9.6
really awfulTypical Repair Cost:
$739.00
Average Mileage:
116,677 miles
Total Complaints:
83 complaints
Most common solutions:
- replace the rear axle (36 reports)
- not sure (30 reports)
- replace with a used rear axle (11 reports)
- check ford.com for recall (2 reports)
- car totaled in accident from failure (1 reports)
- Ford has mailed out recalls (1 reports)
drivetrain problem
Search for Problems, Recalls & Defects
Find a good Ford mechanic
A free service from MechanicAdvisor.comHelpful websites
- Office of Defects Investigation (ODI) - This is a safety issue so it is vitally important to report it to the NHTSA if you are a resident of the U.S.
2011May 24
Windstar LS 3.0L
- Automatic transmission
- 240,000 miles
I received two recalls from Ford. But with 240,000miles, I did not think I should bother, I was going to start looking for a different vehicle in late summer. But, I noticed that the van would act like it was sliding when hitting bumps. Was due for service, had my mechanic look at it, and said get it to a dealership, the axle is broke. Made a appt. with dealership in Davenport, that starts with a D. I drove the van at 40 miles an hour from my house to the dealership which is approximately 37miles. I dropped the van off in RUNNING condition at 6:15a.m. before the service dept. opened with only the service manager on sigt. And on the following Wednesday, was told to pick it up or I would be charged for the rental. I went to pick up my van, and the technician drove it around front, and the loudest knocking sound ever coming from the engine. I told them my car DID NOT sound like that when I dropped it off. They said that they did not touch the engine and were not responsible. I obviously threw a fit, and the SAME service manager came back out and claimed that he had a technician in the back, that said the van sounded like that when it came on the lot. I told the service manager that he was a liar. I know for a fact that you are lying, because I DROVE THE VAN ON THE LOT AT 6:15a.m. and YOU were the ONLY person in this department at the time, as the department did NOT open until 7a.m. He told me I had to wait. They sent me to another individual, who again said they were not responsible. I demanded to talk the the owner of the dealership, when they realized I was not leaving(I COULDN'T, THE VAN WAS NOT DRIVEABLE OFF THE LOT!), they finally found him, he told me the same bullcrap, that because the vehicle was no longer under warranty and they supposedly did not touch the engine, that they were not responsible. He then ordered me off the premises, if I was accusing his technicians of tampering with my vehicle. I told him, I do NOT know what happened, but the van was in RUNNING condition when I dropped it off and now I cannot drive it. He said it was not their problem. He then told me that if I left the vehicle on his lot, I would be charged for storing the vehicle. I had to call my hometown mechanic, who had to leave his garage and come all the way to Davenport to tow the van back to his garage.
His diagnosis: the engine is shot. So I have the rear axle and subframe replaced but no vehicle to drive. I have been in constant contact with Ford Motor company and they say that due to the high mileage, they cannot help me. What I do not understand, is how can a Ford Dealership, take a vehicle that is running, with absolutely no knocking sound, and when it is returned to the owner, it is NOT driveable, and they are NOT held accountable? I also want to know how a service technician, can look me in the eye and lie, and when the actual owner of the dealership was informed, he said he believed is technician over a possible customer in the near future?
As I sat bawling and waiting for family to come pick me up, and was totally humilated in front of ALL the salespersons and technician, he had the nerve to come up to me and say well we have a rent to own here if you are interested. I cannot print here the answer I gave him.
CAN SOMEONE HELP ME? Someone told me there is a law that states a vehicle that was in running condition when taken in, has to be returned in running condition. Please help with this information. The rest of the bad news was the day after this, I was informed my job of 28 years was closing their doors, and there will be 279 of us unemployed by July 31st. So therefore, getting a loan is out of the question. So if there are any lawyers or legal advisors out there, can you help me perhaps file a small claims suit, to at least get enough to perhaps but a rebuilt engine in to get me by.
Thanks to all. I still love my van....and to all those who have had problems....every make and model vehicle has its pros and cons. I just came off the Chevy Impala, cuz I thought I was done with Ford, and they have A LOT more problems than the Fords. Good Luck to All, and please pray for me to find a solution to my Dealership problems, and also for me to find a job....47 and starting all over, it sucks!!!!
2009Nov 04
Windstar
- Automatic transmission
- 100,000 miles
Ford knew about this problem for years and tried to hide it instead of issuing a recall and making it right. My husband, I and our 2 small children were on a very busy expressway when we heard and deafening thud and started to lose control of our minivan. My husband managed to pull it over to the side of the road after almost getting crashed into by oncoming traffic. My children were hysterically crying and scared and we were scared also. We had to call my parents to come and rescue us as my husband waited for the tow truck. This is about the most deadly thing that can happen to an automobile while traveling on the expressway. Ford finally issued a recall a few months after this happened to us, but they should have done it years before as they absolutely knew about it.
A D V E R T I S E M E N T S
2010Oct 16
Windstar SEL 3.8L
- Automatic transmission
- 114,500 miles
Have had dealership take care of my concerns in past and expect that they will again live up to their responsibility. However, the safety concerns in the meantime as has occurred with so many people who own 2000 Windstars is appauling, and the Ford Company needs to see that Customer problems and costs be addressed much quicker, so that Dealerships like mine can take action .
