1999 FORD WINDSTAR Suspension Problems

The contact owns a 1999 Ford Windstar. The contact stated while driving 5 MPH out of the driveway, the vehicle made an abnormal grinding and popping sound. The contact shifted to park(P). The contact stated that upon inspecting the vehicle, the contact noticed that the rear passenger's side tire was pushed inward, and the axle was fractured. The local dealer was contacted and confirmed that an unknown recall was closed. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was not contacted. The failure mileage was approximately 103,000.

Mileage: 103,000

The contact owns a 1999 Ford Windstar. The contact stated that after parking the vehicle, the contact became aware that the rear passenger's side wheel was pushed upward and was nearly rubbing the inner wheel well. The contact stated that upon inspecting the rear axle, he became aware that the rear axle was fractured. The vehicle was towed to the residence. The contact related the failure to NHTSA Campaign Number: 15V608000 (Suspension); and the recall repair was previously performed on the vehicle. The dealer was not notified of the failure. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 214,000.

Mileage: 214,000

The contact owns a 1999 Ford Windstar. The contact stated while driving approximately 55 MPH, he heard the rear driver’s side tire rubbing against the axle and then saw smoke coming from the tire. No warning light was illuminated. The contact then stated that the rear driver's side axle had fractured and was on the ground. The vehicle was towed to the residence. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. Neither the dealer nor the manufacturer was notified of the failure. The failure mileage was 130,000.

Mileage: 130,000

Went into a curve and vehicle swayed and went into the other lane as if had a flat tire. I had it checked at an independent garage and found rear axle is breaking

The contact owns a 1999 Ford Windstar. The contact stated that while driving at 35 mph, the vehicle made screeching sounds. The contact saw smoke and detected a burning odor. The vehicle then stalled. The contact was able to pull over and park the vehicle in a parking lot, where it remained. The contact's boyfriend inspected the vehicle and related the failure to the rear axle. The vehicle was not diagnosed nor repaired by an independent mechanic or dealer. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was 70,724.

Mileage: 70,724

TL* THE CONTACT CALLED ON BEHALF OF HIS MOTHER WHO OWNS A 1999 FORD WINDSTAR. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE DRIVER'S SIDE AXLE FRACTURED, CAUSING THE VEHICLE TO SAG ON THE DRIVER'S SIDE. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO PALLOTTA FORD LINCOLN (4199 CLEVELAND RD, WOOSTER, OH 44691, (330)439-0835) HOWEVER, THE VEHICLE WAS NOT DIAGNOSED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. UPON INVESTIGATION, THE CONTACT ASSOCIATED THE FAILURE WITH NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 15V608000 (SUSPENSION) HOWEVER, THE VIN WAS NOT INCLUDED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS INFORMED OF THE FAILURE AND CONFIRMED THAT THE VEHICLE WAS NOT INCLUDED IN THE RECALL. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS APPROXIMATELY 250,000.

Mileage: 250,000

FORD WINDSTAR REAR AXLE FAILURE HIGHWAY SPEEDS 3/21/21. LEFT REAR TIRE COLLAPSED AGAINST FRAME OF VEHICLE. TOOK VEHICLE TO FORD DEALERSHIP 4/1/21. THEY CONFIRMED AXLE FAILURE AND WOULD NOT COVER UNDER RECALL 15S27. (SEE ATTACHED ESTIMATE TO REPLACE) THEY CONFIRMED PARTS ARE AVAILABLE. CALLED FORD MOTOR COMPANY 4/1/21 800-392-3673 REGARDING RECALL 15S27. THEY WILL NO LONGER COVER RECALL. MAILED FORD MOTOR COMPANY REQUEST TO HONOR RECALL 15S27 4/5/21. NO REPLY YET AS OF 4/13/21. THE WINDSTAR ENGINE, TRANSMISSION, BODY ARE SOUND AND WAS USED DAILY. IF NOT FOR THEY REAR AXLE FAILURE IT WOULD SILL BE USED. I FEEL IF THE RECALL WAS A KNOWN PROBLEM BY FORD AND THE "FIX" FAILED. FORD SHOULD BE REASONABLE TO MAKE IT ROAD READY AGAIN BEING IT WAS A RECALLED PART.

Mileage: 250,000

I WAS DRIVING IN A 50 MPH ZONE WHEN I WAS COMING TO A STOP THE LOWER CONTROL ARM BROKE FREE FROM THE SUB FRAME BUT I WAS ABLE TO KEEP CONTROL. VAN IS NOW USELESS AND I ONLY HAVE 125K MILES ON IT.

Mileage: 125,000

THE AXLE ON THE BACK DRIVER'S SIDE IS TERRIBLY RUSTED TO THE POINT OF NO REPAIR. THE MECHANIC STATED IT IS A RECALL PROBLEM AND NEEDS TO BE TAKEN TO THE FORD DEALER. HE ALSO STATED THAT IT IS DANGEROUS TO DRIVE DUE TO THE PROBLEMS THAT IT WAS CAUSING THE WHEEL TO NOT FIT OR STAY ON CORRECTLY CAUSING IT TO RUB ON THE VANS SURFACE CAUSING A BLOWOUT AND MAKING DRIVING ALMOST IMPOSSIBLE AND DANGEROUS. THANK GOD MY SON DROVE IT AND NOT MYSELF. THANK GOD THAT HE IS OKAY. THIS PROBLEM NEEDS TO BE DEALT WITH ASAP. I AM A FOSTER MOM AND DRIVE CHILDREN IN THIS VAN AND IT DEFINITELY NEEDS TO BE INSPECTED FOR THE PROBLEMS AND REPAIRED. MY SON WAS ON HIS WAY TO PUT GAS INTO THE VEHICLE WHEN THIS HAPPENED. THE KIDS AND I WERE GOING TO HIT THE HIGHWAY AND GO TO A FOOD PANTRY IN THE ADJOINING CITY. THANK GOD WE DIDN'T. THIS ALL HAPPENED WHILE MY SON TOOK THE CAR TO PUT GAS IN BEFORE THE KIDS AND I WERE TO LEAVE OUT. WE HAD ALREADY STATED THAT THE WHEEL WASN'T FITTING ON WELL AND DECIDED TO TAKE IT TO THE MECHANIC. THE MECHANIC TOLD US THERE WAS NOTHING HE COULD DO BECAUSE OF THE CORROSION AND THEN INFORMED US ABOUT THE RECALL ON THE VEHICLE AND THE PROBLEMS THIS MODEL WAS HAVING WITH THE AXLES AND RUST AND CORROSION AND OTHER PROBLEMS. THANK GOD THIS WAS ON A CITY STREET AND AT THE TIME THERE WAS LITTLE TRAFFIC, OTHERWISE IT COULD HAVE BEEN A DANGEROUS MESS. *TR

Mileage: 100,000

BRACING ON REAR AXLE DID NOT WORK, THE BRACING RETAINED ROAD SALT AND MOISTURE CAUSING THE AXLE TO FAIL. I WAS DRIVING TO WORK WHEN THE AXLE BROKE AND ALMOST WENT INTO A DICH.

Mileage: 154,000

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 1999 FORD WINDSTAR. WHILE DRIVING 32 MPH ENTERING A RAMP TO THE FREEWAY, THE REAR AXLE FRACTURED WITHOUT WARNING. THE CONTACT MANAGED TO VEER TO THE SHOULDER OF THE ROAD WHERE THE VEHICLE SHUT OFF AND WOULD NOT RESTART. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO THE CONTACT'S FATHER'S HOUSE. KOCOUREK FORD LINCOLN (2727 N 20TH AVE, WAUSAU, WI 54401, (715) 298-3673) AND THE MANUFACTURER WERE CONTACTED AND STATED THAT THE VIN WAS NOT INCLUDED IN A RECALL. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT DIAGNOSED OR REPAIRED. THE CONTACT REFERENCED NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBERS: 15V608000 (SUSPENSION) AND 10V385000 (SUSPENSION). THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS APPROXIMATELY 130,000.

Mileage: 130,000

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 1999 FORD WINDSTAR. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE VEHICLE WAS REPAIRED PER NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 15V608000 (SUSPENSION) IN 2015. WHILE DRIVING 35 MPH, THE REAR OF THE VEHICLE DROPPED. THE VEHICLE WAS PULLED OVER TO THE SIDE OF THE ROAD AND, WHEN INSPECTED, THE CONTACT NOTICED THAT THE TIRES WHERE CAVED INWARDS. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO GROOVE FORD (10039 E ARAPAHOE RD, CENTENNIAL, CO 80112, (720) 523-9154) WHERE THE CONTACT WAS INFORMED THAT THE REAR AXLE BEAM NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE AND REFERRED THE CONTACT TO NHTSA TO FILE A COMPLAINT. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 134,000.

Mileage: 134,000

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 1999 FORD WINDSTAR. THE VEHICLE WAS REPAIRED PER NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 12V195000 (SUSPENSION) BY AN UNKNOWN FORD DEALER IN CIRCLEVILLE, OH THAT WAS NO LONGER IN BUSINESS. THE RECALL REQUIRED THE DEALER TO INSPECT THE VEHICLE AND INSTALL A REINFORCEMENT BRACKET ON THE REAR AXLE OR REPLACE THE AXLES, AS NECESSARY. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE DEALER DID THE LATTER, CAUSING THE FAILURE TO RECUR AFTER FIVE YEARS. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE FAILURE RECURRED AS HIS DAUGHTER ATTEMPTED TO SLOW DOWN WHILE EXITING THE HIGHWAY. THE VEHICLE SWERVED BACK AND FORTH UNCONTROLLABLY. THE VEHICLE WAS PULLED OVER TO THE SIDE OF THE ROAD WHERE THE DRIVER NOTICED THAT THE REAR WHEELS WERE CROOKED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURES AND STATED THAT THE RECALL WOULD NOT BE PERFORMED AGAIN. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS APPROXIMATELY 130,000.

Mileage: 130,000

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 1999 FORD WINDSTAR. WHILE DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 50 MPH, THE FRONT DRIVER SIDE CONTROL ARM FRACTURED AND THE VEHICLE COULD NOT BE DRIVEN. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO THE CONTACT'S RESIDENCE. THE FAILURE WAS NOT DIAGNOSED OR REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE, BUT NO ASSISTANCE WAS OFFERED. THE CONTACT WAS INFORMED THAT THE VIN WAS NOT INCLUDED IN NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 12V194000(SUSPENSION). THE CONTACT INDICATED THAT THE VEHICLE EXPERIENCED THE SAME FAILURE LISTED IN THE RECALL. THE DEALER WAS NOT CONTACTED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 109,000.

Mileage: 109,000

1999 FORD WINDSTAR LX. CONSUMER WRITES IN REGARDS TO BRACKET RECALL THAT WAS NOT HONORED FOR VEHICLE. *LD THE CONSUMER STATED THE AIRBAG DID NOT DEPLOY. *JS THE CONSUMER STATED THE MANUFACTURER AGREED TO HAVE THE VEHICLE REPAIRED.*JS

SUBFRAME IS COMPLETELY RUSTED THROUGH AND WILL NOT PASS THE SAFETY. THE VEHICLE WAS TREATED BY THE RECALL 11S16-S4.IN 2012. I WENT FOR A VOLUNTARY SAFETY CHECK AND THE VEHICLE STAYED AT THE SERVICE AS VERY UNSAFE TO DRIVE.

Mileage: 167,000

I WAS DRIVING AND HEARD A THUD. WHEN I HIT THE BRAKES THERE WAS A GRINDING NOISE. THE TIRE THAN BECAMED SLANT AND THE STEERING WHEEL IS COCKED TO ONE SIDE.

Mileage: 160,000

BOTH FRONT LOWER CONTROL ARM REAR ATTACHING BRACKETS AND BOTH BODY MOUNT ATTACHMENTS AT REAR OF SUB FRAME ARE RUSTED AND BROKEN . MAKING A LEFT HAND TURN I HEARD A CLUNKING SOUND . UPON INSPECTION FOUND THE ABOVE PROBLEMS

Mileage: 124,000

I HAD THE REAR AXLE REPLACED BY THE RECALL, AND WHICH I PAID $300 FOR THE WORK. THE AXLE NOW DOES NOT ALIGN PROPERLY AND I HAVE BEEN TOLD THAT SHIMS ARE REQUIRED. WITHOUT THEM THE REAR AXLE EATS MY TIRES. FORD HAS A POLICY TO MY UNDERSTANDING THAT NEW PARTS INSTALLED BY FORD HAVE A LIFETIME WARRANTY. I BELIEVE THAT FORD SHOULD FIX OR PAY FOR THIS WORK SO AS TO MAKE MY VAN SAFE, WHY SHOULD I HAVE TO REPAIR AN AXLE THAT WAS JUST REPLACED LESS THEN 10000 MILES AGO.

FRONT LEFT SUB FRAME BY THE MOTOR MOUNT IS RUSTED THROUGH. PASSENGER SIDE IS FINE. CONCERNED THIS COULD BREAK WHICH COULD CAUSE THE VEHICLE TO LOOSE CONTROL AT HIGHWAY SPEEDS.

Mileage: 233,000

I JUST PURCHASED THE 1999 FORD WINSTAR AND. 2 MONTHS LATER I WAS DRIVING TO WORK AND THE REAR AXLE BEEM BROKE CAUSING ME TO LOOAE CONTROL. I AM JUST NOW FINDING OUT ABOUT THE RECALL PLEASE ADVISE THIS I S MY ONLY VEHICLE

Mileage: 137,000

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 1999 FORD WINDSTAR. WHILE REVERSING THE VEHICLE FROM THE DRIVEWAY, A CLUNKING NOISE WAS HEARD COMING FROM THE REAR PASSENGER SIDE OF THE VEHICLE. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO THE DEALER WHERE IT WAS DIAGNOSED THAT THE REAR AXLE NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 224,000.

Mileage: 224,000

BROKEN REAR AXLE.

Mileage: 1

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 1999 FORD WINDSTAR. WHILE DRIVING VARIOUS SPEEDS, THE AXLE FRACTURED AND CAUSED THE REAR DRIVER SIDE WHEEL TO RUB AGAINST THE WHEEL WELL. THE CONTACT RECEIVED NOTIFICATION OF NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 15V608000 (SUSPENSION) PRIOR TO THE FAILURE, BUT DID NOT FEEL THE REPAIR WAS NEEDED AT THE TIME. THE CONTACT MENTIONED THAT THE DEALER REFUSED TO MAKE THE RECALL REPAIR BECAUSE IT WAS AFTER THE EXPIRATION DATE. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 148,000.

Mileage: 148,000

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 1999 FORD WINDSTAR. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE REAR AXLE WAS CRACKED. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALER WHERE IT WAS DIAGNOSED THAT THE REAR AXLE NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 136,000.

Mileage: 136,000

THE REPAIR FORD PROVIDED DOES NOT RESOLVE OR HELP WITH THE REAR AXLES FAILURE. THIS VEHICLE NEVER RUNS IN THE WINTER SALT AND SLOP STILL FAILED. FORD SHOULD REPLACE "ALL" OF THESE REAR AXLES. STRUGGLING WITH FORD TO GET THIS AXLE REPLACED. THEY DON'T MAKE IT EASY.

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 1999 FORD WINDSTAR. WHILE DRIVING 65 MPH, THE CONTACT HEARD A LOUD NOISE UNDERNEATH THE VEHICLE. THE CONTACT COASTED THE VEHICLE TO THE SIDE OF THE ROAD AND NOTICED THAT THE FRONT LOWER SUBFRAME BRACKET WAS FRACTURED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT DIAGNOSED NOR REPAIRED. THE VIN WAS NOT INCLUDED IN NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 12V194000 (SUSPENSION). THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 185,000.

Mileage: 185,000

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 1999 FORD WINDSTAR. THE CONTACT STATED THAT AFTER THE VEHICLE WAS SERVICED UNDER NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 12V194000 (SUSPENSION), A YEAR LATER THE CONTACT NOTICED HOLES WERE IN THE SUB FRAME. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC WHERE IT WAS DIAGNOSED THAT THE FRONT SUB FRAME NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 115,000. UPDATED 10/19/16*LJ UPDATED 10/24/16.*JB

Mileage: 115,000

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 1999 FORD WINDSTAR. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE AXLE WAS RUSTED. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO A DEALER WHERE THE FAILURE WAS CONFIRMED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE VEHICLE WAS PREVIOUSLY REPAIRED UNDER NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 15V608000 (SUSPENSION). THE MANUFACTURER WAS MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 200,000.

Mileage: 200,000

I WAS BACKING OUT OF PARKING LOT AND REAR AXLE BROKE IN HALF

Mileage: 142,000

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 1999 FORD WINDSTAR. WHILE ATTEMPTING TO STOP THE VEHICLE, A LOUD CLANKING NOISE WAS HEARD COMING FROM THE FRONT OF THE VEHICLE. WHILE INSPECTING THE VEHICLE, IT WAS DISCOVERED THAT THE FRONT DRIVER SIDE CONTROL ARM HAD SEPARATED. THE CAUSE OF THE FAILURE WAS NOT DIAGNOSED OR REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT NOTIFIED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 152,000.

Mileage: 152,000

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 1999 FORD WINDSTAR. THE CONTACT RECEIVED NOTIFICATION OF NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBERS: 11V030000 (STRUCTURE), 10V385000 (SUSPENSION), AND 09V399000 (VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL). THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE VEHICLE WAS NO LONGER OWNED DUE TO NUMEROUS FAILURES. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO A DEALER AND AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC WHERE SEVERAL UNKNOWN REPAIRS WERE PERFORMED, BUT FAILED TO REPAIR THE VEHICLE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS NOT AVAILABLE.

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 1999 FORD WINDSTAR. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE REAR AXLE FRACTURED. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO A DEALER WHERE IT WAS DIAGNOSED THAT THE REAR AXLE FAILED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 200,000.

Mileage: 200,000

WHILE NORMAL DRIVING THE REAR AXLE BROKE IN HALF. APPROXIMATELY TWO YEARS AGO THERE WAS A RECALL ON THE REAR AXLE THAT THEY MAY BREAK. THE FORD DEALERSHIP INSTEAD OF REPLACING THE DEFECTIVE PART USED BRACKETS TO STRENGTHEN THE AXLE. ALL THIS DID WAS DELAY THE INEVITABLE. THE CAR IS CURRENTLY AT MY LOCAL PEP BOYS WHERE IT WAS TOWED. THEY SAID THEY HAVE NEVER SEEN THIS HAPPEN BEFORE, BUT WILL REPLACE THE AXLE AT MY GREAT EXPENSE. I DON'T KNOW HOW MANY MORE OF THESE DEATH TRAPS ARE OUT THERE, WHERE PEOPLE BELIEVE THEY HAVE HAD THE PROBLEM CORRECTED.

