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.
When I was pulling out of a parking lot onto a busy highway I could smell rubber burnig and I heard and felt a big loud bang, .then there was smoke all around van.it was the rear axle/ sub-frame fracture and yes there were recalls and work was done by Ford dealer thank god me and my children were not hurt or killed this was very scary..
While the 2003 Ford Windstar van was being operated and in motion, the vehicle's steering became uncontrollable and subsequently inoperable, leading to a breakdown in the roadway.
The rear axle on my vehicle cracked and caused my tires to rub against my vehicle, damaging brand new tires. When bringing the vehicle to the shop, was told that a patch had previously been made on the vehicle, but it was done badly and did not hold. Ford would do nothing to right this and denied that there was a recall on the vehicle. I was driving to school while this occurred on city streets.
In Sept 2016, I received a recall notice in the mail from Ford to re-inspect a previous recall repair for my rear axle from 2012. It stated that repairs would be made free of charge if defects were found in the repairs. It also stated that if I chose to do so, even if the repairs "passed", I could replace the axle for $300. Since I worked in ky from Feb through Oct, I scheduled the inspection after returning home in Nov, but did not actually get an appointment until Dec 6th. As a result of the recall inspection on Dec 6th, the dealer stated that the repairs were made correctly, but there were cracks in the axle. They stated it would cost $1,100 to repair if I chose. Since I was not told it was a safety hazard and was presented to me as "optional", I did not repair. When I went to inspect the van for annual pa inspection on Jan 5th, I was informed that it would not pass because of the cracked axle. They showed me the axle, and it is cracked the entire length on both sides. I went to speak with the nazareth Ford customer service staff on Jan 6th, and they told me there is nothing they can do and I should call Ford directly. I called Ford directly on Jan 6th and they told me they can't do anything because the "allowable timeframe" ending Oct 31st has passed. Another call to the nazareth Ford service manager on Jan 6th yielded no progress. I can't believe that Ford can get away with creating a safety hazard like this, not reveal how serious the situation is, and expecting a consumer to drop what they are doing to deal with a "fire sale" approach to repair in a 2 month window. They are the people with the faulty part, the faulty repair, and the misleading "successful" inspection, not the consumer. My axle was fine until they put their repair brackets on. I bought this vehicle brand new, and it has been garage kept. This vehicle has 107,200 miles on it.
- Bethlehem, PA, USA
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The contact owns a 2003 Ford Windstar. While driving 35 mph, the rear axle cracked without warning. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was 217,000.
The contact owns a 2003 Ford Windstar. While driving over bumps in the road, a clunking noise was present coming from the rear of the vehicle. The cause of the failure was not diagnosed. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The vehicle was previously repaired per NHTSA campaign number: 10V385000 (suspension). The failure mileage was 144,000.
The contact owns a 2003 Ford Windstar. While driving approximately 5 mph and making a right turn, the rear axle suddenly fractured. The cause of the failure was not diagnosed. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The vehicle was previously repaired per NHTSA campaign number: 12V195000 (suspension). During the repair, brackets were installed to prevent the failure from recurring. The manufacturer was notified. The failure mileage was 120,000.
2003 Ford Windstar rear axle broke while driving on highway leaving car and driver stranded on bridge. Driver was very lucky not to be hurt. Car had previous recalls performed by Ford on Sept 4, 2012 as recall numbers 10S13 and 11S16, both done at same time. However these recalls were not effective as axle still broke on or about Dec 2, 2016. Dealer indicates axle can not be replaced under recall because recall expired on Dec 31, 2015. Ford customer service gave same reply. Ford dealer in glenn burnie, md. Is replacing axle at an estimated $1,300. Problem is, the new axle will probably be the same part as the original and still poses the threat of breaking again. These cars should be recalled as several deaths have already occurred.
2003 Ford Windstar. Consumer writes in regards to dealership refuses to repair axle recall notice until consumer pays for a new $300 axle replacement. The consumer stated the dealer installed the brackets at no charge.
2003 Ford Windstar. Consumer writes in regards to rear axle reinforcement brackets recall notice repair issues. The consumer was informed the brackets were installed correctly. However, there was a crack in the axle.
2003 Ford Windstar. Consumer writes in regards to rear axle reinforcement brackets recall notice repair issues. The consumer stated the dealer performed a visual check of the vehicle, but nothing was replaced.
The contact owns a 2003 Ford Windstar. While driving various speeds, the vehicle began to swerve uncontrollably. The vehicle was towed to the dealer where it was confirmed that the axle fractured and needed to be repaired. The vehicle was not repaired. Prior to the failure, the contact received notification of NHTSA campaign number: 15V608000 (suspension). The vehicle was taken to be inspected; however, the technician stated that the axle did not need to be repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 130,000.
The contact owns a 2003 Ford Windstar. While the vehicle was stationary, the bolts on the bracket of the rear axle became loose. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was made aware of the issue. The failure mileage was 131,000.
The contact owns a 2003 Ford Windstar. While driving 25 mph, the rear driver side axle fractured. The vehicle was towed to the dealer where it was diagnosed that the rear axle beam was fractured and needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The vehicle was included in NHTSA campaign number: 15V608000 (suspension). The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 146,000.
My local bill brown Ford at 32222 Plymouth rd livonia mi 48150 (734)421-7000 falsified that they replaced a recall on my vehicle. While driving U can hear a noise coming from the rear.
The contact owns a 2003 Ford Windstar. The rear axle was fractured, even though the reinforcement brackets were on correctly. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was not made aware of the issue. The failure mileage was 220,000. Updated 01/11/2017
The contact owns a 2003 Ford Windstar. While the vehicle was undergoing routine maintenance, the technician informed the contact that the rear axle was fractured and needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The contact referenced NHTSA campaign number: 10V385000 (suspension); however, the VIN was not included. The failure mileage was 116,949. Updated 11/29/16
The contact owns a 2003 Ford Windstar. While driving various speeds, the rear axle fractured. As a result of the axle failure, the rear driver side tire failed. The vehicle was towed to a dealer where it was confirmed that the rear axle fractured. The vehicle was repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 180,000. Updated 11/01/16
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- Gloucester, MA, USA