ON SATURDAY MORNING JULY 15TH 2017, I WAS DRIVING AT 2:30 AM. I HAD JUST LEFT FOR MY FIRST JOB AND CROSSED A SET OF TRAIN TRACKS. WHEN I DID, THE REAR AXLE SNAPPED ALMOST CAUSING ME TO CRASH. AFTER LOOKING FOR THE COST TO REPLACE THE AXLE, I CAME UPON A FORD RECALL. WHEN I PLACED MY VIN IN THE COMPUTER IT CAME UP THAT MY 2002 FORD WINDSTAR WAS IN FACT INCLUDED IN THE RECALL. I TALKED TO SOMEONE AT FORD VIA LIVE CHAT ON SATURDAY AFTER HAVING THE VEHICLE TOWED HOME AND THEY STATED THAT THE RECALL WAS OUTSTANDING AND I NEEDED TO CALL THE FORD DEALERSHIP. I PAID AGAIN TO HAVE THE VEHICLE TOWED TO THE DEALERSHIP. NOW TUESDAY MORNING JULY 18TH 2017, BOTH THE DEALERSHIP AND FORD IS SAYING THAT THEY CANT HELP ME AND I NEED TO TAKE CARE OF REPLACING THE COMPLETELY RUSTED REAR AXLE. THE RUST CAUSING THE AXLE TO SNAP WAS THE REASON FOR THE RECALL IN THE FIRST PLACE. I HAVE OWNED THIS VEHICLE LESS THAN 6 MONTHS AND NOW AS A SINGLE MOM AM LEFT WITHOUT A VEHICLE. I WILL NEVER BUY ANOTHER FORD AGAIN IN MY LIFE AND I WILL ALSO DISCOURAGE MY FRIENDS AND FAMILY FROM PURCHASING FORDS AS WELL.
2002 Ford Windstar complaints
Owner reports filed with NHTSA about this vehicle, newest first and reproduced as filed. They are unverified accounts: one proves nothing, and a pattern across many is the thing worth reading. Back to the full 2002 record →
FORD WINDSTAR REAR AXLE RECALL WAS COMPLETED PRIOR TO PURCHASING AND A SECOND REAR AXLE RECALL "INSPECTION" WAS RECENTLY COMPLETED IN MAY 2017 AND WAS TOLD THE PREVIOUS RECALL WAS COMPLETED CORRECTLY, THAT THE REINFORCEMENR BRACKETS WERE CORRECTLY INSTALLED. MY WIFE WAS DRIVING AND NOTICED WHEN TURNING RIGHT INTO A BUSINESS DRIVEWAY THAT A SQUEAL NOISE WAS HEARD FROM THE LEFT REAR WHEEL AREA. I INSPECTED THE UNDERCARRIAGE AND NOTICED THE WHEEL WAS TITED IN AT THE TOP AND THE TIRE WAS RUBBING THE INNER WHEEL WELL. WELL NOW LESS THAN 2 MONTHS LATER THE REAR AXLE IS BROKEN AND MY VAN IS NO LONGER SAFE TO DRIVE BECAUSE THE LEFT REAR WHEEL IS TILTED IN AT THE TOP AND THE TIRE RUBS THE INNER WHEEL WELL WHICH WILL RESULT IN A RAPID LOSS OF AIR PRESSURE AND LOSS OF VEHICLE CONTROL AND POSSIBLY A SERIOUS ACCIDENT. NOW IT APPEARS THAT I WILL HAVE TO PAY TO REPLACE THIS BROKEN AXLE SINCE FORD SEEMS TO HAVE WASHED THEIR HANDS OF THE PROBLEM DUE TO THE REQUIRED RECALLS HAVING BEEN COMPLETED.
YELLOW ABS LIGHT AND RED BRAKE LIGHT COME ON SIMULTANEOUSLY ON DASHBOARD IN INTERMITTENT AND RANDOM FASHION. HAS BEEN HAPPENING OVER EXTENDED PERIOD OF TIME - SOMETIMES OFF, OFTEN ON. AM INFORMED BY MY MECHANIC THAT WHEN THESE LIGHTS ARE ON, THE ABS BRAKING SYSTEM IS NONFUNCTIONING AND THEREFORE, A DRIVING HAZARD. WHEN THESE LIGHTS ARE ON, BRAKES ARE FUNCTIONAL BUT AS IN STANDARD, NON-ABS MODE. MANY OTHERS HAVE COMPLAINED ABOUT THIS SAME PROBLEM IN THE SAME MODEL VEHICLE OVER SEVERAL MODEL YEARS. SEEMS TO BE A MANUFACTURER DEFECT THAT SHOULD BE CORRECTED BEFORE SOMEONE IS SERIOUSLY INJURED OR KILLED. THIS IS NOT A WEAR AND TEAR ITEM SINCE IT IS WIDELY REPORTED IN THIS MODEL AND MY VEHICLE HAS ONLY 84,000 MILES OF LIGHT DRIVING OVER 15 YEARS.
