353 of the
1,949 complaints about the 1998 Ford Windstar are about the
transmission — 18% of everything
reported for this model year.
Half of the failures with a mileage on record happened before
89,313 miles.
C
353
Complaints
11
Crashes
6
Fires
9
Injuries
Exactly what failed
Automatic Transmission
25572.2%
Power Train
318.8%
Manual Transmission
226.2%
Axle Assembly
144.0%
Park/Neutral Start Interlock Switch
92.5%
Control Module (Tcm/Pcm/Tecm)
61.7%
Driveline
41.1%
Gear Position Indication (Prndl)
30.8%
Torque Converter
20.6%
Pedal/Hand Lever(Motorcycle)
10.3%
Transmission & Drivetrain across every Ford Windstar year
10/16/15 BOUGHT VAN. 10/30/15 STOP HAD TOWED HOME.CALL DEALERSHIP HAD TOWED TO THERE PLACE. THEY RAN A RED WIRE FROM FUSE RELAY TO INSIDE OF DASHBOARD TOOK OVER A WEEK GOT IT BACK. NOT IN EVEN WEEK LATER TRANSMISSION START MESSING UP TOLD THEM WOULDN'T CHANGE GEARS. IT WENT OUT. THEY DIDN'T WANT TO FIX IT FILE COMPLAINT WITH (DMV) INVESTIGATOR GOT IN TOUCH WITH THEM AGREEMENT WAS THEY WILL HAVE IT FIX WE DONT PAY LABOR, WE JUST PAY FOR TRANS AND FLUIDS. HAD IT TOWED THEY BEEN HAD VAN YEAR. 10/2016 THEY FOUND TRANS COST 515.PAID THEM. THEN IN 11/2016 SAID RADIATOR WAS CRACKED WE HAD TO PAY 102.84 ANOTHER MONTH 12/26/2016 GOT VAN. ITS MESSED UP SMOKING BRAKES BURNT UP.THE SPEEDOMETER LINES UNDER VAN NOT CONNECT JUST HANGING DONT MATCH UP ONE BROKE AT THE END. THE ODOMETER NOT HOOK UP. TOLD THEM THEN CARRIED TO INSPECTION FAILED. MAKE A LONG STORY SHORT THEY LIED THE TRANS COST 250 THE GUY THAT WAS WORKING ON IT BUSTED RADIATOR BUSTED IT THEY DIDNT TELL US. THEY RESPONSIBLE .THE MILES HAVE BEEN ROLLED BACK.2 TIMES. 10/15/2015 SAYS 144448.NOW 01/02/17 SAYS 144208. THEY BEEN HAD A YEAR AND THE ODOMETER DISCLOUSUER STATEMENT WAS SIGNED BY THE LADY NOT ME ARE MY WIFE.SHE SAID SHE DIDN'T BUT DID. WANT GIVE US MONEY BACK AND THEY PUT ALL THE INVOICES IN HIS NAME AND DEALERSHIP NAME LIKE WE DIDN'T PAY FOR ANYTHING AND SHE STILL WANT GIVE ME A INVOICE FOR THE 515 FOR TRANS. THE MAN GOING TO TELL ME PUT IT UP FOR SALE CANT THEY MESSED IT UP AND TOOK ALL OUR MONEY WE ONLY GET PAID ONCE A MONTH. WANT OUR MONEY BACK.
NHTSA complaint #10954533 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
NHTSA complaint #10860953 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 182,000 milesFort Worth, TX
POWER TRAIN
TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 1998 FORD WINDSTAR. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE DRIVING AT VARIOUS SPEEDS, THE TRANSMISSION FAILED INTERMITTENTLY AND THE CHECK ENGINE WARNING LIGHT ILLUMINATED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT DIAGNOSED OR REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 182,000.
