Recalls

CampaignManufacturerManufacturing dateType# of units affectedDate Owner notified MfgRecall Initiated byManufacturers of recalled vehicles/productsReport Recieved DateRecord Creation DateRegulation Part NumberFMVSS Number
SUSPENSION - FRONT - CONTROL ARM
12V194000FORD MOTOR COMPANY V (Vehicle)23000MFRFORD MOTOR COMPANY05/03/201205/03/2012
Defect SummaryFord is recalling certain model year 1999-2003 windstar vehicles originally sold in or currently registered in the state of virginia. corrosion-related fractures of the front lower control arm rear attaching brackets and body mount attachments may occur.
Consequence SummaryA 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. either condition could result in significant loss of 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 recall is expected to begin on june 18, 2012. owners may contact ford at 1-866-436-7332.
NotesFord's recall campaign number is 11s16.customers may 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.
SUSPENSION - REAR - AXLE - NON-POWERED AXLE ASSEMBLY
12V195000FORD MOTOR COMPANY V (Vehicle)940006/01/2012MFRFORD MOTOR COMPANY05/03/201205/03/2012
Defect SummaryFord is recalling certain model year 1998-2003 windstar vehicles manufactured from september 1, 1997, through july 3, 2003, registered in puerto rico. due to increased stresses caused by high cycles of torsional loading, specific to this market, the rear axle can crack.
Consequence SummaryA fractured axle may result in a loss of vehicle control, increasing the risk of a crash.
Corrective SummaryFord will notify owners, and dealers will inspect and install a reinforcement bracket on the rear axle or replace the axles, as necessary. this service will be provided free of charge. the recall began on june 1, 2012. owners may contact the ford motor company customer relationship center at 1-866-436-7332.
NotesFord's safety recall campaign number is 12s30.customers may 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.
10V385000FORD MOTOR COMPANY V (Vehicle)46275010/20/2010ODIFORD MOTOR COMPANY08/26/201008/26/2010
Defect SummaryFord is recalling certain model year 1998-2003 windstar vehicles manufactured from september 1, 1997 through february 28, 2003 and currently registered or originally sold in 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, vermont, west virginia, and wisconsin. after many years of vehicle service in these areas, corrosion can weaken the rear axle, making it susceptible to torsional stress. corrosion and stress can lead to cracks which if undetected can propagate and result in a complete fracture of the axle.
Consequence SummaryA fractured axle can affect vehicle handling and increase the risk of a crash.
Corrective SummaryAs parts become available, dealers will inspect and if necessary install the rear axle reinforcement brackets free of charge. this service will be performed free of charge. the safety recall began on october 20, 2010. owners may contact ford at 1-866-436-7332.
NotesFord's recall no. is 10s13.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
SUSPENSION
1585505/01/2002637704Some vehicles may exhibit a condition of popping or grinding noise originating from the front end of the vehicle. *tt12/04/2002
0213207/08/2002635987Grunt / popping noise coming from the front suspension at speeds below 20 mph when turning. *tt11/04/2002
0215208/05/2002635966Some vehicles may exhibit a popping / grinding noise from the front of the vehicle when going over bumps or making turns. *tt11/04/2002
1521409/01/2001625755Some vehicles may exhibit a condition of the rough ride or rear suspension noise. *tt12/03/2001
1453706/01/2001622708Some vehicles that display less than 5000 miles on the odometer may exhibit a pull / drift while driving. engineering is investigating. *tt10/22/2001
1453712/01/2000616950Some vehcles that display less than 5000 miles on the odometer may exhibit a pull / drift while driving. engineering is investigating. *tt03/14/2001
1452312/01/2000616852Experiencing creek noise from rear of vehicle. *tt03/14/2001
SUSPENSION - FRONT
1638311/01/200210008321Squeak noise from the front spring area. *tt07/27/2004
SUSPENSION - FRONT - STABILIZER BAR
1638211/01/200210008320Clunk/squeak from the front stabilizer bar area (qsf). *tt07/27/2004
SUSPENSION - REAR
1506607/01/2001621069Some vehicles may exhibit a rough ride and / or a rear suspension noise. *tt09/06/2001

Investigations

NHTSA IDManufacturerDate openDate closeSubjectRecall campaign
SUSPENSION
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.
PE10016FORD MOTOR COMPANY05/13/201009/22/2010Rear Axle Cracking10V385000
 In a letter dated august 26, 2010, ford motor company (ford) submitted a defect information report notifying nhtsa that it will conduct a safety recall (nhtsa recall no. 10v-385) to address a rear axle defect in model year (my) 1998 through 2003 ford windstar vehicles built at the oakville assembly plant from september 1, 1997 through february 28, 2003 and either sold or currently registered in high corrosion (salt-belt) states where the use of salt and other corrosive chemicals may be used to treat snow/ice covered roads.the following states are included in ford's recall: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, vermont, west virginia and wisconsin. the subject vehicles utilize a stamped/formed axle assembly manufactured by benteler automotive corporation of galesburg, mi.according to ford, after many years of vehicle service in the salt-belt states, corrosion can weaken the rear axle, making it susceptible to torsional stress.there is a risk that the combined effects of corrosion and stress can lead to cracks which, if undetected, can propagate and result in a complete fracture of the axle.a completely fractured axle can affect vehicle handling and increase the risk of a crash.to correct the safety defect, ford will initially inspect all of the subject vehicles brought into ford/lincoln-mercury dealerships for possible cracked axles.owners of vehicles without cracked axles will be notified when to return for the installation of reinforcement brackets to extend the axle durability in the presence of corrosion.owners who have vehicles with cracked axles will either be offered a repair or alternative transportation until parts become available. on may 13, 2010, the office of defects investigation (odi) opened pe10-016 to investigate complaints of rear axle cracking in my 1999 through 2003 ford windstar minivans.combining odi and ford complaint data, odi is aware of a total 891 complaints alleging rear axle cracking in the subject vehicles.over a third of the complaints (334) allege that the cracking progressed to a complete fracture of the rear axle, including 8 allegations of crashes resulting in 3 injuries. approximately 57 percent of the subject vehicles (524,661) were sold in salt-belt states covered by ford's recall and ford estimates that approximately 463,000 of these remain in service.ninety-six percent of the complaints (858) and all of the complaints alleging complete fracture were from the recall region.the action taken by ford is sufficient to resolve the issues raised by this investigation.accordingly, this investigation is closed.
PE10016FORD MOTOR COMPANY05/13/2010Rear Axle Beam Failure
 The office of defects investigation has received 234 complaints alleging rear axle failure in model year 1999 through 2003 ford windstar minivans, including two alleging that the failures resulted in minor crashes.over half of the complaints (128) allege a complete fracture of the axle beam.fifty-six complaints indicate that the axle failure occurred at speeds of 40 miles per hour or greater.one crash occurred while the vehicle was traveling on a highway.the rear axle reportedly snapped in half after the vehicle struck a pot hole.the driver indicated that both rear tires blew (note that axle fracture often causes the tires to achieve a severe negative camber - with the top of the tire tilted inward - resulting in contact with the fender well).the vehicle then struck a guard rail because of difficulty controlling the vehicle while braking to a stop.the second crash was also alleged to have involved a complete axle fracture, in this case resulting in a low-speed curb impact.the rear axle beam in the subject vehicles is an inverted u channel design, which appears to provide a collection point for road salt slurry, resulting in corrosion that progressively weakens the part until it fractures.approximately 96 percent of the complaints (225), 94 percent of the complete fractures (121), 96 percent of the high-speed incidents (54) and both alleged crashes are from salt-belt states.in addition to the two alleged crashes, 14 additional complaints alleged vehicle control concerns associated with the rear axle failure incident.a preliminary evaluation has been opened to assess the scope, frequency and safety consequences of the alleged defect in the subject vehicles.

Consumer Complaints

Fail datemilesoccurencesPurchase date
SUSPENSION
03/11/2013
 Stopped to get my oil changed, they showed me where the entire right front subframe has rusted away making my windstar unsafe to drive. i looked online and found this is an ongoing problem with this model with 1000's of these having the same problem with the passenger side right front. this can cause you to loose steering control or in an extreme the engine to fall out going down the highway, ford recalled the same problem on the rear axel,,why not fix the front also. i live in arkansas but bought the windstar from a person in missouri where i see ford list as a state with a rust problem but doig nothing to fix it.
04/27/2011110000
 Tl- the contact owns a 2001 ford windstar. the contact stated that the vehicle was repaired under nhtsa campaign id number: 12v194000 (suspension). the contact noticed corrosion in the engine cradle and sway bar mounting after the recall repair was performed. the manufacturer was made aware of the failure. the vehicle was not further repaired. the approximate failure mileage was 110,000. kmj
04/27/2011110000
 Tl- the contact owns a 2001 ford windstar. the vehicle was repaired in the recall under nhtsa campaign number: 12v194000 (suspension). the contact noticed corrosion in the engine cradle and sway bar mounting after the recall repair was performed. the manufacturer was made aware of the failure. the vehicle was not repaired. the approximate failure mileage was 110,000. da
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
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?!
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
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?!
01/18/20131310001
 I took the van in for service and i was told the right front sway bar could not be re-attached because of excessive rust . my mechanic mentioned he thought there was a recall for this but i never received one. is there anything i can do about it now? *tr
12/31/2012101000
 Tl- the contact owns a 2001 ford windstar. the contact stated that while driving approximately 65 mph in snowy conditions, the vehicle began to slide and veer to the left. the contact moved the vehicle to the shoulder to inspect the vehicle and noticed that the front axle had failed and the passenger front tire was leaning inward in the wheel well. the vehicle was towed to an independent mechanic for diagnostic testing. the manufacturer was made aware of the failure and stated that the vin was not included in nhtsa campaign id number: 12v194000 (suspension:front:control arm). the vehicle was not repaired. the approximate failure mileage was 101,000. mh
12/31/2012101000
 Tl- the contact owns a 2001 ford windstar. while driving approximately 65 mph in snowy conditions the vehicle began to slide and pull to the left. the contact stopped the vehicle on the shoulder of the road and noticed the axle had detached from the engine. the front passenger side tire broke away from the steering control and the wheel was laying against the wheel well. the vehicle was towed to an independent mechanic for diagnostic testing. there was a recall under nhtsa campaign id number: 12v194000 (suspension:front:control arm) that may be related to the failure. the manufacturer was made aware of the failure and stated the vin was not concluded in the recall. the vehicle was not repaired. the approximate failure mileage was 101,000. da
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
10/29/2012148000
 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.
03/28/201285000
 Tl- the contact owns a 2001 ford windstar. the contact received notification of nhtsa campaign id number: 11v030000 (structure: frame and members:underbody shields) and took the vehicle to the dealer for recall service. the contact stated that unbeknownst to him, the recall repair was not fully completed and the vehicle was still unsafe to drive due to the sub-frame being completely rusted. the president of the company and the board of directors were informed of the failure. a letter was mailed to the contact advising that they would not assist with the repair. the vehicle was not repaired. the failure and current mileage was 85,000. kmj
03/28/201285000
 Tl- the contact owns a 2001 ford windstar. the contact stated that he took his vehicle to a dealer to have it repaired under the recall for nhtsa campaign id number: 11v030000 (structure: frame and members:underbody shields). the contact stated that unbeknownst to him the repair was not fully completed and the vehicle was still unsafe. the president of the company and the board of directors were informed by way of certified letter of the failure. a letter was mailed back to the contact from the board of directors stating they would not assist in the repair. the vehicle sub-frame had become completely rusted out and was not repaired. the failure and current mileage was 85,000. dt
09/03/20121170001
 I took my vehicle for a recall for the rear axle a year ago and they sprayed some sealer on it and said it was good to go. so now the axle is cracked, and ready to snap. what should i do? also there is a recall on the brake pressure deactivation switch on my vehicle which is leaking brake fluid on the wiring harness. i shouldn't be driving it, but i need to get to boston. again what can i do about this? *tr
09/03/2012117000
 I took my vehicle for a recall for the rear axle a year ago and they sprayed some sealer on it and said it was good to go. so now the axle is cracked, and ready to snap. what should i do? also there is a recall on the brake pressure deactivation switch on my vehicle which is leaking brake fluid on the wiring harness. i shouldn,t be driving it, but i need to get to boston. again what can i do about this?
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
08/16/201286604
 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.
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
07/18/20121300001
 Rear axel broke. *tr
07/31/20121700001
 Today returning home from wisconsin me and my family was almost killed, it was a 4 hr drive of tollways of speeds of 65-70, when we were coming to a rural stop( thank god) when we heard a loud thud and smoke, lost control of van, pulled van to shoulder where upon examination of van seen rear axle split in half...thank god we just got off tollway- of 70 mph driving, had 2 kids in car, and my brother, stranded miles from home....all these vehicles should be taking off the roads b4 more people are hurt or killed i am still upset over the incident of cheating death, and hope this don't happen to any body else... *tr
07/18/20121300001
 Rear axel broke. *tr
07/31/20121700001
 Today returning home from wisconsin me and my family was almost killed, it was a 4 hr drive of tollways of speeds of 65-70, when we were coming to a rural stop( thank god) when we heard a loud thud and smoke, lost control of van, pulled van to shoulder where upon examination of van seen rear axle split in half...thank god we just got off tollway- of 70 mph driving, had 2 kids in car, and my brother, stranded miles from home....all these vehicles should be taking off the roads b4 more people are hurt or killed i am still upset over the incident of cheating death, and hope this don't happen to any body else... *tr
07/18/2012130000
 Rear axel broke
07/31/2012170000
 Today returning home from wisconsin me and my family was almost killed, it was a 4 hr drive of tollways of speeds of 65-70, when we were coming to a rural stop( thank god) when we heard a loud thud and smoke, lost control of van, pulled van to shoulder where upon examination of van seen rear axle split in half...thank god we just got off tollway- of 70 mph driving, had 2 kids in car, and my brother, stranded miles from home....all these vehicles should be taking off the roads b4 more people are hurt or killed i am still upset over the incedant of cheating death, and hope this dont happen to any body else...
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
07/08/2012
 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..
09/01/2011
 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.
07/08/2012
 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..
09/01/2011
 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.
06/26/2011230000
 Tl-the contact owns a 2001 ford windstar. the contact stated that the frame was severely corroded underneath the vehicle near the sliding doors and rocker panels. as a result, there was not place to support the universal jack. the vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic, who inspected the vehicle and confirmed that the frame and the areas near the rocker panels were corroded. the dealer was not notified. the manufacturer was not notified. the failure mileage was 230,000. sm.
06/26/2011230000
 Tl-the contact owns a 2001 ford windstar. the contact stated the area to use the universal jack under the vehicle, the rocker panel and under the bottom of the sliding doors and all around both sides of the vehicle was rusted and corroded. there was no place to support the universal jack. the vehicle was taken to a mechanic shop who inspected the vehicle and noticed the entire bottom of the vehicle and the area to use the universal was rusted and corroded. the dealer was not notified. the manufacturer was not notified. the failure mileage was 230,000. mw
06/01/201299500
 Front sub-frame badly rusted and sway bar welded mounts on the sub-frame have rusted and broken in half causing poor steering control and excessive body roll. as a note, this vehicle was rustproofed when new and inspected over the life of the vehicle each year. also, ford has inspected the front sub-frame in january of 2011 on a recall and it appears did not find a problem with the sub-frame in this area. given the severity of the rust it would appear the problem existed at the time of inspection.
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
05/12/2012
 Our rear axle has sheared in half three times. the third time (after they admitted a recall) we were 40 miles from home when it broke, ford told us there was nothing they could do since it was a saturday. we were forced to drive it home on the interstate, as a family of 6 in a town with no rental places we had no choice. ford put their patch kit on my recalled axle last year, and it failed. now they have given me a 1992 sable as a rental while my van is in the shop. my family can't fit in it, and my children can't even fasten their seatbelts in it, and one of my children has to sit in the front seat with the airbag. they told me there's nothing they can do. my subframe is under recall, as well as the control arms and body mounts. fords fix for this is to patch them like they did my axle, which broke. now i am stuck with a ticking time bomb and four children. fords bandaids for these devestating failures only buys them a few months time, and puts lives at risk. my front end clicks when i turn, my tires rubbed all the way home on the broken axle, the transmission leaks horribly, the undercarriage is rusted and rotted beyond repair, and all these admitted faulty parts are being patched and sent out the door. i dont feel safe driving my kids around in this! and im being told my choices are buy a new van at my expense, or drive this one and take a chance!!
04/13/201245500
 Tl-the contact owns a 2001 ford windstar. the contact stated that repairs were made to the vehicle under nhtsa campaign id number: 11v030000 (structure: frame and members: under body shields) in 2001. the contact stated that per the recall, attaching brackets were installed to both front lower control arms. most recently, the sub frame was found to be fractured near the steering column. the vehicle was taken back to the dealer who stated that they previously repaired the vehicle under the recall and would not make the repair a second time. the manufacturer was notified of the failure who advised the contact that the recall did not pertain to the sub frame and that the dealer who performed the recall did so accordingly. the manufacturer offered no further assistance. the failure mileage was 45,500. kmj
04/13/201245500
 Tl-the contact owns a 2001 ford windstar. the contact stated there was a recall nhtsa campaign id number: 11v030000 component: structure: frame and members: under body shields, ford's safety recall no. 11s16. was completed in 2011. the contact stated they installed both front lower control arm rear attaching brackets but now the subframe was cracked near the steering column. the vehicle was taken back to the dealer who stated they repaired the recall previously and they will not repair a second time. the manufacturer was notified who stated the recall was not about replacing the subframe and the dealer repaired the vehicle previously according to the recall. they offered no other assistance. the failure mileage was 45,500. mw
04/06/2012138500
 The rear suspension had been making noise for a few days. visual inspection didn't show anything obvious. backing out of the driveway the rear axel snapped in half approximately 18 inches from the drivers side tire.
