Recalls


CampaignManufacturerManufacturing dateType# of units affectedDate Owner notified MfgRecall Initiated byManufacturers of recalled vehicles/productsReport Recieved DateRecord Creation DateRegulation Part NumberFMVSS Number
SUSPENSION - FRONT - SPRINGS - COIL SPRINGS
01V199000FORD MOTOR COMPANYfrom 08/28/1996 to 07/03/1998V (Vehicle)19858309/06/2001ODIFORD MOTOR COMPANY06/18/200107/02/2001
Defect SummaryOn certain minivans originally sold in or currently registered in the states of connecticut, delaware, illinois, indiana, iowa, maine, maryland, massachusetts, michigan, minnesota, missouri, new hampshire, new jersey, new york, ohio, pennsylvania, rhode island, vermont, west virginia, and wisconsin, and in the district of columbia. the front coil springs could fracture as a result of corrosion. depending on the location of the fracture, a broken spring could move past the spring seat and contact a front tire.
Consequence SummarySome tires have deflated due to contact with a broken spring.
Corrective SummaryDealers will install protective shields around the front coil springs. owner notification began september 6, 2001. owners who take their vehicles to an authorized dealer on an agreed upon service date and do not receive the free remedy within a reasonable time should contact ford at 1-800-392-3673.
NotesAlso contact the national highway traffic safety administration's auto safety hotline at 1-888-dash-2-dot (1-888-327-4236).
01I007000FORD MOTOR COMPANYfrom 12/13/1993 to 07/03/1998I94849212/10/2001ODIFORD MOTOR COMPANY07/12/200107/19/2001
Defect SummaryThis is not a safety recall in accordance with the safety act. however, it is deemed a safety improvement campaign by the agency. vehicle description: 1995-1998 ford windstar minivans. the front coil springs could potentially fracture due to corrosion. note: the 1997-1998 windstar mini vans are also covered by nhtsa safety recall 01v-199/ford recall 01s19. the mini vans covered by the safety recall were originally sold in or currently registered in the states of connecticut, delaware, illinois, indiana, iowa, maine, maryland, massachusetts, michigan, minnesota, missouri, new hampshire, new jersey, new york, ohio, pennsylvania, rhode island, vermont, west virginia, and wisconsin, and in the district of columbia.
Consequence SummarySome tires have deflated due to contact with a broken spring.
Corrective SummaryFord is extending the warranty for front coil spring replacement to a total of 10 years of service from the warranty start date, with unlimited mileage. this coverage is automatically transferred to subsequent owners at no charge. if either front coil spring fractures during the coverage period noted above, the dealer will replace both springs at no charge to the owner.
NotesFord has decided to conduct a service campaign to extend the warranty coverage for the front coil springs. owners can contact ford at1-866-436-7332, concerning this program.

Bulletins


BulletinBulletin dateReplacement BulletinItem no.SummaryAdded
SUSPENSION
0215208/05/2002635966Some vehicles may exhibit a popping / grinding noise from the front of the vehicle when going over bumps or making turns. *tt11/04/2002
0213207/08/2002635987Grunt / popping noise coming from the front suspension at speeds below 20 mph when turning. *tt11/04/2002
9711001/02/19976091315Suspension-diagnostic aan inspection for front suspension noise (s)- service tip. *ak tip.08/07/2000
SUSPENSION - FRONT
98513711/01/1998613274Some vehicles may exhibit a front end grind / crunch noise during a slow speed turn. *tt06/20/2000
1211411/01/1998613104Some vehicles may exhibit a front end grind/crunch noise during a slow speed turn. *mjs06/16/2000
BC101639723001/23/199751512Buzz noise in ax4s transaxles at all speeds or idle on vehicles. *jd06/27/1997
SUSPENSION - REAR
1147404/01/1998613384Some model year vehicles may exhibit a customer concern of rear end noise over bumps. *tt07/10/2000
98253504/01/1998603555Exhibiting a customer concern of rear end noise over bumps. *yc02/24/1999

