RoadVitals

2002 Ford Windstar Other / unspecified Problems

Owner-reported complaints naming the other system, filed with NHTSA

Data refreshed

Other / unspecified reportsComplaints are reports submitted to NHTSA by owners and drivers. NHTSA does not verify most reports before publishing them, and a complaint does not establish that a defect exists. Volume is influenced by how many of a vehicle were sold, how long it has been on the road, and how much attention an issue has received.
57
Latest Apr 21, 2023
Share of all reportsThis category as a share of every owner report on file for this model year. One report can name more than one component, so the categories overlap.
4%
of 1,353 total
Crash or fire reportedReports in this category whose submitter recorded that a crash or a fire occurred. The reporter's own answer on the NHTSA form, not a verified finding.
3
Injuries or deaths reportedTotals the submitters entered on their own reports in this category. Not verified by NHTSA and not a casualty statistic.
3

What this page shows

Reports whose component NHTSA recorded as unknown, or that do not map to one of the categories above. Every record below is an owner-reported complaint about the 2002 Ford Windstar submitted to NHTSA — not a confirmed defect, not a recall and not a manufacturer bulletin. 57 reports on file name it.

Complaints are reports submitted by owners and drivers to NHTSA. They are not verified and do not establish that a defect exists.

Owner reports naming other

The 25 most recent of 57, in the owner's own words

Other / unspecifiedSuspension
Filed Apr 21, 2023

Rear Axle . Fell on the highway split in half while I was driving on a state Hwy 71 at 45 mph. Cracked rear axle. 2002 Ford Windstar part of a recall for Rear axle. No warning was given and didn't know about the recall until after it happened. Inspection was preformed by a mechanic. I could have flipped or rolled or caused a major collision as this highway is very heavily traveled.

NHTSA ID
11518183
Incident
Aug 18, 2022
Other / unspecified
Filed Feb 2, 2022

The rear axle of my 2002 Ford Windstar completely fractured while traveling on Interstate 75. The rear axle broke while driving about 60 miles per hour on Interstate 75 in Florida. By the grace of GOD my passenger and I survived. In attempting to stop, the van hit the guard rail on the Highway. I was able to keep the van in the right lane. The van gave us NO warning. While waiting for the AAA tow truck, a Florida Department of Transportation (FDOT} patrol vehicle stop to ensure we were alright. The FDOT driver inspected the Windstar, took pictures and stated he has never seen a broken rear axle like that before.

NHTSA ID
11449963
Incident
Jan 26, 2022
Other / unspecified
Filed Sep 20, 2021

My tire starting making a whistle screech sound and a sway and I look under my tire is crooked and my axel beam was cracked. Thankfully my kids were not with me and no one was hurt

NHTSA ID
11433723
Incident
Sep 19, 2021
Other / unspecified
Filed Apr 5, 2020

I TOOK MY VEHICLE TO FORDS AND THEY SAY MY BRACKET GUARD NEAR REAR AXLE IS DEFECTED AND WAS UNDER FORD RECALL AND THAT IT IS A SAFETY HAZARD , THOUGH WHEN TERRY HENDRICKS FORD SENT IN A CLAIM THEY SAD IT HAD EXPIRED ALTHOUGH I NEED IT RECALLED FOR REPAIR

NHTSA ID
11320257
Incident
Apr 17, 2019
Other / unspecifiedPowertrain (other)
Filed Jul 8, 2018

THE REAR AXLE BROKE AT 45MPH BLOWING OUT BOTH REAR TIRES THANKGOD WE WERN'T HURT AND HAD NO CARS BEHIND US SEEN RECALL ONLINE CALLED FORD BUT WAS TOLD THE VAN WAS NOT PART OF RECALL WAS PURCHASED IN MI NEW AND HAS U DESIGN AXLE

NHTSA ID
11110125
Incident
Jun 26, 2018
Mileage
82,200 mi
Other / unspecifiedSuspension
Filed Jun 7, 2018

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2002 FORD WINDSTAR. WHILE DRIVING AT AN UNKNOWN SPEED, THE REAR DRIVER'S SIDE WHEEL TURNED INWARD AND THE CONTACT HEARD A LOUD GRINDING SOUND COMING FROM THE REAR OF THE VEHICLE. THERE WERE NO WARNING INDICATORS ILLUMINATED DURING THE FAILURE. FORD & LINCOLN OF SMITHTOWN (440 JERICHO TURNPIKE, SMITHTOWN, NY 11787) WAS CONTACTED AND INFORMED THE CONTACT TO TOW THE VEHICLE TO THE DEALER. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT DIAGNOSED OR REPAIRED BY THE DEALER. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 189,000. THE VIN WAS NOT AVAILABLE.

