Ford is recalling certain Ford Windstar minivans from model years 1998 through 2003 and were sold or are currently located in 21 “Salt Belt” states and the District of Columbia because their rear axles could crack from corrosion.
Ford’s action was a result of an investigation by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, which announced on May 13, 2010 that it received 234 complaints alleging rear axle failure, including two reports of minor crashes.
The recall affects 462,750 Windstars manufactured at Ford’s Canadian assembly plant in Oakville, Ontario from September 1, 1997 through February 28, 2003.
Vehicles driven in the Northeast, Mid-Atlantic, and Midwestern states are more susceptible to corrosion because of the use of salt to treat roads during the winter months. Nearly 97% of the complaints received by Ford were based on vehicles either sold in or are currently operated in states with high corrosion factors. If left undetected, an axle that experiences corrosion can suffer minor cracks or complete fractures, which increase the risk of a crash.
Included in the recall are Windstar minivans originally sold or currently located in Connecticut, Delaware, 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.
Ford will notify owners of record beginning September 27, 2010 to take their vehicles to a Ford or Lincoln/Mercury dealer for a free inspection. Vehicles showing signs of rear axle cracking will receive a repair at no charge or, if parts are not yet available, they will be provided with alternative transportation (at no charge) until the repairs can be made.
Reinforcement brackets for the rear axles will be installed on vehicles which show no signs of rear axle cracking. Dealers will schedule appointments with owners for that repair at a later date, and at no charge.
Owners who previously paid for rear axle replacements or repairs relating to this specific recall may seek reimbursement from Ford, but the deadline for reimbursement is October 15, 2010.
For more information, owners may contact Ford or call 1-866-436-7332.
