Ford Windstar Recall: 575K Minivans May Suffer Rear Axle Fracture

• StacyOctober 6, 2023 at 10:28 pm

  2002 Ford Windstar rear axle broke, left me stranded almost wrecked, trying to stop the vehicle. They said they was the no recall for my model in the axles contact local dealerships all lied and put me off like I was trying to get something for nothingI hope they go out on strike and starve to death. Ford like everyone else now has outsourced the answering service so you speak to people that don’[Show More]2002 Ford Windstar rear axle broke, left me stranded almost wrecked, trying to stop the vehicle. They said they was the no recall for my model in the axles contact local dealerships all lied and put me off like I was trying to get something for nothingI hope they go out on strike and starve to death. Ford like everyone else now has outsourced the answering service so you speak to people that don’t even speak English American made my ass.

• EricOctober 17, 2021 at 8:54 pm

  I bought a 01 Windstar only to have the rear axle crack in half exactly where all the others have .took it to Ford dealer cause they said bring it in .only to have them tell me it would be 1000$ to fix said no recall for me .then said I can pick up my van as long as I paid the 167$ inspection fee Wich I never agreed to or signed any thing to that affect.never even mentioned there would be a charge[Show More]I bought a 01 Windstar only to have the rear axle crack in half exactly where all the others have .took it to Ford dealer cause they said bring it in .only to have them tell me it would be 1000$ to fix said no recall for me .then said I can pick up my van as long as I paid the 167$ inspection fee Wich I never agreed to or signed any thing to that affect.never even mentioned there would be a charge to look at it plus all u have to do is look under the back of the van and you will see the cracked in half axle

• TedDecember 7, 2016 at 1:26 am

  My son's winstar axle broke while driving. Stranded him and a bridge, Very dangerous. Dealer indicates that time for his recall has expired so the cost of repair is left to him. How can they put a time limit on a recall this dangerous?

• TimothyOctober 26, 2015 at 4:36 pm

  We've owned our 1998 Windstar for just 3 years and have liked it. So disappointing to see this recall and also not see Ford jumping through hoops to pay for a new axle, period. Instead, the letter talks of the brackets possibly "improperly" installed. This hints that if properly installed all is well. Pretty easy to find out that the brackets even if "properly" installed the axles are going to [Show More]We've owned our 1998 Windstar for just 3 years and have liked it. So disappointing to see this recall and also not see Ford jumping through hoops to pay for a new axle, period. Instead, the letter talks of the brackets possibly "improperly" installed. This hints that if properly installed all is well. Pretty easy to find out that the brackets even if "properly" installed the axles are going to fail. It's not an "if' but a "when". Also, try to find out what they even mean by "improperly" . Can't they just admit the axle is inferior, dangerous, and must be replaced?

• Carlos and CristinaJuly 28, 2015 at 11:19 pm

  AHHHHHHHHHHHH!!!!! About 2 weeks ago the rear axle of our Windstar broke. We took it to the corner shop and they did a VERY temporary fix to literally get it home. The following day I found out about the recall (we're not the first owners) and I called our local Ford (from whom we purchased an older Fusion from). They informed me that there was actually THREE recalls on it and asked to drop it of[Show More]AHHHHHHHHHHHH!!!!! About 2 weeks ago the rear axle of our Windstar broke. We took it to the corner shop and they did a VERY temporary fix to literally get it home. The following day I found out about the recall (we're not the first owners) and I called our local Ford (from whom we purchased an older Fusion from). They informed me that there was actually THREE recalls on it and asked to drop it off. I dropped it off only for them to tell us that they, per Ford, could not fix it because we "attempted" to fix it. We picked up yesterday and it broke AGAIN because of the TEMPORARY fix that was done when we "attempted" to fix it. Called Ford and they said they couldn't do anything about it. RIDICULOUS how they can get "around" what is an obvious (even to the untrained eye) simple solder and not repair it!!!!!

• BillJune 8, 2015 at 3:12 pm

  http://www.carcomplaints.com/Ford/Windstar/2003/suspension/rear_axle_control_arm_cracked_at_point_fixed_under_recall.shtml this is a link to another recall site, i include pictures and an update

• NathanJuly 27, 2014 at 10:32 pm

  Our axle broke even after Ford put cheap brackets on it. Ford refuses to replace the bad axle because they say the recall has since expired. I really wish there was a away to sue Ford to get them to care more. We had the axle welded but that will not last long. I need to get a new vehicle.

• LynnJuly 21, 2014 at 8:09 pm

  We were driving 60 miles per hour on the Freeway , when our rear axel snapped in two on our Ford Windstar. We had our entire family in our van. We heard a load noise, smoke was everywhere. We were all scared to death. We were able to bring the van to a sudden stop, but our entire family was traumatized. We stood on the side of the road ( at midnight). Waiting on a friend to pick us up. We to[Show More]We were driving 60 miles per hour on the Freeway , when our rear axel snapped in two on our Ford Windstar. We had our entire family in our van. We heard a load noise, smoke was everywhere. We were all scared to death. We were able to bring the van to a sudden stop, but our entire family was traumatized. We stood on the side of the road ( at midnight). Waiting on a friend to pick us up. We took our van to a Ford dealer when we received a recall letter. They supposedly fix the van, by putting two little brackets on the rear axel. Now Ford is saying they rant responsible, because the auto place we took our van to put the brackets on wrong!! REALLY? FORD, are you even serious right now? I'm without a car and this is very stressful. Also people have died from your NEGLIGENCE! Please stop putting lives in danger, please put a new rear axel on these vans, not a cheap set of brackets..

• billybillApril 29, 2014 at 4:11 pm

  NOT sure iof my van is affected i live in philly araea. BUT this van served me well with some huge reapirs lately 600$ new water pump and motor mounts NEW baterry $60 alternator last year $85 cost installed starter 3 yrs old guaranteed for life of vehicle $300 any way was told by pep boys parts guy this is the worst model ever for ford he said more parts are sold for windstars than all other ma[Show More]NOT sure iof my van is affected i live in philly araea. BUT this van served me well with some huge reapirs lately 600$ new water pump and motor mounts NEW baterry $60 alternator last year $85 cost installed starter 3 yrs old guaranteed for life of vehicle $300 any way was told by pep boys parts guy this is the worst model ever for ford he said more parts are sold for windstars than all other makes. Anyway this is my last ford product and i had them all MERC Grand marquis only 63,000 miles on it dead in junk yard after 4 years. consantly after 2nd year every month had to fix something including broken tie rod while i was driving thank god low speed no one around. Lincoln continental mark 3 plaese every week that gas pig killed me got crushed in accident was happy to unload it to scrap yard for $300 old ford fairmount was ok but got whacked in cuty streets bought an old olds 98 after that. Anyway got to replace two sensors reset the vehicle by removing battery terminals so the CHK ENG goes off and cross fingers it stays off replace both tail lights and then sell it for about $1000 knowing next owner gets at laest a year trouble free only thing is seats removed cause i used this van for scrap iron work. SO i have to list as such.

• gintarasNovember 29, 2013 at 11:36 am

  i have ford windstar in Europe,also broken rear axle,ford usa said-no recalls for this axle for my car.Ford USA dont know who is real seller in EU .First central office send me to Finland ford,this seller-no we do not sell this cars...Then send me to another finland company(for USA said yes contact with this company) .This company said-no no -we just sell in finland and for finland buyers...So s[Show More]i have ford windstar in Europe,also broken rear axle,ford usa said-no recalls for this axle for my car.Ford USA dont know who is real seller in EU .First central office send me to Finland ford,this seller-no we do not sell this cars...Then send me to another finland company(for USA said yes contact with this company) .This company said-no no -we just sell in finland and for finland buyers...So same car same problem and problem with Ford USA Company...i dont want buy any other USA For car in my live...

• MichaelMay 9, 2013 at 3:23 pm

  I have a 2001 Winstar which was in for the recall on the rear axle, there were clamps put on. Do not feel safe with this fix, my rear axle broke right under the clamp and I called Ford they told me the warranty on the fix is 3 month or 5000 Kilometers. A joke, when you are dealing with peoples lives. Expect no help from FORD. I will never drive another.

• BrendaJanuary 4, 2013 at 1:46 am

  In March of 2008 our Ford Windstar was making noises. When my husband looked underneath the van, it almost made him sick. The rear axle had a huge crack through it. We had just been traveling 70 miles an hour on the interstate the day before. Of course, when he took it to the dealership they said "we have never seen anything like this before." We still owed money on this vehicle and ended up [Show More]In March of 2008 our Ford Windstar was making noises. When my husband looked underneath the van, it almost made him sick. The rear axle had a huge crack through it. We had just been traveling 70 miles an hour on the interstate the day before. Of course, when he took it to the dealership they said "we have never seen anything like this before." We still owed money on this vehicle and ended up having to trade and loosing money on that. Since then we have been driving Mitsubishi vehicles and will never drive a piece of crap Ford vehicle again. EVER! We also had problems with a Ford Windstar before where the head gasket went bad. The recall for that came after the problems and the recall only covered the head gasket and not the whole computer board that blew because of the bad head gasket. Should have learned our lesson then, but we didn't. The thing that really makes me sick with Ford is that if they would have started checking into these issues early in 2008 when we started reporting a problem, some lives could have been saved!

• HeathOctober 2, 2012 at 2:37 am

  Have 2003 windstar limited, rear axle broke on Saturday, called ford on Monday morning, gave ford info and vin # they come back and tell me that my vehicle is not part of the recall because my vehicle had a different axle and was out of warranty. Every vehicle in this recall is out of warranty. Total BS axle broke in same spot as all the ones I have seen online and on you-tube. Very very upset [Show More]Have 2003 windstar limited, rear axle broke on Saturday, called ford on Monday morning, gave ford info and vin # they come back and tell me that my vehicle is not part of the recall because my vehicle had a different axle and was out of warranty. Every vehicle in this recall is out of warranty. Total BS axle broke in same spot as all the ones I have seen online and on you-tube. Very very upset with FMC.

• primitive cornejoSeptember 13, 2012 at 1:12 pm

  I live in north Carolina and the rear axle broke on my windstar 2000 I was looking for a replacement over the web to fix it when I found out that ford recall those minivan I call the ford dealership end they said not notice of that. The only way to replace is if I have an insurance with ford. Why only in certain states? What I can do? Any body can give me hand up?

• jamesMay 29, 2012 at 12:27 am

  how do i get i n the ssuit i had my kids in it when it broke

• JJV!November 15, 2011 at 12:39 am

  WOW WOW WOW! AMAZING STORIES GUYS AND GOD BLESS YOU ALL. I GUESS I WILL TAKE IT THIS WEEK TO GET INSPECTED AGAIN. THANK YOU ALL1

• JeffAugust 3, 2011 at 3:35 pm

  I have a 2001 Ford Windstar. While taking off at a green light, the carriage dropped and my accelerator went to the floor and I had no steering. This was on a highway to make things worse. Thank goodness it was a Saturday morning, without much traffic because I went straight into the other lane. Could have been dire. The power steering pulley and serpentine belt broke which Ford did not cover[Show More]I have a 2001 Ford Windstar. While taking off at a green light, the carriage dropped and my accelerator went to the floor and I had no steering. This was on a highway to make things worse. Thank goodness it was a Saturday morning, without much traffic because I went straight into the other lane. Could have been dire. The power steering pulley and serpentine belt broke which Ford did not cover. They did replace the motor carriage and rear axle for no charge, but wouldn't cover anything that broke when the carriage broke. I don't get it.

• channieJuly 8, 2011 at 1:22 am

  I have had so many issues with this 99 ford windstar its unreal . who do i contact to resolve this ??

• KimKJune 12, 2011 at 12:52 am

  We have 3 vans. Two are Fords. The front coil spring in the one broke two weeks ago. It is still sitting in driveway. Today, our 16 yr old daughter was driving, the other van, across town, not more than 3 miles from home, one of the coil springs in the front broke on it. Just going down a 25 mph road. This sounds to me like the coil springs on these vans were not any good. These are .

• PamJune 1, 2011 at 4:51 pm

  Just got my van back May 20th, Ford had it since Nov. 1, 2010. The dealership told me that all the tires were dry rotted, the battery was replaced, and the van was ready to be picked up. They said one of the tires had a leak. I figured it was something I needed to just watch. It was flat by the time I drove 6 miles home. Ford Co. wouldn't do anything and asked if the dealership was aware I wa[Show More]Just got my van back May 20th, Ford had it since Nov. 1, 2010. The dealership told me that all the tires were dry rotted, the battery was replaced, and the van was ready to be picked up. They said one of the tires had a leak. I figured it was something I needed to just watch. It was flat by the time I drove 6 miles home. Ford Co. wouldn't do anything and asked if the dealership was aware I was driving it from the lot. What kind of question is that. At first the dealership told me oh well and it wasn't their problem. Then I spoke to management at the dealership and the man was wonderful and sent someone out immediately to replace the one bad tire, though I was already told that I cannot replace just one tire. Yesterday the alternator went out, not sure if that could be related to it sitting for almost 7 months. But the van runs worse than when it went in, dies out when idleing. Who knows. Loved the free rental but now have a car that is not reliable.

• KristenaMay 14, 2011 at 1:01 am

  I just bought my 1998 windstar about 6 months ago and i learned about the rear axle recall at the end of feb i took my van for inspection on 3/1/11 and was also put into a loaner that same day. i picked up my van today 5/13/11 to find that my passenger window door lock and speaker no longer works my air conditioner does not work, i need a new battery and alternator, and muffler. i have a nice size[Show More]I just bought my 1998 windstar about 6 months ago and i learned about the rear axle recall at the end of feb i took my van for inspection on 3/1/11 and was also put into a loaner that same day. i picked up my van today 5/13/11 to find that my passenger window door lock and speaker no longer works my air conditioner does not work, i need a new battery and alternator, and muffler. i have a nice size dent in the front passenger fender and pick paint on my passenger mirror. it also looks as if the the right headlight cover has been replaced. I also have a huge crack down the right side of my windshield. i also have 5 check engine code so i can not even pass an echeck. i will never go back to ford again! and will make sure that everyone knows how they do not take care of customers!

• AustinMay 10, 2011 at 3:23 pm

  Is there any word on whether or not the buyout option will extend to cover the 2002? I am about to take my van in this Friday to be inspected, and honestly after reading the horror stories I am ready to take the buyout. I'd still buy Ford I think, but man they sure make it hard to want to purchase from them.

• BillApril 22, 2011 at 6:10 pm

  I have two Windstars,a99 and an 03 .The 03 has a six inch crack in the rear axle which i am now driving a 2011 Chrysler Town & Country rental. Ford has treated me good and Enterprise rental has been great. One other comment i'd like to make is about people talking about blown head gaskets. I do my own engine work and i noticed that my intake gaskets are thick plastic with rubber o-rings .The[Show More]I have two Windstars,a99 and an 03 .The 03 has a six inch crack in the rear axle which i am now driving a 2011 Chrysler Town & Country rental. Ford has treated me good and Enterprise rental has been great. One other comment i'd like to make is about people talking about blown head gaskets. I do my own engine work and i noticed that my intake gaskets are thick plastic with rubber o-rings .These o-rings can leak after a period of time (maybe while sitting),and can leak coolant down into the oil pan which can look like a faulty head gasket. On my 99 even with new gaskets after sitting for a long period i loosened the oil plug and drained out a small amount of coolant.(water is heavier than oil and goes to the bottom,which that's the first thing that your oil pump will pick up which will result in abad engine. Thank Bill

• jacqueApril 19, 2011 at 1:43 pm

  Got the call april 4th my 2001 windstar was done. The dealer also told me that he could not keep it running. He thought the head gasket had blown he wanted 1500 to fix the head gasket. I had told the service dept to fix it but I was not happy. They then called to tell me the block was craked instead now they want 2750 to put in a junkyard motor with no warranty. I am totally fed up. They als[Show More]Got the call april 4th my 2001 windstar was done. The dealer also told me that he could not keep it running. He thought the head gasket had blown he wanted 1500 to fix the head gasket. I had told the service dept to fix it but I was not happy. They then called to tell me the block was craked instead now they want 2750 to put in a junkyard motor with no warranty. I am totally fed up. They also parked my van outside with no attention given. If my van would have been at home in the garage and ran everyday like normal I don't believe this would have happened

• KellyApril 17, 2011 at 4:15 am

  I was hearing that same clunking noise before received my recall notice back in October. Ford had my van form 10/16/10 thru 3/23/11 because they had find the part I have 2 call on Monday morning because Im hearing that same notice again. Personally I'm starting to believe they tried 2 rebuild it since reading someone said he could not locate the axle.

• johnApril 12, 2011 at 8:00 pm

  Got the call from dealer yesterday car finally fixed 6 months later! Car ran perfect no problems till axle broke on us November 17th 2010. Car towed and sat in lot till yesterday when I wnet to pick it up with my family. Started up but started missing, I attributed this to standing, started driving in lot to exit and it sounded like the rear was going to fall out, started running rougher as well. [Show More]Got the call from dealer yesterday car finally fixed 6 months later! Car ran perfect no problems till axle broke on us November 17th 2010. Car towed and sat in lot till yesterday when I wnet to pick it up with my family. Started up but started missing, I attributed this to standing, started driving in lot to exit and it sounded like the rear was going to fall out, started running rougher as well. Pulled back around building spoke to GM and told him I am not taking this, left with rental. Went back this morning, April 12, 2011, had service manager get in and explained what was wrong, brakes, roughness and noise in front and rear so he decided to drive it. we went about 30ft when he said sorry. I left and called him a few hours later, they left the shocks loose! Called ford to complain about breaks, rough running they said dealer put new plugs in it but it now needed head gaskets!! I called ford a few times to express my concern about the vehicle sitting and was told lets wait till we pick it up, well I am not paying for something that isn’t my fault. My vehicle ran perfectly before the axle broke. The ford rep said they would not help me s they weren’t sure of the condition before the car was there, I told verbatim “ listen why would I put my family in a car that I dangerous” he could not answer but his other response was “Our engineers say that there shouldn’t be a problem with the vehicles sitting this long” my response to him was “ is this the same engineer that designed the axle cause if it is I don’t have any faith in their design” no response to that as well. So now I am stuck with a car I cannot sell, nor trade in! my KBB value is zilch and ford will do nothing to assist.

• PamApril 7, 2011 at 10:34 pm

  Got my 2002 Ford Windstar back this week after 5 weeks of driving a rental. I thought wow, I was a lucky one. Well, to my surprise. My van died on me once in the parking lot and again that evening when I got it home. Also my check engine light came on. Called the dealer the very next day and they asked if I could bring it back in. Took it in the that night, got a call the next day....$800 in repai[Show More]Got my 2002 Ford Windstar back this week after 5 weeks of driving a rental. I thought wow, I was a lucky one. Well, to my surprise. My van died on me once in the parking lot and again that evening when I got it home. Also my check engine light came on. Called the dealer the very next day and they asked if I could bring it back in. Took it in the that night, got a call the next day....$800 in repairs for a cam sensor and a fuel pump hose. Dealer told me that they contacted Ford and Ford said it wasn't covered under the warranty for the recall because one those parts aren't covered and two I drove it off the lot! OH MY. Will be calling Ford Motor Company in the morning! I took a perfectly working car to them 5 weeks ago! Hello, this was from it sitting for that long! FORD NEEDS TO DO SOMETHING ABOUT THESE ISSUES NOW! I like many others on here held Ford to high respect. That is not going to happen anymore. I have told everyone about my problems and WILL NEVER BUY FORD AGAIN! My 70 year old father has been a loyal Ford Customer for over 40 years, guess what...not any more. He's will never buy another FORD after this incident. Dont' get my wrong, I commend Ford for the recall but stand behind the issues too. You had to know they were going to happen.

