1999 Ford Windstar Suspension Problems

Which parts fail

• Rear
  69
• Front
  22
• Front › Springs › Coil springs
  13
• Rear › Axle › Non-powered axle assembly
  12
• Front › Control arm › Lower arm
  4
• Front › Control arm
  3

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

Mileage when the problem started

• Under 25k
  21%
• 25k–50k
  32%
• 50k–75k
  127%
• 75k–100k
  2716%
• 100k–150k
  7544%
• 150k+
  5331%

Owner reports

Selected complaints filed with NHTSA by 1999 Ford Windstar owners, lightly cleaned up (personal details are redacted by NHTSA).

The contact owns a 1999 Ford Windstar. The contact stated that while driving at 35 mph, the vehicle made screeching sounds. The contact saw smoke and detected a burning odor. The vehicle then stalled. The contact was able to pull over and park the vehicle in a parking lot, where it remained. The contact's boyfriend inspected the vehicle and related the failure to the rear axle. The vehicle was not diagnosed nor repaired by an independent mechanic or dealer. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was 70,724.

The contact owns a 1999 Ford Windstar. The contact stated that after parking the vehicle, the contact became aware that the rear passenger's side wheel was pushed upward and was nearly rubbing the inner wheel well. The contact stated that upon inspecting the rear axle, he became aware that the rear axle was fractured. The vehicle was towed to the residence. The contact related the failure to NHTSA Campaign Number: 15V608000 (Suspension); and the recall repair was previously performed on the vehicle. The dealer was not notified of the failure. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 214,000.

The contact owns a 1999 Ford Windstar. The contact stated while driving 5 MPH out of the driveway, the vehicle made an abnormal grinding and popping sound. The contact shifted to park(P). The contact stated that upon inspecting the vehicle, the contact noticed that the rear passenger's side tire was pushed inward, and the axle was fractured. The local dealer was contacted and confirmed that an unknown recall was closed. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was not contacted. The failure mileage was approximately 103,000.

The contact owns a 1999 Ford Windstar. The contact stated while driving approximately 55 MPH, he heard the rear driver's side tire rubbing against the axle and then saw smoke coming from the tire. No warning light was illuminated. The contact then stated that the rear driver's side axle had fractured and was on the ground. The vehicle was towed to the residence. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. Neither the dealer nor the manufacturer was notified of the failure. The failure mileage was 130,000.

The factory recall notice required trailing axle reinforcement brackets to be installed on the rear axle. They were installed at the dealership, along with an upgrade to the front control arm mounts. The rear axle broke while driving on the highway, the speed I was travelling at was only 45 MPH at the time of the break. As the axle collapsed, the rear tires began rubbing against the wheel wells. I slowed down and pulled over immediately, seeing smoke from the rear. The crack occured on the driver's side of the axle, underneath the repair bracket that was installed by Ford. ( obviosly placed over the weak/defective area.) the vehicle had only 80,000 miles on it in May of 2011 when we obtained it, the same year the recall repair was performed. …

The axle on the back driver's side is terribly rusted to the point of no repair. The mechanic stated it is a recall problem and needs to be taken to the Ford dealer. He also stated that it is dangerous to drive due to the problems that it was causing the wheel to not fit or stay on correctly causing it to rub on the vans surface causing a blowout and making driving almost impossible and dangerous. Thank god my son drove it and not myself. Thank god that he is okay. This problem needs to be dealt with asap. I am a foster mom and drive children in this van and it definitely needs to be inspected for the problems and repaired. My son was on his way to put gas into the vehicle when this happened. The kids and I were going to hit the highway and go to a food pantry in the adjoining city. Thank god we didn't. …

We have taken this van in for repair fivetimesin one year. The first month we had it the head was replaced. The power steering has gone out for now the fifth time. I actually lost controlof the vehicle due to beingunable to turn the steering. My husband has to drive me everywhere because only he can turn the steering wheel. Each time we take it for repair we are charged a deductible and I can not do this anymore. This is obviously a lemon. Marshall mize Ford in chattanooga tennessee is where the vehicle was purchased in January of 2001. They also have performed all service on this vehicle. …

Tl* the contact owns a 1999 Ford Windstar. The vehicle was repaired per NHTSA campaign number: 12V195000 (suspension) by an unknown Ford dealer in circleville, oh that was no longer in business. The recall required the dealer to inspect the vehicle and install a reinforcement bracket on the rear axle or replace the axles, as necessary. The contact stated that the dealer did the latter, causing the failure to recur after five years. The contact stated that the failure recurred as his daughter attempted to slow down while exiting the highway. The vehicle swerved back and forth uncontrollably. The vehicle was pulled over to the side of the road where the driver noticed that the rear wheels were crooked. The manufacturer was made aware of the failures and stated that the recall would not be performed again. The vehicle was not repaired. The failure mileage was approximately 130,000.

Ford Windstar rear axle failure highway speeds 3/21/21. Left rear tire collapsed against frame of vehicle. Took vehicle to Ford dealership 4/1/21. They confirmed axle failure and would not cover under recall 15s27. (see attached estimate to replace) they confirmed parts are available. Called Ford motor company 4/1/2[phone] regarding recall 15s27. They will no longer cover recall. Mailed Ford motor company request to honor recall 15s27 4/5/21. No reply yet as of 4/13/21. The Windstar engine, transmission, body are sound and was used daily. If not for they rear axle failure it would sill be used. I feel if the recall was a known problem by Ford and the "fix" failed. Ford should be reasonable to make it road ready again being it was a recalled part.

Tl* the contact owns a 1999 Ford Windstar. The contact stated that the vehicle was repaired per NHTSA campaign number: 15V608000 (suspension) in 2015. While driving 35 MPH, the rear of the vehicle dropped. The vehicle was pulled over to the side of the road and, when inspected, the contact noticed that the tires where caved inwards. The vehicle was towed to groove Ford (10039 e arapahoe rd, centennial, co 80112, [phone]) where the contact was informed that the rear axle beam needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure and referred the contact to NHTSA to file a complaint. The failure mileage was 134,000.

Related recalls

NHTSA investigations

Suspension complaints in other Windstar years