575,000 Ford Windstar Minivans to be Recalled for Axle Problem from Road-salt Corrosion

Ford stated that, the Windstar minivans had their axles fractured at certain points, though in a very small number of cases. These fractures affected the right or the left side of the axles and the vehicle handling would become hazardous.

The automaker will notify the owners:

• To bring their affected vehicles to a local dealer for inspection and necessary repairs
• To allow the repairs that involve reinforcing the axle with additional parts
• For replacing the axle if it’s found that the axle can not be reinforced, as soon as parts are available
• To use rental vehicles the company provides them, until the rear axle of their vehicle is replaced

In May, the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration opened a preliminary review into the broken rear axles on 1999-2003 Windstars. The agency received 234 complaints, two of which are reports of accidents. Production of the Windstar ceased in 2003 as a result of these complaints.

The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration revealed that the recall involves 462,750 Windstar models in the US. The agency indicated that the recall is expected to begin on or before Sept 27th. The recall applies to high-mileage models registered in 21 cold-weather states, the District of Columbia and Canada where road-salt corrosion is more rampant.

States affected by the Windstar minivan recall are:

Connecticut, Delaware, Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Kentucky, Maine, Maryland, Massachusetts, Michigan, Minnesota, Missouri, New Hampshire, New Jersey, New York, Ohio, Pennsylvania, Rhode Island, Vermont, West Virginia and Wisconsin.

This information is not intended as legal advice. Please direct your specific questions to K&M attorneys and know more about your lemon law rights. If you want to pursue your lemon law claim, call 1-800 US LEMON® (800-875-3666) toll free, to reach Krohn & Moss for your FREE initial consultation. Or submit your information online for your free case evaluation.