Problems with 2000 Ford Windstar STRUCTURE

Tl* the contact owns a 2000 ford windstar. the contact was driving 30 mph when there was an abnormal noise coming from under the vehicle. the contact inspected the vehicle and noticed that the front passenger sub frame was fractured. the vehicle was taken to the dealer and the contact was advised that he would have to speak with the manufacturer to determine how to repair the vehicle. the contact was awaiting a response from the manufacturer. the vehicle was not repaired. the failure mileage was 65,000.

Ford 3f2z-5c145-ca frame asy on my 2000 ford windstar is rusted to the point i can put my finger through it. not part of any recall but it is used to hold up the motor. photo available if you wish to see. *tr

While driving at 30 mph the passenger side engine cradle broke. signs of severe rust in the area. vehicle not repaired as of yet. this is a bad problem and it is a good thing i was not driving on the highway. *tr

My front subframe is rusted on my 2000 ford windstar and could not be repaired had to replace subframe. when i purchased put ford reman transmission in veh and now ford will not fix wants to buy me out for $2,900 my veh only has 95,000 miles and where would i get a veh like this for $2,900 do not think is fair they should replace the front subframe. *tr

Tl* the contact owns a 2000 ford windstar. the contact stated that while driving approximately 30 mph, he noticed that the vehicle would drive abnormally rough and that the engine and transmission warning light was illuminated. he then took the vehicle to an independent mechanic who informed the contact that the front passenger side sub frame was fractured due to corrosion. the vehicle was not repaired. the failure mileage was approximately 140,000.

Right passenger subframe rusted and rear engine mount separated from frame due to rust--no longer able to bolt new mount to the frame as the frame is corroded and a crack is present. *tr

Tl*the contact owns a 2000 ford windstar. the contact stated that the vehicle was taken to the dealer on december 27, 2010 for recall repair 10v385000 suspension: rear: axle: non-powered axle assembly. after the recall repair was performed the contact noticed that it was difficult to turn the steering wheel. the vehicle was taken back to the dealer who performed a diagnostic test. the front subframe was corroded and the engine was beginning to fall down. the power steering fluid leaked and the dealer stated that the vehicle was unsafe to drive. the manufacturer declined to assist with the repair. the vehicle was not repaired. the failure and current mileages were 148,000.

Tl* the contact owns a 2000 ford windstar. the contact stated while having a routine oil change performed on the vehicle, he was advised by the technician that the chassis that held the engine in place on the front of the vehicle was rusted. the technician stated that the rust had begun in the h frame. the vehicle was not repaired. the failure and current mileage was 140,000.

Tl* the contact owns a 2000 ford windstar. the contact stated the sliding doors malfunctioned and would not open due to a lose spring. the contact took the vehicle to the dealer and the dealer stated that the springs on the doors would need to be replaced. the vehicle was not repaired. the contact stated the failure was a safety issue because children could get locked in the vehicle due to the sliding doors not functioning. the failure mileage was 157,000.

2000 ford windstar - subframe corrosion - just wanted to say i had to have my subframe replaced just last month as (luckily) my ford mechanic noticed it rusting. i know the nhtsa is investigating this and i hope a recall will be issued. *tr

2000 ford windstar, the control arm front passenger side detached from the frame while my wife was driving to work on 11/19/10. luckily there were no other cars coming or she would have hit them head on. all vehicle controls were lost; no steering , no transmission drive train. the vehicle swerved out of control until luckily, the vehicle stopped partly on the side of the road. the vehicle had to be towed. i also noticed a hole in the rear axle which there is a recall for. the vehicle obviously cannot be driven and i am unsure if the transmission is damaged due to the drive axle being pulled out of it. *tr