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2002 FORD WINDSTAR. IN 2010, THE DEALER REPAIRED THE VEHICLE PER NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 15V608000 (SUSPENSION) CONCERNING THE REINFORCEMENT BRACKETS. WHILE DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 65 MPH, THE REAR AXLE FRACTURED AND THE REAR DRIVER SIDE TIRE BLEW OUT. THE CONTACT WAS ABLE TO COAST THE VEHICLE OVER TO THE SIDE OF THE ROAD. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC WHO DIAGNOSED THAT THERE WAS EXTENSIVE RUST AND CORROSION AND THE REAR AXLE NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 110,000.
WE GOT A RECALL ON OUR FORD WINDSTAR FOR THE REAR AXLE. THE AXLE SNAPPED WHILE WE WERE DRIVING AND WE CONTACTED YANKEE FORD IN SOUTH PORTLAND IN SO. PORTLAND ME. AND WE HAD AAA TOW IT THERE JAME AT FORD MOTOR COMPANY APPROVED THE AXLE TO BE REPLACED AND YANKEE FORD REPLACED IT AND NOW FORD WON'T PAY FOR IT AND WE HAVEN'T HAD A VEHICLE FOR 3-4 WEEKS. YANKEE FORD IS 207-799-5591 AND ASK FOR DAN BRUBACH. THE STATE OF MAINE ATTORNEY GENERAL'S OFFICE TRACY THOMPSON 207-626-8851 SAID I SHOULD MAKE A COMPLAINT THROUGH YOU. WE COULD HAVE BEEN KILLED. WE CAN'T HAVE OUR VEHICLE NOW AS THE PART HAD BEEN PUT ON AND FORD SAYS THAT THIS JAME NEVER HAD THE AUTHORITY TO REQUEST. THIS . SHE HAD SPOKEN WITH ERNIE BODMAN 1-207-799-5591 AND AUTHORIZED IT. WE ARE BEYOND UPSET AND WOULD LIKE TO HAVE OUR VEHICLE. YANKEE HAS TRIED BUT FORD WON'T PAY THEM. WE WERE ON THE ROAD WHEN IT HAPPENED. LUCKILY WE WEREN'T ON A HIGHWAY. YANKEE FORD HAS THE PICTURES THAT WAS TAKEN WHEN JAME REQUESTED THEM. DAN BRUBACH SPOKE WITH RANDY ARNOLDI WHO IS THE SERVICE MANAGER FOR THE BOSTON AND ABOVE DIVISION AND RANDY SAID MOST LIKELY IT WOULDN'T BE PAID. IT IS NOT OUR FAULT JAME APPROVED THE WORK TO BE DONE. IT HAD BEEN A FEDERAL RECALL. THE LAST RECALL WAS SENT OUT IN FEB. IT SAID BUT WE DIDN'T GET IT UNTIL MARCH.
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2002 FORD WINDSTAR. WHILE OPERATING THE VEHICLE, THE BRAKE AND ABS SENSORS ILLUMINATED. WHEN DEPRESSING THE BRAKE PEDAL, THE STOPPING DISTANCE INCREASED. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC WHO DIAGNOSED THAT THE BRAKE FLUID RESERVOIR LEAKED BRAKE FLUID. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 200,000.
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2002 FORD WINDSTAR. WHILE OPERATING THE VEHICLE, THE BRAKE AND ABS SENSORS ILLUMINATED. ALSO, WHEN DEPRESSING THE BRAKE PEDAL, THE STOPPING DISTANCE INCREASED. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC WHO DIAGNOSED THAT THE BRAKE FLUID RESERVOIR LEAKED BRAKE FLUID. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 200,000.
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2002 FORD WINDSTAR. WHILE DRIVING 10 MPH, THE REAR DRIVER SIDE AXLE FRACTURED WITHOUT WARNING. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 180,000.
I GET A WARNING TO CHECK THE TRACTION CONTROL AND I GET A BRAKE MALFUNCTION WARNING, IT RESETS AFTER I TURN THE CAR OFF AND IT'S SPORADIC.
