2003 FORD WINDSTAR Suspension Problems

The contact owns a 2003 Ford Windstar. The contact stated while attempting to reverse, the contact heard a loud sound coming from the front of the vehicle. The contact stated that steering wheel became difficult to turn. A local dealer was contacted. The vehicle was taken to the dealer where it was inspected, and the contact was informed that there was no recall related to the VIN for the failure. The vehicle was not repaired. The contact related the failure to NHTSA Campaign Number: 12V194000 (SUSPENSION); however, the VIN was not included in the recall. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The contact was referred to the NHTSA Hotline for assistance. The failure mileage was 160,263.

The contact owns a 2003 Ford Windstar. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, there was an abnormal sound coming from the passenger’s side rear wheel. The traction control warning light was illuminated. The vehicle was taken to the dealer, who was unable to duplicate the failure. The vehicle was not repaired. The contact stated that later while driving at an undisclosed speed, there was an abnormal sound coming from the rear suspension and the contact almost lost control of the vehicle but was able to pull over to the shoulder of the roadway. The contact stated that upon a visual inspection there was excessive corrosion around the rear axle and the axle was detached. The vehicle was taken back to the dealer, who diagnosed a failure with the rear axle. The vehicle was not repaired. After investigating the failure, the contact related the failure to NHTSA...

The contact owns a 2003 Ford Windstar. The contact stated while driving at an undisclosed speed, there was an abnormal odor circulating inside the cabin of the vehicle. The contact stated the vehicle started losing motive power, and he was able to pull the vehicle to the side of the road. The vehicle was towed to an independent mechanic who diagnosed a failure with the rear axle. The vehicle was not repaired. The contact related the failure to NHTSA Campaign Number: 10V385000 (Suspension); however, the VIN was not included. The manufacturer was informed of the failure and referred the contact to the NHTSA Hotline. The failure mileage was approximately 160,000.

The contact owns a 2003 Ford Windstar. The contact stated that while driving from the driveway, the front driver's side control arm detached from the vehicle. The vehicle made an abnormal scraping sound. While making a turn, an abnormal clicking noise was heard. There were no warning lights illuminated. The local dealer was not contacted. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was not notified about the failure. The contact stated that the failure was related to NHTSA Campaign Number: 10V385000 (Suspension). The failure mileage was approximately 207,000.

The contact owns a 2003 Ford Windstar. The contact stated that while driving at 15 MPH, there was an abnormal rumbling sound coming from an undisclosed location of the vehicle. The contact veered off the roadway. The contact notified a tow truck company and inspected the vehicle and noticed that the rear axle was fractured. The vehicle was towed to the residence. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The contact referenced the NHTSA Campaign Number: 10V385000 (Suspension). The dealer was notified of the failure and the contact was informed that the VIN was not included in a recall. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 180,000.

The contact owns a 2003 Ford Windstar. The contact stated while driving 45 MPH, the contact started losing control of the vehicle. The contact was able to pull over and had the vehicle towed to an independent mechanic. The independent mechanic diagnosed the vehicle and stated that the vehicle was experiencing the failure listed in NHTSA Campaign Number: 15V608000 (Suspension) and advised the contact to contact the manufacturer for assistance. The manufacturer was contacted and stated that the vehicle was previously repaired under NHTSA Campaign Number: 15V608000 (Suspension). No further assistance was provided. The failure mileage was 160,000.

The contact owns a 2003 Ford Windstar. The contact had taken her vehicle to an independent mechanic and was informed that the rear axle had cracked due to severe corrosion. The mechanic informed her that the vehicle was unsafe to drive. The contact was also informed that the vehicle might be included in NHTSA Campaign Number: 10V385000 (Suspension). The dealer and manufacturer were contacted, and the contact was informed that the VIN was not under recall. The vehicle was not repaired. The failure mileage was approximately 147,000.

