2002 FORD WINDSTAR Power Train Problems

The contact owns a 2002 Ford Windstar. The contact stated that while driving approximately 30 MPH, there was an abnormally loud sound coming from the rear of the vehicle. The contact lost control of the vehicle and drove off the side of the roadway. The vehicle was later towed to the local mechanic who discovered that the rear axle had fractured due to severe rust. The vehicle was not yet repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure, but no assistance was offered. The local dealer was not notified. The failure mileage was 125,000.

Mileage: 125,000

WHILE DRIVING ON X WAY APPOX. 60 MPH, NOTICED SMOKE EMITTING FROM REAR OF CAR AND BEGIN HEARING A CLICKING SOUND. AS I WAS PULLING CAR OVER TO SIDE THE RIGHT REAR TIRE SUDDENLY DEFLATED. TOW TRUCK WAS CALLED, UPON LOADING OF VEHICLE ON BED OF TRUCK WAS ABLE TO SEE REAR AXLE IN THE MIDDLE TOWARD PASSENGER SIDE HAD RUSTED THRU RIGHT IN THE MIDDLE OF A BRACKET FORD HAD INSTALLED IN 2011 DUE TO A RECALL. WAS INFORMED THAT IN 2015-16 FORD DID ANOTHER RECALL ON THE BRACKET NOT BEING IMPROPERLY INSTALLED. AS SHOWED IN THE ATTACHED PHOTO THERE IS ONLY ONE BRACKET INSTALLED, MY UNDERSTANDING THERE SHOULD BE TWO. BUT EVEN THEN THAT DOES NOT RESOLVED THE RUST PROBLEM, IT JUST HOLDS THE AXLE WHEN IT DOES BREAK OR CORRODE THRU.

Mileage: 194,000

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2002 FORD WINDSTAR. WHILE DRIVING 45 MPH, THE VEHICLE FELT AS IF IT SHIFTED INTO NEUTRAL. THERE WERE NO WARNING INDICATORS ILLUMINATED. THE CONTACT COASTED THE VEHICLE OVER TO THE SIDE OF THE ROAD AND POWERED OFF THE ENGINE. THE VEHICLE WAS RESTARTED, BUT FAILED TO DRIVE. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO THE CONTACT'S RESIDENCE WHERE AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC DIAGNOSED THAT THE TORQUE CONVERTER FAILED AND NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE CONTACT CALLED GARY CROSSLEY FORD AT (816) 781-4844 (LOCATED AT 8050 N CHURCH RD, KANSAS CITY, MO 64158) AND WAS INFORMED THAT THE VEHICLE WAS NOT INCLUDED IN A RECALL. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT TAKEN TO A DEALER. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 200,000. *TT CONSUMER STATED 2002 FORD WINDSTAR OUTPUT SHAFT FAILED CAUSING SUDDEN LOSS OF ENGINE POWER WITHOUT ANY WARNING WHICH INCREASED THE RISK OF CRASH.*JB

Mileage: 200,000

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2002 FORD WINDSTAR. WHILE DRIVING 45 MPH, THE VEHICLE FELT AS IF IT SHIFTED INTO NEUTRAL. THERE WERE NO WARNING INDICATORS ILLUMINATED. THE CONTACT COASTED THE VEHICLE OVER TO THE SIDE OF THE ROAD AND POWERED OFF THE ENGINE. THE VEHICLE WAS RESTARTED, BUT FAILED TO DRIVE. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO THE CONTACT'S RESIDENCE WHERE AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC DIAGNOSED THAT THE TORQUE CONVERTER FAILED AND NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE CONTACT CALLED GARY CROSSLEY FORD AT (816) 781-4844 (LOCATED AT 8050 N CHURCH RD, KANSAS CITY, MO 64158) AND WAS INFORMED THAT THE VEHICLE WAS NOT INCLUDED IN A RECALL. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT TAKEN TO A DEALER. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 200,000. *TT CONSUMER STATED 2002 FORD WINDSTAR OUTPUT SHAFT FAILED CAUSING SUDDEN LOSS OF ENGINE POWER WITHOUT ANY WARNING WHICH INCREASED THE RISK OF CRASH.*JB

Mileage: 200,000

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2002 FORD WINDSTAR. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 35 MPH, A LOUD NOISE WAS PRESENT COMING FROM THE REAR OF THE VEHICLE. AFTER STOPPING THE VEHICLE IT WAS DISCOVERED THAT BOTH REAR WHEELS WERE ANGLED INWARD INSIDE THE WHEEL WELL. THE VEHICLE WAS INSPECTED BY AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC WHO DIAGNOSED THAT THE REAR AXLE HAD FRACTURED. THE CAUSE OF THE FAILURE WAS NOT DETERMINED AND THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE CONTACT WAS INFORMED THAT THE VEHICLE WAS PREVIOUSLY SERVICED IN 2012 UNDER THE NHTSA RECALL CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 12V193000 (POWER TRAIN) TO PREVENT THE FAILURE FROM OCCURRING. THE LOCAL DEALER WAS NOT NOTIFIED. THE VIN WAS NOT AVAILABLE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 150,000.

Mileage: 150,000

THE REAR AXLE BROKE AT 45MPH BLOWING OUT BOTH REAR TIRES THANKGOD WE WERN'T HURT AND HAD NO CARS BEHIND US SEEN RECALL ONLINE CALLED FORD BUT WAS TOLD THE VAN WAS NOT PART OF RECALL WAS PURCHASED IN MI NEW AND HAS U DESIGN AXLE

Mileage: 82,200

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2002 FORD WINDSTAR. WHILE DRIVING 45 MPH, THE TIRE WARNING INDICATOR ILLUMINATED AND SMOKE EMERGED FROM THE REAR OF THE VEHICLE. THE CONTACT CALLED LILLISTON FORD AT (888) 397-9172 (833 N DELSEA DR., VINELAND, NJ 08360) AND WAS ADVISED THAT THE FAILURE COULD NOT BE REPAIRED WITHOUT A DIAGNOSIS. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT TAKEN TO THE DEALER FOR DIAGNOSTIC TESTING OR REPAIRS. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT NOTIFIED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 72,000.

Mileage: 72,000

ON SATURDAY MORNING JULY 15TH 2017, I WAS DRIVING AT 2:30 AM. I HAD JUST LEFT FOR MY FIRST JOB AND CROSSED A SET OF TRAIN TRACKS. WHEN I DID, THE REAR AXLE SNAPPED ALMOST CAUSING ME TO CRASH. AFTER LOOKING FOR THE COST TO REPLACE THE AXLE, I CAME UPON A FORD RECALL. WHEN I PLACED MY VIN IN THE COMPUTER IT CAME UP THAT MY 2002 FORD WINDSTAR WAS IN FACT INCLUDED IN THE RECALL. I TALKED TO SOMEONE AT FORD VIA LIVE CHAT ON SATURDAY AFTER HAVING THE VEHICLE TOWED HOME AND THEY STATED THAT THE RECALL WAS OUTSTANDING AND I NEEDED TO CALL THE FORD DEALERSHIP. I PAID AGAIN TO HAVE THE VEHICLE TOWED TO THE DEALERSHIP. NOW TUESDAY MORNING JULY 18TH 2017, BOTH THE DEALERSHIP AND FORD IS SAYING THAT THEY CANT HELP ME AND I NEED TO TAKE CARE OF REPLACING THE COMPLETELY RUSTED REAR AXLE. THE RUST CAUSING THE AXLE TO SNAP WAS THE REASON FOR THE RECALL IN THE FIRST PLACE. I HAVE OWNED THIS VEHICLE LESS THAN 6 MONTHS AND NOW AS A SINGLE MOM AM LEFT WITHOUT A VEHICLE. I WILL NEVER BUY ANOTHER FORD AGAIN IN MY LIFE AND I WILL ALSO DISCOURAGE MY FRIENDS AND FAMILY FROM PURCHASING FORDS AS WELL.

Mileage: 195,000

2002 WINDSTAR RECALL I WAS DRIVING DOWN THE ROAD ONE DAY TO FIND OUT ALL OFF ALL THE SHIFTERS BUT NEUTRAL THE VAN SUDDENLY HAD STOPPED GOING WE COULD NOT GO IN DRIVE REVERSE OR ANYTHING FIND OUT STUCK IN MIDDLE OF INTERSECTION WITH CARS COMING OUR WAY THIS PROBLEM IS STILL UNKNOWN

Mileage: 25,000

APRIL 3, 2016 WHILE IN MOTION ON BUSY HIGHWAY (I-96), VEHICLE JUST STOPPED GOING UNDER POWER AND ROLLED TO A DANGEROUS STOP. VEHICLE HAD NO DRIVE POWER TO WHEELS. VEHICLE HAD TO BE TOWED. EXAMINATION INDICATES TRANSMISSION ISSUE. VEHICLE DOES NOT ENGAGE ANY GEARS AND MADE NO WARNING SOUNDS. MECHANIC SAYS TORQUE CONVERTER FAILED AND IS A COMMON PROBLEM. NHTSA RECALLED FORD FREESTAR FOR THIS ISSUE BUT WINDSTARS ARE MOST EFFECTED AND HAVE NOT BEEN RECALLED. ON A HIGHWAY, THIS IS DANGEROUS AT 70 PLUS MPH SPEEDS. THERE WAS A FAMILY OF FOUR IN THIS VEHICLE, WHEN IT JUST STOPPED GOING, WITH ENGINE RUNNING. SOMEONE CAN BE KILLED IN A REAR-END COLLISION FROM THIS WARNINGLESS AND SUDDEN POWER-TRAIN FAILURE. VEHICLE HAS 108,900 MILES AND HAS UNDERGONE OTHER RECALLS.

Mileage: 108,900

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2002 FORD WINDSTAR. WHILE DRIVING VARIOUS SPEEDS, AN ABNORMAL ODOR AND NOISE WERE NOTICED FROM THE PASSENGER SIDE WHEEL. THE VEHICLE MOVED IN REVERSE WHEN THE GEAR SHIFTER WAS IN THE DRIVE POSITION. THE FAILURE OCCURRED CONSTANTLY AND THE ANTI-BRAKE WARNING LIGHT ILLUMINATED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT DIAGNOSED NOR REPAIRED. THE VEHICLE WAS SERVICED FOR NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 15V608000 (SUSPENSION). THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 356,078.

Mileage: 356,078

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2002 FORD WINDSTAR. WHILE DRIVING AT APPROXIMATELY 50 MPH, THE VEHICLE DECELERATED AND FAILED TO ACCELERATE WITHOUT WARNING. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC WHERE IT WAS DIAGNOSED THAT THE TORQUE CONVERTER NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE VEHICLE WAS REPAIRED. THE CONTACT MENTIONED THAT THE FAILURE RECURRED AFTER THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALER TO BE SERVICED UNDER NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 15V608000 (SUSPENSION). THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE AND STATED THAT THE VIN WAS NOT INCLUDED IN THE MANUFACTURER RECALL RELATED TO THE POWER TRAIN. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 134,000.

