2003 Ford Windstar Complaint Log

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2003 FORD WINDSTAR. WHILE APPROACHING A STOP, THE DRIVER DEPRESSED THE BRAKE PEDAL AND THE VEHICLE FAILED TO STOP. AS A RESULT, THE DRIVER HAD TO ENGAGE THE EMERGENCY BRAKE IN ORDER TO STOP THE VEHICLE. THE BRAKES, ABS, ENGINE, AND DOOR AJAR WARNING LIGHTS PREVIOUSLY ILLUMINATED INTERMITTENTLY. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC WHO DIAGNOSED THAT THE ABS ELECTRICAL MODULE NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 110,190.

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2003 FORD WINDSTAR. WHILE DRIVING AT VARIOUS SPEEDS, THE TRANSMISSION FAILED. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO THE CONTACT'S RESIDENCE. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT DIAGNOSED OR REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS APPROXIMATELY 118,000.

"ABS" AND "BRAKE" INDICATOR LIGHTS WITHIN DASHBOARD TURN ON INTERMITTENTLY.

I LEARNED OF A FRONT AXLE RECALL AND WHEN I CALLED THE DEALERSHIP TO SCHEDULE REPAIRS, THEY INFORMED ME OF A REAR AXLE RECALL, SO "REPAIRS" WERE MADE TO BOTH FRONT AND REAR AXLES AT THE SAME TIME. HOWEVER, THIS MORNING ON MY WAY TO WORK (LUCKILY TRAVELING AT 25 MPH VS 75 ON THE INTERSTATE LAST NIGHT) THE REAR AXLE BROKE MIDWAY BETWEEN WHERE THE BRACKET, WHICH WAS SUPPOSED TO REINFORCE THE AXLE, WAS ATTACHED. *TR

LETTER FROM CONGRESSMAN RYAN ON BEHALF OF CONSTITUENT RE FORD MOTOR COMPANY ISSUES. *SMD THE CONSUMER STATED IN MAY, THE SPRING ON THE DRIVER'S SIDE BROKE AND PUNCTURED THE TIRE. THREE MONTHS LATER, THE PASSENGER FRONT SPRING BROKE. *JB UPDATED 11/30/15.*JB

I PURCHASED THIS VEHICLE THIS MORNING, 4/29/15. I TOOK IT FOR A TEST DRIVE LAST NIGHT, NO PROBLEMS. THIS MORNING WHEN I LEFT THE HOUSE TO GET THE TITLE TRANSFERRED AND VEHICLE REGISTERED, THE BRAKE LIGHT CAME ON. WHEN I GOT TO MY DESTINATION AND TURNED IT OFF, THEN TURNED IT BACK ON, THE LIGHT REMAINED ON, AND THE ABS LIGHT CAME ONE. NEITHER WILL GO OFF. I HAD A 1998 WINDSTAR THAT I SOLD DUE TO AGE BUT LOVED. I AM NOT HAPPY TO HAVE THIS ISSUE THE FIRST DAY I OWN ITS REPLACEMENT. *TR

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2003 FORD WINDSTAR. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE DRIVING AT 45 MPH, THE CONTACT HEARD A NOISE FROM THE REAR OF THE VEHICLE. UPON FURTHER INSPECTION, THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE PASSENGER SIDE TIRE HAD FRACTURED FROM THE FRAME OF THE VEHICLE. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC WHO DIAGNOSED THAT THE REAR AXLE ASSEMBLY, TIRE, RIM AND BRAKES NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE VEHICLE WAS PREVIOUSLY REPAIRED UNDER NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 10V385000 (SUSPENSION). THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 135,000.

I WAS WARNED BY A FELLOW DRIVER THAT I HAD NO BRAKE LIGHTS. THE TAIL LIGHTS WORK. ALL BULB FILAMENTS ARE INTACT. INTERIOR FUSES #'S 10 & 11 ASSOCIATED WITH THE BRAKE LIGHTS ACCORDING TO THE OWNER'S MANUAL ARE INTACT. I REPLACED THE BRAKE PEDAL SWITCH. STILL I HAVE NO BRAKE LIGHTS. *TR

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2003 FORD WINDSTAR. THE CONTACT STATED THERE WAS A FOUR INCH CRACK IN THE REAR AXLE OF THE VEHICLE. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALER. THE TECHNICIAN DIAGNOSED THAT THE REAR AXLE NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 140,000.

