1998 Ford Windstar Complaint Log

TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 1998 FORD WINDSTAR. WHILE IN THE PARKING LOT THE CONTACT NOTICED THAT THE REAR AXLE WAS FRACTURED. THE CONTACT STATED THAT HE WAS HAVING THE SAME PROBLEM AS RECALL 10V385000 (SUSPENSION:REAR:AXLE:NON-POWERED AXLE ASSEMBLY). THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO THE DEALER AND THE VIN WAS NOT INCLUDED IN THE RECALL. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 180,000.

FAILED COMPONENT IS UNKNOWN. HOWEVER, A RECALL NOTICE FROM FORD ARRIVED IN MID-DECEMBER, OVER A MONTH AFTER FIRE OCCURRED, STATING THAT THE SPEED CONTROL SYSTEM NEEDED MODIFICATION. ADDITIONAL RECALL INFORMATION ACCESSED ONLINE STATES THAT THE SPEED CONTROL DEACTIVATION SWITCH COULD CAUSE A VEHICLE FIRE. ON NOVEMBER 3, 2010, THE VAN BEGAN TO SMOKE, DRIVER PARKED IT, TURNED ENGINE OFF AND OPENED HOOD. HE SAW SMALL FIRE NEAR THE WINDSHIELD AREA OF ENGINE, RAN TO GET HELP AND WITHIN 2 MINUTES RETURNED TO FIND ENGINE FULLY ENGULFED IN FLAMES. THE VEHICLE HAS SINCE BEEN JUNKED (PRIOR TO RECEIVING RECALL NOTICE) BECAUSE FIBERGLASS HOOD MELTED INTO ENGINE AND WATER DAMAGE CAUSED FROM FIRE DEPARTMENT ASSISTANCE TOTALLED THE VEHICLE.

1998 FORD WINDSTAR. CONSUMER WRITES REGARDING NOTICE OF DEFECT *TGW

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. *TR

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 1998 FORD WINDSTAR. THE CONTACT STATED THAT AFTER RECEIVING A RECALL LETTER FOR RECALL 10V385000 (: REAR: AXLE: NONPOWERED AXLE ASSEMBLY), HE CALLED THREE LOCAL DEALERS ALL WHO DID HAVE PARTS TO PERFORM THE REPAIR. THE DEALER WOULD NOT INSPECT THE VEHICLE AS STATED IN THE RECALL NOTICE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS APPROXIMATELY 36,000. UPDATED 01/12/11*LJ

TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 1998 FORD WINDSTAR WITH STAR FIRE FLITE LINE IV ALL WHEEL DRIVE TIRES SIZE 215 /70 R15. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE TREAD PEELED OFF OF ALL FOUR TIRES. THE FAILURE OCCURRED WITH LESS THAN 18000 MILES ON THE TIRES. THE TIRE DISTRIBUTOR TOLD THE CONTACT THAT TIRES ONLY LAST FIVE YEARS AND SHOULD BE REPLACED. THE DOT NUMBER WAS UNKNOWN. THE VIN WAS NOT AVAILABLE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 80,000.

TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 1998 FORD WINDSTAR. THE CONTACT RECEIVED A RECALL NOTIFICATION ASSOCIATED WITH NHTSA CAMPAIGN ID NUMBER 10V385000 (SUSPENSION: REAR: AXLE: NON-POWERED AXLE ASSEMBLY). THE AUTHORIZED DEALER WAS NOTIFIED AND THEY INFORMED THAT THE PART WAS UNAVAILABLE FOR THE RECALL REPAIR UNTIL LATE NOVEMBER OF 2010. THE CONTACT STATED THE RECALL NOTIFICATION SPECIFIED THE URGENCY OF THE REPAIR; AND EXPRESSED HIS CONCERN OF THE POTENTIAL SAFETY HAZARD. THERE WAS NO FAILURE MILEAGE. THE VIN WAS UNAVAILABLE

