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Rare Buyout Offer Comes with Ford Windstar Recall

102 46,780 views Oct 17, 2010

2003 Ford Windstar Wagon SE

2003 Ford Windstar Wagon SE

Letters are in mailboxes recalling Ford Windstars produced between 1997 and 2003. These minivans have a rear axle that collects road salt and other corrosive contaminants and can fracture as a result of rust. The vehicles affected are in 21 states, Washington D.C. and Canada where road salt is used to facilitate winter driving, as is Michigan--all in the list that is commonly known as the “salt belt.”

While this report is not extremely timely, since the original news of the recall broke at the end of August, it is worth note for a number of reasons.


This recall is concerned with high-mileage vehicles that have been on the road for a minimum of seven years. However, the problem has been reported for some time and has been evident to the automotive community, if not because of its frequency, but for the severity of its consequences. Broken axles do not commonly happen over the lifetime of a vehicle. When they do, it is a curiosity to the service facility that encounters one.

But the notable consequence of a fractured axle is what it does to the vehicle both in the near and long term. When the axle fractures (in this case at either end) the top of the wheel nearest to the break tilts in toward the vehicle, and as the Ford recall letter states, “vehicle handling may be affected which could increase the risk of a crash.” The tire may then come in contact with the inner fender for, well, a chance meeting that every driver can do without, especially at highway speeds.

At the time of the recall announcement the Wheels blog reported that the NHTSA had received 234 complaints, including two accidents with no injuries. Not so bad considering that 975,000 Windstars were included in the recall you might say? That may be true if the number of compromised vehicles was a known quantity. My guess is that the fractures that have already occurred are the leading edge of this problem, since these vehicles are seven years old and probably just reaching 100,000 miles.

The long-term effect of this design flaw is one that is made in a class-action lawsuit being pursued in Pennsylvania. The suit contends that Ford has breached an implied warranty of merchantability. These vehicles are not salable with an axle that is prone to fatigue or fracture.

To Ford’s credit, the company is anxious to get these issues resolved, and it is taking swift measures to get them off the road. The recall letter states that if a vehicle fails an axle inspection Ford will pay for a rental until “a remedy is available.” In addition the company plans to make repurchase offers to owners of Windstars “with cracked or perforated axles in lieu of replacing the axle.”

Regardless of how many of the recalled vehicles Ford identifies, it is certain that resolution will be expensive.

[Wheels & Ford Recall Letter 10S13]           


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Comments (102)

  1. ldt Posted: 11/3/2010 11:04am PDT

    Our Ford Dealer in NJ is providing a rental car from Enterprise while the dealer waits for parts ('maybe' 30 to 90 days)to repair the Winstar's rear axle. But they are telling us we have to pay a $5 per day tax on the rental of a replacement car. We don't think that we should pay anything; we want OUR MiniVan fixed and returned quickly, not some medium sized rental car they expect us to pay part of the cost for. Also we have teenage drivers who, since it is a rental from Enterprise, aren't allowed to use the rental. Ford needs to resolve this quicker than 'maybe' 30 to 90 days.
    This is the second Ford that we've had serious problems with. The first was a 1995 Windstar whose engine blew at 55,000 miles due to a defect. While Ford eventully paid for the replacement engine, it took them almost four months. Thinking our next car won't be a Ford, even though we've bought Fords for 25 years.
     
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  2. CC Posted: 11/17/2010 3:57pm PST

    IDT, I work for Ford's CRC. As of 10/15/10, Ford is now reimbursing for taxes and any surcharges. Submit all receipts to your local FLM dealership for refund processing.
     
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  3. Angry Bill Posted: 11/19/2010 6:31pm PST

    You have to be kidding me. I brought my wife’s 2001 Windstar to the dealer today and they said that they need to keep the car for 90 days! If this happened with a Toyota vehicle it would be on the new 24X7. This is ridicules. Who do they think they are, Microsoft, producing such crap and just expecting us to take it! Again, this is ridicules.
     
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  4. fb_840104585 avatar Chris Popp Posted: 11/27/2010 1:22pm PST

    Bought my 2003 Windstar from a Ford dealership on 11/11, took ownership on 11/13 (they had to finish a "safety check"). Was called on 11/16 to bring the minivan in for the recall check. Sure enough, on 11/17 when I was there I was told the axle was cracked.
    So we got a Ford Focus(?) and was told that if we want a minivan it's going to be $8/day extra because Ford doesn't reimburse for the rate that Enterprise charges. Oh yeah - Ford will only pay for your rental if it's a Ford. So if there's no Fords available, you're SOL.
    First Ford I've ever bought and it's sitting in a lot at the dealer. The dealer is PO'd because they bought the minivan (along with 5 others) at auction and feel real bad.
    Meanwhile, I'm paying for a minivan that I can't drive. Was told "1st Qtr at earliest" for fix. Went back to dealer to get items out of minivan and was told another customer was told April 2011 at earliest.
    ARGH!
     
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  5. Buy Ford Posted: 11/29/2010 7:28pm PST

    Well, I have two Windstars and Ford gave me a rental car for each one. I dont care how long they have my vans. I'm not putting mileage and the wear and tear on mine. If Ford would like to buy me out of my Windstars then let them. Well the deal would have to be pretty good for me to sell.
     
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  6. windstar owner Posted: 11/30/2010 6:54pm PST

    They took my 2001 Windstar 2 wks ago. They are letting me use a Chevy Van so far. No idea about a fix date. In my small town of 18000 people, there are 20 Windstars parked in the graveyard in back of the dealership. They are trying, but if they try to stiff us with a cheap 2500 buyback, I hope that windstar owners go nuts. Why hasn't this gotten CNN's rath?
     
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  7. XFORD CUSTOMER Posted: 12/1/2010 9:16pm PST

    There has been a death due to Ford Not making this a MANDATORY recall, a single father of 2 young children. Ford Voluntarily let someone die. We cannot let FORD get away with this. I paid my van off and will not be able to start new payments for a few years. Ford has breached an implied warranty of merchantability. I will not just settle. I will drive the Ford rental till it's axles fall off too!!!! By the way, my axle broke in 2 on the busy interstate @65mph on the way home from my aunts funeral. I had 3 children in the car. We were truly blessed. THIS NEEDS TO BE A MANDATORY RECALL. I see so many Ford Windstars on the road and I want to shout out the window at them to pull over so I can warn them. I want to personally tell the owners in my small town to get them off the road immediately. I had no warning, as a matter of fact, my front end was making cracking noises before this happened.
     
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  8. khriswm2 Posted: 12/12/2010 6:07am PST

    My van is sitting in the Ford Dealers back lot with about 40 other vans, same problem I was told, cracked and corrotted rear axle. My van was dropped of early November, now it's mid December, I'm guessing my van will be on list of repairs being a 2002. I was given the option of a rental, which I did take, (a Toyota Camry mind you!) I'm thinking maybe April 2011, my van should be fixed. I was told I was responsible for the sales tax which is 6.25% in Massachusetts! I don't think I should have to pay, so I hope and pray that Ford will stand by thier product and pay for the whole thing, since I did pay for my van with interest! And completed my loan. But in the mean time driving this toyota, I'm becomming attached to it, the car is really nice.. lookout FORD...I may switch sides..
     
