Recalls


CampaignManufacturerManufacturing dateType# of units affectedDate Owner notified MfgRecall Initiated byManufacturers of recalled vehicles/productsReport Recieved DateRecord Creation DateRegulation Part NumberFMVSS Number
STRUCTURE - FRAME AND MEMBERS - UNDERBODY SHIELDS
11V030000FORD MOTOR COMPANY V (Vehicle)42528802/21/2011ODIFORD MOTOR COMPANY01/26/201101/26/2011
Defect SummaryFord is recalling certain model year 1999-2003 windstar vehicles originally sold in or currently registered in the states of connecticut, delaware, the district of columbia, illinois, indiana, iowa, kentucky, maine, maryland, massachusetts, michigan, minnesota, missouri, new hampshire, new jersey, new york, ohio, pennsylvania, rhode island, utah, vermont, west virginia, and wisconsin. a separation of a front lower control arm rear attaching bracket may result in a lower control arm separation. a separation of both front subframe rear body mounts may result in separation of the steering intermediate shaft.
Consequence SummaryThis could result in reduced steering control increasing the risk of a crash.
Corrective SummaryDealers will inspect both front lower control arm rear attaching brackets, and both body mount attachments at the rear of the front subframe, and make the necessary repairs free of charge. the safety recall is expected to begin on or before february 21, 2011. owners may contact ford at 1-866-436-7332.
NotesFord's safety recall no. 11s16.owners may also contact the national highway traffic safety administration's vehicle safety hotline at 1-888-327-4236 (tty 1-800-424-9153), or go to http://www.safercar.gov .

Bulletins


BulletinBulletin dateReplacement BulletinItem no.SummaryAdded
STRUCTURE
1752501/01/200410007354Windshield cowl panel grille (leaf screen) breaking at the grille opening. *tt06/14/2004
STRUCTURE - BODY
221410/28/200210013062Roof ditch material cracking. this includes 1997-2003 f-150 and 2002 blackwood models. *eh service tip. *tt04/07/2005
1642311/01/200210008350Servicing body side molding or cladding / contact request. *mj07/28/2004
1438809/01/2000618648On some vehicles the front door window belt molding is loose. *jb04/18/2001
1450411/01/2000616570Some vehicles equipped with a family or rear seat entertainment system may exhibit a broken release handle actuator or release pivot arm in the center console.03/06/2001
STRUCTURE - BODY - DOOR
0218402/09/2004042310007365Power sliding door operation and diagnostic service tips. *tt06/16/2004
1672003/01/200310001957Power sliding door conditions. *tt *jb07/29/2003
1567908/01/200417971636308Sliding door(s) contacting the rear quarter glass. *tt this information updates previous information, dated 03/01/2002. *tt11/07/2002
STRUCTURE - BODY - ROOF AND PILLARS
03010412/01/200210008151Crease in the headliner above the left a-pillar. *tt07/22/2004

Investigations


NHTSA IDManufacturerDate openDate closeSubjectRecall campaign
STRUCTURE - BODY - DOOR
PE04022FORD MOTOR COMPANY03/03/200407/01/2004POWER SLIDING DOOR OPENING
 The subject vehicles are equipped with single or dual power sliding doors (psd).approximately 111,000 vehicles have dual power sliding doors.the psd is opened by any of 5 methods, the inside or outside manual door handle, the key fob, the overhead console switch and the b-pillar switch.the door may be opened only under these conditions: ignition key is in off/accessories/on/start position, gear selector in park, vehicle speed less than 6 mph, and door unlocked.the psd latch is located at the rear of the door and has a secondary and primary latch position.full and proper closure engages both the secondary and primary latch.with the ignition in the on position, as the gear selector is moved out of park the door automatically locks and that action mechanically isolates the latch, secondary and primary, from all latch release connections.in addition to the reports alleging door opening while driving, ford has received approximately 5,700 reports that allege the door does not close properly or pops open with no mention of while driving.ford's investigation into these report included owner interviews, vehicle by-backs and testing of consumer vehicles.it found that allegations of door opening while driving were in fact reports of doors not being properly closed initially and subsequently opening to the secondary latch position as a result of vehicle vibrations or driving maneuvers.ford's testing of consumer vehicles did not result in any recurrence of psd opening while being driven.odi interviews with owners affirmed the allegations of psd opening while driving; however owners indicated the event is not a regular occurrence (i.e.,it occurred only once or has not occurred recently) and that the unintended psd opening may not be able to be duplicated.in contrast, the improper closing of the psd (latching on the secondary but not the primary latch) can be duplicated, and odi verified this during an inspection of a consumer vehicle.in this condition (secondary but no primary latch), when the vehicle's gear selector is moved out of park position, a warning chime sounds and warning message appears on the instrument panel.most reports and warranty claims were filed in the early service-life of the vehicle and peaked around the 18-month in-service time period.odi and mfr complaint trends are declining over the last 8 quarters.there is no alleged injury associated with occupant falling out while the vehicle is in motion.no failure mode causing full door opening while vehicle is in motion has been verified (reproduced by odi or by trained service technicians at dealerships) during this investigation.a safety-related defect has not been identified at this time and further use of agency resources does not appear to be warranted.accordingly, this investigation is closed.the closing of this investigation does not constitute a finding by nhtsa that a safety-related defect does not exist.the agency will monitor this issue and reserves the right to take further action if warranted by the circumstances.
STRUCTURE - BODY - DOOR - HINGE AND ATTACHMENTS
PE04022FORD MOTOR COMPANY03/03/200407/01/2004POWER SLIDING DOOR OPENING
 The subject vehicles are equipped with single or dual power sliding doors (psd).approximately 111,000 vehicles have dual power sliding doors.the psd is opened by any of 5 methods, the inside or outside manual door handle, the key fob, the overhead console switch and the b-pillar switch.the door may be opened only under these conditions: ignition key is in off/accessories/on/start position, gear selector in park, vehicle speed less than 6 mph, and door unlocked.the psd latch is located at the rear of the door and has a secondary and primary latch position.full and proper closure engages both the secondary and primary latch.with the ignition in the on position, as the gear selector is moved out of park the door automatically locks and that action mechanically isolates the latch, secondary and primary, from all latch release connections.in addition to the reports alleging door opening while driving, ford has received approximately 5,700 reports that allege the door does not close properly or pops open with no mention of while driving.ford's investigation into these report included owner interviews, vehicle by-backs and testing of consumer vehicles.it found that allegations of door opening while driving were in fact reports of doors not being properly closed initially and subsequently opening to the secondary latch position as a result of vehicle vibrations or driving maneuvers.ford's testing of consumer vehicles did not result in any recurrence of psd opening while being driven.odi interviews with owners affirmed the allegations of psd opening while driving; however owners indicated the event is not a regular occurrence (i.e.,it occurred only once or has not occurred recently) and that the unintended psd opening may not be able to be duplicated.in contrast, the improper closing of the psd (latching on the secondary but not the primary latch) can be duplicated, and odi verified this during an inspection of a consumer vehicle.in this condition (secondary but no primary latch), when the vehicle's gear selector is moved out of park position, a warning chime sounds and warning message appears on the instrument panel.most reports and warranty claims were filed in the early service-life of the vehicle and peaked around the 18-month in-service time period.odi and mfr complaint trends are declining over the last 8 quarters.there is no alleged injury associated with occupant falling out while the vehicle is in motion.no failure mode causing full door opening while vehicle is in motion has been verified (reproduced by odi or by trained service technicians at dealerships) during this investigation.a safety-related defect has not been identified at this time and further use of agency resources does not appear to be warranted.accordingly, this investigation is closed.the closing of this investigation does not constitute a finding by nhtsa that a safety-related defect does not exist.the agency will monitor this issue and reserves the right to take further action if warranted by the circumstances.
STRUCTURE - FRAME AND MEMBERS
EA10007FORD MOTOR COMPANY12/20/201003/17/2011Front Subframe Corrosion Failures11V030000
 In a january 26, 2011 defect information report, ford motor company (ford) notified the national highway traffic safety administration (nhtsa) that it will conduct a safety recall to address corrosion related fractures in the front lower control arm rear attaching brackets and body mount attachments at the rear of the front subframe in approximately 425,288 model year (my) 1999 through 2003 ford windstar vehicles manufactured from april 1998 to july 2003 and either sold or currently registered in the following high corrosion (salt-belt) states:connecticut, delaware, district of columbia, illinois, indiana, iowa, kentucky, maine, maryland, massachusetts, michigan, minnesota, missouri, new hampshire, new jersey, new york, ohio, pennsylvania, rhode island, utah, vermont, west virginia and wisconsin (nhtsa recall no. 11v-030, ford recall no. 11s16).according to ford, separation of a front lower control arm rear attaching bracket may result in a lower control arm separation and separations of both front subframe rear body mounts may result in separation of the steering intermediate shaft.either condition could result in diminished vehicle directional control, increasing the risk of a crash.dealers will inspect the lower control arm rear attachment flanges and the rear body mount sections of the subframe on the right (passenger) and left (driver) sides of the vehicle.owners of vehicles that pass the inspection will be notified when to return for installation of reinforcement brackets to extend the durability of the front subframe assembly in affected areas in the presence of corrosion.owners of vehicles that do not pass inspection, but can be repaired, will be offered transportation until parts become available.repurchase offers will be extended to owners of vehicles that cannot be repaired with the reinforcement brackets.this investigation is closed.
PE10026FORD MOTOR COMPANY07/20/201012/20/2010Front Subframe Corrosion Failures
 The office of defects investigation (odi) has identified 346 complaints to odi and ford alleging fracture, cracking and or excessive corrosion of the front subframes in model year (my) 1999 through 2003 ford windstar vehicles.approximately 97 percent of these complaints (334) involve vehicles that have been operated in salt belt states, which make up approximately 60 percent of the subject vehicle sales in the united states.the front subframe, sometimes referred to as the engine cradle, is a structural component of the windstar vehicles that carries the engine, transaxle, steering rack and certain front suspension components (e.g., lower control arm).for complaints with sufficient information to identify the location of the failure, most describe problems with the rear mounting bracket for the front passenger-side lower control arm with some related to the rear body mount attachment located in the same general area of the subframe (right-rear section near the front passenger wheel).the remainder of the reports allege fracture of the front subframe at other or, most often, unspecified locations.almost all of the complaints that specified the side of the vehicle indicated that the problem occurred on the right/passenger side (106), with only a few indicating the left/driver side (2) or both sides (3) were affected.ford and several complainants attributed the right-side failures to the routing of the air-conditioning lines above the front subframe on that side of the vehicle, further noting that condensation has been observed dripping onto the front subframe in the area of the affected components (the a/c drain tube is also located on the right side, near the front subframe).odi has identified 93 complaints related to lower control arm attachments, including 80 that appear to involve complete separations.all but one of these involved vehicles from salt belt states.all three crash incidents appear to be related to lower control arm separations, including one road departure into a road-side sign resulting in a totalled vehicle and a lane departure into another vehicle.almost half of the odi complaints related to control arm separation occurred at speeds greater than 20 mph and about a quarter occurred at highway speeds.three-quarters of these complaints allege experiencing difficulty controlling the vehicle and about 40 percent appear to have resulted in departures from the intended lane of travel.testing by both ford and nhtsa have demonstrated that lower control arm separation from the rear attachment bracket results in significant toe out of the affected wheel, which affects the driver's ability to control vehicle direction.according to ford, moderate braking improved vehicle controllability by reducing the amount of toe out, possibly explaining incidents that did not allege a loss of control.odi's analysis of complaints related to the rear body mount identified 41 complaints (odi only).these complaints generally report experiencing progressively worsening noise concerns when turning, accelerating or braking.although, some of the complaints that appeared to involve a complete separation of the body mount alleged difficulty steering, the effects on vehicle control from this failure mode do not appear to be as great as those resulting from control arm separation.however, odi is seeking more information regarding two complaints which alleged that body mount failure resulted in disconnection of the steering wheel from the steering rack (one occurred during vehicle service).this investigation has been upgraded to an engineering analysis (ea10-007) for subject vehicles sold or currently registered in salt belt states to further assess the scope, frequency and safety consequences of the alleged defect in these vehicles.odi will continue to gather information about vehicles outside the salt belt as well.
EA10007FORD MOTOR COMPANY12/20/2010Front Subframe Corrosion Failures
 The office of defects investigation (odi) has identified 346 complaints to odi and ford alleging fracture, cracking and or excessive corrosion of the front subframes in model year (my) 1999 through 2003 ford windstar vehicles.approximately 97 percent of these complaints (334) involve vehicles that have been operated in salt belt states, which make up approximately 60 percent of the subject vehicle sales in the united states.the front subframe, sometimes referred to as the engine cradle, is a structural component of the windstar vehicles that carries the engine, transaxle, steering rack and certain front suspension components (e.g., lower control arm).for complaints with sufficient information to identify the location of the failure, most describe problems with the rear mounting bracket for the front passenger-side lower control arm with some related to the rear body mount attachment located in the same general area of the subframe (right-rear section near the front passenger wheel).the remainder of the reports allege fracture of the front subframe at other or, most often, unspecified locations.almost all of the complaints that specified the side of the vehicle indicated that the problem occurred on the right/passenger side (106), with only a few indicating the left/driver side (2) or both sides (3) were affected.ford and several complainants attributed the right-side failures to the routing of the air-conditioning lines above the front subframe on that side of the vehicle, further noting that condensation has been observed dripping onto the front subframe in the area of the affected components (the a/c drain tube is also located on the right side, near the front subframe).odi has identified 93 complaints related to lower control arm attachments, including 80 that appear to involve complete separations.all but one of these involved vehicles from salt belt states.all three crash incidents appear to be related to lower control arm separations, including one road departure into a road-side sign resulting in a totalled vehicle and a lane departure into another vehicle.almost half of the odi complaints related to control arm separation occurred at speeds greater than 20 mph and about a quarter occurred at highway speeds.three-quarters of these complaints allege experiencing difficulty controlling the vehicle and about 40 percent appear to have resulted in departures from the intended lane of travel.testing by both ford and nhtsa have demonstrated that lower control arm separation from the rear attachment bracket results in significant toe out of the affected wheel, which affects the driver's ability to control vehicle direction.according to ford, moderate braking improved vehicle controllability by reducing the amount of toe out, possibly explaining incidents that did not allege a loss of control.odi's analysis of complaints related to the rear body mount identified 41 complaints (odi only).these complaints generally report experiencing progressively worsening noise concerns when turning, accelerating or braking.although, some of the complaints that appeared to involve a complete separation of the body mount alleged difficulty steering, the effects on vehicle control from this failure mode do not appear to be as great as those resulting from control arm separation.however, odi is seeking more information regarding two complaints which alleged that body mount failure resulted in disconnection of the steering wheel from the steering rack (one occurred during vehicle service).this investigation has been upgraded to an engineering analysis for subject vehicles sold or currently registered in salt belt states to further assess the scope, frequency and safety consequences of the alleged defect in these vehicles.odi will continue to gather information about vehicles outside the salt belt as well.

Consumer Complaints


Fail datemilesoccurencesPurchase date
STRUCTURE
04/11/20111780001
 I have a 2001 ford windstar that was serviced for the safety recall 11s16,(11v030000 nhtsa campaign number) 04/11/2011. my vehicle was grounded do to significant subframe rot but it was deemed repairable by ford. on february 2, 2013 i noticed a 2 inch long crack/perforation on the top part of the sub-frame where the repair bracket was attached when i was rotating the tires. i took it back to the ford dealership and they said they were unable to help because it was repaired once and they wont pay to have it repaired again. im not sure if they missed this the first time it was fixed or what. i do know that according to ford's specs for determining if a subframe is repairable or not this crack would deem in non-repairable because its within the 2 inch mark from the tooling hole. now im just waiting for the subframe to completely crack while im driving down the road. the repair bracket that was supposed to solve the problem to begin with will not hold the subframe together if it completely cracks at the spot at which its located in. i also believe that due to downward force on the subframe body mount and the fact where the u shaped bracket is sitting on the subframe that holds the bracket on the subframe, it is acting like a fulcrum point where the subframe is bending and cracking. *tr
11/24/2010114000
 Tl- the contact owns a 2001 ford windstar. while driving approximately 5 mph, the contact stated that the sub frame of her vehicle rusted and bust. the dealer was notified and stated that the sub frame needed to be replaced. the vehicle is awaiting to be repaired by an authorized dealer. the manufacturer had not been contacted. the current and failure mileage was approximately 114,000. bw
07/22/2010125000
 I have a 2001 ford windstar that the front subframe failed on. i was sitting at a stop light waiting for it to turn green. when the light changed i took my foot off the brake and pushed on the gas. i heard a big clunk sound and the steering wheel began to spin freely. i slowly drove the vehicle into the center median and found that the front subframe had failed right under the floorboards. had this occured at a high speed the outcome could have been grave. i had no way to steer the vehicle. this failure needs to be addressed asap. the vehicle has been driven in the salt belt as they say all its life.
08/13/2010134000
 Driving along at minimal speed, +/- 30 mph, i heard and felt a snap in the rear of my ford windstar. then an immediate dragging feeling and scraping of metal from the rear end followed. the car swirved and slowed to a stop. no additional vehicles were involved, but an easy collision could have resulted, if not for the fact i was approching a left turn lane and was able to stear clear of traffic. i checked the back of the vehicle and the axle was cleanly broken in two, as if a seam had split. this could have been an extemely danagerous situation, life threatening in my opinion if i was driving at highway speeds.
06/11/2010108000
 I own a 2001 ford winstar limited and while driving the car the rear axel snapped in half. i was stuck but thankfully was able to have a tow truck bring it to my house.both back tires and totally bent in as the axel is literally broken in half. i now have no means of transportation which kills me as we always kept this car up to date on all maintenance. we just had the front alligned, tye rods replaced as well as many other repairs recently. as i said we always have the oil changed and all other scheduled maintenance on time. this is a real blow as right now we don't have the money to fix it or replace it. i cannot believe ford does not have to have a recall on this and their error is our loss and the loss of many others. i am disgusted and although a ford costumer for many, many years will no longer consider ford in the future. shame on you ford, lives are at stake her; have a conscience.
05/14/2009135000
 2001 windstar was fishtailing when i hit bumps. looked under there and the rear axle was cracked. only hanging together by less than 1 got another from a junkyard and it is cracking now too. safety issue!! ford should pay!!!
01/22/201087650
 Rear axle broke, car was towed (flatbed) to repair facility. broken axle assembly removed and replaced with a new axle.
02/21/20101220001
 On feb. 21, 2010 it was necessary to have my vehicle towed by aaa. after the driver got it on the ramp truck, he told me he wanted to show me something at the rear of the vehicle. there is a crack in the middle of the rear axle. he informed me that mine was the third vehicle of the same kind in about 2 weeks, that he had to tow because of a broken axle. i haven't driven it since, until i can make some arrangements to get it fixed. apparently from information i have found, there are numerous people who have had the same problem. it happens unexpectedly and usually around 100,000 to 122,000 miles. there is as yet no recall but i think there should be. it's a definite safety issue. *tr
02/15/20101810001
 I have a 2001 ford windstar and for the 3rd time the rear end tire support has broken in half driving down the road. my family and i feel lucky to be here to write this at this time and it is my 17 year old sons primary car to drive so i can have general insurance but not full coverage. i feel if he was driving when this happened he would have been in a terrible accident, god was watching out for us. it has cost me over a thousand dollars for each repair and at this time i am without the family vehicle and don't see that it would be a good idea to fix this again knowing that its going to break again. i cant afford a new vehicle and this car has been dependable other than this problem. the rear end is scarce at salvage yards, we haven't been able to locate one yet that tells me i'm not the only one having the problem. the van is made for seven and there are 5 in my family so overloading is not the problem, nor rust they are free from that and the last repair we replaced the shocks to reduce vibration problems if it existed. i fear soon i will read about a family tragedy because of this problem and i want it on record about this complaint. before making each repair we checked to see if there was a recall and to date there is none. i am in the service work business and i understand thing fail, brakes, water pumps, computers, engines but i should have never had to put a nickel into this problem. any help or guidance you can give me would be greatly appreciated. thank you for listening. *tr
11/03/20091110001
 On november 3rd, 2009, the rear axle failed in my 2001 ford windstar while i was on the highway. the car had begun performing erratically so i was not traveling at high speed, but even at low speed it was essentially uncontrollable when the failure happened. in the weeks leading up to the actual failure, i had experienced handling problems with the vehicle. after my mechanic replaced the front struts and rear shocks the car still didn't handle right. they thought this might be because the rear alignment was not a little out of spec - they were waiting for shims to come in to correct that when the axle failed. in addition to my unhappiness about the complaints - the vehicle kind of swerved when going around corners, especially highway on/off ramps - the only warning the car gave in the weeks up to the failure was seemingly-random indications from the tire-pressure warning light. in end end, the garage i took the car to ended up replacing the rear axle assembly and the two rear tires - when the axle failed the tires had rubbed against the tire wells. when searching online for other reports of this problem i came across several here, and posted my own. (my own description as well as four pictures of the failed part are on the site under november 3rd 2009: http://www.carcomplaints.com/ford/windstar/2001/drivetrain/rear_axle_snapped_in_two.shtml. *tr
11/01/20081200001
 I own a 2001 ford windstar. i noticed strange sound when cornering and brought car to dealer. the rear axle is severely cracked. being a front wheel drive car, the rear axle is more of a stabilizer, an inverted, u shaped length of steel. crack is half way up one side of u and over the top. $500 part plus labor would be $1000+ repair. still deciding to repair or scrap car. it is too unsafe to drive. dealer states they've never seen anything like it. on web boards, i have seen several cracked / broken axle complaints. this is a real safety issue. axles should be inspected for cracks. the vehicle was not involved in any collision or incident and dealer can vouch for maintenance record. dealer thinks crack started small and grew with each turn - especially when turning over a hill or into a low point in the road when flex pressure is largest. they
11/25/2008980001
 The lower control a-arm on the passenger side broke loose from the frame causing the van to dropto the ground. this luckly happened when i just pulled into a parking spot in front of a wendy's. *tr
03/01/20071
 Paint blistering and coming off, 2001 ford windstar se, color is emerald. has come off on the hood down to bare metal and also the panels under the doors. *tr
06/01/2008780001
 Without any warning the rear axel on my 2001 ford windstar minivan snapped completely in two. we had just gotten off a busy highway and luckily were going very slowly on a side street. we all would surely have been killed if this had happened 5 minutes earlier. *tr
03/31/2008103/29/2008
 There was no crash or injury, i was just wanting to know if there was a recall on the paint on a 2001 windstar. i just bought one and did not realize the roof paint is peeling. i called the dealer and i guess i am screwed. *tr
07/15/200367000
 Bought the used vehicle from a used car dealer. didn't check for paint peeling or rust, thought a 2 year old car wouldn't have any. i washed the car, and as i waxed it, discovered the peeling paint on the roof rib, almost entire lenghth of vehicle, then found rust at the bottom of the front passenger door and rear passenger sliding door. contacted ford, instructed me to go to local dealership, went to gervais ford in ayer ma. service manager looked over the car, made notes, informed me he would contact ford headquarters to see if they will do anything. two weeks later, he contacted me and informed me there was nothing they could do regarding the paint or the doors rusting from the inside out.
05/01/2003104/01/2003
 The consumers child stuck her finger inside of the a small hole in the console and a saw had to be used to get the child's finger out of the hole. *nlm *cb *jb
02/22/2002310/01/2001
 Brakes failed on three different occasions (repair dates: 3/22/02, 4/1/02 and 4/15/02). first, my wife noted the brake pedal was going all the way to the floor before there was any response. the dealership advised that this was normal. we insisted that it wasn't, until there lead technician found and replaced a faulty hcu. the second failure came while i was driving my wife and 6 month old baby from mo to va. while on the west virginia turn pike, the anti-lock brakes failed again and eventually the brakeing system failed all togoether by the time we reached our destination of suffolk virginia. barton ford, in suffolk va, replaced the hcu and the ecu and repaired a brake fluid leak. the third incident occurred while driving back to mo. once again the brakes did not respond normally. once back in o'fallon, mo. the dealership found a air bubble in the brake line and they reprogrammed the abs module. each brake failure also affected the traction control system and the speedometer. we have also had to have one window replaced, the drivers side sliding door adjusted, a seal inserted in the rear of the vehicle due to a recall item, and bolts tightened at the engine cradle mounts. recently, the fuel cap indicator light illuminated for a period of 5 days for unknown reasons and we are currently unable to fill the gas tank to its normal capacity. this vehicle is unsafe and hardly worth the $27,220 that we are paying for it.
STRUCTURE - BODY
04/11/20111780001
 I have a 2001 ford windstar that was serviced for the safety recall 11s16,(11v030000 nhtsa campaign number) 04/11/2011. my vehicle was grounded do to significant subframe rot but it was deemed repairable by ford. on february 2, 2013 i noticed a 2 inch long crack/perforation on the top part of the sub-frame where the repair bracket was attached when i was rotating the tires. i took it back to the ford dealership and they said they were unable to help because it was repaired once and they wont pay to have it repaired again. im not sure if they missed this the first time it was fixed or what. i do know that according to ford's specs for determining if a subframe is repairable or not this crack would deem in non-repairable because its within the 2 inch mark from the tooling hole. now im just waiting for the subframe to completely crack while im driving down the road. the repair bracket that was supposed to solve the problem to begin with will not hold the subframe together if it completely cracks at the spot at which its located in. i also believe that due to downward force on the subframe body mount and the fact where the u shaped bracket is sitting on the subframe that holds the bracket on the subframe, it is acting like a fulcrum point where the subframe is bending and cracking. *tr
04/11/2011178000
 I have a 2001 ford windstar that was serviced for the safety recall 11s16,(11v030000 nhtsa campaign number) 04/11/2011. my vehicle was grounded do to significant subframe rot but it was deemed repairable by ford. on febuary 2, 2013 i noticed a 2 inch long crack/perforation on the top part of the sub-frame where the repair bracket was attached when i was rotating the tires. i took it back to the ford dealership and they said they were unable to help because it was repaired once and they wont pay to have it repaired again. im not sure if they missed this the first time it was fixed or what. i do know that according to ford's specs for determining if a subframe is repairable or not this crack would deem in non-repairable because its within the 2 inch mark from the tooling hole. now im just waiting for the subframe to completely crack while im driving down the road. the repair bracket that was supposed to solve the problem to begin with will not hold the subframe together if it completely cracks at the spot at which its located in. i aslo beleive that due to downward force on the subframe body mount and the fact where the u shaped bracket is sitting on the subframe that holds the bracket on the subframe, it is acting like a fulcrum point where the subframe is bending and cracking.
