In essence Honda has issued a recall for the above-mentioned vehicles because of an automatic transmission software problem. The issue is not a life-threatening situation such as the Toyota sticking  pedal. It’s more of a preventative recall.

With the current software, the quick transition from reverse to neutral to drive and back again (you know, the type of shifting you do if you’re stuck in mud or stuck in the snow), may lead to bearing damage. The damage may cause the engine to stall or make it difficult to shift the gear into Park.

What to Do Next

Honda is sending out a notice to its customers. They will start sending the notices out on August 31, 2011. However, if you’re the impatient type, visit Honda’s Automobile Recall Information website. Armed with your vehicle identification number you can find up-to-date information on outstanding recalls specific to your vehicle.

Keep in mind that this is a voluntary recall and that many of the vehicles may not actually need the updated software. However, Honda decided to err on the side of safety and issued the recall anyway.

It sounds like folk who enjoy driving off road and/or who live in areas with seasonal snow, are the ones who are most affected.

Since we submitted the information on March 11th, two weeks later would mean March 25th. Not wanting to be a pest, I allowed a few extra days for mailing before I followed up on the reimbursement check.

Called the Ford Dealership

Today, March 31st I called the dealership to inquire about my recall reimbursement check. The service department checked their records to confirm the amount and date of the reimbursement request. He had to investigate it and get back to me.

When he called me back he said that “they were credited for the reimbursement.” In other words, the Ford home office releases the funds to the local Ford dealership. Unfortunately, the local dealership did not bother to notify me of the reimbursement.

I was told to call them on Monday (today is Thursday) and ask for their bookkeeper. She will then issue the check and I can get my reimbursement. Can you say insult to injury?

Getting My Recall Reimbursement Check from Ford

Not only did I have to go through the time and expense of replacing an unsafe condition in my Ford Windstar, but now I’ve got to chase down the reimbursement.

Take it from me. Don’t let Ford sit there with your funds gaining interest in their account. If the dealership says the reimbursement will be issued in two weeks. Call them and follow up 1 minute after the two weeks are up.

If you haven’t already called your local Ford dealer to schedule an appointment to have the sub frame replaced, stop reading this blog post and call them now.

Reimbursement of Sub Frame

What about folks like me who couldn’t wait for Ford to stop dragging their feet to issue a recall? Safety had to come first and some owners had to replace the subframe or mechanical failure that could be deadly.

If you have already replaced the sub frame, I hope you documented your expenditures. Gather all of your receipts (make sure to keep a copy of everything), and call the local Ford dealership. They have to inspect the replaced subframe to make sure it is up to their standards.

Once the inspection is done and you give them copies of your receipts, they will process your reimbursement check. We just took our Windstar in for inspection and gave the dealership the receipts. We were told that it takes two weeks to process. We should receive our check in two weeks.

Additional Recalls

While our Windstar was at the dealership for the sub frame inspection, Ford ordered the parts for the rear axle recall . Once the parts come in, they’ll call us to replace it. In addition to the rear axle, there was another recall involving the speed control which they were able to replace during this inspection.

So, as it stands now, we’re waiting for the parts for the rear axle replacement and our check for the cost of the subframe. I’ll post an update as things progress.

Ford is now issuing a recall on the rusted subframe problem!  For more information, check out the National Transit and Highway Administration’s Recall Campaign # 11V030000

In other words, Ford has to fix the defective subframe problem, free of charge to you (and reimburse those of us who spent a fortune replacing their subframe).

Ford Windstar Sub Frame Investigation Upgrade

When I received a response from the NHTSA, I was happy to hear that the investigation had been upgraded to an “Engineering Analysis.”  This means they’re doing “a more detailed examination into the character and scope of the alleged defect.”  Those are words taken from the email I received.

Keep Up-to-Date with the Windstar’s SubFrame Investigation

You can see the latest developments by going to the NHTSA website.  Insert the year, make and model of the vehicle to find the latest investigations and recalls.  The Engineering Analysis for the subframe is NHTSA Action # EA10007 opened on December 20, 2010.

If you read the information, you will see that the original action (PE10026) which involved 87 complaints has grown in number to 346 complaints (334 in the “salt belt” states).  It seems that people are stepping up and voicing their concerns about the Ford Windstar sub frame problem.  By the way, it’s not too late to file a complaint.  The more people that provide their information, the better the chances of having this unsafe condition recalled.

If you want to read the nitty-gritty details of the Investigation, read the ODI (Office of Defects Investigation) Resume.  It provides detailed information about the defect and the statistical data of the folks who have filed complaints.

Will the Ford Windstar Subframe be Recalled?

It looks like the NHTSA is heading in the right direction. We won’t know until the investigation is completed.  I’d sure like to recoup my expenses for replacing my Windstar’s sub frame, wouldn’t you?

Hey, did I mention that it’s not too late to file your complaint if you haven’t done so already?  No, I’m not suffering from dementia.  I know I mentioned it earlier, but I just wanted to drive the point home.  If you didn’t file a complaint as yet and you have a defective sub frame, please file your complaint now.