Recall # id 10s13 rear axle inspection and axel on windstar 2001 my husband first noticed the rear axel cracked in two pieces and took the car to our mechanic who verified the cracks and he said he never received a notice of recall on the windstars. we received notice in october an car was due for inspection in november. the ford dealer said it was a safety problem and we could not drive the car off the lot. dealer said it could take three to four months to get the part and repair the windstar. we are still waiting for the rear axel to be repaired and ford was aware of the problem in 2002 and failure to recall earlier they still do not have parts for the windstar. with a safety concern why the inspection stations were not aware of the recalls on the windstars and drivers like me were driving a cracked rear axel unknown period of time. *tr

I bought my 2000 ford windstar through a private sale. when i got the van i had it inspected and it passed inspection. about a month later we heard a noise in the front end and the steering became shaky. then about a month after that my husband was pulling out of the driveway and they heard a loud bang. he pulled over and when my dad looked under the car he saw a crack in the sub frame. *tr

After receiving info about the potential of a rear axle defect i brought my 2000 ford windstar to my local dealer. upon inspection i was told i would not be allowed to drive my vehicle off the lot. the rear axle was cracked. i feel very fortunate that i was not in an accident or that i did not cause an accident. ford now only wants to cover a small rental car but not a minivan. there is a reason i had a minivan! i need the seats! ford says they understand my concern yet they offer no solution other than corporate is looking into your concern! no owner should have any out of pocket expense due to this recall. there should be a urgent letter sent to every owner of this car saying bring to a dealer immediately. the risk is too great! *tr

2000 windstar 96k miles ? owned since 2002 ? just took my car in today for the brake line potentially causing fires recall and another recall, the dealership(town and country ford, evansville, in) didn't fix either recall i took the van in for, but they told me that my rear axle was cracked ( i haven't received that recall letter yet), the thing that really is painful is that i put a new tranny in last week to the tune of $3,200, the service manager told me he would give me kbb value of $3,600, had i actually known about the recall in a timely manner, then i wouldn?t have just put a new transmission in, the dealership will not release the vehicle to me. *tr

2000 ford windstar lx 95,000 miles. rear axle is cracked. right rear subframe is completely rusted through where it mounts to the frame. both parts are ready to fail and could have resulted in injury or death. please recall the windstar for the rusted subframes before people start getting hurt. it is a real problem and you will receive many more complaints. that nonsense ford is spouting about rust is normal on vehicles of this age is not going to fly. body rust is normal in the "salt belt", frames and axles rusting to the point of breaking is not. i bought a windstar for it's five star crash rating. i thought it would keep my family safe! *tr

2000 ford windstar detected front end subframe corrosion and needs to be replaced. how long will the investigation take? will i be reimbursed for repair if there is a recall? *tr

I own a 2000 ford windstar, and had the water pump break recently. when the mechanic put the vehicle on the hoist he noticed a large degree of rusting and separation on the subframe connecting to the control arm. this issue needs to be repaired before the vehicle can be driven again as it is a major safety concern - as per the mechanic. *tr

Tl* the contact owns a 2000 ford windstar. while having the vehicle repaired at an authorized dealer for an unrelated failure, the contact was informed that the front sub frame was fractured. the vehicle was not repaired. the failure and current mileage was 154,439.

I brought my ford windstar in to the dealers because of the rear axle recall. i had them inspect the subframe while it was on the lift, and they discovered that not only was my rear axle broken, but my subframe is separated as well. (along with the car having an exhaust leak). as much as i appreciate the repair and rental from ford for the axle, the remaining repairs will cost me as much as the car is worth. this car has only 75000 miles on it, and is garage kept. the subframe problems need to be address by ford immediately. this is going to get someone killed. *tr

2000 ford windstar has a defective rear axle. it has a hole resulting from rusting from the inside out. *tr

I took my 2000 ford windstar vin [xxx] for the current recall on the rear axle. the mechanic told me the right passenger side sub frame was corroded and disintegrating to the extent that is crumbling and the engine would fall to the ground potential killing me, passengers and some one else. information redacted pursuant to the freedom of information act (foia), 5 u.s.c. 552(b)(6). *tr

