We have a 2000 Ford Windstar sel limited. Yesterday on 1/27/06 we were turning into a driveway when the tie rod broke. The tie rod gouged into the drive and then apparently forcefully flew up and bent the rack and pinion and link. It scared my family that was in the car at the time. The car became undriveable, and we had to have it towed to a repair shop. That was where we learned the extent of the damages. The cost of repairs at this time was estimated to be over $600. It did not seem that a tie rod should just break like this. We were fortunate that no one was injured, and that we were close to home when this happened. We will be without the vehicle for almost a week while it was being repaired. The police came to the scene as we ended up blocking traffic, but they did not make an official report.

- Salem, OR, USA

Issues with repeated replacement of tie rods ends.

- Beacon, NY, USA

Within in matter of 2 months, both front tire inner tie rods broke. Luckily for the safety of me and my children, I was not driving at a high speed (highway) which would have caused a tragic fatal accident.

- Chesterland, OH, USA

Per dealer repair: Trace to lower vacuum leak, R&R lower intake gaskets, install undated parts cost of $600. This was on top of a $2000 transmission repair at same time, separate complaint, and also after two tie rods replaced.

- Saginaw, MI, USA

Problems with tie rods on both ends of the vehicle. There was a squeaking noise in the steering wheel to the left and right. The service dealer suggested the problem was possibly wear of the tie rod end. The vehicle was taken to Windstar and the mechanic identified the squeaking tie rod ends and replaced them. The consumer requested compensation for the repair because both tie rod ends squeaking were present within the 3 year 36,000 mile warranty.

- Oconomowoc, WI, USA

Tie rods are wore out and could break apart while driving. This was not due to normal wear and tear. The rods needed to be replaced.

- Fort Lee, NJ, USA