Problems with 2000 Ford Windstar SUSPENSION

I brought my car into the dealership in response to the tsb letter that i received regarding the rear axle premature failure back in feb of 2011. they performed recall (10s13) where they inspected axle (found no cracks), installed brackets and painted the axle. 4 years later almost to the day of receiving this "fix" i noticed that the driver's side rear wheel was caving in at the top, which was a sign for breaking rear axle. i brought it into the dealership to have it inspected and they confirmed that it was broken rear axle. i requested it to be repaired under the same recall but was refused service due to the service that i received in 2011. i called ford's warranty customer service hotline but was refused for any kind of support. obviously ford's "fix" was not enough to rectify this safety issue, so i think they should reimburse any costs related to getting the rear axle replaced. the cost of repair in total was $800.37. *tr

Tl* the contact owns a 2000 ford windstar. while driving approximately 30 mph, an unusual noise was heard and the rear driver side of the vehicle slightly collapsed onto the ground. the vehicle was maneuvered to the side of the road where the contact noticed that the rear axle fractured and caused the tire to tilt inwardly. the vehicle was towed to the contact's residence. in 2010, the vehicle was repaired under nhtsa campaign number: 12v195000 (suspension). the failure recently recurred and the vehicle was not repaired. the manufacturer was notified of the issue. the approximate failure mileage was 218,000. the vin was unavailable.

Tl*the contact owns a 2000 ford windstar. the contact stated that while driving at 5 mph, the rear axle fractured. the vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. the manufacturer was notified of the failure. the approximate failure mileage was 129,000.

I was driving and without any warning the van just made a huge sound, and went left to right and back several times. very scary! i almost lost control of it. i had just left the highway! i managed to slow down and move the van by the side of the street. after full stop, went to look and noticed that the rear axle was almost touching the ground and looked broken in half! i remember the van went thru a recall in 2012 (07-19-2012) and had been taking care by suntrup ford. i found the papers today about that recall and the invoice from the dealership with the listing of the work done per ford. my take is that the recall was not done properly or the recall was not demanding enough. the brackets installed did not do the job to make this vehicle safe! i took photos. *tr

Corrected recall was not done effectively within two years of repaired recall beam axle failed at the end of the repaired area.

Tl* the contact owns a 2000 ford windstar. the contact stated that the rear axle reinforcement brackets became fractured. the contact stated that the vehicle was serviced under nhtsa campaign number: 10v385000 (suspension) several months ago. the contact stated that the recall remedy failed to repair the vehicle. the vehicle was towed back to the dealer. the vehicle was not repaired. the manufacturer was notified of the failure. the approximate failure mileage was 189,000. the vine was unavailable.

Tl* the contact owns a 2000 ford windstar. while driving approximately 10 mph, the rear axle fractured. the vehicle was towed to the contact's residence and has not been repaired. the manufacturer was not notified of the failure. the approximate failure mileage was 157,000.

Tl* the contact owns a 2000 ford windstar. while driving at a low speed, the contact heard a loud noise and a burning rubber odor. upon further inspection, the contact noticed that the rear passenger tire was rubbing on the frame of the vehicle. the vehicle was taken to a dealer. the technician diagnosed that the rear axle needed to be replaced. the manufacturer was not notified of the failure. the vehicle was previously repaired under nhtsa campaign number: 12v195000 (suspension). the failure mileage was 117,000.

Tl* the contact owns a 2000 ford windstar. while driving approximately 30 mph, the vehicle vibrated violently and made a loud dragging noise. after inspecting the vehicle, the contact noticed that the rear axle was fractured. the vehicle was towed to an independent mechanic who stated that the rear axle fractured due to excessive corrosion and needed to be replaced. the vehicle was not repaired. the manufacturer stated that the vin was excluded from nhtsa campaign number: 12v193000 (power train). the approximate failure mileage was 85,000.

Tl* the contact owns a 2000 ford windstar. the contact indicated that there was extensive rust on the underbody, frame, brackets, and other components of the vehicle. also, the suspension was unstable. the vehicle was taken to an independent repair shop where it was diagnosed that the vehicle was unsafe to drive. the technician stated that the frame may fracture and the rust to the frame and underbody was extensive and almost corroded. the vehicle was not repaired. the vehicle was not included in nhtsa campaign numbers: 12v194000 (suspension), 10v385000 (suspension), and 11v030000 (structure). the manufacturer was notified of the failure. the approximate failure mileage was 86,000.