The contact’s son owns a 2003 Ford Windstar. The contact stated that while her son was driving 10 MPH and making a turn into a parking lot, the vehicle stopped as the rear tires collapsed inside the wheel well. The contact was able to park the vehicle. The vehicle was towed to the dealer where it was diagnosed that the rear axle had fractured. The manufacturer was notified of the failure and informed the contact that they would cover the repair; however, the dealer informed the contact that they could not repair the vehicle as the subframe was severely corroded. The dealer also informed the contact that the vehicle was previously repaired under NHTSA Campaign Number: 11V030000 (Structure) in 2011. The vehicle was not repaired. The vehicle was towed back to the residence. The failure mileage was approximately 150,000.

The contact owns a 2003 Ford Windstar. The contact stated while driving 25 MPH, the vehicle was wobbling. Once the contact arrived at her residence, her husband noticed that the rear of the subframe was fracture. The dealer was contacted and stated that the vehicle was not included in NHTSA Campaign Number: 10V385000 (Suspension). The manufacturer was not contacted. The failure mileage was 136,000.

The contact owns a 2003 Ford Windstar. The contact stated while his wife was exiting the vehicle, she noticed that the rear driver’s side wheel was leaning in towards the frame of the vehicle. The contact stated no warning light was illuminated. The contact took the vehicle to an independent mechanic and was informed that the axle needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. A dealer was not contacted. The manufacturer had not been informed of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 160,000.

When driving my muffler broke loose and was dragging on the ground. My axel creaks when I stop or sit idle at a light. When several miles from home my ignition cylinder came out. I couldn't start or turn the ignition on nor operate the steering. I'm now afraid to drive my vehicle. Since acquiring it. I've put a lot of money into repairs. In addition to purchasing this vehicle, I've spent well over $2,000 in repairs. Once I learned of the recall and viewed the risks (Video) of the dangers I became grossly disturbed by what I am facing at the thought of driving. I have contacted 4 Ford Service Centers and none of them contacted back regarding fixing my 'recall'. I NEED HELP!! I have a disability and now I don't have transportation besides this car. How come no one is returning my calls? I am stranded at...

The contact owns a 2003 Ford Windstar. The contact stated that the ABS warning light and brake warning light was illuminated on the instrument panel. The contact then took the vehicle to a dealer where she was informed that the rear axle was severely corroded and at risk of fracturing. The dealer informed her of NHTSA Campaign Number: 10V385000 (Suspension) however, the VIN was not under recall. The manufacturer was notified of the failure and offered no assistance. The vehicle had yet to be repaired. The failure mileage was approximately 87,000. The VIN was invalid.

The contact owns a 2003 Ford Windstar. The contact stated that upon taking the vehicle to the dealer for routine maintenance, the contact noticed that the rear axle was severely corroded. The vehicle was taken to the dealer however, the mechanic failed to fix the failure. The vehicle was not repaired and remained at the dealer. The contact referenced NHTSA Campaign Number: 15V608000 (Suspension) as a possible solution to the failure however, the VIN was not included. The contact was concerned for his safety while driving the vehicle. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 75,000. The VIN was not available.

I WAS DRIVING ON A CITY STREET GOING ABOUT 30 MILES AN HOUR THE VAN FILLED WITH SMOKE WHEN I CAME TO A STOP I LOOKED UNDER THE CAR AND THE BACK AXLE WAS BROKE I HAD IT TOWED TO THE FORD DEALERSHIP AND THEY SAID IT WOULD COST $3200 TO FIX IT THEY SAID IT DIDN'T FALL UNDER THE RECALL THEY HAD FOR THE BACK AXLE BREAKING

MY BACK AXLE ITS RUSTED AND ITS CRACKED.THE MECHANIC MENTION THIS IS VERY DANGEROUS IF IT BREAKS WHILE DRIVING.WHILE THE MECHANIC REPLACED MY FUEL PUMP HE NOTICED THIS ISSUE.

