We observed clunking in the front end prior to the failure. While turning the wheel to the right to park, a loud noise was heard in the front end. After that, the steering wheel was turned right while the car was going straight down the road. After inspection, the passenger side attachment point for the sub-frame was rotted off and separated from the mount. Substantial corrosion was also noted on the drive and passenger side control arm attachment points.
2001 Ford Windstar body complaints
Page 6 of 11: complaints 131 to 160 of 293, newest first, as owners wrote them.
I have a ford windstar 2001 mini van and I live in new york state. On december 7th, 2010, as I was pulling left into a parking space I heard a loud cracking sound. (at first I thought I had rolled over a very large piece of ice) I again proceeded to pull in, but my car would not move. (engine was still on) I got out and found 3 of my tires facing left and 1 facing right. I called aaa and was preparing to have it towed to a mechanic. When the driver/mechanic from aaa, informed me that the lower control arm (drive arm) had tore away from the main frame (front axel) at the front of the car, and had tore away all of the driving mechanisms and would need a welder first , not a mechanic . So I had him take it to a local welder. He was able to find some clean metal to weld it back on and then recommended I take it to a mechanic to finish up with everything else that was needed. The mechanic told me that it would need a cv joint and the linkage for the transmission in order to have it working again. I have never had any issues with the engine, or transmission prior to this day. And the car has very little rust on it's body. So I would have never thought to look underneath for any. And because it was always maintained well, a mechanic was hardly ever under her to see if there was any possible damage either. She has less than 75,000 miles on her so I never expected this to occur. I have filed a report with ford after the incident but all they could say was thank you and they'll make a not of it. And that the rear axel was on recall....but if that was the case, why not the front axel too???
Tl*the contact owns a 2001 ford windstar. While driving approximately 55 MPH, the vehicle pulled to the right and the check engine light illuminated. The dealer stated that the frame on the front driver side was severely rusted beyond repair. The VIN was unavailable. The failure mileage was approximately 126,000.
The front end of my 2001 ford windstar makes a lot of noise like it is going to fall apart. I'm afraid because my rear axle broke in 2 pieces going 65 MPH on the interstate. I'm sure something is going on with my front subframe. How do we get this investigated?
Tl* the contact owns a 2001 ford windstar. The contact stated that while driving approximately 10 MPH, the front passenger side tire detached from the vehicle. The vehicle was towed to an independent mechanic who informed the contact that she would need to replace the sub frame and cradle assembly due to rusting. The vehicle was repaired. The failure mileage was approximately 85,958. Updated 03/02/11 *bf updated 04/28/11
While on a family trip today in my 2001 ford windstar I noticed an extremely loud grinding /rubbing noise coming from the front psgr. Side, when I returned home I took it to the shop immediately where I was told that the subframe had completely rusted through on the passenger side and was nearly through the other side as well and was told that my entire family had been at risk of injury or death had the otherside failed as well, and to stop driving it immediately and that it would cost in excess of $2000 to fix. My anger and horror multiplied when while trying to locate affordable used replacement part online I discovered that ford has received many complaints about this safety issue, how dare they put my loved ones and countless thousands other at risk because they used defective or substandard parts. I will be contacting ford directly to find out what they intend to do to correct this issue and appreciate anything the federal safety agency can do to help expedite the recall of said parts.
2001 ford windstar right lower control arm mount failure. Just driving down the road when I notice my steering wheel was not centered, slowed down until I got into parking lot. Went to turn and lost drive, looked at front end and right tire was pointing to right and left tire was straight, looked under van and saw that mount had come off frame and axle pulled out of transmission. Had van towed back to my house. Went right to my computer to see if there was any complaints about front end failure and their is. Was going to have van rear axle checked per recall but can't even get it to ford dealership for that. Called ford and their is no help. I am a mechanic and have never seen a mount come off a frame like this. This van has always been parked in a garage and washed at a high pressure wash with under car rinse. I think this is poor metal or a poor design.
After making a right hand turn heard a thump noise. When trying to complete the turn and straighten out the wheel,the car jumped to the left and ended up in the middle of a two laned road. After having vehicle towed to shop was informed that front subframe had rusted out, causing axle to disengage from front right tire rendering vehicle inoperable. Could not push vehicle to side of road. Had to wait for police vehicle to push to side of road.
