Problems with 2003 Ford Windstar STRUCTURE

After having the 2011 rear axle and subframe recall done my transmission failed with no warning signs what's so ever . . . . shortly after spending two thousand on having the transmission rebuilt in august my brake light came on and my abs starting kicking in when i apply my breaks and when my abs light comes on my brakes are fine and my van doesn't come up on the abs recall . . . . . . ford needs to get their act together and fix these vans. *tr

Tl* the contact owns a 2003 ford windstar. the contact stated that after receiving notification of a manufacturer's recall for the motor brackets, the vehicle was taken to the dealer for repairs. months after the recall repairs while the contact was driving approximately 5 mph, the engine began shifting abnormally. the vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic where they advised the contact that two motor mounts were fractured and needed to be replaced. the vehicle was repaired. the mechanic advised the contact that the failure may have been caused by the previous recall repairs. the failure mileage was approximately 186,000. the vin was unavailable. updated 02/09/12*lj updated 04/18/12

Tl* the contact owns a 2003 ford windstar. the contact stated that the vehicle was repaired under nhtsa campaign id numbers: 10v385000( suspension:rear:axle:non-powered axle assembly) and 11v030000 (structure: frame and members:underbody shields). the vehicle was later taken for routine maintenance when the technician advised that the brackets that were installed on the vehicle from the recall were not steady and unsafe. the manufacturer was not contacted nor was the vehicle further repaired. the failure and current mileage was approximately 82,000. the vin was unavailable.

Tl* the contact owns a 2003 ford windstar. while driving in reverse at approximately 5 mph the contact heard a snapping sound. the contact stopped the vehicle and noticed the front passengers side suspension had detached from the vehicle. the vehicle was towed to an independent mechanic. the mechanic stated that the front passenger side lower control arm and suspension detached from the vehicle. the mechanic notified the contact of a recall related to the failure. the dealer was then notified and the contact was informed that the vehicle was not included in the recall associated with nhtsa campaign id number 11v030000 (structure: frame and members:under body shields). the vehicle was towed to the dealer where the contact was informed that the sub frame was corroded and needed to be replaced. the technicians repaired both front lower control arms and body mounts. the suspension bar which detached from the vehicle and the sub frame was not replaced. the approximate failure mileage was 180,000. updated 08/17/11

Tl* the contact owns a 2003 ford windstar. the contact received notification of nhtsa campaign id number: 11v030000 (structure: frame and members:underbody shields). the contact took the vehicle to the dealer for recall repairs to the front passenger side sub frame and the rear axle. the vehicle was repaired however, the sub frame failed a few months later. the contact went to have an alignment performed on the vehicle and was advised that she needed to take the vehicle to the dealer because the sub frame was rusted. the vehicle was taken to the dealer where they advised that there was a hole in the sub frame and the vehicle was no longer safe to drive. the manufacturer was not notified. the failure mileage was 75,000.

Tl*the contact owns a 2003 ford windstar. the contact stated the passenger side sliding door does not work properly. the door will not open with the remote or key, but then it would also open on its own. the vehicle had not been inspected or repaired. the failure and current mileages were 104,000.

Tl* the contact owns a 2003 ford windstar. the contact stated that the automatic doors would open and close without anyone operating the control buttons. the dealer was notified of the failure and advised that there were no recalls for the failure. the manufacturer was notified and confirmed that there were no recalls and offered no assistance. the failure mileage was 119,000.

2003 ford windstar minivan. consumer expresses discontent in regards to vehicle recall and unsafe to drive *tgw the consumer stated the vehicle was recalled. it was then determined the vehicle could not be repaired and was not safe to drive. the consumer was offered a settlement amount of $6,675. he statement the settlement offer was not adequate. *jb

Tl* the contact owns a 2003 ford windstar. the contact stated that the vehicle exhibited a loud pop from the front passenger side while the vehicle was parked. the contact noticed that the spring had fractured yet the plate in which the spring was attached was still in place. the contact mentioned that the vehicle was included in nhtsa campaign id number: 11v030000 (structure: frame and members:underbody shields) and contacted the manufacturer. the manufacturer advised that the vehicle would need a diagnostic performed before determining if the failure was related to the recall and if the repairs would be covered. in addition, the contact stated that the vehicle was previously repaired because the front driver side spring failed. the vehicle was not further repaired. the approximate failure mileage was 110,000.

