Van started making a loud metal banging noise while on vacation. Took to a local shop where I was shown that the subframe ( where the AC water leaks down) was completely rotted thru and broken, making the van unsafe to drive/ the van already had brackets on the subframe and rear axle installed by ford just weeks earlier, but this was not repaired or addressed.
2003 Ford Windstar body complaints
Page 3 of 5: complaints 41 to 70 of 127, newest first, as owners wrote them.
My wife driving to work thursday 40 MPH and rear axle broke. Left rear tire forced against wheel well causing significant smoke and tire damage. Passing car flag my wife down and got her to pull over. When I checked it out later in the day found that rear axle was broke and not drivable. Cost to fix at my total expense 1030.00 plus tax plus new tire. Recall was performed in 2011 at kistler ford to install some kind of rear axle supports and also something done to reinforce front subframe. Axle in back looks like it broke inside the reinforcements on or near the left side. Kistler ford service manager stated he has seen this happen a few times after recall repair and ford not willing to take care of additional issues after the recall. That does not seem acceptable to me. Seems their recall repair not sufficient. Kistler ford service manager nor myself a(54yr old) have ever heard of axles failing under normal circumstances ever. This should never happen. This will kill and injure additional people. What if my wife driving 70mph down the highway when this happened? We were planning on taking my family of 5 to the smokey mountains end of this month. This could have been a terrible disaster. We bought this car new in 2003 keeping it well maintained with intention of passing it down to our 20,19 and 16 year old. There are reports of accidents and at least 1 death as the result of this defect. Something needs to be done. I also recommended they examine the front subframe since there may be issues with that repair from reports seen on the internet. Do not want to fix the rear and have that go bad also. Sounds like they need to take these vehicles off the road. I have some pictures of the rear axle.
Ford came out and tool my car to [xxx] cunningham to fix my call on a safety recall dated 2/28/2014 then refuse to fix my car state ford refuse to pay home for the recall repair he said I have to pay out of pocket. All repair are free of charge my car still at the shop at the shop because the front wheel cause by the power train axle assembly the federal safety agency 12v193000 and 11v030000 11s16 and 10s13 3/11/2014. Can I get a copy of these recall mail to me thanks my car is still at [xxx] for 3 weeks now please help no renter was given to me as part of the recall. Information redacted pursuant to the freedom of information act (foia), 5 u.s.c. 552(b)(6).
Tl* the contact owns a 2003 ford windstar. The contact stated that while driving approximately 40 MPH, the front axle fractured and resulted in the detachment of the front driver's side wheel. The vehicle was towed to the contact's residence. There was a recall related to the defect under the federal safety agency campaign id number 12v194000 (suspension). The dealer was contacted but refused to repair the vehicle for an unknown reason. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the problem. The approximate failure mileage was unavailable. Updated 04/22/14 ma
Mini van steering started making clunking noise while turning. Then I notice steering wheel is not straight when car is driving straight and something was wrong with alignment. Automechanic told me passenger side sub-frame rotted out and minivan is unsafe to drive. I investigated potential recall of windstar minivans - I am very upset that this could have caused me to crash on the highway. Only a very thin piece of metal remains holding the frame in place. Minivan is undrivable and need to replace subframe.
The issue with my vehicle is with its subframe. The front driver's side portion of it is rusting out. I took it in on 11/4/13 to a licensed vehicle service place for a regular oil change, only to have the mechanic tell me the subframe is rusting out. After learning this news (and viewing the subframe myself to observe the condition), I took it into a ford dealership to have it further inspected. The second inspection was on 11/7/13. At the local ford dealership, they also inspected the rear axle (which was part of a ford recall in the past). The dealership could see where an attempt to apply some type of coating to it another time did not change the fact that there was now a six-inch crack running down the center of the axle. A service consultant from the dealership took many pictures to send to ford. I did not drive my vehicle home that day. A ford rep came in the next day, and one of the things he was to do was to inspect my vehicle. From what I was told, and from what the initial ford service consultant said, was that it was a unanimous recommendation to ford to replace the subframe. Ford, however, refused, even after many attempts to have the "why" question answered, and they would not provide an answer. Before our ownership of the vehicle, when the initial subframe recall existed, the vehicle's subframe apparently was not corroding profusely in 2011. Brackets were installed, and the problem was considered "fixed." less than a year and a half into our ownership of the vehicle, the subframe is rotting, and ford will do nothing to repair it as she told me today (11/12/13) in my conversation with [xxx] from ford (1-800-392-ford). Though they have the pictures somewhere in their system, they have considered the case closed. Our family vehicle can not be safely used for the family. Please hold ford accountable for the safety of their vehicles. Information redacted pursuant to the freedom of information act (foia), 5 u.s.c. 552(b)(6).