Ford Windstar Subframe Updates:

Subframe Finally Recalled
Getting Reimbursed for Subframe Expenditures

I happened to be on the site because I was checking the latest investigation on another potential recall and found out that the 2003 Jeep Liberty that I own, has been the subject of a couple of recalls.  What concerns me is that in the time that I’ve owned the Jeep, I was never notified of the recalls.

Two Recent Jeep Liberty Recalls

The most recent recall in 2009 involves the front control arm upper ball joint.   This recall involves Jeep Liberty model years 2002 and 2003.  According to the NHTSA website, this recall is to “remedy a defect that can result in upper ball joint separation while driving (09V-119).”

Prior to that, in 2006 there was another recall  for the front control arm: lower ball joint.  This recall affects Jeep Liberty model years 2002 through 2006.  The defect can result in a separation from the steering knuckle.

You don’t have to be a mechanic to understand that these are two serious conditions and if you have a Jeep Liberty that is affected by this condition you should call your local Jeep dealer and have a ball joints replaced.

Chrysler Recall Notification Process

I am not familiar with the notification process that Chrysler uses to alert their car owners to recalls, but I know for a fact that we were not notified.  If it weren’t for my snooping around on the Internet researching other recalls, I wouldn’t have known that I’ve been driving around in a vehicle with defective parts that could lead to a tragic situation.

Words of Advice

Whether you have a brand-new or a used car, every once in awhile go to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration website to see what’s cooking with your vehicle.

If your car was anything like my 2001 Windstar, you don’t want to drive it any further than from the garage down the driveway to the mailbox. Aside from the deteriorating subframe the car is in excellent condition (okay, the power locks act a little funky, but that’s not an unsafe condition…it’s just very annoying).

COST TO REPAIR THE FORD WINDSTAR SUBFRAME

My first quote to replace the subframe on my 2001 Windstar was $1,744.  Yes, $1,744 to replace my rusted, corroded subframe with a brand new subframe from Ford.  The cost of the new subframe was over $1,100.  The rest of the price was labor.  Oh, and don’t forget to get a wheel alignment after replacing the subframe.

Why on earth would I want to put a brand new subframe on a vehicle that is 9 years old? In a few years, the only remaining functional car part will be the subframe.  Everything else will have deteriorated.  It just didn’t make sense.

Aside from putting a brand new part in such an old car, do I really want to give Ford $1,100 to replace something that they did incorrectly in the first place?  I don’t think so.

FINDING A VIABLE FORD WINDSTAR SUBFRAME

Since I live in the “salt belt” I had to look far and wide for a replacement subframe.  In case you’re looking for one, you have to call a lot of junk yards.  As a matter of fact, if you don’t want to make too many calls, use the website JunkYardDog.com. I used them to locate no less than 3 sub frames for my 2001 Windstar.

Unfortunately, not thinking, I contacted a junkyard located in New York State.  Upon speaking with the gentleman (who shall remain nameless), I specifically asked if the subframes were rusted.  “No, there’s no rust.  I’d never sell a rusted subframe.”

OK, sold.  The cost of the subframe was $100 plus an additional $40 for delivery.  I had it delivered to my mechanic.  Fortunately, my mechanic’s receptionist is part Pit Bull.  She’s a wonderful woman, but when she took a look at the subframe, she said, “No way. Jose.  Take that thing back!”  Apparently the sub frame had corrosion.

She sent the guy packing without paying him a dime (there’s a very angry junk yard dealer in New York).

PURCHASING A WINDSTAR SUBFRAME FROM A SAFE AREA

After that experience, I realized that I had to look further.  Fortunately, I found a junk yard in Arizona, Auto Recycling Mall (they don’t have a website, but here’s their number: 1-888-254-6766).  Not only did they have a 2001 Ford Windstar subframe, but Arizona doesn’t have the harsh New York winters so the sub frame was in mint condition.  The Auto Recycling Mall was kind enough to take pictures of the part and send them to me so I could have my mechanic check it out before I spent a dime.

Once I received the pictures, I emailed them to a local Ford Dealership to ask if the sub frame looked viable.  The mechanic confirmed it was in top condition, so I ordered it.  The used subframe cost $150 plus an additional $100 to get it from Arizona to New York (a lot cheaper than $1,100).

HAVING THE SUB FRAME REPLACED

The story isn’t over yet as I’m still awaiting the arrival of the subframe.  And, in case you were wondering, I’m not having Ford replace the sub frame.  I’m having my mechanic (with the Pit Bull receptionist), do the work.

Don’t pay more than you should.  I just wanted to let you know that there are alternatives.  You just have to be tenacious.

The Problem with the Ford Windstar

This current problem is isolated more or less to vehicles driven in “Salt-Belt” states. In other words, if you live in an area where it snows in the winter and salt is used to improve winter driving conditions, your Ford Windstar might be affected.