My 2003 ford windstar limited edition has major electrical problems. the hazzard lights will not go off therefore draining my battery. i have to disconnect it whenever i shut it off. it is currently at bay ridge ford for the recall involving the rear axle. however it has failed emissions for code 171 and 174. i believe there is a major flaw in the design of the windstar van. *tr

While driving at low speed, a loud bang was heard and all steering control was lost. *tr

Brought my 2003 ford windstar sel (with 78,397 miles on it) in to dealer to have it checked for subframe recall, the engine light began flashing, and the abs, brake light, and trac off lights had all gone on. during the diagnosis, they found that the subframe was fine, the spark plugs needed to be replaced, the ignition coil needed to be replace (causing cylinder 3 to misfire), and the pcm needed to be resealed for moisture. (march 3rd, 2011) they found no hard code for the brakes. we get the necessary work done, drive the van home, and within a day the abs light, brake light, and trac off light come back on. call and have the dealer look at van again, they now find code 1185 (pin point test found abs module not responding). the dealer replaced the abs module and rescanned with no codes and was road tested. everything seemed fine (march 7th, 2011), i pick up van, within 4 hours, the abs light, brake light, and trac off light are back on. as of right now, the van is back at the dealers being checked again. this is very disappointing. in the last week, i have had to bring this particular van in 4 times due to problems. this all comes after having work done on this van in december. in december 2010, they performed system diag,, dtcs, po174, po174, lean on both banks, inspect for vacuum leaks, found leaks at intake manifold runner control shafts, required intake manifold replacement to correct, replaced intake manifold and required parts, including cleaned fuel injector, changed oil and filter cleared dtcs, retested verified proper operation. manifold, 2 seals, 5 gaskets, isolator, thermostat, anti-freeze, coupling, fuel system, filter, engine oil). this should not be the case with a van that has less than 80,000 miles on it. *tr

Ford windstar was recalled for rear axles. i had that repaired. i got another recall for the front axles. dealer says parts not available and van "should be okay" until parts are available. "should be okay" is not acceptable!! if there is a recall, the part should be available at the time of the recall, not weeks or months later. *tr

2003 ford windstar. consumer writes in regards to the performance of the ford motor company and two safety recalls *tgw the consumer stated the inspections and repairs were not conducted in a timely, efficient, and responsible manner. the consumer stated when he finally received an appointment for the axle inspection, it was determined the axle was cracked in three places. the dealer did not have the replacement parts and the vehicle was deemed unsafe to drive, and therefore, it was left at the dealer for over a month. the consumer stated he then received another recall relating to the subframe. the consumer contacted the dealer regarding the second recall and was informed they were aware of it and he would be contacted when the repairs for the second recall had been completed. the consumer received a voice mail from the dealer stating the parts for the axle had arrived. however, it was discovered the engine had an oil leak, the sway bar link was broken in the front, the right front tire was badly worn on the inside and the left rear shock was completely blown out. *jb

I went to the service station for recall they first told me my car wasn't able to be fixed then they tell me it is able to be fix i have to be i little skeptical when there flip flop like especially when my family life at stake. *tr

Safety recalls concerns: 09v399000, 10v38500, 11v030000. recall on # 10v385000 was repaired but still having a problem with the repair have taken back three times they couldn't find anything, but there is still a problem it makes a popping noise when vehicle shifts. recall on #11v030000 was not repaired, took in for inspection to ford they said as long as i was in alabama i nothing to be concern about, the recall notice stated if the vehicle passed inspection the dealer is authorized to complete reinforcement, my vehicle passed inspection but no repair was made.recall on 09v399000 i have talk with them several times they informed me there was no recall for this vehicle for that recall . *tr

