Tl*the contact owns a 1998 ford windstar. The contact stated that while in reverse, the contact heard a loud sound from underneath the vehicle. Upon inspection, the contact noticed that the rear axle fractured and caused the rear tires to bend outward. The manufacturer stated the VIN was not included in the federal safety agency campaign I.d. Number 12v195000 (suspension). The failure mileage was 180,000. Updated 10/22/13 *cn updated 10/25/2013
1998 Ford Windstar suspension complaints
Page 2 of 9: complaints 11 to 40 of 228, newest first, as owners wrote them.
November 2010 my vehicle was serviced for a recall which 2 reinforcement brackets were placed on the rear axle. The recall was for rear axles that were cracked or broken. Mine was not replaced just reinforced. On 4-9-13 my rear axle cracked, and I can no longer drive the van. Upon calling ford and speaking with customer service, I was informed they did their part by placing brackets in 2010 and even though the axle cracked anyway it is now at my cost. Thankfully this did not happen while I was driving with my children, but I am very upset ford knows this is a problem with the rear axle, and chose to place brackets that did not "fix" the problem.
After it was put into reverse and I went to park there was a loud noise and I couldn't move the van. Got out and look at it and saw it was the rear axel completely broken.
Tl* the contact owns a 1998 ford windstar. The contact stated that while performing a routine maintenance check up on the vehicle, the dealer found the middle of the rear axle was cracked due to corrosion nd rust. The vehicle was repaired by having the rear axle replaced. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure. The contact referenced the federal safety agency campaign id number: 10v385000 (suspension: rear: axle: non-powered axle assembly) however the VIN was not included under the recall. The current and failure mileage was 130,139.
Rear axle beam crack.
Tl* the contact owns a 1998 ford windstar. The contact stated that after having repairs performed on the vehicle under the federal safety agency campaign id number: 10v385000 (suspension:rear:axle:non-powered axle assembly), the vehicle would start jerking violently from the rear to the front when driving at speeds above 60 MPH. The vehicle was taken to the dealer who diagnosed that the ball joints, bushing, intake gaskets, spark plugs, and lower controls arms needed to be replaced. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure who did not offer any assistance since the recall repairs were already performed. The vehicle was repaired at the contact's expense. The failure mileage was 126,131 and the current mileage was 127,000.
Front sub frame completely rusted out. Ford has sub frame recall for the 1999-2003 but not the 1998.
Tl* the contact owns a 1998 ford windstar. The contact stated that while driving 20 MPH, she heard a loud clunking noise. After inspecting the vehicle, the contact noticed that the rear driver side axle was fractured in half. The vehicle was taken to a local mechanic who verified the failure but was unable to determine the cause of the failure. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The vehicle was repaired. The failure and the current mileage was 100,000.
I went to ford dealership in dec 09 received inspection on recall # o9s09 and 09so9h only. Now here in feb. 2012 the same problems with suspension,right front tire wheel makes alto of noise power steering fluid is leaking strange noise is heard when making right turns,ford said my vehicle has had all service it is due . I believe they are wrong all the same problems the recalls reported are my problems I have paper work providing they only ran test on recall #o9s09 and 09s09h my car is in serious weather conditions here in illinois.under the original owner ford stated they are not responsible for any further repair. Ford dealership roberts motors 4350 alby alton il 62002.
While driving my 1998 windstar @ 45mph, I lost total steering control of my vehicle and my vehicle veered into the oncoming lane of a two lane highway. I was able to regain control after turning the steering wheel approx 360 degrees to the right and managed to stop safely. After further investigation, it was found that the drivers side lower control arm bracket that is welded to the subframe broke away from the subframe due to a rusted out subframe. I've owned this vehicle for the past 8 years and never received any information from ford regarding this safety issue as noted in the 1999-2003 ford windstar recall which has the same issue as my vehicle. Although ford is not going to honor a subframe recall for my year vehicle, ford should at least send a notification letter to inform owners of this dangerous issue. Both my wife and kids drive this vehicle, but had I at least known there was a dangerous issue with this vehicle, I would have parked it.
While driving on the highway at 60mph, I lost control of my vehicle and it started to fishtail and swerve into the next lane as I tried to regain control it spun around and flipped over upside down on top of the guard rail and landed facing traffic. I received minor injuries and my three children were not injured. I was informed that the rear axle snapped in half on my vehicle and that there is a recall on this part. I never received a notice in regards to this.