03/29/2012
 I currently keep getting grunting/popping/mouning noise from the front suspension when turning -brakeing-starting to move car forward . already replaced the sway bar links and bushings but the noise still comes and goes. also my brake-&-abs lights comes on and off for no reason. and the locks on the doors work when they want too. just had inspection done again 3 weeks ago but they can not find the problems. talk with ford about the noise to try to find out if there is any danger of a crash because of this and i keep getting the run around.
03/18/2012121000
 Tl* the contact owns a 2001 ford windstar. the contact stated that while the vehicle was inspected by a local mechanic, the contact was advised that the front sway bar was fractured due to corrosion. the manufacturer was contact but denied assistance with the repair. the vehicle was not repaired. the failure and the current mileage was 121,000.
03/18/2012121000
 Tl-the contact owns a 2001 ford windstar. the contact stated that while the vehicle was inspected by a local mechanic, the contact was advised that the front sway bar was fractured due to corrosion. the manufacturer was contact but denied assistance with the repair. the vehicle was not repaired. the failure and the current mileage was 121,000. kmj
03/15/2012123875
 Complete separation of the front lower control arm attaching bracket from the front sub frame on the passenger side of the vehicle. this is the same problem that is discribed in the nhtsa recall no. 11v030. and ford recall no. 11s16. the dealer that inspected the vehicle said it was not covered by the recall because the vehicle was not purchased or registered in a (salt-belt) state
03/18/2012121000
 Tl-the contact owns a 2001 ford windstar. the contact stated that while the vehicle was inspected by a local mechanic, the contact was advised that the front sway bar was fractured due to corrosion. the manufacturer was contact but denied assistance with the repair. the vehicle was not repaired. the failure and the current mileage was 121,000. kmj
03/15/2012123875
 Complete separation of the front lower control arm attaching bracket from the front sub frame on the passenger side of the vehicle. this is the same problem that is discribed in the nhtsa recall no. 11v030. and ford recall no. 11s16. the dealer that inspected the vehicle said it was not covered by the recall because the vehicle was not purchased or registered in a (salt-belt) state
03/18/2012121000
 Tl-the contact owns a 2001 ford windstar. the contact stated while the vehicle was inspected, the local mechanic found the front sway bar broken, due to corrosion. the manufacture denied assistance with the repair. the vehicle was not repaired. the failure and the current mileage was 121,000. li
03/15/2012123875
 Complete separation of the front lower control arm attaching bracket from the front sub frame on the passenger side of the vehicle. this is the same problem that is discribed in the nhtsa recall no. 11v030. and ford recall no. 11s16. the dealer that inspected the vehicle said it was not covered by the recall because the vehicle was not purchased or registered in a (salt-belt) state
01/16/2012200000
 Tl- the contact owns a 2001 ford windstar. while driving approximately 60 mph the contact noticed a slight shaking in the steering wheel. the contact stopped the vehicle at a gasoline station and noticed the rear drivers side tire was slanted inward. the contact inspected the vehicle and also noticed the rear axle had fractured. the vehicle was towed to the dealer for diagnostic testing. the technicians stated the rear axle fractured due to corrosion and had to be replaced. there was a recall under nhtsa campaign id number: 10v385000 (suspension:rear:axle:non-powered axle assembly) that may be related to the failure. the manufacturer was made aware of the failure and stated the vin was not included in the recall. the vehicle was not repaired. the approximate failure mileage was 200,000. rvk
01/16/2012200000
 Tl- the contact owns a 2001 ford windstar. while driving at approximately 60 mph the contact noticed a slight shaking in the steering wheel. the contact stopped the vehicle at a gas station and noticed the rear drivers side tire was slanted inwards. the contact inspected the vehicle and noticed the rear axle had fractured. the vehicle was towed to the dealer for diagnostic. the technicians stated the rear axle had fractured due to corrosion and would have to be replaced. there was a recall under nhtsa campaign id number: 10v385000 (suspension:rear:axle:non-powered axle assembly) that may be related to the failure. the manufacturer was made aware of the failure and stated the vin was not included in the recall. the vehicle was not repaired. the approximate failure mileage was 200,000. ds
12/22/201182759
 Noticed that my front tires are worn out a lot in the inner edges. took it for wheel alignment on dec 22, 2011. pep boys auto shop in arizona avenue, chandler, az refused to do it saying that rear axel is bent. so it is not safe. i also took it to ford dealership at 7300 w. orchid lane, az, 85226 (ph 480 940 4442) for speed control system modification recall. service advisor (289) eric buttery visually confirmed that wheels are bent outwardly. i am concerned for the safety of my family and me, and want this issue addressed. thanks.
04/14/2011138000
 My 2001 ford windstar was repaired at valley ford in valley view ohio on 4/14/2011 under recall #20287. i had the van in for an unrelated matter on 12/07/2011 at that time i was informed by my mechanic that the sub-frame was rusted through. after contacting ford's national service center i took the van to valley ford. they inspected it and confirmed that the sub-frame was rusted through. they forwarded their finding to ford motor co. and ford motor co. was not willing to address the issue with the sub-frame. i believe this issue should have been addressed under the initial recall. since at least april of 2011 any time my children, myself, or anyone else rode in the vehicle it was subject to a catastrophic failure of the sub-frame which could have caused serious or fatal injury to the occupants or others.
12/01/2011125607
 From one year back i was hearing a noise from rear axle of my windstar.finaly, at december, the axle broke at 25mph.this is very dangerous because it can cause the death of someone.please help people of puerto rico , we are american citizen too.
12/12/2011108000
 I was driving at 35mph when i heard a loud boom and my windstar careened wildly back and forth and felt like i had slammed on the brakes. the windstar could not even be driven to the shoulder. the tow truck driver said the subframe was broken and possibly the tie rods had broken as well. the front wheels were pointed outward in opposite directions.
12/01/2011125607
 From one year back i was hearing a noise from rear axle of my windstar.finaly, at december, the axle broke at 25mph.this is very dangerous because it can cause the death of someone.please help people of puerto rico , we are american citizen too.
12/12/2011108000
 I was driving at 35mph when i heard a loud boom and my windstar careened wildly back and forth and felt like i had slammed on the brakes. the windstar could not even be driven to the shoulder. the tow truck driver said the subframe was broken and possibly the tie rods had broken as well. the front wheels were pointed outward in opposite directions.
12/01/2011125607
 From one year back i was hearing a noise from rear axle of my windstar.finaly, at december, the axle broke at 25mph.this is very dangerous because it can cause the death of someone.please help people of puerto rico , we are american citizen too.
12/12/2011108000
 I was driving at 35mph when i heard a loud boom and my windstar careened wildly back and forth and felt like i had slammed on the brakes. the windstar could not even be driven to the shoulder. the tow truck driver said the subframe was broken and possibly the tie rods had broken as well. the front wheels were pointed outward in opposite directions.
12/01/2011125607
 From one year back i was hearing a noise from rear axle of my windstar.finaly, at december, the axle broke at 25mph.this is very dangerous because it can cause the death of someone.please help people of puerto rico , we are american citizen too.
12/12/2011108000
 I was driving at 35mph when i heard a loud boom and my windstar careened wildly back and forth and felt like i had slammed on the brakes. the windstar could not even be driven to the shoulder. the tow truck driver said the subframe was broken and possibly the tie rods had broken as well. the front wheels were pointed outward in opposite directions.
11/30/2011132919
 I was turning a corner and heard a loud bag, as if metal has snapped. i took the car to my ford dealer who said that the font subframe where the sway bar was attached had rusted through and that the sway bar was now not attached to the subframe and was banging. ford has fixed the frame on two different rust recalls under recall 11s16, but said this was not covered and would cost $2085.75 for the subframe plus labor and hardware. i asked if the car was safe to drive and received a non specific answer! if ford windstar has this much problem with there frame rusting why is this not covered??
04/24/2009
 Before ford recalled for this problem, my rear axle broke in half at 65 mph on the highway resulting in loss of control and fumes filling the car from tires rubbing against wheel wells. in march of 2011 ford recalled and reinforced the subframe. inspection is now due on my vehicle and my mechanic will not pass it due to the installment of the recalled reinforcement. reportedly the installation was performed and attached to an equally as corroded part and failure is once again imminent. i returned the vehicle to the ford dealer that made the recall repair and was told that it is indeed safe. i am now stuck with a potential repair bill of $700.00 that will not fix the problem due to the model year parts having the same issues, or just driving the vehicle until failure occurs (again) and going back to ford with a lawsuit as i cannot in good conscience sell this vehicle to anyone else.
09/30/20111105432
 Right side of vehicle underneath subframe broke . heard nosie and vehicle quit could not control had someone look at it and underneath is rusted out and broke i was told it was the subframe.
06/01/2011126000
 Tl* the contact owns a 2001 ford windstar. the vehicle was included in the recall under nhtsa campaign id number: 11v030000 (structure: frame and members:underbody shields) and the recall under nhtsa campaign id number: 10v385000 (suspension:rear:axle:non-powered axle assembly) and was taken to the dealer for repair. after the vehicle was repaired, the contact heard a grinding and a cracking sound in the front end of the vehicle while driving approximately 65 mph. the vehicle would also shake vigorously and the steering wheel began to turn on its own forcefully. the manufacturer was made aware of the failure and referred the contact to the dealer for diagnostic testing. the vehicle was not taken to the dealer. the vehicle was not repaired. the approximate failure mileage was 126,000.
06/01/2011126000
 Tl- the contact owns a 2001 ford windstar. the vehicle was included in the recall under nhtsa campaign id number: 11v030000 (structure: frame and members:underbody shields) and the recall under nhtsa campaign id number: 10v385000 (suspension:rear:axle:non-powered axle assembly) and was taken to the dealer for repair. after the vehicle was repaired, the contact heard a grinding and a cracking sound in the front end of the vehicle while driving approximately 65 mph. the vehicle would also shake vigorously and the steering wheel began to turn on its own forcefully. the manufacturer was made aware of the failure and referred the contact to the dealer for diagnostic testing. the vehicle was not taken to the dealer. the vehicle was not repaired. the approximate failure mileage was 126,000. rvk
10/26/201087160
 Tl-the contact owns a 2001 ford windstar. the right front passenger wheel assembly was corroded and rusted from the frame causing the wheel to fall off. the vehicle was taken to a mechanic shop who repaired the frame for $1700. the vehicle was taken top the dealer who stated there was no failure or recalls. the manufacturer was contacted and a claim was file but offered no other assistance. the failure mileage was 87,160.-mw
02/15/201096000
 Tl-the contact owns a 2001 ford windstar. while the vehicle was being service the mechanic noticed the k frame had rusted out. the local mechanic replaced the k frame. the failure mileage was 96,000 and the current mileage was 99,000. vwb
09/15/201092000
 2001 ford windstar with a cracked rear axle. no letter has been received to address this matter. our van made creaking noises and we had heard through the media that a recall was beginning. the dealership and the ford customer relations dept. will not give us a definte answer as to when we can expect a resolution. we were given a 30 day rental and 14 days have passed and no answers. we are given $30 a day for a rental car by ford but must pay taxes totaling $3.30 a day. the voucher is $38 daily with $8 used for insurance if needed. we pay through our private insurance company for such coverage. why cannot ford use the additiional $8 a day to cover our taxes? the explanation for the recall was to be no expense to the owner for correcting the problem. we did not create this problem and bought our van in good faith of the ford motor co. reputation. this certainly doesn't make for good customer relatiions. no definate deadline for repairs and giving up the van to use a 4 door car has been very inconvenient. i am requesting a deadline be established and for ford to use the additiional $8 we are not using but was allocated for coverage of this problem to be covered for those customers who already have insurance for rental cars under their private insurance carrier.
09/27/2010114000
 Tl- the contact owns a 2001 ford windstar. while the dealer inspected the rear axle for recall 10v385000 suspension: rear: axle: non-powered axle assembly they also located a failure at the front h frame corroded and separated. the manufacturer was contacted they advised the failure wasn't recalled, but if a recall was issued in the future he could be reimbursed for the repair. the vehicle wasn't repaired. the failure and the and the current mileage were 114,000 miles. li
09/15/201092000
 2001 ford windstar with a cracked rear axle. no letter has been received to address this matter. our van made creaking noises and we had heard through the media that a recall was beginning. the dealership and the ford customer relations dept. will not give us a definte answer as to when we can expect a resolution. we were given a 30 day rental and 14 days have passed and no answers. we are given $30 a day for a rental car by ford but must pay taxes totaling $3.30 a day. the voucher is $38 daily with $8 used for insurance if needed. we pay through our private insurance company for such coverage. why cannot ford use the additiional $8 a day to cover our taxes? the explanation for the recall was to be no expense to the owner for correcting the problem. we did not create this problem and bought our van in good faith of the ford motor co. reputation. this certainly doesn't make for good customer relatiions. no definate deadline for repairs and giving up the van to use a 4 door car has been very inconvenient. i am requesting a deadline be established and for ford to use the additiional $8 we are not using but was allocated for coverage of this problem to be covered for those customers who already have insurance for rental cars under their private insurance carrier.
09/27/2010114000
 Tl- the contact owns a 2001 ford windstar. while the dealer inspected the rear axle for recall 10v385000 suspension: rear: axle: non-powered axle assembly they also located a failure at the front h frame corroded and separated. the manufacturer was contacted they advised the failure wasn't recalled, but if a recall was issued in the future he could be reimbursed for the repair. the vehicle wasn't repaired. the failure and the and the current mileage were 114,000 miles. li
12/15/20091000001
 I have a 2001 ford windstar. in december 2009 my rear axle snapped in half while driving at about 30 - 40 mph. no injuries occurred. repairs cost about $600 (in addition to a car rental cost of $250) as this occurred about 2 hours from my home. i called my ford dealer and they claimed to have no knowledge of similar problems with ford windstars, however, i read today that the nhtsa is investigating this very problem. at the time of the repair the garage doing the work indicated that ford windstars are notorious for this problem it was the second axle replacement he had done on a ford windstar in a week. please add my name/experience to the list of complaints related to this problem. if it is determined that a recall is in order i would appreciate the opportunity to recoup part/all of my expenses associated with this problem ($850). thank you very much and if you have any questions or need further information please feel free to contact me. *tr
02/03/2010890001
 I own a 2001 ford windstar van. while coming home today from work we lost control and was fishtailing (i am so glad that this happened when no cars where coming the other way or 15 mins earlier when we were on the highway) when we were able to safely stop and get out to see what happened we noticed the rear passenger tire was back about 2 to 3 in, compared to the other tire. when my husband got down and looked underneath he found out the rear axle broke in 2. right now the van is sitting in my parents driveway as we are unable to pay to get it fixed. *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
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
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
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
01/12/20056900005/09/2002
 I have a 2001 ford windstar. the vehicle currently has 100,205 miles on it. i have had to replace the front strut bearings and struts at 75,000 miles and again at 100,000. i have also had to replace the inner and outer tie rods at 69,000 miles. and the left outer tie rod again at 100,000. i have had over $2,500 in repairs in the time frame of one year, not including 4-wheel brake job. i brought the vehicle in for service at 82,000 miles and told the ford dealership that i was again hearing the bad strut noise. at this time the 1 yr, 12,000 mile warranty would have picked up the cost of the repair. i was told that there was not anything wrong with the struts. i would be interested to know if anyone else has had ongoing strut and tie rod problems. *nm
02/13/20033
 The vehicle pulled to the left, the vehicle was in the repair shop for suspension problems on 3 occasions.*jb
 While driving there is a loud grinding noise when making a sharp turn or when there is cold weather. please provide any further information.*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
10/01/2001
 I am very concerned for the safety of my family, because of an undiagnosed humming noise in my 2001 ford windstar. the noise is a high pitched, humming sound that occurs sporadically, and intermitently, every time we drive the vehicle. the noise can occur while the vehicle is in park, and when the vehicle is in motion, but the noise never fails to occur, intermitently, while the vehicle is on. the noise is loud enough to be heard above the radio at normal volume. it occurs frequently, usually in 30 second spurts, and 3 to 5 minute intervals. we just purchased the vehicle a month ago. i have noticed the sound ever since. at first, i thought it was the sound of the wind howling. i have taken it back to the dealership twice (ed schmid ford). the dealership also detected the noise, but failed to diagnose and solve the problem. it sounds like a faulty mechanical/operational noise, rather than a squeak and rattle noise.*ak
SUSPENSION - FRONT
08/01/201165000
 I took my 2001 windstar sel into a dealership upon receiving a recall notice for suspension:rear:axle:non-powered axle assembly in march of 2011. our vehicle passed this inspection. at the time our vehicle was at the dealership for this recall notice there was another recall relating to structure: frame and members:underbody shields although we were unaware of this recall. we have not received a recall notice about the second problem to date. the recall was brought to our attention by a friend who watched a news program regarding the recall which prompted a phone call to the dealership that serviced our vehicle in march. his statement was if our vehicle was one of the recalled vehicles and it was just in the service department for another recall the service technician would have addressed the most recent recall also. he asked for our vin which at the time was not available but reassured me both recalls would have been addressed since they were both open recalls. on august 1, 2011 i was driving at 65-70 mph on a freeway when my steering wheel started to jerk and turn counter-clockwise (the last time i looked at the steering wheel the area that encloses the horn was vertical). i thought my right passenger wheel was punctured at first but knew it was more than that within the next few seconds. something from the van kept hitting the freeway and jerking me around and the back end of the van on three occassions seemed like it was coming off the ground. once i slowed down enough the safely brake that is exactly what i did wherein the rear end of the vehicle jerked to the left. i exited the vehicle and called 911. not only did the subframe break due to rust but the axle came apart from the vehicle as did the right arm holding the wheel in place. at this point the dealership where the car was towed to said ford is offering to replace the subframe and have offered to pay for two days for a rental vehicle.
04/02/2009170000
 Tl - the contacts owns a 2001 ford windstar. the contact stated that the vehicle was taken to the dealer for recall repairs, who let her know that due to excessive corrosion on the frame the rocker panels was defective and would collapse. in addition, the contact main concern was that due to all the corrosion her vehicle would not pass state inspection. the manufacturer was contacted who was made aware of the failure and stated she should contact her local dealer. the vehicle was not repaired. the failure and current mileage was 170,000. pm
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.
