Page 4 of 28 · complaints 151–200 of 1,353

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 →

Structure › Body
Filed Mar 3, 201640,000 milesPA

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2002 FORD WINDSTAR. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE AT AN INSPECTION LOCATION, THE MECHANIC DIAGNOSED THAT THE FRONT PASSENGER'S SIDE SUB FRAME HAD FRACTURED DUE TO CORROSION AND NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE VEHICLE WAS PREVIOUSLY REPAIRED UNDER NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 11V030000 (STRUCTURE). THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 40,000.

Suspension
Filed Mar 2, 2016KS

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2002 FORD WINDSTAR. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE DRIVING AT APPROXIMATELY 65 MPH, THE REAR AXLE AND THE FRAME FRACTURED WITHOUT WARNING. THE DEALER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT INCLUDED IN NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBERS: 15V608000 (SUSPENSION), 12V195000 (SUSPENSION), 12V194000 (SUSPENSION) AND 10V385000 (SUSPENSION). THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS NOT AVAILABLE.

Suspension › Rear
Filed Feb 19, 2016176,000 milesKY

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2002 FORD WINDSTAR. WHILE THE VEHICLE WAS BEING INSPECTED, THE MECHANIC NOTICED THAT THE REAR AXLES WERE CORRODED AND NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE VIN WAS INCLUDED IN NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 15V608000 (SUSPENSION). THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 176,000. VIN TOOL CONFIRMS PARTS NOT AVAILABLE.

Service Brakes
Filed Feb 10, 2016FL

I HAVE A CODE C1185 IT IS MAKING MY VAN UNSTABLE . IT STARTS TO JERK AS IT GOES FROM 40 TO HIGHER SPEEDS IT'S AFFECTING . IT TURNS OUT THAT ALOT OF PEOPLE ARE HAVING THIS ISSUE C1185 ABS MODULE

Structure › Body
Filed Feb 8, 2016120,000 milesPA

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2002 FORD WINDSTAR. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE DRIVING AT 20 MPH, THE STEERING WHEEL BECAME DIFFICULT TO MANEUVER. THE VEHICLE HAD A FRONT END ALIGNMENT AND OTHER REPAIRS PERFORMED BUT THE FAILURE RECURRED. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO A DEALER WHERE IT WAS DIAGNOSED THAT THE SUB FRAME NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 120,000. UPDATED 04/14/16*LJ THE CONSUMER STATED THE SUBFRAME WAS COMPLETED CORRODED. *JS

Suspension
Filed Feb 5, 2016158,000 milesMO

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2002 FORD WINDSTAR. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE REAR AXLE WAS CORRODED. THE VEHICLE WAS PREVIOUSLY REPAIRED UNDER NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 10V385000 (SUSPENSION) AND WAS RECENTLY TAKEN TO THE DEALER TO BE INSPECTED UNDER NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 15V608000 (SUSPENSION). THE TECHNICIAN ADVISED THAT THE AXLE WAS CORRODED AND NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE, WHO REFUSED TO PROVIDE ADDITIONAL ASSISTANCE. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 158,000. UPDATED 04/22/16*LJ THE CONSUMER STATED THERE WAS A CHARGE FOR A SAFETY RECALL REPAIR. UPDATED 11/21/2017*JS

Service Brakes
Filed Dec 28, 20151 milesCA

"TAKATA RECALL" IT HAS THE ABS LIGHT ON AND THE BRAKES FEEL LIKE IS GOING TO POP OR DONT EVEN WORK IN ONE POINT IM REALLY SCARE TO DRIVE IT CHANGE THE BRAKE BOSTER AND NOTHING FUSE SENSOR FOR THE A B S. AND NOTHING I WISH JUST TO GIVE IT BACK TO THE FORD COMP..EVRY WHERE I GO

SteeringCrash2 injured
Filed Dec 23, 201550,000 milesNY

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2002 FORD WINDSTAR. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE DRIVING AT 30 MPH, THE STEERING WHEEL SEIZED CAUSING THE CONTACT TO LOSE CONTROL OF THE VEHICLE. AS A RESULT, THE CONTACT CRASHED INTO A FIRE HYDRANT AND THE AIR BAGS FAILED TO DEPLOY. THE CONTACT SUSTAINED NECK AND SHOULDER INJURIES BUT DID NOT REQUIRE MEDICAL ATTENTION. THE PASSENGER SUSTAINED WRIST INJURIES THAT REQUIRED MEDICAL ATTENTION. A POLICE REPORT WAS FILED. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT DIAGNOSED OR REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 50,000. UPDATED 02/12/16*LJ UPDATED 05/14/18*JB *CN

SteeringCrash
Filed Nov 26, 2015129,637 milesKS

LEAVING PARKING LOT AT WORK MY CAR FULLY ACCELERATED, LOST STEERING AND CRASHED INTO STEEL POST. INSPECTION REVEALED BOTH REAR ENGINE CRADLE MOUNTS WERE COMPLETELY RUSTED THROUGH CAUSING REAR ENGINE CRADLE TO DRAG ON THE GROUND. WHICH CAUSED LOSS OF STEERING, FULL THROTTLE AND CRASHED RIGHT FRONT OF VEHICLE.

