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 2003 Ford Windstar. The contact stated that the entire axle was severally corroded and cracked. The dealer was made aware of the failure and explained that the VIN was not included in NHTSA campaign number: 10V385000 (suspension). The manufacturer was made aware of the failure. The vehicle was not repaired. The failure mileage was 155,675.
I learned of a front axle recall and when I called the dealership to schedule repairs, they informed me of a rear axle recall, so "repairs" were made to both front and rear axles at the same time. However, this morning on my way to work (luckily traveling at 25 mph vs 75 on the interstate last night) the rear axle broke midway between where the bracket, which was supposed to reinforce the axle, was attached.
The contact owns a 2003 Ford Windstar. The contact stated that while driving at 45 mph, the contact heard a noise from the rear of the vehicle. Upon further inspection, the contact stated that the passenger side tire had fractured from the frame of the vehicle. The vehicle was towed to an independent mechanic who diagnosed that the rear axle assembly, tire, rim and brakes needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The vehicle was previously repaired under NHTSA campaign number: 10V385000 (suspension). The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The failure mileage was 135,000.
Vehicle on lift for oil change when mechanic noted that the sub-frame was rotted through on the driver side just above and in front of the wheel. He also noted that a repair bracket had been installed as part of the recall on the part of the frame behind the wheel. He said he would not drive the car too much longer without getting it repaired. He advised that I should take the vehicle to the dealer and advise Ford which I did. Ford declined to offer any assistance since it was beyond the recall warranty period. The reinforcement bracket was obviously not sufficient to repair the corrosion damage to the complete sub-frame.
The contact owns a 2003 Ford Windstar. After the vehicle was repaired under NHTSA campaign number: 12V195000 (suspension), the failure listed in the recall recurred. The contact mentioned that the dealer only sprayed a rust proof coating on the vehicle although, the recall stated that the dealer was to place a bracket to reinforce the axle or replace the axle. The manufacturer verified that the dealer implemented the recall remedy properly. The vehicle was not repaired. The failure mileage was unknown. Updated 6/3/15 updated 10/4/2017
- Saginaw, MI, USA
Search CarComplaints.com for these popular complaint phrases...
Took my Windstar to my mechanic for inspection. Rear axle cracked.. contacted Ford, since in 2011 rear axle "patches"(their terminology) were installed after recall Ford had me tow vehicle to a local dealer. Dealer attempted to have Ford reopen recall they refused after many calls they said they were not going to repair. Because. By national highway regulations they did all they were required to do. I pointed out that this is an ongoing problem and has they have documented --in the snow states since patches installed. We have had 2 major hurricanes with 3 consecutive severe winters. I am very frustrated and hope something can be done.
The contact owns a 2003 Ford Windstar. While driving 25 mph, a loud crack emitted from the rear of the vehicle. After inspecting the vehicle, the contact noticed that the rear axle was fractured. The vehicle was serviced under NHTSA campaign number: 10V385000 (suspension); however, the recall remedy failed to prevent the defect. The manufacturer and dealer were made aware of the failure. The vehicle was not repaired. The failure mileage was 92,000.
The contact owns a 2003 Ford Windstar. While driving approximately 30 mph, there was a loud noise present and the contact suddenly lost control of the vehicle. The contact merged over to an emergency lane and performed a brief inspection of the vehicle. The contact noticed that the rear axle was fractured. The vehicle was taken to the dealer for diagnostic testing. The technician stated that the rear axle needed to be replaced. The vehicle was serviced under NHTSA campaign numbers: 12V194000 (suspension) and 12V195000(suspension); however, the failure persisted. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 126,000.
2003 Ford Windstar rear axle failure after local Ford dealership installed brackets. In August of 2013, while making a right hand turn off of a 45 mph road, my axle snapped in half on the drivers side. On 4.19.2011 my 2004 Ford Windstar. Had recall, 10S13, performed which only resulted in bracing brackets being installed. The axle has since completely failed and the vehicle can no longer be driven. Ford customer relations has explained that due to the brackets being installed in 2011 they are no longer responsible for any other action related to the recall. These brackets installed did not repair the issue and the axle has now completely failed. There is no doubt that this incident would have been life threatening had the failure occurred at highway speeds.
The contact owns a 2003 Ford winstar. The contact stated that while driving at approximately 55 mph, the vehicles rear axle snapped causing him to lose control of the vehicle. The contact mentioned that the engine stalled and all warning indicators illuminated. The vehicle was taken to a dealer, where it was diagnosed that the vehicles axles were rotted. The vehicle was repaired but failure persisted. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was 141,000.
The contact owns a 2003 Ford Windstar. The contact stated that while inspecting the vehicle, the contact noticed that the rear axle was corroded. Additionally, the ABS, brakes and the check engine warning lights illuminated. The vehicle was taken to a dealer. The technician diagnosed that the rear axle needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The contact was aware of NHTSA campaign number: 12V195000 (suspension). The failure mileage was 165,000. Djr
The contact owns a 2003 Ford Windstar. The contact stated that while driving 40 mph, the rear axle became fractured. The vehicle was previously repaired under NHTSA campaign number: 12V195000 (suspension). The contact mentioned that the reinforcement brackets were attached and the axles were not replaced. As a result the rear axle fractured. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The VIN was unavailable. The failure mileage was unknown.
