1998 FORD WINDSTAR Suspension Problems

The contact owns a 1998 Ford Windstar. The contact stated while driving at various speeds, the vehicle was shuddering significantly. The vehicle was taken to a Tire Store, where it was diagnosed that the rear axle was corroded and had fractured from the upper side to the lower side. The mechanic related the failure to NHTSA Campaign Number: 10V385000 (Suspension). The vehicle was not repaired. The dealer was not notified of the failure. The manufacturer was notified of the failure and referred the contact to the NHTSA Hotline for assistance. The failure mileage was unknown.

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 1998 FORD WINDSTAR. WHILE DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 30 MPH, THE CONTACT HEARD A HISSING SOUND COMING FROM THE VEHICLE, BUT COULD NOT IDENTIFY WHERE THE SOUND ORIGINATED. THE CONTACT ALSO BEGAN TO SMELL A BURNING RUBBER ODOR. THE CONTACT PULLED INTO A NEARBY DRIVEWAY AND PLACED THE VEHICLE IN PARK. THE CONTACT WAS UNABLE TO IDENTIFY ANY FAILURES WITH THE VEHICLE. THE CONTACT CALLED A CERTIFIED MECHANIC; HOWEVER, THE VEHICLE WAS NOT DIAGNOSED OR REPAIRED. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE FAILURES WERE SIMILAR TO NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 10V385000 (SUSPENSION). THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURES. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 125,000.

MY FRONT CRADLE AT STEERING AREA HAS COMPLETELY RUSTED INTO FROM AC LEAK AND ROAD SALT VAN WAS SOLD IN VERMONT NOW IS LOCATED IN VIRGINIA UNSAFE ALMOST UNDRIVABLE TO FORD DEALER FOR A REAR AXLE RECALL FOR AXLE BRACES PLEASE INVESTIGATE THIS

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 1998 FORD WINDSTAR. WHILE DRIVING, THE STEERING WHEEL SHOOK AND THE VEHICLE PULLED TO THE LEFT AND RIGHT. THERE WERE NO WARNING INDICATORS ILLUMINATED. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC WHO DIAGNOSED THAT THE FRONT DRIVER SIDE SUBFRAME WAS RUSTED DUE TO CORROSION AND THE SUBFRAME NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE CONTACT CALLED JOHN KENNEDY FORD- POTTSTOWN AT (800) 790-8132 (LOCATED AT 3189 W RIDGE PIKE, POTTSTOWN, PA 19464) WHERE THE DEALER REFERENCED NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 10V385000 (SUSPENSION), BUT NOT FOR THE SUBFRAME. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE AND STATED THAT THE VEHICLE WAS NOT INCLUDED IN A RECALL. NO FURTHER ASSISTANCE WAS OFFERED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 100,197.

LOUD CRACKIN AND POPPING FROM SWAY BAR ATTACHED FO RUSTED OUT CRADLE DRIVERS SIDE REAR CRADLE THAT HAS RUSTED OUT AND BROKEN AND HAS DROPPED DOWN 1/2 INCH AND ALSO RUSTED REAR AXLE JUST TAGGED AND REGISTERED IT IN VA THEN NOTICED ALL THE RUST TO SUBFRAME AND REAR AXLE VAN HAS MANUFACTURED IN CANADA ON DOOR AND A VERMONT CAR DEALER EMBLEM ON BACK DANGEROUS VEHICLE AM ICOVERED BY RECALLS ON THIS SAFTY HAZARDS

BROKEN AXLE WHILE DRIVING. THANKFULLY WAS NOT DRIVING AT HIGHWAY SPEEDS OR THIS COULD HAVE BEEN DEVASTATING. FORD WILL NO LONGER HONOR 3RD RECALL AFTER INSTALLING SAFETY PLATES AND SAYING AXLE LOOKED OK.

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 1998 FORD WINDSTAR. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE THE VEHICLE WAS IN FOR ROUTINE SERVICE, IT WAS INFORMED THAT THE BRACKET SUPPORT FOR THE SUSPENSION WAS CORRODED AND NEEDED TO BE REPAIRED. THE VEHICLE WAS PREVIOUSLY REPAIRED UNDER NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 15V608000 (SUSPENSION). THE CONTACT WAS INFORMED THAT THE VEHICLE WAS UNSAFE TO REPAIR AND WAS UNSAFE TO BE DRIVEN. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE WAS 158,000.

