10.0

really awful
Crashes / Fires:
3 / 1
Injuries / Deaths:
0 / 0
Average Mileage:
122,188 miles

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« Read the previous 20 complaints

problem #40

Nov 142013

Windstar 6-cyl

  • miles
Driving along when right front started to veer right and wobble. These models are not safe. Ford is aware of this yet, will not honor a recall which affects these models. Although there is a corrosion sub frame break on 1999 Ford Windstar's and that is exactly what happened( mechanic will testify) to mine, they keep making excuses and will not honor the expenses for their faulty design. My vehicle is a 99 Ford Windstar in very good shape, new tires battery, etc. It is now sitting in my driveway because of a frame broken thru by corrosion. The front right almost put me into the ditch on the way home. This is a design flaw which was is or should be covered by recall. Ford previously recalled the same models 99-2003 for this exact problem. I have contacted my Ford dealer (rapids Ford, wis rapids), they said the recall no longer applies. How can this be? this is a very unsafe situation.

- Wis Rapids, WI, USA

problem #39

Mar 122014

Windstar 6-cyl

  • 150,000 miles
Ford recalled and replaced the rear axle in 2011 I believe. They did a repair on the front axle on a separate recall in 2011 as well. Now the front axle is rusting; same issue that was happening to the rear axle and what was somewhat repaired on the front passenger side. If the rear axle was recalled for abnormal rusting; it would appear the same material was used on the front axle. Ford bought out most Windstar owners so there are probably not as much documentation of the front axle issue as there were with the rear.

- Indianapolis, IN, USA

problem #38

Jan 202014

Windstar 6-cyl

  • 160,000 miles
The contact owns a 1999 Ford Windstar. The contact stated that the rear end axle became fractured. The vehicle was not taken to a dealer fir repairs or diagnosis. The manufacturer was made aware of the problem. The approximate failure mileage was 160,000.

- Bay Village, OH, USA

problem #37

Oct 012011

Windstar

  • 146,000 miles
The contact owns a 1999 Ford Windstar. The contact stated that the rear frame and driver's side suspension was severely corroded. The contact attempted to replace the rear tire when the jack penetrated the frame. The manufacturer was contacted and advised that the VIN was not included in NHTSA campaign number: 10V385000 (suspension). The vehicle was not repaired. The approximate failure and current mileage was 146,000.

- Harrodsburg, KY, USA

problem #36

Apr 302013

Windstar 6-cyl

  • 178,000 miles
The contact owns a 1999 Ford Windstar. The contact stated that the vehicle was taken to the dealer for a tire replacement when the contact was advised that the rear axle was fractured in two places. The contact spoke with the manufacturer and was advised that the vehicle was not included in NHTSA campaign id numbers: 10V385000, 12V193000 or12V195000 (suspension:rear:axle:non-powered axle assembly). The vehicle was not repaired. The failure and the current mileage was 178,000.

- San Rafael, CA, USA

problem #35

Apr 262013

Windstar 6-cyl

  • 200,000 miles
The engine carriage is rusted out, and the rear axle is cracked due to rust. The main arm of the ball joint is completely pulled away from the frame because of the rust. I contacted baab Ford in reed city Michigan, because I was told by the mechanic I took it to originally that this was a recalled product. Baab Ford told me yes it is a recall issue, but no they wont fix my vehicle because the VIN doesn't come up as one of the vehicles effected by the recall. I contacted Ford Motor Company as they had advised me, Ford Motor Company told me, my vehicle isn't on the recall list, regardless of the fact that it has both of the problems that 1998 - 2003 Ford Windstar was recalled for. The vehicle speeds up whenever it hits a bump and also pulls towards the center line especially on slippery roads or where loss of traction occurs. It also wears out tires every 2 weeks.

- Big Rapids, MI, USA

problem #34

Mar 312013

Windstar

  • 132,811 miles
The contact owns a 1999 Ford Windstar. The contact stated that the vehicle was serviced under NHTSA campaign id number: 12V195000 (suspension) and after the remedy repair was performed, the vehicle would abnormally drift out of the initial lane while the contact was driving at various speeds. The vehicle had not been repaired. There was no failure prior to the recall repair. The approximate failure mileage was 132,811.

