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.
2000 Ford Windstar suspension problems
356 complaints (21% of all complaints for this car). Typical mileage when it fails: 118,371. 12 crashes reported.
- owner complaints
- 356
- of this car's complaints
- 21%
- typical mileage
- 118,371
- crashes
- 12
- recalls
- 4
Which part fails
- Rear156
- Front29
- Front: springs: coil springs21
- Rear: axle: non-powered axle assembly20
- Rear: springs: coil springs2
- Rear: axle: spindle2
- Front: macpherson strut1
- Front: control arm: lower arm1
At what mileage
Complaints by mileage at the time of the problem.
Ford Windstar suspension problems in other years
Specific symptoms reported on the 2000 Ford Windstar suspension
Phrases found in the owners' own descriptions, so one complaint can mention several symptoms.
Related recalls
Suspension: rear: axle: non-powered axle assembly
- What is wrong
- Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain model year 1998-2003 Windstar vehicles manufactured September 2, 1997, to July 3, 2003. The affected vehicles were previously remedied to safeguard against the rear axle cracking from corrosion, however, the remedy brackets may have been misinstalled. The incorrect bracket installations may limit the effectiveness of the service repair for the federal safety agency recalls 10V‑385, 12V‑193, and 12V‑195.
- Risk
- If the brackets were not installed properly, the rear axle may fracture, affecting the vehicle handling and increasing the risk of a crash.
- Remedy
- Ford will notify owners, and dealers will inspect the brackets to verify their proper installation. If a bracket is found to have been misinstalled, the rear axle will be replaced. These repairs will be performed free of charge. The began on October 21, 2015. Owners may contact Ford customer service at 1‑866‑436‑7332. Ford's number for this recall is 15S27.
Recall number 15V608000 · Recall details
Suspension: front: control arm
- What is wrong
- Ford is recalling certain model year 1999-2003 windstar vehicles originally sold in or currently registered in the state of virginia. Corrosion-related fractures of the front lower control arm rear attaching brackets and body mount attachments may occur.
- Risk
- A separation of a front lower control arm rear attaching bracket may result in a lower control arm separation. A separation of both front subframe rear body mounts may result in separation of the steering intermediate shaft. Either condition could result in significant loss of steering control, increasing the risk of a crash.
- Remedy
- Dealers will inspect both front lower control arm rear attaching brackets and both body mount attachments at the rear of the front subframe and make the necessary repairs free of charge. The recall began on june 18, 2012. Owners may contact ford at 1‑866‑436‑7332.
Recall number 12V194000 · Recall details
Suspension: rear: axle: non-powered axle assembly
- What is wrong
- Ford is recalling certain model year 1998-2003 windstar vehicles manufactured from september 1, 1997, through july 3, 2003, registered in puerto rico. Due to increased stresses caused by high cycles of torsional loading, specific to this market, the rear axle can crack.
- Risk
- A fractured axle may result in a loss of vehicle control, increasing the risk of a crash.
- Remedy
- Ford will notify owners, and dealers will inspect and install a reinforcement bracket on the rear axle or replace the axles, as necessary. This service will be provided free of charge. The recall began on june 1, 2012. Owners may contact the ford motor company customer relationship center at 1‑866‑436‑7332.
Recall number 12V195000 · Recall details
Suspension: rear: axle: non-powered axle assembly
- What is wrong
- Ford is recalling certain model year 1998-2003 windstar vehicles manufactured from september 1, 1997 through february 28, 2003 and currently registered or originally sold in connecticut, delaware, district of columbia, illinois, indiana, iowa, kentucky, maine, maryland, massachusetts, michigan, minnesota, missouri, new hampshire, new jersey, new york, ohio, pennsylvania, rhode island, vermont, west virginia, and wisconsin. After many years of vehicle service in these areas, corrosion can weaken the rear axle, making it susceptible to torsional stress. Corrosion and stress can lead to cracks which if undetected can propagate and result in a complete fracture of the axle.
