The contact owns a 2003 Ford Windstar. The contact stated that while driving at 20 mph, there was a loud noise heard then the vehicle collapsed. The contact steered the steering wheel to move the vehicle off the road and heard metal screeching coming from the ground. The vehicle was towed to the dealer and diagnosed that the rear axle had fractured into two parts. The vehicle was not repaired and remained at the dealer. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure and informed the contact to take the vehicle to a dealer. The failure mileage was 158,000.

- Florissant, MO, USA

2003 Ford Windstar. Consumer writes in regards to the performance of the Ford Motor Company and two safety recalls the consumer stated the inspections and repairs were not conducted in a timely, efficient, and responsible manner. The consumer stated when he finally received an appointment for the axle inspection, it was determined the axle was cracked in three places. The dealer did not have the replacement parts and the vehicle was deemed unsafe to drive, and therefore, it was left at the dealer for over a month. The consumer stated he then received another recall relating to the subframe. The consumer contacted the dealer regarding the second recall and was informed they were aware of it and he would be contacted when the repairs for the second recall had been completed. The consumer received a voice mail from the dealer stating the parts for the axle had arrived. However, it was discovered the engine had an oil leak, the sway bar link was broken in the front, the right front tire was badly worn on the inside and the left rear shock was completely blown out.

- Merrimac, MA, USA

The contact owns a 2003 Ford Windstar. The contact stated that the front end of the vehicle was covered with rust and shaking violently while driving. The brake pedal also extended to the floorboard when it was engaged. All of the gauges on the instrument panel fell below zero, the brake light illuminated while all of the lights on the instrument panel began to shut on and off. The rear axle was cracked on each end of the vehicle. The vehicle was taken to an authorized dealer who added two plates on each side of the axle. The contact referenced recall 10V385000 (suspension:rear:axle:non-powered axle assembly) & recall 11V030000 (structure: Frame and members:underbody shields) but was concerned with the remedies and stated that they were inadequate. The contact asked the dealer if they could guarantee that the axle would not break with the two plates but received no guarantee. The manufacturer offered no assistance. The current mileage was 127,000. The failure mileage was unknown.

- Aliquippa, PA, USA

The contact owns a 2003 Ford Windstar. The contact stated that after receiving a recall notice in regards to NHTSA campaign id number 11V030000(structure: Frame and members:underbody shields) and 10V385000(suspension:rear:axle:non-powered axle assembly). She took her vehicle into the dealer November of 2010 for both recalls and the parts were not available to perform the recall repairs. The manufacturer was contacted and offered no assistance. There are no failures at this time.

- Walden, NY, USA

2003 Ford Windstar. Consumer states discontent with the way recall for the cracked rear axle was handled. The dealer inspected the vehicle and it was determined there was a crack in the rear axle. However, the consumer was informed the vehicle may not be repaired for 120 days due to the part not being available. The ABS had to be replaced.

- Matawan, NJ, USA

2003 Ford Windstar. Consumer writes regarding recall notice the rear axle failed, prior to the recall notification.

- Spring Valley, NY, USA

The contact owns a 2003 Ford Windstar. The contact stated that he noticed that the rear axle was cracking. The vehicle had not been inspected or repaired at the time of the complaint. The contact stated that the vehicle was inoperative and unable to be used because the crack was five inches around the axle. The contact called the manufacturer who stated that the vehicle was not included in recall 10V385000 (suspension: Rear:axle: Nonpowered axle assembly). The current mileage was approximately 91,000. The failure mileage was approximately 27,000.

- San Juan, PR, USA

My daughter owns a 2003 Ford Windstar minivan. After hearing about the recall of these vehicle, we looked at her rear axle and noticed a large crack. When we brought it to a local Ford dealer in hanover Massachusetts we were told the VIN # for her van was not on the recall list. When we told them there was indeed a crack in the axle they said we would have to pay for it to be repaired. We contacted Ford Motor Company who said my daughter's vehicle was manufactured in May 2003 and the recall only covered minivans made up through February of 2003. We are not convinced that the axle in her van is not the same ones used in the cars made up through February. Ford said they will not fix it. My daughter has a 2year old and a 4 year old and we lent her one of our cars to use because we are so worried about the safety of our grandchildren. I cannot believe that Ford will not own up to this faulty axle and repair it. Please help if you can and let me know if you agree with us that Ford should be held responsible. My daughter works so hard and does not have the means for an expensive repair. She had to fix the transmission not long ago to the tune of $2000. This car has been nothing but a problem and the problems continue. We are filing this complaint, not because of an incident, but to prevent one. Thank you for your attention to this matter. Updated IVOQ 09/27/10

- Whitman, MA, USA

The contact owns a 2003 Ford Windstar. While driving at 30 mph, the rear tires began abnormally tilting inward. The contact moved off the roadway and found that the rear axle was fractured. The vehicle was not taken to the dealer for diagnostic testing or repairs. The failure and the current mileage was 110,306. Updated 10/13/10 the consumer stated he heard unusual noises coming from the vehicle and soon discovered the rear tires were tilted in at the top. He discovered the axle was 3/4 cracked through. The vehicle was towed to a repair shop. Updated 10/14/10

- Hornell, NY, USA

Driving out of parking lot onto the road, my rear axle broke in two. Had just had it at Ford for front tire rods, rotation of tires and alignment. I asked them to look it over because I was going on vacation. Updated IVOQ 11/03/10 the consumer was informed her vehicle was not included in the recall, because her vehicle was manufactured after the recall cut-off date. Updated IVOQ 02/01/11.

- Mahopac, NY, USA