Ford co. Is causing undue hardship in our attempt to get safety recall completed. We have one car, so made appt. W/ local dealer (1/2 hr away) & got confirmation # for recall 10s13 on a day both of us had off work. Had to get someone to follow (1 hr drive) to bring us back. Dealer would not honor appt. And told us to make another one in 3 - 4 wks. I e-mailed ford co.detailing poor service we had and the difficulty this created for us. Recv'd response 2 days later that they are working on it. One week later, still not heard from ford co and was concerned about our safety, so I called and explained dilemma to cust serv rep. She tried to get us an appt w/ a dealer 40 mins away, but she was not able. After waiting 20 mins. I had to go back to work, so I called ford co. That night and this cust. Serv rep tried to get us appt. W/ different dealer who was 1 hr. Away, but they could not look at it. I was then disconnected, so called right back. Another rep said we could go to a dealer in s.c. I don't think it is reasonable to require us to travel long distances for their bad product. Again, we have one car, so have to ask someone to follow us to dealer. We work retail (christmas season) so cannot request special time off. We have made five attempts and gone far beyond the call of duty to have this recall done. Ford needs to do their part and provide customer service for the safety of their customers.
2001 Ford Windstar suspension complaints
Page 9 of 15: complaints 221 to 250 of 416, newest first, as owners wrote them.
Advised by ford dealership service manager that the front subframe assemblies on both sides are cracked and severely rusted.
Took my 2001 ford windstar to the local ford dealership for rear axle recall. I was advised by the service manager at my ford dealership that rear axle was cracked, and that the metal was rusted and pitted. It was determined by the service manager that the vehicle was unsafe to drive. Apparently there are several windstars with this problem. While performing the rear axle inspection, the dealership found that the front subframe assemblies on both sides of the vehicle are severely rusted and cracked. This also appears to be a common problem. However, ford has yet to issue a recall on this problem. Have your dealership check your subframe assemblies, and if problems are found, file a complaint with the federal safety agency so we can also get this unsafe condition remedied. There is an ongoing investigation, and it appears there are more and more cases arising. There needs to be sufficient number of claims in order for ford to recall these vehicles.
Tl*the contact owns a 2001 ford windstar. The contact stated that the vehicle would have to be held by the dealer for months for recall 10v385000 (suspension: rear: axle: non-powered axle assembly). The contact stated that the manufacturer provided a rental vehicle but it was not comparable to the vehicle being repaired. The contact believed that the repair was going to take too long. The failure mileage was approximately 85,000.
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.
Tl*the contact owns a 2001 ford windstar. The contact received a recall notification under the federal safety agency campaign id number 10v385000(suspension:rear:axle:non-powered axle assembly). The vehicle was taken to the dealer where they stated that the part was on a massive back order and would not be available for three months. The manufacturer provided a loaner vehicle during the repair; however, the owner was responsible for the sales tax. The contact was displeased about the extensive time period for the recall repair. The failure mileage was 94,794. Updated 01/20/11 *bf updated 04/15/11
Tl*the contact owns a 2001 ford windstar. The contact waited for the manufacturer to perform the recall repair for three months. The vehicle crashed into another vehicle due to the faulty rear axle. The driver suffered injuries due to the crash. The dealer found a crack in the axle and advised her to call the manufacturer. The manufacturer stated that they would call give her a call when they determined the repair process or they would buy the vehicle back. The failure mileage was 120,000.
The subframe is rusting and corroding where the control arm attaches to it. My vehicle will not pass inspection. I have researched this online and have learned that the federal safety agency is investigating this on the ford windstar.
My 2001 ford windstars rear axle cracked in half yesterday 10-26-10 while I was driving. I received the recall from ford on 10-23-10. These vans need to taken off the road not just told to bring them in to get checked. This was extremely dangerous for me and I thank god my children were not in the van when this happened. I wonder how many people will have to dir before realizes how serious this problem is. The dealership has my van which they will keep until parts come which I;m being told is maybe sometime in january. Ford has given me a rental that is a four passenger car which is must smaller than my 7 passenger, but I will have to deal with that. I hope the federal safety agency can do more to get these vehicles off the road because this problem is only going to get worse before it gets better. Maybe the top executives should put their families in a windstar when the axle cracks in half so they can understand the danger of this problem.
Tl*the contact owns a 2001 ford windstar. The contact received a recall notification associated with the federal safety agency campaign id number 10v385000 (suspension:rear:axle:non-powered axle assembly). The vehicle was taken to the dealer who stated that the part was unavailable until march of 2011. The contact stated the dealer would provide a loaner vehicle at the manufacturer's expense; however, the owner would be responsible for the taxes on the loaner vehicle. The contact also stated that the recall remedy was not being performed within a reasonable time. There was no failure mileage.