Tl* the contact owns a 2003 ford windstar. the contact stated that nhtsa campaign id number: 11v030000 structure: frame and members: underbody shields repair was performed, but the failure was not corrected. the front subframe developed a new crack due to corrosion, and the rear passenger side subframe was severely corroded within the suspension attachment which developed a crack and a hole. the vehicle did not pass stated inspection and was deemed unsafe to drive. the vehicle was not repaired. the manufacturer was made aware of the failure. the failure mileage was 107,694 and the current mileage was 129,399.

Ford safety recall 11s16 was to reinforce or replace rear axle to ensure vehicle safety. ford installed brackets that were either ineffective, improperly installed, or axle was already cracked when installed. when owner was informed of possible cracks in rear axle april 2013 ford was immediately notified and fords response is that there are no factory warranties or programs in effect to assist with this issue. this vehicle currently has 110200 miles on it. it has been driven 12,000 miles since the recall. at the time of the safety recall 11s16 repairs the owner had requested that ford replace the axle instead of installing brackets, and was willing to contribute towards the additional repair costs. ford refused to replace the axle, installing the brackets instead. subsequently, ford repairs were ineffective and resulted in cracks in the rear axle. as of this date, ford has taken the position that the repairs to the vehicle are the responsibility of the owner. the owner disagrees and is requesting that ford be required to live up to their agreement under the safety recall 11s16, to ensure that the rear axle of said vehicle meets or exceeds safety requirements. *tr

Recently issued recall of 2004 ford co. minivans for input shaft failure, all ford windstars including 2003 models have the same issue. freestar van is nothing but a name change for the same poor unsafe vehicle. along with the many safety issues, owners should be compensated for the repairs made on substandard vehicle. including the frame issues, brakes issue, electrical and engine quality. *tr

Tl* the contact owns a 2003 ford windstar. the contact received notification of nhtsa campaign id numbers: 10v385000 (suspension: rear:axle:non-powered axle assembly) and 11v030000 (structure: frame and members: underbody shields). the contact stated that the manufacturer and dealer were not properly inspecting or handling the recall repairs. the contact had not experienced a failure. the current mileage was 200,000. the vin was unavailable.

During oil change a visual inspection of surrounding areas revealed a fracture of right rear subframe mount. #1 long term a/c use, #2 rusting of right subframe at rear mount causing fracture of subframe,#3 subframe on order. van has been in florida since sold new in 2003. *tr

Tl*the contact owns a 2003 ford windstar. the contact stated that the front end of the vehicle was covered with rust and shaking violently while driving. the brake pedal also extended to the floorboard when it was engaged. all of the gauges on the instrument panel fell below zero, the brake light illuminated while all of the lights on the instrument panel began to shut on and off. the rear axle was cracked on each end of the vehicle. the vehicle was taken to an authorized dealer who added two plates on each side of the axle. the contact referenced recall 10v385000 (suspension:rear:axle:non-powered axle assembly) & recall 11v030000 (structure: frame and members:underbody shields) but was concerned with the remedies and stated that they were inadequate. the contact asked the dealer if they could guarantee that the axle would not break with the two plates but received no guarantee. the manufacturer offered no assistance. the current mileage was 127,000. the failure mileage was unknown.

