NHTSA Complaint #10193320 — 1999 FORD WINDSTAR

THE REAR AXLE BEAM ON A1999 FORD WINDSTAR (87,032 MILES) CRACKED AND SNAPPED INTO, CAUSING BOTH WHEELS TO PITCH THE BOTTOM OF WHEELS OUTWARD RESULTING IN UNSTABLE VEHICLE CONTROL (AT HIGHWAY SPEEDS COULD CAUSE AN ACCIDENT). ATER INSPECTION OF FAILED PARTS, I BELIEVE FORD HAS A MANUFACTURING PROCESS THAT CREATES STRESS RISERS IN THE PART THAT LEAD TO PREMATURE FAILURE. I HAVE THE PARTS AND CAN EMAIL A PPD FILE THAT SHOWS THE FAILURE SURFACES. THE DEALERSHIP TALKED TO FORD CUSTOMER RELATIONS AND DID PAY FOR HALF OF THE REPAIR. FORD CUSTOMER RELATIONS DO NOT WANT TO PUT ME IN CONTACT WITH THEIR ENGINEERING DEPARTMENT TO DISCUSS THIS ISSUE. I CONDUCT FAILURE ANALYSIS FOR A FORTUNE 100 COMPANY AND HAVE CONCERNS WITH THE SAFETY OF THIS PRODUCT. THE REPLACE PART IS MANUFATURED EXACTLY LIKE THE ORIGINAL FAILED PART.I DID FIND A REPORT ON THE INTERNET THAT DESCRIBES AN ACCIDENT CAUSED BY THE SAME FAILURE. *TR