WAS NOT ROADWORTHY, A NEW SHORT BLOCK WAS NEEDED DUE TO DAMAGE CAUSED BY THE FAULTY HEAD GASKET. I HAVE BEEN QUOTED OVER $6000.00 FOR THIS JOB. IN ADDITION TO THE MOUNTING REPAIR COSTS, I AM FORCED TO RENT A CAR SO THAT WE HAVE TRANSPORTATION WHILE WE CONSIDER OPTIONS WITH OUR WINDSTAR. MY WINDSTAR HAS LESS THAN 100,000 MILES. IT IS NOT UNCOMMON THESE DAYS TO HAVE VEHICLES OPERATE THIS LONG BEFORE REQUIRING THE FIRST TUNE-UP. IN ORDER TO MAINTAIN THIS VAN, I HAVE SPENT THE TIME I HAVE OWNWD THIS VEHICLE AND A LOT OF MONEY TAKING MY WINDSTAR INTO SERVICE CENTERS TO HAVE INFERIOR PARTS, SUCH AS THE PLASTIC TIE-ROD ENDS AND BRAKES, REPLACED MANY TIMES. I HAVE ALSO SPENT A FORTUNE ON RENTAL CARS WHILE OUR WINDSTAR SAT UNSERVICEABLE. WE HAVE BORN THIS COST WITH THE EXPECTATION THAT INVESTING MONEY IN REPAIR WOULD RESULT IN SAFE, RELIABLE TRANSPORTATION FOR OUR FAMILY. WITH THIS MAJOR REPAIR, THE MONTHS OF EXHAUSTIVE DIAGNOSIS AND TRIAL REPAIR JOBS TO FIX THE PROBLEMS THAT ARRISE, THE MULTIPLE TIE ROD END REPLACEMENTS, AND BRAKE SYSTEM REPAIRS, I FEEL THAT I AM ENTITLED TO COMPENSATION FROM THE FORD MOTOR COMPANY. *AK

DEALERSHIP DID NOT PERFORM RECALL 01V199000 REPAIRS CORRECTLY FOR FRONT COIL SPRING, AND IS REFUSING TO CORRECT THE PROBLEM. *AK

CLUNKING NOISE IN FRONT SUSPENSION AT 32,000 MILE DUE TO WORNOUT BUSHING. THEN AT 74,000 MILES NOISE WAS DUE TO RADIUS ARM SOCKETS THAT NEEDED TO BE WELDED. THE PROBLEM STARTED AT 74,000 MILES BUT WAS NOT FOUND AND FIXED UNITL 82,000 MILES. THE CAR HAS NOT BEEN IN ANY ACCIDENTS. I FEEL THIS VEHICLES FRONT SUSPENSION IS DEFECTIVE BASE ON REPAIRS NEEDED IN 80,000 MILES OF HIGHWAY AND CITY DRIVING. FORD HAS BRUSHED ME OFF WORKING THROUGH THEIR CUSTOMER SERVICE CHANNELS! I AM THE ORIGIONAL OWNER.

Mileage: 74,000

CONSUMER COMPLAINED ABOUT LEFT FRONT SPRING BREAKING. VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO THE DEALER, AND THE SPRING WAS REPLACED, BUT DEALER REFUSED TO CHANGE THE OTHER ONES UNLESS THEY BROKE. DID NOT FEEL THAT THIS VEHICLE WAS SAFE TO BE DRIVING AGAIN.*AK

Mileage: 60,891

WHILE TRAVELING ABOUT 40MPH ON THE HIGHWAY AND WITHOUT PRIOR WARNING LEFT PASSENGER SIDE COIL SPRING BROKE. *AK

CONSUMER HAS CALLED SEVERAL DEALERSHIPS TO HAVE FOUR RECALLS DONE AND THEY WERE REFUSING TO HONOR THEM. RECALL # 01V199 CONCERNING FRONT SPRINGS:COIL SPRING/ 99V147 000 CONCERNING BRAKE MASTER CYLINDER/ 00E11 FORD'S ADDITIONAL WARRANTY FOR FRONT SPRINGS:COIL SPRING CORROSION, AND 01M 03.*AK

WHILE DRIVING THE VEHICLE AND NO WARNING FRONT LEFT SPRING COIL CRACKED, CAUSING THE VEHICLE TO FALL TO THE GROUND. DEALER NOTIFIED.*AK

ON 5/22/03 I WAS DRIVING DOWN THE HIGHWAY AND EXPERIENCED A SUDDEN FEELING THAT THE FRONT END OF MY VEHICLE DROPPED AND HEARD SOME OF THE WORST NOISES I HAD EVER HEARD. UPON DRIVING THE VEHICLE HOME (SLOWLY) MY HUSBAND CAME HOME AND TOOK OFF THE TIRE. WE DISCOVERED THAT THE FRONT COIL SPRING OVER THE STRUT HAD COLLAPSED AND THE VEHICLE COULD NOT BE DRIVEN. WE PAID OUT OF OUR POCKETS TO GET THE VEHICLE FLAT BEDDED TO THE LOCAL FORD DEALERSHIP. THE PARTS HAVE BEEN ON NATIONAL BACK ORDER AND IT'S BEEN OVER A WEEK. I AM PERSONALLY IN JEOPORDY OF LOOSING MY JOB BECAUSE I HAVE ONLY BEEN ABLE TO WORK 1/2 DAY.(1 VEHICLE LEFT, 2 WORKING PARENTS WITH 3 KIDS) NOW I AM BEING TOLD THAT THE TIRE ON THAT SIDE IS DAMAGED AND CAN NOT BE TRUSTED TO BE DRIVEN ON, AND THE VAN NEEDS A FRONT END ALIGNMENT. FORD IS SAYING THIS IS NOT COVERED AND REFUSES TO DO ANYTHING ABOUT IT. WE RECEIVED THE RECALL NOTICE 6 DAYS AFTER THE SPRING COLLAPSED. IT IS FOR SPRING SHIELDS, AT THE FORD CUSTOMER SERVICE NUMBER TOLD ME THE SHIELDS ARE TO BE INSTALLED SO THAT IF THE SPRING COLLAPSES IT DOESN'T DAMAGE THE REST OF THE FRONT END AND CAUSE AN ACCIDENT. IS THIS ALL FORD IS RESPONSIBLE TO DO? THERE ARE THOUSANDS OF THESE VANS ON THE ROAD THAT ARE A POTENTIAL DANGER. THEY KNOW THAT THESE SPRINGS ARE A HAZARD AND THEY DON'T COVER TOWING, REPLACE OR REPAIR OF TIRES ETC THAT GET DAMAGED DUE TO THEIR DEFECTIVE PARTS. MY TIRE IS ONLY 1 MONTH OLD. I JUST REPLACED IT. THEIR ONLY RESPONSIBILITY IS TO TRY TO MAKE SURE NO ONE GETS KILLED IN AN ACCIDENT CAUSED BY A DEFECTIVE PART ON THEIR VAN. WHY ARE THEY ABLE TO SAY THE GET THE 5 STAR SAFETY RATING FROM THE GOVERNMENT, THAT MAKES PEOPLE THINK THESE VEHICLES ARE SAFE. MY COLLAPSED DOING 50 MPH GOING HOME FROM MY MORNING RUN AS A SCHOOL BUS DRIVER. I HAD JUST DROPPED MY SON OFF TO DAYCARE 10 MINUTES BEFORE. THIS COULD HAVE BEEN A MUCH WORSE INCIDENT. *AK

THE SWAY BAR BROKE OFF INSIDE THE BUSHING. WHICH CAUSED THE VEHICLE TO RIDE ROUGH AND BOUNCE UP AND DOWN. *JB

Mileage: 113,000

CONSUMER CALLED COMPLAINING ABOUT HAVING PROBLEMS WITH THE LEFT FRONT SPRING BREAKING. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO THE SHOP AND THE SPRINGS WERE REPLACED BUT THE SHIELDS FOR THE SPRING WERE NOT REPLACED. THE CONSUMER DOES NOT FEEL SAFE DRIVING THE VEHICLE BECAUSE THE SAME PROBLEM MAY OCCUR. *NLM

