2000 FORD WINDSTAR Suspension Problems

The rear axle broke for the second time on a Ford Windstar, after already breaking prior to a recall in 2010. It appears to have broken where a clamp was attached. This caused the rear wheels to fall into, and grind against the wheel well. This happened on a side street near my house. Had it happened at highway speeds, the rear wheels could have locked up or perhaps broken free causing loss of control. The axle problem has been known to Ford, but it is concerning that this is the second one to fail. I have not yet contacted ford or a a repair facility to evaluate. There were no warning lamps or other indication. The axle simply broke abruptly. I thought it was a tire blow out until I saw the wheels tilted in. The vehicle is older, but I maintain it well.

The contact owns a 2000 Ford Windstar. The contact stated while reversing at an undisclosed speed, there was an abnormal booming sound coming from the vehicle. The contact stated that the front spring had fractured and punctured the passenger’s side front tire. There were no warning lights illuminated. The local dealer was not contacted. The vehicle was not diagnosed nor repaired. The manufacturer was not contacted. The failure mileage was approximately 75,000.

Mileage: 75,000

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2000 FORD WINDSTAR. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 25-35 MPH, THE VEHICLE WAS MAKING A SQUEALING NOISE AND THEN STARTED TO SMELL LIKE BURNING RUBBER. THE CONTACT TOOK THE VEHICLE TO COVER-JONES MOTOR (403 W. 3RD ST, ALLIANCE, NE 69301, (800) 344-9288) WHO STATED THAT THE REAR AXLE HAD FRACTURED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE AXLE HAD PREVIOUSLY BEEN REPLACED UNDER RECALL. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 176,481.

Mileage: 176,481

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2000 FORD WINDSTAR. WHILE DRIVING 45 MPH, THE REAR OF THE VEHICLE SHOOK AND AN UNKNOWN WARNING INDICATOR ILLUMINATED. THE CONTACT CONTINUED TO DRIVE HOME AND NOTICED THAT THE REAR DRIVER'S SIDE TIRE WAS LEANING. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT TAKEN TO A DEALER OR AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC FOR DIAGNOSTIC TESTING. THE CONTACT CALLED FORD CUSTOMER SERVICE AT 866-436-7332 AND ADVISED THEM THAT SHE RECEIVED A RECALL NOTICE FOR MANUFACTURER NUMBER: 15S27 (SUSPENSION) ON THE REAR AXLE. THE MANUFACTURER INFORMED THE CONTACT TO HAVE THE VEHICLE TOWED TO A FORD DEALER AND PROVIDED CASE NUMBER: 21985359. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 200,000.

Mileage: 200,000

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2000 FORD WINDSTAR. WHILE DRIVING 10 MPH OVER A SPEED BUMP, THE CONTACT HEARD AN ABNORMAL NOISE COMING FROM THE REAR OF THE VEHICLE. THE CONTACT DEPRESSED THE BRAKE PEDAL AND WAS ABLE TO PARK THE VEHICLE IN A NEARBY PARKING LOT. THERE WERE NO WARNING INDICATORS ILLUMINATED. THE CONTACT INSPECTED THE VEHICLE AND NOTICED THAT THE REAR DRIVER'S SIDE TIRE WAS BENT INWARD TOWARDS THE VEHICLE. THE VIN WAS INCLUDED IN NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 15V608000 (SUSPENSION). THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO THE CONTACT'S HOME AND THEN TOWED TO SUPERIOR FORD OF PLYMOUTH (9700 56TH AVE N, PLYMOUTH, MN 55442, (877) 735-4755). THE DEALER STATED THAT THE VEHICLE DID NOT QUALIFY TO BE INCLUDED IN THE RECALL. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT INFORMED OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 173,000.

Mileage: 173,000

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2000 FORD WINDSTAR. WHILE DRIVING 10 MPH, THE CONTACT HEARD AN ABNORMAL SOUND COMING FROM THE REAR PASSENGER SIDE OF THE VEHICLE. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC AND WAS INFORMED THAT THE REAR AXLE FRACTURED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT INCLUDED IN NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 12V194000 (SUSPENSION). THE DEALER WAS NOT CONTACTED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 123,000.

Mileage: 123,000

I STARTED HEARING A SOUND FROM THE REAR OF THE VEHICLE WHILE DRIVING ESPECIALLY WHEN TURNING. I INSPECTED UNDER THE REAR OF THE VEHICLE AND FOUND A SIGNIFICANT CRACK IN THE REAR AXLE. I DISCOVERED THAT THERE IS A RECALL FOR THIS ISSUE WITH MY MAKE AND MODEL AND YEAR; HOWEVER, MY VIN IS NOT INCLUDED IN THE RECALL. I HAVE PARKED THE VEHICLE IN THE GARAGE AND AM AFRAID TO DRIVE IT. *JS

Mileage: 158,000

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2000 FORD WINDSTAR. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE REAR AXLE AND FRAME ASSOCIATED WITH THE UNDERCARRIAGE OF THE VEHICLE HAD EXTENSIVE RUST AND CORROSION. THERE WAS ALSO A CRACK THAT EXTENDED FROM THE REAR AXLE WHEN THE CONTACT INSPECTED UNDER THE VEHICLE. AN ABNORMAL NOISE WAS HEARD. LANCE CUNNINGHAM FORD (4101 EAST CLINTON HWY, KNOXVILLE, TN 37912, 1-(866) 591-3943) WAS NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT DIAGNOSED OR REPAIRED. THE VEHICLE WAS UNABLE TO BE SAFELY DRIVEN DUE TO THE FAILURE. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 158,000.

Mileage: 158,000

MY REAR AXLE BROKE WHILE I WAS DRIVING UNDER NORMAL CONDITIONS ON A CITY STREET. I TWICE GOT THE PREVIOUS RECALL WORK DONE ON THE AXLE (THE "BRACKET FIX" AND THE SUBSEQUENT INSPECTION OF THE "FIX"). I WAS TOLD MY THE DEALER THAT THE AXLE LOOKED GOOD AND I DIDN'T NEED TO REPLACE THE AXLE FOR THE DISCOUNTED $300 PRICE. I DON'T UNDERSTAND HOW THE NHTSA ALLOWED FORD TO CHARGE MONEY FOR AN ACTUAL FIX AND ONLY OFFER A STOP GAP FIX THAT WOULD EVENTUALLY FAIL ANYWAY AS A SOLUTION. IN MY ATTACHED PICTURE, YOU CAN SEE WHERE THE AXLE FAILED UNDER THE RECALL REPAIR BRACKET. FORTUNATELY, I WAS ON A CITY STREET AND ABLE TO QUICKLY GET MY VAN INTO A PARKING PLACE. IF THIS HAD HAPPENED AT HIGHWAY SPEEDS, THE RESULT COULD HAVE BEEN MUCH WORSE. I AM WRITING MAINLY TO IMPLORE YOUR AGENCY TO NEVER AGAIN ALLOW A PIECEMEAL RECALL LIKE THIS AGAIN. I WAS UNDER THE IMPRESSION MY AXLE WAS FIXED BY THE PREVIOUS RECALL.

Mileage: 109,000

WENT TO "CREDIT KARMA" AND WAS INFORMED THAT MY VEHICLE WAS THE SUBJECT OF A FORD NHTSA RECALL. FORD FAILED TO NOTIFY ME OF RECALL ON MY VEHICLE. RECALL ID # 233939 DATED 10/21/2015. PLEASE HELP RESOLVE THIS AS I DON'T WANT TO BE DRIVING AN UNSAFE VEHICLE

Mileage: 92,000

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2000 FORD WINDSTAR. WHILE THE VEHICLE WAS STATIONARY, THE REAR AXLE RUSTED OUT AND FRACTURED WITHOUT WARNING. PHIL LONG FORD OF MOTOR CITY IN COLORADO SPRINGS, COLORADO WAS MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE AND STATED THAT THE VEHICLE WAS NOT INCLUDED IN THE RECALL RELATED TO THE FAILURE DUE TO ITS LOCATION IN A DRY STATE VERSUS THOSE THAT WERE ONLY BEING COVERED IN HUMID STATES. THE CONTACT WAS UNSURE OF THE NHTSA CAMPAIGN INFORMATION FOR THE RECALL. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 136,000.

Mileage: 136,000

BROKEN REAR AXLE

Mileage: 125,400

REAR AXLE OF VEHICLE BROKE WHILE DRIVING. REAR AXLE HAD BEEN 'PATCHED' WITH REINFORCEMENT BRACKETS UNDER FORD SAFETY RECALL 10S13 AND INSPECTED UNDER FORD SAFETY RECALL 15S27, BUT AXLE STILL BROKE. FIRST SYMPTOMS WERE POOR STEERING RESPONSE (LIKE TIRE PRESSURE IS LOW) AT HIGHWAY AND CITY SPEEDS, AND THEN TIRE BURNING SMELL AS THE TIRE CANTED/TILTED AND RUBBED AGAINST BODY. REINFORCEMENT BRACKETS PREVENTED SUDDEN SEPARATION OF THE AXLE, BUT STILL RESULTED IN UN-DRIVABLE VEHICLE. FORD INDICATES FAILURE IS NOT COVERED BY RECALL WARRANTY. PICTURES ATTACHED.

Mileage: 113,000

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2000 FORD WINDSTAR. WHILE DRIVING 5 MPH, THE REAR AXLE ON THE DRIVER SIDE FAILED WITHOUT WARNING. THE CONTACT RECEIVED A RECALL NOTIFICATION LETTER IN SEPTEMBER OF 2016 FOR NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 15V608000 (SUSPENSION). ON OCTOBER 28, 2016, THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO A LOCAL DEALER (HUTCH FORD LINCOLN, 213 S MAYO TRAIL, PAINTSVILLE, KY, 41240) WHERE THE VEHICLE WAS INSPECTED AND IT WAS DETERMINED THAT THE REMEDY DID NOT NEED TO BE APPLIED. THE CONTACT WENT TO AN UNKNOWN LOCAL DEALER IN PIKEVILLE, KY FOR A SECOND OPINION AND TO NOTIFY THEM THAT SHE OBSERVED THAT THE VEHICLE HAD BOUNCED AND MADE AN ABNORMAL SQUEAKING SOUND. THE DEALER INFORMED THE CONTACT THAT BECAUSE THE FIRST DEALER MARKED THE VEHICLE OFF FROM THE RECALL LIST, THAT THEY COULD NOT INSPECT THE VEHICLE FREE OF CHARGE. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT DIAGNOSED DUE TO THE FEE. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT CONTACTED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS APPROXIMATELY 153,000.

Mileage: 153,000

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2000 FORD WINDSTAR. WHILE DRIVING VARIOUS SPEEDS, THE VEHICLE EXPERIENCED UNINTENDED ACCELERATION AND THE ABS SENSOR INDICATOR REMAINED ILLUMINATED. AS A RESULT, THE VEHICLE FAILED TO ACCELERATE PROPERLY. WHILE THE VEHICLE WAS UNDERGOING ROUTINE SERVICE, THE INDEPENDENT MECHANIC ALSO DISCOVERED THAT THE FRONT DRIVER SIDE CONTROL ARM WAS DAMAGED AND NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE CAUSE OF THE FAILURES WAS NOT DIAGNOSED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER AND LOCAL DEALER WERE NOT NOTIFIED. THE VIN WAS INVALID. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS APPROXIMATELY 200,000.

Mileage: 200,000

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2000 FORD WINDSTAR. WHILE THE CONTACT'S HUSBAND WAS DRIVING AT AN UNKNOWN SPEED, THE REAR AXLE FRACTURED WITHOUT WARNING. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO THE DEALER (BENNA FORD ROUSH SUPERIOR LOCATED AT 3022 TOWER AVE, SUPERIOR, WI 54880; (715) 394-8669) WHERE IT WAS DIAGNOSED THAT THE REAR AXLE NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS CONTACTED AT 800-392-3673 AND STATED THAT THE RECALL WAS REPAIRED IN MAY OF 2016 AND WAS CLOSED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE AND PROVIDED CASE NUMBER: CAS-12795007. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS UNKNOWN.

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2000 FORD WINSTAR. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO TOWN AND COUNTRY FORD IN LOUISVILLE, KENTUCKY FOR NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 10V385000 (SUSPENSION). THE MECHANIC NOTICED SEVERE RUST ON THE AXLE AREA OF THE REAR SUSPENSION. THE MECHANIC STATED THAT THIS WAS A COMMON OCCURRENCE AND THE CO-PAY RECALL WAS NOT PERFORMED BECAUSE IT EXPIRED IN OCTOBER OF 2016. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS INFORMED OF THE FAILURE. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 137,116.

Mileage: 137,116

I WATCHED LAST NIGHT AS MY WIFE AND KIDS WERE COMING HOME ON THE PARKWAY, THE REAR AXEL SNAPPED IN. TWO AND BOTH TIRES JUST DANGELING BASICALLY,WE HAD A BLOW OUT ALSO MANAGED TO GET THE2000 FORD WINDSTAR LX OFF OF THE MAIN ROAD WHERE I HAD TO CALL SEVERAL TO COMPANIES AND NO ONE WITH A WRECKER WAS ABLE TO HELP, SO I CALLED A TOE COMPANY WITH A ROLL BACK, TO GET OUR VAN HOME THEN I FOUND OUT ABT THE COMPLAINT HOTLINE AND THE RECALLS AFTER MY WIFE AND KIDS COULD HAVE BEEN KILLED, THE VEHICLE WAS GOING STRAIGHT,AND THE SPEEDLIMET WICH WAS 45 MPH, WHEN THE AXEL JUST SNAPPED IN TWO PIECES, AND OUT OF CONTROL SHE MANAGED TO SLOW DOWN, MY KIDS ARE 1 AND 2, WE WANT REINBURSEMENT FOR THE VAN AND THE TOW BILL AS THIS IS A MANUFACTURER DEFECT

Mileage: 167,000

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2000 FORD WINDSTAR. WHILE DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 25 MPH, THE REAR DRIVER SIDE TIRE SUDDENLY SHREDDED. UPON INSPECTION, IT WAS DISCOVERED THAT THE DRIVER SIDE REAR AXLE SEVERED AND MADE CONTACT WITH THE TIRE, WHICH CAUSED IT TO FLATTEN. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO LIBERTY FORD IN PARMA, OHIO WHERE IT WAS DIAGNOSED THAT THE REAR AXLE WOULD NEED TO BE REPLACED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE, BUT NO SOLUTION WAS OFFERED. THE CONTACT INDICATED THAT THE VEHICLE WAS REPAIRED IN 2011 PER NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 10V385000 (SUSPENSION); HOWEVER, THE FAILURE CONTINUED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 199,000.

Mileage: 199,000

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2000 FORD WINDSTAR. ACCORDING TO THE PREVIOUS OWNER OF THE VEHICLE, THE DEALER STATED THAT A MANUFACTURER RECALL WAS COMPLETED BY A DEALER THAT WAS NO LONGER IN BUSINESS (JACK SAFRO FORD DEALER). THE PREVIOUS OWNER REINFORCED THE BRACKET, BUT DID NOT REPLACE THE REAR BRACKETS. SHORTLY AFTER DRIVING OVER RAILROAD TRACKS, THE VEHICLE SUDDENLY STALLED AND THE REAR WHEELS FRACTURED FROM THE VEHICLE. THE VEHICLE WAS UNABLE TO BE DRIVEN AND WAS TOWED TO AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC. THE CONTACT WAS INFORMED THAT THE REAR AXLE CRACKED FROM THE REINFORCEMENT BRACKETS AND PARTS NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE VIN WAS NOT INCLUDED IN A RECALL FOR THE FAILURE. THE MANUFACTURER RECOMMENDED THAT THE VEHICLE BE TAKEN TO THE DEALER (NAPLETON LINCOLN BLUE ISLAND, 2950 W 127TH ST, BLUE ISLAND, IL 60406, (708) 385-4500) FOR DIAGNOSTIC TESTING AND REPAIR. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS NOT AVAILABLE.

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2000 FORD WINDSTAR. WHILE DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 25 MPH, THE REAR DRIVER SIDE TIRE SUDDENLY SHREDDED. UPON INSPECTION, IT WAS DISCOVERED THAT THE DRIVER SIDE REAR AXLE SEVERED AND MADE CONTACT WITH THE TIRE, WHICH CAUSED IT TO FLATTEN. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO LIBERTY FORD OF PARMA, OHIO WHERE IT WAS DIAGNOSED THAT THE REAR AXLE WOULD NEED TO BE REPLACED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE, BUT NO SOLUTION WAS OFFERED. THE CONTACT INDICATED THAT THE VEHICLE WAS REPAIRED IN 2011 PER NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 10V385000 (SUSPENSION); HOWEVER, THE FAILURE STILL REMAINED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 199,000.

Mileage: 199,000

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2000 FORD WINDSTAR. WHILE THE VEHICLE WAS BEING REPAIRED PER NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 15V608000 (SUSPENSION), THE DEALER INFORMED THE CONTACT THAT THE REAR AXLE WAS FRACTURED AND RUSTED THROUGH. THE FAILURE WAS CAUSED BY WATER SEEPING INTO THE REAR AXLE. THE REAR AXLE NEEDED TO BE REPLACED; HOWEVER, THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 158,000.

Mileage: 158,000

THERE WAS A RECALL ON THE REAR AXLE, FORD MADE IT SO THAT THEY DIDN'T HAVE TO PAY FOR IT BY PUTTING IT UNDER THE EXTENDED WARRANTY PROGRAM. THIS CAUSED A HARDSHIP FOR ME AND I WAS UNABLE TO HAVE IT FIXED. NOW THE REAR AXLE BROKE WHILE I WAS DRIVING.

Mileage: 183,500

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2000 FORD WINDSTAR. THE CONTACT RECEIVED NOTIFICATION OF A STRUCTURE RECALL FOR THE FRAME. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALER NUMEROUS TIMES AND THE CONTACT WAS INFORMED THAT THEY WOULD ONLY INSPECT THE FRAME. THE DEALER REFUSED TO REPLACE THE PARTS IN COMPLIANCE WITH THE RECALL NOTIFICATION. THE DEALER STATED THAT DUE TO THE CONDITION OF THE VEHICLE, THE FRAME AND REAR AXLE NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE AND REFUSED TO PROVIDE A SOLUTION. THE VIN, NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER, AND FAILURE MILEAGE WERE NOT AVAILABLE.

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2000 FORD WINDSTAR. WHILE DRIVING 30 MPH, THE CONTACT HEARD AN ABNORMAL NOISE COMING FROM THE REAR DRIVER SIDE WHEEL. UPON INSPECTION, THE CONTACT DISCOVERED THAT THE AXLE HAD FRACTURED. PRIOR TO THE FAILURE, THE REAR DRIVER SIDE AXLE WAS REPAIRED, BUT THE FAILURE RECURRED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT TAKEN TO A DEALER OR REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 190,000.

Mileage: 190,000

2000 FORD WINDSTAR. CONSUMER WRITES IN REGARDS TO AXLE BROKE IN TWO PIECES, WHILE DRIVING. *SMD

WE PURCHASED THIS CAR IN OCTOBER 2015 AND SHORTLY THEREAFTER HAD TO REPLACE THE REAR AXLE. IT HAPPENED AGAIN WITHIN THE LAST 60 DAYS WHILE MY TEENAGE SON WAS DRIVING. OUR MECHANIC TOLD US OF THE RECALL AND WE HAVE CONTACTED FORD AND THEY HAVE OFFERED NO ASSISTANCE EVEN THOUGH THERE ARE 16 OTHER RECALLS ON THIS SPECIFIC YEAR AND MODEL. FORD ORIGINALLY TOLD US THAT SOMEONE WAS GOING TO COME AND LOOK AT THE CAR WITHIN 48 HOURS. WHEN ALMOST A WEEK PASSED AND WE HEARD NOTHING, I AGAIN CONTACTED THEM AND WAS TOLD THAT THE RECALL WAS NOT IN FORCE. I WAS UNDER THE IMPRESSION THAT ONCE A RECALL IS ISSUED IT IS FOR THE LIFE OF THE CAR. I ALSO FEEL THAT THERE SHOULD BE SOMETHING IN PLACE TO MAKE CONSUMERS OF USED CAR BUYERS MORE AWARE OF THE SPECIFIC RECALLS AND THE POTENTIAL HAZARDS THAT MAY ARISE. *TR

Mileage: 100,000

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2000 FORD WINDSTAR. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE FRAME WAS RUSTED AND THE SLIDING DOORS FAILED TO SECURE. IN ADDITION, THE FUEL TANK MOUNTING BRACKETS WERE RUSTED. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE DEALER REFUSED TO INSPECT THE VEHICLE ON THREE SEPARATE OCCASIONS. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT DIAGNOSED OR REPAIRED. THE CONTACT RECEIVED NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 15V608000 (SUSPENSION). THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 150,000.

Mileage: 150,000

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2000 FORD WINDSTAR. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE REAR AXLE AND BRACKETS ON THE VEHICLE FAILED. THE CONTACT STATED THAT IN 2010, THE VEHICLE WAS REPAIRED UNDER A MANUFACTURERS RECALL FOR THE FAILURE HOWEVER, NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 15V608000 (SUSPENSION) WAS RECEIVED IN 2016 INFORMING THAT THE INITIAL RECALL REPAIR COULD HAVE POSSIBLY BEEN PERFORMED IMPROPERLY. THE CONTACT WAS CONCERNED THAT IS THE BRACKETS WERE NOT INSTALLED PROPERLY, THE REAR AXLE MAY FRACTURE, AFFECTING THE VEHICLE HANDLING AND INCREASING THE RISK OF A CRASH. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE AND VIN WERE UNKNOWN.

I HAVE GOTTEN SEVERAL RECALL LETTERS FROM FORD ABOUT THE REAR AXLE. THE FIRST TIME THEY BOLTED BRACKETS FOR THE REPAIR. I CAN'T GET MY VEHICLE INSPECTED BECAUSE OF THIS AND TO DO SO I HAVE TO PAY $300.00 FOR A NEW AXLE WHICH I FEEL BEING A RECALL IT SHOULD BE UP TO FORD TO TAKE CARE OF THIS MATTER. IT IS A MAJOR SAFETY PROBLEM THAT COULD BE DEADLY TO MYSELF AND MANY OTHERS.

TOOK MY VAN TO FORD BECAUSE A RADIATOR HOSE CAME OFF, $350 FOR PART OF A HOSE CLAMP. WHILE THERE HAD THE 3RD REAR AXLE SAFETY RECALL INSPECTION, I DON'T THINK THEY DID IT, TOLD ME MY VAN WAS A 16 YEAR OLD JUNKER NOT WORTH FIXING. REPLACEMENT OF NON-STRUCTURAL STEEL REAR AXLE WAS AGAIN OFFERED FOR $300. I WANT THE AXLE I PAID FOR WHEN I BOUGHT THE VAN NEW, STRUCTURAL STEEL THAT MEETS SAFETY AND LEGAL REQUIREMENTS, INSTALLED AT NO ADDITIONAL COST. HOW IS IT LEGAL TO ALLOW THESE UNSAFE AXLES? YOUR SITE INFO IS INCORRECT ON THIS, THE "SAFETY BRACKETS" DO NOT KEEP THE DEFECTIVE AXLES FROM BREAKING, THEY ARE TO KEEP THE WHEELS, WHEN THE AXLE DOES CRACK, FROM CANTERING OUT AND JAMMING IN THE WHEEL WELLS, CAUSING ABSOLUTE TOTAL LOSS OF VEHICLE CONTROL. NOT ACCEPTABLE. REPLACE AXLE. A NUMBER OF RECALLS LISTED HERE WERE NOT SENT OR PERFORMED. IN ADDITION, AFTER THE FIRST AXLE RECALL 6-8 YEARS AGO, I TRIED TO TRADE THE FORD CREDIT PURCHASED VEHICLE IN ON A NEW 40K FORD SUV, THEY OFFERED ME HALF OF BLUEBOOK VALUE, INDICATING FORD'S KNOWLEDGE OF THE VEHICLES DEFECTS, AND POOR VALUE. THIS RECALL, DEALER TOLD ME MY 16 YEAR OLD VAN WAS JUNK AND NOT WORTH FIXING, CHARGED $350 FOR PART OF A RADIATOR HOSE CLAMP, GOT WRONG PART AND STUCK ME WITH 4 EXTRA DAYS CAR RENTAL AT $250. AFTER ARGUING WITH BREDEMANN FORD FOR 3 HOURS IN 3 OFFICES, THEY HANDED ME A STACK OF INVOICES AND POINTED ME TO MY VAN WITH THE KEYS IN AND ENGINE RUNNING. MANAGER CALLED THE NEXT DAY AND ACCUSED ME OF THEFT, THREATENING POLICE ACTION. I PAID HIM BY PHONE AN CALLED MY ATTORNEY. I WILL SUE THESE CREEPS.

Mileage: 187,000

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2000 FORD WINDSTAR. THE CONTACT STATED THAT AN ABNORMAL CLICKING SOUND EMITTED ON THE FRONT PASSENGER SIDE OF THE LOWER CONTROL ARM REAR ATTACHING BRACKET. THE CONTACT STATED THAT UPON INSPECTION, IT WAS NOTICED THAT THE BOLT WAS NOT BEING TORQUED CORRECTLY ON THE FRONT LOWER CONTROL ARM. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT DIAGNOSED OR REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE. THE VEHICLE WAS PREVIOUSLY SERVICED UNDER NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 12V194000 (SUSPENSION). THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS APPROXIMATELY 80,000.

Mileage: 80,000

REAR AXLE CORRODING AND CRACKED. I LIVE IN KANSAS BUT WORK IN MISSOURI. VEHICLE HAS SAME PROBLEM AS IDENTICAL VEHICLES RECALLED IN MISSOURI AND RUST BELT STATES. REAR AXLE HAS RUST AND IS STARTING TO CRACK. RECALL NEEDS EXTENDED TO KANSAS NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER 10V385000 EXTENDS TO MISSOURI BUT NOT KANSAS. MOST OF MY DRIVING IN MISSOURI WHERE I WORK. HOWEVER VEHICLE PURCHASED IN KS NEAR MO BORDER (KANSAS CITY AREA).

Mileage: 140,000

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2000 FORD WINDSTAR. WHILE DRIVING VARIOUS SPEEDS, A POPPING NOISE EMITTED FROM THE REAR OF THE VEHICLE. UPON INSPECTION, THE CONTACT DISCOVERED THAT THE REAR CROSS AXLE BEAM WAS FRACTURED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT DIAGNOSED OR REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 110,000.

Mileage: 110,000

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2000 FORD WINDSTAR. WHILE DRIVING 20 MPH, THE CONTACT HEARD A LOUD POP AS IF TWO TIN CANS WERE UNDERNEATH THE VEHICLE. THE CONTACT IMMEDIATELY PULLED THE VEHICLE OVER TO THE SIDE OF THE ROAD. THE CONTACT LOOKED UNDER THE VEHICLE AND NOTICED THAT THE REAR AXLE WAS CORRODED AND FRACTURED IN HALF. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT DIAGNOSED NOR REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 170,000.

Mileage: 170,000

THE REAR AXLE ON MY 2000 FORD WINDSTAR IS CRACKED. THERE WERE TWO PREVIOUS RECALLS ON THIS ISSUE AND NOW A THIRD. FORD WANTS ME TO PAY $300.00 TOWARD REPAIR WHICH I FIND UNACCEPTABLE.

Mileage: 140,000

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2000 FORD WINDSTAR. WHILE DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 65 MPH, THE REAR END OF THE VEHICLE WAS HANGING. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO A DEALER WHERE IT WAS DIAGNOSED THAT THE REAR AXLE FRACTURED AND NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE VEHICLE WAS SERVICED UNDER NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 15V608000 (SUSPENSION); HOWEVER, THE CONTACT WAS CHARGED FOR THE REPAIR. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 65,500.

Mileage: 65,500

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2000 FORD WINDSTAR. THE CONTACT STATED WHILE TAKING THE VEHICLE TO GET SERVICE UNDER NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 15V608000 (SUSPENSION), THE DEALER WANTED TO CHARGE THE CONTACT TO GET THE REAR AXLE REPLACED. THE CONTACT MENTIONED THE DEALER STATED THE BRACKETS WERE PROPERLY INSTALLED HOWEVER, THE REAR AXLE WAS CRACKED. THE CONTACT WAS UNAWARE IF THE VEHICLE WAS INCLUDED IN NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 10V385000(SUSPENSION), 12V193000 (POWER TRAIN) AND 12V195000 (SUSPENSION) DUE TO THE REAR AXLE CRACKING. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS UNKNOWN.

9/1/2015 ENTERING NORTHERN STATE PARKWAY WEST WENT OVER BUMP/POTHOLE REAR AXEL SUSPENSION CRACKED AND DROPPED ALSO BLEW DRIVER SIDE REAR TIRE. VAN HAD TO BE TOWED TO SHOP. COROSION ON REAR AXEL, BRACKETS SEALED TO OLD AXEL,FORD MUST REINFORCE AXEL. AXEL RECALLED 2010/2011 MUST BE REFIXED BY FORD.

Mileage: 65,258

MY VAN HAS CRACKED REAR AND FRONT AXLES AND A BROKEN SUB FRAME. I WAS TOLD BY SERVICE MANAGER STEVE GOCHENOUR ( WHEN I DROPPED OFF THE VAN) AT THE SHAWNEE MISSION FORD DEALERSHIP IN KANSAS, THAT THESE REPAIRS, AS WELL AS ANY DAMAGED CAUSED BY THESE DEFAULTS ARE FULLY COVERED UNDER A FORD RECALL, AND WOULD COST ME NOTHING. THEY THEN CALLED ME A WEEK LATER AND SAID I HAD TO PAY THEM $300 FOR THE REAR AXLE. I WOULD LIKE YOUR ASSISTANCE IN GETTING MY $300 REFUNDED FROM FORD.

Mileage: 160,000

RESPONDED TO RECALL NOTICE 10S13 TO FORD DEALER WHO TOLD ME THERE WAS A SECOND RECALL ON IT ALSO.......AFTER A COUPLE DAYS THEY CALLED TO TELL ME IT COULD NOT BE FIXED WITHOUT COST TO ME. I FELT THE CAR TO BE NOT SAFE TO DRIVE WITHOUT REPAIR BUT AT THE SAME TIME DID NOT HAVE MONEY TO COVER COST OF FIXING THE PROBLEM. I AGREED TO A VEHICLE BUYOUT OF $1,940.00 FROM FORD ON NOV. 4, 2015. I STILL HAVE NOT RECEIVED THE MONEY AN THUS DO NOT HAVE A VEHICLE. FORD CO. IS NOT HELPING ME AND I DO NOT KNOW WHAT TO DO AT THIS POINT.

Mileage: 88,000

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2000 FORD WINDSTAR. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALER FOR NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 15V608000 (SUSPENSION) AND THE REMEDY FOR THE REPAIR DID NOT WORK. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE DEALER ALSO INSPECTED AND SERVICED THE TRANSMISSION, BUT A FAILURE OCCURRED AFTER THE DEALER'S REPAIR. UPON LEAVING THE DEALER, THE SUSPENSION WAS UNSTABLE AND THE VEHICLE STALLED WITHOUT WARNING. THE VEHICLE WAS UNABLE TO BE RESTARTED. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED BACK TO THE DEALER FOR FURTHER INSPECTION AND DIAGNOSTIC TESTING. THE CONTACT WAS STILL WAITING ON THE DEALER TO PROVIDE A PERMANENT REMEDY FOR THE CONDITION OF THE VEHICLE. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE VIN WAS NOT AVAILABLE. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 129,405.

Mileage: 129,405

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2000 FORD WINDSTAR. WHILE DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 65 MPH, THE REAR OF THE VEHICLE VIBRATED. THE VEHICLE WAS DRIVEN TO THE DEALER WHERE IT WAS DIAGNOSED THAT THERE WAS A HOLE UNDER A PATCH INSTALLED DURING A PREVIOUS RECALL REPAIR IN THE REAR AXLE. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 165,000. UPDATED 04/07/16*LJ THE CONSUMER STATED THE REAR AXLE HAD A CRACK AND WAS RUSTED. UPDATED 04/13/16. *JB

Mileage: 165,000

I GOT THIS VAN USED FROM A FAMILY MEMBER THEN CHECKED WITH LOCAL FORD DEALER TO MAKE SHURE RECALL WORK WAS DONE AKA REAR AXLE BEAM AND FRONT SUBFRAME WERE DONE THEY ASSURED ME THAT IT WAS DONE ABOUT 2 MONTHES LATER THE AXLEBEAM BROKE DUE TO COROSION UNDER THE CLAMP THEY PUT ON TO STOP THIS FROM HAPPANING I ALMOST LOST CONTROL OF THE VAN WENT TO THE DEALER NEXT MORNING AND THEY TOLD ME THERE WEAS NOTHING THEY CAN DO AS CASE WAS CLOSED THIS REPAIR DOES NOT FIX THE PROBLEM OR PREVENT IT FROM SEPERATING IF I WAS AT HIGHWAY SPEED THE VAN WHOULD HAVE FLIPPED THEY HAVE SENCE SENT US A LETTER STATING THE CLAMPS MAY NOT HAVE BEEN INSTALLED RIGHT AND WANT TO CHARGE FOR A REPLACEMENT AXLE 300 I WAS TRAVALING 25 MILES AN HOUR WHEN THIS HAPPENED I HAVE MORE PICTURES THEN THIS WILL ALLOW ME TO UPLOAD BUT I HAVE REPLACED THE AXLE USING MY OWN GARADGE SEEING HOW I CANNOT TRUST THE DEALLER

Mileage: 190,000

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2000 FORD WINDSTAR. WHILE DRIVING 50 MPH, THE CONTACT NOTICED AN ABNORMAL NOISE COMING FROM THE FRONT DRIVER SIDE OF THE VEHICLE. IN ADDITION, WHILE REVERSING, THE VEHICLE BEGAN TO SHAKE AND THE CONTACT NOTICED AN ABNORMAL NOISE COMING FROM THE REAR OF THE VEHICLE. THE ABS WARNING LIGHT ILLUMINATED. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALER WHERE IT WAS DIAGNOSED THAT BOTH THE FRONT AND REAR AXLES FRACTURED AND THE BALL JOINTS NEEDED TO BE PLACED ON BOTH AXLES. THE VEHICLE WAS REPAIRED; HOWEVER, THE FAILURE RECURRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 90,000. UPDATED 02/12/16*LJ *CN

Mileage: 90,000

THE REAR AXLE HAS A SIX TO EIGHT INCH HORIZONTAL CRACK IN THE FRONT AND THE BACK SIDE WITH A UPWARD ANGLED CRACK TWO THIRDS THROUGH THE AXLE .HAD BRACKETS INSTALLATION EARLIER RECALL . WAS TOLD THAT IF THE AXLE HAD CRACKED IN THE PREVIOUS REPAIR LOCATION FORD WOULD COVER IT . BUT SINCE IT HAD FAILED IN THE CENTER OF THE AXLE THAT IT WAS NOT THEIR FAULT . BUT OUT OF THE GOODNESS OF THEIR HEART AND IN LIGHT OF CUSTOMER SATISFACTION IF I FELT THAT IT WAS NECESSARY TO HAVE THE REAR AXLE REPLACED THEY WOULD DO IT FOR $ 300.00.

Mileage: 200,000

MY WIFE WAS DRIVING HER VAN WHEN SHE HEARD A CLUNK. SHE WAS TRAVELING AT 25MPH ON A STATE ROAD. UPON INSPECTION WE FOUND THE FRONT SUBFRAME BROKE WHERE THE FRONT SWAY BAR CONNECTS. RESEARCH FOUND A RECALL, BUT MY VIN WAS NOT PART OF IT. FORD CORPORATE TOLD ME I WAS ON MY OWN TO HAVE IT FIXED. THIS IS AN OUTRAGE. THEY SHOULD BE TAKING CARE OF THIS PROBLEM. WHAT DO I DO NEXT?

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2000 FORD WINDSTAR. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE REAR SUSPENSION FAILED WHILE DRIVING 70 MPH CAUSING THE REAR OF THE VEHICLE TO HIT THE PAVEMENT. THE BRAKE LINES WERE FRACTURED. THE CONTACT WAS ABLE TO KEEP THE STEERING WHEEL UNDER CONTROL. THE VEHICLE CAME TO A STOP WHEN IT CRASHED INTO THE GUARDRAIL. A POLICE REPORT WAS FILED. THE CONTACT SUFFERED BRUISES TO THE HIP THAT DID NOT REQUIRE MEDICAL ATTENTION. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO A LOCAL TOW YARD. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT NOTIFIED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS NOT AVAILABLE.

I HAVE A 2000 FORD WINDSTAR MINIVAN. THE VEHICLE BEGAN HANDLING ERRATICALLY WHEN HITTING BUMPS IN THE ROAD. UPON INSPECTION AFTER ARRIVING HOME, THE DRIVER SIDE REAR WHEEL IS TILTED IN AT THE TOP AND THE REAR TRAILING AXLE IS SNAPPED ON THE DRIVER SIDE AT A SPOT PREVIOUSLY REPAIRED UNDER RECALL. THE LOCAL FORD DEALERSHIP CAN'T DO ANYTHING AS THE VEHICLE ISN'T CURRENTLY UNDER RECALL. THIS IS A DANGEROUS PROBLEM THAT WASN'T FIXED PROPERLY THE FIRST TIME AND A MANDATORY RECALL SHOULD BE OPENED.

