In 2011 ford recalled over 400000 vans (1997-2003) due to serious corrosion of axles and other components. Special repairs were done at ford expense. Recently my mechanic informed me that the rear motor mount and the van sub frame had continued to rust badly to the extent that the unit was a safety risk. A search of the internet indicates that many, many repaired ford vehicles have experienced very serious corrosion of the sub frames and the repaired axles with serious results including failure of sub frames and or axles when driving!!
2001 Ford Windstar suspension complaints
Page 5 of 15: complaints 101 to 130 of 416, newest first, as owners wrote them.
Report receipt date: aug 26, 2010 the federal safety agency campaign number: 10v385000 ford's recall no. Is 10s13. This vehicle (VIN#: [xxx]) had the recall performed back in 2001 for the rear axle. On 12/1/2014, my girlfriend brought to my attention that the left rear tire of the vehicle was leaning in towards the inner fender, come to find out, the axle has now failed and cracked after the recall was performed, and both the ford dealer I took the van to, and also ford corporate will not repair or replace the axle, stating that the recall was only good for 12 months, or 12,000 miles. Upon doing some research online, there has been multiple ford windstar owners who have had similar problems, and with no help from ford to resolve this issue. (found this forum online where owners have had similar problems as I am: http://www.cargurus.com/cars/discussion-t554_ds514052). I feel that it's not fair that these axles are failing after a recall, and ford is not doing anything to further fix this issue. I'm bringing this to your attention, because I feel a recall should fix the problem, not postpone a known failure. Information redacted pursuant to the freedom of information act (foia), 5 u.s.c. 552(b)(6). *tr updated 1/19/2016
Tl* the contact owns a 2001 ford windstar. The contact had received notification of the federal safety agency campaign number: 10v385000(suspension) and had taken the vehicle to the dealer to service the vehicle under the recall. The dealer was expected to inspect and if necessary install the rear axle reinforcement brackets. The contact stated that they inspected and sprayed anti-corrosion spray on the axle. On a later occasion, the contact stated when she exited the vehicle she noticed that the rear driver side tire was leaning into the frame. The vehicle was towed to the dealer for diagnosis and the mechanic stated that rear axle was fractured and needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired and the manufacturer was notified of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 170,917.
Abs and brake lights keep coming on and off. Also have shaking in suspension front and back. Dealer conducted the back axle repair but the vehicle still has a little shake with new tires and front end alignment.
The front right axel broke, I didn't have an accident nor did I run it into a ditch. The frame has cracked, its where the axle and the frame meet. It's a 2001 and yes, it's an old vehicle, but its the only transportation I can afford right now. If I can take it to a ford dealership to be repaired I would. Some how, I believe their is a god.
Tl* the contact owns a 2001 ford windstar. The contact stated that while driving at 35 MPH, the rear axle fractured. The vehicle was towed to a dealer. The technician verified the failure and stated that the rear axle needed to be replaced. The manufacturer was made aware of the issue. The failure mileage was 129,000.
Tl* the contact owns a 2001 ford windstar. The contact stated that while driving 35 MPH the rear axle snapped. The vehicle was towed to a dealer where it was confirmed that the axle had fractured and would need to be replaced. The manufacturer was made aware of the issue. The failure mileage was 129,000.
Tl* the contact owns a 2001 ford windstar. The contact stated that while driving 10 MPH and making a right turn, a loud abnormal thump noise emitted from the rear of the vehicle. The vehicle was merged to the side of the road where the contact noticed that the left rear wheel was tilted inward. The contact mentioned that the vehicle had recently been repaired under the federal safety agency campaign number: 12v195000 (suspension).the vehicle was towed to the dealer. The technician diagnosed that the rear axle needed to be replaced. The manufacturer was notified of the issue. The approximate failure mileage was unknown.
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!
Tl* the contact owns a 2001 ford windstar. While installing new tires on the vehicle, it was discovered that the rear axle was fractured. The dealer stated that the vehicle was not included in the federal safety agency campaign number: 12v193000 (power train). The vehicle was not repaired. The failure mileage was 181,618.
I was on my way home from work, when my van started to shake and sound like I had a flat tire. I got out of the van and looked no flat. When I made it home I noticed that the back tire was leaning at an angle. I checked my lug nuts but they were tight. I looked under the van and seen that the axle brace was broken. I called ford customer service at 1‑800‑392‑3673 they told me that the recall on the rear axle was fixed in 2010 and it didn't matter that it was the same problem they were not helping. This problem could have caused an accident. If there is a recall shouldn't it stay in effect until the problem is completely fixed no matter how many times it takes to correct the problem? When I asked if it had caused an accident if it would have been covered then they said no!
The recall 10s13 rear axle inspection and repair was performed on my car in 2011. Ford dealer inspected, cleaned and painted areas of rear axle recommended by ford. They installed additional support parts. Now rear axle rusted thru where work was done during recall work. It is safety concern. Ford's temporary fix does not work as permanent fix. When I called ford regarding this problem, they say that the recall work warranty 12 months only.
