DESCRIPTION OF ISSUE

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.
If the brackets were not installed properly, the rear axle may fracture, affecting the vehicle handling and increasing the risk of a crash.

DESCRIPTION OF COMPONENT

SUSPENSION:REAR:AXLE:NON-POWERED AXLE ASSEMBLY

RESOLUTION

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 recall is expected to begin October 19, 2015. Owners may contact Ford customer service at 1-866-436-7332. Ford's number for this recall is 15S27.

NOTES

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.

All information provided by
National Highway Traffic Safety Administration
Our Mission: Save lives, prevent injuries, reduce vehicle-related crashes