Problems with 1999 Ford Windstar STRUCTURE

Front sub-frame corrosion on passenger side near mount resulting in complete break. there is no evidence of rust anywhere else on the sub-frame, the frame or underbody. symptom was loud clanking from front-right and "jerking" sensation on some turns, acceleration. did not feel safe driving, so brought to ntb for examination (thinking it was a balljoint, etc.) technicians invited me to investigate under the lift as they were incredulous of such a severe break amidst an otherwise rust-free sub-frame.*tr

While driving my 1999 ford windstar i started to hear a grinding scrapping noise when making right turns the noise progressively started to get even worse i started to hear a loud clunking noise brought car to mechanic inspected and found that the sub frame was completed rusted out and the engine could drop at any time was advised not to drive vehicle ,luckily nothing happened when i was on the highway with my daughter driving at highway speeds. i contacted ford and they have told me there are no recalls on this particular situation, after checking online i have seen so many complaints i am now out a car and no money to buy new one, thank god my daughter was not hurt or anyone else i wish ford would realize this very dangerous situation and not wait for someone to get killed!!! *tr

While pulling onto a busy road there was loud noise and the vehicle lost all control and skidded across the road and into a driveway. fortunately no property damage or personal injury occured. the van was towed to my mechanic and he informed me that subframe on the right side had just broken off. clearly this must be some sort of a defection the manufacturer. *tr

Front sub frame corrosion. *tr

The vehicle experienced difficulty turning left . the steering wheel would not turn left until more than usual force was applied to turn the wheel ,which at the time the wheel did turn a dull thud was audible. this action occurred twice while driving vehicle in city traffic. the visual investigation revealed a large area of the inside of the front subframe on the drivers side had completely rusted through. approximately an area 4' x 8' was gone with some evidence of metal tearing/fatigue. *ln

The sub-frame of my 1999 ford windstar has rusted away at critical spots around and near the mounting bolts and as a result failed to pass pa state annual inspection on dec. 12, 2010. i was told by the mechanic (a non-ford mechanic) that the condition was very unsafe and that there was no way it would pass pa state inspection unless this dangerous condition was fixed. to pass it would had to have the entire sub-frame replaced which was going to be expensive or else the vehicle would have to be scraped (the vehicle currently has about 189,000 miles). the mechanic's finding was very surprising to me because on oct. 30, 2010, the same windstar was inspected by a local ford dealer based on a rear axle corrosion recall notice from ford. following the recall inspection (by a different mechanic) i was informed that everything was okay and no work was necessary per to the recall notice. in hindsight it would appear that nothing else but the rear axle was inspected and i was thus sent back on the road operating a very unsafe vehicle due to corrosion issues. thank goodness the pa state inspection mechanic noticed the sub-frame danger some 6 weeks later before a potentially deadly accident occurred. i'm writing to highlight this serious safety problem with windstar models made between 1999-2003 for the nhtsa. i understand that many others have complained of similar sub-frame corrosion problems on their windstars but, to date, ford has not issued a recall even though they did for similar rear axle corrosion problems. since the problems both stem from corrosion issues it seems logical that ford should also be responsible for correcting this safety issue. except for the sub-frame corrosion problem, my windstar is running well and i'd like to keep driving it for several more years. i am hopeful that ford will quickly take responsibility for fixing these serious safety problems.

Tl*the contact owns a 1999 ford windstar. while the contact was driving approximately 45 mph, the vehicle unexpectedly wandered out of the lane towards oncoming traffic. the contact was able to gain control and avoid crashing into a vehicle. suddenly, the front end driver side collapsed to the ground. the vehicle was coasted to the side of the road and towed to the residence. a mechanic inspected the vehicle and stated that the subframe had completely fractured as a result to excessive rust and was beyond repair. the failure mileage was approximately 75,000.

1999 ford windstar lx broken sub-frame i began to hear a scraping noise while driving, especially on right turns. i had recently purchased 4 new tires from firestone, so took it back there thinking that something was wrong with the right front tire. instead i was told that the sub frame is busted (also called engine cradle), and that repair would be extensive in labor to the tune of at least $1500! ...and that would be for a replacement part from a junk yard (with same potential problem) rather than a new part. right now i cannot afford either one. i asked a welder about it, hoping to have it welded rather than replaced for much less money, but he says that would not be wise given the heavy load placed on the subframe. please consider a recall on this dangerous defect to prevent tragedy. thanks. firestone staff warned me not to drive vehicle, very unsafe. an online search reveals many similar complaints of busted subframes on ford windstars, yet no recalls for this dangerous problem as yet. are we waiting for someone to be killed? i just drove on the highway yesterday not knowing how serious this problem is. *tr

