I was recently driving with my son in a 1999 Windstar when the lower control arm housing broke away from the frame. The car was completely uncontrollable and we went all over the road. If anyone had been coming the other way we would have had a serious accident. Every mechanic who has looked at the broken housing said that they had never seen this happen before, even on much older vehicles, and that it shouldn't have happened. Most of the mechanics I have spoken to feel that a faulty weld caused this structure failure, and that it cannot be repaired without installing an entire new sub-frame. The Ford dealer who sold me the van, and the Ford customer service center at the Ford headquarters, said that considering the age of the vehicle, the problem was probably from rust. In addition, I was told that since there has not been a recall for such a defect on the 1999 Windstar, that this is my problem. In my opinion, I interpret this to mean that Ford considers it acceptable for the structure of their products to have a usable life of less than 10 years. If that is the case, think of how many of our lives are at stake on a daily basis because of 9 + year old Ford on the roads. My wife is driving a 2002 Ford Taurus. Is my family safe in it" this problem had nothing to do with a lack of maintenance on my part. There was nothing I could have done to prevent this. So who is at fault" I have photos which show the break, and can send them to you if you would like to see them. Also, I still have the Windstar sitting in my yard, so if you need to inspect the structure failure, you can do so. Updated and added pictures on 07/23/08.

- Wales, MA, USA

The front sub frame dropped down due to rust at the rear attaching points. This caused a loss of steering. The vehicle is a 1999 Ford Windstar van. I called Ford Motor Company & they said there was nothing they could do, that there is no warranty or recalls for this problem. It seems that this is a serious safety issue. Although there was no accident or injuries, it could very well have caused a serious accident.

- Louisville, OH, USA

The contact owns a 1999 Ford Windstar. While driving approximately 50 mph, the rear frame spontaneously failed, nearly causing the contact to lose control of the vehicle. As a consequence, the tie rods failed and the tires are now facing inward. The contact inspected the vehicle and noticed that the rear frame was excessively rusted. The manufacturer acknowledged that there was a failure with excessive rusting of the rear frame. However, because there was no recall, they would not assume responsibility for repairing the vehicle. The vehicle has not been repaired. The contact has pictures of the failed component. The failure and current mileages were 140,000.

- Northampton, PA, USA

Started hearing a funny noise (rubbing or squeaking) on the passenger side of vehicle (1999 Ford Windstar). Mechanic showed me where the sub-frame has rusted and spit apart. The front end of the car is literally separating from the back end. He said he has never seen this happen and recommended that I call Ford. Ford was no help at all. Said "sorry", but there was nothing they could do. Made no effort whatsoever to fix this safety issue. There was no accident with this, but there definitely would have been if I continued driving this.

- New Castle, DE, USA

1999 Ford Windstar van both ends of the engine cradle rotted away causing it failed inspection and calling for the entire assy. To be replaced. The estimate for the part and labor almost $1,000. This part is a very major part of the vehicles under structure and should never rot like this. When and if one or the other, or both should break off the entire weight of the engine will cause it to drop onto the pavement possibly causing a crash.

- Trafford, PA, USA

1999 Ford Windstar - frame near passenger-side front axle is rusted out. Driver's side not effected.

- Bloomfield, CT, USA

Without warning, while stopped at an intersection there was a clunk from the front passenger side of the van. When moving off from a stop, the steering wheel was suddenly 2"-3" off of center, down to the right. Drove home and parked the van. Mechanic came to inspect and found the subframe assembly holding the engine and transmission had failed, it had cracked through and no longer held the weight of the engine and transmission. He recommended not driving the vehicle due to the danger of the opposite side failing and causing major damage, extreme repairs and possible injury if occurring at highway speeds or less. The dealer only cautioned against possible exhaust system damage if the other side failed. This was not bolts or nuts rusting, the main subframe assembly developed a crack and separated. I am having the vehicle repaired, estimated cost $1200 - $1400 depending on the difficulty of removing the assembly's bolts. I have never seen this part fail on a vehicle. 2 different mechanics attest to this. I have seen vehicle frames in junkyards 20 years old still intact. I do not believe that this part of a vehicle that is driven on paved roads only should ever fail in average use. I will save the part if you desire. I believe Ford should pay for this repair. There are several complaints on your website and on www.mycarstats.com.

- Randolph, NJ, USA

The contact owns a 1999 Ford Windstar. While driving 35 mph, the subframe failed and forced the vehicle off the road. The vehicle was towed to the dealer and they stated that the subframe and mount needed to be replaced. A Ford dealer made repairs. The current and failure mileages were 72,000. Updated 01/02/08. Updated 12/12/07

- Phillipsburg, NJ, USA

: the contact stated while driving 45 mph, the engine stalled and the vehicle went into a skid. There were no warnings prior to the failure. The vehicle was taken to the service dealer, who determined that the subframe that held the engine and transmission fractured in half. Updated 11/30/06.

- Baldwinsville, NY, USA

Engine subframe failure at 78K miles, about 6 inches of the engine subframe on the right rear has totally rusted away, rest of subframe is pristine, right rear engine mount was not supported, noticed clunking sound and wheel shift to 6 O'clock position that initiated investigation never impacted, original owner, transmission pan has no nicks (lower than frame) car was undercoated when new Ford says it's a normal problem, actually said replacement frame is backorder for 3 weeks, was able to find 1 replacement at another dealer, all mechanics I talked with at the dealer said they had never see N this problem before and we're talking guys with 20+ years of Ford experience potential total loss of vehicle control, accident, crash, etc. 6 months out of extended warranty ~$1350 to fix pictures and old part available.

- Bethel Park, PA, USA

Consumer was driving through an intersection and while making a left turn passenger's side front wheel came off, pulling the axle out of the transmission. Vehicle has front wheel drive. Consumer contacted the dealer, and was told that the sub frame had to be replaced.......according to a few dealerships the subframe has ha dnumerous problems causing the manufacturer to alter the manner in which the tie rod is mounted on the Windstar subframe when the tie rod failed rusting completely off. Vehicle was pulling out from a stop sign making aleft turn when the wheel shifted and brought vehicle to a complete stop. If it happened earlier it would have happened at 55 which would have been much worse. Cost by Ford was $1155.

- Allegan, MI, USA

Water is coming in through passenger's side frame in the rear, causing electrical shorts. Vehicle has been taken to dealer numerous times, no remedy.

- Ripton, VT, USA

Subframe bolts loosened, causing a very loud noise to occur while vehicle was being driven.

- Natick, MA, USA

No failed components - mice get into passenger compartment through firewall - firewall not sealed?? no safety defect.

- Capac, MI, USA

The piece that attaches the front windshield to the drivers door is so large that it creates poor visibility, consumer almost hit people due to design. Mjs

- Brooklyn, NY, USA

Frame started to pull apart after towing a trailer. Dealer wanted to weld the frame.

- Sioux Falls, SD, USA