NHTSA expands Ford Windstar corrosion probe to front subframes

phil-l · 07-30-2010, 10:26 AM

Those active on this forum are aware of the investigation into Windstar rear axle problems due to corrosion.

Looks like NHTSA is also looking at front subframe corrosion problems:

http://www.autoblog.com/2010/07/30/r...-to-front-sub/

wiswind · 07-31-2010, 08:45 AM

The rear axle and front subframe concerns are for 1999-2003 model years.
So if your Windstar is in that range....then a look-see might be in order ASAP.

AvalonJohn · 08-03-2010, 10:15 PM

Amazing. They told me three weeks ago that the rear axle was cracked and needed to be replaced to pass inspection - about $600-$700. Also mentioned that there was front corrosion as well and wasn't too far behind. I reported it to the NTSB three weeks ago. Maybe it did some good? Now I don't need to look for a new car. I was going to junk it in Sept.

Thanks phil-l and wiswind!

Thanks,
AvalomJohn

Retropicker · 08-04-2010, 04:52 PM

Great. I wish they'd do it for our Maxima.

fordvanman · 08-06-2010, 08:22 PM

My 99 Windstar is currently in the shop to replace the front subframe. It was totally rusted through. My steering gear started jumping on the rack all of the sudden one day on the way to work. I'm glad I parked it the next day. could've been bad.

eroosa · 10-23-2010, 09:48 AM

Here is a good article on this topic. This worries me more than the axle situation.
Please be safe and check your vans out for this. It appears that structural failure in this area is very dangerous.
http://www.suite101.com/content/ford...dition-a291176

road_rascal · 10-23-2010, 11:58 AM

Great. Looks like I'll be taking my van to the shop next week (not the dealer but a local shop whom I've done business with before). Geeze- you'd think at this point in time automakers should be able to build a vehicle that won't rust out in 10-12 years.

71chevmal · 10-24-2010, 12:14 PM

No worries on my front subframe. The motor leaks too much oil to allow any rust.

warrenj42 · 10-27-2010, 11:37 AM

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

Off_Timing · 10-27-2010, 11:59 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by warrenj42

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

No, not if you believe in divine intervention.

For those that don't believe in divine intervention, try an ounce of prevention and inspect (or have it inspected) you rear axles and subframes. I guess I'm pulling out the ramps and creeper this weekend.

warrenj42 · 10-27-2010, 12:09 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Off_Timing

No, not if you believe in divine intervention.

For those that don't believe in divine intervention, try an ounce of prevention and inspect (or have it inspected) you rear axles and subframes. I guess I'm pulling out the ramps and creeper this weekend.

My van is going straight to the dealer next week to be fully inspected, I dont want it falling apart with family in it. Just not happening.

eroosa · 01-18-2011, 11:57 AM

On Dec. 20, 2010 the investigation by NHTSA on the subframe corrosion was upgraded to an Engineering Analysis. Here is the link: http://www-odi.nhtsa.dot.gov/cars/pr...ct/results.cfm
If you have a windstar within the scope of this investigation and you live in the "salt belt" states I suggest you have the subframe inspected.

kvn4 · 01-19-2011, 07:02 AM

my 99 is still at dealer waiting for the rear axle to come in since september should i hold off until the axle is in and more on subframe investigation is finalized. also on axle has anyone recieved theirs back with the new axle yet.

eroosa · 01-19-2011, 06:02 PM

I would make sure the dealer inspects the subframe. I think that until their hand is forced they won't be doing any free fixes. This way they can tell you if they think it is dangerous or not. Also this will document that you had them look at that issue.
Our local dealer checked it out when they did a service and said it looked fine, it has more surface rust than I like, but it only had 69K miles (2002) when it was examined.
I think they will do a recall eventually. My axle was looked at and passed their inspection. I hear that they will make some kind of brace for those axles that have no cracks and don't need replacement.

eroosa · 02-27-2011, 08:07 PM

Recall notice has arrived to have the vehicle subframe inspected. I hope all Windstar owners get their notices soon and have them inspected.
I was wondering what the buy out offers will be for a 2002 Windstar with 72K miles will be. Any ideas??

I have kept the van washed underneath as much as possible, but there is a lot of surface rust on the subframe still.
Has anyone been given dates from dealerships when the repairs will take place for those vehicles that do not get "bought out"?

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