ABS AND BRAKE LIGHT ON, AND NO SPEED CONTROL. *TR

THIS HAS HAPPENED ON THE INNER ROADS AND NEAR FROM MY HOUSE. I HAD HEARD THE CREAKING NOISE COMING FROM THE REAR AND THOUGHT ABOUT MY CAR'S SHOCKS ARE SHOT. THEN SUDDENLY I LOST CONTROL AND STOPPED THE CAR, LUCKILY NO INJURIES EITHER TO ME OR THE NEARBY PROPERTY. WITH HAZARD LIGHTS ON I DROVE THE CAR VERY SLOWLY HOME AND LOOKED UNDER THE CAR. WHAT I SAW REALLY SHOCKED ME. THE REAR AXLE BEAM OF MY FORD WINDSTAR(1998) CRACKED APPROXIMATELY 18"-24" FROM THE DRIVER SIDE REAR WHEEL AND THE ENTIRE WELDING (?)HAS SEPARATED FROM THE MID PORTION. I COULD SEE THE RIGHT PORTION OF THE BEAM WELDED AND INTACT. I HAD JUST REPAIRED THE BREAK FLUID LINE FOR ALMOST $600 AND THE MECHANIC NEVER SAID A WORD ABOUT THIS CRACK BEFORE THE REPAIRS. I BELIEVE THE REAR AXLE / BEAM IS A PART OF THE VEHICLE THAT SHOULD LAST THE LIFETIME OF THE VEHICLE AND AT LEAST SHOULD NOT CRACK WITHOUT GIVING ANY SIGN ON THE DASHBOARD. THANKS *TR

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 *TR

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. *TR

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 1998 FORD WINDSTAR. THE VEHICLE HAD FAILURES REGARDING THE STEERING CONTROL. THE CONTACT WAS ABLE TO LOCATE A RECALL IN REGARDS TO THE FAILURE (NHTSA CAMPAIGN ID NUMBER: 97V165000-STEERING: GEAR BOX: SHAFT SECTOR) YET WHEN CONTACTING THE DEALER, THEY WERE UNAWARE OF SUCH RECALL. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 166,593.

RECALL 09S09 1998 FORD WINDSTAR- HAVING TROUBLE WITH SPEEDOMETER/ODOMETER AND ABS BRAKES. HAD WIRED HARNESS INSTALLED BY FORD DEALERSHIP. I FEEL AS THOUGH THEY DIDN'T DO A PROPER INSPECTION AS PERTAINING TO ALL THE PROBLEMS THIS SEEMS TO BE CAUSING FOR MANY PEOPLE. I CAN'T DRIVE MY VEHICLE BECAUSE MY BRAKES KEEP LOCKING UP AND MY SPEEDOMETER SUDDENLY DROPS TO ZERO AND THE VEHICLES TRANSMISSION SOUNDS AWFUL. FORD TOLD ME ALL THEY NEED TO REPLACE IS THE WIRED HARNESS IS THIS TRUE.I HAD MY VEHICLE SERVICED A COUPLE OF WEEKS AGO THOUGHT IT WAS THE BRAKES. THEY WERE DONE LAST SEPTEMBER 2009. MY MECHANIC COULDN'T FIGURE OUT BRAKES. PULLED 15 AMP FUSE FOR SPEED CONTROL. PUT BACK IN AFTER HARNESS WAS INSTALLED STILL BRAKES LOCKING UP AND SPEEDOMETER ACTING UP. *TR

I HAVE A 1998 FORD WINDSTAR. THE ABS BRAKES ARE WORKING ALL THE TIME. EVEN IN THE MIDDLE OF SUMMER I CAN HEAR THEM ENGAGING. I CAN NOT GET THEM TO STOP CHATTERING. AFTER ABOUT 10 MILES OF CITY DRIVING THEM FINALLY GIVE UP AND THE ABS LIGHT COMES ON AND THEN THE CAR STOPS NORMALLY. *TR

MY 98 FORD WINDSTAR REAR AXLE SPLIT IN TWO PULLING INTO MY WORK . I HAD NOTICED A NOISE FROM THE BACK A FEW DAYS BEFORE. I JUST PUT NEW TIRES ON THE VAN AND NOTICED WHILE A FELLOW EMPLOYEE WAS WELDING MY AXLE SO I COULD GET HOME THAT THE INSIDES OF MY NEW TIRES WERE WORE DOWN ALREADY .I CAN NOT AFFORD A NEW AXLE NOW AND I HAVE KIDS .I'M ALSO AWARE THAT THIS IS NOT THE FIRST WINDSTAR TO HAVE THIS PROBLEM I'M GLAD I WAS NOT GOING DOWN THE HIGHWAY WITH MY FAMILY AND THAT HAPPEN. THIS IS A FORD PROBLEM AND I SHOULD NOT HAVE TO FIX A STEEL AXLE BECAUSE WATER GETS IN IT AND IT RUSTS IT SHOULD OF BEEN PUT TOGETHER SO WATER CANT GET IN IT. THANK U PLEASE TAKE CARE OF THIS. *TR