Mileage: 60,891

THE FRONT COIL SPRINGS FAILED AFTER THE RECALL WAS PERFORMED.*JB

THE SWAY BAR BROKE, WHICH CAUSED THE VEHICLE TO PULL TO THE LEFT.*JB

Mileage: 83,000

WHILE DRIVING THE VEHICLE WOULD PULL TO THE LEFT SIDE OF THE ROAD. DEALER NOTIFIED. PH

CONSUMER STATES THAT THE DEALERSHIP WICKER FORD; TICONDEROGA NY; 518-585-2888 IS REFUSING TO HONOR THE RECALL FOR THE PROTECTION SHIELD FRONT COIL 01 F 121 000. TS

Mileage: 29,000

WHILE BRAKING THERE WAS A CLANKING NOISE IN FRONT END. TOOK VEHICLE TO FORD, FORD REPLACED SUBFRAME BUSHINGS AND TIE ROD ENDS. PLEASE PROVIDE ANY FURTHER INFORMATION. TS. *AK

THERE WAS A NOISE THAT HAD COME FROM THE WHEEL WHEN TURNING, AS THE CONSUMER TRAVELED ON THE HIGHWAY. TS THE BALL JOINTS FAILED, BOTH LEFT AND RIGHT ON THE FRONT END. SCC

Mileage: 49,000

CONSUMER STAES INSULATION BUSHING/STABELIZER BAR WAS REPLACED TWICE WITH IN PRESENT MILEAGE. PROVIDE ANY ADDITIONAL INFORMATION. TS

MFR# 01S19 & NHTSA# 01 V 199 000/FRONT COIL SPRING CORROSION: CONSUMER STATES WHILE PULLING INTO A PARKING LOT RIGHT FRONT COIL SPRING BROKE AND PUNCTURE THE TIRE. THE MAKE & MODLE SHOW A RECALL. DEALER NOTIFIED. FEEL FREE TO PROVIDE ANY FURTHER INFORMATION.

NO SUMMARY LISTED FOR ABOVE VEHICLE. *AK

MOUNTING BRACKET OF RIGHT FRONT STRUT SNAPPED, RIGHT FRONT OF CAR COLLAPSED AND BENT SWAY BAR, WHICH GOUGED AND RUINED TIRE. OCCURRED AT LOW SPEED ON SMOOTH PAVEMENT. IF WE HAD BEEN TRAVELING AT HIGHWAY SPEED, THE FAILURE WOULD HAVE BEEN CATASTROPHIC. I STILL HAVE PART AND CAN E-MAIL PICTURE OF IT.*AK

CONSUMER STATED THE FRONT END OF THE VEHICLE WAS BOUNCING, ALSO THE FRONT HUB BEARINGS WERE REPLACED.*YH

FRONT LEFT COIL SPRING BROKE AND PUNCTURED TIRE WHILE PULLING INTO A PARKING LOT. DEALER CONTACTED. FEEL FREE TO PROVIDE ANY FURTHER INFORMATION.*AK

RECALL 01F090000 WAS DONE IN APRIL 2002. SHIELDS WERE INSTALLED WITHIN 1/8 INCH OF TIRE, NEW TIRES WILL RUB ON THE SHIELDS.*AK CONSUMER STATED THAT THE GAS FILLER HOSES ARE EXPOSED TO FLYING STONES FROM THE WHEELS AFTER 98 FORDS ADDED A SHIELD TO COVER THEIR HOSE. *YH

AFTER RECALL 01V199000 FOR FRONT COIL SPRING CORROSION WAS COMPLETED PROBLEM REOCCURRED. *AK

THE VEHICLE HAD NOISE IN THE FRONT END. THE DEALER INDICATED THAT THE NOISE WAS DUE TO STRUT FAILURES. *YH

WHILE IN MOTION THE FRONT COIL SPRINGS FRACTURED AND WERE IN NEED OF EMERGENCY REPAIR. CONSUMER HAD THE VEHICLE TAKEN TO A LOCAL MECHANIC WHO REPAIRED THE VEHICLE. A RECALL WAS ISSUED FOR INSTALLING PROTECTIVE SHIELDS TO PROTECT THE COIL SPRINGS FROM FRACTURING. CONSUMER WOULD LIKE TO BE REIMBURSED FOR MONIES PAID, BUT FORD DEALER WILL NOT HONOR THE REQUEST FOR REIMBURSEMENT, BECAUSE THE REPAIRS WERE NOT MADE AT THE DEALERSHIP. *JG

THIS VEHICLE HAS HAD NUMEROUS BRAKING PROBLEMS/AXLES/SWAY BARS/CALIPERS/ELECTRICAL PROBLEMS

WHILE VEHICLE WAS PARKED CONSUMER SAW FRONT SWAY BAR HANGING DOWN ON PASSENGER'S SIDE OF VEHICLE.*AK

CONSUMER STATES VEHICLE WAS EXPERIENCING A PROBLEM WITH THE TIRE RUBBING ON THE SPRING. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN IN TO HAVE THE RECALL (01V199000) WORK PERFORMED. CONSUMER BEGAN EXPERIENCING PROBLEMS AGAIN WITH THE RECALL RELATED ISSUE. THE DEALER REFUSED TO LOOK AT THE VEHICLE, STATING THAT THE PROBLEM WAS NOT RELATED TO THE SPRING, WITHOUT EVEN LOOKING AT THE CAR. *YD *NM

LEFT FRONT COIL SPRING BROKE. DEALER AND MANUFACTURER WERE NOT NOTIFIED. FEEL FREE TO PROVIDE ANY FURTHER INFORMATION.*AK

CONSUMER RECEIVED A RECALL NOTICE 01V99000 THAT THE FRONT COIL SPRINGS MAY CORRODE AND FRACTURE. RECALL REPAIR WAS DONE BY CONSUMER'S LOCAL MECHANIC. HOWEVER, WHEN CONSUMER REQUESTED REIMBURSEMENT, THE MANUFACTURER DENIED REIMBURSEMENT CLAIM STATING THAT THE REPAIRS WERE DONE AFTER THE DATE OF THE RECALL LETTER (SEPTEMBER 2001), THERE WERE NO INDICATION THAT THE SPRINGS WERE BROKEN, AND THE RECALL ONLY COVERS THE SPRINGS IF THEY ACTUALLY FRACTURED AND THAT THE REPAIRS WERE NOT DONE BY A FORD DEALER. CONSUMER IS SEEKING SOME ASSISTANCE WITH THIS MATTER. *TT *NM

NHTSA RECALL 01 V 199 000/MANUFACTURER'S RECALL 01S19 CONCERNING FRONT COIL SPRING CORROSION, CONSUMER STATES DEALER, WALLY EDWARD FORD, PORT HENRY, NY; PHONE# 518/546-9911 IS REFUSING TO HONOR RECALL NOTICE. *AK THE FORD MOTOR COMPANY SAYS THE DEALERSHIP IS RESPONSIBLE FOR THE SAFETY RECALL REPAIRS. CONSUEMR HAS COMPLAINED OF THE TRANSMISSION AND NO DEALERSHIP WITHIN A 100 MILE RADIUS WILL ATTEMPT TO ACCESS THE PROBLEM. *JG

THE SPRING ON THE DRIVERS SIDE OF VEHICLE HAD RUPTURED WHILE CONSUMERS WIFE WAS DRIVING. WHEN THE SPRING RUPTURED, IT FORCED THE GUARD INTO THE TIRE (WHICH HAPPENS TO BE ONE MONTH OLD), AND RUINED THE TIRE. CONSUMER WAS TOLD THAT THE SPRING HAD BEEN RECALLED AND FORD WOULD REPLACE THEM. (IN WHICH FORD SAID THAT THE SPRING ON THIS VEHICLE HAD BEEN REPLACED ALREADY AND THEY WOULD NOT REPLACE ANYTHING).*SCC