NHTSA complaint #10682592 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 250,000 milesGray Court, SC
POWER TRAIN
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 1998 FORD WINDSTAR. THE CONTACT STATED WHILE STOPPED AT A TRAFFIC LIGHT, THE VEHICLE MADE A LOUD BANGING SOUND AND THE VEHICLE FAILED TO ACCELERATE. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALER. THE TECHNICIAN DIAGNOSED THAT THE INTERMEDIATE SERVO NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS MADE AWARE. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE VIN WAS NOT AVAILABLE. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 250,000. UPDATED 08/19/14*LJ UPDATED 8/30/2017
NHTSA complaint #10595770 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 96,769 milesGroveland, IL
POWER TRAIN
WAS DRIVING DOWN THE ROAD @ 55MPH AND THE SPEEDOMETER SHOT TO 0MPH AND THE TRANS WAS THROWN INTO 1ST. THIS HAPPENED SEVERAL TIMES. I AM LOOKING FOR A RESOLUTION. IT ACTS AS IF VSS ISN'T WORKING. EVEN THREW A CODE. I REPLACED THE SENSOR AND CHECKED THE WIRES ALL THE WAY TO THE ECM. EVERYTHING LOOKS QUITE GOOD. RAN A SCANNER. PICKED UP SEVERAL CODES. VSS AND ABS SENSORS ALL AROUND. PULLED CLUSTER: EVERYTHING LOOKED GREAT. THE ONLY FAULT I CAN THINK OF IS ECM UNLESS ABS SYSTEM HAS THE ABILITY TO AFFECT THE DRIVE LIKE THAT.
NHTSA complaint #10592615 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 154,327 milesRichmond, VA
POWER TRAIN
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 1998 FORD WINDSTAR. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE VEHICLE STALLED WITH THE ILLUMINATION OF ALL OF THE INSTRUMENT PANEL WARNING LIGHTS. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO A MECHANIC WHERE A DIAGNOSTIC WAS PERFORMED AND LOCATED THE FAILURE AT THE POWER TRAIN MODULE. THE MANUFACTURER ADVISED THE CONTACT THAT THE VEHICLE WAS NOT INCLUDED IN THE MANUFACTURER'S POWER TRAIN PCM RECALL. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE VIN WAS NOT AVAILABLE. THE FAILURE AND CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 154,327.
NHTSA complaint #10520203 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 140,000 milesUnion, MO
POWER TRAIN:AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION:CONTROL MODULE (TCM/PCM/TECM)
FORD ISSUED A TSB ON THIS PROBLEM. THE REPAIR IS TO REPROGRAM THE POWERTRAIN CONTROL MODULE (PCM). STALL DURING DECELERATION TO A STOP, PARKING AND/OR COASTING DURING SLOW SPEED TURNS. VEHICLES EQUIPPED WITH 3.8 LITER ENGINE. MY VAN IS DOING THIS BUT SHOWS NO RECALL WITH VIN #
NHTSA complaint #10512337 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 121,600 milesMarshalltown, IA
POWER TRAIN
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 1998 FORD WINDSTAR. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE DRIVING AT 55 MPH, THE RPM INCREASED TO 3,000 AND THE SPEED DROPPED TO 35 MPH. THE CONTACT WAS ABLE TO MOVE ONTO THE SHOULDER. THE VEHICLE RETURNED TO NORMAL FUNCTION AFTER THE RESTART. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE VIN WAS NOT AVAILABLE. THE FAILURE AND CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 121,600.
NHTSA complaint #10508564 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 197,000 milesOrlando, FL
POWER TRAIN
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 1998 FORD WINDSTAR. THE CONTACT STATED AFTER SHIFTING INTO REVERSE, THE VEHICLE FAILED TO MOVE AND THE OVER DRIVE LIGHT ILLUMINATED ON THE INSTRUMENT PANEL. THE CONTACT MENTIONED THAT SHE SHIFTED INTO DRIVE AND THE VEHICLE FUNCTIONED PROPERLY. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO A DEALER WHO STATED THAT THE TRANSMISSION NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE WHO ADVISED THE CONTACT TO TAKE THE VEHICLE INTO A FORD DEALER FOR INSPECTION. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 197,000.
NHTSA complaint #10478423 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 152,307 milesBaltimore, MD
POWER TRAIN
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.
NHTSA complaint #10476850 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 178,187 milesMarmora, NJ
POWER TRAIN
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 1998 FORD WINDSTAR. THE CONTACT STATED ACCELERATED IN AN ATTEMPT TO PASS ANOTHER VEHICLE WHEN THE FRONT END STARTED TO SHAKE AS THE VEHICLE STOPPED ACCELERATING. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE ENGINE CONTINUED RUNNING. THE CONTACT'S MECHANIC ALSO STATED THAT THE GEARS IN THE TRANSMISSION WERE FRACTURED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE AND CURRENT MILEAGES WERE 178,187.