- Roscoe, IL, USA

problem #33

Oct 202012

Windstar

  • 140,000 miles
The contact owns a 1999 Ford Windstar. The contact stated that the vehicle was serviced under NHTSA campaign id number: 12V195000 (suspension:rear:axle:non-powered axle assembly). The contact had not experienced a failure or a defect prior to the recall repair. The contact noticed that one year after the repair was performed, the rear driver's side axle exhibited several cracks. The contact welded the defective axle himself. The manufacturer was notified of the problem. The approximate failure mileage was 140,000.

- Piscataway, NJ, USA

problem #32

May 152012

Windstar

  • 190,000 miles
The contact owns a 1999 Ford Windstar. While parked, the contact noticed that the front driver's side of the sub frame was cracked. The vehicle was taken to the dealer for diagnostic testing. The technician advised that the engine cradle would have to be replaced. The vehicle was included and previously repaired under NHTSA campaign id number: 12V194000 (suspension:front:control arm). The manufacturer was made aware of the failure and advised the contact that any additional repairs would not be covered under the recall. The vehicle was not further repaired. The approximate failure mileage was 190,000.

- Farrell , PA, USA

problem #31

May 172012

Windstar

  • 120,000 miles
The contact owns a 1999 Ford Windstar. While driving approximately 20 mph the contact heard a rattling noise coming from the rear of the vehicle. The contact stopped the vehicle on the shoulder of the road. After inspecting the vehicle the contact noticed the rear axle was fractured. The vehicle was taken to the dealer for diagnostic. The technician stated the rear axle would have to be replaced. There was a recall under NHTSA campaign id number: 12V195000 (suspension:rear:axle:non-powered axle assembly) that may be related to the failure. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure and stated the VIN was not included in the recall. The vehicle was not repaired. The VIN was not available. The approximate failure mileage was 120,000.

- Lavista, NE, USA

problem #30

Feb 152012

Windstar

  • 100,000 miles
The contact owns a 1999 Ford Windstar. The vehicle was included and repaired under NHTSA campaign id number: 12V195000 (suspension:rear:axle:non-powered axle assembly). After the repair, the contact was driving approximately 25 mph when the vehicle began to shake vigorously. The dealer was made aware of the failure and stated the vehicle was unsafe to drive and they needed to diagnose the failure. The vehicle was not repaired. The approximate failure mileage was 100,000.

- Detroit, MI, USA

problem #29

Apr 052012

Windstar

  • 196,098 miles
The contact owns a 1999 Ford Windstar. The contact stated that the vehicle was included in NHTSA campaign id number: 10V385000 (suspension:rear:axle:non-powered axle assembly) and was towed to the an authorized dealer. The dealer advised that the sub frame was corroded. The manufacturer was contacted but the vehicle was not repaired. The failure mileage was 196,098. And the current mileage was 198,000.

- Bethel Park, PA, USA

problem #28

Feb 272012

Windstar

  • 190,000 miles
The contact owns a 1999 Ford Windstar. The contact stated that while driving 60 mph the vehicle started jerking and swerving abnormally, casuing the rear driver side wheel to detach from the vehicle. The vehicle was towed to a local mechanic who inspected the vehicle and discoverd that the bolts were rusted and corroded and had caused the axle to fracture. The mechanic did not repair the vehicle. The vehicle was towed to an authorized dealer because the axle was previously installed under NHTSA campaign id number: 10V385000 (suspension: Rear: Axle: Non-powered axle assembly). The dealer advised the contact that they would not repair the broken axle because it was repaired previously under the recall and had exceeded the 12,000 mile guarantee on the component. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure who stated that they would be in contact at a later date. The failure mileage was 190,000.

- Cincinnati, OH, USA

problem #27

Mar 172012

Windstar 6-cyl

  • 156,219 miles
Lived in the salt belt state of pa. Frame rusted out and I lost steering control and almost had an accident.this is a known issue via NHTSA action number: PE10026 and I would like Ford to recall and fix this at thier cost.