Tl* the contact owns a 2001 ford windstar. While driving approximately 35 MPH, the vehicle began to veer in one direction independently. In addition, the rear of the vehicle began to vibrate excessively. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic who stated that the rear axle fractured. The recall that was related to the failure, the federal safety agency campaign number: 12v195000 (suspension), had expired. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was notified. The VIN was unavailable. The approximate failure mileage was 137,000.
Tl* the contact owns a 2001 ford windstar. While driving 45 MPH, the rear axle fractured. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic who confirmed that the rear axle failed. The vehicle was not repaired. The contact stated that the vehicle was previously repaired according to the federal safety agency campaign number: 10v385000 (suspension). The manufacturer was notified. The approximate failure mileage was 160,000.
One week prior to a scheduled vacation (900 mile south) we asked mechanic to check the rear axle because of the previous repair for the recall. Brackets installed 4/12/2011 by haldeman ford in allentown, pa for the recall 10s13 were in place per our mechanic. Several serious cracks and rust around the brackets were found in the axle during this inspection and pictures were taken. Haldeman ford agreed that the axle needed to be replaced based on severe damage and rust, sent pictures to ford motor company, for approval of replacement of the rear axle under the recall. Ford engineers examine the pictures sent by haldeman ford denied the repair. Ford motor co. Said " the brackets did what they were supposed to do". Haldeman ford was surprised that the repair work was denied called sara at ford's customer relation center who indicated that their policy was that the ford engineers determination was final. Mananger told us: ford's policy was that the repair was done per required by the recall 10s13 and that there was a 1 year warranty on the repair and it is passed the warranty period and again denied the repair request. We were never told of a one year warranty. (I have the original copy of the ford "repair order details" with no "small print" or otherwise regarding the warranty). Haldeman ford stated they was unaware of a 1 yr. Warranty. Had rear axle replaced for the cost of $918 for vacation 2 days later. Please investigate I would appreciate any assistance you could provide with securing payment for the repair that ford was responsible for. Never received a "recall notice" from ford motor despite being the only owner of the windstar (was a demo vehicle) living at same address. When we first took it to haldeman ford about the recall, they said they didn't know anything about the recall and would not repair it until they were notified.
Took ford windstar van 2001 in for brake inspection back on march 31,2014 was shown picture of rear axle that was cracked in half but had the ford manufactured bracket installed as a fix to the recalled axle ( which I was not told about when we purchased the used van from the dealership). On march 31, 2014 my mechanic told me he would not go on the expressway with it. Today, 7/30/14 I was driving with my children in the van and I heard a terrible noise coming from rear of the van. I slowed down and drove home. When I got out of the van at home both of my rear tires were leaning inwards and upon further inspection looked under the van and saw the axle completely cracked in half with a good half an inch wide crack through the axle. When the mechanic took picture back in march the crack was a hairline crack. Please let everyone be aware of this life threatening situation. If you drive a ford windstar that has been recalled and fixed with a bracket for the rear axle do not get behind the wheel it is a death trap!!!!!!!!!!!!
While driving through an intersection I heard a loud bang underneath the car and I lost all steering control! I parked the car and called for a tow. When van was on the flatbed I observed the engine mounting had detached on both sides of the car. The engine and other components were hanging down. Had van towed home. Through my own research I found that my van was part of recall no. 11s16 for corrosion related fractures at the front lower control arm rear attaching brackets and body mount attachments at the rear of the front subframe. I was shocked that I had not been notified of this recall because I had been notified regarding recall no 11s13 for rear axle corrosion related cracking. Van was taken for inspection axle and we were told it passed and nothing else needed to be done. Had van towed again, this time to dealer. Dealer says subframe and rear axle need replaced and ford wants to do the replacement. As a result of the frame detachment, the intermediate shaft needs replaced. There are other unknown components that may need repaired/replaced and they won't know until they do the work. The other repairs may or may not be paid for by ford. Under ford's own remedies, if brackets can not repair the original subframe, then a repurchase offer for the vehicle should be made. To date, ford has refused this as a remedy. Instead, they want to replace the subframe and axle that would have to be attached to other corroded parts of the vehicle. My family's lives were already put in danger enough by these defective products. I was not notified regarding the subframe recall and the rear axle was improperly handled. The axle should have had reinforcement brackets attached even if it did pass inspection. This was not done nor were we told to bring it back in to be done. Ford should be forced to buy back my vehicle under it's own remedy instructions provided to the federal safety agency.
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.
I was driving on interstate 39 towards wisconsin dells with my wife and daughters. About 15 miles out of madison wisconsin my daughters began screaming I looked back and there was smoke everywhere. I immediately pulled to side of highway and got everyone out of the vehicle. Both my rear tires had collapse. I had to get towed into a ford dealer in madison wisconsin. The rear axle on the van had split in half. Calling ford was no help. They stated that a recall had been on that vehicle a couple years back and that the warranty on that recall had expired. Luckily nothing happened to my family but if these issues on this recall which was done two years ago hasn't fixed the problem someone is going to get seriously hurt! Even if I fix this problem I will not be able to trust this vehicle. Please look into this someone. There are many windstars that were repaired around the same time because of recall that will begin to fall apart again. Problem not fixed!
