Problems with 2001 Ford Windstar STRUCTURE

When i received the recall about the possible axle cracking due rust i took my car in and had the brackets put on and then i received a recall the have the brackets checked which i did and they were correct. today i took my van in for pa inspection and was told my rear axle on the drivers side had a crack in it which you could see through the opening of the bracket they installed. when i asked the mechanic if ford was going to pay to replace it now since the bracket didn't keep it from cracking he said no. then i asked if the bracket was strong enough to hold it so i can keep driving, he said he wouldn't trust it. i only have a 115,500 miles on it, so what i'm basically being told is the minute the recall went out i should have had them replace the axle, instead of the stupid brackets which were just band aids to placate upset owners. i only have one car so i have to drive it until i can afford to get it fixed or buy another car. i'm just one person, how many more are faced with the same situation. i only have until october when my inspection expires and i'm panicking trying to figure what i can do. ford knew those bracket s at best just bought the owners a couple of more years before their cars could again be a highway hazard. it's still russian roulette in my opinion the axle at a minimum should be replace with a discount to the original owners.

Tl* the contact owns a 2001 ford windstar. the contact stated that during a routine check-up, an independent mechanic diagnosed that the sub-frame was completely corroded. the vehicle was towed to the colonial ford, inc dealer (508-746-3400, 147 samoset st, plymouth, ma 02360) where it was confirmed that the sub frame was rotted out. the technician, however, stated that there was no recall. the manufacturer was made aware of the failure and stated that there was no recall. the vehicle was not repaired. the failure mileage was 106,031.

Tl* the contact owns a 2001 ford windstar. the contact stated that while driving at 35 mph, the brake pedal was depressed and the brake pedal delayed in responding. the contact mentioned that when attempting to park, the brake pedal traveled to the floor board. the vehicle was towed to an independent mechanic where the contact was informed that the vehicle would need to be towed to another shop in regards to it being a modified vehicle. the vehicle was then towed to another independent mechanic where the contact was informed that the vehicle was not safe to drive and that the frame was rusted. the manufacturer was made aware of the failure. the failure mileage was 38,000. *js

Tl* the contact owns a 2001 ford windstar. while the vehicle was undergoing a routine check-up at an independent mechanic shop, the technician noticed that the subframe was rusted. the contact was advised not to drive the vehicle. the vehicle was taken to benna ford superior (715-394-8669, located at 3022 tower ave, superior, wi 54880) where it was diagnosed that the subframe was rusted out and needed to be replaced. the manufacturer was made aware and stated that the failure was due to the age of the vehicle and the mileage. the vehicle was not repaired. the failure mileage was approximately 250,000.

This van looks fine on the outside,but the frame and floor are rusted out. i was driving on a city street when the brakes went out and when i took it to be repaired the mechanic at carls body shop , where it was ti be repaired told me it was beyond repair and unsafe to drive. the van is made to transport a wheelchair and the area where the wheelchair is rusted the worst. the mechanic also took pictures of the under body to show me how bad it really was.

1. rear axle fractured severely & broke making the car un-drivable on 24 jan 2019 while in motion driving in city traffic. ford put braces on this vehicle under recall# 10s13, but they failed to prevent further corrosion and metal fatigue. the axle was a bad engineering design from the drawing board combined with not e-coating the metal during manufacturing to prevent corrosion of the metal due to road salt. the axle fractured next to the brace on the driver side as shown in the 4 images below. i have one tow bill (flat-bed) to get the car off the downtown street to my home & will have another tow bill to transport it to where i can replace the axle. 2. front cradle frame's mount rusted off that anchors the stabilizer bar so the stabilizer bar had to be removed. this happened several years ago. the cradle frame probable was not e-coated during manufacture either. i can take a pic and probable have the repair invoice detailing the date and the mechanic's work to remove the stabilizer bar. to fix the car will need a new front cradle frame, stabilizer bar, and possibly mount brackets.

This van was recalled for known issues with the rear axle corroding. this recall involved installing support brackets on the axle. the axle has now cracked almost all the way through next to the bracket. this happened while going over a speed bump slowly. from my research online, this seems to be a common issue with the repair that was issued in this recall.

