1999 Ford Windstar: broken coil spring

Filed Aug 9, 2011 · Suspension · 100,000 miles · IL

Tl* the contact owns a 1999 ford windstar. The contact stated that the front passenger side coil spring was fractured. The contact called the manufacturer regarding a recall for the failure for the 1998 ford windstar but was advised that the 1999 model was not included (the federal safety agency campaign id number: 01i007000 -suspension; front; coil springs). The vehicle was not repaired. The failure and current mileage was 100,000.

Filed May 10, 2011 · Suspension · 97,000 miles · WI

Getting the run-a-round with local dealer over this recall business (recalls 10s13, 11s16, 09s09). First three times they "lost" our appointment, then I just showed up with the van so they took it. Didn't hear from them for two weeks. Then I called and asked for van back- had only one vehicle. They offered a rental. Now they say they need to charge us $300 for broken coil springs. I called another suspension specialist company, they said the dealership was double-dipping, charging ford and us for the same work. I need help with this dealership! Updated ivoq 06/14/11

Filed Jun 11, 2010 · Body · 123,550 miles · MA

Increased vibration in rear end. Felt like wheel balance was way off. Days leading up to axle break. Lots of rear-end shimmy when going over any bumps especially if in turns. Clicking noises when backing up. Sliding rear end with wet road.. Erratic steering. Felt wobbly like very strong gusts of wind buffeting sides of vehicle. When axle split, rear end totally unstable. Fortunately was on city street (and not on highway) and was able to maintain some control. Was at night. Deserted street and city speed of 40mph. Swerved over double yellow lines. If had been earlier in day, would have probably collided with oncoming traffic. Was able to overcome loss of control and steer back into lane and then over to side of road. No curb stones or I would have definitely blown a tire or two and damaged undercarriage. Very scary. Thankfully no family onboard. Have ordered replacement axle. May need to replace coil springs and shocks if they have been bent/distorted/damaged. Mechanic says will know when replacing with new axle. I have asked to retain old parts for future inspection and proof of defect. Cannot believe ford has allowed this known problem to go on without recall! Hundreds have reported same problems online. How many thousands have not reported it?! This is going to cost me over a thousand dollars to repair. Also, had a major issue with totally rotted sub-frame last year --- also a major issue with other owners! Another safety issue!! That cost me nearly $1500! Ford should be embarrassed and sorry and help their loyal customers -- not just ignore it and them! Please do something to help us and other owners before someone gets killed!

Filed Sep 5, 2008 · Suspension · 116,000 miles · IA

Tl*the contact owns a 1999 ford windstar. The contact stated that the front coil spring failed and punctured the tire. The vehicle was towed and the coil spring and tire were replaced at the contact's expense. The failure mileage was 116,000. Updated 10/14/08 *bf updated 10/16/08.

Filed Aug 13, 2008 · Suspension, Tires · 150,000 miles · MI

My husband was driving with my daughter leaving the driveway, the car was difficult to drive. He said it felt like the brakes were stuck or rusty, we had not driven the van in about 7 days. He continued to drive thinking the brakes would release and the car would be fine. When he realized that was not the issue and it was something more serious he immediately came home and we inspected the front drivers side tire and found the coil spring was resting on the tire and rubbing. The smell of burning rubber was apparent as he drove back in the driveway. We took of the tire and found the front drivers side coil spring had broken near the bottom. We are currently getting estimates to replace the one coil spring, our first estimate from a ford dealer was $400 to $450, with out seeing the car, it is not drivable. We are uncertain at this time if the tire also needs to be replaced or if there is other damage we can't see. Old part will be retained by us after the vehicle is fixed.

Filed Dec 14, 2007 · Suspension · WI

Front coil springs are broken.

Filed Jun 27, 2007 · Suspension, Tires · 116,948 miles · MN

Tl*the contact owns a 1999 ford windstar. While driving 40 MPH, the contact lost control of the vehicle. He noticed that the front passenger side tire had flattened. Upon changing the tire, he discovered that the coil spring had failed. The vehicle was towed to the repair shop. The failure recurred at 116,948 miles with the front driver side tire. The current mileage is 119,000 and failure mileage was 116,948. The consumer stated the first incident lost control near intersection going 40 MPH and inspected vehicle found tire blew out and left front coil in tire. The consumer further stated the 2nd incident was in a parking lot going 10-15mph and tire blew out found broken right front coil in tire. The consumer provided repair invoices. Updated 09/05/07

Filed Dec 7, 2006 · Suspension · 140,000 miles · MI

Dt*: the contact stated while having a general maintenance inspection performed by a dealer, it was determined the left front coil spring was fractured and needed to be replaced. There were no previous problems with the front suspension to indicate a failure. There was a the federal safety agency recall, # 04v332000, regarding the front coil springs. The vehicle was not included in the recall due to the VIN. The manufacturer was alerted.

Filed Aug 25, 2005 · Suspension · 55,000 miles · MI

This viehicle is mostly driven in the city going to the store and taking kids to and from school. The left front spring broke and is rubbing in the tire. Dealership was contacted and I was told based only on the year given that there was a recall on the springs. When the VIN number was given I was informed that VIN number was not covered. I feel that replacing both front springs and my damaged tire should be fords responsabilty due to the fact they have shown a known history for haveing these springs brake. I was also told by the dealership that it would be rare to have a recall on a vehicle 16 years old.

Filed Aug 22, 2005 · Suspension · NY

Dt: the contact owns a 1999 ford windstar lx. The front coil spring broke in half . If contact had not stopped the vehicle it would have blown out the tire. The spring was in the tire. There was a recall on 1995-1998, but it did not cover the 1999 models. The vehicle was taken to the dealershipto replace the coil spring. The coil spring broke on the passenger's side but the dealership replaced the driver's side coil spring as well because it looked like it was going to break. The cost of repairs was $900 charged to the consumer.

Filed Jun 13, 2005 · Suspension · 85,000 miles · IN

Dt: ford winstar 1999 front coil spring broke and puctured the front tire.

Filed Jun 8, 2005 · Suspension · 71,000 miles · PA

1. 99 windstar, front coil spring failure, 71,000 miles, spring fractured sitting in the driveway 2. Unable to obtain replacement parts, no estimated delivery time for backordered springs from ford 3.no solution from ford other than wait