2001 FORD WINDSTAR Power Train Problems

REAR AXLE SNAPPED IN HALF WITH NO WARNING AS I WAS DRIVING ABOUT 40 MPH ON A BUSY ROAD. VERY DANGEROUS.

Mileage: 160,000

MY VEHICLE WAS MANUFACTURED IN 2001. THERE WAS A RECALL PUT OUT FOR THE SUSPENSION:REAR:AXLE:NON-POWERED AXLE ASSEMBLY. IN 2011, ACCORDING TO SUNSET FORD DEALERSHIP (WHERE I TOOK IT FOR AXLE REPAIR AND WAS DENIED) THE RECALL WAS REMEDIED IN 2011. HOWEVER, AS STATED ALONG WITH THE RECALL NOTICE, THE TIME THAT THE BRACKETS WERE MIS INSTALLED CAUSED DAMAGE TO THE REAR AXLE, CORROSION AND FRACTURING. THIS IS EXACTLY WHAT IS HAPPENING TO MY VEHICLE RIGHT NOW AND THE DEALERSHIP ALONG WITH FORD CORPORATE IS SAYING THIS AXLE REPAIR WILL BE FULLY AT MY COST. ACCORDING TO THEIR AUTOMATED RECALL PHONE INFORMATION, UP UNTIL 2016 THEY WERE OFFERING TO REPLACE THE AXLE FOR $300 ( A DISCOUNTED RATE) FOR CUSTOMERS AFFECTED. I DO NOT AT ALL FEEL I SHOULD BE RESPONSIBLE FOR THIS REPAIR. I CONTACTED FORD CORPORATE A FEW TIMES NOW AND HAVE BEEN TOLD NO ITS NOT THEIR FAULT. I WAS ALSO TOLD BY SUNSET FORD, THAT I WOULD NEED TO PAY THEM $140 AN HOUR FOR THEM TO DIAGNOSE IT AND TELL ME SPECIFICALLY WHAT IS WRONG. IT HAS ALREADY BEEN THERE ONCE TO CHECK THE RECALL WHERE THEY TOOK PICTURES ( INCLUDED) AND SENT THEM TO FORD CORPORATE WHERE I WAS TOLD NO THEY WILL NOT FIX IT UNLESS I PAY FOR IT. THIS REPAIR SHOULD BE FULLY COVERED AND I NEED HELP GETTING FORD TO AGREE.

DRIVING HOME I HEARD A THUD AND MY 2001 FORD WINDSTAR SPUN OFF THE ROAD. TURNS OUT THE AXLE CRACKED IN HALF AND ALMOST KILLED ME. TOWED THE CAR INTO THE FORD DEALERSHIP AND EVEN THOUGH THERE IS AN OPEN SAFETY RECALL ON MY WINDSTAR AND FORD KNOWS OF THOUSAND OF AXLE PROBLEMS THEY SAID THAT IT IS NOT COVERED. FORD'S WAY OF GETTING PUT OF IT EVEN THOUGH MY BROTHERS 2003 WINDSTAR AXLE FAILED AND YET FORD COVERED THAT ONE. THIS IS NOT RIGHT. THEY KNOW THERE AXLES ARE BAD AND HAVE HAD THREE SAFETY RECALLS ON THESE AXLES.

Mileage: 177,000

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2001 FORD WINDSTAR. THE CONTACT RECEIVED NOTIFICATION OF AN UNKNOWN RECALL REGARDING THE REAR AXLE. THE CONTACT TOOK THE VEHICLE TO BLACKWELL FORD INC (41001 PLYMOUTH RD, PLYMOUTH, MI 48170; 734-453-1100) WHERE IT WAS DETERMINED THAT A REPAIR WAS NOT NEEDED. THE RECALL WAS DEEMED COMPLETED. APPROXIMATELY TWO YEARS AFTER THE RECALL, THE VEHICLE UNDERWENT ROUTINE INSPECTION AND IT WAS DIAGNOSED THAT THE REAR AXLE FRACTURED AND NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE VEHICLE HAD NOT BEEN REPAIRED. THE DEALER WAS NOT CONTACTED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE WHO INFORMED THE CONTACT THAT, DUE TO THE VEHICLE PASSING INSPECTION FOR THE RECALL, THEY WERE UNABLE TO PROVIDE THE REPAIR. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 113,628.

Mileage: 113,628

REAR AXLE BROKE WHILE DRIVING EVEN THOUGH RECALL BRACKETS WERE PROPERLY REPLACED. THIS ISSUE COULD CAUSE DEATH OR SEVERE INJURY. LUCKILY FOR US, WE WERE JUST TURNING A CORNER ON THE WAY TO THE STORE. FORD WILL NOT HELP WITH FINANCIAL COSTS DUE "EXTENDED WARRANTY HAVING EXPIRED IN OCT OF 2016". PEOPLE STILL DRIVING THESE VEHICLES SHOULD BE MADE AWARE THAT UNLESS YOU'VE HAD THIS COMPLETELY REPLACED, AND REALLY THAT'S NO GUARANTEE, THIS COULD STILL OCCUR WHILE YOU ARE DRIVING.

Mileage: 120,000

REAR AXLE CRACKED WHILE DRIVING, THIS IS THE SECOND AXLE THAT BROKE FOR THIS VAN

Mileage: 168,450

WHILE DRIVING AXLE BROKE ON VAN WHILE GOING DOWN ALLEY. CONTACTED FORD MOTOR COMPANY END RESULT THEY SAY REINIKE FORD A DEALERSHIP IN LIMA, OHIO REPLACED THE FAULTY SUPPORT BRACKETS IN 2011. WHICH WAS A RECALL ON VAN. WHILE ALL ALONG DEALERSHIP WASN'T TELLING ME THEY DID THE RECALL WORK. I FEEL THIS NEEDS TO BE ADDRESSED BEFORE SOMEONE LOSSES THERE LIFE. WHICH THERE WERE DRIVERS THAT HAVE LOST THERE LIFE AND MANY SERIOUSLY HURT BECAUSE OF THE SAME ISSUE. FORD HAS PUT THERE RECALL OUT. BUT SOMETHING NEEDS DONE WITH THE DEALER. *TR

Mileage: 166,960

REAR AXLE THE REAR AXLE ON MY WINDSTAR BROKE YESTERDAY ON THE LEFT SIDE OUTSIDE OF THE SUPPORT BRACKET INSTALLED BY THE DEALER FOR THE 2011 RECALL. I WAS DRIVING DOWN THE ROAD AT APPROXIMATELY 45 MPH WHEN I NOTICED THE TIRE RUBBING ON THE FRAME. I GOT THE CAR TO THE DEALERSHIP (BETTEN FORD IN GRAND RAPIDS, MI) WHO ADVISED THEY WOULD NOT REPAIR THE CAR UNLESS I PAID FOR THE REPAIR AS THE BRACKET HELD AND THE AXLE BROKE IN A DIFFERENT LOCATION. FORD CUSTOMER SUPPORT ADVISED THE SAME THING. *TR

Mileage: 183,000

RECALL REAR AXLE CRACKS. I TOOK MY FORD 2001 WINDSTAR FOR 3RD RECALL AND LEARNED THAT I HAVE CRACKS IN MY AXLE. FORD DEALER AND CUSTOMER SERVICES SAID THAT THE OFFER F DISCOUNTED REPLACEMENT EXPIRED ON OCTOBER 30TH 2016 WHERE I NEED TO PAY FULL PRICE TO FIX IT. WE CANNOT AFFORD TO PAY AND WHY IS CONSUMER PAYING FOR DEFECTIVE PARTS WHICH WAS THE ORIGINAL RECALL WHERE DEATHS OCCURRED? INSTEAD OF REPLACING THE PARTS, FORD WAS ALLOWED TO PUT BRACKETS TO HOLD UP THE AXLE. THE DEFECT IS STILL THERE AND NOW CONSUMER ARE DRIVING UNSAFE AND WHEN REALIZED OF SITUATION, A SUBSTANTIAL COST BY THE CONSUMER TO CORRECT FORD'S NEGLIGENCE. WHY IT IS ALLOW AND WHAT CAN BE DONE FOR WORKING FOLKS WHO CANNOT REPLACE NEW CARS. WE TOOK A LOT OF CARE OF OUR CAR SO WE CAN HAVE A CAR. WHY IS FORD NOT RESPONSIBLE TO CORRECT THEIR PROBLEM AT NO COST TO THE CONSUMER? *TR

Mileage: 150,000

WHILE DRIVING WITH MY THREE SMALL CHILDREN, THE REAR AXLE OF MY VAN BROKE. I WAS GOING AT A MINIMAL RATE OF SPEED AND WAS ABLE TO PULL OVER WITHOUT INJURY. THIS VEHICLE HAS BEEN SUBJECT TO NUMEROUS RECALLS, SEVERAL OF WHICH HAVE INCLUDED CORROSION OF THE SUBFRAME AND AXLE. OUR LOCAL FORD DEALERSHIP IS TELLING ME THAT I MAY BE RESPONSIBLE FOR PAYMENT FOR REPAIR OF THE RECALLED PRODUCT. HOWEVER, I DO NOT FEEL SAFE DRIVING THIS VEHICLE ANYMORE. THEY HAVE STATED THAT THEY WILL REPAIR THE DAMAGED PART WITH THE SAME REAR AXLE THAT HAS BEEN RECALLED NUMEROUS TIMES. THIS IS NOT A REMEDY. I AM TRYING TO GET THEM TO CONSIDER A TRADE-IN OR PRODUCT BUY-BACK. IF THEY WILL NOT, I WILL BE LEAVING A SIGNED STATEMENT WITH NEW SOUTH FORD (MERIDIAN, MS) STATING THAT I DO NOT FEEL COMFORTABLE DRIVING THE VEHICLE OFF THE LOT DUE TO THE RISK OF REAR AXLE CORROSION/FAILURE.

Mileage: 99,500

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2001 FORD WINDSTAR. WHILE THE VEHICLE WAS PARKED, THE CONTACT NOTICED THAT THE REAR DRIVER SIDE TIRE WAS CROOKED. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC WHO DIAGNOSED THAT THE REAR AXLE CRACKED AND NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. IN ADDITION, THE DEALER INFORMED THE CONTACT THAT THE AXLE WAS REPLACED FROM A PREVIOUS RECALL, NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 12V1930000 (POWER TRAIN); HOWEVER, THE FAILURE RECURRED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 194,000. THE VIN WAS NOT AVAILABLE.

Mileage: 194,000

WHILE DRIVING THE VEHICLE AT HIGHWAY SPEEDS, I HEARD A CRUNCHING SOUND IN THE REAR OF THE VEHICLE. THE VEHICLE THEN BEGAN TO SWAY ON THE ROAD. I HAD TO SLOW MY SPEEDS AND PULL OVER AT A SAFE SPOT, WHICH WAS A PARKING LOT TO INSPECT WHAT THE ISSUE WAS. AFTER INSPECTION, I NOTED THE PASSENGER REAR TIRE WAS AT AN ANGLE WITH THE TOP OF THE TIRE INWARD TOUCHING THE FRAME. I TOOK THE VEHICLE TO THE CLOSEST REPAIR SHOP WHERE I FOUND FROM THEIR INSPECTION THAT THE AXLE WAS BROKE AND THE VEHICLE WAS NOT DRIVEABLE. MY VEHICLE WAS PART OF THE FORD WINDSTAR AXLE RECALL, WHICH WAS SERVICED BY THE LOCAL FORD DEALER IN 2012. THIS VEHICLE HAD THE REINFORCEMENTS ADDED TO THE AXLE IN 2012. THE AXLE BROKE BETWEEN THE REINFORCED PLATES WELDED TO THE AXLE DURING THE RECALL CHECK. NOW AFTER TOWING THE VEHICLE BACK TO THE LOCAL FORD DEALER FOR INSPECTION, I FIND OUT THAT FORD WILL NOT STAND BEHIND THE ISSUE AND NOT REPAIR OR REPLACE THE AXLE DUE TO THE LENGTH OF TIME FROM THE RECALL. I FEEL LUCKY THAT I WAS ABLE TO MAINTAIN CONTROL OF THE VEHICLE WHEN THE AXLE BROKE.

Mileage: 135,000

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2001 FORD WINDSTAR. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE DRIVING AT 30 MPH, THE REAR OF THE VEHICLE FAILED TO STAY IN POSITION. UPON FURTHER INSPECTION, THE CONTACT NOTICED THAT THE REAR DRIVER SIDE TIRE TILTED INWARDS. IN ADDITION, THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE ATTEMPTING TO REVERSE AFTER INSPECTING THE VEHICLE, THE AXLE FRACTURED. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO THE CONTACT'S RESIDENCE. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT DIAGNOSED OR REPAIRED. THE CONTACT WAS AWARE OF NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 12V193000 (POWER TRAIN ) HOWEVER, THE VIN WAS NOT INCLUDED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 140,361.

Mileage: 140,361

REAR AXLE BROKE IN HALF WHILE DRIVING CAUSING A ROLL OVER ACCIDENT. *TR

Mileage: 140,000

THE FRONT RIGHT AXEL BROKE, I DIDN'T HAVE AN ACCIDENT NOR DID I RUN IT INTO A DITCH. THE FRAME HAS CRACKED, ITS WHERE THE AXLE AND THE FRAME MEET. IT'S A 2001 AND YES, IT'S AN OLD VEHICLE, BUT ITS THE ONLY TRANSPORTATION I CAN AFFORD RIGHT NOW. IF I CAN TAKE IT TO A FORD DEALERSHIP TO BE REPAIRED I WOULD. SOME HOW, I BELIEVE THEIR IS A GOD.

Mileage: 194,321

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2001 FORD WINDSTAR. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 55 MPH, THE VEHICLE DECELERATED AND FAILED TO PICK UP SPEED. THE CONTACT MERGED TO THE SIDE OF THE ROAD AND TURNED IT OFF. THE VEHICLE WAS RESTARTED, BUT THE SPEED WOULD NOT INCREASE PAST 5 MPH. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC. THE TECHNICIAN DIAGNOSED THAT THE TRANSMISSION HAD FAILED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE APPROXIMATE MILEAGE WAS 136,000.

Mileage: 136,000

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2001 FORD WINDSTAR. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 55 MPH, THE VEHICLE DECELERATED AND FAILED TO PICK UP SPEED. THE CONTACT MERGED TO THE SIDE OF THE ROAD AND TURNED IT OFF. THE VEHICLE WAS RESTARTED, BUT THE SPEED WOULD NOT INCREASE PAST 5 MPH. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC. THE TECHNICIAN DIAGNOSED THAT THE TRANSMISSION HAD FAILED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE APPROXIMATE MILEAGE WAS 136,000.

Mileage: 136,000

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS 2001 FORD WINDSTAR. THE CONTACTED STATED WHILE DRIVING AT AN UNKNOWN SPEED MAKING A RIGHT TURN, THE REAR WHEELS SEIZED CAUSING THE VEHICLE TO SLIDE SIDE TO SIDE ERRATICALLY. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC. THE TECHNICIAN DIAGNOSED THAT THE TRACTION SENSOR AND REAR AXLE NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE VEHICLE WAS REPAIRED. THE CONTACT WAS MADE AWARE THAT THE VEHICLE WAS INCLUDED IN RECALL NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 10V385000 (SUSPENSION).THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT NOTIFIED OF THE ISSUE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 162,000.

Mileage: 162,000

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2001 FORD WINDSTAR. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE MAKING A LEFT TURN AT APPROXIMATELY 10 MPH, THE CONTACT HEARD A THUMPING SOUND COMING FROM THE REAR OF THE VEHICLE. IT WAS DISCOVERED THAT THE REAR AXLE WAS FRACTURED. THE VEHICLE WAS NEITHER DIAGNOSED NOR REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 155,011.