Tl* the contact owns a 2003 ford windstar. The contact stated that while reversing at unknown speeds, he heard an abnormal noise. Upon inspection, it was found that the rear axle was fractured and the front sub frame was completely rusted. The contact stated that the vehicle was previously repaired under the federal safety agency campaign id numbers: 11v030000 (structure) and 12v195000 (suspension). The vehicle was taken to the dealer where the failures were confirmed. The manufacturer was contacted about the failure. The failure mileage was 160,000.
Rear axle completely snapped in two. Also, the van has the ABS and brake lights are on took in for a code read and nothing. The electrical acts very strange music and lights fade in and out and the cruise control is very jerky.
The rear drivers side automatic sliding door does not always shut all the way. It also does not usually open without pulling the lock at the same time as trying to open it.
Ford safety recall 11s16 was to reinforce or replace rear axle to ensure vehicle safety. Ford installed brackets that were either ineffective, improperly installed, or axle was already cracked when installed. When owner was informed of possible cracks in rear axle april 2013 ford was immediately notified and fords response is that there are no factory warranties or programs in effect to assist with this issue. This vehicle currently has 110200 miles on it. It has been driven 12,000 miles since the recall. At the time of the safety recall 11s16 repairs the owner had requested that ford replace the axle instead of installing brackets, and was willing to contribute towards the additional repair costs. Ford refused to replace the axle, installing the brackets instead. Subsequently, ford repairs were ineffective and resulted in cracks in the rear axle. As of this date, ford has taken the position that the repairs to the vehicle are the responsibility of the owner. The owner disagrees and is requesting that ford be required to live up to their agreement under the safety recall 11s16, to ensure that the rear axle of said vehicle meets or exceeds safety requirements.
We have not been properly informed about all of the recalls or other issues with our vehicle. The vehicle does have a lot of problems from the electrical, structure, engine lights are always throwing codes needing a lot of sensor replacements at our cost, the rpms seem to run fast sitting at a light(we have to turn off the engine and then restart), and the engine seems to run hot, brakes, cruise control(cannot use), traction control(cannot use), interior light are always flickering, passenger windows(cannot use) and door locks(cannot use), both rear windows(cannot use), leaks from roof, rear door and sliding doors, the cruise control, brake and traction control lights stay on while driving(we were told by a dealership that we can still drive the vehicle, but we won't have anti-lock brakes.), the AC is always having trouble staying charged, the AC/heat control switches have malfunctioned(it has to be set away from the cold and the speed to 3/4 speed to work right), the battery keeps losing charge, the brake tail lights stay on draining the battery and had to get repaired by us because the dealership could not locate the problem, driver seat has malfunctioned(cannot use per dealership's request), cruise control and traction control does not work, suspension seems to have a lot of squeaks and popping sounds, alternator and starter had to be replaced several times, the coil packs need constant replacements, all spark plugs and wires had to be replaced before their time, cannot use the rear wiper because it goes down onto the paint and starts wiping the paint and not the rear window, constantly replacing exterior lights all around, the engine constantly cuts out, we told the dealership for several years that there was an antifreeze smell and they could not locate it until 5-28-13, replaced bad front and rear axles on 5/28/13 and many others. 12k-18k to repair everything.
About march of 2012 my 2003 ford wind star's lower control arm separated from the sub frame "engine cradle". I took my van to dealer. They did do a repair to sub frame, which I did not find satisfactory, ford corp. Had them cut off what was left of any damaged brackets and clamp steel brackets onto a sub frame that is already damaged due to heavy rust and corrosion. Now about one year later "march of 2013" the sway bar mount, which is part of the sub frame has rusted out. Making driving very unsafe and unstable. This problem should have been rectified when the recall was done in 2012. I took van back to the dealer. They sent pictures to ford corp. Ford did not approve any repairs to sub frame stating that it was not part of original recall. Now how is that possible if the sub frame and sway bar mount are all one component. It's all one welded piece of steel. There is no fix at this time but to replace the sub frame. Now if the sub frame is under recall and the sway bar mount is part of the sub frame, then I feel ford should rectify the problem. I plan on keeping my ford wind star for a while. I feel this is a serious safety issue and really needs to be dealt with. Ford should cover this component or they get away with an unsatisfactory fix and I still have to pay for a new sub frame, which was the whole issue to begin with.
