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2003 Ford Windstar body complaints

Page 4 of 5: complaints 71 to 100 of 127, newest first, as owners wrote them.

See the summary of 2003 Ford Windstar body problems: which part fails, at what mileage and related recalls.

Filed May 12, 2011 · Body · NY

2003 ford windstar minivan. Consumer expresses discontent in regards to vehicle recall and unsafe to drive *tgw the consumer stated the vehicle was recalled. It was then determined the vehicle could not be repaired and was not safe to drive. The consumer was offered a settlement amount of $6,675. He statement the settlement offer was not adequate.

Filed May 4, 2011 · Body, Locks · 45,000 miles · AZ

Windstar van doors will lock and unlock while driving. Right passenger slide door will not lock/ unlock have to do it by hand. Left rear passengers door slide open it self after I shut it. Will lock it self. I can pull the lock up and it will lock it self again. The drivers door will not unlock have to use key.. Keyless remotestop working. Plus battery . Still nothing.

Filed May 3, 2011 · Acceleration, Body · 156,753 miles · AL

Safety recalls concerns: 09v399000, 10v38500, 11v030000. Recall on # 10v385000 was repaired but still having a problem with the repair have taken back three times they couldn't find anything, but there is still a problem it makes a popping noise when vehicle shifts. Recall on #11v030000 was not repaired, took in for inspection to ford they said as long as I was in alabama I nothing to be concern about, the recall notice stated if the vehicle passed inspection the dealer is authorized to complete reinforcement, my vehicle passed inspection but no repair was made.recall on 09v399000 I have talk with them several times they informed me there was no recall for this vehicle for that recall .

Filed Apr 25, 2011 · Body · 72,000 miles · NY

Have 2003 ford windstar no dealers are willing to take this vehicle in trade because of frame recall,dealers do not have parts to fix frame yet.ford should buy back all ford windstar .these vans are not safe,transmissions are bad,electric windows do not work half the time. Rear axle recall front frame recall. Do not buy one of these vans they are junk.

Filed Mar 25, 2011 · Body, Engine · MA

2003 ford windstar. Consumer writes in regards to the performance of the ford motor company and two safety recalls *tgw the consumer stated the inspections and repairs were not conducted in a timely, efficient, and responsible manner. The consumer stated when he finally received an appointment for the axle inspection, it was determined the axle was cracked in three places. The dealer did not have the replacement parts and the vehicle was deemed unsafe to drive, and therefore, it was left at the dealer for over a month. The consumer stated he then received another recall relating to the subframe. The consumer contacted the dealer regarding the second recall and was informed they were aware of it and he would be contacted when the repairs for the second recall had been completed. The consumer received a voice mail from the dealer stating the parts for the axle had arrived. However, it was discovered the engine had an oil leak, the sway bar link was broken in the front, the right front tire was badly worn on the inside and the left rear shock was completely blown out.

Filed Mar 23, 2011 · Body, Electrical · 149,000 miles · NY

My 2003 ford windstar limited edition has major electrical problems. The hazzard lights will not go off therefore draining my battery. I have to disconnect it whenever I shut it off. It is currently at bay ridge ford for the recall involving the rear axle. However it has failed emissions for code 171 and 174. I believe there is a major flaw in the design of the windstar van.

Filed Mar 22, 2011 · Body · 110,000 miles · IN

Tl* the contact owns a 2003 ford windstar. The contact stated that the vehicle exhibited a loud pop from the front passenger side while the vehicle was parked. The contact noticed that the spring had fractured yet the plate in which the spring was attached was still in place. The contact mentioned that the vehicle was included in the federal safety agency campaign id number: 11v030000 (structure: frame and members:underbody shields) and contacted the manufacturer. The manufacturer advised that the vehicle would need a diagnostic performed before determining if the failure was related to the recall and if the repairs would be covered. In addition, the contact stated that the vehicle was previously repaired because the front driver side spring failed. The vehicle was not further repaired. The approximate failure mileage was 110,000.