01/30/20131854001
 I heard loud clunking sounds in the front that were more pronounced when i went over bumps. the sway bar has broken off from the front sub-frame passenger side of the car. the dealer said the sub-frame is so rusted that the only way to reattach the sway bar is to replace the entire front sub-frame at a cost of $3,500. it is not covered under previous recalls, since the prior 2 recalls in 2010 and 2011 only specifically covered the rear axle and the separation of the front lower control arms attaching brackets and body mount attachments at the rear of the front sub-frame. this problem is so similar to the jan. 2011 recall w/a part breaking off from a rusted sub-frame. it's the corrosion of the sub-frame that is at the root of these problems. they should have just replaced the sub-frame at that time instead of doing a patch job w/ brackets. the dealer deemed my car unsafe to drive, as i won't have control of my car on quick turns or be able to make fast maneuvers in the event of an accident or to avoid potential accidents. another risk is that my engine may fall out the bottom of my car while driving (which i see has happened to others with my same problem), endangering my family and others on the road. i plan on parking this car in my driveway and waiting for ford to be forced to recall these vehicles. in the meantime, if any of you have a similar problem, please report them to ford corporation and the nhtsa, so what i believe to be an inevitable recall will be expedited. even the ford customer service rep encouraged me to file a report with the nhtsa because she has gotten calls with other similar complaints. she was very sympathetic to my situation but said there is nothing she can do until enough complaints get filed with the nhtsa so they open an investigation. what happened to companies wanting to help their customers w/o being forced by a governmental agency?! *tr
04/11/2011178000
 I have a 2001 ford windstar that was serviced for the safety recall 11s16,(11v030000 nhtsa campaign number) 04/11/2011. my vehicle was grounded do to significant subframe rot but it was deemed repairable by ford. on febuary 2, 2013 i noticed a 2 inch long crack/perforation on the top part of the sub-frame where the repair bracket was attached when i was rotating the tires. i took it back to the ford dealership and they said they were unable to help because it was repaired once and they wont pay to have it repaired again. im not sure if they missed this the first time it was fixed or what. i do know that according to ford's specs for determining if a subframe is repairable or not this crack would deem in non-repairable because its within the 2 inch mark from the tooling hole. now im just waiting for the subframe to completely crack while im driving down the road. the repair bracket that was supposed to solve the problem to begin with will not hold the subframe together if it completely cracks at the spot at which its located in. i aslo beleive that due to downward force on the subframe body mount and the fact where the u shaped bracket is sitting on the subframe that holds the bracket on the subframe, it is acting like a fulcrum point where the subframe is bending and cracking.
01/30/2013185400
 I heard loud clunking sounds in the front that were more pronounced when i went over bumps. the sway bar has broken off from the front sub-frame passenger side of the car. the dealer said the sub-frame is so rusted that the only way to reattach the sway bar is to replace the entire front sub-frame at a cost of $3,500. it is not covered under previous recalls, since the prior 2 recalls in 2010 and 2011 only specifically covered the rear axle and the separation of the front lower control arms attaching brackets and body mount attachments at the rear of the front sub-frame. this problem is so similar to the jan. 2011 recall w/a part breaking off from a rusted sub-frame. it's the corrosion of the sub-frame that is at the root of these problems. they should have just replaced the sub-frame at that time instead of doing a patch job w/ brackets. the dealer deemed my car unsafe to drive, as i won't have control of my car on quick turns or be able to make fast maneuvers in the event of an accident or to avoid potential accidents. another risk is that my engine may fall out the bottom of my car while driving (which i see has happened to others with my same problem), endangering my family and others on the road. i plan on parking this car in my driveway and waiting for ford to be forced to recall these vehicles. in the meantime, if any of you have a similar problem, please report them to ford corporation and the nhtsa, so what i believe to be an inevitable recall will be expedited. even the ford customer service rep encouraged me to file a report with the nhtsa because she has gotten calls with other similar complaints. she was very sympathetic to my situation but said there is nothing she can do until enough complaints get filed with the nhtsa so they open an investigation. what happened to companies wanting to help their customers w/o being forced by a governmental agency?!
11/02/2012120000
 Tl-the contact owns a 2001 ford windstar. the contact stated the vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic for an inspection. the technician informed the front portion of the frame was completely rusted. there was a recall associated with nhtsa campaign id number 11v030000 (structure: frame and members:underbody shields); however the vin was ineligible. in addition, the vehicle was not originally sold or registered in the states mentioned in the recall defect. the vehicle had not been repaired. the manufacturer was notified of the problem. the approximate failure mileage was 120,000. pmb
11/02/2012120000
 Tl-the contact owns a 2001 ford windstar. the contact stated the vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic for an inspection. the technician informed the front portion of the frame was completely rusted. there was a recall associated with nhtsa campaign id number 11v030000 (structure: frame and members:underbody shields); however the vin was ineligible. in addition, the vehicle was not originally sold or registered in the states mentioned in the recall defect. the vehicle had not been repaired. the manufacturer was notified of the problem. the approximate failure mileage was 120,000. js
04/15/2011142023
 Tl- the contact owns a 2001 ford windstar. the contact stated that while driving he heard a noise underneath the vehicle. the vehicle was taken to the dealer who diagnose that the sub frame of the front passenger side of the vehicle needed to be replaced due to corrosion. the vehicle was repaired but the failure recurred. the manufacturer was made aware of the failure who did not offer any assistance since the vehicle had already been repaired under recall nhtsa campaign id number: 11v030000 (structure: frame and members: under body shields). the failure mileage was 142,023. pmb
04/15/2011142023
 Tl- the contact owns a 2001 ford windstar. the contact stated that he was driving the vehicle and stated that he heard a noise underneath the vehicle. the vehicle was taken to the dealer for inspection and they stated that the sub frame of the front passenger side of the vehicle needed to be replaced because it was corroded. the vehicle was repaired but the failure recurred. the manufacturer was notified and they stated that the vehicle was already repaired under recall nhtsa campaign id number: 11v030000 (structure: frame and members:under body shields), and that he would have to pay for the repair. the failure mileage was 142,023. ap
08/01/20081
 The exterior and underpart of the van has tons of rust on it. the exterior is the least of my worries, but all the metal pieces under the car continue to rust like no other. *tr
08/01/2008
 The exterior and underpart of the van has tons of rust on it. the exterior is the least of my worries, but all the metal pieces under the car continue to rust like no other.
08/02/20121502001
 I was driving home when i went around a corner i heard a thump in the front passenger side of my windstar, the following morning i took it into my mechanic. he looked the vehicle over and told me the sub frame has rusted out where the stabilizer bar connects. this issue was supposed to have been addressed by ford the previous year when they had it in for the rear axle recall. i find ford had made the decision to put some useless brackets in and not replace the sub-frame. i called customer care concerning the problem and was told there was only a year warranty on the work so there was nothing they could do as i had picked up the van end of april /beginning of may 2011. a recall was issued for this problem and quite evidently their fix with some little brackets did not repair the issue, i am not sure how some brackets are suppose to correct a rusting out sub frame to begin with. *tr
05/11/2012105899
 At a major intersection getting onto a highway our subframe gave out and we came to a screeching halt & a dead stop. the entire subframe under the passengers side of the van rotted and the wheel was up against the frame of the car. it could have caused a major accident. it cost us $1,500.00
03/30/201170062
 My '01 windstar had subframe repair in spring 2011... was said to be inspect subframe- did not pass but can be repaired. it was repaired at that time. last week, i had it into a mechanic for an unrelated problem where he had it on the lift. he told me that the subframe is completely rotted. i currently plan to return to ford dealer.
02/18/2012167500
 Tl* the contact owns a 2001 ford windstar. the contact stated that while turning right into a parking space, a loud clunking noise was heard. the vehicle was taken to the dealer who diagnosed that the front sub frame was corroded and needed to be repaired. the manufacturer was made aware of the failure who did not offer any assistance since there were no recalls related to the failure. the vehicle was not repaired. the failure mileage was 167,500 and current mileage was 168,000.
11/01/2010107136
 Tl* the contact owns a 2001 ford windstar. the contact stated that the vehicle was repaired under nhtsa campaign id number:11v030000(structure: frame and members:underbody shields). the vehicle was not able to pass state inspection due to corrosion and a crack in the frame. the vehicle was taken back to the dealer and the manufacturer was contacted. the vehicle was repaired. the failure mileage was 107,136 and the current mileage was 116,700.
02/18/2012167500
 Tl* the contact owns a 2001 ford windstar. the contact stated that while turning right into a parking space, a loud clunking noise was heard. the vehicle was taken to the dealer who diagnosed that the front sub frame was corroded and needed to be repaired. the manufacturer was made aware of the failure who did not offer any assistance since there were no recalls related to the failure. the vehicle was not repaired. the failure mileage was 167,500 and current mileage was 168,000.
11/01/2010107136
 Tl* the contact owns a 2001 ford windstar. the contact stated that the vehicle was repaired under nhtsa campaign id number:11v030000(structure: frame and members:underbody shields). the vehicle was not able to pass state inspection due to corrosion and a crack in the frame. the vehicle was taken back to the dealer and the manufacturer was contacted. the vehicle was repaired. the failure mileage was 107,136 and the current mileage was 116,700.
02/18/2012167500
 Tl - the contact owns a 2001 ford windstar. the contact stated that while turning right into a parking space, a loud clunking noise was heard. the vehicle was taken to the dealer who diagnosed that the front sub frame was corroded and needed to be repaired. the manufacturer was made aware of the failure who did not offer any assistance since there were no recalls related to the failure. the vehicle was not repaired. the failure mileage was 167,500 and current mileage was 168,000. kmj
11/01/2010107136
 Tl- the contact owns a 2001 ford windstar. the contact stated that the vehicle was repaired under nhtsa campaign id number:11v030000(structure: frame and members:underbody shields). the vehicle was not able to pass state inspection due to corrosion and a crack in the frame. the vehicle was taken back to the dealer and the manufacturer was contacted. the vehicle was repaired. the failure mileage was 107,136 and the current mileage was 116,700. kmj
02/18/2012167500
 Tl - the contact owns a 2001 ford windstar. the contact stated that while turning right into a parking space, a loud clunking noise was heard. the vehicle was taken to the dealer who diagnosed that the front sub frame was corroded and needed to be repaired. the manufacturer was made aware of the failure who did not offer any assistance since there were no recalls related to the failure. the vehicle was not repaired. the failure mileage was 167,500 and current mileage was 168,000. kmj
11/01/2010107136
 Tl- the contact owns a 2001 ford windstar. the contact stated that the vehicle was repaired under nhtsa campaign id number:11v030000(structure: frame and members:underbody shields). the vehicle was not able to pass state inspection due to corrosion and a crack in the frame. the vehicle was taken back to the dealer and the manufacturer was contacted. the vehicle was repaired. the failure mileage was 107,136 and the current mileage was 116,700. kmj
02/18/2012167500
 Tl - the contact owns a 2001 ford windstar. the contact stated that while turning right into a parking space she a loud clunking noise. the vehicle was taken to the dealer who diagnosed that the front sub frame was corroded and needed to be repaired. the manufacturer was made aware of the failure who did not offered any assistance since there was no recalls related to the failure. the vehicle was not repaired. the failure mileage was 167,500 and current mileage was 168,000. pm
11/01/2010107136
 Tl- the contact owns a 2001 ford windstar. the contact stated after the recall remedy was performed under nhtsa campaign id number:11v030000(structure: frame and members:underbody shields). the vehicle was still not able to pass state inspection due to corrosion and crack in the frame. the vehicle was taken back to the dealer. the manufacturer was contacted. the vehicle was repaired. the failure mileage was 107,136 and the current mileage was 116,700. rds
08/25/2011156503
 Tl- the contact owns a 2001 ford windstar. the contact stated the vehicle was repaired under the recall associated with nhtsa campaign id number 11v030000 (structure: frame and members:underbody shields). upon having the repairs completed, the contact was informed that the front sway bar link also needed to be replaced due to excessive corrosion, but were not included in the recall. no additional repairs were performed. the manufacturer was made aware of the failure, but offered no assistance. the failure mileage was 156,503. rvk
08/25/2011156503
 Tl-the contact owns a 2001 ford windstar. the contact stated that the vehicle was repaired under the recall associated with nhtsa campaign id number 11v030000 (structure: frame and members:underbody shields). upon having the repairs completed, the contact was informed that the front sway bar links also needed to be replaced due to excessive corrosion, but were not included in the recall. no additional repairs were performed. the manufacturer was made aware of the failure, but offered no assistance. the failure mileage was 156,503. sm.
09/02/2011
 Annual state inspection found rust at mount on right front subframe,,passenger rear rocker panel has rust hole. abs/brake lights stay on,even after they been fixed
10/10/200656000
 There is a re-occurring door failure and extensive rust damage on 2001 ford windstar. the first incident occurred in oct 2006 when the front stabilizer bar failed causing the van to loose control. ford will not release the record of repair. my van is a modified wheelchair van and we are experiencing a severe sag in the floor on the passenger side, have had to replace the transmission, had multiple repairs due to rust and yesterday the top guide rail for the sliding door cracked and the top of door fell down almost hitting the car next to me. the tracks are extremely rusted and as the floorboard, becoming a safety hazard. i believe the rust issue in this vehicle are far more extensive than the 2 recalls currently in place. this may also be acerbated by authorized modifications to allow wheelchair access. in essence, the van is rusting apart.
01/25/2011133000
 Vehicle is no longer drivable & is sitting at a ford dealership service lot. incident occurred on tuesday, january 25, 2011 at approximately 4:30pm. vehicle front subframe cracked and passenger side tire separated from car while driving resulting in loss of control of vehicle. car would not steer or move, could not be pushed out of traffic.
11/15/2009140000
 Front right subframe broke and allowed wheel to be trapped in weelwell very close to crash had replaced and used replacment broke just over one year later
09/21/2007550004005/10/2002
 Tl*the contact owns a 2001 ford windstar. the contact noticed that the paint on the roof and rear of the vehicle had abnormal discoloration and was becoming progressively worse. two months later, he noticed water leaking through the windshield. a professional technician stated that the hooks holding the windshield together were defective. the vehicle has not been repaired. the dealer stated that there were no recalls regarding this failure. the failure mileage was 55,000 and current mileage was 63,000.
STRUCTURE - BODY - DOOR
04/13/2003750001011/11/2002
 Nov 9, 2002, is when we purchased the red windstar van we were told that the dealership had used it as a promotional car for the owners and their wives. february a complaint officer at ford told me they were just putting the car in our name it was listed under enterprise still. i called to asked why we were just getting the recall notice for the seat when i had called them 5 times with the call i made 2-7-07 and why had they not sent a notice for the sliding doors. *nm
04/22/20051
 The passenger front door opened as the consumer turned a corner. the door was closed and there was no indication from the computer it was ajar. *jb
07/07/2004108/07/2001
 Back passenger sliding door opens unintended and does it while the vehicle is on. *jb
01/01/19011
 Problems with side sliding doors. this problem has been bought to the dealer's attention 6 times. the dealer has attempted to repair the problem but has not been successful. *bf *nm
02/20/2001501
 Both sliding doors did not close fully. the doors would shut and pop back open even when locked. the mechanic replaced several components but only provided a temporary fix. the failure still exist. at 50,000 the intake manifold was replaced twice within a year because it contained a leak. *jb
08/23/200460000
 Sliding door shut on its own. toddler was caught in the door, and the door struck his hand. there should be a sensor for people exiting or entering the vehicle.*ak
07/08/20041
 Numerous things have gone wrong since we bought the vehicle. items covered under warranty: electric seat stopped working twice, and transmission wouldn't shift when it was supposed to. items not covered under warranty: brakes replaced at 30,000+ miles-told was normal for them to wear out so quickly; rack and pinion replaced at around 55,000 miles; months after brakes replaced, brakes grind loudly when coming to a stop (brakes checked numerous times, but was told they were ok); abs brake light comes on and stays on after driving (not illuminated on start up, but comes on later); back dome light not secure-falls out; dome lights sometimes come on when braking; check engine light on for months, didn't have it checked, but turned off by itself; sliding door drags-rusted on vechicle frame.*ak
09/19/20023
 Consumer noticed that driver's rear side door did not latch. vehicle was taken to the dealer for inspection and mechanic replaced the door switch. however, the problem recurred, and the vehicle was taken back to the dealer. *ak
02/07/2004105/14/2001
 I own a 2001 ford windstar sel with power sliding doors. i am concerned with the problem i am having because one of the mechanisms used to operate the door is inoperable and the door no longer works electrically. the standard cost for this repair is $1800.00, alot of money for a door repair. my concern is that if the power mechanism is not working these doors should be able to operate safetly manually. that is not the case the door is excessively heavy (heavier than a manual door) and when the vechicle is on an incline the door will not stay open. i have two children (ages 3 and 1) and i am concerned for their safety with this door. i feel there should be some safety precaution to hold the door open when the power fails. the door should require some sort of slight tug or pull to close not just gravity. i think if this issue is not resolved on these power doors someone is going to lose a finger, hand or much worse. otherwise i think that manufacturers should make these repairs more affordable, most families (which is the majority of owners of mini-vans) are on tight budgets and $2000.00, is just outrageous for a door repair! *ak
01/12/20031
 When closing passenger sliding door the door would not close. consumer made contact with the dealership. *ak
 The consumer stated that while a child was getting out of the vehicle, the sliding door caught the child's right arm which resulted in injury. please provide further information. *nlm
11/01/200233000109/01/2001
 I have read numerous complaints on edmunds.com (town hall) from other windstar owners. i'm concerned for my family with these doors failing. i am going back to my ford dealer for a second visit to have them fix a problem that is of grave importance to my family and families of windstar owners. ford needs to take this matter more seriously and provide more support to fix these problems with these doors failing to work properly. your attention to this matter is appreciated. *ph *jb **dimsii ivoq entry posted after 12/12/02 cut over to artemis**770812
07/11/20021
 Consumer states right sliding door hangs 1/2 way at times. right side door lubed and adjusted. door moulding needs to be replaced. drivers door weatherstrip replaced. check windnoise, no problem found. all door locks and rear liftgate shocks were greased. right door hangs up and will not open easily. *tt
110/01/2001
 Consumer states the automatic doors have no sensors to stop them if someone or something is in the way. door already closed on consumer while removing children from vehicle. *tt
03/01/2001
 Both power sliding doors will not stay closed. vehicle has been taken to dealer 6 times, hinges and motor have been replaced. dealer unable to remedy the problem.*ak
01/01/2002
 Power sliding door failed to stay close. while driving along door ajar signal on the dashboard will illumintate to alert that door has popped open. power sliding door cannot be manually forced to close. dealer was notified. please provide more information.*ak
06/23/2002106/01/2001
 While driving down a 2 lane highway, my driver's side automatic door opened on it's own. i immediately pulled to the side of the road, turned off the automatic setting, and shut the door manually. luckily, i was in the van alone, not with my wife and 3 1/2 year old daughter. i called the dealership and told me to get it to them right away. they could not get it to malfunction while in the service department, but i did inform them that the door, when fully closed, does stick out further than the passenger side. they readjusted the door and said that no other reports of this happening has ever occurred when they talked to ford engineering. but, i see on this site many reports of a similar nature. waiting on dealership for possible exchange of vehicle.*ak
04/01/2002
 Sliding door behind driver keeps coming open while driving. dealer has made numerous adjustments and problem keeps occurring. consumer states vehicle is not safe for children or anyone in the rear. please provide any further information. *ak
07/25/2001806/01/2001
 Without warning side electrical door will open and shut without command. also sensor on door is not functioning accurately, dealer has been notified. mechanic has serviced vehicle 8 times, and has not resolved the problem.*ak consumer adds that the passenger side sliding door is the problem. the door will also close or open pathway then change directions. door motion can go on for 5 minutes. sensor also failed. door will push on anything that is in its way. *tt
02/01/2002112/16/2001
 Passenger rear slider door will not stay open when vehicle is parked on a hill. dealership is aware of problem.*ak
04/30/2002206/01/2001
 The passenger side power sliding door opens on its own while the car is moving. it happened twice in one day. i was told that ford is aware of the problem and that they are working on a new hinge assembly. in the meantime, i am afraid to put my kids in the van. i see other complaints for this same issue (738418, 866315, 871988, 730676, 871684). i also know of two other people who had the same problem. luckily, no one was hurt, but this needs to be addressed.*ak
 Driver's side slinging door automaticly opened while driving. dealer is inspecting the vehicle. please provide further information. *ak
09/16/2001
 Sliding door locks malfunctioned, and is unable to unlock. dealer notified. *ak
11/01/2001511/24/2001
 While traveling on the highway, the door will unexpectedly open without prior warning, dealership is aware of problem. *ak. *jb. also the driver seat will not move, dealer replaced the fuse, the cruise control was inoperative. and the door ajar light was on.*jb
 Sliding side door has a faulty mechanism. while driving door just opened on its own. please provide any further information, and identification number.*ak
09/02/2001608/23/2001
 Consumer stated arm rest on the passenger side of the vehicle is broken, cause unknown. *ak clunk noise in front end while turning or accelerating from a stop, can also be felt with vibration, passenger side dash area hanging. both sliding door rubber stops missing, driverside sliding door stop replaced. grinding noise in rear when applying brakes. when heat is on vent smells like something is burning. wipers will not clear windshield, washer solvent sprays in one spot. normal operation. *tt
01/20/2002407/12/2001
 While driving, the automatic sliding door intermittently opens, dealer has replaced automatic door sensor, but that did not remedy the problem. *ak *yd
09/09/20012507/01/2001
 The passenger sliding door mechanism sealed completely on my right thumb. it did not sense that there was an obstruction and my thumb was damaged extensively. when thumb was released, it was completely flat (size of a flat quarter) and had extensive crushing damage. had no feeling for 4 months. nail died and took until january 2002 to fall off, causing much discomfort and inability to perform daily tasks for family. currently, nail has not grown back and may not ever. this door mechanism, when tested shut on plastic cups, sticks, and other small objects. this is a family vehicle and should have an infa red sensor that backs up the door whenever its beam is broken. it currently has a mechanical sensor so only if something substantial (ie: an adults whole body) is wedged in door, will it back up. even then, it closes considerably (and frighteningly on victom) before opening. i fear that one of my children will get wrist or hand closed and cause serious damage. i still have shooting pain in joint of thumb and no thumb nail. i need help demonstrating product malfunction before my child or someone else's is seriously crushed!*ak
2504/01/2001
 The power rear doors attempt to shut but then fail to latch leaving the doors ajar. this happens regularly during hot weather. my daughter was injured when both doors failed to latch and then the children shut the door manually (non-power assist) injuring her fingers in the door. this problem with the failure to latch has been reported by other ford windstar owners we know with 1999 or 2000 models. this time the tempture was in the 70's
03/22/2001103/20/2001
 Only method of opening vehicle door from outside using a key is through drivers side door or using remote entry system. consumer complaint is that if driver's door is inoperable ,and electrical system is inoperable, there is no way to open vehicle from outside. *ak there should be an option to manually open each of the doors. eliminating this option was just to save a few dollars on the part of the manufacturee. *yh
03/18/2001303/01/2001
 The power sliding door does not always close to the flush position. the minivan has been brought back to dealership where purchased on three separate occassions. 1st time: door goes to the closed position then retracts slightly open and stays there. repeated attempts to powerslide where unsuccfessful. brought it to the deal and they mad an adjustment (details not available). 2nd time: door retracts slightly after reaching the closed position. will eventually reach the closed position but only with multiple attempts. also, detection of object in the path of sliding door not working well. i needed to stop the door from sliding with the entire force of my body (this ould have seriously injured my 3-year old if she had been standing there at the time). a visit to ford resulting in reprogramming the sensor as they are receiving information from ford on these repairs on a weekly basis. tested the sliding door in ford's parking lot before leaving the dealership and it was working fine. got home, switched around my carseats, again, the door did not close all the way. left it alone for a while, went back outside and the door successfully closed on the first attempt. did not have occassion to use the sliding door for 4 days, open. *ak
STRUCTURE - BODY - DOOR - HINGE AND ATTACHMENTS
04/15/20045900001/11/2003
 We have a 01 ford windstar limited with automatic doors, with safety sensors. the drivers side door was working intermittently, not always opening and closing with the buttons. my 3yr old daughter reached in the van to get a toy and the door closed on her arm,(without anyone touching a button to close the door) the door eventually opened. the injury consisted of broken skin and a severe bruise on the outer and the inner side of the arm. the van was still covered by extended warranty and four parts were replaced: 1. contr asy bdy s 2. sensor asy - ac 3. r/contr & lat a 4. actu asy - bdy sd the door is still having problems opening all of the time. the ford dealership cannot find a problem with it.
