The 2002 Ford Windstar has 6 recalls, all rated at the same severity level, with the most serious being rear axle fractures that can cause sudden loss of vehicle control.
Corrosion can weaken the rear axle over time until it cracks completely, affecting handling and raising the risk of a crash. These axle concerns apply to vehicles registered in a wide range of states, as well as Puerto Rico, and notably, a prior repair attempt involving bracket installation did not fully resolve the issue for all vehicles, meaning some that were already serviced may still be at risk. On the front suspension side, corrosion can fracture the brackets that attach the lower control arm to the body, allowing the control arm to separate from the vehicle entirely and reducing steering control. There is also a related structural concern where underbody corrosion can similarly reduce steering control, affecting vehicles registered across much of the northern and mid-Atlantic United States.
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
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
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 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.
