Ford Recalls 575,000 Windstar Minivans

Washington, DCFord is recalling 575,000 older model Windstar vans in the United States and Canada (model years 1998 to 2003) due to a rear axle that can fracture over time when exposed to corrosive materials used on roads in cold-weather areas which includes New England, the mid-Atlantic states, the great Lakes region, and Canada.

The corrosion and stress can lead to cracks that can result in a "complete fracture" of the rear axle, according to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration. If this happens while the van is being operated, it could lead to a crash. The company says the axle breaks have occurred in only a small number of cases. Ford will begin the recall on or before September 27, 2010.