12/19/2003375003011/01/2001
 Over thirty separate warranty repairs over two years. faulty electrical door locks (kids couldn't exit), transmission leakage, transmission failure, front-end defects with loud thumping noises and several body problems. most notable body problems are wind noise and water leakage through doors and windows. most recently, the fuel pump failed (@ 37,000 miles). ford has all along refused to acknowledge the problems. now that the vehicle is out of warranty, they have again said they will not doing anything. the vehicle is unreliable and unsafe to operate.*ak
STRUCTURE - BODY - HATCHBACK/LIFTGATE
12/26/200329000104/18/2001
 The liftgate glass shattered without any cause. dealer couldn't determine the cause, but replaced the glass. *ak *mr
STRUCTURE - BODY - HATCHBACK/LIFTGATE - HINGE AND ATTACHMENTS
03/22/200563000206/01/2002
 On 3/22/05 i was completely stopped at a traffic light with no-one behind my van when my back liftgate window exploded. this is the second window in the past 5 months to explode in my van. (see complaint of incident 10-23-04) the only commonality between these events was that both mornings were cool and the inside of the van had been warmed for 20-30 minutes. the dealer and glass repair company asked if the frame had been bent in the past, but this van has never been in an accident of any kind -not even a fender-bender.*ak
10/23/200455000206/01/2002
 On 10/22/04 i dropped my child at school, and exiting the parking lot the left rear side window of my 2001 windstar van exploded. i was in a school parking lot, traveling approximately 10 mph. on 3/22/05 i was completely stopped at a traffic light with no-one behind my van when my back liftgate window exploded. the only commonality between these events was that both mornings were cool and the inside of the van had been warmed for 20-30 minutes. *ak
11/18/200451000211/07/2001
 While the vehicle was parked, the rear liftgate window shattered twice. *ak with both occurrences, the weather was moderate, parked, locked and unoccupied, no keys were in the ignition. *sc
STRUCTURE - BODY - HOOD
1600
 The hood of the suv is partially made of chrome which rattled at high speeds. *nlm
STRUCTURE - BODY - ROOF AND PILLARS
05/05/2004444581
 Roof brackets are loose. this is causing a loud rattling noise. dealership was notified, but did not resolve the problem. *ak
STRUCTURE - FRAME AND MEMBERS
06/27/201193688
 Took the vehicle in for new tires because one was going bald fast and they found that the passenger side rear sub frame mount was rusted away.
07/22/2011113000
 Tl-the contact owns a 2001 ford windstar. the contact stated that after receiving a recall in regards to nhtsa campaign id number 10v385000 (suspension:rear:axle:non-powered axle assembly). while having the vehicle in for that recall another was issued for nhtsa campaign id number 11v030000 (structure: frame and members:underbody shields). after the dealer inspected it they advised him that the vehicle was fine and safe to drive. upon leaving and pulling into his driveway at low speeds he noticed that the vehicle would not drive any further. when he inspected the vehicle he noticed that the 2 front wheels had fell to the outside and the lower control arms had fractured. the dealer was contacted and they advised him that they would try to buy the vehicle back. the manufacturer was contacted and they offered no assistance. the failure and current mileages were approximately 113,000. tb
07/22/2011142000
 Tl- the contact owns a 2001 ford windstar. the contact stated the engine fell out of the vehicle while driving. the contact had the vehicle towed to a dealer and was told the front sub frame of the vehicle had rusted through and that allowed the engine to drop from the vehicle. the contact never received a recall notice for nhtsa recall campaign id number: 11v030000 (structure: frame and members: underbody shields). the failure mileage and current mileages were 142,000.rl
06/27/201193688
 Took the vehicle in for new tires because one was going bald fast and they found that the passenger side rear sub frame mount was rusted away.
07/22/2011113000
 Tl-the contact owns a 2001 ford windstar. the contact stated that after receiving a recall in regards to nhtsa campaign id number 10v385000 (suspension:rear:axle:non-powered axle assembly). while having the vehicle in for that recall another was issued for nhtsa campaign id number 11v030000 (structure: frame and members:underbody shields). after the dealer inspected it they advised him that the vehicle was fine and safe to drive. upon leaving and pulling into his driveway at low speeds he noticed that the vehicle would not drive any further. when he inspected the vehicle he noticed that the 2 front wheels had fell to the outside and the lower control arms had fractured. the dealer was contacted and they advised him that they would try to buy the vehicle back. the manufacturer was contacted and they offered no assistance. the failure and current mileages were approximately 113,000. tb
07/22/2011142000
 Tl- the contact owns a 2001 ford windstar. the contact stated the engine fell out of the vehicle while driving. the contact had the vehicle towed to a dealer and was told the front sub frame of the vehicle had rusted through and that allowed the engine to drop from the vehicle. the contact never received a recall notice for nhtsa recall campaign id number: 11v030000 (structure: frame and members: underbody shields). the failure mileage and current mileages were 142,000.rl
06/27/201193688
 Took the vehicle in for new tires because one was going bald fast and they found that the passenger side rear sub frame mount was rusted away.
07/22/2011113000
 Tl-the contact owns a 2001 ford windstar. the contact stated that after receiving a recall in regards to nhtsa campaign id number 10v385000 (suspension:rear:axle:non-powered axle assembly). while having the vehicle in for that recall another was issued for nhtsa campaign id number 11v030000 (structure: frame and members:underbody shields). after the dealer inspected it they advised him that the vehicle was fine and safe to drive. upon leaving and pulling into his driveway at low speeds he noticed that the vehicle would not drive any further. when he inspected the vehicle he noticed that the 2 front wheels had fell to the outside and the lower control arms had fractured. the dealer was contacted and they advised him that they would try to buy the vehicle back. the manufacturer was contacted and they offered no assistance. the failure and current mileages were approximately 113,000. tb
07/22/2011142000
 Tl- the contact owns a 2001 ford windstar. the contact stated the engine fell out of the vehicle while driving. the contact had the vehicle towed to a dealer and was told the front sub frame of the vehicle had rusted through and that allowed the engine to drop from the vehicle. the contact never received a recall notice for nhtsa recall campaign id number: 11v030000 (structure: frame and members: underbody shields). the failure mileage and current mileages were 142,000.rl
07/22/2011113000
 Tl-the contact owns a 2001 ford windstar. the contact stated that after receiving a recall in regards to nhtsa campaign id number 10v385000 (suspension:rear:axle:non-powered axle assembly). while having the vehicle in for that recall another was issued for nhtsa campaign id number 11v030000 (structure: frame and members:underbody shields). after the dealer inspected it they advised him that the vehicle was fine and safe to drive. upon leaving and pulling into his driveway at low speeds he noticed that the vehicle would not drive any further. when he inspected the vehicle he noticed that the 2 front wheels had fell to the outside and the lower control arms had fractured. the dealer was contacted and they advised him that they would try to buy the vehicle back. the manufacturer was contacted and they offered no assistance. the failure and current mileages were approximately 113,000. tb
07/22/2011142000
 Tl- the contact owns a 2001 ford windstar. the contact stated the engine fell out of the vehicle while driving. the contact had the vehicle towed to a dealer and was told the front sub frame of the vehicle had rusted through and that allowed the engine to drop from the vehicle. the contact never received a recall notice for nhtsa recall campaign id number: 11v030000 (structure: frame and members: underbody shields). the failure mileage and current mileages were 142,000.rl
06/15/2011158000
 Tl - the contact owns a 2001 windstar. the contact stated that after receiving the repairs for recall nhtsa campaign id number: 11v030000 (component: structure: frame and members:underbody shields) the vehicle was vibrating, it did not have any power when pressing the gas and it was making a loud noise. the vehicle was taken back to the dealer who diagnosed that the motor mount was defective and needed to be replaced. the remedy failed to repaired the problem. the manufacturer was made aware of the failure who did not offered any assistance since the recalls repairs were done up to code. the vehicle was not repaired. the failure and current mileage was 185,000. pm
06/08/201159524
 Tl-the contact owns a 2001 ford windstar. the contact was driving approximately 55 mph, and completely loss steering control and the vehicle drifted into the opposing lane without intent. the vehicle came to a stop when the brakes were engaged. the vehicle was towed to an authorized dealer where they informed the subframe was defective and caused damages within the steering and suspension. the vehicle was previously repaired under a recall associated with nhtsa campaign id number 11v030000 (structure: frame and members: underbody shields). the failure occurred after the recall repair. the contact stated the remedy did not correct the problem. the vehicle was in the process of being repaired. the manufacturer was made aware of the defect. the failure mileage was approximately 59,524. js
05/25/201185000
 I heared a poping sound 2 times am i safe in my vehicle, i did buy it used.i looked at the side of the door panel and it was made in canada, do i have something to fear???
06/08/201159524
 Tl-the contact owns a 2001 ford windstar. the contact was driving approximately 55 mph, and completely loss steering control and the vehicle drifted into the opposing lane without intent. the vehicle came to a stop when the brakes were engaged. the vehicle was towed to an authorized dealer where they informed the subframe was defective and caused damages within the steering and suspension. the vehicle was previously repaired under a recall associated with nhtsa campaign id number 11v030000 (structure: frame and members: underbody shields). the failure occurred after the recall repair. the contact stated the remedy did not correct the problem. the vehicle was in the process of being repaired. the manufacturer was made aware of the defect. the failure mileage was approximately 59,524. js
05/25/201185000
 I heared a poping sound 2 times am i safe in my vehicle, i did buy it used.i looked at the side of the door panel and it was made in canada, do i have something to fear???
06/08/201160000
 The front subframe suspension mount failed while i was driving my 2001 ford windstar van at highway speed and thus i loss steering control of the vehicle.
06/08/201159524
 Tl-the contact owns a 2001 ford windstar. the contact was driving approximately 55 mph, and completely loss steering control and the vehicle drifted into the opposing lane without intent. the vehicle came to a stop when the brakes were engaged. the vehicle was towed to an authorized dealer where they informed the subframe was defective and caused damages within the steering and suspension. the vehicle was previously repaired under a recall associated with nhtsa campaign id number 11v030000 (structure: frame and members: underbody shields). the failure occurred after the recall repair. the contact stated the remedy did not correct the problem. the vehicle was in the process of being repaired. the manufacturer was made aware of the defect. the failure mileage was approximately 59,524. js
05/25/201185000
 I heared a poping sound 2 times am i safe in my vehicle, i did buy it used.i looked at the side of the door panel and it was made in canada, do i have something to fear???
06/08/201160000
 The front subframe suspension mount failed while i was driving my 2001 ford windstar van at highway speed and thus i loss steering control of the vehicle.
05/25/201185000
 I heared a poping sound 2 times am i safe in my vehicle, i did buy it used.i looked at the side of the door panel and it was made in canada, do i have something to fear???
06/08/201160000
 The front subframe suspension mount failed while i was driving my 2001 ford windstar van at highway speed and thus i loss steering control of the vehicle.
02/03/2011110000
 Tl-the contact owns a 2001 ford windstar. the contact stated that while driving at various speeds and going over bumps and pot holes she would hear a loud grinding noise. the vehicle was inspected by a independent mechanic and they advised her that the cradle to the frame was severely rusted. he advised her to not drive the vehicle because it may detach while driving. the vehicle has not been repaired. the failure mileage was approximately 110,000. the vin was unavailable. tb
12/21/201070000
 Tl* the contact owns a 2001 ford windstar. the contact stated that while having the vehicle serviced, he noticed rust on the rear passenger side of the engine frame. the mechanic stated that it would eventually rot and the engine could fall out from the vehicle. the vehicle was taken to a second mechanic who confirmed the failure. the vehicle was not repaired. the manufacturer was not notified of the failure. the current mileage was approximately 77,000. the failure mileage was approximately 70,000.
05/20/2011116000
 I have a 2001 ford windstar. while driving home the other day i turned the corner and heard a loud pop, lost all steering and and could not move the vehicle. when the tow truck driver came and lifter the van up and looked underneath he told me the news was not good. he showed me where the frame had broken and where the arm was suppose to be welded to. he showed me thearm/bar behind the right tire. thankfully i did not hit anyone and no one hit me when this happened. the police did come because i was a safety hazard sitting in the lane the cars were trying to drive in. if i had been on the highway when this happened going 60 miles an hour i surely would have flipped or caused a major accident as eventhough it happened while slowly turning a corner i had to slam on my braked causing my tires to squeal and smoke and the whole van to swerve from side to side. i sat shaking in my van for several minutes. please take the time to read my complaint and consider adding it to the list of recalls. i do not know how i am going to pay for this repair. as a single mother of three children my money is very tight and this is not something insurance covers. when i told the tow truck driver it was a 2001 vehicle he was very surprised to see this problem. please do something and very quickly to correct this potentially fatal problem.
12/21/201070000
 Tl* the contact owns a 2001 ford windstar. the contact stated that while having the vehicle serviced, he noticed rust on the rear passenger side of the engine frame. the mechanic stated that it would eventually rot and the engine could fall out from the vehicle. the vehicle was taken to a second mechanic who confirmed the failure. the vehicle was not repaired. the manufacturer was not notified of the failure. the current mileage was approximately 77,000. the failure mileage was approximately 70,000.
05/20/2011116000
 I have a 2001 ford windstar. while driving home the other day i turned the corner and heard a loud pop, lost all steering and and could not move the vehicle. when the tow truck driver came and lifter the van up and looked underneath he told me the news was not good. he showed me where the frame had broken and where the arm was suppose to be welded to. he showed me thearm/bar behind the right tire. thankfully i did not hit anyone and no one hit me when this happened. the police did come because i was a safety hazard sitting in the lane the cars were trying to drive in. if i had been on the highway when this happened going 60 miles an hour i surely would have flipped or caused a major accident as eventhough it happened while slowly turning a corner i had to slam on my braked causing my tires to squeal and smoke and the whole van to swerve from side to side. i sat shaking in my van for several minutes. please take the time to read my complaint and consider adding it to the list of recalls. i do not know how i am going to pay for this repair. as a single mother of three children my money is very tight and this is not something insurance covers. when i told the tow truck driver it was a 2001 vehicle he was very surprised to see this problem. please do something and very quickly to correct this potentially fatal problem.
12/21/201070000
 Tl* the contact owns a 2001 ford windstar. the contact stated that while having the vehicle serviced, he noticed rust on the rear passenger side of the engine frame. the mechanic stated that it would eventually rot and the engine could fall out from the vehicle. the vehicle was taken to a second mechanic who confirmed the failure. the vehicle was not repaired. the manufacturer was not notified of the failure. the current mileage was approximately 77,000. the failure mileage was approximately 70,000.
05/20/2011116000
 I have a 2001 ford windstar. while driving home the other day i turned the corner and heard a loud pop, lost all steering and and could not move the vehicle. when the tow truck driver came and lifter the van up and looked underneath he told me the news was not good. he showed me where the frame had broken and where the arm was suppose to be welded to. he showed me thearm/bar behind the right tire. thankfully i did not hit anyone and no one hit me when this happened. the police did come because i was a safety hazard sitting in the lane the cars were trying to drive in. if i had been on the highway when this happened going 60 miles an hour i surely would have flipped or caused a major accident as eventhough it happened while slowly turning a corner i had to slam on my braked causing my tires to squeal and smoke and the whole van to swerve from side to side. i sat shaking in my van for several minutes. please take the time to read my complaint and consider adding it to the list of recalls. i do not know how i am going to pay for this repair. as a single mother of three children my money is very tight and this is not something insurance covers. when i told the tow truck driver it was a 2001 vehicle he was very surprised to see this problem. please do something and very quickly to correct this potentially fatal problem.
03/01/2011
 Broken subframe on 2001 ford windstar
12/21/201070000
 Tl* the contact owns a 2001 ford windstar. the contact stated that while having the vehicle serviced, he noticed rust on the rear passenger side of the engine frame. the mechanic stated that it would eventually rot and the engine could fall out from the vehicle. the vehicle was taken to a second mechanic who confirmed the failure. the vehicle was not repaired. the manufacturer was not notified of the failure. the current mileage was approximately 77,000. the failure mileage was approximately 70,000.
05/20/2011116000
 I have a 2001 ford windstar. while driving home the other day i turned the corner and heard a loud pop, lost all steering and and could not move the vehicle. when the tow truck driver came and lifter the van up and looked underneath he told me the news was not good. he showed me where the frame had broken and where the arm was suppose to be welded to. he showed me thearm/bar behind the right tire. thankfully i did not hit anyone and no one hit me when this happened. the police did come because i was a safety hazard sitting in the lane the cars were trying to drive in. if i had been on the highway when this happened going 60 miles an hour i surely would have flipped or caused a major accident as eventhough it happened while slowly turning a corner i had to slam on my braked causing my tires to squeal and smoke and the whole van to swerve from side to side. i sat shaking in my van for several minutes. please take the time to read my complaint and consider adding it to the list of recalls. i do not know how i am going to pay for this repair. as a single mother of three children my money is very tight and this is not something insurance covers. when i told the tow truck driver it was a 2001 vehicle he was very surprised to see this problem. please do something and very quickly to correct this potentially fatal problem.
03/01/2011
 Broken subframe on 2001 ford windstar
05/20/2011116000
 I have a 2001 ford windstar. while driving home the other day i turned the corner and heard a loud pop, lost all steering and and could not move the vehicle. when the tow truck driver came and lifter the van up and looked underneath he told me the news was not good. he showed me where the frame had broken and where the arm was suppose to be welded to. he showed me thearm/bar behind the right tire. thankfully i did not hit anyone and no one hit me when this happened. the police did come because i was a safety hazard sitting in the lane the cars were trying to drive in. if i had been on the highway when this happened going 60 miles an hour i surely would have flipped or caused a major accident as eventhough it happened while slowly turning a corner i had to slam on my braked causing my tires to squeal and smoke and the whole van to swerve from side to side. i sat shaking in my van for several minutes. please take the time to read my complaint and consider adding it to the list of recalls. i do not know how i am going to pay for this repair. as a single mother of three children my money is very tight and this is not something insurance covers. when i told the tow truck driver it was a 2001 vehicle he was very surprised to see this problem. please do something and very quickly to correct this potentially fatal problem.
03/01/2011
 Broken subframe on 2001 ford windstar
05/20/2011116000
 I have a 2001 ford windstar. while driving home the other day i turned the corner and heard a loud pop, lost all steering and and could not move the vehicle. when the tow truck driver came and lifter the van up and looked underneath he told me the news was not good. he showed me where the frame had broken and where the arm was suppose to be welded to. he showed me thearm/bar behind the right tire. thankfully i did not hit anyone and no one hit me when this happened. the police did come because i was a safety hazard sitting in the lane the cars were trying to drive in. if i had been on the highway when this happened going 60 miles an hour i surely would have flipped or caused a major accident as eventhough it happened while slowly turning a corner i had to slam on my braked causing my tires to squeal and smoke and the whole van to swerve from side to side. i sat shaking in my van for several minutes. please take the time to read my complaint and consider adding it to the list of recalls. i do not know how i am going to pay for this repair. as a single mother of three children my money is very tight and this is not something insurance covers. when i told the tow truck driver it was a 2001 vehicle he was very surprised to see this problem. please do something and very quickly to correct this potentially fatal problem.
03/01/2011
 Broken subframe on 2001 ford windstar
05/14/201192000
 Tl* the contact owns a 2001 ford windstar. while driving 10 mph, the vehicle exhibited an abnormal pop noise and immediately, the power steering assist failed. the contact stated that the vehicle was extremely difficult to control, especially when attempting a turn. the contact inspected the vehicle and found that the front sub frame was corroded and cracked near the front passenger area. the vehicle was taken the dealer who inspected and ruled the vehicle as unsafe to drive. the manufacturer would not assist with the repairs because the vin was not included in nhtsa campaign id number: 11v030000 (structure: frame and members: under-body shields). the vehicle was not repaired. the failure and current mileage was 92,000.
05/14/201192000
 Tl- the contact owns a 2001 ford windstar. the contact stated while driving he heard a popping noise and it was difficult to maintain the steering under-control when turning to the right or left. the contact inspected the vehicle and found the front subframe corroded and cracked in the front passenger area. the vehicle was taken the dealer whom inspection found the front subframe corroded and cracked in the passenger area, and the dealer advised the vehicle was unsafe to drive. the manufacturer would not assist with the repair because the vin was not included in nhtsa campaign id number: 11v030000 structure: frame and members: under-body shields. the vehicle has not been repaired. the failure and the current miles was 92,000. li
04/02/2009170000
 Tl* the contact owns a 2001 ford windstar. the contact stated that the vehicle was taken to the dealer for recall repairs under nhtsa campaign id number: 11v030000 (structure: frame and members:underbody shields). the dealer advised that due to excessive corrosion of the frame, the rocker panels were defective and would collapse. the manufacturer was contacted who was made aware of the failure and advised the contact to consult with the local dealer. the vehicle was not repaired. the failure and current mileage was 170,000.
05/14/201192000
 Tl- the contact owns a 2001 ford windstar. the contact stated while driving he heard a popping noise and it was difficult to maintain the steering under-control when turning to the right or left. the contact inspected the vehicle and found the front subframe corroded and cracked in the front passenger area. the vehicle was taken the dealer whom inspection found the front subframe corroded and cracked in the passenger area, and the dealer advised the vehicle was unsafe to drive. the manufacturer would not assist with the repair because the vin was not included in nhtsa campaign id number: 11v030000 structure: frame and members: under-body shields. the vehicle has not been repaired. the failure and the current miles was 92,000. li
02/22/201174000
 Tl* the contact owns a 2001 ford windstar. the contact took the vehicle in for repairs under nhtsa campaign id number: 11v030000 (structure: frame and members:underbody shields). the contact stated that the vehicle sat idle on the dealers lot for approximately three months before the contact was informed that the vehicle could not be repaired due to excessive corrosion of the front part of the sub frame. the contact was advised to have the sub frame repaired before recall repairs could be performed. the contact stated that the front and rear of the sub frame was one whole part and if the front was replaced, the entire frame would have to be replaced. the frame was not repaired. in addition, the contact stated that the vehicle was also repaired under nhtsa campaign id number: 09v399000 (vehicle speed control) and as a result, the entire cruise control system became inoperable after recall repairs. the contact was concerned with the potential of the vehicle catching fire. the vehicle was not repaired. the failure mileage was 74,000.
02/22/201174000
 Tl-the contact owns a 2001 ford windstar with 74000 miles. the contact took his vehicle in for the rear sub frame recall repair. after the vehicle sat on the dealer lot for three months the dealer informed the contact they could not repair the vehicle under the recall until he repairs the corrosion on the front part of the sub frame. the contact stated that the front and rear sub frame is one whole piece and if the front is repaired then the rear would be repaired as well. the contact also stated the he had the vehicle speed control recall repair done on the vehicle. as a result the cruise control stopped working and started to show the symptoms of catching fire.the vehicle has not be repaired at this time.bl
04/20/2011167000
 Tl* the contact owns a 2001 ford windstar. the vehicle was included in the recall associated with nhtsa campaign id number: 11v030000 (structure: frame and members:underbody shields and was taken to an authorized dealer for repairs. after the repairs were completed, the contact noticed that the front frame was unstable and he could easily shift it using his hands. the vehicle was taken to an independent repair shop where the contact was told that the vehicle was unsafe to drive and would not pass inspection. the vehicle was not further repaired. the failure and current mileage was 167,000.
04/20/2011167000
 Tl-the contact owns a 2001 ford windstar. the vehicle was included in the recall associated with nhtsa campaign id number 11v030000 (structure: frame and members:underbody shields). the vehicle was taken to an authorized dealer where it was repaired. after the repairs were completed the contact noticed the front frame was still unstable and he could easily shift it using his hands. the vehicle was taken to an independent repair shop where the contact was told the vehicle was unsafe and would not pass inspections. the vehicle was not repaired. the failure and current mileages were 167,000. sm.
08/31/201058000
 Product recall made on personal vehicle in febuary 2011 ( notification sent ) however vehicle was turned in for repair because hood and engine was smoking and overheating ! i was informed then that the car could be potential danger and could relate in vehicle detachment. i turned car into ford dealership and check engine light still appears and car can not pass inspection. i feel very unsafe
03/07/20111483201
 2001 ford windstar limited. subframe and frame needs repair due to salt corrosion in ohio. there should be a recall to repair these items as ford co. should have used salt resistant materials to take care of this problem. updated ivoq 03/17/11
08/31/201058000
 Product recall made on personal vehicle in febuary 2011 ( notification sent ) however vehicle was turned in for repair because hood and engine was smoking and overheating ! i was informed then that the car could be potential danger and could relate in vehicle detachment. i turned car into ford dealership and check engine light still appears and car can not pass inspection. i feel very unsafe
03/07/20111483201
 2001 ford windstar limited. subframe and frame needs repair due to salt corrosion in ohio. there should be a recall to repair these items as ford co. should have used salt resistant materials to take care of this problem. updated ivoq 03/17/11
03/07/2011148320
 2001 ford windstar limited- id no 2 f m d a 5 8 4 9 1 b a 8 5 1 7 subframe and frame needs repair due to salt corrosion in ohio. there shoulld be a recall to repair these items as ford co, should have used salt resistant materials to take care of this problem, request ford company make buyers whole on these items for safety of passengers and cars not safe on roads and to other drivers on the road,
08/27/2010127000
 Tl* the contact owns a 2001 ford windstar. the contact was driving approximately 70 mph when the rear axle fractured followed by a loud noise which caused difficulty in steering. the contact had received notification of nhtsa campaign id number: 10v385000 (suspension: rear: axle: non-powered axle assembly) and the vehicle was towed to the dealer for repairs. the dealer advised that the part needed for repairs was not yet available and the contact would be notified when the part had become available. the contact was still waiting for the parts to become available. most recently, the contact received notification of nhtsa campaign id number: 11v030000 (structure: frame and members: underbody shields) but the vehicle was not yet repaired. the contact believed that a reasonable time to adhere to the recall had passed and the vehicle had not yet been repaired. the failure mileage was approximately 127,000.
03/04/2011127000
 Tl* the contact owns a 2001 ford windstar le. the contact was driving approximately 65 mph when the right front sub-frame separated and fractured the engine cradle. the contact lost control of the vehicle and crashed off road. the contact was uninjured and the vehicle was towed to an independent mechanic where they advised him that the right sub-frame was completely rusted. the vehicle was not repaired. the manufacturer was contacted and offered no assistance. the failure and current mileage was approximately 127,000.
