Problems with 2001 Ford Windstar STRUCTURE

While driving on a local road at approximately 35 mph, my 2001 ford windstar broke down and was immobile. after being towed and inspected by a repair service, the cause was determined to be the front subframe. the front passenger side tire was facing right while all others were forward facing. this easily could have resulted in serious injury or a crash if other vehicles had been near or had the vehicle been traveling at higher speed. *tr

I would like to report a recurring problem that i have had with my ford windstar 2 years ago while pulling out of a parking space the front right control arm pulled free from the sub-frame on my windstar. fortunately no one was hurt. i had the sub-frame replaced with another used frame by a local mechanic. last friday i took the van to the local ford dealer to take care of the most recent recall on the rear axles. the dealership called me at home and told me the front sub-frame was severely rotted and the right control arm was barley holding on to the frame. they deemed the vehicle unsafe to drive. i have pulled the vehicle from the road until i can get it fixed. i feel fortunate that it did not break at highway speed with my wife and three kids in the van. *tr

Tl*the contact owns a 2001 ford windstar. while driving approximately 55 mph, the vehicle pulled to the right and the check engine light illuminated. the dealer stated that the frame on the front driver side was severely rusted beyond repair. the vin was unavailable. the failure mileage was approximately 126,000.

While on a family trip today in my 2001 ford windstar i noticed an extremely loud grinding /rubbing noise coming from the front psgr. side, when i returned home i took it to the shop immediately where i was told that the subframe had completely rusted through on the passenger side and was nearly through the other side as well and was told that my entire family had been at risk of injury or death had the otherside failed as well, and to stop driving it immediately and that it would cost in excess of $2000 to fix. my anger and horror multiplied when while trying to locate affordable used replacement part online i discovered that ford has received many complaints about this safety issue, how dare they put my loved ones and countless thousands other at risk because they used defective or substandard parts. i will be contacting ford directly to find out what they intend to do to correct this issue and appreciate anything the nhtsa can do to help expedite the recall of said parts. *tr

After making a right hand turn heard a thump noise. when trying to complete the turn and straighten out the wheel,the car jumped to the left and ended up in the middle of a two laned road. after having vehicle towed to shop was informed that front subframe had rusted out, causing axle to disengage from front right tire rendering vehicle inoperable. could not push vehicle to side of road. had to wait for police vehicle to push to side of road.*ln

Tl* the contact owns a 2001 ford windstar. the contact stated that while having the vehicle serviced, he noticed rust on the rear passenger side of the engine frame. the mechanic stated that it would eventually rot and the engine could fall out from the vehicle. the vehicle was taken to a second mechanic who confirmed the failure. the vehicle was not repaired. the manufacturer was not notified of the failure. the current mileage was approximately 77,000. the failure mileage was approximately 70,000.

We observed clunking in the front end prior to the failure. while turning the wheel to the right to park, a loud noise was heard in the front end. after that, the steering wheel was turned right while the car was going straight down the road. after inspection, the passenger side attachment point for the sub-frame was rotted off and separated from the mount. substantial corrosion was also noted on the drive and passenger side control arm attachment points. *tr

2001 ford windstar right lower control arm mount failure. just driving down the road when i notice my steering wheel was not centered, slowed down until i got into parking lot. went to turn and lost drive, looked at front end and right tire was pointing to right and left tire was straight, looked under van and saw that mount had come off frame and axle pulled out of transmission. had van towed back to my house. went right to my computer to see if there was any complaints about front end failure and their is. was going to have van rear axle checked per recall but can't even get it to ford dealership for that. called ford and their is no help. i am a mechanic and have never seen a mount come off a frame like this. this van has always been parked in a garage and washed at a high pressure wash with under car rinse. i think this is poor metal or a poor design. *tr

My 2001 windstar has severe corrosion on the subframe. the corrosion is located on the right side of the vehicle near the front wheel. the vehicle is currently being held by a dealership for the axle recall, i have made them aware of the corrosion but it seems they have no intention of repairing it since it is not a recall. *tr

The right control arm broke off of the sub frame while backing out of our drive way. the van is not drivable (contacting ford to find out what can be done). *tr