Removed subframe to replace faulty torque converter. found substantial rusting at firewall end of subframe on both "arms", requiring replacement of subframe. called local dealers, no "open" recall (over 15 year-old van) and $4,900 new subframe quote provided, with no dealer or manufacturer coverage, after calling national and canadian mfctr recall numbers. mfctr/dealers of no assistance, whatsoever. part not actually available.

Tl* the contact owns a 2001 ford windstar. while stationary, the contact noticed that the front engine cradle of the vehicle was severely rusted and corroded. the contact stated that there were holes in the engine cradle. matthews ford oregon in oregon, ohio was made aware of the failure and stated that there was no recall. the manufacturer was made aware of the failure and referred the contact to nhtsa. the failure mileage was 190,000.

Sub frame

I was driving at around 30 mph, 2 cars in front slammed on brakes, i was approximately 1 1/2 car links back and hit the brakes. abs failed, airbags failed, and slid into car in front of me. i was on a city street going straight.

Tl* the contact owns a 2001 ford windstar. while driving 5 mph, the subframe completely fractured and fell apart without warning. the vehicle was towed to an independent mechanic (spielmann service center mn; 952-546-0508) where it was confirmed that ford would not pay for the damage. the vehicle was towed to the dealer (luther north country ford, located at 10401 woodcrest dr nw, coon rapids, mn 55433; (612) 424-7648) where it was diagnosed that the engine, transmission, and drive train needed to be replaced. the vehicle was not repaired. the manufacturer was contacted at 800-392-3673 and stated that only the subframe could be repaired for free, but the damage for the engine, transmission, and drive train would have to be paid for by the contact. a case number was not provided. the approximate failure mileage was 184,500.

Takata inflators;i ford denying my request f vin #[xxx] i have an obvious crack (see photos) directly under the bracket a band-aid that ford issued in an earlier recall on my rear axle with the sole purpose of this band-aid to prevent such cracking. apparently my bracket part was deemed installed correctly, effectively causing a denial for a replacement part on my windstar. clearly this bracket failed and did not stop my rear axle from experiencing cracking! ford clearly new exactly where this cracking would occur because the crack appears directly under the bracket installed to create a stronger part. the only thing holding this rear axle together is this bracket. this particular part in question is directly below the gas tank, should this crucial part experience failure while driving on a 70mph highway what would happen? also looking at my windstar on a lift we noticed the center of the windstar seems to be sagging (see photos) from what appears to be the under carriage breaking down from rust and corrosion, this appears to be causing extreme structure failure. i do reside in one of the stated salt belt states as being the state of iowa. what would the full criteria for this recall and buyback program on certain windstar?s in 2011 thru 2013 be? why was my windstar limited excluded in this recall? i still have not been advised not to drive my windstar by any current ford representatives. however former ford mechanics have advised me not to drive my windstar, these same mechanics? are adamant my windstar is unsafe! i have been attempting to fix the concerns that moffitts ford in boone iowa wanted me to repair at the time of the axle inspection. only having more concern brought to my attention about the axle. i wrote [xxx] a letter 2/15/17 asking to overturn and allow repair [xxx] information redacted pursuant to the freedom of information act (foia), 5 u.s.c. 552(b)(6). *tr *js

Tl* the contact owns a 2001 ford windstar. the contact took the vehicle to a dealer for a recall related to the lower control arm. the contact stated that the repair for the lower control arm was completed; however, the subframe was rusted. the rust was within the connection between the control arm and the subframe. the dealer determined that the rust was part of the recall repair that was completed. the recall information was not provided. the failure mileage was 140,000.

I received a safety recall in 2012 about the subframe supporting the motor and transmission. ford put two brackets on my vehicle over the rust spots. now the frame has almost rusted away. my mechanic said i should not drive the vehicle in that condition, it is not safe. instead of replacing the rusty component ford patched it. i still drive the van, it has 138,000 miles on it. i live in minnesota where rust is a problem. the fix was inappropriate for the area. updated 07/20/2017*js

Tl* the contact owns a 2001 ford windstar. the contact stated that the subframe was fractured. the vehicle was taken to the dealer where it was confirmed that the frame failed and needed to be replaced. the vehicle was not repaired. the vehicle was serviced per nhtsa campaign number: 15v608000 (suspension), but the remedy failed to repair the vehicle. the manufacturer was notified of the failure. the approximate failure mileage was 141,302.

