Ford Windstar Rear Axle Failure Recall the Subject of ABC News Report [Video]
The recent death of a Massachusetts man has put the spotlight on the Ford Motor Company and its handling of the recall of its Windstar minivan. The van itself was recalled back in August due to rear axles that could snap. The vans date from 1998 to 2003 and initially Ford was reluctant to issue the recall (as was the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration) as Ford insisted it wasn’t a safety issue.
The death of Sean Bowman, however, is certainly challenging that assertion and thanks to an ABC News report highlighting the family’s tragedy we now have some pretty shocking video of just what could happen when a rear axle breaks. The official government test video clearly shows just how dramatic and dangerous a snapping rear axle could be, with the side stability bars used on the car the only things preventing it from rolling over.
The death of Sean Bowman has caused Ford to reexamine the Windstar recall, and even expand it to include 37,000 move vehicles, including those in Utah – which are at risk due to extreme corrosion caused by road salt.
UPDATE: NHTSA is now investigating the Windstar for rusting subframe issues. Click here to read the story.
See the video after the jump:
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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I took my Windstar in for the recall last year in October. They provided me with a rental car and told me it would be after the first of the year before I got it back as the parts wouldn't be available until then. I live in Minnesota and we got hit with an extremely hard winter last year. I took my car in there fully functional and running. After sitting on the Ford lot until March of 2011 -- never starting it all winter long, never taking out the battery, never checking fluids, etc. they call me and tell me I have to pick it up now. They will no longer cover the rental -- I need to return it right away. I do so and go to pick up my vehicle, and come to find out........it won't stay running. They replaced the battery (because they left it out all winter), but I would need a new alternator, etc. I believe this is Ford's fault. I didn't have any of these issues prior to taking the van into the Ford dealership. I fought it with the dealership who told me I had to take it up with Ford. I fought it with Ford who told me I had to take it up with the dealership. No one was willing to take responsibility for this -- a problem that FORD caused. I cannot afford to get the van fixed - so it sits. I have had to borrow a vehicle from someone so I can get to work, etc. I will never buy another Ford vehicle just from this. All I wanted was for them to take responsiblity for this and get my car running again. Shame on you FORD!
my daughter driving from my house to indiana just called in tears, with 4 kids in tow, axle broke on 2001 windstar, shes stranded on road , i told her call nearest ford dealer, she was only doing 20 when it snapped but was previously just doing 65 on highway... with my grandkids in unknown danger...she never got a warning letter , so im so thankful she wasnt going faster....sigh