Mileage: 259,890

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2000 FORD WINDSTAR. WHILE DRIVING AT APPROXIMATELY 35 MPH, AN ABNORMAL RATTLING NOISE WAS COMING FROM THE REAR OF THE VEHICLE. THE FAILURE RECURRED ON SEVERAL OCCASIONS WHILE DRIVING AT VARIOUS SPEEDS. THE CONTACT ALSO STATED THAT ON ONE OCCASION, THE REAR DRIVERS SIDE WHEEL EMITTED SMOKE. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO THE DEALER WHERE IT WAS DISCOVERED THAT BOTH REAR WHEELS WERE BENT INWARD. AS A RESULT, THE REAR AXLE, REAR COIL SPRINGS AND REAR AXLE ASSEMBLY NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE REAR TIRES WERE ALSO DAMAGED AND NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE VEHICLE WAS REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 129,000.

Mileage: 129,000

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2000 FORD WINDSTAR. WHILE DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 55 MPH, A LOUD POPPING NOISE WAS HEARD COMING FROM THE REAR OF THE VEHICLE. THE VEHICLE SUDDENLY BECAME UNDRIVABLE. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC WHO DIAGNOSED THAT THE REAR AXLE FRACTURED. THE VEHICLE WAS REPAIRED AND, APPROXIMATELY ONE MONTH AFTER THE INITIAL REPAIR, THE FAILURE RECURRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE AND WAS INFORMED THAT THE VEHICLE WAS PREVIOUSLY REPAIRED UNDER NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 10V385000 (SUSPENSION). THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 103,000.

Mileage: 103,000

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2000 FORD WINDSTAR. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE PERFORMING A ROUTINE SERVICE, IT WAS FOUND THAT THE VEHICLE'S UNDER CARRIAGE WAS COMPLETELY CORRODED. THE VEHICLE WAS SERVICED UNDER NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 12V194000 (SUSPENSION); HOWEVER, THE REMEDY FAILED TO REPAIR THE VEHICLE. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 106,000. UPDATED 11/09/15*LJ UPDATED 12/08/15.*JB

Mileage: 106,000

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2000 FORD WINDSTAR. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THERE WAS ABNORMAL SWAYING IN THE REAR OF THE VEHICLE. THE CONTACT MENTIONED THAT THE VEHICLE STARTED EXPERIENCING THE FAILURE AFTER IT WAS REPAIRED UNDER NHTSA CAMPAIGN ID NUMBER: 12V194000 (SUSPENSION). THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALER. THE VEHICLE WAS INSPECTED AND THE TECHNICIAN NOTICED THAT THE REAR TIRES WERE BENT OUTWARD AND THE SUB FRAME WAS CRACKED. THE BRACKETS AND THE BODY MOUNT ATTACHMENTS FAILED TO SUPPORT THE FRAME AND UNDERBODY OF THE VEHICLE. ALSO, AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC INDICATED THAT THE BRACKETS WERE NOT CORRECTLY INSTALLED TO SUPPORT THE FRAME. THE MECHANIC RETAINED THE VEHICLE FOR PARTS AND INDICATED THAT THE REPAIR WAS EXTENSIVE. THE CONTACT NO LONGER OWNS THE VEHICLE. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE AND REFUSED TO PROVIDE A REMEDY BECAUSE THE RECALL REPAIR WAS ALREADY COMPLETED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS NOT AVAILABLE.

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2000 FORD WINDSTAR. WHILE DRIVING AT APPROXIMATELY 15 TO 20 MPH, THE REAR AXLE SNAPPED IN HALF WITHOUT WARNING. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT DIAGNOSED OR REPAIRED. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE FAILURE WAS DIRECTLY RELATED TO NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 12V195000 (SUSPENSION); HOWEVER, THE VEHICLE WAS NOT INCLUDED IN THE RECALL. THE MANUFACTURER WAS MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 160,000.

Mileage: 160,000

ON MY WAY HOME FROM WORK ON FRIDAY JULY 24, 2015 AT ABOUT 10:00 P.M. THE BACK OF MY 2000 FORD WINDSTAR STARTED BOUNCING. I SLOWED DOWN FORTUNATELY AND A FEW BLOCKS LATER THERE WAS LOUD BANG AND THE VAN VEERED INTO A RIGHT TURN AND SPUN AROUND COMING TO A STOP LESS THAN A FOOT FROM A LARGE LIGHT POLE. I WAS CLOSE ENOUGH TO WALK TO MY HOUSE AND I CALLED AAA AND THEY TOWED THE VAN BACK TO MY WORKPLACE. UPON INSPECTION I SAW THAT THE AXLE HAD SNAPPED IN TWO RIGHT NEXT TO A REPAIR THAT FORD HAD PREVIOUSLY DONE UNDER A RECALL. WHEN I CALLED FORD'S CUSTOMER SERVICE I WAS INFORMED THAT THE AXLE RECALL HAD BEEN SUCCESSFULLY COMPLETED IN 2010 AND ANY FURTHER ISSUES WITH THIS VEHICLE ARE NOT THEIR PROBLEM. I AM VERY LUCKY THAT I WAS NOT ON AN EXPRESSWAY WHEN THIS HAPPEND AS IT WOULD LIKELY BE ONE OF MY FAMILY MEMBERS WRITING THIS AND NOT ME, NOT TO MENTION OTHER VEHICLES THAT MAY HAVE BEEN AROUND ME AT THE TIME. I WOULD NOW WORRY ABOUT ANY WINDSTARS DRIVING AROUND ME.

Mileage: 145,169

I BOUGHT MY VAN USED JUST A MONTH BEFORE I NOTICED THIS DEFECT, I CAME OUTSIDE TO GET IN THE VAN AND NOTICED THE REAR WHEELS LEANING SLIGHTLY INWARD AT THE TOP. MY SON IN LAW INSPECTED IT FURTHER TO DISCOVER THAT THE REAR AXLE HAD BENT. UPON FURTHER INVESTIGATION WE DISCOVERED THAT THERE HAD BEEN A RECALL ON ALL FORD WINDSTAR MODELS BETWEEN 1998 AND 2003. WE NOTIFIED FORD AND THEY TOLD US THAT THIS VEHICLE HAD ALREADY BEEN RECALLED AND REPAIRED IN 2011 AND THE REPAIR HAD A 12 MONTH WARRANTY. MY SON IN LAW CHECKED AND SURE ENOUGH THERE WERE REPAIR SLEEVES WRAPPED AROUND THE REAR AXLE AT BOTH ENDS. THIS REPAIR DID NOT FIX THE ORIGINAL PROBLEM BECAUSE THE REAR AXLE HAD CRACKED RIGHT UNDER WHERE THE REPAIR SLEEVE WAS PLACED AND HAD BENT BAD, BAD ENOUGH THAT BOTH REAR TIRES WERE RUBBING THE INNER FENDERS AT THE TOP AND THE VAN WAS SITTING MUCH LOWER IN THE REAR END THAN IT SHOULD HAVE BEEN. THANK GOD I HAD NOTICED THE PROBLEM BEFORE THE AXLE COMPLETELY CRACKED IN HALF THE REST OF THE WAY BECAUSE THERE IS NOTHING ELSE HOLDING THE REAR WHEELS ONTO THE VEHICLE AND IF I WAS DRIVING THE WHEEL AND PART OF THE AXLE COULD HAVE FLOWN OFF TO WHO KNOWS WHERE AND POSSIBLY KILLED ME AND WHOEVER ELSE WAS IN THE VAN. I'VE HAD TO COMPLETELY REPLACE THE REAR AXLE WITH ANOTHER PART FROM ANOTHER VAN WHICH IS ALSO DEFECTIVE AND WILL SOON HAVE TO BE REPLACED AGAIN. FORD TAKES NO RESPONSIBILITY FOR THIS PAST THE ORIGINAL "FIX" WHICH WAS WARRANTIED FOR ONLY 12 MONTHS. THE RECALL WAS NOT A GOOD FIX AND SEEMS TO HAVE ONLY BEEN A BAND AID TO KEEP CUSTOMERS QUIET UNTIL THE WARRANTY ON IT RUNS OUT. I HAVE DONE RESEARCH ONLINE AND FOUND THAT THIS IS NOT AN ISOLATED INCIDENT AND IN FACT HAS HAPPENED TO MANY HUNDREDS OF PEOPLE, COINCIDENTALLY AROUND THE SAME TIME AS MY INCIDENT HAPPENED.

Mileage: 130,000

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2000 FORD WINDSTAR. WHILE MAKING A RIGHT TURN, THE VEHICLE FELT AS IF IT WERE DRIVING OVER A BUMP. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC. THE TECHNICIAN DIAGNOSED THAT THE REAR AXLE WAS FRACTURED AND NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE CONTACT MENTIONED THAT THE VEHICLE WAS PREVIOUSLY REPAIRED UNDER AN UNKNOWN MANUFACTURER RECALL. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 285,000.

Mileage: 285,000

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2000 FORD WINDSTAR. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE COMING TO A COMPLETE STOP, A LOUD POPPING NOISE EMITTED OUTSIDE OF THE VEHICLE AND THE REAR END COLLAPSED. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO THE CONTACT'S RESIDENCE. IN 2011, THE VEHICLE WAS REPAIRED UNDER NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 10V385000 (SUSPENSION); HOWEVER, THE REMEDY WAS INSUFFICIENT. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 176,000.

Mileage: 176,000

CORRECTED RECALL WAS NOT DONE EFFECTIVELY WITHIN TWO YEARS OF REPAIRED RECALL BEAM AXLE FAILED AT THE END OF THE REPAIRED AREA.

Mileage: 133,000

TL* THE CONTACT OWNED A 2000 FORD WINDSTAR. WHILE DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 40 MPH, THE VEHICLE STRUCK A BUMP IN THE ROAD AND BEGAN TO SWAY. THE CONTACT LOST CONTROL OF THE VEHICLE, STRUCK A FIRE HYDRANT, FLIPPED OVER THREE TIMES, AND LANDED UPSIDE DOWN. THE DRIVER AND THE FRONT PASSENGER WERE KNOCKED UNCONSCIOUS. THE PASSENGER IN THE REAR OF THE VEHICLE WAS NOT WEARING A SEAT BELT AND WAS NEARLY THROWN FROM THE VEHICLE. ALL OF THE PASSENGERS SUSTAINED INJURIES THAT REQUIRED MEDICAL ATTENTION. A POLICE REPORT WAS FILED. THE VEHICLE WAS A DESTROYED. THE VIN WAS INCLUDED IN NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 11V030000 (STRUCTURE); HOWEVER, THE CONTACT NEVER RECEIVED THE NOTICE. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 117,000.

Mileage: 117,000

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2000 FORD WINDSTAR. WHILE DRIVING AT A LOW SPEED, THE CONTACT HEARD A LOUD NOISE AND A BURNING RUBBER ODOR. UPON FURTHER INSPECTION, THE CONTACT NOTICED THAT THE REAR PASSENGER TIRE WAS RUBBING ON THE FRAME OF THE VEHICLE. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO A DEALER. THE TECHNICIAN DIAGNOSED THAT THE REAR AXLE NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE VEHICLE WAS PREVIOUSLY REPAIRED UNDER NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 12V195000 (SUSPENSION). THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 117,000.

Mileage: 117,000

I BROUGHT MY CAR INTO THE DEALERSHIP IN RESPONSE TO THE TSB LETTER THAT I RECEIVED REGARDING THE REAR AXLE PREMATURE FAILURE BACK IN FEB OF 2011. THEY PERFORMED RECALL (10S13) WHERE THEY INSPECTED AXLE (FOUND NO CRACKS), INSTALLED BRACKETS AND PAINTED THE AXLE. 4 YEARS LATER ALMOST TO THE DAY OF RECEIVING THIS "FIX" I NOTICED THAT THE DRIVER'S SIDE REAR WHEEL WAS CAVING IN AT THE TOP, WHICH WAS A SIGN FOR BREAKING REAR AXLE. I BROUGHT IT INTO THE DEALERSHIP TO HAVE IT INSPECTED AND THEY CONFIRMED THAT IT WAS BROKEN REAR AXLE. I REQUESTED IT TO BE REPAIRED UNDER THE SAME RECALL BUT WAS REFUSED SERVICE DUE TO THE SERVICE THAT I RECEIVED IN 2011. I CALLED FORD'S WARRANTY CUSTOMER SERVICE HOTLINE BUT WAS REFUSED FOR ANY KIND OF SUPPORT. OBVIOUSLY FORD'S "FIX" WAS NOT ENOUGH TO RECTIFY THIS SAFETY ISSUE, SO I THINK THEY SHOULD REIMBURSE ANY COSTS RELATED TO GETTING THE REAR AXLE REPLACED. THE COST OF REPAIR IN TOTAL WAS $800.37. *TR

Mileage: 131,852

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2000 FORD WINDSTAR. WHILE DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 30 MPH, AN UNUSUAL NOISE WAS HEARD AND THE REAR DRIVER SIDE OF THE VEHICLE SLIGHTLY COLLAPSED ONTO THE GROUND. THE VEHICLE WAS MANEUVERED TO THE SIDE OF THE ROAD WHERE THE CONTACT NOTICED THAT THE REAR AXLE FRACTURED AND CAUSED THE TIRE TO TILT INWARDLY. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO THE CONTACT'S RESIDENCE. IN 2010, THE VEHICLE WAS REPAIRED UNDER NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 12V195000 (SUSPENSION). THE FAILURE RECENTLY RECURRED AND THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE ISSUE. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 218,000. THE VIN WAS UNAVAILABLE.

Mileage: 218,000

TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2000 FORD WINDSTAR. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE DRIVING AT APPROXIMATELY 50 MPH, THERE WAS AN ABNORMAL NOISE COMING FROM THE REAR AND THE VEHICLE VEERED TO THE LEFT AND RIGHT. THE CONTACT DISCOVERED THAT THE REAR AXLE FRACTURED. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC, WHO DIAGNOSED THAT THE REAR AXLE NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE VEHICLE WAS REPAIRED UNDER NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 12V195000 (SUSPENSION) BUT THE FAILURE RECURRED THREE YEARS LATER. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE REMEDY FAILED TO REPAIR THE VEHICLE. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 109,723.

Mileage: 109,723

TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2000 FORD WINDSTAR. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE DRIVING AT 5 MPH, THE REAR AXLE FRACTURED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT DIAGNOSED OR REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 129,000.

Mileage: 129,000

I WAS DRIVING AND WITHOUT ANY WARNING THE VAN JUST MADE A HUGE SOUND, AND WENT LEFT TO RIGHT AND BACK SEVERAL TIMES. VERY SCARY! I ALMOST LOST CONTROL OF IT. I HAD JUST LEFT THE HIGHWAY! I MANAGED TO SLOW DOWN AND MOVE THE VAN BY THE SIDE OF THE STREET. AFTER FULL STOP, WENT TO LOOK AND NOTICED THAT THE REAR AXLE WAS ALMOST TOUCHING THE GROUND AND LOOKED BROKEN IN HALF! I REMEMBER THE VAN WENT THRU A RECALL IN 2012 (07-19-2012) AND HAD BEEN TAKING CARE BY SUNTRUP FORD. I FOUND THE PAPERS TODAY ABOUT THAT RECALL AND THE INVOICE FROM THE DEALERSHIP WITH THE LISTING OF THE WORK DONE PER FORD. MY TAKE IS THAT THE RECALL WAS NOT DONE PROPERLY OR THE RECALL WAS NOT DEMANDING ENOUGH. THE BRACKETS INSTALLED DID NOT DO THE JOB TO MAKE THIS VEHICLE SAFE! I TOOK PHOTOS. *TR

Mileage: 160,000

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2000 FORD WINDSTAR. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE REAR AXLE REINFORCEMENT BRACKETS BECAME FRACTURED. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE VEHICLE WAS SERVICED UNDER NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 10V385000 (SUSPENSION) SEVERAL MONTHS AGO. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE RECALL REMEDY FAILED TO REPAIR THE VEHICLE. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED BACK TO THE DEALER. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 189,000. THE VINE WAS UNAVAILABLE.

Mileage: 189,000

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2000 FORD WINDSTAR. WHILE DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 10 MPH, THE REAR AXLE FRACTURED. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO THE CONTACT'S RESIDENCE AND HAS NOT BEEN REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 157,000.

Mileage: 157,000

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2000 FORD WINDSTAR. THE CONTACT INDICATED THAT THERE WAS EXTENSIVE RUST ON THE UNDERBODY, FRAME, BRACKETS, AND OTHER COMPONENTS OF THE VEHICLE. ALSO, THE SUSPENSION WAS UNSTABLE. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO AN INDEPENDENT REPAIR SHOP WHERE IT WAS DIAGNOSED THAT THE VEHICLE WAS UNSAFE TO DRIVE. THE TECHNICIAN STATED THAT THE FRAME MAY FRACTURE AND THE RUST TO THE FRAME AND UNDERBODY WAS EXTENSIVE AND ALMOST CORRODED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT INCLUDED IN NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBERS: 12V194000 (SUSPENSION), 10V385000 (SUSPENSION), AND 11V030000 (STRUCTURE). THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 86,000.

Mileage: 86,000

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2000 FORD WINDSTAR. WHILE DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 30 MPH, THE VEHICLE VIBRATED VIOLENTLY AND MADE A LOUD DRAGGING NOISE. AFTER INSPECTING THE VEHICLE, THE CONTACT NOTICED THAT THE REAR AXLE WAS FRACTURED. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC WHO STATED THAT THE REAR AXLE FRACTURED DUE TO EXCESSIVE CORROSION AND NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER STATED THAT THE VIN WAS EXCLUDED FROM NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 12V193000 (POWER TRAIN). THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 85,000.

Mileage: 85,000

WHILE DRIVING THE VEHICLE I FELT THE REAR AXLE BEND. *TR

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2000 FORD WINDSTAR. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE DRIVING AT APPROXIMATELY 35 MPH, THE REAR PASSENGER AXLE BECAME FRACTURED. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC WHO STATED THAT THE REAR PASSENGER SIDE AXLE WAS FRACTURED DUE TO CORROSION. THE VEHICLE WAS REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE AND CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 100,000. UPDATED 09/02/14*LJ UPDATED 11/18/2014 *JS

Mileage: 100,000

MY VAN HAS HAD WEIRD SWAYING ISSUES WHEN GOING VERY SLOWLY OR FAST LIKE HIGHWAY SPEEDS. FINALLY THE OTHER DAY, THE AXLE BROKE. THE REAR ONE. THAT WAS RECALLED. THEY WERE SO BAD IN THESE VEHICLES, FORD WAS BUYING THEM BACK AND GIVING PEOPLE RENTAL CARS UNTIL THEY WERE FIXED. I WAS TOLD THEY WON'T FIX IT AT A DEALERSHIP, THEN FORD SAID THE SAME! THEY WON'T FIX A PART THAT IS BROKEN AFTER HAVING A KNOWN PROBLEM, SO KNOWN THAT THERE WAS A HUGE RECALL AND THEY WERE DOING BUYBACKS BECAUSE OF IT? BUT THEY WON'T FIX MINE? I HAVE TO WALK MILES TO THE GROCERY STORE AND MILES TO WORK. THIS SHOULDN'T BE MY PROBLEM. MY ENTIRE FAMILY WAS IN THE VAN WHEN IT BROKE. THEY ALL COULD HAVE DIED! FORD DOESN'T CARE! THEY WON'T EVEN FIX A PART THAT THEY KNOW THEY SCREWED UP ON AND WERE FIXING! SUCH CRAP. *TR

Mileage: 139,000

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2000 FORD WINDSTAR. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE DEALER INSPECTED THE VEHICLE AND STATED THAT THERE WAS EROSION AND CRACKING AROUND THE AXLE. THE CONTACT RECEIVED A RECALL NOTIFICATION FOR NHTSA CAMPAIGN ID NUMBER: 10V385000 (SUSPENSION), HOWEVER THE CONTACTS STATE WAS NOT APART OF THE RECALL, AS IT ONLY COVERED THE NORTH EASTERN PART OF THE UNITED STATES WHERE CONCENTRATED USE OF SALT ON ROAD SURFACED WAS USED TO MELT AND/OR BREAK UP ROAD SURFACE ICE. . THE MANUFACTURER WAS MADE AWARE OF THE ISSUE. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 148,900. THE CONSUMER STATED WHILE WORKING ON THE REAR AIR CONDITIONING UNIT, A CRACK WAS OBSERVED ON THE REAR AXLE. THE CRACK WAS LOCATED ON THE AXLE A DISTANCE FROM THE LEFT REAR, DRIVER'S SIDE WHEEL. THE CONSUMER STATED DURING THE EXAMINATION OF THE REAR SUSPENSION SYSTEM, IT WAS EASY TO SEE THAT THERE WAS AN OPENING IN THE AXLE STRUCTURE WHERE THE COIL SPRING INTERFACED THE AXLE. THE OPENING ALLOWED SALT CONCENTRATED ROAD SPRAY TO ENTER THE INTERNAL STRUCTURE OF THE AXLE AND SETTLE TO ITS LOWEST POINT. SINCE THE AXLE HAD NO DRAIN HOLES TO ALLOW FOR TRAPPED ROAD SPRAY TO DRAIN AWAY, THE SALT CONCENTRATED ROAD SPRAY WOULD IN FACT SET UP CORROSION WITHIN THE INTERNAL STRUCTURE OF THE AXLE WHICH, OVER TIME WOULD WEAKEN THE STRENGTH OF THE REAR AXLE ALLOWING FATIGUE CRACKS TO APPEAR. UPDATED 07/16/14 UPDATED 09/16/14*LJ UPDATED 1/15/15 *JS

Mileage: 148,900

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2000 FORD WINDSTAR SW. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE TRAVELING 65 MPH, THE REAR AXLE BECAME FAILED AND RESULTED IN THE VEHICLE SPINNING OUT OF CONTROL UNTIL CRASHING. THE DETAILS OF THE CRASH WERE UNKNOWN. THERE WERE NO INJURIES. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED FROM THE SCENE AND THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. A PRIVATE MECHANIC INSPECTED THE VEHICLE AND CONFIRMED THAT THE REAR AXLE FAILED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 150,000.

Mileage: 150,000

THERE IN NO ACCIDENT YET BUT CAN HAPPENS AT ANY TIME !!! EXTENSIVE COROSION ON FRONT SUBFRAME A SPECIALLY ON FRONT CONTROL ARM LEFT AND RIGHT SIDE. VECHICLE WHEN DRIVING IS IMPOSED TO VIBRATION COMMING FROM FROM LEFT SIDE. ANY BUMP AND HOLE CREATE HAMMERING NOISE FROM FROM SUSPENSION. AFTER VISUAL INSPECTION NOTICED EXTENSIVE CORROSION TO BOTH FRONT CONTROL ARMS. THEY CAN SEPARATE AT ANY TIME. CAR WAS INSPECTED ON JAN 04, 2014 AND ON JAN 24 ,2011 AND NOTICE WAS GIVEN "RECAL COMPLETED" TIME OF THE REACLL COMPLETED IN 0.3 HOURS !!! THERE WAS NO DOCUMENTS GIVEN TO OWNER OR ANY EXPLANATION WHAT WAS WRONG WITH THE CAR. CURENTLY BOTH FRONT CONTROL ARM ARE ALMOST ARE 95% CORODED SO THE NOTE AS "RECALL COMPLETED" WAS ONLY A JOKE. HOW THE CONTROL ARM CAN BE COMPLETLY CORODED IN 2 YEARS ?? THERE WAS ANOTHER DEALER SERVICE - RECALL VISIT ON JUL 11,2011 WITH THE SAME ISSUE AND THIS TIME THE "RECALL COMPLETED" TAKE ONLY 1.8 HR. NO INFORMATION WAS GIVEN WHAT WAS DONE AND WHAT PARTS WAS REPAIR.. I WAS VISITET LOCAL DEALERSHIP SERVICE IN NEW BERN AND WAS GIVEN INFORMATION THAT THERE IS NO RECALL ON MY VECHICLE EVEN THE NHTSA ISSUE REALL ON THE SAME PROBLEM ON MAY 2012. FORD DO NOT LIKE TO ADMIT THAT IS A SERIOUS PROBLEM AND NEED TO BE TAKEN CARE. HOW MANY PEOPLE NEED TO BE KILLED IN THE ACCIDENT TILL FORD WILL FINALLY ADMIT THAT IS A SERIOUS PROBLEM AND POTENTIAL OF THE DEADLY ACCIDENT THAT CAN HAPPENS AT ANY TIME. I DO NOT LIKE TO HEAR "IM SORRY" FROM ANY FORD CEO WHEN SOMEONE FROM MY FAMILY WILL LOST LIFE IF NEEDED PICTURES OF THE CORODED ARMS CAN BE SENT AT ANY TIME. CAR WAS IN USE FROM 2000-2011 IN MICHIGAN AND NOW AS WE MOVED IS USED IN NORTH CAROLINA. *TR

Mileage: 120,000

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2000 FORD WINDSTAR. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE DRIVING 10 MPH, THE FRONT END OF THE VEHICLE BEGAN TO SHAKE. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALER FOR INSPECTION WHERE THEY STATED THAT BOTH OF THE FRONT CONTROL ARMS NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 160,000.

Mileage: 160,000

THE REAR AXEL BROKE. CONTACTED FORD BECAUSE THIS WAS A RECALL THAT THEY JUST PUT BRACKETS OVER PARTS OF THE AXEL. IT STILL BROKE DUE TO CORROSION. WHEN I CONTACTED FORD THEY SAID THERE WAS NOTHING THEY COULD DO BECAUSE THEY PUT BRACKETS ON AND THAT FIXED IT BUT IT STILL BROKE RIGHT WHERE THEY SAID IT WAS GOING TO. *TT

Mileage: 124,505

THE REAR AXLE CRACKED. *TR

Mileage: 159,000

I NEEDED AN ALIGNMENT AND NEW TIRES AND HAVE A CLUNKING SOUND IN THE FRONT END CHECKED OUT ON MY VAN SO I BROUGHT IT TO KEENE AUTOMOTIVE IN DANSVILLE NEW YORK. WHILE I WAS THERE I ALSO HAD A NEW INNER TIE ROD END PUT IN. AFTER HE WAS DONE THE OWNER BOB KEENE BROUGHT ME OUT TO THE SHOP FLOOR AND SHOWED ME ON THE COMPUTER FOR ALIGNMENT WAS SHOWING THAT THERE WAS A DEGREE OF CAMBER OFF ON THE DRIVERS SIDE WHICH HE FEELS WAS CAUSED BY THE FIX JOB THAT WAS DONE TO THE SUBFRAME BY FORD. HE ALSO SHOWED ME IN SPOTS WHERE THE SUB FRAME WAS ROTTING BENEATH FORDS FIX IT JOB THAT WAS DONE IN JULY OF LAST YEAR FOR THE RECALL . I AM UNSURE AS TO WHAT TO DO IN THIS SCENARIO I AM STILL DRIVING THE VEHICLE AS KEENE STATED IT WAS SAFE FOR A SHORT TIME. I AM NOT ABLE TO AFFORD A NEW VEHICLE RIGHT NOW I AM THE ONLY ONE WORKING AND SUPPORTING A FAMILY OF 5. *TR

WHEN SHIFTING THE CAR INTO P, R, N, OR D, IT MAKES A LOUD THUMPING SOUND AND MAKES THE WHOLE CAR JERK. WHEN I TURN THE STEERING WHEEL YOU CAN HEAR A LOUD GRINDING, CREAKY CRACKING LIKE NOISE COMING FROM THE FRONT OF THE CAR. *TR

Mileage: 105,259

DRIVING HOME FROM WORK. GOING 20 MPH. HEARD A CLUNK, THEN A BIG BAM. FRONT TIRE WAS BLOWN. PULLED INTO AN EMPTY PARKING LOT. HAD VEHICLE TOWED BACK TO WHERE I WORK (TOYOTA DEALER). SERVICE LOOKED AT IT THE NEXT DAY. THE LEFT FRONT AXLE BROKE. IT ALSO NEEDS A NEW TIRE, SPRING, STRUT AND ABS SENSOR. I'VE HAD ALL THE RECALLS PERFORMED. I'VE ALWAYS DONE THE SERVICE NEEDED. OUR SERVICE DEPARTMENT CHECKS IT OUT EVERY YEAR TO MAKE SURE IT'S SAFE. I'M LUCKY THAT I DIDN'T HIT ANYONE AND WAS ABLE TO KEEP IT UNDER CONTROL. *TR

Mileage: 173,599

WHILE HAVING NEW TIRES INSTALLED, I WAS MADE AWARE THAT THE SUB FRAME WAS RUSTED AND HAD HOLES IN IT. I HAD GOT A RECALL NOTICE THE DAY AFTER FORD PUT A NEW REAR AXLE IN THE WINDSTAR. (DID THEY NOT KNOW ABOUT THE NEW RECALL?) AFTER HAVING THE SUB FRAME KIT PARTS INSTALLED, THE PASSENGER SIDE SUB FRAME WAS PERFORATED, THE NOISE FROM THE RIGHT SIDE UNDER PASSENGER FEET STARTED. I WENT BACK TO DEALER THAT DID THE REPAIRS (BILL BROWN IN LIVONIA, MI>) THEY SAID EVERYTHING WAS TIGHT AND VEHICLE IS SAFE TO DRIVE. THE NOISE HAS GOT WORSE AND LOUDER. I CALLED FORD IN DEARBORN AND THEY SAID IF BILL BROWN SAYS ITS SAFE THEN IT IS SAFE? I HAVE TO DRIVE THIS CAR AND THE FACT THAT IS MAKES NOISE HAS ME CONCERNED. RAN IT BY BILL BROWN AFTER 6 MONTHS AND TOOK THE SERVICE GUY FOR A RIDE AND HE SAID HE SHOULD LOOK AT IT. THE CAR STARTED TO PULL TO LEFT AND I WENT TO THE TIRE SHOP. WENT BY FOR A TIRE ROTATION AND ALIGNMENT, WAS INFORMED THE SUB FRAME IS CRACKED AND ONLY HAS 10 PERCENT OF METAL LEFT HOLDING IT TOGETHER. GOING TO DEALER THIS WEEK...................LETS SEE IF IT IS SAFE TO DRIVE STILL! *TR

Mileage: 137,000

11S16 EXAMPLE TEMPLATE, FRONT LOWER CONTROL ARM: SEE SUSPENSION AND STRUCTURE OF VEHICLE. I DO NOT SEE A RECALL THAT VISIBLY INCLUDES CALIFORNIA AS A RECALL STATE. I HAVE DEFINITELY EXPERIENCED THIS OR A SIMILAR ISSUE. THERE APPEARS TO BE A LARGE SCALE RECALL AND BUYBACK PROGRAM. MY VEHICLE WAS POSITIVELY IDENTIFIED FOR THE CRUISE CONTROL/SPEED CONTROL RECALL AND SERVICED AT GOSCH FORD IN HEMET, CA. I EXPERIENCED MORE ISSUES THAN ONLY THAT, OR EVEN THAN THAT AND THE ABOVE. CONTACT FOR MORE INFORMATION. NOT LIMITED TO ONLY THIS RECALL, VEHICLE EXPERIENCED SEVERAL ISSUES, MANY OF WHICH WERE ATTENDED TO WITH OUT OF POCKET FUNDS, EITHER TO PREVENT, OR DUE TO, MECHANICAL BREAKDOWN/FAILURE. PLEASE ALSO CONSIDER AXLE RECALL, AND ADDITIONAL FOR THIS VEHICLE. I NEED AN ASSESSMENT DONE ON MY FORD 2000 WINDSTAR LX SO I MAY BE COMPENSATED FOR THE TOTAL COSTS AND DAMAGES AND HAVE THE VEHICLE REPLACED OR COMPLETELY REPAIRED TO A SAFE, DRIVABLE CONDITION. (RIGHT FRONT CORNER OF VEHICLE COLLIDED WITH AN OBJECT, PART(S) FAILURE APPARENT AS WHAT APPEARS TO BE THE FRONT LOWER CONTROL ARM IS DETACHED. A SEPARATION OF A FRONT LOWER CONTROL ARM REAR ATTACHING BRACKET MAY RESULT IN A LOWER CONTROL ARM SEPARATION. A SEPARATION OF BOTH FRONT SUBFRAME REAR BODY MOUNTS MAY RESULT IN SEPARATION OF THE STEERING INTERMEDIATE SHAFT. EITHER CONDITION COULD RESULT IN SIGNIFICANT LOSS OF STEERING CONTROL, INCREASING THE RISK OF A CRASH. FRONT *TR

Mileage: 147,000

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2000 FORD WINDSTAR. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE DRIVING 20 MPH, THE REAR AXLE FRACTURED. THE CONTACT ALSO STATED THAT THE VEHICLE WAS SERVICED UNDER NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 12V195000 (SUSPENSION) HOWEVER, THE FAILURE WAS NOT CORRECTED. THE VEHICLE WAS DESTROYED. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE AND CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 220,000.

Mileage: 220,000

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2000 FORD WINDSTAR. THE CONTACT STATED WHILE DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 30 MPH, THE FRONT END OF THE VEHICLE BEGAN TO SWAY CONTINUOUSLY. THE FAILURE OCCURRED TWICE. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC WHO STATED THE FAILURE WAS CONTRIBUTED TO THE REAR AXLE AND BOTH FRONT CONTROL ARMS. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 127,000.

Mileage: 127,000

2000 FORD WINDSTAR. CONSUMER WRITES IN REGARDS TO DEFECTIVE REAR AXLE ASSEMBLY IN VEHICLE. *SMD THE CONSUMER STATED SHE NOTICED A CLUNKING SOUND WHEN SHE BACKED OUT OF HER DRIVEWAY, BUT DIDN'T THINK MUCH OF UNTIL THE SECOND WEEK IN FEBRUARY, WHEN IT HAPPENED AGAIN, BUT IT WAS MUCH LOUDER. THE REAR END OF THE VEHICLE FELT AS THOUGH IT WAS SWAYING, WHEN SHE DROVE OVER A BUMP IN THE ROAD, THE CONSUMER TOOK THE VEHICLE TO A MECHANIC, WHERE A HUGE CRACK WAS FOND IN THE REAR AXLE'S MAN BAR. THE MECHANIC INFORMED THE CONSUMER A RECALL HAD BEEN ISSUED FOR THE SAME PROBLEM. WHEN THE CONSUMER AND THE MECHANIC CONTACTED THE LOCAL FORD DEALER, THEY WERE TOLD THERE WE NO RECALLS ASSOCIATED FOR THE VEHICLE IDENTIFICATION NUMBER.

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2000 FORD WINDSTAR. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE SUB FRAME WAS RUSTED AND CORRODED. THE VEHICLE WAS PREVIOUSLY REPAIRED UNDER NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 10V385000 (SUSPENSION) BUT TO NO AVAIL. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALER, WHO ADVISED THAT THE SUBFRAME WOULD NEED REPLACING. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE BUT PROVIDED NO ASSISTANCE. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 175,000.