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 1998 FORD WINDSTAR. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE DRIVING AT 57 MPH, THE CONTACT HEARD A NOISE COMING FROM THE FRONT OF THE VEHICLE. UPON FURTHER INSPECTION, THE CONTACT NOTICED THAT THE SUB FRAME IN THE FRONT OF THE VEHICLE HAD CORRODED AND FRACTURED. IN ADDITION, THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE ARM OF THE SUB FRAME BEHIND THE DRIVER'S SIDE FRONT TIRE HAD CORRODED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT DIAGNOSED OR REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE VIN WAS INCLUDED IN NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 10V385000 (SUSPENSION). THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 141,000.

MY WIFE WAS TAKING MY YOUNGEST TWO CHILDREN TO SCHOOL IN OUR VEHICLE WHEN SMOKE STARTED POURING IN THROUGH THE VENTS OF THE VEHICLE AND AT THE SAME TIME SHE LOST CONTROL OF THE STEERING SLIDING OFF ONTO THE SHOULDER OF THE ROAD. ONCE MY WIFE MADE SURE EVERYONE WAS OUT OF THE SMOKE FILLED VEHICLE SHE NOTICED THE TIRE WAS COMPLETELY SHREDDED ON THE PASSENGER FRONT SIDE OF THE VEHICLE. SHE NOTIFIED ME AND WE HAD THE VAN TOWED TO A MECHANICS SHOP WHERE WE FOUND OUT THAT THE FRONT PASSENGER SPRING HAD BUSTED CAUSING THE TIRE TO BE SHREDDED. THE MECHANIC ADVISED BUYING TWO NEW TIRES FOR THE FRONT OF VEHICLE, HE ALSO ADVISED BUYING TWO NEW SPRINGS AND REPLACING BOTH OF THEM ON THE FRONT. THE VAN WAS FIXED AND WE PAID FOR THE BILL AND TIRE COST OUT OF OUR OWN POCKET. THE MANUFACTURER OF THE...

NO RECALL ON MY VIN # BUT I AM HAVING THIS ISSUE. SUSPENSION:FRONT:SPRINGS:COIL SPRINGS RUBBING TIRES.CAUSING TO USE UP TIRES FAST. MAKE A RUBBING NOISE WHEN TURNING. *TR

TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 1998 FORD WINDSTAR. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE IN REVERSE, THE CONTACT HEARD A LOUD SOUND FROM UNDERNEATH THE VEHICLE. UPON INSPECTION, THE CONTACT NOTICED THAT THE REAR AXLE FRACTURED AND CAUSED THE REAR TIRES TO BEND OUTWARD. THE MANUFACTURER STATED THE VIN WAS NOT INCLUDED IN NHTSA CAMPAIGN I.D. NUMBER 12V195000 (SUSPENSION). THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 180,000. UPDATED 10/22/13 *CN UPDATED 10/25/2013 *JS

NOVEMBER 2010 MY VEHICLE WAS SERVICED FOR A RECALL WHICH 2 REINFORCEMENT BRACKETS WERE PLACED ON THE REAR AXLE. THE RECALL WAS FOR REAR AXLES THAT WERE CRACKED OR BROKEN. MINE WAS NOT REPLACED JUST REINFORCED. ON 4-9-13 MY REAR AXLE CRACKED, AND I CAN NO LONGER DRIVE THE VAN. UPON CALLING FORD AND SPEAKING WITH CUSTOMER SERVICE, I WAS INFORMED THEY DID THEIR PART BY PLACING BRACKETS IN 2010 AND EVEN THOUGH THE AXLE CRACKED ANYWAY IT IS NOW AT MY COST. THANKFULLY THIS DID NOT HAPPEN WHILE I WAS DRIVING WITH MY CHILDREN, BUT I AM VERY UPSET FORD KNOWS THIS IS A PROBLEM WITH THE REAR AXLE, AND CHOSE TO PLACE BRACKETS THAT DID NOT "FIX" THE PROBLEM. *TR

AFTER IT WAS PUT INTO REVERSE AND I WENT TO PARK THERE WAS A LOUD NOISE AND I COULDN'T MOVE THE VAN. GOT OUT AND LOOK AT IT AND SAW IT WAS THE REAR AXEL COMPLETELY BROKEN. *TR

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 1998 FORD WINDSTAR. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE PERFORMING A ROUTINE MAINTENANCE CHECK UP ON THE VEHICLE, THE DEALER FOUND THE MIDDLE OF THE REAR AXLE WAS CRACKED DUE TO CORROSION ND RUST. THE VEHICLE WAS REPAIRED BY HAVING THE REAR AXLE REPLACED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE. THE CONTACT REFERENCED NHTSA CAMPAIGN ID NUMBER: 10V385000 (SUSPENSION: REAR: AXLE: NON-POWERED AXLE ASSEMBLY) HOWEVER THE VIN WAS NOT INCLUDED UNDER THE RECALL. THE CURRENT AND FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 130,139.