Mileage: 134,000

REAR AXLE REINFORCEMENT BRACKETS WERE INSTALLED IN MY FORD WINDSTAR UNDER SAFETY RECALL 10S13, BY AN AUTHORIZED FORD (DEALER'S) REPAIR SHOP IN 2011. I WAS TOLD BY THE FORD REPAIR SHOP THAT "BRACKETS" WERE THE ONLY TYPE OF REPAIR FORD AUTHORIZED THEM TO DO UNDER THAT RECALL NOTICE. I RECENTLY RECEIVED ANOTHER REAR AXLE RECALL NOTICE, 15S27, THAT SAID REPAIR BRACKETS IMPROPERLY INSTALLED UNDER THE PRIOR RECALL, MAY RESULT IN A REAR AXLE BEAM FRACTURE. THE RECALL NOTICE SAID IF AXLE REPLACEMENT WAS NECESSARY, FORD WOULD REPLACE IT FREE OF CHARGE. WHEN I TOOK MY CAR BACK TO THE SAME FORD REPAIR SHOP, THE SERVICE MANAGER SAID THAT THE REAR AXLE WAS INDEED CRACKED AND NEEDS TO BE REPLACED. HE ALSO SAID THAT FORD IS REFUSING TO REPLACE IT FREE OF CHARGE AND REQUIRES A COPAY OF $300. I CALLED FORD CUSTOMER SERVICE AND WAS TOLD THE SAME THING. I BELIEVE THE "BAND AIDE" REPAIR ORIGINALLY AUTHORIZED BY FORD UNDER THE FIRST REAR AXLE RECALL, WAS INSUFFICIENT TO PREVENT STRESS POINTS IN THEIR DEFECTIVE REAR AXLE FROM CAUSING A SUBSEQUENT FRACTURE THAT NO AMOUNT OF PREVENTATIVE MAINTENANCE COULD DETER. I BELIEVE THE SECOND AXLE RECALL NOTICE INDICATES THAT FORD HAS PLACED THE PUBLIC IN JEOPARDY WITH "CHEAP FIXES" TO DEFECTIVE PARTS. HOWEVER, INSTEAD OF ETHICALLY REPLACING THE AXLE, FORD NOW SEEMS TO BE CUTTING THEIR LOSSES BY OFFERING A "DISCOUNTED" AXEL REPLACEMENT (ONLY) AT ONE OF THEIR AFFILIATED SHOPS. BECAUSE A REAR AXLE CAN COST ABOUT $1000 TO REPLACE, FORD'S "DISCOUNT" EFFECTIVELY STEERS THE BUSINESS OF CUSTOMERS WHO NEED THIS REPAIR INTO FORD'S CONTROLLED BUSINESS ENVIRONMENT. WE ARE LEFT WITH NO CHOICE BUT TO PAY FORD AGAIN, TO CORRECT THEIR ERROR AND KEEP US SAFE. PLEASE CALL ME AT [XXX] CAR IS CURRENTLY AT LUCAS FORD, BURLINGTON NJ. INFORMATION Redacted PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6).

Mileage: 118,000

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2002 FORD WINDSTAR. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE DRIVING AT 70 MPH, THE TIRE BEGAN TO RUB THE INNER FENDER WALL. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALER WHERE IT WAS DIAGNOSED THAT THE AXLE WAS FRACTURED AND NEEDED TO BE REPAIRED. THE VEHICLE WAS SERVICED UNDER NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 11V030000 (STRUCTURE) BUT THE REMEDY FAILED TO REPAIR THE VEHICLE. THE CONTACT MENTIONED THAT THE AXLE SHOULD HAVE BEEN REPLACED INITIALLY UNDER THE RECALL AND NOT BRACKETED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 140,000. UPDATED 12/03/15*LJ UPDATED 12/09/15.*JB

Mileage: 140,000

I AM WRITING BEFORE I ENCOUNTER A SERIOUS PROBLEM ON THE ROAD. WHILE IN FOR STATE VEHICLE INSPECTION, MY MECHANIC NOTED THAT THE REAR AXLE "REPAIR" (A REINFORCEMENT BRACKET) ON MY 2002 WINDSTAR VAN IS FAILING. IT CAN LOOK OK ON THE LIFT, BUT ONCE WEIGHT IS PUT ON THE AXLE, THE SERIOUSNESS OF THE CRACKING IS APPARENT. THE REPAIR WAS MADE BY A FORD DEALERSHIP IN 2011 UNDER RECALL 10S13. I ALREADY SPOKE WITH FORD CUSTOMER SERVICE, AND THEY SAY THERE IS NOTHING THEY CAN DO BECAUSE THE RECALL WAS COMPLETED. I AM NOW WAITING TO SEE IF THE DEALERSHIP THAT MADE THE REPAIR CAN HELP TO CORRECT THE PROBLEM THEY (FORD) HAVE ACKNOWLEDGED EXISTS, BUT WITHOUT AN ADEQUATE FIX TO DATE.

Mileage: 127,400

MY 2002 WINDSTAR HAD THE AXLE CRACK JUST UNDER THE RECALL REPAIR SLEEVE THE DRIVER'S SIDE ABOUT A MONTH AGO. I BROUGHT IT TO THE FORD DEALER WHO CONFIRMED IT WAS CRACKED AND GOT THE SAME RESPONSE AS THE OTHERS. FORD WARRANTIED THE REPAIR FOR 12 MONTHS. I HAD THE REPAIRS DONE DURING THE RECALL BRACKETS WERE ADDED TO REINFORCE THE AXLE. I CALLED 1-8003923673 (FORD COMPANY) FROM DIRECTION FROM THE LOCAL DEALERSHIP. IT APPEARS THAT FORD PUT A BAND-AID ON THE PROBLEM AND GAVE A 12 MONTH WARRANTY ON IT. THAT'S RIDICULOUS! IT IS OBVIOUS THAT THEY DID NOT DO AN ADEQUATE ASSESSMENT ON THESE AXLES WHEN THEY MADE THE REPAIR/REPLACE DECISION. THEY KNEW ABOUT THE AXLE PROBLEMS IN 1998. STATED IN INTERNAL MEMO IN 1999 THAT HEAT TREATING COULD DOUBLE THE AXLE LIFE. IT'S SHAMEFUL WHAT THEY KNEW AND WHAT THEY IGNORED. I WAS TOLD THAT SINCE THE RECALL REPAIR WAS DONE OVER 12 MONTHS AGO THAT IT WOULD NOT BE COVERED.I BEING THE ONLY OWNER IT SHOULD BE A WAY TO HAVE THIS PROBLEM FIX BY FORD. I GUESS, I HAVE NOT MORE CHOICE TO DO THE REPAIR PAYING OUT OF MY POCKET (NOT A CHIP REPAIR) AND TO KEEP THE RECEIPT IN CASE THEY EXPANDED THE RECALL. I ALSO FOUND OUT TO GO TO NHTSA.GOV TO FILE A COMPLAINT. THEY WILL NOT EXPAND THE RECALL UNLESS ENOUGH COMPLAINTS ARE NOTED. CALLING TO THE DEALERSHIP IS NOT ENOUGH. YOU HAVE TO CALL FORD CO. 1-800-3923673 AND VISIT NHTSA.GOV BEFORE IT IS OFFICIALLY NOTED.

TOTAL SUDDEN LOSS OF STEERING THE CAR WENT OFF THE ROAD TOTALLY OUT OF CONTROL. NO NOTIFICATION OF RECALL SUBFRAME COLLAPSE. ENTIRE STEERING PARTS DESTROYED AND COOLANT LEAKED FROM ENGINE THIS IS INCREDIBLE THAT NO ONE WAS INJURED I WAS ABOUT TO GET ON THE HIGHWAY!!! *TR

Mileage: 102,000

I TOOL MY 2002 FORD WINDSTAR IN FOR INSPECTION OF THE REAR AXLE AND BRACKETS WERE PUT IN PLACE. ON MARCH 9, THE REAR AXLE BROKE. LUCKILY IT WAS AS I WAS PULLING INTO A PARKING SPOT AT WORK. FORD IS AWARE THEY HAVE A MANUFACTURED DEFECTIVE PART ON THESE WINDSTARS AND YET AFTER THE BRACKET IS PLACE THEY REFUSE TO REPLACE THE AXLE AFTER IS RUST AND BREAKS ANYWAY. FORD DEEMS IT FIXED. HOWEVER, I DISAGREE. THEY ARE PUTTING THE SAFETY OF THOUSANDS OF PEOPLE AT RISK. THEY SHOULD ACCEPT RESPONSIBILITY AND REPAIR THE PARTS. EXTREMELY UNHAPPY. I HAVE BEEN CALLING FORD FOR 2 WEEKS AND CAN NOT GET A SUPERVISOR TO RETURN MY CALL. IT'S RIDICULOUS. *TR

Mileage: 169,000

AFTER DRIVING DOWN A MAJOR HIGHWAY NORTH OF BOSTON, MA (128/95 NORTH) MY WIFE AND I, FIRST HEARD SCRAPING NOISE THAT BECAME LOUDER AND BEGAN SMELL LIKE BURNING RUBBER/BRAKES. THE CAR LURCHED ACROSS THE ROADWAY/HIGHWAY AND WE SWERVED AND ALMOST SIDESWIPED CAR IN THE ADJACENT LANE. WE WERE IN THE PROCESS OF EXITING THE HIGHWAY ON THE OFF RAMP TO MY WORK AT RTE 28 SOUTH STONEHAM/WAKEFIELD. WE WERE ABLE TO PULL OVER, GATHER OUR THOUGHTS AND CONTINUE TO A GULF STATION ON RTE 28 IN STONEHAM, MA. THE GULF STATION MECHANIC/MANAGER SAID HE HAD NEVER SEEN ANYTHING LIKE IT, A REAR AXLE LITERALLY SPLITTING IN HALF. AFTER VIEWING THE REAR BROKEN AXLE AND LOOKING AT THE CONDITION OF THE FRONT RIGHT END AND THE OVERALL CONDITION OF THE SUB FRAME THEY POLITELY AND FORGIVINGLY SAID THEY HAVE RARELY SEEN SUCH A THING (CRACKED/SEPARATED REAR AXLE AND WENT ON TO SAY THEY HAVE ONLY SEEN THIS IN FORD WINDSTARS AND WENT ON TO TALK ABOUT A LOCAL WOMEN WHOSE FORD WINDSTAR LOST CONTROL ON THE HIGHWAY AT 60 MPH WITH HER 3 CHILDREN AND WERE SCARED TO DEATH AND IN CONCLUSION WOULD NOT TOUCH THE VEHICLE AND WARNED THAT THE VEHICLE WAS BEYOND SAFE DRIVING AND REPAIR. THEY WERE SHOCKED THAT ALTHOUGH THERE WAS SOME KIND OF BRACE ON THE AXLE IN TWO PLACES THAT THE AXLE HAD SNAPPED IN TWO AT THE REINFORCEMENT AND SAID EVEN WITHOUT THE REINFORCEMENT ON THE REAR AXLE THEY HAVE NEVER SEEN A REAR AXLE SPLIT IN TWO AND COMPOUNDED WITH THE FACT THAT IT ACTUALLY HAD A REINFORCEMENT BRACKET FAIL. REITERATING AXLES AND SUB FRAMES ARE NOT WEAR AND TEAR PARTS AND IN FACT HAD NEVER SEEN BROKEN REAR AXLES AND SUB FRAMES CRACK AND BREAK AND CORRODED TO THIS EXTENT. THEIR REACTION WAS OF DISTURBING TO SAY THE LEAST. THEY SAID BROKEN AXLES JUST DON,T HAPPEN AND WITH ADDED REINFORCEMENT IT WAS "BEYOND BELIEF" THEY HAD BROKEN IN HALF. *TR

