2003 FORD WINDSTAR Structure Problems

The contact’s son owns a 2003 Ford Windstar. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 11V030000 (Structure). The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, there was an abnormal sound coming from the rear of the vehicle. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic, where it was diagnosed that the exhaust pipe was punctured. The contact was advised that the front subframe was severely corroded; however, the dealer informed the contact that the vehicle would not be repaired due to the corrosion. The vehicle was not repaired. The contact parked the vehicle and the vehicle was no longer driven due to the safety concerns. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was unknown.

The rear axle on my vehicle snapped while I was driving causing me to lose control and leave the roadway. I contacted Ford who told me there was a recall for the rear axle of my vehicle and that I would have no out of pocket expenses for the repairs and the towing of the vehicle to the service center. After they set up the towing I received a message saying I had to pay $381 for the towing before they would dispatch the tow truck. I called Ford customer service and they told me that now they can't find in their notes where they told me towing was covered. After asking to speak with a supervisor and being told they're not going to transfer me because they know their supervisor can't do anything more then what they can do I was placed on hold for an hour just to be told they can't find it in their notes and then I was hung up on. I shouldn't have to pay almost $400 to have my vehicle that just had a catastrophic failure causing me to wreck towed for servic after I was lied to about the towing being covered

The contact’s son owns a 2003 Ford Windstar. The contact stated that while her son was driving 10 MPH and making a turn into a parking lot, the vehicle stopped as the rear tires collapsed inside the wheel well. The contact was able to park the vehicle. The vehicle was towed to the dealer where it was diagnosed that the rear axle had fractured. The manufacturer was notified of the failure and informed the contact that they would cover the repair; however, the dealer informed the contact that they could not repair the vehicle as the subframe was severely corroded. The dealer also informed the contact that the vehicle was previously repaired under NHTSA Campaign Number: 11V030000 (Structure) in 2011. The vehicle was not repaired. The vehicle was towed back to the residence. The failure mileage was approximately 150,000.

Mileage: 150,000

The contact owns a 2003 Ford Windstar. The contact stated while driving 25 MPH, the vehicle was wobbling. Once the contact arrived at her residence, her husband noticed that the rear of the subframe was fracture. The dealer was contacted and stated that the vehicle was not included in NHTSA Campaign Number: 10V385000 (Suspension). The manufacturer was not contacted. The failure mileage was 136,000.

Mileage: 136,000

The rear wheel well is corroded and the corrosion is into the structure that the seat belt is mounted to and it ruined the REM(rear electronic module) there is supposed to be a recall on it but all the ford garages say its been done but it hasn't and now I have no way to work or to take my kids anywhere and the van only has 96000 miles and we just bought it

I OWN A 2003 FORD WINDSTAR LX. IT WAS AT THE MECHANIC FOR SOME REPAIRS AND HE POINTED OUT THE ISSUE WITH MY REAR AXLE BEING CRACKED AND CORRODED. WHICH ITS VERY DANGEROUS TO KEEP DRIVING LIKE THIS. *LN*JB

Mileage: 130,000

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2003 FORD WINDSTAR. WHILE DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 60 MPH, A CLUNKING TYPE NOISE WAS PRESENT COMING FROM THE SUBFRAME AND THE VEHICLE BECAME UNSTABLE. UPON INSPECTION, IT WAS DISCOVERED THAT THE FRONT PASSENGER SIDE SUBFRAME MOUNTS SEPARATED DUE TO RUSTING. THE CAUSE OF THE RUST WAS NOT DETERMINED. THE VEHICLE WAS PREVIOUSLY REPAIRED PER NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 11V030000 (STRUCTURE); HOWEVER, THE FAILURE CONTINUED. TOYCEN FORD (1000 CHIPPEWA CROSSING BLVD, CHIPPEWA FALLS, WI) AND THE MANUFACTURER WERE NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE, BUT NO ASSISTANCE WAS OFFERED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 220,000.

Mileage: 220,000

REAR AXLE BROKE UNDER BRACKET THAT WAS PUT ON BY FORD FOR THE AXLE RECALL. I WAS PULLING OUT OF A PARKING LOT WITH MY HUSBAND AND 4 KIDS IN THE VAN WHEN ALL OF A SUDDEN THERE WAS A LOAD NOISE AND THE TIRE WAS RUBBING THE WHEEL WELL. I IMMEDIATELY PULLED OVER, LOOKED UNDER THE REAR END AND COULD SEE THE BRAKE. HAD MY VAN TOWED TO MY HOUSE. CALLED FORD ON MONDAY MORNING AND TOWED VAN TO DEALERSHIP. $300 BETWEEN TOW BILL'S AND A FORD SERVICE CHARGE JUST TO HAVE FORD TELL ME THEY WON'T DO ANYTHING TO FIX MY VAN AND MAKE THIS RIGHT.

Mileage: 142,000

REAR AXLE BROKE UNDER THE BRACKET FORD PUT ON THE AXLE FOR THE AXLE RECALL. I WAS PULLING OUT OF A PARKING LOT WITH MY HUSBAND, 4 KIDS AND MYSELF WHEN ALL OF A SUDDEN I HEARD A LOUD NOISE AND MY TIRE RUBBING THE WHEEL WELL. PULLED OVER IMMEDIATELY AND LOOKED UNDER THE REAR END OF MY VAN AND I COULD SEE THE BRAKE. HAD IT TOWED HOME. CALLED FORD AND TOWED MY VAN TO THE DEALERSHIP. PAID $300 BETWEEN TOWING BILL'S AND A SERVICE CHARGE JUST TO HEAR FORD TELL ME THEY WON'T DO ANYTHING TO HELP ME AND MAKE THIS RIGHT.

Mileage: 142,000

REAR AXLE BROKE UNDER BRACKET THAT WAS PUT ON BY FORD FOR THE AXLE RECALL. I WAS PULLING OUT OF A PARKING LOT WITH MY HUSBAND AND 4 KIDS IN THE VAN WHEN ALL OF A SUDDEN THERE WAS A LOAD NOISE AND THE TIRE WAS RUBBING THE WHEEL WELL. I IMMEDIATELY PULLED OVER, LOOKED UNDER THE REAR END AND COULD SEE THE BRAKE. HAD MY VAN TOWED TO MY HOUSE. CALLED FORD ON MONDAY MORNING AND TOWED VAN TO DEALERSHIP. $300 BETWEEN TOW BILL'S AND A FORD SERVICE CHARGE JUST TO HAVE FORD TELL ME THEY WON'T DO ANYTHING TO FIX MY VAN AND MAKE THIS RIGHT.

Mileage: 142,000

AXLE BROKE UNDER BRACKET THAT WAS PUT ON BY FORD FOR THE AXLE RECALL. I WAS PULLING OUT OF A PARKING LOT WITH MY HUSBAND AND 4 KIDS IN THE VAN WHEN ALL OF A SUDDEN THERE WAS A LOAD NOISE AND THE TIRE WAS RUBBING THE WHEEL WELL. I IMMEDIATELY PULLED OVER, LOOKED UNDER THE REAR END AND COULD SEE THE BRAKE. HAD MY VAN TOWED TO MY HOUSE. CALLED FORD ON MONDAY MORNING AND TOWED VAN TO DEALERSHIP. $300 BETWEEN TOW BILL'S AND A FORD SERVICE CHARGE JUST TO HAVE FORD TELL ME THEY WON'T DO ANYTHING TO FIX MY VAN AND MAKE THIS RIGHT.

Mileage: 142,000

REAR AXLE BROKE UNDER BRACKET THAT WAS PUT ON BY FORD FOR THE AXLE RECALL. I WAS PULLING OUT OF A PARKING LOT WITH MY HUSBAND AND 4 KIDS IN THE VAN WHEN ALL OF A SUDDEN THERE WAS A LOAD NOISE AND THE TIRE WAS RUBBING THE WHEEL WELL. I IMMEDIATELY PULLED OVER, LOOKED UNDER THE REAR END AND COULD SEE THE BRAKE. HAD MY VAN TOWED TO MY HOUSE. CALLED FORD ON MONDAY MORNING AND TOWED VAN TO DEALERSHIP. $300 BETWEEN TOW BILL'S AND A FORD SERVICE CHARGE JUST TO HAVE FORD TELL ME THEY WON'T DO ANYTHING TO FIX MY VAN AND MAKE THIS RIGHT.

Mileage: 142,000

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2003 FORD WINDSTAR. THE CONTACT TOOK THE VEHICLE TO A AAA REPAIR FACILITY FOR INSPECTION. THE MECHANIC PLACED THE VEHICLE ON A LIFT AND FOUND RUST AND CORROSION ON THE AXLES AND SUBFRAME. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC WHO DIAGNOSED THE VEHICLE AND FOUND THE SAME RUST AND CORROSION. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER AND DEALER WERE NOT MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE. NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 15V608000 (SUSPENSION) WAS REFERENCED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 147,131.

Mileage: 147,131

THIS IS DUE TO A RECALL. THE REAR AXLE AND SUBFRAME SNAPPED AND FORD IS NOT HONORING FIXING IT EVEN THOUGH IT HAPPENED AT THE REPAIR SITE OF RECALL.

Mileage: 160,000

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2003 FORD WINDSTAR. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE SUBFRAME ON THE REAR PASSENGER SLIDING DOOR WAS RUSTED AND BECAME STUCK WHEN ATTEMPTING TO BE OPENED. THE CONTACT HAD TO LIFT UP THE DOOR AND PUT IT BACK ON THE DOOR TRACK SO THAT IT COULD CLOSE. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO FAIR OAKS FORD LINCOLN (1351 E OGDEN AVE, NAPERVILLE, IL, (630) 357-7100) WHERE IT WAS DIAGNOSED THAT THE DOOR HAD A RUSTED HOLE THROUGH THE FRAME. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 12,595.

Mileage: 12,595

WAS ON THE STREET DRIVING, LIGHTS STARTED FLASHING ON DASHBOARD VAN SHUT OFF IN THE MIDDLE OF THE STREET BATTERY, ALTERNATOR, BLEW OUT, WAS DRIVING AGAIN VAN WAS ILDE UP REALLY BAD AND WHILE MY FEET WAS ON THE BRAKES IT STARTED MOVING ON ITS OWN AND RAN INTO SOMEONE ELSE VEHICLE, AND ALSO VAN WAS ON THE ROAD STARTED RUNNING BAD BROKE DOWN ON A BUSY STREET ONCE I WAS PUSHED TO A SAFE LOCATION ALL MY FLUIDS WERE ON THE GROUND AND THE VAN WAS SMOKING REALLY BAD AND LIGHTS ON DASHBOARD WERE FLASHING.

Mileage: 100,000

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2003 FORD WINDSTAR. WHILE INSPECTING THE VEHICLE, IT WAS DISCOVERED THAT THE SUBFRAME HAD RUSTED AND A HOLE WAS PRESENT LOCATED BEHIND THE FRONT DRIVER SIDE WHEEL. THE HOLE WAS APPROXIMATELY 1.5 INCHES IN DIAMETER. ALSO, THE INSTRUMENT CLUSTER WOULD RANDOMLY STOP OPERATING. THE FAILURE WAS NOT DIAGNOSED OR REPAIRED. THE LOCAL DEALER (DICK BRANTMEIER FORD IN SHEBOYCAN, WI) WAS NOTIFIED ALONG WITH THE MANUFACTURER, BUT NO ASSISTANCE WAS OFFERED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 150,000.

Mileage: 150,000

HELLO I WAS DRIVING MY 2003 FORD WINDSTAR MINIVAN. I PURCHASED AROUND MARCH 2016 I WAS TAKING MY KIDS TO SCHOOL WHEN THE REAR AXEL BROKE. I LOOKED UNDER AND IT LOOKS LIKE FORD PUT ENFORCEMENT BRACKETS ON IT BUT IT IS BROKE AT ONE OF THE BRACKETS . THANKFULLY I WAS ABLE TO KEEP CONTROL OF MY VEHICLE. 20 MINUTES LATER I WOULD'VE BEEN ON THE FREEWAY. ONE MAN HAS ALREADY LOST HIS LIFE FROM THE SAME THING WITH THIS VEHICLE. I HAVE A LADY FROM FORD OFFERING TO GIVE ME ANY INFORMATION SHE HAS BECAUSE IT IS NOT RIGHT AND THERE IS THINGS SHE HAS THAT I CANNOT FIND. I LOOKED UP MY YEAR ON THE VEHICLE AND WHAT WAS WRONG AND REALIZED THERE ARE THOUSANDS OF PEOPLE WITH THE SAME PROBLEM. NOT ONLY THAT THERE HAS BEEN THREE RECALLS SINCE 2010 FOR THE SAME THING. FORD PUT BRACKETS ON TO FIX THE FIRST PROBLEM INSTEAD OF JUST FIXING THE PROBLEM. THAT EXPLAINS MY BRACKETS. FORD REALIZED THE BRACKETS WASN'T WORKING SO IN 2015 OFFERED TO REPLACE THEM FOR 300 DOLLARS. EVEN THOUGH IT WAS THERE FAULT. BUT THAT EXPIRED IN DEC 2015. I PURCHASED THE CAR AROUND FEBRUARY MARCH 2016. THE PROBLEM IS IF ITS HAPPENING WITH SO MANY WINDSTAR'S WHY NOT FIX THE PROBLEM IN THE BEGINNING INSTEAD OF PATCHING IT AND TAKING THE EASY WAY OUT. I'M SURE THE MANS FAMILY AND KIDS THAT LOST THERE LOVED ONES WISH THIS WOULD'VE BEEN TAKEN CARE OF THE RIGHT WAY. I WAS ON THE PHONE ALL DAY THURSDAY WITH FORD THERE NOT OFFERING TO HELP AT ALL. THERE TELLING ME IT WILL BE OVER 1,000 DOLLARS TO FIX IT. SO WE ALMOST LOST OUR LIVES SOMEONE COULD'VE DIED THANKFULLY WERE OKAY. WE HAVE NO VEHICLE THE STRESS OF GETTING KIDS TO SCHOOL AND WORK AND WHAT WE ARE GOING TO DO. I HAVE 5 CHILDREN PLUS 2 I HAVE TAKEN LEGAL CUSTODY OF FROM CHILDREN SERVICES THERE IS NO WAY I CAN PAY THAT. ALL BECAUSE FORD DIDN'T WANT TO FIX IT RIGHT AND JUST REPLACE IT THE FIRST TIME AROUND. HOW DOES A SAFETY RECALL EVER EXPIRE.