Tl. steering problem 1999 ford windstar comments: dear nhtsa, i have a vechicle safty concern probable loss of steering control on ford windstars 1999-200? below is a responce i recieved from ford, concerning the probelm at the bottom is the detailed concern with a motor mount support plate that is rusting out on theses vechicle. the motor and front end suspension and steering is involved. this is a time bomb, the engine will drop down and you will loose steering control, most likly causing afatal accident. the repair cost in most cases will be an amount more than the value of the vechicle rust is an acceptable probability, but it should not occur in areas concerning steering. contact wanted to use the complaint he sent in as a email. jo

At the end of november i notice a looseness in the steering of my 99 ford windstar. i was able to get it home and in the driveway. i looked at the front -end and noticed a rusted and cracked front frame on the passenger side. i had replaced the cracked axle my self it cost me $874.27 i have not received anything from ford on this yet. i can not drive the car because it is a not in good shape at all. it only has just under 90,000 miles. and has had a new intake put on which is plastic and now the engine runs very rough. also it has trouble with the signal lights. this car has turned out to be a lousy car. *tr

Took car in for inspection and was told that the subframe was rotting away at the point where the sway bar connects to the cradle. and that it will cost over 800.00 to fix. this shortly after having the rear axle repaired due to a recall form ford. by the way ford did not say anything to me about the damage to the front where the rust was rotting away the cradle. *tr

Tl*the contact owns a 1999 ford windstar. the contact stated that after having his vehicle in for regular maintenance, the mechanic informed him that he needed to replace the engine cradle due to rust and being fractured. the vehicle was then taken to a certified dealer who informed the contact that there was nothing wrong with the engine cradle. the vehicle had not been repaired. the failure mileage was approximately 64,000. updated 12/14/2011 *cn the engine cradle was completely rusted on the right side. updated 08/05/11

1999 ford windstar lx front sub-frame rusted out on passenger side. this section of the sub-frame is always wet when the air-conditioner is turned on in the summer and the condensation from the air-conditioner leaks onto the subframe at this specific area, and in the winter salt is causing sub-frame to rust out and break at this specific area. this is a design flaw. *tr

I have a 99 ford windstar with sub-frame rust. the vehicle was taken to a local ford dealer and put up on a lift and inspected after i noticed a noise and pulling to the right. the sub-frame has completely rusted away on the passengers side where it mounts to the vehicle. the vehicle itself has little to no rust underneath except to the subframe in two spots. the vehicle cannot be driven now and i was told the subframe would have to be replaced. due to the vehicle not being rusted underneath and not being driven in salted road conditions, i would have to conclude this is a manufacturer defect? the windstar is clean enough underneath to almost eat off. again there is little to no rust underneath except to the subframe. thank you for looking into this matter. *tr

Took my 1999 ford windstar to have front tires replaced and mechanic noticed the front passenger side subframe mounting bolt is severely rusted. when i took the vehicle in to the dealership to have the recall work done for the rear axle, i told them about the rusting of the subframe mounting bolt and they said i would have to make another appointment and pay for this myself because there is no recall for this problem. my vehicle is not safe, i am scared to drive it, and i don't have the money to fix it!!! *tr

Tl*the contact owns a 1999 ford windstar. while driving about 10 mph the contact was turning a corner when she first experienced a cracking noise coming from the engine. the vehicle was taken to a local mechanic and he stated the sub-frame or the engine cradle was covered with rust. the vehicle had not been repaired. the failure mileage was 117,000.

I own a 1999 ford windstar. approximately one month ago 15 nov,2010, i noticed that the alignment of the front tires was off. and the steering seemed loose and a little unresponsive. i immediately drove home and removed the passenger front tire and could not believe what i saw. the front sub-frame / engine cradle was completely corroded where the sub-frame attaches to the uni-body. the area where the mounting bushing that attaches the sub-frame to the uni-body on the passenger side was totally corroded / rusted / rotted away. the bushing was completely pushed through the sub-frame and had nothing to support it any more. i brought it to my local ford dealer with the print out of the current investigation of this issue. they told me it is not a recall yet and i would have to pay for the repair out of my own pocket. *tr

Cracked & corroded "k" frame which supports engine& trans. in front end of 1999 ford windstar van. replaced k frame to remedy problem. *ln