NHTSA complaint #10470781 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 112,000 milesYorktown Heights, NY
POWER TRAIN
TRANSMISSION FAILED ON GARDEN STATE PARKWAY IN NJ, STRANDED IN BUSY TRAFFIC.
NHTSA complaint #10463006 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 110,000 milesKankakee,Il, IL
POWER TRAIN
JUST WANTED THIS AGENCY TO KNOW THAT THESE PARTICULAR VEHICLES ARE UNSAFE.I WAS DRIVING IN BUSY TRAFFIC, IN MAJOR CONSTRUCTION NONETHELESS ON A 1 LANE ROAD AND MY VEHICLES TRANSMISSION WITHOUT WARNING QUIT WORKING....BACKED UP ALL KINDS OF TRAFFIC WITH NO WHERE TO PULL OVER AND MADE ALL KINDS OF NEW FRIENDS....JUST LETTING THIS AGENCY KNOW THIS MANUFACTURER SHOULD BE NOTIFIED.ALTHOUGH IT IS NOW AND OLDER VEHICLE IT IS STILL CAPABLE OF CREATING HAVOC...AND POTENTIALLY UNSAFE.COULDNT IMAGINE IF I DIDN'T HAVE ENOUGH SPEED TO MAKE IT TO SAFELY PULL OFF, COULD OF CAUSED A PILE UP..
NHTSA complaint #10442317 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 142,000 milesHoopeston, IL
POWER TRAIN:AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION
POPPING IN FRONT END WHEN TURNING OR HITTING BUMPS. THE POPPING SOUND WAS OFTEN. HAD NEW TIRES PUT ON, AND WHEN I TOOK IT IN TO HAVE FRONT END ALIGNED. FORD TECH. SAID FRONT SPRINGS WERE BROKE. WAS AN EST. OF $1200.00 ON IT CAN'T AFFORD. THIS WAS 5/20/2011. CONTACTED MFR ABOUT THE RECALL THAT WAS ISSUED ON THIS PART 7/12/2001. WAS TOLD THERE WAS NOTHING THEY COULD DO, BECAUSE OF A TIME LIMIT. HOW CAN THEY PUT A TIME LIMIT ON SAFETY & PEOPLES LIVES BECAUSE THE SPRINGS ARE BROKEN,THEY CAN PUNCTURE THE TIRES AND CAUSE AN ACCIDENT. NOW WE ARE WITHOUT TRANSPORTATION. AND MY SON IS DISABLED AND HAS NUMEROUS DR. APPTS. MILES AWAY. BUT MY HANDS ARE TIED. THE MFR. DID ADVISE TO HAVE ANOTHER RECALL CHECKED OUT WHICH IS THE SPEED CONTROL BECAUSE IT CAN CATCH FIRE. WHEN I ASKED WHY, YOU JUST TOLD ME IT WAS UNSAFE TO DRIVE.HE ADVISED IT COULD CATCH FIRE JUST SETTING IN THE DRIVE NOT RUNNING. I WAS NOT NOTIFIED OF EITHER ONE OF THESE RECALLS BY MAIL OR OTHER WISE UNTIL I CALLED TO COMPLAIN ABOUT THE FRONT COIL SPRINGS. HOW DOES THESE BILLION DOLLAR COMPANY'S KEEP GETTING BY WITH NEGLIGENCE? THERE ARE LOTS OF RECALLS ON THIS VEHICLE. PLEASE HELP!
