Problems with 2003 Ford Windstar SUSPENSION

Tl* the contact owns a 2003 ford windstar. the contact stated while driving 25 mph, the sub frame fractured and the axle disconnected, causing the transmission to fail. the vehicle was merged onto the shoulder and was not driveable. the vehicle was towed home and then to the dealer. the dealer stated that they would replace the sub frame and rear axle, but not the transmission. the manufacturer was notified and stated the same thing. no further assistance was offered. the failure mileage was 109,000.

Tl* the contact owns a 2003 ford windstar. the contact stated that the vehicle was previously repaired under the recall associated with nhtsa campaign id number 10v385000 (suspension:rear:axle:non-powered axle assembly). while driving over bumps in the road, the contact heard noises being emitted from the rear. the vehicle was taken to an authorized dealer and the contact was informed that the rear axle was fractured. the contact was also informed that the vehicle was not safe to be driven. the manufacturer was made aware of the failure and offered no assistance. the vehicle was not repaired. the failure mileage was 68,000.

Driving 45 mph when something snapped under front of the vehicle lost steering completely hit the curb got pushed back to the middle of the 4-line road and came to a stop very lucky. later found out that lower subframe control arm broke of the frame due to rust and pulled out axle snapped sway bar and damaged ball joints, towed it to a dealer and they are willing to fix frame but want me to pay for all the other expense sway bar, ball joints, tires, steering arm totaling over a 1000 $. can not believe that ford would not at least replace all needed part considering that i made it out alive and with out a crush. and all this after they have performed rear axle repair and checked the front and was informed that front was safe a year ago .about 10,000 miles and a year later i had this happened. the vehicle has 74,000 miles only. *tr

About march of 2012 my 2003 ford wind star's lower control arm separated from the sub frame "engine cradle". i took my van to dealer. they did do a repair to sub frame, which i did not find satisfactory, ford corp. had them cut off what was left of any damaged brackets and clamp steel brackets onto a sub frame that is already damaged due to heavy rust and corrosion. now about one year later "march of 2013" the sway bar mount, which is part of the sub frame has rusted out. making driving very unsafe and unstable. this problem should have been rectified when the recall was done in 2012. i took van back to the dealer. they sent pictures to ford corp. ford did not approve any repairs to sub frame stating that it was not part of original recall. now how is that possible if the sub frame and sway bar mount are all one component. it's all one welded piece of steel. there is no fix at this time but to replace the sub frame. now if the sub frame is under recall and the sway bar mount is part of the sub frame, then i feel ford should rectify the problem. i plan on keeping my ford wind star for a while. i feel this is a serious safety issue and really needs to be dealt with. ford should cover this component or they get away with an unsatisfactory fix and i still have to pay for a new sub frame, which was the whole issue to begin with. *tr

While driving my ford windstar 2003 minivan the rear axle beam cracked. the back of the vehicle dropped down, and i had difficulty controlling the vehicle to get to the side of the road. vehicle was not driveable and had to be towed. i was driving at normal speeds of 20 mph. a cracking of the rear axle beam posed a significant safety threat to myself, and family. *tt

Tl* the contact owns a 2003 ford windstar. while parked at an independent mechanic for unrelated repairs the technician noticed fluid leaking near the front drive side tire and stated it was coming from a fracture in the front axle. the technician stated that an axle would have to be replaced. the vehicle was not repaired. the approximate failure mileage was 120,000.

Tl* the contact owns a 2003 ford windstar. the contact stated the front right wheel fractured when attempting to make a left turn. the dealer nor manufacturer were notified of the failure. the vehicle was not repaired. the current and failure mileage was 74,000. updated 10/03/11 *bf updated 3/28/12 *cn

Our 2003 ford minivan passed front subframe inspection and "cleaning" on 3/14/2011 when vehicle was in for rear axle recall repairs. it was taken back to the dealership for front subframe recall on 7/11/2011 and recall repairs were made. in addition, other repairs were sold to us after a thorough inspection by mechanic. nine days later, while driving on the highway, a clunk noise was heard from the front of the vehicle. on 8/1/11, the dealership mechanic found a broken right sway bar due to excessive rust at the subframe attachment. service manager was told by ford that this failure is unrelated to the recall issue and that subframe replacement would not be provided by ford. we then had the mini van put up on a lift at an independent garage where repair of subframe was observed and pictures were taken of the subframe which was literally separated into sheets of rust under the repair brackets. any force to put bolts into the repair brackets could easily have hastened the corroded sway bar failure. we were told the mini van is safe to drive even without repair, however, we have no confidence in that and live in an area where there are lots of small children, joggers and pedestrians. we greatly fear that any further failure in the front end could result in serious injury or death to someone. vehicle has 84,000 miles. ford denies any assistance or responsibility for our issue.

