We just dropped off 2001 Windstar today. The same story: rear axle cracked. Rental company met me at Ford Dealer and took me to sign paperwork for rental. While waiting I listened to manager attempt to help irate customer in same situation…wanting a van to replace their recalled van. Problem is, they only have so many vans and the supply is too high. I was patient and asked politely if we could attempt to locate at least an SUV so I can make use of the back for our family and gear…she found a Ford Escape. Better than the Hyundai Accent which looked to be my other option. So…I’ll drive the new Ford until March…which is their latest estimate.

I too own a Deathstar which turned out to have a cracked rear axle. My 16 year old son had been driving it. It was to be his vehicle. He could have been killed. With regard to buy-back, I have not received an offer. Since the car is old, and obviously not marketable for resale purposes, how do I afford to buy another vehicle in these hard economic times? If they give me a couple of grand for the van, I am still out of a vehicle. Ford Corporation: You put the lives of my family in jeopardy and didn’t even blink an eye. It took a lawsuit for you to recall these POS – recalled 11 times – lemons you pawned off on the public. How about some popsicle sticks glued to the axles to keep them together? I read that the front axles are harboring the same defects as the rear axle, but no recall for that yet huh? What about your POS ABS system that fails? You should all be ashamed of yourselves at Ford management. I bet Henry Ford is rolling in his grave right now.

I took my girlfriends 2001 windstar into the local dealer for the axle recall. I was told in november when i found out about and booked an appointment the parts would be avaliable in january if it neede an axle. I took it into the dealership with my girlfriend and was satisfied with the responses to my questions. such as if the axle needed replacing how long would she be without the van. There was over 20 vans in the parking lot oft the dealership needing axles. They did not even have the parts avaliable to fix the van like i was told when i booked it in. So reluctantly i left them the van. they said it would be a 50/50 chance it would need ax axle. My girlfriend got a call three hours later saying it was good . So today i was driving the van and did not like the feel of the brake pedal. Ok time to adjust the rears brakes. i jacked up the drivers side everything was good. Moved over the passenger side and was just about done when i noticed that the coil spring was broke???? From whree they checked the crack on the axle to the coil spring is only about a foot and half away. So how did a tech miss the broken coil spring. !?!? They released back to us and i have a two year old daughter who rides in this van. NOT IMPRESSED with this.

I don’t know all the legal issues with this recall, BUT Ford should have given you a Purchase Order number to take to Enterprise Rental car this morning to get a “Free” rental. You don’t have to pay for the insurance, or the rental of the car for the time it takes Ford to get your van fixed (who knows when that will be?) They have had mine since begining of November. Hope this helps, and glad you are safe after your accident.

Please help i nearly got into an accident and killed myself extremlely traumatic i need to know my rights for this recall. the rear axle just cracked managed to get over to the shoulder called AAA had it towed to the local ford dealer where these assholes gave me attitude and said not to drop off the car i said what do i do the car is not drivable and its not my fault its due because of the damn recall. so they took the car in after pleading with them and said the part will not be in until mid febuary and i said i have to work and i need a rental they told me to call first thing in the morning i just wanted to know my legal rights as to who is paying for all this including the rental

Ford is going way out of their way to help their customers, thats why I dont understand why people are b****ing so much. We took our van in recently and within 2 hours we were told that the axel was bad and that we were going to be given a rental car. The following day we received a 2010 Hyundai Sonata from Enterprise at no cost to us. When you look through the paper work it shows that Ford is paying over $1100 per month. Honestly they can keep my van the rest of the year for all I care!

I am generally a patient person, however the lack of information and understanding is quite frustrating. We too are affected by the recall. We did bring in our 2000 Windstar and were told it had a severe fracture. We were offered a compact car-i do not drive a minivan because I think it is cool, it is a necessity. I did ask the rep. how they planned on our family of 5 with 2 hockey players , hockey gear and bags to fit in a Focus. We were offered an Impala after much fight. I have called several times because they have had our vehicle for 4 months and I have had to sign 4 times for a rental car contact. We loved our van and it had been a fairly decent car. As a 2000, it only has 58,000 and has regular maintenance. I am frustrated with the lack of compassion and inconvience. Thank goodness my family was not injured and I apprerciated they are standing behind their product-of course only after deaths and government investigations. We are concerned because our vehicle is in a lot boxed in like a sardine, cars touching eachother, and has not been started. What will they do for the damage that is being done to the van now? I know some people stated the insurance was covered by Ford, not in New York! You must carry your own insurance, at least that is what we were told. I wish all of us luck! I spoke with Ford today, told the same thing i was 2 months agao, waiting on parts………