NHTSA complaint #10405794 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 4,400 milesEGG Harbor Township, NJCrash
POWER TRAIN:AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION
TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 1998 FORD WINDSTAR. WHILE DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 50 MPH, THE TRANSMISSION BECAME STUCK IN OVERDRIVE. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO AN AUTHORIZED DEALER WHO STATED THAT THE MAIN CONTROL VALVE WAS DEFECTIVE; IT WAS REPLACED. THE CONTACT LATER BEGAN HAVING ISSUES WITH THE BRAKES AS THEY LOCKED UP WHEN THE CONTACT APPLIED THEM TO AVOID A DEER. THE VEHICLE CRASHED INTO THE WOODS AS A RESULT. A POLICE REPORT WAS FILED. THE CONTACT SUSTAINED NECK INJURIES. THE CONTACT WAS INFORMED THAT THE ABS TONE RING SEAL HAD CRACKED; IT WAS REPAIRED. THE FAILURE CONTINUED AND THE DEALER THEN REPLACED THE TONE RING AND SENSOR. MONTHS LATER, THE BRAKES BEGAN TO GRAB. THE ENTIRE BRAKE ASSEMBLY WAS REPLACED FOUR TIMES. FURTHERMORE, THE CONTACT NOTICED THAT THE ELECTRICAL SYSTEM WAS DEFECTIVE. THE SWITCH ASSIST IN ALL DOORS WAS REPLACED IN 2005. IN 2011, THE CONTACT HAD THE SAME FAILURE WITH THE SWITCH FOR THE DRIVER SIDE MIRROR. THE DEALER REPLACED THE SWITCH ON THE DRIVER SIDE MIRROR AND CHECKED THE LATCHES ON THE DOORS BECAUSE THE DOOR LIGHT WAS CONSTANTLY ILLUMINATED. THE DEALER ALSO REPLACED ALL THE SENSOR ASSISTS FOR THE DOORS. THE DOOR AJAR LIGHT WAS STILL ILLUMINATED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 4,400 AND THE CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 72,000.
NHTSA complaint #10379940 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 81,250 milesST. John's, Nl,Canada A1E4Y3, 00
POWER TRAIN:DRIVELINE
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.
at 100,000 milesGardner, KS
POWER TRAIN:AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION
FORD WINSTAR WILL NOT STAY IN PARK.
NHTSA complaint #10371994 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 120,000 milesQuitman, MS
POWER TRAIN
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.
at 120,000 milesQuitman, MS
POWER TRAIN:DRIVELINE
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.
at 155,000 milesUpper Sandusky, OH
POWER TRAIN:AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 1998 FORD WINDSTAR. THE CONTACT WAS DRIVING 25 MPH WHEN THE TRANSMISSION FAILED AND THE VEHICLE WOULD NO LONGER OPERATE. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO THE CONTACTS RESIDENCE AND THE DEALER WAS CONTACTED. THE DEALER ADVISED THAT THERE WERE NO RECALLS AND THEY WERE UNABLE TO ASSIST. THE MANUFACTURER WAS CONTACTED AND OFFERED NO ASSISTANCE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 155,000.
NHTSA complaint #10362630 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 161,000 milesIndianapolis, IN
POWER TRAIN:AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION
TRANSMISSION: 1998 FORD WINDSTAR MINI VAN: WHILE TRYING TO TURN AROUND IN A DRIVEWAY, I PUT IT IN REVERSE AND THERE WAS NOT A REVERSE OR DRIVE GEARS ,NOTHING. THE MOTOR REVVED, BUT COULD NOT MOVE. I WAS STRANDED WITH NO WARNING. HAD TO HAVE IT TOWED SINCE IT WOULD NOT MOVE. AFTER DOING RESEARCH ONLINE, OTHER OWNERS, THIS IS A COMMON PROBLEM WITH THE FORD WINDSTAR MINI VAN. I FEEL THIS IS DEFINITELY A SAFETY HAZARD. I AGREE WITH SO MANY MORE CONSUMERS, WHY HASN'T THIS BEEN IN A RECALL. IT IS VERY, VERY DANGEROUS, SINCE IT JUST STOPS WITHOUT ANY WARNING OR PROBLEMS. I REALIZE IT IS TOO LATE FOR ME SINCE MINE IS IN THE SHOP ALREADY. HOWEVER, I AM ON A LIMITED INCOME AND PROBABLY WILL LOOSE THE VEHICLE DUE TO NO FUNDS FOR THE REPAIR. IF IT HAD BEEN ON A RECALL, THIS WOULD NOT HAVE HAPPENED. THIS IS MY FIRST FORD VEHICLE AND MORE THAN LIKELY, WILL BE MY LAST! PLEASE DO YOUR OWN RESEARCH AND YOU WILL SEE HOW COMMON THIS PROBLEM HAS BEEN. THANK YOU
NHTSA complaint #10354930 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 117,000 milesCincinnati, OH
POWER TRAIN:DRIVELINE
REAR AXLE IS FRACTURED. ITS HAS A 3 INCH LONG CRACK ON THE REAR AXLE TOWARD THE DRIVERS SIDE. WE ARE THE ORIGINAL OWNERS OF THE VAN SINCE 1998.