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. the contact stated that while replacing the exhaust hanger, she noticed the rear axle was cracked in three different places due to corrosion. the vehicle was taken to an authorized dealer where the contact was informed the vehicle was not included in the recall associated with nhtsa campaign id number 10v385000 (suspension: rear: axle: non-powered axle assembly). the manufacturer was made aware of the failure, but offered no assistance. the vehicle was not repaired. the failure and current mileages were 122,000.

Ford windstar. dealer stated the left rear axle cracked and the front sub frame brackets were defective. dealer kept van on their premises. no date given for possible repair. the van had extensive repairs on 12/08/10 but no mention of recall and possible dangerous condition advised by dealer to owner. updated 06/08/11 *bf

Tl*the contact owns a 2003 ford windstar. the contact started the vehicle and shifted into the drive position. the vehicle failed to accelerate and it was towed to a local auto shop where they detected that the front passenger's side coil spring fractured. the contact stated that one year ago the front driver's side coil spring was replaced. the vehicle was repaired. the approximate failure mileage was 125,000. the vin was unavailable.

Tl* the contact owns a 2003 ford windstar. the contact was driving approximately 50 mph in rainy weather conditions when the contact drove over a high water spot and the vehicle hydroplaned. the contact was unable to control the vehicle and the vehicle swerved off the highway and caused damage to the rear passenger tire and wheel. the vehicle was taken to the local repair shop for the failure where the contact was advised that the rear axle was cracked due to corrosion and contributed the tire and wheel failure. the contact referenced nhtsa campaign id number: 10v385000 (suspension:rear: axle:non-powered axle assembly) and called the manufacturer but was advised that the vehicle was not included in the recall. the vehicle was not repaired. the approximate failure and current mileage was 103,000.

Tl*the contact owns a 2003 ford windstar. the contact stated that the inner control arm on the steering wheel fell apart. the vehicle was uncontrollable and the left drivers side tire turned outward but the right passenger side tire would not move. the vehicle was towed to the dealer who will inspect it and replace the inner control arm. there was no warranty related to the failure. the manufacturer was not contacted. the failure mileage was 105,000.

Ford windstar that has had 2 recalls for front and rear axles. interior lights flash on and off randomly while driving. doors lock and unlock randomly while driving. very distracting and dangerous! *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

Dealer performed rear axle safety recall. "vehicle passed sub frame inspection". the vehicle's front sub frame where it attaches to the chassis on the left side is rusted through. i have pictures.

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

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

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.

2003 ford windstar rear control arm rusted. during the week of 01/24/11, our windstar was taken in for a rear control arm failure. the unit was rusted and based on the recalls of the rear axel and now the front control arms, i am concerned this should be reviewed as well. the total failure of this part was causing the broken sections to rub against the fuel tank when going over bumps and turns. *tr

Tl* the contact owns 2003 ford windstar. the contact stated that he received notification of nhtsa campaign id number: 10v385000 (suspension: rear: axle: non-powered axle assembly) and stated that he was not comfortable with the recall remedy offered. the vehicle was inspected by the dealer and the contact was told that his vehicle was not affected by the failure and the vehicle was not repaired. the contact stated that the manufacturer should replace the entire axle. the current mileage was 95,000.

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.

Tl* the contact owns a 2003 ford windstar. the contact stated that the vehicle was serviced under nhtsa campaign id number: 12v195000 (suspension: rear: axle: non-powered axle assembly). the rear axle later became cracked and separated from the vehicle (which was replaced under the recall) due to corrosion. the manufacturer was contacted but denied any assistance with the repair. the vehicle was not repaired. the failure mileage was 66,081 and the current mileage was 86,000.