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
02/26/201168000
 Tl- the contact owns a 2001 ford windstar. the contact stated while reversing out of the drive way the vehicle driver front coil spring broke in half. the vehicle will be towed to the dealer. the manufacturer will be contacted. the vehicle has not been repaired. the failure and the current mileage were 68,000. li
08/09/2010103000
 Tl-the contact owns a 2001 ford windstar. the contact stated that while driving approximately 25 mph and exiting onto a interstate when the subframe from the engine fractured from the vehicle. she then lost control of the vehicle and was unable to stop until the vehicle coasted to a stop. the vehicle was towed to a independent mechanic who informed the contact that the lower control arm mount had rusted out causing seperation of the arm of the axle. the vehicle was repaired for the sub-frame of the vehicle. the failure mileage was approximately 103,000. tb
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
09/17/2010130000
 Tl-the contact owns a 2001 ford windstar. the contact stated the vehicle was taken to the dealer for a recall repair under nhtsa campaign id 10v385000 (suspension:rear:axle:non-powered axle assembly), and during the inspection the technician noticed that the front passenger side rear mount engine cradle was cracked with substantial corrosion. the vehicle was not repaired. the failure mileage was approximately 130,000. js
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
09/17/2010130000
 Tl-the contact owns a 2001 ford windstar. the contact stated the vehicle was taken to the dealer for a recall repair under nhtsa campaign id 10v385000 (suspension:rear:axle:non-powered axle assembly), and during the inspection the technician noticed that the front passenger side rear mount engine cradle was cracked with substantial corrosion. the vehicle was not repaired. the failure mileage was approximately 130,000. js
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
09/17/2010130000
 Tl-the contact owns a 2001 ford windstar. the contact stated the vehicle was taken to the dealer for a recall repair under nhtsa campaign id 10v385000 (suspension:rear:axle:non-powered axle assembly), and during the inspection the technician noticed that the front passenger side rear mount engine cradle was cracked with substantial corrosion. the vehicle was not repaired. the failure mileage was approximately 130,000. js
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
09/17/2010130000
 Tl-the contact owns a 2001 ford windstar. the contact stated the vehicle was taken to the dealer for a recall repair under nhtsa campaign id 10v385000 (suspension:rear:axle:non-powered axle assembly), and during the inspection the technician noticed that the front passenger side rear mount engine cradle was cracked with substantial corrosion. the vehicle was not repaired. the failure mileage was approximately 130,000. js
11/15/201056858
 While switching from rear drive to forward drive, big noise was heard. unable to drive car after due to front wheel suspension break, passenger side. front suspension was replaced
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?
11/15/201056858
 While switching from rear drive to forward drive, big noise was heard. unable to drive car after due to front wheel suspension break, passenger side. front suspension was replaced
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?
11/04/201085900
 Tl-the contact owns a 2001 ford windstar. the contact stated that while driving approximately 10 mph when the right passenger side tire detached from the vehicle. the vehicle was towed to a independent mechanic who informed the contact that she needed to replace the sub frame due to rusting and the cradle assembly. the vehicle was repaired for the sub frame and the cradle assembly. the failure mileage was approximately 85,900. tb
11/15/201056858
 While switching from rear drive to forward drive, big noise was heard. unable to drive car after due to front wheel suspension break, passenger side. front suspension was replaced
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?
11/04/201085900
 Tl-the contact owns a 2001 ford windstar. the contact stated that while driving approximately 10 mph when the right passenger side tire detached from the vehicle. the vehicle was towed to a independent mechanic who informed the contact that she needed to replace the sub frame due to rusting and the cradle assembly. the vehicle was repaired for the sub frame and the cradle assembly. the failure mileage was approximately 85,900. tb
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?
11/04/201085900
 Tl-the contact owns a 2001 ford windstar. the contact stated that while driving approximately 10 mph when the right passenger side tire detached from the vehicle. the vehicle was towed to a independent mechanic who informed the contact that she needed to replace the sub frame due to rusting and the cradle assembly. the vehicle was repaired for the sub frame and the cradle assembly. the failure mileage was approximately 85,900. tb
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.
11/10/2010118000
 I own a 2001 ford windstar that i recently had the subframe replaced as it had corroded through on the right side of the subframe. i noticed the failure of it while driving. i heard a loud clunk and then my sterring wheel abruptly turned to the right and the front end started vibrating similar to when the front end is out of alignment. i was traveling at a low rate of speedwhen this occured and id not result in a crash, but made the vehicle undriveable.
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.
11/10/2010118000
 I own a 2001 ford windstar that i recently had the subframe replaced as it had corroded through on the right side of the subframe. i noticed the failure of it while driving. i heard a loud clunk and then my sterring wheel abruptly turned to the right and the front end started vibrating similar to when the front end is out of alignment. i was traveling at a low rate of speedwhen this occured and id not result in a crash, but made the vehicle undriveable.
11/23/2010126246
 Tl- the contact owns a 2001 ford windstar. while having the rear axle repaired under a recall the dealer informed the caller that the front sub-frame of the vehicle was rusted and corroded to the point the vehicle was unsafe to drive. the contact stated they did not experience any problems prior to taking the vehicle in for the repair on the rear axle. the failure mileage and current mileages was 126246.rl
11/01/2010139000
 Tl- the contact owns a 2001 ford windstar. the contact stated vehicle was taken to the dealer november 1, 2010 for recall repair 10v385000 suspension: rear: axle: non-powered axle assembly, while the dealer examined the rear axle they noticed the front axle was also corroded around the motor and transmission area. the manufacturer advised they will not assist with the front suspension failure. the vehicle wasn't repaired. the failure and the current mileage were 139,000. li
11/15/2010120000
 Tl- the contact owns a 2001 ford windstar. the contact stated the passenger side sub-frame is rusted out on the vehicle. the vehicle makes a thumping sound like the wheel will fall off when driving the vehicle. the vehicle had not been inspected at the time of the complaint. the contact looked at the frame and the bolts were rusted through near the wheel well. the vin was not available at the time of the complaint. the failure mileage and current mileages was 120000.rl
11/01/2010139000
 Tl- the contact owns a 2001 ford windstar. the contact stated vehicle was taken to the dealer november 1, 2010 for recall repair 10v385000 suspension: rear: axle: non-powered axle assembly, while the dealer examined the rear axle they noticed the front axle was also corroded around the motor and transmission area. the manufacturer advised they will not assist with the front suspension failure. the vehicle wasn't repaired. the failure and the current mileage were 139,000. li
11/15/2010120000
 Tl- the contact owns a 2001 ford windstar. the contact stated the passenger side sub-frame is rusted out on the vehicle. the vehicle makes a thumping sound like the wheel will fall off when driving the vehicle. the vehicle had not been inspected at the time of the complaint. the contact looked at the frame and the bolts were rusted through near the wheel well. the vin was not available at the time of the complaint. the failure mileage and current mileages was 120000.rl
11/01/2010139000
 Tl- the contact owns a 2001 ford windstar. the contact stated vehicle was taken to the dealer november 1, 2010 for recall repair 10v385000 suspension: rear: axle: non-powered axle assembly, while the dealer examined the rear axle they noticed the front axle was also corroded around the motor and transmission area. the manufacturer advised they will not assist with the front suspension failure. the vehicle wasn't repaired. the failure and the current mileage were 139,000. li
11/15/2010120000
 Tl- the contact owns a 2001 ford windstar. the contact stated the passenger side sub-frame is rusted out on the vehicle. the vehicle makes a thumping sound like the wheel will fall off when driving the vehicle. the vehicle had not been inspected at the time of the complaint. the contact looked at the frame and the bolts were rusted through near the wheel well. the vin was not available at the time of the complaint. the failure mileage and current mileages was 120000.rl
11/05/2010119500
 The front sub-frame on the right side has severe rusting and corrosion where the sub-frame meets the control arm. i took it in for inspection and was notified by the mechanic that it would not pass without replacement and was not even safe to drive out of his shop. he also said that he was surprised the car passed inspection at the ford dealership last year. thankfully, it was discovered before the sub-frame detached.
10/22/2010127000
 The subframe is rusting and corroding where the control arm attaches to it. my vehicle will not pass inspection. i have researched this online and have learned that nhtsa is investigating this on the ford windstar.
03/24/2010247000
 Tl. the contact owns a 2001 ford windstar. the contact stated while driving 35 mph the contact lost control of the vehicle after a hearing a loud noise. the contact as the vehicle stopped the contact notice the front end had broken off the vehicle. the contact had the vehicle towed to a local repair shop. the repairs replaced the front sub frame on the vehicle. the contact called the manufacturer regarding sub frame and they stated there is nothing they can do. the contact notice via the interment numerous complaints regarding the front sub frame. the contact stated if the vehicle was traveling any faster it would have cause a major crash. the failure mileage was 247,000. jo
09/15/2010100700
 Tl-the contact owns a 2001 ford windstar. while driving 30 mph the front axle on the passenger side rusted away. she was unable to steer the vehicle. the vehicle was taken to a local mechanic and the mechanic advised her that the vehicle could not be repaired because of the corrosion. she referenced recall 10v385000, suspension:rear:axle:non-powered axle assembly and the vehicle was taken to the dealer. . the contact stated she received the recall letter in the mail and the dealer will not repair it because the recall refers to the rear axle. the vehicle was not driveable. the failure mileage was 100,700 and the current mileage was 100.900. vwb
09/15/2010125400
 While driving my 2001 ford windstar on m-20 near remus, mi i heard a loud boom from the front of the vehicle. i pulled off of the road to investigate and found the driver side front coil spring broken. i had to replace the spring and strut assembly on that side. i was told that i should replace the other side as well. both front spring/strut assemblies were replaced at my personal cost.
10/22/2010127000
 The subframe is rusting and corroding where the control arm attaches to it. my vehicle will not pass inspection. i have researched this online and have learned that nhtsa is investigating this on the ford windstar.
03/24/2010247000
 Tl. the contact owns a 2001 ford windstar. the contact stated while driving 35 mph the contact lost control of the vehicle after a hearing a loud noise. the contact as the vehicle stopped the contact notice the front end had broken off the vehicle. the contact had the vehicle towed to a local repair shop. the repairs replaced the front sub frame on the vehicle. the contact called the manufacturer regarding sub frame and they stated there is nothing they can do. the contact notice via the interment numerous complaints regarding the front sub frame. the contact stated if the vehicle was traveling any faster it would have cause a major crash. the failure mileage was 247,000. jo
09/15/2010100700
 Tl-the contact owns a 2001 ford windstar. while driving 30 mph the front axle on the passenger side rusted away. she was unable to steer the vehicle. the vehicle was taken to a local mechanic and the mechanic advised her that the vehicle could not be repaired because of the corrosion. she referenced recall 10v385000, suspension:rear:axle:non-powered axle assembly and the vehicle was taken to the dealer. . the contact stated she received the recall letter in the mail and the dealer will not repair it because the recall refers to the rear axle. the vehicle was not driveable. the failure mileage was 100,700 and the current mileage was 100.900. vwb
09/15/2010125400
 While driving my 2001 ford windstar on m-20 near remus, mi i heard a loud boom from the front of the vehicle. i pulled off of the road to investigate and found the driver side front coil spring broken. i had to replace the spring and strut assembly on that side. i was told that i should replace the other side as well. both front spring/strut assemblies were replaced at my personal cost.
10/22/2010127000
 The subframe is rusting and corroding where the control arm attaches to it. my vehicle will not pass inspection. i have researched this online and have learned that nhtsa is investigating this on the ford windstar.
03/24/2010247000
 Tl. the contact owns a 2001 ford windstar. the contact stated while driving 35 mph the contact lost control of the vehicle after a hearing a loud noise. the contact as the vehicle stopped the contact notice the front end had broken off the vehicle. the contact had the vehicle towed to a local repair shop. the repairs replaced the front sub frame on the vehicle. the contact called the manufacturer regarding sub frame and they stated there is nothing they can do. the contact notice via the interment numerous complaints regarding the front sub frame. the contact stated if the vehicle was traveling any faster it would have cause a major crash. the failure mileage was 247,000. jo
09/15/2010100700
 Tl-the contact owns a 2001 ford windstar. while driving 30 mph the front axle on the passenger side rusted away. she was unable to steer the vehicle. the vehicle was taken to a local mechanic and the mechanic advised her that the vehicle could not be repaired because of the corrosion. she referenced recall 10v385000, suspension:rear:axle:non-powered axle assembly and the vehicle was taken to the dealer. . the contact stated she received the recall letter in the mail and the dealer will not repair it because the recall refers to the rear axle. the vehicle was not driveable. the failure mileage was 100,700 and the current mileage was 100.900. vwb
09/15/2010125400
 While driving my 2001 ford windstar on m-20 near remus, mi i heard a loud boom from the front of the vehicle. i pulled off of the road to investigate and found the driver side front coil spring broken. i had to replace the spring and strut assembly on that side. i was told that i should replace the other side as well. both front spring/strut assemblies were replaced at my personal cost.
03/24/2010247000
 Tl. the contact owns a 2001 ford windstar. the contact stated while driving 35 mph the contact lost control of the vehicle after a hearing a loud noise. the contact as the vehicle stopped the contact notice the front end had broken off the vehicle. the contact had the vehicle towed to a local repair shop. the repairs replaced the front sub frame on the vehicle. the contact called the manufacturer regarding sub frame and they stated there is nothing they can do. the contact notice via the interment numerous complaints regarding the front sub frame. the contact stated if the vehicle was traveling any faster it would have cause a major crash. the failure mileage was 247,000. jo
09/15/2010100700
 Tl-the contact owns a 2001 ford windstar. while driving 30 mph the front axle on the passenger side rusted away. she was unable to steer the vehicle. the vehicle was taken to a local mechanic and the mechanic advised her that the vehicle could not be repaired because of the corrosion. she referenced recall 10v385000, suspension:rear:axle:non-powered axle assembly and the vehicle was taken to the dealer. . the contact stated she received the recall letter in the mail and the dealer will not repair it because the recall refers to the rear axle. the vehicle was not driveable. the failure mileage was 100,700 and the current mileage was 100.900. vwb
09/15/2010125400
 While driving my 2001 ford windstar on m-20 near remus, mi i heard a loud boom from the front of the vehicle. i pulled off of the road to investigate and found the driver side front coil spring broken. i had to replace the spring and strut assembly on that side. i was told that i should replace the other side as well. both front spring/strut assemblies were replaced at my personal cost.
09/15/2010100700
 Tl-the contact owns a 2001 ford windstar. while driving 30 mph the front axle on the passenger side rusted away. she was unable to steer the vehicle. the vehicle was taken to a local mechanic and the mechanic advised her that the vehicle could not be repaired because of the corrosion. she referenced recall 10v385000, suspension:rear:axle:non-powered axle assembly and the vehicle was taken to the dealer. . the contact stated she received the recall letter in the mail and the dealer will not repair it because the recall refers to the rear axle. the vehicle was not driveable. the failure mileage was 100,700 and the current mileage was 100.900. vwb
09/15/2010125400
 While driving my 2001 ford windstar on m-20 near remus, mi i heard a loud boom from the front of the vehicle. i pulled off of the road to investigate and found the driver side front coil spring broken. i had to replace the spring and strut assembly on that side. i was told that i should replace the other side as well. both front spring/strut assemblies were replaced at my personal cost.
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.
10/05/2010132000
 Tl-the contact owns a 2001 ford windstar. while driving approximately 1 mph he heard a loud bang and the vehicle would not accelerate. upon examining the vehicle he noticed the front passenger side wheel was pointing in the opposite direction of the front drivers side wheel. the vehicle was towed home and has not been examined for the cause of failure. the vehicle was not repaired. the failure and current mileages were 132,000. sm.
06/26/200978349
 Ref. nhtsa defect investigation pe10026: 2001 ford windstar experienced front engine cradle failure on passenger side while vehicle in motion, 26 june 2009. no injuries but rattled nerves. half shaft and engine cradle replaced - vehicle impeded traffic for an hour until removed by flat bed truck.
10/31/2009154731
 I was driving a 2001 ford windstar minivan with 154k miles on a rainy night at highway speed on a 3 lane interstate with 5 children aboard. i heard a loud noise from the vehicle and lost all control as the steering and braking wasn't working right. as i tried to get onto the shoulder, it kept swerving toward the left, back into the lanes. when it finally stopped moving, we were sticking out into traffic and i feared we would be hit. the tow truck driver showed me that the right tire wasn't even pointing straight ahead anymore and said that the axel probably broke. the mechanic told me that the frame cracked and in his opinion, he wouldn't recommend fixing the vehicle. the insurance company said the the right front lower control arm mount rotted off which pulled out axel and broke tie rod end and so on, due to normal wear and tear. i received zero dollars for my auto claim and my family of seven had to use our 3 seater pickup truck as the family vehicle for months after the incident. i live in a snow belt state and i do not believe that normal wear and tear occured in a mere 8 years. i have pictures of the vehicle after the incident as well. thank you for the opportunity to provide information for open investigation #pe10-026. my hope is that my story is useful enough to help prevent this same thing from happening to other 2001 ford windstar owners.
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.
06/20/200980000
 Failure/braking of the front coil springs
05/04/2010130000
 My husband was backing out of the driveway at work, when the tires were turned inward because of the break in the rear axle. after having it towed my husband bought a rear axle from another vehicle and replaced the broken one.