Tl* the contact owns a 2001 ford windstar. The contact stated while driving 10 MPH she heard an abnormal crackling sound, followed by a loud screeching sound. The contact then noticed that the entire rear of the vehicle had dropped to the ground. The contact was able to drive off of the main road where the police informed her that her rear axle had detached from the vehicle and was still in the middle of the roadway. The vehicle was towed to an independent mechanic. The vehicle was not repaired. The contact was advised of the federal safety agency campaign number 12v195000 (suspension) however, the VIN was not included. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 114,000.
We left the house and was driving and the van felt like it was sliding back and forth. I stopped and checked and the back wheel was setting crooked. I checked the lugs and the were tight. We turned around went back home. I looked under it and found the axle cracked and broke. We called ford and they had a recall on that but said they were no longer repairing them.
Rear axle failed after recall repairs were made by dealer.
Had the 2011 rear axle recall performed by ford in 2011. They inspected the rear axle and installed the support brackets. Now my rear axle is cracked. I contacted the dealership where I had the recall performed who confirmed they had performed the recall but denied any further responsibility and told me to contact ford. I have contacted ford and spoke with both a customer service rep and her supervisor who both advised ford is only responsible for the first 12 months or 12,000 miles since the recall was performed. I feel the repair was not sufficient to prevent additional cracking of the axle and they should fix/replace the axle.
Took in for a recall on subframe put on support brackets. Went to get it inspected. Subframe is rotted out. I was told another recall was done for those in cold weather climates. Ford recall computer is down. The consumer was informed the vehicle was unsafe to drive, as the frame was structurally unsound. No was willing to fix the other problems with the vehicle, due to the rusted out frame. Updated 05/12/14
Fortunately there was no accident, but my vehicle is very unsafe to drive. I took the vehicle to the dealer for safety recall 11s16 . The dealer contacted ford because sway bar bushings are completely rusted out and broken, leaving nothing to attach the sway bar to. Ford says the bracket is outside the scope and advises the dealer to perform the repair. The sway bar has broken off from the front sub-frame passenger side of the car. The dealer said the sub-frame is so rusted that the only way to reattach the sway bar is to replace the entire front sub-frame at a cost of $2900. The dealer deemed my car unsafe to drive, as I won't have control of my car on quick turns or be able to make fast maneuvers in the event of an accident or to avoid potential accidents. Another risk is that my engine may fall out the bottom of my car while driving (which I see has happened to others with my same problem), endangering my family and others on the road. I plan on parking this car in my driveway and waiting for ford to be forced to recall these vehicles.
Tl* the contact owns a 2001 ford windstar. The contact stated while driving 20 MPH, burning fumes started to emit into the vehicle and the vehicle started to shake violently. The contact stated when the driver inspected the vehicle he noticed the rear driver side tire had blown out. The vehicle was towed to the dealer. The technician diagnosed the axle had fractured. The manufacturer was notified of the failure , but refused to provide any assistance, stating the vehicle had already been repaired under recall the federal safety agency campaign number: 10v385000 (suspension). The vehicle was not repaired. The failure and current mileage was 130,000.
I was driving down the road and there was a loud snap and grinding sound from the rear of the car. Both rear wheels were at an approximate 20 degree angle off center.
Tl* the contact owns a 2001 ford windstar. The contact stated that after having the vehicle serviced under the federal safety agency campaign id number: 12v194000 (suspension) remedied on the vehicle, the rear axle became cracked. The contact took the vehicle back to the dealer, who stated that they would not remedy the cracked axle because the manufacturer would only guarantee the bracket repair for one year. The failure mileage was 160,000. Updated 03/05/14
Tl* the contact owns a 2001 ford windstar. The contact stated that she contacted the manufacturer regarding the federal safety agency campaign number: 12v195000 (suspension) and stated that the VIN was not included. The contact also mentioned that the rear axle on the vehicle was cracked, corroded and would make loud banging noises when driving at various speeds. The manufacturer was notified. The failure mileage was 122,000.
Driving the vehicle became uncomfortable at both low and high speed; therefore, I started investigating to try to identify the cause. 1st I found one of the rear shocks was very bouncy, the rear tires were not straight and both rear tires were wearing on the inside. Replaced both rear shocks. That didn't solve the problem and the rear tires were still not straight. Next I went to mike naughton ford dealership and talked with a service representative about the problem and asked if there was a recall. The technician said that I needed to bring the vehicle in for an alignment and have the rear cambers shimmied so that the wheels would be straight at a estimate cost of $200.00, that there were no recalls to have this work done. Last night (10-13-2013), I jacked the vehicle up to look under to see how difficult it would be to perform the work myself. I decided that I would take the vehicle to ford and pay them to do the work. I was jacking the vehicle up to remove the jack stance and both tires fell almost to the floor. I look under the vehicle to identify what happened and found the axle housing bent/broken in half. It appears that it has been cracked/broken for some time because the initial break was rusty. Have not been able to follow-up with the ford dealer yet - I believe that the service department might be closed today (columbus day) because I haven't been able to reach anyone by phone.
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