We just dropped our 2000 Windstar off on Friday1/7 and Saturday they called and said there were 2 holes in the rear axle and would need to keep it. Ford is willing to pay the rental fee and insurance up to a full size vehicle for the duration. However, if you want a minivan, they will still pay for the rental and insurance for the first 30 days, afterward you would need to pay the insurance. Check with your insurance company if you have that option in your current policy in covering rentals, we do. So, we don’t have to worry about insurance with the rental co and will get the rental paid for by Ford and have a minivan.

Helen – The original NHTSA Action Number PE10026 for the Windstar sub frame was closed and an engineering action EA10007 was opened. Get your daughter’s car listed in this action. Apparently this is the next step in the process of gathering data for a potential recall.

Helen – there is an NHTSA safety investigation in progress related to the Windstar sub-frame. Go to www.nhtsa.dot.gov. The NHTSA Action Number for this is PE10026. The sub frame for our Windstar failed this past summer while at speed on the highway & we we were very lucky that we weren’t in a serious accident. We had to pay $2000 to repair it (deciding it was still worth it vs. buying a replacement used minivan), but NHTSA investigator thought it was likely that Ford would be required to fix since it is a safety issue. Get your daughter’s car listed in this action.

Still driving free rental since October 30th. No date yet on repair. I’ll keep waiting since buyout was Blue book. Rental Sebring has Satellite and heated seats so I will wait.

If you drive by a dealership and your van is not in their lot don’t assume they are outsourcing repair, they are probably at another location or in storage still waiting to be repaired.

Like everyone else I’m blown away at this latest issue. Especially rear axles because you’ll lose both wheels if it breaks. However that being said, there are a couple of issues. I noticed someone blasting Ford for waiting so long. One thing that must be remembered is it takes years to corrode enough for it to break. You wouldn’t buy it new this year and have it break next year. Plus once Ford gets word of the damage report they then have to begin extreme testing to find out just how common a problem it is. Once they see that it can occur over and over then a recall is posted. It’s unfortunate when injuries occur and every automaker hopefully does all that they can to prevent them. However anyone living somewhere that salt is used on the road should know that a car must be washed VERY regularly. Especially the undercarriage. Just because the body looks good doesn’t mean that the vehicles is clean and going to be rust free. I’ve seen axles break on all kinds of vehicles (including Japanese imports), and even truck frames literally split in half because of rust. Even though this is a very scary situation because we’re not talking a two person pickup, but a seven passenger family hauler rust eats both equally. Another problem is that dealers actually have little direct association with Ford. The prices being offered are costs that the dealers are willing to pay, and then they get reimbursed for whatever they pay you. The other issue is that they can’t afford to pay everyone the total cost of a new vehicles. Simply put the recall affects 575,000 Windstars since 1998 (my wife’s van year) if you just took an average of only 2000 dollars you’re still talking a total sum of 1.15 Billion dollars. I’m not defending Ford in this matter. I own a very old van and car because I can’t afford anything new, so I’d like more money on a scrapped van too, but whether it’s Ford, Chevy, Dodge, Nissan, Toyota or any other the answer would be exactly the same if the situation was the same. I pray for everyones safety driving a Windstar. Wash your van, say your prayers, and watch for rust carefully. Good luck to you all, God bless!

I’m sorry to hear that everyone is having such a hard time with this. I luckily had my van tested a few days ago. It too failed, they said they didnt even have to grind it down, as soon as they put it up in the air you could see it is cracked. I also got a rental car, however I did insist on a “full sized” car, and not the compact they are offering. My 2003 is def NOT in the best conditions, so for me a reliable rental car is much better for us. As far as ford fixing the recal, I was told by a reliable source that all the recals and repairs are documented, every fractured axle will be sent back to ford in order for the dealership to get credited for it. if its not cracked, and if you dont believe them, ask to see it, they grind down the axle on all 4 sides, use a reinforcement brace, and spray coat it to seal it so it will no longer be exposed to the elements. This in itself will take a day or two. I was also told that ford is having a problemb with the parts being on back order. When I dropped mine off at my dealer there was probably about 50-60 more parked out back waiting for the same parts. If you know any one who has this van, please urge them to take it in and get it checked. Driving a rental is a much better problem than having your axle break while you are driving your van.