Mileage: 112,972

OUR 2002 FORD WINDSTAR'S AXLE FRACTURED, AS DESCRIBED IN NHTSA CAMPAIGN ID NUMBER 12V193000. THE DEALERSHIP HAD INSTALLED BRACKETS IN 2012, AND RESPOND THAT WE ARE OUTSIDE THE TWELVE MONTH COVERAGE WINDOW ON THIS WORK, AND DECLINE TO DO ANYTHING ELSE FOR US. CAN WE BE SURE OF THE STATE OF THE AXLE ON INSPECTION IN 2012? I THINK THAT SINCE THE AXLE FRACTURED, THEY CANNOT ASSUME THEY HAVE NO LIABILITY, OR THAT THEIR CHOICE TO INSTALL BRACKETS INSTEAD OF REPLACING THE AXLE WAS SUFFICIENT. *TR

Mileage: 162,000

WE WERE DRIVING AROUND TOWN AND WE HEARD A CLUNKING SOUND IN THE BACK OF THE VAN. WE TOOK THE VAN INTO THE SHOP WHERE THEY DISCOVERED A CRACK IN THE REAR AXLE. LUCKILY THIS DID NOT HAPPEN THE WEEK BEFORE, AS WE WERE DRIVING MANY HIGHWAY MILES OR IT COULD HAVE BEEN WORSE. THIS WAS A RECALLED PART AND IT WAS TAKEN IN AT THE TIME OF THE RECALL. TWO DIFFERENT MECHANICS IN TOWN ASSURED US THAT IT WAS NOT OUR FAULT BUT THAT IT WAS A FAULTY PART. WE TAKE GOOD CARE OF OUR CARS. WE CALLED FORD DIRECTLY THINKING THAT THEY WOULD HONOR THEIR VEHICLE AND FIX A PART THEY KNEW WOULD BREAK DOWN. THEY GAVE US THE RUN AROUND AND THEN NEVER RETURNED OUR PHONE CALLS. THIS VAN WOULD HAD MANY GOOD YEARS LEFT IN IT, NOW IT CAN NOT BE DRIVEN! *TR

Mileage: 180,000

THE REAR AXLE BROKE INTO WHILE DRIVING AT LOW SPEED. *JS

Mileage: 179,000

DRIVING HOME, DOWN COUNTRY HIGHWAY, VEHICLE HAD NO NOISE OR GAVE WARNING. HEARD A LOUD HISS/NOISE, SMOKE SCREEN APPEARED BEHIND VAN, I COASTED VAN OFF ROADWAY. HAD VEHICLE TOWED HOME. UPON CHECKING, ROD WENT THRU ENGINE AND TRANSMISSION CASING. AM WONDERING IF THIS HAS BEEN A PROBLEM WITH THIS VEHICLE, BECAUSE I HEARD OF A SIMILAR INCIDENT JUST TODAY WITH ANOTHER WINDSTAR. THANK YOU. *TR

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2002 FORD WINDSTAR. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE VEHICLE WOULD EXHIBIT A LOUD NOISE WHEN STARTED. THE VEHICLE WAS INSPECTED BY AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC, WHO STATED THAT THE STARTER WAS HANGING AND THE HOUSING OF THE TRANSMISSION WAS FRACTURED. THE CONTACT WAS ADVISED THAT THE ENGINE, STARTER MOTOR AND TRANSMISSION NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE FAILURE AND CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 61,000.

Mileage: 61,000

DRIVEN HEARD A SNAP STOP AND LOOK IT WAS REAR AXEL CRACKED. *TR

Mileage: 123,000

DRIVING ONTO THE EXPRESSWAY VIA SERVICE RAMP I FELT THE VAN SHIFT TO THE RIGHT AS I WAS ABOUT TO ENTER THE FREEWAY. LANE I WAS ABOUT TO MERGE ONTO WAS TO MY LEFT. SEEMED AS IF SOMETHING WERE TERRIBLY WRONG. I CONTINUED DRIVING, BUT CAUTIOUSLY. DROVE THE VEHICLE FOR THE NEXT WEEK, YET NOT VERY FREQUENTLY. THE FOLLOWING FRIDAY, I WENT TO GET AN OIL CHANGE AND THE SERVICEMAN NOTICED THAT MY BACK DRIVER'S SIDE WHEEL WAS TILTED INWARD AND THEN SAID THE RIGHT SIDE REAR WHEEL WAS TOO, JUST NOT AS MUCH AS THE LEFT SIDE. HE PROCEEDED TO TELL ME THAT MY AXLE LOOKED CRACKED AND THAT MY SHOCK WAS TOTALLY CORRODED AND STUCK. THE NEXT DAY, I TOOK THE VAN TO OUR TRUSTED MECHANIC, WHO INSPECTED THE VAN. HE SAID THAT MY REAR AXLE WAS TOTALLY CORRODED AND CRACKED UNDERNEATH THE "BAND-AID" BRACKET THAT THE FORD DEALERSHIP IN IMLAY CITY, MI HAD PUT THERE WHEN I HAD ORIGINALLY HAD TAKEN THE VAN IN FOR THE REAR AXLE RECALL BACK ON 2/11/11. HE SAID TO CONTACT THEM ABOUT IT. I CONTACTED THE SERVICE MANAGER NAMED NICK ON 11/11/13. I SPOKE TO HIM BRIEFLY AND EXPLAINED THAT THE REAR AXLE WAS CRACKED. HE SAID HE WOULD MAKE SOME CALLS AND GET BACK TO ME. HE NEVER DID. I ATTEMPTED THROUGHOUT THAT DAY TO GET A HOLD OF HIM, HE NEVER CALLED ME BACK. LATER MY HUSBAND TRIED TO CALL HIM. INSTEAD A WOMAN ANSWERED AND SAID SHE WORKED IN WARRANTY DIVISION. SHE STATED WE CALL FORD CUSTOMER COMPLAINT CTR. WE CALLED THERE AND SPOKE TO A MAN NAMED AUSTIN. HE SAID A DECISION WOULD BE MADE BY FRIDAY, 11/15/13 AND THAT SERVICE MANAGER IN IMLAY CITY OR REGIONAL MANAGER WOULD CALL US. NO ONE DID. WE ATTEMPTED TO CALL DEALER 11/15/13. FOR OVER AN HOUR ALL LINES WERE BUSY. WE THEN CALLED CUSTOMER COMPLAINT CENTER FOR FORD. WE WERE INFORMED THAT THEIR RECORDS SHOWED THAT DEALER CALLED US 11/12/13 WITH DECISION TO NOT HELP. THAT IS COMPLETELY FALSE! NO ONE CALLED US REGARDING THE MATTER, PERIOD! *TR

Mileage: 220,318

VAN WON'T GO INTO GEAR OR DRIVE . I DON'T KNOW IF IT THE CORROSION FRACTURES OF FRONT LOWER CONTROL ARM OR TRANSMISSION . TRYING TO FIND OUT IF ANY RECALLS WOULD BE ON THE VAN ON WHAT'S GOING ON WITH IT .

EVERYTHING WAS FINE UNTIL LAST NIGHT WHEN BETWEEN 50-60 IT STARTED MAKING A CLUNKING NOISE AND WOULD SHAKE THE ENTIRE VAN. WE COULDN'T GET IT LOOKED AT ANYWHERE BECAUSE IT WAS LATE. WELL THIS MORNING I WAS DRIVING TO WORK AT 6AM AND I STARTED LOSING CONTROL AND THE VAN WAS SWERVING ALL OVER THE ROAD. LUCKILY THERE WERE NO CARS BEHIND ME, I WAS ABLE TO MAKE IT TO THE SIDE OF THE ROAD AND GIRLS WEREN'T WITH ME. I THOUGHT I HAD LOST A TIRE BUT WHEN I GOT OUT TO LOOK THE BACK AXEL WAS COMPLETELY SPLIT IN TWO. I WAS REALLY MAD BECAUSE I JUST PAID $800 TO HAVE THE INTAKE VALVES FIXED. WHEN THE TAXI CAME TO PICK ME UP HE LOOKED IT UP AND SAID THERE WAS A RECALL. HE ALSO SAID HIS INTAKE VALVES WENT OUT ON HIS 2000 WINDSTAR AND THAT'S NOT COVERED EITHER. I CALLED MY MECHANIC AND HE SAID JUST A COUPLE WEEKS AGO A LADY CAME IN AND BROUGHT HER VAN TO HAVE THE BACK AXEL FIXED. SO NOW MY HUSBAND AND FATHER IN LAW HAD TO PAY FOR TOWING TO BRING IT TO THE FORD DEALERSHIP AND NOTHING IS OPEN TODAY OR TOMORROW AS IT'S LABOR DAY. MIND YOU I JUST BOUGHT THIS VAN IN MARCH AS THE MILEAGE WAS LOW AND THE PRICE WAS REASONABLE. I HAVE NOW REALIZED I AM FORCED TO BUY A VEHICLE WITH PAYMENTS.

Mileage: 105,000

2002 FORD WINDSTAR AXLE REPAIR FAILED. GOLF MILL FORD IN NILES, IL REPAIRED MY FORD WINDSTAR IN LATE 2010 AFTER INSPECTING IT. GOLF MILL DECIDED TO PATCH AND NOT REPLACE THE AXLE. ON JULY 6 THE TIRE KICKED OUT AND STARTED TO SLIDE IN PATCH BRACKET. I CALLED FORD AND THEY INSTRUCTED ME TO TAKE TO ORIGINAL DEALER WHO DONE REPAIRED AND TO KEEP ALL RECEIPTS FOR WORK DONE FOR POSSIBLE REIMBURSEMENT. DEALER LOOKED AT AXLE AND SAID THEY HAVE HAD SIMILAR FIELD PROBLEMS AND FORD HAS BEEN REPLACING THE AXLE AND REPAIRED HAD INTERNAL CODE STATING THEY AXLE REPAIR DID NOT "EXPIRE". WHEN THE REPAIR REQUEST WAS SUBMITTED TO FORD FOR AUTHORIZATION, FORD DECLINED. THE SERVICE MANAGER WAS SHOCKED AND I WAS TOLD THAT FORD SAID THE PROGRAM WAS DECLINED FOR THE PROGRAM MET ITS OBLIGATION AND I WAS TOLD TO KEEP THE RECEIPT FOR IT WOULD BE NECESSARY FOR FUTURE REIMBURSEMENTS. GOLF MILL FORD IN NILES, IL MADE THE REPAIR AND "GOOD DEAL" LABOR RATE TO ASSIST IN THE BILL AND FOR THIS I THANK THEM. HOWEVER, I AM SHOCKED THE FORD IS AWARE OF FIELD FAILURES IN A POORLY DESIGNED FIELD FIX AND HAS CHOSEN NOT TO PROPERLY REMEDY THE FIRST ATTEMPT AT A FIX. I HAVE PICTURES IF NECESSARY! *TR

WE BOUGHT OUR VAN IN MARCH 2012. BY APRIL 2012 WE BEGAN NOTICING PROBLEMS WITH SHIFTING. IT SHIFTS HARD. THE WINDOWS STOPPED WORKING IN MAY 2012. THE LIGHTS ON THE DASH FOR THE ABS AND BRAKES ARE ALWAYS ON. THE BRAKES ARE NOT VERY GOOD AND THE PEDAL MUST BE PUSHED HARD TO GET THE VAN TO STOP. OUR BIGGEST ISSUE IS WITH THE TRANSMISSION. THE MECHANIC AT AAMCO WOULD NOT EVEN CHANGE THE FLUID BECAUSE IF HE CHANGED THE FLUID THEN THE TRANSMISSION WOULDN'T BE ABLE TO SHIFT. I DON'T KNOW THE DETAILS BUT I DO KNOW THAT MY VAN IS NOT SAFE TO DRIVE. *TR

