1999 Ford Windstar: tire blowout or tread separation

Filed May 22, 2020 · Suspension, Wheels · 100,000 miles · IN

The axle on the back driver's side is terribly rusted to the point of no repair. The mechanic stated it is a recall problem and needs to be taken to the ford dealer. He also stated that it is dangerous to drive due to the problems that it was causing the wheel to not fit or stay on correctly causing it to rub on the vans surface causing a blowout and making driving almost impossible and dangerous. Thank god my son drove it and not myself. Thank god that he is okay. This problem needs to be dealt with asap. I am a foster mom and drive children in this van and it definitely needs to be inspected for the problems and repaired. My son was on his way to put gas into the vehicle when this happened. The kids and I were going to hit the highway and go to a food pantry in the adjoining city. Thank god we didn't. This all happened while my son took the car to put gas in before the kids and I were to leave out. We had already stated that the wheel wasn't fitting on well and decided to take it to the mechanic. The mechanic told us there was nothing he could do because of the corrosion and then informed us about the recall on the vehicle and the problems this model was having with the axles and rust and corrosion and other problems. Thank god this was on a city street and at the time there was little traffic, otherwise it could have been a dangerous mess.

Filed Oct 30, 2014 · Suspension · 140,000 miles · MI

The rear axle on my windstar van broke in half. The recall was already done prior to me purchasing it so I can't say when. Ford is not going to do anything to help. My wife and kids were in the van when this happened and she almost lost control when the tire exploded after the axle snapped. The break is located on the drivers side under the reinforcement bracket. From what I have seen online this is very common to break even after the recall is done. Obviously the repair(if you can call it that) is merely a bandaid to get the federal safety agency off there back and not to make the vehicles safe. You need to hold ford accountable for the vans safety, or lack of. There are many of these "time bombs" still on the road. Something needs to be done! Hopefully you respond quickly, the van is at the dealer now. I will be welding the axle saturday to get it home to replace the axle myself. I will be taking a lot of pictures before I do.

Filed Aug 25, 2014 · Suspension · 130,123 miles · KS

Driving down the road at 40 MPH it felt like a tire blew on the rear. When I pulled over ad got out to check it the tires were fine but the rear wheels were at a bad angle. Upon further inspection the rear axle beam has split rendering the vehicle undriveable. I have found that ford has recalled this part on may windstar minivans under 10s13. But not this one. I find this odd.

Filed Jan 5, 2011 · Suspension · 140,000 miles · PA

Tl*the contact owns a 1999 ford windstar. The contact stated that while driving in reverse and then forward, the front passenger side tire fell off of the vehicle. The vehicle was towed to the dealer who informed him that the tire separated from the vehicle due to the front axle corroding. The vehicle was not repaired. The failure mileage was approximately 140,000.

Filed Jan 7, 2009 · Tires · 67,724 miles · PA

Traveling at approximately 65 MPH when left rear tire near instantly deflated causing total tire failure before the vehicle could be pulled to side of road. Tire sidewall was totally destroyed. Spare installed. No punctures, tears or cuts were found anywhere on the tire tread or sidewall. The only known cause of the tire failure was a cracked (cut) valve stem in the area where the stem seats against the aluminum wheel allowing air to exhaust quickly from the tire once the crack propagated to inside. Phoned the dealership where the four new replacement tires were installed 3 years, 7 months and 23,170 miles prior to discuss the blowout issue. It was mentioned that this is the 4th tire out of 8 that I had purchased from them (three on my other vehicle and one on this vehicle) where I had tire failure due to cracked valve stems. Reference odi #'s 10254187, 10254189 and 10254191). Cracked valve stem information; tr 413, 217 eha, germany, 03. To date, the tire and valve stem have not been replaced and are being saved for reference.

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 Sep 27, 2005 · Tires · MD

Severe sidewall blowout of a 3 year old michelin weatherwise with approx 30k miles on it. The tire had an even tread wear pattern, as it had been rotated in accordance with manufacturer recommendations. I would like to email you photos of the blown tire. Both weatherwise tires on the front of my 99 ford windstar have since been replaced.

Filed Aug 28, 2003 · Tires · TN

While driving at 40 MPH front right tire had sidewall separation which caused a tire blowout. Dealer has been notified.tire size 32560r16.

Filed Jul 11, 2003 · Tires · OH

While traveling about 55mph on the highway and without prior warning. Heard a noise. Front passenger tire tread separated from the vehicle. Goodrich tires, p2151/70r15.

Filed Nov 6, 2002 · Visibility · MI

The defogger heater venilation blow out cold air. The blend door arm broke off this is a part of the heater box. Causing the window of the vehicle to fog up. The dealer is aware of the problem. Mr

Filed Jun 9, 2002 · Tires · AZ

2 ameri-gs60 tires failed on our ford windstar within 2 months. First incident in mid april. Front driver side tread separated at 55mph. Outside temp approx 70 degrees. Tire remained inflated long enough to reach nearby discount tire. They replaced it at no charge and kept tire. Second incident on same vehicle on 6/8/2002 at 75mph on driver rear tire. Outside temp approx 75 degrees. Threw tread and tire went flat sending van out of control across lane of traffic on interstate. No accident, but departing tread ruined wheel well, bumper, and rear fender. Also lodged piece of tread above gas line and pulled gas filler spout partially through the fender and broke off gas cap. No injuries. I have remainder of tire and portion of tread. Cost $120 tow plus yet to be determined (my guess $1500-$1800 damage) as well as costs (if any) of replacing other 3 ameri-gs60 tires that I refuse to leave on car after first 2 failures!

Filed Mar 3, 2002 · Tires · CA

Purchased what thought were new tires from american tire deport in 2001. Had a blow-out on one rear tire in july. Had a blowout with second rear tire two weeks later. When went to replace from another dealer, was told that what I thought were new tires were actually seconds....have second tire to show the defect...tires had less than 25,000 miles on at time of blowout. Need to know who to file complaint with.both for tire and for american tire depot for selling seconds as new.