Engine cradle rusted and broke apart.
1999 Ford Windstar body complaints
Page 8 of 10: complaints 191 to 220 of 275, newest first, as owners wrote them.
While driving my 1999 ford windstar, I heard a thump coming from the passenger side front end. I then felt the steering wheel go from the 12 o'clock position to the 3 o'clock position. I stopped the minivan and got out to inspect the under carriage. I found that the subframe on the right passenger side rusted through a few inches from where it bolts to the vehicle. The vehicle s no longer safe and is currently at the repair shop being inspected. I was told by the technician that he has never seen a subframe rust through as it did. The vehicle has one owner and is well maintained. Pictures available at request.
Tl*the contact owns a 1999 ford windstar. While driving 30 MPH, the subframe suddenly failed, which caused the axle to pull out of the transmission. The vehicle was taken to a local mechanic and they stated that the subframe needed to be replaced. The contact did not notice any differences beforehand. The current and failure mileages were 104,000.
Tl*the contact owns a 1999 ford windstar. While driving approximately 45 MPH, the vehicle began pulling to the right. The contact heard a noise and the steering wheel was not centered. There were no warning indicators illuminated on the instrument panel. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic, who stated that the failure was related to the main engine cradle assembly. The vehicle was repaired. The contact was concerned of the safety risk involved. The failure mileage was 125,000 and current mileage was 129,000. Updated 11/17/08 *cn updated 11/21/08.
I was recently driving with my son in a 1999 windstar when the lower control arm housing broke away from the frame. The car was completely uncontrollable and we went all over the road. If anyone had been coming the other way we would have had a serious accident. Every mechanic who has looked at the broken housing said that they had never seen this happen before, even on much older vehicles, and that it shouldn't have happened. Most of the mechanics I have spoken to feel that a faulty weld caused this structure failure, and that it cannot be repaired without installing an entire new sub-frame. The ford dealer who sold me the van, and the ford customer service center at the ford headquarters, said that considering the age of the vehicle, the problem was probably from rust. In addition, I was told that since there has not been a recall for such a defect on the 1999 windstar, that this is my problem. In my opinion, I interpret this to mean that ford considers it acceptable for the structure of their products to have a usable life of less than 10 years. If that is the case, think of how many of our lives are at stake on a daily basis because of 9 + year old fords on the roads. My wife is driving a 2002 ford taurus. Is my family safe in it? This problem had nothing to do with a lack of maintenance on my part. There was nothing I could have done to prevent this. So who is at fault? I have photos which show the break, and can send them to you if you would like to see them. Also, I still have the windstar sitting in my yard, so if you need to inspect the structure failure, you can do so. *tr updated and added pictures on 07/23/08.
The front sub frame dropped down due to rust at the rear attaching points. This caused a loss of steering. The vehicle is a 1999 ford windstar van. I called ford motor company & they said there was nothing they could do, that there is no warranty or recalls for this problem. It seems that this is a serious safety issue. Although there was no accident or injuries, it could very well have caused a serious accident.
Tl*the contact owns a 1999 ford windstar. While driving approximately 50 MPH, the rear frame spontaneously failed, nearly causing the contact to lose control of the vehicle. As a consequence, the tie rods failed and the tires are now facing inward. The contact inspected the vehicle and noticed that the rear frame was excessively rusted. The manufacturer acknowledged that there was a failure with excessive rusting of the rear frame. However, because there was no recall, they would not assume responsibility for repairing the vehicle. The vehicle has not been repaired. The contact has pictures of the failed component. The failure and current mileages were 140,000.
Started hearing a funny noise (rubbing or squeaking) on the passenger side of vehicle (1999 ford windstar). Mechanic showed me where the sub-frame has rusted and spit apart. The front end of the car is literally separating from the back end. He said he has never seen this happen and recommended that I call ford. Ford was no help at all. Said "sorry", but there was nothing they could do. Made no effort whatsoever to fix this safety issue. There was no accident with this, but there definitely would have been if I continued driving this.
1999 ford windstar van both ends of the engine cradle rotted away causing it failed inspection and calling for the entire assy. To be replaced. The estimate for the part and labor almost $1,000.00. This part is a very major part of the vehicles under structure and should never rot like this. When and if one or the other, or both should break off the entire weight of the engine will cause it to drop onto the pavement possibly causing a crash.
1999 ford windstar - frame near passenger-side front axle is rusted out. Driver's side not effected.
