Problems with 1999 Ford Windstar STRUCTURE

I was driving and heard a thud. when i hit the brakes there was a grinding noise. the tire than becamed slant and the steering wheel is cocked to one side.

Subframe is completely rusted through and will not pass the safety. the vehicle was treated by the recall 11s16-s4.in 2012. i went for a voluntary safety check and the vehicle stayed at the service as very unsafe to drive.

Front left sub frame by the motor mount is rusted through. passenger side is fine. concerned this could break which could cause the vehicle to loose control at highway speeds.

Tl* the contact owns a 1999 ford windstar. the contact stated that the subframe was cracked. the vehicle was taken to a local dealer (manderbach ford, 4450 5th street hwy, temple, pa 19560) where it was diagnosed that the frame was stressed. the vehicle was not repaired. the manufacturer was notified of the issue and advised the contact to take the vehicle to the dealer. the vin was unknown. the failure mileage was 108,000.

Tl* the contact owns a 1999 ford windstar. while driving at various speeds, the contact heard an abnormal noise coming from the vehicle. the contact noticed that the subframe was detached from vehicle. the vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic who diagnosed that the front frame needed to be replaced. the vehicle was not repaired. the manufacturer was made aware of the failure. the failure mileage was 60,000.

1999 ford windstar. consumer writes in regards dealership customer service refuses to repair vehicle main front frame corrosion. *smd updated the consumer stated the manufacturer advised there was no warranty or recall for this vehicle. the manufacturer did not offer any assistance. 07/19/2017*js

Tl* the contact owns a 1999 ford windstar. the contact stated that the subframe of the vehicle was rusted. the vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. the contact mentioned that the vehicle was previously serviced per an unknown recall related to the failure. the manufacturer was notified of the failure. the failure mileage was 87,900.

Front sub frame, passenger side rear mount completely rotted away.the recall "fix it clamp on piece" does nothing as there is no frame left to connect to. dealer service manager claimed it broke from the transmission mount being rotted away. when confronted that the mount was sound, admitted it wasn't rusted , but did nothing to substantiate my claim to the frame rusting away. still makes a clunking sound when turning. it is unsafe to drive and is parked till we hear back from ford .

Tl* the contact owns a 1999 ford windstar. after taking the vehicle to the dealer, the technician diagnosed that the front driver side subframe was severely corroded and needed to be replaced. the vehicle was not repaired. the manufacturer was not notified of the failure. the failure mileage was 143,000.

Tl* the contact owns a 1999 ford windstar. during an oil change, the contact noticed that the front subframe was rusted and corroded. there were no warning indicators. the vehicle was taken to a local dealer who stated that there was no recall. the manufacturer was made aware of the failure and stated that the vin was not included in a recall. the vehicle was not repaired. the contact received notification of nhtsa campaign number: 15v608000 (suspension); however, the part to do the repair was unavailable. the failure mileage was 103,000. vin tool confirms parts not available. updated 04/14/16*lj updated 05/30/18*jb

Tl* the contact owns a 1999 ford windstar. after servicing the vehicle under nhtsa campaign number: 11v030000 (structure), there was an abnormal noise. the contact noticed that the subframe was detaching from the vehicle due to severe corrosion. the vehicle was taken to the dealer where the vehicle was inspected, but was not repaired. the manufacturer was notified of the failure. the failure mileage was approximately 137,645. updated 01/06/16*lj updated 1/19/16 ln *js

Tl* the contact owns a 1999 ford windstar. while the vehicle was at an independent mechanic for an unrelated repair, the technician discovered that the entire frame was completely rusted. as a result, the front end support bracket detached from the vehicle. the contact was aware of nhtsa campaign number: 11v030000 (structure); however, the vin was not included. the vehicle was not repaired. the manufacturer was notified of the failure. the approximate failure mileage was 134,972.