08/27/2010127000
 Tl* the contact owns a 2001 ford windstar. the contact was driving approximately 70 mph when the rear axle fractured followed by a loud noise which caused difficulty in steering. the contact had received notification of nhtsa campaign id number: 10v385000 (suspension: rear: axle: non-powered axle assembly) and the vehicle was towed to the dealer for repairs. the dealer advised that the part needed for repairs was not yet available and the contact would be notified when the part had become available. the contact was still waiting for the parts to become available. most recently, the contact received notification of nhtsa campaign id number: 11v030000 (structure: frame and members: underbody shields) but the vehicle was not yet repaired. the contact believed that a reasonable time to adhere to the recall had passed and the vehicle had not yet been repaired. the failure mileage was approximately 127,000.
03/04/2011127000
 Tl* the contact owns a 2001 ford windstar le. the contact was driving approximately 65 mph when the right front sub-frame separated and fractured the engine cradle. the contact lost control of the vehicle and crashed off road. the contact was uninjured and the vehicle was towed to an independent mechanic where they advised him that the right sub-frame was completely rusted. the vehicle was not repaired. the manufacturer was contacted and offered no assistance. the failure and current mileage was approximately 127,000.
08/27/2010127000
 Tl* the contact owns a 2001 ford windstar. the contact was driving approximately 70 mph when the rear axle fractured followed by a loud noise which caused difficulty in steering. the contact had received notification of nhtsa campaign id number: 10v385000 (suspension: rear: axle: non-powered axle assembly) and the vehicle was towed to the dealer for repairs. the dealer advised that the part needed for repairs was not yet available and the contact would be notified when the part had become available. the contact was still waiting for the parts to become available. most recently, the contact received notification of nhtsa campaign id number: 11v030000 (structure: frame and members: underbody shields) but the vehicle was not yet repaired. the contact believed that a reasonable time to adhere to the recall had passed and the vehicle had not yet been repaired. the failure mileage was approximately 127,000.
03/04/2011127000
 Tl* the contact owns a 2001 ford windstar le. the contact was driving approximately 65 mph when the right front sub-frame separated and fractured the engine cradle. the contact lost control of the vehicle and crashed off road. the contact was uninjured and the vehicle was towed to an independent mechanic where they advised him that the right sub-frame was completely rusted. the vehicle was not repaired. the manufacturer was contacted and offered no assistance. the failure and current mileage was approximately 127,000.
08/27/2010127000
 Tl-the contact owns a 2001 ford windstar. while driving approximately 70 mph the rear axle fractured, followed by a loud noise which caused difficulty in the steering. the contact was able to drive to the side of the road and the vehicle was towed to an authorized dealer in august of 2010 to be repaired under the nhtsa campaign id number 10v385000 (suspension:rear:axle:non-powered axle assembly). the vehicle had not been repaired as of yet; and the dealer was unable to provide a date when the specific repair part would be available. most recent, the contact received a recall notification associated with nhtsa campaign id number 11v030000 (structure: frame and members: underbody shields); the vehicle would need to be repaired under the recall. the failure mileage was approximately 127,000. js
03/04/2011127000
 Tl-the contact owns a 2001 ford windstar le. the contact stated that while driving approximately 65 mph the right front sub-frame separated and fractured the engine cradle. the driver lost control of the vehicle and slid onto the side of the highway. no one was injured in the incident. the vehicle was towed to a indpendent mechanic and they advised him that the right sub-frame had rusted completely through. the vehicle has not been repaired. the manufacturer was contacted and offered no assistance. the failure and current mileages were approximately 127,000. tb
08/27/2010127000
 Tl-the contact owns a 2001 ford windstar. while driving approximately 70 mph the rear axle fractured, followed by a loud noise which caused difficulty in the steering. the contact was able to drive to the side of the road and the vehicle was towed to an authorized dealer in august of 2010 to be repaired under the nhtsa campaign id number 10v385000 (suspension:rear:axle:non-powered axle assembly). the vehicle had not been repaired as of yet; and the dealer was unable to provide a date when the specific repair part would be available. most recent, the contact received a recall notification associated with nhtsa campaign id number 11v030000 (structure: frame and members: underbody shields); the vehicle would need to be repaired under the recall. the failure mileage was approximately 127,000. js
03/04/2011127000
 Tl-the contact owns a 2001 ford windstar le. the contact stated that while driving approximately 65 mph the right front sub-frame separated and fractured the engine cradle. the driver lost control of the vehicle and slid onto the side of the highway. no one was injured in the incident. the vehicle was towed to a indpendent mechanic and they advised him that the right sub-frame had rusted completely through. the vehicle has not been repaired. the manufacturer was contacted and offered no assistance. the failure and current mileages were approximately 127,000. tb
12/04/200885491
 In 2008, i experienced a failure of the subframe on my 2001 ford windstar cargo van. i do mostly small-town driving - i.e. not over 45 mph, with occasional trips on the nys thruway. i purchased the van used at 57,000 miles from johnson ford, kingston, ny. the failure occurred at 85,419 miles. i drove my van to a local business at about 45 mph, a distance of 4-5 miles. that day or the day previous i had heard a funny noise as i turned the wheel, but it was not repeated. (i realized afterward that this was the sound of the subframe cracking, but it was not loud enough to really raise any concern when i heard it.) on the day of the failure, i arrived at my destination, parked my car, and a few minutes later, when i came out of the store, i discovered that my tires had apparently broken off and were leaning inward , the car was undrivable. i had it towed to my local mechanic and he was able to find me a used subframe to replace the one that broke. there was. of course, no information from ford at that time regarding this defect. i have now (feb. 2011) received a recall and had my subframe checked by the dealer and am waiting for the call about a reinforcemen kit, while still being expected to drive this vehicle. i do not consider this a safe vehicle, with or without the reinforcement . i believe that ford should be compelled to buy back all windstars still on the road as they were improperly engineered and therefore violated nhtsa law as to merchantability. i want a vehicle whose parts are all safe, not a vehicle patched together with epoxy and baling wire. my life and everybody else's lives are at risk from any of these vehicles that are left on the roads. i am unwilling to drive this vehicle anymore, and i am now compelled to purchase a new vehicle, which i cannot afford. for the present i am borrowing a vehicle from a family member, which is ok in the short-term, but it doesn't address my long-term needs.
02/16/2011120000
 Today i was driving my 2001 ford windstar from yonkers ny to white plains ny when the rear axle cracked. it was a clear, dry day. this axle had cracked before - in august 2010, prior to the recall being issued. at that time, as there was no repair being offered by ford, i had the axle welded. welding the axle was a 'fix' reported by other windstar owners so i was not too bothered. until today i had no problems with the rear axle. the new crack is approximately an inch from where the first one had been. the van had to be towed to my usual mechanic. i am trying to find out if ford has the part to fix this. my mechanic called but said they they did not have a replacement. i am not sure what i can do now - this really leaves me in a bad spot as i use my car daily. others i know who have this same vehicle and trying to have the recalled part taken care of have been having problems because of lack of parts and/or problems getting appointments.
12/01/2010
 Front end steering,disturbing front end frame sound,abs lights noticed abs braking problem,brake light,od light,interior lights flash on and off intermittently when driving. have to cut the van off and restart for to stop that only last awhile. .took into dealer for recalls still dealing with electrical problem so forth. i never been so scared of an vehicle in my life
02/16/2011120000
 Today i was driving my 2001 ford windstar from yonkers ny to white plains ny when the rear axle cracked. it was a clear, dry day. this axle had cracked before - in august 2010, prior to the recall being issued. at that time, as there was no repair being offered by ford, i had the axle welded. welding the axle was a 'fix' reported by other windstar owners so i was not too bothered. until today i had no problems with the rear axle. the new crack is approximately an inch from where the first one had been. the van had to be towed to my usual mechanic. i am trying to find out if ford has the part to fix this. my mechanic called but said they they did not have a replacement. i am not sure what i can do now - this really leaves me in a bad spot as i use my car daily. others i know who have this same vehicle and trying to have the recalled part taken care of have been having problems because of lack of parts and/or problems getting appointments.
12/01/2010
 Front end steering,disturbing front end frame sound,abs lights noticed abs braking problem,brake light,od light,interior lights flash on and off intermittently when driving. have to cut the van off and restart for to stop that only last awhile. .took into dealer for recalls still dealing with electrical problem so forth. i never been so scared of an vehicle in my life
02/10/2011138000
 Disturbing sounds from right side front end of my 2001 form windstar. steering wheel became off center. problem diagnosed as subframe corrosion.
01/29/2010160723
 I just got off the expressway and made a left turn when the front wheels of my 2001 windstar both turned out in opposite directions. i had it towed and found out the frame broke. i had the frame replaced with a used one. cost $1,187.15 plus tow $105.10. now i hear this is a common problem and i am concerned it could happen again. at highway speeds i worry about loss of control.
02/10/2011138000
 Disturbing sounds from right side front end of my 2001 form windstar. steering wheel became off center. problem diagnosed as subframe corrosion.
01/29/2010160723
 I just got off the expressway and made a left turn when the front wheels of my 2001 windstar both turned out in opposite directions. i had it towed and found out the frame broke. i had the frame replaced with a used one. cost $1,187.15 plus tow $105.10. now i hear this is a common problem and i am concerned it could happen again. at highway speeds i worry about loss of control.
02/10/2011138000
 Disturbing sounds from right side front end of my 2001 form windstar. steering wheel became off center. problem diagnosed as subframe corrosion.
01/29/2010160723
 I just got off the expressway and made a left turn when the front wheels of my 2001 windstar both turned out in opposite directions. i had it towed and found out the frame broke. i had the frame replaced with a used one. cost $1,187.15 plus tow $105.10. now i hear this is a common problem and i am concerned it could happen again. at highway speeds i worry about loss of control.
10/30/200685000
 Front sub frame rusted through front end collasped while driving 25 mph.
06/24/200880000
 Abs brake light comes on and disables the abs brake feature.
10/30/200685000
 Front sub frame rusted through front end collasped while driving 25 mph.
06/24/200880000
 Abs brake light comes on and disables the abs brake feature.
09/09/2010194500
 My 2001 windstar had been making a scrunching noise each time i went off a curb. i took it to a tire place as that's when i found the crack in the axle in august 2010. the tire dealer didn't make that kind of repair so i call ford dealership who told me to bring the car in and that a recall had just been issued. my car sat for six months. on 1/26/2011 the dealer called and said my axle had been repaired and that i could pick the car up. i couldn't pick it up that day. on 1/27/11 i heard the news state a new recall and i looked it up. turns out my car is involved in that recall too. i went to the dealer and i communicated to them that i do not want that vehicle back under any circumstances. the abs light has been malfunctioning for three years or more. since i got the vehicle i had had many problems with sensors and i have had to replace the transmission after having only around 78,000 miles on the vehicle. i completed all maintenance on my vehicle as suggested by ford, yet i have had so many problems. i called ford on 1/27 and told them i do not want the vehicle back. they said a buy back isn't being offered for this recall at this time. it may be offered when the letter is distributed. i still do not want this vehicle back. i have three children and i cannot trust that this vehicle is safe.
10/30/200685000
 Front sub frame rusted through front end collasped while driving 25 mph.
06/24/200880000
 Abs brake light comes on and disables the abs brake feature.
09/09/2010194500
 My 2001 windstar had been making a scrunching noise each time i went off a curb. i took it to a tire place as that's when i found the crack in the axle in august 2010. the tire dealer didn't make that kind of repair so i call ford dealership who told me to bring the car in and that a recall had just been issued. my car sat for six months. on 1/26/2011 the dealer called and said my axle had been repaired and that i could pick the car up. i couldn't pick it up that day. on 1/27/11 i heard the news state a new recall and i looked it up. turns out my car is involved in that recall too. i went to the dealer and i communicated to them that i do not want that vehicle back under any circumstances. the abs light has been malfunctioning for three years or more. since i got the vehicle i had had many problems with sensors and i have had to replace the transmission after having only around 78,000 miles on the vehicle. i completed all maintenance on my vehicle as suggested by ford, yet i have had so many problems. i called ford on 1/27 and told them i do not want the vehicle back. they said a buy back isn't being offered for this recall at this time. it may be offered when the letter is distributed. i still do not want this vehicle back. i have three children and i cannot trust that this vehicle is safe.
10/30/200685000
 Front sub frame rusted through front end collasped while driving 25 mph.
06/24/200880000
 Abs brake light comes on and disables the abs brake feature.
09/09/2010194500
 My 2001 windstar had been making a scrunching noise each time i went off a curb. i took it to a tire place as that's when i found the crack in the axle in august 2010. the tire dealer didn't make that kind of repair so i call ford dealership who told me to bring the car in and that a recall had just been issued. my car sat for six months. on 1/26/2011 the dealer called and said my axle had been repaired and that i could pick the car up. i couldn't pick it up that day. on 1/27/11 i heard the news state a new recall and i looked it up. turns out my car is involved in that recall too. i went to the dealer and i communicated to them that i do not want that vehicle back under any circumstances. the abs light has been malfunctioning for three years or more. since i got the vehicle i had had many problems with sensors and i have had to replace the transmission after having only around 78,000 miles on the vehicle. i completed all maintenance on my vehicle as suggested by ford, yet i have had so many problems. i called ford on 1/27 and told them i do not want the vehicle back. they said a buy back isn't being offered for this recall at this time. it may be offered when the letter is distributed. i still do not want this vehicle back. i have three children and i cannot trust that this vehicle is safe.
12/17/2010130000
 My 2001 windstar has severe corrosion on the subframe. the corrosion is located on the right side of the vehicle near the front wheel. the vehicle is currently being held by a dealership for the axle recall, i have made them aware of the corrosion but it seems they have no intention of repairing it since it is not a recall.
09/09/2010194500
 My 2001 windstar had been making a scrunching noise each time i went off a curb. i took it to a tire place as that's when i found the crack in the axle in august 2010. the tire dealer didn't make that kind of repair so i call ford dealership who told me to bring the car in and that a recall had just been issued. my car sat for six months. on 1/26/2011 the dealer called and said my axle had been repaired and that i could pick the car up. i couldn't pick it up that day. on 1/27/11 i heard the news state a new recall and i looked it up. turns out my car is involved in that recall too. i went to the dealer and i communicated to them that i do not want that vehicle back under any circumstances. the abs light has been malfunctioning for three years or more. since i got the vehicle i had had many problems with sensors and i have had to replace the transmission after having only around 78,000 miles on the vehicle. i completed all maintenance on my vehicle as suggested by ford, yet i have had so many problems. i called ford on 1/27 and told them i do not want the vehicle back. they said a buy back isn't being offered for this recall at this time. it may be offered when the letter is distributed. i still do not want this vehicle back. i have three children and i cannot trust that this vehicle is safe.
06/24/200880000
 Abs brake light comes on and disables the abs brake feature.
09/09/2010194500
 My 2001 windstar had been making a scrunching noise each time i went off a curb. i took it to a tire place as that's when i found the crack in the axle in august 2010. the tire dealer didn't make that kind of repair so i call ford dealership who told me to bring the car in and that a recall had just been issued. my car sat for six months. on 1/26/2011 the dealer called and said my axle had been repaired and that i could pick the car up. i couldn't pick it up that day. on 1/27/11 i heard the news state a new recall and i looked it up. turns out my car is involved in that recall too. i went to the dealer and i communicated to them that i do not want that vehicle back under any circumstances. the abs light has been malfunctioning for three years or more. since i got the vehicle i had had many problems with sensors and i have had to replace the transmission after having only around 78,000 miles on the vehicle. i completed all maintenance on my vehicle as suggested by ford, yet i have had so many problems. i called ford on 1/27 and told them i do not want the vehicle back. they said a buy back isn't being offered for this recall at this time. it may be offered when the letter is distributed. i still do not want this vehicle back. i have three children and i cannot trust that this vehicle is safe.
12/17/2010130000
 My 2001 windstar has severe corrosion on the subframe. the corrosion is located on the right side of the vehicle near the front wheel. the vehicle is currently being held by a dealership for the axle recall, i have made them aware of the corrosion but it seems they have no intention of repairing it since it is not a recall.
01/25/2011124246
 My wife's 2001 ford windstar has had a persistant clunk in the front passenger side. while doing some work on the vehicle this evening i discovered severe rust on the rear body mount of the front subframe. the area to the rear of the bushing is corroded through and cracked. i have good digital pictures and will provide them to you if you desire. this problem has been described repeatedly by many windstar owners. frankly, i find ford's claim that this doesn't present an unreasonable risk infuriating. i am calling on you to recall this vehicle before someone gets killed.
01/23/2011138585
 1/23/11 while driving to baptism van all of a sudden started to clunk in the right front suspension. while driving home clunking kept happening on right hand turns. got home, jacked up van, pulled passenger front tire, found excessive rust and sway bar completely broken from subframe. also noticed front a arm excessive rust not safe to drive. vehicle will be parked and only 10 years old. don't know what to do next???? wife and kids are not safe to drive in. van is super clean and well maintained and no rust elsewhere. now what do we do??? ? please help!!!!
12/17/2010130000
 My 2001 windstar has severe corrosion on the subframe. the corrosion is located on the right side of the vehicle near the front wheel. the vehicle is currently being held by a dealership for the axle recall, i have made them aware of the corrosion but it seems they have no intention of repairing it since it is not a recall.
01/25/2011124246
 My wife's 2001 ford windstar has had a persistant clunk in the front passenger side. while doing some work on the vehicle this evening i discovered severe rust on the rear body mount of the front subframe. the area to the rear of the bushing is corroded through and cracked. i have good digital pictures and will provide them to you if you desire. this problem has been described repeatedly by many windstar owners. frankly, i find ford's claim that this doesn't present an unreasonable risk infuriating. i am calling on you to recall this vehicle before someone gets killed.
01/23/2011138585
 1/23/11 while driving to baptism van all of a sudden started to clunk in the right front suspension. while driving home clunking kept happening on right hand turns. got home, jacked up van, pulled passenger front tire, found excessive rust and sway bar completely broken from subframe. also noticed front a arm excessive rust not safe to drive. vehicle will be parked and only 10 years old. don't know what to do next???? wife and kids are not safe to drive in. van is super clean and well maintained and no rust elsewhere. now what do we do??? ? please help!!!!
12/17/2010130000
 My 2001 windstar has severe corrosion on the subframe. the corrosion is located on the right side of the vehicle near the front wheel. the vehicle is currently being held by a dealership for the axle recall, i have made them aware of the corrosion but it seems they have no intention of repairing it since it is not a recall.
01/25/2011124246
 My wife's 2001 ford windstar has had a persistant clunk in the front passenger side. while doing some work on the vehicle this evening i discovered severe rust on the rear body mount of the front subframe. the area to the rear of the bushing is corroded through and cracked. i have good digital pictures and will provide them to you if you desire. this problem has been described repeatedly by many windstar owners. frankly, i find ford's claim that this doesn't present an unreasonable risk infuriating. i am calling on you to recall this vehicle before someone gets killed.
01/23/2011138585
 1/23/11 while driving to baptism van all of a sudden started to clunk in the right front suspension. while driving home clunking kept happening on right hand turns. got home, jacked up van, pulled passenger front tire, found excessive rust and sway bar completely broken from subframe. also noticed front a arm excessive rust not safe to drive. vehicle will be parked and only 10 years old. don't know what to do next???? wife and kids are not safe to drive in. van is super clean and well maintained and no rust elsewhere. now what do we do??? ? please help!!!!
01/25/2011124246
 My wife's 2001 ford windstar has had a persistant clunk in the front passenger side. while doing some work on the vehicle this evening i discovered severe rust on the rear body mount of the front subframe. the area to the rear of the bushing is corroded through and cracked. i have good digital pictures and will provide them to you if you desire. this problem has been described repeatedly by many windstar owners. frankly, i find ford's claim that this doesn't present an unreasonable risk infuriating. i am calling on you to recall this vehicle before someone gets killed.
01/23/2011138585
 1/23/11 while driving to baptism van all of a sudden started to clunk in the right front suspension. while driving home clunking kept happening on right hand turns. got home, jacked up van, pulled passenger front tire, found excessive rust and sway bar completely broken from subframe. also noticed front a arm excessive rust not safe to drive. vehicle will be parked and only 10 years old. don't know what to do next???? wife and kids are not safe to drive in. van is super clean and well maintained and no rust elsewhere. now what do we do??? ? please help!!!!
01/25/2011124246
 My wife's 2001 ford windstar has had a persistant clunk in the front passenger side. while doing some work on the vehicle this evening i discovered severe rust on the rear body mount of the front subframe. the area to the rear of the bushing is corroded through and cracked. i have good digital pictures and will provide them to you if you desire. this problem has been described repeatedly by many windstar owners. frankly, i find ford's claim that this doesn't present an unreasonable risk infuriating. i am calling on you to recall this vehicle before someone gets killed.
01/23/2011138585
 1/23/11 while driving to baptism van all of a sudden started to clunk in the right front suspension. while driving home clunking kept happening on right hand turns. got home, jacked up van, pulled passenger front tire, found excessive rust and sway bar completely broken from subframe. also noticed front a arm excessive rust not safe to drive. vehicle will be parked and only 10 years old. don't know what to do next???? wife and kids are not safe to drive in. van is super clean and well maintained and no rust elsewhere. now what do we do??? ? please help!!!!
01/12/201175000
 This complaint is related to your nhtsa action # ea10007 january 12, 2011, my wife was driving our ford windstar (vin 2fmza514x1ba85105) on hwy 155 north of saint germain, wi. without warning the front end right wheel dislodged and the car swerved violently all over the highway. luckily, no other cars were near. the roadside ditches where the failure occurred are more than 12' deep, so there could also have been injuries and or damage if she had not reacted as quickly and forcibly as she did. she was able to wrestle the car onto the shoulder and call for help. upon towing to the nearest ford dealership, it has been determined that the undercarriage failed, the front right axle dislodged from the transmission, and various other damage can also have occurred.
01/23/2011138585
 1/23/11 while driving to baptism van all of a sudden started to clunk in the right front suspension. while driving home clunking kept happening on right hand turns. got home, jacked up van, pulled passenger front tire, found excessive rust and sway bar completely broken from subframe. also noticed front a arm excessive rust not safe to drive. vehicle will be parked and only 10 years old. don't know what to do next???? wife and kids are not safe to drive in. van is super clean and well maintained and no rust elsewhere. now what do we do??? ? please help!!!!
01/12/201175000
 This complaint is related to your nhtsa action # ea10007 january 12, 2011, my wife was driving our ford windstar (vin 2fmza514x1ba85105) on hwy 155 north of saint germain, wi. without warning the front end right wheel dislodged and the car swerved violently all over the highway. luckily, no other cars were near. the roadside ditches where the failure occurred are more than 12' deep, so there could also have been injuries and or damage if she had not reacted as quickly and forcibly as she did. she was able to wrestle the car onto the shoulder and call for help. upon towing to the nearest ford dealership, it has been determined that the undercarriage failed, the front right axle dislodged from the transmission, and various other damage can also have occurred.
10/01/2010125000
 Vehicle becan to pull dramaticaly when operated and could not be alligned properly. makes a loud thumping sound when driven. the front right sub frame has corroded such that it has nearly broken off. i have spoken to several machanics and there is no repair that can be done short of a replacement of the front sub frame. it is to the point where the engine will drop out of the vehicle and the right front wheel will no longer be attached to the vehicle. while i have had the vehicle in for allignment, it can not be alligned again and i have been advised that the condition is extremely dangerous. i brought the vehicle in to a ford dealer for other recall work and was advised that there is no recall for this dangerous condition.
01/04/2011
 My 2001 windstar failed the yearly state saftey inspection because of frame rotting at the passenger side rear frame mount. i trust my mechanic and he strongly suggested that i do not drive this car ! he would not put a sticker on the car. his estimate for repair was over $2000 .
06/22/201066458
 2001 windstar (2fmza53431bc23905) sel sub frame snapped while driiving almost causing a serious accident. tow company said this was very rare that the subframe had rusted through. repaired at a cost of $1058.03 total parts (used subframe) and labor.
01/04/2011
 My 2001 windstar failed the yearly state saftey inspection because of frame rotting at the passenger side rear frame mount. i trust my mechanic and he strongly suggested that i do not drive this car ! he would not put a sticker on the car. his estimate for repair was over $2000 .
06/22/201066458
 2001 windstar (2fmza53431bc23905) sel sub frame snapped while driiving almost causing a serious accident. tow company said this was very rare that the subframe had rusted through. repaired at a cost of $1058.03 total parts (used subframe) and labor.
01/04/2011
 My 2001 windstar failed the yearly state saftey inspection because of frame rotting at the passenger side rear frame mount. i trust my mechanic and he strongly suggested that i do not drive this car ! he would not put a sticker on the car. his estimate for repair was over $2000 .
06/22/201066458
 2001 windstar (2fmza53431bc23905) sel sub frame snapped while driiving almost causing a serious accident. tow company said this was very rare that the subframe had rusted through. repaired at a cost of $1058.03 total parts (used subframe) and labor.
10/11/2010280000
 2001 ford windstar 280,000 miles ne oh 10-11-10. right side lower control arm separated from frame. 65 mph from left lane crossed 3 lanes rush hour traffic. no warning signs somehow no collision. axle pulled from transmission. replaced: tire, axle, boots. frame shop reinforced and straight frame, aligned front end. repair damaged transmission cooling lines and required replacement
01/04/2011
 My 2001 windstar failed the yearly state saftey inspection because of frame rotting at the passenger side rear frame mount. i trust my mechanic and he strongly suggested that i do not drive this car ! he would not put a sticker on the car. his estimate for repair was over $2000 .
06/22/201066458
 2001 windstar (2fmza53431bc23905) sel sub frame snapped while driiving almost causing a serious accident. tow company said this was very rare that the subframe had rusted through. repaired at a cost of $1058.03 total parts (used subframe) and labor.