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2003 FORD WINDSTAR. THE CONTACT STATED THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC FOR AN UNRELATED ISSUE AND THEY DISCOVERED THAT THE REAR FRAME EXHIBITED CRACKS. IN 2011, THE VEHICLE WAS REPAIRED UNDER NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 12V195000 (SUSPENSION); HOWEVER, AT THE TIME OF THE REPAIR THE CONTACT HAD NOT EXPERIENCED A FAILURE. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED FOR MOST RECENT FAILURE. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 231,000.

WHILE DRIVING I HEARD A LOUD CRACK NOISE AND SEEN SMOKE IN REAR VIEW MIRROR. WHEN I GOT OUT TIRE WAS TILTED COMPLETELY IN THE REAR. COME TO FIND OUT MY REAR AXEL COMPLETELY CRACKED WHILE I WAS DRIVING! CALLED FORD THEY SAID THE RECALL WAS FIXED IN 2011 AND THERE WAS ANOTHER RECALL FIXED IN 2013. SINCE IT WAS ALREADY " FIXED" THEY WILL NOT COVER THE WORK. I NOW HAVE TO PAY 600 TO GET THIS FIXED OUT OF POCKET AND THERE IS NO REASON THE AXEL SHOULD HAVE BROKE IN HALF LIKE IT DID! VERY UPSETTING TO KNOW I COULD'VE HAD MY CHILDREN IN THE CAR WITH ME AND THIS COULD HAVE DEFINITELY CAUSED AN ACCIDENT !! I KNOW THIS PROBLEM WAS NOT FIXED CORRECTLY IN THE FIRST PLACE IT WAS JUST A BANDAID FOR FORD! *TR

MY ABS LIGHT AND BREAKS TURN ON ONCE I DRIVE FOR A MILE ON THE ROAD AND IT STAY ON TILL I SHUT THE ENGINE OFF FOR THE FOLLOWING DAY FOR WORK. I ALREADY REPLACE MY BRAKES, REBUILD MY TRANSMISSION AND REPLACE ALL SPARK PLUGS AND CORDS, ALSO CHANGE MY ENGINE OIL ON TIME PRETTY MUCH A TAKE CARE OF MY ONE AND ONLY VEHICLE I HAVE. I HAVE ENOUGH WITH THE FORDS.

VEHICLE ON LIFT FOR OIL CHANGE WHEN MECHANIC NOTED THAT THE SUB-FRAME WAS ROTTED THROUGH ON THE DRIVER SIDE JUST ABOVE AND IN FRONT OF THE WHEEL. HE ALSO NOTED THAT A REPAIR BRACKET HAD BEEN INSTALLED AS PART OF THE RECALL ON THE PART OF THE FRAME BEHIND THE WHEEL. HE SAID HE WOULD NOT DRIVE THE CAR TOO MUCH LONGER WITHOUT GETTING IT REPAIRED. HE ADVISED THAT I SHOULD TAKE THE VEHICLE TO THE DEALER AND ADVISE FORD WHICH I DID. FORD DECLINED TO OFFER ANY ASSISTANCE SINCE IT WAS BEYOND THE RECALL WARRANTY PERIOD. THE REINFORCEMENT BRACKET WAS OBVIOUSLY NOT SUFFICIENT TO REPAIR THE CORROSION DAMAGE TO THE COMPLETE SUB-FRAME. *TR