Mileage: 166,000

THIS IS REGARDING RECALL # 10S13. IN 2010 FORD ISSUED THIS RECALL BECAUSE THERE WAS A WEAK PART ON THE REAR AXLE THAT RUSTS AWAY AND CRACKS. THERE FIX IS TO INSPECT THE WELD AND THEN REPLACE THE AXLE IF THERE IS A CRACK. IF NO CRACK IS PRESENT, THE DEALERSHIP IS TO CLEAN THE RUST OFF THE WELD. WHEN THIS RECALL CAME OUT, FORD MADE IT DIFFICULT FOR DEALERS TO REPLACE BROKEN AXLES. THEY MADE IT SO DIFFICULT FOR THE DEALERS TO GET A REPLACEMENT AXLE THAT THEY WHERE "BACKORDERED" FOR SEVERAL MONTHS. I LIVE IN AN AREA THAT HAS SOME RUST AND HAD FORD "INSPECT" MY WELD FOR EXCESSIVE RUST. THEY SAID IT WAS FINE AND SENT IT DOWN THE ROAD WHICH THEN VOIDS MY RECALL. NOW THE REAR AXLE HAS BROKEN AT THE VERY SAME WELD WHICH WAS MENTIONED IN THE RECALL. IT EVEN BROKE UNDER THE SAME CONDITIONS DESCRIBED IN THE RECALL. I CHECKED AND FOUND THAT THE ONLY THING FORD DID TO MY VEHICLE WAS TO SPRAY SOME RUST INHIBITOR ON TOP OF THE RUST THAT WAS ALREADY THERE AND SENT ME ON MY WAY. SINCE I TOOK IT IN FOR INSPECTION, THEY NOW REFUSE TO REPLACE THE DEFECTIVE PART UNDER RECALL 10S13.I'VE BEEN TOLD THAT IF I HAD NEVER TAKEN THE CAR IN FOR INSPECTION, THAT THEY WOULD NOW HAVE TO REPLACE THE PART. THE PROOF I HAVE IS THIS. THE RECALL DIDN'T COME OUT UNTIL 11 YEARS AFTER THE CARS WHERE SOLD, WHICH PROVES IT TAKES A WHILE FOR THIS PART TO BREAK. LOOK AT YOUR COMPLAINTS. THE ONES THAT FAILED IN 08-11 WHERE IN THE FAR NORTHERN STATES. FORD HAD TO REPLACE MOST OF THESE IN 2011. FORD DIDN'T REPLACE MANY IN SOUTHERN ILLINOIS, SOUTHERN IOWA, ETC UNTIL A FEW YEARS LATER (2012-15). THE PROBLEM IS THAT THESE ARE STARTING TO BREAK IN THE MID-WESTERN STATES AND FORD IS REFUSING TO REPAIR THEM SINCE THEY ALREADY "INSPECTED" THE WELD AND FOUND IT WASN'T CRACKED WHEN THE RECALL FIRST CAME OUT. EVERYONE KNOWS THAT COVERING RUST WONT STOP IT FROM CONTINUING TO RUST. FORD NEEDS TO EXPAND THIS RECALL.

Mileage: 120,000

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 1999 FORD WINDSTAR. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE DRIVING AT 15 MPH MAKING A RIGHT TURN, THE DRIVER REAR AXLE FRACTURED. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO A DEALER, WHO DIAGNOSED THAT THE DRIVER SIDE REAR AXLE NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE VEHICLE WAS REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 207,000.

Mileage: 207,000

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 1999 FORD WINDSTAR. THE VEHICLE WAS REPAIRED UNDER NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 12V194000 (SUSPENSION). AFTER THE REMEDY WAS PERFORMED, THE FRONT LOWER CONTROL ARM FRACTURED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS UNAVAILABLE.

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 1999 FORD WINDSTAR. WHILE DRIVING 40 MPH, THE CONTACT HEARD A LOUD NOISE IN THE REAR OF THE VEHICLE. THE CONTACT WAS ABLE TO STOP THE VEHICLE AND NOTICED THAT THE REAR AXLE FRACTURED. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE MANUFACTURER INFORMED THE CONTACT TO HAVE THE VEHICLE TOWED TO THE DEALER TO BE DIAGNOSED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 160,000.

Mileage: 160,000

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 1999 FORD WINDSTAR. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE REAR AXLE FRACTURED WITHOUT ANY WARNINGS. THE CONTACT WAS AWARE OF NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 12V195000 (SUSPENSION). HOWEVER, THE VIN WAS NOT INCLUDED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 133,000.

Mileage: 133,000

THE FACTORY RECALL NOTICE REQUIRED TRAILING AXLE REINFORCEMENT BRACKETS TO BE INSTALLED ON THE REAR AXLE. THEY WERE INSTALLED AT THE DEALERSHIP, ALONG WITH AN UPGRADE TO THE FRONT CONTROL ARM MOUNTS. THE REAR AXLE BROKE WHILE DRIVING ON THE HIGHWAY, THE SPEED I WAS TRAVELLING AT WAS ONLY 45 MPH AT THE TIME OF THE BREAK. AS THE AXLE COLLAPSED, THE REAR TIRES BEGAN RUBBING AGAINST THE WHEEL WELLS. I SLOWED DOWN AND PULLED OVER IMMEDIATELY, SEEING SMOKE FROM THE REAR. THE CRACK OCCURED ON THE DRIVER'S SIDE OF THE AXLE, UNDERNEATH THE REPAIR BRACKET THAT WAS INSTALLED BY FORD. ( OBVIOSLY PLACED OVER THE WEAK/DEFECTIVE AREA.) THE VEHICLE HAD ONLY 80,000 MILES ON IT IN MAY OF 2011 WHEN WE OBTAINED IT, THE SAME YEAR THE RECALL REPAIR WAS PERFORMED. IN THE LAST 4 YEARSA I DROVE 175,000 HIGHWAY MILES, HAVE REGULARLY WASHED AND MAINTAINED THIS VEHICLE WELL, (INCLUDING UNDERCARRIAGE WASHES IN THE WINTER). I'VE RECENTLY REPLACED THE ENTIRE IGNITION SYSTEM, FRONT SUSPENSION/BRAKE COMPONENTS, AND REAR SHOCKS. IT'S A REAL SHAME THAT THIS VEHICLE IS DISABLED BY A WEAK REAR AXLE WHEN THERE'S PLENTY OF LIFE LEFT IN THE ENGINE AND TRANSMISSION. WITH REGULAR FULL SYNTHETIC OIL CHANGES, COOLING AND TRANSMISSION FLUSHES, NEW ALIGNED FRONT STEERING, I EXPECTED TO GET OVER 300,000 MILES OUT OF THIS VAN. NOW I HAVE TO FIND A GOOD USED REAR AXLE, BUT WILL HAVE NO FAITH IN ITS DURABILITY OR SAFETY.

Mileage: 255,000

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 1999 FORD WINDSTAR. WHILE DRIVING AT APPROXIMATELY 70 MPH, THE VEHICLE EMITTED A LOUD NOISE. THE CONTACT DISCOVERED THAT THE REAR AXLE FRACTURED DUE TO CORROSION. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO THE DEALER, BUT WAS NOT DIAGNOSED OR REPAIRED. THE CONTACT ALSO STATED THAT THE REPAIR FOR NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 12V195000 (SUSPENSION) WAS PERFORMED; HOWEVER, THE REPAIR DID NOT CORRECT THE FAILURE. THE MANUFACTURER WAS MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 212,000. UPDATED 7/1/15*CN

Mileage: 212,000

THE REAR AXLE ON MY WINDSTAR VAN BROKE IN HALF. THE RECALL WAS ALREADY DONE PRIOR TO ME PURCHASING IT SO I CAN'T SAY WHEN. FORD IS NOT GOING TO DO ANYTHING TO HELP. MY WIFE AND KIDS WERE IN THE VAN WHEN THIS HAPPENED AND SHE ALMOST LOST CONTROL WHEN THE TIRE EXPLODED AFTER THE AXLE SNAPPED. THE BREAK IS LOCATED ON THE DRIVERS SIDE UNDER THE REINFORCEMENT BRACKET. FROM WHAT I HAVE SEEN ONLINE THIS IS VERY COMMON TO BREAK EVEN AFTER THE RECALL IS DONE. OBVIOUSLY THE REPAIR(IF YOU CAN CALL IT THAT) IS MERELY A BANDAID TO GET THE NHTSA OFF THERE BACK AND NOT TO MAKE THE VEHICLES SAFE. YOU NEED TO HOLD FORD ACCOUNTABLE FOR THE VANS SAFETY, OR LACK OF. THERE ARE MANY OF THESE "TIME BOMBS" STILL ON THE ROAD. SOMETHING NEEDS TO BE DONE! HOPEFULLY YOU RESPOND QUICKLY, THE VAN IS AT THE DEALER NOW. I WILL BE WELDING THE AXLE SATURDAY TO GET IT HOME TO REPLACE THE AXLE MYSELF. I WILL BE TAKING A LOT OF PICTURES BEFORE I DO. *TR

Mileage: 140,000

I HAVE A 1999 FORD WINDSTAR MINI VAN . MY INSTRUMENT CLUSTER GOES CRAZY ALL GAUGES JUST GO UP AND DOWN UNCONTROLLABLY. I NEVER KNOW HOW MUCH GAS I HAVE OR HOW FAST I AM GOING AND MY ABS BRAKE LITE STAYS ON ALWAYS. AND MY FRONT LOWER CONTROL ARM IS BENDING. *TR

Mileage: 131,000

THE SUB FRAME IS BEING REPLACED BY CAR DOCTOR JR BECAUSE IT WAS ROTTED THRU 2 YEARS AGO THE FORD DEALERSHIP TOLD ME THEIR WAS NO ISSUE WITH THE SUBFRAME. AND THEIR WAS NO RECALL

Mileage: 101,345

DRIVING DOWN THE ROAD AT 40 MPH IT FELT LIKE A TIRE BLEW ON THE REAR. WHEN I PULLED OVER AD GOT OUT TO CHECK IT THE TIRES WERE FINE BUT THE REAR WHEELS WERE AT A BAD ANGLE. UPON FURTHER INSPECTION THE REAR AXLE BEAM HAS SPLIT RENDERING THE VEHICLE UNDRIVEABLE. I HAVE FOUND THAT FORD HAS RECALLED THIS PART ON MAY WINDSTAR MINIVANS UNDER 10S13. BUT NOT THIS ONE. I FIND THIS ODD. *TR

Mileage: 130,123

FORD DEALER INSPECTED VEHICLE DUE TO RECALL FOR SUBFRAME/AXLE RUST ISSUE. DEALER CLAIMED FRAME OKAY. WHILE DRIVING THE LOWER CONTROL ARM CAME DETACHED FROM THE FRAME CAUSING CRASH DUE TO RUSTING OF MOUNTS. *TR

Mileage: 178,000

WAS DRIVING AROUND 40 MPH, REALIZED THE VAN HAD A WEIRD ODD STEERING PROBLEM SWERVING TO LEFT AND THEN TO THE RIGHT. I MADE IT HOME THEN LOOKED TOWARDS THE BACK REAR AXLE I SEEN A REAL LARGE CRACK IN THE REAR AXLE. THE VAN BACK SIDE WAS SITTING REALLY LOW LIKE THE AXLE WAS ABOUT TO COMPLETELY CRACK. IM NOT RISKING DRIVING BEING A SAFETY HAZARD. I SEEN THERE WAS A RECALL FOR IT BUT FORD SAYS ITS NOT VALID. I FOUND MANY OTHER PEOPLE HAVING THE SAME ISSUE SIMILAR TO MINE. WOULD LIKE THIS ISSUE RESOLVED, I SHOULDN'T HAVE TO REPAIR A ISSUE THAT IS FORDS PROBLEM WITH SALT ON ROADS DURING THE WINTER CORRODES THE METAL OF THE REAR AXLE FOR IT TO CRACK WAS THE RECALL I FOUND. *TR

Mileage: 121,098

WE TOOK A TRIP TO CHATTANOOGA FOR THE WEEKEND. WHILE THERE WE WERE GOING TO DO SOME SHOPPING AND WE TURNED A CORNER AND THE WHEEL FLEW OFF. MY HUSBAND PAID FOR THE TOW AND OUR INSURANCE REIMBURSED HIM, AND MY HUSBAND PAID FOR THE REPAIRS. WE HAD NO IDEA THAT THIS VEHICLE HAS RECALLS. VERY SCARY!! *TR

Mileage: 180,000

DRIVING ALONG WHEN RIGHT FRONT STARTED TO VEER RIGHT AND WOBBLE. THESE MODELS ARE NOT SAFE. FORD IS AWARE OF THIS YET, WILL NOT HONOR A RECALL WHICH AFFECTS THESE MODELS. ALTHOUGH THERE IS A CORROSION SUB FRAME BREAK ON 1999 FORD WINDSTAR'S AND THAT IS EXACTLY WHAT HAPPENED( MECHANIC WILL TESTIFY) TO MINE, THEY KEEP MAKING EXCUSES AND WILL NOT HONOR THE EXPENSES FOR THEIR FAULTY DESIGN. MY VEHICLE IS A 99 FORD WINDSTAR IN VERY GOOD SHAPE, NEW TIRES BATTERY,ETC. IT IS NOW SITTING IN MY DRIVEWAY BECAUSE OF A FRAME BROKEN THRU BY CORROSION. THE FRONT RIGHT ALMOST PUT ME INTO THE DITCH ON THE WAY HOME. THIS IS A DESIGN FLAW WHICH WAS IS OR SHOULD BE COVERED BY RECALL. FORD PREVIOUSLY RECALLED THE SAME MODELS 99-2003 FOR THIS EXACT PROBLEM. I HAVE CONTACTED MY FORD DEALER (RAPIDS FORD, WIS RAPIDS), THEY SAID THE RECALL NO LONGER APPLIES. HOW CAN THIS BE? THIS IS A VERY UNSAFE SITUATION. *TR

FORD RECALLED AND REPLACED THE REAR AXLE IN 2011 I BELIEVE. THEY DID A REPAIR ON THE FRONT AXLE ON A SEPARATE RECALL IN 2011 AS WELL. NOW THE FRONT AXLE IS RUSTING; SAME ISSUE THAT WAS HAPPENING TO THE REAR AXLE AND WHAT WAS SOMEWHAT REPAIRED ON THE FRONT PASSENGER SIDE. IF THE REAR AXLE WAS RECALLED FOR ABNORMAL RUSTING; IT WOULD APPEAR THE SAME MATERIAL WAS USED ON THE FRONT AXLE. FORD BOUGHT OUT MOST WINDSTAR OWNERS SO THERE ARE PROBABLY NOT AS MUCH DOCUMENTATION OF THE FRONT AXLE ISSUE AS THERE WERE WITH THE REAR. *TR

Mileage: 150,000

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 1999 FORD WINDSTAR. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE REAR END AXLE BECAME FRACTURED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT TAKEN TO A DEALER FIR REPAIRS OR DIAGNOSIS. THE MANUFACTURER WAS MADE AWARE OF THE PROBLEM. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 160,000. *TR

Mileage: 160,000

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 1999 FORD WINDSTAR. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE REAR FRAME AND DRIVER'S SIDE SUSPENSION WAS SEVERELY CORRODED. THE CONTACT ATTEMPTED TO REPLACE THE REAR TIRE WHEN THE JACK PENETRATED THE FRAME. THE MANUFACTURER WAS CONTACTED AND ADVISED THAT THE VIN WAS NOT INCLUDED IN NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 10V385000 (SUSPENSION). THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE AND CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 146,000.

Mileage: 146,000

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 1999 FORD WINDSTAR. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALER FOR A TIRE REPLACEMENT WHEN THE CONTACT WAS ADVISED THAT THE REAR AXLE WAS FRACTURED IN TWO PLACES. THE CONTACT SPOKE WITH THE MANUFACTURER AND WAS ADVISED THAT THE VEHICLE WAS NOT INCLUDED IN NHTSA CAMPAIGN ID NUMBERS: 10V385000, 12V193000 OR12V195000 (SUSPENSION:REAR:AXLE:NON-POWERED AXLE ASSEMBLY). THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE FAILURE AND THE CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 178,000. *TR

Mileage: 178,000

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 1999 FORD WINDSTAR. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALER FOR A TIRE REPLACEMENT WHEN THE CONTACT WAS ADVISED THAT THE REAR AXLE WAS FRACTURED IN TWO PLACES. THE CONTACT SPOKE WITH THE MANUFACTURER AND WAS ADVISED THAT THE VEHICLE WAS NOT INCLUDED IN NHTSA CAMPAIGN ID NUMBERS: 10V385000, 12V193000 OR12V195000 (SUSPENSION:REAR:AXLE:NON-POWERED AXLE ASSEMBLY). THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE FAILURE AND THE CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 178,000. *TR

Mileage: 178,000

THE ENGINE CARRIAGE IS RUSTED OUT, AND THE REAR AXLE IS CRACKED DUE TO RUST. THE MAIN ARM OF THE BALL JOINT IS COMPLETELY PULLED AWAY FROM THE FRAME BECAUSE OF THE RUST. I CONTACTED BAAB FORD IN REED CITY MICHIGAN, BECAUSE I WAS TOLD BY THE MECHANIC I TOOK IT TO ORIGINALLY THAT THIS WAS A RECALLED PRODUCT. BAAB FORD TOLD ME YES IT IS A RECALL ISSUE, BUT NO THEY WONT FIX MY VEHICLE BECAUSE THE VIN DOESN'T COME UP AS ONE OF THE VEHICLES EFFECTED BY THE RECALL. I CONTACTED FORD MOTOR COMPANY AS THEY HAD ADVISED ME, FORD MOTOR COMPANY TOLD ME, MY VEHICLE ISN'T ON THE RECALL LIST, REGARDLESS OF THE FACT THAT IT HAS BOTH OF THE PROBLEMS THAT 1998 - 2003 FORD WINDSTAR WAS RECALLED FOR. THE VEHICLE SPEEDS UP WHENEVER IT HITS A BUMP AND ALSO PULLS TOWARDS THE CENTER LINE ESPECIALLY ON SLIPPERY ROADS OR WHERE LOSS OF TRACTION OCCURS. IT ALSO WEARS OUT TIRES EVERY 2 WEEKS. *TR

Mileage: 200,000

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 1999 FORD WINDSTAR. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE VEHICLE WAS SERVICED UNDER NHTSA CAMPAIGN ID NUMBER: 12V195000 (SUSPENSION) AND AFTER THE REMEDY REPAIR WAS PERFORMED, THE VEHICLE WOULD ABNORMALLY DRIFT OUT OF THE INITIAL LANE WHILE THE CONTACT WAS DRIVING AT VARIOUS SPEEDS. THE VEHICLE HAD NOT BEEN REPAIRED. THERE WAS NO FAILURE PRIOR TO THE RECALL REPAIR. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 132,811.

Mileage: 132,811

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 1999 FORD WINDSTAR. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE VEHICLE WAS SERVICED UNDER NHTSA CAMPAIGN ID NUMBER: 12V195000 (SUSPENSION:REAR:AXLE:NON-POWERED AXLE ASSEMBLY). THE CONTACT HAD NOT EXPERIENCED A FAILURE OR A DEFECT PRIOR TO THE RECALL REPAIR. THE CONTACT NOTICED THAT ONE YEAR AFTER THE REPAIR WAS PERFORMED, THE REAR DRIVER'S SIDE AXLE EXHIBITED SEVERAL CRACKS. THE CONTACT WELDED THE DEFECTIVE AXLE HIMSELF. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE PROBLEM. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 140,000.

Mileage: 140,000

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 1999 FORD WINDSTAR. WHILE PARKED, THE CONTACT NOTICED THAT THE FRONT DRIVER'S SIDE OF THE SUB FRAME WAS CRACKED. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALER FOR DIAGNOSTIC TESTING. THE TECHNICIAN ADVISED THAT THE ENGINE CRADLE WOULD HAVE TO BE REPLACED. THE VEHICLE WAS INCLUDED AND PREVIOUSLY REPAIRED UNDER NHTSA CAMPAIGN ID NUMBER: 12V194000 (SUSPENSION:FRONT:CONTROL ARM). THE MANUFACTURER WAS MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE AND ADVISED THE CONTACT THAT ANY ADDITIONAL REPAIRS WOULD NOT BE COVERED UNDER THE RECALL. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT FURTHER REPAIRED. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 190,000.

