NHTSA Owner Complaint Log
This page lists owner-reported complaints filed with NHTSA for the 2000 Ford Windstar. Complaints are unverified consumer reports submitted to NHTSA and do not by themselves prove a defect or defect rate.
Data synced from NHTSA on May 4, 2026
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2000 FORD WINDSTAR. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE SUB-FRAME ON THE VEHICLE CRACKED AND BROKE. THE DEALER STATED THAT THE FRAME BROKE WHERE THE AIR CONDITIONER DRIPPED ONTO THE FRAME. THE LEAK CAUSED RUST LEADING TO THE FRAME BREAKING. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 77441 AND THE CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 79500.
I TOOK MY 2000 FORD WINDSTAR TO THE REPAIR SHOP TO ADDRESS A FLAT RIGHT REAR PASSENGER TIRE, ONLY TO DISCOVER THAT THE REAR AXLE HAD CRACKED ABOUT 12 INCHES FROM THE DRIVER SIDE REAR WHEEL. I INQUIRED WHETHER THE VEHICLE WAS ABLE TO BE DRIVEN AND THE MECHANIC SAID THAT IT WOULD NOT BE SAFE DRIVING THIS VEHICLE AT ANY SPEED BECAUSE IF IT SNAPS YOU COULD SERIOUSLY LOSE TO CONTROL OF THE VEHICLE. SO I AM WRITING THIS BECAUSE I FOUND THE SAME ISSUE IN THE SAME LOCATION FROM A NUMBER OF INDIVIDUAL OWNERS. IT DOES NOT APPEAR ANYTHING HAS BEEN DONE THUS FAR, SO I WANTED TO MAKE SURE I AM YET ANOTHER OWNER WITH SAME ISSUE. IT APPEARS PRUDENT THAT SOME NOTIFICATION BEEN SENT TO OWNERS OF THIS VEHICLE TO MAKE SURE THEY CONTINUALLY HAVE THE REAR AXLE CHECKED FOR CRACKS. THIS MAY HELP ANY POTENTIAL FOR INJURIES IN THE FUTURE. *TR
WHILE DRIVING IN A RAIN STORM MY VAN WAS SHAKING, I THOUGHT I HIT A PUDDLE WRONG AFTER DRIVING A BIT MORE MY CAR STARTING SHAKING AND IT WAS HARD TO CONTROL, I THOUGHT I HAD A FLAT TIRE. I PULLED TO A GAS STATION, WHERE MAN SAW ME LOOK AT MY TIRES, AND ADVISED DUE TO THE LARGE AMOUNT OF RAIN IT WAS PROBABLY HYDROPLAINING. I CONTINUED ON. THE NEXT DAY WHEN IT WAS DRY I HAD THE SAME PROBLEMS. MY VAN WAS SHAKING, AND AT TIME HARD TO CONTROL, I WAS SO SCARED AND JUST WANTED TO MAKE IT HOME. I TOLD MY HUSBAND, HE NOTICED THE INNER PORTION OF THE 2 BACK TIRES WERE WORN DOWN TO THE METAL BELTS, AND DID NOT ALLOW IT TO BE DRIVING AGAIN. I HAD A RETAIL FIX IT SHOP ADVISE IT WOULD BE 650.00 FOR NEW TIE RODS AND SHIMS PLUS 2 NEW TIRES(EVEN THOUGH WE JUST PURCHASED THEM 1 1/2 YEARS PRIOR). WE WERE DEBATING TO GET IT FIXED OR TAKE TO A DIFFERENT MORE TRUSTED MECHANIC. A FRIEND PASSED ALONG A LINK REGARDING INVESTIGATION ON WINDSTAR VANS FOR BROKEN REAR AXLES. AFTER READING WHAT OTHER EXPERIENCED, I REALIZED THIS IS THE SAME THING THAT HAPPENED TO ME. WE HAVE A SUMMER CAR I HAVE BEEN DRIVING SINCE THIS OCCURRENCE, BUT WOULD LIKE MY MINIVAN FIXED FOR FAMILY SUMMER TRAVELS. AFTER READING THE LINK - I WILL PROBABLY WAIT FOR A RECALL, OR A SOLUTION AS TO WHAT WILL BE DONE WITH THIS SITUATION. *TR