AFTER LOOKING UP ALL OF THE SERVICE REPORTS ON THIS VEHICLE, I AM BEGINNING TO RECOGNIZE THAT FORD HAS SOME EXPLAINING TO DO. WE HAVE A LARGE AMOUNT OF SERVICE REPORTS ON OUR VEHICLE ALONE THAT OUR DEALERSHIP IS NOT REPORTING. WE HAVE PAID MORE FOR SERVICE REPAIRS THAN WE DID PAYING FOR THE VEHICLE. OUR AC/HEAT JUST CLICKS W/O WORKING, POWER WINDOWS FRONT AND REAR DO NOT WORK, POWER DOOR LOCKS, LEAKING ROOFS, LEAKING DOORS, ABS LIGHTS ON, ENGINE LIGHTS ON, TRACTION CONTROL LIGHT ON, ENGINE SPUTTERS EVEN AFTER TWO COMPLETE OLD FASHIONED TUNE-UPS, COWL BROKEN, FRONT AND REAR AXLES SEVERELY CRACKED, SUB-FRAME CRACKED, REAR WIPER DOES NOT WORK PROPERLY, BRAKES NEED CONSTANT REPAIRS, ELECTRICAL SHORTS EVERYWHERE, HEAD LIGHTS, FOG LIGHTS, BRAKE LIGHTS ALL NEED CONSTANT REPLACEMENTS, ALTERNATOR WAS REPLACED 6 TIMES IN ONE DAY BECAUSE THEY WERE ALL FAULTY, BRAKE SWITCH UNDER BRAKE PEDAL NEEDS CONSTANT REPLACEMENT, CONSTANT WHEEL ALIGNMENTS, WHEEL SENSORS MISSING OR BROKEN, POWER SEAT BROKE AND THE DEALERSHIP TOLD US THAT IT WAS PETTY TO HAVE IT FIXED EVEN WITH A HEIGHT DIFFERENCE BETWEEN DRIVERS, CONTROL MODULES REPLACED, MULTIPLE EXPENSIVE SENSOR FAILURES, SPARK PLUGS WITH WIRES REPLACED AT LEAST TWICE, STARTER REPLACED, PARKING BRAKE NEEDS TO BE WATCHED FOR SLIPPAGE BECAUSE IT CAN'T HOLD ON HILLS, INTERIOR LIGHTS BLINK IN A PATTERN WHILE DRIVING, CAN'T HAUL IT'S OWN TAILGATE, BATTERY REPLACED MULTIPLE TIMES BY DEALERSHIP, POWER MIRROR SWITCH BROKE, MANY MORE EXPENSIVE REPAIRS HAVE BEEN DONE AT OUR COST, P0302, P0305, P0316, C1235, C1185, C1198, C1194, C1254, C1246, C1250, C1242, C1214, C1210, C1103, C1410, C1404, B1318. WE WERE TOLD BY MANY SERVICE DEPARTMENTS A WHILE BACK THAT THESE CODES WERE NOT IMPORTANT. THEY CLEARED THE CODES EVERY TIME. THEIR RESPONSE TO THESE CODES WERE TO CLEAR THEM EVERY SINGLE TIME. WE ONLY HAVE ONE VEHICLE AND THIS IS IT. I AM A MOM W/CHILDREN. *TR

REAR AXLE RECALL WAS INSPECTED IN 2/17/2011 BY THE DEALER AND WAS NOTED NO CRACKS AND JUST PUT SOME BRACKETS. TODAY 3/23/2015 WENT FOR A STATE INSPECTION TO THE SAME DEALER AND FAILED DUE TO CRACK IN THE REAR AXLE(THAT WAS ONCE RECALLED). NOW DEALER/FORD STATES THAT THE RECALL WAS ONCE MANAGED, AND NO LONGER RESPONSIBLE FOR FURTHER ISSUES... IF AN ITEM WAS RECALLED, IT SHOULD BE FIXED WITHOUT COST. PLEASE ADDRESS THIS WITH FORD. THANK YOU *TR

I'M HAVING PROBLEMS WITH A 2003 FORD WINDSTAR VAN I PURCHASED. THE MILEAGE IS 081206.3. THE ABS AND BRAKE LIGHTS ARE ON AND THE SLIDING DOORS ON BOTH THE DRIVER AND PASSENGER WILL NOT OPEN FROM THE INSIDE OF THE VAN. THE DOORS ON THE SIDES AND BACK ARE VERY HARD TO OPEN FROM THE OUTSIDE AS WELL. THE CRUISE CONTROL WILL NOT TURN OFF UNLESS YOU HIT THE BRAKES. THE SEATBELT ARE MAKING A HORRIBLE SQUEAKING NOISE AND DON'T REALLY ROLL UP RIGHT. I'D LIKE TO FIND OUT HOW TO GET A LIST OF RECALLS FOR THIS VEHICLE. TO ME THESE ARE MAJOR SAFETY CONCERNS THAT NEED TO BE ADDRESSED. THANK YOU *TR

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2003 FORD WINDSTAR. WHILE DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 50 MPH, THE CRUISE CONTROL FAILED TO DISENGAGE WHEN THE BRAKE PEDAL WAS DEPRESSED. AS A RESULT, THE CONTACT HAD TO TURN OFF THE CRUISE CONTROL MANUALLY. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT TAKEN TO A DEALER OR AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 150,000. UPDATED 6/8/15*CN

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2003 FORD WINDSTAR. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE VEHICLE WAS REPAIRED UNDER NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 09V399000 (VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL); HOWEVER, THE RECALL REPAIRS WERE NOT DONE COMPLETELY. THE DEALER FUSED THE WIRING HARNESS, BUT ONLY INSPECTED THE ABS CONTROL MODULE AND DID NOT REPLACE IT AS LISTED IN THE RECALL NOTIFICATION. AS A RESULT, THE MODULE WAS LEAKING. THE MANUFACTURER REFUSED TO REPLACE THE PART UNDER THE RECALL. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 192,000.