Power Train › Automatic Transmission › Torque Converter
Filed Nov 18, 2015134,000 milesTN

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2002 FORD WINDSTAR. WHILE DRIVING AT APPROXIMATELY 50 MPH, THE VEHICLE DECELERATED AND FAILED TO ACCELERATE WITHOUT WARNING. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC WHERE IT WAS DIAGNOSED THAT THE TORQUE CONVERTER NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE VEHICLE WAS REPAIRED. THE CONTACT MENTIONED THAT THE FAILURE RECURRED AFTER THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALER TO BE SERVICED UNDER NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 15V608000 (SUSPENSION). THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE AND STATED THAT THE VIN WAS NOT INCLUDED IN THE MANUFACTURER RECALL RELATED TO THE POWER TRAIN. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 134,000.

Suspension
Filed Nov 13, 2015IL

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2002 FORD WINDSTAR. THE CONTACT RECEIVED NOTIFICATION OF NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 10V385000 (SUSPENSION). THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALER WHERE IT WAS CONFIRMED THAT THE REAR AXLE NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE TECHNICIAN STATED THAT THE PART HAD TO BE ORDERED, BUT THE REPAIRS WOULD BE PERFORMED OUTSIDE OF THE RECALL REMEDY. THE DEALER DECLINED TO REPAIR THE VEHICLE UNDER THE RECALL REMEDY. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT NOTIFIED OF THE ISSUE. PARTS DISTRIBUTION DISCONNECT.

Power Train
Filed Nov 2, 2015118,000 milesNJ

REAR AXLE REINFORCEMENT BRACKETS WERE INSTALLED IN MY FORD WINDSTAR UNDER SAFETY RECALL 10S13, BY AN AUTHORIZED FORD (DEALER'S) REPAIR SHOP IN 2011. I WAS TOLD BY THE FORD REPAIR SHOP THAT "BRACKETS" WERE THE ONLY TYPE OF REPAIR FORD AUTHORIZED THEM TO DO UNDER THAT RECALL NOTICE. I RECENTLY RECEIVED ANOTHER REAR AXLE RECALL NOTICE, 15S27, THAT SAID REPAIR BRACKETS IMPROPERLY INSTALLED UNDER THE PRIOR RECALL, MAY RESULT IN A REAR AXLE BEAM FRACTURE. THE RECALL NOTICE SAID IF AXLE REPLACEMENT WAS NECESSARY, FORD WOULD REPLACE IT FREE OF CHARGE. WHEN I TOOK MY CAR BACK TO THE SAME FORD REPAIR SHOP, THE SERVICE MANAGER SAID THAT THE REAR AXLE WAS INDEED CRACKED AND NEEDS TO BE REPLACED. HE ALSO SAID THAT FORD IS REFUSING TO REPLACE IT FREE OF CHARGE AND REQUIRES A COPAY OF $300. I CALLED FORD CUSTOMER SERVICE AND WAS TOLD THE SAME THING. I BELIEVE THE "BAND AIDE" REPAIR ORIGINALLY AUTHORIZED BY FORD UNDER THE FIRST REAR AXLE RECALL, WAS INSUFFICIENT TO PREVENT STRESS POINTS IN THEIR DEFECTIVE REAR AXLE FROM CAUSING A SUBSEQUENT FRACTURE THAT NO AMOUNT OF PREVENTATIVE MAINTENANCE COULD DETER. I BELIEVE THE SECOND AXLE RECALL NOTICE INDICATES THAT FORD HAS PLACED THE PUBLIC IN JEOPARDY WITH "CHEAP FIXES" TO DEFECTIVE PARTS. HOWEVER, INSTEAD OF ETHICALLY REPLACING THE AXLE, FORD NOW SEEMS TO BE CUTTING THEIR LOSSES BY OFFERING A "DISCOUNTED" AXEL REPLACEMENT (ONLY) AT ONE OF THEIR AFFILIATED SHOPS. BECAUSE A REAR AXLE CAN COST ABOUT $1000 TO REPLACE, FORD'S "DISCOUNT" EFFECTIVELY S

Suspension › Rear
Filed Oct 30, 2015135,000 milesOH

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2002 FORD WINDSTAR. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE REAR AXLE WAS CRACKED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT DIAGNOSED OR REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 135,000.

Suspension
Filed Oct 26, 2015134,654 milesNY

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2002 FORD WINDSTAR. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE SUSPENSION WAS RUSTED AND CORRODED. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALER WHERE THE REPAIRS WERE UNKNOWN; HOWEVER, THE FAILURE RECURRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 134,654.