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  9. fb_100000723225227 avatar Ed Page Posted: 12/18/2010 5:01pm PST

    Took our 03 Windstar Limited in yesterday for recall. Glad I took it in. Thinking of all the times we packed that van full and loaded a car top carrier full and headed out on vacation with a car load of grandkids. Thankful nothing ever happened. They told us could be March before repaired. With in 30 mintes of findng out our van was one with bad axle, Ford had us a rental lined up. My only out of pocket cost was a $50 deposite for key to vehicle. Enterprize didn't have van for us, but promised to have one by Monday. Our Windstar has been a wonderful family vehicle. I only wish Ford would offer a generous buy back for 03 models so I could buy a new Flex. At least they are fixing van. I am thankful for that.
     
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  10. shankar Posted: 12/21/2010 4:07pm PST

    Never bought a Ford GM or a Chrysler. Drive a Nissan. Never trusted US managed Automobile company
     
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  11. fb_637013695 avatar Jessyca Dahlin Posted: 12/21/2010 4:59pm PST

    We bought a van on Oct. 10 - a 2001 Windstar. To be on the safe side, we brought it to the dealership on Oct. 20 for an inspection. Turned out the axle was cracked. Ford told us 30 days, and paid for a rental. It's Dec. 21, we still have the rental, and have been told it could be as far out as March before they get the part. Ford sent us an offer to purchase the vehicle back, however, it was $300 less than what we paid for it. We sold our newer and nicer car to buy an older van because we needed the room, and now we're stuck driving a town car for upwards of 5 or 6 months that isn't even ours. Thankfully, they're still paying for the rental..... jeesh.
     
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  12. William Posted: 12/21/2010 10:11pm PST

    I have a 99 Windstar with a hole in the axle. At present my vehicle info has been faxed to Ford Canada in hopes of getting a buyout. Blue book values that Ford uses in their offers should a least be doubled to help compensate for the thousands of dollars many owners have spent in keeping their vehicles on the road. Transmission, heating, a/c, rack and pinion steering, stabilizer bars,wiper motor,sensors,cruise control and the appearance of premature rust has been an ongoing problem. Some of these problems have been fixed multiple times in a short period of time. Ford is responsible for the quality of their product but seems to think that Windstar owners should bare the full cost. Ford messed up in their engineering design and now wants everyone to pay for their mistakes. I've been driving for 47 years and this is the worst vehicle that I've ever owned. Ford made the Aerostar followed by the Windstar and the Freestar. I own the fourth one in the series. It's called the Lemonstar.
     
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  13. Kim - WI Posted: 12/27/2010 5:29pm PST

    I also have a Lemonstar. Confirmed cracked rear axle, 11 recalls so far on this gem. Ford was ordered to recall by Fed Judge, not by choice. They knew about this issue long before the recall was ordered. There is a also an issue with the front axles too, which they did not address. To think my 16 year old had been driving this van - we kept it just for this purpose - as a starter car for our son. Shame on Ford. I am however now driving a very nice rental Town & Country mini van which I have grown very fond of. Hmmm. I wonder if Ford has lost a customer? Not to mention generations below who will remember this incident and talk about it for years to come. What a PR nightmare. I hope ford does the right thing, like buy back and perhaps a $5000 voucher towards a new Ford vehicle for the troubles.
     
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  14. jenn Posted: 12/28/2010 9:11pm PST

    WISHING FORD WOULD OFFER A BUY BACK OPTION FOR MY 2002 FORD WINDSTAR.... TOOK IT IN YESTERDAY AND WONT BE GETTING IT BACK FOR AT LEAST 30 DAYS. WE DID GET A RENTAL AND NOBODY MENTIONED ANY FEES FOR ANYTHING INCLUDING THE REPAIR. THE MAN AT ENTERPRIZE SAID THAT THEY ARE PAYING UP TO 38 BUCKS A DAY FOR THE RENTALS! SERIOUSLY $1140.00 a month for those who have had the rentals for over 90 days thats more than $3000.00!!!! Seems like ford would save money by offering a buy back option????
     
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  15. Terry Posted: 12/29/2010 7:39am PST

    Just dropped off my 2001 for inspection. Service manager told me the buy back option was for 1999 and 2000 only. Awaiting call to see what they find.
     
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  16. fb_1648327161 avatar Jamie Beltz Posted: 12/29/2010 10:19am PST

    We just dropped our 1999 Windstar off this morning. Yes, sure enough it has a cracked axle! They are giving us a 2010 Ford Fusion rental for free, and are giving us a 2,350 buy out! I just bought the van last year for 2,000 so I am happy :)
     
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  17. Lealy Posted: 12/29/2010 11:07am PST

    Dropped off my 2000 Windstar yesterday. It was very badly cracked which I figured before I took it in since I just replaced the tires and I was still rattling and rolling. Since I got more than 150k miles on my van I unlike allot of u am happy with Ford. The rental will be fine would love a buy back. My van is 10 years old for crying out loud and has 150k miles I expect the sucker to fall apart especially since we paid it off. Nothing is meant to last or companies would go out of biz. I am only bummed with the space in newer vehicles since I have 4 kids. Happy with the outcome so far and prayerful that it did not crack while I drove it.
     
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  18. Matt Posted: 12/29/2010 1:33pm PST

    We bought our 2003 limited from the used lot of a new car dealer in Aug 2010. We had it three days when the ABS light came on, turned out to be the ABS control unit. Good thing the dealer we bought it from stood behind it and repaired it at their own cost.
    Two months later we took it to our local Ford dealer for an oil change and to have the recall performed. Yeah the service advisor came to the waiting room with the bad news, that he would need to put us in a rental because the axle needed replacement as a part of the recall. Well we have been in a Prius courtsy of ford and it is a small car but right now 50+ mpg is better than 22 mpg. It did suck for christmas plans the main reason for our purchase.
     
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  19. Arne Posted: 12/30/2010 7:21am PST

    Ford took my 2001 winstar off the road,gave me a fusion (rental)..If they offer a (fair)buyout .I will take it..And move on.. So far they have been good to us..
     
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  20. Jeff in PA Posted: 1/3/2011 6:51am PST

    Have '03, took to dealer on 12/27 and they confirmed cracked axle. We were told the vehicle would not be repaired until summer of 2011. Wow.
     
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  21. Kim Posted: 1/5/2011 10:58am PST

    Dropped of our 2001 Windstar back in SEPT!!! Still driving a rental car. There are about 10 other vans at the same shop waiting and they have no idea when it will be fixed. The rental car is covered except for insurance which costs up to $9 a day!!
     
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  22. JENNIFER Posted: 1/5/2011 3:50pm PST

    I have a 2001 took in for a oil change they kept it.. along with about so far last look 85 other's parked in the bac lot- I like to call it the WINDSTAR HERD or WINDSTAR GRAVE YEAR! LOL I am more then happy because it was just a older beater van although in good shape and only 80,000 miles on it! I just bought another car a few months earlier and they only wanted to give me very little on trade in so i kept it as a 3rd car! glad I did now because I can drive the rental and park the new one!! for the winter! keep my van as long as you want!! ford is doing a great job considering! I am very happy!!!
     