10/11/2010280000
 2001 ford windstar 280,000 miles ne oh 10-11-10. right side lower control arm separated from frame. 65 mph from left lane crossed 3 lanes rush hour traffic. no warning signs somehow no collision. axle pulled from transmission. replaced: tire, axle, boots. frame shop reinforced and straight frame, aligned front end. repair damaged transmission cooling lines and required replacement
01/04/2011126000
 While driving on a local road at approximately 35 mph, my 2001 ford windstar broke down and was immobile. after being towed and inspected by a repair service, the cause was determined to be the front subframe. the front passenger side tire was facing right while all others were forward facing. this easily could have resulted in serious injury or a crash if other vehicles had been near or had the vehicle been traveling at higher speed.
06/22/201066458
 2001 windstar (2fmza53431bc23905) sel sub frame snapped while driiving almost causing a serious accident. tow company said this was very rare that the subframe had rusted through. repaired at a cost of $1058.03 total parts (used subframe) and labor.
10/11/2010280000
 2001 ford windstar 280,000 miles ne oh 10-11-10. right side lower control arm separated from frame. 65 mph from left lane crossed 3 lanes rush hour traffic. no warning signs somehow no collision. axle pulled from transmission. replaced: tire, axle, boots. frame shop reinforced and straight frame, aligned front end. repair damaged transmission cooling lines and required replacement
01/04/2011126000
 While driving on a local road at approximately 35 mph, my 2001 ford windstar broke down and was immobile. after being towed and inspected by a repair service, the cause was determined to be the front subframe. the front passenger side tire was facing right while all others were forward facing. this easily could have resulted in serious injury or a crash if other vehicles had been near or had the vehicle been traveling at higher speed.
11/10/2010155000
 2001 ford windstar confiscated by dealer during recall inspection on 11/10/2010 due to crack in rear axle. as of 01/04/2011, no parts are available or expected to be available in the next few weeks. i am concerned about the mounting costs of this confiscation including loss of use of vehicle, reduced vehicle value even after possible repair, cost of interim rental vehicle, lack of communication by ford and the dealership.
11/24/2010128000
 I had to replace the subframe on my 2001 ford windstar.
12/31/2010105000
 I would like to report a reoccurring problem that i have had with my ford windstar 2 years ago while pulling out of a parking space the front right control arm pulled free from the sub-frame on my windstar. fortunately no one was hurt. i had the sub-frame replaced with another used frame by a local mechanic. last friday i took the van to the local ford dealer to take care of the most recent recall on the rear axles. the dealership called me at home and told me the front sub-frame was severely rotted and the right control arm was barley holding on to the frame. they deemed the vehicle unsafe to drive. i have pulled the vehicle from the road until i can get it fixed. i feel fortunate that it did not break at highway speed with my wife and three kids in the van.
12/01/2010181000
 On december 27th, my wife had her ford windstar lx recall on the rear axle fixed at jim kiem ford in hilliard, ohio. she also wanted ford to look into a really bad noise that she was hearing in front when she was turning. it was a loud banging noise. jim kiem ford told us that the sound that we heard was the sub-frame. they said the sub-frame was rusted and that the vehicle was unsafe to drive. they said that the engine might fall out of the car! my wife and children have been using this van everyday. i have read many windstar owners comments online about the same problem. what does it take to get a recall? do children have to die!
12/21/2010140000
 We observed clunking in the front end prior to the failure. while turning the wheel to the right to park, a loud noise was heard in the front end. after that, the steering wheel was turned right while the car was going straight down the road. after inspection, the passenger side attachment point for the sub-frame was rotted off and separated from the mount. substantial corrosion was also noted on the drive and passenger side control arm attachment points.
10/11/2010280000
 2001 ford windstar 280,000 miles ne oh 10-11-10. right side lower control arm separated from frame. 65 mph from left lane crossed 3 lanes rush hour traffic. no warning signs somehow no collision. axle pulled from transmission. replaced: tire, axle, boots. frame shop reinforced and straight frame, aligned front end. repair damaged transmission cooling lines and required replacement
01/04/2011126000
 While driving on a local road at approximately 35 mph, my 2001 ford windstar broke down and was immobile. after being towed and inspected by a repair service, the cause was determined to be the front subframe. the front passenger side tire was facing right while all others were forward facing. this easily could have resulted in serious injury or a crash if other vehicles had been near or had the vehicle been traveling at higher speed.
11/10/2010155000
 2001 ford windstar confiscated by dealer during recall inspection on 11/10/2010 due to crack in rear axle. as of 01/04/2011, no parts are available or expected to be available in the next few weeks. i am concerned about the mounting costs of this confiscation including loss of use of vehicle, reduced vehicle value even after possible repair, cost of interim rental vehicle, lack of communication by ford and the dealership.
11/24/2010128000
 I had to replace the subframe on my 2001 ford windstar.
12/31/2010105000
 I would like to report a reoccurring problem that i have had with my ford windstar 2 years ago while pulling out of a parking space the front right control arm pulled free from the sub-frame on my windstar. fortunately no one was hurt. i had the sub-frame replaced with another used frame by a local mechanic. last friday i took the van to the local ford dealer to take care of the most recent recall on the rear axles. the dealership called me at home and told me the front sub-frame was severely rotted and the right control arm was barley holding on to the frame. they deemed the vehicle unsafe to drive. i have pulled the vehicle from the road until i can get it fixed. i feel fortunate that it did not break at highway speed with my wife and three kids in the van.
12/01/2010181000
 On december 27th, my wife had her ford windstar lx recall on the rear axle fixed at jim kiem ford in hilliard, ohio. she also wanted ford to look into a really bad noise that she was hearing in front when she was turning. it was a loud banging noise. jim kiem ford told us that the sound that we heard was the sub-frame. they said the sub-frame was rusted and that the vehicle was unsafe to drive. they said that the engine might fall out of the car! my wife and children have been using this van everyday. i have read many windstar owners comments online about the same problem. what does it take to get a recall? do children have to die!
12/21/2010140000
 We observed clunking in the front end prior to the failure. while turning the wheel to the right to park, a loud noise was heard in the front end. after that, the steering wheel was turned right while the car was going straight down the road. after inspection, the passenger side attachment point for the sub-frame was rotted off and separated from the mount. substantial corrosion was also noted on the drive and passenger side control arm attachment points.
10/11/2010280000
 2001 ford windstar 280,000 miles ne oh 10-11-10. right side lower control arm separated from frame. 65 mph from left lane crossed 3 lanes rush hour traffic. no warning signs somehow no collision. axle pulled from transmission. replaced: tire, axle, boots. frame shop reinforced and straight frame, aligned front end. repair damaged transmission cooling lines and required replacement
01/04/2011126000
 While driving on a local road at approximately 35 mph, my 2001 ford windstar broke down and was immobile. after being towed and inspected by a repair service, the cause was determined to be the front subframe. the front passenger side tire was facing right while all others were forward facing. this easily could have resulted in serious injury or a crash if other vehicles had been near or had the vehicle been traveling at higher speed.
11/10/2010155000
 2001 ford windstar confiscated by dealer during recall inspection on 11/10/2010 due to crack in rear axle. as of 01/04/2011, no parts are available or expected to be available in the next few weeks. i am concerned about the mounting costs of this confiscation including loss of use of vehicle, reduced vehicle value even after possible repair, cost of interim rental vehicle, lack of communication by ford and the dealership.
11/24/2010128000
 I had to replace the subframe on my 2001 ford windstar.
12/31/2010105000
 I would like to report a reoccurring problem that i have had with my ford windstar 2 years ago while pulling out of a parking space the front right control arm pulled free from the sub-frame on my windstar. fortunately no one was hurt. i had the sub-frame replaced with another used frame by a local mechanic. last friday i took the van to the local ford dealer to take care of the most recent recall on the rear axles. the dealership called me at home and told me the front sub-frame was severely rotted and the right control arm was barley holding on to the frame. they deemed the vehicle unsafe to drive. i have pulled the vehicle from the road until i can get it fixed. i feel fortunate that it did not break at highway speed with my wife and three kids in the van.
12/01/2010181000
 On december 27th, my wife had her ford windstar lx recall on the rear axle fixed at jim kiem ford in hilliard, ohio. she also wanted ford to look into a really bad noise that she was hearing in front when she was turning. it was a loud banging noise. jim kiem ford told us that the sound that we heard was the sub-frame. they said the sub-frame was rusted and that the vehicle was unsafe to drive. they said that the engine might fall out of the car! my wife and children have been using this van everyday. i have read many windstar owners comments online about the same problem. what does it take to get a recall? do children have to die!
12/21/2010140000
 We observed clunking in the front end prior to the failure. while turning the wheel to the right to park, a loud noise was heard in the front end. after that, the steering wheel was turned right while the car was going straight down the road. after inspection, the passenger side attachment point for the sub-frame was rotted off and separated from the mount. substantial corrosion was also noted on the drive and passenger side control arm attachment points.
11/10/2010155000
 2001 ford windstar confiscated by dealer during recall inspection on 11/10/2010 due to crack in rear axle. as of 01/04/2011, no parts are available or expected to be available in the next few weeks. i am concerned about the mounting costs of this confiscation including loss of use of vehicle, reduced vehicle value even after possible repair, cost of interim rental vehicle, lack of communication by ford and the dealership.
11/24/2010128000
 I had to replace the subframe on my 2001 ford windstar.
12/31/2010105000
 I would like to report a reoccurring problem that i have had with my ford windstar 2 years ago while pulling out of a parking space the front right control arm pulled free from the sub-frame on my windstar. fortunately no one was hurt. i had the sub-frame replaced with another used frame by a local mechanic. last friday i took the van to the local ford dealer to take care of the most recent recall on the rear axles. the dealership called me at home and told me the front sub-frame was severely rotted and the right control arm was barley holding on to the frame. they deemed the vehicle unsafe to drive. i have pulled the vehicle from the road until i can get it fixed. i feel fortunate that it did not break at highway speed with my wife and three kids in the van.
12/01/2010181000
 On december 27th, my wife had her ford windstar lx recall on the rear axle fixed at jim kiem ford in hilliard, ohio. she also wanted ford to look into a really bad noise that she was hearing in front when she was turning. it was a loud banging noise. jim kiem ford told us that the sound that we heard was the sub-frame. they said the sub-frame was rusted and that the vehicle was unsafe to drive. they said that the engine might fall out of the car! my wife and children have been using this van everyday. i have read many windstar owners comments online about the same problem. what does it take to get a recall? do children have to die!
12/21/2010140000
 We observed clunking in the front end prior to the failure. while turning the wheel to the right to park, a loud noise was heard in the front end. after that, the steering wheel was turned right while the car was going straight down the road. after inspection, the passenger side attachment point for the sub-frame was rotted off and separated from the mount. substantial corrosion was also noted on the drive and passenger side control arm attachment points.
12/07/201075000
 I have a ford windstar 2001 mini van and i live in new york state. on december 7th, 2010, as i was pulling left into a parking space i heard a loud cracking sound. (at first i thought i had rolled over a very large piece of ice) i again proceded to pull in, but my car would not move. (engine was still on) i got out and found 3 of my tires facing left and 1 facing right. i called aaa and was preparing to have it towed to a mechanic. when the driver/mechanic from aaa, informed me that the lower control arm (drive arm) had tore away from the main frame (front axel) at the front of the car, and had tore away all of the driving mechanigisms and would need a welder first , not a mechanic . so i had him take it to a local welder. he was able to find some clean metal to weld it back on and then recommeded i take it to a mechanic to finish up with everything else that was needed. the mechanic told me that it would need a cv joint and the linkage for the transmission in order to have it working again. i have never had any issues with the engine, or transmission prior to this day. and the car has very little rust on it's body. so i would have never thought to look underneath for any. and because it was always maintained well, a mechanic was hardly ever under her to see if there was any possible damage either. she has less than 75,000 miles on her so i never expected this to occur. i have filed a report with ford after the incident but all they could say was thank you and they'll make a not of it. and that the rear axel was on recall....but if that was the case, why not the front axel too???
12/31/2010105000
 I would like to report a reoccurring problem that i have had with my ford windstar 2 years ago while pulling out of a parking space the front right control arm pulled free from the sub-frame on my windstar. fortunately no one was hurt. i had the sub-frame replaced with another used frame by a local mechanic. last friday i took the van to the local ford dealer to take care of the most recent recall on the rear axles. the dealership called me at home and told me the front sub-frame was severely rotted and the right control arm was barley holding on to the frame. they deemed the vehicle unsafe to drive. i have pulled the vehicle from the road until i can get it fixed. i feel fortunate that it did not break at highway speed with my wife and three kids in the van.
12/01/2010181000
 On december 27th, my wife had her ford windstar lx recall on the rear axle fixed at jim kiem ford in hilliard, ohio. she also wanted ford to look into a really bad noise that she was hearing in front when she was turning. it was a loud banging noise. jim kiem ford told us that the sound that we heard was the sub-frame. they said the sub-frame was rusted and that the vehicle was unsafe to drive. they said that the engine might fall out of the car! my wife and children have been using this van everyday. i have read many windstar owners comments online about the same problem. what does it take to get a recall? do children have to die!
12/21/2010140000
 We observed clunking in the front end prior to the failure. while turning the wheel to the right to park, a loud noise was heard in the front end. after that, the steering wheel was turned right while the car was going straight down the road. after inspection, the passenger side attachment point for the sub-frame was rotted off and separated from the mount. substantial corrosion was also noted on the drive and passenger side control arm attachment points.
12/07/201075000
 I have a ford windstar 2001 mini van and i live in new york state. on december 7th, 2010, as i was pulling left into a parking space i heard a loud cracking sound. (at first i thought i had rolled over a very large piece of ice) i again proceded to pull in, but my car would not move. (engine was still on) i got out and found 3 of my tires facing left and 1 facing right. i called aaa and was preparing to have it towed to a mechanic. when the driver/mechanic from aaa, informed me that the lower control arm (drive arm) had tore away from the main frame (front axel) at the front of the car, and had tore away all of the driving mechanigisms and would need a welder first , not a mechanic . so i had him take it to a local welder. he was able to find some clean metal to weld it back on and then recommeded i take it to a mechanic to finish up with everything else that was needed. the mechanic told me that it would need a cv joint and the linkage for the transmission in order to have it working again. i have never had any issues with the engine, or transmission prior to this day. and the car has very little rust on it's body. so i would have never thought to look underneath for any. and because it was always maintained well, a mechanic was hardly ever under her to see if there was any possible damage either. she has less than 75,000 miles on her so i never expected this to occur. i have filed a report with ford after the incident but all they could say was thank you and they'll make a not of it. and that the rear axel was on recall....but if that was the case, why not the front axel too???
12/28/2010126000
 Tl- the contact owns a 2001 ford winstar. while driving approximately 55 mph the vehicle would pull to the right and the check engine light was on. the vehicle was taken to the dealer where the technician stated the frame on the front driver side was severally rusted beyond repair. no repairs were made to the vehicle. the vin was unavailable. the approximate failure mileage was 126,000. ds
12/01/2010181000
 On december 27th, my wife had her ford windstar lx recall on the rear axle fixed at jim kiem ford in hilliard, ohio. she also wanted ford to look into a really bad noise that she was hearing in front when she was turning. it was a loud banging noise. jim kiem ford told us that the sound that we heard was the sub-frame. they said the sub-frame was rusted and that the vehicle was unsafe to drive. they said that the engine might fall out of the car! my wife and children have been using this van everyday. i have read many windstar owners comments online about the same problem. what does it take to get a recall? do children have to die!
12/21/2010140000
 We observed clunking in the front end prior to the failure. while turning the wheel to the right to park, a loud noise was heard in the front end. after that, the steering wheel was turned right while the car was going straight down the road. after inspection, the passenger side attachment point for the sub-frame was rotted off and separated from the mount. substantial corrosion was also noted on the drive and passenger side control arm attachment points.
12/07/201075000
 I have a ford windstar 2001 mini van and i live in new york state. on december 7th, 2010, as i was pulling left into a parking space i heard a loud cracking sound. (at first i thought i had rolled over a very large piece of ice) i again proceded to pull in, but my car would not move. (engine was still on) i got out and found 3 of my tires facing left and 1 facing right. i called aaa and was preparing to have it towed to a mechanic. when the driver/mechanic from aaa, informed me that the lower control arm (drive arm) had tore away from the main frame (front axel) at the front of the car, and had tore away all of the driving mechanigisms and would need a welder first , not a mechanic . so i had him take it to a local welder. he was able to find some clean metal to weld it back on and then recommeded i take it to a mechanic to finish up with everything else that was needed. the mechanic told me that it would need a cv joint and the linkage for the transmission in order to have it working again. i have never had any issues with the engine, or transmission prior to this day. and the car has very little rust on it's body. so i would have never thought to look underneath for any. and because it was always maintained well, a mechanic was hardly ever under her to see if there was any possible damage either. she has less than 75,000 miles on her so i never expected this to occur. i have filed a report with ford after the incident but all they could say was thank you and they'll make a not of it. and that the rear axel was on recall....but if that was the case, why not the front axel too???
12/27/2010141328
 While on a family trip today in my 2001 ford windstar i noticed an extremely loud grinding /rubbing noise coming from the front psgr. side, when i returned home i took it to the shop immediately where i was told that the subframe had completely rusted through on the passenger side and was nearly through the other side as well and was told that my entire family had been at risk of injury or death had the otherside failed as well, and to stop driving it immediately and that it would cost in excess of $2000 to fix. my anger and horror multiplied when while trying to locate affordable used replacement part online i discovered that ford has received many complaints about this safety issue, how dare they put my loved ones and countless thousands other at risk because they used defective or substandard parts. i will be contacting ford directly to find out what they intend to do to correct this issue and appreciate anything the nhtsa can do to help expedite the recall of said parts
12/07/201075000
 I have a ford windstar 2001 mini van and i live in new york state. on december 7th, 2010, as i was pulling left into a parking space i heard a loud cracking sound. (at first i thought i had rolled over a very large piece of ice) i again proceded to pull in, but my car would not move. (engine was still on) i got out and found 3 of my tires facing left and 1 facing right. i called aaa and was preparing to have it towed to a mechanic. when the driver/mechanic from aaa, informed me that the lower control arm (drive arm) had tore away from the main frame (front axel) at the front of the car, and had tore away all of the driving mechanigisms and would need a welder first , not a mechanic . so i had him take it to a local welder. he was able to find some clean metal to weld it back on and then recommeded i take it to a mechanic to finish up with everything else that was needed. the mechanic told me that it would need a cv joint and the linkage for the transmission in order to have it working again. i have never had any issues with the engine, or transmission prior to this day. and the car has very little rust on it's body. so i would have never thought to look underneath for any. and because it was always maintained well, a mechanic was hardly ever under her to see if there was any possible damage either. she has less than 75,000 miles on her so i never expected this to occur. i have filed a report with ford after the incident but all they could say was thank you and they'll make a not of it. and that the rear axel was on recall....but if that was the case, why not the front axel too???
12/28/2010126000
 Tl- the contact owns a 2001 ford winstar. while driving approximately 55 mph the vehicle would pull to the right and the check engine light was on. the vehicle was taken to the dealer where the technician stated the frame on the front driver side was severally rusted beyond repair. no repairs were made to the vehicle. the vin was unavailable. the approximate failure mileage was 126,000. ds
09/04/201095000
 The front end of my 2001 ford windstar makes a lot of noise like it is going to fall apart. i'm afraid because my rear axle broke in 2 pieces going 65 mph on the interstate. i'm sure something is going on with my front subframe. how do we get this investigated?
12/27/2010141328
 While on a family trip today in my 2001 ford windstar i noticed an extremely loud grinding /rubbing noise coming from the front psgr. side, when i returned home i took it to the shop immediately where i was told that the subframe had completely rusted through on the passenger side and was nearly through the other side as well and was told that my entire family had been at risk of injury or death had the otherside failed as well, and to stop driving it immediately and that it would cost in excess of $2000 to fix. my anger and horror multiplied when while trying to locate affordable used replacement part online i discovered that ford has received many complaints about this safety issue, how dare they put my loved ones and countless thousands other at risk because they used defective or substandard parts. i will be contacting ford directly to find out what they intend to do to correct this issue and appreciate anything the nhtsa can do to help expedite the recall of said parts
12/18/201095713
 2001 ford windstar right lower control arm mount failure. just driving down the road when i notice my steering wheel was not centered, slowed down until i got into parking lot. went to turn and lost drive, looked at front end and right tire was pointing to right and left tire was straight, looked under van and saw that mount had come off frame and axle pulled out of transmission. had van towed back to my house. went right to my computer to see if there was any complaints about front end failure and their is. was going to have van rear axle checked per recall but can't even get it to ford dealership for that. called ford and their is no help. i am a mechanic and have never seen a mount come off a frame like this. this van has always been parked in a garage and washed at a high presure wash with under car rinse. i think this is poor metal or a poor design.
12/28/2010126000
 Tl- the contact owns a 2001 ford winstar. while driving approximately 55 mph the vehicle would pull to the right and the check engine light was on. the vehicle was taken to the dealer where the technician stated the frame on the front driver side was severally rusted beyond repair. no repairs were made to the vehicle. the vin was unavailable. the approximate failure mileage was 126,000. ds
09/04/201095000
 The front end of my 2001 ford windstar makes a lot of noise like it is going to fall apart. i'm afraid because my rear axle broke in 2 pieces going 65 mph on the interstate. i'm sure something is going on with my front subframe. how do we get this investigated?
12/27/2010141328
 While on a family trip today in my 2001 ford windstar i noticed an extremely loud grinding /rubbing noise coming from the front psgr. side, when i returned home i took it to the shop immediately where i was told that the subframe had completely rusted through on the passenger side and was nearly through the other side as well and was told that my entire family had been at risk of injury or death had the otherside failed as well, and to stop driving it immediately and that it would cost in excess of $2000 to fix. my anger and horror multiplied when while trying to locate affordable used replacement part online i discovered that ford has received many complaints about this safety issue, how dare they put my loved ones and countless thousands other at risk because they used defective or substandard parts. i will be contacting ford directly to find out what they intend to do to correct this issue and appreciate anything the nhtsa can do to help expedite the recall of said parts
12/18/201095713
 2001 ford windstar right lower control arm mount failure. just driving down the road when i notice my steering wheel was not centered, slowed down until i got into parking lot. went to turn and lost drive, looked at front end and right tire was pointing to right and left tire was straight, looked under van and saw that mount had come off frame and axle pulled out of transmission. had van towed back to my house. went right to my computer to see if there was any complaints about front end failure and their is. was going to have van rear axle checked per recall but can't even get it to ford dealership for that. called ford and their is no help. i am a mechanic and have never seen a mount come off a frame like this. this van has always been parked in a garage and washed at a high presure wash with under car rinse. i think this is poor metal or a poor design.
09/04/201095000
 The front end of my 2001 ford windstar makes a lot of noise like it is going to fall apart. i'm afraid because my rear axle broke in 2 pieces going 65 mph on the interstate. i'm sure something is going on with my front subframe. how do we get this investigated?
12/27/2010141328
 While on a family trip today in my 2001 ford windstar i noticed an extremely loud grinding /rubbing noise coming from the front psgr. side, when i returned home i took it to the shop immediately where i was told that the subframe had completely rusted through on the passenger side and was nearly through the other side as well and was told that my entire family had been at risk of injury or death had the otherside failed as well, and to stop driving it immediately and that it would cost in excess of $2000 to fix. my anger and horror multiplied when while trying to locate affordable used replacement part online i discovered that ford has received many complaints about this safety issue, how dare they put my loved ones and countless thousands other at risk because they used defective or substandard parts. i will be contacting ford directly to find out what they intend to do to correct this issue and appreciate anything the nhtsa can do to help expedite the recall of said parts
12/18/201095713
 2001 ford windstar right lower control arm mount failure. just driving down the road when i notice my steering wheel was not centered, slowed down until i got into parking lot. went to turn and lost drive, looked at front end and right tire was pointing to right and left tire was straight, looked under van and saw that mount had come off frame and axle pulled out of transmission. had van towed back to my house. went right to my computer to see if there was any complaints about front end failure and their is. was going to have van rear axle checked per recall but can't even get it to ford dealership for that. called ford and their is no help. i am a mechanic and have never seen a mount come off a frame like this. this van has always been parked in a garage and washed at a high presure wash with under car rinse. i think this is poor metal or a poor design.
12/22/2010160000
 After making a right hand turn heard a thump noise. when trying to complete the turn and straighten out the wheel,the car jumped to the left and ended up in the middle of a two laned road. after having vehicle towed to shop was informed that front subframe had rusted out, causing axle to disengage from front right tire rendering vehicle inoperable. could not push vehiclle to side of road. had to wait for police vehicle to push to side of road.
12/27/2010141328
 While on a family trip today in my 2001 ford windstar i noticed an extremely loud grinding /rubbing noise coming from the front psgr. side, when i returned home i took it to the shop immediately where i was told that the subframe had completely rusted through on the passenger side and was nearly through the other side as well and was told that my entire family had been at risk of injury or death had the otherside failed as well, and to stop driving it immediately and that it would cost in excess of $2000 to fix. my anger and horror multiplied when while trying to locate affordable used replacement part online i discovered that ford has received many complaints about this safety issue, how dare they put my loved ones and countless thousands other at risk because they used defective or substandard parts. i will be contacting ford directly to find out what they intend to do to correct this issue and appreciate anything the nhtsa can do to help expedite the recall of said parts
12/18/201095713
 2001 ford windstar right lower control arm mount failure. just driving down the road when i notice my steering wheel was not centered, slowed down until i got into parking lot. went to turn and lost drive, looked at front end and right tire was pointing to right and left tire was straight, looked under van and saw that mount had come off frame and axle pulled out of transmission. had van towed back to my house. went right to my computer to see if there was any complaints about front end failure and their is. was going to have van rear axle checked per recall but can't even get it to ford dealership for that. called ford and their is no help. i am a mechanic and have never seen a mount come off a frame like this. this van has always been parked in a garage and washed at a high presure wash with under car rinse. i think this is poor metal or a poor design.