REAR AXLE BEAM CRACK. *TR

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 1998 FORD WINDSTAR. THE CONTACT STATED THAT AFTER HAVING REPAIRS PERFORMED ON THE VEHICLE UNDER NHTSA CAMPAIGN ID NUMBER: 10V385000 (SUSPENSION:REAR:AXLE:NON-POWERED AXLE ASSEMBLY), THE VEHICLE WOULD START JERKING VIOLENTLY FROM THE REAR TO THE FRONT WHEN DRIVING AT SPEEDS ABOVE 60 MPH. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALER WHO DIAGNOSED THAT THE BALL JOINTS, BUSHING, INTAKE GASKETS, SPARK PLUGS, AND LOWER CONTROLS ARMS NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE WHO DID NOT OFFER ANY ASSISTANCE SINCE THE RECALL REPAIRS WERE ALREADY PERFORMED. THE VEHICLE WAS REPAIRED AT THE CONTACT'S EXPENSE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 126,131 AND THE CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 127,000.

FRONT SUB FRAME COMPLETELY RUSTED OUT. FORD HAS SUB FRAME RECALL FOR THE 1999-2003 BUT NOT THE 1998. *KB

I WENT TO FORD DEALERSHIP IN DEC 09 RECEIVED INSPECTION ON RECALL # O9S09 AND 09SO9H ONLY. NOW HERE IN FEB. 2012 THE SAME PROBLEMS WITH SUSPENSION,RIGHT FRONT TIRE WHEEL MAKES ALTO OF NOISE POWER STEERING FLUID IS LEAKING STRANGE NOISE IS HEARD WHEN MAKING RIGHT TURNS,FORD SAID MY VEHICLE HAS HAD ALL SERVICE IT IS DUE . I BELIEVE THEY ARE WRONG ALL THE SAME PROBLEMS THE RECALLS REPORTED ARE MY PROBLEMS I HAVE PAPER WORK PROVIDING THEY ONLY RAN TEST ON RECALL #O9S09 AND 09S09H MY CAR IS IN SERIOUS WEATHER CONDITIONS HERE IN ILLINOIS.UNDER THE ORIGINAL OWNER FORD STATED THEY ARE NOT RESPONSIBLE FOR ANY FURTHER REPAIR. FORD DEALERSHIP ROBERTS MOTORS 4350 ALBY ALTON IL 62002. *TR

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 1998 FORD WINDSTAR. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE DRIVING 20 MPH, SHE HEARD A LOUD CLUNKING NOISE. AFTER INSPECTING THE VEHICLE, THE CONTACT NOTICED THAT THE REAR DRIVER SIDE AXLE WAS FRACTURED IN HALF. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO A LOCAL MECHANIC WHO VERIFIED THE FAILURE BUT WAS UNABLE TO DETERMINE THE CAUSE OF THE FAILURE. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE. THE VEHICLE WAS REPAIRED. THE FAILURE AND THE CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 100,000.

WHILE DRIVING MY 1998 WINDSTAR @ 45MPH, I LOST TOTAL STEERING CONTROL OF MY VEHICLE AND MY VEHICLE VEERED INTO THE ONCOMING LANE OF A TWO LANE HIGHWAY. I WAS ABLE TO REGAIN CONTROL AFTER TURNING THE STEERING WHEEL APPROX 360 DEGREES TO THE RIGHT AND MANAGED TO STOP SAFELY. AFTER FURTHER INVESTIGATION, IT WAS FOUND THAT THE DRIVERS SIDE LOWER CONTROL ARM BRACKET THAT IS WELDED TO THE SUBFRAME BROKE AWAY FROM THE SUBFRAME DUE TO A RUSTED OUT SUBFRAME. I'VE OWNED THIS VEHICLE FOR THE PAST 8 YEARS AND NEVER RECEIVED ANY INFORMATION FROM FORD REGARDING THIS SAFETY ISSUE AS NOTED IN THE 1999-2003 FORD WINDSTAR RECALL WHICH HAS THE SAME ISSUE AS MY VEHICLE. ALTHOUGH FORD IS NOT GOING TO HONOR A SUBFRAME RECALL FOR MY YEAR VEHICLE, FORD SHOULD AT LEAST SEND A NOTIFICATION LETTER TO INFORM OWNERS OF THIS DANGEROUS ISSUE. BOTH MY WIFE AND...