11/08/2009580001
 Failure of bracket holding upper control arm to frame on 2001 ford windstar with 58,000 miles on the odometer. failure caused wheels to go their own way causing total lack of control of vehicle. *tr
11/03/2009660731
 While driving on interstate the passenger side front lower control arm broke loose from the frame causing total loss of vehicle control. van has 60k miles and was well maintained
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
11/20/20081230001
 Coil spring on passenger side strut broke, has driver's side break the year before, had to replace whole strut / spring assembly, could've caused accident if the pieces would have hit the tires instead of wrapping around rest of spring. *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
03/29/20091260001
 I own a 2001 ford windstar in the space of less than three weeks, both of my front coil springs have broken and gone through the front tires. fortunately both times we were traveling at low speeds, but if this had occurred at 65 mph on the interstate, it would almost certainly have resulted in a serious accident. i check the internet for recalls on this , but didn't find any for this model year. *tr
08/28/2008710001
 My 2001 ford windstar has a crack in the rear axle. i've read on the internet about several instances of this happening and the axle cracks in two pieces causing at least that the vehicle is not drivable. if this would happen even at moderate highway speeds there could be devastating consequences. so far i don;t see a recall for this defect from ford. the mileage of my ford windstar is 71,000 miles. it seems that the axle is rusted from the inside but my vehicle has been garage kept since it was first purchased. i believe this incident should be recalled for safeties sake. i think all windstars with this axle design should be recalled and have the axle replaced. *tr
10/17/200864000
 Tl*the contact owns a 2001 ford windstar. while driving 10 mph and proceeding to a stop sign, the contact experienced a loss of steering control and the front wheels locked. the vehicle was inoperable and there were no warning indicators illuminated on the instrument panel. roadside assistance was called to the scene and the vehicle was towed to an authorized dealer. the technician stated that the failure was related to the lower control arm brackets at the subframe. the vehicle is currently being repaired. the contact was concerned of the safety risk involved. the failure and current mileages were 64,000.
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
04/27/200668000106/06/2000
 We own a ford windstar (2000) with 68000 miles, this morning as my wife was leaving for work the right front spring broke cutting through the tire side wall. if this would have happened on the highway there would have been no way to control the van or to safely stop. the spring coil was resting on the tread and the total suspension drop was so low that i had trouble getting the jack under the frame rail. *nm
05/25/2002
 When driving at any speed there is vibration in front end of vehicle. vehicle is at dealership at this time.*ak
 Consumer had to replace tires in fewer miles than what tire were warranted for has took vehicle to dealer, mechanic stated needed an alignment. alignment was done, tire wear was still occurring. consumer had taken vehicle back to dealer, mechanic indicatted there was nothing else that could be done. consumer had notified manufacturer, and representative stated there was nothing else that could be done if alignment met specs.*ak
12/01/2001
 While driving approximately 20 mph front left side axle broke. dealer and manufacturer were contacted. feel free to provide any further details concerning this matter.*ak
SUSPENSION - FRONT - CONTROL ARM
03/18/201082000
 Tl* the contact owns a 2001 ford windstar. the contact stated that while driving at approximate speeds of 55 mph, the sub frame and control arm fractured and fell off of the vehicle. the contact was unable to maintain control of the vehicle and proceeded off of the road. the failure mileage was 82,000.
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
03/14/200844139111/01/2005
 Tl*the contact owns a 2001 ford windstar. while accelerating from a stop, the contact felt as if the vehicle had a flat tire. when he pulled the vehicle over, the front end dropped and he heard the fan striking the metal. the vehicle was towed to the dealer and they stated that the front passenger side control arm mount rusted from the subframe and the engine cradle. the dealer replaced the engine cradle. the vehicle is still under repair. the current and failure mileages were 44,139. updated 04/21/08 *bf
03/10/200648400105/14/2004
 Dt*: the contact stated while driving 50 mph a loud bang was heard. the vehicle then went out of control; going into a ditch, across the highway, and finally stopping in another ditch. the vehicle was towed to a dealership where it was determined the front control arm rusted away from the vehicle. *ak updated 04/17/06
SUSPENSION - FRONT - CONTROL ARM - LOWER ARM
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.
08/18/2007130000102/10/2004
 Tl*the contact owns a 2001 ford windstar. while making a left turn at 10 mph, the contact heard a loud noise. the vehicle was towed to the repair shop and it was discovered that the lower control arm bracket failed and the sub-frame was rusted. the repair would cost $1,000. the vehicle is no longer under warranty. the current and failure mileages were 130,000.
SUSPENSION - FRONT - MACPHERSON STRUT
11/10/200547000110/21/2001
 When driving and turning in cold weather the front end makes a very loud noise. the struts where replaced under the 36.000 mile warranty but started making this loud noise again last fall of 2005. i can't believe they keep putting on bad struts there must be some kind of defect.*jb
SUSPENSION - FRONT - SPRINGS - COIL SPRINGS
02/26/201168000
 Tl*the contact owns a 2001 ford windstar. the contact stated that while driving in reverse out of the drive way the front coil spring broke in half. the vehicle was towed to the dealer. the manufacturer will be contacted. the vehicle was not repaired. the failure and the current mileage was 68,000.
01/03/2008136000111/26/2001
 Tl*the contact owns a 2001 ford windstar. while driving 30 mph, the driver side front tire blew out. the vehicle was pulled over, but the tire was unable to be changed due to broken parts. the vehicle was towed to the dealer. the dealer stated that the coil spring failed and caused the tire to blow out. the current and failure mileages were 136,000.
06/28/200777042107/30/2001
 I was driving downtown to pick up pizza for my family, as i braked for a stop sign and came to a stop i heard a loud noise and experienced a very hard shaking from the front of the van as if i had been hit by something. after investigating and finding no visible damage o vehicle i drove home slowly. after traveling approximately a mile or so i began to smell something hot. as i began to pull over to the edge of the road i saw smoke, and then i experienced a blowout of the left front tire and the left front side of the vehicle dropped towards the ground. prior to this event i had no problem with the vehicle and heard no noises related to this. i am now having the vehicle transported to the local ford garage ,where they are going to replace the front springs, and assess for any other damage caused by this incident. *ak
01/03/200790000110/09/2001
 Tl* - the contact has a 2001 ford windstar. while the vehicle was parked heard a loud bang.he looked at the front suspension and noticed that the driver's side coil spring failed. the contact took the vehicle to the dealer, where the van was being fixed. the contact called the manufacture r, and they told him that it was out of warranty, and they could not help him. the contact said that he had pictures, and will have the part to send.*ak
05/15/20051
 I was traveling at 25-30 mph heard a heavy clunking noise, felt the steering wheel lose control of the wheels and pulled over almost immediately and called a tow truck. we replaced the coil springs on both front wheels. *jb
07/03/2006102000105/14/2004
 2001 ford windstar coil spring broke while backing slowly out of driveway. we heard a loud snap from the front right tire. upon inspection, we saw the coil spring had cracked in two pieces. ford windstars had a recall for 1997 and 1998 for this very problem. i believe this should be investigated. may be a recall needed here. *jb
05/30/200663000111/15/2001
 Dt*: the contact stated while pulling out at 7mph a snapping noise was heard from under the vehicle near the passenger side tire. the vehicle was towed to the dealership. upon inspection the dealer determined the front coil spring needed to be replaced due to road salt corrosion. the front coil spring is currently being replaced at the dealership. 08/02/06 updated. *tt
06/13/2005105/01/2002
 Dt: the consumer states the front coil spring on his vehicle broke puncturing the tire on the left hand side. the service dealer states there are no parts available to have this repaired. there is a recall for this component, but the contacts vehicle does not fall under the recall campaign. *jb
06/01/2005202/04/2001
 We have a 2001 ford windstar mini-van. we took van in for service due to check engine light. wife also noticed thumping in tire well. egr regulator was changed for check engine light, but the thumping turned out to be two (2) broken front coil springs!! how does a highway driven mini-van get two (2) broken springs? that was three (3) weeks ago and the van is still in the dealership waiting for the replacment springs which we are told are on back order. appears to me that if these springs are on back order, there must be a pretty good demand for them. the fact that both are springs broke with highway usage indicates a possible design problem. i believe this should be investigated. may be a recall needed here.
02/25/2005110/17/2001
 2001 ford windstar spring broke and tore through the tire on the vehicle.*mr a recall was issued but not for the consumer's model of vehicle. *nm
SUSPENSION - MULTIPLE AXLE
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
12/20/200772915105/05/2007
 On or about december 15, 2007 my husband noticed when he hit a bump in the road the rear end of our 2001 ford windstar lx felt loose. we thought the shocks were starting to ware. on december 20, 2007 my husband started on his way home from work around 3:30 pm he headed south on i55 out of chicago and reached our driveway in the southwest suburbs approximately 5:00 pm. at 5:30 p. our family with two children got into the van to go christmas shopping. as we were pulling out of the driveway the van jerked and screeched. we thought we hit someone that had parked behind us. we jumped out to see what happened and noticed our rear tires looked funny and the back end was really low. when we looked under it we saw that the axle was broken in two. it had just snapped. if this had happened a half hour earlier this would have happened on the expressway in rush hour traffic and i hate to think what would have happened, or 15 minutes later when we were on i355 going christmas shopping with our children. we were more than happy to have this happen in our driveway but this is our only vehicle and we don't have the 1000.00 it will cost to replace the part. the van is no longer under warranty, it has 72,915 miles on it. how inconvenient! *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
SUSPENSION - REAR
08/09/2011140000
 Tl-the contact owns a 2001 ford windstar. while driving approximately 45 mph, the contact heard a loud noise outside of the vehicle and maneuvered to the side of the road. the contact examined the vehicle and noticed that the rear axle fractured. the vehicle was taken to an authorized dealer for diagnosis and they stated that the rear axle required replacement. there was a recall related to the failure under nhtsa campaign id number 10v385000 (suspension: rear: axle: non-powered axle assembly); however the vehicle was ineligible because it was not currently registered or sold in the united states, as mentioned in the recall. the vehicle had not been repaired. the manufacturer was made aware of the failure. the approximate failure mileage was 140,000. sm.
08/09/2011140000
 Tl-the contact owns a 2001 ford windstar. while driving approximately 45 mph, the contact heard a loud noise outside of the vehicle and maneuvered to the side of the road. the contact detected the rear axle fractured. the vehicle was taken to an authorized dealer for diagnosis and they informed the rear axle required replacement. there was a recall related to the defect under nhtsa campaign id number 10v385000 (suspension: rear: axle: non-powered axle assembly); however the vehicle was ineligible because it was not currently registered or sold in the states mentioned in the recall. the vehicle had not been repaired. the manufacturer was made aware of the problem. the approximate failure mileage was 140,000. js
07/16/2011130000
 Tl. the contact owns a 2001 ford windstar. the contact stated while in reverse the rear axle broke. the vehicle became inoperative and the vehicle was towed to the dealer. the contact notice a nhtsa campaign i.d. number 10v385000 (suspension:rear:axle:non-powered axle assembly). the dealer informed the contact due to the vin number the vehicle did not fall into the recall. the contact called the manufacturer regarding this recall and the manufacturer also stated the vehicle did not fall into the recall. the manufacturer did not offer any assistance towards the repair. the contact stated the vehicle was unsafe to drive and could have caused a serious crash. the failure mileage 130,000. jo
06/07/2011200000
 Tl* the contact owns a 2001 ford windstar. the contact was driving 20 mph when the rear of the vehicle began to sway abnormally. the contact was able to move the vehicle onto the shoulder where it was towed to the dealer. the dealer performed a diagnostic that located the failure at the rear axle lower bracket arm, which was corroded. the vehicle was not repaired. the failure and the current mileage was 200,000.
06/07/2011200000
 Tl-the contact owns 2001 ford windstar. the contact stated while driving 20mph the vehicle rear swerved the contact was able to move the vehicle onto the road shoulder. the vehicle was towed to the dealer whom performed a diagnosed that located the failure at the rear axle lower brocket arm was corroded. the vehicle has not been repaired. the failure and the current miles was 200,000. li
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.
08/21/2010118000
 Ford wind star rear axle daughter driving to work at 70 mph weather clear,dry & daylight. on straight away vehicle ended up rolling over 2&1/2 times
03/01/2011120000
 The rear axle of a 2001 ford windstar rusted through. the vehicile vin is outside the scope of the recall.
08/21/2010118000
 Ford wind star rear axle daughter driving to work at 70 mph weather clear,dry & daylight. on straight away vehicle ended up rolling over 2&1/2 times
03/01/2011120000
 The rear axle of a 2001 ford windstar rusted through. the vehicile vin is outside the scope of the recall.
03/01/2010100000
 Tl-the contact owns a 2001 ford windstar. while driving approximately 55 mph the rear of the vehicle began to sway back and forth. the vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic where the contact was told the rear axle fractured. the vehicle was repaired by the independent mechanic. the vehicle was also 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 the contact was told the vehicle did not need to be repaired. the vehicle was not repaired. the failure mileage was 100,000 and the current mileage was 120,000. sm.
02/20/2011163270
 2001 ford winstar rear axle broke in half tire caved in
03/01/2010100000
 Tl-the contact owns a 2001 ford windstar. while driving approximately 55 mph the rear of the vehicle began to sway back and forth. the vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic where the contact was told the rear axle fractured. the vehicle was repaired by the independent mechanic. the vehicle was also 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 the contact was told the vehicle did not need to be repaired. the vehicle was not repaired. the failure mileage was 100,000 and the current mileage was 120,000. sm.
02/20/2011163270
 2001 ford winstar rear axle broke in half tire caved in
10/03/201092000
 Tl. the owns a 2001 ford windstar. the contact stated receiving recall # 10v385000 (suspension:rear:axle:non-powered axle assembly) the contact took the vehicle to the dealer. the dealer informed the contact the vehicle has to be inspected. if a crack is found on the axle the dealer has to hold the vehicle for repairs. the dealer also informed the contact the part is not available and does not know when the part will be available. the contact called the manufacturer and they informed the contact they do not know when the part will be available as well. the contact has not had the vehicle inspected but stated the vehicle is unsafe to drive due to part availability. the failure mileage was 92,000. jo
06/24/200880000
 Abs brake light comes on and disables the abs brake feature.
01/08/2011109000
 Tl-the contact owns a 2001 ford windstar. while driving approximately 40 mph she lost control of the vehicle and crashed into the median. she stated she lost control of the vehicle without receiving any warning lights. when the vehicle crashed into the median, as her vehicle was vertical across the highway another vehicle crashed into her vehicle. the other vehicle had front end damages. the contact stated there were no injuries. no police report was filed. the contact stated her vehicle was towed to her residence. the tow truck driver advised her that her rear axle was cracked in half. the vehicle had not been repaired yet. the contact was waiting for her insurance company to inspect the vehicle. she contacted the manufacture and was advised that her vehicle was part of recall 10v385000, suspension:rear:axle:non-powered axle assembly but the contact stated she did not receive a recall letter. the vehicle was purchased used in 2002. the approximate failure and current mileage were 109,000. vwb
09/10/201083000
 Tl-the contact owns a 2001 ford windstar. the vehicle was included in the recall associated with nhtsa campaign id number 10v385000, suspension:rear:axle:non-powered axle assembly. the vehicle was taken to an authorized dealer where the contact was told they would have the necessary parts to complete the remedy within 1 week. the vehicle was never repaired and the contact was continuously told the necessary parts would be available within 1 month. the failure and current mileages were 83,000. sm.
01/08/2011109000
 Tl-the contact owns a 2001 ford windstar. while driving approximately 40 mph she lost control of the vehicle and crashed into the median. she stated she lost control of the vehicle without receiving any warning lights. when the vehicle crashed into the median, as her vehicle was vertical across the highway another vehicle crashed into her vehicle. the other vehicle had front end damages. the contact stated there were no injuries. no police report was filed. the contact stated her vehicle was towed to her residence. the tow truck driver advised her that her rear axle was cracked in half. the vehicle had not been repaired yet. the contact was waiting for her insurance company to inspect the vehicle. she contacted the manufacture and was advised that her vehicle was part of recall 10v385000, suspension:rear:axle:non-powered axle assembly but the contact stated she did not receive a recall letter. the vehicle was purchased used in 2002. the approximate failure and current mileage were 109,000. vwb
09/10/201083000
 Tl-the contact owns a 2001 ford windstar. the vehicle was included in the recall associated with nhtsa campaign id number 10v385000, suspension:rear:axle:non-powered axle assembly. the vehicle was taken to an authorized dealer where the contact was told they would have the necessary parts to complete the remedy within 1 week. the vehicle was never repaired and the contact was continuously told the necessary parts would be available within 1 month. the failure and current mileages were 83,000. sm.
01/08/2011109000
 Tl-the contact owns a 2001 ford windstar. while driving approximately 40 mph she lost control of the vehicle and crashed into the median. she stated she lost control of the vehicle without receiving any warning lights. when the vehicle crashed into the median, as her vehicle was vertical across the highway another vehicle crashed into her vehicle. the other vehicle had front end damages. the contact stated there were no injuries. no police report was filed. the contact stated her vehicle was towed to her residence. the tow truck driver advised her that her rear axle was cracked in half. the vehicle had not been repaired yet. the contact was waiting for her insurance company to inspect the vehicle. she contacted the manufacture and was advised that her vehicle was part of recall 10v385000, suspension:rear:axle:non-powered axle assembly but the contact stated she did not receive a recall letter. the vehicle was purchased used in 2002. the approximate failure and current mileage were 109,000. vwb
09/10/201083000
 Tl-the contact owns a 2001 ford windstar. the vehicle was included in the recall associated with nhtsa campaign id number 10v385000, suspension:rear:axle:non-powered axle assembly. the vehicle was taken to an authorized dealer where the contact was told they would have the necessary parts to complete the remedy within 1 week. the vehicle was never repaired and the contact was continuously told the necessary parts would be available within 1 month. the failure and current mileages were 83,000. sm.
12/20/2010
 Tl-the contact owns a 2001 ford windstar. the contact stated that she recieved a recall notice in reference to nhtsa campaign id (10v385000-suspension:rear:axle:non-powered axle assembly). she has contacted three different dealers in her area who informed her that they have a waiting list in which she won't be able to get in for a repair until february of 2011. the manufacturer was contacted and advised her to drive 200 miles away from her area with a unsafe vehicle. tb
10/21/2010142000
 Tl-the contact owns a 2001 ford windstar. while driving approximately 5 mph, attempting to make a turn, the contact heard a clicking noise coming from the outside of the vehicle. the vehicle exhibited a slight vibration for a couple of seconds and continued in operation. the vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic where a diagnostic test was performed, and they informed that the engine cradle completely rusted due to corrosion. the vehicle was in the process of being repaired. the failure mileage was 142,000. js
10/31/2010140000
 2001 ford windstar se: may 4, 2010, backing out of driveway, loud noise, could not drive car. driver's side rear axle fractured, car towed to mechanic who repaired and reinforced said fracture by welding. august 2010, ford announces recall of windstars, issues letters to affected owners late september, 2010. received ford recall notice during the week of october 18, 2010. sunday, october 31, 2010, while driving on side road (5 passengers, plus driver) same loud noise, car immobilized. passenger side rear axle fractured. passengers left stranded. car towed first to residence then to dealership on monday am. told by dealer that car would not be repaired until january or february, 2011 (at the earliest) as no parts available.