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  23. JEN Posted: 1/5/2011 3:54pm PST

    oh by the way why are some people paying ofr insurance you are g4etting ripped off by the dealer or the rental place! you DO NOT have to pay that!! ford pays for that!! and you do not have to get a rental that is only a FORD! I have a chevy rental people being charged need to look into that further!!! seriously some one has you snowed and its not FORD!!! they will pay ALL expenses including tax and insurance!
     
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  24. fb_1648327161 avatar Jamie Beltz Posted: 1/7/2011 8:22am PST

    The last person that posted is right! I took my van in on Dec 29th. They called us at work to let us know that indeed the axle was cracked. My van is a 1999 with about 165,000 miles on it. Went to the dealer after work and accepted the buyout. They said it would be at least 3 weeks or more to get the check from Ford. They gave me paperwork to take over to enterprise. It was fast and easy. No questions asked. They gave me a 2010 Dodge Grand Caravan. I had to put a $50 deposit down on the car, and everything else was covered by Ford. We don't have to pay for anything. I get the $50 deposit back when I return the car. They also told me that when I get the check, Ford is going to also offer a TON of incentives. It's actually pretty sad, there is a lot full of Ford Windstars, mine was number 197. But on the bright side I am pretty happy taking in my old van and driving out with a new rental for the time being. Not to mention the buy out was more than what I paid for the van 2 years ago!
     
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  25. Jim Fay Posted: 1/10/2011 10:08am PST

    In the meantime, I'm driving a "FREE" rental that I pay only the taxes on. That amounts to about $4 a day. 120 dollars a month is hardly a FREE rental. I could buy another ten year old minivan for that amount! Ford seems to be doing little else for me.
     
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  26. William Posted: 1/10/2011 10:35pm PST

    I signed the papers for Ford's offer on my 99 Windstar today, Jan. 10 2011. In addition to the axle, I see a lot of future repairs coming up and have decided to take the money and run. I will still be using my rental until I have my check. Over the Christmas holidays I don't think the motor on that new Ford Focus ever got cold. That car is being used 24/7, compliments of Ford Motor Company. Would I buy another Ford product? Probably not because I can't see Ford giving me out of this world incentives to keep me as a customer. This is supported by Ford's attitude when offering money buyouts. The majority of offers are given in dollars and cents and are not rounded off to the nearest 100 dollars. A good example is my offer of $2688.29, rather than $2700. I think this will give you a preview of what the future incentives might be. I also would like to see the formula they used to arrive at that sum.
     
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  27. Anita Posted: 1/11/2011 10:38am PST

    My mother in law tooks hers in for inspection and they said until they had the parts they would do an inspection because it takes 1/2 a day to tear it apart to see if there are cracks and they didn't want to put the time into it. Just sent her on her way and siad they would call her when the parts came in. So, she buys a Flex and give the van to us. WHen I found out they had not inspected it I threw a fit and said no driving it until it is inspected. So i called her dealer and got an appointment. he said they had the parts in. Wonder why they never called her. And this is a dealership she deals with all the time!!!!!!!!!!!!!
     
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  28. Happy Camper Posted: 1/17/2011 6:16pm PST

    Took my 01 in and it had 2 pin holes (completely through) in the rear axle. Dealership called Enterprise and they have me in a 2010 Chrystler Stow N Go fully loaded, leather, starter, 3 tvs at 0 cost to me. No deposit, nothing!!! Take your time Ford!
     
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  29. Sherry-lee Posted: 1/18/2011 5:10pm PST

    I am the second owner of a 1999 Winstar Cargo Van. I learned of the recall via word of mouth. I immediately went to my Ford Dealership who informed me that my van was not eligible since it was purchased and sold in Florida. However, I have traveled several miles in the northeastern states and I do not believe that my van should be excluded just because of the state that the title was issued rather then the exposure to the salt used on the roads I have traveled. Do I have any power to demand that my rear axel is inspected to make sure that I do not become a fatality number after the fact?
     
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  30. Joann Posted: 1/20/2011 1:44am PST

    My windstar has a cracked axel.Enterprise put me in a Kia Rio told me I could switch out to a mid size at any time..NO ENTERPRISE ON THE EASTERN SEACOAST seems to have a mid size car...so not happy
     
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  31. MaineMOm Posted: 1/23/2011 3:56pm PST

    Turned in our 2001 Windstar on January 17th. Now driving Enterprise's Ford Escape. Was told March at soonest and that buyouts are done. Either way, we are in a safe car until something is done. Enterprise had trouble with irate van owners looking for 7 seat rentals...but they are out?!
     
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  32. Sharon Posted: 1/25/2011 9:49am PST

    I need to check into this more. My friend did a quick fix on mine because I need it for work. I would really like them to buy it because it has been nothing but trouble..2 motors, 3 transmissions, 5 deer, broken axle, muffler rusted off of manifold, etc etc...
     
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  33. jessica Posted: 1/29/2011 6:35am PST

    After reading most of the comments I realize how messed up for is. My windstar broke in may, my axle snapped in half, in sept. my van was picked up, and has been sitting at the dealership. Since Nov. I have been paying $300 a month to have a rental through enterprise. They say that ford wont pay the taxes and it somes to a little under 300. It is sad to hear there are different prices posted everywhere. Plus I got the buy out offer and they take money off for eveything, so my offer is very little. Plus I was told possablt April but a friend from ford said more like Sept 2011!!
     
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  34. steve Posted: 1/29/2011 8:19am PST

    nobody should be paying taxes for rental there was some confusion at first but ford agreed to pay all taxes and ford will reimburse for tax already paid
     
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  35. Bev Posted: 1/30/2011 8:56pm PST

    Went into the local Ford dealership in Sept. to pick up parts for the driver power seat when a tech told me of the recall.Of course the van did not pass inspection and has been impounded since then. We have a bare bones Kia van from Enterprise which we hate and have also been told that we will have to pay the tax on the rental. Ford could have given us a new car for what they have paid so far.
     
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  36. Diane Posted: 1/30/2011 10:36pm PST

    We took our 2001 Windstar in to be inspected on Oct 28, 2010. IT only has 90,000 miles on it. Our axle was cracked. We went to get a rental at the dealership and they "tried" to give us a Honda Accord for me to drive my 6 kids around in! I have a van for a reason. I called another enterprise in town and they had a brand new Chrysler Town and Country waiting for us. I am happy to be in a new van right now and Ford is paying every dime of the rental. At first we were told we had to pay the extra to get an "upgrade" from a regular car. I was not satisfied with that answer. I called Ford personally and spoke to 2 different people and it was taken care of. The thing that upsets me, is that our van has been paid for for several years now and we are not ready to buy a new car if they even offer us a buyout. We do not want a car payment. IT sounds like the buyouts are not going to get you much of anything either. Granted it sounds like our vehicle is slowly becoming a piece of junk. I just read there is another recall on the steering!!! SO maybe we will get our van back by summer, but how safe is it to drive. THis has all been a little much. I guess it is the not knowing what is happening!
     
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  37. Never Again Posted: 1/31/2011 6:37pm PST

    I brought my windstar in in November. It has had 2 feet of snow on it for over a month, and the tires look like they are getting flat spots because it has nto been moved in 3 months. Who is going to pay for that ? Will Ford be doing a tune up and fixing the rust that occured when I finally get my car back ? Who the F... do these people think they are ?
     
