NHTSA Complaint #10330128 — 2002 FORD WINDSTAR

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2002 FORD WINDSTAR. WHILE DRIVING AT APPROXIMATE SPEEDS OF 25 MPH, THE CONTACT HEARD AN UNUSUAL SQUEAL FROM THE REAR TIRES. AS SHE CONTINUED TO DRIVE AT SPEEDS OF 40 MPH, THE REAR OF THE VEHICLE BEGAN TO SWAY. SHE HAD TO DRIVE WITH TWO HANDS ON THE STEERING WHEEL TO MAINTAIN CONTROL OF THE VEHICLE. UPON FURTHER INVESTIGATION, THE CONTACT FOUND THAT BOTH REAR TIRES WERE PROTRUDING FROM THE TIRE WELL. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO A LOCAL REPAIR SHOP WHERE SHE WAS ADVISED THE REAR AXLE ASSEMBLY HAD CRACKED. THE NECESSARY PARTS NEEDED TO MAKE THE REPAIR WERE ORDERED ACCORDINGLY AND THE CONTACT WAS AWAITING REPAIRS. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE AND CURRENT MILEAGES WERE 135,000.