Mileage: 190,000

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 1999 FORD WINDSTAR. WHILE DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 20 MPH THE CONTACT HEARD A RATTLING NOISE COMING FROM THE REAR OF THE VEHICLE. THE CONTACT STOPPED THE VEHICLE ON THE SHOULDER OF THE ROAD. AFTER INSPECTING THE VEHICLE THE CONTACT NOTICED THE REAR AXLE WAS FRACTURED. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALER FOR DIAGNOSTIC. THE TECHNICIAN STATED THE REAR AXLE WOULD HAVE TO BE REPLACED. THERE WAS A RECALL UNDER NHTSA CAMPAIGN ID NUMBER: 12V195000 (SUSPENSION:REAR:AXLE:NON-POWERED AXLE ASSEMBLY) THAT MAY BE RELATED TO THE FAILURE. THE MANUFACTURER WAS MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE AND STATED THE VIN WAS NOT INCLUDED IN THE RECALL. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE VIN WAS NOT AVAILABLE. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 120,000.

Mileage: 120,000

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 1999 FORD WINDSTAR. THE VEHICLE WAS INCLUDED AND REPAIRED UNDER NHTSA CAMPAIGN ID NUMBER: 12V195000 (SUSPENSION:REAR:AXLE:NON-POWERED AXLE ASSEMBLY). AFTER THE REPAIR, THE CONTACT WAS DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 25 MPH WHEN THE VEHICLE BEGAN TO SHAKE VIGOROUSLY. THE DEALER WAS MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE AND STATED THE VEHICLE WAS UNSAFE TO DRIVE AND THEY NEEDED TO DIAGNOSE THE FAILURE. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 100,000.

Mileage: 100,000

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 1999 FORD WINDSTAR. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE VEHICLE WAS INCLUDED IN NHTSA CAMPAIGN ID NUMBER: 10V385000 (SUSPENSION:REAR:AXLE:NON-POWERED AXLE ASSEMBLY) AND WAS TOWED TO THE AN AUTHORIZED DEALER. THE DEALER ADVISED THAT THE SUB FRAME WAS CORRODED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS CONTACTED BUT THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 196,098. AND THE CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 198,000.

Mileage: 196,098

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 1999 FORD WINDSTAR. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE DRIVING 60 MPH THE VEHICLE STARTED JERKING AND SWERVING ABNORMALLY, CASUING THE REAR DRIVER SIDE WHEEL TO DETACH FROM THE VEHICLE. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO A LOCAL MECHANIC WHO INSPECTED THE VEHICLE AND DISCOVERD THAT THE BOLTS WERE RUSTED AND CORRODED AND HAD CAUSED THE AXLE TO FRACTURE. THE MECHANIC DID NOT REPAIR THE VEHICLE. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO AN AUTHORIZED DEALER BECAUSE THE AXLE WAS PREVIOUSLY INSTALLED UNDER NHTSA CAMPAIGN ID NUMBER: 10V385000 (SUSPENSION: REAR: AXLE: NON-POWERED AXLE ASSEMBLY). THE DEALER ADVISED THE CONTACT THAT THEY WOULD NOT REPAIR THE BROKEN AXLE BECAUSE IT WAS REPAIRED PREVIOUSLY UNDER THE RECALL AND HAD EXCEEDED THE 12,000 MILE GUARANTEE ON THE COMPONENT. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE WHO STATED THAT THEY WOULD BE IN CONTACT AT A LATER DATE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 190,000.

Mileage: 190,000

LIVED IN THE SALT BELT STATE OF PA. FRAME RUSTED OUT AND I LOST STEERING CONTROL AND ALMOST HAD AN ACCIDENT.THIS IS A KNOWN ISSUE VIA NHTSA ACTION NUMBER: PE10026 AND I WOULD LIKE FORD TO RECALL AND FIX THIS AT THIER COST. *TR

Mileage: 156,219

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 1999 FORD WINDSTAR. THE CONTACT NOTICED CORROSION ON BOTH THE DRIVER AND PASSENGER SIDES OF THE REAR AXLE. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALER AND THE MANUFACTURER WAS CONTACTED. THE MANUFACTURER CONFIRMED THAT THE CONTACT'S VIN DID NOT QUALIFY FOR REPAIRS UNDER NHTSA CAMPAIGN ID NUMBER:10V385000 (SUSPENSION:REAR:AXLE:NON-POWERED AXLE ASSEMBLY). THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE FAILURE AND THE CURRENT MILEAGES WERE 224,000

Mileage: 224,000

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 1999 FORD WINDSTAR. THE CONTACT STATED THAT AFTER RECEIVING NOTIFICATION OF NHTSA CAMPAIGN ID NUMBER: 10V385000(SUSPENSION:REAR:AXLE:NON-POWERED AXLE ASSEMBLY), THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALER. AFTER INSPECTION OF THE VEHICLE, THE DEALER ADVISED HER THAT THE REAR BRACKETS WERE FRACTURED AND THAT THEY WOULD HAVE TO REPLACE THE ENTIRE SUBFRAME. THE BRACKETS WERE REPLACED BUT NOT THE ENTIRE FRAME. AFTER REPAIRS, THE CONTACT NOTICED A LOUD NOISE FROM THE VEHICLE. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN BACK TO THE DEALER WHERE THEY ADVISED HER THAT THE SWAY BAR WAS RUSTED AND NEEDED TO BE WELDED BACK TO THE VEHICLE. THE VEHICLE HAS NOT FURTHER REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS CONTACTED AND THEY OFFERED NO ASSISTANCE. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC WHERE THEY ADVISED HER THAT THEY WOULD NOT TOUCH THE VEHICLE DUE TO HOW THE DEALER REPAIRED THE VEHICLE UNDER THE RECALL. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS APPROXIMATELY 190,000.

Mileage: 190,000

THE VAN HAS HAD BOTH THE FRONT SUBFRAME AND REAR AXEL RECALL REPAIRS COMPLETED. ON PICKING UP THE VAN, IT STILL HAD A HARD PULL TO THE RIGHT AFTER PAYING FOR AN ALIGNMENT. THE DEALER ATTRIBUTED IT TO THE TIRES. ON PUTTING THE VAN IN FOR PA INSPECTION, IT DID NOT PASS DUE TO "SUBFRAME ROTTED AT REAR TRANSMISSION MOUNT". THE FORD DEALER THAT PERFORMED THE RECALL WORK SUBSEQUENTLY LOOKED AT IT, AGREED THE FRAME WAS ROTTED BUT THAT NO RECALLS COVERED IT. THE REPAIR COST IS IN EXCESS OF THE VEHICLE VALUE. I SUSPECT THE ALIGNMENT COULD BE RELATED AS WELL. *TR

Mileage: 152,393

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 1999 FORD WINDSTAR. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE FRONT PASSENGER SIDE COIL SPRING WAS FRACTURED. THE CONTACT CALLED THE MANUFACTURER REGARDING A RECALL FOR THE FAILURE FOR THE 1998 FORD WINDSTAR BUT WAS ADVISED THAT THE 1999 MODEL WAS NOT INCLUDED (NHTSA CAMPAIGN ID NUMBER: 01I007000 -SUSPENSION; FRONT; COIL SPRINGS). THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE FAILURE AND CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 100,000.

Mileage: 100,000

I WAS PULLING AWAY AFTER GETTING GAS IN MY WINDSTAR AND HEARD A LOUD BANGING NOISE, SIMILAR TO WHEN THE TRANSMISSION WENT OUT. I IMMEDIATELY EXPERIENCED LOSS OF CONTROL IN STEERING, WITH THE STEERING WHEEL TURNED TO ONE SIDE. I WAS FORTUNATE THAT I WAS DRIVING ONLY 5 MILES PER HOUR. THE VAN WAS EXAMINED BY AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC (NOT FORD AFFILIATED) AND I WAS TOLD THE SUBFRAME HAS COMPLETELY RUSTED THROUGH. THE SUBFRAME SNAPPED ON THE PASSENGER SIDE AND IS READY TO SNAP ON THE DRIVER'S SIDE. I WAS TOLD THAT ALL IT WOULD TAKE IS FOR ME TO HIT A POTHOLE AND THE SUBFRAME WOULD SNAP ON THE DRIVER'S SIDE AND THE ENGINE AND TRANSMISSION WOULD FALL OUT. THE MECHANIC TOLD ME HE HAS NEVER SEEN A 12 YEAR OLD VEHICLE WITH A SUBFRAME IN THAT CONDITION. HE TOOK PICTURES OF THE SUBFRAME AND EMAILED THEM TO SEVERAL MECHANIC FRIENDS. I HAVE SINCE LEARNED, BY DOING RESEARCH ON THE INTERNET, THAT FORD RECALLED THE WINDSTARS DUE TO A SUBFRAME ISSUE, BUT I WAS NOT INCLUDED IN THAT RECALL BECAUSE FORD DOES NOT DEEM VIRGINIA A STATE WHERE THEY USE SALT ON THE ROADS IN THE WINTERTIME. I LIVE 10-15 MILES FROM BOTH MARYLAND AND DC, AND THEY ARE BOTH INCLUDED IN THE RECALL. I LIVE IN NORTHERN VIRGINIA AND WE RECEIVE HEAVY SNOWFALL DURING THE WINTER. BECAUSE I LIVE CLOSE TO THE BELTWAY, THE DOT AND LOCAL PUBLIC WORKS DEPARTMENTS HEAVILY SALT THE ROADS EVEN BEFORE SNOW STARTS TO FALL. WE HAVE A PERMANENT WHITE COATING ON THE ROADS FROM THE SALT DURING THE WINTERTIME. IT IS RIDICULOUS THAT FORD DID NOT RECALL THE WINDSTAR'S IN ALL STATES BECAUSE THEY KNOW THERE IS A PROBLEM WITH THE SUBFRAMES ON THE WINDSTARS. THEY DON'T TAKE INTO ACCOUNT PEOPLE WHO MAY TRAVEL FROM STATE TO STATE, OR PEOPLE WHO BORDER A STATE WHERE THEY HAVE RECALLED THE SUBFRAMES, AND FREQUENTLY DRIVE IN THOSE STATES.

Mileage: 129,000

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 1999 FORD WINDSTAR. THE CONTACT STATED THAT AFTER RECEIVING NOTIFICATION OF NHTSA CAMPAIGN ID NUMBER: 10V385000 (SUSPENSION:REAR:AXLE:NON-POWERED AXLE ASSEMBLY), THE CONTACT TOOK THE VEHICLE TO THE DEALER FOR REPAIRS. THE DEALER ADVISED THAT THE VEHICLE FAILED INSPECTION OF THE RECALL AND NO REPAIRS WERE PERFORMED DUE TO THE LACK OF RUST AND CORROSION. THE CONTACT THEN TOOK THE VEHICLE TO A LOCAL MECHANIC FOR REPLACEMENT OF THE SHOCKS AND STEERING RACK. THE MECHANIC ADVISED THAT THE FRAME WAS SEVERELY RUSTED AND HE WAS UNABLE TO PERFORM THE REPAIRS. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN BACK TO THE DEALER WHERE THEY ADVISED THE CONTACT THAT THEY WERE UNABLE TO PERFORM ANY TYPE OF REPAIRS AS IT PERTAINED TO THE RECALL BECAUSE THE VEHICLE FAILED THE RECALL INSPECTION. THE VEHICLE WAS LEFT WITH THE DEALER FOR FOUR MONTHS BUT WAS NEVER REPAIRED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 241,000. UPDATED 07/28/11*LJ UPDATED 08/01/11

Mileage: 241,000

3 TRANSMISSIONS...MULTIPLE REPAIRS ALL OF WHICH FORD IS AWARE AND CAUSED BY FAULTY DESIGN. RECALLED FOR AXLE AND FRAME ROTTING. FORD USED EPOXY AND A BRACE TO "REPAIR". UNSAFE REPAIR! WARRANTY OFFERED IS ONLY 12 MONTHS, SO FORD ALSO AGREES IT WONT LAST. FRAME AND AXLE SHOULD LAST THE LIFE OF VEHICLE. THIS IS A DANGEROUS VEHICLE AND FORD ISNT WILLING TO TAKE ANY RESPOSIBILITY. THEY HAVE KOWN ABOUT THESE PROBLEMS FOR YEARS, AND ARE NOW SAYING THEY ARENT RESPONSIBLE.

WE OWN A FORD WINDSTAR THAT WAS SOLD AND PURCHASED IN MASS. AND RECENTLY BECAME AWARE OF A SAFETY RECALL FOR AXLE FAILURE. WENT TO DEALER AND FORD WEBSITE AND WAS TOLD RECALL DID NOT INCLUDE MY VEHICLE BECAUSE I NOW RESIDE IN FLORIDA . I FEEL MY CAR SHOULD BE INCLUDED IN RECALL BECAUSE IT WAS DRIVEN IN MASS FOR A NUMBER OF YEARS IN THE SNOW AND ICE TREATED WITH ROAD SALT. ANY HELP OR SOME ONE TO CONTACT WOULD BE APPRECIATED. [XXX] INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6). *TR

Mileage: 175,000

GETTING THE RUN-A-ROUND WITH LOCAL DEALER OVER THIS RECALL BUSINESS (RECALLS 10S13, 11S16, 09S09). FIRST THREE TIMES THEY "LOST" OUR APPOINTMENT, THEN I JUST SHOWED UP WITH THE VAN SO THEY TOOK IT. DIDN'T HEAR FROM THEM FOR TWO WEEKS. THEN I CALLED AND ASKED FOR VAN BACK- HAD ONLY ONE VEHICLE. THEY OFFERED A RENTAL. NOW THEY SAY THEY NEED TO CHARGE US $300 FOR BROKEN COIL SPRINGS. I CALLED ANOTHER SUSPENSION SPECIALIST COMPANY, THEY SAID THE DEALERSHIP WAS DOUBLE-DIPPING, CHARGING FORD AND US FOR THE SAME WORK. I NEED HELP WITH THIS DEALERSHIP! UPDATED IVOQ 06/14/11 *TR

Mileage: 97,000

1999 FORD WINDSTAR. CONSUMER WRITES IN REGARDS TO VEHICLE REPAIRS AND DISCONTENT WITH DEALER *TGW THE CONSUMER STATED THE REAR AXLE BROKE WHILE HIS WIFE WAS DRIVING.

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 1999 FORD WINDSTAR. THE CONTACT WAS DRIVING 35 MPH WHEN THE REAR AXLE FRACTURED. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO A LOCAL MECHANIC WHERE THE CONTACT WAS ADVISED OF NHTSA CAMPAIGN ID NUMBER: 10V385000 (SUSPENSION:REAR:AXLE:NON-POWERED AXLE ASSEMBLY) AND REFERRED TO THE DEALER. THE VEHICLE WAS THEN TOWED TO THE DEALER WHERE THE REAR AXLE WAS REPAIRED UNDER THE RECALL. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE LEAVING THE DEALER, THE BRAKES LOCKED ABNORMALLY AND THE VEHICLE WAS LEFT WITH THE DEALER FOR FURTHER REPAIRS. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE VEHICLE WAS UNSAFE TO DRIVE AND NO LONGER WANTED OWNERSHIP OF THE VEHICLE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 110,000.

Mileage: 110,000

LETTER FROM CONGRESSMAN DENT ON BEHALF OF CONSTITUENT REGARDING AN ISSUE INVOLVING RECALLS ON HIS VEHICLES; PLEASE CONTACT HIM OR HIS ASSISTANT MELANIE WHITELEATER AT 610-861-9734, IF THERE ARE ANY QUESTIONS OR PROBLEMS WITH THIS REQUEST *TGW 1999 FORD WINDSTAR. UPON INSPECTION OF THE VEHICLE, IT WAS DETERMINED THE VEHICLE WAS NOT SAFE TO DRIVE. THE CONSUMER WAS OFFERED A BUY OUT, BUT DECLINED AND REQUESTED TO HAVE THE VEHICLE REPAIRED UNDER THE RECALL. TWO HOURS LATER, THE CONSUMER RECEIVED A CALL FROM THE DEALER STATING FORD CONCLUDED THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRABLE AND THE CONSUMER NEEDED TO COME AND RETRIEVE THE VEHICLE. *JB

TOOK OUR VAN IN TO BE BROUGHT UP TO DATE WITH RECALLS FOR IT'S MAKE/MODEL. ASKED ABOUT AXLE CORROSION AS WE KNEW OUR YEAR OF FORD WINDSTAR WAS INCLUDED IN THIS RECALL. WAS TOLD NEBRASKA IS NOT INCLUDED IN THIS RECALL, BUT THEY WOULD INSPECT FOR THE DEFECT ANYWAY. VAN IS NOW GROUNDED BY FORD DUE TO FRONT AND REAR AXLE PROBLEMS. MY COMPLAIN IS THIS.... WE WERE NOT ISSUED A RECALL NOTICE AND ARE NOT TECHNICALLY PART OF THE RECALL. HAD WE NOT TAKEN OUR CAR IN AND ASKED TO HAVE IT INSPECTED AFTER HEARING OF THE PROBLEM THROUGH WORD OF MOUTH, WE COULD HAVE BEEN IN A SERIOUS OR POSSIBLY FATAL ACCIDENT. WHY IS NEBRASKA NOT INCLUDED IN THIS RECALL??? AS FAR AS RESOLUTION, WE HAVE BEEN TOLD REPAIR WILL TAKE 1-3 MONTHS OR THEY MAY BUY BACK OUR VAN. I GUESS TIME WILL TELL. *TR

TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 1999 FORD WINDSTAR. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO AN AUTHORIZED DEALER ON NOVEMBER 10, 2010 FOR A RECALL REPAIR ASSOCIATED WITH NHTSA CAMPAIGN ID NUMBER 10V385000 (SUSPENSION:REAR:AXLE:NON-POWERED AXLE ASSEMBLY); HOWEVER, THE PART WAS NOT IN STOCK, AND THEY WERE UNABLE TO PERFORM THE REPAIR. THE VEHICLE REMAINED AT THE DEALER FOR FIVE MONTHS; UNTIL RECENTLY WHEN THE PART BECAME AVAILABLE. THE TECHNICIAN STATED THAT THE VEHICLE FAILED TO START DUE TO THE COOLANT LEAKING WITHIN THE ENGINE COMPARTMENT. THE CONTACT STRONGLY BELIEVED THAT THE ENGINE WOULD NOT START BECAUSE OF THE EXTENSIVE PERIOD OF TIME THAT THE VEHICLE WAS PARKED IN THE COLD WEATHER. THERE WAS NO FAILURE MILEAGE.

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 1999 FORD WINDSTAR. THE CONTACT STATED THAT HE RECEIVED A RECALL NOTIFICATION OF NHTSA CAMPAIGN ID NUMBER: 10V385000 (SUSPENSION: REAR: AXLE: NON-POWERED AXLE ASSEMBLY), AND TOOK THE VEHICLE TO THE DEALER IN SEPTEMBER 2010. THE DEALER ADVISED THAT THE PARTS WERE NOT READILY AVAILABLE. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE PARTS STILL HAD NOT BECOME AVAILABLE AS OR MARCH 2011 NOR WAS THE VEHICLE REPAIRED. THE FAILURE AND CURRENT MILEAGE WAS APPROXIMATELY 144,000.