REAR AXLE FRACTURED WHILE DRIVING FROM SCHOOL TO HOME, THERE IS UNEVEN ROAD SURFACE BETWEEN THE SCHOOL DRIVEWAY OR PARKING LOT AND GOING INTO THE FIRST STREET ROADS INTERSECTION, I HEARD A NOISE IN THE REAR WHILE CROSSING THIS UNEVEN SURFACE INTERSECTION, HANDLING OF THE VEHICLE BECAME NOTICEABLE DIFFERENT AND A SMELL OF BURNT RUBBER AND SMOKE STARTED, AFTER STOPPING THE VEHICLE, THE REAR WHEEL WAS CROOKED AND AFTER FURTHER OBSERVATION I OBSERVED THE REAR AXLE FRACTURED CLOSE TO THE REAR WHEEL (DRIVING SIDE) CAUSING THE REAR WHEEL TO RUB AGAINST THE INNER WHEEL HOUSE AND AFFECTING CONTROL OF THE VEHICLE. FORD FIRST INSTALLED BRACKETS OVER THE AXLE TO REINFORCE IT IN 2010 (RECALL 10S13), THEN IN SEPTEMBER OF 2016 SENT ME ANOTHER LETTER (SAFETY RECALL NOTICE 15S27) TO BRING MY VEHICLE TO THE DEALER TO VERIFY IF THE BRACKETS WERE INSTALLED CORRECTLY, AFTER BRINGING MY VEHICLE TO THE DEALER I WAS TOLD THE BRACKETS WERE INSTALLED CORRECTLY AND IF I WANTED MY AXLE REPLACED ANYWAY I WOULD HAVE TO COVER THE PART COST. I CALLED TO THE FORD PHONE NUMBER IN THE LETTER TO REQUEST THE CHANGE OF MY REAR AXLE AT NO CHARGE BUT THEY DID REJECT MY REQUEST AND SAID THAT BRACKETS WERE INSTALLED CORRECTLY IN THE PAST BUT MY REAR AXLE WOULD BE REPLACED IF I WOULD PAY THE $300 USD, THEY COULD NOT GIVE FURTHER DETAILS ABOUT WHY I WOULD HAVE TO REPLACE THE WHOLE AXLE IF THEY STATED THE REINFORCEMENT BRACKETS WERE PROPERLY INSTALLED.
I WAS DRIVING DOWN THE ROAD AND OUR AND AND BRAKE LIGHTS HAD CAME ON. TOOK IT TO THE LOCAL SHOP AND WAS TOLD ABOUT THE C1185 CODE WAS ON. WE WERE DRIVING ON THE WAY HOME, AND IT JUST COMES AND GOES WITH EVERY START UP AND SHUT OFF. CAR WAS IN MOTION. TO MY ACKNOWLEDGEMENT I'M NOT POSITIVE WHAT IS CAUSING THIS ISSUE BUT I'VE BEEN RESEARCHING AND HAVE READ ABOUT MANY OF THE SAME ISSUES IN THIS PARTICULAR VAN SERIES. I'VE READ ABOUT FORD'S SAFETY RECALL NUMBER 09S09 AND AND MY VEHICLE IS TO BE IN THAT RECALL AS WELL.
SUSPENSION SNAPPED WHILE DRIVING LESS THAN 10MPH TURNING A CORSET ON A RESIDENTIAL STREET
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2002 FORD WINDSTAR. THE CONTACT WAS NOT NOTIFIED, BUT WAS INCLUDED IN NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 15V608000 (SUSPENSION). THE DEALER INDICATED THAT A MANUFACTURER CAMPAIGN WAS COMPLETED MORE THAN FIVE YEARS AGO. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE REAR BRACKETS FRACTURED WITHOUT WARNING WHILE DRIVING ON THE HIGHWAY. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO THE DEALER WHO STATED THAT THE STATUTE HAD EXPIRED TO RECEIVE THE RECALL REPAIR PER NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 15V608000 (SUSPENSION). THE VEHICLE REMAINED AT THE DEALER. THE CONTACT WAS WAITING ON THE MANUFACTURER TO DETERMINE THE REPAIR SOLUTION. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS NOT AVAILABLE. PARTS DISTRIBUTION DISCONNECT.
REAR AXLE BROKEN. MECHANIC AT BELL TIRE IT WAS RELATED TO THE RECALL ISSUE WITH THAT PART. HE ALSO SHOWED ME ANOTHER AREA OF CONCERN AROUND THE FRONT SUPPORTS WHICH IS ALSO RECALL RELATED. I AM NOT A MECHANIC SO DON'T EXPECT THIS INFORMATION TO BE ALL TECHNICAL.