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2003 FORD WINDSTAR. WHILE DRIVING 25 MPH, A LOUD CRACK EMITTED FROM THE REAR OF THE VEHICLE. AFTER INSPECTING THE VEHICLE, THE CONTACT NOTICED THAT THE REAR AXLE WAS FRACTURED. THE VEHICLE WAS SERVICED UNDER NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 10V385000 (SUSPENSION); HOWEVER, THE RECALL REMEDY FAILED TO PREVENT THE DEFECT. THE MANUFACTURER AND DEALER WERE MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 92,000.

TOOK MY WINDSTAR TO MY MECHANIC FOR INSPECTION. REAR AXLE CRACKED.. CONTACTED FORD,SINCE IN 2011 REAR AXLE "PATCHES"(THEIR TERMINOLOGY) WERE INSTALLED AFTER RECALL FORD HAD ME TOW VEHICLE TO A LOCAL DEALER. DEALER ATTEMPTED TO HAVE FORD REOPEN RECALL THEY REFUSED AFTER MANY CALLS THEY SAID THEY WERE NOT GOING TO REPAIR. BECAUSE. BY NATIONAL HIGHWAY REGULATIONS THEY DID ALL THEY WERE REQUIRED TO DO. I POINTED OUT THAT THIS IS AN ONGOING PROBLEM AND HAS THEY HAVE DOCUMENTED --IN THE SNOW STATES SINCE PATCHES INSTALLED. WE HAVE HAD 2 MAJOR HURRICANES WITH 3 CONSECUTIVE SEVERE WINTERS. I AM VERY FRUSTRATED AND HOPE SOMETHING CAN BE DONE. *TR

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2003 FORD WINDSTAR. WHILE DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 30 MPH, THERE WAS A LOUD NOISE PRESENT AND THE CONTACT SUDDENLY LOST CONTROL OF THE VEHICLE. THE CONTACT MERGED OVER TO AN EMERGENCY LANE AND PERFORMED A BRIEF INSPECTION OF THE VEHICLE. THE CONTACT NOTICED THAT THE REAR AXLE WAS FRACTURED. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALER FOR DIAGNOSTIC TESTING. THE TECHNICIAN STATED THAT THE REAR AXLE NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE VEHICLE WAS SERVICED UNDER NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBERS: 12V194000 (SUSPENSION) AND 12V195000(SUSPENSION); HOWEVER, THE FAILURE PERSISTED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 126,000.

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2003 FORD WINDSTAR. AFTER THE VEHICLE WAS REPAIRED UNDER NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 12V195000 (SUSPENSION), THE FAILURE LISTED IN THE RECALL RECURRED. THE CONTACT MENTIONED THAT THE DEALER ONLY SPRAYED A RUST PROOF COATING ON THE VEHICLE ALTHOUGH, THE RECALL STATED THAT THE DEALER WAS TO PLACE A BRACKET TO REINFORCE THE AXLE OR REPLACE THE AXLE. THE MANUFACTURER VERIFIED THAT THE DEALER IMPLEMENTED THE RECALL REMEDY PROPERLY. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS UNKNOWN. UPDATED 6/3/15*CN UPDATED 10/4/2017*CN

THE FRAME CRACKED ON THE REAR FRAME UNDERNEATH THE BRACKET THAT WAS PUT ON FOR THE RECALL REPAIR. THE BRACKET DIDN'T HOLD. *TR

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2003 FORD WINDSTAR. AFTER THE VEHICLE WAS STARTED, THE ABS WARNING LIGHT ILLUMINATED. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC, BUT WAS NOT DIAGNOSED OR REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 130,000.

ABS AND BRAKE LIGHT WILL NOT GO OFF

TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2003 FORD WINSTAR. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE DRIVING AT APPROXIMATELY 55 MPH, THE VEHICLES REAR AXLE SNAPPED CAUSING HIM TO LOSE CONTROL OF THE VEHICLE. THE CONTACT MENTIONED THAT THE ENGINE STALLED AND ALL WARNING INDICATORS ILLUMINATED. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO A DEALER, WHERE IT WAS DIAGNOSED THAT THE VEHICLES AXLES WERE ROTTED. THE VEHICLE WAS REPAIRED BUT FAILURE PERSISTED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 141,000.

