Recall 12V195 affects 9,192 1998-2003 Ford Windstar vehicles in Puerto Rico because the rear axle can crack. Repair is free at any franchised Ford dealer.
Ford is recalling 9,192 certain 1998-2003 Windstar minivans registered in Puerto Rico because repeated torsional loading can crack the rear axle. A fractured axle can lead to loss of vehicle control and increase crash risk; the Ford dealer repair will be free once Ford makes it available.
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What's wrong?
The rear axle on the 1998-2003 Ford Windstar is the non-powered axle assembly that supports the rear wheels and ties them into the suspension. It does not drive the van forward, but it carries rear vehicle load, keeps the rear wheels positioned, and lets the suspension move in a controlled way.
On affected Windstars registered in Puerto Rico, the axle is exposed to repeated torsional loading, which means twisting force through the rear suspension. Ford's filing says the higher cycle of that loading in this market adds stress to the rear axle until it can crack. Once the axle cracks, the rear suspension no longer has the solid structure it was designed to rely on.
There is no warning sign before failure. A visible crack, unusual rear-end movement, or new noise from the rear suspension needs dealer attention, but the recall filing does not give owners a dependable advance symptom.
Who's affected?
Spans the 1998-2003 Windstar model years, all tied to the same rear suspension assembly.
| 2000 Ford Windstar | rear suspension |
|---|---|
| 1998 Ford Windstar | rear suspension |
| 2003 Ford Windstar | rear suspension |
| 2002 Ford Windstar | rear suspension |
| 1999 Ford Windstar | rear suspension |
| 2001 Ford Windstar | rear suspension |
| Units affected | 9,192 |
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 lead to loss of vehicle control and increase the risk of a crash. Confirm whether your VIN is included and schedule the axle inspection and repair before regular driving. 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 inspection and free repair are open for your VIN.
- Reference recall number 12V195 when you call, and ask the dealer to inspect the rear axle for cracking.
- Schedule the rear-axle reinforcement bracket or axle replacement that addresses cracking in the rear axle.
- Drive cautiously until Ford or the dealer confirms the repair status for your VIN.
What happens at the repair
At the dealer, a Ford technician inspects the rear axle for cracking. The repair path is to install a reinforcement bracket on the rear axle, or replace the axle when the inspection shows replacement is needed. Ford began owner notices on June 1, 2012. The current remedy status is not listed in this input, so confirm the repair is open for your VIN before scheduling. The dealer repair will be free once available, with parts and labor covered under the recall.
Timeline
| May 3, 2012 | NHTSA published the recall |
|---|---|
| June 1, 2012 | Owner notification mailed |
Frequently asked questions
What is recall 12V195?
Recall 12V195 covers 9,192 1998-2003 Ford Windstar vehicles registered in Puerto Rico. The rear axle can crack under market-specific torsional loading, and a fractured axle can cause loss of vehicle control. Ford dealers inspect the axle and install a reinforcement bracket 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 12V195. If it is, contact a franchised Ford dealer and ask for the rear axle inspection and repair. Reference recall number 12V195 when you call. Ford lists customer support at 1-866-436-7332.
Is the recall repair free?
Yes. Federal recall law requires the manufacturer to perform the recall repair at no cost. Ford dealers inspect the rear axle and install a reinforcement bracket or replace the axle as needed, free of charge.
What is the safety risk?
The safety risk is loss of vehicle control if the rear axle fractures. Ford's filing says the axle can crack from repeated torsional loading specific to vehicles registered in Puerto Rico. If your VIN is included, arrange the free dealer repair before continued use.
What if I bought my Ford Windstar used?
The free recall repair still applies. Recall coverage follows the VIN, not the first owner. Check your VIN to confirm whether your Windstar is included, then contact a franchised Ford dealer and reference recall number 12V195 when scheduling the rear axle inspection.
More information
| NHTSA campaign page | nhtsa.gov/vehicle-recalls/12V195000 |
|---|---|
| Ford customer service | 1-866-436-7332 |
| NHTSA recall # | 12V195 |
| NHTSA recall # (full) | 12V195000 |
Source documents
-
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 2, 2026. RecallNotify does not paraphrase NHTSA's consequence language; that text is reproduced as written above. Editorial standards →