Investigations


NHTSA IDManufacturerDate openDate closeSubjectRecall campaign
SUSPENSION
PE00024FORD MOTOR COMPANY06/23/200012/08/2000SUSPENSION COIL SPRING BREAKAGE
 Alleged that while driving or stationary, a front suspension coil spring breaks, resulting in a collapsed suspension.
EA00027FORD MOTOR COMPANY12/08/200007/31/2001SUSPENSION COIL SPRING BREAKAGE01V199000
 Alleged that a front suspension coil spring breaks, resulting in a collapsed suspension.
EA00027FORD MOTOR COMPANY12/08/200007/31/2001SUSPENSION COIL SPRING BREAKAGE01I007000
 Alleged that a front suspension coil spring breaks, resulting in a collapsed suspension.

Consumer Complaints


Fail datemilesoccurencesPurchase date
SUSPENSION
08/10/201290000
 Tl- the contact owns a 1997 ford windstar. the contact stated that while driving 40 mph, the track bar detached from the vehicle. the contact stated that the vehicle began to wobble excessively. the vehicle was not taken to the dealer or a mechanic for inspection. the manufacturer was notified of the issue and advised the contact not to drive the vehicle. the vehicle was not repaired. the failure mileage was 90,000. kmj
08/10/201290000
 Tl- the contact owns a 1997 ford windstar. the contact stated that while driving 40 mph, the track bar fell off. the contact stated that the vehicle began to wobble and she pulled the vehicle over. the vehicle was not taken to the dealer or mechanic for inspection. the manufacturer was notified and they stated not to drive the vehicle and there was nothing that the could do. the vehicle was not repaired. the failure mileage was 90,000. ap
01/31/20000
 Consumer can hear a crickling noise. consumer heard about an investigation of suspension and feared it may break and puncture a tire.*ak
02/22/1999
 At highway speeds vehicle vibrates. dealer has inspected the vehicle and has not corrected the problem. manufacturer has been notified. *ak
105/13/1997
 Vehicle making a popping noise througout the frame. nlm
SUSPENSION - FRONT
01/01/2097
 The rumbling/rattling in the front end when going over bumps has been going on since we bought the car new. i took it in to ford and they could not find anything. our previous windstar did not do this. i'm afraid something is going to come loose at high speed.*ak
11/01/2001407/01/1997
 My wife, melissa has been following this problem for over a year and a half, she has been told by the mechanic at campus ford that there has been problems with the front end suspension on for windstar's, he stopped short of saying anymore. our car has been in the service dept at this dealership on and off for the last year and a half. we keep having different stories told to us, and told that the problem doesnot exist..well we just paid 350.00 dollars for new welding on the front suspension, we have had the struts replaced and a spring replaced, we also had unusual tire ware on the rt passenger side and the tire replaced. we are worried about this problem, we have two children and my wife is a visiting nurse and drives alot, the dealership is poo-pooing her off like she is a nobody...please help us. *ak
06/26/2001107/01/1999
 Lowereing of the passenger window caused door to unlock and open while traveling - recall 01s19 was performed during repair of the window - coil spring shields collide with inner strut tower - possibly 2 inches of travel in suspension - vehicle bottoms out - dealer is not accomodating - more to this story!
06/01/19993
 Had shacking problem right after purchased and did not get any satisfaction from dealer. now the front suspension went out and 2s ets of ball joints, and did not have the van since july of this year. please call me at 920-899-9650 we have put alot of money into this van and they are asking for more to fix other items in the suspension. is their any recalls?
04/25/2000006/14/1999
 Front driverside tire went flat, front suspension spring had broken in two pieces and punctured a hole in the sidewall of the tire.
SUSPENSION - FRONT - MACPHERSON STRUT
07/15/20001
 Consumer was traveling 75mph and front coil spring on driver's side broke punctured tire. vehicle was kept in control. ford dealer had heard nothing about this, and wouldn't stand behind problem.*ak tire was replaced on warranty and the strut was replaced by the dealer. *yh
SUSPENSION - FRONT - SPRINGS - COIL SPRINGS
04/09/2006700001