Mileage: 175,000

THE FIRST TIME MY WIFE WAS DRIVING OUR 2000 FORD WINDSTAR VAN LX. SHE WAS CROSSING OVER A BRIDGE AND THE REAR AXLE BROKE IN HAVE.THE VAN WAS TOWED TO OUR MECHANIC HE PUT ANOTHER REAR AXLE ON, TO THE TUNE OF 1,750 DOLLARS. THE YEAR THAT WAS 2007. FAST FORWARD TO FEB.2, 2013 I'M BACKING OUT OF OUR DRIVEWAY AND GUESS WHAT HAPPENS, YOU GUESSED IT THE REAR AXLE BREAKS AGAIN. *TR

Mileage: 96,656

I BOUGHT THE 2000 FORD WINDSTAR ON 09/12/2012. IT HAD 125,000 MILES. AFTER I BOUGHT IT I IMMEDIATELY TOOK IT TO THE MECHANIC SHOP TO HAVE THEM CHECK IT OVER. THEY FOUND THAT THE OUTER AND INNER TIE ROD ENDS NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. ALSO, THE MECHANICS FOUND THAT THE TRANSMISSION MOUNTS NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. ALSO, THE FRONT STRUTS AND THE REAR SHOCKS NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. ALSO, THE FRONT ENGINE MOUNT NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. I HAD ALL THAT WORK COMPLETED FOR AROUND $1,500. THEN A FEW MONTHS LATER, THE VEHICLE BROKE DOWN IN MY FRONT YARD. I TURNED THE VEHICLE OFF AND LOOKED UNDER THE HOOD AND THE SERPANTINE BELT WAS SNAPPED IN HALF AND THE VEHICLE WAS SMOKING A LITTLE BIT. A HAD THE VEHICLE TOWED TO THE MECHANICS FOR $50. THE MECHANICS DIAGNOSED THE POWERTRAIN. THE MECHANICS FOUND THAT THE A/C COMPRESSOR CLUTCH NEEDED TO BE REPLACED AND IT ALSO HAD TO HAVE A EVAC AND RECHARGE THE A/C SYSTEM. THIS COSTED ME $705.98. A FEW MONTHS LATER, WHICH IS NOW, ON 12/21/2012, THE VEHICLE IS STARTING TO MAKE A LOUD CLICKING NOISE FROM THE ENGINE, OR ATLEAST I THINK IT IS THE ENGINE. WHILE I WAS DRIVING, THE VEHICLE SLOWED DOWN LIKE THERE WAS A POWER SURGE OR SOMETHING, LIKE IT WAS GOING TO BRAKE DOWN, SO I IMMEDIATELY PUT THE HAZARD LIGHTS ON AND DROVE 15-20 MILES BELOW THE SPEED LIMIT, ALL THE WAY UNTIL I COULD MAKE IT SAFELY BACK HOME. I DON'T KNOW WHAT IS WRONG WITH IT THIS TIME. I HAVE ALREADY INVESTED ALMOST $2,000 INTO THIS VEHICLE AND I HAVE ONLY OWNED IT FOR ABOUT 3 MONTHS! *TR

Mileage: 125,067

ON 8/12/12 AS I WAS DRIVING TO NEW YORK I NOTICE THAT EVERY TIME THERE IS A WEIGHT TRANSFER I HEARD A CLUNKING SOUND ON THE RIGHT FRONT, AFTER RETURNING TO NEW JERSEY I TOOK THE VEHICLE TO SEARS AUTO TO HAVE IT CHECK OUT AND WAS TOLD AND SHOWN THE DEFECT WAS WITH THE FRAME WORK WHICH A RECALL WAS DONE FOR IN 2011. THE REPAIR THAT THE DID IN 2011 TO THE FRAME WAS IN MY OPINION A DEATH TRAP AND I WOULD SUGGEST THAT YOU SEND A INSPECTOR TO INSPECT THE REPAIR THAT FORD SAID THEY DID TO THESE FRAME WORK, THE STRAP THAT THEY PUT ON THE FRAME IN MY OPINION IS LIKE PUTTING A BAND AID ON A THIRD DEGREE BURN. I TOOK THE VEHICLE BACK TO FORD DEALER IN HACKENSACK NJ AND THEY ARE GIVING ME A HARD TIME, MY VEHICLE HAS BEEN THERE FROM FRIDAY AND TODAY IS SATURDAY @ 1430 THEY STILL HAVEN'T LOOK AT IT, MAYBE BECAUSE OF THE COLOR OF MY SKIN THE REALLY DON'T CARE, BUT I DON'T THINK SAFETY SHOULD COME DOWN TO THE COLOR OF A PERSON SKIN. THANKS FOR YOUR HELP. *TR

Mileage: 107,000

ABS LIGHT COMES ON INTERMITTENTLY, NOT SURE IF THEY WORK AFTER THIS. I HAVE HAD IT TO THE REPAIR SHOP REPEATEDLY TO HAVE THE BRAKES AND SENSORS INSPECTED. THIS VEHICLE ALSO LEAKS FROM THE SPEED CONTROL MODULE, INSTRUMENT CLUSTER DIES, AIR CONDITIONING FAILS DUE TO CONTROL MODULE SHORTS, FUSES BLOW, SUSPENSION AND ROT ISSUES. *TR

Mileage: 118,000

ABS LIGHT IS ON INTERMITTENT..../ /OTHER WARNING LIGHTS AND SENSORS ALSO GO ON AND OFF ALOT ! / /ALSO A/C AND SUSPENSION HAVE SIMILAR ISSUES TO PREVIOUS RECALLS..../ /MILEAGE NOW JULY 2012 - IS APPROX 73,400/ *TR

Mileage: 45,000

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2000 FORD WINDSTAR. THE VEHICLE WAS INCLUDED AND REPAIRED UNDER NHTSA CAMPAIGN ID NUMBER: 12V195000 (SUSPENSION:REAR:AXLE:NON-POWERED AXLE ASSEMBLY). LATER, A MECHANIC NOTICED THAT THE REAR AXLE WAS FRACTURED AND DETACHED FROM THE VEHICLE. THE MECHANIC STATED THAT THE BRACKET THAT WAS INSTALLED DURING THE RECALL REPAIR HAD CORRODED. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO THE DEALER FOR DIAGNOSTICS. THE MANUFACTURER WAS MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE AND WAS MAKING A DECISION ON OF ASSISTANCE WOULD BE PROVIDED FOR THE REPAIR. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE VIN WAS NOT AVAILABLE. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 177,000.

Mileage: 177,000

I HAVE A 2000 FORD WINDSTAR. I WAS BACKING OUT OF A PARKING SPACE AND THE REAR AXLE BROKE. IF I HAD BEEN ON THE INTERSTATE THIS COULD HAVE RESULTED IN A VERY BAD ACCIDENT. I WENT TO THE FORD WEB SITE AND THEY CLAIM THERE IS NO RECALL ON THIS MODEL. I FIND THAT HARD TO BELIEVE.. THANKS *TR

Mileage: 189,000

HIT BRAKES AND HEARD POPPING A CRACKING TOOK TO SHOP AND THEY SAID THE FRONT SUBFRAME WAS CRACKED AND NEED TO BE FIXED. *TR

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2000 FORD WINDSTAR. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE VEHICLE WAS INCLUDED IN THE RECALL ASSOCIATED WITH NHTSA CAMPAIGN ID NUMBER: 12V195000 (SUSPENSION:REAR:AXLE:NON-POWERED AXLE ASSEMBLY) AND WAS TAKEN TO AN AUTHORIZED DEALER. THE CONTACT WAS INFORMED THAT THE REAR COIL SPRINGS ALSO NEEDED TO BE REPLACED DUE TO CORROSION. THE REAR COIL SPRINGS WERE NOT INCLUDED IN THE RECALL AND THE CONTACT WAS INFORMED THAT THEY WOULD NOT BE INCLUDED IN THE RECALL REPAIRS. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED AND OFFERED NO ASSISTANCE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 120,000.

Mileage: 120,000

AFTER HEARING A LOUD CRACKING NOISE FROM REAR AREA OF THE 2000 FORD WINDSTAR, HUSBAND INVESTIGATED AND FOUND A LARGE CRACK IN THE REAR AXLE. I CALLED FORD CUSTOMER RELATIONS TODAY WHO AFTER LOOKING AT MY VIN TOLD ME THAT WHILE EVERYTHING IS THE SAME (IE: THE LOCATION OF THE CRACK, YEAR AND MODEL OF THE VEHICLE) AS IN RECALL #10S13, THERE WAS NOTHING THEY COULD DO BECAUSE THE VAN WASN'T MADE AT THE FACILITY THAT THE RECALLED PARTS WERE MADE. HOW IS IT NOT COVERED AND IT'S EXACTLY THE SAME? VERY RUDE CUSTOMER RELATION GUY, I MIGHT ADD. VERY UNHAPPY FORD OWNER. *TR

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2000 FORD WINDSTAR. WHILE TRAVELING 45 MPH, THE CONTACT NOTICED A CRACKING SOUND COMING FROM THE REAR OF THE VEHICLE. AFTER EXAMINING THE VEHICLE, THE CONTACT NOTICED A 20 INCH LONG FRACTURE ON THE REAR AXLE. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT DIAGNOSED AND NO REPAIRS WERE MADE TO THE VEHICLE. THE CURRENT AND THE FAILURE MILEAGES WERE 170,000.

Mileage: 170,000

DEAR SIR/MADAM I AM FILING THIS COMPLAINT FOR A FORD WINDSTAR 2000, THE REAR AXEL, WHICH WAS ON RECALL AND FORD HAD CONTACTED US TO HAVE IT REPLACED, HOWEVER AFTER CALLING FORD AND ALL THE NEAREST DEALERS AND WE ACTUALLY WENT TO A FORD DEALERSHIP AS WELL. NO DEALERSHIP WAS ABLE TO PROVIDE THE RECALL REPLACEMENT FOR THE AXLE OR ANY REPAIRS IN THAT MATTER. THANKS, FORD OWNER *TR

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2000 FORD WINDSTAR. WHILE DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 35 MPH, THE REAR AXLE SUDDENLY DETACHED FROM THE VEHICLE WITHOUT WARNING. SEVERAL HOURS PRIOR TO THE FAILURE, THE CONTACT NOTICED THAT THE REAR END OF THE VEHICLE SWAYED BACK AND FORTH. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO AN AUTHORIZED DEALER AND REPAIRED UNDER NHTSA CAMPAIGN ID NUMBER: 10V385000 (SUSPENSION: REAR: AXLE: NON-POWERED AXLE ASSEMBLY). IN 2010, THE REAR AXLE WAS REPAIRED UNDER A MANUFACTURER'S VOLUNTARY RECALL. AFTER THE MOST RECENT RECALL REMEDY REPAIR WAS PERFORMED, THE REAR END OF THE VEHICLE WOULD SWAY BACK AND FORTH WHENEVER THE VEHICLE WAS IN OPERATION. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE DEFECT. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS UNAVAILABLE. UPDATED 03/05/12*LJ

2000 FORD WINDSTAR: CRACKED REAR AXLE AND CORROSION AND RELATED FAILURES OF THE FRONT SUB-FRAME. WE ARE WRITING TO REPORT A REAR CRACKED AXLE AND FAILED, DAMAGED AND CORRODED FRONT SUB-FRAME ASSEMBLY OF OUR 2000 FORD VAN. FORD RECALLED: "CERTAIN 1998-2003 MODEL YEAR WINDSTAR VEHICLES OPERATED IN CORROSION STATES" FOR CRACKED OR BROKEN REAR AXLES (SAFETY RECALL 10513- SUPPLEMENT #10); AND FOR FAILED AND CORRODED "SUBFRAME FRONT LOWER CONTROL ARM REAR ATTACHING FLANGES AND REAR BODY MOUNT ATTACHMENTS. OUR FORD VAN HAS BOTH THESE FAILURES AND IS UNSAFE TO DRIVE. THE VEHICLE FAILED THE STATE SAFETY INSPECTION DUE TO ITS CRACKED AXLE. THE INSPECTOR ADVISED US THE VAN WAS UNSAFE TO DRIVE. THE KOONS FORD SERVICE DEPARTMENT HAS INSPECTED THE VAN AND CONCLUDED THAT THE REAR AXLE AND FRONT SUB-FRAME HAVE FAILED BECAUSE OF CORROSION AND BOTH NEED TO BE REPLACED. THE VEHICLE WAS "OPERATED" REGULARLY IN MARYLAND AND THE DISTRICT OF COLUMBIA, AS WELL AS DRIVEN IN THE WINTER IN SNOW AND ICE CONDITIONS IN HIGH CORROSION STATES. WE WERE TOLD BY KOONS THAT AN EXTENSION OF THE RECALL WAS DENIED BY FORD BECAUSE WHILE THE VEHICLE WAS OPERATED IN HIGH CORROSION STATES, IT WAS NOT REGISTERED IN A HIGH CORROSION STATE. NORTHERN VIRGINIA WEATHER IS SIMILAR TO OFFICIAL ADJACENT HIGH CORROSION STATES. THE NATIONAL WEATHER SERVICE GROUPS NORTHERN VIRGINIA WITH AREAS OF MARYLAND AND DC WITH REGARD TO SNOW FALL. "SODIUM CHLORIDE (SALT) IS VIRGINIA'S PRIMARY SNOW REMOVAL AND ICE CONTROL CHEMICAL". THE "REGISTRATION" REQUIREMENT IS ERRONEOUS. CONSIDERATION SHOULD BE GIVEN TO WHETHER A VEHICLE WAS OPERATED IN HIGH CORROSION AREAS, WHERE SALT IS USED . FORD'S LETTER OF 1/ 26/2011 TO NHTSA, STATES THAT " WE ARE TAKING THE ACTION TO CONFIRM OUR COMMITMENT TO SAFETY AND TO ADDRESS ANY POTENTIAL VEHICLE OWNER CONCERNS." REQUEST THAT THE RECALLS BE EXTENDED TO OUR VEHICLE. THE SWAY BAR LINKS WERE REPLACED. UPDATED IVOQ 12/20/11 *TR

Mileage: 162,000

2000 FORD WINDSTAR: CRACKED REAR AXLE AND CORROSION AND RELATED FAILURES OF THE FRONT SUB-FRAME. WE ARE WRITING TO REPORT A REAR CRACKED AXLE AND FAILED, DAMAGED AND CORRODED FRONT SUB-FRAME ASSEMBLY OF OUR 2000 FORD VAN. FORD RECALLED: "CERTAIN 1998-2003 MODEL YEAR WINDSTAR VEHICLES OPERATED IN CORROSION STATES" FOR CRACKED OR BROKEN REAR AXLES (SAFETY RECALL 10513- SUPPLEMENT #10); AND FOR FAILED AND CORRODED "SUBFRAME FRONT LOWER CONTROL ARM REAR ATTACHING FLANGES AND REAR BODY MOUNT ATTACHMENTS. OUR FORD VAN HAS BOTH THESE FAILURES AND IS UNSAFE TO DRIVE. THE VEHICLE FAILED THE STATE SAFETY INSPECTION DUE TO ITS CRACKED AXLE. THE INSPECTOR ADVISED US THE VAN WAS UNSAFE TO DRIVE. THE KOONS FORD SERVICE DEPARTMENT HAS INSPECTED THE VAN AND CONCLUDED THAT THE REAR AXLE AND FRONT SUB-FRAME HAVE FAILED BECAUSE OF CORROSION AND BOTH NEED TO BE REPLACED. THE VEHICLE WAS "OPERATED" REGULARLY IN MARYLAND AND THE DISTRICT OF COLUMBIA, AS WELL AS DRIVEN IN THE WINTER IN SNOW AND ICE CONDITIONS IN HIGH CORROSION STATES. WE WERE TOLD BY KOONS THAT AN EXTENSION OF THE RECALL WAS DENIED BY FORD BECAUSE WHILE THE VEHICLE WAS OPERATED IN HIGH CORROSION STATES, IT WAS NOT REGISTERED IN A HIGH CORROSION STATE. NORTHERN VIRGINIA WEATHER IS SIMILAR TO OFFICIAL ADJACENT HIGH CORROSION STATES. THE NATIONAL WEATHER SERVICE GROUPS NORTHERN VIRGINIA WITH AREAS OF MARYLAND AND DC WITH REGARD TO SNOW FALL. "SODIUM CHLORIDE (SALT) IS VIRGINIA'S PRIMARY SNOW REMOVAL AND ICE CONTROL CHEMICAL". THE "REGISTRATION" REQUIREMENT IS ERRONEOUS. CONSIDERATION SHOULD BE GIVEN TO WHETHER A VEHICLE WAS OPERATED IN HIGH CORROSION AREAS, WHERE SALT IS USED . FORD'S LETTER OF 1/ 26/2011 TO NHTSA, STATES THAT " WE ARE TAKING THE ACTION TO CONFIRM OUR COMMITMENT TO SAFETY AND TO ADDRESS ANY POTENTIAL VEHICLE OWNER CONCERNS." REQUEST THAT THE RECALLS BE EXTENDED TO OUR VEHICLE. THE SWAY BAR LINKS WERE REPLACED. UPDATED IVOQ 12/20/11 *TR

Mileage: 162,000

I AM VERY CONCERN ABOUT MY 2000 FORD WINDSTAR LX. I HAD TWO PROBLEMS WITH MY VAN IN WHICH A BRACKET CAME A LOOSE ON MY VAN. I LOST COMPLETE CONTROL OF MY VAN AND HAD TO PULL OVER AND CALL FOR HELP. THANK GOD I WAS ON THE CITY ROADS AND NOT THE HIGHWAY. THE LAST TIME I HAD AN INCIDENT, I WAS TOLD THAT THE REAR AXLE IS CRACKING AND MY SUBFRAME NEEDS TO BE INSPECTED. I WAS TOLD THAT THIS COULD BE EXTREMELY HAZARDOUS. I WAS TOLD THAT I NEEDED THE REAR AXLE REPLACED. I SEE THAT THERE HAS BEEN RECALLS IN THE NORTHERN STATES BUT I RESIDE IN CHARLOTTE, NC. I FEEL THAT THIS NEEDS TO BE EXTENDED OUT TO THE SOUTHERN STATES. PLEASE CONSIDER IN ALLOWING US TO HAVE OUR AXLES INSPECTED FOR THE SAFETY OF OUR FAMILIES; IF THE VEHICLE NEEDS REPAIRS TO ALLOW FORD TO REPAIR THIS PROBLEM AT NO COST TO US. *TR

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2000 FORD WINDSTAR. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO AN AUTHORIZED DEALER TO HAVE THE REAR AXLE REPAIRED UNDER THE RECALL ASSOCIATED WITH NHTSA CAMPAIGN ID NUMBER 10V385000 (SUSPENSION:REAR:AXLE:NON-POWERED AXLE ASSEMBLY). UPON RECEIVING THE VEHICLE FROM THE DEALER, THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE VEHICLE WOULD SHAKE VIOLENTLY WHILE DRIVING 30 MPH AND ABOVE. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT TAKEN TO HAVE THE FAILURE DIAGNOSED OR REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 140,000.

Mileage: 140,000

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2000 FORD WINDSTAR. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE FRAME OF THE VEHICLE WAS RUSTED. THE CONTACT RECEIVED NOTIFICATION OF NHTSA CAMPAIGN ID NUMBER: 10V385000 (SUSPENSION: REAR: AXLE: NON-POWERED AXLE ASSEMBLY) AND STATED THAT THE REPAIR WOULD NOT BE SUFFICIENT ENOUGH TO REPAIR HIS VEHICLE. THE DEALER OFFERED A 12 MONTH OR 12,000 MILEAGE WARRANTY HOWEVER, THE CONTACT WAS NOT SATISFIED THAT THE REMEDY WOULD KEEP HER SAFE WHILE DRIVING. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE. THE CONTACT WAS AWAITING REPAIRS. THE CURRENT AND FAILURE MILEAGES WERE 107,000. THE VIN WAS UNAVAILABLE.

Mileage: 107,000

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2000 FORD WINDSTAR. THE CONTACT STATED AFTER HAVING THE VEHICLE REPAIRED FOR RECALL NHTSA CAMPAIGN ID NUMBER: 10V385000 (SUSPENSION:REAR:AXLE:NON-POWERED AXLE ASSEMBLY) AND RECALL NHTSA CAMPAIGN ID NUMBER: 11V030000 (STRUCTURE: FRAME AND MEMBERS:UNDER BODY SHIELDS), SHE WAS UNABLE TO DRIVE THE VEHICLE SINCE THE BRACKETS AND BOLTS HANG SO LOW WHICH CAUSED IT TO GET STUCK WHEN DRIVING OVER A POT HOLE OR ON TRAIN TRACKS. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE REPAIRS ONLY SERVE AS A BAND AID AND FAILED TO REMEDY THE PROBLEM. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO A LOCAL MECHANIC WHO STATED THE VEHICLE WAS UNSAFE TO DRIVE SINCE THE SUB FRAME WAS EXTREMELY COMPROMISED AND NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE BUT DID NOT OFFER ANY ASSISTANCE. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE FAILURE AND CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 158,013. RVK

Mileage: 158,013

AFTER EMPLOYING THE STANDARD ISSUED FORD WINDSTAR SCISSORS JACK AND RAISING THE LR SUBFRAME AT THE DESIGNATED JACK POINT TO CHANGE A FLAT TIRE, THE SUBFRAME STARTED TO SNAP AND BUCKLE. THE VAN THEN STARTED TO LOWER IN HEIGHT WITHOUT OPERATING THE JACK. THE VAN LOWERED IN HEIGHT APPROXIMATELY 1-2 IN. AFTER REMOVING THE JACK, THE ASSIGNED JACK POINT WAS BENT. HAD I BEEN TRAVELING, I WOULD NOT HAVE BEEN ABLE TO EFFECTIVELY AND SAFELY EMPLOY(AND STILL CAN NOT SAFELY EMPLOY) THE ISSUED JACK AND REPAIR THE FLAT WITHOUT POSSIBLE HARM OR INJURY. *TR

Mileage: 117,226

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2000 FORD WINDSTAR. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE DRIVING 50 MPH, THE FRONT AXLE FRACTURED. THE CONTACT MERGED ONTO THE SHOULDER OF THE HIGHWAY AND THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO A LOCAL MECHANIC. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. BOTH THE DEALER AND THE MANUFACTURER DENIED ASSISTANCE WITH REPAIRS. THE FAILURE AND CURRENT MILEAGES WERE 136,000.

Mileage: 136,000

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2000 FORD WINDSTAR. THE CONTACT STATED THE REAR DRIVER'S SIDE TIE ROD HAD BROKEN ON THE VEHICLE. THE CONTACT TOOK THE VEHICLE TO THE DEALER AND WAS TOLD THE TIE ROD WAS RUSTED THROUGH. THE CONTACT ASKED THE DEALER WHY THE TIE ROD WAS NOT INCLUDED IN NHTSA RECALL CAMPAIGN ID NUMBER: 11V030000 (SUSPENSION: REAR AXLE). THE DEALER INDICATED THAT THE MANUFACTURER STATED THE TIE ROD WOULD NOT BE REPLACED EVEN THOUGH IT RUSTED THROUGH LIKE THE REAR AXLE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 105,000. I DON'T KNOW HOW MUCH OF A DANGER THIS IS BUT I THINK ITS IS A CRIME FOR A CAR DEALERSHIP TO INSTALL A NEW PART ON A RUSTED OUT OLD PART WITH OUT NOTIFYING THE CUSTOMER. [XXX] UPDATED 11/02/2011 *LN INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6). *TR

Mileage: 105,000

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2000 FORD WINDSTAR. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE VEHICLE WAS INCLUDED IN THE RECALL ASSOCIATED WITH NHTSA CAMPAIGN ID NUMBER 10V385000 (SUSPENSION:REAR:AXLE:NON-POWERED AXLE ASSEMBLY). THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO AN AUTHORIZED DEALER WHERE THE CONTACT WAS INFORMED THAT THE VEHICLE WAS FINE AND DID NOT NEED TO BE REPAIRED. APPROXIMATELY 4 MONTHS LATER, THE CONTACT NOTICED A LOUD RATTLING NOISE COMING FROM THE REAR. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN BACK TO THE DEALER AND THE CONTACT WAS INFORMED THAT THE REAR AXLE WAS FRACTURED AND NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE VEHICLE WAS REPAIRED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS UNKNOWN AND THE CURRENT MILEAGE WAS APPROXIMATELY 100,000. THE VIN WAS UNKNOWN. UPDATED 09/27/11*LJ UPDATED 2/23/12 *CN

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2000 FORD WINDSTAR. THE CONTACT STATED THE VEHICLE WAS REPAIRED UNDER THE RECALL ASSOCIATED WITH NHTSA CAMPAIGN ID NUMBER 10V385000 (SUSPENSION:REAR:AXLE:NON-POWERED AXLE ASSEMBLY). THE CONTACT STATED WHILE DRIVING 20 MPH, SHE HEARD A LOUD CLANKING NOISE AND NOTICED THAT THE REAR AXLE WAS FRACTURED. THE VEHICLE WAS SAFELY DRIVEN HOME AND THEN TOWED TO AN AUTHORIZED DEALER. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED, BUT OFFERED NO ASSISTANCE. THE FAILURE AND CURRENT MILEAGES WAS 160,000.

Mileage: 160,000

THE REAR AXLE TWISTED SO BAD THAT IT DESTROYED MY RIGHT REAR BRAKES. THE NEW DRUM WILL NOT GO ON IT IS SO BADLY TWISTED. THE CONSUMER ALSO STATED THERE IS RUST UNDER THE VEHICLE. UPDATED PORTABLE 08/30/11

Mileage: 120,000

HAVE BEEN HEARING A NOISE FROM THE REAR OF THE VEHICLE FOR AWHILE. HAD IT IN TO THE DEALER FOR TWO RECALL REPAIRS. THE NOISE CHANGED YESTERDAY AND WHEN THE REAR WAS INSPECTED AGAIN BEFORE LEAVING FOR WORK, I FOUND THE DRIVERS SIDE REAR COIL SPRING BROKEN. THIS ISSUED SHOULD HAVE BEEN ADDRESSED WHEN THE REAR AXLE RECALL WORK WAS COMPLETED. I DRIVE 50 HIGHWAY MILES EACH WAY TO AND FROM WORK AND THIS IS DANGEROUS. MISSED WORK TODAY AND DON'T KNOW WHEN THIS WILL BE ABLE TO BE FIXED. I SEE FORD HAS HAD MANY PROBLEMS WITH OTHER COIL SPRINGS. WHY HAVE THEY NOT ADDRESSED IT WITH ALL THE OTHER SUSPENSION PROBLEMS ON THESE 2000 FORD WINDSTARS? *KB

Mileage: 153,000

HAVE BEEN HEARING A NOISE FROM THE REAR OF THE VEHICLE FOR AWHILE. HAD IT IN TO THE DEALER FOR TWO RECALL REPAIRS. THE NOISE CHANGED YESTERDAY AND WHEN THE REAR WAS INSPECTED AGAIN BEFORE LEAVING FOR WORK, I FOUND THE DRIVERS SIDE REAR COIL SPRING BROKEN. THIS ISSUED SHOULD HAVE BEEN ADDRESSED WHEN THE REAR AXLE RECALL WORK WAS COMPLETED. I DRIVE 50 HIGHWAY MILES EACH WAY TO AND FROM WORK AND THIS IS DANGEROUS. MISSED WORK TODAY AND DON'T KNOW WHEN THIS WILL BE ABLE TO BE FIXED. I SEE FORD HAS HAD MANY PROBLEMS WITH OTHER COIL SPRINGS. WHY HAVE THEY NOT ADDRESSED IT WITH ALL THE OTHER SUSPENSION PROBLEMS ON THESE 2000 FORD WINDSTARS? *KB

Mileage: 153,000

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2000 FORD WINDSTAR. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO AN AUTHORIZED DEALER IN OCTOBER OF 2010 FOR A RECALL REPAIR ASSOCIATED WITH NHTSA CAMPAIGN ID NUMBER 10V385000 (SUSPENSION:REAR:AXLE:NON-POWERED AXLE ASSEMBLY). FOURS MONTHS LATER, THE DRIVER'S SIDE CONTROL ARM FRACTURED. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED BACK TO THE DEALER FOR DIAGNOSIS. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE RECALL REMEDY WAS INSUFFICIENT AND PLANNED TO NOTIFY THE MANUFACTURER REGARDING THE FAILURE. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 118,000. THE VIN WAS UNAVAILABLE.

Mileage: 118,000

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2000 FORD WINDSTAR. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE VEHICLE WAS REPAIRED UNDER THE RECALL ASSOCIATED WITH NHTSA CAMPAIGN ID NUMBER 10V385000 (SUSPENSION: REAR: AXLE: NON-POWERED AXLE ASSEMBLY). THE FRONT END WAS ALSO ALIGNMENED AFTER THE REPAIRS WERE PERFORMED. DUE TO THE FRONT END ALIGNMENT, THE VEHICLE BEGAN TO VIBRATE WHILE DRIVING 25 MPH AND THE TIRES WERE WORN ON THE INSIDE. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE FAILURES WERE A RESULT OF THE REPAIRS. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN BACK TO THE DEALER, WHO INSPECTED THE VEHICLE AND STATED THAT THERE WAS NO FAILURE RELATED TO THE FRONT END. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED, BUT OFFERED NO ASSISTANCE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 63,553.

Mileage: 63,553

2000 FORD WINDSTAR. CONSUMER WRITES IN REGARDS TO A RECALL NOTICE FOR A FAULTY REAR AXLE *TGW THE DEALER INFORMED THE CONSUMER THE AXLE WAS IN NEED OF REPAIR DUE TO DETERIORATION. THE CONSUMER THEN RECEIVED A CALL FROM THE DEALER STATING A BUY BACK OFFER OF $2,400 WAS BEING OFFERED. THE CONSUMER TURNED DOWN THE OFFER AND DECIDED TO HAVE THE VEHICLE REPAIRED. THE CONSUMER WAS INFORMED THE REPAIRS WOULD NOT BE COMPLETE UNTIL FEB 2011. WHILE THE VEHICLE WAS STILL AT THE DEALER, THE CONSUMER RECEIVED ANOTHER RECALL REGARDING THE SUBFRAME LOWER CONTROL ARM. THE VEHICLE WAS INSPECTED AND IT WAS DETERMINED THE VEHICLE MET THE REQUIREMENT FOR THE REPAIR. THE CONSUMER THEN RECEIVED A SECOND BUY BACK OFFER FROM FORD AND DECIDED TO TAKE THE OFFER. THE CONSUMER STATED HE RECEIVED THE RUN-AROUND REGARDING THE BUY BACK OFFER AND IN THE END, THE BUY BACK OFFER HAD EXPIRED AND THE DEALER REPAIRED THE VEHICLE. *JB

2000 FORD WINDSTAR. CONSUMER WRITES TO EXPRESS DISCONTENT REGARDING VEHICLES RECALLS *TGW THE CONSUMER STATED SHE RECEIVED FOUR RECALLS FOR THE VEHICLE. THE CONSUMER STATED WHEN SHE TOOK THE VEHICLE TO THE DEALER FOR THE RECALL REGARDING THE REPLACEMENT OF THE BRAKE HARNESS, THE ODOMETER AND SPEEDOMETER WERE DAMAGED. THE DEALER INFORMED HER THEY WERE NOT RESPONSIBLE FOR DAMAGE CAUSED BY THE DEFECTIVE PART. WHEN THE CONSUMER WENT TO THE DEALER FOR ANOTHER RECALL, THEY KEPT THE VEHICLE FOR A WEEK, ONLY TO BE TOLD THE PARTS WERE NOT AVAILABLE TO REPLACE THE REAR AXLE. *JB

TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2000 FORD WINDSTAR. THE CONTACT STATED WHILE DRIVING VARIOUS SPEEDS HE HEARD A LOUD SNAPPING NOISE. WHEN HE STOPPED THE VEHICLE, THE REAR AXLE REINFORCEMENT BRACKET FRACTURED ON THE VEHICLE. THE VEHICLE WAS INSPECTED BY AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC WHO ADVISED HIM THAT THE AXLE HAD SHEERED AND THE VEHICLE COULD NOT BE DRIVEN. THE VEHICLE HAD NOT BEEN REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER ADVISED HIM THAT HE WAS NOT INCLUDED IN ANY RECALLS. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS APPROXIMATELY 141,000.

Mileage: 141,000

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2000 FORD WINDSTAR. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE RIGHT SUSPENSION FAILED WHILE SHE WAS REVERSING FROM A RESIDENTIAL DRIVEWAY. THE FRONT PASSENGER SIDE COIL SPRING SUDDENLY BROKE AND PUNCTURED THE TIRE, CAUSING A BLOWOUT. THERE WERE NO PRIOR ISSUES WITH THE COMPONENT BEFORE THE FAILURE. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE CONTACT CALLED THE MANUFACTURER AND INFORMED THEM OF THE FAILURE. THE CURRENT AND FAILURE MILEAGES WERE APPROXIMATELY 125,000. UPDATED 07/08/11*LJ THE DEALER REPLACED THE FRONT AND REAR COIL SPRINGS. UPDATED 08/16/11.*JB UPDATED 08/29/11*JB

Mileage: 125,000

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2000 FORD WINDSTAR. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE RIGHT SUSPENSION FAILED WHILE SHE WAS REVERSING FROM A RESIDENTIAL DRIVEWAY. THE FRONT PASSENGER SIDE COIL SPRING SUDDENLY BROKE AND PUNCTURED THE TIRE, CAUSING A BLOWOUT. THERE WERE NO PRIOR ISSUES WITH THE COMPONENT BEFORE THE FAILURE. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE CONTACT CALLED THE MANUFACTURER AND INFORMED THEM OF THE FAILURE. THE CURRENT AND FAILURE MILEAGES WERE APPROXIMATELY 125,000. UPDATED 07/08/11*LJ THE DEALER REPLACED THE FRONT AND REAR COIL SPRINGS. UPDATED 08/16/11.*JB UPDATED 08/29/11*JB

Mileage: 125,000

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2000 FORD WINDSTAR. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE REAR PASSENGER SIDE BRACKET WAS CORRODED. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALER JANUARY 2011 FOR REPAIRS UNDER NHTSA CAMPAIGN ID NUMBER: 10V385000 (SUSPENSION: REAR: AXLE: NON-POWERED AXLE ASSEMBLY). THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE DEALER REPLACED THE REAR AXLE BUT DID NOT REPLACE THE BRACKET AND THE REAR PASSENGER SIDE OF THE VEHICLE WAS SITTING ABNORMALLY LOW TO THE GROUND. THE DEALER ADVISED THE CONTACT THAT THE BRACKET WAS NOT INCLUDED IN THE RECALL THEREFORE, THEY WERE NOT RESPONSIBLE FOR REPLACING THE BRACKET. THE MANUFACTURER WAS CONTACTED AND FILED A CLAIM FOR THE FAILURE BUT PROVIDED NO ADDITIONAL ASSISTANCE. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT FURTHER REPAIRED. THE FAILURE AND THE CURRENT MILES WAS 113,027. UPDATED 06/01/11*LJ UPDATED 08/19/11*JB

Mileage: 113,027

HI, WE HAVE A 2000 FORD WINDSTAR THAT WAS RECALLED. LAST YEAR WHY DRIVING, THE REAR AXLE BROKE ON US WITH OUR KIDS IN THE CAR. BUT BEFORE THEN; WE HAD ODOMETER GOING OUT AND ALL THE DASHBOARD GOING OUT. UPON THEN FIXING THE REAR AXLE WE HAVE BRAKE FLUID LOST AND THE CRUISE CONTROL DON'T WORK AND THE DASHBOARD HAVE A MIND OF IT OWN AND WE KEEP HAVE THE DOOR LOCKS GOING ON AND OFF WHILE DRIVING. IT'S LIKE A GHOST IN THE MACHINE. PLEASE HELP! THANKS!! *TR

TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2000 FORD WINDSTAR. THE CONTACT STATED THAT NHTSA CAMPAIGN ID 11V030000 STRUCTURE FRAME AND MEMBERS UNDER BODY SHIELDS, AND NHTSA CAMPAIGN ID 10V385000 SUSPENSION REAR AXLE NON POWERED AXLE ASSEMBLY WERE PERFORMED ON THE VEHICLE AND WERE COMPLETED ON APRIL 4, 2011. AFTER THE REPAIR, THE VEHICLES FRONT END MADE A RUBBING SOUND WHILE ATTEMPTING TO PARK. THE DEALER STATED A DIAGNOSTIC TEST WOULD NEED TO BE PERFORMED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE FAILURE AND THE CURRENT MILES WERE 94,000.

Mileage: 94,000

2000 FORD WINDSTAR. CONSUMER WRITES IN REGARDS TO VEHICLE RECALL AND SAFE DRIVING CONDITIONS *TGW THE CONSUMER RECEIVED ANOTHER RECALL IN THE MAIL. UPON INSPECTION, IT WAS DETERMINED THE VEHICLE WAS NOT SAFE TO DRIVE. FORD OFFERED TO BUY THE VEHICLE BACK FROM THE CONSUMER. *JB THE CONSUMER STATED THE 6,218 HE WAS OFFERED AS A BUY BACK WAS UNREASONABLY LOW. THE FORMULA USED FOR VALUATION WAS FOR A CAR DRIVEN 12,000 MILES PER YEAR. THE CONSUMERS VEHICLE WAS DRIVEN LESS THAN 5,000 MILES PER YEAR. THE CONSUMER BELIEVED THE VALUE OF THE VEHICLE WAS 10,000. UPDATED 05/04/11 UPDATED 06/02/11

MY FORD WINDSTAR HAS A REAR AXLE THAT IS RUSTED FROM THE INSIDE OUT, DUE TO A DESIGN FLAW. I WAS ALSO TOLD BY THE FORD SERVICE ADVISOR THAT THE SUB-FRAME WAS COMING APART. FORTUNATELY, I HAD IT IN FOR SERVICE AND IT WAS DISCOVERED BEFORE AN ACCIDENT TOOK PLACE. MANY OTHER WINDSTARS HAVE HAD THE REAR AXLE SNAP IN TWO WHILE AT HIGHWAY SPEED.

Mileage: 122,000

FORD REAR AXLE RECALL. FOUND RECALL ABOUT MY VEHICLE 3 MONTHS AFTER REAR AXLE BROKE. HAD AXLE WELDED TOGETHER. IN NOV 2010 AXLE WAS ALLEGEDLY ORDERED IT IS NOW MARCH 2011 AND STILL NO ANSWER AS TO WHEN I AM GETTING NEW AXLE. MARCH OF THIS YEAR AXLE BROKE AGAIN AND HAD TO WELD IT TOGETHER.IT COST ME 450 EVERY TIME TO WELD IT. *TR

Mileage: 175,000

I HAVE A FORD WINDSTAR AND I HAVE AND HAVE BEEN WAITING A VERY LONG TIME. I WAS JUST WONDERING WHEN I AM GETTING MY WINDSTAR BACK. *TR

Mileage: 110,000

TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2000 FORD WINDSTAR. THE VEHICLE WAS INCLUDED IN THE RECALL ASSOCIATED WITH NHTSA CAMPAIGN ID NUMBER 10V385000 (SUSPENSION:REAR:AXLE:NON-POWERED AXLE ASSEMBLY). THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO AN AUTHORIZED DEALER; HOWEVER, APPROXIMATELY FOUR MONTHS LATER THE VEHICLE WAS STILL IN POSSESSION OF THE AUTHORIZED DEALER AWAITING REPAIRS. THE CONTACT WAS TOLD THAT THE REPAIR PARTS WERE UNAVAILABLE. THE FAILURE AND CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 126,000.

