Problems with 2001 Ford Windstar POWER TRAIN

Driving home i heard a thud and my 2001 ford windstar spun off the road. turns out the axle cracked in half and almost killed me. towed the car into the ford dealership and even though there is an open safety recall on my windstar and ford knows of thousand of axle problems they said that it is not covered. ford's way of getting put of it even though my brothers 2003 windstar axle failed and yet ford covered that one. this is not right. they know there axles are bad and have had three safety recalls on these axles.

Tl* the contact owns a 2001 ford windstar. the contact received notification of an unknown recall regarding the rear axle. the contact took the vehicle to blackwell ford inc (41001 plymouth rd, plymouth, mi 48170; 734-453-1100) where it was determined that a repair was not needed. the recall was deemed completed. approximately two years after the recall, the vehicle underwent routine inspection and it was diagnosed that the rear axle fractured and needed to be replaced. the vehicle had not been repaired. the dealer was not contacted. the manufacturer was made aware of the failure who informed the contact that, due to the vehicle passing inspection for the recall, they were unable to provide the repair. the approximate failure mileage was 113,628.

Rear axle broke while driving even though recall brackets were properly replaced. this issue could cause death or severe injury. luckily for us, we were just turning a corner on the way to the store. ford will not help with financial costs due "extended warranty having expired in oct of 2016". people still driving these vehicles should be made aware that unless you've had this completely replaced, and really that's no guarantee, this could still occur while you are driving.

Rear axle cracked while driving, this is the second axle that broke for this van

While driving axle broke on van while going down alley. contacted ford motor company end result they say reinike ford a dealership in lima, ohio replaced the faulty support brackets in 2011. which was a recall on van. while all along dealership wasn't telling me they did the recall work. i feel this needs to be addressed before someone losses there life. which there were drivers that have lost there life and many seriously hurt because of the same issue. ford has put there recall out. but something needs done with the dealer. *tr

Rear axle the rear axle on my windstar broke yesterday on the left side outside of the support bracket installed by the dealer for the 2011 recall. i was driving down the road at approximately 45 mph when i noticed the tire rubbing on the frame. i got the car to the dealership (betten ford in grand rapids, mi) who advised they would not repair the car unless i paid for the repair as the bracket held and the axle broke in a different location. ford customer support advised the same thing. *tr

Recall rear axle cracks. i took my ford 2001 windstar for 3rd recall and learned that i have cracks in my axle. ford dealer and customer services said that the offer f discounted replacement expired on october 30th 2016 where i need to pay full price to fix it. we cannot afford to pay and why is consumer paying for defective parts which was the original recall where deaths occurred? instead of replacing the parts, ford was allowed to put brackets to hold up the axle. the defect is still there and now consumer are driving unsafe and when realized of situation, a substantial cost by the consumer to correct ford's negligence. why it is allow and what can be done for working folks who cannot replace new cars. we took a lot of care of our car so we can have a car. why is ford not responsible to correct their problem at no cost to the consumer? *tr

While driving with my three small children, the rear axle of my van broke. i was going at a minimal rate of speed and was able to pull over without injury. this vehicle has been subject to numerous recalls, several of which have included corrosion of the subframe and axle. our local ford dealership is telling me that i may be responsible for payment for repair of the recalled product. however, i do not feel safe driving this vehicle anymore. they have stated that they will repair the damaged part with the same rear axle that has been recalled numerous times. this is not a remedy. i am trying to get them to consider a trade-in or product buy-back. if they will not, i will be leaving a signed statement with new south ford (meridian, ms) stating that i do not feel comfortable driving the vehicle off the lot due to the risk of rear axle corrosion/failure.

Tl* the contact owns a 2001 ford windstar. while the vehicle was parked, the contact noticed that the rear driver side tire was crooked. the vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic who diagnosed that the rear axle cracked and needed to be replaced. in addition, the dealer informed the contact that the axle was replaced from a previous recall, nhtsa campaign number: 12v1930000 (power train); however, the failure recurred. the vehicle was not repaired. the manufacturer was not notified of the failure. the approximate failure mileage was 194,000. the vin was not available.