2000 FORD WINDSTAR SE 98,020 MILEAGE ORIGINAL OWNER ONE DRIVER I NOTICE SHARP, LOUD SOUNDS WHEN BREAKING IN REVERSE AND WHEN RIDING ACROSS ROUGHER STREET AND HIGHWAY PAVEMENTS. I INSPECTED UNDERNEATH CAR AND FOUND A CRACKED REAR AXLE, LEFT OF CENTER (ON DRIVERS SIDE). CRACK IS HALF WAY THROUGH AXLE , COMPLETELY CRACKED THROUGH FROM BOTTOM TO TOP, AND IS ON REAR FACING SIDE OF AXLE. I DON'T RECALL AN EVENT WHICH COULD HAVE CAUSED A CRACK. *TR
PROBLEM BEGAN WITH SPEEDOMETER NOT WORKING CORRECTLY. THE RPM GAUGE DOESN'T WORK. THE PANEL THAT TELLS YOU WHAT GEAR THE VEHICLE IS IN IS OFF CENTER SO THE CAR DOESN'T OFFICIALLY GO INTO "P" OR ANY OTHER GEAR ACCORDING TO THE DASHBOARD. THE BRAKE LIGHTS BURNT OUT. THE BRAKE LIGHT ON THE DASHBOARD ILLUMINATED. THE VEHICLE IS LEAKING BRAKE FLUID. *TR
ROLLING BACK IN THE DRIVEWAY IN NEUTRAL ( AS I ALWAYS DO ) WHEN THE REAR AXLE SNAPPED IN MY 2000 FORD WINDSTAR SEL. MY VEHICLE WAS NO LONGER OPERATIONAL AND HAD IT TOWED TO A GARAGE. A USED REPLACEMENT REAR AXLE WAS PURCHASED AND INSTALLED. *TR
I HAVE A FORD WINDSTAR WITH 93,000 MILES ON THE ODOMETER AND WAS SHOCKED WHEN THE VEHICLE TIRES WERE SLANTED ON AN ANGLE ON DAY! THIS WAS VERY ODD LOOKING, AS YOU CAN ONLY IMAGINE AND AFTER A REVIEW OF THE VEHICLE WAS TOLD THAT THE REAR AXLE HOUSING WAS CRACKED (AND RUSTED) RIGHT IN THE MIDDLE, CLOSER TO ONE SIDE; LEAVING THE CARE NON-DRIVABLE DUE TO POSSIBLE BLOW-OUT OCCURRENCE. AFTER HAVING NO CHOICE BUT TO REPAIR THE VEHICLE AND AFTER PUTTING OVER $600 DOLLARS INTO THE VEHICLE HAVE ONLY FOUND THAT OTHER FORD WINDSTARS ARE ALSO HAVING THIS PROBLEM. I WAS FORTUNATE ENOUGH NOT TO BE INVOLVED IN ANY TYPE OF MOTOR VEHICLE ACCIDENT, HOWEVER THIS WAS DAMAGING TO MY SAVINGS ACCOUNT! I WOULD STILL HOWEVER BUY FORD VEHICLES AND WOULD LIKE TO MAKE MY CASE KNOWN IN THIS SITUATION. *TR
2000 WINDSTAR. REAR AXLE SNAPPED. VERY DANGEROUS. I WAS JUST ABOUT TO GET ON THE HIGHWAY. WENT ONLINE AND FOUND THAT THERE HAVE BEEN OVER 55 COMPLAINTS ABOUT THIS. I HAVE CHILDREN. CAN'T EVEN IMAGINE IF WE WERE ALL IN IT WHEN IT SNAPPED. THIS IS A SERIOUS PROBLEM AND SOMEONE IS GOING TO BE HURT IF NOT DIE. NOT TO MENTION THE COST. FORD SHOULD BE ISSUING A RECALL IMMEDIATELY. WHAT IS IT GOING TO TAKE. *TR
2000 WINDSTAR. REAR AXLE SNAPPED. VERY DANGEROUS. I WAS JUST ABOUT TO GET ON THE HIGHWAY. WENT ONLINE AND FOUND THAT THERE HAVE BEEN OVER 55 COMPLAINTS ABOUT THIS. I HAVE CHILDREN. CAN'T EVEN IMAGINE IF WE WERE ALL IN IT WHEN IT SNAPPED. THIS IS A SERIOUS PROBLEM AND SOMEONE IS GOING TO BE HURT IF NOT DIE. NOT TO MENTION THE COST. FORD SHOULD BE ISSUING A RECALL IMMEDIATELY. WHAT IS IT GOING TO TAKE? *TR
WHILE DRIVING MY 2000 FORD WINDSTAR MINIVAN WITH 3 CHILDREN IN CAR, THE REAR END OF VEHICLE WAS SWAYING SIDEWAYS. THERE WAS A LOUD CLUNKING NOISE WHEN GOING OVER BUMPS THEN CAR WOULD JUMP SIDEWAYS. DROVE CAR HOME SLOWLY WITH FLASHERS ON. MY HUSBAND INSPECTED UNDERNEATH CAR TO FIND REAR AXLE RUSTED AND CRACKED IN HALF AND REAR TIRES TILTING INWARD. MY HUSBAND SAID I WAS VERY LUCKY TO HAVE NOT BEEN A SERIOUS ACCIDENT. CAR DEEMED TOO DANGEROUS TO DRIVE. *TR
