1998 Ford Windstar body problems

STRUCTURE:BODY

SUBFRAME RUSTED ON LEFT FRONT PASSENGER SIDE. 1998 FORD WINDSTAR. I HAD A POPPING NOISE WHEN I MADE A LEFT TURN AND LOUD CRUNCHING NOISE AND STEERING WHEEL PULLED TO LEFT. I HAD TAKEN IT TO A AUTO SHOP AND THEY REPLACED STRUTS.SWAY BARS AND BRAKES . NO ONE TOLD ME ABOUT THE RUST ISSUE WITH THE SUB FRAME. I DROVE IT HOME FROM SHOP. SAME PROBLEM. RETURNED THE VEHICLE TO SAME REPAIR SHOP AND THE HAD A WELDER ATTACH STEEL BRACKET TO HOLD UP SUB FRAME. 2 DAYS LATER WORSE. I HAD A SECOND MECHANIC LOOK AT IT AND HE TOLD ME THE FIRST REPAIR SHOULD NOT HAVE ASKED ME TO REPAIR ANYTHING ON THE VAN. SUB FRAME IS FAILED AT 128,436 MILES. I NOTIFIED FORD MOTOR CO . OF THE FAILURE, WAS GIVIN A CASE NUMBER. ENGINE WILL FALL OUT OF BOTTOM WITH CORROSION OF SUB FRAME. VEHICLE IS NOT SAFE TO DRIVE

NHTSA complaint #11257710 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

STRUCTURE:BODY

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.

NHTSA complaint #11019161 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

STRUCTURE:BODY

REAR AXEL BROKE IN HALF WHILE DRIVING DOWN A FLAT ROAD. FORD DEALERSHIPS TELLING ME IT WILL TAKE AT LEAST A MONTH TO FIX. NO TALK OF PROVIDING A RENTAL VEHICLE. THEY WERE EVEN SAYING THEY MIGHT OR MIGHT NOT PAY FOR FIXING IT. I CALLED FORD CUSTOMER SERVICE WHO SAID I WOULD GET A DAY CAR RENTAL AND IF IT TAKES LONGER THAN A DAY, THE DEALERSHIP NEEDS TO GET A RENTAL PREAPPROVED BY FORD AND PAY FOR AS LONG AS IT TAKES TO REPAIR. SHE SAID TO CALL THEM THAT THEY WERE WAITING TO SET THINGS UP. I CALLED THEM, WAS TRANSFERRED TO 3 PEOPLE AND THEN A VOICEMAIL. LEFT MESSAGE AND NO ONE CALLED. I THEN CALLED BACK AND THEY SAID I WOULD BE TRANSFERRED TO HEAD MANAGER AND AGAIN GIVEN A VOICE MAIL. I CALLED THE CUSTOMER SERVICE AGAIN AND EXPLAINED ALL THIS. THE GUY ANSWERING WAS BREATHING ON THE LINE, WOULD NOT SAY ANYTHING OR RESPOND AFTER I HAD FINISHED AND PUT ME THRU TO SURVEY WHICH I GAVE HIM ALL 1S. I CALLED BACK AND A CASE WAS OPENED. I NEED HELP. PLEASE HELP

NHTSA complaint #11003060 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

STRUCTURE:BODY

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 1998 FORD WINDSTAR. WHILE DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 5 MPH, THE CONTACT HEARD AN UNUSUAL NOISE UNDERNEATH THE VEHICLE. THE CONTACT PULLED TO THE SIDE OF THE ROAD, LOOKED UNDER THE VEHICLE, AND NOTICED THAT THE FRONT PASSENGER SIDE WAS COMPLETELY RUSTED. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC WHO CONFIRMED THE EXCESSIVE RUST AND ADVISED THE CONTACT NOT TO DRIVE THE VEHICLE UNTIL IT WAS REPAIRED. THE CONTACT WAS UNABLE TO FIND A USED PART. THE MANUFACTURER WAS MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE, BUT DID NOT PROVIDE ANY ASSISTANCE. THERE WAS NO RECALL FOR THE FAILURE. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 160,376.

