NHTSA expands Ford Windstar corrosion probe to front subframes

[Black_Blade]

Just dropped my 02 in for that axle inspection and when called back to check about them checking the front sub frame, was told that yes they would be looking into both problems.

In the meantime, I have a brand new Dodge Dakota 4x4 club cab with 22 km on it provided by Enterprise Rentals

Will suck having to climb back into the Windstar...lol

[livewiregnat]

Can someone post a pic of what it should look like? My dealer can't get me in until April 13th to check it and the rear axle. I would really like to check it myself before driving it for the next month and a half.

[eroosa]

Hope you enjoy your new truck! My van goes in a week from today for the axle bracket installation and to have the sub frame inspected. It is a 2002 with 72K miles and I wash underneath frequently so hopefully the sub frame is not too bad. The axles passed inspection so they will only be putting the braces/brackets on them and need to keep the van overnight for the paint to dry.
Of course I would not mind a new rental car for awhile though.

[03lxblue]

I heard they will not be buying anymore back??/
Also I was just under mine and it look fine still plenty of black paint no rust on it near the arm mount.

[jayjp200]

Originally Posted by warrenj42

I just bought a 2000 Windstar. should I be afraid?

Even if you do not have a subframe problem.....you shall be very afraid as Windstars are monsters of troubles..one after the other.

I bought it brand new in 98 and till today I regret it.:banghe ad:

[eroosa]

Last Weds. my van had the sub frame inspected and it failed. I was surprised for it is a 2002 with only 72K miles and I keep the underside washed regularly (especially in the winter). Ford states it is fixable and they will install brackets when they become available. I was unaware of sub frame brackets being an option for repair. How can brackets fix sub frames that are clearly disintegrating? For now we have a 2011 Malibu rental to drive and the dealer has NO idea how long it will take to get the brackets in to fix the sub frames. I have two questions:
1 - Is there any time frame on sub frame parts/repairs? I know there are people that have been driving rental cars for several months waiting for axles. My axle got the reinforcement braces installed the day they took the car out of service for the sub frame.
2 - Is there actually a "fix" for the sub frame using only brackets? I question the quality of that fix for the whole frame assembly looks suspect and poorly made/designed.
I appreciate any responses.
Ed

[tebo77]

It only took me 2 months to realize I was not me without my Windstar...lol bought another. Glutton for punishment. I too would like to know if anyone has answers to Ed's questions. If it is going to sit for months, I'd rather it sits at home so I can start the bodywork

[northern piper]

for what it's worth, I took my van into Ford to set up the inspection. I'm in Canada, mid north Ontario, and the service guy told me that they've been buying them back. Mine is a 2000 and he said they've been paying between $6k and $8k, which I think is fantastic. I've taken good care of my van but the subs are rusty. My inspection is Apr 14th so I'll post an update once I get it back.

p

[tebo77]

Thanks.

[phil-l]

My own update on this topic: I started this thread, but didn't get my own van into Ford for the front subframe inspection until yesterday.

I just got off the phone with the dealer. The right-rear mount for the front subframe has enough corrosion that Ford says it's unsafe to drive. It appears this is the most common corrosion location. They estimate a 1 to 2 month wait for parts.

Personally, this is tough timing: I'm supposed to be driving to a campground this weekend with a popup camper in tow for the kids' spring break (the Windstar is my only tow vehicle; note that rental agreements generally don't allow trailer towing).

Not yet sure how to proceed...

[northern piper]

well Phil, personally, I think I'd regret an accident much more than not getting to a camping trip. I know where I'd be "going" with this situation. FWIW, it sux all round.

p

[phil-l]

Agreed - but it's still tough on the family life, and I've only got a few days to come up with a solution.

Meanwhile, we ended up with a spiffy F-150 as a rental. If only it had a hitch and rental agreements allowed towing. Hopefully the campground will let us out of the camp site reservation without hassle. This campground is large enough that they also have small rental houses available. Of course, coming up with one during our school system's spring break may be quite a trick...

[tebo77]

It is very inconvenient, I agree.
Does anyone know what they are doing with the buyback vehicles? They are coming and taking them from the dealers lots, but no idea where they are headed to. Just really curious. Crusher?

[phil-l]

We should get a list of VINs from buyback Windstars - and find someone with a CARFAX subscription to see what happens to the VIN over time.

I'm sure Ford wants them off the road in a manner that guarantees no future liability. I hope useful parts of pulled from them beforehand - to help us keep the rest of them running!

[phil-l]

If you're curious, here are some pictures of my front subframe's mount points. The corrosion on the right-rear mount point is bad enough that that dealer took it off the road:

http://community.webshots.com/album/580053878yDkyvG