Three words best describe the vehicle: PIECE OF CRAP. The response is run-around. The custom service is horrible. The people working their is incompetent. Put this in your customer survey file.

Our 2001 Windstar goes in tomorrow for inspection. I have no idea what shape the axels are in. We are in Northwest Ohio. Have any of you guys had issues with the paint? Our paint started peeling before the warranty was up. Was told it was because the clear coat was not properly put on at the factory. They wouldnt repaint the car, they said there was no customer satisfaction program in place for that. So if they do offer me a buyback, all hell will break loose if they take the value down due to the paint. That is their paint job. They should own it. Oh we too have check engine light on that wont come off and break lights that come on and off whenever the car feels the need to act up. Chevy has a paint program, so does Honda after several lawsuits. If they put tape on your car, and pull the tape off, if it has paint on it, they will repaint your car. Well, ford should do that too, all I have to do is drive down the road and you see flexs of paint flying off. Everytime we wash the van, more paint comes off. Makes me not want to go through the carwash.

I dropped my 2003 Windstar off today. The parking lot at the dealership is filled with Windstars. I hope to hear from them tomorrow regarding repair. I am sure the dealerships are overwhelmed with this issue. Ford needs to be more responsible and held accountable. Thanks to all of the posts, I am not expecting this to be handled properly. I hope Ford steps up and does the right thing. I am blessed that I was not involved in an accident and my thoughts and prayers go out to all of those that were traumatized.

I am writing this for my daughter. She had her Windstar fixed at the junkyard so she will not be able to get a rental car. Last week we were putting in a new fuel pump and the guy noticed a crack in the passenger side front frame. I called Ford on Monday and needless to say they are not interested in helping us. I called Ace Motors, our local Ford Dealer and the diagnosed the problem as “Sub frame is cracked in half….VEHICLE IS UNSAFE TO DRIVE” What do you do? I already paid to have the original issue repaired and now will have to pay several humdred dollars for the cracked sub frame. I would advise everyone who has had their axle cracked to also check the sub frame. My daughter was deiving the car when the axle cracked and by the grace of God we found the cracked sub frame. If the power steering pump did not break it could have been worse. We are looking to join a CLASS ACTION SUIT AGAINST FORD. I have the name of an attorney in Philadelphia and have placed a call to him but have not spoken to him yet, Does anyone know anything else about a class action suit?

Here is something interesting. I went by the Ford dealer last night to see how many Windstars were setting out back, including mine. They were ALL GONE! Called dealer, they gave me the run around. So I’m guessing they are out sourcing repair. Hope its a certified tech and not some guy a Bubba’s Garage and Junk Shop making repairs.

FORD = Fix Or Repair Daily. Thank goodness we bought an extended warranty when we purchased our 1999 Windstar – can’t tell ya how much money was put into that vehicle already. Now we failed the rear axel “test” and our van has been held up at the dealer for over two months. I was told the part needed to fix this recall is no longer manufactured and that’s what the hold up is. I’m thankful Ford is paying for the rental (although for what they’re paying I should be driving a Lexus!), but I drive a minivan for the size…the compact car is not cutting it – especially in winter! Hopefully we’ll all get answers (or our vehicles; or a decent offer on our vehicle) soon!

Ford has had our 03 WINDSTAR for 3 weeks. No letters from Ford with offer of buy back. No calls from dealer. I did get a computer generated letter from Jordon Ford asking me how I liked their service. No comment! Drove by dealer and van is in lot with about 30 others.

Brought my minivan into the dealier in Nov. and got a call less than 30 minutes later that it failed inspection. Can’t really complain too much because Enterprise has been really nice, but it’s still a lot smaller than the van, especially for trips around the holidays. I’ve driven with the entire family on the highway a bunch of times at 65 MPH+ so that’s pretty scary. I was at the rental place today and a guy with a 2000 Windstar with 75,000 miles on it was offered $2710 but there was a disclaimer that they would have to take a look at it first to see if it needed any other repairs, and if so, he would have to make them. He said no way, he’ll just make them himself and resell it. He also said the Ford dealership didn’t offer him anything in the way of incentives to buy a new Ford so they’ve certainly lost a Ford customer.