Update from Mar 4, 2011: The original complaint a #10S13 -examined but still pending notification as to repairs or replacement of. A Recent additional Recall that I had heard of months ago just received from Ford -the Recall #11S16 -stating that a motor vehicle safety defect exists in my vehicle, a 2000 Windstar. The notice was sent in accordance with the requirements of the National Traffic and Motor Vehicle Safety Act.
What is the Issue? The front subrame lower control arm rear attaching flanges or both rear body mounts could separate from the vehicle subframe--the result a loss of vehicle directional control , increasing the risk of a crash.
2010Aug 21
Windstar LX
- Automatic transmission
- 101,500 miles
While driving my 2000 Windstar at 60mph on a Chicago expressway, I noticed that the rear end seemed to be swaying or feeling like it was sliding on ice. Then I noticed that to keep the car driving straight ahead, I had to have the steering wheel turned to the right.I exited the expressway, drove to a parking garage about four-five miles away. While at the gate getting my ticket for the garage, there was a loud noise from the rear. The rear axle had snapped in two on the driver's side, about a third of the way from the driver's side wheel.
Fortunately, with all of these complaints, there have not been any injuries or fatalities. It's only a matter of time before someone does get hurt. Ford should have issued a recall much sooner.
2009Dec 29
Windstar SE 3.2L V6
- Automatic transmission
- 145,635 miles
click to see larger images
In December 2009 we noticed that our 2000 Ford Winstar was fish tailing so thinking it was the tires we took the van in to get new tires. AFTER spending $400 on new tires the tire dealership called us to say they could not do the wheel alighnment because the rear axle was cracked almost all the way through. He said we were really luck it didn't break while driving it. We took it to a Ford dealership they said they had never seen this happen before. We ended up paying $45 to have it towed and $643 to have a new axle put in. So all total we spent almost $1100 dollars on this problem. Why isn't there a recall on this? FORD what are you going to do about this? Does someone have to die before something is done.
A D V E R T I S E M E N T S
2010Aug 29
Windstar SE
- Automatic transmission
- 173,000 miles
I have a 2000 Ford Windstar and on Sunday I was backing out of my driveway and the rear axle snapped completley in half. Lucky there was a recall 4 days ago on it so I thought everything was going to be ok. Well I have gotten the dam run around for 3 days now with ford motors. my vehicle is completly undriveable I guarented a rental because if that was not bad enough the axle cant be replaced until feb,2011. so now i had to pay for towing to a ford dealership only to be told there they do not do rentals and now ford motors wants it towed to a bigger ford dealership . well now they are finally willing to pay for the new tow bill and we will see about the rental.
They dont make anything easy for you ford motors makes it seem like it is our fault they made a faulty axles on their vans.I have 3 kids and am thankfull that i was not on the highway with it when it happened but ford needs to step up to the plate better and take responsibilty for their recalls better.If i get the run around again tomorrow i am going to file acomplaint with the attonery general about they way they are handling things. so please anyone becareful and stay on their ass about this if you have the same problem!!!!i will keep u updated
2010Aug 15
Windstar
- Automatic transmission
- 100,000 miles
click to see larger images
My husband, myself, and our 4 children were on a highway in the middle of the night when we heard a sound like an explosion come from what we thought was out left rear tire. We saw and smelled smoke. Luckily we were able to safely drive to the shoulder of the highway, another 100 yards we would have been on a bridge. We waited an hour on that shoulder feeling the car shake when ever a truck flew pass us. My mother had to come and meet us because the tow truck could only take 2 passengers and we all were 6. She arrived after an hour shortly after the tow truck arrived. We came to find out that the rear axle snapped in two with the break closer to the left side of the tire. Both wheels were bent in. The tow truck driver said that just should not happen.
When we saw how many people this happend to on this site we couldn't believe it. The pictures of the break in the axel all seem to look the same and are on the same side, How dare Ford not make this problem a recall! Are they waiting for someone to get into a fatal accident to make this right? Do I smell class action suit?
2010Aug 16
Windstar SE
- Automatic transmission
- 72,000 miles
As I read all the horror stories of similar problems others have had out there with the Windstar I am surprised that I didn't hear about it already. I can't believe someone hasn't been injured or killed as a result of this defect with the Windstar's rear axle. My wife was driving the vehicle yesterday when the steering went out and she went into oncoming traffic. The rear axle broke and miraculously she was able to get back on the right side of the road and on the berm without causing an accident. My mechanics have said they never seen anything like this. Coincidentally, my mechanic received an automotive magazine in the mail today and it talks about this problem with the Ford Windstar and that there is a class action lawsuit that is being started in regards to this problem. Anyone else have any info. I would love to know more. I will be out of pocket at least $700.00 but that is nothing compared to what could have happened to my wife and others on the road last night. I hope Ford decides to do the right thing and fix this problem before someone gets hurt or killed.