FORD MO SAID THEY CANNOT FIX MY SUSPENSION PROBLEM AFTER WORKING ON MY CAR SINCE THE FIRST SERVICE CALL. THIS HAS BEEN SINCE 1999. THERE HAVE BEEN MANY SERVICE CALLS, PARTS REPLACED, AND I WAS TOLD THAT IF I TRADED IN THE CAR THAT THEY WOULD GIVE ME $3,000 TOWARD ANOTHER CAR, WHICH AMOUNTED TO ME BUYING A NEW VAN FOR THE REGULAR LISTED PRICE. I HAVE BEEN PUTTING UP WITH THESE EXCUSES THAT THEY DIDN'T WANT MY CAR AS A TRADE IN AS THEY COULD'NT RESELL IT. NOW I AM STUCK WITH A CAR THAT I CAN'T SELL AS IT IS DEFECTIVE. WHAT IS A CONSUMER LIKE MYSELF TO DO ABOUT THIS. I HAVE GONE TO ARBITRATION AND THEY SAID THEY COULDN'T HELP. THE LEMON LAWS ONLY APPLIES TO THE FIRST YEAR OF PURCHASE AND I SPENT THE FIRST YEAR WITH FORD TELLING ME THEY WERE WORKING ON MY PROBLEM AND THAT IT WOULD ALWAYS BE COVERED BY WARRANTY. NOW THEY TELL ME THEY CAN'T FIX IT. THE CAR HAS SUCH A BAD SHIMMY, POUNDING IN THE FRONT END THAT NO ONE WOULD TAKE THIS VAN AS A TRADE.*AK

THE CONSUMER HAD TO REPLACE FRONT COIL SPRINGS-MAY 2000. (REASON UNKNOWN) IN SEPTEMBER, THE CONSUMER RECEIVED A RECALL NOTICE ON THIS REPAIR, BUT THE DEALER WOULD NOT ISSUE REIBURSEMENT, IN THE AMOUNT OF $228.17. THE CONSUMER WAS GIVEN THE RUN AROUND AND FEELS THAT FORD WOULD RATHER STAY BEHIND THEIR DEALER, THAN TO STAND BEHIND THEIR CUSTOMER. (THOUGH SATISFIED W/THE VEHICLE, BUT UNSATISFIED W/THE TREATMENT. *SCC

FRONT COIL SPRING BROKE AND IT WAS RUBBING AGAINST TIRE SO BADLY THAT IT WAS DIFFICULT TO DRIVE. TOOK VEHICLE TO DEALER FOR RECALL 01V1999000 REPAIRS ON COIL SPRING. A SHIELD WAS PUT AROUND THE SPRING. DRIVER DID NOT SEE A SPRING SHIELD AROUND COIL. DRIVER ONLY SAW A PLATE TO PREVENT TIRE FROM BEING PUNCTURED AGAIN. PLEASE PROVIDE ANY FURTHER INFORMATION. *AK

CONSUMER STATED THAT UPON RECEIVING A SAFETY RECALL FOR SPRING COIL REPLACEMENT, RECALL #01V199000, CNSUMER CALLED THE DEALER TO ASK IF SHE COULD ORDER THE SPRING COILS TO HAVE THEM READY FOR THE APPOINTMENT, DEALER TOLD HER THAT WAS IMPOSSIBLE, CONSUMER MADE APPOINTMENT AND WENT TO THE DEALER TO FIX THE RECALL REMEDY, DEALER TOLD HER THAT A SPRING COIL REPLACEMENT WAS UNNECESSARY IN NASHVILLE, INSTEAD OF FOLLOWING THE RECALL INSTRUCTION FROM FORD THEY INSTALLED PROTECTIVE SHIELDS WHICH CAUSED CRUNCHING SOUNDS OVER THE SMALLEST BUMP, WHEN TURNED THE WHEEL TO THE RIGHT THE TIRE MADE SOUNDS OF HEAVY FRICTION, CONSUMER BELIEVES THE TWO TIRE BLOW OUT THAT SHE HAS EXPEREINCED HAS SOMTHING TO DO WITH THE SHIELDS THAT WERE INSTALLED ON VEHICLE, AND THE DETERIORATION OF THE DRIVERS SIDE TIRE FROM WHAT APPEARS TO BE CONSTANT FRICTION AND RUBBING, HOWEVER, CONSUMER NEEDS THE SHIELDS TO BE REMOVE AND THE PROBLEM TO BE CORRECTED AS QUICKLY AS TRUE TO THE ORIGINAL RECALL SPECIFICATION AS POSSIBLE. *YD

RECALL 01 V 199 00/ FRONT COIL SPRINGS. SINCE RECALL REPAIRS WERE DONE SNOW TIRES WERE NOT TO BE INSTALLED ON VEHICLE. PLEASE FEEL FREE TO PROVIDE FURTHER DETAILS*AK.

CONSUMER RECEIVED NOTIFICATION THAT VEHICLE WAS AFFECTED BY RECALL CAMPAIGN 01V199000. DEALERSHIP ONLY EXAMINED VEHICLE FOR CORROSION, AND FAILED TO INSTALL PROTECTIVE SHIELDS AROUND COIL SPRINGS PER CORRECTIVE ACTION FOR RECALL. PLEASE PROVIDE ANY ADDITIONAL INFORMATION / DOCUMENTATION.*AK

NHTSA RECALL 01 V 199 000 AND MANUFACTURER'S RECALL 01S19/FRONT COIL SPRING: DEALER; PRESTIGE FORD; MOUNT DORA, FL; PHONE# 352/357-5522)IS NOT HONORIN RECALL AS OUTLINED. DEALER ONLY INSPECTED VEHICLE, AND INFORMED CONSUMER THAT NOTHING COULD BE FOUND. ALSO, NO REPAIRS WERE NECESSARY. FEEL FREE TO PROVIDE ANY FURTHER INFORMATION CONCERNING THIS MATTER.*AK

RECALL 01 V 199 000/FRONT COIL SPRING CORROSION: DEALER ; CAPITOL FORD; GOLDSBORO, NC; PHONE# 919/735-8411 REFUSED TO DO ANY REPAIRS NOT UNTIL SIGN OF DEFECT/CORROSION APPEARED ON VEHICLE. FEEL FREE TO PROVIDE ANY FURTHER INFORMATION CONCERNING THIS MATTER.*AK

RECALL 01I007000; MOISTURE AND CORROSION AFFECTING FRONT COIL SPRINGS. ALSO, CAN AFFECT STRUT BEARINGS. CONTACTED DEALER, AND DEALER STATED ALL THEY HAVE TO DO WAS TO PUT SHIELD AROUND AND CHECK COIL SPRINGS.*AK

RECALL 01I007000; MOISTURE AND CORROSION AFFECTING FRONT COIL SPRINGS. ALSO, CAN AFFECT STRUT BEARINGS. CONTACTED DEALER, AND DEALER STATED ALL THEY HAVE TO DO WAS TO PUT SHIELD AROUND AND CHECK COIL SPRINGS.*AK

WHILE DRIVING, LEFT FRONT TIRE EXPERIENCED A BLOWOUT, NO SPECIFIC TIRE INFORMATION GIVEN, A YEAR LATER, CONSUMER RECEIVES RECALL 01S19 REGARDING THE FRONT COIL SPRINGS CORRODING, POSSIBLY CAUSING TIRE DAMAGE, CONSUMER DOES NOT WANT THIS VEHICLE ANYMORE. *SLC

WHILE DRIVING, LEFT FRONT TIRE EXPERIENCED A BLOWOUT, NO SPECIFIC TIRE INFORMATION GIVEN, A YEAR LATER, CONSUMER RECEIVES RECALL 01S19 REGARDING THE FRONT COIL SPRINGS CORRODING, POSSIBLY CAUSING TIRE DAMAGE, CONSUMER DOES NOT WANT THIS VEHICLE ANYMORE. *SLC

CONSUMER CONTACTED DEALERSHIP FOR RECALL #01I007000 REPAIRS, BUT DEALERSHIP REFUSED TO REPAIR VEHICLE. PLEASE PROVIDE FURTHER DETAILS. *AK

CONSUMER TOOK VEHICLE IN TO DEALER FOR A RECALL REPAIRS ON FRONT SPRING. SAME DAY CONSUMER RECEIVED CAR BACK, THERE WAS A BANGING NOISE WHEN CONSUMER HIT A BUMP. CONSUMER HAD NOT CONTACTED DEALER. PLEASE PROVIDE ANY FURTHER INFORMAYION.*AK