NHTSA ID
11100423
Incident
Jun 7, 2018
Mileage
189,000 mi
Driver assistanceOther / unspecifiedSteering
Filed May 9, 2018

MY TIRES WIGGLE WHEN DRIVING LIKE THEY ARE ABOUT TO COME OFF

NHTSA ID
11092659
Incident
Mar 19, 2018
Other / unspecified
Filed May 7, 2018

AS I WAS DRIVING ON A CITY STREET THE REAR AXLE BROKE AFTER I TURNED RIGHT.

NHTSA ID
11092271
Incident
Apr 30, 2018
Mileage
83,000 mi
Other / unspecifiedSuspension
Filed Feb 15, 2018

REAR AXLE ASSEMBLY SNAPPED YET OUR VIN IS NOT ON RECALL LIST. THIS WAS NOT DUE TO ANY ACCIDENT OR DAMAGE ON OUR BEHALF THIS WAS SIMPLE DAILY IN TOWN FIVE MILES DRIVING THEN SNAPPED AND NOT USABLE. WE WERE DRIVING AND TURNED LEFT AND. OR EVEN TWO BLOCKS THE VEHICLE MADE A SNAP SOUND ALMOST LIKE A POPPED TIRE. BOTH TIRED ARE INWARD AND THE VEHICLE IAN NOW PARKED DUE TO THE SNAPPING OF THIS.

NHTSA ID
11073003
Incident
Feb 8, 2018
Mileage
176,000 mi
Other / unspecifiedSuspension
Filed Jan 17, 2018

THE REAR AXLE STARTED TO SNAP IN NOVEMBER 2017 WHEN I WAS DRIVING WITH MY WIFE AND KIDS IN THE VAN. WE SMELLED BURNING RUBBER AND PULLED OVER. IF WE HAD DROVE ANY FURTHER THE AXLE WAS GOING TO SNAP WITH ALL OF US IN THE VEHICLE. FORD IS REFUSING TO COVER ALL THE COSTS OF THE REPAIR BECAUSE THE PREVIOUS OWNER HAD THE BRACKET/SUPPORT PUT ON. WE DID NOT PURCHASE THIS VEHICLE TILL MARCH 2017. WE WANT THE FULL COST OF THE REPAIR COVERED AND THE FORD DEALERSHIP'S STORAGE FEES ERASED. OUR BILL IS CURRENTLY $1,809.65. WE SHOULD NOT HAVE TO PAY FOR THE REPAIR AND THE TIME IT HAS BEEN SITTING THERE WHILE WE FIGHT FORD TO PAY THE BILL. THIS WAS NOT AN ACT OF WEAR AND TEAR BUT AN ACT OF A RECALL ON THE MANUFACTURER.

NHTSA ID
11063258
Incident
Nov 10, 2017
Mileage
175,000 mi
Other / unspecifiedPowertrain (other)Suspension
Filed Jul 18, 2017

ON SATURDAY MORNING JULY 15TH 2017, I WAS DRIVING AT 2:30 AM. I HAD JUST LEFT FOR MY FIRST JOB AND CROSSED A SET OF TRAIN TRACKS. WHEN I DID, THE REAR AXLE SNAPPED ALMOST CAUSING ME TO CRASH. AFTER LOOKING FOR THE COST TO REPLACE THE AXLE, I CAME UPON A FORD RECALL. WHEN I PLACED MY VIN IN THE COMPUTER IT CAME UP THAT MY 2002 FORD WINDSTAR WAS IN FACT INCLUDED IN THE RECALL. I TALKED TO SOMEONE AT FORD VIA LIVE CHAT ON SATURDAY AFTER HAVING THE VEHICLE TOWED HOME AND THEY STATED THAT THE RECALL WAS OUTSTANDING AND I NEEDED TO CALL THE FORD DEALERSHIP. I PAID AGAIN TO HAVE THE VEHICLE TOWED TO THE DEALERSHIP. NOW TUESDAY MORNING JULY 18TH 2017, BOTH THE DEALERSHIP AND FORD IS SAYING THAT THEY CANT HELP ME AND I NEED TO TAKE CARE OF REPLACING THE COMPLETELY RUSTED REAR AXLE. THE RUST CAUSING THE AXLE TO SNAP WAS THE REASON FOR THE RECALL IN THE FIRST PLACE. I HAVE OWNED THIS VEHICLE LESS THAN 6 MONTHS AND NOW AS A SINGLE MOM AM LEFT WITHOUT A VEHICLE. I WILL NEVER BUY ANOTHER FORD AGAIN IN MY LIFE AND I WILL ALSO DISCOURAGE MY FRIENDS AND FAMILY FROM PURCHASING FORDS AS WELL.