My van has had weird swaying issues when going very slowly or fast like highway speeds. finally the other day, the axle broke. the rear one. that was recalled. they were so bad in these vehicles, ford was buying them back and giving people rental cars until they were fixed. i was told they won't fix it at a dealership, then ford said the same! they won't fix a part that is broken after having a known problem, so known that there was a huge recall and they were doing buybacks because of it? but they won't fix mine? i have to walk miles to the grocery store and miles to work. this shouldn't be my problem. my entire family was in the van when it broke. they all could have died! ford doesn't care! they won't even fix a part that they know they screwed up on and were fixing! such crap. *tr

Tl* the contact owns a 2000 ford windstar. the contact stated that while driving at approximately 35 mph, the rear passenger axle became fractured. the vehicle was towed to an independent mechanic who stated that the rear passenger side axle was fractured due to corrosion. the vehicle was repaired. the manufacturer was made aware of the failure. the approximate failure and current mileage was 100,000. updated 09/02/14*lj updated 11/18/2014 *js

Tl* the contact owns a 2000 ford windstar sw. the contact stated that while traveling 65 mph, the rear axle became failed and resulted in the vehicle spinning out of control until crashing. the details of the crash were unknown. there were no injuries. the vehicle was towed from the scene and the manufacturer was notified of the failure. a private mechanic inspected the vehicle and confirmed that the rear axle failed. the failure mileage was 150,000.

Tl* the contact owns a 2000 ford windstar. the contact stated that the dealer inspected the vehicle and stated that there was erosion and cracking around the axle. the contact received a recall notification for nhtsa campaign id number: 10v385000 (suspension), however the contacts state was not apart of the recall, as it only covered the north eastern part of the united states where concentrated use of salt on road surfaced was used to melt and/or break up road surface ice. . the manufacturer was made aware of the issue. the approximate failure mileage was 148,900. the consumer stated while working on the rear air conditioning unit, a crack was observed on the rear axle. the crack was located on the axle a distance from the left rear, driver's side wheel. the consumer stated during the examination of the rear suspension system, it was easy to see that there was an opening in the axle structure where the coil spring interfaced the axle. the opening allowed salt concentrated road spray to enter the internal structure of the axle and settle to its lowest point. since the axle had no drain holes to allow for trapped road spray to drain away, the salt concentrated road spray would in fact set up corrosion within the internal structure of the axle which, over time would weaken the strength of the rear axle allowing fatigue cracks to appear. updated 07/16/14 updated 09/16/14*lj updated 1/15/15 *js

There in no accident yet but can happens at any time !!! extensive corosion on front subframe a specially on front control arm left and right side. vechicle when driving is imposed to vibration comming from from left side. any bump and hole create hammering noise from from suspension. after visual inspection noticed extensive corrosion to both front control arms. they can separate at any time. car was inspected on jan 04, 2014 and on jan 24 ,2011 and notice was given "recal completed" time of the reacll completed in 0.3 hours !!! there was no documents given to owner or any explanation what was wrong with the car. curently both front control arm are almost are 95% coroded so the note as "recall completed" was only a joke. how the control arm can be completly coroded in 2 years ?? there was another dealer service - recall visit on jul 11,2011 with the same issue and this time the "recall completed" take only 1.8 hr. no information was given what was done and what parts was repair.. i was visitet local dealership service in new bern and was given information that there is no recall on my vechicle even the nhtsa issue reall on the same problem on may 2012. ford do not like to admit that is a serious problem and need to be taken care. how many people need to be killed in the accident till ford will finally admit that is a serious problem and potential of the deadly accident that can happens at any time. i do not like to hear "im sorry" from any ford ceo when someone from my family will lost life if needed pictures of the coroded arms can be sent at any time. car was in use from 2000-2011 in michigan and now as we moved is used in north carolina. *tr

The rear axel broke. contacted ford because this was a recall that they just put brackets over parts of the axel. it still broke due to corrosion. when i contacted ford they said there was nothing they could do because they put brackets on and that fixed it but it still broke right where they said it was going to. *tt