Mileage: 133,000

THE PASSENGER SIDE SUB FRAME HAS RUSTED THROUGH. THE DEALER HAD DONE THE RECALL REPAIR AND STILL RIGHT IN THE SPOT OF THE REPAIR THE SUB FRAME CRACKED AND SPLIT. FORD SAYS THERE IS NOTHING THEY CAN DO EVEN THOUGH THIS IS A KNOWN ISSUE AND THEIR REPAIR DIDN'T RESOLVE THE ISSUE.

Mileage: 94,000

WHEN I WAS PULLING OUT OF A PARKING LOT ONTO A BUSY HIGHWAY I COULD SMELL RUBBER BURNIG AND I HEARD AND FELT A BIG LOUD BANG,.THEN THERE WAS SMOKE ALL AROUND VAN.IT WAS THE REAR AXLE/ SUB-FRAME FRACTURE AND YES THERE WERE RECALLS AND WORK WAS DONE BY FORD DEALER THANK GOD ME AND MY CHILDREN WERE NOT HURT OR KILLED THIS WAS VERY SCARY..

Mileage: 120,000

THE REAR AXLE ON MY VEHICLE CRACKED AND CAUSED MY TIRES TO RUB AGAINST MY VEHICLE, DAMAGING BRAND NEW TIRES. WHEN BRINGING THE VEHICLE TO THE SHOP, WAS TOLD THAT A PATCH HAD PREVIOUSLY BEEN MADE ON THE VEHICLE, BUT IT WAS DONE BADLY AND DID NOT HOLD. FORD WOULD DO NOTHING TO RIGHT THIS AND DENIED THAT THERE WAS A RECALL ON THE VEHICLE. I WAS DRIVING TO SCHOOL WHILE THIS OCCURRED ON CITY STREETS. *TR

Mileage: 150,000

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2003 FORD WINDSTAR. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE OPERATING THE VEHICLE A CLUNKING NOISE WAS PRESENT COMING FROM UNDER THE VEHICLE. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC WHO DISCOVERED THAT THE SUB FRAME HAD CRACKED AND SEPARATED DUE TO RUST AND CORROSION. THE VEHICLE HAD PREVIOUSLY BEEN REPAIRED UNDER A RELATED RECALL. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 236,000. *TR

Mileage: 236,000

OUR ENGINE CRADLE RECENTLY BROKE AND NEEDS TO BE REPLACED. WE JUST FOUND OUT THIS FALLS UNDER RECALL NUMBER 15V608 (FORD RECALL # 15S27). WE WOULD LIKE THIS TO BE RESOLVED AT LITTLE OR NO COST TO US, BUT WE ARE UNSURE HOW TO START THE PROCESS WITH A RECALL.

Mileage: 160,000

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2003 FORD WINDSTAR. WHILE ATTEMPTING TO TURN INTO THE DRIVEWAY, THE CONTACT HEARD A CLUNKING NOISE AND A SNAP. THE VEHICLE WAS DIAGNOSED BY AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC WHO STATED THAT THE SUBFRAME FRACTURED AND THE TIE ROD SNAPPED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT DRIVABLE. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE VIN WAS INVALID. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 160,000.

Mileage: 160,000

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2003 FORD WINDSTAR. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE IN PARK, THE STEERING WHEEL SEIZED. AS A RESULT, THE CONTACT WAS UNABLE TO STEER THE VEHICLE. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC WHO DIAGNOSED THAT THE ENGINE CRADLE HAD CORRODED AND NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE MECHANIC ALSO STATED THAT THE CRADLE WAS PREVIOUSLY GLUED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 121,000.

Mileage: 121,000

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2003 FORD WINDSTAR. WHILE DRIVING 65 MPH, THE VEHICLE INDEPENDENTLY VEERED TO THE LEFT. THE CONTACT WAS ABLE TO STOP THE VEHICLE. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALER WHERE IT WAS DIAGNOSED THAT THE SUBFRAME WAS CORRODED AND NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 129,000.

Mileage: 129,000

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2003 FORD WINDSTAR. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO A MECHANIC FOR A ROUTINE INSPECTION AND IT WAS NOTICED THAT THE REAR AXLE HAD EXTENSIVE RUST AND CORROSION. THE PART NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE VIN WAS NOT INCLUDED IN NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBERS: 15V608000 (SUSPENSION), 12V195000 (SUSPENSION), 12V194000 (SUSPENSION), AND 10V385000 (SUSPENSION). THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE AND PROVIDED NO SOLUTION. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS NOT AVAILABLE.

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2003 FORD WINDSTAR. WHILE DRIVING VARIOUS SPEEDS, THERE WAS A NOISE UNDERNEATH THE VEHICLE. IN ADDITION, THE STEERING WHEEL BECAME LOOSE AND THE CONTACT HAD TO STEER THE VEHICLE IN EXCESS TO KEEP IT IN POSITION. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC WHO DIAGNOSED THAT THE CRADLE FRACTURED DUE TO CORROSION AND THE RACK AND PINION WAS PROTRUDING THROUGH THE FRACTURED SITE. THE MECHANIC STATED THAT THE CRADLE NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 273,000.

Mileage: 273,000

THE REAR AXLE ON OUR 2003 FORD WINDSTAR CRACKED WHILE MY DAUGHTER WAS DRIVING IT. THANK GOODNESS IT DID NOT RESULT IN AN ACCIDENT AND SHE WAS ABLE TO PULL INTO A NEARBY LOT. WE PURCHASED THIS VEHICLE NEW AND IT HAS BEEN RUSTING FROM THE INSIDE OUT AND NOW THE AXLE. WE DID HAVE THE RECALL "BRACKETS" PLACED ON THE VEHICLE, HOWEVER, IT APPEARS THEY DID NOT WORK! FORD NEEDS TO TAKE CARE OF THIS ISSUE WITH ITS CUSTOMERS AND NEEDS TO UNDERSTAND A VEHICLE PURCHASE IS A DIFFICULT EXPENSE FOR MOST INDIVIDUALS. NOT ONLY DO MOST OF US EXPECT THE VEHICLE TO LAST, BUT WE DO NOT EXPECT TO BE IN DANGER BECAUSE OF NEGLIGENCE AND COST-CUTTING MEASURES THAT SAVE THEM MONEY, WHILE SCREWING THE CONSUMER FINANCIALLY. THIS IS COMPLETELY UNACCEPTABLE AND I CAN ONLY HOPE FOR THE SAKE OF ALL THE CONSUMERS THAT HAVE BEEN AFFECTED BY THIS NEGLIGENCE, THERE IS SERIOUS CONSIDERATION GIVEN TO THE LITIGATION OF THIS ISSUE ON BEHALF OF HARD-WORKING PEOPLE.

Mileage: 110,000

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2003 FORD WINDSTAR. WHILE AT THE LOCAL DEALER FOR A RECALL REPAIR, THE TECHNICIAN DIAGNOSED THAT THE REAR AXLE WAS CORRODED AND NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE VEHICLE WAS INCLUDED IN NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 15V608000 (SUSPENSION). THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 187,000. UPDATE 01/15/16 MA *TR

Mileage: 187,000

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2003 FORD WINDSTAR. WHILE THE VEHICLE WAS BEING SERVICED FOR NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 15V608000(SUSPENSION), THE TECHNICIAN INFORMED THE CONTACT THAT THE REAR AXLE CORRODED AND NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED DUE TO THE AXLE REPLACEMENT NOT BEING INCLUDED IN THE RECALL. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE ISSUE. THE CONTACT WAS INFORMED THAT THE RECALL ONLY COVERED THE BRACKET AND ONLY THE ENDS OF THE AXLE WERE COVERED UNDER THE RECALL. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 141,000.

Mileage: 141,000

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2003 FORD WINDSTAR. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC FOR INSPECTION. THE CONTACT WAS INFORMED THAT THE FRONT SUBFRAME WAS SEVERELY CORRODED. THE CONTACT WAS INFORMED THAT THE VEHICLE COULD NOT BE INSPECTED BECAUSE IT WAS UNSAFE TO USE A LIFT TO INSPECT UNDERNEATH THE VEHICLE. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT INCLUDED IN NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 11V030000 (STRUCTURE). THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 98,000.

Mileage: 98,000

I WAS DRIVING DOWN THE ROAD . IN MUNCIE INDIANA . THE REAR END ON THE RIGHT SIDE WENT DOWN ALL MOST CAUSED ME TO WRECK . FOUND O UT THAT DAY WHEN I GOT IT TO THE AUTO GARAGE THAT THE REAR END HAD RUSTED THREW . AT 66,000 MILES . HOW CAN A COMPANY PUT OUT CRAP LIKE THIS THAT MIGHT HAVE COAST ME MY LIFE ? IT WOULD HAVE IF I WAS NOT A SEMI DRIVER WHEN I WAS WORKING . AND NEW HOW TO HANDLE A VAN IN CASE OF A PROBLEM LIKE THIS U HAVE ME TO THANK THAT NO ONE WAS KILLED . I THINK FORD NEEDS TO FIX THIS PROBLEM FOR ME .

Mileage: 66,000

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2003 FORD WINDSTAR. THE CONTACT STATED THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC FOR AN UNRELATED ISSUE AND THEY DISCOVERED THAT THE REAR FRAME EXHIBITED CRACKS. IN 2011, THE VEHICLE WAS REPAIRED UNDER NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 12V195000 (SUSPENSION); HOWEVER, AT THE TIME OF THE REPAIR THE CONTACT HAD NOT EXPERIENCED A FAILURE. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED FOR MOST RECENT FAILURE. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 231,000.

Mileage: 231,000

VEHICLE ON LIFT FOR OIL CHANGE WHEN MECHANIC NOTED THAT THE SUB-FRAME WAS ROTTED THROUGH ON THE DRIVER SIDE JUST ABOVE AND IN FRONT OF THE WHEEL. HE ALSO NOTED THAT A REPAIR BRACKET HAD BEEN INSTALLED AS PART OF THE RECALL ON THE PART OF THE FRAME BEHIND THE WHEEL. HE SAID HE WOULD NOT DRIVE THE CAR TOO MUCH LONGER WITHOUT GETTING IT REPAIRED. HE ADVISED THAT I SHOULD TAKE THE VEHICLE TO THE DEALER AND ADVISE FORD WHICH I DID. FORD DECLINED TO OFFER ANY ASSISTANCE SINCE IT WAS BEYOND THE RECALL WARRANTY PERIOD. THE REINFORCEMENT BRACKET WAS OBVIOUSLY NOT SUFFICIENT TO REPAIR THE CORROSION DAMAGE TO THE COMPLETE SUB-FRAME. *TR

Mileage: 122,850

REAR AXLE RECALL WAS INSPECTED IN 2/17/2011 BY THE DEALER AND WAS NOTED NO CRACKS AND JUST PUT SOME BRACKETS. TODAY 3/23/2015 WENT FOR A STATE INSPECTION TO THE SAME DEALER AND FAILED DUE TO CRACK IN THE REAR AXLE(THAT WAS ONCE RECALLED). NOW DEALER/FORD STATES THAT THE RECALL WAS ONCE MANAGED, AND NO LONGER RESPONSIBLE FOR FURTHER ISSUES... IF AN ITEM WAS RECALLED, IT SHOULD BE FIXED WITHOUT COST. PLEASE ADDRESS THIS WITH FORD. THANK YOU *TR

Mileage: 106,000

THE FRAME CRACKED ON THE REAR FRAME UNDERNEATH THE BRACKET THAT WAS PUT ON FOR THE RECALL REPAIR. THE BRACKET DIDN'T HOLD. *TR

Mileage: 125,000

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2003 FORD WINDSTAR. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE DRIVING 2-3 MPH, THE FRONT PASSENGER SIDE WHEEL DETACHED FROM THE VEHICLE. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC WHERE IT WAS DIAGNOSED THAT THE WHEEL DETACHED FROM THE SHAFT AND NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE INDEPENDENT MECHANIC MADE THE CONTACT AWARE OF A MANUFACTURER'S RECALL FOR THE SUB FRAME. THE VEHICLE WAS THEN TOWED TO A DEALER WHERE IT WAS CONFIRMED THAT THE SUB FRAME NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE DEALER REFUSED TO REPAIR THE SUB FRAME DUE TO SAFETY HAZARDS DURING THE REPAIRS. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS UNKNOWN.