While driving the vehicle at highway speeds, i heard a crunching sound in the rear of the vehicle. the vehicle then began to sway on the road. i had to slow my speeds and pull over at a safe spot, which was a parking lot to inspect what the issue was. after inspection, i noted the passenger rear tire was at an angle with the top of the tire inward touching the frame. i took the vehicle to the closest repair shop where i found from their inspection that the axle was broke and the vehicle was not driveable. my vehicle was part of the ford windstar axle recall, which was serviced by the local ford dealer in 2012. this vehicle had the reinforcements added to the axle in 2012. the axle broke between the reinforced plates welded to the axle during the recall check. now after towing the vehicle back to the local ford dealer for inspection, i find out that ford will not stand behind the issue and not repair or replace the axle due to the length of time from the recall. i feel lucky that i was able to maintain control of the vehicle when the axle broke.

Tl* the contact owns a 2001 ford windstar. the contact stated that while driving at 30 mph, the rear of the vehicle failed to stay in position. upon further inspection, the contact noticed that the rear driver side tire tilted inwards. in addition, the contact stated that while attempting to reverse after inspecting the vehicle, the axle fractured. the vehicle was towed to the contact's residence. the vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. the contact was aware of nhtsa campaign number: 12v193000 (power train ) however, the vin was not included. the manufacturer was notified of the failure. the failure mileage was 140,361.

Rear axle broke in half while driving causing a roll over accident. *tr

Tl* the contact owns a 2001 ford windstar. the contact stated that while driving approximately 55 mph, the vehicle decelerated and failed to pick up speed. the contact merged to the side of the road and turned it off. the vehicle was restarted, but the speed would not increase past 5 mph. the vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic. the technician diagnosed that the transmission had failed. the vehicle was not repaired. the manufacturer was not notified of the failure. the approximate mileage was 136,000.

Tl* the contact owns a 2001 ford windstar. the contact stated that while making a left turn at approximately 10 mph, the contact heard a thumping sound coming from the rear of the vehicle. it was discovered that the rear axle was fractured. the vehicle was neither diagnosed nor repaired. the manufacturer was notified. the failure mileage was 155,011.

Had the 2011 rear axle recall performed by ford in 2011. they inspected the rear axle and installed the support brackets. now my rear axle is cracked. i contacted the dealership where i had the recall performed who confirmed they had performed the recall but denied any further responsibility and told me to contact ford. i have contacted ford and spoke with both a customer service rep and her supervisor who both advised ford is only responsible for the first 12 months or 12,000 miles since the recall was performed. i feel the repair was not sufficient to prevent additional cracking of the axle and they should fix/replace the axle. *tt

Tl* the contact owns 2001 ford windstar. the contacted stated while driving at an unknown speed making a right turn, the rear wheels seized causing the vehicle to slide side to side erratically. the vehicle was towed to an independent mechanic. the technician diagnosed that the traction sensor and rear axle needed to be replaced. the vehicle was repaired. the contact was made aware that the vehicle was included in recall nhtsa campaign number: 10v385000 (suspension).the manufacturer was not notified of the issue. the failure mileage was 162,000.

The front right axel broke, i didn't have an accident nor did i run it into a ditch. the frame has cracked, its where the axle and the frame meet. it's a 2001 and yes, it's an old vehicle, but its the only transportation i can afford right now. if i can take it to a ford dealership to be repaired i would. some how, i believe their is a god.

My daughter was driving the windstar at approximately 20 mph when she heard a noise and felt something break and she was unable to steer the vehicle and she was able to get the vehicle stopped. she exited the vehicle to see if she could see what the problem was. she noticed both front wheels were pointing in different directions. this vehicle was recalled in 2011 to have brackets placed to support the subframe. the vehicle was towed to a local garage. upon inspection it was determined that the passengers side lower control arm had pulled out of the subframe. *tr

Tl* the contact owns a 2001 ford windstar. the contact stated that the vehicle was serviced under nhtsa campaign id number: 12v193000 (power train). the contact was advised that there was additional rust on the transmission mount and the front driver's side corner of the under carriage. the manufacture was not notified of the failure. the current and failure mileage was 96,000. *tr

Cpsc#i1360214a. 2001 ford windstar. consumer stated she took her car in for a recall on the axle and was told everything was fine. three weeks later she was driving and the car started sounding odd. consumer pulled over an her tire was leaning in, because the axle had snapped. *ln the dealer informed the consumer they would not repair the vehicle under the recall, because they placed on brackets on the axle, two years prior. the dealer stated they had complied with the recall.