I OWN A 2003 FORD WINDSTAR LX. IT WAS AT THE MECHANIC FOR SOME REPAIRS AND HE POINTED OUT THE ISSUE WITH MY REAR AXLE BEING CRACKED AND CORRODED. WHICH ITS VERY DANGEROUS TO KEEP DRIVING LIKE THIS. *LN*JB

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2003 FORD WINDSTAR. THE CONTACT STATED WHILE DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 30 MPH, AN ABNORMAL SOUND WAS HEARD COMING FROM THE PASSENGER'S SIDE REAR OF THE VEHICLE. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO TAYLOR FORD LOCATED AT 13500 TELEGRAPH RD, TAYLOR, MI 48180, TO BE DIAGNOSED. THE CONTACT WAS INFORMED THAT THE SUSPENSION BRACKET WAS RUSTED AND FRACTURED FROM THE AXLE. THE CONTACT WAS INFORMED THAT THE VEHICLE WAS NOT COVERED UNDER NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 15V608000 (SUSPENSION). THE MANUFACTURER WAS MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE BUT, PROVIDED NO ASSISTANCE. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS APPROXIMATELY 200,000.

I CONTACTED THIS AGENCY PREVIOUSLY REGARDING THE FAILURE OF THE REAR AXLE IN DETAIL. THIS NOTE IS SENT TO FURTHER EXPLAIN THE FAILURE OF FORD, GARLITCH FORD, AND THE NHTSA TO PROPERLY ASSURE ME THAT THE VEHICLE WAS REPAIRED ADEQUATELY. IT WAS NOT. I REMOVED THE USELESS BRACKETS GARLITCH FORD INSTALLED UNDER YOUR AND FORD'S DIRECTION, AND THE RECALL 10S13 WAS NOT PERFORMED PROPERLY. I HAVE THE EVIDENCE. I'D LIKE TO KNOW WHAT IS THE POINT IN A RECALL WHEN ABSOLUTELY NOBODY WILL STAND BEHIND IT? WE MAY AS WELL JUST IGNORE THEM ALL IN THAT CASE. SO TO EXPLAIN THE PROBLEM, PER THE INSTRUCTIONS FOR THE RECALL THE TECHNICIAN WAS SUPPOSED TO REMOVE ALL UNDERCOAT/PAINT/E-COAT FROM AREAS SPECIFIED TO THE BASE METAL IN ORDER TO INSPECT THE AXLE FOR CRACKS. THIS WAS NOT DONE. ORIGINAL E-COAT IS CLEARLY VISIBLE IN THE PHOTOS. SO THE INSPECTION OF THE AXLE WAS...

MY AXEL CRACKED ON LEFT SIDE, NOISE ALERTED ME TO THE DANGER. CAREER MECHANIC, NEVER SEEN A RUSTED OUT OR CRACKED REAR AXLE. I ALSO WORKED OUT OF MY HOME ON CARS RUNNING MY OWN SHOP FOR DECADES. AGAIN I HAVE NEVER CHANGED A CRACKED REAR AXLE. THE FIRST RECALL WAS IN MY OPINION ONLY A POOR ATTEMPT AT POSTPONING THE INEVITABLE AXEL FAILURE TO A LATER DATE. NOT A NORMAL FAILURE FOR A SUPPOSED NAME BRAND LEADING AUTOMOTIVE MAKER. FORD'S LATEST AD ON TV SAID SOMETHING LIKE THEY CARE ABOUT THEIR CUSTOMERS AT THE END OF THE AD, WHAT A JOKE, FALSE ADVERTISING OR SHOULD MY CLAIM FOR $1,420.28 BE PAID AND SHOW THEY CARE? THE ORIGINAL AXEL WAS IN MY OPINION A BIT THIN AND I READ THAT THE METAL WAS NOT THE BEST ON A FEW WEB SITES. ALSO FILLING THE HOLLOW AREAS FOR THE AXLE ASSEMBLY...