WHILE DRIVING ON THE HIGHWAY AT 60MPH, I LOST CONTROL OF MY VEHICLE AND IT STARTED TO FISHTAIL AND SWERVE INTO THE NEXT LANE AS I TRIED TO REGAIN CONTROL IT SPUN AROUND AND FLIPPED OVER UPSIDE DOWN ON TOP OF THE GUARD RAIL AND LANDED FACING TRAFFIC. I RECEIVED MINOR INJURIES AND MY THREE CHILDREN WERE NOT INJURED. I WAS INFORMED THAT THE REAR AXLE SNAPPED IN HALF ON MY VEHICLE AND THAT THERE IS A RECALL ON THIS PART. I NEVER RECEIVED A NOTICE IN REGARDS TO THIS. *TR

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 1998 FORD WINDSTAR. WHILE DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 40 MPH, THE CONTACT HEARD A LOUD CLANKING NOISE OUTSIDE THE VEHICLE AND IMMEDIATELY THE VEHICLE WAS DRIVEN TO THE SIDE OF THE ROAD. THE CONTACT NOTICED THE REAR AXLE WAS COMPLETELY FRACTURED. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC FOR DIAGNOSIS AND THE TECHNICIAN ADVISED HIM THERE WAS A RECALL ASSOCIATED WITH NHTSA CAMPAIGN ID NUMBER 10V385000 (SUSPENSION:REAR:AXLE:NON-POWERED AXLE ASSEMBLY). THE VEHICLE WAS THEN TOWED TO AN AUTHORIZED DEALER WHO STATED THE VEHICLE WAS INELIGIBLE FOR THE RECALL REPAIR DUE TO THE DATE RANGE MENTIONED IN THE RECALL SUMMARY. THE MANUFACTURER WAS MADE AWARE OF THE PROBLEM. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 194,000.

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

UPON INSPECTION OF VEHICLE FOR INSPECTION, IT WAS DETERMIND VEHICLE WAS UNSAFE TO DRIVE BECAUSE OF BADLY CORRODED SUBFRAME ON PASSENGER SIDE OF VEHICLE. ALSO, COIL SPRING ON PASSENGER SIDE WAS BROKEN POSING A DRIVING HAZARD. VEHICLE HAS APPROXIMATELY 80,000 MILES. *TT

WINDSTAR SUBFRAME IS COMPLETELY CORRODED AND UNSAFE. THIS IS CAUSED BY ROADSALT, NOTHING I DID. FORD REFUSES TO COVER THIS AS A RECALL. VEHICLE IS COMPLETELY UNSAFE TO DRIVE, AND FORD WON'T STAND BEHIND IT. *TR

WAS INFORMED THAT SUB-FRAME (ALSO CALLED ENGINE CRADLE) IS RUSTING AWAY ON MY VAN. AFTER LOOKING ONLINE, IT SEEMS THIS IS A COMMON ISSUE AMONG THESE VANS, WHICH IS CAUSED BY THE USE OF INFERIOR STEEL AND AN AC LINE RUNNING OVER THE SUB-FRAME. MY ENGINE CAN NOW LITERALLY FALL OUT UNLESS I PAY OUT-OF-POCKET TO REPLACE THIS. I KNOW NHTSA HAS AN INVESTIGATION INTO THIS, BUT I CAN'T WAIT MONTHS FOR A RECALL WHILE MY FAMILY USES THIS VEHICLE DAILY! PLEASE RECALL THIS PROMPTLY, MANY PEOPLE ARE PAYING THOUSAND FOR OUT-OF-POCKET REPAIRS ON AN ISSUE FORD SHOULD HAVE TO COVER. *TR

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 1998 FORD WINDSTAR. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE REAR AXLE FRACTURED IN HALF WHILE DRIVING 5 MPH. THE VEHICLE EXHIBITED AN ABNORMALLY LOUD NOISE AS THE CONTACT MERGED THE VEHICLE TO THE SHOULDER. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO A MECHANIC WHERE THEY INSPECTED THE FAILURE AND INFORMED HER THAT THE AXLE WAS FRACTURED AND THE VEHICLE WAS NOT DRIVABLE. THE MANUFACTURER WAS CONTACTED AND INFORMED HER THEY WOULD CONTACT HER AT A LATER DATE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 150,000.