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2003 FORD WINDSTAR. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE DRIVING AT APPROXIMATELY 40 MPH, THERE WAS A POTHOLE ON THE ROAD, WHICH WAS DRIVEN OVER. THE CONTACT NOTICED THAT THE REAR DRIVERS SIDE WHEEL FRACTURED AND WAS DETACHED FROM THE AXLE. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC WHERE IT WAS DIAGNOSED THAT THE REAR AXLE FRACTURED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO A DEALER WHERE IT WAS REPAIRED UNDER NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 12V193000 (POWER TRAIN) HOWEVER, THE RECALL REMEDY FAILED TO REPAIR THE VEHICLE. THE MANUFACTURER WAS MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 137,000. UPDATED 4/15/15*CN

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2003 FORD WINDSTAR. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE INSPECTING THE VEHICLE, THE CONTACT NOTICED THAT THE REAR AXLE WAS CORRODED. ADDITIONALLY, THE ABS, BRAKES AND THE CHECK ENGINE WARNING LIGHTS ILLUMINATED. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO A DEALER. THE TECHNICIAN DIAGNOSED THAT THE REAR AXLE NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE CONTACT WAS AWARE OF NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 12V195000 (SUSPENSION). THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 165,000. DJR

MY SPOUSE WAS DRIVING OUR 2003 FORD WINDSTAR HOME FROM CHURCH AND WHILE TURNING RIGHT ONTO OUR STREET THE TRANSMISSION FAILED, NO LONGER POWERING THE VEHICLE. SHE COASTED TO A STOP IN FRONT OF OUR HOME. I HAD THE VEHICLE TOWED TO A LOCAL TRANSMISSION REPAIR SHOP AND WAS TOLD BY THE MECHANIC THAT THIS IS A VERY COMMON PROBLEM IN FORD WINDSTARS AND THAT HE HAS HAD TO PREMATURELY REPLACE MANY OF THESE TRANSMISSIONS. WE WERE VERY LUCKY DURING THIS INCIDENT. IT COULD HAVE EASILY HAPPENED ON THE INTERSTATE HIGHWAY AND CAUSED A SEVERE CRASH, INJURIES OR DEATH. FORD CUSTOMER RELATIONS INFORMED ME THEY HAD NO RECALL ACTIONS UNDERWAY FOR THIS PROBLEM ON MY VEHICLE, BUT TO SAVE ANY RECEIPTS IN CASE THERE WAS A FUTURE REIMBURSEMENT/RECALL EFFORT. *TR

STEERING COLUMN LOCKED UP WHILE TRAVELING 50MPH. *TR

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2003 FORD WINDSTAR. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE DRIVING 40 MPH, THE REAR AXLE BECAME FRACTURED. THE VEHICLE WAS PREVIOUSLY REPAIRED UNDER NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 12V195000 (SUSPENSION). THE CONTACT MENTIONED THAT THE REINFORCEMENT BRACKETS WERE ATTACHED AND THE AXLES WERE NOT REPLACED. AS A RESULT THE REAR AXLE FRACTURED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE VIN WAS UNAVAILABLE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS UNKNOWN.

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2003 FORD WINDSTAR. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE DRIVING 2-3 MPH, THE FRONT PASSENGER SIDE WHEEL DETACHED FROM THE VEHICLE. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC WHERE IT WAS DIAGNOSED THAT THE WHEEL DETACHED FROM THE SHAFT AND NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE INDEPENDENT MECHANIC MADE THE CONTACT AWARE OF A MANUFACTURER'S RECALL FOR THE SUB FRAME. THE VEHICLE WAS THEN TOWED TO A DEALER WHERE IT WAS CONFIRMED THAT THE SUB FRAME NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE DEALER REFUSED TO REPAIR THE SUB FRAME DUE TO SAFETY HAZARDS DURING THE REPAIRS. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS UNKNOWN.

DASH ABS, BRAKE LIGHT ON, SPEEDOMETER, RPM GAGE JUMPS BACK AND FORWARD, CRUISE CONTROL ACCELERATES, PASSENGER WINDOW AND REAR SIDE WINDOW DOESN'T WORK. *TR

THE ABS AND PARKING BRAKE LIGHT COME ON AFTER DRIVING. THE ONLY WAY TO CLEAR THE LIGHTS IS TO TURN OFF THE VEHICLE AND TURN THIS BACK ON. THE LIGHTS WILL EVENTUALLY COME BACK. THE CONCERN IS ARE THE BRAKES ACTUALLY HAVING AN ISSUE. SYSTEM HAS BEEN GIVEN AN OVERHAUL: PADS, ROTORS, NEW MASTER CYLINDER, BRAKE FLUID BLEED AND REFILL, AND THE ISSUE PERSISTS. NO NONE FIXES FROM MECHANIC.