 Tl*the contact owns a 1997 ford windstar. the contact stated that the front end of the vehicle was abnormally low. upon further inspection, he noticed that the front coil springs fractured due to excessive rust. the failure caused the tires to deflate. the dealer stated that the vin was excluded from nhtsa campaign id number 01v199000 (suspension:front:springs:coil springs); therefore, they would not assume responsibility for any repairs. the vehicle has not been repaired according to the recall. the failure mileage was 70,000 and current mileage was 90,000. updated 6/4/09 *cn the exhaust system was replaced and brake lines snapping. updated 06/09/09.*jb
04/02/2008132000011/21/2007
 Tl*the contact owns a 1997 ford windstar. while driving 20 mph the passenger side tire exploded causing the front end to hit the ground. the contact observed that the front coil spring was broken. the vehicle was not diagnosed by a dealer. the current and failure mileages were 132,000.
01/01/19011
 1997 ford windstar recall for coil springs. consumer states that the recall was not repaired in 2001 when it was received because the dealer stated that if they were not broken they would not replace it, they would just put plastic shields over them. now dealer states that the recall expired. *kb
02/01/2007100349102/22/2004
 I have 1997 ford windstar. feb. 1, 2007 i was going about 20 mph, andpassenger front spring shattered. i had to have it towed. my mechanic saud i was lucky i was not on the expressway when it happened. i had it fixed, it cost me $1036.00. i called ford to try and get reimbursed, and they told me that i did not have it repaired at a ford dealer. if i had known they were bad i would have. i never received any warning at all. they did not even have me down as the registered owner. here is the recall # 011007000, front coil spring corrosion. they said it covers from 1995-1998 windstars. here is my vin. #2fmda514vbd14446. all i would like is to get some of my money back, i live on $699. a month, and for them to admit i was covered. they are being really nasty about this. i was told to call by fox 6 in milwaukee, katrina cravy consumer reporter. *ak
03/03/20071420002
 Tl* the contact owns a 1997 ford windstar. while driving at 45 mph the power steering failed. the front spring failed and punctured the front passenger tire. the contact was able to drive the vehicle to the side of the road. the contact stated that recall #01i007000: suspension:front:springs:coil springs was related to the failure. the manufacturer advised the contact that the recall expired. the current and failure mileage was 142,000. *ak
02/14/200388890203/01/2001
 Have a 97 ford windstar all of a sudden i had a tire blow completely here to find out that the coil spring on drivers front broke and went into tire, then to find out there was a recall 2 years ago on it but was never notified of it and also a few weeks ago, van all of a sudden kept getting real hot with rolling white smoke just to find out that there was problems with the head gaskets on these windstars but yet still was never notified, this is not right, i feel we were cheated, now have a van that sits and still owe $10,000 on because i'm a family man of six and cannot afford the cost of these major repairs, i'm afraid of what might of happened if this would of blew with all my family in it on a highway, is this how the ford company treats their consumers by lying and decieving them.
06/24/20021
 Consumer states with no warning the front coil spring snapped causing vehicle to drop. cause unknown dealer notified.*jb *yh
04/29/2002302/02/1999
 From 12,000 miles to present mileage, the vehicle had three transmissions replaced within five years, and the problem is reoccurring. dealer notified. *ak the driver side front coil spring had broken. (recalled in november/nhtsa#01i00700)-was checked. the mechanics had placed a plastic sleeve over coils, and the spring had broken through and punctured the tire at 5 mph. the overdrive and engine light had come on. the mechanics said that something inside of the transmission was bad. *scc
12/22/20011
 Vehicle was serviced for recall campaign 01v199000 where dealershipinstalled protective shields around front coil springs to prevent corrosion. however, when he attempted to use snow chains for use in inclement weather, the snow cable on the right/front wheel made contact with the protective shield and caused shield to shear off. approximate distance between tire without chain and protective shield was 1/4 of an inch. this incident occurred while traveling approximately 25 to 30 mph in snow. the part is available for inspection. *ak consumer feels that the dealer needs to warn consumers of this when recall repairs are made. *jb
