Recalled Ford Windstars Mount-Up On Dealer Lots as Owners Get the Shaft
The Windstar is proving to be a small nightmare for the folks at Ford and for anyone who happens to own one. First NHTSA was investigating the minivan for possible rear axle failure, then an official recall was issued. Then Ford announced it would go so far as to buy back the cars, while offering to cover the cost of a rental car for those who opted to get the axle fixed.
While that sounds like a reasonable solution, it hasn’t been and is costing Ford, its dealers and Windstar owners plenty of money. A recent article by Automotive News outlined how many dealers are now having to find space for dozens of Windstars on their back lots as a fix for the problem may take several months. Owners are reluctant to take the buyout at Kelly Blue Book value, as the older minivans are worth more to the owners than they are on a retail lot.
According to several reports Ford is offering to cover $38 dollars a day to cover rental costs, which could put Ford out by as much as $2,000 per car. And with the recall notice being issued for 575,000 vehicles, the total could be in the millions.
The cost to owners is varied. A long list of replies to past articles on this topic on AutoGuide include complaints about unequal service from dealers. Some respondents mentioned having to pay the tax on their rental car price, while others had to pay for specific insurance on the rental vehicle. Several replies include complaints that their dealer wasn’t able to get them into a reasonably sized vehicle, while others had to pay extra to get into anything larger than a Fusion.
And as bad as this situation seems it’s likely to get worse for owners as NHTSA is currently investigating a rusting front subframe issue with the vans, and as owners continue to return their vehicles for recall service for the axle issue, numerous complaints have begun to pile up about the subframe, indicating a recall isn’t far off.
With AutoGuide from its launch, Colum previously acted as Editor-in-Chief of Modified Luxury & Exotics magazine where he became a certifiable car snob driving supercars like the Koenigsegg CCX and racing down the autobahn in anything over 500 hp. He has won numerous automotive journalism awards including the Best Video Journalism Award in 2014 and 2015 from the Automotive Journalists Association of Canada (AJAC). Colum founded Geared Content Studios, VerticalScope's in-house branded content division and works to find ways to integrate brands organically into content.
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Our Ford Windstar is a 2001, with a 100,000 miles. Maintained every 3000 miles. Have taken it in to the dealer a few times because of the engine light has been on for 4 years and they said they don't know why, they reset it and it comes back on after we pick it up. We received a recall notice for the rear axle in October, took it in and they said nothing was wrong with the real axle, no cracks or rust. While the vehicle was there we had 2 new front tires put on, since winter was coming and needed 2 front tires. It only took a 1/2 day at the dealer. The next day we drove the vehicle and something wasn't right with the front end, it was making a loud clunking noise. So I called the Dealership and I told them this and that it never did this till the day after they installed the front tires, so they said to bring it in and they will look at it. Next day took it in and they informed us the the front end Sway Bars, bushing, ball joints, etc was all rusted and cracked and is separating from the Subframe. They said it was safe to drive and it would cost all of money to get it fix, we don't have any money to get it fixed, so we just kept driving it everyday, with that load noise, because remember the Dealership Service Department said it was SAFE to drive. Now this was in October. Ok, now at the end of February I received a phone call (message) from the Dealership saying that the parts were in for our van. I am thinking what parts, so I didn't even call him back, because we were not expecting any parts or work done, since we told them we had no money to get it fixed. Well a few days later I received another recall notice in the mail, we decided that we are not going to call or take it in that they are messing with the van, so they can break something else, thought it was a scam just to get you in there and say nothing is wrong with the recall problem, but something else is wrong. so I waited a few day and thought I am going to call them to find out what the parts were that come in for our van. The service guy said it was the recall parts for the rear axle, I said that you told us nothing was wrong with it, he said that Ford is making them replace the axle even though the axle was fine, he asked if we could bring it in and it would take a half day only. I then told him that I just received another recall for the front end and he said that they will look at that as well. So one March 8th we took the van in at 8am and then they finally called us around 2:30pm saying that they are keeping it and that the front end is so bad that it is totally separated from the subframe and that is very unsafe and can not be driven off the lot. So they kept it and gave us a rental car until it gets fixed. We have a big family and they had no loaners or rental vehicles on their lot, so they got one from Enterprise. We had no choice of picking one out, they automatically gave us a KIA, bottom of the line 4 cyl tin box. Drives like shit, can't even drive it in the snow, right after we got it, it snowed a day later and tried to drive it, but had turn around and come back home, only made it a block. So lost a day of pay because there is no traction and it is not heavy enough to handle the snow , like I said it is a tin box. Can feel every single bump in the road and all the noise from outside. No one has been in contact with is from the Dealership, I have a carseat and things in the van that we need to get. We might not ever see the van again or at least for along time, since it took from October to March. So who knows when or if it will get fixed. They didn't offer a buy back and I would not except it if it is only $2,000. It would have to be allot, because I just in January re-finance it, because we needed money, so I owe $3,500 on it and then I would be under and have to pay the bank the remaining balance and then what about another van. We have no money to go buy another vehicle or even a car payment. So I think Ford should give me another vehicle that is equal to my van. 100,000 miles and in good shape with no problems. Not no piece of shit, I want my van, it is in very good condition and we paid allot of money for it back in 02. It was very well taken care of. I am not happy with this at all and I will not be buying another Ford. My oldest son has a 97 Ford Windstar and he just had to get all this fixed and had to pay for it, because 97 were not in the recall. I am just very upset that they said it was safe to drive and no problems, then 5 months later they said it is very bad and not drivable. It was probably unsafe when they first looked at it, but didn't want to deal with it and sent us on our way. I have a car payment, full coverage insurance on the van and NO van. Really upset with Ford, they should be paying this, it is a big inconvenience.Also, no summer is coming up and no Van to use to hull stuff, going camping or anything with the family. Total of 8 members in this family, 2 babies and twins on the way. Sure hope we have it back before summer. This is just unbelievable and unacceptable.
While driving my 2001 Windstaron the freeway, my rear axle snapped - I was going like 70 mph. Luckily I was able to avoid crashing, flipping, or getting killed !!! Tow truck said he never seen it this bad, they are tow windstars everyday in metro Detroit. Took it to local dealer, took all of about 15 minutes til I ws told that they were putting me in a rental. Asked service manager about how long it would take, and he gave me the "FORD" speach... we are expecting parts this weekend. Yeah right ! They sent me to enterprise and they were very open with me, they should me the back lot of the dealership - there are about 70 windstars sitting there. Enterprise hooked me up with a 2011 Dodge Grand Caravan with like 4,000 miles on it. "Expect to be in for awhile" they said. The guy who just turned it in was a windstar owner who had it for 4 1/2 months. I have no problem driving a NEW van around with ford paying for it, since i can't afford a new car/van myself right now. Apparently ford is paying upwards of 1,200 a month for windstar owners in rentals... Hey FORD - take your time in fixing my van and Thank You for paying for me to drive a NEW DODGE !!!