NHTSA ID
11006093
Incident
Jul 15, 2017
Mileage
195,000 mi
Other / unspecifiedSuspension
Filed Mar 6, 2017

REAR AXLE FRACTURED WHILE DRIVING FROM SCHOOL TO HOME, THERE IS UNEVEN ROAD SURFACE BETWEEN THE SCHOOL DRIVEWAY OR PARKING LOT AND GOING INTO THE FIRST STREET ROADS INTERSECTION, I HEARD A NOISE IN THE REAR WHILE CROSSING THIS UNEVEN SURFACE INTERSECTION, HANDLING OF THE VEHICLE BECAME NOTICEABLE DIFFERENT AND A SMELL OF BURNT RUBBER AND SMOKE STARTED, AFTER STOPPING THE VEHICLE, THE REAR WHEEL WAS CROOKED AND AFTER FURTHER OBSERVATION I OBSERVED THE REAR AXLE FRACTURED CLOSE TO THE REAR WHEEL (DRIVING SIDE) CAUSING THE REAR WHEEL TO RUB AGAINST THE INNER WHEEL HOUSE AND AFFECTING CONTROL OF THE VEHICLE. FORD FIRST INSTALLED BRACKETS OVER THE AXLE TO REINFORCE IT IN 2010 (RECALL 10S13), THEN IN SEPTEMBER OF 2016 SENT ME ANOTHER LETTER (SAFETY RECALL NOTICE 15S27) TO BRING MY VEHICLE TO THE DEALER TO VERIFY IF THE BRACKETS WERE INSTALLED CORRECTLY, AFTER BRINGING MY VEHICLE TO THE DEALER I WAS TOLD THE BRACKETS WERE INSTALLED CORRECTLY AND IF I WANTED MY AXLE REPLACED ANYWAY I WOULD HAVE TO COVER THE PART COST. I CALLED TO THE FORD PHONE NUMBER IN THE LETTER TO REQUEST THE CHANGE OF MY REAR AXLE AT NO CHARGE BUT THEY DID REJECT MY REQUEST AND SAID THAT BRACKETS WERE INSTALLED CORRECTLY IN THE PAST BUT MY REAR AXLE WOULD BE REPLACED IF I WOULD PAY THE $300 USD, THEY COULD NOT GIVE FURTHER DETAILS ABOUT WHY I WOULD HAVE TO REPLACE THE WHOLE AXLE IF THEY STATED THE REINFORCEMENT BRACKETS WERE PROPERLY INSTALLED.

NHTSA ID
10959000
Incident
Mar 6, 2017
Mileage
113,775 mi
Other / unspecified
Filed Feb 9, 2017

REAR AXLE BROKEN. MECHANIC AT BELL TIRE IT WAS RELATED TO THE RECALL ISSUE WITH THAT PART. HE ALSO SHOWED ME ANOTHER AREA OF CONCERN AROUND THE FRONT SUPPORTS WHICH IS ALSO RECALL RELATED. I AM NOT A MECHANIC SO DON'T EXPECT THIS INFORMATION TO BE ALL TECHNICAL.

NHTSA ID
10953770
Incident
Feb 9, 2017
Mileage
186,000 mi
Other / unspecifiedSuspension
Filed Aug 29, 2016

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2002 FORD WINDSTAR. WHILE DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 40 MPH, THE CONTACT HEARD AN ABNORMAL NOISE AND THE VEHICLE MOVED FROM SIDE TO SIDE. THE CONTACT OBSERVED THAT THE REAR PASSENGER WHEEL BECAME INOPERABLE. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO A DEALER WHERE IT WAS DIAGNOSED THAT THE WHEEL AXLE WAS FRACTURED AND NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE 76,698.