I was driving down the road doing 90km when i heard a large bang and lost all control of my van. i vehicle came to rest at the edge of a steep ditch. apparently the subframe on it had rotted causing the right control arm to break, which in turn tore the axel from the transmission causing the transmission fluid to leak everywhere. as well very likely causing transmission issues. *tr

During the replacement of the power steering unit, tie rod ends, and rack assembly, the mechanic, [xxx], from stone's auto service, inc., located at 350 north main st.; miamisburg, ohio 45342. their telephone number is (937) 866-3674, noticed excessive rust deterioration of the front subframe of the vehicle. the mechanic stated, on the invoice statement, the front frame is unsafe. he recommended we not drive the vehicle because it is unsafe, due to the rusted front subframe. we were told the entire front subframe could fall off at anytime. the mechanic suggested we take the vehicle to the dealer where we purchased the vehicle, which is interstate ford, inc. the dealership is located at: 125 alexandersville road; miamisburg, ohio 45342. the phone number for the dealership is (937) 866-1737. we took the vehicle to interstate ford, inc., which their mechanic inspected the vehicle and advised us not to drive the vehicle, because the vehicle is unsafe. in fact, the owner of interstate ford, inc., chuck george said this vehicle is unsafe to drive. he advised us, ford has not had any 'recall' for rusting subframe in the front end of the windstar vehicle. although, mr. george did tell us that ford has issued a recall for ford windstar vehicles due to rusting subframe of the vehicle's back subframe. mr. george provided us a quote of $1,533.05, to repair the front subframe rusting matter. we have since had the repair completed and paid the bill of $1,533.05 to interstate ford, inc. we are identified as customer number 30231 at interstate ford, inc. connie a. lipscomb is the advisor, who worked directly on this issue. this was completed and paid on october 28, 2010. please be notified, i have 3 photos, taken by [xxx], at the ford dealership, of the rusted subframe. email me requesting the photos and advise me instructions to attach the photos and where to email them and to who's attention. information redacted pursuant to the freedom of information act (foia), 5 u.s.c. 552(b)(6).*tr

I was driving 55mph on dixie highway in groveland twp., mi. my mounting bracket that is a factory weld to the engine cradle broke away from the engine cradle and pulled my drive shaft out of the transmission. this is on a 2000 ford windstar. the weld broke due to corrosion from salt eating away the weld itself. my vehicle is undrivable, luckily no one was hurt. i had myself and my 3 children under the age of 7 in the vehicle at the time of the incident. ford motor company is telling me that there is not a recall on my vehicle and that they will not pay to tow it to the dealership or to fix it. i am appalled by this. this is clearly a design defect and not my responsibility to fix. the detroit free press had an article on this very problem on december 23, 2010. it stated there have already been over 300 claims of my nature. the article stated this organization was investigating this matter. i ask for any help you can give me in getting ford to fix my vehicle. *tr

Tl*the contact owns a 2000 ford windstar. while the vehicle was examined by a local mechanic the contact was informed that the front sub frame was beginning to rust. prior to the examination the contact had the rear axle repaired due to rust. the sub frame was not repaired. the current and failure mileages were 53000.

While driving down the road my rear axle snapped in half causing me to slide suddenly. i phoned a local ford dealership and was informed that ford has a recall on the windstar (mine is a 2000). why is ford not sending out word to people, my family could have been injured or killed. *tr

Had the front sub framed checked. it is badly rusted and found now to be unsafe and needs a new sub frame to hold front end together. we first had this van is buffalo than nebraska. we now live in florida. *tr

The subframe, located at the front underside of the 2000 windstar, is supposed to help keep the engine and other integral parts of the windstar in place and stable. it has been compromised on this vehicle with 185,000 miles, and broke during a turn into a park after church on the aforementioned date (10-10-10). fortunately the results were not deadly but could have been if we were driving on the interstate which we frequently do. what happened was a detachment of the drive axle (half shaft) from the transmission, which occurred when the lower control arm mount separated and caused the wheel to pull free from the drive axle. furthermore there were no warnings prior to any of the aforementioned failures. the area of the subframe affected by this corrosion is located on the passenger side where it attaches to the lower control arm. this is the first time it has occurred. this vehicle was towed to tps transmission in toledo oh and is being repaired. the sub frame is being replaced and i will ask that the old part be returned. in the meantime what is going to be done with this obvious growing problem? *tr

