1998 Ford Windstar Complaint Log

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.

REAR AXLE BEAM CRACK. *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.

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.

TRANSMISSION FAILED ON GARDEN STATE PARKWAY IN NJ, STRANDED IN BUSY TRAFFIC. *TR

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.

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

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.

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

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.. *TR

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. 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

1998 FORD WINDSTAR VAN WITH SUB FRAME ROTTED RIGHT THRU. BECAUSE IT IS ONE YEAR OLDER THAN RECALL FORD WILL NOT TAKE CARE OF IT. DOES NOT CARE ABOUT HURTING OR KILLING THEIR CUSTOMERS. *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

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.

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 1998 FORD WINDSTAR. THE CONTACT WAS DRIVING 35 MPH AND ATTEMPTED TO ENGAGE THE BRAKES BUT THE PEDAL WAS DEPRESSED INTO THE FLOORBOARD ABNORMALLY WITH THE ILLUMINATION OF THE CHECK ENGINE WARNING LIGHT. THE CONTACT ALSO MENTIONED THAT ONCE HE TURNED ON THE HEATER, THE VEHICLE STALLED. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO A LOCAL MECHANIC WHO DIAGNOSED THAT THE MASS AIRFLOW SENSOR WAS DEFECTIVE AND NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE AND THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS UNKNOWN AND THE CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 200,816.

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

THIS VEHICLE WAS PART OF A PREVIOUS RECALL. ALL THE FORD DEALER DID WAS INSTALL A FUSIBLE LINK IN THE SCDS CIRCUIT TO THE ABS BRAKE UNIT. SINCE THAT TIME, THE ABS BRAKES HAVE BECOME INOPERABLE AND WILL START PULSATING WHILE DRIVING DOWN THE ROAD. THIS CAUSES DANGEROUS DRIVING CONDITIONS. WE REQUEST THAT FORD REPLACE THE DEFECTIVE SCDS SWITCH, WHICH THEY KNOW IS DEFECTIVE. *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.

LIGHT WILL NOT RESET EVEN AFTER REPLACING PART. *TR

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 1998 FORD WINDSTAR. THE CONTACT SMELLED A BURNING ODOR WHILE DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 40 MPH. THE CONTACT STOPPED THE VEHICLE AND INSPECTED UNDER THE HOOD. THE CONTACT NOTICED A FLAME COMING FROM THE ALTERNATOR. THE CONTACT USED WATER TO EXTINGUISH THE FLAME. THE FIRE DEPARTMENT ALSO REPORTED TO THE SCENE. THE CONTACT REPLACED THE ALTERNATOR. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 195,000.

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.

"ABS" AND "TRAC OFF" LIGHTS COME ON CONSISTENTLY DURING WARM-WEATHER MONTHS AT SPEEDS OVER 60MPH. THIS MEANS ABS BREAKING IS DISABLED UNTIL CAR IS SHUT OFF AND RESTARTED. FORD DEALER WAS UNABLE TO REPRODUCE THE PROBLEM. ISSUE COMMON PER THE BELOW LINK (SEE PROBLEM #2 SECTION). HTTP://WWW.FORDWINDSTARRECALL.INFO/. *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.

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 1998 FORD WINDSTAR. THE CONTACT STATED THAT CONTROLLING THE VEHICLE WOULD OFTEN BECOME DIFFICULT. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALER FOR INSPECTION WHERE THE CONTACT WAS ADVISED THAT THE FRONT PASSENGER SIDE AXLE SHAFT NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE CONTACT BELIEVED THE FAILURE WAS A MANUFACTURING DEFECT. THE FAILURE AND CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 155,500.

ABOUT 10 MINUTES AFTER PARKING AND TURNING OFF MY 1998 FORD WINDSTAR THE CAR FILLED WITH SMOKE COMING FROM STEERING COLUMN. LATER CAR WOULD NOT START FROM KEYSWITCH. *TR

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. *TR

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! *TR

1998 FORD WINDSTAR MINI VAN REAR AXLE BROKE ...VEHICLE WAS STATE INSPECTED TWO MONTHS PREVIOUS AND PASSED WITHOUT ISSUE .. NOTICED A VIBRATION IN REAR AREA .. REPLACED SHOCKS THINKING THAT WAS CULPRIT .. ISSUE GOT WORSE ... LESS THEN 700 MILES AFTER COMPLETED PASSED STATE INSPECTION AXLE BROKE ALLOWING REAR TIRES TO RUB INNER WHEEL WELL .. VAN BECAME UNCONTROLLABLE AT 55 MPH ... WAS LUCKY TO GET IT SLOWED DOWN TO 25 AND LIMPED INTO MY DRIVEWAY .. I WAS SOLE OCCUPATION WHEN THIS HAPPENED .. LOOKED UNDERNEATH AND FOUND ISSUE. WENT ONLINE AND FOUND RECALL NOTICE FOR VEHICLES OF THIS YEAR FOR SALT USE AREAS .. THESE INCLUDED WEST VIRGINIA .. 8 MILES FROM WHERE I LIVE ... MARYLAND .. 12 MILES FROM WHERE I LIVE AND THE DISTRICT OF COLUMBIA .. 50 MILES FROM WHERE I LIVE .. BUT VIRGINIA WAS NOT COVERED ... EVEN THOUGH THIS AREA USES SALT AS A REGULAR ICE AND SNOW REMOVAL TOOL. THE AXLE FAILURE WAS CLOSE TO CAUSING A COMPLETE LOSS OF CONTROL OF THE VEHICLE .. I WAS LUCKY TO BE ON A DUAL HIGHWAY DRIVING THE SPEED LIMIT WITH NO OTHER VEHICLES IN MY VICINITY .. THE VAN WEAVED SEVERAL TIMES BACK AND FORTH ACROSS THE ROAD BEFORE I GOT SLOWED UP AND UNDER CONTROL .. THE AXLE BREAKING COULD HAVE EASILY HAVE CAUSED A SERIOUS ACCIDENT. *TR

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 1998 FORD WINDSTAR. THE CONTACT WAS DRIVING 5 MPH IN A PARKING LOT WHEN THE VEHICLE EXHIBITED A LOUD NOISE AND WAS NOT DRIVABLE. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO THE DEALER WHO DIAGNOSED THAT THE FRONT AXLE FRACTURED AS A RESULT OF CORROSION. THE MANUFACTURER WAS MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE WHO 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 100,000.