Suspension
Filed Oct 16, 2015350,000 milesTN

CRACKED REAR AXLE.

Steering
Filed Oct 14, 201539,700 milesWI

COMPLETE DETERIATION OF THE FRONT LEFT AND RIGHT SUB FRAME ATTACHING TO THE LOWER CONTROL ARM ATTACHMENTS AT THE REAR OF SUBFRAME HOLDING THE RACK AND PINION ASSEMBLY. THIS STEEL IS FLAKING AND APPEARS TO HAVE LAMINTE SEPARATIONS (LOOKS LIKE FLAKEY PIE CRUST). CANNOT GET A MECHANIC TO REPLACE LEAKING RACK AND PINION ASSEMBLY DUE TO THE POOR CONDITION THAT WILL LEAVE NO MATERIAL WHEN IT BREAKS OFF.

Unknown or Other
Filed Oct 10, 2015100,000 milesNJ

OUR VAN HAD A RECALL ON THE REAR AXLE IN 2010. THE REPAIR WAS MADE BY AN AUTHORIZED FORD DEALER. WHILE RETURNING FROM A WEEKEND TRIP ON OCTOBER 4, 2015, AND DRIVING ON A BUSY PENNSYLVANIA INTERSTATE, THE REAR AXLE BROKE IN THE EXACT SPOT OF REPAIR. I INITIALLY LOST CONTROL OF THE CAR, BUT WAS ABLE TO GUIDE IT TO SHOULDER OF ROAD. I SUBSEQUENTLY LEARNED THERE IS AN EXTENDED RECALL ON THE REAR AXLE, AS THE INITIAL REPAIR MAY NOT HAVE BEEN CORRECT. CAR WAS INSPECTED, AND NOW FORD MOTORS SAID THEY ARE NOT RESPONSIBLE. THEY WILL AUTHORIZE A NEW AXLE AT A DISCOUNTED RATE OF $300.00 TO US, AND WE ARE RESPONSIBLE FOR REPLACING OUR SHREDDED TIRE. WE ALSO MUST PAY TOW FEES.

Suspension
Filed Oct 8, 2015167,000 milesKS

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2002 FORD WINDSTAR. WHILE DRIVING AT APPROXIMATELY 35 MPH, THERE WAS A LOUD NOISE AND THE VEHICLE CAME TO AN ABRUPT STOP. THE CONTACT DISCOVERED THAT THE REAR AXLE HAD FRACTURED. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO THE CONTACT'S RESIDENCE. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT DIAGNOSED OR REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE AND STATED THAT THE VIN WAS NOT INCLUDED IN NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 15V608000 (SUSPENSION). THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 167,000.

Unknown or Other
Filed Sep 17, 201588,087 milesMI

TOOK VEHICLE TO DEALERSHIP FOR ROUTINE SERVICE. WAS TOLD THAT THE REAR AXLE IS CRACKED, REPAIR TO BE $918.63. VEHICLE WAS RECALLED IN 2010 FOR THIS PROBLEM. FORD MOTOR COMPANY INSTALLED BRACKETS AND PATCHED THE AXLE AT THAT TIME. UPON CALLING THE COMPANY, I WAS TOLD THAT THE WARRANTY ON THE PATCH JOB HAD EXPIRED AND THE EXPENSE OF REPLACEMENT IS OURS. WE CONTEND THAT THEY SHOULD HAVE REPLACED THE AXLE IN 2010 IN LIEU OF A "PATCH JOB". WE PURCHASED THIS VEHICLE NEW IN 2002, AND HAVE NEVER TAKEN IT ANYWHERE BUT THE DEALERSHIP FOR SERVICE. BEING IN VERY GOOD CONDITION, WITH ONLY 88,000, WE FEEL THAT THIS IS A REPAIR THAT FORD MOTOR COMPANY SHOULD COVER.

Suspension
Filed Sep 10, 2015150,000 milesMI

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2002 FORD WINDSTAR. THE VEHICLE WAS SERVICED UNDER NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 12V195000 (SUSPENSION) HOWEVER, THE REMEDY FAILED TO REPAIR THE VEHICLE. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE DRIVING AT 30 MPH, THERE WAS AN ABNORMAL NOISE COMING FROM THE VEHICLE. AS A RESULT, THE CONTACT HAD TO COAST FORCEFULLY TO THE LEFT SIDE OF THE ROAD. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO THE DEALER WHERE IT WAS DIAGNOSED THAT THE REAR AXLE HAD FRACTURED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 150,000.