Tl* the contact owns a 1999 ford windstar. the vehicle was repaired under nhtsa campaign number: 11v030000 (structure). while driving approximately 55 mph, the steering wheel seized without warning. the contact was able to coast to the side of the road. the vehicle was taken to the dealer. the technician diagnosed that the subframe fractured and needed to be replaced. the manufacturer was made aware of the failure. the approximate failure mileage was 225,000...updated 05/21/15 *bf the consumer stated that the recall was incorrectly performed. he signed over the title. updated 11/19/15 *js

Tl* the contact owns a 1999 ford windstar. the contact stated that the engine cradle and the lower control arm was corroded. the contact mentioned that the sub frame was starting to fractured. the vehicle had not been repaired. the manufacturer was made aware of the failure. the approximate failure mileage was 220,000.

Ford dealer inspected vehicle due to recall for subframe/axle rust issue. dealer claimed frame okay. while driving the lower control arm came detached from the frame causing crash due to rusting of mounts. *tr

Tl* the contact owns a 1999 ford windstar. the contact stated that upon inspection, it was found that the subframe was rusted. the vehicle was taken to the dealer where the failure was confirmed. the manufacturer was contacted about the failure. the failure mileage was not available.

Driving along when right front started to veer right and wobble. these models are not safe. ford is aware of this yet, will not honor a recall which affects these models. although there is a corrosion sub frame break on 1999 ford windstar's and that is exactly what happened( mechanic will testify) to mine, they keep making excuses and will not honor the expenses for their faulty design. my vehicle is a 99 ford windstar in very good shape, new tires battery,etc. it is now sitting in my driveway because of a frame broken thru by corrosion. the front right almost put me into the ditch on the way home. this is a design flaw which was is or should be covered by recall. ford previously recalled the same models 99-2003 for this exact problem. i have contacted my ford dealer (rapids ford, wis rapids), they said the recall no longer applies. how can this be? this is a very unsafe situation. *tr

Tl* the contact owns a 1999 ford windstar. the contact stated that while driving approximately 25 mph, the frame fractured on the front driver's area. the vehicle was towed to an independent mechanic for diagnosis. the technician stated that the frame would have to be replaced. there was a recall under nhtsa campaign number: 11v030000 (structure) that could have been related to the failure. the dealer was made aware of the failure and stated the vin was not included in the recall. the manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. the vehicle was not repaired. the approximate failure mileage was 87,000.

The subframe cracked due to corrosion. this happened in the front end, including a brace that holds the engine. this windstar was purchased in upstate new york, and was driven there from 1999-2006. *tr

Tl* the contact owns a 1999 ford windstar. the contact stated the front sub frame was covered with rust and corroded. the vehicle was taken to a mechanic for routine maintenance; however, after it was inspected they noticed the sub frame was covered with rust and corroded. the manufacturer was notified and stated to contact nhtsa and file a complaint. the vehicle was not repaired. the failure mileage was 152,000. updated 01/06/13*lj

Lived in the salt belt state of il. when i was driving, front subframe falling off and some components were touching the ground due to severe front subframe rusted out. i lost steering control and gear control on a multiple lane road. ford has never sent any notice to me regarding any recall. this is a known issue via nhtsa action number: pe10026 and i would like ford to repair the rusted subframe and all other broken components directly caused by subfram falling off. ford refused to provide any car rental by saying ?this is an old recall and we do not give car rental now?. *tr

Tl* the contact owns a 1999 ford windstar. while parked, the contact noticed corrosion where the lower control arm connected to the front sub-frame. the contact stated that there were cracks in the front sub-frame. the vehicle was not taken to the dealer for a diagnostic test. there was a recall under nhtsa campaign id number: 12v194000 (suspension:front:control arm) that may be related to the failure. the manufacturer was made aware of the failure and stated that the vin was not included in the recall. the vehicle was not repaired. the approximate failure mileage was 160,000.

Lived in the salt belt state of pa. frame rusted out and i lost steering control and almost had an accident.this is a known issue via nhtsa action number: pe10026 and i would like ford to recall and fix this at thier cost. *tr

The subframe on my 1999 ford windstar van subframe is rusting into had to have it welded to get home. *tr

Tl* the contact owns a 1999 ford windstar. the contact stated that while having routine repairs performed, she was informed that the subframe was completely corroded and fractured in half. the dealer was contacted who referred her to the manufacturer. the manufacturer was contacted who did not offer any assistance since her vehicle was not included in nhtsa campaign id number: 11v030000 (structure: frame and members:underbody shields). the vin was not available. the vehicle was not repaired. the failure and the current mileage was 130,000.