The problem involves rusting of the sub-frame. Most of the corrosion occurs on the passenger side of the sub-frame. If the sub-frame rusts out while driving your Ford Windstar, you could potentially lose all steering control and end up in an accident. According to the NHTSA action #PE10026, some Ford Windstar owners had their drive axle detach from the transmission.

Discovering the Ford Windstar Sub-Frame Problem

You can only detect the rusted sub-frame by placing your Ford Windstar on a lift and looking underneath it. The sub-frame is located at the front end of the car. If yours is rusted, you’ll see it. Look at the rear mount on the passenger side of the sub-frame.

National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA)

According to the NHTSA website, an investigation into this problem was launched on July 20, 2010. As of that date they had received 87 complaints of rusted sub-frames from Ford Windstar drivers. Of the 87 complaints 85 are located in the salt belt.

Fixing the problem on your own will prove to be costly. If you can’t find a used sub-frame that is in good condition, you’re looking to spend about $1,000 for a new sub-frame plus the cost to install, which takes about 4 or so hours. Calculate the cost of your mechanic’s time and add it to the cost of the sub-frame; you’re talking about spending a pretty penny.

More than being costly, this is a safety issue. If the sub-frame gives out as your tooling down the highway, it can prove to be deadly.

Ford’s Early Response about the Sub Frame Problem

As an owner of a 2001 Windstar, I made the call to Ford to see if they would be willing to offer a discount for fixing an unsafe condition. Their answer? No. According to two Ford Customer Service Reps that I spoke to, they had no knowledge of an NHTSA investigation. In response, I gave them the NHTSA Action Number: PE10026 as found on the NHTSA website.

Unfortunately, if Ford doesn’t issue a notification in their Ford database, the NHTSA investigation means nothing to their customer service reps.

How to Make this a Recall

If you have a Ford Windstar that falls within the years of the affected vehicles, go to the NHTSA website and complete their complaint form . When completing the complaint, make sure you have the vehicle’s make, model, vehicle ID number and a description of the problem (limited to 2000 characters).

Add your name to the growing list of Ford Windstar owners who believe Ford should fix the problem.

Other Ford Windstar Recalls

As a registered owner of a Windstar you more than likely have received the information on the rear axle recall . If you have not done so, schedule an appointment with your nearest Ford dealership to have outstanding recalls taken care of. As a matter of fact, while you car is there, ask the mechanic to check the sub-frame. You might not like what you hear.

Not Just a Problem in the United States

Here’s a Public Safety Notice put together by a gentleman (Bryan Duross) in Canada. Canadian Ford owners are facing the same problem. Will Ford really get away with this?

Vehicle recalls have become increasingly common. In 2008 alone, hundreds of recalls were issued, affecting more than 10 million vehicles.

Vehicles with open recalls are bought and sold every day-some with recalls change hands multiple times. Estimates are that nearly a third of all recalled vehicles go unfixed by their owners. All the more reason for car buyers to be careful.

Fortunately, that doesn’t mean you’re at a disadvantage when buying a used car. Here are some tips:

• Remember that “recall” is not necessarily a bad word. Recalls may be mandated by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) or voluntarily issued by auto manufacturers to help prevent safety failures.

• With the exception of those involving tires, recalls are in effect for the lifetime of a vehicle. Under federal law, recalls must be remedied at no cost to consumers. Open recalls will only be repaired for free by authorized dealers-those that sell and service your particular vehicle make.

• Check for open recalls when you shop for a used car. If one exists, make an appointment to have it taken care of as soon as possible.

• Recall information is reported to CARFAX and can appear in CARFAX Vehicle History Reports. A free Recall Check also is available at CARFAX.com. This free resource helps car buyers instantly identify an open recall on a vehicle they are thinking of buying.

CARFAX Vehicle History Reports are available for used cars and light trucks manufactured since 1981. Using the unique 17-character vehicle identification number (VIN), a Carfax Report is instantly generated from a database of over 7 billion records reported by 34,000 sources.

For more information about open recalls and other used car buying tips, CARFAX.com.

They have recently announced that they will recall an additional 379,758 US vehicles to fix the driver side airbag. Apparently there is a problem with the airbag inflator which may cause it to deploy using too much force thus causing injury or even death to the driver.

Honda first issued a recall in 2009 which affected some 2001 and 2002 model year cars, but recently they expanded the recall to include the 2001 and 2002 Accord, Civic, Odyssey, CR-V and some 2002 Acura TL, Honda Pilot and Acura CL vehicles.

Find out if Your Honda is Affected

Honda is working diligently to notify drivers of the recall. They are sending notifications by mail. If you’re not willing to wait for your mail notification, you can go online to find out if your car is affected.

Honda owners can find out more about Honda recalls by visiting the Honda Recall  website or calling 800-999-1009. Similarly, Acura owners can learn more about Acura recalls by visiting the Acura recall  website or calling 800-382-2238.

Make sure to have your vehicle identification number (VIN) when visiting the site to obtain information specific to your vehicle.

Fixing the Airbag Problem

If your vehicle requires repair, make an appointment with the nearest authorized Honda dealership to have the defect repaired as soon as possible.