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.
While driving my 1998 Windstar @ 45mph, I lost total steering control of my vehicle and my vehicle veered into the oncoming lane of a two lane highway. I was able to regain control after turning the steering wheel approx 360 degrees to the right and managed to stop safely. After further investigation, it was found that the drivers side lower control arm bracket that is welded to the subframe broke away from the subframe due to a rusted out subframe. I've owned this vehicle for the past 8 years and never received any information from Ford regarding this safety issue as noted in the 1999-2003 Ford Windstar recall which has the same issue as my vehicle. Although Ford is not going to honor a subframe recall for my year vehicle, Ford should at least send a notification letter to inform owners of this dangerous issue. Both my wife and kids drive this vehicle, but had I at least known there was a dangerous issue with this vehicle, I would have parked it.
The vehicle was taken to the dealership for a leaking hose. While being inspected the Ford mechanic found that the driver side front subframe was almost completely rusted through. The dealership stated the vehicle was unsafe and would not repair it. There is a recall on 1999-2003 Windstar for this reason. The 1998 and earlier are not included as the subframe on the 1999-2003 is "tubular" and the 1998 and older is "stamped". while the construction is different, the problem seems to be the same as I was advised by the Ford mechanic that the stamped subframe rusts out frequently too. My father-in-law was the original owner of this vehicle and he willed it to me upon his death. The vehicle has been well maintained and always been an "Indiana" vehicle. The subframe on the other side is fine and still has paint on it.
Was informed that sub-frame (also called engine cradle) is rusting away on my van. After looking online, it seems this is a common issue among these vans, which is caused by the use of inferior steel and an ac line running over the sub-frame. My engine can now literally fall out unless I pay out-of-pocket to replace this. I know NHTSA has an investigation into this, but I can't wait months for a recall while my family uses this vehicle daily! please recall this promptly, many people are paying thousand for out-of-pocket repairs on an issue Ford should have to cover.
The contact owns a 1998 Ford Windstar. The contact stated that there was significant rust within the front subframe area. The authorized dealer was notified and they informed the contact that there was no recall related to the defect for his vehicle, although there was a recall on the 1999-2003 model years under NHTSA campaign id number 11V030000 (structure: Frame and members:underbody shields). The vehicle had not been diagnosed or repaired. The failure mileage was approximately 165,000. Updated 03/02/11 updated 03/08/11
Recall 01F090000 was done in April 2002. Shields were installed within 1/8 inch of tire, new tires will rub on the shields. Consumer stated that the gas filler hoses are exposed to flying stones from the wheels after 98 Ford added a shield to cover their hose.
A D V E R T I S E M E N T S
- Brownstown, MI, USA