1999 Ford Windstar: ball joint or control arm failure

Filed Oct 14, 2020 · Suspension · 125,000 miles · MI

I was driving in a 50 MPH zone when I was coming to a stop the lower control arm broke free from the sub frame but I was able to keep control. Van is now useless and I only have 125k miles on it.

Filed Oct 16, 2018 · Suspension · 109,000 miles · MI

Tl* the contact owns a 1999 ford windstar. While driving approximately 50 MPH, the front driver side control arm fractured and the vehicle could not be driven. The vehicle was towed to the contact's residence. The failure was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure, but no assistance was offered. The contact was informed that the VIN was not included in the federal safety agency campaign number: 12v194000(suspension). The contact indicated that the vehicle experienced the same failure listed in the recall. The dealer was not contacted. The failure mileage was 109,000.

Filed Feb 2, 2018 · Suspension · 124,000 miles · WA

Both front lower control arm rear attaching brackets and both body mount attachments at rear of sub frame are rusted and broken . Making a left hand turn I heard a clunking sound . Upon inspection found the above problems

Filed Nov 10, 2015 · Suspension · 152,000 miles · WI

Tl* the contact owns a 1999 ford windstar. While attempting to stop the vehicle, a loud clanking noise was heard coming from the front of the vehicle. While inspecting the vehicle, it was discovered that the front driver side control arm had separated. The cause of the failure was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was not notified. The failure mileage was 152,000.

Filed Jul 6, 2015 · Suspension · MO

Tl* the contact owns a 1999 ford windstar. The vehicle was repaired under the federal safety agency campaign number: 12v194000 (suspension). After the remedy was performed, the front lower control arm fractured. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The failure mileage was unavailable.

Filed May 29, 2015 · Suspension, Wheels · 255,000 miles · WI

The factory recall notice required trailing axle reinforcement brackets to be installed on the rear axle. They were installed at the dealership, along with an upgrade to the front control arm mounts. The rear axle broke while driving on the highway, the speed I was travelling at was only 45 MPH at the time of the break. As the axle collapsed, the rear tires began rubbing against the wheel wells. I slowed down and pulled over immediately, seeing smoke from the rear. The crack occured on the driver's side of the axle, underneath the repair bracket that was installed by ford. ( obviosly placed over the weak/defective area.) the vehicle had only 80,000 miles on it in may of 2011 when we obtained it, the same year the recall repair was performed. In the last 4 yearsa I drove 175,000 highway miles, have regularly washed and maintained this vehicle well, (including undercarriage washes in the winter). I've recently replaced the entire ignition system, front suspension/brake components, and rear shocks. It's a real shame that this vehicle is disabled by a weak rear axle when there's plenty of life left in the engine and transmission. With regular full synthetic oil changes, cooling and transmission flushes, new aligned front steering, I expected to get over 300,000 miles out of this van. Now I have to find a good used rear axle, but will have no faith in its durability or safety.

Filed Sep 19, 2014 · Electrical, Suspension · 131,000 miles · AZ

I have a 1999 ford windstar mini van . My instrument cluster goes crazy all gauges just go up and down uncontrollably. I never know how much gas I have or how fast I am going and my ABS brake lite stays on always. And my front lower control arm is bending.

Filed Jul 24, 2014 · Body · 220,000 miles · OH

Tl* the contact owns a 1999 ford windstar. The contact stated that the engine cradle and the lower control arm was corroded. The contact mentioned that the sub frame was starting to fractured. The vehicle had not been repaired. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 220,000.

Filed Jul 15, 2014 · Body, Suspension · 178,000 miles · IL · crash

Ford dealer inspected vehicle due to recall for subframe/axle rust issue. Dealer claimed frame okay. While driving the lower control arm came detached from the frame causing crash due to rusting of mounts.

Filed Feb 26, 2014 · Steering · 106,000 miles · WI

The 1999 ford windstars front lower control arm and sub frame (chassis) major corrosion-related fractures. Failure resulted in the loss of steering. In its report to the n.h.t.s.a. Ford said it did not conclude that the low rate of reported incidents involving the control arm indicated a greater safety problem, but the recall would be undertaken anyway to confirm our commitment to safety and to address any potential vehicle owner concerns.

Filed Apr 30, 2013 · Acceleration, Steering · 200,000 miles · MI

The engine carriage is rusted out, and the rear axle is cracked due to rust. The main arm of the ball joint is completely pulled away from the frame because of the rust. I contacted baab ford in reed city michigan, because I was told by the mechanic I took it to originally that this was a recalled product. Baab ford told me yes it is a recall issue, but no they wont fix my vehicle because the VIN doesn't come up as one of the vehicles effected by the recall. I contacted ford motor company as they had advised me, ford motor company told me, my vehicle isn't on the recall list, regardless of the fact that it has both of the problems that 1998 - 2003 ford windstar was recalled for. The vehicle speeds up whenever it hits a bump and also pulls towards the center line especially on slippery roads or where loss of traction occurs. It also wears out tires every 2 weeks.

Filed Oct 23, 2012 · Suspension · 190,000 miles · PA

Tl* the contact owns a 1999 ford windstar. While parked, the contact noticed that the front driver's side of the sub frame was cracked. The vehicle was taken to the dealer for diagnostic testing. The technician advised that the engine cradle would have to be replaced. The vehicle was included and previously repaired under the federal safety agency campaign id number: 12v194000 (suspension:front:control arm). The manufacturer was made aware of the failure and advised the contact that any additional repairs would not be covered under the recall. The vehicle was not further repaired. The approximate failure mileage was 190,000.