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  38. Nicole Posted: 2/3/2011 11:31am PST

    For anyone affected by this recall, please be aware, there is another one! The subframe can crack/corrode and break in the same manner as the axle. I believe this new recall is for the same years as the axle recall. Letters will be sent in about a week, but if you have an affected vehicle, bring it in now!! They tried to tell me my van was safe to drive, even with a cracked subframe... yeah right!!
     
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  39. AL Posted: 2/7/2011 11:39am PST

    True as per Nicole. I took my 2000 in today. Cant believe they can fix all of this overnight. Waiting to hear from dealer...Rental is fully covered all taxes, insurance. It was like driving in 50 year old wooden roller coaster. Will post results when hear back. Rental is Expedition, so great to have but are they paying to fill it too.
     
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  40. Cyn Posted: 2/8/2011 2:18pm PST

    Just want to verify that the recall covers ALL Windstars. For example I bought mine from a used car lot not an actual Ford Dealer. Planning on taking mine into the local Ford dealer tommorrow to be checked out.
     
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  41. huskyjohn Posted: 2/8/2011 7:56pm PST

    My 99 Windstar LX is def. from a northern, salty , non bc province and am wondering how the Canadian owners have been treated as far as buyouts go.
    Also, if one doesn't have a credit card,how does the rental get rented?
     
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  42. yosef Posted: 2/11/2011 4:49am PST

    took my 200o ford windstar in for recall, just put on two new clamps. had to have new tires ,only 30,000 on these tire store thought the repair looked bad, and said tires should have lasted longer, anyone else have problem with tires
     
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  43. Rob Simmons Posted: 2/14/2011 4:46pm PST

    Ok here is my question my 2001 windstar has a whole in the axle,they have had it at the dealership since December,with all this snow and bad weather we have had,and them not starting or moving it who fixes all the other issues it will have?If you don't drive or start,a vehicle for 3-4 months the brakes will rust in the snow ,flat spots on the tires,I fosee lots of problems from sitting ,has anyone had any issues that i am talking about.2nd what about broken parts during the axle change who pays these expenses???I drove it there and had no problems so I will refuse to pay any extra out of pocket expenses to get my van back.Has anyone have any answers to this or have ran across these issuses...
     
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  44. Larry Bell Posted: 2/15/2011 5:23am PST

    Windstar recall in the US is #11S16. Front subframe corrosion and wheel separation.
    We experienced and repaired this in Aug 2010; fortunately no injury. The frame was about $1200, and you can guess the expense to remove the motor and drive assembly,re-assemble, plus re-alignment. Now waiting to see if the recall is honoured in Canada.
     
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  45. Jenn Posted: 2/16/2011 6:21am PST

    Rob, I got my van back yesterday evening and there were issues as soon as I drove off the lot. The check engine and tire pressure lights came on almost immediately. Worste of all is that the front end is shaking and trembling A LOT as I accelerate. It feels very unsafe to drive. Besides that my power seat doesn't work so I can't move up enough. (I'm short and too far away from the peddles now) AND the radio doesn't work AND the dealer lost my key. I'm frustrated and nervous to drive the van with my son everyday. My rear axle was replaced and the dealer said it passed the 2nd recall inspection. I just got off the phone with Ford and basically they said that it has to be PROVEN that all the things now are a result from the van sitting still for 17weeks. If not we are responsible for the diagnostic costs and repair and rental if needed. This is looking to become a HUGE headache already.
     
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  46. Rob Posted: 2/17/2011 9:32am PST

    Jenn I was kind of wondering what they were going to do I think everyone with thw windstar issues should get together and forward these kinds of issuse straight to ford headquarters is't a joke that we as the customer is getting treated this way and if this is the case ford will be on the no buy list.They say they start and move them every 2 weeks which is a crock i have pic saying different,I did enjoy my van but now it may need to be sold and go with another brand.Hope all works out for you keep us posted
     
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  47. Dave Posted: 2/19/2011 8:22am PST

    Took our 2003 Windstar in a couple of weeks ago & its also affected by the corrosion, but since we're in Canada it wasn't totally unexpected. Did anyone actually hear of one that wasn't, by the way? Unlike many of you, we were actually very happy with the van up to now, as it did everything that we had wanted it to & had taken us & a bunch of kids & our belongings to & from Florida on numerous occasions. We are now in a rental, a Focus which I hate, but it is serving its purpose. The issue will arrive in less than 3 weeks when go to Florida & need a much larger vehicle for our group of 6 people, a dog & belongings. They say that the best that they can do is an Escape & that I'll have to pay $10 a day for that! It wouldn't help anyhow, unless a couple of people ride on the roof rack! I see that some people are in van from other manufacturers - are any of them in Canada? Has anyone got a buy back in Canada? If so, was it reasonable? We are so often treated as poor cousins up here, by US companies.
     
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  48. Christy Posted: 2/19/2011 8:11pm PST

    I own a 2001 Ford Windstar and my rear axle was already broken. Now the second recall they have offered me a buy back on my mini van because it's been deemed unrepairable. I called Ford up in MI and they will not at least put and extension on the rental car. I explained my oldest child has an unknown heart condition and that we need a 2ed car incase his school calls and I need to pick him up from school and the husband will be returning to work soon with the Army. I said I'm not the only one who will find themselves in a pinch with this. Some people only have one vehicle who also have health problems or to get to work. They could at least give everyone 30 more days with the rental to find another vehicle. No luck just thought I'd give you a heads up. I've been so angry with this slap in the face.
     
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  49. Sherrie Posted: 2/20/2011 11:01am PST

    Christy - I also have a 2001 Ford Windstar, and it has been at the dealer since September 15th. We just got the 2nd recall and waiting to hear if the van passes. Wanted to know what Ford offered you for a buy back. We would like Ford to buy us out. The van has a lot of miles on it, plus I'm worried since it has been sitting for so long - dead battery, bad oil, flat tires etc. The rental bill so far is over $6000. Can't beleive Ford feels it is better to fix the van than to have just bought us out in September!!
     
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  50. Debbie Posted: 2/22/2011 7:30am PST

    Got the call my van is done. It's been sitting at the dealer since 11/3/10, per the dealer, they started the van 2 times a month for 5 min. Many concerns on picking up the van. Never received the new recall, BUT the dealer was pulling the van out 2 weeks ago checking them??? So...I had a cracked axle but no sub-frame problems??? What happens about the tires, hoses, brakes for sitting for almost 4 months....are they going to fit things when the snap in the next few weeks...I was never offered a buy out...I have a 2000 Windstar with high miles..
    I am afraid of getting the van because I'm not sure you can trust the dealerships that things are safe and will the stand by their work and issues that come up because of the van sitting so long.
    Here's hoping my worries are misplaced.
     
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  51. Brian Posted: 2/22/2011 12:30pm PST

    I took my 02 Van to dealer last night 2/21-- cause I got the second recall notice-- had the axle fixed last year prior to recall notice.. mailed in bill have not heard anything.. two hours after I dropped van off service dept is calling telling me that Ford is not going to pay for new rear axle and cracked subframe... 139K miles ... offered me 8,400 and rental -- signed the paperwork this morning ... Enterprise gave me a town and country ... said I was good for a month or two ... plus I did not have to pay tax or deposit..... Going Car Shopping.... guess they figured Clash for Clunkers would have cleaned up their mess.... Yow..
     