Mileage: 126,000

OUR FORD WINDSTAR HAD A REAR AXLE FAILURE IN WHICH THE AXLE SPLIT IN HALF CAUSING THE VAN TO LOSE CONTROL. WE REPLACED IT IN 2009. A RECALL WAS ISSUED IN OCT. 2010 SAYING THAT THE PART WAS TO BE REPLACED PROMPTLY. WE HAVE ATTEMPTED TO HAVE IT REPLACED BUT HAVE BEEN TOLD THAT IT IS SAFE TO DRIVE AND WE'LL HAVE TO WAIT FOR A PART TO BE MADE. FOR FIVE MONTHS NOW WE HAVE BEEN TOLD THAT THE PART STILL HAS TO BE MANUFACTURED AND IT MAY TAKE SEVERAL MORE MONTHS TO A YEAR TO GET THE PART. FORD HAD US INSPECT(30 SECOND BEND DOWN NEXT TO THE CAR) THE REPLACED PART(USED FROM A JUNK YARD) TO SEE IF IT IS SAFE AND SAID IT WAS OK. HOWEVER THE PART THAT REPLACED THE ORIGINAL IS VISUALLY IN WORSE CONDITION. AND NOW WE ARE BEING TOLD THAT 'GLUE INJECTION' INTO THE PART WILL FIX THIS FAILURE. THIS IS IN CONTRAST TO WHAT FORD HAS STATED MUST BE DONE(FULL REPLACEMENT OF THE REAR AXLE). IT HAS BEEN 5 MONTHS, AND WE HAVE STILL NOT HAVE HAD THE PART REPLACED. FORD IMPLIES IN THEIR RECALL LETTER THAT WE ARE RESPONSIBLE FOR ANY FAILURE IF THIS IS NOT REPLACED IN A TIMELY MANNER. THE LOCAL DEALER ATTEMPTED TO KEEP THE LETTER AFTER HIS 30 SECOND INSPECTION STATING THAT THE PROBLEM IS FIXED AND IT SHOULD BE GOOD. THIS VAN IS UNSAFE AND 30 SECONDS OF VISUAL INSPECTION IS NOT IN MY OPINION A ASSURANCE OF THE SAFETY OF THIS VEHICLE. *TR

Mileage: 100,000

2000 FORD WINDSTAR. CONSUMER WRITES IN REGARDS TO THE RECALL ON THE VEHICLE IS A REAR AXLE FRACTURE DUE TO CORROSION BUILD UP *TGW THE DEALER INSPECTED THE VEHICLE AND DETERMINED THERE WAS A CRACK IN THE REAR AXLE. THE CONSUMER STATED THE DEALER HAS NOT MADE ANY REPAIRS AS THE PART(S) WERE NOT AVAILABLE. THE CONSUMER HAS BEEN WITHOUT HER VEHICLE SINCE NOVEMBER 5, 2010. THE CONSUMER WAS GIVEN A TIME FRAME OF MARCH 21, 2011 FOR THE REPAIR. *JB

2000 FORD WINDSTAR. CONSUMER STATES BROKEN/CRACKED AXLE *TGW THE CONSUMER STATED THE DEALER HAS HAD HIS VEHICLE SINCE OCTOBER 2010 AND NOTHING HAS BEEN DONE TO REPAIR/FIX THE PROBLEM. *JB

TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2000 FORD WINDSTAR. WHILE THE VEHICLE WAS BEING SERVICED BY THE DEALER, THE CONTACT WAS INFORMED THAT THE REAR AXLE WAS RUSTED. THE VEHICLE HAD NOT BEEN REPAIRED. THE CONTACT REFERENCED RECALL 10V385000 (SUSPENSION: REAR: AXLE: NON-POWERED AXLE ASSEMBLY) BUT WAS INFORMED THAT THE VEHICLE WAS NOT INCLUDED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS UNKNOWN AND THE CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 172,168.

2000 FORD WINDSTAR. CONSUMER STATES REAR AXLE BROKE WHILE DRIVING *TGW THE CONSUMER STATED HIS WIFE WAS DRIVING ON THE HIGHWAY, WHEN SUDDENLY THE VAN BEGAN TO SHAKE. THE VAN COULD NO LONGER BE DRIVEN DUE TO THE AXLE BREAKING. *JB

ON 4 OR 5 OCCASIONS OVER SEVERAL DAYS IN EARLY DECEMBER, WE LOST CONTROL OF THE VAN'S STEERING WHILE MAKING A TURN. THE VAN WOULD JUST CONTINUE TO CAREEN IN WHATEVER DIRECTION IT WAS HEADING. I SCHEDULED SERVICE WITH MY FORD DEALER, BUT WHEN IT WAS TAKEN IN, THEY SAID MY REAR AXLE WAS CRACKED AND THEY COULDN'T TEST THE STEERING UNTIL SUCH TIME AS THE AXLE COULD BE REPLACED. I NOTICED THERE WAS AN INVESTIGATION INTO FRONT END PROBLEMS ON WINDSTARS AS WELL, AND THOUGHT I SHOULD REPORT MY PROBLEM. *TR

Mileage: 91,000

TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2000 FORD WINDSTAR. THE CONTACT STATED THAT HE TOOK HIS VEHICLE INTO THE DEALER FOR NHTSA RECALL 10V385000, SUSPENSION:REAR:AXLE:NON-POWERED AXLE ASSEMBLY AND THE MECHANIC ADVISED HIM THAT THE CORROSION OF THE FRONT SUB FRAME WAS MUCH WORSE THAN THE RECALL. HE ALSO HEARD A POPPING NOISE PREVIOUSLY AND ASKED THE MECHANIC TO DETERMINE THE CAUSE OF FAILURE. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE FAILURE AND CURRENT MILEAGES WERE 116,000. UPDATED 12/14/2011 *CN UPDATED 02/23/11*JB

Mileage: 116,000

2000 FORD WINDSTAR AXLE BROKE. *TR

Mileage: 132,000

I WAS DRIVING 55MPH ON DIXIE HIGHWAY IN GROVELAND TWP., MI. MY MOUNTING BRACKET THAT IS A FACTORY WELD TO THE ENGINE CRADLE BROKE AWAY FROM THE ENGINE CRADLE AND PULLED MY DRIVE SHAFT OUT OF THE TRANSMISSION. THIS IS ON A 2000 FORD WINDSTAR. THE WELD BROKE DUE TO CORROSION FROM SALT EATING AWAY THE WELD ITSELF. MY VEHICLE IS UNDRIVABLE, LUCKILY NO ONE WAS HURT. I HAD MYSELF AND MY 3 CHILDREN UNDER THE AGE OF 7 IN THE VEHICLE AT THE TIME OF THE INCIDENT. FORD MOTOR COMPANY IS TELLING ME THAT THERE IS NOT A RECALL ON MY VEHICLE AND THAT THEY WILL NOT PAY TO TOW IT TO THE DEALERSHIP OR TO FIX IT. I AM APPALLED BY THIS. THIS IS CLEARLY A DESIGN DEFECT AND NOT MY RESPONSIBILITY TO FIX. THE DETROIT FREE PRESS HAD AN ARTICLE ON THIS VERY PROBLEM ON DECEMBER 23, 2010. IT STATED THERE HAVE ALREADY BEEN OVER 300 CLAIMS OF MY NATURE. THE ARTICLE STATED THIS ORGANIZATION WAS INVESTIGATING THIS MATTER. I ASK FOR ANY HELP YOU CAN GIVE ME IN GETTING FORD TO FIX MY VEHICLE. *TR

Mileage: 159,000

HAD TO PAY TO REPLACE SUBFRAME ON MY 2000 FORD WINDSTAR. COULD NOT DRIVE TIL REPLACED. *TR

TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2000 FORD WINDSTAR WITH 180000 MILES. WHILE DRIVING 45 MPH ON THE HIGHWAY THE CONTACT LOST CONTROL OF THE VEHICLE. THE VEHICLE THEN ROLLED OVER EIGHT TIMES AND CRASHED INTO A HIGHWAY SIGN. THE CONTACT WAS INJURED AND TAKEN TO THE HOSPITAL. THE VEHICLE WAS DESTROYED. A POLICE REPORT WAS FILED. THE REAR AXLE FAILURE CAUSES THE CRASH TO OCCUR. THE CONTACT RECEIVED A RECALL LETTER FOR THE REAR AXLE ABOUT SIX MONTHS AGO. THE CONTACT SPOKE TO THE MANUFACTURER ABOUT THE FAILURE AND THEY MAILED A LEGAL NOTICE ABOUT NOT DISCLOSING THE INFORMATION SINCE HE WAS HE GOING TO FILE A LEGAL CLAIM. THE CONTACT ALSO HAD PICTURES OF THE CRASH. THE VIN WAS UNAVAILABLE.

Mileage: 180,000

2000 FORD WINDSTAR. CONSUMER WRITES REGARDING THE POTENTIAL OPERATING PROBLEM WITH THE REAR AXLE RECALL.*TGW THE CONSUMER STATED THE VEHICLE WAS TOTALED AFTER SHE HAD AN ACCIDENT DUE TO THE FAILURE OF THE REAR AXLE. THE CONSUMER LOST CONTROL OF THE VEHICLE AND SLAMMED INTO AN ICE BANK. WHEN THE CONSUMER EXITED THE VEHICLE, THE REAR WHEELS WERE EMBEDDED INTO THE SIDE OF THE VAN AT A BIZARRE ANGLE. THE CONSUMER WAS SLIGHTLY INJURED AS SHE TRIED TO CONTROL THE VEHICLE.*JB

CONCERNS ABOUT BACK AXLE AND BRAKE SYSTEM WE MOUNTAIN IN THE MOUNTAINS OF WESTERN NC AND GET CONSIDERABLE SNOW AND ICE WHICH LEADS TO CORROSION OF AXLE AND DID NOT SEE NC ON THE LIST OF RECALLS. *TR

WE HAVE HAD ELEVEN RECALLS ON OUR FORD WINDSTAR VAN TO DATE. OUR CURRENT RECALL ON THE REAR AXLE HAS LEFT US WITH NO WORTHY VEHICLE. THE BOTTOM OF THE VAN IS SO RUSTED OUT THERE ARE HOLES IN IT AND WE WASH IT AND KEEP IT IN THE GARAGE DURING THE WINTER MONTHS. WE HAVE HAD TO REPLACE THE BUSHINGS ON THE FRONT OF THE VAN TWO TIMES AND ARE NOW SCHEDULED FOR A 3RD REPLACING. THE SUSPENSION ON THE VAN HAS NEVER BEEN RIGHT AND IT FEELS UNSAFE. THE FORD COMPANY IS NOT WORKING WITH US TO FIX THE AXLE OR OTHER ISSUES. *TR

Mileage: 67,000

TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2000 FORD WINDSTAR. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE DRIVING 25 MPH THE FRONT PASSENGER SIDE CONTROL ARM BROKE CAUSING THE CONTACT TO LOSE CONTROL OF THE VEHICLE. THE CONTACT TOWED THE VEHICLE TO HIS RESIDENCE AND CALLED THE DEALER. THE DEALER INFORMED HIM THAT THERE WAS NOTHING THEY COULD DO AND REFERRED HIM TO A LOCAL MECHANIC. THE CONTACT HAD NOT TAKEN THE VEHICLE TO THE REFERRED LOCAL MECHANIC. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE MANUFACTURER SHOULD ISSUE A RECALL ON THE FRONT SUSPENSION. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 130,000.

Mileage: 130,000

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2000 FORD WINDSTAR. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE VEHICLE WAS INCLUDED IN THE RECALL ASSOCIATED WITH NHTSA CAMPAIGN ID NUMBER: 10V385000 (SUSPENSION:REAR:AXLE:NON-POWERED AXLE ASSEMBLY). THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO AN AUTHORIZED DEALER WHERE THE CONTACT WAS ADVISED THAT THE PARTS NEEDED FRO THE RECALL REPAIR WERE NOT READILY AVAILABLE AND THE DEALER WAS UNABLE TO DETERMINE WHEN THE PART WOULD BECOME AVAILABLE. THE MANUFACTURER INFORMED THE CONTACT ON NUMEROUS OCCASIONS THAT THEY COULD NOT DETERMINE WHEN THE PARTS WOULD BECOME AVAILABLE. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. A FAILURE DID NOT EXIST. THE CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 137,000.

Mileage: 137,000

TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2000 FORD WINDSTAR. UPON STARTING THE VEHICLE, THE CONTACT HEARD A CLICKING NOISE FROM THE CENTER OF THE INSTRUMENT PANEL. AFTER A FEW MINUTES, THE CLICKING NOISE STOPPED. PRIOR TO THE FAILURE, THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE SAME CLICKING NOISE WAS PRESENT WHEN SHE OPERATED THE TEMPERATURE GAUGE ON THE AIR CONDITIONING UNIT. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO A LOCAL REPAIR SHOP WHERE THE CONTACT WAS INFORMED THAT THE MOTOR FOR THE AIR CONDITIONING UNIT NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE VEHICLE HAD NOT BEEN REPAIRED. THE CONTACT ALSO STATED THAT WHILE DRIVING AT ANY SPEED, THE VEHICLE WOULD BOUNCE AND SHE COULD FEEL VIBRATIONS. THE VEHICLE HAD NOT BEEN INSPECTED OR REPAIRED. THE VEHICLE ALSO STALLED INTERMITTENTLY. THE IDLE AIR CONTROL WAS REPAIRED BY A LOCAL MECHANIC. THE CURRENT AND FAILURE MILEAGES WERE 115,432.

Mileage: 115,432

CHECK ENGINE LIGHT HAS BEEN ON FOR SEVERAL THOUSAND MILES, FROM ABOUT 40,000 TO CURRENT 130,000. THE CODE THAT COMES UP CAN BE 1 OF ABOUT 10 THINGS. NOTHING CORRECTS THIS. I HAVE THE 3.8L ENGINE AND THE "CHECK ENGINE" LIGHT HAS BEEN ON. HAD A MECHANIC PULL THE CODES UP AND THEY ARE BANK 1 RUNNING LEAN AND BANK 2 RUNNING LEAN (P0171) AND (P0174). WAS TOLD COULD BE MASS AIRFLOW SENSOR, O2 SENSOR (1 OF 4), VACUUM ISSUES, HEAD GASKET OR A FEW OTHERS. I HAVE REPLACED THE MAF SENSOR AND ALL 4 O2 SENSORS AT ABOUT $200.00 A PIECE. STILL ON. 2ND ISSUE. NOISE FROM FRONT END WHEN TURNING. 3RD ISSUE. CURRENTLY SITTING AT FORD DEALER WITH FRACTURED REAR AXLE FOR LAST MONTH. ALSO ABS LIGHT GOES ON AND OFF ALL THE TIME.

Mileage: 40,000

TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2000 FORD WINDSTAR. WHILE DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 2 MPH MAKING A TURN THE VEHICLES FRONT SUB FRAME CRACKED IN HALF. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO A LOCAL MECHANIC WHO STATED THAT THE SUB FRAME, FRONT STRUTS AND THE FRONT AXLE NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT CONTACTED. SHE WAS UNABLE TO PROVIDE A VIN. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 72,500.

Mileage: 72,500

TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2000 FORD WINDSTAR. THE CONTACT RECEIVED A RECALL NOTICE IN THE MAIL FOR A FRACTURED AXLE, RECALL 10V385000 (SUSPENSION: REAR: AXLE: NON-POWERED AXLE ASSEMBLY). THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO AN AUTHORIZED DEALER BUT THE CONTACT WAS INFORMED THAT THE PARTS WOULD NOT BE AVAILABLE UNTIL MARCH 2011. THE VEHICLE HAD NOT BEEN REPAIRED.

TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2000 FORD WINDSTAR. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE VEHICLE BOUNCED WHILE SHE DROVE AT ANY SPEED. WHEN SHE INSPECTED, SHE SAW THAT THE REAR AXLE WAS FRACTURED. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO A LOCAL REPAIR SHOP WHERE THE AXLE WAS REPLACED. A YEAR AND A HALF LATER WHILE HAVING THE VEHICLE EXAMINED, THE CONTACT WAS INFORMED THAT THE REAR AXLE WAS BENT. THE VEHICLE HAD NOT BEEN REPAIRED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 86,633 AND THE CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 108,944. UPDATED 01/14/11*LJ

Mileage: 86,633

TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2000 FORD WINDSTAR. WHILE HAVING THE TIRES ROTATED, THE CONTACT NOTICED THAT THE SUB FRAME ON THE FRONT PASSENGER SIDE OF THE VEHICLE WAS COVERED WITH RUST AND NEARLY CRACKED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT INSPECTED. THE FAILURE AND CURRENT MILEAGES WERE 95000.

Mileage: 95,000

2000 FORD WINDSTAR, THE CONTROL ARM FRONT PASSENGER SIDE DETACHED FROM THE FRAME WHILE MY WIFE WAS DRIVING TO WORK ON 11/19/10. LUCKILY THERE WERE NO OTHER CARS COMING OR SHE WOULD HAVE HIT THEM HEAD ON. ALL VEHICLE CONTROLS WERE LOST; NO STEERING , NO TRANSMISSION DRIVE TRAIN. THE VEHICLE SWERVED OUT OF CONTROL UNTIL LUCKILY, THE VEHICLE STOPPED PARTLY ON THE SIDE OF THE ROAD. THE VEHICLE HAD TO BE TOWED. I ALSO NOTICED A HOLE IN THE REAR AXLE WHICH THERE IS A RECALL FOR. THE VEHICLE OBVIOUSLY CANNOT BE DRIVEN AND I AM UNSURE IF THE TRANSMISSION IS DAMAGED DUE TO THE DRIVE AXLE BEING PULLED OUT OF IT. *TR

Mileage: 90,000

2000 FORD WINDSTAR. CONSUMER WOULD LIKE REIMBURSEMENT FOR REAR AXLE ASSEMBLY REPAIRS DUE TO THE RECALL THAT WAS ISSUED. *TGW ON JUNE 16, 2010, THE REAR AXLE ASSEMBLY SNAPPED IN TWO WHILE THE CONSUMER WAS BACKING OUT OF THE DRIVEWAY. *JB

AFTER RECEIVING INFO ABOUT THE POTENTIAL OF A REAR AXLE DEFECT I BROUGHT MY 2000 FORD WINDSTAR TO MY LOCAL DEALER. UPON INSPECTION I WAS TOLD I WOULD NOT BE ALLOWED TO DRIVE MY VEHICLE OFF THE LOT. THE REAR AXLE WAS CRACKED. I FEEL VERY FORTUNATE THAT I WAS NOT IN AN ACCIDENT OR THAT I DID NOT CAUSE AN ACCIDENT. FORD NOW ONLY WANTS TO COVER A SMALL RENTAL CAR BUT NOT A MINIVAN. THERE IS A REASON I HAD A MINIVAN! I NEED THE SEATS! FORD SAYS THEY UNDERSTAND MY CONCERN YET THEY OFFER NO SOLUTION OTHER THAN CORPORATE IS LOOKING INTO YOUR CONCERN! NO OWNER SHOULD HAVE ANY OUT OF POCKET EXPENSE DUE TO THIS RECALL. THERE SHOULD BE A URGENT LETTER SENT TO EVERY OWNER OF THIS CAR SAYING BRING TO A DEALER IMMEDIATELY. THE RISK IS TOO GREAT! *TR

Mileage: 110,300

TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2000 FORD WINDSTAR. THE CONTACT WAS DRIVING 35 MPH, THE VEHICLE SUDDENLY STOPPED MOVING FORWARD. THERE WERE NO PRIOR WARNINGS. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO AN AUTHORIZED DEALER WHERE THE CONTACT WAS INFORMED THAT A GEAR IN THE TRANSMISSION NEEDED TO BE REPLACED; THE PART HAD BEEN RE-ENGINEERED AS IT WAS DEFECTIVE. THE VEHICLE WAS REPAIRED. THE CURRENT AND FAILURE MILEAGES WERE APPROXIMATELY 72,000. THE CRUISE CONTROL MODULE AND WHEEL BEARINGS HAD TO BE REPLACED. UPDATED 05/23/11

Mileage: 72,000

TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2000 FORD WINDSTAR. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE REAR PASSENGER SIDE ENGINE MOUNT BROKE. THE FRONT OF THE VEHICLE WAS COVERED WITH RUST AROUND THE PASSENGER SIDE ENGINE AND WHEEL MOUNTS. THE DRIVER SIDE WAS COMPLETELY CORRODED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 136000 AND THE CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 144000. UPDATED 02/17/11*LJ THE CONSUMER STATED THE SUBFRAME ON THE REAR PASSENGER SIDE MOUNT HAD SEVERE CORROSION. UPDATED 04/27/11

Mileage: 136,000

TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2000 FORD WINDSTAR. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHEN THE CRUISE CONTROL WAS TURNED OFF, THE VEHICLE CONTINUED TO TRAVEL AT THE SPEED IT WAS MOVING WHEN THE CRUISE CONTROL WAS ACTIVATED; HE HAD TO DEPRESS THE BRAKE PEDAL TO SLOW IT DOWN. THE VEHICLE HAD NOT BEEN INSPECTED OR REPAIRED FOR THE FAILURE. ALSO, THE FRONT AND REAR COIL SPRINGS BROKE; THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO A LOCAL REPAIR SHOP WHERE IT WAS REPAIRED. FURTHERMORE, THE LOCKS ON THE REAR SLIDING DOORS DID NOT FUNCTION INTERMITTENTLY. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS APPROXIMATELY 110,000 AND THE CURRENT MILEAGE WAS APPROXIMATELY 130,000.

Mileage: 110,000

TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2000 FORD WINDSTAR. THE CONTACT ATTEMPTED TO DRIVE OUT OF THE DRIVEWAY WHEN THE FRONT TIE ROD BROKE. THE DEALER HAD TO REPLACE THE LEFT TIE ROD, STRUT, UPPER STRUT AND UPPER BEARING BECAUSE THEY WERE COVERED WITH RUST. AFTER THE VEHICLE WAS REPAIRED, THE CONTACT WAS DRIVING AND HEARD SOMETHING SNAP IN THE FRONT OF THE VEHICLE AND THEN THERE WAS A LOUD BANGING SOUND. THE DEALER REPLACED THE RIGHT FRONT LOWER CONTROL ARM BECAUSE OF RUST. THE CONTACT FEELS THAT THIS WAS A DEFECT BECAUSE SALT WAS NOT USED ON THE ROAD NEAR HIS RESIDENCE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 75224 AND THE CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 84199. UPDATED 02/09/11*LJ UPDATED 05/31/11

Mileage: 75,224

I WAS TRAVELING ON THE CHICAGO INTERSTATE I-290 AT AROUND 3:30 AM WHEN MY REAR AXEL SNAPPED ON MY 2000 FORD WINDSTAR MINIVAN. THE INCIDENT OCCURRED ON THE MORNING OF SEPTEMBER 27TH, 2010 ON A CLEAR DAY WITH IDEAL ROAD CONDITIONS BUT IN A LONG TERM CONSTRUCTION ZONE. I WAS TRAVELING ABOUT 45 MILES PER HOUR AND IN LIGHT TRAFFIC WHEN THE AXEL SNAPPED ON THE PASSENGERS SIDE CAUSING ME TO JERK VIOLENTLY TO THE RIGHT AND THROUGH CONSTRUCTION BARRIERS INTO AN OPEN LANE AND ONTO THE SHOULDER A SHORT DISTANCE LATER. ANY OTHER TIME, THIS COULD HAVE BEEN TRAGIC BUT GIVEN THE EARLY HOUR OF MY TRAVEL TO WORK AND THE REDUCED SPEEDS DUE TO ONGOING CONSTRUCTION I WAS ABLE TO CONTROL THE VIOLENT MOVEMENT TO THE RIGHT WITHOUT INJURY OR MISHAP. THE CAR WAS TOWED A SHORT TIME LATER TO A LOCAL REPAIR SHOP AND I SEARCHED FOR INFORMATION ON BROKEN AXLES AND WINDSTARS I FOUND THE INFORMATION ON THE FORD RECALL. A LOCAL DEALER PAID FOR TOWING TO THEIR LOT, AND ARRANGED FOR A LONG-TERM LOANER VEHICLE AND FOR VEHICLE RENTAL INSURANCE. THE CAR WAS MAINTAINED IN A REGULAR FASHION BUT WAS 10 YEARS OLD AND HAD 184 THOUSAND REAL MILES ON THE ODOMETER. IT REMAINS AT THE FORD DEALER IN ELMHURST, ILLINOIS AWAITING WORD FROM FORD MOTOR COMPANY ON ANY REPAIR OR REPLACEMENT DISCUSSIONS. NO OFFERS OF CORRECTION, REPAIR, OR REPLACEMENT HAVE BEEN MADE TO THIS TIME, OCTOBER 20TH, 2010 BEST REGARDS, *TR

Mileage: 184,000

THE SUBFRAME, LOCATED AT THE FRONT UNDERSIDE OF THE 2000 WINDSTAR, IS SUPPOSED TO HELP KEEP THE ENGINE AND OTHER INTEGRAL PARTS OF THE WINDSTAR IN PLACE AND STABLE. IT HAS BEEN COMPROMISED ON THIS VEHICLE WITH 185,000 MILES, AND BROKE DURING A TURN INTO A PARK AFTER CHURCH ON THE AFOREMENTIONED DATE (10-10-10). FORTUNATELY THE RESULTS WERE NOT DEADLY BUT COULD HAVE BEEN IF WE WERE DRIVING ON THE INTERSTATE WHICH WE FREQUENTLY DO. WHAT HAPPENED WAS A DETACHMENT OF THE DRIVE AXLE (HALF SHAFT) FROM THE TRANSMISSION, WHICH OCCURRED WHEN THE LOWER CONTROL ARM MOUNT SEPARATED AND CAUSED THE WHEEL TO PULL FREE FROM THE DRIVE AXLE. FURTHERMORE THERE WERE NO WARNINGS PRIOR TO ANY OF THE AFOREMENTIONED FAILURES. THE AREA OF THE SUBFRAME AFFECTED BY THIS CORROSION IS LOCATED ON THE PASSENGER SIDE WHERE IT ATTACHES TO THE LOWER CONTROL ARM. THIS IS THE FIRST TIME IT HAS OCCURRED. THIS VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO TPS TRANSMISSION IN TOLEDO OH AND IS BEING REPAIRED. THE SUB FRAME IS BEING REPLACED AND I WILL ASK THAT THE OLD PART BE RETURNED. IN THE MEANTIME WHAT IS GOING TO BE DONE WITH THIS OBVIOUS GROWING PROBLEM? *TR

Mileage: 185,000

TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2000 FORD WINDSTAR. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE DRIVING 60 MPH, THE LOWER CONTROL ARM BROKE WHICH CAUSED A LOSS OF CONTROL OF THE VEHICLE. THE CONTACT SUFFERED BACK PAINS DUE TO THE LOSS OF CONTROL. THE CONTACT PULLED OVER AND THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO AN AUTHORIZED DEALER WHO STATED THAT THE SUBFRAME NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS APPROXIMATELY 78,000.

Mileage: 78,000

2000 FORD WINDSTAR LOSS OF VEHICLE CONTROL (STEERING) WITHOUT WARNING ON A PROPERLY MAINTAINED VEHICLE. RIGHT "A: FRAME DETACHED, WELDS AND METAL PULLED APART ON REAR TIE POINT. THIS CAUSED LOSS OF VEHICLE CONTROL WITH NO WARNING AT 55 MPH. PULLED ME OFF THE ROAD TO RIGHT, (ABOUT 10 FEET) WHEN LEFT FRONT TIRE AGAIN HIT PAVEMENT I WAS PULLED ACROSS THE ON COMING LANE - REGAINED CONTROL AND COASTED PARTLY OFF THE ROAD ON THE RIGHT. THIS IS A PART THAT SHOULD NEVER FAIL. IT IS NOT A NORMALLY SERVICEABLE PART. I COULD HAVE BEEN KILLED OR HAVE CAUSED INJURY TO SOMEONE ELSE, LUCK WAS WITH ME OR I WOULD NOT BE WRITING THIS! IT WAS ON A FAIRLY BUSY STATE ROUTE. *TR

Mileage: 125,000

THE PASSENGER LOWER CONTROL ARM ON MY 2000 FORD WINDSTAR BROKE OFF WHILE MY WIFE WAS ACCELERATING FROM A STOP LIGHT. IT WAS COMPLETELY RUSTED AND SNAPPED OFF AT THE FRAME. FORTUNATELY THERE WAS NO COLLISION AND NEITHER MY WIFE AND DISABLED DAUGHTER WERE INJURED. I HAD THE SUB FRAME AND RELATED COMPONENTS REPLACED AT A COST OF $1045.00. I TOOK PHOTOS OF THE RUSTED OUT SUB FRAME. *TR

Mileage: 72,600

REAR AXLE ON 2000 FORD WINDSTAR COMPLETELY FAILED AND CRACKED TODAY WHILE PULLING INTO DRIVEWAY AFTER COMPLETING A 300 MILE TRIP ON THE HIGHWAY. RECALL NOTICE RECEIVED ABOUT A MONTH AGO. *TR

Mileage: 90,000

WE CURRENTLY OWN A 2000 FORD WINDSTAR SE MINIVAN AND WANTED TO ADD OUR COMPLAINT REGARDING THE REAR AXLE SNAPPING. WE WERE LUCKY IN THAT WHEN OUR VAN STARTED TO FISHTAIL WE TOOK IT IN THINKING IT WAS THE TIRES AND HAD THEM REPLACED, THIS IS WHEN THE TIRE DEALERSHIP NOTICED THE REAR AXLE WAS SLIT ALMOST ALL THE WAY THROUGH. WE HAD IT TOWED TO A FORD DEALERSHIP IN WHICH IT COST $645 TO HAVE A NEW AXLE PUT ON. WE ARE VERY THANKFUL IT DIDN'T BREAK WHILE WE WERE DRIVING IT. *TR

Mileage: 145,000

I WAS ON MY WAY TO WORK DRIVING MY 2000 FORD WINDSTAR WHEN SUDDENLY THE CAR REAR AXLE BROKE IN HALF THE WHEELS WHERE BOWED OUT I HAD TO HAVE A TOW TRUCK FLATBED THE CAR BUT HE HAD SOME DIFFICULT TIME BECAUSE IT COMPLETELY SNAPPED INTO TWO. A FEW DAYS BEFORE I HEARD SOME SQUEAKING SOUND COMING FROM THE BACK AND I WAS GOING TO TAKE IT TO THE MECHANIC BUT THEN THESE HAPPENED. NOW I HAVE BEEN HEARING SQUEAKY SOUND COMING FROM THE FRONT AND MAYBE IS THE FRONT AXLE NOW. THIS IS RIDICULOUS I HARDLY HAD MONEY TO PAY FOR THE REPAIRS AND THE TOW TRUCK AND NOW I HAVE TO TAKE IT AGAIN. I HAVE HAD PROBLEMS WITH THIS CAR OVER AND OVER AGAIN THE "CHECK THE ENGINE" LIGHT IS ALWAYS ON EVEN AFTER I TAKE IT TO THE MECHANIC TO TAKE A LOOK AT IT . I WILL NEVER BUY ANOTHER FORD EVER AGAIN. I PAID SO MUCH MONEY TO HAVE IT REPAIRED I TOOK PICTURES OF THE ACCIDENT. *TR

Mileage: 75,000

REAR AXLE SNAPPED AT ABOUT 30 MPH. DESTROYED BOTH REAR SHOCKS AND DRIVER'S SIDE REAR WHEEL. *TR

Mileage: 130,000

I HAVE A FORD 2000 WINDSTAR. IN BACKING OUT OF MY DRIVEWAY LAST WEEK THE REAR AXLE SNAPPED IN HALF. I SAW THE ARTICLE TODAY ON THE NEWS ABOUT THE RECALL BUT THOUGHT YOU WOULD WANT TO ADD THIS TO THE STATISTICS. I CALLED A FORD DEALER WHO SAID TO BRING IT IN AND IT WOULD BE FIXED. *TR

Mileage: 120,000

WHILE DRIVING MY 2000 FORD WINDSTAR ON THE HIGHWAY AT 60MPH, I NOTICED THAT THE BACK END OF THE CAR FELT LIKE IT WAS SWAYING OR SLIDING AS IF ON ICE. I EXITED THE HIGHWAY AND DROVE TO A PARKING GARAGE ABOUT 5 MILES AWAY. WHILE PULLING UP TO THE GATE AT THE GARAGE AT A LOW RATE OF SPEED, THERE WAS A LOUD NOISE, WHICH WAS THE REAR AXLE BREAKING COMPLETELY IN HALF. REPLACED WITH A USED AXLE. *TR

Mileage: 101,000

I OWN A 2000 FORD WINDSTAR WITH A REAR AXLE THAT IS CRACKED IN TWO PLACES. NOTICED INSTABILITY AT FREEWAY SPEEDS AND BELIEVED IT TO BE AN ALIGNMENT PROBLEM, BUT TECHNICIANS DISCOVERED REAR AXLE PROBLEM. VEHICLE IS PARKED AND HASN'T BEEN DRIVEN SINCE AXLE PROBLEM WAS DIAGNOSED. ESTIMATES FOR REPLACEMENT RUN FROM $1000 TO $2200. REAR TIRES ARE WORN UNEVENLY AND TIRES ARE NOTICEABLY TILTED INWARD IN REAR. *TR

Mileage: 165,200

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2000 FORD WINDSTAR. THE CONTACT WAS DRIVING 5 MPH OVER A ROAD BUMP. THERE WAS AN ABNORMAL NOISE COMING FROM THE REAR OF THE VEHICLE. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO AN AUTHORIZED DEALER WHERE IT WAS DISCOVERED THAT THE REAR AXLE WAS SEVERELY CORRODED. THE DEALER REPLACED THE AXLE AT THE CONTACTS EXPENSE. THE MANUFACTURER ADVISED THAT THEY WERE NOT AWARE OF THE FAILURE AND WOULD NOT PROVIDE ANY FURTHER ASSISTANCE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 81,430 AND THE CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 82,000. UPDATED 12/15/10. *LJ THE CONSUMER STATED THE REPAIRS WERE COMPLETED. UPDATED 12/27/10

Mileage: 81,430

LARGE CRACK ALMOST ENTIRELY AROUND REAR AXLE ON DRIVER'S SIDE. DISCOVERED CRACK WHEN INVESTIGATING NOISE FROM REAR OF VEHICLE. APPEARS CRACK STARTED ON INSIDE OF FORMED CHANNEL. ALSO NOTICED A SHORT APPROX. 1 INCH CREASE LINE IN THE CENTER OF THE FORMED CHANNEL NOT FAR FROM WHERE THE CRACK STARTED. CORROSION APPEARS TO HAVE OCCURRED ON THE INSIDE OF THE AXLE BEAM. WHILE INVESTIGATING THE OTHER SIDE (PASSENGER SIDE) NEAR ANOTHER CREASE LINE, POKED A HOLE IN THE AXLE BEAM WITH A SCREWDRIVER. NO SEVERE CORROSION IS EVIDENT ON THE OUTSIDE OF THE AXLE BEAM. ATTEMPTS TO FIND A USED AXLE BEAM HAVE BEEN UNSUCCESSFULLY DO TO SIMILAR DAMAGE. REPAIRING THE AXLE SEEMS ILL ADVISED CONSIDERING THE POSSIBILITY OF MORE INTERNAL CORROSION AND A NEW AXLE IS BEING LOOKED INTO. LUCKILY MY WIFE PAYS ATTENTION TO THOSE LITTLE ODD NOISES AND WASN'T GOING DOWN THE HIGHWAY AND IT TOTALLY FAILED. *TR

Mileage: 120,245

ON 8-16-2010 WHILE DRIVING MY 2000 FORD WINDSTAR I LOST THE STEERING ON THE VEHICLE. THE VEHICLE VEERED INTO ONCOMING TRAFFIC BUT I WAS ABLE TO BRING THE VEHICLE BACK UNDER CONTROL. THE CAUSE OF THIS PROBLEM WAS DUE TO MY REAR AXLE SNAPPING IN HALF. THE AXLE BREAKING CAUSED DAMAGE TO THE REAR WHEELS AND THE SHOCKS AS WELL. THE TOTAL COST OF REPAIR WAS $1310.25. MY MECHANIC SHOWED ME AN ARTICLE ON THE FRONT COVER OF AN AUTOMOTIVE MAGAZINE THEY RECEIVE ABOUT THE REAR AXLES FAILING ON FORD WINDSTARS DUE TO WATER AND SALT GETTING INSIDE. THIS CAUSES THE AXLE TO CORRODE FROM WITHIN AND EVENTUALLY BREAK. FORD AT THIS TIME IS REFUSING TO RECALL THESE VEHICLES. I AM VOICING MY COMPLAINT IN THE HOPE THAT FORD WILL BE FORCED TO RECALL THESE VEHICLES AND REIMBURSE THOSE WHO HAVE ALREADY BEEN EFFECTED BY THIS SERIOUS PROBLEM BEFORE SOMEONE GETS HURT OR KILLED IF THAT HASN'T HAPPENED ALREADY. *TR