Filed Mar 21, 2011 · Body, Brakes · PA

Tl*the contact owns a 2003 ford windstar. The contact stated that the front end of the vehicle was covered with rust and shaking violently while driving. The brake pedal also extended to the floorboard when it was engaged. All of the gauges on the instrument panel fell below zero, the brake light illuminated while all of the lights on the instrument panel began to shut on and off. The rear axle was cracked on each end of the vehicle. The vehicle was taken to an authorized dealer who added two plates on each side of the axle. The contact referenced recall 10v385000 (suspension:rear:axle:non-powered axle assembly) & recall 11v030000 (structure: frame and members:underbody shields) but was concerned with the remedies and stated that they were inadequate. The contact asked the dealer if they could guarantee that the axle would not break with the two plates but received no guarantee. The manufacturer offered no assistance. The current mileage was 127,000. The failure mileage was unknown.

Filed Mar 13, 2011 · Body · 92,000 miles · NY

Ford windstar was recalled for rear axles. I had that repaired. I got another recall for the front axles. Dealer says parts not available and van "should be okay" until parts are available. "should be okay" is not acceptable!! If there is a recall, the part should be available at the time of the recall, not weeks or months later.

Filed Mar 11, 2011 · Body, Suspension · NY

Tl*the contact owns a 2003 ford windstar. The contact stated that after receiving a recall notice in regards to the federal safety agency campaign id number 11v030000(structure: frame and members:underbody shields) and 10v385000(suspension:rear:axle:non-powered axle assembly). She took her vehicle into the dealer november of 2010 for both recalls and the parts were not available to perform the recall repairs. The manufacturer was contacted and offered no assistance. There are no failures at this time.

Filed Mar 9, 2011 · Body · 93,000 miles · IL

While driving at low speed, a loud bang was heard and all steering control was lost.

Filed Mar 9, 2011 · Body, Suspension · 200,000 miles · MA

Tl* the contact owns a 2003 ford windstar. The contact received notification of the federal safety agency campaign id numbers: 10v385000 (suspension: rear:axle:non-powered axle assembly) and 11v030000 (structure: frame and members: underbody shields). The contact stated that the manufacturer and dealer were not properly inspecting or handling the recall repairs. The contact had not experienced a failure. The current mileage was 200,000. The VIN was unavailable.

Filed Mar 8, 2011 · Body, Engine · 78,397 miles · NJ

Brought my 2003 ford windstar sel (with 78,397 miles on it) in to dealer to have it checked for subframe recall, the engine light began flashing, and the ABS, brake light, and trac off lights had all gone on. During the diagnosis, they found that the subframe was fine, the spark plugs needed to be replaced, the ignition coil needed to be replace (causing cylinder 3 to misfire), and the PCM needed to be resealed for moisture. (march 3rd, 2011) they found no hard code for the brakes. We get the necessary work done, drive the van home, and within a day the ABS light, brake light, and trac off light come back on. Call and have the dealer look at van again, they now find code 1185 (pin point test found ABS module not responding). The dealer replaced the ABS module and rescanned with no codes and was road tested. Everything seemed fine (march 7th, 2011), I pick up van, within 4 hours, the ABS light, brake light, and trac off light are back on. As of right now, the van is back at the dealers being checked again. This is very disappointing. In the last week, I have had to bring this particular van in 4 times due to problems. This all comes after having work done on this van in december. In december 2010, they performed system diag,, dtcs, po174, po174, lean on both banks, inspect for vacuum leaks, found leaks at intake manifold runner control shafts, required intake manifold replacement to correct, replaced intake manifold and required parts, including cleaned fuel injector, changed oil and filter cleared dtcs, retested verified proper operation. Manifold, 2 seals, 5 gaskets, isolator, thermostat, anti-freeze, coupling, fuel system, filter, engine oil). This should not be the case with a van that has less than 80,000 miles on it.

