NHTSA Complaint #10435046 — 1998 FORD WINDSTAR

THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALERSHIP FOR A LEAKING HOSE. WHILE BEING INSPECTED THE FORD MECHANIC FOUND THAT THE DRIVER SIDE FRONT SUBFRAME WAS ALMOST COMPLETELY RUSTED THROUGH. THE DEALERSHIP STATED THE VEHICLE WAS UNSAFE AND WOULD NOT REPAIR IT. THERE IS A RECALL ON 1999-2003 WINDSTARS FOR THIS REASON. THE 1998 AND EARLIER ARE NOT INCLUDED AS THE SUBFRAME ON THE 1999-2003 IS "TUBULAR" AND THE 1998 AND OLDER IS "STAMPED". WHILE THE CONSTRUCTION IS DIFFERENT, THE PROBLEM SEEMS TO BE THE SAME AS I WAS ADVISED BY THE FORD MECHANIC THAT THE STAMPED SUBFRAME RUSTS OUT FREQUENTLY TOO. MY FATHER-IN-LAW WAS THE ORIGINAL OWNER OF THIS VEHICLE AND HE WILLED IT TO ME UPON HIS DEATH. THE VEHICLE HAS BEEN WELL MAINTAINED AND ALWAYS BEEN AN "INDIANA" VEHICLE. THE SUBFRAME ON THE OTHER SIDE IS FINE AND STILL HAS PAINT ON IT. *TR