I HAVE A 2003 WINDSTAR FORD MINI VAN. ABOUT 2 1/2 YEARS AGO THEY PUT A PATCH FIX ON THE REAR AXLE THAT WAS SO WHEN THE AXLE BREAKS INSTEAD OF THE WHEELS SEPARATING IT HOLDS IT TOGETHER. WELL RECENTLY I WAS ON MY WAY TO A MAJOR HIGHWAY I THOUGHT MY BRAKES LOCKED UP, BUT IN ACTUALITY THE PATCH FIX BROKE AND SO DID MY AXLE. SO A BIG THANKYOU FOR ALMOST KILLING MY 2 CHILDREN IN THE BACK SEAT, DOES FORD MOTORS CARE? NO THEY DON'T! BECAUSE WHEN I CALLED THE DEALERSHIP THEY SAID FORD IS AWARE OF THIS ONGOING PROBLEM WITH NUMEROUS COMPLAINTS AND WILL NOT FIX IT AGAIN. BUT I CAN BUY ANOTHER PART FOR $800.00. IF THEY ARE AWARE OF THE PROBLEM AND THE PATCH WAS NOT A SAFE FIX THEN WHY BOTHER AT ALL! I FEEL THIS COMPANY SHOULD PUT THEIR CHILDREN IN THE BACK SEAT AND THEN MAYBE THEY WOULD ACTUALLY CARE TO FIND A SAFE FIX. *TR

VAN STARTED MAKING A LOUD METAL BANGING NOISE WHILE ON VACATION. TOOK TO A LOCAL SHOP WHERE I WAS SHOWN THAT THE SUBFRAME ( WHERE THE AC WATER LEAKS DOWN) WAS COMPLETELY ROTTED THRU AND BROKEN, MAKING THE VAN UNSAFE TO DRIVE/ THE VAN ALREADY HAD BRACKETS ON THE SUBFRAME AND REAR AXLE INSTALLED BY FORD JUST WEEKS EARLIER, BUT THIS WAS NOT REPAIRED OR ADDRESSED. *TR

Mileage: 131,000

MY WIFE DRIVING TO WORK THURSDAY 40 MPH AND REAR AXLE BROKE. LEFT REAR TIRE FORCED AGAINST WHEEL WELL CAUSING SIGNIFICANT SMOKE AND TIRE DAMAGE. PASSING CAR FLAG MY WIFE DOWN AND GOT HER TO PULL OVER. WHEN I CHECKED IT OUT LATER IN THE DAY FOUND THAT REAR AXLE WAS BROKE AND NOT DRIVABLE. COST TO FIX AT MY TOTAL EXPENSE 1030.00 PLUS TAX PLUS NEW TIRE. RECALL WAS PERFORMED IN 2011 AT KISTLER FORD TO INSTALL SOME KIND OF REAR AXLE SUPPORTS AND ALSO SOMETHING DONE TO REINFORCE FRONT SUBFRAME. AXLE IN BACK LOOKS LIKE IT BROKE INSIDE THE REINFORCEMENTS ON OR NEAR THE LEFT SIDE. KISTLER FORD SERVICE MANAGER STATED HE HAS SEEN THIS HAPPEN A FEW TIMES AFTER RECALL REPAIR AND FORD NOT WILLING TO TAKE CARE OF ADDITIONAL ISSUES AFTER THE RECALL. THAT DOES NOT SEEM ACCEPTABLE TO ME. SEEMS THEIR RECALL REPAIR NOT SUFFICIENT. KISTLER FORD SERVICE MANAGER NOR MYSELF A(54YR OLD) HAVE EVER HEARD OF AXLES FAILING UNDER NORMAL CIRCUMSTANCES EVER. THIS SHOULD NEVER HAPPEN. THIS WILL KILL AND INJURE ADDITIONAL PEOPLE. WHAT IF MY WIFE DRIVING 70MPH DOWN THE HIGHWAY WHEN THIS HAPPENED? WE WERE PLANNING ON TAKING MY FAMILY OF 5 TO THE SMOKEY MOUNTAINS END OF THIS MONTH. THIS COULD HAVE BEEN A TERRIBLE DISASTER. WE BOUGHT THIS CAR NEW IN 2003 KEEPING IT WELL MAINTAINED WITH INTENTION OF PASSING IT DOWN TO OUR 20,19 AND 16 YEAR OLD. THERE ARE REPORTS OF ACCIDENTS AND AT LEAST 1 DEATH AS THE RESULT OF THIS DEFECT. SOMETHING NEEDS TO BE DONE. I ALSO RECOMMENDED THEY EXAMINE THE FRONT SUBFRAME SINCE THERE MAY BE ISSUES WITH THAT REPAIR FROM REPORTS SEEN ON THE INTERNET. DO NOT WANT TO FIX THE REAR AND HAVE THAT GO BAD ALSO. SOUNDS LIKE THEY NEED TO TAKE THESE VEHICLES OFF THE ROAD. I HAVE SOME PICTURES OF THE REAR AXLE. *TR

Mileage: 125,000

FORD CAME OUT AND TOOL MY CAR TO [XXX] CUNNINGHAM TO FIX MY CALL ON A SAFETY RECALL DATED 2/28/2014 THEN REFUSE TO FIX MY CAR STATE FORD REFUSE TO PAY HOME FOR THE RECALL REPAIR HE SAID I HAVE TO PAY OUT OF POCKET. ALL REPAIR ARE FREE OF CHARGE MY CAR STILL AT THE SHOP AT THE SHOP BECAUSE THE FRONT WHEEL CAUSE BY THE POWER TRAIN AXLE ASSEMBLY NHTSA 12V193000 AND 11V030000 11S16 AND 10S13 3/11/2014. CAN I GET A COPY OF THESE RECALL MAIL TO ME THANKS MY CAR IS STILL AT [XXX] FOR 3 WEEKS NOW PLEASE HELP NO RENTER WAS GIVEN TO ME AS PART OF THE RECALL. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6). *TR

Mileage: 10,000

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2003 FORD WINDSTAR. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 40 MPH, THE FRONT AXLE FRACTURED AND RESULTED IN THE DETACHMENT OF THE FRONT DRIVER'S SIDE WHEEL. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO THE CONTACT'S RESIDENCE. THERE WAS A RECALL RELATED TO THE DEFECT UNDER NHTSA CAMPAIGN ID NUMBER 12V194000 (SUSPENSION). THE DEALER WAS CONTACTED BUT REFUSED TO REPAIR THE VEHICLE FOR AN UNKNOWN REASON. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE PROBLEM. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS UNAVAILABLE. UPDATED 04/22/14 MA

MINI VAN STEERING STARTED MAKING CLUNKING NOISE WHILE TURNING. THEN I NOTICE STEERING WHEEL IS NOT STRAIGHT WHEN CAR IS DRIVING STRAIGHT AND SOMETHING WAS WRONG WITH ALIGNMENT. AUTOMECHANIC TOLD ME PASSENGER SIDE SUB-FRAME ROTTED OUT AND MINIVAN IS UNSAFE TO DRIVE. I INVESTIGATED POTENTIAL RECALL OF WINDSTAR MINIVANS - I AM VERY UPSET THAT THIS COULD HAVE CAUSED ME TO CRASH ON THE HIGHWAY. ONLY A VERY THIN PIECE OF METAL REMAINS HOLDING THE FRAME IN PLACE. MINIVAN IS UNDRIVABLE AND NEED TO REPLACE SUBFRAME. *TR

Mileage: 97,332

THE ISSUE WITH MY VEHICLE IS WITH ITS SUBFRAME. THE FRONT DRIVER'S SIDE PORTION OF IT IS RUSTING OUT. I TOOK IT IN ON 11/4/13 TO A LICENSED VEHICLE SERVICE PLACE FOR A REGULAR OIL CHANGE, ONLY TO HAVE THE MECHANIC TELL ME THE SUBFRAME IS RUSTING OUT. AFTER LEARNING THIS NEWS (AND VIEWING THE SUBFRAME MYSELF TO OBSERVE THE CONDITION), I TOOK IT INTO A FORD DEALERSHIP TO HAVE IT FURTHER INSPECTED. THE SECOND INSPECTION WAS ON 11/7/13. AT THE LOCAL FORD DEALERSHIP, THEY ALSO INSPECTED THE REAR AXLE (WHICH WAS PART OF A FORD RECALL IN THE PAST). THE DEALERSHIP COULD SEE WHERE AN ATTEMPT TO APPLY SOME TYPE OF COATING TO IT ANOTHER TIME DID NOT CHANGE THE FACT THAT THERE WAS NOW A SIX-INCH CRACK RUNNING DOWN THE CENTER OF THE AXLE. A SERVICE CONSULTANT FROM THE DEALERSHIP TOOK MANY PICTURES TO SEND TO FORD. I DID NOT DRIVE MY VEHICLE HOME THAT DAY. A FORD REP CAME IN THE NEXT DAY, AND ONE OF THE THINGS HE WAS TO DO WAS TO INSPECT MY VEHICLE. FROM WHAT I WAS TOLD, AND FROM WHAT THE INITIAL FORD SERVICE CONSULTANT SAID, WAS THAT IT WAS A UNANIMOUS RECOMMENDATION TO FORD TO REPLACE THE SUBFRAME. FORD, HOWEVER, REFUSED, EVEN AFTER MANY ATTEMPTS TO HAVE THE "WHY" QUESTION ANSWERED, AND THEY WOULD NOT PROVIDE AN ANSWER. BEFORE OUR OWNERSHIP OF THE VEHICLE, WHEN THE INITIAL SUBFRAME RECALL EXISTED, THE VEHICLE'S SUBFRAME APPARENTLY WAS NOT CORRODING PROFUSELY IN 2011. BRACKETS WERE INSTALLED, AND THE PROBLEM WAS CONSIDERED "FIXED." LESS THAN A YEAR AND A HALF INTO OUR OWNERSHIP OF THE VEHICLE, THE SUBFRAME IS ROTTING, AND FORD WILL DO NOTHING TO REPAIR IT AS SHE TOLD ME TODAY (11/12/13) IN MY CONVERSATION WITH [XXX] FROM FORD (1-800-392-FORD). THOUGH THEY HAVE THE PICTURES SOMEWHERE IN THEIR SYSTEM, THEY HAVE CONSIDERED THE CASE CLOSED. OUR FAMILY VEHICLE CAN NOT BE SAFELY USED FOR THE FAMILY. PLEASE HOLD FORD ACCOUNTABLE FOR THE SAFETY OF THEIR VEHICLES. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6). *TR

Mileage: 84,549

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2003 FORD WINDSTAR. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE REVERSING AT UNKNOWN SPEEDS, HE HEARD AN ABNORMAL NOISE. UPON INSPECTION, IT WAS FOUND THAT THE REAR AXLE WAS FRACTURED AND THE FRONT SUB FRAME WAS COMPLETELY RUSTED. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE VEHICLE WAS PREVIOUSLY REPAIRED UNDER NHTSA CAMPAIGN ID NUMBERS: 11V030000 (STRUCTURE) AND 12V195000 (SUSPENSION). THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALER WHERE THE FAILURES WERE CONFIRMED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS CONTACTED ABOUT THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 160,000.

Mileage: 160,000

REAR AXLE COMPLETELY SNAPPED IN TWO. ALSO, THE VAN HAS THE ABS AND BRAKE LIGHTS ARE ON TOOK IN FOR A CODE READ AND NOTHING. THE ELECTRICAL ACTS VERY STRANGE MUSIC AND LIGHTS FADE IN AND OUT AND THE CRUISE CONTROL IS VERY JERKY. *TR

Mileage: 112,000

THE REAR DRIVERS SIDE AUTOMATIC SLIDING DOOR DOES NOT ALWAYS SHUT ALL THE WAY. IT ALSO DOES NOT USUALLY OPEN WITHOUT PULLING THE LOCK AT THE SAME TIME AS TRYING TO OPEN IT. *TR

FORD SAFETY RECALL 11S16 WAS TO REINFORCE OR REPLACE REAR AXLE TO ENSURE VEHICLE SAFETY. FORD INSTALLED BRACKETS THAT WERE EITHER INEFFECTIVE, IMPROPERLY INSTALLED, OR AXLE WAS ALREADY CRACKED WHEN INSTALLED. WHEN OWNER WAS INFORMED OF POSSIBLE CRACKS IN REAR AXLE APRIL 2013 FORD WAS IMMEDIATELY NOTIFIED AND FORDS RESPONSE IS THAT THERE ARE NO FACTORY WARRANTIES OR PROGRAMS IN EFFECT TO ASSIST WITH THIS ISSUE. THIS VEHICLE CURRENTLY HAS 110200 MILES ON IT. IT HAS BEEN DRIVEN 12,000 MILES SINCE THE RECALL. AT THE TIME OF THE SAFETY RECALL 11S16 REPAIRS THE OWNER HAD REQUESTED THAT FORD REPLACE THE AXLE INSTEAD OF INSTALLING BRACKETS, AND WAS WILLING TO CONTRIBUTE TOWARDS THE ADDITIONAL REPAIR COSTS. FORD REFUSED TO REPLACE THE AXLE, INSTALLING THE BRACKETS INSTEAD. SUBSEQUENTLY, FORD REPAIRS WERE INEFFECTIVE AND RESULTED IN CRACKS IN THE REAR AXLE. AS OF THIS DATE, FORD HAS TAKEN THE POSITION THAT THE REPAIRS TO THE VEHICLE ARE THE RESPONSIBILITY OF THE OWNER. THE OWNER DISAGREES AND IS REQUESTING THAT FORD BE REQUIRED TO LIVE UP TO THEIR AGREEMENT UNDER THE SAFETY RECALL 11S16, TO ENSURE THAT THE REAR AXLE OF SAID VEHICLE MEETS OR EXCEEDS SAFETY REQUIREMENTS. *TR