12/22/2010160000
 After making a right hand turn heard a thump noise. when trying to complete the turn and straighten out the wheel,the car jumped to the left and ended up in the middle of a two laned road. after having vehicle towed to shop was informed that front subframe had rusted out, causing axle to disengage from front right tire rendering vehicle inoperable. could not push vehiclle to side of road. had to wait for police vehicle to push to side of road.
10/28/200862800
 We had just left the expressway. we pulled into a parking lot and went to turn into a parking space and the shaft which was attached to the wheel connecting it from the frame to the wheel, broke at the point of the factory weld causing the wheels to do the splitsand pulling out the driveshaft from the transmission. the dealer called the car totalled .this car is in great condition except for the metal socket holding the tie rod from the wheel to the frame allowing the drive shaft to be yanked out. this is a factory weld that broke and if it had broken while on the freeway, we could have been killed. ford motor refused to do anything to remedy the situation.
04/14/2009112000
 I own a 2001 ford windstar. a little over a year ago i was driving with my family southbound on the henry hudson bridge, driving to manhattan from the bronx in nyc. i was proceeding at approximately 50 mph, the speed limit for that road. i was driving along when all of a sudden the entire front end of the vehicle collapsed. the front-end sub-assembly completely failed! i lost complete control of steering for the vehicle. the vehicle began to swerve, but i was able to apply the brakes and eventually stop the vehicle before a collision with other vehicles occurred. the entire front-end sub-assembly had to be replaced. the repair work, including parts and labor, cost me approximately $2,000.00 out of pocket. i contacted the ford dealer where i bought the vehicle, but they refused to compensate me for the damages. i just read an article in the wall street journal that the nhtsa is investigating ford motor company for this very problem.
12/22/2010160000
 After making a right hand turn heard a thump noise. when trying to complete the turn and straighten out the wheel,the car jumped to the left and ended up in the middle of a two laned road. after having vehicle towed to shop was informed that front subframe had rusted out, causing axle to disengage from front right tire rendering vehicle inoperable. could not push vehiclle to side of road. had to wait for police vehicle to push to side of road.
10/28/200862800
 We had just left the expressway. we pulled into a parking lot and went to turn into a parking space and the shaft which was attached to the wheel connecting it from the frame to the wheel, broke at the point of the factory weld causing the wheels to do the splitsand pulling out the driveshaft from the transmission. the dealer called the car totalled .this car is in great condition except for the metal socket holding the tie rod from the wheel to the frame allowing the drive shaft to be yanked out. this is a factory weld that broke and if it had broken while on the freeway, we could have been killed. ford motor refused to do anything to remedy the situation.
04/14/2009112000
 I own a 2001 ford windstar. a little over a year ago i was driving with my family southbound on the henry hudson bridge, driving to manhattan from the bronx in nyc. i was proceeding at approximately 50 mph, the speed limit for that road. i was driving along when all of a sudden the entire front end of the vehicle collapsed. the front-end sub-assembly completely failed! i lost complete control of steering for the vehicle. the vehicle began to swerve, but i was able to apply the brakes and eventually stop the vehicle before a collision with other vehicles occurred. the entire front-end sub-assembly had to be replaced. the repair work, including parts and labor, cost me approximately $2,000.00 out of pocket. i contacted the ford dealer where i bought the vehicle, but they refused to compensate me for the damages. i just read an article in the wall street journal that the nhtsa is investigating ford motor company for this very problem.
10/22/2010133012
 My windstar is at dealers for broken rear axle and i was told front subframe is rusted
12/12/2010169000
 The right control arm broke off of the sub frame while backing out of our drive way. the van is not drivable (contacting ford to find out what can be done)
11/22/2010182200
 Vehicle front subframe structure corroded and caused the passenger side lower control arm to break off where the mounting tabs connect into the frame and the passenger side sway bar mount also corroded causing it to fail at the same time. occurred while driving causing the car to skid as the passengerside axle came right out of the transmission when the frame failed.
11/17/2010150000
 Tl-the contact owns a 2001 ford windstar. while driving approximately 60 mph she noticed that she could turn the steering wheel but the vehicle would not change directions. the vehicle was stopped and shut off. it was then towed to an independent mechanic where she was informed the frame under the vehicle was severely corroded and the tie rods failed. the vehicle was not repaired. the failure and current mileages were 150,000. the vin was unavailable. sm.
09/15/2010185000
 Our 2001 ford windstar started making a popping noise a couple of months ago, usually at slow speeds and while turning. when we had it checked out, we were told the subframe has rusted through at one place. this could potentially pose a significant safety risk, as the motor mounts, steering control arms, etc., are attached to this subframe.
11/15/2010
 My wife and i own a 2001 ford windstar. the other day as we were driving down the road we heard a loud pop from the front passenger side of the car. we pulled over to find that the subframe had broken.
11/05/201090000
 Whilst turning a corner the front subframe mount sheared at the lower control arm connection. i lost steering and power. my car ended in a ditch at the side of the road. myelf and my one year old son were in the car at the time, we were both shaken but not injured. when the subframe failed the half axle left the transmission, thus losing power and the two front wheel were left pointing in opposite directions. we have not had this repaired yet but have been told thats parts will be in excess of $1800 plus labour. this could cost $2500. worse still if this had have hapened on the motorway, it does bear to consider the consequences! i have seen thousands of similar cases posted on various internet sites, this needs to be remedied before someone gets seriously hurt!
11/04/2010194000
 Front sub frame rusted out on the right passendger side. after going to a transmission shop to have my trans rebuilt i went to a mechanic to see why i kept hearing strange noise from the passenger side of the van. when the mechanic lifted the van he showed me the rusted subframe and stated that eventually it will fail and that it needs to be replaced. the only way to resolve this problem is to replace the sub frame, because it is too thin to weld in their opinion.
11/05/201090000
 Whilst turning a corner the front subframe mount sheared at the lower control arm connection. i lost steering and power. my car ended in a ditch at the side of the road. myelf and my one year old son were in the car at the time, we were both shaken but not injured. when the subframe failed the half axle left the transmission, thus losing power and the two front wheel were left pointing in opposite directions. we have not had this repaired yet but have been told thats parts will be in excess of $1800 plus labour. this could cost $2500. worse still if this had have hapened on the motorway, it does bear to consider the consequences! i have seen thousands of similar cases posted on various internet sites, this needs to be remedied before someone gets seriously hurt!
11/04/2010194000
 Front sub frame rusted out on the right passendger side. after going to a transmission shop to have my trans rebuilt i went to a mechanic to see why i kept hearing strange noise from the passenger side of the van. when the mechanic lifted the van he showed me the rusted subframe and stated that eventually it will fail and that it needs to be replaced. the only way to resolve this problem is to replace the sub frame, because it is too thin to weld in their opinion.
06/10/2010140445
 Tl-the contact owns a 2002 ford windstar. while driving approximately 20 mph she heard popping noise and the vehicle was steering oddly. the vehicle was towed to an authorized dealer. the dealer replaced the front sub frame because of rust and she stated it broke into. the failure mileage was 140,445 and the current mileage was 145,000. vwb
10/12/201080000
 Occurence: 12 october 2010. travelling i-95 washington,dc/suitland, md. vehicle: ford windstar, 2001. speed : 60-65 mph. traffic : dense. failure of defective part : rear axcle snapped in two parts while traveling on smooth highway, northbound. explosive sound , lots of smoke, extreme consternation/fear of heart attack experienced by my wife and i ( my wife has a dangerous heart condition ihss) at occurence. i immediatly turned on hazard flashers. managed to manuever across several lanes of traffic to get to highway shoulder safely!! thank god for the alert fellow travelers behind us!!! if we were hit by any 18-wheelers on the highway, i wouldn't be writing this complaint now!!! concern for our safety was shown to us by fellow travelers; particularly, md traffic safety person, who should be commended by his superiors for his professional and understanding actions!! he looked at the damage and said that he had never seen anything like it before; and he said that we were licky to be alive!!! van was transported by professionals to the nearest ford dealership where i first became aware that a recall notice was in force for my vehical!!! at this point, i became greatly disturbed that i had no previous notification of this dangerous condition and that my wife, grand children, etal were traveling in potential rolling coffin! in my opinion, this seems to be criminal; particul;arly if greater profit motives might be involved! i certainly hope that inferior materials were not used in this regard!! i was inforrmed that my van would have to remain at the ford dealership until ford motor company decides how i will be provided with a safe vehicle , since no replacement axles were available. (nb ; i have no idea whatever other damage exists as a result of this awful failure! i certainly don't want a duplicate axle replacement to replay this horrific catastrophy! in my wife's delicate condition, i cannot expect her to travel in this unsafe vehicle! justice!!!
06/10/2010140445
 Tl-the contact owns a 2002 ford windstar. while driving approximately 20 mph she heard popping noise and the vehicle was steering oddly. the vehicle was towed to an authorized dealer. the dealer replaced the front sub frame because of rust and she stated it broke into. the failure mileage was 140,445 and the current mileage was 145,000. vwb
08/27/2010120604
 My family (7 members) was returning home from a vacation day. we were 2 1/2 hours from home when suddenly our van jerked to the right very hard and i lost all control of the steering. our vehicle was heading straight for a guardrail and concrete bridge wall. somehow we managed to miss both and ended up in the ditch over 500 yds from where we first lost control. imagine my surprise when i got out expecting to see maybe a flat tire, but instead saw the passenger front tire sideways. not knowing alot about cars, i called my neighbor to possibly help me. he drove the large distance with his trailer to come pick us up. when he got there he looked and saw the front subframe had completely rusted away from the body mount and had caused the lower control arm to sheer off the frame. this in turn caused the axle to pull out of the transmission rendering the vehicle completely inoperable. when i got home the next morning i found out through the newspaper that the rear axle had just been recalled for similar corrosion problems. i was astonished. what more amazed me was given the fact that serious injury or death could have easily ocurred that more was not done to resolve the situation. when we contacted the manufacturer we were told that they wouldn't help us, but we could take the vehicle to their dealer and they would be happy to repair it at our cost, but it would come with a 1 yr./12,000 mile warranty. this repair could cost upwards of $5,000. i nor my neighbor,who has been a mechanic for years, have never seen a vehicle less than 10 years old rust apart like that when there is barely any rust on the body of the vehicle. this situation needs serious action because the problem is not one that is easily deteected by anyone who doesn't know what they are looking for. unfortunately ours was not detected ahead of time , and thankfully my family was able to make it through with only some bad dreams and scared kids.
10/25/2001132000
 I took my 2001 ford windstar se to bull valley ford dealership for rear axle recall and was informed of severe rusting of the front passenger side subframe from one of the service desk representatives after the inspection. after more research i have found several internet postings regarding this same problem on the ford windstars. is there an investigation regarding this inferior product that ford manufacturing has used on these subframes? it is a severe safety issue not only for the vehicle owner/operator but everyone else on the roadways!!!
10/12/201080000
 Occurence: 12 october 2010. travelling i-95 washington,dc/suitland, md. vehicle: ford windstar, 2001. speed : 60-65 mph. traffic : dense. failure of defective part : rear axcle snapped in two parts while traveling on smooth highway, northbound. explosive sound , lots of smoke, extreme consternation/fear of heart attack experienced by my wife and i ( my wife has a dangerous heart condition ihss) at occurence. i immediatly turned on hazard flashers. managed to manuever across several lanes of traffic to get to highway shoulder safely!! thank god for the alert fellow travelers behind us!!! if we were hit by any 18-wheelers on the highway, i wouldn't be writing this complaint now!!! concern for our safety was shown to us by fellow travelers; particularly, md traffic safety person, who should be commended by his superiors for his professional and understanding actions!! he looked at the damage and said that he had never seen anything like it before; and he said that we were licky to be alive!!! van was transported by professionals to the nearest ford dealership where i first became aware that a recall notice was in force for my vehical!!! at this point, i became greatly disturbed that i had no previous notification of this dangerous condition and that my wife, grand children, etal were traveling in potential rolling coffin! in my opinion, this seems to be criminal; particul;arly if greater profit motives might be involved! i certainly hope that inferior materials were not used in this regard!! i was inforrmed that my van would have to remain at the ford dealership until ford motor company decides how i will be provided with a safe vehicle , since no replacement axles were available. (nb ; i have no idea whatever other damage exists as a result of this awful failure! i certainly don't want a duplicate axle replacement to replay this horrific catastrophy! in my wife's delicate condition, i cannot expect her to travel in this unsafe vehicle! justice!!!
06/10/2010140445
 Tl-the contact owns a 2002 ford windstar. while driving approximately 20 mph she heard popping noise and the vehicle was steering oddly. the vehicle was towed to an authorized dealer. the dealer replaced the front sub frame because of rust and she stated it broke into. the failure mileage was 140,445 and the current mileage was 145,000. vwb
08/27/2010120604
 My family (7 members) was returning home from a vacation day. we were 2 1/2 hours from home when suddenly our van jerked to the right very hard and i lost all control of the steering. our vehicle was heading straight for a guardrail and concrete bridge wall. somehow we managed to miss both and ended up in the ditch over 500 yds from where we first lost control. imagine my surprise when i got out expecting to see maybe a flat tire, but instead saw the passenger front tire sideways. not knowing alot about cars, i called my neighbor to possibly help me. he drove the large distance with his trailer to come pick us up. when he got there he looked and saw the front subframe had completely rusted away from the body mount and had caused the lower control arm to sheer off the frame. this in turn caused the axle to pull out of the transmission rendering the vehicle completely inoperable. when i got home the next morning i found out through the newspaper that the rear axle had just been recalled for similar corrosion problems. i was astonished. what more amazed me was given the fact that serious injury or death could have easily ocurred that more was not done to resolve the situation. when we contacted the manufacturer we were told that they wouldn't help us, but we could take the vehicle to their dealer and they would be happy to repair it at our cost, but it would come with a 1 yr./12,000 mile warranty. this repair could cost upwards of $5,000. i nor my neighbor,who has been a mechanic for years, have never seen a vehicle less than 10 years old rust apart like that when there is barely any rust on the body of the vehicle. this situation needs serious action because the problem is not one that is easily deteected by anyone who doesn't know what they are looking for. unfortunately ours was not detected ahead of time , and thankfully my family was able to make it through with only some bad dreams and scared kids.
10/25/2001132000
 I took my 2001 ford windstar se to bull valley ford dealership for rear axle recall and was informed of severe rusting of the front passenger side subframe from one of the service desk representatives after the inspection. after more research i have found several internet postings regarding this same problem on the ford windstars. is there an investigation regarding this inferior product that ford manufacturing has used on these subframes? it is a severe safety issue not only for the vehicle owner/operator but everyone else on the roadways!!!
10/12/201080000
 Occurence: 12 october 2010. travelling i-95 washington,dc/suitland, md. vehicle: ford windstar, 2001. speed : 60-65 mph. traffic : dense. failure of defective part : rear axcle snapped in two parts while traveling on smooth highway, northbound. explosive sound , lots of smoke, extreme consternation/fear of heart attack experienced by my wife and i ( my wife has a dangerous heart condition ihss) at occurence. i immediatly turned on hazard flashers. managed to manuever across several lanes of traffic to get to highway shoulder safely!! thank god for the alert fellow travelers behind us!!! if we were hit by any 18-wheelers on the highway, i wouldn't be writing this complaint now!!! concern for our safety was shown to us by fellow travelers; particularly, md traffic safety person, who should be commended by his superiors for his professional and understanding actions!! he looked at the damage and said that he had never seen anything like it before; and he said that we were licky to be alive!!! van was transported by professionals to the nearest ford dealership where i first became aware that a recall notice was in force for my vehical!!! at this point, i became greatly disturbed that i had no previous notification of this dangerous condition and that my wife, grand children, etal were traveling in potential rolling coffin! in my opinion, this seems to be criminal; particul;arly if greater profit motives might be involved! i certainly hope that inferior materials were not used in this regard!! i was inforrmed that my van would have to remain at the ford dealership until ford motor company decides how i will be provided with a safe vehicle , since no replacement axles were available. (nb ; i have no idea whatever other damage exists as a result of this awful failure! i certainly don't want a duplicate axle replacement to replay this horrific catastrophy! in my wife's delicate condition, i cannot expect her to travel in this unsafe vehicle! justice!!!
06/10/2010140445
 Tl-the contact owns a 2002 ford windstar. while driving approximately 20 mph she heard popping noise and the vehicle was steering oddly. the vehicle was towed to an authorized dealer. the dealer replaced the front sub frame because of rust and she stated it broke into. the failure mileage was 140,445 and the current mileage was 145,000. vwb
08/27/2010120604
 My family (7 members) was returning home from a vacation day. we were 2 1/2 hours from home when suddenly our van jerked to the right very hard and i lost all control of the steering. our vehicle was heading straight for a guardrail and concrete bridge wall. somehow we managed to miss both and ended up in the ditch over 500 yds from where we first lost control. imagine my surprise when i got out expecting to see maybe a flat tire, but instead saw the passenger front tire sideways. not knowing alot about cars, i called my neighbor to possibly help me. he drove the large distance with his trailer to come pick us up. when he got there he looked and saw the front subframe had completely rusted away from the body mount and had caused the lower control arm to sheer off the frame. this in turn caused the axle to pull out of the transmission rendering the vehicle completely inoperable. when i got home the next morning i found out through the newspaper that the rear axle had just been recalled for similar corrosion problems. i was astonished. what more amazed me was given the fact that serious injury or death could have easily ocurred that more was not done to resolve the situation. when we contacted the manufacturer we were told that they wouldn't help us, but we could take the vehicle to their dealer and they would be happy to repair it at our cost, but it would come with a 1 yr./12,000 mile warranty. this repair could cost upwards of $5,000. i nor my neighbor,who has been a mechanic for years, have never seen a vehicle less than 10 years old rust apart like that when there is barely any rust on the body of the vehicle. this situation needs serious action because the problem is not one that is easily deteected by anyone who doesn't know what they are looking for. unfortunately ours was not detected ahead of time , and thankfully my family was able to make it through with only some bad dreams and scared kids.
10/25/2001132000
 I took my 2001 ford windstar se to bull valley ford dealership for rear axle recall and was informed of severe rusting of the front passenger side subframe from one of the service desk representatives after the inspection. after more research i have found several internet postings regarding this same problem on the ford windstars. is there an investigation regarding this inferior product that ford manufacturing has used on these subframes? it is a severe safety issue not only for the vehicle owner/operator but everyone else on the roadways!!!
10/12/201080000
 Occurence: 12 october 2010. travelling i-95 washington,dc/suitland, md. vehicle: ford windstar, 2001. speed : 60-65 mph. traffic : dense. failure of defective part : rear axcle snapped in two parts while traveling on smooth highway, northbound. explosive sound , lots of smoke, extreme consternation/fear of heart attack experienced by my wife and i ( my wife has a dangerous heart condition ihss) at occurence. i immediatly turned on hazard flashers. managed to manuever across several lanes of traffic to get to highway shoulder safely!! thank god for the alert fellow travelers behind us!!! if we were hit by any 18-wheelers on the highway, i wouldn't be writing this complaint now!!! concern for our safety was shown to us by fellow travelers; particularly, md traffic safety person, who should be commended by his superiors for his professional and understanding actions!! he looked at the damage and said that he had never seen anything like it before; and he said that we were licky to be alive!!! van was transported by professionals to the nearest ford dealership where i first became aware that a recall notice was in force for my vehical!!! at this point, i became greatly disturbed that i had no previous notification of this dangerous condition and that my wife, grand children, etal were traveling in potential rolling coffin! in my opinion, this seems to be criminal; particul;arly if greater profit motives might be involved! i certainly hope that inferior materials were not used in this regard!! i was inforrmed that my van would have to remain at the ford dealership until ford motor company decides how i will be provided with a safe vehicle , since no replacement axles were available. (nb ; i have no idea whatever other damage exists as a result of this awful failure! i certainly don't want a duplicate axle replacement to replay this horrific catastrophy! in my wife's delicate condition, i cannot expect her to travel in this unsafe vehicle! justice!!!
10/22/2010103000
 We heard a noise when vehicle turned and then while pulling away from a stop light the subframe fell off of the car landing on the road. it had completely rusted through. the bolt was still attached. the mechanic confirmed that it had rusted through. this is a dangerous problem.
08/27/2010120604
 My family (7 members) was returning home from a vacation day. we were 2 1/2 hours from home when suddenly our van jerked to the right very hard and i lost all control of the steering. our vehicle was heading straight for a guardrail and concrete bridge wall. somehow we managed to miss both and ended up in the ditch over 500 yds from where we first lost control. imagine my surprise when i got out expecting to see maybe a flat tire, but instead saw the passenger front tire sideways. not knowing alot about cars, i called my neighbor to possibly help me. he drove the large distance with his trailer to come pick us up. when he got there he looked and saw the front subframe had completely rusted away from the body mount and had caused the lower control arm to sheer off the frame. this in turn caused the axle to pull out of the transmission rendering the vehicle completely inoperable. when i got home the next morning i found out through the newspaper that the rear axle had just been recalled for similar corrosion problems. i was astonished. what more amazed me was given the fact that serious injury or death could have easily ocurred that more was not done to resolve the situation. when we contacted the manufacturer we were told that they wouldn't help us, but we could take the vehicle to their dealer and they would be happy to repair it at our cost, but it would come with a 1 yr./12,000 mile warranty. this repair could cost upwards of $5,000. i nor my neighbor,who has been a mechanic for years, have never seen a vehicle less than 10 years old rust apart like that when there is barely any rust on the body of the vehicle. this situation needs serious action because the problem is not one that is easily deteected by anyone who doesn't know what they are looking for. unfortunately ours was not detected ahead of time , and thankfully my family was able to make it through with only some bad dreams and scared kids.
10/25/2001132000
 I took my 2001 ford windstar se to bull valley ford dealership for rear axle recall and was informed of severe rusting of the front passenger side subframe from one of the service desk representatives after the inspection. after more research i have found several internet postings regarding this same problem on the ford windstars. is there an investigation regarding this inferior product that ford manufacturing has used on these subframes? it is a severe safety issue not only for the vehicle owner/operator but everyone else on the roadways!!!
10/12/201080000
 Occurence: 12 october 2010. travelling i-95 washington,dc/suitland, md. vehicle: ford windstar, 2001. speed : 60-65 mph. traffic : dense. failure of defective part : rear axcle snapped in two parts while traveling on smooth highway, northbound. explosive sound , lots of smoke, extreme consternation/fear of heart attack experienced by my wife and i ( my wife has a dangerous heart condition ihss) at occurence. i immediatly turned on hazard flashers. managed to manuever across several lanes of traffic to get to highway shoulder safely!! thank god for the alert fellow travelers behind us!!! if we were hit by any 18-wheelers on the highway, i wouldn't be writing this complaint now!!! concern for our safety was shown to us by fellow travelers; particularly, md traffic safety person, who should be commended by his superiors for his professional and understanding actions!! he looked at the damage and said that he had never seen anything like it before; and he said that we were licky to be alive!!! van was transported by professionals to the nearest ford dealership where i first became aware that a recall notice was in force for my vehical!!! at this point, i became greatly disturbed that i had no previous notification of this dangerous condition and that my wife, grand children, etal were traveling in potential rolling coffin! in my opinion, this seems to be criminal; particul;arly if greater profit motives might be involved! i certainly hope that inferior materials were not used in this regard!! i was inforrmed that my van would have to remain at the ford dealership until ford motor company decides how i will be provided with a safe vehicle , since no replacement axles were available. (nb ; i have no idea whatever other damage exists as a result of this awful failure! i certainly don't want a duplicate axle replacement to replay this horrific catastrophy! in my wife's delicate condition, i cannot expect her to travel in this unsafe vehicle! justice!!!
10/22/2010103000
 We heard a noise when vehicle turned and then while pulling away from a stop light the subframe fell off of the car landing on the road. it had completely rusted through. the bolt was still attached. the mechanic confirmed that it had rusted through. this is a dangerous problem.
10/15/201089450
 My 2001 ford windstar was brought to my mechanic for potential problem with front stabilization. upon lifting to vehicle on the lift, it was obvious to the mechanic that the rear mount on the passenger side of the subframe was completely rusted to the point that it was hanging down. i was instructed not to drive this vehicle.. the issue at hand appears to be as identified in the nhtsa action number: pe10026.
10/12/201080000
 Occurence: 12 october 2010. travelling i-95 washington,dc/suitland, md. vehicle: ford windstar, 2001. speed : 60-65 mph. traffic : dense. failure of defective part : rear axcle snapped in two parts while traveling on smooth highway, northbound. explosive sound , lots of smoke, extreme consternation/fear of heart attack experienced by my wife and i ( my wife has a dangerous heart condition ihss) at occurence. i immediatly turned on hazard flashers. managed to manuever across several lanes of traffic to get to highway shoulder safely!! thank god for the alert fellow travelers behind us!!! if we were hit by any 18-wheelers on the highway, i wouldn't be writing this complaint now!!! concern for our safety was shown to us by fellow travelers; particularly, md traffic safety person, who should be commended by his superiors for his professional and understanding actions!! he looked at the damage and said that he had never seen anything like it before; and he said that we were licky to be alive!!! van was transported by professionals to the nearest ford dealership where i first became aware that a recall notice was in force for my vehical!!! at this point, i became greatly disturbed that i had no previous notification of this dangerous condition and that my wife, grand children, etal were traveling in potential rolling coffin! in my opinion, this seems to be criminal; particul;arly if greater profit motives might be involved! i certainly hope that inferior materials were not used in this regard!! i was inforrmed that my van would have to remain at the ford dealership until ford motor company decides how i will be provided with a safe vehicle , since no replacement axles were available. (nb ; i have no idea whatever other damage exists as a result of this awful failure! i certainly don't want a duplicate axle replacement to replay this horrific catastrophy! in my wife's delicate condition, i cannot expect her to travel in this unsafe vehicle! justice!!!
10/22/2010103000
 We heard a noise when vehicle turned and then while pulling away from a stop light the subframe fell off of the car landing on the road. it had completely rusted through. the bolt was still attached. the mechanic confirmed that it had rusted through. this is a dangerous problem.
