The contact owns a 2003 Ford Windstar. The contact stated that while driving from the driveway, the front driver's side control arm detached from the vehicle. The vehicle made an abnormal scraping sound. While making a turn, an abnormal clicking noise was heard. There were no warning lights illuminated. The local dealer was not contacted. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was not notified about the failure. The contact stated that the failure was related to the federal safety agency Campaign Number: 10V385000 (Suspension). The failure mileage was approximately 207,000.
Ford Windstar ball joint problems
321 of the 14,140 owner complaints about the Ford Windstar describe ball joint or control arm failure, most of them for the 2001 model year.
- owner complaints
- 321
- worst model year
- 2001
- typical repair cost reported
- $1,500
- typical mileage
- 106,000
Is there a fix? There are 5 recalls for this area of the car. See below
By model year
Often reported together
Grinding brakes 21ABS 14Power steering loss 12Transmission failure 11Check engine light 11Harsh shifting 9Jerking 8Pulling 7
Trouble codes mentioned
C1185 2C1518 1C1254 1C1250 1C1246 1C1242 1C1235 1C1226 1C1198 1C1194 1
What owners say
The contact's husband owns a 2001 Ford Windstar. The contact stated that while in reverse, she heard an abnormal noise. No warning lights were illuminated. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic where it was diagnosed that the control arm was cracked. The contact was then informed by the mechanic of the federal safety agency Campaign Number: 11V03000 (Structure). The dealer was notified of the failure and the contact was informed that no recall was affiliated with the VIN. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 70,000.
I was driving in a 50 MPH zone when I was coming to a stop the lower control arm broke free from the sub frame but I was able to keep control. Van is now useless and I only have 125k miles on it.
The rear axle has cracked in the middle and I cannot drive it now. This was inspected twice under ford recall. The first time they put brackets on the front lower control arms, and the rear axle. The second time they recalled it back to reinspect the work that had been done since they had many that were not properly inspected the first time. So , this is twice they had it inspected, and failed to see it was defective. Thus putting my life and that if my family at risk for death. Thanks ford! After the 2nd inspection, they said it was safe, but offered to replace the axle if I wanted to pay about $500 on my own. That was suspicious in itself.
Tl* the contact owns a 1999 ford windstar. While driving approximately 50 MPH, the front driver side control arm fractured and the vehicle could not be driven. The vehicle was towed to the contact's residence. The failure was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure, but no assistance was offered. The contact was informed that the VIN was not included in the federal safety agency campaign number: 12v194000(suspension). The contact indicated that the vehicle experienced the same failure listed in the recall. The dealer was not contacted. The failure mileage was 109,000.
Ford rear axle recall. Received a recall letter for an inspection of the rear axle , which failed. The dealer found another recall about a front control arm, which they fixed. The rear axle was at my expense. The axle had the brackets installed, but improperly. I was told that the car was unsafe to drive, that the axle could break at any time. I'm on disability and can't afford to replace an axle that should be replaced by ford. I also can't afford to buy another vehicle! I have to drive regardless of this issue!
Rh back side of subframe, is rotted/corroded so bad that the metal tore all around the subframe bushing. To where it is not being held up by the bushing on the right hand lower/back is not holding up the front subframe... Now, the vehicle is making a very loud popping noise when driving and turning... And when turning fast enough (more turning left then right) can feel whole front end jerk like its about to go the opposite way the van...replaced the left front strut assembly and control arm to find out that did not solve the problem. Then after repairs and looking deeper.. Noticed right front side, sagging almost 2-4 inches lower then left front... That's when we noticed the subframe completely broken/rusted off from the body bushing (on the front right lower/rear bushing)
Both front lower control arm rear attaching brackets and both body mount attachments at rear of sub frame are rusted and broken . Making a left hand turn I heard a clunking sound . Upon inspection found the above problems
Rear axle beam is so badly cracked it bent the ball joint for 1 tire so bad it ate the tire
I replaced the control arms about 25,000 miles ago and they are shocked already and I only drive on the road no offroad and that will be the third set we put in to this van since we had it at 108,000 miles brand new parts were put in if you guys don't do anything of a free replacement on it my wife and I will never buy another ford again you could hear the ball joint on at one in the go
Related recalls
Suspension: rear: axle: non-powered axle assembly
- 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: rear: axle: non-powered axle assembly
- 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: front: control arm
- 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 assembly
- 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
Suspension: front: springs: coil springs
- What is wrong
- On certain minivans originally sold in or currently registered in the states of connecticut, delaware, illinois, indiana, iowa, maine, maryland, massachusetts, michigan, minnesota, missouri, new hampshire, new jersey, new york, ohio, pennsylvania, rhode island, vermont, west virginia, and wisconsin, and in the district of columbia. The front coil springs could fracture as a result of corrosion. Depending on the location of the fracture, a broken spring could move past the spring seat and contact a front tire.
- Risk
- Some tires have deflated due to contact with a broken spring.
- Remedy
- Dealers will install protective shields around the front coil springs. Owner notification began september 6, 2001. Owners who take their vehicles to an authorized dealer on an agreed upon service date and do not receive the free remedy within a reasonable time should contact ford at 1‑800‑392‑3673.
Recall number 01V199000 · Recall details
Questions about the Ford Windstar ball joint
Which Ford Windstar years have ball joint or control arm failure problems?
The model years with the most reports are 2001 (62 complaints), 1998 (56 complaints) and 1999 (52 complaints).
How much does it cost to fix ball joint or control arm failure on the Ford Windstar?
Owners who mentioned a price put the repair at about $1,500 (median of 40 complaints that include a dollar amount). Costs vary with mileage, warranty and where the work is done.
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