Mileage: 98,000

WE HAVE NOT BEEN PROPERLY INFORMED ABOUT ALL OF THE RECALLS OR OTHER ISSUES WITH OUR VEHICLE. THE VEHICLE DOES HAVE A LOT OF PROBLEMS FROM THE ELECTRICAL, STRUCTURE, ENGINE LIGHTS ARE ALWAYS THROWING CODES NEEDING A LOT OF SENSOR REPLACEMENTS AT OUR COST, THE RPMS SEEM TO RUN FAST SITTING AT A LIGHT(WE HAVE TO TURN OFF THE ENGINE AND THEN RESTART), AND THE ENGINE SEEMS TO RUN HOT, BRAKES, CRUISE CONTROL(CANNOT USE), TRACTION CONTROL(CANNOT USE), INTERIOR LIGHT ARE ALWAYS FLICKERING, PASSENGER WINDOWS(CANNOT USE) AND DOOR LOCKS(CANNOT USE), BOTH REAR WINDOWS(CANNOT USE), LEAKS FROM ROOF, REAR DOOR AND SLIDING DOORS, THE CRUISE CONTROL, BRAKE AND TRACTION CONTROL LIGHTS STAY ON WHILE DRIVING(WE WERE TOLD BY A DEALERSHIP THAT WE CAN STILL DRIVE THE VEHICLE, BUT WE WON'T HAVE ANTI-LOCK BRAKES.), THE AC IS ALWAYS HAVING TROUBLE STAYING CHARGED, THE AC/HEAT CONTROL SWITCHES HAVE MALFUNCTIONED(IT HAS TO BE SET AWAY FROM THE COLD AND THE SPEED TO 3/4 SPEED TO WORK RIGHT), THE BATTERY KEEPS LOSING CHARGE, THE BRAKE TAIL LIGHTS STAY ON DRAINING THE BATTERY AND HAD TO GET REPAIRED BY US BECAUSE THE DEALERSHIP COULD NOT LOCATE THE PROBLEM, DRIVER SEAT HAS MALFUNCTIONED(CANNOT USE PER DEALERSHIP'S REQUEST), CRUISE CONTROL AND TRACTION CONTROL DOES NOT WORK, SUSPENSION SEEMS TO HAVE A LOT OF SQUEAKS AND POPPING SOUNDS, ALTERNATOR AND STARTER HAD TO BE REPLACED SEVERAL TIMES, THE COIL PACKS NEED CONSTANT REPLACEMENTS, ALL SPARK PLUGS AND WIRES HAD TO BE REPLACED BEFORE THEIR TIME, CANNOT USE THE REAR WIPER BECAUSE IT GOES DOWN ONTO THE PAINT AND STARTS WIPING THE PAINT AND NOT THE REAR WINDOW, CONSTANTLY REPLACING EXTERIOR LIGHTS ALL AROUND, THE ENGINE CONSTANTLY CUTS OUT, WE TOLD THE DEALERSHIP FOR SEVERAL YEARS THAT THERE WAS AN ANTIFREEZE SMELL AND THEY COULD NOT LOCATE IT UNTIL 5-28-13, REPLACED BAD FRONT AND REAR AXLES ON 5/28/13 AND MANY OTHERS. 12K-18K TO REPAIR EVERYTHING. *TR

Mileage: 40,228

ABOUT MARCH OF 2012 MY 2003 FORD WIND STAR'S LOWER CONTROL ARM SEPARATED FROM THE SUB FRAME "ENGINE CRADLE". I TOOK MY VAN TO DEALER. THEY DID DO A REPAIR TO SUB FRAME, WHICH I DID NOT FIND SATISFACTORY, FORD CORP. HAD THEM CUT OFF WHAT WAS LEFT OF ANY DAMAGED BRACKETS AND CLAMP STEEL BRACKETS ONTO A SUB FRAME THAT IS ALREADY DAMAGED DUE TO HEAVY RUST AND CORROSION. NOW ABOUT ONE YEAR LATER "MARCH OF 2013" THE SWAY BAR MOUNT, WHICH IS PART OF THE SUB FRAME HAS RUSTED OUT. MAKING DRIVING VERY UNSAFE AND UNSTABLE. THIS PROBLEM SHOULD HAVE BEEN RECTIFIED WHEN THE RECALL WAS DONE IN 2012. I TOOK VAN BACK TO THE DEALER. THEY SENT PICTURES TO FORD CORP. FORD DID NOT APPROVE ANY REPAIRS TO SUB FRAME STATING THAT IT WAS NOT PART OF ORIGINAL RECALL. NOW HOW IS THAT POSSIBLE IF THE SUB FRAME AND SWAY BAR MOUNT ARE ALL ONE COMPONENT. IT'S ALL ONE WELDED PIECE OF STEEL. THERE IS NO FIX AT THIS TIME BUT TO REPLACE THE SUB FRAME. NOW IF THE SUB FRAME IS UNDER RECALL AND THE SWAY BAR MOUNT IS PART OF THE SUB FRAME, THEN I FEEL FORD SHOULD RECTIFY THE PROBLEM. I PLAN ON KEEPING MY FORD WIND STAR FOR A WHILE. I FEEL THIS IS A SERIOUS SAFETY ISSUE AND REALLY NEEDS TO BE DEALT WITH. FORD SHOULD COVER THIS COMPONENT OR THEY GET AWAY WITH AN UNSATISFACTORY FIX AND I STILL HAVE TO PAY FOR A NEW SUB FRAME, WHICH WAS THE WHOLE ISSUE TO BEGIN WITH. *TR

THERE WAS A SAFETY RECALL INITIATED BY FORD FOR CORROSION OF THE ENGINE CRADLE - 2003 FORD WINDSTAR STRUCTURE: FRAME AND MEMBERS:UNDERBODY SHIELDS NHTSA CAMPAIGN #11V030000. FORD REPAIRED THE LEFT SIDE ONLY, LEAVING THE RIGHT SIDE RUSTED AND NOW SEVERAL SIGNIFICANT RUST HOLES HAVE APPEARED ON THE RIGHT SIDE. FORD DISCLAIMS ANY RESPONSIBILITY SAYING THAT THEY MADE THE REPAIR PROPERLY BUT I CLAIM THEY MADE THE REPAIR INADEQUATELY. BAD METAL IS BAD METAL AND REGARDLESS OF THE FACT THAT THE HOLES WERE DISCOVERED OVER A YEAR LATER IS INAPPLICABLE AS GOOD METAL DOES NOT RUST THROUGH TO THE POINT OF CREATING A SAFETY HAZARD. IF THE ENGINE CRADLE FAILS, THE ENGINE WILL FALL FROM THE VEHICLE, POTENTIALLY WHILE MOVING. GAS WILL SPEW ACROSS THE ROAD AND A FIREBALL WILL IGNITE. OTHER DRIVERS WILL EITHER HIT THE ENGINE, SWERVE TO MISS IT AND HIT OTHER VEHICLES, AND/OR GET CAUGHT IN THE INFERNO WHICH WILL CAUSE SIGNIFICANT DAMAGE, HUMAN HARM AND NEEDLESS DEATHS. FORD INITIATED THIS SAFETY RECALL BECAUSE THERE WAS THIS SAFETY ISSUE AND THE ISSUE REMAINS. SAFETY WAS NOT IMPROVED BY SIMPLY REPAIRING ONE SIDE OF THE ENGINE CRADLE ALLOWING THE OTHER SIDE TO CORRODE TO THE POINT OF SIZEABLE RUST HOLES BEING CREATED IN A SHORT PERIOD OF TIME FOLLOWING THE INITIAL INADEQUATE REPAIR. ONCE A SAFETY RECALL IS INITIATED, IT IS IN THE BEST INTERESTS OF THE PUBLIC TO ENSURE THAT THE REPAIR IS PROPERLY AND COMPLETELY MADE AND THEREFORE THAT THE SAFETY ISSUE IS FULLY RESOLVED.

Mileage: 120,000

MECHANICS AT BIG MIKE NAUGHTON AURORA DENVER FORD, INC, AND PRIVATE MECHANIC DISCOVERED RUST AND CRACKS THROUGH OUT REAR AXLE. *TR

Mileage: 121,830

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2003 FORD WINDSTAR. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE SUB-FRAME EXHIBITED A HOLE DUE TO RUST AND CORROSION. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALER FOR INSPECTION WHERE THE CONTACT WAS ADVISED THAT THERE WAS A HOLE IN THE SUB-FRAME. THE DEALER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE WHO THEN ADVISED THAT THERE WERE NO RECALLS FOR THE SUB-FRAME. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE WHO FILED A COMPLAINT FOR THE CONTACT. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 139,379.

Mileage: 139,379

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2003 FORD WINDSTAR. THE CONTACT RECEIVED NOTIFICATION OF NHTSA CAMPAIGN ID NUMBER: 11V030000 (STRUCTURE: FRAME AND MEMBERS:UNDERBODY SHIELDS). THE CONTACT TOOK THE VEHICLE TO THE DEALER FOR RECALL REPAIRS TO THE FRONT PASSENGER SIDE SUB FRAME AND THE REAR AXLE. THE VEHICLE WAS REPAIRED HOWEVER, THE SUB FRAME FAILED A FEW MONTHS LATER. THE CONTACT WENT TO HAVE AN ALIGNMENT PERFORMED ON THE VEHICLE AND WAS ADVISED THAT SHE NEEDED TO TAKE THE VEHICLE TO THE DEALER BECAUSE THE SUB FRAME WAS RUSTED. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALER WHERE THEY ADVISED THAT THERE WAS A HOLE IN THE SUB FRAME AND THE VEHICLE WAS NO LONGER SAFE TO DRIVE. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT NOTIFIED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 75,000.

Mileage: 75,000

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2003 FORD WINDSTAR. WHILE PARKED, THE CONTACT NOTICED THE REAR DRIVER AND PASSENGER DOORS WOULD NOT OPEN FROM THE INTERIOR. THE CONTACT EXITED THE VEHICLE AND OPENED THE DOORS FROM THE EXTERIOR SO THE PASSENGERS COULD EXIT THE VEHICLE. THE SAME FAILURE OCCURRED TO THE REAR LIFT GATE. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT TAKEN TO THE DEALER FOR A DIAGNOSTIC TEST. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 117,000.

Mileage: 117,000

MY DEALERSHIP JUST CONFIRMED THAT THE FRONT (PASSENGER) SIDE ENGINE MOUNT THAT IS PART OF THE SUBFRAME HAS CORROSION TO THE EXTENT THAT THERE ARE TWO PERFORATIONS COMPLETELY THROUGH THE ENGINE MOUNT. I WAS TOLD THAT THE RECALL FOR THE SUBFRAME HAS CLOSED AND THAT THERE IS NO RECOURSE FOR GETTING FINANCIAL ASSISTANCE WITH THIS. HOWEVER, THE SERVICE MANAGER ([XXX]) ALSO ADMITTED THAT THE EXTENT OF CORROSION AND PERFORATION DID NOT OCCUR IN ONE YEAR ( I HAD THE ORIGINAL RECALL SERVICE DONE IN MAY OF 2011). THEREFORE, I QUESTION WHY THEY DID NOT BRING THIS TO ATTENTION OF THE RECALL AND INCLUDE THE REPAIR ACCORDINGLY. THIS IS A SAFETY ISSUE AND I WOULD APPRECIATE ANY HELP YOU CAN GIVE ME. THE DEALERSHIP WHERE I HAD THE SERVICE PERFORMED IS ROY O'BRIEN FORD IN ST. CLAIRE SHORES MI AND THEIR PHONE NUMBER IS 586-776-7600. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6). *TR

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2003 FORD WINDSTAR. THE CONTACT STATED THAT NHTSA CAMPAIGN ID NUMBER: 11V030000 STRUCTURE: FRAME AND MEMBERS: UNDERBODY SHIELDS REPAIR WAS PERFORMED, BUT THE FAILURE WAS NOT CORRECTED. THE FRONT SUBFRAME DEVELOPED A NEW CRACK DUE TO CORROSION, AND THE REAR PASSENGER SIDE SUBFRAME WAS SEVERELY CORRODED WITHIN THE SUSPENSION ATTACHMENT WHICH DEVELOPED A CRACK AND A HOLE. THE VEHICLE DID NOT PASS STATED INSPECTION AND WAS DEEMED UNSAFE TO DRIVE. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 107,694 AND THE CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 129,399.

Mileage: 107,694

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2003 FORD WINDSTAR. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE VEHICLE WAS SERVICED UNDER NHTSA CAMPAIGN ID NUMBER: 11V030000 (STRUCTURE: FRAME AND MEMBERS: UNDER-BODY SHIELDS) HOWEVER, THE DEALER RECOMMENDED THAT THE SUB-FRAME ALSO BE REPLACED, DUE TO CORROSION. THE MANUFACTURER WAS MADE AWARE OF THE DEALER 'S RECOMMENDATION TO REPLACE THE SUB-FRAME, BUT THE MANUFACTURER DENIED ANY ASSISTANCE WITH THE REPAIR. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE FAILURE AND THE CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 70,000.

Mileage: 70,000

AFTER HAVING THE 2011 REAR AXLE AND SUBFRAME RECALL DONE MY TRANSMISSION FAILED WITH NO WARNING SIGNS WHAT'S SO EVER . . . . SHORTLY AFTER SPENDING TWO THOUSAND ON HAVING THE TRANSMISSION REBUILT IN AUGUST MY BRAKE LIGHT CAME ON AND MY ABS STARTING KICKING IN WHEN I APPLY MY BREAKS AND WHEN MY ABS LIGHT COMES ON MY BRAKES ARE FINE AND MY VAN DOESN'T COME UP ON THE ABS RECALL . . . . . . FORD NEEDS TO GET THEIR ACT TOGETHER AND FIX THESE VANS. *TR

RECENTLY ISSUED RECALL OF 2004 FORD CO. MINIVANS FOR INPUT SHAFT FAILURE, ALL FORD WINDSTARS INCLUDING 2003 MODELS HAVE THE SAME ISSUE. FREESTAR VAN IS NOTHING BUT A NAME CHANGE FOR THE SAME POOR UNSAFE VEHICLE. ALONG WITH THE MANY SAFETY ISSUES, OWNERS SHOULD BE COMPENSATED FOR THE REPAIRS MADE ON SUBSTANDARD VEHICLE. INCLUDING THE FRAME ISSUES, BRAKES ISSUE, ELECTRICAL AND ENGINE QUALITY. *TR

Mileage: 90,000

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2003 FORD WINDSTAR. THE CONTACT STATED THAT AFTER RECEIVING NOTIFICATION OF A MANUFACTURER'S RECALL FOR THE MOTOR BRACKETS, THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALER FOR REPAIRS. MONTHS AFTER THE RECALL REPAIRS WHILE THE CONTACT WAS DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 5 MPH, THE ENGINE BEGAN SHIFTING ABNORMALLY. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC WHERE THEY ADVISED THE CONTACT THAT TWO MOTOR MOUNTS WERE FRACTURED AND NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE VEHICLE WAS REPAIRED. THE MECHANIC ADVISED THE CONTACT THAT THE FAILURE MAY HAVE BEEN CAUSED BY THE PREVIOUS RECALL REPAIRS. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS APPROXIMATELY 186,000. THE VIN WAS UNAVAILABLE. UPDATED 02/09/12*LJ UPDATED 04/18/12

Mileage: 186,000

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2003 FORD WINDSTAR. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE VEHICLE WAS EXPERIENCING NUMEROUS FAILURES WITH THE ABS, BRAKE LIGHT ILLUMINATION, SLOW GEAR SHIFTING AND POWER WINDOWS AND DOOR LOCK FAILURES. THE MANUFACTURER WAS CONTACTED AND ADVISED THAT THERE WERE NO RECALLS FOR THE VEHICLE. THE MANUFACTURER DENIED ANY ASSISTANCE WITH REPAIRS TO THE VEHICLE. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT TAKEN TO THE DEALER TO BE DIAGNOSED OR REPAIRED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 101,000 AND THE CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 104,000.

