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 contact owns a 1999 Ford Windstar. The contact stated that the front passenger side coil spring was fractured. The contact called the manufacturer regarding a recall for the failure for the 1998 Ford Windstar but was advised that the 1999 model was not included (NHTSA campaign id number: 01I007000 -suspension; front; coil springs). The vehicle was not repaired. The failure and current mileage was 100,000.
The contact owns a 1999 Ford Windstar. The contact stated that the entire front suspension and steering mechanism malfunctioned and needed to be replaced. The vehicle was taken to the dealer where the contact was awaiting repairs. The failure mileage was 216,000.
The contact owns a 1999 Ford Windstar. The contact stated that while driving in reverse and then forward, the front passenger side tire fell off of the vehicle. The vehicle was towed to the dealer who informed him that the tire separated from the vehicle due to the front axle corroding. The vehicle was not repaired. The failure mileage was approximately 140,000.
1999 Windstar van when changing the right front tire our mechanic saw the right front drive axle completely rusted out. This car is not safe to drive. NHTSA defect investigation #PE 10016 is consistent with this problem.I want to be added to this investigation. There are no warning signs for this problem. We were lucky we have a good mechanic who spotted the problem. This car is at a Ford dealership in Missouri.. I wish someone would go and see this problem first hand. All other cars with this problem were not detected and were in a crash. This would be a great opportunity to actually see the problem before the car is wrecked. This is a very dangerous situation for anyone who has a Ford Windstar van 1999 thru 2003. There is no warning and when that front axle breaks there is no control of the vehicle. Anyone who drives one of these vehicles should immediately take to a mechanic for inspection. This is not like the rear axle problem, because you can at least steer the vehicle if it breaks. When the front goes you have no control. I am told the repair will cost $1200 dollars. Ford Motor Company will not help with the cost of repair.
Front cross member on passenger side was discovered to be cracked which could have failed and caused serious injury. Mechanic told me that vehicle was not to be driven unless it could be repaired or replaced. I was able to have a welding specialist repair the crack.
- Tiverton, RI, USA
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The contact owns a 1999 Ford Windstar SE. The contact was driving approximately 5 mph, attempting to make a right turn when a loud popping noise sounded outside of the vehicle. The vehicle continued in operation; and upon reaching the destination it was discovered that the front "a frame" completely fractured. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic where the "a frame" was replaced. The contact stated there was a recall related to the same failure with the rear suspension under NHTSA campaign id number 10V385000 (suspension:rear:axle:non-powered axle assembly). The failure mileage was approximately 70,000.
I was at a sear's auto repair center, for a flat tire repair. A mechanic had shown me the sub frame, (engine cradle) was all rusted out on the drivers side, also the spring was broken. I then proceeded to a collision repair shop to have them look at it.they tried to find a used sub frame, but no luck(they all had rust also)so repair shop is ordering a new engine cradle and spring.
Driving my 1999 Ford Windstar, when I noticed a banging noise on the passenger side front. Stopped by a garage and found the noise came from the passenger tire shifting back and forth due to the engine cradle rotting on both sides where the suspension connects. After researching this online, I find its a widespread problem, esp. In regions where road salt is used. This is a very dangerous problem. I have already replaced my rear axle and find out now that they are being recalled. Is Ford going to take responsibility for these parts?
1999 Ford Windstar front passenger-side subframe rusted through and separated rendering the vehicle undrivable. The vehicle can not controllably steer or brake with this condition. Luckily it didn't separate while at highway speed or it would have had a catastrophic ending. An immediate recall should be put out on this before anyone is killed.
1999 Ford Windstar, control arm broke off sub frame causing vehicle to come to a dead stop and front end to drop. There was no warning except the vehicle started to pull to the right a little. To fix the problem, had to replace sub frame. The bracket where the control arm should be was completely gone on the passenger side....it was still together and intact on the drivers side. You lose total control and cannot steer the vehicle.
Front drivers side springs fractured just like those specified on Ford Windstar 1997 and 1998 assembled at Oakville plant between Aug 1996 through July 1998. The defective springs forced Ford to issue recall 01S19. My 1999 Windstar was shipped Nov 1998 and I suspect with bad springs because other 1999 Ford Windstar owners have complained of the same spring breakage causing punctured front tires. My springs were found defective and now fail nh safety inspection. Please act swiftly my funds are very low!
Ford Windstar XL 1999- front end clunking noises serviced 3-4 times before it was fixed. Repeated repairs to various front end components replaced at my expense including power steering pump, rack & pinion, tie rods, U-joints costing $2000 or more. Continue to suffer from groaning, noisy, & stiff steering. Also ongoing engine pinging upon acceleration after numerous repairs. Random power sliding door function. Metallic rattling, jingling noises from under car both when idling & driving.
The contact owns a 1999 Ford Windstar. While performing an oil change, the mechanic noticed a crack in the axle of the vehicle. The axle was cracked in half and the vehicle is currently not being driven. The dealer and manufacturer have not been notified. The failure mileage was 120,000.
My husband was driving with my daughter leaving the driveway, the car was difficult to drive. He said it felt like the brakes were stuck or rusty, we had not driven the van in about 7 days. He continued to drive thinking the brakes would release and the car would be fine. When he realized that was not the issue and it was something more serious he immediately came home and we inspected the front drivers side tire and found the coil spring was resting on the tire and rubbing. The smell of burning rubber was apparent as he drove back in the driveway. We took of the tire and found the front drivers side coil spring had broken near the bottom. We are currently getting estimates to replace the one coil spring, our first estimate from a Ford dealer was $400 to $450, with out seeing the car, it is not drivable. We are uncertain at this time if the tire also needs to be replaced or if there is other damage we can't see. Old part will be retained by us after the vehicle is fixed.
: the contact stated while driving 10 mph the stabilizer and rocker arm brackets broke. The vehicle was towed to an independent repair shop. Upon inspection the mechanic determined the brackets broke due to rust. A few days before the failure the consumer's father heard a noise in the front passenger side of the van. The mechanic informed the contact the brackets needed to be replaced. Updated 4/4/2006 -
While driving at 45 mph consumer noticed that the vehicle was running roughly. Several seconds later, engine check light came on. Vehicle was taken to the dealer, who informed consumer that the intake manifold gasket needed to be replaced. The intake manifold gasket was sucked into the engine, causing the engine to bind. Dealer also made repairs on front end, power steering, electrical system, and tie rod ends. A 4-wheel alignment was also performed by the dealer.
The consumer complained about an alignment problem. The vehicle pulled to the left and made a ticking noise underneath the vehicle when the brakes were applied. The vehicle was constantly in the repair shop but the mechanic are was unable to solve the problem. Also the check engine light illuminated.
A D V E R T I S E M E N T S
- Antioch, IL, USA