While replacing the steering gear, we were removing subframe mounting bolt when we found the top of the subframe on the passenger side to be completed rusted through with a large hole. there were also cracks down the side of the subframe with very little holding it together. it was determined to be undrivable and unable to pass vehicle inspection required by the state. *tr

2000 ford windstar loss of vehicle control (steering) without warning on a properly maintained vehicle. right "a: frame detached, welds and metal pulled apart on rear tie point. this caused loss of vehicle control with no warning at 55 mph. pulled me off the road to right, (about 10 feet) when left front tire again hit pavement i was pulled across the on coming lane - regained control and coasted partly off the road on the right. this is a part that should never fail. it is not a normally serviceable part. i could have been killed or have caused injury to someone else, luck was with me or i would not be writing this! it was on a fairly busy state route. *tr

While driving my ford windstar 2000 on a highway in maryland with my family, the vehicle became uncontrollable and smoke was coming from the back of the vehicle. there was also the smell of burnt rubber. upon checking we realized that the rear wheels were inclined inward. a subsequent check under the vehicle revealed that the rear beam was broken. i have ordered a replacement rear beam . *tr

Subframe at right connection rusted through. see nhtsa action number: pe10026, vehicle in michigan (salt belt state). its terrible that i need to pay to have this repaired when they may be forced to fix this for free soon! *tr

Corrosion failure of right front passenger subframe of 2000 ford windstar. *tr

The lower control arm on my 2000 ford windstar separated from the right front sub frame. there is no rust visible on the separation point; it could be poor workmanship. there was not accident, i was driving at very low speed. i phoned ford canada customer relations service, their refused to examine the car. *tr

I read about the nhtsa action # pe10026, front subframe corrosion on my 2000 ford windstar. i had my mechanic check it today and he found that the subframe was corroded around 75%+ of the connection point to the lower control arm. this was on both the right and left had sides and it was corroded all the way through from the bottom to the top of the subframe. .he recommended that i not drive the vehicle until i had it repaired as it was a very serious safety issue with a high probability of it breaking all the way through and causing loss of control. *tr

Recently had my 2000 ford windstar lx examined by my mechanic. he told me the frame is cracked in two places, one in front, the other in rear. cost of repair $2000+. car has 175k miles. needs repairs to prevent further corrosion. since new car located in ri. still need to have rear axle recall inspection. *tr

2000 ford windstar rear axle and front sub-frame failure: ford dealer has had my van for 7 months now since september 1, 2010. i just received another recall notice this week about potential front sub-frame failure. dealer says my van failed front end inspection but is repairable and must now wait for those parts also. ford has been great with rental car and treated us fairly. however, i have lost total confidence in the safety of this vehicle and do not want it back, even with repairs. aside from sitting with the same fuel in it for 7 months now, it has obviously incurred weathering and wear on systems like tires, battery, oil, etc. i have also been paying insurance for a parked vehicle for 7 months. of greater concern is the fact that this vehicle has completely lost all trade in value or resale potential. with only 80k miles, i had intended to keep this vehicle for many more years. it has always been garage kept and dealer maintained and the body is in great condition. two weeks before the rear axle cracked, i had a ford dealer complete $1,400 in front end maintenance - new suspension components, struts, bushings, etc. bottom line is: i have lost total confidence in the safety of this vehicle, even with repairs; i have lost money on repairs just prior to the rear axle failure; i have paid for insurance for a car sitting in a lot for 7 months - so far; i have lost all trade in value: i have lost all resale value - nobody in their right mind would buy a windstar now after all the media coverage; i cannot afford to replace it with a comparable vehicle at this time. i do not want this vehicle back! i urge you to consider the issues i have listed above as you continue your investigation. while some points above may be outside the scope of your investigation, ford needs to understand the enormous impact of this situation on their customers. i am a ford guy with 3 other ford vehicles, including an antique. i am not happy and ford needs to make this right. thank you *tr