10/15/201089450
 My 2001 ford windstar was brought to my mechanic for potential problem with front stabilization. upon lifting to vehicle on the lift, it was obvious to the mechanic that the rear mount on the passenger side of the subframe was completely rusted to the point that it was hanging down. i was instructed not to drive this vehicle.. the issue at hand appears to be as identified in the nhtsa action number: pe10026.
10/22/2010103000
 We heard a noise when vehicle turned and then while pulling away from a stop light the subframe fell off of the car landing on the road. it had completely rusted through. the bolt was still attached. the mechanic confirmed that it had rusted through. this is a dangerous problem.
10/15/201089450
 My 2001 ford windstar was brought to my mechanic for potential problem with front stabilization. upon lifting to vehicle on the lift, it was obvious to the mechanic that the rear mount on the passenger side of the subframe was completely rusted to the point that it was hanging down. i was instructed not to drive this vehicle.. the issue at hand appears to be as identified in the nhtsa action number: pe10026.
10/10/201096000
 On a sunday evening, october 10, around 9:00 p.m., while making a turn into my street,, i heard a loud noise, the van abruptly stopped leaving most of the vehicle in between two roads. the van could not be pushed out of the way. the police responded to redirect traffic and called for a flat bed tow which cost $180! they needed to be extremely careful so that the tires or other parts would not be damaged. without knowing what was wrong with the vehicle, it was towed to my repair shop. the next day i was informed they could not do the repair. then it was towed to a repair shop that could do the repair (another $40). i understand the frame cracked. the repair shop removed axel shaft, seal rebuilt frame at rear of lower control arm and undercoat. installed new seal, axel assembly and fluid for the cost of $546. i can't imagine the outcome if this happend while driving home from work on the thruway doing 65 mph.
10/15/201089450
 My 2001 ford windstar was brought to my mechanic for potential problem with front stabilization. upon lifting to vehicle on the lift, it was obvious to the mechanic that the rear mount on the passenger side of the subframe was completely rusted to the point that it was hanging down. i was instructed not to drive this vehicle.. the issue at hand appears to be as identified in the nhtsa action number: pe10026.
10/10/201096000
 On a sunday evening, october 10, around 9:00 p.m., while making a turn into my street,, i heard a loud noise, the van abruptly stopped leaving most of the vehicle in between two roads. the van could not be pushed out of the way. the police responded to redirect traffic and called for a flat bed tow which cost $180! they needed to be extremely careful so that the tires or other parts would not be damaged. without knowing what was wrong with the vehicle, it was towed to my repair shop. the next day i was informed they could not do the repair. then it was towed to a repair shop that could do the repair (another $40). i understand the frame cracked. the repair shop removed axel shaft, seal rebuilt frame at rear of lower control arm and undercoat. installed new seal, axel assembly and fluid for the cost of $546. i can't imagine the outcome if this happend while driving home from work on the thruway doing 65 mph.
10/11/2010136120
 Clunking noise from r/f of vehicle when turning left, and severe pull when accelerating. found front subframe rusted thru and cracked at passenger side rear mount. had to replace front subframe.
09/30/2010116000
 Tl-the contact owns a 2001 ford windstar. while having the vehicle examined by an independent mechanic for steering issues she was informed that the sub frame was rusted and corroding. the vehicle was not repaired. the failure and current mileages were 116,000. sm.
07/14/200990000
 Tl-the contact owns a 2001 ford windstar. the contact inspected the vehicle and detected that the subframe exhibited substantial rust corrosion. the vehicle had not been diagnosed. the contact had concern of the potential safety hazard. the failure mileage was 90,000. the vin was unavailable. js
08/27/2010116000
 The front sub frame and control arm rusted at 116,000 miles only. this is a big safety issue on all ford windstars, mine is a 2001 model.
09/01/2010110000
 After hearing some noise when turning i inspected my 2001 ford windstar lx and found the subframe/cradle rusted out on right side rear mount. i have not done anything yet to fix it (looking for prices) but i know the subframe/cradle is bad and needs to be replaced.
07/14/200990000
 Tl-the contact owns a 2001 ford windstar. the contact inspected the vehicle and detected that the subframe exhibited substantial rust corrosion. the vehicle had not been diagnosed. the contact had concern of the potential safety hazard. the failure mileage was 90,000. the vin was unavailable. js
08/27/2010116000
 The front sub frame and control arm rusted at 116,000 miles only. this is a big safety issue on all ford windstars, mine is a 2001 model.
09/01/2010110000
 After hearing some noise when turning i inspected my 2001 ford windstar lx and found the subframe/cradle rusted out on right side rear mount. i have not done anything yet to fix it (looking for prices) but i know the subframe/cradle is bad and needs to be replaced.
09/18/2010170000
 I was driving down i-75 in toledo ohio at 70 mph when my rear axle broke in half on my 2001 ford windstar minivan. lost control but was able to not hit anyone or roll over. i have had no help from ford and nothing but a run around from them help!!! i have 4 children and no transportation. my eldest daughter has no busing in our county so i have to transport both ways and no vehicle. no way to get groceries or dr. appts. ford promised me a rental but 9 days have gone by and no help. what do i do? they are telling me it will be over three months before i can have my van repaired.
09/26/2010148000
 Went for a routine oil change and my mechanic discovered the passenger side sub frame is all but rusted out.
08/27/2010116000
 The front sub frame and control arm rusted at 116,000 miles only. this is a big safety issue on all ford windstars, mine is a 2001 model.
09/01/2010110000
 After hearing some noise when turning i inspected my 2001 ford windstar lx and found the subframe/cradle rusted out on right side rear mount. i have not done anything yet to fix it (looking for prices) but i know the subframe/cradle is bad and needs to be replaced.
09/18/2010170000
 I was driving down i-75 in toledo ohio at 70 mph when my rear axle broke in half on my 2001 ford windstar minivan. lost control but was able to not hit anyone or roll over. i have had no help from ford and nothing but a run around from them help!!! i have 4 children and no transportation. my eldest daughter has no busing in our county so i have to transport both ways and no vehicle. no way to get groceries or dr. appts. ford promised me a rental but 9 days have gone by and no help. what do i do? they are telling me it will be over three months before i can have my van repaired.
09/26/2010148000
 Went for a routine oil change and my mechanic discovered the passenger side sub frame is all but rusted out.
08/27/2010116000
 The front sub frame and control arm rusted at 116,000 miles only. this is a big safety issue on all ford windstars, mine is a 2001 model.
09/01/2010110000
 After hearing some noise when turning i inspected my 2001 ford windstar lx and found the subframe/cradle rusted out on right side rear mount. i have not done anything yet to fix it (looking for prices) but i know the subframe/cradle is bad and needs to be replaced.
09/18/2010170000
 I was driving down i-75 in toledo ohio at 70 mph when my rear axle broke in half on my 2001 ford windstar minivan. lost control but was able to not hit anyone or roll over. i have had no help from ford and nothing but a run around from them help!!! i have 4 children and no transportation. my eldest daughter has no busing in our county so i have to transport both ways and no vehicle. no way to get groceries or dr. appts. ford promised me a rental but 9 days have gone by and no help. what do i do? they are telling me it will be over three months before i can have my van repaired.
09/26/2010148000
 Went for a routine oil change and my mechanic discovered the passenger side sub frame is all but rusted out.
09/18/2010170000
 I was driving down i-75 in toledo ohio at 70 mph when my rear axle broke in half on my 2001 ford windstar minivan. lost control but was able to not hit anyone or roll over. i have had no help from ford and nothing but a run around from them help!!! i have 4 children and no transportation. my eldest daughter has no busing in our county so i have to transport both ways and no vehicle. no way to get groceries or dr. appts. ford promised me a rental but 9 days have gone by and no help. what do i do? they are telling me it will be over three months before i can have my van repaired.
09/26/2010148000
 Went for a routine oil change and my mechanic discovered the passenger side sub frame is all but rusted out.
09/15/2010140000
 Tl- the contact owns a 2001 ford windstar. the contact stated that while driving 35 mph down a hill the vehicle made a crashing noise and the vehicle lost all steering and braking function. the contact lost all control of the vehicle. the dealer stated the cradle (structure sub frame) fell out of the frame and that was what cost the failure. the dealer stated the steering components, transmission, drive train and frame would be have to be replaced. the vehicle has not been repaired. the failure mileage was approximately 140,000. rd
07/01/2010170000
 I was driving my 2001 ford windstar making a right turn when i straightened out i noticed that my steering wheel was still turned at a 45 degree angle. being cautious now listened for warning sounds of possible further problems, there was no strange sounds or shaking nothing to indicate what would happen next . as i continued on my journey i was driving 50km an hour when suddenly the front end of the van dropped sitting on both front tires, causing me to lose control of steering and braking. i slid down the street eventually crashing into the curb thankfully no one was injured and no other vehicle was involved. i exited the vehicle and noticed transmission fluid pouring out onto the road. my van was towed to the mechanics and we discovered that the right control arm that is connected to the front sub frame brackets were totally roughted out due to bad design in the sub frame in which the brackets are welded to the frame which has a bowl like base which collects water and salt and speeds up the corrosion time. this is a serious safety issue for other windstar vans, if i was on a major highway doing 100km this would of been a fatal accident. if this would of happened the police would of determined that i was going to fast or some other reason other than the control arm breaking of. there has been a recent recall for the rear axle cracking and splitting in half due to bad u shape design of the axle in where again salt and water become trapped and speed up the corrosion time. so i believe that the control arm is a serious safety issue which needs to be deltwith by issuing a recall as well
09/16/2001149000
 As my wife backed the van out of the driveway the rear axle broke in half.
09/15/2010140000
 Tl- the contact owns a 2001 ford windstar. the contact stated that while driving 35 mph down a hill the vehicle made a crashing noise and the vehicle lost all steering and braking function. the contact lost all control of the vehicle. the dealer stated the cradle (structure sub frame) fell out of the frame and that was what cost the failure. the dealer stated the steering components, transmission, drive train and frame would be have to be replaced. the vehicle has not been repaired. the failure mileage was approximately 140,000. rd
07/01/2010170000
 I was driving my 2001 ford windstar making a right turn when i straightened out i noticed that my steering wheel was still turned at a 45 degree angle. being cautious now listened for warning sounds of possible further problems, there was no strange sounds or shaking nothing to indicate what would happen next . as i continued on my journey i was driving 50km an hour when suddenly the front end of the van dropped sitting on both front tires, causing me to lose control of steering and braking. i slid down the street eventually crashing into the curb thankfully no one was injured and no other vehicle was involved. i exited the vehicle and noticed transmission fluid pouring out onto the road. my van was towed to the mechanics and we discovered that the right control arm that is connected to the front sub frame brackets were totally roughted out due to bad design in the sub frame in which the brackets are welded to the frame which has a bowl like base which collects water and salt and speeds up the corrosion time. this is a serious safety issue for other windstar vans, if i was on a major highway doing 100km this would of been a fatal accident. if this would of happened the police would of determined that i was going to fast or some other reason other than the control arm breaking of. there has been a recent recall for the rear axle cracking and splitting in half due to bad u shape design of the axle in where again salt and water become trapped and speed up the corrosion time. so i believe that the control arm is a serious safety issue which needs to be deltwith by issuing a recall as well
09/16/2001149000
 As my wife backed the van out of the driveway the rear axle broke in half.
09/15/2010140000
 Tl- the contact owns a 2001 ford windstar. the contact stated that while driving 35 mph down a hill the vehicle made a crashing noise and the vehicle lost all steering and braking function. the contact lost all control of the vehicle. the dealer stated the cradle (structure sub frame) fell out of the frame and that was what cost the failure. the dealer stated the steering components, transmission, drive train and frame would be have to be replaced. the vehicle has not been repaired. the failure mileage was approximately 140,000. rd
07/01/2010170000
 I was driving my 2001 ford windstar making a right turn when i straightened out i noticed that my steering wheel was still turned at a 45 degree angle. being cautious now listened for warning sounds of possible further problems, there was no strange sounds or shaking nothing to indicate what would happen next . as i continued on my journey i was driving 50km an hour when suddenly the front end of the van dropped sitting on both front tires, causing me to lose control of steering and braking. i slid down the street eventually crashing into the curb thankfully no one was injured and no other vehicle was involved. i exited the vehicle and noticed transmission fluid pouring out onto the road. my van was towed to the mechanics and we discovered that the right control arm that is connected to the front sub frame brackets were totally roughted out due to bad design in the sub frame in which the brackets are welded to the frame which has a bowl like base which collects water and salt and speeds up the corrosion time. this is a serious safety issue for other windstar vans, if i was on a major highway doing 100km this would of been a fatal accident. if this would of happened the police would of determined that i was going to fast or some other reason other than the control arm breaking of. there has been a recent recall for the rear axle cracking and splitting in half due to bad u shape design of the axle in where again salt and water become trapped and speed up the corrosion time. so i believe that the control arm is a serious safety issue which needs to be deltwith by issuing a recall as well
09/16/2001149000
 As my wife backed the van out of the driveway the rear axle broke in half.
09/08/2010152000
 My wife pulled out of somone's driveway and without a warning, the front end of our 2001 ford windstar had fallen out destroying the control arm, strut and possibly more damage. the van got taken to a garage where it was revealed that the cradle had basically split and if this had happened on the highway, there was a high percentage that my wife and three children would have been seriously injured or killed thanks to ford manufacturing deathtrap parts. parts like this should be the last thing to ever go. we bought the van in june 2009 with only 112,000 kms on it. ford should be footing the bill and a recall should be ordered immediately. i will never buy a ford ever again. i will be getting the van fixed next week and i will be keeping the old cradle as evidence and my reciept for the cost of repairs.
09/06/2010156000
 My 01 ford windstar van sub frame has lot of corrosion. i have notice this after reading rear axel recall.
09/08/2010152000
 My wife pulled out of somone's driveway and without a warning, the front end of our 2001 ford windstar had fallen out destroying the control arm, strut and possibly more damage. the van got taken to a garage where it was revealed that the cradle had basically split and if this had happened on the highway, there was a high percentage that my wife and three children would have been seriously injured or killed thanks to ford manufacturing deathtrap parts. parts like this should be the last thing to ever go. we bought the van in june 2009 with only 112,000 kms on it. ford should be footing the bill and a recall should be ordered immediately. i will never buy a ford ever again. i will be getting the van fixed next week and i will be keeping the old cradle as evidence and my reciept for the cost of repairs.
09/06/2010156000
 My 01 ford windstar van sub frame has lot of corrosion. i have notice this after reading rear axel recall.
09/08/2010152000
 My wife pulled out of somone's driveway and without a warning, the front end of our 2001 ford windstar had fallen out destroying the control arm, strut and possibly more damage. the van got taken to a garage where it was revealed that the cradle had basically split and if this had happened on the highway, there was a high percentage that my wife and three children would have been seriously injured or killed thanks to ford manufacturing deathtrap parts. parts like this should be the last thing to ever go. we bought the van in june 2009 with only 112,000 kms on it. ford should be footing the bill and a recall should be ordered immediately. i will never buy a ford ever again. i will be getting the van fixed next week and i will be keeping the old cradle as evidence and my reciept for the cost of repairs.
09/06/2010156000
 My 01 ford windstar van sub frame has lot of corrosion. i have notice this after reading rear axel recall.
08/20/2010106000
 I have a 2001 ford windstar which is showing signs of a sub-frame corrosion failure similar to the one described in investigation pr 10-026. there is a u-shaped subframe element which connects to the main frame near the outboard side of both front seats and extends forward around the front of the car. it does appear various suspension and steering members are connected to this sub-frame. the passenger-side end of this sub-frame where it connects to the vehicle frame shows severe rusting and metal delamination and a crack has formed on the end. the driver-side end of this subframe shows normal wear and is not in immediate risk of failure. the corrosion to the passenger-side end is excessive as compared to the driver's side and other frame elements in the vicinity. something is accelerating the corrosion on the right side. it may be due to the condensate drain from the air-conditioning system. at this time, the sub-frame has not failed but the vehicle represents a significant safety risk since failure-related crashes have been reported. the repair costs are estmated to be in excess of $2000 for frame replacement. i believe that ford should quickly develop and deploy a means of reinforcing the frame member and offer the repair via recall to windstar owners. since the parts are currently still on my vehicle, i can take photographs showing the deterioration of the sub-frame ends. as a side note: my windstar is equipped with the rearseat air-conditioning system. the evaporator is in the rear quarter-panel on the driver's side in the rear or the vehicle. while this affected components do not appear to be a critical part of the vehicle's structure, there is significant corrosion to the parts which are in the path of the condensate drain for the rear a/c system as well. this seems to confirm the belief that a/c condesate run-off is a key factor in the sub-frame corrosion issue.
08/24/2010129000
 2001 ford windstar was making noises in the back for a couple months. just recently, the noise got much louder when backing up and going out of my driveway. before driving today, i looked under the back of the vehicle to see that the rear axle beam was cracked at least 95% about 18 inches from the drivers wheel. i could have been killed if i was driving on the expressway and lost control. i have to get this fixed and cannot drive the van.
08/15/2010140000
 Ford windstar rear axel break 1. heard odd sound under car 2. rear axel broke near driver side of car. 3. dealer says they cannot get the part, i must find my own.
07/13/201096000
 My wife was pulling out of a driveway with her 2001 ford windstar when there was a loud noise and the wheels turned and locked in position. the vehicle was towed to an auto repair shop and it was determined that the subframe was completely rusted through. this could have been a very dangerous situation if it would have happened at highway speed. the vehicle has 96,000 miles on it. it cost $1,600 to get repaired. ford has a problem with the metal on these vehicles. vehicle frames should not rust out.
08/14/201060100
 While driving our 2001 ford windstar which has only 60.000 miles at about 20 mph, a loud snap sound occured, followed by wobbling from the back of the car and burning rubber smell as the vehicle came to a scrapping stop. we got out to see that the rear axle bar had snapped in two about a foot or so from the drivers rear wheel. we called geico and filed a claim, they are going to repair it but we will still have to pay a $500 deductible. they said that if they are successful in going after ford for this defect, we would them be eligible for the $500 back . we see on the internet that there are two youtube.com videos about this same problem and these axles are snapped exactly where ours let go. we also see on the internet that the nhtsa has been investigating this problem since may of 2010. as of that date there were almost 300 occurances of this failure in the northeast, i guess more and more of this occurance will continue until ford recalls this defective weld or inadiquate thickness of the rear axal bar itself. we hope no-one has to loose thier lives before ford addresses this issue. we are so glad that we never made it to the entrance of the highway, because i cannot imagine what would have happed at highway speeds.
08/15/2010140000
 Ford windstar rear axel break 1. heard odd sound under car 2. rear axel broke near driver side of car. 3. dealer says they cannot get the part, i must find my own.
07/13/201096000
 My wife was pulling out of a driveway with her 2001 ford windstar when there was a loud noise and the wheels turned and locked in position. the vehicle was towed to an auto repair shop and it was determined that the subframe was completely rusted through. this could have been a very dangerous situation if it would have happened at highway speed. the vehicle has 96,000 miles on it. it cost $1,600 to get repaired. ford has a problem with the metal on these vehicles. vehicle frames should not rust out.
08/14/201060100
 While driving our 2001 ford windstar which has only 60.000 miles at about 20 mph, a loud snap sound occured, followed by wobbling from the back of the car and burning rubber smell as the vehicle came to a scrapping stop. we got out to see that the rear axle bar had snapped in two about a foot or so from the drivers rear wheel. we called geico and filed a claim, they are going to repair it but we will still have to pay a $500 deductible. they said that if they are successful in going after ford for this defect, we would them be eligible for the $500 back . we see on the internet that there are two youtube.com videos about this same problem and these axles are snapped exactly where ours let go. we also see on the internet that the nhtsa has been investigating this problem since may of 2010. as of that date there were almost 300 occurances of this failure in the northeast, i guess more and more of this occurance will continue until ford recalls this defective weld or inadiquate thickness of the rear axal bar itself. we hope no-one has to loose thier lives before ford addresses this issue. we are so glad that we never made it to the entrance of the highway, because i cannot imagine what would have happed at highway speeds.
08/06/2009119660
 I own a 2001 ford windstar with just over 119,600 miles on it. on friday, august 6, 2010 i was driving home from work. i was going between 35 and 40 mph. suddenly i heard a loud noise somewhere close behind me and i saw smoke and/or dust coming from the rear of the van. i thought i had blown a tire but when i got out and looked all the tires were fine although i thought the rear tires were tilted toward each other. when my husband came to pick me up, we looked under the rear of the van and noticed that the rear axle had broken almost in half.
07/13/201096000
 My wife was pulling out of a driveway with her 2001 ford windstar when there was a loud noise and the wheels turned and locked in position. the vehicle was towed to an auto repair shop and it was determined that the subframe was completely rusted through. this could have been a very dangerous situation if it would have happened at highway speed. the vehicle has 96,000 miles on it. it cost $1,600 to get repaired. ford has a problem with the metal on these vehicles. vehicle frames should not rust out.
08/14/201060100
 While driving our 2001 ford windstar which has only 60.000 miles at about 20 mph, a loud snap sound occured, followed by wobbling from the back of the car and burning rubber smell as the vehicle came to a scrapping stop. we got out to see that the rear axle bar had snapped in two about a foot or so from the drivers rear wheel. we called geico and filed a claim, they are going to repair it but we will still have to pay a $500 deductible. they said that if they are successful in going after ford for this defect, we would them be eligible for the $500 back . we see on the internet that there are two youtube.com videos about this same problem and these axles are snapped exactly where ours let go. we also see on the internet that the nhtsa has been investigating this problem since may of 2010. as of that date there were almost 300 occurances of this failure in the northeast, i guess more and more of this occurance will continue until ford recalls this defective weld or inadiquate thickness of the rear axal bar itself. we hope no-one has to loose thier lives before ford addresses this issue. we are so glad that we never made it to the entrance of the highway, because i cannot imagine what would have happed at highway speeds.
08/06/2009119660
 I own a 2001 ford windstar with just over 119,600 miles on it. on friday, august 6, 2010 i was driving home from work. i was going between 35 and 40 mph. suddenly i heard a loud noise somewhere close behind me and i saw smoke and/or dust coming from the rear of the van. i thought i had blown a tire but when i got out and looked all the tires were fine although i thought the rear tires were tilted toward each other. when my husband came to pick me up, we looked under the rear of the van and noticed that the rear axle had broken almost in half.
07/13/201096000
 My wife was pulling out of a driveway with her 2001 ford windstar when there was a loud noise and the wheels turned and locked in position. the vehicle was towed to an auto repair shop and it was determined that the subframe was completely rusted through. this could have been a very dangerous situation if it would have happened at highway speed. the vehicle has 96,000 miles on it. it cost $1,600 to get repaired. ford has a problem with the metal on these vehicles. vehicle frames should not rust out.
08/14/201060100
 While driving our 2001 ford windstar which has only 60.000 miles at about 20 mph, a loud snap sound occured, followed by wobbling from the back of the car and burning rubber smell as the vehicle came to a scrapping stop. we got out to see that the rear axle bar had snapped in two about a foot or so from the drivers rear wheel. we called geico and filed a claim, they are going to repair it but we will still have to pay a $500 deductible. they said that if they are successful in going after ford for this defect, we would them be eligible for the $500 back . we see on the internet that there are two youtube.com videos about this same problem and these axles are snapped exactly where ours let go. we also see on the internet that the nhtsa has been investigating this problem since may of 2010. as of that date there were almost 300 occurances of this failure in the northeast, i guess more and more of this occurance will continue until ford recalls this defective weld or inadiquate thickness of the rear axal bar itself. we hope no-one has to loose thier lives before ford addresses this issue. we are so glad that we never made it to the entrance of the highway, because i cannot imagine what would have happed at highway speeds.
08/06/2009119660
 I own a 2001 ford windstar with just over 119,600 miles on it. on friday, august 6, 2010 i was driving home from work. i was going between 35 and 40 mph. suddenly i heard a loud noise somewhere close behind me and i saw smoke and/or dust coming from the rear of the van. i thought i had blown a tire but when i got out and looked all the tires were fine although i thought the rear tires were tilted toward each other. when my husband came to pick me up, we looked under the rear of the van and noticed that the rear axle had broken almost in half.
06/13/2010127585
 2001 windstar rear axle broke in half causing the rear tire to smoke and burn the rubber off the tire and the undercoating on the wheel well. driving on highway at 55 mph. started to feel a sway just before it broke, nearly causing an accidnt. tire was very hot and smoking,we were told she was lucky the tire did not blow.
06/11/2010108000
 I own a 2001 ford winstar limited and while driving the car the rear axel snapped in half. i was stuck but thankfully was able to have a tow truck bring it to my house.both back tires and totally bent in as the axel is literally broken in half. i now have no means of transportation which kills me as we always kept this car up to date on all maintenance. we just had the front alligned, tye rods replaced as well as many other repairs recently. as i said we always have the oil changed and all other scheduled maintenance on time. this is a real blow as right now we don't have the money to fix it or replace it. i cannot believe ford does not have to have a recall on this and their error is our loss and the loss of many others. i am disgusted and although a ford costumer for many, many years will no longer consider ford in the future. shame on you ford, lives are at stake her; have a conscience.
03/25/2010120000
 Rear axle cracked in half causing further damage to the van.
06/04/201028000
 Brake light was on in my 2001 ford, windstar. brought the vehicle to our mechanic to check it out and make necessary repairs. our mechanic called me and informed me that the frame of the vehicle was rotted out and that in his opinion it was unsafe to drive and the cost to repair it were not worth it. we bought this vehicle new in october of 2001 and it only has about 28,000 miles on it. we do not live any where near the ocean, but live in massachusetts, where salt and sand are used on the roads in the winter. but as you can tell with the low mileage on the vehicle it was not driven much any way. i am forced to buy a new vehicle to replace this one.