NHTSA complaint #10870774 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

STRUCTURE:BODY

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 1998 FORD WINDSTAR. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE HAVING ROUTINE MAINTENANCE PERFORMED, THE MECHANIC NOTIFIED HIM THAT THE SUB FRAME WAS COMPLETELY CORRODED. AS A RESULT, THERE WAS A POSSIBILITY THAT THE ENGINE COULD POSSIBLY FALL OUT FROM THE VEHICLE. THE MANUFACTURER WAS MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE BUT DID NOT OFFER ANY ASSISTANCE SINCE THE VEHICLE WAS NOT INCLUDED IN ANY RECALLS. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE FAILURE AND CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 170,000.

NHTSA complaint #10558999 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

STRUCTURE:FRAME AND MEMBERS

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 1998 FORD WINDSTAR. THE CONTACT STATED THERE WAS A LARGE HOLE IN THE SUB FRAME AND ENGINE CRADLE. THE MANUFACTURER ISSUED A RECALL UNDER NHTSA CAMPAIGN ID NUMBER 11V030000 (STRUCTURE) PERTAINING TO 1999-2003 WINDSTAR MODEL YEAR VEHICLES. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE DEFECT. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 85,000. ..UPDATED 12-30-13 *BF UPDATED 01/09/14*LJ UPDATED 01/13/14

NHTSA complaint #10550494 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

STRUCTURE

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 1998 FORD WINDSTAR. THE CONTACT STATED THERE WAS A LARGE HOLE IN THE SUB FRAME AND ENGINE CRADLE. THE MANUFACTURER ISSUED A RECALL UNDER NHTSA CAMPAIGN ID NUMBER 11V030000 (STRUCTURE) PERTAINING TO 1999-2003 WINDSTAR MODEL YEAR VEHICLES. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE DEFECT. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 85,000. ..UPDATED 12-30-13 *BF UPDATED 01/09/14*LJ UPDATED 01/13/14

NHTSA complaint #10550494 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

STRUCTURE:BODY

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 1998 FORD WINDSTAR. THE CONTACT STATED THAT AFTER PERFORMING ROUTINE MAINTENANCE ON THE VEHICLE, HE NOTICED THAT THE FRONT SUB FRAME WAS COMPLETELY RUSTED AND NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS CONTACTED IN REGARD TO THIS ISSUE AND ADVISED HIM THAT HIS YEAR VEHICLE WAS NOT INCLUDED IN NHTSA CAMPAIGN ID NUMBER 11V030000 (STRUCTURE: FRAME AND MEMBERS:UNDERBODY SHIELDS). THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS APPROXIMATELY 23,982. THE VIN WAS UNAVAILABLE.

NHTSA complaint #10481423 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

STRUCTURE:BODY

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 1998 FORD WINDSTAR. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN FOR ROUTINE BRAKE SERVICE WHEN HE NOTICED THAT THE SUB FRAME WAS RUSTED AND HANGING FROM THE VEHICLE. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED AND INFORMED THE CONTACT THAT THERE WERE NO RECALLS FOR THE ISSUE. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE VEHICLE WAS PARKED AND WAS NO LONGER BEING DRIVEN AS A RESULT. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 65,000.

NHTSA complaint #10463428 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

STRUCTURE:BODY

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 1998 FORD WINDSTAR. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 10 TO 15 MPH, SHE SUDDENLY LOST CONTROL OF THE VEHICLE AND THE REAR END OF THE VEHICLE DROPPED DOWNWARD. THE VEHICLE WAS UNABLE TO BE TOWED, SO AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC CAME TO THE LOCATION TO EXAMINE THE VEHICLE. THE MECHANIC STATED THAT THE FRAME FRACTURED IN HALF AND NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED AND THEY OFFERED NO ASSISTANCE. THE FAILURE AND CURRENT MILEAGES WERE APPROXIMATELY 160,000. THE VIN WAS UNAVAILABLE.

NHTSA complaint #10455751 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

STRUCTURE:FRAME AND MEMBERS

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

NHTSA complaint #10452395 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

STRUCTURE:FRAME AND MEMBERS:UNDERBODY SHIELDS

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 KIDS DRIVE THIS VEHICLE, BUT HAD I AT LEAST KNOWN THERE WAS A DANGEROUS ISSUE WITH THIS VEHICLE, I WOULD HAVE PARKED IT.