Mileage: 144,000

ON OCTOBER 1, 2010 I WAS DRIVING ON I 75 IN MY 1999 FORD WINDSTAR. ABOUT 50 MILES FROM HOME THE REAR AXLE ON THE DRIVERS SIDE OF THE CAR BROKE. I STARTED TO SLOW DOWN, THE CAR SWERVED LEFT TO RIGHT DID A 180 DEGREE TURN SO I WAS TRACKING DOWN I 75 AT ABOUT 60 MILES AN HOUR. THEN I SKIDDED INTO THE GUARD RAIL ON THE EAST SIDE OF THE ROAD, BACK ON TO THE HIGH AND FINALLY ENDED UP BACKED INTO THE DITCH ON THE EAST SIDE OF THE ROAD. ABOUT 110 DAYS AFTER THE ACCIDENT WE RECEIVED NOTICE OF A RECALL ON THE REAR AXLE FROM FORD MOTOR COMPANY. *TR

Mileage: 160,000

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 1999 FORD WINDSTAR. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO AN AUTHORIZED DEALER IN NOVEMBER OF 2010 FOR REPAIRS UNDER NHTSA CAMPAIGN ID NUMBER: 10V385000 (SUSPENSION:REAR:AXLE:NON-POWERED AXLE ASSEMBLY) AND NHTSA CAMPAIGN ID NUMBER: 09V399000 (VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL). THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE VEHICLE HAD BEEN IN THE DEALERS POSSESSION FOR AN ABNORMALLY EXTENSIVE AMOUNT OF TIME. THE DEALER ADVISED THAT HE WAS AWAITING THE NECESSARY PARTS TO ARRIVE IN ORDER TO COMPLETE THE REPAIR. MOST RECENTLY WHILE THE VEHICLE WAS STILL IN THE DEALERS POSSESSION, THE CONTACT RECEIVED NOTIFICATION F A THIRD RECALL UNDER NHTSA CAMPAIGN ID NUMBER 11V030000 (STRUCTURE: FRAME AND MEMBERS:UNDERBODY SHIELDS). THE CONTACT EXPRESSED FRUSTRATION FOR THE EXTENSIVE LENGTH OF TIME THE DEALER HAD BEEN WAITING ON THE RECALL PARTS AND HAD POSSESSION OF HIS VEHICLE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS APPROXIMATELY 80,000.

Mileage: 80,000

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 1999 FORD WINDSTAR. THE CONTACT WAS DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 10 MPH WHEN THE VEHICLE BEGAN PULLING TO THE RIGHT ABNORMALLY. THE CONTACT THEN RECEIVED NOTIFICATION OF A MANUFACTURERS STEERING RECALL AND THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALER WHO ADVISED THAT THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRABLE. THE DEALER OFFERED TO BUY BACK THE VEHICLE BUT LATER ADVISED THAT THE VEHICLE WAS ABLE TO BE REPAIRED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 105,000 AND THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 100,000. UPDATED 03/31/11*LJ THE CONSUMER ALSO STATED THE REAR AXLE CRACKED. FOR OFFERED TO BUY THE VEHICLE BACK. UPDATED 07/01/11

Mileage: 100,000

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 1999 FORD WINDSTAR. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE VEHICLE WOULD SHAKE ABNORMALLY WHEN DRIVING AT ANY SPEED. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO AN INDEPENDENT REPAIR SHOP WHERE THE CONTACT WAS TOLD THAT THE REAR AXLE WAS FRACTURED. THE CONTACT ALSO STATED THE VEHICLE WAS INCLUDED IN THE RECALL ASSOCIATED WITH NHTSA CAMPAIGN ID NUMBER: 10V385000 (SUSPENSION:REAR:AXLE:NON-POWERED AXLE ASSEMBLY). AN AUTHORIZED DEALER WAS NOTIFIED AND THE CONTACT WAS TOLD THAT HE WOULD BE UNABLE TO RECEIVE REPAIRS UNDER THE RECALL BECAUSE TOO MUCH TIME HAD ELAPSED SINCE OWNER NOTIFICATION. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE FAILURE AND CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 150,000.

Mileage: 150,000

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 1999 FORD WINDSTAR. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE ENTIRE FRONT SUSPENSION AND STEERING MECHANISM MALFUNCTIONED AND NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALER WHERE THE CONTACT WAS AWAITING REPAIRS. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 216,000.

Mileage: 216,000

1999 FORD WINDSTAR. CONSUMER STATES HE WAS INVOLVED IN A CRASH WHICH HE BELIEVES WAS DUE TO A FRACTURE IN THE REAR AXLE *TGW THE CONSUMER STATED THE FRONT END COLLISION RESULTED IN A GREAT DEAL OF DAMAGE TO HIS VEHICLE. AFTER INSPECTION OF THE VEHICLE, IT WAS DISCOVERED THE REAR AXLE OF THE VEHICLE WAS FRACTURED WHICH CAUSED HIM TO LOSE CONTROL OF THE VEHICLE AND CRASH. *JB

COMPLETE FRACTURE OF PASSENGER SIDE ENGINE CRADLE CAUSING STEERING ISSUES. FRACTURE 1 TO 2 INCHES FROM FRAME BOLT. NO OTHER RUST OR FRACTURES ON FRAME OR SUB CHASSIS, REPAIRS BY FORD AND GOODYEAR OF RACK REPLACEMENT AND TRANSMISSION REPLACEMENT DID NOT SEEM TO WARRANT NOTIFICATION TO ME OF PENDING ISSUE WITH FRAME WHICH COULD HAVE CAUSED MAJOR INJURY TO MYSELF OR SOMEONE ELSE. NOTE THIS CAR HAS BEEN IN FLORIDA WITH 1 OWNER NOT IN SALT BELT STATES

Mileage: 240,000

TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 1999 FORD WINDSTAR. WHILE STOPPED THE CONTACT EXAMINED THE VEHICLE AND NOTICED THAT THE REAR AXLE WAS FRACTURED. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO AN INDEPENDENT REPAIR SHOP WHERE A USED REAR AXLE WAS INSTALLED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 155,000 AND THE CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 158,548.

Mileage: 155,000

DURING LAST ROUTINE MAINTENANCE, I WAS ADVISED THAT SUBFRAME RUSTING WAS GETTING CLOSE TO LEVEL OF MAKING DRIVING HAZARDOUS. ESTIMATED COST OF REPAIR (PART AND LABOR) IS $1700 - $1800.00.

Mileage: 116,800

TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 1999 FORD WINDSTAR. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE DRIVING IN REVERSE AND THEN FORWARD, THE FRONT PASSENGER SIDE TIRE FELL OFF OF THE VEHICLE. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO THE DEALER WHO INFORMED HIM THAT THE TIRE SEPARATED FROM THE VEHICLE DUE TO THE FRONT AXLE CORRODING. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS APPROXIMATELY 140,000.

Mileage: 140,000

1999 FORD WINDSTAR. CONSUMER STATES RECALL FAILURE *TGW THE CONSUMER STATED THE REAR AXLE FAILED. *JB

AROUND OCTOBER 20TH, 2010, MY 1999 FORD WINDSTAR WAS MAKING A WEIRD NOISE WHEN I A MAKE A RIGHT TURN AND ALSO WHEN I STEP ON THE GAS PEDAL. THE NOISE CAME FROM THE FRONT RIGHT OF THE VEHICLE, AT FIRST I THOUGHT IT WAS A BRAKE PROBLEM. I TOOK IT RIGHT A WAY TO MY MECHANIC TO BE DIAGNOSED. WHEN THE TECHNICIAN LIFTED THE VAN, HE NOTICED RIGHT A WAY THE SUB FRAME ALL RUSTED AND BROKEN. MY MECHANIC DID NOT LET ME DRIVE IT BECAUSE IT'S A HIGH RISK, HE SAID THE ENGINE CAN FALL ANY MOMENT. DUE TO THE HIGH COST OF REPLACING A NEW SUB FRAME, THE TECHNICIAN SUGGESTED A USED ONE BUT IN GOOD CONDITION. IT COST ME $723.00 TO REPLACE IT. I WENT TO THE NEAREST FORD DEALER TO COMPLAINT BUT I WAS TOLD THAT SPECIFIC PART OF THE VEHICLE WAS NOT RECALLED AND IT'S DUE TO THE AGE OF THE VEHICLE. I AM STILL AFRAID TO DRIVE MY FORD WINDSTAR EVEN AFTER I REPLACED IT. CURRENTLY MY VAN IS SITTING AT FORD DEALER PARKING LOT, IT'S UNDER RECALL FOR THE REAR AXLE. *TR

Mileage: 79,914

TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 1999 FORD WINDSTAR. WHILE THE CONTACT WAS DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 40 MPH, THERE WAS A LOUD NOISE COMING FROM THE FRONT END OF THE VEHICLE. SUDDENLY, THE VEHICLE PULLED INTO THE RIGHT DIRECTION AND WANDERED OUT OF THE LANE CAUSING DIFFICULTY IN MAINTAINING THE STEERING. WHEN THE BRAKES WERE ENGAGED, THE VEHICLE PULLED TOWARD THE LEFT DIRECTION WITH A METAL SCREECHING NOISE. THE FAILURE OCCURRED THREE TIMES. A CERTIFIED TECHNICIAN INSPECTED THE VEHICLE AND STATED THAT THE ENGINE CRADLE AND LOWER CONTROL ARM WERE COMPLETELY RUSTED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS UNKNOWN.

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 1999 FORD WINDSTAR. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE VEHICLE WAS ABNORMALLY PULLING TO THE RIGHT IN WOULD SPORADICALLY BECOME STUCK IN PARK. ON A SEPARATE OCCASION THE CONTACT WAS DRIVING 30 MPH WHEN THE CHECK ENGINE AND OVERDRIVE WARNING LIGHTS ILLUMINATED. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALER WHERE UNKNOWN REPAIRS WERE PERFORMED YET THE FAILURE PERSISTED AFTER THE REPAIRS. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN BACK TO THE DEALER SEVERAL TIMES WHERE SEVERAL UNKNOWN REPAIRS WERE MADE BUT TO NO AVAIL. IN ADDITION, THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE BATTERY WAS REPLACED FIVE TIMES AND THE SHE WAS RECENTLY MADE AWARE OF TWO OPEN RECALLS ON THE VEHICLE; NHTSA CAMPAIGN ID NUMBERS: 10V385000 (SUSPENSION:REAR:AXLE:NON-POWERED AXLE ASSEMBLY) AND 09V399000 (VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL). NEITHER RECALL REPAIR HAD YET BEEN PERFORMED ON THE VEHICLE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 127,445 AND THE APPROXIMATE CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 150,000.

Mileage: 127,445

TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 1999 FORD WINDSTAR. WHEN THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO AN AUTHORIZED DEALER FOR A REAR AXLE INSPECTION FOR RECALL 10V385000 (SUSPENSION: REAR: AXLE: NON-POWERED AXLE ASSEMBLY), THE DEALER DETECTED THAT THE FRONT UNDERCARRIAGE WAS COMPLETELY RUSTED AND WOULD RESULT IN THE DETACHMENT OF THE ENGINE. THE TECHNICIAN INFORMED THAT THE FAILURE WAS BEYOND REPAIR AND RECOMMENDED THAT THE VEHICLE NOT BE DRIVEN DUE TO A POTENTIAL SAFETY HAZARD. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS APPROXIMATELY 140,000. UPDATED 02/23/11 *BF UPDATED 03/09/11

Mileage: 140,000

TL*THE CONTACT OWNS 1999 FORD WINDSTAR. THE CONTACT STATED THAT NHTSA RECALL 10V385000, SUSPENSION REAR AXLE NON-POWERED AXLE ASSEMBLY SHOULD INCLUDE THE STATE OF NEBRASKA. THE CONTACT HAD NOT EXPERIENCED ANY FAILURES AT THIS TIME; HOWEVER, HE WAS CONCERNED SINCE NEBRASKA ALSO HAD SNOW AND SALT ON THE ROADS WHICH COULD EVENTUALLY CRACK THE AXLE. THE VIN WAS UNKNOWN. THE CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 120,000.

Mileage: 120,000

NOISE ON MINIVAN HUSBAND LOOKED FOR REASON AND FOUND AXLE CRACKED, WENT AND REPLACED IT WITH ANOTHER USED WINDSTAR AXLE AND PAID FOR IT.*TR

Mileage: 130,000

1999 WINDSTAR VAN WHEN CHANGING THE RIGHT FRONT TIRE OUR MECHANIC SAW THE RIGHT FRONT DRIVE AXLE COMPLETELY RUSTED OUT. THIS CAR IS NOT SAFE TO DRIVE. NHTSA DEFECT INVESTIGATION #PE 10016 IS CONSISTENT WITH THIS PROBLEM.I WANT TO BE ADDED TO THIS INVESTIGATION. THERE ARE NO WARNING SIGNS FOR THIS PROBLEM. WE WERE LUCKY WE HAVE A GOOD MECHANIC WHO SPOTTED THE PROBLEM. THIS CAR IS AT A FORD DEALERSHIP IN MISSOURI. . I WISH SOMEONE WOULD GO AND SEE THIS PROBLEM FIRST HAND. ALL OTHER CARS WITH THIS PROBLEM WERE NOT DETECTED AND WERE IN A CRASH. THIS WOULD BE A GREAT OPPORTUNITY TO ACTUALLY SEE THE PROBLEM BEFORE THE CAR IS WRECKED. THIS IS A VERY DANGEROUS SITUATION FOR ANYONE WHO HAS A FORD WINDSTAR VAN 1999 THRU 2003. THERE IS NO WARNING AND WHEN THAT FRONT AXLE BREAKS THERE IS NO CONTROL OF THE VEHICLE. ANYONE WHO DRIVES ONE OF THESE VEHICLES SHOULD IMMEDIATELY TAKE TO A MECHANIC FOR INSPECTION. THIS IS NOT LIKE THE REAR AXLE PROBLEM, BECAUSE YOU CAN AT LEAST STEER THE VEHICLE IF IT BREAKS. WHEN THE FRONT GOES YOU HAVE NO CONTROL. I AM TOLD THE REPAIR WILL COST $1200.00 DOLLARS. FORD MOTOR COMPANY WILL NOT HELP WITH THE COST OF REPAIR. *TR

Mileage: 145,000

FRONT CROSS MEMBER ON PASSENGER SIDE WAS DISCOVERED TO BE CRACKED WHICH COULD HAVE FAILED AND CAUSED SERIOUS INJURY. MECHANIC TOLD ME THAT VEHICLE WAS NOT TO BE DRIVEN UNLESS IT COULD BE REPAIRED OR REPLACED. I WAS ABLE TO HAVE A WELDING SPECIALIST REPAIR THE CRACK. *TR

Mileage: 102,000

NOTICED VEHICLE UNSTABLE WHILE DRIVING. DIVING LEFT OR RIGHT DURING ACCELERATION AND BRAKING. UPON INVESTIGATION FOUND COMPLETE RUST-THROUGH SEPARATION OF SUB-FRAME AT REAR BODY MOUNT ON PASSENGERS SIDE. RIGHT CONTROL ARM MOUNT ON SUB-FRAME IS ALSO BADLY RUSTED. ENTIRE SUBFRAME IS ABLE TO MOVE FRONT AND BACK ON THE PASSENGERS SIDE RESULTING IN ERRATIC VEHICLE MOVEMENT WHILE DRIVING. FORTUNATELY WE CAUGHT IT BEFORE SOMETHING REALLY BAD HAPPENED, BUT THIS IS DEFINITELY A SAFETY DEFECT, AND COULD HAVE HAD DISASTROUS RESULTS.

Mileage: 77,749

WHILE DRIVING ON INTERSTATE HIGHWAY THE REAR AXLE BROKE ON 1999 FORD WINDSTAR. ALMOST LOST CONTROL BUT MANAGED TO GET TO SIDE OF ROAD SAFELY. THIS IS A LIFE AND DEATH PROBLEM WHERE ALL OF THESE AXLES NEED TO BE REPLACED ! *TR

Mileage: 150,000

TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 1999 FORD WINDSTAR. AFTER ROUTINE MAINTENANCE WHILE CHANGING THE TIRES ON THE RIGHT SIDE OF THE VEHICLE THE MECHANIC STATED THAT THE LOWER CONTROL ARM WAS CORRODED AND COVERED WITH RUST. HE WAS TOLD TO TAKE THE VEHICLE TO THE DEALER WHO STATED THAT IT WAS UNSAFE TO DRIVE AND THE REPAIR COST WAS $1200. THERE ARE NO RELATED RECALLS OR WARRANTIES FOR THIS FAILURE. THE MANUFACTURER CONFIRMED THAT THERE WERE NO RECALLS AND OFFERED NO ASSISTANCE. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 145,000.

Mileage: 145,000

TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 1999 FORD WINDSTAR SE. THE CONTACT WAS DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 5 MPH, ATTEMPTING TO MAKE A RIGHT TURN WHEN A LOUD POPPING NOISE SOUNDED OUTSIDE OF THE VEHICLE. THE VEHICLE CONTINUED IN OPERATION; AND UPON REACHING THE DESTINATION IT WAS DISCOVERED THAT THE FRONT "A FRAME" COMPLETELY FRACTURED. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC WHERE THE "A FRAME" WAS REPLACED. THE CONTACT STATED THERE WAS A RECALL RELATED TO THE SAME FAILURE WITH THE REAR SUSPENSION UNDER NHTSA CAMPAIGN ID NUMBER 10V385000 (SUSPENSION:REAR:AXLE:NON-POWERED AXLE ASSEMBLY). THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS APPROXIMATELY 70,000.

Mileage: 70,000

VEHICLE BECAME UN SAFE TO DRIVE AND SWERVED FROM LANE TO LANE WHEN ACCELERATING. FOUND FRONT SUBFRAME RUSTED THRU AND BROKEN ON PASSENGERS SIDE REAR CORNER. NEEDS NEW SUBFRAME IN FRONT. *TR

Mileage: 131,000

I WAS AT A SEAR'S AUTO REPAIR CENTER,FOR A FLAT TIRE REPAIR. A MECHANIC HAD SHOWN ME THE SUB FRAME,(ENGINE CRADLE) WAS ALL RUSTED OUT ON THE DRIVERS SIDE,ALSO THE SPRING WAS BROKEN. I THEN PROCEEDED TO A COLLISION REPAIR SHOP TO HAVE THEM LOOK AT IT .THEY TRIED TO FIND A USED SUB FRAME,BUT NO LUCK(THEY ALL HAD RUST ALSO)SO REPAIR SHOP IS ORDERING A NEW ENGINE CRADLE AND SPRING. *TR

Mileage: 157,500

DRIVING MY 1999 FORD WINDSTAR, WHEN I NOTICED A BANGING NOISE ON THE PASSENGER SIDE FRONT. STOPPED BY A GARAGE AND FOUND THE NOISE CAME FROM THE PASSENGER TIRE SHIFTING BACK AND FORTH DUE TO THE ENGINE CRADLE ROTTING ON BOTH SIDES WHERE THE SUSPENSION CONNECTS. AFTER RESEARCHING THIS ONLINE,I FIND ITS A WIDESPREAD PROBLEM, ESP. IN REGIONS WHERE ROAD SALT IS USED. THIS IS A VERY DANGEROUS PROBLEM. I HAVE ALREADY REPLACED MY REAR AXLE AND FIND OUT NOW THAT THEY ARE BEING RECALLED. IS FORD GOING TO TAKE RESPONSIBILITY FOR THESE PARTS? *TR

Mileage: 128,175

REAR AXLE BEAM FAILURE..HEARD RECALL ON NEWS A MONTH BEFORE FORD OWNERS WERE NOTIFIED. TOOK VEHICLE TO DEALERSHIP FOR INSPECTION AND REPAIR, CONFIRMED AXLE PROBLEM. 3 WEEKS LATER DEALERSHIP CALLED AND INFORMED ME THE VEHICLE WAS "UNREPAIRABLE". *TR

Mileage: 97,000

1999 FORD WINDSTAR FRONT PASSENGER-SIDE SUBFRAME RUSTED THROUGH AND SEPARATED RENDERING THE VEHICLE UNDRIVABLE. THE VEHICLE CAN NOT CONTROLLABLY STEER OR BRAKE WITH THIS CONDITION. LUCKILY IT DIDN'T SEPARATE WHILE AT HIGHWAY SPEED OR IT WOULD HAVE HAD A CATASTROPHIC ENDING. AN IMMEDIATE RECALL SHOULD BE PUT OUT ON THIS BEFORE ANYONE IS KILLED. *TR

Mileage: 91,910

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 1999 FORD WINDSTAR. WHILE DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 25 MPH, THERE WAS A LOUD NOISE OUTSIDE OF THE VEHICLE. THE CONTACT PULLED OVER TO THE SIDE OF THE ROAD AND NOTICED THAT THE REAR AXLE WAS FRACTURED IN HALF DUE TO RUST AND CORROSION. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC WHERE THEY REPLACED THE REAR AXLE AT THE OWNER'S EXPENSE. THERE WAS A RECALL ASSOCIATED WITH THE NHTSA CAMPAIGN ID NUMBER 10V385000 (SUSPENSION: REAR: AXLE: NON-POWERED AXLE ASSEMBLY). THE CONTACT EXPERIENCED THE IDENTICAL FAILURE AS MENTIONED IN THE RECALL DEFECT HOWEVER, THE VEHICLE DID NOT MEET EITHER ONE OF THE REQUIREMENTS IN THE RECALL WHICH SPECIFIED THAT THE VEHICLE MUST BE CURRENTLY REGISTERED OR ORIGINALLY SOLD WITHIN SPECIFIC STATES. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS APPROXIMATELY 75,000.

