2001 FORD WINDSTAR Suspension Problems

The contact owns a 2001 Ford Windstar. The contact stated while driving 15 MPH, the rear axle fractured. There was no warning light was illuminated. The vehicle was towed back to the residence. The vehicle had been diagnosed by an independent mechanic. The contact was informed that the failure was due to a stress crack caused by excessive corrosion. The vehicle had not been repaired by an independent mechanic or dealer. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure and determined that the VIN was not included in a recall. The failure mileage was approximately 105,000.

Mileage: 105,000

Rear axle cracked where bracket that was installed during previous recall. Van is not drivable and could have been a bad accident.

Rear axle cracked in multiple locations causes car to sway and tires to turn inward and bald

The contact owns a 2001 Ford Windstar. The contact stated that while his son was driving at an undisclosed speed, the vehicle inadvertently came to a complete stop. Upon inspection, the contact noticed that the rear wheels were crooked and rubbing against the inner fender well. The vehicle was towed to the residence and then later to the dealer, where it was diagnosed that the rear axle was fractured. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 180,000. The contact noted that the failure speed was 55 mph. The axle was previously repaired due to the recall while the vehicle was under warranty. When the contact took the vehicle for repair, they were told that the vehicle was no longer under warranty or the recall.

Mileage: 180,000

The contact's girlfriend owns a 2001 Ford Windstar. The contact stated that the rear axle was previously replaced under NHTSA Campaign Number: 15V608000 (Suspension). The contact stated that while his girlfriend was driving approximately 10 MPH and making a left turn, a loud bang was heard from the rear of the vehicle. No warning lights were illuminated. The contact's girlfriend was able to veer to the side of the road and became aware that both the rear driver’s and passenger’s side tires were tilted inward, and the rear axle was fractured. The vehicle was towed to an independent mechanic, where it was diagnosed that the rear axle needed to be replaced. The vehicle remained with the mechanic awaiting the repair. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure and a case was opened. The approximate failure mileage was 159,000.

Mileage: 159,000

The contact owns a 2001 Ford Windstar. The contact stated while driving approximately 40 MPH and crossing railroad tracks that were flush with the road surface, the contact heard the passenger’s side rear tire making a loud screeching noise. The contact could hear rubbing or friction and then noticed that smoke was coming from the rear of the vehicle. The contact stated there was no warning light illuminated. The contact pulled off the road safely and inspected the vehicle and saw that the wheel was tilted into the wheel well and was rubbing the top and inside of the tire against the wheel well. The contact had the vehicle towed back to his residence. The vehicle was not taken to an independent mechanic or dealer. The vehicle had not been repaired. The contact researched online and related the failure to NHTSA Campaign Number: 15V608000 (Suspension). The manufacturer had not been informed of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 132,000.

Mileage: 132,000

I pulled up to a stop sign having been traveling at less then 20 mph, and only while the vehicle is in drive but not moving, it was shaking like the motor was going to jump out of the vehicle. I assumed it was the motor mount broken and took it to the mechanic and found out it was the subframe on the front passenger had corroded and had detached from the frame .I need it repaired but I don't know where to begin. Was told that there is a active recalls on this part..

The contact owns a 2001 Ford Windstar. The contact stated that while driving at 20 MPH, there was an abnormal sound, and the vehicle felt as if it had a flat tire. Upon inspection, the contact noticed that the rear driver's side tire was tilted inward and the rear axle was fractured. The vehicle was towed to an independent mechanic. The mechanic related the failure to NHTSA Campaign Number: 15V608000 (Suspension). The dealer was made aware of the failure and informed the contact that in 2016, per the recall, the brackets were inspected to verify their proper installation however, the recall repair was not performed. The vehicle was not repaired and remained with the independent mechanic. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 159,000.

Mileage: 159,000

ABS light, brake light came on. The seatbelt unhooks while I’m driving, I was told I had a cracked axle, the wheel bearing was very noisy, I’ve paid a lot of money to get things fixed. The labor was at a ridiculous amount on $25 parts. I’m wondering if I’ve paid to have parts fixed that were under recall. I fix one thing and then there’s another issue. Oil is leaking under the hood and I’m afraid it will catch fire so I’m scared to drive.

The contact owns a 2001 Ford Windstar. The contact stated that his wife was driving at an undisclosed speed when they heard a loud popping sound coming from the vehicle. The driver looked out the rear-view mirror and saw smoke coming from the vehicle. The driver pulled over to the side of the roadway. The driver called the contact to come to where the vehicle was pulled over to inspect the vehicle. The contact became aware that the driver’s side rear axle was fractured. The contact had the vehicle towed to his residence. The contact had the vehicle towed to the local dealer to be inspected. The mechanic confirmed that the driver’s side rear axle was fractured. The vehicle was not repaired because the manufacturer denied that the rear axle bracket matched the measurement for the recall repair. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure. The failure mileage 136,397.

Mileage: 136,397

The contact owns a 2001 Ford Windstar. The contact stated while driving 25 MPH, there was a loud abnormal sound coming from the rear passenger’s side of the vehicle with black smoke coming from the rear of the vehicle. There was no warning light illuminated. The contact parked in a parking lot and saw that the rear passenger’s side tire was leaning towards the inside of the vehicle. The vehicle was towed to her residence and then the dealer. The contact stated that the dealer diagnosed the vehicle with a fractured rear axle that needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure but offered no assistance. The contact stated that the vehicle was previously serviced under NHTSA Campaign Number: 15V608000 (Suspension) in April of 2011. The failure mileage was approximately 138,000.

Mileage: 138,000

REAR AXLE BROKE WHEN DRIVING SLOWLY PULLING INTO OUR DRIVEWAY ON STREET.

Mileage: 166,185

ON MY 2001 FORD WINDSTAR FORD INSTALLED THESE BRACKETS ON REAR SUSPENSION SUBFRAME AND ALMOST 2 YEARS LATER MY AXLE HAS SPLIT FROM ONE SIDE ALL THE WAY AROUND TO THE OTHER AND ANY TINY BUMP YOU HIT THE VAN JUMPS ALL OVER THE ROADWAY. THEY WON'T REPAIR THE AXLE BECAUSE THE "BRACKETS " WERE INSTALLED "PROPERLY".

Mileage: 170,100

WHILE TRAVELING AT 60 M.P.H. , THE REAR AXLE BROKE ON THE RIGHT SIDE OF THE VEHICLE WHERE THE AXLE IS WELDED, RECALL NUMBER 10S13 WAS COMPLETED ON THE VEHICLE, WHERE THEY INSTALLED THE SUPPORT BRACKETS SO THE AXLE WOULDN'T BREAK, THE AXLE BROKE AN INCH AWAY FROM WHERE THE SUPPORT BRACKET WAS INSTALLED, THERE WASN'T AN ACCIDENT WITH THE VEHICLE AND NO ONE WAS HURT, BUT THIS COULD HAVE EASILY BEEN AN ACCIDENT,

Mileage: 150,000

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2001 FORD WINDSTAR. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE DRIVING 50 MPH, THE REAR AXLE DETACHED FROM THE VEHICLE. THE CONTACT RENTED A TRUCK AND TOWED THE VEHICLE. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE VEHICLE WAS PREVIOUSLY REPAIRED UNDER NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 15V608000 (SUSPENSION) REGARDING THE REAR AXLE HOWEVER, THE FAILURE OCCURRED AFTER THE RECALL REPAIR WAS PERFORMED. JORDAN FORD (609 E JEFFERSON BLVD, MISHAWAKA, IN 46545; (574) 259-1981) WAS CONTACTED AND INFORMED THE CONTACT THAT THE REAR AXLE NEEDED TO BE REPLACED HOWEVER, THE REPAIR WAS NO LONGER COVERED UNDER THE RECALL. THE MANUFACTURER WAS MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE AND CONFIRMED WHAT THE DEALER STATED. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 164,952.

Mileage: 164,952

THE REAR AXLE SPLIT/BROKE WHILE DRIVING 5 MPH TURNING ONTO A STREET. BOTH WHEELS ARE NOW RUBBING AGAINST THE FRAME.

Mileage: 126,000

REAR AXLE SNAPPED WHILE DRIVING, RECALL REPAIR WAS DONE LESS THAN 5 YEARS AGO (10/2015). FORD WILL NOT FIX IT. AN AXLE SHOULD LAST THE LIFE OF THE VEHICLE, NOT JUST 4 1/2 YEARS. *TR

Mileage: 172,000

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2001 FORD WINDSTAR. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE DRIVING AT APPROXIMATELY 51 MPH, THE CONTACT NOTICED A BURNING ODOR ENTERING THE VEHICLE. IN ADDITION, THE CONTACT AND PASSENGERS HEADS WAS HITTING TOWARDS THE WINDOWS. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE REAR DRIVER SIDE TIRE WAS BENT IN AND NOTICED THAT THE AXLE WAS FRACTURED. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC WHERE IT WAS DIAGNOSED THAT THERE WAS HOLES AND CRACKS IN AXLE CAUSING THE AXLE TO BE FRACTURED AND NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE CONTACT CONTACTED EVANSVILLE FORD 428 N UNION RD, EVANSVILLE, WI 53536 WHERE THEY INFORMED THE CONTACT THAT THEY WERE AWARE OF THE HOLE AND CRACKS BUT UNABLE TO REPAIR THE VEHICLE. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE CONTACT MENTIONED THAT A YEAR AGO THAT THE VEHICLE WAS SERVICED UNDER NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 15V608000 (SUSPENSION). THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 143,000.

Mileage: 143,000

THE AXLE WAS PART OF RECALL #11S16. AS PART OF THE RECALL THE AXLE WAS PATCHED, BUT THE AXLE IS NOW BROKEN BECAUSE THE "REPAIR" DID NOT CORRECT THE STRUCTURAL FLAWS IN THE AXLE.

Mileage: 165,000

I WAS DRIVING MY VEHICLE AND THE REAR AXLE CRACK I WAS DRIVING ON A ON A CITY STREET AND WAS SCARED MY TIRES WAS RUBBING AND SMOKING.

Mileage: 154,000

THE REAR AXLE BROKE WHERE FORD REPAIRED IT IN 2011. THEY ARE SAYING THAT MY VAN IS OUT OF WARRANTY ON THE RECALL BECAUSE IT IS OVER 150000 MILES. IF THEY HAD REPLACED MY REAR AXLE IN 2011 INSTEAD OF A BAD PATCH JOB ON THAT RECALL I WOULDN'T BE HAVING THIS TROUBLE. I FEEL THAT SINCE FORD HAD IT UNDER RECALL IN 2011 THEY SHOULD HAVE FIXED IT RIGHT AT THAT TIME. I WENT INTO TOWN ON MONDAY 10/14/19 AND WHEN I CAME OUT OF THE STORE I NOTICED THAT THE REAR WHEELS WERE LEANING IN AGAINST THE BODY.

Mileage: 155,000

MOST IMPORTANT IS THE BRAKES HAVE BEEN CHANGED AND CHECKED. ON SEVERAL OCCASIONS THE BRAKES HAVE JUST FAILED AND I WOULD PUMP THEM ENOUGH JUST TO GET IN A SAFE LOCATION. AAA HAS HAD TO PICK ME UP AND WHEN THE BRAKES WHERE CHECKED THEY WERE FIND AND THE FLUID FULL. ALSO THE REAR JUST FELL BUT I HAD THAT REPAIRED BY A LOCAL REPUTABLE SHOP ON CANDLER RD, DECATUR/ THERE IS A RESIDUE ALL AROUND WHERE I PUT THE GAS IN. I'VE HAD THE SAME MECHANIC FOR ALMOST 30 YEARS AND HE SAYS THE ANTI-LOCK BRAKES MAY BE FAULTY. THE BRAKE AND ENGINE LIGHT WILL NOT GO OUT EVEN WHEN REPAIRS ARE MADE ACCORDING TO THE CODES THAT COME UP. THE SCARIEST TIME WAS WHEN I WAS DRIVING ON UNIVERSITY AVE IN ATLANTA AND THE CAR WOULD NOT STOP AT THE LIGHT AT A NORMALLY BUSY INTERSECTION. I BEGAN BLOWING THE HORN AND THANK GOODNESS NO ONE WAS AHEAD OF ME. AAA TOOK THEIR SWEET TIME COMING AND BY THE TIME THEY GOT THERE THE PEDAL WAS BACK UP BUT I HAD THEM TO TOW ME HOME ANYWAYS. MY MECHANIC CHECKED IT AND ALL WAS FIND BUT HE WAS CONCERNED AND SO WAS I. I DID NOT CONTACT FORD BUT IT HAS HAPPENED AGAIN AS I STARTED IT YESTERDAY MORNING AND THE BRAKES WERE ON THE FLOOR. THIS IS JUST TOO DANGEROUS. I TOLD MY MECHANIC NOT TO COME CHECK IT BEFORE CONTACTING FORD.

FORD AXLE RECALL IN CERTAIN STATES. I TOOK MY VEHICLE TO THE FORD DEALERSHIP APPROXIMMENTLY 5 MONTHS AGO. THEY SAID BRACKETS WERE OK. AXLE BROKE 08/26/2019 MILEAGE ON VEHICLE 100607. VEHICLE WAS IN MOTION, VAN ALMOST FLIP. TIRES ARE ANGLED OUT AND RUINED.

Mileage: 100,607

FORD=FIX OR REPAIR DAILY!!!!!!!!!!! I AM WRITING TO TRY AND GET FORD TO DO THE RIGHT THING. MY MOTHER'S EX-HUSBAND TOLD ME TO NEVER BUY A FORD AND I DID NOT LISTEN. I BOUGHT A WINDSTAR 2001. I TOOK IT IN FOR THE RECALL ON THE AXLE. THEY INSPECTED AND TOLD ME IT WAS FINE. I WAS UNAWARE THAT THEY DID ANYTHING TO IT. THREE WEEKS AGO, I WAS DRIVING HOME FROM THE GYM WHEN MY CAR STARTED SOUNDING ODD. I... PULLED OVER AND NOTICED MY TIRES WERE LEANING IN. MY AXLE HAD SNAPPED. I CALLED THE FORD DEALERSHIP AND THEY SAID THEY WOULD INDEED FIX IT DUE TO THE RECALL. I HAD IT TOWED TO THE DEALERSHIP IN TAYLOR. THAT NEXT MONDAY WAS MEMORIAL DAY SO I DID NOT HEAR ANYTHING FROM THEM UNTIL THEY CALLED ON TUESDAY AND STATED THEY WILL NOT FIX IT BECAUSE THEY HAD PLACED BRACKETS ON IT 2 YEAR AGO. THEY SAID THEY HAD COMPLIED WITH THE RECALL AND THEY WERE NOT RESPONSIBLE FOR THIS REPAIR. WHAT I DO NOT UNDERSTAND IS HOW THEY BELIEVE THIS IS ACCEPTABLE. IF FORD HAD FIXED THE PROBLEM IN THE FIRST PLACE THIS WOULD NOT HAVE BEEN AN ISSUE. I COULD HAVE BEEN DRIVING ON THE FREEWAY OR MY KIDS COULD HAVE BEEN IN THE CAR. I HAVE CONTACTED FORD AND ASKED FOR THEM TO RECONSIDER THIS TO NO AVAIL. THANK YOU *JS

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.

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2001 FORD WINDSTAR. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE REAR AXLE WAS FRACTURED AND AN ABNORMAL BUMPING NOISE WAS HEARD. THE CONTACT PARKED THE VEHICLE AND NOTICED SMOKE COMING FROM THE REAR TIRES. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC WHO FOUND AN UNKNOWN RECALL ASSOCIATED WITH THE VEHICLE. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT DIAGNOSED OR REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE AND DID NOT ASSIST. THE DEALER WAS NOT CONTACTED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 142,000.

Mileage: 142,000

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2001 FORD WINDSTAR. WHILE DRIVING AT AN UNKNOWN SPEED, THE REAR DRIVER'S SIDE WHEEL STARTED TO RUB AGAINST THE BODY OF THE VEHICLE. THE DRIVER WAS ABLE TO COAST INTO A PARKING LOT AND COULD NOT BE DRIVEN. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE VEHICLE WAS PREVIOUSLY REPAIRED PER NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 15V608000 (SUSPENSION) BY HELLER FORD (LOCATED AT 700 W MAIN ST, EL PASO, TX 61738, (309) 527-6050); HOWEVER, THE REPAIR DID NOT CORRECT THE FAILURE. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT TOWED TO A DEALER OR AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC FOR DIAGNOSTIC TESTING OR REPAIRS. THE MANUFACTURER INFORMED THE CONTACT THAT THE RECALL WAS NO LONGER ACTIVE AND DID NOT OFFER FURTHER ASSISTANCE. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 182,000.

Mileage: 182,000

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2001 FORD WINDSTAR. WHILE DRIVING 40 MPH, THE REAR OF THE VEHICLE SHOOK. THE FOLLOWING DAY, THE CONTACT NOTICED THAT THE REAR DRIVER'S SIDE WHEEL WAS TILTED INWARD. HE CHECKED UNDER THE VEHICLE AND NOTICED THAT THE REAR AXLE WAS FRACTURED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT TAKEN TO A DEALER OR AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC FOR DIAGNOSTIC TESTING. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE CONTACT CALLED THE MANUFACTURER AND WAS INFORMED THAT, DUE TO THE AGE OF THE VEHICLE, THEY COULD NOT ASSIST AND REPAIR THE VEHICLE. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 182,000.

Mileage: 182,000

DRIVING UNDER 30 MPH AND NOTICED A STRANGE SOUND PULLED OFF THE STREET AND INSPECTED REAR DRIVERS TIRE WAS LEANING AND DISCOVERED REAR AXLE WAS BROKEN

Mileage: 230,000

1. REAR AXLE FRACTURED SEVERELY & BROKE MAKING THE CAR UN-DRIVABLE ON 24 JAN 2019 WHILE IN MOTION DRIVING IN CITY TRAFFIC. FORD PUT BRACES ON THIS VEHICLE UNDER RECALL# 10S13, BUT THEY FAILED TO PREVENT FURTHER CORROSION AND METAL FATIGUE. THE AXLE WAS A BAD ENGINEERING DESIGN FROM THE DRAWING BOARD COMBINED WITH NOT E-COATING THE METAL DURING MANUFACTURING TO PREVENT CORROSION OF THE METAL DUE TO ROAD SALT. THE AXLE FRACTURED NEXT TO THE BRACE ON THE DRIVER SIDE AS SHOWN IN THE 4 IMAGES BELOW. I HAVE ONE TOW BILL (FLAT-BED) TO GET THE CAR OFF THE DOWNTOWN STREET TO MY HOME & WILL HAVE ANOTHER TOW BILL TO TRANSPORT IT TO WHERE I CAN REPLACE THE AXLE. 2. FRONT CRADLE FRAME'S MOUNT RUSTED OFF THAT ANCHORS THE STABILIZER BAR SO THE STABILIZER BAR HAD TO BE REMOVED. THIS HAPPENED SEVERAL YEARS AGO. THE CRADLE FRAME PROBABLE WAS NOT E-COATED DURING MANUFACTURE EITHER. I CAN TAKE A PIC AND PROBABLE HAVE THE REPAIR INVOICE DETAILING THE DATE AND THE MECHANIC'S WORK TO REMOVE THE STABILIZER BAR. TO FIX THE CAR WILL NEED A NEW FRONT CRADLE FRAME, STABILIZER BAR, AND POSSIBLY MOUNT BRACKETS.

Mileage: 132,596

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2001 FORD WINDSTAR. WHILE DRIVING AT AN UNKNOWN SPEED, THE DRIVER HEARD A NOISE COMING FROM THE REAR DRIVER'S SIDE TIRE. THE CONTACT COASTED THE VEHICLE INTO A PARKING LOT AND NOTICED THAT THE REAR DRIVER'S SIDE AXLE HAD DETACHED WITHOUT WARNING. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC, BUT WAS NOT DIAGNOSED OR REPAIRED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT TAKEN TO A DEALER. THE VIN WAS INCLUDED IN NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 10V385000 (SUSPENSION). THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE AND DID NOT ASSIST. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 280,000.

Mileage: 280,000

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2001 FORD WINDSTAR. WHILE DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 12 MPH, THE REAR OF THE VEHICLE LOWERED AND THE REAR DRIVER'S SIDE TIRE BECAME STUCK UNDER THE WHEEL WELL. THE CONTACT PULLED THE VEHICLE OVER TO THE SIDE OF THE ROAD. THE CONTACT LOOKED UNDERNEATH THE VEHICLE AND NOTICED THAT THE REAR DRIVER'S SIDE AXLE HAD FRACTURED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT TAKEN TO THE DEALER OR AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC FOR DIAGNOSTIC TESTING. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 103,500.

Mileage: 103,500

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2001 FORD WINDSTAR. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE DEALER (GURLEY LEEP FORD LINCOLN, 320 E IRELAND RD, SOUTH BEND, IN 46614, (574) 291-6910) INDICATED THAT THEY SERVICED AN UNKNOWN RECALL FROM THE MANUFACTURER FOR THE REINFORCEMENT BRACKETS AND THAT THEY HAD NOT BEEN REQUIRED TO PROVIDE ANY ADDITIONAL REPAIRS. THE DEALER REPLACED THE REAR AXLES DUE TO THE REINFORCEMENT BRACKETS FRACTURING WHILE THE VEHICLE WAS BEING DRIVEN BELOW 25 MPH. THE DEALER STATED THAT THEY WERE NOT REQUIRED BY THE MANUFACTURER TO REINSTALL REINFORCEMENT BRACKETS. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE AND SUGGESTED REPLACING THE SAME OEM REAR AXLES. THE VEHICLE WAS REPAIRED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS NOT AVAILABLE. *TT CONSUMER STATED I FEEL THE REAR AXLES FAIL EVEN WITH THE RECALL BRACKETS ON, SO I FEEL FORD SHOULD PAY FOR THE BILL. THE TIRES WENT BAD AND OUT WHEN THIS HAPPENED. THE RECALL DID NOT WORK AND PUT NEW RECALL PARTS ON NEW AXLES. UPDATED 10/16/18*JB

Mileage: 122,983

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2001 FORD WINDSTAR. WHILE DRIVING 55 MPH, THE VEHICLE BEGAN TO SHAKE. THE CONTACT DISCOVERED THAT THE REAR WHEELS WERE BENT. THERE WERE NO WARNING INDICATORS ILLUMINATED. ADDITIONALLY, THE CONTACT STATED THAT CLAMPS WERE PLACED ON THE AXLE IN 2015. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO QUALITY AUTO MALL (55 STATE RT 17, RUTHERFORD, NJ 07070, (201) 935-2400) WHERE THE FAILURE WAS DIAGNOSED AS A FRACTURED AXLE. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED AND DID NOT ASSIST. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 195,000. THE VIN WAS NOT AVAILABLE.

Mileage: 195,000

REAR AXLE BREAK DUE TO CORROSION OF ACKNOWLEDGED INADEQUATELY DESIGNED AXLE. BREAK HAPPENED IN THE REINFORCEMENT BRACKET INSTALLED DO TO INITIAL AXLE RECALL FOR POTENTIAL BREAK DUE TO CORROSION.. CAR WAS ON CITY STREET IN MOTION TO FREEWAY ONRAMP FORTUNATELY THE AXLE BROKE PRIOR TO ENTERING FREEWAY. AXLE BREAK RESULTED IN SAGGING AXLE AND A WHEEL TILTED INWARD AT ABOUT 20 DEGREES AND WEDGED AGAINST THE INNER WHEEL WELL. TIRE STARTED TO SMOKE. CAR IS UNDRIVEABLE. THE REPAIR IS ESTIMATED TO $1400. FORD WILL NOT ACCEPT ANY FINANCIAL RESPONSIBILITY FOR THIS BREAK IN THE BRACKETS INSTALLED TO PREVENT THE BREAK. ADDITIONAL COMPONENTS ARE ALSO NEEDING REPAIR AND REPLACEMENT DUE TO THE BREAK OF THE AXLE.

Mileage: 165,000

REMOVED SUBFRAME TO REPLACE FAULTY TORQUE CONVERTER. FOUND SUBSTANTIAL RUSTING AT FIREWALL END OF SUBFRAME ON BOTH "ARMS", REQUIRING REPLACEMENT OF SUBFRAME. CALLED LOCAL DEALERS, NO "OPEN" RECALL (OVER 15 YEAR-OLD VAN) AND $4,900 NEW SUBFRAME QUOTE PROVIDED, WITH NO DEALER OR MANUFACTURER COVERAGE, AFTER CALLING NATIONAL AND CANADIAN MFCTR RECALL NUMBERS. MFCTR/DEALERS OF NO ASSISTANCE, WHATSOEVER. PART NOT ACTUALLY AVAILABLE.

Mileage: 104,000

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2001 FORD WINDSTAR. WHILE DRIVING 35 MPH, THE AXLE FRACTURED. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO RICART FORD (4255 S HAMILTON RD, GROVEPORT, OH 43125) WHERE IT WAS DIAGNOSED THAT THE REAR AXLE NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE REPAIR WAS NO LONGER COVERED UNDER NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 15V608000 (SUSPENSION). THE LOCAL DEALER CONTACTED THE MANUFACTURER AND WAS INFORMED THAT THEY WOULD COVER THE INSPECTION; HOWEVER, THE VEHICLE REPAIRS WOULD BE THE CONTACT'S RESPONSIBILITY. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS UNKNOWN.

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

SUB FRAME

Mileage: 141,588

2001 FORD WINDSTAR REAR AXEL CRACKED WHILE DRIVING ON THE CITY STREETS . I SEE RECALLS FOR OTHER SIMILAR VEHICLES FOR THE SAME PROBLEM.

Mileage: 29,500

A MAJOR CRACK IN THE REAR AXLE BEAM WAS DISCOVERED DURING ROUTINE MAINTENANCE RENDERING THE VEHICLE UNSAFE FOR USE. FORD HAD A RECALL TO FIX THIS PROBLEM, BUT MY VEHICLE WAS NOT INCLUDED IN THE RECALL BECAUSE THE VEHICLE WAS NOT SOLD IN A STATE THAT USED SALT ON THE ROADS IN WINTER (I LIVE IN FLORIDA WHERE THERE IS A LOT OF SALT IN THE AIR - ALL THE TIME!) I BELIEVE THAT ALL WINDSTARS SHOULD HAVE BEEN INCLUDED IN THE RECALL BECAUSE IT IS OBVIOUSLY A MAJOR DESIGN FLAW AND THEREFORE A MAJOR SAFETY ISSUE.

THE REAR AXLE IS BROKEN DURING DRIVE TO 45 MPH WITH MY FAMILY.

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2001 FORD WINDSTAR. WHILE BACKING OUT OF THE DRIVEWAY, THE REAR PASSENGER WHEEL SUDDENLY BUCKLED INWARD. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC WHO DIAGNOSED THAT THE FAILURE WAS DUE TO SEVERE RUSTING AND CORROSION OF THE AXLE, WHICH CAUSED THE BRACKETS TO ALSO SEPARATE. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO SCHICKER FORD IN ST. LOUIS, MISSOURI WHERE IT WAS DIAGNOSED THAT THE AXLE NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 196,000.

Mileage: 196,000

REAR AXLE NEEDED TO BE REPLACED, DUE TO RUST CORROSION FROM ROAD SALT. THERE WAS APPARENTLY A RECALL ON THIS THAT ALSO FAILED. THE AXLE WAS ABOUT TO BREAK IN HALF.

Mileage: 127,000

TAKATA INFLATORS;I FORD DENYING MY REQUEST F VIN #[XXX] I HAVE AN OBVIOUS CRACK (SEE PHOTOS) DIRECTLY UNDER THE BRACKET A BAND-AID THAT FORD ISSUED IN AN EARLIER RECALL ON MY REAR AXLE WITH THE SOLE PURPOSE OF THIS BAND-AID TO PREVENT SUCH CRACKING. APPARENTLY MY BRACKET PART WAS DEEMED INSTALLED CORRECTLY, EFFECTIVELY CAUSING A DENIAL FOR A REPLACEMENT PART ON MY WINDSTAR. CLEARLY THIS BRACKET FAILED AND DID NOT STOP MY REAR AXLE FROM EXPERIENCING CRACKING! FORD CLEARLY NEW EXACTLY WHERE THIS CRACKING WOULD OCCUR BECAUSE THE CRACK APPEARS DIRECTLY UNDER THE BRACKET INSTALLED TO CREATE A STRONGER PART. THE ONLY THING HOLDING THIS REAR AXLE TOGETHER IS THIS BRACKET. THIS PARTICULAR PART IN QUESTION IS DIRECTLY BELOW THE GAS TANK, SHOULD THIS CRUCIAL PART EXPERIENCE FAILURE WHILE DRIVING ON A 70MPH HIGHWAY WHAT WOULD HAPPEN? ALSO LOOKING AT MY WINDSTAR ON A LIFT WE NOTICED THE CENTER OF THE WINDSTAR SEEMS TO BE SAGGING (SEE PHOTOS) FROM WHAT APPEARS TO BE THE UNDER CARRIAGE BREAKING DOWN FROM RUST AND CORROSION, THIS APPEARS TO BE CAUSING EXTREME STRUCTURE FAILURE. I DO RESIDE IN ONE OF THE STATED SALT BELT STATES AS BEING THE STATE OF IOWA. WHAT WOULD THE FULL CRITERIA FOR THIS RECALL AND BUYBACK PROGRAM ON CERTAIN WINDSTAR?S IN 2011 THRU 2013 BE? WHY WAS MY WINDSTAR LIMITED EXCLUDED IN THIS RECALL? I STILL HAVE NOT BEEN ADVISED NOT TO DRIVE MY WINDSTAR BY ANY CURRENT FORD REPRESENTATIVES. HOWEVER FORMER FORD MECHANICS HAVE ADVISED ME NOT TO DRIVE MY WINDSTAR, THESE SAME MECHANICS? ARE ADAMANT MY WINDSTAR IS UNSAFE! I HAVE BEEN ATTEMPTING TO FIX THE CONCERNS THAT MOFFITTS FORD IN BOONE IOWA WANTED ME TO REPAIR AT THE TIME OF THE AXLE INSPECTION. ONLY HAVING MORE CONCERN BROUGHT TO MY ATTENTION ABOUT THE AXLE. I WROTE [XXX] A LETTER 2/15/17 ASKING TO OVERTURN AND ALLOW REPAIR [XXX] INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6). *TR *JS

Mileage: 18,000

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2001 FORD WINDSTAR. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE DRIVING AT A VERY SLOW SPEED, THE FRONT PASSENGER SIDE COIL SPRING FRACTURED ALSO CAUSING DAMAGE TO THE BRAKE LINE. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALER WHERE IT WAS DISCOVERED THAT BOTH THE DRIVER SIDE AND PASSENGER SIDE COIL SPRINGS HAD BEEN CRACKED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE CONTACT ALSO INDICATED THAT WHILE OPERATING THE VEHICLE, THE ABS AND BRAKE SENSOR WARNING LIGHTS WOULD ILLUMINATE. THE CAUSE OF THE FAILURES WERE NOT DIAGNOSED OR REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 119,000.

Mileage: 119,000

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2001 FORD WINDSTAR. WHILE DRIVING IN A PARKING LOT, A CLUNKING NOISE WAS HEARD. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO A DEALER WHERE IT WAS DIAGNOSED THAT THE FRONT COIL SPRINGS FRACTURED AND NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS APPROXIMATELY 119,000.

Mileage: 119,000

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2001 FORD WINDSTAR. THE CONTACT TOOK THE VEHICLE TO A DEALER FOR A RECALL RELATED TO THE LOWER CONTROL ARM. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE REPAIR FOR THE LOWER CONTROL ARM WAS COMPLETED; HOWEVER, THE SUBFRAME WAS RUSTED. THE RUST WAS WITHIN THE CONNECTION BETWEEN THE CONTROL ARM AND THE SUBFRAME. THE DEALER DETERMINED THAT THE RUST WAS PART OF THE RECALL REPAIR THAT WAS COMPLETED. THE RECALL INFORMATION WAS NOT PROVIDED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 140,000.

Mileage: 140,000

REAR AXLE SNAPPED WHILE DRIVING ON NORMAL ROADS. *TR

Mileage: 65,000

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

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2001 FORD WINDSTAR. THE CONTACT RECEIVED NOTIFICATION OF NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 15V608000 (SUSPENSION). WHEN THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALER FOR REPAIRS, THE CONTACT WAS INFORMED THAT THE REPAIR WOULD COST $300. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE ISSUE. THE CONTACT HAD NOT EXPERIENCED A FAILURE.

YES I CONTACTED FORD ABOUT THE RECALL ON THE REAR AXLE THEY SAID I DONT HAVE A RECALL ON MY VAN BUT MY REAR AXLE JUST SPLIT

Mileage: 196,000

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2001 FORD WINDSTAR. THE CONTACT RECEIVED NOTIFICATION OF NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 15V608000 (SUSPENSION); HOWEVER, THE PART TO DO THE REPAIR WAS UNAVAILABLE. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE MANUFACTURER EXCEEDED A REASONABLE AMOUNT OF TIME FOR THE RECALL REPAIR. THE MANUFACTURER WAS MADE AWARE OF THE ISSUE. THE CONTACT EXPERIENCED A FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 200,000.

Mileage: 200,000

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2001 FORD WINDSTAR. WHILE DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 30 MPH, THE FRONT END FRAME FRACTURED AND DISENGAGED FROM THE VEHICLE. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALER WHERE IT WAS DIAGNOSED THAT THE SHOCK ABSORBER, FRONT END SPRING, AND FRAME WERE FRACTURED AND NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 100,000.

Mileage: 100,000

FORD WINDSTAR 01 RECALL ON REAR AXLE CRACKING

Mileage: 160,000

HAD BRACKETS INSTALLED ON REAR AXLE ON A PREVIOUS SAFETY RECALL AND BROUGHT VEHICLE IN TODAY TO FORD FOR ANOTHER RECALL FOR INSPECTION OF BRACKETS INSTALLATION. I WAS TOLD THAT THE BRACKETS ARE CORRECTLY INSTALLED BUT MY AXLE IS BROKEN AND NEEDS TO BE REPLACED AND IS GOING TO COST ME $300.00. AXLE SHOULD HAVE BEEN REPLACED IN THE FIRST PLACE AND THERE ARE THOUSANDS OF OTHER VEHICLES WITH THE SAME ISSUE. I AM ALSO CONTACTING THE NYS ATTORNEY GENERAL.

SAFETY RECALL 15S27/NHTSA RECALL 15V-608, HAD MY VEHICLE INSPECTED AS PER THE RECALL WAS TOLD IT WAS FINE, LESS THAN A MONTH LATER THE REAR AXLE CRACKED CAUSING A TIRE TO BLOW. NOW THEY DO NOT WANT TO HONOR THE RECALL SOLUTION

Mileage: 185,000

I RECENTLY HAD MY WINDSTAR FRONT END WORKED ON BY A LOCAL FORD DEALER, WHO WAS SUPPOSED TO TAKE CARE OF ALL RECALL ISSUES. THEY DID A CRAPPY JOB OF THAT AND NOW THE VEHICLE IS SITTING MY DRIVEWAY WITH THE AXLE SNAPPED IN HALF. HAD IT TOWED TO MY HOME WHEN IT BROKE ON THE HIGHWAY. THIS IS NOT A SAFE VEHICLE AND WE WERE VERY LUCKY NO-ONE GOT HURT.

Mileage: 160,000

TAKATA RECALL, DUE TO RUST THE SWAY BAR BRACKET HAS BROKE FROM SUBFRAME. DIDN'T KNOW IT UNTIL I GOT IT LOOKED AT FOR AN ALIGNMENT ISSUE.

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2001 FORD WINDSTAR. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE VEHICLE WAS REPAIRED UNDER NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 15V608000 (SUSPENSION). WHILE DRIVING AT AN UNKNOWN SPEED, AN ABNORMAL NOISE WAS HEARD FROM THE REAR OF THE VEHICLE. THE CONTACT NOTICED THAT THE REAR DRIVER SIDE TIRE WAS PUSHED IN THE VEHICLE AND THE REAR AXLE WAS FRACTURED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT TAKEN TO A DEALER OR DIAGNOSED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 131,000.

Mileage: 131,000

I CAME UP TO A STOP SIGN, THE ENTIRE FRONT AXLE BROKE OFF THE FRAME, I LOST STEERING, BRAKES, HAD TO SLAM IT INTO PARK TO STOP. I ENDED UP ACROSS THE ROAD. THERE WAS A RECALL IN 2011 FOR THE AXLE MOUNT AND FORD DECIDED IT ONLY NEEDED A COATING ON IT, 5 SECONDS LATER WE WOULD OF BEEN ON THE HIGHWAY AND KILLED. I EMAILED FORD AND THEY SAID THE RECALL WAS STILL OPEN, THE FORD DEALER NEVER CLOSED IT, SO THEY WON'T HELP ME. THAT IS BULL, THE COATED IT AND FORGOT TO CLOSE IT OUT, THATS THEIR FAULT, I CAN TAKE PICS IF YOU WANT THEM.

Mileage: 97,000

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2001 FORD WINDSTAR. WHILE ATTEMPTING TO PARK, THE REAR DRIVER SIDE AXLE FRACTURED. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC WHERE IT WAS DIAGNOSED THAT THE AXLE WAS FRACTURED AND NEEDED REPLACEMENT OR WELDING. THE AXLE WAS WELDED. A YEAR EARLIER, THE REAR PASSENGER SIDE AXLE FRACTURED AND WAS WELDED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 192,000.

Mileage: 192,000

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2001 FORD WINDSTAR. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALER FOR A SCHEDULED MAINTENANCE AND WAS INFORMED BY THE MECHANIC THAT THE REAR AXLE WAS SEVERELY RUSTED AND NEEDED REPLACEMENT. THE CONTACT ALSO STATED THAT A RECALL NOTIFICATION WAS RECEIVED FOR NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 15V608000 (SUSPENSION) AND THAT THE VEHICLE WAS REPAIRED FOR THE SAME FAILURE PREVIOUSLY. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 125,000.

Mileage: 125,000

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2001 FORD WINDSTAR. THE CONTACT RECEIVED A NOTIFICATION FOR NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 15V608000 (SUSPENSION). WHILE THE VEHICLE WAS AT THE DEALER, THE TECHNICIAN FOUND THAT THE AXLE WAS CRACKED AND NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE CONTACT MENTIONED THAT THE AXLE WOULD BE REPLACED UNDER THE RECALL, BUT THE DEALER WAS CHARGING FOR LABOR. THE MANUFACTURER WAS MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 154,000.

Mileage: 154,000

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2001 FORD WINDSTAR. WHILE DRIVING AT APPROXIMATELY 30 MPH, THE FRONT PASSENGER TIRE DETACHED FROM THE VEHICLE. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC WHERE IT WAS DIAGNOSED THAT THE AXLE AND THE FRAME NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE VIN WAS INCLUDED IN NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 15V608000 (SUSPENSION). THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS UNKNOWN.

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2001 FORD WINDSTAR. WHILE THE VEHICLE WAS UNDERGOING AN INSPECTION, THE TECHNICIAN NOTICED THAT THE REAR AXLE WAS BENDING AND CAUSED THE REAR DRIVER AND PASSENGER SIDE TIRES TO WEAR UNEVENLY. THE VEHICLE WAS REPAIRED DUE TO A PREVIOUS RECALL ON THE AXLE. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 318,000.

Mileage: 318,000

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2001 FORD WINDSTAR. AFTER THE VEHICLE WAS INSPECTED UNDER NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 15V608000 (SUSPENSION), THE TECHNICIAN STATED THAT THE REAR AXLE WAS CRACKED AND NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE CONTACT MENTIONED THAT THE FAILURE OCCURRED AFTER THE VEHICLE WAS SERVICED UNDER NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 10V385000 (SUSPENSION). THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED DUE TO THE TECHNICIAN STATING THAT THE ORIGINAL RECALL REPAIR WAS PERFORMED PROPERLY. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS UNKNOWN.

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2001 FORD WINDSTAR. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE VEHICLE RECEIVED THE INITIAL REPAIR FOR NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 12V195000 (SUSPENSION) IN MID OCTOBER OF 2010. THE REMEDY DID NOT REPAIR THE VEHICLE. THE DEALER INSTALLED REAR AXLE BRACKETS THAT DID NOT SUPPORT THE FRAME. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC WHO INSPECTED THE VEHICLE AND NOTICED THAT THERE WAS A CRACK IN THE REAR FRAME. THE MECHANIC STATED THAT THE BRACKETS NEEDED TO BE REMOVED TO REPAIR THE CONDITION. THE CONTACT LATER RECEIVED NOTIFICATION OF NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 15V608000 (SUSPENSION) AND THE DEALER SCHEDULED THE REPAIR FOR NOVEMBER 11, 2015. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE AND THE UNREASONABLE APPOINTMENT DATE. THE MANUFACTURER WAS UNABLE TO PROVIDE A REASONABLE TIME FRAME TO REMEDY THE FAILURE. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 182,000.

Mileage: 182,000

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2001 FORD WINDSTAR. WHILE DRIVING VARIOUS SPEEDS, THE REAR DRIVER SIDE AXLE FRACTURED. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC WHO CONFIRMED THAT THE AXLE FRACTURED. THE VEHICLE WAS REPAIRED. THE FAILURE RECURRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE CONTACT RECEIVED NOTIFICATION OF NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 10V385000 (SUSPENSION); HOWEVER, THE PART TO DO THE REPAIR WAS UNAVAILABLE. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE MANUFACTURER EXCEEDED A REASONABLE AMOUNT OF TIME FOR THE RECALL REPAIR. THE MANUFACTURER WAS MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE. THE VIN AND FAILURE MILEAGE WERE UNKNOWN.