Mileage: 97,000

TRANSMISSION LIGHT IN DASH HAS BEEN ON FOR YEARS NOW. LOCAL DEALERS TELL ME THERE IS NOTHING WRONG. THEY TAKE MY MONEY AND DON'T FIX THE PROBLEM. ABS LIGHT IS ON. PARTS WERE BOUGHT AND REPLACED BY THE DEALER WITH IN A YEAR LIGHT BACK ON. CRUISE CONTROL CUT OUT REPLACED TWICE. DEALER CANT FIGURE THESE PROBLEMS OUT BUT IF ENOUGH OF YOUR OWN RESEARCH IS DONE THERE ARE WAYS TO FIGURE OUT WHAT IS GOING ON. EVEN IF THE DEALER CAN'T FRONT FRAME MOUNTS ARE RUSTING SO BAD YOU CAN PULL IT APART WITH YOUR HANDS CERTIFIED SAFE FROM DEALER. *TR

Mileage: 4,193,097

ABS LIGHT START FLASHING, LOSE CRUISE CONTROL, THEN OVER DRIVE STARTED FLASHING ON THE VAN, CUT OFF O/D LIGHT STILL FLASHING. *TR

Mileage: 192,000

MY 2002 FORD WINDSTAR VAN GEAR SHIFT PIN KEEP COMING UP AND I HAVE TO TAKE IT TO A SHOP SO THEY CAN PUT THE PIN BACK IN 3 TIMES. MY GEARS DO NOT SHIFT RIGHT IT SHIFTS HARD. I BROUGHT THIS VAN BRAND NEW IN 2003. ALSO MY AIR BAG LIGHT STAYS ON THE AVIS FORD BODY SHOP SAID MY SENSOR IS RUSTED OUT, ALSO MY ABS LIGHT STAYS ON. I DON'T FEEL THESE THINGS SHOULD GO OUT. I HAVE HAD MANY FORD VEHICLE BRAND NEW FOR YEARS AND NEVER HAD THESE PROBLEMS. I STILL GOT TO GET THESE THINGS REPAIR. I ALSO HAD TWO FRONT WINDSHIELD WIPER MOTORS PUT IN AND THE WIPES ARE STILL NOT RIGHT. IS THERE ANY HELP OUT THERE. *TR

THE 1ST PROBLEM, HAD A CHECK ENGINE LIGHT ON MY 2001 FORD WINDSTAR, C1518 "INTAKE MANIFOLD RUNNER CONTROL STUCK OPEN." AFTER READING FORUMS, MOST POINTED TO A PLASTIC "BUSHING" CLIP COMING OFF LEAVING A CONTROL ARM 2ND PROBLEM, ABS CHK LIGHT AND BRK CHK LIGHT COME ON AFTER DRIVING FOR A FEW MINUTES, ABS MODULE AND ABS SENSOR WENT OUT. *TR

WHILE ON VACATION, WE WERE DRIVING SLOWLY, LOOKING AT A LAKE ON A GRAVEL ROAD, AS WE STARTED UP A SMALL HILL, THE VAN REVVED UP, AND BEGAN SLOWING DOWN. IT ROLLED TO A STOP AND DID NOT MOVE AGAIN. WE HAD TO BE TOWED TO THE NEAREST TOWN, WE WERE INFORMED WE NEEDED A NEW TRANNY. HAD TO RENT A CAR. FOUND OUT THE REPAIR SHOP DID NOT HAVE ALL THE EQUIPMENT TO FLUSH THE TRANSMISSION COOLING SYSTEM, AND HAD TO HAVE IT TOWED AGAIN TO A TRANSMISSION SHOP. THE TRANNY SHOP SAID WE COULD GET BY WITH A TORQUE CONVERTER, AND REPAIRED IT. *TR

Mileage: 138,458

THE ANTILOCK BRAKE SYSTEM LIGHT AS WELL AS THE TRACTION CONTROL LIGHTS KEEP COMING ON. GARAGE CAN'T TELL THE EXACT CAUSE. THE BOOSTER ARM BUSTED, KEEPING THE BRAKES ENGAGED AS DRIVEN. THE BOOSTER ARM WAS REPLACED AND THE LIGHTS ARE STILL ON. I RESET IT, AND THEY REAPPEAR AFTER A SHORT TIME. I NOW SMELL THE BRAKES WHEN APPLIED. I'VE HAD ENGINE REPLACED AT 101,000 MILES, TWO TRANSMISSIONS, MULTIPLE BRAKE JOBS, REAR AXLE REPAIRED, FRONT AXLE REPAIRED, FRONT TIE RODS REPAIRED. THE ALIGNMENT ON MY VEHICLE COULD ONLY BE PARTIALLY COMPLETED.... TOE, AND ANOTHER ALIGNMENT DONE, BUT THE COMPLETE ALIGNMENT WOULD NEED A HOLE DRILLED IN THE FRAME AND A BOLT MOVED OVER - BAD DESIGN BY FORD. I'VE ALSO HAD TO HAVE THE OXYGEN SENSOR REPLACED AT MY OWN EXPENSE. THE VEHICLE IS A TICKING TIME BOMB, PIECE OF CRAP. *TR

ABS BRAKE LIGHTS ON, AFTER RESEARCH, ITS A COMMON PROBLEM WITH FAULTY ABS MODULES. SUBFRAME IS ROTTING OUT WITH THE MOUNTING POINTS OF THE SUBFRAME PEELING AWAY. O/D LIGHT COMING ON INTERMITTENTLY, AFTER RESEARCH, COMMON PROBLEM POINTS BACK TO A BAD VEHICLE SPEED SENSOR. MILEAGE DOES NOT SEEM TO BE A FACTOR. FAULTY HARD LINES FOR REAR HEATING. MULTIPLE CRACKS IN LINES CAUSE RADIATOR FLUID LOSS. VERY VERY COMMON PROBLEM, LOOKED AT 10-15 WINDSTARS IN PULL-A-PARTS LOT, ALL WITH FAULTY HARD LINES. *TR

Mileage: 88,000

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2002 FORD WINDSTAR. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE DRIVING 40 MPH, HE FELT SOMETHING BREAK NEAR THE REAR OF THE VEHICLE. THE CONTACT EXITED THE VEHICLE AND NOTICED THAT THE REAR AXLE WAS BROKEN. THE CONTACT NOTIFIED THE DEALER AND THEY STATED THAT THE VIN WAS NOT INCLUDED IN THE RECALL ASSOCIATED WITH NHTSA CAMPAIGN ID NUMBER: 12V193000 (POWER TRAIN:AXLE ASSEMBLY). THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT NOTIFIED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 178,000.

Mileage: 178,000

PURCHASED THIS VEHICLE IN JANUARY 2012 AND HAVE HAD NOTHING BUT PROBLEMS WITH IT. ACCORDING TO FORD ALL RECALLS HAVE BEEN DONE ON THIS VEHICLE BUT HERE IS A LIST OF THE ISSUES WITH THE VAN: ABS LIGHT COMES ON, CHECK ENGINE LIGHT COMES ON, VAN HAS NO CRUISE CONTROL AT ALL, AND LAST FRIDAY I COULD NOT PUT THE VAN IN GEAR. AFTER THE FORD DEALERSHIP "REPAIRED" THE SOLENOID FOR THE VAN NOW ALL OF A SUDDEN THERE IS CURRENTLY NO REAR BRAKE LIGHTS. THIS VAN IS LESS THAN SAFE TO BE ON THE ROAD AND HAVE SEEN THAT SOME OF THE RECALLS WOULD HAVE SOLVED THE SPEED CONTROL ISSUE BUT THE FORD FACTORY WILL NOT ANSWER ANY OF MY QUESTIONS. TAKE A LOOK ONLINE AND YOU WILL SEE THOUSANDS OF PEOPLE WITH THE SAME ISSUES WE ARE HAVING AND IT WAS BROUGHT TO THE ATTENTION OF FORD THAT WE ARE HAVING THE SAME ISSUES AS THOUSANDS OF OTHER PEOPLE SO THIS IS BEYOND A PROBLEMATIC VEHICLE.THE VEHICLE IS CURRENTLY SITTING AT THE LOCAL FORD DEALER WHILE THEY TRY AND FIGURE OUT WHAT IS WRONG WITH THE LIGHT SYSTEM. THIS VEHICLE HAS BEEN IN THE SHOP TWICE SINCE WE HAVE OWNED IT AND THIS IS COSTING US HUNDREDS (SO FAR) TO FIX ISSUES THAT EVERYONE WITH THIS VEHICLE IS HAVING. THE LATEST ISSUES HAVE LED TO US BEING WITHOUT A VEHICLE FOR ALMOST A WEEK AND WE HAVE A DISABLED CHILD IN THE HOME AND THIS IS UNACCEPTABLE. *TR

Mileage: 94,000

TRANSMISSION STARTED MAKING CRUNCHING NOISES AND STILL DOES, CANT DRIVE IT BECAUSE IT IS GETTING WORSE. *TR

Mileage: 151,000

I WAS ON HIGH WAY, 45 MPH AND MY CAR UNEXPECTED LOSS OF MOTIVE POWER. SO I WAS UNABLE TO GO TO THE EMERGENCY LINE, MY MECHANIC PUT A NEW TORQUE CONVERTER AND FIX THE PROBLEM, THE WAS IN NOVEMBER 2010, COLD WEATHER. *TR

Mileage: 149,000

I WAS ON HIGH WAY, 35 MPH AND MY CAR UNEXPECTED LOSS OF MOTIVE POWER. SO I WAS UNABLE TO GO TO THE EMERGENCY LINE, MY MECHANIC PUT A NEW TORQUE CONVERTER AND FIX THE PROBLEM, THE WAS IN JANUARY 13 2012, COLD WEATHER. *TR

Mileage: 162,000

THE INCIDENT OCCURRED JUST AFTER 9:00 PM ON SUNDAY EVENING (12/4/11) WHEN I WAS BACKING THIS CAR TO A ROAD IN THE PARKING LOT OF PRINCETON ALLIANCE CHURCH, PLAINSBORO, NEW JERSEY. I TURNED ON THE ENGINEER AND PUT THE SHIFT GEAR ON REVERSE AND IMMEDIATELY HEARD BIG NOISES OF GRINDING/SNAPPING SOUNDS. I COULD NOT CONTROL THE CAR AND FELT THAT I HIT A CAR BEHIND ME. I TURNED OFF THE ENGINE AND REALIZED THAT I DID NOT HIT THE CAR BEHIND ME. A GENTLEMEN IN THE SAME PARKING LOT CAME TO ME AND SAID FROM HIS EXPERIENCE THIS WAS A TRANSMISSION FAILURE. HE AND OUR FAMILY MEMBERS PUSHED THE CAR BACK TO THE PARKING POSITION AND RELIEVED THE TRAFFIC AFTER A HOLIDAY CONCERT. I AM SCARED TO THINK IF THIS INCIDENT HAPPENED ON A HIGHWAY. I ALSO FELT LUCKY THAT THIS HAPPENED IN A PARKING LOT. *TR

Mileage: 88,000

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2002 FORD WINDSTAR. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE DRIVING 10 MPH THE ABS LAMP, TORQUE CONVERTER LAMP AND THE BRAKE WARNING LAMP ILLUMINATED. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALER BUT NOT REPAIRED OR DIAGNOSED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 58,000 AND CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 65,000. UPDATED 10/06/11 *BF UPDATED 10/5/11 *CN

Mileage: 58,000

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2002 FORD WINDSTAR. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE CHECK TRANSMISSION LAMP ILLUMINATED. ALSO, HE MENTIONED THAT WHILE DRIVING THE TRANSMISSION WOULD FAIL AND THE VEHICLE WOULD NOT ACCELERATE. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO A LOCAL MECHANIC WHO DIAGNOSED THAT THE TRANSMISSION WAS DEFECTIVE AND NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE BUT DID NOT OFFER ANY ASSISTANCE. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 67,000 AND THE CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 67,240.