NHTSA ID
10899328
Incident
Aug 13, 2016
Mileage
76,698 mi
Other / unspecifiedSteering
Filed Jun 23, 2016

VEHICLE CURRENTLY AT THE DEALERSHIP FOR MORE THAN TWO MONTHS AWAITING FROM FORD CUSTOMER RELATIONSHIP CENTER TO RESOLVE THE ISSUE AS THE DEALER WONT FIX THE CORRODED SUB FRAME INSTEAD THEY WANT THE CRC DEPT SEND THE PARTS TO THEM, ACCORDING TO CRC DEPT THEY ESCALATED THE ISSUE TO THE SECOND LEVEL BUT NO ACTION UNTIL NOW HAS BEEN TAKEN...I FEEL THAT THEY'RE IGNORING MY REQUEST OR HAS BEEN SITTING THERE WITHOUT TAKING ANY ACTION. WE ALMOST DIED ON THIS AS THE PASSENGER SIDE WHEEL FELL OFF..I'M TRYING MY LUCK IF YOU CAN HELP US TO RESOLVE THE ISSUE WITH THEM...THANKS [XXX] INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6). *TR

NHTSA ID
10876054
Incident
Apr 16, 2016
Mileage
89,000 mi
Other / unspecifiedSteeringSuspension
Filed Jul 22, 2015

REAR AXEL CRACKED AFTER PERIOD OF TIME RESULTING IN BLOW OUT TIRE IN A PARKING LOT. AFTER RESEARCHING THIS ONLINE, I HAVE FOUND FORD RECALLED THIS SAME VAN FOR THIS SAME PROBLEM BUT DID NOT IN OUR STATE ALTHOUGH THE RECALL WAS DUE TO STATES WITH WEATHER LIKE SNOW, ICE, SALT, ETC WHICH CAUSED SAID ISSUE. WHY WOULDNT NEBRASKA BE INCLUDED IN THIS SINCE ITS NEBRASKA AND ITS SNOWY ALOT? LUCKILY WE WERE IN A PARKING LOT, WE WERE NOT DRIVING AT HIGH RATE OF SPEED DOWN HIGHWAY LIKE I SAW WHILE RESEARCHING THIS ONLINE WHICH A MAN WAS KILLED WHO HAD THIS HAPPEN. I HAVE FOUND THAT THIS SEEMS TO BE A VERY DANGEROUS AND TRAGIC MISTAKE MADE BY FORD AND NOW MY VAN SITS IN A PARKING LOT WITH NO WAY FOR ME TO GET IT TO A SHOP TO GET A REPAIR MADE EVEN IF I DID HAVE THE FUNDS TO DO THIS. AT LEAST I WOULD WANT MY VAN IN MY DRIVEWAY, NOT IN A GROCERY STORE PARKING LOT WITH NO MEANS OF GETTING IT HOME, BESIDES THE FACT THAT BEING A WOMAN, I WOULD HAVE KEPT DRIVING IT NOT KNOWING AND COULD HAVE BEEN IN A SERIOUS ACCIDENT SUCH AS ONES I HAVE SEEN SINCE LOOKING INTO THIS ISSUE. I HAVE TAKEN PHOTOS OF CRACKED AXEL IN REAR AND ALSO FRONT DUE TO WEATHER AND CLIMATE AND FOUND THE COURT PAPERS SAYING WHICH STATES WERE INCLUDED IN THIS RECALL, YET NEBRASKA NOT ONE OF THEM? MAKES NO SENSE. SO DO I GO AND DRIVE IT HOME ANYWAYS AND JUST HOPE WE DONT DIE IN THE PROCESS..OR DO I LET IT SIT IN A SHADY PART OF TOWN PARKING LOT FOREVER? BEING A SINGLE MOTHER OF 3, I WOULD HAVE THOUGHT FORD MIGHT SEE THE ALL THE NEWS ABOUT THIS AND HAVE DONE MORE TO PREVENT SO MANY INCIDENTS, ONE OF WHICH SOMEONE DIED. THE COURT PAPERS INDICATED THAT THEY KNEW ABOUT IT 10 YEARS BEFORE RECALL. I NOTICED THE VAN DROVE ROUGH OVER BUMPS RECENTLY, BUT THOUGHT MAYBE IT WAS SHOCKS, UNTIL I FOUND MY TIRE NOT JUST FLAT, BUT LOOKING AS IF IT WAS SLASHED IN THE PARKING LOT BECAUSE IT LITERALLY BLEW UP.