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  52. Caroline Posted: 2/23/2011 4:50pm PST

    Brought my 2002 Ford Winstar in to Ford dealer mid november. The rear axel failed of course and we have been in a free rental car. At first they put us in a little car but I told them I needed seven seats and the next day I was put in an SUV. With the winter we have had I am glad becuase its a 4X4 and has been great help. Just got the second recall in mail. I would actually love for ford to buy me out because I would put that toward a new car. I am waiting to hear about the second recall but I am also afraid that once I get my van back it will not run the same. I am hopeful but time will tell.
     
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  53. Jason M. Posted: 2/24/2011 11:39pm PST

    We bought our 2000 Winstar in June 2009 from a private seller. It had the tell tale Ford rust areas but for the money was not a bad deal. Had it licencesed and title transfered to us. I recieved both recalls from Ford before I recieved our new title from the state. September 2009 found us in a parking lot with a broken frame mount on the front right side. RUSTED completly thru the frame. Had it towed to our mechanic and he said really no fix to it unless some crafty welding and parts machineing was to be done. The wheel almost fell off the van. I am glad that my family and I were in a parking lot instead of heading off to a vacation down I95 somewhere. Hopeful for a buyout because if they fix it, it will be just a matter of time before next part falls off due to rust. You cannot weld rust very well. Thanks Ford, i'll be sure to look into buying a Tarus or Tempo or Festiva. Quality is job 1!!!
     
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  54. Jason M. Posted: 2/24/2011 11:48pm PST

    Just as a joke, ask Enterprise Rentals if you can get a Winstar as your replacement while you wait! LOL
     
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  55. jenny Posted: 2/25/2011 7:23am PST

    I took my 2003 Ford Windstar in to be checked after the recall notice about the axle. My axle was cracked so they kept my van and put me in a Ford Focus. My local dealership has had my van since Dec 27th. The last time I checked...they still had NO idea of when parts would come in. I have NOT recieved a notice of a 2nd recall that many people on here are talking about so I suppose another call to the service center is in order to double check. While I am enjoying the fact that I am not putting miles on my vehicle and the gas mileage is better on the Focus....I want MY van back.
     
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  56. Cindy Posted: 2/26/2011 10:39am PST

    took my loaded "03 Windstar in for routine inspection today (2 days after getting my recall notice) only to hear my rear axle is cracked. The dealer has 60+ vans currently on the lot and says at leats 3 months until a repair. This is the 3rd recall I have had to deal with, not to mentiona fauklty computer it took the geniuses a year and a half to diagnose and repair. I agree that it woudl be cheaper for Ford to just give us all a hefty initiative on a new vehicle. This is my 2nd Ford - my Taurus wagon was a dream and for 10 years I had nothing to repair. This van is a nightmare and makes up for those good 10 years - by far! I will probably never buy a Ford again unless I get a HUGE discount. And to add to our joy we now get to pay $3.36/gal. for gas to fill these vans!!
     
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  57. Dave Posted: 2/27/2011 11:46am PST

    Update to my earlier posting. Still in the Focus, but I had advised that we would need a 7 seat vehicle for our vacation in 2 weeks. Dealer called & advised Ford, who have said that they will be rushing the replacement part this week. If so, we are supposed to have our vehicle back by mid-week. We'll see what happens.
     
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  58. Andy Posted: 3/3/2011 11:40am PST

    I have just written to the Chief Executive of Ford as I'm fuming. Our 2001 Windstar failed for the axle. Has been at the dealership since the first week in November. Weren't given the option of a hire van, got a car, buy maybe I should have objected more at the time. After 2nd recall, I now have been informed by the dealership it's failed the 2nd recall and they don't know how long it'll be before it's fixed. I am absolutely not paying for any other repairs that comes out of this with the length of time it's been sitting in this extreme cold weather. Costing them a fortune for rentals, they should get these vehicles off the road and give everyone what the true value of the vans are worth. Never again Ford, will be steering clear of you in the future, and there's no chance of me being able to sell this pile of junk!!
     
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  59. Dorene Posted: 3/3/2011 2:36pm PST

    Has anyone been offered a buy-back deal yet?
     
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  60. Jacqui Posted: 3/3/2011 6:13pm PST

    I live in Canada and my 2003 Windstar has been in the dealership with a totally cracked rear axle since first week of November. Have called the Ford head office numerous times with no definite date as to when or if the van can be repaired. I am so ticked as I only bought this van last year as a used car and am making payments monthly on a van I dont have!!!! Went to the dealership where my van is the other day and they have not heard from Ford either as to when they will be fixed - he has 42 sitting on his lot right now. And to top it all off we got a Nissan Versa when they took our 7 passenger van - could barely fit 4 in the car. When will Ford be dealing with this mess that everyone is in that is, everyone except the big shots at Ford!!
     
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  61. steve Posted: 3/4/2011 5:17am PST

    I also have a 2001 ford windstar that has rot issues on the front subframe and broken rear axle. I Was told by ford that it is ufixable and I have 5 days to take the car and sign a statement saying the car is unsafe or take a buyout. I don't want either, we can not afford a new car right now and a buyout would only give a downpayment on a new car. I took car of this car only 80,000 miles with a new trans. and tires all the oilchanges ect. to be told we have a recall but can't fix it so here is a couple thousand dollars and have a nice day. I myself will never buy a ford again. What about people who are layed of with no income how do they go buy another car. When this is all said and done ford will get help from the government and we will have car payments. We all need to stand together on this and make ford do something better than this.
     
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  62. Laura Posted: 3/4/2011 7:50am PST

    Brought my 2001 Windstar in. Turns out there's a hole in the rear axle. The subframe is fine, that got replaced by a repair shop last fall, turns out Ford will reimburse us for that ($800). Enterprise is renting out a brand new Escape and we're not having to pay a thing for the rental or insurance. The lady there said people are waiting months, and it's just silly. The cost of fixing the van and the rental is more than the van is even worth. We got an offer of a buyback from another dealer, for $2k on top of what it's worth.We owe a little on the van yet, so not sure that's not very helpful for us. If it was more money I think we'd certainly think about it. Seems Ford is spending a lot on these vans, more than they're worth. My van is 10 yrs old with 106k miles, it's gone through 2 transmissions already, now this.
     
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  63. janice Posted: 3/4/2011 10:06am PST

    I just took my ford windstar in for recall on february 15th the subframe is cracked its only been 3 weeks but im concerned that this is a way of getting all defective windstars off the road with the the least responsibility im on a fixed income and have filed for banckrupcy so i cant afford a car note. atleast ford should offer another used car in exchange that would be cheaper than the repair and rental fees I already paid 10,000 for a 2000 because of bad credit there should be something legally that can be done im really disappointed in ford
     
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  64. af1z Posted: 3/4/2011 12:02pm PST

    just took in my 2001 windstar yesterday & was confirmed with having a cracked rear axle. enterprise supplied a rental car, and i had to pay $140 ($5 tax for 28 days) == will ford reimburse this??
    today i got a call from the dealer saying that they had "good news":
    apparently my axle "only" has a 2" crack and they can "fix" that rather than replace it. (it's at 3" & above that it must be replaced -- this is what the customer service rep told me). i was a bit incredulous to think that ford would even consider that i'd accept driving around w/a known 2" crack that's been "repaired". no thank you -- offer me my buyout & i'll take it. in the end they are keeping it & replacing it. it's march & they told me they've had windstars there since october w/no end in sight.
     
