If the brackets were not installed properly, the rear axle may fracture, affecting the vehicle handling and increasing the risk of a crash.

Suspension — Rear — Axle — Non-Powered Axle Assembly

Date Announced

SEP 29, 2015

Vehicles Affected

283,413

Ford Recall #

15S27

NHTSA Campaign #

15V608000

Summary

Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain model year 1998-2003 Windstar vehicles manufactured September 2, 1997, to July 3, 2003. The affected vehicles were previously remedied to safeguard against the rear axle cracking from corrosion, however, the remedy brackets may have been misinstalled. The incorrect bracket installations may limit the effectiveness of the service repair for NHTSA recalls 10V-385, 12V-193, and 12V-195.

Actions

Ford will notify owners, and dealers will inspect the brackets to verify their proper installation. If a bracket is found to have been misinstalled, the rear axle will be replaced. These repairs will be performed free of charge. The began on October 21, 2015. Owners may contact Ford customer service at 1-866-436-7332. Ford's number for this recall is 15S27.

Documents (16)

• Chronology
• Press Release
• Manufacturer Notices(to Dealers,etc)/TSB – September 29, 2015 Safety Recall 15S27 Certain 1998-2003 Model Year Windstar Vehicles Repaired Under Safety Recall 10S13 with Rear Axle Reinforcement Brackets Rear Axle Inspection
• Recall Acknowledgement
• Recall Quarterly Report - 2015-Q4
• Owner Notification Letter(Part 577)
• Recall Quarterly Report #3, 2016-2
• Recall Quarterly Report - 2016-Q1
• Recall Quarterly Report #4, 2016-3
• Recall Quarterly Report #5, 2016-4
• Manufacturer Notices(to Dealers,etc)/ TSB - January 17, 2017 SUBJECT: Safety Recall 15S27 – Supplement #1
• ISSUED Renotification Notice
• ISSUED Renotification Notice
• ISSUED Renotification Notice
• Manufacturer Notices(to Dealers,etc) - September 13, 2017 SUBJECT: Safety Recall 15S27 – Supplement #2
• Recall Quarterly Report #6, 2017-1