Ford Windstar: Suspension

The hazard

On certain vehicles, the subframe may not have been properly e-coated during the manufacturing process. As a result, the subframe of vehicles originally sold, or currently registered, in areas of heavy road salt usage during winter months (Ontario, Quebec, New Brunswick, Nova Scotia, Prince Edward Island, and Newfoundland & Labrador), may rust over time, resulting in reduced durability of the front lower control arm rear attaching brackets and body mount attachments at the rear of the front subframe. A separation of a front lower control arm rear attaching bracket may result in a lower control arm separation. A separation of both front subframe rear body mounts may result in diminished vehicle directional control. Either condition could result in reduced steering control, which may lead to a crash causing property damage and/or personal injury. Correction: Dealers will inspect the front lower control arm rear attaching brackets and body mount attachments at the rear of the front subframe. If the front lower control arm rear attaching brackets are not cracked, perforated, or exhibiting significant metal loss, and if the front subframe at the rear body mount locations are not cracked with metal separation aft of the rear body mount, and if the front subframe is not cracked or perforated in the area between the rear body mount and the front lower control arm rear attaching bracket, the vehicle will be returned to its owner and the owner will be notified when to return for installation of reinforcement brackets.

What to do

Contact your dealer; the remedy details were not included in the filing.