Recall 10V385 affects 492,650 1998-2003 Ford Windstar vehicles for rear axle corrosion and fracture. Repair is free at any franchised Ford dealer.
Ford is recalling 492,650 1998-2003 Windstar vehicles currently registered or originally sold in the listed states because corrosion can weaken the rear axle until cracks spread and the axle fractures. A fractured axle can affect handling and increase crash risk; the Ford dealer repair will be free once available.
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What's wrong?
The rear non-powered axle on 1998-2003 Ford Windstar minivans is the beam across the back of the vehicle that supports the rear wheels. It does not drive the wheels, but it carries load, holds the rear suspension in position, and helps keep the vehicle tracking straight.
On included Windstars, corrosion after years of service in the listed states can weaken that axle. Once the metal is weakened, normal twisting force from driving places stress on the axle beam. Cracks can form and spread if they are not found, until the axle fractures completely.
There is no warning sign before failure. Because the crack is in the rear axle structure, an owner will not necessarily feel or hear a clear change before the axle reaches the point of fracture.
Who's affected?
Spans six Windstar model years (1998-2003), all tied to the rear suspension.
| 2000 Ford Windstar | rear suspension |
|---|---|
| 1998 Ford Windstar | rear suspension |
| 2002 Ford Windstar | rear suspension |
| 2003 Ford Windstar | rear suspension |
| 1999 Ford Windstar | rear suspension |
| 2001 Ford Windstar | rear suspension |
| Units affected | 492,650 |
The year and model narrow the scope, but the VIN decides. Check your VIN to confirm whether your specific minivan is included.
What's the safety risk?
A fractured rear axle can change vehicle handling and increase the risk of a crash. If your VIN is included, schedule the dealer inspection soon and drive cautiously until the axle is inspected. Repair will be free at any franchised Ford dealer once available.
What should I do?
- Check your VIN to confirm your 1998-2003 Ford Windstar is included in this recall.
- Contact Ford customer service at 1-866-436-7332 to confirm the repair path for your VIN.
- Ask a franchised Ford dealer about the free rear-axle inspection and reinforcement-bracket installation that addresses axle corrosion, cracking, and fracture risk.
- Bring the recall notice if Ford mailed one. If not, reference recall number 10V385 when you call.
- Drive cautiously until the rear axle is inspected and repaired. Stop driving and call the dealer if handling changes or the rear of the vehicle feels unstable.
What happens at the repair
Ford's filed remedy says that, as parts become available, a Ford technician will inspect the rear axle and install rear axle reinforcement brackets if needed. The dealer repair will be free once parts are available. The recall service began on October 20, 2010, so the service desk can check whether this Windstar has already received the inspection and bracket installation. Ask the Ford dealer to document the completed recall work on the repair order.
Timeline
| August 26, 2010 | NHTSA published the recall |
|---|---|
| October 20, 2010 | Owner notification mailed |
Frequently asked questions
What is recall 10V385?
Recall 10V385 covers 492,650 1998-2003 Ford Windstar vans with rear axle corrosion that can lead to cracks and axle fracture. NHTSA campaign 10V385 says a fractured axle can affect vehicle handling and increase crash risk. Ford dealers inspect the axle and install reinforcement brackets if needed for free.
What should I do if my 1998-2003 Ford Windstar is on this recall?
Check your VIN to confirm your specific van is included in recall 10V385. If it is, contact a franchised Ford dealer and ask for the rear axle inspection. Reference recall number 10V385 when you call. The dealer installs rear axle reinforcement brackets if needed for free.
Is the recall repair free?
Yes. Federal recall law requires the manufacturer to repair the safety defect at no cost, and Ford's remedy says the inspection and rear axle reinforcement bracket installation are free. A franchised Ford dealer handles the recall repair.
Is it safe to drive a Ford Windstar with recall 10V385 open?
A fractured rear axle can affect vehicle handling and increase crash risk. Check your VIN first, then ask a Ford dealer service desk for guidance before driving a van with visible rear axle corrosion, unusual rear-end noise, or handling changes. The inspection and needed bracket installation are free.
What if I bought my Ford Windstar used?
The free recall repair still applies. Recall coverage follows the vehicle, not the first owner. If Ford never mailed you a notice, check your VIN to confirm whether your specific Windstar is included, then reference recall number 10V385 when you contact a franchised Ford dealer.
More information
| NHTSA campaign page | nhtsa.gov/vehicle-recalls/10V385000 |
|---|---|
| Ford customer service | 1-866-436-7332 |
| NHTSA recall # | 10V385 |
| NHTSA recall # (full) | 10V385000 |
Source documents
-
Download Recall Document (PDF) (PDF) - Download Recall Investigation Document (PDF) (PDF)
- Download Recall Document (PDF) (PDF)
- Download Recall Document (PDF) (PDF)
- Download Owner Notification Letter (PDF)
- Download Owner Notice (PDF)
- Download Defect / Noncompliance Notice (PDF) (PDF)
- Download Recall Acknowledgement (PDF)
This article is generated from NHTSA's primary recall filings and reviewed against the source on June 3, 2026. RecallNotify does not paraphrase NHTSA's consequence language; that text is reproduced as written above. Editorial standards →