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  65. By Danielle Posted: 3/4/2011 2:11pm PST

    Just took our 2001 Windstar in. The rear axel was repaired, but it failed the new recall. They offered us a rental car, but we insisted on a van. We were told it could be months. I'd prefer a buy-out and to move on, but they haven't offered anything yet.
     
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  66. By Danielle Posted: 3/4/2011 3:11pm PST

    ...Should have also mentioned that I'm pleased with the service offered by Ford, and the fact that they're supporting a 10 year old vehicle. Ford will likely pay a small fortune to keep us in a rental indefinitly.
     
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  67. PJ Posted: 3/4/2011 3:32pm PST

    Well - too late for meeeee! Our 99 windstar was donated to the Salvation Army this past summer with only 99 thou miles. Regular maintenance did not save it from 2 transmissions, 3 intake manifold jobs and 2 wiper motors ($$)and the check engine light always on (and more) - we finally found someone to turn off the light and solder the axel (local ford dealer where I bought the car refused - they wanted big $$ to replace - said it wasn't their prob - must have been potholes) and we drove for months until we realized we could not afford all the repairs needed. In the meantime I have a 4x4 montaro w/260,000 miles with good care has ONLY required brakes and it came used from auction at hundred thou miles. Buy another ford???? ha ha ha. Good care can't save a lemon.
     
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  68. FV Posted: 3/5/2011 7:02pm PST

    Need help from this forum-my windstar is with the dealer I have signed up for the buy back, but has not picked the check. Heard another recall of subframe, should I accept the money which is $3200. I am hoping with the new recall they might raise the buyback price. Although little greedy but cannot afford a new car right now looking for extra money i this economy
     
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  69. Guss Posted: 3/6/2011 12:58pm PST

    Well I just got recall on my 2003 I will drop at Dealer tomorrow I was going to take in because it hasbeen pulling and wearing tires out it also makes some frontend noise at about35mph and wheel shakes . This is my luck i owe 1200 on it and ford wants to take it I cant take a car payment I cant even aford gas at 3.50 a gal. This is bullsh:? I am ready to get a horse. We need to stand together I am calling the NEWS
     
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  70. Andy Posted: 3/7/2011 7:19am PST

    Surprise, surprise, no response from the CEO of Ford. I think we all need to get together, go to the TV, newspapers or something because this is not good enough Ford!!!!!
     
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  71. Steve Posted: 3/8/2011 8:05am PST

    Does anyone out there know exactly which parts of the rear axle are replaced? Does the replacement axle include the brakes and drums or are these parts transferred from the old axle?
     
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  72. Elizabeth Posted: 3/8/2011 6:39pm PST

    1999 Ford Windstar at dealer, was offered settlement today of $3720 they are buying it back. Sure thats a good amount for the van but what about the inconvenience of no vehicle and having to car shop for a car with a payment.... no rental and when I called Ford Co. was told that I would need to speak to the Windstar Team, however NO telephone # to give me. Ridiculous. Have 3-4 days to decide or they will cancel offer - SUCKS. No rental offer either. Will NEVER buy a ford again - not servicing their customers for THEIR mistake!
     
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  73. Janice Posted: 3/9/2011 10:24am PST

    I wonder if anyone has a ceo name or coorporate website where all windstar owners could send to ford I dont think the people at the top are aware of how dissatisfied windstar owners are the stock is going up and the heads are getting bonuses. It should be a way where we could all converge on the windstar team.
     
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  74. pam Posted: 3/9/2011 11:52am PST

    Took my 2002 Windstar in Monday. It's confirmed that my front frame is cracked and my rear axle as well. I was told it would take 2-3 months for repair since they don't have the parts for the front yet. I received a FREE van(Kia) rental from Enterprise through Ford for as long as it takes with only a $50 refundable deposit. Honestly, I don't care how long it takes, I will drive the new van until mine gets fixed. Although it is a waste of money for Ford, it would be cheaper if they just bought it back. For the meantime, I will drive the rental until i hear more information.
     
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  75. kathy Posted: 3/9/2011 5:21pm PST

    GET A LOAD OF THIS! My 1999 Windstar got recalled and had to have the axle replaced. I refused to settle for a small rental, had to go on tv and complain about Ford and within 5 days I had a new axle and got my car back. My story doesn't end there, tho! 2 mos later my car is recalled AGAIN for the front body mount! This time Ford offered to buy my car back. My car was 12 yrs old w/140,000 miles and they gave me almost $5,500 for it. Not bad..except I really was in no position to buy another car at this time. So to all of you people who are waiting for a rear axle, I suggest you ask the dlr to start looking at your front body mounts, while you're car is grounded, because the rear axle isn't going to do you any good if the mounts are rusted! Good Luck to all of you!
     
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  76. Heather Posted: 3/9/2011 6:06pm PST

    Ok after reading all these comments I am a bit amazed that my vehicle a 2001 Windstar passed both inspections! I have been repairing things on this vehicle since the day it rolled off the used car lot. How do I find a list of all the recalls from Ford? I have came across a couple..one that interested me in particular was the Blend door Actuator! Has anyone seen this one posted, because I am in the process of getting that fixed tomorrow out of my own pocket!! Grrrr I can barely afford monthly bills let alone to continue to fix this thing up. My dad always swore by Ford, but I have had nothing but problems with this vehicle.
     
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  77. Jacobi Posted: 3/9/2011 7:18pm PST

    my 2000 Windsatar has 94k miles and has been sitting on a Ford lot since early Nov 2010, I just signed up for my 5th rental month in an Escape, Ford does get a better corp. rate than the avg Joe, about $850-$900/month, but my question is: why haven't the bean counters realized that the cost of rental + repairs to fix the car are going to be much more than just the increasing the initial offer, hey FORD - I don't want my Windstar back - the dealer hasn't moved or started it since November; now the battery is dead, it has 2 flat tires and sits in a mud puddle on a back lot. but hey-I am enjoying driving a 2011 Escape on your dime - new tires, sirius radio and seat warmers are awesome - I guess what I really mean is - take your time
     
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  78. Doug Posted: 3/9/2011 7:19pm PST

    Just took our 2001 Windstar with 169,000 miles into the dealer on 3/3/11, for the recalls. After failing both the front brackets and rear axle, they parked it in the Windstar Graveyard out back. They put us in a Focus, until they find us a van, hopefully tomorrow. There are no out of pocket costs for the rental, however we are limited to 100 miles per day. We were told it would be 60 days for the fix. I'm beginning to think this may take until June or July. No worries, I'll drive the newer vehicle until my older Windstar gets fixed.
     
