NHTSA Complaint #10290588 — 2001 FORD WINDSTAR

TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2001 FORD WINDSTAR. THE CONTACT HEARD A LOUD NOISE OUTSIDE OF THE VEHICLE WHILE HE WAS BACKING OUT OF A PARKING SPACE AND SHIFTING INTO THE "REVERSE" POSITION. THE VEHICLE SUDDENDLY FAILED TO OPERATE IN REVERSE. IMMEDIATELY, THE GEAR SHIFTER WAS PLACED INTO THE "DRIVE" POSITION; FOLLOWED BY NO POWER RESPONSE. THE DRIVER TURNED THE ENGINE OFF AND INSPECTED THE VEHICLE. THE FRONT PASSENGER WHEEL WAS TURNED OUTWARDLY WHEN THE RIGHT SHAFT DISENGAGED FROM THE DIFFERENTIAL. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO AN AUTHORIZED DEALER FOR INSPECTION. THE TECHNICIAN STATED THAT THE FAILURE WAS CONTRIBUTED TO THE ENGINE CRADLE WHICH EXHIBITED SEVERE RUST AND CAUSED THE LOWER CONTROL ARM TO BREAK. THE VEHICLE WAS REPAIRED FOR MALFUNCTION. THE CONTACT HAD CONCERN OF THE SAFETY RISK INVOLVED. THE VIN WAS NOT AVAILABLE. THE FAILURE AND CURRENT MILEAGES WERE 71,000.