• STEVEApril 7, 2011 at 3:45 pm

  getting my 2000 windstar back aftter 3 months of down time; ford put me in a sweet ride of a jeep liberty rental. would buy that jeep over the ford anyday. the windstar comes home today, ford replaced the rear axle and replaced the battery. they said they sent many to the scrap yard , but i wonder why mie was able to be repaired . i was hoping for a buy out and sweet trade in offer sicne it is o[Show More]getting my 2000 windstar back aftter 3 months of down time; ford put me in a sweet ride of a jeep liberty rental. would buy that jeep over the ford anyday. the windstar comes home today, ford replaced the rear axle and replaced the battery. they said they sent many to the scrap yard , but i wonder why mie was able to be repaired . i was hoping for a buy out and sweet trade in offer sicne it is over 10 years old

• PamApril 7, 2011 at 3:38 pm

  Picked up my 2001 Windstar on 3/25 after 5 months (11/1/10 it was towed to the dealer) of sitting on the dealer's lot. In the beginning, dealer said they start the vehicles every day. I know that's an outright lie because after several snowstorms that we've had, I went by the dealers lot and no snow had been touched, removed or stepped in around the car. Ford said they are also supposed to 'dri[Show More]Picked up my 2001 Windstar on 3/25 after 5 months (11/1/10 it was towed to the dealer) of sitting on the dealer's lot. In the beginning, dealer said they start the vehicles every day. I know that's an outright lie because after several snowstorms that we've had, I went by the dealers lot and no snow had been touched, removed or stepped in around the car. Ford said they are also supposed to 'drive' the cars a bit once each month to avoid flat spots on the tires. However, mine was undrivable because the axle had already broken (twice - first left side then right); so that didn't happen either and I have flat spots on the tire(s). On Friday, April 1, one week after picking the car up, it wouldn't start. Had to have it towed to my own mechanic who said the starter had corroded and melted. So he fixed it ($400) thinking it was just that. Three days later, car died again. Yesterday, I found out that there is an antifreeze leak inside the engine which means a "cracked head" or head gasket. My mechanic also said that the started was so severely melted that the only way it could have melted that badly was by someone repeatedly attempting to start the car or that the car severely overheated (and I know it wasn't me). This problem if we choose to get it fixed will be about $1,600. Clearly, the techs at the dealer could not get the car to start and just kept trying until it finally did (however, never said a word to me about that problem when I picked the car up). I'm about to head into battle with Ford to have this resolved . I have proof that my car was in perfect running condition before they got it. I know that they are going to deny any issues whatsoever, but I'm not going anywhere until they take care of it or have to call the police to have me taken from the dealer bodily. By the way, I was on my way to get gas in the car when the axle broke but never made it, so it was low when the dealer got it. When I picked it up, I prayed that I would make it to a gas station because the tank was virtually empty -- more evidence that the car was not started/run in 5 months. Also, the dealer noted on my receipt that the car had to be brought into the shop via forklift. But I'm sure that didn't cause any damage!!!!!

• BridgetteApril 6, 2011 at 2:54 pm

  To Chris: You are an idiot also. My husband was a Ford dealer. We cleaned the underside of our van, garaged it, took it for inspection before trips, maintained it very well. This was a Ford Defect. My family was almost killed when the axle went out on the interstate. FORD was negligent. To you ignorant people writing on this site, like Chris and Ryan, get a life. You just want to cause trouble. YO[Show More]To Chris: You are an idiot also. My husband was a Ford dealer. We cleaned the underside of our van, garaged it, took it for inspection before trips, maintained it very well. This was a Ford Defect. My family was almost killed when the axle went out on the interstate. FORD was negligent. To you ignorant people writing on this site, like Chris and Ryan, get a life. You just want to cause trouble. YOu have no clue what its like to live through a devistating situation like this. Get a life!

• BridgetteApril 6, 2011 at 2:47 pm

  Ryan, you are a clueless idiot on what is going on with the Ford Windstar. Keep your stupid comments to yourself.

• joyApril 6, 2011 at 1:08 pm

  i have a 2000 windstar i just looked up recalls and i was so shocked i have 5 kids and anything could have broke at anytime i fear putting my kids back in that van my family is my life where would i get my van checked for recalls someone please let me know

• dustinApril 2, 2011 at 1:22 pm

  MY 2000 windstar went in last week for the recall it failed both front and rear. 'The worst they seen yet ' They said. they gave me a rental car which is no good for me thats why we own vans not cars. So im now paying everyday out of my pocket to upgrade to a van. while my van sit at Ford with all the others. I tried contacting ford on the issue they said no about a buy back no about taking some m[Show More]MY 2000 windstar went in last week for the recall it failed both front and rear. 'The worst they seen yet ' They said. they gave me a rental car which is no good for me thats why we own vans not cars. So im now paying everyday out of my pocket to upgrade to a van. while my van sit at Ford with all the others. I tried contacting ford on the issue they said no about a buy back no about taking some money off a new ford product i cant belive i was going to spent 45,000 on a new truck from them and they would not even take 500 bucks off. instead let my van be fixed $2000 and thousands for rental. From reading some storie here some people are getting buy outs why only some??????? Ford needs to reconsider buyout or a discount towards a new product. we will all win they will save we will get rid of our crap . Im going to be contacting ford.

• RyanApril 1, 2011 at 10:56 pm

  You couldn't find a ford windstar rear end in the numerous junk yards across the states. Just sound like you want to complain about something. Maybe if when you took your vehicle to the garage where you got your inspection sticker the inspector actually looked closely like he is supposed to he would have noticed the flaw. Take it up with them.

• MartinApril 1, 2011 at 7:19 pm

  My 2003 Windstar was recalled 24 Feb due to the Subframe crack issue. Never had an issue with the Axle recall Got a call this morning that my Van was ready to be picked up. All repaired. 6 weeks. Not too unhappy. Had a nice rental for that time. Now just hav eto decide if I want to keep the van. Only 44000 miles, on it. Dealer did offer me a good deal on a new Truck.

• TameraMarch 30, 2011 at 8:35 pm

  I drive interstate 90 in Cleveland, Ohio everyday. My axle broke in December 2010, at the time I was 2 months pregnant , now I'am 5 months and there is another recall on the van for defective frames. I turned down the offer for 2,000 dollars thinking I've put more than that into the vehicle on repairs.Now I don't even want the van back, how in the world can you attach a new axle on a frame that ha[Show More]I drive interstate 90 in Cleveland, Ohio everyday. My axle broke in December 2010, at the time I was 2 months pregnant , now I'am 5 months and there is another recall on the van for defective frames. I turned down the offer for 2,000 dollars thinking I've put more than that into the vehicle on repairs.Now I don't even want the van back, how in the world can you attach a new axle on a frame that has also been recalled? DOES NOT SOUND SAFE!!!!!!!!!!. I am still in a rental vehicle and thankful for that but Ford needs to offer up a better solution to this problem caused by there manufacturing.If they offered new Ford vehicles(2011,2012) to the customers affected by this recall it would only be a drop in the hay for this HUGE ! corporation and the right thing to do.I could see if this problem was caused by me the consumer but it wasn't. FORD STEP UP AND DO THE RIGHT THING!

• C nelsonMarch 30, 2011 at 7:27 pm

  We dropped our Ford SEL 2003 Windstar off this past Sunday. I thought we'd get a call in a few days that it was fixed. We got a call saying that it was not repairable and that they couldn't give us our car back. My husband left the lot. They never initially offered to give us a rental car until I researched it myself. He went back and they called Enterprise for a rental. We asked for our van back [Show More]We dropped our Ford SEL 2003 Windstar off this past Sunday. I thought we'd get a call in a few days that it was fixed. We got a call saying that it was not repairable and that they couldn't give us our car back. My husband left the lot. They never initially offered to give us a rental car until I researched it myself. He went back and they called Enterprise for a rental. We asked for our van back and they said we'd have to sign a waiver removing all liability. Long story short, three days later we got a check from Ford for a very fair amount but we were NOT prepared to have car payments right now as our van was paid off and only had 75K miles. Check was 115% of Kelly Blue Book.

• A WaltonMarch 28, 2011 at 5:22 pm

  I was a loyal ford customer until Jan 6th when I first heard about the Windstar recall. I was surprised that I only received a recall letter in Jan when Ford knew about the problem last summer....possibly sooner. When the second recall notice came for the front end I called my local dealer's service dept and asked if my car could be inspected to see if it failed the front end inspection...it had[Show More]I was a loyal ford customer until Jan 6th when I first heard about the Windstar recall. I was surprised that I only received a recall letter in Jan when Ford knew about the problem last summer....possibly sooner. When the second recall notice came for the front end I called my local dealer's service dept and asked if my car could be inspected to see if it failed the front end inspection...it had already failed for the rear end recall. I was told I had to wait to have the front end looked at. First come First served....so my car, like many of yours, is being held hostage. Yeah it's great that they gave me a rental, but I'm still paying insurance on the Windstar...and I'm driving a car that is 1/3 the size of what I'm used to. Thinking of taking the Windstar off the road, cancelling the insurance and pretending I'm getting a free ride, even if it's just a Jeep Compass....If and when Ford calls me about my Windstar, I'll tell them they have the wrong number...they can keep it....it'll save me the towing fee to get rid of it in the end. What I save on insurance, I'll put toward a downpayment...on a bike....

• OrionMarch 28, 2011 at 1:31 am

  Just brought the van out of storage for the summer and put on new tires and a fresh charge on the battery. I will be contacting my local ford dealer tomorrow regarding both the rear axle and sub frame recalls. I am prepared to settle for a rental vehicle that is equal to or better than my fully loaded 2002 SELwith 87,000mi. I am also prepared to settle for the buy back of the KBB.com value at 150%[Show More]Just brought the van out of storage for the summer and put on new tires and a fresh charge on the battery. I will be contacting my local ford dealer tomorrow regarding both the rear axle and sub frame recalls. I am prepared to settle for a rental vehicle that is equal to or better than my fully loaded 2002 SELwith 87,000mi. I am also prepared to settle for the buy back of the KBB.com value at 150%. otherwise I will be contacting Ford Motor Corp & the Michigan AG.

• BERNARDMarch 25, 2011 at 11:00 pm

  WELL GOT MY VAN BACK!! THEY TRIED TO GET ME TO PAY FOR A BATTERY BUT FORD TOLD THEM TO REPLACE. BUT THEY GOT THE LAST LAUGH. AFTER MY VAN SAT SINCE 10-21-10 I HAVE SPENT 500.00 IN ONE DAY AFTER BEING HOME. SOME HOW WATER GOT INTO THE OIL PAN AND THE IAC CONTROL VALVE SEIZED AND BROKE THE TIRES THAT WERE FLAT WHEN IT WAS AT FORD I HAD TO GET REPLACED. I WILL NEVER DEAL WITH FORD EVER AGAIN.

• KrisMarch 23, 2011 at 4:30 pm

  So I got my 2003 Windstar back last Thursday afternoon and it seems to be running ok other than a loud squeak from the engine belt. I believe it is the serpentine belt....the one you can see to the left (if you're facing) of the engine. It did not make this noise when I dropped it off. I will be bringing it in tomorrow for them to check it. Could this be caused by sitting out in the Minnesota wint[Show More]So I got my 2003 Windstar back last Thursday afternoon and it seems to be running ok other than a loud squeak from the engine belt. I believe it is the serpentine belt....the one you can see to the left (if you're facing) of the engine. It did not make this noise when I dropped it off. I will be bringing it in tomorrow for them to check it. Could this be caused by sitting out in the Minnesota winter with tons of snow for 3 months? We are trading it in very soon and would prefer to not have the loud squeaking but I also don't want to put any more money into it either. Thanks for your help.

• sandeepMarch 22, 2011 at 4:36 pm

  Well i have been told that the subframe cannot be repaired ?????. Ford motor company will buy your van and give you a small amount.How does one get another vehicle for that amount . I think all the owners should file a case against Ford

• ChrisMarch 19, 2011 at 8:57 pm

  How many of you actually wash the undersides of your vans? How many of you have your vehicles FULLY inspected every year? These accidents and problems are preventable.... MAINTENANCE MAINTENANCE MAINTENANCE Rust has always appeared on metal.... all cars rust... Do some rust quicker than others? Yes. Am I trying to pull blame off Ford? No. the design could have been better... but in most cas[Show More]How many of you actually wash the undersides of your vans? How many of you have your vehicles FULLY inspected every year? These accidents and problems are preventable.... MAINTENANCE MAINTENANCE MAINTENANCE Rust has always appeared on metal.... all cars rust... Do some rust quicker than others? Yes. Am I trying to pull blame off Ford? No. the design could have been better... but in most cases the vehicles have in fact lasted there expected life. (The average life of a vehicle in the US is 11 years) I've seen broken axles on several makes... as well as broken springs, rotted strut mounts, rusted brake lines, rotted rocker panels, frame rot on almost any car thats 10 years old in New York state. I've seen Isuzu frames split and separate in multiple sections, Ive seen civics, camrys, accords with multiple rust issues. I have seen rear struts blow through the back if ford escorts, Ive seen subframes on Hyundais split allowing the engine to dangle from underneath the car.... and toyota trucks with cracked frames.... I always ask people if they wash or have the underside of there cars washed here in New York State. They answer is often no. People need to wash there cars, have the proper joints and suspension components greased, especially in these salty area's. Bring your cars in for FULL inspections to check for problems like these axel's. A great majority of these accidents could have been prevented by actually taking care of your car. Most shops here in NY hook cars up to the NYS inspection computer, check a brake and turn signals, and slap a sticker on your car...they dont profit much from it... they get lazy about what they are looking for... Next time your in ask for a complete inspection. (Of course there are those that dont have money to fix the problems... continue driving the car... then blame the car when it leaves them stranded.) Do you blame your body when get a cavity? Probably not.... Those who complain about bad transmissions and other problems... when was the last time you had the unit flushed and had its filter changed? Most transmissions require a fluid change between 30k and 60k miles. I have had people whine that they have lost there transmissions at 100k miles... but when asked... they never had there transmission maintained. Often the fluid coming out of these poor things is coffee colored and can contain water from 10 years of condensation, ect. If you have high mileage on your car, and the trans fluid hasn't been changed... doing it now will probably do more harm then good... its too late. Take care of your car. Maintain it by the book, bring it to the dealer once a year. Why the dealer? They know your product, its common problems, and any recalls that need to be done. Leave the muffler, tire and brake shops to do exactly that... mufflers tires and brakes. If you cant afford to maintain and fix your car, you shouldn't be driving it. Driving around a faulty car is worse than carrying around a loaded gun. Stop blaming car companies for everything. A car is a machine, it wears out. Take care of it and it will last you longer. Just like your human body!!

• DaleMarch 19, 2011 at 8:05 pm

  Brought my 2003 Windstar in for scheduled service in mid December and was told I needed a reinforcement kit which was not yet available but that the car could be driven until it arrived, (my choice). Had a small electrical problem a week later just before Christmas and stopped by a different dealer to have a constantly on cornering light disconnected so as not to kill the brand new week old batter[Show More]Brought my 2003 Windstar in for scheduled service in mid December and was told I needed a reinforcement kit which was not yet available but that the car could be driven until it arrived, (my choice). Had a small electrical problem a week later just before Christmas and stopped by a different dealer to have a constantly on cornering light disconnected so as not to kill the brand new week old battery over the holiday. This dealer would not allow me to take the car out of the service center and felt the condition was worse then the other dealer. I have had a Chevy Cobalt rental since and no definite date on repair. Also now have heard about a front end recall but have not received any notice yet. Now that winter is over I need the Windstars cargo space for multiple projects and I have two teenage sons that need to learn to drive and cannot as long as I am in the rental. We will be starting college payments soon and cannot afford a new car.

• JCMarch 17, 2011 at 9:25 pm

  FORD SHOULD BE INVESTIGATED !!!!!! like many of you I am in a windstar mess. I have owned Fords for 30 yrs..I AM FUERIOUS.First it was impossible to find an appt. at a dealer. Next, my 2001, w/125k on it had 4 seperate recalls, 3 of which are MAJOR safty issues. Where is the media on this, consumer protection ? look at the hit Toyota took, why is FORD BEING PROTECTED ? my van bought in 2002, ha[Show More]FORD SHOULD BE INVESTIGATED !!!!!! like many of you I am in a windstar mess. I have owned Fords for 30 yrs..I AM FUERIOUS.First it was impossible to find an appt. at a dealer. Next, my 2001, w/125k on it had 4 seperate recalls, 3 of which are MAJOR safty issues. Where is the media on this, consumer protection ? look at the hit Toyota took, why is FORD BEING PROTECTED ? my van bought in 2002, had the trans. fall out in my driveway a year later. despite 4 major break jobs the ABS/WARN/LT. has been on for 4 years. ck.eng lt on constantly, 02 sensors and mainfold eltronic sensors done twice totaling 1200.00 .the door locks stick, inside lts all a mess, ..over 5000.00 $$$ of OUT OF POCKET REPAIRS and today it sits off the road waiting for a rear axel. somehow they passed the sub-frame .despite two bent lower control arms !!!! van shakes @ 50 mph and steering wheel vibrates. It just failed emission state insp for 4 out of last 5 years !!! I have called,e-mailed,written Ford to discuss a buy-back....A SOLID NO !! so in a month I will have a new axel, and A GLUED BRACKETED SUB-FRAME,.....and a illegal insp sticker, will not be able to drive untill I fix the emission eletronics, { another 400.00 est} which i feel was caused by the WIRE HARNESS RECALL !!!!. So, I am suing Ford for ---TRIPLE--- DAMAGES,under my sonsumer protection law because they were lax in all these recalls, late notices and timeline, couldnt even get an appt nevermind a rental ,untill I found my own. JUST think if they have your van 4 months the rental cost alone is 4500.00 add the recall repairs appx. 1250.00 = $ 5750.what a joke...they were rude on phone and .WAS TOLD THE WINDSTAR TEAM REP WILL CALL IN 2.HRS. IT TOOK 5 1/2 DAYS !!!!will not even consider " our" issues. FORD SHOULD BE ASHAMED OF THEMSELVES..........see you in court.

• WilliamMarch 16, 2011 at 12:27 am

  My axle broke at 75 mph. I found a good used axle and had it put in. My van had over 200,000 miles on it, but a rear axle should never break. I travel all over the country and encounter a lot of road salt along the way. Since I live in Kansas, Ford took themselves off the hook by only fixing the vans in cold weather states. Have since sold the Windstar. I really liked that van, but am really[Show More]My axle broke at 75 mph. I found a good used axle and had it put in. My van had over 200,000 miles on it, but a rear axle should never break. I travel all over the country and encounter a lot of road salt along the way. Since I live in Kansas, Ford took themselves off the hook by only fixing the vans in cold weather states. Have since sold the Windstar. I really liked that van, but am really disgusted with Ford on this one.

• RobinMarch 15, 2011 at 2:39 pm

  The dealership has had our '99 WIndstar conversion van since Nov. 2010. I called today and they do not have the parts yet. There has been a second recall for the front arms. I was never offered a buy back. We do have a Dodge Grand Caravan as a rental. They had to give us something in comparison to what we owned. Rental cars were running low in our area so I am thankful for the van.

• AllisonMarch 12, 2011 at 2:37 am

  WOW! I had no idea this was such a wide-spread issue! My car was confiscated today due to a broken axle and they said something was penetrated? But I'm not sure what that something was. After reading here, I need to find out the details so that I know. I am now concerned about repairs not being properly done. We too, were put in a car too small for us and am not sure when a larger car will be ava[Show More]WOW! I had no idea this was such a wide-spread issue! My car was confiscated today due to a broken axle and they said something was penetrated? But I'm not sure what that something was. After reading here, I need to find out the details so that I know. I am now concerned about repairs not being properly done. We too, were put in a car too small for us and am not sure when a larger car will be available. I am surprised Ford doesn't offer more buybacks, as that would be a lot cheaper than all these rental cars!

• chrisMarch 11, 2011 at 3:43 pm

  First I want to say I am a fan of ford motor company that is untill I purchased my first 2001 for windstar for 3000 dollars used, and I thought that was a good deal untill things started going wrong first the rearend and then the front subframe broke without warning. I had no idea that there was a recall for this I have five children and we could have died when that part failed. So after the part [Show More]First I want to say I am a fan of ford motor company that is untill I purchased my first 2001 for windstar for 3000 dollars used, and I thought that was a good deal untill things started going wrong first the rearend and then the front subframe broke without warning. I had no idea that there was a recall for this I have five children and we could have died when that part failed. So after the part failed I tried to weld the frame that was broke and it never was right so I sent it to the junkyard and then bought another windstar cause the price was right now I take it to the dealer and they are giving a runaround that it is going to take a month to fix and we need to pay for a rental and ford will pay us back I dont think so after all this I dont think i will ever own a ford again

• ChasMarch 11, 2011 at 2:36 am

  Well, it's been 4 months now that I've had a rental to replace the 2002 Windstar SEL with 134,000 miles. I thought things were finally going well when they told me a couple weeks back the axle was in and they'd get it installed that coming week. Now I'll share my "Story of the Week" with you. When they started to get the snow off/out from around the car to move it in the garage, one of the fron[Show More]Well, it's been 4 months now that I've had a rental to replace the 2002 Windstar SEL with 134,000 miles. I thought things were finally going well when they told me a couple weeks back the axle was in and they'd get it installed that coming week. Now I'll share my "Story of the Week" with you. When they started to get the snow off/out from around the car to move it in the garage, one of the front coil springs spontaneously "popped". Upon further inspection the other coil spring had also spontaneously broken too apparently by just sitting there motionless in the dealer's lot (Wouldn't you really rather have a Ford?). The service agent has been on the phone with Ford trying to decide how they're going to get them fixed under the recall. I told him I didn't care who paid for it, but don't ask me to pay for damage to a vehicle I haven't driven or touched in four months and has exclusively been under their control. It's about $1,000 worth of work. I personally think it should be covered under the second recall to check for corrosion in the front end. Can you imagine if they had failed on the highway? Maybe there should be a third recall (smile). Till I hear from themthough, I still have a nice safe 2010 van rental. To date, the rental has been almost $5,000, a figure I would have gladly accepted back in November to buy the car outright. Now, I'd probably accept $4,000 after reading all of these entries. We wanted to take the car on a trip to Florida, but no longer. Have them do the recall repairs and eventually move the vehicle on to someone who will get a "good buy". Before all this happened, I would have taken that car across country without blinking an eye. Not anymore. It'll carry the geriatric dog to the dump and back and not much more. The saga continues.

