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 contact owns a 2003 Ford Windstar. While driving 20 mph, the rear axle suddenly fractured. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure. The dealer stated that the vehicle was previously serviced under NHTSA campaign number: 10V385000 (suspension); however, the remedy failed to repair the vehicle. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The failure mileage was 134,000.
This is in regards to the rear axle cracking. During my recent state vehicle inspection, the rear axle was found to be cracked. The rear axle was reinforced per recall notice in 2011, but where the reinforcement is at, is where axle is cracked. Ford will not cover the replacement of the axle due to the recall already being performed and is outside the 12 months/12,000 mile warranty. The reinforcement that they provided does not fix the issue, it only pushes the issue out. I have seen many other people having this exact issue happening.
The contact owns a 2003 Ford Windstar. While driving approximately 1 mph, the transmission was shifted into reverse and the rear axle completely fractured into two pieces. The vehicle was towed to a dealer for diagnostic testing. The technician stated that the rear axle fractured. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 180,000.
Rear axle is cracked and has to be replaced. Ford recall in 2011 for issues with the rear axle - dealer installed additional support brackets in lieu of replacing the axle with a new axle of current design. If they would have done the replacement with the current axle design and not added a temporary fix to prolong the life of a defective axle, today I would not be responsible for the financial replacement. I am very fortunate to have noticed an issue and brought this to the attention of my dealer who discovered the crack. I do have a concern though with the Ford dealer - they know about the axle issues, failures and recall. They recently inspected the vehicle, replaced various parts, etc. At a cost of $2,800 including brakes, drums, etc. They saw the condition of the axle - they had to know if was due to fail sooner than later - very concerning. Ford is not taking responsibility for their design flaw and lack luster recall which amounted to adding some brackets to cause the axle to break in a certain area to reduce the possibility of a complete failure / fatal accident.
The contact owns a 2003 Ford Windstar. The contact stated that the entire axle was severally corroded and cracked. The dealer was made aware of the failure and explained that the VIN was not included in NHTSA campaign number: 10V385000 (suspension). The manufacturer was made aware of the failure. The vehicle was not repaired. The failure mileage was 155,675.
- Jackson, MI, USA
Search CarComplaints.com for these popular complaint phrases...
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.
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.
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.
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 updated 10/4/2017
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.
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.
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.
2003 Ford Windstar rear axle failure after local Ford dealership installed brackets. In August of 2013, while making a right hand turn off of a 45 mph road, my axle snapped in half on the drivers side. On 4.19.2011 my 2004 Ford Windstar. Had recall, 10S13, performed which only resulted in bracing brackets being installed. The axle has since completely failed and the vehicle can no longer be driven. Ford customer relations has explained that due to the brackets being installed in 2011 they are no longer responsible for any other action related to the recall. These brackets installed did not repair the issue and the axle has now completely failed. There is no doubt that this incident would have been life threatening had the failure occurred at highway speeds.
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.
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
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.
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.
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).
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).
A D V E R T I S E M E N T S
- Sioux City, IA, USA