ALTHOUGH MY VAN HAS BEEN THROUGH ALL RECALL REPAIRS/INSPECTIONS AS I PULLED INTO MY LOCAL GAS STATION TODAY MY REAR AXLE BROKE.*DT VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO CLOSEST DEALERSHIP (DAVE KNAPP FORD LINCOLN) WHERE IT WAS DETERMINED THAT THE VEHICLE HAD PASSED INSPECTION DURING THE RECALL. AS VEHICLE WAS BEING TOWED CONSUMER NOTICED THAT THE LEFT BRACKET APPEARED TO BE PLACED INCORRECTLY. *DL

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2003 FORD WINDSTAR. THE CONTACT CALLED ON BEHALF OF THE DRIVER. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE THE DRIVER WAS DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 45 MPH, AN ODOR OF BURNING RUBBER WAS PRESENT. AFTER STOPPING THE VEHICLE IT WAS DISCOVERED THAT THE REAR PASSENGER SIDE WHEEL AND TIRE WAS RUBBING AGAINST THE WHEEL WELL. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC WHO DIAGNOSED THAT THE PASSENGER SIDE REAR AXLE HAD FAILED. THE MECHANIC ALSO INDICATED THAT THE FAILURE HAD OCCURRED ON A PREVIOUSLY REPAIRED RECALL NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 12V193000 (POWER TRAIN). THE LOCAL DEALER KRAPOHL FORD & LINCOLN (1415 E PICKARD RD, MT PLEASANT, MI 48858) WAS NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT YET CONTACTED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 110,000.

IT HAS AN ELECTRICAL PROBLEM. NEEDS WIRING HARNESS, NEEDS FRONT AND REAL AXLE REPLACEMENT. DANGEROUS. ALARM GOES OFF AT RANDOM. WON'T HOLD CHARGE. STEERING WHEEL BEARINGS ARE SHOT. *TR

I WAS DRIVING DOWN THE ROAD ON A CITY STREET AT 35 MPH AND THE REAR AXLE BROKE ON THE DRIVER SIDE UNDERNEATH THE RECALL BRACKET INSTALLED BY FORD. RECALL 10S13 WAS PERFORMED ON THIS VEHICLE IN 2008 OR 2009. THE BRACKETS WERE INSTALLED AS SPECIFIED BY FORD AND OBVIOUSLY WERE INADEQUATE TO FIX OR PREVENT THE PROBLEM FROM THE ORIGINAL RECALL. FORD SHOULD NEVER HAVE BEEN ALLOWED TO GET AWAY WITH THIS POORLY DESIGNED AND EXECUTED REPAIR TO THE AXLE. THE VEHICLE WAS RECENTLY AT A FORD DEALER THAT VERIFIED THAT THE BRACKETS WERE INSTALLED CORRECTLY PER 15S27 AND FORD DENIED COVERING ANY OF THE REPAIR COST. I HAVE BACKGROUND STUDY AS A STRUCTURAL ENGINEER (I'M A LICENSED CIVIL ENGINEER) AND I USED TO WORK IN AN AUTOMOTIVE PARTS AND MACHINE SHOP. GIVEN MY EXPERIENCE, IF YOU REFER TO 10S13 THERE IS A LOCATION ON THE AXLE REFERRED TO...

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2003 FORD WINDSTAR. THE CONTACT STATED THE VEHICLE WAS PREVIOUSLY INCLUDED IN A RECALL REGARDING THE CRADLE SUB FRAME ASSEMBLY, FOR WHICH THE VEHICLE WAS REPAIRED. THE CONTACT STATED THAT SHORTLY AFTER THE RECALL REPAIR, WHILE IDLE AND DURING ACCELERATION THAT THE VEHICLE WOULD VIBRATE. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO A CERTIFIED MECHANIC AND AFTER EXAMINING THE VEHICLE, THE MECHANIC BECAME AWARE THAT THE REAR AXLE AND SUB FRAME WAS RUSTED WHICH CAUSED THE TRACTION CONTRAIL TO FAIL. THE CONTACT CONTACTED OTHER CERTIFIED MECHANICS WHO CONFIRMED THE SUB FRAME AND REAR AXEL HOUSING ASSEMBLY NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE VEHICLE HAD NOT BEEN REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT MADE AWARE OF THE ISSUE. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 180,000.