STEERING COLUMN STICKS, HAS TO JERK STEERING WHEELS. ALSO VEHICLE PULLS TO THE LEFT. CONSUMER CAN HEAR A WHISTLING SOUND ON LEFT SIDE. CONTACTED DEALER. DEALER KEPT VEHICLE FOR ABOUT ONE HOUR, AND TOLD CONSUMER IT WASN'T ANYTHING WRONG WITH VEHICLE. *AK

FAULTY INSTALLATION OF LEFT FRONT SPRING GUARD THAT WAS ON RECALL CAUSED NOISE. *YH

FAULTY INSTALLATION OF LEFT FRONT SPRING GUARD THAT WAS ON RECALL CAUSED NOISE. *YH

FRONT END ALIGNMENT WAS PERFORMED DUE TO TIRE WEAR AND DRIVABILITY.*JB

FRONT END ALIGNMENT WAS PERFORMED DUE TO TIRE WEAR AND DRIVABILITY.*JB

CONSUMER TOOK VEHICLE TO REPAIR SHOP BECAUSE FRONT TIRE TIRES WERE BALLED INSIDE. MECHANIC TOLD CONSUMER THAT UPPER BALL JOINTS AND TIRE ROD ENDS WERE DEFECTIVE. CONSUMER REPLACED THEM. THERE WAS NO ACCIDENT. *AK

THIS VAN IS 3 YEARS OLD. CORROSION MOST LIKELY CAUSED THE PROBLEM WITH STRUT RODS & SWAY BAR LINKS. OBVIOUSLY THIS MANUFACTURER WAS NOT CONCERNED WITH QUALITY B/C OF ALL THESE PROBLEMS. THE FORD COMPANY WILL NOT REIMBURSE ME (MY VAN IS NO LONGER COVERED BY FACTORY WARRANTY) UNLESS THEY ISSUE A RECALL ON ANY PARTICULAR PROBLEM. I JUST DON'T UNDERSTAND WHY I WOULD HAVE ALL THESE PROBLEMS WITH A VEHICLE THAT WAS LESS THAN 2 YRS OLD WHEN THE PROBLEMS STARTED. MAYBE YOU CAN'T HELP ME, BUT I WANTED TO LODGE A COMPLAINT.*AK

THIS VAN IS 3 YEARS OLD. CORROSION MOST LIKELY CAUSED THE PROBLEM WITH STRUT RODS & SWAY BAR LINKS. OBVIOUSLY THIS MANUFACTURER WAS NOT CONCERNED WITH QUALITY B/C OF ALL THESE PROBLEMS. THE FORD COMPANY WILL NOT REIMBURSE ME (MY VAN IS NO LONGER COVERED BY FACTORY WARRANTY) UNLESS THEY ISSUE A RECALL ON ANY PARTICULAR PROBLEM. I JUST DON'T UNDERSTAND WHY I WOULD HAVE ALL THESE PROBLEMS WITH A VEHICLE THAT WAS LESS THAN 2 YRS OLD WHEN THE PROBLEMS STARTED. MAYBE YOU CAN'T HELP ME, BUT I WANTED TO LODGE A COMPLAINT.*AK

BOTH FRONT COIL SPRINGS BROKE. THE FIRST ONE BROKE AT 60,000 MILES AND CUT THE SIDE WALL OUT OF THE TIRE. THE SECOND ONE BROKE AT 63,000 MILES AND CUT THE SIDE WALL OUT OF THE TIRE INSTANTLY. BOTH INCIDENTS OCCURRED AT SLOW SPEEDS. IF IT WOULD HAVE OCCURRED AT HIGHWAY SPEED, A ROLL OVER MAY HAVE TAKEN PLACE.

WHILE PULLING VEHICLE OUT OF GARAGE VEHICLE DROPPED ON DRIVER'S SIDE. TIRE WAS SHREDDED. ALSO, THIS BROKE THE STRUT. VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO DEALER. DRIVER'S SIDE COIL SPRING HAD TO BE REPLACED.*AK COIL SPRING BROKE RIPPING THE SIDEWALL OF THE TIRE AND BENDING THE STRUT AND STRUT MOUNTING PLATE, DEALER WOULD NOT COVER REPAIRS AND FORD SAID THEY HAD NO RECORD OF THE PROBLEM. NLM

WHILE PULLING OUT OF DRIVEWAY THE COIL SPRING BROKE. ALSO, SPRING PUNCTURED LEFT FRONT TIRE, AND BLEW TIRE COMPLETELY OUT. CONSUMER HAS CONTACTED DEALER.*AK

WHILE VEHICLE IS IN OPERATION AND MAKING ANY TYPE OF TURN, THERE IS A LOUD "METAL TO METAL" SOUND COMING FROM FRONT OF VEHICLE. A PRIVATE MECHANIC HAS REPLACED TIE ROD IN AN EFFORT TO REPAIR PROBLEM. *AK *JB

CONSUMER WAS TRAVELING 15MPH ON A TWO LANE RAMP AND HEARD SOMETHING POPPED, AND STEERING COLUMN WAS DIFFICULT TO STEER. SHE WAS ABLE TO PULL OVER TO SHOULDERS, AND NOTICED THAT A COIL SPRING HAD FALLEN OUT AND PUNTCURED RIGHT TIRE. *AK CONSUMER STATES LEFT AND RIGHT FRONT COIL SPRING WAS REPLACED.*JB

CONSUMER WAS TRAVELING 15MPH ON A TWO LANE RAMP AND HEARD SOMETHING POPPED, AND STEERING COLUMN WAS DIFFICULT TO STEER. SHE WAS ABLE TO PULL OVER TO SHOULDERS, AND NOTICED THAT A COIL SPRING HAD FALLEN OUT AND PUNTCURED RIGHT TIRE. *AK CONSUMER STATES LEFT AND RIGHT FRONT COIL SPRING WAS REPLACED.*JB

DEFECT HAPPENED WHILE NORMAL BACKING OUT OF DRIVEWAY. KNOW OF AT LEAST ONE OTHER EXACT INCIDENT WITH ANOTHER WINSTAR IN THIS AREA. NO SAFETY DEFEC TMENTIONED. *AK

WHILE PULLING OUT OF A PARKING SPACE, THE FRONT RIGHT SPRING BROKE. HAD TO HAVE CAR TOWED TO REPAIR SHOP. I WAS TOLD I NEEDED TO REPLACE COIL SPRINGS ON BOTH FRONT SIDES. REPAIR COULD NOT BE MADE ON SAME DAY BECASUE FORD IS THE ONLY MANUFACTURER OF THE SPRING AND NO ONE IN TOWN HAD THE REPLACEMENT SPRINGS. I HAD TO RENT A CAR FOR THE WEEKEND.*AK

DRIVER NOTICED A NOISE IN FRONT END OF THE VEHICLE WHEN MAKING TURNS. THIS WAS DUE TO FRONT COIL SPRINGS BREAKING. NEEDED NEW COIL SPRINGS. *AK *JB

LEFT FRONT COIL SPRING BROKE WHILE THE VEHICLE WAS PARKED. DEALER WAS NOTIFIED, AND INFORMED CONSUMER VEHICLE WAS OUT OF ITS WARRANTY, AND ANY REPAIRS WOULD BE AT CONSUMER'S EXPENSE. *AK THERE WAS EVIDENCE OF A FLAW IN THE METAL. 2-3 INCHES ON EACH BROKEN END OF THE COIL SPRING WAS RUSTED. *YH

FRONT RIGHT COIL SPRING BROKE WHILE CONSUMER'S DAUGHTER WAS DRIVING AT APPROXIMATELY 10 MPH. WHEN COIL SPRING BROKE, IT CAUSED FRONT RIGHT TIRE TO BLOWOUT. CONSUMER REPLACED ORIGINAL TIRE WITH A SPARE, RESULTING IN SPARE BEING DESTROYED BECAUSE OF BROKEN COIL SPRING. *AK *JB

LEFT FRONT COIL SPRING BROKE WHILE VEHICLE WAS JUST STARTING TO ACCELERATE FORWARD AFTER BACKING OUT OF A DRIVEWAY. FORD DEALERSHIP STATED THAT SPRING HAD RUSTED, AND THIS CAUSED COMPONENT TO BREAK. *AK