Driving home at about 20 mph and suddenly the left rear end of the van collapse onto the tire. I loss control of the vehicle monetarily, myself and my three children were very shaken up by the experience. Thank god we were not driving on the freeway or this could have been a very bad accident. The left rear tire was angle up into the wheel well. Upon inspection the rear axle housing had cracked and broke downward causing loss of control of the van. Contacted russ milne Ford service dept. And was told there was nothing they could do for me other than me buying a brand new rear axle assembly.
On this date, I was driving my vehicle at speed when the sub frame failed. This caused the steering to drop out, leaving me with no control of the vehicle. I narrowly missed an 18 wheeler doing a turn and got stopped. Ford had my vehicle for over 2 weeks, and didn't provide a rental vehicle for 10 days. Ford refused to cover the steering mechanism, even though it plainly says on they're website that would be a consequence of sub frame failure. I have made over 30 phone calls to the dealer and Ford Motor Company's customer service hotline, and now the dealer is telling me my vehicle is fixed, but I have to pay for the parts put on, and a repair I did not pre-authorize.I am a disabled veteran, and I want someone to explain to me how a vehicle that was perfectible drivable before this happened is now being held hostage by a dealer until I come up with $140, because the mfgr part failed and almost caused me to be killed. The Ford case number is [xxx].thanks for your time and attention information redacted pursuant to the Freedom Of Information Act (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6).
Per recall 10V385000 / PE10016 my 2003 Windstar was repaired with the axle patch in 2011. On 11/07/14 my local Ford dealership (dave knapp Ford) found that the recall fix did not prevent the axle from cracking. On 11/10/14 photo's of the crack were sent to Ford and they denied coverage. I attempted to resolve this issue with Ford on 11/11/14 case# [xxx] and was told that Ford would not replace the axle. Per the PE10016 investigation it state's, "to correct the safety defect", " owners who have vehicles with cracked axles will either be offered a repair or alternative transportation until parts become available". I had the recall repair done and the axle still cracked and now I am being told that Ford will not cover it. The crack is directly below the factory recall patched area. The crack is sufficient enough that the left rear tire can not be aligned correctly. Information redacted pursuant to the Freedom Of Information Act (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6).
Driving down road all of a sudden wheels start screamin get it home and both back wheels are leaning in at top and out at bottom so I get wheels off and its jacked up and the dagon axel is cracked and this is even after the supposed rear axel recall and it being fixed it freakin broke ne ways not sure what to do.
The rear axle on my 2003 Windstar cracked and split about 10 inches from where it attaches to the wheel on the drivers side of the van. While looking into how much it would cost to fix, I discovered that there was a recall for that exact problem. I called my local Ford dealer and they said it would have to be looked at and could take about a week. I had it towed in and waited for a response. A week went by and when I called, the receptionist told me they would let me know as soon as possible. I waited a few more days and called again but this time I ended up speaking to the service manager. He said the van had actually been "repaired" once before through a previous owner/recall and that the original servicing dealership did not perform the work properly. The first time it was fixed, they somehow reinforced the axle but apparently did not put the "reinforcement" in the right place. That being the case, he said that the current damage now defaulted back to the dealer where it was originally serviced. He also said that the front of the van was rusted underneath but I do not see anything excessive and I am not convinced that this is unusual for a 12 year old vehicle. This is not a high mileage vehicle and it is in really nice condition otherwise. Considering the fact that this is an documented defect, I simply want it fixed properly and quickly.
The contact owns a 2003 Ford Windstar. While the vehicle was being serviced, the mechanic discovered that the rear axle was fractured and the subframe lower control arm was corroded. The mechanic stated that the rear axle and subframe lower control arm needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer stated that the VIN was not included in NHTSA campaign number: 12V195000 (suspension) and NHTSA campaign number: 12V194000 (suspension). The failure mileage was 120,000.
Heard a loud crack noise from my driveway where the vehicle was parked, found the left front struts coil spring to be broken in three pieces. I was fortunate not to be driving the vehicle at the time due to the fact the sprint would have penetrated the left front tire. I replaced the entire left front strut with a complete new strut that meets oem specifications. I was a bit leary about driving the vehicle the next day to take my wife to work, I visually inspected the right front strut coil spring and saw nothing visibly wrong with it. I was shocked to find out the right front strut spring broke while I was pulling forward later today at 151,725 miles. The broken piece is now pressing against the tire. I will now have to replace the right front strut with a new unit that meets oem specifications. I'm worried about other drivers having this issue if one breaks while driving at any speed and having the broken coil spring puncture their tire.
A D V E R T I S E M E N T S
- Jackson, MI, USA