Mileage: 67,000

CHECK ENGINE LIGHT ON - 2002 FORD WINDSTAR - SEEMS TO BE COMMON COMPLAINT ONLINE SERVICE BULLETIN ISSUED IN 2003 - DIAGNOSTICS SAYS IT'S THE O2 SENSOR, THIS IS NOT THE CASE VEHICLE IDLES ERRATICALLY AT STOPS - SOME HESITATION - NOW HESITATES AND RUNS BAD IN RAIN I'VE REPLACED THE TRANSMISSION TWICE - ENGINE ONCE - CRAPPY VEHICLE. *TR

Mileage: 50,000

TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2002 FORD WINDSTAR. THE CONTACT WAS DRIVING 45 MPH WHEN THE VEHICLE CAME TO A STOP. THE ENGINE WAS STILL RUNNING, BUT WHEN THE CONTACT TRIED TO ACCELERATE THE VEHICLE WOULD NOT MOVE. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO A MECHANIC WHO STATED THAT THE TRANSMISSION NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE CONTACTS MECHANIC DID NOT MENTION ANYTHING SPECIFIC THAT CAUSED THE FAILURE, ONLY THAT THIS WAS A COMMON PROBLEM WITH THAT YEAR, MAKE AND MODEL VEHICLE AND THAT IT HAD TO BE REPLACED. THE FAILURE AND CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 115,000.

Mileage: 115,000

SPOUSE WAS DRIVING 2002 FOR WINDSTAR DOWN 40 MPH ROAD AND TRANSMISSION STOPPED SUPPLYING POWER TO THE FRONT WHEEL DRIVE AND VEHICLE STOPPED MOVING. *TR

Mileage: 87,294

OVERDRIVE LIGHT AND SHIFTING PROBLEMS. *TR

Mileage: 112,000

2002 FORD WINDSTAR. CONSUMER STATES THAT WHEN THE VEHICLE WENT IN FOR INSPECTION FOR A RECALL THE CONSUMER WAS INFORMED THAT THE AXLE WAS CRACKED. *KB THE CONSUMER WAS INFORMED IT WOULD BE 3-4 MONTHS BEFORE THE VEHICLE IS RETURNED TO HIM. PRIOR TO THE AXLE FAILURE, THE TRANSMISSION HAD TO BE REPLACED AND THE REAR DOOR WOULD SPONTANEOUSLY OPEN. *JB

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2002 FORD WINDSTAR. WHILE THE CONTACT WAS DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 15 MPH, THE TRANSMISSION FAILED WITHOUT WARNING. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO THE DEALER WHERE THE TRANSMISSION WAS REPLACED UNDER THE SERVICE WARRANTY. THE TRANSMISSION FAILURE REOCCURRED SIX MONTHS LATER AND WAS REPLACED WITH A NEW TRANSMISSION. THE TRANSMISSION AND RADIATOR WERE REPLACED ON TWO DIFFERENT OCCASIONS. THE CONTACT PAID THE COST FOR THE REPAIR EXPENSE FOR THE ONE RADIATOR REPLACEMENTS. IN ADDITION, THE VEHICLE EXPERIENCED A FAILURE WITH THE FRONT BRAKES AND FRONT ROTORS, WHICH HAD REQUIRED ANNUAL REPLACEMENT . ALSO, WHILE DRIVING THE REAR AXLE FRACTURED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS UNKNOWN.

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS 2002 FORD WINDSTAR. WHILE DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 60 MPH, THE REAR END OF THE VEHICLE BEGAN TO SWAY UNCONTROLLABLY. THE CONTACT WAS ABLE TO REGAIN CONTROL OF THE VEHICLE AND MANEUVERED THE VEHICLE OFF THE ROADWAY. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC WHERE THEY INFORMED THAT THE REAR AXLE WAS FRACTURED. THE CONTACT WAS AWAITING REPAIRS. THE VIN WAS UNAVAILABLE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS APPROXIMATELY 77,000.

Mileage: 77,000

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2002 FORD WINDSTAR. THE CONTACT STATED WHILE DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 35 MPH, THE REAR-END OF THE VEHICLE COLLAPSED WITHOUT WARNING. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE REAR AXLE HAD FRACTURED IN TWO AND BOTH REAR TIRES WERE PROTRUDING INWARD. ALSO, THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE REAR DRIVER SIDE TIRE SIDEWALL WAS DEFECTIVE. THE INNER AXLE EXHIBITED EXTENSIVE RUST AND CORROSION. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE VIN WAS UNAVAILABLE. THE FAILURE AND CURRENT MILEAGE WAS APPROXIMATELY 122,000.

Mileage: 122,000

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2002 FORD WINDSTAR. WHILE TRAVELING 35 MPH, THE CONTACT NOTICED AN UNUSUAL CRACKING SOUND COMING FROM OUTSIDE THE VEHICLE. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO A LOCAL MECHANIC WHERE THE CONTACT WAS INFORMED THAT THE REAR AXLE HAD FRACTURED AND WOULD NEED REPLACING. THERE WERE NO PRIOR WARNINGS OF THE FAILURE AND THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE CURRENT AND FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 145,000.

Mileage: 145,000

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2002 FORD WINDSTAR. WHILE REVERSING 2 MPH FROM A RESIDENTIAL DRIVEWAY, THERE WAS A LOUD BANG AND THE ENTIRE REAR AXLE FRACTURED. BOTH REAR WHEELS COLLAPSED INWARD UNEXPECTEDLY. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE VIN WAS NOT AVAILABLE. THE FAILURE AND CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 72,588.

Mileage: 72,588

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2002 FORD WINDSTAR. THE CONTACT WAS DRIVING 25 MPH WHEN THERE WAS AN ABNORMAL NOISE COMING FROM THE REAR OF THE VEHICLE. THE CONTACT DISCOVERED THE REAR AXLE WAS FRACTURED. THE CONTACT WAS CONCERNED THAT IF SHE WERE DRIVING AT A FASTER SPEED SHE COULD POTENTIALLY HAVE BEEN INVOLVED IN A CRASH. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT CONTACTED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE FAILURE AND CURRENT MILEAGES WERE 113,400.

Mileage: 113,400

TO WHOM IT MAY CONCERN. MY NAME IS [XXX], WE HAVE A 2002 FORD WINDSTAR. LAST WEEK THE REAR AXLE SNAPPED WHILE MY WIFE WAS DRIVING WITH MY 10 YEAR OLD SON. BUT FOR THE GRACE OF GOD, SHE DIDN'T CRASH AND WAS KILLED. AXLE ACTUALLY SNAPPED IN TWO. SINCE THIS INCIDENT, WE HAVE GONE ON LINE AND FOUND OVER 200 INCIDENTS OF THIS SAME PROBLEM. EVIDENTLY, REAR AXLE IS "U" DESIGN, AND SALT AND ROAD DEBRIS GETS CAUGHT UP IN AXLE AND CAUSES CORROSION. FORD BETTER ADDRESS THIS PROBLEM BEFORE SOMEONE IS KILLED. PLEASE NOTE THAT MOST OF THESE VANS ARE USED BY FAMILIES, WITH SMALL CHILDREN. I WOULD HATE TO SEE A FATALITY WITHOUT FORD DOING SOMETHING ABOUT IT. IS THERE ANY RECOURSE WITH FORD. MY CONTACT INFO IS: [XXX] PLEASE REVIEW AND ADVISE A.S.A.P. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6). *TR

Mileage: 181,000

I WAS TRAVELING THE KANSAS TURNPIKE WITH MY SISTER IN MY FORD WINDSTAR VAN AT NIGHT. THE VAN THEN STARTED TO BE SHIMMYING AND VIBRATING SOME, LIKE WHEN THE ROAD IS ROUGH. WE WERE TRAVELING THROUGH SOME CONSTRUCTION SO THOUGHT IT MIGHT HAVE BEEN ATTRIBUTED TO THE ROAD CONDITIONS. BUT THE VIBRATING CONTINUED. WE PULLED OFF THE HIGHWAY AND LOOKED AT THE TIRES, BUT THEY ALL LOOKED GOOD. WE CONTINUED DRIVING, TRYING TO FIGURE OUT WHAT WAS CAUSING THE ROUGHNESS. I CONTINUED DRIVING AT DIFFERENT SPEEDS TO SEE IF THAT MADE A DIFFERENCE. IT DID NOT. THE VIBRATING WAS NOT TOTALLY CONTINUOUS, EVERY FEW SECONDS OR SO IT DISAPPEARED, THEN WOULD RESTART. I KEPT DRIVING, WITH HAZARD LIGHTS, AT ABOUT 45 MPH, BECAUSE IT WAS NIGHTTIME, AND ON THE HIGHWAY. I PULLED OFF AT THE NEXT SERVICE/REST STOP AND GOT OUT AND LOOKED AT MY TIRES. ONE HUBCAP WAS ASKEW, WHICH I PUT BACK ON. TO SEE IF THAT HAD ANYTHING TO DO WITH THE VAN'S RIDE, I DECIDED TO DRIVE A BIT IN THE PARKING LOT. I PUT THE VAN INTO REVERSE AND JUST AS I STARTED TO MOVE, THERE WAS A LOUD CLANK AND THUD. THERE WAS SOMETHING SERIOUSLY WRONG. I SAW THAT THE REAR TIRES BOTH WERE CROOKED, THE VAN, LOWER, AND THAT THE REAR AXLE WAS BROKEN INTO 2 PARTS. A POLICEMAN VERIFIED THAT THE CAR WAS BROKEN SO IT COULD STAY THERE UNTIL TOWED. IT WAS FLATBED TOWED TO A FORD SERVICE CENTER, WHERE THEY HAD TO REPLACE THE REAR AXLE ASSEMBLY, SHOCK ABSORBER ASSEMBLIES, REAR STABILIZER BAR, SPINDLES, REAR PARKING BRAKE CABLE (WHICH HAD RUSTED AND SEIZED UP) ASSEMBLIES AND INNER AND OUTER TIE RODS AND NUTS AND BOLTS.. AT THE TIME THE VAN HAD LESS THAN 71,000 MILES ON IT. WE WERE VERY LUCKY THAT WE WEREN'T STILL TRAVELING DOWN THE HIGHWAY WHEN THE AXLE WENT KERPLUNK! *TR

Mileage: 70,882

2002 FORD WINDSTAR. CONSUMER EXPRESSES DISCONTENT ABOUT RECALL REPAIR *TGW THE CONSUMER STATE HE RECEIVED A RECALL REGARDING THE CRUISE CONTROL DEACTIVATION SWITCH. THE CONSUMER STATED THE CRUISE CONTROL WORKED FINE UP UNTIL THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALER TO HAVE THE RECALL DONE. THE CRUISE CONTROL WORKED FOR ABOUT TWO WEEKS AND THEN STOPPED WORKING. WHEN THE CONSUMER RETURNED TO THE DEALER HE WAS INFORMED THAT THE ABS WAS LEAKING WHICH CAUSED THE CRUISE CONTROL TO STOP WORKING. THE ABS LIGHT DID ILLUMINATE, BUT THEN IT WENT OFF. ALSO, BACK IN MAY, WHILE DRIVING 30 MPH, THE VEHICLE BEGAN TO FISHTAIL. WHEN THE CONSUMER ARRIVED HOME AND INSPECTED THE VEHICLE, HE DISCOVERED THE REAR AXLE HAD CRACKED. THE CONSUMER REMOVED THE AXLE AND DISCOVERED IT WAS HOLLOW AND HAD RUSTED FROM THE INSIDE OUT. *JB

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2002 FORD WINDSTAR. THE CONTACT STATED THERE WAS AN ABNORMAL NOISE COMING FROM THE REAR OF THE VEHICLE. THE CONTACT FOUND THAT THE REAR AXLE WAS FRACTURED. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO THE DEALER WHERE SHE WAS AWAITING REPAIRS. THE FAILURE AND CURRENT MILEAGES WERE 90,000.