Large crack almost entirely around rear axle on driver's side. discovered crack when investigating noise from rear of vehicle. appears crack started on inside of formed channel. also noticed a short approx. 1 inch crease line in the center of the formed channel not far from where the crack started. corrosion appears to have occurred on the inside of the axle beam. while investigating the other side (passenger side) near another crease line, poked a hole in the axle beam with a screwdriver. no severe corrosion is evident on the outside of the axle beam. attempts to find a used axle beam have been unsuccessfully do to similar damage. repairing the axle seems ill advised considering the possibility of more internal corrosion and a new axle is being looked into. luckily my wife pays attention to those little odd noises and wasn't going down the highway and it totally failed. *tr

Rear axle on 2000 ford windstar completely failed and cracked today while pulling into driveway after completing a 300 mile trip on the highway. recall notice received about a month ago. *tr

The rear axel of my van broke in two. i wasn't driving very fast. i was dropping off some kids at the movie theater and it was a good thing i was already in the parking lot and not on the road where it could have been worse. thankfully there was no one hurt and no car accidents. *tr

2000 windstar rear axle rusted thru. *tr

Tl* the contact owns a 2000 ford windstar. the contact was driving 35 mph when he heard a loud noise from under the vehicle. the steering immediately became extremely loose and the contact pulled off the roadway as the vehicle continued to exhibit an unusual squeaking sound. the contact was discovered that the passenger side sub frame which held the transmission and the engine in place had fractured in half due to severe corrosion. the manufacture would not provide any assistance. the contact was concerned that the failure could potentially have caused a crash. the failure mileage was 113,000.

My 2000 ford minivan began to swerve out of control on the highway when i took it to my mechanic he had told me the rear axel was broken. *tr

Drove vehicle to destination and when we arrived the axle snapped in half on the 2000 ford windstar. vehicle just turned 100,000 mi when rear axle snapped. towed to repair facility, waiting for repair estimate. *tr

2000 ford windstar, 125,000 miles took to mechanic after almost wrecking on highway and found rear axle almost cracked in two. 700.00 later still cannot believe ford has not recalled this problem after all the complaints. *tr

Tl*the contact owns a 2000 ford windstar. while traveling 35 mph the contact noticed that the vehicle had began shaking violently, after examining the vehicle the contact noticed that the rear frame had separated. the vehicle was not diagnosed and there were no prior warnings. the current and failure mileages were 182000.

Reversing vehicle front subframe failure, lower suspension arm brokeaway drive shaft disconnected subframe & driveshaft replaced old parts not available. *tr

My rear axle snapped in half, at about 40 mph causing the wheels to buckle. *tr

I was driving my 2000 windstar on the skuykill expressway on monday, july 19, 2010 at 12:33 pm on my way to an appointment. about a quarter mile befor the gilph mills exit heading east, i was in the passing lane traveling about 55-60 mph, when there was a load "pop" from the rear of my van. i immediately lost controll of the van and it slid across the highway . i first hit the embankment off the shoulder, was thrown back into the highway as the van slide on the drivers side and then flipped upside down. the van came to rest in the middle of the skuykill expressway upside down, facing the traffic. thank god all traffic stopped and no one hit me, and i didn't hit anyone.. the van was totalled. i suffered head injuries, as well as broken and bruised ribs in my back, as well as severe muscle damage. i was able to unhook my seat belt and crawl out the window, and i waited till help came. as i looked at the upside down van, i did see that the rear axles was split in half. i was taken to bryn mawr hospital for treatment, and released several days later. i still have not been able to go back to work because of my back issues. *tr