Mileage: 75,000

FORD WINDSTAR 1999: MY MECHANIC SAID THE FRONT SUB-FRAME IS RUSTED TO THE POINT THAT IT IS UNSAFE TO DRIVE. I AM TAKING IT TO MY LOCAL FORD DEALER FOR EVALUATION. FORD WILL ALSO PERFORM THE REAR AXLE RECALL. *TR

WEEK OF JUNE 21ST,2010 ON WEST KIMBERLY ROAD VAN BEGAN TO WAVER ON DRY PAVEMENT AND I GOT IT HOME SAFETY. INSPECTION REVEALED RIGHT REAR WHEEL AT A EXTREME ANGLE LEFT REAR WHEEL ALSO IS AT A SLANTED ANGLE. RUST HAS DAMAGED REAR AXLE BENDS WHERE REAR WHEEL ARE SECURED. LEFT IN GARAGE AS I CAN'T DRIVE IT SAFETY AND DO NOT HAVE AVAILABLE MONEY TO GET IT REPAIRED. RIGHT REAR WHEEL IS RUBBING THE UNDERNEATH OF VAN. OLD PART IS STILL ON THE VAN. *TR

Mileage: 88,562

WHILE DRIVING ON THE HIGHWAY MY WIFE NOTICED EXCESSIVE BOUNCING OF THE REAR END WHEN DRIVING OVER 50 MILES PER HOUR. I HAD HER DRIVE IT TO THE LOCAL DEALER AND SURE ENOUGH THE LEFT REAR WHEEL WAS BOUNCING LIKE CRAZY. THE DEALER FOUND A SEVERE CRACK IN THE REAR AXLE AND REPLACED IT ALONG WITH BOTH REAR SHOCKS AND REAR TIRES. THIS OCCURRED IN FEB. OF 2008. *TR

Mileage: 115,024

FORD WINDSTAR CRACKED AXLE IN CALIFORNIA. HAD FORD REPLACE THE AXLE----THIS WAS NOT UNDER A RECALL NOTICE 6 MONTHS AGO. AS IT WAS ANNOUNCED TODAY, WE ARE AMAZED THAT CALIFORNIA WOULD NOT BE CONSIDERED A COLD WEATHER STATE (POOR DESIGNATION, GIVEN THAT CARS MOVE). WE FREQUENTED LAKE TAHOE (CALIF), SIERRA NEVADAS (CALIF), AND NEVADA (HAVE TO CROSS THRU SNOW TO GET THERE) IN OUR FAMILY'S MINIVAN. OUR REPAIR IS ALREADY PAID FOR & VAN SOLD (THIS SCARED US) SO MY MEMO IS NOT FOR MY FAMILY, BUT FOR EVERYONE IN THE STATE OF CALIFORNIA. PLEASE RECONSIDER & ADD CA TO YOUR RECALL. *TR

Mileage: 97,700

FRONT SUB-FRAME CORROSION COMPLETE SEPARATION OF LOWER CONTROL ARMS . LOSS OF VEHICLE CONTROL. *TR

Mileage: 125,500

SEVERELY CRACKED (75%) REAR AXLE BEAM. NOT FIXED YET, LOOKING FOR A SHOP TO REPLACE THE PART WITH A SALVAGE YARD PART. REPLACEMENT AT THE FORD DEALER IS WAY TOO MUCH MONEY. *TR

Mileage: 138,000

1999 FORD WINDSTAR HAD PROBLEM CONTROLLING THE CAR ON THE HIGHWAY. I WAS ABLE TO GET THE CAR HOME BUT WHEN I BACKED THE CAR IN THE DRIVEWAY, I HEARD A RUBBING SOUND . I LOOK TO SEE THAT MY REAR TIRES ON BOTH SIDES OF THE CAR ARE LEANING INTO THE CAR. LOOKING UNDER THE CAR THE REAR AXLE BEAM IS CRACKED 3/4 OF THE WAY THROUGH. IT IS ABOUT 1.5 FEET FROM DRIVES SIDE I AM LOOKING FOR PRICES TO REPAIR THIS AT THIS MOMENT. *TR

Mileage: 87,246

WHILE EXITING A HIGHWAY WITHOUT WARNING THE REAR AXLE BEAM OF MY 1999 FORD WINDSTAR BROKE IN HALF CAUSING THE REAR WHEELS TO TILT INWARD AND RUB AGAINST THE INNER WHEEL WELLS. THE VEHICLE CAME TO AN ABRUPT HALT NEARLY CAUSING THE VEHICLE BEHIND ME TO REAR END ME. *TR

Mileage: 119,000

MY WIFE AND 2 KIDS WERE GETTING OFF I-696 TO MOUND IN OUR 1999 FORD WINDSTAR WHEN THE REAR AXLE SNAPPED. THE VAN SWERVED AND THEN ROLLED 3 TIMES. THE VAN CAME TO A REST UPSIDE DOWN AND WHEN THE REAR AXLE SNAPPED IT WENT THROUGH THE GAS TANK AND COVERED OUR BABY IN GASOLINE. THIS HAPPENED ON 1-21-2010. I'VE BEEN READING OF THE SAME FAILURE ON OTHER WINDSTARS AND DECIDED TO CONTACT YOU. THE VAN WAS TOTALLED. *TR

Mileage: 170,000

1999 FORD WINDSTAR REAL AXLE PROBLEM. WHILE DRIVING LOCALLY FELT THAT SOMETHING WAS NOT RIGHT. RETURNED HOME TO FIND THAT THE REAR AXLE HAD SNAPPED. HAVE NO CHOICE BUT TO SPEND THE MONEY AND HAVE IT FIXED. *TR

Mileage: 125,000

1999 FORD WINDSTAR MINIVAN - WHILE DRIVING VAN JUST DROPPED IN THE BACK DRAGGING AND SMOKING UNTIL WE COULD PULL OVER. VERY SCARY. CALLED A TOW TRUCK AND FURTHER INSPECTION REVEALED THE REAR AXEL JUST CRACKED IN TWO. REAR TIRES WERE BOWED IN AND VEHICLE WAS NOT DRIVABLE. TOW TRUCK OWNER SAID IT COULD HAVE BEEN WORSE...CRACKED MORE TO THE LEFT OR TO THE RIGHT AND THE WHOLE VAN MIGHT HAVE FLIPPED. WHO DRIVES MINI VANS? THOSE WITH 3 PLUS CHILDREN. SAFETY SHOULD BE MORE OF A PRIORITY FOR THIS TYPE OF VEHICLE. *TR

Mileage: 112,286

WHILE DRIVING DOWN I95 IN PHILADELPHIA MY 99 FORD WINDSTAR STARTED TO SWERVE AND MAKE STRANGE NOISES. I PULLED OFF THE HIGHWAY AND NOTICED MY REAR DRIVER SIDE TIRE ON A 45 DEGREE SLANT AND MY OTHER TIRE ON A SLANT TOO. I HAD THE CAR TOWED BACK TO A MECHANIC SHOP. WHEN THE PUT IT UP ON THE LIFT WE NOTICED THAT THE REAR AXLE WAS CRACKED ABOUT 75 PERCENT OF THE WAY. *TR

Mileage: 170,000

REAR AXLE BEAM FAILURE, 99 FORD WINDSTAR. AXLE AILED (BROKE) ON 4-8-09 AT 96,765 MILES AND THEN AGAIN ON 7-13-10 AT 107,500 MILES. FIRST TIME THE AXLE SNAPPED ON THE DRIVER'S SIDE OF THE VEHICLE AND THE 2ND TIME IT SNAPPED ON THE PASSENGER SIDE. BOTH TIMES THE VEHICLE WAS PARKED WHEN THE AXLE BROKE. THE SECOND AXLE WAS A USED PART WHICH WAS INSTALLED AS A REPLACEMENT FOR THE 1ST. AXLE AFTER IT FAILED. *TR

Mileage: 96,765

REAR AXLE RUSTED AND BROKE IN HALF. *TR

Mileage: 189,000

I HAVE A 99 FORD WINDSTAR. I WAS READING ABOUT A REAR AXLE PROBLEM AND WHEN I CHECKED MINE, I FOUND THAT IT WAS CRACKED ALMOST THROUGH. I WANTED TO ADD MY NAME TO THE LIST OF PEOPLE WHO HAVE HAD THIS FAILURE. I PURCHASED THIS CAR NEW AND IT HAS LESS THAN 80K MILES ON IT. THESE VANS ARE DRIVEN BY MOMS WITH KIDS FOR THE MOST PART. FORD NEEDS TO RECALL THIS CAR FOR THIS PROBLEM. *TR

Mileage: 78,342

I WAS DRIVING ABOUT 25 MILES PER HOUR AND MY REAL AXEL BROKE IN HALF. *TR

Mileage: 117,000

DRIVING ON INTERSTATE 81 IN VA. APPROX 65 MPH NOTICED THE REAR END BEGIN TO SWAY AS WE WERE GOING AROUND A BEND IN THE ROAD. AFTER REGAINING CONTROL WE EXITED THE HIGHWAY. I NOTICED THAT THE TWO REAR TIRES WERE LEANING INWARD AT THE TOP. I THEN LOOKED UNDER THE REAR END AND SAW A CRACK IN THE REAR AXLE ABOUT 18" FROM THE DRIVER SIDE AND 2 INCHES LONG FROM BOTTOM TO TOP. *TR

Mileage: 105,000

NOTICED A BUMPING NOISE COMING FROM BACK PASSENGER SIDE WHEEL AREA ON '99 FORD WINDSTAR (3.8L) LX. TOOK TO FORD DEALER TODAY AND THEY SAID REAR AXLE HAS A HOLE IN IT, IS CRACKED AND BROKEN. HAVE READ THAT THIS MAYBE A DEFECT? *TR

Mileage: 155,000

CRACKED REAR AXLE - 1999 FORD WINDSTAR. *TR

Mileage: 117,600

MY 1999 FORD WINDSTAR REAR AXLE BROKE IN HALF. *TR

Mileage: 143,500

REAR AXLE OF FORD WINDSTAR VAN JUST BROKE. IT IS AT A SHOP NOW TO ACCESS THE DAMAGE. *TR

Mileage: 130,000

REAR AXLE ALMOST BROKE COMPLETELY THROUGH....IF I (OR MY WIFE) HAD BEEN DRIVING AT HIGHWAY SPEED AND IT BROKE IT COULD HAVE CAUSED A MAJOR ACCIDENT. *TR AXLES ON VEHICLES SHOULD NOT BREAK/CRACK IN 11 OR LESS YEARS OF USE. THERE HAS TO BE A MAJOR DEFECT IN THE REAR AXLE ON THIS VEHICLE AND THE LONGER IT TAKES BEFORE A RECALL NOTICE THE HIGHER THE RISK THAT SOMEONE IS GOING TO LOSE THEIR LIFE DUE TO THIS DEFECT.

Mileage: 177,000

I WAS BACKING MY 1999 FORD WINDSTAR VAN OUT OF THE DRIVEWAY AT 3:45 P.M. ON A CLEAR DAY, SUNDAY JUNE 20, 2010, WHEN, WITHOUT WARNING, THE REAR "AXLE" BROKE IN HALF AND COLLAPSED. THE WHEELS TILTED IN. RESULTS ON A HIGHWAY WOULD HAVE BEEN DISASTROUS OR DEADLY. FORD SHOWS NO RECALL FOR THIS ISSUE, BUT NUMEROUS REPORTS ARE ONLINE OF THE SAME PROBLEM FOR THE SAME VEHICLE MODELS OF SEVERAL MODEL YEARS. NO REPAIR REPORT YET, AS THIS JUST HAPPENED A DAY BEFORE THIS REPORT. I HAVEN'T *TR

Mileage: 133,083

1999 FORD WINDSTAR REAR AXLE SNAPPED IN HALF WHILE OPERATING AT 35 MPH. *TR

Mileage: 43,000

WE OWN A 1990 FORD WINDSTAR AND MY FATHER AND I WERE JUST PULLING OUT A PARKING SPOT WHEN WE FELT A "JOLT" SORT OF LIKE A TIRE POPPED. THE VEHICLE WAS NO LONGER MOVING WHEN ACCELERATOR WAS PRESSED WE GOT OUT TO CHECK WHAT THE PROBLEM WAS AND OUR REAR DRIVER SIDE TIRE LOOKED INVERTED AND WE FOUND OUT OUR REAR AXLE HAD BROKEN. WE ARE NOW OUT OF A CAR. I GOT ONLINE RIGHT AWAY TO SEE HOW MUCH REPAIRS WOULD COST AND SOON FOUND MANY RELATED STORIES FROM OTHER FORD WINDSTAR OWNERS WHO WERE EXPERIENCING THE SAME PROBLEM. THIS IS VERY FRUSTRATING AS IT IS OUR ONLY MEANS OF TRANSPORTATION AND WE MIGHT NOT HAVE THE MONEY TO REPAIR IT, IF IT EVEN IS REPAIRABLE. *TR

Mileage: 95,000

WE TRAVELED FROM AGAWAM MA TO SCARBOROUGH ME FOR A FAMILY PARTY. 20 MINUTES AFTER WE PARKED IN THE DRIVEWAY, WE STARTED TO BACK UP OUR MINIVAN BECAUSE SOMEONE NEEDED TO MOVE THEIR CAR OUT. WE THEN HEARD A LOUD CRACK WHILE BACKING UP IN THE DRIVEWAY. THE VAN BEGAN LEANING TO THE LEFT. WE FOUND THE REAR AXLE BROKEN INTO TWO PIECES. THE BREAK IS LOCATED ABOUT A FOOT AWAY FROM THE REAR DRIVER'S SIDE WHEEL. WE HAD TO HAVE THE VAN TOWED TO A LOCAL DEALER, PRIME FORD IN SACO ME AND HAD TO LEAVE IT THERE FOR REPAIRS. THE SERVICE DEPARTMENT SAYS THE REAR AXLE WAS COMPLETELY RUSTED OUT WHERE THE BREAK OCCURRED. WE NEED TO REPLACE THE REAR AXLE, THE LEFT DRIVER'S SIDE TIRE, AND SHOCK ABSORBER THAT WERE DAMAGED DUE TO THE AXLE BREAK. WE WILL LET THE SERVICE DEPT. KNOW THAT WE WOULD LIKE TO KEEP THE OLD PART IF POSSIBLE BECAUSE OF THIS PRELIMINARY INVESTIGATION GOING ON NOW. WE WILL ALSO HAVE TO TAKE TIME OFF FROM WORK TO RETURN TO MAINE TO PICK UP THE VEHICLE ONCE IT IS REPAIRED. *TR

Mileage: 76,400

MY REAR AXEL IN MY 1999 FORD WINDSTAR BROKE THIS AM WHILE MY HUSBAND WAS PULLING OUT OF YOUR DRIVEWAY. WE HAD NO WARNING THAT IT WAS BROKE. NO ONE WAS HURT AND WE HAVE NOT GOTTEN IT FIXED YET BUT WENT OUT AN LOOKED AT IT AN IT LOOKS TO BE ALMOST DEAD CENTER OF THE AXEL THAT IS BROKE IN HALF. *TR

Mileage: 160,859

WHILE I WAS DRIVING TO WORK ON MAY 17, 2010 I HAD TWO OCCASIONS WHEN IT FELT LIKE I HIT SMALL PATCHES OF ICE AND THE VAN SWERVED ON ME EVEN THOUGH IT WAS A WARM SUNNY DAY WITH DRY ROADS. I CALLED TRAGESSER FORD OF ROSS OHIO AND MADE AN APPOINTMENT TO TAKE THE VAN IN ON MAY 19, 2010. AFTER INSPECTING THE VEHICLE THE NEXT DAY THEY CALLED ME AND SAID THE REAR AXLE HAD RUSTED THROUGH AND BROKEN AND THAT I WAS LUCKY I DIDN'T HAVE AN ACCIDENT. THEY SAID ALTHOUGH IT SOUNDS LIKE A SAFETY PROBLEM THERE WERE NO RECALLS ON THE AXLE. I PICKED UP THE VEHICLE FROM THE DEALERSHIP ON MAY 26, 2010 WITH A COST TO REPLACE THE AXLE OF $817.82. *TR

Mileage: 133,700

VAN WAS MADE AN OCCASIONAL THUMPING SOUND THAT SOUNDED LIKE IT WAS COMING FROM THE BACK OF THE VEHICLE. WHILE TURNING INTO MY DRIVEWAY I HEARD A LOUD CRACKING NOISE AND WHEN I LOOKED UNDER THE VAN THE REAR AXLE WAS BROKEN ALMOST ALL OF THE WAY THROUGH ABOUT 1 TO 2 FT. FROM THE LEFT REAR WHEEL. *TR

Mileage: 120,000

I OWN A FORD WINDSTAR AND HAD TO HAVE THE REAR AXLE REPLACED DUE TO IT BREAKING ALMOST IN HALF. THERE WAS ABOUT AN INCH OR SO LEFT BEFORE A COMPLETE BREAK OCCURRED. MY MECHANIC SAID IT WAS LUCKY IT DIDN'T SNAP COMPLETELY. ABOUT A MONTH BEFORE WE NOTICED THE CAR WOULD HAVE TROUBLE SWAYING A LOT WHEN GOING OVER BUMPS AND IN THE RAIN INCREASING IN SEVERITY AS TIME WENT ON BEFORE WE HAD IT REPLACED. OUR MECHANIC EVEN SENT US A PICTURE OF THE AXLE AFTER IT WAS REMOVED. *TR

1999 FORD WINDSTAR SEL VAN BROKE REAR AXLE BEAM EARLIER THIS SPRING. WE HAVE MORE THAN NORMAL SNOWFALL IN SIOUX FALLS SD AND OUR STREET DEPARTMENT USED MORE SALT THAN IN A NORMAL YEAR. AXLE BROKE AT LOW SPEED WHILE TURNING INTO A DRIVEWAY APPROACH. AXLE WAS BROKE OR TORE IN TWO DIFFERENT LOCATIONS. I HAVE SINCE REPLACED THE AXLE WITH A USED ONE NOT KNOWING OF THIS ISSUE FORD HAS. *TR

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 1999 FORD WINDSTAR. WHILE DRIVING 35 MPH, THE CONTACT HEARD A LOUD UNUSUAL NOISE AND THE VEHICLE BECAME DIFFICULT TO CONTROL. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE WHEELS WERE FOLDING UNDERNEATH THE VEHICLE. UPON FURTHER INSPECTION, SHE FOUND THAT THE REAR DRIVERS SIDE AXLE WAS FRACTURED. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO A LOCAL REPAIR SHOP. THE DEALER WAS CONTACTED AND THE REPAIR SHOP WAS AWAITING APPROVAL FROM AN ADJUSTER TO REPAIR THE VEHICLE. THE VIN WAS NOT AVAILABLE. THE FAILURE AND CURRENT MILEAGES WERE 135,000.

