My 2001 Ford Windstar has a crack in the rear axle. I've read on the internet about several instances of this happening and the axle cracks in two pieces causing at least that the vehicle is not drivable. If this would happen even at moderate highway speeds there could be devastating consequences. So far I don;T see a recall for this defect from Ford. The mileage of my Ford Windstar is 71,000 miles. It seems that the axle is rusted from the inside but my vehicle has been garage kept since it was first purchased. I believe this incident should be recalled for safeties sake. I think all Windstar with this axle design should be recalled and have the axle replaced.

- Saint Marys, PA, USA

Rear subframe axle assembly part #2F2Z 4B435 aa broke in half causing loss of control of vehicle & loss of brakes.

- Winthrop, MA, USA

The contact owns a 2001 Ford Windstar. Whenever driving over a bump at various speeds, the contact noticed that the rear of the vehicle would sway from left to right. The vehicle was taken to a local repair shop and the mechanic stated that the rear axle cracked in half. Prior to the failure, the contact heard a creaking noise coming from the rear of the vehicle. The current and failure mileages were 59,138. Updated 11-19-08 updated 11/20/08.

- Auburn, MA, USA

The contact owns a 2001 Ford Windstar. While driving 40 mph, the contact drove over a bump in the road and suddenly the rear end of the vehicle fell to the ground. He did not notice any differences beforehand. The vehicle was taken to the dealer and they stated that the rear axle needed to be replaced. The current and failure mileages were 148,000. Phone update on 10/28/08: Ms. Corby drove over a dip on the road and immediately heard a loud crack. The vehicle swerved and smoke came out from the driver side rear wheel area. She said that there was brake fluid on the ground and that the rear axle had severed. The left rear tire slanted a lot and the right rear tire slanted less. No prior warning. She had four children in the van at that time. She drove over that road thousands of times and never had a problem.

- Portland, PA, USA

The contact owns a 2001 Ford Windstar. The contact stated that the vehicle would make cracking noises while attempting to make a left or right turn. While undergoing a scheduled oil change, an independent mechanic found a huge crack in the rear axle. The manufacturer was called and instructed him to bring the vehicle to the dealer for inspection. The vehicle has not been repaired. The failure and current mileages were 120,000.

- Jackson, NJ, USA

Several weeks prior to September 13, 2008, we began hearing an intermittent creaking noise at the rear of the vehicle as our 2001 Ford Windstar would go over bumps at a slow speed (best example is driving over the curb leading up our driveway). On Friday September 12th, while heading on a 45 minute trip to our weekend home with my wife and 2 young sons, I commented to my wife that I was planning on taking the vehicle in the following Monday for an inspection. On Saturday the 13th, while enroute to a restaurant, we heard a "whistling noise." We got out and discovered both rear wheels were leaning in at the top. We hobbled the car back and upon inspection the following day discovered that the rear axle was nearly severed in two. It appeared that it had rusted out from the inside. Keep in mind that the vehicle is only a 2001 and is nearly rust free everywhere else save for a few telltale signs os beginning rust in the usually spots (wheel wells). Given that the outside of the axle is rust free, I'm not sure how I would have detected it (or even expected it to happen in 7-year old vehicle) except for the creaking noise. I'm thankful that the axle did not fail while on the highway or while my wife was using the vehicle (she uses it daily to go to work and Transport our kids to school). I did note that there were 6 other identical complaints on "carcomplaints.com." I do not have the car in the shop yet - arranging for repairs is today's' task. Given the comments I've seen online in the aforementioned complaints it does not appear that 1.) Ford has anything to say about the incidents and 2.) mechanics can't believe that a non-serviceable part like this would fail on a 2001 vehicle.

- Fort Wayne, IN, USA

Without any warning the rear axel on my 2001 Ford Windstar minivan snapped completely in two. We had just gotten off a busy highway and luckily were going very slowly on a side street. We all would surely have been killed if this had happened 5 minutes earlier.

- Austin, TX, USA

I was pulling my van into a parking spot at my doctor's office. All of a sudden, there was a loud "boom" sound. The van felt like it dropped down closer to the cement. I noticed the brake fault light on the dash came on. I immediately put the car into park and turned the ignition off. I got out of van and both of the rear wheels were pointed in at the top of the tire. The rear axle had broke completely in two right in the middle. Thank god my twelve year old wasn't with me and we weren't going 55 mph down the road. I've looked this up on-line and it seems to be a problem with Ford Windstar's. I question why there hasn't been any publications on this problem. This will cause a serious or catastrophic injury.

- Maumee, OH, USA

The contact owns a 2001 Ford Windstar. While driving approximately 45 mph, the contact heard a loud banging sound along with a burning smell. The steering became very difficult to maneuver, but she was able to safely pull off the road. The contact noticed that the rear axle had completely failed. The vehicle was towed to the dealer and they verified that the axle failed. The vehicle has not been repaired because the contact is waiting on a response from the manufacturer. She has pictures of the failed component. The failure and current mileages were 70,000. Updated 6/16/08 updated

- Aliance, OH, USA

Broken axel beam.

- Lynn, MA, USA

Vehicle's back end swayed left and right, making it difficult to maintain control. The cause was undetermined. The consumer stated that the rear control arm broke while driving. The bolt was replaced and a rattling noise was heard coming from the rear of the vehicle. The lower rear tight side bolt was no good. The conusmer stated that the engine light was on. Tests found vacuum leaking from the intake manifold. Lower and upper intake manifold gaskets were replaced. Idle speed control was replaced. The brakes squeaked. When taking off from a stop light the vehicle idles high.

- Queens Village, NY, USA