2001 Ford Windstar: loss of power steering

Filed May 3, 2016 · Brakes, Steering · 97,000 miles · NY · crash

I came up to a stop sign, the entire front axle broke off the frame, I lost steering, brakes, had to slam it into park to stop. I ended up across the road. There was a recall in 2011 for the axle mount and ford decided it only needed a coating on it, 5 seconds later we would of been on the highway and killed. I emailed ford and they said the recall was still open, the ford dealer never closed it, so they won't help me. That is bull, the coated it and forgot to close it out, thats their fault, I can take pics if you want them.

Filed Jul 27, 2015 · Brakes, Steering · 161,000 miles · IN

We wish to be contacted and have multiple issues to report. (1) odi request for information regarding engineering analysis ea10-007 sub frame and (2) issues of compliance with safety recall procedures and what we believe to be fraudulent and illegal actions. Space is inadequate but will try to summarize. Vehicle subframe failed at both passenger and driver side rear mounts and thereby caused separation of the steering components and complete loss of steering, loss of brakes, and loss of transmission control. The owner used the only means available to stop the vehicle by turning off the ignition key and 'riding it out.' subframe components and the engine/transmission had been in contact with pavement. Large portions of the subframe appear to be missing from the vehicle. The exhaust system was severed. The transmission linkage pulled away and as stated the steering components separated. What is believed to be the air bag cable became wrapped around the steering components. Vehicle was towed to a dealership which refuses to inspect, disclose, photograph, or allow to be photographed the massive damage while declaring the vehicle "repairable" and the "repairs have to be done." at issue are declarations that under the recall that "responsibility" rests with the owner and a "right to deny coverage." a demand that repairs be scheduled or the vehicle be towed from the car lot with a demand that a document be signed which amounts to a release and complete misrepresentation of the facts. The dealership has been told that we will lend no truth or validity to their forceful and manipulative demands, nor will we sign any document. It is our intent to destroy the vehicle. We have incurred multiple out of pocket expenses. In essence fraud and illegal acts, under the color of federal law are alleged. We desire to submit a written statement and request for investigation.

Filed Jul 14, 2014 · Body, Engine · 236,000 miles · NJ · crash

While backing out of my driveway the subframe fell out of my vehicle causing the throttle body to open all the way dropped out of reverse and went into drive lost steering ,lost brakes jammed vehicle into park to stop 1 foot from telephone pole. Had vehicle towed to ford took 1 week to here anything from them ,was told I could not have a rental or loaner vehicle while they had my car. Called ford customer service line was told I could only get rental car for 1 day for subframe and 1 day for rear axle recall , as of 7/14 2014 was told I would maybe have my vehicle back by next week after ford evaluated my car for repairs. I did not receive a phone call from ford dealer until 7/14/2014.

Filed Sep 27, 2012 · Airbags, Body · 150,000 miles · NJ

7/21/2011 bought van from private party. Recall completed in march of 2011 regarding back axle. On 7/13/2012 8pm, my 18yr old son, while driving home from lacrosse practice, nearly killed. Upon pulling out onto the main road, he lost all controls, no steering, no brakes and no power. He coasted and prayed it would stop. I arrived, we called aaa. Flatbed to my home driver could not believe his eyes. The engine had fallen out. 7/16/12 called ford in mich and spoke to rep. To be towed 13 miles away to route 23 auto at our expense. Really? Route23 wanted nothing to do with me (they did recall). Went back and forth then per rt23 "it will be a month until we can look at it" getting know where. 7/18-22 borrowed friend car for tournament. 8/1/12 called magarino ford and with great concern had a flatbed that night. This tow truck driver could not believe it. Fluids raced out and double stabilized for engine sliding during transport. 8/2/12 magarino called 9am, pictures sent to ford and awaiting reply. 8/5/12 t/c from m stating ford refuses to buy back and sending a subframe. You mean a recalled one? Magarino caught in middle I questioned whether he would put his children in this van. He softly replied, "no" what am I to do, out of work 2 years, single parent with no car to find work. 8/8/12 I questioned ford why this van ever left rt 23 auto, according to researched paper a part was waiting on. You mean to tell me that upon this fixed axle nobody noticed the subframe was rotted from inside out causing the engine to fall out the next summer nearly killing my son! But they signed it was fine! Really? Now we have case # 1373091992 8/10/12 picked up van. Broke= A/C, r-window, heater engine, airbag, brake light on, runs hot steering= thumps makes noise (full fluid) skip gears, sways, barely can get up a hill. 11yr old scared to drive in it

Filed Dec 5, 2011 · Suspension, Transmission · 110,000 miles · MA · crash

I bought this car used 1 yr and 8 months ago .. Haven't had any major problems with it. We received the recall for the rear axle, they checked it out was fine, we never received this last recall in 2011 but it may have helped if we did. On dec 2 I was pulling out of a school, was at a complete stop then started pulling out to take a right only going about 5 MPH we heard a bang (something fell in the front end) then the car just took over, there was no steering, the throttle stuck took us from 5 MPH to about 30 MPH in like 3 seconds crossing 4 lanes of traffic and just missing 2 vehicles, I crashed into a sign, 2 fences and a tree which made us stop, there was this awful sound that was getting faster and faster, we jumped out of the car because we thought it was going to blow up!!! Everything that is in the front end is laying on the ground!! This is very dangerous and I am outraged that something like this could happen. If my husband and I hadn't gone anywhere that night, I would have had my 3 small children in it the next morning!! I am so thankful that we were not hurt (except for emotionally) and that we also didn't hurt anyone else .. If those cars were 1 second earlier we would have smashed into those cars that were going about 50 MPH .. Wouldn't have a been a very good outcome!!! Now waiting to see what will happen with the van, if it is fixed I will not get in it ever again!!