I have a ford windstar 2001 mini van and i live in new york state. on december 7th, 2010, as i was pulling left into a parking space i heard a loud cracking sound. (at first i thought i had rolled over a very large piece of ice) i again proceeded to pull in, but my car would not move. (engine was still on) i got out and found 3 of my tires facing left and 1 facing right. i called aaa and was preparing to have it towed to a mechanic. when the driver/mechanic from aaa, informed me that the lower control arm (drive arm) had tore away from the main frame (front axel) at the front of the car, and had tore away all of the driving mechanisms and would need a welder first , not a mechanic . so i had him take it to a local welder. he was able to find some clean metal to weld it back on and then recommended i take it to a mechanic to finish up with everything else that was needed. the mechanic told me that it would need a cv joint and the linkage for the transmission in order to have it working again. i have never had any issues with the engine, or transmission prior to this day. and the car has very little rust on it's body. so i would have never thought to look underneath for any. and because it was always maintained well, a mechanic was hardly ever under her to see if there was any possible damage either. she has less than 75,000 miles on her so i never expected this to occur. i have filed a report with ford after the incident but all they could say was thank you and they'll make a not of it. and that the rear axel was on recall....but if that was the case, why not the front axel too??? *tr

On december 27th, my wife had her ford windstar lx recall on the rear axle fixed at jim kiem ford in hilliard, ohio. she also wanted ford to look into a really bad noise that she was hearing in front when she was turning. it was a loud banging noise. jim kiem ford told us that the sound that we heard was the sub-frame. they said the sub-frame was rusted and that the vehicle was unsafe to drive. they said that the engine might fall out of the car! my wife and children have been using this van everyday. i have read many windstar owners comments online about the same problem. what does it take to get a recall? do children have to die! *tr

Front end steering,disturbing front end frame sound,abs lights noticed abs braking problem,brake light,od light,interior lights flash on and off intermittently when driving. have to cut the van off and restart for to stop that only last awhile. .took into dealer for recalls still dealing with electrical problem so forth. i never been so scared of an vehicle in my life. *tr

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

Tl*the contact owns a 2001 ford windstar. while driving approximately 5 mph, the contact stated that the sub frame on her vehicle was covered with rusted and damaged. the dealer was notified and stated that the sub frame needed to be replaced. the vehicle will be repaired by an authorized dealer. the manufacturer had not been contacted. the current and failure mileage was approximately 114,000.

I had to replace the subframe on my 2001 ford windstar. *tr

Vehicle front subframe structure corroded and caused the passenger side lower control arm to break off where the mounting tabs connect into the frame and the passenger side sway bar mount also corroded causing it to fail at the same time. occurred while driving causing the car to skid as the passengerside axle came right out of the transmission when the frame failed. *tr

Tl*the contact owns a 2001 ford windstar. while driving approximately 60 mph she noticed that she could turn the steering wheel but the vehicle would not change directions. the vehicle was stopped and shut off. the vehicle was towed to an independent mechanic where she was informed that the frame under the vehicle was severely corroded and that the tie rods failed. the vehicle was not repaired. the failure and current mileages were 150,000. the vin was unavailable.

My wife and i own a 2001 ford windstar. the other day as we were driving down the road we heard a loud pop from the front passenger side of the car. we pulled over to find that the subframe had broken. *tr

Tl*the contact owns a 2001 ford windstar. the contact stated that the passenger side subframe had rusted; the vehicle made a thumping sound as if the wheel would fall off. the contact also noticed that the bolts near the wheel were also rusted. the vehicle had not been inspected or repaired. the vin was unavailable. the current and failure mileages were approximately 120,000.

2001 ford windstar confiscated by dealer during recall inspection on 11/10/2010 due to crack in rear axle. as of 01/04/2011, no parts are available or expected to be available in the next few weeks. i am concerned about the mounting costs of this confiscation including loss of use of vehicle, reduced vehicle value even after possible repair, cost of interim rental vehicle, lack of communication by ford and the dealership. *tr

Whilst turning a corner the front subframe mount sheared at the lower control arm connection. i lost steering and power. my car ended in a ditch at the side of the road. myself and my one year old son were in the car at the time, we were both shaken but not injured. when the subframe failed the half axle left the transmission, thus losing power and the two front wheel were left pointing in opposite directions. we have not had this repaired yet but have been told that's parts will be in excess of $1800 plus labor. this could cost $2500. worse still if this had have happened on the motorway, it does bear to consider the consequences! i have seen thousands of similar cases posted on various internet sites, this needs to be remedied before someone gets seriously hurt! *tr

The front sub-frame on the right side has severe rusting and corrosion where the sub-frame meets the control arm. i took it in for inspection and was notified by the mechanic that it would not pass without replacement and was not even safe to drive out of his shop. he also said that he was surprised the car passed inspection at the ford dealership last year. thankfully, it was discovered before the sub-frame detached. *tr