NHTSA complaint #10354091 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 164,948 milesCincinnati, OH
POWER TRAIN:AXLE ASSEMBLY
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 1998 FORD WINDSTAR. THE CONTACT STATED WHILE REVERSING INTO A DRIVEWAY, THE REAR AXLE FRACTURED FROM THE VEHICLE. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO A LOCAL REPAIR FACILITY WHERE THE REAR AXLE WAS REPLACED AT THE CONTACTS EXPENSE. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT CONTACTED THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 164,948 AND THE CURRENT MILEAGE WAS APPROXIMATELY 165,200.
NHTSA complaint #10343192 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 76,576 milesStaten Island, NY
POWER TRAIN:AXLE ASSEMBLY
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 1998 FORD WINDSTAR WAGON. WHILE DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 30 MPH, THE CONTACT HEARD A LOUD, ABNORMAL BANG. HE STATED HE PULLED OVER TO INSPECT THE VEHICLE AND NOTICED THAT THE REAR AXLE HAD FRACTURED IN HALF ON THE LEFT SIDE. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO HIS PLACE OF RESIDENCE. THE MANUFACTURE ADVISED THAT THE FAILURE WAS CAUSED BY THE WEATHER, ROAD CONDITIONS OR MOISTURE IN THE AREA. THE MANUFACTURER DID NOT PROVIDE ANY ASSISTANCE. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE FAILURE AND CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 76,576.
NHTSA complaint #10343272 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 156,000 milesLincoln, NE
POWER TRAIN:AXLE ASSEMBLY
TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 1998 FORD WINDSTAR. WHILE DRIVING AT APPROXIMATELY 45 MPH, THE REAR AXLE BROKE. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO AN INDEPENDENT REPAIR SHOP BUT HAD NOT BEEN REPAIRED AT THE TIME OF THE COMPLAINT. THE FAILURE AND CURRENT MILEAGES WERE APPROXIMATELY 156,000.
NHTSA complaint #10334265 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 101,000 milesDearborn Heights, MI
POWER TRAIN:AXLE ASSEMBLY
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 1998 FORD WINDSTAR. WHILE DRIVING AT SPEEDS OF 40 MPH, THE VEHICLE BEGAN SWAYING EXCESSIVELY. THE CONTACT MOVED THE VEHICLE OFF THE ROADWAY AND NOTICED THAT THE REAR AXLE WAS FRACTURED INTO TWO. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO HIS PLACE OF RESIDENCE. NEITHER THE MANUFACTURER NOR THE DEALER WAS CONTACTED REGARDING THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE AND CURRENT MILEAGES WERE 101,000. UPDATED 11/03/10.
NHTSA complaint #10332196 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 135,000 milesGreenville, SC
POWER TRAIN:AXLE ASSEMBLY
TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 1998 FORD WINDSTAR. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE REAR OF THE VEHICLE BEGAN TO SWAY BACK AND FORTH. WHEN THE CONTACT LOOKED UNDER THE VEHICLE, THE REAR AXLE BROKE ON THE LEFT SIDE. THE VEHICLE HAD NOT BEEN INSPECTED AT THE TIME OF THE COMPLAINT. THE CURRENT AND FAILURE MILEAGES WERE APPROXIMATELY 135,000.
NHTSA complaint #10327515 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 134,000 milesWeirton, WV
POWER TRAIN
VAN HAS BEEN SWAYING WHEN DRIVING LIKE A TIRE WAS LOW ON AIR, KEPT CHECKING WITH NO TIRE PROBLEMS BUT WHEN BACKING OUT OF PARKING SPACE AT WORK I HEARD A DRAGGING NOISE. WHEN I GOT OUT I FOUND MY REAR DRIVERS SIDE TIRE LEANING IN. I JACKED UP MY VAN TO FIND THE REAR AXLE IS BROKEN ABOUT A FOOT OR SO IN FROM THE DRIVERS SIDE. I TRAVEL WITH 4 CHILDREN AND IF THIS WOULD HAVE BROKEN WITH THEM ON THE HIGHWAY IT COULD HAVE BEEN FATAL, THERE IS NO OBVIOUS RUST ON THE AXLE. I FOUND A FORD WEBSITE THAT HAS NUMEROUS COMPLAINTS OF THE AXLE BREAKING AND I FEEL THIS NEEDS INVESTIGATED.