The rear axle cracked. *tr

When shifting the car into p, r, n, or d, it makes a loud thumping sound and makes the whole car jerk. when i turn the steering wheel you can hear a loud grinding, creaky cracking like noise coming from the front of the car. *tr

I needed an alignment and new tires and have a clunking sound in the front end checked out on my van so i brought it to keene automotive in dansville new york. while i was there i also had a new inner tie rod end put in. after he was done the owner bob keene brought me out to the shop floor and showed me on the computer for alignment was showing that there was a degree of camber off on the drivers side which he feels was caused by the fix job that was done to the subframe by ford. he also showed me in spots where the sub frame was rotting beneath fords fix it job that was done in july of last year for the recall . i am unsure as to what to do in this scenario i am still driving the vehicle as keene stated it was safe for a short time. i am not able to afford a new vehicle right now i am the only one working and supporting a family of 5. *tr

Driving home from work. going 20 mph. heard a clunk, then a big bam. front tire was blown. pulled into an empty parking lot. had vehicle towed back to where i work (toyota dealer). service looked at it the next day. the left front axle broke. it also needs a new tire, spring, strut and abs sensor. i've had all the recalls performed. i've always done the service needed. our service department checks it out every year to make sure it's safe. i'm lucky that i didn't hit anyone and was able to keep it under control. *tr

Tl* the contact owns a 2000 ford windstar. the contact stated that while driving 10 mph, the front end of the vehicle began to shake. the vehicle was taken to the dealer for inspection where they stated that both of the front control arms needed to be replaced. the vehicle was not repaired. the manufacturer was notified of the failure. the failure mileage was 160,000.

11s16 example template, front lower control arm: see suspension and structure of vehicle. i do not see a recall that visibly includes california as a recall state. i have definitely experienced this or a similar issue. there appears to be a large scale recall and buyback program. my vehicle was positively identified for the cruise control/speed control recall and serviced at gosch ford in hemet, ca. i experienced more issues than only that, or even than that and the above. contact for more information. not limited to only this recall, vehicle experienced several issues, many of which were attended to with out of pocket funds, either to prevent, or due to, mechanical breakdown/failure. please also consider axle recall, and additional for this vehicle. i need an assessment done on my ford 2000 windstar lx so i may be compensated for the total costs and damages and have the vehicle replaced or completely repaired to a safe, drivable condition. (right front corner of vehicle collided with an object, part(s) failure apparent as what appears to be the front lower control arm is detached. a separation of a front lower control arm rear attaching bracket may result in a lower control arm separation. a separation of both front subframe rear body mounts may result in separation of the steering intermediate shaft. either condition could result in significant loss of steering control, increasing the risk of a crash. front *tr

Tl* the contact owns a 2000 ford windstar. the contact stated while driving approximately 30 mph, the front end of the vehicle began to sway continuously. the failure occurred twice. the vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic who stated the failure was contributed to the rear axle and both front control arms. the vehicle was not repaired. the manufacturer was notified of the failure. the approximate failure mileage was 127,000.

The first time my wife was driving our 2000 ford windstar van lx. she was crossing over a bridge and the rear axle broke in have.the van was towed to our mechanic he put another rear axle on, to the tune of 1,750 dollars. the year that was 2007. fast forward to feb.2, 2013 i'm backing out of our driveway and guess what happens, you guessed it the rear axle breaks again. *tr

2000 ford windstar. consumer writes in regards to defective rear axle assembly in vehicle. *smd the consumer stated she noticed a clunking sound when she backed out of her driveway, but didn't think much of until the second week in february, when it happened again, but it was much louder. the rear end of the vehicle felt as though it was swaying, when she drove over a bump in the road, the consumer took the vehicle to a mechanic, where a huge crack was fond in the rear axle's man bar. the mechanic informed the consumer a recall had been issued for the same problem. when the consumer and the mechanic contacted the local ford dealer, they were told there we no recalls associated for the vehicle identification number.

Tl* the contact owns a 2000 ford windstar. the contact stated that while driving 20 mph, the rear axle fractured. the contact also stated that the vehicle was serviced under nhtsa campaign number: 12v195000 (suspension) however, the failure was not corrected. the vehicle was destroyed. the approximate failure and current mileage was 220,000.