Suspension
Filed Sep 9, 2015IL

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2002 FORD WINDSTAR. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE VEHICLE RECEIVED THE RECALL REPAIR FOR NHTSA CAMPAIGN ID NUMBER: 12V195000 (SUSPENSION) AND INDICATED THAT THE REINFORCEMENT BRACKET ON THE REAR AXLE DID NOT SUPPORT THE FRAME AND THE REINFORCEMENT BRACKET FRACTURED AS WELL AS THE REAR AXLE. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED AND WAS TOWED TO THE CONTACTS RESIDENCE. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS NOT AVAILABLE.

Electronic Stability Control (esc)
Filed Sep 3, 201560,000 milesVA

TRACTION CONTROL & BRAKE WARNING LIGHT COMES ON, GOES OFF LATER. BEEN DOING THIS FOR A NUMBER OF YEARS. SEEMS TO BE A HUGE PROBLEM WITH THESE VEHICLES IF YOU READ ABOUT IT ON THE INTERNET. FORD DENIES THAT IT IS A PROBLEM FOR THEN TO FIX ON A RECALL. ????????????????????????

Vehicle Speed Control
Filed Aug 28, 2015100,000 milesOH

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2002 FORD WINDSTAR. WHILE DRIVING VARIOUS SPEEDS, THE SPEEDOMETER WOULD BECOME STUCK AT 20 MPH. THE FAILURE RECURRED ON NUMEROUS OCCASIONS. THE VIN WAS NOT INCLUDED IN NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 09V399000 (VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL). THE VEHICLE WAS NOT DIAGNOSED OR REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 100,000.

Suspension
Filed Aug 6, 2015140,000 milesIA

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2002 FORD WINDSTAR. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE DRIVING AT 70 MPH, THE TIRE BEGAN TO RUB THE INNER FENDER WALL. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALER WHERE IT WAS DIAGNOSED THAT THE AXLE WAS FRACTURED AND NEEDED TO BE REPAIRED. THE VEHICLE WAS SERVICED UNDER NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 11V030000 (STRUCTURE) BUT THE REMEDY FAILED TO REPAIR THE VEHICLE. THE CONTACT MENTIONED THAT THE AXLE SHOULD HAVE BEEN REPLACED INITIALLY UNDER THE RECALL AND NOT BRACKETED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 140,000. UPDATED 12/03/15*LJ UPDATED 12/09/15.*JB

SuspensionCrash
Filed Jul 28, 2015230,000 milesNE

MY WIFE WAS DRIVING DOWN THE HIGHWAY TO MEET ME FOR LUNCH AND ALL OF A SUDDEN WITH NO WARNING THE BACK AXLE BROKE GOING 60 MILES AN HOUR WHICH MADE HER LOSE CONTROL AND THEN CRASHED HER VAN IN A DITCH FORD SAYS THEY WON'T COVER IT BECAUSE IT'S PART OF NOT PART OF THE RECALL WHICH IS CRAP BECAUSE THEY RECALLED 500,000 MORE VANS JUST LIKE IT WITH THE SAME PROBLEM BUT THEY SAY THEY WON'T DO ANYTHING FOR ME DON'T UNDERSTAND

Suspension
Filed Jul 28, 2015230,000 milesNE

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2002 FORD WINDSTAR. WHILE DRIVING AT 60 MPH, THE REAR PASSENGER SIDE AXLE FRACTURED. AS A RESULT, THE VEHICLE VEERED INTO A DITCH AND THE CONTACT LOST CONTROL OF THE VEHICLE. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO A DEALER, WHO DIAGNOSED THAT THE REAR AXLE WAS CORRODED AND NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE CONTACT WAS AWARE OF NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 12V195000 (SUSPENSION); HOWEVER, THE VIN WAS NOT INCLUDED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 230,000.

Steering
Filed Jul 22, 2015146,000 milesNE

REAR AXEL CRACKED AFTER PERIOD OF TIME RESULTING IN BLOW OUT TIRE IN A PARKING LOT. AFTER RESEARCHING THIS ONLINE, I HAVE FOUND FORD RECALLED THIS SAME VAN FOR THIS SAME PROBLEM BUT DID NOT IN OUR STATE ALTHOUGH THE RECALL WAS DUE TO STATES WITH WEATHER LIKE SNOW, ICE, SALT, ETC WHICH CAUSED SAID ISSUE. WHY WOULDNT NEBRASKA BE INCLUDED IN THIS SINCE ITS NEBRASKA AND ITS SNOWY ALOT? LUCKILY WE WERE IN A PARKING LOT, WE WERE NOT DRIVING AT HIGH RATE OF SPEED DOWN HIGHWAY LIKE I SAW WHILE RESEARCHING THIS ONLINE WHICH A MAN WAS KILLED WHO HAD THIS HAPPEN. I HAVE FOUND THAT THIS SEEMS TO BE A VERY DANGEROUS AND TRAGIC MISTAKE MADE BY FORD AND NOW MY VAN SITS IN A PARKING LOT WITH NO WAY FOR ME TO GET IT TO A SHOP TO GET A REPAIR MADE EVEN IF I DID HAVE THE FUNDS TO DO THIS. AT LEAST I WOULD WANT MY VAN IN MY DRIVEWAY, NOT IN A GROCERY STORE PARKING LOT WITH NO MEANS OF GETTING IT HOME, BESIDES THE FACT THAT BEING A WOMAN, I WOULD HAVE KEPT DRIVING IT NOT KNOWING AND COULD HAVE BEEN IN A SERIOUS ACCIDENT SUCH AS ONES I HAVE SEEN SINCE LOOKING INTO THIS ISSUE. I HAVE TAKEN PHOTOS OF CRACKED AXEL IN REAR AND ALSO FRONT DUE TO WEATHER AND CLIMATE AND FOUND THE COURT PAPERS SAYING WHICH STATES WERE INCLUDED IN THIS RECALL, YET NEBRASKA NOT ONE OF THEM? MAKES NO SENSE. SO DO I GO AND DRIVE IT HOME ANYWAYS AND JUST HOPE WE DONT DIE IN THE PROCESS..OR DO I LET IT SIT IN A SHADY PART OF TOWN PARKING LOT FOREVER? BEING A SINGLE MOTHER OF 3, I WOULD HAVE THOUGHT FORD MIGHT SEE THE ALL THE N