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2001 FORD WINDSTAR. THE VEHICLE WAS REPAIRED UNDER NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 10V385000 (SUSPENSION). THE CONTACT RECEIVED A SECOND NOTIFICATION, NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 15V608000 (SUSPENSION). THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALER WHERE IT WAS DISCOVERED THAT THE REINFORCEMENT BRACKETS THAT WERE INSTALLED UNDER NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 10V385000 (SUSPENSION), WERE PROPERLY INSTALLED; HOWEVER, THE REAR AXLE FRACTURED. THE VEHICLE WAS UNABLE TO BE REPAIRED UNDER THE RECALL DUE TO THE FRACTURED AXLE. THE CONTACT WAS TOLD THAT THE REAR AXLE WOULD HAVE TO BE REPLACED. THE VEHICLE WAS REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE, BUT DID NOT OFFER ANY ASSISTANCE. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 97,000. UPDATED 05/20/16*LJ *JS

Mileage: 97,000

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2001 FORD WINDSTAR. WHILE REVERSING AT APPROXIMATELY 1 MPH, THERE WAS AN EXPLOSION ON THE REAR PASSENGER SIDE NEAR THE REAR TIRE. IN ADDITION, THERE WAS AN ABNORMAL NOISE COMING FROM THE REAR PASSENGER SIDE AFTER THE TIRE WAS REPAIRED. THE TIRE HAD FRACTURED. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC FOR DIAGNOSTIC TESTING. THE TECHNICIAN STATED THAT THE REAR AXLE HAD FRACTURED AND THAT THE VEHICLE NEEDED TO BE TOWED TO A DEALER. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 179,000.

Mileage: 179,000

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2001 FORD WINDSTAR. WHILE DRIVING AT APPROXIMATELY 45 MPH AND MAKING A LEFT TURN, THERE WAS AN ABNORMAL SOUND. THE REAR AXLE FRACTURED AND THE CONTACT LOST CONTROL OF THE VEHICLE AND CRASHED. THERE WERE NO INJURIES AND A POLICE REPORT WAS NOT FILED. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO THE CONTACT'S RESIDENCE. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT DIAGNOSED OR REPAIRED. THE CONTACT RECEIVED NOTIFICATION OF NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 10V385000 (SUSPENSION); HOWEVER, THE PART TO DO THE REPAIR WAS UNAVAILABLE. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED OF FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS UNKNOWN.

THE SUBFRAME IN THE FRONT HAD CRACKED AFTER HAVING THE REPAIR/RECALL DONE BY FORD. THIS IS THE PASSENGER SIDE, RIGHT BY THE MOUNT TO THE BODY.

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2001 FORD WINDSTAR. WHILE DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 35 MPH, THERE WAS A WHISTLING SOUND COMING FROM THE PASSENGER SIDE. THE FAILURE RECURRED EACH TIME THE VEHICLE WAS DRIVEN. WHILE DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 30 MPH OVER A MAN HOLE COVER, THE VEHICLE JERKED TO THE LEFT AND RIGHT. THE FAILURE RECURRED ON SEVERAL OCCASIONS WHILE DRIVING AT VARIOUS SPEEDS WHEN THE VEHICLE DROVE OVER ANY TYPE OF BUMPS, CRACKS, AND MAN HOLE COVERS ON THE ROAD. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC WHO DIAGNOSED THAT THE REAR AXLE FRACTURED AND NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE AND INFORMED THE CONTACT THAT THE VIN WAS NOT INCLUDED IN NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 10V385000 (SUSPENSION). THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 182,000. MA 10/16/15 *CN

Mileage: 182,000

WHILE DRIVING THIS VEHICLE THE REAR AXLE BROKE; THERE IS A RECALL ON THIS VEHICLE DUE TO CORROSION OF THE REAR AXLE AND POSSIBLY BREAK. IN 2011 THIS VEHICLE WAS TAKEN IN FOR RECALL REPAIRS ON THE REAR AXLE. THERE WAS APPROXIMATELY 99000 MILES ON IT. THE REPAIRS PERFORMED WERE AS FOLLOWS: THEY SPRAYED ANTI CORROSION ON THE AXLE AND PUT TWO SUPPORT BRACKETS ON THE AXLE. THE REAR AXLE CRACKED UNDER THE BRACKET. I BELIEVE THE BRACKET MAY HAVE TRAPPED MORE WATER AND SALT AND MADE IT WORSE. THE BRACKET DID NOT SUPPORT THE AXLE AT ALL. THE AXLE FELL TO THE GROUND AS IF THERE WAS NO BRACKET AT ALL. THE VEHICLE CURRENTLY HAS 139000 MILES ON IT. I FEEL FORD SHOULD TAKE FULL RESPONSIBILITY FOR THE COST OF THE REPAIR OF THE REAR AXLE. THIS IS MY DAUGHTERS FAMILY VAN. HER AND HER HUSBAND, ALONG WITH THEIR TWO YOUNG DAUGHTERS,DRIVE ALL OVER THE COUNTRY IN THIS VEHICLE. BY THE GRACE OF GOD NOBODY WAS HURT IN THIS VEHICLE. HOW CAN FORD BE HELD RESPONSIBLE FOR THIS?

Mileage: 139,000

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2001 FORD WINDSTAR. WHILE DRIVING AT ANY SPEED, THE CONTACT HEARD AN ABNORMAL SOUND. THE CONTACT TOOK THE VEHICLE TO A SERVICE STATION AND THE MECHANIC STATED THAT THE ABNORMAL NOISE WAS AN AXLE ISSUE. THE VIN WAS EXCLUDED FROM NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 12V195000 (SUSPENSION). THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 100,000.

Mileage: 100,000

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

WE WISH TO BE CONTACTED AND HAVE MULTIPLE ISSUES TO REPORT. (1) ODI REQUEST FOR INFORMATION REGARDING ENGINEERING ANALYSIS EA10-007 SUB FRAME AND (2) ISSUES OF COMPLIANCE WITH SAFETY RECALL PROCEDURES AND WHAT WE BELIEVE TO BE FRAUDULENT AND ILLEGAL ACTIONS. SPACE IS INADEQUATE BUT WILL TRY TO SUMMARIZE. VEHICLE SUBFRAME FAILED AT BOTH PASSENGER AND DRIVER SIDE REAR MOUNTS AND THEREBY CAUSED SEPARATION OF THE STEERING COMPONENTS AND COMPLETE LOSS OF STEERING, LOSS OF BRAKES, AND LOSS OF TRANSMISSION CONTROL. THE OWNER USED THE ONLY MEANS AVAILABLE TO STOP THE VEHICLE BY TURNING OFF THE IGNITION KEY AND 'RIDING IT OUT.' SUBFRAME COMPONENTS AND THE ENGINE/TRANSMISSION HAD BEEN IN CONTACT WITH PAVEMENT. LARGE PORTIONS OF THE SUBFRAME APPEAR TO BE MISSING FROM THE VEHICLE. THE EXHAUST SYSTEM WAS SEVERED. THE TRANSMISSION LINKAGE PULLED AWAY AND AS STATED THE STEERING COMPONENTS SEPARATED. WHAT IS BELIEVED TO BE THE AIR BAG CABLE BECAME WRAPPED AROUND THE STEERING COMPONENTS. VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO A DEALERSHIP WHICH REFUSES TO INSPECT, DISCLOSE, PHOTOGRAPH, OR ALLOW TO BE PHOTOGRAPHED THE MASSIVE DAMAGE WHILE DECLARING THE VEHICLE "REPAIRABLE" AND THE "REPAIRS HAVE TO BE DONE." AT ISSUE ARE DECLARATIONS THAT UNDER THE RECALL THAT "RESPONSIBILITY" RESTS WITH THE OWNER AND A "RIGHT TO DENY COVERAGE." A DEMAND THAT REPAIRS BE SCHEDULED OR THE VEHICLE BE TOWED FROM THE CAR LOT WITH A DEMAND THAT A DOCUMENT BE SIGNED WHICH AMOUNTS TO A RELEASE AND COMPLETE MISREPRESENTATION OF THE FACTS. THE DEALERSHIP HAS BEEN TOLD THAT WE WILL LEND NO TRUTH OR VALIDITY TO THEIR FORCEFUL AND MANIPULATIVE DEMANDS, NOR WILL WE SIGN ANY DOCUMENT. IT IS OUR INTENT TO DESTROY THE VEHICLE. WE HAVE INCURRED MULTIPLE OUT OF POCKET EXPENSES. IN ESSENCE FRAUD AND ILLEGAL ACTS, UNDER THE COLOR OF FEDERAL LAW ARE ALLEGED. WE DESIRE TO SUBMIT A WRITTEN STATEMENT AND REQUEST FOR INVESTIGATION.

Mileage: 161,000

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2001 FORD WINDSTAR. WHILE DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 35 MPH, THE REAR END OF THE VEHICLE BEGAN SWAYING. THE CONTACT NOTICED THAT THE TWO REAR TIRES WERE FACING INWARDS. THE CONTACT MANEUVERED TO THE EMERGENCY LANE AND SHUT OFF THE VEHICLE. THE CONTACT DISCOVERED THAT THE REAR AXLE WAS CRACKED. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC BUT WAS NOT DIAGNOSED OR REPAIRED. THE CONTACT MENTIONED THAT THE VEHICLE WAS PREVIOUSLY REPAIRED UNDER NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 10V385000 (SUSPENSION) THE MANUFACTURER WAS MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 75,000.

Mileage: 75,000

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2001 FORD WINDSTAR. WHILE DRIVING 35 MPH OVER A BUMP OR POTHOLE IN THE ROAD, THE REAR OF THE VEHICLE BEGAN TO SWAY ABNORMALLY FROM LEFT TO RIGHT. THE CONTACT ALSO STATED THAT THE TIRES SOUNDED AS IF THEY WERE WHISTLING. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALER WHERE IT WAS DIAGNOSED THAT THE AXLE NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS MADE AWARE OF THE ISSUE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 132,000.

Mileage: 132,000

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2001 FORD WINDSTAR. WHILE DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 65 MPH, THE VEHICLE EMITTED A LOUD ABNORMAL NOISE FROM THE REAR DRIVER SIDE. THE CONTACT DISCOVERED THAT THE REAR DRIVER SIDE TIRE WAS ANGLED AT 90 DEGREES TOWARDS THE VEHICLE. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT DIAGNOSED OR REPAIRED. THE CONTACT PREVIOUSLY RECEIVED NOTIFICATION OF NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 12V195000 (SUSPENSION). WHEN THE VEHICLE WAS BROUGHT TO THE DEALER TO BE REPAIRED UNDER THE RECALL, THE MECHANIC STATED THAT THE REPAIR WAS NOT NECESSARY. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 209,000.

Mileage: 209,000

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2001 FORD WINDSTAR. WHILE DRIVING 30 MPH, THE VEHICLE VIBRATED. ONCE THE CONTACT PARKED THE VEHICLE AT HIS RESIDENCE, THE REAR DRIVER SIDE WHEEL COLLAPSED DUE TO THE REAR AXLE MALFUNCTIONING. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT DIAGNOSED OR REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 102,000.

Mileage: 102,000

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2001 FORD WINDSTAR. WHILE DRIVING AT APPROXIMATELY 10 MPH, THERE WERE TWO LOUD POPS COMING FROM THE REAR OF THE VEHICLE. THE CONTACT EXITED THE VEHICLE AND OBSERVED THAT THE REAR AXLE BEAM FRACTURED. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO THE CONTACT'S RESIDENCE WHERE IT WAS NOT DIAGNOSED. THE VEHICLE WAS REPAIRED BY THE CONTACT. THE MANUFACTURER WAS MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS APPROXIMATELY 210,000. THE VIN WAS UNAVAILABLE.

Mileage: 210,000

WHILE DRIVING THE CAR DOING ABOUT 15MPH I NOTICED A SMELL LIKE BURNING RUBBER AND THE TIRE SLANTEDINWARDS AT THE TOP OF REAR PASSANGER SIDE. I IMMEDIATLEY PULLED OVER. I WAS RIGJT IN FRONT OF A AUTO REPAIR SHOP WHO ONFORMED ME THE REAR AXLE ASSEMBLE HAD BROKEN. I HAD JUST LEFT MY HOME SO I WAS NO MRE THAN FOUR BLPCKS FROM HOME WHEN THE INCIDENT OCCURED.

Mileage: 190,000

THE REAR AXLE BROKE WHEN OUR DAUGHTER WAS DRIVING HOME FROM WORK AT NIGHT. WHEN SHE GOT HOME SHE TOLD US THAT THE VAN WAS NOT HANDLING WELL AT ALL. IT TURNS OUT THE REAR AXLE HAD CRACKED WHICH CAUSED THE DRIVER'S SIDE REAR WHEEL TO PUSH UP INTO THE WHEEL HOUSING AND START RUBBING AGAINST THE WHEEL WELL. LUCKILY THIS HAPPENED NEAR OUR HOME AND SHE DIDN'T HAVE MUCH FURTHER TO GO AS IT BECAME VERY DIFFICULT TO HANDLE. ALSO LUCKY THE SPEED WAS ONLY ABOUT 30 MPH, BECAUSE I'M NOT SURE IT WOULD HAVE MADE IT SAFELY HOME IF IT HAPPENED WHILE DRIVING AT A HIGHER SPEED. OUR VAN WAS PART OF A RECALL THAT WAS DONE IN 2011 WHERE THEY INSTALLED BRACKETS/CLAMPS INSTEAD OF REPLACING THE REAR AXLE. THE BREAK HAS OCCURRED RIGHT UNDER THE CLAMPING BRACKET. IT ALSO APPEARS TO BE CRACKED ON THE REAR PASSENGER SIDE AS THE TIRE IS TILTING INTO THE WHEEL WELL ON THAT SIDE ALSO. IT APPEARS FORD HAS LEFT MANY WINDSTAR DRIVERS IN A POTENTIAL VERY DANGEROUS SITUATION.

Mileage: 155,991

THE REAR AXLE COLLAPSES WHILE DRIVING ON THE FDR DRIVE, NY CITY, THE VAN WAS TOWED TO A SHOP IN BROOKLYN. I WAS INFORMED THAT THE SUBFRAME OF THE REAR AXLE HAS TO REPLACED.THERE WAS A RECALL DONE ON THE VEHICLE IN 2011 FOR THE REAR AXLE BUT AT THE TIME I DO NOT HAVE A PROBLEM. WHAT EVER FIXED THAT WAS SUPPOSED TO BE DONE DID NOT WORK CAUSED THE AXLE SUBFRAME BROKE.

Mileage: 186,000

DUE TO DUST IT HAS A SEVER DAMAGES IN FRONT ARMS, IT BECOMES DANGEROUS AND ENGINE WILL FALL DOWN AT ANY TIME WILE RUNING. I ALREADY LOOKED FOR RECALLS BY THE VIN NUMBERS AT THE FOLLOWING APLIES: NHTSA RECALL NUMBER: OPENS 10V385000 MANUFACTURER RECALL NUMBER: 10S13 NHTSA RECALL NUMBER: OPENS 11V030000 MANUFACTURER RECALL NUMBER: 11S16 I NEED YOUR HELP TO KNOW WHAT ARE THE STEPS I SOULD FOLLOW UP TO FIX MY WINDSTAR.

Mileage: 129,000

MY 2001 WINDSTAR WAS RECALLED FOR A ISSUE WITH THE REAR AXLE BEAM.FORD INSTALLED A PATCH ON THE BEAN MADE TO REINFORCE THE AREA WHICH RUST IN HIGH SALT STATES.1 WEEK AGO THE AXLE BROKE UNDER THAT PATCH AND AS YOU CAN SEE IT IS NOW IN TWO PIECES,AFTER CONTACTING FORD I WAS TOLD THE PATCH WAS ONLY WARRANTED FOR TWO YEARS AND THERE IS NO WAY FORD CAN HELP.IT IS MY BELIEF IF YOU RECALL A PART AND THE REPAIR FAILS THEN IT SHOULD BE REPAIRED AGAIN OR REPLACED.I AM ALWAYS HEARING COMMERCIALS REPORTING WE WARRANTY OUR REPAIRS FOR THE LIFE OF THE VEHICLE.FORD IS OBVIOUSLY NOT THE ONE MAKING THAT CLAIM.I WAS FORTUNATE WE WERE PULLING INTO A PARKING LOT WHEN IT BROKE AND NOBODY WAS HURT.I AM FIXING IT MYSELF BECAUSE I CANT AFFORD THE $1000 REPAIR BILL.I WAS TOLD BY A FORD REPRESENTATIVE TO SAVE MY RECITE AND IF THERE IS ANOTHER RECALL I CAN GET REIMBURSED.I WONDER HOW THEY WILL REIMBURSE ME FOR MY TIME. *TR

Mileage: 215,000

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2001 FORD WINDSTAR. WHILE DRIVING AT APPROXIMATELY 70 MPH, THE REAR OF THE VEHICLE BEGAN TO FISHTAIL. THE CONTACT WAS ABLE TO REGAIN CONTROL AND RESUME. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALER, WHO INFORMED THAT THE REAR DRIVER'S SIDE AXLE RUSTED AND PARTIALLY DETACHED. IN 2011, THE VEHICLE WAS REPAIRED UNDER NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 12V195000 (SUSPENSION) HOWEVER, THE FAILURE RECURRED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 245,500.

Mileage: 245,500

WHILE DRIVING THE VAN, THE REAR AXLE BROKE AFTER GOING OVER A MINOR DIP IN THE ROAD FROM FROST HEAVING. THE SAFETY RECALL HAD BEEN COMPLETED BY THE LOCAL FORD DEALERSHIP. ALTHOUGH THE REINFORCEMENTS WERE APPLIED, AND AXLE INSPECTION COMPLETED BY FORD CERTIFIED MECHANICS THE AXLE BROKE WHERE THE REINFORCEMENTS WERE INSTALLED. FORDS ENGINEERED FIX HAS APPARENTLY ONLY BOUGHT TIME FOR THE NEXT SET OF AXLE PROBLEMS. I ATTEMPTED TO HAVE THE COSTS INCURRED FOR THE AXLE REPLACEMENT REIMBURSED TO NO AVAIL. THIS IS A CONCERN BECAUSE THERE ARE OTHER WINDSTAR OWNERS WHO UNKNOWINGLY DRIVING VEHICLES THAT THEY BELIEVE ARE SAFE ,BECAUSE THIS INADEQUATE RECALL HAS BEEN COMPLETED. *TR

Mileage: 152,877

I WAS DRIVING BACK TO HOME AND THE WINDSTAR GET OUT OF CONTROL AND FINALLY I STOP THE MINIVAN I WAS SCARED. *TR

Mileage: 158,000

THE BACK AXLE BROKE AND MY CAR GET OUT OF CONTROL I LOOK UP THE RECALL IN YOUR PAGE AND CALL THE FORD AND THEY CHECK MY VIN I THEY SAID THAT MY CAR IS NOT IN THE RECALL BECAUSE NOT ALL THAT FABRICS HAVE THAT RECALL SO I MADE THE DECISION TO MAKE THE COMPLAINT I AM WITH NO CAR, KNOWING THAT RECALL IS HERE IN THE NHTSA PAGE. *TR

Mileage: 158,000

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2001 FORD WINDSTAR. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE REAR AXLE FRACTURED. THE VEHICLE WAS PREVIOUSLY SERVICED UNDER NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 12V195000 (SUSPENSION) IN 2013. THE CONTACT FELT THAT THE RECALL REMEDY FAILED TO REPAIR THE VEHICLE. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT DIAGNOSED OR REPAIRED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 110,919.

Mileage: 110,919

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

Mileage: 140,000

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2001 FORD WINDSTAR. WHILE DRIVING AT 25 MPH, THE CONTACT NOTICED SMOKE COMING FROM THE REAR OF THE VEHICLE. UPON FURTHER INSPECTION, THE CONTACT NOTICED THAT THE REAR DRIVER SIDE WAS LEANING INWARDS AND RUBBING AGAINST THE WHEEL WELL. THE CONTACT ALSO NOTICED THAT THERE WAS A CRACK ON THE REAR AXLE. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC WHO DIAGNOSED THAT THE REAR AXLE NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE VEHICLE WAS THEN TAKEN TO ANOTHER MECHANIC, BUT THE CONTACT WAS UNSURE ABOUT THE PART THAT NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE VEHICLE WAS PREVIOUSLY REPAIRED UNDER NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 12V195000 (SUSPENSION). THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 110,000.

Mileage: 110,000

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2001 FORD WINDSTAR. WHILE DRIVING AT 40 MPH, THE CONTACT HEARD A NOISE COMING FROM THE REAR OF THE VEHICLE. UPON FURTHER INSPECTION, THE CONTACT NOTICED THAT THE REAR DRIVER SIDE AXLE CRACKED. IN ADDITION, THE CONTACT NOTICED THAT THE REAR DRIVER SIDE TIRE WAS TILTED INWARDS. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT DIAGNOSED OR REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 134,037.

Mileage: 134,037

THE SAME PART INDICATED IN RECALL IS BAD, MY VAN NEEDS FIX. THE RECALL DOESN'T COVER MY PART OR REPAIR BECAUSE MY VIN ISN'T SHOWING ANY RECALLS. WHEN THE SAME PROBLEM HAPPENED TO ME INDICATED IN THE RECALL. IS THERE ANYTHING I CAN DO? *TR

Mileage: 109,000

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2001 FORD WINDSTAR. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE VEHICLE FAILED TO DRIVE OR REVERSE. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC, WHO DIAGNOSED THAT THE FRONT LOWER CONTROL ARM FRACTURED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 130,000.

Mileage: 130,000

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2001 FORD WINDSTAR. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE DRIVING AT APPROXIMATELY 45 MPH, AN UNKNOWN PART ON THE VEHICLE FRACTURED CAUSING THE REAR DRIVER SIDE TIRE TO CAVE. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO A DEALER, WHO DIAGNOSED THAT THE BODY MOUNT SPLIT IN THE MIDDLE FROM RUST AND KNOCKED OFF THE SHOCK. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS AWARE OF THE FAILURE. THE VIN WAS NOT AVAILABLE. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 136,000.

Mileage: 136,000

IN 2011 FORD RECALLED OVER 400000 VANS (1997-2003) DUE TO SERIOUS CORROSION OF AXLES AND OTHER COMPONENTS. SPECIAL REPAIRS WERE DONE AT FORD EXPENSE. RECENTLY MY MECHANIC INFORMED ME THAT THE REAR MOTOR MOUNT AND THE VAN SUB FRAME HAD CONTINUED TO RUST BADLY TO THE EXTENT THAT THE UNIT WAS A SAFETY RISK. A SEARCH OF THE INTERNET INDICATES THAT MANY, MANY REPAIRED FORD VEHICLES HAVE EXPERIENCED VERY SERIOUS CORROSION OF THE SUB FRAMES AND THE REPAIRED AXLES WITH SERIOUS RESULTS INCLUDING FAILURE OF SUB FRAMES AND OR AXLES WHEN DRIVING!! *TR

Mileage: 120,000

REPORT RECEIPT DATE: AUG 26, 2010 NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 10V385000 FORD'S RECALL NO. IS 10S13. THIS VEHICLE (VIN#: [XXX]) HAD THE RECALL PERFORMED BACK IN 2001 FOR THE REAR AXLE. ON 12/1/2014, MY GIRLFRIEND BROUGHT TO MY ATTENTION THAT THE LEFT REAR TIRE OF THE VEHICLE WAS LEANING IN TOWARDS THE INNER FENDER, COME TO FIND OUT, THE AXLE HAS NOW FAILED AND CRACKED AFTER THE RECALL WAS PERFORMED, AND BOTH THE FORD DEALER I TOOK THE VAN TO, AND ALSO FORD CORPORATE WILL NOT REPAIR OR REPLACE THE AXLE, STATING THAT THE RECALL WAS ONLY GOOD FOR 12 MONTHS, OR 12,000 MILES. UPON DOING SOME RESEARCH ONLINE, THERE HAS BEEN MULTIPLE FORD WINDSTAR OWNERS WHO HAVE HAD SIMILAR PROBLEMS, AND WITH NO HELP FROM FORD TO RESOLVE THIS ISSUE. (FOUND THIS FORUM ONLINE WHERE OWNERS HAVE HAD SIMILAR PROBLEMS AS I AM: HTTP://WWW.CARGURUS.COM/CARS/DISCUSSION-T554_DS514052). I FEEL THAT IT'S NOT FAIR THAT THESE AXLES ARE FAILING AFTER A RECALL, AND FORD IS NOT DOING ANYTHING TO FURTHER FIX THIS ISSUE. I'M BRINGING THIS TO YOUR ATTENTION, BECAUSE I FEEL A RECALL SHOULD FIX THE PROBLEM, NOT POSTPONE A KNOWN FAILURE. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6). *TR UPDATED 1/19/2016 *JS

Mileage: 150,000

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2001 FORD WINDSTAR. THE CONTACT HAD RECEIVED NOTIFICATION OF NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 10V385000(SUSPENSION) AND HAD TAKEN THE VEHICLE TO THE DEALER TO SERVICE THE VEHICLE UNDER THE RECALL. THE DEALER WAS EXPECTED TO INSPECT AND IF NECESSARY INSTALL THE REAR AXLE REINFORCEMENT BRACKETS. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THEY INSPECTED AND SPRAYED ANTI-CORROSION SPRAY ON THE AXLE. ON A LATER OCCASION, THE CONTACT STATED WHEN SHE EXITED THE VEHICLE SHE NOTICED THAT THE REAR DRIVER SIDE TIRE WAS LEANING INTO THE FRAME. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO THE DEALER FOR DIAGNOSIS AND THE MECHANIC STATED THAT REAR AXLE WAS FRACTURED AND NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED AND THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 170,917.

Mileage: 170,917

ABS AND BRAKE LIGHTS KEEP COMING ON AND OFF. ALSO HAVE SHAKING IN SUSPENSION FRONT AND BACK. DEALER CONDUCTED THE BACK AXLE REPAIR BUT THE VEHICLE STILL HAS A LITTLE SHAKE WITH NEW TIRES AND FRONT END ALIGNMENT. *TR

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 35 MPH THE REAR AXLE SNAPPED. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO A DEALER WHERE IT WAS CONFIRMED THAT THE AXLE HAD FRACTURED AND WOULD NEED TO BE REPLACED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS MADE AWARE OF THE ISSUE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 129,000.

Mileage: 129,000

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2001 FORD WINDSTAR. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE DRIVING AT 35 MPH, THE REAR AXLE FRACTURED. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO A DEALER. THE TECHNICIAN VERIFIED THE FAILURE AND STATED THAT THE REAR AXLE NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS MADE AWARE OF THE ISSUE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 129,000.

Mileage: 129,000

THE REAR AXLE BROKE IN THE PLACE THAT WAS "FIXED" BY THE RECALL WORK IN 2010. NOTICED SQUEAKING NOISES (TIRE WAS RUBBING) AND A LARGE CLUNK AND WIGGLE WHEN TURNING INTO A PARKING LOT. TOOK A PHOTO WHEN I GOT TO THE PARKING LOT. MY REAR DRIVER'S SIDE TIRE WAS AT AN ANGLE TO THE VEHICLE AND THE REAR AXLE WAS BROKEN UNDER THE COLLAR THAT HAD BEEN ATTACHED BY A DEALER FOR THE RECALL. THE WELD HELD UP, BUT THE AXLE SNAPPED UNDERNEATH THE FIX-UP JOB. APPARENTLY THE RECALL FIX WASN'T REALLY A FIX. TOWED IT INTO A DEALER, WHO TOOK PHOTOS AND TALKED TO FORD. FORD SAID THEY WOULDN'T DO ANYTHING. COST ME $$ TO TOW IT TO THE DEALER AND BACK HOME AGAIN. DON'T HAVE $1,000 TO PAY THE DEALER FOR A NEW REAR AXLE. VERY DISAPPOINTED THAT THEY DIDN'T STAND BY THEIR WORK. VERY THANKFUL THAT I WAS NOT ON THE FREEWAY, AND THAT ALL MY CHILDREN WERE NOT WITH ME AT THE TIME. IT COULD HAVE BEEN SO MUCH WORSE! *TR

Mileage: 142,000

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2001 FORD WINDSTAR. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE DRIVING 10 MPH AND MAKING A RIGHT TURN, A LOUD ABNORMAL THUMP NOISE EMITTED FROM THE REAR OF THE VEHICLE. THE VEHICLE WAS MERGED TO THE SIDE OF THE ROAD WHERE THE CONTACT NOTICED THAT THE LEFT REAR WHEEL WAS TILTED INWARD. THE CONTACT MENTIONED THAT THE VEHICLE HAD RECENTLY BEEN REPAIRED UNDER NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 12V195000 (SUSPENSION).THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO THE DEALER. THE TECHNICIAN DIAGNOSED THAT THE REAR AXLE NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE ISSUE. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS UNKNOWN.

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2001 FORD WINDSTAR. WHILE INSTALLING NEW TIRES ON THE VEHICLE, IT WAS DISCOVERED THAT THE REAR AXLE WAS FRACTURED. THE DEALER STATED THAT THE VEHICLE WAS NOT INCLUDED IN NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 12V193000 (POWER TRAIN). THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 181,618.

Mileage: 181,618

I WAS ON MY WAY HOME FROM WORK, WHEN MY VAN STARTED TO SHAKE AND SOUND LIKE I HAD A FLAT TIRE. I GOT OUT OF THE VAN AND LOOKED NO FLAT. WHEN I MADE IT HOME I NOTICED THAT THE BACK TIRE WAS LEANING AT AN ANGLE. I CHECKED MY LUG NUTS BUT THEY WERE TIGHT. I LOOKED UNDER THE VAN AND SEEN THAT THE AXLE BRACE WAS BROKEN. I CALLED FORD CUSTOMER SERVICE AT 1-800-392-3673 THEY TOLD ME THAT THE RECALL ON THE REAR AXLE WAS FIXED IN 2010 AND IT DIDN'T MATTER THAT IT WAS THE SAME PROBLEM THEY WERE NOT HELPING. THIS PROBLEM COULD HAVE CAUSED AN ACCIDENT. IF THERE IS A RECALL SHOULDN'T IT STAY IN EFFECT UNTIL THE PROBLEM IS COMPLETELY FIXED NO MATTER HOW MANY TIMES IT TAKES TO CORRECT THE PROBLEM? WHEN I ASKED IF IT HAD CAUSED AN ACCIDENT IF IT WOULD HAVE BEEN COVERED THEN THEY SAID NO! *TR

Mileage: 1,310,000

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2001 FORD WINDSTAR. WHILE DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 35 MPH, THE VEHICLE BEGAN TO VEER IN ONE DIRECTION INDEPENDENTLY. IN ADDITION, THE REAR OF THE VEHICLE BEGAN TO VIBRATE EXCESSIVELY. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC WHO STATED THAT THE REAR AXLE FRACTURED. THE RECALL THAT WAS RELATED TO THE FAILURE, NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 12V195000 (SUSPENSION), HAD EXPIRED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED. THE VIN WAS UNAVAILABLE. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 137,000.

Mileage: 137,000

THE RECALL 10S13 REAR AXLE INSPECTION AND REPAIR WAS PERFORMED ON MY CAR IN 2011. FORD DEALER INSPECTED, CLEANED AND PAINTED AREAS OF REAR AXLE RECOMMENDED BY FORD. THEY INSTALLED ADDITIONAL SUPPORT PARTS. NOW REAR AXLE RUSTED THRU WHERE WORK WAS DONE DURING RECALL WORK. IT IS SAFETY CONCERN. FORD'S TEMPORARY FIX DOES NOT WORK AS PERMANENT FIX. WHEN I CALLED FORD REGARDING THIS PROBLEM, THEY SAY THAT THE RECALL WORK WARRANTY 12 MONTHS ONLY. *TR

Mileage: 110,000

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2001 FORD WINDSTAR. WHILE DRIVING 45 MPH, THE REAR AXLE FRACTURED. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC WHO CONFIRMED THAT THE REAR AXLE FAILED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE VEHICLE WAS PREVIOUSLY REPAIRED ACCORDING TO NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 10V385000 (SUSPENSION). THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 160,000.

Mileage: 160,000

ONE WEEK PRIOR TO A SCHEDULED VACATION (900 MILE SOUTH) WE ASKED MECHANIC TO CHECK THE REAR AXLE BECAUSE OF THE PREVIOUS REPAIR FOR THE RECALL. BRACKETS INSTALLED 4/12/2011 BY HALDEMAN FORD IN ALLENTOWN, PA FOR THE RECALL 10S13 WERE IN PLACE PER OUR MECHANIC. SEVERAL SERIOUS CRACKS AND RUST AROUND THE BRACKETS WERE FOUND IN THE AXLE DURING THIS INSPECTION AND PICTURES WERE TAKEN. HALDEMAN FORD AGREED THAT THE AXLE NEEDED TO BE REPLACED BASED ON SEVERE DAMAGE AND RUST, SENT PICTURES TO FORD MOTOR COMPANY, FOR APPROVAL OF REPLACEMENT OF THE REAR AXLE UNDER THE RECALL. FORD ENGINEERS EXAMINE THE PICTURES SENT BY HALDEMAN FORD DENIED THE REPAIR. FORD MOTOR CO. SAID " THE BRACKETS DID WHAT THEY WERE SUPPOSED TO DO". HALDEMAN FORD WAS SURPRISED THAT THE REPAIR WORK WAS DENIED CALLED SARA AT FORD'S CUSTOMER RELATION CENTER WHO INDICATED THAT THEIR POLICY WAS THAT THE FORD ENGINEERS DETERMINATION WAS FINAL. MANANGER TOLD US: FORD'S POLICY WAS THAT THE REPAIR WAS DONE PER REQUIRED BY THE RECALL 10S13 AND THAT THERE WAS A 1 YEAR WARRANTY ON THE REPAIR AND IT IS PASSED THE WARRANTY PERIOD AND AGAIN DENIED THE REPAIR REQUEST. WE WERE NEVER TOLD OF A ONE YEAR WARRANTY. (I HAVE THE ORIGINAL COPY OF THE FORD "REPAIR ORDER DETAILS" WITH NO "SMALL PRINT" OR OTHERWISE REGARDING THE WARRANTY). HALDEMAN FORD STATED THEY WAS UNAWARE OF A 1 YR. WARRANTY. HAD REAR AXLE REPLACED FOR THE COST OF $918 FOR VACATION 2 DAYS LATER. PLEASE INVESTIGATE I WOULD APPRECIATE ANY ASSISTANCE YOU COULD PROVIDE WITH SECURING PAYMENT FOR THE REPAIR THAT FORD WAS RESPONSIBLE FOR. NEVER RECEIVED A "RECALL NOTICE" FROM FORD MOTOR DESPITE BEING THE ONLY OWNER OF THE WINDSTAR (WAS A DEMO VEHICLE) LIVING AT SAME ADDRESS. WHEN WE FIRST TOOK IT TO HALDEMAN FORD ABOUT THE RECALL, THEY SAID THEY DIDN'T KNOW ANYTHING ABOUT THE RECALL AND WOULD NOT REPAIR IT UNTIL THEY WERE NOTIFIED. *TR

Mileage: 198,763

TOOK FORD WINDSTAR VAN 2001 IN FOR BRAKE INSPECTION BACK ON MARCH 31,2014 WAS SHOWN PICTURE OF REAR AXLE THAT WAS CRACKED IN HALF BUT HAD THE FORD MANUFACTURED BRACKET INSTALLED AS A FIX TO THE RECALLED AXLE ( WHICH I WAS NOT TOLD ABOUT WHEN WE PURCHASED THE USED VAN FROM THE DEALERSHIP). ON MARCH 31, 2014 MY MECHANIC TOLD ME HE WOULD NOT GO ON THE EXPRESSWAY WITH IT. TODAY, 7/30/14 I WAS DRIVING WITH MY CHILDREN IN THE VAN AND I HEARD A TERRIBLE NOISE COMING FROM REAR OF THE VAN. I SLOWED DOWN AND DROVE HOME. WHEN I GOT OUT OF THE VAN AT HOME BOTH OF MY REAR TIRES WERE LEANING INWARDS AND UPON FURTHER INSPECTION LOOKED UNDER THE VAN AND SAW THE AXLE COMPLETELY CRACKED IN HALF WITH A GOOD HALF AN INCH WIDE CRACK THROUGH THE AXLE. WHEN THE MECHANIC TOOK PICTURE BACK IN MARCH THE CRACK WAS A HAIRLINE CRACK. PLEASE LET EVERYONE BE AWARE OF THIS LIFE THREATENING SITUATION. IF YOU DRIVE A FORD WINDSTAR THAT HAS BEEN RECALLED AND FIXED WITH A BRACKET FOR THE REAR AXLE DO NOT GET BEHIND THE WHEEL IT IS A DEATH TRAP!!!!!!!!!!!! *TR

Mileage: 131,242

WHILE DRIVING THROUGH AN INTERSECTION I HEARD A LOUD BANG UNDERNEATH THE CAR AND I LOST ALL STEERING CONTROL! I PARKED THE CAR AND CALLED FOR A TOW. WHEN VAN WAS ON THE FLATBED I OBSERVED THE ENGINE MOUNTING HAD DETACHED ON BOTH SIDES OF THE CAR. THE ENGINE AND OTHER COMPONENTS WERE HANGING DOWN. HAD VAN TOWED HOME. THROUGH MY OWN RESEARCH I FOUND THAT MY VAN WAS PART OF RECALL NO. 11S16 FOR CORROSION RELATED FRACTURES AT THE FRONT LOWER CONTROL ARM REAR ATTACHING BRACKETS AND BODY MOUNT ATTACHMENTS AT THE REAR OF THE FRONT SUBFRAME. I WAS SHOCKED THAT I HAD NOT BEEN NOTIFIED OF THIS RECALL BECAUSE I HAD BEEN NOTIFIED REGARDING RECALL NO 11S13 FOR REAR AXLE CORROSION RELATED CRACKING. VAN WAS TAKEN FOR INSPECTION AXLE AND WE WERE TOLD IT PASSED AND NOTHING ELSE NEEDED TO BE DONE. HAD VAN TOWED AGAIN, THIS TIME TO DEALER. DEALER SAYS SUBFRAME AND REAR AXLE NEED REPLACED AND FORD WANTS TO DO THE REPLACEMENT. AS A RESULT OF THE FRAME DETACHMENT, THE INTERMEDIATE SHAFT NEEDS REPLACED. THERE ARE OTHER UNKNOWN COMPONENTS THAT MAY NEED REPAIRED/REPLACED AND THEY WON'T KNOW UNTIL THEY DO THE WORK. THE OTHER REPAIRS MAY OR MAY NOT BE PAID FOR BY FORD. UNDER FORD'S OWN REMEDIES, IF BRACKETS CAN NOT REPAIR THE ORIGINAL SUBFRAME, THEN A REPURCHASE OFFER FOR THE VEHICLE SHOULD BE MADE. TO DATE, FORD HAS REFUSED THIS AS A REMEDY. INSTEAD, THEY WANT TO REPLACE THE SUBFRAME AND AXLE THAT WOULD HAVE TO BE ATTACHED TO OTHER CORRODED PARTS OF THE VEHICLE. MY FAMILY'S LIVES WERE ALREADY PUT IN DANGER ENOUGH BY THESE DEFECTIVE PRODUCTS. I WAS NOT NOTIFIED REGARDING THE SUBFRAME RECALL AND THE REAR AXLE WAS IMPROPERLY HANDLED. THE AXLE SHOULD HAVE HAD REINFORCEMENT BRACKETS ATTACHED EVEN IF IT DID PASS INSPECTION. THIS WAS NOT DONE NOR WERE WE TOLD TO BRING IT BACK IN TO BE DONE. FORD SHOULD BE FORCED TO BUY BACK MY VEHICLE UNDER IT'S OWN REMEDY INSTRUCTIONS PROVIDED TO THE NHTSA. *TR

Mileage: 212,600

WHILE BACKING OUT OF MY DRIVEWAY THE SUBFRAME FELL OUT OF MY VEHICLE CAUSING THE THROTTLE BODY TO OPEN ALL THE WAY DROPPED OUT OF REVERSE AND WENT INTO DRIVE LOST STEERING ,LOST BRAKES JAMMED VEHICLE INTO PARK TO STOP 1 FOOT FROM TELEPHONE POLE. HAD VEHICLE TOWED TO FORD TOOK 1 WEEK TO HERE ANYTHING FROM THEM ,WAS TOLD I COULD NOT HAVE A RENTAL OR LOANER VEHICLE WHILE THEY HAD MY CAR. CALLED FORD CUSTOMER SERVICE LINE WAS TOLD I COULD ONLY GET RENTAL CAR FOR 1 DAY FOR SUBFRAME AND 1 DAY FOR REAR AXLE RECALL , AS OF 7/14 2014 WAS TOLD I WOULD MAYBE HAVE MY VEHICLE BACK BY NEXT WEEK AFTER FORD EVALUATED MY CAR FOR REPAIRS. I DID NOT RECEIVE A PHONE CALL FROM FORD DEALER UNTIL 7/14/2014. *TR

Mileage: 236,000

I WAS DRIVING ON INTERSTATE 39 TOWARDS WISCONSIN DELLS WITH MY WIFE AND DAUGHTERS. ABOUT 15 MILES OUT OF MADISON WISCONSIN MY DAUGHTERS BEGAN SCREAMING I LOOKED BACK AND THERE WAS SMOKE EVERYWHERE. I IMMEDIATELY PULLED TO SIDE OF HIGHWAY AND GOT EVERYONE OUT OF THE VEHICLE. BOTH MY REAR TIRES HAD COLLAPSE. I HAD TO GET TOWED INTO A FORD DEALER IN MADISON WISCONSIN. THE REAR AXLE ON THE VAN HAD SPLIT IN HALF. CALLING FORD WAS NO HELP. THEY STATED THAT A RECALL HAD BEEN ON THAT VEHICLE A COUPLE YEARS BACK AND THAT THE WARRANTY ON THAT RECALL HAD EXPIRED. LUCKILY NOTHING HAPPENED TO MY FAMILY BUT IF THESE ISSUES ON THIS RECALL WHICH WAS DONE TWO YEARS AGO HASN'T FIXED THE PROBLEM SOMEONE IS GOING TO GET SERIOUSLY HURT! EVEN IF I FIX THIS PROBLEM I WILL NOT BE ABLE TO TRUST THIS VEHICLE. PLEASE LOOK INTO THIS SOMEONE. THERE ARE MANY WINDSTARS THAT WERE REPAIRED AROUND THE SAME TIME BECAUSE OF RECALL THAT WILL BEGIN TO FALL APART AGAIN. PROBLEM NOT FIXED! *TR

Mileage: 140,000

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2001 FORD WINDSTAR. THE CONTACT STATED WHILE DRIVING 10 MPH SHE HEARD AN ABNORMAL CRACKLING SOUND, FOLLOWED BY A LOUD SCREECHING SOUND. THE CONTACT THEN NOTICED THAT THE ENTIRE REAR OF THE VEHICLE HAD DROPPED TO THE GROUND. THE CONTACT WAS ABLE TO DRIVE OFF OF THE MAIN ROAD WHERE THE POLICE INFORMED HER THAT HER REAR AXLE HAD DETACHED FROM THE VEHICLE AND WAS STILL IN THE MIDDLE OF THE ROADWAY. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE CONTACT WAS ADVISED OF NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER 12V195000 (SUSPENSION) HOWEVER, THE VIN WAS NOT INCLUDED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 114,000.