WHILE DRIVING AT 60 MPH SEVERE VIBRATIONS OCCURS, CAUSING SAFE HANDLING OF VEHICLE TO BECOME EXTREMELY DIFFICULT, CAUSE UNKNOWN.*AK CONSUMER STATES LOCAL DEALER HAS TRIED VARIOUS THINGS SUCH AS TIRE BALANCING, ALIGNMENT AND CHANGING ALL FOUR TIRES BUT NOTHING HAS RESOLVED THE PROBLEM, LOCAL DEALER STATED THAT THIS PARTICULAR VEHICLE HAS THIS PROBLEM AND THEY DONT KNOW WHAT TO DO TO CORRECT IT. *JB

FRONT COIL SPRING BROKE. LOCAL MECHANICK HAS NOY SEEN A BROKEN SPRING SINCE THE 1960"S. I KNOW OF OTHER FORD PRODUCTS THAT HAVE HAD SPRING PROBLEMS. *AK

FRONT COIL SPRINGS BROKE WHILE DRIVING 5MPH. NOTICED RUBBING AGAINST TIRE WHICH WAS BECOMING FRAYED. TOOK TO DEALERSHIP , AND MECHANIC INDICATED THAT PROBLEM WAS DEFINITELY FRONT COIL SPRINGS, BUT DID NOT REPLACE THEM. OWNER WORKING WITH DEALERSHIP.*AK

WHILE DRIVING AT 20 MPH COIL SPRINGS POPPED IN TWO SPOTS . CONTACTED DEALER, DEALER ONLY WANTED TO REPLACE LEFT SIDE OF THE CAR, NOT BOTH SIDES. THERE WAS A SIMILAR RECALL ON EARLIER MODELS.*AK

WHILE SITTING IN VEHICLE AND WITHOUT ANY INDICATION FRONT SPRINGS BROKE. PLEASE PROVIDE FURTHER INFORMATION.*AK

WHILE PULLING OUT OF DRIVEWAY AT VERY SLOW SPEED FRONT COIL SPRING BROKE. *AK *JB

PASSENGER'S SIDE COIL SPRING BROKE WHILE BACKING OUT OF DRIVEWAY. DEALER NOTIFIED, AND INFORMED CONSUMER THAT VEHICLE WAS NOT COVERED UNDER A MANUFACTURER'S RECALL. FEEL FREE TO PROVIDE ANY FURTHER DETAILS ON THIS MATTER. *AK

WHILE DRIVING 5 MPH FRONT DRIVER'S SIDE COIL SPRING BROKE. *AK CONSUMER STATES THAT THE STRUT WAS RUINED AND FORD PAID FOR ALL REPAIRS. *SLC

EA-00-027 ; FRONT COIL SPRING WHICH IS PART OF SUSPENSION, BROKE. THIS, IN RETURN, SPLIT AND CUT TIRE,CAUSING TIRE TO GO FLAT. *AK

FRONT COIL SPRING BROKE AND RUPTURED FRONT RIGHT TIRE OF THE VEHICLE. DEALERSHIP HAS NOT INFORMED CONSUMER FOR REASON OF DEFECT. PLEASE PROVIDE ANY ADDITIONAL INFORMATION/ATTACHMENTS.*AK

VAN PARKED IN DRIVEWAY, BOTH FRONT COIL SPRINGS BROKE SIMULTANEOUSLY CAUSING FRONT OF VEHICLE TO DROP 5 INCHES AND NEARLY PIERCING SIDEWALLS OF BOTH FRONT TIRES. *AK

THE RIGHT FRONT COIL SPRING FAILED WHILE DRIVING. NLM

EA00027; LEFT FRONT COIL SPRING BROKE, CAUSING TIRE TO RIDE IN FENDER.*AK *SLC

BROKEN FRONT SPRING. *AK FRONT STRUT SPRING BROKE CAUSING GROANING NOISE IN THE FRONT WHELL AREA, BROKE SPRING ALSO CAUSED THE VAN TO LEAN TOT HE LEFT. NLM 4/12-01

THE LEFT FRONT SPRING BROKE CAUSING NOISE FROM THE WHEEL AREA, THE CONSUMER REQUESTED REIMBURESEMENT. NLM

LEFT FRONT COIL SPRING BROKE AND IMBEDDED ITSELF IN LEFT WALL OF TIRE WHEN BACKING OUT OF A PARKING SPACE. *AK THERE WAS VERY LOUD GROANING NOISE COMING FROM FRONT END WHEN THE CONSUMER STARTED TO DRIVE THE VEHICLE, AND THE FRONT END COLLAPSED SOON AFTER BECAUSE THE FRONT LEFT TIRE HAD DEFLATED AS THE RESULT OF THE COIL SPRING BREAKING AND SLASHING THE TIRE. *YH

CONSUMER HAS EXPERIENCED SEVERAL PROBLEMS WITH THE TRANSMISSION, DEALER HAS REPLACED IT ONCE, HOWEVER PROBLEMS CONTINUE, CONSUMER HAS FILED FOR A REQUEST FOR ARBITRATION, VEHICLE BUCKS, JERKS, AND JUMPS INTO GEAR BEFORE TAKING OFF. VEHICLE SHIMMIES FROM ONE SIDE TO ANOTHER UPON ACCELERATION, THERE IS A THUMPING SOUND HEARD ALSO AT TIMES WHILE DRIVING. VEHICLE EXPERIENCED A SPEED SENSOR CIRCUIT PROBLEM. SPEEDOMETER JUMPS. PROBLEM WITH POWER STEERING, DEALER ADJUSTED RACK AND PINION AND MADE OTHER REPAIRS TO STEERING MECHANISM. RIGHT SIDE BRAKE LIGHT BULB FAILED. BATTERY FAILED. CONSUMER STATED IT FELT AS IF VEHICLE WAS GOING TO STALL SOMETIMES, ENGINE HAS NO POWER AT ACCELERATION, ENGINE BELT WAS NOISY AND WAS REPLACED. TIRE HAD A SLOW LEAK DUE TO LOOSE TIRE VALVE. *SLC

CONSUME R WAS TRAVELING A LOW SPEED MAKING A TURN AND THERE WAS A MOANING SOUND LIKE A GRINDING NOISE, ALIGNMENT WAS OFF PEAK. DEALERSHIP WAS AWARE OF PROBLEM.-*AK

WHILE TRAVELING 35 MPH RIGHT FRONT COIL SPRING HAD BROKEN, CAUSING FRONT END TO DROP 6 INCHES. PLEASE PROVIDE FURTHER INFORMATION.*AK

WHILE DRIVING VAN APPROACHING A MAJOR HIGHWAY THE LEFT FRONT COIL SPRING BROKE WITHOUT ANY WARNING CAUSING THE LEFT FRONT TIRE TO BE SLICED OFF IT'S RIM. THE DRIVER LOST CONTROL OF VAN BUT WAS ABLE TO EVENTUALLY CONTROL IT. WHEN THE SPRING WAS EXAMINED THERE WAS NO RUST ON THE OUTER PORTION OF IT. IT WAS COATED COMPLETELY WITH FACTORY PAINT. IT DID HOWEVER SHOW SIGNS THAT IT CRACKED PRIOR TO IT BREAKING AS THERE WAS A VERY SLIGHT AMOUNT OF RUST 3/4 OF THE WAY THROUGH ACTUAL CROSSSECTION OF THE SPRING. OTHER REPORTS OF THIS HAPPENING IN SALT BELT STATES. I BELIEVE THIS MAY BE TEMPERATURE RELATED AS IT IS COLD IN ALL THE SALT BELT STATES. IT IS APPARANT THAT THIS SPRING MAY BE TOO BRITTLE AND THE COLD WEATHER MAKES IT WORSE. THE MAJOR PROBLEM IS WHEN IT SLICES THE TIRE OFF THE RIM AT HIGHWAY SPEEDS. I HAVE PICTURES OF SPRING AND TIRE.ARENTATENT THATTURE RELATED BREAK.

