NHTSA Complaint #10404908 — 2002 FORD WINDSTAR

WHILE DRIVING WE NOTICED A LOUD POPPING SOUND AND THE CAR PULLED TO THE SIDE. WE STOPPED AT A FIRESTONE AND THEY SHOWED ME THAT THE SUBFRAME HAD RUSTED THROUGH ON THE PASSENGER SIDE AND THE MOTOR MOUNT WAS COMPLETELY BROKEN LOOSE. THEY RECOMMENDED THAT WE GO TO FORD. WE TOOK IT TO THE FORD DEALER AND THEY SAID THEY KNEW OF THE PROBLEM BUT OUR MINIVAN WAS NOT INCLUDED IN THE RECALL BECAUSE IT IS HERE IN FLORIDA. I HAVE SERIOUS PROBLEMS WITH MY SPINE AND THE DOCTOR TOLD ME THAT A SMALL ACCIDENT COULD BE FATAL. I CALLED THE NUMBER FORD SERVICE MANAGER GAVE ME. FORD REFUSED TO HELP. EVEN THOUGH THE SUBFRAME CORRODED AND BROKE ON THE PASSENGER SIDE AS WAS THE CONCERN WITH RECALLED VANS, THEY FLATLY REFUSED TO DO ANYTHING -- NOT EVEN PROVIDE A DISCOUNT ON LABOR! SINCE THIS CAR IS HERE IN FLORIDA, IT IS VERY OBVIOUS THAT THE CORROSION MUST HAVE BEEN CAUSED BY A DEFECT IN MANUFACTURE. I NEED THE VAN TO GET TO PHYSICAL THERAPY AND TO TAKE CARE OF MY FAMILY. IT IS NOT JUST THAT I SHOULD PAY THE $1700-$1800 THAT FORD ESTIMATES WILL BE THE COST TO FIX THEIR ERROR AND AM LEFT WITHOUT TRANSPORTATION. IF I HAD NOT NOTICED THE POPPING SOUND, I COULD HAVE HAD A SERIOUS ACCIDENT AND BEEN DEAD OR PARALYZED FROM MY NECK DOWN!