NHTSA complaint #10320091 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Cleveland, OHCrash
POWER TRAIN
ON DECEMBER 16TH 2009. I WAS DRIVING DOWN WEST 117TH TOWARDS MADISON/LAKEWOOD IN CLEVELAND, OHIO AND WAS TRYING TO COME TO A STOP (SLOW DOWN AND STOP) TO ALLOW AN AMBULANCE TO PASS (THERE WAS A CAR IN FRONT OF ME THAT WAS ALSO SLOWING DOWNA ND THAT CAME TO A STOP AT THE STREET LOT)THIS IS ON A MAJOR STREET NEAR AN HIGHWAY INTERSECTION. I PUT MY FOOT ON MY BRAKE TO SLOW DOWN THE VEHICLE AND COME TO A STOP BUT IT WOULD NOT SLOW DOWN OR STOP. THE BRAKE HAD WENT OUT. I ENDED UP HITTING THE CAR IN FRONT OF ME HARD (AN SUV) AND DOING QUITE A BIT OF DAMAGE TO MY VEHICLE. THE OTHER DRIVER VEHICLE WAS SO FAR AS I COULD TELL UNDAMAGED. ON MY VEHICLE THE FRONT LIGHT IS BROKEN, MY BUMPER IS DAMAGED, AND MY HOOD IS DAMAGED. I, MYSELF AND THE DRIVER I HIT COULD HAVE GOTTEN SERIOUSLY INJURED. SO FAR WE ARE BOTHFINE AND NO INJURIES OCCURRED. HOWEVER HE MAY TURN AROUND AND COME AFTER ME IF HE DECIDES TO. AND I NOW CAN NOT DRIVE MY VEHICLE. I RECEIVED A RECALL NOTICE ON MY VEHICLE BRAKE ABOUT A MONTH AGO AROUND EARLY NOVEMBER. MAYBE IN END OF OCTOBER. THE VERY DAY OF MY ACCIDENT (HAPPENED AROUND 12:15 NOON) I WAS GOING TO GO HOME AND CALL FORD ABOUT THE RECALL. THERE IS A WORLDWIDE RECALL ON MY VEHICLE MODEL AND MANY OTHERS. AND I HAVE HAD NOTHING BUT PROBLEMS SINCE I BOUGHT IT. I HAVE HAD TO MAKE NUMEROUS REPAIRS ON IT AND STILL HAD PROBLEMS AND THIS ACCIDENT. FORD SHOULD BE HELD RESPONSIBLE FOR THIS AND SHOULD COMPENSATE ME WITH ANOTHER VEHICLE IN GOOD CONDITION ESPECIALLY SINCE I HAVE SPENT SO MUCH TIME AND MONEY INTO REPLACEMENT PARTS FOR THIS WINDSTAR. OR GIVE ME MY MONEY BACK OR SOMETHING. I'M GLAD MY KIDS WERE NOT WITH ME WHEN THIS HAPPENED AND THAT THE MAN I HIT WAS ALSO ALONE AND IS OK. WHAT CAN BE DONE ABOUT THIS? I HAVE HAD TO REPLACE THE FOLLOWING ITEMS SINCE I GOT THIS VEHICLE: O2 SENSORS (BOTH), ALTERNATOR, BELT, WINDSHIELD WIPER BLADE, AND MAKE BACK BLADES DON'T WORK AT ALL, THE TRANSMISSION, THE STEERING COLUMN BOX, DOOR HANDLE AND COMPONENTS INSIDE AND MORE!
NHTSA complaint #10296483 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 104,000 milesSpringfield, MO
POWER TRAIN:AXLE ASSEMBLY
TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 1998 FORD WINDSTAR. WHILE DRIVING IN REVERSE, SHE HEARD A LOUD POPPING NOISE AND NOTICED THAT THE REAR LEFT AXLE WAS BROKEN. SHE NOTIFIED A LOCAL MECHANIC AND HE STATED THAT HE WOULD DIAGNOSE THE FAILURE AT HER RESIDENCE THE FOLLOWING DAY. THE DEALER STATED THAT THERE WERE NO RELATED RECALLS FOR THAT YEAR, MAKE AND MODEL VEHICLE. THE CONTACT IS WAITING FOR A REPAIR ESTIMATE. THE FAILURE AND CURRENT MILEAGES WERE 104000.
NHTSA complaint #10286134 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.