Frame rust
Without warning, while stopped at an intersection there was a clunk from the front passenger side of the van. When moving off from a stop, the steering wheel was suddenly 2"-3" off of center, down to the right. Drove home and parked the van. Mechanic came to inspect and found the subframe assembly holding the engine and transmission had failed, it had cracked through and no longer held the weight of the engine and transmission. He recommended not driving the vehicle due to the danger of the opposite side failing and causing major damage, extreme repairs and possible injury if occurring at highway speeds or less. The dealer only cautioned against possible exhaust system damage if the other side failed. This was not bolts or nuts rusting, the main subframe assembly developed a crack and separated. I am having the vehicle repaired, estimated cost $1200 - $1400 depending on the difficulty of removing the assembly's bolts. I have never seen this part fail on a vehicle. 2 different mechanics attest to this. I have seen vehicle frames in junkyards 20 years old still intact. I do not believe that this part of a vehicle that is driven on paved roads only should ever fail in average use. I will save the part if you desire. I believe ford should pay for this repair. There are several complaints on your website and on www.mycarstats.com.
I purchased a 1999 ford windstar a few months ago. I have had nothing but problems with it. In fact, I have spent more than half of what I paid for the vehicle in repairs in only 2 months. The reason for my complaint is that the most recent repairs have involved items that I feel are extreme safety concerns. 1- the power doors on my vehicle to not lock/unlock properly, making it unable to open the sliding doors. This was looked at by the ford mechanic today. I was told that the door latches were bad and were "burning up" the door lock actuators. I'm not sure if this is the reason, but also lately, my door ajar light comes on my dash and the interior lights are coming on intermittently while driving. I have 3 children, two of them in car seats and unable to get them selves out of a car. I am concerned that if something were to happen such as an accident or an emergency situation that I would not be able to get my children out of the vehicle. I am paying to have this repaired at the tune of around $1,000.00 which I think is a real rip off, due to fords poorly manufactured vehicle. 2. My brake light stopped working on the left side of my van. I changed the bulb and tested it, and did not fix the problem. I then noticed that my rear tail light is now not working. I had this checked out by the mechanic today, and was told it is the rear electronic control module which is going to cost me nearly $600 to fix. I'm not sure what would cause such a thing to fail, but this is definitely a safety concern, where lights come into play. I could have been rear ended due to this malfunction. I'm beginning to wonder if ford is in the auto making/selling business, or the service business. It appears to me that they are poorly manufacturing vehicles only providing job security for the mechanics. Please investigate this situation. Any help in remedying this and getting ford to pay for their mistakes would be greatly appreciated.
Tl*the contact owns a 1999 ford windstar. While driving 35 MPH, the subframe failed and forced the vehicle off the road. The vehicle was towed to the dealer and they stated that the subframe and mount needed to be replaced. A ford dealer made repairs. The current and failure mileages were 72,000. Updated 01/02/08.*lj updated 12/12/07
Dt*: the contact stated while the vehicle was driven 30 MPH, there was a popping noise, and the steering shifted pulling the vehicle to the right. The vehicle was driven to the residence, where the contact inspected the steering and found the steering was turned to the left. When the vehicle was taken to a local mechanic, the vehicle was put onto a lift. The subframe was found to be rusted out and had a fracture. The front left tie rod was bent due to the frame failure on the opposite side. The sub frame section supporting the engine and transmission and the left outer tie rod were replaced. The manufacturer was notified.
Dt*: the contact stated while driving 45 MPH, the engine stalled and the vehicle went into a skid. There were no warnings prior to the failure. The vehicle was taken to the service dealer, who determined that the subframe that held the engine and transmission fractured in half. Updated 11/30/06.
The subframe on the right front side is cracked and appears to have rusted through. We were noticing a clunk sound when turning and stopping so I pulled the wheel to check and noticed the crack right away. It could cause the trans and engine to shift and could possibly cause an accident as the subframe is cracked all the way through. We never hit anything while driving so this is very unusual.
I recently noticed that my steering wheel had aligned itself to the left, and the van would not center itself well, while on the road. I took the van to raj auto center at somerset,nj. After checking the van the auto center said that there was a serious safety issue because the vans k-frame had rotted out and could have potentially endangered the driver and passengers because the engine and transmission could have dis-associated anytime from the frame. He added that he has not seen the k-frame rotting in 20 years of his experience.