TOOK VEHICLE IN TO A MECHANIC FOR REPAIR WORK. WHEN MECHANIC PLACED THE VEHICLE ON THE LIFT, HE NOTED THAT THE SUBFRAME THAT CRADLES THE ENGINE AND TRANSMISSION AND SERVES AS THE ATTACHMENT POINT FOR THE FRONT SUSPENSION WAS EXTREMELY RUSTED. THE CORROSION HAS CAUSED LARGE AND NUMEROUS HOLES IN THE SUBFRAME. HE STATED THAT THE VEHICLE IS UNSAFE TO DRIVE IN ITS CURRENT CONDITION AND WOULD NOT WORK ON THE VEHICLE BECAUSE IT WAS UNSAFE. HE STATED THAT THE ENGINE COULD ACTUALLY FALL THOUGH THE SUBFRAME, OR THE SUBFRAME COULD BRAKE AT THE SUSPENSION CONNECTION POINTS CAUSING LOSS OF CONTROL OF THE VEHICLE.

1998 FORD WINDSTAR. CONSUMER WRITES IN REGARDS TO SEVERAL RECENT RECALLS AND STATES SHE HAS HAD PROBLEMS WITH JERKING AND TIRE WARE *TGW THE CONSUMER STATED THE REAR AXLE WA INSPECTED AND NO PROBLEMS WERE FOUND. HOWEVER, SHE CONTINUED TO EXPERIENCE PROBLEMS.

THE REAR AXLE BROKE INTO TWO SEPARATE PIECES WHILE COMING TO A STOP IN MY DRIVEWAY. THE REAR WHEELS WERE CANTED IN AT THE TOP AS A RESULT, COMPLETELY DISABLING THE CAR. THE VEHICLE HAD TO BE TOWED FOR REPAIRS AND A NEW REAR AXLE FROM FORD MOTOR CO WAS INSTALLED. FOMOCO HAS DENIED MY CLAIM FOR REPAIR BECAUSE DENVER, CO IS NOT IN THE RECALL AREA ISSUED 8-26-2010 AND EXPANDED ON 11-30-2010. "VIN NOT IDENTIFIED FOR THIS FIELD SERVICE ACTION." I AM THE ORIGINAL OWNER AND THE VEHICLE CONTINUES TO BE DRIVEN DAILY. (GS FOR DENNIS DOLAN)

I OWN A 1998 FORD WINDSTAR(MANUFACTURE DATE AUG..1997. I HAVE BEEN HAVING PROBLEMS FOR A WHILE. MY VAN WAS MAKING A WHINING GRINDING NOISE. GEAR IS HARD TO GET OUT OF PARK BAD POPPING NOISE WHEN BACKING UP...REPLACED ALL 4 WHEEL BEARINGS AND BOTH TIE ROD ENDS..STILL MAKING A BAD WHINING NOISE.3 DAYS AGO I WAS DRIVING DOWN THE HIGHWAY AND THE STEERING STARTED ACTING WEIRD AND SHAKING AND THE BACK OF THE VAN STARTED SWAYING BACK AND FORTH .. WAS TOLD AT THE SHOP ABOUT THE RECALL ON AXEL I CALLED FORD AND WAS TOLD MY VAN IS NOT ON THE LIST MY VAN HAS A EXCESSIVE AMOUNT OF CORROSION THROUGHOUT THE WHOLE BOTTOM THE SHOP TOLD ME THIS VAN HAS BEEN EXPOSED TO SALT. WHEN I BOUGHT THE VAN IT HAD A INSPECTION STICKER FROM PREVIOUS OWNER FROM ONE OF THE RECALL STATES.(PENS) FORD WOULD NOT GIVE ME...

READING ON-LINE BECAUSE MY MECHANIC'S PUZZLED ABOUT THE NOISES, I FIND THAT IT'S NOT ONLY THE 1999+ WINDSTARS THAT HAVE HAD A PROBLEM, BUT -- IF YOU WOULD LOOK AT #2 AND #3 HERE AT THIS LINK: HTTP://WWW.ABOUTAUTOMOBILE.COM/COMPLAINT/1998/FORD/WINDSTAR/SUSPENSION IT'S APPARENT THAT THIS AXLE BREAKAGE HAS OCCURRED IN 1998'S AS WELL. THAT IS WHAT I HAVE, IN WHICH I'M HEARING SIMILAR NOISES. LIVING IN A SALT-BELT STATE, THIS IS SCARY; DON'T EVEN DARE TAKE IT ON THE FREEWAY! HARD TO GET OUT OF TOWN (SUCH AS TO A GRADUATION THIS WEEKEND) WITHOUT FREEWAYS. VERY SAD ... & HARD TO REPLACE IT, TOO, WHILE ON ONLY SOCIAL SECURITY. SOMETHING SHOULD BE DONE TO INCLUDE 1998S (SEE LINK ABOVE) IN THIS INVESTIGATION, TOO, IT APPEARS. I DIDN'T PAY NEARLY $4000 TO ONLY DRIVE A VEHICLE IN TOWN, AND NOT BE ABLE TO GO ANYPLACE! :O( [XXX] PS * DIDN'T GIVE "DAY" B/C THIS...