Power Train
Filed Jul 22, 2015127,400 milesPA

I AM WRITING BEFORE I ENCOUNTER A SERIOUS PROBLEM ON THE ROAD. WHILE IN FOR STATE VEHICLE INSPECTION, MY MECHANIC NOTED THAT THE REAR AXLE "REPAIR" (A REINFORCEMENT BRACKET) ON MY 2002 WINDSTAR VAN IS FAILING. IT CAN LOOK OK ON THE LIFT, BUT ONCE WEIGHT IS PUT ON THE AXLE, THE SERIOUSNESS OF THE CRACKING IS APPARENT. THE REPAIR WAS MADE BY A FORD DEALERSHIP IN 2011 UNDER RECALL 10S13. I ALREADY SPOKE WITH FORD CUSTOMER SERVICE, AND THEY SAY THERE IS NOTHING THEY CAN DO BECAUSE THE RECALL WAS COMPLETED. I AM NOW WAITING TO SEE IF THE DEALERSHIP THAT MADE THE REPAIR CAN HELP TO CORRECT THE PROBLEM THEY (FORD) HAVE ACKNOWLEDGED EXISTS, BUT WITHOUT AN ADEQUATE FIX TO DATE.

Suspension
Filed Jul 8, 2015120,000 milesNJ

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2002 FORD WINDSTAR. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 25 MPH MAKING A RIGHT TURN, THERE WAS A LOUD ABNORMAL NOISE AND THE VEHICLE VEERED A LITTLE OFF COURSE WITHOUT WARNING. THE CONTACT PULLED OVER AND DISCOVERED THAT THE AXLE HAD FRACTURED AND THE DRIVER'S SIDE REAR TIRE HAD BEND INWARD. THE CONTACT MENTIONED THAT THE VEHICLE HAD BEEN REPAIRED UNDER NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 10V385000 (SUSPENSION). HOWEVER, THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO THE DEALER AND WAS DIAGNOSED THAT THE REAR AXLE HAD FRACTURED AND NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 120,000.

Power Train
Filed Jul 7, 2015NJ

MY 2002 WINDSTAR HAD THE AXLE CRACK JUST UNDER THE RECALL REPAIR SLEEVE THE DRIVER'S SIDE ABOUT A MONTH AGO. I BROUGHT IT TO THE FORD DEALER WHO CONFIRMED IT WAS CRACKED AND GOT THE SAME RESPONSE AS THE OTHERS. FORD WARRANTIED THE REPAIR FOR 12 MONTHS. I HAD THE REPAIRS DONE DURING THE RECALL BRACKETS WERE ADDED TO REINFORCE THE AXLE. I CALLED 1-8003923673 (FORD COMPANY) FROM DIRECTION FROM THE LOCAL DEALERSHIP. IT APPEARS THAT FORD PUT A BAND-AID ON THE PROBLEM AND GAVE A 12 MONTH WARRANTY ON IT. THAT'S RIDICULOUS! IT IS OBVIOUS THAT THEY DID NOT DO AN ADEQUATE ASSESSMENT ON THESE AXLES WHEN THEY MADE THE REPAIR/REPLACE DECISION. THEY KNEW ABOUT THE AXLE PROBLEMS IN 1998. STATED IN INTERNAL MEMO IN 1999 THAT HEAT TREATING COULD DOUBLE THE AXLE LIFE. IT'S SHAMEFUL WHAT THEY KNEW AND WHAT THEY IGNORED. I WAS TOLD THAT SINCE THE RECALL REPAIR WAS DONE OVER 12 MONTHS AGO THAT IT WOULD NOT BE COVERED.I BEING THE ONLY OWNER IT SHOULD BE A WAY TO HAVE THIS PROBLEM FIX BY FORD. I GUESS, I HAVE NOT MORE CHOICE TO DO THE REPAIR PAYING OUT OF MY POCKET (NOT A CHIP REPAIR) AND TO KEEP THE RECEIPT IN CASE THEY EXPANDED THE RECALL. I ALSO FOUND OUT TO GO TO NHTSA.GOV TO FILE A COMPLAINT. THEY WILL NOT EXPAND THE RECALL UNLESS ENOUGH COMPLAINTS ARE NOTED. CALLING TO THE DEALERSHIP IS NOT ENOUGH. YOU HAVE TO CALL FORD CO. 1-800-3923673 AND VISIT NHTSA.GOV BEFORE IT IS OFFICIALLY NOTED.