Update from Aug 24, 2010: Just got the van back and it cost $1310.00
2010Aug 05
Windstar LX
- Automatic transmission
- 117,000 miles
Had no idea that the rear axle had any problem. Nothing was even noticed by my mechanic for state inspection. Looked like it was sawed in two, from what i could see. Luckily I was not on a major highway, but on a two lane road where I could pull off in a parking lot. Had to miss work and wait for the tow truck Now I have NO car and am dependent on others to get me to work. My mechanic is trying to locate a used axle. This is not a problem I have ever heard about in all 40 years of driving!! i am not happy, up until now I was very pleased with my Windstar.
Update from Aug 30, 2010: Just found out that Ford is recalling the rear axles on Ford Windstars!! Got the info from Ford.com Now to get Ford to reimburse me.
A D V E R T I S E M E N T S
2010Aug 14
Windstar LX 3.8L
- Automatic transmission
- 100,000 miles
click to see larger images
Found this website while investigating the Windstar issue. I plan to call the NHTSA - (1-888-327-4236) and COMPLAIN ABOUT THIS PROBLEM, as Paul suggested in another post. I have not heard yet what the cost for replacement will be. I'll compare the cost to repair against replacing the vehicle. I must say that my wife was lucky it happened just as she arrived at her destination and not in transit.
2010Jul 31
Windstar 3.8L
- Automatic transmission
- 115,325 miles
I would say more but all the posts say it. I drove tow truck for 10 years and even the tow operator on call had never had one snap like that.....Ford won't fix it though.
Update from Aug 12, 2010: Fixed it myself. Bought a rear end from a scrap yard for $200. Changed it in 16 hrs with nothing more than the jack that came with the van and hand tools......was a freaking nightmare but when ur broke you do what u gotta do.
2008Jul 15
Windstar LX
- Automatic transmission
- 67,000 miles
I have a 2000 windstar that @ 67,000 my rear axel beam cracked I have 2 small children and bought this van thinking it was a 5 ***** but this was as far from the truth .I called to see if this was common and I was told no only had 1 other report. So I Bitched but still had to fix it on my own NOW @ 80,000 It has a crack on the other end I can't see how FORD thinks this not a problem. I only happend to find this web sight and was able to see that I am NOT the only one with this problem I just thank god no one has been killed (that's when ford will address this issue )
2010Jul 10
Windstar LX 3.8L
- Automatic transmission
- 87,000 miles
of all the things to cheap out on. only a rear axle. it only holds up the car, no big deal. i was traveling at 70 m.p.h. on I495 in massachusets when my rear axle snapped. i was in the far left lane of a very congested highway. suddenly, i heard a loud crack and my car started fishtailing back and forth. i had my wife and my 3 kids in the car. the car began filling with smoke and the children were coughing and choking. i managed to get the car across all 3 travel lanes and there was no brake down lane, i had to go 200 more yards before i could still pull of the road. my parents came and picked up my kids and i waited for a tow truck. some woman who was texting came into the breakdown lane and almost hit me.
this makes me sick. sick that money is more important to ford and stockholders. well, ford, my kids almost died today because you built my car CHEAP. scum. ill never put my family in a ford again. may god have mercy on your money grubbing corporate souls.
A D V E R T I S E M E N T S
2010Jul 05
Windstar
- Automatic transmission
- 98,000 miles
click to see larger images
rear end snapped while going into revearse. has anyone thought of having support welded to take the stress off? how about having steel welded under the rail where the void is so that its one solid piece?
2010Jun 21
Windstar SE 3.8L
- Automatic transmission
- 136,000 miles
I am VERY upset with Ford for not having a recall on the rear axle problem!!!! What is it gonna take..... horrible death related accidents like Toyota for them to do something about this??!!! I have always been a proud Ford owner but now am not!
I recently took a trip to Ohio with my family and when I returned home realized that there was a noise in my rear end and when my husband (who is mechanically inclined) check it out found the axle to be cracked and the sagging! Needless to say I was sick to my stomach when I thought about us just returning from Ohio which we traveled on the interstate highway and the speed limits were 65 and 70mph! I truly believe God was watching over us on this trip and praise him for our save return and not being in a horrible accident!
We priced a new axle and it was close to $500.00 a used one was nearly $400.00 and add in the 2 new tires and an alignment and if my husband was not able to fix this himself the labor fee, so I am estamitaing well over $1000.00 to fix this problem that should have a recall on it!!!!! I did call the customer relations at Ford and baiscally got no where but will say the person I spoke with was not rude and apologized but that apology does not pay for my repair! Wake up FORD and recall this problem!!!! Windstar owners beware and check your axles!
