10.0
really awful- Crashes / Fires:
- 0 / 1
- Injuries / Deaths:
- 0 / 0
- Average Mileage:
- 111,535 miles
About These NHTSA Complaints:
The NHTSA is the US gov't agency tasked with vehicle safety. Complaints can be spread across multiple & redundant categories, & are not organized by problem. See the Back button — blue bar at the very top of the page — to explore more.
The contact owns a 1999 Ford Windstar. The contact received notification of NHTSA campaign id number: 11V030000 (structure: Frame and members:underbody shields). The contact had the vehicle repaired under the recall. However, the contact stated that the sub frame was severely damaged and unsafe. The contact took the vehicle to the dealer for inspection where they stated that the sub frame needed to be replaced and that the contact would have to pay for the repairs. The manufacturer was notified and they confirmed that the contact would be responsible for the repairs. The failure mileage was 147,000.
- Colombus, OH, USA
The contact owns a 1999 Ford Windstar. The contact stated that while turning at approximately 25 mph a cracking sound was heard from underneath the vehicle. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic for a diagnostic test. The technician stated that the subframe fractured and would have to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The approximate failure mileage was 105,000.
- Chantilly, VA, USA
The contact owns a 1999 Ford Windstar. While driving 30 mph, the contact stated that the drivers side sub frame separated from the vehicle, due to rust. The vehicle was not inspected or repaired. The dealer and manufacturer denied any assistance with repairs to the failure. The failure and current mileage was 136,553.
- Sidney Center, NY, USA
The owns 1999 Ford Windstar. The contact stated that the vehicle was repaired under the recall associated with NHTSA campaign id number 11V030000 (structure: Frame and members:underbody shields). Approximately one week later, the contact could hear a loud noise coming from underneath the vehicle. The vehicle was taken back to the authorized dealer where the contact was informed that the front sub frame was rusted all the way through the sway bar mount. The contact was also informed that this failure was not included in the previously repaired recall. The vehicle was not repaired. The failure mileage was approximately 54,000.
- Deerfield, IL, USA
The contact owns a 1999 Ford Windstar. The contact stated that the vehicle was repaired, by an authorized dealer, for the recall associated with NHTSA campaigj id number 10V385000 (suspension:rear:axle:non-powered axle assembly). The contact was also informed that the subframe was severely corroded and needed to be repaired. The vehicle was not been repaired for the subframe failure. The manufacturer was contacted, but offered no assistance. The failure and current mileages were 242,000.
- St. Paul, MN, USA
The contact owns a 1999 Ford Windstar. The contact stated while driving he heard a loud popping noise. The contact mention that he inspected the vehicle and noticed that the sub frame on the front passenger side broke as a result of corrosion. The vehicle was not taken to the dealer. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure and stated that the vehicle was not included in any recalls. The vehicle was not repaired. The failure and current mileage was 180,000.
- Shenandoah, VA, USA
I bought a 1999 Ford Windstar in Delaware Ohio at byers Ford and on the first day I got it when I would put on the breaks the van would shake so bad. After a few months the ABS light would come on then go off. I was told by a mechanic that is was just a sensor. I received the first recall of the rear axles back in October of 2010 and had them checked and they put some spray on them. I then got the second recall for the front subframe in Feb of 2011 and when I set up my apt it was not till May 25th 2011 that I got in. For 3 months I dealt with the emergency break light being on, the ABS light being on a clicking noise under my steering wheel and on top of that I have been driving my family around in it. The van shakes so bad that you can actually make a milkshake when you stop. Sometimes I would have to press hard on the breaks to get it to stop. I told this to the man at byers Ford in Delaware, oh and he told me it was my rotors when I brought it in for the recalls. I was told that they have the parts to fix the recall orders and it would be ready by the next morning. 4 hours later I get a call that my van did not even come close to passing inspection. My subframe is actually broke and that it looked like it has been that way for sometime. Why was this not noticed before selling the van. Aren't they supposed to thoroughly inspect the vehicle before putting it out on the lot?
