2001 Ford Windstar: clunking or noise when steering

Filed Oct 30, 2014 · Body, Suspension · 142,000 miles · WI

The rear axle broke in the place that was "fixed" by the recall work in 2010. Noticed squeaking noises (tire was rubbing) and a large clunk and wiggle when turning into a parking lot. Took a photo when I got to the parking lot. My rear driver's side tire was at an angle to the vehicle and the rear axle was broken under the collar that had been attached by a dealer for the recall. The weld held up, but the axle snapped underneath the fix-up job. Apparently the recall fix wasn't really a fix. Towed it into a dealer, who took photos and talked to ford. Ford said they wouldn't do anything. Cost me $$ to tow it to the dealer and back home again. Don't have $1,000 to pay the dealer for a new rear axle. Very disappointed that they didn't stand by their work. Very thankful that I was not on the freeway, and that all my children were not with me at the time. It could have been so much worse!

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 22, 2010 · Suspension · 118,000 miles · WI

I own a 2001 ford windstar that I recently had the subframe replaced as it had corroded through on the right side of the subframe. I noticed the failure of it while driving. I heard a loud clunk and then my steering wheel abruptly turned to the right and the front end started vibrating similar to when the front end is out of alignment. I was traveling at a low rate of speed when this occurred and id not result in a crash, but made the vehicle undriveable.

Filed Nov 14, 2010 · Body · 125,000 miles · IL

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.

Filed Jun 9, 2009 · Body · 88,000 miles · IL

Front subframe rusted through at passenger side mounting point requiring replacement of the front subframe. The condition was noticed immediately after failure due to a change in the direction of the steering wheel and a popping noise during turns, confirmed and repaired at an independent repair shop before any further damage accumulated. I noticed a recall issued on kias of the same vintage for the same problem.

Filed Nov 26, 2007 · Steering · 76,435 miles · SC

Vehicle has 76,000 miles. Power steering fluid was being gradually lost and steering noise occurred as the fluid level went down. Took it to dealership, and they explained power steering pump was leaking. Replaced with a new one at another shop and today all fluid was lost in less than 15 minutes of driving, leaving me with unassisted steering. Took it back to the shop (with difficulty) and they said the new pump was faulty and is leaking at the same place, however, stains are now on the left side of vehicle when the pump is actually on the right. Previously, stains were on the right side, now they are on the left so it can't be the pump again. Shop will not honor their warranty on parts/labor. I am concerned that this will cause an accident, or start a fire under the vehicle. I have seen on the internet that power steering leaks on this model are very common, so please investigate this matter and let me know what you come up with.

Filed Sep 17, 2002 · Acceleration, Body · GA

Consumer states check engine light is on. Dealer replace fuel cap and evaporative purge valve, however problem still exist and now the vehicle is stalling causing vehicle to have no braking and power steering power. Squeaking noise when setting still. Belt tensioner replaced.

Filed Feb 11, 2002 · Body, Suspension · MI

Consumer stated arm rest on the passenger side of the vehicle is broken, cause unknown. *ak clunk noise in front end while turning or accelerating from a stop, can also be felt with vibration, passenger side dash area hanging. Both sliding door rubber stops missing, driverside sliding door stop replaced. Grinding noise in rear when applying brakes. When heat is on vent smells like something is burning. Wipers will not clear windshield, washer solvent sprays in one spot. Normal operation.