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2002 FORD WINDSTAR. WHILE DRIVING VARIOUS SPEEDS, THE SPEED CONTROL WARNING INDICATOR FLASHED AND THE ABS WARNING INDICATOR ILLUMINATED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT DIAGNOSED OR REPAIRED. THE CONTACT MENTIONED THAT SEVERAL YEARS AGO, THE ABS MODULE WAS REPLACED. THE VIN WAS NOT INCLUDED IN NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 09V399000 (VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL). THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE ISSUE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 372,000.
MY 2002 FORS WINSTAR ON PASSENGER SIDE HAD THE AXLE BRACKET BREAK OFF AND IN THE LETTER THAT WAS RECIEVED, THERE WAS A RECALL AFTER AXLE WAS FIXED ON THE ASSEMBLY OF THE BRACKETS. WHICH FORD IS NOT HONORING
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2002 FORD WINDSTAR. WHILE DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 25 MPH, THE FRONT FRAME FRACTURED OR WAS RUSTED, WHICH CAUSED THE PASSENGER SIDE WHEEL TO DETACH FROM THE VEHICLE. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO AN AUTO REPAIR GARAGE. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT DIAGNOSED OR REPAIRED. THE VIN WAS INCLUDED IN NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 09V385000 (SUSPENSION). THE MANUFACTURER WAS MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 81,000.
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2002 FORD WINDSTAR. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE WHEEL AXLE WAS CRACKED. THE DEALER DIAGNOSED THAT THE WHEEL AXLE WOULD NEED TO BE REPLACED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 142,000. UPDATED 04/05/17*LJ *TR
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2002 FORD WINDSTAR. WHILE THE VEHICLE WAS UNDERGOING ROUTINE SERVICE, THE DEALER DIAGNOSED THAT THE SLIDING DOOR LATCH AND LOCK ACTUATOR NEEDED REPLACEMENT. THERE WERE NO WARNING INDICATORS ILLUMINATED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE VIN WAS NOT INCLUDED IN NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 16V643000 (LATCHES/LOCKS/LINKAGES). THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT NOTIFIED. THE VIN WAS INVALID. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 115,292. UPDATED 02/03/17*LJ
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2002 FORD WINDSTAR. WHILE ATTEMPTING TO ACCELERATE FROM A TRAFFIC LIGHT, AN ABNORMAL SOUND EMITTED FROM THE REAR OF THE VEHICLE. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE VEHICLE SUDDENLY ACCELERATED INDEPENDENTLY. THE BRAKE PEDAL WAS DEPRESSED; HOWEVER, THE VEHICLE KEPT GAINING FORWARD MOMENTUM. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE POWER STEERING ALSO FAILED TO OPERATE AS INTENDED. AS A RESULT, THE VEHICLE JUMPED THE SIDEWALK AND STRUCK TWO SMALL TREES. THE CONTACT WAS ABLE TO STOP THE VEHICLE BY TURNING THE IGNITION TO THE OFF POSITION. A POLICE REPORT WAS NOT FILED. THE CONTACT SUSTAINED WHIPLASH AND MUSCLE SPASMS, WHICH REQUIRED MEDICAL ATTENTION. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC. THE CONTACT WAS INFORMED THAT THE SUBFRAME FRACTURED, WHICH CAUSED THE THROTTLE TO SEIZE IN THE OPEN POSITION. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE VEHICLE WAS INCLUDED IN NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBERS: 11V030000 (STRUCTURE) AND 15V608000 (SUSPENSION). THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 100,064.
DRIVING ON HWY 49 DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 40 MPH WHEN I LOST CONTROL WITH MY CHILDREN IN THE CAR. LUCKILY WE CAME TO A STOP OFF THE HWY. I COULD SEE MY TIRE WAS ALMOST SIDEWAYS AND BLOWN. MY FINANCE PICKED US UP AND SAID THE AXLE HAD SNAPPED AND TOOK A PICTURE. IT IS SATURDAY AND I'M WITHOUT A CAR. I FOUND OUT THIS WAS RECALLED. I JUST WANT TO MAKE SURE FORD WILL FIX THE ISSUE AND IN A TIMELY MANNER SINCE I HAVE NO OTHER CAR.
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2002 FORD WINDSTAR. THE CONTACT RECEIVED NOTIFICATION OF NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 15V608000 (SUSPENSION). THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO A DEALER WHERE IT WAS DIAGNOSED THAT THE REAR AXLES WERE CORRODED, FRACTURED, AND NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE VEHICLE WAS REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE VIN WAS PREVIOUSLY INCLUDED IN NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 12V195000 (SUSPENSION) WHERE REINFORCEMENT BRACKETS WERE INSTALLED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS UNKNOWN.