Mileage: 155,011

HAD THE 2011 REAR AXLE RECALL PERFORMED BY FORD IN 2011. THEY INSPECTED THE REAR AXLE AND INSTALLED THE SUPPORT BRACKETS. NOW MY REAR AXLE IS CRACKED. I CONTACTED THE DEALERSHIP WHERE I HAD THE RECALL PERFORMED WHO CONFIRMED THEY HAD PERFORMED THE RECALL BUT DENIED ANY FURTHER RESPONSIBILITY AND TOLD ME TO CONTACT FORD. I HAVE CONTACTED FORD AND SPOKE WITH BOTH A CUSTOMER SERVICE REP AND HER SUPERVISOR WHO BOTH ADVISED FORD IS ONLY RESPONSIBLE FOR THE FIRST 12 MONTHS OR 12,000 MILES SINCE THE RECALL WAS PERFORMED. I FEEL THE REPAIR WAS NOT SUFFICIENT TO PREVENT ADDITIONAL CRACKING OF THE AXLE AND THEY SHOULD FIX/REPLACE THE AXLE. *TT

Mileage: 165,000

MY DAUGHTER WAS DRIVING THE WINDSTAR AT APPROXIMATELY 20 MPH WHEN SHE HEARD A NOISE AND FELT SOMETHING BREAK AND SHE WAS UNABLE TO STEER THE VEHICLE AND SHE WAS ABLE TO GET THE VEHICLE STOPPED. SHE EXITED THE VEHICLE TO SEE IF SHE COULD SEE WHAT THE PROBLEM WAS. SHE NOTICED BOTH FRONT WHEELS WERE POINTING IN DIFFERENT DIRECTIONS. THIS VEHICLE WAS RECALLED IN 2011 TO HAVE BRACKETS PLACED TO SUPPORT THE SUBFRAME. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO A LOCAL GARAGE. UPON INSPECTION IT WAS DETERMINED THAT THE PASSENGERS SIDE LOWER CONTROL ARM HAD PULLED OUT OF THE SUBFRAME. *TR

CPSC#I1360214A. 2001 FORD WINDSTAR. CONSUMER STATED SHE TOOK HER CAR IN FOR A RECALL ON THE AXLE AND WAS TOLD EVERYTHING WAS FINE. THREE WEEKS LATER SHE WAS DRIVING AND THE CAR STARTED SOUNDING ODD. CONSUMER PULLED OVER AN HER TIRE WAS LEANING IN, BECAUSE THE AXLE HAD SNAPPED. *LN THE DEALER INFORMED THE CONSUMER THEY WOULD NOT REPAIR THE VEHICLE UNDER THE RECALL, BECAUSE THEY PLACED ON BRACKETS ON THE AXLE, TWO YEARS PRIOR. THE DEALER STATED THEY HAD COMPLIED WITH THE RECALL.

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2001 FORD WINDSTAR. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE VEHICLE WAS SERVICED UNDER NHTSA CAMPAIGN ID NUMBER: 12V193000 (POWER TRAIN). THE CONTACT WAS ADVISED THAT THERE WAS ADDITIONAL RUST ON THE TRANSMISSION MOUNT AND THE FRONT DRIVER'S SIDE CORNER OF THE UNDER CARRIAGE. THE MANUFACTURE WAS NOT NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE CURRENT AND FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 96,000. *TR

Mileage: 96,000

HAD RECALL WORK DONE10/30/11 PREVENTATIVE REPAIRS FAILED. REAR AXLE SPLIT WHILE DRIVING. *TR

Mileage: 145,000

THIS 2001 FORD WINDSTAR MINIVAN WAS TOWED TO A GARAGE FOR UNRELATED MALFUNCTION (OVERHEATING). MECHANIC TOLD US THAT THE REAR AXLE HAD A HOLE IN IT AND WAS UNSAFE TO DRIVE. THIS MINIVAN HAD BEEN SERVICED AT A FORD DEALERSHIP FOR A RECALL FOR A POSSIBLE CRACK IN THE REAR AXLE AND RECHECKED SHORTLY BEFORE THIS INCIDENT. OBVIOUSLY THE RECALL DID NOT FIX THE PROBLEM THIS WAS THE SECOND MINIVAN TO WHICH WE HAD THIS HAPPEN. THE OTHER WAS A 1998 FORD WINDSTAR. WE WERE TOLD IN JANUARY 2013 THAT THIS REAR AXLE WAS CRACKED AND UNDRIVEABLE. THIS VEHICLE TOO HAD BEEN RECALLED AND TAKEN IN. WE HAD THE 2001 MINIVAN CHECKED IN JANUARY BECAUSE OF THE PROBLEM WITH THE 1998 AND IT WAS STILL FOUND TO BE CRACKED IN MARCH. *TR

Mileage: 90,000

STOPPED AT A STOP SIGN, PRESSED THE GAS AND NOTHING HAPPENED AS IF THE VAN HAD BEEN PUT IN NEUTRAL. THE TRANSMISSION HAS FAILED. NONE OF THE GEARS WILL ENGAGE. THROUGH MY OWN RESEARCH I'VE FOUND NUMEROUS COMPLAINTS WITH THE FORD WINDSTAR TRANSMISSION AND STILL NO RECALL. THE COMPANY SHOULD BE HELD ACCOUNTABLE. THEY WILL FIX A SMALL INEXPENSIVE CENSOR BUT NOT THE TRANSMISSION. *TR

Mileage: 145,000

STOPPED TO GET MY OIL CHANGED, THEY SHOWED ME WHERE THE ENTIRE RIGHT FRONT SUBFRAME HAS RUSTED AWAY MAKING MY WINDSTAR UNSAFE TO DRIVE. I LOOKED ONLINE AND FOUND THIS IS AN ONGOING PROBLEM WITH THIS MODEL WITH OF THESE HAVING THE SAME PROBLEM WITH THE PASSENGER SIDE RIGHT FRONT. THIS CAN CAUSE YOU TO LOOSE STEERING CONTROL OR IN AN EXTREME THE ENGINE TO FALL OUT GOING DOWN THE HIGHWAY, FORD RECALLED THE SAME PROBLEM ON THE REAR AXEL,,WHY NOT FIX THE FRONT ALSO. I LIVE IN ARKANSAN BUT BOUGHT THE WINDSTORM FROM A PERSON IN MISSOURI WHERE I SEE FORD LIST AS A STATE WITH A RUST PROBLEM BUT DOING NOTHING TO FIX IT. *TR

ME AND MY FAMILY WERE ON OUR WAY TO NEW YORK FOR VACATION. MAYBE ABOUT AN HOUR INTO DRIVING ME AND MY HUSBAND STARTED TO SMELL SOMETHING BURNING SO I PULLED OFF THE HIGH WAY AND LITTLE DO WE KNOW MG VAN WAS UP IN SMOKE WE CHECKED OUR OIL THAT WAS GOOD BUT I TOLD MY HUSBAND TO CHECK THE TRANSMISSION. FLUID AND IT WAS EMPTY BUT BEFORE WE LEFT WE HAD THE RIGHT AMOUNT OF TRANSMISSION FLUID IN THE VAN. WE HAD TO ADD ABOUT 5 OR 6 QUARTS OF FLUID IN ORDER FOR THE VAN TO SWITCH FROM REVERSE TO DRIVE WE WERE ABLE TO MAKE TO SN AUTO PART STORE THEY TESTED THE VAN ON THERE COMPUTER EVERYTHING PASSED EXCEPT THE TORQUE CONVERTER. *TR

Mileage: 152,000

7/21/2011 BOUGHT VAN FROM PRIVATE PARTY. RECALL COMPLETED IN MARCH OF 2011 REGARDING BACK AXLE. ON 7/13/2012 8PM, MY 18YR OLD SON, WHILE DRIVING HOME FROM LACROSSE PRACTICE, NEARLY KILLED. UPON PULLING OUT ONTO THE MAIN ROAD, HE LOST ALL CONTROLS, NO STEERING, NO BRAKES AND NO POWER. HE COASTED AND PRAYED IT WOULD STOP. I ARRIVED, WE CALLED AAA. FLATBED TO MY HOME DRIVER COULD NOT BELIEVE HIS EYES. THE ENGINE HAD FALLEN OUT. 7/16/12 CALLED FORD IN MICH AND SPOKE TO REP. TO BE TOWED 13 MILES AWAY TO ROUTE 23 AUTO AT OUR EXPENSE. REALLY? ROUTE23 WANTED NOTHING TO DO WITH ME (THEY DID RECALL). WENT BACK AND FORTH THEN PER RT23 "IT WILL BE A MONTH UNTIL WE CAN LOOK AT IT" GETTING KNOW WHERE. 7/18-22 BORROWED FRIEND CAR FOR TOURNAMENT. 8/1/12 CALLED MAGARINO FORD AND WITH GREAT CONCERN HAD A FLATBED THAT NIGHT. THIS TOW TRUCK DRIVER COULD NOT BELIEVE IT. FLUIDS RACED OUT AND DOUBLE STABILIZED FOR ENGINE SLIDING DURING TRANSPORT. 8/2/12 MAGARINO CALLED 9AM, PICTURES SENT TO FORD AND AWAITING REPLY. 8/5/12 T/C FROM M STATING FORD REFUSES TO BUY BACK AND SENDING A SUBFRAME. YOU MEAN A RECALLED ONE? MAGARINO CAUGHT IN MIDDLE I QUESTIONED WHETHER HE WOULD PUT HIS CHILDREN IN THIS VAN. HE SOFTLY REPLIED, "NO" WHAT AM I TO DO, OUT OF WORK 2 YEARS, SINGLE PARENT WITH NO CAR TO FIND WORK. 8/8/12 I QUESTIONED FORD WHY THIS VAN EVER LEFT RT 23 AUTO, ACCORDING TO RESEARCHED PAPER A PART WAS WAITING ON. YOU MEAN TO TELL ME THAT UPON THIS FIXED AXLE NOBODY NOTICED THE SUBFRAME WAS ROTTED FROM INSIDE OUT CAUSING THE ENGINE TO FALL OUT THE NEXT SUMMER NEARLY KILLING MY SON! BUT THEY SIGNED IT WAS FINE! REALLY? NOW WE HAVE CASE # 1373091992 8/10/12 PICKED UP VAN. BROKE= A/C, R-WINDOW, HEATER ENGINE, AIRBAG, BRAKE LIGHT ON, RUNS HOT STEERING= THUMPS MAKES NOISE (FULL FLUID) SKIP GEARS, SWAYS, BARELY CAN GET UP A HILL. 11YR OLD SCARED TO DRIVE IN IT

Mileage: 150,000

ON SUNDAY JULY 8TH, 2012 I WAS DRIVING MY 2001 FORD WINDSTAR I STOPPED AT A LIGHT AND AS THE LIGHT CHANGED I BEGAN DRIVING AND THEN HEARD A LOUD NOISE, MY WHEELS BEGAN TO SQUEEL AND PULL ALL OVER AND MY VAN CAME TO A COMPLETE STOP IN THE ROAD AND WOULD NOT MOVE.. THE FRONT PASSENGER SIDE WHEEL WAS TURNED OUTWARD BUT MY WHEEL WAS STRAIGHT. THANK GOD I WAS NOT ON AN EXPRESSWAY OR HIGHWAY WITH ALL MY KIDS IN THE VEHICLE.. I CALLED A TOW TRUCK THE DRIVER INSPECTED IT AND SAID SOMETHING UNDERNEATH THE FRONT FRAME HAD SNAPPED OFF.. SO TODAY I HAD IT TOWED INTO A FORD DEALER TO FIND OUT IT IS A NEW RECALL HOW CAN THESE WINDSTAR VANS HAVE SO MANY FRAME AND AXLE ISSUES AND BE SAFE TO DRIVE EXSPECIALLY WITH ALL THESE BRACKETS THEY ARE HAVING TO PUT ON THEM FOR THE RECALLS.. IF I WAS ON AN EXPRESSWAY ME AND MY SON WOULD OF BEEN HURT BADLY IF NOT KILLED.. NOT TO MENTION IF I WOULD OF HIT SOMEONE ELSE I COULD OF INJURED OTHERS TOO..I WILL NEVER TRUST ANOTHER WINDSTAR WITH MY FAMILY THIS IS CRAZY.. IT IS THE SUBFRAME FRONT LOWER CONTROL ARM REAR ATTACHING FLAGES COMPLETELY BROKE/SNAPPED OFF WHILE I WAS DRIVING DOWN A BASIC 40 MPH ROAD..WHEN IT BROKE IT MESSED UP THE UNDERNEATH OF MY VEHICLE IT RIPPED THE DRIVE SHAFT RIGHT OUT OF THE TRANSMISSION.. AND WHO KNOWS WHAT ELSE IS DAMAGED NOW.. PEOPLE NEED TO KNOW ABOUT THIS NOW BEFORE SOMEONE IS SERIOUSLY HURT.. *TR

WHEN DRIVING VAN IN HOT WEATHER OR GOING UP STEEP HILLS OR GRADES THE TRANSMISSION WILL START LEAKING OUT TRANSMISSION FLUID. ENOUGH WILL BE COMING OUT TO CREATE A VISIBLE CLOUD OF SMOKE BEHIND THE VEHICLE AS IT IS HITTING THE EXHAUST SYSTEM. HAD NEW TRANS AXLE SEAL INSTALLED BUT THE PROBLEM STILL IS THERE. IF YOU PARK THE VAN FOR ABOUT 45 MINUTES IT QUITS LEAKING AND YOU CAN PROCEED. FOR SOME REASON THE FLUID GETS SO HOT IT IS BASICALLY BOILING OUT OF THE TRANSMISSION. *TR

Mileage: 85,985

THE MINIVAN IS EQUIPPED WITH A BUTTON ON THE GEAR SHIFT. THIS BUTTON ENABLES YOU TO SHIFT OUT OF OVERDRIVE WHEN YOU DO NOT WANT THE VEHICLE TO BE IN OVERDRIVE MODE. ABOUT THIS TIME THE FUSE IN THE FUSE BOX WOULD BLOW. REPLACED THE FUSE A NUMBER OF TIMES BUT THE PROBLEM IS STILL THERE. THE FUSE MAY LAST FOR 5 TO 10 MILES AND THEN IT WOULD BLOW. TRIED A LARGER AMP FUSE BUT IT WOULD ALSO BLOW. TRANSMISSION WILL LEAVE THE OVERDRIVE ONLY IF YOU ACCELERATE GOING UP A HILL. *TR

Mileage: 79,018

FORD WINDSTAR SEEMS TO BE A GOOD VEHICLE AT FIRST. WITH AGE NUMEROUS PROBLEMS CONTINUE TO HAPPEN. SERVICE SHOPS REGARD PROBLEMS AS COMMON FOR A FORD WINDSTAR.I THINK FORD IGNORES THE PROBLEMS. MY HUSBAND AND I ARE LOYAL FORD OWNERS, I DON'T KNOW HOW MUCH LONGER WE WILL CONTINUE. CURRENTLY THE ABS& BRAKE LIGHTS ARE ON. TRANSMISSION LEAKED OUT ALL OF THE FLUID WHILE DRIVING, HAD TO REBUILD TRANS. SPEEDOMETER DOESN'T WORK PROPERLY WHEN BRAKE LIGHTS ARE ON. ENGINE LIGHT IS ON, NUMEROUS CODES FOR THIS PROBLEM. *JS

Mileage: 132,000

TRANSMISSION. *TR

Mileage: 108,000

WAS RIDING ON THE HIGHWAY WHEN MY CAR JUST STOPPED AND SEEN TRANSMISSION OIL EVERYWHERE ON THE FLOOR AN NOW VAN WONT MOVE BUT TURN ON. *TR

Mileage: 146,000

THERE WAS A PROBLEM WITH THE TRANSMISSION WHICH REQUIRED THE VEHICLE TO BE PULLED TO THE SIDE OF THE ROAD AND TOWED TO A DEALER FOR SERVICE. THE VAN ONLY HAS 105,000 MILES ON IT AND HAS HAD REGULARLY SCHEDULED MAINTENANCE. AFTER HAVING A COUPLE TRANSMISSION PLACES LOOK AT IT, THE PROBLEM WAS DETERMINED TO BE INTERNAL AND THE TRANSMISSION NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. AT THE SAME TIME THAT I HAD MY VAN INTO THE TRANSMISSION SHOP THERE WERE 3 OR 4 OTHER FORD WINDSTARS IN FOR SIMILAR PROBLEMS. *TR