Had recall work done10/30/11 preventative repairs failed. rear axle split while driving. *tr

This 2001 ford windstar minivan was towed to a garage for unrelated malfunction (overheating). mechanic told us that the rear axle had a hole in it and was unsafe to drive. this minivan had been serviced at a ford dealership for a recall for a possible crack in the rear axle and rechecked shortly before this incident. obviously the recall did not fix the problem this was the second minivan to which we had this happen. the other was a 1998 ford windstar. we were told in january 2013 that this rear axle was cracked and undriveable. this vehicle too had been recalled and taken in. we had the 2001 minivan checked in january because of the problem with the 1998 and it was still found to be cracked in march. *tr

Stopped at a stop sign, pressed the gas and nothing happened as if the van had been put in neutral. the transmission has failed. none of the gears will engage. through my own research i've found numerous complaints with the ford windstar transmission and still no recall. the company should be held accountable. they will fix a small inexpensive censor but not the transmission. *tr

Stopped to get my oil changed, they showed me where the entire right front subframe has rusted away making my windstar unsafe to drive. i looked online and found this is an ongoing problem with this model with of these having the same problem with the passenger side right front. this can cause you to loose steering control or in an extreme the engine to fall out going down the highway, ford recalled the same problem on the rear axel,,why not fix the front also. i live in arkansan but bought the windstorm from a person in missouri where i see ford list as a state with a rust problem but doing nothing to fix it. *tr

7/21/2011 bought van from private party. recall completed in march of 2011 regarding back axle. on 7/13/2012 8pm, my 18yr old son, while driving home from lacrosse practice, nearly killed. upon pulling out onto the main road, he lost all controls, no steering, no brakes and no power. he coasted and prayed it would stop. i arrived, we called aaa. flatbed to my home driver could not believe his eyes. the engine had fallen out. 7/16/12 called ford in mich and spoke to rep. to be towed 13 miles away to route 23 auto at our expense. really? route23 wanted nothing to do with me (they did recall). went back and forth then per rt23 "it will be a month until we can look at it" getting know where. 7/18-22 borrowed friend car for tournament. 8/1/12 called magarino ford and with great concern had a flatbed that night. this tow truck driver could not believe it. fluids raced out and double stabilized for engine sliding during transport. 8/2/12 magarino called 9am, pictures sent to ford and awaiting reply. 8/5/12 t/c from m stating ford refuses to buy back and sending a subframe. you mean a recalled one? magarino caught in middle i questioned whether he would put his children in this van. he softly replied, "no" what am i to do, out of work 2 years, single parent with no car to find work. 8/8/12 i questioned ford why this van ever left rt 23 auto, according to researched paper a part was waiting on. you mean to tell me that upon this fixed axle nobody noticed the subframe was rotted from inside out causing the engine to fall out the next summer nearly killing my son! but they signed it was fine! really? now we have case # 1373091992 8/10/12 picked up van. broke= a/c, r-window, heater engine, airbag, brake light on, runs hot steering= thumps makes noise (full fluid) skip gears, sways, barely can get up a hill. 11yr old scared to drive in it

