Steering complaints by model year
Which parts fail
Components named in complaints (power steering, steering column, rack and pinion).
Mileage when the problem started
What owners report
The rear axle on my vehicle snapped while I was driving causing me to lose control and leave the roadway. I contacted Ford who told me there was a recall for the rear axle of my vehicle and that I would have no out of pocket expenses for the repairs and the towing of the vehicle to the service center. After they set up the towing I received a message saying I had to pay $381 for the towing before they would dispatch the tow truck. I called Ford customer service and they told me that now they can't find in their notes where they told me towing was covered. After asking to speak with a supervisor and being told they're not going to transfer me because they know their supervisor can't do anything more then what they can do I was placed on hold for an hour just to be told they can't find it in their notes and then I was hung up on. …
When driving my muffler broke loose and was dragging on the ground. My axel creaks when I stop or sit idle at a light. When several miles from home my ignition cylinder came out. I couldn't start or turn the ignition on nor operate the steering. I'm now afraid to drive my vehicle. Since acquiring it. I've put a lot of money into repairs. In addition to purchasing this vehicle, I've spent well over $2,000 in repairs. Once I learned of the recall and viewed the risks (Video) of the dangers I became grossly disturbed by what I am facing at the thought of driving. I have contacted 4 Ford Service Centers and none of them contacted back regarding fixing my 'recall'. I NEED HELP!! I have a disability and now I don't have transportation besides this car. How come no one is returning my calls? I am stranded at my home knowing that my safety is at risk. …
Tl* the contact owns a 2002 Ford Windstar. While attempting to accelerate from a traffic light, an abnormal sound emitted from the rear of the vehicle. The contact stated that the vehicle suddenly accelerated independently. The brake pedal was depressed; however, the vehicle kept gaining forward momentum. The contact stated that the power steering also failed to operate as intended. As a result, the vehicle jumped the sidewalk and struck two small trees. The contact was able to stop the vehicle by turning the ignition to the off position. A police report was not filed. The contact sustained whiplash and muscle spasms, which required medical attention. The vehicle was towed to an independent mechanic. The contact was informed that the subframe fractured, which caused the throttle to seize in the open position. The vehicle was not repaired. …
Tl* the contact owns a 2002 Ford Windstar. The contact stated that while driving at 30 MPH, the steering wheel seized causing the contact to lose control of the vehicle. As a result, the contact crashed into a fire hydrant and the air bags failed to deploy. The contact sustained neck and shoulder injuries but did not require medical attention. The passenger sustained wrist injuries that required medical attention. A police report was filed. The vehicle was towed to an independent mechanic. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The failure mileage was 50,000. Updated 02/12/16 updated 05/14/18
I pulled up to a stop sign having been traveling at less then 20 mph, and only while the vehicle is in drive but not moving, it was shaking like the motor was going to jump out of the vehicle. I assumed it was the motor mount broken and took it to the mechanic and found out it was the subframe on the front passenger had corroded and had detached from the frame .I need it repaired but I don't know where to begin. Was told that there is a active recalls on this part..
I came up to a stop sign, the entire front axle broke off the frame, I lost steering, brakes, had to slam it into park to stop. I ended up across the road. There was a recall in 2011 for the axle mount and Ford decided it only needed a coating on it, 5 seconds later we would of been on the highway and killed. I emailed Ford and they said the recall was still open, the Ford dealer never closed it, so they won't help me. That is bull, the coated it and forgot to close it out, thats their fault, I can take pics if you want them.
11s16 example template, front lower control arm: see suspension and structure of vehicle. I do not see a recall that visibly includes california as a recall state. I have definitely experienced this or a similar issue. There appears to be a large scale recall and buyback program. My vehicle was positively identified for the cruise control/speed control recall and serviced at gosch Ford in hemet, ca. I experienced more issues than only that, or even than that and the above. Contact for more information. Not limited to only this recall, vehicle experienced several issues, many of which were attended to with out of pocket funds, either to prevent, or due to, mechanical breakdown/failure. Please also consider axle recall, and additional for this vehicle. …
Took my van to Ford because a radiator hose came off, $350 for part of a hose clamp. While there had the 3rd rear axle safety recall inspection, I don't think they did it, told me my van was a 16 year old junker not worth fixing. Replacement of non-structural steel rear axle was again offered for $300. I want the axle I paid for when I bought the van new, structural steel that meets safety and legal requirements, installed at no additional cost. How is it legal to allow these unsafe axles? Your site info is incorrect on this, the "safety brackets" do not keep the defective axles from breaking, they are to keep the wheels, when the axle does crack, from cantering out and jamming in the wheel wells, causing absolute total loss of vehicle control. Not acceptable. Replace axle. A number of recalls listed here were not sent or performed. …
Related recalls (1)
Steering › Gear box › Shaft sector
Vehicle description: passenger vehicles and Mini-vans. The rack and pinion steering gears May have damaged input shaft bearings.
Remedy: Dealers will inspect the date code on the rack and pinion steering gear, and, if necessary, replace those rack and pinion assemblies that fall within the suspect date code range.
Frequently asked questions
Which Ford Windstar years have steering problems?
By NHTSA complaints, the 1999 (184), 1998 (143), 1995 (75), 2000 (72) and 2001 (70) model years. Steering complaints make up 12% of all complaints for the 1999.
Is there a recall for Ford Windstar steering problems?
Yes — 1 recall, including 97V-165 (shaft sector, Sep 30, 1997). Recall repairs are free at authorized dealers; check a specific car with the VIN recall check.
At what mileage do Ford Windstar steering problems start?
Across all years, half of the complaints with a recorded mileage happened before about 93,000 miles; 16% happened before 50,000 miles.
What part fails most often?
Owners most often name the rack and pinion (116 mentions), followed by the linkages › tie rod assembly (84).
Source: U.S. National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) — owner complaints through October 20, 2026, recalls and defect investigations; fuel economy from the EPA. Complaints are unverified reports and are not proof of a defect. How we rate model years.