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2002 FORD WINDSTAR. WHILE DRIVING VARIOUS SPEEDS, THE REINFORCEMENT BRACKETS FAILED UNDERNEATH THE VEHICLE. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO THE DEALER WHERE IT WAS CONFIRMED THAT THE REINFORCEMENT BRACKETS WERE INSTALLED INCORRECTLY. THE CONTACT WOULD HAVE TO PAY $300 TO HAVE THE AXLE REPLACED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE VEHICLE WAS SERVICED PER NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 15V608000 (SUSPENSION), BUT THE REMEDY FAILED TO REPAIR THE VEHICLE. THE CONTACT MENTIONED THAT THE REINFORCEMENT BRACKETS WERE NOT AN ADEQUATE REPAIR. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 260,000.
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2002 FORD WINDSTAR. WHILE DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 45 TO 50 MPH, THE REAR END WOBBLED UNCONTROLLABLY. THE VEHICLE WAS COASTED OVER TO THE SIDE OF THE ROAD AND TOWED TO THE DEALER. THE CONTACT REFERENCED NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 15V608000 (SUSPENSION). THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 155,000. PARTS DISTRIBUTION DISCONNECT.
TAKATA RECALL WE RECIEVED A NOTIFICATION OF SAFETY RECALL NOTICE 15S27 OF DEFECTIVE REAR AXLE ON THE VEHICLE. WE HAVING PROBLEMS WITH THE BRAKES AND THAT MIGHT BE THE REASON WE HAVING THOSE ISSUES.
THE ABS AND BRAKE LIGHT INDICATORS TURN ON SPORADICALLY AND REMAIN ON UNTIL THE CAR IS RESTARTED. I HAVE WATCHED FOR SOME PATTERNS, BUT SEEN FEW. COOLER WEATHER KEEPS THEM OFF LONGER AND WHEN IT IS HOTTER OUT, THEN THEY TURN ON QUICKLY. I MIGHT ALSO DRIVE THE CAR FOR 30-45 MINUTES BEFORE THEY TURN ON, AND WHEN I RESTART THE CAR, IT IS INCONSISTENT ON IF THEY COME BACK ON OR STAY OFF. THIS HAS BEEN HAPPENING FOR QUITE SOME TIME AND IS NOW HAPPENING MORE ROUTINELY THAN WHEN IT FIRST STARTED.
THIS VEHICLE IS UNDER RECALL NOTICE 15S27. IT WAS FOUND TO HAVE CRACKS IN THE REAR AXLE WHICH HAD BEEN PREVIOUSLY REPAIRED. THE NOTICE ASKS ME TO PAY $300.00 FOR A NEW REAR AXLE. OR, IF I SAY NO THEN THE CAR REMAINS UNSAFE AND I HAVE NO ALTERNATIVE. THIS IS GOUGING IN LIEU OF SAFETY. FORD CREATED THE PROBLEM AND ARE LIABLE. AS OF TODAY THE CAR IS UNSAFE AND I AM ON THE HOOK TO GET IT REPAIRED AND FORD GETS AWAY WITH A BOGUS REPAIR SYSTEM.
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2002 FORD WINDSTAR. WHILE DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 35 MPH, THE REAR AXLE FRACTURED WITHOUT WARNING. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO THE DEALER WHERE IT WAS DIAGNOSED THAT THE REAR AXLE NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE VEHICLE HAD NOT BEEN REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS APPROXIMATELY 152,000.
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2002 FORD WINDSTAR. WHILE DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 40 MPH, THE CONTACT HEARD AN ABNORMAL NOISE AND THE VEHICLE MOVED FROM SIDE TO SIDE. THE CONTACT OBSERVED THAT THE REAR PASSENGER WHEEL BECAME INOPERABLE. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO A DEALER WHERE IT WAS DIAGNOSED THAT THE WHEEL AXLE WAS FRACTURED AND NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE 76,698.