ONE DAY I WAS DRIVING AROUND WITH MY KIDS AND I WENT OVER A BUMP AND THAT'S WHEN IT ALL WENT WRONG. THE MINUTE I WENT OVER THE BUMP, WE HEARD A CRACK THEN A DRAGGING NOISE. I PARKED TO SEE WHAT WENT WRONG AND THEN I SAW MY REAR TIRES GOING TOWARD THE AXLE AND THEN I SAW MY REAR AXLE WAS CRACKED. I HAD TO GET A FLAT BED TOW TRUCK AND TOW IT TO THE NEAREST GARAGE. MY SISTER HAD TO PICK US UP AND TAKE US TO OUR DESTINATION. THIS ALL HAPPENED ON A COLD WINDY SATURDAY. ON A BREEZY MONDAY, I CALLED THE GARAGE AND I WAS TOLD THAT THE NEW REAR AXLE WOULD TAKE A WEEK TO GET A IT AND I WAS WITHOUT A CAR FOR A WEEK. I HAD TO FIND WAYS TO GET TO WORK AND THEY WERE HARD CHOICES TO MAKE. FINALLY WHEN THE NEW AXLE CAME IN, THEY REPAIRED IT AND THE TOTAL WAS $800. IT WAS HARD TO COME UP WITH THE MONEY BECAUSE I JUST GOT DONE PAYING OFF THE FRONT BREAKS. I THINK I SHOULD GET REIMBURSED FOR SOME OF THE MONEY I PUT OUT BECAUSE YOU SHOULD'VE RECALLED THE REAR AXLES OF THE WINDSTARS BECAUSE OF THE ARTICLE I GOT FROM THE GARAGE THAT FIXED MY CAR. [XXX] P.S. I WOULD LIKE SATISFACTION ON THE MATTER OF THE CAR. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6). *TR
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2000 FORD WINDSTAR. WHILE DRIVING AT SPEEDS OF 35 MPH, THE CONTACT WAS BARELY ALE TO MAINTAIN CONTROL OF THE VEHICLE. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO A LOCAL REPAIR SHOP WHERE SHE WAS ADVISED BY THE MECHANIC THAT THE REAR AXLE WAS CRACKED. THE MANUFACTURER ADVISED THE VEHICLE WAS NOT UNDER RECALL AND TO HAVE THE DEALER REPAIR THE VEHICLE. THE MANUFACTURE WOULD OFFER NO FURTHER ASSISTANCE. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE FAILURE AND CURRENT MILEAGES WERE 130,000.
2000 FORD WINDSTAR, REAR AXLE BEAM BROKE / SPLIT WHILE DRIVING IN REVERSE OUT OF OUR DRIVEWAY. REPAIRED BY LOCAL REPAIR SHOP FOR $1,250 FOR NEW REAR AXLE BEAM. *TR
THIS IS THE SECOND TIME THIS HAS HAPPENED. TWO YEARS AGO, WHILE SITTING IN MY DRIVEWAY, THE FRONT DRIVERS SIDE COIL SPRING BROKE. IT DAMAGED THE TIRE AS WELL. HAD TO REPLACE THE TIRE AND THE WHOLE COIL SPRING ASSY. TODAY, WHILE PARKED AT A FRIENDS HOUSE, PASSENGER SIDE COIL SPRING BROKE. THIS TIME DIDN'T PUNCTURE THE TIRE, BUT HAD TO HAVE IT TOWED HOME. WILL HAVE TO REPLACE ANOTHER COIL SPRING ASSY. *TR
I WAS DRIVING DOWN A ST. AND THE REAR AXLE JUST BROKE IN TWO ON MY 2000 WINDSTAR VAN, MY CAR HAS BEEN GARAGE KEPT, I FOUND 18 MORE COMPLAINTS WITH THE SAME PROBLEM ON WINDSTARS. *TR
ABS BRAKE LIGHT ON 2000 WINDSTAR. *TR
TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2000 FORD WINDSTAR. WHILE DRIVING 35-40 MPH, THE REAR AXLE BROKE IN HALF; THE CONTACT WAS ABLE TO COAST THE VEHICLE TO THE SIDE OF THE ROAD. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO A REPAIR SHOP WHERE THE ENTIRE REAR AXLE WAS REPLACED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS APPROXIMATELY 73,100. THE CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 73,409.