• michelleMarch 8, 2011 at 8:37 pm

  I have a windstar my bake axle is fractured and my structure frame and meembers: underbody shield is broke in the front. For as much that ford is paying in rentals a month for us-$7000.00 they should just buy the cars back. I feel its wrong and a great incoveince. I still have to pay my carpayment and i'm in a small car, this is rediculous. Plus there is a recall on the cruise control..it is causi[Show More]I have a windstar my bake axle is fractured and my structure frame and meembers: underbody shield is broke in the front. For as much that ford is paying in rentals a month for us-$7000.00 they should just buy the cars back. I feel its wrong and a great incoveince. I still have to pay my carpayment and i'm in a small car, this is rediculous. Plus there is a recall on the cruise control..it is causing the van to catch on fire while driving the van or it being parked and off. I have children and an 8 month old, i'm worried this might happen to me. A 4 year old alredy died. something must be done!

• lisaMarch 8, 2011 at 1:53 am

  purchased my vechicle 2003 ford windstar in 2005 with 20, 000 miles on it, with 82,000 miles, 3 days after christmas, my Husband and disabled son broke down on high way , THE TRANSMISSION WENT. it cost over 2,000 then 3 months later had problems with the upper intake gasket, that was 500.00. The abs brake light and emergency brakes light keeps coming on,had brakes done, that was a few hundred, T[Show More]purchased my vechicle 2003 ford windstar in 2005 with 20, 000 miles on it, with 82,000 miles, 3 days after christmas, my Husband and disabled son broke down on high way , THE TRANSMISSION WENT. it cost over 2,000 then 3 months later had problems with the upper intake gasket, that was 500.00. The abs brake light and emergency brakes light keeps coming on,had brakes done, that was a few hundred, Then the cluster gage stopped working, brought it into ford, when we found out about the recall with the axle, which we failed, ford had my vechicle for 4 MONTHS, ONLY BEING STARTED 1 a MONTH, Tried calling head quarters for 4 months. THE ONLY RESPONSE FROM THEM IS STRESS and a CELL PHONE BILL. I have My van back now, Had to pay for the cluster gage, That was 750,00, and still having problems, BRAKES making a funny noise, All they did was replace the battery, WHAT rights do we have regarding lot rot on our vechicles,and the sad part I still have 2 car payments left, FORD IS NO HELP, and I have a disabled son that I have to transport. FORD SHOULD BE ASHAMED, I DEFINETLY HAVE A LEMON!!!!!!!!!!!!! WHO CARES ABOUT THE RENTAL THEY PUT US IN. MY VAN IS RUNNING ROUGH, THE BRAKES MAKE A NOISE WHEN YOU STEP ON THEM, NOT ALL THE TIME, MOSTLY WHEN IT RAINS THEY EVEN BROKE MY KEY FAB,AND DIDN'T EVEN TELL ME ABOUT IT, VAN IS GOING BACK IN TO SHOP NEXT WEEK, I HOPE THEY DON'T TELL ME ,IT IS GOING TO COST THIS MUCH, I WILL FLIP!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!. I SHOULD'NT BE CHARGED ANYTHING!!!!!!!!!!!

• MannyMarch 7, 2011 at 9:06 am

  Well got the good news and bad news end of last week. Good news was they had my reae axle in, bad news the subframe failed. Was then told that they would have to contact Ford Motors to find out what next course of action would be. Ford made me a buy back offer not sure if that amount was worth all the hassle. Was put in a beat up 2002 Pontiac Montana (because that was all they could find that was [Show More]Well got the good news and bad news end of last week. Good news was they had my reae axle in, bad news the subframe failed. Was then told that they would have to contact Ford Motors to find out what next course of action would be. Ford made me a buy back offer not sure if that amount was worth all the hassle. Was put in a beat up 2002 Pontiac Montana (because that was all they could find that was comparible to the passenger rating of the windstar) and have had to take it back to rental place 3 times for different problems. Threw a fit with service manager about this piss of crap that ford put out but then had to hold back and apologized because it wasn't his falt. All in all ford has lost me my kids and my future grandkids as customers.Bad thing is was a proud owner of 4 other fords. Thanks for nothing Ford Motors.

• GloriaMarch 6, 2011 at 5:53 pm

  We recieved notiification of the axle. We brought it in for inspection 12.21.2010 and received a call the next day that our 1999 windstar was eligible for the buy back. My husband went the same day and accepted the offer of $2990. We have JUST got notified that somehow Ford Motor corp was not buying back the vehicle because they didn't recieve the paper work on time. The dealership said that the [Show More]We recieved notiification of the axle. We brought it in for inspection 12.21.2010 and received a call the next day that our 1999 windstar was eligible for the buy back. My husband went the same day and accepted the offer of $2990. We have JUST got notified that somehow Ford Motor corp was not buying back the vehicle because they didn't recieve the paper work on time. The dealership said that the first time they faxed it, the fax on the other end did not pick. The service manager called and was told to e-mail. It is our understanding that this occured. In the mean time there is yet another recall. We called Ford Corp customer service only to recieve many differing stories as to why this is happenning. I don't understand, they made the offer and we accepted...yet they are renigging on ther offer. There are at least 4 others in our area that this is happening to. Some one dropped the ball and we are penalized,. We do not want this vehicle back..don't feel safe in it and t here is a multitude of other issues do to design ....etc.

• SunnyMarch 6, 2011 at 5:14 am

  The begining of December we had our windstar looked at, we were told that the parts would not be available until 2011. Our van was not bad enough to need a rental car, so we drove it home. Since then we have received a second type of recall (so we'll be in again soon) However since taking the van in I hear a thump thump over bumps. The sound seems to be coming from the Rear driver side area. I che[Show More]The begining of December we had our windstar looked at, we were told that the parts would not be available until 2011. Our van was not bad enough to need a rental car, so we drove it home. Since then we have received a second type of recall (so we'll be in again soon) However since taking the van in I hear a thump thump over bumps. The sound seems to be coming from the Rear driver side area. I checked to see that I had the rear seats we in, and that I didn't have anythingloose... Does this sound like anything that you all noticed? My husband thinks he should drive the van instead of me and the kids, joking, he said he would wear his helmet (lol) while driving.

• DeborahMarch 4, 2011 at 2:27 am

  Well this recall has spread to UT now. The local dealership has had our 2003 Windstar since Dec.10,2010. I have been to the dealer several times, since it is just around the corner, and they told me that in early Jan, the parts would be in, but they still have the car because the parts aren't in, when I called about the front end problem, they acted like I was annoying them, HELLO you have my car[Show More]Well this recall has spread to UT now. The local dealership has had our 2003 Windstar since Dec.10,2010. I have been to the dealer several times, since it is just around the corner, and they told me that in early Jan, the parts would be in, but they still have the car because the parts aren't in, when I called about the front end problem, they acted like I was annoying them, HELLO you have my car, shouldn't you treat me well. We were offered a buy out of $1400, we owe more than that on the darn thing, and couldn't get another car. I have looked for a class action suit but can't find one. Every time I see a Windstar now I ask if they know about the recall, since it is so important. I hope Ford fixes this, but I have looked somewhere, I believe a food website and it said the parts wouldn't be in until May where I live. They did provide a rental that is really nicer than our car, but it isn't the same as having my own car.

• mMarch 4, 2011 at 12:45 am

  Got my van back, front subframe is fine. I will get the supports when they come in. The new axle looks good. It was clean and I hope to get another year out of it. They paid Enterprise in full, no out of pocket to me. My wife drove a 2011 Chev Silverado during the worst part of the winter. It was down from Nov til today.

• LoriMarch 3, 2011 at 10:31 pm

  My heart goes out to any of you who experienced a loss of a loved one or injury due to this recall. FORD should step up, forget the bottom line and realize there are lives at stake here. The fair thing to do here is (1) compensate us consumers for any repairs we have already made and (2) provide a fair, above blue book value amount of $6500 (I did the math and this is very fair). I'm sure if yo[Show More]My heart goes out to any of you who experienced a loss of a loved one or injury due to this recall. FORD should step up, forget the bottom line and realize there are lives at stake here. The fair thing to do here is (1) compensate us consumers for any repairs we have already made and (2) provide a fair, above blue book value amount of $6500 (I did the math and this is very fair). I'm sure if you have one of your accountants do the math the cost to do this would be far less than buying all those replacement parts, the labor for installing all those replacement parts, rental vehicle fees and GOD FORBID have to pay damages to a family due to death or injury. Luckily we do routine maintainence on our vehicles and when we took our van in for a realignment. The mechanic was shocked that the frame had not already separated from the axle. We immediately had it soldered and reinforced for $500. Our van has been at the dealership since Nov. 2010. Our dealer has provided us with great service and has always been available to answer our questions. The Enterprise rental company we have been dealing with has been wonderful! The dealers have their hands tied and really aren't the decision makers. The dealerships are being required to buy back scrap metal and/or lemons OR they are repairing only the vehicles they think they may have the potential to resell. This doesn't make sense to me. I hope that someone at FORD puts on their common sense hat and chooses to do the right thing by the consumer, its dealerships and its employees who are bearing the brunt of all our frustrations.

• BernardMarch 2, 2011 at 2:11 am

  Well Ford gave me the larger car for my family of (5) but when I was at the dealer dropping of compact rental I seen about 30-40 vans waiting to be repaired. Then I found mine next to a snow bank with flat tires. I always took care of my van to the highest standard coming from a mechincal back ground. This tells me that since I dropped it off to them on 10-21-10 it has never been moved which tells[Show More]Well Ford gave me the larger car for my family of (5) but when I was at the dealer dropping of compact rental I seen about 30-40 vans waiting to be repaired. Then I found mine next to a snow bank with flat tires. I always took care of my van to the highest standard coming from a mechincal back ground. This tells me that since I dropped it off to them on 10-21-10 it has never been moved which tells me there will be alot more damage. If I treated there rental this way they would bill me a crazy amount of money more then what the car cost. Ford should be ashamed the way they are treating their customers and especialy the way people are having hard enough times as is.

• stacyMarch 2, 2011 at 1:54 am

  Why would anyone want there van back after this.To be put into a 2010 Explorer with 3rd row seat loaded was fine with me since Nov.Especially with the harsh winter this yr the 4wheel drive has been a blessing!Even though its not the time for anyone to take on a car payment how much longer would these vans last anyway.For saftey reasons and personaly knowing the family of the fatal accident back in[Show More]Why would anyone want there van back after this.To be put into a 2010 Explorer with 3rd row seat loaded was fine with me since Nov.Especially with the harsh winter this yr the 4wheel drive has been a blessing!Even though its not the time for anyone to take on a car payment how much longer would these vans last anyway.For saftey reasons and personaly knowing the family of the fatal accident back in oct.I wouldn't think of putting my family back into it.I told my ford dealer to leave my van at the back of the line(out of the 200 they have ill gladly be 199)I'm buying time saving towards a new vehicle(not a ford)!and getting a great rental out of the deal!

• JoeMarch 1, 2011 at 9:44 pm

  Just picked up my 1999 Windstar with 164,000 miles on it. Ford was billed $5,500 from Enterprise. I would have taken that amount for my van. Have a nice new rear axle - which is worth more than my van. I looked up the vans value on Edmunds and as a trade it is worth $149

• BERNARDMarch 1, 2011 at 4:37 pm

  Now going on month 5!!!!!! I spoke to Ford Corp. last night and still no answer on when I will get my van back . They did tell me that the dealers are given an alotment to maintain the vans. They are suppose to call me today to get me out of my compact car because of the hardship of not being able to transport my family of 5 but we will see!!!! I think this has turned into a huge nightmare for For[Show More]Now going on month 5!!!!!! I spoke to Ford Corp. last night and still no answer on when I will get my van back . They did tell me that the dealers are given an alotment to maintain the vans. They are suppose to call me today to get me out of my compact car because of the hardship of not being able to transport my family of 5 but we will see!!!! I think this has turned into a huge nightmare for Ford I mean Toyota.

• rebeccaFebruary 26, 2011 at 3:42 pm

  well we all know there is problems with every vehicle out there but yes alot of people who have a van carry around child like i do i have three with one on the way and yes it was hard to find out there was something wrong with our family van but ford has been really good about helping us out with another car until my is fixed which is very nice of them and yes it would be nice to have this problem[Show More]well we all know there is problems with every vehicle out there but yes alot of people who have a van carry around child like i do i have three with one on the way and yes it was hard to find out there was something wrong with our family van but ford has been really good about helping us out with another car until my is fixed which is very nice of them and yes it would be nice to have this problem fixed and over but this is life and we all need to understand and from what i get out of my letter ford does help by putting you in another car if needed and they are trying to fix the problem asap and even after all this mess i would still get another ford they are very help full during a problem with there vehicals thanks everyone but give them time it will be over soon

• Two WindstarsFebruary 25, 2011 at 10:09 pm

  Well I still have one at the dealer waiting for another axle, but that does not bother me. What bothers me is this new recall for the subframe. I talked to the dealer today and was told that the kits will not be in until end of March or April 2011. The real bad news is that if you have the cracks in the subframe it will have to be replaced. I was told that they (Ford Dealer) was not sure where the[Show More]Well I still have one at the dealer waiting for another axle, but that does not bother me. What bothers me is this new recall for the subframe. I talked to the dealer today and was told that the kits will not be in until end of March or April 2011. The real bad news is that if you have the cracks in the subframe it will have to be replaced. I was told that they (Ford Dealer) was not sure where the subframes are going to come from. Thats right Ford might have to reproduce new subframes and that means we as owners might be put into another rental car for months..

• BetsyFebruary 25, 2011 at 8:12 pm

  I took my 2001 Windstar in at the end of December and recd a 2011 ford escape, totally free. Told them I neede something bigger and got a crappy rental and took it back and now am driving a 2011 Toyota Sienna. Got a call from Enterprise today that my recallplacement is on a recall!! How ironic. Its not only ford but all manufacturers seem to slacking. I dont care how long it takes this van is[Show More]I took my 2001 Windstar in at the end of December and recd a 2011 ford escape, totally free. Told them I neede something bigger and got a crappy rental and took it back and now am driving a 2011 Toyota Sienna. Got a call from Enterprise today that my recallplacement is on a recall!! How ironic. Its not only ford but all manufacturers seem to slacking. I dont care how long it takes this van is nice and hopefully we can take it on vacation this year to beach instead of the windstar. Also stopped insurance on Windstar all but comprehensive and am only payaing 50 for 6 months since i am under ford insurance now

• BillFebruary 23, 2011 at 4:45 am

  I dropped 1999 SEL off at my Ford dealer in early Oct. 2010. I picked up my Windstar on February 10, 2011 with a peplaced rear axle. The front engine cradle was inspected, and passed. The Van was detailed, all tires properly inflated, and started right up. Two weeks later, the Van is like it was prior to the recall. All that was wrong before Ford grabbed it, is still wrong. The electrical sy[Show More]I dropped 1999 SEL off at my Ford dealer in early Oct. 2010. I picked up my Windstar on February 10, 2011 with a peplaced rear axle. The front engine cradle was inspected, and passed. The Van was detailed, all tires properly inflated, and started right up. Two weeks later, the Van is like it was prior to the recall. All that was wrong before Ford grabbed it, is still wrong. The electrical system is filled with Gremlins. I drove a 2010 Chrysler Town and Country for 4 months, and it was not unpleasureable. But driving my Windstar again was like putting on an old pair of slippers. It felt comfortable.

• krisFebruary 22, 2011 at 12:48 am

  I have a 1999 Winstar SEL. In December I was picking my kids up at school and my rear axle broke in half. Very thankful it broke in the parking lot and not the highway. It was towed to my local garage and then to the dealer. It has been sitting there ever since. I was never notified of any recalls before this. I was lucky enough to get a 2011 Dodge Caravan at Enterprise at not cost to me. The [Show More]I have a 1999 Winstar SEL. In December I was picking my kids up at school and my rear axle broke in half. Very thankful it broke in the parking lot and not the highway. It was towed to my local garage and then to the dealer. It has been sitting there ever since. I was never notified of any recalls before this. I was lucky enough to get a 2011 Dodge Caravan at Enterprise at not cost to me. The other day I switched out the Caravan for a Kia Sportage. I guess the Caravan had too many miles (33,000) and is going to be pulled of the rental racket and put up for sale. Oh well, anyway I got a phone call today(first one ever) that they are going to offer me a buy out. They offered us $5453!!! Really... I paid $6000 in 2005. I'm jumping on the offer but hate to give up the very nice rental.

• PyllisFebruary 19, 2011 at 5:51 pm

  I turned in my windstar in early December. Ford offered to buy me out for $2710. That seemed really low, since the book is $3580. I'm driving an 09 Corolla at Ford's expense until they fix my beloved van, or make me a decent offer.

• libraryFebruary 19, 2011 at 4:16 am

  '@terry, i had been told that they cannot release my car to me which seems like the policy "we are not responsible for any damage incurred" would not be in effect since they have given us no option or decision power as to whether we want our vehicle on their lot or not? as far as i am concerned.

• TerryFebruary 17, 2011 at 4:57 am

  My 2001 Windstar has been at a dealer since 9/10/2010. Went there today to check on my van, and guess what my plates were stolen and my new tires were flat. The service mgr. when I said that the dealer would have to replace them looked at me like I was nuts! I told him that I was told that my van would be safe in their lot. Also, I told him to fix or replace my tires since I was told that they[Show More]My 2001 Windstar has been at a dealer since 9/10/2010. Went there today to check on my van, and guess what my plates were stolen and my new tires were flat. The service mgr. when I said that the dealer would have to replace them looked at me like I was nuts! I told him that I was told that my van would be safe in their lot. Also, I told him to fix or replace my tires since I was told that they would also maintain my van! He told me our lot is fenced in, it is safe! Apparently it is not!! When I got home I called Ford Corp. and was told that dealers were compinsated for maintaining our vans. I then called the general Mgr. of the dealer and was told that we were responsible for maintaining our own vans and that they were not responsible for damages or maintaining and that Ford customer service lied to me!! I see a law suit in my future. Anybody else?

• VickieFebruary 16, 2011 at 9:54 pm

  What is plan of Ford? Are they really undecided at this point as what to do with all these recalls? NO COMMON SENSE. Here we all are with these rentals, never knowing if we will ever see our own vehicles again. I never liked NOT KNOWING WHAT I AM DOING. They are supposed to be professional business. This whole thing is not being handled in a professional, above board fashion. When Ford offe[Show More]What is plan of Ford? Are they really undecided at this point as what to do with all these recalls? NO COMMON SENSE. Here we all are with these rentals, never knowing if we will ever see our own vehicles again. I never liked NOT KNOWING WHAT I AM DOING. They are supposed to be professional business. This whole thing is not being handled in a professional, above board fashion. When Ford offered less than Blue Book Value then that alone tells me that they are dishonest. How would they like being treated like that.? DEAR FOR: IF YOU ARE READING THIS, YOU NEED TO TURN YOURSELVES AROUND AND DO THE RIGHT THING. Quit trying to buy these out cheap. That is no way to handle this. You got parts made in CHINA and now they failed. ALL YOU CAR MANUFACTURERS NEED TO COME BACK TO THE U.S.A. AND GET OUR PARTS MADE HERE. YOU GET WHAT YOU PAY FOR. Now I will say that with the Ford Product, you get what you pay for. Ford is not the only manufacturer who cut corners and went to CHINA for parts. Lots of car mfg. did and do. This just needs to be addressed now. The sub frames are compromised now along with so many other things. Just do the right thing Ford.

• bobFebruary 16, 2011 at 4:20 pm

  My dealer is telling me that Ford is once again buying out the 1998-2000 models which ended 12/31/10. The dealer is not very happy either, they are stuck with these Windstars and are afraid that all the parts are going to show up when they are getting ready for the busy season. He told me that they wish Ford has do a buyout right from the start. But they are getting the same BS information fr[Show More]My dealer is telling me that Ford is once again buying out the 1998-2000 models which ended 12/31/10. The dealer is not very happy either, they are stuck with these Windstars and are afraid that all the parts are going to show up when they are getting ready for the busy season. He told me that they wish Ford has do a buyout right from the start. But they are getting the same BS information from Ford as the consumers.

• SamanthaFebruary 15, 2011 at 6:58 pm

  Ohh boy! I am really scared!! I just dropped my 2000 windstar off at the dealer yesterday, and i got the call today that there is cracks in the axels and will set me up with a rental. At first I thought how nice of them but now I am scared I will not get my van back and if I do with the other recalls do I want it back. Naturally I was put in a hyundai accent, really? There is a reason I own a mi[Show More]Ohh boy! I am really scared!! I just dropped my 2000 windstar off at the dealer yesterday, and i got the call today that there is cracks in the axels and will set me up with a rental. At first I thought how nice of them but now I am scared I will not get my van back and if I do with the other recalls do I want it back. Naturally I was put in a hyundai accent, really? There is a reason I own a minivan and not a compact car, but I guess just being able to get to work is good enough. I had no idea this was such a big deal and affected so many people! My thoughts about ford have surely changed and not for the better!!