11/16/2010115800
 Tl-the contact owns a 2001 ford windstar. the contact stated he received a recall letter 10v385000, suspension:rear:axle:non-powered axle assembly and took his vehicle in for the recall on 10/29/2010. he stated the dealer inspected the vehicle and did nothing. while driving approximately 35 mph the rear left trailing arm broke on november 16,2010. he pulled the vehicle into a parking area and left the vehicle. the vehicle was towed to an authorized dealer and the dealer advised him that he would need to make some phone calls and call him back. the dealer later advised him that the part that failed was not under the recall. the vehicle has not been repaired and was still at the dealer. he called the manufacture on 11/18/2010 and was advised of the same information provided by the dealer. the approximate failure mileage was 115,800. vwb
11/01/2010160000
 Ford co. is causing undue hardship in our attempt to get safety recall completed. we have one car, so made appt. w/ local dealer (1/2 hr away) & got confirmation # for recall 10s13 on a day both of us had off work. had to get someone to follow (1 hr drive) to bring us back. dealer would not honor appt. and told us to make another one in 3 - 4 wks. i e-mailed ford co.detailing poor service we had and the difficulty this created for us. recv'd response 2 days later that they are working on it. one week later, still not heard from ford co and was concerned about our safety, so i called and explained dilemma to cust serv rep. she tried to get us an appt w/ a dealer 40 mins away, but she was not able. after waiting 20 mins. i had to go back to work, so i called ford co. that night and this cust. serv rep tried to get us appt. w/ different dealer who was 1 hr. away, but they could not look at it. i was then disconnected, so called right back. another rep said we could go to a dealer in s.c. i don't think it is reasonable to require us to travel long distances for their bad product. again, we have one car, so have to ask someone to follow us to dealer. we work retail (christmas season) so cannot request special time off. we have made five attempts and gone far beyond the call of duty to have this recall done. ford needs to do their part and provide customer service for the safety of their customers
11/16/2010115800
 Tl-the contact owns a 2001 ford windstar. the contact stated he received a recall letter 10v385000, suspension:rear:axle:non-powered axle assembly and took his vehicle in for the recall on 10/29/2010. he stated the dealer inspected the vehicle and did nothing. while driving approximately 35 mph the rear left trailing arm broke on november 16,2010. he pulled the vehicle into a parking area and left the vehicle. the vehicle was towed to an authorized dealer and the dealer advised him that he would need to make some phone calls and call him back. the dealer later advised him that the part that failed was not under the recall. the vehicle has not been repaired and was still at the dealer. he called the manufacture on 11/18/2010 and was advised of the same information provided by the dealer. the approximate failure mileage was 115,800. vwb
11/01/2010160000
 Ford co. is causing undue hardship in our attempt to get safety recall completed. we have one car, so made appt. w/ local dealer (1/2 hr away) & got confirmation # for recall 10s13 on a day both of us had off work. had to get someone to follow (1 hr drive) to bring us back. dealer would not honor appt. and told us to make another one in 3 - 4 wks. i e-mailed ford co.detailing poor service we had and the difficulty this created for us. recv'd response 2 days later that they are working on it. one week later, still not heard from ford co and was concerned about our safety, so i called and explained dilemma to cust serv rep. she tried to get us an appt w/ a dealer 40 mins away, but she was not able. after waiting 20 mins. i had to go back to work, so i called ford co. that night and this cust. serv rep tried to get us appt. w/ different dealer who was 1 hr. away, but they could not look at it. i was then disconnected, so called right back. another rep said we could go to a dealer in s.c. i don't think it is reasonable to require us to travel long distances for their bad product. again, we have one car, so have to ask someone to follow us to dealer. we work retail (christmas season) so cannot request special time off. we have made five attempts and gone far beyond the call of duty to have this recall done. ford needs to do their part and provide customer service for the safety of their customers
11/01/200985000
 Tl. the contact owns a 2001 ford windstar. the contact stated the dealer will hold the vehicle for the recall repair to the rear axle for up to months. the contact stated the manufacturer provided rental vehicle but is not ratified with the type of the vehicle the manufacturer is providing. the contact stated the time length of the recall is to long and the manufacturer should buy back the vehicle vehicle since this is a major safety issue that can harm many of owners. the failure mileage was 85,000. jo
11/01/2010160000
 Ford co. is causing undue hardship in our attempt to get safety recall completed. we have one car, so made appt. w/ local dealer (1/2 hr away) & got confirmation # for recall 10s13 on a day both of us had off work. had to get someone to follow (1 hr drive) to bring us back. dealer would not honor appt. and told us to make another one in 3 - 4 wks. i e-mailed ford co.detailing poor service we had and the difficulty this created for us. recv'd response 2 days later that they are working on it. one week later, still not heard from ford co and was concerned about our safety, so i called and explained dilemma to cust serv rep. she tried to get us an appt w/ a dealer 40 mins away, but she was not able. after waiting 20 mins. i had to go back to work, so i called ford co. that night and this cust. serv rep tried to get us appt. w/ different dealer who was 1 hr. away, but they could not look at it. i was then disconnected, so called right back. another rep said we could go to a dealer in s.c. i don't think it is reasonable to require us to travel long distances for their bad product. again, we have one car, so have to ask someone to follow us to dealer. we work retail (christmas season) so cannot request special time off. we have made five attempts and gone far beyond the call of duty to have this recall done. ford needs to do their part and provide customer service for the safety of their customers
11/01/200985000
 Tl. the contact owns a 2001 ford windstar. the contact stated the dealer will hold the vehicle for the recall repair to the rear axle for up to months. the contact stated the manufacturer provided rental vehicle but is not ratified with the type of the vehicle the manufacturer is providing. the contact stated the time length of the recall is to long and the manufacturer should buy back the vehicle vehicle since this is a major safety issue that can harm many of owners. the failure mileage was 85,000. jo
11/01/2010160000
 Ford co. is causing undue hardship in our attempt to get safety recall completed. we have one car, so made appt. w/ local dealer (1/2 hr away) & got confirmation # for recall 10s13 on a day both of us had off work. had to get someone to follow (1 hr drive) to bring us back. dealer would not honor appt. and told us to make another one in 3 - 4 wks. i e-mailed ford co.detailing poor service we had and the difficulty this created for us. recv'd response 2 days later that they are working on it. one week later, still not heard from ford co and was concerned about our safety, so i called and explained dilemma to cust serv rep. she tried to get us an appt w/ a dealer 40 mins away, but she was not able. after waiting 20 mins. i had to go back to work, so i called ford co. that night and this cust. serv rep tried to get us appt. w/ different dealer who was 1 hr. away, but they could not look at it. i was then disconnected, so called right back. another rep said we could go to a dealer in s.c. i don't think it is reasonable to require us to travel long distances for their bad product. again, we have one car, so have to ask someone to follow us to dealer. we work retail (christmas season) so cannot request special time off. we have made five attempts and gone far beyond the call of duty to have this recall done. ford needs to do their part and provide customer service for the safety of their customers
11/01/200985000
 Tl. the contact owns a 2001 ford windstar. the contact stated the dealer will hold the vehicle for the recall repair to the rear axle for up to months. the contact stated the manufacturer provided rental vehicle but is not ratified with the type of the vehicle the manufacturer is providing. the contact stated the time length of the recall is to long and the manufacturer should buy back the vehicle vehicle since this is a major safety issue that can harm many of owners. the failure mileage was 85,000. jo
10/26/201094794
 Tl-the contact owns a 2001 ford windstar. the contact received a recall notification under nhtsa campaign id number 10v385000(suspension:rear:axle:non-powered axle assembly). the vehicle was taken to the dealer where they advised the part was on a massive back order and would not be available until three months. the manufacturer provided a loaner vehicle during the repair; however, the owner was responsible for the sales tax incurred. the contact was displeased to know the extensive time period for the recall repair. the failure mileage was 94,794. js
08/10/2010120000
 Tl. the contact owns a 2001 ford windstorm. the contact has been waiting for the manufacturer to repair the vehicle under the recall for three months. the vehicle crashed into another vehicle due to the faulty rear axle. the driver suffer injuries due to the crash. the dealer discovered a crack in the axle and the dealer informed the contact to call the manufacturer. the manufacturer stated to the contact they will give her a call when they determine rather they will repair the vehicle or buy it back. the contact has been waiting three months for a decision for the manufacturer. the failure mileage was 120,000. jo
10/26/201094794
 Tl-the contact owns a 2001 ford windstar. the contact received a recall notification under nhtsa campaign id number 10v385000(suspension:rear:axle:non-powered axle assembly). the vehicle was taken to the dealer where they advised the part was on a massive back order and would not be available until three months. the manufacturer provided a loaner vehicle during the repair; however, the owner was responsible for the sales tax incurred. the contact was displeased to know the extensive time period for the recall repair. the failure mileage was 94,794. js
08/10/2010120000
 Tl. the contact owns a 2001 ford windstorm. the contact has been waiting for the manufacturer to repair the vehicle under the recall for three months. the vehicle crashed into another vehicle due to the faulty rear axle. the driver suffer injuries due to the crash. the dealer discovered a crack in the axle and the dealer informed the contact to call the manufacturer. the manufacturer stated to the contact they will give her a call when they determine rather they will repair the vehicle or buy it back. the contact has been waiting three months for a decision for the manufacturer. the failure mileage was 120,000. jo
10/26/201094794
 Tl-the contact owns a 2001 ford windstar. the contact received a recall notification under nhtsa campaign id number 10v385000(suspension:rear:axle:non-powered axle assembly). the vehicle was taken to the dealer where they advised the part was on a massive back order and would not be available until three months. the manufacturer provided a loaner vehicle during the repair; however, the owner was responsible for the sales tax incurred. the contact was displeased to know the extensive time period for the recall repair. the failure mileage was 94,794. js
08/10/2010120000
 Tl. the contact owns a 2001 ford windstorm. the contact has been waiting for the manufacturer to repair the vehicle under the recall for three months. the vehicle crashed into another vehicle due to the faulty rear axle. the driver suffer injuries due to the crash. the dealer discovered a crack in the axle and the dealer informed the contact to call the manufacturer. the manufacturer stated to the contact they will give her a call when they determine rather they will repair the vehicle or buy it back. the contact has been waiting three months for a decision for the manufacturer. the failure mileage was 120,000. jo
10/26/201094794
 Tl-the contact owns a 2001 ford windstar. the contact received a recall notification under nhtsa campaign id number 10v385000(suspension:rear:axle:non-powered axle assembly). the vehicle was taken to the dealer where they advised the part was on a massive back order and would not be available until three months. the manufacturer provided a loaner vehicle during the repair; however, the owner was responsible for the sales tax incurred. the contact was displeased to know the extensive time period for the recall repair. the failure mileage was 94,794. js
08/10/2010120000
 Tl. the contact owns a 2001 ford windstorm. the contact has been waiting for the manufacturer to repair the vehicle under the recall for three months. the vehicle crashed into another vehicle due to the faulty rear axle. the driver suffer injuries due to the crash. the dealer discovered a crack in the axle and the dealer informed the contact to call the manufacturer. the manufacturer stated to the contact they will give her a call when they determine rather they will repair the vehicle or buy it back. the contact has been waiting three months for a decision for the manufacturer. the failure mileage was 120,000. jo
10/26/201094794
 Tl-the contact owns a 2001 ford windstar. the contact received a recall notification under nhtsa campaign id number 10v385000(suspension:rear:axle:non-powered axle assembly). the vehicle was taken to the dealer where they advised the part was on a massive back order and would not be available until three months. the manufacturer provided a loaner vehicle during the repair; however, the owner was responsible for the sales tax incurred. the contact was displeased to know the extensive time period for the recall repair. the failure mileage was 94,794. js
08/10/2010120000
 Tl. the contact owns a 2001 ford windstorm. the contact has been waiting for the manufacturer to repair the vehicle under the recall for three months. the vehicle crashed into another vehicle due to the faulty rear axle. the driver suffer injuries due to the crash. the dealer discovered a crack in the axle and the dealer informed the contact to call the manufacturer. the manufacturer stated to the contact they will give her a call when they determine rather they will repair the vehicle or buy it back. the contact has been waiting three months for a decision for the manufacturer. the failure mileage was 120,000. jo
10/26/201066000
 My 2001 ford winstars rear axle craked in half yesterday 10-26-10 while i was driving. i received the recall from ford on 10-23-10. these vans need to taken off the road not just told to bring them in to get checked. this was extremely dangerous for me and i thank god my children were not in the van when this happened. i wonder how many people will have to dir before realizes hopw serious this problem is. the dealership has my van which they will keep until parts come which i;m being told is maybe sometime in january. ford has given me a rental that is a four passenger car which is must smaller than my 7 passenger, but i will have to deal with that. i hope the nhts can do more to get these vehicles off the road because this problem is only going to get worse before it gets better. maybe the top executives should put their families in a windstar when the axle cracks in half so they can understand the danger of this probelm.
09/29/2010
 Tl-the contact owns a 2001 ford windstar. the contact received a recall notification associated with the nhtsa campaign id number 10v385000 (suspension:rear:axle:non-powered axle assembly). the vehicle was taken to the dealer and they informed that the part was unavailable until march of 2011. the contact stated the dealer would provide a loaner vehicle at the manufacturer's expense; however, the owner would be responsible for the taxes on the loaner vehicle. also. the contact stated that the recall remedy was not being performed within a reasonable time period. there was no failure mileage. js
10/25/2010111000
 Tl-the contact owns a 2001 ford windstar. his vehicle was included in the recall associated with nhtsa campaign id number 10v385000, suspension:rear:axle:non-powered axle assembly. an authorized dealer was notified and he was informed the parts would not be available for approximately 5 months. the vehicle was not repaired. the failure and current mileages were 111,000. sm.
10/26/201066000
 My 2001 ford winstars rear axle craked in half yesterday 10-26-10 while i was driving. i received the recall from ford on 10-23-10. these vans need to taken off the road not just told to bring them in to get checked. this was extremely dangerous for me and i thank god my children were not in the van when this happened. i wonder how many people will have to dir before realizes hopw serious this problem is. the dealership has my van which they will keep until parts come which i;m being told is maybe sometime in january. ford has given me a rental that is a four passenger car which is must smaller than my 7 passenger, but i will have to deal with that. i hope the nhts can do more to get these vehicles off the road because this problem is only going to get worse before it gets better. maybe the top executives should put their families in a windstar when the axle cracks in half so they can understand the danger of this probelm.
09/29/2010
 Tl-the contact owns a 2001 ford windstar. the contact received a recall notification associated with the nhtsa campaign id number 10v385000 (suspension:rear:axle:non-powered axle assembly). the vehicle was taken to the dealer and they informed that the part was unavailable until march of 2011. the contact stated the dealer would provide a loaner vehicle at the manufacturer's expense; however, the owner would be responsible for the taxes on the loaner vehicle. also. the contact stated that the recall remedy was not being performed within a reasonable time period. there was no failure mileage. js
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!!!
10/25/2010111000
 Tl-the contact owns a 2001 ford windstar. his vehicle was included in the recall associated with nhtsa campaign id number 10v385000, suspension:rear:axle:non-powered axle assembly. an authorized dealer was notified and he was informed the parts would not be available for approximately 5 months. the vehicle was not repaired. the failure and current mileages were 111,000. sm.
10/26/201066000
 My 2001 ford winstars rear axle craked in half yesterday 10-26-10 while i was driving. i received the recall from ford on 10-23-10. these vans need to taken off the road not just told to bring them in to get checked. this was extremely dangerous for me and i thank god my children were not in the van when this happened. i wonder how many people will have to dir before realizes hopw serious this problem is. the dealership has my van which they will keep until parts come which i;m being told is maybe sometime in january. ford has given me a rental that is a four passenger car which is must smaller than my 7 passenger, but i will have to deal with that. i hope the nhts can do more to get these vehicles off the road because this problem is only going to get worse before it gets better. maybe the top executives should put their families in a windstar when the axle cracks in half so they can understand the danger of this probelm.
09/29/2010
 Tl-the contact owns a 2001 ford windstar. the contact received a recall notification associated with the nhtsa campaign id number 10v385000 (suspension:rear:axle:non-powered axle assembly). the vehicle was taken to the dealer and they informed that the part was unavailable until march of 2011. the contact stated the dealer would provide a loaner vehicle at the manufacturer's expense; however, the owner would be responsible for the taxes on the loaner vehicle. also. the contact stated that the recall remedy was not being performed within a reasonable time period. there was no failure mileage. js
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!!!
10/25/2010111000
 Tl-the contact owns a 2001 ford windstar. his vehicle was included in the recall associated with nhtsa campaign id number 10v385000, suspension:rear:axle:non-powered axle assembly. an authorized dealer was notified and he was informed the parts would not be available for approximately 5 months. the vehicle was not repaired. the failure and current mileages were 111,000. sm.
07/10/2010132000
 I own a 2001 ford windstar se. in july 2010 i noticed two cracks in the rear axle. manufacturer warranty has expired on this vehicle. i had the cracks repaired (welded).
09/29/2010
 Tl-the contact owns a 2001 ford windstar. the contact received a recall notification associated with the nhtsa campaign id number 10v385000 (suspension:rear:axle:non-powered axle assembly). the vehicle was taken to the dealer and they informed that the part was unavailable until march of 2011. the contact stated the dealer would provide a loaner vehicle at the manufacturer's expense; however, the owner would be responsible for the taxes on the loaner vehicle. also. the contact stated that the recall remedy was not being performed within a reasonable time period. there was no failure mileage. js
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!!!