THE REAR AXLE HAS CRACKED IN THE MIDDLE AND I CANNOT DRIVE IT NOW. THIS WAS INSPECTED TWICE UNDER FORD RECALL. THE FIRST TIME THEY PUT BRACKETS ON THE FRONT LOWER CONTROL ARMS, AND THE REAR AXLE. THE SECOND TIME THEY RECALLED IT BACK TO REINSPECT THE WORK THAT HAD BEEN DONE SINCE THEY HAD MANY THAT WERE NOT PROPERLY INSPECTED THE FIRST TIME. SO , THIS IS TWICE THEY HAD IT INSPECTED, AND FAILED TO SEE IT WAS DEFECTIVE. THUS PUTTING MY LIFE AND THAT IF MY FAMILY AT RISK FOR DEATH. THANKS FORD! AFTER THE 2ND INSPECTION, THEY SAID IT WAS SAFE, BUT OFFERED TO REPLACE THE AXLE IF I WANTED TO PAY ABOUT $500 ON MY OWN. THAT WAS SUSPICIOUS IN ITSELF.

DRIVING IN TOWN AND REAR AXLE BUSTED IN HALF NEXT TO FORD'S SO CALLED BRACKET FIX.

I WAS DRIVING ON THE INTERSTATE AT ABOUT 60 MPH CHANGING LANES TO THE RIGHT I COULD HEAR TIRES SQUEALING AND THE VAN FELT LIKE IT WAS GOING TO ROLL OVER TO THE LEFT. I REGAINED CONTROL, THEN I HEARD SOME CREAKING METAL NOISE, THEN I HEARD A RUBBING NOISE AND SAW A LOT OF SMOKE COMING FROM THE REAR. I WAS ABLE TO PULL OVER AND INSPECT, WHAT I FOUND WAS THE REAR AXLE WAS BROKEN AND DRIVER SIDE TIRE RUBBING INSIDE THE WHEEL WELL. I WAS VERY FORTUNATE TO HAVE SOMEWHERE TO PULL OVER, OTHERWISE TO CONTINUE DRIVING COULD RUPTURE THE TIRE AND/OR I WOULD BE LEFT STRANDED IN HIGHWAY SPEED TRAFFIC.

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.

VEHICLE IN MOTION WITH FAMILY 70-75MPH ON INTERSTATE. REAR LEFT TIRE BEGAN RUBBING THE INSIDE WHEEL WELL. PULLED OFF FROM INTERSTATE TO A NEARBY EXIT. JACKED VAN IN A PARKING LOT TO SEE REAR LEFT SUBFRAME (AXLE) HAD FRACTURED. BRACKET INSTALLED BY FORD PER REAR SUBFRAME/AXLE RECALL HAD FAILED - MISSING FASTENERS - RUSTED AWAY. LUCKILY FAMILY IS ALIVE, BUT VEHICLE WAS TOWED AND PRESENTLY IN GARAGE. WILL FORD REPAIR IT OR BUY IT BACK?

WHILE DRIVING, I MADE A LEFT-HAND TURN, AND THE REAR AXLE CRACKED IN HALF ON THE RIGHT-HAND SIDE.

WHILE DRIVING EXPERIENCED LOSS OF CONTROL AND REAR WHEEL CANTED INWARD AND RUBBING ON WHEEL WELL. REAR AXLE WAS COMPLETELY CRACKED IN HALF ON ONE SIDE AND 3/4 ON THE OTHER SIDE. THIS IS 2 YRS AFTER THE FORD RECALL THAT WAS SUPPOSED TO PREVENT THIS FROM HAPPENING.

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2003 FORD WINDSTAR. WHILE THE VEHICLE WAS UNDERGOING ROUTINE MAINTENANCE, THE MECHANIC DISCOVERED THAT THE REAR AXLE WAS CRACKED AND NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE FAILURE OCCURRED DUE TO CORROSION. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO OLATHE FORD(205 S FIR ST, OLATHE, KS) WHERE IT WAS CONFIRMED THAT THE REAR AXLE NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 138,000. *BF *JB

MY 2003 FORD WINDSTAR REAR AXLE HAD REINFORCEMENT BRACKETS INSTALLED FOR THE RECALL 10S13. MY REAR AXLE BEAM STILL FRACTURED UNDER THE BRACKET WHILE I WAS DRIVING. AFTER PAYING OVER $300 IN TOWING AND SERVICE FEES FORD TOLD ME THERE IS NOTHING THEY CAN DO. I WAS DRIVING WITH MY HUSBAND AND 4 CHILDREN IN THE VAN. WE ARE LUCKY IT HAPPENED ON A BACK ROAD AND GOING SLOW.

