NHTSA Complaint #10343481 — 2000 FORD WINDSTAR

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2000 FORD WINDSTAR. WHILE DRIVING AT 35 MPH, THE CONTRACT DROVE OVER A MANHOLE CAUSING THE STEERING WHEEL TO BECOME VERY DIFFICULT TO CONTROL. THE CONTACT SMELLED BURNING RUBBER AND MOVED THE VEHICLE OFF THE ROADWAY. HE FOUND THAT THE REAR WHEELS WERE TILTED ABNORMALLY. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO AN AUTOMOTIVE FACILITY FOR DIAGNOSIS. THE MECHANIC ADVISED THAT THE HIGH BEAM AXLE WAS FRACTURED. THE DEALER WAS CONTACTED WHO ADVISED THERE WAS NOT A RECALL FOR THE FAILURE. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE FAILURE AND CURRENT MILEAGES WERE 80,000.