THE REAR AXLE BEAM ON MY 2000 FORD WINDSTAR VAN BROKE IN HALF SUDDENLY SHORTLY AFTER EXITING THE FREEWAY. JUST PRIOR TO EXITING THE FREEWAY THE VAN SHUTTERED AND VIBRATED BAD ENOUGH TO CAUSE ME TO SLOW DOWN TO ABOUT 50 MPH BEFORE EXITING THE FREEWAY. FORTUNATELY I WAS ONLY TRAVELING ABOUT 30 MPH WHEN THE INCIDENT OCCURRED. ALTHOUGH BOTH REAR WHEELS COLLAPSED AGAINST THE INSIDE REAR WHEEL WELLS AND THE VEHICLE SWAYED FROM SIDE TO SIDE I WAS ABLE TO SAFELY GET IT STOPPED WITH CAUSING AN ACCIDENT. DURING THE PAST COUPLE OF WEEKS THE VAN HAD AN ON AND OFF VIBRATION AND SEEMED TO WANDER IN ITS LANE ON OCCASION. I TOOK IT IN FOR FRONT END SERVICE WORK LAST WEEK AND HAD THE INNER TIE ROD ENDS REPLACED AS WELL AS SOME FRONT END BUSHINGS. ALTHOUGH THE STEERING WAS TIGHTENED UP, THE PERIODIC VIBRATION WAS STILL THERE. IT TOOK ABOUT 5 MINUTES ON THE INTERNET TO DISCOVER THIS IS NOT AN ISOLATED INCIDENT. I FOUND ABOUT 130 SIMILAR ISSUES/COMPLAINTS BY GOOGLING "FORD WINDSTAR AXLE PROBLEMS." THIS IS CLEARLY A VERY SERIOUS SAFETY ISSUE. AT THIS POINT I DON'T KNOW IF ANYONE HAS BEEN KILLED OR INJURED BUT I INTEND TO FIND OUT. THE PROBLEM APPEARS TO INVOLVE 2000 & 2001 WINDSTARS WITH MILEAGE RANGING FROM 70K TO 160K. BASED ON THE INSPECTION OF MY VEHICLE AND REVIEW OF OTHER POSTED COMPLAINTS IT APPEARS FORD USES A DOUBLE WALLED U SHAPED STEEL BEAM TO SUPPORT AND CONNECT THE REAR WHEELS AND SPRINGS. THE AXLE BEAM IS NOT TOTALLY ENCLOSED AROUND THE SPRING MOUNTS. WATER ENTERS THE AXLE TUBE AND HAS NO WHERE TO DRAIN. OVER TIME THE WATER PROMOTES RUSTS AND WEAKENS THE AXLE TUBE FROM THE INSIDE OUT UNTIL METAL FATIGUE SETS IN AND THE AXLE EVENTUALLY FAILS. I SUSPECT THIS PROBLEM WILL BLEED INTO THE 2002/2003 MODELS AS THEY AGE AND EVENTUALLY RUST OUT. THIS SITUATION IS A VIRTUAL TIME BOMB FOR UNSUSPECTING FORD WINDSTAR VAN OWNERS. *TR
I HAD THE FORD OCTOBER 2009 RECALL PERFORMED (SPEED CONTROL WIRING HARNESS FIRE RELATED) ON MY 2000 FORD WINDSTAR, AND PRIOR TO THAT THERE HAD BEEN AN INTERMITTENT ABS YELLOW BRAKE LIGHT ON MY DASH. I HAVE MENTIONED THIS PROBLEM TO THE FORD DEALER MECHANICS, AND THEY CAN NEVER FIND A FIX FOR IT. AFTER THE RECALL, I STILL HAVE THE LIGHT COME ON INTERMITTENTLY. I AM CONCERNED THAT THE ABS ECM MODULE (2C219) WILL HEAT EXPANDING THE HEAT PLATE AS DESCRIBED ABOUT 3/4 OF THE WAY DOWN THE PAGE ON THIS WEBSITE: HTTP://WWW.FORDWINDSTARRECALL.INFO/#PROBLEM1. IT IS TROUBLING TO ME THAT MY ABS LIGHT KEEPS COMING ON, MAKING ME WONDER ABOUT THE SAFETY OF MY BRAKING SYSTEM, YET FORD SEEMS TO HAVE NO IDEA WHAT IS GOING ON AND NO DESIRE TO INVESTIGATE THOROUGHLY TO FIX THIS PROBLEM. I AM CONCERNED NOT KNOWING WHETHER THE ABS SYSTEM IS EVEN ACTIVE OR NOT, OR WHETHER EVERY TIME THE LIGHT COMES ON THIS INDICATES A DAMAGING SITUATION, OVERHEATING (IF I REMEMBER CORRECTLY THE 2009 RECALL WAS DUE TO ABS FLUID DRIPPING ON THE WIRING HARNESS), OR SOMETHING EVEN BLATANTLY DANGEROUS OUT ON THE ROAD. THE EVENTS LEADING UP TO THIS FAILURE ARE NOT KNOWN AND INCONSISTENT - THE LIGHT WILL COME ON OFTENTIMES WHEN I AM NOT EVEN APPLYING THE BRAKES. THE FAILURE (LIGHT) OCCURS INTERMITTENTLY, SOMETIMES AS OFTEN AS EVERY TIME I RUN MY WINDSTAR, OTHER TIMES PERHAPS ONLY ONCE EVERY WEEK; ONCE IN AWHILE THE LIGHT EXTINGUISHES ITSELF WITHOUT SHUTTING OFF THE ENGINE. WHAT WAS DONE TO CORRECT THE PROBLEM -- I HAVE TAKEN IT TO THE FORD DEALERS' SEVERAL TIMES BUT EVERY TIME THEY SEEM COMPLETELY BAFFLED WHY THE LIGHT IS COMING ON. *TR
TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2000 FORD WINDSTAR. WHILE DRIVING AT APPROXIMATELY 25 MPH, THE CONTACT NOTICED A CLANKING NOISE IN THE REAR OF THE VEHICLE. HE INSPECTED THE VEHICLE AND NOTICED THAT THE REAR AXLE WAS COVERED WITH RUST, SPLIT IN TWO PIECES AND WAS HANGING FROM THE SIDE OF THE TIRE. THE CONTACT CALLED THE MANUFACTURER AND WAS INFORMED THAT THEY WERE UNAWARE OF SUCH A FAILURE. THE VEHICLE HAD NOT BEEN REPAIRED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS APPROXIMATELY 129,000. THE CURRENT MILEAGE WAS APPROXIMATELY 130,000.
BRAKES FAILED. SPEED CONTROL SWITCH ON FRONT OF BRAKE MASTER CYL LEAKED BRAKE FLUID. PRIOR TO THIS CRUISE CONTROL QUIT WORKING AND BRAKE AND ABS LIGHTS ON DASH CAME ON. *TR
REAR AXLE BROKE ON 2000 FORD WINDSTAR, WHILE BEING MOVING DOWN THE STREET. *TR
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2000 FORD WINDSTAR. THE CONTACT STATED SHE CONTINUOUSLY HEARD A LOUD, UNUSUAL NOISE COMING FROM UNDER THE VEHICLE AND WHEN DRIVING, THE VEHICLE WOULD SHAKE EXCESSIVELY. WHILE REVERSING FROM A DRIVEWAY AT 5 MPH, THE REAR AXLE FRACTURED. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO A LOCAL REPAIR FACILITY WHERE THE AXLE WAS REPLACED. THE FAILURE AND CURRENT MILEAGES WERE 93,000.
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2000 FORD WINDSTAR. THE CONTACT WAS STATED THAT WHILE ATTEMPTING TO OPEN THE REAR SLIDING DOOR, IT WOULD NOT BUDGE AND REMAINED STUCK. THE FAILURE OCCURRED INTERMITTENTLY AND AFTER TIME, THE DOOR WOULD NOT OPEN AT ALL. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT TAKEN TO THE DEALER FOR REPAIRS. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 85,000.
TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2000 FORD WINDSTAR. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE REAR PASSENGER SIDE ENGINE MOUNT BROKE. THE FRONT OF THE VEHICLE WAS COVERED WITH RUST AROUND THE PASSENGER SIDE ENGINE AND WHEEL MOUNTS. THE DRIVER SIDE WAS COMPLETELY CORRODED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 136000 AND THE CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 144000. UPDATED 02/17/11*LJ THE CONSUMER STATED THE SUBFRAME ON THE REAR PASSENGER SIDE MOUNT HAD SEVERE CORROSION. UPDATED 04/27/11
I HIT A SMALL POT HOLE AND WHEN I GOT TO THE PARKING LOT I WAS TOLD MY REAR TIRES WERE SIDE WAYS. MY HUSBAND WAS ABLE TO GET THE CAR HOME 2/10THS OF A MILE. WHEN THE MECHANIC LOOK AT IT HE SAID THE POT HOLE WASN'T THE PROBLEM. IT WAS ALREADY CRACKED. HE SAID HE HAD REPAIRED A NUMBER OF AXLES ON FORD. ALSO, MY TRANSMISSION BEGAN SKIPPING AT THE SAME TIME THIS WHOLE INCIDENT STARTED. WHEN WE FIRST BOUGHT THE VAN, I WAS IN LINE IN THE CAFETERIA AND A GENTLEMEN ASKED ME IF I WAS PICKED EACH DAY IN A WINDSTAR AND I SAID YES. HE INFORMED ME THAT WINDSTARS ARE NOTORIOUS FOR HAVING TRANSMISSION PROBLEMS. I KNOW HE IS RIGHT. *TR