Brought my 2003 ford windstar in to my local ford dealership because it failed state safety inspection as the abs light was on. ford took the vehicle and inspected it based upon a recall on the rear axle and said that it failed. they provided me with a rental. the next day, i called the dealership and asked them to check the abs right away anyway as if they were able to repair the axle issue soon, i would still not be able to drive the vehicle off their lot as it wasn't safe. at the time, the service manager agreed. i waited for a call back and received none. a month later, i placed another call and was told that there was going to be another recall for the front subframe and that ford was going to buyback vehicles that were already in with both issues so i should wait for the recall to become officially in progress. i waited another couple of weeks and when i heard nothing, i called back and inquired about the status. i was told that virtually no cars were failing the inspection for the front subframe, so i would have to wait until an axle was available for me to get my van back. i have still not heard the cost to repair my abs issue, so my question is, am i going to hear anything about this before they repair my axle, as i am going to be past the 60 days that i am allowed to repair the abs issue before massachusetts has the right to revoke my registration for not re-inspecting my vehicle. i am going to call my insurance company tomorrow to find out what i should be doing next, but in the meantime, i am left unknowing what is going to happen. as it stands, i will not have a safe vehicle to drive once they repair the axle as they are unwilling to do any work on the vehicle until they repair the axle. *tr

Tl*the contact owns a 2003 ford windstar. the vehicle was taken to the dealer for repairs for recall (nhtsa campaign id number: 10v385000 component: suspension: rear: axle: non-powered axle assembly) when the technician stated the front subframe was severely corroded and there was a hole in front of the bolt that held up the subframe. the contact stated there was an open investigation on that component (nhtsa action number: ea10007 component(s): structure: frame and members suspension). the vehicle was repaired for the recall but was not repaired for the sub frame. the approximate failure mileage was 105,100. /updated 3/7/11*cn updated 12/7/11 *cn

2003 ford windstar rear axle complaint and transmission. first of all, i was left stranded when the transmission went out on christmas eve. merry christmas to me from ford. ford wants $3800 to replace it. the van is only worth that. then i find out that ford has had many complaints and failures with the transmission. why do i have to pay for this. i take care of and maintain my vehicles and i get this handed to me. then the dealer tells me that the axle needs to be replaced and it might be 6 weeks before the part even comes in. they will not buy the van back because it is a 2003. i think they should. they are the ones who sold me this vehicle and now i have to deal with it. buy the time they pay for my rental and fix the axle, it would be cheaper to buy me out and save there customer alot of stress. *tr

Tl* the contact owns a 2003 ford windstar. the contact stated that the vehicle was experiencing numerous failures with the abs, brake light illumination, slow gear shifting and power windows and door lock failures. the manufacturer was contacted and advised that there were no recalls for the vehicle. the manufacturer denied any assistance with repairs to the vehicle. the vehicle was not taken to the dealer to be diagnosed or repaired. the failure mileage was 101,000 and the current mileage was 104,000.

Sub frame rusted. *tr

While accelerating from a stop light, steering control was completely lost at approximately 35mph. the vehicle turned to the left, then right, and ran off the right side of the road. it would not move in either forward or reverse. front wheels were pointed in different directions. the right front lower control arm had broken away from the frame, and the right front half-shaft had pulled out of the transaxle. the vehicle was towed to a nearby ford dealer. as of december 6, the dealer has not yet investigated the vehicle. *tr

I own a 2003 ford windstar se that has serious corrosion where the passenger side front control arm bolts into the frame. it has not failed completely, but i feel i should not be responsible for the cost of this repair. *tr

Tl*the contact owns a 2003 ford windstar. the contact stated that after receiving a recall notice in regards to nhtsa campaign id number 11v030000(structure: frame and members:underbody shields) and 10v385000(suspension:rear:axle:non-powered axle assembly). she took her vehicle into the dealer november of 2010 for both recalls and the parts were not available to perform the recall repairs. the manufacturer was contacted and offered no assistance. there are no failures at this time.