My husband and I own our 2001 windstar and took it in and of course it was found unsafe. Thank god nothing happened to my family. I was given a ford focas first and within a week was switched to a mini van through enterprise. I was told it could be months before I get mine back, what a bummer. Can’t do the buy back thing, its not an option for my family. I think that the local dealerships and enterprise are doing what the can, but I think things should be the same for everyone whats with some people paying the sales tax and some not? whats with some being offered the buy back thing and some not? And why isn’t there a for sure date these parts are coming? Nothing like having a problem but then to have no answers on top of it thats what has me upset. I feel like ford thinks i am five years old and the answer of i don’t know is good enough… I feel for anyone who is in this situation it just paln sucks all the way around. My mother always said look at the positive in things well where is it in this situation?

I have a 1999 Ford Windstar at the dealer as a result of the recall. After inspection my vehicle was taken out of service. I was provided a rental free of charge, but have to pay fo rthe gasoline and applicable sales tax. I plan to dispute having to pay the sales tax with Ford Motor Co., as I’m without my vehicle due to a defective part THEY put in the vehicle! My husband and I are on a fixed income, as he is on Social Security disability, and I’m only working part time.

Just took my 2000 Ford (125,000) Windstar in today for the recall. They Found cracks and it’s now in the Windstar graveyard at the dealer. They had over 60 Windstars with cracked axles. I’m now driving an Enterprise’s 2010 Jeep ( which by the way is very nice) and was told I would owe nothing to Enterprise. I will call about taxes tomorrow !!! This is my second Ford van and have been very satisfied with each one! I hope Ford takes care of it’s loyal customers and avoid what Toyota is going through. My van may only be worth $2500-$3000 Blue Book, but what about what we have to endure to wait for them to fix it ! The rental alone will be worth more than the van. I hope Ford reads these and does what is right or they will lose a lot of Loyal Ford Owners.

I am so grateful for this site – we have been waiting to hear from Ford regarding our 2001 Windstar for 8 weeks. We are lucky in that we are driving a rental at no cost to us. If they can’t fix it, we want it REPLACED. We don’t want what it is worth. It has been paid off for years and ran great. We had just replaced the tires, brakes, etc… We have 140K miles on it. I think the powers to be in Ford Marketing should be looked at closely! They gave us a Chevy Impala to drive! Huh? Why wouldn’t Ford give us one of their cars (in hopes that we might really like it and want to buy it). We told the Ford dealership (tongue in cheek) how much we loved the new Chevy and never even considered looking at a Chevy until now! Honestly, the Impala is nice but I really miss my van!

I took my 2001 FORD Windstar into FORD today (12/30/2010). The service technician told me that FORD will now inspect my vehicle, which will take one entire day. Before leaving, I asked what FORD will do if my axle was found to be defective and what they will do if it is not found to be defective. I was told that if my axle was determioned to be cracked, they would have “condem” my van (meaning they would hold my van until FORD Corporate decides how nto handle these condemed vans). However, if my van was found to be unaffected, it would be released back to me and then I would be called when my dealership receives the approriated parts needed to fix the defective axle. Well, later that day, the FORD service tecnician called me and told me that my car passed the inspection. He also told me that the “kit needed to fix my axle had just arrived” (surprise, surprise). After questing the service tech, I was told this “repair kit” includes a bar that is “glued on top of my existing axle.” He also said that the axle recall on my vehicle would now be closed. QUESTION 1: What guarantees can FORD give me that my original axle will not fail at a later date? As the bar that they installed (or glued) on top of my existing axle will not prevent it from failing at a later date. If it does fail, will I have to cover the repair cost since FORD closed the axle recall on my van? QUESTION 2: If FORD will eventually repair of of the “condemed” vans with new axles (not this bar that is glued onto my existinbg axle) why can’t I too get an entirely new axle. It seems that since I had my car Ziebarted when I first purchased it, back in 2001, that slowed dowen the rust issue on the axle (but it did not stop it). So, because I took better care on my van, I am now being subjected to a more inferior repair method that other people with similar Windstar vans. NOT HAPPY!!!!

I was told they could buy back my 2003 Windstar from the first day I took it in and now they are telling me because it is a 2003 THat it does not have that option. The letter I received from Ford said it could be. I am really upset about people lying to me. Now they are saying they are checking up on it as a trade in and now they should know by Monday.I do hate being lied to and I am going to have my attornry check it out.

Has this recall been extended to southern states yet?? I’m hearing “yes” from friends but no confirmation on any web-sites I have checked. 1999 Windstar with 104,500 miles has served me well and I’d hate to loose it.

