Ford Windstar Recalled Again; 425,000 Models Affected for Rusting Front Subframe

Ford has announced a recall for 425,000 of its 1999 to 2003 Windstar minivan models as a result of an investigation by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA).

The issue surrounds a rust problem with the front subframe, that could fracture, which Ford says could result in a steering issue (although considering the structural purpose of the front subframe, the real consequences could be much more severe).

The subframe seems to suffer from the same rust issue that prompted Ford to recall 612,000 Windstars last year.

As the issue surrounds structural rust, it only applies to vehicles from certain states, including Connecticut, Delaware, Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Kentucky, Maine, Maryland, Massachusetts, Michigan, Minnesota, Missouri, New Hampshire, New Jersey, New York, Ohio, Pennsylvania, Rhode Island, Utah, Vermont, West Virginia, Wisconsin and the District of Columbia.

Ford has said it will reimburse owners who have already had repairs made. Many Windstar owners have already agreed to sell back their vehicle to Ford, as the automaker has been unable to repair the part in a timely fashion.