2010Apr 22
Windstar LX
- Automatic transmission
- 93,000 miles
I cant believe this happen, On April 22, 2010 I was driving down a street and the rear axle just broke in two, I pulled over to the side of the street and got out and looked at the tires I though I had a flat tire but the tires were ok except they were tilted in at the top of the wheel, I looked under the car and saw that the rear axle had broken in two. Before this happen I was driving on 83 with my grand child in the car,( I call it the big highway) going about 60, if this would of broke while I was on that road I hate to think what would of happen to my grand child and me. I had to have my van towed $75. to start, and now I am trying to get a idea of what it will cost to fix it, close to $275. for labor alone they told me, and don't know how much the axle will cost. I was surprised to read all the complaints about this same problem, . This is a serious safety issue and for what I am reading no one is making any headway on getting this resolved . Why doesn't the Ford Co. do something about this, when are they going to acknowledge this problem. I am checking into another way to approach this issue that may work with getting them to listen, its called the NEWS MEDIA. Maybe it is time to let them know about this danger with Ford Windstars and maybe save a live. Thank you all for listing to my concern.
2010Jun 24
Windstar SE
- Automatic transmission
- 130,000 miles
click to see larger images
WHO WOULD HAVE THOUGHT THAT YOU COULD BE RIDING AROUND IN YOUR VAN WITH YOUR KIDS AND YOUR AXLE COULD JUST SNAP INTO!!!! THIS SOUNDS ABSURD BUT THIS HAS HAPPENED TO ME AND WHOLE LOT OF FORD WINDSTAR OWNERS AND FORD HAS DONE NOTHING ABOUT IT. I WISH I HAD NEVER BOUGHT THIS PIECE OF JUNK!!!!!!!!!
2010Jun 18
Windstar
- Automatic transmission
- 120,000 miles
I had the transmission replace twice and now this problem with the rear axle. I always want to support USA economy, but there vehicles have big problems!
2010Jun 04
Windstar SEL 3.8L
- Automatic transmission
- 120,000 miles
I have a 2000 Ford Windstar SEL and my wife was driving to work when she noticed the rear of the van was fishtailing. I was at work so when I got home I looked at the van and noticed the wheels were slanted in. I looked under the van and noticed that the rear axle bar was broken in two. After doing some online research I found out that there were other people with the some problem as me. Why isn't Ford doing anything to fix it??? How much does it cost to fix??? What is the Ford part number for this bar???
2010Jun 05
Windstar LX 3.0L
- Automatic transmission
- 105,000 miles
Rear axle snaped in half. Luckily I-95 was closed in Phila and we took a slow alternate route. Broke and both back wheels caved inward. 103,000 miles. Have see hundreds of the same complaint once car gets near 100,000 miles. Ford should own up.
2010May 18
Windstar
- Automatic transmission
- 140,000 miles
noticed the rear wheel of my wifes windstar tilting inward as she was backing out the driveway to go to work. Looked underneath and saw that the rear axle was split in half about a foot away from the drivers side wheel. I see no signs of rust or corrosion, just fractured steel. I have a 1991 f-150 that is rusty as hell and carries extremely heavy loads a every day with no problems, but a minivan that carries nothing heavier than a five and six year has an axle break in half? What the f**k!!!
2010Apr 30
Windstar SEL V6
- Automatic transmission
- 86,000 miles
On April 30, 2010 was driving in my 2000 Ford Windstar SEL on Interstate 80 in IL at 55 miles per hour approaching I-Pass toll booth when I heard loud clunk in rear, metal scraping and then smoke trailing from behind car. I figured it was exhaust system problem and it was not a good place to stop so slowed up and continued a short distance when I heard another loud clunk (rear axle had snapped in two), then loud noise like gun shot (was tire blowing), lost control of car, spun out of control in middle of traffic and did 180, then slamming into concrete barrier at 50 mph, rear first, then skidded along barrier for 200 ft. All cars behind me avoided collision. Concrete barrier stopped me from spinning into traffic of cash lanes. Luckily I was not in left lane becasue I would have rolled down steep ravine. Others expressed fears of rear axle breaking at high speed and getting killed. I was almost there. Car totaled by ins. co. $9000 to repair. Ins Co filing claim with Ford and hiring engineer hopefully. Class action suit is needed. Fortunately I only had severe whiplash and not killed. Rear axle snapped about 18 inches from rear driver wheel like others reported.
2009Aug 01
Windstar Limited 3.1L V6
- Automatic transmission
- 150,000 miles
This is the second time that my rear axle or sway bar have broken on me. Both times I was driving in the city, Oh my God what would have happened if I was on the highway going 60mph. Ford needs to recall these vehicles before they end up like Toyota.
2010Apr 30
Windstar SEL V6
- Automatic transmission
- 79,846 miles
I was in NEUTRAL rolling down my driveway ( as I always do ) when the rear axle snapped in my 2000 FORD Windstar SEL. I thought I had hit something - only to find the rear axle snapped - near the centre, slightly to the left side. This is suppose to be a 5 star vehicle !!!!!!!! I was quite content with it till now. I no longer feel safe with my family in it; therefore, I am now selling it. I called my FORD dealership to inform them of this problem and they deemed they never heard of it.
I am very fortunate to have this happen when it did. I could have been on the highway or stranded somewhere far from home. Time to get rid of my FORD VAN !!!!