- San Angelo, TX, USA

problem #26

Nov 152011

Windstar

  • 224,000 miles
The contact owns a 1999 Ford Windstar. The contact noticed corrosion on both the driver and passenger sides of the rear axle. The vehicle was taken to the dealer and the manufacturer was contacted. The manufacturer confirmed that the contact's VIN did not qualify for repairs under NHTSA campaign id number:10V385000 (suspension:rear:axle:non-powered axle assembly). The vehicle was not repaired. The failure and the current mileages were 224,000

- Sheridan, OR, USA

problem #25

Aug 112011

Windstar

  • 190,000 miles
The contact owns a 1999 Ford Windstar. The contact stated that after receiving notification of NHTSA campaign id number: 10V385000(suspension:rear:axle:non-powered axle assembly), the vehicle was taken to the dealer. After inspection of the vehicle, the dealer advised her that the rear brackets were fractured and that they would have to replace the entire subframe. The brackets were replaced but not the entire frame. After repairs, the contact noticed a loud noise from the vehicle. The vehicle was taken back to the dealer where they advised her that the sway bar was rusted and needed to be welded back to the vehicle. The vehicle has not further repaired. The manufacturer was contacted and they offered no assistance. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic where they advised her that they would not touch the vehicle due to how the dealer repaired the vehicle under the recall. The failure mileage was approximately 190,000.

- Wyandotte, MI, USA

problem #24

Sep 292011

Windstar 6-cyl

  • 152,393 miles
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

problem #23

Apr 282011

Windstar

  • 129,000 miles
I was pulling away after getting gas in my Windstar and heard a loud banging noise, similar to when the transmission went out. I immediately experienced loss of control in steering, with the steering wheel turned to one side. I was fortunate that I was driving only 5 miles per hour. The van was examined by an independent mechanic (not Ford affiliated) and I was told the subframe has completely rusted through. The subframe snapped on the passenger side and is ready to snap on the driver's side. I was told that all it would take is for me to hit a pothole and the subframe would snap on the driver's side and the engine and transmission would fall out. The mechanic told me he has never seen a 12 year old vehicle with a subframe in that condition. He took pictures of the subframe and emailed them to several mechanic friends. I have since learned, by doing research on the internet, that Ford recalled the Windstar due to a subframe issue, but I was not included in that recall because Ford does not deem Virginia a state where they use salt on the roads in the wintertime. I live 10-15 miles from both Maryland and DC, and they are both included in the recall. I live in northern Virginia and we receive heavy snowfall during the winter. Because I live close to the beltway, the dot and local public works departments heavily salt the roads even before snow starts to fall. We have a permanent white coating on the roads from the salt during the wintertime. It is ridiculous that Ford did not recall the Windstar's in all states because they know there is a problem with the subframes on the Windstar. They don't take into account people who may travel from state to state, or people who border a state where they have recalled the subframes, and frequently drive in those states.

- Fairfax, VA, USA

problem #22

May 202011

Windstar

  • miles
3 transmissions...multiple repairs all of which Ford is aware and caused by faulty design. Recalled for axle and frame rotting. Ford used epoxy and a brace to "repair". unsafe repair! warranty offered is only 12 months, so Ford also agrees it wont last. Frame and axle should last the life of vehicle. This is a dangerous vehicle and Ford isnt willing to take any resposibility. They have kown about these problems for years, and are now saying they arent responsible.

- Saint Clair, MO, USA

problem #21

May 112011

Windstar 6-cyl

  • 175,000 miles
We own a Ford Windstar that was sold and purchased in mass. And recently became aware of a safety recall for axle failure. Went to dealer and Ford website and was told recall did not include my vehicle because I now reside in Florida. I feel my car should be included in recall because it was driven in mass for a number of years in the snow and ice treated with road salt. Any help or some one to contact would be appreciated. [xxx] information redacted pursuant to the Freedom Of Information Act (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6).

- Anthony, FL, USA

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