A FORD WINDSTAR MADE A LOUD BANGING SOUND AT A PARKING I WAS AT. WHEN WE TRIED TO ASSIST WE FOUND THAT THE REAR AXLE HOUSING WAS BROKEN IN TWO PIECES. SINCE IT WAS THE SAME VEHICLE WE CHECKED OURS AND IT HAS A 2 AND A HALF INCH CRACK IN THE SAME EXACT SPOT ON THE HOUSING. CHECKING THE INTERNET IT HAS OCCURRED ON OVER 50 OTHER VEHICLES OF THE SAME TYPE. THIS IS A DANGEROUS CONDITION!!! THERE IS NO WELD POINT BEND OR OTHERWISE TO START A CRACK AT THAT POINT. THIS IS A CASE OF SEVERE METAL FATIGUE. THIS BREAK MAKES THE REAR WHEELS FOLD OUT WITH A LOSS OF CONTROL. WE ARE LOOKING FOR ANOTHER HOUSING TO REPLACE IT. *TR
HAVE 2000 FORD WINDSTAR WITH 120K MILES ON IT. WHILE SERVICING LAST WEEK, MECHANIC WAS CHECKING REAR BRAKES AND NOTICED REAR AXLE WAS CRACKED ABOUT HALFWAY THROUGH ABOUT 10 INCHES FROM RIGHT SIDE. ALSO A HOLE AROUND 10 INCHES FROM LEFT SIDE END. *TR
WHILE DRIVING OUR 2000 FORD WINDSTAR LX THE REAR AXLE CRACKED IN HALF. IF IT WOULD OF BEEN MINUTES LATER THE VAN WOULD HAVE BEEN BACK ON THE HIGHWAY AND WE COULD OF POSSIBLY GOT KILLED. THERE ARE A LOT OF OTHER FORD OWNERS WHO HAVE HAD THE SAME PROBLEM SINCE 1998 WITH THE WINDSTAR'S. THERE SHOULD BE A RECALL ON THE REAR AXLE BEFORE SOMEONE GETS KILLED. THIS IS A VERY DANGEROUS PROBLEM THAT FORD NEEDS TO ADDRESS. *TR
2000 FORD WINDSTAR LX - 122,000 MILES - REAR AXLE FAILURE ON MARCH 30, 2010 THE WINDSTAR BEGAN FISHTAILING AND SWAYING IN THE REAR. IT WAS ALSO MAKING A BANG NOISE WHEN TURNING RIGHT. THOUGHT THAT THE SHOCKS WERE BAD AND WAS PLANNING ON REPLACING THEM. ON FRIDAY, APRIL 2, 2010 WE WERE LOADING THE FAMILY AND DOG FOR A TRIP TO THE BEACH. PRIOR TO PULLING OUT OF THE DRIVEWAY I NOTICED THE LEFT REAR WHEEL TILTED INWARDS AT THE TOP. AT THAT POINT I REMOVED THE FAMILY FROM THE VEHICLE AND JACKED UP THE REAR OF THE VAN. UPON INSPECTION I NOTICED THE REAR AXLE BEAM WAS CRACKED APPROXIMATELY 12-18 INCHES IN FROM THE LEFT WHEEL. I WENT ON LINE AND IMMEDIATELY DISCOVERED ANOTHER 50+ COMPLAINTS OF THE SAME FAILURE. I INITIALLY THOUGH IT BROKE DUE TO THE EXCESSIVE POTHOLES IN THE REGION. HOWEVER, I NOW FEEL THAT THIS MAY BE A MUCH BIGGER PROBLEM AND A DEFECT WITH THIS TYPE OF VEHICLE. THE ONLY WAY TO REPAIR THIS ISSUE IS TO REPLACE THE ENTIRE REAR AXLE BEAM. THE PART ALONE COST $500 OR MORE. *TR
WHEN GOING OVER A BUMP THE REAR END OF THE VEHICLE WOULD SWAY AFTER FUTHER INVESTAGATION THE REAR AXLE IS SPLIT IN 2 PIECES 1 1/2 TO 2 FT FROM THE TIRE ON THE DRIVER SIDE *CN
2000 FORD WINDSTAR THE RIGHT FRONT AXEL STARTED MAKING A RUBBING NOISE AND THE STEERING WHEEL WENT ABOUT 6INCHS OFF CENTER. THE SUBFRAME HAD BROKEN APART AT THE MOUNT AT THE RIGHT REAR ATTACHMENT BECAUSE OF CORROSION AND CAME DOWN ABOUT 4 INCHES CAUSING THE WHOLE ENGINE TRAN TO GO OUT OF LINE. THE REPAIR WAS TO REPLACE THE SUB FRAME FOR $1600.00., HAD IT DONE RIGHT AWAY BECAUSE THE WHOLE ENGINE TRANS COULD BREAK LOSE WITH UNIT HANGING DOWN. *TR
ABS FAILURE, BRAKING DISTANCE REDUCED. TRACTION CONTRO OFF, EFFECTS SAFETY OF DRIVING IN SLIPPERY CONDITIONS
