NHTSA Complaint #11092624 — 2003 FORD WINDSTAR

I WAS DRIVING ALONG HIGHWAY AT 60 MPH AND THE REAR AXLE BROKE CAUSING THE REAR WHEEL TO COME AWAY FROM VEHICLE AND THE REAR END OF THE VAN THE SWERVE VIOLENTLY. THE ONLY THING THAT PREVENTED THE WHEEL FROM COMING COMPLETELY OFF WAS THE FENDER. THE FACT THAT I WAS ON A CURVE MEANT I COULD HAVE GONE OFF INTO THE RAVINE AND DIED. FORD HAD A RECALL TO REINFORCE THE AXLE WITH A BRACKET, WHICH WAS DONE. ALSO THERE WAS A FOLLOW UP RECALL BECAUSE THESE BRACKETS MIGHT CAUSE THE AXLE TO CRACK AND FRACTURE, WHICH MINE DID. FORE WILL INSPECT THE AXLE FOR CRACKS BUT NOT REPLACE IT IF THERE ARE CRACKS, OR IN MY CASE A COMPLETE BRAKE. RECALL #'S 10S13 AND 15S27.