2010Apr 29
Windstar
- Automatic transmission
- 130,000 miles
Just had my power steering leak fixed. Three brand new tires. ABS light was on but feeling good about the car overall. Driving down the street when THUNK and the car just stopped!! I was on my way to the doctors in Boston. 40 miles away and I would have been doing 65 on the Southeast Expressway. THANK THE DEAR LORD it happened down the street. Have had my 2000 Windstar for two years. I hope this does not cost an arm and a leg! My son just got his license last month. I can't even begin to think if he had it out driving what might have happened. Frightning!!!!!
2009Oct 15
Windstar SE 3.8L
- Automatic transmission
- 160,000 miles
click to see larger images
Axle went last year ,went out but a used one from another 2000 winstar 8 months later same problem, same location, cracked again, from what i been seeing this is a common problem 99 to 2003 ,talk about a safety issue! if this breaks through on a hwy ,theres gona be some big problems, ford is gona be on the front page of the news for sure! they know theres a problem but i guess they are waiting for someone to get killed before they do anything about it! sad,
my fix for this problem was replacing the axle with a 1996 axle which is a lot beefier! has supports and added beam under the axle.
this is a defect and should be replaced!!!!! a complaint was put in by me!
2010Apr 26
Windstar 3.6L V6
- Automatic transmission
- 110,456 miles
I just bought a 2000 Ford Windstar Select about 1 year ago. Real nice leather interior, auto everything even the doors. I have a 1,2, and 9 year old so I neede the van. Went through the auto check system and the vehicle scored an 80!! Since I bought it the locks, doors, diver seat controls, et. basically anything electronical has malfunctioned.
Now just yesterday I am pulling into my drive (which is all paved) my rear axel snaps in half. It F***ing SNAPPED IN HALF, IT SNAPPED THE F**K IN HALF!!!!!! WITH MY KIDS IN THE CAR. I live in apartments wher they all drive like Mario Andrette and I'm sittin in the middle of a blind corner people fly around with my kids in the car. I'm in a dimension of P***ED off I never knew existed. Needless to say I had to back my van in broken axel and all. And what do you know a car flies by nearly hitting me. If I found out it was a mechanical error someones catching all hell.
2010Mar 10
Windstar SEL 3.6L
- Automatic transmission
- 191,221 miles
Actually I wanted to add my complaint to the LIST of Broken Axel. This sounds like a lot of coincidence, I also live in PA and the car started vibrating alot on a return trip from South Carolina, at 63 mph. I could go faster and it would stop vibrating. Of course now that appears to have been very dangerous, I took it in to my mechanic: checked and balanced the entire front end, proceeded to transmission shop, checked drive axles, another shop and remounted summer tires. After tires were installed, started to hear a crunching, gnawing sound from rear, two days later, beginning another 8 hour trip - wife says the back tires are slanted? Looked under and found broken axel. Found a 2003 for $ 175, should be going in the shop next Tuesday March 30, 2010. Thankyou for all the help, also I filed on the National Safety, thanks again for everyones help.
2010Apr 16
Windstar LX 3.6L
- Automatic transmission
- 141,024 miles
2000 Winstar LX miles 141,000. Rear axle snapped in two on the drivers side about a foot from the left rear wheel assembly. Just exited the freeway way when axle broke. From what I'm reading this is a fairly common and possibly deadly problem. Anyone aware of any injuries or fatalities? Its time for action before someone gets killed, if that hasn't happened already. I will be contacting Ford Motor Co for their response, then file a complaint with NHTSA. If this does not get resolved the next course of action will be to explore a class action lawsuit. Has anyone started litigation? I'm not doing this for personal reimbursement but rather to get this problem fixed before someone gets killed.
Thanks
Dan M.
2010Apr 10
Windstar 3.1L
- Automatic transmission
- 130,000 miles
we was driving down the road me and my family and we hit a bump and then the car started shaking and there was a lot of smoke. We was stranded on a bridge because of the failed driver side rear axel had broken. We was all very awe struck by the occurrence that had taken place.
2010Mar 30
Windstar LX 3.8L
- Automatic transmission
- 122,000 miles
I was loading my wife, 3 kids and the dog into the van to take them down to the jersey shore. Once everyone was loaded I closed the left sliding door and noticed the left rear wheel was leaning in at the top. I had everyone get out and start loading the other car while I jacked it up to see what was wrong. That is when I noticed a large crack in the rear axle about 12-18 inches from the left wheel. It was cracked all the way through with maybe a 1/4 of steel holding it together. I thought it may have been caused by a pothole, but after reading all these complaints, I am having second thoughts.
Thankfully, I have not read of anyone being injured or killed from this defect, but what will it take to get Ford to own up to this problem. I am glad I noticed it before we got on the highway.
2010Mar 22
Windstar
- Automatic transmission
- 134,000 miles
I bought my 2000 Ford Windstar a few years ago. I haven't really had any issues with it. We have gone on a few long distance vacations in it. Recently, we went to Disneyworld, which was a 2200 mile round trip. On our way home we noticed that the van was not driving well and we would hear a loud clunk when we would turn the corner. I took the car to my mechanic when we got home. I was hoping it was some minor problem, but it was a cracked rear axle. I have looked into this and everyone I have seen has the exact same crack in their axle, it is the rear axle on the drivers side. What is it going to take for Ford to man up and realize this is a problem. I drive 3 kids around in this van... we could have DIED!