2003 ford windstar. consumer states discontent with the way recall for the cracked rear axle was handled. *kb the dealer inspected the vehicle and it was determined there was a crack in the rear axle. however, the consumer was informed the vehicle may not be repaired for 120 days due to the part not being available. the abs had to be replaced. *jb

Notified by ford motor co. about a volunteer recall for the inspection and repair or replacement of the rear axle for my 2003 ford windstar. dealer found no cracks and applied anticorrosive material and reinforcment brackets. i believe that it's poor design is the sole reason for it's failure and this "temp" fix is only putting of the inevitable. ford should be mandating that all windstar's affected on the road should have an axle replacement free of charge. *ln

Tl*the contact owns a 2003 ford windstar. the contact stated that there was a recall associated with the nhtsa campaign id number 10v385000 (suspension: rear: axle: non-powered axle assembly). the contact notified four different dealers regarding the recall and they were unable to inspect or repair the vehicle under the recall for a period of three months due to the part unavailability. there was no failure mileage. updated 02/11/11 *bf updated 12/05/2011 *ln

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 while driving 10 mph, he heard a loud noise and the front end dropped the right control arm which separated from the front subframe. the vehicle was towed to an authorized dealer where the contact was informed that the subframe corrosion was the cause of the failure and could be replaced. the contact called the manufacturer who offered no assistance. the vehicle had not been repaired. the current and failure mileages were approximately 55,000.

While i was driving i heard a weird sound and after i crossed train rails the rear axel got fracture. *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.

Sit down, get a coffee, because you will be reading a book. i purchased a 2003 ford windstar, with 20,000 miles, in 2005. i've had nothing but major problems. in 12/2008 with 87,205 miles the transmission went,that was 2013.00 , then in 3-2009 check engine light, had to replace gaskets, that cost 500.00,. then in 10/15/2010 i had to bring van in for different sensors, and abs light, and emergency brake light kept coming on. that was . that was 232.00. then on 10/19/2010 brought van in to the ford dealer, because none of my gauges work, letting me know how fast i'm going, or how much gas i have. they say it is the gauge cluster, that's 500.00 alone not including labor, they inform me i have a hole in the left rear axle, and i have to leave the van there, and i may also need a new alternator, and it may takes weeks for the part to come in. that's not including other miner repairs along the way. the best part of all. i still have 6 payments left. what rights do i have? i can't believe all the major issues. they should take this van, and give me a different one. not a ford. i told you, that you were reading a book. *tr

Tl*the contact owns a 2003 ford windstar. the contact received a recall notification associated with the rear axle under the manufacturer voluntary recall number 10s13. the vehicle was taken to an authorized dealer and they informed that the part would not be available until 2011. the contact was displeased to know the manufacturer would not provide a replacement loaner vehicle equal to the owner's vehicle during the recall remedy repair. the vin was unavailable. there was no failure mileage.

First of all there is a short located by the steering wheel around the air bag. i thought it was the battery so i changed it and a couple of days later my van would not start. i took it to the ford dealer and they couldn't find the problem, so i took it to an old man that just did electrical problems on automobiles. he said it was a bad wire in the steering column and he said to repair it would cost a lot of money, so he bypassed some wires and i have not had any problems since, but when you open the driver side door, the door chimes, like when you leave the keys in the ignition. he only charged me $75. also i would be driving and the interior lights would turn on and off by themselves. this has been happening for a long time. also the abs warning lights have been on for a while and my mechanic said it is a bad abs steering box. to replace it would cost around $1000. i have had also the head gasket replaced because the ford dealer could not find what was wrong with it while it was still under warranty. it was idling very rough while stopped at a light, also when in parked. it cost me about $600 to replace it. i took it to pep boys and they found out what was wrong with it. i also had the fuel pump replaced, because it kept shutting off while at the grocery stores and had it towed by aaa 3 times in about a year. bottom line, i will never buy another ford vehicle while i am alive. they are good for the first couple of years, then they start failing. so sad, because i have been a ford guy for over 35 years. *tr

Tl*the contact owns a 2003 ford windstar. while driving 5 mph, the contact heard a noise from the rear of the vehicle. the vehicle was taken to an authorized dealer where the contact was informed that there was a rack in the right and left side of the rear axle. the contact called the manufacturer who stated that the vehicle was not included in recall 10v385000 (suspension: rear: axle: non-powered axle assembly) and offered no assistance. the failure mileage was 75,537.