NHTSA ID
10735792
Incident
Jul 20, 2015
Mileage
146,000 mi
Body & structureOther / unspecified
Filed May 12, 2015

THEY HAD A RECALL IN 2011 WHERE THEY PUT SUPPORT BRACKETS ON THE REAR AXLES. MINE DID HAVE THE BRACKETS PUT ON AND RIGHT BEHIND THE BRACKET THE AXLE STILL BROKE DRIVING DOWN THE STREET AT 40 MPH WHERE WE ALMOST HIT ANOTHER CAR WITH CHILDREN INSIDE HER AND MY VEHICLE. FORD SAID THE BRACKETS ARE ONLY WARRANTIED FOR 12 MONTHS. THESE VANS DO NOT NEED BRACKETS THEY NEED NEW AXLES. *TR

NHTSA ID
10715920
Incident
May 9, 2015
Mileage
85,000 mi
Other / unspecifiedSuspension
Filed Mar 26, 2015

I HEARD A LOUD POPPING NOISE COMING FROM THE BACK OF MY VAN. TOOK IT TO THE REPAIR SHOP AND LEARNED THE REAR AXLE HAD A LARGE CRACK AND WAS ALMOST BROKEN IN HALF. FORD HAS A RECALL IN EFFECT FOR 2002 FORD WINDSTAR'S FOR AXLES THAT ARE CRACKING/BREAKING (NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 12V195000); HOWEVER, FORD IS SAYING THAT MY VIN NUMBER IS NOT A PART OF THEIR RECALL EVEN THOUGH I HAVE A 2002 FORD WINDSTAR. I HAD THE REAR AXLE WELDED TO REPAIR THE CRACK. THIS WAS ON THE PASSENGER SIDE OF THE AXLE. I STARTED HEARING POPPING SOUNDS AGAIN, RETURNED TO THE REPAIR SHOP ONLY TO LEARN THE AXLE IS NOW BROKEN ON THE DRIVER SIDE OF THE AXLE. THIS IS A SERIOUS SITUATION AND I FEEL SINCE FORD HAS A RECALL ON THIS ISSUE THAT MY VEHICLE SHOULD BE INCLUDED. I AM AFRAID TO MAKE ANOTHER REPAIR SINCE THE AXLE MAY STILL CRACK AGAIN. PLEASE CONTACT FORD TO MAKE THEM INCLUDE ALL EFFECTED 2002 FORD WINDSTAR VEHICLES BEFORE SOMEONE GETS SERIOUSLY HURT!! *TR

NHTSA ID
10701869
Incident
Jul 2, 2014
Mileage
128,987 mi
BrakesElectricalOther / unspecified
Filed Jan 30, 2015

2002 FORD WINDSTAR SEL WITH VIN [XXX], I AM THE THIRD OWNER OF THIS VEHICLE. THE ABS AND TRACTION CONTROL SYSTEM IS DAMAGED AND HAS A RECURRING WARNING WHEN THE ENGINE IS STARTED WITH THE ABS / BRAKE AND TRACTION CONTROL WARNING LIGHTS ON. THE PERSON I PURCHASED THIS VAN FROM (2ND OWNER) STATED THAT HE HAD ALL THE RECALLS COMPLETED ON THIS VEHICLE HOWEVER HE BELIEVED THAT THE DEFECT IDENTIFIED IN FORD SAFETY RECALL 09S09 FOR THE SPEED CONTROL SYSTEM HAS RESULTED IN DAMAGE TO THE ABS SYSTEM COMPUTER AND/OR ASSOCIATED HARNESS WIRING OR HARNESS CONNECTIONS. HE (2ND OWNER) DID NOT KEEP THE REPAIR ORDERS FOR ANY OF THE RECALL REPAIRS SO I DO NOT HAVE ANY RECORDS TO REVIEW. I BELIEVE THAT THE WIRE HARNESS, RELATED WIRE HARNESS CONNECTORS AND THE ABS SYSTEM COMPUTER ARE DAMAGED RESULTING FROM BRAKE FLUID LEAKING AND/OR CORROSION RELATED TO THE DEFECT FOUND IN FORD SAFETY RECALL 09S09. I BELIEVE THAT THE FORD DEALERSHIP THAT PERFORMED THIS RECALL FAILED TO PROPERLY REPAIR OR IDENTIFY COLLATERAL DAMAGE IN THE WIRE HARNESS AND ABS SYSTEM COMPUTER AS NOTED IN RECALL REPAIR PROCEDURE. THE VEHICLE IS CURRENTLY NOT REPAIRED AND THE ABS SYSTEM IS NOT FUNCTIONING AS DESIGNED (NON-FUNCTIONING), I BELIEVE THIS IS A SAFETY HAZARD. CURRENT OWNER: [XXX] INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6). *TR

