Problems with 1999 Ford Windstar SUSPENSION

Tl* 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

Tl* 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.

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. *tr

Tl* 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.

Tl* the contact owns a 1999 ford windstar. the contact stated that the front passenger side coil spring was fractured. the contact called the manufacturer regarding a recall for the failure for the 1998 ford windstar but was advised that the 1999 model was not included (nhtsa campaign id number: 01i007000 -suspension; front; coil springs). the vehicle was not repaired. the failure and current mileage was 100,000.

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.

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). *tr

1999 ford windstar. consumer writes in regards to vehicle repairs and discontent with dealer *tgw the consumer stated the rear axle broke while his wife was driving.

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 windstars 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 windstars. 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.

Letter from congressman dent on behalf of constituent regarding an issue involving recalls on his vehicles; please contact him or his assistant melanie whiteleater at 610-861-9734, if there are any questions or problems with this request *tgw 1999 ford windstar. upon inspection of the vehicle, it was determined the vehicle was not safe to drive. the consumer was offered a buy out, but declined and requested to have the vehicle repaired under the recall. two hours later, the consumer received a call from the dealer stating ford concluded the vehicle was not repairable and the consumer needed to come and retrieve the vehicle. *jb

Took our van in to be brought up to date with recalls for it's make/model. asked about axle corrosion as we knew our year of ford windstar was included in this recall. was told nebraska is not included in this recall, but they would inspect for the defect anyway. van is now grounded by ford due to front and rear axle problems. my complain is this.... we were not issued a recall notice and are not technically part of the recall. had we not taken our car in and asked to have it inspected after hearing of the problem through word of mouth, we could have been in a serious or possibly fatal accident. why is nebraska not included in this recall??? as far as resolution, we have been told repair will take 1-3 months or they may buy back our van. i guess time will tell. *tr

Tl* the contact owns a 1999 ford windstar. the contact stated that the vehicle would shake abnormally when driving at any speed. the vehicle was taken to an independent repair shop where the contact was told that the rear axle was fractured. the contact also stated the vehicle was included in the recall associated with nhtsa campaign id number: 10v385000 (suspension:rear:axle:non-powered axle assembly). an authorized dealer was notified and the contact was told that he would be unable to receive repairs under the recall because too much time had elapsed since owner notification. the vehicle was not repaired. the failure and current mileage was 150,000.

Tl* the contact owns a 1999 ford windstar. the contact was driving approximately 10 mph when the vehicle began pulling to the right abnormally. the contact then received notification of a manufacturers steering recall and the vehicle was taken to the dealer who advised that the vehicle was not repairable. the dealer offered to buy back the vehicle but later advised that the vehicle was able to be repaired. the vehicle was not repaired. the current mileage was 105,000 and the failure mileage was 100,000. updated 03/31/11*lj the consumer also stated the rear axle cracked. for offered to buy the vehicle back. updated 07/01/11

Tl* 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 contact took the vehicle to the dealer for repairs. the dealer advised that the vehicle failed inspection of the recall and no repairs were performed due to the lack of rust and corrosion. the contact then took the vehicle to a local mechanic for replacement of the shocks and steering rack. the mechanic advised that the frame was severely rusted and he was unable to perform the repairs. the vehicle was taken back to the dealer where they advised the contact that they were unable to perform any type of repairs as it pertained to the recall because the vehicle failed the recall inspection. the vehicle was left with the dealer for four months but was never repaired. the failure mileage was 241,000. updated 07/28/11*lj updated 08/01/11

Tl*the contact owns a 1999 ford windstar. the contact stated that while driving in reverse and then forward, the front passenger side tire fell off of the vehicle. the vehicle was towed to the dealer who informed him that the tire separated from the vehicle due to the front axle corroding. the vehicle was not repaired. the failure mileage was approximately 140,000.

During last routine maintenance, i was advised that subframe rusting was getting close to level of making driving hazardous. estimated cost of repair (part and labor) is $1700 - $1800.00.

1999 ford windstar. consumer states recall failure *tgw the consumer stated the rear axle failed. *jb

Tl*the contact owns a 1999 ford windstar. while the contact was driving approximately 40 mph, there was a loud noise coming from the front end of the vehicle. suddenly, the vehicle pulled into the right direction and wandered out of the lane causing difficulty in maintaining the steering. when the brakes were engaged, the vehicle pulled toward the left direction with a metal screeching noise. the failure occurred three times. a certified technician inspected the vehicle and stated that the engine cradle and lower control arm were completely rusted. the vehicle was not repaired. the failure mileage was unknown.

