Ford Windstar pulling problems

Filed Jun 14, 2024 · Engine · 130,000 miles · CA

The contact owns a 1999 Ford Windstar. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the steering wheel started pulling to one side, almost causing the contact to lose control of the vehicle. There were no warning lights illuminated. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic who diagnosed that the motor mounts were damaged and needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure and the contact was referred to the federal safety agency Hotline for assistance because the vehicle was not under Warranty. The failure mileage was approximately 130,000.

Filed Sep 24, 2019 · Body · 128,000 miles · KY

Subframe rusted on left front passenger side. 1998 ford windstar. I had a popping noise when I made a left turn and loud crunching noise and steering wheel pulled to left. I had taken it to a auto shop and they replaced struts.sway bars and brakes . No one told me about the rust issue with the sub frame. I drove it home from shop. Same problem. Returned the vehicle to same repair shop and the had a welder attach steel bracket to hold up sub frame. 2 days later worse. I had a second mechanic look at it and he told me the first repair should not have asked me to repair anything on the van. Sub frame is failed at 128,436 miles. I notified ford motor co . Of the failure, was givin a case number. Engine will fall out of bottom with corrosion of sub frame. Vehicle is not safe to drive

Filed Aug 23, 2017 · Body, Suspension · 100,197 miles · PA

Tl* the contact owns a 1998 ford windstar. While driving, the steering wheel shook and the vehicle pulled to the left and right. There were no warning indicators illuminated. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic who diagnosed that the front driver side subframe was rusted due to corrosion and the subframe needed to be replaced. The contact called john kennedy ford- pottstown at (800) 790-8132 (located at 3189 w ridge pike, pottstown, pa 19464) where the dealer referenced the federal safety agency campaign number: 10v385000 (suspension), but not for the subframe. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure and stated that the vehicle was not included in a recall. No further assistance was offered. The failure mileage was 100,197.

Filed Aug 4, 2013 · Brakes, Engine · 90,000 miles · FL

The ABS and engine lights have been on my 2003 ford windstar for years. However, they were electrical misfires and did not affect the operation of the vehicle. It does now seem that the ABS is failing. The car brakes normally at low speeds. However, over 30 MPH it now seems that the brakes lock up and the car pulls to the right. I do not feel that the car is safe to drive, as it screeched and locked up when I was stopping at a red light.

Filed Jun 1, 2013 · Steering, Suspension · 137,000 miles · MI

While having new tires installed, I was made aware that the sub frame was rusted and had holes in it. I had got a recall notice the day after ford put a new rear axle in the windstar. (did they not know about the new recall?) after having the sub frame kit parts installed, the passenger side sub frame was perforated, the noise from the right side under passenger feet started. I went back to dealer that did the repairs (bill brown in livonia, mi>) they said everything was tight and vehicle is safe to drive. The noise has got worse and louder. I called ford in dearborn and they said if bill brown says its safe then it is safe? I have to drive this car and the fact that is makes noise has me concerned. Ran it by bill brown after 6 months and took the service guy for a ride and he said he should look at it. The car started to pull to left and I went to the tire shop. Went by for a tire rotation and alignment, was informed the sub frame is cracked and only has 10 percent of metal left holding it together. Going to dealer this week...................lets see if it is safe to drive still!

Filed Oct 13, 2011 · Body, Suspension · 152,393 miles · PA

The van has had both the front subframe and rear axel recall repairs completed. On picking up the van, it still had a hard pull to the right after paying for an alignment. The dealer attributed it to the tires. On putting the van in for pa inspection, it did not pass due to "subframe rotted at rear transmission mount". The ford dealer that performed the recall work subsequently looked at it, agreed the frame was rotted but that no recalls covered it. The repair cost is in excess of the vehicle value. I suspect the alignment could be related as well.

Filed Sep 3, 2011 · Brakes, Engine · 129,000 miles · FL

Abs light is on as well as check engine light.car is idling rough. Checked with numerous car repair places with no success. Also, van is pulling to the right even after I changed tires and did alignment check !

Filed Mar 2, 2011 · Steering, Suspension · 100,000 miles · PA

Tl* the contact owns a 1999 ford windstar. The contact was driving approximately 10 MPH when the vehicle began pulling to the right abnormally. The contact then received notification of a manufacturers steering recall and the vehicle was taken to the dealer who advised that the vehicle was not repairable. The dealer offered to buy back the vehicle but later advised that the vehicle was able to be repaired. The vehicle was not repaired. The current mileage was 105,000 and the failure mileage was 100,000. Updated 03/31/11*lj the consumer also stated the rear axle cracked. For offered to buy the vehicle back. Updated 07/01/11

Filed Jan 7, 2011 · Body · 75,000 miles · MI

Tl*the contact owns a 1999 ford windstar. While the contact was driving approximately 45 MPH, the vehicle unexpectedly wandered out of the lane towards oncoming traffic. The contact was able to gain control and avoid crashing into a vehicle. Suddenly, the front end driver side collapsed to the ground. The vehicle was coasted to the side of the road and towed to the residence. A mechanic inspected the vehicle and stated that the subframe had completely fractured as a result to excessive rust and was beyond repair. The failure mileage was approximately 75,000.

Filed Dec 31, 2010 · Airbags, Body · 167,000 miles · NC · crash

Ford windstar van, which was already subject to rear axle recall, and the rear axle did break on it in may, and was replaced and I received reimbursement for the replacement from ford. However, another incident happened in december. My 21 year old son was in an accident driving this van on thursday, dec. 16. The van lost traction and pulled to the right, pulling him into a ditch and down a steep embankment. The front of the van was ripped off, tires slashed, van almost flipped over, and the airbags never deployed. He hit a dirt embankment head on going about 30-35 MPH. The roads were icy that day, and he was on a curve... The van would not respond to steering to correct the direction the van was going. I experienced something similar last winter; the van seemed to pull to the right, going off the road without allowing the driver to control the vehicle. However, when I went off the road, it was in a shallow ditch and it caused no damage to the van. My son was not as fortunate, and he could have been severely injured. I feel that this may have something to do with the current investigation into the front suspension... The van could not be controlled, and pulled to the right. Our insurance co. Is taking care of this, and I don't know the current location of the van. It is totaled, I know that. I asked state farm to check out the front suspension for weakness or rust, but don't know if they'll know what to look for, especially since the front is so damaged from the wreck that the tires are turned sideways, and I believe the front axle is broken. Please send someone to look at my van, and see what caused this wreck; my son could have been killed. Thank you for the work you've done so far.... Your organization is so valuable to consumers.