NHTSA complaint #10449361 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

STRUCTURE:BODY

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 1998 FORD WINDSTAR. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE VEHICLE TAKEN TO A LOCAL MECHANIC FOR INSPECTION OF THE SUB FRAME WHEN THE CONTACT WAS ADVISED THAT THE SUB FRAME WAS SEVERELY CORRODED AND THAT THE VEHICLE WAS UNSAFE TO DRIVE. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE BRAKE LINES WERE ALSO FOUND TO BE CORRODED. THE BRAKE LINES WERE REPLACED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE SUB FRAME FAILURE AND DENIED ANY ASSISTANCE WITH THE REPAIR. THE SUB FRAME WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE FAILURE AND THE CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 114,000. THE TIE RODS, FRONT WHEEL BEARINGS AND BATTERY HAD TO BE REPLACED WITHIN ONE YEAR OF OWNING THE VEHICLE. THE WHEEL CYLINDERS, BRAKE ADJUSTERS, SPRING KIT, DRUMS, ROTORS, SHOES, AND PADS ALL HAD TO BE REPLACED. ALSO, THE TURN SIGNAL LEVEL STOPPED WORKING FOR THE LEFT SIDE. WHEN THE BRAKE WAS APPLIED, IT WENT TO THE FLOOR AND THEN PULSATED BACK UP, AND THEN THE ABS LIGHT ILLUMINATED. UPDATED 02/01/12

NHTSA complaint #10439715 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

STRUCTURE:BODY

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 1998 FORD WINDSTAR. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE HAVING THE VEHICLE EXAMINED BY AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC, SHE WAS INFORMED THAT THE FRAME ON THE FRONT DRIVER'S SIDE WAS RUSTED THROUGH. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE, BUT OFFERED NO ASSISTANCE. THE FAILURE AND THE CURRENT MILEAGES WERE 97,500.

NHTSA complaint #10436173 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

STRUCTURE:FRAME AND MEMBERS:UNDERBODY SHIELDS

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.

NHTSA complaint #10435046 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

STRUCTURE:BODY

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.

NHTSA complaint #10433040 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

STRUCTURE:FRAME AND MEMBERS:UNDERBODY SHIELDS

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.

NHTSA complaint #10428415 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

STRUCTURE

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 1998 FORD WINDSTAR. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE ENGINE MOUNT FRACTURED DUE TO RUST, CAUSING THE STEERING WHEEL AND PASSENGER TIRE TO TURN AT AN ABNORMAL ANGLE. A LOCAL MECHANIC DIAGNOSED THAT THE ENGINE MOUNT WOULD NEED TO BE REPLACED. NEITHER THE DEALER NOR MANUFACTURER WAS MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE AND THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE FAILURE AND CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 115,000. THE VIN WAS UNAVAILABLE.

NHTSA complaint #10420014 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

STRUCTURE

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 1998 FORD WINDSTAR. THE CONTACT STATED THE VEHICLE WAS BEING INSPECTED BY AN INDEPENDENT REPAIR SHOP WHEN SHE WAS INFORMED THAT THE ENGINE CROSS MEMBER AND SUB FRAME WERE SEVERELY CORRODED AND CRACKED. THE VEHICLE WAS THEN TAKEN TO AN AUTHORIZED DEALER WHERE THE CONTACT WAS INFORMED THAT THE VEHICLE WAS NOT INCLUDED IN THE RECALL ASSOCIATED WITH NHTSA CAMPAIGN ID NUMBER 10V385000 (SUSPENSION:REAR:AXLE:NON-POWERED AXLE ASSEMBLY). THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE FAILURE AND CURRENT MILEAGES WERE 52,560.