Front sub frame rusted out on the right passenger side. after going to a transmission shop to have my trans rebuilt i went to a mechanic to see why i kept hearing strange noise from the passenger side of the van. when the mechanic lifted the van he showed me the rusted subframe and stated that eventually it will fail and that it needs to be replaced. the only way to resolve this problem is to replace the sub frame, because it is too thin to weld in their opinion. *tr

Tl* the contact owns a 2001 ford windstar. the contact stated that while driving approximately 10 mph, the front passenger side tire detached from the vehicle. the vehicle was towed to an independent mechanic who informed the contact that she would need to replace the sub frame and cradle assembly due to rusting. the vehicle was repaired. the failure mileage was approximately 85,958. updated 03/02/11 *bf updated 04/28/11

Tl* the contact owns a 2001 ford windstar. the contact stated that the vehicle was repaired under nhtsa campaign id number:11v030000(structure: frame and members:underbody shields). the vehicle was not able to pass state inspection due to corrosion and a crack in the frame. the vehicle was taken back to the dealer and the manufacturer was contacted. the vehicle was repaired. the failure mileage was 107,136 and the current mileage was 116,700.

2001 ford windstar se: may 4, 2010, backing out of driveway, loud noise, could not drive car. driver's side rear axle fractured, car towed to mechanic who repaired and reinforced said fracture by welding. august 2010, ford announces recall of windstars, issues letters to affected owners late september, 2010. received ford recall notice during the week of october 18, 2010. sunday, october 31, 2010, while driving on side road (5 passengers, plus driver) same loud noise, car immobilized. passenger side rear axle fractured. passengers left stranded. car towed first to residence then to dealership on monday am. told by dealer that car would not be repaired until january or february, 2011 (at the earliest) as no parts available. *tr

My windstar is at dealers for broken rear axle and i was told front subframe is rusted. *tr

We heard a noise when vehicle turned and then while pulling away from a stop light the subframe fell off of the car landing on the road. it had completely rusted through. the bolt was still attached. the mechanic confirmed that it had rusted through. this is a dangerous problem. *tr

Tl*the contact owns a 2001 ford windstar. while driving approximately 5 mph and attempting to make a turn, the contact heard a clicking noise coming from the outside of the vehicle. the vehicle exhibited a slight vibration for a couple of seconds and continued in operation. the vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic where a diagnostic test was performed and they informed that the engine cradle completely rusted due to corrosion. the vehicle was in the process of being repaired. the failure mileage was 142,000. updated 12/01/2011 *ln

My 2001 ford windstar was brought to my mechanic for potential problem with front stabilization. upon lifting to vehicle on the lift, it was obvious to the mechanic that the rear mount on the passenger side of the subframe was completely rusted to the point that it was hanging down. i was instructed not to drive this vehicle.. the issue at hand appears to be as identified in the nhtsa action number: pe10026. *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

Clunking noise from r/f of vehicle when turning left, and severe pull when accelerating. found front subframe rusted thru and cracked at passenger side rear mount. had to replace front subframe. *tr

2001 ford windstar 280,000 miles ne oh 10-11-10. right side lower control arm separated from frame. 65 mph from left lane crossed 3 lanes rush hour traffic. no warning signs somehow no collision. axle pulled from transmission. replaced: tire, axle, boots. frame shop reinforced and straight frame, aligned front end. repair damaged transmission cooling lines and required replacement. *tr

On a sunday evening, october 10, around 9:00 p.m., while making a turn into my street,, i heard a loud noise, the van abruptly stopped leaving most of the vehicle in between two roads. the van could not be pushed out of the way. the police responded to redirect traffic and called for a flat bed tow which cost $180! they needed to be extremely careful so that the tires or other parts would not be damaged. without knowing what was wrong with the vehicle, it was towed to my repair shop. the next day i was informed they could not do the repair. then it was towed to a repair shop that could do the repair (another $40). i understand the frame cracked. the repair shop removed axel shaft, seal rebuilt frame at rear of lower control arm and undercoat. installed new seal, axel assembly and fluid for the cost of $546. i can't imagine the outcome if this happened while driving home from work on the thruway doing 65 mph. *tr

Vehicle began to pull dramatically when operated and could not be aligned properly. makes a loud thumping sound when driven. the front right sub frame has corroded such that it has nearly broken off. i have spoken to several mechanics and there is no repair that can be done short of a replacement of the front sub frame. it is to the point where the engine will drop out of the vehicle and the right front wheel will no longer be attached to the vehicle. while i have had the vehicle in for alignment, it can not be aligned again and i have been advised that the condition is extremely dangerous. i brought the vehicle in to a ford dealer for other recall work and was advised that there is no recall for this dangerous condition. *tr

Tl*the contact owns a 2001 ford windstar. while having the vehicle examined by an independent mechanic for steering issues, the contact was informed that the sub frame was corroded. the vehicle had not been repaired. the failure and current mileages were approximately 116,000.