1998 FORD WINDSTAR, LOST THE RETREAD OF LEFT REAR TIRE, DROVE OFF RIGHT SIDE OFF ROADWAY AND STRUCK THE DITCH. *BF (OHIO TRAFFIC CRASH REPORT # 10-0432-91)*JB UPDATED 09/13/10*BF

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. *TR

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 1998 FORD WINDSTAR. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE DRIVING OVER A SPEED BUMP, THE REAR AXLE BROKE IN HALF. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO A DEALER, WHO INSPECTED THE VEHICLE AND DETERMIEND THAT THE REAR AXLE BROKE DUE TO CORROSION. THE MANUFACTURER WAS MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE AND INFORMED THE CONTACT THAT THE VEHICLE WAS NOT INCLUDED IN NHTSA CAMPAIGN ID NUMBER 10V385000 (SUSPENSION:REAR:AXLE:NON-POWERED AXLE ASSEMBLY). THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE FAILURE AND THE CURRENT MILEAGES WERE 216,000.

ON JULY 3, 2010, I WAS DRIVING MY 1998 FORD WINDSTAR VAN WITH MY FAMILY. WHILE WAITING FOR A TRAFFIC SIGNAL TO CHANGE, WE OBSERVED SMOKE COMING FROM UNDER THE VAN. I IMMEDIATELY PULLED INTO A PARKING LOT AND TURNED OFF THE ENGINE. THE SMOKE CONTINUED TO GET WORSE UNTIL FLAMES APPEARED FROM UNDER THE HOOD. THE FIRE DEPARTMENT WAS SUMMONED BUT THE VAN WAS EVENTUALLY DESTROYED BY FIRE BEFORE THE FIRE DEPARTMENT COULD PUT OUT THE FIRE. PRIOR TO THIS EVENT, THE VAN WAS RUNNING SMOOTHLY. THE TEMPERATURE GAUGES WERE NORMAL AND THERE WAS NO INDICATION OF ANY MALFUNCTION. *TR

I HAVE A 1998 FORD WINDSTAR AND JUST NOTICED THAT THE REAR AXLE HAS CRACKED. AS I CHECKED ONLINE I NOTICED THAT THIS WAS BEING INVESTIGATED FOR 1999 - 2007 WINDSTARS, AND I JUST THOUGHT I WOULD ADD MY 1998 MODEL TO THE LIST. I WOULD LIKE TO SEE 98 MODELS INCLUDED IN ANY RECALL. *TR

1998 FORD WINDSTAR'S REAR AXLE BROKE WHILE DRIVING ON THE ROAD. NO APPARENT REASON FOR FAILURE. THE CONSEQUENCE OF THE FAILURE IS THE LOSS OF THE ABILITY TO DRIVE OR HANDLE THE CAR. AXLE SNAPPED COMPLETELY INTO TWO PIECES AND DRAGGED AGAINST ROAD. REAR WHEELS WERE AT A 45 DEGREE ANGLE TO THE ROAD. REAR AXLE HAD TO BE REPLACED. *TR

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.

1998 FORD WINDSTAR - REAR AXLE BROKEN IN TWO PIECES. *TR

CAR STARTS OUT NORMALLY. CAR SOMETIMES SUDDENLY HAS A LONGER BRAKING DISTANCE THAN NORMAL AND BRAKING IS JERKY. "TRAC ON" ENGAGES FOR A FEW SECONDS AND TRACTION IS JERKY. AFTER THAT ABS LIGHT REMAINS ON AND "TRAC OFF " LIGHT IS FLASHING. IT ONLY HAPPENS OCCASIONALLY. I AM PLANNING TO TAKE IT TO FORD TO CORRECT ABS LIGHT. *TR