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  79. Robert Posted: 3/10/2011 8:29pm PST

    I'm in Vancouver where we get maybe one or two days a year of road salt exposure. I brought my Windstar in and it passed both the front bracket and rear axle inspections. But they filled the rear axles with foam to prevent any corrosion and clamped a new part onto the full length of the rear axle to reinforce it. I was then informed that a new part will soon be available to reinforce the front mounts - and that I'd be receiving a letter when it is available. So, for me, this has not been the nightmare experience that so many others have faced.
     
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  80. Ken Posted: 3/14/2011 4:22am PDT

    Wow just purchased 2002windstar with insurance and reg cost us over 8k really nice van only 42000 miles have for family kids and grandkids purchased at dealer is going in for check up this morning hopefully ok, dealer would have known about these issues where are they responsible (duty of care) ? I think there is liability there not Judy on Fords part. Very interesting caused quite a bit of stress or my wife 65 mph on hwy I will stop driving till proven ok (my duty of care)
     
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  81. Jacobi Posted: 3/15/2011 4:41pm PDT

    service managers at Ford dealerships are aware of the 150% buyback #, they will offer you a lower $ amount to try to get you to sign, but I brought in the new buyback paperwork I found thanks to TFM at website www-odi.nhtsa.dot.gov/recalls/results.cfm , and he said that he has seen it, my question is; if my rear axle failed and my front supports failed (per their inspection in February) then what is taking so long? my recommendation is to go to the dealerships and get copies of your service history (it is still technically your car) and start to collect data. don't put it past Ford to somehow change the rules down the road to their advantage. get documents for everything.
     
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  82. maryann avatar mary francisco Posted: 3/16/2011 11:41am PDT

    hello i have a 1999 ford windstar that was at ford sent nov 5,2010 for it frist recall and when i got it back after tham working on it becouse thay let it set so long thay could not keep it runing i told tham it was runing when i took it to tham ford said the is no there fualt i have to deal with that when i got it back it runs bad loud and now i haw onther recall at it pass but thay will call when parts are in get this TO FIX IT WHY ford was worng and this was bad i hate i took my van to tham for anything
     
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  83. maryann avatar mary francisco Posted: 3/16/2011 11:41am PDT

    hello i have a 1999 ford windstar that was at ford sent nov 5,2010 for it frist recall and when i got it back after tham working on it becouse thay let it set so long thay could not keep it runing i told tham it was runing when i took it to tham ford said the is no there fualt i have to deal with that when i got it back it runs bad loud and now i haw onther recall at it pass but thay will call when parts are in get this TO FIX IT WHY ford was worng and this was bad i hate i took my van to tham for anything
     
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  84. Hiren Posted: 3/18/2011 2:35pm PDT

    003/18/2011 Detroit, Never trust Ford again. Think ford again. Yes for sure. Recently they were rated no 1 in qualiy. Their customer service should be rated 0 for quality. I used to like ford cars but after this incident if they don't make this right and treat us right I will never buy ford again. If you have a lawer who can assist in resolving dissatisfaction please provide the number.
     
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  85. Sean S Posted: 3/21/2011 10:59am PDT

    I live down on South Carolina and have a 99 Ford Windstar. I got a letter in the mail about the rear axle recall and brought it into the dealer. A couple of hours later, they called and said it was fine, to come pick it up.
    In February we got ANOTHER recall letter for the subframe mounts on the front end. Brought it into the dealership, same thing, it's fine.
    On Friday 3/18/2011, we get a letter from Ford saying that the brackets they are going to install to re-inforce the rear bumper are now in stock and that we need to contact our dealer. THIS WAS THE FIRST I HAD HEARD OF ANYTHING ABOUT BRACKETS. If the car was deemed safe for both recalls, what do they need brackets for? Does that mean my wife has been driving my 4 and 6 year old around in an unsafe car since October? I called Ford, they said the dealership should have told us about the brackets and given us a complete breakdown of what they did.
    I also found out that they replaced a switch on the cruise control that was leaking, shorting out the cruise control and that there could have been a fire. Noone ever told me about that.
    So, Ford is washing their hands of it, saying that it's the dealer's fault and the dealership deemed the car safe, so I'm stuck. Personally, any part that they have to shore up to "ensure it's safe" isn't safe. I couldn't imagine putting my wife and children in a car that Ford decided was safe, but needed parts to re-inforce it.
    Has anyone else run into this problem? Thanks.
     
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  86. sherry Posted: 3/21/2011 6:39pm PDT

    i just had my 2000 fordwindstar recalled for something to do with the front end and a few months ago it was recalled for the rear axle now ford is offering me 4200 for my van but i dont get a rental and i wont get the money for seven to ten days so now i have to borrow a vechile to get back and forth to work until i get the cheque and then find another car
     
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  87. Eric Posted: 3/21/2011 8:38pm PDT

    Bought a 2000 Windstar back in 2002. Has 130,000 miles on it now. Let us count the problem's. Over one month in the dealer trying to diagnost what turn out to be an intermittant ground fault, the transmission disintegrated, both front suspension springs broke, numerous egr valve problems, sticky valve lifter, electric door locks non-functioning, rusted out rocker panels under the sliding doors, rear wiper sprayer non-functioning, front ball joints and front suspension parts replaced numerous times, now at the dealer since before the new year with a rusted out axle. Hopefully the front suspension rusting problem will be bad enough Ford will buy me out, and put that van out of it's misery. I'm sure I'd get more from Ford than I could on the open market. Only a fool would buy on of these things. Oh, I guess that's me.
     
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  88. sandeep chopra Posted: 3/22/2011 11:18am PDT

    They have said that they cannot repair my 1999 windstar done only 75000 miles, they are offering me some change money which will not get me a car by any chance , what are we all supposed to do , can someone take the initiative and get to filing a class action suit and demand a new car
     
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  89. Susan Posted: 3/23/2011 3:18pm PDT

    My comment yes ford offered to buy our van but not even enough to buy a replacement and all the recalla ford has they say what yrs but mine and my daughters van has all the problems of every recall but cant get them fixed.My van was rear axle fixed and company that fixed it treated me like trash and then didnt even fix it right i could have been killed if i didnt turn right back around and take it back to them.Did ford say sorry or did the company who fixed it say sorry NOPE then i had to buy new battery cause mine was dead due to sitting but ex-sister-in-law got new free battery from Ford did I NOPE guess cause i am a poor person my life doesnt matter to FORD
     
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  90. fb_510019143 avatar Shellie Snyder Posted: 3/26/2011 8:14pm PDT

    I have been reading everyone's post here and I am a little confused about the difference on how the rentals are going I took my 99 windstar in yesterday and after waiting at the dealership for 4 hours I was told they were buying back from me they gave me a pretty good deal more than what I paid for it and I was please then a man from enterprise came picked me up and put me in a 2011 explorer which by the way I love I have unlimited miles but I only have it for 5 days which really put us in a pinch because that gave us one day to look for a replacement and we don't know when we will get my money to get a new. I also know the dealership that we had to take to is really pushing us to buy from them however I do not plan to do that I want my money and I am taking my business elsewhere but five days to me just isn't enough time and I guess what I am confused most about is some people get the rentals cars longer and have to pay or have do many miles a day I would think it would be straight across the broad for everyone. All I know is I have till this Wednesday to get something and don't really know how we are going to do that. Also my subframe broke about a year ago we were not sure what was going on and when they finally did figure it out my husband and my brother-in-law welded it back up because that was before the recall came out.
     