Mileage: 72,759

REAR AXLE BROKE INTO 2 PIECES. PRIOR TO COMPLETE BREAKAGE, FISHTAILING WAS EXPERIENCED AT FREEWAY SPEEDS(55-70 MPH). WHEN AXLE BROKE COMPLETELY, THE REAR WHEELS TILTED IN AND CONTACTED THE INNER FENDER. *TR

Mileage: 148,000

2000 FORD WINDSTAR, REAR AXLE BEAM BROKE / SPLIT WHILE DRIVING IN REVERSE OUT OF OUR DRIVEWAY. REPAIRED BY LOCAL REPAIR SHOP FOR $1,250 FOR NEW REAR AXLE BEAM. *TR

Mileage: 136,000

200 FORD WINDSTAR VAN REAR AXLE BEAM BREAKING IN HALF. THIS OCCURRED AS MY MOTHER WAS RUNNING AN ERRAND AROUND TOWN. SHE WAS ABLE TO GET THE CAR HOME, WHERE SHE CALLED ME TO COME AND LOOK AT THE PROBLEM. SO FAR I HAVE YET TO CONFIRM WITH FORD IF THEY WILL FIX THE PROBLEM OR IF THERE IS A RECALL ON IT. *TR

Mileage: 156,000

I WAS DRIVING MY 2000 WINDSTAR ON THE SKUYKILL EXPRESSWAY ON MONDAY, JULY 19, 2010 AT 12:33 PM ON MY WAY TO AN APPOINTMENT. ABOUT A QUARTER MILE BEFOR THE GILPH MILLS EXIT HEADING EAST, I WAS IN THE PASSING LANE TRAVELING ABOUT 55-60 MPH, WHEN THERE WAS A LOAD "POP" FROM THE REAR OF MY VAN. I IMMEDIATELY LOST CONTROLL OF THE VAN AND IT SLID ACROSS THE HIGHWAY . I FIRST HIT THE EMBANKMENT OFF THE SHOULDER, WAS THROWN BACK INTO THE HIGHWAY AS THE VAN SLIDE ON THE DRIVERS SIDE AND THEN FLIPPED UPSIDE DOWN. THE VAN CAME TO REST IN THE MIDDLE OF THE SKUYKILL EXPRESSWAY UPSIDE DOWN, FACING THE TRAFFIC. THANK GOD ALL TRAFFIC STOPPED AND NO ONE HIT ME, AND I DIDN'T HIT ANYONE.. THE VAN WAS TOTALLED. I SUFFERED HEAD INJURIES, AS WELL AS BROKEN AND BRUISED RIBS IN MY BACK, AS WELL AS SEVERE MUSCLE DAMAGE. I WAS ABLE TO UNHOOK MY SEAT BELT AND CRAWL OUT THE WINDOW, AND I WAITED TILL HELP CAME. AS I LOOKED AT THE UPSIDE DOWN VAN, I DID SEE THAT THE REAR AXLES WAS SPLIT IN HALF. I WAS TAKEN TO BRYN MAWR HOSPITAL FOR TREATMENT, AND RELEASED SEVERAL DAYS LATER. I STILL HAVE NOT BEEN ABLE TO GO BACK TO WORK BECAUSE OF MY BACK ISSUES. *TR

Mileage: 158,000

REAR AXLE CRACKED COMPLETELY IN HALF WHILE DRIVING, TOPS OF TIRES RUBBING ON WHEEL WELL. ALMOST RESULTED IN ACCIDENT WITH 4 CHILDREN IN THE CAR. WE WERE DRIVING ON THE HIGHWAY WHEN THE REAR END STARTED SWAYING AND BECAME HARD TO CONTROL. WE HAD IT TOWED TO OUR HOME AND A MECHANIC TOOK A LOOK AND SHOWED US WHERE THE AXLE IS COMPLETELY BROKE IN HALF, THE SPRING IS HANGING AND THE HUBS ARE BAD. *TR

Mileage: 145,000

2000 WINDSTAR REAR AXLE RUSTED THRU. *TR

Mileage: 90,000

2000 FORD WINDSTAR (REAR AXLE SPLIT) ACTION #PE10016. *TR

Mileage: 79,626

THE REAR AXLE HAIR LINE BEGAN TO CRACK AT AROUND 90K MILES AND IS SEVERELY CRACK NOW AT 97K MILES AND AWAITING PARTS. THE PART LOOKS TO COST AROUND $500.00 NOT INCLUDING INSTALLATION. THE GAUGES ON THE CAR ARE WACKY AND SEEMS TO WORK AT WILL AND THE ABS LIGHT CONTINUES TO COME ON. *TR

Mileage: 90,000

I WAS DRIVING DOWN THE ROAD AND MY REAR AXLE BROKE NOT ONCE BUT TWO TIMES. IM GETTING TIRED OF BUYING NEW AXLES. I WENT ON A FORD SITE AND IT SAID THAT THE YEAR OF MY VAN IT IS KNOWN FOR THIS TO HAPPEN. THEY CONSIDER IT A DEATH TRAP. I CALLED FORD AND THEY SAID THERE IS NO RECALL. IF THIS IS KNOWN FOR HAPPENING THERE SHOULD BE A RECALL. *TR

DROVE VEHICLE TO DESTINATION AND WHEN WE ARRIVED THE AXLE SNAPPED IN HALF ON THE 2000 FORD WINDSTAR. VEHICLE JUST TURNED 100,000 MI WHEN REAR AXLE SNAPPED. TOWED TO REPAIR FACILITY, WAITING FOR REPAIR ESTIMATE. *TR

Mileage: 100,000

THE REAR AXLE ON MY 2000 FORD WINDSTAR SNAPPED IN HALF WHILE DRIVING AT HIGHWAY SPEEDS. THE VAN BEGAN TO SHAKE AND BOUNCE VIOLENTLY AND FORTUNATELY I WAS ABLE TO GET THE VAN TO THE SHOULDER OF THE ROAD WITHOUT HITTING ANOTHER CAR OR SOMETHING ALONG THE SIDE OF THE ROAD. UPON INSPECTION, BOTH REAR WHEELS HAD COLLAPSED INTO THE WHEEL WELLS AND THE AXLE HAD COMPLETELY BROKEN IN HALF. THERE WAS NO PRIOR WARNING OF THIS ISSUE. THE VAN NEEDED TO BE TOWED TO A LOCAL DEALER WHERE THE REPAIRS WERE MADE TO REPLACE THE REAR AXLE. TOTAL REPAIR COST EXCEEDED $1800. *TR

Mileage: 118,371

I HAD PURCHASED THIS VEHICLE FROM A PRIVATE OWNER IN MARCH 2010 WHO REPORTED NO ISSUES. I DRIVE THIS VEHICLE DAILY TO WORK, AS WELL AS TRANSPORTING CHILDREN TO DIFFERENT ACTIVITIES. RETURNING HOME FROM WORK ON MAY 06, 2010, I NOTICED THE VAN HANDLING ODD; HAD TO KEEP RIGHT PRESSURE ON THE STEERING WHEEL (LIKE AN ALIGNMENT ISSUE). THE FURTHER I DROVE THE MORE PRESSURE I HAD TO MAINTAIN. I BEGAN TO SLOW MY SPEED (FROM 70 MPH TO 60 MPH) BECAUSE THERE WAS EXCESSIVE SWAY WHEN CROSSING BRIDGE JOINTS. I CONTINUED TO REDUCE SPEED TO ABOUT 50 MHP AND APPROXIMATELY 2 MILES AFTER I FIRST NOTICED THE SWAY, I HEARD A LOUD "POP" AND THE REAR OF THE VAN DROPPED. I WAS ABLE TO QUICKLY PULL TO THE EDGE OF THE HIGHWAY AND STOP. THE TIRES WERE LEANING IN AT THE TOP ON BOTH SIDES AND HAD BEGUN SMOKING. I LOOKED UNDER THE VAN AND THE AXLE HAD BROKEN APPROXIMATELY 15"-18" FROM END, ON THE DRIVER'S SIDE. ENDED UP HAVING VEHICLE TOWED TO A REPAIR FACILITY, LOCATED A USED UNIT FROM A SALVAGE YARD, 2 TIRES AND HAD THEM ALL REPLACED. WHAT A HEADACHE. HEARD A 'POP' ON MY WAY TO WORK THIS MORNING SO I CHECKED THE AXLE AND FOUND THERE IS A CRACK IN THE SAME SPOT OF THIS REPLACEMENT AXLE. *TR

Mileage: 130,000

2000 FORD WINDSTAR REAR AXLE CRACKED. REPLACED AT DEALER AT APPROX. $950 COST. *TR

Mileage: 102,200

I OWN A 2000 FORD WINDSTAR LX, MY PROBLEM IS THAT MY WIFE, DAUGHTER AND HER TWO CHILDREN, AND ONE OLDER ADULT WAS MINUTES AWAY FORM GETTING INTO A SERIOUS HIGHWAY ACCIDENT DUE TO THE FACT THEY WERE LESS THAN 1,000FT FT OF GETTING ONTO THE EXPRESSWAY WHEN THE REAR AXLE OF THE VAN SNAPPED ALMOST INTO TWO PIECES FOR NO REASON AT ALL. AFTER GETTING THE VAN TOWED TO MY RESIDENCE WHICH WAS A 1/4 MILE. AFTER FURTHER INSPECTION THE REAR AXLE SEAMED TO HAVE ROTTED FROM THE INSIDE OUT, THERE IS NO RUST ON THE OUTER SURFACE OF THIS HOLLOW AXLE THAT WOULD OF SHOWN SIGNS OF BREAKING. I CONTACTED A COUPLE OF USED AUTO PARTS DEALERS AND THEY HAD STATED THAT THEY HAVE MY SAME MODEL VAN BUT ALL OF THE AXLES ON THEM ARE GONE DUE TO BEING SOLD TO OTHER PEOPLE THAT HAD NEEDED THEM. I AM ASKING HAS THERE BEEN OTHER REPORTS OF THIS HAPPENING TO THIS OR LATER MODEL YEARS. MY FAMILY COULD OF BEEN SERIOUSLY INJURED OR KILLED, AND I HAVE JUST RECENTLY DONE A TRIP TO WAUKEGAN ILLINOIS AND BACK TO TOLEDO OHIO WHICH WAS 950 MILES OF TOLL ROADS WITH SPEEDS OF 65-75 MPH IF THIS HAD LET GO AT THESE SPEEDS I WILL PROBABLY NOT BE SENDING IN THIS REPORT. IS THERE A RECALL FOR THESE STYLE AXLES ON THIS VEHICLE. THANK YOU. *TR THE CONSUMER STATED THE AXLE BROKE FOR THE SECOND TIME. UPDATED 02/04/15

Mileage: 94,897

I OWN A 2000 FORD WINDSTAR LX . ON AUGUST 4, 2010 AT APPROXIMATELY 5PM I WAS DRIVING AT ABOUT 30 MPH WHEN SUDDENLY I THOUGHT MY TIRE HAD BLOWN OUT. I SAW LOT'S OF SMOKE OR DUST COMING FROM THE REAR END AND THE CAR WAS LURCHING TO A STOP. THERE WAS NO OTHER VEHICLE TRAFFIC ON THE ROAD AT THE TIME. I PULLED TO A STOP AND GOT OUT TO INSPECT MY REAR TIRES. I REALIZED AT THAT TIME THAT MY REAR AXLE HAD BROKEN IN HALF. I CALLED A TOW TRUCK AND WAS TAKEN TO MY MECHANIC. *TR

Mileage: 149,000

DISCOVERED A CRACKED REAR AXLE ON MY 2000 FORD WINDSTAR SEL. PERFORMED RESEARCH ON THIS ISSUE AND DISCOVERED THAT THE REAR AXLE HAS A DESIGN FLAW THAT ALLOWS MOISTURE, SALT, SAND, ETC. TO COLLECT AND RUST THE AXLE FROM THE INSIDE OUT AND THAT POTENTIALLY OVER 900,000 VEHICLES COULD BE AFFECTED. A CLASS ACTION LAWSUIT WAS FILED REGARDING THIS ISSUE IN MAY 2010. *TR

Mileage: 114,000

I WAS DRIVING MY 2000 WINDSTAR IT HAS 113,000 MILES ON IT AND WE BOUGHT IT WITH A CAR FAX REPORT - WE HAVE OWNED IT FOR 2 YEARS AND HAVE BEEN DILIGENT ON ALL MAINTENANCE. ON JULY 27, 2010 I WAS TRAVELING AT 25 MPH WHEN I SWERVED TO MISS A CAR THAT PULLED OUT IN FRONT OF ME, I WENT UP ON THE CURB AND THE BACK END OF MY CAR STARTED SMOKING AFTER I RIGHTED THE CAR. I PULLED OVER IMMEDIATELY AND CALLED FOR A TOW. MY MECHANIC SAID THE REAL AXLE SNAPPED IN HALF AND CAUSED DAMAGE TO THE TIRE DUE TO ROTATING AGAINST THE FRAME. I HAD MY FOUR SMALL CHILDREN IN THE CAR AND I JUST THANK GOD I WAS GOING SLOW AND NOT ON THE FREEWAY. I CERTAINLY HOPE FORD DOES SOMETHING ABOUT THIS BECAUSE THIS COULD BE DEADLY. *TR

Mileage: 113,000

CRACK IN THE REAR AXEL BEAM . *TR

Mileage: 80,000

2000 FORD WINDSTAR REAR AXLE CRACKED AND VEHICLE IS UNSTABLE TO DRIVE. *TR

Mileage: 134,000

I HAVE A FORD WINDSTAR WITH 93,000 MILES ON THE ODOMETER AND WAS SHOCKED WHEN THE VEHICLE TIRES WERE SLANTED ON AN ANGLE ON DAY! THIS WAS VERY ODD LOOKING, AS YOU CAN ONLY IMAGINE AND AFTER A REVIEW OF THE VEHICLE WAS TOLD THAT THE REAR AXLE HOUSING WAS CRACKED (AND RUSTED) RIGHT IN THE MIDDLE, CLOSER TO ONE SIDE; LEAVING THE CARE NON-DRIVABLE DUE TO POSSIBLE BLOW-OUT OCCURRENCE. AFTER HAVING NO CHOICE BUT TO REPAIR THE VEHICLE AND AFTER PUTTING OVER $600 DOLLARS INTO THE VEHICLE HAVE ONLY FOUND THAT OTHER FORD WINDSTARS ARE ALSO HAVING THIS PROBLEM. I WAS FORTUNATE ENOUGH NOT TO BE INVOLVED IN ANY TYPE OF MOTOR VEHICLE ACCIDENT, HOWEVER THIS WAS DAMAGING TO MY SAVINGS ACCOUNT! I WOULD STILL HOWEVER BUY FORD VEHICLES AND WOULD LIKE TO MAKE MY CASE KNOWN IN THIS SITUATION. *TR

Mileage: 93,000

2-3 DAYS AGO HEARD A CLUNK OR TWO FROM RIGHT REAR RIGHT REAR. FROM THAT POINT ON REAR END FELT A BIT SQUIRRELLY (LIKE SHOT OR BROKEN SHOCK(S)/SWAYBAR OR LINKAGE). A COUPLE TIMES GOING OVER MILDLY UNEVEN ROAD THE REAR END SEAMED TO TRACK LATERALLY 4-6". LAST NIGHT RETURNING HOME I PULLED THROUGH AN UNEVEN ROADWORK AREA LEADING INTO OUR NEIGHBORHOOD AND STARTED HEARD A LOUD RUBBER RUBBING SOUND. PULLED TO THE CURB PRONTO AND FOUND LEFT REAR WHEEL TILTED IN AT TOP/BACK AND RUBBING FENDER WELL. WALKED HOME AND RETURNED WITH JACK TO FIND LUGNUTS TIGHT AND WHEEL SPINS WELL, BUT OFF AXIS. LEFT IT THERE AND RETURNED TO WEB WITH SYMPTOMS AND SEARCH ROUTED ME RIGHT TO WINDSTAR REAR AXLE CRACKING PE10016. WILL TRY AND BRACE AXLE AND LIMP IT HOME THE LAST 2 BLOCKS SOON. GLAD IT OCCURRED AT SLOW SPEED! *TR

Mileage: 123,892

I HAVE A 2000 FORD WINDSTAR LX, 2 WEEKS AGO THE REAR AXLE CRACKED AND COST ME $350.00 IN PARTS AND $175.00 IN LABOR...1 WEEK LATER THE REPLACEMENT AXLE CRACKED IN THE SAME SPOT. THANKFULLY MY MECHANIC COVERED IT, MY REAR TIRES ARE SHOT FROM THE 2 OCCURRENCES AND WILL HAVE TO BE REPLACED WHEN I CAN AFFORD IT. *TR

Mileage: 148,000

FORD WINDSTAR REAR AXLE CRACKED. *TR

Mileage: 130,000

LEFT REAR TIRE WAS LEANING, NOTICED METAL ON METAL SOUNDS, THEN DISCOVERED THE REAR AXLE WAS SNAPPED AT A JOINT POINT. *TR

Mileage: 113,504

2000 FORD WINDSTAR REAR AXEL SPLIT IN HALF. JUST DRIVING HOME FROM WORK AND HEARD CRUNCH AND FELT SWAY. GOT HOME AND FOUND REAR WHEELS TILTED. *TR

Mileage: 112,756

I WAS DRIVING MY 2000 FORD WINDSTAR WITH MY TWO CHILDREN IN THE CAR WHEN MY REAR AXLE CRACKED IN HALF ON THE NORTHERN STATE PARKWAY IN NEW YORK, AT EXIT 42. *TR

I WAS DRIVING TO PICK UP MY SON FROM A FRIENDS HOUSE WHEN I HEARD A LOUD CRACK. THE VAN BEGAN TO SWAY FROM SIDE TO SIDE. I GOT OUT TO SEE WHAT HAD HAPPEN AND THE REAR AXLE HAD BROKEN ABOUT TWO FEET THE DRIVER SIDE TIRE. LUCKILY NO ONE WAS INJURED OR KILLED. I DON'T HAVE THE MONEY TO REPLACE IT WITH A NEW AXLE SO THERE IT SITS IN MY DRIVEWAY UNDRIVEABLE. I'M NOT SURE IF I WANT TO REPLACE WITH A USED AXLE IT MIGHT JUST HAPPEN AGAIN. *TR

Mileage: 146,873

WHILE DRIVING THE FORD WINDSTAR SUNDAY 7/17/2010 MY WIFE NOTICED THAT CAR SHAKING BADLY. I TOOK THE CAR FOR A DRIVE AND IT STARTED TO SHAKE BADLY AND I ALSO SMELLED RUBBER. I LOOKED AT THE REAR WHEELS AND NOTICED THAT REAR AXLE WAS BROKEN. *TR

Mileage: 132,159

TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2000 FORD WINDSTAR. WHILE DRIVING 20 MPH, HE LOST CONTROL OF THE VEHICLE AND WAS ABLE TO DRIVE ONTO THE EMERGENCY LANE. THE CONTACT NOTICED THAT THE BACK REAR TIRE WAS TILTED INWARD AND THE AXLE WAS CRACKED. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO AN AUTO BODY SHOP WHERE TO WELD THE AXLE TOGETHER. THE AXLE WAS REPLACED THREE TIMES. THE AXLE WAS NOT REPAIRED THREE TIMES. THE DEALER WAS NOT NOTIFIED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 80,000 AND THE CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 116,000. UPDATED 10/13/10*BF THE CONSUMER STATED THE REAR AXLE WAS BROKEN DUE TO A CRACK. THE CONSUMER PAID FOR THE REPAIRS. UPDATED 10/14/10

Mileage: 80,000

REAL AXLE CRACKED AT 107000 MILES. VEHICLE DISPOSED OF BEFORE COMPLETE FAILURE. *TR

Mileage: 107,000

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2000 FORD WINDSTAR. WHILE DRIVING AT APPROXIMATELY 60 MPH, THERE WAS A LOUD BANG FROM THE REAR AND THE VEHICLE BEGAN TO VIBRATE EXCESSIVELY. THE CONTACT MOVED THE VEHICLE FROM THE ROADWAY AND FOUND THAT THE REAR AXLE HAD FRACTURED IN HALF. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC WHERE THE REAR AXLE WAS REPLACED AT THE CONTACT'S EXPENSE. THE FAILURE AND CURRENT MILEAGES WERE 135,000.

Mileage: 135,000

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2000 FORD WINDSTAR. WHILE DRIVING AT APPROXIMATELY 25 MPH OVER A ROAD BUMP, THERE WAS A LOUD, ABNORMAL NOISE AND THE VEHICLE IMMEDIATELY BECAME DIFFICULT TO CONTROL, VEERING FROM SIDE TO SIDE. THE CONTACT WAS ABLE TO DRIVE TO HIS RESIDENCE AND FOUND THAT THE REAR AXLE WAS FRACTURED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT TAKEN TO THE DEALER FOR REPAIRS. THE FAILURE AND CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 78,000.

Mileage: 78,000

2000 FORD WINDSTAR REAR AXLE FAILURE - *TR

Mileage: 115,618

2000 FORD WINDSTAR WITH 131,800 MILES ON IT CAME TO A HALT AFTER GOING OVER A ROUGH PIECE OF ROAD THAT IT NAVIGATES ON A WEEKLY BASIS. THE BACK AXLE BROKE IN HALF CAUSING THE TIRES TO POINT INWARD AND RUBBED ON THE FENDER WELLS. HAD TO HAVE IT TOWED. CAN'T WAIT TO SEE WHAT THIS REPAIR WILL COST US!!! *TR

Mileage: 131,800

OUR FORD WINDSTAR MINI-VAN BEGUN DRIVING STRANGELY YESTERDAY AS WE WERE ON VACATION AT MARTHA'S VINEYARD. THE VAN IS A 2000 WITH 130,000 MILES, AND WE HAVE BEEN CONSIDERING REPLACING IT FOR 6 MONTHS OR SO. AFTER FEELING THE REAR OF THE VEHICLE SHIMMYING, WE RETURNED TO OUR RENTAL COTTAGE AND EXAMINED THE REAR OF THE VEHICLE AND DISCOVERED THAT THE AXEL WAS BROKEN NEAR THE DRIVER'S SIDE JUST BELOW THE WELDING POINT. WE ARE VERY THANKFUL THAT WE MADE IT BACK SAFELY WITH OUR 3 CHILDREN. *TR

Mileage: 130,000

VEHICLE REAR END STARTED TO SWAY AT LOW SPEEDS (<20 MPH) CLICKING SOUND HEARD FROM THE REAR END WHEN DRIVING IN REVERSE. UPON EXAMINATION THE REAR AXLE BEAM WAS CRACKED THROUGH ABOUT 3/4 CLEAN THROUGH ON THE DRIVERS SIDE DIRECTLY BEHIND THE GAS TANK. CURRENTLY ATTEMPTING TO GET REPAIRED. OLD PART IS AVAILABLE AT THIS TIME. *TR

Mileage: 94,757

I WAS TRAVELING AT 70 MPH ON THE HIGH WAY WHEN THE REAR BEAM AXLE SNAPPED. I WAS ABLE TO RETAIN CONTROL OF THE VEHICLE. THE VEHICLE DID FISHTAIL AND ALMOST ROLLED. THERE IS AN AXLE AVAILABLE FOR THIS VEHICLE FROM FORD. *TR

Mileage: 87,600

2000 FORD WINDSTAR - BROKEN REAR AXLE - FORTUNATELY DISCOVERED WHILE CAR WAS IN A PARKING LOT - HEARD ONE LOUD NOISE EARLIER IN THE DAY AND A LOUDER NOISE AT TIME OF DISCOVERY. AXLE IS VISIBLY BROKEN AND WAS TOWED. *TR

Mileage: 150,000

WHILE DRIVING BACK ON A TRIP FROM DEPERE WI STARTED HEARING A STRANGE SOUND FROM THE REAR END OF THE VAN WHEN HITTING BUMPS IN THE ROAD. AFTER LOOKING AT THE REAR END OF THE VEHICLE FOUND A LARGE CRACK IN THE REAR AXLE BEAM ABOUT HALF WAY THROUGH THE "C" CHANNEL AND A BROKEN COIL SPRING. I STARTED LOOKING ONLINE FOR REPLACEMENT PARTS AND FOUND THAT THERE HAS BEEN OTHER FAILURES OF THIS TYPE ON 1999 - 2003 WINDSTARS. THE NHTSA HAS AN INVESTIGATION GOING ON THIS TYPE OF FAILURE - PE10016. JUST WANTED TO LOG THE FAILURE BEFORE GETTING THE REPAIR DONE. *TR

Mileage: 103,500

THE REAR AXLE ON MY 2000 FORD WINDSTAR BROKE APART WHILE TRAVELING ON I-96 AT ABOUT 60 MPH, I WAS ABLE TO COME TO A SAFE STOP ON THE MEDIAN. THIS COULD HAVE ENDANGERED ME AS WELL AS OTHERS. I HAVE DONE SOME RESEARCH ON LINE AND FOUND THIS TO BE A PROBLEM WITH THIS CAR. THIS IS A SERIOUS DEFECT THAT NEEDS TO BE ADDRESSED BY THE NHTSA AND THE FORD MOTOR COMPANY. *TR

Mileage: 122,700

THE REAR AXLE ON MY 2000 FORD WINDSTAR BROKE APART WHILE TRAVELING ON I-96 AT ABOUT 60 MPH, I WAS ABLE TO COME TO A SAFE STOP ON THE MEDIAN. THIS COULD HAVE ENDANGERED ME AS WELL AS OTHERS. I HAVE DONE SOME RESEARCH ON LINE AND FOUND THIS TO BE A PROBLEM WITH THIS CAR. THIS IS A SERIOUS DEFECT THAT NEEDS TO BE ADDRESSED BY THE NHTSA AND THE FORD MOTOR COMPANY. *TR

Mileage: 122,700

ON JUNE 13, 2010 MY WIFE WAS DRIVING FORD WINDSTAR AT APPROXIMATELY 25MPH SPEED DOWN A PAVED ROAD NEAR OUR HOME WHEN THE REAR SUSPENSION AXLE BROKE. THE AXLE CRACKED AND COMPLETELY SEPARATED AT APPROXIMATELY 1 1/2 FEET FROM DRIVERS SIDE REAR WHEEL. BOTH HALVES OF AXLE DROPPED TO THE GROUND AND ONE SIDE WAS DRAGGING ON PAVEMENT. BOTH REAR TIRES WERE RUBBING ON WHEEL HOUSING. THE VEHICLE EXPERIENCED LOSS OF CONTROL IN REAR END AND DID NOT STAY INLINE WITH THE FRONT END OF VEHICLE. THERE WAS A SMELL OF BURNING RUBBER AFTER VEHICLE WAS STOPPED. THE VEHICLE HAS NOT BEEN REPAIRED YET AND WE ARE AWAITING NEW PART (AXLE) PURCHASED FROM FORD DEALERSHIP BEFORE REPAIRS MAY BEGIN. VEHICLE HAD BEEN USED ON DAILY BASIS AND WAS USED FOR A FAMILY VACATION TRIP THE WEEK PRIOR TO FAILURE. VEHICLE HAS UNDER 111,000 MILES ON THE ODOMETER. FAILURE SHOULD HAVE NOT OCCURRED IN SUCH A CRITICAL AREA AND AT SUCH A LOW MILEAGE. ALTHOUGH THERE WERE NO INJURIES OR COLLISION, THE FAILURE IS A SAFETY CONCERN BECAUSE THE REAR END OF THE VEHICLE HAD LOST CONTROL AND THE REAR TIRES WERE RUBBING AGAINST THE WHEEL HOUSING AND COULD HAVE BLOWN. *TR

Mileage: 110,117

THE CAR WAS FISHTAILING AND I ASSUMED THE ALIGNMENT NEEDED FIXING. I WAS GOING DOWN A DIRT ROAD, THE TRACTION CONTROL CAME ON AND THE CAR WASN'T DRIVING NORMALLY. I PULLED OVER AND NOTICED THE BACK DRIVERS SIDE WHEEL WAS LEANING IN. UNDER THE CAR I FOUND THE REAR AXLE BROKEN A QUARTER FROM THE DRIVERS SIDE. THE CAR WAS TOWED AND A NEW REAR AXLE WAS INSTALLED. AN OLD PART WAS AVAILABLE, BUT I LEARNED THAT THE FAILURE RATE ON THE USED PARTS WAS HIGH SO I CHOSE TO USE A NEW PART. *TR

Mileage: 100,291

I WAS DRIVING MY 2000 FORD WINDSTAR DOWN THE ROAD WITH MY CHILDREN AND MY TIRES STARTED TO SQUEAL AND THE BACK END STARTED TO LOSE CONTROL. I WAS ABLE TO GET OFF THE ROAD SAFELY. WHEN I GOT OUT TO SEE WHAT WAS WRONG MY BACK TIRES WERE BOWED IN. WHEN LOOKING UNDER I SAW MY AXLE WAS SPLIT IN HALF. I HAD NO OTHER WARNING SIGNS. I CALLED FORD AND THEY SAID THERE IS NO RECALL OR ANY PROBLEMS REPORTED ON THE REAR AXLES. *TR

REAR AXLE BROKE ON MY 2000 FORD WINDSTAR. WE GOT NEW TIRES AND NOTICED THE CAR WAS DRIVING FUNNY. LOOKED UNDERNEATH TO FIND A CRACK ALMOST ALL THE WAY THROUGH THE REAR AXLE. EXACTLY WHAT IS DESCRIBED IN NHTSA ACT NUMBER PE10016. *TR

Mileage: 118,000

DRIVING STRAIGHT ON ROAD APPROX. 35 MPH IN TOWN NORMAL STOP AND GO TRAFFIC, AND REAR AXLE BROKE COMPLETELY IN HALF. HAD VEHICLE TOWED TO MY MECHANIC. NEED TO REPLACE THE AXLE. WILL COST AROUND $1000.00. NO ONE WAS HURT BUT IT COULD OF BEEN TRAGIC IF I HAD BEEN ON THE HIGHWAY OR GOING AROUND A CURVE. VAN HAS APPROX. 142,000 MILES ON IT. *TR

Mileage: 142,000

WHILE DRIVING ON AN INTERSTATE HIGHWAY AT 55 MPH, MY 2000 FORD WINDSTAR LX MADE A LOUD NOISE AND BLACK SMOKE AND THE SMELL OF BURNING RUBBER FILLED THE VEHICLE. IT WAS WITH GREAT DIFFICULTY THAT MY HUSBAND WAS ABLE TO MAINTAIN CONTROL OF THE VEHICLE AND GET IT OVER TO THE SIDE OF THE ROAD. MY SELF AND OUR 3 CHILDREN WERE VERY FORTUNATE TO ESCAPE INJURY. THE REAR TIRE AXLE HAD SNAPPED IN TWO. I HAVE SINCE READ OF NUMEROUS COMPLAINTS REGARDING THIS SAME DEFECT. WHY HASN'T ANYTHING BEEN DONE ABOUT THIS SERIOUS ISSUE? THE VEHICLE IS CURRENTLY IN AUTO SHOP AND I AM WAITING TO HEAR IF IT CAN BE REPAIRED. I AM EXTREMELY APPREHENSIVE ABOUT DRIVING THIS CAR EVER AGAIN. WILL THE SAME SITUATION HAPPEN AGAIN IF I REPLACE IT WITH ANOTHER FORD PART? WHY HASN'T THERE BEEN A SAFETY RECALL ON THIS ISSUE. I AM THE ORIGINAL OWNER AND THIS CAR HAS BEEN PROPERLY MAINTAINED. THERE ARE APPROXIMATELY 110,000 MILES ON THE VEHICLE. *TR

Mileage: 110,000

TL- THE CONTACT OWNS A 2000 FORD WINDSTAR; WHILE DRIVING AT 35 MPH THE TIRES STARTED MAKING AN UNUSUAL NOISE AND THEN HE HEARD METAL SCRAPING ON THE PAVEMENT, HE PULLED OVER ONTO THE SIDE OF THE ROAD AND DISCOVERED THAT HIS REAR SUSPENSION WAS BROKEN; THE VEHICLE HAD TO BE TOWED TO HIS HOME; THERE WAS NO DIAGNOSTIC TEST DONE OR REPAIRS; THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT CONTACTED AND HE STATED THAT THE DEALER WAS NO LONGER IN BUSINESS SO HE COULD NOT CONTACT HIM. THE FAILURE AND CURRENT MILEAGE WERE 195,000..