10/25/2010111000
 Tl-the contact owns a 2001 ford windstar. his vehicle was included in the recall associated with nhtsa campaign id number 10v385000, suspension:rear:axle:non-powered axle assembly. an authorized dealer was notified and he was informed the parts would not be available for approximately 5 months. the vehicle was not repaired. the failure and current mileages were 111,000. sm.
07/10/2010132000
 I own a 2001 ford windstar se. in july 2010 i noticed two cracks in the rear axle. manufacturer warranty has expired on this vehicle. i had the cracks repaired (welded).
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!!!
10/25/2010111000
 Tl-the contact owns a 2001 ford windstar. his vehicle was included in the recall associated with nhtsa campaign id number 10v385000, suspension:rear:axle:non-powered axle assembly. an authorized dealer was notified and he was informed the parts would not be available for approximately 5 months. the vehicle was not repaired. the failure and current mileages were 111,000. sm.
07/10/2010132000
 I own a 2001 ford windstar se. in july 2010 i noticed two cracks in the rear axle. manufacturer warranty has expired on this vehicle. i had the cracks repaired (welded).
02/12/200990000
 My 2001 ford windstar has broken through 2 rear axles! also the interior lights blink on and off as i am driving and sometimes come on and stay on and while turned off will sometimes drain the battery and the headlights and hazzard lights will blink on and off and the horn will beep. also at times my power windows will not function.
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.
08/27/2010
 I drive a 2001 ford windstar and was relieved to find out ther has been a recall on the rear axle for this vehicle. i have been driving a ticking time bomb since may 2010 the tire pressure light came on the same day i drove the car off the lot and i have replaced four rear tires since. not until i had my mechanic come and lift the vehicle up to see why i could not control the vehile coming to work one morning did i realize the severity of the matter only after my 17 year old daughter was driving it the day before to run errands. scary how the life of my child could have been lost because of such negligence. the van now sits at my job and is undriveable, and i found out the state i live in is not under this recall. what exactly will it take to realize the windstar is a hazard. i will fight to get this state added to the recall list, do what i need to do, talk to whom ever will listen.
05/05/201010800
 Alex
07/13/2009164529
 2001 ford windstar vehicle seemed to have a suspension problem with a lot of bouncing. rear axle failure that needed replacement at 164000 miles. 7/13/09 $868.90 axle tube and hooks replaced.
08/28/2010157000
 I own a 2001 ford windstar lx i was driving down the expressway at 55mph when the rear of the van start to sway and pull eractically i pulled off the side of the expressway and found that the rear axle on my van had cracked in half
05/05/201010800
 Alex
07/13/2009164529
 2001 ford windstar vehicle seemed to have a suspension problem with a lot of bouncing. rear axle failure that needed replacement at 164000 miles. 7/13/09 $868.90 axle tube and hooks replaced.
08/28/2010157000
 I own a 2001 ford windstar lx i was driving down the expressway at 55mph when the rear of the van start to sway and pull eractically i pulled off the side of the expressway and found that the rear axle on my van had cracked in half
08/24/2010
 Own a 2001 ford windstar minivan . on tuesday, 8/24, i was driving from rhinebeck ny to yonkers, ny, mostly along the taconic parkway. this parkway has many potholes due to the grates sinking over the course of a year and it is very hard to avoid many of these grates because of their location along the right edge of the right lane. after driving along this route for a while (not sure how long) the van started to squeak on some turns and there was a smell of burning rubber that came and went. there were no problems managing the car or continuing to drive and there was no problem breaking. because of the late hour (we arrived home at 9 pm) i opted to keep moving to get home and not stop along the road. the squeaking was mostly when i made right turns - i could not tell when/or why the smell would return. upon returning home i pulled into the driveway and there was a sort of 'clunk' as i parked. next morning i went out to see the van and noticed the rear wheels were no longer parallel. i have multiple sclerosis so i did not get down to look at anything and there was no immediate need for car so waited for my husband to come home. he looked at the rear undercarriage and told me the axle was cracked. he was able to get it to a nearby mechanic who was surprised i was able to get home with it and asked about what i 'hit'. i did not hit anything except potholes and was not driving above legal limit of 55 mph (too dark and area known to have deer crossing so would not risk going over limit). it is currently in for repair now. also we have not had any accidents with this vehicle prior to this date and it has reasonably low mileage on it for its age.
05/05/201010800
 Alex
07/13/2009164529
 2001 ford windstar vehicle seemed to have a suspension problem with a lot of bouncing. rear axle failure that needed replacement at 164000 miles. 7/13/09 $868.90 axle tube and hooks replaced.
08/28/2010157000
 I own a 2001 ford windstar lx i was driving down the expressway at 55mph when the rear of the van start to sway and pull eractically i pulled off the side of the expressway and found that the rear axle on my van had cracked in half
08/24/2010
 Own a 2001 ford windstar minivan . on tuesday, 8/24, i was driving from rhinebeck ny to yonkers, ny, mostly along the taconic parkway. this parkway has many potholes due to the grates sinking over the course of a year and it is very hard to avoid many of these grates because of their location along the right edge of the right lane. after driving along this route for a while (not sure how long) the van started to squeak on some turns and there was a smell of burning rubber that came and went. there were no problems managing the car or continuing to drive and there was no problem breaking. because of the late hour (we arrived home at 9 pm) i opted to keep moving to get home and not stop along the road. the squeaking was mostly when i made right turns - i could not tell when/or why the smell would return. upon returning home i pulled into the driveway and there was a sort of 'clunk' as i parked. next morning i went out to see the van and noticed the rear wheels were no longer parallel. i have multiple sclerosis so i did not get down to look at anything and there was no immediate need for car so waited for my husband to come home. he looked at the rear undercarriage and told me the axle was cracked. he was able to get it to a nearby mechanic who was surprised i was able to get home with it and asked about what i 'hit'. i did not hit anything except potholes and was not driving above legal limit of 55 mph (too dark and area known to have deer crossing so would not risk going over limit). it is currently in for repair now. also we have not had any accidents with this vehicle prior to this date and it has reasonably low mileage on it for its age.
08/15/201091000
 2001 ford windstar rear axle failure. while driving at city speeds a loud clunking was noticed in the rear. no loss of control occured. the dealership confirmed a rear axle failure and recommends replacement. the vehicle is owned in a salt-belt state, has 91,000 miles and has been lightly driven and well-maintained.
05/05/201010800
 Alex
07/13/2009164529
 2001 ford windstar vehicle seemed to have a suspension problem with a lot of bouncing. rear axle failure that needed replacement at 164000 miles. 7/13/09 $868.90 axle tube and hooks replaced.
08/28/2010157000
 I own a 2001 ford windstar lx i was driving down the expressway at 55mph when the rear of the van start to sway and pull eractically i pulled off the side of the expressway and found that the rear axle on my van had cracked in half
08/24/2010
 Own a 2001 ford windstar minivan . on tuesday, 8/24, i was driving from rhinebeck ny to yonkers, ny, mostly along the taconic parkway. this parkway has many potholes due to the grates sinking over the course of a year and it is very hard to avoid many of these grates because of their location along the right edge of the right lane. after driving along this route for a while (not sure how long) the van started to squeak on some turns and there was a smell of burning rubber that came and went. there were no problems managing the car or continuing to drive and there was no problem breaking. because of the late hour (we arrived home at 9 pm) i opted to keep moving to get home and not stop along the road. the squeaking was mostly when i made right turns - i could not tell when/or why the smell would return. upon returning home i pulled into the driveway and there was a sort of 'clunk' as i parked. next morning i went out to see the van and noticed the rear wheels were no longer parallel. i have multiple sclerosis so i did not get down to look at anything and there was no immediate need for car so waited for my husband to come home. he looked at the rear undercarriage and told me the axle was cracked. he was able to get it to a nearby mechanic who was surprised i was able to get home with it and asked about what i 'hit'. i did not hit anything except potholes and was not driving above legal limit of 55 mph (too dark and area known to have deer crossing so would not risk going over limit). it is currently in for repair now. also we have not had any accidents with this vehicle prior to this date and it has reasonably low mileage on it for its age.
08/15/201091000
 2001 ford windstar rear axle failure. while driving at city speeds a loud clunking was noticed in the rear. no loss of control occured. the dealership confirmed a rear axle failure and recommends replacement. the vehicle is owned in a salt-belt state, has 91,000 miles and has been lightly driven and well-maintained.
08/21/201096360
 I went to run an errand & the van seemed to be handling strangely. it felt like the rear was jumping/shifting on normal pavement. i turned around (only .5 miles from home) & found the rear tires on my 2001 windstar caved inwards. i was able to safely make it the short distance back to my home & look underneath to see that the rear axle is split through (not completely, but badly). we have not yet had it towed to get an estimate for repair.
08/24/2010
 Own a 2001 ford windstar minivan . on tuesday, 8/24, i was driving from rhinebeck ny to yonkers, ny, mostly along the taconic parkway. this parkway has many potholes due to the grates sinking over the course of a year and it is very hard to avoid many of these grates because of their location along the right edge of the right lane. after driving along this route for a while (not sure how long) the van started to squeak on some turns and there was a smell of burning rubber that came and went. there were no problems managing the car or continuing to drive and there was no problem breaking. because of the late hour (we arrived home at 9 pm) i opted to keep moving to get home and not stop along the road. the squeaking was mostly when i made right turns - i could not tell when/or why the smell would return. upon returning home i pulled into the driveway and there was a sort of 'clunk' as i parked. next morning i went out to see the van and noticed the rear wheels were no longer parallel. i have multiple sclerosis so i did not get down to look at anything and there was no immediate need for car so waited for my husband to come home. he looked at the rear undercarriage and told me the axle was cracked. he was able to get it to a nearby mechanic who was surprised i was able to get home with it and asked about what i 'hit'. i did not hit anything except potholes and was not driving above legal limit of 55 mph (too dark and area known to have deer crossing so would not risk going over limit). it is currently in for repair now. also we have not had any accidents with this vehicle prior to this date and it has reasonably low mileage on it for its age.
08/15/201091000
 2001 ford windstar rear axle failure. while driving at city speeds a loud clunking was noticed in the rear. no loss of control occured. the dealership confirmed a rear axle failure and recommends replacement. the vehicle is owned in a salt-belt state, has 91,000 miles and has been lightly driven and well-maintained.
08/21/201096360
 I went to run an errand & the van seemed to be handling strangely. it felt like the rear was jumping/shifting on normal pavement. i turned around (only .5 miles from home) & found the rear tires on my 2001 windstar caved inwards. i was able to safely make it the short distance back to my home & look underneath to see that the rear axle is split through (not completely, but badly). we have not yet had it towed to get an estimate for repair.
08/15/201091000
 2001 ford windstar rear axle failure. while driving at city speeds a loud clunking was noticed in the rear. no loss of control occured. the dealership confirmed a rear axle failure and recommends replacement. the vehicle is owned in a salt-belt state, has 91,000 miles and has been lightly driven and well-maintained.
08/21/201096360
 I went to run an errand & the van seemed to be handling strangely. it felt like the rear was jumping/shifting on normal pavement. i turned around (only .5 miles from home) & found the rear tires on my 2001 windstar caved inwards. i was able to safely make it the short distance back to my home & look underneath to see that the rear axle is split through (not completely, but badly). we have not yet had it towed to get an estimate for repair.
08/18/2010160030
 I was driving my 2001 ford windstar lx minivan at approximately 60 mph on interstate 270 in madison county, illinois at approxiamtely 7:30 pm on wed. 8/18/2010 when the vehicle's back end started to shake uncontrollably. thinking it might be a blown tire, i immediately pulled over to see if i could find the problem. seeing how all tires were fine, i continued. when reaching speed of 35 mph, the vehicle began to violently shake again. i was able to exit the interstate and continue on my journey at a rate of speed that did not exceed 25 mph. was able to make it home (under 5 miles through minimal city traffic) as the vehicle did not shake due to slower speed. when i reached home, i checked underneath the vehicle and noticed a large crack in the rear axle near the center of the axle. when researching the internet on windstar axles, i discovered that other windstar owners have experienced the same problem due to the windstar's axle design. also while doing research, i have discovered that ford is knowledgable about the axle's defective design but has not evoked any action to correct the situation or has presented a recall. the 2001 ford windstar lx i own has 160,000 miles on it, but has not had any overwhelming mechanic failures on it except for air conditioning and minor electrical problems. the vehicle was recently taken to a local ford service center in alton, il on sat. 7/24/2010 for recall work, and even though the vehicle went through an inspection at the time, nothing was brought up about the axle showing signs of deteriation. the vehicle will go to a local mechanic tomorrow for an estimate. luckily, i will take it there myself because my life was at risk this evening due to the axle failure.
08/21/201096360
 I went to run an errand & the van seemed to be handling strangely. it felt like the rear was jumping/shifting on normal pavement. i turned around (only .5 miles from home) & found the rear tires on my 2001 windstar caved inwards. i was able to safely make it the short distance back to my home & look underneath to see that the rear axle is split through (not completely, but badly). we have not yet had it towed to get an estimate for repair.
08/18/2010160030
 I was driving my 2001 ford windstar lx minivan at approximately 60 mph on interstate 270 in madison county, illinois at approxiamtely 7:30 pm on wed. 8/18/2010 when the vehicle's back end started to shake uncontrollably. thinking it might be a blown tire, i immediately pulled over to see if i could find the problem. seeing how all tires were fine, i continued. when reaching speed of 35 mph, the vehicle began to violently shake again. i was able to exit the interstate and continue on my journey at a rate of speed that did not exceed 25 mph. was able to make it home (under 5 miles through minimal city traffic) as the vehicle did not shake due to slower speed. when i reached home, i checked underneath the vehicle and noticed a large crack in the rear axle near the center of the axle. when researching the internet on windstar axles, i discovered that other windstar owners have experienced the same problem due to the windstar's axle design. also while doing research, i have discovered that ford is knowledgable about the axle's defective design but has not evoked any action to correct the situation or has presented a recall. the 2001 ford windstar lx i own has 160,000 miles on it, but has not had any overwhelming mechanic failures on it except for air conditioning and minor electrical problems. the vehicle was recently taken to a local ford service center in alton, il on sat. 7/24/2010 for recall work, and even though the vehicle went through an inspection at the time, nothing was brought up about the axle showing signs of deteriation. the vehicle will go to a local mechanic tomorrow for an estimate. luckily, i will take it there myself because my life was at risk this evening due to the axle failure.
07/16/2010122000
 Tl-the contact owns a 2001 ford windstar. while driving at 45mph he hit a pothole and the rear axle broke. the vehicle was towed to a mechanic shop where it will be repaired. the dealer and manufacturer was not contacted. the failure mileage was 122,000.....mw
08/17/2010127320
 2001 ford windstar. rear axle catastrophically failed while driving down a freeway. metallic clicking occured while the car was driven in reverse the day before the catastrophic failure.
08/14/2010120000
 Tl. the contact owns a 2001 ford windstar. the contact stated while driving at 25 mph the contact heard a pop from the rear of the vehicle. when the contact got home the contact jacked up the vehicle and notice the rear axle has broken. the contact notice numerous complaints regarding the rear axle for this year make and model but their is no recall regarding the rear axle. the contact stated the manufacturer should issue a recall since they're numerous complaints from owners of the same year make and model regarding the axle. the failure mileage was 120,000. jo
08/15/2010115792
 Rear axle broke completely in half causeing the wheels to turn inward while approaching highway speeds. i was able to control the vehicle as it swayed form side to side and pull to the berm. i had the van towed home and haven't repaired it yet.
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.
08/18/2010160030
 I was driving my 2001 ford windstar lx minivan at approximately 60 mph on interstate 270 in madison county, illinois at approxiamtely 7:30 pm on wed. 8/18/2010 when the vehicle's back end started to shake uncontrollably. thinking it might be a blown tire, i immediately pulled over to see if i could find the problem. seeing how all tires were fine, i continued. when reaching speed of 35 mph, the vehicle began to violently shake again. i was able to exit the interstate and continue on my journey at a rate of speed that did not exceed 25 mph. was able to make it home (under 5 miles through minimal city traffic) as the vehicle did not shake due to slower speed. when i reached home, i checked underneath the vehicle and noticed a large crack in the rear axle near the center of the axle. when researching the internet on windstar axles, i discovered that other windstar owners have experienced the same problem due to the windstar's axle design. also while doing research, i have discovered that ford is knowledgable about the axle's defective design but has not evoked any action to correct the situation or has presented a recall. the 2001 ford windstar lx i own has 160,000 miles on it, but has not had any overwhelming mechanic failures on it except for air conditioning and minor electrical problems. the vehicle was recently taken to a local ford service center in alton, il on sat. 7/24/2010 for recall work, and even though the vehicle went through an inspection at the time, nothing was brought up about the axle showing signs of deteriation. the vehicle will go to a local mechanic tomorrow for an estimate. luckily, i will take it there myself because my life was at risk this evening due to the axle failure.
07/16/2010122000
 Tl-the contact owns a 2001 ford windstar. while driving at 45mph he hit a pothole and the rear axle broke. the vehicle was towed to a mechanic shop where it will be repaired. the dealer and manufacturer was not contacted. the failure mileage was 122,000.....mw
08/17/2010127320
 2001 ford windstar. rear axle catastrophically failed while driving down a freeway. metallic clicking occured while the car was driven in reverse the day before the catastrophic failure.
08/14/2010120000
 Tl. the contact owns a 2001 ford windstar. the contact stated while driving at 25 mph the contact heard a pop from the rear of the vehicle. when the contact got home the contact jacked up the vehicle and notice the rear axle has broken. the contact notice numerous complaints regarding the rear axle for this year make and model but their is no recall regarding the rear axle. the contact stated the manufacturer should issue a recall since they're numerous complaints from owners of the same year make and model regarding the axle. the failure mileage was 120,000. jo
08/15/2010115792
 Rear axle broke completely in half causeing the wheels to turn inward while approaching highway speeds. i was able to control the vehicle as it swayed form side to side and pull to the berm. i had the van towed home and haven't repaired it yet.