NHTSA ID
10680091
Incident
Jan 30, 2015
Mileage
156,000 mi
Other / unspecifiedPowertrain (other)
Filed Oct 30, 2014

AFTER DRIVING DOWN A MAJOR HIGHWAY NORTH OF BOSTON, MA (128/95 NORTH) MY WIFE AND I, FIRST HEARD SCRAPING NOISE THAT BECAME LOUDER AND BEGAN SMELL LIKE BURNING RUBBER/BRAKES. THE CAR LURCHED ACROSS THE ROADWAY/HIGHWAY AND WE SWERVED AND ALMOST SIDESWIPED CAR IN THE ADJACENT LANE. WE WERE IN THE PROCESS OF EXITING THE HIGHWAY ON THE OFF RAMP TO MY WORK AT RTE 28 SOUTH STONEHAM/WAKEFIELD. WE WERE ABLE TO PULL OVER, GATHER OUR THOUGHTS AND CONTINUE TO A GULF STATION ON RTE 28 IN STONEHAM, MA. THE GULF STATION MECHANIC/MANAGER SAID HE HAD NEVER SEEN ANYTHING LIKE IT, A REAR AXLE LITERALLY SPLITTING IN HALF. AFTER VIEWING THE REAR BROKEN AXLE AND LOOKING AT THE CONDITION OF THE FRONT RIGHT END AND THE OVERALL CONDITION OF THE SUB FRAME THEY POLITELY AND FORGIVINGLY SAID THEY HAVE RARELY SEEN SUCH A THING (CRACKED/SEPARATED REAR AXLE AND WENT ON TO SAY THEY HAVE ONLY SEEN THIS IN FORD WINDSTARS AND WENT ON TO TALK ABOUT A LOCAL WOMEN WHOSE FORD WINDSTAR LOST CONTROL ON THE HIGHWAY AT 60 MPH WITH HER 3 CHILDREN AND WERE SCARED TO DEATH AND IN CONCLUSION WOULD NOT TOUCH THE VEHICLE AND WARNED THAT THE VEHICLE WAS BEYOND SAFE DRIVING AND REPAIR. THEY WERE SHOCKED THAT ALTHOUGH THERE WAS SOME KIND OF BRACE ON THE AXLE IN TWO PLACES THAT THE AXLE HAD SNAPPED IN TWO AT THE REINFORCEMENT AND SAID EVEN WITHOUT THE REINFORCEMENT ON THE REAR AXLE THEY HAVE NEVER SEEN A REAR AXLE SPLIT IN TWO AND COMPOUNDED WITH THE FACT THAT IT ACTUALLY HAD A REINFORCEMENT BRACKET FAIL. REITERATING AXLES AND SUB FRAMES ARE NOT WEAR AND TEAR PARTS AND IN FACT HAD NEVER SEEN BROKEN REAR AXLES AND SUB FRAMES CRACK AND BREAK AND CORRODED TO THIS EXTENT. THEIR REACTION WAS OF DISTURBING TO SAY THE LEAST. THEY SAID BROKEN AXLES JUST DON,T HAPPEN AND WITH ADDED REINFORCEMENT IT WAS "BEYOND BELIEF" THEY HAD BROKEN IN HALF. *TR

NHTSA ID
10651544
Incident
Oct 29, 2014
Mileage
112,972 mi
Other / unspecifiedSuspension
Filed Aug 18, 2014