MY WIFE CALLED ME AT WORK TODAY BECAUSE SHE WAS STRANDED ALONG THE ROAD. WHEN I GOT THERE WHAT I FOUND WAS A MAJOR SURPRISE. THE REAR AXLE OF OUT 1998 FORD WINDSTAR HAD BROKE IN 2 AND WAS LYING ON THE GROUND. SHE SAID THAT EARLIER SHE HAD HEARD A NOISE COMING FROM THE REAR AND STOPPED TO CHECK TO SEE IF SHE HAD A FLAT TIRE BECAUSE THE STEERING FELT WEIRD. NOT SEEING AN FLAT TIRES SHE DECIDED TO DRIVE HOME SEEING THAT SHE WAS ONLY A MILE FROM HOME. ABOUT 3/4 OF THE WAY HOME SHE MADE A TURN ONTO OUR ROAD AND THERE WAS A LOAD NOISE AND SHE WAS NOT ABLE TO EASILY CONTROL THE VAN AND ENDED UP ON THE BANK OF A NEIGHBORS YARD. HALF THE CAR ON THE BANK AND THE OTHER HALF ON THE ROAD. I HAVE CONTACT FORD VIA EMAIL AND I AM WAITING FOR A REPLY. I AM TRYING TO DECIDE IF I SHOULD FIX THE MINIVAN OR PURCHASE A NEW AUTOMOBILE. AN AXLE SNAPPING IN 2 IS NOT SOMETHING THAT SHOULD EVER HAPPEN UNLESS THE AUTOMOBILE IS IN AN ACCIDENT. IF MY WIFE AND 3 KIDS WOULD HAVE BEEN ON THE HIGHWAY THINGS WOULD HAVE BEEN MUCH WORSE AND PROBABLY DEADLY. *TR

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.

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 1998 FORD WINDSTAR. WHILE DRIVING AT APPROXIMATELY 40 MPH, A RATTLING NOISE WAS HEARD COMING FROM THE REAR OF THE VEHICLE. UPON EXAMINING THE VEHICLE THE CONTACT NOTICED THE REAR AXLE WAS CRACKED ABOUT 12 INCHES LEFT OF THE CENTER. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT TAKEN TO AN AUTHORIZED DEALER TO BE EXAMINED. THE FAILURE AND CURRENT MILEAGES WERE 126,000. UPDATED 10/28/10. *LJ THE CONSUMER STATED THE A PLATE WAS WELDED TO THE AXLE WHICH WAS A TEMPORARY FIX SO HE COULD DRIVE THE VEHICLE HOME. UPDATED 10/28/10*JB

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 1998 FORD WINDSTAR. THE CONTACT WAS DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 40 MPH WHEN THE VEHICLE EXHIBITED AN ABNORMAL NOISE FROM THE REAR. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT TAKEN TO THE DEALER FOR DIAGNOSIS OR REPAIRS. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE VEHICLE WAS PREVIOUSLY REPAIRED UNDER NHTSA CAMPAIGN ID NUMBER: 01I007000 (SUSPENSION:FRONT:SPRINGS:COIL SPRINGS) AND BELEIVED THE REAR SUSPENSION HAD EXPERIENCED THE SAME FAILURE. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 222,000.

BROKEN REAR AXLE ON A 98 FORD WINDSTAR WITH ONLY 90,100 MILES ON IT. *TR

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 1998 FORD WINDSTAR. THE CONTACT WAS TRAVELING 35 MPH WHEN THE AIRBAG WARNING LIGHT ILLUMINATED. THE VEHICLE WAS NEITHER DIAGNOSED NOR REPAIRED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 106,000 AND THE CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 107,000. UPDATED 12/01/10. *LJ THE CONSUMER STATED THE CRUISE CONTROL AND AIR BAG ALSO FAILED. THE CONSUMER BELIEVED THEY WERE ALL CONNECTED THROUGH THE STEERING COLUMN THROUGH WIRING. UPDATED 12/09/10

THE REAR AXLE ON MY 1998 FORD WINDSTAR CRACKED. I WAS LUCKY ENOUGH TO CATCH IT BEFORE IT COMPLETELY BROKE IN HALF. *TR

ABS BRAKE LIGHT CAME ON INTERMITTENTLY FOR A COUPLE WEEKS THEN BEGAN TO STAY ON. NEW BRAKES & ROTORS/DRUMS ALL AROUND. NOW PROBLEM WITH BRAKES BUT LIGHT WILL NOT GO OFF. ALSO AIRBAG LIGHT CAME ON ABOUT TWO WEEKS AFTER THE ABS LIGHT. IT WILL NOT GO OFF EITHER. *TR

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.