Mileage: 90,000

TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2002 FORD WINDSTAR. WHILE THE CONTACT WAS DRIVING APPROXIMATELY BETWEEN 35-40 MPH, THE REAR END OF THE VEHICLE BEGAN TO SHAKE WITH AN INTENSE VIBRATION. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC WHERE THE TECHNICIAN STATED THAT THE FAILURE WAS CONTRIBUTED TO A DEFECTIVE REAR AXLE. THE ESTIMATED REPAIR COST WAS $1,000. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 128,000. THE VIN WAS UNAVAILABLE.

Mileage: 128,000

THIS IS AN ADDITION TO ONGOING DEFECT INVESTIGATION #PE10016. I HAVE A 2002 FORD WINDSTAR. THE REAR AXLE HOUSING "CRACKED IN HALF" AS I WAS DRIVING ON A HIGHWAY, BUT LUCKILY AT A LOW SPEED IN TRAFFIC. THERE WAS NO WARNING, NO ACCIDENT AND NO POT HOLES. MY TIRE BEGAN TO SMOKE AND THE VEHICLE WAS INOPERABLE. AFTER THE TOW TRUCK CAME I LOOKED UNDERNEATH THE CAR AND NOTICED THE AXLE SPLIT COMPLETELY IN TWO. *TR

Mileage: 116,000

TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2002 FORD WINDSTAR. WHILE DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 60 MPH, THE REAR WHEEL AXLE BROKE IN HALF. THE VEHICLE WAS DRIVEN ONTO THE SIDE OF THE HIGHWAY WITH HALF OF THE AXLE DRAGGING ON THE ROAD SURFACE. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC TO DETERMINE THE CAUSE OF FAILURE. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS APPROXIMATELY 116,000. THE VIN WAS UNAVAILABLE.

Mileage: 116,000

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2002 FORD WINDSTAR. THE CONTACT NOTICED THE REAR TIRES WERE LEANING INWARD AND FOUND THAT THE REAR AXLE WAS CRACKED IN HALF. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO A LOCAL REPAIR FACILITY BUT DID NOT RECEIVE REPAIRS. THE VIN WAS NOT AVAILABLE. THE FAILURE AND CURRENT MILEAGES WERE 80,000.

Mileage: 80,000

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2002 FORD WINDSTAR. WHILE DRIVING AT 20 MPH, THE CONTACT HEARD UNUSUAL GRINDING COMING FROM THE REAR OF THE VEHICLE. THE CONTACT TOOK THE VEHICLE TO HER PRIVATE MECHANIC WHO DISCOVERED A CRACK IN THE REAR AXLE AND RECOMMENDED REPLACING. THE DEALER WAS CONTACTED WHO ADVISED THERE WERE NO RECALLS FOR THE FAILURE. ANY REPAIRS WOULD BE AT HER EXPENSE. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE FAILURE AND CURRENT MILEAGES WERE 72,500.

Mileage: 72,500

BRAKE LIGHT (RED) AND ABS BRAKE LIGHTS (YELLOW) STAY ON. I WENT TO REPLACE FUSE #10 AND IT KEEPS BLOWING OUT. SPEEDOMETER AND ODOMETER DO NOT FUNCTION. CRUISE CONTROL DOES NOT WORK. A/C DOES NOT WORK. THE O/D LIGHT FLASHES AFTER ABOUT 30 SECONDS AFTER THE VEHICLE STARTS AND CONTINUES TO BLINK UNTIL THE VEHICLE IS SHUT OFF. I TOOK IT INTO A FORD DEALERSHIP TODAY TO HAVE THEM PERFORM THE 09S09H RECALL AND IT DID NOT CHANGE ANYTHING. ALL ISSUES SEEM TO BE ASSOCIATED WITH THIS 'LEAKER' SCDS THAT WAS REPLACED, BUT THAT CAUSED FURTHER DAMAGE TO THE ABS ECM UNIT CAUSING IT TO FAIL. *TR

Mileage: 122,000

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2002 FORD WINDSTAR. WHILE DRIVING AT 45 MPH, THE REAR AXLE BROKE. THE CONTACT HAD THE VEHICLE TOWED TO THE DEALER BUT THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE CURRENT AND FAILURE MILEAGES WERE 75,000.

Mileage: 75,000

I WAS DRIVING HOME FROM WORK WHEN THE LOW BRAKE FLUID LIGHT CAME ON. I WAS HEADED TO PULL OVER WHEN THE DASHBOARD WENT CRAZY. SAID THAT THE ABS WAS BAD, RIGHT BRAKE LIGHT NEEDED TO BE CHECKED, TRACTION CONTROL ERROR, CHECK TRANSMISSION, MILEAGE WAS GONE ONLY --------- LISTED, A/C STOPPED WORKING, SAID FUEL DATA COMPUTER ERROR, SPEEDOMETER WAS OUT. I AM TAKING IT TO FORD TOMORROW TO HAVE THE VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL REPLACE AND I BELIEVE THIS IS WHAT IS CAUSING THIS PROBLEM. THE BRAKE FLUID MAY BE LEAKING ON EVERYTHING BECAUSE I DID SMALL A BURNING SMELL. *TR

Mileage: 132,512

TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2002 FORD WINDSTAR. WHILE THE CONTACT WAS DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 60 MPH,THE VEHICLE EXHIBITED A BOUNCING VIBRATION. THE VEHICLE WAS ABLE TO CONTINUE IN OPERATION. THE FAILURE OCCURRED INTERMITTENTLY. THE VEHICLE WAS EXAMINED BY A CERTIFIED MECHANIC THAT STATED THERE WERE TWO CRACKS APPROXIMATELY ONE TO TWO INCHES LONG ON THE REAR AXLE. THE VEHICLE HAD NOT BEEN REPAIRED AT THE TIME OF THE COMPLAINT. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 114,000.

Mileage: 114,000

I HEARD UNUSUAL NOISES FROM UNDERNEATH MY 2002 FORD WINDSTAR. I BROUGHT IT TO A MECHANIC WHO EXAMINED THE REAR AXLE AND DETERMINED THAT IT WAS CRACKED. *TR

Mileage: 148,000

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2002 FORD WINDSTAR. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHEN ACCELERATING FROM A STOPPED POSITION, BOTH REAR WHEELS WOULD CAVE IN AND THE AXLE WAS SPLIT IN HALF. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO A LOCAL REPAIR SHOP. THE MANUFACTURER INFORMED THE CONTACT THAT THEY WERE NOT OFFERING WARRANTIES ON THE PART AND REPAIRS WOULD BE AT THE OWNER'S EXPENSE. THE VEHICLE WAS BEING REPAIRED BY THE LOCAL MECHANIC BY REPLACING THE REAR AXLE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS APPROXIMATELY 110,000.

Mileage: 110,000

TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2002 FORD WINDSTAR. ON APRIL 6, 2010, WHILE DRIVING HOME, THE REAR AXLE BROKE IN HALF. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO A LOCAL REPAIR SHOP. THE MECHANIC REPLACED THE REAR AXLE AT THAT TIME. THE CONTACT CALLED THE MANUFACTURER TO REQUEST REIMBURSEMENT BUT WAS DENIED SINCE THE REPAIRS WERE NOT PERFORMED AT AN AUTHORIZED DEALERSHIP. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 96,028. THE CURRENT MILEAGE WAS APPROXIMATELY 97,000.

Mileage: 96,028

TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2002 FORD WINDSTAR. THE CONTACT TOOK THE VEHICLE TO A MECHANIC TO HAVE THE OIL CHANGED WHEN SHE WAS INFORMED THAT THE REAR AXLE WAS CRACKED. THE CONTACT CALLED THE MANUFACTURER AND WAS INFORMED THAT THE VEHICLE WOULD HAVE TO BE REPAIRED AT HER EXPENSE AS THERE WERE NO WARRANTIES OR RECALLS FOR IT. THE VEHICLE HAD NOT BEEN REPAIRED AT THE TIME OF THE COMPLAINT. THE CURRENT AND FAILURE MILEAGES WERE APPROXIMATELY 110,000. UPDATED 11/03/10. *LJ

Mileage: 110,000

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2002 FORD WINDSTAR. WHILE DRIVING AT APPROXIMATE SPEEDS OF 25 MPH, THE CONTACT HEARD AN UNUSUAL SQUEAL FROM THE REAR TIRES. AS SHE CONTINUED TO DRIVE AT SPEEDS OF 40 MPH, THE REAR OF THE VEHICLE BEGAN TO SWAY. SHE HAD TO DRIVE WITH TWO HANDS ON THE STEERING WHEEL TO MAINTAIN CONTROL OF THE VEHICLE. UPON FURTHER INVESTIGATION, THE CONTACT FOUND THAT BOTH REAR TIRES WERE PROTRUDING FROM THE TIRE WELL. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO A LOCAL REPAIR SHOP WHERE SHE WAS ADVISED THE REAR AXLE ASSEMBLY HAD CRACKED. THE NECESSARY PARTS NEEDED TO MAKE THE REPAIR WERE ORDERED ACCORDINGLY AND THE CONTACT WAS AWAITING REPAIRS. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE AND CURRENT MILEAGES WERE 135,000.