• DonnaFebruary 11, 2011 at 12:55 am

  My husband and I were contacted tonight, Feb. 10, 2011 by the service rep. at Pundmann Ford here in St Charles, MO. He is telling us that we can either take a buy out of $4,200 which he says is 1.5 x's the blue book or we can have the rear axle fixed and they will not fix the Front Sub Frame. As soon as my husband got off the phone we filed a complaint with the MO Attorney General's Office. Ford [Show More]My husband and I were contacted tonight, Feb. 10, 2011 by the service rep. at Pundmann Ford here in St Charles, MO. He is telling us that we can either take a buy out of $4,200 which he says is 1.5 x's the blue book or we can have the rear axle fixed and they will not fix the Front Sub Frame. As soon as my husband got off the phone we filed a complaint with the MO Attorney General's Office. Ford should not be able to dictact this recall since it was their defective workmanship. They have given me a Focus for a rental that doesn't accomodate my family. I am outraged at Ford and I hope everyone else contacts their Attorney General & left them know what Ford is pulling.

• KeithFebruary 10, 2011 at 5:19 pm

  Went to check on my 2003 Windstar today to find out what was going on with it.The dealership told me that they still have not received parts.they also informed me that there was ather recall on the front axle that Ford hasn't released to the owners yet.According to the service dept. guy if the front is bad they are not supposed to replace either axle and that they were talking about buying those v[Show More]Went to check on my 2003 Windstar today to find out what was going on with it.The dealership told me that they still have not received parts.they also informed me that there was ather recall on the front axle that Ford hasn't released to the owners yet.According to the service dept. guy if the front is bad they are not supposed to replace either axle and that they were talking about buying those vans back.My question is that if they do buy them back what are they going topay? I payed 16,900 for it a little over three years ago,which according to Kelly Bluebook was what it was worth.I checked it now and it dropped to almost nothing.I owe more than itsworth.So it looks like trading it off on something else is out of the question unless i take a major loss.I thought that I was buying a safe reliable car for my wife and kids but all I get done doing is putting more money in it.I am not someone who just goes out and buys something.i did my homework on this van when I bought it and there was no recalls on anything.I even took my father along when I purchased it{who is a mechanic}.I hope it is fixed right when I get it back . I am already looking for a safer replacement for my wife and this time it will not be a Ford .

• PeteFebruary 10, 2011 at 2:10 pm

  I got a call out of the blue from the dealership that my ’99 Windstar was fixed and that I could return the rental car and pick up the minivan. First thing I've heard since Nov. and I'm supposed to scramble to pick it up? Bad news since I didn’t want it back and was hoping for the buyout. However, several calls into the dealership asking whether or not they’ve inspected for the new recall haven’t [Show More]I got a call out of the blue from the dealership that my ’99 Windstar was fixed and that I could return the rental car and pick up the minivan. First thing I've heard since Nov. and I'm supposed to scramble to pick it up? Bad news since I didn’t want it back and was hoping for the buyout. However, several calls into the dealership asking whether or not they’ve inspected for the new recall haven’t been returned. Hopefully not, but I’m not returning the rental until they do. Not a single word about incentives to purchase a Ford or anything else from their lot. Just a “return the rental and pick up your van.” Now I don’t want to drive the van and there’s no way I’ll be able to unload it and I have to scramble to find something this weekend without any buyout money to put towards something else. Great.

• RachelFebruary 8, 2011 at 1:50 pm

  I also brought my windstar in for the recall and the axel was cracked, and they would not release it to me, I have to say when I went to enterprise they gave me a new grand cherokee jeep it only had 3000 miles on it with all the bells and whistles, I hope they never fix my car, I dont want to go back to that piece of junk especially after driving such a nice car. But I to wonder what will happen? [Show More]I also brought my windstar in for the recall and the axel was cracked, and they would not release it to me, I have to say when I went to enterprise they gave me a new grand cherokee jeep it only had 3000 miles on it with all the bells and whistles, I hope they never fix my car, I dont want to go back to that piece of junk especially after driving such a nice car. But I to wonder what will happen? I do think its crazy ford is spending all this money on rentals. But I will take it as long as I can.

• ShannonFebruary 4, 2011 at 6:35 pm

  • I have loaned my '99 Ford Windstar Van to my 72 year old father, who has been helping my elderly aunt move. My neighbor called me last week upon hearing a news report on the 2 recalls on my van! Now Dad is keeping the van at his house and loaned me his VW. I am now looking for a dealership in my area to take it to. I am scared to death about the whole thing. • I went to the Ford home site-[Show More]• I have loaned my '99 Ford Windstar Van to my 72 year old father, who has been helping my elderly aunt move. My neighbor called me last week upon hearing a news report on the 2 recalls on my van! Now Dad is keeping the van at his house and loaned me his VW. I am now looking for a dealership in my area to take it to. I am scared to death about the whole thing. • I went to the Ford home site--and there is no information on recalls "at a glance". You have to enter your vin number then you will be directed-well don't have my vin number handy! Now after reading all these blogs--I feel a bit more informed--but still scared. I do hear little pops and cracking from the front underside.. Who knows what will be found when I take it in.

• BridgetteFebruary 3, 2011 at 3:36 am

  Benn, I got my new axle and van back last Monday Jan 24. I'm not handicapped and not a taxi. My van sat since Sept 4, 2010 when my axle broke in 2 on the Interstate 80 in heavy traffic with my children in it over 100 miles away from home. My first week's rental (put on my credit card) from enterprise was not fully reiumbursed by ford (they shorted me $72.00). After almost 5 months on the lot waiti[Show More]Benn, I got my new axle and van back last Monday Jan 24. I'm not handicapped and not a taxi. My van sat since Sept 4, 2010 when my axle broke in 2 on the Interstate 80 in heavy traffic with my children in it over 100 miles away from home. My first week's rental (put on my credit card) from enterprise was not fully reiumbursed by ford (they shorted me $72.00). After almost 5 months on the lot waiting for axle, My husband insisted that Ford drive it to my house and pick up their rental because we didn't trust it with lot rot. He didn't want me stranded again on a Sunday night, that's when they wanted me to pick it up. Ford drove it to my house over 100 miles on 3 flat tires, which are now ruined. They didn't even put the spare back under. NO appologies or anything. Not to mention, all the garbage was still in the van from our 2000 mile round trip last sept when the axle broke. FORD doesn't care.

• BennFebruary 1, 2011 at 8:31 pm

  Just talked to one of my friends that is a commercial ford mechanic for my local dealer, he says rumor in the shop is axles are coming in slowly first to get them are taxis and handicapped transport vehicles then it is first come first serve. But then there is the front sub frame recall now.

• PeteFebruary 1, 2011 at 3:32 pm

  I have a '99 Windstar that's been in since before Thanksgiving. I figured I'd get a buyout but my friend at a dealership says no more buyouts. I'm not going to be driving it again so they'll be fixing it for nothing. Another dealer told me that Enterprise keeps calling them looking payment of over $90K but Ford hasn't given them the money. Plus Ford isn't paying them for all the time it takes to f[Show More]I have a '99 Windstar that's been in since before Thanksgiving. I figured I'd get a buyout but my friend at a dealership says no more buyouts. I'm not going to be driving it again so they'll be fixing it for nothing. Another dealer told me that Enterprise keeps calling them looking payment of over $90K but Ford hasn't given them the money. Plus Ford isn't paying them for all the time it takes to fix them. Not to mention that my van is under 3 feet of snow and isn't being cleaned off or started. What a mess. It will be interesting to find out how this works out. They should have just given me the money two months ago.

• bridgetteJanuary 31, 2011 at 5:39 pm

  So after almost 5 months of my van sitting on the lot to have axle replaced, my husband insists on Ford to deliver the van to my house over 100 miles away and pick up their rental. I was afraid what would happen since it sat never turned on for almost 5 months. Gabus Ford wanted me to pick the van up on my way home Sunday night when everything was closed, all by myself with my kids (over 100 miles[Show More]So after almost 5 months of my van sitting on the lot to have axle replaced, my husband insists on Ford to deliver the van to my house over 100 miles away and pick up their rental. I was afraid what would happen since it sat never turned on for almost 5 months. Gabus Ford wanted me to pick the van up on my way home Sunday night when everything was closed, all by myself with my kids (over 100 miles away). So Gabus Ford in Des Moines, Iowa, where the van was, drove it to my house on 3 flat tires, ruined them. They didn’t even put spare tire back where it belonged. They didn’t refund all my rental money. They called to let me know my battery was dead, but they would put it on charger all night. Never mind them not changing the oil that sat for 5 months on the lot. Remember, my axle broke in 2 pieces while I was on the interstate doing 65 mph with all my children in van. Gabus Ford didn’t even flinch or say sorry. They have rotten customer service. I want the world to know that my family was almost killed, by the Grace of God saving us, we are all ok. But Ford does not care. Now the subframe is under recall. Is that why I hear bad cracking sounds coming from the front? SHAME ON YOU FORD!

• roJanuary 30, 2011 at 12:32 am

  I just gave my van to the dealer the rental place said there is a long waiting list to fix the van anyone here know about how long it can take?

• BennJanuary 28, 2011 at 3:56 pm

  I just dropped my van off yesterday, 99' 180,000 miles, I bought the van a year ago with a bad transmission for $500, sunk $3000 into it total in parts as i did all the work except transmission($1800). I wont even consider a offer less than $6000 as mine KBB's at $4500. Rory the receipt my dealer gave me says the inspections cost $12 thats what they are charging ford to look at our cars. The reas[Show More]I just dropped my van off yesterday, 99' 180,000 miles, I bought the van a year ago with a bad transmission for $500, sunk $3000 into it total in parts as i did all the work except transmission($1800). I wont even consider a offer less than $6000 as mine KBB's at $4500. Rory the receipt my dealer gave me says the inspections cost $12 thats what they are charging ford to look at our cars. The reason there are no axles is the company that made them is out of business. Ford is trying to round up all the tooling and/or make new tooling to produce new axles. I am a Tool and Die maker and know this just takes time, then they have to set up an assembly line, then they have to test to make sure this wont happen again to satisfy the goverment, this all takes time, and we should all just be thankful they are doing anything on an 8-12 year old vehicle that should of been part of the cash for clunkers program last year. For all those who didn't get a van as a rental that is your fault, sorry, they tried to give me a compact, I said hell no. Then they tried to give me a four door car, told them I have a van because I need a van not because its COOL. Hertz then said they dont have any vans left, and I can take the four door and when they get a van they will call. I said NO if they cant give me a van take me home and call me when they get one!!! Suddenly they have a 2010 Chevy Traverse in the lot and gave it to me, I got four kids. It is all protocall to stick you with the cheapest thing in the lot. What I dont understand is it is costing ford on average $1100 a month for the rentals, some people have been in these since October or even longer, thats $3300. Why not give people $5000 for their POS windstar, and if you put it towards a new ford another $5000 plus a special financing offer like 0% for 72 months, since most of this demographic doesnt want or cant afford a new car that is why we all have 8-12 yr old windstars. But instead Ford would rather pay Hertz and Enterprise $10000 per rental??? Which is not even a FORD?????? I myself am very impressed with my CHEVY rental, drives great, comfy, seats 7, looks good, hell they can keep my windstar as long as they want i might buy this chevy from Hertz when i get my van back from ford in 8 months. Hahahahahaha

• RoryJanuary 28, 2011 at 1:07 am

  I live in Omaha, NE we are not on the recall list. I live 14 miles from the border of Iowa. We get just as much snow and just as much salt dumped on the roads as any other state on the recall list. I just heard about the recall on the local news today and am worried. I am going to be calling the Ford dealership tomorrow and see if they are going to check out my windstar and see if there are an[Show More]I live in Omaha, NE we are not on the recall list. I live 14 miles from the border of Iowa. We get just as much snow and just as much salt dumped on the roads as any other state on the recall list. I just heard about the recall on the local news today and am worried. I am going to be calling the Ford dealership tomorrow and see if they are going to check out my windstar and see if there are any problems with it. I live directly between 2 states that are in the recall list I don't understand why we would not be on it. I would not get rid of my van for a settlement as there is only 55,000 miles on my 02. What I cannot understand is there are so many people unemployed right now and how it can take up to six months for Ford to get the axles. Why not hire people and make the axles to keep all families safe in these vehicles. The recall should be across the board on all windstars that have the problem not select states. I would think Ford would want to keep their customers happy and safe if they want someone to buy another Ford product.

• CarrieJanuary 28, 2011 at 12:19 am

  I received a call today that my van was fixed from the rear axle recall. They have had my van since early October. I was also informed that the battery was dead and needed a new one. I told them that battery was not that old and this is not my fault that they had the car sitting for four months. I was told the battery had nothing to do with the recall and I would have to pay to have a new one. I i[Show More]I received a call today that my van was fixed from the rear axle recall. They have had my van since early October. I was also informed that the battery was dead and needed a new one. I told them that battery was not that old and this is not my fault that they had the car sitting for four months. I was told the battery had nothing to do with the recall and I would have to pay to have a new one. I informed that I would not pay them anything so dont touch my battery. I was told I better get it towed. I went down had the car jumped (which was hard because they had the car so close to the other cars you could not open the doors, I had to crawl throught he back) and took it to my mechanic because of the warrenty still on my battery. The battery did not even need replaced it just needed to be charged.

• ChuckJanuary 27, 2011 at 11:35 pm

  If u live in the salt belt u should get these things check out when u have ur vehicle serviced most of the people affected have vehicle that are ten or more years old things rust. Toyota was having problems with new cars. Not the same thing and also this is less likely to result in death

• KathyJanuary 27, 2011 at 11:21 pm

  I own a 2003 ford wind star that the axle broke in half while my husband was going to work in June of 2010,we fixed it but that axle is cracked too my van is at Ford garage since Nov,10,2010 still not fixed & now they have a new recall for 1999 to 2003 wind star for hardware brackets to hold sub frame & ect.go to NECN.COM for info..

• PeteJanuary 27, 2011 at 7:32 pm

  More information on the subframe recall. http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/41290763/ns/business-autos/

• AngelaJanuary 27, 2011 at 5:14 pm

  i owned a 1998 ford windstar we got the recall letter in october2010 i took my van to the dealership and my axle was broke .i had to sink alot of money into my van before this we had to replace the rack and pinion and the struts and we had to have major brake work done besides that we already had 3 recalls that we took in and had done it was the wiper motor the brake cable and the heat motor and w[Show More]i owned a 1998 ford windstar we got the recall letter in october2010 i took my van to the dealership and my axle was broke .i had to sink alot of money into my van before this we had to replace the rack and pinion and the struts and we had to have major brake work done besides that we already had 3 recalls that we took in and had done it was the wiper motor the brake cable and the heat motor and we only got offered 2355 for our van which i feel we should of gotten more for it and we had just put brand new tires on it that was a good 600. 00 itself i feel that we should of gotten a better deal than what we were offered they just wanted to get us out of there and be done with us. the only reason we settled for the money they offered was because we would not of had no transportation for monthes i mean yes we did get arental for a few weeks but we still needed some way to get around

• JoeJanuary 27, 2011 at 4:59 pm

  In case you have not gotten the news - another Windstar recall today Jan 27, 2011 for front end problems.

• teriJanuary 27, 2011 at 3:04 pm

  Well now they have finally issued a recall on the front subframes. Notices should be going out soon. So that will be another problem for them to look at but suppossedly they parts are availble for that. So now I'll have to wait for the axle still to come in. But I'm still in my rental and not so sure I want to give it up. I've enjoyed driving a 2010 van but I just want this all settled once and fo[Show More]Well now they have finally issued a recall on the front subframes. Notices should be going out soon. So that will be another problem for them to look at but suppossedly they parts are availble for that. So now I'll have to wait for the axle still to come in. But I'm still in my rental and not so sure I want to give it up. I've enjoyed driving a 2010 van but I just want this all settled once and for all!

• TinaJanuary 26, 2011 at 5:48 pm

  So...I go to the "Windstar Graveyard" where my car is being stored until they can figure out a solution. I wanted to make sure everything was out of the car (Ford has had it since October due to the massive recall...cracked axles). Supposedly they are starting them on a regular basis. Well, that is just a bunch of bull! My car battery was sooo dead that it didn't even have enough juice to lock th[Show More]So...I go to the "Windstar Graveyard" where my car is being stored until they can figure out a solution. I wanted to make sure everything was out of the car (Ford has had it since October due to the massive recall...cracked axles). Supposedly they are starting them on a regular basis. Well, that is just a bunch of bull! My car battery was sooo dead that it didn't even have enough juice to lock the doors with the power locks. Some of the vans had broken out windows, flat tires, etc. And that is only what we can SEE! Who knows what else is wrong with these cars now?!?! I wanted to get my car started to see what it sounded like after sitting for almost 4 months now! Well, I have video footage and photos if I need them ;)

• JerryJanuary 25, 2011 at 8:42 pm

  I have a 1998 Ford Windstar. It seems this vehicle was a lemon from the start. First all my interior lights began to fail - so to remedy it, after taking it to a mechanic who could find the problem, I took out all the fuses that controlled the lights inside my van, other than in the dash board itself. Then I get a recall notice on some part dealing with a break issue and Ford repaired that with[Show More]I have a 1998 Ford Windstar. It seems this vehicle was a lemon from the start. First all my interior lights began to fail - so to remedy it, after taking it to a mechanic who could find the problem, I took out all the fuses that controlled the lights inside my van, other than in the dash board itself. Then I get a recall notice on some part dealing with a break issue and Ford repaired that with no problem. After my front springs went out, I received a notice to take my van in to see if my vehicle was among those recalled for front spring failure and I was told it did not ... FUNNY THING TO ME IS THAT BOTH FRONT ENDS SPRINGS BROKE BUT THEY ARE NOT UNDER THAT RECALL. Then I received word that the rear axle has a recall on it. Called to find out if my vehicle was under that recall. As you would guess - it wasn't. So just like the front end springs that broke - but not included in the recall - I am wondering now if the rear axle also is going to break - and it's not under the recall notice as well. Since this vehichle is unsafe with so many recalls, maybe the Ford Motor Company needs to recall all their Windstar vehicles and reimburse the owners, not only for the cost of their repair bills, but also for all the stress this vehicle has brought upon them.

• pennyJanuary 23, 2011 at 12:04 pm

  1995 ford winstar lx was visiting a relative at the hospital while exiting the parking garage the right rear bracketcompletely broke into dropping the right rear of frame resting on tire

• CarolJanuary 21, 2011 at 9:27 pm

  Our rear axle broke while my husband was driving our 2002 Windstar. The van has been sitting at the dealership since the beginning of September. I got a phone call from the dealership that they got one axle and since we were first in line we got it. We picked up our van yesterday (1/20/11). While it was there the inspection ran out. They offered to see what all it was going to need. I got a [Show More]Our rear axle broke while my husband was driving our 2002 Windstar. The van has been sitting at the dealership since the beginning of September. I got a phone call from the dealership that they got one axle and since we were first in line we got it. We picked up our van yesterday (1/20/11). While it was there the inspection ran out. They offered to see what all it was going to need. I got a LIST and they charged me for going over the vehicle!!! When the van was taken in there was 1 light that needed replaced. Now over half of the lights on it do not work which we are praying they are just bulbs or fuses because who knows what the cost will be if it's in the wiring. Our driver's side window will not function. It never gave us a problem before it was taken. And the smell inside the vehicle is putrid from sitting in temps from 0 - 80 degrees and not being aired out. And we had just purchased a battery 2-4 months prior to it being taken in and it now reads as poor performance. The dealer said the only thing that Ford is responsible for is the axle. The other things have nothing to do with the recall. I called Ford and was told that we have to take the van in to be diagnosed and than get a cost and call them back and we would have to apply for financial assistance but that in all likelyhood we would be denied because, as the dealership stated, Ford's liability is strictly the axle. This was our 4th and LAST Ford vehicle. I am so disappointed with this whole experience. To top it all off we're still making payments on this death trap!!! From this experience I've learned that Ford doesn't care about the people just the sales. How sad.

• KrisJanuary 20, 2011 at 6:19 pm

  As of today, 1/20, I called my local Ford dealer here in MN just for an update and was told that they do not have parts yet. Now they have been told they should have parts in late Feb or early March. Originally they were told middle of January. He also told me that they were offering buyouts earlier but are not anymore because there are too many of them that need fixing. I'm still in a 5 passenger[Show More]As of today, 1/20, I called my local Ford dealer here in MN just for an update and was told that they do not have parts yet. Now they have been told they should have parts in late Feb or early March. Originally they were told middle of January. He also told me that they were offering buyouts earlier but are not anymore because there are too many of them that need fixing. I'm still in a 5 passenger car and there have been a few times I have had no choice and have to double up two of my kids in the back seat. Guess Ford doesn't care about that though.