NHTSA complaint #10403804 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

STRUCTURE:FRAME AND MEMBERS

I RECEIVED A LETTER EARLIER THIS YEAR REGARDING MY 1998 FORD WINDSTAR FOR A REAR AXLE RECALL. I HAD IT SERVICED AT MALOUF FORD IN NORTH BRUNSWICK, NJ. WHEN MY SON PICKED IT UP, HE WAS TOLD THERE WAS A NEW RECALL FOR THE FRONT RIGHT SUBFRAME RUSTING OUT (SIMILAR PROBLEM AS THE REAR AXLE). THEY CHECKED THE SUBFRAME ON MY CAR AND IT WAS SEVERELY RUSTED. HE WAS TOLD THEY WOULD CALL US WHEN THE PARTS CAME IN TO FIX IT. I HAD AN APPOINTMENT TO FIX THE SUBFRAME THIS PAST TUESDAY (24/MAY). THE SERVICE DEPARTMENT CALLED AND SAID THAT WHILE THE SUBFRAME WAS DEFINITELY RUSTED OUT, AND THAT IT WAS DUE TO THE SAME DEFECT AS DESCRIBED, THAT PARTICULAR RECALL WAS FOR 1999-2003 WINDSTARS AND SINCE MINE IS A 1998, THEY WILL NOT FIX IT. PLEASE NOTE I HAD NO CLUE OF THE RECALL OR THE DAMAGE. THE FORD DEALERSHIP ADVISED ME OF IT. I WAITED FOR THE PARTS AND BROUGHT THE CAR IN WHEN THEY ASKED. NOW, THOUGH THEY CONFIRM THAT THIS RUSTED-OUT SUBFRAME ON THE PASSENGER SIDE IS EXACTLY WHAT THE RECALL IS FOR, AND THERE IS THE POTENTIAL FOR A DEADLY CRASH IF THAT SUBFRAME FAILS, THEY ARE NOT "AUTHORIZED" TO REPAIR A 1998 WINDSTAR. I DON'T KNOW IF MY CAR IS A LATE-MODEL 1998, BUT IT WAS MANUFACTURED AT THE SAME ONTARIO, CANADA PLANT AS THE CARS THAT QUALIFY FOR THE RECALL, AND A RUSTED RIGHT SUBFRAME IS NOT A NORMAL WEAR-AND-TEAR CONDITION. IT IS BEYOND NEGLIGENT TO ACKNOWLEDGE THE PROBLEM IN A 1999 WINDSTAR, BUT PRETENT THE SAME EXACT PROBLEM IN A 1998 WINDSTAR FROM THE SAME PLANT IS NOT THEIR PROBLEM.

NHTSA complaint #10402790 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

STRUCTURE:BODY

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.

NHTSA complaint #10393283 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

STRUCTURE:FRAME AND MEMBERS:UNDERBODY SHIELDS

TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 1998 FORD WINDSTAR. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THERE WAS SIGNIFICANT RUST WITHIN THE FRONT SUBFRAME AREA. THE AUTHORIZED DEALER WAS NOTIFIED AND THEY INFORMED THE CONTACT THAT THERE WAS NO RECALL RELATED TO THE DEFECT FOR HIS VEHICLE, ALTHOUGH THERE WAS A RECALL ON THE 1999-2003 MODEL YEARS UNDER NHTSA CAMPAIGN ID NUMBER 11V030000 (STRUCTURE: FRAME AND MEMBERS:UNDERBODY SHIELDS). THE VEHICLE HAD NOT BEEN DIAGNOSED OR REPAIRED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS APPROXIMATELY 165,000. UPDATED 03/02/11 *BF UPDATED 03/08/11

NHTSA complaint #10379640 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

STRUCTURE

MY FAMILY OWNS A 1998 FORD WINDSTAR MINIVAN WHICH IS ALREADY SUBJECT TO THE AXLE RECALL AND WHICH DID SUFFER A COMPLETELY CRACKED AXLE. WE HAVE BEEN TOLD BY THE FORD DEALER THAT HAS POSSESSION OF OUR VEHICLE THAT THE FRONT COIL SPRING HAS FRACTURED. THIS IS DESPITE THE FACT THAT THE VEHICLE WAS PREVIOUSLY SUBJECT TO A RECALL THAT PLACED A COVER OVER THE COIL SPRING. THAT RECALL ONLY PROTECTED FORD FOR REPLACEMENT FOR A PERIOD OF 10 YEARS WHICH HAS EXPIRED. ALSO, THIS VEHICLE HAS BEEN EXPERIENCING VERY HARD STEERING AND A FRONT END CLUNKING NOISE BUT NO CAUSE HAS BEEN FOUND. WE FEEL THE LATEST 1999 AND BEYOND RECALL OF BRACKETS SHOULD ALSO APPLY TO OUR 1998 FORD WINDSTAR AS IT'S BASICALLY THE SAME EXACT VEHICLE. WE FEAR THAT THE CLUNKING AND HARD STEERING COULD BE FROM CORRODED BRACKETS WHICH IS NOT BEING RELAYED TO US.

