1996 Ford Windstar Suspension Problems

Which parts fail

• Front › Springs › Coil springs
  60
• Front
  11
• Front › Stabilizer bar
  9
• Rear
  8
• Front › Macpherson strut
  4
• Front › Control arm
  3

Components named in complaints (struts, shocks, control arms, ball joints, springs).

Mileage when the problem started

• Under 25k
  00%
• 25k–50k
  17%
• 50k–75k
  00%
• 75k–100k
  320%
• 100k–150k
  640%
• 150k+
  533%

Owner reports

Selected complaints filed with NHTSA by 1996 Ford Windstar owners, lightly cleaned up (personal details are redacted by NHTSA).

Dt: the contact owns a 1996 Ford Windstar. The vehicle was purchased on March 17, 2005. The contact stated that the dealership verbally told her that vehicle would pass inspection. However, she did not have this information in writing. About two weeks ago the stabilizer bar broke while pulling out of a driveway. Luckily no one was injured. However, there were children in the car. After examining the broken stabilizer bar one could tell that the bar was shredded, and they saw where the bar had been welded onto the vehicle. When the contact spoke with the dealership she asked if the vehicle had been in an accident prior to purchasing it. The dealership said that the vehicle was not in an accident, and there was no police report. However, there were previous accidents prior to the contact's ownership of this vehicle.

I just paid our local Ford dealership (van was in for a nys inspection) to perform weld repair on the "front strut/control arm support rod" bushings because they were loose and, in the dealers words, a safety hazard (loose due to corrosion and questionable weld quality by Ford manufacturing). Degradation of welds on a major suspension component under normal wear & tear conditions- isn't that a significant safety issue? How many windstars has this happened to? I can see replacing components (I.e. Brakes, alternators, tires, etc.) over the live of a vehicle but weld repair on the suspension sub-frame? Based on other complaints, is this a viable condition or did the dealer fleece me?

1996 Ford Windstar - front spring broke and punctured tire. Fortunately, I was just leaving my driveway. I dread to think what would have happened if I had been travelling at any speed. The spring punctured and went into my tire - I couldn't remove the tire. I contacted Ford customer service who referred me to a dealership. The car was towed and the springs were both replaced free of charge along with a new tire. However, this was a recall and I only knew about it from word of mouth. Ford should have notified me of the problem. This type of fault could cause serious injury and the public should be aware. The tow truck driver said he had seen this happen to a Ford taurus as well.

The consumer requested an investigation of Ford motor company and their lack of recalls on some serious defects. The vehicle experienced a clunking sound, however the dealer stated the clunking sound was normal and then the transmission failed, the transmission was replaced with another Ford transmission, which failed on a test drive and one other occasion. Coolant leaked into the engine through the intake gasket, which was recalled for the 95 models. The timing chain leaked. There was a recall on the coils in the suspension, which Ford would only replace when they failed. The brake rotors failed at 30000 miles. Scc

Tl* the contact owns a 1996 Ford Windstar. While reversing out of a driveway at low speeds, the contact heard an unusually loud noise. When further inspecting the vehicle, the contact found that the brake lines was being pinched by the springs. The vehicle was not taken to the dealer for diagnostic testing or repairs. The manufacturer advised there were no recalls on the vehicle and that repairs would be at his expense. The contact stated the vehicle was not drivable. The failure and current mileages were 164,954.

My wife and I own a 1996 Windstar. Great vehicle, we now have 140000 miles. Complaint: Ford campaign #01i007000 (front coil springs) my request for reimbursement was denied via lloyd-manwell Ford dealership. The spring broke on the highway, lucky I (or family) not injured. Took vehicle for repair to 3rd party. Ford has the file details. Incredible that Ford would deny a $200 claim on a technicality and thus risk a lifetime customer. I will appeal all the way to bill Ford if necessary.

Tl contact owns a 1996 Ford Windstar. While the contact was driving approximately 35 MPH the driver side front coil spring broke causing the front end of the vehicle to collapse. The coil spring traveled through the sidewall of the front driver side tire. The vehicle was towed to the residence. The vehicle had not been repaired at the time of the complaint. The current and failure mileages were 169,105.

Tl contact owns a 1996 Ford Windstar. The contact stated that the right control arm of the rear axle has split in half. While driving 20 MPH, the vehicle began to shift. The failure has caused the rear passenger side wheel to shift back three inches. The manufacturer advised him to call NHTSA. The vehicle has not been repaired. The current and failure mileages were 85,000.

Consumer received recall 01i007000 notice concerning front coil springs. Consumer went to the dealer when the recall was recognized. However, dealer told consumer that they will not replace the front coil springs until one was broken. The consumer stated that when the spring broke it punctured the front drivers side tire while the vehicle was at a stand still.

I brought kids to school and I was pulling out. I heard a noise and my tire went flat. I had to have it towed home. My husband checked it out and found the drivers side front coil spring broke and stabbed the tire. I saw there was a recall so hopefully it is still covered because I don't have 100.00 to fix something that's already been recalled.

NHTSA investigations

Suspension complaints in other Windstar years