Check a VIN

2001 Ford Windstar suspension complaints

Page 2 of 15: complaints 11 to 40 of 416, newest first, as owners wrote them.

See the summary of 2001 Ford Windstar suspension problems: which part fails, at what mileage and related recalls.

Filed Jun 2, 2021 · Suspension · 138,000 miles · IL · fire

The contact owns a 2001 Ford Windstar. The contact stated while driving 25 MPH, there was a loud abnormal sound coming from the rear passenger’s side of the vehicle with black smoke coming from the rear of the vehicle. There was no warning light illuminated. The contact parked in a parking lot and saw that the rear passenger’s side tire was leaning towards the inside of the vehicle. The vehicle was towed to her residence and then the dealer. The contact stated that the dealer diagnosed the vehicle with a fractured rear axle that needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure but offered no assistance. The contact stated that the vehicle was previously serviced under the federal safety agency Campaign Number: 15V608000 (Suspension) in April of 2011. The failure mileage was approximately 138,000.

Filed Apr 4, 2021 · Suspension · 166,185 miles · TN

Rear axle broke when driving slowly pulling into our driveway on street.

Filed Jan 15, 2021 · Suspension · 170,100 miles · IN

On my 2001 ford windstar ford installed these brackets on rear suspension subframe and almost 2 years later my axle has split from one side all the way around to the other and any tiny bump you hit the van jumps all over the roadway. They won't repair the axle because the "brackets " were installed "properly".

Filed Jan 3, 2021 · Suspension · 150,000 miles · MN

While traveling at 60 m.p.h. , the rear axle broke on the right side of the vehicle where the axle is welded, recall number 10s13 was completed on the vehicle, where they installed the support brackets so the axle wouldn't break, the axle broke an inch away from where the support bracket was installed, there wasn't an accident with the vehicle and no one was hurt, but this could have easily been an accident,

Filed Sep 23, 2020 · Suspension · 164,952 miles · IN

Tl* the contact owns a 2001 ford windstar. The contact stated that while driving 50 MPH, the rear axle detached from the vehicle. The contact rented a truck and towed the vehicle. The contact stated that the vehicle was previously repaired under the federal safety agency campaign number: 15v608000 (suspension) regarding the rear axle however, the failure occurred after the recall repair was performed. Jordan ford (609 e jefferson blvd, mishawaka, in 46545; (574) 259-1981) was contacted and informed the contact that the rear axle needed to be replaced however, the repair was no longer covered under the recall. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure and confirmed what the dealer stated. The approximate failure mileage was 164,952.

Filed Jul 29, 2020 · Suspension · 126,000 miles · MI

The rear axle split/broke while driving 5 MPH turning onto a street. Both wheels are now rubbing against the frame.

Filed Jun 25, 2020 · Suspension · 172,000 miles · WI

Rear axle snapped while driving, recall repair was done less than 5 years ago (10/2015). Ford will not fix it. An axle should last the life of the vehicle, not just 4 1/2 years.

Filed Feb 10, 2020 · Suspension · 143,000 miles · WI · fire

Tl* the contact owns a 2001 ford windstar. The contact stated that while driving at approximately 51 MPH, the contact noticed a burning odor entering the vehicle. In addition, the contact and passengers heads was hitting towards the windows. The contact stated that the rear driver side tire was bent in and noticed that the axle was fractured. The vehicle was towed to an independent mechanic where it was diagnosed that there was holes and cracks in axle causing the axle to be fractured and needed to be replaced. The contact contacted evansville ford 428 n union rd, evansville, wi 53536 where they informed the contact that they were aware of the hole and cracks but unable to repair the vehicle. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The contact mentioned that a year ago that the vehicle was serviced under the federal safety agency campaign number: 15v608000 (suspension). The approximate failure mileage was 143,000.

Filed Jan 13, 2020 · Body, Suspension · 165,000 miles · PA

The axle was part of recall #11s16. As part of the recall the axle was patched, but the axle is now broken because the "repair" did not correct the structural flaws in the axle.

