Recall 10V385000: 1998–2003 Ford Windstar

Report received

Aug 26, 2010

Manufacturer

Ford motor company

Potentially affected

492,650vehicles

Model years

1998–2003

Check your own vehicle. A recall applies only to vehicles within the affected build range. Enter your VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls. Recall repairs are free at a franchised dealer.

What NHTSA recorded

Ford is recalling certain model year 1998-2003 windstar vehicles manufactured from september 1, 1997 through february 28, 2003 and currently registered or originally sold in connecticut, delaware, district of columbia, illinois, indiana, iowa, kentucky, maine, maryland, massachusetts, michigan, minnesota, missouri, new hampshire, new jersey, new york, ohio, pennsylvania, rhode island, vermont, west virginia, and wisconsin. After many years of vehicle service in these areas, corrosion can weaken the rear axle, making it susceptible to torsional stress. Corrosion and stress can lead to cracks which if undetected can propagate and result in a complete fracture of the axle.

Possible consequence

A fractured axle can affect vehicle handling and increase the risk of a crash.

Remedy

As parts become available, dealers will inspect and if necessary install the rear axle reinforcement brackets free of charge. This service will be performed free of charge. The safety recall began on october 20, 2010. Owners may contact ford at 1-866-436-7332.

Affected model years

Pages for each model year show complaints, parts, mileage and other recalls.

• 1998 Ford Windstar1,433 complaints
• 1999 Ford Windstar1,522 complaints
• 2000 Ford Windstar1,675 complaints
• 2001 Ford Windstar1,686 complaints
• 2002 Ford Windstar1,353 complaints
• 2003 Ford Windstar1,510 complaints