The Recall Desk
Our severity:SevereNHTSA·12V195000·Announced 2012-05-03

Ford Recalls 1998-2003 Windstars in Puerto Rico for Rear Axle Cracking

Ford is recalling 9,192 Windstars registered in Puerto Rico because the rear axle can crack, increasing the risk of a crash.

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 cracking) that can lead to loss of vehicle control and 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 9,192 vehicles registered in Puerto Rico.

The recall is due to increased stresses caused by high cycles of torsional loading specific to the Puerto Rico market, which can cause the rear axle to crack. A fractured axle may result in a loss of vehicle control, increasing the risk of a crash.

Ford will notify owners, and dealers will inspect and install a reinforcement bracket on the rear axle or replace the axles, as necessary. This service will be provided free of charge. The recall began on June 1, 2012. Owners may contact the Ford Motor Company Customer Relationship Center at 1-866-436-7332.

The recalled product

Product
FORD WINDSTAR
Brand
FORD
Manufacturer
FORD MOTOR COMPANY
Category
Vehicle — Minivan
Hazard
Affected units
9,192

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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