Mileage: 114,000

WE LEFT THE HOUSE AND WAS DRIVING AND THE VAN FELT LIKE IT WAS SLIDING BACK AND FORTH. I STOPPED AND CHECKED AND THE BACK WHEEL WAS SETTING CROOKED. I CHECKED THE LUGS AND THE WERE TIGHT. WE TURNED AROUND WENT BACK HOME. I LOOKED UNDER IT AND FOUND THE AXLE CRACKED AND BROKE. WE CALLED FORD AND THEY HAD A RECALL ON THAT BUT SAID THEY WERE NO LONGER REPAIRING THEM. *TR

REAR AXLE FAILED AFTER RECALL REPAIRS WERE MADE BY DEALER. *TR

Mileage: 146,000

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

TOOK IN FOR A RECALL ON SUBFRAME PUT ON SUPPORT BRACKETS. WENT TO GET IT INSPECTED. SUBFRAME IS ROTTED OUT. I WAS TOLD ANOTHER RECALL WAS DONE FOR THOSE IN COLD WEATHER CLIMATES. FORD RECALL COMPUTER IS DOWN. THE CONSUMER WAS INFORMED THE VEHICLE WAS UNSAFE TO DRIVE, AS THE FRAME WAS STRUCTURALLY UNSOUND. NO WAS WILLING TO FIX THE OTHER PROBLEMS WITH THE VEHICLE, DUE TO THE RUSTED OUT FRAME. UPDATED 05/12/14

FORTUNATELY THERE WAS NO ACCIDENT, BUT MY VEHICLE IS VERY UNSAFE TO DRIVE. I TOOK THE VEHICLE TO THE DEALER FOR SAFETY RECALL 11S16 . THE DEALER CONTACTED FORD BECAUSE SWAY BAR BUSHINGS ARE COMPLETELY RUSTED OUT AND BROKEN, LEAVING NOTHING TO ATTACH THE SWAY BAR TO. FORD SAYS THE BRACKET IS OUTSIDE THE SCOPE AND ADVISES THE DEALER TO PERFORM THE REPAIR. THE SWAY BAR HAS BROKEN OFF FROM THE FRONT SUB-FRAME PASSENGER SIDE OF THE CAR. THE DEALER SAID THE SUB-FRAME IS SO RUSTED THAT THE ONLY WAY TO REATTACH THE SWAY BAR IS TO REPLACE THE ENTIRE FRONT SUB-FRAME AT A COST OF $2900. THE DEALER DEEMED MY CAR UNSAFE TO DRIVE, AS I WON'T HAVE CONTROL OF MY CAR ON QUICK TURNS OR BE ABLE TO MAKE FAST MANEUVERS IN THE EVENT OF AN ACCIDENT OR TO AVOID POTENTIAL ACCIDENTS. ANOTHER RISK IS THAT MY ENGINE MAY FALL OUT THE BOTTOM OF MY CAR WHILE DRIVING (WHICH I SEE HAS HAPPENED TO OTHERS WITH MY SAME PROBLEM), ENDANGERING MY FAMILY AND OTHERS ON THE ROAD. I PLAN ON PARKING THIS CAR IN MY DRIVEWAY AND WAITING FOR FORD TO BE FORCED TO RECALL THESE VEHICLES. *TR

Mileage: 141,500

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2001 FORD WINDSTAR. THE CONTACT STATED WHILE DRIVING 20 MPH, BURNING FUMES STARTED TO EMIT INTO THE VEHICLE AND THE VEHICLE STARTED TO SHAKE VIOLENTLY. THE CONTACT STATED WHEN THE DRIVER INSPECTED THE VEHICLE HE NOTICED THE REAR DRIVER SIDE TIRE HAD BLOWN OUT. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO THE DEALER. THE TECHNICIAN DIAGNOSED THE AXLE HAD FRACTURED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE , BUT REFUSED TO PROVIDE ANY ASSISTANCE, STATING THE VEHICLE HAD ALREADY BEEN REPAIRED UNDER RECALL NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 10V385000 (SUSPENSION). THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE FAILURE AND CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 130,000.

Mileage: 130,000

I WAS DRIVING DOWN THE ROAD AND THERE WAS A LOUD SNAP AND GRINDING SOUND FROM THE REAR OF THE CAR. BOTH REAR WHEELS WERE AT AN APPROXIMATE 20 DEGREE ANGLE OFF CENTER. *TR

Mileage: 93,901

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2001 FORD WINDSTAR. THE CONTACT STATED THAT AFTER HAVING THE VEHICLE SERVICED UNDER NHTSA CAMPAIGN ID NUMBER: 12V194000 (SUSPENSION) REMEDIED ON THE VEHICLE, THE REAR AXLE BECAME CRACKED. THE CONTACT TOOK THE VEHICLE BACK TO THE DEALER, WHO STATED THAT THEY WOULD NOT REMEDY THE CRACKED AXLE BECAUSE THE MANUFACTURER WOULD ONLY GUARANTEE THE BRACKET REPAIR FOR ONE YEAR. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 160,000. UPDATED 03/05/14*LJ

Mileage: 160,000

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2001 FORD WINDSTAR. THE CONTACT STATED THAT SHE CONTACTED THE MANUFACTURER REGARDING NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 12V195000 (SUSPENSION) AND STATED THAT THE VIN WAS NOT INCLUDED. THE CONTACT ALSO MENTIONED THAT THE REAR AXLE ON THE VEHICLE WAS CRACKED, CORRODED AND WOULD MAKE LOUD BANGING NOISES WHEN DRIVING AT VARIOUS SPEEDS. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 122,000.

Mileage: 122,000

DRIVING THE VEHICLE BECAME UNCOMFORTABLE AT BOTH LOW AND HIGH SPEED; THEREFORE, I STARTED INVESTIGATING TO TRY TO IDENTIFY THE CAUSE. 1ST I FOUND ONE OF THE REAR SHOCKS WAS VERY BOUNCY, THE REAR TIRES WERE NOT STRAIGHT AND BOTH REAR TIRES WERE WEARING ON THE INSIDE. REPLACED BOTH REAR SHOCKS. THAT DIDN'T SOLVE THE PROBLEM AND THE REAR TIRES WERE STILL NOT STRAIGHT. NEXT I WENT TO MIKE NAUGHTON FORD DEALERSHIP AND TALKED WITH A SERVICE REPRESENTATIVE ABOUT THE PROBLEM AND ASKED IF THERE WAS A RECALL. THE TECHNICIAN SAID THAT I NEEDED TO BRING THE VEHICLE IN FOR AN ALIGNMENT AND HAVE THE REAR CAMBERS SHIMMIED SO THAT THE WHEELS WOULD BE STRAIGHT AT A ESTIMATE COST OF $200.00, THAT THERE WERE NO RECALLS TO HAVE THIS WORK DONE. LAST NIGHT (10-13-2013), I JACKED THE VEHICLE UP TO LOOK UNDER TO SEE HOW DIFFICULT IT WOULD BE TO PERFORM THE WORK MYSELF. I DECIDED THAT I WOULD TAKE THE VEHICLE TO FORD AND PAY THEM TO DO THE WORK. I WAS JACKING THE VEHICLE UP TO REMOVE THE JACK STANCE AND BOTH TIRES FELL ALMOST TO THE FLOOR. I LOOK UNDER THE VEHICLE TO IDENTIFY WHAT HAPPENED AND FOUND THE AXLE HOUSING BENT/BROKEN IN HALF. IT APPEARS THAT IT HAS BEEN CRACKED/BROKEN FOR SOME TIME BECAUSE THE INITIAL BREAK WAS RUSTY. HAVE NOT BEEN ABLE TO FOLLOW-UP WITH THE FORD DEALER YET - I BELIEVE THAT THE SERVICE DEPARTMENT MIGHT BE CLOSED TODAY (COLUMBUS DAY) BECAUSE I HAVEN'T BEEN ABLE TO REACH ANYONE BY PHONE. *TR

Mileage: 157,000

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

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2001 FORD WINDSTAR. THE CONTACT STATED WHILE DRIVING 30 MPH, THE REAR SUSPENSION COLLAPSED AND CAUSED THE DRIVERS SIDE REAR TIRE TO BLOWOUT. THE CONTACT WAS ABLE TO DRIVE TO HIS RESIDENCE WHERE THE VEHICLE WAS LATER TOWED TO A DEALER. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED NOR WAS THE FAILURE DIAGNOSED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT NOTIFIED. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE AND CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 201,000. THE VIN WAS UNAVAILABLE.

Mileage: 201,000

HAD THE VEHICLE SERVICED FOR 2 CORROSION RECALLS. WAS DRIVING ON THE FREEWAY APPROX. 60MPH, HEARD A POP IN THE AREA OF THE RIGHT FRONT TIRE. TOOK VAN TO THE SHOP I USE, WHERE I WAS TOLD IT WAS PART OF THE FRAME AND NEED TO TAKE IT TO THE DEALERSHIP(BLACKWELL FORD, PLYMOUTH, MI. 48170). DEALERSHIP SAID THE VAN NEEDED A SUBFRAME ASSY. AND RIGHT SWAY BAR BUSHING BRACKET, AND POSSIBLY MORE. ALL WAS DUE TO CORROSION, COMBINATION POOR DESIGN AND INFERIOR MATERIAL. THEY CONTACTED FORD MOTOR, SENT ESTIMATE, PICTURES AND INFORMATION. FORDS RESPONSE IS THAT IT WASN'T PART OF ANY RECALL, EVEN THOUGH THERE HAS BEEN AT LEAST TWO FOR CORROSION THAT I AM AWARE OF. THIS IS CLEARLY A DESIGN AND/OR A MATERIAL ISSUE WITH MY WINDSTAR. IT IS NOT SAFE TO DRIVE, AND THERE IS NO WAY, WITH MY CONSCIOUS THAT I CAN TRY TO SELL IT. THIS IS AN ONGOING ISSUE WITH THE WINDSTAR. I'M SURE THIS IS PART OF HUNDREDS IF NOT THOUSANDS OF COMPLAINTS ON THIS ISSUE, WHAT CAN BE DONE? HOW MANY INJURIES OR DEATHS HAVE THERE BEEN BECAUSE OF CORROSION ISSUE WITH THE WINDSTAR? HELP!!!! *TR

Mileage: 150,000

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2001 FORD WINDSTAR. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE DRIVING 45 MPH, THE REAR AXLE FAILED AND BECAME FRACTURED. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC FOR DIAGNOSIS WHERE IT WAS STATED THAT THE DRIVER'S SIDE REAR AXLE NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE VEHICLE WAS REPAIRED AND THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 175,000. UPDATED 9/5/13 *CN UPDATED 09/13/2013 *JS

Mileage: 175,000

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2001 FORD WINDSTAR. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE DRIVING 20 MPH, THE SUBFRAME DETACHED FROM THE VEHICLE. THE VEHICLE WAS INSPECTED BY AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC WHO STATED THAT THE SUBFRAME WAS CORRODED. THE VEHICLE WAS PREVIOUSLY REPAIRED UNDER NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 12V194000 (SUSPENSION). THE MANUFACTURER WAS MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE AND STATED NO FURTHER REPAIR WOULD BE PROVIDED. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 173,000. *TR

Mileage: 173,000

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 WHILE DRIVING 35 MPH, A BURNING RUBBER SMELL CAME FROM THE REAR OF THE VEHICLE. THE CONTACT MOVED OFF THE ROADWAY TO EXAMINE THE VEHICLE AND NOTICED THAT THE REAR DRIVER'S SIDE TIRE WAS RUBBING AGAINST THE WHEEL WELL. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO A DEALER, WHO STATED THAT THE REAR AXLE WAS BROKEN. THE CONTACT REFERENCED NHTSA CAMPAIGN ID NUMBER: 12V194000 (SUSPENSION) BUT WAS TOLD BY THE DEALER THAT THE VEHICLE WAS NOT INCLUDED IN THE RECALL. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 130,000.

Mileage: 130,000

FORD=FIX OR REPAIR DAILY!!!!!!!!!!! I AM WRITING TO TRY AND GET FORD TO DO THE RIGHT THING. MY MOTHER'S EX-HUSBAND TOLD ME TO NEVER BUY A FORD AND I DID NOT LISTEN. I BOUGHT A WINDSTAR 2001. I TOOK IT IN FOR THE RECALL ON THE AXLE. THEY INSPECTED AND TOLD ME IT WAS FINE. I WAS UNAWARE THAT THEY DID ANYTHING TO IT. THREE WEEKS AGO, I WAS DRIVING HOME FROM THE GYM WHEN MY CAR STARTED SOUNDING ODD. I... PULLED OVER AND NOTICED MY TIRES WERE LEANING IN. MY AXLE HAD SNAPPED. I CALLED THE FORD DEALERSHIP AND THEY SAID THEY WOULD INDEED FIX IT DUE TO THE RECALL. I HAD IT TOWED TO THE DEALERSHIP IN TAYLOR. THAT NEXT MONDAY WAS MEMORIAL DAY SO I DID NOT HEAR ANYTHING FROM THEM UNTIL THEY CALLED ON TUESDAY AND STATED THEY WILL NOT FIX IT BECAUSE THEY HAD PLACED BRACKETS ON IT 2 YEAR AGO. THEY SAID THEY HAD COMPLIED WITH THE RECALL AND THEY WERE NOT RESPONSIBLE FOR THIS REPAIR. WHAT I DO NOT UNDERSTAND IS HOW THEY BELIEVE THIS IS ACCEPTABLE. IF FORD HAD FIXED THE PROBLEM IN THE FIRST PLACE THIS WOULD NOT HAVE BEEN AN ISSUE. I COULD HAVE BEEN DRIVING ON THE FREEWAY OR MY KIDS COULD HAVE BEEN IN THE CAR. I HAVE CONTACTED FORD AND ASKED FOR THEM TO RECONSIDER THIS TO NO AVAIL. THANK YOU. *TR

Mileage: 158,657

ON 01/06/2011 I TOOK MY MINIVAN IN FOR THE RECALL ON THE AXLE. THEY TOLD ME IT WAS FINE AND SENT ME HOME. ON FRIDAY WHILE DRIVING ON NORTHLINE ROAD IN SOUTHGATE MICHIGAN, MY AXLE SNAPPED. I TOOK IT TO THE TAYLOR FORD AND THEY SAID IT WOULD BE FIXED BY FORD. I WAS TOLD TODAY 05/28/2013THAT THEY WOULD NOT COVER THE REPAIR DUE TO THE FACT THEY PUT BRACKETS ON IT IN 2011. I WAS NOT INFORMED OF THE FACT THEY PUT BRACKETS ON IT IN 2011. I WAS DRIVING A VEHICLE THAT WAS DANGEROUS ON THE FREEWAY. *TR

Mileage: 158,657

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2001 FORD WINDSTAR. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE DRIVING 25 MPH, SHE NOTICED SMOKE EMITTING FROM THE VEHICLE AS THE VEHICLE BECAME DIFFICULT TO MANEUVER. THE CONTACT INSPECTED THE VEHICLE AND DISCOVERED THAT THE REAR TIRES WERE AWKWARDLY TURNED OUTWARD. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC FOR DIAGNOSIS AND THE CONTACT WAS INFORMED THAT THE REAR AXLE WAS FRACTURED. THE CONTACT WAS INFORMED OF A RECALL FOR THE FAILURE UNDER NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 10V385000 (SUSPENSION). THE MANUFACTURER WAS CONTACTED AND ADVISED THAT THE RECALL HAD BEEN PERFORMED ON THE VEHICLE MORE THAN A YEAR PRIOR TO THE RECENT FAILURE. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT FURTHER REPAIRED. THE FAILURE AND CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 136,000.

Mileage: 136,000

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2001 FORD WINDSTAR. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE REAR AXLE WAS FRACTURED. THE VEHICLE WAS PREVIOUSLY REPAIRED UNDER NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 12V195000 (SUSPENSION). THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALER WHERE IT WAS CONFIRMED THAT THE AXLE HAD FAILED. THE VEHICLE WAS REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS CONTACTED ABOUT THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 177,000.

Mileage: 177,000

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2001 FORD WINDSTAR. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE REAR AXLE BECAME FRACTURED. THE CONTACT WAS ABLE TO STOP THE VEHICLE WITHOUT INCIDENT. THE CONTACT REFERENCED NHTSA CAMPAIGN ID NUMBER: 12V195000 (SUSPENSION) FOR THE REAR AXLE, BUT THE MANUFACTURER STATED THAT THE VEHICLE WAS NOT INCLUDED IN THE RECALL CAMPAIGN. THE FAILURE AND THE CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 190,000. *TR

Mileage: 190,000

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2001 FORD WINDSTAR. THE CONTACT STATED THAT HE RECEIVED NOTIFICATION OF NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER 12V195000 (SUSPENSION) AND TOOK THE VEHICLE THE DEALER FOR REPAIRS. ON A LATER DATE WHILE DRIVING 65 MPH, THE REAR AXLE FRACTURED. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO THE DEALER, WHO INSPECTED THE VEHICLE AND STATED THAT THE REAR AXLE RECALL REPLACEMENT HAD NEVER BEEN COMPLETED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE AND CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 163,000.

Mileage: 163,000

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2001 FORD WINDSTAR. THE CONTACT STATED THAT AFTER HAVING REPAIRS TO THE VEHICLE UNDER NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 12V195000 (SUSPENSION) HE NOTICED THAT THE REAR AXLE WAS CORRODED AND A CRACKED HAD DEVELOPED WHERE THE REINFORCEMENT BRACKETS WERE INSTALLED. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALER. THE TECHNICIAN REFUSED TO PROVIDE ANY ASSISTANCE SINCE THE VEHICLE HAD BEEN REPAIRED UNDER THE RECALL. THE MANUFACTURER WAS MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE BUT DID NOT OFFER ANY ASSISTANCE. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 124,000 AND THE CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 144,000. *TR

Mileage: 124,000

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

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2001 FORD WINDSTAR. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE VEHICLE WAS REPAIRED UNDER NHTSA CAMPAIGN ID NUMBER: 12V194000 (SUSPENSION). THE CONTACT NOTICED CORROSION IN THE ENGINE CRADLE AND SWAY BAR MOUNTING AFTER THE RECALL REPAIR WAS PERFORMED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT FURTHER REPAIRED. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 110,000.

Mileage: 110,000

I HEARD LOUD CLUNKING SOUNDS IN THE FRONT THAT WERE MORE PRONOUNCED WHEN I WENT OVER BUMPS. THE SWAY BAR HAS BROKEN OFF FROM THE FRONT SUB-FRAME PASSENGER SIDE OF THE CAR. THE DEALER SAID THE SUB-FRAME IS SO RUSTED THAT THE ONLY WAY TO REATTACH THE SWAY BAR IS TO REPLACE THE ENTIRE FRONT SUB-FRAME AT A COST OF $3,500. IT IS NOT COVERED UNDER PREVIOUS RECALLS, SINCE THE PRIOR 2 RECALLS IN 2010 AND 2011 ONLY SPECIFICALLY COVERED THE REAR AXLE AND THE SEPARATION OF THE FRONT LOWER CONTROL ARMS ATTACHING BRACKETS AND BODY MOUNT ATTACHMENTS AT THE REAR OF THE FRONT SUB-FRAME. THIS PROBLEM IS SO SIMILAR TO THE JAN. 2011 RECALL W/A PART BREAKING OFF FROM A RUSTED SUB-FRAME. IT'S THE CORROSION OF THE SUB-FRAME THAT IS AT THE ROOT OF THESE PROBLEMS. THEY SHOULD HAVE JUST REPLACED THE SUB-FRAME AT THAT TIME INSTEAD OF DOING A PATCH JOB W/ BRACKETS. THE DEALER DEEMED MY CAR UNSAFE TO DRIVE, AS I WON'T HAVE CONTROL OF MY CAR ON QUICK TURNS OR BE ABLE TO MAKE FAST MANEUVERS IN THE EVENT OF AN ACCIDENT OR TO AVOID POTENTIAL ACCIDENTS. ANOTHER RISK IS THAT MY ENGINE MAY FALL OUT THE BOTTOM OF MY CAR WHILE DRIVING (WHICH I SEE HAS HAPPENED TO OTHERS WITH MY SAME PROBLEM), ENDANGERING MY FAMILY AND OTHERS ON THE ROAD. I PLAN ON PARKING THIS CAR IN MY DRIVEWAY AND WAITING FOR FORD TO BE FORCED TO RECALL THESE VEHICLES. IN THE MEANTIME, IF ANY OF YOU HAVE A SIMILAR PROBLEM, PLEASE REPORT THEM TO FORD CORPORATION AND THE NHTSA, SO WHAT I BELIEVE TO BE AN INEVITABLE RECALL WILL BE EXPEDITED. EVEN THE FORD CUSTOMER SERVICE REP ENCOURAGED ME TO FILE A REPORT WITH THE NHTSA BECAUSE SHE HAS GOTTEN CALLS WITH OTHER SIMILAR COMPLAINTS. SHE WAS VERY SYMPATHETIC TO MY SITUATION BUT SAID THERE IS NOTHING SHE CAN DO UNTIL ENOUGH COMPLAINTS GET FILED WITH THE NHTSA SO THEY OPEN AN INVESTIGATION. WHAT HAPPENED TO COMPANIES WANTING TO HELP THEIR CUSTOMERS W/O BEING FORCED BY A GOVERNMENTAL AGENCY?! *TR

Mileage: 185,400

THE REAR AXLE, IS RUSTED AND SNAPPED LITERALLY RIGHT IN HALF WHILE DRIVING WITH MY TWO YOUNG CHILDREN! WE WERE LUCKY ENOUGH NOT TO HAVE BEEN SERIOUSLY HURT OR IN AN ACCIDENT! *TR

Mileage: 191,600

I TOOK THE VAN IN FOR SERVICE AND I WAS TOLD THE RIGHT FRONT SWAY BAR COULD NOT BE RE-ATTACHED BECAUSE OF EXCESSIVE RUST . MY MECHANIC MENTIONED HE THOUGHT THERE WAS A RECALL FOR THIS BUT I NEVER RECEIVED ONE. IS THERE ANYTHING I CAN DO ABOUT IT NOW? *TR

Mileage: 131,000

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2001 FORD WINDSTAR. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 65 MPH IN SNOWY CONDITIONS, THE VEHICLE BEGAN TO SLIDE AND VEER TO THE LEFT. THE CONTACT MOVED THE VEHICLE TO THE SHOULDER TO INSPECT THE VEHICLE AND NOTICED THAT THE FRONT AXLE HAD FAILED AND THE PASSENGER FRONT TIRE WAS LEANING INWARD IN THE WHEEL WELL. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC FOR DIAGNOSTIC TESTING. THE MANUFACTURER WAS MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE AND STATED THAT THE VIN WAS NOT INCLUDED IN NHTSA CAMPAIGN ID NUMBER: 12V194000 (SUSPENSION:FRONT:CONTROL ARM). THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 101,000.

Mileage: 101,000

JUST 18-MONTHS AFTER THE FORD WINDSTAR SAFETY RECALL REPAIRS WERE COMPLETED, THE FRONT SUB-FRAME OF MY 2001 FORD WINDSTAR CRACKED RESULTING IN LOSS OF STABILITY. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE FORD DEALERSHIP IN MIDLAND MICHIGAN. IT WAS DEEMED UNSAFE TO DRIVE BY THE FORD DEALERSHIP SERVICE MANAGER AND REPAIR TECHNICIAN. *TR

Mileage: 148,000

I TOOK MY VEHICLE FOR A RECALL FOR THE REAR AXLE A YEAR AGO AND THEY SPRAYED SOME SEALER ON IT AND SAID IT WAS GOOD TO GO. SO NOW THE AXLE IS CRACKED, AND READY TO SNAP. WHAT SHOULD I DO? ALSO THERE IS A RECALL ON THE BRAKE PRESSURE DEACTIVATION SWITCH ON MY VEHICLE WHICH IS LEAKING BRAKE FLUID ON THE WIRING HARNESS. I SHOULDN'T BE DRIVING IT, BUT I NEED TO GET TO BOSTON. AGAIN WHAT CAN I DO ABOUT THIS? *TR

Mileage: 117,000

MAKING A LEFT TURN, HEARD A LOUD BANG. THE SWAY BAR LINK CAME LOOSE ATTACHED TO A CHUNK OF RUSTED METAL FROM THE SUBFRAME. THE SWAY BAR AND LINK ARE FINE. IT IS A PART OF THE SUBFRAME WHERE IT ATTACHES TO THAT CAME OFF. THERE IS NO WAY TO REATTACH THE SWAY BAR AS THE WHOLE SECTION WHERE IT ATTACHES TO SUBFRAME IS RUSTED. CALLED FORD DEALER IN ITHACA, THIS IS NOT COVERED BY THEIR RECALLS. *TR

Mileage: 86,604

I WAS DRIVING HOME WHEN I WENT AROUND A CORNER I HEARD A THUMP IN THE FRONT PASSENGER SIDE OF MY WINDSTAR, THE FOLLOWING MORNING I TOOK IT INTO MY MECHANIC. HE LOOKED THE VEHICLE OVER AND TOLD ME THE SUB FRAME HAS RUSTED OUT WHERE THE STABILIZER BAR CONNECTS. THIS ISSUE WAS SUPPOSED TO HAVE BEEN ADDRESSED BY FORD THE PREVIOUS YEAR WHEN THEY HAD IT IN FOR THE REAR AXLE RECALL. I FIND FORD HAD MADE THE DECISION TO PUT SOME USELESS BRACKETS IN AND NOT REPLACE THE SUB-FRAME. I CALLED CUSTOMER CARE CONCERNING THE PROBLEM AND WAS TOLD THERE WAS ONLY A YEAR WARRANTY ON THE WORK SO THERE WAS NOTHING THEY COULD DO AS I HAD PICKED UP THE VAN END OF APRIL /BEGINNING OF MAY 2011. A RECALL WAS ISSUED FOR THIS PROBLEM AND QUITE EVIDENTLY THEIR FIX WITH SOME LITTLE BRACKETS DID NOT REPAIR THE ISSUE, I AM NOT SURE HOW SOME BRACKETS ARE SUPPOSE TO CORRECT A RUSTING OUT SUB FRAME TO BEGIN WITH. *TR

Mileage: 150,200

TODAY RETURNING HOME FROM WISCONSIN ME AND MY FAMILY WAS ALMOST KILLED, IT WAS A 4 HR DRIVE OF TOLLWAYS OF SPEEDS OF 65-70, WHEN WE WERE COMING TO A RURAL STOP( THANK GOD) WHEN WE HEARD A LOUD THUD AND SMOKE, LOST CONTROL OF VAN, PULLED VAN TO SHOULDER WHERE UPON EXAMINATION OF VAN SEEN REAR AXLE SPLIT IN HALF...THANK GOD WE JUST GOT OFF TOLLWAY- OF 70 MPH DRIVING, HAD 2 KIDS IN CAR, AND MY BROTHER, STRANDED MILES FROM HOME....ALL THESE VEHICLES SHOULD BE TAKING OFF THE ROADS B4 MORE PEOPLE ARE HURT OR KILLED I AM STILL UPSET OVER THE INCIDENT OF CHEATING DEATH, AND HOPE THIS DON'T HAPPEN TO ANY BODY ELSE... *TR

Mileage: 170,000

REAR AXEL BROKE. *TR

Mileage: 130,000

THIS VEHICLE HAS BEEN RUINING EVERY FRONT TIRE PUT ON IT EVER SINCE THE RECALL FRONT SUBFRAME WORK WAS DONE ON IT BY FORD IN 9/2011 AND IT HAS BEEN THROUGH 2 SETS OF FRONT TIRES IN THE LAST 4,500 MILES SINCE THE WORK WAS DONE. FORD DOES NOT ACKNOWLEDGE ANY RESPONSIBILITY AND THE LAST DEALER WHO LOOKED AT IT TOLD ME I NEEDED TIRES. NO KIDDING. THE LAST TIME I TOOK IT TO FIRESTONE TO GET TIRES, THEY TOLD ME THEY WOULDN'T TOUCH IT AND THAT I NEEDED TO TAKE IT TO A BODY SHOP; THE SPECS WERE SO OFF. THE DEALER THAT DID THE ORIGINAL WORK REDOCUMENTED THE CAR'S PROBLEMS 3 TIMES BUT THE MANUFACTURER REFUSED TO BUY IT BACK AND THEY DID THE WORK ON IT THE BEST THEY COULD AND THIS IS WHAT I AM LEFT WITH: AN UNSAFE VEHICLE. I HAD A BLOW OUT ON INTERSTATE 95 ON CHRISTMAS EVE THAT COULD HAVE TAKEN MY LIFE AND ANOTHER BLOW OUT SINCE THEN AT A SLOWER SPEED (THANK GOD!) I NEED HELP NAILING FORD TO THE WALL ON THIS AND MAKING THEM BE RESPONSIBLE FOR RISKING MY SAFETY AND I AM SURE THAT I AM NOT THE ONLY ONE. I WONDER IF OTHER PEOPLE HAVE BEEN HURT OR LOST THEIR LIVES OVER THIS?? OVER A FEW DOLLARS?? FORD NEEDS TO BE MADE TO ADMIT THEY DID NOT PROTECT THEIR CUSTOMERS PROPERLY. I WONDER IF IT ALL COMES DOWN TO AVOIDING LIABILITY FOR PEOPLE THAT HAVE BEEN INJURED. PLEASE HELP ME. *TR

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

FRONT SUB-FRAME BADLY RUSTED AND SWAY BAR WELDED MOUNTS ON THE SUB-FRAME HAVE RUSTED AND BROKEN IN HALF CAUSING POOR STEERING CONTROL AND EXCESSIVE BODY ROLL. AS A NOTE, THIS VEHICLE WAS RUSTPROOFED WHEN NEW AND INSPECTED OVER THE LIFE OF THE VEHICLE EACH YEAR. ALSO, FORD HAS INSPECTED THE FRONT SUB-FRAME IN JANUARY OF 2011 ON A RECALL AND IT APPEARS DID NOT FIND A PROBLEM WITH THE SUB-FRAME IN THIS AREA. GIVEN THE SEVERITY OF THE RUST IT WOULD APPEAR THE PROBLEM EXISTED AT THE TIME OF INSPECTION. *JS

Mileage: 99,500

AT A MAJOR INTERSECTION GETTING ONTO A HIGHWAY OUR SUBFRAME GAVE OUT AND WE CAME TO A SCREECHING HALT & A DEAD STOP. THE ENTIRE SUBFRAME UNDER THE PASSENGERS SIDE OF THE VAN ROTTED AND THE WHEEL WAS UP AGAINST THE FRAME OF THE CAR. IT COULD HAVE CAUSED A MAJOR ACCIDENT. IT COST US $1,500.00. *TT

Mileage: 105,899

OUR REAR AXLE HAS SHEARED IN HALF THREE TIMES. THE THIRD TIME (AFTER THEY ADMITTED A RECALL) WE WERE 40 MILES FROM HOME WHEN IT BROKE, FORD TOLD US THERE WAS NOTHING THEY COULD DO SINCE IT WAS A SATURDAY. WE WERE FORCED TO DRIVE IT HOME ON THE INTERSTATE, AS A FAMILY OF 6 IN A TOWN WITH NO RENTAL PLACES WE HAD NO CHOICE. FORD PUT THEIR "PATCH KIT" ON MY RECALLED AXLE LAST YEAR, AND IT FAILED. NOW THEY HAVE GIVEN ME A 1992 SABLE AS A RENTAL WHILE MY VAN IS IN THE SHOP. MY FAMILY CAN'T FIT IN IT, AND MY CHILDREN CAN'T EVEN FASTEN THEIR SEATBELTS IN IT, AND ONE OF MY CHILDREN HAS TO SIT IN THE FRONT SEAT WITH THE AIRBAG. THEY TOLD ME THERE'S NOTHING THEY CAN DO. MY SUBFRAME IS UNDER RECALL, AS WELL AS THE CONTROL ARMS AND BODY MOUNTS. FORDS FIX FOR THIS IS TO PATCH THEM LIKE THEY DID MY AXLE, WHICH BROKE. NOW I AM STUCK WITH A TICKING TIME BOMB AND FOUR CHILDREN. FORDS BANDAIDS FOR THESE DEVESTATING FAILURES ONLY BUYS THEM A FEW MONTHS TIME, AND PUTS LIVES AT RISK. MY FRONT END CLICKS WHEN I TURN, MY TIRES RUBBED ALL THE WAY HOME ON THE BROKEN AXLE, THE TRANSMISSION LEAKS HORRIBLY, THE UNDERCARRIAGE IS RUSTED AND ROTTED BEYOND REPAIR, AND ALL THESE ADMITTED FAULTY PARTS ARE BEING PATCHED AND SENT OUT THE DOOR. I DONT FEEL SAFE DRIVING MY KIDS AROUND IN THIS! AND IM BEING TOLD MY CHOICES ARE BUY A NEW VAN AT MY EXPENSE, OR DRIVE THIS ONE AND TAKE A CHANCE!! *JS

THE REAR SUSPENSION HAD BEEN MAKING NOISE FOR A FEW DAYS. VISUAL INSPECTION DIDN'T SHOW ANYTHING OBVIOUS. BACKING OUT OF THE DRIVEWAY THE REAR AXEL SNAPPED IN HALF APPROXIMATELY 18 INCHES FROM THE DRIVERS SIDE TIRE. *TR

Mileage: 138,500

I CURRENTLY KEEP GETTING GRUNTING/POPPING/MOANING NOISE FROM THE FRONT SUSPENSION WHEN TURNING -BRAKING-STARTING TO MOVE CAR FORWARD . ALREADY REPLACED THE SWAY BAR LINKS AND BUSHINGS BUT THE NOISE STILL COMES AND GOES. ALSO MY BRAKE-&-ABS LIGHTS COMES ON AND OFF FOR NO REASON. AND THE LOCKS ON THE DOORS WORK WHEN THEY WANT TOO. JUST HAD INSPECTION DONE AGAIN 3 WEEKS AGO BUT THEY CAN NOT FIND THE PROBLEMS. TALK WITH FORD ABOUT THE NOISE TO TRY TO FIND OUT IF THERE IS ANY DANGER OF A CRASH BECAUSE OF THIS AND I KEEP GETTING THE RUN AROUND. *JS

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2001 FORD WINDSTAR. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE THE VEHICLE WAS INSPECTED BY A LOCAL MECHANIC, THE CONTACT WAS ADVISED THAT THE FRONT SWAY BAR WAS FRACTURED DUE TO CORROSION. THE MANUFACTURER WAS CONTACT BUT DENIED ASSISTANCE WITH THE REPAIR. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE FAILURE AND THE CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 121,000.

Mileage: 121,000

COMPLETE SEPARATION OF THE FRONT LOWER CONTROL ARM ATTACHING BRACKET FROM THE FRONT SUB FRAME ON THE PASSENGER SIDE OF THE VEHICLE. THIS IS THE SAME PROBLEM THAT IS DESCRIBED IN THE NHTSA RECALL NO. 11V030. AND FORD RECALL NO. 11S16. THE DEALER THAT INSPECTED THE VEHICLE SAID IT WAS NOT COVERED BY THE RECALL BECAUSE THE VEHICLE WAS NOT PURCHASED OR REGISTERED IN A (SALT-BELT) STATE. *TR

Mileage: 123,875

I AM REPORTING MY 2001 FORD WINDSTAR LIMITED FOR THE SAME PROBLEMS THAT HAVE BEEN RECALLED IN THE "SALT BELT STATES". I LIVE IN FAUQUIER COUNTY, VIRGINIA. THIS WINDSTAR WAS ORIGINALLY BOUGHT AT RICK HUNT FORD IN WARRENTON, VA AND RESIDED IN THE 20186 ZIP CODE UNTIL WE BOUGHT IT IN 2005. IT WAS TRADED INTO JERRY'S LINCOLN/MERCURY IN MANASSAS FROM WHOM WE PURCHASED IT. WE HAVE LIVED IN FAUQUIER COUNTY THE ENTIRE TIME WE HAVE OWNED THIS VEHICLE, IN REMINGTON, VA AND NOW WARRENTON, VA. I NOTICED IN MY REGULAR MAINTENANCE THAT IT APPEARED THAT THE "FRONT SUB FRAME" WAS DOING THE SAME THING THAT OTHERS HAD COMPLAINED OF AND ULTIMATELY WAS RECALLED IN THE "SALT BELT STATES". ON 01/19/2012 WHAT USED TO BE RICK HUNT FORD AND NOW IS SHEEY FORD OF WARRENTON, VA LOOKED AT THE "FRONT SUB FRAME". THE SERVICE MANAGER SAID THAT MY CONCERNS WERE CORRECT ABOUT THE "FRONT SUB FRAME", THAT IT IS DOING WHAT THESE VEHICLES WERE RECALLED FOR IN THE "SALT BELT STATES". HE ALSO SAID THAT THE "REAR AXLE" HAD A CRACK IN IT, ALSO WHAT THEY WERE RECALLED FOR IN THE "SALT BELT STATES". THE RESULTS WERE THAT FORD WOULD NOT TAKE CARE OF IT EVEN THOUGH IT HAD THE SAME PROBLEMS THAT THEY RECALLED IN OTHER STATES. I CONTACTED FORD CUSTOMER SERVICE ON 01/20/2012 AND WAS TOLD BY THE ORIGINAL PERSON'S SUPERVISOR THAT AND I QUOTE "FORD HAS AGREED TO ADD YOUR VEHICLE TO THE RECALL LIST". I WAS TO TAKE THE VAN BACK TO SHEEHY SO THEY COULD DOCUMENT EVERYTHING AND TAKE CARE OF IT. I DID SO, DROPPED IT OFF 01/23/2012. I CALLED ON 01/25/2012 TO FIND OUT IF IT WAS READY THAT FORD WOULD NOT TAKE CARE OF IT SINCE IT HAD NOT BEEN REGISTERED IN A "SALT BELT STATE". I AM REQUESTING THAT THE NHTSA LOOK INTO THESE VEHICLES AGAIN AND REQUIRE FORD TO RECALL THE WINDSTARS IN ALL STATES. IF YOU LOOK AROUND ON THE INTERNET ONE CAN FIND PEOPLE IN ALMOST EVERY STATE WHO HAVE THE SAME PROBLEMS. THANK YOU *TR

Mileage: 168,000

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2001 FORD WINDSTAR. WHILE DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 60 MPH THE CONTACT NOTICED A SLIGHT SHAKING IN THE STEERING WHEEL. THE CONTACT STOPPED THE VEHICLE AT A GASOLINE STATION AND NOTICED THE REAR DRIVERS SIDE TIRE WAS SLANTED INWARD. THE CONTACT INSPECTED THE VEHICLE AND ALSO NOTICED THE REAR AXLE HAD FRACTURED. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO THE DEALER FOR DIAGNOSTIC TESTING. THE TECHNICIANS STATED THE REAR AXLE FRACTURED DUE TO CORROSION AND HAD TO BE REPLACED. THERE WAS A RECALL UNDER NHTSA CAMPAIGN ID NUMBER: 10V385000 (SUSPENSION:REAR:AXLE:NON-POWERED AXLE ASSEMBLY) THAT MAY BE RELATED TO THE FAILURE. THE MANUFACTURER WAS MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE AND STATED THE VIN WAS NOT INCLUDED IN THE RECALL. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 200,000.