Filed Feb 28, 2011 · Body · 71,000 miles · MA

Brought my 2003 ford windstar in to my local ford dealership because it failed state safety inspection as the ABS light was on. Ford took the vehicle and inspected it based upon a recall on the rear axle and said that it failed. They provided me with a rental. The next day, I called the dealership and asked them to check the ABS right away anyway as if they were able to repair the axle issue soon, I would still not be able to drive the vehicle off their lot as it wasn't safe. At the time, the service manager agreed. I waited for a call back and received none. A month later, I placed another call and was told that there was going to be another recall for the front subframe and that ford was going to buyback vehicles that were already in with both issues so I should wait for the recall to become officially in progress. I waited another couple of weeks and when I heard nothing, I called back and inquired about the status. I was told that virtually no cars were failing the inspection for the front subframe, so I would have to wait until an axle was available for me to get my van back. I have still not heard the cost to repair my ABS issue, so my question is, am I going to hear anything about this before they repair my axle, as I am going to be past the 60 days that I am allowed to repair the ABS issue before massachusetts has the right to revoke my registration for not re-inspecting my vehicle. I am going to call my insurance company tomorrow to find out what I should be doing next, but in the meantime, I am left unknowing what is going to happen. As it stands, I will not have a safe vehicle to drive once they repair the axle as they are unwilling to do any work on the vehicle until they repair the axle.

Filed Feb 27, 2011 · Body · 97,000 miles · NY

I went to the service station for recall they first told me my car wasn't able to be fixed then they tell me it is able to be fix I have to be I little skeptical when there flip flop like especially when my family life at stake.

Filed Jan 24, 2011 · Body · 170,239 miles · FL

During oil change a visual inspection of surrounding areas revealed a fracture of right rear subframe mount. #1 long term A/C use, #2 rusting of right subframe at rear mount causing fracture of subframe,#3 subframe on order. Van has been in florida since sold new in 2003.

Filed Jan 18, 2011 · Body, Brakes · 81,535 miles · PA

Our 2003 ford windstar has been having mechanical failures for about 3 years. We have heard a loud grinding noise from the rear passeners side of the car that neither our local mechanic nor ford could fix. We replaced shocks and most recently the tire rods on 9/24/10. We have had numerous electronical "bugs" inclluding ABS lights flashing on and off for 2 years requiring multiple fuse changes and electrical testing. Our transmission was replaced in 2009 at 59,000 miles. The power locks on the passenger side door and rear passenger doors do not open remotely or with power locks, only key or manual lifting. Needless to say, although we have not had any person injuries, we have spent a fortune to keep this car running in what we thought was safe manner.

Filed Jan 1, 2011 · Body, Transmission · 174,000 miles · 00

2003 ford windstar rear axle complaint and transmission. First of all, I was left stranded when the transmission went out on christmas eve. Merry christmas to me from ford. Ford wants $3800 to replace it. The van is only worth that. Then I find out that ford has had many complaints and failures with the transmission. Why do I have to pay for this. I take care of and maintain my vehicles and I get this handed to me. Then the dealer tells me that the axle needs to be replaced and it might be 6 weeks before the part even comes in. They will not buy the van back because it is a 2003. I think they should. They are the ones who sold me this vehicle and now I have to deal with it. Buy the time they pay for my rental and fix the axle, it would be cheaper to buy me out and save there customer alot of stress.

Filed Dec 29, 2010 · Body · 105,100 miles · NY

Tl*the contact owns a 2003 ford windstar. The vehicle was taken to the dealer for repairs for recall (the federal safety agency campaign id number: 10v385000 component: suspension: rear: axle: non-powered axle assembly) when the technician stated the front subframe was severely corroded and there was a hole in front of the bolt that held up the subframe. The contact stated there was an open investigation on that component (the federal safety agency action number: ea10007 component(s): structure: frame and members suspension). The vehicle was repaired for the recall but was not repaired for the sub frame. The approximate failure mileage was 105,100. /updated 3/7/11*cn updated 12/7/11

Filed Dec 21, 2010 · Body · 100,000 miles · NY

Sub frame rusted.

Filed Dec 6, 2010 · Body, Suspension · 34,600 miles · NY

While accelerating from a stop light, steering control was completely lost at approximately 35mph. The vehicle turned to the left, then right, and ran off the right side of the road. It would not move in either forward or reverse. Front wheels were pointed in different directions. The right front lower control arm had broken away from the frame, and the right front half-shaft had pulled out of the transaxle. The vehicle was towed to a nearby ford dealer. As of december 6, the dealer has not yet investigated the vehicle.