MY 1998 FORD WINDSTAR GL REAR AXLE BROKE IN TWO WITH NO PRIOR WARNING SUCH AS NOISE, HANDLING PROBLEMS OR VIBRATION. BEING ONLY 12 MILES FROM HOME I WAS ABLE TO DRIVE VERY SLOWLY UNTIL WE GOT HOME. BY THE TIME WE GOT TO OUR DRIVEWAY WE HAD ALSO LOST ALMOST ALL BRAKE PEDAL. THE FOLLOWING DAY I RAISED THE REAR OF THE VAN AND FOUND THE CRACK IN THE REAR AXLE ABOUT 18 INCHES FROM THE DRIVERS SIDE REAR TIRE, AND THE ABNORMAL MOVEMENT AFTER THE BREAK HAD CAUSED THE BRAKE LINE TO THE REAR TIRES TO SEPARATE. TOTAL REPLACEMENT COST SO FAR HAS BEEN 500.00 DOLLARS AND I DID ALL WORK MYSELF. I HAVE NOT YET FINISHED THE BRAKE LINES AND SHOCKS WHICH WILL BE EVEN MORE COSTS. I KEPT THE AXLE AND WILL BE GLAD TO SUBMIT IT FOR TESTING AND/OR SEND PHOTOS IF REQUESTED. *TR

WHILE ENTERING THE MERGE RAMP OF THE NORTHERN STATE PARKWAY REAR AXLE SNAPPED IN TWO. *TR

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. *LJ

I HAVE REPLACED THE REAR AXLE NOW FOR THE THIRD TIME. THE FIRST TIME IT BROKE IN HALF COMING INTO MY HOME DRIVEWAY. THE SECOND TIME I HEARD A THUMPING NOISE FROM THE REAR OF THE VAN AND LOOKED TO FIND A CRACK IN THE AXLE,I REPLACED IT YET AGAIN. THIS LAST TIME THE SAME THING HAPPENED,CLUNKING NOISE TO FIND YET ANOTHER CRACK. THE VAN HAS 130,000 MILES HAS SOME BODY RUST,BUT NO REASON FOR SOMETHING CRITICAL LIKE THIS TO BE HAPPENING. *TR

THE REAR AXLE OF OUR 1998 FORD WINDSTAR GL, WITH ONLY 99,630 MILES, BROKE WHILE GOING DOWN A ROAD GOING ABOUT 30 MPH. I HIT SMALL POTHOLE, HEARD A CLUNK AND THEN NOTICED THAT THE VEHICLE WAS NOT HANDLING PROPERLY. NOT KNOWING WHAT WAS WRONG AND SINCE I WAS CLOSE TO HOME, I DROVE IT HOME AND LOOKED UNDERNEATH AND NOTED THAT THE REAR AXLE WAS SPLIT ABOUT 75% THROUGH. THE REAR WHEELS WERE SITTING TILTED TOWARD THE VEHICLE. WE HAD A TOW TRUCK TAKE THE VAN TO HAVE IT FIXED. *TR

VEHICLE IS A 1998 FORD WINDSTAR. WHILE DRIVING THE WINDSHIELD WASHER,SEAT BELT,AND DOOR AJAR WARNING LIGHTS FLASH ON AND OFF. WHILE THIS IS HAPPENING THE WIPER BLADES STOP WORKING,POWER WINDOWS WILL NOT OPERATE AND ON A FEW OCCASIONS THE HEADLIGHTS WILL BLINK WITH THE WARNING LIGHTS. I UNDERSTAND THAT THIS IS AN OLD VEHICLE BUT I HAVE RESEARCHED THIS ISSUE AND HAVE FOUND HUNDREDS OF COMPLAINTS ABOUT THE SAME PROBLEM. NOT JUST RESTRICTED TO THIS YEAR. IT IS ALSO AN ISSUE THAT HAPPENS JUST AFTER A FEW YEARS OF SERVICE. I WOULD THINK THAT WIPER BLADES MALFUNCTIONING DUE TO AN ELECTRICAL ISSUE WOULD BE A SAFETY CONCERN. *TR

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.