We had just left the expressway. We pulled into a parking lot and went to turn into a parking space and the shaft which was attached to the wheel connecting it from the frame to the wheel, broke at the point of the factory weld causing the wheels to do the "splits"and pulling out the driveshaft from the transmission. The dealer called the car "totalled" .this car is in great condition except for the metal socket holding the tie rod from the wheel to the frame allowing the drive shaft to be yanked out. This is a factory weld that broke and if it had broken while on the freeway, we could have been killed. Ford motor refused to do anything to remedy the situation.
I own a 2001 ford windstar. A little over a year ago I was driving with my family southbound on the henry hudson bridge, driving to manhattan from the bronx in nyc. I was proceeding at approximately 50 MPH, the speed limit for that road. I was driving along when all of a sudden the entire front end of the vehicle collapsed. The front-end sub-assembly completely failed! I lost complete control of steering for the vehicle. The vehicle began to swerve, but I was able to apply the brakes and eventually stop the vehicle before a collision with other vehicles occurred. The entire front-end sub-assembly had to be replaced. The repair work, including parts and labor, cost me approximately $2,000.00 out of pocket. I contacted the ford dealer where I bought the vehicle, but they refused to compensate me for the damages. I just read an article in the wall street journal that the federal safety agency is investigating ford motor company for this very problem.
My windstar is at dealers for broken rear axle and I was told front subframe is rusted.
The right control arm broke off of the sub frame while backing out of our drive way. The van is not drivable (contacting ford to find out what can be done).
Vehicle front subframe structure corroded and caused the passenger side lower control arm to break off where the mounting tabs connect into the frame and the passenger side sway bar mount also corroded causing it to fail at the same time. Occurred while driving causing the car to skid as the passengerside axle came right out of the transmission when the frame failed.
Front right subframe broke and allowed wheel to be trapped in weelwell very close to crash had replaced and used replacment broke just over one year later
Tl*the contact owns a 2001 ford windstar. While driving approximately 5 MPH and attempting to make a turn, the contact heard a clicking noise coming from the outside of the vehicle. The vehicle exhibited a slight vibration for a couple of seconds and continued in operation. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic where a diagnostic test was performed and they informed that the engine cradle completely rusted due to corrosion. The vehicle was in the process of being repaired. The failure mileage was 142,000. Updated 12/01/2011
2001 ford windstar rear axle recall. I brought my van in for inspection for the rear axle recall (1os13) the ford dealership condemned the vehicle and I was provided with a rental car. Ford has no parts to fix this concern and also has no timetable when this will be resolved. This is unacceptable to me and ford needs to stand behind there products and show loyalty to there customers.
Tl*the contact owns a 2001 ford windstar. While driving approximately 60 MPH she noticed that she could turn the steering wheel but the vehicle would not change directions. The vehicle was stopped and shut off. The vehicle was towed to an independent mechanic where she was informed that the frame under the vehicle was severely corroded and that the tie rods failed. The vehicle was not repaired. The failure and current mileages were 150,000. The VIN was unavailable.
2001 ford windstar se: may 4, 2010, backing out of driveway, loud noise, could not drive car. Driver's side rear axle fractured, car towed to mechanic who repaired and reinforced said fracture by welding. August 2010, ford announces recall of windstars, issues letters to affected owners late september, 2010. Received ford recall notice during the week of october 18, 2010. Sunday, october 31, 2010, while driving on side road (5 passengers, plus driver) same loud noise, car immobilized. Passenger side rear axle fractured. Passengers left stranded. Car towed first to residence then to dealership on monday am. Told by dealer that car would not be repaired until january or february, 2011 (at the earliest) as no parts available.
Tl*the contact owns a 2001 ford windstar. While driving approximately 5 MPH, the contact stated that the sub frame on her vehicle was covered with rusted and damaged. The dealer was notified and stated that the sub frame needed to be replaced. The vehicle will be repaired by an authorized dealer. The manufacturer had not been contacted. The current and failure mileage was approximately 114,000.
Our 2001 ford windstar started making a popping noise a couple of months ago, usually at slow speeds and while turning. When we had it checked out, we were told the subframe has rusted through at one place. This could potentially pose a significant safety risk, as the motor mounts, steering control arms, etc., are attached to this subframe.
Tl*the contact owns a 2001 ford windstar. The contact stated that the passenger side subframe had rusted; the vehicle made a thumping sound as if the wheel would fall off. The contact also noticed that the bolts near the wheel were also rusted. The vehicle had not been inspected or repaired. The VIN was unavailable. The current and failure mileages were approximately 120,000.
My wife and I own a 2001 ford windstar. The other day as we were driving down the road we heard a loud pop from the front passenger side of the car. We pulled over to find that the subframe had broken.