VARIOUS PROBLEM WITH POWER LOCK LOCKING BY ITSELF/WINDSHIELD WIPERS WORKING INTERMITTENTLY/DOME LIGHT NOT OPERATING, AND DOOR AJAR LIGHT STAYING ON. VEHICLE BEEN IN / OUT OF DEALER SHOP ON SEVERAL OCCASIONS, AND PROBLEMS STILL REOCCURRING. *AK POSSIBLE ELECTRICAL PROBLEM WITH FAILURE OF POWER LOCKS, WINDSHIELD WIPERS, DOME LIGHT, DOOR AJAR LIGHT, DOOR AJAR SWITCH, LIFT GATE DOOR AJAR SWITCH, BATTERY SAVER RELAY INOPERABLE, AND WASHER LIGHT ILLUMINATING. BRAKES NOISY AT TIMES, DEALER STATED THIS WAS DUE TO BRAKE DUST. POWER STEERING IS NOISY WHEN TURNING BACK AND FORTH, DEALER REPLACED TIE ROD END. SLIDING DOOR RATTLES WHILE DRIVING OVER BUMPS, DEALER ADDED FOAM TAPE TO BACK SIDE OF PANEL, DRIVER DOOR RATTLES, SLIDING DOOR HARD TO OPEN AT TIMES, DEALER LUBED SLIDING HINGES AND LATCH. DEALER REPLACED SHOCKS DUE TO RATTLING NOISE WHEN RIDING OVER BUMPS. DRIVEBELT REPLACED. MAF SENSOR REPLACED DUE TO HESITATION. WINDOW GUIDE DID NOT FIT TIGHT. *SLC

CONSUMER WAS TRAVELING 45MPH ON HIGHWAY AND SHE WAS APPROACHING A MAJOR HIGHWAY ON RAMP, AND HEARD A BOOMING NOISE. SPRING BROKE AND PIERCED LEFT RIGHT DRIVER'S SIDE TIRES. SHE WAS ABLE TO PULL OVER TO SHOULDERS.*AK THE CONSUMER BELIEVES THE CAUSE OF THE SPRING BREAKING WAS COLD TEMPERATURE RATHER THAN CORROSSION. HOWEVER, THE CONSMER ALSO INDICTED THAT SPRINGS WERE BREAKING ONLY IN AREA OF HEAVY SALT ROADS. *YH

FRONT LEFT COIL SPRING BROKE WHILE VAN WAS PARKED. SEE NHTSA EA00027 AND PE00024. *AK

THE LEFT FRONT COIL SPRING FAILED ABRUPTLY WHEN BRAKING FOR A TRAFFIC LIGHT, SLICED THE SIDEWALL OFF THE LEFT FRONT TIRE (BLOWING IT OUT), SEVERED THE MCFERSON STRUT AND DROPPED THE VEHICLE TO THE PAVEMENT. IF THE FAILURE HAD OCCURED 100 YARDS LATER AT THE ENTRANCE OF THE HIGH SPEED CONNECTOR (WHICH IS A SWEEPING RIGHT TURN) THE VEHICLE WOULD HAVE FLIPPED INTO THE ON-COMING LANE OF TRAFFIC. SINCE SPRING BREAKAGE PROBLEMS HAVE BEEN RECORDED ON WINDSTARS SINCE THE MODEL INTRO. IN 1996, WHY HAS THIS NOT PROMPTED ACTION FROM FORD??

WHEN TURNING TO THE RIGHT THERE'S A LOUD SQUEAKING NOISE.*AK

AFTER STARTING VEHICLE CONSUMER HEARD GRINDING SOUND, FRONT COIL SPRING HAD BROKEN. *AK

CONSUMER WAS BACKING OUT OF DRIVEWAY AND HEARD A CLUNKING NOISE. VEHICLE HAD TO BE TOWED SINCE FRONT COIL SPRING HAD BROKEN OFF. *AK THE DEALER REPLACED THE FRONT SUSPENSION. *YH

SOME GRINDING AND STEERING PROBLEMS WHEN TRYING TO STEER. *AK

WHILE DRIVING 35 MPH FRONT TWO COIL SPRINGS BROKE AND VEHICLE'S FRONT DROPPED. *AK ALSO A TIRE ON THE RIGHT SIDE BLEW OUT. THE SPRING WAS REPLACED. *YH

I HAD BACKED OUT OF A PARKING SPOT AND WAS PROCEEDING FORWARD WHEN THE FRONT OF CAR, LEFT SIDE, DROPPED DOWN ABUPTLY. VAN GROUND TO A STOP AND I HOPPED OUT TO INVESTIGATE. THE LEFT FRONT FENDER WAS MUCH LOWER THAN THE RIGHT, BUT IT WAS DARK SO I COULDN'T SEE MUCH ELSE. WANTING TO GET THE VAN BACK TO MY HOME, I TRIED TO DRIVE IT FARTHER, BUT IT MADE A LOUD GRINDING NOISE THAT SOUNDED SIMILAR TO A TRAIN ON A TRACK, AND BEGAN TO SMELL LIKE BURNT RUBBER. AT THIS POINT I DECIDED IT BEST TO STOP AND HAD THE VAN TOWED TO MY MECHANIC. THE MECHANIC ADVISED THAT THE COIL SPRING WAS BROKE AND ON HIS ADVISE I HAD BOTH FRONT COIL SPRINGS REPLACED AS WELL AS THE STRUTS. HE SAID I WAS FORTUNATE TO BE MOVING AT SUCH A SLOW SPEED BECAUSE I WOULD HAVE LOST CONTROL DUE TO THE SPRING RUBBING AGAINST THE TIRE AND RIM. WE ALSO REPLACED THE TIRE. WE CONTACTED THE DEALERSHIP AND SHOWED THE SERVICE MANAGER THE BROKEN COIL SPRING AND WROTE A REQUEST FOR ASSISTANCE. THE AREA INSPECTOR, WHO NEVER SAW THE PART, TURNED DOWN THE REQUEST BECAUSE I DIDN'T TAKE THE VAN TO THE FORD DEALER. THE VEHICLE WASN'T UNDER WARRANTY AND I NEEDED IT FIX RIGHT AWAY, PLUS THE DEALER WAS 20 MILES AWAY, SO I MADE A QUICK DECISION TO HAVE IT TOWED TO MY MECHANIC WHO WAS CLOSE. I DIDN'T KNOW WHAT WAS WRONG, I'M NOT A MECHANIC! AFTER ALOT OF RUN-AROUND, THE DEALERSHIP HAS OFFERED TO COVER HALF THE REPAIR BILL AND I THINK THAT IS AS GOOD AS IT WILL GET. I'M STILL CONCERNED THAT OTHERS MAY NOT BE AS LUCKY AS I WAS TO BE IN A PARKNIG LOT AND MOVING SO SLOW. I SAW THE USA TODAY PRESS RELEASE AND KNEW THIS HAD TO BE REPORTED. THANK-YOU!!! *AK

CONSUMER WAS RIDING FOR A PERIOD OF TIME AND STOPPED TO REST. CONSUMER WAS HEADING BACK ON ROAD AND 1 MINUTE FROM WHERE HE WAS, FRONT OF VEHICLE WENT DOWN. CONSUMER THOUGHT IT WAS A FLAT TIRE. A TOW TRUCK CAME AND FOUND COIL SPRING HAD BROKEN. WOULD HAVE TO GO TO A FORD DEALERSHOP TO BE REPAIRED. CONSUMER WANTED MANUFACTURER TO COVER REPAIRS. A LETTER WAS SENT, BUT RESPONSE FROM THEM WAS THEY COULDN'T DO ANYTHING FOR CONSUMER. *AK VEHICLE HAD BEEN TAKEN TO DEALER SEVERAL TIMES PRIOR TO INCIDENT DUE TO A STRANGE NOISE THAT WAS OCCURRING IN THE FRONT END, DEALER INSPECTED FRONT END EXTENSIVELY AND NEVER FOUND ANYTHING WRONG. THERE ARE PLASTIC HUB COVERS ON THE WHEELS, CONSUMER HAS HAD 3 BLOWOUTS WHICH HAVE RUINED THE COVERS, THEY ARE NOT ABLE TO HANDLE THE REPEATED WEAR AND TEAR. *SLC