• WalterJanuary 19, 2011 at 7:33 pm

  Date of Occurence: 12 October 2010 The axel on my Ford Windstar broke in two parts while I was passing commuter traffic at a rate of approximately 60-65 mph on Interstate highway I-95 in the Washington DC area. There was a sound similar to an explosion, which made me think that I had a blowout! There was a great deal of smoke coming from the rear of the vehicle, with associated noise! Very fright[Show More]Date of Occurence: 12 October 2010 The axel on my Ford Windstar broke in two parts while I was passing commuter traffic at a rate of approximately 60-65 mph on Interstate highway I-95 in the Washington DC area. There was a sound similar to an explosion, which made me think that I had a blowout! There was a great deal of smoke coming from the rear of the vehicle, with associated noise! Very frightening indeed! Thank God that there was not an 18 -Wheeler immediately behind me!!! I immediately turned on my hazard lights and proceeded, as best I could, to cross two traffic lanes to the shoulder. Fortunately, for us the people behind us were very alert and supproted are efforts to remove my vehicle, which seemed about ready to explode, to the shoulder where I was able to safely stop. Two good Samaritans, one who I thought was a NY Giants Linebacker; the other, a Wrecker Operator ( employed by the State of Maryland, I believe) came to offer their assistance, for which I always will be graterfull!). My damaged vehicale was subsequently towed to " Ford Sheehy Auto Stores. There I was, for the first time, notified that a recall notice was in effect for my vehiclle! I must state that the people at the Ford Dealership were very friendly, courteous and professional in my dealings with them! I was given a rental car to use for approximately 90 days, after which I had hoped to have everything settled! 13 October 2010: I wrote a letter to "Ford Motor Company, Customer Relationship Center" describing what had happened, with a request that the situation be rectified as soon as possible, in that I had the need of the van! 19 October 2010 ( US Mail Envelope date): Received Official Recall Notice from Ford Motor Company, dated October 2010. A few days later, I received a letter from" Ford Customer Service Division', providing me with "Case # 1571672940" , with an invitation to discuss the matter in further detail. On 5 November 2010, via telecon, I found out that that the situation would not be resolved until about March 2011. 08 November 2011: Based upon Ford Customer Notice, I had to extend my rental car agreement accordingly. Considering the impracticality of renewing my rental agreement with "Enterprise-Marlow Heights, MD". I was able to extend the rental agreement with "Enterprise- Ridgewood, NJ-closer to my home in Ramsey, NJ. (NB: Ford Motor Company has been understanding and generous; thus far, in paying the rental fees and insurance for the rental vehicle! With March 2011 fast approaching, I would hope that this will continue until the matter is closed with mutual staisfaction! Aftrer saying all this, I would hope that glutonous profit seeking was not at the bottom of all this and that we can all once again be proud to say " BUY AMERICAN!"

• HelenJanuary 19, 2011 at 12:52 am

  We got the call today to tell us that our van is fixed!. We have a 1999 Windstar. Our axle broke at the end of August. We have to return the rental car and pick up the van in 24 hours. I asked the dealership if they just reinforced the broken axle or did they replace it. He stated it was a new axle. I am just wondering how my van is running after sitting in the lot after 5 months in Chicago [Show More]We got the call today to tell us that our van is fixed!. We have a 1999 Windstar. Our axle broke at the end of August. We have to return the rental car and pick up the van in 24 hours. I asked the dealership if they just reinforced the broken axle or did they replace it. He stated it was a new axle. I am just wondering how my van is running after sitting in the lot after 5 months in Chicago weather.

• just meJanuary 18, 2011 at 7:39 pm

  If anyone is defending Ford, saying it takes years for rust to develop, I have to speak up on that: we NOTIFIED FORD via certified letter back in 2008, about this. We even sent photos of our broken axle, and still NO response. And the dealership's attitude was worse. We sited cases we found online, etc and asked if they had a moral obligation to pursue this, and the dealership's answer was: i[Show More]If anyone is defending Ford, saying it takes years for rust to develop, I have to speak up on that: we NOTIFIED FORD via certified letter back in 2008, about this. We even sent photos of our broken axle, and still NO response. And the dealership's attitude was worse. We sited cases we found online, etc and asked if they had a moral obligation to pursue this, and the dealership's answer was: it's not our job. BY THE WAY, YES, our SECOND axle was cracked as well. Two rear axles we went through. I have been in my rental for 3 months, and friends we know in the same situation told us they were told us we could be in these rentals for 7 months. I can only imagine how much this is costing Ford. Can't wait to get a Honda!

• MaineMomJanuary 18, 2011 at 1:05 am

  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 c[Show More]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.

• Kim from WisconsinJanuary 17, 2011 at 4:12 pm

  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 f[Show More]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.

• DavidJanuary 16, 2011 at 5:15 pm

  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 wa[Show More]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.

• JDJanuary 15, 2011 at 12:15 pm

  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 [Show More]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.

• sylvanoJanuary 14, 2011 at 12:03 am

  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 r[Show More]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

• AndrewJanuary 13, 2011 at 6:35 pm

  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 pay[Show More]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!

• JosetteJanuary 12, 2011 at 7:17 pm

  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 , hocke[Show More]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.........

• FrankJanuary 10, 2011 at 7:02 pm

  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. Ch[Show More]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.

• MarkJanuary 10, 2011 at 5:01 pm

  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.

• MarkJanuary 10, 2011 at 4:33 pm

  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 repla[Show More]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.

• DougJanuary 10, 2011 at 3:55 pm

  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.

• mJanuary 10, 2011 at 12:20 pm

  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.

• AnthonyJanuary 10, 2011 at 11:13 am

  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 Fo[Show More]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!

• mom of 3January 8, 2011 at 3:40 am

  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 fo[Show More]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.

• mJanuary 7, 2011 at 11:09 am

  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.

• JillJanuary 7, 2011 at 7:12 am

  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 fo[Show More]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.

• StephanieJanuary 7, 2011 at 2:57 am

  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 bless[Show More]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.

• HelenJanuary 6, 2011 at 6:45 pm

  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 f[Show More]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?

• EdJanuary 6, 2011 at 5:24 pm

  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.

• TinaJanuary 5, 2011 at 6:58 pm

  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 [Show More]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!

• EdJanuary 5, 2011 at 5:46 pm

  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.

• PeteJanuary 5, 2011 at 5:41 pm

  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 to[Show More]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.

• jessJanuary 5, 2011 at 2:00 am

  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 [Show More]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?

• PamelaJanuary 3, 2011 at 12:01 am

  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 [Show More]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.

• RonDecember 31, 2010 at 11:45 pm

  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 satisfie[Show More]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.

• JillDecember 31, 2010 at 5:01 pm

  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 b[Show More]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!

• RonDecember 31, 2010 at 4:44 pm

  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 [Show More]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!!!!

• MirianDecember 31, 2010 at 5:01 am

  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 h[Show More]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.

• John in AtlantaDecember 30, 2010 at 10:20 pm

  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.

• MomDecember 30, 2010 at 2:56 am

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

• BridgetteDecember 29, 2010 at 12:04 am

  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. [Show More]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.

• peggyDecember 28, 2010 at 11:31 pm

  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[Show More]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!

• dllDecember 28, 2010 at 3:28 pm

  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 stabil[Show More]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!

• dllDecember 27, 2010 at 6:05 pm

  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? [Show More]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.

• marthaDecember 27, 2010 at 5:03 am

  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,[Show More]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??

• DWDecember 25, 2010 at 11:03 pm

  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 to[Show More]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"

• JanineDecember 23, 2010 at 10:27 pm

  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 t[Show More]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....

• ErinDecember 23, 2010 at 8:08 pm

  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.

• johnDecember 23, 2010 at 6:23 pm

  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 [Show More]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.

• MikeHDecember 23, 2010 at 1:45 pm

  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 refusin[Show More]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?

• BryanDecember 23, 2010 at 2:49 am

  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 t[Show More]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?

• arnoldDecember 23, 2010 at 12:59 am

  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 [Show More]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.

• CharleneDecember 21, 2010 at 5:44 pm

  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.

• LewisDecember 21, 2010 at 4:57 pm

  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 s[Show More]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.

• CeciliaDecember 21, 2010 at 4:39 am

  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[Show More]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.

• StaceyDecember 18, 2010 at 3:14 pm

  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[Show More]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!

• Just meDecember 17, 2010 at 2:19 am

  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 w[Show More]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!!

• MikeDecember 16, 2010 at 7:22 pm

  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 ove[Show More]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.

• BridgetteDecember 16, 2010 at 3:22 pm

  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[Show More]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!!!

• carolDecember 16, 2010 at 4:23 am

  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

• BrianDecember 15, 2010 at 1:48 pm

  I just found out that my windstar also has the bad axle. A dealership checked it out and told me Ford would give me $3400 for the van to scrap it. I can not find a replacement for $3400. This van is in good shape with a new paint job because the factory blue peeled right off of the hood. I would need $6000 to get into a decent mini van. Also I have the ABS light issue going on with mine....SEE www[Show More]I just found out that my windstar also has the bad axle. A dealership checked it out and told me Ford would give me $3400 for the van to scrap it. I can not find a replacement for $3400. This van is in good shape with a new paint job because the factory blue peeled right off of the hood. I would need $6000 to get into a decent mini van. Also I have the ABS light issue going on with mine....SEE www.fordwindstarrecall.info/ the dealership would not fix the ABS issue unless I paid for it..about $800

• AnthonyDecember 14, 2010 at 11:36 pm

  I wasn't aware of the recall and my wife just called me with her 2001 Windstar rearaxle failing on the way to pick up the kids from school. Luckily she was only on a local road going 35 mph. Had it towed to the local NJ dealer where they told me it would take at least 30 days for parts. Ater reading the comments , I guess that's not exactly accurate They were very polite and they had Enterpris[Show More]I wasn't aware of the recall and my wife just called me with her 2001 Windstar rearaxle failing on the way to pick up the kids from school. Luckily she was only on a local road going 35 mph. Had it towed to the local NJ dealer where they told me it would take at least 30 days for parts. Ater reading the comments , I guess that's not exactly accurate They were very polite and they had Enterprise pick me up and gave me a loner. I wan't able to get large enough loaner for my family and I requested the dealer help me out with getting a car for seven. They said they would and now I am just hoping they come through.

• KrisDecember 14, 2010 at 7:54 pm

  I am another lucky person to bring my 2003 87,000 miles Windstar in to have it fail inspection last Friday. I was given a rental at Ford's expense but it is a 5 passenger car and I have 5 children. I called Enterprise and pretty much was told that I am just going to have to deal with it. Well, how am I supposed to transport all 5 of my kids at the same time? Should I make one ride in the trunk??!![Show More]I am another lucky person to bring my 2003 87,000 miles Windstar in to have it fail inspection last Friday. I was given a rental at Ford's expense but it is a 5 passenger car and I have 5 children. I called Enterprise and pretty much was told that I am just going to have to deal with it. Well, how am I supposed to transport all 5 of my kids at the same time? Should I make one ride in the trunk??!!! They told me the parts are supposed to be in mid January but it could be 60-90 days. There are at least 30 Windstars sitting OUTDOORS on their lot and we had 17" of snow this past weekend! My van has always been parked in my garage. I bet nobody will be starting the vans all winter long which here in MN will cause some problems. I will be calling the manager at my local Ford dealer to address these issues. We have to wait it out but I'm thinking it's time to trade it in after it's all fixed so we can get something for it. Not getting another Ford though.

• MollyDecember 11, 2010 at 8:38 pm

  My Ford dealer has had my 2000 Windstar since mid October 2010 due to the rear axle crack. I was offered $2710. as a buyout option, which I promptly refused as I only have 67,000 miles on the van and I put $1,500 into the van in repairs in the past 6 months. I have maintained and cared for my vehicle and I cannot replace my van at $2710!! I have been told by my dealer and Ford Co. that they will b[Show More]My Ford dealer has had my 2000 Windstar since mid October 2010 due to the rear axle crack. I was offered $2710. as a buyout option, which I promptly refused as I only have 67,000 miles on the van and I put $1,500 into the van in repairs in the past 6 months. I have maintained and cared for my vehicle and I cannot replace my van at $2710!! I have been told by my dealer and Ford Co. that they will be retooling axles beginning sometime in the first quarter of 2011. Several mechanics I have talked to said they would be surprised if Ford does gear up to retool as this is very expensive to do. I was also told by my dealer and Ford Co. that my vehicle would be maintained while it was impounded on their lot. I made a visit to the lot yesterday to find an area of minivans packed together like sardines and covered in 6+ inches of snow and icicles hanging from the bumpers. These vehicles have not been moved since they were parked there!! I found my van and the battery was as dead as a doorknob!! And I thought it was good of Ford to leave my van unlocked! The fact that they are NOT moving the vehicles means flat spots on tires, seals drying up, batteries going dead, lubricants possibly turning to sludge, etc. Will Ford pay for these too? I live in Minnesota and I keep the van in my garage all the time, it is never left outside. As for the rental cars, I went from a minivan to a small Ford Fusion…does not seem like a comparable replacement vehicle. This little car sits so low to the ground it is constantly getting stuck in the snow! Every time I have to dig the Fusion out of the snow I curse Ford Co and the inconvenience they have caused me due to their incompetence!! I am beyond unhappy with Ford and I will never buy Ford again. I think it is time that Ford admits that they built a LEMON of a vehicle. The 2000 year Ford Windstar has had 11 different recalls!! Ford really needs to step up and take care of their customers!!

• MaryDecember 9, 2010 at 3:23 am

  Our 2002 Windstar has been in the lot since 10/23. Our "free" rental is costing us $4.93 per day in taxes, as we were told that Ford would not pay for the sales tax. So..we've already paid out $231.71. I was told by a Ford rep, back in October, that the replacement parts wouldn't be available until the 1st quarter of 2011. We could have bought a decent used car by now and put that money toward[Show More]Our 2002 Windstar has been in the lot since 10/23. Our "free" rental is costing us $4.93 per day in taxes, as we were told that Ford would not pay for the sales tax. So..we've already paid out $231.71. I was told by a Ford rep, back in October, that the replacement parts wouldn't be available until the 1st quarter of 2011. We could have bought a decent used car by now and put that money toward a monthly payment, not that we can afford another bill right now. Anyone else paying daily sales taxes?

• Frustrated with FordDecember 8, 2010 at 1:04 am

  Our Ford Service Department (Beverly, MA) refuses to inspect our recalled Windstar! We've called multiple times (I even went there in person today). They refuse to look at the car until February 2010 at the earliest. I requested a letter stating that they refuse to examine the car and was refused. It's possible that our car's rear axle is fine, but who knows? Our Windstar is modified to fit two [Show More]Our Ford Service Department (Beverly, MA) refuses to inspect our recalled Windstar! We've called multiple times (I even went there in person today). They refuse to look at the car until February 2010 at the earliest. I requested a letter stating that they refuse to examine the car and was refused. It's possible that our car's rear axle is fine, but who knows? Our Windstar is modified to fit two disabled wheelchair passengers. No traveling for them. Or us, for that matter. Who would ever buy a Ford with this type of service? I'm calling an investigative reporter at one of the Boston television stations tomorrow. Enough.

• mDecember 7, 2010 at 11:47 am

  Ford is so stupid. They pay Enterprise rental car to rent: Chevy's, Dodges, Nissans, Toyotas or whatever is in their fleet for a FORD problem. I must admit our 2011 Chevrolet Silverado rental 4 x4 is nice. Ford is not thinking this through. They will lose a lot of loyal customers.

• Fed up with FordDecember 7, 2010 at 3:52 am

  Go to woodhouse.com the Ford Dealership in Blair Nebraska, near my home. They have 11 Ford Windstars for sale, the 2001 with 130,000 miles is advertised with a market value of $7,990.00. Why can they sell these junk vans for almost $8,000 but won't give us more than a few thousand to buy them back???????????? Every Ford Windstar owner had their lives endangered by Ford. Don't let Ford get away wit[Show More]Go to woodhouse.com the Ford Dealership in Blair Nebraska, near my home. They have 11 Ford Windstars for sale, the 2001 with 130,000 miles is advertised with a market value of $7,990.00. Why can they sell these junk vans for almost $8,000 but won't give us more than a few thousand to buy them back???????????? Every Ford Windstar owner had their lives endangered by Ford. Don't let Ford get away with this.

• Sick of Ford getting away with itDecember 7, 2010 at 3:41 am

  All Ford Windstar owners should keep their rentals until they are satisfied completely with a fair replacement. Even if they "fix" the axle, the front is also going to break apart, my front end also made cracking noises like the wheels were going to fall off, just before the rear axle busted in 2 on the interstate going 65mph, and all the other problems that piece of junk has. I've been tracking t[Show More]All Ford Windstar owners should keep their rentals until they are satisfied completely with a fair replacement. Even if they "fix" the axle, the front is also going to break apart, my front end also made cracking noises like the wheels were going to fall off, just before the rear axle busted in 2 on the interstate going 65mph, and all the other problems that piece of junk has. I've been tracking this whole Ford scam since September. I'm gooing to drive my Ford Taurus Rental until the axle falls out of it. I will not accept anything less than a "safe" vehicle, not a Ford, one with at least same miles and paid in full. Just like what Ford STOLE from my family. My van was well taken care of and in great looking shape.

• BillDecember 6, 2010 at 4:37 pm

  http://www-odi.nhtsa.dot.gov/acms/docservlet/Artemis/Public/Recalls/2010/V/RCM This will get you to a Memo that Ford sent to all it's Dealers. It explains a lot, including what Ford Motor Company wants done. There is a section in red where Ford tell the dealers how to store, and give back your vehicle when it is fixed. Ford is paying the dealers for storage and vehicle maintainance. It also [Show More]http://www-odi.nhtsa.dot.gov/acms/docservlet/Artemis/Public/Recalls/2010/V/RCM This will get you to a Memo that Ford sent to all it's Dealers. It explains a lot, including what Ford Motor Company wants done. There is a section in red where Ford tell the dealers how to store, and give back your vehicle when it is fixed. Ford is paying the dealers for storage and vehicle maintainance. It also explains there Loaner Criteria.

• NWDecember 5, 2010 at 2:23 am

  I finally took my 99 Windstar in and yes the axle was cracked again. We had it welded about 6 months ago. Well the dealership sent me home without a car saying I would have to wait for them to hear from Ford on Monday this is Friday and my husband was at work with no way home I called enterprise to rent a car when they asked why and I told them because of the recall they stated I should not have t[Show More]I finally took my 99 Windstar in and yes the axle was cracked again. We had it welded about 6 months ago. Well the dealership sent me home without a car saying I would have to wait for them to hear from Ford on Monday this is Friday and my husband was at work with no way home I called enterprise to rent a car when they asked why and I told them because of the recall they stated I should not have to pay so I called the dealership back and they stated I had to wait for them to speak with Ford. I just wanted a rental until a buyout was offer because the van is a piece of crap. After 3 hours on the phone back & forth with Dealership & car rental 1 hour on the phone with Ford. I must say the Ford rep was extremely helping stating I should of never been sent from dealer without rental car. She called dealership to find out why with me on phone Dealership lied stating only reason I didnt get car rental was because rental place didnt have any cars. Thank God I had already called rental place and they held me a Large SUV at the going rate for Ford rental car so 4 hours later I have a SUV that fits my whole family and now I am not taking the current buy out going to drive rental until they fix it or offer me a better deal. Oh yeah after I called Ford company dealership called later in evening to offer buyout of $2355.

• LARRYDecember 4, 2010 at 8:23 am

  FORD AND OTHER AUTO MFG. ARE BUILDING JUNK! AND WE THE BUYERS ARE STUCK WITH IT. YOUR PAYMENTS DONT STOP! I PURCHASED A 98 AND A 2000 FORD WINDSTAR. THE 98 POWER STEERING WENT OUT THEN THE TRANNY! THE 2000 HAS THE ABS COMING ON AND NOW A CRACKED AXLE. THE AVERAGE FAMILY CANT AFFORD NEW! $28,000 TO $50,000 ARE THESE AUTO MFG CRAZY. I SAW A NEW CADILAC ESACLADE LOADED $87,000. GEE WHY ARE AUTO COMPA[Show More]FORD AND OTHER AUTO MFG. ARE BUILDING JUNK! AND WE THE BUYERS ARE STUCK WITH IT. YOUR PAYMENTS DONT STOP! I PURCHASED A 98 AND A 2000 FORD WINDSTAR. THE 98 POWER STEERING WENT OUT THEN THE TRANNY! THE 2000 HAS THE ABS COMING ON AND NOW A CRACKED AXLE. THE AVERAGE FAMILY CANT AFFORD NEW! $28,000 TO $50,000 ARE THESE AUTO MFG CRAZY. I SAW A NEW CADILAC ESACLADE LOADED $87,000. GEE WHY ARE AUTO COMPANYS GOING UNDER. ITS GREED! WHAT IS AVERAGE PAYMENT $500 TO $700 AND NO ONES JOB IS SECURE.THESE CAR COMPANY ARE BUILDING UNSAFE JUNK AND COVERING IT UP. THERE IS NO QUALITY LEFT JUST BUID IT TO LAST TILL WARRANTY IS OFF. THE USA IS IMPORTING TOO MUCH CHINA JUNK. AND USA IS USING THESE PARTS. WHY THERE CHEAP IS IT QUALITY THAT WILL LAST HELL NO. LOOK AT FORDS NEW LITTLE VAN, ITS PARTS ARE MADE IN EVERY COUNTRY YOU CAN THINK OF. WHY CHEAP JUNK THAT SELLS FOR $23000. THESE COMPANYS DESERVE TO GO UNDER LIKE GOVERMENT MOTORS. WHO THE HELL BAILS US OUT WITH THE REPAIR BILLS ON THE JUNK THEY CALL QUALITY!

