NHTSA Complaint #10253842 — 1998 FORD WINDSTAR

I HAVE (HAD) A 1998 FORD WINDSTAR THAT TRANSPORTS NOT ONLY MY OWN THREE CHILDREN BUT TWO OTHER CHILDREN FROM TIME TO TIME. AFTER PULLING OUT OF THE GARAGE ONE DAY THE REAR OF THE MINI-VAN MADE A HORRIBLE SOUND. I LOOKED OUT THE DOOR AND SAW MY REAR TIRE IN A VERY PRECARIOUS POSITION. AFTER FURTHER REVIEW I NOTICED THAT WHAT ONE WOULD THINK COULD NEVER HAPPEN, SURE AS '!@#$% DID, THE REAR AXLE WAS CRACKED IN HALF. I DID SOME SEARCHING ON THE NET AND FOUND THAT I AM NOT ALONE. FORD SAYS IT IS NOT THEIR PROBLEM (UNTIL SOMEONE'S FAMILY DIES) BECAUSE IT IS PAST THE 5 YEAR WARRANTY. THE ROOT OF THE PROBLEM SEEMS TO BE A MANUFACTURER DEFECT THAT ALLOWS WATER TO ENTER THE AXLE AND NOT ESCAPE. THIS EVENT CAUSES THE AXLE TO RUST FROM THE INSIDE OUT. NOT VERY HAPPY HERE, BUT REALLY DON'T WANT TO SEE ANYONE GET HURT OR KILLED!!!!!!!! *TR