Ford Recalls 1998-2003 Windstar Vans for Rear Axle Corrosion Risk
Ford is recalling 1998-2003 Windstar vans in 23 states and D.C. because rear axle corrosion can cause fractures, increasing crash risk.
What this means for you
Our assessment, not the agency’s: severity 4/5 (Severe).
The hazard poses a serious risk of illness, injury, or structural failure. Stop using the product immediately and contact the manufacturer for a refund or repair.
Our severity reasoning: The recall addresses a structural vehicle defect (rear axle fracture) that can affect handling and increase crash risk, meeting the criteria for a Severe rating.
Plain-English summary
Ford Motor Company is recalling certain 1998-2003 model year Windstar vehicles manufactured between September 1, 1997, and February 28, 2003. This recall affects vehicles currently registered or originally sold in Connecticut, Delaware, the 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.
The defect involves the rear axle assembly. After many years of service in these specific geographic areas, corrosion can weaken the rear axle, making it susceptible to torsional stress. This combination of corrosion and stress can lead to cracks that, if undetected, can propagate and result in a complete fracture of the axle. A fractured axle can affect vehicle handling and increase the risk of a crash.
Dealers will inspect the rear axle and, if necessary, install rear axle reinforcement brackets free of charge. The safety recall began on October 20, 2010. Owners may contact Ford at 1-866-436-7332 or the NHTSA Vehicle Safety Hotline at 1-888-327-4236.
The recalled product
- Product
- FORD WINDSTAR
- Brand
- FORD
- Manufacturer
- FORD MOTOR COMPANY
- Category
- Vehicle — Minivan
- Affected units
- 492,650
Is your product affected?
Check your packaging against the codes below. If any of them match, the product is part of this recall.
Model numbers (1)
- WINDSTAR
Distribution
Distributed nationwide across the United States.
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