Occurrence: 12 october 2010. Traveling I-95 washington,dc/suitland, md. Vehicle: ford windstar, 2001. Speed : 60-65 MPH. Traffic : dense. Failure of defective part : rear axle snapped in two parts while traveling on smooth highway, northbound. Explosive sound , lots of smoke, extreme consternation/fear of heart attack experienced by my wife and I ( my wife has a dangerous heart condition "ihss") at occurrence. I immediately turned on hazard flashers. Managed to maneuver across several lanes of traffic to get to highway shoulder safely!! Thank god for the alert fellow travelers behind us!!! If we were hit by any 18-wheelers on the highway, I wouldn't be writing this complaint now!!! Concern for our safety was shown to us by fellow travelers; particularly, md traffic safety person, who should be commended by his superiors for his professional and understanding actions!! He looked at the damage and said that he had never seen anything like it before; and he said that we were lucky to be alive!!! Van was transported by professionals to the nearest ford dealership where I first became aware that a recall notice was in force for my vehicle!!! At this point, I became greatly disturbed that I had no previous notification of this dangerous condition and that my wife, grand children, etal were traveling in potential rolling coffin! In my opinion, this seems to be criminal; particularly if greater profit motives might be involved! I certainly hope that inferior materials were not used in this regard!! I was informed that my van would have to remain at the ford dealership until ford motor company decides how I will be provided with a safe vehicle , since no replacement axles were available. (nb ; I have no idea whatever other damage exists as a result of this awful failure! I certainly don't want a duplicate axle replacement to replay this horrific catastrophe! In my wife's delicate condition, I cannot expect her to travel in this unsafe vehicle! Justice!!!
Tl*the contact owns a 2001 ford windstar. The vehicle was included in recall 10v385000 (suspension: rear: axle: non-powered axle assembly). When he spoke with the dealer, he was informed that parts would not be available for the repair for five months. The vehicle had not been repaired. The current and failure mileages were approximately 111,000.
Tl*the contact owns a 2001 ford windstar. While driving 30 MPH, the front axle rusted off and the contact was unable to steer. The vehicle was taken to a local repair shop where the contact was informed that the failure was caused by corrosion. The contact called the dealer and referenced recall 10v385000 (suspension: rear: axle: non-powered axle assembly) and was told that the repairs would not be covered because the recall was related to the rear axle. The failure mileage was approximately 100,700 and the current mileage was approximately 100,900.
While driving my 2001 ford windstar on m-20 near remus, mi I heard a loud boom from the front of the vehicle. I pulled off of the road to investigate and found the driver side front coil spring broken. I had to replace the spring and strut assembly on that side. I was told that I should replace the other side as well. Both front spring/strut assemblies were replaced at my personal cost.
I own a 2001 ford windstar se. In july 2010 I noticed two cracks in the rear axle. Manufacturer warranty has expired on this vehicle. I had the cracks repaired (welded).
Clunking noise from r/f of vehicle when turning left, and severe pull when accelerating. Found front subframe rusted thru and cracked at passenger side rear mount. Had to replace front subframe.
Tl* the contact owns a 2001 ford windstar. While driving approximately 1 MPH, the contact heard a loud bang and the vehicle would no longer accelerate. Upon examining the vehicle, the contact noticed that the front passenger side wheel was pointed in the opposite direction of the front driver side wheel. The vehicle was towed to the contact's residence; it had not been inspected or repaired. The current and failure mileages were approximately 132,000. The consumer stated even before the vehicle was towed the garage, he could see that the bracket that held the lower control arm to the frame had completely broken off the frame. When the control arm lost that attaching point, the wheel was allowed to pull away and also pulled the axle shaft away from the transmission. The subframe and transmission seal had to be replaced. Updated evoq 02/15/11
2001 ford windstar with a cracked rear axle. No letter has been received to address this matter. Our van made creaking noises and we had heard through the media that a recall was beginning. The dealership and the ford customer relations dept. Will not give us a definite answer as to when we can expect a resolution. We were given a 30 day rental and 14 days have passed and no answers. We are given $30 a day for a rental car by ford but must pay taxes totaling $3.30 a day. The voucher is $38 daily with $8 used for insurance if needed. We pay through our private insurance company for such coverage. Why cannot ford use the additional $8 a day to cover our taxes? The explanation for the recall was to be no expense to the owner for correcting the problem. We did not create this problem and bought our van in good faith of the ford motor co. Reputation. This certainly doesn't make for good customer relations. No definite deadline for repairs and giving up the van to use a 4 door car has been very inconvenient. I am requesting a deadline be established and for ford to use the additional $8 we are not using but was allocated for coverage of this problem to be covered for those customers who already have insurance for rental cars under their private insurance carrier.
My 2001 ford windstar has broken through 2 rear axles! Also the interior lights blink on and off as I am driving and sometimes come on and stay on and while turned off will sometimes drain the battery and the headlights and hazard lights will blink on and off and the horn will beep. Also at times my power windows will not function.