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  91. Am Posted: 3/27/2011 7:53pm PDT

    OK..reading all of this is making me sick to my stomach. A friend of mine dropped her windstar off in Nov. She got it back last week. It didn't run right and 2 days after getting it back, it is dead and the dealer said that "it had nothing to do with the recall"(UM maybe because it just SAT at the dealership for almost 5 months!) so they are SOL and looking for a new car. I dropped my windstar off right before Christmas and I am afraid to get it back. My car is a 2003 and it has 85,000. In my eyes it should still have plenty of life left...I do LOVE the rental I have..It is a Chevy.
     
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  92. matthew zook Posted: 3/28/2011 9:50am PDT

    How do i know if my 99 windstar is a recall.the vin is 4/99.
     
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  93. fb_1210715258 avatar John Sr. Posted: 3/28/2011 4:55pm PDT

    @M. Zook 1998-2003 Windstars built at the Oakville Assembly Plant from 09-01-97 to 02-28-03 and sold or registered in these states CT,DE,DC,IL,IN,WV,IA,KY,ME,MD,MA,WI,MI,MN,MO,NH,NJ,NY,,PA,RI,VT,OH
     
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  94. Bob T Posted: 3/29/2011 6:42pm PDT

    I have 3 Ford Windstars recalled for rear axles and front end corrosion. My son took his 1999 Windstar to our local dealer for the same recalls. They offered him $3,700 or fix within 60 days, he said fix it. Next day dealer called him and said Ford deemed it unfixable and he should come pick up the van but he has to sign a waiver releasing them of any liability. He said No he would not sign sign a paper and wanted it fixed. Following week dealer called him and said they could fix it but at HIS expense for parts and labor. They will not fix his van because he will not pay to have it fixed, Ford should pay, theywill not give him his Van back because he will not sign the waiver and now Enterprise called to tell him he owes them $800 rental and if he does not return the rental, they are starting legal action. What kind of a scam is this by Ford, sounds like "cash for clunkers" to me. What a way to empty their overstocked lots. We need to start legal action, not Enterprise, and class action lawsuit is in order. Will someone in Rittenhouse Square in Philadelphia please come forward (the worldest best layers for a class action lawsuit.) Now what is he to do, he has no Van, has 3 kids, rental co. is after him, he needs his Van fixed by Ford. We have been a Ford family up until now, Ford what happened to you?
     
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  95. Bob T Posted: 3/30/2011 5:02am PDT

    Forgot to mention that my son with the 99 Windstar is getting a bad, bad response from Ford Customer Service, he has called them three times and they told him it is policy and they can do nothing about his situation. After the dealer refused to fix his Van at HIS expense and will not give him his Van without him signing the waiver they proposed, the dealer then told him they can no longer offer him the $3,700 that they originally offered and the "time frame" for the offer expired. This is quality customer service?? What a joke.
     
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  96. Bob T Posted: 3/30/2011 5:58am PDT

    Please note: correction to last comment, dealer WANTED to fix son's '99 Windstar at HIS expense, he would not do it because it's Ford's responsibility to fix it at THEIR expense.
     
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  97. steve Posted: 3/30/2011 3:31pm PDT

    I have sent letters to many different newspapers and TV stations with no response.Maybe if it was toyota it would be different. Called ford, they could care less. Now that fords stock is doing well nobody wants to hear anything, when the stock drops next year or hopefully sooner they will blame the economy, of course it won’t be the bullshit they put us (so called valued customers) through.
     
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  98. fb_592415407 avatar Sandi Wicke Posted: 3/31/2011 8:02am PDT

    Well My 99 Windstar passed the back axle last fall. But failed the front sub frame recall this spring So far Ford has done alright by us.Less then 24 hrs. After failed inspection our ford dealer called and told us they sent photos and van info off to ford head office. 1 day later they told us the amount ford would pay to buy the van back. I almost fell off my chair it was more then I thought they would pay. When we went to sign off on the van the dealer found out I needed a car, he immediately call the local rent a car place and sent me over. I had the rental for 5 days free. and in less then a week the cheque for my van arrived. Now I'm off shopping for a new van.
    In my travels looking for a new van I saw a windstar in a ford dealers lot that the front axle did break. It was scary, Both front tires which pointing in 2 different directions,. The drivers side front tire was pointing left while the passenger side was pointing right and the whole front end of the van had dropped. If you get a recall notice take the van in that's all I can say.It's better then someone maybe getting hurt and getting nothing but pain.
     
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  99. fb_592415407 avatar Sandi Wicke Posted: 3/31/2011 8:06am PDT

    Well My 99 Windstar passed the back axle last fall. But failed the front sub frame recall this spring So far Ford has done alright by us.Less then 24 hrs. After failed inspection our ford dealer called and told us they sent photos and van info off to ford head office. 1 day later they told us the amount ford would pay to buy the van back. I almost fell off my chair it was more then I thought they would pay. When we went to sign off on the van the dealer found out I needed a car, he immediately call the local rent a car place and sent me over. I had the rental for 5 days free. and in less then a week the cheque for my van arrived. Now I'm off shopping for a new van.
    In my travels looking for a new van I saw a windstar in a ford dealers lot that the front axle did break. It was scary, Both front tires which pointing in 2 different directions,. The drivers side front tire was pointing left while the passenger side was pointing right and the whole front end of the van had dropped. If you get a recall notice take the van in that's all I can say.It's better then someone maybe getting hurt and getting nothing but pain.
     
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  100. jen Posted: 4/1/2011 4:21pm PDT

    my 2001 windstar failed the inspection on the rear axle recall yesterday so I was offered the buy out of 6144 which is fine because I dont want to sign a waiver and drive something unsafe other then the fact that I dont get a rental and the money wont be in for 5-7 days.
     
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  101. wanita Posted: 4/1/2011 9:01pm PDT

    we bought our 2003 Windstar 12/16/10.The dealer where we bought it only had 1 key, they had me take it to Ford to have new one made. When I went to Ford the service tech informed me there was a active recall on the rear axle, but he checked it and i was not cracked but still would need to be replaced. Said he would call me in 30-90 days when parts came in. On 02/19/11 Got a call from Ford service tech " said day was kinda slow so he pulled my info to see if parts were there yet to fix rear axle. He wanted to let me know there had been a new recall issued for the front frame, I should bring the van in to be checked or just not drive it. I took the van in that day. Ford called Enterprise said my van was deemed "grounded". I have been in a 2011 Kia Sorento since 02/19/11. And pay nothing for the rental. But I have to still carry my full coverage insurance on my van and make my payments. Just put brand new tires on the van 3 days prior. I have not heard a word from Ford.. I did hear from Enterprise, that per ford the fix when you have the "double whammy" is not till late summer. My gut tells me if they offer a buyout I will lose cause i just bought the van and owe more than what I have seen anyone get a buyout for on here. Further more if I'm offered a buy out that does not cover what I owe. How can they expect us to put our families back in these vans ?
     
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  102. RobA avatar Rob Austin Posted: 5/16/2013 1:33pm PDT

    So I have a 2000 Windstar that has the problem described in the recall, but is somehow not covered in the recall, according to the VIN. What kind of crap is that?
     
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