- Risk
- A fractured axle can affect vehicle handling and increase the risk of a crash.
- Remedy
- As parts become available, dealers will inspect and if necessary install the rear axle reinforcement brackets free of charge. This service will be performed free of charge. The safety recall began on october 20, 2010. Owners may contact ford at 1‑866‑436‑7332.
Recall number 10V385000 · Recall details
Related investigations
Rear Axle Cracking
In a letter dated August 26, 2010, Ford Motor Company (Ford) submitted a Defect Information Report notifying the federal safety agency that it will conduct a safety recall (the federal safety agency Recall No. 10V‑385) to address a rear axle defect in model year (MY) 1998 through 2003 Ford Windstar vehicles built at the Oakville assembly plant from September 1, 1997 through February 28, 2003 and either sold or currently registered in high corrosion (Salt-Belt) states where the use of salt and other corrosive chemicals may be used to treat snow/ice covered roads.The following states are included in Ford's recall:Connecticut, Delaware, District of Columbia, Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Kentucky, Maine, Maryland, Massachusetts, Michigan, Minnesota, Missouri, New Hampshire, New Jersey, New York, Ohio, Pennsylvania, Rhode Island, Vermont, West Virginia and Wisconsin. The subject vehicles utilize a Stamped/Formed axle assembly manufactured by Benteler automotive Corporation of Galesburg, MI.According to Ford, after many years of vehicle service in the Salt-Belt states, corrosion can weaken the rear axle, making it susceptible to torsional stress.There is a risk that the combined effects of corrosion and stress can lead to cracks which, if undetected, can propagate and result in a complete fracture of the axle.A completely fractured axle can affect vehicle handling and increase the risk of a crash.To correct the safety defect, Ford will initially inspect all of the subject vehicles brought into Ford/Lincoln-Mercury dealerships for possible cracked axles.Owners of vehicles without cracked axles will be notified when to return for the installation of reinforcement brackets to extend the axle durability in the presence of corrosion.Owners who have vehicles with cracked axles will either be offered a repair or alternative transportation until parts become available. On May 13, 2010, the Office of Defects Investigation (ODI) opened PE10-016 to investigate complaints of rear axle cracking in MY 1999 through 2003 Ford Windstar minivans.Combining ODI and Ford complaint data, ODI is aware of a total 891 complaints alleging rear axle cracking in the subject vehicles.Over a third of the complaints (334) allege that the cracking progressed to a complete fracture of the rear axle, including 8 allegations of crashes resulting in 3 injuries. Approximately 57 percent of the subject vehicles (524,661) were sold in Salt-Belt states covered by Ford's recall and Ford estimates that approximately 463,000 of these remain in service.Ninety-six percent of the complaints (858) and all of the complaints alleging complete fracture were from the recall region.The action taken by Ford is sufficient to resolve the issues raised by this investigation.Accordingly, this investigation is closed.
PE10016
What 2000 Ford Windstar owners say
Most recent owner complaints, unedited.
The contact owns a 2000 Ford Windstar. The contact stated while reversing at an undisclosed speed, there was an abnormal booming sound coming from the vehicle. The contact stated that the front spring had fractured and punctured the passenger’s side front tire. There were no warning lights illuminated. The local dealer was not contacted. The vehicle was not diagnosed nor repaired. The manufacturer was not contacted. The failure mileage was approximately 75,000.
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.
Tl* the contact owns a 2000 ford windstar. While driving 45 MPH, the rear of the vehicle shook and an unknown warning indicator illuminated. The contact continued to drive home and noticed that the rear driver's side tire was leaning. The vehicle was not taken to a dealer or an independent mechanic for diagnostic testing. The contact called ford customer service at 866‑436‑7332 and advised them that she received a recall notice for manufacturer number: 15s27 (suspension) on the rear axle. The manufacturer informed the contact to have the vehicle towed to a ford dealer and provided case number: 21985359. The approximate failure mileage was 200,000.