Tl*the contact owns 1999 ford windstar. the contact stated that nhtsa recall 10v385000, suspension rear axle non-powered axle assembly should include the state of nebraska. the contact had not experienced any failures at this time; however, he was concerned since nebraska also had snow and salt on the roads which could eventually crack the axle. the vin was unknown. the current mileage was 120,000.

Tl*the contact owns a 1999 ford windstar. when the vehicle was taken to an authorized dealer for a rear axle inspection for recall 10v385000 (suspension: rear: axle: non-powered axle assembly), the dealer detected that the front undercarriage was completely rusted and would result in the detachment of the engine. the technician informed that the failure was beyond repair and recommended that the vehicle not be driven due to a potential safety hazard. the failure mileage was approximately 140,000. updated 02/23/11 *bf updated 03/09/11

Getting the run-a-round with local dealer over this recall business (recalls 10s13, 11s16, 09s09). first three times they "lost" our appointment, then i just showed up with the van so they took it. didn't hear from them for two weeks. then i called and asked for van back- had only one vehicle. they offered a rental. now they say they need to charge us $300 for broken coil springs. i called another suspension specialist company, they said the dealership was double-dipping, charging ford and us for the same work. i need help with this dealership! updated ivoq 06/14/11 *tr

Tl* the contact owns a 1999 ford windstar. the contact was driving 35 mph when the rear axle fractured. the vehicle was towed to a local mechanic where the contact was advised of nhtsa campaign id number: 10v385000 (suspension:rear:axle:non-powered axle assembly) and referred to the dealer. the vehicle was then towed to the dealer where the rear axle was repaired under the recall. the contact stated that while leaving the dealer, the brakes locked abnormally and the vehicle was left with the dealer for further repairs. the contact stated that the vehicle was unsafe to drive and no longer wanted ownership of the vehicle. the failure mileage was 110,000.

Complete fracture of passenger side engine cradle causing steering issues. fracture 1 to 2 inches from frame bolt. no other rust or fractures on frame or sub chassis, repairs by ford and goodyear of rack replacement and transmission replacement did not seem to warrant notification to me of pending issue with frame which could have caused major injury to myself or someone else. note this car has been in florida with 1 owner not in salt belt states

1999 ford windstar. consumer states he was involved in a crash which he believes was due to a fracture in the rear axle *tgw the consumer stated the front end collision resulted in a great deal of damage to his vehicle. after inspection of the vehicle, it was discovered the rear axle of the vehicle was fractured which caused him to lose control of the vehicle and crash. *jb

While driving on interstate highway the rear axle broke on 1999 ford windstar. almost lost control but managed to get to side of road safely. this is a life and death problem where all of these axles need to be replaced ! *tr

Tl*the contact owns a 1999 ford windstar. the contact stated that the vehicle was taken to an authorized dealer on november 10, 2010 for a recall repair associated with nhtsa campaign id number 10v385000 (suspension:rear:axle:non-powered axle assembly); however, the part was not in stock, and they were unable to perform the repair. the vehicle remained at the dealer for five months; until recently when the part became available. the technician stated that the vehicle failed to start due to the coolant leaking within the engine compartment. the contact strongly believed that the engine would not start because of the extensive period of time that the vehicle was parked in the cold weather. there was no failure mileage.

Noticed vehicle unstable while driving. diving left or right during acceleration and braking. upon investigation found complete rust-through separation of sub-frame at rear body mount on passengers side. right control arm mount on sub-frame is also badly rusted. entire subframe is able to move front and back on the passengers side resulting in erratic vehicle movement while driving. fortunately we caught it before something really bad happened, but this is definitely a safety defect, and could have had disastrous results.