THE VEHICLE WAS DRIVING NORMAL AND BEGAN TO MAKE NOISES IN THE FRONT END. I HAD THE VEHICLE INSPECTED AT A SERVICE GARAGE AND TOLD THE FRONT COIL SPRINGS ARE FRACTURED. *TR

I NOTICED MY VAN WAS 'FEELING WEIRD' WHEN I DROVE IT-ALMOST LIKE I WAS DRIVING ON A SLIPPERY ROAD AND THE BACK END WAS SLIDING. THIS WENT ON FOR ABOUT 4 DAYS. I HAD TO DRIVE MY SON TO VISIT HIS FATHER ON AN EXTREMELY SNOWY DAY. THE ROADS WERE DRIVABLE BUT DID HAVE SOME SNOW ON THEM. WHEN I PROCEEDED DOWN THE HILL I LIVE ON, THE SLIDING SENSATION WAS EXTREMELY EXAGGERATED. THE FURTHER I DROVE, THE WORSE IT GOT. I HAD TO DRIVE IN 1ST GEAR GOING LESS THAN 20 M.P.H. WITH THE BACK END OF MY VAN FISHTAILING. I THOUGHT FOR SURE WE WERE GOING TO ROLL OVER. THANK GOD I WAS PASSING THE MECHANIC'S GARAGE I USE, AND I WAS ABLE TO PULL IN. I HAVE JUST BEEN INFORMED THAT THE REAR AXLE HAS SNAPPED AND THE VEHICLE IS NOT DRIVABLE. UPON SEARCHING FOR HOW MUCH...

I WAS BACKING OUT OF A PARKING SPOT AND HEARD A LOUD CRASH TYPE OF SOUND. CHECKED THE CAR AND FOUND OUT THAT THE REAR AXLE HAD BROKEN IN HALF. *TR

WE HAVE ALWAYS HAD TROUBLE WITH THIS VAN - WE BOUGHT IT USED(1 YR OLD) SO WE HAD NO RECOURSE AS FAR AS WARRANTIES GO. WE FINALLY WERE ABLE TO TAKE IT IN TO THE FORD DEALERSHIP AND HAVE THE LIGHT PROBLEM LOOKED AT - THEY REPLACED A SENSOR FOR $140 AND AS SOON AS WE DROVE 45 MILES IT STARTED UP AGAIN! WE WERE ON OUR WAY ON A ROAD TRIP AND I CALLED TO TELL THEM IT FAILED, BUT WHEN WE GOT BACK TWO WEEKS LATER THEY CLAIMED THAT IT MUST BE SOMETHING DIFFERENT... INTERIOR LIGHTS DO NOT SHUT OFF, REMOVED DOOR AJAR CHIME SO WE DIDN'T HAVE TO LISTEN TO THAT WHILE DRIVING ALL THE TIME, DOOR AJAR LIGHT HAS BEEN ON CONTINUOUSLY FOR MORE THAN 3 YEARS, WE'VE HAD TO REMOVE THE DOME LIGHTS AND TURN THE OTHER LIGHTS TO "OFF" SO OUR BATTERY DOESN'T GO...

I BOUGHT THIS VAN BECAUSE OF THE CLEAN CONDITION OF IT . I HAVE THE 3.0 LTR ENGINE WHICH HAS BEEN EXCELLENT. THE TRANSMISSION SO FAR IS OK. STEERING IS A DANGEROUS MESS WITH ALMOST EVERYTHING NEW AND 3 ALIGNMENTS. IF YOU TAKE YOUR EYES OFF THE ROAD EVEN FOR A SECOND YOU CAN END UP IN A DITCH. MY WIFE & I BOTH WENT OFF THE ROAD IN A 1 MONTH SPAN. WE BOTH HAVE EXCELLENT DRIVING RECORDS. THE FRONT END SEEMS OK TO FORD. SOMETHING SERIOUS IS WRONG WITH THE STEERING. WON?T LET MY WIFE DRIVE IT ANYMORE. HAS A LITTLE VIBRATION THAT YOU CANNOT GET RID OF. SENDING THIS TO YOU BECAUSE I CALLED FORD AND THEY SAID THERE WAS NO SAFETY RECALL OR ANY STEERING ISSUES WITH THAT VAN. HAD A SERVICE BULLETIN IN FRONT OF ME AT THAT TIME STATING THERE WAS. BUT THAT IS...