Mileage: 101,000

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2003 FORD WINDSTAR. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE AUTOMATIC DOORS WOULD OPEN AND CLOSE WITHOUT ANYONE OPERATING THE CONTROL BUTTONS. THE DEALER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE AND ADVISED THAT THERE WERE NO RECALLS FOR THE FAILURE. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED AND CONFIRMED THAT THERE WERE NO RECALLS AND OFFERED NO ASSISTANCE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 119,000.

Mileage: 119,000

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2003 FORD WINDSTAR. THE CONTACT STATED THE VEHICLE WAS RECENTLY REPAIRED UNDER THE NHTSA CAMPAIGN ID NUMBER 11V030000 (STRUCTURE: FRAME AND MEMBERS: UNDERBODY SHIELDS. THE REMEDY REPAIR CONSISTED OF ATTACHING A BRACKET TO THE REAR SUBFRAME. AFTER THE REPAIR WAS PERFORMED, THE VEHICLE BEGAN TO VIBRATE EXCESSIVELY AND THE BRACKET PROTRUDED INTO THE TRANSMISSION AND CAUSED A HOLE. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE DEFECT AND THEY WERE UNABLE TO PROVIDE FURTHER ASSISTANCE PERTAINING TO THE REPAIR. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 103,000.

Mileage: 103,000

2003 FORD WINDSTAR, INSPECTED FOR REAR AXLE CORROSION RECALL, PASSED AND PARTS ADDED IN MAR 2011. AT THE SAME TIME THE REAR AXLE WAS FIXED THE VEHICLE WAS INSPECTED FOR FRONT SUBFRAME RECALL AND PASSED. AUG 18-2011 THE PASSENGER SIDE LOWER CONTROL ARM BROKE WHILE DRIVING AT APPROX 20MPH. NO LETTER WAS EVER RECEIVED FROM FORD TO ADD PARTS TO FRONT SUBFRAME (CONFIRMED BY A PHONECALL TO FORD CANADA) HOW DID THEY PASS THIS AS IT FAILED 1500 KMS LATER. NOT FEELING SAFE TO DRIVE IT AGAIN (FORD IS GOING TO FIX IT!) *TR

Mileage: 115,000

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2003 FORD WINDSTAR. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE VEHICLE WAS REPAIRED UNDER NHTSA CAMPAIGN ID NUMBERS: 10V385000( SUSPENSION:REAR:AXLE:NON-POWERED AXLE ASSEMBLY) AND 11V030000 (STRUCTURE: FRAME AND MEMBERS:UNDERBODY SHIELDS). THE VEHICLE WAS LATER TAKEN FOR ROUTINE MAINTENANCE WHEN THE TECHNICIAN ADVISED THAT THE BRACKETS THAT WERE INSTALLED ON THE VEHICLE FROM THE RECALL WERE NOT STEADY AND UNSAFE. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT CONTACTED NOR WAS THE VEHICLE FURTHER REPAIRED. THE FAILURE AND CURRENT MILEAGE WAS APPROXIMATELY 82,000. THE VIN WAS UNAVAILABLE.

Mileage: 82,000

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2003 FORD WINDSTAR. WHILE DRIVING IN REVERSE AT APPROXIMATELY 5 MPH THE CONTACT HEARD A SNAPPING SOUND. THE CONTACT STOPPED THE VEHICLE AND NOTICED THE FRONT PASSENGERS SIDE SUSPENSION HAD DETACHED FROM THE VEHICLE. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC. THE MECHANIC STATED THAT THE FRONT PASSENGER SIDE LOWER CONTROL ARM AND SUSPENSION DETACHED FROM THE VEHICLE. THE MECHANIC NOTIFIED THE CONTACT OF A RECALL RELATED TO THE FAILURE. THE DEALER WAS THEN NOTIFIED AND THE CONTACT WAS INFORMED THAT THE VEHICLE WAS NOT INCLUDED IN THE RECALL ASSOCIATED WITH NHTSA CAMPAIGN ID NUMBER 11V030000 (STRUCTURE: FRAME AND MEMBERS:UNDER BODY SHIELDS). THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO THE DEALER WHERE THE CONTACT WAS INFORMED THAT THE SUB FRAME WAS CORRODED AND NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE TECHNICIANS REPAIRED BOTH FRONT LOWER CONTROL ARMS AND BODY MOUNTS. THE SUSPENSION BAR WHICH DETACHED FROM THE VEHICLE AND THE SUB FRAME WAS NOT REPLACED. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 180,000. UPDATED 08/17/11

Mileage: 180,000

TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2003 FORD WINDSTAR. THE CONTACT STATED THE PASSENGER SIDE SLIDING DOOR DOES NOT WORK PROPERLY. THE DOOR WILL NOT OPEN WITH THE REMOTE OR KEY, BUT THEN IT WOULD ALSO OPEN ON ITS OWN. THE VEHICLE HAD NOT BEEN INSPECTED OR REPAIRED. THE FAILURE AND CURRENT MILEAGES WERE 104,000.

Mileage: 104,000

2003 FORD WINDSTAR MINIVAN. CONSUMER EXPRESSES DISCONTENT IN REGARDS TO VEHICLE RECALL AND UNSAFE TO DRIVE *TGW THE CONSUMER STATED THE VEHICLE WAS RECALLED. IT WAS THEN DETERMINED THE VEHICLE COULD NOT BE REPAIRED AND WAS NOT SAFE TO DRIVE. THE CONSUMER WAS OFFERED A SETTLEMENT AMOUNT OF $6,675. HE STATEMENT THE SETTLEMENT OFFER WAS NOT ADEQUATE. *JB

WINDSTAR VAN DOORS WILL LOCK AND UNLOCK WHILE DRIVING. RIGHT PASSENGER SLIDE DOOR WILL NOT LOCK/ UNLOCK HAVE TO DO IT BY HAND. LEFT REAR PASSENGERS DOOR SLIDE OPEN IT SELF AFTER I SHUT IT. WILL LOCK IT SELF. I CAN PULL THE LOCK UP AND IT WILL LOCK IT SELF AGAIN. THE DRIVERS DOOR WILL NOT UNLOCK HAVE TO USE KEY.. KEYLESS REMOTESTOP WORKING. PLUS BATTERY . STILL NOTHING. *TR

Mileage: 45,000

SAFETY RECALLS CONCERNS: 09V399000, 10V38500, 11V030000. RECALL ON # 10V385000 WAS REPAIRED BUT STILL HAVING A PROBLEM WITH THE REPAIR HAVE TAKEN BACK THREE TIMES THEY COULDN'T FIND ANYTHING, BUT THERE IS STILL A PROBLEM IT MAKES A POPPING NOISE WHEN VEHICLE SHIFTS. RECALL ON #11V030000 WAS NOT REPAIRED, TOOK IN FOR INSPECTION TO FORD THEY SAID AS LONG AS I WAS IN ALABAMA I NOTHING TO BE CONCERN ABOUT, THE RECALL NOTICE STATED IF THE VEHICLE PASSED INSPECTION THE DEALER IS AUTHORIZED TO COMPLETE REINFORCEMENT, MY VEHICLE PASSED INSPECTION BUT NO REPAIR WAS MADE.RECALL ON 09V399000 I HAVE TALK WITH THEM SEVERAL TIMES THEY INFORMED ME THERE WAS NO RECALL FOR THIS VEHICLE FOR THAT RECALL . *TR

Mileage: 156,753

HAVE 2003 FORD WINDSTAR NO DEALERS ARE WILLING TO TAKE THIS VEHICLE IN TRADE BECAUSE OF FRAME RECALL,DEALERS DO NOT HAVE PARTS TO FIX FRAME YET.FORD SHOULD BUY BACK ALL FORD WINDSTAR .THESE VANS ARE NOT SAFE,TRANSMISSIONS ARE BAD,ELECTRIC WINDOWS DO NOT WORK HALF THE TIME. REAR AXLE RECALL FRONT FRAME RECALL. DO NOT BUY ONE OF THESE VANS THEY ARE JUNK. *TR

Mileage: 72,000

2003 FORD WINDSTAR. CONSUMER WRITES IN REGARDS TO THE PERFORMANCE OF THE FORD MOTOR COMPANY AND TWO SAFETY RECALLS *TGW THE CONSUMER STATED THE INSPECTIONS AND REPAIRS WERE NOT CONDUCTED IN A TIMELY, EFFICIENT, AND RESPONSIBLE MANNER. THE CONSUMER STATED WHEN HE FINALLY RECEIVED AN APPOINTMENT FOR THE AXLE INSPECTION, IT WAS DETERMINED THE AXLE WAS CRACKED IN THREE PLACES. THE DEALER DID NOT HAVE THE REPLACEMENT PARTS AND THE VEHICLE WAS DEEMED UNSAFE TO DRIVE, AND THEREFORE, IT WAS LEFT AT THE DEALER FOR OVER A MONTH. THE CONSUMER STATED HE THEN RECEIVED ANOTHER RECALL RELATING TO THE SUBFRAME. THE CONSUMER CONTACTED THE DEALER REGARDING THE SECOND RECALL AND WAS INFORMED THEY WERE AWARE OF IT AND HE WOULD BE CONTACTED WHEN THE REPAIRS FOR THE SECOND RECALL HAD BEEN COMPLETED. THE CONSUMER RECEIVED A VOICE MAIL FROM THE DEALER STATING THE PARTS FOR THE AXLE HAD ARRIVED. HOWEVER, IT WAS DISCOVERED THE ENGINE HAD AN OIL LEAK, THE SWAY BAR LINK WAS BROKEN IN THE FRONT, THE RIGHT FRONT TIRE WAS BADLY WORN ON THE INSIDE AND THE LEFT REAR SHOCK WAS COMPLETELY BLOWN OUT. *JB

MY 2003 FORD WINDSTAR LIMITED EDITION HAS MAJOR ELECTRICAL PROBLEMS. THE HAZZARD LIGHTS WILL NOT GO OFF THEREFORE DRAINING MY BATTERY. I HAVE TO DISCONNECT IT WHENEVER I SHUT IT OFF. IT IS CURRENTLY AT BAY RIDGE FORD FOR THE RECALL INVOLVING THE REAR AXLE. HOWEVER IT HAS FAILED EMISSIONS FOR CODE 171 AND 174. I BELIEVE THERE IS A MAJOR FLAW IN THE DESIGN OF THE WINDSTAR VAN. *TR

Mileage: 149,000

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2003 FORD WINDSTAR. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE VEHICLE EXHIBITED A LOUD POP FROM THE FRONT PASSENGER SIDE WHILE THE VEHICLE WAS PARKED. THE CONTACT NOTICED THAT THE SPRING HAD FRACTURED YET THE PLATE IN WHICH THE SPRING WAS ATTACHED WAS STILL IN PLACE. THE CONTACT MENTIONED THAT THE VEHICLE WAS INCLUDED IN NHTSA CAMPAIGN ID NUMBER: 11V030000 (STRUCTURE: FRAME AND MEMBERS:UNDERBODY SHIELDS) AND CONTACTED THE MANUFACTURER. THE MANUFACTURER ADVISED THAT THE VEHICLE WOULD NEED A DIAGNOSTIC PERFORMED BEFORE DETERMINING IF THE FAILURE WAS RELATED TO THE RECALL AND IF THE REPAIRS WOULD BE COVERED. IN ADDITION, THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE VEHICLE WAS PREVIOUSLY REPAIRED BECAUSE THE FRONT DRIVER SIDE SPRING FAILED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT FURTHER REPAIRED. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 110,000.

Mileage: 110,000

TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2003 FORD WINDSTAR. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE FRONT END OF THE VEHICLE WAS COVERED WITH RUST AND SHAKING VIOLENTLY WHILE DRIVING. THE BRAKE PEDAL ALSO EXTENDED TO THE FLOORBOARD WHEN IT WAS ENGAGED. ALL OF THE GAUGES ON THE INSTRUMENT PANEL FELL BELOW ZERO, THE BRAKE LIGHT ILLUMINATED WHILE ALL OF THE LIGHTS ON THE INSTRUMENT PANEL BEGAN TO SHUT ON AND OFF. THE REAR AXLE WAS CRACKED ON EACH END OF THE VEHICLE. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO AN AUTHORIZED DEALER WHO ADDED TWO PLATES ON EACH SIDE OF THE AXLE. THE CONTACT REFERENCED RECALL 10V385000 (SUSPENSION:REAR:AXLE:NON-POWERED AXLE ASSEMBLY) & RECALL 11V030000 (STRUCTURE: FRAME AND MEMBERS:UNDERBODY SHIELDS) BUT WAS CONCERNED WITH THE REMEDIES AND STATED THAT THEY WERE INADEQUATE. THE CONTACT ASKED THE DEALER IF THEY COULD GUARANTEE THAT THE AXLE WOULD NOT BREAK WITH THE TWO PLATES BUT RECEIVED NO GUARANTEE. THE MANUFACTURER OFFERED NO ASSISTANCE. THE CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 127,000. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS UNKNOWN.