Tl* the contact owns a 2001 ford windstar. while a rack and pinion was being installed on the vehicle, the contact was informed by the service technician that the subframe was corroded. the vehicle was previously repaired per nhtsa campaign number: 11v030000 (structure), but the remedy failed to repair the vehicle. the contact mentioned that the previous repair was not adequate. the manufacturer was notified of the failure. the failure mileage was unknown.

Tl* the contact owns a 2001 ford windstar. the contact received notification of nhtsa campaign number: 15v608000 (structure). the vehicle was taken to the dealer who indicated that the brackets were installed properly, but failed to provide a correct diagnosis. the contact stated that the tire rubbed against the frame in the rear and fractured the rear driver's side bracket. the vehicle was parked at the contact's residence due to the failure. the dealer was notified of the failure. the manufacturer was notified. the failure mileage was unknown. parts distribution disconnect.

Tl* the contact owns a 2001 ford windstar. while operating the vehicle, a clunking noise was heard coming from the front of the vehicle. the vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic where it was diagnosed that the cradle mount fractured due to corrosion and rusting. the vehicle was not repaired. the manufacturer was not notified of the failure. the failure mileage was 120,000.

Tl* the contact owns a 2001 ford windstar. while driving 35 mph, the contact heard a noise on the floorboard and the check engine and brake indicators illuminated. the vehicle was taken to a local dealer where it was diagnosed that the subframe was rusted beyond repair. the technician stated that the option was a complete replacement of the frame. the manufacturer was made aware of the failure and stated that the recall expired after three years. the failure was not remedied. the failure mileage was approximately 95,000.

Tl* the contact owns a 2001 ford windstar. the contact stated that the front subframe was severely corroded and an abnormal noise was heard from the front passenger wheel. the vehicle was taken to the dealer where it was confirmed that the vehicle was severely corroded and was previously inspected per nhtsa campaign number: 11v030000 (structure). the vehicle was not repaired. the manufacturer was notified of the failure. the failure mileage was approximately 146,000.

Hoping they have a repair for the subframe passenger rear mine is badly rotted and afraid to drive it as it can cause a major accident or be possibly hazardous ford please cure this.

Tl* the contact owns a 2001 ford windstar. while driving approximately 30 mph, the front end frame fractured and disengaged from the vehicle. the vehicle was taken to the dealer where it was diagnosed that the shock absorber, front end spring, and frame were fractured and needed to be replaced. the vehicle was not repaired. the manufacturer was notified of the failure. the failure mileage was 100,000.

Tl* the contact owns a 2001 ford windstar. while driving at any speed, an unusual noise was heard underneath the vehicle without warning. the vehicle was taken to a local dealer where it was diagnosed that the frame underneath the front end of the vehicle was badly rusted and was considered unsafe to drive. the technician informed the contact that the noise was coming from parts of the frame that were fractured. the manufacturer was made aware of the failure. the vehicle was not repaired. the failure mileage was 111,759. the vin was unavailable.

Tl* the contact owns a 2001 ford windstar. the dealer (russ milne ford, 24777 hall rd, macomb, mi 48042, (877) 821-8648) indicated that a recall remedy was provided for the replacement brackets before the contact owned the vehicle. within a year of owning the vehicle, the failure recurred. the manufacturer was notified of the failure and stated that a recall had already been provided. although the contact informed the manufacturer that the recall remedy failed to correct the failure, they stated that the contact would need to repair the vehicle. in addition, the engine cradle was completely rusted to the point of fracturing, causing shaking and a strong vibration. the failure mileage was not available.

After noticing wobbling of my back tire driving my daughter home from school my father looked at me vehicle to not only see that my rear axel had cracked (in process of insepction for recall repair on that) but also notuce the the front sub frame is rusting so much that everything attached to it is starting to detach.

Tl* the contact owns a 2001 ford windstar. the contact stated that while driving at various speeds, a knocking noise emitted from the front passenger side of the vehicle. the vehicle was taken to the dealer, who diagnosed that the frame engine cross member was corroded. the contact was informed by the dealer that the remedy for nhtsa campaign number: 11v030000 (structure) was performed approximately 4 years ago. the contact indicated that the vehicle had experienced additional failures related to the recall. the manufacturer was notified of the failure. the failure mileage was 61,400.

Our van has a rusting subframe. we brought it in to a mechanic because of a scraping sound we heard when making sharp right-hand turns, especially when driving down an incline. the mechanic told us of a potential recall on a rusting subframe so we brought it into a ford dealership. they refused to take responsibility of the subframe at their cost.