1999 windstar van when changing the right front tire our mechanic saw the right front drive axle completely rusted out. this car is not safe to drive. nhtsa defect investigation #pe 10016 is consistent with this problem.i want to be added to this investigation. there are no warning signs for this problem. we were lucky we have a good mechanic who spotted the problem. this car is at a ford dealership in missouri. . i wish someone would go and see this problem first hand. all other cars with this problem were not detected and were in a crash. this would be a great opportunity to actually see the problem before the car is wrecked. this is a very dangerous situation for anyone who has a ford windstar van 1999 thru 2003. there is no warning and when that front axle breaks there is no control of the vehicle. anyone who drives one of these vehicles should immediately take to a mechanic for inspection. this is not like the rear axle problem, because you can at least steer the vehicle if it breaks. when the front goes you have no control. i am told the repair will cost $1200.00 dollars. ford motor company will not help with the cost of repair. *tr

Tl*the contact owns a 1999 ford windstar. after routine maintenance while changing the tires on the right side of the vehicle the mechanic stated that the lower control arm was corroded and covered with rust. he was told to take the vehicle to the dealer who stated that it was unsafe to drive and the repair cost was $1200. there are no related recalls or warranties for this failure. the manufacturer confirmed that there were no recalls and offered no assistance. the vehicle was not repaired. the failure mileage was 145,000.

Around october 20th, 2010, my 1999 ford windstar was making a weird noise when i a make a right turn and also when i step on the gas pedal. the noise came from the front right of the vehicle, at first i thought it was a brake problem. i took it right a way to my mechanic to be diagnosed. when the technician lifted the van, he noticed right a way the sub frame all rusted and broken. my mechanic did not let me drive it because it's a high risk, he said the engine can fall any moment. due to the high cost of replacing a new sub frame, the technician suggested a used one but in good condition. it cost me $723.00 to replace it. i went to the nearest ford dealer to complaint but i was told that specific part of the vehicle was not recalled and it's due to the age of the vehicle. i am still afraid to drive my ford windstar even after i replaced it. currently my van is sitting at ford dealer parking lot, it's under recall for the rear axle. *tr

On october 1, 2010 i was driving on i 75 in my 1999 ford windstar. about 50 miles from home the rear axle on the drivers side of the car broke. i started to slow down, the car swerved left to right did a 180 degree turn so i was tracking down i 75 at about 60 miles an hour. then i skidded into the guard rail on the east side of the road, back on to the high and finally ended up backed into the ditch on the east side of the road. about 110 days after the accident we received notice of a recall on the rear axle from ford motor company. *tr

Driving my 1999 ford windstar, when i noticed a banging noise on the passenger side front. stopped by a garage and found the noise came from the passenger tire shifting back and forth due to the engine cradle rotting on both sides where the suspension connects. after researching this online,i find its a widespread problem, esp. in regions where road salt is used. this is a very dangerous problem. i have already replaced my rear axle and find out now that they are being recalled. is ford going to take responsibility for these parts? *tr

Tl* the contact owns a 1999 ford windstar. the contact stated that he received a recall notification of nhtsa campaign id number: 10v385000 (suspension: rear: axle: non-powered axle assembly), and took the vehicle to the dealer in september 2010. the dealer advised that the parts were not readily available. the contact stated that the parts still had not become available as or march 2011 nor was the vehicle repaired. the failure and current mileage was approximately 144,000.

Ford windstar 1999: my mechanic said the front sub-frame is rusted to the point that it is unsafe to drive. i am taking it to my local ford dealer for evaluation. ford will also perform the rear axle recall. *tr

I was at a sear's auto repair center,for a flat tire repair. a mechanic had shown me the sub frame,(engine cradle) was all rusted out on the drivers side,also the spring was broken. i then proceeded to a collision repair shop to have them look at it .they tried to find a used sub frame,but no luck(they all had rust also)so repair shop is ordering a new engine cradle and spring. *tr

Tl* the contact owns a 1999 ford windstar. while driving approximately 25 mph, there was a loud noise outside of the vehicle. the contact pulled over to the side of the road and noticed that the rear axle was fractured in half due to rust and corrosion. the vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic where they replaced the rear axle at the owner's expense. there was a recall associated with the nhtsa campaign id number 10v385000 (suspension: rear: axle: non-powered axle assembly). the contact experienced the identical failure as mentioned in the recall defect however, the vehicle did not meet either one of the requirements in the recall which specified that the vehicle must be currently registered or originally sold within specific states. the failure mileage was approximately 75,000.