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2002 FORD WINDSTAR. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE VIN WAS INCLUDED IN NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 11V030000 (STRUCTURE). THE VEHICLE WAS REPAIRED; HOWEVER, THE VEHICLE FAILED THE ANNUAL SAFETY INSPECTION. THE SAFETY INSPECTOR DIAGNOSED THAT THE SUBFRAME AND BUSHINGS FRACTURED. THE VEHICLE WAS DRIVEN TO A COLLISION SHOP WHERE IT WAS DIAGNOSED THAT THE SUBFRAME WAS CRACKED. THE VEHICLE WAS DELIVERED TO THE DEALER, BUT NOT DIAGNOSED NOR REPAIRED. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 170,000. UPDATED 10/04/16*LJ *TR
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2002 FORD WINDSTAR. WHILE PULLING OUT OF THE DRIVEWAY, THE VEHICLE STALLED. THE CONTACT HAD THE VEHICLE TOWED TO THE DEALER. THE TOW DRIVER, A CERTIFIED MECHANIC, INFORMED THE CONTACT THAT THE FRONT END AXLE FAILED AND NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE AND INFORMED THE CONTACT THAT THE FRONT AXLES WERE NOT COVERED PER A RECALL. THE VIN WAS UNKNOWN. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 189,000.
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2002 FORD WINDSTAR. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE VEHICLE'S BATTERY WAS DRAINING. THE CONTACT HAD TO REMOVE THE TERMINAL TO CHARGE THE BATTERY. THE BATTERY WAS REPLACED THREE TIMES IN FOUR MONTHS. THE ABS AND ANTI-THEFT WARNING LIGHTS FLASHED. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC, BUT THEY COULD NOT START THE VEHICLE. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS APPROXIMATELY 78,000.
HUSBAND WAS GOING TO WORK IN EARLY MORNING AND HAD JUST SLOWED AS HE EXITED HIGHWAY, WENT OVER FIRST SET OF RAILROAD TRACKS AT SPEED LIMIT, THEN THE FRONT END OF VAN RAISED INTO THE AIR ABOUT A FOOT THEN SLAMMED DOWN AS HE CROSSED THE SECOND SET OF TRACKS AND HE LOST CONTROL. HE HAD NO BRAKES OR STEERING AND THE VAN CRASHED INTO A CURB BEFORE STOPPING. IT NARROWLY MISSED GOING UNDER A SEMI-TRUCK. IT TOOK SEVERAL HOURS TO BE TOWED TO FORD DEALER AND MISSING AN UNPAID DAY OF WORK, OUR INSURANCE SECURED A RENTAL CAR SINCE FORD REFUSED TO DO SO. THE 2002 WINDSTAR HAD BEEN PREVIOUSLY REPAIRED UNDER THE 2011 REAR AXLE RECALL 10S13 AND SUBFRAME 11S16 PASSED INSPECTION AT THAT TIME, BUT BOTH APPEARED TO HAVE FAILED IN THIS INSTANCE. THIS FAILURE CAUSED OVER $3000 IN COLLATERAL DAMAGE TO THE STEERING AND EXHAUST SYSTEMS THAT FORD SAYS WILL BE OUR FINANCIAL RESPONSIBILITY IF IT CAN EVEN BE FIXED DUE TO MANY PARTS NO LONGER BEING PRODUCED.THOSE WOULD NEED TO BE FOUND THROUGH SALVAGE OR AFTERMARKET SOURCES. THEY HAVE ONLY OFFERED TO REPAIR THE FAILED SUBFRAME ISSUE AND POSSIBLY THE RECALLED REAR AXLE. WE RECENTLY LEARNED AFTER THIS ACCIDENT THAT THERE WAS A RECALL 15S27 ON THE PRIOR AXLE RECALL REPAIR FOR INCORRECTLY INSTALLED BRACKETS. WE RECEIVED NO NOTIFICATION OF THIS RECALL FROM LATE 2015 TO HAVE THE AXLE FIXED PROPERLY. FORD HAS OFFERED TO BUY BACK THE VAN FOR $1339, WHICH APPEARS TO BE SUBSTANTIALLY LESS THAN WHAT WAS OFFERED FOR BUY BACKS IN 2011 WHEN THE INITIAL RECALL WAS DONE.
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2002 FORD WINDSTAR. WHILE DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 30 MPH AND MAKING A RIGHT TURN, THE REAR OF THE VEHICLE EXHIBITED EXCESSIVE VIBRATION. THE VEHICLE WAS MANEUVERED TO THE SIDE OF THE ROAD WITH CAUTION WHERE IT WAS DETECTED THAT THE REAR DRIVER SIDE AXLE FRACTURED. AS A RESULT, THERE WAS A SLIGHT LOSS OF STEERING CONTROL. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO THE DEALER WHERE IT WAS DIAGNOSED THAT THE REAR AXLE ASSEMBLY WOULD NEED TO BE REPLACED. THE VIN WAS INCLUDED IN NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 15V608000 (SUSPENSION); HOWEVER, THE REMEDY DID NOT MENTION THE REPLACEMENT OF THE AXLE ASSEMBLY. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 164,000.