I bought the 2000 ford windstar on 09/12/2012. it had 125,000 miles. after i bought it i immediately took it to the mechanic shop to have them check it over. they found that the outer and inner tie rod ends needed to be replaced. also, the mechanics found that the transmission mounts needed to be replaced. also, the front struts and the rear shocks needed to be replaced. also, the front engine mount needed to be replaced. i had all that work completed for around $1,500. then a few months later, the vehicle broke down in my front yard. i turned the vehicle off and looked under the hood and the serpantine belt was snapped in half and the vehicle was smoking a little bit. a had the vehicle towed to the mechanics for $50. the mechanics diagnosed the powertrain. the mechanics found that the a/c compressor clutch needed to be replaced and it also had to have a evac and recharge the a/c system. this costed me $705.98. a few months later, which is now, on 12/21/2012, the vehicle is starting to make a loud clicking noise from the engine, or atleast i think it is the engine. while i was driving, the vehicle slowed down like there was a power surge or something, like it was going to brake down, so i immediately put the hazard lights on and drove 15-20 miles below the speed limit, all the way until i could make it safely back home. i don't know what is wrong with it this time. i have already invested almost $2,000 into this vehicle and i have only owned it for about 3 months! *tr

Tl*the contact owns a 2000 ford windstar. the contact stated that while driving at approximately 50 mph, there was an abnormal noise coming from the rear and the vehicle veered to the left and right. the contact discovered that the rear axle fractured. the vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic, who diagnosed that the rear axle needed to be replaced. the vehicle was repaired under nhtsa campaign number: 12v195000 (suspension) but the failure recurred three years later. the contact stated that the remedy failed to repair the vehicle. the manufacturer was notified of the failure. the approximate failure mileage was 109,723.

on 8/12/12 as i was driving to new york i notice that every time there is a weight transfer i heard a clunking sound on the right front, after returning to new jersey i took the vehicle to sears auto to have it check out and was told and shown the defect was with the frame work which a recall was done for in 2011. the repair that the did in 2011 to the frame was in my opinion a death trap and i would suggest that you send a inspector to inspect the repair that ford said they did to these frame work, the strap that they put on the frame in my opinion is like putting a band aid on a third degree burn. i took the vehicle back to ford dealer in hackensack nj and they are giving me a hard time, my vehicle has been there from friday and today is saturday @ 1430 they still haven't look at it, maybe because of the color of my skin the really don't care, but i don't think safety should come down to the color of a person skin. thanks for your help. *tr

Tl* the contact owns a 2000 ford windstar. the vehicle was included and repaired under nhtsa campaign id number: 12v195000 (suspension:rear:axle:non-powered axle assembly). later, a mechanic noticed that the rear axle was fractured and detached from the vehicle. the mechanic stated that the bracket that was installed during the recall repair had corroded. the vehicle was towed to the dealer for diagnostics. the manufacturer was made aware of the failure and was making a decision on of assistance would be provided for the repair. the vehicle was not repaired. the vin was not available. the approximate failure mileage was 177,000.

I have a 2000 ford windstar. i was backing out of a parking space and the rear axle broke. if i had been on the interstate this could have resulted in a very bad accident. i went to the ford web site and they claim there is no recall on this model. i find that hard to believe.. thanks *tr

While having new tires installed, i was made aware that the sub frame was rusted and had holes in it. i had got a recall notice the day after ford put a new rear axle in the windstar. (did they not know about the new recall?) after having the sub frame kit parts installed, the passenger side sub frame was perforated, the noise from the right side under passenger feet started. i went back to dealer that did the repairs (bill brown in livonia, mi>) they said everything was tight and vehicle is safe to drive. the noise has got worse and louder. i called ford in dearborn and they said if bill brown says its safe then it is safe? i have to drive this car and the fact that is makes noise has me concerned. ran it by bill brown after 6 months and took the service guy for a ride and he said he should look at it. the car started to pull to left and i went to the tire shop. went by for a tire rotation and alignment, was informed the sub frame is cracked and only has 10 percent of metal left holding it together. going to dealer this week...................lets see if it is safe to drive still! *tr

Hit brakes and heard popping a cracking took to shop and they said the front subframe was cracked and need to be fixed. *tr

Tl* the contact owns a 2000 ford windstar. the contact stated that the vehicle was included in the recall associated with nhtsa campaign id number: 12v195000 (suspension:rear:axle:non-powered axle assembly) and was taken to an authorized dealer. the contact was informed that the rear coil springs also needed to be replaced due to corrosion. the rear coil springs were not included in the recall and the contact was informed that they would not be included in the recall repairs. the manufacturer was notified and offered no assistance. the failure mileage was 120,000.