NHTSA complaint #10379266 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

STRUCTURE:FRAME AND MEMBERS

1998 FORD WINDSTAR HAS RUSTED ENGINE SUBFRAME, WHICH, IF LETS GO WOULD CAUSE SIDE AXLE AND FRONT TIRE TO SEPARATE FROM VAN AND CAUSE LOSS OF STEERING CONTROL,LOSS OF BRAKING, AND POSSIBLE ACCIDENT.THIS WAS DISCOVERED WHILE VAN WAS ON RAMP FOR OIL CHANGE . RECEIVED RECALL ON REAR AXLE CRACKING AND RECALL WAS DONE TODAY BY FORD. BROUGHT SUBFRAME PROBLEM TO THE DEALERS ATTENTION AND THEY STATED THAT FORD WAS FULLY AWARE OF THIS PROBLEM BUT COULD DO NOTHING ABOUT IT BECAUSE FORD HAD NOT ISSUED A RECALL ON THIS TIME. THE SERVICE STATION OWNER WHICH DID MY OIL CHANGE EXPRESSED AN OPINION THAT HE FELT THAT THE FRONT SUBFRAME RUSTING WAS INDEED MUCH MORE OF A CONCERN THAN THE CRACKING OF THE REAR AXLE WHICH HAS BEEN RECALLED BY FORD. AT PRESENT I AM AFRAID TO DRIVE MY WINDSTAR WITH THIS STRUCTURAL DEFECT AND I FEEL FORD SHOULD REMEDY THIS DEFECT IN THE SAME MANNER THAT THEY DID WITH THE CRACKING REAR AXLE.

NHTSA complaint #10375091 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

STRUCTURE:FRAME AND MEMBERS

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 ANY INFORMATION ONWHAT STATE IT WAS SOLD IN OR DEALER, WHAT BRAND OF AXEL THAT WAS BEING RECALLED (SAID THEY DIDN'T KNOW THE BRAND) COME ON WHAT COMPANY SPENDS MONEY ON PARTS AND DON'T EVEN KNOW THE BRAND OR MANUFACTURE THEY BUY FROM. I'M SCARED TO DEATH TO DRIVE THIS AUTOMOBILE.. I THINK FORD SHOULD HONOR THERE PROMISE TO ITS CUSTOMERS AND FIX THIS PROBLEM ON ALL 1997-2003 WINDSTARS NOT JUST CERTAIN MONTHS OF 1997 OR DOES SOMEONE HAVE TO LOSE THERE LIFE BEFORE THEY DO SOMETHING? FORD>>> YOU TOOK OUR MONEY FOR YOUR PRODUCT NOW STAND BEHIND YOUR PRODUCT.

NHTSA complaint #10365577 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

STRUCTURE:BODY

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 1998 FORD WINDSTAR. THE CONTACT STATED THAT HE WAS INFORMED BY AN AUTHORIZED DEALER THAT THE FRAME WAS SEVERELY RUSTED. AS A RESULT, THE FUEL LINES, BRAKE LINES AND PIPING WERE ALSO RUSTED AND CORRODED. THE BRAKE LINES WERE REPLACED. THE DEALER ADVISED THE CONTACT THAT THE FAILURE WAS COMMON IN HIS YEAR, MAKE AND MODEL. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 123,000 AND THE CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 133,000.