Tl* the contact owns a 2000 ford windstar. While driving 10 MPH over a speed bump, the contact heard an abnormal noise coming from the rear of the vehicle. The contact depressed the brake pedal and was able to park the vehicle in a nearby parking lot. There were no warning indicators illuminated. The contact inspected the vehicle and noticed that the rear driver's side tire was bent inward towards the vehicle. The VIN was included in the federal safety agency campaign number: 15v608000 (suspension). The vehicle was towed to the contact's home and then towed to superior ford of plymouth (9700 56th ave n, plymouth, mn 55442, (877) 735-4755). The dealer stated that the vehicle did not qualify to be included in the recall. The manufacturer was not informed of the failure. The failure mileage was 173,000.
Tl* the contact owns a 2000 ford windstar. While driving 10 MPH, the contact heard an abnormal sound coming from the rear passenger side of the vehicle. The vehicle was towed to an independent mechanic and was informed that the rear axle fractured. The vehicle was not repaired. The vehicle was not included in the federal safety agency campaign number: 12v194000 (suspension). The dealer was not contacted. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 123,000.
I started hearing a sound from the rear of the vehicle while driving especially when turning. I inspected under the rear of the vehicle and found a significant crack in the rear axle. I discovered that there is a recall for this issue with my make and model and year; however, my VIN is not included in the recall. I have parked the vehicle in the garage and am afraid to drive it.
Tl* the contact owns a 2000 ford windstar. The contact stated that the rear axle and frame associated with the undercarriage of the vehicle had extensive rust and corrosion. There was also a crack that extended from the rear axle when the contact inspected under the vehicle. An abnormal noise was heard. Lance cunningham ford (4101 east clinton hwy, knoxville, tn 37912, 1-(866) 591-3943) was notified of the failure. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The vehicle was unable to be safely driven due to the failure. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 158,000.
My rear axle broke while I was driving under normal conditions on a city street. I twice got the previous recall work done on the axle (the "bracket fix" and the subsequent inspection of the "fix"). I was told my the dealer that the axle looked good and I didn't need to replace the axle for the discounted $300 price. I don't understand how the federal safety agency allowed ford to charge money for an actual fix and only offer a stop gap fix that would eventually fail anyway as a solution. In my attached picture, you can see where the axle failed under the recall repair bracket. Fortunately, I was on a city street and able to quickly get my van into a parking place. If this had happened at highway speeds, the result could have been much worse. I am writing mainly to implore your agency to never again allow a piecemeal recall like this again. I was under the impression my axle was fixed by the previous recall.
Went to "credit karma" and was informed that my vehicle was the subject of a ford the federal safety agency recall. Ford failed to notify me of recall on my vehicle. Recall id # 233939 dated 10/21/2015. Please help resolve this as I don't want to be driving an unsafe vehicle
Questions about the 2000 Ford Windstar suspension
Does the 2000 Ford Windstar have suspension problems?
Owners have filed 356 complaints about the suspension of the 2000 Ford Windstar, 21% of all its complaints.
At what mileage do 2000 Ford Windstar suspension problems start?
The typical (median) mileage in owner complaints is 118,371 miles.
Was there a recall on the 2000 Ford Windstar suspension?
Yes, 4 recalls: 15V608000, 12V194000, 12V195000. Check your VIN to see if your car still needs the free repair.
What year does the Ford Windstar have bad suspension?
The Ford Windstar model years with the most suspension complaints are 2001 (416 complaints), 2000 (356 complaints) and 2002 (279 complaints).
Other 2000 Ford Windstar problems
Brakes 384Transmission 271Electrical 222Body 216Acceleration 138Engine 104Steering 72Visibility 71Locks 52Fuel system 33Airbags 31Tires 29Driver assistance 23Wheels 23Lights 22Seat belts 19Seats 10
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