I OWN A 200 FORD WINDSTAR AND RECENTLY TOOK IT TO A FORD DEALER TO HAVE THE SPEED CONTROL MODULE REPLACED DUE TO RECALL. I DID SO AFTER HAVING PROBLEMS WITH MY BRAKE SYSTEM (NOT HAVING ANY BRAKE). I ORIGINALLY BROUGHT IT TO A REGULAR GARAGE AND THEY COULD NOT FIGURE OUT WHY I HAD NO BRAKE BECAUSE MY BRAKES WERE GOOD SO THEY TOLD ME TO GET TO FORD AND HAVE RECALL SITUATION TAKEN CARE OF. AFTER DOING SO I STILL HAVE HARDLY ANY BRAKE AND THE ABS LIGHT STILL COMES ON. EVERY WEEK I SEEM TO BE PUTTING IN BRAKE FLUID BECAUSE THE RED BRAKE LIGHT COMES ON. ON A FEW OCCASIONS I HAVE HAD PROBLEMS GETTING OUT OF PARK AND HAVE NO IDEA WHY. I AM DUE TO HAVE AN INSPECTION AND DON'T KNOW WHAT IM GOING TO DO IF IT DOES NOT PASS DUE TO NOT HAVING MUCH OF A BRAKE. IS THERE SOME OTHER PROBLEM WE SHOULD BE LOOKING AT INVOLVING THE ABS SYSTEM? *TR
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2000 FORD WINDSTAR. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE ABS BRAKE WARNING LIGHT CONSTANTLY ILLUMINATED. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALER WHO DIAGNOSE THAT THE ABS SENSOR NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE WHO DID NOT OFFER ANY ASSISTANCE SINCE THE VEHICLE WAS NO LONGER UNDER WARRANTY. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 147,000.
2000 FORD WINDSTAR REAR AXEL FAILURE. *TR
TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2000 FORD WINDSTAR. WHILE DRIVING AT APPROXIMATELY 15 MPH, THE DRIVER NOTICED THE BACK END OF THE VEHICLE WOULD SWAY WHEN HE DROVE OVER A BUMP. THE DRIVER EXAMINED THE VEHICLE AND NOTICED THAT THE REAR AXLE WAS BROKEN. THE VEHICLE HAD NOT BEEN INSPECTED BY THE DEALER AT THE TIME OF THE COMPLAINT. THE FAILURE AND CURRENT MILEAGES WERE APPROXIMATELY 130,000.
BRAKE FLUID LEAKING AROUND THE BRAKE PRESSURE DIFFERENTIAL DEACTIVATION SWITCH (SCDS) (2B264) LOCATED UNDER THE MASTER CYLINDER (BEHIND THE AIR FILTER) OVER TIME DEVELOPS A LEAK. THIS CAUSES A SHORT AND A FUSE TRIP, FUSE #10 IF THE ENGINE IS ON. THIS LEAK ALSO CAUSES BRAKE FLUID TO WICK DOWN TWO WIRES TO THE ABS BRAKE MODULE (2C219). THE FLUID ACCUMULATES ON THE (ALWAYS ON) POWER CONNECTORS FOR THE ABS BRAKE SYSTEM WHICH ARE POWERED BY FUSES 101 AND 102 AND ARE BOTH 40 AMP. THE FLUID ATTRACTS MOISTURE, ROAD SALT AND LEADS TO A FIRE WHEN THE FLUID AND MOISTURE ACT AS CONDUCTOR BETWEEN THE HOT LEADS AND GROUND. *TR
THE ABS INDICATOR LIGHT FLUCTUATES ON AND OFF DURING DRIVING MY 2000 FORD WINDSTAR. *TR
2000 FORD WINDSTAR SE VAN. TRANSMISSION PROBLEMS. AT 35,500 MILES THE ORIGINAL TRANSMISSION FAILED AND FORD REPLACED IT. OVERDRIVE LIGHT BLINKS AND ADDITIONAL REPAIRS HAVE BEEN NEEDED. I HAVE BEEN ON SEVERAL WEBSITES REGARDING FORD TRANSMISSIONS (2000 - 2005) YEAR MODELS OF VANS, SUV, AND LIGHT TRUCKS. THE BLINKING OD LIGHT IS A RECURRING THEME (HUNDREDS OF COMPLAINTS) AND REQUIRES EXPENSIVE REPAIRS. FORD HAS TO BE AWARE OF THIS TRANSMISSION DEFECT, BUT HAS NOT NOTHING!!! *TR
FORD COMPANY HAD A RECALL OF A DEAC SWITCH IN WHICH BRAKE FLUID WAS DRIPPING DOWN ON....I HAD THE RECALL DONE...BUT MY ABS YELLOW DASH LIGHT IS ON STILL...I AM WORRIED ABOUT THE INCREASING BRAKING DISTANCE OR WHETHER MY ABS IS WORKING OR NOT...I DON'T WANT TO FEEL I CAN RELY ON SOMETHING THAT ISN'T WORKING PROPERLY. *TR
WE OWN A 2000 FORD WINDSTAR VAN. WE FELT STRONG VIBRATIONS FROM THE REAR OF THE CAR. WE BROUGHT THE CAR TO A MECHANIC WHO NOTICED THE REAR DRIVERS SIDE AXLE HAD BROKEN IN TWO. AFTER RESEARCHING IN THE INTERNET WE HAVE NOTICED THIS SAME EXACT BREAK IS HAPPENING IN THE SAME YEAR OF OTHER OWNERS. FORD IS NOT RECONIZING THE DEFECT.