Mileage: 200,000

NOTICED THAT MY FRONT TIRES ARE WORN OUT A LOT IN THE INNER EDGES. TOOK IT FOR WHEEL ALIGNMENT ON DEC 22, 2011. PEP BOYS AUTO SHOP IN ARIZONA AVENUE, CHANDLER, AZ REFUSED TO DO IT SAYING THAT REAR AXEL IS BENT. SO IT IS NOT SAFE. I ALSO TOOK IT TO FORD DEALERSHIP AT 7300 W. ORCHID LANE, AZ, 85226 (PH 480 940 4442) FOR "SPEED CONTROL SYSTEM MODIFICATION" RECALL. SERVICE ADVISOR [XXX] VISUALLY CONFIRMED THAT WHEELS ARE BENT OUTWARDLY. I AM CONCERNED FOR THE SAFETY OF MY FAMILY AND ME, AND WANT THIS ISSUE ADDRESSED. THANKS. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6). *TR

Mileage: 82,759

MY 2001 FORD WINDSTAR WAS REPAIRED AT VALLEY FORD IN VALLEY VIEW OHIO ON 4/14/2011 UNDER RECALL #20287. I HAD THE VAN IN FOR AN UNRELATED MATTER ON 12/07/2011 AT THAT TIME I WAS INFORMED BY MY MECHANIC THAT THE SUB-FRAME WAS RUSTED THROUGH. AFTER CONTACTING FORD'S NATIONAL SERVICE CENTER I TOOK THE VAN TO VALLEY FORD. THEY INSPECTED IT AND CONFIRMED THAT THE SUB-FRAME WAS RUSTED THROUGH. THEY FORWARDED THEIR FINDING TO FORD MOTOR CO. AND FORD MOTOR CO. WAS NOT WILLING TO ADDRESS THE ISSUE WITH THE SUB-FRAME. I BELIEVE THIS ISSUE SHOULD HAVE BEEN ADDRESSED UNDER THE INITIAL RECALL. SINCE AT LEAST APRIL OF 2011 ANY TIME MY CHILDREN, MYSELF, OR ANYONE ELSE RODE IN THE VEHICLE IT WAS SUBJECT TO A CATASTROPHIC FAILURE OF THE SUB-FRAME WHICH COULD HAVE CAUSED SERIOUS OR FATAL INJURY TO THE OCCUPANTS OR OTHERS. *TR

Mileage: 138,000

FROM ONE YEAR BACK I WAS HEARING A NOISE FROM REAR AXLE OF MY WINDSTAR. FINALLY, AT DECEMBER, THE AXLE BROKE AT 25MPH. THIS IS VERY DANGEROUS BECAUSE IT CAN CAUSE THE DEATH OF SOMEONE. PLEASE HELP PEOPLE OF PUERTO RICO , WE ARE AMERICAN CITIZEN TOO. *TR

Mileage: 125,607

I WAS DRIVING AT 35MPH WHEN I HEARD A LOUD BOOM AND MY WINDSTAR CAREENED WILDLY BACK AND FORTH AND FELT LIKE I HAD SLAMMED ON THE BRAKES. THE WINDSTAR COULD NOT EVEN BE DRIVEN TO THE SHOULDER. THE TOW TRUCK DRIVER SAID THE SUBFRAME WAS BROKEN AND POSSIBLY THE TIE RODS HAD BROKEN AS WELL. THE FRONT WHEELS WERE POINTED OUTWARD IN OPPOSITE DIRECTIONS. *TR

Mileage: 108,000

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

I WAS TURNING A CORNER AND HEARD A LOUD BAG, AS IF METAL HAS SNAPPED. I TOOK THE CAR TO MY FORD DEALER WHO SAID THAT THE FONT SUBFRAME WHERE THE SWAY BAR WAS ATTACHED HAD RUSTED THROUGH AND THAT THE SWAY BAR WAS NOW NOT ATTACHED TO THE SUBFRAME AND WAS BANGING. FORD HAS FIXED THE FRAME ON TWO DIFFERENT RUST RECALLS UNDER "RECALL 11S16", BUT SAID THIS WAS NOT COVERED AND WOULD COST $2085.75 FOR THE SUBFRAME PLUS LABOR AND HARDWARE. I ASKED IF THE CAR WAS SAFE TO DRIVE AND RECEIVED A NON SPECIFIC ANSWER! IF FORD WINDSTAR HAS THIS MUCH PROBLEM WITH THERE FRAME RUSTING WHY IS THIS NOT COVERED??

Mileage: 132,919

2001 FORD WINDSTAR. CONSUMER WRITES IN REGARDS TO RECALLS *TGW THE CONSUMER STATED HE RECEIVED A POSTCARD IN THE MAIL ADVISING HIM TO SEE HIS LOCAL DEALER REGARDING TWO RECALLS. HOWEVER, WHEN HE ARRIVED AT THE DEALER, THEY INFORMED HIM THE RECALLS HAD ALREADY BEEN DONE. THE CONSUMER STATED THE PROBLEMS ARE PRESENT IN HIS VEHICLE. *JB

BEFORE FORD RECALLED FOR THIS PROBLEM, MY REAR AXLE BROKE IN HALF AT 65 MPH ON THE HIGHWAY RESULTING IN LOSS OF CONTROL AND FUMES FILLING THE CAR FROM TIRES RUBBING AGAINST WHEEL WELLS. IN MARCH OF 2011 FORD RECALLED AND REINFORCED THE SUBFRAME. INSPECTION IS NOW DUE ON MY VEHICLE AND MY MECHANIC WILL NOT PASS IT DUE TO THE INSTALLMENT OF THE RECALLED REINFORCEMENT. REPORTEDLY THE INSTALLATION WAS PERFORMED AND ATTACHED TO AN EQUALLY AS CORRODED PART AND FAILURE IS ONCE AGAIN IMMINENT. I RETURNED THE VEHICLE TO THE FORD DEALER THAT MADE THE RECALL REPAIR AND WAS TOLD THAT IT IS INDEED SAFE. I AM NOW STUCK WITH A POTENTIAL REPAIR BILL OF $700.00 THAT WILL NOT FIX THE PROBLEM DUE TO THE MODEL YEAR PARTS HAVING THE SAME ISSUES, OR JUST DRIVING THE VEHICLE UNTIL FAILURE OCCURS (AGAIN) AND GOING BACK TO FORD WITH A LAWSUIT AS I CANNOT IN GOOD CONSCIENCE SELL THIS VEHICLE TO ANYONE ELSE. *TR

RIGHT SIDE OF VEHICLE UNDERNEATH SUBFRAME BROKE . HEARD NOSIE AND VEHICLE QUIT COULD NOT CONTROL HAD SOMEONE LOOK AT IT AND UNDERNEATH IS RUSTED OUT AND BROKE I WAS TOLD IT WAS THE SUBFRAME. *TR

Mileage: 1,105,432

2001 FORD WINDSTAR. CONSUMER WRITES IN REGARDS TO DEFECTIVE FRONT END *TGW THE CONSUMER STATED TWO RECALLS WERE ISSUED AND FOR THE PAST YEAR, HE HAS BEEN UNSUCCESSFUL AT GETTING HIS VEHICLE INSPECTED. THE CONSUMER WAS INFORMED BY SEVERAL DEALERS, THEY WERE NOT PERFORMING ANY RECALLS. *JB

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2001 FORD WINDSTAR. THE VEHICLE WAS INCLUDED IN THE RECALL UNDER NHTSA CAMPAIGN ID NUMBER: 11V030000 (STRUCTURE: FRAME AND MEMBERS:UNDERBODY SHIELDS) AND THE RECALL UNDER NHTSA CAMPAIGN ID NUMBER: 10V385000 (SUSPENSION:REAR:AXLE:NON-POWERED AXLE ASSEMBLY) AND WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALER FOR REPAIR. AFTER THE VEHICLE WAS REPAIRED, THE CONTACT HEARD A GRINDING AND A CRACKING SOUND IN THE FRONT END OF THE VEHICLE WHILE DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 65 MPH. THE VEHICLE WOULD ALSO SHAKE VIGOROUSLY AND THE STEERING WHEEL BEGAN TO TURN ON ITS OWN FORCEFULLY. THE MANUFACTURER WAS MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE AND REFERRED THE CONTACT TO THE DEALER FOR DIAGNOSTIC TESTING. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT TAKEN TO THE DEALER. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 126,000.

Mileage: 126,000

RIGHT FRONT (PASSENGER SIDE) SWAY BAR MOUNTING BRACKET SEPARATED FROM VEHICLE, AT FRONT LOWER CONTROL ARM REAR ATTACHING BRACKET, LESS THAN 30 DAYS AFTER RECALL ( NHTSA CAMPAIGN ID NUMBER: 11V030000) WAS PERFORMED. THIS HAS RENDERED THE VEHICLE UNSAFE TO DRIVE AND IT WILL NOT PASS NEW YORK STATE VEHICLE SAFETY INSPECTION. FORD DEALERSHIP DENIES ANY RESPONSIBILITY AND FORD, THE MANUFACTURER, WILL NOT REPAIR AS PART OF RECALL.

Mileage: 88,000

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2001 FORD WINDSTAR. WHILE DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 45 MPH, THE CONTACT HEARD A LOUD NOISE OUTSIDE OF THE VEHICLE AND MANEUVERED TO THE SIDE OF THE ROAD. THE CONTACT EXAMINED THE VEHICLE AND NOTICED THAT THE REAR AXLE FRACTURED. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO AN AUTHORIZED DEALER FOR DIAGNOSIS AND THEY STATED THAT THE REAR AXLE REQUIRED REPLACEMENT. THERE WAS A RECALL RELATED TO THE FAILURE UNDER NHTSA CAMPAIGN ID NUMBER 10V385000 (SUSPENSION: REAR: AXLE: NON-POWERED AXLE ASSEMBLY); HOWEVER THE VEHICLE WAS INELIGIBLE BECAUSE IT WAS NOT CURRENTLY REGISTERED OR SOLD IN THE UNITED STATES, AS MENTIONED IN THE RECALL. THE VEHICLE HAD NOT BEEN REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 140,000.

Mileage: 140,000

I TOOK MY 2001 WINDSTAR SEL INTO A DEALERSHIP UPON RECEIVING A RECALL NOTICE FOR SUSPENSION:REAR:AXLE:NON-POWERED AXLE ASSEMBLY IN MARCH OF 2011. OUR VEHICLE PASSED THIS INSPECTION. AT THE TIME OUR VEHICLE WAS AT THE DEALERSHIP FOR THIS RECALL NOTICE THERE WAS ANOTHER RECALL RELATING TO STRUCTURE: FRAME AND MEMBERS:UNDERBODY SHIELDS ALTHOUGH WE WERE UNAWARE OF THIS RECALL. WE HAVE NOT RECEIVED A RECALL NOTICE ABOUT THE SECOND PROBLEM TO DATE. THE RECALL WAS BROUGHT TO OUR ATTENTION BY A FRIEND WHO WATCHED A NEWS PROGRAM REGARDING THE RECALL WHICH PROMPTED A PHONE CALL TO THE DEALERSHIP THAT SERVICED OUR VEHICLE IN MARCH. HIS STATEMENT WAS IF OUR VEHICLE WAS ONE OF THE RECALLED VEHICLES AND IT WAS JUST IN THE SERVICE DEPARTMENT FOR ANOTHER RECALL THE SERVICE TECHNICIAN WOULD HAVE ADDRESSED THE MOST RECENT RECALL ALSO. HE ASKED FOR OUR VIN WHICH AT THE TIME WAS NOT AVAILABLE BUT REASSURED ME BOTH RECALLS WOULD HAVE BEEN ADDRESSED SINCE THEY WERE BOTH OPEN RECALLS. ON AUGUST 1, 2011 I WAS DRIVING AT 65-70 MPH ON A FREEWAY WHEN MY STEERING WHEEL STARTED TO JERK AND TURN COUNTER-CLOCKWISE (THE LAST TIME I LOOKED AT THE STEERING WHEEL THE AREA THAT ENCLOSES THE HORN WAS VERTICAL). I THOUGHT MY RIGHT PASSENGER WHEEL WAS PUNCTURED AT FIRST BUT KNEW IT WAS MORE THAN THAT WITHIN THE NEXT FEW SECONDS. SOMETHING FROM THE VAN KEPT HITTING THE FREEWAY AND JERKING ME AROUND AND THE BACK END OF THE VAN ON THREE OCCASIONS SEEMED LIKE IT WAS COMING OFF THE GROUND. ONCE I SLOWED DOWN ENOUGH THE SAFELY BRAKE THAT IS EXACTLY WHAT I DID WHEREIN THE REAR END OF THE VEHICLE JERKED TO THE LEFT. I EXITED THE VEHICLE AND CALLED 911. NOT ONLY DID THE SUBFRAME BREAK DUE TO RUST BUT THE AXLE CAME APART FROM THE VEHICLE AS DID THE RIGHT ARM HOLDING THE WHEEL IN PLACE. AT THIS POINT THE DEALERSHIP WHERE THE CAR WAS TOWED TO SAID FORD IS OFFERING TO REPLACE THE SUBFRAME AND HAVE OFFERED TO PAY FOR TWO DAYS FOR A RENTAL VEHICLE. *TR

Mileage: 65,000

I TOOK MY 2001 WINDSTAR SEL INTO A DEALERSHIP UPON RECEIVING A RECALL NOTICE FOR SUSPENSION:REAR:AXLE:NON-POWERED AXLE ASSEMBLY IN MARCH OF 2011. OUR VEHICLE PASSED THIS INSPECTION. AT THE TIME OUR VEHICLE WAS AT THE DEALERSHIP FOR THIS RECALL NOTICE THERE WAS ANOTHER RECALL RELATING TO STRUCTURE: FRAME AND MEMBERS:UNDERBODY SHIELDS ALTHOUGH WE WERE UNAWARE OF THIS RECALL. WE HAVE NOT RECEIVED A RECALL NOTICE ABOUT THE SECOND PROBLEM TO DATE. THE RECALL WAS BROUGHT TO OUR ATTENTION BY A FRIEND WHO WATCHED A NEWS PROGRAM REGARDING THE RECALL WHICH PROMPTED A PHONE CALL TO THE DEALERSHIP THAT SERVICED OUR VEHICLE IN MARCH. HIS STATEMENT WAS IF OUR VEHICLE WAS ONE OF THE RECALLED VEHICLES AND IT WAS JUST IN THE SERVICE DEPARTMENT FOR ANOTHER RECALL THE SERVICE TECHNICIAN WOULD HAVE ADDRESSED THE MOST RECENT RECALL ALSO. HE ASKED FOR OUR VIN WHICH AT THE TIME WAS NOT AVAILABLE BUT REASSURED ME BOTH RECALLS WOULD HAVE BEEN ADDRESSED SINCE THEY WERE BOTH OPEN RECALLS. ON AUGUST 1, 2011 I WAS DRIVING AT 65-70 MPH ON A FREEWAY WHEN MY STEERING WHEEL STARTED TO JERK AND TURN COUNTER-CLOCKWISE (THE LAST TIME I LOOKED AT THE STEERING WHEEL THE AREA THAT ENCLOSES THE HORN WAS VERTICAL). I THOUGHT MY RIGHT PASSENGER WHEEL WAS PUNCTURED AT FIRST BUT KNEW IT WAS MORE THAN THAT WITHIN THE NEXT FEW SECONDS. SOMETHING FROM THE VAN KEPT HITTING THE FREEWAY AND JERKING ME AROUND AND THE BACK END OF THE VAN ON THREE OCCASIONS SEEMED LIKE IT WAS COMING OFF THE GROUND. ONCE I SLOWED DOWN ENOUGH THE SAFELY BRAKE THAT IS EXACTLY WHAT I DID WHEREIN THE REAR END OF THE VEHICLE JERKED TO THE LEFT. I EXITED THE VEHICLE AND CALLED 911. NOT ONLY DID THE SUBFRAME BREAK DUE TO RUST BUT THE AXLE CAME APART FROM THE VEHICLE AS DID THE RIGHT ARM HOLDING THE WHEEL IN PLACE. AT THIS POINT THE DEALERSHIP WHERE THE CAR WAS TOWED TO SAID FORD IS OFFERING TO REPLACE THE SUBFRAME AND HAVE OFFERED TO PAY FOR TWO DAYS FOR A RENTAL VEHICLE. *TR

Mileage: 65,000

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2001 FORD WINDSTAR. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE REAR AXLE BROKE WHILE IN REVERSE. THE VEHICLE BECAME INOPERATIVE AND WAS TOWED TO THE DEALER. THE CONTACT WAS INFORMED THAT THE VEHICLE WAS NOT INCLUDED IN THE RECALL ASSOCIATED WITH NHTSA CAMPAIGN ID NUMBER 10V385000 (SUSPENSION:REAR:AXLE:NON-POWERED AXLE ASSEMBLY). THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED, AND ALSO INFORMED THE CONTACT THAT THE VEHICLE WAS NOT INCLUDED IN THE ABOVE RECALL. THE MANUFACTURER DID NOT OFFER ANY ASSISTANCE TOWARDS THE REPAIR. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE 130,000.

Mileage: 130,000

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2001 FORD WINDSTAR. THE CONTACT WAS DRIVING 20 MPH WHEN THE REAR OF THE VEHICLE BEGAN TO SWAY ABNORMALLY. THE CONTACT WAS ABLE TO MOVE THE VEHICLE ONTO THE SHOULDER WHERE IT WAS TOWED TO THE DEALER. THE DEALER PERFORMED A DIAGNOSTIC THAT LOCATED THE FAILURE AT THE REAR AXLE LOWER BRACKET ARM, WHICH WAS CORRODED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE FAILURE AND THE CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 200,000.

Mileage: 200,000

TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2001 FORD WINDSTAR. THE CONTACT RECEIVED RECALL NOTICE 10V385000 (SUSPENSION:REAR:AXLE:NON-POWERED AXLE ASSEMBLY) IN OCTOBER 2010. AS OF MARCH 2011, THE VEHICLE HAD BEEN IN THE DEALERS POSSESSION WAITING TO BE REPAIRED. THE CONTACT STATED THAT SIX MONTHS WAS TOO LONG TO WAIT FOR A RECALL REPAIR. THE MANUFACTURER COULD NOT TELL HIM WHEN THE PARTS WOULD BE AVAILABLE. THERE ARE NO FAILURES AT THIS TIME.

2001 FORD WINDSTAR. CONSUMER WRITES IN REGARDS TO VEHICLE RECALL *TGW THE CONSUMER STATED SHE TOOK THE VEHICLE TO THE DEALER BECAUSE SHE RECEIVED A RECALL LETTER IN THE MAIL. THE DEALER INSPECTED THE VEHICLE AND INFORMED HER SHE WOULD RECEIVE ANOTHER LETTER IN THE MAIL STATING WHEN TO RETURN WITH THE VEHICLE. THE CONSUMER STATED SHE HAS NOT RECEIVED A LETTER. *JB THE CONSUMER STATED THE VEHICLE IS EMITTING GAS FUMES.. UPDATED 04/26/11

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2001 FORD WINDSTAR. THE CONTACT WAS DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 70 MPH WHEN THE REAR AXLE FRACTURED FOLLOWED BY A LOUD NOISE WHICH CAUSED DIFFICULTY IN STEERING. THE CONTACT HAD RECEIVED NOTIFICATION OF NHTSA CAMPAIGN ID NUMBER: 10V385000 (SUSPENSION: REAR: AXLE: NON-POWERED AXLE ASSEMBLY) AND THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO THE DEALER FOR REPAIRS. THE DEALER ADVISED THAT THE PART NEEDED FOR REPAIRS WAS NOT YET AVAILABLE AND THE CONTACT WOULD BE NOTIFIED WHEN THE PART HAD BECOME AVAILABLE. THE CONTACT WAS STILL WAITING FOR THE PARTS TO BECOME AVAILABLE. MOST RECENTLY, THE CONTACT RECEIVED NOTIFICATION OF NHTSA CAMPAIGN ID NUMBER: 11V030000 (STRUCTURE: FRAME AND MEMBERS: UNDERBODY SHIELDS) BUT THE VEHICLE WAS NOT YET REPAIRED. THE CONTACT BELIEVED THAT A REASONABLE TIME TO ADHERE TO THE RECALL HAD PASSED AND THE VEHICLE HAD NOT YET BEEN REPAIRED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS APPROXIMATELY 127,000. UPDATED 03/29/11*LJ THE CONSUMER STATED THE VEHICLE HAS BEEN IN THE DEALER'S POSSESSION FOR SIX MONTHS TO REMEDY TWO RECALLS. UPDATED 09/19/11

Mileage: 127,000

FORD WIND STAR REAR AXLE DAUGHTER DRIVING TO WORK AT 70 MPH WEATHER CLEAR,DRY & DAYLIGHT. ON STRAIGHT AWAY VEHICLE ENDED UP ROLLING OVER 2&1/2 TIMES. *TR

Mileage: 118,000

THE REAR AXLE OF A 2001 FORD WINDSTAR RUSTED THROUGH. THE VEHICLE VIN IS OUTSIDE THE SCOPE OF THE RECALL. *TR

Mileage: 120,000

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

TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2001 FORD WINDSTAR. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE DRIVING IN REVERSE OUT OF THE DRIVE WAY THE FRONT COIL SPRING BROKE IN HALF. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO THE DEALER. THE MANUFACTURER WILL BE CONTACTED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE FAILURE AND THE CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 68,000.

Mileage: 68,000

TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2001 FORD WINDSTAR. WHILE DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 55 MPH, THE REAR OF THE VEHICLE BEGAN TO SWAY BACK AND FORTH. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC WHERE THE CONTACT WAS TOLD THE REAR AXLE FRACTURED. THE VEHICLE WAS REPAIRED BY THE INDEPENDENT MECHANIC. THE VEHICLE WAS ALSO INCLUDED IN RECALL 11V030000 (STRUCTURE: FRAME AND MEMBERS: UNDERBODY SHIELDS). THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO AN AUTHORIZED DEALER WHERE THE CONTACT WAS TOLD THE VEHICLE DID NOT NEED TO BE REPAIRED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 100,000 AND THE CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 120,000.

Mileage: 100,000

2001 FORD WINDSTAR REAR AXLE BROKE IN HALF TIRE CAVED IN. *TR

Mileage: 163,270

TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2001 FORD WINDSTAR. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO AN AUTHORIZED DEALER FOR REPAIRS FOR RECALL 10V385000 (SUSPENSION: REAR: AXLE: NON-POWERED AXLE ASSEMBLY). THE DEALER STATED THAT THE PARTS FOR REPAIRS WERE NOT AVAILABLE AND THEY DID NOT KNOW WHEN TO EXPECT THEM. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 92,000.

Mileage: 92,000

VEHICLE IS NO LONGER DRIVABLE & IS SITTING AT A FORD DEALERSHIP SERVICE LOT. INCIDENT OCCURRED ON TUESDAY, JANUARY 25, 2011 AT APPROXIMATELY 4:30PM. VEHICLE FRONT SUBFRAME CRACKED AND PASSENGER SIDE TIRE SEPARATED FROM CAR WHILE DRIVING RESULTING IN LOSS OF CONTROL OF VEHICLE. CAR WOULD NOT STEER OR MOVE, COULD NOT BE PUSHED OUT OF TRAFFIC.

Mileage: 133,000

ABS BRAKE LIGHT COMES ON AND DISABLES THE ABS BRAKE FEATURE. *LN

Mileage: 80,000

TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2001 FORD WINDSTAR. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 25 MPH AND ENTERING ONTO THE INTERSTATE, THE SUBFRAME FROM THE ENGINE SEPARATED FROM THE VEHICLE. SHE THEN LOST CONTROL OF THE VEHICLE AND WAS UNABLE TO STOP UNTIL THE VEHICLE COASTED TO A STOP. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC WHO INFORMED THE CONTACT THAT THE LOWER CONTROL ARM MOUNT HAD RUSTED OUT CAUSING SEPARATION OF THE ARM OF THE AXLE. THE VEHICLE WAS REPAIRED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS APPROXIMATELY 103,000. UPDATED 03/24/11*LJ

Mileage: 103,000

TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2001 FORD WINDSTAR. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 25 MPH AND ENTERING ONTO THE INTERSTATE, THE SUBFRAME FROM THE ENGINE SEPARATED FROM THE VEHICLE. SHE THEN LOST CONTROL OF THE VEHICLE AND WAS UNABLE TO STOP UNTIL THE VEHICLE COASTED TO A STOP. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC WHO INFORMED THE CONTACT THAT THE LOWER CONTROL ARM MOUNT HAD RUSTED OUT CAUSING SEPARATION OF THE ARM OF THE AXLE. THE VEHICLE WAS REPAIRED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS APPROXIMATELY 103,000. UPDATED 03/24/11*LJ

Mileage: 103,000

2001 FORD WINDSTAR. CONSUMER STATES THAT SHE RECEIVED A RECALL FOR THE VEHICLE AND WAS TOLD THE PARTS WEREN'T AVAILABLE. SHE STATES THE VEHICLE HAS BEEN SITTING AT THE DEALER WHILE SHE IS PAYING FOR INSURANCE AND CAN'T DRIVE IT. *KB AXLE RECALL # 10V385000. *JB

THIS COMPLAINT IS RELATED TO YOUR NHTSA ACTION # EA10007 JANUARY 12, 2011, MY WIFE WAS DRIVING OUR FORD WINDSTAR ON HWY 155 NORTH OF SAINT GERMAIN, WI. WITHOUT WARNING THE FRONT END RIGHT WHEEL DISLODGED AND THE CAR SWERVED VIOLENTLY ALL OVER THE HIGHWAY. LUCKILY, NO OTHER CARS WERE NEAR. THE ROADSIDE DITCHES WHERE THE FAILURE OCCURRED ARE MORE THAN 12' DEEP, SO THERE COULD ALSO HAVE BEEN INJURIES AND OR DAMAGE IF SHE HAD NOT REACTED AS QUICKLY AND FORCIBLY AS SHE DID. SHE WAS ABLE TO WRESTLE THE CAR ONTO THE SHOULDER AND CALL FOR HELP. UPON TOWING TO THE NEAREST FORD DEALERSHIP, IT HAS BEEN DETERMINED THAT THE UNDERCARRIAGE FAILED, THE FRONT RIGHT AXLE DISLODGED FROM THE TRANSMISSION, AND VARIOUS OTHER DAMAGE CAN ALSO HAVE OCCURRED. UPDATED IVOQ 02/16/11 *TR

Mileage: 75,000

OUR VAN HAS BEEN IN THE GARAGE SINCE SEPT. 2010 WAITING ON THE REPLACEMENT PART FOR THE AXLE RECALL, AND NOW THE FRONT SUB FRAMES MIGHT ALSO NEED TO BE REPLACED. I THINK BOTH PARTS SHOULD BE REPLACED WHILE THE DEALERS HAVE EVERYBODY'S VEHICLE. .I DON'T REALLY WANT TO GET OUR VAN OUT OF THE GARAGE JUST TO TURN AROUND AND PUT IT BACK IN. BUT I WILL IF I HAVE TO BECAUSE I THINK THAT FORD SHOULD REPLACE THE ONES THAT NEED IT, BEFORE THERE IS MORE ACCIDENT AND INJURIES. ///IT WOULD ALSO BE CHEAPER TO THEM TO FIX THE PROBLEM THAN TO BUY EVERYONE'S VEHICLE FROM THEM. WE'VE HAD ENOUGH RECALLS ON THESE. LET'S JUST GET THEM FIXED RIGHT AND GET IT OVER WITH.

TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2001 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 WHERE THE CONTACT WAS TOLD THEY WOULD HAVE THE NECESSARY PARTS TO COMPLETE THE REMEDY WITHIN ONE WEEK. THE VEHICLE WAS NEVER REPAIRED AND THE CONTACT WAS CONTINUOUSLY TOLD THE NECESSARY PARTS WOULD BE AVAILABLE WITHIN 1 MONTH. THE FAILURE AND CURRENT MILEAGES WERE 83,000.

Mileage: 83,000

TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2001 FORD WINDSTAR. WHILE DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 40 MPH SHE LOST CONTROL OF THE VEHICLE AND CRASHED INTO THE MEDIAN. SHE STATED THAT SHE LOST CONTROL OF THE VEHICLE WITHOUT RECEIVING ANY WARNING LIGHTS. WHEN THE VEHICLE CRASHED INTO THE MEDIAN IN A VERTICAL POSITION ON A HIGHWAY ANOTHER VEHICLE CRASHED INTO HER VEHICLE. THE FRONT END OF THE OTHER VEHICLE WAS DAMAGED. THERE WERE NO INJURIES. A POLICE REPORT WAS NOT FILED. THE CONTACT STATED THAT HER VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO HER RESIDENCE. THE TOW TRUCK DRIVER ADVISED HER THAT HER REAR AXLE WAS CRACKED IN HALF. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE CONTACT WAS WAITING FOR HER INSURANCE COMPANY TO INSPECT THE VEHICLE. SHE CONTACTED THE MANUFACTURER AND WAS ADVISED THAT HER VEHICLE WAS PART OF RECALL 10V385000, SUSPENSION:REAR:AXLE:NON-POWERED AXLE ASSEMBLY BUT THE CONTACT STATED THAT SHE DID NOT RECEIVE A RECALL LETTER. THE VEHICLE WAS PURCHASED USED IN 2002. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE AND CURRENT MILEAGES WERE 109,000.

Mileage: 109,000

I WAS TOLD BY MY MECHANIC IN OCTOBER 2010 THAT I HAVE A CRACK IN THE FRONT SUBFRAME ON THE PASSENGER SIDE OF THE VEHICLE.

Mileage: 97,800

THE BRACKET THAT HOLDS THE PASSENGER SIDE FRONT SUSPENSION LOWER ARM TO THE SUBFRAME FAILED WHILE DRIVING THE CAR. THIS BRACKET THAT HOLDS THIS ARM TO THE SUBFRAME WAS COMPLETED CORRODED AWAY, CAUSING THE FAILURE. ALL THAT IS LEFT ON THE SUBFRAME IS CORROSION AND WELD MARKS. THE ARM IS COMPLETELY DISCONNECTED FROM THE SUBFRAME. WITHOUT THIS LOWER ARM, THE WHEEL ON THE PASSENGER SIDE, TOED OUT AND HAD NEGATIVE CAMBER WHICH POPPED OUT THE DRIVE SHAFT FROM THE TRANSMISSION. FORTUNATELY, THIS HAPPENED AT A LOW SPEED, 10 MPH AND THERE WERE NO INJURIES. AT A HIGHER SPEED, I SPECULATE THAT THIS WAS A VERY DANGEROUS CONDITION SINCE THE VEHICLE PULLED VERY HARD TO THE RIGHT AND YOU DIDN'T HAVE ADEQUATE CONTROL OVER THE STEERING. I HAVE TALKED TO A FORD REPRESENTATIVE AND HE INDICATED THAT THEY HAD NO INFORMATION ON THIS TYPE OF FAILURE, AND THAT THERE ISN'T ANY RECALL. I UNDERSTAND THAT YOUR DEPARTMENT IS LOOKING INTO IT.

Mileage: 128,932

2001 FORD WINDSTAR 280,000 MILES NE OH 10-11-10. RIGHT SIDE LOWER CONTROL ARM SEPARATED FROM FRAME. 65 MPH FROM LEFT LANE CROSSED 3 LANES RUSH HOUR TRAFFIC. NO WARNING SIGNS SOMEHOW NO COLLISION. AXLE PULLED FROM TRANSMISSION. REPLACED: TIRE, AXLE, BOOTS. FRAME SHOP REINFORCED AND STRAIGHT FRAME, ALIGNED FRONT END. REPAIR DAMAGED TRANSMISSION COOLING LINES AND REQUIRED REPLACEMENT. *TR

Mileage: 280,000

TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2001 FORD WINDSTAR. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALER FOR A RECALL REPAIR UNDER NHTSA CAMPAIGN ID 10V385000 (SUSPENSION:REAR:AXLE:NON-POWERED AXLE ASSEMBLY), AND DURING THE INSPECTION THE TECHNICIAN NOTICED THAT THE FRONT PASSENGER SIDE REAR MOUNT ENGINE CRADLE WAS CRACKED WITH SUBSTANTIAL CORROSION. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS APPROXIMATELY 130,000.

Mileage: 130,000

GOVERNMENT HAS NEVER ANSWERED ODO 10252007 (LIFE THREATENING FORD 2001 WINDSTAR AXLE DEFECT. *TR

Mileage: 137,375

TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2001 FORD WINDSTAR. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE RIGHT FRONT PASSENGER WHEEL ASSEMBLY WAS CORRODED AND RUSTED FROM THE FRAME WHICH CAUSED THE WHEEL TO FALL OFF. THE VEHICLE WAS REPAIRED AT A LOCAL REPAIR SHOP. THE DEALER STATED THAT THERE WERE NO RELATED RECALLS. THE CONTACT FILED A COMPLAINT WITH THE MANUFACTURER. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 87,160.

Mileage: 87,160

I HAVE A FORD WINDSTAR 2001 MINI VAN AND I LIVE IN NEW YORK STATE. ON DECEMBER 7TH, 2010, AS I WAS PULLING LEFT INTO A PARKING SPACE I HEARD A LOUD CRACKING SOUND. (AT FIRST I THOUGHT I HAD ROLLED OVER A VERY LARGE PIECE OF ICE) I AGAIN PROCEEDED TO PULL IN, BUT MY CAR WOULD NOT MOVE. (ENGINE WAS STILL ON) I GOT OUT AND FOUND 3 OF MY TIRES FACING LEFT AND 1 FACING RIGHT. I CALLED AAA AND WAS PREPARING TO HAVE IT TOWED TO A MECHANIC. WHEN THE DRIVER/MECHANIC FROM AAA, INFORMED ME THAT THE LOWER CONTROL ARM (DRIVE ARM) HAD TORE AWAY FROM THE MAIN FRAME (FRONT AXEL) AT THE FRONT OF THE CAR, AND HAD TORE AWAY ALL OF THE DRIVING MECHANISMS AND WOULD NEED A WELDER FIRST , NOT A MECHANIC . SO I HAD HIM TAKE IT TO A LOCAL WELDER. HE WAS ABLE TO FIND SOME CLEAN METAL TO WELD IT BACK ON AND THEN RECOMMENDED I TAKE IT TO A MECHANIC TO FINISH UP WITH EVERYTHING ELSE THAT WAS NEEDED. THE MECHANIC TOLD ME THAT IT WOULD NEED A CV JOINT AND THE LINKAGE FOR THE TRANSMISSION IN ORDER TO HAVE IT WORKING AGAIN. I HAVE NEVER HAD ANY ISSUES WITH THE ENGINE, OR TRANSMISSION PRIOR TO THIS DAY. AND THE CAR HAS VERY LITTLE RUST ON IT'S BODY. SO I WOULD HAVE NEVER THOUGHT TO LOOK UNDERNEATH FOR ANY. AND BECAUSE IT WAS ALWAYS MAINTAINED WELL, A MECHANIC WAS HARDLY EVER UNDER HER TO SEE IF THERE WAS ANY POSSIBLE DAMAGE EITHER. SHE HAS LESS THAN 75,000 MILES ON HER SO I NEVER EXPECTED THIS TO OCCUR. I HAVE FILED A REPORT WITH FORD AFTER THE INCIDENT BUT ALL THEY COULD SAY WAS THANK YOU AND THEY'LL MAKE A NOT OF IT. AND THAT THE REAR AXEL WAS ON RECALL....BUT IF THAT WAS THE CASE, WHY NOT THE FRONT AXEL TOO??? *TR

Mileage: 75,000

WHILE SWITCHING FROM REAR DRIVE TO FORWARD DRIVE, BIG NOISE WAS HEARD. UNABLE TO DRIVE CAR AFTER DUE TO FRONT WHEEL SUSPENSION BREAK, PASSENGER SIDE. FRONT SUSPENSION WAS REPLACED. *TR

Mileage: 56,858

THE FRONT END OF MY 2001 FORD WINDSTAR MAKES A LOT OF NOISE LIKE IT IS GOING TO FALL APART. I'M AFRAID BECAUSE MY REAR AXLE BROKE IN 2 PIECES GOING 65 MPH ON THE INTERSTATE. I'M SURE SOMETHING IS GOING ON WITH MY FRONT SUBFRAME. HOW DO WE GET THIS INVESTIGATED? *TR

Mileage: 95,000

I OWN A 2001 FORD WINDSTAR THAT I RECENTLY HAD THE SUBFRAME REPLACED AS IT HAD CORRODED THROUGH ON THE RIGHT SIDE OF THE SUBFRAME. I NOTICED THE FAILURE OF IT WHILE DRIVING. I HEARD A LOUD CLUNK AND THEN MY STEERING WHEEL ABRUPTLY TURNED TO THE RIGHT AND THE FRONT END STARTED VIBRATING SIMILAR TO WHEN THE FRONT END IS OUT OF ALIGNMENT. I WAS TRAVELING AT A LOW RATE OF SPEED WHEN THIS OCCURRED AND ID NOT RESULT IN A CRASH, BUT MADE THE VEHICLE UNDRIVEABLE.

Mileage: 118,000

WE HAD JUST LEFT THE EXPRESSWAY. WE PULLED INTO A PARKING LOT AND WENT TO TURN INTO A PARKING SPACE AND THE SHAFT WHICH WAS ATTACHED TO THE WHEEL CONNECTING IT FROM THE FRAME TO THE WHEEL, BROKE AT THE POINT OF THE FACTORY WELD CAUSING THE WHEELS TO DO THE "SPLITS"AND PULLING OUT THE DRIVESHAFT FROM THE TRANSMISSION. THE DEALER CALLED THE CAR "TOTALLED" .THIS CAR IS IN GREAT CONDITION EXCEPT FOR THE METAL SOCKET HOLDING THE TIE ROD FROM THE WHEEL TO THE FRAME ALLOWING THE DRIVE SHAFT TO BE YANKED OUT. THIS IS A FACTORY WELD THAT BROKE AND IF IT HAD BROKEN WHILE ON THE FREEWAY, WE COULD HAVE BEEN KILLED. FORD MOTOR REFUSED TO DO ANYTHING TO REMEDY THE SITUATION. *TR

Mileage: 62,800

TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2001 FORD WINDSTAR. THE CONTACT STATED THAT SHE RECEIVED A RECALL NOTICE IN REFERENCE TO RECALL 10V385000 (SUSPENSION: REAR: AXLE: NON-POWERED AXLE ASSEMBLY). SHE HAS CONTACTED THREE DIFFERENT DEALERS IN HER AREA WHO INFORMED HER THAT THEY HAVE A WAITING LIST IN WHICH SHE WOULD NOT BE ABLE TO GET IN FOR A REPAIR UNTIL FEBRUARY OF 2011. THE MANUFACTURER WAS CONTACTED AND ADVISED HER TO DRIVE 200 MILES AWAY FROM HER AREA WITH A UNSAFE VEHICLE.

I AM NOT A MECHANIC BUT WILL ATTEMPT TO RELAY MY BEST INTERPRETATION OF WHAT I BELIEVE HAPPENED. WHILE MY WIFE WAS DRIVING A TOTAL LOSS OF STEERING OCCURRED. VERY LUCKILY SHE WAS NOT ON A MAJOR HIGHWAY TRAVELLING AT HIGH SPEED OR IN THE PROCESS OF NAVIGATING A TURN. AFTER INSPECTION BY OUR MECHANIC IT WAS DETERMINED THAT THE CRADLE THAT SUPPORTS THE FRONT SUSPENSION FRACTURED. THIS OCCURRED ON THE FRONT PASSENGER SIDE OF THE VEHICLE AND THE FRONT AXLE CONNECTED TO PASSENGER SIDE WHEEL WAS THEN DISCONNECTED FROM THE TRANSMISSION THIS WAS EITHER CAUSED BY LOWER CONTROL ARM DISCONNECTED OR THE VICE/VERSA. THE VEHICLE LOST THE ABILITY TO TURN AND LUCKILY THERE WAS NOBODY TAILGATING AS SHE WAS FORCED TO PARK THE VEHICLE STRANDED IN THE MIDDLE OF THE ROAD. IT IS MY OPINION THAT AN EXISTING OPEN DEFECT INVESTIGATION, PE10026 , IS AN EXACT MATCH TO THE PROBLEM ENCOUNTERED. I TRIED TO RESOLVE WITH FORD BUT AT THIS TIME THEY DO NOT CONSIDER THE 100+ INSTANCES OF THIS OCCURRING AS SUFFICIENT CAUSE TO WARRANT A RECALL AND I GUESS THAT OVER THE NEXT YEAR OR TWO AS THIS COMPONENT OF THE VEHICLE CONTINUES TO AGE WE WILL SEE MORE INCIDENTS LIKE THIS. I JUST HAD THE VEHICLE SERVICED AND MY MECHANIC KNEW TO CHECK FOR THE REAR AXLE FAILURE BUT HAD THERE BEEN PROPER NOTIFICATION ALREADY IN PLACE THEY MAY HAVE BEEN ABLE TO CHECK FOR THIS DEFECT BEFORE THE VEHICLE WAS PUT BACK ON THE ROAD AT RISK OF HUMAN LIFE.

