This data is from the NHTSA — the US gov't agency tasked with vehicle safety. Complaints are spread across multiple & redundant categories, & are not organized by problem.
So how do you find out what problems are occurring? For this NHTSA complaint data, the only way is to read through the comments below. Any duplicates or errors? It's not us.
The subframe assembly on my 1997 Ford Windstar has broken/cracked in two different locations * on two separate occasions. The first repair was in September of 2002. The most recent repair was September 2003. The service manager at dennison Ford (steve bowns) said that if it happens again, the subframe probably will need to be replaced. My impression is that this is a common problem with Windstar. When I called to set up an appointment the second time and started describing the problem, the service rep said they usually broke at the strut. When searhing the internet, I have found other Windstar owners with this problem. In a discussion with sheldon (#2052) at (1 - 800 392 Ford) when asked if this was a safety issue, his response was "I am not in a position to comment if this is a safety issue." When asked if he checked with the service manger if this was a safety issue he responded. "I did not ask him specifically if it was a safety issue. If you want to know if it is a safety issue, you will need to tallk to the person that is working on your car." I indicated to sheldon that I wanted to talk with a Ford representative that could tell me whether or not a subframe breaking while driving was a safety issue. He indicated only the person working on my car could do this. Sheledon indicated that he (sheldon) was not qualified to do this. Is this a safety issue? * the service tech said several times that it was a different location. When sheldon called the dennison Ford service manager, steve bowns, the service manger indicated that it was the same location according to sheldon.
Transmission failed, at the time of repair they found that the frame was broken, the van was purchased from them 6 months prior to the failure and they accused me of hitting a bump and making the frame break. I personally do not remember hitting anything in the van I drive it to an from work. If a bump small enough not to recall will break the frame would that mean the frame is defected" I personally feel that I purchased the van with a broken frame and driving it for six months in that condition could of caused my transmission to fail. I would like to get more information about this and see if there is anyway of being reimbursed of this incident. I feel the van should be considered a lemon if it was sold with a broken frame. If I hit a bump hard enough to break the frame shouldn't the airbags eject? are they defective too" I've discussed this with charrap Ford and they did reduce the price of the van repairs but have no explanation of the broken frame or the transmission. I traded in an 89 aerostar which didn't give me half the problems this 97 Windstar is. I would like someone to investigate this and please contact me. Thanks! vicki danley
A D V E R T I S E M E N T S
- Bloomington, IL, USA