2010Mar 20
Windstar SEL 3.6L
- Automatic transmission
- 180,000 miles
Ford needs to step up and do the right thing. Ford needs to recall these windstars before people get killed. At this point with this many complaints Ford is willfully ignoring the issue and they should be held accountable for any injuries or deaths that result from these axle failures. I have 17 year old twins that were using the Windstar as their vehicle. As a parent, it would have been nice to know that the Windstar had such a potential fatal flaw. Shame on Ford. We were lucky. My son was using the van and told me it was driving funny and making weird noises. It took me a while but I finally found the problem and there was a major crack in the rear axle. FORD DO THE RIGHT THING AND LET PEOPLE KNOW THERE IS A PROBLEM!
2010Mar 17
Windstar LE 3.8L
- Automatic transmission
- 150,000 miles
My husband was on his way home from work. Working 56 miles from home. He called me on his way home and said "he cant drive the van any further". Tow truck took the van to mechanic. The mechanic said rear axle is cracked!! So now we are finding how to fix the problem!!
2010Feb 21
Windstar SE 3.8L
- Automatic transmission
- 102,000 miles
2000 Ford Windstar and rear axle beam almost broke into. No exterior damage, didn't hit anything just broke. Seems to be a huge problem with this vehicle. Where is the Recall at. Sorry NHTSA but would rather have sticky gas pedal that I can somewhat control over a snapped axle at highway speed any day. Thank god I was just barely moving around 10 mph. I have a Wife and 5 kids and if this would have happened on interstate we would probably all be dead now. Where's the outrage at over this, where's the recall. Come on Ford own up to your, what could very well have been FATAL, Faulty product. Fix your vehicles.
2010Feb 09
Windstar LX 3.8L
- Automatic transmission
- 141,000 miles
THIS IS A VERY SERIOUS - POTENTIALLY VERY DANGEROUS PROBLEM. My wife was driving home from bible study when she called me to describe how the car would hardly move when she pressed on the accelerator. Later that evening, when I returned home, I noticed that the rear wheels were bowed inward at the top, and outward at the bottom. I looked under neath and noticed that the rear axle had broken.
I looked online the next day to see if there had been any other such problems with other Windstars, and that is when I ran across this website. One consistency that I have noticed is that all of us complaining are in the northern part of the country! I happen to live in both Pittsburgh, PA and Columbia, SC. When I contacted dealerships here in the south, none of them had ever heard of such a thing, and were almost unaccepting of my issue. No problem. I also contacted Ford headquarters to inquire about other such issues. They didn't (wouldn't) acknowledge any other such complaints. I am going to taking this further because of the very first statement that I made in this posting.
Now, as far as the fixing part, I am involved in racing, and a very above average Saturday/Shadetree mechanic, so I was able to purchase a used rear end for $200.00 here in South Carolina. I replaced the defective rear axle in approximately six hours, (three 2 hour sessions over a three day period) some of which was time spent chasing tools that I have at our home in Pgh., but not here in SC. If I ever have to do it again which I hope never, I could do it in slightly less time, and in one day. I had to wait 2 days for the salvage yard to get it off of the other vehicle.
It is not a difficult job if you are an average Saturday/Shadetree mechanic. If you are not of that caliber, I would not suggest that you attempt to repair it yourself. The only tools that I used were 19, 15, 13, 12, 10 and 8 mm sockets, two pairs of pliers, 1 large and 1 small flathead screwdriver, needlenose pliers, a small breaker bar, and new brake fluid, because you'll need to unhook the rear brakelines, and there will be a small loss of brake fluid, so you'll need to bleed the rear brakes.
If any one wants to attempt the project, contact me at tkbradford@netzero.com
Carolina
2010Jan 29
Windstar LX 3.0L
- Automatic transmission
- 120,000 miles
This is not something that should fail under any normal usage or mileage. Luckly it did not break when the problem started showing or I would most likely be dead. This is definitely something ford should look at fixing
2010Mar 02
Windstar 3.8L
- Automatic transmission
- 130,000 miles
We are lucky no one was killed. I am going to have it towed to my mechanic so he can access the damage, and then I am taking these pics to the Ford dealer I bought the thing from and raise hell.
Update from Mar 9, 2010: My mechanic replaced the rear axle, both shocks, and the drivers side rear wheel and tire. Unfortunately the thing snapped so bad that when it broke it flattened the tire and the rear end just drug on the ground. All this including labor was $1100.
2010Mar 08
Windstar LX 3.8L V6
- Automatic transmission
- 105,919 miles
My wife told me there was a "clunk" in the rear of the van when she hit bumps, and the van swerved around after the bumps. Have hac problems with the front sway bar bushings, so I figured the rear one were bad, but when I looked under the van, the rear axle is broken almost all the way thru! It is about 2 feet in from the left (drivers side) end, just like most of the reports here. I will be having it fixed--was planning on a used one, but I'm not sure thats a good idea after seeing how many complaints of this issue. I will also report to the natsb.