Mileage: 105,000

I BOUGHT THIS CAR USED 1 YR AND 8 MONTHS AGO .. HAVEN'T HAD ANY MAJOR PROBLEMS WITH IT. WE RECEIVED THE RECALL FOR THE REAR AXLE, THEY CHECKED IT OUT WAS FINE, WE NEVER RECEIVED THIS LAST RECALL IN 2011 BUT IT MAY HAVE HELPED IF WE DID. ON DEC 2 I WAS PULLING OUT OF A SCHOOL, WAS AT A COMPLETE STOP THEN STARTED PULLING OUT TO TAKE A RIGHT ONLY GOING ABOUT 5 MPH WE HEARD A BANG (SOMETHING FELL IN THE FRONT END) THEN THE CAR JUST TOOK OVER, THERE WAS NO STEERING, THE THROTTLE STUCK TOOK US FROM 5 MPH TO ABOUT 30 MPH IN LIKE 3 SECONDS CROSSING 4 LANES OF TRAFFIC AND JUST MISSING 2 VEHICLES, I CRASHED INTO A SIGN, 2 FENCES AND A TREE WHICH MADE US STOP, THERE WAS THIS AWFUL SOUND THAT WAS GETTING FASTER AND FASTER, WE JUMPED OUT OF THE CAR BECAUSE WE THOUGHT IT WAS GOING TO BLOW UP!!! EVERYTHING THAT IS IN THE FRONT END IS LAYING ON THE GROUND!! THIS IS VERY DANGEROUS AND I AM OUTRAGED THAT SOMETHING LIKE THIS COULD HAPPEN. IF MY HUSBAND AND I HADN'T GONE ANYWHERE THAT NIGHT, I WOULD HAVE HAD MY 3 SMALL CHILDREN IN IT THE NEXT MORNING!! I AM SO THANKFUL THAT WE WERE NOT HURT (EXCEPT FOR EMOTIONALLY) AND THAT WE ALSO DIDN'T HURT ANYONE ELSE .. IF THOSE CARS WERE 1 SECOND EARLIER WE WOULD HAVE SMASHED INTO THOSE CARS THAT WERE GOING ABOUT 50 MPH .. WOULDN'T HAVE A BEEN A VERY GOOD OUTCOME!!! NOW WAITING TO SEE WHAT WILL HAPPEN WITH THE VAN, IF IT IS FIXED I WILL NOT GET IN IT EVER AGAIN!! *TR

Mileage: 110,000

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2001 FORD WINDSTAR. WHILE DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 35 MPH, THE CONTACT SMELLED A BURNING ODOR. THE CONTACT STOPPED THE VEHICLE AND AFTER EXITING AND INSPECTING UNDER THE HOOD, THE CONTACT NOTICED THAT THE SMELL WAS COMING FROM THE TRANSMISSION FLUID. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT TAKEN TO THE DEALER FOR DIAGNOSTIC TESTING OR REPAIRS. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 155,000.

Mileage: 155,000

WE TOOK A 300 MILE TRIP TO CHICAGO IN OUR WINDSTAR THAT WE JUST PURCHASED LESS THAN 2 MONTHS PREVIOUSLY. WHILE WE WERE OUT OF TOWN, THE VAN STARTED ACTING UP. WHEN WE WOULD TAKE OFF FROM A STOP, THE VAN WOULD JERK AND BOUNCE LIKE MAYBE THE BRAKES WERE LOCKED. WE STOPPED DRIVING IT WHILE WE WERE UP THERE UNTIL WE HAD TO LEAVE. ON OUR DRIVE HOME, WE WERE ABOUT 100 MILES FROM HOME THE O/D LIGHT CAME ON. THEN A LITTLE LATER, I NOTICED SOME TYPE OF LIQUID COMING OUT THE BACK. WE TRIED TO GET HOME BUT AT 90 MILES FROM HOME THE VAN TOTALLY QUIT MOVING. WE WERE ABLE TO COAST TO THE SIDE OF THE ROAD. UNDER THE VAN WAS A LARGE PUDDLE OF TRANSMISSION FLUID. AFTER HAVING IT TOWED HOME ($240) WE TOOK IT TO A TRANSMISSION SHOP. THEY HAD TO REPLACE A FRONT SEAL AND TORQUE CONVERTER ($950). I'M FILING THIS COMPLAINT BECAUSE I HAVE SEEN ON THE INTERNET WHERE THE TRANSMISSION SEEMS TO BE A PROBLEM WITH THE WINDSTAR. NOW THE BRAKE LIGHT AND ABS LIGHT COME ON OCCASIONALLY AND WON'T GO OFF UNTIL IT'S TURNED OFF AND RESTARTED. THIS ALSO SEEMS TO A BIG PROBLEM WITH THE WINDSTARS. I HAVEN'T TAKEN IT IN FOR THAT YET BUT DREADING IT. THIS IS A VERY NICE VEHICLE AND I AM RATHER DISAPPOINTED IN IT.

Mileage: 62,000

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2001 FORD WINDSTAR. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE CONSTANT-VELOCITY JOINTS ON THE PASSENGER SIDE WERE REPEATEDLY REPLACED AND THE SPEEDOMETER DID NOT WORK. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO AN AUTHORIZED DEALER, WHO STATED THAT THERE WERE NO RECALLS ADDRESSING THE FAILURES. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED AND OFFERED NO OTHER ASSISTANCE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 139,000. ERROR CODES PO 174 AND PO 171 - MISFIRE, FUEL COMP, CAT LYST, EVAP 02 SENSOR, 02 HTR, EGR. UPDATED 10/03/2011 *LN *TR

Mileage: 139,000

2001 FORD WINDSTAR. I TOOK IT TO THE DEALERSHIP TO HAVE SOME SAFETY RECALLS DONE. A FEW DAYS LATER I WAS DRIVING ALONG AND SMOKE STARTED BOILING OUT FROM UNDER THE HOOD SO I PULLED OVER AND BY THE TIME I GOT STOPPED AND GOT THE KIDS OUT SAFELY IT QUIT SMOKING. I RAISED THE HOOD AND COULD SEE SOME BURNED WIRING UNDER THE BRAKE MASTER CYLINDER. WE GOT BACK IN AND DROVE ON THEN THE TRANSMISSION STARTED SHIFTING WRONG AND THE BRAKE PEDAL DIDN'T FEEL RIGHT,IT FELT SPONGY. I TOOK IT TO MY MECHANIC WHO IS ASE MASTER AND FORD SENIOR MASTER CERTIFIED. HE REPLACED THE TRANS RANGE SENSOR AND TOLD ME THAT THE FIRE WAS CAUSED BY A DEFECTIVE CRUISE CONTROL DEACTIVATION SWITCH LEAKING BRAKE FLUID.HE REPLACED THE SWITCH AND ADVISED ME TO TAKE IT BACK TO THE DEALER AND HAVE THEM DO THE RECALL WHICH IS WHAT THEY WERE SUPPOSED TO HAVE DONE IN THE FIRST PLACE. HE SAID THAT IT ALSO HAD A DAMAGED ABS MODULE AND WIRING AND THAT WAS PART OF THE RECALL.I CALLED THEM AND THEY SAID THEY ONLY DID THE REAR AXLE RECALL THAT WAS ON THE LETTER I GOT FROM FORD. MY MECHANIC SAID THAT THEY WERE REQUIRED BY LAW TO COMPLETE ALL SAFETY RECALLS WHILE IT WAS IN THEIR POSSESSION. I AM GOING TO TAKE IT BACK BUT I'M AFRAID TO DRIVE IT CAUSE IT HARDLY HAS ANY BRAKES. MY MECHANICS SAID IT WAS BECAUSE ALL THE BRAKE FLUID LEAKED OUT OF THE SWITCH AND GOT AIR IN THE LINES. *TR

Mileage: 140,000

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2001 FORD WINDSTAR. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE DRIVING 60 MPH THE AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION FAILED, CAUSING THE VEHICLE TO STALL IN THE MIDDLE OF THE HIGHWAY. THE VEHICLE WAS PULLED OVER TO THE SIDE OF THE ROAD AND STOPPED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT TAKEN TO HAVE THE FAILURE DIAGNOSED OR REPAIRED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 51,686.

Mileage: 51,686

I WAS DRIVING MY VAN DOWN THE ROAD AT ABOUT THIRTY FIVE. HEARD A LOUD THUNK AND REALIZED I WAS NOT ACCELERATING ANYMORE. THE VAN STOPPED ALMOST IMMEDIATELY AFTER. CALLED A TOW TRUCK BECAUSE I THOUGHT IT WAS THE TRANSMISSION. AFTER EVALUATING THE DAMAGE WE REALIZED THAT THE FRAME HAD BROKEN WHERE THE WHEEL STABILIZER ARM MOUNTS TO THE FRAME ON THE PASSENGER SIDE. ALSO MY PASSENGER DRIVE SHAFT PULLED OUT FROM THE TRANSMISSION. SO IN THIS REPAIR IT IS GOING TO TAKE A SUB FRAME. AND THE HALF SHAFTS FROM TRANSMISSION TO WHEEL.

Mileage: 132,918

UPON REPLACING SHOCKS AND STRUTS ON MY 2001 FORD WINDSTAR MY MECHANIC NOTICED A CRACK ON AXEL TOOK IT IN TO LOCAL DEALERSHIP TO VERIFY SURE ENOUGH CRACK HAD ME SET UP WITH ENTERPRISE TO RECEIVE SMALL LOANER OF A FAMILY OF 6 SAD NEED BIGGER VEHICLE FORD NOT BUDGING WILL WAIT FOR REP TO FURTHER PURSUE.. FORD SAYING APPROX. 2MTHS BEFORE REPAIR... SAD SITUATION ALL AROUND I WISH I WOULD NEVER BOUGHT THIS VEHICLE EXPECT MORE PROBLEMS AFTER SITTING FOR TWO MONTHS. *TR

Mileage: 117,000

I BOUGHT THIS VEHICLE IN MARCH OF 2010. TWO MONTHS AFTER BUYING IT I WAS DRIVING HOME FROM L.A. AND DIDN'T NOTICE UNTIL TO LATE THAT THE OD OFF LIGHT WAS FLASHING. I HAD IT TOWED TO AMMCO AND WAS TOLD THAT THE TORQUE CONVERTER WENT OUT AND THAT THE TRANS HAD TO BE REPLACED. SO THIS IS WHAT I HAD DONE. SINCE I HAD THIS REPLACEMENT DONE WITH THE TRANSMISSION I HAVE HAD THE OD OFF LIGHT FLASH ON AND OFF PERIODICALLY. EVERY TIME THE LIGHT COMES ON I RUN IT BACK OVER TO AMMCO AND THEY TEST IT TO FIND THE SAME CODE OVER AND OVER, TORQUE CONVERTER/CLUTCH ERROR. THEY HAVE SINCE REPLACED THE TRANSMISSION A SECOND TIME, CONTACTED THE MANUFACTURER ON SEVERAL OCCASIONS AND SPOKE WITH SEVERAL SOURCES OF THEIRS AND THEY CANNOT FIND THE PROBLEM. THEY HAVE SINCE TOLD ME THAT THERE IS NOTHING ELSE THAT CAN BE DONE AND THINK THAT IT MAY BE CAUSED BY THE ABS/BRAKE LIGHT OCCASIONALLY COMING ON. *LN

Mileage: 40,163

MY 2001 WINDSTAR HAD BEEN MAKING A SCRUNCHING NOISE EACH TIME I WENT OFF A CURB. I TOOK IT TO A TIRE PLACE AS THAT'S WHEN I FOUND THE CRACK IN THE AXLE IN AUGUST 2010. THE TIRE DEALER DIDN'T MAKE THAT KIND OF REPAIR SO I CALL FORD DEALERSHIP WHO TOLD ME TO BRING THE CAR IN AND THAT A RECALL HAD JUST BEEN ISSUED. MY CAR SAT FOR SIX MONTHS. ON 1/26/2011 THE DEALER CALLED AND SAID MY AXLE HAD BEEN REPAIRED AND THAT I COULD PICK THE CAR UP. I COULDN'T PICK IT UP THAT DAY. ON 1/27/11 I HEARD THE NEWS STATE A NEW RECALL AND I LOOKED IT UP. TURNS OUT MY CAR IS INVOLVED IN THAT RECALL TOO. I WENT TO THE DEALER AND I COMMUNICATED TO THEM THAT I DO NOT WANT THAT VEHICLE BACK UNDER ANY CIRCUMSTANCES. THE ABS LIGHT HAS BEEN MALFUNCTIONING FOR THREE YEARS OR MORE. SINCE I GOT THE VEHICLE I HAD MANY PROBLEMS WITH SENSORS AND I HAVE HAD TO REPLACE THE TRANSMISSION AFTER HAVING ONLY AROUND 78,000 MILES ON THE VEHICLE. I COMPLETED ALL MAINTENANCE ON MY VEHICLE AS SUGGESTED BY FORD, YET I HAVE HAD SO MANY PROBLEMS. I CALLED FORD ON 1/27 AND TOLD THEM I DO NOT WANT THE VEHICLE BACK. THEY SAID A BUY BACK ISN'T BEING OFFERED FOR THIS RECALL AT THIS TIME. IT MAY BE OFFERED WHEN THE LETTER IS DISTRIBUTED. I STILL DO NOT WANT THIS VEHICLE BACK. I HAVE THREE CHILDREN AND I CANNOT TRUST THAT THIS VEHICLE IS SAFE. *TR

Mileage: 194,500

I HAVE WINDSTAR 2001. MY BRAKE LIGHT AND ABS LIGHT WERE ON. I SEARCHED THE INTERNET AND FOUND THAT THERE WAS A RECALL ON THE AXLE, THAT MAY HAVE SOMETHING TO DO WITH THE LIGHTS BEING ON. THIS WAS IN SEPT. 2010. I WENT TO THE DEALER,THEY TOLDME THE AXLE WAS CRACKED AND THAT THEY WOULD HAVE TO HOLD MY VAN. IT IS NOW DEC.2010,I AM DRIVING A RENTAL. NO WORD AS TO WHEN I WILL BE GETTING MY VAN BACK. FORD WANTS ME TO LOOK AT NEW CARS. MONTHLY PAYMENTS OF ABOUT $400.00. I AM SR.CITIZEN AND CANNOT AFFORD THIS. MY VAN HAS 57000 MILES, HOW SAFE WILL THIS BE WHEN I GET IT BACK? DO I NEED TO LOOK FOR ANOTHER VEHICLE. MY HUSBAND IS DESABLED AND NEEDS A LARGE VAN TO GET IN AND OUT OF. PLEASE ADVISE, SINCE THEY DON'T WANT TO GIVE ME MUCH FOR MY VAN, I AM STUCK. THE DEALER SAID THAT THEY ARE GOING TO INSTALL BRACKETS,NOT A NEW AXLE. CAN THIS BE SAFE? I HAVE NEVER HAD ANY MAJOR PROBLEMS WITH THIS VEHICLE,TIL NOW. *TR

Mileage: 57,000

WHILE BACKING OUT FROM A PARKING SPACE, THE PASSENGER SIDE LOWER CONTROL ARM MOUNT SEPARATED FROM THE SUBFRAME DUE TO EXTENSIVE CORROSION. THE FRONT PASSENGER WHEEL WAS TURNED OUTWARDLY AND THE RIGHT HALF SHAFT WAS DISENGAGED FROM THE DIFFERENTIAL. WHILE RESEARCHING THIS ISSUE ON THE INTERNET, I REALIZED THE SUBFRAME SHOULD LAST LONGER THAN THE LIFE OF THE VEHICLE. FORTUNATELY FOR SOME IT HAS BEEN DETECTED WHILE IN A REPAIR SHOP FOR SOME OTHER REASON SUCH AS BRAKES, ALIGNMENT OR OTHER FRONT END WORK. UNFORTUNATELY FOR OTHERS IT HAS BEEN DISCOVERED BY MALFUNCTIONING TO THE POINT OF BREAKING AND CAUSING OTHER STRUCTURAL/MECHANICAL DAMAGE, AS WELL AS PERSONAL INJURY. I WOULD LIKE TO BELIEVE THAT FORD STANDS BEHIND ITS PRODUCT AND IS WILLING TO ISSUE A RECALL FOR REPAIR.