AFTER PARKING VEHICLE DRIVER NOTICED THAT VEHICLE LOOKED LIKE IT HAD A FLAT TIRE. TOOK TO DEALER, AND NOTIFIED OWNER THAT COIL SPRING WAS BROKEN ON FRONT LEFT AND RIGHT, NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. BOTH WERE REPLACED. *AK THE VEHICLE ALSO NEEDED STRUTS AND TIE ROD ENDS TO BE REPLACED. *YH

I BELIEVE FORD HAS A SERIOUS PROBLEM WITH SWAY BAR LINKS. I OWN A 1995 TAURUS, 1998 WINDSTAR, AND 2000 TAURUS. THEY ALL HAVE THE SAME EXACT PROBLEM. THE LINKS ON THE 2000 HAVE BEEN REPAIRED UNDER WARRANTY. I ALSO KNOW OTHER FORD OWNERS THAT HAVE THE SAME PROBLEM. I AM ALSO AWARE OF A RECALL ON EXPLORERS FOR SWAY BAR LINKS.*AK

LEFT FRONT OF VEHICLE DROPPED TO GROUND. HAD VEHICLE TOWED TO DEALER. FRONT COIL SPRING BROKE. *AK COIL SPRING SLICED TIRE WHEN IT CAME DOWN, DEALER WOULD NOT PAY FOR TIRE, ALIGNMENT, OR ALL OF TOWING. *SLC

LEFT FRONT COIL SPRING BROKE, WHILE PARKED. CAR UNDRIVABLE, FRAME COLLAPSED ON TIRE. REPLACED BY DEALER AT OWNERS COST.

WHILE DRIVING 60 MPH FRONT COIL SPRINGS BROKE. WAS ABLE TO GET VEHICLE ON THE SHOULDER. DEALER REPLACED FRONT COIL SPRING.*AK THE FRONT PASSENGER SIDE TIRE WAS PUNCTURED BY THE BROKEN SPRING. THE JACK FAILED WHILE RAISING THE VEHICLE TO CHANGE THE TIRE. *YH

DEALER HAD TO REPLACE BOTH OUTER TIE RODS AND ADJUST FRONT TOE. STEERING STARTED TO BIND WHEN MAKING A LEFT HAND TURN, AND VAN STEERING HAD FELT LOOSE UP TO THE POINT OF FAILURE. *AK

WHILE TRAVELING AT 25 MPH CONTROL ARM BROKE. IF GOING ANY FASTER VEHICLE WOULD HAVE ROLLED OVER AND CRASHED. *AK

BACKED OUT OF DRIVEWAY AND PUT INTO GEAR FRONT WHEEL JUMPS AND LOUD THUNK HEARD. DEALER REPLACES BUSHING PROBLEM STILL THERE. *AK

WAS DRIVING VEHICLE & IT WOULD GO INTO A LOW DEPRESSION. A BORING NOISE COULD BE HEARD FROM THE SPRINGS. IT WAS AN INTERMITTEN PROBLEM. TOOK TO DEALER & MECHANIC COULD NOT LOCATE CAUSE OF NOISE. DID CHANGE THE BUSHINGS & STRUTS. *AK NOISE IN FRONT END OVER BUMPS DUE TO BOTH OUTER TIE ROD FAILURE. *YH

FRONT RIGHT CONTROL ARM BROKE ONCE, AND LEFT CONTROL ARM HAS BROKEN THREE TIME IN THE PAST TWO MONTHS. DEALER HAS BEEN MAKING THE REPAIRS. *AK

SHOCK ABSORBER (STRUT) AND COIL SPRING BROKE ...NONE IN STOCK IN ALL OF USA! 2WEEKS HAVE GONE WITH NO REPAIRS BECAUSE OF LACK OF SPRING NATIONWIDE! DEALER IN MO (CAR STILL THERE) TOLD US PART WAS ON ORDER FOR 3 DAYS...AFTER MISSING WORK FOR 4 DAYS AND PAYING FOR HOTEL IN EUREKA, MO WE ENDED UP RENTING A CAR AND DRIVING BACK HOME TO MICHIGAN. WILL HAVE TO RENT ANOTHER CAR AND OVERNIGHT HOTEL BILL TO RETURN TO PICK UP VAN WHEN (IF ) COMPLETED...ALL THE WHILE WE STILL ARE MAKING MO/PAYMENTS ON VEHICLE WE CAN'T EVEN DRIVE!!!

PE 00 024/SUSPENSION COIL SPRING: WHILE TRAVELING AT 40 MPH FRONT COIL SPRING BROKE AND PUNCTURED DRIVER'S SIDE TIRE. NO INJURIES REPORTED. VEHICLE TOWED TO DEALER, AND REPAIRS WERE DONE AT CONSUMER'S EXPENSE. *AK

THIS FAILURE WOULD HAVE RESULTED IN A ROLLOVER IF THE BROKEN SPRING HAD RUPTURED THE TIRE. THE SPRING STOPPED JUST SHORT OF CONTACTING THE TIRE. THERE ARE SCUFF MARKS, BUT NOT TO WHERE THE TIRE NEEDS REPLACED. I HAVE THE ORIGINAL COIL SPRINGS FOR ANALYSIS IF REQUIRED.( BOTH WERE REPLACED AFTER THE INCIDENT.)

DRIVING TO CHURCH WITH MY FAMILY AND THE COIL SPRING BROKE. NOW JUST A COUPLE OF WEEKS LATER TIE ROD PROBLEM. ALSO THERE IS A VERY LOUD SQUEAKING IN THE BRAKES WHEN IN REVERSE. I AM TERRIBLY DISAPPOINTED WITH THIS VEHICLE.*AK

FRONT COIL SPRINGS ON DRIVER'S SIDE BROKE IN HALF, HTTING FRONT TIRES, AND RESULTING IN FRONT TIRE S BLOWINGOUT. *AK

WHILE CONSUMER WAS TRAVELING ON THE HIGHWAY VEHICLE STARTED SHAKING, AND LOST CONTOL. HIT A GUARDRAIL, AND FLIPPED OVER THREE TIMES. THE CONSUMER WAS TRAUMATIZED, AND DIDN'T REMEMBER ANYTHING.

WHILE PULLING OUT OF DRIVEWAY FRONT LEFT COIL SPRING BROKE, PUNCTURING THE TIRE. NO PARTS AVAILABLE FOR REPAIR. *AK *ML

CONSUMER WAS TRAVELING ABOUT 45-50MPH & FRONT COIL SPRING BROKE. BROKEN SPRING WENT INTO THE LEFT TIRE , CAUSED A BLOWOUT, BUT NO ONE WAS INJURED. DEALER SAID THAT COIL SPRING HAD TO HAVE BEEN DEFECTIVE. VEHICLE CURRENTLY AT THE DEALER. *AK

CLUNKING NOISE IN THE FRONT END. DEALER INSPECTED AND FOUND STRUT ROD BUSHING RETAINER LOOSE AND THE SUBFRAME CRACKED. REPAIRS NOT COVERED UNDER WARRANTY, SUSPECTED THAT FAILURES DUE TO EARLIER TRANSMISSION WORK ON VEHICLE. FORD CONTACTED. *AK *ML

RIGHT FRONT STRUT FAILED. YH

MY FRONT END SOUNDS AS IF LEFT FRONT WHEEL IS GOING TO FALL OFF. WHEN WE DRIVE THE VAN SHAKES ALL OVER, FEELS VERY UNSAFE WE'RE NO LONGER DRIVING IT UNTIL ITS REPAIRED. *AK

PERSISTENT LOUD GROAN OR RUBBING SOUND OCCURS WHEN STEERING WHEEL IS TURNED TO LEFT AND WHEN TURNING TO RIGHT WHEN STRAIGHTENING OUT FROM LEFT TURN. FRONT END SHOP ADVISED STRUTS AND STRUT SUPPORT BRACKETS REQUIRE REPLACEMENT AT COST OF $588. VEHICLE IS 6,000 MILES OUT OF WARRANTY. SHOP SUPERVISOR EXPRESSED SUPRISE THAT SUCH COMPONENTS REQUIRE REPLACEMENT. BECAUSE OF SERVICE BACK-UPS DEALER HAS NOT YET ADVISED ON PROPER SOLUTION.

