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.
Lived in the salt belt state of il. When I was driving, front subframe falling off and some components were touching the ground due to severe front subframe rusted out. I lost steering control and gear control on a multiple lane road. Ford has never sent any notice to me regarding any recall. This is a known issue via NHTSA action number: PE10026 and I would like Ford to repair the rusted subframe and all other broken components directly caused by subfram falling off. Ford refused to provide any car rental by saying "this is an old recall and we do not give car rental now".
Subframe gave out, engine dropped and car was towed to my home.I had just exited a highway going 55mph. I was driving the to car to attend a work related event early evening. I drove past the entrance and proceeded to turn around on the road. As I approached the intersection the van lost power. I stopped being able to steer and brake. I turned hard on the steering wheel to move off the road. I was able to pull into a turn lane and fortunately there was very limited traffic on the road. The car came to a full stop on its own and there was a loud scrapping noise coming from under the front of the car. I was towed to my home. The tow driver stated the " subframe had given away and was dragging on the ground. It required a flat bed truck to tow. My mechanic confirmed the subframe had collapsed. The cost to fix was prohibited and I was concerned about the safety of the vehicle I contacted Ford about the problem and they responded that there was no recall at that time. The car remained in the driveway in the event there was a recall on the vehicle for over one year. I finally decided to donate the car having not been contacted by the manufacturer. I was contacted that there was a recall identifying the problem in 2011 I am filing this complaint due to the fact that I was financially disadvantaged by the delays of the manufacturer to identify and notify me of the recall in a timely fashion.
The contact owns a 1999 Ford Windstar. While parked, the contact noticed corrosion where the lower control arm connected to the front sub-frame. The contact stated that there were cracks in the front sub-frame. The vehicle was not taken to the dealer for a diagnostic test. There was a recall under NHTSA campaign id number: 12V194000 (suspension:front:control arm) that may be related to the failure. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure and stated that the VIN was not included in the recall. The vehicle was not repaired. The approximate failure mileage was 160,000.
The contact owns a 1999 Ford Windstar. The contact stated that while having routine repairs performed, she was informed that the subframe was completely corroded and fractured in half. The dealer was contacted who referred her to the manufacturer. The manufacturer was contacted who did not offer any assistance since her vehicle was not included in NHTSA campaign id number: 11V030000 (structure: Frame and members:underbody shields). The VIN was not available. The vehicle was not repaired. The failure and the current mileage was 130,000.
The van has had both the front subframe and rear axel recall repairs completed. On picking up the van, it still had a hard pull to the right after paying for an alignment. The dealer attributed it to the tires. On putting the van in for pa inspection, it did not pass due to "subframe rotted at rear transmission mount". the Ford dealer that performed the recall work subsequently looked at it, agreed the frame was rotted but that no recalls covered it. The repair cost is in excess of the vehicle value. I suspect the alignment could be related as well.
- Harleysville, PA, USA
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1. sub-frame was badly rusted out. It broke while backing out of a parking space and the front tires disengaged. 2. the rocker panel on the left side needs to be replaced. It is badly rusted out and it will not pass inspection anymore. There is some rust on the right rocker panel also. All of the rust in under the vehicle and it is not safe to drive. 3. the check engine light came on last year.
The sub-frame of my 1999 Ford Windstar has rusted away at critical spots around and near the mounting bolts and as a result failed to pass pa state annual inspection on Dec. 12, 2010. I was told by the mechanic (a non-Ford mechanic) that the condition was very unsafe and that there was no way it would pass pa state inspection unless this dangerous condition was fixed. To pass it would had to have the entire sub-frame replaced which was going to be expensive or else the vehicle would have to be scraped (the vehicle currently has about 189,000 miles). The mechanic's finding was very surprising to me because on Oct. 30, 2010, the same Windstar was inspected by a local Ford dealer based on a rear axle corrosion recall notice from Ford. Following the recall inspection (by a different mechanic) I was informed that everything was okay and no work was necessary per to the recall notice. In hindsight it would appear that nothing else but the rear axle was inspected and I was thus sent back on the road operating a very unsafe vehicle due to corrosion issues. Thank goodness the pa state inspection mechanic noticed the sub-frame danger some 6 weeks later before a potentially deadly accident occurred. I'm writing to highlight this serious safety problem with Windstar models made between 1999-2003 for the NHTSA. I understand that many others have complained of similar sub-frame corrosion problems on their Windstar but, to date, Ford has not issued a recall even though they did for similar rear axle corrosion problems. Since the problems both stem from corrosion issues it seems logical that Ford should also be responsible for correcting this safety issue. Except for the sub-frame corrosion problem, my Windstar is running well and I'd like to keep driving it for several more years. I am hopeful that Ford will quickly take responsibility for fixing these serious safety problems.
This complaint is regarding front subframe corrosion. Both passenger and driver side corrosion is so severe that you can stick your finger through the frame. This was discovered when a wheel alignment was being performed following the purchase of new front tires. It was confirmed by the local bill mccoy Ford dealership. They were unaware of the pending nhsta inquire but did confirm pre-mature rear axle corrosion per present recall. Please contact me if further information is required.
Rear axle beam failure..heard recall on news a month before Ford owners were notified. Took vehicle to dealership for inspection and repair, confirmed axle problem. 3 weeks later dealership called and informed me the vehicle was "unrepairable".
I took the van to the car wash on sat. 14th of Feb. As I started to wash the van starting with the roof, the paint started flaking off above the driver's side door.
Location of cup holder on floor attached to middle seat causes people to trip & fall out of van. Manager of dealership informed owner no problem with cup holder. Manufacturer has been contacted at least 4 times.
A D V E R T I S E M E N T S
- Chicago, IL, USA