Tl*the contact owns a 2001 ford windstar. While the dealer inspected the rear axle for recall 10v385000 suspension: rear: axle: non-powered axle assembly they also located a failure at the front h frame which was corroded and separated. The manufacturer stated that the failure wasn't recalled, but if a recall was issued in the future he could be reimbursed for the repair. The vehicle wasn't repaired. The failure and current mileages were 114,000 miles. The AC compressor leaked water onto the frame and caused it to rot. Updated evoq 11/12/10*jb updated 01/20/11 *bf updated 04/13/11
I was driving down I-75 in toledo ohio at 70 MPH when my rear axle broke in half on my 2001 ford windstar minivan. Lost control but was able to not hit anyone or roll over. I have had no help from ford and nothing but a run around from them help!!! I have 4 children and no transportation. My eldest daughter has no busing in our county so I have to transport both ways and no vehicle. No way to get groceries or dr. Appts. Ford promised me a rental but 9 days have gone by and no help. What do I do? They are telling me it will be over three months before I can have my van repaired.
I was driving a 2001 ford windstar minivan with 154k miles on a rainy night at highway speed on a 3 lane interstate with 5 children aboard. I heard a loud noise from the vehicle and lost all control as the steering and braking wasn't working right. As I tried to get onto the shoulder, it kept swerving toward the left, back into the lanes. When it finally stopped moving, we were sticking out into traffic and I feared we would be hit. The tow truck driver showed me that the right tire wasn't even pointing straight ahead anymore and said that the axel probably broke. The mechanic told me that the frame cracked and in his opinion, he wouldn't recommend fixing the vehicle. The insurance company said the right front lower control arm mount rotted off which pulled out axel and broke tie rod end and so on, due to normal wear and tear. I received zero dollars for my auto claim and my family of seven had to use our 3 seater pickup truck as the family vehicle for months after the incident. I live in a snow belt state and I do not believe that normal wear and tear occurred in a mere 8 years. I have pictures of the vehicle after the incident as well. Thank you for the opportunity to provide information for open investigation #pe10-026. My hope is that my story is useful enough to help prevent this same thing from happening to other 2001 ford windstar owners.
Sept 4, 2010, approx 5 pm on interstate 80 in heavy traffic in altoona, iowa my 2001 ford windstars rear axle snapped in 2 and we miraculously cut across several lanes of traffic onto the shoulder. I truly thought this was going to be the end of our lives. We were not injured. The highway patrol got us off the interstate and my van is now sitting in a junk yard. The axle is completely severed and my tires are lying flat. We could have gotten killed because ford neglected to inform me of this life threatening defect. Waiting until sept 27 to start sending recall notices may be too late to some victims. God took the wheel this time. I will not ever drive that van again. My children are traumatized as so am I.
I drive a 2001 ford windstar and was relieved to find out there has been a recall on the rear axle for this vehicle. I have been driving a ticking time bomb since may 2010 the tire pressure light came on the same day I drove the car off the lot and I have replaced four rear tires since. Not until I had my mechanic come and lift the vehicle up to see why I could not control the vehicle coming to work one morning did I realize the severity of the matter only after my 17 year old daughter was driving it the day before to run errands. Scary how the life of my child could have been lost because of such negligence. The van now sits at my job and is undriveable, and I found out the state I live in is not under this recall. What exactly will it take to realize the windstar is a hazard. I will fight to get this state added to the recall list, do what I need to do, talk to whom ever will listen.
Rear axle fractured while driving my ford windstar 2001. As a result I lost control of the vehicle.
I have a 2001 ford windstar which is showing signs of a sub-frame corrosion failure similar to the one described in investigation pr 10-026. There is a "u-shaped" subframe element which connects to the main frame near the outboard side of both front seats and extends forward around the front of the car. It does appear various suspension and steering members are connected to this sub-frame. The passenger-side end of this sub-frame where it connects to the vehicle frame shows severe rusting and metal delamination and a crack has formed on the end. The driver-side end of this subframe shows normal wear and is not in immediate risk of failure. The corrosion to the passenger-side end is excessive as compared to the driver's side and other frame elements in the vicinity. Something is accelerating the corrosion on the right side. It may be due to the condensate drain from the air-conditioning system. At this time, the sub-frame has not failed but the vehicle represents a significant safety risk since failure-related crashes have been reported. The repair costs are estimated to be in excess of $2000 for frame replacement. I believe that ford should quickly develop and deploy a means of reinforcing the frame member and offer the repair via recall to windstar owners. Since the parts are currently still on my vehicle, I can take photographs showing the deterioration of the sub-frame ends. As a side note: my windstar is equipped with the rearseat air-conditioning system. The evaporator is in the rear quarter-panel on the driver's side in the rear or the vehicle. While this affected components do not appear to be a critical part of the vehicle's structure, there is significant corrosion to the parts which are in the path of the condensate drain for the rear A/C system as well. This seems to confirm the belief that A/C condensate run-off is a key factor in the sub-frame corrosion issue.
Alex.
2001 ford windstar vehicle seemed to have a suspension problem with a lot of bouncing. Rear axle failure that needed replacement at 164000 miles. 7/13/09 $868.90 axle tube and hooks replaced.
I own a 2001 ford windstar lx I was driving down the expressway at 55mph when the rear of the van start to sway and pull eratically I pulled off the side of the expressway and found that the rear axle on my van had cracked in half.
1. Vibration in steering wheel. 2. Rear axel broke in 2 places on the new jersey turnpike. The car veered uncontrollably almost causing a serious accident. 3. The car was towed 90 miles to our local service station where axel was replaced with a used part.
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