I have a 2001 ford windstar that the front subframe failed on. I was sitting at a stop light waiting for it to turn green. When the light changed I took my foot off the brake and pushed on the gas. I heard a big clunk sound and the steering wheel began to spin freely. I slowly drove the vehicle into the center median and found that the front subframe had failed right under the floorboards. Had this occurred at a high speed the outcome could have been grave. I had no way to steer the vehicle. This failure needs to be addressed asap. The vehicle has been driven in the salt belt as they say all its life.
The front sub-frame on the right side has severe rusting and corrosion where the sub-frame meets the control arm. I took it in for inspection and was notified by the mechanic that it would not pass without replacement and was not even safe to drive out of his shop. He also said that he was surprised the car passed inspection at the ford dealership last year. Thankfully, it was discovered before the sub-frame detached.
Whilst turning a corner the front subframe mount sheared at the lower control arm connection. I lost steering and power. My car ended in a ditch at the side of the road. Myself and my one year old son were in the car at the time, we were both shaken but not injured. When the subframe failed the half axle left the transmission, thus losing power and the two front wheel were left pointing in opposite directions. We have not had this repaired yet but have been told that's parts will be in excess of $1800 plus labor. This could cost $2500. Worse still if this had have happened on the motorway, it does bear to consider the consequences! I have seen thousands of similar cases posted on various internet sites, this needs to be remedied before someone gets seriously hurt!
Front sub frame rusted out on the right passenger side. After going to a transmission shop to have my trans rebuilt I went to a mechanic to see why I kept hearing strange noise from the passenger side of the van. When the mechanic lifted the van he showed me the rusted subframe and stated that eventually it will fail and that it needs to be replaced. The only way to resolve this problem is to replace the sub frame, because it is too thin to weld in their opinion.
Tl* the contact owns a 2002 ford windstar. The contact was driving approximately 20 MPH when she heard an abnormal pop and the vehicle began to steer improbably. The vehicle was towed to an authorized dealer where the dealer replaced the front sub frame due to severe rust. The contact stated that the sub frame was fractured in two. The failure mileage was 140,445 and the current mileage was 145,000. Updated 01/12/11*lj updated 04/19/11
Tl*the contact owns a 2001 ford windstar. While the vehicle was being serviced the mechanic noticed that the k frame was covered with rust. The local mechanic replaced the k frame. The failure mileage was 96,000 and the current mileage was 99,000.
Tl*the contact owns a 2001 ford windstar. While driving 35 MPH the contact lost control of the vehicle after a hearing a loud noise. When the vehicle stopped the contact noticed that the front end of the vehicle had broken off. The vehicle was towed to a local repair shop and the front sub frame was replaced. The contact called the manufacturer regarding the sub frame and they stated that there was nothing they could do. The contact was concerned about numerous complaints regarding the front sub frame. If the vehicle was traveling any faster than it was it could have caused a major crash. The failure mileage was 247,000.
My family (7 members) was returning home from a vacation day. We were 2 1/2 hours from home when suddenly our van jerked to the right very hard and I lost all control of the steering. Our vehicle was heading straight for a guardrail and concrete bridge wall. Somehow we managed to miss both and ended up in the ditch over 500 yds from where we first lost control. Imagine my surprise when I got out expecting to see maybe a flat tire, but instead saw the passenger front tire sideways. Not knowing alot about cars, I called my neighbor to possibly help me. He drove the large distance with his trailer to come pick us up. When he got there he looked and saw the front subframe had completely rusted away from the body mount and had caused the lower control arm to sheer off the frame. This in turn caused the axle to pull out of the transmission rendering the vehicle completely inoperable. When I got home the next morning I found out through the newspaper that the rear axle had just been recalled for similar corrosion problems. I was astonished. What more amazed me was given the fact that serious injury or death could have easily occurred that more was not done to resolve the situation. When we contacted the manufacturer we were told that they wouldn't help us, but we could take the vehicle to their dealer and they would be happy to repair it at our cost, but it would come with a 1 yr./12,000 mile warranty. This repair could cost upwards of $5,000. I nor my neighbor,who has been a mechanic for years, have never seen a vehicle less than 10 years old rust apart like that when there is barely any rust on the body of the vehicle. This situation needs serious action because the problem is not one that is easily detected by anyone who doesn't know what they are looking for. Unfortunately ours was not detected ahead of time , and thankfully my family was able to make it through with only some bad dreams and scared kids.
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