Filed Oct 23, 2019 · Suspension · 154,000 miles · MI

I was driving my vehicle and the rear axle crack I was driving on a on a city street and was scared my tires was rubbing and smoking.

Filed Oct 16, 2019 · Suspension · 155,000 miles · NM

The rear axle broke where ford repaired it in 2011. They are saying that my van is out of warranty on the recall because it is over 150000 miles. If they had replaced my rear axle in 2011 instead of a bad patch job on that recall I wouldn't be having this trouble. I feel that since ford had it under recall in 2011 they should have fixed it right at that time. I went into town on monday 10/14/19 and when I came out of the store I noticed that the rear wheels were leaning in against the body.

Filed Sep 24, 2019 · Brakes, Electrical · GA

Most important is the brakes have been changed and checked. On several occasions the brakes have just failed and I would pump them enough just to get in a safe location. Aaa has had to pick me up and when the brakes where checked they were find and the fluid full. Also the rear just fell but I had that repaired by a local reputable shop on candler rd, decatur/ there is a residue all around where I put the gas in. I've had the same mechanic for almost 30 years and he says the anti-lock brakes may be faulty. The brake and engine light will not go out even when repairs are made according to the codes that come up. The scariest time was when I was driving on university ave in atlanta and the car would not stop at the light at a normally busy intersection. I began blowing the horn and thank goodness no one was ahead of me. Aaa took their sweet time coming and by the time they got there the pedal was back up but I had them to tow me home anyways. My mechanic checked it and all was find but he was concerned and so was I. I did not contact ford but it has happened again as I started it yesterday morning and the brakes were on the floor. This is just too dangerous. I told my mechanic not to come check it before contacting ford.

Filed Aug 26, 2019 · Suspension · 100,607 miles · MI

Ford axle recall in certain states. I took my vehicle to the ford dealership approximmently 5 months ago. They said brackets were ok. Axle broke 08/26/2019 mileage on vehicle 100607. Vehicle was in motion, van almost flip. Tires are angled out and ruined.

Filed Aug 7, 2019 · Suspension · MI

Ford=fix or repair daily!!!!!!!!!!! I am writing to try and get ford to do the right thing. My mother's ex-husband told me to never buy a ford and I did not listen. I bought a windstar 2001. I took it in for the recall on the axle. They inspected and told me it was fine. I was unaware that they did anything to it. Three weeks ago, I was driving home from the gym when my car started sounding odd. I... Pulled over and noticed my tires were leaning in. My axle had snapped. I called the ford dealership and they said they would indeed fix it due to the recall. I had it towed to the dealership in taylor. That next monday was memorial day so I did not hear anything from them until they called on tuesday and stated they will not fix it because they had placed brackets on it 2 year ago. They said they had complied with the recall and they were not responsible for this repair. What I do not understand is how they believe this is acceptable. If ford had fixed the problem in the first place this would not have been an issue. I could have been driving on the freeway or my kids could have been in the car. I have contacted ford and asked for them to reconsider this to no avail. Thank you

Filed Aug 3, 2019 · Suspension, Transmission · MO

My vehicle was manufactured in 2001. There was a recall put out for the suspension:rear:axle:non-powered axle assembly. In 2011, according to sunset ford dealership (where I took it for axle repair and was denied) the recall was remedied in 2011. However, as stated along with the recall notice, the time that the brackets were mis installed caused damage to the rear axle, corrosion and fracturing. This is exactly what is happening to my vehicle right now and the dealership along with ford corporate is saying this axle repair will be fully at my cost. According to their automated recall phone information, up until 2016 they were offering to replace the axle for $300 ( a discounted rate) for customers affected. I do not at all feel I should be responsible for this repair. I contacted ford corporate a few times now and have been told no its not their fault. I was also told by sunset ford, that I would need to pay them $140 an hour for them to diagnose it and tell me specifically what is wrong. It has already been there once to check the recall where they took pictures ( included) and sent them to ford corporate where I was told no they will not fix it unless I pay for it. This repair should be fully covered and I need help getting ford to agree.