• PaulDecember 4, 2010 at 12:25 am

  That Fed Ex letter tells you that you have 7 days to accept or decline the offer. Mark the decline spot and send it back. The thing that bothers me about this recall, is that the dealer dosn't care about our vans while they sit there for 5 months. Who is going to start them so that the battery stays charged,and the engine gets warmed up and lubricated?

• DonnaDecember 3, 2010 at 9:20 pm

  There is talk on web about a class action suit being filed in Pennsylvania. I would not agree to anything yet. Remember folks -- it is the end of the fiscal year for Ford. I am sure they are carrying this recall on their books listing repair costs as the only hit to their bottom line. Come January, their story will be very different because they will be able to start paying out money without i[Show More]There is talk on web about a class action suit being filed in Pennsylvania. I would not agree to anything yet. Remember folks -- it is the end of the fiscal year for Ford. I am sure they are carrying this recall on their books listing repair costs as the only hit to their bottom line. Come January, their story will be very different because they will be able to start paying out money without it affecting their credit rating. You know hush money and money to families where people were hurt or died and basically money to make us go away. Our 2000 Winstar has been sitting in the dealer's lot since Nov 1. Got a buy back offer of $3635 and haven't received our "overnighted paperwork" from Ford yet.

• CristyDecember 3, 2010 at 5:45 pm

  HMMMMMM.......I wonder if it's just the rear axles......mine has been making an on again/off again popping noise from the front. When I took it in to have the last recall thing fixed they said the axles were showing wear and gave me and estimate of how much it would cost to replace them.....over $2,000. I passed as we have been considering a new car. I wonder if all the axles are bad. I don't [Show More]HMMMMMM.......I wonder if it's just the rear axles......mine has been making an on again/off again popping noise from the front. When I took it in to have the last recall thing fixed they said the axles were showing wear and gave me and estimate of how much it would cost to replace them.....over $2,000. I passed as we have been considering a new car. I wonder if all the axles are bad. I don't live in one of the states mentioned BTW. But if the axles are defective it doesn't seem like it would be an issues of salt on the roads. So should I call Ford and see if this is an issue across the brand as well (front axles). Mine is a 2000.

• BillDecember 2, 2010 at 9:04 pm

  At 2:00 this afternoon, I got a Buyout Offer on my 1999 Windstar SEL from Ford byway of FEDEX. It was for $3,435. That is the same amount that I was offered 6 weeks ago, minus the $2,000 credit towards a new car purchase. I have 7 days from today to accept the offer, and FEDEX it back to them in a pre-paid return envelope. I am not going to respond. I told them 7 weeks ago to fix my mini-van,[Show More]At 2:00 this afternoon, I got a Buyout Offer on my 1999 Windstar SEL from Ford byway of FEDEX. It was for $3,435. That is the same amount that I was offered 6 weeks ago, minus the $2,000 credit towards a new car purchase. I have 7 days from today to accept the offer, and FEDEX it back to them in a pre-paid return envelope. I am not going to respond. I told them 7 weeks ago to fix my mini-van, and fix it right. The buyout letter also stated that it could be a couple of months before my vehicle might be repaired.

• Fed up with FordDecember 2, 2010 at 4:43 pm

  Mike with the good axle. Did they put a scope camera inside the axle and actually look at it? I don't think its snow and salt doing this. Rust is formed with pure water and oxygen. Duh Ford

• BridgetteDecember 2, 2010 at 4:38 pm

  Tammy, your axle is bent because it is starting to break in half. Don't let Ford bully you. I am thankful my family did not get injured when my axle snapped in 2 on the interstate. The kids were traumatized at what happened. Ford didn't even appologize for what happened. Call Ford headquarters. You deserve your money back or a fix. Ford is just trying to get out of this one. You deserve a rental A[Show More]Tammy, your axle is bent because it is starting to break in half. Don't let Ford bully you. I am thankful my family did not get injured when my axle snapped in 2 on the interstate. The kids were traumatized at what happened. Ford didn't even appologize for what happened. Call Ford headquarters. You deserve your money back or a fix. Ford is just trying to get out of this one. You deserve a rental Axles just don't bend. Duh, Ford. The axle was under stress from a bad defect Ford built. I am outraged Ford is getting away with a "voluntary recall". The teachers at work that drive a Ford Windstar said they through the "voluntary recall" paper away because they thought it is nothing. People are not taking this seriously because it is voluntary. Shame on Ford. Somebody already got killed over this deal!

• michelleDecember 2, 2010 at 4:37 pm

  Oh my gosh . never recieved the recall and i have a 1998 winstar.there's 5 of us and 3 are my children . I'm calling my ford dealer now.

• BillDecember 2, 2010 at 3:25 pm

  The Windstar rear-axle problem seems to be getting worse. I have a suggestion for Ford. Set up a phone number, Blog, website for us owners to get, and share informaion. Update us on what is going on. Date all posts so that we know that you are making progress. Does anyone out there have any information on What happened in a Court in Philadelphi on November 29, 2010 concerning this Windstar pr[Show More]The Windstar rear-axle problem seems to be getting worse. I have a suggestion for Ford. Set up a phone number, Blog, website for us owners to get, and share informaion. Update us on what is going on. Date all posts so that we know that you are making progress. Does anyone out there have any information on What happened in a Court in Philadelphi on November 29, 2010 concerning this Windstar problem? If Ford would give us some facts, or progress reports, it will go a long way towards easing our anxiety. I have had a rental now for over 7 weeks, and other than a low buy back offer, I have heard nothing from Ford, or my Dealer. Would someone in an Official capacity from Ford please talk to us. I am afraid of chips and scratches on my loaner everytime I drive it. I planned on taking my 1999 Windstar from Michigan to Florida in January. The loaner goes in it's place if I don't get my Windstar back before I leave. They get thier loaner back in Mid-March, when I bring it back North.

• TammyDecember 2, 2010 at 12:42 am

  I am soooo VERY thankful and outraged. I have a 2000 Windstar that we actually only bought because Ford gave us $4000 toward a new one to turn in our last Windstar to get it off the road. We first leased the van to make sure it wasn't going to have the problems the old one had. It seemed to be okay so we bought it. I bought a 4 year warranty to cover if additional problems came up, which did. W[Show More]I am soooo VERY thankful and outraged. I have a 2000 Windstar that we actually only bought because Ford gave us $4000 toward a new one to turn in our last Windstar to get it off the road. We first leased the van to make sure it wasn't going to have the problems the old one had. It seemed to be okay so we bought it. I bought a 4 year warranty to cover if additional problems came up, which did. We soon found our warranty useful when we had to replace the transmission. Now our van is parked. We had it checked and they said the axle wasn't cracked, but a few weeks after that it began making noises. Next it started drifting and sliding on the roads. Then within a week the two back tires that were new, were bald on the sides. So we had it checked again and they said the axle was bent. Bent axles are not part of the recall so they said sorry about your luck. We did not hit anything or do anything at all to bend the axle. We rarely drive the vehichle more than 10 miles to town and back. It only just turned 100 k this in November. I'm just sick over this. We can't find the parts to repair it not to mention that I can't afford to replace the axle and two tires. We can't afford a rental, we can't trade it, and it isn't even safe to drive it at all. I don't care what they say, my axle bent on it's own just like everyone else's is cracking. I am thankful we did not wreck or nobody in my family was harmed while we drove this unsafe van, but outraged that I have a $3500 piece of metal wasting away in my driveway while we bum rides. I would love to buy your axle Mike if I could afford it.

• BridgetteDecember 1, 2010 at 4:27 pm

  I've been driving a rental for 3 months now. Sick of worrying if someone is going to "scratch it" etc. Now snowing, is someone going to hit me. I park far away so nobody will ding the rental. What is considered normal wear and tear? I can't even relax since this whole nightmare happened. The rental doesn't even fit my family of 6 in it. It's bad enough we had to live through the horror of the axle[Show More]I've been driving a rental for 3 months now. Sick of worrying if someone is going to "scratch it" etc. Now snowing, is someone going to hit me. I park far away so nobody will ding the rental. What is considered normal wear and tear? I can't even relax since this whole nightmare happened. The rental doesn't even fit my family of 6 in it. It's bad enough we had to live through the horror of the axle snapping in 2 on the busy interstate, but now, i have to worry about buying a new vehicle to fit my family. A few thousand bucks won't even get me anything close to my van that was in excellent condition and garaged. I've put over 3K miles on rental. It needs an oil change already. This was not our fault FORD. Even if they fix it, front of van is under investigation now, I will not drive the van again. Too risky. But the Ford Dealer Manager said "at least you got 6 good years out of your van" I will not just settle, neither should any one else. We are all victims of FORD. FORD: SOMEONE DID GET KILLED OVER YOUR MISTAKE. That person's friend e-mailed me and told me of the incident. My heart goes out to them.

• BridgetteDecember 1, 2010 at 4:13 pm

  WE should not let FORD bully us into "settling" We ALL need to stand up for ourselves. Most of us drove these vans because we had children to cart around or large familes. FORD put "families with children" and "families without children" at risk of loosing their lives. Now they want to give us a few thousand dollars to buy back our vehicles that were most likely already paid for in full???? I was [Show More]WE should not let FORD bully us into "settling" We ALL need to stand up for ourselves. Most of us drove these vans because we had children to cart around or large familes. FORD put "families with children" and "families without children" at risk of loosing their lives. Now they want to give us a few thousand dollars to buy back our vehicles that were most likely already paid for in full???? I was counting on using my paid off van for a few more years. WE SHOULD NOT LET FORD BULLY ALL OF US "former" Ford Customers. I will not just settle!!

• SteveNovember 29, 2010 at 7:58 pm

  I had a replacement axle installed in September 2009. According to official recall notice received in October 2010, if an owner had a replacement axle installed, to send the original invoice, etc to the address on the recall for reimbursement. Letter with with orignal repair receipts sent to Ford on 10//18/10. Check received from Ford on 11/22 for the full amount of what I submitted.

• julioNovember 28, 2010 at 5:06 pm

  It is very frustrating reading all of these comments. My wife and I are going through the same mess. I thought that FORD having the reputation they do would step up and take care of us. We have a 2000 limited Windstar in near new condition. The van has been great for us, except for the axle issue. They do have us in a rental, but it is not anything that is comparable to a van. We were told we cou[Show More]It is very frustrating reading all of these comments. My wife and I are going through the same mess. I thought that FORD having the reputation they do would step up and take care of us. We have a 2000 limited Windstar in near new condition. The van has been great for us, except for the axle issue. They do have us in a rental, but it is not anything that is comparable to a van. We were told we could only choose from a car as Ford was not allowing enough money for a mini van. This is a huge inconvinience especially during the Holiday's. If we all sit back and wait for Ford we could be inconvinienced until March of 2010. How do we grab the bull by the horns and contact Ford ourselves? " A closed mouth does not get fed" I would be willing to do all I could to cause them as much grief as they have to all of us.

• GeraldineNovember 28, 2010 at 6:04 am

  My 2000 Winstar rear axle broke in Oct 2009, paid $820.00 to fix. I called Ford when I got recall letter. I was told to take orginal bill and car to Ford dealer to comfirm new axle. To my suprise my replacement axle WAS cracked. I have a Focus rental, with 4 kids (go figure) My Winstar has 170,000 miles in bad shape, but runs. I don't care what they offer me I can't afford anything.. HAS ANYONE G[Show More]My 2000 Winstar rear axle broke in Oct 2009, paid $820.00 to fix. I called Ford when I got recall letter. I was told to take orginal bill and car to Ford dealer to comfirm new axle. To my suprise my replacement axle WAS cracked. I have a Focus rental, with 4 kids (go figure) My Winstar has 170,000 miles in bad shape, but runs. I don't care what they offer me I can't afford anything.. HAS ANYONE GOTTEN A CHECK?? IF SO HOW LONG DID IT TAKE??

• aggravatedNovember 25, 2010 at 3:15 am

  my 2000 windstar.is sitting in a car dealership lot with a cracked axel. it was deemed cracked when i brought teh van to the dealership. i went a week without a vehicle had numerous breakdowns until they gave me a car and a smal car but a smal car is better than nothing. i do wonder if i could of sued ford for loss of use per day of my van. ford offered me 2710 i denied their offer. ill spend the [Show More]my 2000 windstar.is sitting in a car dealership lot with a cracked axel. it was deemed cracked when i brought teh van to the dealership. i went a week without a vehicle had numerous breakdowns until they gave me a car and a smal car but a smal car is better than nothing. i do wonder if i could of sued ford for loss of use per day of my van. ford offered me 2710 i denied their offer. ill spend the winter in my rental vehicle which ford will pay for and ill have a fixed van when it gets done. bad move ford. offer more money 5000 would be fair to offset all the stress and aggravation. by the time i buy a new van id be out sales tax and teh costs to register the replacement plus all the extras.

• RaejeaniaNovember 24, 2010 at 8:59 am

  I just bought my 2002 Ford Windstar in July. On my way home from work, my rear axle broke a quarter mile away from my house. I hope I don't experience the difficulties everyone else is dealing with.

• TheresaNovember 22, 2010 at 4:50 am

  I have a 2001 Winstar Sport van with 175000, I have had no problem with the van until now except for replacing tires. I have had no luck trying to deal with any customer service at Ford. They have been no help what so ever. I do know they will not buy my van back (I guess 175000 is not considered high milage). Instead Ford would rather pay for car rental, collission insurance, replacing axle, h[Show More]I have a 2001 Winstar Sport van with 175000, I have had no problem with the van until now except for replacing tires. I have had no luck trying to deal with any customer service at Ford. They have been no help what so ever. I do know they will not buy my van back (I guess 175000 is not considered high milage). Instead Ford would rather pay for car rental, collission insurance, replacing axle, having someone turn it on everyday and sales taxes (I've been told Ford is paying the whole rental bill) over $6000 if fixed by Feb or over $7000 if fixed by Mar. The Kelly Blue Book resale value of my van is $4700. Does this evn make sense to anyone???? The trade in value of my van has gone down to $1200 since Sept. Ford has offered me an incentive of $2000 for having the cracked axle but I must buy a new vehicle. I owe nothing on my van right now and can not afford a car payment right now. I will be staying in the rental until I get my van back. Hopefully they will keep their word and turn it on so there are no problem when I finally get it back. I also just want to mention that if you read the posts almost everyone of us has a different rental amount they'll pay mine is $38/day if I wanted a van I would have to pay an additional $25/day. I was told 60 to 90 days before it would be fixed because they have to make the axle. Why is it not the same across the board???? I will not be buying another Ford because of my treatment during this recall. I just want my van with a new axle in the good shape so I can take it to another car dealer and trade it in.

• amberNovember 21, 2010 at 4:04 am

  a realy good friend of mine owned a 2001 Ford wndstar. On october 15 2010 he was driving to school when the rear axle cracked/broke he lost control of the van and crashed into a building. He unfortunatly did not survive the crash. Ford should have done a much better job of getting these vehicles off the road. My friend had 2 young children who luckily where not with him at the time. He had been he[Show More]a realy good friend of mine owned a 2001 Ford wndstar. On october 15 2010 he was driving to school when the rear axle cracked/broke he lost control of the van and crashed into a building. He unfortunatly did not survive the crash. Ford should have done a much better job of getting these vehicles off the road. My friend had 2 young children who luckily where not with him at the time. He had been hearing strange noises the day before and was planning on taking it to get checked out but he never made it. i had been in that car with him many times over the summer and so were his children and im sure many of his other friends.I can not believe that Ford allowed this to happen. Something needs to be done about this NOW

• mNovember 20, 2010 at 9:33 am

  FORD = Found On Road Dead

• mikeNovember 17, 2010 at 9:09 pm

  just got my 1999 Van checked out and they said my axle was the best they ever seen. Everything else is rusted and broke though..lol anyone want to buy my axle? I dont think it was snow and ice that created this problem. I hve 250.000 miles on it and verything is rusted except for the axle

• BostonianNovember 16, 2010 at 3:57 am

  My 2002 Windstar wa "condemned", as the dealer said due to a crack in the axle. It's been sitting at the dealer since mid-October. I've been repeatedly told to expect a letter but still no information. Isn't anybody worried about the carbon deposits building up on the engine as our cars go undriven for months. The parts won't be available until 1st quarter 2011 but it will take even longer to[Show More]My 2002 Windstar wa "condemned", as the dealer said due to a crack in the axle. It's been sitting at the dealer since mid-October. I've been repeatedly told to expect a letter but still no information. Isn't anybody worried about the carbon deposits building up on the engine as our cars go undriven for months. The parts won't be available until 1st quarter 2011 but it will take even longer to distribute those parts to the 21 states and thousands of dealers. I have no idea what condition my car will be in by the time a part is available. It would be so much cheaper for Ford to simply offer a buy out. I've heard that in addition to the buyout, Ford has offered $2,500 extra toward the purchase of another Ford. They are going to spend that much and more on the rental. Anyone interested in a class action lawsuit? I really resent being held hostage to Ford. the Ford is taking their sweet time working through the hundreds of thousands of recalled vehicles.

• HeidiNovember 13, 2010 at 1:27 am

  Today on my way to work, in rush hour traffic at 65 mph the rear axle on my 1999 Windstar cracked in half. The back of the car started vibrating and then there was a loud pop. I thought that I had blown a tire. I smelled burned rubber and saw smoke in my rear view mirror. Fortunately, I was able to merge through two lanes of traffic and safely pull the car over to the berm. I had the car towe[Show More]Today on my way to work, in rush hour traffic at 65 mph the rear axle on my 1999 Windstar cracked in half. The back of the car started vibrating and then there was a loud pop. I thought that I had blown a tire. I smelled burned rubber and saw smoke in my rear view mirror. Fortunately, I was able to merge through two lanes of traffic and safely pull the car over to the berm. I had the car towed home because I had no idea that there was a recall on the van. I have not received a recall notice. The tow truck driver mentioned that he had seen this happen numerous times. I called the dealership and I was told that I would be provided with a rental car from Enterprise, but that there were 25 people on a waiting list ahead of me! I am angry, I lost a day of work, I don't know if I will have a car to get to work on Monday morning and I was told that the earliest I could get my van back would be Jan/Feb 2011. I have been told that the van is eligible for the buyback program, but I don't know yet how much they are going to offer me. Will they cover my lost income? The cost of the tow? The trauma? I really don't want to get in the van again, even with a brand new axle.

