The problem
Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain model year 1998-2003 Windstar vehicles manufactured September 2, 1997, to July 3, 2003. The affected vehicles were previously remedied to safeguard against the rear axle cracking from corrosion, however, the remedy brackets may have been misinstalled. The incorrect bracket installations may limit the effectiveness of the service repair for NHTSA recalls 10V-385, 12V-193, and 12V-195.
The risk
If the brackets were not installed properly, the rear axle may fracture, affecting the vehicle handling and increasing the risk of a crash.
The fix
Ford will notify owners, and dealers will inspect the brackets to verify their proper installation. If a bracket is found to have been misinstalled, the rear axle will be replaced. These repairs will be performed free of charge. The began on October 21, 2015. Owners may contact Ford customer service at 1-866-436-7332. Ford's number for this recall is 15S27.
Recall details
| NHTSA campaign | 15V-608 (15V608000) |
|---|---|
| Manufacturer number | 15S27 |
| Manufacturer | Ford Motor Company |
| Component | Suspension › Rear › Axle › Non-powered axle assembly |
| Report date | September 29, 2015 |
| Owners notified | October 21, 2015 |
| Vehicles affected | 283,413 |
| Initiated by | Manufacturer |
Vehicles covered
Owner complaints about the suspension
Frequently asked questions
Is the recall 15V-608 repair free?
Yes. Ford dealers will fix the problem at no cost: Ford will notify owners, and dealers will inspect the brackets to verify their proper installation. If a bracket is found to have been misinstalled, the rear axle will be replaced. These repairs will be performed free of charge. The began on October 21, 2015.
How do I know if my car is included?
Not every vehicle of the listed model years is affected — the recall covers 283,413 vehicles built in a certain window. Check your 17-character VIN with our VIN recall check or at nhtsa.gov/recalls.
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.