Tl* the contact owns a 1999 ford windstar. the contact stated that while turning at approximately 25 mph a cracking sound was heard from underneath the vehicle. the vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic for a diagnostic test. the technician stated that the subframe fractured and would have to be replaced. the vehicle was not repaired. the approximate failure mileage was 105,000.

Tl* the contact owns a 1999 ford windstar. the contact stated that the rear frame and driver's side suspension was severely corroded. the contact attempted to replace the rear tire when the jack penetrated the frame. the manufacturer was contacted and advised that the vin was not included in nhtsa campaign number: 10v385000 (suspension). the vehicle was not repaired. the approximate failure and current mileage was 146,000.

The van has had both the front subframe and rear axel recall repairs completed. on picking up the van, it still had a hard pull to the right after paying for an alignment. the dealer attributed it to the tires. on putting the van in for pa inspection, it did not pass due to "subframe rotted at rear transmission mount". the ford dealer that performed the recall work subsequently looked at it, agreed the frame was rotted but that no recalls covered it. the repair cost is in excess of the vehicle value. i suspect the alignment could be related as well. *tr

Tl* the contact owns a 1999 ford windstar. while driving 30 mph, the contact stated that the drivers side sub frame separated from the vehicle, due to rust. the vehicle was not inspected or repaired. the dealer and manufacturer denied any assistance with repairs to the failure. the failure and current mileage was 136,553.

Tl* the contact owns a 1999 ford windstar. the contact stated that the vehicle was repaired under nhtsa campaign id number: 11v030000 (structure: frame and members:underbody shields). the contact also stated that while installing new tires, he noticed that the bracket which held the front swing arms in place was completely corroded. the vehicle was taken to an authorized dealer and the contact was informed that the failure was beyond repair. the vehicle was not repaired. the failure mileage was 129,000. updated 10/4/11 *cn updated 02/22/12. *jb

Tl* the contact owns a 1999 ford windstar. the contact stated while driving he heard a loud popping noise. the contact mention that he inspected the vehicle and noticed that the sub frame on the front passenger side broke as a result of corrosion. the vehicle was not taken to the dealer. the manufacturer was made aware of the failure and stated that the vehicle was not included in any recalls. the vehicle was not repaired. the failure and current mileage was 180,000.

Tl* the contact owns a 1999 ford windstar. the contact stated while having the vehicle repaired by an authorized dealer, she was informed that the front passenger side stabilizer bar was separated from the subframe. the contact was also informed that this failure was unrelated to the failure addressed in the recall associated with nhtsa campaign id number 11v030000 (structure: frame and members:underbody shields). the manufacturer was made aware of the failure, and informed the contact that the separation occurred approximately two inches away from the location which was being addressed in the recall. no further assistance was provided. the vehicle was not repaired. the failure mileage was 75,353. the vehicle was inspected by the dealer on june 30, 2011. the dealer contacted ford to see if the defect would be honored by a recent additional recall related t the subframe. ford declined as the damage was two inches away and not covered by the current recall. the vehicle was repaired using a used front engine cradle for $528.68. updated 08/24/11

Tl* the owns 1999 ford windstar. the contact stated that the vehicle was repaired under the recall associated with nhtsa campaign id number 11v030000 (structure: frame and members:underbody shields). approximately one week later, the contact could hear a loud noise coming from underneath the vehicle. the vehicle was taken back to the authorized dealer where the contact was informed that the front sub frame was rusted all the way through the sway bar mount. the contact was also informed that this failure was not included in the previously repaired recall. the vehicle was not repaired. the failure mileage was approximately 54,000.

