Recall 12V193 covers 27,000 Virginia 1998-2003 Ford Windstar vehicles for rear axle corrosion. Repair is free at any franchised Ford dealer.
Ford is recalling 27,000 1998-2003 Windstar vehicles that are currently registered or were originally sold in Virginia because corrosion can weaken the rear axle. Cracks in the axle can lead to a complete fracture, affect handling, and increase crash risk; the Ford dealer repair will be free once available.
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What's wrong?
The rear axle on the 1998-2003 Ford Windstar is the cross-vehicle structure that supports the rear wheels and keeps them aligned under load. It is supposed to hold its shape while the van carries passengers, cargo, and road forces through the rear suspension.
On affected Windstars, corrosion builds up over time and weakens that rear axle. Once the metal is weakened, normal twisting stress from driving can start cracks in the axle. If those cracks go undetected, they can grow until the axle fractures completely.
There is no warning sign before failure. Because the filing describes cracks as a problem if they go undetected, owners should not rely on noise, vibration, or a dashboard warning to tell them the axle is failing.
Who's affected?
Every listed model year points to the same drive axle component, so the VIN is the deciding detail.
| 2000 Ford Windstar | drive axle |
|---|---|
| 1998 Ford Windstar | drive axle |
| 1999 Ford Windstar | drive axle |
| 2003 Ford Windstar | drive axle |
| 2002 Ford Windstar | drive axle |
| 2001 Ford Windstar | drive axle |
| Units affected | 27,000 |
A matching year and model does not guarantee inclusion. Check your VIN to confirm whether your specific minivan is included.
What's the safety risk?
A fractured rear axle can affect handling and increase the risk of a crash. If the van handles differently, stop in a safe place and call a Ford dealer before continuing. 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 a franchised Ford dealer and ask whether the rear-axle repair for recall number 12V193 is open for your VIN.
- Schedule the rear-axle inspection and reinforcement bracket installation that addresses corrosion-related axle cracking; Ford replaces the axle if needed.
- Bring Ford's recall notice if you have it, and give the dealer recall number 12V193 when you call.
- Drive cautiously until the repair is complete. Leave extra following distance and avoid heavy loads that stress the rear axle.
What happens at the repair
Once the dealer repair is available, a Ford technician will inspect the rear axle for corrosion, cracks, and weakened areas. If the axle can be reinforced, the technician will install rear axle reinforcement brackets. If the axle is too damaged for reinforcement, the dealer will replace the axle instead. Parts and labor are covered under the recall, so the repair is free when performed through a Ford dealer.
Timeline
| May 3, 2012 | NHTSA published the recall |
|---|---|
| June 19, 2012 | Owner notification mailed |
Frequently asked questions
What is recall 12V193?
Recall 12V193 covers 27,000 1998-2003 Ford Windstar vehicles currently registered or originally sold in Virginia. Corrosion can weaken the rear axle, allowing cracks to grow and lead to a full axle fracture. Ford dealers inspect the axle and install reinforcement brackets or replace the axle for free.
What should I do if my 1998-2003 Ford Windstar is on this recall?
Check your VIN to confirm your specific Windstar is included in recall 12V193. If it is, contact a franchised Ford dealer and ask for the rear axle inspection. Reference recall 12V193 when you call. Ford also lists 1-866-436-7332 for owner questions.
Is the recall repair free?
Yes. Federal recall law requires the manufacturer to repair the safety defect at no cost, and Ford's remedy states that the rear axle inspection, reinforcement bracket installation, or axle replacement is performed free of charge at a franchised Ford dealer.
What is the safety risk?
A fractured rear axle can affect vehicle handling and increase the risk of a crash. The defect starts with corrosion that weakens the axle, then cracks form under torsional stress. If your VIN is included, arrange the free Ford dealer repair.
What if I bought my Ford Windstar used?
The free recall repair still applies. Recall coverage follows the vehicle, not the first owner. Since this recall applies to certain Windstar vehicles registered or originally sold in Virginia, check your VIN to confirm inclusion before calling a Ford dealer.
More information
| NHTSA campaign page | nhtsa.gov/vehicle-recalls/12V193000 |
|---|---|
| Ford customer service | 1-866-436-7332 |
| NHTSA recall # | 12V193 |
| NHTSA recall # (full) | 12V193000 |
Source documents
-
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 2, 2026. RecallNotify does not paraphrase NHTSA's consequence language; that text is reproduced as written above. Editorial standards →