Recall 12V195000

SUSPENSION:REAR:AXLE:NON-POWERED AXLE ASSEMBLY

Report Date
20120503
Component
SUSPENSION:REAR:AXLE:NON-POWERED AXLE ASSEMBLY
Affected Vehicles
6 models

Defect Description

FORD IS RECALLING CERTAIN MODEL YEAR 1998-2003 WINDSTAR VEHICLES MANUFACTURED FROM SEPTEMBER 1, 1997, THROUGH JULY 3, 2003, REGISTERED IN PUERTO RICO. DUE TO INCREASED STRESSES CAUSED BY HIGH CYCLES OF TORSIONAL LOADING, SPECIFIC TO THIS MARKET, THE REAR AXLE CAN CRACK.

Safety Consequence

A FRACTURED AXLE MAY RESULT IN A LOSS OF VEHICLE CONTROL, INCREASING THE RISK OF A CRASH.

Remedy

FORD WILL NOTIFY OWNERS, AND DEALERS WILL INSPECT AND INSTALL A REINFORCEMENT BRACKET ON THE REAR AXLE OR REPLACE THE AXLES, AS NECESSARY. THIS SERVICE WILL BE PROVIDED FREE OF CHARGE. THE RECALL BEGAN ON JUNE 1, 2012. OWNERS MAY CONTACT THE FORD MOTOR COMPANY CUSTOMER RELATIONSHIP CENTER AT 1-866-436-7332.

Affected Vehicles

Year Make Model
1998 FORD WINDSTAR
1999 FORD WINDSTAR
2000 FORD WINDSTAR
2001 FORD WINDSTAR
2002 FORD WINDSTAR
2003 FORD WINDSTAR

Check your vehicle: Visit NHTSA.gov and enter your VIN to see if your specific vehicle is affected.