Mileage: 93,000

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

2001 FORD WINDSTAR SE: MAY 4, 2010, BACKING OUT OF DRIVEWAY, LOUD NOISE, COULD NOT DRIVE CAR. DRIVER'S SIDE REAR AXLE FRACTURED, CAR TOWED TO MECHANIC WHO REPAIRED AND REINFORCED SAID FRACTURE BY WELDING. AUGUST 2010, FORD ANNOUNCES RECALL OF WINDSTARS, ISSUES LETTERS TO AFFECTED OWNERS LATE SEPTEMBER, 2010. RECEIVED FORD RECALL NOTICE DURING THE WEEK OF OCTOBER 18, 2010. SUNDAY, OCTOBER 31, 2010, WHILE DRIVING ON SIDE ROAD (5 PASSENGERS, PLUS DRIVER) SAME LOUD NOISE, CAR IMMOBILIZED. PASSENGER SIDE REAR AXLE FRACTURED. PASSENGERS LEFT STRANDED. CAR TOWED FIRST TO RESIDENCE THEN TO DEALERSHIP ON MONDAY AM. TOLD BY DEALER THAT CAR WOULD NOT BE REPAIRED UNTIL JANUARY OR FEBRUARY, 2011 (AT THE EARLIEST) AS NO PARTS AVAILABLE. *TR

Mileage: 140,000

TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2001 FORD WINDSTAR. WHILE HAVING THE REAR AXLE REPAIRED UNDER A RECALL 10V385000, SUSPENSION REAR AXLE, NON-POWERED AXLE ASSEMBLY; THE DEALER INFORMED THE CONTACT THAT THE FRONT SUB-FRAME ON THE VEHICLE WAS COVERED WITH RUST AND CORRODED TO THE POINT THAT THE VEHICLE WAS UNSAFE TO DRIVE. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THEY DID NOT EXPERIENCE ANY PROBLEMS PRIOR TO TAKING THE VEHICLE IN TO HAVE THE REAR AXLE RECALL REPAIR PERFORMED. THE FAILURE AND CURRENT MILEAGES WERE 126246.

Mileage: 126,246

TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2001 FORD WINDSTAR. THE CONTACT STATED THAT HE RECEIVED A RECALL LETTER 10V385000, SUSPENSION:REAR:AXLE:NON-POWERED AXLE ASSEMBLY AND TOOK HIS VEHICLE IN FOR THE RECALL ON 10/29/2010. THE DEALER INSPECTED THE VEHICLE AND OFFERED HIM NO ASSISTANCE. WHILE DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 35 MPH THE REAR LEFT TRAILING ARM BROKE ON NOVEMBER 16, 2010. HE DROVE THE VEHICLE INTO A PARKING AREA AND LATER HAD IT TOWED TO AN AUTHORIZED DEALER. THE DEALER ADVISED HIM THAT HE NEEDED TO MAKE SOME PHONE CALLS AND WOULD CALL HIM BACK. THE DEALER LATER ADVISED HIM THAT THE PART THAT FAILED WAS NOT UNDER THE RECALL. THE VEHICLE HAD NOT BEEN REPAIRED AND REMAINED IN THE DEALERS POSSESSION. HE CALLED THE MANUFACTURER ON 11/18/2010 AND WAS ADVISED OF THE SAME INFORMATION PROVIDED BY THE DEALER. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 115,800.

Mileage: 115,800

TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2001 FORD WINDSTAR. THE CONTACT STATED THAT VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALER ON NOVEMBER 1, 2010 FOR RECALL REPAIR 10V385000 SUSPENSION: REAR: AXLE: NON-POWERED AXLE ASSEMBLY; WHILE THE DEALER EXAMINED THE REAR AXLE THEY NOTICED THAT THE FRONT AXLE WAS ALSO CORRODED AROUND THE MOTOR AND TRANSMISSION AREA. THE MANUFACTURER STATED THAT THEY WOULD NOT ASSIST WITH THE FRONT SUSPENSION FAILURE. THE VEHICLE WASN'T REPAIRED. THE FAILURE AND THE CURRENT MILEAGES WERE 139,000. UPDATED 12/14/2011 *CN THE CONSUMER IS STILL WAITING ON THE REAR AXLE TO BE REPAIRED. UPDATED 05/04/11

Mileage: 139,000

FORD CO. IS CAUSING UNDUE HARDSHIP IN OUR ATTEMPT TO GET SAFETY RECALL COMPLETED. WE HAVE ONE CAR, SO MADE APPT. W/ LOCAL DEALER (1/2 HR AWAY) & GOT CONFIRMATION # FOR RECALL 10S13 ON A DAY BOTH OF US HAD OFF WORK. HAD TO GET SOMEONE TO FOLLOW (1 HR DRIVE) TO BRING US BACK. DEALER WOULD NOT HONOR APPT. AND TOLD US TO MAKE ANOTHER ONE IN 3 - 4 WKS. I E-MAILED FORD CO.DETAILING POOR SERVICE WE HAD AND THE DIFFICULTY THIS CREATED FOR US. RECV'D RESPONSE 2 DAYS LATER THAT THEY ARE WORKING ON IT. ONE WEEK LATER, STILL NOT HEARD FROM FORD CO AND WAS CONCERNED ABOUT OUR SAFETY, SO I CALLED AND EXPLAINED DILEMMA TO CUST SERV REP. SHE TRIED TO GET US AN APPT W/ A DEALER 40 MINS AWAY, BUT SHE WAS NOT ABLE. AFTER WAITING 20 MINS. I HAD TO GO BACK TO WORK, SO I CALLED FORD CO. THAT NIGHT AND THIS CUST. SERV REP TRIED TO GET US APPT. W/ DIFFERENT DEALER WHO WAS 1 HR. AWAY, BUT THEY COULD NOT LOOK AT IT. I WAS THEN DISCONNECTED, SO CALLED RIGHT BACK. ANOTHER REP SAID WE COULD GO TO A DEALER IN S.C. I DON'T THINK IT IS REASONABLE TO REQUIRE US TO TRAVEL LONG DISTANCES FOR THEIR BAD PRODUCT. AGAIN, WE HAVE ONE CAR, SO HAVE TO ASK SOMEONE TO FOLLOW US TO DEALER. WE WORK RETAIL (CHRISTMAS SEASON) SO CANNOT REQUEST SPECIAL TIME OFF. WE HAVE MADE FIVE ATTEMPTS AND GONE FAR BEYOND THE CALL OF DUTY TO HAVE THIS RECALL DONE. FORD NEEDS TO DO THEIR PART AND PROVIDE CUSTOMER SERVICE FOR THE SAFETY OF THEIR CUSTOMERS. *TR

Mileage: 160,000

TOOK MY 2001 FORD WINDSTAR TO THE LOCAL FORD DEALERSHIP FOR REAR AXLE RECALL. I WAS ADVISED BY THE SERVICE MANAGER AT MY FORD DEALERSHIP THAT REAR AXLE WAS CRACKED, AND THAT THE METAL WAS RUSTED AND PITTED. IT WAS DETERMINED BY THE SERVICE MANAGER THAT THE VEHICLE WAS UNSAFE TO DRIVE. APPARENTLY THERE ARE SEVERAL WINDSTARS WITH THIS PROBLEM. WHILE PERFORMING THE REAR AXLE INSPECTION, THE DEALERSHIP FOUND THAT THE FRONT SUBFRAME ASSEMBLIES ON BOTH SIDES OF THE VEHICLE ARE SEVERELY RUSTED AND CRACKED. THIS ALSO APPEARS TO BE A COMMON PROBLEM. HOWEVER, FORD HAS YET TO ISSUE A RECALL ON THIS PROBLEM. HAVE YOUR DEALERSHIP CHECK YOUR SUBFRAME ASSEMBLIES, AND IF PROBLEMS ARE FOUND, FILE A COMPLAINT WITH NHTSA SO WE CAN ALSO GET THIS UNSAFE CONDITION REMEDIED. THERE IS AN ONGOING INVESTIGATION, AND IT APPEARS THERE ARE MORE AND MORE CASES ARISING. THERE NEEDS TO BE SUFFICIENT NUMBER OF CLAIMS IN ORDER FOR FORD TO RECALL THESE VEHICLES.

Mileage: 137,000

ADVISED BY FORD DEALERSHIP SERVICE MANAGER THAT THE FRONT SUBFRAME ASSEMBLIES ON BOTH SIDES ARE CRACKED AND SEVERELY RUSTED.

Mileage: 137,000

TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2001 FORD WINDSTAR. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE VEHICLE WOULD HAVE TO BE HELD BY THE DEALER FOR MONTHS FOR RECALL 10V385000 (SUSPENSION: REAR: AXLE: NON-POWERED AXLE ASSEMBLY). THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE MANUFACTURER PROVIDED A RENTAL VEHICLE BUT IT WAS NOT COMPARABLE TO THE VEHICLE BEING REPAIRED. THE CONTACT BELIEVED THAT THE REPAIR WAS GOING TO TAKE TOO LONG. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS APPROXIMATELY 85,000.

Mileage: 85,000

THE FRONT SUB-FRAME ON THE RIGHT SIDE HAS SEVERE RUSTING AND CORROSION WHERE THE SUB-FRAME MEETS THE CONTROL ARM. I TOOK IT IN FOR INSPECTION AND WAS NOTIFIED BY THE MECHANIC THAT IT WOULD NOT PASS WITHOUT REPLACEMENT AND WAS NOT EVEN SAFE TO DRIVE OUT OF HIS SHOP. HE ALSO SAID THAT HE WAS SURPRISED THE CAR PASSED INSPECTION AT THE FORD DEALERSHIP LAST YEAR. THANKFULLY, IT WAS DISCOVERED BEFORE THE SUB-FRAME DETACHED. *TR

Mileage: 119,500

TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2001 FORD WINDSTAR. THE CONTACT RECEIVED A RECALL NOTIFICATION UNDER NHTSA CAMPAIGN ID NUMBER 10V385000(SUSPENSION:REAR:AXLE:NON-POWERED AXLE ASSEMBLY). THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALER WHERE THEY STATED THAT THE PART WAS ON A MASSIVE BACK ORDER AND WOULD NOT BE AVAILABLE FOR THREE MONTHS. THE MANUFACTURER PROVIDED A LOANER VEHICLE DURING THE REPAIR; HOWEVER, THE OWNER WAS RESPONSIBLE FOR THE SALES TAX. THE CONTACT WAS DISPLEASED ABOUT THE EXTENSIVE TIME PERIOD FOR THE RECALL REPAIR. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 94,794. UPDATED 01/20/11 *BF UPDATED 04/15/11*JB

Mileage: 94,794

TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2001 FORD WINDSTAR. THE CONTACT WAITED FOR THE MANUFACTURER TO PERFORM THE RECALL REPAIR FOR THREE MONTHS. THE VEHICLE CRASHED INTO ANOTHER VEHICLE DUE TO THE FAULTY REAR AXLE. THE DRIVER SUFFERED INJURIES DUE TO THE CRASH. THE DEALER FOUND A CRACK IN THE AXLE AND ADVISED HER TO CALL THE MANUFACTURER. THE MANUFACTURER STATED THAT THEY WOULD CALL GIVE HER A CALL WHEN THEY DETERMINED THE REPAIR PROCESS OR THEY WOULD BUY THE VEHICLE BACK. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 120,000.

Mileage: 120,000

THE SUBFRAME IS RUSTING AND CORRODING WHERE THE CONTROL ARM ATTACHES TO IT. MY VEHICLE WILL NOT PASS INSPECTION. I HAVE RESEARCHED THIS ONLINE AND HAVE LEARNED THAT NHTSA IS INVESTIGATING THIS ON THE FORD WINDSTAR. *TR

Mileage: 127,000

MY 2001 FORD WINDSTARS REAR AXLE CRACKED IN HALF YESTERDAY 10-26-10 WHILE I WAS DRIVING. I RECEIVED THE RECALL FROM FORD ON 10-23-10. THESE VANS NEED TO TAKEN OFF THE ROAD NOT JUST TOLD TO BRING THEM IN TO GET CHECKED. THIS WAS EXTREMELY DANGEROUS FOR ME AND I THANK GOD MY CHILDREN WERE NOT IN THE VAN WHEN THIS HAPPENED. I WONDER HOW MANY PEOPLE WILL HAVE TO DIR BEFORE REALIZES HOW SERIOUS THIS PROBLEM IS. THE DEALERSHIP HAS MY VAN WHICH THEY WILL KEEP UNTIL PARTS COME WHICH I;M BEING TOLD IS MAYBE SOMETIME IN JANUARY. FORD HAS GIVEN ME A RENTAL THAT IS A FOUR PASSENGER CAR WHICH IS MUST SMALLER THAN MY 7 PASSENGER, BUT I WILL HAVE TO DEAL WITH THAT. I HOPE THE NHTSA CAN DO MORE TO GET THESE VEHICLES OFF THE ROAD BECAUSE THIS PROBLEM IS ONLY GOING TO GET WORSE BEFORE IT GETS BETTER. MAYBE THE TOP EXECUTIVES SHOULD PUT THEIR FAMILIES IN A WINDSTAR WHEN THE AXLE CRACKS IN HALF SO THEY CAN UNDERSTAND THE DANGER OF THIS PROBLEM. *TR

Mileage: 66,000

TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2001 FORD WINDSTAR. THE CONTACT RECEIVED A RECALL NOTIFICATION ASSOCIATED WITH THE NHTSA CAMPAIGN ID NUMBER 10V385000 (SUSPENSION:REAR:AXLE:NON-POWERED AXLE ASSEMBLY). THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALER WHO STATED THAT THE PART WAS UNAVAILABLE UNTIL MARCH OF 2011. THE CONTACT STATED THE DEALER WOULD PROVIDE A LOANER VEHICLE AT THE MANUFACTURER'S EXPENSE; HOWEVER, THE OWNER WOULD BE RESPONSIBLE FOR THE TAXES ON THE LOANER VEHICLE. THE CONTACT ALSO STATED THAT THE RECALL REMEDY WAS NOT BEING PERFORMED WITHIN A REASONABLE TIME. THERE WAS NO FAILURE MILEAGE.

TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2001 FORD WINDSTAR. WHILE DRIVING 30 MPH, THE FRONT AXLE RUSTED OFF AND THE CONTACT WAS UNABLE TO STEER. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO A LOCAL REPAIR SHOP WHERE THE CONTACT WAS INFORMED THAT THE FAILURE WAS CAUSED BY CORROSION. THE CONTACT CALLED THE DEALER AND REFERENCED RECALL 10V385000 (SUSPENSION: REAR: AXLE: NON-POWERED AXLE ASSEMBLY) AND WAS TOLD THAT THE REPAIRS WOULD NOT BE COVERED BECAUSE THE RECALL WAS RELATED TO THE REAR AXLE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS APPROXIMATELY 100,700 AND THE CURRENT MILEAGE WAS APPROXIMATELY 100,900.

Mileage: 100,700

TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2001 FORD WINDSTAR. THE VEHICLE WAS INCLUDED IN RECALL 10V385000 (SUSPENSION: REAR: AXLE: NON-POWERED AXLE ASSEMBLY). WHEN HE SPOKE WITH THE DEALER, HE WAS INFORMED THAT PARTS WOULD NOT BE AVAILABLE FOR THE REPAIR FOR FIVE MONTHS. THE VEHICLE HAD NOT BEEN REPAIRED. THE CURRENT AND FAILURE MILEAGES WERE APPROXIMATELY 111,000.

Mileage: 111,000

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

WHILE DRIVING MY 2001 FORD WINDSTAR ON M-20 NEAR REMUS, MI I HEARD A LOUD BOOM FROM THE FRONT OF THE VEHICLE. I PULLED OFF OF THE ROAD TO INVESTIGATE AND FOUND THE DRIVER SIDE FRONT COIL SPRING BROKEN. I HAD TO REPLACE THE SPRING AND STRUT ASSEMBLY ON THAT SIDE. I WAS TOLD THAT I SHOULD REPLACE THE OTHER SIDE AS WELL. BOTH FRONT SPRING/STRUT ASSEMBLIES WERE REPLACED AT MY PERSONAL COST. *TR

Mileage: 125,400

I OWN A 2001 FORD WINDSTAR SE. IN JULY 2010 I NOTICED TWO CRACKS IN THE REAR AXLE. MANUFACTURER WARRANTY HAS EXPIRED ON THIS VEHICLE. I HAD THE CRACKS REPAIRED (WELDED). *TR

Mileage: 132,000

CLUNKING NOISE FROM R/F OF VEHICLE WHEN TURNING LEFT, AND SEVERE PULL WHEN ACCELERATING. FOUND FRONT SUBFRAME RUSTED THRU AND CRACKED AT PASSENGER SIDE REAR MOUNT. HAD TO REPLACE FRONT SUBFRAME. *TR

Mileage: 136,120

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2001 FORD WINDSTAR. WHILE DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 1 MPH, THE CONTACT HEARD A LOUD BANG AND THE VEHICLE WOULD NO LONGER ACCELERATE. UPON EXAMINING THE VEHICLE, THE CONTACT NOTICED THAT THE FRONT PASSENGER SIDE WHEEL WAS POINTED IN THE OPPOSITE DIRECTION OF THE FRONT DRIVER SIDE WHEEL. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO THE CONTACT'S RESIDENCE; IT HAD NOT BEEN INSPECTED OR REPAIRED. THE CURRENT AND FAILURE MILEAGES WERE APPROXIMATELY 132,000. THE CONSUMER STATED EVEN BEFORE THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED THE GARAGE, HE COULD SEE THAT THE BRACKET THAT HELD THE LOWER CONTROL ARM TO THE FRAME HAD COMPLETELY BROKEN OFF THE FRAME. WHEN THE CONTROL ARM LOST THAT ATTACHING POINT, THE WHEEL WAS ALLOWED TO PULL AWAY AND ALSO PULLED THE AXLE SHAFT AWAY FROM THE TRANSMISSION. THE SUBFRAME AND TRANSMISSION SEAL HAD TO BE REPLACED. UPDATED EVOQ 02/15/11

Mileage: 132,000

2001 FORD WINDSTAR WITH A CRACKED REAR AXLE. NO LETTER HAS BEEN RECEIVED TO ADDRESS THIS MATTER. OUR VAN MADE CREAKING NOISES AND WE HAD HEARD THROUGH THE MEDIA THAT A RECALL WAS BEGINNING. THE DEALERSHIP AND THE FORD CUSTOMER RELATIONS DEPT. WILL NOT GIVE US A DEFINITE ANSWER AS TO WHEN WE CAN EXPECT A RESOLUTION. WE WERE GIVEN A 30 DAY RENTAL AND 14 DAYS HAVE PASSED AND NO ANSWERS. WE ARE GIVEN $30 A DAY FOR A RENTAL CAR BY FORD BUT MUST PAY TAXES TOTALING $3.30 A DAY. THE VOUCHER IS $38 DAILY WITH $8 USED FOR INSURANCE IF NEEDED. WE PAY THROUGH OUR PRIVATE INSURANCE COMPANY FOR SUCH COVERAGE. WHY CANNOT FORD USE THE ADDITIONAL $8 A DAY TO COVER OUR TAXES? THE EXPLANATION FOR THE RECALL WAS TO BE NO EXPENSE TO THE OWNER FOR CORRECTING THE PROBLEM. WE DID NOT CREATE THIS PROBLEM AND BOUGHT OUR VAN IN GOOD FAITH OF THE FORD MOTOR CO. REPUTATION. THIS CERTAINLY DOESN'T MAKE FOR GOOD CUSTOMER RELATIONS. NO DEFINITE DEADLINE FOR REPAIRS AND GIVING UP THE VAN TO USE A 4 DOOR CAR HAS BEEN VERY INCONVENIENT. I AM REQUESTING A DEADLINE BE ESTABLISHED AND FOR FORD TO USE THE ADDITIONAL $8 WE ARE NOT USING BUT WAS ALLOCATED FOR COVERAGE OF THIS PROBLEM TO BE COVERED FOR THOSE CUSTOMERS WHO ALREADY HAVE INSURANCE FOR RENTAL CARS UNDER THEIR PRIVATE INSURANCE CARRIER. *TR

Mileage: 92,000

TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2001 FORD WINDSTAR. WHILE THE DEALER INSPECTED THE REAR AXLE FOR RECALL 10V385000 SUSPENSION: REAR: AXLE: NON-POWERED AXLE ASSEMBLY THEY ALSO LOCATED A FAILURE AT THE FRONT H FRAME WHICH WAS CORRODED AND SEPARATED. THE MANUFACTURER STATED THAT THE FAILURE WASN'T RECALLED, BUT IF A RECALL WAS ISSUED IN THE FUTURE HE COULD BE REIMBURSED FOR THE REPAIR. THE VEHICLE WASN'T REPAIRED. THE FAILURE AND CURRENT MILEAGES WERE 114,000 MILES. THE AC COMPRESSOR LEAKED WATER ONTO THE FRAME AND CAUSED IT TO ROT. UPDATED EVOQ 11/12/10*JB UPDATED 01/20/11 *BF UPDATED 04/13/11

Mileage: 114,000

MY 2001 FORD WINDSTAR HAS BROKEN THROUGH 2 REAR AXLES! ALSO THE INTERIOR LIGHTS BLINK ON AND OFF AS I AM DRIVING AND SOMETIMES COME ON AND STAY ON AND WHILE TURNED OFF WILL SOMETIMES DRAIN THE BATTERY AND THE HEADLIGHTS AND HAZARD LIGHTS WILL BLINK ON AND OFF AND THE HORN WILL BEEP. ALSO AT TIMES MY POWER WINDOWS WILL NOT FUNCTION. *TR

Mileage: 90,000

I WAS DRIVING DOWN I-75 IN TOLEDO OHIO AT 70 MPH WHEN MY REAR AXLE BROKE IN HALF ON MY 2001 FORD WINDSTAR MINIVAN. LOST CONTROL BUT WAS ABLE TO NOT HIT ANYONE OR ROLL OVER. I HAVE HAD NO HELP FROM FORD AND NOTHING BUT A RUN AROUND FROM THEM HELP!!! I HAVE 4 CHILDREN AND NO TRANSPORTATION. MY ELDEST DAUGHTER HAS NO BUSING IN OUR COUNTY SO I HAVE TO TRANSPORT BOTH WAYS AND NO VEHICLE. NO WAY TO GET GROCERIES OR DR. APPTS. FORD PROMISED ME A RENTAL BUT 9 DAYS HAVE GONE BY AND NO HELP. WHAT DO I DO? THEY ARE TELLING ME IT WILL BE OVER THREE MONTHS BEFORE I CAN HAVE MY VAN REPAIRED. *TR

Mileage: 170,000

I WAS DRIVING A 2001 FORD WINDSTAR MINIVAN WITH 154K MILES ON A RAINY NIGHT AT HIGHWAY SPEED ON A 3 LANE INTERSTATE WITH 5 CHILDREN ABOARD. I HEARD A LOUD NOISE FROM THE VEHICLE AND LOST ALL CONTROL AS THE STEERING AND BRAKING WASN'T WORKING RIGHT. AS I TRIED TO GET ONTO THE SHOULDER, IT KEPT SWERVING TOWARD THE LEFT, BACK INTO THE LANES. WHEN IT FINALLY STOPPED MOVING, WE WERE STICKING OUT INTO TRAFFIC AND I FEARED WE WOULD BE HIT. THE TOW TRUCK DRIVER SHOWED ME THAT THE RIGHT TIRE WASN'T EVEN POINTING STRAIGHT AHEAD ANYMORE AND SAID THAT THE AXEL PROBABLY BROKE. THE MECHANIC TOLD ME THAT THE FRAME CRACKED AND IN HIS OPINION, HE WOULDN'T RECOMMEND FIXING THE VEHICLE. THE INSURANCE COMPANY SAID THE RIGHT FRONT LOWER CONTROL ARM MOUNT ROTTED OFF WHICH PULLED OUT AXEL AND BROKE TIE ROD END AND SO ON, DUE TO NORMAL WEAR AND TEAR. I RECEIVED ZERO DOLLARS FOR MY AUTO CLAIM AND MY FAMILY OF SEVEN HAD TO USE OUR 3 SEATER PICKUP TRUCK AS THE FAMILY VEHICLE FOR MONTHS AFTER THE INCIDENT. I LIVE IN A SNOW BELT STATE AND I DO NOT BELIEVE THAT NORMAL WEAR AND TEAR OCCURRED IN A MERE 8 YEARS. I HAVE PICTURES OF THE VEHICLE AFTER THE INCIDENT AS WELL. THANK YOU FOR THE OPPORTUNITY TO PROVIDE INFORMATION FOR OPEN INVESTIGATION #PE10-026. MY HOPE IS THAT MY STORY IS USEFUL ENOUGH TO HELP PREVENT THIS SAME THING FROM HAPPENING TO OTHER 2001 FORD WINDSTAR OWNERS. *TR

Mileage: 154,731

SEPT 4, 2010, APPROX 5 PM ON INTERSTATE 80 IN HEAVY TRAFFIC IN ALTOONA, IOWA MY 2001 FORD WINDSTARS REAR AXLE SNAPPED IN 2 AND WE MIRACULOUSLY CUT ACROSS SEVERAL LANES OF TRAFFIC ONTO THE SHOULDER. I TRULY THOUGHT THIS WAS GOING TO BE THE END OF OUR LIVES. WE WERE NOT INJURED. THE HIGHWAY PATROL GOT US OFF THE INTERSTATE AND MY VAN IS NOW SITTING IN A JUNK YARD. THE AXLE IS COMPLETELY SEVERED AND MY TIRES ARE LYING FLAT. WE COULD HAVE GOTTEN KILLED BECAUSE FORD NEGLECTED TO INFORM ME OF THIS LIFE THREATENING DEFECT. WAITING UNTIL SEPT 27 TO START SENDING RECALL NOTICES MAY BE TOO LATE TO SOME VICTIMS. GOD TOOK THE WHEEL THIS TIME. I WILL NOT EVER DRIVE THAT VAN AGAIN. MY CHILDREN ARE TRAUMATIZED AS SO AM I. *TR

Mileage: 95,000

I DRIVE A 2001 FORD WINDSTAR AND WAS RELIEVED TO FIND OUT THERE HAS BEEN A RECALL ON THE REAR AXLE FOR THIS VEHICLE. I HAVE BEEN DRIVING A TICKING TIME BOMB SINCE MAY 2010 THE TIRE PRESSURE LIGHT CAME ON THE SAME DAY I DROVE THE CAR OFF THE LOT AND I HAVE REPLACED FOUR REAR TIRES SINCE. NOT UNTIL I HAD MY MECHANIC COME AND LIFT THE VEHICLE UP TO SEE WHY I COULD NOT CONTROL THE VEHICLE COMING TO WORK ONE MORNING DID I REALIZE THE SEVERITY OF THE MATTER ONLY AFTER MY 17 YEAR OLD DAUGHTER WAS DRIVING IT THE DAY BEFORE TO RUN ERRANDS. SCARY HOW THE LIFE OF MY CHILD COULD HAVE BEEN LOST BECAUSE OF SUCH NEGLIGENCE. THE VAN NOW SITS AT MY JOB AND IS UNDRIVEABLE, AND I FOUND OUT THE STATE I LIVE IN IS NOT UNDER THIS RECALL. WHAT EXACTLY WILL IT TAKE TO REALIZE THE WINDSTAR IS A HAZARD. I WILL FIGHT TO GET THIS STATE ADDED TO THE RECALL LIST, DO WHAT I NEED TO DO, TALK TO WHOM EVER WILL LISTEN. *TR

REAR AXLE FRACTURED WHILE DRIVING MY FORD WINDSTAR 2001. AS A RESULT I LOST CONTROL OF THE VEHICLE. *TR

Mileage: 116,000

I HAVE A 2001 FORD WINDSTAR WHICH IS SHOWING SIGNS OF A SUB-FRAME CORROSION FAILURE SIMILAR TO THE ONE DESCRIBED IN INVESTIGATION PR 10-026. THERE IS A "U-SHAPED" SUBFRAME ELEMENT WHICH CONNECTS TO THE MAIN FRAME NEAR THE OUTBOARD SIDE OF BOTH FRONT SEATS AND EXTENDS FORWARD AROUND THE FRONT OF THE CAR. IT DOES APPEAR VARIOUS SUSPENSION AND STEERING MEMBERS ARE CONNECTED TO THIS SUB-FRAME. THE PASSENGER-SIDE END OF THIS SUB-FRAME WHERE IT CONNECTS TO THE VEHICLE FRAME SHOWS SEVERE RUSTING AND METAL DELAMINATION AND A CRACK HAS FORMED ON THE END. THE DRIVER-SIDE END OF THIS SUBFRAME SHOWS NORMAL WEAR AND IS NOT IN IMMEDIATE RISK OF FAILURE. THE CORROSION TO THE PASSENGER-SIDE END IS EXCESSIVE AS COMPARED TO THE DRIVER'S SIDE AND OTHER FRAME ELEMENTS IN THE VICINITY. SOMETHING IS ACCELERATING THE CORROSION ON THE RIGHT SIDE. IT MAY BE DUE TO THE CONDENSATE DRAIN FROM THE AIR-CONDITIONING SYSTEM. AT THIS TIME, THE SUB-FRAME HAS NOT FAILED BUT THE VEHICLE REPRESENTS A SIGNIFICANT SAFETY RISK SINCE FAILURE-RELATED CRASHES HAVE BEEN REPORTED. THE REPAIR COSTS ARE ESTIMATED TO BE IN EXCESS OF $2000 FOR FRAME REPLACEMENT. I BELIEVE THAT FORD SHOULD QUICKLY DEVELOP AND DEPLOY A MEANS OF REINFORCING THE FRAME MEMBER AND OFFER THE REPAIR VIA RECALL TO WINDSTAR OWNERS. SINCE THE PARTS ARE CURRENTLY STILL ON MY VEHICLE, I CAN TAKE PHOTOGRAPHS SHOWING THE DETERIORATION OF THE SUB-FRAME ENDS. AS A SIDE NOTE: MY WINDSTAR IS EQUIPPED WITH THE REARSEAT AIR-CONDITIONING SYSTEM. THE EVAPORATOR IS IN THE REAR QUARTER-PANEL ON THE DRIVER'S SIDE IN THE REAR OR THE VEHICLE. WHILE THIS AFFECTED COMPONENTS DO NOT APPEAR TO BE A CRITICAL PART OF THE VEHICLE'S STRUCTURE, THERE IS SIGNIFICANT CORROSION TO THE PARTS WHICH ARE IN THE PATH OF THE CONDENSATE DRAIN FOR THE REAR A/C SYSTEM AS WELL. THIS SEEMS TO CONFIRM THE BELIEF THAT A/C CONDENSATE RUN-OFF IS A KEY FACTOR IN THE SUB-FRAME CORROSION ISSUE. *TR

Mileage: 106,000

I OWN A 2001 FORD WINDSTAR LX I WAS DRIVING DOWN THE EXPRESSWAY AT 55MPH WHEN THE REAR OF THE VAN START TO SWAY AND PULL ERATICALLY I PULLED OFF THE SIDE OF THE EXPRESSWAY AND FOUND THAT THE REAR AXLE ON MY VAN HAD CRACKED IN HALF. *TR

Mileage: 157,000

2001 FORD WINDSTAR VEHICLE SEEMED TO HAVE A SUSPENSION PROBLEM WITH A LOT OF BOUNCING. REAR AXLE FAILURE THAT NEEDED REPLACEMENT AT 164000 MILES. 7/13/09 $868.90 AXLE TUBE AND HOOKS REPLACED. *TR

Mileage: 164,529

ALEX. *TR

Mileage: 10,800

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

OWN A 2001 FORD WINDSTAR MINIVAN . ON TUESDAY, 8/24, I WAS DRIVING FROM RHINEBECK NY TO YONKERS, NY, MOSTLY ALONG THE TACONIC PARKWAY. THIS PARKWAY HAS MANY POTHOLES DUE TO THE GRATES SINKING OVER THE COURSE OF A YEAR AND IT IS VERY HARD TO AVOID MANY OF THESE GRATES BECAUSE OF THEIR LOCATION ALONG THE RIGHT EDGE OF THE RIGHT LANE. AFTER DRIVING ALONG THIS ROUTE FOR A WHILE (NOT SURE HOW LONG) THE VAN STARTED TO SQUEAK ON SOME TURNS AND THERE WAS A SMELL OF BURNING RUBBER THAT CAME AND WENT. THERE WERE NO PROBLEMS MANAGING THE CAR OR CONTINUING TO DRIVE AND THERE WAS NO PROBLEM BREAKING. BECAUSE OF THE LATE HOUR (WE ARRIVED HOME AT 9 PM) I OPTED TO KEEP MOVING TO GET HOME AND NOT STOP ALONG THE ROAD. THE SQUEAKING WAS MOSTLY WHEN I MADE RIGHT TURNS - I COULD NOT TELL WHEN/OR WHY THE SMELL WOULD RETURN. UPON RETURNING HOME I PULLED INTO THE DRIVEWAY AND THERE WAS A SORT OF 'CLUNK' AS I PARKED. NEXT MORNING I WENT OUT TO SEE THE VAN AND NOTICED THE REAR WHEELS WERE NO LONGER PARALLEL. I HAVE MULTIPLE SCLEROSIS SO I DID NOT GET DOWN TO LOOK AT ANYTHING AND THERE WAS NO IMMEDIATE NEED FOR CAR SO WAITED FOR MY HUSBAND TO COME HOME. HE LOOKED AT THE REAR UNDERCARRIAGE AND TOLD ME THE AXLE WAS CRACKED. HE WAS ABLE TO GET IT TO A NEARBY MECHANIC WHO WAS SURPRISED I WAS ABLE TO GET HOME WITH IT AND ASKED ABOUT WHAT I 'HIT'. I DID NOT HIT ANYTHING EXCEPT POTHOLES AND WAS NOT DRIVING ABOVE LEGAL LIMIT OF 55 MPH (TOO DARK AND AREA KNOWN TO HAVE DEER CROSSING SO WOULD NOT RISK GOING OVER LIMIT). IT IS CURRENTLY IN FOR REPAIR NOW. ALSO WE HAVE NOT HAD ANY ACCIDENTS WITH THIS VEHICLE PRIOR TO THIS DATE AND IT HAS REASONABLY LOW MILEAGE ON IT FOR ITS AGE. *TR

2001 FORD WINDSTAR REAR AXLE FAILURE. WHILE DRIVING AT CITY SPEEDS A LOUD CLUNKING WAS NOTICED IN THE REAR. NO LOSS OF CONTROL OCCURRED. THE DEALERSHIP CONFIRMED A REAR AXLE FAILURE AND RECOMMENDS REPLACEMENT. THE VEHICLE IS OWNED IN A "SALT-BELT" STATE, HAS 91,000 MILES AND HAS BEEN LIGHTLY DRIVEN AND WELL-MAINTAINED. *TR

Mileage: 91,000

I WENT TO RUN AN ERRAND & THE VAN SEEMED TO BE HANDLING STRANGELY. IT FELT LIKE THE REAR WAS JUMPING/SHIFTING ON "NORMAL" PAVEMENT. I TURNED AROUND (ONLY .5 MILES FROM HOME) & FOUND THE REAR TIRES ON MY 2001 WINDSTAR "CAVED INWARDS". I WAS ABLE TO SAFELY MAKE IT THE SHORT DISTANCE BACK TO MY HOME & LOOK UNDERNEATH TO SEE THAT THE REAR AXLE IS SPLIT THROUGH (NOT COMPLETELY, BUT BADLY). WE HAVE NOT YET HAD IT TOWED TO GET AN ESTIMATE FOR REPAIR. *TR

Mileage: 96,360

I WAS DRIVING MY 2001 FORD WINDSTAR LX MINIVAN AT APPROXIMATELY 60 MPH ON INTERSTATE 270 IN MADISON COUNTY, ILLINOIS AT APPROXIMATELY 7:30 PM ON WED. 8/18/2010 WHEN THE VEHICLE'S BACK END STARTED TO SHAKE UNCONTROLLABLY. THINKING IT MIGHT BE A BLOWN TIRE, I IMMEDIATELY PULLED OVER TO SEE IF I COULD FIND THE PROBLEM. SEEING HOW ALL TIRES WERE FINE, I CONTINUED. WHEN REACHING SPEED OF 35 MPH, THE VEHICLE BEGAN TO VIOLENTLY SHAKE AGAIN. I WAS ABLE TO EXIT THE INTERSTATE AND CONTINUE ON MY JOURNEY AT A RATE OF SPEED THAT DID NOT EXCEED 25 MPH. WAS ABLE TO MAKE IT HOME (UNDER 5 MILES THROUGH MINIMAL CITY TRAFFIC) AS THE VEHICLE DID NOT SHAKE DUE TO SLOWER SPEED. WHEN I REACHED HOME, I CHECKED UNDERNEATH THE VEHICLE AND NOTICED A LARGE CRACK IN THE REAR AXLE NEAR THE CENTER OF THE AXLE. WHEN RESEARCHING THE INTERNET ON WINDSTAR AXLES, I DISCOVERED THAT OTHER WINDSTAR OWNERS HAVE EXPERIENCED THE SAME PROBLEM DUE TO THE WINDSTAR'S AXLE DESIGN. ALSO WHILE DOING RESEARCH, I HAVE DISCOVERED THAT FORD IS KNOWLEDGEABLE ABOUT THE AXLE'S DEFECTIVE DESIGN BUT HAS NOT EVOKED ANY ACTION TO CORRECT THE SITUATION OR HAS PRESENTED A RECALL. THE 2001 FORD WINDSTAR LX I OWN HAS 160,000 MILES ON IT, BUT HAS NOT HAD ANY OVERWHELMING MECHANIC FAILURES ON IT EXCEPT FOR AIR CONDITIONING AND MINOR ELECTRICAL PROBLEMS. THE VEHICLE WAS RECENTLY TAKEN TO A LOCAL FORD SERVICE CENTER IN ALTON, IL ON SAT. 7/24/2010 FOR RECALL WORK, AND EVEN THOUGH THE VEHICLE WENT THROUGH AN INSPECTION AT THE TIME, NOTHING WAS BROUGHT UP ABOUT THE AXLE SHOWING SIGNS OF DETERIORATION. THE VEHICLE WILL GO TO A LOCAL MECHANIC TOMORROW FOR AN ESTIMATE. LUCKILY, I WILL TAKE IT THERE MYSELF BECAUSE MY LIFE WAS AT RISK THIS EVENING DUE TO THE AXLE FAILURE. *TR

Mileage: 160,030

2001 FORD WINDSTAR. REAR AXLE CATASTROPHICALLY FAILED WHILE DRIVING DOWN A FREEWAY. METALLIC CLICKING OCCURRED WHILE THE CAR WAS DRIVEN IN REVERSE THE DAY BEFORE THE CATASTROPHIC FAILURE. *TR

Mileage: 127,320

WHILE DRIVING OUR 2001 FORD WINDSTAR WHICH HAS ONLY 60,000 MILES AT ABOUT 20 MPH, A LOUD SNAP SOUND OCCURRED, FOLLOWED BY WOBBLING FROM THE BACK OF THE CAR AND BURNING RUBBER SMELL AS THE VEHICLE CAME TO A SCRAPPING STOP. WE GOT OUT TO SEE THAT THE REAR AXLE BAR HAD SNAPPED IN TWO ABOUT A FOOT OR SO FROM THE DRIVERS REAR WHEEL. WE CALLED GEICO AND FILED A CLAIM, THEY ARE GOING TO REPAIR IT BUT WE WILL STILL HAVE TO PAY A $500 DEDUCTIBLE. THEY SAID THAT IF THEY ARE SUCCESSFUL IN GOING AFTER FORD FOR THIS "DEFECT", WE WOULD THEM BE ELIGIBLE FOR THE $500 BACK . WE SEE ON THE INTERNET THAT THERE ARE TWO YOUTUBE.COM VIDEOS ABOUT THIS SAME PROBLEM AND THESE AXLES ARE SNAPPED EXACTLY WHERE OURS LET GO. WE ALSO SEE ON THE INTERNET THAT THE NHTSA HAS BEEN INVESTIGATING THIS PROBLEM SINCE MAY OF 2010. AS OF THAT DATE THERE WERE ALMOST 300 OCCURRENCES OF THIS FAILURE IN THE NORTHEAST, I GUESS MORE AND MORE OF THIS OCCURRENCE WILL CONTINUE UNTIL FORD RECALLS THIS DEFECTIVE WELD OR INADEQUATE THICKNESS OF THE REAR AXEL BAR ITSELF. WE HOPE NO-ONE HAS TO LOOSE THEIR LIVES BEFORE FORD ADDRESSES THIS ISSUE. WE ARE SO GLAD THAT WE NEVER MADE IT TO THE ENTRANCE OF THE HIGHWAY, BECAUSE I CANNOT IMAGINE WHAT WOULD HAVE HAPPENED AT HIGHWAY SPEEDS. *TR

Mileage: 60,100

REAR AXLE BROKE COMPLETELY IN HALF CAUSING THE WHEELS TO TURN INWARD WHILE APPROACHING HIGHWAY SPEEDS. I WAS ABLE TO CONTROL THE VEHICLE AS IT SWAYED FORM SIDE TO SIDE AND PULL TO THE BERM. I HAD THE VAN TOWED HOME AND HAVEN'T REPAIRED IT YET. *TR

Mileage: 115,792

2001 FORD WINDSTAR REAR AXLE CRACKED IN HALF - DRIVING VEHICLE AND HEARD A LOUD POPPING SOUND,(THOUGHT I BROKE A SHOCK), BACK END OF VEHICLE BECAME UNSTABLE. LOOKED UNDERNEATH AND FOUND REAR AXLE BROKEN IN HALF ABOUT ONE AND A HALF FOOT FROM DRIVES REAR TIRE. HAVE VEHICLE TOWED TO GARAGE TO HAVE FIXED, THEY ARE AWARE OF THE PROBLEM SINCE THEY SAID THEY HAVE REPLACED SEVERAL. *TR

Mileage: 170,000

2001 FORD WINDSTAR VAN, REAR AXLE SNAPPED IN HALF WHILE DRIVING. *TR

Mileage: 115,000

2001 FORD WINDSTAR REAR AXEL CRACKED IN HALF WHILE DRIVING DOWN THE STREET AND HITTING A POT HOLE. LOSS CONTROL OF CAR, NOT HITTING ANYTHING OR ANYONE; JUST SWERVED INTO OTHER LANE AND UNABLE TO DRIVE VAN. TIRES DAMAGED AND LEFT TIRE TILTED INWARD. POSSIBLE DAMAGE TO REAR BRAKES. *TR

