Ford Recalls 1999-2003 Windstar Minivans for Steering Control Defect
Ford is recalling 1999-2003 Windstar minivans in 24 states because a steering component may separate, reducing steering control and 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 involves a structural vehicle defect (steering component separation) that results in reduced steering control, which aligns with the rubric criterion for 'structural vehicle defect' or 'significant injury/property-damage reports' (implied by crash risk).
Plain-English summary
Ford Motor Company is recalling certain 1999-2003 model year Windstar vehicles originally sold in or currently registered in 24 specific states, including Connecticut, Delaware, Illinois, Michigan, New York, and Ohio. The recall involves approximately 425,288 vehicles.
The defect involves a potential separation of the front lower control arm rear attaching bracket or the front subframe rear body mounts. This separation could result in the separation of the steering intermediate shaft, leading to reduced steering control and an increased risk of a crash.
Dealers will inspect the affected components and make necessary repairs free of charge. If repairs cannot be made, Ford will offer to repurchase the vehicle. The safety recall is expected to begin on or before February 21, 2011. 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
- 425,288
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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