Mileage: 135,000

OUR 1999 FORD WINDSTAR BEGAN TO SHAKE AND THEN REAR AXEL CRACKED IN HALF WHILE TRAVELING APPROX. 60 MPH ON THE HIGHWAY. LUCKILY WE WERE ABLE TO GET TO THE SIDE OF THE ROAD SAFELY...I STILL DO NOT KNOW HOW MY HUSBAND WAS ABLE TO DO THAT AS THERE WAS SO MUCH "SMOKE" (FROM THE METAL RUBBING THE ROAD AND THE TIRES RIDING AT AN ANGLE) AND IT WAS DARK OUTSIDE AND WE HAD TO GET OVER 2 LANES. PART WAS REPLACED AT OUR OWN EXPENSE. THIS WAS NOT THE FIRST ONE THE MECHANIC HAD SEEN. THIS INCIDENT HAPPENED SPRING 2008 BUT I JUST READ ON THE INTERNET OF THE PENDING INVESTIGATION AND HAD NOT PREVIOUSLY KNOWN WHERE TO REPORT IT. WHEN WE REPORTED IT TO FORD, THEY JUST TRIED TO GET US TO WANT TO BUY A NEW CAR FROM THEM. ALSO, WE TOLD FRIENDS OF OURS THAT HAVE A 2000 WINDSTAR TO WATCH OUT FOR THE SHAKING AND TO GET IT CHECKED. WELL SEVERAL MONTHS LATER THEY BEGAN TO EXPERIENCE SHAKING AND TOOK IT IN AND THE MECHANIC SAW THAT IT WAS READY TO BREAK AND REPLACED IT BEFORE ANY HARM WAS DONE. THANK GOD WE WERE ALL UNHURT...THE NEXT PEOPLE MAY NOT BE SO LUCKY! WE NO LONGER OWN THIS VEHICLE. *TR

Mileage: 77,000

WHILE DRIVING 65 MPH ON ROUTE 81, THE CAR STARTED REACTING TO BUMPS MORE SEVERELY THAN USUAL, AND THEN THERE WAS A SHARP NOISE AT THE REAR OF THE CAR. AFTER PARKING THE CAR ON THE SHOULDER OF THE HIGHWAY, WE SAW THAT THE REAR AXLE HAD BROKEN, BASICALLY DOWN THE MIDDLE. THE REPAIRING OF THE CAR COST $960.12. *TR

Mileage: 172,508

INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6) ON SATURDAY MAY 15TH, AROUND NOONTIME, I WAS TRAVELING ON I-91 NORTHBOUND IN HARTFORD. THE VAN STARTED PULLING AND SWERVING LIKE I HAD FLAT TIRES. THE VAN HAS 124,210 MILES, AND HAS BEEN DIAGNOSED WITH A BROKEN REAR AXLE. ESTIMATED REPAIR COST FOR A 'USED' AXLE IS AROUND $900.00. FROM WHAT I'VE BEEN READING, THIS IS AN INHERENT DESIGN FLAW. VIN # [XXX] . *TR

Mileage: 124,210

REAR AXLE 1999 FORD WINDSTAR SNAPPED IN HALF WHILE BACKING OUT OF DRIVEWAY REPLACED WITH ONE FROM JUNKYARD AND THAT ONE HAS CRACKED ALSO IN SAME PLACE APPROX 4/1/10 WELDED THAT PART. *TR

Mileage: 85,000

INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6) WE HAVE RECENTLY EXPERIENCED A BROKEN AXLE BEAM ON A 1999 FORD WINDSTAR. THANK GOD NOTHING HAPPENED AND NO ONE WAS HURT. THE CAR WAS SWAYING AND KNOCKING FROM THE REAR END AND WHEN WE GOT HOME THE REAR WHEELS WERE CANTERED OUT. I LOOKED UNDER THE CAR TO FIND THE BROKEN AXLE BEAM AND THE ONLY THING LEFT HOLDING IT ALL TOGETHER WAS A THE TORSION BAR. I AM VERY GLAD THAT WE WERE NOT ON A HIGHWAY OR TOO FAR FROM HOME, SINCE WE USE THE CAR TO TRAVEL TO OHIO AND FLORIDA . WE THEN LOOKED ON THE INTERNET TO FIND THAT MANY OTHER PEOPLE WERE EXPERIENCING THE SAME PROBLEM AND NO RECALLS. ALTHOUGH OUR CAR HAS 150,000 MILES ON IT OTHERS HAD UNDER 100,000. OUR MAIN CONCERN IS THE SAFETY ISSUE WITH OUR FAMILY. WE TRAVEL A LOT WITH OUR WINDSTAR AS DO SO MANY OTHER FAMILIES WITH CHILDREN DO AND IT SEEMS AS IF FORD DOES NOT RECOGNIZE THE DANGER. I HOPE THAT FORD DOES NOT WAIT FOR A DEATH TO DEAL WITH THIS PROBLEM AS THE PART THAT FAILED SHOULD NOT HAVE FAILED. THIS PART IS A MAIN STRUCTURE OF OUR VEHICLE AND SEEMS TO BE POORLY DESIGNED. I CAN'T IMAGINE HOW MANY OTHER WINDSTARS ARE OUT THERE WITH AN AXLE BEAM READY TO BREAK AND HOW MANY FAMILIES ARE UNAWARE OF THIS POTENTIAL DANGER. THE YEARS OF WINDSTARS THAT I SAW ON COMLPAINTS.COM VARIED FROM 1999 TO 2003 AND ITS ONLY A MATTER OF TIME BEFORE SOMEONE GETS INJURED OR KILLED. I ASK YOU TO PLEASE LOOK INTO THIS MATTER AS SOON AS POSSIBLE. [XXX] *TR

Mileage: 150,000

INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6) WE HAVE RECENTLY EXPERIENCED A BROKEN AXLE BEAM ON A 1999 FORD WINDSTAR. THANK GOD NOTHING HAPPENED AND NO ONE WAS HURT. THE CAR WAS SWAYING AND KNOCKING FROM THE REAR END AND WHEN WE GOT HOME THE REAR WHEELS WERE CANTERED OUT. I LOOKED UNDER THE CAR TO FIND THE BROKEN AXLE BEAM AND THE ONLY THING LEFT HOLDING IT ALL TOGETHER WAS A THE TORSION BAR. I AM VERY GLAD THAT WE WERE NOT ON A HIGHWAY OR TOO FAR FROM HOME, SINCE WE USE THE CAR TO TRAVEL TO OHIO AND FLORIDA . WE THEN LOOKED ON THE INTERNET TO FIND THAT MANY OTHER PEOPLE WERE EXPERIENCING THE SAME PROBLEM AND NO RECALLS. ALTHOUGH OUR CAR HAS 150,000 MILES ON IT OTHERS HAD UNDER 100,000. OUR MAIN CONCERN IS THE SAFETY ISSUE WITH OUR FAMILY. WE TRAVEL A LOT WITH OUR WINDSTAR AS DO SO MANY OTHER FAMILIES WITH CHILDREN DO AND IT SEEMS AS IF FORD DOES NOT RECOGNIZE THE DANGER. I HOPE THAT FORD DOES NOT WAIT FOR A DEATH TO DEAL WITH THIS PROBLEM AS THE PART THAT FAILED SHOULD NOT HAVE FAILED. THIS PART IS A MAIN STRUCTURE OF OUR VEHICLE AND SEEMS TO BE POORLY DESIGNED. I CAN'T IMAGINE HOW MANY OTHER WINDSTARS ARE OUT THERE WITH AN AXLE BEAM READY TO BREAK AND HOW MANY FAMILIES ARE UNAWARE OF THIS POTENTIAL DANGER. THE YEARS OF WINDSTARS THAT I SAW ON COMLPAINTS.COM VARIED FROM 1999 TO 2003 AND ITS ONLY A MATTER OF TIME BEFORE SOMEONE GETS INJURED OR KILLED. I ASK YOU TO PLEASE LOOK INTO THIS MATTER AS SOON AS POSSIBLE. [XXX] *TR

Mileage: 150,000

REAR AXLE BREAKS IN HALF! FORTUNATELY NO OTHER CARS WHERE AROUND WHEN THIS HAPPENED, ONLINE FOUND VERY COMMON, FORD REFUSES TO DO ANYTHING! *TR

Mileage: 110,000

REAR AXLE OF THE CAR BROKE AS WE DROVE OUT OF THE DRIVEWAY. *TR

Mileage: 135,000

REAR AXLE BROKE ON FORD WINDSTAR. *TR

Mileage: 141,000

BROKEN REAR AXLE ON A 1999 FORD WINDSTAR. I WAS DRIVING DOWN THE ROAD AT 35 MILES PER HOUR AND THE AXLE JUST SNAPPED IN HALF. THE VEHICLE ONLY HAS AROUND 85000 MILES ON IT. THE REASON I AM FILING THIS COMPLAINT IS BECAUSE ONE MECHANIC TOLD ME THIS IS A CONSISTENT PROBLEM WITH THIS PARTICULAR MAKE AND MODEL. THE TOW TRUCK DRIVER SAID HE HAD TOWED THREE OF THESE SAME SITUATIONS IN THE LAST TWO WEEKS AND TOWS ABOUT 12-15 A YEAR. THE MECHANIC WHO REPAIRED IT SAID THAT HE HAS FIXED 4 OF THEM. NOW THIS IS JUST IN MY LOCATION SO I CAN'T IMAGINE COUNTRY WIDE THAT FORD IS NOT AWARE OF THIS PROBLEM. HAD THIS HAPPENED ON THE HIGHWAY THIS COULD HAVE BEEN VERY SERIOUS AND I AM ALSO CONCERNED THAT THE WAY TO REPAIR IT IS TO REPLACE IT WITH THE SAME PART THAT IS DEFECTIVE. *TR

Mileage: 85,000

I AM A RETIRED FORMER TECHNICIAN/MANAGER FOR FORD DEALERS FOR 41 YEARS. TO KEEP MYSELF BUSY, I WORK ON FRIENDS VEHICLES. RECENTLY I HAVE NOTICED A CONCERN WITH FORD WINDSTARS. THE REAR AXLES (I-BEAM ASSYS) BREAK IN HALF WHILE DRIVING, CAUSING THE REAR OF THE VEH TO LOSE CONTROL. THE FIRST ONE I SAW ( A 2001 MY VEH) WAS ONLY CRACKED HALF WAY, I REPLACED IT BEFORE IT BROKE. LAST WEEK I HAD ONE ( A 1999 MY VEH) TOWED TO ME BROKEN IN HALF. LUCKILY THE VEHICLE WAS GOING SLOW & WAS PULLED OVER WITHOUT INCIDENT. I ALSO NOTICED THE CRACK & THE BREAK OCCURRED AT ALMOST THE SAME LOCATION ON THE AXLE (APPROX. 12" FROM THE LEFT SIDE). IN BOTH CASES I REPLACED THEM WITH USED PARTS FROM AN AUTO WRECKING YARD. THIS WAS DUE TO THE OUTRAGEOUSLY HIGH PRICE OF A NEW PART FROM FORD. I ASKED AROUND AT LOCAL SHOPS & EVEN WITH SOME OF THE TECH'S WHERE I USED TO WORK & WAS TOLD THAT THEY HAD INDEED SEEN THIS CONCERN BEFORE. I WAS WONDERING IF THE NHTSB WAS AWARE OF THIS CONCERN. AS A FORMER FORD DEALER EMPLOYEE, I KNOW MANUFACTURERS HAVE PROGRAMS ASKING CUSTOMERS TO BRING THEIR VEHICLES IN FOR A "SAFETY CHECK" & POSSIBLE REPAIR. I BELIEVE THIS MIGHT BE A GOOD IDEA FOR YOU TO "SUGGEST" TO FORD BEFORE ONE OF THESE AXLES BREAKS AT SPEED CAUSING MAJOR DAMAGE OR LOSS OF LIFE. I HAVE ACCESS TO THE BROKEN AXLE IF ANYONE CARES TO INSPECT IT. I ALSO CUT THE CRACKED SECTION OUT OF THE FIRST AXLE & GAVE IT TO THE OWNER TO RETAIN SHOULD ANYTHING PROGRAM-WISE EVER OCCUR. NOTE: THE INFORMATION IN THE CONSUMER PORTION OF THIS FORM IS MINE, NOT THE OWNER OF THE VEHICLES REPAIRED. SINCE THERE IS MORE THAN ONE VEH INVOLVED I LEFT THE VIN SECTION EMPTY. IF ABSOLUTELY NECESSARY I CAN SUPPLY BOTH VINS. BUT SINCE THE YEAR OF PRODUCTION DOES NOT SEEM TO MATTER THE VIN SEEMS IRRELEVANT. *TR

Mileage: 109,900

1999 FORD WINDSTAR, REAR AXLES ASSEMBLY, REAR AXLE SNAPPED IN TWO. FOUND WHILE INSPECTING LEFT REAR TIRE ASSEMBLY WHICH HAD TURNED INTO VEHICLE. UPON INSPECTING WHY WHEEL AD TURNED INWARD, IT WAS FOUND THAT THE AXLE ASSEMBLY HAD SNAPPED IN TWO AND WAS HANGING ON THE GROUND. FORD DEALER(SARAT FORD-AGAWAM,MA) STATED THE DEALERSHIP REPLACES REAR AXLES ALL THE TIME, MECHANIC STATED HE HAS REPLACED 3-4 AXLES HIMSELF. IT WAS FOUND THAT THE BROKEN AXLE WAS THE SECOND AXLE ON THE VEHICLE THAT HAD BEEN REPLACED. THE DEALERSHIP TOOK THE TWO PIECES OF THE AXLES AND DISPOSED OF THEM. PICTURES WERE TAKEN OF THE BROKEN AXLE ALONG WITH RECEIPTS FOR THE REPLACEMENT PART. *TR

1999 FORD WINDSTAR, PULLED OUT OF DRIVEWAY & PROCEEDED TO DRIVE DOWN STREET, CAR STARTED TO FISHTAIL & TIRE ON RIGHT REAR SOUNDED LIKE IT WAS RUBBING FIRE WALL. THOUGHT I HAD A FLAT, GOT OUT & LOOKED, NO FLAT BUT WHEEL WAS BOWED IN. I TURNED AROUND & WENT BACK HOME, PULLED INTO DRIVEWAY & GOT UNDER VAN. THE REAR AXEL WAS CRACKED. CALLED TO GET ANOTHER AXEL TO REPAIR VAN & WAS TOLD BY SEVERAL DIFFERENT PLACES I CALLED THAT THIS WAS A COMMON PROBLEM WITH THAT VAN. CALLED FORD DEALER & WAS TOLD THAT THEIR WAS NEVER A RECALL ON IT.IF I HAD BEEN DRIVING ON THE FREEWAY GOING FAST & THIS WOULD HAVE HAPPENED MYSELF & OTHERS COULD HAVE BEEN KILLED. I AM NOT CONCERNED ABOUT MYSELF FOR NOW BECAUSE I AM FIXING MY VAN MYSELF, BUT THEIR ARE A LOT OF THESE VANS ON THE ROAD & MOST OF THEM ARE PROBABLY DRIVEN BY WOMEN WITH KIDS IN THE VAN & I AM CONCERNED ABOUT THEM IF THIS HAPPENED TO THEIR VAN. I COULD NOT AFFORD A NEW AXEL SO I BOUGHT A USED ONE AT A JUNK YARD, MY CONCERN IS IF THEIR IS A PROBLEM WITH THIS PART HOW LONG BEFORE IT HAPPENS AGAIN. I MAY NOT BE AS LUCKILY NEXT TIME. PLEASE CHECK THIS OUT BEFORE SOMEONE IS KILLED.. *TR

Mileage: 135,172

1999 FORD WINDSTAR, 118K MILES. VAN HAS UNSTABLE STEERING AND NOISE IN RIGHT REAR WHEEL AREA. WHILE DRIVING AT SLOW SPEED AND TAKING IT TO REPAIR SHOP, THE NOISE GETS LOUDER AND MY SON FOLLOWING ME REPORTS REAR TIRES BECOMING MISALIGNED. RIGHT TIRE IS SMOKING AND TIRE FRAGMENTS ARE EVIDENT. REPAIR SHOP REPORTS THAT REAR AXLE IS BROKEN AND NEEDS TO BE REPLACED. RIGHT TIRE ALSO NEEDS REPLACED. I HAVE ASKED FOR OLD PARTS TO BE SAVED FOR MY PERSONAL INSPECTION. AFTER SOME WEB BROWSING (CARCOMPLAINTS.COM), I HAVE FOUND SIMILAR FAILURE EVENTS FROM OTHER FORD WINDSTAR OWNERS MOSTLY FROM NORTHERN MIDWEST AND NORTHERN EASTERN STATES, I.E. WINTER STATES. ALL COMPLAINTS OBSERVED WERE FOR WINDSTARS OVER 10 YEARS AND / OR 100K MILES. *TR

Mileage: 118,000

MY REAR AXEL IS BROKEN ON MY 1999 FORD WINDSTAR. HAPPENED JANUARY 1ST 2010, ATLEAST THAT IS WHEN I NOTICED IT. ON MY WAY HOME FROM WORK, FELT LIKE I WAS DRIVING ON ICE! CAR HAS ALWAYS BEEN BABIED. NO HISTORY OF ABUSE. THIS IS A FACTORY ISSUE AND IN READING HUNDREDS (LITERALLY) OF THREADS, THIS IS A COMMON PROBLEM. NEEDS TO BE RECALLED. COULD HAVE KILLED MYSELF AND MY CHILDREN HAD THEY BEEN IN THE CAR. WHAT IF THIS HAPPENED ON THE FREEWAY! *TR

Mileage: 165,000

FORD WINDSTAR SEEMS TO HAVE A DESIGN THAT IS A DEFINITE HAZARD WITH THE REAR AXLE MEMBER. THE STAMPED REAR AXLE ASSEMBLY WILL FAIL AFTER 100,00 MILE BY CRACKING AND FAILURE IS QUICK TO COME. THERE ARE NUMEROUS INCIDENTS OF IT FROM 1996 TO PRESENT, I HAVE A 1999 AND MY WIFE KEPT TELLING ME ABOUT A RUBBING SOUND SHE HEARS WHEN TURNING INTO THE ALLEY AND I COULD NOT TRACE ANYTHING DOWN. I THEN TURNED OUT OF OUR ALLEY AND THEN IT BROKE 95% THROUGH. I THOUGHT IT WAS A FLAT AT FIRST AND THEN FOUND THE CRACK IN THE AXLE ASSEMBLY. PRAISE GOD I WAS NOT ON THE HIGHWAY DOING 65 MPH. I AM WAITING TO GET INTO THE MECHANICS 12-30-2009 AND WILL CAST AROUND $1000 PARTS, LABOR AND TOW AND 2 NEW TIRES. *TR

Mileage: 158,647

OUR FAMILY WAS IN OUR 1999 FORD WINDSTAR LX 3.8L V6 WHEN WE WERE LOOSING CONTROL OVER THE REAR END OF OUR VAN. WE THOUGHT WE HAD A TIRE PROBLEM. WE DROVE TO THE TIRE STORE. THEY SHOWED US THAT OUR REAR AXLE HAD ALMOST BROKEN COMPLETELY IN HALF. WITH SOME RESEARCH, WE FOUND THIS HAS HAPPENED TO MANY FAMILIES AND WE COULD HAVE BEEN INJURED. THANK GOD WE MADE IT TO THE SHOP IN TIME. *TR

Mileage: 185,000

1999 FORD WINDSTAR, CONTROL ARM BROKE OFF SUB FRAME CAUSING VEHICLE TO COME TO A DEAD STOP AND FRONT END TO DROP. THERE WAS NO WARNING EXCEPT THE VEHICLE STARTED TO PULL TO THE RIGHT A LITTLE. TO FIX THE PROBLEM, HAD TO REPLACE SUB FRAME. THE BRACKET WHERE THE CONTROL ARM SHOULD BE WAS COMPLETELY GONE ON THE PASSENGER SIDE....IT WAS STILL TOGETHER AND INTACT ON THE DRIVERS SIDE. YOU LOSE TOTAL CONTROL AND CANNOT STEER THE VEHICLE. *TR