Mileage: 92,431

2001 FORD WINDSTAR REAR AXLE RECALL. I BROUGHT MY VAN IN FOR INSPECTION FOR THE REAR AXLE RECALL (1OS13) THE FORD DEALERSHIP CONDEMNED THE VEHICLE AND I WAS PROVIDED WITH A RENTAL CAR. FORD HAS NO PARTS TO FIX THIS CONCERN AND ALSO HAS NO TIMETABLE WHEN THIS WILL BE RESOLVED. THIS IS UNACCEPTABLE TO ME AND FORD NEEDS TO STAND BEHIND THERE PRODUCTS AND SHOW LOYALTY TO THERE CUSTOMERS. *TR

Mileage: 82,000

ABS LIGHT IS O IN MY 2001 FORD WINDSTAR EVEN AFTER THE RECALL IN 2009 FOR ABS ECM FAILURE - ABS BRAKE LIGHT. THE LIGHT CONTINUES TO STAY ON FOR THE PAST YEAR ALMOST AND IT IS CAUSING OTHER DEFECTS IN MY VEHICLE. MY VEHICLE WILL SHUT DOWN ON ME COMPLETELY AND NOTHING IN MY VEHICLE WILL WORK UNTIL I GET A JUMP AD IT IS CAUSING ISSUES WITH MY BRAKE SYSTEM AND TRANSMISSION! *TR

Mileage: 72,000

OCCURRENCE: 12 OCTOBER 2010. TRAVELING I-95 WASHINGTON,DC/SUITLAND, MD. VEHICLE: FORD WINDSTAR, 2001. SPEED : 60-65 MPH. TRAFFIC : DENSE. FAILURE OF DEFECTIVE PART : REAR AXLE SNAPPED IN TWO PARTS WHILE TRAVELING ON SMOOTH HIGHWAY, NORTHBOUND. EXPLOSIVE SOUND , LOTS OF SMOKE, EXTREME CONSTERNATION/FEAR OF HEART ATTACK EXPERIENCED BY MY WIFE AND I ( MY WIFE HAS A DANGEROUS HEART CONDITION "IHSS") AT OCCURRENCE. I IMMEDIATELY TURNED ON HAZARD FLASHERS. MANAGED TO MANEUVER ACROSS SEVERAL LANES OF TRAFFIC TO GET TO HIGHWAY SHOULDER SAFELY!! THANK GOD FOR THE ALERT FELLOW TRAVELERS BEHIND US!!! IF WE WERE HIT BY ANY 18-WHEELERS ON THE HIGHWAY, I WOULDN'T BE WRITING THIS COMPLAINT NOW!!! CONCERN FOR OUR SAFETY WAS SHOWN TO US BY FELLOW TRAVELERS; PARTICULARLY, MD TRAFFIC SAFETY PERSON, WHO SHOULD BE COMMENDED BY HIS SUPERIORS FOR HIS PROFESSIONAL AND UNDERSTANDING ACTIONS!! HE LOOKED AT THE DAMAGE AND SAID THAT HE HAD NEVER SEEN ANYTHING LIKE IT BEFORE; AND HE SAID THAT WE WERE LUCKY TO BE ALIVE!!! VAN WAS TRANSPORTED BY PROFESSIONALS TO THE NEAREST FORD DEALERSHIP WHERE I FIRST BECAME AWARE THAT A RECALL NOTICE WAS IN FORCE FOR MY VEHICLE!!! AT THIS POINT, I BECAME GREATLY DISTURBED THAT I HAD NO PREVIOUS NOTIFICATION OF THIS DANGEROUS CONDITION AND THAT MY WIFE, GRAND CHILDREN, ETAL WERE TRAVELING IN POTENTIAL ROLLING COFFIN! IN MY OPINION, THIS SEEMS TO BE CRIMINAL; PARTICULARLY IF GREATER PROFIT MOTIVES MIGHT BE INVOLVED! I CERTAINLY HOPE THAT INFERIOR MATERIALS WERE NOT USED IN THIS REGARD!! I WAS INFORMED THAT MY VAN WOULD HAVE TO REMAIN AT THE FORD DEALERSHIP UNTIL FORD MOTOR COMPANY DECIDES HOW I WILL BE PROVIDED WITH A SAFE VEHICLE , SINCE NO REPLACEMENT AXLES WERE AVAILABLE. (NB ; I HAVE NO IDEA WHATEVER OTHER DAMAGE EXISTS AS A RESULT OF THIS AWFUL FAILURE! I CERTAINLY DON'T WANT A DUPLICATE AXLE REPLACEMENT TO REPLAY THIS HORRIFIC CATASTROPHE! IN MY WIFE'S DELICATE CONDITION, I CANNOT EXPECT HER TO TRAVEL IN THIS UNSAFE VEHICLE! JUSTICE!!! *TR

Mileage: 80,000

OCCURRENCE: 12 OCTOBER 2010. TRAVELING I-95 WASHINGTON,DC/SUITLAND, MD. VEHICLE: FORD WINDSTAR, 2001. SPEED : 60-65 MPH. TRAFFIC : DENSE. FAILURE OF DEFECTIVE PART : REAR AXLE SNAPPED IN TWO PARTS WHILE TRAVELING ON SMOOTH HIGHWAY, NORTHBOUND. EXPLOSIVE SOUND , LOTS OF SMOKE, EXTREME CONSTERNATION/FEAR OF HEART ATTACK EXPERIENCED BY MY WIFE AND I ( MY WIFE HAS A DANGEROUS HEART CONDITION "IHSS") AT OCCURRENCE. I IMMEDIATELY TURNED ON HAZARD FLASHERS. MANAGED TO MANEUVER ACROSS SEVERAL LANES OF TRAFFIC TO GET TO HIGHWAY SHOULDER SAFELY!! THANK GOD FOR THE ALERT FELLOW TRAVELERS BEHIND US!!! IF WE WERE HIT BY ANY 18-WHEELERS ON THE HIGHWAY, I WOULDN'T BE WRITING THIS COMPLAINT NOW!!! CONCERN FOR OUR SAFETY WAS SHOWN TO US BY FELLOW TRAVELERS; PARTICULARLY, MD TRAFFIC SAFETY PERSON, WHO SHOULD BE COMMENDED BY HIS SUPERIORS FOR HIS PROFESSIONAL AND UNDERSTANDING ACTIONS!! HE LOOKED AT THE DAMAGE AND SAID THAT HE HAD NEVER SEEN ANYTHING LIKE IT BEFORE; AND HE SAID THAT WE WERE LUCKY TO BE ALIVE!!! VAN WAS TRANSPORTED BY PROFESSIONALS TO THE NEAREST FORD DEALERSHIP WHERE I FIRST BECAME AWARE THAT A RECALL NOTICE WAS IN FORCE FOR MY VEHICLE!!! AT THIS POINT, I BECAME GREATLY DISTURBED THAT I HAD NO PREVIOUS NOTIFICATION OF THIS DANGEROUS CONDITION AND THAT MY WIFE, GRAND CHILDREN, ETAL WERE TRAVELING IN POTENTIAL ROLLING COFFIN! IN MY OPINION, THIS SEEMS TO BE CRIMINAL; PARTICULARLY IF GREATER PROFIT MOTIVES MIGHT BE INVOLVED! I CERTAINLY HOPE THAT INFERIOR MATERIALS WERE NOT USED IN THIS REGARD!! I WAS INFORMED THAT MY VAN WOULD HAVE TO REMAIN AT THE FORD DEALERSHIP UNTIL FORD MOTOR COMPANY DECIDES HOW I WILL BE PROVIDED WITH A SAFE VEHICLE , SINCE NO REPLACEMENT AXLES WERE AVAILABLE. (NB ; I HAVE NO IDEA WHATEVER OTHER DAMAGE EXISTS AS A RESULT OF THIS AWFUL FAILURE! I CERTAINLY DON'T WANT A DUPLICATE AXLE REPLACEMENT TO REPLAY THIS HORRIFIC CATASTROPHE! IN MY WIFE'S DELICATE CONDITION, I CANNOT EXPECT HER TO TRAVEL IN THIS UNSAFE VEHICLE! JUSTICE!!! *TR

Mileage: 80,000

WHEN THE TRANSMISSION GOT HOT, AFTER ABOUT 30-40 MILES OF DRIVING THE STEERING WHEEL STARTS TO SHIMMY LIKE THE WHEELS ARE GOING TO FALL OFF. WAS TOLD THAT THERE WAS A FLAW IN THE DESIGN OF A BEARING THAT RIDES ON THE MAIN SHAFT OF TRANS, THE ONE THAT CONNECTS THE TRANS TO THE TORQUE CONVERTER AND ENGINE. IT WAS NOT ABLE TO HANDLE TO LOAD AND CUTS A GROOVE IN TO THE SHAFT. THIS ALLOWS THE TRANS TO LEAK. ONCE THE GROVE GETS DEEP THE BEARINGS CAN FALL OUT AND CAUSE MORE DAMAGE TO THE TRANSMISSION. THE AFFECTS OF THE TRANSMISSION GETTING HOT COULD CAUSE THE DRIVER TO LOSE CONTROL OF VEHICLE OR BECOME STRANDED IN THE ROADWAY, CAUSING A COLLISION. WAS TOLD THE COST OF REPAIR WOULD BE $1500-$2500 DEPENDING ON THE AMOUNT OF DAMAGE DONE TO INTERNAL COMPONENTS. *TR

Mileage: 70,000

REAR AXLE ON 2001 FORD WINDSTAR IS CRACKED. NOTICED A BANGING SOUND WHILE GOING OVER BUMPS. TOOK IT TO A REPAIR SHOP THAT IDENTIFIED THE PROBLEM. *TR

Mileage: 93,929

2001 FORD WINDSTAR SE SPORT, 20,000 MILES ABS, BRAKE, & TIRE PRESSURE LIGHTS COME ON AFTER FIRST STARTING CAR AND RUNNING FOR A WHILE.. ABS AND BRAKE LIGHTS GO ON AND OFF, TIRE PRESSURE LIGHT STAYS ON EVEN WITH ALL 4 NEW TIRES EQUALLY FILLED AT 35PSI. JUST BOUGHT THIS VAN. TRANSMISSION SLIPS, HAD IT DRAINED AND SERVICED 1 MONTH AGO WITH NO PROBLEM REPORTED. *TR

Mileage: 20,500

1. VIBRATION IN STEERING WHEEL. 2. REAR AXEL BROKE IN 2 PLACES ON THE NEW JERSEY TURNPIKE. THE CAR VEERED UNCONTROLLABLY ALMOST CAUSING A SERIOUS ACCIDENT. 3. THE CAR WAS TOWED 90 MILES TO OUR LOCAL SERVICE STATION WHERE AXEL WAS REPLACED WITH A USED PART. *TR

Mileage: 83,807

2001 FORD WINDSTAR 150,000 MILES, DRIVING ON HIGHWAY APPROX. 55 MILES PER HOUR, VEHICLE STARTING SWAYING THEN HEARD A LOAD CRASH AND A LOT OF SMOKE COMING FROM UNDER VEHICLE, THOUGHT IT WAS A BLOW OUT. PULLED ON TO A SIDE ROAD BOTH REAR TIRES WERE BOWED IN AND REAR AXLE HAD SPLIT. *TR

Mileage: 150,000

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2001 FORD WINDSTAR. THE CONTACT WAS DRIVING 45 MPH WHEN HE STRUCK A POTHOLE, CAUSING THE REAR AXLE TO FRACTURE. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO A LOCAL REPAIR FACILITY WHERE HE WAS AWAITING REPAIRS. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT CONTACTED. THE FAILURE AND CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 122,000. UPDATED 11/16/10. *LJ

Mileage: 122,000

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2001 FORD WINDSTAR. THE CONTACT STATED WHILE DRIVING 25 MPH, THERE WAS AN ABNORMAL POP FROM THE REAR OF THE VEHICLE. THE CONTACT DISCOVERED THE REAR AXLE WAS FRACTURED UPON FURTHER INSPECTION. THE CONTACT WAS ABLE TO LOCATE NUMEROUS COMPLAINTS ONLINE REGARDING THE FAILURE YET THE VEHICLE WAS NOT UNDER RECALL. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT TAKEN TO THE DEALER FOR DIAGNOSIS OR REPAIRS. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 120,000.

Mileage: 120,000

TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2001 FORD WINDSTAR. THE CONTACT TOOK THE VEHICLE TO AN AUTHORIZED DEALER AND THE DEALER INFORMED HIM THAT THE REAR AXLE WAS CRACKED AND NOT TO DRIVE IT UNTIL IT WAS REPAIRED. THE CONTACT PLANNED TO HAVE THE AXLE REPAIRED BY THE DEALER. THE CONTACT CALLED THE MANUFACTURER WHO OFFERED NO ASSISTANCE AS THERE WAS NO OFFICIAL RECALL. THE CURRENT AND FAILURE MILEAGES WERE APPROXIMATELY 79,000.

Mileage: 79,000

TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2001 FORD WINDSTAR. WHILE SHIFTING INTO REVERSE GEAR THE CONTACT HEARD A LOUD CRUNCHING SOUND COMING FROM THE REAR OF THE VEHICLE. AFTER EXAMINING THE VEHICLE THE CONTACT NOTICED THAT THE REAR AXLE WAS CRACKED IN HALF. THE VEHICLE HAD NOT BEEN DIAGNOSED AND THERE WERE NO PRIOR WARNINGS. THE CURRENT AND FAILURE MILEAGES WERE 110000. THE VIN WAS NOT AVAILABLE.

Mileage: 110,000

TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2001 FORD WINDSTAR. WHILE EXAMINING THE VEHICLE THE CONTACT NOTICED THAT THE LEFT REAR AXLE WAS CRACKED. THE FAILURE WAS NOT DIAGNOSED AND THERE WERE NO PRIOR WARNINGS. THE CURRENT AND FAILURE MILEAGES WERE 86000.

Mileage: 86,000

TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2001 FORD WINDSTAR . WHILE DRIVING 40 MPH, THE VEHICLE RESPONDED AS IF IT HAD A FLAT TIRE. WHEN HE DROVE ONTO THE EMERGENCY LANE HE NOTICED THAT THE REAR WHEEL WAS TILTING OUTWARD. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO A MECHANIC WHO STATED THAT THE REAR AXLE WAS CRACKED IN HALF. THE DEALER WAS NOT BEEN NOTIFIED. THE FAILURE AND CURRENT MILEAGES WERE 133000. UPDATED 10/21/10. *LJ

Mileage: 133,000

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2001 FORD WINDSTAR. THE CONTACT WAS DRIVING AT APPROXIMATELY 50 MPH WHEN THE VEHICLE BEGAN TO VIOLENTLY SHAKE ABNORMALLY. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO AN AUTHORIZED DEALER WHERE THE CONTACT WAS INFORMED THAT THE REAR AXLE WAS SEVERELY CRACKED. THE DEALER WAS IN THE PROCESS OF REPLACING THE REAR AXLE. THE VIN WAS NOT AVAILABLE. THE FAILURE AND CURRENT MILEAGES WERE 150,000.

Mileage: 150,000

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2001 FORD WINDSTAR. WHILE DRIVING AT APPROXIMATELY 45 MPH, THE CONTACT HEARD A LOUD BANG FROM THE REAR OF THE VEHICLE. WITHIN SECONDS, THE VEHICLE BEGAN TO FISHTAIL. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO AN INDEPENDENT REPAIR FACILITY WHERE THE CONTACT WAS INFORMED THAT THE REAR AXLE HAD FRACTURED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE VIN WAS NOT AVAILABLE. THE FAILURE AND CURRENT MILEAGES WERE 109,000.