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.

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

READING ON-LINE BECAUSE MY MECHANIC'S PUZZLED ABOUT THE NOISES, I FIND THAT IT'S NOT ONLY THE 1999+ WINDSTARS THAT HAVE HAD A PROBLEM, BUT -- IF YOU WOULD LOOK AT #2 AND #3 HERE AT THIS LINK: HTTP://WWW.ABOUTAUTOMOBILE.COM/COMPLAINT/1998/FORD/WINDSTAR/SUSPENSION IT'S APPARENT THAT THIS AXLE BREAKAGE HAS OCCURRED IN 1998'S AS WELL. THAT IS WHAT I HAVE, IN WHICH I'M HEARING SIMILAR NOISES. LIVING IN A SALT-BELT STATE, THIS IS SCARY; DON'T EVEN DARE TAKE IT ON THE FREEWAY! HARD TO GET OUT OF TOWN (SUCH AS TO A GRADUATION THIS WEEKEND) WITHOUT FREEWAYS. VERY SAD ... & HARD TO REPLACE IT, TOO, WHILE ON ONLY SOCIAL SECURITY. SOMETHING SHOULD BE DONE TO INCLUDE 1998S (SEE LINK ABOVE) IN THIS INVESTIGATION, TOO, IT APPEARS. I DIDN'T PAY NEARLY $4000 TO ONLY DRIVE A VEHICLE IN TOWN, AND NOT BE ABLE TO GO ANYPLACE! :O( [XXX] PS * DIDN'T GIVE "DAY" B/C THIS HAS BEEN OCCURRING THE LAST FEW MONTHS, AND FINALLY ASKED THE MECHANIC LAST MONTH, ONCE I WAS DRIVING MORE AGAIN (IN WINTER DON'T DO MUCH, AND THEN AT OTHER TIMES DRIVE MA'S CAR TAKING HER PLACES). WELL, IT INSISTS ON A DATE, AFTER ALL, SO WILL PUT ON THERE, ARBITRARILY. [XXX] INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6). *TR

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

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

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. *TR

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

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.

I NOTICED MY VAN WAS 'FEELING WEIRD' WHEN I DROVE IT-ALMOST LIKE I WAS DRIVING ON A SLIPPERY ROAD AND THE BACK END WAS SLIDING. THIS WENT ON FOR ABOUT 4 DAYS. I HAD TO DRIVE MY SON TO VISIT HIS FATHER ON AN EXTREMELY SNOWY DAY. THE ROADS WERE DRIVABLE BUT DID HAVE SOME SNOW ON THEM. WHEN I PROCEEDED DOWN THE HILL I LIVE ON, THE SLIDING SENSATION WAS EXTREMELY EXAGGERATED. THE FURTHER I DROVE, THE WORSE IT GOT. I HAD TO DRIVE IN 1ST GEAR GOING LESS THAN 20 M.P.H. WITH THE BACK END OF MY VAN FISHTAILING. I THOUGHT FOR SURE WE WERE GOING TO ROLL OVER. THANK GOD I WAS PASSING THE MECHANIC'S GARAGE I USE, AND I WAS ABLE TO PULL IN. I HAVE JUST BEEN INFORMED THAT THE REAR AXLE HAS SNAPPED AND THE VEHICLE IS NOT DRIVABLE. UPON SEARCHING FOR HOW MUCH A REAR AXLE IS GOING TO COST, I WAS SURPRISED TO FIND A SITE WHERE PEOPLE LIST THE PROBLEMS THEY'VE HAD WITH THE SAME VEHICLE. THIS IS NOT AN UNUSUAL THING TO HAVE OCCUR!!!! PEOPLE COULD VERY EASILY BE KILLED WHEN THIS BREAKS. IT WAS ONLY BY THE GRACE OF GOD THAT WE DIDN'T WRECK. FORD NEEDS TO FURTHER INVESTIGATE THIS AND PUT A RECALL ON THE REAR AXLE. *TR

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!