After hearing a loud cracking noise from rear area of the 2000 ford windstar, husband investigated and found a large crack in the rear axle. i called ford customer relations today who after looking at my vin told me that while everything is the same (ie: the location of the crack, year and model of the vehicle) as in recall #10s13, there was nothing they could do because the van wasn't made at the facility that the recalled parts were made. how is it not covered and it's exactly the same? very rude customer relation guy, i might add. very unhappy ford owner. *tr

Tl* the contact owns a 2000 ford windstar. while traveling 45 mph, the contact noticed a cracking sound coming from the rear of the vehicle. after examining the vehicle, the contact noticed a 20 inch long fracture on the rear axle. the vehicle was not diagnosed and no repairs were made to the vehicle. the current and the failure mileages were 170,000.

Dear sir/madam i am filing this complaint for a ford windstar 2000, the rear axel, which was on recall and ford had contacted us to have it replaced, however after calling ford and all the nearest dealers and we actually went to a ford dealership as well. no dealership was able to provide the recall replacement for the axle or any repairs in that matter. thanks, ford owner *tr

I am very concern about my 2000 ford windstar lx. i had two problems with my van in which a bracket came a loose on my van. i lost complete control of my van and had to pull over and call for help. thank god i was on the city roads and not the highway. the last time i had an incident, i was told that the rear axle is cracking and my subframe needs to be inspected. i was told that this could be extremely hazardous. i was told that i needed the rear axle replaced. i see that there has been recalls in the northern states but i reside in charlotte, nc. i feel that this needs to be extended out to the southern states. please consider in allowing us to have our axles inspected for the safety of our families; if the vehicle needs repairs to allow ford to repair this problem at no cost to us. *tr

Tl* the contact owns a 2000 ford windstar. the contact stated that the vehicle was taken to an authorized dealer to have the rear axle repaired under the recall associated with nhtsa campaign id number 10v385000 (suspension:rear:axle:non-powered axle assembly). upon receiving the vehicle from the dealer, the contact stated that the vehicle would shake violently while driving 30 mph and above. the vehicle was not taken to have the failure diagnosed or repaired. the manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. the failure mileage was 140,000.

Tl* the contact owns a 2000 ford windstar. the contact stated that the frame of the vehicle was rusted. the contact received notification of nhtsa campaign id number: 10v385000 (suspension: rear: axle: non-powered axle assembly) and stated that the repair would not be sufficient enough to repair his vehicle. the dealer offered a 12 month or 12,000 mileage warranty however, the contact was not satisfied that the remedy would keep her safe while driving. the manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. the contact was awaiting repairs. the current and failure mileages were 107,000. the vin was unavailable.

2000 ford windstar: cracked rear axle and corrosion and related failures of the front sub-frame. we are writing to report a rear cracked axle and failed, damaged and corroded front sub-frame assembly of our 2000 ford van. ford recalled: "certain 1998-2003 model year windstar vehicles operated in corrosion states" for cracked or broken rear axles (safety recall 10513- supplement #10); and for failed and corroded "subframe front lower control arm rear attaching flanges and rear body mount attachments. our ford van has both these failures and is unsafe to drive. the vehicle failed the state safety inspection due to its cracked axle. the inspector advised us the van was unsafe to drive. the koons ford service department has inspected the van and concluded that the rear axle and front sub-frame have failed because of corrosion and both need to be replaced. the vehicle was "operated" regularly in maryland and the district of columbia, as well as driven in the winter in snow and ice conditions in high corrosion states. we were told by koons that an extension of the recall was denied by ford because while the vehicle was operated in high corrosion states, it was not registered in a high corrosion state. northern virginia weather is similar to official adjacent high corrosion states. the national weather service groups northern virginia with areas of maryland and dc with regard to snow fall. "sodium chloride (salt) is virginia's primary snow removal and ice control chemical". the "registration" requirement is erroneous. consideration should be given to whether a vehicle was operated in high corrosion areas, where salt is used . ford's letter of 1/ 26/2011 to nhtsa, states that " we are taking the action to confirm our commitment to safety and to address any potential vehicle owner concerns." request that the recalls be extended to our vehicle. the sway bar links were replaced. updated ivoq 12/20/11 *tr