CLASS ACTION LAW SUIT AGAINST FORD for not getting the word out in a timely fashion to prevent this from happening.

I’ve been driving Ford’s rental since Sept 4, 2010. Dealer says they will have the new axle in January. After they fix the axle, I will not accept the van back without a certified written warranty the front and back axles are safe. My axle broke going 65 mph on the interstate 4 months ago, and am still driving a rental. over 8,000 miles on the rental, and they said the oil has never been changed. FORD doesn’t care about anything, not even their own cars they are renting out. Ford knew about the problem for years. Ford is a DADDY killer. Ford is a thief, stealing vans from families with children. Why are us Ford Windstar owners letting Ford get away with this? Come on people. Ford was negligent on not getting the word out in a timely fashion.

My 2000 windstar was paid off. My front sub frame brusted on me driving down the road. Then I get the recall on the rear axle. Talked to the dealership, I have to pay to have it towed in and looked at, Then towed back if the rear axle isn’t cracked. However the dealer called and said because its under recall they will buy it back without even looking at it if, we said we would buy a new ford from them. WHAT A JOKE!! I can’t afford another payment, and don,t want one. I will never buy another ford again!

My 2003 SEL has a hole in the axle and has been deemed unsafe, so it will be going into the “Windstar Graveyard” with the rest of the ones I saw at the dealership. I lost count at 43! And the hole? Yeah, it’s about the size of a pinky fingernail or smaller. They showed it to me and my response was, “That’s it?” It’s hardly big enough to mess with, but whatever. The noise in front is a stabilizing rod, not the axle apparently; something that I won’t have fixed until I know for sure they’re going to follow through with the rear problem, and also something I might not have fixed anyway as the mechanic said if I could stand the noise, it wouldn’t need fixing. Buyouts here so far have only been for those vehicles that are older, like the 1998-2000 versions. The service manager basically told me they wouldn’t offer to buy mine out, or at least he hasn’t seen any of the newer models offered a buyout to date. Word around here is that another Ford dealership in town is offering buyouts because they aren’t storing any of these for people. Who knows! The concern is that the buyout offers now might be the highest we see because as more and more of these come in, the more likely the amount of money Ford decides to dole out will decrease. That certainly makes sense to me as well, but if not given the option, what else are you supposed to do? I guess a phone call to Ford maybe…in the meantime, I’m driving a Chevy Impala from Enterprise. No cost to me whatsoever, and they even pick up the liability, etc. I was fine with this vehicle, by the way, because I’m sick of driving the van…I have a 16 (well, turning 16 tomorrow) and 13 y/o now, so I don’t need the extra room, other than when my oldest rides with me….he’s 6’9″, so it’s going to be a bit of a problem since he has yet to find a vehicle for himself! I will definitely have them check my front axle again after my car sits in the graveyard and waits for repair….good luck to everyone!

I’m taking mine (2003) in today for inspection, and while they’re at it, they will be inspecting my front axle. I’ve had a nasty noise coming from there for about 2 months now. I just read out on the web that the rust problem might be also in the front axle, so they told me they would check that as well for no charge. Anyone else have noise in the front or have you had your front axle checked? Dealership told me that they were about 50/50 with these being a problem. If deemed “danger to drive”, they’ll keep it and I’ll be in a rental until they get the replacement. Hmmm…will post later how this turns out. They’ll have it checked out completely by today.

So I am reading all of this and I am horrified that so many others are not getting the problem handled the way it should be. My husband and I just recieved the recall notice 4 days before christmas eve and planned on taking it in right after the holiday to get inspected. On christmas eve we were backing up out of the gas station and heard a loud bang from behind that sounded like we hit something, looked back and there was nothing there. Slowly we proceeded out of the parking lot made it 1 block and we heard another loud bang same sound breaks went out pieces hit the pavement. We turned right back down the other side of the block and headed home at less than 10mph in the snow so we could bank it if we had to. We had been on our way to christmas gathering and had we gotten on th e freeway we could have died!!!!! Something has to be done. I am reading that people are being offered very little. If I were offered 2,000 I would still owe the bank for the rest!!!! We are not rollin in dough and really diddnt want a car payment in the first place, there is no way I could afford 2 car payments because of faulty manufacturing. Has there been any talk about a class action suit??

