NHTSA recall 12V-193 (12V193000)

power train recall reported May 3, 2012 - about 27,000 vehicles affected.

NHTSA campaign number: 12V193000
Also written as: 12V-193
Manufacturer number: 10S13
Reported: May 3, 2012
Vehicles affected: ~27,000
Component: power train

What is being recalled

FORD IS RECALLING CERTAIN MODEL YEAR 1998-2003 WINDSTAR VEHICLES MANUFACTURED FROM SEPTEMBER 1, 1997, THROUGH JULY 3, 2003, AND CURRENTLY REGISTERED OR ORIGINALLY SOLD IN VIRGINIA. OVER TIME, CORROSION CAN WEAKEN THE REAR AXLE MAKING IT SUSCEPTIBLE TO TORSIONAL STRESS. CORROSION AND STRESS CAN LEAD TO CRACKS WHICH, IF UNDETECTED, CAN INCREASE AND RESULT IN A COMPLETE FRACTURE OF THE AXLE.

Why it is dangerous

A FRACTURED AXLE CAN AFFECT VEHICLE HANDLING AND INCREASE THE RISK OF A CRASH.

The fix (free at any franchised dealer)

FORD WILL NOTIFY OWNERS, AND DEALERS WILL INSPECT AND INSTALL REAR AXLE REINFORCEMENT BRACKETS, OR REPLACE THE AXLES, AS NECESSARY. THIS SERVICE WILL BE PERFORMED FREE OF CHARGE. THE RECALL BEGAN ON JUNE 19, 2012. OWNERS MAY CONTACT FORD AT 1-866-436-7332.

Recall repairs are always free, regardless of vehicle age or where you bought the car. Quote the campaign number 12V-193 when calling a dealer.

Affected 1 model

Ford Windstar - 1998, 1999, 2000, 2001, 2002, 2003

Each year links to that car's full history: every recall, owner complaints and common problems.

Is YOUR car included? A campaign rarely covers every single vehicle of a model year. Check your exact car by its 17-character VIN with the free VIN decoder and recall check.

Source: NHTSA recall campaign data (public domain), refreshed weekly. See also the latest recall campaigns.