Tl*the contact owns a 1999 ford windstar. the contact stated that while driving approximately 5 mph and making a right turn, she suddenly heard a loud cracking noise. the vehicle was towed to a dealer who informed the contact that the front subframe had corroded and fractured. the vehicle was repaired. the failure mileage was approximately 136,000. updated 02/23/11 *bf updated 07/01/11

Our 1999 ford windstar was found to have serious rust on sub frame on passenger side during a massachusetts state vehicle inspection today. i understand this make and model is subject to a recall investigation and i want my complaint added to that investigation and request a recall notice be issued for this vehicle. *tr

1999 ford windstar fwd passenger side sub frame motor mount broken in half due to corrosion. *tr

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

1999 ford windstar : engine cradle cracking and has fractured away from motor mount. *ln

Fractured subframe passenger side. hard to turn right. steering wheel off set. *tr

Nothing appeared wrong with my vehicle and then i heard a loud clunk and grinding in the middle of driving through rush hour traffic in the city, i felt very unsafe driving the vehicle as i could tell something was seriously wrong but slowly drove it home. i found out that the subframe is broken due to rusting. *tr

This complaint is regarding front subframe corrosion. both passenger and driver side corrosion is so severe that you can stick your finger through the frame. this was discovered when a wheel alignment was being performed following the purchase of new front tires. it was confirmed by the local bill mccoy ford dealership. they were unaware of the pending nhsta inquire but did confirm pre-mature rear axle corrosion per present recall. please contact me if further information is required.

After receiving information about a recall for the rear axle on my 1999 ford windstar i decided to take a look at it. after looking under the entire vehicle i found that the front subframe is rusted through also, and is unsafe to drive as it will break off at any point in time. i think that ford obviously has corrosion issues with these vehicles, and something should be done about it. i will be towing my van to the dealer to have the rear axle inspected today. i hope something is done about the front subframe, because this could really hurt someone. *tr

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

I had my car in to a ford dealer in massachusetts for the recall of the rear axle. when they were done checking the rear the mechanic told us not to drive vehicle due to failure of the sub frame on the right front. the frame had rusted and broke around the bolt. luckily it didn't break while traveling on highway. *tr

Engine sub-frame rotting away. *tr

1999 ford windstar right passenger front sub frame rusted thru and broke apart causing steering wheel to be thrown off center and directional not to work. it was found when al of a sudden we herd an exhaust noise and looked under the front of vehicle. it has separated at least 1" 1/2 and we were told by a ford master mech who looked at the van said it can not be driven as it could cause an accident with possible injuries or death. *tr

Tl*the contact owns a 1999 ford windstar. while having the vehicle inspected at the local dealer, the contact was informed that the lower frame had rusted. the vehicle had not been repaired. the current and failure mileages were 113,345.

Front sub-frame or engine cradle 1999 ford windstar. noticed loud scraping noise when turning to the right. vehicle inspected and found one of the front sub-frame mounts rusted through and almost separated from round rubber. (right side, back) all other 3 mounts are fine. i was told "do not drive" told me i was lucky i didn't lose my whole engine. they also said it could be due to the a/c drain tube located above this mount. strange all other mounts were fine. *tr

About 1 week ago my car started making popping noises around the front passenger's side wheel. a couple of days ago, i went to turn right after being stopped at a stop sign and the car made a loud popping noise. i was fortunate that the car was at a very low speed, so i was able to maintain control, but am positive that had i been going faster, i would have lost control and probably crashed. i had to turn the wheel and hold it at 90 degrees to keep the car on the road. upon inspection, i was told that the subframe had corroded completely through and that my engine could have fallen out at any time. i was also told how fortunate i was that i was alive and safe. after further investigation, i have experienced almost identical issues to many individuals who have written complaints in relation to investigation pe10026. the individual who inspected the vehicle also noticed that the air conditioner tubing to release excess condensation, was leaking directly over this area in question. they felt that the corrosion from road salt in addition to the air conditioner condensation caused the problem. i am unable and unwilling to drive my vehicle at this point due to safety concerns. i am hopeful that the nhtsa will deem this a necessary recall and prevent future injuries from occurring. for the record, i live in indiana, a salt-belt state. *tr

1999 ford windstar lx. engine cradle failure at mount point passenger rear. reference nhtsa # pe10026. i am in the same situation. the passenger rear engine cradle mount has failed causing steering problems and loss of control. the passenger tie rod and control arm are now bent. at this point the vehicle is not safe, but i am forced to drive it. the vehicle is pulling severely to the left. this condition is worse on acceleration due to the bent steering components. the failure occurred while driving @ 50 mph causing difficulty steering. *tr