Update from Mar 17, 2010: Update, called dealer I bought van from, was told there is no recall at this time, but they seemed aware of the problem. The service manager transfered me to the parts manager. He priced a new axle at $550, but also told me that the part # for the 2000 and 2001's were updated to the part # for the 2003 models. Said if I bought a used part I should get one from a 2003 model, eluded to the idea that a new part # would be a changed part that would have the problem fixed. I bought a used part from a 2003 model for $165 from large salvage yard, had my mechanic put it in-charged me $135, van fixed for $300!. will up date if any problems.
2010Feb 13
Windstar LX 3.8L
- Automatic transmission
- 189,000 miles
I had just had my car serviced at the dealer a few days before for worn sway bars and bushings. I started to back out of my driveway when i heard something snap and started to hear metal dragging. I pulled back into the driveway and looked under the car to find that the rear axle had snapped inabout the center of the axle. I had my Windstar towed into the dealer to find out what happened and was told that the axle had snapped. I asked them if there was any signs of wear and was told no. When I asked if FORD was aware of this issue or if there was any sort of a recall I was told that the manufacturers warranty was 3 years or 36,000 miles. Obviously I am well over that but this seems to be a safety issue and based on what I have seen I am not the first to report this issue.
2008Jul 07
Windstar LX
- Automatic transmission
- 109,000 miles
click to see larger images
This was my FIRST 2000 Windstar. During routine maintenance in July 2008, with about 109,000 miles on it, mechanic noticed axle was about to snap into two pieces. The day before I had driven friends to the airport, thank God we're still here. Anyhow, mechanic had never seen anything like it, I called Ford, they said it must be just an isolated incident. I took the whole piece to show the dealer and the guy was a complete &&^%#$, First he said I could have done this by overloading the car. It's a freakin mini van! the most we ever had in it was 7 people, and four of them were really really small. geez. then he saw my trailer hitch and said I must have done it because I'm towing something. I said in eight years, we had taken our small popup out about once a year.Or less. I said three separate mechanics I knew told me that I couldn't have done this, that it was some type of defect. He said, really snidely, "maybe your mechanic friends should come get jobs as engineers for Ford!" Jerk. So I forgot about it until I had to get another mini van ... which will be followed in my next complaint.
2010Feb 10
Windstar LX
- Automatic transmission
- 63,000 miles
So, this is my second complaint about a rear axle split in a 2000 Ford Windstar. Fixed it the first time in 2008, Ford and dealer insisted I did it. So, later that year, my dopey son wrecked it. With insurance settlement, I found a used 2000 Windstar, clear Carfax, only 50,000 miles, great! I took it, 15 months later, my mechanic found the same defect in the same area, rear axle was about to break into two pieces about 1 1/2 to 2 feet in from the driver's side rear tire. He checks windstars from around that time to see if there are problems and spotted two others with similar wearings or breakages. The guy who delivered the part to fix this one (because of course Ford and the dealer both insist they've never heard of this) told my mechanic this was the fourth he had delivered this week alone.
I reported this on the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration's Web site and found dozens more in each of the 2000 and 2001 Windstars ... same place, same wear-down and breakages. Some people said it happened while they were driving. Add complaints to that Web site, the NHTSA can initiate a recall.
When I bought my first Windstar, the dealer, seeing me with little kids, kept talking about how it had the highest safety ratings. Yeah, just wait till 10 years or 100,000 miles, you're gonna be in big trouble if it splits on a high-speed roadway.
2010Jan 27
Windstar SE
- Automatic transmission
- 130,000 miles
Car was drifting brought it to mechanic and paid $650 for struts, alignment, 2 tires, drove 20 miles and the rear axle BROKE. Just broke, the mechanic says it has nothing to do with the work he did and the axle wasn't rusted. What's the deal Ford? I see from this site there are lots of people with this problem. I'm lucky it didn't happen when I was on the highway as some of the others here. Everyone I speak to says this should never happen regardless of the mileage on the vehicle.
2010Jan 20
Windstar
- Automatic transmission
- 100,000 miles
this happened to my mom tonight she was coming home from work and was driving 75 mph and she heard to bumps and the next thing you know shes doing 360 down the jersey parkway luckily shes okay because she went into a grass median but she started off in the left lane of the locals and landed right next to the express and when she saw the cars in the express flying down she was very scared because she lost all control of the car
2009Dec 29
Windstar LX V6
- Automatic transmission
- 98,000 miles
We experienced fish tailing in the rear of our 2000 Ford Windstar while traveling in heavy holiday traffic during a torrential rain storm on NJ Garden State Parkway - we thought it was the rain on a very cold day. Ten miles after 400 miles of parkway travel over the holidays with my entire family in the van, the rear axle broke in half, off center to left. My investigation shows me that this has happened to many other Windstar owners around the 100,000 mile mark. We, like many others who posted it here and other complaint sites, thank god that it did not happen while going 65 mph in heavy traffic. There have been many near accidents sited and Ford claims they know nothing about this issue. As many more Windstar approach this milestone - word needs to get about to have them and their mechanics watch for this. I was without transportation for a week and it cost us almost $1,000 to replace it and our mechanic could not find anywhere where it is advised to check this out on routine maintenance — he was horrified. In the broken rear axle category for 2000 Windstars reported on the NHTSA site, there are only six less number of complaints (57 vs. 51) as there is the speed control issue that FORD just sent out a recall for and in 2001 there were eight more complaints — 45 broken axles vs. 38 speed control! Ford customer service was less than concerned when I called to report it. THIS IS A FATALITY LOOKING TO HAPPEN - IF IT HASN'T ALREADY!