Service Brakes
Filed Jul 3, 2015113,326 milesCA

ABS LIGHT AND BRAKE LIGHT COMES ON AND STAYS ON FOR DAYS AT A TIME THEN WILL GO OFF AND REMAIN OFF FOR A DAY OR TWO AND THEN COME ON AGAIN. THE PROBLEM IS THAT BOTH LIGHTS (ABS AND BRAKE) COME ON AND THEN WILL STAY ON AND THEN GO OFF FOR VARIOUS PERIODS OF TIME. HAVE HAD ALL OF THE ABS SENSORS CHECKED AND THEY ALL CHECK GOOD. PROBLEM IS ANNOYING AND INTERMITTENT.

Service Brakes
Filed Jul 2, 2015122,382 milesOH

ABS LIGHT INTERMITTENTLY ON AND OFF CONSISTANTLY. WAS TOLD AS MODULE NEEDS TO BE REPLACED

Suspension
Filed Jun 23, 2015157,000 milesIL

I WAS DRIVING AND HIT A DIP IN THE ROAD. I THEN HEARD A LOAD NOISE COMING FROM THE BACK OF MY VEHICLE. I STOPPED AND LOOKED. I SAW THE REAR AXLE BEAM CRACKED IN HALF. I WAS JUST GLAD I WAS NOT ON A BUSY STREET WHEN THIS HAPPENED. I CALLED FORD AFTER I LEARNED OF A RECALL. I WAS TOLD THE RECALL WAS PERFORMED FOUR YEARS PRIOR. THE RECALL ONLY HOLDS A 12/12 WARRANTY. NOW THIS PUZZLED ME. I RETAINED A COPY OF THE RECALL. IT TURNS OUT THE MECHANIC "INSPECTS" THE BEAM AND DECIDES WHETHER THERE IS INTERNAL RUST OR NOT. ( HOW THEY SEE THIS I DON'T KNOW). IF NOT, THEY SPRAY A RUST INHIBITOR ON THE AXLE AND PLACE BRACKETS ON IT. IF RUSTED, THEY REPLACE WITH A KNOWN GOOD AXLE.THE AXLE BROKE AT THE BRACKETS INSTALLED. TO ME, ALL THIS TELLS ME IS THEY ARE PUTTING A "BAND-AID" ON A KNOWN FAILING PART. WHAT IF IT WAS A BAD FRIDAY FOR THE MECHANIC, OR WAS NOT PAYING ATTENTION ? BEING ABLE TO PUT A 12/12 WARRANTY ON AN ITEM THAT CAN CAUSE A FATALITY IS JUST WRONG. I HAVE BEEN STONE WALLED FROM SPEAKING TO ANYONE WHO CAN MAKE A DECISION ON THIS ISSUE. THE DEALER SAYS I CAN TOW IT IN ( I PAY), AND IF THEY THINK IT WILL BE COVERED, THEY WILL SEE WHAT THEY CAN DO. IF NOT, THEY WANT ME TO PAY A CHECK OUT FEE AS WELL AS THE TOW. THIS IS JUST WRONG IN SO MANY WAYS, I DON'T EVEN KNOW WHERE TO BEGIN. I AM NOW FORCED TO FIND ALTERNATE TRANSPORTATION UNTIL THIS IS RESOLVED ONE WAY OR ANOTHER. " GREAT CUSTOMER SATISFACTION ", NOT ! *TR

Suspension
Filed Jun 19, 2015151,000 milesCO

THIS COMPLAINT RELATES TO A PREVIOUS RECALL FOR FORD WINDSTAR REAR AXLE CORROSION AND BREAKING. AFTER COMING HOME FROM WORK, I NOTICED MY REAR TIRES WERE NEGATIVELY CAMBERED OVER 5 DEGREES. UPON FURTHER INSPECTION, I NOTICED MY REAR AXLE WAS BREAKING IN HALF UNDERNEATH A SUPPOSED PATCH FROM A PREVIOUS RECALL FOR THE REAR AXLE. HAD THE AXLE BROKEN TWO MINUTES EARLIER ON THE HIGHWAY, I WOULD BE IN THE HOSPITAL! MY COMPLAINT IS FOR THE SHODDY RECALL "FIX" DONE BY FORD, THIS ISSUE NEEDS TO BE RECALLED AGAIN AND FIXED CORRECTLY...UPDATED 07-08-15 *BF UPDATED 10/25/2017*CN