Taking my 2001 SEL in this Wednesday for inspection. I keep hearing about the dealers refusing to give back the vehicle if the axle is cracked? I don’t see how they can legally “take” your car. If they want to “take” mine, they can give me a buy back offer. Have already been told about their deal with Enterprise on the rentals. Don’t expect another van due to a shortage is what the dealer told me. Hey Ford…just buy them back at Blue Book private party value and it will be the best investment you can make to retain loyal customers. Old saying goes…” If you want loyalty you have to provide service.” Older saying goes…” If you want loyalty, get a dog or marry an ugly woman”

Our 2000 Windstar’s axle was found out to be cracked and this was back at the beginning of November. Took two weeks for Ford to FedEx the paperwork to us….we took the buyout…they offered us $3635.00….we have 120,000 miles on it….it really was in great shape….but we were nervous about getting it fixed and getting back in that vehicle. It has now been over two weeks since I signed the title over and still no check! My husband stopped at the dealership today and they have no info…..big surprise!!!! Ford is a mulit-billion dolllar company and I find it hard to believe that it is taking this long to get our money to us!!! I’m having second thoughts now…but it’s a little too late now. We did buy another car, but we just want our money! I never should have signed the title over until the dealer had the check….you give me the check….I give you the title!!! Oh well….I guess it’s just a wait and see thing now….

I think it’s crap that only vehicles in the “salt states” have been recalled. I live in VA and we had more snow last year (2009) than my parents in OH! We’ve already had salt put on the roads twice this winter as well. Oh well, from what I read, Ford is a giant crap company anyway.

i own a 2000 ford windstar limited. paid $36k for this van. if dealer offer $3k for my van i’ll laugh at their arrogants. i got so many recalls to remember. this recall i will have to really take it seriously since it could get someone kill. i have enough car to drive at home. i can wait until it is warmer to bring this thing in so that they will not left it in a forlorn yard and let it die. i’m pretty sure that ford know about this problem long time ago. it is impossible not to know. they kept it quiet thinking that with car this old owner will send it to junk yard before they need to cough up to repair it. ford need to pay us each $10k to buy it back. not the measily $2K or $3k that they are offering. i don’t like lawsuit but if that comes to it then it is what we should be doing.

I contacted our local dealership about this recall, they said that they were not accepting any more vehicles for inspection because the axles are on backorder and that if the axle is cracked, they need to give us a rental. Can they do this? Can a Ford dealership refuse this? This isn’t a small dealership, and if Ford Motor Co. is paying for the rental, what is the deal with the dealership refusing the recall inspection?

My 2003 Windstar’s is not being recalled because it has lived its life outside of the rust belt in Florida. Unfortunately I live in a coastal community on the Atlantic Ocean and am experiencing rust pitting problems on the rear axle. But because mine is not in one of the affected states, my van is not eligible for the recall, buy-out or rental car. I have an unsafe van with a known safety defect that Ford will not cover. What can I do?

Brought my car to the nearest dealer for repair of the rear driver side axel today. The dealer also found two more other recalls they will fix. I was told that the rear axel parts will not be in until February. I will be driving a rental for the next two months I guess. I am lucky that I got the I got the recall letter before anything bad happened. The brake and ABS light on the dashboard also is lighting up on me. Just hope that I will get my van sooner.

Called yesterday re: having van looked at. Brought it up and got a call at 9:00 this morning that rear axle cracked. Thank God did not break while driving it. Told Jan/Feb until axle available to repair and they have 40 other vehicles sitting at the dealership. Like many others need to keep this vehicle…can’t afford a new one. Husband was injured last January and is disabled.

We have had our free subcompact rental from Ford for several days now. They took our 99 Windstar last friday December 17th they said they are waiving the tax on the rental. Yesterday Monday December the 20th they tried to offer us the $2,355.00 for our Windstar. You cannot buy a used car that runs for that kind of money! Today they are trying to force our hand, they asked us to provide a millage statement and proof of ownership of our Windstar to get it fixed. They do not need this information, they will use it against you to say your vechicle is worth nothing. I told Latrobe Ford in Latrobe,PA I want my van fixed and I want it fixed now! If they don’t fix it it is going to be a long time before Enterprise gets their 2011 HHR back.