FORD WINDSTAR WAS RECALLED FOR REAR AXLES. I HAD THAT REPAIRED. I GOT ANOTHER RECALL FOR THE FRONT AXLES. DEALER SAYS PARTS NOT AVAILABLE AND VAN "SHOULD BE OKAY" UNTIL PARTS ARE AVAILABLE. "SHOULD BE OKAY" IS NOT ACCEPTABLE!! IF THERE IS A RECALL, THE PART SHOULD BE AVAILABLE AT THE TIME OF THE RECALL, NOT WEEKS OR MONTHS LATER. *TR

Mileage: 92,000

TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2003 FORD WINDSTAR. THE CONTACT STATED THAT AFTER RECEIVING A RECALL NOTICE IN REGARDS TO NHTSA CAMPAIGN ID NUMBER 11V030000(STRUCTURE: FRAME AND MEMBERS:UNDERBODY SHIELDS) AND 10V385000(SUSPENSION:REAR:AXLE:NON-POWERED AXLE ASSEMBLY). SHE TOOK HER VEHICLE INTO THE DEALER NOVEMBER OF 2010 FOR BOTH RECALLS AND THE PARTS WERE NOT AVAILABLE TO PERFORM THE RECALL REPAIRS. THE MANUFACTURER WAS CONTACTED AND OFFERED NO ASSISTANCE. THERE ARE NO FAILURES AT THIS TIME.

WHILE DRIVING AT LOW SPEED, A LOUD BANG WAS HEARD AND ALL STEERING CONTROL WAS LOST. *TR

Mileage: 93,000

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2003 FORD WINDSTAR. THE CONTACT RECEIVED NOTIFICATION OF NHTSA CAMPAIGN ID NUMBERS: 10V385000 (SUSPENSION: REAR:AXLE:NON-POWERED AXLE ASSEMBLY) AND 11V030000 (STRUCTURE: FRAME AND MEMBERS: UNDERBODY SHIELDS). THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE MANUFACTURER AND DEALER WERE NOT PROPERLY INSPECTING OR HANDLING THE RECALL REPAIRS. THE CONTACT HAD NOT EXPERIENCED A FAILURE. THE CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 200,000. THE VIN WAS UNAVAILABLE.

Mileage: 200,000

BROUGHT MY 2003 FORD WINDSTAR SEL (WITH 78,397 MILES ON IT) IN TO DEALER TO HAVE IT CHECKED FOR SUBFRAME RECALL, THE ENGINE LIGHT BEGAN FLASHING, AND THE ABS, BRAKE LIGHT, AND TRAC OFF LIGHTS HAD ALL GONE ON. DURING THE DIAGNOSIS, THEY FOUND THAT THE SUBFRAME WAS FINE, THE SPARK PLUGS NEEDED TO BE REPLACED, THE IGNITION COIL NEEDED TO BE REPLACE (CAUSING CYLINDER 3 TO MISFIRE), AND THE PCM NEEDED TO BE RESEALED FOR MOISTURE. (MARCH 3RD, 2011) THEY FOUND NO HARD CODE FOR THE BRAKES. WE GET THE NECESSARY WORK DONE, DRIVE THE VAN HOME, AND WITHIN A DAY THE ABS LIGHT, BRAKE LIGHT, AND TRAC OFF LIGHT COME BACK ON. CALL AND HAVE THE DEALER LOOK AT VAN AGAIN, THEY NOW FIND CODE 1185 (PIN POINT TEST FOUND ABS MODULE NOT RESPONDING). THE DEALER REPLACED THE ABS MODULE AND RESCANNED WITH NO CODES AND WAS ROAD TESTED. EVERYTHING SEEMED FINE (MARCH 7TH, 2011), I PICK UP VAN, WITHIN 4 HOURS, THE ABS LIGHT, BRAKE LIGHT, AND TRAC OFF LIGHT ARE BACK ON. AS OF RIGHT NOW, THE VAN IS BACK AT THE DEALERS BEING CHECKED AGAIN. THIS IS VERY DISAPPOINTING. IN THE LAST WEEK, I HAVE HAD TO BRING THIS PARTICULAR VAN IN 4 TIMES DUE TO PROBLEMS. THIS ALL COMES AFTER HAVING WORK DONE ON THIS VAN IN DECEMBER. IN DECEMBER 2010, THEY PERFORMED SYSTEM DIAG,, DTCS, PO174, PO174, LEAN ON BOTH BANKS, INSPECT FOR VACUUM LEAKS, FOUND LEAKS AT INTAKE MANIFOLD RUNNER CONTROL SHAFTS, REQUIRED INTAKE MANIFOLD REPLACEMENT TO CORRECT, REPLACED INTAKE MANIFOLD AND REQUIRED PARTS, INCLUDING CLEANED FUEL INJECTOR, CHANGED OIL AND FILTER CLEARED DTCS, RETESTED VERIFIED PROPER OPERATION. MANIFOLD, 2 SEALS, 5 GASKETS, ISOLATOR, THERMOSTAT, ANTI-FREEZE, COUPLING, FUEL SYSTEM, FILTER, ENGINE OIL). THIS SHOULD NOT BE THE CASE WITH A VAN THAT HAS LESS THAN 80,000 MILES ON IT. *TR

Mileage: 78,397

BROUGHT MY 2003 FORD WINDSTAR IN TO MY LOCAL FORD DEALERSHIP BECAUSE IT FAILED STATE SAFETY INSPECTION AS THE ABS LIGHT WAS ON. FORD TOOK THE VEHICLE AND INSPECTED IT BASED UPON A RECALL ON THE REAR AXLE AND SAID THAT IT FAILED. THEY PROVIDED ME WITH A RENTAL. THE NEXT DAY, I CALLED THE DEALERSHIP AND ASKED THEM TO CHECK THE ABS RIGHT AWAY ANYWAY AS IF THEY WERE ABLE TO REPAIR THE AXLE ISSUE SOON, I WOULD STILL NOT BE ABLE TO DRIVE THE VEHICLE OFF THEIR LOT AS IT WASN'T SAFE. AT THE TIME, THE SERVICE MANAGER AGREED. I WAITED FOR A CALL BACK AND RECEIVED NONE. A MONTH LATER, I PLACED ANOTHER CALL AND WAS TOLD THAT THERE WAS GOING TO BE ANOTHER RECALL FOR THE FRONT SUBFRAME AND THAT FORD WAS GOING TO BUYBACK VEHICLES THAT WERE ALREADY IN WITH BOTH ISSUES SO I SHOULD WAIT FOR THE RECALL TO BECOME OFFICIALLY IN PROGRESS. I WAITED ANOTHER COUPLE OF WEEKS AND WHEN I HEARD NOTHING, I CALLED BACK AND INQUIRED ABOUT THE STATUS. I WAS TOLD THAT VIRTUALLY NO CARS WERE FAILING THE INSPECTION FOR THE FRONT SUBFRAME, SO I WOULD HAVE TO WAIT UNTIL AN AXLE WAS AVAILABLE FOR ME TO GET MY VAN BACK. I HAVE STILL NOT HEARD THE COST TO REPAIR MY ABS ISSUE, SO MY QUESTION IS, AM I GOING TO HEAR ANYTHING ABOUT THIS BEFORE THEY REPAIR MY AXLE, AS I AM GOING TO BE PAST THE 60 DAYS THAT I AM ALLOWED TO REPAIR THE ABS ISSUE BEFORE MASSACHUSETTS HAS THE RIGHT TO REVOKE MY REGISTRATION FOR NOT RE-INSPECTING MY VEHICLE. I AM GOING TO CALL MY INSURANCE COMPANY TOMORROW TO FIND OUT WHAT I SHOULD BE DOING NEXT, BUT IN THE MEANTIME, I AM LEFT UNKNOWING WHAT IS GOING TO HAPPEN. AS IT STANDS, I WILL NOT HAVE A SAFE VEHICLE TO DRIVE ONCE THEY REPAIR THE AXLE AS THEY ARE UNWILLING TO DO ANY WORK ON THE VEHICLE UNTIL THEY REPAIR THE AXLE. *TR

Mileage: 71,000

I WENT TO THE SERVICE STATION FOR RECALL THEY FIRST TOLD ME MY CAR WASN'T ABLE TO BE FIXED THEN THEY TELL ME IT IS ABLE TO BE FIX I HAVE TO BE I LITTLE SKEPTICAL WHEN THERE FLIP FLOP LIKE ESPECIALLY WHEN MY FAMILY LIFE AT STAKE. *TR

Mileage: 97,000

DURING OIL CHANGE A VISUAL INSPECTION OF SURROUNDING AREAS REVEALED A FRACTURE OF RIGHT REAR SUBFRAME MOUNT. #1 LONG TERM A/C USE, #2 RUSTING OF RIGHT SUBFRAME AT REAR MOUNT CAUSING FRACTURE OF SUBFRAME,#3 SUBFRAME ON ORDER. VAN HAS BEEN IN FLORIDA SINCE SOLD NEW IN 2003. *TR

Mileage: 170,239

OUR 2003 FORD WINDSTAR HAS BEEN HAVING MECHANICAL FAILURES FOR ABOUT 3 YEARS. WE HAVE HEARD A LOUD GRINDING NOISE FROM THE REAR PASSENERS SIDE OF THE CAR THAT NEITHER OUR LOCAL MECHANIC NOR FORD COULD FIX. WE REPLACED SHOCKS AND MOST RECENTLY THE TIRE RODS ON 9/24/10. WE HAVE HAD NUMEROUS ELECTRONICAL "BUGS" INCLLUDING ABS LIGHTS FLASHING ON AND OFF FOR 2 YEARS REQUIRING MULTIPLE FUSE CHANGES AND ELECTRICAL TESTING. OUR TRANSMISSION WAS REPLACED IN 2009 AT 59,000 MILES. THE POWER LOCKS ON THE PASSENGER SIDE DOOR AND REAR PASSENGER DOORS DO NOT OPEN REMOTELY OR WITH POWER LOCKS, ONLY KEY OR MANUAL LIFTING. NEEDLESS TO SAY, ALTHOUGH WE HAVE NOT HAD ANY PERSON INJURIES, WE HAVE SPENT A FORTUNE TO KEEP THIS CAR RUNNING IN WHAT WE THOUGHT WAS SAFE MANNER. *TR

Mileage: 81,535

2003 FORD WINDSTAR REAR AXLE COMPLAINT AND TRANSMISSION. FIRST OF ALL, I WAS LEFT STRANDED WHEN THE TRANSMISSION WENT OUT ON CHRISTMAS EVE. MERRY CHRISTMAS TO ME FROM FORD. FORD WANTS $3800 TO REPLACE IT. THE VAN IS ONLY WORTH THAT. THEN I FIND OUT THAT FORD HAS HAD MANY COMPLAINTS AND FAILURES WITH THE TRANSMISSION. WHY DO I HAVE TO PAY FOR THIS. I TAKE CARE OF AND MAINTAIN MY VEHICLES AND I GET THIS HANDED TO ME. THEN THE DEALER TELLS ME THAT THE AXLE NEEDS TO BE REPLACED AND IT MIGHT BE 6 WEEKS BEFORE THE PART EVEN COMES IN. THEY WILL NOT BUY THE VAN BACK BECAUSE IT IS A 2003. I THINK THEY SHOULD. THEY ARE THE ONES WHO SOLD ME THIS VEHICLE AND NOW I HAVE TO DEAL WITH IT. BUY THE TIME THEY PAY FOR MY RENTAL AND FIX THE AXLE, IT WOULD BE CHEAPER TO BUY ME OUT AND SAVE THERE CUSTOMER ALOT OF STRESS. *TR

Mileage: 174,000

TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2003 FORD WINDSTAR. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALER FOR REPAIRS FOR RECALL (NHTSA CAMPAIGN ID NUMBER: 10V385000 COMPONENT: SUSPENSION: REAR: AXLE: NON-POWERED AXLE ASSEMBLY) WHEN THE TECHNICIAN STATED THE FRONT SUBFRAME WAS SEVERELY CORRODED AND THERE WAS A HOLE IN FRONT OF THE BOLT THAT HELD UP THE SUBFRAME. THE CONTACT STATED THERE WAS AN OPEN INVESTIGATION ON THAT COMPONENT (NHTSA ACTION NUMBER: EA10007 COMPONENT(S): STRUCTURE: FRAME AND MEMBERS SUSPENSION). THE VEHICLE WAS REPAIRED FOR THE RECALL BUT WAS NOT REPAIRED FOR THE SUB FRAME. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 105,100. /UPDATED 3/7/11*CN UPDATED 12/7/11 *CN

Mileage: 105,100

SUB FRAME RUSTED. *TR

Mileage: 100,000

WHILE ACCELERATING FROM A STOP LIGHT, STEERING CONTROL WAS COMPLETELY LOST AT APPROXIMATELY 35MPH. THE VEHICLE TURNED TO THE LEFT, THEN RIGHT, AND RAN OFF THE RIGHT SIDE OF THE ROAD. IT WOULD NOT MOVE IN EITHER FORWARD OR REVERSE. FRONT WHEELS WERE POINTED IN DIFFERENT DIRECTIONS. THE RIGHT FRONT LOWER CONTROL ARM HAD BROKEN AWAY FROM THE FRAME, AND THE RIGHT FRONT HALF-SHAFT HAD PULLED OUT OF THE TRANSAXLE. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO A NEARBY FORD DEALER. AS OF DECEMBER 6, THE DEALER HAS NOT YET INVESTIGATED THE VEHICLE. *TR