Tl* the contact owns a 2001 ford windstar. the contact stated that the dealer (gurley leep ford lincoln, 320 e ireland rd, south bend, in 46614, (574) 291-6910) indicated that they serviced an unknown recall from the manufacturer for the reinforcement brackets and that they had not been required to provide any additional repairs. the dealer replaced the rear axles due to the reinforcement brackets fracturing while the vehicle was being driven below 25 mph. the dealer stated that they were not required by the manufacturer to reinstall reinforcement brackets. the manufacturer was notified of the failure and suggested replacing the same oem rear axles. the vehicle was repaired. the failure mileage was not available. *tt consumer stated i feel the rear axles fail even with the recall brackets on, so i feel ford should pay for the bill. the tires went bad and out when this happened. the recall did not work and put new recall parts on new axles. updated 10/16/18*jb

In march 2015, i reported to ford that the rear axle broke in half while driving. we had been driving down the interstate 10 minutes before going 70 mph. if it had broken then, my husband and two daughters (13, 15) would have most certainly been killed. however, god spared us because we were only going 30 mph on a side street when the axle failed. when i reported it, ford told me that the rear axle recall ( i had performed in 2012) warranty had expired. also, any private mechanics i approached said it was a ford recall and would not perform the repair. so, at 137,000 miles we junked the vehicle at a junk yard because we couldn't get it repaired.

Tl* the contact owns a 2001 ford windstar. the contact stated that the rear passenger side tire was bent and noticed that the sub frame was rusted. the contact was made aware of nhtsa campaign id number: 11v030000 (structure). however, the vin was not included. the vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. the manufacturer was notified of the failure. the approximate failure mileage was 115,000.

In 2011 ford recalled over 400000 vans (1997-2003) due to serious corrosion of axles and other components. special repairs were done at ford expense. recently my mechanic informed me that the rear motor mount and the van sub frame had continued to rust badly to the extent that the unit was a safety risk. a search of the internet indicates that many, many repaired ford vehicles have experienced very serious corrosion of the sub frames and the repaired axles with serious results including failure of sub frames and or axles when driving!! *tr

Tl* the contact owns a 2001 ford windstar. while the vehicle was being serviced, an independent mechanic discovered that the rear and front subframes were severely corroded. in addition, the front subframe exhibited a hole on the driver side and the rear axle was fractured. the vehicle was repaired under nhtsa campaign number: 11v030000 (structure), but the subframes were not repaired. the manufacturer was made aware of the failure. the failure mileage was 91,120. updated 02/18/15*lj updated 10/2/2015*js

Tl* the contact owns a 2001 ford windstar. while driving various speeds, the steering wheel became difficult to turn. the vehicle was taken to a dealer who diagnosed that the subframe needed to be replaced. the vehicle was not repaired. the manufacturer was notified of the failure. the approximate failure mileage was 173,000.

The rear axle broke in the place that was "fixed" by the recall work in 2010. noticed squeaking noises (tire was rubbing) and a large clunk and wiggle when turning into a parking lot. took a photo when i got to the parking lot. my rear driver's side tire was at an angle to the vehicle and the rear axle was broken under the collar that had been attached by a dealer for the recall. the weld held up, but the axle snapped underneath the fix-up job. apparently the recall fix wasn't really a fix. towed it into a dealer, who took photos and talked to ford. ford said they wouldn't do anything. cost me $$ to tow it to the dealer and back home again. don't have $1,000 to pay the dealer for a new rear axle. very disappointed that they didn't stand by their work. very thankful that i was not on the freeway, and that all my children were not with me at the time. it could have been so much worse! *tr

I am the original owner of this 2001 ford windstar se minivan which now has a rusted, corroded and broken passenger side engine subframe which renders the vehicle unsafe to drive. i complied with the earlier ford recalls with regard to this issue (11s16) and the service was completed (6/20/2012) at the ford dealership. now after 27 months and less than 16,000 miles later, the engine subframe breaks and the cost to repair of about $5,000.00 exceeds the kelley blue book values for the vehicle. ford has refused any help and claims they have complied with the recall work and the matter is closed. i believe the recall support bracket that was installed was nothing more that a band-aid approach to correct a major safety issue with substandard engine subframe parts. i have asked ford to buy my vehicle back, as that was an option under the recall(11s16) but they have refused again saying the matter was closed. it seems to me that the engine subframe parts should last much longer than 13 years or 97,000 miles. after all ford suggests the 1st engine tune up for this vehicle at 100,000 miles. i guess i won't be worrying about that in the future. i have this vehicle now for a short while and i have pictures of the broken subframe. i will be getting rid of it probably to a junk yard for scrap value. i am worried about all the other windstar owners driving around with this same potential condition on our roads and highways. i want you to initiate a follow up investigation into the effectiveness of the recall fix(11s16) as seen on my vehicle and others. as a result of this experience, i will never own another ford in my life. *tr