Filed Nov 27, 2010 · Body, Suspension · 165,000 miles · NY

I own a 2003 ford windstar se that has serious corrosion where the passenger side front control arm bolts into the frame. It has not failed completely, but I feel I should not be responsible for the cost of this repair.

Filed Nov 27, 2010 · Body · 190,000 miles · 00

My 2003 ford windstar was recalled for rear axle the dealer kept the vehicle because crack was found, I spoke to third party mechanic who spoke about front sub frame as well the third party mechanic then showed me the crack in my windstar front sub frame and informed me that it could break off at any time . I then brought this to the attention of the ford dealer who then responded saying its not part of the recall and refereed me to ford canada public relations who also said its not part of the recall and that I should have it fixed at my expense.

Filed Nov 16, 2010 · Body · 53,000 miles · NY

2003 ford windstar subframe defect.

Filed Nov 8, 2010 · Body · 88,144 miles · IL

Mounting bracket for the lower control arm on the subframe rusted and broke, making tire change direction while my wife was pulling into the driveway. The axle slid out. Subframe has to be replaced. Dealership quoted about $1500 to repair. Rear axle is involve in recall. I believe this should also be recalled at is a safety concern that should not happen to a vehicle only 8 years old.

Filed Oct 22, 2010 · Body, Locks · PA

Ford vehicles should not only be recalled for rear axle rust. There should also be a recall for rust that constantly occurs around the rear wheel well panels. The rust appears to start from underneath the rear side panel on the windstar. It seems like this is occurring along with the rear axle rust. The sliding side doors have a continuous problem with closing completely when any of the control buttons were used. The doors would reopen over and over. Repeated visit to the service department did not solve the problem which seem to involve the pulley system.

Filed Oct 13, 2010 · Body · 75,537 miles · PA

Our ford windstar van that was manufactured in may 2003 was making a loud noise from the rear. When we took it to the dealer they said the rear axle was cracked in two places and had rust/corrosion holes in it. They said we could not drive it because it was unsafe and they could not get a replacement part until april 2011. We later find out that ford windstar vans from 1999 thru february 2003 have been recalled for this exact problem. Because our van was manufactured may 2003 (two months outside the recall time) they will not cover it. We now have a car we can't drive because of safety hazard and even if we wanted to pay to fix it, which we should not have to, the part is not available for seven more months leaving us without a vehicle.

Filed Oct 13, 2010 · Body · 86,744 miles · NJ

Rear axle broke in half while driving on august 30, 2010.

Filed Oct 12, 2010 · Body · 85,000 miles · NY

I have a 2003 ford windstar with 94,000 on it. Bought it second owner with 18,000 miles only on it and a 75,000 mile warranty. My entire frame is rusting from the door panels to the under frame, supports. Heck I have a hole that developed the size of my fist in the side frame near the passenger sliding door in the rear. My hitch wont even hold cause the metal just bends inwards. There are cars on the road with 150,000 that do not have the rust my car does. Why do I have to pay for the cheap metal they used during this process. Now I have to buy a new car that I cannot afford at this time. I was hoping to keep my car for at least a couple more years but now I cannot, its dangerous. They even told me my rear axle is bending. I will continue to drive my car cause I cannot afford another and if I die so be it I guess cause I guess its all about business as usual. Nothing personal but I am putting my blood on your hands and fords hands. I cannot drive and lose my job. If it happens it happens when it should have. My sister also has a windstar that collapsed this weekend upon making a turn thankfully at 25 mile per hour. I drive 70 at times where permissible. Thank you for listening to my concerns and my distinct rudeness. I am just fed up with holding the bag for big business. I paid alot of money for this car. First owners paid 26,000 I paid 19,000 used only two years old. Had it only five years. Heck I had my dodge for ten. Please please do something before I or someone else dies.

Filed Sep 17, 2010 · Body, Brakes · MO

2003 ford windstar the side doors have not worked right from the time we bought this van. Took it back to dealer, said it's contacts are dirty. Still didn't fix doors they don't work right to this day now the ABS brake light keeps coming on! The rear axel are cracking and recalled. The windstar should be recalled complete!

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