2003 ford windstar subframe defect. *tr

Mounting bracket for the lower control arm on the subframe rusted and broke, making tire change direction while my wife was pulling into the driveway. the axle slid out. subframe has to be replaced. dealership quoted about $1500 to repair. rear axle is involve in recall. i believe this should also be recalled at is a safety concern that should not happen to a vehicle only 8 years old. *tr

My 2003 ford windstar was recalled for rear axle the dealer kept the vehicle because crack was found, i spoke to third party mechanic who spoke about front sub frame as well the third party mechanic then showed me the crack in my windstar front sub frame and informed me that it could break off at any time . i then brought this to the attention of the ford dealer who then responded saying its not part of the recall and refereed me to ford canada public relations who also said its not part of the recall and that i should have it fixed at my expense. *tr

Our ford windstar van that was manufactured in may 2003 was making a loud noise from the rear. when we took it to the dealer they said the rear axle was cracked in two places and had rust/corrosion holes in it. they said we could not drive it because it was unsafe and they could not get a replacement part until april 2011. we later find out that ford windstar vans from 1999 thru february 2003 have been recalled for this exact problem. because our van was manufactured may 2003 (two months outside the recall time) they will not cover it. we now have a car we can't drive because of safety hazard and even if we wanted to pay to fix it, which we should not have to, the part is not available for seven more months leaving us without a vehicle. *tr

Our 2003 ford windstar has been having mechanical failures for about 3 years. we have heard a loud grinding noise from the rear passeners side of the car that neither our local mechanic nor ford could fix. we replaced shocks and most recently the tire rods on 9/24/10. we have had numerous electronical "bugs" inclluding abs lights flashing on and off for 2 years requiring multiple fuse changes and electrical testing. our transmission was replaced in 2009 at 59,000 miles. the power locks on the passenger side door and rear passenger doors do not open remotely or with power locks, only key or manual lifting. needless to say, although we have not had any person injuries, we have spent a fortune to keep this car running in what we thought was safe manner. *tr

Rear axle broke in half while driving on august 30, 2010. *tr

The right front sub frame on my 2003 windstar corroded causing the lower control arm to separate and wheel to pull out. lost steering. also axles shaft pulled from transmission and fluid ran out. fortunately at slow speed so no accident, but what if i were on a freeway running fast? *tr

Defect identified before an incident occurred. the design/manufacturing defect is as follows: 2003 ford windstar frame/engine cradle rusted through where the front sway bar attaches to the frame on the right side of the vehicle. initially identified by owner because of a disturbing banging sound of the sway bar when driving; and confirmed by visual inspection by owner and a service mechanic. the frame/engine cradle carries all of the lower suspension and drive train components/loads. if this were not repaired when it was, a catastrophic front end failure would have occurred. if failure occurred at high speeds or in a turn a terrible accident (& deaths) could have occurred. i would consider this defect a huge safety concern. *tr

I own a 2003 ford windstar van, for a couple weeks i occasionally heard a creaking noise when i turned a sharp corner. then one day while driving, thankfully not at a very high speed my van started to go all over the road every time it went over the slightest bump in the road. it felt as if the tires were going to fall off the van. when my husband looked under the van you could see the back axel completely broke in half. we travel a long distance every few months to take my daughter to a children's hospital, god was really watching out for my family and i, that the axel didn't go while we were on those long stretches of highway. *tr

2003 ford windstar lx sport with approx 102000 miles - rear axle snapped while on i-95. pulled over to side of road because i noticed an issue with the vehicle. noticed cracked rear axle while on flatbed of tow truck. it appeared to have been rusted through from the inside, as there was no evidence of rusting on the exterior of the rear axle. *tr

Tl*the contact owns a 2003 ford windstar. the contact stated that the frame for the front suspension rotted under the vehicle. while driving at 20mph there was a loud noise and then he could not steer the vehicle. he stopped the vehicle and noticed the driver side front tire was turned to the left and the passenger front tire was turn to the right. the vehicle was towed to a mechanic repair shop where he was told the steering mechanism was torn from the frame and rotted from the body. the contact had to replace the frame at his own expense. the manufacturer was contacted and they stated they have never heard of the failure and offered no assistance. there was no recall or warranty for this failure. the failure and current mileage was 131,000.