Tl* the contact owns a 2001 ford windstar. the contact stated that while driving at various speeds, there was a loud abnormal noise coming from the front of the vehicle. the vehicle was taken to the independent mechanic for diagnostic testing, who stated that the sub frame was completely rusted. the vehicle was not repaired. the vehicle was previously repaired under nhtsa campaign number: 11v030000 (structure, suspension), however the failure persisted. the manufacturer was notified of the failure. the approximate failure mileage was 200,000.

Tl* the contact owns a 2001 ford windstar. the contact stated that while reversing at approximately 4 mph, the motor detached, fell from the vehicle, and pulled all the cables for the gear shift. in addition, the abs, the airbag, and the check engine warning lights illuminated. the contact also stated that the engine stalled. the vehicle was taken to the dealer where the mechanic stated that a rear axle and the front sub frame needed to be replaced. the vehicle was not repaired. the manufacturer was notified of the failure. the approximate failure mileage was 236,000.

While backing out of my driveway the subframe fell out of my vehicle causing the throttle body to open all the way dropped out of reverse and went into drive lost steering ,lost brakes jammed vehicle into park to stop 1 foot from telephone pole. had vehicle towed to ford took 1 week to here anything from them ,was told i could not have a rental or loaner vehicle while they had my car. called ford customer service line was told i could only get rental car for 1 day for subframe and 1 day for rear axle recall , as of 7/14 2014 was told i would maybe have my vehicle back by next week after ford evaluated my car for repairs. i did not receive a phone call from ford dealer until 7/14/2014. *tr

I was driving on interstate 39 towards wisconsin dells with my wife and daughters. about 15 miles out of madison wisconsin my daughters began screaming i looked back and there was smoke everywhere. i immediately pulled to side of highway and got everyone out of the vehicle. both my rear tires had collapse. i had to get towed into a ford dealer in madison wisconsin. the rear axle on the van had split in half. calling ford was no help. they stated that a recall had been on that vehicle a couple years back and that the warranty on that recall had expired. luckily nothing happened to my family but if these issues on this recall which was done two years ago hasn't fixed the problem someone is going to get seriously hurt! even if i fix this problem i will not be able to trust this vehicle. please look into this someone. there are many windstars that were repaired around the same time because of recall that will begin to fall apart again. problem not fixed! *tr

While driving through an intersection i heard a loud bang underneath the car and i lost all steering control! i parked the car and called for a tow. when van was on the flatbed i observed the engine mounting had detached on both sides of the car. the engine and other components were hanging down. had van towed home. through my own research i found that my van was part of recall no. 11s16 for corrosion related fractures at the front lower control arm rear attaching brackets and body mount attachments at the rear of the front subframe. i was shocked that i had not been notified of this recall because i had been notified regarding recall no 11s13 for rear axle corrosion related cracking. van was taken for inspection axle and we were told it passed and nothing else needed to be done. had van towed again, this time to dealer. dealer says subframe and rear axle need replaced and ford wants to do the replacement. as a result of the frame detachment, the intermediate shaft needs replaced. there are other unknown components that may need repaired/replaced and they won't know until they do the work. the other repairs may or may not be paid for by ford. under ford's own remedies, if brackets can not repair the original subframe, then a repurchase offer for the vehicle should be made. to date, ford has refused this as a remedy. instead, they want to replace the subframe and axle that would have to be attached to other corroded parts of the vehicle. my family's lives were already put in danger enough by these defective products. i was not notified regarding the subframe recall and the rear axle was improperly handled. the axle should have had reinforcement brackets attached even if it did pass inspection. this was not done nor were we told to bring it back in to be done. ford should be forced to buy back my vehicle under it's own remedy instructions provided to the nhtsa. *tr