Mileage: 34,600

MY 2003 FORD WINDSTAR WAS RECALLED FOR REAR AXLE THE DEALER KEPT THE VEHICLE BECAUSE CRACK WAS FOUND, I SPOKE TO THIRD PARTY MECHANIC WHO SPOKE ABOUT FRONT SUB FRAME AS WELL THE THIRD PARTY MECHANIC THEN SHOWED ME THE CRACK IN MY WINDSTAR FRONT SUB FRAME AND INFORMED ME THAT IT COULD BREAK OFF AT ANY TIME . I THEN BROUGHT THIS TO THE ATTENTION OF THE FORD DEALER WHO THEN RESPONDED SAYING ITS NOT PART OF THE RECALL AND REFEREED ME TO FORD CANADA PUBLIC RELATIONS WHO ALSO SAID ITS NOT PART OF THE RECALL AND THAT I SHOULD HAVE IT FIXED AT MY EXPENSE. *TR

Mileage: 190,000

I OWN A 2003 FORD WINDSTAR SE THAT HAS SERIOUS CORROSION WHERE THE PASSENGER SIDE FRONT CONTROL ARM BOLTS INTO THE FRAME. IT HAS NOT FAILED COMPLETELY, BUT I FEEL I SHOULD NOT BE RESPONSIBLE FOR THE COST OF THIS REPAIR. *TR

Mileage: 165,000

2003 FORD WINDSTAR SUBFRAME DEFECT. *TR

Mileage: 53,000

MOUNTING BRACKET FOR THE LOWER CONTROL ARM ON THE SUBFRAME RUSTED AND BROKE, MAKING TIRE CHANGE DIRECTION WHILE MY WIFE WAS PULLING INTO THE DRIVEWAY. THE AXLE SLID OUT. SUBFRAME HAS TO BE REPLACED. DEALERSHIP QUOTED ABOUT $1500 TO REPAIR. REAR AXLE IS INVOLVE IN RECALL. I BELIEVE THIS SHOULD ALSO BE RECALLED AT IS A SAFETY CONCERN THAT SHOULD NOT HAPPEN TO A VEHICLE ONLY 8 YEARS OLD. *TR

Mileage: 88,144

FORD VEHICLES SHOULD NOT ONLY BE RECALLED FOR REAR AXLE RUST. THERE SHOULD ALSO BE A RECALL FOR RUST THAT CONSTANTLY OCCURS AROUND THE REAR WHEEL WELL PANELS. THE RUST APPEARS TO START FROM UNDERNEATH THE REAR SIDE PANEL ON THE WINDSTAR. IT SEEMS LIKE THIS IS OCCURRING ALONG WITH THE REAR AXLE RUST. THE SLIDING SIDE DOORS HAVE A CONTINUOUS PROBLEM WITH CLOSING COMPLETELY WHEN ANY OF THE CONTROL BUTTONS WERE USED. THE DOORS WOULD REOPEN OVER AND OVER. REPEATED VISIT TO THE SERVICE DEPARTMENT DID NOT SOLVE THE PROBLEM WHICH SEEM TO INVOLVE THE PULLEY SYSTEM. *TR

REAR AXLE BROKE IN HALF WHILE DRIVING ON AUGUST 30, 2010. *TR

Mileage: 86,744

OUR FORD WINDSTAR VAN THAT WAS MANUFACTURED IN MAY 2003 WAS MAKING A LOUD NOISE FROM THE REAR. WHEN WE TOOK IT TO THE DEALER THEY SAID THE REAR AXLE WAS CRACKED IN TWO PLACES AND HAD RUST/CORROSION HOLES IN IT. THEY SAID WE COULD NOT DRIVE IT BECAUSE IT WAS UNSAFE AND THEY COULD NOT GET A REPLACEMENT PART UNTIL APRIL 2011. WE LATER FIND OUT THAT FORD WINDSTAR VANS FROM 1999 THRU FEBRUARY 2003 HAVE BEEN RECALLED FOR THIS EXACT PROBLEM. BECAUSE OUR VAN WAS MANUFACTURED MAY 2003 (TWO MONTHS OUTSIDE THE RECALL TIME) THEY WILL NOT COVER IT. WE NOW HAVE A CAR WE CAN'T DRIVE BECAUSE OF SAFETY HAZARD AND EVEN IF WE WANTED TO PAY TO FIX IT, WHICH WE SHOULD NOT HAVE TO, THE PART IS NOT AVAILABLE FOR SEVEN MORE MONTHS LEAVING US WITHOUT A VEHICLE. *TR

Mileage: 75,537

I HAVE A 2003 FORD WINDSTAR WITH 94,000 ON IT. BOUGHT IT SECOND OWNER WITH 18,000 MILES ONLY ON IT AND A 75,000 MILE WARRANTY. MY ENTIRE FRAME IS RUSTING FROM THE DOOR PANELS TO THE UNDER FRAME, SUPPORTS. HECK I HAVE A HOLE THAT DEVELOPED THE SIZE OF MY FIST IN THE SIDE FRAME NEAR THE PASSENGER SLIDING DOOR IN THE REAR. MY HITCH WONT EVEN HOLD CAUSE THE METAL JUST BENDS INWARDS. THERE ARE CARS ON THE ROAD WITH 150,000 THAT DO NOT HAVE THE RUST MY CAR DOES. WHY DO I HAVE TO PAY FOR THE CHEAP METAL THEY USED DURING THIS PROCESS. NOW I HAVE TO BUY A NEW CAR THAT I CANNOT AFFORD AT THIS TIME. I WAS HOPING TO KEEP MY CAR FOR AT LEAST A COUPLE MORE YEARS BUT NOW I CANNOT, ITS DANGEROUS. THEY EVEN TOLD ME MY REAR AXLE IS BENDING. I WILL CONTINUE TO DRIVE MY CAR CAUSE I CANNOT AFFORD ANOTHER AND IF I DIE SO BE IT I GUESS CAUSE I GUESS ITS ALL ABOUT BUSINESS AS USUAL. NOTHING PERSONAL BUT I AM PUTTING MY BLOOD ON YOUR HANDS AND FORDS HANDS. I CANNOT DRIVE AND LOSE MY JOB. IF IT HAPPENS IT HAPPENS WHEN IT SHOULD HAVE. MY SISTER ALSO HAS A WINDSTAR THAT COLLAPSED THIS WEEKEND UPON MAKING A TURN THANKFULLY AT 25 MILE PER HOUR. I DRIVE 70 AT TIMES WHERE PERMISSIBLE. THANK YOU FOR LISTENING TO MY CONCERNS AND MY DISTINCT RUDENESS. I AM JUST FED UP WITH HOLDING THE BAG FOR BIG BUSINESS. I PAID ALOT OF MONEY FOR THIS CAR. FIRST OWNERS PAID 26,000 I PAID 19,000 USED ONLY TWO YEARS OLD. HAD IT ONLY FIVE YEARS. HECK I HAD MY DODGE FOR TEN. PLEASE PLEASE DO SOMETHING BEFORE I OR SOMEONE ELSE DIES. *TR

Mileage: 85,000

I HAVE A 2003 FORD WINDSTAR WITH 94,000 ON IT. BOUGHT IT SECOND OWNER WITH 18,000 MILES ONLY ON IT AND A 75,000 MILE WARRANTY. MY ENTIRE FRAME IS RUSTING FROM THE DOOR PANELS TO THE UNDER FRAME, SUPPORTS. HECK I HAVE A HOLE THAT DEVELOPED THE SIZE OF MY FIST IN THE SIDE FRAME NEAR THE PASSENGER SLIDING DOOR IN THE REAR. MY HITCH WONT EVEN HOLD CAUSE THE METAL JUST BENDS INWARDS. THERE ARE CARS ON THE ROAD WITH 150,000 THAT DO NOT HAVE THE RUST MY CAR DOES. WHY DO I HAVE TO PAY FOR THE CHEAP METAL THEY USED DURING THIS PROCESS. NOW I HAVE TO BUY A NEW CAR THAT I CANNOT AFFORD AT THIS TIME. I WAS HOPING TO KEEP MY CAR FOR AT LEAST A COUPLE MORE YEARS BUT NOW I CANNOT, ITS DANGEROUS. THEY EVEN TOLD ME MY REAR AXLE IS BENDING. I WILL CONTINUE TO DRIVE MY CAR CAUSE I CANNOT AFFORD ANOTHER AND IF I DIE SO BE IT I GUESS CAUSE I GUESS ITS ALL ABOUT BUSINESS AS USUAL. NOTHING PERSONAL BUT I AM PUTTING MY BLOOD ON YOUR HANDS AND FORDS HANDS. I CANNOT DRIVE AND LOSE MY JOB. IF IT HAPPENS IT HAPPENS WHEN IT SHOULD HAVE. MY SISTER ALSO HAS A WINDSTAR THAT COLLAPSED THIS WEEKEND UPON MAKING A TURN THANKFULLY AT 25 MILE PER HOUR. I DRIVE 70 AT TIMES WHERE PERMISSIBLE. THANK YOU FOR LISTENING TO MY CONCERNS AND MY DISTINCT RUDENESS. I AM JUST FED UP WITH HOLDING THE BAG FOR BIG BUSINESS. I PAID ALOT OF MONEY FOR THIS CAR. FIRST OWNERS PAID 26,000 I PAID 19,000 USED ONLY TWO YEARS OLD. HAD IT ONLY FIVE YEARS. HECK I HAD MY DODGE FOR TEN. PLEASE PLEASE DO SOMETHING BEFORE I OR SOMEONE ELSE DIES. *TR

Mileage: 85,000

2003 FORD WINDSTAR THE SIDE DOORS HAVE NOT WORKED RIGHT FROM THE TIME WE BOUGHT THIS VAN. TOOK IT BACK TO DEALER, SAID IT'S CONTACTS ARE DIRTY. STILL DIDN'T FIX DOORS THEY DON'T WORK RIGHT TO THIS DAY NOW THE ABS BRAKE LIGHT KEEPS COMING ON! THE REAR AXEL ARE CRACKING AND RECALLED. THE WINDSTAR SHOULD BE RECALLED COMPLETE! *TR

THE RIGHT FRONT SUB FRAME ON MY 2003 WINDSTAR CORRODED CAUSING THE LOWER CONTROL ARM TO SEPARATE AND WHEEL TO PULL OUT. LOST STEERING. ALSO AXLES SHAFT PULLED FROM TRANSMISSION AND FLUID RAN OUT. FORTUNATELY AT SLOW SPEED SO NO ACCIDENT, BUT WHAT IF I WERE ON A FREEWAY RUNNING FAST? *TR

Mileage: 208,000

DEFECT IDENTIFIED BEFORE AN INCIDENT OCCURRED. THE DESIGN/MANUFACTURING DEFECT IS AS FOLLOWS: 2003 FORD WINDSTAR FRAME/ENGINE CRADLE RUSTED THROUGH WHERE THE FRONT SWAY BAR ATTACHES TO THE FRAME ON THE RIGHT SIDE OF THE VEHICLE. INITIALLY IDENTIFIED BY OWNER BECAUSE OF A DISTURBING BANGING SOUND OF THE SWAY BAR WHEN DRIVING; AND CONFIRMED BY VISUAL INSPECTION BY OWNER AND A SERVICE MECHANIC. THE FRAME/ENGINE CRADLE CARRIES ALL OF THE LOWER SUSPENSION AND DRIVE TRAIN COMPONENTS/LOADS. IF THIS WERE NOT REPAIRED WHEN IT WAS, A CATASTROPHIC FRONT END FAILURE WOULD HAVE OCCURRED. IF FAILURE OCCURRED AT HIGH SPEEDS OR IN A TURN A TERRIBLE ACCIDENT (& DEATHS) COULD HAVE OCCURRED. I WOULD CONSIDER THIS DEFECT A HUGE SAFETY CONCERN. *TR

Mileage: 88,000

I HAVE A 2003 FORD WINDSTAR. IN APRIL 2010 MY REAR AXLE SUDDENLY BROKE. I PAID A SMALL FORTUNE TO TOW AND FIX THE PROBLEM. IN JULY MY FRONT AXLE SUDDENLY BROKE LEAVING ME WITH ANOTHER LARGE TOWING AND REPAIR CHARGE. AND NOW THE CAR JUST DOESN'T DRIVE NICE AND MY TRACTION AND BRAKE WARNINGS HAVE BEEN LIGHTING UP ON MY DASHBOARD. *TR

Mileage: 115,000

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2003 FORD WINDSTAR. THE CONTACT STATED THE ANTI-LOCK BRAKING SYSTEM (ABS) WARNING LIGHT REMAINED ILLUMINATED ON THE DASHBOARD. THE BRAKES WOULD ALSO SPORADICALLY LOCK WHILE ATTEMPTING TO BRAKE. IN ADDITION, THE DOOR AJAR WARNING LIGHT WOULD ALSO REMAIN ILLUMINATED WHILE THE VEHICLE WAS IN MOTION ALTHOUGH ALL DOORS WERE LATCHED CLOSED. THE DEALER WAS NOT CONTACTED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 118,000 AND THE CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 128,000.

