The 2001 Ford Windstar has 10 recalls, the most serious being a rear axle that can crack and fracture from corrosion or stress, causing sudden loss of vehicle control. This axle issue appears across several filings, and one of those recalls specifically notes that prior repair attempts using bracket installations may not have been completed correctly, meaning some previously serviced vehicles may still be at risk. A separate chassis concern involves front lower control arm brackets that can corrode and fracture, allowing the control arm to separate and reducing steering control. There is also a recall covering underbody components that, if compromised, can reduce steering control as well.
On the driver input side, vehicles with the adjustable pedal option can have the floor mat catch the accelerator pedal and hold the throttle open, making the vehicle difficult to slow down. Two restraint-related recalls cover sensor mounting screws that may be missing from the crash sensor or restraint control module housing, which can affect airbag and seatbelt performance in a crash, and second- and third-row bench seat latches that can release under load, allowing the seat to move. Water intrusion through a missing body sealer near the rear of the vehicle can cause a short circuit in the rear wiring harness.
At a glance
What can fail
Brackets installed during previous rear axle repairs may have been positioned incorrectly, reducing the effectiveness of those repairs against axle cracking from corrosion.
What the fix does
Dealers will inspect bracket installation. If found misinstalled, the rear axle will be replaced at no cost.
Summarized — see the official notice for exact wording, dates, and contacts.
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At a glance
What can fail
Rust can cause the front lower control arm rear brackets and body mount attachments to crack and fracture.
What the fix does
Your dealer will inspect both front lower control arm brackets and body mount attachments, then repair any damage at no cost.
Summarized — see the official notice for exact wording, dates, and contacts.
At a glance
What can fail
The rear axle can crack due to high stress from repeated twisting forces, particularly in this market's driving conditions.
What the fix does
Dealers will inspect the rear axle and install a reinforcement bracket or replace the axle if needed, at no cost.
Summarized — see the official notice for exact wording, dates, and contacts.
At a glance
What can fail
Corrosion weakens the rear axle over time, making it vulnerable to stress. This can cause cracks that grow larger and potentially break the axle completely.
What the fix does
Dealers will inspect the rear axle and install reinforcement brackets or replace the axle as needed, at no cost to you.
Summarized — see the official notice for exact wording, dates, and contacts.
At a glance
What can fail
The bracket that attaches the front lower control arm can separate, causing the control arm to detach. Both rear body mounts of the front subframe can also separate, causing the steering intermediate shaft to separate.
What the fix does
Dealers will inspect both front lower control arm brackets and both rear subframe body mount attachments, then repair them at no cost. If repairs cannot be completed, Ford will repurchase the vehicle.
Summarized — see the official notice for exact wording, dates, and contacts.
At a glance
What can fail
Corrosion weakens the rear axle over years of service in certain regions, making it vulnerable to stress-related cracks that can spread and cause complete axle failure.
What the fix does
Dealers will inspect the rear axle and install reinforcement brackets as needed at no cost to strengthen the axle against corrosion and stress.
Summarized — see the official notice for exact wording, dates, and contacts.
At a glance
What can fail
The latches that secure the second and third row bench seats to the floor may not hold properly under weight and could release unexpectedly.
What the fix does
The dealer will replace the seat latches on the second and third row bench seats.
Summarized — see the official notice for exact wording, dates, and contacts.
At a glance
What can fail
Water and dirt can enter the right rear passenger area because the body sealer is missing, allowing contaminants inside.
What the fix does
Dealers will inspect for missing sealer and corrosion, seal body gaps, repair corroded connectors if needed, and apply protective patches.
Summarized — see the official notice for exact wording, dates, and contacts.
At a glance
What can fail
The driver floor mat can shift and interfere with the adjustable accelerator pedal, potentially affecting pedal operation.
What the fix does
Dealers will replace both front driver and passenger floor mats with ones designed to prevent interference.
Summarized — see the official notice for exact wording, dates, and contacts.
At a glance
What can fail
The restraint control module or crash sensors may be missing mounting screws on the circuit board. This could reduce how well the airbags and seat belts work during a crash.
What the fix does
Dealers will inspect the restraint control module and crash sensors, and replace them if screws are missing.
Summarized — see the official notice for exact wording, dates, and contacts.