SNAPPED REAR AXLE LEADING TO LOSS OF CONTROL. THIS AXLE HAD OBVIOUSLY BEEN CRACKED FOR SEVERAL YEARS, BASED ON CORROSION IN THE CRACK. THE LOSS OF CONTROL WAS SUCH THAT LIVES WERE IN IMMEDIATE DANGER. *TR
2000 WINDSTAR BRAKING DISTANCE SUDDENLY INCREASED AND YELLOW ABS LIGHT COMES ON WHEN VEHICLE GETS WARM. DIAGNOSTIC CODES: C1185, C1194, C1198, C1210, C1214, C1242, C1246, C1250, AND C1254. *TR
ON THIS DATE, REAR AXEL OF MY 2000 FORD WINDSTAR BROKE AND BOTH REAR WHEELS WERE BOWED OUT AND A LARGE CRACK WAS DISCOVERED. *TR
THE ABS LIGHT ON MY 2000 FORD WINDSTAR WILL NOT SHUT OFF. *TR
THE REAR AXLE ON MY 2000 FORD WINDSTAR SE IS BROKEN ALMOST ALL THE WAY THRU. THE VAN HAS 105919 MILES ON IT. THIS COULD HAVE BEEN A VERY SERIOUS PROBLEM HAD IT BROKEN AT HIGHWAY SPEED THE BREAK IS APPROX. 2 FEET FROM THE LEFT END OF AXLE. *TR
REAR AXLE SNAPPED AT ABOUT 30 MPH. DESTROYED BOTH REAR SHOCKS AND DRIVER'S SIDE REAR WHEEL. *TR
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2000 FORD WINDSTAR. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE ENGINE WOULD NOT SHUT OFF AFTER SEVERAL ATTEMPTS. IN ORDER TO SHUT OFF THE ENGINE, THE CONTACT DISCONNECTED THE DISTRIBUTOR CABLE. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC WHO STATED THAT THE FAILURE MAY HAVE BEEN ATTRIBUTED TO A DEFECT WITHIN THE STEERING COLUMN. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WOULD NOT OFFER ANY ASSISTANCE. THE CURRENT AND FAILURE MILEAGES WERE 150,000.
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2000 FORD WINDSTAR. ACCORDING TO THE PREVIOUS OWNER OF THE VEHICLE, THE DEALER STATED THAT A MANUFACTURER RECALL WAS COMPLETED BY A DEALER THAT WAS NO LONGER IN BUSINESS (JACK SAFRO FORD DEALER). THE PREVIOUS OWNER REINFORCED THE BRACKET, BUT DID NOT REPLACE THE REAR BRACKETS. SHORTLY AFTER DRIVING OVER RAILROAD TRACKS, THE VEHICLE SUDDENLY STALLED AND THE REAR WHEELS FRACTURED FROM THE VEHICLE. THE VEHICLE WAS UNABLE TO BE DRIVEN AND WAS TOWED TO AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC. THE CONTACT WAS INFORMED THAT THE REAR AXLE CRACKED FROM THE REINFORCEMENT BRACKETS AND PARTS NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE VIN WAS NOT INCLUDED IN A RECALL FOR THE FAILURE. THE MANUFACTURER RECOMMENDED THAT THE VEHICLE BE TAKEN TO THE DEALER (NAPLETON LINCOLN BLUE ISLAND, 2950 W 127TH ST, BLUE ISLAND, IL 60406, (708) 385-4500) FOR DIAGNOSTIC TESTING AND REPAIR. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS NOT AVAILABLE.