REAR SWAY BAR BROKE IN HALF ON LOW SPEED TURN IF THIS WOULD HAVE HAPPENED ON A FREEWAY EXCHANGE OR OFF RAMP THIS WOULD HAVE RESULTED IN A ROLLOVER AND POSSIBLE DEATH!

A/C OCT. 99 $168.98, DEC. 99 $134.40 SUSPENSION JULY 01 $664.61, DEC. 99 $515.85, JUN 01 $61.78, BODY JUN 01 $443.61 OTHER CD PLAYER JUN 01 $19.50 AND $366.86 TURN SIGNAL JAN 02 $161.04 DOME LIGHT JAN 02 $84.02 JAN 02 $89.72 DOOR OCT 99 $134.52, MAR 03 $285.07 STEERING SEPT.02 $258.82, MAR. 03 569.32 COMPUTER CONTROLS SEPT. 00 $106.02 ENGINE JAN 02 $784.75 COOLANT SMELL (FOUND FRONT COVER GASKET LEAKING) SEPT. 02 85.95 (TOLD THROTTLE BODY WORN OUT, SOLD ME UPDATE COMPUTER SOFTWARE, SEAMS TO RUN BETTER) CURRENTLY IN SHOP FOR CHECK ENGINE LIGHT AND A/C SYSTEM INTERMITTENT. MECHANIC FOUND ENGINE PROBLEM, SAYS MAIN BEARINGS OR CRANKSHAFT BAD, POSSIBLY DUE TO COOLANT IN OIL SYSTEM FROM JANUARY 02 PROBLEM

WHEN WE PURCHASED THE VAN, WE ALSO BOUGHT A DIAMONDKOTE WARRANTY ,FOR 499.99$ AND TOLD AT THE TIME OF PURCHASE THAT IS WAS A GOOD WARRANTY.WE THEN FOUND OUT THAT WE SHOULD NOT HAVE BEEN SOLD THE WARRANTY AND PLAZA FORD LINCOLN WILL NOT HONOR IT, WE CAN'T EVEN GET A REFUND, SO WE SPOKE TO SOMEONE AT DIAMONDKOTE AND THIS PERSON TOLD US THAT WE SHOULD NOT HAVE BEEN SOLD THE WARRANTY AND HAVE BEEN TRYING TO GET A REFUND EVER SINCE,EITHER FROM PLAZA FORD LINCOLN OR DIAMONDKOTE. I HAD INTENTIONS OF SUING FORD MOTOR COMPANY TWO YEARS AGO WHEN MY HUSBAND TOOK MY TWO DAUGHTERS TO HALIFAX, BECAUSE MY 8 YEAR OLD HAD CANCER AT THE TIME, SHE HAD A APPOINTMENT AT THE I.W.K HOSPITAL AND IT WAS BY THE GRACE OF GOD THAT THAY WERE NOT KILLED WHEN THE FRONT SUSPENTION SPRING BROKE IN WHICH CASE MY...

PROBLEMS WITH TRANSMISSION, TORQUE, POWER STEERING, AND FRONT END STABLE RODS & ARMS. *MR THE TRANSMISSION AND TORQUE HAD BEEN REPLACED TWICE, THE POWER STEERING ONCE, THE FONT END STABLE RODS AND ARMS TWICE AND REMAINED BAD. THE BATTERY LIGHT HAD COME ON AND THE IDLER PULLEY WAS REPLACED, THERE WAS A CREAKING/CRACKING NOISE WHEN TURNING THE WHEEL AND THE OUTER TIE RODS WERE REPLACED ALONG WITH THE TOE BEING RESET, THERE WAS A CLUNK WHEN GOING OVER THE BUMPS, THERE WAS A VIBRATION UNDERNEATH DUE TO THE TRANSMISSION, THE ENGINE LIGHT WOULD COME ON AND OFF AND SEEMED LIKE THE SHIFTS WERE ERRATIC, THE TRANSMISSION LEAKED BADLY, AND ON SOME OCCASIONS THE STARTER DID NOT ENGAGE. *SCC *JB

WHILE BRAKING THERE WAS A CLANKING NOISE IN FRONT END. TOOK VEHICLE TO FORD, FORD REPLACED SUBFRAME BUSHINGS AND TIE ROD ENDS. PLEASE PROVIDE ANY FURTHER INFORMATION. TS. *AK

