2001 Ford Windstar Suspension Problems
- Complaints
- 416about this part
- Share
- 25%of 1,686 total for the year
- Median mileage
- 123,000miles
- Trend
- FallingComplaints filed in the last 3 full calendar years are at least 25% lower than in the 3 years before.
NHTSA recorded 416 complaints about the suspension of the 2001 Ford Windstar, 25% of the 1,686 complaints for this model year. Where a mileage was given, the median is 123,000 miles. 15 of these say a crash was involved and 5 a fire, according to the filers. 4 recall campaigns on record are filed under a similar system.
Example complaints
Selected from NHTSA records; personal details are removed. They are consumer reports, not findings.
“On my 2001 Ford Windstar Ford installed these brackets on rear suspension subframe and almost 2 years later my axle has split from one side all the way around to the other and any tiny bump you hit the van jumps all over the roadway. They won't repair the axle because the brackets were installed properly .”
NHTSA complaint #11388306, filed 2021-01, 170,100 miles“I recently had my Windstar front end worked on by a local Ford dealer, who was supposed to take care of all recall issues. They did a crappy job of that and now the vehicle is sitting my driveway with the axle snapped in half. Had it towed to my home when it broke on the highway. This is not a safe vehicle and we were very lucky no-one got hurt.”
NHTSA complaint #10876047, filed 2016-06, 160,000 miles“While driving the car doing about 15mph I noticed a smell like burning rubber and the tire slantedinwards at the top of rear passanger side. I immediatley pulled over. I was rigjt in front of a auto repair shop who onformed me the rear axle assemble had broken. I had just left my home so I was no mre than four blpcks from home when the incident occured.”
NHTSA complaint #10717736, filed 2015-05, 190,000 miles“The rear axle collapses while driving on the fdr drive, ny city, the van was towed to a shop in brooklyn. I was informed that the subframe of the rear axle has to replaced.there was a recall done on the vehicle in 2011 for the rear axle but at the time I do not have a problem. What ever fixed that was supposed to be done did not work caused the axle subframe broke.”
NHTSA complaint #10715831, filed 2015-05, 186,000 miles“The front right axel broke, I didn't have an accident nor did I run it into a ditch. The frame has cracked, its where the axle and the frame meet. It's a 2001 and yes, it's an old vehicle, but its the only transportation I can afford right now. If I can take it to a Ford dealership to be repaired I would. Some how, I believe their is a god.”
NHTSA complaint #10653726, filed 2014-11, 194,321 milesRelated recalls
- 15V608000Sep 29, 2015Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain model year 1998-2003 Windstar vehicles manufactured September 2, 1997, to July 3, 2003. The affected vehicles…Covers: Ford Windstar 1998–2003
- 12V194000May 3, 2012Ford is recalling certain model year 1999-2003 windstar vehicles originally sold in or currently registered in the state of virginia. Corrosion-related…Covers: Ford Windstar 1999–2003
- 12V195000May 3, 2012Ford is recalling certain model year 1998-2003 windstar vehicles manufactured from september 1, 1997, through july 3, 2003, registered in puerto rico. Due to…Covers: Ford Windstar 1998–2003
- 10V385000Aug 26, 2010Ford is recalling certain model year 1998-2003 windstar vehicles manufactured from september 1, 1997 through february 28, 2003 and currently registered or…Covers: Ford Windstar 1998–2003
Related service bulletins
- 10205035Apr 21, 2016Safety recall 10S13 - Rear axle corrosion - requests for recall service action
- 10183771Apr 21, 2016For 1998-2003 Windstar vehicles Safety Recall 10S13 has been issued for vehicles that are operated in high corrosion areas for an extended period, where the rear axle could…
- 10074725Sep 29, 2015Summary to be provided on a future date.
- 10058105Sep 9, 2014Ford: safety recall on front subframe lower control arm (lca) rear attaching flange or rear body mount that can separate from subframe if vehicle is operated, for extended…
- 10058104Sep 9, 2014Ford: safety recall concerning rear axle fracturing if vehicle is operated in high corrosion areas for and extended period. Model 1998-03 windstar.
- 10056623Aug 11, 2014Ford: on some minivans, rear axle will fracture, in high corrosion area, after operating for an extended time period, and vehicle handling ability will be affected. Model…
- 10056612Aug 11, 2014Ford: a safety recall has been issued on minivans where lower control arm (lca) of front subframe attaching rear flange or rear body mount can separate due to corrosion. Model…
Suspension: other model years
| Year | Complaints | Share of year |
|---|---|---|
| 2004 | 9 | 38% |
| 2003 | 254 | 17% |
| 2002 | 279 | 21% |
| 2001 | 416 | 25% |
| 2000 | 356 | 21% |
| 1999 | 208 | 14% |
| 1998 | 229 | 16% |
| 1997 | 38 | 20% |
| 1996 | 111 | 8% |
| 1995 | 145 | 4% |
| 1994 | 3 | 13% |
| 1993 | 1 | 9% |
Other parts of the 2001 Ford Windstar
544 complaintsBody and structure
293 complaintsElectrical system
223 complaintsTransmission and drivetrain
145 complaintsVehicle speed control
127 complaintsSteering
70 complaintsEngine cooling
66 complaintsOther or unknown
61 complaintsAir bags
51 complaintsVisibility (wipers, defrost, mirrors)
41 complaintsExterior lighting
31 complaintsWheels
28 complaints
← All problems reported for the 2001 Ford Windstar
About this data. Data from NHTSA (ODI) complaints, recalls, TSBs and investigations, updated Oct 29, 2026. Complaints are unverified consumer reports and may be duplicated or inaccurate.
To check a specific vehicle for open recalls, use its VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls. Methodology