NHTSA Complaint #11257747 — 2003 FORD WINDSTAR

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2003 FORD WINDSTAR. WHILE DRIVING AT AN UNKNOWN SPEED, THE CONTACT HEARD A POP SOUND AND THE REAR DRIVER'S SIDE TIRE WENT FLAT. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED BACK TO THE CONTACT'S HOME. AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC DIAGNOSED THAT THE REAR AXLE WAS BENDING INWARDS DUE TO RUST OR CORROSION, WHICH CAUSED THE TIRE TO SHRED AND DEFLATE. THE VEHICLE WAS INCLUDED IN NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 15V608000 (SUSPENSION). THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO GERMAIN FORD OF BEAVERCREEK (2356 HELLER DR, BEAVERCREEK, OH 45434, (937) 429-1300) WHERE THEY STATED THAT THE REAR AXLE WAS INSTALLED CORRECTLY; HOWEVER, THE RECALL STATED OTHERWISE. THE DEALER REFUSED TO HONOR THE RECALL WITH A FREE REPAIR. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT NOTIFIED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 178,000.