This data is from the NHTSA — the US gov't agency tasked with vehicle safety. Complaints are spread across multiple & redundant categories, & are not organized by problem.
So how do you find out what problems are occurring? For this NHTSA complaint data, the only way is to read through the comments below. Any duplicates or errors? It's not us.
The rear axle of our 1998 Ford Windstar gl, with only 99,630 miles, broke while going down a road going about 30 mph. I hit small pothole, heard a clunk and then noticed that the vehicle was not handling properly. Not knowing what was wrong and since I was close to home, I drove it home and looked underneath and noted that the rear axle was split about 75% through. The rear wheels were sitting tilted toward the vehicle. We had a tow truck take the van to have it fixed.
Our 1998 Ford Windstar mini van rear axle broke. We were returning home. When we returned I went online to check how much it would cost to repair and was surprised to find that this van was not the only 98 to have this problem.
I have a 98 for Windstar gl. On Oct 9th I was coming back from work and the rear of the car kept fish tailing / slipping to oneside and as well as that night when I had to take my son to the hospital and back. Almost lost control coming back from the hospital. I did not get in the car at all that 10th cause of that. On Oct 11th 2009 I was backing out from my parking spot in my apartment complex with my family in the car. As I backed up and as I put it in drive I heard a loud bang like I backed up into a car. Got out to see my back tires bent in. I pulled up slowly and looked underneath it and saw that my rear axel assy split in half. My mechanic never saw anything like it. I searched the web to see if there was any recalls but there wasn't any but found a bunch of people having the same problem from 98 to 02 Windstar esp. While driving. So my van still sits. I think their should be a recall the rear axel assy split in half. Nothing was done yet part is going to cost 400 dollar and to get it installed will cost as much. Part was available through Ford. But looking for part in junk yard for the van.
This van is 3 years old. Corrosion most likely caused the problem with strut rods & sway bar links. Obviously this manufacturer was not concerned with quality B/C of all these problems. The Ford company will not reimburse me (my van is no longer covered by factory warranty) unless they issue a recall on any particular problem. I just don't understand why I would have all these problems with a vehicle that was less than 2 yrs old when the problems started. Maybe you can't help me, but I wanted to lodge a complaint.
- Carbondale, PA, USA
Search CarComplaints.com for these popular complaint phrases...
I believe Ford has a serious problem with sway bar links. I own a 1995 Taurus, 1998 Windstar, and 2000 Taurus. They all have the same exact problem. The links on the 2000 have been repaired under warranty. I also know other Ford owners that have the same problem. I am also aware of a recall on Explorer for sway bar links.
When traveling between 60-70 mph the back of vehicle starts swaying like having a flat tire. Also when a 18 wheeler or 15 foot truck pulls in front of the vehicle, the vehicle rocks. The dealer is not able to detect problem with the Windstar.
A D V E R T I S E M E N T S
- Dubois, PA, USA