07/01/19991
 While driving in traffic front coil spring broke.*ak consumer stated that manufacturer paid for the repairs.*slc
11/02/2001103/01/1997
 Passenger side rear brake drum cracked but was not noticed immediately. when it was repaired, there was severe damage to all components within the drum. it seems very unusual that this happened, especially considering the low mileage of the vehicle. this is one of numerous failures this vehicle has had in the last 6 months. i had the driver front coil spring break, but it was eventually recalled. based on the complaints about this vehicle in your database, i feel this vehicle is very unsafe, and not reliable. ford has had many recalls for various vehicles in the past 2 to 3 months.*ak
 Left front coil spring burst, cuasing tire to blowout. had tire replaced. was driving with replaced tire on, and started hearing rattling. took back to dealer, and was informed by mechanic that welds on right side had broken and needed rewelding.*ak
09/01/2001107/01/2001
 Right coil spring breakage for no apparent reason.*ak
12/20/20001
 Left coil spring came undone without warning and blewup tire while driving.. right coil spring came undone without warning and car had to be towed.*ak
06/18/2001110/01/1997
 My windsar while sitting in the driveway for 34 hours suddenly had its front coil spring snap. had i been driving this van i am sure it would have distroyed the tire. my independent mechanic told me he has had five windstars this year with the same problem.*ak
 When driving slowly in traffic front coil spring broke which could have resulted in tire deflating. please give any further details. *ak
04/22/20010
 While vehicle was parked inspected and found out that suspension coilspring was broken without a warning of problem.*ak
 Front left coil spring broke in half, causing left side of vehicle to fall. please give any further details.*ak
03/01/2001
 Ea 00 027/suspension coil spring breakage: a right front coil spring broke while parked in driveway. dealer notified, and informed consumer that vehicle was not cover under a recall. please provide any further details on this matter . *ak
02/11/2001105/01/2000
 Backing up in drive way, front passenger side fell to the ground/tire was ripped apart on the insideof tire wall/spring coil broke/called tow truck/dealer said coil spring broke/replaced coil spring/ they had failed to replaced the driver side coil/ i thought this was very irresponsible/could have the same hazardous potential to break.*ak (dot number: 4bm3dder tiresize: p215/70r15)
07/15/20001
 Consumer was traveling 75mph and front coil spring on driver's side broke punctured tire. vehicle was kept in control. ford dealer had heard nothing about this, and wouldn't stand behind problem.*ak tire was replaced on warranty and the strut was replaced by the dealer. *yh
07/01/20000
 While vehicle was parked in driveway consumer heard a loud noise. then took vehicle to a technician. he told consumer that it was left front coil spring that broke. *ak
07/01/20000
 While driving front end coil spring broke, consumr lost control and almost hit two cars.*ak
06/15/2000106/01/1997
 Front passenger-side coil spring failed by shearing, causing tire to puncture while car was parked. if car had been moving, the failure would have caused a potentially serious accident. *ak
05/21/20001
 While vehicle was parked in driveway all of a sudden heard a loud noise. later on, noticed loss of steering. vehicle towed to dealer. dealer informed consumer that the problem was due to front coil spring failure. owner seeks reimbursement for repairs. *ak *ml
SUSPENSION - FRONT - STABILIZER BAR
01/22/2002111/01/2000
 Hollow stabilizer bar fractured just outside of right stabilizer bar mount, broken end of bar and connecting piece left hanging next to right tire. resulted in poor handling & severe reaction to cross winds at highway speeds.*ak
SUSPENSION - REAR
07/17/20000
 The consumer was traveling about 35mph on the highway and noticed that passenger's rear started to swerve into the opposite direction. consumer pulled over onto the shoulders and called a tow truck.*ak