WHILE DRIVING, THE SPEEDOMETER, TACHOMETER, FUEL GAUGE AND TEMPERATURE NEEDLES STARTED "DANCING" (BOUNCING ALL OVER THE PLACE). WHEN I CAME TO A STOP, THE SPEEDOMETER NEEDLE HAD GONE ALL THE WAY TO THE RIGHT AND WAS STUCK THERE, BLOCKING THE GEAR SHIFT INDICATOR AND NOT LETTING ME PUT THE CAR IN "PARK." I HAD TO DRIVE TO A NEARBY MECHANIC WHO WAS ABLE TO FREE THE STUCK SPEEDOMETER NEEDLE. THE PROBLEM HAS CONTINUED ON A REGULAR BASIS AND HAS GONE FROM BEING INTERMITTENT TO PERMANENT. IT DOESN'T SEEM TO BE A "UNIQUE" PROBLEM WITH WINDSTAR VANS.
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2002 FORD WINDSTAR. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE VEHICLE WAS PREVIOUSLY SERVICED UNDER NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 12V195000 (SUSPENSION) THAT PERTAINED TO THE INSTALLATION OF THE REAR AXLE REINFORCEMENT BRACKET. MOST RECENTLY, THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALER WHERE IT WAS OBSERVED THAT THE REAR AXLE FRACTURED; HOWEVER, THE DEALER DECLINED TO REPAIR THE VEHICLE UNDER NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 15V608000 (SUSPENSION), WHICH MENTIONED THE REPLACEMENT OF THE REAR AXLE. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS UNAVAILABLE.
VEHICLE CURRENTLY AT THE DEALERSHIP FOR MORE THAN TWO MONTHS AWAITING FROM FORD CUSTOMER RELATIONSHIP CENTER TO RESOLVE THE ISSUE AS THE DEALER WONT FIX THE CORRODED SUB FRAME INSTEAD THEY WANT THE CRC DEPT SEND THE PARTS TO THEM, ACCORDING TO CRC DEPT THEY ESCALATED THE ISSUE TO THE SECOND LEVEL BUT NO ACTION UNTIL NOW HAS BEEN TAKEN...I FEEL THAT THEY'RE IGNORING MY REQUEST OR HAS BEEN SITTING THERE WITHOUT TAKING ANY ACTION. WE ALMOST DIED ON THIS AS THE PASSENGER SIDE WHEEL FELL OFF..I'M TRYING MY LUCK IF YOU CAN HELP US TO RESOLVE THE ISSUE WITH THEM...THANKS [XXX] INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6). *TR
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2002 FORD WINDSTAR. WHILE DRIVING 60 MPH, THE REAR AXLE FRACTURED FROM THE VEHICLE. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC WHO DIAGNOSED THAT THE REAR SUBFRAME NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE VEHICLE WAS REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE VEHICLE WAS PREVIOUSLY REPAIRED UNDER NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 12V195000 (SUSPENSION). THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 160,000.
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2002 FORD WINDSTAR. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALER TO BE REPAIRED PER NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 15V608000 (SUSPENSION). THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE DEALER DID NOT INSPECT THE VEHICLE AND TRIED TO CHARGE HER TO REPLACE THE REAR AXLE. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT NOTIFIED. THE CONTACT HAD NOT EXPERIENCED A FAILURE.
ABS AND BRAKE WARNING LIGHTS KEEP COMING ON; CONNECTIONS CHECKED AND NO APPARENT LOOSE CONNECTIONS; HAPPENS WHEN MOVING AND OR SITTING STILL
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2002 FORD WINDSTAR. WHILE DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 50 MPH, THE REAR PASSENGER SIDE AXLE FRACTURED AND CAUSED THE VEHICLE TO SWERVE AROUND. THERE WERE NO WARNING INDICATORS ILLUMINATED. THE TIRE DISLODGED FROM THE WHEEL AND WAS BARELY HELD BY THE SUSPENSION. THE VEHICLE WAS PULLED TO THE SIDE OF THE ROAD AND LATER TOWED TO AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC WHO INFORMED THE CONTACT ABOUT A RECALL. A LOCAL DEALER INFORMED THE CONTACT THAT THERE WAS NO RECALL. THE MANUFACTURER WAS MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE AND STATED THAT THERE WAS NO RECALL. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 159,000.