Mileage: 135,000

I PULLED INTO DRIVEWAY AND PUT CAR IN PARK AND WENT INTO BACK OF MY WINDSTAR TO CHECK TO SEE IF THE AIRCONTIONING VENTS WERE WORKING PER THE REQUEST OF MY SON. I WAS BACK THERE FOR SEVERAL MINUTES. I GOT OUT AND WAS STANDING OUTSIDE THE DRIVERS OPEN FRONT DOOR TO TURN OFF CAR. MY SON WAS IN BACK SEAT WITH HIS DOOR OPEN AND OUT OF SEAT BELT. WHILE STANDING NEXT TO OPEN DOOR MY CAR STARTED TO BACK OUT OF DRIVE WAY WHILE IT WAS IN PARK. I TRIED TO STOP IT WITH MY ARM BY TRYING TO JUMP INTO CAR TO TURN IT OFF SINCE MY SON WAS IN CAR. IT KEPT ROLLING DOWN MY DRIVEWAY AS I TRIED TO CATCH CAR. IT STOPPED BY CRASHING INTO MY NEIGHBOR'S CAR THAT WAS PARKED IN THE STREET. THE CAR WAS STILL IN PARK .POLICE CAME. FILED CLAIM WITH INSURANCE COMPANY. I WENT TO HOSPITAL FOR MY FOOT THAT WAS DRAGGED ON PAVEMENT DURING MY PURSUIT TO CATCH MY CAR. I NOTIFIED THE DEALER AND THEY TOLD ME TO CONTACT FORD DIRECTLY. I FILLED OUT CLAIM AND I JUST RECEIVED LETTER SAYING THEY CAN'T DETERMINE IF THERE WAS A DEFECT. I READ IN THE PAPER LAST WEEK THIS HAPPENED TO A WOMAN WITH A FORD EXPEDITION BUT HER CAR RAN OVER SOMEONE. ALSO A FORD SERVICEMAN JUST SAID KEEP PUTTING EMERGENCY BRAKE ON AND NEVER GET OUT OF CAR WITH CAR RUNNING. I WAS ALSO TOLD I CANT' HAVE IT CHECKED OUT BECAUSE FORD WANTS ORIGINAL PARTS AND WON'T PAY FOR ANYTHING UNTIL WE CAN PROVE A DEFECTIVE PART. I AM VERY CONCERNED ABOUT THE SAFETY OF MY VEHICLE. SINCE THE ACCIDENT, I HAVE BEEN FOLLOWING THE FORD'S SERVICE MAN'S ADVICE BY ALWAYS MAKING SURE PARKING BREAK IS ON AND NOT ALLOWING ANYONE TO GET OUT OF THE CAR UNTIL IT IS TURNED OFF. I HAVE TWO CHILDREN AND NEED MY CAR CHECKED IMMEDIATELY. IT IS VERY FORTUNATE THAT NO ONE WAS OUTSIDE PLAYING WHEN MY CAR STARTING BACKING DOWN THE DRIVEWAY WHILE IN PARK. *TR

Mileage: 105,000

TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2002 FORD WINDSTAR. WHILE DRIVING AT APPROXIMATELY 70 MPH, THE CONTACT HEARD A CRACKING SOUND AND DISCOVERED THAT THE REAR AXLE HAD SPLIT. THE CONTACT CALLED THE DEALERSHIP AND WAS ADVISED TO PAY FOR THE REPAIRS AT HER EXPENSE. THE CURRENT AND FAILURE MILEAGES WERE APPROXIMATELY 91,000.

Mileage: 91,000

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2002 FORD WINDSTAR. WHILE TRAVELING AT SPEEDS OF 35 MPH, THE CONTACT HEARD A LOUD POPPING SOUND. HE ASSUMED ONE OF THE TIRES HAD BLOWN OUT BUT UPON FURTHER INSPECTION HE FOUND THAT THE REAR AXLE HAD FRACTURED. THE VEHICLE HAD NOT YET BEEN TAKEN TO THE DEALER FOR REPAIRS. THE FAILURE AND CURRENT MILEAGES WERE 114,000.

Mileage: 114,000

2002 FORD WINDSTAR BAD TRANSMISSION PO CODE 734. *TR

Mileage: 150,000

TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2002 FORD WINDSTAR. WHILE DRIVING 40 MPH THE CONTACT NOTICED A LOUD POPPING SOUND FOLLOWED BY A THUMP IN THE REAR OF THE VEHICLE. AFTER EXAMINING THE VEHICLE THE CONTACT NOTICED THAT THE REAR DRIVER SIDE TIRE WAS BENT INSIDE THE FRAME. A LOCAL DEALERSHIP INFORMED THE CONTACT THAT THE REAR AXLE NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THERE WERE NO PRIOR WARNINGS. THE CURRENT AND FAILURE MILEAGES WERE 112000.

Mileage: 112,000

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2002 FORD WINDSTAR. THE CONTACT WAS DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 25 MPH ON NORMAL ROAD CONDITIONS; PROCEEDING ONTO A RAMP. SUDDENLY, THE VEHICLE SWAYED WITH A LOUD NOISE COMING FROM THE REAR OF THE VEHICLE. THE DRIVER REDUCED THE SPEED RATE AND PULLED OVER TO THE SIDE OF THE ROAD WITH CAUTION. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO AN AUTHORIZED DEALER. THE FAILURE WAS CONTRIBUTED TO A BROKEN REAR AXLE. THE VEHICLE WAS REPAIRED FOR THE MALFUNCTION. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 92,836.

Mileage: 92,836

TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2002 FORD WINDSTAR WHICH WAS PURCHASED IN 2008. SHE HEARD A GRINDING NOISE IN THE REAR OF THE VEHICLE. SHE ALSO NOTICED THAT THE REAR TIRES WERE PREMATURELY WORN. WHEN THE MECHANIC WAS REPLACING THE TIRES HE STATED THAT THE REAR AXLE WAS CRACKED IN HALF. THE MANUFACTURER WAS CONTACTED; HOWEVER, THEY WOULD NOT TAKE ANY LIABILITY FOR THE FAILURE DUE TO THE MILEAGE. THERE WERE NO RECALLS FOR HER VEHICLE. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO HER INDEPENDENT MECHANIC WHERE THE BRAKE SHOES AND AXLE WERE REPLACED AT HER EXPENSE. THE MECHANIC ALSO STATED THAT THE ENTIRE BACK END OF THE VEHICLE WAS DAMAGED DUE TO THE CRACKED AXLE. THE FAILURE AND CURRENT MILEAGES WERE UNDER 126,000.

Mileage: 126,000

WHILE DRIVING ON HIGHWAY , MY WIFE AND TWO CHILDREN WERE IN A 2002 FORD WINDSTAR MINIVAN. SUDDENLY THE VEHICLE LOST ALL POWER, IT WAS LIKE IT WENT INTO NEUTRAL AND STAYED THERE. AFTER COMING TO A COMPLETE STOP IN FAST LANE ON HIGHWAY AT NIGHT, THEY WERE ALMOST REAR ENDED BY A TRUCK. LUCKILY THEY ESCAPED HARM. THE VEHICLE HAS LOW MILEAGE AND GAVE NO PROBLEM OF TRANNY PROBLEMS BEFORE. BROUGHT CAR TO GARAGE, IT NEEDED A COMPLETE OVERHAUL OF TRANSMISSION AT A SIGNIFICANT COST. PLEASE LOOK INTO THIS FOR US, I DON'T FEEL THIS SHOULD HAPPEN TO A MINIVAN THAT HAS BEEN AS WALL TAKEN CARE OF AS MY WIFE'S. THANK YOU VERY MUCH*TR

Mileage: 68,000

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2002 FORD WINDSTAR. WHILE DRIVING BETWEEN 65-70 MPH HE LOST VEHICLE CONTROL WITHOUT PRIOR WARNING. HE WAS ABLE TO SAFELY PULL THE VEHICLE TO THE SIDE OF THE ROAD. UPON FURTHER INSPECTION HE NOTICED THAT THE REAR AXLE FRACTURED. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC FOR INSPECTION. THE TECHNICIAN STATED THE REAR AXLE WAS DEFECTIVE. THE INSURANCE COMPANY WAS IN THE PROCESS OF INSPECTING THE VEHICLE. THE VEHICLE HAS NOT BEEN REPAIRED FOR THE MALFUNCTION. THE FAILURE AND CURRENT MILEAGES WERE 113,000. THE VEHICLE IDENTIFICATION NUMBER WAS UNAVAILABLE.

Mileage: 113,000

2002 FORD WINDSTAR REAR AXLE CRACKED. CONSUMER THINKS THAT SOMEONE SHOULD LOOK INTO THIS PROBLEM WITH THE REAR AXLE. *NJ THE MECHANIC NOTICED THE LEFT REAR TIRE WAS LEANING IN. *JB

MY 2002 FORD WINDSTAR VAN IS NOT SUPPOSED TO BE ABLE TO SHIFT OUT OF PARK WITHOUT FIRST PRESSING AND HOLDING THE BRAKE. MY 2 YR OLD SON WAS ABLE TO SHIFT IT OUT OF PARK BY SIMPLY PULLING ON THE GEAR SHIFT LEVER. THIS RESULTED IN THE CAR ROLLING DOWN A HILL AND SMASHING INTO A TREE WITH MY SON INSIDE. HE WAS NOT HURT. THE CAR WAS A TOTAL LOSS ACCORDING TO MY INSURANCE CO. THE CAR WAS IN PARK AND THE ENGINE WAS NOT RUNNING AT THE TIME OF THE ACCIDENT. I HAVE BEEN IN CONTACT WITH FORD MOTOR CO BUT I ONLY GET GENERIC RESPONSES. MY INSURANCE CO IS HOLDING THE VEHICLE UNTIL A REP FROM FORD HAS A CHANCE TO EXAMINE THE SHIFT LOCK MECHANISM BUT THEY SEEM UNINTERESTED. I HAVE SEEN ON LINE WHERE THERE ARE TWO OTHER SIMILAR CASES REGARDING FORD WINDSTAR VANS AND I BELIEVE THIS COULD BE A SERIOUS SAFETY ISSUE. *TR

Mileage: 79,000

OVERDRIVE LIGHT BEGINS FLASHING AND OVERDRIVE SHIFTS OUT OGF GEAR. THIS PROBLEM HAS HAPPENED ON TWO CONSECUTIVE FORD WINDSTARS I'VE OWNED. A 1999 AND 2002. BOTH PROBLEMS OCCURRED AT THE 120,000 MILE MARK. IN BOTH CASES THE TRANSMISSION WAS DIAGNOSE AS NEEDING REPLACEMENT. IN BOTH CASES THE FLASHING O/D LIGHT CAME ON AGAIN AFTER THE TRANSMISSIONS WERE REPLACED AT GREAT EXPENSE. THIS TIME I REPLACED THE TRANS IN THE 2002 WITH A TRANS OUT OF A 2005 WITH 52,000 MILES ON IT. NOW 2 MONTHS LATER THE LIGHT IS FLASHING AGAIN BUT THE OVERDRIVE SEEMS TO BE FUNCTIONING PROPERLY. IN THE CASE OF THE 1999 I HAD TO REPLACE THE ABS CONTROL MODULE AFTER REPLACING THE TRANS WHICH I BELIEVED MIGHT HAVE FIXED THE PROBLEM, BUT I DON'T KNOW FOR SURE BECAUSE I DUMPED THE VEHICLE QUICKLY AFTERWARD. IN THIS CASE I'M GOING TO TRADE IN THE 2002 ON A CHRYSLER PACIFICA *TR

Mileage: 118,000

1.CONTINUING TRANSMISSION/OVERDRIVE FAILURES- FLASHING OVERDRIVE LIGHT. 2. HEATER DOOR CONTROL FAILURE. *TR

Mileage: 116,263

TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2002 FORD WINDSTAR. WHILE DRIVING 45 MPH, THE VEHICLE BEGAN TO SWERVE UNCONTROLLABLY. THE CONTACT REGAINED CONTROL AND STATED THAT THE REAR AXLE FAILED. THE DEALER STATED THAT THERE WERE NO RECALLS FOR HIS VEHICLE. THE MANUFACTURER HAS NOT BEEN NOTIFIED. THE CURRENT AND FAILURE MILEAGES WERE 115,000.