I was driving my van in October of this year on the 94 E expressway going 70 mph!!!! The axle snapped while I was in the far left lane. The tires folded in and the front tires shredded. There was plenty of on coming traffic and a large truck was part of it. I managed to meneuver the car without being smashed to bits to the sholder. I had my enitre family in the car including my 2 year old and my 7 year old son. Talk about traumatized. Ford didnt offer me a settlement but they are only wanting to fix the axle. They are saying the rest of the repairs are on me. The service repair man had the audacity to say well at least there is a recall otherwise you would have just been stuck with the repairs. Excuse me!!! At first they gave me a rental with a 1000.00 deductiable, and the car needed work … it had bad brakes and was drinking gas. They then told me to bring the car back and I had to give 100.00 deposit to get a rental. Enterprise gave me an upgrade because I have a larger family. But other wise I would have had an economy car. When I took the first car back the service man asked me was I going to sue .. the thought originally never crossed my mind however now I think I will.

The dealer in Rochester NH said no crack the gave me a truck! I have five kids 10 and under. I don’t feel safe with a reinforcement! They obviously don’t care if I drive a Ford again. I reserved a minivan withEnterprise but since they can make $144 a day on it this holiday season(vesus Fords38) Hunter wouldn’t take care of me and my young children. With 197,000 I feel blessed we weren’t killed. Our family had this 2002 Windstar since it rolled off the lot. They could care less about losing loyal customers. I appreciated they didn’t file bankruptcy but not enough to risk my kids! I can’t sell this thing and I can’t drive it! Overall I had been happy and spent little to keep it running. Ford could’ve loaned their inventory and made an employee rate offer to keep my car seats in it. Where are your MBAs now? I heard the dealer in Manchester NH is better. No way I believe the axle is okay and Rochester NH dealer doesn’t have any Windstars in the lot, but Dover Enterprise rental said they aren’t giving out vans! Call before you bring your death trap in to see if they will take care of you!

I must say after reading all of these comments I am really jealous & also really mad! I also have a 1999 Ford Windstar which has been sitting at the dealership since 10-20-2010 due to a cracked rear axle. I was offered a buy-back about 2weeks after I dropped it off there, but I was only offered $2000!! Everyone else who has been offered a buy-back has been offered more than me, even those whose vehicles are lower years than mine. I think it’s time for me to call Ford & find out why I am being offered so little. I declined the offer only because they were not willing to provide me additional time after receiving the check to purchase a new vehicle & the rental vehicle they provided me with is my only means of transportation right now. I’m also very upset that I was required to put up a $100 deposit just to get the vehicle and the rental companies give you all kinds of rules you must follow while using their vehicle- no smoking, no pets, return it spotless or be charged a detailing fee. This is ridiculous, I did not ask to have a defective vehicle, be responsible for someone else’s vehicle, be given limitations & to go from a van to a very small car!!

My van is currently being inspected, not sure if it is cracked yet…if not, how am I suppose to feel safe with my wife and 4 kids driving on the interstate? Also, how does an exterior visual inspection find corrosion inside the axle tube? I was born at night but not last night….ford needs to pick up the pace, I am ready to forget them as a manufacturer, most of these vehicles these days are overly expensive junk.

I feel horrible for the family of the father of 2 that lost their dad because of this rear axle negligence on Ford’s part. Why isn’t anyone demanding settlements that are equal to their loss. You can’t replace a daddy, Ford! I am ashamed of Ford and will never buy another. My husband almost lost his wife, 2 of his youngest kids, his brother in law and his nephew because of Ford’s Negligence. I was driving 65 mph on the interstate when my axle broke in 2 pieces. By some miracle, we were not hurt at all. The kids were scared to death and so was my brother, for that matter. I was still litterally shaking 8 hours later after the incident when we finally got home safe. I was still shaking when I drove 2 hours home after the incident. I’m lucky I didn’t have an accident afterwards. I had a few close calls. This happened Sept 4 and still no van, settlement or anything. Still driving small 5 passenger rental. Trying to figure out how to get 7 family members to Chicago next month in it. A lawyer has contacted me about this matter. I’ve put over 4,000 miles on the brand new rental, it needs an oil change, i’ve been driving it over 3 months now. It is going to be one used piece by the time Ford gets it back, squishing 4 kids in it all the time, muddy snowy boots, 5 year olds can’t seem to keep feet off the seat or cereal and food in their mouths very well, oh well. Ford…you better man up! Ford hasn’t even called to check up on their rental, either. I bet they are not going to keep my van weatherized and battery going. I can’t even check on it cuz it’s over 2 hours away! Shame on you FORD!!!

I have just only gotten the recall letter. Mine is a 1998 with 69,000 original miles. I need this to get my disabled brother & 83 year old mother to doctors & stores. OMG this is the worst. I will keep all posted