NHTSA Complaint #10304315 — 2003 FORD WINDSTAR

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2003 FORD WINDSTAR. SHE STATED WHILE DRIVING AT SPEEDS OF 60 MPH IN CLEAR CONDITIONS, SHE NOTICED GREY SMOKE COMING FROM THE REAR OF THE VEHICLE. SHE WAS ABLE TO MANEUVER THE VEHICLE OFF THE HIGHWAY WITHOUT INCIDENT. SHE WAITED UNTIL THE POLICE ARRIVED TO ASSIST. SHE NOTICED THE REAR DRIVER'S SIDE WHEEL WAS COLLAPSING INWARD TOWARD THE VEHICLE. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO THE DEALER WHERE THEY FOUND THE REAR AXLE HAD FAILED. THE REAR AXLE AND THE ENTIRE DRIVER'S SIDE REAR WHEEL ASSEMBLY WAS REPLACED AT THE OWNER'S EXPENSE. THERE WERE NO RECALLS ON HER VEHICLE. THE FAILURE AND CURRENT MILEAGES WERE UNDER 80,000. THE VIN WAS NOT ACCEPTED.