NHTSA Complaint #10340162 — 1998 FORD WINDSTAR

MY WIFE CALLED ME AT WORK TODAY BECAUSE SHE WAS STRANDED ALONG THE ROAD. WHEN I GOT THERE WHAT I FOUND WAS A MAJOR SURPRISE. THE REAR AXLE OF OUT 1998 FORD WINDSTAR HAD BROKE IN 2 AND WAS LYING ON THE GROUND. SHE SAID THAT EARLIER SHE HAD HEARD A NOISE COMING FROM THE REAR AND STOPPED TO CHECK TO SEE IF SHE HAD A FLAT TIRE BECAUSE THE STEERING FELT WEIRD. NOT SEEING AN FLAT TIRES SHE DECIDED TO DRIVE HOME SEEING THAT SHE WAS ONLY A MILE FROM HOME. ABOUT 3/4 OF THE WAY HOME SHE MADE A TURN ONTO OUR ROAD AND THERE WAS A LOAD NOISE AND SHE WAS NOT ABLE TO EASILY CONTROL THE VAN AND ENDED UP ON THE BANK OF A NEIGHBORS YARD. HALF THE CAR ON THE BANK AND THE OTHER HALF ON THE ROAD. I HAVE CONTACT FORD VIA EMAIL AND I AM WAITING FOR A REPLY. I AM TRYING TO DECIDE IF I SHOULD FIX THE MINIVAN OR PURCHASE A NEW AUTOMOBILE. AN AXLE SNAPPING IN 2 IS NOT SOMETHING THAT SHOULD EVER HAPPEN UNLESS THE AUTOMOBILE IS IN AN ACCIDENT. IF MY WIFE AND 3 KIDS WOULD HAVE BEEN ON THE HIGHWAY THINGS WOULD HAVE BEEN MUCH WORSE AND PROBABLY DEADLY. *TR