Mileage: 115,000

I PURCHASED A 2002 FORD WINDSTAR IN 2005. IN OCTOBER I TOOK IT IN FOR INSPECTION AND NEEDED TO HAVE ALL FOUR TIRES (ONE OF WHICH HAD BEEN REPLACED 6 MONTHS BEFORE), THE WINDSHIELD WIPERS, A BREAK LIGHT BULB AND FRONT BRAKES REPLACED...NEEDLESS TO SAY IT FAILED AND I MADE AN APPOINTMENT TO BRING IT BACK IN (AFTER SAVING TO HAVE IT FIXED)! I RETURNED TO THE DEALERSHIP IN NOVEMBER. I WAS THEN TOLD THAT THERE WAS A LEAK IN THE TRANSMISSION WHICH WOULD NEED TO BE REPAIRED. THE COST, AS QUOTED BY THE SERVICE REP, WOULD BE ABOUT $1,500!!! I HAD JUST SPENT OVER $700 FOR THE OTHER REPAIRS! I HAVE ONLY HAD THIS VEHICLE FOR A LITTLE OVER A YEAR! I HAVE SEARCHED SEVERAL WEBSITES AND HAVE FOUND THAT THE TRANSMISSION IS A FREQUENT PROBLEM WITH WINDSTAR OWNERS (OF VARIOUS YEARS 1995-2002), SOME OF WHICH WHO HAVE BEEN FORCED TO HAVE THE TRANSMISSION FIXED MULTIPLE TIMES. THIS IS AN OUTRAGE! FORD NEEDS TO BE HELD ACCOUNTABLE FOR THIS PROBLEM! I CANNOT CONTINUE TO SINK COUNTLESS DOLLARS INTO THIS VEHICLE AND I CANNOT TRADE IT UNTIL THE PROBLEMS ARE CORRECTED. THIS PRESENTS A SERIOUS ISSUE FOR THE SOMEONE LIKE ME, IN THE WORKING MIDDLE-CLASS. I WILL SOON NEED TO PICK UP A SECOND JOB JUST TO TAKE CARE OF REPAIRS! THIS IS CRAZY!! PLEASE HOLD FORD MOTOR COMPANY ACCOUNTABLE FOR SUCH TERRIBLE PRODUCTION...ESPECIALLY ON A ISSUE THEY HAVE BEEN MADE AWARE OF (TRANSMISSION) FOR YEARS! THANK YOU. *NM

DT*: THE CONTACT STATED WHILE BRAKING FROM 10 MPH UNDER NORMAL CONDITIONS, THE VEHICLE SURGED FORWARD, ALMOST GOING OVER A CURB. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO A SERVICE DEALER, WHERE THE DEALER WAS UNABLE TO DUPLICATE THE PROBLEM. THE MANUFACTURER WAS ALSO NOTIFIED. THERE WAS A SQUEAKING NOISE WHEN THE SLIDING DOOR WAS CLOSED. THE CONSUMER COMPLAINED OF THE TRANSMISSION SLIPPING, THE DEALER REPROGRAMMED THE PCM AND RE-FILLED THE TRANSMISSION FLUID. THE SHIFTER WAS RE-ADJUSTED. THE VEHICLE PULLED TO THE RIGHT OCCASIONALLY, THE SPEEDOMETER WAS INACCURATE. THE HEADLIGHTS WOULD GO DIM AT TIMES. UPDATED 01/09/07.*JB

Mileage: 4,000

DT*: THE CONTACT STATED THE CHECK ENGINE LIGHT ILLUMINATED AND A GROWLING NOISE WAS HEARD WHILE DRIVING 40 MPH. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE SERVICE DEALER. COMPUTER DIAGNOSTICS WERE PERFORMED AND THE CODE PO174 CAME UP IDENTIFYING A VACUUM LEAK. THE ITEMS RECOMMENDED FOR REPLACEMENT WERE THE INTAKE MANIFOLD GASKET AND ASSOCIATED PARTS, OUTER TIE ROD END AND FRONT AXLE SEALS, TRANSMISSION PAN GASKET AND FILTER. THE INSURER SENT AN INVESTIGATOR, WHO VERIFIED THE SERVICE RECOMMENDATIONS. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT NOTIFIED. UPDATED 12/5/2006 - *NM

Mileage: 75,829

OUR 2002 WINDSTAR HAS HAD NUMEROUS ISSUES. FROM CLUNKING FRONT SUSPENSION; RATTLING SLIDING DOORS; INTERIOR LIGHTS AND LOCKS THAT WOULD COME ON AND OFF BY THEMSELVES. HOWEVER, THERE ARE TWO UNRESOLVED ISSUES AND IT'S BEEN TO DEALERS NUMEROUS TIMES, AND EACH TIME, THEY JUST BLOW ME OFF. THE TRANSMISSION SHUDDERS BETWEEN THE FIRST AND SECOND SHIFT, AND DOES A "TWO-STEP" SHIFT. WHEN IT FINALLY DOES THE SECOND HALF OF THE TWO-STEP AND ENGAGES, THERE IS AN AUDIBLE COOKOO, JUST LIKE A COOKOO CLOCK. THE OTHER INFURIATING PROBLEM AND POSSIBLE DANGER IS THE BRAKE PEDAL. IT SQUEAKS LIKE AN OLD MATTRESS AND ALSO STICKS TO THE FLOOR IF YOU HAVE TO BRAKE WHILE YOU ARE DRIVING AT FREEWAY SPEEDS. YOU HAVE TO USE THE TIP OF YOUR SHOE TO PULL THE PEDAL BACK UP. VISIT AFTER VISIT AFTER VISIT TO 3 DIFFERENT DEALERS AND THEY ALWAYS CLAIM THERE IS NOTHING WRONG. THEY WERE PLAYING "BEAT THE CLOCK" WITH THE WARRANTY AND NOW THAT'S GONE, AND THEY ARE STILL DOING IT WITH THE EXTENDED WARRANTY. INFURIATING. NOBODY CARES AND NOBODY WILL HELP. *NM

Mileage: 2,000

DT: THE CAR WAS PARKED IN GARAGE WITH GEAR SHIFT IN PARK AND ENGINE TURNED OFF WITH NO OCCUPANTS INSIDE. THE CAR ROLLED OUT OF THE GARAGE AND DOWN SLIGHT INCLINE IN DRIVEWAY STRIKING CONSUMER. THE CONSUMER SUSTAINED INJURIES TO BOTH LEGS. EMS AND POLICE WERE CALLED. NO INDICATIONS AS TO WHAT HAPPENED BUT OFFICER INSPECTED VEHICLE AND DID NOTE IGNITION WAS TURNED OFF AND WAS IN PARK. NO REPAIRS HAVE BEEN MADE YET HOWEVER THERE IS AN APPOINTMENT FOR THE DEALER TOMORROW. THERE WAS A POLICE REPORT AND AN INSURANCE CLAIM AS WELL. CONSUMER DOES NOT KNOW HOW THIS FAILURE OCCURRED. *CONSUMER DID NOT HAVE DEALER INFORMATION AFTER DECIDING TO FILE THIS COMPLAINT, WILL ADD LATER.* *NM

Mileage: 50,000

TRANSMISSION IN OUR 2002 FORD WINDSTAR MINI VAN MADE ABNORMAL NOISES FOR ABOUT 2 MONTHS. VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO DEALERSHIP OF PURCHASE FOR INSPECTION, AND THEY ATTRIBUTED THE PROBLEM TO TIRE AND WHEEL ALIGNMENT. ALL FOUR TIRES WERE REPLACED WITH ALIGNMENT. ALSO, TRANSMISSION NOISE PERSISTED,AND VEHICLE WAS RETURNED TO DEALERSHIP. AGAIN NOTHING WA S FOUND WRONG ON INSPECTION WITH INSTRUCTIONS TO RETURN LATER FOR MORE COMPLETE EXAMINATION. ON FEBRUARY 10, 2005 TRANSMISSION MALFUNCTIONED ACCELERATING THE ENGINE TO 3200 RPMS WITH A SPEED OF 70 MPH. VEHICLE SUDDENLY LOST CONTROL AND VEERED TO THE LEFT INTO A LEFT TURN LANE, RESULTING IN A COLLISION WITH AN ILLEGALLY PARKED TRUCK AND TRAILER. SUBSEQUENT INVESTIGATIONS REVEALED THE DRIVER WAS UNABLE TO STOP THE VEHICLE BY BRAKING. THE DRIVER, MY SON , WAS TRAPPED IN THE WINDSTAR MINI VAN DUE TO A COMPLETE COLLAPSE OF THE FRONT FRAME. AFTER A DIFFICULT EXTRACTION BY THE CITY FIRE DEPARTMENT MY SON WAS PRONOUNCED DEAD AT THE SCENE OF THE ACCIDENT.*AK

Mileage: 72,000

WHEN BRAKING AT ANY SPEED STEERING WHEEL VIBRATED HEAVILY. DEALERSHIP REPAIRED THE FRONT ROTORS/PADS, BUT THIS DID NOT RESOLVE THE PROBLEM. *AK HAD TO CHANGE WIPER BLADES ONE WEEK LATER, THEY WERE ROTTEN. TRANSMISSION PROBLEMS, HAD TO DRIVE IN 2ND GEAR ALL THE TO THE DEALER, ALSO HAS A STRONG CLUNKING WHILE PUTTING VEHICLE INTO ANY GEAR. *BF

Mileage: 22,600

WHEN STARTING THE VEHICLE IT JERKED FORWARD WITHOUT WARNING. *AK THE CONSUMER ALMOST INJURED HER SON. *SC *JB

Mileage: 8,000

ANTI LOCK BRAKE SHIFTER IS INOPERATIVE,THIS DEVICE IS TO PREVENT LEVER FROM SHIFTING WITHOUT BRAKE DEPRESSION.ALSO, CHILD WAS ABLE TO SHIFT LEVER INTO DRIVE GEAR WHILE VEHICLE WAS PARKED.*AK

CONSUMER STATED FOR THE 4TH TIME IN LESS THAN 5040 MILES AND WITHIN 90 DAYS OF OWNING VEHICLE, IT HAS EXPERIENCED A TEMPORARY FAILURE OF THE TRANSMISSION WHILE DRIVING AT HIGHWAY SPEEDS WITH SUDDEN LOSS OF CONTROL OF THE VEHICLE, THE TRANSMISSION STICKS INTO LOW GEAR THEN GOES INTO A COASTING MODE AND REVVING THE ENGINE AS HIGH AS 4000 RPM OR SHIFTING BETWEEN NEUTRAL AND DRIVE HAD NO EFFECT, WHEN THE VEHICLE SPEED GOT DOWN TO LESS THAN 5 MPH, THE TRANSMISSION REENGAGED AND OPERATED NORMALLY AGAIN, THE DEALER KEPT THE VEHICLE BUT NO FAULT CODES OR MALFUNCTION OF THE TRANSMISSION OCCURED.*JB

CONSUMER STATED FOR THE 4TH TIME IN LESS THAN 5040 MILES AND WITHIN 90 DAYS OF OWNING VEHICLE, IT HAS EXPERIENCED A TEMPORARY FAILURE OF THE TRANSMISSION WHILE DRIVING AT HIGHWAY SPEEDS WITH SUDDEN LOSS OF CONTROL OF THE VEHICLE, THE TRANSMISSION STICKS INTO LOW GEAR THEN GOES INTO A COASTING MODE AND REVVING THE ENGINE AS HIGH AS 4000 RPM OR SHIFTING BETWEEN NEUTRAL AND DRIVE HAD NO EFFECT, WHEN THE VEHICLE SPEED GOT DOWN TO LESS THAN 5 MPH, THE TRANSMISSION REENGAGED AND OPERATED NORMALLY AGAIN, THE DEALER KEPT THE VEHICLE BUT NO FAULT CODES OR MALFUNCTION OF THE TRANSMISSION OCCURED.*JB