Filed May 29, 2019 · Suspension · 142,000 miles · WI

Tl* the contact owns a 2001 ford windstar. The contact stated that the rear axle was fractured and an abnormal bumping noise was heard. The contact parked the vehicle and noticed smoke coming from the rear tires. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic who found an unknown recall associated with the vehicle. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure and did not assist. The dealer was not contacted. The failure mileage was 142,000.

Filed May 24, 2019 · Suspension · 182,000 miles · IL

Tl* the contact owns a 2001 ford windstar. While driving at an unknown speed, the rear driver's side wheel started to rub against the body of the vehicle. The driver was able to coast into a parking lot and could not be driven. The contact stated that the vehicle was previously repaired per the federal safety agency campaign number: 15v608000 (suspension) by heller ford (located at 700 w main st, el paso, tx 61738, (309) 527-6050); however, the repair did not correct the failure. The vehicle was not towed to a dealer or an independent mechanic for diagnostic testing or repairs. The manufacturer informed the contact that the recall was no longer active and did not offer further assistance. The approximate failure mileage was 182,000.

Filed May 21, 2019 · Suspension · 182,000 miles · TN

Tl* the contact owns a 2001 ford windstar. While driving 40 MPH, the rear of the vehicle shook. The following day, the contact noticed that the rear driver's side wheel was tilted inward. He checked under the vehicle and noticed that the rear axle was fractured. The vehicle was not taken to a dealer or an independent mechanic for diagnostic testing. The vehicle was not repaired. The contact called the manufacturer and was informed that, due to the age of the vehicle, they could not assist and repair the vehicle. The approximate failure mileage was 182,000.

Filed Apr 16, 2019 · Suspension · 230,000 miles · NE

Driving under 30 MPH and noticed a strange sound pulled off the street and inspected rear drivers tire was leaning and discovered rear axle was broken

Filed Feb 24, 2019 · Body, Suspension · 132,596 miles · OH

1. Rear axle fractured severely & broke making the car un-drivable on 24 jan 2019 while in motion driving in city traffic. Ford put braces on this vehicle under recall# 10s13, but they failed to prevent further corrosion and metal fatigue. The axle was a bad engineering design from the drawing board combined with not e-coating the metal during manufacturing to prevent corrosion of the metal due to road salt. The axle fractured next to the brace on the driver side as shown in the 4 images below. I have one tow bill (flat-bed) to get the car off the downtown street to my home & will have another tow bill to transport it to where I can replace the axle. 2. Front cradle frame's mount rusted off that anchors the stabilizer bar so the stabilizer bar had to be removed. This happened several years ago. The cradle frame probable was not e-coated during manufacture either. I can take a pic and probable have the repair invoice detailing the date and the mechanic's work to remove the stabilizer bar. To fix the car will need a new front cradle frame, stabilizer bar, and possibly mount brackets.

Filed Dec 6, 2018 · Suspension · 280,000 miles · NC

Tl* the contact owns a 2001 ford windstar. While driving at an unknown speed, the driver heard a noise coming from the rear driver's side tire. The contact coasted the vehicle into a parking lot and noticed that the rear driver's side axle had detached without warning. The vehicle was towed to an independent mechanic, but was not diagnosed or repaired. The vehicle was not taken to a dealer. The VIN was included in the federal safety agency campaign number: 10v385000 (suspension). The manufacturer was notified of the failure and did not assist. The approximate failure mileage was 280,000.

Filed Aug 16, 2018 · Suspension · 103,500 miles · OH

Tl* the contact owns a 2001 ford windstar. While driving approximately 12 MPH, the rear of the vehicle lowered and the rear driver's side tire became stuck under the wheel well. The contact pulled the vehicle over to the side of the road. The contact looked underneath the vehicle and noticed that the rear driver's side axle had fractured. The vehicle was not taken to the dealer or an independent mechanic for diagnostic testing. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 103,500.