Service Brakes
Filed Jun 19, 2015161,000 milesPA

BRAKE AND ABS LIGHTS ON MOST OF THE TIME, MYRIAD CODES, HARD TO EVEN KNOW WHERE TO START TROUBLESHOOTING...UPDATED 07/30/15 *BF UPDATED 9/23/15 *JS

Exterior Lighting
Filed Jun 10, 2015IN

I JAN 2014 THE ABS & BREAK WARNING LIGHT STARTED COMING ON OCCASSIONALLY I HAS BEEN TO A MECHANIC SEVERAL TIMES I AM TOLD THE BREAKS ARE FINE BUT MY ABS SYSTEM MAY NOT WORK AND IT WOULD BE A $1500 REPAIR. NOW THE LIGHTS STAY ON CONSTANTLY

Suspension › Rear
Filed Jun 9, 2015118,000 milesPA

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2002 FORD WINDSTAR. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE REAR TIRES EXHIBITED UNEVEN POSITION, BENDED TO THE OPPOSITE SIDE, AND WORE PREMATURELY. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE LOCAL DEALER WHERE IT WAS DIAGNOSED THAT THE REAR AXLE FRACTURED AND CAUSED THE TIRES TO MOVE OUT OF PLACE. THE VEHICLE WAS REPAIRED ACCORDING TO NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 12V195000 (SUSPENSION); HOWEVER, THE FAILURE WAS NOT CORRECTED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE VIN WAS NOT AVAILABLE. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 118,000.

Service Brakes
Filed Jun 5, 2015106,000 milesPA

THE BRAKE AND ABS LIGHTS ON THE DASHBOARD COME ON INTERMITTENTLY ALTHOUGH THERE IS NO PROBLEM WITH THESE SYSTEMS.

Suspension
Filed May 27, 2015159,000 milesIL

I WAS DRIVING IN TOWN WHEN I SMELLED RUBBER BURNING AND PULLED OVER. MY DRIVERS SIDE TIRE HAD TILTED IN AND MY BRAND NEW TIRE WAS RUBBING ON THE FIREWALL. TOOK IT TO GET FIXED AND THEY SAID THE REAR AXLE HAD BROKEN AND THERE WAS A RECALL SO TO TAKE IT TO FORD DEALERSHIP, WHICH WE DID. THEY WERE ALL SET TO FIX IT AND HAD ORDERED "PARTS" AND THEN CALLED BACK TO SAY FORD DECLINED TO HONOR RECALL BECAUSE THE "FIX" WAS ALREADY IN PLACE, WHICH JUST CONSISTS OF A BANDAID ON A GUSHING WOUND. TO MY UNDERSTANDING, THE RECALL WAS DUE TO A DEFECT IN DESIGN ON THE 1999 - 2003 FORD WINDSTAR AND THEY WERE CORRODING AND RUSTING THROUGH. THE SPOTS ON MY VEHICLE WHICH BROKE ARE BENEATH THE SAFETY BRACKETS THEY HAD PLACED IN 2012. THANK GOD I DIDN'T HAVE MY GRAND BABIES WITH ME AT HIGHWAY SPEED. I FEEL THAT THEIR "FIX" FOR THIS PROBLEM WAS NOT ONLY INAPPROPRIATE BUT WOEFULLY INADEQUATE AND I FEEL THEY NEED TO STAND BEHIND THEIR PRODUCTS 100%, ESPECIALLY AS LIVES MAY BE LOST DUE TO THEIR DESIGN ERROR.

Suspension
Filed May 18, 2015183,082 milesIL

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2002 FORD WINDSTAR. WHILE DRIVING 30 MPH, THE VEHICLE AND BOTH REAR TIRES SHOOK VIOLENTLY. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC WHERE IT WAS DETERMINED THAT THE AXLE NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE VIN WAS NOT AFFECTED BY NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 10V385000 (SUSPENSION). THE MANUFACTURER WAS MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 183,082.

Suspension
Filed May 16, 2015177,000 milesWI

I WAS HAPPY WITH FORD TO THIS DAY. I HAVE A 2002 WINDSTAR THAT HAD ITS RECALL WORK DONE ON THE REAR AXLE 2011. LIKE EVERYONE THAT RESPONDED ABOUT THIS FIX, IT WAS A JUST TO GET YOU THROUGH TILL FORD WAS NOT RESPONSIBLE ANYMORE. I HAPPEN TO TAKE THE VAN INTO FORD FOR A COOLANT FLUSH AND THEY DISCOVERED THE CRACKED AXLE RIGHT IN THE MIDDLE ON THE SLEEVE THEY INSTALLED. THE WHEEL WAS TILTED OUT. THANK GOD IT DID NOT BREAK WHEN THE KIDS, NEW DRIVERS (I THOUGHT FORD PRODUCTS WERE SAFE WITH THEIR RECALLS) MY QUESTION TO ANYONE OUT THEIR CAN WE FILE SUIT AGAINST THIS FORM OF KNOWING NEGLIGENCE.