2009Nov 28
Windstar
- Automatic transmission
- 150,900 miles
i was was coming home from a trip to AL. on I-65 between KY and IN just over the bridge (hate that bridge) so going about 60 mph. i felt like i had just hit a bump in the road . after the bump my steering felt like i was on ICE . no control. tried to get over to side of road no one would let me over ever when i had almost stopped . traffic was heavy on a Saturday night. then my tire blew out knew then it was a flat tire felt like was on ice more.finely got to side of road. not until we went to change the tire did we realize the axle was busted. ford wont help over 100,000 miles . I JUST WANT TO KNOW HOW MANY PEOPLE HAVE TO DIE before FORD will do some thing???? im glad i was driving not my teen. and that i was not in KY in the mountains or was driving faster than what i was.
2009Dec 23
Windstar LX V6
- Automatic transmission
- 111,440 miles
On Dec.23,2009 on my way to work I noticed my 2000 Windstar starting to lose control around a bend. Thinking I must have hit some ice I proceeded at a slower pace. Then as I made a right hand turn a loud screeching noise could be heard from the rear as the van struggled to gain speed. I pulled over as far as I could on the road which had no shoulder. I exited the vehicle to the smell of burning rubber to find the rear wheels flared bottom side out. Looking under the vehicle I could see the rear axle beam nearly split in two. After a week finally repaired for $934. My mechanic said I was the 4th or 5th Windstar he has replaced the rear end with this same problem. This is a dangerous problem that needs to be addressed. I reported this problem to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA). I encourage other Windstar owners with this dangerous problem to go to www.nhtsa.dot.gov and file a complaint. If enough of us do this maybe Ford will be forced to take action and do a recall on the Windstars before someone gets killed if it hasn't happened already.
2009Dec 07
Windstar LE
- Automatic transmission
- 123,500 miles
While driving in the car with 6 children I heard a loud whistling noise and I could tell something was very wrong by the way it handled. Something felt wrong with the tires in the back. I crawled the short distance home and discovered that the rear axle was now 6 inches above the ground and digging into the tire on the driver side. As I later followed my husband to the mechanic's, the rear tires were visibly tilted in at the top and out at the bottom. We had to stop and flatbed it the rest of the way to the garage. The mechanic said the axle was cracked 3/4 of the way through and looked as though it had rusted from the inside out. I was thankful I was not on a highway when this happened.
2010Jan 02
Windstar LX 3.6L
- Automatic transmission
- 93,821 miles
click to see larger images
Well, It all started a couple of weeks ago. I noticed some swaying in the rear end and some really loud squeaking in the rear end when I would make turns , especially right turns. I really thought nothing of it at first. I just thought it was getting old and starting to make some noises. It got worse as days went by. My wife and I use this as our primary transportation. We need a van because we have four children 12 and under. Well the noises continued to get worse so today I decided it was time to get underneath and see what was going on under there. I pulled it in my garage and jacked up the passenger side and pulled off the wheel and started looking at my shocks and springs with a flashlight. There didn't seem to be any problems. All the while I was hoping and praying there wouldn't be a major problem. It turned out to be really bad news. My axel was broken almost all the way through.Only about 1 1/2 left connected. That little bit probably saved our lives because I just made 2 trips to the movies with my 4 kids 2 days ago. This involved a highway drive (65mph) and about 15 miles each way. I thank GOD it didn't break through all the way on that highway. I started shaking when I read some of these posts about this problem. I believe there is a MAJOR problem with these axles. If you check all the pictures that are posted. The break occurs in the SAME spot in all the posts. There is a flaw in the making of this part. Something has to be done. I have to get it fixed. It's of no good just to junk it. I just spent over 1600.00 to fix the transmission in July. I an going to have it looked at on Monday and I hope for the best. Again, I just thanks GOD none of us got hurt and I decided to get under there today even though it is 12 degrees outside and find this problem before it was too late !!!
A D V E R T I S E M E N T S
2011Mar 04
Windstar LS 4.3L
the ford garge replaced the axel but I had to use a loaner for a month THey replace the axel and did a repair on my frame that they told me there was nothing wrong with. They had it my inspection was run out. I could not get it inspected . The ball joint was broken .Why did they give me back the car and not tell me that? they had to have seen it or they broke when they put the frame cover on it.. They told me i had to fix my abs light that was on in order to get it inspected but they did not put that in writting.
Sally D.
Meadville, PA, USA
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