Mileage: 109,000

2001 FORD WINDSTAR. CONSUMER STATES THAT THE REAR AXLE CRACKED AND BROKE IN TO TWO PARTS *TGW THE CONSUMER STATED PRIOR TO HER SERVICE APPOINTMENT, SHE HEARD A NOISE COMING FROM THE REAR OF THE VEHICLE WHEN SUDDENLY, THE VEHICLE BEGAN TO SLIDE. FORTUNATELY, SHE WAS ABLE TO CONTROL THE VEHICLE. WHEN SHE ARRIVED HOME, SHE LOOKED UNDER THE REAR OF THE VEHICLE AND DISCOVERED A LARGE CRACK IN THE REAR AXLE. *JB

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2001 FORD WINDSTAR. WHILE DRIVING AT 30 MPH, THE REAR OF THE VEHICLE UNEXPECTEDLY DROPPED. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO A LOCAL REPAIR FACILITY WHERE THE CONTACT WAS ADVISED THAT THE REAR AXLE WAS FRACTURED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT CONTACTED. THE VIN WAS NOT AVAILABLE. THE FAILURE AND CURRENT MILEAGES WERE 130,000.

Mileage: 130,000

BACK AXEL BROKE ON OUR 2001 FORD WINDSTAR WHILE DRIVING DOWN THE HIGHWAY AT 65 MILES AN HOUR. WE JUST GOT IT TOWED BACK HOME, TODAY IS SUNDAY SO WE WILL HAVE TO CALL ON IT TOMORROW, BUT I SEE THERE ARE A LOT OF COMPLAINTS WITH THIS. *TR

Mileage: 160,000

TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2001 FORD WINDSTAR. WHILE DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 30 MPH THE CONTACT HEARD A RUBBING NOISE UNDERNEATH THE REAR END OF THE VEHICLE. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC WHO CONFIRMED THAT THE REAR AXLE WAS BENT. THE REAR AXLE WAS REPLACED BY THE INDEPENDENT MECHANIC. THE FAILURE HAS NOT RECURRED SINCE THE VEHICLE WAS REPAIRED; HOWEVER, TRANSMISSION FLUID HAS LEAKED OUT OF THE VEHICLE. THE TRANSMISSION LEAK WAS NOT DIAGNOSED BY THE DEALER. THE FAILURE AND CURRENT MILEAGES WERE 123,000.

Mileage: 123,000

TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2001 FORD WINDSTAR. WHILE DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 30 MPH THE CONTACT HEARD A RUBBING NOISE UNDERNEATH THE REAR END OF THE VEHICLE. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC WHO CONFIRMED THAT THE REAR AXLE WAS BENT. THE REAR AXLE WAS REPLACED BY THE INDEPENDENT MECHANIC. THE FAILURE HAS NOT RECURRED SINCE THE VEHICLE WAS REPAIRED; HOWEVER, TRANSMISSION FLUID HAS LEAKED OUT OF THE VEHICLE. THE TRANSMISSION LEAK WAS NOT DIAGNOSED BY THE DEALER. THE FAILURE AND CURRENT MILEAGES WERE 123,000.

Mileage: 123,000

TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2001 FORD WINDSTAR. WHILE DRIVING OVER A RAILROAD TRACK AT 20 MPH, THE REAR AXLE BROKE IN HALF. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO A LOCAL MECHANIC WHO WILL PERFORM A DIAGNOSTIC TEST AND ADVISE HIM OF THE REPAIR COST. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT NOTIFIED. THE VIN WAS UNAVAILABLE. THE FAILURE AND CURRENT MILEAGES WERE 160,000.

Mileage: 160,000

TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2001 FORD WINDSTAR. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE REAR AXLE ON HIS VEHICLE WAS BROKEN. THE VEHICLE STARTED SWAYING BACK AND FORTH WHILE DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 5 MPH. HE LOOKED UNDERNEATH THE VEHICLE AND NOTICED THAT THE REAR AXLE HAD BROKEN IN HALF. THE DEALER INFORMED THE CONTACT THAT THE AXLE HAD TO BE REPLACED AT THE OWNERS EXPENSE FOR $497 ALONG WITH THE DRUMS AND OTHER BRAKE COMPONENTS. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS APPROXIMATELY 62,000. THE CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 62,500.

Mileage: 62,000

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2001 FORD WINDSTAR. THE CONTACT STATED WHILE DRIVING AT UNKNOWN SPEEDS, THE VEHICLE BEGAN MAKING AN ABNORMAL SQUEAKING NOISE FROM THE REAR. THE CONTACT MOVED THE VEHICLE FROM THE ROADWAY AND EXITED THE VEHICLE. HE THEN DISCOVERED THE REAR AXLE WAS FRACTURED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT TAKEN TO THE DEALER FOR REPAIRS. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 147,000.

Mileage: 147,000

TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2001 FORD WINDSTAR. THE CONTACT WAS TRAVELING 65 MPH WHEN THE REAR OF THE VEHICLE BEGAN MAKING AN ABNORMAL CRACKING SOUND. THE CONTACT SHUT THE VEHICLE OFF TO OBSERVE THE FAILURE BUT DID NOT LOCATE ONE. HE CONTINUED DRIVING TO HIS DESTINATION AND HEARD THE NOISE AGAIN. HE THEN NOTICED THAT THE REAR WHEELS WERE ABNORMALLY TILTED INWARD. THE CONTACT, WHO WAS A MECHANIC, WAS ABLE TO LOCATE THE FAILURE AS A CRACK IN THE REAR AXLE. THE LOCAL DEALER STATED THAT THE PART WAS ON BACKORDER AND THEY WOULD NOT BE ABLE TO REPAIR THE VEHICLE. THE FAILURE AND CURRENT MILEAGES WERE 130,000. UPDATED 09/29/10. *LJ

Mileage: 130,000

TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2001 FORD WINDSTAR. WHILE DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 40 MPH A LOUD CRACKING SOUND WAS HEARD IN THE REAR OF THE VEHICLE. THE VEHICLE BEGAN TO MOVE FROM THE LEFT TO THE RIGHT. SMOKE WAS ALSO COMING FROM THE REAR END OF THE VEHICLE. THE CONTACT WAS ABLE TO DRIVE SAFELY ONTO THE EMERGENCY LANE. UPON EXAMINING THE VEHICLE, THE CONTACT NOTICED THAT THE REAR AXLE WAS SEVERELY CRACKED. THE VEHICLE REMAINED ON THE EMERGENCY LANE AND WAS NOT TOWED OR FURTHER EXAMINED. THE FAILURE AND CURRENT MILEAGES WERE 130,000.

Mileage: 130,000

TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2001 FORD WINDSTAR. WHILE DRIVING IN REVERSE, THERE WAS A LOUD NOISE IN THE REAR OF THE VEHICLE. THE CONTACT OBSERVED THAT THE REAR AXLE WAS BROKEN AND THAT THE TIRE WAS PUSHED OUTWARD. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO A MECHANIC AND WILL BE REPAIRED. THE MECHANIC STATED THAT THE PARTS WOULD NOT BE AVAILABLE FOR A WEEK. THE MANUFACTURER STATED THAT THERE WERE NO RELATED RECALLS OR WARRANTIES. THE FAILURE AND CURRENT MILEAGES WERE 157,000.

Mileage: 157,000

REAR AXLE OF 2001 WINDSTAR BROKE IN HALF. *TR

Mileage: 98,000

TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2001 FORD WINDSTAR. WHILE DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 65 MPH THE VEHICLE BEGAN TO BOUNCE UP AND DOWN AFTER THE REAR AXLE BROKE IN HALF AND CAUSED THE VEHICLE TO FISHTAIL. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO RESIDENCE. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED AND INFORMED THE CONTACT THAT THERE WERE NO RELATED RECALLS. THE DEALER HAD NOT DIAGNOSED THE FAILURE WHEN THE COMPLAINT WAS FILED. THE FAILURE AND CURRENT MILEAGES WERE 172,000.

Mileage: 172,000

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2001 FORD WINDSTAR. THE CONTACT STATED WHILE REVERSING FROM A PARKING SPACE, THE REAR AXLE CRACKED. THE CONTACT FOUND THE AXLE HAD SPLIT INTO TWO AND THE REAR WHEELS WERE TURNED INWARD. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO THE DEALER. THE DEALER ADVISED THE AXLE WOULD NEED TO BE REPLACED AT THE CONTACTS EXPENSE. THERE WAS AN OPEN DEFECT INVESTIGATION (NHTSA ACTION NUMBER: PE10016: SUSPENSION) INTO THE WINDSTAR AXLE FAILURE BUT NO RECALLS. THE VIN WAS NOT AVAILABLE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE AND CURRENT MILEAGES WERE APPROXIMATELY 140,000.

Mileage: 140,000

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2001 FORD WINDSTAR. THE CONTACT STATED THE REAR WHEELS WERE BENDING INWARD AND CAUSING THE REAR TIRES TO WEAR OUT PREMATURELY. THE FRONT TIRES HAD NEVER BEEN REPLACED AND APPEARED BRAND NEW. THE REAR TIRES HAD SINCE BEEN REPLACED THREE TIMES. THE DEALER ADVISED THE REAR AXLE WAS OUT OF SPECIFICATION AND WOULD NEED TO BE LOOSENED AND REALIGNED TO CORRECT THE FORMATION OF THE WHEELS. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 12,000 AND THE CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 40,000.

Mileage: 12,000

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2001 FORD WINDSTAR. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE REAR END OF THE VEHICLE MAKES A POPPING NOISE WHEN TRAVELING AT VARIOUS SPEEDS. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALER AND THEY STATED THAT THE AXLE WAS CRACKED AND NEEDED TO BE REPLACED AT THE OWNERS EXPENSE. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE FAILURE AND CURRENT MILEAGES WERE APPROXIMATELY 116,000.

Mileage: 116,000

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2001 FORD WINDSTAR. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE INSPECTING THE SHOCKS, HE DISCOVERED THE REAR AXLE WAS SPLIT APPROXIMATELY THREE QUARTERS UP THE BACK. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO A LOCAL REPAIR SHOP AND THE MECHANIC ADVISED REPLACING THE AXLE. THE REPAIR WAS PERFORMED BY WELDING A PLATE ON THE OUTER INSIDE AND ON THE OUTSIDE OF THE AXLE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS APPROXIMATELY 102,700 AND THE CURRENT MILEAGE WAS APPROXIMATELY 105,000.

Mileage: 102,700

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2001 FORD WINDSTAR. THE CONTACT STATED WHILE DRIVING AT 35 MPH, THERE WAS AN UNUSUAL NOISE COMING FROM THE REAR AXLE AREA, AND UPON FURTHER INSPECTION, FOUND THE AXLE HAD BROKEN. THE DEALER WAS CONTACTED TO MAKE ARRANGEMENTS TO REPLACE THE AXLE. IN ADDITION, THE CONTACT STATED THERE WERE NUMEROUS COMPLAINTS ONLINE PERTAINING TO THE FAILURE IN HIS YEAR, MAKE AND MODEL AND BELIEVED THE MANUFACTURER SHOULD BE HELD LIABLE FOR THE REPAIR. THE FAILURE AND CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 120,901.

Mileage: 120,901

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2001 FORD WINDSTAR. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE TRAVELING AT SPEEDS OF 35 MPH, THE REAR OF THE VEHICLE STARTED TO EXCESSIVELY SWAY BACK AND FORTH. THE DEALER FOUND THAT THE REAR AXLE HAD SPLIT IN TWO. THE DEALER ALSO STATED THAT THE FAILURE WAS COMMON IN HIS MODEL VEHICLE. THE FAILURE AND CURRENT MILEAGES WERE 149,000.

Mileage: 149,000

DRIVING MY FORD WINDSTAR SE 2001, IT FELT LIKE THE REAR AXLE WAS ABOUT TO FALL APART. INDEED, THE FORD DEALERSHIP SERVICE DEPARTMENT DIAGNOSED A REAR AXLE CRACK TODAY, MAY 27, 2010. THIS IS A SERIOUS SAFETY HAZARD. THE SERVICE DEPARTMENT WILL NOT LET ME DRIVE IT OFF THE LOT UNLESS IT IS REPAIRED. *TR

Mileage: 144,000

TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2001 FORD WINDSTAR. WHILE TURNING AT APPROXIMATELY 2 MPH, THE REAR AXLE BROKE IN HALF. THE VEHICLE HAD NOT BEEN INSPECTED OR REPAIRED AT THE TIME OF THE COMPLAINT. THE FAILURE AND CURRENT MILEAGES WERE APPROXIMATELY 120,000. UPDATED 11/03/10. *LJ

Mileage: 120,000

BACKING OUT OF DRIVEWAY, THE REAR AXEL OF MY 2001 FORD WINDSTAR CRACKED IN HALF. I MAY REPAIR THE VEHICLE. *TR

Mileage: 135,000

TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2001 FORD WINDSTAR. WHILE DRIVING AT 40 MPH, THE CONTACT NOTICED THAT THE REAR END OF THE VEHICLE WAS SWAYING LEFT TO RIGHT. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO A REPAIR SHOP WHERE THE CONTACT WAS INFORMED THAT THE REAR AXLE NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE CURRENT AND FAILURE MILEAGES WERE APPROXIMATELY 106,000.

Mileage: 106,000

TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2001 FORD WINDSTAR. WHILE DRIVING AT 30 MPH, THE CONTACT NOTICED THAT THE REAR OF THE VEHICLE SWAYED BACK AND FORTH. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO A REPAIR SHOP WHERE THE CONTACT WAS INFORMED THAT THE REAR AXLE WAS BROKEN. THE MECHANIC DID NOT MENTION RUST BUT STATED THAT THE AXLE WAS HANGING BY A THREAD. THE CURRENT AND FAILURE MILEAGES WERE APPROXIMATELY 74,000.

Mileage: 74,000

TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2001 FORD WINDSTAR. WHILE DRIVING AT VARIOUS SPEEDS AND REACHING 60 MPH, THE CONTACT NOTICED VIBRATIONS ON THE SEATS, HEAD RESTRAINTS AND REAR WINDOW. THE VEHCILE WAS TAKEN TO A LOCAL MECHANIC WHO STATED THAT THERE WAS A CRACK IN THE RIGHT REAR AXLE AND ANOTHER FORMING ON THE LEFT SIDE AXLE. THE CONTACT CALLED THE DEALERSHIP BUT THE DEALER STATTED THAT THE VEHICLE WAS NO LONGER UNDER WARRANTY AND IT WAS REPAIRED AT THE CONTACTS EXPENSE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS APPROXIMATELY 116,000. THE CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 118,273. UPDATED 07/26/10. *LJ UPDATED 08/03/10*JB

Mileage: 116,000

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2001 FORD WINDSTAR. THE CONTACT STATED WHILE REPLACING THE BRAKES, HE NOTICED THE RIGHT REAR AXLE HAD CRACKED 12 INCHES FROM THE TIRE. HE STATED IF HE HAD BEEN DRIVING, THE FAILURE COULD HAVE POTENTIALLY CAUSED A CRASH. THE MANUFACTURER HAD NOT YET BEEN CONTACTED. THE FAILURE AND CURRENT MILEAGES WERE 100,000.

Mileage: 100,000

TL* THE CONTACT HAS A 2001 FORD WINDSTAR. THE CONTACTED STATED THAT WHILE DRIVING THE REAR AXLE BROKE OFF OF THE VEHICLE. THE VEHICLE WAS TRAVELING 65MPH. THERE WAS NO ACCDENT, BUT THE VEHICLE SLID ACROSS THE HIGHWAY. THE CONTACT FEELS THIS IS SERIOUS SAFETY ISSUE. THE FAILURE AND CURRENT MILEAGE 104000.

Mileage: 104,000

TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2001 FORD WINDSTAR. WHILE DRIVING 35 MPH THE REAR AXLE BROKE. THE VEHICLE BEGAN TO SWAY BACK AND FORTH PRIOR TO THE FAILURE. THE CURRENT AND FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 204000.

Mileage: 204,000

TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2001 FORD WINDSTAR. WHILE DRIVING, SHE NOTICED THAT THE VEHICLE WAS NOT STABLE WHEN SHE MADE LEFT AND RIGHT TURNS. AFTER EXAMINING THE VEHICLE THE CONTACT ALSO NOTICED THAT THE REAR AXLE WAS BROKE. THE VEHICLE HAS NOT BEEN DIAGNOSED BY THE DEALER AND THERE WERE NO PRIOR WARNINGS. THE CURRENT AND FAILURE MILEAGES WERE 125000.