Mileage: 195,000

FORD WINDSTAR 2000 BROKEN REAR AXLE. 2 WEEKS PRIOR HAD INTERMITTENT GRINDING NOISE WHICH VEHICLE OWNERS IDENTIFIED AS A SUSPENSION PROBLEM. SOUNDS WAS MOST NOTABLE ON UNEVEN TERRAIN, BUT NOT ALL THE TIME. UPON FURTHER INSPECTION, NOTED BROKEN REAR AXLE. NO CONSEQUENCES, VEHICLE WAS TAKEN OFF ROAD BEFORE AXLE BROKE IN HALF. PART WILL BE REPLACED. *TR

Mileage: 143,737

THE REAR AXLE ON OUR 2000 FORD WINDSTAR SNAPPED IN TWO WHILE UNDER NORMAL DRIVING CONDITIONS. THE AXLE WAS REPLACED FOR AROUND $800.00 ALONG WITH ONE OF THE SHOCKS FOR ANOTHER $85.00. ONE OF THE REAR COIL SPRINGS STILL NEEDS TO BE REPLACED. *TR

Mileage: 121,000

WE WERE BACKING SLOWLY OUT OF THE DRIVEWAY. THE VAN SOUNDED LIKE SOMETHING WAS CAUGHT UNDERNEATH THE VEHICLE AND WAS DRAGGING. WE GOT OUT OF THE CAR TO SEE WHAT THE PROBLEM WAS. WE NOTICED THE REAR WHEELS WERE BOTH TILTED INWARD AND THE REAR AXLE WAS DRAGGING ON THE GROUND, DAMAGING THE DRIVEWAY. THE VAN HAD TO BE TOWED TO AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC IN WHICH THE REAR AXLE WAS REPLACED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS APPROXIMATELY 72,000 MILES. *TR

Mileage: 72,000

WE HAVE A 2000 FORD WINDSTAR THAT WE TOOK TO OUR MECHANIC FOR INSPECTION. WHILE BEING INSPECTED, THE MECHANIC NOTICED THAT THE REAR BEAM AXLE WAS ROTTED AND CRACKED. THIS IS THE 2ND REAR AXLE THAT ROTTED OUT ON THE VAN. 1ST ONE WAS REPLACED IN JULY 2008. CAR IS STILL AT MECHANICS GARAGE, AWAITING INSTRUCTIONS FOR REPAIR. FORD HAS NO RECALL ON THE AXLE. *TR

Mileage: 93,800

MY SON AND I WERE DRIVING TO BJ'S WAREHOUSE AFTER BUYING MULCH AT LOWE'S. WE JUST GOT OFF THE HIGHWAY AND WAS ABOUT 1/4 MILE FROM BJ'S WHEN WE HEARD A LOUD CLUNK. I THOUGHT THE TIRE BLEW AT FIRST AND CONTINUED INTO THE CLOSEST PARKING LOT. I LOOKED UNDER THE CAR AND FOUND THAT MY REAR AXLE I-BEAM HAD SNAPPED IN TWO. BOTH THE FLATBED DRIVER WHO TOWED IT AND MY MECHANIC SAID THEY NEVER SAW SUCH A THING HAPPEN BEFORE. A STEEL BEAM BRAKING IN TWO ISN'T SUPPOSED TO HAPPEN. WE WERE LUCKY WE DIDN'T HAVE AN ACCIDENT. FORD WILL ONLY HAVE A RECALL AFTER SOMEONE DIES AND A MULTI-MILLION DOLLAR LAWSUIT FOLLOWS. THAT WOULD BRING THE KIND OF PUBLICITY THAT FORD WOULD HAVE TO REACT TO. IT SEEMS THAT'S THE ONLY TIME ANY OF THESE CARMAKERS BACK THEIR VEHICLES IS AFTER A TRAGEDY AND A MAJOR INVESTIGATION. LIVES JUST AREN'T IMPORTANT TO THEM. JUST PROFITS. *TR

Mileage: 155,000

WITHOUT KNOWN CAUSE, THE REAR AXLE OF OUR 2000 FORD WINDSTAR LX SNAPPED IN HALF WHILE BEING DRIVEN. THE ONLY THING NOTICED,ONLY MOMENTS PRIOR TO THE BREAK, WAS THE BACK END SWIVELING JUST A BIT. THE REAR AXLE WAS REPLACED, THE OLD ONE DISCARDED, AND ONE OF OUR BRAND NEW TIRES WAS ALSO REPLACED DUE TO THE FRICTION IT SUSTAINED. *TR

Mileage: 128,376

DRIVING HOME FROM PHILA, PA THE REAR WAS FISH TAILING WITH EVERY LITTLE BUMP. BEING CLOSE TO HOME I FIGURED I COULD CHECK IT AFTER ARRIVING HOME. REAR AXLE BROKE OFF COMPLETELY IN HALF ON MY STREET. BOTH REAR TIRES WENT INWARD AND WERE AGAINST THE WHEEL WELL . THE CAR COULD NOT GO FORWARD OR BACKWARD AS THE AXLE WAS ON THE GROUND. SNAPPED APPROX. 18 INCHES FROM THE LEFT SIDE. LUCKILY WE WERE NOT ON A HIGHWAY AT THE TIME. 4 PASSENGERS. NEEDED 3 TOW TRUCKS BEFORE ONE FIGURED OUT HOW TO TOW IS WITHOUT ANYMORE DAMAGE. HAD A NEW AXLE PUT IN FOR $1200. MY WIFE IS STILL AFRAID TO DRIVE IT. *TR

Mileage: 100,050

I HAVE A 2000 FORD WINDSTAR VAN AND THE REAR AXLE SNAPPED IN TWO. I THINK IT HAPPENED WHEN WE PULLED INTO OUR DRIVEWAY. I HAVE NOT FIXED IT YET BECAUSE IT IS VERY EXPENSIVE AND HAVE TO SAVE UP THE MONEY. *TR

Mileage: 185,000

ON WED MAY 12TH I WAS BACKING OUT OF MY DRIVEWAY TO TAKE ONE OF MY KIDS TO A GUITAR LESSON. MY 2000 FORD WINDSTAR, WHICH HAD BEEN WORKING FINE, SUDDENLY MADE AN ODD NOISE AND THE TIRES WERE BENT INWARD TOWARD THE CAR. I GOT OUT AND DISCOVERED THAT THE REAR AXLE HAD BROKEN! THE CAR HAS NOT BEEN IN ANY ACCIDENTS AND THERE WERE NO SIGNS OF THIS PROBLEM OCCURRING. I HAD THE CAR REPAIRED AND WAS TOLD BY THE REPAIR SHOP THAT THEY HAD SEEN A NUMBER OF THESE INCIDENTS OCCURRING. THE CAR IS OKAY NOW, BUT I HAD TO PAY OVER 900.00 TO HAVE THE DAMAGE FIXED AND I AM VERY CONCERNED ABOUT OTHER OWNERS OF THIS TYPE OF CAR. *TR

Mileage: 133,100

I DISCOVERED A LARGE CRACK IN THE REAR AXLE BEAM OF MY 2000 FORD WINDSTAR WHEN DOING ROUTINE BRAKE WORK. THE CRACK GOES HALFWAY THROUGH THE AXLE BEAM SO I DECIDED TO TAKE THE VEHICLE OFF THE ROAD UNTIL I CONTACT FORD MOTOR COMPANY. I WILL CONTACT THEM A.S.A.P. TO DETERMINE WHAT ACTION I SHOULD TAKE AT THIS POINT. IN MY OPINION THE VEHICLE IS NOT CURRENTLY SAFE TO OPERATE AS THE AXLE COULD COMPLETELY FRACTURE AT ANY GIVEN TIME DUE TO THE SEVERITY OF THE CRACK. I HAVE READ THAT MANY OTHER WINDSTAR OWNERS HAVE EXPERIENCED THIS PROBLEM, YET FORD HAS DONE NOTHING TO NOTIFY OWNERS ABOUT THE POSSIBILITY OF AXLE FAILURE. I HAVE TAKEN SEVERAL PHOTOS OF THE AXLE FOR DOCUMENTATION BEFORE I HAVE THE IT REPLACED. *TR

Mileage: 83,000

MY 2000 FORD WINDSTAR REAR AXLE SPLIT IN HALF DURING NORMAL DRIVING CONDITIONS (5/28/10). I AM IN THE PROCESS OF INQUIRING HOW MUCH THE REPAIR WILL COST. *TR

Mileage: 90,000

I OWN A 2000 FORD WINDSTAR SE. I NOTICED MY CAR SHUDDERING A BIT ON THE EXPRESSWAY LATE LAST WEEK (5/20/10.) I SLOWED A BIT AND THE MOVEMENT STOPPED. I PULLED OFF THE EXPRESSWAY AND CONTINUED DRIVING ON CITY STREETS. I TRIED INCREASING MY SPEED BUT COULD NOT RECREATE THE 'SHUDDERING.' OVER THE WEEKEND, I FELT THE MOVEMENT ONCE MORE SO I STAYED AT LOW SPEEDS ON CITY STREETS AND PLANNED ON TAKING THE CAR IN ON MONDAY TO HAVE IT CHECKED. THE MOVEMENT HAD NOT RETURNED. ON SUNDAY, MAY 23 I HAD TO DRIVE ABOUT 7 MILES TO WORK. ABOUT 1 MILE SHORT OF MY DESTINATION THE SHUDDERING RETURNED, BUT MUCH WORSE AND AT LOW SPEED. I SLOWLY DROVE THE CAR INTO A PARKING LOT AND SAW MY LEFT REAR TIRE WAS TILTED. THINKING THE TIRE WAS LOOSE (I HAD NEW REAR SHOCKS PUT ON ABOUT 1 MONTH AGO AND THOUGHT MAYBE THEY HAD NOT TIGHTENED THE NUTS ENOUGH) I JACKED THE CAR UP A BIT AND POPPED THE HUBCAP. THE LUG NUTS WERE ALL TIGHT BUT THE RAISED CAR GAVE ME A CLEAR VIEW OF MY REAR AXLE, COMPLETELY SPLIT IN HALF. THE AXLE WAS STILL HOLDING UP THE CAR ONLY BECAUSE THE TWO HALVES WERE STILL PRESSED TOGETHER. THE AXLE WAS COMPLETELY BROKEN THROUGH (NOT JUST CRACKED) BASICALLY RIGHT AT THE MID POINT. I HAVE HAD THE CAR TAKEN TO A REPAIR SHOP ON A FLAT BED TRUCK, BUT WORK HAS NOT STARTED ON IT YET. TONIGHT I CHECKED ON LINE AND FOUND THAT THIS PROBLEM IS BEING INVESTIGATED BY YOUR AGENCY. HERE'S ANOTHER CASE FOR YOU TO ADD TO THE LIST. I FEEL EXTREMELY LUCKY TO BE WRITING THIS TO YOU WITHOUT HAVING BEEN IN THE ACCIDENT THAT THIS DEFECT SO EASILY COULD HAVE CAUSED. INTERESTINGLY, I HAVE HAD WORK DONE ON THE CAR A COUPLE OF TIMES IN THE PAST MONTH AND NO ONE NOTICED/REPORTED ANY AXLE DAMAGE. THE CAR WAS RIDING FINE UP TO THIS PAST WEEK. *TR

Mileage: 166,100

I WAS DRIVING DOWN THE ROAD AT 35 MPH WHEN THE CAR STARTED SHAKING VIOLENTLY... DROVE ABOUT 1 MILE TO FIND A SAFE PLACE TO PULL OVER... BY THIS TIME THE CAR WAS BARELY MOVING. I PULLED INTO A TURN LANE AND HEARD A LOUD CRASH AT THE BACK OF THE CAR. I STOPPED AND GOT OUT TO LOOK TO FIND THAT MY REAR AXLE HAD SNAPPED IN TWO. IT WAS COMPLETELY BROKEN INTO TWO PIECES TO THE LEFT OF CENTER ON THE DRIVER'S SIDE. THANK GOD I WAS NOT ON THE HIGHWAY WHEN THIS HAPPENED. THE FORD DEALER ACTED TOTALLY SHOCKED THAT THIS COULD HAPPEN AND TOLD ME TO CALL MY INSURANCE COMPANY... THAT SURELY I MUST HAVE HIT SOMETHING IN ORDER FOR SUCH DAMAGE TO OCCUR. THE INSURANCE COMPANY FOUND NO DAMAGE... AND SO WE PAID OUT OF POCKET FOR THE REPAIR... WHICH ALSO INCLUDED WORK ON "REAR SUSPENSION" AND SHOCK ABSORBERS... DAMAGED AS A RESULT OF THE AXLE BREAKING. WE REPLACED WITH A USED AXLE. TOTAL PAID $1076.45. *TR

Mileage: 162,008

REAR AXLE BROKE ON 2000 FORD WINDSTAR, WHILE BEING MOVING DOWN THE STREET. *TR

Mileage: 110,000

1. I WAS CHECKING UNDERNEATH MY CAR BECAUSE IT SOUNDED LIKE THERE WAS SOMETHING THE MATTER WITH THE REAR PASSENGER SIDE BRAKES. 2. I FOUND SOMETHING MORE ALARMING. ABOUT 1/3 OF THE WAY ACROSS THE AXLE FROM THE DRIVER SIDE REAR WHEEL WAS A BIG CRACK IN THE AXLE. 3.I HAVEN'T DONE ANYTHING YET BUT LEFT THE CAR IN MY DRIVEWAY AS SEVERAL PEOPLE ADVISED ME THAT THE CAR WAS TOO DANGEROUS TO DRIVE. I WAS THINKING OF CALLING A BODY SHOP TO HAVE THE CRACK WELDED BACK TOGETHER. BUT THEN I READ ABOUT HUNDREDS OF PEOPLE MAKING COMPLAINTS ABOUT REAR AXLES IN FORD WINDSTARS AND DECIDED TO FILE A COMPLAINT WITH THE NHTSA. *TR

Mileage: 117,395

I WAS REVERSING OUT OF THE STORE PARKING LOT AND MY REAR AXLE CRACKED. CRACKED RIGHT IN HALF. MY 9 YEAR OLD SON WAS WITH ME . 2 MINUTES BEFORE THAT I WAS ON A MAJOR HIGHWAY. I WAS LUCKY! SOMEONE IS GOING TO INJURED OR WILL DIE. THERE ARE LOTS OF THESE COMPLAINTS AND SOMETHING NEEDS TO BE DONE. *TR

Mileage: 125,550

REAR AXLE SNAPPED IN HALF GOING 45 MPH. *TR

Mileage: 140,000

ON FRIDAY, MAY 15, 2010, MY HUSBAND WAS DRIVING HOME FROM WORK FOR LUNCH AND THE REAR AXLE SNAPPED ON OUR 2000 FORD WINDSTAR SLE MINIVAN. THE MECHANIC ALSO SAID THE "DIFFERENTIALS" WERE DAMAGED. THE TOTAL COST WAS $795. FORTUNATELY, MY HUSBAND WAS NOT ON A BUSY STREET AND HE WAS ABLE TO PULL TO THE SIDE OF THE ROAD UNTIL WE COULD HAVE THE VEHICLE TOWED. ALSO, HE DID NOT HIT ANYTHING THAT WOULD HAVE CAUSED THE AXLE TO SNAP. IN JULY 2009, WE HAD TO REPLACE THE TRANSMISSION IN THIS SAME VEHICLE WHILE TRAVELING TO MYRTLE BEACH, S.C., ON VACATION. *TR

Mileage: 130,200

WHILE DRIVING IN A RAIN STORM MY VAN WAS SHAKING, I THOUGHT I HIT A PUDDLE WRONG AFTER DRIVING A BIT MORE MY CAR STARTING SHAKING AND IT WAS HARD TO CONTROL, I THOUGHT I HAD A FLAT TIRE. I PULLED TO A GAS STATION, WHERE MAN SAW ME LOOK AT MY TIRES, AND ADVISED DUE TO THE LARGE AMOUNT OF RAIN IT WAS PROBABLY HYDROPLAINING. I CONTINUED ON. THE NEXT DAY WHEN IT WAS DRY I HAD THE SAME PROBLEMS. MY VAN WAS SHAKING, AND AT TIME HARD TO CONTROL, I WAS SO SCARED AND JUST WANTED TO MAKE IT HOME. I TOLD MY HUSBAND, HE NOTICED THE INNER PORTION OF THE 2 BACK TIRES WERE WORN DOWN TO THE METAL BELTS, AND DID NOT ALLOW IT TO BE DRIVING AGAIN. I HAD A RETAIL FIX IT SHOP ADVISE IT WOULD BE 650.00 FOR NEW TIE RODS AND SHIMS PLUS 2 NEW TIRES(EVEN THOUGH WE JUST PURCHASED THEM 1 1/2 YEARS PRIOR). WE WERE DEBATING TO GET IT FIXED OR TAKE TO A DIFFERENT MORE TRUSTED MECHANIC. A FRIEND PASSED ALONG A LINK REGARDING INVESTIGATION ON WINDSTAR VANS FOR BROKEN REAR AXLES. AFTER READING WHAT OTHER EXPERIENCED, I REALIZED THIS IS THE SAME THING THAT HAPPENED TO ME. WE HAVE A SUMMER CAR I HAVE BEEN DRIVING SINCE THIS OCCURRENCE, BUT WOULD LIKE MY MINIVAN FIXED FOR FAMILY SUMMER TRAVELS. AFTER READING THE LINK - I WILL PROBABLY WAIT FOR A RECALL, OR A SOLUTION AS TO WHAT WILL BE DONE WITH THIS SITUATION. *TR

Mileage: 188,000

TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2000 FORD WINDSTAR. WHILE DRIVING 35-40 MPH, THE REAR AXLE BROKE IN HALF; THE CONTACT WAS ABLE TO COAST THE VEHICLE TO THE SIDE OF THE ROAD. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO A REPAIR SHOP WHERE THE ENTIRE REAR AXLE WAS REPLACED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS APPROXIMATELY 73,100. THE CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 73,409.

Mileage: 73,100

MY WIFE HAS BEEN COMPLAINING THAT SHE WAS HEARING LOUD NOISES COMING FROM THE REAR OF HER 2000 FORD WINDSTAR. I CHECKED THE SHOCKS AND SPRINGS AND EVERYTHING WAS OKAY. TODAY SHE WAS BACKING OUT OF THE DRIVEWAY ON HER WAY TO WORK WHEN I NOTICED THAT THE LEFT REAR TIRE WAS BADLY TILTED INWARD. I STOPPED HER AND LOOKED UNDER THE VAN AND NOTICED THAT THE REAR AXLE HAD SPLIT IN TWO. THERE IS NO SIGNIFICANT SIGNS OF RUST OR CORROSION, JUST A HUGE FRACTURE OF THE ENTIRE AXLE. *TR

Mileage: 140,000

WHILE DRIVING MY SON TO SCHOOL TRAVELING APPROX. 40 MPH THE REAR AXLE COMPLETELY BROKE IN HALF CAUSING ME TO LOOSE CONTROL. LUCKILY THERE WAS NO TRAFFIC AT THE TIME OF THE INCIDENT AND IT WAS AIMED IN A DIRECTION ALLOWING IT TO PULLED OFF THE ROAD. VEHICLE HAS SINCE BEEN TOWED HOME AND WE ARE INVESTIGATING NEXT STEPS. *TR

Mileage: 159,272

THE REAR AXLE ON MY 2000 FORD WINDSTAR SNAPPED OFF. *TR

Mileage: 88,000

ONE DAY I WAS DRIVING AROUND WITH MY KIDS AND I WENT OVER A BUMP AND THAT'S WHEN IT ALL WENT WRONG. THE MINUTE I WENT OVER THE BUMP, WE HEARD A CRACK THEN A DRAGGING NOISE. I PARKED TO SEE WHAT WENT WRONG AND THEN I SAW MY REAR TIRES GOING TOWARD THE AXLE AND THEN I SAW MY REAR AXLE WAS CRACKED. I HAD TO GET A FLAT BED TOW TRUCK AND TOW IT TO THE NEAREST GARAGE. MY SISTER HAD TO PICK US UP AND TAKE US TO OUR DESTINATION. THIS ALL HAPPENED ON A COLD WINDY SATURDAY. ON A BREEZY MONDAY, I CALLED THE GARAGE AND I WAS TOLD THAT THE NEW REAR AXLE WOULD TAKE A WEEK TO GET A IT AND I WAS WITHOUT A CAR FOR A WEEK. I HAD TO FIND WAYS TO GET TO WORK AND THEY WERE HARD CHOICES TO MAKE. FINALLY WHEN THE NEW AXLE CAME IN, THEY REPAIRED IT AND THE TOTAL WAS $800. IT WAS HARD TO COME UP WITH THE MONEY BECAUSE I JUST GOT DONE PAYING OFF THE FRONT BREAKS. I THINK I SHOULD GET REIMBURSED FOR SOME OF THE MONEY I PUT OUT BECAUSE YOU SHOULD'VE RECALLED THE REAR AXLES OF THE WINDSTARS BECAUSE OF THE ARTICLE I GOT FROM THE GARAGE THAT FIXED MY CAR. [XXX] P.S. I WOULD LIKE SATISFACTION ON THE MATTER OF THE CAR. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6). *TR

Mileage: 77,522

I HAD THE LEFT REAR AXLE OF A 2000 FORD WINDSTAR CRACK CLEAN THROUGH WHILE ON THE HWY WITH PEOPLE IN MY VAN. THE VIDEO I HAVE SEEN ARE THE SAME CRACK AS MINE. *TR

I WAS DRIVING DOWN A ST. AND THE REAR AXLE JUST BROKE IN TWO ON MY 2000 WINDSTAR VAN, MY CAR HAS BEEN GARAGE KEPT, I FOUND 18 MORE COMPLAINTS WITH THE SAME PROBLEM ON WINDSTARS. *TR

Mileage: 93,686

ROLLING BACK IN THE DRIVEWAY IN NEUTRAL ( AS I ALWAYS DO ) WHEN THE REAR AXLE SNAPPED IN MY 2000 FORD WINDSTAR SEL. MY VEHICLE WAS NO LONGER OPERATIONAL AND HAD IT TOWED TO A GARAGE. A USED REPLACEMENT REAR AXLE WAS PURCHASED AND INSTALLED. *TR

Mileage: 80,390

I TOOK MY 2000 FORD WINDSTAR TO THE REPAIR SHOP TO ADDRESS A FLAT RIGHT REAR PASSENGER TIRE, ONLY TO DISCOVER THAT THE REAR AXLE HAD CRACKED ABOUT 12 INCHES FROM THE DRIVER SIDE REAR WHEEL. I INQUIRED WHETHER THE VEHICLE WAS ABLE TO BE DRIVEN AND THE MECHANIC SAID THAT IT WOULD NOT BE SAFE DRIVING THIS VEHICLE AT ANY SPEED BECAUSE IF IT SNAPS YOU COULD SERIOUSLY LOSE TO CONTROL OF THE VEHICLE. SO I AM WRITING THIS BECAUSE I FOUND THE SAME ISSUE IN THE SAME LOCATION FROM A NUMBER OF INDIVIDUAL OWNERS. IT DOES NOT APPEAR ANYTHING HAS BEEN DONE THUS FAR, SO I WANTED TO MAKE SURE I AM YET ANOTHER OWNER WITH SAME ISSUE. IT APPEARS PRUDENT THAT SOME NOTIFICATION BEEN SENT TO OWNERS OF THIS VEHICLE TO MAKE SURE THEY CONTINUALLY HAVE THE REAR AXLE CHECKED FOR CRACKS. THIS MAY HELP ANY POTENTIAL FOR INJURIES IN THE FUTURE. *TR

Mileage: 130,000

2000 WINDSTAR. REAR AXLE SNAPPED. VERY DANGEROUS. I WAS JUST ABOUT TO GET ON THE HIGHWAY. WENT ONLINE AND FOUND THAT THERE HAVE BEEN OVER 55 COMPLAINTS ABOUT THIS. I HAVE CHILDREN. CAN'T EVEN IMAGINE IF WE WERE ALL IN IT WHEN IT SNAPPED. THIS IS A SERIOUS PROBLEM AND SOMEONE IS GOING TO BE HURT IF NOT DIE. NOT TO MENTION THE COST. FORD SHOULD BE ISSUING A RECALL IMMEDIATELY. WHAT IS IT GOING TO TAKE? *TR

2000 WINDSTAR. REAR AXLE SNAPPED. VERY DANGEROUS. I WAS JUST ABOUT TO GET ON THE HIGHWAY. WENT ONLINE AND FOUND THAT THERE HAVE BEEN OVER 55 COMPLAINTS ABOUT THIS. I HAVE CHILDREN. CAN'T EVEN IMAGINE IF WE WERE ALL IN IT WHEN IT SNAPPED. THIS IS A SERIOUS PROBLEM AND SOMEONE IS GOING TO BE HURT IF NOT DIE. NOT TO MENTION THE COST. FORD SHOULD BE ISSUING A RECALL IMMEDIATELY. WHAT IS IT GOING TO TAKE. *TR

THIS IS THE SECOND TIME THIS HAS HAPPENED. TWO YEARS AGO, WHILE SITTING IN MY DRIVEWAY, THE FRONT DRIVERS SIDE COIL SPRING BROKE. IT DAMAGED THE TIRE AS WELL. HAD TO REPLACE THE TIRE AND THE WHOLE COIL SPRING ASSY. TODAY, WHILE PARKED AT A FRIENDS HOUSE, PASSENGER SIDE COIL SPRING BROKE. THIS TIME DIDN'T PUNCTURE THE TIRE, BUT HAD TO HAVE IT TOWED HOME. WILL HAVE TO REPLACE ANOTHER COIL SPRING ASSY. *TR

Mileage: 170,000

THE REAR AXLE BEAM ON MY 2000 FORD WINDSTAR VAN BROKE IN HALF SUDDENLY SHORTLY AFTER EXITING THE FREEWAY. JUST PRIOR TO EXITING THE FREEWAY THE VAN SHUTTERED AND VIBRATED BAD ENOUGH TO CAUSE ME TO SLOW DOWN TO ABOUT 50 MPH BEFORE EXITING THE FREEWAY. FORTUNATELY I WAS ONLY TRAVELING ABOUT 30 MPH WHEN THE INCIDENT OCCURRED. ALTHOUGH BOTH REAR WHEELS COLLAPSED AGAINST THE INSIDE REAR WHEEL WELLS AND THE VEHICLE SWAYED FROM SIDE TO SIDE I WAS ABLE TO SAFELY GET IT STOPPED WITH CAUSING AN ACCIDENT. DURING THE PAST COUPLE OF WEEKS THE VAN HAD AN ON AND OFF VIBRATION AND SEEMED TO WANDER IN ITS LANE ON OCCASION. I TOOK IT IN FOR FRONT END SERVICE WORK LAST WEEK AND HAD THE INNER TIE ROD ENDS REPLACED AS WELL AS SOME FRONT END BUSHINGS. ALTHOUGH THE STEERING WAS TIGHTENED UP, THE PERIODIC VIBRATION WAS STILL THERE. IT TOOK ABOUT 5 MINUTES ON THE INTERNET TO DISCOVER THIS IS NOT AN ISOLATED INCIDENT. I FOUND ABOUT 130 SIMILAR ISSUES/COMPLAINTS BY GOOGLING "FORD WINDSTAR AXLE PROBLEMS." THIS IS CLEARLY A VERY SERIOUS SAFETY ISSUE. AT THIS POINT I DON'T KNOW IF ANYONE HAS BEEN KILLED OR INJURED BUT I INTEND TO FIND OUT. THE PROBLEM APPEARS TO INVOLVE 2000 & 2001 WINDSTARS WITH MILEAGE RANGING FROM 70K TO 160K. BASED ON THE INSPECTION OF MY VEHICLE AND REVIEW OF OTHER POSTED COMPLAINTS IT APPEARS FORD USES A DOUBLE WALLED U SHAPED STEEL BEAM TO SUPPORT AND CONNECT THE REAR WHEELS AND SPRINGS. THE AXLE BEAM IS NOT TOTALLY ENCLOSED AROUND THE SPRING MOUNTS. WATER ENTERS THE AXLE TUBE AND HAS NO WHERE TO DRAIN. OVER TIME THE WATER PROMOTES RUSTS AND WEAKENS THE AXLE TUBE FROM THE INSIDE OUT UNTIL METAL FATIGUE SETS IN AND THE AXLE EVENTUALLY FAILS. I SUSPECT THIS PROBLEM WILL BLEED INTO THE 2002/2003 MODELS AS THEY AGE AND EVENTUALLY RUST OUT. THIS SITUATION IS A VIRTUAL TIME BOMB FOR UNSUSPECTING FORD WINDSTAR VAN OWNERS. *TR

Mileage: 141,024

A FORD WINDSTAR MADE A LOUD BANGING SOUND AT A PARKING I WAS AT. WHEN WE TRIED TO ASSIST WE FOUND THAT THE REAR AXLE HOUSING WAS BROKEN IN TWO PIECES. SINCE IT WAS THE SAME VEHICLE WE CHECKED OURS AND IT HAS A 2 AND A HALF INCH CRACK IN THE SAME EXACT SPOT ON THE HOUSING. CHECKING THE INTERNET IT HAS OCCURRED ON OVER 50 OTHER VEHICLES OF THE SAME TYPE. THIS IS A DANGEROUS CONDITION!!! THERE IS NO WELD POINT BEND OR OTHERWISE TO START A CRACK AT THAT POINT. THIS IS A CASE OF SEVERE METAL FATIGUE. THIS BREAK MAKES THE REAR WHEELS FOLD OUT WITH A LOSS OF CONTROL. WE ARE LOOKING FOR ANOTHER HOUSING TO REPLACE IT. *TR

Mileage: 111,514

WHILE DRIVING OUR 2000 FORD WINDSTAR LX THE REAR AXLE CRACKED IN HALF. IF IT WOULD OF BEEN MINUTES LATER THE VAN WOULD HAVE BEEN BACK ON THE HIGHWAY AND WE COULD OF POSSIBLY GOT KILLED. THERE ARE A LOT OF OTHER FORD OWNERS WHO HAVE HAD THE SAME PROBLEM SINCE 1998 WITH THE WINDSTAR'S. THERE SHOULD BE A RECALL ON THE REAR AXLE BEFORE SOMEONE GETS KILLED. THIS IS A VERY DANGEROUS PROBLEM THAT FORD NEEDS TO ADDRESS. *TR

Mileage: 111,000

2000 FORD WINDSTAR LX - 122,000 MILES - REAR AXLE FAILURE ON MARCH 30, 2010 THE WINDSTAR BEGAN FISHTAILING AND SWAYING IN THE REAR. IT WAS ALSO MAKING A BANG NOISE WHEN TURNING RIGHT. THOUGHT THAT THE SHOCKS WERE BAD AND WAS PLANNING ON REPLACING THEM. ON FRIDAY, APRIL 2, 2010 WE WERE LOADING THE FAMILY AND DOG FOR A TRIP TO THE BEACH. PRIOR TO PULLING OUT OF THE DRIVEWAY I NOTICED THE LEFT REAR WHEEL TILTED INWARDS AT THE TOP. AT THAT POINT I REMOVED THE FAMILY FROM THE VEHICLE AND JACKED UP THE REAR OF THE VAN. UPON INSPECTION I NOTICED THE REAR AXLE BEAM WAS CRACKED APPROXIMATELY 12-18 INCHES IN FROM THE LEFT WHEEL. I WENT ON LINE AND IMMEDIATELY DISCOVERED ANOTHER 50+ COMPLAINTS OF THE SAME FAILURE. I INITIALLY THOUGH IT BROKE DUE TO THE EXCESSIVE POTHOLES IN THE REGION. HOWEVER, I NOW FEEL THAT THIS MAY BE A MUCH BIGGER PROBLEM AND A DEFECT WITH THIS TYPE OF VEHICLE. THE ONLY WAY TO REPAIR THIS ISSUE IS TO REPLACE THE ENTIRE REAR AXLE BEAM. THE PART ALONE COST $500 OR MORE. *TR

Mileage: 122,000

WHEN GOING OVER A BUMP THE REAR END OF THE VEHICLE WOULD SWAY AFTER FUTHER INVESTAGATION THE REAR AXLE IS SPLIT IN 2 PIECES 1 1/2 TO 2 FT FROM THE TIRE ON THE DRIVER SIDE *CN

Mileage: 146,804

WE OWN A 2000 FORD WINDSTAR VAN. WE FELT STRONG VIBRATIONS FROM THE REAR OF THE CAR. WE BROUGHT THE CAR TO A MECHANIC WHO NOTICED THE REAR DRIVERS SIDE AXLE HAD BROKEN IN TWO. AFTER RESEARCHING IN THE INTERNET WE HAVE NOTICED THIS SAME EXACT BREAK IS HAPPENING IN THE SAME YEAR OF OTHER OWNERS. FORD IS NOT RECONIZING THE DEFECT.

Mileage: 129,000

I OWN A 2000 FORD WINSTAR, THE REAR AXLE BEAM TWICE NOW FOR CRACKING/SPLITTING ,BOTH HAPPEND IN THE SAME SPOT,WHAT ARE THE CHANCES OF THAT? BAD METAL ! I REPLACE IT WITH A 96 REAR AXLE WHICH HAS SUPPORTS AND A SUPPORT BEAM UNDER THE AXLE, WISH WHEN I CHANGED IT THE FIRST TIME I CHANGED IT WITH THIS YEAR AXLE!! NEXT I JUST NOTICED THE OTHER DAY THAT THE SUB-FRAME (ENGINE CRADLE ) IS ROTTED OUT ON THE PASSANGER SIDE! WHEN GOING TO THE JUNK YARDS I HAVE NOTICED HIS IS A COMMON PROBLEM, WHY WOULDN'T FORD DO SOMETHING ABOUT THIS? AFTER ALL THESE ARE FAMILY VANS THAT HAUL CHRILDREN 99% OF THE TIME! THESE THINGS COULD CAUSE DEATH VERY EASY! IF THEY FAIL ON A HWY GOD HELP THEM !!!

Mileage: 160,000

I OWN A 2000 FORD WINSTAR, THE REAR AXLE BEAM TWICE NOW FOR CRACKING/SPLITTING ,BOTH HAPPEND IN THE SAME SPOT,WHAT ARE THE CHANCES OF THAT? BAD METAL ! I REPLACE IT WITH A 96 REAR AXLE WHICH HAS SUPPORTS AND A SUPPORT BEAM UNDER THE AXLE, WISH WHEN I CHANGED IT THE FIRST TIME I CHANGED IT WITH THIS YEAR AXLE!! NEXT I JUST NOTICED THE OTHER DAY THAT THE SUB-FRAME (ENGINE CRADLE ) IS ROTTED OUT ON THE PASSANGER SIDE! WHEN GOING TO THE JUNK YARDS I HAVE NOTICED HIS IS A COMMON PROBLEM, WHY WOULDN'T FORD DO SOMETHING ABOUT THIS? AFTER ALL THESE ARE FAMILY VANS THAT HAUL CHRILDREN 99% OF THE TIME! THESE THINGS COULD CAUSE DEATH VERY EASY! IF THEY FAIL ON A HWY GOD HELP THEM !!!

Mileage: 160,000

ON THIS DATE, REAR AXEL OF MY 2000 FORD WINDSTAR BROKE AND BOTH REAR WHEELS WERE BOWED OUT AND A LARGE CRACK WAS DISCOVERED. *TR

Mileage: 190,229

2000 FORD WINDSTAR REAR AXEL FAILURE. *TR

Mileage: 180,000

SNAPPED REAR AXLE LEADING TO LOSS OF CONTROL. THIS AXLE HAD OBVIOUSLY BEEN CRACKED FOR SEVERAL YEARS, BASED ON CORROSION IN THE CRACK. THE LOSS OF CONTROL WAS SUCH THAT LIVES WERE IN IMMEDIATE DANGER. *TR

Mileage: 110,000

THE REAR AXLE ON MY 2000 FORD WINDSTAR SE IS BROKEN ALMOST ALL THE WAY THRU. THE VAN HAS 105919 MILES ON IT. THIS COULD HAVE BEEN A VERY SERIOUS PROBLEM HAD IT BROKEN AT HIGHWAY SPEED THE BREAK IS APPROX. 2 FEET FROM THE LEFT END OF AXLE. *TR

Mileage: 105,919

I OWN A 2000 FORD WINDSTAR THAT HAS BEEN HAVING ISSUES WITH SWAYING AND CONTROL. THINKING IT WAS JUST BAD SHOCKS I'VE REPLACED THOSE AND ANYTHING ELSE I THOUGHT THAT MIGHT BE CAUSING THE PROBLEM, TO NO AVAIL. RECENTLY WHILE DRIVING HOME ON A STATE HIGHWAY I TOOK A CORNER AND THE VEHICLE FELT LIKE IT WAS SLIDING ON ICE. I THOUGHT IT WAS ROAD CONDITIONS SO I SLOWED DOWN AND WE MADE IT SAFELY HOME. THE NEXT DAY MY BROTHER IN LAW WAS FOLLOWING MY WIFE AND HE SAID THE BACK AXLE LOOKED TO BE BENT. NOT BELIEVING THIS COULD HAPPEN I LOOKED UNDER THE VEHICLE AND ABOUT A FOOT AND A 1/2 FROM THE DRIVERS SIDE REAR WHEEL I FOUND A TEAR THAT WAS A 1/4 INCH WIDE THAT EXTENDED FROM THE BEGINNING OF THE AXLE TO UP AND OVER IT. I REALIZE THAT DUE TO THE AGE AND MILEAGE OF THE VEHICLE, OVER 100K I BELIEVE, THAT THIS IS NOT UNDER WARRANTY. I WOULDN'T EXPECT IT TO BE BUT THIS PUTS THE VEHICLE AT RISK FOR CATASTROPHIC FAILURE THAT CAN BE POTENTIALLY FATAL TO OTHERS. AT PRESENT IM LOOKING TO FIND A NEW AXLE FOR OUR VEHICLE AND, SURPRISE, NOT HAVING MUCH LUCK. I WONDER WHY? *TR

Mileage: 164,241

2/9/10 WIFE CONTACTED ME ABOUT VEHICLE BARELY MOVING WHEN PRESSING ACCELERATOR. I CHECK WHEN I RETURNED HOME TO FIND THAT THE REAR AXLE HAD BROKEN. AFTER SOME RESEARCH, I FOUND THAT THIS IS MUCH MORE COMMON IN NORTHERN STATES AS OPPOSED TO SOUTHERN STATES. I LIVE IN PA AND SC. DEALERS IN SC HAD NEVER HEARD OF SUCH A THING. OBVIOUSLY AN ISSUE OF INFERIOR STEEL NOT TRULY DESIGNED TO WITHSTAND CORROSIVE OR INCLEMENT ENVIRONMENTS. I FOUND A GOOD AXLE IN GREAT SHAPE HERE IN SC, AND I REPAIRED THE VEHICLE MYSELF. I AM SAVING THE OLD AXLE FOR PHOTOS AND EVIDENCE. *TR

Mileage: 148,000

I HAD JUST HAD OUR 2000 FORD WINDSTAR SERVICED AT OUR FORD DEALER A FEW DAYS BEFORE WHERE THEY REPLACED WORN SWAY BARS AND BUSHINGS. I WAS BACKING OUT OF OUR DRIVEWAY WHEN I HEARD A SNAP AND THEN COULD HERE SOMETHING METAL DRAGGING ON THE GROUND. I PULLED BACK INTO MY DRIVEWAY AND LOOKED UNDER MY CAR TO FIND THAT THE REAR AXLE HAD BROKEN IN ABOUT THE CENTER OF THE AXLE. I HAD IT TOWED INTO OUR FORD DEALER TO FIND OUT WHAT HAPPENED THEY TOOK A LOOK AT IT AND SAID IT SNAPPED AND THAT THERE WAS NO SIGN OF WEAR BEFORE IT BROKE. I ASKED IF THERE WAS ANY PREVIOUS KNOWLEDGE OF THIS HAPPENING OR IF FORD WAS AWARE OF THIS ISSUE AND WAS TOLD NO. *TR

Mileage: 189,000

I'VE HAD THE REAR AXLE BREAK ON TWO SEPARATE 2000 FORD WINDSTARS. JUDGING FROM THE COMPLAINTS I'VE SEEN HERE (SIMILAR REPORTS POSTED BY DIFFERENT PEOPLE IN SUSPENSION, REAR SUSPENSION AND REAR SUSPENSION AXLE ASSEMBLY COMPONENT CATEGORIES) I'VE GOT PLENTY OF COMPANY ... LOOKS LIKE THE PROBLEM EXISTS ON 2001 WINDSTARS AS WELL , I DIDN'T LOOK ANY FURTHER, BUT SEEMS TO HAPPEN WHEN THEY HIT THE 10 YEAR OR 100,000 MILE MARK. I'M FILING TWO SEPARATE COMPLAINTS FOR THE TWO CARS (FIRST CAR, FORD GUY INSISTED I DID IT!). THIS IS THE FIRST. DURING ROUTINE MAINTENANCE MY MECHANIC SPOTTED THE REAR AXLE HOUSING HAD CORRODED AND SPLIT RIGHT IN HALF TO THE LEFT OF ITS CENTER. I CALLED FORD MAIN OFFICE, THEY SAID THEY HAD NEVER HEARD OF ANYTHING LIKE THIS HAPPENING BEFORE AND BECAUSE I WAS BEYOND WARRANTY, THEY COULD DO NOTHING, YADDA YADDA YADDA. I WENT TO THE SERVICE DEPT. AT THE DEALER WHERE I BOUGHT IT BRAND NEW IN 2000 AND HE SAID I MUST HAVE DONE IT BECAUSE WE TOWED A POP-UP CAMPER (ABOUT A HALF DOZEN TIMES IN THE NEARLY 9 YEARS I OWNED THE CAR). WE PAID OUR PRIVATE MECHANIC TO FIX THE PROBLEM. HE HAD NEVER SEEN ANYTHING LIKE IT BEFORE, BUT SINCE HAS SEEN OTHERS COME IN WITH THE SAME PROBLEM IN THE SAME SPOT. I HAVE PHOTOS OF BOTH OF MY CARS SHOWING HOW THE SAME THING HAPPENED IN THE SAME SPOT. THIS FIRST CAR HAD JUST UNDER 110,000 MILES ON IT. *TR