Rear axle snapped and broke apart. *tr

I have a 2003 ford windstar. in april 2010 my rear axle suddenly broke. i paid a small fortune to tow and fix the problem. in july my front axle suddenly broke leaving me with another large towing and repair charge. and now the car just doesn't drive nice and my traction and brake warnings have been lighting up on my dashboard. *tr

Tl* the contact owns a 2003 ford windstar. the contact stated the anti-lock braking system (abs) warning light remained illuminated on the dashboard. the brakes would also sporadically lock while attempting to brake. in addition, the door ajar warning light would also remain illuminated while the vehicle was in motion although all doors were latched closed. the dealer was not contacted. the failure mileage was 118,000 and the current mileage was 128,000.

2003 ford windstar rear axle/carrier cracked 120,000 miles vin not available - car in shop being repaired. *tr

I have a 2003 ford windstar with 94,000 on it. bought it second owner with 18,000 miles only on it and a 75,000 mile warranty. my entire frame is rusting from the door panels to the under frame, supports. heck i have a hole that developed the size of my fist in the side frame near the passenger sliding door in the rear. my hitch wont even hold cause the metal just bends inwards. there are cars on the road with 150,000 that do not have the rust my car does. why do i have to pay for the cheap metal they used during this process. now i have to buy a new car that i cannot afford at this time. i was hoping to keep my car for at least a couple more years but now i cannot, its dangerous. they even told me my rear axle is bending. i will continue to drive my car cause i cannot afford another and if i die so be it i guess cause i guess its all about business as usual. nothing personal but i am putting my blood on your hands and fords hands. i cannot drive and lose my job. if it happens it happens when it should have. my sister also has a windstar that collapsed this weekend upon making a turn thankfully at 25 mile per hour. i drive 70 at times where permissible. thank you for listening to my concerns and my distinct rudeness. i am just fed up with holding the bag for big business. i paid alot of money for this car. first owners paid 26,000 i paid 19,000 used only two years old. had it only five years. heck i had my dodge for ten. please please do something before i or someone else dies. *tr

Ford vehicles should not only be recalled for rear axle rust. there should also be a recall for rust that constantly occurs around the rear wheel well panels. the rust appears to start from underneath the rear side panel on the windstar. it seems like this is occurring along with the rear axle rust. the sliding side doors have a continuous problem with closing completely when any of the control buttons were used. the doors would reopen over and over. repeated visit to the service department did not solve the problem which seem to involve the pulley system. *tr

I am entering this info on behalf of my brother, daniel cullen of meadville pennsylvania. dan does not regularly use the internet. his 2003 model year ford windstar has the right front wheel assembly fall off due to rust. the car only had 95,802 miles and was less than 6 years old. the rusted part is called an engine cradle. other instances can be found on the web going back several years. a ford dealer fixed the car at owner expense. the dealer reported that an air conditioning hose dripped on the rusted part contributing to the failure. i reported the problem to ford corporate hotline and they said they would not help my brother financially or take immediate action to correct this obvious safety defect. my brother was scheduled to drive the car next day 400 miles. if this failure had occurred at highway speed death and injury could easily have resulted. please see to it that these vehicles are recalled asap. a recall can be achieved at reasonable cost: first inspect cars and if no rust is present at least reroute the a/c drip line. if rust is present, change the engine cradle for a few hundred dollars. note that the web shows incidents going back several years, yet still these cars are out there turning into ticking time bombs in only 5 years of use! *tr

Was on the street driving, lights started flashing on dashboard van shut off in the middle of the street battery, alternator, blew out, was driving again van was ilde up really bad and while my feet was on the brakes it started moving on its own and ran into someone else vehicle, and also van was on the road started running bad broke down on a busy street once i was pushed to a safe location all my fluids were on the ground and the van was smoking really bad and lights on dashboard were flashing.

Windstar van doors will lock and unlock while driving. right passenger slide door will not lock/ unlock have to do it by hand. left rear passengers door slide open it self after i shut it. will lock it self. i can pull the lock up and it will lock it self again. the drivers door will not unlock have to use key.. keyless remotestop working. plus battery . still nothing. *tr