Tl* the contact owns a 1998 ford windstar. The contact stated that the vehicle taken to a local mechanic for inspection of the sub frame when the contact was advised that the sub frame was severely corroded and that the vehicle was unsafe to drive. The contact stated that the brake lines were also found to be corroded. The brake lines were replaced. The manufacturer was notified of the sub frame failure and denied any assistance with the repair. The sub frame was not repaired. The failure and the current mileage was 114,000. The tie rods, front wheel bearings and battery had to be replaced within one year of owning the vehicle. The wheel cylinders, brake adjusters, spring kit, drums, rotors, shoes, and pads all had to be replaced. Also, the turn signal level stopped working for the left side. When the brake was applied, it went to the floor and then pulsated back up, and then the ABS light illuminated. Updated 02/01/12
Tl* the contact owns a 1998 ford windstar. While driving approximately 40 MPH, the contact heard a loud clanking noise outside the vehicle and immediately the vehicle was driven to the side of the road. The contact noticed the rear axle was completely fractured. The vehicle was towed to an independent mechanic for diagnosis and the technician advised him there was a recall associated with the federal safety agency campaign id number 10v385000 (suspension:rear:axle:non-powered axle assembly). The vehicle was then towed to an authorized dealer who stated the vehicle was ineligible for the recall repair due to the date range mentioned in the recall summary. The manufacturer was made aware of the problem. The vehicle was not repaired. The approximate failure mileage was 194,000.
The vehicle was taken to the dealership for a leaking hose. While being inspected the ford mechanic found that the driver side front subframe was almost completely rusted through. The dealership stated the vehicle was unsafe and would not repair it. There is a recall on 1999-2003 windstars for this reason. The 1998 and earlier are not included as the subframe on the 1999-2003 is "tubular" and the 1998 and older is "stamped". While the construction is different, the problem seems to be the same as I was advised by the ford mechanic that the stamped subframe rusts out frequently too. My father-in-law was the original owner of this vehicle and he willed it to me upon his death. The vehicle has been well maintained and always been an "indiana" vehicle. The subframe on the other side is fine and still has paint on it.
Upon inspection of vehicle for inspection, it was determind vehicle was unsafe to drive because of badly corroded subframe on passenger side of vehicle. Also, coil spring on passenger side was broken posing a driving hazard. Vehicle has approximately 80,000 miles.
Windstar subframe is completely corroded and unsafe. This is caused by roadsalt, nothing I did. Ford refuses to cover this as a recall. Vehicle is completely unsafe to drive, and ford won't stand behind it.
Was informed that sub-frame (also called engine cradle) is rusting away on my van. After looking online, it seems this is a common issue among these vans, which is caused by the use of inferior steel and an AC line running over the sub-frame. My engine can now literally fall out unless I pay out-of-pocket to replace this. I know the federal safety agency has an investigation into this, but I can't wait months for a recall while my family uses this vehicle daily! Please recall this promptly, many people are paying thousand for out-of-pocket repairs on an issue ford should have to cover.
Tl* the contact owns a 1998 ford windstar. The contact stated that the rear axle fractured in half while driving 5 MPH. The vehicle exhibited an abnormally loud noise as the contact merged the vehicle to the shoulder. The vehicle was towed to a mechanic where they inspected the failure and informed her that the axle was fractured and the vehicle was not drivable. The manufacturer was contacted and informed her they would contact her at a later date. The failure mileage was 150,000.
Tl* the contact owns a 1998 ford windstar. The contact stated that while driving over a speed bump, the rear axle broke in half. The vehicle was towed to a dealer, who inspected the vehicle and determiend that the rear axle broke due to corrosion. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure and informed the contact that the vehicle was not included in the federal safety agency campaign id number 10v385000 (suspension:rear:axle:non-powered axle assembly). The vehicle was not repaired. The failure and the current mileages were 216,000.
Tl* the contact owns a 1998 ford windstar. The contact stated that controlling the vehicle would often become difficult. The vehicle was taken to the dealer for inspection where the contact was advised that the front passenger side axle shaft needed to be replaced. The contact believed the failure was a manufacturing defect. The failure and current mileage was 155,500.
Popping in front end when turning or hitting bumps. The popping sound was often. Had new tires put on, and when I took it in to have front end aligned. Ford tech. Said front springs were broke. Was an est. Of $1200.00 on it can't afford. This was 5/20/2011. Contacted mfr about the recall that was issued on this part 7/12/2001. Was told there was nothing they could do, because of a time limit. How can they put a time limit on safety & peoples lives because the springs are broken,they can puncture the tires and cause an accident. Now we are without transportation. And my son is disabled and has numerous dr. Appts. Miles away. But my hands are tied. The mfr. Did advise to have another recall checked out which is the speed control because it can catch fire. When I asked why, you just told me it was unsafe to drive.he advised it could catch fire just setting in the drive not running. I was not notified of either one of these recalls by mail or other wise until I called to complain about the front coil springs. How does these billion dollar company's keep getting by with negligence? There are lots of recalls on this vehicle. Please help!