Mileage: 118,000

I OWN A 2003 FORD WINDSTAR VAN, FOR A COUPLE WEEKS I OCCASIONALLY HEARD A CREAKING NOISE WHEN I TURNED A SHARP CORNER. THEN ONE DAY WHILE DRIVING, THANKFULLY NOT AT A VERY HIGH SPEED MY VAN STARTED TO GO ALL OVER THE ROAD EVERY TIME IT WENT OVER THE SLIGHTEST BUMP IN THE ROAD. IT FELT AS IF THE TIRES WERE GOING TO FALL OFF THE VAN. WHEN MY HUSBAND LOOKED UNDER THE VAN YOU COULD SEE THE BACK AXEL COMPLETELY BROKE IN HALF. WE TRAVEL A LONG DISTANCE EVERY FEW MONTHS TO TAKE MY DAUGHTER TO A CHILDREN'S HOSPITAL, GOD WAS REALLY WATCHING OUT FOR MY FAMILY AND I, THAT THE AXEL DIDN'T GO WHILE WE WERE ON THOSE LONG STRETCHES OF HIGHWAY. *TR

Mileage: 78,000

2003 FORD WINDSTAR LX SPORT WITH APPROX 102000 MILES - REAR AXLE SNAPPED WHILE ON I-95. PULLED OVER TO SIDE OF ROAD BECAUSE I NOTICED AN ISSUE WITH THE VEHICLE. NOTICED CRACKED REAR AXLE WHILE ON FLATBED OF TOW TRUCK. IT APPEARED TO HAVE BEEN RUSTED THROUGH FROM THE INSIDE, AS THERE WAS NO EVIDENCE OF RUSTING ON THE EXTERIOR OF THE REAR AXLE. *TR

Mileage: 102,500

TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2003 FORD WINDSTAR. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE FRAME FOR THE FRONT SUSPENSION ROTTED UNDER THE VEHICLE. WHILE DRIVING AT 20MPH THERE WAS A LOUD NOISE AND THEN HE COULD NOT STEER THE VEHICLE. HE STOPPED THE VEHICLE AND NOTICED THE DRIVER SIDE FRONT TIRE WAS TURNED TO THE LEFT AND THE PASSENGER FRONT TIRE WAS TURN TO THE RIGHT. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO A MECHANIC REPAIR SHOP WHERE HE WAS TOLD THE STEERING MECHANISM WAS TORN FROM THE FRAME AND ROTTED FROM THE BODY. THE CONTACT HAD TO REPLACE THE FRAME AT HIS OWN EXPENSE. THE MANUFACTURER WAS CONTACTED AND THEY STATED THEY HAVE NEVER HEARD OF THE FAILURE AND OFFERED NO ASSISTANCE. THERE WAS NO RECALL OR WARRANTY FOR THIS FAILURE. THE FAILURE AND CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 131,000.

Mileage: 131,000

REAR AXLE SNAPPED AND BROKE APART. *TR

Mileage: 86,696

2003 FORD WINDSTAR REAR AXLE/CARRIER CRACKED 120,000 MILES VIN NOT AVAILABLE - CAR IN SHOP BEING REPAIRED. *TR

Mileage: 120,000

I AM ENTERING THIS INFO ON BEHALF OF MY BROTHER, DANIEL CULLEN OF MEADVILLE PENNSYLVANIA. DAN DOES NOT REGULARLY USE THE INTERNET. HIS 2003 MODEL YEAR FORD WINDSTAR HAS THE RIGHT FRONT WHEEL ASSEMBLY FALL OFF DUE TO RUST. THE CAR ONLY HAD 95,802 MILES AND WAS LESS THAN 6 YEARS OLD. THE RUSTED PART IS CALLED AN ENGINE CRADLE. OTHER INSTANCES CAN BE FOUND ON THE WEB GOING BACK SEVERAL YEARS. A FORD DEALER FIXED THE CAR AT OWNER EXPENSE. THE DEALER REPORTED THAT AN AIR CONDITIONING HOSE DRIPPED ON THE RUSTED PART CONTRIBUTING TO THE FAILURE. I REPORTED THE PROBLEM TO FORD CORPORATE HOTLINE AND THEY SAID THEY WOULD NOT HELP MY BROTHER FINANCIALLY OR TAKE IMMEDIATE ACTION TO CORRECT THIS OBVIOUS SAFETY DEFECT. MY BROTHER WAS SCHEDULED TO DRIVE THE CAR NEXT DAY 400 MILES. IF THIS FAILURE HAD OCCURRED AT HIGHWAY SPEED DEATH AND INJURY COULD EASILY HAVE RESULTED. PLEASE SEE TO IT THAT THESE VEHICLES ARE RECALLED ASAP. A RECALL CAN BE ACHIEVED AT REASONABLE COST: FIRST INSPECT CARS AND IF NO RUST IS PRESENT AT LEAST REROUTE THE A/C DRIP LINE. IF RUST IS PRESENT, CHANGE THE ENGINE CRADLE FOR A FEW HUNDRED DOLLARS. NOTE THAT THE WEB SHOWS INCIDENTS GOING BACK SEVERAL YEARS, YET STILL THESE CARS ARE OUT THERE TURNING INTO TICKING TIME BOMBS IN ONLY 5 YEARS OF USE! *TR

Mileage: 95,802

TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2003 FORD WINDSTAR. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE SLIDING DOOR BEHIND THE DRIVER'S SEAT WOULD NOT OPEN FROM THE PASSENGER COMPARTMENT OF THE VEHICLE. THERE WERE NO CHILD PROOF LOCKS; HOWEVER, THE DOOR WOULD ONLY OPEN FROM OUTSIDE OF THE VEHICLE. IN ADDITION, THE DRIVER'S SIDE WINDOW ALSO FAILED TO OPERATE CORRECTLY. ONCE THE WINDOW WAS OPENED, IT WAS UNABLE TO BE CLOSED. THE VIN WAS VERIFIED, BUT WAS UNABLE TO BE ENTERED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS UNKNOWN AND THE CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 103,000. UPDATED 03/23/09.

MY COMPLAINT IS FOR A POTENTIAL PROBLEM. I HAVE A 2003 FORD WINDSTAR THAT HAS A WATER LEAK IN THE ROOF BODY SEAMS. I TOOK IT TO A DEALER ON 5/19 WHO HAD A SPECIALIST COME IN TO LOOK AT IT. THEY SAID THEY COULDN'T DO IT AND SUGGESTED TAKING IT TO A BODY SHOP. I DON'T THINK BODY SEAMS LEAKING IS NORMAL WEAR AND TEAR AND I'M AFRAID THAT IF I'M IN AN ACCIDENT, THERE COULD BE DEADLY CONSEQUENCES DUE TO THE STRUCTURAL DEFECT. FORD IS NOT BEING HELPFUL AT ALL. I'M A SINGLE MOM WITH NO MONEY, BUT I GUESS I HAVE TO TAKE IT TO ANOTHER DEALER THAT HAS A BODY SHOP AND HAVE THEM TEAR IT UP. HELP. THE CAR HAS NEVER BEEN IN AN ACCIDENT AND I BOUGHT IT NEW. IT TOOK A WHILE FOR ME TO FIGURE IT OUT BECAUSE THE WATER THAT COMES IN GOES RIGHT INTO THE HATCHBACK/TRUNK CARPET. I KEPT THINKING THAT MY KIDS SPILLED SOMETHING OR I LEFT THE WINDOW CRACKED, TRYING TO GIVE FORD THE BENEFIT OF THE DOUBT. I DON'T HAVE TIME TO BE BRINGING MY CAR IN. ANY OTHER COMPLAINTS? *TR

CONTINUING PROBLEM WITH POWER REAR SLIDING DOORS. NON-OPERATIONAL ON DRIVERS SIDE AND OPENING BY ITSELF ON THE PASSENGER SIDE. ALSO, DOES NOT RETRACT WHEN CLOSING IF THERE IS AN OBJECT IN THE WAY AS STATED IN OWNERS MANUAL. HAPPENED AFTER 1 YEAR WARRANTY EXPIRED. FEEL QUALITY SHOULD BE BETTER THAN 1 YEAR ESPECIALLY SINCE THE POWER DOORS WERE A BIG SELLING POINT WITH THE VEHICLE. ONE DOOR WAS FIXED WITHIN THE 1ST YEAR, BUT 3 OR 4 MONTHS AFTER THAT WE HAD PROBLEMS WITH THE OTHER DOOR AND NOW WE HAVE IT WITH BOTH DOORS. WE WILL LEAVE THE MINIVAN IN THE MALL PARKING LOT AND RETURN WITH ONE OF THE DOORS OPEN. IT ALSO OPENS AUTOMATICALLY, AT TIMES, WHEN WE CLOSE ONE OF THE FRONT DOORS. *JB

Mileage: 27,500

DT: CONTACT STATES THE AUTOMATIC DOORS ARE NOT WORKING PROPERLY. THE DOOR IS TAKING MORE RESISTANCE BEFORE THE DOOR BACKS UP. THE VEHICLE HAS BEEN TAKEN TO THE DEALERSHIP TWICE, AND DEALERSHIP STATED THE VEHICLE WAS FINE. THE CONSUMER HAS CONTACTED THE MANUFACTURER AND THE SERVICE DEALER. *AK

THE POWER SLIDING DOORS ON MY 2003 WINDSTAR OPEN SPONTANEOUSLY AFTER CLOSING. THIS IS A CONCERN WHEN THERE ARE CHILDREN OR PETS IN THE CAR. TWO DIFFERENT CAR DEALERS HAVE ATTEMPTED MULTIPLE TIMES TO FIX THE PROBLEM. THEY HAVE BEEN UNSUCESSFUL SO FAR. ANOTHER ISSUE IS THE CAR ALARM GOES OFF FOR ABSOLUTELY NO REASON. THEY HAVE ALSO ATTEMPED TO FIX THIS PROBLEM, WITH NO SUCCESS.

MY CIGGARETTE LIGHTER POPS OUT ONTO THE FLOOR EVERY TIME IT IS PUSHED IN. THE DISTRACTION OF A POSSIBLE FIRE CAN CAUSE A WRECK.*AK

CONSUMER ARM WAS PINCHED WHILE SHE WAS RESTING IT ON THE WINDOW LEDGE OF THE VEHICLE. *MR THIS PROBLEM WOULD OCCUR WHILE IN THE PASSENGER SEAT. WHEN THE LOCK SNAPPED DOWN, THE CONSUMER'S ARM WOULD BE BADLY PINCHED. *SC

#2 POWER SLINDING DOOR WOULD INADVERTENTLY OPEN WHILE IN MOTION. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT NOTIFIED ON JUNE 24, 2004. *AK *JB

SLIDING DOOR FAILED TO OPEN AND CLOSE BY REMOTE CONTROL. *AK THE PASSENGER SIDE DOOR DID NOT OPEN OR CLOSE PROPERLY. *SC *JB

I AM WRITING ABOUT OUR 2003 FORD WINDSTAR. OUR PASSENGER AUTOMATIC SLIDING DOOR FREQUENTLY POPS OPEN AFTER IT APPEARS TO HAVE LATCHED SHUT. IT HAS OPENED BY ITSELF ON THREE OCCASIONS WHILE THE VAN WAS IN DRIVE. RECENTLY MY THREE YEAR OLD DAUGHTER ALMOST FELL OUT OF THE VAN HEADFIRST ONTO CONCRETE BECAUSE THE DOOR POPPED BACK OPEN AS SOON AS IT "LATCHED" SHUT. THE VAN HAS BEEN IN TO REPAIR THIS PROBLEM SEVEN TIMES WITHOUT SUCCESS. WE FIRST STARTED HAVING PROBLEMS WITH BOTH DOORS WITHIN THE FIRST 2 WEEKS OF PURCHASED. THE TIMES THE DOOR HAS POPPED BACK OPEN ARE WAY TO NUMEROUS TO COUNT. THE NUMBER LISTED BELOW IS A LOW ESTIMATE.*AK

THE SLIDING DOOR WOULD CLOSE IF THE VEHICLE IS PARKED AND INCLINED. IT WOULD BE UNSAFE FOR THE CONSUMER WHILE STANDING BETWEEN THE DOORS. *AK

EXCESSIVE WIND NOISE IN FRONT SEAT AREA AT 65 MPH OR FASTER. THE DEALER WAS UNABLE TO REPAIR. CANNOT LOCATE PROBLEM BUT RECOGNIZES THAT IT EXISTS. *NM

Mileage: 1,000

PROBLEM WITH POWER DOORS ON BOTH SIDES. THEY DO NOT STOP CLOSING IF A PERSON IS IN THE WAY. ALSO, THEY OPEN BACK UP AFTER THEY HAVE BEEN CLOSED. I WILL COME BACK TO THE VAN FROM SHOPPING AND ONE WILL BE OPEN. ALSO, THERE WAS A TIME A COULD NOT GET ONE TO CLOSE WITHOUT DOING IT MANUALLY.*AK

WE RENTED A FORD WINDSTAR FROM HERTZ DURING A RECENT VACATION. WHILE SHUTTING THE MANUAL SLIDING DOOR, I BROKE MY MIDDLE FINGER AND BADLY BRUISED MY RING FINGER. THE DOOR HANDLE INSIDE THE VEHICLE, USED FOR SHUTTING THE DOOR, APPEARS TO BE TOO CLOSE TO THE DOOR JAM. I WAS DISTRESSED TO SEE ONLINE THAT OTHERS HAD COMPLAINED OF THE EXACT SAME PROBLEM AS LONG AGO AS 1999, STATING THAT IF YOU DIDN'T GRIP THE HANDLE TIGHTLY, BUT INSTEAD LEFT YOUR FINGERS SLIGHTLY EXTENDED, THEY WOULD BE INJURED AND THAT FORD HOPED TO HAVE THIS FIXED IN THE 1999 VERSION.(HTTP://WWW.CARTRACKERS.COM/FORUMS/LIVE/FORD/25.HTML) SEE THE 2ND PARAGRAPH. OBVIOUSLY, IT'S NOT YET FIXED. *LA

THE REFLECTION OF THE DASHBOARD ONTO THE WINDSHIELD WHEN THE SUN SHINED OVER HEAD CAUSED A GLARE. THE GLARE DRASTICALLY REDUCED VISIBILITY THROUGH THE WINDSHIELD. *JB

BODY SEAMS NOT SEALED RESULTING IN WATER INTRUSION INTO FLOOR SEAT ANCHORS OF PASSENGER COMPARTMENT. *NLM

Mileage: 2,470

NAR 03-25-2003. THE CONSUMER HAD TO RETURN THE VEHICLE TO THE VEHICLE TO THE DEALERSHIP ON NUMEROUS OCCASIONS BECAUSE OF A PROBLEM WITH THE SLIDING DOORS. THE FIRST TIME THE VEHICLE WAS RETURNED TO THE DEALERSHIP, THE CONSUMER NOTICED THE DRIVER SIDE REAR SLIDER PANEL WAS HANGING ON BY A FEW PLASTIC RIVETS, THE DOORS WOULD POP BACK OPEN AFTER THE CLOSED BUTTON WAS PUSHED. THE DEALER MADE SEVERAL ATTEMPTS TO FIX THE DOOR. *JB