Filed Jun 10, 2011 · Body · 59,524 miles · OH

Tl*the contact owns a 2001 ford windstar. The contact was driving approximately 55 MPH when the vehicle experienced a completely loss of steering control and drifted into the opposing lane without intent. The vehicle came to a stop when the brakes were applied. The vehicle was towed to an authorized dealer where the contact was informed that the subframe was defective and caused damages within the steering and suspension mechanisms. The vehicle was previously repaired under a recall associated with the federal safety agency campaign id number 11v030000 (structure: frame and members: underbody shields). The failure occurred after the recall repair. The contact stated the remedy did not correct the failure. The vehicle was in the process of being repaired. The manufacturer was made aware of the defect. The failure mileage was approximately 59,524.

Filed Jun 5, 2011 · Brakes, Engine · 125,655 miles · NC

There have been numerous issues with this vehicle lately. Car would not start, power steering went out, oil light stays on, I have to put oil in every week, seat motor stop working and now the brakes do not work. We were driving out of town with our 3 kids and I went to press the brakes just to find that it was not there - it was all the way up under the dash board!!!

Filed May 17, 2011 · Body · 92,000 miles · NC

Tl* the contact owns a 2001 ford windstar. While driving 10 MPH, the vehicle exhibited an abnormal pop noise and immediately, the power steering assist failed. The contact stated that the vehicle was extremely difficult to control, especially when attempting a turn. The contact inspected the vehicle and found that the front sub frame was corroded and cracked near the front passenger area. The vehicle was taken the dealer who inspected and ruled the vehicle as unsafe to drive. The manufacturer would not assist with the repairs because the VIN was not included in the federal safety agency campaign id number: 11v030000 (structure: frame and members: under-body shields). The vehicle was not repaired. The failure and current mileage was 92,000.

Filed Dec 17, 2010 · Suspension · 93,000 miles · NJ

I am not a mechanic but will attempt to relay my best interpretation of what I believe happened. While my wife was driving a total loss of steering occurred. Very luckily she was not on a major highway travelling at high speed or in the process of navigating a turn. After inspection by our mechanic it was determined that the cradle that supports the front suspension fractured. This occurred on the front passenger side of the vehicle and the front axle connected to passenger side wheel was then disconnected from the transmission this was either caused by lower control arm disconnected or the vice/versa. The vehicle lost the ability to turn and luckily there was nobody tailgating as she was forced to park the vehicle stranded in the middle of the road. It is my opinion that an existing open defect investigation, pe10026 , is an exact match to the problem encountered. I tried to resolve with ford but at this time they do not consider the 100+ instances of this occurring as sufficient cause to warrant a recall and I guess that over the next year or two as this component of the vehicle continues to age we will see more incidents like this. I just had the vehicle serviced and my mechanic knew to check for the rear axle failure but had there been proper notification already in place they may have been able to check for this defect before the vehicle was put back on the road at risk of human life.

Filed Nov 8, 2010 · Body · 90,000 miles · 00 · crash

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!

Filed Sep 17, 2010 · Body · 140,000 miles · WI

Tl* the contact owns a 2001 ford windstar. The contact was driving 35 MPH downhill when the vehicle made a loud, crashing noise followed by a loss of power steering and braking power. The vehicle was taken to a dealer where the contact was advised that the sub frame cradle had fractured from the frame while driving. The dealer also advised that the steering components, transmission, drive train and frame would need replacing. The vehicle was not repaired. The failure mileage was approximately 140,000.

Filed Jul 9, 2010 · Body · 177,000 miles · OH

While driving our 2001 ford windstar pulling a 7'x12' trailer at 60 m.p.h. On a two lane state route road we crossed an intersection of a county road there was a small hump at the intersection there was a very loud bang followed by a tire screeching and loss of steering the van pulled very hard to the right into the grass correcting we came back into our lane and started into the oncoming lane I was able to bring the van back to our lane and then slowly back to the grass where we came to a stop 1500' past the intersection after looking at the van I had found that the back mount of the right lower control arm was wet and had rusted and broke off causing the right wheel to turn out pulling the drive shaft out and locking up the wheel causing the loss of steering I believe that over time the evaporator dripped condensation on to the mount causing it to rust a fail this is a very serious structural failure and could cause serious injuries or death and is just not a pleasant time not wanting to pay $900 to $2000 to be repaired I found a good sub frame at a junk yard for $150( some frames may be more money) and will replace it myself this is a very big and hard project that will take a lot of time I have the right tools and knowhow I don't recommend trying for everyone this is a backup vehicle so I have the time to fix it ford or the n.h.t.s.a. Should recall all vehicles with the potential of this problem before some one gets badly hurt or dies this problem will not go away only get worse I urge all owners of any windstar to check there right lower control arm mounts to see if they are bad.