On sunday july 8th, 2012 i was driving my 2001 ford windstar i stopped at a light and as the light changed i began driving and then heard a loud noise, my wheels began to squeel and pull all over and my van came to a complete stop in the road and would not move.. the front passenger side wheel was turned outward but my wheel was straight. thank god i was not on an expressway or highway with all my kids in the vehicle.. i called a tow truck the driver inspected it and said something underneath the front frame had snapped off.. so today i had it towed into a ford dealer to find out it is a new recall how can these windstar vans have so many frame and axle issues and be safe to drive exspecially with all these brackets they are having to put on them for the recalls.. if i was on an expressway me and my son would of been hurt badly if not killed.. not to mention if i would of hit someone else i could of injured others too..i will never trust another windstar with my family this is crazy.. it is the subframe front lower control arm rear attaching flages completely broke/snapped off while i was driving down a basic 40 mph road..when it broke it messed up the underneath of my vehicle it ripped the drive shaft right out of the transmission.. and who knows what else is damaged now.. people need to know about this now before someone is seriously hurt.. *tr

Me and my family were on our way to new york for vacation. maybe about an hour into driving me and my husband started to smell something burning so i pulled off the high way and little do we know mg van was up in smoke we checked our oil that was good but i told my husband to check the transmission. fluid and it was empty but before we left we had the right amount of transmission fluid in the van. we had to add about 5 or 6 quarts of fluid in order for the van to switch from reverse to drive we were able to make to sn auto part store they tested the van on there computer everything passed except the torque converter. *tr

Transmission. *tr

Was riding on the highway when my car just stopped and seen transmission oil everywhere on the floor an now van wont move but turn on. *tr

I bought this car used 1 yr and 8 months ago .. haven't had any major problems with it. we received the recall for the rear axle, they checked it out was fine, we never received this last recall in 2011 but it may have helped if we did. on dec 2 i was pulling out of a school, was at a complete stop then started pulling out to take a right only going about 5 mph we heard a bang (something fell in the front end) then the car just took over, there was no steering, the throttle stuck took us from 5 mph to about 30 mph in like 3 seconds crossing 4 lanes of traffic and just missing 2 vehicles, i crashed into a sign, 2 fences and a tree which made us stop, there was this awful sound that was getting faster and faster, we jumped out of the car because we thought it was going to blow up!!! everything that is in the front end is laying on the ground!! this is very dangerous and i am outraged that something like this could happen. if my husband and i hadn't gone anywhere that night, i would have had my 3 small children in it the next morning!! i am so thankful that we were not hurt (except for emotionally) and that we also didn't hurt anyone else .. if those cars were 1 second earlier we would have smashed into those cars that were going about 50 mph .. wouldn't have a been a very good outcome!!! now waiting to see what will happen with the van, if it is fixed i will not get in it ever again!! *tr

Tl* the contact owns a 2001 ford windstar. while driving approximately 35 mph, the contact smelled a burning odor. the contact stopped the vehicle and after exiting and inspecting under the hood, the contact noticed that the smell was coming from the transmission fluid. the vehicle was not taken to the dealer for diagnostic testing or repairs. the approximate failure mileage was 155,000.

Ford windstar seems to be a good vehicle at first. with age numerous problems continue to happen. service shops regard problems as common for a ford windstar.i think ford ignores the problems. my husband and i are loyal ford owners, i don't know how much longer we will continue. currently the abs& brake lights are on. transmission leaked out all of the fluid while driving, had to rebuild trans. speedometer doesn't work properly when brake lights are on. engine light is on, numerous codes for this problem. *js

There was a problem with the transmission which required the vehicle to be pulled to the side of the road and towed to a dealer for service. the van only has 105,000 miles on it and has had regularly scheduled maintenance. after having a couple transmission places look at it, the problem was determined to be internal and the transmission needed to be replaced. at the same time that i had my van into the transmission shop there were 3 or 4 other ford windstars in for similar problems. *tr

Tl* the contact owns a 2001 ford windstar. the contact stated that while driving 60 mph the automatic transmission failed, causing the vehicle to stall in the middle of the highway. the vehicle was pulled over to the side of the road and stopped. the vehicle was not taken to have the failure diagnosed or repaired. the failure mileage was 51,686.

I was driving my van down the road at about thirty five. heard a loud thunk and realized i was not accelerating anymore. the van stopped almost immediately after. called a tow truck because i thought it was the transmission. after evaluating the damage we realized that the frame had broken where the wheel stabilizer arm mounts to the frame on the passenger side. also my passenger drive shaft pulled out from the transmission. so in this repair it is going to take a sub frame. and the half shafts from transmission to wheel.