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.
08/18/2010160030
 I was driving my 2001 ford windstar lx minivan at approximately 60 mph on interstate 270 in madison county, illinois at approxiamtely 7:30 pm on wed. 8/18/2010 when the vehicle's back end started to shake uncontrollably. thinking it might be a blown tire, i immediately pulled over to see if i could find the problem. seeing how all tires were fine, i continued. when reaching speed of 35 mph, the vehicle began to violently shake again. i was able to exit the interstate and continue on my journey at a rate of speed that did not exceed 25 mph. was able to make it home (under 5 miles through minimal city traffic) as the vehicle did not shake due to slower speed. when i reached home, i checked underneath the vehicle and noticed a large crack in the rear axle near the center of the axle. when researching the internet on windstar axles, i discovered that other windstar owners have experienced the same problem due to the windstar's axle design. also while doing research, i have discovered that ford is knowledgable about the axle's defective design but has not evoked any action to correct the situation or has presented a recall. the 2001 ford windstar lx i own has 160,000 miles on it, but has not had any overwhelming mechanic failures on it except for air conditioning and minor electrical problems. the vehicle was recently taken to a local ford service center in alton, il on sat. 7/24/2010 for recall work, and even though the vehicle went through an inspection at the time, nothing was brought up about the axle showing signs of deteriation. the vehicle will go to a local mechanic tomorrow for an estimate. luckily, i will take it there myself because my life was at risk this evening due to the axle failure.
07/16/2010122000
 Tl-the contact owns a 2001 ford windstar. while driving at 45mph he hit a pothole and the rear axle broke. the vehicle was towed to a mechanic shop where it will be repaired. the dealer and manufacturer was not contacted. the failure mileage was 122,000.....mw
08/17/2010127320
 2001 ford windstar. rear axle catastrophically failed while driving down a freeway. metallic clicking occured while the car was driven in reverse the day before the catastrophic failure.
08/14/2010120000
 Tl. the contact owns a 2001 ford windstar. the contact stated while driving at 25 mph the contact heard a pop from the rear of the vehicle. when the contact got home the contact jacked up the vehicle and notice the rear axle has broken. the contact notice numerous complaints regarding the rear axle for this year make and model but their is no recall regarding the rear axle. the contact stated the manufacturer should issue a recall since they're numerous complaints from owners of the same year make and model regarding the axle. the failure mileage was 120,000. jo
08/15/2010115792
 Rear axle broke completely in half causeing the wheels to turn inward while approaching highway speeds. i was able to control the vehicle as it swayed form side to side and pull to the berm. i had the van towed home and haven't repaired it yet.
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.
08/13/201079000
 Tl-the contact owns a 2001 ford windstar. the contact took the vehicle to an authorized dealership and the dealer informed him that rear axle was cracked and not to drive it until it was repaired. the contact planned to have the axle repaired at the dealership. the contact called the manufacturer who offered no assistance as there was no official recall. the current and failure mileages were approximately 79,000-bk
07/16/2010122000
 Tl-the contact owns a 2001 ford windstar. while driving at 45mph he hit a pothole and the rear axle broke. the vehicle was towed to a mechanic shop where it will be repaired. the dealer and manufacturer was not contacted. the failure mileage was 122,000.....mw
08/17/2010127320
 2001 ford windstar. rear axle catastrophically failed while driving down a freeway. metallic clicking occured while the car was driven in reverse the day before the catastrophic failure.
08/14/2010120000
 Tl. the contact owns a 2001 ford windstar. the contact stated while driving at 25 mph the contact heard a pop from the rear of the vehicle. when the contact got home the contact jacked up the vehicle and notice the rear axle has broken. the contact notice numerous complaints regarding the rear axle for this year make and model but their is no recall regarding the rear axle. the contact stated the manufacturer should issue a recall since they're numerous complaints from owners of the same year make and model regarding the axle. the failure mileage was 120,000. jo
08/15/2010115792
 Rear axle broke completely in half causeing the wheels to turn inward while approaching highway speeds. i was able to control the vehicle as it swayed form side to side and pull to the berm. i had the van towed home and haven't repaired it yet.
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.
08/13/201079000
 Tl-the contact owns a 2001 ford windstar. the contact took the vehicle to an authorized dealership and the dealer informed him that rear axle was cracked and not to drive it until it was repaired. the contact planned to have the axle repaired at the dealership. the contact called the manufacturer who offered no assistance as there was no official recall. the current and failure mileages were approximately 79,000-bk
08/11/2010110000
 Tl- the contact owns a 2001 ford windstar. while shifting the vehicle into reverse the contact noticed a loud crunch sound coming from the rear of the vehicle, after examining the vehicle the contact noticed that the rear axle was cracked in half. the vehicle has not been diagnosed and there were no prior warnings. the current and failure mileages were 110000. the vin was not available. bml
06/28/2010124900
 While driving the van (2001 ford windstar) it began to handle erratically. this was an intermittent experience, but at times quite sever. after arriving home, i inspected under the vehicle for any odd drips, hanging parts, etc. when pushing on each wheel i noticed the right rear was canted inward. upon further look under the van, i could see a large crack under the right side axle. i have stopped driving as it is unsafe at this point. there is no rust, and was no warning of trouble, it simply appears to have failed. the crack is nearly complete with only about 1 inch near the front of the axle holding it together.
06/25/201075000
 I was driving my 2001 ford windstar when i noticed that the rear of my car seemed to be swerving. i was having difficulty being able to control the car. the tire pressure indicator came on so i assumed that i needed to inflate the tires. fortunately i made it home and after inspecting the tires came to find that my rear axle was almost completely broken apart. you can almost completely see through the axle and there is rust around the break. the tires were leaning inward toward the wheel well. i had to have a flat bed tow truck tow it to our mechanic. ford told us that this is not a known issue however i have found hundreds of complaints for the exact same issue for this vehicle. ford has told us that it will cost $497 for a new axle. our mechanic called around looking for a used part at junkyards and was told that they have been selling a lot of these for this same issue and an old part would run $400. so obviously this is a known issue that ford is not acknowledging. i can't believe that a recall has not occurred. i really hope that it doesn't have to take serious accidents possibly causing death for them to acknowledge it.
06/12/2010130000
 I heard a clunking noise for about a month my husband looked under vehicle and seen rear axle was broken in half. the van was towed and a used rear axle was put on. we do have old axle.
05/25/2010128279
 As i was driving home from work, the vehicle began to wobble from the rear, resembling a flat. i immediately pulled over to the side of the road. after having the vehicle towed to my home a few days later, i looked underneath and saw a deep fracture in the rear axle. i called a ford dealer and was told that there is no recall regarding this defect and if i had the vehicle brought in for repair that i will be charged.
06/17/2010116000
 Tl- the contact owns a 2001 ford windstar. the contact stated that the rear end of the vehicle makes a popping noise and speed does not seem to matter. the vehicle was taken to the dealer and they stated that the axle was cracked and needed to be replaced at the owners expense of approximately $800.00.the failure and current mileage is approximately 116,000. rd
06/10/2010106000
 The rear axle of my 2001 ford windstar has snapped in two pieces while riding at 45 mph. the van swayed violently but i was able to bring it to a safe stop. prior to axle snapping i heard and felt cracking mettalic sound from the rear of the vehicle. i investiagted this on the internet and found that have been numerouse incidents involving ford winstars and broken rear axles. i could not imagine what would happened if my family was in this vehicle at the time the rear axle snapped in two. the extra weight in the car may have caused the vehicle to go completely out of control and cause serious injury or death to my passengers and myself. i am wondring why the 2001 ford windstar has not been recalled to fix this very serious defect. this is a very expnsive repair and is a result of poor design and defects in manufactoring. please don't wait for a family to be killed in one of these vans before you recalled them. this a very real problem and the consequences could be deadly.
06/15/201093000
 Been driving my 2001 ford windstar. and the back started making noices and shifting. everytime i apply the brake or back up it makes the loudest sound. well after putting it up on the jack to look underneath the car. we noticed a crack about 8 inches long and continues around the bottom of the axel. estimate to repair is going to be over a $1000.00. there needs to be something done about this.
06/12/201098282
 This is on a 2001 ford windstar with less than 100,000 miles. it started when my wife was complaining about a rubbing noise in the rear that seemed to be worse on corners. i was driving the car during a light rain shower on a right curve at about 35 mph. the back of the car felt like it was about spin out on me. i backed off the gas and it felt better. the next day while driving it again i notice that there was tire squeal mostly on right turns. when i got home i could see that the top of the left rear tire was leaninng in. i could also see where the tire was rubbing on the inner wheel well. after removing both rear wheels and looking around i found the axle beam cracked almost all the way around. i have since found out that this is not uncommon in 2001 ford windstars, and probably other years of this model. we were planning on taking this vechicle on vacation duringthe july 4th weekend. i can't imagine what would have happenen if this broke all the way through at highway speeds with a load of lugggage and my family at highway speeds. i will not even drive this vechicle to turn it around in my driveway let alone take it on the road. i have not started to see what can be done to fix this because nothing is open today, but a tleast i can fix it myself if i can find the parts
12/30/2009100000
 2001 my ford windstar limited rear axle (non-driving) broke in half and the rear wheels were rubbing the wheel well. luckly while the vehicle was not driving well, i did not get in an accident. however, 5 miles earlier i was on the highway at highway speeds. the vehicle had to be towed and the part was available at the closest ford dealership to my location??? this was a $975.00 repair at the firestone dealer in canton, mi. i have the paperwork if you need the documentation.
05/25/2010120901
 Tl- the contact owns a 2001 ford windstar. the contact stated while driving at 35 mph the rear axle would make a strange noise. the contact notice the rear passenger side axle was broken. the contact took the vehicle to a dealer to have the axle replaced. the contact notice via the internet numerous complaints regarding the rear axle for this particular year make and model and feels the manufacturer should be responsible for the repair. the failure mileage was 120,901. jo
05/13/201064500
 2001 ford windstar se sport rear axle broke in half with no warning. fortunately, the car was coming to a stop at a traffic light, not at highway speeds, when a loud clunk was heard. managed to pull into a parking lot nearby, and the rear tires were tilted inward. the axle was snapped in half towards the driver's side. tow truck driver said hea has seen several of these tha past two years and doesn't know why a recall hasn't occurred. my ford dealer said this was the third one they saw.
06/03/201083383
 We had our 2001 ford windstar being checked by a garage before a long trip and were told our rear axle is cracked almost in half.
05/30/2010107000
 Rear axle on 2001 ford windstar ltd. broke in 2 pieces. vehicle is at mechanic who stated never saw anything like that before.
06/03/2010149000
 Tl- the contact owns a 2001 ford windstar. the contact stated that while traveling 35 mph the rear of the vehicle started to sway side to side. the contact took the vehicle to the dealer and was told the rear axel split in two. the dealer stated that they have had a lot of these vehicle come in with the same problem. the failure mileage and current mileage 149000.rl
06/01/201098797
 My 2001 ford windstar minivan was in for air conditioning service and a tune-up on june 1, 2010 and the vehicle was diagnosed with multiple cracks in the the rear axle. the mechanic issued a stern warning about driving the vehicle, especially at highway speeds because the axle was in danger of splitting and could cause loss of control. he indicated that it looked like the u-shaped axle design collected water and road salt and caused rust, which led to the cracks.
05/29/2010121481
 On may 29, 2010, my wife was drivng her 2001 ford windstar van at 55 mph on the highway when the rear axle suddenly cracked in two pieces. the broken end of the axle then began digging into the highway and caused a loss of control. luckily she was able to avoid concrete barriers and other vehicles of the construction area that she was in and ended up in the ditch. the rear tires went out of alignment and the tops of the tires were angled in causing them to rub against the wheel wells. we are still in the process of assessing the total damage caused by the rear axle failure.
05/29/201089426
 2001 ford windstar rear axle broke about 18 in from drivers side tire. my wife was pulling out of a parking lot when it happened.
05/16/2010110000
 My 2001 ford winstar was making an abnormal sound and 'swaying'. when i looked underneath, i saw a large crack in the rear axel. further inspection by my mechanic revealed approximately a 70-75% crack through the axel. i was told it could be replaced with either a new axel (on backorder from ford) or with one from the junkyard. i chose neither as i was concerned over the safety of my children.
05/05/2010662001
 2001 ford windstar mini van with about 80,000 miles. rear axel snapped in half while driving my kids to soccer. we were lucky that we were in a residential area close to home. it cost us close to $900 to fix. we have the old part which showed rust. mechanic said he had never seen anything like it and recommended we report it. we would like a recall and reimbursement for the repair. *tr
05/15/2010120000
 Tl*the contact owns a 2001 ford windstar. while turning at approximately 2 mph, the rear axle broke in half. the vehicle had not been inspected or repaired at the time of the complaint. the failure and current mileages were approximately 120,000.
05/22/2010
 Rear axle cracked
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.
02/26/2010614001
 2/26/2010: we discovered that the rear axle was cracked on our 2001 ford windstar. this axle might have cracked over 2 years ago based on the length and amount of rust. we had our vehicle serviced at ford at least twice a year while it was under warranty for 7 years or 70,000. our vehicle is at 61,400 miles now. if there was a crack we were not told. if this was discovered under warranty that would have been much safer and less expensive. the bill was $961.30 and only $252. was labor. we have maintained our vehicles pristinely with proper servicing this should not have happened. we believe that our family's lives were endangered as a result of this fracture/crack of the rear axle. *tr
05/05/2010113773
 I have a 2001 ford windstar that has the rear axle cracked almost completely through. i cannot drive the van because it's making a lot of creaking sounds as if the axle will break. i've contacted ford and have not gotten any response.
05/02/2010
 My van windstar 2001 rear axle broke during driving. ford asked what did we do to drive so poorly to cause this? gave us a price of $1,500.00 at least to repair.
05/17/2010148000
 2001 ford windstar rear axle broke in half
05/07/2010110842
 On may 7, 2010 my 2001 ford winstar the alxe broke on me coming from picking up the kids fome school causing a accident with the van filpping over two times
05/04/2010130000
 My husband was backing out of the driveway at work, when the tires were turned inward because of the break in the rear axle. after having it towed my husband bought a rear axle from another vehicle and replaced the broken one.
04/14/2010118000
 2001 ford windstar rear axle broke while driving down the road. 118k miles on the vehicle. no previous accidents. no warning signs the axle was about to break.
05/08/2010115000
 2001 ford windstar rear axle broke in half about 16 inches from left rear wheel. isn't it funny how there have been so many complaints about this issue for all model years of the windstar and no complaints with the freestar's rear axle. this is due to ford knowing that the axle on the windstar was faulty and re-designed the axle for the freestar. i don't know why people post a complaint on this site; because if there isn't a fire or a crash they could care less. i cannot believe that this isn't a safety issue that isn't worth looking into. i am so tired of these government agency that are in bed with the auto manufacturers. do your jobs and save some lives.
05/05/2010115000
 Tl* the contact owns a 2001 ford windstar. while driving at speeds of 25 mph, the rear axle broke in half. the vehicle was left at the scene of the incident and was not repaired. the failure and current mileages were 115,000.
04/28/2010124000
 2001 ford windstar rear axle beam about to break in half.
04/25/2010120000
 With no warning th rear axle of our 2001 ford windstar broke in half at 120,000 miles. there was smoke. the neighbor came running after us to tell us. many people have the same problem. we were lucky. will the next people be so lucky? this is a very dangerours problem. all 2000 & 2001 ford windstars should not be used untill this issue is taken care of.
04/22/2010130000
 Winstar 2001 broken down rear axel o rear complet suspencion, this part bronken in the left side .
04/10/2010120000
 A loud noise from the rear suspension while turning led me to look under the rear end and find the rear axel had a crack approximately half way through it in the center.
03/27/2010120000
 While driving at highway speeds the rear axle cross member on my 2001 ford windstart lx failed. nothing unusual occured prior to this in terms of driving or on the road. rear axle had to be replaced at cost of $1,300.
03/29/2010140000
 The car was making noise that i couldn't pin point. then it started feeling like it was swaying side to side intermittantly. then it felt like the car skipped or skiddded on a turn, i pulled into my driveway and the car bounced, lurched and jolted to a stop. i got out and looked and my rear tires looked like this / instead of | |. i did a google search for broken rear axle and it auto filled in windstart. this is the 4th problem i've had with this car. two of the others involved the abs system. one of those was finally recalled but only after i fixed it myself. i'm afraid that i will have to junk the car. it's unfair that i've had to poor so much into this car that i will never be able to recoup or be made whole. i just thank god nobody got hurt w/ this or the abs problem.