Mileage: 109,000

THIS IS MY SECOND COMPLAINT TO DOCUMENT THE EXACT SAME INCIDENTS I'VE HAD WITH TWO DIFFERENT 2000 FORD WINDSTARS. ON THE FIRST, MY REAR AXLE BROKE IN 2008 AFTER I WENT OVER THE 100,000 MILE MARK. I'M JUST THANKFUL MY MECHANIC CAUGHT IT DURING ROUTINE MAINTENANCE AND IT DIDN'T SNAP WHEN I WAS DRIVING. FORD SAID IT WAS AN ANOMALY OR THAT I MUST'VE DONE IT TOWING OUR CAMPER AND DID NOTHING. MY SON WOUND UP TOTALING THE CAR LATER THAT YEAR AND WITH THE INSURANCE SETTLEMENT I FOUND THE SAME YEAR, MAKE AND MODEL THAT I COULD AFFORD. THIS NEW 2000 WINDSTAR ONLY HAD 50,000 MILES ON IT. I'VE HAD IT FOR 14 MONTHS AND MY MECHANIC JUST FOUND THE SAME DEFECT. HE KEPT AN EYE ON THIS ONE BECAUSE OF WHAT HAPPENED THE LAST TIME, THANK HEAVEN. THIS CAR WAS USED, BUT HAD A CLEAR CARFAX AND I'VE NEVER HAD ANY ACCIDENTS IN EITHER CAR (WELL, UNTIL MY DOPEY SON WRECKED THE FIRST!) ... AXLE HOUSING CORRODED AND WORN IN EXACTLY THE SAME SPOT, TO THE LEFT OF CENTER. AGAIN I CALLED FORD MOTOR COMPANY AND THEY SAID THE SAME THING AS LAST TIME. THERE HAVE BEEN NO RECALLS FOR THIS, I'M PAST WARRANTY, THEY CAN'T DO ANYTHING, BLAH BLAH BLAH. I EVEN STOPPED BACK IN AT THE DEALER, WHERE I HAD GONE AFTER MY FIRST WINDSTAR'S AXLE SNAPPED (I ACTUALLY BROUGHT THEM THE AXLE THEN TO SHOW THEM THEN) AND POINTED IT OUT AGAIN, NOTING THAT THIS CAR HAD NO TRAILER HITCH, SO THEIR EXPLANATION FOR THE LAST ONE WAS SHOT OUT OF THE WATER. AS A MATTER OF FACT, MY MECHANIC SAID HE'S HAD A COUPLE IN BETWEEN MY TWO, AND THE GUY WHO DELIVERED THE PART TO HAVE THIS SECOND ONE FIXED SAID THIS WAS THE FOURTH HE'D DELIVERED THIS WEEK. I EVEN STOPPED AT A GAS STATION AND WAS CHATTING WITH A FRIEND ABOUT WHAT HAPPENED WHEN THE ATTENDANT SAID THE SAME THING HAPPENED TO HER NEIGHBOR'S WINDSTAR. I WONDER HOW MANY PEOPLE DIDN'T BOTHER TO (OR DON'T KNOW HOW TO) REPORT IT, LIKE ME ON THE FIRST TIME, BECAUSE FORD SAID IT WASN'T HAPPENING ANYWHERE ELSE OR THAT IT WAS THEIR FAULT. *TR

Mileage: 63,000

2000 FORD WINDSTAR REAR AXLE SNAPPED IN HALF JUST TO THE LEFT OF CENTER. *TR

Mileage: 90,000

THE REAR AXLE ON MY 2000 FORD WINDSTAR JUST SPLIT WHILE DRIVING IT! THERE IS NO RUST OR WEAR AND TEAR. I HAVE ALL MY MAINTENANCE RECEIPTS AND MY MECHANIC SAYS THIS SHOULD HAVE NEVER HAPPENED. MY CHILDREN AND I COULD'VE BEEN KILLED IF WE WERE DRIVING ON A HIGHWAY INSTEAD OF A LOCAL ROAD. *TR

Mileage: 127,000

2000 WINDSTAR 86,000K MILES.... DRIVING DOWN THE ROAD AND THE VAN STARTED TO DRIFT VIOLENTLY LEFT AND RIGHT. PULLED OVER AND NOTICED THE REAR AXLE HAD SNAPPED IN TWO. REAR AXLE STILL HAS NOT BEEN REPAIRED *CN

Mileage: 86,000

WE EXPERIENCED FISH TAILING IN THE REAR OF OUR 2000 FORD WINDSTAR WHILE TRAVELING IN HEAVY HOLIDAY TRAFFIC DURING A TORRENTIAL RAIN STORM ON NJ GARDEN STATE PARKWAY - WE THOUGHT IT WAS THE RAIN ON A VERY COLD DAY. TEN MILES AFTER 400 MILES OF PARKWAY TRAVEL OVER THE HOLIDAYS WITH MY ENTIRE FAMILY IN THE VAN, THE REAR AXLE BROKE IN HALF, OFF CENTER TO LEFT. MY INVESTIGATION SHOWS ME THAT THIS HAS HAPPENED TO MANY OTHER WINDSTAR OWNERS AROUND THE 100,000 MILE MARK. WE, LIKE MANY OTHERS WHO POSTED IT HERE AND OTHER COMPLAINT SITES, THANK GOD THAT IT DID NOT HAPPEN WHILE GOING 65 MPH IN HEAVY TRAFFIC. THERE HAVE BEEN MANY NEAR ACCIDENTS SITED AND FORD CLAIMS THEY KNOW NOTHING ABOUT THIS ISSUE. AS MANY MORE WINDSTAR APPROACH THIS MILESTONE - WORD NEEDS TO GET ABOUT TO HAVE THEM AND THEIR MECHANICS WATCH FOR THIS. I WAS WITHOUT TRANSPORTATION FOR A WEEK AND IT COST US $1,000 TO REPLACE IT AND OUR MECHANIC COULD NOT FIND ANYWHERE WHERE IT IS ADVISED TO CHECK THIS OUT ON ROUTINE MAINTENANCE ? HE WAS HORRIFIED. IN THE BROKEN REAR AXLE CATEGORY FOR 2000 WINDSTAR'S REPORTED ON THIS SITE, THERE ARE ONLY SIX LESS NUMBER OF COMPLAINTS (57 VS. 51) AS THERE IS THE SPEED CONTROL ISSUE THAT FORD JUST SENT OUT A RECALL FOR AND IN 2001 THERE WERE EIGHT MORE COMPLAINTS ? 45 BROKEN AXLES VS. 38 SPEED CONTROL! FORD CUSTOMER SERVICE WAS LESS THAN CONCERNED WHEN I CALLED TO REPORT IT. THIS IS A FATALITY LOOKING TO HAPPEN - IF IT HASN'T ALREADY! *TR UPDATED 10/22/10 *BF THE CONSUMER STATED SHE IS BEING REIMBURSED, SINCE FORD RECALLED HER VEHICLE. UPDATED IVOQ 10/26/10

Mileage: 98,000

THE REAR AXLE BEAM OF MY 2000 FORD WINDSTAR SPLIT IN 2 WHILE I WAS MAKING A RIGHT HAND TURN CAUSING THE REAR WHEELS TO FLARE OUT. THE SERVICE STATION SAID THEY HAVE MADE REPAIRS TO OTHER WINDSTARS WITH THE SAME PROBLEM. LUCKY FOR ME I WAS NOT GOING FAST AND THERE WERE NO INJURIES. I LEARNED LATER THAT THE BEAM RUSTED OUT FROM THE INSIDE AS WATER HAD INFILTRATED THE BEAM. *TR

Mileage: 111,440

THE STEERING ON THE VAN STARTING FEELING LOOSE. WE OCCASIONALLY NOTICED A SOUND IN REAR RIGHT WHEN PULLING OUT OF OUR DRIVEWAY. TOOK IT TO THE SHOP TO CHECK TIRES AND SHOCKS. THEY FOUND THE REAR AXLE HAD SNAPPED AND WAS BROKEN 75% OF THE WAY THROUGH. THEY REPLACED THE REAR AXLE. *TR

Mileage: 110,653

ON OR ABOUT DECEMBER 1ST,2009 MY 2000 FORD WINDSTAR STARTED MAKING LOUD SQUEAKING NOISES FROM THE REAR OF MY VAN WHEN I WOULD MAKE TURNS AND ALSO STARTED SWAYING FROM SIDE TO SIDE WHENEVER I WOULD GO OVER BUMPS .ALMOST FELT LIKE MY REAR WHEELS WERE GOING TO FALL OFF FROM VERY LOOSE LUGNUTS, BUT THEY WERE TIGHT. AS THE NEXT FEW WEEKS WENT BY THE PROBLEMS BECAME WORSE. TODAY(1/2/2010)I DECIDED TO LOOK UNDERNEATH THE REAR OF MY VAN. I WAS IN DISBELIEF TO SEE MY REAR AXLE CRACKED ALMOST ALL THE WAY THROUGH ABOUT 2 FEET IN FROM THE DRIVERS SIDE. I COULDN'T BELIEVE IT. I HAVE 4 SMALL CHILDREN AND WE JUST WENT ON A TRIP ON THE HIGHWAY 2 DAYS PRIOR TO ME CHECKING THE PROBLEM. I HAVE SEEN THIS IS A COMMON PROBLEM WITH THE WINDSTAR . I HAVE DONE SOME RESEARCH ON THIS PROBLEM AND FOUND THIS TO BE A WIDESPREAD PROBLEM WITH ALL DIFFERENT YEARS OF THE WINDSTAR. SOMETHING HAS TO BE DONE BEFORE SOMEONE IS SERIOUSLY INJURED FROM THIS PROBLEM. THIS AXLE SHOULD NOT CRACK OR BREAK UNDER NORMAL WEAR OF THE VEHICLE. THIS IS A MAJOR COMPONENT OF THE VAN AND CAUSES SERIOUS SAFETY ISSUES. RIGHT NOW THE VAN IS SITTING IN MY DRIVEWAY. I AM TRYING TO FIND A USED AXLE FROM SOMEWHERE SO I COULD GET IT BACK ON THE ROAD. FORD SHOULD REALLY DO SOMETHING ABOUT THIS ISSUE. THANKS YOU... *TR

Mileage: 93,500

THE 2000 FORD WINDSTAR HAD BEEN HAVING SOME HANDLING ISSUES SUCH THAT IF THERE WAS WATER OR SAND ON THE ROAD WE WOULD FISHTAIL AND FEEL LIKE DRIVING ON BLACK ICE. I WAS ALWAYS ABLE TO RECOVER CONTROL OF THE VEHICLE WITHOUT INCIDENT. IT GOT TO A POINT THE VEHICLE COULDN'T BE DRIVEN SAFELY IN WET OR SNOWY CONDITIONS. THE VEHICLE WAS PRETTY MUCH DRIVEN IN SMALL TOWN CONDITIONS. THE PROBLEM WAS IDENTIFIED WHEN THE REAR PASSENGER WHEEL TOP WAS ANGLED INTO THE VEHICLE (I.E. CAMBER OFF BY 2-3 INCHES). MECHANIC INSPECTED THE SUSPENSION AND FOUND A CRACKED REAR AXLE WITH NO SIGNS OF RUST OR DAMAGE NEARBY. THE AXLE WILL HAVE TO BE REPLACED. *TR

Mileage: 147,000

I HAVE A 2000 FORD WINDSTAR LX SPORT 3.8L V6. IT HAS 112,000 MILES ON IT. I TOOK IT TO OUR LOCAL MECHANIC TO HAVE THE REAR BRAKES REPLACED. HE NOTIFIED ME THAT THE REAR AXLE WAS CRACKED. HE SAID THERE WAS NONE IN THE JUNKYARDS BUT THAT HE COULD REPAIR AND REINFORCE THE AXLE. IT IS A GOOD THING OUR MECHANIC FOUND THE CRACKED AXLE. NO TELLING HOW OR UNDER WHAT CONDITIONS THE AXLE COULD HAVE SNAPPED AND SOMEONE OR A FAMILY MEMBER GETS KILLED OR SERIOUSLY INJURED DUE TO THE FAILURE OF A MAJOR COMPONENT. PLEASE INVESTIGATE THIS REPORT AS IT IS A SAFETY ISSUE FOR THIS VEHICLE THAT FORD NEEDS TO ADDRESS. *TR

Mileage: 112,000

200 FORD WINDSTAR WITH VERY DANGEROUS HANDLING. TOOK IT TO MECHANIC AND WAS INFORMED THAT REAR AXLE WAS SEVERELY CRACKED AND BOTH REAR TIRES WERE WORN DOWN TO THE WIRES. *TR

Mileage: 171,462

DRIVING DOWN THE ROAD AND I HEAR A SUDDEN THUMP THEN A DRAGGING SOUND, I PULLED OVER AND FOUND THAT THE BACK AXLE HAD BROKEN IN HALF. *TR

Mileage: 80,000

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2000 FORD WINDSTAR. WHILE DRIVING 55 MPH, SHE STRUCK A SMALL BUMP ON A BRIDGE. AS SHE ATTEMPTED TO SHIFT TO THE LEFT,SHE FELT THE LEFT SIDE OF THE VEHICLE DROP. UPON FURTHER INSPECTION SHE NOTICED THAT THE LEFT REAR TIRE WAS FLAT. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO A LOCAL REPAIR FACILITY, AND THE MECHANIC STATED THAT THE AXLE HAD FRACTURED. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO THE DEALER AND WAS IN PROCESS OF BEING REPAIRED. THE FAILURE AND CURRENT MILEAGES WERE 150,000. THE VIN WAS NOT AVAILABLE.

Mileage: 150,000

MY 2000 FORD WINDSTAR WITH APPROX 140000 MILES HAD ITS REAR AXLE SNAP IN TWO. AS I REVIEW OTHER COMPLAINTS THIS DOES NOT SEEM TO BE AN ISOLATED CASE. *TR

Mileage: 140,000

WAS DRIVING MY 1 MILE TO WORK AND SUDDENLY THE REAR END STARTED SHIMMYING ALL OVER. PULLED OVER, SAW MY REAR WHEELS WERE BOWED, CHECKED THE REAR AXLE, WHICH WAS CRACKED THROUGH MINUS THE BOTTOM. DROVE TO THE SHOP AND THEY SAY THEY WILL HAVE TO REPLACE THE REAR AXLE. THEY ALL EXPRESSED HOW SHOCKED THEY WERE THAT AN AXLE WOULD SNAP WHEN THERE WAS NO RUST AT OR NEAR THE AREA WHERE IS SNAPPED. *TR

Mileage: 149,000

DRIVING APPROX. 60 MPH ON FREEWAY. WOBBLING SITUATION WITH BODY OF AUTO (THINKING FLAT TIRE) THEN REAR OF VAN DROPS. LOUD SCRAPING SOUND. ABLE TO PULL OFF ROAD. LOOKED UNDER REAR OF VAN AND NOTICED BROKEN(COMPLETELY) AXLE. *TR

Mileage: 92,000

REAR AXLE BROKE IN 2 PCS. *TR

TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2000 FORD WINDSTAR. WHILE ENTERING THE DRIVEWAY FROM A SIX HOUR TRIP, THE REAR SIDE OF THE VEHICLE MALFUNCTIONED. A LOCAL MECHANIC ADVISED HER THAT THE REAR AXLE FRACTURED IN HALF. THE VEHICLE WAS BEING REPAIRED. . THE CURRENT AND FAILURE MILEAGES WERE 112,000. UPDATED 11/12/09 *CN UPDATED 11/16/09

Mileage: 112,000

PURCHASED A VEHICLE OFF OF THE WHITE ALLEN LOT WITH ADDITIONAL COVERAGE WITH WYNN'S PLUS EXTENDED WARRANTY ON MAY 31, 2009. IN AUGUST 2009, THE VAN IS VERY LOOSE AND UNSTEADY WHILE DRIVING. TOOK TO GRISMER ON SEPTEMBER 5, 2009 TO FIND THAT THE FRONT TIE RODS NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. STILL UNSTEADY ESPECIALLY IN THE REAR. ON SEPTEMBER 10, 2009 THE REAR AXLE BEAM BROKE IN TWO! THE WARRANTY COMPANY WILL NOT COVER, AND I COME TO FIND OUT THROUGH RESEARCHING THAT ACROSS THE U.S. THOUSANDS OF PERSONS HAVE HAD THIS AXLE BREAK ON THEM NEARLY MISSING DEATH ON HIGHWAYS AND BYWAYS. FORD IS AWARE OF THE DEFECTIVE AXLE BEAM YET HAS MADE NO ATTEMPT TO MY KNOWLEDGE TO RECALL. LIVES ARE HANGING IN THE BALANCE AND IT SEEMS THEY ARE MORE CONCERNED ABOUT LOSING MONEY. I CAN UNDERSTAND THE CONCERN ESPECIALLY WITH THE ECONOMY THE WAY IT IS. HOWEVER, THE CONSUMER SHOULD NOT HAVE TO PAY WITH THEIR LIVES AND THE LIVES OF THEIR CHILDREN BECAUSE FORD DECIDED THAT MONEY WAS MORE IMPORTANT THAN HUMAN LIFE. NOT TO MENTION HAD THEY BEEN MORE CONCERNED ABOUT QUALITY VS. QUANTITY, PERHAPS THIS WOULD NOT BE A COMPLAINT THAT THOUSANDS OF PEOPLE HAVE TO MAKE. THE MONEY SPENT REPAIRING THE DEFECT THAT IS NOT COVERED ($1,000) STILL DOESN'T GIVE YOU PEACE OF MIND THAT YOU AND YOUR FAMILY ARE SAFE BECAUSE THEY HAVE MADE NO EFFORT TO REPLACE THE PART WITH ONE THAT IS NOT DEFECTIVE. YOU JUST REPLACE IT WITH ANOTHER DEFECTIVE PART! WHEN DID HUMAN LIFE BECOME SO INSIGNIFICANT THAT A CAR COMPANY WHO KNOWS THAT THERE IS A SAFETY ISSUE, CAN IGNORE IT PUTTING LIVES AT RISK AND MAKE MONEY OFF OF THE ROLLING DEAD! IF YOU ARE LIKE ME, YOU NEED TO GET TO WORK, PICK UP, DROP OFF KIDS, GO OUT OF TOWN. AS LONG AS THERE IS NO RECALL EFFORT FOR THIS PART, AMERICANS TAKE THE RISK OF NEVER COMING HOME TO THEIR FAMILIES OR THEIR FAMILIES NOT MAKING IT HOME FROM A LITTLE LEAGUE FOOTBALL GAMES, SOCCER, BALLET ETC. IT IS TRAGIC AND SOMEONE NEEDS TO DO SOMETHING BEFORE LIVES ARE LOST. NO ACTION HAS BEEN TAKE. *TR

Mileage: 105,000

2000 FORD WINDSTAR ENGINE CRADLE RUSTED, CAME LOOSE OF FRAME, CAUSED STEERING ISSUE. THIS COULD CAUSE SERIOUS INJURY ACCIDENT OR DEATH IF HAPPENED AT HIGH RATE OF SPEED. *TR

Mileage: 90,000

2000 FORD WINDSTAR, DRIVING AT 20 MPH REAR AXLE SNAPPED IN HALF WHILE MY 3 CHILDREN WERE IN THE CAR! *TR

Mileage: 110,000

WE OWN A 2000 FORD WINDSTAR AND WHEN IT BEGAN CLUNKING ON MY WIFE AND 4 CHILDREN I GOT UNDER IT TO CHECK THE TIRES AND DISCOVERED MY AXEL WAS SNAPPED IN HALF FOR NO REASON AT ALL THIS VEHICLE HAS DONE NOTHING BUT RIDE FAMILY AROUND WHEN I TYPED IT IN I FOUND MANY OTHER COMPLAINTS ABOUT THIS ISSUE ON THEIR WINDSTARS AS WELL FORD SHOULD HAVE A RECALL ON THIS ISSUE. *TR

Mileage: 145,000

FORD WINDSTAR REAR AXLE CRACKED THROUGH 9/10THS OF THE AXLE. ISSUES WITH DRIVABLE BUT DID NOT REALIZE CAUSE. PULLED INTO PARKING LOT DUE TO LOUD NOISE IN REAR WHEEL WELL. BOTH TIRES WERE PITCHED INWARD DUE TO THE AXLE HAVING MOVED OUT OF POSITION DUE TO THE CRACK. ONLY ABOUT 1 INCH OF METAL REMAINED INTACT ON THE AXLE. AUTO WAS TOWED TO THE DEALER WHO ADVISED REPLACEMENT IS NECESSARY AT AN APPROXIMATE COST OF $1100. HAVING JUST DRIVEN FOR 4 HOURS ON THE HIGHWAY THROUGH A DOWNPORE, I AM CERTAINLY GLAD THE BREAKAGE DID NOT FULLY MATERIALIZE UNTIL I WAS RUNNING AT A SLOWER SPEED. IF THE FAILURE OCCURRED AT HIGHWAY SPEEDS MY FAMILY AND I MAY NOT BE HERE TODAY. AT A MINIMUM, A BULLETIN SHOULD BE ISSUED TO ALL CONSUMERS TO CHECK FOR POTENTIAL CRACKS AND FAILURES OF THE REAR AXLE AS A PREVENTATIVE MEASURE. THERE WAS NO PRIOR INDICATION AND I HAD THE VEHICLE INTO A SHOP 1 DAY BEFORE THE OCCURRENCE FOR REPLACING A REAR TIRE. THE REPAIR SHOP DID NOT ADVISE OF ANY POTENTIAL ISSUES. *TR

Mileage: 95,000

TL- THE CONTACT OWNS A 2000 FORD WINDSTAR. HE STATES THAT WHILE BACKING OUT HE NOTICED THAT THE THE REAR AXLE SNAPPED. A WEEK BEFORE THE VEHICLE DEVEOLPED A UNDER STEER . THE DEALER WAS CONTACTED AND THEY DID NOT WANT TO HELP THE CONSUMER WITH THIS PROBLEM. HE STATES THAT THIS IS A VERY BIG SAFETY ISSUE. HE NOTICED THAT THERE MANY OTHER VEHICLE WITH THIS PROBLEM ONLINE. THE VEHICLE IS AT THE RESIDENCE AND IS NOT DRIVABLE.THE HAS NOT DECIDED YET TI REPAIR THE VEHICLE. THE FAILURE AND CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 146000.

Mileage: 146,000

TWO DAYS PRIOR TO REAR AXLE SNAPPING IN TWO NOISE WHEN TURNING RIGHT. UPON INSPECTION STRESS CRACK WAS UNOBSERVABLE. WHILE IN REVERSE REAR AXLE SNAPPED IN TWO. CAN'T FIND TOWING COMPANY THAT WILL TOW VAN IN SUCH AN UNSAFE STATE SINCE REAR SPRING COULD FLY OUT AND KILL SOMEONE. *TR

Mileage: 80,013

I HAD BEEN CONCERNED ABOUT A BAD SHIMMY AT 50 MPH ON MY 2000 FORD WINDSTAR, AND I HAD SPOKEN TO MY DEALER ABOUT IT WHEN I HAD THE OIL CHANGED. LESS THAN A WEEK LATER, AS I PULLED FROM MY DRIVEWAY, THE REAR AXLE BROKE COMPLETELY IN TWO. WE HAVE TRIED TO GET FORD TO ADDRESS THIS PROBLEM, AS THERE MUST BE MILLIONS OF THESE VANS STILL ON THE ROAD, AND MOST OF THEM CARRY CHILDREN. WE HAVE NOT HAD ANY RESPONSE SO WE ARE FILING THIS COMPLAINT. WE HAVE HEARD OF OTHER FAILURES AND AS YOU KNOW THEY COULD BE DEADLY. WE PAID TO HAVE THE AXLE REPLACED. *TR

Mileage: 102,000

MILEAGE 65,000 MY WIFE AND 3 TODDLERS DROVE TO A TIRE STORE MONDAY MORNING (MARCH 5, 2009) TO PURCHASED TWO NEW TIRES FOR THE BACK. THE MECHANICS DROVE THE CAR ONTO THE HYDRAULIC JACKS AND AS SOON AS THE CAR WAS BEING LIFTED UP, THEY NOTICED RIGHT AWAY THAT THE REAR AXLE OF THE CAR WAS SPLITTING IN HALF... SO THEY TELL MY WIFE WHAT HAPPENED AND SHE CALLS ME UP. WELL I'M ROUGHLY 30 MILES AWAY, SO I HAD TO TAKE SOME TIME OFF AND DROVE MY LITTLE CAR TO THE PLACE AND COULDN'T BELIEVE IT. THE REAR AXLE WAS BROKEN WITH INCH REMAINING ON THE TOP PORTION BEFORE IT COMPLETELY BROKE IN HALF. UNBELIEVABLE! THE BREAK WAS ABOUT 2 FEET FROM THE DRIVER'S SIDE REAR TIRE. HAD NO CHOICE BUT TO GET IT FIXED SINCE IT WAS ALREADY BROKEN AND UP IN THE AIR. THE NEXT DAY I CALLED FORD MOTOR COMPANY UP AND WILL DO NOTHING ABOUT IT. THE MECHANIC EVEN TOLD ME AND MY WIFE THAT HE WENT THROUGH 4 REAR AXLES ROUGHLY THE SAME AS MY VAN! AFTER HEARING OTHERS WITH THE SAME PROBLEMS, FORD MOTOR COMPANY SHOULD TELL THE PUBLIC AND HAVE THERE VANS CHECKED BEFORE SOMEONE OR FAMILY GETS KILLED OR SERIOUSLY INJURED!! THE LORD WAS WITH US ON THAT DAY. WHAT CAN BE DONE ABOUT THIS? *TR

Mileage: 65,000

MY 2000 FORD WINDSTAR WAS SITTING IN MY DRIVEWAY WHEN THE FRONT DRIVER SIDE COIL SPRING BROKE. I FOUND PART OF THE SPRING ON THE GROUND COVERED IN BRIGHT ORANGE RUST. THE SPRING COMPLETELY SHEARED OFF. I NOTICED THAT THE 1995-1998 WINDSTAR HAD A RECALL FOR THIS EXACT SAME PROBLEM (NHTSA CAMPAIGN ID NUMBER: 01I007000 ) I AM CERTAINLY GLAD I WASN'T DRIVING WITH MY 3 CHILDREN! *TR

Mileage: 92,000

MY 2000 FORD WINDSTAR WAS SITTING IN MY DRIVEWAY WHEN THE FRONT DRIVER SIDE COIL SPRING BROKE. I FOUND PART OF THE SPRING ON THE GROUND COVERED IN BRIGHT ORANGE RUST. THE SPRING COMPLETELY SHEARED OFF. I NOTICED THAT THE 1995-1998 WINDSTAR HAD A RECALL FOR THIS EXACT SAME PROBLEM (NHTSA CAMPAIGN ID NUMBER: 01I007000 ) I AM CERTAINLY GLAD I WASN'T DRIVING WITH MY 3 CHILDREN! *TR

Mileage: 92,000

REAR AXLE ON 2000 FORD WINDSTAR VAN CRACKED ON DRIVERS SIDE OF VAN. I AM NOT SURE WHEN THE CRACK STARTED, BUT IT WAS FOUND DURING AN INSPECTION OF THE VAN. A QUICK INTERNET SEARCH SHOWS THAT THIS PROBLEM HA CAUSED SAFETY ISSUES ON OTHER VANS. I WILL NEED TO FIND A WAY TO REPAIR THE AXLE, IT APPEARS THE REPLACEMENT PARTS MAY BE AN ISSUE AS WELL. *TR

Mileage: 120,000

REAR AXLE BEAM CRACKED IN HALF ABOUT 1.5 FT FROM DRIVER SIDE WHEEL . HEARD CLUNKING SOUND MECHANIC FOUND CRACK. *TR

Mileage: 84,000

2000 FORD WINDSTAR LX VAN WITH APPROX 97,000 MILES. MY WIFE WAS DRIVING AT A SLOW SPEED IN A PARKING LOT AND ALL OF A SUDDEN THERE WAS A LOUD BANG AND SHE COULD NOT STEER THE VEHICLE. FORTUNATELY, SHE WAS ABLE TO STOP THE VAN. ONE WHEEL IN THE FRONT WAS STRAIGHT AND THE OTHER FRONT WHEEL WAS TURNED AT A 45 DEGREE ANGLE. WE HAD THE CAR TOWED TO THE FORD DEALER. THE PROBLEM WAS THE SUB FRAME RUSTED OUT, CAUSING THE TRANSAXLE TO PULL AWAY FROM THE TRANSMISSION AND DROPPING THE ENGINE. THE REPAIRS INCLUDED REPLACING THE SUB FRAME ASSEMBLY,TRANSAXLE, SEALS ETC. THE DEALER TOLD ME THAT THIS WAS HIGHLY UNUSUAL FOR THIS TO HAPPEN.... I CONTACTED FORD AND THEY TOLD ME THEY WOULD DO NOTHING TO COVER ANY PORTION OF THE COST. I BELIEVE THIS IS A SAFETY RELATED ISSUE BECAUSE IF MY WIFE WAS DRIVING ON THE OPEN ROAD AND THIS HAPPENED, SHE WOULD NOT BE ABLE TO STEER THE VEHICLE AND THE END RESULT WOULD BE A COLLISION. I HAVE SAVED ALL THE PARTS FOR FUTURE INVESTIGATION. *TR

Mileage: 97,356

DRIVING MY 2000 FORD WINDSTAR (85,000 MILES ON IT) ON THE FREEWAY AT 65 MILES PER HOUR ON SUNDAY 3/15/09. THE BACK END OF THE CAR GAVE WAY AND STARTED FISH TAILING. TURNS OUT THE REAR AXLE BROKE IN HALF ON ITS OWN. I HAVE THE CAR AT BILL BROWN AUTO CLINIC IN CANTON, MICHIGAN. THEY HAVE ORDERED A NEW AXLE. THEY ORIGINALLY WERE GOING TO GET A USED ONE FROM A SALVAGE YARD BUT INDICATED THIS IS A RECURRING PROBLEM WITH FORD WINDSTARS AND SO THEY ORDERED A NEW AXLE. EVERYONE I TALK TO SAYS REAR AXLES SHOULD NOT GIVE WAY THE WAY THIS WINDSTAR DID. THE INDICATION IS IT HAD A LONG TERM CRACK AND RUSTED THROUGH UNTIL IT GAVE WAY. THE CAR DID FISH TAIL WILDLY BUT DID NOT FLIP OVER BEFORE I WAS ABLE TO STOP IT. *TR

Mileage: 85,000

I WAS UNDER THE REAR OF MY 2000 FORD WINDSTAR CHECKING THE CONDITION OF MY SPARE TIRE WHEN I LOOKED AT THE AXLE AND NOTICED A CRACK FORMING ON THE AXLE CLOSES TO THE LEFT REAR WHEEL. NOW AFTER DOING SOME RESEARCH I FOUND THAT THIS IS A COMMAND FAILURE BUT NOTHING HAS BEEN DONE TO CORRECT THIS HAZARDOUS AND DEADLY DEFECT WHICH COULD END UP INTO A CRASH. *TR

Mileage: 105,925

TOOK CAR FOR ROUTINE OIL/GREASE...CAR WAS ON LIFT AND BEING INSPECTED...I WAS TOLD THE REAR AXLE WAS CRACKED AND NEEDED TO BE REPLACED...REPAIR (REPLACEMENT) WAS MADE TODAY ("REPLACED REAR SHOCK ABSORBER AND AXLE ASY")...OLD PART MAY BE YET WITH TOM'S FORD, HAZLET, NJ. *TR

Mileage: 106,125

REAR AXLE NEARLY SEVERED AT TWO LOCATION BOTH ~ 17 INCHES IN FROM THE DRIVER AND PASSENGER SIDE REAR TIRES ON SEPTEMBER 14, 2007. ~75 -80 % OF CIRCUMFERENCE OF AXLE WAS CRACKED THROUGH WALL AND AXLE MATERIAL WAS BEGINNING TO YIELD. VERY SIMILAR TO A NHTSA COMPLAINT # 10190132. HAD 74, 440 MILES AT TIME OF DISCOVERY OF THIS SIGNIFICANT SAFETY ISSUE. CAR WAS NEVER USED FOR TRAILING OR CARRIES ANY HEAVY LOADS JUST OUR YOUNG FAMILY. CAR HAS BEEN WELL CARED FOR AND GARAGED KEPT. HAD BEEN HEARING A FAINT METAL GRINDING SOUND THAT I HEARD AND KEPT INSPECTING UNDER CARRIAGE. ALSO, HAD NOTICE SEVERAL MONTHS BEFORE THAT REAR END FELT SPONGY. HAD REPLACE REAR SHOCKS AND WAS SURPRISED THAT THIS STILL DID NOT CORRECT SPONGINESS FEEL. METAL GRINDING SOUND WAS NOTICEABLE WHEN BACKING OUT DRIVEWAY WITH SLIGHT DRIVEWAY INCLINE. WHEN I WOULD APPLY BRAKES AT END OF DRIVEWAY WOULD HEAR A METAL CLICK SOUND. FINALLY WITH HIGH POWER LIGHT INSPECTION CRACKS WERE DISCOVERED. I HAVE FULL POWERPOINT PRESENTATION ON THIS ISSUE WITH DIGITAL PICTURES IF NHTSA WOULD LIKE THIS DETAILED INFORMATION. HAD BROUGHT DOCUMENTATION TO MY FORD DEALER AND SPENT TWO WEEK GOING THROUGH THEIR FORD REP. BEFORE THEY AGREED TO COVER THE $1700 REPLACEMENT OF REAR AXLE. ONCE AGAIN THEY HAVE A KNOW QUALITY DEFECT AND THEY TRY NOT TO DEAL WITH THIS EVEN THOU THIS COULD BE A SIGNIFICANT SAFETY ISSUE CAUSING POTENTIAL DEATH. HAD I NOT DISCOVER THIS AND AXLE FRACTURE AT HIGHWAYS SPEEDS I HATE TO THINK WHAT WOULD HAVE HAPPENED. THIS NEEDS SERIOUS ATTENTION AND ACTION TO SAVE LIVES ... *TR

Mileage: 74,440

DRIVING TO CHURCH THIS MORNING AND NOTICED THE BACK END OF THE CAR SWAYING. I INSPECTED THE TIRES AND ALL APPEARED TO BE IN ORDER. I DROVE HOME AND NOTICED THE SAME THING. AT HOME INSPECTED THE VEHICLE TO FIND THE REAR AXLE COMPLETELY SEVERED (EXCEPT ABOUT 1 INCH OF METAL) ABOUT 1.5 FEET FROM THE LEFT WHEEL. NOTHING DONE ABOUT THIS YET AS WE JUST DISCOVERED THIS TONIGHT. I SEARCHED ON AUTOBEEF.COM AND FOUND 8-9 OTHER COMPLAINTS OF THE VERY SAME FAILURE. *TR

Mileage: 102,600

I TOOK VEHICLE IN FOR CHECKUP BEFORE GOING FOR DMV INSPECTION AND WAS TOLD BY MY AUTO REPAIR SHOP THAT THE RARE AXEL WAS BROKEN, MY FIRST RESPONSE ARE YOU JOKING!? I TOLD HIM NOT TO DO ANY THING UNTIL I ARRIVED BECAUSE I COULD NOT BELIEVE WHAT I WAS HEARING. WHEN I ARRIVED I COULD NOT BELIEVE MY EYES SINCE I NEVER DID ANYTHING TO CAUSE THIS TYPE OF FAILURE, IT WAS ONLY A MATTER OF TIME BEFORE EVERYTHING CAME APART. I WAS TOLD BY MY REPAIR SHOP THAT THIS WAS THE 5TH TIME THEY SAW THIS IN THE PAST 2 MONTHS. THIS CAR IS USED ON THE PARKWAY ON A DAILY BASIS, THIS COULD HAVE BROKEN WHILE TRAVELING OVER 60MPH, GOD ONLY KNOWS WHAT SERIOUS ACCIDENT WAS WAITING TO HAPPEN IF THIS WAS NOT DISCOVERED. FORD COMPANY SHOULD TAKE FULL RESPONSIBILITY FOR THE REPLACEMENT PART AND LABOR COST. THIS IS A VERY SERIOUS FAILURE ON A VERY IMPORTANT PART OF THIS CAR. *TR

Mileage: 83,000

FAILURE OF 2000 MODEL YEAR FORD WINDSTAR REAR AXLE. COMPONENT IS CRACKED ALONG IT'S CIRCUMFERENCE AT A PLACE NOT NEAR ANY WELD OR ATTACHMENT. VEHICLE HAS NEVER BEEN INVOLVED IN AN ACCIDENT, AND CURRENTLY IS AT 98K MILES. THERE IS NO OBVIOUS CAUSE OF THE FAILURE, WHICH WAS NOTICED DURING NORMAL OPERATION, VEHICLE WAS PARKED AND TOWED TO A GARAGE FOR DIAGNOSIS AND REPAIR. OWING TO THE AGE AND MILEAGE, VEHICLE WAS NOT TAKEN TO A FORD DEALERSHIP. VIN IS NOT CLOSE AT HAND, BUT AVAILABLE. *TR

Mileage: 98,000

MILEAGE ~122,000. AFTER SHOCKS AND STRUTS WERE REPLACED 2 MONTHS AGO, A GRINDING AND POPPING WAS HEARD FROM THE FRONT END WHEN TURNING AND DRIVING OVER 20 MPH. CAR WAS BROUGHT IN TO LOCAL REPAIR SHOP AND TECHNICIAN STATED THAT THE DRIVER'S SIDE SHOCK PLATE WAS GOING BAD. YOU COULD PLACE YOUR HAND ON TOP OF THE SHOCK PLATE WHILE THE WHEEL WAS TURNING AND FEEL IT GRINDING. REPLACED SHOCK PLATE ON 11/5/08; NOISES GOT WORSE. VEHICLE WAS BROUGHT IN ON 11/11/08 AND AT FIRST THE REPAIR SHOP SAID THE NEW PLATE WAS BAD AND THE OTHER PLATE WAS GOING OUT. YOU PUT YOUR HAND ON BOTH PLATES AND FELT THE GRINDING AS THE STEERING WHEEL WAS TURNED. REPAIRMAN DECIDED TO SEE IF A SERVICE BULLETIN WAS ISSUED BY FORD ON THE PROBLEM; IT WAS. FORD STATED THAT A SPACER NEEDED TO BE PLACED BETWEEN THE SHOCKS AND THE SHOCK PLATE IF THIS NOISE BEGINS TO HAPPEN. I AM NOW WAITING FOR THE DEALERSHIP TO GET THE PARTS IN AND ANTICIPATING PAYING AT LEAST $400.00 FOR THIS REPAIR. IF FORD KNOWS ABOUT THEIR DESIGN FLAW, THEY SHOULD AT LEAST PAY FOR THE REPLACEMENT PART. THIS IS NOT THE FIRST TIME I HAVE HAD TO PAY FOR PARTS AND REPLACEMENT ON SOME FORD DESIGN FLAW; A FLAW IN WHICH FORD HAD DESCRIBED IN A SERVICE BULLETIN BUT TOOK NO RESPONSIBILITY FOR WHEN IT CAME TO HAVING TO FIX IT. *TR

Mileage: 122,000

REAR END SHAKING DUE TO REAR AXLE BEAM CRACK. REAR AXLE BEAM HAS NO RUST .THE CRACK WAS ALL THE WAY THROUGH ALMOST SPLIT IN HALF. *TR

Mileage: 94

TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2000 FORD WINDSTAR. WHILE BACKING OUT OF THE DRIVEWAY AT 5 MPH, THE BRACKET THAT SUPPORTS THE LOWER PASSENGER SIDE CONTROL ARM FAILED. A MECHANIC STATED THAT THE ENGINE CRADLE NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE MANUFACTURER AND DEALER WERE NOT NOTIFIED. THE VEHICLE HAS NOT BEEN REPAIRED. THE CURRENT AND FAILURE MILEAGES WERE 81,000.