Mileage: 128,000

WHILE CORNERING AT 20 MILES PER HOUR, MY 1999 FORD WIND STAR GAVE OUT A LOUD METAL CRACKING NOISE. THE DRIVER SIDE OF THE REAR AXLE ASSY. HAD SNAPPED EXACTLY WHERE EVERYONE WHO HAS COMPLAINED ABOUT THE SAME THING ON LINE DID. THIS IS NOT COINCIDENCE NOR FROM THOSE, ROTTEN DENYING REPS OF FORD, TELLING US THAT THIS IS FROM JACKING UP THE CAR USING THE IMPROPER POSITION ON THIS AXLE. GO TO THE ACTUAL FORD SERVICE MANUAL AND YOU WILL SEE INSTRUCTIONS ON DOING A LOT OF REAR END WORK USING THIS REAR AXLE HOUSING AS A JACKING POINT ( CENTER OF HOUSING ASSY. ). I WORK FROM THESE EXPENSIVE FACTORY MANUALS. FORD HAS A DEFECTIVE PART AND REFUSES TO ADMIT IT. ANYONE WITH BASIC MENTALITY CAN UNDERSTAND. THIS IS ABOUT MONEY, NOT SAFETY. I WOULD NOT BLAME ANY MAN THAT WOULD LOSE HIS FAMILY DUE TO THIS NONSENSE DENIAL FROM GETTING A GUN AND SHOOTING THESE '!@#$%. THEY DON'T SEEM TO GIVE A'!@#$% ABOUT THEIR FAULTY PARTS NOR FAMILIES. SO FAR I HAVE NOT HEARD OF ANYONE DYING IN A CRASH, BUT I'LL BET IT WILL HAPPEN, IF IT HASN'T ALREADY. *TR

Mileage: 170,000

I HAVE BEEN HEARING A CLANKING NOISE FROM THE REAR OF MY CAR. I BROUGHT IT TO MY MECHANIC WHO TOLD ME I HAD A CRACK IN MY REAR AXLE. HE SAID IT WAS THE THIRD WINDSTAR HE HAD SEEN WITH THE SAME PROBLEM -- TWO 1999 WINDSTARS (ONE BEING MINE) AND A 2001 WINDSTAR. THIS IS POSSIBLE A RECALL SITUATION. *TR

1. REAR OF VAN SWAYING AND A SQUEAKING NOISE..............2. INVESTIGATION REVEALED THE REAR AXLE CRACKED AT THE MID POINT 3/4 THE WAY THROUGH..............3. PLAN TO REPLACE THE AXLE, HAVE NOT DONE SO AS YET. I WILL KEEP THE OLD AXLE OR MAKE IT AVAILABLE IF NEEDED.............."THE WHOLE STORY"..............OVER THE LAST COUPLE OF WEEKS I'VE NOTICED WHEN HITTING A BUMP THE REAR OF THE VAN WOULD SWAY A LITTLE, AND OCCASIONALLY I?D HEAR A SQUEAK/SCREECH THAT SOUNDED LIKE IT WAS COMING FROM UNDER THE VAN. I DECIDED TO INVESTIGATE THE UNDER CARRIAGE OF MY VEHICLE, I WAS SHOCKED, DISMAYED, DUMBFOUNDED, AND DISBELIEVED WHAT MY EYES WHERE SHOWING ME. THE REAR AXLE, A RATHER BEEFY LOOKING PIECE OF STEEL AND ENGINEERING, WAS CRACKED OF THE WAY THROUGH. AFTER DOING A LITTLE RESEARCH TO MY SURPRISE I FOUND THIS TO BE A COMMON PROBLEM WITH WINDSTAR VANS. APPARENTLY DOZENS OF WINDSTAR OWNERS HAVE HAD THIS PROBLEM AND APPARENTLY FORD LIKE THE VALVE COVER SNAFU HAS DECIDED TO IGNORE IT. PLEASE, BEFORE SOMEONE TRAGICALLY PAYS THE ULTIMATE PRICE MAKE THEM STAND BY THEIR PRODUCT AND FIX THIS PROBLEM. *TR

Mileage: 138,000

REAR AXLE BROKE ON MY 1999 FORD WINDSTAR WITHOUT WARNING. THOUGHT I WAS HYDROPLANING, AS IT WAS RAINING. AT 60 MPH, I STARTED TO LOOSE CONTROL AND I SLOWED DOWN TO 40MPH. I DROVE 5 MILES, THINKING I WAS GETTING A FLAT TIRE. AS I PULLED OFF THE ROAD, REAR TIRES WERE SCRAPING THE FENDER AND I DISCOVERED THE AXLE HAD BROKEN IN HALF. *TR

Mileage: 144,200

REAR AXLE SNAPPED INTO 2 ON 1999 FORD WINDSTAR. *TR

Mileage: 140,000

ON MAY 22 MY 1999 FORD WINDSTAR VAN STARTED TO MAKE A SQUEALING/WHINING NOISE AT APPROXIMATELY 10:30 IN THE MORNING DURING WHAT SHOULD HAVE BEEN A 40 MINUTE DRIVE TO MY MOTHERS HOUSE. DUE TO THE WEIRD NOISE I STOPPED AND CHECKED THE AIR PRESSURE IN MY TIRE (RIGHT REAR) WHERE THE SOUND SEEMED TO BE ORIGINATING FROM. THE PRESSURE WAS A LITTLE LOW SO I TOPPED IT OFF AND CONTINUED ON MY TRIP. THE SOUND CONTINUED AND I DECIDED TO STOP AT A SERVICE STATION ABOUT 20 MORE MILES INTO THE TRIP. THE SERVICE STATION WAS LITTLE HELP, THEY CHECKED MY POWER STEERING FLUID, DROVE THE VAN AROUND THE PARKING LOT A COUPLE OF TIMES AND IT MADE NO NOISES. THE ATTENDANT TOLD ME HE DIDN'T HAVE ANY IDEA AS TO WHAT THE SOUND MIGHT BE AND ASKED IF I COULD RETURN IN AN HOUR WHEN HIS SUPERIOR WOULD BE THERE. I AGREED TO RETURN AFTER DROPPING OFF MY KIDS AT MY MOTHERS. AFTER GOING ON DOWN THE ROAD ABOUT ANOTHER TEN MILES I FELT THE STEERING WHEEL START TO FLOAT AND DRIFT AND MY BRAKES BECAME USELESS AND THE VAN CAME TO AN ABRUPT HALT AND THERE WAS A HUGE BANG AS THE ENTIRE REAR END OF THE VEHICLE BECAME DISABLED. AS WE ALL PILED OUT TO SEE WHAT WAS WRONG WE FOUND THE REAR WHEELS POINTING INWARD UNDER THE VAN AT A BACKWARDS ANGLE. SOME MEN CAME TO HELP ME WHO WERE NEARBY THEY INFORMED ME MY AXLE WAS SNAPPED. LOOKING UNDER THE VEHICLE I COULD CLEARLY SEE THEY WERE RIGHT. MY VAN WILL BE REPAIRED THIS WEEKEND. I CALLED FORD THEY BASICALLY TOLD ME TO EAT THE REPAIRS MYSELF. IN WV A YEARLY INSPECTION IS REQUIRED, I PASSED INSPECTION AT THE BEGINNING OF APRIL WHICH TELLS ME THERE WAS NOTHING VISUALLY WRONG WITH MY AXLE LESS THAN TWO MONTHS AGO. I FIND IT HARD TO BELIEVE THAT WITHOUT ANY OUTSIDE DAMAGE OR FORCE (ACCIDENTS, FORCE ECT) AN AXLE CAN JUST SNAP IN TWO. IF I HAD BEEN TRAVELING ANY FASTER MY 4 CHILDREN AND MYSELF WOULD HAVE BEEN KILLED OR HARMED AS AT THE MOMENT IT BROKE I HAD LITTLE CONTROL OVER THE VEHICLE AND THE BRAKES WERE FAILING. ONLY PEOPLE WITH CHILDREN BUY MINI-VANS, THIS IS SCARY. *TR

Mileage: 99,000

FRONT DRIVERS SIDE SPRINGS FRACTURED JUST LIKE THOSE SPECIFIED ON FORD WINDSTAR 1997 AND 1998 ASSEMBLED AT OAKVILLE PLANT BETWEEN AUG 1996 THROUGH JULY 1998. THE DEFECTIVE SPRINGS FORCED FORD TO ISSUE RECALL 01S19. MY 1999 WINDSTAR WAS SHIPPED NOV 1998 AND I SUSPECT WITH BAD SPRINGS BECAUSE OTHER 1999 FORD WINDSTAR OWNERS HAVE COMPLAINED OF THE SAME SPRING BREAKAGE CAUSING PUNCTURED FRONT TIRES. MY SPRINGS WERE FOUND DEFECTIVE AND NOW FAIL NH SAFETY INSPECTION. PLEASE ACT SWIFTLY MY FUNDS ARE VERY LOW! *TR

Mileage: 255,000

FORD WINDSTAR XL 1999- FRONT END CLUNKING NOISES SERVICED 3-4 TIMES BEFORE IT WAS FIXED. REPEATED REPAIRS TO VARIOUS FRONT END COMPONENTS REPLACED AT MY EXPENSE INCLUDING POWER STEERING PUMP, RACK & PINION, TIE RODS, U-JOINTS COSTING $2000 OR MORE. CONTINUE TO SUFFER FROM GROANING, NOISY, & STIFF STEERING. ALSO ONGOING ENGINE PINGING UPON ACCELERATION AFTER NUMEROUS REPAIRS. RANDOM POWER SLIDING DOOR FUNCTION. METALLIC RATTLING, JINGLING NOISES FROM UNDER CAR BOTH WHEN IDLING & DRIVING. *TR

Mileage: 60,000

TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 1999 FORD WINDSTAR. WHILE PERFORMING AN OIL CHANGE, THE MECHANIC NOTICED A CRACK IN THE AXLE OF THE VEHICLE. THE AXLE WAS CRACKED IN HALF AND THE VEHICLE IS CURRENTLY NOT BEING DRIVEN. THE DEALER AND MANUFACTURER HAVE NOT BEEN NOTIFIED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 120,000.

Mileage: 120,000

1999 FORD WINDSTAR - BROKEN REAR AXLE - VAN MADE MINOR CLUNKING NOISES AT LOW SPEED OVER BUMPS. ON THE HIGHWAY, THE VAN ACTED LIKE THE REAR END WAS LOOSE / TRACKING BADLY. A FLASHLIGHT INSPECTION AT HOME SHOWED A LARGE OPEN-GAPED CRACK IN THE REAR AXLE. NEGATIVE CAMBER NOTICEABLE ON DRIVER-SIDE REAR TIRE. THERE ARE NUMEROUS EXAMPLES ON INTERNET CAR FORUMS WITH PHOTOGRAPHS DOCUMENTING IDENTICAL AXLE FAILURES. SOME REPORTS MENTIONED TOTAL FAILURES THAT LED TO MOTOR VEHICLE ACCIDENTS. THE VAN IS PRESENTLY AT A FORD DEALER PENDING REPAIR. DEALER PERSONNEL HAD NO KNOWLEDGE OF THIS ISSUE. I AM EXTREMELY CONCERNED FOR WINDSTAR OWNERS THAT MAY NOT BE AWARE OF THE PROBLEM. WINDSTARS ARE OFTEN USED AS SCHOOL VEHICLES. I HOPE PRESENT WINDSTAR OWNERS CAN BE NOTIFIED PRIOR TO ANY FATALITY OCCURRING. *TR

TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 1999 FORD WINDSTAR. WHILE DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 5 TO 10 MPH, THE CONTACT HEARD A LOUD NOISE AFTER COMPLETING A TURN. HE NOTICED THAT THE REAR AXLE CRACKED. THE MANUFACTURER TOOK A REPORT; HOWEVER, THE VEHICLE WAS OUT OF WARRANTY AND THEY WOULD NOT ASSIST WITH THE REPAIR. THE VEHICLE HAS NOT BEEN REPAIRED. THE CONTACT WANTS THE MANUFACTURER TO PAY FOR THE REPAIR. THE FAILURE AND CURRENT MILEAGES WERE 135,000.

Mileage: 135,000

TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 1999 FORD WINDSTAR. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE FRONT COIL SPRING FAILED AND PUNCTURED THE TIRE. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED AND THE COIL SPRING AND TIRE WERE REPLACED AT THE CONTACT'S EXPENSE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 116,000. UPDATED 10/14/08 *BF UPDATED 10/16/08. *JB

Mileage: 116,000

MY HUSBAND WAS DRIVING WITH MY DAUGHTER LEAVING THE DRIVEWAY, THE CAR WAS DIFFICULT TO DRIVE. HE SAID IT FELT LIKE THE BRAKES WERE STUCK OR RUSTY, WE HAD NOT DRIVEN THE VAN IN ABOUT 7 DAYS. HE CONTINUED TO DRIVE THINKING THE BRAKES WOULD RELEASE AND THE CAR WOULD BE FINE. WHEN HE REALIZED THAT WAS NOT THE ISSUE AND IT WAS SOMETHING MORE SERIOUS HE IMMEDIATELY CAME HOME AND WE INSPECTED THE FRONT DRIVERS SIDE TIRE AND FOUND THE COIL SPRING WAS RESTING ON THE TIRE AND RUBBING. THE SMELL OF BURNING RUBBER WAS APPARENT AS HE DROVE BACK IN THE DRIVEWAY. WE TOOK OF THE TIRE AND FOUND THE FRONT DRIVERS SIDE COIL SPRING HAD BROKEN NEAR THE BOTTOM. WE ARE CURRENTLY GETTING ESTIMATES TO REPLACE THE ONE COIL SPRING, OUR FIRST ESTIMATE FROM A FORD DEALER WAS $400 TO $450, WITH OUT SEEING THE CAR, IT IS NOT DRIVABLE. WE ARE UNCERTAIN AT THIS TIME IF THE TIRE ALSO NEEDS TO BE REPLACED OR IF THERE IS OTHER DAMAGE WE CAN'T SEE. OLD PART WILL BE RETAINED BY US AFTER THE VEHICLE IS FIXED. *TR

Mileage: 150,000

DRIVING IN THE 93 SOUTHBOUND TUNNEL NEAR EXIT 23 THE REAR AXLE OF MY VEHICLE SNAPPED IN HALF. NOTHING HAS BEEN DONE YET, FORD REFUSES TO PROVIDE FINANCIAL RESPONSIBILITY. *TR

Mileage: 135,000

TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 1999 FORD WINDSTAR. WHILE DRIVING BETWEEN 35-40 MPH, THE REAR AXLE FRACTURED IN HALF WITHOUT WARNING. THE VEHICLE WAS PULLED OVER AND TOWED. HE STATED THAT THERE WAS SURFACE RUST ON THE VEHICLE, BUT NOTHING THAT WOULD CAUSE THE AXLE TO FRACTURE. THE CONTACT DOES NOT KNOW THE EXTENT OF THE DAMAGES AT THIS TIME. THE PURCHASE DATE WAS UNKNOWN. THE CURRENT AND FAILURE MILEAGES WERE 84,000. UPDATED 06/17/08. *LJ

Mileage: 87,000

REAR AXLE BROKE IN HALF. *TR

Mileage: 54,000

FRONT COIL SPRINGS ARE BROKEN. *TR

I OWN A 1999 FORD WINDSTAR LX. I BOUGHT IT USED FROM A DEALER, AND IT HAD LESS THE 40,000 MILES ON IT. IN THE PAST YEAR, I HAVE HAD TO REPLACE THE RACK AND PINION, THE FRONT SPRINGS, STRUTS, TIE RODS AND POWER STEERING PUMP. I HAVE SPENT WELL OVER $1,000 ON REPAIRS IN THE PAST YEAR. I NOW AM TOLD THAT THE WHEEL BEARINGS NEED TO BE REPLACED. BECAUSE OF ALL THESE ISSUES, I HAVE BEEN UNABLE TO DRIVE MY VAN FOR EXTENDED PERIODS OF TIME. I HAVE TWO CHILDREN WHO NEED TO BE DRIVEN TO SCHOOL AND OTHER EVENTS, AND HAVE BEEN UNABLE TO DO SO WHEN NEEDED DUE TO THE CONSTANT ISSUES WITH THIS VAN. I HAVE RESEARCHED IT AND KNOW THAT THIS IS A RECURRENT, CONSISTENT ISSUE FOR THESE VANS. FORD SHOULD REIMBURSE OWNERS WHO HAVE HAD TO PAY MONEY FOR FAULTY EQUIPMENT. *TR

Mileage: 79,000

1999 FORD WINDSTAR TRANSMISSION WENT UP. CONSUMER STATES THAT THE CONTROL ARM FELL OFF IN MARCH. CONSUMER AGAIN STATED THE TRANSMISSION NEEDS TO BE REPLACED AGAIN. *KB

Mileage: 24,709

MY FORD WINDSTAR 1999 HAS THE FRONT SPRING COIL FRACTURED CAUSING THE SPRING TO BARELY TOUCH THE TIRE AND EVENTUALLY WOULD DEFLATE THE TIRE. THIS FRONT SPRING COIL PROBLEM IS CURRENTLY THE RECALL FOR WINDSTAR 1997-98, BUT NOT 1999. THE RECALL FOR 1997-98 IS NHTSA RECALL NO. 01V199/FORD RECALL NO. 01S19. THIS RECALL SHOULD APPLY TO 1999 TOO SINCE IT HAS THE SAME PROBLEM. *TR

Mileage: 95,900

TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 1999 FORD WINDSTAR. WHILE DRIVING 40 MPH, THE CONTACT LOST CONTROL OF THE VEHICLE. HE NOTICED THAT THE FRONT PASSENGER SIDE TIRE HAD FLATTENED. UPON CHANGING THE TIRE, HE DISCOVERED THAT THE COIL SPRING HAD FAILED. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO THE REPAIR SHOP. THE FAILURE RECURRED AT 116,948 MILES WITH THE FRONT DRIVER SIDE TIRE. THE CURRENT MILEAGE IS 119,000 AND FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 116,948. THE CONSUMER STATED THE FIRST INCIDENT LOST CONTROL NEAR INTERSECTION GOING 40 MPH AND INSPECTED VEHICLE FOUND TIRE BLEW OUT AND LEFT FRONT COIL IN TIRE. THE CONSUMER FURTHER STATED THE 2ND INCIDENT WAS IN A PARKING LOT GOING 10-15MPH AND TIRE BLEW OUT FOUND BROKEN RIGHT FRONT COIL IN TIRE. THE CONSUMER PROVIDED REPAIR INVOICES. UPDATED 09/05/07 *TR

Mileage: 116,948

I WAS DRIVING MY 1999 FORD WINDSTAR DOING 40 TO 45 MILES PER HOUR WHEN ALL OF A SUDDEN SOMETHING BROKE. A PASSER BY TRIED TO PUSH THE VEHICLE OFF THE ROAD BUT WAS UNSUCCESSFUL. I ENDED UP HAVING TO CALL A TOW TRUCK TO HAVE THE VEHICLE TOWED. TURNED OUT THE PROBLEM WAS THE BRACKET THAT IS ATTACHED TO THE FRAME OF THE VEHICLE THAT THE LOWER CONTROL ARM CONNECTS TO SNAPPED OFF THE FRAME WITH THE CONTROL ARM STILL ATTACHED TO IT. IN ADDITION TO THIS PROBLEM IT PULLED THE DRIVESHAFT AWAY FROM THE TRANSMISSION. THEREFORE THIS IS GOING TO BE A COSTLY REPAIR BECAUSE OF A DEFECTIVE PIECE OF METAL DURING THE MANUFACTURING OF THE VAN. THEREFORE AT THE MOMENT I AM UNABLE TO USE THE VEHICLE AND WILL HAVE TO WAIT UNTIL I GET THE MONEY TO REPAIR IT. AS FAR AS I'M CONCERNED I WILL NOT BUY A FORD EVER AGAIN!! *JB

DT*: THE CONTACT STATED WHILE HAVING A GENERAL MAINTENANCE INSPECTION PERFORMED BY A DEALER, IT WAS DETERMINED THE LEFT FRONT COIL SPRING WAS FRACTURED AND NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THERE WERE NO PREVIOUS PROBLEMS WITH THE FRONT SUSPENSION TO INDICATE A FAILURE. THERE WAS A NHTSA RECALL, # 04V332000, REGARDING THE FRONT COIL SPRINGS. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT INCLUDED IN THE RECALL DUE TO THE VIN. THE MANUFACTURER WAS ALERTED.