03/11/20101181571
 2001 ford windstar making noise in rear , when i looked under the van i saw the axle was broken in half !!! i am on the highway every day. *tr
03/08/20101150001
 While driving 65 mph in my 2001 ford windstar the rear axle snapped in half i hit the guard rail,blew the tires,and was extremely lucky not to be killed. i now find out it is an inherent problem that ford refuses to recognize. *tr
03/06/20102350001
 No events led up to this serious safety issue. we have owned a 2001 windstar lx with 235,000 miles on it. it has been plagued with numerous recalls even so far as having the front floor mats replaced. on march 6, 2010, after driving over two hours at freeway speeds (70 mph), we parked in a parking lot to watch a sporting event. when leaving and backing out of the parking spot, the rear axle broke in two pieces. after searching this issue on the web, i am finding this is not an isolated incident. there was no previous sound or indication that the axle was about to fail. in fact, the michelin rear tires on the vehicle have close to 100,000 miles on them. had we been on the road at 70 mph, this would have probably been a fatal accident for four people in the car, not to mention any car in the vicinity. currently i am waiting to see if i can get a used axle to replace. i will make sure that the old part is saved for further research. i'm sorry i do not have the vin number as the car is in ypsilanti, mi awaiting repair and i am in grand rapids, michigan which is about 2 hours away. i will gladly submit the vin number at a later date if i can be contacted about this matter. *tr
02/22/20101
 2001 ford windstar approximate mileage 122,000, broken rear axle, no accident no rust , just completely cracked, needed new rear axle installed. *tr
03/01/20101200001
 2001 ford windstar. rear axle snapped. *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
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
02/06/20101140001
 My 2001 windstar van had a slight shimmy when i would hit a pothole, which lasted for a few days. thought i needed an alignment. then just driving normally last saturday, 2-6-10, at approximately 30 mph, it felt like the bottom dropped out and my van stopped. luckily i wasn't going 65 mph on the expressway. my husband got out and looked underneath the van and the rear axle had broken in two. we had to have a flatbed tow it to our house. then a dealership sent out someone to pick it up for repairs and he had to tie a 2x4 to the axle to drive it into the trailer. it is still at the dealership. *cn
02/06/2010989911
 Rear axle on 2001 ford windstar van broke while driving *cn
02/04/20101380001
 1) no warning signs 2) 2001 ford windstar se the rear axle snapped while driving down the road and we lost control of the vehicle. 3) the dealer informed me that there are no problems with this issue. my mechanic (not a dealer) told me this is a known problem. *tr
02/01/20101250001
 Rear axle broke on a 2001 ford windstar with 125,000 miles. seems to be a defect that show up at this mileage. 12-18 inches in from the left (driver's) side. could be a rear safety issue on 1000's of these vans. *tr
12/13/2009120001
 2001 ford windstar- rear axle cracked in half by the driver's side tire. the abs light and brake lights kept coming on, we had brakes checked, then we heard noise like something rolling around in the back of the van. then we had the smell of rubber burning and my husband checked and notice the tires tilted in at the top . looking underneath he saw the axle cracked. in doing some research i notice many ford windstar owners with the same problem. i can't help but wonder if there has been accidents where this was the cause and it was written off as a result of the accident. *tr
12/20/20091180001
 2001 ford windstar, rear axle split in two. miles 118,000. *tr
06/15/20091200001
 The rear axle on my 2001 ford windstar broke in two about 8-12 inches inboard of where the trailing arm is welded to the assembly. i had the left side welded earlier for the same failure before it was bad six months earlier and this time it totally failed on the right side in exactly the same location. my car is the third windstar axle failure i know about in my town. *tr
09/08/20091428821
 I have just came home from vacation in az and my van the whole time on vacation was making this noise i didn't know what it was until we backed in our driveway and the driver side tire was cocked in at the top so my husband jacked the van up and the rear axle was snapped in half i have to say ford needs to pay for all the repairs!!!! i do have pic's of this i have to say that we have guardian angels watching over us to make it home this van was driven on vacation 5,200 miles thank god it didn't happen on the highway!!! my husband dose mechanics and he has seen this happen to other ford windstars and it breaks in the same spot on all of them ford needs to open there eyes and fix this problem before a family dies from ford windstar vans!!!!!!!!! *tr
09/15/20091090001
 Ford windstar 2001 rear axle broke on highway. van began to shake my wife pulled over and van had to be towed. *tr
09/16/20091235001
 I had been hearing a dull squeaky, clicking noise from the left rear of my van for approximately a month. i took my van to the mechanic on 8/31/09 and they told me i needed new tires, an alignment and some front end work. i told them again that the noise was coming from the back, so i wasn't sure why i needed front end work and not back. i paid $767.00. on 9/2/09 & 9/7/09, i took the van back because i was hearing the same noise. they test drove the car and didn't hear anything. they put the van on the lift, took the tires off and they couldn't find anything. the more i drove the van, the more i heard the noise. i noticed that the van would fish tale or shake more whenever i went over a bump. on 9/20/09 i took my van to a different mechanic to see if they could find anything wrong. i told them that it felt like i needed an alignment, although i had just had one on 8/31/09. the mechanic showed me that the top of the left rear tire was bent inward, causing the van to lean to one side. the mechanic put the van on the lift and showed me a crack so deep that if i had gone over one big pothole, my daughters and i could have been injured. i became infuriated at the place where i took my van initially, because i thought there was no way they could have missed that crack when they changed the tires. i took my van back to the initial mechanic. when they put the car on the lift, they said that they definitely would have noticed a crack that significant if it had been there before. i went on line and was amazed at the amount of cases i found that were very similar to mine. there is no way that all of these incidences are coincidences. the total amount to have it replaced was $836.00. i called the ford place and the person that i spoke with said that ford won't do a recall unless there are at least 2,000 complaints. i wonder how many have actually died in a 2001 ford windstar because the axle broke . unfortunately, they didn't live long enough to write a complaint. *tr
09/16/2009720001
 2001 ford windstar was making a bang in rear with right turn taking to the mechanics for yearly inspection and rear axle was cracked in half. this could have been real problem had it broke while being driven someone could have been seriously hurt or even killed. now waiting to get new part and how much it will cost to fix. *tr
07/20/20091310001
 My 2001 ford windstar's axle broke in half while doing 30 mph down a paved road. the vehicle has 131,000 miles and resides in chicago metro area so vehicle has been driven on paved roads with no utility purpose other than driving five kids around town. tow truck driver and 60 year old mechanic were astonished and mechanic stated axles are not suppose to break in half, ever !!!! *tr
06/26/2009790001
 I was driving my family home from a summer fest, as i was going over a fairly smooth railroad crossing i felt the van start handling strange. i pulled over and found the right rear wheel out of align. i carefully drove it home and went underneath to check it. to my surprise i found the axle beam cracked 3/4 of the way thru. there is no reason a beam of this size should crack like this unless there was a material or design fault in the van. i am the first owner of this van and it was never overloaded. at this point i am not sure what i am going to do to repair/replace the axle. after reading the dozens of complaints from other windstar owners (at least 15 from just the 2001 model year) i see this problem is not unique. *tr
04/01/2009920001
 Rear axle broken in our 2001 ford windstar. the vehicle has never been in a crash, has approximately 92,000 miles, and in overall good condition. the vehicle has never been driven hard or on rough terrain. there is no apparent reason for this malfunction. after conducting searches on the internet, we discovered this is a common problem with these vehicles, although ford is denying it is a defect. *tr
04/26/20091090001
 I was traveling down hwy 18 s/b near new brunswick, nj at approx. 45 mph when i heard and felt a loud boom from the rear of the vehicle. immediately after the noise i could hear a rubbing noise and see smoke (from the tire rubbing against the wheelwell). i pulled over to the shoulder, looked under the back of the van and could plainly see that the rear axle had snapped in half. i had the vehicle towed to my local mechanic who fixed the vehicle(replaced the rear axle). the tow truck operator advised me that he has towed 5-6 vans with the same problem and when the mechanic contacted the parts supply man, he was advised that the part was in stock because this is a common problem and the new part(axle) is manufactured to better specs so this does not happen again.(as opposed from getting a used axle from a junk yard). i have pictures if you need them. *tr
04/23/20091150001
 I was driving down the interstate going 55 mph in a construction zone. i was in front of a semi truck. i had my 3 young kids in the van. the van started feeling funny and i was looking for a safe place to pull off, when the rear axle snapped in 2 pieces. this caused my van to start to spin. we were almost hit by the semi and then we almost went off the road where i am afraid we probably would have rolled over. we ended up facing the wrong way in the passing lane which thankfully had construction barrels up so it was closed otherwise we would have probably been hit head on. the tow truck driver, the semi truck driver, the police officer, my husband and my father all said that they had never seen this before and that rear axles just don't snap that way. we now have to replace basically everything in the rear of my van. as we were doing research to price the replacement parts we found that there were many stories just like ours and that it had been reported to ford to no avail. mechanics are saying that the problem seems to be near the wheel where water can get in but can't get out so they are rusting from the inside out and snapping. so even after i replace my axle i still can't feel safe b/c they have not fixed the design flaw and apparently don't intend to. we could have been killed if the road was any different that day. i would hate to see another family not have the fortunate circumstances that we did that day and someone lose their life! please please please don't let ford let it get to that point!!! please make them recall this part so there will be a safer axle for my van and all the other ford windstars, these vehicles are used by families for their small kids. thank you for your time and consideration of my letter. *tr
04/10/20091120001
 Rear axle split on a 2001 ford windstar lx. at that point, the right rear tire was resting against its wheelwell and the car could not be driven. i was only driving 20mph when this occurred, but it could have been very dangerous at highway speeds. *tr
02/22/20091145001
 I have a 2001 ford wind star sel that had a cracked rear axle today. i was pulling out of my church parking lot and heard a little strange noise from the back. as i was driving the car started swaying in the back and when i pulled over i noticed that the rear axle had a crack in the middle and the tires were angled in because of it. thank god my family was not with me when i pulled out of the parking as the additional weight might have aggravated the problem and there have been a accident. i was quoted anywhere from 700-1000 dollars for the repair which will be done this week. i do not understand why a rear axle would break since i have a family of 3 kids and they are small so weight is not a problem and i also had my shocks replaced 1 year ago. this puts serious doubt in ford craftsmanship and wont be buying another ford again. *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
12/06/2008851001
 Rear axle broke into two pieces about one-third of the way from the driver's side of the vehicle. rear tires are running on the inside edge with the top inside edge of the tire being torn up by the body of the car. *tr handling was difficult for about a week including driving on hard packed and slippery snow. very hard to keep car traveling straight. backing out of the driveway and applying the brakes there was a sharp crack sound. about 10 miles later the axle snapped, the tires interfered with the wheel wells and the car stopped. had we been traveling faster or in more congested conditions this could have been serious. *tr
11/26/2008910001
 Rear axle failure . axle rotted through and disabled vehicle. *tr
07/19/200565000
 Tl*the contact owns a 2001 ford windstar. when the contact first purchased the vehicle, it shut off. the rings in the engine had to be replaced. she also heard a rumbling sound when the brake pedal was depressed. an auto repair shop stated that the brakes were operating normally; however, after much complaining, the contact had the front brakes replaced. the windshield wipers stopped working after a new windshield was installed. the vehicle was diagnosed and the motor was found to be the cause of the failure. the motor was replaced. a couple of months later, the vehicle began leaking antifreeze and was towed to a repair shop. the contact was informed that the fuel injection hoses were leaking. the leak was repaired. three weeks later, the vehicle would buck and shut off. she was informed that the catalytic converter was completely destroyed. lastly, the contact noticed an issue with the rear of the vehicle. it would fishtail or wobble while driving various speeds. the dealer stated that the vehicle was no longer included in the factory warranty. the manufacturer has not been notified. the current mileage was 74,056 and failure mileage was approximately 65,000.
10/24/2008956411
 My 2001 ford windstar had a squeaking noise in rear of vehicle .noticed over bumps or just rocking front to back. researched on internet and came across the same complaint about rear axle cracking and braking. inspected and found the axle cracked on the rear and half way around. had not cracked all 360 deg or else more damage and possibly injury could have happened. *tr
08/28/2008710001
 My 2001 ford windstar has a crack in the rear axle. i've read on the internet about several instances of this happening and the axle cracks in two pieces causing at least that the vehicle is not drivable. if this would happen even at moderate highway speeds there could be devastating consequences. so far i don;t see a recall for this defect from ford. the mileage of my ford windstar is 71,000 miles. it seems that the axle is rusted from the inside but my vehicle has been garage kept since it was first purchased. i believe this incident should be recalled for safeties sake. i think all windstars with this axle design should be recalled and have the axle replaced. *tr
11/04/2008958801
 Rear subframe axle assembly part #2f2z 4b435 aa broke in half causing loss of control of vehicle & loss of brakes. *tr
09/23/200859138104/20/2001
 Tl*the contact owns a 2001 ford windstar. whenever driving over a bump at various speeds, the contact noticed that the rear of the vehicle would sway from left to right. the vehicle was taken to a local repair shop and the mechanic stated that the rear axle cracked in half. prior to the failure, the contact heard a creaking noise coming from the rear of the vehicle. the current and failure mileages were 59,138. updated 11-19-08 *bf updated 11/20/08. *jb
10/19/2008148000
 Tl*the contact owns a 2001 ford windstar. while driving 40 mph, the contact drove over a bump in the road and suddenly the rear end of the vehicle fell to the ground. he did not notice any differences beforehand. the vehicle was taken to the dealer and they stated that the rear axle needed to be replaced. the current and failure mileages were 148,000. phone update on 10/28/08: ms. corby drove over a dip on the road and immediately heard a loud crack. the vehicle swerved and smoke came out from the driver side rear wheel area. she said that there was brake fluid on the ground and that the rear axle had severed. the left rear tire slanted a lot and the right rear tire slanted less. no prior warning. she had four children in the van at that time. she drove over that road thousands of times and never had a problem.
10/07/2008120000
 Tl*the contact owns a 2001 ford windstar. the contact stated that the vehicle would make cracking noises while attempting to make a left or right turn. while undergoing a scheduled oil change, an independent mechanic found a huge crack in the rear axle. the manufacturer was called and instructed him to bring the vehicle to the dealer for inspection. the vehicle has not been repaired. the failure and current mileages were 120,000.
09/13/2008900001
 Several weeks prior to september 13, 2008, we began hearing an intermittent creaking noise at the rear of the vehicle as our 2001 ford windstar would go over bumps at a slow speed (best example is driving over the curb leading up our driveway). on friday september 12th, while heading on a 45 minute trip to our weekend home with my wife and 2 young sons, i commented to my wife that i was planning on taking the vehicle in the following monday for an inspection. on saturday the 13th, while enroute to a restaurant, we heard a whistling noise. we got out and discovered both rear wheels were leaning in at the top. we hobbled the car back and upon inspection the following day discovered that the rear axle was nearly severed in two. it appeared that it had rusted out from the inside. keep in mind that the vehicle is only a 2001 and is nearly rust free everywhere else save for a few telltale signs os beginning rust in the usually spots (wheel wells). given that the outside of the axle is rust free, i'm not sure how i would have detected it (or even expected it to happen in 7-year old vehicle) except for the creaking noise. i'm thankful that the axle did not fail while on the highway or while my wife was using the vehicle (she uses it daily to go to work and transport our kids to school). i did note that there were 6 other identical complaints on carcomplaints.com. i do not have the car in the shop yet - arranging for repairs is today's' task. given the comments i've seen online in the aforementioned complaints it does not appear that 1.) ford has anything to say about the incidents and 2.) mechanics can't believe that a non-serviceable part like this would fail on a 2001 vehicle. *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
05/20/20081380001
 I was pulling my van into a parking spot at my doctor's office. all of a sudden, there was a loud boom sound. the van felt like it dropped down closer to the cement. i noticed the brake fault light on the dash came on. i immediately put the car into park and turned the ignition off. i got out of van and both of the rear wheels were pointed in at the top of the tire. the rear axle had broke completely in two right in the middle. thank god my twelve year old wasn't with me and we weren't going 55 mph down the road. i've looked this up on-line and it seems to be a problem with ford windstar's. i question why there hasn't been any publications on this problem. this will cause a serious or catastrophic injury. *tr
04/11/200870000112/01/2001
 Tl*the contact owns a 2001 ford windstar. while driving approximately 45 mph, the contact heard a loud banging sound along with a burning smell. the steering became very difficult to maneuver, but she was able to safely pull off the road. the contact noticed that the rear axle had completely failed. the vehicle was towed to the dealer and they verified that the axle failed. the vehicle has not been repaired because the contact is waiting on a response from the manufacturer. she has pictures of the failed component. the failure and current mileages were 70,000. updated 6/16/08 *cn updated
03/11/200871127105/15/2001
 Broken axel beam. *tr
11/19/200443000103/01/2003
 Vehicle's back end swayed left and right, making it difficult to maintain control. the cause was undetermined. *ak the consumer stated that the rear control arm broke while driving. the bolt was replaced and a rattling noise was heard coming from the rear of the vehicle. the lower rear tight side bolt was no good. the conusmer stated that the engine light was on. tests found vacuum leaking from the intake manifold. lower and upper intake manifold gaskets were replaced. idle speed control was replaced. the brakes squeaked . when taking off from a stop light the vehicle idles high. *tc
SUSPENSION - REAR - AXLE - NON-POWERED AXLE ASSEMBLY
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 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
10/24/2010
 Tl*the contact owns a 2001 ford windstar. the contact received recall notice 10v385000 (suspension:rear:axle:non-powered axle assembly) in october 2010. as of march 2011, the vehicle had been in the dealers possession waiting to be repaired. the contact stated that six months was too long to wait for a recall repair. the manufacturer could not tell him when the parts would be available. there are no failures at this time.
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
01/01/20111
 2001 ford windstar. consumer states that she received a recall for the vehicle and was told the parts weren't available. she states the vehicle has been sitting at the dealer while she is paying for insurance and can't drive it. *kb axle recall # 10v385000. *jb
01/16/200868200112/19/2001
 Tl*the contact owns a 2001 ford windstar. while driving between 5-10 mph, the vehicle dropped and came to a stop. the contact noticed that both rear wheels were folded inward. the vehicle was towed to the mechanic and they stated that the rear axle snapped due to a defective part. the part was not rusted. the mechanic replaced the rear axle. the current and failure mileages were 68,200. updated 07/15/08 *bf updated 07/15/08
12/01/200790000105/20/2001
 The rear axle on my 2001 ford winstar cracked and broke. this is a safety issue and engineering defect and should be corrected by ford and the dealer. *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
SUSPENSION - REAR - AXLE - SPINDLE
11/21/2009103000
 Tl* the contact owns a 2001 ford windstar. when attempting to make a turn into her drive-way at 40 mph, smoke began emanating from the rear of the vehicle. upon further inspection she noticed that the axle had fractured, and that the tires were tilted. the dealer was notified, but no assistance was provided. no repairs have been made. the failure and current mileage was 103000.
03/12/2008711041
 Broken rear axle beam. *tr
SUSPENSION - REAR - SHOCK ABSORBER
30001
 Rear shock absorbers failed with only 3,000 miles on vehicle.*ak
10/16/2001
 Both rear shocks have broken while traveling at highway speed of 65-70 mph. dealer was notified. feel free to provide any further details on this matter.*ak

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