Mileage: 81,000

2000 FORD WINDSTAR VAN BROKEN REAR AXLE, HAD TO COMPLETELY INSTALL NEW REAR AXLE DEALER PART ONLY ALE BROKE COMPLETELY IN HALF! VAN CREAKED LIKE IT WAS BROKEN FOR A LITTLE WHILE THEN HAD REAR SHOCKS REPLACED AND AXLE BROKE. I HAVE PICTURES AND THE ORIGINAL PART. *TR

I WAS DRIVING MY 2000 FORD WINDSTAR ON A MAJOR HIGHWAY AND WENT OVER A MINOR DIP WHEN I HEARD A THUMP IN THE FRONT END. I THOUGHT I MIGHT HAVE HIT SOMETHING AND PULLED OVER. THERE WAS NOTHING AROUND AND I LOOKED UNDER THE VAN TO FIND NOTHING OBVIOUS. SINCE THEN WE OCCASIONALLY HEAR A GRINDING NOISE WHEN WE HIT A BUMP. I FINALLY NOTICED THAT THE LEFT FRONT COIL SPRING SNAPPED. *TR

Mileage: 99,000

TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2000 FORD WINDSTAR. WHILE DRIVING AT AN UNKNOWN SPEED, THE CONTACT NOTICED A CLUNKING NOISE ESPECIALLY WHEN DRIVING OVER A BUMP IN THE ROAD. HER SISTER HAD THE SAME VEHICLE WITH THE IDENTICAL FAILURE SEVERAL MONTHS PRIOR. THE CONTACT DESCRIBED THE ISSUE TO HER AND WAS ADVISED TO VISIT HER MECHANIC. THE MECHANIC STATED THAT HE HAD NEVER SEEN A CRACK IN THE REAR AXLE BEAM, WHICH SHOULD NEVER OCCUR. HE FURTHER STATED THAT IT WAS DUE TO EITHER A DEFECT IN THE DESIGN OF THE VEHICLE OR THE STEEL. THE MANUFACTURER STATED THAT THE VEHICLE WAS OUT OF WARRANTY AND WOULD NOT BE COVERED. THE CURRENT AND FAILURE MILEAGES WERE APPROXIMATELY 79,000.

Mileage: 79,000

WINDSTAR BROKEN REAR AXLE STRIKES AGAIN. WE WERE ON OUR WAY TO DINNER WITH RETIRED FORD EMPLOYEE AND HIS LOVELY WIFE. WE WERE IN DEARBORN ON MICHIGAN AVENUE WHEN BAD NOISES, AND SMELLS CAME FROM THE REAR OF THE VAN. WE PULLED OVER AND DISCOVERED A TOTALLY BROKEN AXLE COVER. MY HUSBAND WORKS IN STEEL. IF WE HAD BEEN ON THE SOUTHFIELD AS WE HAD PLANNED AND THIS HAPPENED THERE WOULD HAVE BEEN DISASTROUS RESULTS NOT ONLY FOR US BUT WE COULD HAVE PLACED OTHER FAMILIES IN DANGER AS WELL. BOTH MEN. THE POLICE WHO STOPPED TO HELP AND THE TOW TRUCK DRIVER AGREED THAT AXLES DON'T JUST BREAK. *TR

Mileage: 127,000

THE CAR SEEMED AT FIRST TO BE HYDROPLANING DUE TO THE RAIN, BUT THEN IT GOT MUCH WORSE. WHEN I REMOVED THE REAR PASSENGER WHEEL, I SAW THE REAR AXLE BEAM HAD SNAPPED AT THE WELD POINT. THE CAR WAS VERY DIFFICULT TO DRIVE AND THE REPAIR SHOP INDICATED THAT WE SHOULD HAVE HAD IT TOWED IN BECAUSE SOMETIMES THE WHEELS WILL SHEAR AWAY FROM THE SUSPENSION WHEN THE BEAM IS BROKEN. THIS CAR HAS ONLY BEEN IN ONE MINOR ACCIDENT, WITH MINIMAL BODY DAMAGE AND NO DAMAGE AT ALL TO THE BODY STRUCTURE, SO THIS WAS WITHOUT QUESTION A MANUFACTURE DEFECT IN THE PART. *TR

Mileage: 68,400

2000 FORD WINDSTAR SEL. DISCOVERED A CRACK IN REAR AXLE. IT WAS LOCATED NEAR THE CENTER OF SPAN BETWEEN REAR WHEELS. THE CRACK RAN FROM TOP TO BOTTOM OF THE AXLE ABOUT 3" AND WAS SPREAD APART APPROXIMATELY 1/8" ON BOTTOM. THERE WAS ONLY 50% OF THE AXLE REMAINING. FORTUNATELY I DISCOVERED IT JUST PRIOR TO A VACATION TRIP WITH OUR FAMILY OF 5. THERE HAS BEEN NO KNOWN EVENT TO EXPLAIN THE CAUSE. *TR

Mileage: 78,456

CAR DIDN'T SEEM RIGHT FELT LIKE BACK END SWAYING. MADE NOISE. BROUGHT TO REPAIR SHOP, NEED NEW REAR AXLE ASSEMBLY, OR ALSO CALLED REAR I BEAM ASSEMBLY, IT HAS A MAJOR CRACK. THIS IS A MAJOR SAFETY ISSUE THE CAR IS UNSAFE TO DRIVE AND THIS PART IS ON BACKORDER. *TR

Mileage: 138,777

I WAS DRIVING AT 3:00PM WITH MY CHILDREN IN THE VAN WHEN MY BACK DRIVERS SIDE TIRE BLEW OUT AND THE REAR AXLE SPIT INTO TWO. THIS HAPPENED WITHOUT WARRING. I DRIVE A 2000 FORD WINDSTAR SEL WITH APPROX. 100K MILES. *TR

Mileage: 112,000

TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2000 FORD WINDSTAR. ON JUNE 12, 2008, THE HANDLING IN THE VEHICLE MALFUNCTIONED. THE CONTACT TOOK THE VEHICLE TO A LOCAL MECHANIC FOR ROUTINE MAINTENANCE AND WAS INFORMED OF A 4-INCH CRACK IN THE REAR AXLE ON THE DRIVER'S SIDE OF THE VEHICLE. THE MECHANIC STATED THAT HE DOES NOT HAVE THE TOOLS TO REPAIR THE VEHICLE; THEREFORE, HE WILL REASSEMBLE THE VEHICLE SO IT CAN BE TAKEN TO THE DEALER FOR REPAIR. THE FAILURE AND CURRENT MILEAGES WERE 137,000.

Mileage: 137,000

I NOTICED THAT THE REAR END OF THE CAR WAS "BOUNCING" AS I WENT AROUND A CORNER. I IMMEDIATELY BROUGHT THE CAR HOME AND NOTICED THAT BOTH REAR TIRES WERE BOWING OUT AT THE BOTTOM. I PUT THE CAR UP ON A JACK TO INVESTIGATE AND SAW WHERE THE REAR AXLE HAD SEVERED HALF WAY THROUGH IN TWO DIFFERENT SPOTS. RUST WAS VISIBLE AT ONE LOCATION. THE WORSE OF THE TWO SEVER POINTS WAS ON WHAT APPEARS TO BE ON A VERTICAL SEAM IN THE METAL. I WAS VERY FORTUNATE THAT IT HAPPENED TO ME AS I WAS RUNNING TO THE STORE JUST PRIOR TO MY WIFE TAKING OUR THREE DAUGHTERS TO BALLET - FOR WHICH SHE WOULD HAVE BEEN DRIVING ON A MAJOR INTERSTATE. I HAVE NOW SEEN AT LEAST 4 OTHER COMMENTS OF THE SAME ISSUE ON THE INTERNET. THIS IS DEFINITELY A MANUFACTURER DEFECT AND NEEDS TO BE RECALLED BEFORE THERE IS A FATALITY. *TR

Mileage: 126,000

CATASTROPHIC FAILURE OF THE RIGHT LOWER CONTROL ARM MOUNTS AT THE SUBFRAME OCCURRED WITH NO WARNING OR PRIOR SYMPTOMS. THE VEHICLE IS A 2000 FORD WINDSTAR WITH APPROXIMATELY 95K MILES. AT THE TIME OF THE FAILURE THE DRIVER WAS PULLING AWAY FROM A CURB WHEN THE CONTROL ARM MOUNTS BROKE CAUSING THE WHEEL TO SWING AWAY FROM THE VEHICLE AND THE DRIVE AXLE TO PULL OUT OF THE TRANSMISSION. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO A LOCAL SERVICE STATION WHERE IT WAS EXAMINED. THE DEALER WAS CONTACTED WHO IN TURN INSTRUCTED ME TO CONTACT FORD MOTOR COMPANY DIRECTLY. UNDER THE DIRECTION OF FORD MOTOR COMPANY THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO THE DEALER TO DETERMINE THE CAUSE OF FAILURE. THE DEALER DETERMINED THAT THE SUB-FRAME WAS RUSTED OUT IN THE AREA AROUND THE PASSENGER SIDE CONTROL ARM MOUNTS. FORD HAS REFUSED TO OFFER ANY ASSISTANCE IN FIXING THE PROBLEM. A SEARCH OF THE NHTSA COMPLAINT DATABASE REVEALED 12 OTHER COMPLAINTS OF SIMILAR FAILURES WITH 1998-2001 WINDSTARS. (ODI #S: 10152076, 10103097, 10152712, 10138539, 10183135, 10171784, 10173473, 10153590, 10200106, 10005872, 761511, 10172459) THERE APPEARS TO BE A TREND RELATED TO EXCESSIVE CORROSION LEADING TO PREMATURE FAILURE OF THE REAR PORTION OF THE SUBFRAME ON THE PASSENGER SIDE. ONE POSSIBLE FACTOR COULD BE THE PLACEMENT OF THE AIR CONDITIONER SYSTEM AND THE TENDENCY FOR CONDENSATION TO DRIP ON THIS PORTION OF THE FRAME WHENEVER THE SYSTEM IS IN COOLING OR DEFROST MODE CAUSING ACCELERATED CORROSION. THIS IS A SEVERE FAILURE THAT IS PREMATURE, NOT EASILY DETECTABLE, POTENTIALLY FATAL, AND WILL LIKELY OCCUR MORE FREQUENTLY AS THESE VEHICLES AGE. I STRONGLY URGE THE NHTSA TO CONDUCT AN ENGINEERING INVESTIGATION REGARDING THIS FAILURE. *TR

Mileage: 95,000

MY 2000 FORD WINDSTAR WITH APPX 79500 MILES HAD THE REAR AXLE NEARLY SEVERED (APPX 80 %) ON APR 24, 2007 WHILE PULLING OUT OF MY DRIVEWAY. MY LOCAL FORD DEALER SERVICE MGR STATES THAT HE HAS SEEN AT LEAST 5 OF THESE MALFUNCTIONS. MY VEHICLE HAS BEEN HIGHLY MAINTAINED, GARAGE STORED, AND UNDER BODY FLUSHED TWICE A YEAR SINCE I PURCHASED IT IN THE SPRING OF 2000. UPON INSPECTION OF THE AXLE, IT WAS APPARENT THAT CORROSION WAS PRESENT IN AN APPX 1/2 INCH AREA, AND THE ROADSIDE CURB CAUSED THE CRACK FROM THIS WEAKENED SPOT. OBVIOUSLY, IF A LESS OBSERVANT DRIVER HAD NOT NOTICED THE INSTABILITY AND HAD TAKEN IT ON A HIGH SPEED HIGHWAY, A CATASTROPHIC ACCIDENT WOULD LIKELY HAVE OCCURRED. KENNY ROSS FORD SOUTH REPLACED THE AXLE (FOR $1135.74), AND I HAVE RETAINED THE OLD ONE FOR MY NEXT COURSE OF ACTION.

Mileage: 79,491

CONTACT STATES THAT IT WAS A DRY AN CLEAR DAY. HIS WIFE WAS DRIVING UP A HILL ONE OF THE RODS TORE AWAY FROM THE SUB FRAME OF THE VEHICLE. AFTER THIS SEPARATION IT CAUSED THE VEHICLE TO COME TO A SCREECHING HALT. THE CONTACT GAINED THIS INFORMATION AFTER HAVE THE VEHICLE TOWED TO A REPAIR SHOP. THE CONTACT HAS ALREADY CONTACTED FORD ABOUT THE PROBLEMS WITH WINDSTAR VAN, BUT THEY ARE SAYING THAT IT IS OUTSIDE OF HIS WARRANTY.

Mileage: 83,000

1- THERE WAS NOT ANY SYMPTOM LEADING UP TO FAILURE. 2- THE FAILURE WAS ON THE FRONT PASSENGER WHEEL. THE WELD ON ONE OF THE CONTROL ARMS ACTUALLY BROKE OFF THE FRAME. AS A RESULT THE WHEEL WAS ALLOWED MOVE IN A DIFFERENT DIRECTION THEN THE DRIVER SIDE WHEEL. THIS FORCED THE VEHICLE OFF THE OPPOSITE SIDE OF THE ROAD IN A VERY IMMEDIATE UNCONTROLLED MANNER. 3- THERE WAS NOTHING DONE TO CORRECT THIS PROBLEM AS OF YET. DEALER DOESN'T HAVE ANY INTEREST IN FIXING THE VEHICLE UNLESS WE PAY FOR IT. *NM

Mileage: 109,000

DT*: THE CONTACT STATED WHILE DRIVING 40 MPH ON NORMAL ROAD CONDITIONS, AND AVOIDING TO HIT A DEER, THE SUB FRAME OF THE ENGINE MANIFOLD FELL OUT. THE VEHICLE HAD TO BE TOWED TO AN INDEPENDENT BODY SHOP, WHO DETERMINED THAT THE SUB FRAME RUSTED COMPLETELY AND NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE DEALER WAS CONTACTED, WHO DETERMINED THAT THE VIN # DID NOT FIT UNDER ANY RECALL. THE VEHICLE WAS CURRENTLY AT THE BODY SHOP WAITING FOR REPAIRS. THE BALL JOINTS AND BRAKES WERE REPLACED AS WELL. UPDATED 12/01/06. *JB

Mileage: 128,000

2000 FORD WINDSTAR'S FRONT COIL SPRING FRACTURED WHEN BACKING OUT OF PARKING SPACE. *TS THE FRACTURED COIL SPRING PUNCTURED THE TIRE AND CAUSED THE FRONT END OF THE VEHICLE TO COLLAPSE. *NM

DT*: THE CONTACT STATED WHILE BACKING OUT OF A PARKING SPACE AT LOW SPEED, THE RIGHT FRONT COIL SPRING FRACTURED AND PUNCTURED THE TIRE WITHOUT WARNING. THE VEHICLE WILL BE INSPECTION BY AN INDEPENDENT REPAIR SHOP.

Mileage: 56,000

VEHICLE VIBRATES AT HIHGWAY SPEED AND CAN'T BE RESOLVED BY WHEEL BALANCING ETC. *JB

Mileage: 67,591

2000 FORD WINDSTAR WITH LESS THAN 70,000 MILES ON IT. FRONT RIGHT SPRING BROKE WHILE BACKING THE CAR OUT OF GARAGE, AND IT PUNCTURED THE TIRE AS WELL AS RUINED THE STRUT SHOCK. DEALER CLAIMS IT IS NORMAL FOR A SOARING TO RUST OUT IN (6) SIX YEARS. DUE TO OUR PREVIOUS ISSUES WITH A 1996 WINDSTAR, WE HAD PURCHASED AN EXTENDED MAINTENANCE CONTRACT FOR THIS VEHICLE, SO WE DID NOT HAVE TO PAY FOR THE RIGHT HAND VEHICLE DAMAGE. BUT, DUE TO THE VERY HIGH PROBABILITY THAT THE LEFT SPRING WOULD RUST THROUGH AND FAIL SOON, WE OPTED TO PAY TO HAVE THE LEFT SPRING AND OTHER COMPONENTS FIXED AT THE SAME TIME AS WE HAD THE RIGHT SIDE REPAIRED. MY WIFE'S LIFE AND THE SAFETY OF OTHER DRIVERS ON THE ROAD IS WORTH MORE THAN THE COST TO REPLACE A RUSTED OUT, POOR QUALITY COIL SPRING / DESIGN. IF THIS SPRING WOULD HAVE BROKEN AT HIGHWAY SPEED, MY WIFE COULD HAVE BEEN KILLED DUE TO THE AGGRESSIVE WAY THE BROKEN SPRING PUNCTURED THE TIRE, ACTUALLY PIERCING INTO THE TIRE AND LOCKING IT FROM ROTATION. *JB

Mileage: 69,679

BOTH FRONT COIL SPRINGS BROKEN. *JB

Mileage: 65

DT: 2000 FORD WINDSTAR. THE CONSUMER STATED THE FRONT COIL SPRING ON THE DRIVER'S SIDE BROKE AND WENT THROUGH THE TIRE. THE VEHICLE WAS PARKED WHEN THIS HAPPENED. THERE WAS A SLIGHT NOISE IN THE VEHICLE WHEN IT WAS BEING DRIVEN. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALERSHIP, THE COIL SPRINGS ON BOTH SIDES AND THE TIRE HAD TO BE REPLACED. *AK

FRONT LEFT COIL SPRING BROKE WHILE BACKING OUT OF GARAGE, PIERCING INSIDE SIDEWALL OF TIRE, PUNCTURING IT. FRONT COILS REPLACE AT MY EXPENSE. OLD (BROKEN) SPRING IS IN MY POSSESSION. MAY SEND OUR FOR METALLURGICAL FRACTURE ANALYSIS TO DETERMINE ROOT CAUSE. *NM

Mileage: 64,072

FRONT COIL SPRING BROKE TAKING OUT FRONT BREAK LINES,FRONT STRUT AND FRONTAXIL DAMAGE $1610.00

Mileage: 100,000

2000 FORD WINDSTAR TIRE SUDDENLY DEFLATED WHEN ONE OF THE COIL SPRINGS BROKE. THE CONSUMER NOTIFIED THE MANUFACTURER BUT THEY INFORMED HIM THAT THERE WAS NO RECALL ON THE VEHICLE FOR THE COIL SPRINGS. *MR *NM

WHILE BACKING SLOWLY FROM A DRIVEWAY, THE RIGHT FRONT COIL SPRING SPONTANEOUSLY BROKE AND COLLAPSED ONTO THE WHEEL/TIRE ASSEMBLY. RESULTED IN DAMAGE TO WHEEL, TIRE, STRUT ASSEMBLY, SWAY BAR ASSSEMBLY, AND BRAKES. THE VEHICLE IS IN THE SHOP AWAITING REPAIR W/ COSTS >$2,000.00. ORIGINAL PARTS STILL AVAILABLE. THIS IS THE SECOND OCCURRENCE OF THIS TYPE TO MY VEHICLE IN < 1 YEAR. LEFT SIDE FAILED 7/25/2004. PLEASE REFERENCE ODI ID NUMBER :10086894.

Mileage: 78,115

DT: THE OWNERS CAR WAS PARKED IN THE DRIVEWAY WHEN SHE HEARD A LOUD BANGING/SPILLING. SHE LOOKED UNDERNEATH THE VAN, AND THE FRONT COIL SPRING ON THE DRIVER'S SIDE BROKE. THE MILEAGE WAS 60,000. THERE WAS NO DIFFERENCE IN THE DRIVING BEFORE THIS HAPPENED. BUT, HAD HEARD A SQUEAKING NOISE. VEHICLE WAS NOT IN MOTION WHEN THIS HAPPENED. CONSUMER HAS NOT CORRECTED THE FAILURE TODAY VEHICLE WAS PARKED. THE OWNER WAS WAITING TO SEE IF THE MANUFACTURER WOULD OFFER TO PAY PARTIALLY FOR REPAIRS. *AK

Mileage: 60,000

VEHICLE EXTREMELY HARD TO STEAR AND MADE LOUD NOISE. PASSENGER SIDE COIL SPRING BROKE AND JAMMED AGAINST TIRE. NOTHING HAS BEEN DONE SO FAR THERE ARE NO COIL SPRINGS AVAILABLE FROM FORD OR AFTER MARKET SUPPLIER. SPRING STILL ON THE CAR AT A FORD DEALER.

Mileage: 71,900

DT:THE CONSUMER HAS HAD THE CAR ALIGNED TWICE AND TIRES CONTINUE TO WEAR ON THE INSIDE OF THE FRONT TIRES. THE 1ST ALIGNMENT WAS AT 18,000 MILES, THE DEALER REPORTED HE NEEDED NEW TIRES AGAIN. *NM THE CONSUMER NOW HAS 78,000 MILES ON THE VEHICLE AND IS ON 4TH SET OF TIRES. THE CONSUMER CHANGED BRAND OF TIRES BUT PROBLEM IS STILL OCCURRING. THIS IS THE CONSUMER'S 2ND WINDSTAR AND WITH THE PREVIOUS CAR WENT THROUGH THE SAME THING WITH THE TIRES.*SB *NM

Mileage: 17,000

DT: FRONT DRIVERS' SIDE COIL WENT THROUGH THE TIRE, DEFLATING THE TIRE. THE WHOLE FRONT END CAME DOWN. *AK

Mileage: 102,500

CONSUMER STATED: CAR WAS SITTING STILL AND COIL SPRING BLEW OUT AND WENT THROUGH LEFT FRONT TIRE AND SHREDDED THE TIRE. *AK

Mileage: 39,000

WHILE REVERSING, THE FRONT DRIVER SIDE SPRING PUNCTURED THE TIRE. THIS CAUSED A TIRE BLOW OUT. THE DEALERSHIP THE SPRING. PLEASE PROVIDE MORE INFORMATION. *NM

Mileage: 69,000

WHILE COMING UP TO HIGHWAY SPEED (~40 MPH) UPON ENTERING A BUSY INTERSTATE, THE DRIVER HEARD A LOUD NOISE FROM THE LEFT FRONT, FOLLOWED BY A LOST OF STEERING AND BRAKING CONTROL. VEHICLE WAS NOT DRIVABLE. TECHNICIAN REPORTED THAT LEFT FRONT COIL SPRING FAILED AND RESULTED IN DAMAGE TO OTHER SUSPENSION PARTS AND ABS WIRING TO THAT BRAKE UNIT. PARTS WERE REPLACED. OLD PART NOT AVAILABLE. *JB

Mileage: 62,952

COIL SPRING ON MY 2000 FORD WINDSTAR BROKE AND FELL INTO TIRE AND TIE ROD. UPON INSPECTION FOUND THE OTHER SPRING WAS CRACKED. HAD THE VAN TOWED TO A SHOP AND REPAIRED. I DO HAVE THE SPRINGS AND SINCE I HAVE NOT RECEIVED ANY SATISFACTION FROM FORD I AM THINKING ABOUT FILING A CASE IN SMALL CLAIM COURT. *LA

Mileage: 55,760

MY VEHICLE WAS PARKED IN DRIVEWAY. I SAT IN THE DRIVERS SEAT OF VEHICLE ,CLOSED THE DOOR I HEARD A LOUD BANG FROM THE FRONT OF VECHICLE ON LEFT SIDE.UPON INSPECTION OF FRONT OF CAR SAW THAT THE LEFT COIL SPRING HAD BROKEN AND WAS STICKING OUT TOUCHING SIDEWALL OF TIRE. CAR WAS NOT DRIVEABLE BECAUSE TIRE COULD BE PUNCTURED BY SHARP PIECE OF SPRING.VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO DEALER.I HAD THE DEALER REPLACE BOTH FRONT SPRINGS. I THOUGH POSSIBLY THE RIGHT SPRING COULD ALSO BREAK.I HAVE BOTH SPRINGS AND ARE AVAILABLE BE CHECKED. *AK

Mileage: 61,000

WHILE DRIVING CONSUMER HEARD A NOISE COMING FROM THE FRONT OF THE VEHICLE. CONSUMER PULLED OVER AND NOTICED THAT THE FRONT PASSENGER TIRE WAS SHREDDED. VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO A BODY SHOP FOR INSPECTION, AND MECHANIC DETERMINED THAT FRONT COIL SPRING NEEDED TO BE REPLACED DUE TO WORN OUT PARTS. *AK

VIBRATION IN STEERING WHEEL WHEN FIRST BOUGHT. TOOK BACK AND DEALER REPLACED TIRES, DIDN'T FIX PROBLEM. HAD TSB #002110 FIXED IN VEHICLE. SINCE THERE HAS BEEN A VIBRATION IN THE LEFT FRONT SIDE. DEALER HAS CLAIMED IT IS A NORMAL DRIVING CONDITION. WILL NOT FIX VEHICLE BECAUSE THEY DON'T KNOW WHAT IS WRONG WITH IT.*AK

I COMPLAINED OF A RATTLING NOISE SOUNDING LIKE CHAINS UNDER THE HOOD OF THE VAN , STARTING FROM 7,700 MILES TO THE PRESENT. EACH TIME TAKING IT IN AND BEING TOLD THAT THEY COULD NOT FIND A PROBLEM, TO THEM FIXING SOMETHING AND THE NOISE STILL BEING THERE. I STATED TO THEM ON SEVERAL OCCASIONS THAT THE VAN WAS NOT RIDING RIGHT. I COMPLAINED OF A LOUD GRINDING NOISE WHEN I TURNED THE WHEEL. AGAIN, THEY SAID NOTHING WAS WRONG. THE BRAKES WHERE ALWAYS RUBBING AND THEY REPLACED THE PADS. I WAS TOLD SEMI-METALLIC PADS MAKE NOISES. THEY REPLACED THE COMPUTER, BECAUSE I COMPLAINED THAT UPON ACCLERATION THE VAN WOULD MAKE A PINGING NOISE. I WAS TOLD IT WAS COMBUSTION WITH THE GAS. I FOLLOWED THERE RECOMMENDATIONS ABOUT WHAT GAS TO USE, AND OTHER THINGS TO DO. IT STILL CONTINUED AND THEY STATED THAT THEY COULD DO NOTHING ELSE ABOUT IT. I OWNED A '98 WINSTAR AND NEVER HAD THESE PROBLEMS AND IT DID NOT DRIVE THE WAY MY 2000 DID. RIGHT NOW THE VAN IS SITTING IN MY GARAGE, WITH A BROKEN TRANSMISSION AND I CANNOT GET HELP FROM FORD.I LEASE THE VAN AND I REFUSE TO PAY FOR REPAIRS ON A VAN, THAT FORD SHOULD BE RESPOSIBLE FOR. MY LEASE IS ALMOST OVER AND THEY SHOULD BACK THEIR PRODUCT UP. I PUT ALOT OF EXTRA MONEY IN THIS VAN TO KEEP IT WELL MAINTAINED. I FEEL FORD SHOULD HELP ME.

Mileage: 70,000

THE FRONT PASSENGER COIL SPRING FAILED, SHREDDING THE FRONT TIRE. THE SERVICE MECHANIC SAID IT WAS ROAD DEBRIS THAT CAUSED THE FAILURE; HOWEVER, THE LOCATION WHERE THE COIL FAILED APPEARED TO BE AN OLD CORROSION SPOT WITHIN THE STEEL. I WAS OUT OF WARRANTY FOR THE PART.*AK

Mileage: 42,500

THE FRONT COIL SPRING FAILED ON THE PASSENGER SIDE AND LODGED AGAINST THE TIRE. DEALER STATED THERE WAS NO RECALL, AND THE CONSUMER WAS RESPONSIBLE FOR THE REPAIRS. *AK *PH THE MECHANIC STATED THE COIL SPRING HAD RUSTED AND CRACKED. *JB

Mileage: 28,085

WHILE MAKING A LEFT TURN ONTO THE INTERSECTION AND WITHOUT PRIOR WARNING A LOUD NOISE WAS COMING FROM THE REAR. CONSUMER WAS ABLE TO PULL OVER AND NOTICED THAT THE BRACKET HOLDING THE SWAY BAR ON THE PASSENGER SIDE HAD DETACHED FROM THE FRAME. *AK

THE SLIDING DOORS WOULD UNLATCH ON THEIR OWN WITHOUT WARNING WHILE DRIVING. THE ELECTRICAL DOORS WERE CONTROL BY REMOTE. THE TOOK THE VEHICLE TO THE DEALERSHIP AT LEAST 7 TIMES FOR THE PROBLEM BEFORE HAVING THE SLIDING DOOR REPAIRED. NOW THE DRIVER SIDE SLIDING DOOR IS HAVING THE SAME UNLATCHING PROBLEM. A CHILD SITS ON THE OUTBOARD POSITION WHERE THE SLIDING DOORS ARE UNLATCHING. *AK THE REAR SUSPENSION WAS READJUSTED, THE VEHICLE HAD VARIOUS ELECTRICAL PROBLEMS SUCH AS THE ABS LIGHT, THE THEFT FLASHING LIGHT, AND THE SPEEDOMETER. PH *JB

POP/LOUD HITTING SOUND IN FRONT END WHEN TURNING SLOW AND HITTING A BUMP OR DIP IN HI-WAY. TOOK TO FORD DEALERSHIP IN NEVADA, MO. AND THEY SAID THAT IS IT MADE THAT WAY A STOP IF YOU HIT SOMETHING THAT IT WILL NOT TEAR UP SOMETHING ELSE...I REALLY DON'T BELIEVE THAT. ALSO, DUST, COMING IN ALL OVER INSIDE THE 2000 WINDSTAR AND YOU LITTERALY HAVE TO ROLL DOWN THE WINDOWS TO BREATHE. THE AUTOMATIC SLIDING DOORS FOR PASSENGERS IN BACK OPENS VERY SLOW AND SOMETIMES WONT OPEN WITHOUT FORCE. TS

TRANSMISSION WILL DOWNSHIFT VERY ROUGHLY, DRIVER GETS THROWN FORWARD. DEALER CANNOT FIND CAUSE.*AK THE TRANSMISSION WAS DOWN SHIFTING WITH A TERRIBLE JOLT AT LOW SPEED. THE VEHICLE WAS DIFFICULT TO START WHEN COLD AND DAMP, ALSO WHEN THE IGNITION WAS SWITCHED OFF AND THEN BACK TO START THE ENGINE FIRES AND RUNS. THE VEHICLE STALLING WAS DETERMINED TO BE FUEL PUMP FAILURE. THE GAS MILEAGE DROPPED FROM 23 MPG TO 16 MPG AND THE VEHICLE BURNS MORE OIL. THE LIGHTS FLICKER WHEN DRIVING AT NIGHT AND A/C IS ON, ALSO THE VEHICLE SHAKES WHILE IDLING WITH THE A/C ON. THE DRIVER?S SEAT CUT AND SLASHED THE CONSUMER?S CLOTHING. THERE WAS A WEAK GREEN LIGHT FROM THE BATTERY. VEHICLE VIBRATES AT HIGH SPEED. THE DRIVER?S DOOR WAS DIFFICULT TO SHUT. *YH

WHILE TRAVELING ON THE HIGHWAY THE STEERING WHEEL WILL START TO VIBRATE. AND THE VEHICLE STARTS TO DECELERATE.*JB

WHILE DRIVING AT 40-50 MPH VEHICLE WILL START TO PULL TO RIGHT. THIS HAPPENS ALL THE TIME THAT CONSUMER IS DRIVING. CONTACTED DEALER, AND THE DEALER WAS NOT WILLING TO DO ANYTHING.*AK

RECALL NUMBER 00V164000-FUEL LINE FITTINGS. RECALL REPAIRS WERE NOT PREFORMED, AND VEHICLE WAS STILL EXPERIENCING THE PROBLEM.*AK CONSUMER STATED THE TRANSMISSION IS ALSO BAD, THERE IS A BAD VIBRATION, ALSO THERE IS A HEAVY PULL TO THE RIGHT.*SLC

ON THE DAY CONSUMER BOUGHT VEHICLE AND DROVE IT HOME THERE WAS SOME NOISE COMING FROM STEERING COLUMN. CONTACTED DEALER, AND THE DEALER SAID THAT THEY DID NOT FIND ANYTHING WRONG.*AK CONSUMER STATES BELLS GO OFF RANDOMLY FOR NO REASON, AT ANY GIVEN TIME AND WHEN IT RAINS BOTH SLIDING DOORS LEAK INSIDE, PASSENGER SIDE DOOR IS LOOSE AND SHAKES AND RATTLES, WILL OPEN BY ITSELF. *JB

WHILE DRIVING COULD FEEL VIBRATION COMING FROM FRONT OF VEHICLE AND HARD VIBRATION FROM STEERING WHEEL. THEN, TOOK VEHICLE TO DEALER WHERE THEY TOLD HER THAT WAS NORMAL ON MAKE/ MODEL AND YEAR OF VEHICLE.*AK AN ENTIRE SUSPENSION SYSTEM WAS INSTALLED AS WELL AS NEW TIRES AND RIMS,BUT THE VEHICLE STILL VIBRATES. THE CONSUMER BELIEVES THE VIBRATION WAS CAUSED BY STEERING PROBLEM AND STATES THAT THE VEHICLE WAS UNSAFE TO DRIVE. *YH

SUSPENSION WALLOWS ON THIS THING. 1998 WINDSTAR I TRADED IN HAD 82,000 MILES AND RODE MORE CONTROLLED THAN THIS AND STILL HAD ALL ORIGINAL COMPONENTS. YOU HAVE TO HOLD ON TO THE ARMRESTS TO KEEP IN CONTROL IN YOUR SEAT. WIFE AND KIDS GET SEASICK RIDING IN IT. DEALER STATES IT IS NORMAL AND ALL OF THEM ARE THAT WAY.*AK

WHILE TRAVELING 45 MPH OVER BUMPS VEHICLE SWAYS FROM SIDE TO SIDE. PLEASE PROVIDE FUTHER INFORMATION. *AK

WHEN MAKING A LEFT TURN STEERING WHEEL AND COLUMN VIBRATED. DEALER HAS INSPECTED AND ATTEMPTED TO REPAIR THE VEHICLE. *AK