MY WIFE WAS TURING LEFT AT A RED LIGHT AND WAS WAITING FOR PEDISTRIANS TO CROSS THE STREET. AS SHE TURNED THE CORNER THE RIGHT FRONT TIRE SNAPPED OFF OF THE HUB AND ALMOST HIT A LAWYER! ALL FIVE OF THE STUDS BROKE OFF, THE METAL INDICATED THEY WERE FRESH BREAKS. THERE WAS NOT ANY INDICATION OF THE NUTS BEING LOSE, THE NUTS WERE STILL SCREWED ON THE STUDS. THE WHEEL AND NUTS DID NOT LOOK SCARED AS IF THEY HAD BEEN LOSE. PIOR TO THE WHEEL COMING OFF THERE HAD BEEN NO SHIMMY OR VIBRATION AT ALL. I HAD DRIVEN THE VEHICLE THE PREVIOUS NIGHT AND HAD NOT FELT ANYTHING OUT OF THE ORDINARY. SHE HAD ONLY ACCELERATED FROM THE LEFT TURN POSITION ABOUT 15FT AND COULD NOT HAVE BEEN GOING FASTER THAN 5 MPH. THE VEHICLE HAD NOT BEEN SERVICED AFTER WE PURCHASED IT. THANK GOD SHE WAS NOT ON THE INTERSTATE IN 5'OCLOCK TRAFFIC! *AK

FRONT END SUSPENSION CONTINUALLY EXPERINCED NOISE, SEVERAL REPAIR AND REPLACEMENTS TO VARIOUS SUSPENSION COMPONENTS HOWEVER CONTINOUS. YH

VEHICLE HAS BEEN IN NUMEROUS TIMES FOR NEW SEALS ON FRONT RIGHT PASSENGER DOOR FOR WIND NOISE: ALSO BEEN IN FOR FAILED BRAKE SYSTEM NUMEROUS TIMES AND FRONT ROTORS HAVE BEEN ON BACK ORDER FOR ALMOST 2 MONTHS: IN NUMEROUS TIMES FOR FRONT END ALIGNMENT-CHECKED AND RECHECKED BY SEVERAL FORD DEALERS AND THEY CANNOT DO ANYTHING, VEHICLE HAS ALWAYS PULLED TO THE RIGHT; ENGINE HAS DIED SEVERAL TIMES AND WOULD NOT START BACK UP; FRONT PADS ON BRAKE SYSTEM HAVE BEEN REPLACED AND ROTORS TURNED AT ONLY 10,000 MILES STILL GRINDING AND WILL NOT STOP CORRECTLY; VEHICLE FEELS TO ME AS UNSAFE FOR MY WIFE AND TWO YOUNGER BOYS. *AK

FRONT STRUTS BROKE WHILE DRIVING ON THE HWY AT 30-35 MPH ON A SNOWY ROAD CONDITION. DEALER NOTIFIED AND REPAIRS WER EMADE AT CONSUMER'S COST. *AK

WHILE DRIVING AT 40 MPH STEERING GEAR RACK BROKE, CAUSING LOSS OF STEERING AND A LEAKAGE OF POWER STEERING FLUID. ALSO, VEHICLE VEERED TO LEFT AND RIGHT ALL OVER THE ROAD. CONSUMER THEN SLOWED DOWN AND PULLED TO THE SIDE OF THE ROAD. THE MANUFACTURER HAS BEEN CONTACTED. FIRST FAILURE AT 46,561 MILES, SECOND AT 62,500. *AK

FRONT DRIFTS TO THE RIGHT AT SLOWER SPEEDS AND TO THE LEFT AT HIGH SPEEDS.

CONSUMER WAS DRIVING APPROX. 5MPH WHEN THE COIL SPRING BROKE, ONCE MECHANIC CHECKED THERE WAS RUSTOVER HALF OF THE SPRING, ON 1/4 OF AN IN. WAS LEFT.

WHEN TRAVELING APPROXIMATELY 55MPH OR MORE VEHICLE WOULD VIBRATE. WENT TO DEALER & HAD THE WHEELS CHANGED 5 DIFFERENT TIMES. THE STEERING WHEEL WOULD SHAKE, BUT VEHICLE WAS CONTROLABLE. THERE WOULD BE CLUNKING NOISE GOING INTO DRIVE OR REVERSE. HAS BEEN AN INTERMITTENT PROBLEM. *AK

GREASE IN THE FRONT BALL JOINTS HAS DRIED UP, CAUSING THE BALL JOINTS TO MALFUNCTION. PLEASE GIVE ANY FURTHER DETAILS. *AK

VEHICLE EXPERIENCES CONTINUED PROBLEMS WITH FRONT END SUSPENSION INCLUDING ALIGNMENT, BOLTS TO THE LOWER CONTROL ARMS, CASTER AND TIE RODS RESULTING IN EXCESSIVE WEAR OF THE TIRES AND VIBRATION.

FRONT END CASTER SPLIT CAUSING VEHICLE TO PULL.

LOOSE NUTS AND BOLTS ATTACHING THE TENSION BAR BUSHING RETAINER.

VEHICLE PULLS TO EITHER THE RIGHT OR LEFT IF THE STEERING WHEEL IS RELEASED FOR ONE SECOND. IT PULLS SO BADLY THAT WHILE DRIVING IT WANDERS INTO OTHER LANES. DEALER HAS NOT BEEN CONTACTED. *AK

TRANSMISSION WOULD JERK AS IF BEING REARENDED. FRONT END WOULD WORK ITSELF LOOSE. HAD TO REPLACE BUSHINGS, TRACKING BAR & MOTOR MOUNTS DUE TO BEING DEFECTIVE. VEHICLE IS NOT DRIVABLE AFTER BEING IN AN ACCIDENT. *AK

HAD TAKEN VEHICLE TO DEALER TO CHECK STEERING. VEHICLE WOULD WANDER OVER THE ROAD. WOULD MAKE POPPING NOISES WHEN MAKING RIGHT TURNS. *AK

AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSIONS FAILED TWICE IN LESS THAN ONE YEAR. EACH FAILURE RESULTED IN A REPLACEMENT TRANSMISSION FROM THE FORD DEALER. THIS VEHICLE HAS LESS THAN 50,000 MILES ON IT AND TWO TRANSMISSIONS HAVE BEEN REPLACED. I HAVE REQUESTED A REPLACEMENT VEHICLE FROM FORD DUE TO THE UNRELIABLE PERFORMANCE OF THIS VEHICLE. I WAS TOLD BY THE FORD CONSUMER HOTLINE THAT IT IS NOT THEIR POLICY TO REPLACE A VEHICLE, ONLY TO REPAIR OR FIX AS NEEDED.

THE STEERING COLUMN MOVES UP AND DOWN. ALSO THERE IS A FUNKY NOISE COMING FROM THE FRONT LEFT END SUSPENSION WHEN TURNING THE STEERING WHEEL TO THE LEFT. THE DEALER WAS NOT ABLE TO FIND OUT WHAT WAS CAUSING THE PROBLEM WITH THE STEERING, LOSS OF STEERING CONTROL RESULTED IN VEHICLE HITTING CURB CAUSING DAMAGE TO VEHICLE. *AK

WHILE DRIVING A PROGRAM VEHICLE, FRONT END SUSPENSION WOULD MAKE GRINDING NOISES. HAS TAKEN VEHICLE TO DEALER AT LEAST 12 TIMES FOR PROBLEM. THE DEALER REFUSED TO DO REPAIR WORK WHICH IS UNDER WARRANTY. *AK

FRONT END NOISE WHEN TURNING OR BRAKING.

VEHICLE UNSTABLE WHEN GOING DOWN THE ROAD.

WHEN TRAVELING BETWEEN 60-70 MPH THE BACK OF VEHICLE STARTS SWAYING LIKE HAVING A FLAT TIRE. ALSO WHEN A 18 WHEELER OR 15 FOOT TRUCK PULLS IN FRONT OF THE VEHICLE, THE VEHICLE ROCKS. THE DEALER IS NOT ABLE TO DETECT PROBLEM WITH THE WINDSTAR. *AK

SUSPENSION SYSTEM POOR STABILITY, FEELS AS IF IT WILL TURN OVER ON OCCASIONS.