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2002 Ford Windstar: broken coil spring

13 of the 1,353 complaints about the 2002 Ford Windstar describe broken coil spring.

owner complaints
13
of this car's complaints
1%
typical mileage
133,540
recalls
4
Is there a fix? There are 4 recalls and 14 service bulletins for this area of the car. See below

Broken coil spring by model year

What owners say

Filed Oct 9, 2014 · Brakes, Suspension · 90,000 miles · MA

Tl* the contact owns a 2002 ford windstar. The contact stated that while traveling approximately 35 MPH, the suspension was unstable, causing a strong vibration and noise coming from the rear of the vehicle. The contact indicated that burning plastic fumes emitted into the vehicle. In addition, the contact mentioned went over a bump and the vehicle was not riding steady. The contact was able to pull the vehicle over and upon further inspection, it was noticed that the rear frame, rear axle and the coil spring fractured. The vehicle was towed to a repair shop who diagnosed that the rear frame, rear brake drums and coil springs needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The VIN was not available. The approximate failure mileage was 90,000.

Filed Aug 18, 2014 · Suspension, Wheels · 167,300 miles · PA

While driving my van I heard a very loud noise and my driver's side tire immediately went flat. I was able to pull the vehicle safely to a stop along the side of the road. I called a tow truck and had my vehicle looked at by the mechanic who informed me that a coil spring around my strut broke which caused my tire to be sliced open from the inside of the tire. I was very lucky I was not going any faster when the spring broke and sliced my tire open. I reviewed issues online that other people were having relating to my issue regarding the make and model of my vehicle. Apparently ford had a recall on the windstar coil springs from a different year of the ford windstar vans due to the very same problem with the coil springs breaking and causing the tire to be punctured or sliced open from the inside. I am also very concerned after reading that the part had to fail before it would be addressed. It seems that if there is a safety recall it should be completed before a failure occurs and not after. This could have caused a very serious accident had I been on an interstate or even if I were going 55 miles per hour on the highway. I did contact ford motor company regarding this issue and was told that ford would not assist with the repairs because my vehicle was not recalled for this issue. I own two ford vehicles and I could not believe that my issue was not of a concern to ford. I probably will not buy another ford because of this. My family's safety has to come first and I am not convinced we will be safe if the company won't address these types of safety issues.

Filed Apr 25, 2012 · Suspension · 175,000 miles · OH

The front driver side spring broke in two pieces. Due to the weight of the vehicle the stabilizer bar ended up getting bent. Also, because of the sharp edge where the spring broke it cut the front brake line. I'm grateful that it occurred overnight to where my family and I weren't driving it.

Filed Mar 26, 2012 · Body, Suspension · 132,500 miles · PA

The van was parked in a parking lot, I was in the vehicle at the time. A noisy metal braking sound & movement of the van, made me think I was hit by another car, but no one was around. The front left coil spring broke, in more than 1 place. I had 15 minutes before been on a busy highway in a lot of traffic, I am just glad nothing happened then. On the 1998 ford windstar, I know there was a recall for the same problem. The 2002 ford windstar has had 2 other recalls, in regards to corrosion problems, on back axle & front frame.

Filed Mar 13, 2012 · Suspension · 150,000 miles · IA

While driving approximately 30 MPH the drivers side front coil spring broke in two and caused the tire to blow out.

Filed Nov 21, 2011 · Suspension · CT

2002 ford wndstar. Courtesy copy of a letter from the office of the connecticut attorney general to ford motor corporation re a consumer complaint. *kb the consumer took the vehicle for an oil an change and repairs due to recalls. The consumer was informed that the right coil spring was broken and it would cost $688 to repair. The consumer stated she did some research online and discovered a recall had been issued for broken coil springs for prior year ford windstar's.

Filed Oct 24, 2011 · Suspension · 70,302 miles · OH

Tl* the contact owns a 2002 ford windstar. The contact stated while driving 5 MPH there was a loud rubbing noise on the passenger side of the vehicle. After inspecting the tire he noticed the coil spring was rubbing and wearing down the tires. The tire was not punctured and he was able to drive the vehicle home without an incident. The manufacturer was notified of the failure and a claim was filed; yet, they offered no other assistance. The failure mileage was 70302.

Filed Oct 6, 2011 · Body, Suspension · 133,540 miles · CT

Front right coil spring broken and left side show fatigue in same area. Vehicle had other recalls due to high-corrosion areas.

Filed May 5, 2010 · Suspension · 185,887 miles · OH

Drove car and parked along street. When I returned around 4 hours later I opened car door and sat down in driver seat. A loud bag was heard and I thought someone threw something or shot my van. Got out and could not find anything. When I drove away my left front tire exploded. The next morning I found the coil spring had broken and cut the tire when I tried to drive away. Had I been driving down the road this would have caused me to lose control of the van. After researching the internet this seems to be an ongoing issue with ford coil springs and I believe there was a recall for model years 1999-2001.

Filed May 5, 2010 · Suspension · 185,887 miles · OH

Drove car and parked along street. When I returned around 4 hours later I opened car door and sat down in driver seat. A loud bag was heard and I thought someone threw something or shot my van. Got out and could not find anything. When I started to drive away my left front tire exploded. The next morning I found the coil spring had broken and cut the tire when I tried to drive away. Had I been driving down the road this would have caused me to lose control of the van. After researching the internet this seems to be an ongoing issue with ford coil springs and I believe there was a recall for model years 1999-2001.