WHILE DRIVING MY VAN I HEARD A VERY LOUD NOISE AND MY DRIVER'S SIDE TIRE IMMEDIATELY WENT FLAT. I WAS ABLE TO PULL THE VEHICLE SAFELY TO A STOP ALONG THE SIDE OF THE ROAD. I CALLED A TOW TRUCK AND HAD MY VEHICLE LOOKED AT BY THE MECHANIC WHO INFORMED ME THAT A COIL SPRING AROUND MY STRUT BROKE WHICH CAUSED MY TIRE TO BE SLICED OPEN FROM THE INSIDE OF THE TIRE. I WAS VERY LUCKY I WAS NOT GOING ANY FASTER WHEN THE SPRING BROKE AND SLICED MY TIRE OPEN. I REVIEWED ISSUES ONLINE THAT OTHER PEOPLE WERE HAVING RELATING TO MY ISSUE REGARDING THE MAKE AND MODEL OF MY VEHICLE. APPARENTLY FORD HAD A RECALL ON THE WINDSTAR COIL SPRINGS FROM A DIFFERENT YEAR OF THE FORD WINDSTAR VANS DUE TO THE VERY SAME PROBLEM WITH THE COIL SPRINGS BREAKING AND CAUSING THE TIRE TO BE PUNCTURED OR SLICED OPEN FROM THE INSIDE. I AM ALSO VERY CONCERNED AFTER READING THAT THE PART HAD TO FAIL BEFORE IT WOULD BE ADDRESSED. IT SEEMS THAT IF THERE IS A SAFETY RECALL IT SHOULD BE COMPLETED BEFORE A FAILURE OCCURS AND NOT AFTER. THIS COULD HAVE CAUSED A VERY SERIOUS ACCIDENT HAD I BEEN ON AN INTERSTATE OR EVEN IF I WERE GOING 55 MILES PER HOUR ON THE HIGHWAY. I DID CONTACT FORD MOTOR COMPANY REGARDING THIS ISSUE AND WAS TOLD THAT FORD WOULD NOT ASSIST WITH THE REPAIRS BECAUSE MY VEHICLE WAS NOT RECALLED FOR THIS ISSUE. I OWN TWO FORD VEHICLES AND I COULD NOT BELIEVE THAT MY ISSUE WAS NOT OF A CONCERN TO FORD. I PROBABLY WILL NOT BUY ANOTHER FORD BECAUSE OF THIS. MY FAMILY'S SAFETY HAS TO COME FIRST AND I AM NOT CONVINCED WE WILL BE SAFE IF THE COMPANY WON'T ADDRESS THESE TYPES OF SAFETY ISSUES. *TR

NHTSA ID
10625916
Incident
Aug 16, 2014
Mileage
167,300 mi
BrakesElectricalOther / unspecified
Filed Nov 17, 2013

THE ABS, TRACK OFF, BRAKE LIGHT INDICATORS, AND CHECK TRACTION CONTROL INTERMITTENTLY ILLUMINATE. THEY REMAIN ON UNTIL THE KEY IS TURNED OFF, AND THEN RESET. THE FREQUENCY IS INTERMITTENT AND NOT MEASURABLE. INITIAL CHECKS HAVE NO RESULTS AS THE LIGHTS ARE OUT WHEN CHECKED BY A REPAIR SHOP. *TR

NHTSA ID
10552603
Incident
Sep 25, 2013
Mileage
128,324 mi
Body & structureOther / unspecifiedSuspension
Filed Aug 26, 2013

WE WERE SLOWING TO PULL UP TO OUR HOME. WE WERE DRIVING ABOUT 10 MPH. ABOUT 70 FEET FROM OUR HOME. IT SOUNDED LIKE THERE WAS A FLAT TIRE WITH RUBBING AND BUMPING NOISES. WE PARKED ON THE STREET IN FRONT OF OUR HOME. UPON INSPECTING THE VEHICLE, THE TIRES WERE INTACT. THE TIRES ARE BOWING IN. WE LOOKED UNDER THE REAR OF THE CAR. WE SAW A LARGE CRACK OF THE REAR AXLE CLOSER TO THE DRIVER'S SIDE OF THE CAR. FORD RECALLED THE REAR AXLE FOR THIS VERY REASON 3 YEARS AGO DUE TO CORROSION CAUSED BY YEARS OF EXPOSURE TO SALTED ROADS. FORD PERFORMED THE RECALL WORK BY PLACING A BRACKET ON THE AXLE. THE BRAKE ON OUR AXLE OCCURRED UNDER THE BRACKET. FORD IS NOT ASSUMING RESPONSIBILITY EVEN THOUGH THE SUPPORTS THEY PLACED ON THE AXLE FAILED TO DO THEIR JOB. THERE ARE OTHER COMPLAINTS THIS YEAR FOR THIS SAME PROBLEM. THE BIG DIFFERENCE BETWEEN ALL THE BROKEN AXLES THIS YEAR WERE THE SPEED OF THE VEHICLES AND TYPE ROADS THEY WERE TRAVELING ON. I BELIEVE THAT THERE MORE OUT THERE THAT HAVE HAD THIS SAME PROBLEM THAT HAVE NOT BEEN REPORTED TO THIS WEBSITE YET. I ALSO BELIEVE THAT MORE AXLES THAT HAVE ALREADY RECEIVED THE RECALL FIX ARE GOING TO FIND THEIR AXLES BREAKING IN THE NEAR FUTURE AS WELL. AS FOR NOW THE RECALL OF THESE AXLES, FORD HAS CLOSED THE CASE UNTIL FORCED TO REOPEN THE RECALL. FORD SHOULD REPLACE THE ENTIRE AXLE ON ALL THE WINDSTARS THAT WERE UNDER THE ORIGINAL RECALL. *TR