Upon replacing shocks and struts on my 2001 ford windstar my mechanic noticed a crack on axel took it in to local dealership to verify sure enough crack had me set up with enterprise to receive small loaner of a family of 6 sad need bigger vehicle ford not budging will wait for rep to further pursue.. ford saying approx. 2mths before repair... sad situation all around i wish i would never bought this vehicle expect more problems after sitting for two months. *tr

2001 ford windstar. i took it to the dealership to have some safety recalls done. a few days later i was driving along and smoke started boiling out from under the hood so i pulled over and by the time i got stopped and got the kids out safely it quit smoking. i raised the hood and could see some burned wiring under the brake master cylinder. we got back in and drove on then the transmission started shifting wrong and the brake pedal didn't feel right,it felt spongy. i took it to my mechanic who is ase master and ford senior master certified. he replaced the trans range sensor and told me that the fire was caused by a defective cruise control deactivation switch leaking brake fluid.he replaced the switch and advised me to take it back to the dealer and have them do the recall which is what they were supposed to have done in the first place. he said that it also had a damaged abs module and wiring and that was part of the recall.i called them and they said they only did the rear axle recall that was on the letter i got from ford. my mechanic said that they were required by law to complete all safety recalls while it was in their possession. i am going to take it back but i'm afraid to drive it cause it hardly has any brakes. my mechanics said it was because all the brake fluid leaked out of the switch and got air in the lines. *tr

While backing out from a parking space, the passenger side lower control arm mount separated from the subframe due to extensive corrosion. the front passenger wheel was turned outwardly and the right half shaft was disengaged from the differential. while researching this issue on the internet, i realized the subframe should last longer than the life of the vehicle. fortunately for some it has been detected while in a repair shop for some other reason such as brakes, alignment or other front end work. unfortunately for others it has been discovered by malfunctioning to the point of breaking and causing other structural/mechanical damage, as well as personal injury. i would like to believe that ford stands behind its product and is willing to issue a recall for repair.

2001 ford windstar rear axle recall. i brought my van in for inspection for the rear axle recall (1os13) the ford dealership condemned the vehicle and i was provided with a rental car. ford has no parts to fix this concern and also has no timetable when this will be resolved. this is unacceptable to me and ford needs to stand behind there products and show loyalty to there customers. *tr

occurrence: 12 october 2010. traveling i-95 washington,dc/suitland, md. vehicle: ford windstar, 2001. speed : 60-65 mph. traffic : dense. failure of defective part : rear axle snapped in two parts while traveling on smooth highway, northbound. explosive sound , lots of smoke, extreme consternation/fear of heart attack experienced by my wife and i ( my wife has a dangerous heart condition "ihss") at occurrence. i immediately turned on hazard flashers. managed to maneuver across several lanes of traffic to get to highway shoulder safely!! thank god for the alert fellow travelers behind us!!! if we were hit by any 18-wheelers on the highway, i wouldn't be writing this complaint now!!! concern for our safety was shown to us by fellow travelers; particularly, md traffic safety person, who should be commended by his superiors for his professional and understanding actions!! he looked at the damage and said that he had never seen anything like it before; and he said that we were lucky to be alive!!! van was transported by professionals to the nearest ford dealership where i first became aware that a recall notice was in force for my vehicle!!! at this point, i became greatly disturbed that i had no previous notification of this dangerous condition and that my wife, grand children, etal were traveling in potential rolling coffin! in my opinion, this seems to be criminal; particularly if greater profit motives might be involved! i certainly hope that inferior materials were not used in this regard!! i was informed that my van would have to remain at the ford dealership until ford motor company decides how i will be provided with a safe vehicle , since no replacement axles were available. (nb ; i have no idea whatever other damage exists as a result of this awful failure! i certainly don't want a duplicate axle replacement to replay this horrific catastrophe! in my wife's delicate condition, i cannot expect her to travel in this unsafe vehicle! justice!!! *tr