Mileage: 169,000

FORD WINDSTAR 2001 REAR AXLE CRACKED AND HAD TO BE REPLACED BY FORD DEALERSHIP AT OUR EXPENSE. THE DEALER IS THE PERSON WHO NOTICED THE PROBLEM UPON DOING ROUTINE WORK ON OUR VAN. WE WENT IN TO SEE AND TAKE PICTURES AS WE THOUGHT THIS SHOULD BE A RECALL AND WERE VERY THANKFUL THAT IT DID NOT BREAK WHILE WE WERE IN THE VAN WITH OUR CHILDREN. THEY STATED THAT THEY WERE SEEING IT MORE OFTEN AND WERE CHECKING CARS AS THEY WORKED ON THEM. *TR

Mileage: 68,962

I READ THE ARTICLE IN THE MORNING CALL IN ALLENTOWN, PA ABOUT THE REAR AXLES OF THE FORD WINDSTAR AND DECIDED TO GO CHECK OUR VAN. LOW AND BEHOLD, THERE IS A CRACK ABOUT 18 INCHES IN FROM THE DRIVER SIDE AND IS ABOUT 3 INCHES VERTICALLY. *TR

Mileage: 106,500

I HAVE A 2001 FORD WINDSTAR MINIVAN AND IN FEBRUARY 2010 I WAS DRIVING MY DAUGHTER AND HER FRIENDS HOME FROM DANCE WHEN THE REAR AXLE BEAM CRACKED IN HALF AND I WAS FORTUNATE ENOUGH TO BE ABLE TO GET OFF THE HIGHWAY AND PULL INTO A PARKING LOT BEFORE THE BACK WHEEL FELL OFF. THIS COST ME $800.00 TO FIX USING A USED PART. *TR

Mileage: 112,000

TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2001 FORD WINDSTAR. WHILE DRIVING AT 70 MPH, THE CONTACT HEARD A LOUD, UNUSUAL EXPLOSION. THE CONTACT WAS ABLE TO EXIT THE VEHICLE AND FOUND THAT THE FRONT SUB FRAME AND AXLE HAD FRACTURED FROM THE VEHICLE. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO AN AUTHORIZED DEALER WHERE THE CONTACT WAS AWAITING REPAIRS. THE VIN WAS NOT AVAILABLE. THE FAILURE AND CURRENT MILEAGES WERE 110,000. UPDATED 11/19/10.*LJ ALSO, THE OIL PAN GASKETS WAS LEAKING. UPDATED 11/24/10

Mileage: 110,000

THE REAR AXEL IN MY FORD WINDSTAR LS VAN HAS BROKEN APART IN TWO PIECES. THE REAR AXEL LOOKS AS THOUGH IT IS CUT INTO TWO PARTS. I AM VERY LUCKY THAT IT HAPPENED IN A PLACE WHERE I COULD PULL OVER AND ASSESS THE PROBLEM. I HAD RECENTLY TAKEN A TRIP WITH MY FOUR CHILDREN AND IF THIS HAD SNAPPED DURING HIGHWAY DRIVING IT COULD HAVE FLIPPED THE VAN AND HURT OR KILLED US ALL NOT TO MENTION ANY CARS THAT COULD HAVE BEEN INVOLVED. THE TIRES ARE LEANING UP AGAINST THE WHEEL WELLS (TURNED OUT) AND THE AXEL IS SPLIT. I HOPE THAT THIS IS LOOKED INTO FURTHER. II HAVE HAD NO ACCIDENTS, OR INCIDENT THAT WOULD HAVE CAUSED THIS. I FEEL AS THOUGH IT MAY HAVE STARTED ON THE INSIDE OF THE AXEL DUE TO THE CLEAN BREAK. I HAVE NOT YET FIXED THE VEHICLE. THIS IS A SITUATION WHERE IT COULD HAVE BEEN A SERIOUS SAFETY ISSUE FOR MY FAMILY'S LIFE. I AM CONCERNED ABOUT THE QUALITY FORD IS PROVIDING ITS CONSUMERS, AND THE SAFETY RISK FACTOR THAT IS NOT CONSIDERED. FORD AXELS ARE DEFECTIVE, AND SALT BELT STATES DESERVE THE SAME SAFETY STANDARDS AND QUALITY AS OTHER STATES. I AM BLESSED TO LIVE THROUGH THIS EXPERIENCE AND FRUSTRATED AT THE QUALITY FORD HAS PROVIDED. I AM SERIOUSLY CONSIDERING NOT PURCHASING FORD PRODUCTS IN THE FUTURE. *TR

Mileage: 195,718

1. 2001 FORD WINDSTAR 158,000 MILES HAS A BROKEN REAL AXEL. THE VEHICLE HAS ONLY HAD NORMAL USE. NO ACCIDENTS. 2.THE BROKEN AXEL MAKES THE VEHICLE UNDRIVABLE. NO INJURIES OR ACCIDENTS INVOLVED. 3. LOOKING INTO REPAIR BUT YET UNSURE OF COSTS. WON'T BUY A USED REPLACEMENT DUE TO THE FREQUENCY OF THIS PROBLEM. *TR

Mileage: 158,132

1. DRIVING TO THE SUPERMARKET WITH MY FAMILY. 2. THE REAR AXEL BROKE IN HALF, ALMOST CRASHED. 3. HAVING IT TOWED AND TO BE FIXED. *TR

REAR AXLE BROKE WHILE I WAS TAKING MY GRAND DAUGHTER HOME..I AM ON A FIXED INCOME...NOW I HAVE NO TRANSPORTATION UNTIL I CAN GET ENOUGH MONEY TO PAY TO HAVE IT FIXED...MY GRAND DAUGHTER COULD HAVE BEEN KILLED..LUCKILY I WAS JUST PULLING AWAY FROM A STOP SIGN WHEN IT HAPPENED... *TR

Mileage: 140,000

REAR AXLE BROKE WHILE I WAS TAKING MY GRAND DAUGHTER HOME..I AM ON A FIXED INCOME...NOW I HAVE NO TRANSPORTATION UNTIL I CAN GET ENOUGH MONEY TO PAY TO HAVE IT FIXED...MY GRAND DAUGHTER COULD HAVE BEEN KILLED..LUCKILY I WAS JUST PULLING AWAY FROM A STOP SIGN WHEN IT HAPPENED... *TR

Mileage: 140,000

I TURNED INTO MY DRIVEWAY TODAY IN MY 2001 FORD WINDSTAR AND THE REAR AXLE SNAPPED IN HALF. THE ROADWAY-TO-DRIVEWAY TRANSITION IS SMOOTH. I WASN'T HAULING OR TOWING ANYTHING. NO INJURIES OR PROPERTY DAMAGE. I HAVEN'T HAD IT REPAIRED YET AND THERE MAY BE OTHER DAMAGES TO THE VEHICLE SUCH AS THE TIRE AND THE WHEEL BEARING. *TR

Mileage: 124,000

2001 FORD WINDSTAR WAS BOUNCING OVER BUMPS AND FELT LIKE SHOCKS NEEDED REPLACING. I DID WEB SEARCH AND ALSO FOUND COMPLAINTS OF REAR AXLE FAILURES. I REPLACED THE SHOCKS AND DECIDED TO CHECK THE AXLE WHILE I WAS UNDER THE CAR. SURE ENOUGH, JUST IN FROM THE RIGHT REAR WHEEL, THE REAR PORTION OF THE REAR AXLE HAS A 3-4 INCH CRACK. *TR

Mileage: 160,000

FOR 2-3 WEEKS, AT TIMES, WE NOTICED A POPPING NOISE FROM THE BACK END WHEN TURNING INTO DRIVEWAYS/PARKING LOTS. THEN ONE TUESDAY WE NOTICED THE BACK END OF THE VAN WOULD SWAY AFTER HITTING A BUMP IN THE ROAD. ON THURSDAY OF THAT WEEK WHILE DRIVING TO WORK I NOTICED THE VAN WOULD "VIBRATE" AFTER HITTING A BUMP. I LIKEN IT TO RIDING ON AN OLD FASHIONED WASHBOARD. I SLOWED TO A STOP AND THEN DECIDED IT WOULD BE BEST TO GET OFF THE ROAD. THE VAN WOULD NOT MOVE. UPON EXAMINATION THE REAR AXLE WAS BROKEN THROUGH ON THE DRIVERS SIDE AND THE TOPS OF THE REAR WHEELS WHERE TURNED IN TOWARD THE VAN. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO A SHOP WHERE REPAIRS WERE DONE - A NEW REAR AXLE, 2 REAR SHOCKS (BOTH WERE BENT AS A RESULT OF THE BROKEN AXLE), A NEW TIRE (DAMAGED FROM RUBBING ON THE WHEEL WELL) WITH ITS ASSOCIATED ITEMS AND ALIGNMENT. *TR

Mileage: 127,500

1. REAR AXLE COMPLETELY CRACKED AT 50 MPH DRIVING ON THE HIGHWAY. ABLE TO CONTROL VEHICLE AND GOT OFF THE HIGHWAY SINCE EXIT WAS VERY CLOSED. 2. ONCE 3. N/A. *TR

Mileage: 108,000

I HAVE A 2001 WINDSTAR. MY REAR AXLE SNAPPED IN HALF AFTER EXITING THE FREEWAY. THE MILEAGE IS ABOUT 152,000. MY WIFE WAS DRIVING AT THE TIME IT OCCURRED WITH OUR 3 CHILDREN IN THE VEHICLE. SHE HEARD A NAP WHILE DRIVING, BUT THE VEHICLE MADE NO NOTICEABLE CHANGE IN THE MANNER IN WHICH IT DROVE. WHEN I DROVE THE CAR I HEARD THE TIRE RUBBING THE FENDER WHILE TAKING A SHARP LEFT AND PULLED OVER IMMEDIATELY. I INSPECTED THE REAR AND FOUND THE AXLE SPLIT IN TWO BUT WAS HELD TOGETHER BY FRICTION. I HAD IT TAKEN THE REPAIR SHOP IMMEDIATELY AND LEFT MY FAMILY ON THE CURB. FORD IS LUCKY THIS DIDN'T KILL ANYONE. WITH ALL THE COMPLAINTS I HAVE RECENTLY SEEN WHILE INVESTIGATING THIS ISSUE ON THE INTERNET THEY OBVIOUSLY KNOW ABOUT THE PROBLEM. IT IS ONLY A MATTER OF TIME BEFORE SOMEONE IS SERIOUSLY HURT. GIVEN THE NATURE OF THE VEHICLE, A MINIVAN, THE ODDS OF HAVING CHILDREN IN THE CAR AT THE TIME OF FAILURE ARE HIGH. REGARDLESS IF THERE IS A RECALL, NOTICES SHOULD BE SENT TO AT LEAST WARN THE CURRENT OWNERS TO HAVE THE VEHICLE'S REAR AXLE INSPECTED. IN MY OPINION, BECAUSE OF THE NUMEROUS COMPLAINTS FILED, FORD IS NOW RESPONSIBLE FOR ANY AND ALL INJURIES THAT COME AS A RESULT OF A FAILED REAR AXLE UNTIL THEY NOTIFY THE OWNERS. *TR

Mileage: 152,000

FORD WINDSTAR REAR AXLE U FAILURE - SPLIT/CRACK JOINTS. *TR

Mileage: 149,000

2001 FORD WINDSTAR ...DRIVING ON JULY 3RD ,HIT POTHOLE AND DIDN'T REALIZE TILL LATER THAT THE REAR AXLE BEAM CRACKED....THE VEHICLE IS AT THE MECHANIC SHOP AND WE ARE HAVING TROUBLE LOCATING A USED PART THAT IS NOT CRACKED...THE NEW ONE IS TOO EXPENSIVE ..PLEASE HELP. *TR

Mileage: 108,000

WHILE OPERATING THE VEHICLE I HEARD THE REAR TIRES SCREECHING FOLLOWED BY A LOUD CRACK, ALONG WITH DIFFICULT STEERING AND FRIGHTENING FISH-TAILING. THERE WAS SMOKE AND AN ODOR OF BURNING RUBBER. I STOPPED THE VEHICLE, WITH MY THREE YOUNG CHILDREN INSIDE THE CAR, AND IMMEDIATELY NOTICED THAT BOTH OF THE REAR TIRES WERE COMING-IN AT THE TOP. I INSPECTED UNDER THE VEHICLE AND OBSERVED THAT THE REAR AXLE HAD A LARGE CRACK LOCATED ON THE DRIVERS SIDE. THIS VEHICLE HAS NEVER BEEN IN AN ACCIDENT AND CURRENTLY IS NOT AT ALL DRIVABLE. I HAVE SPOKEN WITH MY LOCAL FORD DEALERSHIP AND HAVE BEEN QUOTED A REPAIR ESTIMATE OF $1100-$1500. THE MILEAGE AT THE TIME OF OCCURRENCE IS 155,000. *TR

Mileage: 155,000

NOISE COMING FROM REAR OF CAR. FURTHER INVESTIGATION REVEALS LARGE CRACK IN REAR AXLE. THE AXLE IS CRACKED THREE QUARTERS OF THE WAY THRU JUST TO THE DRIVERS SIDE OF CENTERLINE. THIS COULD BE A SERIOUS SAFETY ISSUE IF IT BROKE AT HIGHWAY SPEED. THE CAR HAS NEVER BEEN IN AN ACCIDENT AND HAS HAD NORMAL MAINTENANCE AND GOOD CARE. RUST DOES NOT APPEAR TO BE A CAUSE FOR THIS FAILURE. *TR

Mileage: 123,000

I OWN TWO 2001 WINDSTARS AND ON BOTH VEHICLES THE REAR AXLE CRACKED CAUSING SEVERE SWERVING, IT HAPPENED LAST YEAR ABOUT 3 WEEKS APART, BECAUSE I USED TO BE A MECHANIC I REPLACED BOTH AXLES MYSELF. MY SISTER ALSO OWNS A 2001 FORDSTAR AND BECAUSE OF WHAT HAPPENED TO ME I INSPECTED HER CAR EARLIER THIS YEAR AND DID NOT SEE ANY CRACKS BUT TODAY WHILE SHE AND HER KIDS WERE DRIVING DOWN THE HIGHWAY HER REAR AXLE SNAPPED IN HALF AND SHE STATED SHE ALMOST LOST CONTROL. THEY COULD HAVE BEEN KILLED!! THE CAR HAS NOT BEEN FIXED AND I STILL HAVE THE OLD AXLES FOR MY CARS. *TR

Mileage: 131,914

I OWN A 2001 FORD WINDSTAR WITH 80,000 MILES ON IT, NEVER HAD AN ACCIDENT AND THE REAR AXLE BROKE IN HALF TODAY. CAR IS NOT DRIVABLE, I HAD IT TOWED TO MY MECHANIC. I MAINTAIN MY VEHICLE ALL THE TIME BUT I HAVE HAD SUCH PROBLEMS WITH THE 2001 WINDSTAR. I HAVE A FILE ON ALL THAT I HAVE HAD DONE ON THE CAR. THIS VEHICLE WAS NOT ABUSED BY US. IT IS A DEFECTIVE CAR. IN MAY, I HAD THE FUEL INJECTION FIXED CAUSE THE CAR JUST DIED. THE WINDSTAR IS NOT A VERY SAFE CAR. *TR

Mileage: 80,029

ON JUNE 18TH MY WIFE AND SON RETURNED FROM A TRIP TO YOUNGSTOWN, WE LIVE IN CLEVELAND. MY WIFE ASK ME TO TAKE A LOOK AT THE CAR SHE SAID IT WAS DRIVING FUNNY. WHILE DRIVING AT 70 TO 80 MPH, SHE SAID SHE WAS ALL OVER THE ROAD AND AT ONE POINT ALMOST LOST CONTROL OF THE CAR, WHEN SHE PULLED IN I NOTICED THE REAR TIRE WAS LOW SO I PUT AIR IN IT AND TOOK IT FOR A TEST DRIVE AROUND THE BLOCK. I KEPT HEARING THE WHEELS MAKING A CHIRPING NOISE AS IF I WAS IN A SKID. WHEN I GOT BACK I HAD HER DRIVE IT AND I FOLLOWED IN OUR OTHER CAR TO SEE WHAT I MIGHT NOTICE, IT WAS OBVIOUS THERE WAS A PROBLEM WITH THE REAR END. I MADE HER RETURN HOME AND LOOKED UNDER THE CAR TO FIND A HUGE CRACK IN THE AXLE. I DON'T UNDERSTAND HOW FORD COULD LET THIS HAPPEN TO A MAJOR PART OF THE VAN. I WAS GOING ON A VACATION THE NEXT DAY AND WAS PLANNING ON USING THIS VAN! I CAN'T IMAGINE TRAVELING DOWN TO MYRTLE BEACH WITH MY FAMILY WITH A LOADED VAN DOING 70 MPH. SOMEONE IS GOING TO DIE FROM THIS DEFECT AND I AM VERY LUCKY MY WIFE DIDN'T WHEN SHE WAS DRIVING IT. PLEASE MAKE FORD DO A RECALL OR I AM SURE WE WILL BE READING THE IN THE NEWS OF SOMEONE'S DEATH WHEN IT DOES HAPPEN AND YOU DID NOTHING! *TR

Mileage: 174,596

I WAS DRIVING ABOUT 55 MPH ON A HIGHWAY WHEN THE BACK END STARTED TO SWAY SIDE TO SIDE. I SLOWED DOWN, HEARD A LOUD NOISE, SMOKE AND BURNING RUBBER WAS NOTICED AND I PULLED OVER. AS I GOT OUT I NOTICED THE DRIVERS REAR TIRE TILTED IN. I WALKED BEHIND THE VAN AND NOTICED THE AXEL WAS SNAPPED IN TWO. I CALLED MY MECHANIC AND HE STATED THIS SEAMS TO BE A COMMON OCCURRENCE WITH THIS VEHICLE. MILES ARE 118,000. *TR

Mileage: 118,000

AFTER READING OF NUMEROUS OCCURRENCES OF REAR AXLE CRACKING, I EXAMINED MY 2001 FORD WINDSTAR ON 6/27/2010 AND FOUND A 2 INCH CRACK IN THE REAR AXLE ON THE DRIVERS SIDE. CONTACTED FORD DEALER FOR REPAIR COST AND WAS QUOTED APPROXIMATELY $1300. I AM HAVING AXLE REPLACED WITH NEW AXLE BY RELIABLE INDEPENDENT SHOP FOR $1000. CAR WAS TAKEN TO FORD DEALER EARLY MARCH 2010 FOR OIL CHANGE AND TO BE CHECKED OVER FOR EXPECTED EXTENSIVE TRAVEL THIS SUMMER. REPAIRS PERFORMED AT FORD DEALER CAME TO OVER $2000 AND INCLUDED REPLACING DRIVER SIDE REAR AXLE SEAL. NO MENTION WAS MADE OF THE CRACK AT THAT TIME, HOWEVER THE AMOUNT OF RUST ON THE CRACK APPEARS TO INDICATE THE CRACK STARTED QUITE SOME TIME AGO. VEHICLE HAS NEVER BEEN IN AN ACCIDENT AND HAS ALWAYS BEEN REGISTERED IN THE NEW YORK AREA. MILEAGE IS 113,854 AT TIME OF REPAIR. *TR

Mileage: 113,850

WHILE DRIVING THE VAN (2001 FORD WINDSTAR) IT BEGAN TO HANDLE ERRATICALLY. THIS WAS AN INTERMITTENT EXPERIENCE, BUT AT TIMES QUITE SEVER. AFTER ARRIVING HOME, I INSPECTED UNDER THE VEHICLE FOR ANY ODD DRIPS, HANGING PARTS, ETC. WHEN PUSHING ON EACH WHEEL I NOTICED THE RIGHT REAR WAS CANTED INWARD. UPON FURTHER LOOK UNDER THE VAN, I COULD SEE A LARGE CRACK UNDER THE RIGHT SIDE AXLE. I HAVE STOPPED DRIVING AS IT IS UNSAFE AT THIS POINT. THERE IS NO RUST, AND WAS NO WARNING OF TROUBLE, IT SIMPLY APPEARS TO HAVE FAILED. THE CRACK IS NEARLY COMPLETE WITH ONLY ABOUT 1 INCH NEAR THE FRONT OF THE AXLE HOLDING IT TOGETHER. *TR

Mileage: 124,900

I WAS DRIVING MY 2001 FORD WINDSTAR WHEN I NOTICED THAT THE REAR OF MY CAR SEEMED TO BE SWERVING. I WAS HAVING DIFFICULTY BEING ABLE TO CONTROL THE CAR. THE TIRE PRESSURE INDICATOR CAME ON SO I ASSUMED THAT I NEEDED TO INFLATE THE TIRES. FORTUNATELY I MADE IT HOME AND AFTER INSPECTING THE TIRES CAME TO FIND THAT MY REAR AXLE WAS ALMOST COMPLETELY BROKEN APART. YOU CAN ALMOST COMPLETELY SEE THROUGH THE AXLE AND THERE IS RUST AROUND THE BREAK. THE TIRES WERE LEANING INWARD TOWARD THE WHEEL WELL. I HAD TO HAVE A FLAT BED TOW TRUCK TOW IT TO OUR MECHANIC. FORD TOLD US THAT THIS IS NOT A KNOWN ISSUE HOWEVER I HAVE FOUND HUNDREDS OF COMPLAINTS FOR THE EXACT SAME ISSUE FOR THIS VEHICLE. FORD HAS TOLD US THAT IT WILL COST $497 FOR A NEW AXLE. OUR MECHANIC CALLED AROUND LOOKING FOR A USED PART AT JUNKYARDS AND WAS TOLD THAT THEY HAVE BEEN SELLING A LOT OF THESE FOR THIS SAME ISSUE AND AN OLD PART WOULD RUN $400. SO OBVIOUSLY THIS IS A KNOWN ISSUE THAT FORD IS NOT ACKNOWLEDGING. I CAN'T BELIEVE THAT A RECALL HAS NOT OCCURRED. I REALLY HOPE THAT IT DOESN'T HAVE TO TAKE SERIOUS ACCIDENTS POSSIBLY CAUSING DEATH FOR THEM TO ACKNOWLEDGE IT. *TR

Mileage: 75,000

I HEARD A CLUNKING NOISE FOR ABOUT A MONTH MY HUSBAND LOOKED UNDER VEHICLE AND SEEN REAR AXLE WAS BROKEN IN HALF. THE VAN WAS TOWED AND A USED REAR AXLE WAS PUT ON. WE DO HAVE OLD AXLE. *TR

Mileage: 130,000

FAILURE/BRAKING OF THE FRONT COIL SPRINGS. *TR

Mileage: 80,000

2001 FORD WINDSTAR REAR AXLE FAILURE. *TR

Mileage: 85,000

2001 FORD WINDSTAR REAR AXLE FAILURE. *TR

Mileage: 85,000

I HAD BEEN HEARING A CLUNKING NOISE AFTER MY WIFE REPORTED IT TO ME WHEN SHE WAS BACKING UP. IT TOOK A FEW DAYS BEFORE I HEARD IT AS WELL. I COULDN'T FIGURE OUT IF IT WAS THE EXHAUST OR SUSPENSION. A FEW WEEKS GOES BY AND IT GOT WORSE. MANAGED TO LOOK UNDER IT AT A GAS STATION AND SAW A CRACK ON THE BACK SIDE OF THE AXLE FROM BOTTOM TO ALMOST THE TOP. NORMAL DRIVING, NO TOWING. I HAVEN'T FIXED IT YET BECAUSE I DON'T WANT TO SPEND $1000 ON A REPAIR USING ANOTHER FAILURE PRONE PART, SAME REASON I HAVEN'T ATTEMPTED THE ABS REPAIRS ON THE VAN. *TR

Mileage: 122,000

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2001 FORD WINDSTAR. HE STATED THAT WHILE DRIVING OVER A BUMP AT UNKNOWN SPEEDS, THE REAR END OF THE VEHICLE SWERVED AND PRODUCED AN ABNORMAL NOISE. UPON FURTHER INVESTIGATION, THE CONTACT FOUND THAT THE REAR SUSPENSION HAD FRACTURED. THE DEALER ADVISED THE REPAIRS WOULD BE AT THE CONTACT'S EXPENSE. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT CONTACTED. THE FAILURE AND CURRENT MILEAGES WERE 106,000. UPDATED 10/27/10. *LJ

Mileage: 106,000

AS I WAS DRIVING HOME FROM WORK, THE VEHICLE BEGAN TO WOBBLE FROM THE REAR, RESEMBLING A FLAT. I IMMEDIATELY PULLED OVER TO THE SIDE OF THE ROAD. AFTER HAVING THE VEHICLE TOWED TO MY HOME A FEW DAYS LATER, I LOOKED UNDERNEATH AND SAW A DEEP FRACTURE IN THE REAR AXLE. I CALLED A FORD DEALER AND WAS TOLD THAT THERE IS NO RECALL REGARDING THIS DEFECT AND IF I HAD THE VEHICLE BROUGHT IN FOR REPAIR THAT I WILL BE CHARGED. *TR

Mileage: 128,279

THE REAR AXLE OF MY 2001 FORD WINDSTAR HAS SNAPPED IN TWO PIECES WHILE RIDING AT 45 MPH. THE VAN SWAYED VIOLENTLY BUT I WAS ABLE TO BRING IT TO A SAFE STOP. PRIOR TO AXLE SNAPPING I HEARD AND FELT CRACKING METALLIC SOUND FROM THE REAR OF THE VEHICLE. I INVESTIGATED THIS ON THE INTERNET AND FOUND THAT HAVE BEEN NUMEROUS INCIDENTS INVOLVING FORD WINDSTARS AND BROKEN REAR AXLES. I COULD NOT IMAGINE WHAT WOULD HAPPENED IF MY FAMILY WAS IN THIS VEHICLE AT THE TIME THE REAR AXLE SNAPPED IN TWO. THE EXTRA WEIGHT IN THE CAR MAY HAVE CAUSED THE VEHICLE TO GO COMPLETELY OUT OF CONTROL AND CAUSE SERIOUS INJURY OR DEATH TO MY PASSENGERS AND MYSELF. I AM WONDERING WHY THE 2001 FORD WINDSTAR HAS NOT BEEN RECALLED TO FIX THIS VERY SERIOUS DEFECT. THIS IS A VERY EXPENSIVE REPAIR AND IS A RESULT OF POOR DESIGN AND DEFECTS IN MANUFACTURING. PLEASE DON'T WAIT FOR A FAMILY TO BE KILLED IN ONE OF THESE VANS BEFORE YOU RECALLED THEM. THIS A VERY REAL PROBLEM AND THE CONSEQUENCES COULD BE DEADLY. *TR

Mileage: 106,000

BEEN DRIVING MY 2001 FORD WINDSTAR. AND THE BACK STARTED MAKING NOISES AND SHIFTING. EVERYTIME I APPLY THE BRAKE OR BACK UP IT MAKES THE LOUDEST SOUND. WELL AFTER PUTTING IT UP ON THE JACK TO LOOK UNDERNEATH THE CAR. WE NOTICED A CRACK ABOUT 8 INCHES LONG AND CONTINUES AROUND THE BOTTOM OF THE AXEL. ESTIMATE TO REPAIR IS GOING TO BE OVER A $1000.00. THERE NEEDS TO BE SOMETHING DONE ABOUT THIS. *TR

Mileage: 93,000

2001 MY FORD WINDSTAR LIMITED REAR AXLE (NON-DRIVING) BROKE IN HALF AND THE REAR WHEELS WERE RUBBING THE WHEEL WELL. LUCKILY WHILE THE VEHICLE WAS NOT DRIVING WELL, I DID NOT GET IN AN ACCIDENT. HOWEVER, 5 MILES EARLIER I WAS ON THE HIGHWAY AT HIGHWAY SPEEDS. THE VEHICLE HAD TO BE TOWED AND THE PART WAS AVAILABLE AT THE CLOSEST FORD DEALERSHIP TO MY LOCATION??? THIS WAS A $975.00 REPAIR AT THE FIRESTONE DEALER IN CANTON, MI. I HAVE THE PAPERWORK IF YOU NEED THE DOCUMENTATION. *TR

Mileage: 100,000

THIS IS ON A 2001 FORD WINDSTAR WITH LESS THAN 100,000 MILES. IT STARTED WHEN MY WIFE WAS COMPLAINING ABOUT A RUBBING NOISE IN THE REAR THAT SEEMED TO BE WORSE ON CORNERS. I WAS DRIVING THE CAR DURING A LIGHT RAIN SHOWER ON A RIGHT CURVE AT ABOUT 35 MPH. THE BACK OF THE CAR FELT LIKE IT WAS ABOUT SPIN OUT ON ME. I BACKED OFF THE GAS AND IT FELT BETTER. THE NEXT DAY WHILE DRIVING IT AGAIN I NOTICE THAT THERE WAS TIRE SQUEAL MOSTLY ON RIGHT TURNS. WHEN I GOT HOME I COULD SEE THAT THE TOP OF THE LEFT REAR TIRE WAS LEANING IN. I COULD ALSO SEE WHERE THE TIRE WAS RUBBING ON THE INNER WHEEL WELL. AFTER REMOVING BOTH REAR WHEELS AND LOOKING AROUND I FOUND THE AXLE BEAM CRACKED ALMOST ALL THE WAY AROUND. I HAVE SINCE FOUND OUT THAT THIS IS NOT UNCOMMON IN 2001 FORD WINDSTARS, AND PROBABLY OTHER YEARS OF THIS MODEL. WE WERE PLANNING ON TAKING THIS VEHICLE ON VACATION DURINGTHE JULY 4TH WEEKEND. I CAN'T IMAGINE WHAT WOULD HAVE HAPPEN IF THIS BROKE ALL THE WAY THROUGH AT HIGHWAY SPEEDS WITH A LOAD OF LUGGAGE AND MY FAMILY AT HIGHWAY SPEEDS. I WILL NOT EVEN DRIVE THIS VEHICLE TO TURN IT AROUND IN MY DRIVEWAY LET ALONE TAKE IT ON THE ROAD. I HAVE NOT STARTED TO SEE WHAT CAN BE DONE TO FIX THIS BECAUSE NOTHING IS OPEN TODAY, BUT ATLEAST I CAN FIX IT MYSELF IF I CAN FIND THE PARTS. *TR

Mileage: 98,282

REAR AXLE CRACKED IN HALF CAUSING FURTHER DAMAGE TO THE VAN. *TR

Mileage: 120,000

2001 FORD WINDSTAR SE SPORT REAR AXLE BROKE IN HALF WITH NO WARNING. FORTUNATELY, THE CAR WAS COMING TO A STOP AT A TRAFFIC LIGHT, NOT AT HIGHWAY SPEEDS, WHEN A LOUD CLUNK WAS HEARD. MANAGED TO PULL INTO A PARKING LOT NEARBY, AND THE REAR TIRES WERE TILTED INWARD. THE AXLE WAS SNAPPED IN HALF TOWARDS THE DRIVER'S SIDE. TOW TRUCK DRIVER SAID HE HAS SEEN SEVERAL OF THESE THE PAST TWO YEARS AND DOESN'T KNOW WHY A RECALL HASN'T OCCURRED. MY FORD DEALER SAID THIS WAS THE THIRD ONE THEY SAW. *TR

Mileage: 64,500

WE HAD OUR 2001 FORD WINDSTAR BEING CHECKED BY A GARAGE BEFORE A LONG TRIP AND WERE TOLD OUR REAR AXLE IS CRACKED ALMOST IN HALF. *TR

Mileage: 83,383

REAR AXLE ON 2001 FORD WINDSTAR LTD. BROKE IN 2 PIECES. VEHICLE IS AT MECHANIC WHO STATED NEVER SAW ANYTHING LIKE THAT BEFORE. *TR

Mileage: 107,000

MY 2001 FORD WINDSTAR MINIVAN WAS IN FOR AIR CONDITIONING SERVICE AND A TUNE-UP ON JUNE 1, 2010 AND THE VEHICLE WAS DIAGNOSED WITH MULTIPLE CRACKS IN THE REAR AXLE. THE MECHANIC ISSUED A STERN WARNING ABOUT DRIVING THE VEHICLE, ESPECIALLY AT HIGHWAY SPEEDS BECAUSE THE AXLE WAS IN DANGER OF SPLITTING AND COULD CAUSE LOSS OF CONTROL. HE INDICATED THAT IT LOOKED LIKE THE U-SHAPED AXLE DESIGN COLLECTED WATER AND ROAD SALT AND CAUSED RUST, WHICH LED TO THE CRACKS. *TR

Mileage: 98,797

ON MAY 29, 2010, MY WIFE WAS DRIVING HER 2001 FORD WINDSTAR VAN AT 55 MPH ON THE HIGHWAY WHEN THE REAR AXLE SUDDENLY CRACKED IN TWO PIECES. THE BROKEN END OF THE AXLE THEN BEGAN DIGGING INTO THE HIGHWAY AND CAUSED A LOSS OF CONTROL. LUCKILY SHE WAS ABLE TO AVOID CONCRETE BARRIERS AND OTHER VEHICLES OF THE CONSTRUCTION AREA THAT SHE WAS IN AND ENDED UP IN THE DITCH. THE REAR TIRES WENT OUT OF ALIGNMENT AND THE TOPS OF THE TIRES WERE ANGLED IN CAUSING THEM TO RUB AGAINST THE WHEEL WELLS. WE ARE STILL IN THE PROCESS OF ASSESSING THE TOTAL DAMAGE CAUSED BY THE REAR AXLE FAILURE. *TR

Mileage: 121,481

2001 FORD WINDSTAR REAR AXLE BROKE ABOUT 18" IN FROM DRIVERS SIDE TIRE. MY WIFE WAS PULLING OUT OF A PARKING LOT WHEN IT HAPPENED. *TR

Mileage: 89,426

2001 FORD WINDSTAR MINI VAN WITH ABOUT 80,000 MILES. REAR AXEL SNAPPED IN HALF WHILE DRIVING MY KIDS TO SOCCER. WE WERE LUCKY THAT WE WERE IN A RESIDENTIAL AREA CLOSE TO HOME. IT COST US CLOSE TO $900 TO FIX. WE HAVE THE OLD PART WHICH SHOWED RUST. MECHANIC SAID HE HAD NEVER SEEN ANYTHING LIKE IT AND RECOMMENDED WE REPORT IT. WE WOULD LIKE A RECALL AND REIMBURSEMENT FOR THE REPAIR. *TR

Mileage: 66,200

MY 2001 FORD WINDSTAR WAS MAKING AN ABNORMAL SOUND AND 'SWAYING'. WHEN I LOOKED UNDERNEATH, I SAW A LARGE CRACK IN THE REAR AXEL. FURTHER INSPECTION BY MY MECHANIC REVEALED APPROXIMATELY A 70-75% CRACK THROUGH THE AXEL. I WAS TOLD IT COULD BE REPLACED WITH EITHER A NEW AXEL (ON BACKORDER FROM FORD) OR WITH ONE FROM THE JUNKYARD. I CHOSE NEITHER AS I WAS CONCERNED OVER THE SAFETY OF MY CHILDREN. *TR

Mileage: 110,000

REAR AXLE CRACKED. *TR

I AM THE ORIGINAL OWNER OF A 2001 FORD WINDSTAR. WHILE DRIVING AT HIGHWAY SPEED, THE REAR AXLE SNAPPED, WHICH RESULTED IN THE LOSS OF CONTROL OF THE VEHICLE. AS A RESULT, I WAS INVOLVED IN A COLLISION WITH A VEHICLE IN THE NEXT LANE. *TR

Mileage: 206,000

2/26/2010: WE DISCOVERED THAT THE REAR AXLE WAS CRACKED ON OUR 2001 FORD WINDSTAR. THIS AXLE MIGHT HAVE CRACKED OVER 2 YEARS AGO BASED ON THE LENGTH AND AMOUNT OF RUST. WE HAD OUR VEHICLE SERVICED AT FORD AT LEAST TWICE A YEAR WHILE IT WAS UNDER WARRANTY FOR 7 YEARS OR 70,000. OUR VEHICLE IS AT 61,400 MILES NOW. IF THERE WAS A CRACK WE WERE NOT TOLD. IF THIS WAS DISCOVERED UNDER WARRANTY THAT WOULD HAVE BEEN MUCH SAFER AND LESS EXPENSIVE. THE BILL WAS $961.30 AND ONLY $252. WAS LABOR. WE HAVE MAINTAINED OUR VEHICLES PRISTINELY WITH PROPER SERVICING THIS SHOULD NOT HAVE HAPPENED. WE BELIEVE THAT OUR FAMILY'S LIVES WERE ENDANGERED AS A RESULT OF THIS FRACTURE/CRACK OF THE REAR AXLE. *TR

Mileage: 61,400

MY AXEL BROKE ON MY 2001 FORD WINDSTAR AND I ALMOST GOT KILLED ON A HIGHWAY. I HAD TO PULL ON NARROW SHOULDER LANE. I HAD IT TOWED AND HAD TO PAY 625. TO HAVE IT FIXED. I JUST READ THIS WEEK THEY ARE INVESTIGATING AND THEIR IS CLASS ACTION SUIT ABOUT THESE AXLES HOW DO I GET RECALL INFO AND REPORT THIS? *TR

Mileage: 113,000

MY VAN WINDSTAR 2001 REAR AXLE BROKE DURING DRIVING. FORD ASKED WHAT DID WE DO TO DRIVE SO POORLY TO CAUSE THIS? GAVE US A PRICE OF $1,500.00 AT LEAST TO REPAIR. *TR

I HAVE A 2001 FORD WINDSTAR THAT HAS THE REAR AXLE CRACKED ALMOST COMPLETELY THROUGH. I CANNOT DRIVE THE VAN BECAUSE IT'S MAKING A LOT OF CREAKING SOUNDS AS IF THE AXLE WILL BREAK. I'VE CONTACTED FORD AND HAVE NOT GOTTEN ANY RESPONSE. *TR

Mileage: 113,773

I HAVE A 2001 FORD WINDSTAR. IN DECEMBER 2009 MY REAR AXLE SNAPPED IN HALF WHILE DRIVING AT ABOUT 30 - 40 MPH. NO INJURIES OCCURRED. REPAIRS COST ABOUT $600 (IN ADDITION TO A CAR RENTAL COST OF $250) AS THIS OCCURRED ABOUT 2 HOURS FROM MY HOME. I CALLED MY FORD DEALER AND THEY CLAIMED TO HAVE NO KNOWLEDGE OF SIMILAR PROBLEMS WITH FORD WINDSTARS, HOWEVER, I READ TODAY THAT THE NHTSA IS INVESTIGATING THIS VERY PROBLEM. AT THE TIME OF THE REPAIR THE GARAGE DOING THE WORK INDICATED THAT "FORD WINDSTARS ARE NOTORIOUS FOR THIS PROBLEM" IT WAS THE SECOND AXLE REPLACEMENT HE HAD DONE ON A FORD WINDSTAR IN A WEEK. PLEASE ADD MY NAME/EXPERIENCE TO THE LIST OF COMPLAINTS RELATED TO THIS PROBLEM. IF IT IS DETERMINED THAT A RECALL IS IN ORDER I WOULD APPRECIATE THE OPPORTUNITY TO RECOUP PART/ALL OF MY EXPENSES ASSOCIATED WITH THIS PROBLEM ($850). THANK YOU VERY MUCH AND IF YOU HAVE ANY QUESTIONS OR NEED FURTHER INFORMATION PLEASE FEEL FREE TO CONTACT ME. *TR

Mileage: 100,000

ON MAY 7, 2010 MY 2001 FORD WINDSTAR THE AXLE BROKE ON ME COMING FROM PICKING UP THE KIDS FROM SCHOOL CAUSING AN ACCIDENT WITH THE VAN FLIPPING OVER TWO TIMES. *TR

Mileage: 110,842

2001 FORD WINDSTAR REAR AXLE BROKE IN HALF. *TR

Mileage: 148,000

TL*THE CONTACT OWNS 2001 FORD WINDSTAR. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE VEHICLE BEGAN TO SWAY RIGHT TO LEFT WHEN DRIVING AT 40 MPH. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO AN AUTHORIZED DEALERSHIP WHERE THE CONTACT WAS INFORMED THAT THE REAR AXLE WAS CRACKED AND NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE CONTACT CALLED THE MANUFACTURER WHO STATED THEY WERE UNAWARE OF SUCH A FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 123,822. UPDATED 11/03/10 *BF THE CONSUMER STATED THE ISSUE HAS BEEN RESOLVED. FORD ISSUED A RECALL. UPDATED 11/04/10

Mileage: 123,822

MY HUSBAND WAS BACKING OUT OF THE DRIVEWAY AT WORK, WHEN THE TIRES WERE TURNED INWARD BECAUSE OF THE BREAK IN THE REAR AXLE. AFTER HAVING IT TOWED MY HUSBAND BOUGHT A REAR AXLE FROM ANOTHER VEHICLE AND REPLACED THE BROKEN ONE. *TR

Mileage: 130,000

MY HUSBAND WAS BACKING OUT OF THE DRIVEWAY AT WORK, WHEN THE TIRES WERE TURNED INWARD BECAUSE OF THE BREAK IN THE REAR AXLE. AFTER HAVING IT TOWED MY HUSBAND BOUGHT A REAR AXLE FROM ANOTHER VEHICLE AND REPLACED THE BROKEN ONE. *TR

Mileage: 130,000

2001 FORD WINDSTAR REAR AXLE BROKE WHILE DRIVING DOWN THE ROAD. 118K MILES ON THE VEHICLE. NO PREVIOUS ACCIDENTS. NO WARNING SIGNS THE AXLE WAS ABOUT TO BREAK. *TR

Mileage: 118,000

2001 FORD WINDSTAR REAR AXLE BROKE IN HALF ABOUT 16 INCHES FROM LEFT REAR WHEEL. ISN'T IT FUNNY HOW THERE HAVE BEEN SO MANY COMPLAINTS ABOUT THIS ISSUE FOR ALL MODEL YEARS OF THE WINDSTAR AND NO COMPLAINTS WITH THE FREESTAR'S REAR AXLE. THIS IS DUE TO FORD KNOWING THAT THE AXLE ON THE WINDSTAR WAS FAULTY AND RE-DESIGNED THE AXLE FOR THE FREESTAR. I DON'T KNOW WHY PEOPLE POST A COMPLAINT ON THIS SITE; BECAUSE IF THERE ISN'T A FIRE OR A CRASH THEY COULD CARE LESS. I CANNOT BELIEVE THAT THIS ISN'T A SAFETY ISSUE THAT ISN'T WORTH LOOKING INTO. I AM SO TIRED OF THESE GOVERNMENT AGENCY THAT ARE IN BED WITH THE AUTO MANUFACTURERS. DO YOUR JOBS AND SAVE SOME LIVES. *TR

Mileage: 115,000

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2001 FORD WINDSTAR. WHILE DRIVING AT SPEEDS OF 25 MPH, THE REAR AXLE BROKE IN HALF. THE VEHICLE WAS LEFT AT THE SCENE OF THE INCIDENT AND WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE FAILURE AND CURRENT MILEAGES WERE 115,000.

