Ford Recalls 1998-2003 Windstars for Rear Axle Fracture Risk
Ford is recalling 1998-2003 Windstars in Virginia because corrosion can weaken the rear axle, potentially causing a fracture that affects vehicle handling.
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 (rear axle fracture) that can affect vehicle handling and increase the risk of a crash, meeting the criteria for a Severe rating.
Plain-English summary
Ford Motor Company is recalling certain model year 1998-2003 Windstar vehicles manufactured between September 1, 1997, and July 3, 2003. This recall specifically affects vehicles currently registered or originally sold in Virginia. The defect involves corrosion that can weaken the rear axle over time, making it susceptible to torsional stress.
If undetected, corrosion and stress can lead to cracks that increase and result in a complete fracture of the axle. A fractured axle can affect vehicle handling and increase the risk of a crash. No specific injuries or crashes have been reported in the source text.
Ford will notify owners, and dealers will inspect and install rear axle reinforcement brackets or replace the axles as necessary. This service will be performed free of charge. The recall began on June 19, 2012. 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
- 27,000
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.
Related recalls
Same brand · FORD
- Severe
- Severe
- HighFord Recalls 2015 Transit Connect Vehicles for Rearview Camera Defect
NHTSA · 2026-10-06
- HighFord Recalls 2026 Rangers for Rearview Camera Display Failure
NHTSA · 2026-09-22
- HighFord Recalls 2025-2027 Vehicles for Contaminated Headlight LED Chips
NHTSA · 2026-09-22
Same manufacturer · FORD MOTOR COMPANY
See all →- SevereFord Recalls ABS Modules With Incorrect Software Programming
NHTSA · 2026-10-20
- High
Same hazard · structural failure
See all →- High
- ModerateQuantum Ops Recalls ADAPTABLE Beach Chair Surgical Patient Positioners
FDA (Devices) · 2026-10-14
- SevereMedline Bariatric Rollator Recalled Due to Front Wheel Assembly Disconnect Risk
FDA (Devices) · 2026-10-14
- SevereMedline Bariatric Rollator Recalled Due to Front Wheel Detachment Risk
FDA (Devices) · 2026-10-14
- SeverePacearth Recalls Swing Seats Due to Serious Injury Risk from Falling
CPSC · 2026-10-08
Similar recalls
- SevereFord Recalls 1998-2003 Windstar Vans for Rear Axle Corrosion Risk
NHTSA · 2010-08-26
- SevereFord Recalls 1999-2003 Windstars for Front Suspension Corrosion Risk
NHTSA · 2012-05-03
- SevereFord Recalls 1998-2003 Windstar Minivans for Rear Axle Bracket Defect
NHTSA · 2015-09-29
- SevereFord Recalls 1998-2003 Windstars in Puerto Rico for Rear Axle Cracking
NHTSA · 2012-05-03
- SevereFord Recalls 1999-2003 Windstar Minivans for Steering Control Defect
NHTSA · 2011-01-26
- SevereFord Recalls 2004-2007 Freestar and Mercury Monterey for Seat Defect
NHTSA · 2013-03-07