Investigations
| NHTSA ID | Manufacturer | Date open | Date close | Subject | Recall campaign | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| WHEELS | ||||||
| EA03004 | FORD MOTOR COMPANY | 04/10/2003 | 08/30/2004 | WHEEL STUD FRACTURE | ||
| The subject vehicles range in age from 4 | ||||||
| PE02085 | FORD MOTOR COMPANY | 11/18/2002 | 04/10/2003 | WHEEL STUD FRACTURE | ||
| Analysis of odi and ford data has identified 1619 incidents of wheel stud fracture in my 1998 through 2000 ford windstar vehicles, including 69 wheel separations and 11 crashes.ford has not been able to identify any design or manufacturing defects in its analyzis of the problem.ford maintains that the failures are caused by either:(1) inadvertent overtorquing of lug nuts during removal or installation; or (2) fatigue due to insufficient clamp load between the wheel and the brake rotor or drum and hub assembly.according to ford, corrosion, dirt, or damage present on the road wheel at the nut inteface could contribute to the latter condition. analysis of odi complaint data indicates that the subject vehicles experience wheel stud failures at significantly higher rates than peer minivans.this investigation has been upgraded to further assess the frequency, scope, and trend of the alleged defect condition in my 1997 through 2000 windstar minivans. | ||||||
| WHEELS - LUGS/NUTS/BOLTS | ||||||
| EA03004 | FORD MOTOR COMPANY | 04/10/2003 | 08/30/2004 | WHEEL STUD FRACTURE | ||
| The subject vehicles range in age from 4 | ||||||
| PE02085 | FORD MOTOR COMPANY | 11/18/2002 | 04/10/2003 | WHEEL STUD FRACTURE | ||
| Analysis of odi and ford data has identified 1619 incidents of wheel stud fracture in my 1998 through 2000 ford windstar vehicles, including 69 wheel separations and 11 crashes.ford has not been able to identify any design or manufacturing defects in its analyzis of the problem.ford maintains that the failures are caused by either:(1) inadvertent overtorquing of lug nuts during removal or installation; or (2) fatigue due to insufficient clamp load between the wheel and the brake rotor or drum and hub assembly.according to ford, corrosion, dirt, or damage present on the road wheel at the nut inteface could contribute to the latter condition. analysis of odi complaint data indicates that the subject vehicles experience wheel stud failures at significantly higher rates than peer minivans.this investigation has been upgraded to further assess the frequency, scope, and trend of the alleged defect condition in my 1997 through 2000 windstar minivans. | ||||||
Consumer Complaints
| Fail date | miles | occurences | Purchase date |
|---|---|---|---|
| WHEELS | |||
| 08/21/2010 | 101000 | ||
| While driving my 2000 ford windstar on the highway at 60mph, i noticed that the back end of the car felt like it was swaying or sliding as if on ice. i exited the highway and drove to a parking garage about 5 miles away. while pulling up to the gate at the garage at a low rate of speed, there was a loud noise, which was the rear axle breaking completely in half. replaced with a used axle. | |||
| 06/18/2010 | 110000 | ||
| While driving on an interstate highway at 55 mph, my 2000 ford windstar lx made a loud noise and black smoke and the smell of burning rubber filled the vehicle. it was with great difficulty that my husband was able to maintain control of the vehicle and get it over to the side of the road. my self and our 3 children were very fortunate to escape injury. the rear tire axle had snapped in two. i have since read of numerous complaints regarding this same defect. why hasn't anything been done about this serious issue? the vehicle is currently in auto shop and i am waiting to hear if it can be repaired. i am extremely apprehensive about driving this car ever again. will the same situation happen again if i replace it with another ford part? why hasn' there been a safety recall on this issue. i am the original owner and this car has been properly maintained. there are approximately 110,000 miles on the vehicle. | |||
| 05/01/2010 | 188000 | ||
| While driving in a rain storm my van was shaking, i thought i hit a puddle wrong after driving a bit more my car starting shaking and it was hard to control, i thought i had a flat tire. i pulled to a gas station, where man saw me look at my tires, and advised due to the large amount of rain it was probably hydroplaining. i continued on. the next day when it was dry i had the same problems. my van was shaking, and at time hard to control, i was so scared and just wanted to make it home. i told my husband, he noticed the inner portion of the 2 back tires were worn down to the metal belts, and did not allow it to be driving again. i had a retail fix it shop advise it would be 650.00 for new tie rods and shims plus 2 new tires(even though we just purchased them 1 1/2 years prior). we were debating to get it fixed or take to a different more trusted mechanic. a friend passed along a link regarding investigation on windstar vans for broken rear axles. after reading what other experinced, i realized this is the same thing that happened to me. we have a summer car i have been driving since this occurance, but would like my minivan fixed for family summer travels. after reading the link - i will probably wait for a recall, or a solution as to what will be done with this situation. | |||
| 05/15/2010 | 130200 | ||
| On friday, may 15, 2010, my husband was driving home from work for lunch and the rear axle snapped on our 2000 ford windstar sle minivan. the mechanic also said the differentials were damaged. the total cost was $795. fortunately, my husband was not on a busy street and he was able to pull to the side of the road until we could have the vehicle towed. also, he did not hit anything that would have caused the axle to snap. in july 2009, we had to replace the transmission in this same vehicle while traveling to myrtle beach, s.c., on vacation. | |||
| 03/10/2010 | 190229 | ||
| On this date, rear axel of my 2000 ford windstar broke and both rear wheels were bowed out and a large crack was discovered. | |||
| WHEELS - LUGS/NUTS/BOLTS | |||
| 08/28/2012 | 149000 | 1 | |
| Traveling 70 mph on the front driver side tire, rim, and all lugnuts just flew off. i went into a ditch. major damage. i am discovering that this is a common issue with these vans and i plan to sue ford. *tr | |||
| The lug nuts came off the wheel and as a result the passenger side front wheel came off. *nlm | |||
| 08/26/2001 | 1 | 04/01/2000 | |
| The threaded screws that the lugnuts screw onto snapped in half and car was inspected by ford dealership mechanic and they do not want to take responsibility for this problem being a defect in workmanship. also, they won't honor a second opinion from another expert mechanic. in addition, i purchased the extended service contract for $1400 which is effect until 100,000 miles. i need someones help with this matter. *ak | |||
| 06/10/2000 | |||
| While drivng wheels on right front passenger's side came completely off. all lugs:nuts were broken with no sign of wear and tear. van was towed to dealership. please provide any further information.*ak | |||