NHTSA Complaint #10659087 — 2003 FORD WINDSTAR

ON THIS DATE, I WAS DRIVING MY VEHICLE AT SPEED WHEN THE SUB FRAME FAILED. THIS CAUSED THE STEERING TO DROP OUT, LEAVING ME WITH NO CONTROL OF THE VEHICLE. I NARROWLY MISSED AN 18 WHEELER DOING A TURN AND GOT STOPPED. FORD HAD MY VEHICLE FOR OVER 2 WEEKS, AND DIDN'T PROVIDE A RENTAL VEHICLE FOR 10 DAYS. FORD REFUSED TO COVER THE STEERING MECHANISM, EVEN THOUGH IT PLAINLY SAYS ON THEY'RE WEBSITE THAT WOULD BE A CONSEQUENCE OF SUB FRAME FAILURE. I HAVE MADE OVER 30 PHONE CALLS TO THE DEALER AND FORD MOTOR COMPANY'S CUSTOMER SERVICE HOTLINE, AND NOW THE DEALER IS TELLING ME MY VEHICLE IS FIXED, BUT I HAVE TO PAY FOR THE PARTS PUT ON, AND A REPAIR I DID NOT PRE-AUTHORIZE.I AM A DISABLED VETERAN, AND I WANT SOMEONE TO EXPLAIN TO ME HOW A VEHICLE THAT WAS PERFECTIBLE DRIVABLE BEFORE THIS HAPPENED IS NOW BEING HELD HOSTAGE BY A DEALER UNTIL I COME UP WITH $140, BECAUSE THE MFGR PART FAILED AND ALMOST CAUSED ME TO BE KILLED. THE FORD CASE NUMBER IS [XXX] .THANKS FOR YOUR TIME AND ATTENTION INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6). *TR