1999 ford windstar front passenger-side subframe rusted through and separated rendering the vehicle undrivable. the vehicle can not controllably steer or brake with this condition. luckily it didn't separate while at highway speed or it would have had a catastrophic ending. an immediate recall should be put out on this before anyone is killed. *tr

This is regarding recall # 10s13. in 2010 ford issued this recall because there was a weak part on the rear axle that rusts away and cracks. there fix is to inspect the weld and then replace the axle if there is a crack. if no crack is present, the dealership is to clean the rust off the weld. when this recall came out, ford made it difficult for dealers to replace broken axles. they made it so difficult for the dealers to get a replacement axle that they where "backordered" for several months. i live in an area that has some rust and had ford "inspect" my weld for excessive rust. they said it was fine and sent it down the road which then voids my recall. now the rear axle has broken at the very same weld which was mentioned in the recall. it even broke under the same conditions described in the recall. i checked and found that the only thing ford did to my vehicle was to spray some rust inhibitor on top of the rust that was already there and sent me on my way. since i took it in for inspection, they now refuse to replace the defective part under recall 10s13.i've been told that if i had never taken the car in for inspection, that they would now have to replace the part. the proof i have is this. the recall didn't come out until 11 years after the cars where sold, which proves it takes a while for this part to break. look at your complaints. the ones that failed in 08-11 where in the far northern states. ford had to replace most of these in 2011. ford didn't replace many in southern illinois, southern iowa, etc until a few years later (2012-15). the problem is that these are starting to break in the mid-western states and ford is refusing to repair them since they already "inspected" the weld and found it wasn't cracked when the recall first came out. everyone knows that covering rust wont stop it from continuing to rust. ford needs to expand this recall.

Vehicle became un safe to drive and swerved from lane to lane when accelerating. found front subframe rusted thru and broken on passengers side rear corner. needs new subframe in front. *tr

Tl* the contact owns a 1999 ford windstar. the contact received notification of nhtsa campaign numbers: 11v030000 (structure), 10v385000 (suspension), and 09v399000 (vehicle speed control). the contact stated that the vehicle was no longer owned due to numerous failures. the vehicle was taken to a dealer and an independent mechanic where several unknown repairs were performed, but failed to repair the vehicle. the failure mileage was not available.

Rear axle beam failure..heard recall on news a month before ford owners were notified. took vehicle to dealership for inspection and repair, confirmed axle problem. 3 weeks later dealership called and informed me the vehicle was "unrepairable". *tr

Severely cracked (75%) rear axle beam. not fixed yet, looking for a shop to replace the part with a salvage yard part. replacement at the ford dealer is way too much money. *tr

While exiting a highway without warning the rear axle beam of my 1999 ford windstar broke in half causing the rear wheels to tilt inward and rub against the inner wheel wells. the vehicle came to an abrupt halt nearly causing the vehicle behind me to rear end me. *tr

1999 ford windstar had problem controlling the car on the highway. i was able to get the car home but when i backed the car in the driveway, i heard a rubbing sound . i look to see that my rear tires on both sides of the car are leaning into the car. looking under the car the rear axle beam is cracked 3/4 of the way through. it is about 1.5 feet from drives side i am looking for prices to repair this at this moment. *tr

1999 ford windstar real axle problem. while driving locally felt that something was not right. returned home to find that the rear axle had snapped. have no choice but to spend the money and have it fixed. *tr

Front cross member on passenger side was discovered to be cracked which could have failed and caused serious injury. mechanic told me that vehicle was not to be driven unless it could be repaired or replaced. i was able to have a welding specialist repair the crack. *tr

Tl* the contact owns a 1999 ford windstar. the contact stated that the entire front suspension and steering mechanism malfunctioned and needed to be replaced. the vehicle was taken to the dealer where the contact was awaiting repairs. the failure mileage was 216,000.

1999 ford windstar minivan - while driving van just dropped in the back dragging and smoking until we could pull over. very scary. called a tow truck and further inspection revealed the rear axel just cracked in two. rear tires were bowed in and vehicle was not drivable. tow truck owner said it could have been worse...cracked more to the left or to the right and the whole van might have flipped. who drives mini vans? those with 3 plus children. safety should be more of a priority for this type of vehicle. *tr

While driving down i95 in philadelphia my 99 ford windstar started to swerve and make strange noises. i pulled off the highway and noticed my rear driver side tire on a 45 degree slant and my other tire on a slant too. i had the car towed back to a mechanic shop. when the put it up on the lift we noticed that the rear axle was cracked about 75 percent of the way. *tr

Front sub-frame corrosion complete separation of lower control arms . loss of vehicle control. *tr