Engine subframe failure at 78k miles, about 6 inches of the engine subframe on the right rear has totally rusted away, rest of subframe is pristine, right rear engine mount was not supported, noticed clunking sound and wheel shift to 6 o'clock position that initiated investigation never impacted, original owner, transmission pan has no nicks (lower than frame) car was undercoated when new ford says it's a normal problem, actually said replacement frame is backorder for 3 weeks, was able to find 1 replacement at another dealer, all mechanics I talked with at the dealer said they had never see n this problem before and we're talking guys with 20+ years of ford experience potential total loss of vehicle control, accident, crash, etc. 6 months out of extended warranty ~$1350 to fix pictures and old part available.
On january 10,2006 my wife [xxx] was leaving work that evening. When she started to drive she heard sum noises from underneath her car. It is a ford windstar van 1999 70,000 miles VIN [xxx]. We are the original owners. She noticed her steering wheel had to be turned down to 6 o'clock to keep her wheels straight. She thought it was the power steering. When she got it to car-x in westmont,il they told her it was the cross member frame. This helps supports the transmission. The cross member had rusted away on one side and on the other side showed a crack where the other bushing hole was. We could not go to ford dealer because of the cost factor. It has been fixed and seems to be driving just fine. I did contact ford on january 23 and we did not get any restitution for our cost. But we also wanted ford to investigate the possible hazard. If my wife was driving on the highway when this item borke she would had been killed. Even the mechanic thought the metal frame seemed to show metal fatigue. I still have the part that was replaced for examination. I also took pictures if you are interested. I am very concerned. Thank you. *jb updated 07/17/2012 *js information redacted pursuant to the freedom of information act (foia), 5 u.s.c. 552(b)(6)
1999 windstar,. Paint peeling on front hood, replaced the following: transmission (4 times), inner and outer tie rods (2 times) power steering system, intake manifold gaskets and system(twice), interior lights that flicker intermittently and stay on for periods of time for no reason.
Consumer was driving through an intersection and while making a left turn passenger's side front wheel came off, pulling the axle out of the transmission. Vehicle has front wheel drive. Consumer contacted the dealer, and was told that the sub frame had to be replaced. *ak......according to a few dealerships the subframe has ha dnumerous problems causing the manufacturer to alter the manner in which the tie rod is mounted on the windstar subframe when the tie rod failed rusting completely off . Vehicle was pulling out from a stop sign making aleft turn when the wheel shifted and brought vehicle to a complete stop. If it happened earlier it would have happened at 55 which would have been much worse. Cost by ford was $1155.00.
Consumer states that when driving the sliding doors pop completely open. Also, the doors do the same thing when vehicle is parked. Consumer has to physically get out of the vehicle and shut the doors close. Consumer took vehicle to the dealer many times, but when the dealers has the vehicle, the problem will not manifest itself.
I took the van to the car wash on sat. 14th of feb. As I started to wash the van starting with the roof, the paint started flaking off above the driver's side door.
* vehicle leans since purchased sept 13, 2003. * allignment problems. * transmission does not properly change gears. * low treads on tires. * a frame problems. * suspension steering makes a clunking noise. * brakes must be pumped to stop, and make a ticking noise when applied. * vehicle has overheated. * power steering fluid leaked. * gears do not shift properly. * primer scotch guard on seats wearing after coat applied.
While driving at an undetermined speed passenger's sliding door opened up without warning.
While driving my 1999 winstar the overdrive light came on, so I looked in my rearview mirror and saw smoke comming from under the vehicle. So, I pull over to the side of the road and stop, transmission fluid was leaking out. My winstar van broke down out side of nashville, tn with 70,401 miles on it. The costs at john barker's two rivers ford in nashville was $2017.81.
After entering our driveway, the connecting piece between the rear wheels broke causing damage to the tires. With only 52,000 miles this should not be happening. If this were to occur out on the highway, major injuries and possible deaths could result. *akeveryone, please inspect your 1999 windstar.
The door failed to close all the way, and there was no indication the door was ajar.
1/.windshield wiper is not completely wiping off water on the windshield when it travels at 65 MPH only 1/3 upper part of windshield is wiped of. It is very dangerous for driving on the freeway on rainy day. 2/ paint is bubbling and peeling of from the hood. 3/ the car is humbling and make noise when it is at stop and A/C on (may be the pressure from the power steering pulling).
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