- Delaware, OH, USA
My 1999 Ford Windstar SE has been recalled for the following recalls 09S09 speed control system modification, 10S13 rear axle inspection and repair, and 11S16 subframe front lower control arm rear attaching flanges & rear body mount attachments inspection and repair. I didn't receive notice of any of these recalls, and found out from a friend about them. Several months ago the front passenger side of my van started making a sound while driving. I was told by the mechanic that looked at it that it was due to rusting of the rear body mount attachment of the subframe. I took my van in to a Ford dealer today 5/21/2011 for the recall inspections. I was told it passed all inspections, but was only in the service dept. For about 10 minutes. There is also severe rust on other areas of my front subframe that are not included in Ford's recalls. I do not feel my vehicle was properly inspected.
- Arcadia, IN, USA
Rusted subframe.
- Michigan, MI, USA
1999 Ford Windstar. Front sub frame corrosion. Ford service refused to repair it.
- Smithtown, NY, USA
My son-in-law and daughter we driving on hwy 421 at 50 mph. The van started shaking and they smelled rubber and heard grinding. He pulled over and the back tires were pushed in and the right back tire lost its lug nuts and tire was falling off. They removed the children from the car. It scared them to death! my son-in-law started walking to a gas station. My daughter looked under the van and saw the axle was snapped in half. A nice tow truck man stopped to help. He said, this van is on recall do you know what an axel is..she said yes....he looked under there and told her it was for sure snapped in half! I can't believe the Ford Windstar is doing this! it is very upsetting. It was towed to hersh Ford in Michigan city, Indiana and were given a rental and told it could take over 4 months. How am I going to fit a family of 6 into a Ford Focus??
- Union Mills, IN, USA
1999 Ford Windstar- front sub frame rust. Local Ford dealer said they would not fix it. VIN [xxx] information redacted pursuant to the Freedom Of Information Act (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6).
- Smithtown, NY, USA
The contact owns a 1999 Ford Windstar. While the vehicle was at the dealer for repairs for recall 10V385000 (suspension: Rear: Axle: Non-powered axle assembly) the contact informed the dealer there was severe corrosion on the front subframe of the vehicle. The contact stated there was a clunking noise coming from the front of the vehicle while driving over a bump. The contact was aware of a recall on the subframe 11V030000 (structure: Frame and members: Underbody shields) but the dealer stated they would not repair the subframe. The contact was not informed if the VIN was included or not. The manufacturer was contacted by email but had not responded. The approximate failure mileage was 93,000.
- New Castle, PA, USA
I took my van in for recalls. They supposedly fixed the axle however I think they just put stuff on it and didn't even check it. Then they found some other stuff they wanted to fix like the tie rod links. I didn't let them fix it but I took it to someone else and they found a serious crack and corrosion on my front frame. It is about to break!! they didn't tell me about this. Almost everything under my van has corrosion and if the axle is faulty because of that why isn't the other stuff under recall. Is Ford waiting for me or someone else get killed and then take care of it or is my life not important to them?
- Versailles, KY, USA
Front sub frame broke.
- Chicago Hts, IL, USA
Driving through residential area and went to make a turn onto another street and steering went out and I went up the curb through on coming traffic lane. When inspected under vehicle the front passenger side subframe was corroded, rusted and broken off. I had to purchase a used intact front subframe from a junkyard as the dealership told me a new one was $2000. I had the used subframe put on and it is okay now. But the entire purchase of a new subframe would have been more than my vehicles value.
- Wayne, MI, USA
1999 Ford Windstar front subframe rotted out, cracked, and had to be replaced.
- Broomall, PA, USA
Cracked & corroded "K" frame which supports engine& trans. In front end of 1999 Ford Windstar van. Replaced K frame to remedy problem.
- Staten Island, NY, USA
I took the Windstar to have the two recalls repaired and when the basil Ford service department was done with that they informed me that my van was undriveable because the right front sub frame was cracked. They said it would cost $1600. To repair it. With all the rust on the doors and door sill I find it ridiculous to spend that amount when the rust would bring down the value of the van to almost nothing. This is the fifth Ford I have had and you would think I would have learned about the rust factor. Getting back to the sub frame I phoned the number listed on the Ford web page but after about five phone calls I decided to call the corporate office. I was directed to a voice mail...gave my information and was told we would hear from them in so many business days. It didn't happen. Then we received a form to fill out about how well we thought our phone inquiry went. We had a letter about the axel recall and this web site is listed so I thought it was time.
- North Tonawanda, NY, USA
- Worthington, OH, USA