There was a safety recall initiated by ford for corrosion of the engine cradle - 2003 ford windstar structure: frame and members:underbody shields the federal safety agency campaign #11v030000. Ford repaired the left side only, leaving the right side rusted and now several significant rust holes have appeared on the right side. Ford disclaims any responsibility saying that they made the repair properly but I claim they made the repair inadequately. Bad metal is bad metal and regardless of the fact that the holes were discovered over a year later is inapplicable as good metal does not rust through to the point of creating a safety hazard. If the engine cradle fails, the engine will fall from the vehicle, potentially while moving. Gas will spew across the road and a fireball will ignite. Other drivers will either hit the engine, swerve to miss it and hit other vehicles, and/or get caught in the inferno which will cause significant damage, human harm and needless deaths. Ford initiated this safety recall because there was this safety issue and the issue remains. Safety was not improved by simply repairing one side of the engine cradle allowing the other side to corrode to the point of sizeable rust holes being created in a short period of time following the initial inadequate repair. Once a safety recall is initiated, it is in the best interests of the public to ensure that the repair is properly and completely made and therefore that the safety issue is fully resolved.
Mechanics at big mike naughton aurora denver ford, inc, and private mechanic discovered rust and cracks through out rear axle.
Tl* the contact owns a 2003 ford windstar. The contact stated that the sub-frame exhibited a hole due to rust and corrosion. The vehicle was taken to the dealer for inspection where the contact was advised that there was a hole in the sub-frame. The dealer was notified of the failure who then advised that there were no recalls for the sub-frame. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure who filed a complaint for the contact. The failure mileage was 139,379.
Tl* the contact owns a 2003 ford windstar. The contact received notification of the federal safety agency campaign id number: 11v030000 (structure: frame and members:underbody shields). The contact took the vehicle to the dealer for recall repairs to the front passenger side sub frame and the rear axle. The vehicle was repaired however, the sub frame failed a few months later. The contact went to have an alignment performed on the vehicle and was advised that she needed to take the vehicle to the dealer because the sub frame was rusted. The vehicle was taken to the dealer where they advised that there was a hole in the sub frame and the vehicle was no longer safe to drive. The manufacturer was not notified. The failure mileage was 75,000.
Tl* the contact owns a 2003 ford windstar. While parked, the contact noticed the rear driver and passenger doors would not open from the interior. The contact exited the vehicle and opened the doors from the exterior so the passengers could exit the vehicle. The same failure occurred to the rear lift gate. The vehicle was not taken to the dealer for a diagnostic test. The vehicle was not repaired. The approximate failure mileage was 117,000.
My dealership just confirmed that the front (passenger) side engine mount that is part of the subframe has corrosion to the extent that there are two perforations completely through the engine mount. I was told that the recall for the subframe has closed and that there is no recourse for getting financial assistance with this. However, the service manager ([xxx]) also admitted that the extent of corrosion and perforation did not occur in one year ( I had the original recall service done in may of 2011). Therefore, I question why they did not bring this to attention of the recall and include the repair accordingly. This is a safety issue and I would appreciate any help you can give me. The dealership where I had the service performed is roy o'brien ford in st. Claire shores mi and their phone number is 586‑776‑7600. Information redacted pursuant to the freedom of information act (foia), 5 u.s.c. 552(b)(6).
Tl* the contact owns a 2003 ford windstar. The contact stated that the federal safety agency campaign id number: 11v030000 structure: frame and members: underbody shields repair was performed, but the failure was not corrected. The front subframe developed a new crack due to corrosion, and the rear passenger side subframe was severely corroded within the suspension attachment which developed a crack and a hole. The vehicle did not pass stated inspection and was deemed unsafe to drive. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was 107,694 and the current mileage was 129,399.
Tl* the contact owns a 2003 ford windstar. The contact stated that the vehicle was serviced under the federal safety agency campaign id number: 11v030000 (structure: frame and members: under-body shields) however, the dealer recommended that the sub-frame also be replaced, due to corrosion. The manufacturer was made aware of the dealer 's recommendation to replace the sub-frame, but the manufacturer denied any assistance with the repair. The vehicle was not repaired. The failure and the current mileage was 70,000.
