NHTSA opens formal investigation for 1999-2003 Ford Windstar models
The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration has opened a formal investigation of 900,000 Ford Windstar minivans after receiving 234 complaints of rear-axle fracturing. The investigation covers Windstar models from 1999-2003.
The NHTSA website said that while a snapped axle can result in loss of control to the vehicle, there have only been two reports of minor crashes.
The agency said that the vast majority of complaints are from “salt-belt” states, due to possibility that the rear axle beam collects road salt and corrodes until it snaps. A quarter of the complaints said that the axle broke at speeds of at least 40 mph.
A Ford spokesman did not respond to requests for comment by Automotive News.
– By: Omar Rana
Source: Automotive News (Subscription Required)