2002 WINDSTAR RECALL I WAS DRIVING DOWN THE ROAD ONE DAY TO FIND OUT ALL OFF ALL THE SHIFTERS BUT NEUTRAL THE VAN SUDDENLY HAD STOPPED GOING WE COULD NOT GO IN DRIVE REVERSE OR ANYTHING FIND OUT STUCK IN MIDDLE OF INTERSECTION WITH CARS COMING OUR WAY THIS PROBLEM IS STILL UNKNOWN
WINDSTAR FORD 2002 TIRES THEY JUST KEEP GOING DOWN VERY QUICK NO HOLES HAD A BLOW OUT AN WRECKED INTO A TREE WITH THESE TIRES BAD TIRES ENDED UP SEAT BELT CUT MY NECK AN SEAT BELT CUT MY 1 YEAR OLDS TESTACLES
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2002 FORD WINDSTAR. WHILE PULLING INTO A PARKING SPACE AT A VERY LOW RATE OF SPEED, A LOUD BANGING NOISE OCCURRED. UPON INSPECTION, THE CONTACT DISCOVERED THAT THE FRONT PASSENGER SIDE SUSPENSION SPRING HAD FRACTURED. THE CAUSE OF THE FAILURE WAS NOT DIAGNOSED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 120,000.
ELECTRICAL SHORTS FIRE , AC , BRAKES SPEEL CONTROL ,LOCKS DOORS
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2002 FORD WINDSTAR. WHILE DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 15 MPH, A CONTINUOUS CHIME SOUNDED INSIDE THE VEHICLE. THE REAR PASSENGER SIDE TAIL LIGHT AND BRAKE LIGHT FAILED TO ILLUMINATE WHEN THE BRAKES WERE APPLIED. THE CONTACT REPLACED THE BULBS HERSELF; HOWEVER, THE FAILURE RECURRED. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC WHO WAS UNABLE TO DETECT A TROUBLE CODE. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 142,000.
REAR AXLE BROKE WHILE MY WIFE WAS DRIVING WITH GRANDKIDS IN THE VEHICLE. BOTH REAR TIRES WERE RUBBING ON THE INNER BODY AND TIPPED IN. HAPPENED JUST AFTER EXITING FREEWAY. LUCKY NO ONE WAS INJURED.
APRIL 3, 2016 WHILE IN MOTION ON BUSY HIGHWAY (I-96), VEHICLE JUST STOPPED GOING UNDER POWER AND ROLLED TO A DANGEROUS STOP. VEHICLE HAD NO DRIVE POWER TO WHEELS. VEHICLE HAD TO BE TOWED. EXAMINATION INDICATES TRANSMISSION ISSUE. VEHICLE DOES NOT ENGAGE ANY GEARS AND MADE NO WARNING SOUNDS. MECHANIC SAYS TORQUE CONVERTER FAILED AND IS A COMMON PROBLEM. NHTSA RECALLED FORD FREESTAR FOR THIS ISSUE BUT WINDSTARS ARE MOST EFFECTED AND HAVE NOT BEEN RECALLED. ON A HIGHWAY, THIS IS DANGEROUS AT 70 PLUS MPH SPEEDS. THERE WAS A FAMILY OF FOUR IN THIS VEHICLE, WHEN IT JUST STOPPED GOING, WITH ENGINE RUNNING. SOMEONE CAN BE KILLED IN A REAR-END COLLISION FROM THIS WARNINGLESS AND SUDDEN POWER-TRAIN FAILURE. VEHICLE HAS 108,900 MILES AND HAS UNDERGONE OTHER RECALLS.
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2002 FORD WINDSTAR. WHILE DRIVING VARIOUS SPEEDS, AN ABNORMAL ODOR AND NOISE WERE NOTICED FROM THE PASSENGER SIDE WHEEL. THE VEHICLE MOVED IN REVERSE WHEN THE GEAR SHIFTER WAS IN THE DRIVE POSITION. THE FAILURE OCCURRED CONSTANTLY AND THE ANTI-BRAKE WARNING LIGHT ILLUMINATED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT DIAGNOSED NOR REPAIRED. THE VEHICLE WAS SERVICED FOR NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 15V608000 (SUSPENSION). THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 356,078.
REAR AXLE BROKE WHILE DRIVING ON ROUTE 18 ( HIGHWAY) SOUTH IN NEW JERSEY.
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NHTSA publishes every complaint as the owner wrote it and investigates only a fraction. Spelling, capitalisation and judgement are the filer’s own. What carries weight is repetition: the same component failing the same way across many filings, and whether the manufacturer eventually opened a recall for it.
Full record for the 2002 Ford Windstar → · Every Windstar year → · How the figures are calculated →