Mileage: 115,000

2001 FORD WINDSTAR REAR AXLE BEAM ABOUT TO BREAK IN HALF. *TR

Mileage: 124,000

WITH NO WARNING THE REAR AXLE OF OUR 2001 FORD WINDSTAR BROKE IN HALF AT 120,000 MILES. THERE WAS SMOKE. THE NEIGHBOR CAME RUNNING AFTER US TO TELL US. MANY PEOPLE HAVE THE SAME PROBLEM. WE WERE LUCKY. WILL THE NEXT PEOPLE BE SO LUCKY? THIS IS A VERY DANGEROUS PROBLEM. ALL 2000 & 2001 FORD WINDSTARS SHOULD NOT BE USED UNTIL THIS ISSUE IS TAKEN CARE OF. *TR

Mileage: 120,000

WINDSTAR 2001 BROKEN DOWN REAR AXEL O REAR COMPLETE SUSPENSION, THIS PART BROKEN IN THE LEFT SIDE . *TR

Mileage: 130,000

REAR AXLE SNAPPED ON 2001 FORD WINDSTAR LX VAN WHILE DRIVING AT HIGHWAY SPEED. *TR

Mileage: 160,000

A LOUD NOISE FROM THE REAR SUSPENSION WHILE TURNING LED ME TO LOOK UNDER THE REAR END AND FIND THE REAR AXEL HAD A CRACK APPROXIMATELY HALF WAY THROUGH IT IN THE CENTER. *TR

Mileage: 120,000

THE CAR WAS MAKING NOISE THAT I COULDN'T PIN POINT. THEN IT STARTED FEELING LIKE IT WAS SWAYING SIDE TO SIDE INTERMITTANTLY. THEN IT FELT LIKE THE CAR SKIPPED OR SKIDDDED ON A TURN, I PULLED INTO MY DRIVEWAY AND THE CAR BOUNCED, LURCHED AND JOLTED TO A STOP. I GOT OUT AND LOOKED AND MY REAR TIRES LOOKED LIKE THIS / \ INSTEAD OF | |. I DID A GOOGLE SEARCH FOR BROKEN REAR AXLE AND IT AUTO FILLED IN WINDSTART. THIS IS THE 4TH PROBLEM I'VE HAD WITH THIS CAR. TWO OF THE OTHERS INVOLVED THE ABS SYSTEM. ONE OF THOSE WAS FINALLY RECALLED BUT ONLY AFTER I FIXED IT MYSELF. I'M AFRAID THAT I WILL HAVE TO JUNK THE CAR. IT'S UNFAIR THAT I'VE HAD TO POOR SO MUCH INTO THIS CAR THAT I WILL NEVER BE ABLE TO RECOUP OR BE MADE WHOLE. I JUST THANK GOD NOBODY GOT HURT W/ THIS OR THE ABS PROBLEM.

Mileage: 140,000

WHILE DRIVING AT HIGHWAY SPEEDS THE REAR AXLE CROSS MEMBER ON MY 2001 FORD WINDSTART LX FAILED. NOTHING UNUSUAL OCCURED PRIOR TO THIS IN TERMS OF DRIVING OR ON THE ROAD. REAR AXLE HAD TO BE REPLACED AT COST OF $1,300.

Mileage: 120,000

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2001 FORD WINDSTAR. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE DRIVING AT APPROXIMATE SPEEDS OF 55 MPH, THE SUB FRAME AND CONTROL ARM FRACTURED AND FELL OFF OF THE VEHICLE. THE CONTACT WAS UNABLE TO MAINTAIN CONTROL OF THE VEHICLE AND PROCEEDED OFF OF THE ROAD. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 82,000.

Mileage: 82,000

I OWN A 2001 FORD WINDSTAR. WE ARE THE ORIGINAL OWNERS AND HAVE PERFORMED ALL ROUTINE MAINTENANCE ON THE VEHICLE. IT BEGAN MAKING A GRINDING NOISE IN THE BACK WHEN TURNING INTO OUR DRIVEWAY WHICH HAS A SLIGHT RIDGE AT THE END OF IT. WE HAD OUR MECHANIC CHECK IT AND HE FOUND THAT THE REAR AXLE IS CRACKED HALF WAY THROUGH. FORTUNATELY WE FOUND THIS BEFORE IT BROKE WHILE TRAVELING ON THE HIGHWAY. I DON'T KNOW WHAT WE ARE GOING TO DO TO FIX IT YET BECAUSE WE CAN'T AFFORD AN $1100 REPAIR BILL. *TR

Mileage: 150,251

THE REAR AXLE ON MY 2001 FORD WINDSTAR BROKE IN HALF AS I WAS BACKING UP OUT OF A PARKING SPOT. I HAD TO HAVE THE REAR AXLE REPLACED. U HAVE HEARD FROM MANY PEOPLE THAT THIS IS A COMMON PROBLEM WITH FORD WINDSTARS. *TR

Mileage: 120,000

2001 FORD WINDSTAR MAKING NOISE IN REAR , WHEN I LOOKED UNDER THE VAN I SAW THE AXLE WAS BROKEN IN HALF !!! I AM ON THE HIGHWAY EVERY DAY. *TR

Mileage: 118,157

WHILE DRIVING 65 MPH IN MY 2001 FORD WINDSTAR THE REAR AXLE SNAPPED IN HALF I HIT THE GUARD RAIL,BLEW THE TIRES,AND WAS EXTREMELY LUCKY NOT TO BE KILLED. I NOW FIND OUT IT IS AN INHERENT PROBLEM THAT FORD REFUSES TO RECOGNIZE. *TR

Mileage: 115,000

NO EVENTS LED UP TO THIS SERIOUS SAFETY ISSUE. WE HAVE OWNED A 2001 WINDSTAR LX WITH 235,000 MILES ON IT. IT HAS BEEN PLAGUED WITH NUMEROUS RECALLS EVEN SO FAR AS HAVING THE FRONT FLOOR MATS REPLACED. ON MARCH 6, 2010, AFTER DRIVING OVER TWO HOURS AT FREEWAY SPEEDS (70 MPH), WE PARKED IN A PARKING LOT TO WATCH A SPORTING EVENT. WHEN LEAVING AND BACKING OUT OF THE PARKING SPOT, THE REAR AXLE BROKE IN TWO PIECES. AFTER SEARCHING THIS ISSUE ON THE WEB, I AM FINDING THIS IS NOT AN ISOLATED INCIDENT. THERE WAS NO PREVIOUS SOUND OR INDICATION THAT THE AXLE WAS ABOUT TO FAIL. IN FACT, THE MICHELIN REAR TIRES ON THE VEHICLE HAVE CLOSE TO 100,000 MILES ON THEM. HAD WE BEEN ON THE ROAD AT 70 MPH, THIS WOULD HAVE PROBABLY BEEN A FATAL ACCIDENT FOR FOUR PEOPLE IN THE CAR, NOT TO MENTION ANY CAR IN THE VICINITY. CURRENTLY I AM WAITING TO SEE IF I CAN GET A USED AXLE TO REPLACE. I WILL MAKE SURE THAT THE OLD PART IS SAVED FOR FURTHER RESEARCH. I'M SORRY I DO NOT HAVE THE VIN NUMBER AS THE CAR IS IN YPSILANTI, MI AWAITING REPAIR AND I AM IN GRAND RAPIDS, MICHIGAN WHICH IS ABOUT 2 HOURS AWAY. I WILL GLADLY SUBMIT THE VIN NUMBER AT A LATER DATE IF I CAN BE CONTACTED ABOUT THIS MATTER. *TR

Mileage: 235,000

2001 FORD WINDSTAR APPROXIMATE MILEAGE 122,000, BROKEN REAR AXLE, NO ACCIDENT NO RUST , JUST COMPLETELY CRACKED, NEEDED NEW REAR AXLE INSTALLED. *TR

2001 FORD WINDSTAR. REAR AXLE SNAPPED. *TR

Mileage: 120,000

I HAVE A 2001 FORD WINDSTAR AND FOR THE 3RD TIME THE REAR END TIRE SUPPORT HAS BROKEN IN HALF DRIVING DOWN THE ROAD. MY FAMILY AND I FEEL LUCKY TO BE HERE TO WRITE THIS AT THIS TIME AND IT IS MY 17 YEAR OLD SONS PRIMARY CAR TO DRIVE SO I CAN HAVE GENERAL INSURANCE BUT NOT FULL COVERAGE. I FEEL IF HE WAS DRIVING WHEN THIS HAPPENED HE WOULD HAVE BEEN IN A TERRIBLE ACCIDENT, GOD WAS WATCHING OUT FOR US. IT HAS COST ME OVER A THOUSAND DOLLARS FOR EACH REPAIR AND AT THIS TIME I AM WITHOUT THE FAMILY VEHICLE AND DON'T SEE THAT IT WOULD BE A GOOD IDEA TO FIX THIS AGAIN KNOWING THAT ITS GOING TO BREAK AGAIN. I CANT AFFORD A NEW VEHICLE AND THIS CAR HAS BEEN DEPENDABLE OTHER THAN THIS PROBLEM. THE REAR END IS SCARCE AT SALVAGE YARDS, WE HAVEN'T BEEN ABLE TO LOCATE ONE YET THAT TELLS ME I'M NOT THE ONLY ONE HAVING THE PROBLEM. THE VAN IS MADE FOR SEVEN AND THERE ARE 5 IN MY FAMILY SO OVERLOADING IS NOT THE PROBLEM, NOR RUST THEY ARE FREE FROM THAT AND THE LAST REPAIR WE REPLACED THE SHOCKS TO REDUCE VIBRATION PROBLEMS IF IT EXISTED. I FEAR SOON I WILL READ ABOUT A FAMILY TRAGEDY BECAUSE OF THIS PROBLEM AND I WANT IT ON RECORD ABOUT THIS COMPLAINT. BEFORE MAKING EACH REPAIR WE CHECKED TO SEE IF THERE WAS A RECALL AND TO DATE THERE IS NONE. I AM IN THE SERVICE WORK BUSINESS AND I UNDERSTAND THING FAIL, BRAKES, WATER PUMPS, COMPUTERS, ENGINES BUT I SHOULD HAVE NEVER HAD TO PUT A NICKEL INTO THIS PROBLEM. ANY HELP OR GUIDANCE YOU CAN GIVE ME WOULD BE GREATLY APPRECIATED. THANK YOU FOR LISTENING. *TR

Mileage: 181,000

DURING A REAR TIRE CHECK ON OUR 2001 FORD WINDSTAR IT WAS DISCOVERED THAT THERE IS A CRACK IN THE REAR AXLE BEAM. FRIENDS OF OURS HAVE THE SAME YEAR VEHICLE AND LAST YEAR THEIR WINDSTAR REAR AXLE BEAM BROKE IN TWO AND LOCKED UP THE REAR WHEELS, LUCKILY THERE WAS NO ACCIDENT. I HAVE BEEN MONITORING OUR AXLE BEAM SINCE THEN AND NOW IT IS CRACKING. I DON'T DARE HAVE MY WIFE DRIVE IT, ESPECIALLY ON THE HIGHWAY. WHY HAS FORD NOT RECALLED THIS??? THIS COULD BE CATASTROPHIC AT HIGHWAY SPEEDS IF IT SNAPPED. I NEED TO GET THIS FIXED IMMEDIATELY AND HAVE HEARD IT IS AT LEAST $1,000 !! *TR

Mileage: 135,900

MY 2001 WINDSTAR VAN HAD A SLIGHT SHIMMY WHEN I WOULD HIT A POTHOLE, WHICH LASTED FOR A FEW DAYS. THOUGHT I NEEDED AN ALIGNMENT. THEN JUST DRIVING NORMALLY LAST SATURDAY, 2-6-10, AT APPROXIMATELY 30 MPH, IT FELT LIKE THE BOTTOM DROPPED OUT AND MY VAN STOPPED. LUCKILY I WASN'T GOING 65 MPH ON THE EXPRESSWAY. MY HUSBAND GOT OUT AND LOOKED UNDERNEATH THE VAN AND THE REAR AXLE HAD BROKEN IN TWO. WE HAD TO HAVE A FLATBED TOW IT TO OUR HOUSE. THEN A DEALERSHIP SENT OUT SOMEONE TO PICK IT UP FOR REPAIRS AND HE HAD TO TIE A 2X4 TO THE AXLE TO DRIVE IT INTO THE TRAILER. IT IS STILL AT THE DEALERSHIP. *CN

Mileage: 114,000

REAR AXLE ON 2001 FORD WINDSTAR VAN BROKE WHILE DRIVING *CN

Mileage: 98,991

1) NO WARNING SIGNS 2) 2001 FORD WINDSTAR SE THE REAR AXLE SNAPPED WHILE DRIVING DOWN THE ROAD AND WE LOST CONTROL OF THE VEHICLE. 3) THE DEALER INFORMED ME THAT THERE ARE NO PROBLEMS WITH THIS ISSUE. MY MECHANIC (NOT A DEALER) TOLD ME THIS IS A KNOWN PROBLEM. *TR

Mileage: 138,000

I OWN A 2001 FORD WINDSTAR VAN. WHILE COMING HOME TODAY FROM WORK WE LOST CONTROL AND WAS FISHTAILING (I AM SO GLAD THAT THIS HAPPENED WHEN NO CARS WHERE COMING THE OTHER WAY OR 15 MINS EARLIER WHEN WE WERE ON THE HIGHWAY) WHEN WE WERE ABLE TO SAFELY STOP AND GET OUT TO SEE WHAT HAPPENED WE NOTICED THE REAR PASSENGER TIRE WAS BACK ABOUT 2 TO 3 IN, COMPARED TO THE OTHER TIRE. WHEN MY HUSBAND GOT DOWN AND LOOKED UNDERNEATH HE FOUND OUT THE REAR AXLE BROKE IN 2. RIGHT NOW THE VAN IS SITTING IN MY PARENTS DRIVEWAY AS WE ARE UNABLE TO PAY TO GET IT FIXED. *TR

Mileage: 89,000

REAR AXLE BROKE ON A 2001 FORD WINDSTAR WITH 125,000 MILES. SEEMS TO BE A DEFECT THAT SHOW UP AT THIS MILEAGE. 12-18 INCHES IN FROM THE LEFT (DRIVER'S) SIDE. COULD BE A REAR SAFETY ISSUE ON 1000'S OF THESE VANS. *TR

Mileage: 125,000

2001 FORD WINDSTAR- REAR AXLE CRACKED IN HALF BY THE DRIVER'S SIDE TIRE. THE ABS LIGHT AND BRAKE LIGHTS KEPT COMING ON, WE HAD BRAKES CHECKED, THEN WE HEARD NOISE LIKE SOMETHING ROLLING AROUND IN THE BACK OF THE VAN. THEN WE HAD THE SMELL OF RUBBER BURNING AND MY HUSBAND CHECKED AND NOTICE THE TIRES TILTED IN AT THE TOP . LOOKING UNDERNEATH HE SAW THE AXLE CRACKED. IN DOING SOME RESEARCH I NOTICE MANY FORD WINDSTAR OWNERS WITH THE SAME PROBLEM. I CAN'T HELP BUT WONDER IF THERE HAS BEEN ACCIDENTS WHERE THIS WAS THE CAUSE AND IT WAS WRITTEN OFF AS A RESULT OF THE ACCIDENT. *TR

Mileage: 12,000

2001 FORD WINDSTAR, REAR AXLE SPLIT IN TWO. MILES 118,000. *TR UPDATED 11/16/10 *BF THE CONSUMER LEARNED A RECALL HAD BEEN ISSUED FOR THE EXACT PROBLEM HE EXPERIENCED. HOWEVER, THE CONSUMER HAD ALREADY HAD THE AXLE REPLACED AT HIS EXPENSE. THE CONSUMER WAS THEN INFORMED HIS VIN WAS NOT INCLUDED IN THE RECALL. THE CONSUMER ALSO STATED THE AXLE THAT IS NOW ON HIS VEHICLE CAME FROM A ANOTHER WINDSTAR THAT IS BEING RECALLED. UPDATED 11/23/10

Mileage: 118,000

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2001 FORD WINDSTAR. WHEN ATTEMPTING TO MAKE A TURN INTO HER DRIVE-WAY AT 40 MPH, SMOKE BEGAN EMANATING FROM THE REAR OF THE VEHICLE. UPON FURTHER INSPECTION SHE NOTICED THAT THE AXLE HAD FRACTURED, AND THAT THE TIRES WERE TILTED. THE DEALER WAS NOTIFIED, BUT NO ASSISTANCE WAS PROVIDED. NO REPAIRS HAVE BEEN MADE. THE FAILURE AND CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 103000.

Mileage: 103,000

FAILURE OF BRACKET HOLDING UPPER CONTROL ARM TO FRAME ON 2001 FORD WINDSTAR WITH 58,000 MILES ON THE ODOMETER. FAILURE CAUSED WHEELS TO GO THEIR OWN WAY CAUSING TOTAL LACK OF CONTROL OF VEHICLE. *TR

Mileage: 58,000

ON NOVEMBER 3RD, 2009, THE REAR AXLE FAILED IN MY 2001 FORD WINDSTAR WHILE I WAS ON THE HIGHWAY. THE CAR HAD BEGUN PERFORMING ERRATICALLY SO I WAS NOT TRAVELING AT HIGH SPEED, BUT EVEN AT LOW SPEED IT WAS ESSENTIALLY UNCONTROLLABLE WHEN THE FAILURE HAPPENED. IN THE WEEKS LEADING UP TO THE ACTUAL FAILURE, I HAD EXPERIENCED HANDLING PROBLEMS WITH THE VEHICLE. AFTER MY MECHANIC REPLACED THE FRONT STRUTS AND REAR SHOCKS THE CAR STILL DIDN'T HANDLE RIGHT. THEY THOUGHT THIS MIGHT BE BECAUSE THE REAR ALIGNMENT WAS NOT A LITTLE OUT OF SPEC - THEY WERE WAITING FOR SHIMS TO COME IN TO CORRECT THAT WHEN THE AXLE FAILED. IN ADDITION TO MY UNHAPPINESS ABOUT THE COMPLAINTS - THE VEHICLE KIND OF SWERVED WHEN GOING AROUND CORNERS, ESPECIALLY HIGHWAY ON/OFF RAMPS - THE ONLY WARNING THE CAR GAVE IN THE WEEKS UP TO THE FAILURE WAS SEEMINGLY-RANDOM INDICATIONS FROM THE TIRE-PRESSURE WARNING LIGHT. IN END END, THE GARAGE I TOOK THE CAR TO ENDED UP REPLACING THE REAR AXLE ASSEMBLY AND THE TWO REAR TIRES - WHEN THE AXLE FAILED THE TIRES HAD RUBBED AGAINST THE TIRE WELLS. WHEN SEARCHING ONLINE FOR OTHER REPORTS OF THIS PROBLEM I CAME ACROSS SEVERAL HERE, AND POSTED MY OWN. (MY OWN DESCRIPTION AS WELL AS FOUR PICTURES OF THE FAILED PART ARE ON THE SITE UNDER NOVEMBER 3RD 2009: HTTP://WWW.CARCOMPLAINTS.COM/FORD/WINDSTAR/2001/DRIVETRAIN/REAR_AXLE_SNAPPED_IN_TWO.SHTML. *TR

Mileage: 111,000

THE REAR AXLE ON MY 2001 FORD WINDSTAR BROKE IN TWO ABOUT 8-12 INCHES INBOARD OF WHERE THE TRAILING ARM IS WELDED TO THE ASSEMBLY. I HAD THE LEFT SIDE WELDED EARLIER FOR THE SAME FAILURE BEFORE IT WAS BAD SIX MONTHS EARLIER AND THIS TIME IT TOTALLY FAILED ON THE RIGHT SIDE IN EXACTLY THE SAME LOCATION. MY CAR IS THE THIRD WINDSTAR AXLE FAILURE I KNOW ABOUT IN MY TOWN. *TR

Mileage: 120,000

WHILE DRIVING ON INTERSTATE THE PASSENGER SIDE FRONT LOWER CONTROL ARM BROKE LOOSE FROM THE FRAME CAUSING TOTAL LOSS OF VEHICLE CONTROL. VAN HAS 60K MILES AND WAS WELL MAINTAINED

Mileage: 66,073

TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2001 FORD WINDSTAR. THE CONTACT HEARD A LOUD NOISE OUTSIDE OF THE VEHICLE WHILE HE WAS BACKING OUT OF A PARKING SPACE AND SHIFTING INTO THE "REVERSE" POSITION. THE VEHICLE SUDDENDLY FAILED TO OPERATE IN REVERSE. IMMEDIATELY, THE GEAR SHIFTER WAS PLACED INTO THE "DRIVE" POSITION; FOLLOWED BY NO POWER RESPONSE. THE DRIVER TURNED THE ENGINE OFF AND INSPECTED THE VEHICLE. THE FRONT PASSENGER WHEEL WAS TURNED OUTWARDLY WHEN THE RIGHT SHAFT DISENGAGED FROM THE DIFFERENTIAL. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO AN AUTHORIZED DEALER FOR INSPECTION. THE TECHNICIAN STATED THAT THE FAILURE WAS CONTRIBUTED TO THE ENGINE CRADLE WHICH EXHIBITED SEVERE RUST AND CAUSED THE LOWER CONTROL ARM TO BREAK. THE VEHICLE WAS REPAIRED FOR MALFUNCTION. THE CONTACT HAD CONCERN OF THE SAFETY RISK INVOLVED. THE VIN WAS NOT AVAILABLE. THE FAILURE AND CURRENT MILEAGES WERE 71,000.

Mileage: 71,000

THE MOUNTING EARS ON THE RIGHT FRONT SUBFRAME (H-FRAME THAT ALL THE SUSPENSION, STEERING , AND DRIVETRAIN) THAT CONNECTS THE LOWER CONTROL ARM TO THE FRAME ROTTED OFF THE FRAME ALLOWING THE PASSENGER SIDE TIRE ASSY. TO SWING OUT FROM UNDER THE VEHICLE CAUSING A LOSS OF CONTROL. FORTUNATELY IT HAPPENED WHEN TURNING LEFT AT A INTERSECTION AND NOT ON THE FREEWAY. THE WHOLE FRONT H FRAME HAS TO BE REPLACED. THE VEHICLE IS AN 01 FORD WINDSTAR WITH APPROX. 61,000 MILES, ALWAYS TAKEN GOOD CARE OF AND GARAGE KEPT. ORIGINAL OWNER NEVER ANY ACCIDENTS. *TR

Mileage: 61,000

I HAVE JUST CAME HOME FROM VACATION IN AZ AND MY VAN THE WHOLE TIME ON VACATION WAS MAKING THIS NOISE I DIDN'T KNOW WHAT IT WAS UNTIL WE BACKED IN OUR DRIVEWAY AND THE DRIVER SIDE TIRE WAS COCKED IN AT THE TOP SO MY HUSBAND JACKED THE VAN UP AND THE REAR AXLE WAS SNAPPED IN HALF I HAVE TO SAY FORD NEEDS TO PAY FOR ALL THE REPAIRS!!!! I DO HAVE PIC'S OF THIS I HAVE TO SAY THAT WE HAVE GUARDIAN ANGELS WATCHING OVER US TO MAKE IT HOME THIS VAN WAS DRIVEN ON VACATION 5,200 MILES THANK GOD IT DIDN'T HAPPEN ON THE HIGHWAY!!! MY HUSBAND DOSE MECHANICS AND HE HAS SEEN THIS HAPPEN TO OTHER FORD WINDSTARS AND IT BREAKS IN THE SAME SPOT ON ALL OF THEM FORD NEEDS TO OPEN THERE EYES AND FIX THIS PROBLEM BEFORE A FAMILY DIES FROM FORD WINDSTAR VANS!!!!!!!!! *TR

Mileage: 142,882

FORD WINDSTAR 2001 REAR AXLE BROKE ON HIGHWAY. VAN BEGAN TO SHAKE MY WIFE PULLED OVER AND VAN HAD TO BE TOWED. *TR

Mileage: 109,000

I HAD BEEN HEARING A DULL SQUEAKY, CLICKING NOISE FROM THE LEFT REAR OF MY VAN FOR APPROXIMATELY A MONTH. I TOOK MY VAN TO THE MECHANIC ON 8/31/09 AND THEY TOLD ME I NEEDED NEW TIRES, AN ALIGNMENT AND SOME FRONT END WORK. I TOLD THEM AGAIN THAT THE NOISE WAS COMING FROM THE BACK, SO I WASN'T SURE WHY I NEEDED FRONT END WORK AND NOT BACK. I PAID $767.00. ON 9/2/09 & 9/7/09, I TOOK THE VAN BACK BECAUSE I WAS HEARING THE SAME NOISE. THEY TEST DROVE THE CAR AND DIDN'T HEAR ANYTHING. THEY PUT THE VAN ON THE LIFT, TOOK THE TIRES OFF AND THEY COULDN'T FIND ANYTHING. THE MORE I DROVE THE VAN, THE MORE I HEARD THE NOISE. I NOTICED THAT THE VAN WOULD "FISH TALE" OR SHAKE MORE WHENEVER I WENT OVER A BUMP. ON 9/20/09 I TOOK MY VAN TO A DIFFERENT MECHANIC TO SEE IF THEY COULD FIND ANYTHING WRONG. I TOLD THEM THAT IT FELT LIKE I NEEDED AN ALIGNMENT, ALTHOUGH I HAD JUST HAD ONE ON 8/31/09. THE MECHANIC SHOWED ME THAT THE TOP OF THE LEFT REAR TIRE WAS BENT INWARD, CAUSING THE VAN TO LEAN TO ONE SIDE. THE MECHANIC PUT THE VAN ON THE LIFT AND SHOWED ME A CRACK SO DEEP THAT IF I HAD GONE OVER ONE BIG POTHOLE, MY DAUGHTERS AND I COULD HAVE BEEN INJURED. I BECAME INFURIATED AT THE PLACE WHERE I TOOK MY VAN INITIALLY, BECAUSE I THOUGHT THERE WAS NO WAY THEY COULD HAVE MISSED THAT CRACK WHEN THEY CHANGED THE TIRES. I TOOK MY VAN BACK TO THE INITIAL MECHANIC. WHEN THEY PUT THE CAR ON THE LIFT, THEY SAID THAT THEY DEFINITELY WOULD HAVE NOTICED A CRACK THAT SIGNIFICANT IF IT HAD BEEN THERE BEFORE. I WENT ON LINE AND WAS AMAZED AT THE AMOUNT OF CASES I FOUND THAT WERE VERY SIMILAR TO MINE. THERE IS NO WAY THAT ALL OF THESE INCIDENCES ARE COINCIDENCES. THE TOTAL AMOUNT TO HAVE IT REPLACED WAS $836.00. I CALLED THE FORD PLACE AND THE PERSON THAT I SPOKE WITH SAID THAT FORD WON'T DO A RECALL UNLESS THERE ARE AT LEAST 2,000 COMPLAINTS. I WONDER HOW MANY HAVE ACTUALLY DIED IN A 2001 FORD WINDSTAR BECAUSE THE AXLE BROKE . UNFORTUNATELY, THEY DIDN'T LIVE LONG ENOUGH TO WRITE A COMPLAINT. *TR

Mileage: 123,500

2001 FORD WINDSTAR WAS MAKING A BANG IN REAR WITH RIGHT TURN TAKING TO THE MECHANICS FOR YEARLY INSPECTION AND REAR AXLE WAS CRACKED IN HALF. THIS COULD HAVE BEEN REAL PROBLEM HAD IT BROKE WHILE BEING DRIVEN SOMEONE COULD HAVE BEEN SERIOUSLY HURT OR EVEN KILLED. NOW WAITING TO GET NEW PART AND HOW MUCH IT WILL COST TO FIX. *TR

Mileage: 72,000

MY 2001 FORD WINDSTAR'S AXLE BROKE IN HALF WHILE DOING 30 MPH DOWN A PAVED ROAD. THE VEHICLE HAS 131,000 MILES AND RESIDES IN CHICAGO METRO AREA SO VEHICLE HAS BEEN DRIVEN ON PAVED ROADS WITH NO UTILITY PURPOSE OTHER THAN DRIVING FIVE KIDS AROUND TOWN. TOW TRUCK DRIVER AND 60 YEAR OLD MECHANIC WERE ASTONISHED AND MECHANIC STATED AXLES ARE NOT SUPPOSE TO BREAK IN HALF, EVER !!!! *TR

Mileage: 131,000

COIL SPRING ON PASSENGER SIDE STRUT BROKE, HAS DRIVER'S SIDE BREAK THE YEAR BEFORE, HAD TO REPLACE WHOLE STRUT / SPRING ASSEMBLY, COULD'VE CAUSED ACCIDENT IF THE PIECES WOULD HAVE HIT THE TIRES INSTEAD OF WRAPPING AROUND REST OF SPRING. *TR

Mileage: 123,000

I WAS DRIVING MY FAMILY HOME FROM A SUMMER FEST, AS I WAS GOING OVER A FAIRLY SMOOTH RAILROAD CROSSING I FELT THE VAN START HANDLING STRANGE. I PULLED OVER AND FOUND THE RIGHT REAR WHEEL OUT OF ALIGN. I CAREFULLY DROVE IT HOME AND WENT UNDERNEATH TO CHECK IT. TO MY SURPRISE I FOUND THE AXLE BEAM CRACKED 3/4 OF THE WAY THRU. THERE IS NO REASON A BEAM OF THIS SIZE SHOULD CRACK LIKE THIS UNLESS THERE WAS A MATERIAL OR DESIGN FAULT IN THE VAN. I AM THE FIRST OWNER OF THIS VAN AND IT WAS NEVER OVERLOADED. AT THIS POINT I AM NOT SURE WHAT I AM GOING TO DO TO REPAIR/REPLACE THE AXLE. AFTER READING THE DOZENS OF COMPLAINTS FROM OTHER WINDSTAR OWNERS (AT LEAST 15 FROM JUST THE 2001 MODEL YEAR) I SEE THIS PROBLEM IS NOT UNIQUE. *TR

Mileage: 79,000

REAR AXLE BROKEN IN OUR 2001 FORD WINDSTAR. THE VEHICLE HAS NEVER BEEN IN A CRASH, HAS APPROXIMATELY 92,000 MILES, AND IN OVERALL GOOD CONDITION. THE VEHICLE HAS NEVER BEEN DRIVEN HARD OR ON ROUGH TERRAIN. THERE IS NO APPARENT REASON FOR THIS MALFUNCTION. AFTER CONDUCTING SEARCHES ON THE INTERNET, WE DISCOVERED THIS IS A COMMON PROBLEM WITH THESE VEHICLES, ALTHOUGH FORD IS DENYING IT IS A DEFECT. *TR

Mileage: 92,000

MY WIFE LOST CONTROL OF VEHICLE, 2001 WINDSTAR, 71,000 MILES, RIGHT FRONT LOWER CONTROL ROD BROKE LOOSE FROM ENGINE CRADLE AND SHE LOST CONTROL OF STEERING. I HAD VEHICLE TOWED TO FORD DEALERSHIP. SUBFRAME RUSTED OUT AT RIGHT LOWER CONTROL ROD MOUNTING, VEHICLE IS NOT DRIVEN IN WINTER,DO NOT UNDERSTAND HOW THIS COULD HAVE RUSTED OUT AND CAUSED A POSSIBLE CATASTROPHIC FAILURE. SUBFRAME HAS BEEN ORDERED, ESTIMATE FOR REPAIRS FROM FORD DEALER IS $2,000.00. I HAVE NOT CONTACTED FORD MOTOR COMPANY, IT APPEARS THAT THEY DO NOT CARE ABOUT THIS FAILURE JUDGING FROM OTHER CUSTOMER COMPLAINTS FOR THE SAME FAILURE. IF THIS IS CAUSED BY WATER DRIPPING FROM THE AC COMPRESSOR OR A DEFECT IN THE SUBFRAME METAL, FORD SHOULD BE ASSISTING IN THESE REPAIRS. I HAVE BEEN A LOYAL FORD CUSTOMER FOR 30 YEARS AND CAN NOT BELIEVE THEY WOULD NOT HELP WITH THIS TYPE OF SAFETY ISSUE. *TR

Mileage: 71,000

I WAS TRAVELING DOWN HWY 18 S/B NEAR NEW BRUNSWICK, NJ AT APPROX. 45 MPH WHEN I HEARD AND FELT A LOUD "BOOM" FROM THE REAR OF THE VEHICLE. IMMEDIATELY AFTER THE NOISE I COULD HEAR A RUBBING NOISE AND SEE SMOKE (FROM THE TIRE RUBBING AGAINST THE WHEELWELL). I PULLED OVER TO THE SHOULDER, LOOKED UNDER THE BACK OF THE VAN AND COULD PLAINLY SEE THAT THE REAR AXLE HAD SNAPPED IN HALF. I HAD THE VEHICLE TOWED TO MY LOCAL MECHANIC WHO FIXED THE VEHICLE(REPLACED THE REAR AXLE). THE TOW TRUCK OPERATOR ADVISED ME THAT HE HAS TOWED 5-6 VANS WITH THE SAME PROBLEM AND WHEN THE MECHANIC CONTACTED THE PARTS SUPPLY MAN, HE WAS ADVISED THAT THE PART WAS IN STOCK BECAUSE THIS IS A COMMON PROBLEM AND THE NEW PART(AXLE) IS MANUFACTURED TO BETTER SPECS SO THIS DOES NOT HAPPEN AGAIN.(AS OPPOSED FROM GETTING A USED AXLE FROM A JUNK YARD). I HAVE PICTURES IF YOU NEED THEM. *TR

Mileage: 109,000

I WAS DRIVING DOWN THE INTERSTATE GOING 55 MPH IN A CONSTRUCTION ZONE. I WAS IN FRONT OF A SEMI TRUCK. I HAD MY 3 YOUNG KIDS IN THE VAN. THE VAN STARTED FEELING FUNNY AND I WAS LOOKING FOR A SAFE PLACE TO PULL OFF, WHEN THE REAR AXLE SNAPPED IN 2 PIECES. THIS CAUSED MY VAN TO START TO SPIN. WE WERE ALMOST HIT BY THE SEMI AND THEN WE ALMOST WENT OFF THE ROAD WHERE I AM AFRAID WE PROBABLY WOULD HAVE ROLLED OVER. WE ENDED UP FACING THE WRONG WAY IN THE PASSING LANE WHICH THANKFULLY HAD CONSTRUCTION BARRELS UP SO IT WAS CLOSED OTHERWISE WE WOULD HAVE PROBABLY BEEN HIT HEAD ON. THE TOW TRUCK DRIVER, THE SEMI TRUCK DRIVER, THE POLICE OFFICER, MY HUSBAND AND MY FATHER ALL SAID THAT THEY HAD NEVER SEEN THIS BEFORE AND THAT REAR AXLES JUST DON'T SNAP THAT WAY. WE NOW HAVE TO REPLACE BASICALLY EVERYTHING IN THE REAR OF MY VAN. AS WE WERE DOING RESEARCH TO PRICE THE REPLACEMENT PARTS WE FOUND THAT THERE WERE MANY STORIES JUST LIKE OURS AND THAT IT HAD BEEN REPORTED TO FORD TO NO AVAIL. MECHANICS ARE SAYING THAT THE PROBLEM SEEMS TO BE NEAR THE WHEEL WHERE WATER CAN GET IN BUT CAN'T GET OUT SO THEY ARE RUSTING FROM THE INSIDE OUT AND SNAPPING. SO EVEN AFTER I REPLACE MY AXLE I STILL CAN'T FEEL SAFE B/C THEY HAVE NOT FIXED THE DESIGN FLAW AND APPARENTLY DON'T INTEND TO. WE COULD HAVE BEEN KILLED IF THE ROAD WAS ANY DIFFERENT THAT DAY. I WOULD HATE TO SEE ANOTHER FAMILY NOT HAVE THE FORTUNATE CIRCUMSTANCES THAT WE DID THAT DAY AND SOMEONE LOSE THEIR LIFE! PLEASE PLEASE PLEASE DON'T LET FORD LET IT GET TO THAT POINT!!! PLEASE MAKE THEM RECALL THIS PART SO THERE WILL BE A SAFER AXLE FOR MY VAN AND ALL THE OTHER FORD WINDSTARS, THESE VEHICLES ARE USED BY FAMILIES FOR THEIR SMALL KIDS. THANK YOU FOR YOUR TIME AND CONSIDERATION OF MY LETTER. *TR

Mileage: 115,000

REAR AXLE SPLIT ON A 2001 FORD WINDSTAR LX. AT THAT POINT, THE RIGHT REAR TIRE WAS RESTING AGAINST ITS WHEELWELL AND THE CAR COULD NOT BE DRIVEN. I WAS ONLY DRIVING 20MPH WHEN THIS OCCURRED, BUT IT COULD HAVE BEEN VERY DANGEROUS AT HIGHWAY SPEEDS. *TR

Mileage: 112,000

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

I OWN A 2001 FORD WINDSTAR IN THE SPACE OF LESS THAN THREE WEEKS, BOTH OF MY FRONT COIL SPRINGS HAVE BROKEN AND GONE THROUGH THE FRONT TIRES. FORTUNATELY BOTH TIMES WE WERE TRAVELING AT LOW SPEEDS, BUT IF THIS HAD OCCURRED AT 65 MPH ON THE INTERSTATE, IT WOULD ALMOST CERTAINLY HAVE RESULTED IN A SERIOUS ACCIDENT. I CHECK THE INTERNET FOR RECALLS ON THIS , BUT DIDN'T FIND ANY FOR THIS MODEL YEAR. *TR

Mileage: 126,000

I HAVE A 2001 FORD WIND STAR SEL THAT HAD A CRACKED REAR AXLE TODAY. I WAS PULLING OUT OF MY CHURCH PARKING LOT AND HEARD A LITTLE STRANGE NOISE FROM THE BACK. AS I WAS DRIVING THE CAR STARTED SWAYING IN THE BACK AND WHEN I PULLED OVER I NOTICED THAT THE REAR AXLE HAD A CRACK IN THE MIDDLE AND THE TIRES WERE ANGLED IN BECAUSE OF IT. THANK GOD MY FAMILY WAS NOT WITH ME WHEN I PULLED OUT OF THE PARKING AS THE ADDITIONAL WEIGHT MIGHT HAVE AGGRAVATED THE PROBLEM AND THERE HAVE BEEN A ACCIDENT. I WAS QUOTED ANYWHERE FROM 700-1000 DOLLARS FOR THE REPAIR WHICH WILL BE DONE THIS WEEK. I DO NOT UNDERSTAND WHY A REAR AXLE WOULD BREAK SINCE I HAVE A FAMILY OF 3 KIDS AND THEY ARE SMALL SO WEIGHT IS NOT A PROBLEM AND I ALSO HAD MY SHOCKS REPLACED 1 YEAR AGO. THIS PUTS SERIOUS DOUBT IN FORD CRAFTSMANSHIP AND WONT BE BUYING ANOTHER FORD AGAIN. *TR

Mileage: 114,500

I OWN A 2001 FORD WINDSTAR AND WHILE DRIVING THE REAR AXLE BEAM SNAPPED IN HALF THIS SHOULD NOT HAPPEN THIS IS NOT A ISOLATED EVENT FORD SHOULD BE HELD ACCOUNTABLE FOR THIS. *TR

Mileage: 126,000

WHILE PULLING OUT OF MY DRIVEWAY, THE REAR AXLE ON MY FORD WINDSTAR SNAPPED IN HALF. CLEAN BREAK WITH BOTH REAR TIRES HOLDING UP THE REAR OF THE CAR. *TR

Mileage: 131,000

REAR AXLE BROKE INTO TWO PIECES ABOUT ONE-THIRD OF THE WAY FROM THE DRIVER'S SIDE OF THE VEHICLE. REAR TIRES ARE RUNNING ON THE INSIDE EDGE WITH THE TOP INSIDE EDGE OF THE TIRE BEING TORN UP BY THE BODY OF THE CAR. *TR HANDLING WAS DIFFICULT FOR ABOUT A WEEK INCLUDING DRIVING ON HARD PACKED AND SLIPPERY SNOW. VERY HARD TO KEEP CAR TRAVELING STRAIGHT. BACKING OUT OF THE DRIVEWAY AND APPLYING THE BRAKES THERE WAS A SHARP CRACK SOUND. ABOUT 10 MILES LATER THE AXLE SNAPPED, THE TIRES INTERFERED WITH THE WHEEL WELLS AND THE CAR STOPPED. HAD WE BEEN TRAVELING FASTER OR IN MORE CONGESTED CONDITIONS THIS COULD HAVE BEEN SERIOUS. *TR

Mileage: 85,100

REAR AXLE FAILURE . AXLE ROTTED THROUGH AND DISABLED VEHICLE. *TR

Mileage: 91,000

THE LOWER CONTROL A-ARM ON THE PASSENGER SIDE BROKE LOOSE FROM THE FRAME CAUSING THE VAN TO DROPTO THE GROUND. THIS LUCKLY HAPPENED WHEN I JUST PULLED INTO A PARKING SPOT IN FRONT OF A WENDY'S. *TR

Mileage: 98,000

TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2001 FORD WINDSTAR. WHEN THE CONTACT FIRST PURCHASED THE VEHICLE, IT SHUT OFF. THE RINGS IN THE ENGINE HAD TO BE REPLACED. SHE ALSO HEARD A RUMBLING SOUND WHEN THE BRAKE PEDAL WAS DEPRESSED. AN AUTO REPAIR SHOP STATED THAT THE BRAKES WERE OPERATING NORMALLY; HOWEVER, AFTER MUCH COMPLAINING, THE CONTACT HAD THE FRONT BRAKES REPLACED. THE WINDSHIELD WIPERS STOPPED WORKING AFTER A NEW WINDSHIELD WAS INSTALLED. THE VEHICLE WAS DIAGNOSED AND THE MOTOR WAS FOUND TO BE THE CAUSE OF THE FAILURE. THE MOTOR WAS REPLACED. A COUPLE OF MONTHS LATER, THE VEHICLE BEGAN LEAKING ANTIFREEZE AND WAS TOWED TO A REPAIR SHOP. THE CONTACT WAS INFORMED THAT THE FUEL INJECTION HOSES WERE LEAKING. THE LEAK WAS REPAIRED. THREE WEEKS LATER, THE VEHICLE WOULD BUCK AND SHUT OFF. SHE WAS INFORMED THAT THE CATALYTIC CONVERTER WAS COMPLETELY DESTROYED. LASTLY, THE CONTACT NOTICED AN ISSUE WITH THE REAR OF THE VEHICLE. IT WOULD FISHTAIL OR WOBBLE WHILE DRIVING VARIOUS SPEEDS. THE DEALER STATED THAT THE VEHICLE WAS NO LONGER INCLUDED IN THE FACTORY WARRANTY. THE MANUFACTURER HAS NOT BEEN NOTIFIED. THE CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 74,056 AND FAILURE MILEAGE WAS APPROXIMATELY 65,000.