NHTSA complaint #10364974 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

STRUCTURE:FRAME AND MEMBERS

WITHOUT ANY WARNING SIGNS THAT I COULD SEE, THE REAR AXLE ON MY 1998 FORD WINDSTAR BROKE IN HALF WHILE MY WIFE WAS DRIVING HOME FROM THE GROCERY STORE.SHE WAS ABLE TO PULL OFF THE ROAD AND CALL ME FOR HELP. THE REAR WHEELS WERE TILTED INWARD SO MUCH THAT WE HAD TO HAVE THE AUTO TOWED TO A LOCAL MECHANIC, WHERE THE REAR AXLE AND RELATED PARTS WHERE REPLACED. THIS INCIDENT HAPPENED ALMOST 9 MONTHS AGO, AND EVERY SINCE THEN I AM RELUCTANT TO DRIVE THIS AUTO ANYWHERE NEAR A HIGHWAY. BECAUSE THE ENGINE SEEMS TO BE VERY SOUND. WE SIMPLY USE THE VEHICLE TO DRIVE AROUND TOWN. ONE OF THE MAIN REASONS I FEEL I NEED TO REGISTER THIS COMPLAINT, IS BECAUSE I NOTICED AN INVESTIGATION THAT HAS BEEN INITIATED FOR 1999 AND LATER WINDSTARS. BECAUSE WE HAVE A 1998, I FELT THIS INFORMATION WOULD BE HELPFUL WITH THIS INVESTIGATION.

NHTSA complaint #10351711 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

STRUCTURE:FRAME AND MEMBERS

I HAVE A 1998 FORD WINDSTAR, IN WHICH THE REAR AXLE BROKE IN HALF SHORTLY AFTER COMING OFF THE HIGHWAY. I PULLED INTO A CUSTOMER LOT AND HEARD A NOISE, BUT I THOUGHT I RAN OVER A HOSE THAT WAS ON THE GROUND. IT WAS NOT UNTIL A WORKER CAME IN AN TOLD ME MY REAR WHEELS WERE AT A 45 DEGREE ANGLE, AND THE AXLE IT WAS SPLIT DOWN THE MIDDLE. I HAD TO GET MY WIFE TO PICK ME UP AND TAKE ME BACK TO WORK, AND THEN HOME. THE CAR HAD TO BE LEFT AT THE CUSTOMERS AND I HADIT TOWED THE NEXT DAY TO MY MECHANIC. HE SHOWED ME THE DAMAGE ONE AND POINTED OUT THE RUST AND THE BREAK. I WAS BLESSED THIS DID NOT HAPPEN ON THE HIGHWAY, FOR I HAD JUST TAKEN MY SON TO WORK. THE COST ESTIMATE FOR A NEW AXLE WAS $600.00, AND A USED AXLE WAS $275.00 AND THIS DID NOT INCLUDE ADDITIONAL PARTS AND LABOR.THIS HAPPEN ON JULY 22 2010 AT 3:00 P.M. THE FINAL BILL INCLUDING PARTS ,LABOR, AND TOWING WAS ABOUT $950.00.

NHTSA complaint #10347297 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

STRUCTURE:FRAME AND MEMBERS

THE REAR AXLE IS CRACKED AND ALMOST SEPARATED. DON'T KNOW WHEN OR HOW IT HAPPENED. HAS NOT BEEN REPAIRED.

NHTSA complaint #10332186 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

STRUCTURE:BODY:DOOR

I HAVE A 1998 FORD WINDSTAR. IT FIRST STARTED WITH MY CRUISE CONTROL SWITCH CATCHING ON FIRE AND CAUSING WIRES UNDER MY HOOD TO BURN... NOW FOR THE LAST YEAR I HAVE BEEN HAVING PROBLEMS WITH MY PASSENGER SLIDING DOOR..THE SENSOR ON THE DASH WOULD SHOW THAT THE DOOR WAS AJAR(NOT CLOSED) I COULD TAKE THE BATTERY CABLE OFF FOR A WHILE AND THE DOOR LIGHT WOULD GO OFF. NOW I HAVE HAD TO REMOVE ALL THE BULBS IN THE LIGHTS INSIDE THE VAN TO KEEP MY BATTERY FROM RUNNING DOWN THIS MORNING I GET UP AND MY BATTERY IS DEAD AND ACID FROM THE BATTERY IS ALL OVER THE POST AND CABLE WIRES. I TALK TO MY MECHANIC HE SAYS THIS IS DUE TO SOME PROBLEM IN THE ELECTRICAL SYSTEM HE SAID HE HAS HAD TO WORK ON SEVERAL WINDSTARS FOR THE SAME PROBLEMSOME KIND OF SENSOR FAULT DEFECT.

NHTSA complaint #10332084 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.