• ChasNovember 12, 2010 at 4:19 pm

  Folks- I'm luckily having a better experience than most. My 2002 Winstar SEL with 129,000 miles didn't have any axle problems (although the transmission did go at 76,000 miles, but was covered under the extended warranty we purchased when new). We got the recall notice and took it to our local (Bellows Falls, VT) dealer. They identified a hairline crack that was starting and immediately got u[Show More]Folks- I'm luckily having a better experience than most. My 2002 Winstar SEL with 129,000 miles didn't have any axle problems (although the transmission did go at 76,000 miles, but was covered under the extended warranty we purchased when new). We got the recall notice and took it to our local (Bellows Falls, VT) dealer. They identified a hairline crack that was starting and immediately got us into an Enterprise rental. It must be a regional thing, but we had our choice of a Dodge Grand Caravan SXT, a Kia Sorrento AWD or a full size Tahoe with AWD (or any other of six other large sedans). I almost kept the Windstar to drive around town since we hadn't had any problems but am so glad I didn't after reading your horror stories. I think our rental will be free, but if there's a small tax involved, I'll gladly pay it. I chose the Tahoe (sweet) initially but got outvoted by the Boss who said it was "too big". So, "we" then chose the Dodge Grand Caravan and it's been great so far. Enterprise and my local dealer have been excellent. I however would seriously consider a buyout from Ford if it was on the higher side of book value, and I think Ford could save a few thousand dollars in the process, and then donate the vehicles to charity after being fixed. Till then, we're safe and driving a new car with all the bells and whistles for a few months. Good luck!/CGS

• PaulaNovember 12, 2010 at 3:39 pm

  MY 2000 Windstar has the cracked axel. We were offered the buy out of $2710 for my van with 117000 miles on it. It does suck that, had I been made aware of the recall sooner, I wouldn't have wasted $1700 dollars in July replacing the rack-n-pinnion ( not to sure this wasn't caused by the vibration of cracked axel), door lock acctuators, issue with vent not blowing, the ignition, and power steering[Show More]MY 2000 Windstar has the cracked axel. We were offered the buy out of $2710 for my van with 117000 miles on it. It does suck that, had I been made aware of the recall sooner, I wouldn't have wasted $1700 dollars in July replacing the rack-n-pinnion ( not to sure this wasn't caused by the vibration of cracked axel), door lock acctuators, issue with vent not blowing, the ignition, and power steering pump. This was after replacing the tranny, the starter, alternator, battery, and fixing air in June-July of 09 to the tune of $1900 only because I have a friend who did the labor for free.. that was just parts! So after putting $3600 dollars into my van in the last year I am now being offered $2710.. And then I will have to make a payment that I can't afford because I quit working to return to school. My husband is livid as you can imagine. I guess Ford will just have to fork over the cash for my rental and to fix it. WOW!.. I kid you not! The phone rang as I was writing this and it was the dealer.. They wanted to inform me that "they had just heard from ford" and are offereing to buy back my van at $2710. Hmm.. I just spoke with the same man not 30 mins ago telling him we were still weighing our options and he said no problem.. He had no idea it was me he was talking to until I told him. So I told him just to fix it and I guess at tax time when the van is fixed and I have tax money, I'll use the fixed van as trade in and then have the cash to put down that my payments would be a lot more affordable. Wish Ford would have been willing to deal with me on a larger amount but I guess they have there reasons even though my rental will cost them more than what they offered me. I can't complain about my rental I actually love it, goign to almost hate going back to my 00 windstar from the 2010 Grand Caravan Im sporting around in now! I guess I will just enjoy the luxery while I can!

• concerned ford ownerNovember 11, 2010 at 2:06 am

  Here is what the dealer told me. I have a 2002 Ford Windstar. I dropped it off Monday, Tuesday said perforations in axle-need new axle. Earliest repair might be end of Jan 2011 but no axles available. They said Ford will pay $ 39/day for a rental if they use Enterprise and Enterprise in NE OHio can put a customer in a Van/SUV for that but guess what--Enterprise has none--all rented out. So, next [Show More]Here is what the dealer told me. I have a 2002 Ford Windstar. I dropped it off Monday, Tuesday said perforations in axle-need new axle. Earliest repair might be end of Jan 2011 but no axles available. They said Ford will pay $ 39/day for a rental if they use Enterprise and Enterprise in NE OHio can put a customer in a Van/SUV for that but guess what--Enterprise has none--all rented out. So, next option is to get a rental from dealer but they don't want to rent out there fleet and they only get reimbursed from Ford if they use a 2008-2010 model so they gave me a 2002 Ford Explorer. Whatever, it's clean and runs okay. I told Enterprise I will take a full size vehicle but I am on a 10 person waiting list. I called Ford directly and asked for a buy-out/cash-out, they said they are only offering money on 1999-2000 models. So, they would rather pay $ 3000 for a rental plus the cost of the axle and labor, when the van is probably worth about $ 3000 to $ 4000. I told dealer, tell the Ford rep to cash me out and let me be on my way. FORD is making big mistake with this.

• DominickNovember 6, 2010 at 2:22 pm

  Same thing happened to me over the tapZee bridge in White Plains New York when my axle snapped in half two years ago. Called the dealer and he claimed ignorize about the problem. It cost me $350.00 in towing the vehicle back home, $400.00 for the part and my time installing it. Ford knew about this problem a couple of years ago......! SHAME ON FORD.......!

• PamNovember 4, 2010 at 11:04 pm

  2001 Windstar -- Mine broke twice!!! Back in May, trying to back out of my driveway (thankfully), heard a horrible clunk and then couldn't move the van. My mechanic said he'd never seen anything like it -- no rust or corrosion, just snapped. He priced a replacement -- part alone would have been $1,000 + labor for a very labor-intensive job. So he offered to repair it. He welded and reinforced[Show More]2001 Windstar -- Mine broke twice!!! Back in May, trying to back out of my driveway (thankfully), heard a horrible clunk and then couldn't move the van. My mechanic said he'd never seen anything like it -- no rust or corrosion, just snapped. He priced a replacement -- part alone would have been $1,000 + labor for a very labor-intensive job. So he offered to repair it. He welded and reinforced it (where it broke on the driver's side) and said it would be stronger than a new one. Last Sunday, with six people in my car, heard that same clunk -- this time the passenger side snapped. Thankfully again, on a side street going about 25 mph, no one was hurt. Towed it to the nearest dealer and they said to come by and they'd put me in a rental. They gave me a Ford Focus -- the rep told me that was all they had right now but he would call me when they got something bigger. As I was leaving, I realized I had forgotten to ask how long it would be -- January or February. After I picked my jaw up off the floor, I left with my Focus. The next day, I called Enterprise to see if they had anything bigger. They said "sorry for the miscommunication, but this is all $30/day will get you, anything else will have to come out of your pocket." I will leave my reply to that statement up to your imagination. Today has consisted of several phone calls to Ford Motor Co., the dealer and Enterprise. I have six people in my family and own a minivan for that reason. I don't think it's an unreasonable request to be given a minivan rental given that it's going to be at least three months!!!! Other than the axle, my van is in excellent condition -- it's also paid for -- and I can't afford another car payment. The way I see it, my family and I aren't the only lucky ones in terms of potential accidents/injuries -- Ford is pretty lucky too -- this could be costing them a whole lot more!!

• LauraNovember 4, 2010 at 6:59 pm

  I have a 2003 Windstar SL. I didn't get a letter until last week. Ford now has my van and will not give it back until they fix it. But the part(s) won't be in until Jan 2011. They will only give me a $30.00 a day rental credit until then. I have to pay all the taxes and fees for the rental. I don't drive a small economy car because they are too small for my current lifestyle. I don't know h[Show More]I have a 2003 Windstar SL. I didn't get a letter until last week. Ford now has my van and will not give it back until they fix it. But the part(s) won't be in until Jan 2011. They will only give me a $30.00 a day rental credit until then. I have to pay all the taxes and fees for the rental. I don't drive a small economy car because they are too small for my current lifestyle. I don't know how I am going to get my kids and their stuff around for the next three months not to mention drive my son and all his stuff home from college, 4 hours away, in December. All I have asked Ford to do, while they fix the van at their expense, is replace my 7 passanger vehicle with another 7 passanger vehicle at no cost to me. Why is that a lot to ask when their company produced the problem, not me.

• HAMMERNovember 4, 2010 at 12:40 am

  Brought 2001 windstar in last WEDNESDAY for recall after failing NYS inspection because of the recall. Dealership inspected axle and said the car is not driveable. Keot car and instructed me to got to enterprise for a rental car. Only problem was that enterprise is to bill the dealer and the dealer said he would not pay for the rental. Next, Ford cust support said that certain dealers are not [Show More]Brought 2001 windstar in last WEDNESDAY for recall after failing NYS inspection because of the recall. Dealership inspected axle and said the car is not driveable. Keot car and instructed me to got to enterprise for a rental car. Only problem was that enterprise is to bill the dealer and the dealer said he would not pay for the rental. Next, Ford cust support said that certain dealers are not part of the rental recall agreement. If I would have known that I would not have brought my windstar to that dealer. Ford towed my car to a dealer nearly 40 miles away. Not sure why. I do know that their dealer search is based on air miles, not driving miles and my new recall dealer is across the Hudson river from me where there are no briidges. Next problem is the matter of asking the windstar owner to pay the onerous nearly 20% NYS rental car tax that could add up to over $200 per month. Also, not sure who will actually ask me to pay the sales tax, as none of the parties involved knows either or does not want me to know until it is too late. NEVER BUY A FORD AGAIN AND WILL TELL AS MANY OTHERS THE SAME.

• JimNovember 3, 2010 at 2:55 am

  My rear axel snapped without warning on my 1999 Ford Winstar Se (100K miles on it) earlier this year, while pulling out of a mall parking lot picking up my daughter and her friends from the movies-5 more minutes I would have been on the Interstate doing 65. I was shocked, this should never happen. No evidence of corrosion clean break in the middle axel, van felt odd backing out of the parking lot[Show More]My rear axel snapped without warning on my 1999 Ford Winstar Se (100K miles on it) earlier this year, while pulling out of a mall parking lot picking up my daughter and her friends from the movies-5 more minutes I would have been on the Interstate doing 65. I was shocked, this should never happen. No evidence of corrosion clean break in the middle axel, van felt odd backing out of the parking lot, 50 more yards the rear wheels were at an odd angle and the axel cracked half way, it snapped completely coming off the flatbed in my driveway - Ford Dealer informed me the van was just old, Ford would not do anything about it, but for $900 the dealer would happily install a new axle. The van was in good shape otherwise but the repair would have been nearly 1/2 its value - I donated it to a charity broken axel and all . - I could live with the constant electronic gremlins but a snapping axel at 100K miles? - no way! - Despite numerous reports of similar incidents my Ford Dealership would not address it at the time - the fact that Ford is recalling the vehilces just recently adds insult to injury - It will be the my last Ford.

• MichaelNovember 2, 2010 at 6:52 pm

  I have gone up the chain to FORD management and they flatly refuse to help in reting a van. Rebecca at FORD says FORD has gone beyond the requirements. The fact that I use the van to transport large stuff and/or 6 people was not good enough to “authorize” an upgrade to a van. They would not, authorize a van rental for a few weeks, nor will the authorized a direct payment to another car rental. [Show More]I have gone up the chain to FORD management and they flatly refuse to help in reting a van. Rebecca at FORD says FORD has gone beyond the requirements. The fact that I use the van to transport large stuff and/or 6 people was not good enough to “authorize” an upgrade to a van. They would not, authorize a van rental for a few weeks, nor will the authorized a direct payment to another car rental. I did find another car rental company willing to rent me a van for $38/day for three months. The catch is they need a credit card. The dealer will give a purchase order. The problem is if the payment is not made in time my credit card would be hit with $1,140 charge. I might have to think about buying any FORD vehicles with this treatment. At least my local dealer is trying to help (they suggested another rental company instead of Enterprise). FORD customer service is not show how not to treat a customer.. Does FORD think this is good business practice by making customer so mad they will never look at them again? My dealership says the van buy back plan is for van made before 2000. I wish I junked the van last year when the government would have given me $4,500

• DougNovember 2, 2010 at 4:12 pm

  Just got offered $2350 by dealer in PA for my 99, 115,000 Fair condition Windstar. Out of pocket for a new G5 from Enterprise is $4.40 a day. I think I'm going to make them fix it and see if I get a counter offer

• DaveNovember 2, 2010 at 3:24 am

  Ford is making a huge mistake and kissing about 50,000 loyal customers goodbye. Ford is willing to pay about $3500 in rental fees for junky compact cars, then about $750 to fix the recalled cars in March but they are not willing to pay more than about $3000 to buyout the bad cars???? It makes no sense. Offer a fair $5000 and keep your customers (many like me will put the $5000 right into another[Show More]Ford is making a huge mistake and kissing about 50,000 loyal customers goodbye. Ford is willing to pay about $3500 in rental fees for junky compact cars, then about $750 to fix the recalled cars in March but they are not willing to pay more than about $3000 to buyout the bad cars???? It makes no sense. Offer a fair $5000 and keep your customers (many like me will put the $5000 right into another Ford vehile). I am a loyal Ford customer who appreciated that they avoided bankruptcy and bailouts but this situation makes me again think that American Manufactuters are idiots. Take the money that you are throwing at Enterprise's junky rentals and save your customer base.

• KristenNovember 1, 2010 at 9:18 pm

  What everyone seems to be forgetting is that Ford is offering what we would get if we decided to trade our vehicle in to buy a new one. Most of us are not in the market for a new one. What Ford should be offering is the amount that we would pay if we were to buy an identical vehicle (minus the cracked axle). Kelly Blue Book tells me to replace my 2000 Windstar SEL with the same frills it wo[Show More]What everyone seems to be forgetting is that Ford is offering what we would get if we decided to trade our vehicle in to buy a new one. Most of us are not in the market for a new one. What Ford should be offering is the amount that we would pay if we were to buy an identical vehicle (minus the cracked axle). Kelly Blue Book tells me to replace my 2000 Windstar SEL with the same frills it would cost me 6,600. That's a far cry from the 3,095 they have offered me. I will be most interested to see if this gets to the lawsuit stage. I will not be taken advantage of for their mistake and neither should you.

• StefanieOctober 30, 2010 at 7:27 pm

  We dropped our 2000 Windstar off last week - worst crack they have ever seen! Of course they won't give the car back. The parts will take 30-60 days to get. The info I was given by my local dealer is $38 per day for rental (that includes insurance). I called Ford directly to complain - I cannot rent a car for $38 per day and surely not anything that my family of 6 fits in. They put me on a co[Show More]We dropped our 2000 Windstar off last week - worst crack they have ever seen! Of course they won't give the car back. The parts will take 30-60 days to get. The info I was given by my local dealer is $38 per day for rental (that includes insurance). I called Ford directly to complain - I cannot rent a car for $38 per day and surely not anything that my family of 6 fits in. They put me on a conference call with the local dealer - the dealer said that Enterprise would be able to work with me and give me at least a 4 door sedan that can fit my 3 kids in the back. I felt satisfied and told the dealer I would come in the next Saturday morning. I went in today and was told - the Ford Hotline number the dealers are supposed to call to start the claim is NOT AVAILABLE on Saturdays. I was also told that it has taken up to 5 days for the dealership to get a live person on this hotline to start a claim - busy signal for hours. He then said that I will need to pay up front for the rental with my credit card and then ask Ford to reimburse me!!!!! Which could take some time - no surprise there. Then the guy told me that it will likely take 60 days to get the parts and that Ford can decide not to fix it and offer me a buy back - $2000 - what can I get for that kind of money?? NOTHING!!! It should not be up to Ford if my car is fixed - I should have the OPTION to accept the buy back or demand it be fixed. Ford is looking for the cheapest way out of the toughest most costly repairs.

• richardOctober 30, 2010 at 5:06 am

  Isee a lot of you also had transmission problems,as well. Are the two connected? Rear end starts to go bad,vibrations and the drive train delivers them to the transmission. Makes sense,yes-no? We got our notice, took van to dealer, found bad axle car impounded, given rental, dealer wants to buy van. I'm just a little suspicious. Curious as to what you all think

• RobertOctober 29, 2010 at 7:22 pm

  Just got the recall today. Funny thing is I got notice of the recall via a news cast 3 months ago. I immediately phoned the local Ford dealership to get it checked out. I was told to wait for the recall notice. I see a problem here. Knowing that, I just want to wring somebodys neck. These knobs wanted me to drive 3 months knowing I or my kids could potentially get killed. I am going to[Show More]Just got the recall today. Funny thing is I got notice of the recall via a news cast 3 months ago. I immediately phoned the local Ford dealership to get it checked out. I was told to wait for the recall notice. I see a problem here. Knowing that, I just want to wring somebodys neck. These knobs wanted me to drive 3 months knowing I or my kids could potentially get killed. I am going to be a big headache at that dealership. They are going to wish they never sold me this van.

• Last Ford for meOctober 29, 2010 at 12:56 am

  Rear Axle cracked in October 2009 and was replaced with a 2000 rear axle (junk yard type). Total plus towing $684 - recently sent to Ford seeking reimbursement as part of recall - wish me luck 9/22/10 - rear brake drums/shoes/cylinders - (and some other exhaust work) - total $598.00. October 18th - Ford recall received October 26th - filled up gas tank $60.09 and went to dealer for rear axle in[Show More]Rear Axle cracked in October 2009 and was replaced with a 2000 rear axle (junk yard type). Total plus towing $684 - recently sent to Ford seeking reimbursement as part of recall - wish me luck 9/22/10 - rear brake drums/shoes/cylinders - (and some other exhaust work) - total $598.00. October 18th - Ford recall received October 26th - filled up gas tank $60.09 and went to dealer for rear axle inspection. Dealership told not to drive and will arrange for a rental. October 27th - Dealer calls and offers $3,000 for buyback of vehicle advising they used Kelley Blue Book - Excellent condition category. Problem is under KBB excellent condition (Windstar SEL w/107,000 miles) price comes back at $5,100 for Suggested retail and $4,050 under private party. Either case - Ford is trying to Zoom me. I called the recall number from the Ford notice - absolute runaround (and I mean absolute) Had I known of the recall, I would not have had the rear brake work done for $598 (not to mention the full tank of gas for $60). Will Ford cover the $598 work from 9/22 knowing the recall was out? They will put me in a rental at a cost in excess of $3,400 (90 days at $38 per) and repair vehicle. Commin sense tells me pay me the $5.100 and we'll part ways Wish me luck and Ford has lost a customer forever. I'll be siphoning the gas out of the vehicle on the delarership lot

• RichOctober 28, 2010 at 5:55 pm

  I was driving at 40 MPH and everytime I hit a bump I had trouble controlling the vehicle, I stopped and looked at the rear right axle to find a crack. I had been on the highway 2 day's prior at high speeds I could have been killed! I spoke to the local ford dealer and ford has offered to buy the vehicle back. They have gotten in over 25 like this in a week!

• JodiOctober 28, 2010 at 5:38 pm

  Well, I just drove him in a rental car after finding out my rear axle is indeed cracked and no repair parts available until 1st quarter 2011. I have no problem driving a rental car that Ford pays for. My concern will be is they decide not to make the parts to fix the axle what the HECK are we supposed to do? I am hearing that KBB value is only between $2300 and $2800. That isnt even enought to[Show More]Well, I just drove him in a rental car after finding out my rear axle is indeed cracked and no repair parts available until 1st quarter 2011. I have no problem driving a rental car that Ford pays for. My concern will be is they decide not to make the parts to fix the axle what the HECK are we supposed to do? I am hearing that KBB value is only between $2300 and $2800. That isnt even enought to make a down payment on another vehicle. Not to mention the fact that we have a $450 payment for another two years on our other vehicle. We are in no shape to have to make a monthly payment on second vehicle. My only hope is that Ford will not let us down on this!!! I think if they do the right thing they could come out smelling like a rose but doing the wrong thing in this economy etc...could do severe damage to an industry that is already hurting. Just my thoughts

• ShondelOctober 28, 2010 at 2:08 pm

  I have a 2001 Windstar and about 2 years ago my front axle snapped causing me to hit a concrete median, luckily I was able to get it off to the side of the road without injuries to myself or anyone else, now Sunday 10/24/10 I was taking my son and his girlfriend to her house had 5 kids in my van and the rear axle broke doing 55 mph on route 7 in Ohio, I hadn't heard about this recall or I surly wo[Show More]I have a 2001 Windstar and about 2 years ago my front axle snapped causing me to hit a concrete median, luckily I was able to get it off to the side of the road without injuries to myself or anyone else, now Sunday 10/24/10 I was taking my son and his girlfriend to her house had 5 kids in my van and the rear axle broke doing 55 mph on route 7 in Ohio, I hadn't heard about this recall or I surly wouldn't have had kids in my vehicle, once again, by the grace of GOD, I managed to get it off the side of the road again with no injuries, had it towed home only to get a recall notice the next day about the rear axles. We immediately called Ford and they paid to have my van towed to the dealership and are supplying me with a rental van at NO charge to me, however I NO LONGER TRUST MY VAN!!! THANK YOU FORD for FAULTY parts! I think once its fixed I am trading it in on something else!

• SusanOctober 28, 2010 at 1:26 am

  Hi everyone! So glad to here you're all speaking out about this!! I have a 1998 Windstar, I'm a single mom of 3 teens. I put a transmission in it in 2006 by what turned out to be an unscrupulous mechanic. The transmission went again in around June, 2010!!!!! I put less than 10K miles/year on it. I took it to a Ford dealer for a brake recall and they recommended an AAMACO dealer to do the tran[Show More]Hi everyone! So glad to here you're all speaking out about this!! I have a 1998 Windstar, I'm a single mom of 3 teens. I put a transmission in it in 2006 by what turned out to be an unscrupulous mechanic. The transmission went again in around June, 2010!!!!! I put less than 10K miles/year on it. I took it to a Ford dealer for a brake recall and they recommended an AAMACO dealer to do the tranny. The AAMACO guys kept my car for 5 days! I paid them $2,089.00 and picked up the car. The engine light code kept coming on. Went back to Ford, they said go to AAMACO and have them clear the 'dam code'. I did. When I went to back out and put my foot on brakes, brakes went to the floor! The mechanic came out and hooked up his little computer and said everything was ok. He pumped brakes and said they were fine. Again, I got in. Brakes to the floor. My son and I called the police and then AAA for a tow home, brake fluid everywhere. It took me 2 months to find someone I could trust to fix the brake line that snapped. Then, drove 1 week and tranny started fussing again and I heard banging in the rear on freeway. The tranny is not working. I parked it in my yard in Sept. and haven't driven it since. Got my recall for the the axle. Hallelluia! The tranny's are crap and the vehicle has a problem with engine codes not clearing,....or maybe the engine code was telling me not to drive it.....