REAR AXLE BROKE UNDER BRACKET THAT WAS PUT ON BY FORD FOR THE AXLE RECALL. I WAS PULLING OUT OF A PARKING LOT WITH MY HUSBAND AND 4 KIDS IN THE VAN WHEN ALL OF A SUDDEN THERE WAS A LOAD NOISE AND THE TIRE WAS RUBBING THE WHEEL WELL. I IMMEDIATELY PULLED OVER, LOOKED UNDER THE REAR END AND COULD SEE THE BRAKE. HAD MY VAN TOWED TO MY HOUSE. CALLED FORD ON MONDAY MORNING AND TOWED VAN TO DEALERSHIP. $300 BETWEEN TOW BILL'S AND A FORD SERVICE CHARGE JUST TO HAVE FORD TELL ME THEY WON'T DO ANYTHING TO FIX MY VAN AND MAKE THIS RIGHT.

REAR AXLE BROKE UNDER THE BRACKET FORD PUT ON THE AXLE FOR THE AXLE RECALL. I WAS PULLING OUT OF A PARKING LOT WITH MY HUSBAND, 4 KIDS AND MYSELF WHEN ALL OF A SUDDEN I HEARD A LOUD NOISE AND MY TIRE RUBBING THE WHEEL WELL. PULLED OVER IMMEDIATELY AND LOOKED UNDER THE REAR END OF MY VAN AND I COULD SEE THE BRAKE. HAD IT TOWED HOME. CALLED FORD AND TOWED MY VAN TO THE DEALERSHIP. PAID $300 BETWEEN TOWING BILL'S AND A SERVICE CHARGE JUST TO HEAR FORD TELL ME THEY WON'T DO ANYTHING TO HELP ME AND MAKE THIS RIGHT.

REAR AXLE BROKE UNDER BRACKET THAT WAS PUT ON BY FORD FOR THE AXLE RECALL. I WAS PULLING OUT OF A PARKING LOT WITH MY HUSBAND AND 4 KIDS IN THE VAN WHEN ALL OF A SUDDEN THERE WAS A LOAD NOISE AND THE TIRE WAS RUBBING THE WHEEL WELL. I IMMEDIATELY PULLED OVER, LOOKED UNDER THE REAR END AND COULD SEE THE BRAKE. HAD MY VAN TOWED TO MY HOUSE. CALLED FORD ON MONDAY MORNING AND TOWED VAN TO DEALERSHIP. $300 BETWEEN TOW BILL'S AND A FORD SERVICE CHARGE JUST TO HAVE FORD TELL ME THEY WON'T DO ANYTHING TO FIX MY VAN AND MAKE THIS RIGHT.

AXLE BROKE UNDER BRACKET THAT WAS PUT ON BY FORD FOR THE AXLE RECALL. I WAS PULLING OUT OF A PARKING LOT WITH MY HUSBAND AND 4 KIDS IN THE VAN WHEN ALL OF A SUDDEN THERE WAS A LOAD NOISE AND THE TIRE WAS RUBBING THE WHEEL WELL. I IMMEDIATELY PULLED OVER, LOOKED UNDER THE REAR END AND COULD SEE THE BRAKE. HAD MY VAN TOWED TO MY HOUSE. CALLED FORD ON MONDAY MORNING AND TOWED VAN TO DEALERSHIP. $300 BETWEEN TOW BILL'S AND A FORD SERVICE CHARGE JUST TO HAVE FORD TELL ME THEY WON'T DO ANYTHING TO FIX MY VAN AND MAKE THIS RIGHT.