Filed Aug 23, 2007 · Suspension · MN

2002 ford windstar. Customer states that the vehicle collapsed in the front end. She states her old windstar did the same thing when it had a recall. This vehicle has no recall. **nar**kb the consumer stated the front end of the vehicle just dropped down to it's tires on one side . The dealer informed the consumer that the front coil spring had broken and they also found an exploded strut bearing. The strut mounts, bearings, coil spring and stabilizer bar were all replaced.

Filed Mar 19, 2006 · Suspension · 104,700 miles · NY

Front left leaf spring broke and dislodged from base thereby piercing front tire causing a blowout while vehicle was moving. Fortunately,we were not traveling at a high rate of speed when blowout occurred.

Service bulletins that may apply

Related recalls

Suspension: rear: axle: non-powered axle assemblyReported September 29, 2015 · 283,413 vehicles affected
What is wrong
Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain model year 1998-2003 Windstar vehicles manufactured September 2, 1997, to July 3, 2003. The affected vehicles were previously remedied to safeguard against the rear axle cracking from corrosion, however, the remedy brackets may have been misinstalled. The incorrect bracket installations may limit the effectiveness of the service repair for the federal safety agency recalls 10V‑385, 12V‑193, and 12V‑195.
Risk
If the brackets were not installed properly, the rear axle may fracture, affecting the vehicle handling and increasing the risk of a crash.
Remedy
Ford will notify owners, and dealers will inspect the brackets to verify their proper installation. If a bracket is found to have been misinstalled, the rear axle will be replaced. These repairs will be performed free of charge. The began on October 21, 2015. Owners may contact Ford customer service at 1‑866‑436‑7332. Ford's number for this recall is 15S27.

Recall number 15V608000 · Recall details

Suspension: front: control armReported May 3, 2012 · 23,000 vehicles affected
What is wrong
Ford is recalling certain model year 1999-2003 windstar vehicles originally sold in or currently registered in the state of virginia. Corrosion-related fractures of the front lower control arm rear attaching brackets and body mount attachments may occur.
Risk
A separation of a front lower control arm rear attaching bracket may result in a lower control arm separation. A separation of both front subframe rear body mounts may result in separation of the steering intermediate shaft. Either condition could result in significant loss of steering control, increasing the risk of a crash.
Remedy
Dealers will inspect both front lower control arm rear attaching brackets and both body mount attachments at the rear of the front subframe and make the necessary repairs free of charge. The recall began on june 18, 2012. Owners may contact ford at 1‑866‑436‑7332.

Recall number 12V194000 · Recall details

Suspension: rear: axle: non-powered axle assemblyReported May 3, 2012 · 9,192 vehicles affected
What is wrong
Ford is recalling certain model year 1998-2003 windstar vehicles manufactured from september 1, 1997, through july 3, 2003, registered in puerto rico. Due to increased stresses caused by high cycles of torsional loading, specific to this market, the rear axle can crack.
Risk
A fractured axle may result in a loss of vehicle control, increasing the risk of a crash.
Remedy
Ford will notify owners, and dealers will inspect and install a reinforcement bracket on the rear axle or replace the axles, as necessary. This service will be provided free of charge. The recall began on june 1, 2012. Owners may contact the ford motor company customer relationship center at 1‑866‑436‑7332.

Recall number 12V195000 · Recall details

Suspension: rear: axle: non-powered axle assemblyReported August 26, 2010 · 492,650 vehicles affected
What is wrong
Ford is recalling certain model year 1998-2003 windstar vehicles manufactured from september 1, 1997 through february 28, 2003 and currently registered or originally sold in connecticut, delaware, district of columbia, illinois, indiana, iowa, kentucky, maine, maryland, massachusetts, michigan, minnesota, missouri, new hampshire, new jersey, new york, ohio, pennsylvania, rhode island, vermont, west virginia, and wisconsin. After many years of vehicle service in these areas, corrosion can weaken the rear axle, making it susceptible to torsional stress. Corrosion and stress can lead to cracks which if undetected can propagate and result in a complete fracture of the axle.
Risk
A fractured axle can affect vehicle handling and increase the risk of a crash.
Remedy
As parts become available, dealers will inspect and if necessary install the rear axle reinforcement brackets free of charge. This service will be performed free of charge. The safety recall began on october 20, 2010. Owners may contact ford at 1‑866‑436‑7332.

Recall number 10V385000 · Recall details

Questions about the 2002 Ford Windstar coil spring

Is broken coil spring a common problem on the 2002 Ford Windstar?

13 of 1,353 owner complaints about the 2002 Ford Windstar (1%) mention broken coil spring. The model year with the most reports is 1998.

Is there a recall or service bulletin for this on the 2002 Ford Windstar?

There are 4 recalls and 14 service bulletins for the same area of the car. Check them below with your VIN.

Other symptoms on the 2002 Ford Windstar

ABS 658Adaptive cruise 114Fire or smoke 61Grinding brakes 33Brake failure 30Check engine light 29Door locks 18Ball joint 17Stalling 15No deployment 14Jerking 14Harsh shifting 13Headlights 12Tire blowout 12Airbag light 11Loss of power 11Warning lights 11Wipers 10Power steering loss 8Won't start 8Engine failure 7Fuel pump 7Overheating 5Pulling 5Sudden acceleration 5Transmission failure 5

All model years of the Ford Windstar

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