Mileage: 65,000

MY 2001 FORD WINDSTAR HAS A CRACK IN THE REAR AXLE. I'VE READ ON THE INTERNET ABOUT SEVERAL INSTANCES OF THIS HAPPENING AND THE AXLE CRACKS IN TWO PIECES CAUSING AT LEAST THAT THE VEHICLE IS NOT DRIVABLE. IF THIS WOULD HAPPEN EVEN AT MODERATE HIGHWAY SPEEDS THERE COULD BE DEVASTATING CONSEQUENCES. SO FAR I DON;T SEE A RECALL FOR THIS DEFECT FROM FORD. THE MILEAGE OF MY FORD WINDSTAR IS 71,000 MILES. IT SEEMS THAT THE AXLE IS RUSTED FROM THE INSIDE BUT MY VEHICLE HAS BEEN GARAGE KEPT SINCE IT WAS FIRST PURCHASED. I BELIEVE THIS INCIDENT SHOULD BE RECALLED FOR SAFETIES SAKE. I THINK ALL WINDSTARS WITH THIS AXLE DESIGN SHOULD BE RECALLED AND HAVE THE AXLE REPLACED. *TR

Mileage: 71,000

MY 2001 FORD WINDSTAR HAS A CRACK IN THE REAR AXLE. I'VE READ ON THE INTERNET ABOUT SEVERAL INSTANCES OF THIS HAPPENING AND THE AXLE CRACKS IN TWO PIECES CAUSING AT LEAST THAT THE VEHICLE IS NOT DRIVABLE. IF THIS WOULD HAPPEN EVEN AT MODERATE HIGHWAY SPEEDS THERE COULD BE DEVASTATING CONSEQUENCES. SO FAR I DON;T SEE A RECALL FOR THIS DEFECT FROM FORD. THE MILEAGE OF MY FORD WINDSTAR IS 71,000 MILES. IT SEEMS THAT THE AXLE IS RUSTED FROM THE INSIDE BUT MY VEHICLE HAS BEEN GARAGE KEPT SINCE IT WAS FIRST PURCHASED. I BELIEVE THIS INCIDENT SHOULD BE RECALLED FOR SAFETIES SAKE. I THINK ALL WINDSTARS WITH THIS AXLE DESIGN SHOULD BE RECALLED AND HAVE THE AXLE REPLACED. *TR

Mileage: 71,000

MY 2001 FORD WINDSTAR HAD A SQUEAKING NOISE IN REAR OF VEHICLE .NOTICED OVER BUMPS OR JUST ROCKING FRONT TO BACK. RESEARCHED ON INTERNET AND CAME ACROSS THE SAME COMPLAINT ABOUT REAR AXLE CRACKING AND BRAKING. INSPECTED AND FOUND THE AXLE CRACKED ON THE REAR AND HALF WAY AROUND. HAD NOT CRACKED ALL 360 DEG OR ELSE MORE DAMAGE AND POSSIBLY INJURY COULD HAVE HAPPENED. *TR

Mileage: 95,641

REAR SUBFRAME AXLE ASSEMBLY PART #2F2Z 4B435 AA BROKE IN HALF CAUSING LOSS OF CONTROL OF VEHICLE & LOSS OF BRAKES. *TR

Mileage: 95,880

TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2001 FORD WINDSTAR. WHENEVER DRIVING OVER A BUMP AT VARIOUS SPEEDS, THE CONTACT NOTICED THAT THE REAR OF THE VEHICLE WOULD SWAY FROM LEFT TO RIGHT. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO A LOCAL REPAIR SHOP AND THE MECHANIC STATED THAT THE REAR AXLE CRACKED IN HALF. PRIOR TO THE FAILURE, THE CONTACT HEARD A CREAKING NOISE COMING FROM THE REAR OF THE VEHICLE. THE CURRENT AND FAILURE MILEAGES WERE 59,138. UPDATED 11-19-08 *BF UPDATED 11/20/08. *JB

Mileage: 59,138

HAD JUST GOTTEN ONTO HIGHWAY GOING ABOUT 45 MPH ,CHANGED LANES TO ACCELERATE AND FELT LIKE A TIRE BLEW OUT ,HEARD SOMETHING DRAGGING, LUCKILY EXITED OFF QUICKLY PULLED OVER TO FIND THAT REAR AXEL HAD BROKE AND BOTH TIRES WERE ON THEIR WAY TO CAVING IN. NO ACCIDENT OR INJURY-THANK GOD. CALLED FORD DEALERSHIP AND WAS TOLD NO RECALLS ON AXLES AND THIS WAS A "COMMON OCCURRENCE." *TR

Mileage: 92,000

TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2001 FORD WINDSTAR. WHILE DRIVING 10 MPH AND PROCEEDING TO A STOP SIGN, THE CONTACT EXPERIENCED A LOSS OF STEERING CONTROL AND THE FRONT WHEELS LOCKED. THE VEHICLE WAS INOPERABLE AND THERE WERE NO WARNING INDICATORS ILLUMINATED ON THE INSTRUMENT PANEL. ROADSIDE ASSISTANCE WAS CALLED TO THE SCENE AND THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO AN AUTHORIZED DEALER. THE TECHNICIAN STATED THAT THE FAILURE WAS RELATED TO THE LOWER CONTROL ARM BRACKETS AT THE SUBFRAME. THE VEHICLE IS CURRENTLY BEING REPAIRED. THE CONTACT WAS CONCERNED OF THE SAFETY RISK INVOLVED. THE FAILURE AND CURRENT MILEAGES WERE 64,000.

Mileage: 64,000

TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2001 FORD WINDSTAR. WHILE DRIVING 40 MPH, THE CONTACT DROVE OVER A BUMP IN THE ROAD AND SUDDENLY THE REAR END OF THE VEHICLE FELL TO THE GROUND. HE DID NOT NOTICE ANY DIFFERENCES BEFOREHAND. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALER AND THEY STATED THAT THE REAR AXLE NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE CURRENT AND FAILURE MILEAGES WERE 148,000. PHONE UPDATE ON 10/28/08: MS. CORBY DROVE OVER A DIP ON THE ROAD AND IMMEDIATELY HEARD A LOUD CRACK. THE VEHICLE SWERVED AND SMOKE CAME OUT FROM THE DRIVER SIDE REAR WHEEL AREA. SHE SAID THAT THERE WAS BRAKE FLUID ON THE GROUND AND THAT THE REAR AXLE HAD SEVERED. THE LEFT REAR TIRE SLANTED A LOT AND THE RIGHT REAR TIRE SLANTED LESS. NO PRIOR WARNING. SHE HAD FOUR CHILDREN IN THE VAN AT THAT TIME. SHE DROVE OVER THAT ROAD THOUSANDS OF TIMES AND NEVER HAD A PROBLEM.

Mileage: 148,000

TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2001 FORD WINDSTAR. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE VEHICLE WOULD MAKE CRACKING NOISES WHILE ATTEMPTING TO MAKE A LEFT OR RIGHT TURN. WHILE UNDERGOING A SCHEDULED OIL CHANGE, AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC FOUND A HUGE CRACK IN THE REAR AXLE. THE MANUFACTURER WAS CALLED AND INSTRUCTED HIM TO BRING THE VEHICLE TO THE DEALER FOR INSPECTION. THE VEHICLE HAS NOT BEEN REPAIRED. THE FAILURE AND CURRENT MILEAGES WERE 120,000.

Mileage: 120,000

FAILURE OF THE RIGHT LOWER CONTROL ARM MOUNTS AT THE SUBFRAME OCCURRED WITH NO WARNING OR PRIOR SYMPTOMS. MY VEHICLE IS A 2001 FORD WINDSTAR WITH APPROXIMATELY 71K MILES. MY CHILDREN AND I WERE ON A HIGHWAY ON-RAMP APPROACHING HIGHWAY SPEED WHEN THE FAILURE OCCURRED, CAUSING THE WHEEL TO SWING OUT FROM THE VEHICLE AND THE AXLE SHAFT TO PULL OUT OF THE TRANSAXLE. THE VAN SWAYED AND BUCKED WITH THE REAR END BOUNCING UP AND DOWN OFF THE GROUND NEARLY FLIPPING THE VEHICLE. I CAN'T IMAGINE WHAT COULD HAVE HAPPENED FOUR OR FIVE SECONDS LATER AT HIGHWAY SPEED. THE VAN WAS TOWED TO A LOCAL SERVICE STATION WHERE IT REMAINS ABOUT 100 MILES FROM MY HOME. MY LOCAL DEALER WAS CONTACTED BUT THE SERVICE WRITER SAID I WOULD NEED TO CONTACT THE FORD CUSTOMER RELATIONS CENTER WHO IN TURN INFORMED ME THAT IT WAS NOT WITHIN FORD MOTOR COMPANY'S GUIDELINES TO OFFER ANY ASSISTANCE. LINDA, THE DEPARTMENT SUPERVISOR, SAID THAT THERE IS NOTHING SHE CAN DO, UNLESS THE NHTSA ISSUES A RECALL, BECAUSE THE VAN IS OUT OF WARRANTY AND OUT OF THE 5 YEAR RANGE THEY USE FOR MAKING "GOOD RELATIONS ALLOWANCES". I KNOW THERE HAS BEEN AT LEAST 12 OR 13 SIMILAR COMPLAINTS ON THE NHTSA WEB SIGHT AND OTHERS ON BLOGS (IE ALLWORLDAUTO.COM ) SO I AGREE WITH ONE OF YOUR COMPLAINANTS THAT "THIS IS A SEVERE FAILURE THAT IS PREMATURE, NOT EASILY DETECTABLE, POTENTIALLY FATAL, AND WILL LIKELY OCCUR MORE FREQUENTLY AS THESE VEHICLES AGE". I TOO, STRONGLY URGE THE NHTSA TO CONDUCT AN ENGINEERING INVESTIGATION REGARDING THIS FAILURE. *TR

Mileage: 71,000

SEVERAL WEEKS PRIOR TO SEPTEMBER 13, 2008, WE BEGAN HEARING AN INTERMITTENT CREAKING NOISE AT THE REAR OF THE VEHICLE AS OUR 2001 FORD WINDSTAR WOULD GO OVER BUMPS AT A SLOW SPEED (BEST EXAMPLE IS DRIVING OVER THE CURB LEADING UP OUR DRIVEWAY). ON FRIDAY SEPTEMBER 12TH, WHILE HEADING ON A 45 MINUTE TRIP TO OUR WEEKEND HOME WITH MY WIFE AND 2 YOUNG SONS, I COMMENTED TO MY WIFE THAT I WAS PLANNING ON TAKING THE VEHICLE IN THE FOLLOWING MONDAY FOR AN INSPECTION. ON SATURDAY THE 13TH, WHILE ENROUTE TO A RESTAURANT, WE HEARD A "WHISTLING NOISE." WE GOT OUT AND DISCOVERED BOTH REAR WHEELS WERE LEANING IN AT THE TOP. WE HOBBLED THE CAR BACK AND UPON INSPECTION THE FOLLOWING DAY DISCOVERED THAT THE REAR AXLE WAS NEARLY SEVERED IN TWO. IT APPEARED THAT IT HAD RUSTED OUT FROM THE INSIDE. KEEP IN MIND THAT THE VEHICLE IS ONLY A 2001 AND IS NEARLY RUST FREE EVERYWHERE ELSE SAVE FOR A FEW TELLTALE SIGNS OS BEGINNING RUST IN THE USUALLY SPOTS (WHEEL WELLS). GIVEN THAT THE OUTSIDE OF THE AXLE IS RUST FREE, I'M NOT SURE HOW I WOULD HAVE DETECTED IT (OR EVEN EXPECTED IT TO HAPPEN IN 7-YEAR OLD VEHICLE) EXCEPT FOR THE CREAKING NOISE. I'M THANKFUL THAT THE AXLE DID NOT FAIL WHILE ON THE HIGHWAY OR WHILE MY WIFE WAS USING THE VEHICLE (SHE USES IT DAILY TO GO TO WORK AND TRANSPORT OUR KIDS TO SCHOOL). I DID NOTE THAT THERE WERE 6 OTHER IDENTICAL COMPLAINTS ON "CARCOMPLAINTS.COM." I DO NOT HAVE THE CAR IN THE SHOP YET - ARRANGING FOR REPAIRS IS TODAY'S' TASK. GIVEN THE COMMENTS I'VE SEEN ONLINE IN THE AFOREMENTIONED COMPLAINTS IT DOES NOT APPEAR THAT 1.) FORD HAS ANYTHING TO SAY ABOUT THE INCIDENTS AND 2.) MECHANICS CAN'T BELIEVE THAT A NON-SERVICEABLE PART LIKE THIS WOULD FAIL ON A 2001 VEHICLE. *TR

Mileage: 90,000

WITHOUT ANY WARNING THE REAR AXEL ON MY 2001 FORD WINDSTAR MINIVAN SNAPPED COMPLETELY IN TWO. WE HAD JUST GOTTEN OFF A BUSY HIGHWAY AND LUCKILY WERE GOING VERY SLOWLY ON A SIDE STREET. WE ALL WOULD SURELY HAVE BEEN KILLED IF THIS HAD HAPPENED 5 MINUTES EARLIER. *TR

Mileage: 78,000

I WAS PULLING MY VAN INTO A PARKING SPOT AT MY DOCTOR'S OFFICE. ALL OF A SUDDEN, THERE WAS A LOUD "BOOM" SOUND. THE VAN FELT LIKE IT DROPPED DOWN CLOSER TO THE CEMENT. I NOTICED THE BRAKE FAULT LIGHT ON THE DASH CAME ON. I IMMEDIATELY PUT THE CAR INTO PARK AND TURNED THE IGNITION OFF. I GOT OUT OF VAN AND BOTH OF THE REAR WHEELS WERE POINTED IN AT THE TOP OF THE TIRE. THE REAR AXLE HAD BROKE COMPLETELY IN TWO RIGHT IN THE MIDDLE. THANK GOD MY TWELVE YEAR OLD WASN'T WITH ME AND WE WEREN'T GOING 55 MPH DOWN THE ROAD. I'VE LOOKED THIS UP ON-LINE AND IT SEEMS TO BE A PROBLEM WITH FORD WINDSTAR'S. I QUESTION WHY THERE HASN'T BEEN ANY PUBLICATIONS ON THIS PROBLEM. THIS WILL CAUSE A SERIOUS OR CATASTROPHIC INJURY. *TR

Mileage: 138,000

2001 FORD WINDSTAR 70,000 MILES, HAD A MINOR FENDER BENDER TOOK TO THE DEALER FOR REPAIR, ONCE I RECEIVED THE VAN BACK AN HOUR AFTER THE CHECK ENGINE LIGHT CAME ON, CALLED DEALER THEY STATED THAT THEY NEEDED TO RESET THE CODES BRING IT BACK WHEN I COULD. THE VERY NEXT DAY AND EVERY DAY AFTER THAT UNTIL THE FINAL DAY I CALLED STATING THE STEERING WHEEL SEEMED ODD AND I HAD TO SLIGHTLY TURN IT TO THE LEFT TO GO STRAIGHT. I AGAIN WAS TOLD THAT THEY JUST NEEDED TO REALIGN THE STEERING WHEEL BUT NOT TO WORRY. ON THE FIFTH DAY I CALLED AND SAID I WASN'T SURE THE VEHICLE WAS SAFE TO DRIVE BECAUSE THE WHEEL NOW HAD TO BE TURNED HALF WAY TO THE LEFT TO GO STRAIGHT. AGAIN I WAS TOLD NOT TO WORRY JUST BRING IT IN THE NEXT DAY. 3 MINUTES LATER THE VEHICLE STOPPED AND WOULDN'T MOVE. A TOW TRUCK WAS CALLED AND IT TURNS OUT THE CONTROL ARM THAT WAS JUST REPLACED FELL OFF!! THE DEALER INFORMED ME IT WAS NOT THEIR FAULT DUE TO THE FACT THAT THE FRAME WAS ROTTED OUT, SOMETHING THEY CLAIM TO HAVE NEVER SEEN. NEEDLESS TO SAY AFTER HOURS ON THE PHONE WITH FORD AND THE DEALER SO FAR I HAVE GOTTEN NO WHERE. SO I DECIDED TO DO SOME RESEARCH ONLINE AND FOUND THIS SITE WHICH INFORMED ME THAT THERE ARE ALMOST 15 CASES OF THE SAME THING REPORTED! WHY DOES FORD THINK THIS IS NOT THEIR PROBLEM AND ARE THEY WAITING FOR A FATAL ACCIDENT TO DO SOMETHING ABOUT THIS? *TR

Mileage: 70,000

TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2001 FORD WINDSTAR. WHILE DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 45 MPH, THE CONTACT HEARD A LOUD BANGING SOUND ALONG WITH A BURNING SMELL. THE STEERING BECAME VERY DIFFICULT TO MANEUVER, BUT SHE WAS ABLE TO SAFELY PULL OFF THE ROAD. THE CONTACT NOTICED THAT THE REAR AXLE HAD COMPLETELY FAILED. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO THE DEALER AND THEY VERIFIED THAT THE AXLE FAILED. THE VEHICLE HAS NOT BEEN REPAIRED BECAUSE THE CONTACT IS WAITING ON A RESPONSE FROM THE MANUFACTURER. SHE HAS PICTURES OF THE FAILED COMPONENT. THE FAILURE AND CURRENT MILEAGES WERE 70,000. UPDATED 6/16/08 *CN UPDATED

Mileage: 70,000

TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2001 FORD WINDSTAR. WHILE ACCELERATING FROM A STOP, THE CONTACT FELT AS IF THE VEHICLE HAD A FLAT TIRE. WHEN HE PULLED THE VEHICLE OVER, THE FRONT END DROPPED AND HE HEARD THE FAN STRIKING THE METAL. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO THE DEALER AND THEY STATED THAT THE FRONT PASSENGER SIDE CONTROL ARM MOUNT RUSTED FROM THE SUBFRAME AND THE ENGINE CRADLE. THE DEALER REPLACED THE ENGINE CRADLE. THE VEHICLE IS STILL UNDER REPAIR. THE CURRENT AND FAILURE MILEAGES WERE 44,139. UPDATED 04/21/08 *BF

Mileage: 44,139

BROKEN REAR AXLE BEAM. *TR

Mileage: 71,104

BROKEN AXEL BEAM. *TR

Mileage: 71,127

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 30 MPH, THE DRIVER SIDE FRONT TIRE BLEW OUT. THE VEHICLE WAS PULLED OVER, BUT THE TIRE WAS UNABLE TO BE CHANGED DUE TO BROKEN PARTS. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO THE DEALER. THE DEALER STATED THAT THE COIL SPRING FAILED AND CAUSED THE TIRE TO BLOW OUT. THE CURRENT AND FAILURE MILEAGES WERE 136,000.

Mileage: 136,000

ON OR ABOUT DECEMBER 15, 2007 MY HUSBAND NOTICED WHEN HE HIT A BUMP IN THE ROAD THE REAR END OF OUR 2001 FORD WINDSTAR LX FELT LOOSE. WE THOUGHT THE SHOCKS WERE STARTING TO WARE. ON DECEMBER 20, 2007 MY HUSBAND STARTED ON HIS WAY HOME FROM WORK AROUND 3:30 PM HE HEADED SOUTH ON I55 OUT OF CHICAGO AND REACHED OUR DRIVEWAY IN THE SOUTHWEST SUBURBS APPROXIMATELY 5:00 PM. AT 5:30 P. OUR FAMILY WITH TWO CHILDREN GOT INTO THE VAN TO GO CHRISTMAS SHOPPING. AS WE WERE PULLING OUT OF THE DRIVEWAY THE VAN JERKED AND SCREECHED. WE THOUGHT WE HIT SOMEONE THAT HAD PARKED BEHIND US. WE JUMPED OUT TO SEE WHAT HAPPENED AND NOTICED OUR REAR TIRES LOOKED FUNNY AND THE BACK END WAS REALLY LOW. WHEN WE LOOKED UNDER IT WE SAW THAT THE AXLE WAS BROKEN IN TWO. IT HAD JUST SNAPPED. IF THIS HAD HAPPENED A HALF HOUR EARLIER THIS WOULD HAVE HAPPENED ON THE EXPRESSWAY IN RUSH HOUR TRAFFIC AND I HATE TO THINK WHAT WOULD HAVE HAPPENED, OR 15 MINUTES LATER WHEN WE WERE ON I355 GOING CHRISTMAS SHOPPING WITH OUR CHILDREN. WE WERE MORE THAN HAPPY TO HAVE THIS HAPPEN IN OUR DRIVEWAY BUT THIS IS OUR ONLY VEHICLE AND WE DON'T HAVE THE 1000.00 IT WILL COST TO REPLACE THE PART. THE VAN IS NO LONGER UNDER WARRANTY, IT HAS 72,915 MILES ON IT. HOW INCONVENIENT! *TR

Mileage: 72,915

THE REAR AXLE ON MY 2001 FORD WINSTAR CRACKED AND BROKE. THIS IS A SAFETY ISSUE AND ENGINEERING DEFECT AND SHOULD BE CORRECTED BY FORD AND THE DEALER. *TR

Mileage: 90,000

ON OCTOBER 19, 2007 I BACKED OUT OF MY DRIVEWAY, SHIFTED INTO DRIVE AND BEGAN TO GO FORWARD WHEN I FELT AN ALARMING SENSATION IN MY CAR. I PULLED OVER TO THE SIDE OF THE ROAD TO INSPECT MY TIRES. ALL LOOKED FINE SO I RETURNED TO MY CAR, SHIFTED INTO DRIVE AGAIN AND BEGAN TO GO FORWARD WHEN I FELT THE REAR OF THE CAR SWAY. I PULLED OVER AGAIN AND LOOKED UNDER THE BACK OF THE CAR WHEN I SAW THAT MY REAR AXEL HAS SNAPPED IN TWO. ON THE DAY OF THE EVENT MY CAR HAD 65,700 MILES ON THE ODOMETER. I HAD MY CAR TOWED TO A LOCAL MECHANIC IN WAKEFIELD, MASS. BOTH THE TOW TRUCK DRIVER AND THE MECHANIC SEPERATELY TOLD ME THIS WAS SHOCKING AND NOT SOMETHING THAT SHOULD HAPPEN TO A CAR. AFTER ANALYZING MY CAR THE MECHANIC DETERMINED THAT THE BROKEN AXEL WAS A MANUFACTURER DEFECT. THERE IS A CLEAN BREAK IN THE AXEL WHERE THE TWO BROKEN PARTS FIT TOGETHER SNUG LIKE A PUZZLE. THERE IS NO EVIDENCE OF AN ACCIDENT OR TAMPERING TO THE AXEL. THE MECHANIC SHOWED ME WHERE THERE IS A PART OF THE AXEL WHERE WATER CAN GET IN, BUT THERE IS NO WAY FOR THE WATER TO ESCAPE. AS A RESULT THE AXEL RUSTED FROM THE INSIDE UNTIL IT WEAKENED AND BROKE. MY MECHANIC HAS PHOTOGRAPHED THIS PART AND IS HOLDING IT AT HIS GARAGE FOR INSPECTION. AS AN ASIDE, I HAVE ALSO CONTACTED THE OWNER OF STONEHAM FORD, MARK MELKONIAN, TO REPORT THE PROBLEM. HE LOOKED UP MY SERVICE ACCOUNT AND VERIFIED I HAVE "BEEN FAITHFUL IN THE MAINTANENCE SCHEDULE." I, LIKE MY MECHANIC, BELIEVE THIS IS A SERIOUS ISSUE IN WHICH OTHER CONSUMERS WILL SOON, IF NOT ALREADY, EXPERIENCE AN AXEL BREAK. HAD THE AXEL GIVEN WHEN I WAS ON THE HIGHWAY WITH MY CHILDREN IN THE VEHICLE, THE OUTCOME MIGHT HAVE BEEN MUCH MORE SEVERE. I AM AFRAID IF THIS IS NOT REVIEWED ANOTHER FAMILY MAY HAVE A CRITICAL OUTCOME IN THE COURSE OF THE AXEL GIVING WAY. COULD YOU PLEASE ADVISE WHAT I NEED TO DO TO HAVE SOMEONE LOOK AT THIS PART OF THE CAR AND HOW IT SIMPLY CRACKED IN TWO. *TR

Mileage: 65,700

TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2001 FORD WINDSTAR. WHILE MAKING A LEFT TURN AT 10 MPH, THE CONTACT HEARD A LOUD NOISE. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO THE REPAIR SHOP AND IT WAS DISCOVERED THAT THE LOWER CONTROL ARM BRACKET FAILED AND THE SUB-FRAME WAS RUSTED. THE REPAIR WOULD COST $1,000. THE VEHICLE IS NO LONGER UNDER WARRANTY. THE CURRENT AND FAILURE MILEAGES WERE 130,000.

Mileage: 130,000

I WAS DRIVING DOWNTOWN TO PICK UP PIZZA FOR MY FAMILY, AS I BRAKED FOR A STOP SIGN AND CAME TO A STOP I HEARD A LOUD NOISE AND EXPERIENCED A VERY HARD SHAKING FROM THE FRONT OF THE VAN AS IF I HAD BEEN HIT BY SOMETHING. AFTER INVESTIGATING AND FINDING NO VISIBLE DAMAGE O VEHICLE I DROVE HOME SLOWLY. AFTER TRAVELING APPROXIMATELY A MILE OR SO I BEGAN TO SMELL SOMETHING HOT. AS I BEGAN TO PULL OVER TO THE EDGE OF THE ROAD I SAW SMOKE, AND THEN I EXPERIENCED A BLOWOUT OF THE LEFT FRONT TIRE AND THE LEFT FRONT SIDE OF THE VEHICLE DROPPED TOWARDS THE GROUND. PRIOR TO THIS EVENT I HAD NO PROBLEM WITH THE VEHICLE AND HEARD NO NOISES RELATED TO THIS. I AM NOW HAVING THE VEHICLE TRANSPORTED TO THE LOCAL FORD GARAGE ,WHERE THEY ARE GOING TO REPLACE THE FRONT SPRINGS, AND ASSESS FOR ANY OTHER DAMAGE CAUSED BY THIS INCIDENT. *AK

Mileage: 77,042

TL*- THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE 2001 FORD WINDSTAR FRAME WAS CRACKED. ON 02/23/07 THE VEHICLE WAS RAISED TO SEE IF THE CAUSE OF A LOUD NOISE WHICH CAME FROM THE REAR PASSENGER TIRE COULD BE FOUND. SHE STATED THAT THE TIRE LEANED INWARD. IT WAS OBSERVED THAT THE FRAME HAD A CRACK ABOUT 3 INCHES FROM THE BRAKE DRUM. THE CONTACT HAD NOT CALLED ANYONE TO FIND OUT WHAT SHOULD BE DONE. A NEW FRAMED WAS INSTALLED ON THE VEHICLE. SHE STATED THAT SHE STILL HAS THE TIRE THAT CAME FROM THE VEHICLE. THE CONTACT WILL SUBMIT PICTURES OF THE TIRE AND OF THE CRACKED FRAME FROM THE VEHICLE. THE CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 90000.*AK THE AXLE WAS REPLACED. UPDATED 04/05/07. *JB

TL* - THE CONTACT HAS A 2001 FORD WINDSTAR. WHILE THE VEHICLE WAS PARKED HEARD A LOUD BANG.HE LOOKED AT THE FRONT SUSPENSION AND NOTICED THAT THE DRIVER'S SIDE COIL SPRING FAILED. THE CONTACT TOOK THE VEHICLE TO THE DEALER, WHERE THE VAN WAS BEING FIXED. THE CONTACT CALLED THE MANUFACTURE R, AND THEY TOLD HIM THAT IT WAS OUT OF WARRANTY, AND THEY COULD NOT HELP HIM. THE CONTACT SAID THAT HE HAD PICTURES, AND WILL HAVE THE PART TO SEND.*AK

Mileage: 90,000

WHEN DRIVING AND TURNING IN COLD WEATHER THE FRONT END MAKES A VERY LOUD NOISE. THE STRUTS WHERE REPLACED UNDER THE 36.000 MILE WARRANTY BUT STARTED MAKING THIS LOUD NOISE AGAIN LAST FALL OF 2005. I CAN'T BELIEVE THEY KEEP PUTTING ON BAD STRUTS THERE MUST BE SOME KIND OF DEFECT.*JB

Mileage: 47,000

I WAS TRAVELING AT 25-30 MPH HEARD A HEAVY CLUNKING NOISE, FELT THE STEERING WHEEL LOSE CONTROL OF THE WHEELS AND PULLED OVER ALMOST IMMEDIATELY AND CALLED A TOW TRUCK. WE REPLACED THE COIL SPRINGS ON BOTH FRONT WHEELS. *JB

2001 FORD WINDSTAR COIL SPRING BROKE WHILE BACKING SLOWLY OUT OF DRIVEWAY. WE HEARD A LOUD "SNAP" FROM THE FRONT RIGHT TIRE. UPON INSPECTION, WE SAW THE COIL SPRING HAD CRACKED IN TWO PIECES. FORD WINDSTARS HAD A RECALL FOR 1997 AND 1998 FOR THIS VERY PROBLEM. I BELIEVE THIS SHOULD BE INVESTIGATED. MAY BE A RECALL NEEDED HERE. *JB

Mileage: 102,000

DT*: THE CONTACT STATED WHILE PULLING OUT AT 7MPH A SNAPPING NOISE WAS HEARD FROM UNDER THE VEHICLE NEAR THE PASSENGER SIDE TIRE. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO THE DEALERSHIP. UPON INSPECTION THE DEALER DETERMINED THE FRONT COIL SPRING NEEDED TO BE REPLACED DUE TO ROAD SALT CORROSION. THE FRONT COIL SPRING IS CURRENTLY BEING REPLACED AT THE DEALERSHIP. 08/02/06 UPDATED. *TT

Mileage: 63,000

WE OWN A FORD WINDSTAR (2000) WITH 68000 MILES, THIS MORNING AS MY WIFE WAS LEAVING FOR WORK THE RIGHT FRONT SPRING BROKE CUTTING THROUGH THE TIRE SIDE WALL. IF THIS WOULD HAVE HAPPENED ON THE HIGHWAY THERE WOULD HAVE BEEN NO WAY TO CONTROL THE VAN OR TO SAFELY STOP. THE SPRING COIL WAS RESTING ON THE TREAD AND THE TOTAL SUSPENSION DROP WAS SO LOW THAT I HAD TROUBLE GETTING THE JACK UNDER THE FRAME RAIL. *NM

Mileage: 68,000

DT*: THE CONTACT STATED WHILE DRIVING 50 MPH A LOUD BANG WAS HEARD. THE VEHICLE THEN WENT OUT OF CONTROL; GOING INTO A DITCH, ACROSS THE HIGHWAY, AND FINALLY STOPPING IN ANOTHER DITCH. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO A DEALERSHIP WHERE IT WAS DETERMINED THE FRONT CONTROL ARM RUSTED AWAY FROM THE VEHICLE. *AK UPDATED 04/17/06

Mileage: 48,400

DT: THE CONSUMER STATES THE FRONT COIL SPRING ON HIS VEHICLE BROKE PUNCTURING THE TIRE ON THE LEFT HAND SIDE. THE SERVICE DEALER STATES THERE ARE NO PARTS AVAILABLE TO HAVE THIS REPAIRED. THERE IS A RECALL FOR THIS COMPONENT, BUT THE CONTACTS VEHICLE DOES NOT FALL UNDER THE RECALL CAMPAIGN. *JB

WE HAVE A 2001 FORD WINDSTAR MINI-VAN. WE TOOK VAN IN FOR SERVICE DUE TO "CHECK ENGINE" LIGHT. WIFE ALSO NOTICED THUMPING IN TIRE WELL. EGR REGULATOR WAS CHANGED FOR "CHECK ENGINE" LIGHT, BUT THE THUMPING TURNED OUT TO BE TWO (2) BROKEN FRONT COIL SPRINGS!! HOW DOES A HIGHWAY DRIVEN MINI-VAN GET TWO (2) BROKEN SPRINGS? THAT WAS THREE (3) WEEKS AGO AND THE VAN IS STILL IN THE DEALERSHIP WAITING FOR THE REPLACMENT SPRINGS WHICH WE ARE TOLD ARE ON BACK ORDER. APPEARS TO ME THAT IF THESE SPRINGS ARE ON BACK ORDER, THERE MUST BE A PRETTY GOOD DEMAND FOR THEM. THE FACT THAT BOTH ARE SPRINGS BROKE WITH HIGHWAY USAGE INDICATES A POSSIBLE DESIGN PROBLEM. I BELIEVE THIS SHOULD BE INVESTIGATED. MAY BE A RECALL NEEDED HERE.

2001 FORD WINDSTAR SPRING BROKE AND TORE THROUGH THE TIRE ON THE VEHICLE.*MR A RECALL WAS ISSUED BUT NOT FOR THE CONSUMER'S MODEL OF VEHICLE. *NM

VEHICLE'S BACK END SWAYED LEFT AND RIGHT, MAKING IT DIFFICULT TO MAINTAIN CONTROL. THE CAUSE WAS UNDETERMINED. *AK THE CONSUMER STATED THAT THE REAR CONTROL ARM BROKE WHILE DRIVING. THE BOLT WAS REPLACED AND A RATTLING NOISE WAS HEARD COMING FROM THE REAR OF THE VEHICLE. THE LOWER REAR TIGHT SIDE BOLT WAS NO GOOD. THE CONUSMER STATED THAT THE ENGINE LIGHT WAS ON. TESTS FOUND VACUUM LEAKING FROM THE INTAKE MANIFOLD. LOWER AND UPPER INTAKE MANIFOLD GASKETS WERE REPLACED. IDLE SPEED CONTROL WAS REPLACED. THE BRAKES SQUEAKED . WHEN TAKING OFF FROM A STOP LIGHT THE VEHICLE IDLES HIGH. *TC

Mileage: 43,000

I HAVE A 2001 FORD WINDSTAR. THE VEHICLE CURRENTLY HAS 100,205 MILES ON IT. I HAVE HAD TO REPLACE THE FRONT STRUT BEARINGS AND STRUTS AT 75,000 MILES AND AGAIN AT 100,000. I HAVE ALSO HAD TO REPLACE THE INNER AND OUTER TIE RODS AT 69,000 MILES. AND THE LEFT OUTER TIE ROD AGAIN AT 100,000. I HAVE HAD OVER $2,500 IN REPAIRS IN THE TIME FRAME OF ONE YEAR, NOT INCLUDING 4-WHEEL BRAKE JOB. I BROUGHT THE VEHICLE IN FOR SERVICE AT 82,000 MILES AND TOLD THE FORD DEALERSHIP THAT I WAS AGAIN HEARING THE "BAD STRUT NOISE". AT THIS TIME THE 1 YR, 12,000 MILE WARRANTY WOULD HAVE PICKED UP THE COST OF THE REPAIR. I WAS TOLD THAT THERE WAS NOT ANYTHING WRONG WITH THE STRUTS. I WOULD BE INTERESTED TO KNOW IF ANYONE ELSE HAS HAD ONGOING STRUT AND TIE ROD PROBLEMS. *NM

Mileage: 69,000

REAR SHOCK ABSORBERS FAILED WITH ONLY 3,000 MILES ON VEHICLE.*AK

Mileage: 3,000

THE VEHICLE PULLED TO THE LEFT, THE VEHICLE WAS IN THE REPAIR SHOP FOR SUSPENSION PROBLEMS ON 3 OCCASIONS.*JB

WHEN DRIVING AT ANY SPEED THERE IS VIBRATION IN FRONT END OF VEHICLE. VEHICLE IS AT DEALERSHIP AT THIS TIME.*AK

WHILE DRIVING THERE IS A LOUD GRINDING NOISE WHEN MAKING A SHARP TURN OR WHEN THERE IS COLD WEATHER. PLEASE PROVIDE ANY FURTHER INFORMATION.*AK

CONSUMER HAD TO REPLACE TIRES IN FEWER MILES THAN WHAT TIRE WERE WARRANTED FOR HAS TOOK VEHICLE TO DEALER, MECHANIC STATED NEEDED AN ALIGNMENT. ALIGNMENT WAS DONE, TIRE WEAR WAS STILL OCCURRING. CONSUMER HAD TAKEN VEHICLE BACK TO DEALER, MECHANIC INDICATTED THERE WAS NOTHING ELSE THAT COULD BE DONE. CONSUMER HAD NOTIFIED MANUFACTURER, AND REPRESENTATIVE STATED THERE WAS NOTHING ELSE THAT COULD BE DONE IF ALIGNMENT MET SPECS.*AK

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

BOTH REAR SHOCKS HAVE BROKEN WHILE TRAVELING AT HIGHWAY SPEED OF 65-70 MPH. DEALER WAS NOTIFIED. FEEL FREE TO PROVIDE ANY FURTHER DETAILS ON THIS MATTER.*AK

WHILE DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 20 MPH FRONT LEFT SIDE AXLE BROKE. DEALER AND MANUFACTURER WERE CONTACTED. FEEL FREE TO PROVIDE ANY FURTHER DETAILS CONCERNING THIS MATTER.*AK

I AM VERY CONCERNED FOR THE SAFETY OF MY FAMILY, BECAUSE OF AN UNDIAGNOSED HUMMING NOISE IN MY 2001 FORD WINDSTAR. THE NOISE IS A HIGH PITCHED, HUMMING SOUND THAT OCCURS SPORADICALLY, AND INTERMITENTLY, EVERY TIME WE DRIVE THE VEHICLE. THE NOISE CAN OCCUR WHILE THE VEHICLE IS IN PARK, AND WHEN THE VEHICLE IS IN MOTION, BUT THE NOISE NEVER FAILS TO OCCUR, INTERMITENTLY, WHILE THE VEHICLE IS ON. THE NOISE IS LOUD ENOUGH TO BE HEARD ABOVE THE RADIO AT NORMAL VOLUME. IT OCCURS FREQUENTLY, USUALLY IN 30 SECOND SPURTS, AND 3 TO 5 MINUTE INTERVALS. WE JUST PURCHASED THE VEHICLE A MONTH AGO. I HAVE NOTICED THE SOUND EVER SINCE. AT FIRST, I THOUGHT IT WAS THE SOUND OF THE WIND HOWLING. I HAVE TAKEN IT BACK TO THE DEALERSHIP TWICE (ED SCHMID FORD). THE DEALERSHIP ALSO DETECTED THE NOISE, BUT FAILED TO DIAGNOSE AND SOLVE THE PROBLEM. IT SOUNDS LIKE A FAULTY MECHANICAL/OPERATIONAL NOISE, RATHER THAN A SQUEAK AND RATTLE NOISE.*AK