Mileage: 125,000

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2001 FORD WINDSTAR. DURING VEHICLE INSPECTION, A TECHNICIAN STATED THAT THE REAR AXLE HAD DEVELOPED CRACKS. THE TECHNICIAN STATED THAT IT WOULD COST $7000.00 TO REPAIR THE VEHICLE. NO REPAIRS WERE MADE. SHE FILED A COMPLAINT WITH THE MANUFACTURER. THE FAILURE AND CURRENT MILEAGES WERE 92,000. THE VIN NUMBER WAS UNAVAILABLE.

Mileage: 92,000

TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2001 FORD WINDSTAR. WHILE DRIVING 25 MPH HIS REAR AXLE FRACTURED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED, BUT BECAUSE THE WARRANTY EXPIRED NO ASSISTANCE WAS PROVIDED. NO REPAIRS WERE MADE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 77,000.

Mileage: 78,000

I HEARD A SQUEAKING NOISE IN MY VEHICLE,I TOOK IT TO LOCAL GARAGE FOR INSPECTION OF PROBLEM THEY FOUND MY REAR AXEL IS ABOUT ONE INCH FROM SNAPPING IN HALF. I THEN CALLED A FEW OTHER LOCAL PLACES THAT FIX THESE TYPE OF PROBLEMS AND FOUND OUT THAT THIS IS A RECURRING PROBLEM WITH THIS VEHICLE AND THAT IT HAS BEEN REPORTED MANY TIMES. I THEN CHECKED TO SEE IF THERE WAS A RECALL ON THE REAR AXEL AND FOUND THAT FORD HAS DONE NOTHING ABOUT THIS. I DID A SEARCH ON THE WEB ON THIS VEHICLE AND FOUND SEVERAL STORIES JUST LIKE MINE ONLY SOME MORE SEVERE WHERE ACCIDENTS HAVE BEEN CAUSED FROM THIS SAME BREAK IN THE REAR AXEL. I AM STILL IN THE PROCESS OF GETTING THIS FIXED.I WILL NEED TO REPLACE MY REAR AXEL IT CAN'T BE WELDED FOR SAFETY PURPOSES. THIS PROBLEM IS VERY SERIOUS AND NEEDS IMMEDIATE ATTENTION. MY FAMILY AND I HAVE ESCAPED SERIOUS INJURY BUT HOW MANY MORE COMPLAINTS NEED TO BE MADE BEFORE SOMETHING IS DONE. *TR

Mileage: 100,000

DURING A ROUTINE OIL CHANGE ON OUR FORD 2001 WINDSTAR OUR MECHANIC NOTICED THAT THE REAR AXLE WAS CRACKED ABOUT 12 " FROM THE DRIVERS SIDE TIRE. IF THE AXLE HAD FAILED CATASTROPHICALLY WHILE DRIVING MY FAMILY WOULD HAVE BEEN SERIOUSLY INJURED OR KILLED. AN INTERNET SEARCH REVEALED NUMEROUS IDENTICAL FAILURE ON WINDSTARS OF THE SAME MODEL YEAR. *TR

Mileage: 127,573

TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2001 FORD WINDSTAR. WHILE DRIVING 25 MPH, THE VEHICLE STALLED WITHOUT WARNING. THE CONTACT RESTARTED THE VEHICLE AND DROVE TO HIS RESIDENCE. THE DEALER STATED THAT THERE WAS NO RECALL FOR THE VEHICLE AND REPAIRS WOULD ONLY BE MADE AT THE CONTACT'S EXPENSE. THE TRANSMISSION WAS THE CAUSE OF THE FAILURE. THROUGH ONLINE RESEARCH, THE CONTACT FOUND NUMEROUS REPORTS FROM CONSUMERS WHO WERE EXPERIENCING THE SAME FAILURE. THE VEHICLE HAS NOT BEEN REPAIRED. THE FAILURE AND CURRENT MILEAGES WERE 154,000.

Mileage: 154,000

I WAS DRIVING MY MOTHER-IN LAW TO A RESTAURANT WITH MY HUSBAND AND 3 CHILDREN. ON THE WAY THERE WAS A SQUEALING SOUND FROM THE REAR OF THE VEHICLE AND WE ASSUMED IT COULD HAVE BEEN A LOW TIRE. WE STOPPED ADDED AIR AND WENT ON BUT THE SQUEALING CONTINUED. WE WENT AROUND A VERY WINDING CURVE AT 25MPH [WAY BELOW THE RECOMMENDED] AND THE VAN WAS ALMOST UNCONTROLLABLE. AS THOUGH SOMEONE COVERED THE ROAD WITH OIL [BY THE WAY, IT IS 92 DEGREES AND VERY SUNNY HERE]. MY HUSBAND THOUGHT THAT MAYBE WE HAD A BUSTED SHOCK. WHEN WE CAME HOME, MY HUSBAND REMOVED THE REAR, DRIVER'S SIDE TIRE TO FIND THAT THE TIRE HAD BEEN RUBBING THE FENDERWELL - ALOT [WHICH EXPLAINS THE BURNING TIRE SMELL ON OUR WAY HOME]. UPON INSPECTING THE REAR END OF THE VAN, THE REAR AXLE IS ALMOST IN TWO!!! WE NEVER HAD ANY PROBLEMS WITH THE REAR OF THE VAN BEFORE AND ACTUALLY JUST HAD TIRES PUT ON 3 MONTHS AGO AND IT WAS NOT NOTICED!!! I CANNOT DRIVE THIS VEHICLE UNTIL IT IS FIXED AND DON'T KNOW WHEN THAT WILL HAPPEN BECAUSE OF THE COST OF THIS MAJOR REPAIR. WE COULD HAVE ALL BEEN KILLED IF THIS WOULD HAVE HAPPENED ON OUR WAY HOME, OR ON OUR WAY OUT-OF-TOWN TOMORROW!! THANK GOD WE FOUND THE PROBLEM TODAY!!! I FIND IT VERY IRRESPONSIBLE THAT FORD HAS NOT RECALLED THIS - THEY HAVE RECALLED SEATBELTS, AIRBAGS AND GAS PEDALS DUE TO SAFETY CONCERNS - WHY NOT THIS? I AM NOT THE ONLY WINDSTAR OWNER THIS HAS HAPPENED TOO. THERE ARE OTHERS AND THEIR COMPLAINTS I'M SURE YOU HAVE ALSO RECEIVED- THEY ARE POSTED ON NUMEROUS SITES ON THE INTERNET. I WOULD UNDERSTAND IT NOT BEING RECALLED IF I WAS THE ONLY ONE IT HAPPENED TO - BUT I'M NOT!!! *TR

Mileage: 107,148

I WAS DRIVING MY MOTHER-IN LAW TO A RESTAURANT WITH MY HUSBAND AND 3 CHILDREN. ON THE WAY THERE WAS A SQUEALING SOUND FROM THE REAR OF THE VEHICLE AND WE ASSUMED IT COULD HAVE BEEN A LOW TIRE. WE STOPPED ADDED AIR AND WENT ON BUT THE SQUEALING CONTINUED. WE WENT AROUND A VERY WINDING CURVE AT 25MPH [WAY BELOW THE RECOMMENDED] AND THE VAN WAS ALMOST UNCONTROLLABLE. AS THOUGH SOMEONE COVERED THE ROAD WITH OIL [BY THE WAY, IT IS 92 DEGREES AND VERY SUNNY HERE]. MY HUSBAND THOUGHT THAT MAYBE WE HAD A BUSTED SHOCK. WHEN WE CAME HOME, MY HUSBAND REMOVED THE REAR, DRIVER'S SIDE TIRE TO FIND THAT THE TIRE HAD BEEN RUBBING THE FENDERWELL - ALOT [WHICH EXPLAINS THE BURNING TIRE SMELL ON OUR WAY HOME]. UPON INSPECTING THE REAR END OF THE VAN, THE REAR AXLE IS ALMOST IN TWO!!! WE NEVER HAD ANY PROBLEMS WITH THE REAR OF THE VAN BEFORE AND ACTUALLY JUST HAD TIRES PUT ON 3 MONTHS AGO AND IT WAS NOT NOTICED!!! I CANNOT DRIVE THIS VEHICLE UNTIL IT IS FIXED AND DON'T KNOW WHEN THAT WILL HAPPEN BECAUSE OF THE COST OF THIS MAJOR REPAIR. WE COULD HAVE ALL BEEN KILLED IF THIS WOULD HAVE HAPPENED ON OUR WAY HOME, OR ON OUR WAY OUT-OF-TOWN TOMORROW!! THANK GOD WE FOUND THE PROBLEM TODAY!!! I FIND IT VERY IRRESPONSIBLE THAT FORD HAS NOT RECALLED THIS - THEY HAVE RECALLED SEATBELTS, AIRBAGS AND GAS PEDALS DUE TO SAFETY CONCERNS - WHY NOT THIS? I AM NOT THE ONLY WINDSTAR OWNER THIS HAS HAPPENED TOO. THERE ARE OTHERS AND THEIR COMPLAINTS I'M SURE YOU HAVE ALSO RECEIVED- THEY ARE POSTED ON NUMEROUS SITES ON THE INTERNET. I WOULD UNDERSTAND IT NOT BEING RECALLED IF I WAS THE ONLY ONE IT HAPPENED TO - BUT I'M NOT!!! *TR

Mileage: 107,148

WHILE DRIVING 2001 FORD WINDSTAR ON A 1-HOUR TRIP TOWARD HOME, I NOTICED THE BACK WHEELS FISH TAILING THAT OCCURRED IN EVERY ROUGH SPOT IN THE ROAD. I IMMEDIATELY THOUGHT THE TIRE WAS GOING FLAT AND PULLED OVER TO CHECK IT. SINCE THE TIRES VISUALLY LOOKED FINE, I DROVE TO THE NEXT EXIT TO A GAS STATION AND CHECKED THE TIRE AIR PRESSURE AND FOUND IT WAS AT PROPER LEVELS. I WAS STILL UNSURE WHAT COULD CAUSE THE "FISH TAILING" OR "HYDROPLANING" FEELING, YET I WAS ABLE TO MAKE IT THE REST OF THE WAY HOME WITHOUT A MAJOR ACCIDENT; ALTHOUGH MY CAR KEPT "FISHTAILING".. THE NEXT MORNING, MY HUSBAND TOOK THE WINDSTAR TO A SERVICE MECHANIC TO INSPECT THE TIRES. WHAT HE FOUND WAS A REAR AXLE THAT WAS "RUSTED FROM THE INSIDE OUT" ABOUT 3/4 OF THE WAY. THE MECHANIC'S INITIAL ESTIMATE IS $1000 (FOR REPLACEMENT OF NEW AXLE AND LABOR). WE ARE RELIEVED THAT THE REAR AXLE DIDN'T BREAK WHILE WE WERE DRIVING AS THE CAR COULD HAVE FLIPPED AND KILLED ALL OF US. WHAT COULD CAUSE CORROSION ON THE INSIDE? THE REAR AXLE SHOULD BE MADE TO NEVER CORRODE OR BREAK UNDER NORMAL ROAD DRIVING CONDITIONS. AFTER RESEARCHING ON THE INTERNET, I HAVE FOUND OTHER 8 YEAR OLD, SAME MAKE/MODEL WINDSTAR OWNERS REPORTING THE SAME CONDITIONS. THIS IS AN UNSAFE PART ESPECIALLY NOTING THAT PEOPLE ARE KEEPING THEIR CARS LONGER DUE TO ECONOMY. FORD SHOULD OWN UP TO THIS PART FAILURE AND RECALL AND REPLACE THIS PART AT NO CHARGE TO THE OWNERS IMMEDIATELY! *TR

Mileage: 154,000

ABS LIGHT, BRAKE LIGHT, AND TRACTION CONTROL LIGHT COME ON AT ONCE.

Mileage: 50,000

THE RIGHT FRONT AXLE BROKE WITHOUT WARNING WHILE I WAS DRIVING TO THE MOVIES WITH ALL MY KIDS IN THE VAN. LUCKILY NO ONE WAS INJURED BUT MY MECHANIC SAID THAT SHOULD NOT HAVE HAPPENED WITHOUT WARNING. HE ALSO SAID IF WE WOULD HAVE BEEN ON THE FREEWAY IT WOULD HAVE BEEN BAD, REALLY BAD. *TR

Mileage: 105,000

TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2001 FORD WINDSTAR. FROM TIME TO TIME HE WAS UNABLE TO SHIFT GEARS OUT OF PARK WITHOUT SOME MANEUVERING. THE DEALER STATED THAT THERE WAS A SAFETY RECALL AND THAT IT WAS PERFORMED WITH THE FIRST OWNER. THE CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 129,500 AND THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 124,000. UPDATED 06/25/08 *BF THE DEALER INFORMED THE CONSUMER THE PROBLEM HE EXPERIENCED WAS NOT DUE TO THE RECALL, AND THAT HIS PROBLEM WAS ORIGINATED FROM SOMEWHERE ELSE. THE CONSUMER WISHED TO WITHDRAW HIS COMPLAINT. UPDATED 06/25/08

Mileage: 124,000

WHILE DRIVING DOWN MY STREET I HEARD A NOISE, IT SOUNDED LIKE MY TIRES WERE RUBBING AGAINST THE WHEEL WELL OF MY CAR, I PULLED OVER AND NOTICED MY TIRES WERE LEANING INWARDS, I LOOKED UNDER MY VAN AND NOTICED THAT THE AXEL WAS HANGING DOWN AND BROKEN ALMOST IN HALF. I CALLED FORD COMPANY THEY SAID THE VAN WAS NO LONGER UNDER WARRANTY AND I WOULD HAVE TO PAY FOR THE REPAIR (1,000.00- 1500.00) I DON'T FEEL THIS IS A "NORMAL" WEAR AND TEAR TO THIS CAR , THE MANAGER AT THE DEALER SHIP SAID THIS IS THE 3RD ONE HE HAS SEEN WITHIN THIS YEAR ON THE SAME VAN. THE TOW TRUCK DRIVER SAID THIS SHOULD HAVE NEVER HAVE HAPPENED. *TR

Mileage: 59,000

REAR AXLE OF MY 2001 WINDSTAR CRACKED AND SPLIT IN HALF WHILE DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 50 MPH. SIGNIFICANT SAFETY ISSUE. NO WARNING SIGNS. ONLY 67,000 MILES ON WELL-MAINTAINED VEHICLE. *TR

Mileage: 67,000

TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2001 FORD WINDSTAR. WHILE DRIVING BETWEEN 5-10 MPH, THE VEHICLE DROPPED AND CAME TO A STOP. THE CONTACT NOTICED THAT BOTH REAR WHEELS WERE FOLDED INWARD. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO THE MECHANIC AND THEY STATED THAT THE REAR AXLE SNAPPED DUE TO A DEFECTIVE PART. THE PART WAS NOT RUSTED. THE MECHANIC REPLACED THE REAR AXLE. THE CURRENT AND FAILURE MILEAGES WERE 68,200. UPDATED 07/15/08 *BF UPDATED 07/15/08

Mileage: 68,200

TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2001 FORD WINDSTAR. WHILE DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 35 MPH, THE REAR OF THE VEHICLE SWERVED TO THE RIGHT. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALER AND THEY DISCOVERED THAT THE REAR HOUSING WAS RUSTED AND CRACKED. THE CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 72,413 AND FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 72,380.