I bought a 1999 ford windstar in delaware ohio at byers ford and on the first day i got it when i would put on the breaks the van would shake so bad. after a few months the abs light would come on then go off. i was told by a mechanic that is was just a sensor. i received the first recall of the rear axles back in october of 2010 and had them checked and they put some spray on them. i then got the second recall for the front subframe in feb of 2011 and when i set up my apt it was not till may 25th 2011 that i got in. for 3 months i dealt with the emergency break light being on, the abs light being on a clicking noise under my steering wheel and on top of that i have been driving my family around in it. the van shakes so bad that you can actually make a milkshake when you stop. sometimes i would have to press hard on the breaks to get it to stop. i told this to the man at byers ford in delaware, oh and he told me it was my rotors when i brought it in for the recalls. i was told that they have the parts to fix the recall orders and it would be ready by the next morning. 4 hours later i get a call that my van did not even come close to passing inspection. my subframe is actually broke and that it looked like it has been that way for sometime. why was this not noticed before selling the van. aren't they supposed to thoroughly inspect the vehicle before putting it out on the lot? *tr

My 1999 ford windstar se has been recalled for the following recalls 09s09 speed control system modification, 10s13 rear axle inspection and repair, and 11s16 subframe front lower control arm rear attaching flanges & rear body mount attachments inspection and repair. i didn't receive notice of any of these recalls, and found out from a friend about them. several months ago the front passenger side of my van started making a sound while driving. i was told by the mechanic that looked at it that it was due to rusting of the rear body mount attachment of the subframe. i took my van in to a ford dealer today 5/21/2011 for the recall inspections. i was told it passed all inspections, but was only in the service dept. for about 10 minutes. there is also severe rust on other areas of my front subframe that are not included in ford's recalls. i do not feel my vehicle was properly inspected. *tr

Tl* the contact owns a 1999 ford windstar. the contact stated that the vehicle lunged forward violently. the failure would occur sporadically and at any given speed. the vehicle would sway abnormally when being driven and the steering wheel would often seize without warning. additionally, the contact experienced the vehicle lunging forward and violently jerking when in drive or reverse on multiple occasions. the vehicle was repaired under nhtsa campaign id number: 11v030000 (structure) however, the failure persisted. the manufacturer advised the contact that the timeframe had expired for the contact to have additional repairs performed that had not been scheduled within the required timeframe for the recall repairs. the vehicle was to be inspected, diagnosed and repaired. the approximate failure mileage was not available. updated 8/14/14*cn updated 8/22/2014 *js

Letter from congressman dent on behalf of constituent regarding an issue involving recalls on his vehicles; please contact him or his assistant melanie whiteleater at 610-861-9734, if there are any questions or problems with this request *tgw 1999 ford windstar. upon inspection of the vehicle, it was determined the vehicle was not safe to drive. the consumer was offered a buy out, but declined and requested to have the vehicle repaired under the recall. two hours later, the consumer received a call from the dealer stating ford concluded the vehicle was not repairable and the consumer needed to come and retrieve the vehicle. *jb

1999 ford windstar. consumer writes to express discontent regarding ford motor company *tgw the consumer stated the vehicle had transmission and engine problems. also, the vehicle failed inspection, due to a rusted subframe. ford offered to buy the vehicle back from the consumer.

1999 ford windstar. front sub frame corrosion. ford service refused to repair it. *tr

My son-in-law and daughter we driving on hwy 421 at 50 mph. the van started shaking and they smelled rubber and heard grinding. he pulled over and the back tires were pushed in and the right back tire lost its lug nuts and tire was falling off. they removed the children from the car. it scared them to death! my son-in-law started walking to a gas station. my daughter looked under the van and saw the axle was snapped in half. a nice tow truck man stopped to help. he said, this van is on recall do you know what an axel is..she said yes....he looked under there and told her it was for sure snapped in half! i can't believe the ford windstar is doing this! it is very upsetting. it was towed to hersh ford in michigan city, indiana and were given a rental and told it could take over 4 months. how am i going to fit a family of 6 into a ford focus?? *tr

1999 ford windstar- front sub frame rust. local ford dealer said they would not fix it. vin [xxx] information redacted pursuant to the freedom of information act (foia), 5 u.s.c. 552(b)(6). *tr

I took my van in for recalls. they supposedly fixed the axle however i think they just put stuff on it and didn't even check it. then they found some other stuff they wanted to fix like the tie rod links. i didn't let them fix it but i took it to someone else and they found a serious crack and corrosion on my front frame. it is about to break!! they didn't tell me about this. almost everything under my van has corrosion and if the axle is faulty because of that why isn't the other stuff under recall. is ford waiting for me or someone else get killed and then take care of it or is my life not important to them? *tr

Tl* the contact owns a 1999 ford windstar. the contact stated that the vehicle was repaired, by an authorized dealer, for the recall associated with nhtsa campaigj id number 10v385000 (suspension:rear:axle:non-powered axle assembly). the contact was also informed that the subframe was severely corroded and needed to be repaired. the vehicle was not been repaired for the subframe failure. the manufacturer was contacted, but offered no assistance. the failure and current mileages were 242,000.