'99 ford windstar. on 10/4/10 the van made an odd noise when turning right. as i drove throughout the week the sound got worse. the steering wheel also became un-centered on 10/4. i drove it very few miles that week., as i was home on vacation working on home repairs. on 10/8, i took it to a mechanic. he identified the sound as a pulley rubbing that became worse when the steering wheel was turned to the right. the steering gear pushed the engine to the right causing the water pump pulley to contact the right fender wall. turning the steering wheel to the left pulled the engine back to the left, away from the right fender wall, stopping the noise. took it home, jacked it up to find the passenger side of the sub-frame supporting the engine rusted and dropped about an inch. the van is unsafe to drive until a repair is done. i will install a piece of 1/4" steel under the sub-frame to support it until i can find a better solution. i may need to weld it to the sub-frame. *tr

Tl*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.

Abs brake light continuously goes off and on sporadically. but more importantly during my annual car inspection it was discovered that my subframe is dangerously rusted through and will cost 1,200 to replace it with a used one. i question how long a used one will last since it has been said that the a/c drainage hose is directly over it and most certainly the cause.. this definitely has recall written all over it. it is extremely dangerous if the engine falls or anything else and control of the vehicle is lost. the car being built with the a/c drainage over the subframe allowing such an important part of the car to rust is so neglecting and irresponsible. what is taking ford so long to recall this problem. i read a million similar incidents with the same year make and model i have.... 1999 ford windstar lx currently 90,500 miles. *tr

I had to replace my front subframe aka engine cradle and two motor mounts due to premature rust on my 1999 ford windstar this is the section of frame that hold up the engine and transmission along with most of the front suspension. i lost all ability to steer and was nearly in an accident braking to the side of the road and getting the minivan towed to a mechanic. i know this failure has generated a lot of complaints also within the nhtsa website and i feel it should be included in the current rusted rear axle recall warranty. *tr

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 $2000.00. 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. *tr

My boyfriend and i was on our way home with our 6 kids driving down route 280 nj on the night of sept. 23, 2010. after exiting the highway, about a block away from our house when we heard a loud popping noise and the steering became very poor and pulling to the right, i pulled the car over and my boyfriend then got out and inspected the car. he jacked the car up just to find that the subframe on the passenger side was rusted and broken. the car had to be towed. the price to have it repaired was $1000 in parts and labor. i recently went online to find out that this has been happening to other 1999 - 2003 ford windstar owners as well. *tr

Went to ford for 1999 rear axle recall and found my entire subframe rotted at every connection to vehicle more dangerous than rear axle do not know what held it to vehicle had replaced at about $ 900.00 kept old parts found many windstars have same problem the salvage yards can not keep the good ones in stock but most are bad they should issue a recall i am told you are investigating already became hard to steer and brakes were kinda funny. *tr

I started noticing a "clunk" noise by the passenger side front tire. then each time you would turn the steering wheel to the right, the noise was much more noticeable. then the steering wheel started to vibrate while driving. then each time you took a right turn and or drive over a bump, the "clunk" was not only louder you could actually feel it in the steering wheel and actually in the entire van. we took it in to see what the problem was and we were told the subframe had corroded through. *tr

Noticed loud scraping noise when steering had vehicle inspected and found right front sub-frame rusted and separated from round rubber bushing looking into repairs now and found online that it is a common problem that can cause steering loss. *tr

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

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

Irregular braking, experienced as an odd, slipping lurch at the completion of a stop occasioned investigation of a supposed braking problem by our mechanic. previously noted was the misalignment of the steering wheel about a quarter turn from vertical during straight-ahead driving. after checking the brakes the mechanic was puzzled by a rubbing noise he had heard on his test drive. while repositioning the car to investigate, the engine cradle suddenly separated from the sub-frame and dropped to the ground, wrenching the steering wheel forward and disconnecting the steering mechanism from the wheels. ancillary damage is as yet unassesed. the cause of separation was massive,evident corrosion where the engine cradle attaches to the sub-frame. this vehicle is located in a "salt-belt" state. *tr

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 stated that the under carriage was covered with rust from front to back. the spare tire under the vehicle was barely being held in place. the front passenger side wheel was no longer supported by the frame and the front driver side wheel was almost covered with rust and failing. the vehicle had not been inspected at the time of the complaint. the failure and current mileages were 50000. updated 12/02/10 *bf updated 12/07/10