1998 FORD WINDSTAR GL. CONSUMER WRITES IN REGARDS TO BEING UNSUCCESSFUL IN REACHING A FAIR AND EQUITABLE SETTLEMENT ON HIS CLAIM FOR THE DAMAGE AS PER RECALL TO THE AUTOMOBILE *TGW THE CONSUMER STATED THE SETTLEMENT FORD OFFERED OF $2000 WAS UNACCEPTABLE AS THE VEHICLE IS A HANDICAPPED ACCESSIBLE VAN, WITH HANDICAP EQUIPMENT. *JB

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.

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.

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 1998 FORD WINDSTAR WAGON. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE REAR AXLE WAS CORRODED AND FRACTURED IN HALF. THE CONTACT REFERENCED NHTSA CAMPAIGN ID NUMBER: 10V385000 (SUSPENSION: REAR:AXLE:NON-POWERED AXLE ASSEMBLY) BUT WAS ADVISED BY THE DEALER THAT THE VEHICLE WAS NOT INCLUDED IN THE RECALL. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE CURRENT AND FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 136,000.

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 1998 FORD WINDSTAR. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE BRAKES MALFUNCTIONED WITH THE ILLUMINATION OF THE ABS WARNING LAMP. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO A LOCAL MECHANIC WHO STATED THAT THE WHEEL SENSOR NEEDED TO BE REPLACED AND THE PUMP MODULATOR VALVE WAS ALSO DEFECTIVE. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT CONTACTED AND THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE FAILURE AND CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 58,822.

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.

TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 1998 FORD WINDSTAR. THE CONTACT NOTICED THAT THE RIGHT REAR WHEEL WAS SINKING INTO THE WHEEL WELL. THE CONTACT LIFTED THE VEHICLE AND SAW THAT THE REAR AXLE WAS CRACKED. THE CONTACT TRIED TO WELD THE AXLE TOGETHER AND WAS INFORMED THAT THERE WAS A RECALL ON THE REAR AXLE. THE CONTACT SPOKE WITH THE MANUFACTURER AND WAS TOLD THAT THE VEHICLE WAS NOT INCLUDED IN NHTSA CAMPAIGN ID NUMBER: 10V385000 (SUSPENSION: REAR: AXLE: NON-POWERED AXLE ASSEMBLY). THE FAILURE MILEAGE AND CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 201,000.

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.

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

1998 FORD WINDSTAR. CONSUMER STATES ISSUES WITH REPAIRS *TGW THE CONSUMER STATED THE GAS HE PUT IN HIS VEHICLE, TURNED OUT TO BE BAD, WHICH CAUSED THE VEHICLE SHAKE. (CONSUMERS HANDWRITING IS EXTREMELY ILLEGIBLE. ) *JB

FORD WINSTAR WILL NOT STAY IN PARK. *TR

TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 1998 FORD WINDSTAR. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE DRIVING 35 MPH, THE REAR AXLE BROKE. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO AN AUTHORIZED DEALER WHO REPAIRED THE REAR AXLE. THE CONTACT REFERENCED RECALL 10V385000 (SUSPENSION: REAR: AXLE: NON-POWERED AXLE ASSEMBLY) BUT WAS INFORMED BY THE MANUFACTURER THAT THE VEHICLE WAS NOT INCLUDED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 194,000. THE CONSUMER STATED SHE HAD TO PAY A DEDUCTIBLE AND SOME F THE REPAIR COST.

1998 FORD WINDSTAR. CONSUMER WRITES TO FOLLOW UP TO AN INSPECTION FOR THE REAR AXLE RECALL *TGW THE DEALER INFORMED THE CONSUMER THAT HER VEHICLE DID NOT HAVE A BROKEN AXLE. THE CONSUMER INQUIRED AS TO WHETHER OR NOT A SEALANT OR PROTECTIVE COATING SHOULD HAVE BEEN APPLIED TO PREVENT THE AXLE FROM FAILING IN THE FUTURE. *JB

1998 FORD WINDSTAR. CONSUMER STATES PROBLEMS WITH REAR AXLE *TGW THE CONSUMER STATED HER HUSBAND WAS IN THE PROCESS OF EXITING A GARAGE, WHEN SUDDENLY THE REAR AXLE COMPLETELY BROKE IN HALF. HE THEN DISCOVERED THE AXLE WAS DEFECTIVE DUE TO IT BEING SEVERELY CORRODED IN THE MIDDLE. THE CONSUMER HAS SINCE RECEIVED A RECALL NOTICE AND IS NOW REQUESTING REIMBURSEMENT. *JB THE CONSUMER IS ONLY SEEKING REIMBURSEMENT FOR THE PART, BECAUSE THE REPAIR WAS DONE BY A NON-FORD REPAIR FACILITY. UPDATED 02/10/11*JB UPDATED 04/16/13

BRAKING DISTANCE SUDDENLY INCREASED, ABS LIGHT AND RED BRAKE LIGHT BOTH ON ALL THE TIME. TRAC OFF FLASHING. *TR

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. *TR

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. *TR