• NicoleOctober 27, 2010 at 5:14 pm

  I dropped my 99 ford windstar off at the dealership on 10-22-10 and was told it had a cracked in axel and was not safe to drive....they set me up in a rental indefinitely....I called the dealership today to see if there was any news and/or progress and he said he cant even get through to the Ford customer service line...I just want to know how much they will offer me and how quick I can get it? KB[Show More]I dropped my 99 ford windstar off at the dealership on 10-22-10 and was told it had a cracked in axel and was not safe to drive....they set me up in a rental indefinitely....I called the dealership today to see if there was any news and/or progress and he said he cant even get through to the Ford customer service line...I just want to know how much they will offer me and how quick I can get it? KBB says its worth about 2200 in fair condition but will they take in to consideration that I just put in a water pump and alternator in the past 3 months and brand new tires 8 months ago and had the front subframe welded because it fell thats well over 1200 in repairs

• NikkiOctober 25, 2010 at 11:03 pm

  We replaced our Axel in May. Nice since when we took it in so we could get reimbursed, the new axel is cracked. NICE! So now, we cannot get the $1000 that we paid for it and we are stuck with a Yaris. If we want a van, we are talking about $10 a day. Well, thats actually a car payment- which we dont have. I have put 2 transmissions into this stupid van, an axel and about a million other lit[Show More]We replaced our Axel in May. Nice since when we took it in so we could get reimbursed, the new axel is cracked. NICE! So now, we cannot get the $1000 that we paid for it and we are stuck with a Yaris. If we want a van, we are talking about $10 a day. Well, thats actually a car payment- which we dont have. I have put 2 transmissions into this stupid van, an axel and about a million other little things. I really need it to last for a few more years. Frustrated!

• ValerieOctober 25, 2010 at 2:03 pm

  I have a 1998 Ford Windstar, but haven't received anything about the recall. Wonder if I have to receive the recall, or can I go get it checked without it. Van runs my 3 children to and from school and sporting events EVERYDAY...

• GingerOctober 25, 2010 at 12:40 pm

  I have the same story as many her in August, while driving my husband and I noticed the the van kind of swerved when we hit pot holes or bumps. When we got home we took a look at the van from the end of the driveway, we could see that the rear tires were bowing out. Not good. When we took it to the mechanic we were told the rear axel was cracked. I figured one of the private roads that I driv[Show More]I have the same story as many her in August, while driving my husband and I noticed the the van kind of swerved when we hit pot holes or bumps. When we got home we took a look at the van from the end of the driveway, we could see that the rear tires were bowing out. Not good. When we took it to the mechanic we were told the rear axel was cracked. I figured one of the private roads that I drive on (I"m a realtor) must have had an a effect on the rear end. Left the car withe mechanic, he was able to find a junk axel and installed it all for around $500. Then Friday, October22 We got the notice. First I was releved, it wasn't my driving! Then I was pissed, they knew about this and I had to shell out $500 to fix it. I loved my van, unfortunately, in September the transmission went (that gave no indication it was going, no strange noise, no slipping, not hard getting it in gear- SO START CHECKING YOUR TRANIES PEOPLE - MIGHT BE THE NEXT RECALL. We were told it would cost almost $4k to fix the transmission, so we junked it. Now I'm contacting the Attorney General's office in NY to see what we can do about getting our money back. Good Luck to all of you like me who already paid to fix our vans. Here's hoping we all get our money back.

• TraciOctober 23, 2010 at 9:44 pm

  I just recieved my paper today about the recall......We paid someone to weld it last December because the axel almost snapped in half. We are going to try and get the money we had to pay for that back, becuase the recall was not in play at that time. The previous year we had to replace the transmission and now the Theft light is on and we cannot do anything with it!

• GREGORYOctober 23, 2010 at 6:02 pm

  Just got my recall to check rear axle ,van is already totaled. Daughter rolled it at 70 mph on straight away highway in August.

• AllenOctober 23, 2010 at 3:00 am

  I too have had the rear axle break in my 2000 Windstar. I was driving home from work 7/26/10 when it broke. Thankfully I live in a rural area and was only travelling 35 mph. Vehicle sat in my drive until news broke in late August concering recall. PAID for tow to local Ford dealer (40+ miles away), borrowed vehicle from family, went about my business. On 10/13/2010 called for my bi-weekly "we[Show More]I too have had the rear axle break in my 2000 Windstar. I was driving home from work 7/26/10 when it broke. Thankfully I live in a rural area and was only travelling 35 mph. Vehicle sat in my drive until news broke in late August concering recall. PAID for tow to local Ford dealer (40+ miles away), borrowed vehicle from family, went about my business. On 10/13/2010 called for my bi-weekly "we don't know when it will get fixed" call to Ford dealer. Fussed loud/long enough for dealer svc manager to divulge Ford would cover rental car. FINALLY received letter from Ford 10/20/10 with formal acknowledgement of recall, picked up rental today, 10/22/2010. I intend to stay in the rental until van is fixed or, like others, SIZEABLE offer is made to replace. Hope no one has been injured in situation where axle broke while driving. As divorced father of 4 this is only vehicle that can safely transport everyone at same time.

• DIXIEOctober 22, 2010 at 10:08 pm

  Mine broke right at end of September. Just now finding out from a friend about the recall (not Ford). mine is sitting fixed at a repair shop (Not ford). It is fixed but still being paid down. Will find out Monday if there is any hope of getting ford to pay for it.

• MichaelOctober 20, 2010 at 10:14 pm

  I too have had a rental (junk compact) since the beginning of Sept. My rear axle is cracked and I cannot drive it and I am going to push for a bigger rental since I cannot fit my family in this Chevy Cobalt. Funny, now they are saying q1 of 2011 and according to my rental cost, it will cost Ford $3600 (more than the value of my 01 windstar..... These Slugs knew the recall was going to happen in M[Show More]I too have had a rental (junk compact) since the beginning of Sept. My rear axle is cracked and I cannot drive it and I am going to push for a bigger rental since I cannot fit my family in this Chevy Cobalt. Funny, now they are saying q1 of 2011 and according to my rental cost, it will cost Ford $3600 (more than the value of my 01 windstar..... These Slugs knew the recall was going to happen in May and they decided not to make any axles. WTF

• MikeOctober 20, 2010 at 6:07 pm

  Similar story here...Original owner 2002 Windstar, always garaged and well kept, has cracked axle. We heard about this in the begining of Sept. and took the van to the dealer who confirmed the crack and got us a mid-size rental. I'm told they will pay up to $30/day for a rental. My brother was driving his when it broke; low speed and no accident. Why would Ford spend $900 a month for maybe s[Show More]Similar story here...Original owner 2002 Windstar, always garaged and well kept, has cracked axle. We heard about this in the begining of Sept. and took the van to the dealer who confirmed the crack and got us a mid-size rental. I'm told they will pay up to $30/day for a rental. My brother was driving his when it broke; low speed and no accident. Why would Ford spend $900 a month for maybe six months and then spend $500 to repair my axle? I'd buy a new car if they would make me a deal. Our van had been a good vehicle. Sorry to see it go, if that is where things are headed. We're in southern Ohio.

• JanetOctober 18, 2010 at 5:26 pm

  I received a recall letter from Ford last Friday10/15/2010. Within the letter was a very detailed explaination of the rear axle recall and what would be done and not be done. I made an appointment for an inspection today and after about 25 minutes my local dealer called me to inform me that my rear axle indeed had a crack in it and they would not "release" the car to me. However they are provid[Show More]I received a recall letter from Ford last Friday10/15/2010. Within the letter was a very detailed explaination of the rear axle recall and what would be done and not be done. I made an appointment for an inspection today and after about 25 minutes my local dealer called me to inform me that my rear axle indeed had a crack in it and they would not "release" the car to me. However they are providing me with a rental vehicle at no charge except of course for the gas. However, I need a Van not a Focus but they have put me on a waiting list for that. I feel truly sorry for the folks that actually were traumatized by the axle breaking as that must have been so very scary. However, anyone that is paying for a rental should contact Ford Motor Company directly as you are supposed to be receiving this for free. You will not need a credit card, just a vald drivers license and possibly proof of insurance. Here is the number to Ford Customer Service 1-866-436-7332 . According to the letter and my dealership, Ford has no way to know when these axles will be available but they are expecting some within the 1st quarter of 2011. Looks like the rental car will be in use until then.

• PaulOctober 17, 2010 at 11:36 am

  I have a hole in the right side of the axle, took it to Ford, they put me in a rental car and told me that they would see me in Feb of 2011. They don't have anyone making axles yet.

• Nancy DOctober 15, 2010 at 6:43 pm

  My axle also snapped in half on my 2001 Windstar. I had my 14 year old son with me. I was driving 55 mph during rush hour traffic. I did hear a quiet clunking sound once in a while but couldn't figure out what it was. The axle broke clear through and as a result, my emergency brake, my brakes, my tires and other miscellaneous parts all were destroyed. I had to pay $150 to have it towed off the hig[Show More]My axle also snapped in half on my 2001 Windstar. I had my 14 year old son with me. I was driving 55 mph during rush hour traffic. I did hear a quiet clunking sound once in a while but couldn't figure out what it was. The axle broke clear through and as a result, my emergency brake, my brakes, my tires and other miscellaneous parts all were destroyed. I had to pay $150 to have it towed off the highway. I was without my car for 3 weeks. My insurance would not pay for the repair calining it was "normal wear and tear". I am out $1850 in repairs. Ford told me that they would cover the repair of the axle and I had my car inspected at a Ford dealership. Now I am waiting for a decision from Ford as to what they will cover. I have been approaching every Ford Windstar owner since this happens and have begged them to get it inspected. I lost all control of my car and don't know how I even survived. Don't wait. Get your axle inspected now. I live in the Northeast.

• f aiossaOctober 15, 2010 at 6:38 pm

  my 2002 windstar sits atr the ford dealer, rear axle broken!!! Was just informed by the dealer that the part will not be available until sometime during the 1st quarter of 2011, perhaps not until march, 2011!!!! WTF??? i'm waiting to hear about a rental, but since i cancelled all my credit cards, i dont know how this will turn out. ( all rental co.s require a credit card to rent vehicle.) a[Show More]my 2002 windstar sits atr the ford dealer, rear axle broken!!! Was just informed by the dealer that the part will not be available until sometime during the 1st quarter of 2011, perhaps not until march, 2011!!!! WTF??? i'm waiting to hear about a rental, but since i cancelled all my credit cards, i dont know how this will turn out. ( all rental co.s require a credit card to rent vehicle.) also ford claims they will pay for rental fee only, not applicable sales tax or fees!!! This could be a substantial amount that i will have to bear, considering the long time frame involved!!! Still waiting for answers!!

• BruceOctober 15, 2010 at 12:50 pm

  Our 1999 WINDSTAR has been looked at by a Ford dealership and they told me they would not let me take the vehicle home because of the broken(cracked) rear axle. We were offered the $2600 hush money and told we had 24 hrs to accept or decline the offer....they have rented a car for us for now. We went to the dealership the night of the offer because they said they would "take care of us". Well [Show More]Our 1999 WINDSTAR has been looked at by a Ford dealership and they told me they would not let me take the vehicle home because of the broken(cracked) rear axle. We were offered the $2600 hush money and told we had 24 hrs to accept or decline the offer....they have rented a car for us for now. We went to the dealership the night of the offer because they said they would "take care of us". Well we were taken "care of" all right just like any other walk-in off the road, nothing special at all. I guess because the dealerships are independently owned they don't feel they need to take on the burden of these problems. Ford Corp. has yet to inform us of the recall even. We are contacting our states attorney general and also the dept of consumer protection, this deserves the same publicity as the Toyota issue....what are they waiting for? I suppose once the accidents start to get reported and people are hurt or loose thier lives Ford Corp. will take notice and it won't be $2600 to settle those claims.

• melbaOctober 13, 2010 at 11:28 pm

  About 4 weeks ago I was driving down rt 28 in pittsburg pa. I thought I had a flat tire but here my rear axle broke going 65 . We sat along the busy two lane for three n half hours until triple aaa came. It was raining n my battery died so I couldn't put my window up. The tow truck driver told me about maybe there might be a recall. Sure enough there was n I still have a rental since Septembe[Show More]About 4 weeks ago I was driving down rt 28 in pittsburg pa. I thought I had a flat tire but here my rear axle broke going 65 . We sat along the busy two lane for three n half hours until triple aaa came. It was raining n my battery died so I couldn't put my window up. The tow truck driver told me about maybe there might be a recall. Sure enough there was n I still have a rental since September 17. They r telling me 60 days or more. R

• LynnOctober 10, 2010 at 3:52 pm

  In May of this year, we were also hearing a clunk in the rear end of our 2000 windstar. Luckily, my husband noticed that the rear axle was about to rust through. We paid $500 to get it reinforced and have driven it 10,000 miles since then. I still haven't received a recall notice but when I called my dealer about getting a refund he insisted on taking my van since for liabilities sake they can'[Show More]In May of this year, we were also hearing a clunk in the rear end of our 2000 windstar. Luckily, my husband noticed that the rear axle was about to rust through. We paid $500 to get it reinforced and have driven it 10,000 miles since then. I still haven't received a recall notice but when I called my dealer about getting a refund he insisted on taking my van since for liabilities sake they can't trust someone else's repair. They don't think they will have replacement axles til January but I have a free rental until then and they say Ford should refund my $500. We'll see.

• HelenOctober 8, 2010 at 12:45 am

  We live outside of Chicago and the same thing happened to us. I had been driving the car on the expressway prior to the day when it snapped in half and noticed the car swaying everytime I went over a bump. Just thought I was unused to driving the car because I had just driven a rental car for a week while on vacation. Then went out on Route 12 a busy highway it felt like the rear just fell off.[Show More]We live outside of Chicago and the same thing happened to us. I had been driving the car on the expressway prior to the day when it snapped in half and noticed the car swaying everytime I went over a bump. Just thought I was unused to driving the car because I had just driven a rental car for a week while on vacation. Then went out on Route 12 a busy highway it felt like the rear just fell off. Managed to pull to the side and got it towed to the Ford dealership. I had read about the recall on Aug 27 and this happened on the 29th. They offered to buy back the car for $2600 but I put in over $2600 in repair to keep my car in running safely (replaced the bracket that holds the engine b/c that was rusted also. I am in a rental car paying $5 a day in fees till Ford fixes the problem.

• JoySeptember 24, 2010 at 8:47 pm

  We live in the Chicago area and have a 2000 Windstar with 85K miles. My husband was driving home from work at 1 am on interstate 55 when the axle broke with no warning! Thankfully he was in a construction zone and was only going 45 mph. He was able to get off the road, but sat on the interstate until 5:30 am! Our van now sits at the dealer while we drive a rental. So thankful he wasn't hurt! [Show More]We live in the Chicago area and have a 2000 Windstar with 85K miles. My husband was driving home from work at 1 am on interstate 55 when the axle broke with no warning! Thankfully he was in a construction zone and was only going 45 mph. He was able to get off the road, but sat on the interstate until 5:30 am! Our van now sits at the dealer while we drive a rental. So thankful he wasn't hurt! This happened at the beginning of September! How is it that Ford knew about this problem earlier this year, and has yet to send out recall letters! Our van was garage kept and in very good condition! Just don't get how this happens and Ford still has no answers. We were told they have no idea what is going to happen, as they do not have parts to fix the van or deal with the recalls. Seriously???? Why isn't the government cracking down on Ford like they did Toyota earlier in the year?

• Jo'elSeptember 20, 2010 at 7:50 pm

  Wow! I never participate in internet conversations, but I could not let this go. I was driving my 2002 Ford Windstar for several days and realized that everytime I drove over a bump in the road or a pothole, the rear of my car would bounce and slide to the opposite side. At first I brushed it off as concindence, then while driving yesterday the bumping worsened. I immediately drove the car home[Show More]Wow! I never participate in internet conversations, but I could not let this go. I was driving my 2002 Ford Windstar for several days and realized that everytime I drove over a bump in the road or a pothole, the rear of my car would bounce and slide to the opposite side. At first I brushed it off as concindence, then while driving yesterday the bumping worsened. I immediately drove the car home very slowy and after parking the car, I noticed that my left wheel was saggin in towards my brake pads. I thought to myself is this real? I bent down to touch the back side of the wheel and could barely get my fingers through because the entire wheel was pressed against the axle area. I called my local mechanic frantic! and he stated that Ford had just issued a recall relative to that issue. I pray that they fix this issue. My hope in American made cars was just being restored. I want so much to believe in the product I've worked so hard to keep. Looking forward to Ford's comments.

• DaveSeptember 10, 2010 at 6:26 pm

  Same story here...on my way into work this past Tuesday morning (day after Labor Day) my van started making strange noises and smoking when I pulled up to a red light. Thank God I was blocks away from my work as when I pulled in the lot and parked it, I noticed I had a flat tire and the wheels looked funny. Sure enough, upon getting down and looking, the axil on the left rear side cracked causing [Show More]Same story here...on my way into work this past Tuesday morning (day after Labor Day) my van started making strange noises and smoking when I pulled up to a red light. Thank God I was blocks away from my work as when I pulled in the lot and parked it, I noticed I had a flat tire and the wheels looked funny. Sure enough, upon getting down and looking, the axil on the left rear side cracked causing my wheels to bow outward. Talk about a first and the anxiety that goes along with it as I'm a single father with two kids and so thankful this didn't happen on an interstate or I probably wouldn't be writing this. Thankfully, the Ford dealership I've dealt with for years took the vehicle after I got a tow from AAA and set me up with a rental car (Chrysler Towne & Country van) that they are paying for...only kicker is, they were telling me that since this recall is so new, that they have no clue how long it will be until it is fixed. I really liked my Windstar, very reliable vehicle, sad to see this happen.

• LynneSeptember 8, 2010 at 2:34 pm

  This morning my husband began to back out of the driveway and heard a loud noise, our rear axel broke. Called AAA to haul it to the Ford dealer. The dealer has no parts, said don't know if they will get new parts, we may just have to buy a new car. He was fortunate this didn't happen yesterday on I-71 going 60mph. I sure hope Ford is going to give us some decent money towards a new car, we had[Show More]This morning my husband began to back out of the driveway and heard a loud noise, our rear axel broke. Called AAA to haul it to the Ford dealer. The dealer has no parts, said don't know if they will get new parts, we may just have to buy a new car. He was fortunate this didn't happen yesterday on I-71 going 60mph. I sure hope Ford is going to give us some decent money towards a new car, we hadn't planned on buying a new car, our van only has 70,000 and should have been good for many years yet..

• BrigitteSeptember 7, 2010 at 2:32 pm

  Same thing happened to us on Christmas morning coming back home as we got on the highway. Thought it was icy so left the highway for another road. Thank God my family was not injured of killed. But we were stuck at our relatives and had to borrow a car so we could come back home for work. Ford told us it would cost us aprrox. $2000.00 to repair. Good thing I had a good brother in law who foun[Show More]Same thing happened to us on Christmas morning coming back home as we got on the highway. Thought it was icy so left the highway for another road. Thank God my family was not injured of killed. But we were stuck at our relatives and had to borrow a car so we could come back home for work. Ford told us it would cost us aprrox. $2000.00 to repair. Good thing I had a good brother in law who found the piece and repaired it for us. we are also traumatized.

• BridgetteSeptember 5, 2010 at 8:18 pm

  Yesterday on way home from funeral with 3 children in van my rear axle snapped in 2 on I-80 @65 mph In Altona, Iowa, stranding us on the side of the Interstate waiting for a vehicle to slam into us until help came. Had I known about the defect sooner, I would not have driven it. I had no warning. We could have been killed. I mirraculously cut across 3 lanes of traffic to the shoulder. My van is no[Show More]Yesterday on way home from funeral with 3 children in van my rear axle snapped in 2 on I-80 @65 mph In Altona, Iowa, stranding us on the side of the Interstate waiting for a vehicle to slam into us until help came. Had I known about the defect sooner, I would not have driven it. I had no warning. We could have been killed. I mirraculously cut across 3 lanes of traffic to the shoulder. My van is now sitting in the junk yard too!. I will never drive it again, even if it gets fixed. We were almost killed! My little girls, my nephew and my brother because Ford decided not to send out recall notices until Sept 27, 2010. Who will be next? God took the wheel this time! We ar traumatized.

• georgeSeptember 5, 2010 at 2:43 pm

  There's clunking in rear end i like to no what that is. thank you.

• kathleenAugust 31, 2010 at 5:04 am

  had i know this three weeks ago about a recall on ford windstar van, i would still have my van. do to the fact that my rear axle broke in half on me while i was driving it, i could not find a part for it so i had to scrap my van. thanks alot ford dealer. i am without a vehicle and can't transport my three children anywhere. we have to walk.