Mileage: 140,000

DT*: THE CONTACT STATED WHILE DRIVING 10 MPH THE STABILIZER AND ROCKER ARM BRACKETS BROKE. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO AN INDEPENDENT REPAIR SHOP. UPON INSPECTION THE MECHANIC DETERMINED THE BRACKETS BROKE DUE TO RUST. A FEW DAYS BEFORE THE FAILURE THE CONSUMER'S FATHER HEARD A NOISE IN THE FRONT PASSENGER SIDE OF THE VAN. THE MECHANIC INFORMED THE CONTACT THE BRACKETS NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. UPDATED 4/4/2006 - *NM

Mileage: 100,000

DT: WHILE THE CALLER'S SON WAS DRIVING BOUT 65 MPH THE CONTROL ARM SEPARATED FROM THE SUB FRAME, AND THE VEHICLE STARTED TO WOBBLE. HE PULLED OFF THE ROAD AND THAT IS WHEN THE TIRE CAME LOOSE. VEHICLE HAD TO BE TOWED HOME. DEALER SAID THEY WOULD DO NOTHING FOR FREE. MANUFACTURER SAID THE VEHICLE WAS OUT OF WARRANTY AND OFFERED NO HELP FOR FREE. *AK

Mileage: 80,000

THIS VIEHICLE IS MOSTLY DRIVEN IN THE CITY GOING TO THE STORE AND TAKING KIDS TO AND FROM SCHOOL. THE LEFT FRONT SPRING BROKE AND IS RUBBING IN THE TIRE. DEALERSHIP WAS CONTACTED AND I WAS TOLD BASED ONLY ON THE YEAR GIVEN THAT THERE WAS A RECALL ON THE SPRINGS. WHEN THE VIN NUMBER WAS GIVEN I WAS INFORMED THAT VIN NUMBER WAS NOT COVERED. I FEEL THAT REPLACING BOTH FRONT SPRINGS AND MY DAMAGED TIRE SHOULD BE FORDS RESPONSABILTY DUE TO THE FACT THEY HAVE SHOWN A KNOWN HISTORY FOR HAVEING THESE SPRINGS BRAKE. I WAS ALSO TOLD BY THE DEALERSHIP THAT IT WOULD BE RARE TO HAVE A RECALL ON A VEHICLE 16 YEARS OLD.

Mileage: 55,000

DT: THE CONTACT OWNS A 1999 FORD WINDSTAR LX. THE FRONT COIL SPRING BROKE IN HALF . IF CONTACT HAD NOT STOPPED THE VEHICLE IT WOULD HAVE BLOWN OUT THE TIRE. THE SPRING WAS IN THE TIRE. THERE WAS A RECALL ON 1995-1998, BUT IT DID NOT COVER THE 1999 MODELS. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALERSHIPTO REPLACE THE COIL SPRING. THE COIL SPRING BROKE ON THE PASSENGER'S SIDE BUT THE DEALERSHIP REPLACED THE DRIVER'S SIDE COIL SPRING AS WELL BECAUSE IT LOOKED LIKE IT WAS GOING TO BREAK. THE COST OF REPAIRS WAS $900 CHARGED TO THE CONSUMER. *AK

DT: FORD WINSTAR 1999 FRONT COIL SPRING BROKE AND PUCTURED THE FRONT TIRE. *AK

Mileage: 85,000

1. 99 WINDSTAR, FRONT COIL SPRING FAILURE, 71,000 MILES, SPRING FRACTURED SITTING IN THE DRIVEWAY 2. UNABLE TO OBTAIN REPLACEMENT PARTS, NO ESTIMATED DELIVERY TIME FOR BACKORDERED SPRINGS FROM FORD 3.NO SOLUTION FROM FORD OTHER THAN WAIT

Mileage: 71,000

1999 FORD EXPERIENCING PROBLEMS WITH RACK AND PINION SYSTEM, AND LEFT LOWER CONTROL ARM. *MR ALL OF THE HOLD DOWN BUTTONS WERE STRIPPED OUT AND STRIPPED IN THE GEAR HOUSING CAUSING GEAR FAILURE. *SC *JB

CAR ONLY HAS 72000 MILES. HAD CAR AT DEALERSHIP FROM MARCH 17- MARCH 24 FOR VARIOUS PROBLEMS. THEY REPLACED A TIE ROD, 2 CONTROL ARMS FOR $1100 AND WHEN THAT DID NOT FIX THE PROBLEM, REPLACED THE POWER STEERING PUMP AND THE STEERING RACK. CAR WAS STILL NOT RIGHT - HAD APPT TO BRING BACK IN ON FRIDAY APRIL 1ST. ON MARCH 30TH, I WAS ACCELERATING AT A STOPLIGHT AND THE VEHICLE HAD AN ABRUPT TRANSMISSION FAILURE. (WHEN WE GOT IT BACK FROM THE DEALER IT HAD A VIBRATING ISSUE BUT WE DID NOT HAVE WARNING THIS WAS COMING) JUST A HUGE BANG AND THEN IT WOULDN'T MOVE. THE POLICE HAD TO HELP ME REMOVE THE VEHICLE FROM THE INTERSECTION AND ASSIST WITH MY TWO SMALL CHILDREN. IT HAD TO BE TOWED AT MY EXPENSE $70. WARRANTY EXPIRED AT 60K. TOOK IT TO ANOTHER REPAIR ESTABLISHMENT (DUE TO ISSUES WITH THE DEALER) - WILL BE $2200 TO REBUILD ENTIRE TRANSMISSION. WILL BE CONTACTING MANUFACTURER. *AK

Mileage: 72,700

WHILE PULLING OUT OF THE DRIVEWAY LEFT FRONT COIL SPRING BROKE. DEALER WAS NOTIFIED. DEALER INFORMED CONSUMER THAT THE VEHICLE WAS NOT COVERED UNDER A RECALL. *AK

Mileage: 88,000

I BOUGHT THIS CAR USED AND FROM THE DAY I DROVE IT OFF THE LOT I HAVE PUT A FEW THOUSAND DOLLARS IN IT. THE ENGINE LIGHT KEEPS COMING ON WITH CODES 171/174 LEAN ON BANK 1 AND 2 I HAVE REPLACED THE O2, THE EGR, THE DIFFERENTIAL, I HAVE HAD THE UPPER INTAKE GASKET REPLACED AND THE EGR HOSES CLEANED. THE LIGHT STILL BURNS. I HAVE HAD NOTHING BUT TROUBLE WITH THIS CAR SINCE BUYING IT AND I WILL NEVER BUY ANOTHER ONE.I ALSO HAD TO REPLACE THE BRAKES, THE STRUTS AND THE STABLIZER BAR , AS WELL AS ONE OF THE TIE RODS. THIS VAN MIGHT LOOK GREAT BUT IT RUNS LIKE CRAP WE HAVE SPENT ENOUGH ON THIS USED VAN TO HAVE BOUGHT A NEW ONE. *LA

Mileage: 86,000

I BOUGHT THIS CAR USED AND FROM THE DAY I DROVE IT OFF THE LOT I HAVE PUT A FEW THOUSAND DOLLARS IN IT. THE ENGINE LIGHT KEEPS COMING ON WITH CODES 171/174 LEAN ON BANK 1 AND 2 I HAVE REPLACED THE O2, THE EGR, THE DIFFERENTIAL, I HAVE HAD THE UPPER INTAKE GASKET REPLACED AND THE EGR HOSES CLEANED. THE LIGHT STILL BURNS. I HAVE HAD NOTHING BUT TROUBLE WITH THIS CAR SINCE BUYING IT AND I WILL NEVER BUY ANOTHER ONE.I ALSO HAD TO REPLACE THE BRAKES, THE STRUTS AND THE STABLIZER BAR , AS WELL AS ONE OF THE TIE RODS. THIS VAN MIGHT LOOK GREAT BUT IT RUNS LIKE CRAP WE HAVE SPENT ENOUGH ON THIS USED VAN TO HAVE BOUGHT A NEW ONE. *LA

Mileage: 86,000

WHILE DRIVING AT 45 MPH CONSUMER NOTICED THAT THE VEHICLE WAS RUNNING ROUGHLY. SEVERAL SECONDS LATER, ENGINE CHECK LIGHT CAME ON. VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALER, WHO INFORMED CONSUMER THAT THE INTAKE MANIFOLD GASKET NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE INTAKE MANIFOLD GASKET WAS SUCKED INTO THE ENGINE, CAUSING THE ENGINE TO BIND. *AK DEALER ALSO MADE REPAIRS ON FRONT END, POWER STEERING, ELECTRICAL SYSTEM, AND TIE ROD ENDS. A 4-WHEEL ALIGNMENT WAS ALSO PERFORMED BY THE DEALER. *LA

Mileage: 51,500

TRANSMISSION IS PRIMARY ISSUE HAS SHIFTING PROBLEM AT LOW SPEED, HAS OVER 8 TSB ON THE ISSUE AND HAS NEW TRANSMISSION INSTALLED BUT STILL HAVE PROBLEM THE OTHER ISSUES ARE CLEARLY COMMON FOR THIS MODEL AS WELL, BUT THIS TRANSMISSIONAND FORDS LACK OF SUPPORT FROM THEIR SERVICE AND DEALERS IS UNACCEPTABLE.

Mileage: 74,500

WE HAVE TAKEN THIS VAN IN FOR REPAIR FIVETIMESIN ONE YEAR. THE FIRST MONTH WE HAD IT THE HEAD WAS REPLACED. THE POWER STEERING HAS GONE OUT FOR NOW THE FIFTH TIME. I ACTUALLY LOST CONTROLOF THE VEHICLE DUE TO BEINGUNABLE TO TURN THE STEERING. MY HUSBAND HAS TO DRIVE ME EVERYWHERE BECAUSE ONLY HE CAN TURN THE STEERING WHEEL. EACH TIME WE TAKE IT FOR REPAIR WE ARE CHARGED A DEDUCTIBLE AND I CAN NOT DO THIS ANYMORE. THIS IS OBVIOUSLY A LEMON. MARSHALL MIZE FORD IN CHATTANOOGA TENNESSEE IS WHERE THE VEHICLE WAS PURCHASED IN JANUARY OF 2001. THEY ALSO HAVE PERFORMED ALL SERVICE ON THIS VEHICLE. FORD HAS NOT BEEN UNDERSTANDING OF WHY MY PAYMENTS HAVE BEEN LATE, BUT WHEN YOU ARE HAVING THESE KINDS OF ISSUES SUCH AS ELECTRICAL, TRANSMISSION, AIR CONDITIONING, AND ENGINE MALFUNCTIONS, IT DOES NOT TAKE A GENIUS TO FIGURE OUT WHY A WOMAN WITH A FAMILY WHO DEPENDS ON THIS VEHICLE AS RELIABLE, SAFE MEANS OF TRANSPORTATION IS HAVING DIFFICULTY. MAYBE IF THEIR PRODUCT WAS OF BETTER QUALITY, MY CHILDREN WOULD BE IN A SAFE VEHICLE, AND FORD WOULD GET THEIR MONEY ON TIME.

Mileage: 63,000

* VEHICLE LEANS SINCE PURCHASED SEPT 13, 2003. * ALLIGNMENT PROBLEMS. * TRANSMISSION DOES NOT PROPERLY CHANGE GEARS. * LOW TREADS ON TIRES. * A FRAME PROBLEMS. * SUSPENSION STEERING MAKES A CLUNKING NOISE. * BRAKES MUST BE PUMPED TO STOP, AND MAKE A TICKING NOISE WHEN APPLIED. * VEHICLE HAS OVERHEATED. * POWER STEERING FLUID LEAKED. * GEARS DO NOT SHIFT PROPERLY. * PRIMER SCOTCH GUARD ON SEATS WEARING AFTER COAT APPLIED.

Mileage: 76,000

THE CONSUMER COMPLAINED ABOUT AN ALIGNMENT PROBLEM. THE VEHICLE PULLED TO THE LEFT AND MADE A TICKING NOISE UNDERNEATH THE VEHICLE WHEN THE BRAKES WERE APPLIED. THE VEHICLE WAS CONSTANTLY IN THE REPAIR SHOP BUT THE MECHANIC ARE WAS UNABLE TO SOLVE THE PROBLEM. *AK ALSO THE CHECK ENGINE LIGHT ILLUMINATED. *JB

Mileage: 76,504

CONSUMER STATED THE FRONT SUSPENSION COLLAPSED. DEALER NOTIFIED.*AK THE PROBLEM WAS DUE TO A FAILED COIL SPRING. *JB THE CONSUMER HASN'T RECEIVED A FOLLOWED A UP FROM NHTSA. THE CONSUMER STATED THE VEHICLE WAS INVOLVED IN A TRAFFIC ACCIDENT DUE TO THE FAILED COIL SPRING. *SCC *JB

Mileage: 42,742

UPON BACKING OUT OF A PARKING LOT AT WORK, THE FRONT LEFT SUSPENSION SPRING ON MY 1999 FORD WINDSTAR MINIVAN (VIN [XXX]) BROKE. I HEARD A NOISE, BUT COULDN'T SEE ANYTHING WRONG. I DROVE IT 1 MILE TO WHITCOMB FORD DEALERSHIP, AND THEY REPLACED THE FRONT SPRINGS AND CHARGED ME $332.89. A LOCAL GOODYEAR SERVICE DEALER HAD TO REPLACE THE FRONT LEFT TIRE AT A COST OF $94.11. THE FORD DEALERSHIP SAYS THAT THERE IS A RECALL OUT ON WINDSTARS FOR EXACT THIS PROBLEM, BUT THAT THE MODEL YEAR OF THE RECALL WAS ONLY UP UNTIL 1998 MODELS, NOT 1999. WELL, I'M HERE TO SAY THAT FORD HAS THE SAME PROBLEM WITH 1999 MODELS, AND THAT I SHOULD BE REIMBURSED FOR FIXING THIS FAILURE. IMAGINE, THE SUSPENSION FAILING ON A FOUR YEAR OLD CAR WITH 62020 MILES... LEMON ALERT! *JB INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6). *TR

Mileage: 62,020

THE FRONT COIL SPRING OF THE OUR 1999 FORD WINDSTAR SUDDENLY BROKE AND PUNCTURED OUR FRONT TIRE. FORTUNATELY WE WERE TRAVELING AT ONLY 20 MPH SO THAT WE WERE ABLE TO COME TO A STOP SAFELY, WITHOUT INJURY OR ACCIDENT, HOWEVER AS WE HAD JUST TRAVELED FROM MI TO NY ON INTERSTATE HIGHWAYS, IF THIS HAD OCCURED JUST A SHORT TIME EARLIER, THE INCIDENT COULD HAVE ENDED IN CATASTROPHY FOR MYSELF AND MY FAMILY.*AK

Mileage: 40,500

TRANSMISSION, SLIDING DOOR, DRIVER DOOR, RACK AND PINION, STEERING PUMP, INTAKE MANIFOLD, FRONT SUSPENSION UPPER LINK, WORLD'S FASTEST DECLINING VEHICLE VALUE, WORLD'S WORST CUSTOMER SERVICE AND SATISFACTION REPRESENTATIVES.*AK

Mileage: 51,000

CONSUMER STATES THAT WHEN BRAKING THE VEHICLE WILL SHIMMY HEAVILY AND IT WILL BE HARD FOR THE CONSUMER TO CONTROL. DEALER NOTIFIED. TS

DUE TO A DESIGN FLAW UNABLE TO ALIGN VEHICLE.DEALER CONTACTED.*AK

WHEN DRIVING HEARD NOISE COMING FROM FRONT PASSENGER'S SIDE WHEEL. DEALER REPLACED FRONT WHEEL BEARING. *AK

WHEN STARTING VEHICLE UP THERE IS A NOISE COMING FROM UNDERNEATH VEHICLE. DEALERSHIP IS AWARE OF PROBLEM. *AK

FRONT END IS LOOSE , WHEN TURNING STEERING WHEEL VEHICLE BECOMES UNCONTROLABLE, DEALER CANNOT GET ALIGNMENT STRAIGHT AND CANNOT DETERMINE CAUSE.*AK

CONSUMER WILL FILL IN INFORMATION REGARDING REAR SUPPORT BAR: CROSS TUBE. *AK

CONSUMER COMPLAINED ABOUT NOISE BEING EMITTED BY VEHICLE WHEN MAKING A LEFT TURN AT SPEED. DEALERSHIP HAS PROVIDED NO INFORMATION TO CONSUMER FOR REASON/CAUSE. *AK THE DEALER ORDERED A POWER STREERING LINE PART, BUT THEY DON'T KNOW IF THIS IS THE PROBLEM. *YH

WHILE TRAVELING AT HIGHWAY AT 60 MPH FELT A SHARP JERK TO THE SIDE. ONCE CORRECTED, JERKED AGAIN THE OTHER WAY. TOOK VEHICLE TO DEALER, AND DEALER STATED THAT NOTHING WAS WRONG. PROBLEM HAS OCCURRED SEVERAL TIMES SINCE FIRST INCIDENT. NO ACCIDENTS OR INJURIES HAVE OCCURRED. *AK

VEHICLE MADE A LOUD NOISE & VIBRATED AS THOUGH IT WAS OUT OF POWER . DEALER HAS INSPECTED IT & HAS BLED THE LINE, AND THAT DIDN'T HELP. DEALER HASN'T BEEN TELLING CONSUMER THAT FORD WAS WORKING ON A SOLUTION. CONSUMER HAS BEEN CALLING DEALER TO SEE IF SOLUTION HAS BEEN FOUND. *AK

VEHICLE HAS BEEN EXPERIENCING THE FOLLOWING PROBLEMS: 1. STEERING COLUMN OUT OF ALIGNMENT, CAUSING DIFFICULTY IN STEERING; 2. POWER STEERING PUMP MAKING GRINDING SOUNDS WHEN ENGINE IS COLD AND, INTERMITTENTLY, WHEN THE ENGINE GETS HOT; 3. ONGOING PROBLEM WITH WINDSHIELD FOGGING UP AND DEALER IS UNABLE TO CORRECT THE PROBLE;. 4. BRAKE PEDAL GOES TO THE FLOOR BEFORE STOPPING, CAUSING EXTENDED STOPPING DISTANCE; AND 5. A LOUD SOUND COMING FROM THE FRONT OF VEHICLE. SEEKING HELP FROM NHTSA IN THIS MATTER. *AK

I BOUGHT A FORD WINDSTAR LX IN JUNE 4/99,SINCE THEN I HAVE BEEN EXPERIENCING THAT THE STEERING WHEELS SHAKES AND CURRENT IN MY RIGHT LEG WHEN THE SPEED IS ABOUT 70 MILES/HR. FOR 3 TIMES I WENT TO THE DEALER ,BUT THEY DID NOT FIND ANYTHING WRONG IN IT .