CONSUMER STATED THE FRONT END OF THE VEHICLE WAS BOUNCING, ALSO THE FRONT HUB BEARINGS WERE REPLACED.*YH

THIS VAN IS 3 YEARS OLD. CORROSION MOST LIKELY CAUSED THE PROBLEM WITH STRUT RODS & SWAY BAR LINKS. OBVIOUSLY THIS MANUFACTURER WAS NOT CONCERNED WITH QUALITY B/C OF ALL THESE PROBLEMS. THE FORD COMPANY WILL NOT REIMBURSE ME (MY VAN IS NO LONGER COVERED BY FACTORY WARRANTY) UNLESS THEY ISSUE A RECALL ON ANY PARTICULAR PROBLEM. I JUST DON'T UNDERSTAND WHY I WOULD HAVE ALL THESE PROBLEMS WITH A VEHICLE THAT WAS LESS THAN 2 YRS OLD WHEN THE PROBLEMS STARTED. MAYBE YOU CAN'T HELP ME, BUT I WANTED TO LODGE A COMPLAINT.*AK

WHILE DRIVING AT 60 MPH SEVERE VIBRATIONS OCCURS, CAUSING SAFE HANDLING OF VEHICLE TO BECOME EXTREMELY DIFFICULT, CAUSE UNKNOWN.*AK CONSUMER STATES LOCAL DEALER HAS TRIED VARIOUS THINGS SUCH AS TIRE BALANCING, ALIGNMENT AND CHANGING ALL FOUR TIRES BUT NOTHING HAS RESOLVED THE PROBLEM, LOCAL DEALER STATED THAT THIS PARTICULAR VEHICLE HAS THIS PROBLEM AND THEY DONT KNOW WHAT TO DO TO CORRECT IT. *JB

WHILE CONSUMER WAS TRAVELING ON THE HIGHWAY VEHICLE STARTED SHAKING, AND LOST CONTOL. HIT A GUARDRAIL, AND FLIPPED OVER THREE TIMES. THE CONSUMER WAS TRAUMATIZED, AND DIDN'T REMEMBER ANYTHING.

RIGHT FRONT STRUT FAILED. YH

PERSISTENT LOUD GROAN OR RUBBING SOUND OCCURS WHEN STEERING WHEEL IS TURNED TO LEFT AND WHEN TURNING TO RIGHT WHEN STRAIGHTENING OUT FROM LEFT TURN. FRONT END SHOP ADVISED STRUTS AND STRUT SUPPORT BRACKETS REQUIRE REPLACEMENT AT COST OF $588. VEHICLE IS 6,000 MILES OUT OF WARRANTY. SHOP SUPERVISOR EXPRESSED SUPRISE THAT SUCH COMPONENTS REQUIRE REPLACEMENT. BECAUSE OF SERVICE BACK-UPS DEALER HAS NOT YET ADVISED ON PROPER SOLUTION.

MY WIFE WAS TURING LEFT AT A RED LIGHT AND WAS WAITING FOR PEDISTRIANS TO CROSS THE STREET. AS SHE TURNED THE CORNER THE RIGHT FRONT TIRE SNAPPED OFF OF THE HUB AND ALMOST HIT A LAWYER! ALL FIVE OF THE STUDS BROKE OFF, THE METAL INDICATED THEY WERE FRESH BREAKS. THERE WAS NOT ANY INDICATION OF THE NUTS BEING LOSE, THE NUTS WERE STILL SCREWED ON THE STUDS. THE WHEEL AND NUTS DID NOT LOOK SCARED AS IF THEY HAD BEEN LOSE. PIOR TO THE WHEEL COMING OFF THERE HAD BEEN NO SHIMMY OR VIBRATION AT ALL. I HAD DRIVEN THE VEHICLE THE PREVIOUS NIGHT AND HAD NOT FELT ANYTHING OUT OF THE ORDINARY. SHE HAD ONLY ACCELERATED FROM THE LEFT TURN POSITION ABOUT 15FT AND COULD NOT HAVE BEEN GOING FASTER THAN 5 MPH. THE VEHICLE HAD NOT BEEN SERVICED AFTER WE PURCHASED IT. THANK GOD SHE WAS...

FRONT STRUTS BROKE WHILE DRIVING ON THE HWY AT 30-35 MPH ON A SNOWY ROAD CONDITION. DEALER NOTIFIED AND REPAIRS WER EMADE AT CONSUMER'S COST. *AK