Tl*the contact owns a 2001 ford windstar. while the dealer inspected the rear axle for recall 10v385000 suspension: rear: axle: non-powered axle assembly they also located a failure at the front h frame which was corroded and separated. the manufacturer stated that the failure wasn't recalled, but if a recall was issued in the future he could be reimbursed for the repair. the vehicle wasn't repaired. the failure and current mileages were 114,000 miles. the ac compressor leaked water onto the frame and caused it to rot. updated evoq 11/12/10*jb updated 01/20/11 *bf updated 04/13/11

Went for a routine oil change and my mechanic discovered the passenger side sub frame is all but rusted out. *tr

I was driving down i-75 in toledo ohio at 70 mph when my rear axle broke in half on my 2001 ford windstar minivan. lost control but was able to not hit anyone or roll over. i have had no help from ford and nothing but a run around from them help!!! i have 4 children and no transportation. my eldest daughter has no busing in our county so i have to transport both ways and no vehicle. no way to get groceries or dr. appts. ford promised me a rental but 9 days have gone by and no help. what do i do? they are telling me it will be over three months before i can have my van repaired. *tr

Our 2001 ford windstar started making a popping noise a couple of months ago, usually at slow speeds and while turning. when we had it checked out, we were told the subframe has rusted through at one place. this could potentially pose a significant safety risk, as the motor mounts, steering control arms, etc., are attached to this subframe. *tr

Tl* the contact owns a 2001 ford windstar. the contact was driving 35 mph downhill when the vehicle made a loud, crashing noise followed by a loss of power steering and braking power. the vehicle was taken to a dealer where the contact was advised that the sub frame cradle had fractured from the frame while driving. the dealer also advised that the steering components, transmission, drive train and frame would need replacing. the vehicle was not repaired. the failure mileage was approximately 140,000.

2001 ford windstar with a cracked rear axle. no letter has been received to address this matter. our van made creaking noises and we had heard through the media that a recall was beginning. the dealership and the ford customer relations dept. will not give us a definite answer as to when we can expect a resolution. we were given a 30 day rental and 14 days have passed and no answers. we are given $30 a day for a rental car by ford but must pay taxes totaling $3.30 a day. the voucher is $38 daily with $8 used for insurance if needed. we pay through our private insurance company for such coverage. why cannot ford use the additional $8 a day to cover our taxes? the explanation for the recall was to be no expense to the owner for correcting the problem. we did not create this problem and bought our van in good faith of the ford motor co. reputation. this certainly doesn't make for good customer relations. no definite deadline for repairs and giving up the van to use a 4 door car has been very inconvenient. i am requesting a deadline be established and for ford to use the additional $8 we are not using but was allocated for coverage of this problem to be covered for those customers who already have insurance for rental cars under their private insurance carrier. *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

My wife pulled out of someone's driveway and without a warning, the front end of our 2001 ford windstar had fallen out destroying the control arm, strut and possibly more damage. the van got taken to a garage where it was revealed that the cradle had basically split and if this had happened on the highway, there was a high percentage that my wife and three children would have been seriously injured or killed thanks to ford manufacturing deathtrap parts. parts like this should be the last thing to ever go. we bought the van in june 2009 with only 112,000 kms on it. ford should be footing the bill and a recall should be ordered immediately. i will never buy a ford ever again. i will be getting the van fixed next week and i will be keeping the old cradle as evidence and my receipt for the cost of repairs. *tr

My 01 ford windstar van sub frame has lot of corrosion. i have notice this after reading rear axel recall. *tr

The front end of my 2001 ford windstar makes a lot of noise like it is going to fall apart. i'm afraid because my rear axle broke in 2 pieces going 65 mph on the interstate. i'm sure something is going on with my front subframe. how do we get this investigated? *tr

After hearing some noise when turning i inspected my 2001 ford windstar lx and found the subframe/cradle rusted out on right side rear mount. i have not done anything yet to fix it (looking for prices) but i know the subframe/cradle is bad and needs to be replaced. *tr

Product recall made on personal vehicle in february 2011 ( notification sent ) however vehicle was turned in for repair because hood and engine was smoking and overheating ! i was informed then that the car could be potential danger and could relate in vehicle detachment. i turned car into ford dealership and check engine light still appears and car can not pass inspection. i feel very unsafe. *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