Structure › Body
Filed May 12, 201585,000 milesOH

THEY HAD A RECALL IN 2011 WHERE THEY PUT SUPPORT BRACKETS ON THE REAR AXLES. MINE DID HAVE THE BRACKETS PUT ON AND RIGHT BEHIND THE BRACKET THE AXLE STILL BROKE DRIVING DOWN THE STREET AT 40 MPH WHERE WE ALMOST HIT ANOTHER CAR WITH CHILDREN INSIDE HER AND MY VEHICLE. FORD SAID THE BRACKETS ARE ONLY WARRANTIED FOR 12 MONTHS. THESE VANS DO NOT NEED BRACKETS THEY NEED NEW AXLES. *TR

Suspension
Filed May 6, 2015149,000 milesNY

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2002 FORD WINDSTAR. WHILE THE VEHICLE WAS PARKED, THE REAR WHEELS EXTENDED OUTWARD. THE CONTACT RECEIVED A NOTIFICATION OF NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 10V385000 (SUSPENSION) AND BELIEVED THE FAILURE WAS RELATED TO THE RECALL. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT DIAGNOSED OR REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 149,000.

SteeringCrash
Filed May 3, 2015102,000 milesNY

TOTAL SUDDEN LOSS OF STEERING THE CAR WENT OFF THE ROAD TOTALLY OUT OF CONTROL. NO NOTIFICATION OF RECALL SUBFRAME COLLAPSE. ENTIRE STEERING PARTS DESTROYED AND COOLANT LEAKED FROM ENGINE THIS IS INCREDIBLE THAT NO ONE WAS INJURED I WAS ABOUT TO GET ON THE HIGHWAY!!! *TR

Suspension › Rear
Filed May 1, 2015154,000 milesMI

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2002 FORD WINDSTAR. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE VEHICLE WAS REPAIRED UNDER NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 12V195000 (SUSPENSION). WHILE DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 25 MPH OVER A BUMP IN THE ROAD, THE REAR TIRES BEGAN TO RUB UP AGAINST THE VEHICLE. THE CONTACT PULLED OVER AND DISCOVERED THAT THE REAR AXLE FRACTURED. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALER WHO DIAGNOSED THAT THE REAR AXLE FRACTURED AND NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED DUE TO THE VEHICLE BEING PREVIOUSLY REPAIRED WITH REINFORCEMENT BRACKETS DUE TO THE RECALL. THE MANUFACTURER WAS MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 154,000.

Electrical System
Filed Apr 27, 2015155,000 milesFL

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2002 FORD WINDSTAR. WHILE DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 60 MPH IN RAINY CONDITIONS, THE VEHICLE BEGAN TO JERK. THE ENTIRE INSTRUMENT PANEL, HEADLIGHTS, WINDSHIELD WIPERS, AND POWER WINDOWS FAILED TO OPERATE. THE ENGINE WARNING INDICATOR ILLUMINATED INTERMITTENTLY. THE VEHICLE WAS MANEUVERED TO THE SIDE OF THE ROAD UNTIL THE RAIN SUBSIDED. AFTER RESTARTING, THE FAILURE PERSISTED. THE FAILURE RECURRED TWICE. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC FOR DIAGNOSIS WHERE A CODE WAS NOT DETECTED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT NOTIFIED OF THE ISSUE. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 155,000.

Service Brakes
Filed Apr 25, 2015MD

THE ABS LIGHT COMES ON AND THEN OFF A LOT. *TR

Suspension
Filed Apr 15, 2015140,450 milesWI

I HAVE A BROKEN REAR AXLE, FORD SAY'S IT'S NOT UNDERANY RECALL'S. *TR

Suspension › Rear
Filed Apr 14, 2015130,000 milesMI

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2002 FORD WINDSTAR. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE VEHICLE WAS REPAIRED UNDER NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 10V385000 (SUSPENSION). WHILE DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 10 MPH MAKING A RIGHT TURN, THERE WAS A LOUD RUBBING NOISE EMITTING FROM THE REAR DRIVER'S SIDE OF THE VEHICLE. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT TAKEN TO THE DEALER. THE MANUFACTURER WAS MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 130,000.

Service Brakes
Filed Apr 10, 201516,700 milesOR

ABS BRAKE LITE ILLUMINATES, BRAKES APPEAR TO CONTINUE TO WORK. *TR

Reading these

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 →