After employing the standard issued ford windstar scissors jack and raising the lr subframe at the designated jack point to change a flat tire, the subframe started to snap and buckle. the van then started to lower in height without operating the jack. the van lowered in height approximately 1-2 in. after removing the jack, the assigned jack point was bent. had i been traveling, i would not have been able to effectively and safely employ(and still can not safely employ) the issued jack and repair the flat without possible harm or injury. *tr

Tl* the contact owns a 2000 ford windstar. the contact stated the vehicle was repaired under the recall associated with nhtsa campaign id number 10v385000 (suspension:rear:axle:non-powered axle assembly). the contact stated while driving 20 mph, she heard a loud clanking noise and noticed that the rear axle was fractured. the vehicle was safely driven home and then towed to an authorized dealer. the vehicle was not repaired. the manufacturer was notified, but offered no assistance. the failure and current mileages was 160,000.

Tl* the contact owns a 2000 ford windstar. the contact stated the rear driver's side tie rod had broken on the vehicle. the contact took the vehicle to the dealer and was told the tie rod was rusted through. the contact asked the dealer why the tie rod was not included in nhtsa recall campaign id number: 11v030000 (suspension: rear axle). the dealer indicated that the manufacturer stated the tie rod would not be replaced even though it rusted through like the rear axle. the failure mileage was 105,000. i don't know how much of a danger this is but i think its is a crime for a car dealership to install a new part on a rusted out old part with out notifying the customer. [xxx] updated 11/02/2011 *ln information redacted pursuant to the freedom of information act (foia), 5 u.s.c. 552(b)(6). *tr

Tl* the contact owns a 2000 ford windstar. the contact stated that while driving 50 mph, the front axle fractured. the contact merged onto the shoulder of the highway and the vehicle was towed to a local mechanic. the vehicle was not repaired. both the dealer and the manufacturer denied assistance with repairs. the failure and current mileages were 136,000.

Have been hearing a noise from the rear of the vehicle for awhile. had it in to the dealer for two recall repairs. the noise changed yesterday and when the rear was inspected again before leaving for work, i found the drivers side rear coil spring broken. this issued should have been addressed when the rear axle recall work was completed. i drive 50 highway miles each way to and from work and this is dangerous. missed work today and don't know when this will be able to be fixed. i see ford has had many problems with other coil springs. why have they not addressed it with all the other suspension problems on these 2000 ford windstars? *kb

Tl* the contact owns a 2000 ford windstar. the contact stated that the vehicle was taken to an authorized dealer in october of 2010 for a recall repair associated with nhtsa campaign id number 10v385000 (suspension:rear:axle:non-powered axle assembly). fours months later, the driver's side control arm fractured. the vehicle was towed back to the dealer for diagnosis. the contact stated that the recall remedy was insufficient and planned to notify the manufacturer regarding the failure. the approximate failure mileage was 118,000. the vin was unavailable.

The rear axle twisted so bad that it destroyed my right rear brakes. the new drum will not go on it is so badly twisted. the consumer also stated there is rust under the vehicle. updated portable 08/30/11

Tl* the contact owns a 2000 ford windstar. the contact stated that the sub frame was rusted and corroded. the vehicle was previously repaired under nhtsa campaign number: 10v385000 (suspension) but to no avail. the vehicle was taken to the dealer, who advised that the subframe would need replacing. the manufacturer was notified of the failure but provided no assistance. the vehicle was not repaired. the failure mileage was 175,000.

Tl* the contact owns a 2000 ford windstar. the contact stated after having the vehicle repaired for recall nhtsa campaign id number: 10v385000 (suspension:rear:axle:non-powered axle assembly) and recall nhtsa campaign id number: 11v030000 (structure: frame and members:under body shields), she was unable to drive the vehicle since the brackets and bolts hang so low which caused it to get stuck when driving over a pot hole or on train tracks. the contact stated that the repairs only serve as a band aid and failed to remedy the problem. the vehicle was taken to a local mechanic who stated the vehicle was unsafe to drive since the sub frame was extremely compromised 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 158,013. rvk