My daughter owns a 2003 ford windstar minivan. after hearing about the recall of these vehicle, we looked at her rear axle and noticed a large crack. when we brought it to a local ford dealer in hanover massachusetts we were told the vin # for her van was not on the recall list. when we told them there was indeed a crack in the axle they said we would have to pay for it to be repaired. we contacted ford motor company who said my daughter's vehicle was manufactured in may 2003 and the recall only covered minivans made up through february of 2003. we are not convinced that the axle in her van is not the same ones used in the cars made up through february. ford said they will not fix it. my daughter has a 2year old and a 4 year old and we lent her one of our cars to use because we are so worried about the safety of our grandchildren. i cannot believe that ford will not own up to this faulty axle and repair it. please help if you can and let me know if you agree with us that ford should be held responsible. my daughter works so hard and does not have the means for an expensive repair. she had to fix the transmission not long ago to the tune of $2000.00. this car has been nothing but a problem and the problems continue. we are filing this complaint, not because of an incident, but to prevent one. thank you for your attention to this matter. updated ivoq 09/27/10 *tr

Tl*the contact owns a 2003 ford windstar. the contact stated that the struts on the front right end of the vehicle were covered with rust and caused the right front end of the vehicle to collapse. the contact lost control of the steering wheel while driving on the highway; the front passenger side tire turned to the right when the contact made a left turn. the cv joint and strut were damaged by rust, they fell off of the frame and detached from the axle. the contact is a service mechanic and observed layers of rust underneath the vehicle. the vehicle was not repaired. the failure mileage and current mileages were 156000.

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

I have a cracked rear axle on my 2003 ford windstar. it falls just outside the dates for the current recall on windstars with cracked/broken axles, and ford refuses to help me. *tr

2003 ford windstar xl was taken into a ford dealership , the rear axel was cracked in four places and concerned unsafe to drive. it has 57,000 miles on it. i am 79 years old . the van is garaged kept . the van was bought for my husband to get around as he was in wheelchair. now deceased 5 years. *tr

Tl* the contact owns a 2003 ford windstar. while driving at 30 mph, the rear tires began abnormally tilting inward. the contact moved off the roadway and found that the rear axle was fractured. the vehicle was not taken to the dealer for diagnostic testing or repairs. the failure and the current mileage was 110,306. updated 10/13/10*bf the consumer stated he heard unusual noises coming from the vehicle and soon discovered the rear tires were tilted in at the top. he discovered the axle was 3/4 cracked through. the vehicle was towed to a repair shop. updated 10/14/10*jb

2003 ford windstar - rear axle beam broke in half. *tr

Driving out of parking lot onto the road, my rear axle broke in two. had just had it at ford for front tire rods, rotation of tires and alignment. i asked them to look it over because i was going on vacation. updated ivoq 11/03/10 *tr the consumer was informed her vehicle was not included in the recall, because her vehicle was manufactured after the recall cut-off date. updated ivoq 02/01/11. *jb

I own a 2003 ford windstar & the rear axle broke in two while driving. i have taken it to a ford dealership to have it repaired. just 3 weeks before i had it at that same dealership for service & they charged me to "shim" the rear wheels as they said it wouldn't align properly. *tr

2003 ford windstar rear axle has a large crack about a foot from the drivers side. *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

2003 ford windstar sel just noticed i have a near complete cracked rear axle, on the drivers side, and the rear driver side wheel is angled in. *tr

Tl* the contact owns a 2003 ford windstar. the contact was driving approximately between 5-10 mph making a left turn and heard a loud noise outside of the vehicle. immediately, the contact pulled over to the side of the road to inspect the vehicle. the rear tires were positioned outwardly with a detachment of the rear axle. the vehicle was towed to an independent mechanic for diagnosis. the contact was waiting on a repair estimate from the authorized dealer at the time of the complaint. the failure mileage was approximately 90,000.

I have a ford 2003 windstar, 83,000 miles , my car's rear axel beam broke in the middle of the road, it cost me to repair it $497 for the part and $275 for labor. *tr