DRIVING HOME AT ABOUT 20 MPH AND SUDDENLY THE LEFT REAR END OF THE VAN COLLAPSE ONTO THE TIRE. I LOSS CONTROL OF THE VEHICLE MONETARILY, MYSELF AND MY THREE CHILDREN WERE VERY SHAKEN UP BY THE EXPERIENCE. THANK GOD WE WERE NOT DRIVING ON THE FREEWAY OR THIS COULD HAVE BEEN A VERY BAD ACCIDENT. THE LEFT REAR TIRE WAS ANGLE UP INTO THE WHEEL WELL. UPON INSPECTION THE REAR AXLE HOUSING HAD CRACKED AND BROKE DOWNWARD CAUSING LOSS OF CONTROL OF THE VAN. CONTACTED RUSS MILNE FORD SERVICE DEPT. AND WAS TOLD THERE WAS NOTHING THEY COULD DO FOR ME OTHER THAN ME BUYING A BRAND NEW REAR AXLE ASSEMBLY. *TR

ABS AND BRAKE LIGHTS COME ON WITHIN FIVE MINUTES OF DRIVING.NOW THE O/D OFF LIGHT IS FLASHING ON DASH. *TR

DRIVING DOWN ROAD ALL OF A SUDDEN WHEELS START SCREAMIN GET IT HOME AND BOTH BACK WHEELS ARE LEANING IN AT TOP AND OUT AT BOTTOM SO I GET WHEELS OFF AND ITS JACKED UP AND THE DAGON AXEL IS CRACKED AND THIS IS EVEN AFTER THE SUPPOSED REAR AXEL RECALL AND IT BEING FIXED IT FREAKIN BROKE NE WAYS NOT SURE WHAT TO DO. *TR

I HAVE A 2003 WINDSTAR FORD MINI VAN. ABOUT 2 1/2 YEARS AGO THEY PUT A PATCH FIX ON THE REAR AXLE THAT WAS SO WHEN THE AXLE BREAKS INSTEAD OF THE WHEELS SEPARATING IT HOLDS IT TOGETHER. WELL RECENTLY I WAS ON MY WAY TO A MAJOR HIGHWAY I THOUGHT MY BRAKES LOCKED UP, BUT IN ACTUALITY THE PATCH FIX BROKE AND SO DID MY AXLE. SO A BIG THANKYOU FOR ALMOST KILLING MY 2 CHILDREN IN THE BACK SEAT, DOES FORD MOTORS CARE? NO THEY DON'T! BECAUSE WHEN I CALLED THE DEALERSHIP THEY SAID FORD IS AWARE OF THIS ONGOING PROBLEM WITH NUMEROUS COMPLAINTS AND WILL NOT FIX IT AGAIN. BUT I CAN BUY ANOTHER PART FOR $800.00. IF THEY ARE AWARE OF THE PROBLEM AND THE PATCH WAS NOT A SAFE FIX THEN WHY BOTHER AT ALL! I FEEL THIS COMPANY SHOULD PUT THEIR CHILDREN IN THE BACK SEAT AND THEN MAYBE THEY WOULD ACTUALLY CARE TO FIND A SAFE FIX. *TR

PER RECALL 10V385000 / PE10016 MY 2003 WINDSTAR WAS REPAIRED WITH THE AXLE PATCH IN 2011. ON 11/07/14 MY LOCAL FORD DEALERSHIP (DAVE KNAPP FORD) FOUND THAT THE RECALL FIX DID NOT PREVENT THE AXLE FROM CRACKING. ON 11/10/14 PHOTO'S OF THE CRACK WERE SENT TO FORD AND THEY DENIED COVERAGE. I ATTEMPTED TO RESOLVE THIS ISSUE WITH FORD ON 11/11/14 CASE# [XXX] AND WAS TOLD THAT FORD WOULD NOT REPLACE THE AXLE. PER THE PE10016 INVESTIGATION IT STATE'S, "TO CORRECT THE SAFETY DEFECT", " OWNERS WHO HAVE VEHICLES WITH CRACKED AXLES WILL EITHER BE OFFERED A REPAIR OR ALTERNATIVE TRANSPORTATION UNTIL PARTS BECOME AVAILABLE". I HAD THE RECALL REPAIR DONE AND THE AXLE STILL CRACKED AND NOW I AM BEING TOLD THAT FORD WILL NOT COVER IT. THE CRACK IS DIRECTLY BELOW THE FACTORY RECALL PATCHED AREA. THE CRACK IS SUFFICIENT ENOUGH THAT THE LEFT REAR TIRE CAN NOT BE ALIGNED CORRECTLY. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6). *TR

