Ford recalls '98 - '03 Windstar MPV (U.S)

Ford is recalling 462,750 ‘98-‘03 Windstar large MPV as the rear axle could crack and increase the risk of a crash, according to the NHTSA (National Highway Traffic Safety Administration).

The affected vehicles were produced from 1st September 1997 to 28th February 2003, and are presently registered or were initially sold in Delaware, Connecticut, District of Columbia, Illinois, Maine, Maryland, Massachusetts, Michigan, Minnesota, Missouri, New Hampshire, New Jersey, New York, Ohio, Indiana, Iowa, Kentucky, Pennsylvania, Rhode Island, Vermont, West Virginia and Wisconsin.

"After many years of vehicle service in these areas, corrosion can weaken the rear axle, making it susceptible to torsional stress," said NHTSA in its recalls summary of the problem. Corrosion and stress can lead to cracks which, if undetected, can propagate and result in a complete fracture of the axle. A fractured axle can affect vehicle handling and increase the risk of a crash."

The call back is expected to begin around 27th September. Ford told NHTSA that owners will be informed and ordered to take their vehicles to a Ford or Lincoln/Mercury showroom for inspection of the rear axle. Customers of vehicles without axle cracking will be notified when to return for the fitting of reinforcement brackets to extend the axle durability in the presence of corrosion, Ford said. Owners who have vehicles with cracked axles will be offered a repair or alternative transportation until parts become available.

Owners of the affected Windstar vehicles can call Ford on (866) 436-7332.