05/21/2010206000
 I am the original owner of a 2001 ford windstar. while driving at highway speed, the rear axle snapped, which resulted in the loss of control of the vehicle. as a result, i was involved in a collision with a vehicle in the next lane.
12/10/2009115000
 The rear axle collapsed, just as my family was heading to the highway for a road trip. we were able to have the car towed to the dealership where they repaired the vehicle to the cost of $900. we had no choice but to authorize the repair as it was the only car we had that could transport my family of six to a christmas vacation. i had read about rear axle failures in these mini vans two years ago from this website when i researched and filed a compolaint after the brakes failed while traveling at 65mph on the highway in this same vehicle.
05/08/2010141000
 2001 ford windstar minivan rear axel break. went on-line and have read hundreds of complaints about rear axels breaking in half. no other cars axels are breaking.
04/25/2010121649
 Rear axle on my son's 2001 ford windstar cracked almost all the way through on the drivers side. about 14 inches from the wheel. both rear tires were wrecked because of rubbing inside of wheel well.
03/24/2010112608
 Vehicle: 2001 ford windstar lx; mileage approx. 113k today, i had a scheduled appt. for my local garage to inspect a noise/vibration issue with the family minivan. this is the vehicle which my wife and kids use routinely. while backing out of my driveway to get to the garage, i heard a large snap and the rear-end of the van slumped onto the driver's rear tire. the rear axle beam had snapped in half. in reviewing online forums with other ford drivers, this is failure is a frequent occurance with ford windstars after 100k miles. that is not a large number of miles, considering the investment typical middle class families need to make in order to have a vehicle for commuting. i shudder what could have happened if my family was traveling at higher speeds on an expressway. it is to a point that one can not find replacement rear axle beams for repairs because of the great number of repairs required in the market. please investigate this trend with the ford windstar... this can be another toyota lying in wait.
03/19/2010150251
 I own a 2001 ford windstar. we are the original owners and have performed all routine maintenance on the vehicle. it began making a grinding noise in the back when turning into our driveway which has a slight ridge at the end of it. we had our mechanic check it and he found that the rear axle is cracked half way through. fortunately we found this before it broke while traveling on the highway. i don't know what we are going to do to fix it yet because we can't afford an $1100 repair bill.
02/04/201093000
 2001 frod winstar sel, passenger side lower control arm broke off frame because of rusted, corroded cradle.
03/10/2010175000
 Front wheel on passenger side disconnected from frame while moving. frame rusted
03/05/201091000
 Tl*the contact owns a 2001 ford windstar. while driving approximately 10 mph, the front ball joint broke and the driver lost control of the steering wheel; however, he was able to avoid a crash. the vehicle was towed to a repair shop where the contact was informed that the engine cradle rusted and caused the failure. the vehicle was repaired when the complaint was filed. there were no prior warnings. the current and failure mileages were approximately 91,000.
09/15/20091050001
 Tl* the contact owns a 2001 ford windstar. he stated that while driving at 55 mph, the right front subframe broke and the right wheel made a left turn and caused the vehicle to slow down and stop. the vehicle was towed to an independent repair shop where they replaced the front sub frame at the owners expense. the dealer was contacted and they stated that there were no open recalls and that there was nothing they can do for him. the failure mileage was 105000 and current mileage is 107000. updated 5/6/10 *cn the consumer stated the right front control arm and frame mount broke. updated 06/18/10
02/14/20101480001
 I was driving my car and heard noise in back , car was steering erratic , went to repair shop and was told the rear axel on my 2001 ford windstar broke . i was told this is a ongoing problem with windstars and ford won't do anything about it . it will cost me 1200.00 to fix . ford is lucky no one was killed in a accident with this problem . look on the internet i found over 60!!!! complaints on different sites regarding this problem . do something please. luckily i was going slow !! *tr
02/16/20101359001
 During a rear tire check on our 2001 ford windstar it was discovered that there is a crack in the rear axle beam. friends of ours have the same year vehicle and last year their windstar rear axle beam broke in two and locked up the rear wheels, luckily there was no accident. i have been monitoring our axle beam since then and now it is cracking. i don't dare have my wife drive it, especially on the highway. why has ford not recalled this??? this could be catastrophic at highway speeds if it snapped. i need to get this fixed immediately and have heard it is at least $1,000 !! *tr
01/03/20101000001
 201 ford windstar. engine/transmission subframe/cradle rusts through leaving vehicle uncontrollable. it is reported to be caused by ac drain dripping directly on subframe assembly. *tr
12/28/2009710001
 Traveling along a major highway approx. 70 mph, the engine cradle assembly became detached from the frame due to corrosion and subsequently the cv axel became detached from the wheel and the control arm also became detached. the vehicle became un controllable and luckily we didn't flip or hit someone else. this is a very serious condition and a sub frame assembly shouldn't come apart on a vehicle with only 70k miles on it. i have called ford motor co. with no help or even an apology as there is no recall for any issues like this. again, this is very serious issue and we were luck we weren't killed. *tr
12/24/20091800001
 Driven down the road the front passenger axle pops out lose of alignment vehicle wont run both front tires are looking the opposite way.... how can i find out how to fix this. vehicle is not drivable. *tr
08/28/20091600001
 Our not for profit owns a 2001 ford windstar which failed to pass nys inspection because the sub-frame is rusted through. this vehicle had less than 160k miles on it. we wash our vehicles every month or so in the winter to rid them of salt so that corrosion is kept to minimum. too bad ford doesn't stand by their products like toyota, (which paid owners of defective pick-ups which had underbody corrosion 1 & 1/2 blue book value for vehicles). another reason not to buy american: shoddy materials, shoddy workmanship & uncaring customer satisfaction. *tr
10/30/200971000
 Tl*the contact owns a 2001 ford windstar. the contact heard a loud noise outside of the vehicle while he was backing out of a parking space and shifting into the reverse position. the vehicle suddendly failed to operate in reverse. immediately, the gear shifter was placed into the drive position; followed by no power response. the driver turned the engine off and inspected the vehicle. the front passenger wheel was turned outwardly when the right shaft disengaged from the differential. the vehicle was towed to an authorized dealer for inspection. the technician stated that the failure was contributed to the engine cradle which exhibited severe rust and caused the lower control arm to break. the vehicle was repaired for malfunction. the contact had concern of the safety risk involved. the vin was not available. the failure and current mileages were 71,000.
10/05/2009610001
 The mounting ears on the right front subframe (h-frame that all the suspension, steering , and drivetrain) that connects the lower control arm to the frame rotted off the frame allowing the passenger side tire assy. to swing out from under the vehicle causing a loss of control. fortunately it happened when turning left at a intersection and not on the freeway. the whole front h frame has to be replaced. the vehicle is an 01 ford windstar with approx. 61,000 miles, always taken good care of and garage kept. original owner never any accidents. *tr
09/09/2009999001
 2001 ford windstar. subframe rusted away where it attaches to the main frame. consequences might be loss of steering, rollover or other serious accident. fortunately, the problem was discovered and repaired at the cost of $1700 before a serious accident occurred. *tr
08/30/200887000
 Tl*the contact owns a 2001 ford windstar. the contact stated that during routine inspection for an oil service, a mechanic located excessive rust in the engines sub frame. engine failure while driving increases the risk of vehicle crash.the vehicle has not been repaired. he notified the dealer and the manufacturer of the failure. the current and failure mileages were 87,000.
05/27/2009880001
 Front subframe rusted through at passenger side mounting point requiring replacement of the front subframe. the condition was noticed immediately after failure due to a change in the direction of the steering wheel and a popping noise during turns, confirmed and repaired at an independent repair shop before any further damage accumulated. i noticed a recall issued on kias of the same vintage for the same problem. *tr
04/27/2009710001
 My wife lost control of vehicle, 2001 windstar, 71,000 miles, right front lower control rod broke loose from engine cradle and she lost control of steering. i had vehicle towed to ford dealership. subframe rusted out at right lower control rod mounting, vehicle is not driven in winter,do not understand how this could have rusted out and caused a possible catastrophic failure. subframe has been ordered, estimate for repairs from ford dealer is $2,000.00. i have not contacted ford motor company, it appears that they do not care about this failure judging from other customer complaints for the same failure. if this is caused by water dripping from the ac compressor or a defect in the subframe metal, ford should be assisting in these repairs. i have been a loyal ford customer for 30 years and can not believe they would not help with this type of safety issue. *tr
04/06/20091540001
 While driving 2001 ford windstar on a 1-hour trip toward home, i noticed the back wheels fish tailing that occurred in every rough spot in the road. i immediately thought the tire was going flat and pulled over to check it. since the tires visually looked fine, i drove to the next exit to a gas station and checked the tire air pressure and found it was at proper levels. i was still unsure what could cause the fish tailing or hydroplaning feeling, yet i was able to make it the rest of the way home without a major accident; although my car kept fishtailing.. the next morning, my husband took the windstar to a service mechanic to inspect the tires. what he found was a rear axle that was rusted from the inside out about 3/4 of the way. the mechanic's initial estimate is $1000 (for replacement of new axle and labor). we are relieved that the rear axle didn't break while we were driving as the car could have flipped and killed all of us. what could cause corrosion on the inside? the rear axle should be made to never corrode or break under normal road driving conditions. after researching on the internet, i have found other 8 year old, same make/model windstar owners reporting the same conditions. this is an unsafe part especially noting that people are keeping their cars longer due to economy. ford should own up to this part failure and recall and replace this part at no charge to the owners immediately! *tr
03/10/2009110000106/30/2004
 Tl*the contact owns a 2001 ford windstar. while attempting to make a left turn at an unknown speed, the vehicle made a very loud banging noise. the dealer stated that the engine cradle was rotted out. the repair cost was estimated at more than $500. the failure and current mileages were less than 110,000. updated 04-23-09 updated 04/24/09.*jb
03/18/20091080001
 I started hearing a knocking -- popping noise whenever i turned the wheel. i took it to the mechanic and he said it could be the buckles in the steering rack. when i brought the van to be fixed, the mechanic stated that my problems are worse than that. the rear axle carrier is cracked and needs to be replaced and the front subframe to body is almost completely rusted through and needs to be replaced. he stated that he has seen this problem alot in 2001 ford wnidstars with mileage over 100,000 miles. my van has 108,000 miles. i have had many problems with this van including replacing struts, steering rack, abs lights constantly on the dash. check engine light on. all these issues have been addressed and still no resolution. i am very frustrated. this latest mechanical issue going to cost me way above $2000. i have always driven ford cars/vans. i am not sure if given the opportunity, if i would buy another ford vehicle. i am very disappointed with ford. *tr
01/26/20091020001
 The cradle on my 2001 ford winstar broke off on the passenger side due to rust. other side is fine. but in the passenger is totally broken off, making popping and cracking noises. vehicle is unsafe to drive. *tr
01/08/20091260001
 I own a 2001 ford windstar and while driving the rear axle beam snapped in half this should not happen this is not a isolated event ford should be held accountable for this. *tr
12/14/20081310001
 While pulling out of my driveway, the rear axle on my ford windstar snapped in half. clean break with both rear tires holding up the rear of the car. *tr
09/01/2008108000
 Tl*the contact owns a 2001 ford windstar. the contact took the vehicle to a repair shop for inspection and the mechanic explained that the subframe and engine cradle were rusted and needed to be replaced. the mechanic further stated that the failure was very uncommon. the contact believes that this is a manufacturer defect. the failure seems to originate from the air conditioning unit. through online research, the contact found numerous others experiencing the same failure. the manufacturer stated that they were not responsible for the failure; therefore, they expected the contact to pay for the repairs. the current and failure mileages were 108,000.
11/04/2008958801
 Rear subframe axle assembly part #2f2z 4b435 aa broke in half causing loss of control of vehicle & loss of brakes. *tr
10/19/2008920001
 Had just gotten onto highway going about 45 mph ,changed lanes to accelerate and felt like a tire blew out ,heard something dragging, luckily exited off quickly pulled over to find that rear axel had broke and both tires were on their way to caving in. no accident or injury-thank god. called ford dealership and was told no recalls on axles and this was a common occurrence. *tr
09/20/2008710001
 Failure of the right lower control arm mounts at the subframe occurred with no warning or prior symptoms. my vehicle is a 2001 ford windstar with approximately 71k miles. my children and i were on a highway on-ramp approaching highway speed when the failure occurred, causing the wheel to swing out from the vehicle and the axle shaft to pull out of the transaxle. the van swayed and bucked with the rear end bouncing up and down off the ground nearly flipping the vehicle. i can't imagine what could have happened four or five seconds later at highway speed. the van was towed to a local service station where it remains about 100 miles from my home. my local dealer was contacted but the service writer said i would need to contact the ford customer relations center who in turn informed me that it was not within ford motor company's guidelines to offer any assistance. linda, the department supervisor, said that there is nothing she can do, unless the nhtsa issues a recall, because the van is out of warranty and out of the 5 year range they use for making good relations allowances. i know there has been at least 12 or 13 similar complaints on the nhtsa web sight and others on blogs (ie allworldauto.com ) so i agree with one of your complainants that this is a severe failure that is premature, not easily detectable, potentially fatal, and will likely occur more frequently as these vehicles age. i too, strongly urge the nhtsa to conduct an engineering investigation regarding this failure. *tr
04/23/2008700001
 2001 ford windstar 70,000 miles, had a minor fender bender took to the dealer for repair, once i received the van back an hour after the check engine light came on, called dealer they stated that they needed to reset the codes bring it back when i could. the very next day and every day after that until the final day i called stating the steering wheel seemed odd and i had to slightly turn it to the left to go straight. i again was told that they just needed to realign the steering wheel but not to worry. on the fifth day i called and said i wasn't sure the vehicle was safe to drive because the wheel now had to be turned half way to the left to go straight. again i was told not to worry just bring it in the next day. 3 minutes later the vehicle stopped and wouldn't move. a tow truck was called and it turns out the control arm that was just replaced fell off!! the dealer informed me it was not their fault due to the fact that the frame was rotted out, something they claim to have never seen. needless to say after hours on the phone with ford and the dealer so far i have gotten no where. so i decided to do some research online and found this site which informed me that there are almost 15 cases of the same thing reported! why does ford think this is not their problem and are they waiting for a fatal accident to do something about this? *tr
10/19/200765700111/17/2000
 On october 19, 2007 i backed out of my driveway, shifted into drive and began to go forward when i felt an alarming sensation in my car. i pulled over to the side of the road to inspect my tires. all looked fine so i returned to my car, shifted into drive again and began to go forward when i felt the rear of the car sway. i pulled over again and looked under the back of the car when i saw that my rear axel has snapped in two. on the day of the event my car had 65,700 miles on the odometer. i had my car towed to a local mechanic in wakefield, mass. both the tow truck driver and the mechanic seperately told me this was shocking and not something that should happen to a car. after analyzing my car the mechanic determined that the broken axel was a manufacturer defect. there is a clean break in the axel where the two broken parts fit together snug like a puzzle. there is no evidence of an accident or tampering to the axel. the mechanic showed me where there is a part of the axel where water can get in, but there is no way for the water to escape. as a result the axel rusted from the inside until it weakened and broke. my mechanic has photographed this part and is holding it at his garage for inspection. as an aside, i have also contacted the owner of stoneham ford, mark melkonian, to report the problem. he looked up my service account and verified i have been faithful in the maintanence schedule. i, like my mechanic, believe this is a serious issue in which other consumers will soon, if not already, experience an axel break. had the axel given when i was on the highway with my children in the vehicle, the outcome might have been much more severe. i am afraid if this is not reviewed another family may have a critical outcome in the course of the axel giving way. could you please advise what i need to do to have someone look at this part of the car and how it simply cracked in two. *tr
02/23/2007212/22/2004
 Tl*- the contact stated that the 2001 ford windstar frame was cracked. on 02/23/07 the vehicle was raised to see if the cause of a loud noise which came from the rear passenger tire could be found. she stated that the tire leaned inward. it was observed that the frame had a crack about 3 inches from the brake drum. the contact had not called anyone to find out what should be done. a new framed was installed on the vehicle. she stated that she still has the tire that came from the vehicle. the contact will submit pictures of the tire and of the cracked frame from the vehicle. the current mileage was 90000.*ak the axle was replaced. updated 04/05/07. *jb
07/08/20041
 Numerous things have gone wrong since we bought the vehicle. items covered under warranty: electric seat stopped working twice, and transmission wouldn't shift when it was supposed to. items not covered under warranty: brakes replaced at 30,000+ miles-told was normal for them to wear out so quickly; rack and pinion replaced at around 55,000 miles; months after brakes replaced, brakes grind loudly when coming to a stop (brakes checked numerous times, but was told they were ok); abs brake light comes on and stays on after driving (not illuminated on start up, but comes on later); back dome light not secure-falls out; dome lights sometimes come on when braking; check engine light on for months, didn't have it checked, but turned off by itself; sliding door drags-rusted on vechicle frame.*ak
STRUCTURE - FRAME AND MEMBERS - UNDERBODY SHIELDS
01/10/20131916001
 The rear axle, is rusted and snapped literally right in half while driving with my two young children! we were lucky enough not to have been seriously hurt or in an accident! *tr
10/29/20121480001
 Just 18-months after the ford windstar safety recall repairs were completed, the front sub-frame of my 2001 ford windstar cracked resulting in loss of stability. the vehicle was taken to the ford dealership in midland michigan. it was deemed unsafe to drive by the ford dealership service manager and repair technician. *tr
07/13/2012150000107/21/2011
 7/21/2011 bought van from private party. recall completed in march of 2011 regarding back axle. on 7/13/2012 8pm, my 18yr old son, while driving home from lacrosse practice, nearly killed. upon pulling out onto the main road, he lost all controls, no steering, no brakes and no power. he coasted and prayed it would stop. i arrived, we called aaa. flatbed to my home driver could not believe his eyes. the engine had fallen out. 7/16/12 called ford in mich and spoke to rep. to be towed 13 miles away to route 23 auto at our expense. really? route23 wanted nothing to do with me (they did recall). went back and forth then per rt23 it will be a month until we can look at it getting know where. 7/18-22 borrowed friend car for tournament. 8/1/12 called magarino ford and with great concern had a flatbed that night. this tow truck driver could not believe it. fluids raced out and double stabilized for engine sliding during transport. 8/2/12 magarino called 9am, pictures sent to ford and awaiting reply. 8/5/12 t/c from m stating ford refuses to buy back and sending a subframe. you mean a recalled one? magarino caught in middle i questioned whether he would put his children in this van. he softly replied, no what am i to do, out of work 2 years, single parent with no car to find work. 8/8/12 i questioned ford why this van ever left rt 23 auto, according to researched paper a part was waiting on. you mean to tell me that upon this fixed axle nobody noticed the subframe was rotted from inside out causing the engine to fall out the next summer nearly killing my son! but they signed it was fine! really? now we have case # 1373091992 8/10/12 picked up van. broke= a/c, r-window, heater engine, airbag, brake light on, runs hot steering= thumps makes noise (full fluid) skip gears, sways, barely can get up a hill. 11yr old scared to drive in it
08/16/2012866041
 Making a left turn, heard a loud bang. the sway bar link came loose attached to a chunk of rusted metal from the subframe. the sway bar and link are fine. it is a part of the subframe where it attaches to that came off. there is no way to reattach the sway bar as the whole section where it attaches to subframe is rusted. called ford dealer in ithaca, this is not covered by their recalls. *tr
05/31/201212173291
 When driving the front end of my van would start shaking at 54mph. took it in to my mechanic julyof 2012 told me my subframe was bad .ford recalled my van in jan of 2011 had it for four months recall on subframe and rear axle was completed in may of 2011 contacted ford they will not help me. *tr
08/16/2012866041
 Making a left turn, heard a loud bang. the sway bar link came loose attached to a chunk of rusted metal from the subframe. the sway bar and link are fine. it is a part of the subframe where it attaches to that came off. there is no way to reattach the sway bar as the whole section where it attaches to subframe is rusted. called ford dealer in ithaca, this is not covered by their recalls. *tr
05/31/201212173291
 When driving the front end of my van would start shaking at 54mph. took it in to my mechanic julyof 2012 told me my subframe was bad .ford recalled my van in jan of 2011 had it for four months recall on subframe and rear axle was completed in may of 2011 contacted ford they will not help me. *tr
08/16/2012866041
 Making a left turn, heard a loud bang. the sway bar link came loose attached to a chunk of rusted metal from the subframe. the sway bar and link are fine. it is a part of the subframe where it attaches to that came off. there is no way to reattach the sway bar as the whole section where it attaches to subframe is rusted. called ford dealer in ithaca, this is not covered by their recalls. *tr
07/08/20121
 On sunday july 8th, 2012 i was driving my 2001 ford windstar i stopped at a light and as the light changed i began driving and then heard a loud noise, my wheels began to squeel and pull all over and my van came to a complete stop in the road and would not move.. the front passenger side wheel was turned outward but my wheel was straight. thank god i was not on an expressway or highway with all my kids in the vehicle.. i called a tow truck the driver inspected it and said something underneath the front frame had snapped off.. so today i had it towed into a ford dealer to find out it is a new recall how can these windstar vans have so many frame and axle issues and be safe to drive exspecially with all these brackets they are having to put on them for the recalls.. if i was on an expressway me and my son would of been hurt badly if not killed.. not to mention if i would of hit someone else i could of injured others too..i will never trust another windstar with my family this is crazy.. it is the subframe front lower control arm rear attaching flages completely broke/snapped off while i was driving down a basic 40 mph road..when it broke it messed up the underneath of my vehicle it ripped the drive shaft right out of the transmission.. and who knows what else is damaged now.. people need to know about this now before someone is seriously hurt.. *tr
09/01/20111
 This vehicle has been ruining every front tire put on it ever since the recall front subframe work was done on it by ford in 9/2011 and it has been through 2 sets of front tires in the last 4,500 miles since the work was done. ford does not acknowledge any responsibility and the last dealer who looked at it told me i needed tires. no kidding. the last time i took it to firestone to get tires, they told me they wouldn't touch it and that i needed to take it to a body shop; the specs were so off. the dealer that did the original work redocumented the car's problems 3 times but the manufacturer refused to buy it back and they did the work on it the best they could and this is what i am left with: an unsafe vehicle. i had a blow out on interstate 95 on christmas eve that could have taken my life and another blow out since then at a slower speed (thank god!) i need help nailing ford to the wall on this and making them be responsible for risking my safety and i am sure that i am not the only one. i wonder if other people have been hurt or lost their lives over this?? over a few dollars?? ford needs to be made to admit they did not protect their customers properly. i wonder if it all comes down to avoiding liability for people that have been injured. please help me. *tr
07/08/20121
 On sunday july 8th, 2012 i was driving my 2001 ford windstar i stopped at a light and as the light changed i began driving and then heard a loud noise, my wheels began to squeel and pull all over and my van came to a complete stop in the road and would not move.. the front passenger side wheel was turned outward but my wheel was straight. thank god i was not on an expressway or highway with all my kids in the vehicle.. i called a tow truck the driver inspected it and said something underneath the front frame had snapped off.. so today i had it towed into a ford dealer to find out it is a new recall how can these windstar vans have so many frame and axle issues and be safe to drive exspecially with all these brackets they are having to put on them for the recalls.. if i was on an expressway me and my son would of been hurt badly if not killed.. not to mention if i would of hit someone else i could of injured others too..i will never trust another windstar with my family this is crazy.. it is the subframe front lower control arm rear attaching flages completely broke/snapped off while i was driving down a basic 40 mph road..when it broke it messed up the underneath of my vehicle it ripped the drive shaft right out of the transmission.. and who knows what else is damaged now.. people need to know about this now before someone is seriously hurt.. *tr
07/22/20112
 2001 ford windstar. consumer writes in regards to ford recall #11s16 involving the subframe lower control are due to rust/corrosion *tgw the consumer was informed by his mechanic, that the steering issues he was experiencing were related to the subframe recall. subframe brackets were installed at that time. however, while driving, the consumer heard a knocking sound coming from the right front passenger side of the vehicle, whenever there was a bump in the road. the consumer returned to his mechanic and was told the problem was still due to the subframe issue. the consumer stated the mechanic was surprised that the dealer had repaired the problem with a kit, instead of replacing the subframe. the consumer returned to the dealer and was informed the problem was with the sway bar, which had disconnected from the subframe, but it could not be repaired unless the rusted subframe was replaced at a cost of $ 2,781.00. the dealer sent ford pictures of the subframe, but they refused to replace it at their expense. *jb
11/01/20111
 2001 ford windstar. consumer writes in regards to recalls *tgw the consumer stated he received a postcard in the mail advising him to see his local dealer regarding two recalls. however, when he arrived at the dealer, they informed him the recalls had already been done. the consumer stated the problems are present in his vehicle. *jb
09/01/20111
 2001 ford windstar. consumer writes in regards to recall for sub frame rusting *tgw the consumer stated the dealer reinforced the bracket. however, they claimed the bracket that rusted holding the sway bar was not covered by the recall, which caused the vehicle to sway in the wind. *jb
09/01/20111
 2001 ford windstar. consumer writes in regards to defective front end *tgw the consumer stated two recalls were issued and for the past year, he has been unsuccessful at getting his vehicle inspected. the consumer was informed by several dealers, they were not performing any recalls. *jb
05/01/201198000
 Tl*the contact owns a 2001 ford windstar. the contact heard a banging noise coming from the front subframe on the vehicle and it began to shake between 50 and 55 mph. the dealer confirmed that the subframe was covered with rust. the manufacturer advised the contact that his vehicle was not included in recall number: 11v030000 (structure: frame and members:underbody shields) and offered no other assistance. no repairs were performed. the current mileage was 99,000. the failure mileage was 98,000.
03/01/20111
 2001 ford windstar. consumer writes in regards to vehicle recall *tgw the consumer stated she took the vehicle to the dealer because she received a recall letter in the mail. the dealer inspected the vehicle and informed her she would receive another letter in the mail stating when to return with the vehicle. the consumer stated she has not received a letter. *jb