DANCING GAUGE NEEDLES. *TR

ON THIS DATE, I WAS DRIVING MY VEHICLE AT SPEED WHEN THE SUB FRAME FAILED. THIS CAUSED THE STEERING TO DROP OUT, LEAVING ME WITH NO CONTROL OF THE VEHICLE. I NARROWLY MISSED AN 18 WHEELER DOING A TURN AND GOT STOPPED. FORD HAD MY VEHICLE FOR OVER 2 WEEKS, AND DIDN'T PROVIDE A RENTAL VEHICLE FOR 10 DAYS. FORD REFUSED TO COVER THE STEERING MECHANISM, EVEN THOUGH IT PLAINLY SAYS ON THEY'RE WEBSITE THAT WOULD BE A CONSEQUENCE OF SUB FRAME FAILURE. I HAVE MADE OVER 30 PHONE CALLS TO THE DEALER AND FORD MOTOR COMPANY'S CUSTOMER SERVICE HOTLINE, AND NOW THE DEALER IS TELLING ME MY VEHICLE IS FIXED, BUT I HAVE TO PAY FOR THE PARTS PUT ON, AND A REPAIR I DID NOT PRE-AUTHORIZE.I AM A DISABLED VETERAN, AND I WANT SOMEONE TO EXPLAIN TO ME HOW A VEHICLE THAT WAS PERFECTIBLE DRIVABLE BEFORE THIS HAPPENED IS NOW BEING HELD HOSTAGE BY A DEALER UNTIL I COME UP WITH $140, BECAUSE THE MFGR PART FAILED AND ALMOST CAUSED ME TO BE KILLED. THE FORD CASE NUMBER IS [XXX] .THANKS FOR YOUR TIME AND ATTENTION INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6). *TR

TL* THE CONTACT OWNED A 2003 FORD WINDSTAR. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE DRIVING AT APPROXIMATELY 65 MPH, THE REAR AXLE ON THE DRIVER SIDE FRACTURED. AS A RESULT, THE CONTACT LOST CONTROL OF THE VEHICLE AND IT FLIPPED MULTIPLE TIMES. THE AIR BAGS FAILED TO DEPLOY. A POLICE REPORT WAS FILED AND NO INJURIES WERE REPORTED. THE VEHICLE WAS DESTROYED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE AND STATED THAT THE VIN WAS INCLUDED IN NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 10V385000 (SUSPENSION). THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 158,000.

I WAS ON A 65 MPH HIGHWAY AND HAD TO STOP FOR A STOPLIGHT. WHEN THE LIGHT TURNED GREEN, I PUT MY FOOT ON THE GAS AND NOTHING HAPPENED. I PUT IN 2 THEN 1 AND THEN REVERSE AND NOTHING HAPPENED. I HAD PUT MY HAZARD LIGHTS ON AS I WAS AFRAID OF BEING AT A GREEN LIGHT AND GETTING REAR ENDED WITH THE OTHER CAR GOING AT LEAST 65 MPH. I PROCEEDED TO SHUT THE VAN OFF, TURN IT BACK ON AND PUT IT IN DRIVE AND IT JERKED FORWARD, BUT I COULD TELL THE TRANSMISSION WAS SLIPPING AND THE O/D LIGHT STARTED FLASHING ON AND OFF AND THE CHECK TRANSMISSION LIGHT CAME ON. I HAD TO CONTINUE TO SHUT THE VEHICLE OFF AND TURN IT BACK ON TO GET IT TO A SAFE PLACE WHERE I FINALLY HAD TO BE TOWED HOME. I HAD MY 14 YEAR OLD DAUGHTER WITH ME AND HAD WE BEEN HIT FROM BEHIND, WE BOTH COULD HAVE DIED. *TR

THE ABS AND BRAKE LIGHT COMES ON AND STAYS ON. *TR

WHILE DRIVING, THE ABS AND BRAKE WARNING LIGHTS ON THE DASH CAME ON, AND STAYED ON UNTIL THE ENGINE WAS RESTARTED. THE LIGHTS ARE OFF UNTIL DRIVING A SHORT DISTANCE, WHEN THEY WILL BOTH COME ON AT THE SAME TIME. MY MECHANIC CLAIMS THAT ALL SENSORS ARE GOOD, AND THAT THE ABS CONTROL UNIT IS DEFECTIVE. WHEN THE VEHICLE IS COLD, IT TAKES LONGER FOR THE LIGHTS TO COME ON. *TR

THE ABS LIGHT AND BRAKE LIGHT ARE ON CONSTANTLY. BRAKES (ROTORS, PADS AND CALIPERS) HAVE BEEN REPLACED. *TR

ABS AND DARK BRAKE LIGHTS COME ON WHILE DRIVING THEN RESET THEMSELVES WHEN VEHICLE IS TURNED OFF, THEN COME ON AGAIN WHILE DRIVING ONCE VEHICLE WARMS UP. *TR