Took in for a recall on subframe put on support brackets. went to get it inspected. subframe is rotted out. i was told another recall was done for those in cold weather climates. ford recall computer is down. the consumer was informed the vehicle was unsafe to drive, as the frame was structurally unsound. no was willing to fix the other problems with the vehicle, due to the rusted out frame. updated 05/12/14

Tl* the contact owns a 2001 ford windstar. the contact stated that while driving approximately 15 mph, the steering wheel became difficult to maneuver. the steering wheel then independently turned in a complete circle. the sub frame detached from the vehicle and dropped to the ground. the vehicle was towed to an authorized dealer and repaired under nhtsa campaign id number: 11v030000 (structure). the dealer refused to replace the other components that were damaged as a result of the failure. the affected parts were the clock spring, exhaust flex pipe, power steering belt and transmission bracket, which had not been repaired. the manufacturer was notified of the problem. the approximate failure mileage was 95,000. updated 12/4/13*cn

Had the vehicle serviced for 2 corrosion recalls. was driving on the freeway approx. 60mph, heard a pop in the area of the right front tire. took van to the shop i use, where i was told it was part of the frame and need to take it to the dealership(blackwell ford, plymouth, mi. 48170). dealership said the van needed a subframe assy. and right sway bar bushing bracket, and possibly more. all was due to corrosion, combination poor design and inferior material. they contacted ford motor, sent estimate, pictures and information. fords response is that it wasn't part of any recall, even though there has been at least two for corrosion that i am aware of. this is clearly a design and/or a material issue with my windstar. it is not safe to drive, and there is no way, with my conscious that i can try to sell it. this is an ongoing issue with the windstar. i'm sure this is part of hundreds if not thousands of complaints on this issue, what can be done? how many injuries or deaths have there been because of corrosion issue with the windstar? help!!!! *tr

Tl* the contact owns a 2001 ford windstar. the contact stated that the sway bar bracket became fractured as a result of the sub-frame being corrosion. the vehicle was taken to an authorized dealer for inspection, who informed the contact that the entire sub frame would need to be replaced. the vehicle was not repaired. the manufacturer was not made aware of the defect. the approximate failure mileage was 178,000. returned by usps on 9-12-2013. second attempt on 10-31-2013 failed. *kb

Tl* the contact owns a 2001 ford windstar. the contact stated that while attempting to shift into drive, the frame became fractured and the engine detached from the vehicle. the vehicle was taken to the dealer where the technician verified that the sub frame was fractured and needed to be replaced. the manufacturer was made aware of the failure but did not offer any assistance. the vehicle was not repaired. the failure and current mileage was 95,000. *tr

Passage side sub frame is rusted, almost broken. *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

I heard loud clunking sounds in the front that were more pronounced when i went over bumps. the sway bar has broken off from the front sub-frame passenger side of the car. the dealer said the sub-frame is so rusted that the only way to reattach the sway bar is to replace the entire front sub-frame at a cost of $3,500. it is not covered under previous recalls, since the prior 2 recalls in 2010 and 2011 only specifically covered the rear axle and the separation of the front lower control arms attaching brackets and body mount attachments at the rear of the front sub-frame. this problem is so similar to the jan. 2011 recall w/a part breaking off from a rusted sub-frame. it's the corrosion of the sub-frame that is at the root of these problems. they should have just replaced the sub-frame at that time instead of doing a patch job w/ brackets. the dealer deemed my car unsafe to drive, as i won't have control of my car on quick turns or be able to make fast maneuvers in the event of an accident or to avoid potential accidents. another risk is that my engine may fall out the bottom of my car while driving (which i see has happened to others with my same problem), endangering my family and others on the road. i plan on parking this car in my driveway and waiting for ford to be forced to recall these vehicles. in the meantime, if any of you have a similar problem, please report them to ford corporation and the nhtsa, so what i believe to be an inevitable recall will be expedited. even the ford customer service rep encouraged me to file a report with the nhtsa because she has gotten calls with other similar complaints. she was very sympathetic to my situation but said there is nothing she can do until enough complaints get filed with the nhtsa so they open an investigation. what happened to companies wanting to help their customers w/o being forced by a governmental agency?! *tr

The rear axle, is rusted and snapped literally right in half while driving with my two young children! we were lucky enough not to have been seriously hurt or in an accident! *tr