Filed Aug 10, 2018 · Body, Suspension · 122,983 miles · IN

Tl* the contact owns a 2001 ford windstar. The contact stated that the dealer (gurley leep ford lincoln, 320 e ireland rd, south bend, in 46614, (574) 291-6910) indicated that they serviced an unknown recall from the manufacturer for the reinforcement brackets and that they had not been required to provide any additional repairs. The dealer replaced the rear axles due to the reinforcement brackets fracturing while the vehicle was being driven below 25 MPH. The dealer stated that they were not required by the manufacturer to reinstall reinforcement brackets. The manufacturer was notified of the failure and suggested replacing the same oem rear axles. The vehicle was repaired. The failure mileage was not available. *tt consumer stated I feel the rear axles fail even with the recall brackets on, so I feel ford should pay for the bill. The tires went bad and out when this happened. The recall did not work and put new recall parts on new axles. Updated 10/16/18

Filed Jun 26, 2018 · Suspension · 195,000 miles · NJ

Tl* the contact owns a 2001 ford windstar. While driving 55 MPH, the vehicle began to shake. The contact discovered that the rear wheels were bent. There were no warning indicators illuminated. Additionally, the contact stated that clamps were placed on the axle in 2015. The vehicle was towed to quality auto mall (55 state rt 17, rutherford, nj 07070, (201) 935-2400) where the failure was diagnosed as a fractured axle. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was notified and did not assist. The failure mileage was 195,000. The VIN was not available.

Filed Jun 20, 2018 · Brakes, Suspension · 165,000 miles · MN

Rear axle break due to corrosion of acknowledged inadequately designed axle. Break happened in the reinforcement bracket installed do to initial axle recall for potential break due to corrosion.. Car was on city street in motion to freeway onramp fortunately the axle broke prior to entering freeway. Axle break resulted in sagging axle and a wheel tilted inward at about 20 degrees and wedged against the inner wheel well. Tire started to smoke. Car is undriveable. The repair is estimated to $1400. Ford will not accept any financial responsibility for this break in the brackets installed to prevent the break. Additional components are also needing repair and replacement due to the break of the axle.

Filed May 13, 2018 · Body, Steering · 104,000 miles · NM

Removed subframe to replace faulty torque converter. Found substantial rusting at firewall end of subframe on both "arms", requiring replacement of subframe. Called local dealers, no "open" recall (over 15 year-old van) and $4,900 new subframe quote provided, with no dealer or manufacturer coverage, after calling national and canadian mfctr recall numbers. Mfctr/dealers of no assistance, whatsoever. Part not actually available.

Filed Nov 16, 2017 · Suspension · OH

Tl* the contact owns a 2001 ford windstar. While driving 35 MPH, the axle fractured. The vehicle was towed to ricart ford (4255 s hamilton rd, groveport, oh 43125) where it was diagnosed that the rear axle needed to be replaced. The repair was no longer covered under the federal safety agency campaign number: 15v608000 (suspension). The local dealer contacted the manufacturer and was informed that they would cover the inspection; however, the vehicle repairs would be the contact's responsibility. The failure mileage was unknown.

Filed Nov 6, 2017 · Suspension, Transmission · 113,628 miles · MI

Tl* the contact owns a 2001 ford windstar. The contact received notification of an unknown recall regarding the rear axle. The contact took the vehicle to blackwell ford inc (41001 plymouth rd, plymouth, mi 48170; 734‑453‑1100) where it was determined that a repair was not needed. The recall was deemed completed. Approximately two years after the recall, the vehicle underwent routine inspection and it was diagnosed that the rear axle fractured and needed to be replaced. The vehicle had not been repaired. The dealer was not contacted. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure who informed the contact that, due to the vehicle passing inspection for the recall, they were unable to provide the repair. The approximate failure mileage was 113,628.

Filed Oct 10, 2017 · Body, Driver assistance · 141,588 miles · OH

Sub frame

Filed Oct 2, 2017 · Suspension · 29,500 miles · GA

2001 ford windstar rear axel cracked while driving on the city streets . I see recalls for other similar vehicles for the same problem.

VIN decoder

See the problems and recalls for an exact car

Buying a used 2001 Ford Windstar?

Check the exact car before you pay: accidents, salvage or flood titles, odometer readings and previous owners.

Check its history