I have windstar 2001. my brake light and abs light were on. i searched the internet and found that there was a recall on the axle, that may have something to do with the lights being on. this was in sept. 2010. i went to the dealer,they toldme the axle was cracked and that they would have to hold my van. it is now dec.2010,i am driving a rental. no word as to when i will be getting my van back. ford wants me to look at new cars. monthly payments of about $400.00. i am sr.citizen and cannot afford this. my van has 57000 miles, how safe will this be when i get it back? do i need to look for another vehicle. my husband is desabled and needs a large van to get in and out of. please advise, since they don't want to give me much for my van, i am stuck. the dealer said that they are going to install brackets,not a new axle. can this be safe? i have never had any major problems with this vehicle,til now. *tr

My 2001 windstar had been making a scrunching noise each time i went off a curb. i took it to a tire place as that's when i found the crack in the axle in august 2010. the tire dealer didn't make that kind of repair so i call ford dealership who told me to bring the car in and that a recall had just been issued. my car sat for six months. on 1/26/2011 the dealer called and said my axle had been repaired and that i could pick the car up. i couldn't pick it up that day. on 1/27/11 i heard the news state a new recall and i looked it up. turns out my car is involved in that recall too. i went to the dealer and i communicated to them that i do not want that vehicle back under any circumstances. the abs light has been malfunctioning for three years or more. since i got the vehicle i had many problems with sensors and i have had to replace the transmission after having only around 78,000 miles on the vehicle. i completed all maintenance on my vehicle as suggested by ford, yet i have had so many problems. i called ford on 1/27 and told them i do not want the vehicle back. they said a buy back isn't being offered for this recall at this time. it may be offered when the letter is distributed. i still do not want this vehicle back. i have three children and i cannot trust that this vehicle is safe. *tr

Rear axle on 2001 ford windstar is cracked. noticed a banging sound while going over bumps. took it to a repair shop that identified the problem. *tr

2001 ford windstar 150,000 miles, driving on highway approx. 55 miles per hour, vehicle starting swaying then heard a load crash and a lot of smoke coming from under vehicle, thought it was a blow out. pulled on to a side road both rear tires were bowed in and rear axle had split. *tr

Tl* the contact owns a 2001 ford windstar. the contact stated while driving 25 mph, there was an abnormal pop from the rear of the vehicle. the contact discovered the rear axle was fractured upon further inspection. the contact was able to locate numerous complaints online regarding the failure yet the vehicle was not under recall. the vehicle was not taken to the dealer for diagnosis or repairs. the failure mileage was 120,000.

Tl*the contact owns a 2001 ford windstar. the contact took the vehicle to an authorized dealer and the dealer informed him that the rear axle was cracked and not to drive it until it was repaired. the contact planned to have the axle repaired by the dealer. the contact called the manufacturer who offered no assistance as there was no official recall. the current and failure mileages were approximately 79,000.

Tl*the contact owns a 2001 ford windstar. while shifting into reverse gear the contact heard a loud crunching sound coming from the rear of the vehicle. after examining the vehicle the contact noticed that the rear axle was cracked in half. the vehicle had not been diagnosed and there were no prior warnings. the current and failure mileages were 110000. the vin was not available.

Tl* the contact owns a 2001 ford windstar. while driving at approximately 45 mph, the contact heard a loud bang from the rear of the vehicle. within seconds, the vehicle began to fishtail. the vehicle was towed to an independent repair facility where the contact was informed that the rear axle had fractured. the vehicle was not repaired. the vin was not available. the failure and current mileages were 109,000.

Tl* the contact owns a 2001 ford windstar. the contact was driving at approximately 50 mph when the vehicle began to violently shake abnormally. the vehicle was taken to an authorized dealer where the contact was informed that the rear axle was severely cracked. the dealer was in the process of replacing the rear axle. the vin was not available. the failure and current mileages were 150,000.

Back axel broke on our 2001 ford windstar while driving down the highway at 65 miles an hour. we just got it towed back home, today is sunday so we will have to call on it tomorrow, but i see there are a lot of complaints with this. *tr