Fleet owned 1999 ford windstar. vehicle has been located in the chicago area since new. complaint was that the exhaust was loud and looked to be hanging low. the exhaust flange on the flex-pipe section rusted thin and broke off from the y-pipe. i then noticed that the passenger side rear of the subframe was completely rusted out and the subframe was hanging down about 1.5" from where it is supposed to be. the exhaust y-pipe flange is much lower than it should normally be, which tells me that the engine/trans assembly is leaning towards the rear of the vehicle. the drivers side rear mount of the subframe is cracked where it meets the body. also noted that on the passenger side subframe where the engine mount attaches and the subframe rear crossmember meet, the subframe is almost completely rusted through. i can foresee this problem eventually causing the axles to remove themselves from the trans, wire harnesses getting damaged, lower control arms becoming detached from the subframe, exhaust damage, steering rack damage, wheel alignment issues, etc. the only repair that i can see making this vehicle safe to drive again would be subframe replacement. *tr

I have 1999 ford windstar 3.8 liter with 123,297 miles, i own this car since 2000. the passenger side rear subfame end at the mount is roded out,split and came off the bushing. i had taken it to sears on 01/21/11 and had advised that it is unsafe to drive the vehicle. i had contacted ford dealer and explained that there was a recall on the rear axle for rusting. this is similar situation and should do reparis at no cost to the owner. the dealer gave me ford toll free number. when contacted ford they advised that they are not responsible for the repairs as the warranty is over. i explained it is a bad product and failure due to rusting is similar situation as an axle rusting. if an axle rusting is honored by ford why not frame rusting. they said i will be responsible for the expences as there is no warranty. i went to well known body shop macco they advised that the frame will cost 1000 plus 950 labor to put the accessories back. i can not efford to spend this kind of expense. i had already put 2500 in transmission after i purchase the vehicle. the rear electronic module has failed which will cost 800 dollars. i have to keep pouring money in this car. any help is appreciated. *tr

Tl* the contact owns a 1999 ford windstar. the contact received notification of nhtsa campaign id number: 11v030000 (structure: frame and members:underbody shields). the contact had the vehicle repaired under the recall. however, the contact stated that the sub frame was severely damaged and unsafe. the contact took the vehicle to the dealer for inspection where they stated that the sub frame needed to be replaced and that the contact would have to pay for the repairs. the manufacturer was notified and they confirmed that the contact would be responsible for the repairs. the failure mileage was 147,000.

Rusted subframe. *tr

The right lower control arm pulled loose from the subframe crossmember due to excessive rust. the leadup to the incident was completely unexpected. the control arm pulled loose at 70 mph and caused the windstar to veer back and forth using 4 lanes of traffic to come to a stop. lucky for me was that there was no traffic in my immediate area and no other cars were involved. *tr

I took the windstar to have the two recalls repaired and when the basil ford service department was done with that they informed me that my van was undriveable because the right front sub frame was cracked. they said it would cost $1600. to repair it. with all the rust on the doors and door sill i find it ridiculous to spend that amount when the rust would bring down the value of the van to almost nothing. this is the fifth ford i have had and you would think i would have learned about the rust factor. getting back to the sub frame i phoned the number listed on the ford web page but after about five phone calls i decided to call the corporate office. i was directed to a voice mail...gave my information and was told we would hear from them in so many business days. it didn't happen. then we received a form to fill out about how well we thought our phone inquiry went. we had a letter about the axel recall and this web site is listed so i thought it was time. *tr

The front subframe of my 1999 ford windstar cracked in two while driving on the highway. *tr