Tl* the contact owns a 1998 ford windstar. The contact was driving 5 MPH in a parking lot when the vehicle exhibited a loud noise and was not drivable. The vehicle was towed to the dealer who diagnosed that the front axle fractured as a result of corrosion. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure who did not offer any assistance since the vehicle was not included in any recalls. The vehicle was not repaired. The failure and current mileage was 100,000.
Tl* the contact owns a 1998 ford windstar. The contact stated the vehicle was being inspected by an independent repair shop when she was informed that the engine cross member and sub frame were severely corroded and cracked. The vehicle was then taken to an authorized dealer where the contact was informed that the vehicle was not included in the recall associated with the federal safety agency campaign id number 10v385000 (suspension:rear:axle:non-powered axle assembly). The vehicle was not repaired. The failure and current mileages were 52,560.
1998 ford windstar gl. Consumer writes in regards to being unsuccessful in reaching a fair and equitable settlement on his claim for the damage as per recall to the automobile *tgw the consumer stated the settlement ford offered of $2000 was unacceptable as the vehicle is a handicapped accessible van, with handicap equipment.
1998 ford windstar mini van rear axle broke ...vehicle was state inspected two months previous and passed without issue .. Noticed a vibration in rear area .. Replaced shocks thinking that was culprit .. Issue got worse ... Less then 700 miles after completed passed state inspection axle broke allowing rear tires to rub inner wheel well .. Van became uncontrollable at 55 MPH ... Was lucky to get it slowed down to 25 and limped into my driveway .. I was sole occupation when this happened .. Looked underneath and found issue. Went online and found recall notice for vehicles of this year for salt use areas .. These included west virginia .. 8 miles from where I live ... Maryland .. 12 miles from where I live and the district of columbia .. 50 miles from where I live .. But virginia was not covered ... Even though this area uses salt as a regular ice and snow removal tool. The axle failure was close to causing a complete loss of control of the vehicle .. I was lucky to be on a dual highway driving the speed limit with no other vehicles in my vicinity .. The van weaved several times back and forth across the road before I got slowed up and under control .. The axle breaking could have easily have caused a serious accident.
Tl* the contact owns a 1998 ford windstar. The vehicle was taken to the dealer for repairs under the federal safety agency campaign id number: 01v199000 (suspension: front:springs: coil springs). The technician stated that they heated and sprayed penetrating oil onto the sway bar in order to remove the bar to complete the recall but they were unsuccessful in doing so. The technician stated that the sway bar links would need to be cut out in order to perform the recall repairs and the removal costs of the sway bar links would not be covered under the recall. The manufacturer was contacted and stated they could not override the decision made by the dealer and provide no assistance because the part was not covered under warranty or the recall. The vehicle was repaired at the contacts expense. The approximate failure mileage was 150,000.
Tl* the contact owns a 1998 ford windstar wagon. The contact stated that the rear axle was corroded and fractured in half. The contact referenced the federal safety agency campaign id number: 10v385000 (suspension: rear:axle:non-powered axle assembly) but was advised by the dealer that the vehicle was not included in the recall. The vehicle was not repaired. The current and failure mileage was 136,000.
Took vehicle in to a mechanic for repair work. When mechanic placed the vehicle on the lift, he noted that the subframe that cradles the engine and transmission and serves as the attachment point for the front suspension was extremely rusted. The corrosion has caused large and numerous holes in the subframe. He stated that the vehicle is unsafe to drive in its current condition and would not work on the vehicle because it was unsafe. He stated that the engine could actually fall though the subframe, or the subframe could brake at the suspension connection points causing loss of control of the vehicle.
Tl*the contact owns a 1998 ford windstar. The contact noticed that the right rear wheel was sinking into the wheel well. The contact lifted the vehicle and saw that the rear axle was cracked. The contact tried to weld the axle together and was informed that there was a recall on the rear axle. The contact spoke with the manufacturer and was told that the vehicle was not included in the federal safety agency campaign id number: 10v385000 (suspension: rear: axle: non-powered axle assembly). The failure mileage and current mileage was 201,000.
1998 ford windstar. Consumer writes in regards to several recent recalls and states she has had problems with jerking and tire ware *tgw the consumer stated the rear axle wa inspected and no problems were found. However, she continued to experience problems.
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