Axle: non-powered axle assemblyRecall 15V-608 · 1998–2003 Ford Windstar
Ford Motor Company recall 15V-608 covers 283,413 1998–2003 Ford Windstar for a axle: non-powered axle assembly problem, reported to NHTSA on September 29, 2015. The manufacturer's latest report (2017 Q1) shows 23% of affected vehicles repaired.
Source: NHTSA recall 15V608000 and manufacturer quarterly reports. Started by the manufacturer.
The problem
Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain model year 1998-2003 Windstar vehicles manufactured September 2, 1997, to July 3, 2003. The affected vehicles were previously remedied to safeguard against the rear axle cracking from corrosion, however, the remedy brackets may have been misinstalled. The incorrect bracket installations may limit the effectiveness of the service repair for NHTSA recalls 10V-385, 12V-193, and 12V-195.
The risk
If the brackets were not installed properly, the rear axle may fracture, affecting the vehicle handling and increasing the risk of a crash.
The fix
Ford will notify owners, and dealers will inspect the brackets to verify their proper installation. If a bracket is found to have been misinstalled, the rear axle will be replaced. These repairs will be performed free of charge. The began on October 21, 2015. Owners may contact Ford customer service at 1-866-436-7332. Ford's number for this recall is 15S27.
Owners may also contact the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration Vehicle Safety Hotline at 1-888-327-4236 (TTY 1-800-424-9153), or go to www.safercar.gov.
Recall repairs are free. Confirm whether this recall is open on your vehicle by entering its VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls.
How fast cars are being fixed
23%repaired
Share of affected vehicles repaired in each quarterly report the manufacturer filed with NHTSA. 19,098 vehicles were listed as unreachable.