Mileage: 72,380

MID-SUMMER VACATION TRIP FROM WEST VIRGINIA TO NORTH CAROLINA. WITHIN A FEW MILES OF RETURN TO WEST VIRGINIA THE TRANSMISSION STARTED TO LEAK AND EVENTUALLY LOST APPROXIMATELY 8 QUARTS OF FLUID. MAJOR SLIPPAGE STARTED WITHIN 6 MILES OF HOME. WE MANAGED TO LIMP TO OUR DRIVEWAY BEFORE THE SLIPPAGE WAS SO BAD WE COULD NOT MOVE THE VEHICLE FORWARD. I INSTALLED 8 QUARTS OF FLUID AND DROVE IT TO REPAIR SHOP -- NO SIGN OF LEAKAGE ON THAT 15 MILE TRIP. I SUBSEQUENTLY DROVE THE VEHICLE TO A TRANSMISSION REPAIR SHOP, ANOTHER 15 MILES WITH NO LEAKAGE. THE TRANSMISSION REPAIR SHOP PULLED THE TRANSMISSION, REPLACED THE FRONT SEAL AND REPLACED THE TORQUE CONVERTER (SLIGHT GROOVE ON SHAFT THAT REPAIRMAN SAID WOULD CAUSE THE NEW SEAL TO FAIL IF THE TORQUE CONVERTER WAS NOT REPLACED). VEHICLE HAD JUST UNDER 65,000 MILES ON IT WHEN FAILURE OCCURRED. NOTE: THE SEAL FAILURE APPEARS TO BE RELATED TO AN OVERHEATING CONDITION. THIS IS MADE OBVIOUS BY THE FACT THAT NO LEAKS OCCURRED DURING TWO 15-MILE TRIPS SUBSEQUENT TO FAILURE AND BEFORE REPAIR WAS CONDUCTED. ANOTHE DOWNSIDE TO THIS EXPERIENCE IS THAT AFTER SPENDING $1100.00 FOR THE REPAIR THERE IS NO WARRANTY BECAUSE THE TRANSMISSION REPAIR SHOP DID NOT DISASSEMBLE AND INSPECT THE TRANSMISSION, WHICH WOULD HAVE BEEN ANOTHER MAJOR EXPENSE. THE TRANSMISSION FUNCTION APPEARS TO BE OK BUT I WON'T BE TRUSTING THIS VEHICLE AGAIN FOR LONG TRIPS OUT OF TOWN. GIVEN THE 65,000 MILE FAILURE AND INTERNET HISTORY OF LOW-MILEAGE TRANSMISSION FAILURES WITHOUT RESOLUTIONS FROM FORD, THIS WILL BE THE LAST FORD I WILL OWN. *TR

Mileage: 65,000

I HAVE A FORD WINDSTAR VAN WITH LESS THAN 50,000 MILES AND THE TRANSMISSION HAS FAILED. TRANSMISSION AND VEHICLE HAVE BEEN MAINTAINED. NOTICED OTHER COMPLAINTS ON THE INTERNET CONCERNING TRANSMISSIONS IN WINDSTARS. *NM

Mileage: 48,000

ON A RECENT ROAD TRIP, I NOTICED THE TRANSMISSION JUMPING FROM HIGH GEAR TO LOW GEAR. I TOOK IT TO A FORD DEALER AND WAS TOLD THE TRANSMISSION NEEDED REPLACEMENT AT A COST OF OVER 1400.00. I BOUGHT MY WINDSTAR NEW AND IT ONLY HAS 32,000 MILES ON IT. I HAVE ALWAYS OWNED FORDS AND WAS LOOKING AT A FUSION FOR MY NEXT VEHICLE. HOWEVER, I THINK I WILL SEE WHAT CHEVY HAS TO OFFER. *JB

Mileage: 31,066

I WAS AT A BUSY INTERSECTION WHEN MY 2001 FORD WINDSTAR JERKED A LITTLE AND WHEN I GAVE IT THE GAS TO GO , IT WOULD NOT HARDLY MOVE. IT TOOK A WHILE TO GET IT TO MOVE, VERY SLOWLY. I HAD IT TOWED TO THE TRANSMISSION REPAIR SHOP. HE HAS CHECKED IT OUT AND SAYS THE REVERSE GEARS WERE MELTED TOGETHER. *JB

DT*: THE CONTACT STATED WHILE DRIVING AT VARIOUS SPEEDS THERE WAS A NOISE COMING FROM THE FRONT END. AS THE VEHICLE ACCELERATED THE NOISE INCREASED. UPON INSPECTION THE DEALERSHIP FOUND THE DIFFERENTIAL UNIT NEEDED REPLACED. THE DEALERSHIP DETERMINED THE TRANSMISSION NORMALLY DOES NOT NEED PREVENTIVE MAINTENANCE AT SUCH A LOW MILEAGE. THE REPAIRS HAVE NOT BEEN MADE.

Mileage: 46,500

MY WIFE WAS DRIVING HOME FROM PICKING UP THE KIDS WHEN THE TRANSMISSION FAILED WITHOUT WARNING. SHE WAS ABLE TO PUT THE CAR IN NEUTRAL AND ROLL BACKWARDS TO THE SIDE OF THE ROAD. HAD THE TRANSMISSION FAILED 5 MINUTES EARLIER, SHE WOULD HAVE BEEN TURNING OFF A BUSY STREET AND COULD HAVE BEEN HIT BY ONCOMING TRAFFIC WITH TWO KIDS IN THE CAR. THE DEALER DIAGNOSED THE PROBLEM AS A FAILURE OF THE TOURQUE CONVERTER AND VALVE BODY DUE TO EXCESSIVE WEAR ON THE ROD LEADING INTO THE VALVE BODY. THE VAN HAS 51,000 MILES ON IT. THE REPLACEMENT WILL COST $3,000. I DON'T BELIEVE THAT THE TRANSMISSION SHOULD GO AT THIS POINT IN THE CARS LIFE. *NM

Mileage: 51,000

ON 9-15-05 MY WIFE MADE A ROUND TRIP OF 70MI. THE NEXT DAY THERE WAS A LARGE POOL OF TRANSMISSSION FLUID ON THE GARAGE FLOOR. I HAD MY AUTO REPAIR CHECK OUT THE SOURSE OF THE LEAK,LOOKED LIKE A FRONT SEAL ON THE TRANSMISSION, I CALLED SUNLAND FORD WAS TOLD ITS WAS OUT OF WARRANTY,THIS VAN ONLY HAS 42,770 MI. THE TORQUE CONVERTER CAUSED THE TRANS TO OVER HEAT AND , BLOW THE SEAL, THE TRANMISSION SHOP SAID THIS SHOULD NEVER HAPPEN AT THIS MILEAGE,THE TRANS HAD BEEN SERVICED AT THE REQUIRED TIME ,WHEN THEY PULLED THE PAN IT WAS FULL OF STEEL SHAVINGS,I HAD TO HAVE IT REBUILT AT A COST OF $ 1554 THIS IS REAL HARD WHEN YOU ARE RETIRED, I SENT FORD A LETTER W/ REPAIR INVOICE ON 9-24-05 THEY CALLED ON A FRIDAY ABOUT MONTH AFTER I SENT THE LETTER SAID THERE WERE NO RECALLS FOR MY PROBLEM, AND THAT IS THE WAY IT STANDS AS OF NOW ! I SEE ON THE COMPLAINT SEARCH THIS IS NOT THE ONLY COMPLAINT ,FOR TRANS PROBLEMS AND MORE, THEY SHOULD HAVE TO STAND BUY THEIR CLAIM OF "BUILT FORD TOUGH" SORRY I BOUGHT A FORD. *NM

Mileage: 42,770

I WAS GETTING READY TO LEAVE WORK, PUT MY CAR IN REVERSE AND HEARD A LOUD BANG. MY CAR WOULDN'T MOVE. THE TRANSMISSION JUST DIED. NO WARNING IN ADVANCE. THE CAR IS A 2001 FORD WINDSTAR WITH 51,000 MILES ON IT AND COST MY $ 3000 FOR A BRAND NEW TRANSMISSION. FORD STATED " NO WARRANTY" OVER 30,000 MILES SORRY. SHOULD THIS BE HAPPENING TO A VAN THAT IS ONLY 4 YEARS OLD AND THAT COST ME $27,000. THE GARAGE THAT INSTALLED MY TRANSMISSION STATED THAT THE PARTS MELTED TOGETHER AND WE WERE LUCKY IT DIDN'T START ON FIRE. *JB

DURING PREPARATION FOR AN OUT OF STATE TRIP, THE TRANSMISSION WARNING LIGHTS CAME ON. THE VEHICLE HAD 59,000 MILES ON IT AND WAS FLUSHED AT 40,000. PREVIOUSLY, A WHINING NOISE HAD BEEN EVIDENT AND WAS SAID TO BE A NORMAL OCCURRENCE FOR THAT TRANSMISSION BY A FORD MECHANIC. A STOP INTO A LOCAL LINCOLN-MERCURY DEALER POPPED UP CODES RELATING TO A SOLENOID AND ANOTHER PART OF THE TRANSMISSION. WHEN THE VEHICLE WAS SERVICED, THE TRANSMISSION PAN HAD NEEDLE BEARINGS AND METAL SHAVINGS EVIDENT. THIS LEAD TO THE ENTIRE TRANSMISSION BEING REPLACED AT A COST OF $2800.00 OUT OF POCKET. AT THIS TIME, NO RECALLS HAVE BEEN FOUND FOR THIS PROBLEM.

Mileage: 59,343

WHILE ON VACATION THIS PAST WEEK,MY WIFE, KIDS (5), AND MYSELF, THE TRANSMISSION WENT OUT WITH WARNING NOR WERE THERE ANY SYMPTOMS TO INDICATE THAT OUR FAMILY VEHICLE WOULD LEAVE US STRANDED ON OUR FIRST FAMILY VACATION. WE PURCHASED A 2001 WINDSTAR SEL FROM UNIVERSITY FORD IN DURHAM, NC. WE PURCHASED THE EXTENDED WARRANTY FOR $1500, AND JUST WHEN THE VEHICLE BARELY SURPASSED THE 'EXPIRATION DATE', THE TRANSMISSION, JUST SUDDENLY QUIT. MY WIFE AND SON WERE EXCHANGING SANDALS AT THE LOCAL BEACH SHOP, AND WHEN SHE RETURNED TO THE VAN, AND TRIED TO MOVE IT, THERE WAS NO GEAR AT ALL.......JUST PARK AND NEUTRAL, (THE TWO 'NO' GEARS). THEY WALKED 3 MILES IN 90 DEGREE WEATHER BACK TO OUR 'PLACE'. I HAVE CALLED THE UNIVERSITY FORD, AND SINCE MY WARRANTY WAS OUT BY LESS THAN 2500 MILES, I AM STUCK. THE VEHICLE HAS LESS THAN 78,000 MILES ON IT, AND HAS BEEN SERVICED FROM THE VERY FIRST DAY WE HAVE OWNED IT. IT WAS BOUGHT 'SLIGHTLY USED', ONLY TO BE DRIVEN BEFORE BY A TOP SALESMAN/MANAGER, BEFORE WE PURCHASED IT. I HAVE A FAIRLY DECENT SIZED FAMILY AND AM MIDDLE CLASS, NOT RICH!! THE TRANSMISSION IS SUPPOSED TO BE $1500-$3000 TO REPLACE, AND I CANT AFFORD TO REPLACE AND REALLY DONT FEEL RESPONSIBLE FOR A TRANSMISSION THAT SHOULD HAVE LASTED, WITH NORMAL DRIVING, WELL INTO 100,000-150,000 MILES. I HAVE A PONTIAC BONNEVILLE THAT HAS ALMOST 215,000 MILES THAT HAS NEVER GIVEN ONE SECONDS TROUBLE OUT OF THE TRANSMISSION. I HAVE CHECKED ONLINE AND THERE ARE SO MANY UNFORTUNATE PEOPLE AS MYSELF, THAT THIS HAS HAPPENED TO. I WOULD LIKE SOMEONE FROM YOUR DEPT. TO PLEASE CHECK INTO THE DURABILITY OF THE WINDSTARS TRANSMISSIONS, AS FORD, HAVE TOLD US (MYSELF AND OTHER DISGUSTED WINDSTAR OWNERS) THERE IS NO SUCH THING AS FORD MAKING A DESIGN FLAW IN A TRANSMISSION. THANK YOU FOR YOUR VALUABLE TIME IN READING THIS, I AM VERY APPRECIATIVE. WITH KINDEST REGARDS, I AM JOHNNIE WILKINS

Mileage: 76,500

CONSUMER STATED THE POWER DOORS LOCKED ON THEIR OWN. CONSUMER WAS CONCERNED THAT IN AN EMERGENCY THEY WILL BE TRAPPED INSIDE . *AK THE TRANSMISSION WAS DIFFICULT TO MOVE FROM PARK. ONCE IT WAS PULLED OUT OF PARK IT MADE A LOUD BANG. *NM

Mileage: 64,000

WHILE DRIVING 55 MPH TRANSMISSION LOST POWER. CONSUMER MANAGED TO PULL OVER, AND HAD THE VEHICLE TOWED. DEALERSHIP WAS NOTIFIED, BUT DID NOT RESOLVE THE PROBLEM. *AK

Mileage: 30,000

WHILE DRIVING 45 MPH VEHICLE LUNGED FORWARD TWICE. AS A RESULT, TRANSMISSION FAILED. *AK THE CONSUMER STATED THAT THE VEHICLE GAVE NO WARNING PRIOR TO THE INCIDENT. THE MECHANIC STATED THAT THE TRANSMISSION GEARS BROKE CAUSING THE CASE TO CRACK. *TC

Mileage: 45,000

OUR 2001 FORD WINDSTAR'S TRANSMISSION STOPPED WORKING IN THE MIDDLE OF A ROAD. THE WARNING LIGHT CAME ON ONLY MOMENTS BEFORE AND SAID "CHECK TRANSMISSION". MY CONCERN IS TWO FOLD. FIRST, THEIR WAS NOT ADEQUATE TIME TO RESPOND WHEN THE "CHECK TRANSMISSION" LIGHT APPEARED AND THE VEHICLE BROKE DOWN. LUCKILY MY WIFE WAS JUST PULLING OUT OF A PARKING LOT ONTO A SIDE STREET AND WAS GOING AT A LOW RATE OF SPEED. SECONDLY, THE VAN HAS ONLY 55,000 MILES AND THE TRANSMISSION MALFUNCTIONED. THIS IS NOT THE NORM FOR A VEHICLE THAT IS REGULARLY MAINTAINED. *AK

Mileage: 10

THE VEHICLE JERKED FORWARD WHEN THE GEAR WAS SHIFTED TO DRIVE. PLEASE PROVIDE MORE INFORMATION. *JB

Mileage: 52,000

TOWARDS THE END OF THE MONTH OF JULY DURING A TRIP TO MAINE MY PUMP SEAL ON MY TRANSMISSION BLEW AND I HAD TO GET A NEW TRANSMISSION INSTALLED IN THE VAN. THE VAN WAS JUST OVER 3 YRS OLD AND THE MILEAGE WAS JUST AT 51,000 THE MECHANIC AT THE REPAIR SHOP SAID AT THIS MILEAGE THIS PROBLEM NEVER SHOULD HAVE HAPPENED, AFTER PHONE CALLS TO MY DEALERSHIP THEY SAID THAT THEIR WAS NOTHING THEY COULD DO BECAUSE IT WAS OUT OF WARRANTY. I FEEL THAT THE VAN NEVER SHOULD HAVE NEEDED A TRANSMISSION AT THIS TIME AND THAT I SHOULD BE REIMBURSED MY $1800.00. *AK

Mileage: 51,000

TRANSMISSION FAILED AT 58,000 MILES (MOSTLY HIGHWAY MILES). $3000 TO REPLACE. I ONLY HAD WINDSTAR FOR 2 YEARS. PURCHASED IN NOV. 2002 WITH 11,000 MILES ON IT. POWER DOOR LOCKS HAVE FAILED TO LOCK SINCE PURCHASE. THEY MUST BE MANUALLY PUSHED DOWN ($300 TO FIX). *AK

Mileage: 58,000

THE TRANSMISSION MADE A GRIND NOISE AND ENGAGED AND SLAMMED INTO MY GARAGE. WHILE MY FOOT WAS ON THE BRAKE. AND NOW THE VEHICLE WILL NOT MOVE.*AK

Mileage: 98,000

MY 2001 FORD WINDSTAR VAN HAD ITS TRANSMISSION REPLACED AT 47,400 MILES. THE REASON THAT IT FAILED WAS THAT THE TORQUE CONVERTER WENT AND THE TRANSMISSION OVERHEATED. I SPOKE TO THE SERVICE MANAGER AND TRANSMISSION TECHNICIAN ABOUT THIS AND THE TECHNICIAN SAID THAT IT WAS A PROBLEM COMMON TO THIS MODEL. I CALLED FORD AND WAS TOLD THAT THERE WASN'T ANYTHING THAT THEY COULD DO FOR ME. TRANSMISSIONS SHOULD NOT GO WITH LESS THAN 48.000MILES ON THEM. *AK