REAR AXLE BROKE UNDER BRACKET THAT WAS PUT ON BY FORD FOR THE AXLE RECALL. I WAS PULLING OUT OF A PARKING LOT WITH MY HUSBAND AND 4 KIDS IN THE VAN WHEN ALL OF A SUDDEN THERE WAS A LOAD NOISE AND THE TIRE WAS RUBBING THE WHEEL WELL. I IMMEDIATELY PULLED OVER, LOOKED UNDER THE REAR END AND COULD SEE THE BRAKE. HAD MY VAN TOWED TO MY HOUSE. CALLED FORD ON MONDAY MORNING AND TOWED VAN TO DEALERSHIP. $300 BETWEEN TOW BILL'S AND A FORD SERVICE CHARGE JUST TO HAVE FORD TELL ME THEY WON'T DO ANYTHING TO FIX MY VAN AND MAKE THIS RIGHT.

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2003 FORD WINDSTAR. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE VEHICLE WAS REPAIRED PER NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 10V385000 (SUSPENSION) BY GORDIE BOUCHER FORD OF THIENSVILLE (121 N MAIN ST, THIENSVILLE, WI 53092), BUT THE FAILURE RECURRED. WHILE DRIVING VARIOUS SPEEDS, THE WHEELS BENT AND RUBBED AGAINST THE FRAME. CONSUMER STATED VEHICLE'S REAR AXLE WAS RECALLED TO THE REAR AXLE FAILURE. FORD ADDED BRACKETS TO AXLE TO PREVENT FAILURE. AFTER BRACKETS WERE ADDED ANOTHER RECALL WAS INITIATED TO CHECK REPAIR WAS DONE PROPERLY. THE DEALER DIAGNOSED THE VEHICLE, BUT DID NOT FIND A FAILURE. THE CONTACT RECEIVED ANOTHER RECALL NOTICE FOR NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 15V608000 (SUSPENSION), BUT THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 150,000. *BF CONSUMER STATED WITHIN 2 YEARS REAR AXLE RUSTED THRU AND BROKE, THIS CAUSED LACK OF CONTROL AFTER THE TIRE BENT IN RUBBING...

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2003 FORD WINDSTAR. THE CONTACT TOOK THE VEHICLE TO A AAA REPAIR FACILITY FOR INSPECTION. THE MECHANIC PLACED THE VEHICLE ON A LIFT AND FOUND RUST AND CORROSION ON THE AXLES AND SUBFRAME. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC WHO DIAGNOSED THE VEHICLE AND FOUND THE SAME RUST AND CORROSION. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER AND DEALER WERE NOT MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE. NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 15V608000 (SUSPENSION) WAS REFERENCED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 147,131.

THIS IS DUE TO A RECALL. THE REAR AXLE AND SUBFRAME SNAPPED AND FORD IS NOT HONORING FIXING IT EVEN THOUGH IT HAPPENED AT THE REPAIR SITE OF RECALL.

WHILE DRIVING MY VEHICLE I NOTICED A RUBBING SOUND. I INSPECTED THE TIRES AND SAW THAT THE RIGHT REARTOP OF TIRE WAS LEANING IN TOWARDS THE VAN. I TOOK THE VAN TO THE SHOP AND WAS TOLD THAT THE CRADLE WAS DEFECTIVE AND I WOULD NEED A NEW ONE.

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2003 FORD WINDSTAR. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE VEHICLE WOULD NOT ACCELERATE OVER 20 MPH. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO MATTHEWS CURRIE FORD (130 N TAMIAMI TRAIL, NOKOMIS, FL 34275, 800-248-2378) WHERE THE CONTACT WAS INFORMED THAT THE REAR AXLE WAS FRACTURED AND THE TORQUE BAR WAS RUSTED OFF THE FRAME. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 168,000.

I PURCHASED THIS WINDSTAR IN JULY 2012. MY WIFE AND KIDS USE IT AS A DAILY DRIVER. WE ALSO USE THE MINIVAN FOR LONG TRIPS. IN JULY 2018, ONE MONTH BEFORE THE FAILURE, WE TOOK THE MINIVAN TO CAPE COD AND BOSTON. WE HAD 6 PASSENGERS IN THE CAR. THE FOLLOWING WEEK WE DROVE DOWN TO OCEAN CITY, MD AGAIN WITH THE 6 PEOPLE. WHEN THE AXLE CRACKED, I WAS PULLING INTO THE DRIVEWAY ABOUT 5 MILES PER HOUR. WHAT WOULD HAVE HAPPENED IF THE AXLE BROKE ON THOSE TRIPS AT HIGHWAY SPEEDS AND 6 PEOPLE IN THE CAR?? PLEASE SEE PDF ATTACHMENT