After having the 2011 rear axle and subframe recall done my transmission failed with no warning signs what's so ever . . . . Shortly after spending two thousand on having the transmission rebuilt in august my brake light came on and my ABS starting kicking in when I apply my breaks and when my ABS light comes on my brakes are fine and my van doesn't come up on the ABS recall . . . . . . Ford needs to get their act together and fix these vans.
Recently issued recall of 2004 ford co. Minivans for input shaft failure, all ford windstars including 2003 models have the same issue. Freestar van is nothing but a name change for the same poor unsafe vehicle. Along with the many safety issues, owners should be compensated for the repairs made on substandard vehicle. Including the frame issues, brakes issue, electrical and engine quality.
Tl* the contact owns a 2003 ford windstar. The contact stated that after receiving notification of a manufacturer's recall for the motor brackets, the vehicle was taken to the dealer for repairs. Months after the recall repairs while the contact was driving approximately 5 MPH, the engine began shifting abnormally. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic where they advised the contact that two motor mounts were fractured and needed to be replaced. The vehicle was repaired. The mechanic advised the contact that the failure may have been caused by the previous recall repairs. The failure mileage was approximately 186,000. The VIN was unavailable. Updated 02/09/12*lj updated 04/18/12
Tl* the contact owns a 2003 ford windstar. The contact stated that the vehicle was experiencing numerous failures with the ABS, brake light illumination, slow gear shifting and power windows and door lock failures. The manufacturer was contacted and advised that there were no recalls for the vehicle. The manufacturer denied any assistance with repairs to the vehicle. The vehicle was not taken to the dealer to be diagnosed or repaired. The failure mileage was 101,000 and the current mileage was 104,000.
Tl* the contact owns a 2003 ford windstar. The contact stated that the automatic doors would open and close without anyone operating the control buttons. The dealer was notified of the failure and advised that there were no recalls for the failure. The manufacturer was notified and confirmed that there were no recalls and offered no assistance. The failure mileage was 119,000.
Tl* the contact owns a 2003 ford windstar. The contact stated the vehicle was recently repaired under the federal safety agency campaign id number 11v030000 (structure: frame and members: underbody shields. The remedy repair consisted of attaching a bracket to the rear subframe. After the repair was performed, the vehicle began to vibrate excessively and the bracket protruded into the transmission and caused a hole. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the defect and they were unable to provide further assistance pertaining to the repair. The approximate failure mileage was 103,000.
2003 ford windstar, inspected for rear axle corrosion recall, passed and parts added in mar 2011. At the same time the rear axle was fixed the vehicle was inspected for front subframe recall and passed. Aug 18-2011 the passenger side lower control arm broke while driving at approx 20mph. No letter was ever received from ford to add parts to front subframe (confirmed by a phonecall to ford canada) how did they pass this as it failed 1500 kms later. Not feeling safe to drive it again (ford is going to fix it!)
Tl* the contact owns a 2003 ford windstar. The contact stated that the vehicle was repaired under the federal safety agency campaign id numbers: 10v385000( suspension:rear:axle:non-powered axle assembly) and 11v030000 (structure: frame and members:underbody shields). The vehicle was later taken for routine maintenance when the technician advised that the brackets that were installed on the vehicle from the recall were not steady and unsafe. The manufacturer was not contacted nor was the vehicle further repaired. The failure and current mileage was approximately 82,000. The VIN was unavailable.
Tl* the contact owns a 2003 ford windstar. While driving in reverse at approximately 5 MPH the contact heard a snapping sound. The contact stopped the vehicle and noticed the front passengers side suspension had detached from the vehicle. The vehicle was towed to an independent mechanic. The mechanic stated that the front passenger side lower control arm and suspension detached from the vehicle. The mechanic notified the contact of a recall related to the failure. The dealer was then notified and the contact was informed that the vehicle was not included in the recall associated with the federal safety agency campaign id number 11v030000 (structure: frame and members:under body shields). The vehicle was towed to the dealer where the contact was informed that the sub frame was corroded and needed to be replaced. The technicians repaired both front lower control arms and body mounts. The suspension bar which detached from the vehicle and the sub frame was not replaced. The approximate failure mileage was 180,000. Updated 08/17/11
Tl*the contact owns a 2003 ford windstar. The contact stated the passenger side sliding door does not work properly. The door will not open with the remote or key, but then it would also open on its own. The vehicle had not been inspected or repaired. The failure and current mileages were 104,000.
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