2000 Ford Windstar: grinding or squealing brakes

Filed May 28, 2024 · Suspension, Wheels · MA

The rear axle broke for the second time on a Ford Windstar, after already breaking prior to a recall in 2010. It appears to have broken where a clamp was attached. This caused the rear wheels to fall into, and grind against the wheel well. This happened on a side street near my house. Had it happened at highway speeds, the rear wheels could have locked up or perhaps broken free causing loss of control. The axle problem has been known to Ford, but it is concerning that this is the second one to fail. I have not yet contacted ford or a a repair facility to evaluate. There were no warning lamps or other indication. The axle simply broke abruptly. I thought it was a tire blow out until I saw the wheels tilted in. The vehicle is older, but I maintain it well.

Filed Mar 16, 2021 · Suspension · 176,481 miles · NE

Tl* the contact owns a 2000 ford windstar. The contact stated that while driving approximately 25-35 MPH, the vehicle was making a squealing noise and then started to smell like burning rubber. The contact took the vehicle to cover-jones motor (403 w. 3rd st, alliance, ne 69301, (800) 344-9288) who stated that the rear axle had fractured. The vehicle was not repaired. The axle had previously been replaced under recall. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 176,481.

Filed Aug 28, 2017 · Suspension · 153,000 miles · KY

Tl* the contact owns a 2000 ford windstar. While driving 5 MPH, the rear axle on the driver side failed without warning. The contact received a recall notification letter in september of 2016 for the federal safety agency campaign number: 15v608000 (suspension). On october 28, 2016, the vehicle was taken to a local dealer (hutch ford lincoln, 213 s mayo trail, paintsville, ky, 41240) where the vehicle was inspected and it was determined that the remedy did not need to be applied. The contact went to an unknown local dealer in pikeville, ky for a second opinion and to notify them that she observed that the vehicle had bounced and made an abnormal squeaking sound. The dealer informed the contact that because the first dealer marked the vehicle off from the recall list, that they could not inspect the vehicle free of charge. The vehicle was not diagnosed due to the fee. The manufacturer was not contacted. The failure mileage was approximately 153,000.

Filed Oct 22, 2013 · Acceleration, Brakes · 605,000 miles · NJ

We were driving on local highway when ABS and traction light came on. We then heard a grinding noise and the speedometer was jumping from 20 to 50 sporadically. When the vehicle is turned off and restarted everything is normal, but recurs shortly after driving.

Filed Jul 2, 2013 · Engine, Steering · 105,259 miles · NY

When shifting the car into p, r, n, or d, it makes a loud thumping sound and makes the whole car jerk. When I turn the steering wheel you can hear a loud grinding, creaky cracking like noise coming from the front of the car.

Filed Jan 28, 2011 · Brakes · 114,000 miles · PA

My 2000 ford windstar has bee having problems with the ABS. Over the past few weeks the brakes have occasionally made a high pitched noise that sounds like metal grinding together. I also happened to be driving down the road the other day and the brakes decided to activate themselves without me pressing them. The ABS light also came on the dash. I was unable to move forward because this made me come to a complete stop. I then turned off the vehicle and turned it back on. The light then went out and I was able to continue on my way. This has happened several times since then. Ford needs to issue a recall on the ABS.

Filed Dec 10, 2010 · Steering · 187,000 miles · SC

We purchased our 2000 ford windstar van in late september, 2010. Within the past month, beginning in mid november, we noticed a moaning and/or grinding sound when turning the steering wheel. I have read many similar complaints online and people mentioning that they lost control of their steering eventually and this worries me, as we just purchased this used windstar when our previous vehicle was totaled in a nearly fatal accident. I am concerned for my family's safety, which includes 2 young children. I hope ford takes notice of these many complaints and stop putting the lives of many in potential danger. I drive over a waterway bridge, each and every day and if this is a safety hazard, I would like to have it addressed. I would like my vehicle recalled for the sake of my family's safety.

Filed Sep 9, 2010 · Suspension · 75,000 miles · NY

I was on my way to work driving my 2000 ford windstar when suddenly the car rear axle broke in half the wheels where bowed out I had to have a tow truck flatbed the car but he had some difficult time because it completely snapped into two. A few days before I heard some squeaking sound coming from the back and I was going to take it to the mechanic but then these happened. Now I have been hearing squeaky sound coming from the front and maybe is the front axle now. This is ridiculous I hardly had money to pay for the repairs and the tow truck and now I have to take it again. I have had problems with this car over and over again the "check the engine" light is always on even after I take it to the mechanic to take a look at it . I will never buy another ford ever again. I paid so much money to have it repaired I took pictures of the accident.

Filed Aug 31, 2010 · Body · 113,000 miles · NY

Tl* the contact owns a 2000 ford windstar. The contact was driving 35 MPH when he heard a loud noise from under the vehicle. The steering immediately became extremely loose and the contact pulled off the roadway as the vehicle continued to exhibit an unusual squeaking sound. The contact was discovered that the passenger side sub frame which held the transmission and the engine in place had fractured in half due to severe corrosion. The manufacture would not provide any assistance. The contact was concerned that the failure could potentially have caused a crash. The failure mileage was 113,000.

Filed Jul 27, 2010 · Transmission · 170,000 miles · PA · fire

Tl* the contact owns a 2000 ford windstar. The contact stated while driving approximately 35 MPH, she hard an abnormal crack. The contact was unable to locate the origin of the noise. On a later date, while driving at 25 MPH there was a loud, unusual squeal. She discovered the rear driver side tire was slanted at an angle and the rear axle was fractured in half. The vehicle was towed to the dealer where she was awaiting a diagnosis of the failure. The VIN was not available. The failure and current mileages were approximately 170,000.

Filed Jul 9, 2010 · Transmission · 104,000 miles · NE

Tl*the contact owns a 2000 ford windstar lx. The contact stated that while driving 35 MPH over a bump in the road or any uneven road surface, the vehicle would sway from side to side. In addition, when attempting to make a left turn, the vehicle would exhibit an unusual squeaking noise. The vehicle was taken to the dealer who could not duplicate or diagnose the failure. The failure persisted and the vehicle was taken back to the dealer who then stated that the rear axle was fractured and needed to be replaced. The vehicle could not be repaired because the part was not available. The contact left the vehicle with the dealer until the part became available. The failure and current mileages were approximately 104,000.

Filed Jun 23, 2010 · Suspension · PA

I was driving my 2000 ford windstar down the road with my children and my tires started to squeal and the back end started to lose control. I was able to get off the road safely. When I got out to see what was wrong my back tires were bowed in. When looking under I saw my axle was split in half. I had no other warning signs. I called ford and they said there is no recall or any problems reported on the rear axles.