MY BRAKE WARNING AND ABS LIGHTS ARE ON I SHUT THE CAR OFF AND THEY ARE OFF I DRIVE LATER THEY COME BACK ON , MY BRAKES WORK FINE THE FLUID IS FULL. *TR

I HAVE RANDOM OCCURRENCES OF THE ABS AND BRAKE LIGHTS TURNING ON MY 2003 FORD WINDSTAR SINCE I PURCHASED IT AROUND 2009. THEY ARE OFTEN OFF WHEN I FIRST START THE CAR, BUT THEN TURN ON WHILE I AM DRIVING. THE TWO LIGHTS ALWAYS TURN ON SIMULTANEOUSLY. THOUGH ONLY THE ABS IS DISABLED WHEN THIS PROBLEM OCCURS, IT TURNS ON THE BRAKE LIGHT AND HENCE MASKS ANY OTHER BRAKE PROBLEMS THAT MAY OCCUR. I RECENTLY (OCTOBER 2014) HAD A LEAK IN THE BRAKE SYSTEM AND IT ALMOST WENT UNNOTICED BECAUSE IT WAS BEING MASKED BY THE ABS PROBLEM. BECAUSE THE COST OF THE REPAIR IS VERY HIGH (1/3 OF THE COST OF THE VEHICLE), AND BASED ON REPORTS ON THE INTERNET, THERE ARE PROBABLY MANY PEOPLE ACCUSTOMED TO DRIVING AROUND WITH BRAKE LIGHTS ON BECAUSE OF THIS PROBLEM. IF THE PROBLEM ONLY TURNED ON THE ABS LIGHT IT WOULD BE SIGNIFICANTLY LESS DANGEROUS. ALSO, GIVEN HOW MANY PEOPLE ARE EXPERIENCING THIS PROBLEM, IT WOULD APPEAR TO BE A DEFECT IN THE DESIGN OF THE ABS MODULE. BACK IN 2011, MY MECHANIC TOLD ME "PULLED 8 ABS CODES DEALING WITH A POSSIBLE FAULTY ABS CONTROL UNIT." UNFORTUNATELY HE DID NOT RECORD WHAT THE CODES WERE. *TR

THE REAR AXLE ON MY 2003 WINDSTAR CRACKED AND SPLIT ABOUT 10 INCHES FROM WHERE IT ATTACHES TO THE WHEEL ON THE DRIVERS SIDE OF THE VAN. WHILE LOOKING INTO HOW MUCH IT WOULD COST TO FIX, I DISCOVERED THAT THERE WAS A RECALL FOR THAT EXACT PROBLEM. I CALLED MY LOCAL FORD DEALER AND THEY SAID IT WOULD HAVE TO BE LOOKED AT AND COULD TAKE ABOUT A WEEK. I HAD IT TOWED IN AND WAITED FOR A RESPONSE. A WEEK WENT BY AND WHEN I CALLED, THE RECEPTIONIST TOLD ME THEY WOULD LET ME KNOW AS SOON AS POSSIBLE. I WAITED A FEW MORE DAYS AND CALLED AGAIN BUT THIS TIME I ENDED UP SPEAKING TO THE SERVICE MANAGER. HE SAID THE VAN HAD ACTUALLY BEEN "REPAIRED" ONCE BEFORE THROUGH A PREVIOUS OWNER/RECALL AND THAT THE ORIGINAL SERVICING DEALERSHIP DID NOT PERFORM THE WORK PROPERLY. THE FIRST TIME IT WAS FIXED, THEY SOMEHOW REINFORCED THE AXLE BUT APPARENTLY DID NOT PUT THE "REINFORCEMENT" IN THE RIGHT PLACE. THAT BEING THE CASE, HE SAID THAT THE CURRENT DAMAGE NOW DEFAULTED BACK TO THE DEALER WHERE IT WAS ORIGINALLY SERVICED. HE ALSO SAID THAT THE FRONT OF THE VAN WAS RUSTED UNDERNEATH BUT I DO NOT SEE ANYTHING EXCESSIVE AND I AM NOT CONVINCED THAT THIS IS UNUSUAL FOR A 12 YEAR OLD VEHICLE. THIS IS NOT A HIGH MILEAGE VEHICLE AND IT IS IN REALLY NICE CONDITION OTHERWISE. CONSIDERING THE FACT THAT THIS IS AN DOCUMENTED DEFECT, I SIMPLY WANT IT FIXED PROPERLY AND QUICKLY. *TR