NUMEROUS THINGS HAVE GONE WRONG SINCE WE BOUGHT THE VEHICLE. ITEMS COVERED UNDER WARRANTY: ELECTRIC SEAT STOPPED WORKING TWICE, AND TRANSMISSION WOULDN'T SHIFT WHEN IT WAS SUPPOSED TO. ITEMS NOT COVERED UNDER WARRANTY: BRAKES REPLACED AT 30,000+ MILES-TOLD WAS NORMAL FOR THEM TO WEAR OUT SO QUICKLY; RACK AND PINION REPLACED AT AROUND 55,000 MILES; MONTHS AFTER BRAKES REPLACED, BRAKES GRIND LOUDLY WHEN COMING TO A STOP (BRAKES CHECKED NUMEROUS TIMES, BUT WAS TOLD THEY WERE OK); ABS BRAKE LIGHT COMES ON AND STAYS ON AFTER DRIVING (NOT ILLUMINATED ON START UP, BUT COMES ON LATER); BACK DOME LIGHT NOT SECURE-FALLS OUT; DOME LIGHTS SOMETIMES COME ON WHEN BRAKING; CHECK ENGINE LIGHT ON FOR MONTHS, DIDN'T HAVE IT CHECKED, BUT TURNED OFF BY ITSELF; SLIDING DOOR DRAGS-RUSTED ON VECHICLE FRAME.*AK

GOLF MILL FORD DEALERSHIP INDUCED TRANSMISSION FAILURE. VEHICLE TAKEN IN FOR A RECALL AND THE DEALERSHIP RECOMMENDED A TRANSMISSION FLUSH, INJECTOR FLUSH, THROTTLE BODY SERVICE,POWER STEERING FLUSH AND FUEL FILTER. ON FEB.19, 2004 HAD A TRANSMISSON FLUSH AND THROTTLE BODY SERVICED AT GOLF MILL FORD. IT WAS NEVER WRITTEN OR VERBALLY TOLD TO ME THAT I HAD ANY TRANSMISSION PROBLEMS PRIOR TO THIS SERVICE. AFTER HAVING THIS SERVICE I EXPERIENCED A NUMBER OF PROBLEMS ON THE WAY HOME. THE CAR RAN ROUGH, IT HESITATED WILL STOPPING A STOP LIGHT, THERE WAS A MIST THAT CAME FROM THE FRONT VENT, THE CAR STARTED BUT THEN QUICKLY CUT OFF, AND LASTLY WHEN I WENT START THE CAR I COULD HEAR A LOUD WHOSH SOUND WHICH SCARED ME. ON FEB 26, 2004, I TOOK THE CAR BACK TO GOLD MILL FORD WHERE I DID INFORM THEM OF ALL THE PROBLEMS I WAS HAVING. AFTER INSPECTING THE CAR THEY STATED NOTHING WAS WRONG. THE CAR WAS SAFE TO DRIVE. ON MARCH 1, 2004, WHILE ON THE ROAD I NOTICED FLUID WAS LEAKING FROM THE CAR. I WENT TO A RAY SKILLMAN FORD DEALERSHIP IN GRENWOOD INDIANA THEY STATED THAT THERE WAS A LEAK AROUND TRANSMISSION SEAL & THE PAN WAS NOT TIGHTED PROPERLY. TONY AT RAY SKILLMAN FORD ALSO STATED THAT GOLF MILL DID NOT PLACE ENOUGH TRANSMISSION FLIUD IN THE VAN. GOLF MILL FORD INSTRUCTED TONY TO PUT SOME LIQUID TRANSMISSION SEALER IN TRANSMISSION & SEND US ON OUR WAY. AT THE TIME TONY TOLD US HE DID NOT FEEL COMFORTABLE WITH DOING SO. GOLF MILL FELT AS THOUGH THEY DID NOTHING WRONG. HOWEVER AFTER WAITING EIGHT HOURS AT THE DEALERSHIP TONY DESCIDED TO PUT THE SEALER IN BECAUSE HE DID NOT WANT TO KEEP US ANY LONGER. AFTER LEAVING INDIANA, 4:OO AM ON MARCH 2, 2004 THE CAR STOPPED ON THE HIGHWAY. THE CAR HAD TO BE TOWED 600 MILES AT MY EXPENSE. I HAVE CONTACTED THE FORD MOTOR CUSTOMER CARE AND GOLF MILL FORD, THEY FEEL THAT BECAUSE I AM NOT IN WARRANTY THAT THERE IS NOTHING THAT THEY ARE GOING TO DO. IT HAS BEEN TWO MONTHS AND I AM PAYING FOR A CAR I CAN NOT DRIVE. *AK

Mileage: 75,763

WHEN REVERSING VEHICLE STALLED. VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALER, WHO INFORMED THE CONSUMER THIS WAS NORMAL. *AK

Mileage: 3,600

WHILE DRIVING 30 MPH CONSUMER HEARD A LOUD NOISE COMING FROM THE TRANSMISSION. DEALERSHIP WAS NOTIFIED, BUT DID NOT RESOLVE THE PROBLEM. *AK

Mileage: 49,100

VEHICLE EXPERIENCING PROBLEMS WITH TRANSMISSION, BRAKE LIGHTS AND HEAD LIGHT EQUIPMENT. *MR THE LIGHT KEPT BLOWING OUT. THE DRIVER'S SIDE TWICE, REAR DRIVER AND PASSENGER BRAKE LIGHT ONCE AND THE REAR CENTER BRAKE LIGHT TWICE. *SC THE CONSUMER STATED THE TRANSMISSION FAILED. *JB

WHILE DRIVING AT 60 MPH THE ENGINE REVVED THE AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION SUDDENLY FAILED. THE DEALER REPLACED THE TRANSMISSION AT THE OWNER'S EXPENSE. PLEASE PROVIDE ANY ADDITIONAL INFORMATION. *NM

Mileage: 39,000

I PURCHASED A 2001 FORD WINDSTAR IN OCTOBER 2001. I HAVE HAD TO HAVE THE TRANSMISSION REBUILT IN DECEMBER 2003. I ONLY HAVE 46,640 MILES ON THIS VEHICLE. IT HAS COST ME $2158 TO HAVE THIS REPAIRED. THE TRANSMISSION SHOULD NOT HAVE BEEN GIVING ME PROBLEMS WITH THIS FEW OF MILES ON IT. THE TRANSMISSION STARTING CHANGING REALLY HARD AND STARTING MAKING LOUD CLUNKING NOISES WHEN SHIFTING. IT BEGAN TO START SLIPPING INTO NEUTRAL WHILE DRIVING DOWN THE ROAD. THE DEALERSHIP HAS NOT HELPED ME AT ALL AND FORD MOTOR COMPANY HAS BEEN INFORMED OF MY PROBLEM. THE STATE ATTORNEY GENERAL HAS ALSO BEEN NOTIFIED. I THINK FORD MOTOR SHOULD HAVE A RECALL AND PAY FOR THE REPAIRS FOR THESE VEHICLES THAT HAVE FAILED FOR THOSE OF US WHO TRUSTED THESE TO BE RELIABLE FAMILY VEHICLES. GO TO WWW.CARSURVEY.ORG AND SEE ALL THE CONSUMER COMPLAINTS FOR THE FORD WINDSTARS. THE WINDSHIELD WIPER MOTOR HAD TO BE REPLACED JUST SHORTLY AFTER I PURCHASED THIS VEHICLE. FLOOR TO SEAT SAFETY LATCHES HAVE BEEN REPLACED DUE TO RECALL IN DECEMBER 2003. WINDSHIELD HAS CONSTANT CRACKLING NOISE AS I AM DRIVING. *LA

Mileage: 46,640

CONSUMER HAD DIFFICULTY SHIFTING FROM PARK TO DRIVE. VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO AN INDEPENDENT TRANSMISSION SHOP WHERE THE MECHANIC FOUND EXCESSIVE METAL IN THE PAN AND ON THE MAGNET. MECHANIC SUGGESTED REMOVAL OF THE TRANSMISSION FOR INSPECTION. *AK

Mileage: 27,000

WE PURCHASED OUR 2001 FORD WINDSTAR WITH APPROXIMATELY 24,000 MILES ON IT. ONE WEEK AFTER WE PURCHASED THE VAN THE INDICATOR LIGHT FOR THE AIR BAGS WOULD NOT GO OFF. WE TOOK THE VAN TO THE DEALER AND THEY FIXED THE PROBLEM. SHORTLY AFTER THAT INCIDENT THE REAR HEAT AND A/C WOULD NOT OPERATE. WE TOOK THE VAN TO THE LOCAL DEALER AGAIN AND THEY REPAIRED THE PROBLEM UNDER WARRANTY. A FEW WEEKS AFTER THAT THE CHECK ENGINE LIGHT CAME ON AND THEY TRIED TO FIX IT BUT IT CAME BACK ON. THEY CHARGED US FOR THAT VISIT. THE CHECK ENGINE LIGHT IS STILL ON WE NOW HAVE AROUND 70,000 MILES ON THE VAN. WHEN THE VAN HAD ACCUMULATED ABOUT 35,000 MILES THE TRANSMISSION STARTED SHUDDERING. THE VAN WOULD SHAKE ALL OVER DURING DRIVING. RECENTLY I HAD TO HAVE THE TRANSMISSION REPLACED. THERE IS A LEAK AROUND THE PASSENGER DOOR ON THE LEFT SIDE OF THE VAN. THERE IS A CLICKING NOISE WHEN I BRAKE THAT NO ONE SEEMS TO KNOW WHAT IT IS OR HOW TO FIX IT. NOW THERE IS A LOUD HUMMING NOISE COMING FROM THE AUTOMATIC POWER STEERING FLUID PUMP. IT IS SO LOUD THAT IT CAN BE HEARD EVEN WHEN THE RADIO IS TURNED ON. IT USED TO BE LOUD WHEN I TURNED A CORNER OR ONTO ANOTHER STREET BUT NOW IT IS LOUD WHEN I AM SITTING AT A STOP LIGHT. WHEN WE FIRST PURCHASED THE VAN THERE WAS A FOUL ODOR COMING FROM THE VENTING SYSTEM. I ASKED THE SERVICE TECH AT THE LOCAL DEALERSHIP ABOUT THIS BUT HE DID NOT KNOW WHY THIS WAS HAPPENING. WE STILL HAVE AN ODOR EVEN AFTER CHANGING THE FILTER TWICE FOR THE VENT SYSTEM. WE ARE VERY UNHAPPY WITH OUR PURCHASE AND WOULD NEVER CONSIDER BUYING ANOTHER WINDSTAR.*AK

Mileage: 35,000

OVER THIRTY SEPARATE WARRANTY REPAIRS OVER TWO YEARS. FAULTY ELECTRICAL DOOR LOCKS (KIDS COULDN'T EXIT), TRANSMISSION LEAKAGE, TRANSMISSION FAILURE, FRONT-END DEFECTS WITH LOUD THUMPING NOISES AND SEVERAL BODY PROBLEMS. MOST NOTABLE BODY PROBLEMS ARE WIND NOISE AND WATER LEAKAGE THROUGH DOORS AND WINDOWS. MOST RECENTLY, THE FUEL PUMP FAILED (@ 37,000 MILES). FORD HAS ALL ALONG REFUSED TO ACKNOWLEDGE THE PROBLEMS. NOW THAT THE VEHICLE IS OUT OF WARRANTY, THEY HAVE AGAIN SAID THEY WILL NOT DOING ANYTHING. THE VEHICLE IS UNRELIABLE AND UNSAFE TO OPERATE.*AK

Mileage: 37,500

I HAVE A 2001 FORD WINDSTAR WITH 45,000 MILES. OUR TRANSMISSION FAILED WITH A COMPLETE REBUILD TO BE DONE. 2,100.00. MY BIGGEST COMPLAINT IS THAT FORD'S DEALERSHIP WAS NOT WILLING TO HELP US IN GETTING A LOANER CAR AND WITH ONLY 45,000 MILES, YOU WOULD THINK THAT THESE SHOULD NOT BE FAILING SO SOON.*AK

Mileage: 45,000

VEHICLE WAS PLACED IN REVERSE GEAR AND CAR WOULD NOT MOVE IN REVERSE.*MR THE CONSUMER WAS TOLD THE TRANSMISSION WOULD COST 1800-2000 MILES. *JB *NM

WE HAVE LEASED A 2001 FORD WINDSTAR AND HAVE HAD IT FOR APPROXIMATELY 2 YEARS, TAKING OUT 15,000 MILES PER YEAR. SEVERAL DAYS AGO, WE COULD NOT MOVE THE CAR AFTER WE STOPPED AT A LIGHT. WE FINALLY HAD TO HAVE IT TOWED AT OUR EXPENSE AND FOUND OUT THAT THE WHOLE TRANSMISSION HAD BEEN "BLOWN." (ONLY AFTER 40,000 MILES.) WE FELT THAT OUR SAFETY WAS AT STAKE, SINCE NO WARNING SIGNS WITHIN THE VAN, TOLD US THAT THE PROBLEM EXISTED AND WE WERE AT A MAJOR INTERSECTION, WHICH COULD HAVE RESULTED IN SOME SERIOUS INJURIES.

CONSUMER STATES TRANSMISSION SHIFTS ROUGH AND JERKS. THE INDICATOR DOESN'T LINE UP. DEALER ADJUSTED INDICATOR, AND NOW APPEARS TO SHIFT CORRECTLY. *TT

I FEEL THAT THESE COMPONENT FAILURES HAVE CAUSED A SAFETY RISK FOR MY FAMILY AND I. I BOUGHT A WINDSTAR BASED MAINLY ON IT'S SAFETY RATINGS. THIS DISAPPOINTS ME. *AK

AFTER STARTING VEHICLE ABS LIGHT STAYED ON AND OVERDRIVE LIGHT WAS FLASHING. VEHICLE NOT TAKEN TO DEALER YET.*AK

WHILE AT A COMPLETE STOP VEHICLE STARTED TO ACCELERATE AND TRIED TO GO FORWARD, BUT CONSUMER WAS STEPPING ON BRAKE PEDAL. CONTACTED DEALER, AND DEALER WAS NOT WILLING TO DO ANYTHING.*AK

WHILE DRIVING, AND UPON UPON COMING TO A STOP ON AN INCLINE CAR ROLLS BACKWARD VERY FREELY, WHEN ON STEEP INCLINE CAR ROLLS BACKWARD AS IF IT IS IN NEUTRAL. CONTACTED MANUFACTURER.*AK *SLC

CONSUMER STATED ARM REST ON THE PASSENGER SIDE OF THE VEHICLE IS BROKEN, CAUSE UNKNOWN. *AK CLUNK NOISE IN FRONT END WHILE TURNING OR ACCELERATING FROM A STOP, CAN ALSO BE FELT WITH VIBRATION, PASSENGER SIDE DASH AREA HANGING. BOTH SLIDING DOOR RUBBER STOPS MISSING, DRIVERSIDE SLIDING DOOR STOP REPLACED. GRINDING NOISE IN REAR WHEN APPLYING BRAKES. WHEN HEAT IS ON VENT SMELLS LIKE SOMETHING IS BURNING. WIPERS WILL NOT CLEAR WINDSHIELD, WASHER SOLVENT SPRAYS IN ONE SPOT. NORMAL OPERATION. *TT

WHILE DRIVING 65MPH VEHICLE LOST POWER. PRIOR TO LOSS OF POWER OVERDRIVE LIGHT ILLUMINATED. DEALER HAS BEEN NOTIFIED. PLEASE PROVIDE ADDITIONAL INFORMATION.*AK

TRANSMISSION ROLLS OR SLIPSWHEN ON ANY INCLINE WHEN IN ANY GEAR (D,1,2 OR R)

TRANSMISSION ROLLS OR SLIPSWHEN ON ANY INCLINE WHEN IN ANY GEAR (D,1,2 OR R)