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2003 FORD WINDSTAR. WHILE DRIVING 30 MPH, AN ABNORMAL NOISE WAS HEARD AND THE VEHICLE STARTED TO SHAKE. THE CONTACT VEERED OFF TO THE SIDE OF THE ROAD. THERE WERE NO WARNING INDICATORS ILLUMINATED. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO THE DEALER (FUCCILLO FORD OF SENECA FALLS, 2027 US-20, SENECA FALLS, NY 13148, (315)-568-9881) WHERE IT WAS DIAGNOSED THAT THE SUSPENSION FAILED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 135,000.

I HAVE A 2003 FORD WINDSTAR THAT WAS REPAIRED UNDER THE REAR AXLE RECALL A COUPLE YEARS AGO, TODAY ON MY DRIVE TO WORK THE REAR AXLE BROKE RIGHT UNDERNEATH THE AREA THAT FORD REPAIRED BY PLACING A BRACE AND BRACKET OVER, MY CAR IS NOW SITTING ALONG THE SIDE OF THE ROAD, FROM WHAT I HAVE FOUND OUT I AM NOT THE FIRST PERSON THAT HAS HAD THE AXLE BREAK AFTER FORD FIXED IT.

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.

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2003 FORD WINDSTAR. WHILE DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 65 MPH, THE TIRE PRESSURE GAUGE WARNING INDICATOR ILLUMINATED. THE CONTACT CONTINUED TO DRIVE TO AN UNKNOWN TIRE STORE AND NOTICED THAT THE REAR PASSENGER TIRE WAS LEANING TOWARDS THE CENTER OF THE VEHICLE, AND THE REAR AXLE WAS FRACTURED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT TAKEN TO THE DEALER FOR DIAGNOSTIC TESTING OR REPAIRS. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE VEHICLE WAS PREVIOUSLY TAKEN TO THE DEALER (AUTONATION FORD, 23775 CENTER RIDGE ROAD, WESTLAKE, OHIO 44145) TO BE REPAIRED PER NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 15V608000 (SUSPENSION). THE DEALER FOUND NO FAILURE WITH THE AXLE AND STATED THAT IT WAS OK TO DRIVE THE VEHICLE. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 105,000.

TOP OF REAR RIGHT TIRE TILTED INWARD CAUSING IT TO RUB WHEEL WELL. WHILE DRIVING ON CITY STREETS VAN FISHTALES. SMELL OF BURNING RUBBER WHILE DRIVING. WITH FURTHER INVESTIGATION, I FOUND TIRE TO BE DAMAGED BY THE RUBBING, AND A LARGE CRACK ALMOST THROUGH STRUCTURAL CROSS MEMBER/AXLE. TOOK PHOTOS OF DAMAGE.

I JUST PURCHASED THE VAN FOR MY WIFE & WHEN I WAS HAVING A GARAGE INSTALL TIRES ON IT THE TECH NOTICED THAT WHILE THE REAR AXLE DID HAVE THE INEFFECTIVE AXLE CLAMPS ON IT FROM A DEALER THE AXLE WAS RUSTING ON THE DRIVER'S SIDE & ACTUALLY HAS RUSTED A HOLE IN IT. THE OTHER PROBLEM IS THE FRONT SUBFRAME/ENGINE CRADLE THAT IS RUSTING OUT WHERE IT BOLTS TO THE BODY. I CONTACTED A LOCAL DEALER & ALSO FORD IN DEARBORN, MI & THEY BOTH SAID THERE WAS NOTHING THEY COULD OR WOULD DO TO MAKE THE VAN SAFE FOR MY WIFE TO DRIVE. THERE ARE SOME BODY TYPE NOISES FROM THE FRONT END WHEN TURNING ALSO PROBABLY FROM THE SUBFRAME MOVEMENT.