NHTSA ID
10537356
Incident
Aug 17, 2013
Mileage
184,741 mi
AirbagsOther / unspecifiedPowertrain (other)
Filed Mar 26, 2013

MY 2002 FORD WINDSTAR VAN GEAR SHIFT PIN KEEP COMING UP AND I HAVE TO TAKE IT TO A SHOP SO THEY CAN PUT THE PIN BACK IN 3 TIMES. MY GEARS DO NOT SHIFT RIGHT IT SHIFTS HARD. I BROUGHT THIS VAN BRAND NEW IN 2003. ALSO MY AIR BAG LIGHT STAYS ON THE AVIS FORD BODY SHOP SAID MY SENSOR IS RUSTED OUT, ALSO MY ABS LIGHT STAYS ON. I DON'T FEEL THESE THINGS SHOULD GO OUT. I HAVE HAD MANY FORD VEHICLE BRAND NEW FOR YEARS AND NEVER HAD THESE PROBLEMS. I STILL GOT TO GET THESE THINGS REPAIR. I ALSO HAD TWO FRONT WINDSHIELD WIPER MOTORS PUT IN AND THE WIPES ARE STILL NOT RIGHT. IS THERE ANY HELP OUT THERE. *TR

NHTSA ID
10504594
Incident
May 20, 2010
BrakesElectricalOther / unspecified
Filed Dec 8, 2012

VEHICLE ABS LIGHT HAS BEEN ON CONSISTENTLY SINCE PURCHASING VEHICLE FROM CARHOP/ UAC. REPORTED THE PROBLEM TO THE WARRANTY DEPARTMENT ONLY TO BE TOLD ANY ELECTRICAL IS NOT UNDER THEIR WARRANTY! THIS WAS REPORTED WITHIN A WEEK OR SO OF PURCHASING THE VEHICLE USED FOR 8500$. SINCE HAVE REPLACED ALL FOUR TIRES FOR BRAKES, ( TOP OF THE LINE BRAKES, NOT CHEAP ONES) LIGHT STILL REMAINS ON AFTER SEVERAL TRIPS TO A SHOP. ANTI-LOCK BRAKING SYSTEM STILL INOPERABLE AND ALMOST CAUSED CRASH 12-7-2012 WHEN ATTEMPTING TO STOP ON A LIGHTLY ICY ROAD. SEVERAL OTHER ELECTRICAL ISSUES HAVE BEEN GOING ON WITH THE CAR AS WELL. IT BLOWS BRAND NEW FUSES, RATED HIGHER THAN WHAT THE SLOT CALLS FOR, THE LOW TIRE PRESSURE LIGHT STAYS ON, DESPITE TAKING THE VAN TO A TIRE SPECIALIST AND THE CORRECT AMOUNT OF AIR PLACED IN EACH TIRE. ALSO THE CRANKSHAFT POSITIONER HAS CAUSED THE VEHICLE NOT TO START. THE AIR BAG LIGHT HAS STAYED ON AND WENT OFF AFTER DISCONNECTING THE BATTERY. REPLACING BULBS ON THE VAN QUIT OFTEN. AT THE POINT OF STOPPING THE PAYMENTS AND LETTING THE CAR COMPANY JUST REPO THE VAN. IT IS A SAFETY HAZARD ON THE ROADS AND ESPECIALLY IN SNOWY MINNESOTA WHERE A FUNCTIONABLE VEHICLE IS NEEDED IN ORDER NOT TO CAUSE A ACCIDENT! *TR

NHTSA ID
10487737
Incident
Dec 7, 2012
Mileage
169,000 mi

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